Roswell Fanatics

I didn't get hit with the hurricane thank God. Thank you all for the FB and the thoughts about the hurricane.

~~Chapter 11~~

“Is dad commin home today?” As soon as we get in the car Alana asks me. At least she’s talking to me. Sort of.

“Yes baby. He should be home now.” Max called Isabel’s when he got home to ask if we were there. We agreed to talk in the morning.

“K.” She says and her silence is killing me. I hate that she doesn’t want to talk to me. I’m not going to push her she will come around eventually.

When we pull up to the house I see Max’s car in his driveway. A few minutes later I hear him come in.

“Hey.” He looks like hell.

“Hey.” He says and I can hear the exhaustion in his voice.

“Is she in her room?”

“Yeah.” He walks up the stairs and I wait nervously for him to come back.

~~
I have to see my baby and make sure she’s ok. I go up to her room and tell her that I I’m going to talk to Liz for a bit then her and I are going to spend the day together.

“You look tired.” I have my head thrown back on the sofa.

“I am. I didn‘t get much sleep last night and I got home pretty late.” I don’t lift my head and answer her; I can’t look at her right now.

“Why don’t you go home? We can talk later.” It sounds great but I want to talk now.

“No, I’d rather do this now. I want to spend the day with Alana.”

“Um ok. Well I just want to say that I’m sorry. I know that you asked me not to bring Jake around her and I violated that.”

“Your right, you did violate that trust but what hurts the most is that you couldn’t come and talk to me about it. If you felt that strongly about it you should have come to me Liz. We’ve always been able to talk about things, what happened?” I spent all night thinking about this conversation, I want to get everything out in the open.

“I did try to talk to you about it at dinner remember? You refused, what was I supposed to do?”

“Like I said if you felt that strongly about it you should have come talk to me.” I rub my eyes still feeling the affect of being tired.

“Your right I should have but I didn’t. I think I’m a pretty good judge of character Max and Jake is a good guy. She’s my daughter too.”

“You’re right she is your daughter but you’re forgetting that she’s my daughter too and we agreed to be in this together. Neither of us has ever made a decision regarding her alone. All of the sudden there is a man in your life and all that goes out the window. Don’t you see that Liz?” I need coffee to wake me up completely.

“Sorry but could I get some coffee? I’m about to drop over here.” She gets up and I follow her to the kitchen.

“Liz we have to talk to each other about everything. It’s not fair for Alana to be in the middle of all this.” She shakes her head and I’m glad that she understands.

“I understand that but don’t try and blame this on Jake. He’s not making me do anything. It was totally my choice to do this and I realize I was wrong.” She turns on the coffee pot and stand across from me.

“I’m not blaming Jake but you have to respect that I don‘t want him around Alana. Something is not right with him Liz.” She hands me my coffee and I don’t care how hot it is I take a sip right away.

“I‘m so sick of you saying that. What is it that‘s not right Max? I think it‘s more of a personal thing and you need to get over it. I‘m not giving you shit about Victoria.” The coffee does the trick and now I’m fully awake and pissed.

“Yes I am seeing Victoria but I have no intentions on bringing her around Alana right now. That’s where you and I are different Liz; I actually considered Alana’s feelings where you obviously didn’t give a shit!”

“Fuck you! I can’t believe you would say that to me. I always consider her feelings Max. I was the one that didn’t date for years while you hooked up with just about every woman in Boston. Don’t come here with your self righteous bullshit Max I’m not falling for it. I’m sick of this double standard.” This conversation is going straight to nowhere…fast.

“Look, I’m not going to defend my actions to you. I did what I did and it’s all in the past. You were fine with it and now it’s a problem? You should have said something before and for the record I didn’t date that many women. You assume that every time I went out it was a date well, you’re wrong.”

“Max we are getting off track. We need a solution to this.” I need more coffee laced with something.

“Your right. The only solution I can think of is not to have that Romeo in training around my daughter. I don’t care what you want to do with him but anything involving Alana is unacceptable.”

“Unacceptable? Have you gone nuts? I’m not going to let you talk to me like that Max, not now not ever. If you don’t want Jake around Alana then fine, once again you have it all your way. Congratulations Max, it seems like you have the upper hand once again.” I can see that she’s pissed but I am too.

“Did you honestly expect me to be ok with Romeo being around my daughter or to help you come up with a way for her to like him? It‘s not going to happen Liz.” Has she gone nuts?

“No I didn’t, that would be way too mature for you. I did expect you to respect my choices though but I guess that has changed as well.”

“You didn’t respect mine. I’ve always respected your wishes. Why the hell are you in so much of a rush to have his guy around Alana? What‘s the hurry? Has he been asking you to meet her or something?” God I hope not.

“I wasn’t in a rush to do anything Max and no, he hasn’t asked me. I don’t know I just thought it would be a good idea at the time that’s all. There weren’t any ulterior motives like you think.” We can’t keep going back and forth like this.

“Liz we could argue about this all day we need a resolution to this.”

“What choice do I have? You already said that you don’t want him around her so that’s it then.” She’ shooting daggers at me and I’m sure she’s cursing me out in her mind.

“You seem to forget that I respected your request and never brought anyone around Alana. I was fine with that why can’t you be?” I’ve got her there, she can’t say anything now.

“Max that was different and you know it. You never dated any of those girls seriously and you know that. I didn’t want my daughter around your mindless bimbos.”

“So you’re trying to tell me that you are serious about this guy after what, a month Liz?”

“I don’t know Max but I do know that my relationship with Jake isn’t a one night thing.”

“Why does everything have to be like this lately with us?” She shrugs and I’m glad she knows what I’m talking about at least.

“I really don’t know Max. There is no where for this to go so let’s just end it here. I’ll do whatever on my time and keep you and Alana out of it.” I sit here and try to think of when we got to this point. How did our once solid friendship turn out like this?

“Alright. I’m going to get Alana then.” I walk out of the kitchen and go up to get Alana. We could have gone back and forth for hours and I was starting to get a headache.

~~
I wanted to badly to tell him how I feel but the conversation went south and it wasn’t the time to tell him. So much has changed I don’t know how to handle it all. I love Max but I don’t know if I’m in love with him at this point. I need to clear my head thankfully Alana is going to be with Max today hopefully he can get her to be her normal self again.
~~

“So what would you like to do today?” I check the rear view mirror to make sure she’s buckled up.

“I don’t’ know.” She looks happy but I know she’s hiding her true feelings from me and it upsets me.

“Well what about the park?” Shrug.

“Science museum?” Shrug.

“Zoo?” She shakes her head in a really fast no.

“You love the zoo. We can see the monkeys first.” I’m trying to get her to open up. I hope it works.

“I just don’t wanna go there anymore.”

“Ok how about we play some games at the arcade then go to Isabel and Alex’s house?” She smiles and gives and enthusiastic yes. This event has affected her more then I thought.

After some pizza and a few games she’s ready to go to Isabel’s. I called to make sure she was there and thankfully caught them before they went out. I told her not to change her plans but she said she wanted to talk to me anyway. I’ve tried to get Alana to talk to me about what happened yesterday but she told me she doesn’t want to. I hate that she’s not talking to any of us right now. Hopefully she will open up to me soon.

I get to the house and Emily opens the door.

“Hola Emily.” When did Alana learn Spanish?

“Hola senorita Alana. Senor Max.” They both laugh and I call for Isabel.

“Hi Aunty Bell.” Isabel bends down to give her a hug.

“How are you today princess?” She asks Alana.

“I’m fine. Where’s Uncle Alex?”

“Oh he’s out with the horses. Why don’t you go out there with him?” Alana nods and runs out to the stables.

“So how are you?” She asks me as we sit in the living room.

“Ok I guess. So Liz told you what happened?”

“Yeah she came over the night she called you.” I see her get comfortable and she’s now facing me dead on.

“Well we talked this morning and it didn’t go so well.”

“Max give her a break ok? She knows that what she did was wrong but it was a mistake. I know how you can get.”

“Isabel we talked about this sort of thing already and she went behind my back. I don’t like sneakiness you know that. She could have come to me.” I hear her laugh and look at her with a raised eyebrow.

“She could have come to you? Yeah right! Speaking of sneakiness as you call it, you’ve been seeing someone lately.” She crosses her arms across her chest.

“Yeah well you don’t see me planning secret meetings between her and my daughter do you? She smacks me on my arm. “This isn’t about me anyway don’t change the topic.”

“Fine then staying on topic, don’t be such an ass Max. I know you hate Jake and trust me I’m not his biggest fan either but Liz isn’t stupid and furthermore if you would get your head out of your ass you and Liz would be happily married by now.” She must have skipped her medication today cause she’s nuts.

“What exactly is in that tea that you drink? You’re crazy.” Again she smacks my arm harder this time.

“Asshole! I speak the truth like it or not. You are making a snail seem like a jaguar right now you’re moving so damn slow. How long is it going to take you to tell her how you feel and stop this bullshit you have going on with whatever her name is? Another 7 years Max?”

“Isabel I can’t just tell her ok it’s…..complicated.” I run my hands through my hair. I don’t want to be having this conversation right now.

“I think you were dropped repeatedly on your head I swear. Whatever, I’m done talking to you two. You guys are helpless at this point.” Two? She’s talked to Liz, I wonder what she said?

“Two?” I ask her.

“Yes two, don’t play stupid you know who the other person is and no, I’m not telling you what she said so don’t ask ok.” She gets up and goes to the kitchen leaving me stunned. I need to talk to Liz.

Alana comes back in with Alex a few moments later and we head home.

“Did you have a good time honey?”

“Yeah I love the horses daddy, can I have one?”

“I don’t know baby. We’ll see ok?” She nods and sits back on her chair. She’s wanted a horse for a while now but I think she’s too young for that.

We get home and Liz’s isn’t there. Alana and I watch a movie and I hear Liz pull up hours later. I don’t want to talk to her in front of Alana so I’ll wait till she goes to bed.

“Daddy I want to stay here tonight.” I was about to take her home to get her ready for bed.

“Honey why don’t you want to stay at mommies?” She’s still mad at Liz and I want her to get over it.

“Just don’t want to. Can I stay here please?” She looks up at me with those huge brown eyes reminiscent of Liz and I can’t say no.

“Alright. Why don’t you call mommy and let her know ok?” I need to get her to talk to Liz.

“No, you call mommy I’m going to play a game.” She walks up to her room. This girl is stubborn as heck.

“Hey it’s me. Alana wants to stay here tonight.” I know that it’s going to upset her.

“Oh. Ok then.” She’s trying to hide the disappointment but I can hear it.

“She’ll come around Liz; she’s just upset right now. I’ll talk to her about it.” I try to reassure her.

“Thank you. I just can’t take you guys being upset with me.” Her voice cracks and I know that she’s crying.

“Liz I’m not mad at you. I’m hurt but I don’t hate you. Alana will get over this just give her time ok?”

“She hasn’t talked to me in days Max I can’t take it anymore.” Now she’s full on crying.

“I’ll talk to her ok? I’ll call you tomorrow maybe we can do something just the three of us.” She says ok then hangs up. I sit and think and I feel that I came down too hard on Liz. What she did upset me but I know that she would never put Alana in any kind of danger. I snap out of my thoughts and go talk to Alana. She needs to start talking to Liz again. Her birthday is in a few days and I want everything to be ok by then. I talk to Alana for a while and try to tell her that Liz didn’t mean to upset her. She seems a little better but she made me promise that she wouldn’t have to see Jake again. I didn’t want to promise her that but she was in tears so I did. Once she’s in bed I call Liz so she can come over, we need to talk.

“Hey, she’s in bed but I talked to her. I told her that you didn’t mean to hurt her and she seems better but she doesn’t want to see Jake again.” I wait for her reaction.

“That’s fine. I wasn’t planning on it anyway.” I leave out the part where I promised her and hope that did doesn’t break the promise for me.

“Are you alright? You seem distracted.” She hasn’t looked at me once sine she got here.

“Not really but I will be. I’m just confused that’s all.”

“About?” I secretly hope that it’s about Jake even though it’s wrong.

“A lot of things. I just need to sort some things out ok? Don’t worry about it.” She smirks a little but I’m not buying it.

“I can’t not worry Liz. I care about you and I don’t like seeing you upset. Talk to me.” I move closer to her only to have her move away from me.

“I can’t Max, not right now.” I have a feeling that it has something to do with me but I don’t want to push her. We sit in silence for a while when suddenly I have a thought.

“Come on.” I pull her off the sofa.

“Max what are you doing? We can’t go anywhere Alana is asleep.” I drag her outside.

“Just follow me.” We go into the yard and I tell her to close her eyes.

“Max come on I don’t like surprises.”

“Just do it.” I wait for her to close her eyes and set up.

“Come on Max, what are you doing?”

“Almost done.” I tell her to open her eyes and bring her over to the telescope.

“Take a look.” She leans over holding her hair back with one hand.

“Wow what is it? It’s beautiful.”

“It’s Saturn.” I love that Liz and I share a love of astronomy. I know a little more about it then her but she still appreciates it.

“I didn’t think you could see it so clear.” I’m glad that my little trick worked. She needs to get her mind of whatever it is and relax. We gaze at the starts for a few hours and Liz decides to head home.

“Thank you Max.”

“Your welcome. I hope it helped.” I give her a quick peck on the cheek and walk with her into the house.

More then you will ever know Max.

~~
Its Alana’s birthday and Max and I are in the kitchen preparing her favorite things for breakfast. It’s early as hell but I know she’s going to be up early and I want to have everything ready for her.

“Ok do we wait for her to come down or bring it up to her?” Max is plating the pancakes.

“She’ll be down soon. Thank you for helping me with this.” A few seconds later we hear Alana coming down the stairs.

“It’s my birthday it’s my birthday!” She chants over and over.

“Good morning honey happy birthday.” I give her a kiss on the cheek and she hops up on the stool.

“Happy birthday princess.” Max gives her a kiss as well and places the food in front of her.

“Wow look at all this food!” She looks at everything with wide eyes and we start eating.

Max is going to take her out later while I go to Isabel’s to help get everything organized. We gave invitations to the parents of some of the kids in her class; we wanted it to be a surprise. Much to my surprise all of them called to say they were going to attend.

After breakfast I go and help her get dressed while Max clears some of the dishes. I really hope that today goes well. Isabel and I planned it all out the other day but knowing her she’s going to be going crazy right now.

Once Alana is dressed Max takes her to an arcade so she can ride the go carts also. The party starts at 12 so I make sure that he doesn’t take her out to eat since Isabel went through all the trouble of getting food catered. She’d kill him if he did that.

“Ok honey I’ll see you a little bit later. Mommy has something to do but I’ll see you in a few hours.” She’s too excited about going to the arcade to care that I’m not with her on her birthday.

“Ok mom. See you.” She hops on Max’s back so he can give her a piggy back ride.

I grab my things and rush out of the house.

“Liz thank God you are here.” Isabel is out back and I have to blink to make sure that I’m not imagining what I see right now.

“Isabel this is not what we talked about.” She went ahead and got the bounce house as well as two clowns and magician and several farm animals.

“I know. I’m sorry but I couldn’t help it. Once I got the bounce house I got the clown then I thought that just one wasn’t enough so…”

“Ok well what’s done is done. What’s going on? What’s the problem?”

“Oh can you please make sure the caterers are doing everything right. They don’t want to listen to me.” I’m sure she’s barking orders that’s why they aren’t listening to her.

“Ok I’ll be back.” She thanks me and starts ordering people around again. Did I see a bullhorn in her hands? I’m not going to ask.

“Hey Alex, you hiding out?” I see him in the kitchen snaking on something.

“No, just hungry and Isabel has forbidden me from eating until the party starts.” I laugh that is so Isabel.

“Well get out of here I don’t want her to catch you and yell at me for not stopping you.” He takes his plate and heads to the other room.

I don’t know what Isabel was talking about everything seems to be fine. She’s got enough food for an army but she didn’t want to listen to me. I hope she didn’t invite a bunch of adults; I want this to be a kid’s party.

Alex comes back in the kitchen and I’m about to tell him to leave but he says he needs to talk to me.

“So listen remember when we talked about Alana taking lessons?” We had talked about it a few weeks ago and Max and I agreed since she was into it.

“Yeah.” Why is he talking about this now?

“Well Isabel and I thought that since she was getting more into it that we would buy her a horse.” Ok did he just say what I think he said?

“What? No Alex you can’t. It’s too much; she’s not ready for it.” What were they thinking?

“It’s not too much, but if you don’t want us to we’ll keep it for us instead. You have to see her ride Liz she loves it and she has a talent for it.” I have seen her ride but not so much lately and I know nothing about horses so I wouldn’t know if she’s talented or not.

“Have you talked to Max about this?” I hope they haven’t cause if he said yes I’m going to be pissed.

“No, I mentioned it but he said we should talk to you about it. The only reason we got it without telling you first is that we saw the horse and didn’t want to let it go. It’s a good horse.” God what do I do? I know she would love this but it’s too much.

“Alex a horse is a lot of work. She’s only 7 she doesn’t know anything about taking care of a horse.”

“She’ll learn in time. We can keep it here and the handlers can take care of it until she’s old enough to help out.” Does he have an answer for everything?

“I don’t know, I have to think about it. Let’s not say anything to her for now.” He nods and goes upstairs to change.

I look at my watch and it’s almost time for her guests to arrive. I call Max on his cell to check in on things.

“Hey, everything ok?” I can tell they are still there from all the noise in the background.

“Yeah everything is fine. I want to get her there soon though she’s getting hungry and you said not to feed her.” I laugh and tell him to head here. It will take him 15 minutes and by then everything should be good to go.

“Alright, see you then.” I hang up and go check on Isabel.

“The tables are to be 8 inches apart, not 6 not 7 but 8! Do you need a ruler?” Oh God she does have a bullhorn.

“Isabel why don’t you go and get dressed. The guests should be arriving soon.” I grab the bullhorn out of her hands and hide it.

“Fine I’ll be right back down.” She shakes her head and says something about incompetence and goes inside.

Alana was very surprised when her and Max arrived. The party was great and all the kids had a good time. She got tons of gifts and was happy with all of them.

I pulled Max aside during the party to talk to him about the horse. He was ok with it but I was still unsure. I told him that I wanted to see her around the horses and then decide.

Alex and Isabel got her a Portable Cd player and a kid’s laptop since she asked for one as well as a bunch of clothes. We assured her that it was just like the ones that adults use and she was happy with it.

Max got her a Disney princess Television and matching DVD player for her room. And I got her a new doll house that she wanted with a bunch or furniture to go in it. She loved everything. We were hading out goody bags to the kids when Max’s dad arrived.

“Sorry I’m late.” He said to Max and I.

“Grandpa!” Alana came running towards him when she saw him.

“There is the birthday girl.” He hugged her and handed her a present.

“I got her a doll and this is for her too but she might not appreciate it just yet.” He hands me an envelope and I open it.

“Oh Phillip this is too much.” It was a savings bond for a substantial amount of money.

“Nonsense, she’s my only granddaughter and she will be thankful for it later on.” I nod and lead him towards the rest of the guests.

Alana is asleep upstairs and I’m helping Isabel clear some stuff that the helpers didn’t touch per her request.

“Liz I have something to tell you but don’t tell Max please.” I wait for her to tell me the news.

“I’m pregnant.” We haven’t told anyone but I found out last week.” I’m so happy for her.

“Why can’t I tell Max?”

“I want to tell him but later ok?” Strange but I agree.

“Isabel this is great. I’m so happy for you guys.” I pull her into a hug.

“Thanks. I hope my kid is half as great as Alana is.”

“Oh it will be. You guys will be great parents too. Alana is going to be so excited.”

“I know I can’t wait to tell them but I want to make sure everything is ok first. I had to tell someone in the meantime.” I laugh and nod in understanding. Isabel is a worry wart. Her news gets me thinking about children. Mostly if I will ever have another one or not. I couldn’t imagine being with someone in that way right now and wonder if I ever will. After the night that Max and I looked at the stars I thought a lot about us and I realized that I was still in love with him, I was very much in love with him. The problem now is that I need to fall out of love with him. We have drifted too much apart at this point.

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You guys are awesome. Thank you for the FB

~~Chapter 12~~
I haven’t really talked to Victoria since the day we came back from our trip. Between the issues with Liz that day and Alana’s birthday I haven’t had the time to call her. She hasn’t called me either and it hasn’t bothered me until today. I’m sitting in my office thinking about when I shut off my computer and tell Maria that I’m going out for lunch. I’m going to the restaurant to talk to Victoria. I feel bad for the way things have been going.

“Hello.” It’s the waitress that I see every time I come here. She smiles and walks me towards a table.

“Hello. Is Victoria here today?” I hope she is. She says she’s here all the time so I assume she is.

“Yes she is. I’ll be right back.” I see her walks towards the back so I guess she was in her office. A few moments later I see Victoria come out.

“Max, hi.” She doesn’t sit down and I can’t help but notice her smile isn’t as bright as I remembered.

“Do you have time to join me?” I motion to the seat across from me.

“Only for a few moments. How did everything work out?” I’m touched that she cared enough to remember.

“Ok I guess. We still have some things to work through but everything is ok.”

“That’s great.” We sit in an uncomfortable silence, something that has never happened before.

“I’m sorry for not calling you. I was dealing that one situation then Alana’s birthday came up.” She reaches for my had and gives it a light squeeze.

“It’s ok. I understand.” I’m still not convinced by her smile.

“So if you aren’t too busy I’d like to take you out again.”

“Yeah sure. Just let me know when you have time.” I think she’s upset by the way she answered me but I shrug it off.

“I’m free tomorrow. Is that ok with you?” She nods yes.

“Ok well I’m going to go I have some things I need to finish. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She gets up and I realize that I didn’t even give her a time.

“Around 7?” I ask.

“That’s fine.” I don’t think she wants to go out with me but she did say yes. Hopefully she will be over whatever it is by tomorrow. Either that or she’s going to lay into me about something. When she leaves I lose my appetite and go back to the office.

“Maria I’m going home early. If anything important comes up give me a call on my cell.” I head home needing to prepare myself for tonight. My father came to me with some news the other day about Jake that Liz needs to know about.

It’s only 2:00 when I get home and I see two car’s in Liz’s driveway. One of them is hers but the other I don’t recognize. I want to go over there but decide not to. It’s none of my business but I didn’t think she would be home this early. I shrug and go inside.

~~
“Umm Jake stop.” We are on the sofa and Jake started kissing me but it quickly got too heated for me.

“Alright. I’m sorry.” He pulls back and straightens out his shirt.

“Don’t be sorry. Its just that things are moving too fast for me.” I don’t feel entirely comfortable with where things were heading at the moment. I’m not ready to sleep with him.

“It’s ok Liz. I understand.”

“So you said you wanted to ask me something?” I forgot that was the reason he came over in the first place in the middle of the afternoon.

“Yes I do. I was wondering if you were free this weekend? I’m hosting a dinner party and I’d really like you to be there with me.”

“Ok I’m pretty sure that I’m free. I’ll check my schedule and let you know for sure tomorrow.”

“Ok I have to head back to the office so I’ll talk to you later.” I walk him out. He decides to give me a kiss when we get to the front door and it takes me off guard a little.

I walk back in and think about my relationship with Jake. He hasn’t said anything after the incident and the zoo and I’m top scared to bring it up. He did ask me about the relationship that I have with Max and I told him how we met and how good of friends we were. The sudden interest in Max is strange but I shrug it off. I turn towards the door when I hear Max walk in.

“What’s up?” I finally ask when he doesn’t say anything.

“Nothing. What are you doing?” He asks. He’s standing there with his hands in his pockets.

“Nothing right now. Why?” This is odd. What the hell is going on?

“Oh, well do you want to do something?” He’s acting very strange.

“Umm ok like what?”

“Whatever. Doesn’t matter.” What the hell? I’m confused.

“Ok well, I already ate so that’s out. How about we go to the museum. We haven’t been there in a while.” He nods and I grab my purse.

“Can we take your car? It’s a nice day out we can put the top down.” He laughs and we walk to his car.

~~
She’s in an incredibly good mood. I hate to have to crush that. I don’t know how to act around her now. We get in the car and I put the top down before pulling onto the road. I love the feel of the wind ripping through my hair. The weather is perfect, not too hot. I look over at Liz and she looks like an angel. Her hair is up in a ponytail but It’s still flaring around in the wind. She looks to happy right now, so carefree.

We enjoy our day at the museum taking time to look at every painting and sculpture. Liz and I have always had a love for art. I love that we share that.

“Let’s get something to eat.” I suggest when I look at my watch and see that it’s almost 7:00. I had called Isabel earlier and asked her to pick up Alana.

“Ok.” We head out and get into the car.

“You have anything special in mind?” I usually let her pick where we eat, she is the chef.

“Italian.” She says. I suddenly get nervous. I don’t want to take her to Victoria’s place.

“Humm well I don’t know of any place around here.” I’m lying my ass off and I know that she knows this.

“Yeah right. Stop playing around you know of a place so lets go.” This is going to be interesting.

“Your kidding right?” I really hope she is. I don’t want to take her to eat at Victoria’s place.

“No I’m not. What’s the problem? She knows of our situation so it should be ok right?” I know she’s up to something but I have no choice. Victoria’s place it is.

~~
I can be a vicious bitch when I want to be and now is one of those times. I know that I have Jake but I want to make Victoria jealous. Max and I had a great time today and I want to check this Victoria out up close. I wonder what her intentions with Max are and I guess I’m about to find out since we are walking inside.

The waitress smiles at Max like an idiot and I try to hide my eye roll but I hope she saw it. Max places his hand on the small of my back as we walk to our table. I can’t help but feel tingles when he does this. It’s a small gesture that he’s done a thousand times but it feels different now.

“Since you’ve been here before I’ll let you order.” I tell him as I scan the menu. She has some pretty good dishes on here.

“What? You want me to order for you?” He looks at me strangely. I guess a chef not wanting to order their own food would be strange.

“Never mind.” I go back to scanning the menu and finally decide on what I want. It’s one of my favorite dishes and on the menu at the inn too. I wonder how hers will fair.

“This place is nice.” I tell him. He seems distracted, he’s all over the place actually scanning for Victoria I’m sure.

“It is. You are going to love the food.” I hope not. I hope the food sucks even though I’m starving.

We place our orders and I can’t but notice Max giving me a look.

“What?” I take a sip of my wine and ask.

“I know what you are doing.” He say as he leans over the table.

“What are you talking about?” I’m playing dumb but we both know what I did.

“Liz please. Cut the crap ok.”

“Whatever Max, I’m not doing anything so calm down. All I did was order my food.” I take a bite of the bread that’s on the table after buttering it up. I have to admit that it’s really good.

“Liz you just ordered your favorite dish, a dish that you make at the inn. Don’t think I don’t know what you are up to and I’m telling you right now I don’t want to hear it. Good or bad.”

“Fine.” I take sip of my wine and wait for our food.

“So how are things with Jake?” Has he lost his mind? Since when does he care about Jake?

“Umm great.” I’m trying to sound convincing.

“That’s good.” This is odd for me. I wonder what brought this on.

“Thanks.”

“So does he talk about business with you?” So that’s what’s going on.

“No Max he doesn’t. And we don’t talk about you either so you can let it go ok.” He’s pissed me off even though Jake has taken an interest in Max lately. I’m not about to tell him that though.

“I was just trying to be nice. I can’t ask about the guy that dating my best friend?” Asshole!

“No you can’t. I know what your trying to do and it’s not going to work. I’m not going to give you any dirt on him ok cause their isn’t any.” Take that!

“I’m not interested I any dirt. I know enough about Jake Connors trust me.”

“What the hell does that mean?” Our food arrives and we thank the waitress.

“I don’t want to talk about it here ok. Let’s just enjoy our food.” He cuts into his chicken and begins to eat.

Throughout our meal we don’t talk. I wonder what he means by his statement and can’t wait to leave and find out.

I have to admit that my food is delicious. I didn’t expect it to be bad or anything but I didn’t expect it to be this good. We finish our food and don’t order dessert. I wait for Max outside while he does whatever with Victoria. I could care less right now I just want to leave. When he comes outside he places his hand on the small of my back and even though I’m mad at him I like how it feels. I turn around and catch Victoria looking at us through the window.

As soon as we get to his house I question him.

“Do you want to tell me what the hell you meant back there?”

“Sit down Liz.” Shit this is not good. I sit on the sofa. He begins to tell me about his father and having someone spy on Jake. He tells me that he is doing something shady involving the mafia and that Philip has proof of it.

“Your crazy! I don’t believe you.” This is too much.

“I’m sorry Liz but it’s true.”

“Yeah I bet you are sorry. I bet you couldn’t wait to tell me about this could you?”

“I did wait to tell you. I’ve known for a few days now but I wanted to be sure before I said anything. Liz he’s dangerous you can’t see him anymore.” I can’t believe him.

“So this is what it’s all about isn’t it Max? You would do anything to get me to stop seeing him including lie about him being involved in the mafia. I can’t believe you would stoop so low. Why can’t you let me be happy? I’m not trying to break you and miss perfect up.” Shit where did that come from? I’m furious right now.

~~
I didn’t this was going to be easy but I didn’t think it was going to go this badly either.

“Liz I’m telling you this for your own safety. He’s involved with some questionable people and I don’t think it’s the best thing for you to be around him.”

“Unbelievable. You really are something Max you know that.” She gathers her things and is ready to leave.

“Look if you think I’m doing this as part of a plan to prevent your happiness then talk to Alex about it. Surely he can’t have an ulterior motive can he?” She gives me a harsh look and walks out.

~~
This is crazy. I don’t know what is going on but I am going to talk to Alex. I know he wouldn’t conspire with Max. I hope that Max isn’t right about this because if he is then I’m going to feel really stupid.

Thank you guys for all the continued FB even tho Max and Liz are highly frustrating I promise you it won’t be that much longer and I hope it’s worth it. Please stick with me on this there is a method to my madness. LOL on another note this part has some mild violence, it’s not really that bad but I just wanted to give you a heads up. Thanks again for reading.

~~Chapter 13~~
The talk with Alex didn’t go as I hoped. He pretty much confirmed what Max said and gave me more detail about his business dealings. I mentioned Jake‘s sudden interest in Max and he told me that Jake might have a sort of vendetta against Max‘s father and the company as a whole. It was not what I wanted to hear.

I still can’t believe it and wondered for a moment if he did decide to help Max with this little plan of his. This is unbelievable. Surely if Jake is doing what they say he is there would be signs. I’m going to go to this dinner party with Jake and see if there is anything suspicious going on then I’ll decide what I want to do.

I’m getting dressed for tonight and I’m nervous. Every time I’ve spoken with Jake I’ve been reading into everything he says. I hope I don’t look like an idiot tonight.

Max found out that I was going out with Jake and he wasn’t too happy about it at all. Luckily Alana came into the room and he had to stop talking or I have a feeling that things would have gotten bad.

I may be crazy for going out with him after what they told me but I need to know for myself. I asked Max if Victoria was going to be coming over and he said no. It hurts a little that he can’t get over the fact that I introduced Alana to Jake and the fact that he won’t do the same with Victoria saddens me and makes me happy at the same time.

By him not having them meet I know that it’s not as serious as I thought. I feel bad at the same time because he is looking like the more responsible parent right now.

I push thoughts of Max aside and finish doing my makeup before heading out.

~~
Liz is going out with that asshole again and I swear she’s lost her mind. I can’t believe after everything she knows she wants to spend time with him. Liz has to make her own choices and the way I see it the ball is in her court now. I’ve done all I can.

She asked me if I was going to invite Victoria over and I hadn’t planned on it but now that I think about it why not? I call the restaurant and she tells me that she can’t get away tonight so I decide to have dinner over there. It will be a better way to have Alana meet her.

“Where we goin dad?’ I tell her to wash her hands and she’s been asking me ever since.

“We are going to a nice restaurant to eat ok so you have to be on your best behavior.”

“I know already dad.” I think she actually rolled her eyes at me.

“YAY I like this car daddy.” Liz would kill me if she knew that I had Alana in my convertible but I was in the mood to drive it tonight. The restaurant is not that far from the house so it’s ok.

We get to the restaurant and Alana can’t stop telling me how pretty it is. I don’t see the mystery waitress and get seated by someone else.

“Ok honey what would you like?” She’s scanning the menu and she had a perplexed look on her face.

“I want a hamburger.” She can’t read the menu because it’s in Italian.

“Honey they don’t have burgers here. This is an Italian place.”

“Ok then I want pizza.” I flip the menu over and see that they do have pizza thank God.

“Are you ready to order?” Our waiter asks.

“I want pizza!” Alana screeches.

“One pizza with pepperoni and I’ll have the baked ziti.” He jots down our food order and we get our drinks.

I spot Victoria soon after and smile at her. I see her walking over to the table and I suddenly feel scared.

“Hi.” I stand up and place a kiss on her cheek.

“Hello Alana, nice to see you again.” She smiles at Alana and Alana smiles back. So far so good.

“Hello.” She goes back to drawing on her napkin with a pen that I gave her.

“Do you have time to join us?” I ask but I can tell the place is packed.

“Maybe later. I have to cover the bar for a while longer someone called out sick.”

“Ok well join us if you have a chance.” She smiles and walks away.

“Why did you kiss her?” As soon as Victoria leaves she asks me.

“Well honey that is Victoria and I am dating her.”

“What’s dating?” How the hell do I explain this?

“She’s my girlfriend.”

“Are you goin to marry her?” That’s a loaded question.

“Well I don’t know honey.” I see her bottom lip start to tremble and know that it was the wrong answer.

“What’s wrong baby?” I move to the chair next to her and rub her back soothingly.

“If you wanna marry her then you love her and that means you don’t love mommy anymore.” I see a tear slip down her face and I know it’s one of many more to come.

“Honey I didn’t say that I was going to marry her. Baby I will always love your mommy and I will always love you no matter what.” I place a kiss on top of her head.

“But you’re supposed to marry mommy. You can’t marry that lady.” I wonder if she gave Liz this speech.

“Honey I don’t know who I’m going to marry but it doesn’t matter because I love you ok?” The tears are rolling down her cheeks and it’s killing me. I wonder if she knows how much power she has over me. I hope that she never does because I will be a dead man.

“Mommy is prettier then that lady anyway.” I didn’t expect that to come out and wouldn’t you know it as soon as she says that I look up and see none other then Victoria standing at our table. This was a bad idea.

“I umm just wanted to tell you that your food was almost ready.” She says and walks away. Alana has stopped crying which is a good thing but now I have to comfort Victoria. I wish I could right now but I can’t let Alana see me doing that.

We eat our food and I’m uncomfortable the whole time. I keep glancing over at Victoria and feel like shit. I can’t imagine what she is thinking right now. I need to get Alana home so I can call her at least and try to explain.

Dating with kids is more complicated then I ever thought. I should have never brought Alana here mistake number one of many that I will have tonight I’m sure.

“Daddy that was the best pizza I ever had.” Alana says as I’m waiting for the check.

“I’m glad baby.” I hope she doesn’t tell Liz that. The check comes and I drop some bills in the leather check holder and leave. On the way out I saw Victoria but she was serving some drinks so I winked at her and mouthed I’ll call you on my way out.

~~
I’m glad that I over dressed for this party because I still feel underdressed. All the women are in beautiful cocktail dresses. There aren’t that many people here but I feel uncomfortable. Jake has been by my side the whole time and has taken me around to introduce me to everyone. All the men’s names are Vincent or Carlo and the women’s names are all some version of Maria. I learn that they are all related to each other either by marriage or birth. They are all DiCarlo’s or Cuzmano’s.

Max and Alex mentioned that he was involved with the DiCarlo family and that they were mafia. I look around and they all seem like normal business men not that I would know what a person in the mafia looks like. One of the women looks familiar but I can’t quite place her.

After meeting everyone it’s time to sit down for dinner. There are 14 of us in total and we eat with minimal chatter. I have a feeling that the men want to discuss something but don’t want to say in front of the ladies. After dinner Jake excuses himself and goes with the men out on the balcony. I see them smoking cigars and take a seat in the formal living room where the women are.

“So how long have you and Jake been together?” One of the Marie‘s or Maria‘s asks me.

“Oh not that long but I’ve known him for a while.” I take a sip of my champagne. I look at the same woman again and recognize her as the waitress from Victoria’s restaurant. It was driving me crazy all night.

“That’s good. He and Carlo are in business together.” That narrows it down to about 5 people. I don’t know why she is telling me this anyway.

“That’s nice. So your husband is in development as well?” I’m trying to be polite and converse with her.

“Yeah something like that.” The other ladies laugh and I sit there not knowing what the hell is going on and wishing Jake would come back in soon.

“Did you have a good time?” He asks me when everyone leaves.

“Yeah it was nice.” My feet are killing me and all I’m thinking about is taking these damn torturing shoes off.

“I’m glad. Those were a few of my close friends I’m glad they met you.” Close friends?

“I thought they were business partners with you?”

“They are but they are also friends. Anyway let’s not talk about them anymore.” He leans over and places a kiss on my lips the moves down to my neck. I lean my head back and revel in the feel of his lips on my skin.

“Oh Liz I’ve wanted you for so long.” He murmurs while nibbling on my collarbone. We are kissing and touching each other when I feel him reach over and start to unzip my dress.

“Umm Jake don’t.” I don’t want to go this far with him, not now.

“Why Liz?” He breaks away and runs his finger through his hair in frustration.

“I’m just not ready to go that far.” I scoot back away from him.

“Well Liz when do you think you will be ready? I’m tried of these games you are playing.” I can see that he’s getting angry and I want to leave.

“I’m going to go. I’m sorry if you think I was playing games but I wasn’t.” I grab my purse and walk towards the door when I feel him grab me by the arm.

“Oh no you don’t get to leave. You can’t go around sending mixed signals like that without consequences.” Has he gone insane?

“What do you mean consequences? Let go of me!” I forcefully pull my arm from his grasp and go to turn the doorknob when he turns me around again pinning me against the door.

“You see Liz you haven’t given me what I want yet. I think I‘ve been patient enough.”

“What are you talking about?” I hope that he doesn’t try to make me sleep with him.

“Information. When I found out that you had a daughter with Max Evans that prompted me to look you up again. Evans Enterprises and my father go way back and I want to settle the score. I didn‘t think you would fall for it but you did. You honestly thought that you left me heartbroken all those years ago.” He’s gone insane.

“How did you find out about Alana?” This guy is a freak.

“Oh it’s very easy to find out those things but with you it was simply a matter of looking up your name on the Internet. When I saw that your name came up with a birth announcement in Boston it clicked. You shouldn’t put those things in the newspaper Liz anyone can get a hold of that kind of thing. I had a feeling that you had hooked up with Max by the way you two were with each other when we briefly dated. When I looked up the records I saw that your daughters last name was Evans and that was all that I needed to look you up again.” He’s disgusting.

“I don’t know anything about Max’s business anyway.”

“Well that’s hard to believe. You guys seems so cozy with one another I’m sure he’s told you about some things.” I try to get around him but I can’t.

“I told you I don’t know anything. Max has no reason to talk to me about business; I’m not interested in any of that.”

“Well that’s too bad for you then. I need to get something out of this anyway.” He kisses me again this time not so sweet. I try and keep my lips tightly closed and can feel his tongue trying to force its way into my mouth.

“What are you doing? Let me go Jake!” I feel his grip tighten around my wrists and it’s starting to hurt.

“You need to learn that you can’t go around sending mixed signals to men Liz. You asked for this.” He lets go of one of my wrists and hikes up my skirt. I can’t let him do this and kick him in the groin before running out the door.

When I reach the street I realize that I left my purse upstairs. Having no other way to get home I hail a cab and pray that Max is home. I could have gone to Isabel’s but I don’t want to bother her at this hour.

~~
I’m asleep on the couch when I hear someone knocking on the door. I walk to the door half asleep and when I look through the peep hole I see Liz standing there.

“Liz?” I ask when I open the door. She has a key so why did she knock.

“Max could you pay for the cab please.” When she looks up I see black around her eyes from her running makeup and instantly become alarmed.

“What happened? Why are you taking a cab?” I have a million questions running though my head.

“Can you just pay the cab please?” I walk out and pay the driver. What the hell happened to her?

~~
“Babe are you ok?” He comes back in to find me sobbing on the couch. I can’t speak right now and he pulls me into his arms where I let it all out. I cry like a baby. How could I have been so stupid?

Help, I have done it again
I have been here many times before
Hurt myself again today
and, the worst part is there's no-one else to blame

“Liz please tell me what happened. Are you hurt?” He’s speaking so softly unlike the man I was just with. I slowly nod my head no but don’t pull away from his embrace. I feel so safe right now.

Be my friend
Hold me, wrap me up
Unfold me
I am small
I'm needy
Warm me up
And breathe me

“It’s ok you don’t have to talk right now if you don’t want to. We can sit here all night until you are ready. I’m here for you, you are ok now.” I truly believe that and melt in his arms.

After what seems like hours I can’t cry anymore. Max has been patient just sitting here with me gently rocking me and placing soft kisses on my head.

“Max I’m sorry. You were right. You were right and I didn’t want to listen to you.” I’m still leaning against his chest. His scent is soothing it smells like home.

“Right about what honey?” He is so comforting right now.

“Jake. All of it Max. He was using me. When I didn’t want to sleep with him he tried to force me and he told me everything Max. How could I have been so stupid? I doubted you and I’m so sorry.”

“Did he hurt you Liz? I mean physically?” He tilts my head up and I meet his beautiful amber eyes.

“No not really. He held me up against the wall but he didn’t…you know.” I can’t even say it. Coming that close to something like that terrifies me.

“We need to call the police Liz. He attacked you.”

“No! Max please. I just want to forget about all of this.”

~~
She tells me that she wanted to forget all of what happened and I let it go for now but I will not let Jake get away with this. I knew something was up with him but I would never have thought that he would have done this to Liz. What was he thinking and what information did he want from Liz? I can’t stand to see her cry and I look down at her and see that he has bruises on her wrists from where that asshole was holding her.

I was mad at her for going out with him tonight but all those thought are out the window, right now I need to be there for Liz.

“Why don’t you go up to my room and sleep there tonight. I’ll take the couch.” I don’t want her to be alone tonight incase she wakes up in the middle of the night.

“Thank you. I’m sorry Max.” My heart is aching for her. She feels as if she did something wrong.

“Babe you didn’t do anything wrong so stop apologizing. Go up to my room and take one of my t-shirts you know where they are.” She wipes her face and goes upstairs. I won’t be sleeping tonight but planning the downfall of Jake Connors. I need to speak to my father first thing in the morning.

Song used- Breathe me by Sia.

I've gone over this part 100 times and i've decided that it is what it is. lol this is one of those pesky filler chapters..sorry. Thanks for the FB you guys rock!!

~~Chapter 14~~
I wake up and for a minute I wonder why I’m in Max’s room then it all comes back to me. Last night was horrible. I walk to the bathroom and look at my face for the first time. Quickly I turn on the water and scrub the makeup off my face. My eyes are still red and puffy from last night and my makeup is all smeared.

When I walk downstairs I find a note from Max.

Liz,

Didn’t want Alana to know you were here. I left you your house key so you can get in. I‘ll call you later.

Love,
Max.

I take my key and go home so I can shower and change out of this awful dress. I throw the dress out since it is now a reminder of what happened. After a long bath I call and report my credit card missing. I need to get a new license also. I know that I’m not planning on going to see Jake to get them back. Shit! I forgot about my car. I’ll have to make arrangements to get it out of there. Luckily I didn’t have my cell phone on me or all of my credit cards.

~~
Alana is spending the day with Isabel while Alex and I go and talk to my father. I didn’t tell him about what happened to Liz the night before but told him that he admitted to using her.

“What an asshole.” Alex says after I tell him about Jake.

“I know. I hope my father has a plan because I want him to pay.” I grip the steering wheel so tightly that my knuckles are turning white. I keep picturing Liz’s face from the night before.

“I’m sure the old man will think of something. How is Liz doing?”

“She’s ok now. She was upset and felt badly about it. She thinks it was her fault somehow.” I pull up to the driveway and step out of the car.

“Tell her I’m sorry ok. I still can’t believe that guy. What did he want from Liz? She doesn’t know anything.” I shake my head since I was wondering the same thing.

“Max, Alex what are you doing here?” My father was by the pool when we came in.

“Dad we need to talk to you about Jake Connors.” My father sits on one of the lounge chairs and I tell him about what happened with Liz.

“Well it looks like it’s time to use that information we have from our mole. I need to get him out of there first.” I nod but somehow it’s not enough for me. I want Jake to suffer in a physical manner but I can’t tell my father that without spilling everything that happened.

“Will that be enough?” Alex asks him.

“Well I’m sure that the stockholders won’t like it and that will not be a good thing. He still has to answer to the shareholders.”

“Well keep me posted dad, I want to know everything that’s going on.” I stand up and go to walk out when my father pulls me aside.

“Is Liz ok? I’m sure it must have been hard for her?” I’m shocked that he is worried about Liz.

“She’s fine. She feels badly about it but she’s ok now.”

“Good. She’s a good girl Max. Send her my love ok?” I smile and shake his had before walking out to the car.

“Max he didn’t do anything to Liz did he? I mean did he hurt her?”

“No. why?” I can’t betray Liz’s trust and tell him.

“I’m just wondering why you are so angry about this that’s all.” I know that he doesn’t mean anything by that but it angers me more.

“Alex he was using Liz. Of course I’m pissed aren’t you!” I slam my hands against the steering wheel.

“Jeez calm down. Sorry.” We ride the rest of the way in silence. I know I snapped at him and he must think I’m a psycho right now so I don’t say anything else.

When we get to the house Emily tells us that Isabel and Alana are in the pool.

“Dad come in with us.” She jumps off the diving board to show me she can dive.

“Not today baby.” She pouts a little but then goes down the slide.

“Is everything ok?” Isabel looks beautiful pregnant. She finally told me when I came over one night for dinner and she ate a steak that was pretty much raw. I looked at her like she has grown 2 heads and she came clean. Alana is the happiest. She can’t wait to have someone to play with and when we found out it was twins she was twice as happy.

She thought the pregnancy was going to be hard on her but she’s been doing great. We have to make sure that she doesn’t over do her self but she looks great.

“Uncle Alex Aunty Isabel’s tummy is getting bigger isn’t it?” We all look over at Isabel who is wearing a dark blue one piece swimsuit. Her stomach is growing and Alana loves pointing that out to everyone.

“Yes is it princess.” Alex rubs Isabel’s stomach. I think back to a time when I would do that to Liz. I would always talk to Liz’s stomach even when she was asleep. I miss that and wonder if I will ever be able to do it again?

I leave to spend some time with Liz before Alex drops Alana off at home. I want to make sure that Liz is ok before Alana comes home.

I get to my house and call for Liz. When she doesn’t answer I go over to her house. The door is locked and for the first time in years I have to knock on the door.

“Hey.” she opens the door with a smile. She seems ok.

“How are you feeling?” I step inside and study her face. I can tell when she’s hiding something.

“Better. I want to thank you again for last night and for taking Alana today.” We sit on the couch.

“It’s not problem, you know I’m always here for you. I wanted to make sure you were ok before she came home. Alex will bring her by later.” She nods and I can tell that something is bothering her.

“What is it?” I ask when she doesn’t say anything.

“Nothing I just can’t believe what happened. I never want to see him again Max. I can’t see him again.” The tears start rolling down her face and I realize that she’s not ok. This might have affected her more then she wants to admit.

“I promise you that you will never see him again Liz.” I pull her into my arms and hold her tight. It’s going to take a few days maybe even weeks for her to be ok and I want to show her that I’m here for her.

“I j-just never h-had anyone touch me like that.” I know what she means. Liz has never been around anyone that is violent and no woman should ever be. I hold her and let her cry for a while before I order us some food. Alana will be home after dinner so I still have a few hours to get Liz feeling a little better.

~~
It’s been three weeks since my incident with Jake and I’m finally 100 percent better. I didn’t want to leave the house for a few days and wouldn’t go anywhere near any of the places that Jake and I went to incase I would see him.

I’ve thrown myself into work putting in longer hours whenever I can. Things with Max and I have been strange but what else is new. When we are together it’s perfect but then he continues to go out with Victoria. I don’t get him, I guess I never will. I won’t lie and say that it doesn’t hurt to know that he’s going out with her because it does. I no longer have the distraction of Jake so I sit home alone wondering what Max is doing and if he touches her like he did me that night. That night is all I have to hang onto and I realize that I’m pathetic.

There is a group of businessmen staying at the inn this weekend and I’m grateful for the distraction.

“Liz there is a Mr. Blake that would like to speak to you.” One of my assistant chef tells me.

“Who is he? Does he want to complain?” I laugh.

“No he’s with the group though.” He walks out and I take my chef’s coat off before going to talk to him.

“Hi I’m Liz parker you wanted to see me?” I shake his hand. He’s a short balding man in his 50’s.

“Yes I wondered if you have a moment? I would like to speak with you privately.”

“Ok sure.” I’m nervous as hell as we walk to my office.

“Was the food ok?” I have to ask.

“Oh everything was perfect. I wonder if you ever thought about running your own place?” Is he kidding? It’s all I think about.

“Well yeah I have thought about it but I guess the opportunity never really came up. It takes a lot of money to do that and right now I’m not ready.”

“Well from what I’ve seen here you have a lot of talent. I don’t know if you know who I am but I own several restaurants on the east coast and am an investor as well. I would like to talk to you about running one of my restaurants. You would have total creative control as well as be a partner with me.” I think my jaw literally dropped.

“Wow that is umm…Wow.” He laughs and I’m still in shock.

“I’m going to give you my business card think about it and give me a call. I don’t want to pressure you but I’d have to have an answer by next week so I can look for other investors if you are not interested.”

“Ok I’ll do that. Thank you.” I take the card and sit in my office after he walks out. I can’t believe it! To be given this opportunity is great. I decide not to tell anyone until I think this through. I need more information before I can decide.

~~
I’m having lunch with Victoria this afternoon. Things between us have gotten strange. She’s been cold towards me and I’m sure I’m at fault. I haven’t been calling her as much. We haven’t gone out in a few weeks I’ve been spending time with Isabel since Alex is doing something for my father. I hate to leave her alone. I’m sure that Liz thinks that I’m going out with her on the weekends but I’m not. In a way I feel as if I’m cheating on Victoria with Liz. Even though Liz and I haven’t physically done anything when I’m home I spend time with her making sure that she’s ok after what happened. I worry about her working so much and I know why she’s doing it.

I grab my jacket and head out to meet Victoria. We are having lunch at a place nearby. When I get outside the crisp air hits me, I love this time of year. I love the cold and can’t wait for the weather to get cooler. I take in a deep breath and walk the two blocks to the restaurant.

“Hey.” I give her a kiss and take my jacket off.

“Hello. It’s cold out today.”

“Yeah I love it though.” I smile and take the menu from the waitress.

“I’m glad you were able to make it. I haven’t seen much of you lately.” I can tell she’s upset and I feel badly about it.

“I know. I’m sorry, I’ve been spending time with Isabel since Alex is away. I don’t want to leave her all alone.”

“That’s sweet of you.” She leans over and kisses me softly on the lips.

“So how have things been with you? Anything new going on?” We talk about her day and eat our food. The lunch was nice but something was off. I didn’t feel the closeness that I felt with her before. I have a feeling that I’ve done damage to our relationship and I don’t think I can fix it. Do I even want to?

“I lost one of my waitresses today. She said something about a family thing and left.”

“Oh that’s too bad. I’m sure you can manage without her.” We talk for a while more and I head back to the office.

When I get back to the office Maria informs me that my father is waiting for me in my office. Great!

“Max I’ve been waiting for you. I wanted to let you know that the situation with Jake has been taken care of.” I sit down and wonder what the heck he did.

“And by that you mean…..?”

“I mean it’s taken care of. I’ve put in a few calls to several people that would be interested in this latest business ethics and lets just say that he won’t be making any deals anytime soon. The whole company is under investigation and his assets have been frozen. No one can sell any company stock until this is over and that would have been his last chance to get any money.” I can’t believe it. The old man really came through.

“What about his family?” I remember him mentioning that Jake had a sister and mother to take care of. They aren’t at fault in this.

“They will be fine Max. His sister got married and I know that the house is paid for. I’m sure that she has her own bank account.” I’m glad to hear that. They shouldn’t have to pay for what Jake did.

“Is he still here? In Boston I mean?” I hope he isn’t. I’d like to tell Liz that he’s gone.

“No he left for New York early this morning since that is where the company headquarters are. I doubt he will be back in Boston.” I let out a breath of relief.

“Thanks dad.” I nod.

“No problem. I hope Liz is doing well.”

“She is. Thank you again. She will be happy to know that he’s gone.” My father smiles and leaves. I call Liz to tell her the good news. Although I’m happy that Jake is out of Boston I would have liked to come face to face with him in a dark ally. Hopefully this is the last we hear of him.

Dropping this off early cause i'm going to a concert tonight. Thanks for all the FB. I have to thank Amy for all her help in this one. PUNCHES!!

~~Chapter 15~~
When Max called me to tell me about Jake I was relieved. I feel for his family they don’t deserve this but he does. I’m glad that he’s out of Boston with no plans to return now I can leave the house without worrying about it. I’ve been staring at this business card for the past hour and finally get enough nerve to call Mr. Blake. It can’t hurt to just talk to him.

“Liz hello. I was beginning to think you weren’t going to call.” After going through his secretary she patched me through to his cell phone saying he was expecting my call.

“I’m sorry things have been busy around here.” He laughs and tells me it’s ok.

“So let me give you the specifics.” He begins by telling me his plans about what type of food he wants to serve and it’s right up my alley. The next thing he says shocks the hell out of me. He tells me that the job is in New York City.

“I’m going to have to think about that Mr. Blake I have a daughter to think about and we’ve been in Boston our whole lives.”

“I understand. Give me a call when you decide. Again not to pressure you but I have a deadline to meet so if you could give me your answer as soon as possible.” God this is a huge mess. My dream job and I might not be able to take it.

“Thank you again. I will be in touch.” I hang up and sigh. What am I going to do now?

~~

“Isabel why don’t you want until Alex gets back to do this. I’m sure he would want to be here for this.” I’m at some baby store with Isabel and we’ve been here for hours.

“I’m just getting a few things, no big deal.” I follow her around the store not wanting to argue.

“So you don’t know what you are having but you want to get everything pink?” I shake my head when I look at the cart.

“I know I’m having a girl I can feel it.”

“What if you have two boys? What are you going to do with a pink stroller then?” She turns quickly, well as quick and she can and gives me the death stare. Oh shit!

“Maxwell Evans don’t you dare argue with me. I AM having a girl period!” I shake my head yes and continue to follow her.

“Why don’t you get a blue one then you can decorate half with pink ribbons if it‘s a girl.” I think it‘s a good solution for if she has a boy and a girl.

“Not bad baby brother, not bad at all.” I’m glad she’s happy and we walk towards the counter finally.

“You are older by like 2 minutes I’m hardly the baby here.” I hate that she brings that up.

“Whatever I’m older and that’s that.” We finish paying for the things she got and go to the car.

“I need food. Take me somewhere nice Max.” I’m loading up the car with the million bags of stuff not to mention the things she has ordered that haven’t come in yet.

“What are you in the mood for?” She has had some strange tastes lately and I hope it’s not something horrid.

“Ummm Japanese.” Her face lights up and I breathe a sigh of relief. Last time I took her to eat she wanted Indian food and let just say my stomach was kicking my ass afterwards.

We have a long lunch and head back to the house.

“Let me show you the nursery it’s finally finished.” She hasn’t let anyone in until it was done.

“Has Alex seen it?” I ask.

“Yeah I sent him pictures online but he hasn’t seen it on person yet.” We walk to the room that was one of the guest rooms next to the master bedroom. When I walk in I see the most beautiful nursery I’ve ever seen. The walls are a pale green with ducks as a boarder. There are two cribs on either side of the wall with a rocking chair in the middle. Each crib says Baby Whitman on a wood plaque in cursive writing. The sheets are a pale yellow with tons of stuffed animals in each one.

“Isabel it’s beautiful.” I say softly. She’s sitting on the rocking chair and I can picture her their with the babies when they come.

“Why no pink?” I laugh.

“Well at the time I wasn’t so sure that I was having a girl but now I am.” I don’t want to go there again with her so I let it go.

“Max I’m so excited but I’m scared. What if i can’t do it Max? Two babies that’s a lot.” She begins to cry and I’m instantly by her side.

“Iz I know you can do it. You are going to be a great mother and Alex a great father. You have help and don’t ever feel bad about asking. It’s going to be tough but you will get through it you are a strong woman and will be perfect as usual. Don’t worry about what you will do wrong every parent messes up once in a while.” She stops crying and I’m glad I can make her feel better.

“You know you’ve always given me great advice but you can’t seem to help yourself now can you?”

“Don’t start with me Isabel.” I help her get off the chair and we walk downstairs.

“I’m not starting anything I’m just saying.” I think it’s time for me to go.

“Ok I got to go. I love you, I’ll call you later. Bye.” I give her a kiss on the cheek and quickly walk out of the house. I did not want to go there with her again. Thank God Alex will be home today.

~~
I’ve thought about Mr. Blake’s offer and I think it’s the best thing to do. It will help me get over this battle that Max and I are in. I know that he’s not going to be happy about it but what’s done is done. I’ve called Mr. Blake and agreed to go into business with him. Alana is at a sleepover birthday party and I’m waiting for Max to come home so I can tell him. I see his car pull up and walk over to his place.

“Hey I just got back from Isabel’s what are you up to?” He looks so happy right now.

“Not much I need to talk to you about something.” This is it. I’ve put it off long enough I need to let him get used to the idea.

“Ok.” We walk inside and I take a seat on the sofa.

“Well you know how I’ve been wanting to open my own restaurant.”

“Yeah.” I need to get to the point.

“Well I’ve been given a great opportunity to do that……… in New York.”

“New York? When did this happen.” Shit now I have to tell him that I’ve known for a while.

“I found out about it a while ago. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it but I’ve decided to go for it.”

“Really? Well Liz how are you planning on working in New York and living in Boston?” I see what he’s getting at and can tell this is not going to go well.

“Well the thing is that I’m not. I’m going to work in New York and…. live there.” He snaps his head and meets my gaze.

“What? When did you decide this? Did you forget about a little person named Alana that we are raising?” Oh God here comes the hard part.

“Well no I didn’t forget about Alana. She’s going with me.” I scoot back a little because I know he’s going to go crazy.

“You’ve lost your fucking mind! There is not way in hell your taking her to New York or anywhere else for that matter. Think again Liz.” He’s pacing the floor. Not good.

“Max she’s my daughter she’s coming with me.” He’s standing inches from my face.

“You didn’t make her by yourself.” He says and I can feel his breath on my face. This sucks.

“I know that Max but I’m not leaving her here.”

“And what the hell am I supposed to do? See her on weekends? Is that fair? Did you even think about that when you made plans to move to another city?” He’s back to pacing again.

“I did Max but I have to take this opportunity. I can’t let it pass me by.”

“This is fucking bullshit! Your not taking her Liz. I’ve seen her everyday of her life except for a few business trips that I‘ve been on. What are you going to tell her? Do you know what that will do to her? I’ve had breakfast with her everyday of her life. You can’t ignore that Liz, I’m not some part time dad. I was there everyday you can’t erase that. How can you be so selfish?” Now that points it out it seems like I didn’t think anything through.

“Max don’t be unreasonable. I am taking her, you can see her whenever you’d like. Manhattan is not that far from here.”

“It’s not next door Liz you are being unreasonable.”

“I know it’s not but we can make the best of it. I will bring her here every chance I get. This is going to happen Max no matter what.” I’m getting frustrated.

“What brought this on? I know that you’ve wanted to open your own place but why can’t you do that here?” He has a right to ask that.

“I haven’t been given the opportunity here Max. My chance is in New York.”

“What makes you the final word on all of this? Who said you get to decide who she lives with? You are destroying her life Liz don’t you see that. I won’t let you take her, I don’t care what I have to do. She’s my daughter and I’m not going to lose her. You can go to New York or wherever else you want. Shit you can go to hell for I care as long as it‘s ALONE!” He slams his glass down on the table and storms upstairs. Conversation over.

I knew he would be upset about this but I didn’t think he would react this badly. I know how much it mean to him to be there for Alana especially since his parents weren’t around for him so I should have known. Once again I didn’t think. I have to work something out. Max and I have always come to a solution for everything else regarding Alana why not this?

I have to tell Isabel and Alex then Alana. I know she’s going to be upset about this. Max is right he has been here everyday of her life except a few days for business. The fact that she’s a daddy’s girl doesn’t help things either.

Why can’t Max understand that I need to do this? I need to get away from him so we can stop paying these games. It’s also a great opportunity for me. I know that it might not be the smartest thing but I need to talk to Isabel. I make sure she’s home and head over there.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” I’m in tears. On the way over there I re- played what Max said and it got to me.

“Everything.” We go to the study and she sits next to me on the sofa.

“Tell me ,what is it?” I look at her belly and have to smile. She’s having twins and they couldn’t be happier about it. I’m going to miss their birth.

“I told Max that I was leaving.” I say through tears.

“Ok? Leaving where?” I explain everything to her about the job and about everything that Max said.

“Wow.” I can see the tears in her eyes.

“W-when are you l-leaving?” Oh God I’m going to hell. I’ve upset her in the condition that she’s in.

“A week.” I say and it’s barely above a whisper but she heard me.

“I can’t believe it. What about Alana? Have you told her?”

“No. I just told Max today and I was hoping that he would help me talk to her but that’s not going to happen.”

“Yeah forget about that. I’m sure he’s pretty pissed off right now. He’s not going to let you go easy you know that right?” I know and I don’t blame him.

“I know but he doesn’t have to make it unbearable for me either.”

“Liz it’s not about you. You are taking his child from him. He’s been there everyday of her life, he was there all through the pregnancy too. Did you really expect him to be happy about this?”

“No I didn’t but I expected him to know how much this means to me.” She sits further back on the sofa and I can tell she’s thinking about something.

“Why can‘t you work here? Why does it have to be New York?”

“I just need to get away Iz. I can’t keep playing these games with Max. We make progress then we go right back to where we were. I’m sick of it.” I let out a frustrated breath.

“Liz you are a good friend to me so I’m going to give it to you straight weather you like it or not. No bullshit from me you know that.” If you thought she was brutal before she’s worse now that she’s pregnant.

“What your doing is totally selfish. You may had have a dream but you have a child now it’s not about you anymore. It’s stopped being about you 7 years ago. I don’t think it’s right for you to just decide that your taking Alana to New York. You and Max have always done things 50/50 and now you are calling the shots and it’s not right. I love you but I’m sorry you are wrong about this. If you are tired of playing games with Max then tell him how you feel and get it over with. You are playing right along with him, don‘t use that as an excuse to leave it‘s not right.” I can’t be mad at her. I know she cares about me.

“Thank you for your thoughts. I have to go.” I quickly grab my purse and run to my car. When I get there I break down and cry. I don’t know what I’m going to do. Isabel is right I have to think of Alana now, this is not about Max or I.

I wipe my tears away and head home. Tomorrow I will talk to Alana about this. Tomorrow is judgment day.

~~
I get out of bed after a restless night and am now a man on a mission. I can’t let her take my daughter away, I won’t let her. I make a quick call to a lawyer that I know and get dressed to go talk to him. I hate to have to do this but I can’t let her go without a fight. I need to weigh my options.

“Max what brings you by? It’s been a while.” I meet a college friend of mine Ethan to get some advice.

“Well I wish I could say this was a social visit but it’s not. I have a pressing matter on my hands and I want to get your professional advice on something.

I explain the situation to him and wait for his response.

“Well that is serious. It seems to me that you have grounds for a temporary injunction to prevent her from taking your daughter out of Boston. After that you would have to go to court and let a judge decide. I will tell you that Alana might have to testify as to who she wants to live with. Your lawyer will also dig up anything they can find on Liz and hers will do the same with you. It’s going to get ugly, most of these cases do. I would suggest you try and work it out with Liz, it’s the best way for all parties involved.”

“Thank you for taking the time. I appreciate it.” We shake hands and I leave feeling more confused.

As usual I head over to Isabel’s, I need to talk to someone and if I told my father about this we would flip out. I need a level head right now.

“Hey Max.” Alex opened the door and let me in.

“Hey. Where’s Emily?” I’m so used to seeing her around, it’s strange.

“Oh she’s visiting some family today.” I follow him into the house and take a seat in the living room.

“Is Isabel around?”

“No but she’ll be here in a minute.” I nod and just sit there staring into space.

“Look I don’t want to intrude but Isabel told me what’s going on. Liz came over last night. I just want to say that it’s not right. That’s my two cents.” I smile slightly at Alex and continue to stare into space.

“Isabel and I will do whatever you need ok? We are here for you, you just have to ask.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.” We sit for a few minutes then we hear Isabel come in.

“Hey what are you doing here?” She asks and then kisses Alex hello.

“Guess.” She laughs and calls me into the kitchen. I guess it’s time for some more Tea.

“So Alex tells me that Liz came by.” She puts the water on the stove and sits across from me.

“Yeah she did. So tell me how you feel about it.”

“Come on Iz you know how I feel about Alana. I’m pissed how do you think I feel?” I don’t mean to get angry at her.

“I know Max. I’ll tell you what I told her. This is not about you and Liz, it’s about Alana. You need to do what’s best for her. Both of you do. I told Liz that I thought she was wrong but it’s up to you to work it out with her.” She hugs me briefly and gets up to take the water off the stove.

“I talked to a lawyer today.” She stops what she’s doing and does something that I never expected.

“Are you out of your fucking mind!” I know she’s pissed because she never curses.

“What?” I’m still in shock over her outburst.

“What the hell did you do that for? Have you turned into Dad all of the sudden? Max you and Liz have been friends for what 11 years? I think that you can work this out. I hope you haven’t told this lawyer to move forward with anything.” She goes back to making her tea.

“I haven’t. I just needed to know what my options were. She’s acting so out of character I can’t talk to her. She doesn’t see what she’s doing. She’s going rip Alana’s world apart.” I bend my head down trying to hide the tears that are forming in my eyes.

“Then there is only on thing for you to do.” She takes a sip of her tea and hands me mine.

“Really? Well what’s that?” I dump some sugar in my cup and stir it before taking a sip. It’s actually good.

“Max this is it. This is your chance. Go to her and tell her how you feel. Tell her what everyone that knows the two of you have known for years now.” She’s lost it. What kind of tea is this?

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“We can’t be related. Are you that freaking dumb? Tell her how you feel about her. Tell her that you love her!” I sit there in shock. I do love Liz, I love her with all my heart. I can’t tell her that, not now.

“I can’t do that, not now.”

“Why the hell not? When do you want to tell her on her wedding day? When she’s happily married with more kids? What the hell are you waiting for? Go catch the butterfly Max.” Ok now I really think she’s lost her mind.

“Huh?” I look at her puzzled.

“I can’t believe you don’t remember. It was one of the only times I remember mom being home for more then a day. She would read us a story about a boy trying to catch a butterfly. The little boy would sit and watch the butterfly admiring it from afar. To him it was beautiful and always just beyond his reach. Finally one day he caught the butterfly. It was everything he had dreamed it would be, and It was everything he had dreamed it would be, and more, not only was it striking but it was precious and delicate. He cherished the butterfly. Max Liz is your butterfly, don’t let her get away.” She takes her cup and walks out of the kitchen leaving me there to ponder what she just said.

At first I think that she’s lost her mind but as I sit here I faintly remember the story. Isabel is right I have to finally tell Liz how I feel. I won’t let anything stand in my way.

“Iz I’m leaving.” She and Alex are sitting on the sofa while Alex rubs her stomach. I used to do that to Liz.

“You ok now?” Isabel asks me.

“I will be.” I smile and head home.

~~
I find myself one again second guessing myself. I’m debating going to New York and dealing with things once I get there. I know it’s crazy but my talk with Alana didn’t go so well.

“Baby mom has to talk to you about something ok?” I sit her down on my bed and bend down in front of her.

“Ok mommy.” She’s so happy right now. I wonder how she’s going to be in a few minutes.

“You know that mommy and daddy love you very much right?” She nods.

“You remember New York where we went to see the Lion King?” She nods so I think it’s going ok so far.

“Well mommy got a job there so we are going to be living there. Would you like that?”

“When are we goin?”

“In a few days.”

“What about dad and Aunty Isabel and Uncle Alex and the babies?” Crap! I thought it was going well.

“Honey dad is not coming with us and neither is Isabel or Alex..” I see the tears forming in her eyes.

“Why?” She whispers.

“Daddy’s work is here honey he can‘t go with us and so does Isabel and Alex.” Her tears are flowing down her face now and it’s breaking my heart.

“But I want dad to come too.” She says between a stream of tears.

“I know you do but he can’t.” I stroke her hair softly to help calm her down.

“When will I get ta see him?”

“You can see him whenever you want honey.”

“Can I see him everyday?” She asks and I’m stuck.

“Well no honey not everyday but every chance he gets your daddy will come see you and you can come up here and see Aunty Isabel and Uncle Alex.” I’m trying to make the situation look brighter for her.

“Not the same. I don’t wanna go. I wanna stay here.” She breaks out into a full out sob now.

“I know baby but you can’t.” I pull her into my arms.

“I’m not going! I‘m not going if daddy isn‘t going!” She stares right into my eyes and storms off into her room. Great! That went well.

A few hours go by and she won’t come out of her room. I bribed her with all kinds of things but she didn’t budge. I hear the front door opening and my heart drops it’s Max. I brace myself for whatever he’s about to say.

Ok don’t hate me. I PROMISE you the next chapter will be worth all the aggravation. PLEASE don’t hate me.

Martine- Thanks for not hating me. I hope you enjoy the next part.

LovinGuerin2Much-I’m glad you liked the butterfly thing. Just say no…. Nevermind. LOL

To_Kiss_A_Frog- I’m glad you liked Max’s reaction.

Lady_vixen-Liz was selfish. I had to add that in this fic even if it’s for a minute. You know why . LOL

Shae-Thanks for not hating me LOL

Begonia9508-Thank you.

Mmcherron- Max does want Liz to be happy but when it comes to your kid you don’t care about anything but that. I hope you enjoy this next part as well.

Sweetbrowneyes- Thank you for your FB. I hope you like this next part.

FamersAmers- No hate mail. LOL Punches!!

Adreamer- Thank you

Surfgirl02- I feel you on the divorce thing. Thank you for the FB and yes boys do suck. LOL

coco pucks- WOW and I thought I was Anti- Liz. LOL Hopefully you like the next part. Thanks for reading.

Ellie- I’m glad you like my Isabel. Thanks for reading.

Cherie- YAY I’m glad I got you worked up. Thanks and I hope you like the next part.

Heavenli24- THANK YOU. Having you say that about drama and angst means a lot. I hope you enjoy the next part.

Emz80m- Hope you like the next part. Thanks for the FB

Sweet Liz- Thanks for reading.

Jazz- Interesting POV. You are right lots of ppl live in different states but the way she went about it is what made Max mad. Thanks for reading.

RASaero611- hope you like this part.

Hazz- LOL I hope you enjoy this. :bites nails:

Lizza- You can stop biting your nails now. It’s my turn to do that. LOL

BehrObsession- I think this part will make things better. Thanks for the FB.

~~Chapter 16~~

“Hey. Where is Alana?” He asks. He seems to be in a calm mood.

“In her room. I just told her.” He nods and takes a seat across from me.

“Liz I…” I cut him off. I need to get this out.

“Max please let me go first or else I’ll loose my nerve.” He sits back and I begin to tell him my plans. I tell him that I’m going to New York and that we need to work something out as adults. I tell him that I need to take this opportunity or will regret it for the rest of my life. I don’t want to live a life of what if’s.

He sits in silence and lets me say what I need to say. I tell him that I’m done and wait for his response.

“I love you.” Ok that was not what I expected at all.

“W-what?”

“I said that I love you. Liz I’ve always loved you.” I feel like I’m in the twilight zone. This can’t be happening.

“Max you’re just saying that so I’ll stay. You don’t mean that.”

“I do mean it. You moving has just opened my eyes to it. Liz you’re it for me. You have to know that.”

~~
I’m pouring my heart out to her and she doesn’t believe me. Not that I blame her much, my timing sucks.

“Max you don’t mean that. God I can’t believe you would stoop this low to get me to stay.” Her words stab me. How can she think that?

“How can you say that? Do you know me at all? You know I don’t throw around words like that Liz.” God she’s making this hard on me.

“I know you don’t which is why I think that you’re saying it to keep us here. What happens if I stay Max? We live happily ever after? We both know that’s not going to happen.” She snorts and now I’m pissed.

“Why the hell not?” I’m trying not to raise my voice, Alana is upstairs. “Why can’t we Liz? I want that for us, for Alana.”

“Don’t ok! Just don’t. Don’t try and bait me with this fantasy. And in case you forgot you are already seeing someone.”

“You are so blind. No one could compare you to. I tried to tell you that. I told you once a long time ago that no one had everything I was looking for. Liz you are the one for me I know it.” I’m face to face with her and I’m not backing down.

“Why now Max? Why couldn’t you tell me this when Alana was born? You’ve had over seven years to tell me! Why now? This is all a little convenient.”

“What do I need to do to prove it to you? Huh Liz? What do you want?” I’m pacing the floor now.

“Nothing. I don’t want anything from you. Just let us go Max. You and I would never work. ” I stop in mid pace and do the only thing I can right now. I walk over towards her and lift her off the sofa. She’s staring at me with wide eyes and I seal our lips together. I pour all of my love for her into that kiss. It’s my last chance. She opens her mouth and welcomes my tongue. I hear her whimper and pull her close to me. I need to feel her, I need to have her but I hold back just basking in the feel of our tongues dueling with each other and her hands on my neck.

“Max we can’t. We can’t do this. What about Alana? What if it doesn’t work? I can’t do that to her. All she’s ever wanted was for us to get married and be a real family it’s not fair.” I’m trying to get my head straight and take in the words she’s saying to me. How can she say that after the kiss we just shared didn’t she feel what I felt?

“Liz I can’t guarantee what will happen in the future no one can, but I can tell you that you are all I’ve ever wanted. I want to be with you just as much as she does. Alana isn’t the only one that has wanted us to become a family. I want that too, more then anything.” I’m pleading with her to believe me.

“I can’t risk it Max. I’m sorry but I just can’t.” She turns her back to me and I feel hopeless. There is nothing more I can do, nothing more I can say. It’s up to her now. I’ve laid my heart out on the table.

“Just go Max.” She turns and walks to the kitchen leaving me standing there….alone.

This is bullshit! Fuck that I can’t just go like she said. I march towards the kitchen and see that she’s crying.

“Liz I fucking love you ok! Weather you believe it or not I do. If you want to go then fine go but don’t say I didn’t try Liz cause I did. Your right I am trying to stop you but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m totally, completely, madly in love with you. Don’t ever for get that Liz Parker.” With that I head home to wallow in my thoughts. I’ve laid my heart on the line for the first time ever and I feel good about it. A weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

~~
Why did he have to do this? Why now? How can he expect me to believe him when he’s had all this time to tell me how he felt? This is just a desperate attempt to get me to stay. How could he stoop so low?

When I sit and think about what he said I can’t lie and say that I don’t feel the same. I have been in love with Max for years but pushed those thoughts aside. I realized long ago and he and I would never be together and now that I’m moving on with my life he throws this at me. I don’t understand why he never told me. He gave me every indication that he wasn’t ready to settle down and now he confesses that he’s secretly wanted to be with me.

It makes me angry to think that we could have been together all these years and given Alana what she’s always wanted had it not been for him hiding his feelings. Well I guess I could say we are both guilty of that.
~~

I’ve packed up most of the house, the only rooms left and mine and Alana’s. I haven’t seen Max for a few days and think that it’s best for right now.

Alana is over at Isabel’s tonight and I feel so alone. Isabel wants to spend as much time with her as she can before we leave. I know it’s going to be hard on them both.

I look out my window and see Max coming home. I think about all the things that he told me and I feel the same but I can’t give in.

Something comes over me and I find myself walking to Max’s house.

“Hey.” He says when I walk in. He’s wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and back fitted T.

“Hey. Back from a date?” I sit on the sofa nervously I don’t know what I’m doing here suddenly.

“No, not that it should matter to you anyway according to you I’m a man whore.” Ok I didn’t expect that.

“I never said that.” He rolls his eyes at me.

“So how are you?” I ask. I know its lame but I don’t know what to say at this point.

“I’m great for a guy that had his heart ripped out. You?” Ok so he’s still pissed. Noted.

“Max I’m not trying to hurt you.” He runs his hands over his face and sits next to me.

“Well you are Liz. I love you guys so much. I can’t stand to be away from you, from both of you.” I see the tears forming in his eyes and bring my hand to cup his face.

“I know you do Max and I love you too.”

We stare at each other for what seems like hours but is only seconds before our lips collide. His tongue parts my lips and I eagerly let him in. He slowly pushed me back on the sofa and lays on top of me. No words are spoken, they are not needed. We both know how we feel about each other.

I won’t talk
I won’t breathe
I won’t move till you finally see
That you belong with me

I lift my arms and he pulls my shirt off exposing my naked breast. He stops touching me and I open my eyes only to be confronted by his looking at me with such love. He smiles and caresses my jaw before slowing making circles around my nipple with his soft tongue. The only sounds that are heard are soft moans. I feel cold when he lifts off me to pull me off the sofa.

You might think I don’t look
But deep inside
In the corner of my mind
I’m attached to you
I’m weak
It’s true
Cuz I’m afraid to know the answer
Do you want me too?
Cuz my heart keeps falling faster

He gently places me in the middle of his king size bed and strips off his shirt. I go to take off my pants but he stops me.

“I want to do it.” He kisses me hands and places them at my sides. I know that he wants to take this slow and I do too but the anticipation is killing me.

“Max please I need you.” He lays next to me and pulls me closer to him.

“You have me, always. We have all the time in the world for this sweetheart.” Again our lips collide and my hands are all over his chest. His skin is so soft but I can still feel the firmness of his muscles. We kiss and touch until we can no more. My body is on fire and I’m sure his is too. He unbuttons my jeans and slowly brings the zipper down. I lift up my hips so he can pull them down. He kisses me legs all the way down to my toes where he stops to suck each one of them.

I've waited all my life
To cross this line
To the only thing that’s true
So I will not hide
Its time to try
Anything to be with you
All my life I've waited
This is true

I’m clenching the sheets, he’s driving me wild. He strips off his jeans and underwear and settles between my legs. The only thing separating us is my underwear. He leans down and kisses my bare shoulders and moves onto my neck. I need to alleviate the ache I have and rub myself against his hard cock. I guess he gets the point because he hooks his hands around my underwear and pulls them off. I feel him rub himself over my folds and move my hips forward. I want him inside me now.

I look up at him to see what’s taking him so long and he just shakes his head no and smiles at me. I let out a frustrated breath and await his next move. I feel him slip a finger inside me and it gives me some relief but it’s not what I want.

“Sweetheart are you sure about this?” He pulls his fingers out of me and whispers in my ear. What a question to ask when I’m feeling this excited.

“Y-yes. I‘ve always wanted you Max.” I can barely speak. He kisses my swollen lips and I feel him slowly slide inside me.

“Perfect.” He says and begins to slowly thrust inside me. I dig my nails into his back and suck on his shoulder. The feeling is intense. I haven’t been with anyone this way since Max and I’m glad that I could share this with him again. He knows how to make me feel good and pinches my nipple while his mouth is attached to my other breast. I don’t want this to end but feel my climax approaching.

“Max I’m almost there. Stop.” I want him to stop so that I can enjoy this longer. He looks at me puzzled for a moment.

“I just don’t want to finish yet.” I brush his bangs away from his face and see him let out a breath of relief. He must have thought that I wanted him to stop for other reasons. I feel my heart thumping hard in my chest; it’s so loud I think Max can hear it too. We are kissing and rubbing again and I can’t take it anymore. I straddle his lap and slide down onto him. He places his hands on my hips and we find our rhythm quickly.

“Oh Liz.” He moans with his eyes closed.

“God I love you.” I manage to say between pants. He rolls us over and begins to thrust inside me.

“How do you feel?” He asks me before pulling out and plunging back in.

“I c-can’t describe it. There a-are no words Max. Great isn’t good enough.” He smiles and plunges into me again.

“Liz you are perfect. Do you know how much I love you?”

“Yes.” I answer breathlessly.

“You can’t know. There is nothing to measure it by.” I smile as he picks up his pace.

My orgasm is fast approaching and I hope Max is close too. I want to share this with him.

“Max I’m almost there. Come with me.” I entwine my fingers with his and the most amazing orgasm rips through my body. As I’m screaming out his name in pure ecstasy I hear Max calling mine.

“It’s like catching the butterfly.” I hear him say and wonder what he means by that. We lay with our legs entwined and drift off to sleep.

I feel him placing kisses on my inner thighs hours later and slowly open my eyes to come face to face with Max. It wasn’t a dream. He wiggles his eyebrows at me and says

“Round two?” I smile and pull him on top of me.

I open my eyes hours later and feel that Max isn’t next to me. The sun is out and is shining in through the blinds. I roll over and bury me face in his pillow. On the nightstand I see a hand written note with a white rose.

Angel,
I had to go do something I’ll be back soon. Last night was magic as well as this morning. I love you.

Max.

I read the note over and over before I get up and go back to my house to shower and change.

~~
I had a revelation this morning. I love Liz parker and I want the world to know it. Unfortunately the world includes Victoria and I have to tell her. I feel like shit on the drive over there but I must do this. I’ve never had to beak up with someone since I haven’t had a real relationship in years. Victoria is a great woman and will make someone very happy one day but it isn’t me. No one can make me as happy as Liz can. I’m ready to move forward with Liz I’m ready to settle down and get married. This is it for me, it’s always been Liz. There is no second or third there is only Liz.

It’s late October and I love this time of year. I’m especially looking forward to spending the holidays with Liz as a real family. I want us to move in together right away. We’ve been apart for too long. I can’t wait to tell Alana that we are finally going to be a real family. I know that is something that she has longed for.

I’m on Victoria’s block and suddenly get nervous. I’m not good at this. My cell phone rings and I fumble to unclip it from my belt. It falls on the floor and I curse. From the ring tone I can tell that it’s Isabel calling or someone from her house at least. I reach down to try and grab it the next thing I hear is screeching tires and a loud bang. I see a flash of Alana’s face then Liz’s and all goes black.

Ok guys I hope it was worth the frustration. Thanks for sticking with me this far. I’m going to go back to once a week since there are only 9 parts left. I don’t want to finish it too fast. I’m going to post on Tuesdays so you will get an update this coming Tuesday. Thank you thank you thank you a million times for all the FB you guys are the best.

Song used: True by Ryan Cabrera.

cocopucks- Your right there was a double standard in this fic but I’m glad you stuck with me.

Shae- You will find out what happened to Max in this part.

Begonia9508- I’m glad that you liked the last part.

Ellie- You will find out more about Liz’s thoughts in this part.

Gaby7tvm- Liz was selfish but I think that Max calling a lawyer would have cause a huge mess that wasn’t necessary. They have been friends for over a decade and have never had issues when it came to Alana until recently so he thought they could work it out.

To_Kiss_A_Frog- You will find out in this chapter what Max’s fate is.

BehrObsession- I will try and make you happy. You will know a little more about the future in this part.

Lazza-Yeah technically Max cheated on Victoria but as you saw he didn’t really have time to call her or go tell her that it was over and not ruin the moment. He didn’t know that that was going to happen and sometimes you just have to go with it.

FamersAmers- Thanks for listening to me rant! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!

Erina258- You will find answers in this chapter.

RASaero611- He he he I’m glad I have you thinking.

Cherie- Tuesday is here!!

Shae- You will see what happened in this chapter.

Lady_vixen- Glad I caught you by surprise.

Sweet Liz- thank you!

Hazz- Thanks!

LovinGuerin2Much- Thank you I’m glad you agree.

RoswellRulz-There will be a happy ending……eventually.

OmegaRam1- I’m glad you liked it.

Martine- LOL ok I didn’t expect someone to be happy about Max getting into an accident but I can see your reasons why.

ForeverADreamer-You will see what Liz does in this part.

foxy char- Thank you

Thank you all for the awesome FB. I was worried about the last chapter and tweaked it for weeks! Thanks to those who nominated Alana for best child, I was shocked and flattered

~~Chapter 17~~


I decided to go home and take a shower since I didn’t have any clothes at Max’s place. Last night was great but there are still a lot of things we need to talk about. I want to be with Max more then anything and as I look around my mostly packed up house I realize that what I tried to do was wrong. I had no right to tell Max that I was taking Alana anywhere and had it been him I would have reacted the same way if not worse.

I want to run my own place and I won’t give up on that but I need to include Alana and now Max in those plans. Max and I have perfected the art of dancing around things and that stops now. Now that we have finally admitted what we have both felt for years we need to be open about everything that includes how I really feel about Max’s past dating habits. He tells me that he’s always wanted me but he hasn’t acted like it. I don’t even know if I want to open up that can of worms though. A part of me feels that I should let it go, there isn’t anything I can do about it so why bring it up? It’s in the past now.

My house feels so cold now so I go back over to Max’s. When I walk in I glance at the sofa and smile. Memories of what happened the night before flood my mind. I need to talk to Max about what we are going to do now. I don’t’ know where we are going to live, if we are going to live together or what we are going to tell Alana. I regret putting her through the hell of telling her that we are moving. At least now we can tell her that we are not going anywhere.

It’s been three hours since Max has been gone and I’m starting to worry. I’ve kept myself busy by cleaning up a little, I didn’t want to go back home. I call his cell phone and it goes straight to voicemail. My heart races as I fear the worst so I call Isabel. I go to grab the house phone when I hear my cell phone ring.

“Isabel I was just about to call you.” I don’t hear anything on the other line and think that my phone crapped out again.

“Iz?” I hear what I think is a cry and get worried.

“Liz. A-Alex is coming to get you.”

“What’s wrong? Is Alana ok?” All kind of scenarios are going through my head. Maybe she fell off a horse or down the stairs.

“Alana is fine Liz. J-just w-wait for Alex.” She hangs up and moments later I hear a knock on the door.

“Alex what’s happened. Isabel called but she didn’t say anything.” Alex looks like hell and I start to cry. I know something happened.

“Just come with me Liz. It’s Max.” I cry out and feel my knees get weak. Alex helps steady me and we slowly walk to his car. I’m too scared to ask for details and just hope that he’s ok. God couldn’t be that cruel. He couldn’t take him away from me just when I got him back.

The drive to the hospital is quiet. Alex doesn’t say anything and I’m too scared to ask.

“Alana is with Emily. We umm didn’t want to bring her. She doesn’t know anything.”

“Oh God.” I cry out and the tears fall. If they left her home it’s bad.

The car stops at the curb and I rush inside. I see Isabel and Victoria. Victoria? What the hell is she doing here?

“Isabel please tell me something.” She pulls me into a hug.

“Oh God Liz. Max he’s he’s in a c-coma.” She is a total wreck and she doesn’t need the stress in her condition.

“I’m going to get the doctor Liz.” Alex says before walking away leaving Isabel, Victoria and I in the waiting room.

“Do you know what happened?” I ask Victoria because that’s the only reason I can think of for her to be here.

“Yes, well kind of. I heard an ambulance not too far from my house so when I went outside to look I recognized Max’s car. They didn’t tell me much but he hit a truck and his car flipped a few times.” Having her say it out loud makes Isabel cry even harder. I want Alex to get back so he can take her home.

We sit there in silence when I see Max’s father come rushing in. I’ve cried so much that I have a headache now.

“How’s he doing?” He asks me.

“I don’t know. Alex went to get the doctor.” He nods and takes a seat next to Isabel. Isabel gives her father a hug and begins crying again.

Finally Alex comes with a doctor.

“I’m Doctor Jennings. I’m afraid that he’s in a coma right now. We just stabilized him but it’s going to be touch and go for a while. We’ve run an EEG which measures brain waves and they are good. As you may know there is no way for us to know when he will come out of the coma but hasn‘t been any swelling of the brain which is good.”

“When can we see him?” Isabel asks.

“I will have a nurse come get you when it’s ok but only two at a time for now and only for a few minutes.” We all nod and wait.

“Isabel and I will go in first. I want to take her home soon.” Alex says. I agree but Isabel has other plans.

“I’m not going anywhere Alex. He’s my brother I’m staying here all night and all month if I have to.” The first signs of the Isabel I know are back.

“Isabel he’s right you can’t stay here. It’s not good for the babies. I’ll call you if anything at all changes I promise.” She looks at me and I think she’s about to say no but she agrees. She and Alex go in and Max’s father goes to get coffee and some snacks for us.

“Liz I wanted to talk to you for a moment.” I really don’t want to but I nod for her to continue.

“I have a feeling that Max was coming over to talk to me and I just wanted to tell you that I was going to break it off with him. I saw the way he looks at you and I know that he will never look at me the way he looks at you, I know how he feels about you, how he really feels and I can’t compete with that nor do I want to.” I’m listening to her and I can’t believe that she’s saying. I had no idea that she knew and I feel kind of bad for her now.

“I really liked Max but I don’t want to stand in the way of true love. He’s a special person and I’m sure you are too for him to love you. Please tell him that I’m sorry and I wish you two the best.” She gathers her things and is ready to leave when I stop her.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know you very well but I’m sure you are a special person too. Max let you into his life and he doesn’t do that often. I wish you the best also.” She gives me a small smile and leaves.

Alex and Isabel come out and Isabel is in tears. She is leaning on Alex and looks so tired and worn out. Alex leads her over to one of the chairs and pulls me aside.

“Liz I just wanted to give you a heads up before you went in. It looks bad, he’s bandaged up. Don’t stress about Alana right now, we will take care of her. Give us a call and let us know what you want to do. She can stay with us for as long as you need. Emily will help with her; I can tell her that you had to go away on business for a few days. I know you are going to want to stay here.” He places a kiss on my forehead and grabs Isabel.

“Take care of him please.” Isabel whispers to me as she gives me a hug.

Phillip goes in next and I call Isabel’s house so I can tell Alana myself that I won’t see her for a few days. I want nothing more then to be with her now but I don’t want her to see me this way and I know that I’ll be a wreck for a while.

Emily answers the phone and I talk to Alana for a few minutes. I hold back my tears when she tells me that she wants Max to see her ride her horse soon. I tell her to behave and promise to call her tomorrow.

“I’m going to come back tomorrow. He’ll be fine, my son is a fighter.” Philip comes out and I know he’s trying to put on a brave front but I see the tears in his eyes.

“I know he will.” I give him a hug and brace myself before I go in and see Max.

The room is dimly lit and I see him on the bed with tubes sticking out of him hooked up to monitors. I slowly walk closer and am scared. By the looks of all the machinery it’s serious. When I get to the bed I see both his legs are in a cast as well as one of his arms. His face is almost all covered up in bandages. The only thing I can see is one of his eyes and his lips. I bring my hands to my mouth in attempt to cover my cries even though he can’t hear me. His gown is partially open and I see there are bandages around his chest. I’m assuming he has some broken ribs. I squeeze his hand and let the tears fall. I can’t hold them back anymore and don’t care.

“Max, it’s me. I know that you are in a coma but I know you can hear me. I love you so much baby. You can’t leave me now. We just found each other again. Please Max wake up.” I’m begging him but I don’t care. I need him, I can’t survive without him. He’s been in my life for so many years I can’t do this without him.

I pull up a chair and sit next to his bed. I know that I can’t stay for long but I’m going to stay for as long as they will let me. I lay my head on the edge of the bed and close my eyes and pray. It’s not something that I do often but I will do anything to have Max come back to me.

“Honey. It’s time to go.” I hear a sweet voice waking me up. It reminds me of my grandmother.

“What time is it?” I ask. She tells me its 8PM and I sit up and stretch.

“Thank you for letting me stay.” I was supposed to be out of here a while ago per the doctors orders.

“It’s ok. I have to check his vitals.” She goes over to one of the machines and writes something down.

“Is he……. I mean will he…….you know.” I know she doesn’t know but I have to ask anyway.


“I wish I had an answer for you honey but I don’t. He looks like he was healthy so let’s hope for the best.” She smiles and I walk out of the room with tears rolling down my face again.

~~~
“Don’t ever leave me.”

“I won’t.”

“Promise me. Promise me we will always be together.”

“I promise.”

“Do you love me?”

“Yes. Always.”

“Come back to me. I need you.”

“I’m here. I’ll always be here.” I reach out to touch his face but it disappears.

I sit up quickly drenched in sweat. I’m in Max’s room and I suddenly remember that he’s not here and that he’s hurt. I feel the tears forming in my eyes and push them back. When I got home all I wanted to do was be with Max so I went to his place. I put on one of his t-shirts and a pair of his boxers. When I saw the bed with the sheets still wrinkled the memories of our night flood back to me.

I cried, screamed, pleaded and prayed all night until sleep finally took over. It’s close to 6 in the morning and I walk downstairs to make some coffee. I’m exhausted but I can’t sleep. Being in this house now doesn’t seem like such a good idea. Everything I see screams Max. The smell the furniture, everything. I drink my coffee and go home to change.

I plan on spending all day at the hospital even if they won’t let me see Max the whole time. I decide to check my messages before I head out. One is from Isabel asking me to call her when I get the message, the other is from Philip.

I call Isabel and inform her of my plans. She wants to come to the hospital too but Alex doesn’t feel like it’s a good idea. They compromise and she will meet me later this afternoon for a few hours. After I hang up with her I call Philip.

“Liz I don’t like you being alone right now. Come stay here at the house.” I know he’s lonely too and must be going crazy like I am.

“I don’t know Philip. I’ll think about it. Thank you for asking.” He tells me that he’s going to the hospital later on and we agree to talk then.

I’m driving over there when Howie Day’s song Collide comes on. I quickly turn the radio off. I’m thinking back to our trip to New York. We had such a great time. When Max gets better we will go back. I have to think positive no matter what. I have to stay positive for Max and for Alana. I realize that I have to tell her eventually but I hope that Max wakes up soon. I arrive at the hospital and a nurse tells me that I can’t see him for another hour.

Philip joins me half hour later and we sit and talk until it’s time to see Max.

“Did you think about staying at the house? It’s much closer to here then your house.” I see the sadness in his eyes. I know this is hard on him too. No matter how many times he and Max fight I know he really cares about his son.

“Thank you for offering Philip. I might take you up on that I’d like to be close to Max so I can visit him as much as I can.” We sit and talk for a bit longer when the nurse tells us that we can go in.

Philip pulls up a chair on one side of the bed and I on the other. I hold his hand and talk to him as if he can hear me. Philip talks to him as well. We talk to him about everything hoping that he will wake up any minute.

“Liz I have to take care of some things at the office. I will see you later tonight. Come by anytime I’ll have the maid fix a room for you.” I nod and watch him leave. Luckily I had put in my resignation at the inn so I don’t have to worry about going to work. I’ve placed a call to Mr. Blake and he was upset that I wasn’t coming but he understood. He asked me to give him a call when things settle down he said he might have something in Boston for me but I can’t think about that now.

I sit in his room while the nurse comes in every so often to check on him. We make small talk until Isabel comes in.

“How are you holding up?” She asks and takes the seat Philip was in earlier.

“I’m ok. How are you doing?” She places her hand on her belly and smiles.

“I’m doing ok. I’m having a boy and a girl. I was going to tell you and Max.” She smiles and brushes some hair off Max’s face.

“That’s great Isabel. I’m so happy and Max will be happy too once you tell him.” I have to talk about him as if he’s going to wake up soon.

“I know he will be. I’m trying to put on a brave front for Alana but I think she knows something is wrong. Alex is with her most of the time, we tell her that I’m tired so I’m in my room most of the time. I can’t help but cry every time I see her Liz. I’m sorry.” She starts to cry again.

“It’s ok Iz. I appreciate you taking her. I’m going to have to tell her soon. Your father asked me to stay with him at the house and I agreed. It’s closer to here anyway.”

“He’s scared Liz. I can tell. I’m happy that you will be there with him, he’s been so alone.”

“Has anyone called your mother to tell her?” I wonder.

“Dad says he will call her.” She shrugs. It must be hard for Isabel to have parents like she does. At least she has parents. Mine died in a car accident when I was in college.

“Good she needs to know.” Isabel talks to Max about random things while I think of a way to break the news to Alana.

“I’m going to get Alana a little later and bring her by after I tell her.” Isabel nods and we sit in silence for a while.

“Liz he has to make it. I can’t do this without him. I need him. He’s always been my rock you know? He can’t leave us, not yet.” I walk over to her and give her a hug. I know how close he has always been with Max and how much she depends on him.

“I know Iz he will be. He’ll be here to see your children being born, he’ll be here.” I try to reassure her but I’m also reassuring myself. He has to come back to us. Isabel isn’t due for another 3 months. He’ll be better by then.
~~
I sit for as long as I can in his room until the nurse tells me that I have to leave. I stop and try to get something to eat but end up only take a bite of my sandwich. I can’t eat right now. I have to tell Alana what’s going on so I drive to Isabel’s. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.

“Miss. Parker Hola.” Emily opens the door and gives me a hug.

“Hello.” When I pull away I hear Alana running down the stairs.

“Mommy!” Alana runs towards me and launches herself into my arms.

“Hi baby. Have you been a good girl?” She shakes her head yes and pulls me to the games room.

“Mom me and Alex was gonna play a game. Come play wit us.” I see Alex setting up a board game and give him a quick hello.

“Alana baby mommy has to talk to you about something first ok?” She sits down on the large sofa and I sit next to her. Alex is about to leave but I want him there. I don’t know why but I think I need him with me.

“What’s wrong mommy?” I guess she can see the tears that I feel forming.

“Well honey your daddy is sick.” I don’t know why I said sick but it sounds better then hurt.

“He has a tummy ache? Cause I had one and Aunty Isabel gave me some tea and I’m all better now. Can we make him some tea mommy?” A smile graces my lips. She can be so sweet.

“No honey it’s not a tummy ache. Daddy is really sick so he’s sleeping right now.”

“Oh well when he wakes up we can give him some. Oh and some toast too, that’s what Aunty Bell gave me and it works mommy it works really good.” Her eyes are wide when she’s telling me this; I guess she is a believer in tea like her aunt.

“Honey your daddy might not wake up right away.” Her lip starts trembling and I know she’s going to start balling any minute.

“How come? How come he won’t wake up?” the tears are rolling down her face now and I try my hardest to hold mine back.

“He has to get better sweetie so he needs to rest while he does that.” She’s shaking her head no at me.

“No. He can get better and wake up. I wanna see him mommy. I want to see dad and wake him up.” Crap I should have known that she would want to see him. I can’t let her see him the way he is now. His body is all bandaged up.

“You can’t right now but I promise you can see him soon.” She scoots over towards me and sits on my lap. I know that she needs comfort right now and I do too.

“I’m going to be taking care of daddy for a while honey so I want you to stay here with Uncle Alex and help him take care of Aunt Isabel and the babies ok?”

“Ok mommy I can help I’m a big girl now.” I knew that the mention of the twins would get her in a better mood. She is so excited about their arrival.

“Princess why don’t you have Emily fix you a snack ok I want to talk to your mom.” She gives me a kiss on the cheek and skips off to the kitchen.

“Thanks for doing this Alex. I…”

“Liz don’t worry about it. Max needs you right now we understand. We love having her and its better that she doesn’t know anything for right now. I have a few days off before I need to head back to work and Emily can take care of her after that. Don’t feel bad for leaving her here we all understand.” He squeezes my hand for comfort.

“I just feel so torn. I don’t want to leave her but I want to spend as much time as I can with Max. I know he’s in a coma but I feel like he can hear me you know?”

“I know Liz and its fine. Don’t beat yourself up over this. It’s only a few days, Max will be ok soon.”

I spend most of the day with Alana before going home to gather a few things to take to Philips house. I never would have thought I’d be staying in this house over night. Philip and I haven’t had the best relationship over the years. I’m glad that we can come together but sad that it took something like this to have it happen.

I get to the house and the maid tells me that Philip is not there. She shows me to my room and I put my clothes away.

“Will there be anything else?” She asks me.

“No thank you.”

“Very well. Mr. Evans will be arriving in an hour or so I will let him know you are here.” She closes the door behind her.

I sit on the plush sofa that is near the window and look out onto the garden. I wonder if Isabel and Max used to spend time out there. The house seems so cold, I wonder if it was like this when they were children. I suddenly feel tired and take a short nap until Philip gets home.


Ok so we are going back to once a week for this fic. I'm going to be on a cruise next week but I have someone to post for me.

Authors Note: Hey guys, Jazzy is currently on a cruise (lucky her ) and she asked me to post this next part for her and to also say thanks to everyone for reading.
Enjoy!
Frances
(PS...if anything looks funny in this chapter its my fault ...my computer hates me and when I tried to post this part it just looked strange to me.. )


~~ 2 weeks later ~~

I can’t keep putting of letting Alana see Max. Most of the bandages have
been removed but his legs and arm are still in a cast.

You can still see the many cuts and bruises on his face but it’s not as bad as when they first took them off.

He was moved to a private room from the ICU recently. He’s still in a coma and I still talk to him everyday. Depending on who is working the floor I stay overnight here at the hospital.

I’m going to bring Alana to stay with me at Philips house too. Alex and Isabel have been great but they need a break.

Isabel has been coming in 4 days a week for a few hours but it’s starting to wear on her. She looks so tired and the stress is not good. Her doctors told her to take it easy before she ends up being on complete bed rest for the rest of the pregnancy.

I get to Isabel’s and Emily goes to get Alana. She was out back riding with Alex.

“Mommy I get to see dad today?” She’s out of breath and in her riding
gear.

“Yes you do honey but we need to get you showered and changed first.” I walk upstairs with her and run a bath.

“I have to wear a pink dress mom, dad likes me in pink.” She’s in the bath and I’m picking out her clothes.

“Ok honey. Let me wash your hair so we can start getting you ready.” After her hair is done we dry her off and get dressed.

“How do I look mom?” She’s twirling around the room.

“Like and angel. Come on lets go.” The whole ride there I’m nervous. I don’t know how she’s going to react when she sees Max and I hope it doesn’t scare her.

Max has always been her rock and to see him hurt might upset her but
she has to see him. Hopefully it will help Max’s recovery. I’m prying for a
miracle at this point.

“Ok honey your dad is in this room.” I’m trying to prep her before we go
in.

“Ok mom I’ll be good I promise.” I want to tell her what to expect before we go in.

“Honey your daddy is going to have cuts on his face and his legs are broken so he has a cast on. Do you know what a cast is?”

“Yes mommy. Will dad know that I’m there?”

“He can’t talk honey he’s in a really deep sleep but you can talk to him.”

She smiles and we walk into his room.

“Is that his heart mommy? “

“You don’t have to whisper baby and yes it is his heart.” He’s hooked up to a ventilator and we can hear the steady beep of his heart over the monitor.

There is a chair on the side of his bed and she climbs up on it. I see her place a kiss on his cheek and I feel the tears forming again.

“He’s going to wake up soon mommy.” I’m glad that she’s not scared and that she’s not crying.

“I know baby.” I pull her onto my lap and we sit in silence for a while. I look down and I see her with her eyes closed but she’s mouthing some words.

“Honey what are you doing?” I ask her.

“I’m praying mommy. I was askin God to make my daddy wake up cause I would
be very sad if he died.” I try hard to hold back my tears but I can’t.

Silently they fall as Alana is once again on the chair next to his bed.
She’s whispering something into Max’s ear and I don’t ask her what it is.

She needs this time with him.

“Baby lets get you something to eat.” I look at my watch and see that it’s past lunch time.

“No mommy I wanna stay here wit dad.” She holds on to his arm.

“Honey we’ll get something in the cafeteria. We won’t be long.”

Reluctantly she lets go of his arm and walks with me to get food.

~~

Alana is asleep on the sofa in his room and I’m sitting next to his bed once again.

“Come back to us. We need you.”

“I’m trying. I love you. I will always love you not matter what.”

“Don’t talk like that. You have to come back.”

“I will.” Again I wake up sweating. I keep having these dreams where Max and
I are laying in the grass side by side talking. Every time I go to touch him
he disappears.

I look at my watch and its only 3AM. I tip toe out of the room and get some
coffee. I know that I won’t be going back to sleep anytime soon.

~~
I’m driving Alana to school for the first time in weeks today. I let her
miss a few days but I don’t want her to fall behind. This morning she was
quiet I know she was thinking about Max.

He’s always with her in the
mornings I know it’s hard on her. Philip has been reading to her at night
and he’s been great with her. I think it helps keep his mind off Max’s
situation. I’m glad she has this time with Philip.

After I drop her off I head to the hospital. It’s been three weeks since Max’s accident. Some days it feels like it happened yesterday and some days it feels like longer. I sit and talk to him all day.

I tell him things about Alana and things that we are going to do when he gets out of here. Isabel is coming down soon, her visits are now down to twice a week but she’s doing great.

“Hey how are you?” She asks me.

“I’m ok. How are you doing?” She places her hands on her stomach and smiles.

“I’m great. You look tired Liz have you been sleeping?”

“Not really. I keep having these dreams and I can’t go back to bed after I wake up. I’ll be fine though.” I’ve been feeling sick lately but then again I haven’t been eating or sleeping.

“Liz you can’t be here ever waking hour. You need to take care of yourself too Max would want that.” She’s right but I can’t leave him.

“I can’t Isabel. I can’t not be here. I want to be here when he wakes up if I go he might wake up and be alone.” The tears are falling down now.

“Liz he’s in a hospital he’s not alone. If he wakes up and your not here I’m sure someone will call you. You are no good to him making yourself sick.”

“I know Iz I’m just more comfortable here. I promise to start eating and sleeping moreoften.”

“Please do Liz. So how is Alana taking all of this?” I realize that I have to pick her up in a few hours.

“I’m not really sure to be honest with you. She seems to be taking it well but that scares me. I don’t know if she is holding her feels inside.

When I try to talk to her about it she tells me that Max is going to wake up soon and that’s all. She doesn’t get into it but I don’t want to push her.” I might need to have her talk to a counselor.

“I’m sure it’s nothing but if she keeps it up then have her talk to someone.” I will check on
Alana to see if there are any signs to be worried about.

“Liz you look pale. Have you eaten today?” I feel clammy all of the sudden.

“Umm I had half a bagel with Alana this morning.” I hadn’t even thought about eating till now.

“Come one lets get something to eat. I’ll have the nurse page us if anything changes we will go to the cafeteria ok?” I start to protest.

“Come on now you wouldn’t deny a pregnant woman food would you?” I can’t argue with that and give Max a kiss before following her out.

“So you and Max talked? I mean before……” I guess she saw the kiss that I gave him.

“Yeah we talked. We still have some things to work out but I think things are going to be fine.” I have no idea what I want to eat. Nothing looks good.

“So you’re not leaving then?” We are almost at the end of the line and I’ve thrown random
things on my tray.

“No I’m not. I love him.” We pay and find a table to sit down.

“Well it’s about time you guys realized it. I was starting to lose hope.”

“What the hell are you eating?” She asks me and I look down at the fries that I’m eating.

“Umm fries.”

“I knew it!” What is she talking about?

“Knew what? You’re crazy.” The hormones have gotten to her.

“Elizabeth Parker you know very well what I’m talking about. Don’t bull shit
me! You never EVER eat fries. Since I‘ve known you the only time you
have eaten them was when you were pregnant with Alana.”

“Impossible. Isabel there is no way that I’m…that I’m…….pregnant?” As the
word leaves my mouth I come to a realization that I might be. Max and I
weren’t preoccupied with protection that night and I had been off the pill
for a while since it was making my periods crazy. I had meant to go to the
doctor to get a different brand but never got around to it not that I needed it anyway.

“Isabel what am I going to do? We haven’t talked about this I don’t even know how he feels about more children. We just admitted to each other how we feel and we are going to be parents again.” I feel like crying.

“The first thing you are going to do it take a test to see if it’s really true. Don’t worry about what Max will think. He loves you and he loves children. I’m sure he will be happy that you are going to have a baby.” I want to believe her.

“Your right. One thing at a time.” We finish out food and Isabel goes home. I have an hour before I have to pick Alana up so I go back to Max’s room.

He looks so peaceful laying there. He still has an IV and the cuts on his face are getting better. He should be out of his casts in a few weeks.

“Max I know you can hear me baby. We might be having another baby aren’t you
excited? I’m going to take a test soon but I think we are. We need you to wake up Max we all need you. I can’t do this without you, I never could. I’m going to pick up Alana soon but I will be back I promise. Max please wake up. Please come back to us.” I lean down and place a kiss on his lips again before leaving.

~~
“Liz how many did you buy?” I stopped at the pharmacy before coming over to take the tests.

“I wanted to make sure so I got a few of them.” I bought 4 to be exact and some of them have two tests in the box.

“You are a mess. Come on let’s go to the bathroom in my room so we can have privacy.” We head upstairs and open up all the boxes.

“Ok are you going to pee on all of them at once or one at a time?” Isabel asks and I hadn’t thought about it.

“Umm I’ll do three today and three another day.”

“Like you’re going to need more then one test.” Isabel snorts.

“You don’t know that.” I take the three sticks and close the door to the bathroom.

“Alright did you set the timer?” I ask making sure that it’s time exact.

“Yes chill out.” We sit on her bed and I swear I hear the clock ticking.

“What are you guys doing?” Alex comes into the room and sees us staring at the clock.

“Umm nothing. What’s up?” Isabel gets up and gives him a kiss.

“Not much I came home and was wondering where you were. What are you doing up here?”

“Umm we were going to try on some clothes.” Damn Isabel is fast. I wouldn’t have been able to think of anything to say.

“Alright well I’m going to get something to eat. You guys want anything?”

“No thanks.” We both say.

“Ok then.” Alex shakes his head and closes the door behind him.

“How much longer?” This is killing me.

“Umm three more minutes. I’m going to check it now though.” She gets up and I stop her.

“No! Wait ok. Just wait.” She sits back down and we wait.

“Ok go check.” I can’t take it anymore. I have to know.

“You don’t want to wait the 30 seconds you have left?” I slap her on the arm and tell her to go.

“Well?” She’s been in the bathroom for a while and I’m getting worried.

“Umm well one of them is green and the other two have a triangle what does that mean?”

“What! Let me see.” I run into the bathroom wondering what the hell went wrong when I see Isabel with tears in her eyes.

“What the hell, green?” I take the sticks from her hand and look at them for myself. One of them is blue not green and the other two have a plus sign not a triangle.

“Bitch!” I pull her into a hug then burst out into tears.

“I had to mess with you. Why are you crying?” She asks me.

“Why are you crying?”

“I’m happy for you.” She wipes the tears from her eyes.

“Me too but I’m scared Iz. It’s real now what am I going to do?” We go back to her room and lay on the bed side by side.

“Everything will be fine you’ll see.” Isabel is rubbing her belly while talking to me.

“I’m excited though. To be doing it all over again and this time I know that Max will be around for sure. He was there for me last time but I had doubts for a while you know?”

“I know you did. And your right he will be around this time for sure. I can’t wait to tell him he’s going to be so happy.” I smile knowing that he will be.

“I hope Alana will be as happy to have a brother or sister as she is to have cousins.”

“Oh she will be. She told me that she wanted a baby brother or sister.”

“She did? I didn’t know that.” I feel like I’ve missed so much with Alana over the past few weeks.

“Yeah when she was here with us we I would tuck her in and she would rub my stomach and tell me she can’t wait for you to have another baby.” Isabel laughs.

“Well I’m happy to make her happy.” I close my eyes and silently pray that Max wakes up soon. I want him to be here for the whole thing like he was with Alana.

FamersAmers- I’m glad you like the dreams. You know how much I like them

Hazz- All in due time

RASaero611- I can’t make any promises.

Ellie- Thank you I had a blast on the cruise!

Martine- Yes Alana is very grown up much like a little someone that I know. LOL I had a great time. Thanks.

Emz80m- oh ye of little faith. Come on now you really think I would do that? LOL

Smac- Humm seems like you are another one of little faith. LOL you just have to wait and see what happens. I had a great time. I don’t think I will ever stay at a hotel again a cruise is the way to go for sure it was awesome.

dreamer<3- Aww thank you for coming out of lurkdom. I’m glad you like the story.

LovinGuerin2Much- I knew you would appreciate that part. I was LMAO when I wrote it. Thanks for posting for me while I was away. I Luv you!!!! Hahaha I had to sorry.

Roswell3053- YAY a new reader. Thanks for the FB I’m glad you like it.

coco pucks
Lazza
Lady_vixen
Michelle17
ShatteredDreamer
begonia9508
Sweet Liz
Guelbebek
BehrObsession
Cherie
Shae
guelbebek
Adreamer
froufrou

Ok guys I have no will power so I’m going back to twice a week. The fact that it’s been sitting on my computer finished for weeks now is killing me I guess it’s the reader coming out in me. So I will be posting on Tuesdays and Thursdays again. There are 7 parts left and I’m a little sad but I hope you guys enjoy the rest of this fic.

I had a great time on my cruise and Mexico is beautiful. Thank you all for your continued FB I really appreciate it and thanks again for all who nominated Alana I’m glad you like her and the little girl she is based on is just as smart and funny as hell to. LOL

~~Chapter 19~~

~~ 2 weeks later~~

“I can’t do this.”

“Yes you can. You are strong.”

“I need you here with me. This is too hard.”

“I know baby. I‘m sorry.”

“Why can’t I touch you?”

“You have touched me. In my heart.”

“I need to feel you. Come back to me.”

Again I reach out to touch his face and he disappears. The dreams haven’t gone away. I wake up sweating again and walk to the bathroom to wash my face. Philip found out that I was pregnant and has ordered me to rest more. I think he feels bad for not being around for my first pregnancy and is trying to make up for it now. It’s been a little over a month since Max has been in the hospital and it seems like longer.

I hate being away from the hospital but I do need to rest. I can’t sleep right in the room that Max is in. When I glance over at the alarm clock I see that it is 5AM. I grab a journal that I’ve been keeping so that I can give it to Max when he wakes up and begin to write my thoughts for the day. I’ve been writing down everything that I’ve been feeling and everything that goes on everyday. It’s helped me a lot.

I’ve been taking Alana to see Max almost everyday after school. She tells him everything about her day as if he was listening. She swears he can hear her and I’m glad that she’s taking it so well. I haven’t told her about the baby because I know she will tell Max and even though he might not hear her I want to be the one to tell him.

Isabel is closer to having the babies and I’m scared that Max will miss it. I have to keep positive but there are times that I try to imagine the worst. What would I do if he doesn’t wake up? I try not to dwell on it too much but not having him around is so strange to me. He’s been in my life for so long now that I can’t imagine a life without him in it.

I start to drift off to sleep when I hear Philip come into the room.

“Liz?” He says quietly.

“I’m awake.” I say as I adjust myself so I am sitting up on the bed.

“I’m sorry to bother you I saw the light on and I couldn’t sleep and I know that you said you were having trouble sleeping as well.” I can tell he’s nervous about something.

“Yeah I’m still having those dreams.” He sits on the edge of the bed.

“I just wanted to apologize to you. I haven’t been supportive of your decisions in the past and I’ve voiced them to Max before and well I just wanted to say that I was wrong. I’m sorry. Seeing you with Alana and seeing how beautiful of a person she is lets me know that you are a great mother and that you and Max made the right choice no matter how unconventional.”

“Thank you. It means a lot for you to say that. It took us a while but Max and I are finally at a place where we both want to be.” I put the journal down and scoot closer to him.

“I know that Max has always loved you and I can tell that you love him too. You have been so great through all of this. I don’t know how you do it. I know you want to be at the hospital all the time but you have to take care of yourself.” I smile.

“I know. I just don’t want him to be alone when he wakes up you know? I feel like I should be there for him.” I sigh and try to hide back a yawn. I guess I was tired after all.

“I know you do and he won’t be alone. We are not too far away for when he does wake up. You should get some sleep. I’ll take Alana to school you stay and rest.”

“Thank you. I’ll see you a little later.” He says goodbye and softly closes the door.

Sleep finally takes over and I drift off into my dreamland.

When I wake up I see that it’s 11 in the afternoon. I can’t believe that I slept this long. After washing my face and brushing my teeth I head downstairs to grab something to eat before going to the hospital.

When I get to the hospital I see Alex in the room.

“Hey what are you doing here at this time?” He usually comes in later in the afternoon.

“I had an early meeting so I decided to drop by.” He was sitting near the bed with a magazine in hand.

“Have you been here long?” I ask.

“No I just thought I’d come and sit here you know? Maybe he will know that I am here even if I don’t talk as much. Anyway how are you doing?” He doesn’t know about my situation and it takes me a minute to realize that.

“I’m ok.” I pull up a chair and sit as close to the bed as I can.

“Liz you look tired. I think you are wearing yourself too thin between taking care of Alana and coming here it’s too much Liz.” I know he cares about me but I have to be here.

“Alex I’m not going to stop coming here. I know that you mean well but I’m not at ease unless I’m here. When I’m home all I think about is what if he wakes up and is all alone. I drive myself crazy so I come here that way I’ll know.” He nods and we sit there in silence for a while.

“I’m going to give Max some physical therapy would you like to help me?” The therapist taught me what to do a few weeks ago. I love this time of day, I love having the physical contact with him. I feel closer to him this way.

“Ok tell me what you need.” Alex stands up and helps me lift his legs.

Close to two hours later we are done. It took longer then usual because Alex and I would get into talking and stop doing what we were doing. I hadn’t talked to Alex like this in a while and it was nice. He’s always been around but I never knew how great he was or how crazy he really was for Isabel until now. We talked about the babies and I wanted to tell him about our baby but I stopped myself, not until Max knows.

“I’m going to head home and check on Isabel. Liz call us if you need anything ok? I know Isabel might not be of much help right now but you have me and we have Emily who is more then happy to help.”

“Thank you Alex but I’m fine. I’ll see you later.” He pulls me into a tight hug and walks out.

~~
I have to make a doctors appointment soon to confirm that I’m pregnant and to start my check ups. I don’t want to do this alone and am trying to put it off as much as I can but I really should go soon.

“Max baby I know you can hear me. I don’t want to do this without you but I need to go to the doctor to get checked out. Please Max I can’t do this without you. Alana misses you we all miss you. Your leg is getting better and your bruises have healed up now we just need you to wake up.” I know he can hear me I can feel it. I brush his hair as much as I can, I know he’s always had his hair perfect. I sit and talk to him for a while longer before I go get Alana. I’ve never told her that Max and I were together now and I hope that it will make her happier. She’s not telling me that she’s upset but I can tell when I look into her eyes. She’s not as vibrant as she used to be.

“Mommy look what I made today!” She shows me a picture that she drew in school.

“That is beautiful babe.” I help her get into the car and we drive back to Philips place. I haven’t been back home lately. Seeing Max’s place upset me since he’s not there. Philip went over with Isabel to get the bulk of our things including Alana’s toys to which she made her own list. It was a proud moment for Isabel.

“Mommy when dad gets better are we still moving?” She asks and takes me off guard I didn’t think she would be thinking of that still.

“Baby we aren’t moving.” I look in the rearview mirror and see the biggest smile on her face.

“I wanna tell daddy!”

“Baby daddy already knows. He and I talked about it before he got sick..” I hear her screech and a smile graces my lips.

We get to the house and Philip is in the living room when we walk in.

“Grandpa did you know that me and mommy aren‘t movin?” She hops onto his lap totally oblivious that he was reading the paper.

“No I didn’t. That is great.” he knew but didn’t want to burst her bubble.

“Yes it is great.” She hugs Philip and goes to the kitchen to get some cookies.

“She looks happy.” Philip says and offers me a seat next to him.

“Yeah she does. I was worried about her for a while but she seems better today.”

“I’m glad that you and Max are together now. I really am.” He rests his hand on my knee.

“Thank you. Have you talked to Diane lately?” I haven’t heard anything about his mother and wonder if she will even come see him.

“Yeah I did.” He sighs. “We had a long talk actually and I’ve decided to file for divorce.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that.” I know that he still loves her.

“Thank you but it’s for the best really. She was in the Bahamas; she said she will be here in the next few days. You know she wasn’t even that concerned? His own mother. I knew that she was cold but I thought something like this would have her on the next flight out here. I haven’t been the best father but I’ve tried to be there for Max and Isabel as much as I could.” I see his eyes getting watery and it breaks my heart.

“Max and Isabel love you. They know that you care even if you don’t always show it. You did the best you could that’s all anyone can ask.” I place my hand on his knee for support.

“Thank you for saying that. I’m really glad that you are here. I know I’ve said that a hundred times but it’s true. Having Alana here is great too. It’s nice to have a child enjoying the house again. Max and Isabel didn’t really get to when they were kids.” I feel for him I really do. He must have thought that his children hated him I couldn’t imagine that.

Alana and I play outside and try to make a snowman. She loves the cold I was freezing my ass off but she had fun.

We visit Max after dinner and stay for about an hour. I don’t want her to be tired for school tomorrow and she fought me tooth and nails about leaving this time. For some reason she didn’t want to leave him. She kept saying that he needed her.

“Honey Daddy will be ok. We can come back tomorrow but you have to go to bed soon. You can’t sleep here.”

“Mommy please daddy needs me. Please mom.” She’s crying her eyes out. I don’t know what has gotten into her.

“Baby daddy will be fine. There are a lot of doctors here they will take care of him. Come on Alana we have to go.” I have to pull her off the bed and it’s killing me to do this.

“Noooooooo.” She screams so loud that a nurse comes in to see what’s wrong.

“I’m sorry.” I tell the nurse when she comes into the room. She looks down at Alana and smiles.

“Mommy we can’t leave him.” I finally get her away from the bed but she still doesn’t want to go.

“Honey we will take care of your daddy until you can come back. Don’t worry.” I look up at the nurse and thank her but Alana isn’t buying it.

“Please Alana we have to go.” I pick her up and she clutches my neck crying her heart out as we walk out of the room.

She cries the whole way home and I let my tears run as well. I put her to bed and it takes a while before she falls asleep.

“What happened?” Philip asks me when I go downstairs.

“She really didn’t want to leave him today. She said that he needed her. It was awful she was crying so hard. The nurse came into the room.”

“I guess it’s affecting her more then we thought.” He says and takes a sip of his coffee.

“Yeah I guess. But it’s strange she was always ok with leaving and today she just snapped. She kept saying that he needed her there. It was odd.” I make myself some tea in hopes that it helps me calm down.

“She’ll be ok.” He says good night and I fix my tea before heading up to bed. It’s been a long day.

~~

“You’re so beautiful. I love you so much.”

“I can’t do this anymore. These dreams are too hard for me. I can’t touch you I can’t feel you.”

“You can if you try.”

“I have been trying!”

“You can touch me without your hands just think really hard.”

“I love you so much.”

“No more then I love you. You are my world, my life.”

“And you are mine. I miss you, I miss us.”

“Me too.”

“Then do something. You can fix this.”

“I’m trying. I want to come back to you and I will I promise. Will you wait for me?”

“Always, you know that.”

This time he doesn’t disappear. This time we lay in the grass side by side only speaking to tell each other I love you every now and then.

“I have to go.”

“Don’t! Please don’t.”

“It’s time. I have to. I love you always. Don’t forget it. Don’t ever forget it.” He leans over on his side and comes within inches from my face. I can smell him and feel his breath on my face. He’s inches from my lips…..

“Liz.” I hear someone calling me but don’t want to wake up.

“Liz. Its Max.” I jump up when I hear his name.

“What?” I rub the sleep out of my eyes.

“The hospital called. It’s Max. We need to get over there right away. Get dressed.” Philip closes the door and the tears sting my face as they roll down my cheek. Please God don’t do this to me. Please.

See you Thursday

Thanks guys for all the FB. sorry no time for personals i'm in a rush. I'm posting a new story on this board called What happens in Vegas. Check it out i'd love to know what you guys think.

~~~Chapter 20~~

Get dressed? What the hell is going on? I hop out of bed and throw on a pair of velour pants with matching jacket.

“Philip what’s going on?” When I open the door I see him standing in the hall.

“I’ll tell you in the car. I don’t want Alana to wake up and hear something.” I nod and follow him out.

“Anna will watch over Alana don’t worry.” I’m in a daze but know that Alana will be ok with her. She and Alana have become close since we’ve been staying here.

“Please tell me what’s going on Philip I can’t take this.” We get into the car and Philip speeds out of the driveway.

“The doctors called and said that something has happened. I think he had a seizure. They didn’t say much but told me to come down as soon as I could.”

“Thank you for waking me.” I’m glad that he did and know that he thought twice about it before doing so.

“I know that you would want to be there in case…” He can’t finish his sentence and I don’t want him to.

“No! Max is fine. He’s going to be fine. We can’t think any other way. We can’t.” I’m practically yelling at him but I don’t care. Max is going to make it period!

We get to the hospital and take the elevator up to the floor Max is on. Quickly we spot one of the nurses that’s been taking care of Max and ask to speak to a doctor.

“Philip, Liz hello.”

“What’s going on? What happened?” Philip asks beating me to it.

“Max had a seizure. We are monitoring him for swelling of the brain. Everything seems ok right now.” I breathe a sigh of relief.

“What happens if he does have swelling?” Philip seems so in control right now and I’m thankful because I’m a mess.

“Well if it gets bad we would have to operate to alleviate the pressure.”

“B-brain surgery?” It sounds bad. Really bad!

“It’s not as bad as it sounds. We would take out part of his skull to make room for the brain then cover the brain with skin before putting the bandages on. After about a week we would put Polymer where the piece we took out was. But let’s not think about that right now though. Everything seems to be fine I just wanted you to know what happened.” We thank the doctor and he tells us that we can see him for a few moments.

Philip and I go in and tell Max that we will be back tomorrow. He looks the same to me but I don’t know what I expected him to look like after the seizure. I can’t help but think about Alana and how she didn’t want to leave Max the other day. It’s like she knew that something was going to happen.

“God I wish he would wake up already.” We are in the car going back to the house.

“I know you do. I do too. He will wake up.” I sit back and stare out the window. My tears silently roll down my face.

I go visit Max the next morning to make sure he’s ok. After spending an hour or so there I go see Isabel. I don’t want to tell her about what happened the other night. She doesn’t need to be worried.

“Hola Liz.”

“Hola Emily.” I walk in and see Isabel coming down the stairs.

“Hey what are you doing here?” She asks.

“Can’t I come by to visit?” I give her a hug and we sit in the living room.

“So everything is ok?” She asks me and I’m sure that I look like hell right now.

“Yeah just a little tired that’s all. How about you? You ready to pop or what?” Her stomach is huge.

“Yeah.” She laughs.

“Liz it’s almost time and Max is still…. you know. I’m worried.”

“Don’t be. Everything will work out. You’re not due for over a month he will be awake by then.” I’m trying to convince myself as well.

“If he misses this I will kick his ass so he better be here for it.” You have to love the mood swings she has.

“I need food. Let’s go get something to eat.” I won’t make the mistake of denying her food again so I agree. I have a few hours before I have to get Alana.

“What do you want?” I ask her and pray that it’s not something gross.

“Umm Italian.”

“Ok do you know of a place near here?” I don’t eat out that much so I have no clue.

“Umm yeah I do but you won’t want to go there so forget it.” She sits back down on the sofa and looks upset. I think about what she means for a minute and put the pieces together. Victoria’s place.

“Iz if that’s what you want I have no problems eating there.” It will be strange if she’s there but I can handle it.

“Are you sure. We can have something else if not.” I know she had her heart set on Italian so I smile and nod.

“Thank you thank you.” She hugs me and grabs her coat.

We pull up to the restaurant and are seated towards the back. The place is pretty crowded which is good if Victoria is here. I don’t mind coming here to eat but I really rather not see her if I can help it. I know she talked to me about Max and everything but seeing her and knowing that she and Max were together makes me uncomfortable.

“You look uncomfortable.” Isabel says after we place our orders.

“I’m fine.”

“Liar! At least have the guts to tell me that you are uncomfortable.” She laughs and takes a sip of her water.

“Fine I’m a little uncomfortable ok. Happy?”

“No but thank you for telling me. Why are you uncomfortable? I thought you and her talked already?” Our bread and appetizers come and we start eating.

“We did but I don’t know it’s still strange.” I take a bite of my food and I realize how hungry I really was.

“Why?”

“Well technically Max cheated on her with me for starters and I’m sure she’s thinking that her and Max would be together if I wasn’t in the picture.” I take sip of my water.

“Are you kidding me? You are not worried about Max having cheated on her with you? God that is funny.” She’s laughing and I think she’s nuts.

“Ok care to share with me why that’s so funny?” I ask trying to hide back my laughter.

“Why do you care? I mean yes technically he did but so what, shit happens Liz and you can’t worry about every little thing that happens in life or over analyze things. What’s done is done she’s made her peace with it so let it go.” What is she a freaking therapist?

“I guess your right.” I sigh.

“Well let’s just enjoy our food then.” The rest of our meal goes by with no sign of Victoria and I’m glad.

“You ready?” I ask when the check comes.

“Yup if I can get up.” I laugh and help her up.

“Thank you for lunch. I’m going to pick up Alana.” I drop her off at the house.

“Ok I’ll be at the hospital after dinner for a little while.” We say our goodbyes and I drive off.

Philip Alana and I have dinner together and are going to the hospital soon after. Philip is going to be putting in more hours at work. I think he’s doing it to get his mind off of Max for a while and I don’t blame him.

We are having dessert when the doorbell rings. Ana goes to answer it and comes back to tell us that Diane is here.

“I guess I better go deal with her. I’ll be back.” He stands up before I have a chance to say anything.

“Who’s here mommy?” I don’t want to tell her who it is yet.

“I don’t know honey. Let me go check you stay here ok?” She goes back to eating her ice cream and I go see what’s going on.

“How nice of you to finally come home.” I hear Philip say coldly to her as I stand behind the door that separates the living room from the foyer.

“I came as soon as I could I told you that.”

“He’s been in a coma for over a month Diane. What was more important then being here?” He’s right and I’m glad he said that.

“I didn’t come home to argue with you. I’m going up to my room.”

“No. You’re not staying here. This was never your house and you know that. You’ve never wanted to be here before. I’ll have someone take you to a hotel and you can see Max tomorrow.” I didn’t expect that and I’m sure Diane didn’t either.

“I am not staying at a hotel Philip don’t be silly.”

“Yes you are. You’re not going to come here and disrupt things.”

“Disrupt what? Don’t tell me that you have someone here.” Is she crazy? Philip would never do that.

“Sorry that’s your deal not mine. Liz is staying here with Alana and it would be better if you don’t see Alana. I don’t want her to see you then have you go away as fast as you came back. It’s not right and she’s going through enough right now so you WILL be staying at a hotel weather you like it or not or you can leave and go back wherever you were before you got here. It’s your choice but decide now so I can book the hotel for you I have some things I need to do.” I wait patiently for her answer and am glad that he stood up to her. He’s right Alana doesn’t need the confusion right now as much as I don’t want to deny her her grandmother it wouldn’t be right at this time.

“Fine have it your way as always.” He picks up his cell phone and walks outside with her.

A few minutes later Philip comes back in. Alana is upstairs getting ready to go.

“I heard what you said and I wanted to thank you.”

“I meant everything I said. She can’t waltz back here and throw everything into chaos like always leaving everyone else to fix what she did.” I know he’s upset about what happened.

“Your right but I’m glad she’s here. It’s good that she sees Max.” He smiles and Alana comes down ready to go.

He looks better everyday. The stitches have come out and you can barely see a scar, they did a good job. Seeing him like this, fully healed of all his external bruises makes it look like he’s really only sleeping.

Alana is chatting away telling him all about her day at school. A few minutes later Isabel comes in with Alex. She gives Max a kiss on the cheek and sits next to me while Alana talks to Alex about some horses she saw on television. I want to tell her about her mother but don’t want to say it in front of Alana.

I pull Alex aside for a minute and quickly explain what’s going on. He’s going to take Alana to the gift shop while I talk to Isabel.

“I don’t know if you father told you but your mother came to the house earlier today. Long story short your dad told her to stay at a hotel. She’s going to see Max tomorrow.”

“Well how nice of her to come after what a month? Honestly I don’t have time to deal with her right now. She’s my mother and all but right now I’m focusing on Max and the babies. I’ve had enough of her tantrums and crazy lifestyle she can do whatever she wants.” I can tell that she’s upset even though she’s not showing it.

“She doesn’t know about the babies does she?”

“No and I could care less either way. She was never around for Alana what makes you think this time will be different? She doesn’t deserve to know.” She turns away from me and now I really know that she’s upset and doesn’t want me to see it.

“I didn’t mean to upset you I just wanted you to know. Do you think she will go to your house?”

“She won’t. She never has before it would be a miracle if she did this time. She’s only here because of Max. If this hadn’t had happened she wouldn’t have come back. I’m glad that she’s here for Max but she doesn’t really want to be here if you know what I mean.”

“Yeah I figured that but at least she’s here now. Your father told me that he wanted a divorce.” I want to see how she feels about it.

“Well it’s about damn time. They haven’t had a real marriage for a while. I don’t think they ever did. I love my mother Liz but I just don’t like her. Does that make sense?”

“Yes it does.” We don’t say anything for a while and Alex comes back with Alana.

“Mommy look at all the stuff Uncle Alex got me! She has two stuffed animals and a few balloons.

“Wow did you say thank you?”

“Yes she did. She was a prefect little lady.” Alex says.

“Ok well time to get this one home. I’ll see you ladies tomorrow.” Alex helps Isabel up and gives me a kiss on the cheek.

“Oh guys Good night.” They leave and Alana shows Max all her new things before we go.

When we get home I get Alana to bed and I’m exhausted. I haven’t had morning sickness that bad lately and I’m glad. With Alana I was sick almost the whole pregnancy. I’m glad that I don’t have to go through that alone.

“You look tired.”

“I am but I’ll be ok.”

“You need your rest.”

“I’m fine. I don’t need anything but you.”

“You have me. You know that.”

“You know what I mean.”

“I want to come back to you.”

“Then do it. What’s stopping you?”

“I love you.”

“Don’t change the topic on me.”

“It’s time for me to go.”

“Max, please!” I see him stand up and walk away until he vanishes.

This time I wake up but not in a sweat. I roll over and look at the alarm clock which now reads 6 AM. At least I slept longer this time. I lay in the bed with my eyes closed for a while but I’m not asleep. Why does he always walk away? Why does he tell me it’s time for him to go? He makes it sound so final. I sit up startled. The last time he told me it was time for him to go he had the seizure.

Quickly I get out of bed and put my slippers on before going to get the phone. I walk downstairs to call the hospital but then think that if something happened they would have called. I don’t care I need to call anyway.

When I get downstairs I see Philip sitting in the living room with his hands covering his face.

“Philip.” I say softly not wanting to startle him.

“Liz I didn’t hear you come in.” He sits up and I can tell that something is wrong.

“Oh no what is it?” I’m frozen where I’m standing.

“How did you know?” I feel my legs shake and move slowly to the sofa to sit down. I don’t think I can stand up.

“Remember when they talked about swelling after he has that seizure?” I shake my head.

“Well they are going to be monitoring him closely. He has some swelling but it’s nothing serious right now. If it gets to a certain point then they will have to operate.” I feel like throwing up. I feel it rising in my throat.

“Liz it’s ok. Don’t worry about it. It’s not serious right now and I don’t want you to get upset over this. Let’s just hope for the best.” I know he’s right but I still worry.

“I’m going to get some tea it’s almost time for Alana to wake up.” He comes with me to the kitchen and leans on the counter while I prepare my tea.

“Liz why don’t you go to the spa for a few hours today? You look like you could use a break. Diane will be at the hospital around 11 and I know you won’t want to be there so go and get a massage or something.”

“I don’t know. I want to be around incase something happens. I’ll just stay here or visit Isabel while Diane is there but I don’t want to spend the day too far away.”

“Ok but don’t over do yourself. Are you going to get a check up soon?” I try and hide back my tears. I wanted Max to be there with me like he was with Alana but I can’t keep putting this off.

“I wanted to wait but I’m going to have to go soon.” I make my tea and offer him some.

“Thank you. I have to head to the office soon. I’ll be home late so you will have to have dinner without me. Anna knows already just let her know what you would like for dinner and she will make it. I’ll give you a call later on.”

I drink my tea and head up to get Alana ready. After dropping her off I go over to Isabel’s. I didn’t feel like sitting in the house alone today.

“Oh thank God you came over. I need to get out of this house. Come one let’s go.”

“What? You shouldn’t be going out Isabel you know that.” She gives me a look and I back down a little.

“Liz I can’t stay in the house all day everyday. I’m not sick and I want to go out. Come on just for a little while.”

“Ugh fine but if Alex busts you I’m going to say that you made me.” She laughs and gets her coat on.

“Isabel you don’t need anymore things. You have more then enough stuff why are we at a baby store?”

“Just come on will you.” She pulls me into the store and I’m wondering what she’s up to.

“Ok I know you have this whole no buying things too early rule but I want to get you something. Just something small to celebrate you having a baby. I know you haven’t wanted to really embrace this yet but I thought it would be good.” I feel the tears spring into my eyes. It’s a nice gesture but I can’t buy anything without Max.

“Isabel I can’t. I just…I can’t.” I race out of the store wanting to cry my heart out. I know she meant well but I can’t do this.

Moments later Isabel comes out and sits next to me on a bench in front of the store.

“I’m sorry.” I look up and her and see that she has tears in her eyes as well.

“Don’t be. I know you meant well I just can’t celebrate this right now. I want this baby I really do but I need Max here with me for this. Thank you for thinking of me.” I put an arm around her.

“Ok so lets go get a pedicure or something not that I can see my toes but who cares right?” I laugh and agree to go. I could use a little pampering.


See ya on Tuesady