Roswell Fanatics

Thank you all for the feedback. I believe that I'm going to answer most of your questions within the next few parts, so don't hate me for blowing you off in this author's note.

One question that I would like to answer, however, is why don't Tess, Michael, and Isabel heal Max. I've always viewed their healing powers as strictly limited. When Isabel was shot in Panacea, they all look for Max to heal her.

That and countless other things in the series have lead me to the conclusion that Max's healing power is his "special" power and he alone can heal major injuries. When Tess heals Max's cheek in Ask Not, I always thought it was because it was such a minor injury.

That's my personal opinion, though.

Thank you for all of the feedback. I wish that I had more time so that I could repsond to each of your personally, but that would make this author's note much too long for all of your liking, I'm sure. I'm going to try to respond next part.

I want to apologize for releasing this a day late. Timelord31 (my beta) and I bounced this chapter back and forth countless times. I wanted to make sure that everything was decent before it was released to you.

P.S. You guys have officially caught up to me with the writing/reading. The laspes of time may grow longer, depending on whether or not I have enough time to write. Hopefully I'll keep the two day schedule, but this seems VERY optimistic.

Chapter 11

The sheriff did as he was asked. He left the room silently.

Michael and Maria were in the kitchen, preparing soup and sandwiches for everyone. It’d been a long morning. Liz and Kyle were talking animatedly on the couch, occasionally joined by Isabel and Alex.

Tess was sitting in the chair near them, but making no effort to participate in the conversation. She had turned on the TV and was flipping through the channels casually. Nasedo was standing in the same place he’d been since Max had healed Michael. Jim cleared his throat, “Nasedo? Max wants to speak with you.”

The alien nodded and went into the room. Everyone looked at the sheriff. “He’s going to be fine. He’s healing himself right now.”

Jim went over to Tess and stood beside her, “You alright?”

She nodded and continued to flip through the channels.

He shrugged it off and went to the kitchen to help Maria make some sandwiches. “Smells good, Michael.”

“Yeah, well, the Crash’s taught me a lot.”

They worked efficiently. Maria had originally wanted to make sandwiches with some cold cuts, but Michael didn’t have any. The only thing he had was peanut butter and jelly. She settled for the American classic.

Michael’s French onion soup was simmering and he reduced the heat to low. “Soup’s done.”

Jim turned to Michael with a platter full of sandwiches, “Right on time.” Jim carried the sandwiches into the living room. Michael dished out enough bowls of soup for the present company and loaded them on to a platter. He carried it out and placed it on the table next to the sandwiches.

Everyone grabbed a bowl and a sandwich and ate gratefully. When they were halfway through their make-shift meal, Pierce walked out of Max’s room. Michael jumped to his feet with his hand outstretched. Pierce shook his head, laughing, “Michael, calm down. It’s me, Nasedo. Max’s ordered me to take Pierce’s form and fill in for him in the special unit; I can erase their records of Max and all of you.”

Without another word, he went to Pierce’s real body and slung it over his shoulder. He wrapped it up in one of the blankets that had been covering Max while he lay on the couch hours earlier and carried it unceremoniously out of the house.

Liz had finished early and she gathered her stuff. She walked into the kitchen and loaded her dishes into the dishwasher. She grabbed a bowl and a glass out of the cabinet. She filled the bowl with soup and the glass with water and brought them both into Max’s room.

The room was darker than the rest of the house. Someone had drawn the shades over the windows, allowing no sunlight to enter. Max was resting with his head to the side. His eyes were open and they were following a shadow cast by some trees outside of the window. It was swaying back and forth.

Liz walked to his bedside and set the bowl and cup down on his bedside table. She looked to him, “Max? Why don’t you sit up so that we can get you some food?

He nodded and tried to shift his weight, but he couldn’t. Liz adjusted his pillow so that it was folded over, able to support his back. She guided him into a sitting position and smiled, “There you go.”

He didn’t say anything as she took the bowl in her hands. She gave it to him uncertainly. He took the spoon in his right hand and dipped it shakily into the soup. He tried to bring it to his lips, but his hand was shaking so hard that the soup sloshed clumsily on his shirt. He cursed.

Liz was supportive, “It’s okay… I’ll help you.”

He hated not being able to do anything by himself. He felt shamed as Liz dipped the spoon back into the soup and brought it to his lips, but he was starving. He opened his mouth and allowed himself to swallow the liquid.

He gagged, trying to get used to the sensation of something flowing down his throat. Liz looked worried, “You okay?”

He nodded. She brought more soup to his mouth and he swallowed that, too. His stomach was churning. By the fifth spoonful, his stomach was ready to burst. Liz brought the spoon to his lips once more but he shook his head, “I can’t…”

“Max, you’ve barely eaten anything.”

“I’m full, Liz. I can’t eat anything else.”

His emotionless voice shook her. He moved towards the edge of the bed and gently placed his feet on the ground. He pursed his lips. He precariously teetered onto his feet, putting one in front of the other. He made his way to the bathroom door, limping. Liz took note of this.

He returned a few minutes later and limped back to the bed. She realized that with every step that he took he winced. She became suspicious, “Max, why are you limping?”

“I’m not.” He cursed to himself silently as he lowered himself onto the bed. He lost his footing and landed painfully on his shoulder. He stifled a scream and thrust his fist into his mouth, biting down hard. He closed his eyes in concentration and then lay fully on the bed, drawing his blanket up over his torso.

“Max, let me see your wounds.” Liz persisted.

Max shook his head, tempered, “Liz, I don’t have any. I healed them.”

She shook her head back at him, eyes wide, “Max, if you healed them then why are you still wincing in pain?” Her hand pressed against his chest and her eyes filled with emotion.

A connection formed. Max could feel Liz trying to push her way into his mind, but he wouldn’t let her. He focused his energy on reading her thoughts, finding out what happened between the moment he left and the moment he returned. When Pierce arrived. The flash flooded his senses:

Isabel paced back and forth, “I don’t like it. I don’t like that Max’s all alone.”

Michael grimaced, “It’s going to be okay, Iz. He can handle it. He needs some time. Give it to him.”

She nodded hesitantly. Maria went into the backyard and paced back and forth. She still couldn’t seem to fully process everything that was going on right now. She needed a minute to think.

Tess, Liz, Alex, Isabel, and Michael all sat around the room, staring blankly at nothing and making no attempt at conversation. What could they do? Would he ever be the same?

Maria screamed. Michael jumped from his chair and tried to walk in the door, but he raised his hands above his head quickly. Everyone else got to their feet.

Pierce entered the room with his gun drawn, pointing into the back of one of the two men that strode in before him. Maria was walking in front of them, her face ashy. Kyle and Valenti. The gun was pointing straight into Jim’s spine. Michael was backing up still, “Don’t hurt them.”

“I won’t, if you do what I want you to do.” Pierce responded slowly.

Liz was strangled, “What’s that?”

Pierce threw a ball of twine to Michael, “Tie everyone up. If you make one wrong move, I’m going to kill her.” He grabbed Maria around the neck, releasing the others, “I know as well as you do that Max’s little stories weren’t all the truth. Anyone of you could be an alien. I don’t trust a single one of you. Tie them! NOW!”

He was pissed. He had an alien in his clutches, and somehow the alien had escaped. It was just like so many years before. He’d thought that he was more prepared than his predecessors. He wouldn’t let this opportunity escape him.

Michael nodded, “Whatever you say, just don’t hurt her…”

He tied their hands together behind their backs, one by one.

Pierce threw Maria forward, “Her too!” He walked over to Isabel and held the gun to her head. Insurance.

Michael tied Maria up, too. When he was done he gulped, “What now?”

Pierce thought for a moment. He barked, “Kneel down in a line! Do it!”

Liz found herself sitting at the end of the line. She gulped as her insides twisted. Where was Max?

Pierce strode behind Michael and started fiddling with some ropes. He still held the gun in one of his hands as he worked, “If any of you makes any sudden movements, I’m going to shoot someone. Mark my words.”

“What do you want from us?” Alex managed to get some words out.

“Max Evans.” Pierce said simply, striding in front of everyone. He smiled down upon them, “And now… we wait.”

“I thought it was something like that that happened.” He ripped the blankets off of him and walked slowly to the door of the room. Liz was speechless. Max was never this cold to her, so blank.

“Thought what?” She apparently had no idea of the images that he received.

“That there had to be a reason why Isabel and Michael and Tess didn’t use their powers. He was threatening everyone else… all of the humans. Like he already knew that they weren’t. Human. I’ve tried so hard to protect all of you and I’ve failed so miserably. It’s not fair.” He looked even more defeated, if that was possible.

She shook her head, finally realizing what he saw, “You could have never known about Pierce coming into the house like that.”

“Thank you, for saying that, Liz. But it’s true. I’m a terrible, terrible person.”

She strode forward to him, cupping his face, “You are not, Max! DON’T EVER SAY THAT!” Tears were streaming down her face. “You are the most wonderful, caring, loving, honest person I know.” As an afterthought, “And I hate it when you shut me out like this. Let me help you. Let me see what they said and did to you in the white room. Let me have Max back.”

He whispered, “I can’t. Not yet, at least. I can’t.” He wrenched open the door.

She whispered to herself, “I love you, Max.” The door slammed, shaking her. He was gone. She threw herself over the bed, her arms under her head and she sobbed. Even if they physically had Max back, she didn’t know if he was ever going to emotionally return to them.

He stood just inside the room and all eyes were on him… again. He spoke angrily, “I’m going home. Can I have the keys to the Jeep?”

Isabel was perplexed, “I don’t think that’s such a good idea, Max…”

Jim agreed, “You’re not in any state to go driving.”

“I don’t care!” He roared at them, “Give me the damn keys!”

Michael threw them at him, apparently trying to avoid any more confrontation. Max caught them clumsily and hobbled painfully to the door. His hand reached out for the handle, but someone else’s knocked his away. He looked up furiously at the sheriff, “Let me out!”

“You are not physically or mentally fit to go on the roads right now. If you drive, you’re putting not only your life at risk, but whoever else happens to be driving on the roads of Roswell. If you get in that car, I will arrest you.”

Max fumed at him, “FINE! Take me home, then!”

The sheriff nodded mutely. He took the keys from Max’s limp hand. He turned to the others, “Any one else want a ride home?”

Isabel looked at Max, “Do you want anyone to-?”

Max fought to keep his voice under control, “No. I’m fine.” He was trying to mask everything he was feeling (or not feeling) with anger.

“Why are you limping?” Tess asked suddenly. It had just occurred to her that his movements were uneven.

He didn’t answer her. He opened the door slowly. He wasn’t sure of whether or not the sheriff would allow him out this time. When he felt no resistance, he inelegantly strode from the house, his weight unevenly distributed on each leg. He sighed in relief as he got into the passenger side of the Jeep.

Jim climbed in not long after Max. He didn’t attempt to say anything to Max for the whole ride. When they had finally pulled into Max’s driveway, Max stepped uncertainly out of the Jeep, “Thank you.”

Valenti nodded and watched as Max walked up the path to his front door.

Max’s feet were miraculously finding the ground. He felt so dizzy. Oh God, he was dizzy. Where was the door, again? His vision was swimming. Every step forward was an uncertain step towards the unknown. He tried to lift his foot but it wouldn’t come. The cement under his feet was softened and he blinked furiously. Where was the door?

His legs were shaking under him, he was so tired. His eyelids drooped down, barely opened. He fought them to keep them open. Where was he? Where was his house? His entire body was shaking.

“Max?!” Valenti’s voice called to him. His legs collapsed. Max fell face forward. It was like watching a car wreck. He dropped to his knees first, letting out a shattering cry, and then his body fell forward, onto the cold, hard ground.

Angry tears streamed from his eyes. Was he so pathetic that he couldn’t walk twenty feet by himself? He couldn’t see anything. Everywhere he looked was pitch black. He cried out in shock, thrusting himself up into a sitting position. He called out, “Sheriff?!”

Jim walked over to the boy, grabbing him by the forearm. The episode had frightened him, “Are you okay Max?” He helped him to his feet.

Max looked around frantically, trying to find the source of the voice, but he couldn’t seem to locate him. He blinked his eyes hastily, and he started to regain his vision. What was wrong with him? He’s so stupid!

“I think.” He added shakily. “What just happened?”

Jim nodded, “I think it’s from the lack of blood in your system. If you can’t heal this soon, Max…”

Max nodded, “I know, I know.”

Suddenly, the sheriff had an idea, “What if we have someone give you a blood transfusion?”

Max shook his head, “No, Michael’s just lost a lot of blood, which was given because of me, and I can’t ask Isabel or Tess for that. They’ve done too much for me already.”

Jim frowned, unbelievably at a loss for words. The kid’s selflessness was admirable, but it wasn’t helping him at all. For all he knew, Max could pass out at any second… for good. He was starting to think that agreeing to take Max home to his empty house wasn’t a good idea, “Max, I don’t think you should stay here alone…”

Max drew his arm away from the sheriff’s grip, “Please. I need to get away from everything. I can’t handle all of the pitying.”

Jim nodded, “I’m bringing someone back here soon, though. It’s not safe to leave you alone. Do you need help to the door?”

Max nodded, “But I’m not going to the door, I’m heading around to my window. Everything else is locked.”

Jim took the frail boy by the upper-arm and led him to the side of the house. A window was open. Max walked precariously to it, “I must have forgotten… to close it earlier…”

The sheriff nodded at him. He helped Max climb over the window sill. Max, now on the other side, thanked the sheriff. He spoke gravely, “I’m sorry… for the outbursts tonight. For Kyle getting shot. For you two being sucked into this madness. I don’t want or expect forgiveness, but I just wanted to let you know I’m sorry.”

“Max…” Jim spoke slowly. Max wouldn’t let him speak, though.

“If anyone gets hurt while I’m not there, promise me that you’ll rush them over here so I can try to heal them?” He placed his right hand on the windowsill, bracing himself to close it.

“Alright, Max. I promise. But you have to promise me that you’re going to keep on trying to heal yourself.”

Max nodded, “Goodbye, sheriff.” The window closed and Max bracingly placed his hand on the window sill. Once Valenti had turned around the corner, Max sunk to the ground.

He closed his eyes heavily. Since when was he winded and exhausted after walking a few feet? Hadn’t he just been knocked out? Didn’t that give him some form of rest? It seemed, almost certainly to him, that he was going to spend the rest of his life sleeping.

Oh god, he’d been treating Liz so badly. Everyone. They were only trying to help, but something about the way they were all treating him had really irked him. That’s it. They were treating him like a prisoner. He had just gotten out of Pierce’s harsh control and he wasn’t ready to throw himself into the pampering, stifling activities of the others. He just wasn’t ready. He wouldn’t ever be.

His whole life he had been so independent, but now he could hardly move without someone else’s assistance. He inhaled deeply, his body shivering. Why was he so cold? In that room, he was poked, prodded, and violated in so many ways. It all came down to control. Was it possible that the room felt colder than it had seconds before? He lost control. The mere thought was still tormenting him. How much colder could it get in here?! Wait a minute, could he feel his toes? He tried to wiggle them but he didn’t feel anything. Now that he though about it, his fingers felt sausagey and engorged.

He opened his eyes regretfully. Was he going to die? Here? Alone on the carpet, without a single person by his side? In his mind, he deserved it.

He reached to his back pocket and tried to take out the picture of himself and Liz that he put in earlier, but it wasn’t there. He didn’t even have pockets. Oh yeah, Michael had changed him earlier after he’d gotten shot. Crap.

Max had been trying to save his strength to heal himself, he really had. He could feel some of his powers slowly, at the pace of a rather old snail, return to him, but he wasn’t ready yet to heal himself.

He dragged himself slowly over to his bed. He drew back the covers with a shaking hand, and shifted his weight so his body slid underneath them. He let the blanket fall over him. It wasn’t helping to improve his body heat. Nothing was working.

Abruptly, warmth spread through his entire body. It wasn’t coming from the blankets; it was coming from the inside. His healing powers were starting to work again, and they were attacking his body with full force.

He concentrated fully, his face wrinkled in pain.

He had to stop the healing. If anyone else somehow got hurt while he was here healing himself…

He shuddered, not wanting to think about it. The freezing took hold of him once more. He reached over and turned on a lamp. He unsteadily lifted the blanket off of him and looked down at his toes. There wasn’t any blood in them. He rubbed them fiercely with the only hand he was currently able to move.

He reached up for the phone. There was only one thing that he could do: call someone. He grabbed the receiver and squinted at the buttons. His vision was going blurry again.

His face blushed with shame as he hit a speed dial.

“Max?”

“Yeah, Iz… I… um… I….”

“What is it Max?” She sounded so worried.

“I’m cold. So cold.”

Isabel was shocked when the phone conversation was cut off and the line went dead, “We need to get to Max… now.”

Bleh, sorry this took so long. It's mostly my fault. I haven't been writing as fast as I can... sorry .

And now for the feedback to your feedback that I've been promising for so long.

SarahWhitman - Thanks for reading the story! We'll be seeing the virus, but it's going to happen later in the story.

rosbuffyangelfanatl - Sorry that I made you cry! Thanks for reading the story. I swear that I don't intentionally do cliffhangers... it just kind of happens. Sorry!!

tequathisy - I'm going to touch on Tess soon. Next chapter, I think. Depends on how I feel. Thanks for reading!

Timelord31 -<3 Lovely Beta. Thanks! <3

behrluv32 - I'm going to touch on the psychological things of the others in... the next chapter? Not sure. I'll get to it, though. I promise

clueless - your responses have been so comforting. I'm hoping that I don't disappoint you!

lurkers - if you're out there... thanks for reading.

Without further ado...


Part 12

Everyone piled into Maria’s car hurriedly. No questions were asked. Halfway to the Evans’s house, the sheriff turned the corner in the jeep. Maria honked her horn to get his attention and he stopped alongside of them, “What’s going on?”

“Max just called Isabel.” Michael called from the passenger’s side. “Something’s wrong. We’ve got to get over there. Turn around and we’ll meet you there.” He was remarkably keeping very calm.

“Can we get going? I’m freaking out back here.” Kyle called from the back.

“Me too.” Alex mumbled.

The sheriff nodded mutely. Michael turned back to Maria, “Go!”

She pressed the gas and the car shot towards the house. In less than a minute, they were all (Jim included) standing on the front stoop. Isabel was fumbling with her keys, but her hands were shaking so much she couldn’t get it into the lock.

Liz took the keys from her and unlocked the door, allowing them to pour in the house. Michael walked through the rooms, turning on the lights. Max wasn’t there, “He must be in his room.”

They walked down the hallway and into his room. It too, was dark. They couldn’t see anything. Michael turned on this light, too. Max wasn’t on the bed. Liz walked around it and to the other side. She gasped, “Oh, Max!”

Everyone followed her. He was huddled against the bed with all of his sheets and covers wrapped tightly around him. He was curled up into the littlest ball possible. His eyes and up were the only thing not covered.

“Isabel?” he called. It didn’t seem like he was able to discern the different shapes. His eyes were glazed over and he seemed to be suffering terribly. His eyes blinked wearily, as if he was trying to see if the images would disappear, “Is?”

“I’m here, Max. I’m here.” She sat by him, stroking his hair. She felt him shiver uncontrollably. Isabel looked up to Michael, “Can you get him on the bed?”

Michael nodded, wrapping his arms around Max and lifting him onto the bed. The others crowded around, sitting on the bed by him. Isabel was rubbing him trying to keep him warm, “What’s wrong, Max?!”

He shook his head, “I can’t feel my fingers… my toes… so cold…” Should he tell them about the wounds?”
“What’s causing it, Max?” Michael asked with a frown. Was it something that they’d done to him at the white room?

“I don’t know…” Max coughed out. He couldn’t help but look guiltily at Liz as he spoke. She suspected him, he knew that. He hated lying to her… to all of them.

“Are you sure Max? Sure you don’t know?” Liz pressed on, desperate to find a way to help him. She had to help him.

Max turned away at the look on Liz’s face. It was almost unbearable. He closed his eyes defiantly, determined not to answer.

The question didn’t go unanswered though. Jim stood in the doorway and spoke grimly, “He never healed himself. He’s still too weak. I don’t think he’s going to make it through the night.” Max groaned. Jim added, “He told me not to tell you…”

“I knew it!” Liz whispered. She looked to Max with tears in her eyes, “Why didn’t you tell us?”

“I… couldn’t.” He sputtered out, “Caused… too… much… trouble… today.”

Alex spoke disbelievingly, “So… you shut us out? You wouldn’t tell us that you were DYING?! ARE YOU INSANE?!”

Maria cut across him, “Alex, calm down.”

Max spoke shakily, ignoring everyone, “Is everyone… still… okay?”

“Yes, Max. Everyone’s fine.” Jim spoke business-like, “I need you to try to heal yourself again, okay? Can you do that?”

Max shook his head.

“Why not, Max?” Jim scowled.

Max took a deep breath. It was time to start even more lying. He couldn’t let anyone know that some of his healing powers had returned to him, probably enough that he could heal himself almost completely. Some Hell inside of his mind couldn’t stop picturing them all lying at his feet, blood trickling out of their mouths. When he would try to heal them, a nagging voice would pop into his head. You can’t heal them. You used up all of your strength on yourself. Selfish. Now you have to watch them die.

He shook the image from his mind forcefully. He wouldn’t ever let it get to that point. “I’m too weak, I just tried.”

Unfortunately for Max, the sheriff had been formulating a plan. He was determined not to lose Max, “I think that most of Max’s ailments are from lack of blood. I don’t want to mess with his blood anymore than necessary, so we can’t get any human transfusion, otherwise I would have already volunteered…”

Maria shifted uncomfortably, “What’re you saying, sheriff? Max needs… blood?”

At the sheriff’s nod, Michael leapt up with his arm extended, “Take mine. Do it.” The determination in his eyes was fierce.”

Jim shook his head, “I wish I could, Michael. Max and I were discussing it earlier and I believe that you’ve lost too much blood from your own gun shot wound. It would hurt you severely.”

“I… never discussed… it. I don’t… w…ant… anyone’s… blood.” Max was sent into a coughing fit. He inhaled deeply and a wheezing noise came from him. He suddenly felt very dizzy.

Isabel stood up, tears once more swimming, “Me. Take mine. I haven’t been hurt, I’m fine.”

Jim could see Max shaking his head out of the corner of his eye. He could hear the ghost of a conversation in his mind, ‘…and I can’t ask Isabel or Tess for that. They’ve done too much for me already.’

He didn’t have time to think about whether or not he was going to violate Max’s wishes any further and allow Isabel to give him the blood. Max had already spoken, “No… it… won’t be… nece…ssary.

Tess was impatient with him, “And why is that, Max?” She would have readily offered her blood, but Isabel had jumped in first.

“Because. I know I can… heal… myself. But… I can’t. Someone… might… get hurt. And… I wouldn’t… be… able…” He took a deep breath and through clenched teeth finished, “Be able… to help… them.”

Isabel gasped for breath. Tears were streaming down her face, “I promise that we’ll be okay, Max. I promise. Please heal yourself.”

“There’s no one left to look for us, Max. Pierce’s dead and Nasedo took his place. We’re all safe.” Michael was backed into a far corner now, apparently going into his more reclusive mind sets.

“Heal yourself or I will knock you out and force my blood into you, Max. So help me God.” Isabel’s voice was shaking. Alex placed his hand bracingly into hers, trying to calm her down.

Max didn’t look convinced.

Liz took his face into her hands. They were so warm. He closed his eyes, savoring the feeling. He felt a tear fall onto his cheek – her tear. She spoke softly, “Max, I can’t lose you. I can’t.” She lay gently on the bed next to him, still cupping his face, “I love you too much.”

“How… can you… love… me?” He spoke shakily. He couldn’t allow himself to believe her.

She laughed bitterly through tears, “You’re the most beautiful person I know. How could I not?”

Warmth spread through his body again. Warmth that he didn’t want to suppress. The flesh around his wounds was tingling. He could feel his blood magically replenishing.

She took her hands away from his face and the warmth stopped. Somehow she knew what he had done. She mouthed ‘thank you.’ Liz picked up his hand in hers and kissed it gently.

He looked at her solemnly, sweat pouring down his face. His eyelids drooped heavily from exhaustion, “There… too weak… no… more.”

Jim moved forward to check over Max’s wounds. He started with the shoulder, “It’s pretty shallow. Only a few centimeters deep… one or two I’d say. It’s a lot better.”

He checked over his thigh, “All healed.” He smiled at Max sympathetically, “You did it. Good job.”

Max nodded. That ordeal was over, and he knew what the next thing that he had to deal with was. And it was going to be difficult. He looked to everyone, “Can I have a second with Liz, please? Alone?”

They all nodded and left the room. Everyone seemed content with Max’s healing. Liz remained in her position next to him. When the door closed, she wrapped her arms around him.

But he moved them off of her.

“Liz… I don’t love you.” She withdrew from him, hurt in her eyes.

“What?” It felt like she now had an empty void where her heart used to be. How had it disappeared so fast?

“Well, I do. Oh God, do I love you. But I can’t. I can’t love you and you can’t love me and I need you to understand that.” He turned from her, a new form of defeat taking over his posture. He seemed ashamed and frightened.

“Why Max? Why can’t you love me?” Tears were streaming down her face.

“Because.” He turned away from her, unwilling to look at her for much longer, “I don’t deserve to love or be loved. I’m a disgusting… thing.” He gritted his teeth, utmost loathing in the words, “I don’t deserve it and I… I just can’t. I can’t…” He was barely able to get out a coherent sentence.

“Are you done now, Max?” Liz asked quietly. He shrugged. She sat on the bed next to him with her hand on his side, “You saved my life a few months ago. I was going to die, but you wouldn’t let me because you’re such a caring person. You’ve had your life on hold for as long as you’ve been living so that you can make sure that Isabel and Michael are okay. Because of this, you’ve never even really lived a normal life. You put everyone else before yourself. You are everything but disgusting. You’re one of the greatest people I know and you have a beautiful soul.”

He shook his head, “No… no I don’t. I let everyone down. Everyone. I put them in danger…”

Unexpectedly, Liz slapped him across the face with all of her might. He looked stunned. “Snap out of it, Max! No one blames you for anything that happened recently! If anyone should be blaming themselves it’s me, don’t you see?! I stupidly took off with Nasedo that day thinking it was you, and then you had to come after me to save me because of my stupidity and then they captured you and you sold your soul to save me again and everything is my fault!” She was inches from hysterics.

He shook his head. He had no idea that Liz had been blaming herself this much, “Liz… He’s a shape shifter. There is no way that you would’ve known it wasn’t me.” He took her hand in his and held it, giving it a weak squeeze.

“Well then no one’s to blame. It was an unfortunate series of events. You have to understand that. You have to.” She firmly gripped at his hand, desperate to keep the life and emotion in him.

“Okay,” he uttered quietly, “You win.”

He sat up, most of his strength returned.

“So I win?”

He simply nodded.

She pressed onwards, “Then, do it. Show me.” Her voice hit his eyes like a razor.

“Show you what?” He sighed, exasperatedly.

“What they did to you.” She shifted closer to him, her face merely inches away from touching his.

He shook his head, “No, Liz. No.” He was whimpering, shaking his head back and forth. A change had come over him. He was pleading again, instead of being defensive.

She stroked the side of his face with the back of her hand, gently caressing his cheek; her voice was a hushed whisper, “Okay. You don’t have to show me.”

Max sighed in relief. He felt totally defenseless when Liz got that close. She made his wall of security crumble around him. The wall that had been keeping everyone from seeing what happened or what he was thinking.

She had to take it slow, one hurdle at a time. She had been aiming high when she had expected him to pour out everything in less than an hour. The mere fact that she had somehow talked him into healing himself amazed her. The sound of snoring hit her ears.

Max was sound asleep.

She smiled to herself. He looked so much like he was at peace. It was a far cry from where he was an hour ago. But that peace was not real. It only existed in his dreams… in her dreams. She remembered her hand in his, and tried to move it from his grasp. He shifted uneasily and clung tighter.

Liz settled down, wrapping her arms around him. She whispered into his ear, softly as to not wake him up, “I will be here for you, Max. From now on, I’ll always be here.” Without another thought, she too fell into a deep sleep.

Isabel opened the door slowly. The sight that met her eyes immersed her heart in hope. Max and Liz, sound asleep, wrapped in each others arms, holding hands. It was the first time that he had really let anyone get that close to him. That he had felt that much human contact without being tortured.

She leaned her head against the doorframe heavily. Michael stealthily came up beside her, “How’s he doing?”

She shrugged, “Better, I guess. What time is it?”

Michael nodded, “Around six… p.m.”

He made to leave her side but she held out a hand, “Michael?” It had seemed like he had something else to ask.

“Do you think that he’s ever going to be okay?” Michael finally exhaled as he looked in the room. Almost as if on cue, Max’s form twitched. Thirty seconds later, he twitched again.

“I hope so.” Isabel replied stoically. With knots in her stomach, she watched as her brother twitched for the third time. It was kind of a pattern that had been engraved in his mind. Every thirty seconds, his body twitched as if expecting some kind of disturbance.

She tied hard to fight the nauseous feeling in the pit of her stomach. She closed the door softly.

She leaned her body against the door, the side of her head resting gently on the wood, “Goodnight, Liz.” she whispered, “Goodnight, Max.”

I am so sorry about the wait! I wanted to make sure that the chapter was okay before I posted it. I'm not quite sure if I'm happy with it or not. I'm not sure how much writing time I'm going to get between today and Wednesday, so bear with me.

As for your feedback, I'm breathless. It means so much to me. Thank you to:
tequathisy
Jennifer24
clueless (for the bump as well)
Timelord31
behrinthecity

I'm assuming that I'll have the next part posted sometime after Wednesday. I'm also going to respond to your FB then. Right now I'm slightly pressed for time.

So, thanks again. Enjoy the next part. Hopefully.

Part 13
May 16th.

Max awoke to find Liz wrapped in his arms. He withdrew from her sharply, but she didn’t jump. She was already awake. She was looking at him in a pained expression, “Max?”

He walked to the window, unable to face her just yet. What time was it? By the looks of the sun’s position in the sky, it was noon… or just about.

“Did you sleep okay?” It was her feeble attempt at starting a conversation.

He shrugged. His night had been filled with an almost-scheduled twitching, haunting visions of dead loved ones, and walls of white. How could he have slept?

Liz shifted uncomfortably, drawing herself into a ball on his bed. She could, somehow, feel all of his emotions. But they were lessening quickly. He was putting his wall back up.

There was a knock at the door, but Max didn’t move from his position… neither did Liz.

“Are you going to talk to me?” Her hurt voice flooded his ears. With no response, she continued, “Are you going to look at me?”

Still nothing. There was another knock accompanied by Isabel’s frantic voice, and the sound of his door opening “Max? Mom and Dad just called… they’re going to be here in less than five minutes!”

Panic set in. His parents. They were going to want explanations… his bed was covered in blood. Oh shit.

He turned to Isabel, guilt flooding his senses as he looked in her general direction, “Where is everyone else?”

“Michael’s in the living room with Maria and Alex and Tess. Kyle and Valenti went home early this morning when they were sure…” She stopped herself.

“Sure what, Iz?” He asked her suspiciously.

“That everyone was okay.” It was basically the truth. So what if their concern was mostly for Max. He didn’t need to know that. He sure as Hell didn’t want to hear it.

“Oh.” He crossed his arms in front of him, “We need to uh…” He shook his head, trying to clear it. He finally was able to get a grip, “Get everyone out of the house as quick as possible. Mom’s not going to be too thrilled if she finds out that we were having sleepovers. I’ve got to get all of this… blood…” The word stabbed at him, “cleaned up… can you manage anything that’s out of sorts out there?”

She nodded, mutely, and turned from the room.

He was alone with Liz again. He couldn’t look at her. He just couldn’t. He kept his eyes on the floor, unable to speak.

She didn’t speak, either. She walked out of the door, and slammed it without a look back.

He could feel tears starting to sneak up on him, but he choked them back down. He had to alienate himself. Alienate. What a fitting word. And by doing so, he was bound to hurt her. It was inevitable. But that didn’t stop his hurt.

He had to forget about that, now. He had to put up his façade of everything being alright. It wouldn’t be that hard, he’d been doing it for almost a year now. He’d gotten so good at it that hardly anyone ever questioned him. He should be an actor.

Max scrambled around the bed, scanning his hand over the covers. Whatever amount of blood that had seeped through his bandages before he healed himself instantly dissolved into nothingness. He did the same to the floor by the window, the bed, and the phone. Everything looked okay.

He had just thrown Michael’s dirty, bloody clothes into his drawer hastily and thrown on his own set of fresh, clean clothes when his mother bounded happily into the room.

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Isabel watched helplessly as her mother pelted Max with questions about his camping trip. It was dinner time, and his mother had the brilliant idea to go out to eat. To the Crashdown.

Max was keeping his words as limited as possible. How was the trip? Good. What’d you do? Nothing. Why did you go? Needed it. Why are you so pale? Must have eaten something funny. How are you feeling now? Fine. The questions seemed unending.

Isabel couldn’t let it go on for much longer. He’d suffered enough as it was. She smiled brightly, “So! Tell us about your vacation, Mom and Dad!”

She nodded politely through all of the details of the trip, and how it had rained every other day. Phillip was commenting occasionally on the story that Diane was telling, but he kept glancing at Max. Max was now taking it upon himself to analyze the table. His gaze hadn’t lifted to above waist-level since he talked to Isabel this morning.

If only she could somehow comfort him. Let him know that everything was going to be okay. He was sitting there, looking extra pathetic in his long-sleeved white shirt, covered with his olive green t-shirt. The one that he wore when he healed Liz.

Her mother finished the story.

Mercilessly, Liz was on her shift tonight. Fortunately, Agnes was their waitress. Isabel watched Liz cast glances in Max’s direction occasionally, but she couldn’t read her. This whole ordeal was really paying its toll on the group.

Agnes lumbered over to their table with an order book in her hand. She spoke raspily, a side effect of years of smoking, “Can I take your order?” She didn’t seem like she wanted to be here.

Diane smiled at the woman, “I’ll have a Venus Meatloaf Platter and a water, please.”

Phillip scanned his menu once more, “I’ll have the same.”

Isabel chewed on the corner of her mouth, “Um… Tommy Lee Jones Bacon Basket please. And a cherry coke.”

Everyone turned expectantly to Max. He looked at them questioningly and then he realized what they were asking, “Oh… just water, please.”

Agnes nodded and started to walk away, but Diane called her back. “Wait a minute, please.”

“Max, aren’t you hungry?” She was worried about her son. He was so pale and thin, and now he wasn’t eating. He shook his head silently, without taking his eyes from the tabletop. Diane sighed and nodded to Agnes, signaling that she could leave.

“You guys didn’t touch any of the money that we left you for groceries… I checked the fridge and barely anything’s missing from there. We were gone eight days!” She looked from Max to Isabel questioningly. Isabel avoided eye contact. “You haven’t eaten in eight days?!” Diane fought to keep her voice down.

“Well, Max was camping and I was alone in the house so I went over to Michael’s and I basically ate over there the whole time. I hope that’s okay.” She was good at thinking on her toes.

“No.” Phillip interjected. He was suspicious, “No. Max didn’t take anything on his camping trip. I remember checking over his things. There wasn’t even a sleeping bag gone, much less food. What’d you do over the week, Max? Where did you sleep? What did you eat?”

Oh God. Isabel had no explanation for this. She looked desperately to Max for help, who was still staring at the table. He spoke slowly, barely a whisper, “Bathroom.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and meandered towards the back of the Crashdown.

At that moment, Maria had emerged from the backroom to start her shift. And if Max could bail like that, so could she. “Oh! Maria!” She called. Maria eyed her suspiciously and Isabel turned back to her parents, “I have to get my shirt from Maria… She borrowed it the other day. I’ll be right back. I’m really sorry.”

Isabel hurried off towards the back where she grabbed both Maria and an unsuspecting Liz around the arms and dragged them into the back room. It caught the attention of Alex and Tess, who had been sitting at the counter, and of Michael who had been working the grill.

“What is it, Isabel?” Maria asked sharply.

Isabel’s hand clutched at her forehead, “I can’t do this. I can’t. Max won’t look at me. He won’t look at anyone. Mom and Dad just started to ask questions about Max’s camping trip. They realized that he didn’t take anything with him. No camping stuff, no food or water. Stuff anyone going camping would need.

Now they’re probably worried that he’s starving himself or something worse, I don’t know. And then… he just takes off. My dad asked him these questions and he just got up and left for the bathroom or something. I don’t know. I don’t know what to do.”

Tess, Alex, and Michael had joined the room at some point during the rant, and Isabel continued.

“And a camping trip?! What were we thinking?! I mean he was going through Hell and my poor parents. My poor parents don’t know what’s wrong with their son or how to fix it or why he looks like a mere ghost of himself! And in the mean time, Max is living in some Hell that he created for himself as soon as he healed his wounds. I’m loosing him and I can’t do that. I can’t loose him!” She sunk to the floor, tears streaming down her cheeks. In a voice just above a whisper, she looked to Michael and Tess, “Why didn’t we do more to help him? Why?”

Alex sat beside her, placing his arms around her. He looked to the others pleadingly. Tess spoke softly, “I thought that Nasedo would help us more… but he didn’t. We were all hoping that he would come and save Max, but we realized that we had to do it on our own. We did all that we could at the time, Isabel.”

Isabel shook her head, “And after that? When Pierce had the gun a-at Michael’s? We just let him tie us up! We didn’t try anything!!”

It was Tess who spoke again, “I tried. I tried to mindwarp him, but I was so scared. I’ve never… I’ve never been in such a dangerous situation before and I went numb. I’m sorry.”

Her voice lowered and died. Isabel looked up to her shakily, “It wasn’t just your fault, Tess. There were three of us. Three of us who stood there, petrified, while my brother fought for us. For everyone. He would have died for us. I could see it in his eyes. He was fully prepared to die in order to save us.” She let out another sob, burying her head into Alex’s shoulder. He stroked her hair gently, comfortingly. She whispered out the next words, “He was desperate to save us. Desperate. And after all of that, we’ve been pushing him so hard. I don’t think he’ll ever open up to us again. I think… I think that we’re lost him even though we have him.”

Michael hadn’t spoken. He couldn’t find words. Everything that Isabel was saying was true. They were cowards. Cowards.

Liz was finally able to speak. She’d been standing by the door, periodically looking out of the glass pane and look at the Evans’s table, “Your mom looks worried, Isabel. It’s been a few minutes. Where did Max say he was going?”

“To the bathroom, but that’s complete shit. He said that just so that he wouldn’t have to answer their questions… Maybe he’s just biding his time?” Isabel was sniffing, rubbing at her eyes fiercely. She pulled a mirror out of her pocket and checked over her face for any signs of her tears.

She rubbed and smudged here and there, occasionally waving her hand over blotchy, puffy areas until she was satisfied. She took a deep breath, “I’m sorry about this. It’s just… hard.”

They all nodded in understanding. She continued, “But… Max. It must be so… difficult for him…”

Silence. There was nothing anyone could say to that. Isabel got to her feet and planted a smile on her face, “I’ll call everyone later and we can talk about the situation some more.”

She opened the back door briskly, the smile still plastered on. Isabel reached her parent’s booth and sat down lightly, “Sorry, she had to look through all of her stuff. Turns out she left it at home.”

Her mother nodded, trying to think of something else to talk about while passing the time. Her father, however, stared determinedly at the bathroom.

Isabel glanced over her shoulder and didn’t see Max coming. “I’ll go see what’s taking him so long. He’s so tired from the trip… I think he spent most of his time stargazing.” She forced herself to chuckle, “Typical Max.”

She stiffly moved to her feet. Typical Max. There was no typical Max anymore. He was gone.

She reached the door and knocked hesitantly. No one answered. She knocked again. Still no answer. She waved her hand over the doorknob, unlocking it instantly. She gave her concerned parents a quick smile before she entered.

At first, she didn’t think anyone was in there. But there was. Max was sitting in the corner of the bathroom with his knees to his chest, gazing at nothing. It seemed like he was lost in his own head. “Max?” She asked tentatively.

One of his fingers lifted to show signs of recognition. Isabel continued, “You’ve got to come back to the table. We’ll think of something together. Something to cover up why you haven’t been eating… or sleeping… or seen daylight. But I can’t do it without you.”

He nodded, slowly getting to his feet. Max wearily lifted a hand and rubbed at his eye.

Isabel frowned, “You’re exhausted. We’ll get home as soon as possible, I promise.”

He merely nodded again. Isabel opened the door and led him from the room. They slid into the booth together, Max on the end. Phillip looked at them expectantly.

The whole time, Max’s eyes had remained on the ground. He kept them on the table now.

“Well?” Phillip asked, hungry for answers, “Why haven’t you been eating, Max? And why didn’t you have anything with you when you left?”

Isabel raked through her brain to try to make up an excuse, it didn’t look like Max was coming up with one. Thankfully, their food arrived at that moment.

Agnes unloaded her tray of three plates of food, and four glasses.

Diane looked at Max once more, extremely bothered, “Are you sure you don’t want anything?”

Max nodded. Isabel squirmed; she hated all of this nodding. Once Agnes had left the table, something happened that she wasn’t expecting. Max was making up an excuse.

“I uh… decided to leave all of my material possessions at home. Some kid at school, from the reservation, had been talking about this right of passage thing that Native Americans do, so I thought I would give it a try. I hunted and found food, and made my own shelter. It was an interesting experience, to say the least, but I don’t think that I’ll be doing something like that again.” He kept his eyes trained on the spot on the table, “Sorry if I worried you.”

Diane smiled, “It’s okay. I’m proud of you for doing it.”

Isabel couldn’t help but notice that Phillip was still suspicious. It seemed that they merely won a battle in a bigger war that was going to occur.

Max didn’t speak for the rest of the night. When dinner was finally over and everyone had retired to their respective rooms, Isabel welcomed sleep.

She eventually fell into a dreamless slumber, when a sharp, piercing noise awoke her. She flew into a sitting position, listening. Her heart seized up, her breath caught in her throat. She glanced at her clock: 1:30. She’d fallen asleep less than an hour ago.

“DON’T HURT HER! LIZ! STOP! I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING! PLEASE! LIZ! NOOO!!!”

His screams weren’t stopping. His parents had surely woken up. She rushed from her room and poised herself outside of Max’s doorway. Her whole body was shaking. She heard her parents rush from their room. Time for some damage control.[/u]

Thanks for all of the response and thanks for the bumps. I was in the middle of writing the next part when my beta (Timelord31) mailed this back to me, so I dropped everything to post it .

I suppose I owe you an explination as to why the parts have become less frequent. In addition to this story, I'm working on three others. None of them are posted yet, but they're works in progress. My main writing focus has been on this fic (I promise) and another, so don't feel like I'm slighting you!

tequathisy: The parent "issue" will be (for lack of a better word) resolved soon. And Liz is going to take a new attitude in this chapter. As much as it seemed like she wasn't listening when the aliens were talking about how to help Max and everything, she was. Thanks for the feedback!

behrinthecity: You have been relentless with your questions about the virus. I've been ignoring them until now, but now I'm going to give you an answer... sort of. The virus will be making an appearance shortly. I always enjoy reading your FB, so thanks!

clueless: Thanks again for the bump. Your feedback has really been encouraging.

spacecowboy: Thank you so much!

dreamon: Glad to hear from a new reader! Thanks!

Part 14
May 17th

“Oh shit. What happened after that?” Michael was pacing around the room. Every few minutes he would run his fingers through his hair. Isabel was sitting in his living room, it was only seven in the morning.

“Well, I went into his room before my parents were able to get out of theirs. Do you know what the scary thing was, Michael? He was sound asleep. I think he’s having night terrors. He was thrashing around on his bed and his eyes were still closed, so I held him. It was all that I could do. He was still twitching and struggling, but I kept holding him. It was too much for me, so I started to cry… and then my parents came in. Here’s me, sobbing hysterically, holding onto Max for dear life. It must have scared my mother out of her mind, because she was close to passing out.

I think I held him for ten minutes. None of us knew what to do. He kept screaming stuff.”

“Like what?” Michael asked, hastily. He could’ve given anything away. Their secret.

“Stuff about Liz and everyone else and begging for us to be released. It was like…” She shuddered, “Well, I don’t know what it’s like.”

Michael spoke stiffly, “What’d you tell to your parents?”

“I just told them that he must be having a nightmare or something. What was I supposed to tell them? ‘Max had a really bad experience in the woods’? How pathetic would that sound? Anyway, he woke up from it like ten minutes later. He had no idea what was happening or why anyone was in his room. My mom told him what was going on and he clamed up. After a while, everyone just left him alone and we went back to our own room. But these night terrors aren’t why I’m here.”

What else could go wrong? Michael took a deep breath, “Why are you here?”

“He’s gone.” She said the words quickly, hoping to make it fast and as painless as possible. “I don’t know where he is. I woke up this morning and went into his room to wake him up for breakfast, but he wasn’t there.” She was starting to lose it, tears streaked down her face.

Michael wrapped an arm around her, bracingly. “We’ll find Max. He probably just got up early and went for a walk or something. It’s okay. Everything’s going to be okay. Do you have the jeep with you?”

Isabel nodded with her face buried in Michael’s shoulder.

He pulled her away from his chest, wiping away her tears, “We’re going to go to the Crashdown. Liz and Maria are on their shift right now, maybe someone has seen Max.”

Isabel nodded once more, “Let’s go.”

Minutes later, Isabel was seated in their familiar Crashdown booth. Michael had just gone to round up the two girls from the back.

The returned, all looking extraordinarily calm. Liz stood above Isabel, “I’m so sorry, Isabel. I tried to call you, but your phone kept going straight to your voicemail. Max’s up on my balcony… I woke up at about 3:30 yesterday morning and he was sitting on the lawn chair. He wasn’t talking or moving, just sitting there and watching me. I didn’t know what to do… so I just put a blanket outside of the window.

When I woke up, he was sleeping… and I didn’t want to wake him. The blanket hadn’t moved. So I went out there and put it on him and then got ready for my shift and I kept trying to call you, I promise.” Her ramblings continued, “And as far as I know, he’s still up there.”

Isabel got to her feet, relieved, “Thank God. I was so worried…” She bit her lip and looked to Liz, “Can I go get him? Do you mind?”

Liz nodded her head, “Go right up.”

Isabel made to leave but Michael grabbed her shoulder, “Wait. Let me…”

She bit the inside of her cheek and nodded, “I’m going to turn on my phone, call me when you get somewhere… just incase.”

He nodded and walked towards the back of the Crashdown. Michael disappeared behind the door, almost sprinting up the stairs.

He made his way instinctively to Liz’s room and hopped out on the balcony. Max was gone.

“Shit.” Michael cursed under his breath, looking around to make sure there was nowhere for Max to be hiding.

There wasn’t. Reluctantly, Michael headed back down into the Crashdown. Isabel looked up at Michael with deadened eyes. He sat across from her in the booth, “Let’s go check your house, I’m almost positive that that’s where he went to…”

They drove back to the Evans home in complete silence. Isabel strode through the door and into the kitchen, where her mother was cleaning, “Mom?”

Her mom looked up and frowned, “What is it Isabel? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Have you seen Max?” Michael blurted out, unable to stand the small talk.

“Yeah, he was here just a few minutes ago, actually. He said that he was going to go to work and then go for a run or something. He was very vague.” Diane sounded slightly baffled. “He took my car since you took his.”

Isabel nodded mutely. Diane smiled back at her, “Do you have any laundry? I’m about to do some…”

Isabel shook her head and tried her best to smile back at her mother. She motioned to Michael and the two walked outside, sitting on the stoop. Isabel turned to Michael, “We’ve got to get a plan. A way to deal with all of this… We can’t just keep going in to everything blind.”

He and Isabel climbed back into the jeep and drove over to the Crashdown, where everyone was bound to be waiting for an update on Max’s location.

Sure enough, they were all waiting in Liz’s room when Isabel and Michael climbed up the balcony.

Tess and Kyle somehow had been enlightened by Mara, Liz, or Alex. Isabel sat down on the edge of Liz’s bed. She exhaled deeply, “We need a plan. If we keep running around in chaos, we’re going to loose it.”

Over the next half hour, they discussed what had happened last night and a plan of action to take. Michael summed it all up, “Okay, so we’re going to try to give Max as much room as possible. Every other night, one of us will try to get him to go out with us. As for Mr. and Mrs. Evans, we’ll deal with that as it comes.”

Isabel spoke stiffly, “You mean, I’ll deal with it as it comes.”

Michael nodded sympathetically, “Yeah, I guess you will.”

Liz heard someone climbing her balcony. She spoke quickly, “Guys, get out of here. I’ll meet you down in the Crashdown. I think… I think Max’s coming.”

No one wasted time leaving the room. If Max was coming forward to talk to Liz, it was definitely a sign of progress.

Liz hastily grabbed a book off of her nightstand and lay across her bed, pretending to read it. Max’s form appeared at her window and he knocked weakly.

She smiled and got up, opening the window for him. He didn’t seem to be able to spit out any words right now. Liz started for him, “I thought that you had to work.”

Max still wasn’t talking. He wasn’t looking directly into her eyes, either. He was more looking past her. It was a step up from the floor, at least. Liz decided to swallow her disappointment and try to make a one-sided conversation, “So, this morning at work, this guy came in. He was the rudest person that I’ve ever met in my life. I think Maria was going to smack him, but I never found out. My dad called me into the backroom…”

“Milton… took one look at me and sent me home.” Max was speaking in barely a whisper, his words hesitant and uncertain, “Said that I looked… like a ghost. He thought I should go to… the doctor.”

Apparently he’d been working on formulating these words, not even following Liz’s story. That was okay with Liz, though, because he was speaking, “That’s okay, Max. Maybe it’s for the best.”

He shook his head. She gave him a few minutes to say something else, and was relieved when he did, “I’ve got to do something.” He sat down outside of the window, folding his legs, “I can’t just… sit around. I can’t be left alone with my thoughts.”

Liz reached out and grabbed his hand, “I can be here for you if you let me.”

“No!” His bluntness startled her, “You can’t… because I’m being haunted.”

“What?” She smiled in disbelief.

“Everywhere I look I see… government agents or Pierce… or one of you guys dead. I… I think I’m going out of my mind.” He took a deep breath, “And I think that I could be… dangerous. I was walking down the road today… and Valenti said ‘hey’ and… I clearly saw a man in a suit standing where he should’ve been. I wanted to turn and run in the other direction. It took me a few seconds to realize that he wasn’t an agent.”

Liz pushed past him and grabbed his stiff hand, leading him over to her lawn chairs. She sat him on one and took a seat on the other, “Max… I…” she couldn’t quite find the words, so she avoided the subject for now, “Why were you out here this morning? While I was sleeping?”

Max’s eyes shot back to the ground and he closed up for a moment. Liz realized her error, “I mean… if you don’t want to tell me, fine, but…”

“I was in my room after Isabel woke me up… just sitting in my bed. But I kept hear you screaming. I tried to call out to you, but you kept screaming. It was like… you were crying and screaming at the same time. Then I thought…” His eyes looked at the ground but she could tell that he was seeing something else, “…that I saw you dead at the foot of my bed. So I had to come and make sure… that you were alright.”

She nodded again, “Can I sit with you, Max? Can I hold you?”

His eyes looked up into hers for the first time in what seemed like forever. The looked so hurt and vulnerable. He rubbed his hands on his pants in anxiety, clearly wanting to say no but not being able to do it.

Something suddenly occurred to him, “Oh shit, what am I doing here?” He got to his feet and practically ran to the ladder.

Liz caught his wrist before he could climb onto it, “Max, stop!”

He turned and looked down at her feet, mumbling, “I never should have come. I’m really sorry. I… don’t think about me, okay? You live your life. Don’t let me hold you back. None of this concerns you, so don’t start feeling guilty. I know you, so you probably will. Damn it!”

He was supposedly talking to her, but it was mostly to himself, “I’ve got to stop coming to her like this. She’s got to get on with her life. Maybe I should get out of town.” His mumblings were mostly incoherent to her, but she caught portions of it.

“Max?” She needed to find a way to break him out of his trance.

He inhaled sharply, “I’ve… got to go. Milton needs me to work…”

“No, Max, he doesn’t. You told me earlier that he sent you home.” Liz was close to tears now.

Max nodded, “I know, but I just figured that he could still probably use some help, you know? With something… I’ve got to do something. I’ve got to go.”

He turned to descend the ladder for the second time, and Liz’s hand caught his hand again. He looked up at her feebly, “Can you… not tell anyone I was here, Liz? Please? Just… pretend like we never even had this discussion.”

“Max, I can’t let you just leave. Isabel’s driving herself insane trying to find you.” Liz was pleading with him to not leave himself alone, “She’s downstairs right now, can you at least go talk to her?”

Anxiety overwhelmed Max’s face for the second time, “She’s not okay? She’s not okay…”

“Well, she’s okay, but she’s sick with worry. You just took off in the middle of the night and she hasn’t talked to you all morning. She just wants to know that you’re okay.” Liz added hastily.

The anxiety was replaced with shame, “I’ve got her worrying again. I just keep messing her up… messing everyone up.”

Liz shook her head, “No… Max, stop blaming yourself.”

He ignored her, “I’ll head there now.” He started to descend the ladder.

Liz called down to him, “Max, just come through my house…”

He looked up at her and shook his head, “No, Liz… this talk never happened, remember? You’ve got to forget about it.”

Liz sighed as Max ran around the corner of the building and walked through her house, down the stairs, and into the restaurant. Isabel came running up to her and gave her a huge hug. She whispered in her ear, “Thank you, Liz, for bringing him back.”

Liz smiled, “No problem.”

She looked over Isabel’s shoulder and saw Max sitting in a booth, staring down at the table again. He looked a lot like a lost child with no idea who or where he was. It was unnerving to see him close up again after their talk. She assumed that the talk had taken a lot out of him. After all, he’d doubted opening up to her as soon as he did it.

Isabel withdrew from the hug and turned back to Max. She walked over to him slowly and put a hand on his shoulder, speaking gently, “Max? We need to get home. You take home the jeep and I’ll drive Mom’s car, is that alright?”

He nodded and took the keys from her. Isabel allowed him to walk out of the Crashdown, and followed behind him. She followed him in the car the whole way, trying to collect her thoughts. Her mother had called her a few minutes ago and told her to find Max and bring him home immediately. What was the reason? Why was her mom so distant sounding?

She rounded the corner and saw Max in the jeep, parked in the driveway. He was staring straight ahead at something. Isabel craned her neck to see what it was – her father’s car. Why was her dad home from work so early?

She parked the car and climbed out, motioning for Max to follow. Something in her gut told her to not make her presence unknown at first. She motioned to Max to be quiet and snuck into the house.

Her mother’s soft voice carried through the hallway, “What does this mean, Phillip?”

“I don’t know, we’ll find out when they get here.” Her father’s calm voice reassured her mother.

Isabel gulped and looked at Max, who, if possible, was getting even paler. Something about him told her that it wasn’t just their parents talking. Something was wrong with him.

She lead him into the kitchen where her parents were seated and saw them sitting at a table. When they looked up, they stopped talking.

“What are these, Max?” Her mother asked blankly. Isabel looked in her mother’s hands. Michael’s sweats stained with Max’s blood were resting in them. They had found the clothes he was wearing when he healed himself.

Isabel looked to Max and felt like she was going to vomit. How were they going to explain this?

Max didn’t seem to be paying attention. His eyes slowly drifted around the room and became unfocused. Without further warning, they rolled up into the back of his head and he passed out.

Sorry for the wait and the length of this part. I just felt that this was the natural stopping point. No feedback today, as I'm totally entranced by the world cup that started a few days ago. I'll get to it next part, I promise!

Part 15

“Max!” Diane screeched as she rose to her feet, throwing the bloodstained jersey and pants on the table.

Isabel sunk to her knees immediately, grabbing his head and placing it in her lap, “Max?!” She looked around worriedly, unsure of what to do now. She lightly slapped at his face, “Max?!”

He didn’t show any signs of regaining consciousness. Diane sat beside Max, worry etched all over her face, “Isabel, what’s wrong with him?”

Tears were pooling in Isabel’s eyes, “I-I…” How was she going to explain this?

Isabel hadn’t even noticed her father slip from the room. He reentered with a phone in his hand, dialing numbers. She stopped him, “What are you doing?”

He responded casually, “I’m calling the hospital and finding out what the best plan of action is. Maybe they can tell us what to do…”

“No,” Max’s eyes had fluttered open and he was barely making noise, but that word could be heard from him.

Diane grabbed his hand, stroking it lightly, “Max? Max can you hear me?”

His eyes were glazed over and he made no response. That one word seemed to be the only thing that Max could get out. His eyes closed and he lay still.

Phillip was now conversing with a hospital official, giving the person on the other end the details of Max’s situation. Isabel looked between Max and Phillip helplessly, at a loss for what to do. She stroked Max’s hair absent-mindedly and felt like she was going to puke.

Max beat her to it.

With no notice, Max turned on his side and away from his mother, opening his mouth. After a sickening heave, bile and blood were catapulted out of his mouth and onto the floor next to him.

Isabel and Diane gasped at the same time Phillip managed to squeeze out an, “Oh my God.” He looked at his son and then at the phone and raised the phone back to his ear, “I’ll… call you back. Something else just… came… up.” He pressed the ‘end’ button and rushed over to Diane’s side.

Both of her parents were looking pleadingly at Isabel. Diane had tears dripping down her face and her bottom lip trembled. Her only son was suffering from some unknown something, and she didn’t know what to do. She raised her gaze from Max’s face to her daughter’s, “What’s wrong with him?”

Isabel didn’t have time to respond as Max heaved again and more blood and bile rushed from his mouth onto the tiled floor beneath him. His face was covered in sweat.

Phillip shook him, “Max? Max can you hear me?” When he got no response, he exhaled deeply, “I’m calling for an ambulance. Something’s seriously wrong with him, Diane. Maybe they can take some blood tests, check for any diseases or…”

“No!” Isabel screamed. She grabbed at the phone, snatching it from her father, “You can’t… You can’t do that…”

“Isabel! Give me the phone!” He said sternly, but making it a point to not raise his voice.

She shook her head again. She wrapped her hand tightly around the phone, determined to keep Max out of the hospital.

Diane was close to loosing it. She wanted to help her son in any way possible, and Isabel was preventing her from doing so, “Give your father the phone!”

“I can’t!” Isabel hissed back at them. How much longer could she keep Max out of the hospital without telling her parents?

Phillip had other plans. He reached into his pocket and grabbed out his cell phone. As he dialed the hospital’s numbers, he spoke in frustrated tones, “We’ll talk about this later, Isabel.”

Isabel panicked, “No! Dad, stop! I… He… I need to tell you something! Please hang up!”

He faltered. She begged him once more, “Please.”

He ended the phone call and looked at her, “Give me one good reason not to call an ambulance.”

As Max cringed in her arms, she realized that she had to tell them the truth about everything. She looked at her father and mother in turn and took a deep breath, “He’s… not human.”

Her mother’s face paled, “What are you talking about?”

“Max and I aren’t from this… planet. We’re… aliens.” She had to take them through this. She prayed that they weren’t going to freak out.

“Come again?” Her father said feebly.

Isabel raised her hand and lowered it over the blood and bile on the floor. She hovered her hand over it for a few seconds. When she withdrew it, the mess was gone.

Diane gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. Phillip’s eyes widened, “W-what…?”

“Mom… Dad… I’m still your little girl. And Max is still your son.”

“You are? He is?” Diane asked, wonderingly.

Tears leaked down Isabel’s face, “Yes!” She took a deep, calming breath, “And what Max needs now… what I need now… are our parents.”

Phillip reached forward and stroked Isabel’s hair, “Isabel…” He was speaking quietly, yet confidently, “No matter what you are, we will always be your parents. And we will always love you.”

Isabel broke down in tears and Diane joined her. Diane spoke through sobs and laughter, “We always knew that you two were special…”

Isabel laughed as well, “It’s not just us… It’s Michael and Tess too.”

Her mother continued to laugh, “My oh my.”

Phillip cleared his throat to get the attention of the women. He gestured down to his son, “So what’s wrong with your brother? Why is he like this? Is it something… alien?”

“Honestly, I have no idea. Maybe it’s something that Pierce did to him…” She was sifting through any of the vague information that she gave her earlier to try to help him with anything.

Phillip cradled Max in his arms, “I’m just uh… I’m going to go put Max in on the couch and then we’re discussing this Pierce man.” He didn’t like the sound of Isabel’s words.

Once Phillip had returned, he found Isabel and Diane sitting around the kitchen table. He took up his usual seat and held Diane’s hand, “Who’s Pierce?”

This was going to be the hardest thing that Isabel would have to tell them. She folded her hands in her lap and begun the story where it only seemed fitting to start, “Do you remember that shooting in the Crashdown in September?...”

A half an hour later, Isabel was just now getting to the main issues of Pierce. She’d already explained everything else. She figured that the information would be overwhelming for her parents, “…and that’s when the FBI, headed by Daniel Pierce, captured Max.” She looked at them each in turn. They both looked extremely puzzled, “Do you want me to wait a few minutes before I finish?” She laughed in spite of herself, “Because if you think that this is heavy…. Just wait.”

Phillip and Diane looked at each other and nodded. They wanted the rest of the story immediately. They wanted to know what the FBI had done to Max. Phillip gave Diane’s hand a squeeze, “Keep going.”

“We don’t really know what happened to Max the whole time that he was caught, well… we know some things. A little while after Max was caught, the FBI came for Liz and they got her. She told us how they… how they tortured him.” She felt a lump rise in her throat, “And how they branded him.”

“What?!” Diane gasped, feeling her heart flutter. She looked like she was going to faint, “They tortured him?!”

Phillip’s brow was furrowed, “Branded?”

Isabel gave them a recall of Liz’s stories of Max’s torture and how Pierce had been responsible for all of it. She told them the reason that Liz was taken and what they used her for. She eventually made her way to the contract.

Her parents whimpered and gasped in a few parts, even omitting ‘Oh my God’s in a few places, but Isabel barged on. She had to get it all out, because if she stopped she wouldn’t be able to start again.

She told them about the events leading up to Michael’s house and how Max had been willing to die for everyone. How he had been shot for the second time and stabbed. Diane’s trembling fingers picked up the bloodied clothes on the tabletop, “That’s wh-what these are?”

Isabel nodded, wiping a tear from her eye, “Yeah. Those’re the clothes that he wore after Michael and Alex bound his wounds and he came back to the house alone and then later healed himself in.” She smiled feebly to them, “I know that this is probably confusing but…” Her voice trailed off.

She needed to finish the story, though, “And since then, Max’s closed himself off from practically everybody. He barely talks, he barely sleeps, and I haven’t seen him eat anything. And now he’s sick and I don’t know why.”

Diane placed the clothes back on the table and, with her free hand, reached across to grab Isabel’s. She spoke with a croaky voice, “Thank you for telling us everything.” She looked at Phillip with a gleam of hope, “And now, hopefully we can help you to help him.”

Isabel was interrupted by a retching noise coming from the living room. The three hurried into the living room to find that Max was lying on his back with more bile and blood seeping over his mouth, face, neck, and the couch. Some of the substance still seemed to be in his mouth, impairing his ability to breathe. Isabel hurried forward and scanned her hand over the mess, getting rid of it all.

Max’s eyes opened slightly. Isabel looked closely and could tell that they weren’t normal. They were glowing green and they were sightless. And around his eyes, blood vessels had popped from the strain. His mouth gaped open and closed a few times before his vocal cords allowed him to slip out a word, “Liz?”

Isabel reached for Max’s hand and withdrew it sharply. The tips of his fingers were starting to turn black and it looked like the coloring was traveling slowly down his fingers.

Max’s body started to convulse. His eyelids shot open, fully exposing his bright green eyes, but they remained sightless. As soon as the shaking started, it stopped. His eyes drooped closed and he went back to his almost-comatose state.

Diane and Phillip stood there, helpless. Diane turned to Isabel, “What do we do? Please… you most have some idea, honey…”

She checked Max’s breathing before she turned back to her parents, “I think I… I think I need to call the others…”

Diane smiled lightly at her, “I’m glad that you found family in them while you thought that you couldn’t turn to us. At least you didn’t have to go through everything alone.”

Diane and Phillip had found a new respect for the teens. They’d been through more in the last year than either of them had in their lifetimes. Silently, they prayed that Max would survive long enough for them to be able to compare.

So, today's my birthday, but I wanted to drop this off before the festivities began. I know that I promised FB, but... hit you next part?

This part... is long. I just kept writing and before I realized it, it was over 7 pages in Microsoft Word (and I try to keep them around 6). So... enjoy...hoperfully.

Part 16

Liz was finding it harder and harder to slip away from her house each time she received an ominous call from Isabel. Her father had begun to watch her like a hawk and questioned her thoroughly every time she left.

Her mother had been fighting for Liz’s freedom. She believed that, as a teenager, Liz should get out an experience as much as possible. Despite her mother’s protests, Jeff continued to question Liz’s every move.

Isabel’s phone call from ten minutes ago made Liz’s heart race. She’d been told that Max was getting sick and he was throwing up blood. Why couldn’t this poor kid get a break? Hadn’t he been through enough already?

She dropped down on her bed for a loss of what to do. It was the middle of the day and her parents wouldn’t let her out.

Everything that was going on… it was just too much. She still couldn’t get any of Nasedo’s words out of her head. While Nasedo was posing as Max, he told her how Max and Tess were destined to be together.

The love that she once was so sure of now seemed impossible. Was she wrong to still love him? Should she try to forget about him and move on?

Tess is his destiny. Tess would be there for him tonight, Isabel had said so earlier. Tess was the person he needed now, not her.

But still, it wasn’t Tess that Max had screamed for at Michael’s when Pierce fired the gun at him. It wasn’t Tess that Max had gone to after Milton told him to go home. Max had come to her, and that gave her hope.

He was comfortable with coming to her, so why couldn’t she go to him now? Why couldn’t she find the willpower to get out of her bed and find a way to make it to him?

Was she that horrible of a person?

Noisy sobs escaped her as she threw her face into her pillow. Maybe it would be better for Max if she left town for a little bit. She’d done nothing but drag him down. She’d gotten herself captured… allowed them to torture him… didn’t notice the symptoms of this disease Isabel said he was suffering from.

Nancy came into the room hesitantly. Liz’s sobs were echoing through the house. She sat next to Liz and stroked her back comfortingly, “What’s wrong, sweetie?”

Liz forced herself to stop crying and looked up at her mother bracingly, “I’m so stressed out, Mom. My life’s just too much right now and I can’t handle it.” She had to lie, “I just… I can’t handle it anymore. Everything with Max and… It’s just too much.”

Nancy held Liz close, “What’s happening with you and Max?”

Liz shook her head, “I can’t… I don’t… want… it’s complicated.”

“Is there anything that your father and I can do to help?” Nancy had to find some way to help her daughter.

Liz’s head shot up. She looked at her mother closely with hope growing in her heart, “Yeah, yeah I think there is.”

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“WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE’S GONE UNTIL THE 22ND, MARIA?!” Isabel’s shrill voice rang through the house, even though she was trying not to disturb Max.

Tess, Maria, Alex, Michael and Maria had shown up at the Evans home earlier. Maria had called Liz a few minutes ago to find out where she was and when she hung up, there wasn’t good news.

“She’s in Hondo, Isabel!” Maria stood in front of Isabel, barely inches from the other girl. The argument was starting to get intense.

Everyone sat in the living room before them, unsure of what to do. How did someone break up a fight between a desperate sister and a hothead best friend?

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE’S IN HONDO, MARIA?!” Isabel shouted again, absolutely livid.

Maria pointed a finger at Isabel accusingly, “I didn’t tell Liz to leave! I didn’t tell Liz to take off without another word to anyone! Stop BLAMING me!”

“SHE ABANDONED MAX! SHE ABANDONED HIM!” Isabel stomped her foot into the ground like a three year old, tears in her eyes.

Maria shoved Isabel, “Don’t you DARE say that she abandoned him! Don’t you DARE blame her! You can’t even COMPREHEND what she’s been through! It’s the alien SHIT that drove her away! It’s YOUR fault!”

Isabel shoved Maria back, fire joining the tears, “Do you know what HE’S been through?! Do you?!” She pushed Maria again, “And do you know that the ONLY thing that he’s said in the past few hours is’ Liz’s name?! Do you know that for the brief moments he’s conscious he asks for LIZ?! He doesn’t ask for his sister, his parents, or even Michael, he asks for LIZ! And she LEFT HIM!”

Maria’s mouth opened and closed, at a loss for what to say. She hadn’t known this. She mumbled, defeated, “It’s only five days…”

“FIVE DAYS COULD BE TOO LATE, MARIA!” Isabel paced back and forth in the room, groaning in frustration.

“Don’t say that, Isabel!” Michael had risen to his feet and now was a part of this conversation.

Isabel shook her head back and forth, “It’s the truth, Michael. Stop denying it. No one knows what’s wrong with him! He could be dying for all I know!”

Tess rose to her feet as well, “You YELLING at people isn’t helping anything!!”

“Shut up, Tess! You have no room to talk right now!” Isabel scoffed at her.

“No room to talk?! NO ROOM TO TALK?! I’m in the same boat as all of you! I’m an alien just like you, for God’s sake, Isabel, when are you guys going to accept your destiny?!”

Michael roared back, “We aren’t going to follow that destiny, Tess! I don’t care if we’re supposed to pair up, it’s not happening!”

“STOP DENYING THIS, MICHAEL!” Tess screamed back at him, fully aware of the hostility being thrown at her in waves.

“YOU WILL NOT SHOW UP HERE AND THEN TELL US HOW TO LIVE OUR LIVES!” Michael continued his argument with Tess, almost forgetting that the room was filled with other people and a very sick Max was down the hallway.

“WHY IS EVERYONE SO SET ON HATING ME?!” Tess now had tears in her eyes. She looked around the room at everyone, “WHY?! YOU CANNOT BLAME ME FOR WHAT I HAVE BEEN TAUGHT! FOR WHAT I KNOW IS RIGHT!”

Michael gritted his teeth and lowered his voice, no longer yelling, “Max doesn’t love you, Tess. He loves Liz. He will never love you.”

Tears streamed down Tess’s face and she practically ran down the hallway into the bathroom. As much as she wanted to leave right now, she had to stick around and figure out what was wrong with Max.

“Michael…” Alex got to his feet as well, “That was a little… harsh.” He had concern etched over his face.

Michael turned to Alex fiercely, “I DON’T GIVE A DAMN! SHE HAS TO KNOW THAT SHE CAN’T COME INTO OUR LIVES AND SCREW EVERYTHING THAT WE HAVE UP! I LOVE MARIA AND YOU LOVE ISABEL AND MAX LOVES LIZ! SHE WON’T SCREW THAT UP!”

Alex was about to retort when Maria’s moving form stopped him. Maria moved towards Michael and stared at him pointblank, “You… you… you love me?”

“I… well I…” Michael had been caught off guard. His words had come out before he realized what he said. He was trapped into telling her the truth, “Yeah… I do.”

Maria bit her lower lip and stared up at him through glistening eyes, “You’ve never said that to me before.”

He took her into his arms and planted a firm kiss on her lips before slipping his tongue fiercely into his mouth. It was the way Michael was when he was angry or sad. He would release the pain through this sign of intimacy.

He grabbed the back of her head, burying his hand in her hair. His lips traveled down her neck and sucked at it fiercely, until he was sure that he had marked him as her own. They moved back up until they found her lips once more

Phillip and Diane stood, questioning this peculiar sight. Isabel and Alex were standing next to each other, apparently exasperated. Michael and Maria were… well, they were attacking each other’s mouths with no sign of letting up. They could hear sobs coming from the bathroom.

Phillip cleared his throat loudly, breaking up the battling tongues. Maria backed away from Michael, highly embarrassed. She looked shell-shocked. Without a second’s hesitation, she slapped Michael across the face.

“Jesus! What was that for?!” He rubbed at the spot fiercely. It hadn’t been a very hard slap, but it stung.

Maria eyed him deviously, “Maybe that will teach you to not attack me while people’s parents are around.”

Alex interjected, “Or while other people are around! I NEVER want to see that again…”

“Who’s in the bathroom?” Diane was anxious to get over this subject quickly. She did a mental check of the room, “What’s wrong with Tess?”

“It’s complicated, Mrs. Evans.” Michael replied. He was still a little testy with that subject.

Diane looked from Michael to Isabel, “Does this have anything to do with that destiny book?”

Michael looked at Isabel incredulously, “You told her about that?”

“Michael, when I told you that I told them everything, I meant that I told them everything. I was sick of the lying and the half-truths.” Isabel waved her hand airily into the air before taking Alex’s hand and leading him over to the couch, dropping on it heavily.

Alex sat beside her and spoke hesitantly, “How’s Max? Can we see him?”

No one, not even Michael or Isabel, had seen Max since they’d arrived. He had been moved into his room and everyone was warned to stay as quiet as possible. That rule had seemed to go out of the window, though, when Maria heard from Liz.

“He was conscious for a little bit, but then you all started yelling,” Phillip gave them a stern look before continuing, “And he heard about Liz going to Hondo and all of the ‘alien shit’” He gave them another stern look, clearly expressing his dislike for their language, “that drove her away, and then he stopped trying…” His voice caught in his throat and he cleared it once more, “…he stopped trying… to keep from loosing consciousness again. And he lost it almost immediately. He stopped fighting it.”

Diane could see that Maria felt guilty, “It’s alright for you to be protective of Liz, Maria. You didn’t do anything wrong.” She walked over to the girl and hugged her tightly. She wanted to let Maria know that no matter what happened she could always feel like she could be open around them.

“Thanks for saying that, Mrs. Evans.” Maria and Diane withdrew from the hug and Maria took a seat next to Alex. Michael chose to remain standing.

“So, can we see him?” He asked a little impatiently. He hated the fact that they hadn’t been able to see Max yet.

Phillip looked to Diane and after receiving her affirming nod, turned back to Michael, “Well… I don’t see why not. But… keep your voices down. And don’t feel neglected if he doesn’t respond to you. He… he hasn’t been talking to any of us.”

The foursome made to make their way down the hallway, but Diane stopped them, “Shouldn’t one of you get Tess?”

They eyed each other hesitantly. Isabel sighed deeply, seeing that no one else was up to the task, “I’ll get her. Meet me in Max’s room.”

The room’s curtains were drawn firmly together and all of the lights were off, save for a lamp in the far corner of the room. The lamp was giving off just enough light for them to see.

Max was lying face up on the pillow. His eyes were clenched shut as if he were a three year old trying to convince his parents that he was asleep, except, he actually was sleeping. Every few seconds he would groan considerably and writhe in pain.

Michael, Maria, and Alex couldn’t bring themselves to move or say anything. They stood in the doorway with their mouths hanging open until Tess and Isabel urged them forward.

Once fully inside, the five stood around Max’s bed, still not speaking. Maria was the first to find her words, “M-Max?”

No response. It was expected from everyone, but they had to try.

“Oh, Isabel…” Alex couldn’t believe what was happening. After everything that had happened to them lately, what did they do to deserve this? What had Max done?

Isabel shook her head at him, “This… this isn’t the half of it.” With shaky hands she reached down for Max’s arms and pulled them above the covers. His body instantly started to tremble.

Both of his hands had blackened and looked shriveled. Isabel looked to Michael and Tess with even more tears swimming in her eyes, “What does this mean?”

Michael shook his head, unable to think of anything. He felt Maria pull him into a tight embrace. He knew why. She was afraid for Max, but even more afraid of losing Michael.

Tess, however, spoke, “Nasedo…” she eyed Max helplessly, “told me that… alien sicknesses can… target our powers. And Max…” She bit her lip, “He heals people with his hands. That’s his most… dominant power. Maybe… Maybe that’s why.”

Isabel looked to Tess, “So you think that this is an alien virus?”

She nodded, “It fits some of the symptoms Nasedo taught me.”

Isabel’s voice raised a few octaves, “How do we cure it? How do we help him? He… he’s under at least ten layers of blankets and every time we remove one… or… or take his hands out…” she pointed to his trembling hands, “He shakes and shivers like it’s below freezing in here. And… and the black hands… and… the blood… and… his eyes...”

She shuddered. Alex’s head perked up, “What about his eyes?”

As if on cue, Max started to have a coughing fit. He rolled over onto his side in jerking movements, opening his mouth and letting out another wave of blood. Isabel reached forward and waved her hand over it mechanically, cleaning it up.

Max rolled back onto his back and itched at his skin. He clawed at his face, his chest, and his arms. He couldn’t seem to quench the itch. Before anyone could really process what was happening, he had thoroughly scratched his face until trails of blood formed all over the upper half of his body.

Michael leaped forward and grabbed hold of Max’s forearms, careful not to touch the blackened hands. Max unknowingly struggled against him. When Michael wouldn’t relinquish his grip, Max’s eyes shot open. They were still unseeing, but they had turned even more of a bright green. His pupils were gone, overshadowed by the green hue.

Max gasped helplessly for breath, shallow pants coming out unevenly. He continued to gasp for breath, as if someone had punctured holes into his lungs and he couldn’t quite fill them with enough oxygen.

He began to sweat profusely, kicking away the blankets with all of his might. When each one of them had fallen to the floor, he curled his body into a tight ball, shivering just as much as he was sweating.

With a deafening gasp, he shifted onto his back and finally caught his breath. His eyes were still wide open and unseeing.

A tear formed in his eye and his vacant eyes stared forward, through Michael, who was still holding Max’s forearms. Max’s voice came as a mere croak, “Liz…?”

The tear chose to trickle down at that moment. A bright green, angry tear that found its way onto his pillow and sizzled fiercely before disappearing completely.

The tear’s trail had left a light burn mark on Max’s face where it had traveled, but he seemed unfazed by it.

His eyes remained unopened as his body completely stilled and his arms fell limp in Michael’s hands. Michael released Max’s arms.

Isabel came to Michael’s side with a few blankets in hand, before placing them over Max once more. His shivering let up a little, but the sweating continued.

Max let out a gasp again, “Liz?”

“She’s gone, Max.” Tess’s cold voice rang around the room and seemed to linger for far too long. She snarled as she spoke next, “She left you.”

“No…” He mumbled out. He began to thrash about in panic, his eyes still wide open, “No… Liz…” His arms clenched at his stomach, like he was going to be sick, “LIZ?!”

“She’s not here.” Tess’s harsh voice rang out again.

Another acidic green tear trickled down his cheek. Isabel could tell that he was about to go unconscious again. She grabbed his shoulder and shook him, “No! Stay with us! Stay awake!” His eyes closed slowly and he was lost in his mind once more.

Thanks for the feedback. I know that you're all probably furious with Liz, but we'll get more about her later. This is more of a filler part, so please forgive me for it.

I'm going to try to get this part out to you sooner than I have been lately. It's been getting more difficult to balance writing time between my two stories that I've already posted and all of the story ideas that I have in the works.

And it looks like for the feedback, I'm going to have to stay silent to most of you.

Thanks for all of the birthday wishes!

Tequathisy: Yeah... thanks for the feedback! I hope you don't mind me ignoring your comments with dignity for now, at least until next part?

sweetbrowneyes: I'm delighted that you chose to leave feedback here! Sorry that it's bugging you so much, though! And thanks for the comments about Michael and Maria. I'm trying to throw in as much of the other couples as possible.

Luzser1800: Thanks!

clueless: Tess will be Tess, and in my world, Tess always has her own agenda to accomplish. You seem to be one of the only ones who isn't seeing Liz so critically... hahahaa. Thanks for the feedback! And the bump!

MidnightStar: Thanks! Um... we'll see what he does when the time comes. I'm terrible at spoiling things in feedback, so that's the best we're gonna get. Sorry!

Timelord31: Thanks for putting up with me!

mezz: Hmm... you seem to be the only one focusing in on Tess. Interesting. Thanks for the feedback, and this one's only just at 5 page, a little over, so maybe we'll hit 8 next part!

Jennifer24: What a fitting word for Tess. Yes, my Liz leaving town doesn't seem to be too popular, but I knew that it wouldn't. We'll see, though. Thanks for the feedback!!

Scottie: Don't worry, I'm not planning on it! Sometimes times of trouble turn people against eachother, and of course with all of the differences in this group (Humans vs. Aliens; Everyone vs. Tess) I thought it natural for there to be a lot of tension. Sounds like a plan to me as well.

And now, on to part 17.

Part 17

Isabel turned viciously to Tess, speaking in angry, hushed tones, “What in Hell is wrong with you?!”

“What do you mean?” Tess replied stoically. She was not going to let Isabel tell her what to do. Not anymore.

Michael turned on Tess as well, “Why are you kicking him while he’s down?! Why did you have to tell him that Liz left?!”

She spoke bitterly, spitting out the words as if they burned her tongue, “That should be me that he’s asking for. Do you hear me?!” Her lip trembled, “ME!” She wrinkled her nose in disgust, “And instead he’s asking for that… that… human. That bitch, Liz!”

Maria moved to stride forward, but Michael held her back. She was fuming, ‘Don’t you dare speak about her like that! You’ve done nothing but screw up her life, don’t you know that?! You come here and… and…” She was finding it hard to find the words.

Alex stopped her. He was still fed up with all of the fighting, despite what Tess was saying about Liz. “We need to find a way to help Max. Do you think we could heal him the same way we healed Michael earlier this year? In the cave with River Dog?”

“With the healing stones?” Isabel was deep in thought, “I guess we could try… Is everyone okay with this plan?”

Michael shrugged, “We don’t have a better idea.”

The all agreed and Isabel realized something, “Where exactly are the healing stones?”

“I… umm…” Michael raked his brain for the information, turning up empty, “I have absolutely no idea. Max had them…”

Alex groaned, throwing up his hands, “We’re never going to find them, he could’ve hidden them anywhere!”

“But we’ve got to remember that Max wouldn’t be careless with them,” Tess added, thinking hard.

“They’ve got to be in here somewhere. It only makes sense…” Isabel looked around the room as if hoping to lay her eyes on them immediately.

Maria bit her bottom lip, “Do you think we could try to ask Max?”

Isabel shook his head, “I don’t want to wake him… He… he doesn’t seem to hurt as much when he’s sleeping…”

The others nodded and response and turned from one another, beginning to search through the room.

Ten minutes later, Isabel was getting frustrated, “I’ve been through all of his drawers thirteen times over! There’s nothing!”

“Same with under the bed. I’ve checked and double checked. I even lifted up the mattress.” Tess replied, her voice slightly muffled since she was still hidden beneath it.

“This boy has a ridiculously organized closet,” Maria called from among a mass of Max’s shirts.

Michael scoffed, “That’s all well and good, Maria,” He was going through Max’s desk, “But we’re not here to comment on Max’s organizational skills.”

Maria closed the closet door behind her and turned to Michael, “Well, there’s nothing.”

Alex had been going through the files on Max’s computer to see if that would reveal anything, “There’s absolutely nothing here!”

Everyone turned to Michael, who shoved the last desk drawer closed, “Damn it!”

The foursome stomped out into the living room where Diane and Phillip were talking quietly. They sheepishly noticed that Diane was crying softly.

She silently excused herself from the room before they all sat down, frustrated. Phillip frowned, “What’s wrong?”

Isabel looked after her mother, “Is she okay?”

Phillip nodded, “She’s just a little shaken up about everything. We’re both really worried about Max, and she thinks that she’s losing her son.”

Isabel walked after her mother.

After a few minutes, the two returned. Diane gave everyone a weak smile before sitting next to Phillip on the couch. Alex sat on an armchair, pulling Isabel into his lap.

Michael and Maria sat closely on the floor, holding tightly to the other’s hand.

Tess chose to remain standing away from the group.

“We might know a way to cure Max. The healing stones…” Isabel started. She was interrupted by Phillip.

“The ones you used on Michael?” He just wanted everything to be cleared up and set into his head.

Isabel nodded, “Yeah. But we can’t find them. Max always kept everything alien that we had. I know that Nasedo has the orb, because we never took it from the base, but everything else that we have… the destiny book… the stones… it’s all M.I.A.”

Phillip furrowed his brow, “That doesn’t seem like Max. He didn’t tell any of you where he kept them? No one in the group?”

They all shook their heads.

Maria’s mouth fell open, “Liz.”

She was slowly putting it all together, “Liz would know what Max did with everything. He trusts her so much,” She added for safety, “Not more any more than you two,” She gestured to Michael and Isabel, “but he would’ve told her. He tells her everything. He did tell her. I can feel it.”

Alex nodded, “Yeah. That makes sense.”

“Can you call her, Maria?” Diane asked, hope in her voice. If this could work, she’d have her baby back. Her little boy would be okay again.

Maria nodded and picked up her cell phone, pressing the speed dial. The phone didn’t ring. Maria lowered it from her ear and laughed in disbelief, “My phone’s on the fritz! Look at the screen!”

Michael took it and glared at it. The screen was nothing but a bunch of moving pixels.

Phillip tossed Maria the home phone, “Use this.”

Maria nodded and raised the phone to her ear. She frowned, “The line’s dead.”

“What?” Michael took that phone from her and raised it to his ear.

“This is getting too weird.” Alex replied, taking his cell phone in hand. He pressed Liz’s speed dial and sighed when it started to ring.

Liz’s mother’s voice sounded in his ear, “Alex, Hi. This is Nancy. Liz left her cell phone with us; she didn’t want to be bothered when on the trip. I’m so sorry, dear. She told me not to give anyone her number in Hondo.”

Alex scrunched up his face, “Alright, thanks Mrs. Parker.”

“Tess, dear, are you alright?” The last few minutes, Tess had looked really out of it.

Tess nodded and gave Diane a smile, “I’m fine, Mrs. Evans.”

Alex threw his cell phone, exasperated. Michael stared at him, “Well?!”

“She left her phone with her parents. Apparently, ‘she doesn’t want to be bothered when on the trip.’”

Michael stood up, “Shit!” He turned to the Evans’s hastily, “Sorry.”

Phillip raised his hand, “Understandable under the circumstances.”

“So where does this leave us?” Tess asked shakily. She seemed like she wasn’t herself right now.

Isabel shrugged, “Could we call Nasedo?”

Michael shook his head, “I don’t think so. I think he only listens to Max.”

“Would he make an exception? I mean… Max is dying!” Maria practically shouted, her emotions getting the better of her.

Isabel sighed, “It’s worth a shot.”

She reached into her bag and dialed the emergency number that they had been supplied with. The phone only rang once before a curt voice answered, “Yes?”

“Nasedo, it’s Isabel.”

“Is Max there?”

“No, but…”

“Does he know you’re calling?”

“No, but…”

“Don’t call back unless it’s him on the other end of the line.”

The phone line went dead. Isabel threw her phone down by Alex’s and screamed, “DAMN IT!”

Isabel stood, running her hand idly through her hair. This couldn’t be happening. No Liz, no healing stones, no help from Nasedo. Everything seemingly required Max. And they couldn’t get to him at the moment.

“I’ll take it that he didn’t go so well?” Michael responded, a little unnecessarily.

“He basically told me to shut the hell up and to not contact him unless it’s Max on the other side of the phone.”

Diane’s lower lip trembled, “What now?”

They all shrugged. Phillip stood, “I need a drink.”

He walked over to the liquor cabinet and drew out a bottle of whiskey and a shot glass. He poured himself a shot and looked over the teens. Under any other circumstance, he’d never offer them alcohol, but this was an exception.

The all shook their heads. Michael replied grimly, “I wish.”

Phillip shrugged and replaced the bottle. He downed the shot quickly, giving his head a shake.

“It’s been a few days since he’s eaten, hasn’t it? And he hasn’t really had anything to drink…” Diane got to her feet, heading for the kitchen.

Tess gave her a weak smile, “I’ll help.”

Phillip shook his head once the two were gone, “I don’t think that an unconscious boy, teenage or not, is going to have much of an interest in food.”

Isabel sighed, “I think she just needs something to get her mind off of things.”

A few minutes later, Diane and Tess emerged from the kitchen. Diane was carrying a tray and she walked down the hallway to Max’s room. Tess resumed her position standing on the floor.

“So what now?” Alex voiced the question they’d all been asking. What do they do now?

Michael scratched at his eyebrow, “I have no idea.”

“We can’t give up hope, Michael.” Maria practically reprimanded him, “We can’t just sit back and watch him die.”

Isabel’s voice was shaky, but stern, “We’re not going to! We just need some time to think… clear our heads…”

But apparently there was no time for that. There was a gentle knock on the door and everyone’s attention snapped in the direction of the door. Isabel rose and turned the corner to face the door, completely unsure of what to expect.

It was pretty late, did she even know what time it was? Who would be coming to their house this late?

There was no reason to sit here and ponder as opposed to going ahead and opening the door.

Her mouth fell open at the sight of the person standing on the other side. In completely disbelief, she managed to say, “What are you doing here?”

Thanks so much to everyone for the feedback! It really means a lot to me:

Luzser1800: Sorry if I kept you waiting too long. This part gave me some trouble.

midnightstar29: We'll see...

clueless: I'd assume that some things will become clearer after this part, maybe, but the motives may wait a while to show their face. Thanks for the feedback!

RhondaAnn: Tess is Tess. Easy to pick on in an author's role, easy to pick on in a reader's role. What're we gonna do? I'll make sure to give her what's coming to her, though. I promise.

behrluv32: Well... actually... hahhahaha

Bri+Jason2830: I'm glad to know that my hints in the last part tipped some people off.

Jennifer24: They do when you're a predictable author... hahahaha

tequathisy: Am I that predictable? Oh well, I was hoping some people would pick up on the hints. The healing stones will be touched on in this chapter, you'll get your explination.

mezz: He's most certainly getting there.

jamy21: As long as you don't jump through the computers and kick my ass.

sylus27: Close... but... we'll see. I'm so terrible at speaking candidly. Thanks!

force: Hahaha, if only. Thanks!!

dreamon: Thank you. Hopefully this is soon enough. I promise that I wrote it as fast as I could.

zea: I'm touched that you chose to leave FB now and I'm also glad to have a few new readers! Thanks so much, I hope I didn't leave you too drained? I've been told I do... Is me making you dislike Tess again a good thing or a bad thing? Hahaha

behrinthecity: I don't think that Tess realizes that it's between life or death, yet, she's blinded by her jealousy. Stupid her. Yeah, that would be pretty harsh. Don't hate me too much after this next part, okay? I promise things will work out.

83 AlienAngel: Thanks!!

Flamehair: Smart girl. Thanks for reading!! Always good ot have some new readers!

Before you head into this, I must warn you: Things in this part will not go well. Please bear with me for another chapter before you bite my head off... please? Things'll work out!! I swear!

Part 18

Liz took a step back. She wasn’t expecting that kind of a greeting, “What are you talking about? You called me to come over and now I’m here.” She shook her head, “Are you mad because I came so late? I came as soon as possible, Isabel, I swear!”

Maria had come around the corner and her eyes grew wide, “Liz!” She threw herself at her best friend, throwing her arms around her. Suddenly, she drew back and looked frustrated, “Why did you tell me that you were going to Hondo?”

“What are you guys talking about?!” Liz whispered wonderingly. Something strange was going on.

Maria took Liz and Isabel’s hands and led them back into the living room where a baffled Phillip, Michael and Alex waited. Tess just looked enraged.

Michael rose to his feet, pointing an angry finger at Liz, “What are you doing here? You left! You left Max!”

Liz took a step back, as if wanting to run from the room altogether, “I didn’t leave! I’m right here!”

Alex held up his hands, stopping the crossfire, “I think that we’ve had a huge misunderstanding…”

“I think Alex is right. Maria, why don’t you tell Liz about the phone call you supposedly had with her earlier.” Phillip spoke calmly.

“Okay, so we were all here, but when you didn’t show up, I called you. And you told me that you were going to Hondo for a few days and not to try to call you or anything.” Maria repeated for what seemed like the thousandth time.

Liz shook her head, “I have my cell phone right here… look.”

She passed the phone to Maria who looked through the call logs. Sure enough, the last thing recorded was a phone call from Isabel.

Maria whistled, “This is weird.”

“I couldn’t get my parents to let me out of the house, so I was in my room trying to think of what to do and my mom came in and asked me if there was anything she could do for me, because I was upset. And so I told her that I really needed to talk to Maria, so she dropped me off at the Deluca’s…” She was interrupted by Maria.

“You went to my house?” Maria was confused once again. The Deluca home was almost directly on the opposite side of Roswell.

Liz nodded and gulped, “Well, I knew that I had to get over here. Isabel told me that Max was really sick and I couldn’t just sit at home… So my mom dropped me off there and I doubled back and walked the rest of the way here, and so here I am.”

Michael shook his head, “Why didn’t you call us after you got to Maria’s?”

“None of your phones were on. I even tried calling the house, but the phone wouldn’t connect.” She was anxious to see Max.

Alex looked at all of them, “Someone didn’t want us to get in touch with Liz.”

“But who? Why?” Isabel was running her hands through her hair once more.

Diane came into the room, the food tray apparently still with Max. She stopped short when she saw Liz, “Oh, you poor dear.”

No one had really noticed Liz’s appearances yet. She had apparently been rained on. Her hair fell wet and stringy around her face and her clothes were soaked through. Her sneakers were covered in mud and her cheeks were flushed.

Diane shuffled the girl down the hallway, despite the ongoing conversation, “You’re going to catch a cold like that!”

Liz was ushered into the bathroom across from Max’s room and Diane turned on the shower for her, giving her a quick smile, “Take a shower. I’ll have Isabel bring you a change of clothes. She’ll leave them right outside the door.” She smiled once again, “Thank you. For coming. It means a lot to all of us. Especially him. And once you’re all dressed, feel free to head across the hall. I’ll keep the room clear.”

The door closed behind her. Liz wanted to run out of the bathroom and into Max’s room, but Diane was right. For right now, she needed to shower and collect her thoughts.

She undressed quickly and stepped into the shower. She planned on making this the fastest shower possible.

But this whole situation was weird. All of them claimed to have their phones on, but she couldn’t reach them. They said that she’d called them with plans to go to Hondo, but she hadn’t.

How could they have thought she would abandon Max?

She shook the thought from her head. Now fully cleaned, she wrapped a towel around her body and opened the door, grabbing the pile of clothes that now lay outside of them.

Thankfully, her own undergarments hadn’t gotten very wet. She put them back on her body and reached for the pair of light blue flannel pajama pants, clearly Isabel’s, that she’d been given. She put them on and her eyes fell on the shirt.

It was one of Max’s. She smiled, bringing the shirt up to her face and smelling it. It even smelt like him. Isabel had somehow known what she needed. It was a simple, long-sleeved black cotton shirt, but it calmed her.

She pulled it over her head and out the door.

Liz poised herself outside of Max’s door. This was it. She turned the knob and walked in, immediately going to his bedside.

He looked so sick and weakly, fitfully dreaming. His lips parted, “She’s gone…”

He was talking about her. She could tell. It broke her heart.

Without further hesitation, she got under the covers, drawing him into her arms. She wrapped her body gingerly around his back, whispering to him gently, “It’s okay, Max. I’m here. I’m right here. I’ll never leave you.”

His features seemed to lose their tension and he turned to face her. He winced in pain as he did so, but he slowly opened his eyes, “Liz?”

She gasped at the green hue, unable to keep it back. No one had told her the details of the disease, but it didn’t matter. She traced her finger along the burn mark by his eye, “I’m here, Max.”

He closed his eyes, his voice barely a whisper, “Tess told me that you’d left me…”

“I could never do that.” She kissed him on his forehead lightly.

He shuddered in her arms, and she threw her arms around him once more. He grimaced and she drew away, “What’s wrong?”

As if unsure of himself, he raised his hands between them and into her vision. She gasped again, “Do they hurt?”

He shook his head, but his eyes told her otherwise. Just by gazing into them, she could see how much pain he was actually in. It was unbearable, but he was doing his best to keep it together for everyone else. The pain was consuming his senses. Pain that she couldn’t help. He spoke in his less than whisper, “I don’t want you to touch them.”

She smiled weakly at him, “Why not?”

“Because.” He frowned at her, wrinkling his nose like a two year old would to a particularly disgusting bug, “They’re disgusting. They don’t deserve you.”

She gently wrapped her slim fingers around each of his wrists, bringing his hands up to meet her lips in turn. She smiled at him, shaking her head. She didn’t want him to hide from her. She just wanted to be with him, in his time of need. She wanted to be his comfort, his peace, his asylum.

He took a sharp intake of breath and felt his world slowly start to slip away, “Don’t go. Don’t leave me.”

“Never.” She whispered softly, placing her arms around him once more. She drew him close to her as he fell into the depths of his mind. She would never leave him, not now, not ever.

But after twenty minutes of the silence, she realized that they had to find a way to heal him. She would have to leave. She placed a kiss gently on his forehead once more, “I’ll be back. I promise.”

Just as she was about to remove herself from him, the door opened gently. She lay back down as Max rolled over, resting his body over hers. His head was against her stomach, his face looking into hers.

She stared at him, entranced. Despite what was happening, he looked so peaceful in his sleep. She ran her fingers casually through his hair, becoming sleepy herself. The looming presence of five people told her that she couldn’t be taken into the dream world with him.

“You guys have a plan to heal him, right?” Liz’s voice shook, “I mean… he’s going to get better?”

Liz chided herself for asking the question, but it was something she’d been wondering for a while: Was Max going to survive?

“We think we can use the healing stones,” Isabel spoke reassuringly, “But Nasedo won’t talk to us to confirm anything. He apparently only answers to Max.”

Liz nodded her head, “So, it’s worth a shot?” Everyone looked doubtful, “Right?”

Michael cleared his throat, “We uh…” He mumbled out the next part, embarrassed about misplacing them, “We lost the healing stones.”

“What do you mean you lost them?” Liz was perplexed, “I have them…”

Michael looked angry with her. He practically spat out the words, “Typical. Max can trust you with them, but he doesn’t even so much as tell us all where they are.”

“Michael! It’s not like that!” Liz shook her head hastily, “We knew that Pierce was getting close, so he figured it wasn’t safe to keep anything at his house anymore. He was asking me where to leave them and I brought up… I brought up the place where I kept my journal.” She blushed slightly, “And he knew that if I could trust that place to hide my journal, his secret, your guys’ secrets, then he could trust it to hold some more. And this was… just before Nasedo took me. I’m serious. Not even an hour before..”

Alex nodded, “Okay, that makes sense. It also explains why Max didn’t tell you where they were. He hasn’t exactly been himself lately. So Michael, you can lighten up a little bit. I’m sure that if the circumstances were different, you would know.”

Maria looked to Liz, “Can you… do you mind telling us where we can find them, Liz? That way you can stay here with Max.”

“Yeah, sure.” Liz wasn’t quite so sure she was comfortable with everyone knowing where her deepest thoughts and secrets lay, but if it was to save Max, so be it. “On my balcony, the wall against my room, there’s a brick to the right of my window… umm… count three to the right and six up, and then the brick should come free. There in that compartment.”

Maria nodded, “Alright, who’s going to go? There’s no sense in all five of us going.”

Michael agreed, “I’ll go. Isabel, I know that you probably want to stay here incase there’s a sudden change with Max…” She nodded, “Alex, you should probably stay here with Isabel,” Alex nodded as well, taking a step closer to her and taking her hand in his, “And… so that leave Maria and Tess.”

“I’ll go,” Tess volunteered casually.

A little too casually for Maria, actually. Maria jumped up, “No! I’ll do it! I want to go with Michael!”

Tess looked taken aback, “Alright…”

Maria looked to Liz, “Is there anything that you want us to get you?”

“Um… not really. I brought changes of clothes and stuff, but they’re all at your house. I told them that I might be staying for a few days… but if you see anything you think I’ll need, feel free to bring it.” She thought that Maria was trying to give her some hidden message, but she couldn’t quite place what it was.

Maria nodded and grabbed Michael by the arm, leading him from the room.

Isabel sighed, leaning against Alex, “So now… we wait?”

“We wait.” Alex confirmed for her, holding her against his body.

The threesome left for the living room to sit once more with Phillip and Diane.

Liz gazed back down at Max. His head was still lying on her chest and his hands were wrapped protectively around her. He grimaced in pain as she ran her fingers through her hair.

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Liz awoke suddenly with a pain in her chest. Something heavy was weighing her down. She looked up groggily, flipping on the light beside her.

Looking down on the weight, she was confronted with Max’s blue face. He wasn’t circulating blood. He wasn’t breathing. She panicked, “Max?!”

He didn’t answer her. She felt his neck for a pulse, but she couldn’t find one. His skin was cold. So cold. “MAX?!”

She was entering hysterics now, screaming his name over and over. He can’t be dead. He can’t be dead. He can’t be dead. “MAX?!”

A hand grasped her arm, but she wouldn’t allow whoever it was to pull her away. She promised him that she wouldn’t leave him. She’d promised and she wasn’t about to break that. She wouldn’t break another promise to him ever again.

Maria voice swam into Liz’s head and stabbed her heart, leaving Liz feeling icy and numb, “L-Liz? He’s gone. There’s nothing else we can do.”

“NO!” She shrieked, shaking him violently, “WAKE UP! WAKE UP!”

“He won’t wake up, Liz.” Maria said somberly, “He’s dead.”

Liz clung helplessly to his body, sobbing hysterically. Despite how many hands were now trying to untangle them, she held him tighter, “No!! MAX!! MAX!!”

A/N: Remember... I swear it'll work out.

Okay, so this part isn't currently beta'd. I shipped it off to my beta a few hours ago, but I'm going out of town tomorrow morning and heading off to a relaxing weekend in Florida, and I wanted to get it out to you before I left. It'll be edited to the updated version sometime around next Saturday, which is when I'll be returning. But the days are flexible, so I don't really know if I'll be back then. Anyway, this ranting was to just warn you that there won't be an update until at LEAST next Saturday.

behrinthecity: This part successfully answers none of your questions. Hahahah. But I'm really sorry.

midnightstar29: Aww, I'm sorry. Thanks for the FB!

Timelord31: Evil you.

clueless- Thanks!!! And in response to you, only one word. Or sound for that matter, "Hmm...."

sylus27: Thanks so much! Parts of your Tess questions will be answered.

dreamon: Thanks so much!! Yes, she is a little demon sometimes, isn't she?

LairaBehr4: Hahaha, thank you, thank you, thank you!

RhondaAnn: You're like the only person who constantly looks through the apparent and goes for the more covered tracks. You pose some interesting points...

Flamehair: We'll see. Cliffhanger? What cliffhanger? I do'nt do those...

behrluv32: I can't stop, they're addictive.

Scottie: Hahaha, I'm sorry!! I advise you read this one with a brown paper bag nearby... just in case you have another breathing problem. Sorry!!

tequathisy: Max, Max, Max. All anyone ever wants to hear about is Max. Hahaha, I totally just kidding. Your answer, my friend, is below.

Jennifer24: Haha, I hoped someone would get a laugh/moment of joy from the way Tess reacted. Hope this wasn't too long. I struggled again with this chapter. And the dreaming...

ultimatepickupline: Haha, didn't mean to get you all hyped up like that so you had to break! Sorry!

jamy21: Hm... which is it, which is it? Thanks so much!!

Part 19

Liz blinked furiously, the images of everyone disappearing. Her heart was racing. What the hell just happened? One second the room was crowded with everyone and Max was… Oh God, Max.

The familiar, welcoming weight on her stomach gave her something to smile about. Max was breathing. He was alive. Her insides were still squirming. Everything had seemed so incredibly real. She sighed, rubbing her temples. She really needed to get some sleep and relax. But none of that would happen until Max was okay. She prayed that he would be cured soon. It was a mere waiting game now. Michael and Maria should be back any minute.

The door opened tentatively, “Liz?” It was Alex.

“Yeah?” Liz sat up as best as possible while still balancing Max against her stomach.

Alex sighed in relief. He thought that he heard Liz calling out a few moments ago, “You okay?”

Liz frowned, “I was just dreaming.”

“You want to talk about it?” He moved over and kneeled next to the bed, taking her hand in his, “It’s been a really long day…”

“Well, I felt like I’d just woken up and that Max had died while I was sleeping. Everyone was telling me that he was dead, and I knew he was. He was so cold. Everything was so real, Alex. It was so real.” She shook a little, tears rolling down her cheeks.

Alex scrunched up his face, “Are you sure you were dreaming?”

“I think I was, but…. I have no idea. I don’t remember actually waking up, just blinking and having everything go away.” Liz held Alex’s hand a tad bit tighter. Maybe it would help her keep a grip on reality.

Alex frowned. That sounded suspiciously like one of Tess’s powers, but now was no time to confront her. Now was about Max. They had to find a way to heal Max. He prayed that the healing stones would work. They just had to.

Liz laid her head back on the pillow, “How long has it been since Michael and Maria left?”

Alex consulted his watch. Apparently this mindwarp had temporarily lost Liz’s sense of time, “Fifteen minutes, they’ll be back any second.”

Max shifted restlessly under Liz and Alex took that as his cue to exit. If, God forbid, the healing stones didn’t work, he was planning on giving them as much time alone as possible. He didn’t want to think about what it would do to Liz if Max… passed.

Max opened his eyes slightly as the door closed. His vision was swimming and he could hardly make out shapes, “Liz?”

“I’m here, Max.” She squeezed her arms around him for reassurance.

“I… Liz… I don’t feel well.” He managed to get out. It wasn’t the thing that he’d wanted to say, but it was a start.

Liz had to fight back a bitter laugh. That was the understatement of the year. She forced back the tears as she lowered her head and kissed his forehead, “We’re getting the healing stones. You’ll be okay, don’t worry about it.”

Max shook his head, leaving the warmth of her and rolling to face away from her, “No, I don’t think… you understand.” Each word was strained and pained, “Liz… I’m dying.”

She shook her head, “NO! No, you’re going to be fine, Max!” Tears streamed faster down her cheeks.

“I can… feel it… I’m d… dy… dying… and I just… wanted to tell you…” He stuttered before coughing even more.

“DON’T DO THIS! YOU’RE NOT DYING, OKAY?! YOU’RE NOT! SO, JUST STOP!” Her emotions had gotten the better of her. More sobs escaped her. She lowered her voice, “I don’t want to hear you say any goodbyes, Max, because you’re not leaving. You’re staying right here. Here with me. Where you belong.”

He chuckled miserably, “After all of this, you still don’t think that death’s a possibility, do you? After everything that we’ve been though.” He shook his head back and forth, “You were held at gunpoint! Any of you could have died!!” He growled it out, visibly cringing.

“But we didn’t. You held off Piece for us until Nasedo got there… you… took a bullet for us, Max. You’ve been through so much and it’s not going to end like this. It’s not.” She sobbed harder, “Why can’t you just have faith?”

He whispered, so softly that she almost didn’t hear him. He never intended her to hear him, either, “I don’t have anything anymore.”

“What’re you talking about, Max? You’ve got us. You’ve got your friends, your family, me…” She tried to get him to roll back over and face her, but he wouldn’t.

He remained silent. If he made it through this, he wasn’t sure that he would have them. How could he? How could they still want to be near him after they’d seen the monster that he’d become? After he put them all in danger repeatedly? He didn’t even know how Liz could stand to lay with him. Wasn’t she scared of him? Of what knowing him brought?

He could literally feel it as his life drained away from him. Every moment he spent awake or unconscious was a moment that he was reliving his life. It was a torture, pure and simple. He didn’t know if he could bear the slow death any longer. Would no one open their eyes to the situation and just take pity on him? Would no one put him out of his misery?

It didn’t matter now. He was just minutes from death. He had a countdown going in his head. He could somehow just tell. He wondered if the other aliens could do the same and what kind of an advantage it gave them on death. Did they go around to their loved ones saying their goodbyes? He couldn’t do that, because apparently his loved ones didn’t care enough to say goodbye. They were too busy ignoring the fact that his last few minutes on Earth would be spent with them bickering.

There were so many things that he wanted to do with his life. He wanted to get married to a girl. Liz. Have children with his wife. Liz. Spend his life loving and caring for that special person. Liz. Grow old with his significant other. Liz.

Her name subconsciously rang through his mind with every thought. He shook the thoughts from his head. He’d never have any of that and he wasn’t going to spend what little time he had left regretting what he’d missed.

But he couldn’t help it. He switched his thoughts to the others. He’d never find out if Isabel got to grow up and have the family she’d always dreamed of or if it would be with Alex. He’d never find out if Maria and Michael would make it to an altar. He’d never find out if his parents at least got a few grandchildren, something they’d been hinting that they wanted for a while now. He’d never find out so many things.

Another pull on his soul snapped him out of it. A mere couple of minutes left. He needed to set things right with Liz, “I don’t want to leave it like this.”

Her voice came, muffled by the pillow that she was now clutching close to her, “We’re not leaving it like anything. We’re not leaving it at all. You’re not going anywhere. Stop talking about this.”

“Well what if it is?! What if this is the last conversation that we ever have?! And you’re just ignoring that!!” He inhaled deeply, trying to catch his breath. It was becoming harder and harder just to catch a lung’s full of air.

Liz got out of the bed in a panic. She reached over and rolled Max onto his back. His face was turning red from the effort. Something was stopping him from breathing. She spoke calmly, but fresh tears fell down her face, “Max, listen to me. You have to take a deep breath, okay? Just take a deep breath and hold it.”

His shallow, pained breaths continued. His face was slowly becoming blue, “Max, concentrate! Don’t think about anything else but your breathing! Take a deep breath and count to five.”

He finally managed to do so. He had just over a minute left. He wanted to say something, so he let the air go. His breathing returned to something normal, “Liz… I love you. Always remember that I love you.” He growled in pain and squeezed his eyes shut in an attempt to fight off the jarring aches, “But you’ve got to move on. Just… move on and just… tell everyone that… the letter…” He winced in pain again, “The letter… everything I wanted to say…” He fought against the black spots growing across his vision, “it’s still in there. Nothing’s changed.”

Forty seconds… his inner clock was going haywire.

“Max, stop!” Liz cried. She knew it was getting close, “HELP! Someone! HELP!”

Thirty-five seconds…

The room flooded with people. Maria and Michael had just gotten back from Liz’s and they carried the healing stones with them.

“Oh God, my baby!” Diane shrieked, tears swimming down her face. She crouched next to his body as it began to seizure.

Michael sprung into action, throwing a healing stone to each person: Liz, Maria, Alex, and Isabel. He kept the fifth one for himself and motioned to Tess, “Get with Isabel. The more energy we have, the better.”

“Phillip, Diane, if you’re up to it, pair with someone else. Just get a finger on the stone and let the energy flow through you. Think about Max and how you’ve always seen him.”

Fifteen seconds…

Michael and Alex struggled to lift Max and lay him in the center of the room, everyone else scrambling to get to their spot on the pentagram. Moving Max took a lot longer than expected as it was hard with his body shaking uncontrollably.

Five seconds…

With everyone in place, they all concentrated their thoughts on Max and only Max. All of the good times they’d had with him and what they’d felt during the time. Everyone avoided the negative.

A rush of images hit Max as he knew that his time was up. In his last moment, he was hit by an overwhelming amount of emotions…

Time stood still inside of Max Evans.

His subconscious was immediately transported to the same plane that Michael’s had been earlier in the year, but instead of the open skies and desert surrounding them, it was just darkness. The only thing that they could see was the pentagonal patch of dirt that they were surrounding.

Alex moved forward first with Phillip at his side. He gave Max a firm handshake and a pat on the back before disappearing from view.

Phillip drew Max into a hug, whispering into his son’s ear, “Hold on. You can make it through this.”

Maria and Diane came forward next. Maria drew Max into a hug before letting him go and smiling broadly at him. She kissed him on the cheek before disappearing.

Diane shakily drew Max into a hug, plastering a kiss on his cheek, “You can’t leave us, Max. You can’t.”

Tess and Isabel strode forward immediately after Diane’s departure. Tess, to Max’s shock, shook his hand and gave him a slight smile, “I understand.” That was it. She understood? She understood how much he loved Liz?

Isabel’s teary eyed figure came into view. She shook her head before laughing out of disbelief, drawing him into a hug, “Don’t give up. Keep fighting.” She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before dissolving.

Michael walked briskly forward, taking Max’s hand for a handshake. They stood there for a moment before drawing each other into a hug. Michael withdrew, “Come back to us. I don’t know what we’d do without you.”

Max stared around him. That was everyone. He immediately felt a sense of loss. He crouched down, sitting with his knees drawn up to his chest. A soft hand touched his shoulder and he jumped to his feet.

Liz was positively balling, “You weren’t lying about being close to dying, were you?”

He shook his head, because in the plane it seemed impossible for him to talk. She smiled at him meekly, “I’m so sorry. I’m sorry.” He drew her into a hug before she could say any more. She cupped his cheek, drawing his lips down to meet hers. Using her tongue, she was quickly granted access into his mouth. The tongues dueled before Max’s won. He softly, yet passionately stroked hers and her mouth. He could feel his ability to speak returning and pulled out of the kiss before it disappeared, “I’ll always love you, Liz Parker.”

He leaned his forehead against hers, running his fingers through her hair. Liz’s gaze met his, “I love you, too. Always.” She kissed him briefly, “But you’ve got to fight. For yourself. For us. Okay? Fight this.”

“Liz, you don’t understand. My clock’s run out. As you guys began the healing process, I was supposed to die. I don’t know what’s going to happen to me. My body’s on overload. I’m on overload.” His voice cracked with emotion again, tears welling in his eyes.

She brushed a tear from his cheek, “Fight for us.”

He nodded, blinking only once, and she was gone. His world shrunk past the pentagram to just the spot that he was sitting in. He was so lost. He didn’t know where to go or what to do or how to get back to them. He wasn’t sure that he wanted to. Could he burden them with his presence again?

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Liz crouched down next to Max’s unmoving form. He didn’t seem to be breathing. She checked his pulse with tears filling her eyes. Nothing. Her voice cracked, “Why isn’t it working? We all got in… it should have worked!”

“G-give it a few seconds. It should work soon. Any second now.” Michael’s weak voice drifted over her as he squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. Max couldn’t be dead. Not after everything that happened.

Everyone standing in the room held their breath, counting the seconds in their head.


One…

Two…

Three…

Four…

Five…

Six…

edit// Updated Confidential.

Eh... so... this is WAY later than I expected to have it up. But I will admit that I didn't have any muse for it until today, when I finally finished. Let's just say that... this wasn't the smoothest part to write.

Let me just say a big sorry to everyone for having this out so late!!! I really mean it!!

behrinthecity: This part will answer a lot of your questions. I hope. And sorry that this took so long. What's it been? 2 1/2 weeks?

clueluess: Yep, I had that evil streak in me. Hope you had a lovely time on vacation.

RhondaAnn: Yep, he's starting to catch on... maybe. Yes, it's definately an alien ability.

ultimatepickupline: I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!!!

midnightstar29: Aw, I'm sorry to make you cry! We'll see about Tess.

tequathisy: Hahaha, I'm sorry, I'm evil... Tess, Tess, Tess.

Flamehair: I can't help the cliffhangers... they just happen. I don't realize how big they are until I actually post them. But, then again, I knew it was a cliffhanger with this part.

Timelord31: Thank you. (And I sent it to you earlier, not sure if you got the email? :/)

sylus27: Yep, it does seem that way.

Jennifer24: Haha, sorry.

dreamon: Thanks!!

jamy21: I don't think I could ever do that. Buuuut, Tess is Tess. Maybe she'll be getting more... normal? soon.

LairaBehr4: I know. I thought we'd already established my evilness? Haha, you got that AN because I think it's sooooo lovely of you to give me these ideas that tease the readers. Seriously.

Scottie: Hey, hey, hey, I definately warned you about that paper bag, lol. Just kidding. Aw, I'm flattered? I think I should be. If heart-in-your-throat's considered a good thing in your eyes. Thanks so much! And... I made Max's dark because he was so ready to die and give up, as opposed to Michael who wanted to live. Sorry that I left you for so long!! Blame the muse!!

MP: Thanks!!

Mezz: Okay, so, I tried!!

Thanks to everyone for the bumps. It seriously did wonders guilt-tripping me into trying to get this out earlier lol.

Part 20

He couldn’t do it. He couldn’t muster the courage or the will to live. Liz would eventually move on, everyone would. It would just be better if he let the darkness take over his soul and give in. He didn’t want to fight anymore. He wanted to give into the darkness.

But Liz wanted to him to fight. After everything that he’d caused, she still wanted him. And she loved him. How was that even possible? How could she love him after all of this?

He brought himself to stand towards the light, but he couldn’t do it. Someone was preventing him from leaving his mind. He turned frantically to find the person, and a sinister glare suddenly appeared.

“It’s you? Why’re you doing this?! Let me out!!”

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Seven…

Eight…

Max’s mouth parted open. Liz frantically put her ear on his chest, fighting to her his heart beating. It was. It was beating very slowly and weakly, but it was constant. With shaking hands, she fumbled for his mouth. She hovered her hand over it, barely able to keep it still, but was relieved when a faint gust of air graced her. He was alive. He was breathing.

She collapsed into a pile of hysteria, tears streaming down her cheeks. He was alive. He was breathing. She couldn’t believe it. Seconds ago, she’d been positive he would never breathe again. That the last thing she’d ever hear him say was how he was going to die. And how he was on the brink of tears when he said it.

Maria hurried over to Liz’s crying form, rubbing her back soothingly. She looked worriedly to Michael. He seemed frozen in place. No one was sure if Liz was crying because Max really was dead or because he was alive, but he didn’t want to be the one to announce a death to everyone. He couldn’t bring himself to bend down and check his pulse.

Tess saw Michael’s conflict and bent down, placing two fingers on Max’s neck. She sighed in relief, giving everyone a faint smile, “He’s alive. Alive, but unconscious.”

Phillip pulled both Diane and Isabel into a tight hug. It’d been an emotional day for everyone. Hell, just a few hours ago he’d found out that his son was being torture by an elite force of the FBI. And that subject still wasn’t dead to him. He could tell by the tension that had been going on between Max and the group before the outbreak of the virus that the subject wasn’t dead between them, either. Liz’s stories, as horrifying as they were, couldn’t be complete. She was dismissed and Max was there alone. Who knew what they’d done to him.

He could feel himself shake with rage. Now wasn’t the time to be thinking about what was done with Max, it was time to be thinking about what was happening with Max. His son had done nothing to deserve this Hell. He’d saved a girl’s life and he was being punished for it.

Alex bent down and slung Max carefully over his shoulder. He was almost shocked at how light Max was. It could be compared to lifting a medium sized dog. He carried him to his bed, where he gently placed him down beneath the covers.

“What now?” Alex turned back to the group. He had to hold everyone together at this point. Phillip had his hands full and Alex could tell that Michael was still in shock. Maria was about to loose it completely. Liz already had.

He cleared his throat, “Let’s meet in the living room.”

Everyone nodded. Maria and Liz slowly made their way out of the room, followed by Phillip, Michael, Tess, Diane and Isabel. Alex, however, remained behind. He went to Max’s bedside and looked down at him. “Hey man,” He gave a small chuckle, “You’ve really got to come back soon. Liz is an absolute wreck – everyone is. But, we all love you. And you not coming out of this coma… It’s going to tear us all up. Don’t know what your parents and Isabel would do or me, Michael, and Maria, much less Liz. She loves you so much. It’ll break her heart if you don’t wake up from this. She needs you.”

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Max stepped back, “Let me out.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that.” The figure replied, still masked in the shadows. But there was still no mistaking him. Max knew exactly who he was.

“Why not?!” Max replied angrily.

“Because, Zan. Khivar ordered me to send him an heir. But, you were too far gone. By the time I could get to you, you’d fallen for that filth.” He spat, “I contacted Khivar not long ago and told him the news. He wants you dead. I’m going to come and kill you while you’re defenseless, Zan. While you’re trapped in your mind.”

Max moved forward to the man. Everyone he cares about was with his body right now. He’d hurt them, there was no doubt in his mind. He had to keep him busy, “Why do you keep calling me that?”

The man laughed, “I keep forgetting you still don’t know. The almighty Zan doesn’t know his own history. It’s pathetic, really.” He smiled at Max’s puzzled look, “You were once the king of the planet Antar. But Khivar and his followers overran you. Khivar was the one to kill you, actually. You, your sister Vilandra, your second in command Rath, and your wife… Ava. I bet you can put two and two together and figure out which alien-human hybrid goes to which past alien.”

He laughed, continuing, “Who would’ve thought that when Tess grew up, you wouldn’t be able to stand her?”

“I can stand her. I’m just not attracted to her.” Max replied. He was numb. This was his second time living? And he was married to… Tess.

The man snickered, “Tessie found out about my little plan to have you two breed, so I could bring the brat back to Khivar, and she deserted it. She would have nothing to do with it. At least she could see how in love you were with Liz. So I had to operate on my own. I had to become Daniel Pierce.”

Max’s insides froze, “You… you what?”

“Yes… that’s right. Me. I was Daniel Pierce the whole time.” The man grinned evilly, “And how I loved to torture you.”

Max couldn’t believe what he was hearing, “But… but…” He’d thought that the monster was dead, but it turned out he was still alive. He was still alive. It still didn’t explain anything, “Why?”

“Khivar was supposed to come and murder you himself, but he got held up. So, he wanted me to kill you. I arranged for your friends to come to the base, but when you sent out that contract, it sent hitches into my plan. They came sooner than expected and with more force. I must admit, I’m still shocked that Tess was able to hold up a mind warp against me.”

“No, I don’t think you understand.” Max’s head was swimming. He wanted answers, “Why the front? And why take Liz?”

The man smiled, “All the better to watch you suffer. Khivar wanted it that way, but when he got held back, he ordered her release.”

Max’s face sunk, “So, you were going to let her go anyway? The whole torturing thing… it was just… for fun? I never had to strike a bargain with you? It was just a ploy for you to get more laughs? You were never going to hurt Liz. You were never going to hurt her.” He was rambling.

“I always thought you were weak. Thank you for confirming my suspicions. So yes, it was all a game. When they managed to escape with you, I, of course, went to Michael’s house. I needed to kill off Pierce while still maintaining my role. So I had Langley, another alien, shift and assist me. It was too easy.” The man replied coolly.

“How’re you supposed to kill me if you’re still here with me?” Max replied quickly. He had to keep the man talking so that he could try and escape his prison.

The man laughed, “I don’t stay here with you. I tell you that if you leave your prison, I’ll kill them all. It’s a trade, don’t you see? Your life for theirs.”

Max stuttered, “B-but how do I know you won’t kill them anyway?”

“You don’t.” The man replied.

Max thought of something, “Are you the only one who knows our location?”

“Yes.” He replied shortly before fizzling into nothing.

Max felt the atmosphere change. It was a two-way thing. He could trade his life for the others, but even then he wouldn’t know if they were going to be safe. And Liz. Liz had been put through emotional torture because of someone’s whim. It wasn’t even for information, like he’d originally thought.

Alex’s voice wafted from somewhere, “Hey man,” A laugh, “You’ve really got to come back soon. Liz is an absolute wreck – everyone is. But, we all love you. And you not coming out of this coma… It’s going to tear us all up. Don’t know what your parents and Isabel would do or me, Michael, and Maria, much less Liz. She loves you so much. It’ll break her heart if you don’t wake up from this. She needs you.”

Max’s heart leaped. He had to do this for Liz. For everyone. He had to make sure that they were going to be okay. He’d just surface and then surrender to him. Anything to keep them safe.

He filled himself with his happiest memories. For some reason, it just seemed like the right thing to do. He slowly felt the feeling return to his body. He was feeling the sheets on his skin. The soft shifting of air from his fan that was turned on. He slowly opened his eyes, the ceiling greeting him. He smiled briefly to himself before rolling over.

He was back.

His contentment, however, disappeared. He was here for a reason. He needed to get everyone away before the man came.

Max opened the door and slowly made his way out into the hallway. He could hear a few whimpers coming from the next room, and it sounded like they belonged to Liz. His heart broke even further when he thought about how he was going to have to tell her what he had to do.

Everyone stared at him, completely shocked. He ignored them and walked straight to Liz who was huddled alone in a corner. She hadn’t seen him.

He wrapped his arms around her and drew her to her feet, hugging her tightly. Her voice shook, “M-Max? You’re okay?”

“I’m okay.” He rubbed her back comfortingly, “Thank you.”

“Why’re you thanking me?” She whispered, her head hanging.

He took her chin into the palm of his hand and lifted her lips to meet his. They softly stroked each other’s tongue for a few moments before he parted from her, “For making me fight.”

She smiled softly. Diane cleared her throat, “Max, honey? Are… are you okay?”

He froze. His parents had to be wondering about his mysterious illness. He stuttered, “It was… I was… a little dose of... I think I....” He closed his eyes and finished lamely, “Food poisoning.”

Isabel shifted uncomfortably. She’d just assumed that Max would remember Phillip and Diane being part of the healing, and therefore realize that they knew. She looked to Max, “They… they know.”

“They know?” He repeated, dazed. His parents knew and now they were going to tell him to get out of their house and never talk to them again. “They know.”

Alex, Michael, Maria, Liz, and Tess could sense that this was more of an Evans family moment, so they all rose to their feet. Tess spoke slowly, “Anyone… feel like something to drink?”

Everyone nodded feverishly.

Max slowly made his way to his room, “I’ll just… get my stuff, then. I’ll be out soon.”

“Wait.” Diane’s frantic voice stopped him, “What’re you talking about?”

“You want me out of the house, I understand. I always knew that it would happen, but I didn’t want it to be this way… I’m sorry. I’ll just get everything and be out of here….” His heart sunk with every word.

Phillip shook his head, “Why would we want you out of the house?”

“Because I’m a freak and I’ve lied to you and I told Isabel to lie to you.” He stuttered. Did they not want him to leave?

Diane frowned at him, “Max… we may not understand why you felt you needed to lie to us and there’s still so much for us to learn about you, but we would never ask you to leave. Don’t you understand that we love you and will always love you, no matter what?”

He felt reassured. His parents still loved him. They didn’t want to hate him. They loved him unconditionally. He gave them a faint smile, “I’m beginning to.” He looked from Isabel to his parents, “Thank you.”

“No, Max, thank you.” Phillip smiled at him, “I don’t think you or Isabel can ever understand the kind of joy that you’ve brought us.”

Max shook his head. It was so hard to believe that this had worked out for the better. Too bad he would now have to give it all up.

He called for Michael, “You guys, can you come back in here? I need to ask you all a favor.”

They shuffled back into the room. Max shifted uncomfortably as they all found places to sit before him, “I… I need to tell you guys something that I need to do. And then I need for you to not protest and just accept it.”

Michael’s brow furrowed, “Tell us what it is and then we’ll talk about it.”

Max groaned, “Fine.” He rubbed his forehead in a stressed gesture, “I’m going to need everyone but me to leave the house so that I can settle some things with someone.”

Alex shook his head, “We’re going to need a little more details than that, Max. Who’re you meeting with?”

“Nasedo.” He replied cryptically.

“Why can’t we be in the house when you meet with Nasedo?” Tess was just as confused.

Max played with the carpet with his feet, “Well, uh… he wants to talk to me about something. But he won’t do it with other people around.”

“No.” Liz replied, firmly, “There’s more to it than that and you know it. Tell us the truth, Max.”

He couldn’t get out of it. So he told them what Nasedo had told him about their past lives. Isabel, Tess and Michael’s mouths fell open and they gaped at him. It was so much to process. Michael had a settling feeling, “I think I always thought that was it. Now that you say it, I realize that somehow I always knew.”

Isabel and Tess nodded in agreement. Isabel looked to Max, “But that’s not what we’re here to discuss. Tell us why we need to leave the house.

Max’s insides twisted. He looked at a point on the wall just past everyone, “Well, uh… you see… Nasedo was Pierce...” He ignored their shocked faces and many questions, “And, in short, the guy, Khivar, who took the planet and… k-killed us, he uh… wants me dead.” Once more, he ignored their shocked faces and their questions, “Nasedo’s on his side. He’s been playing us. And he’ll kill every one of you if I don’t do what he wants.”

“What exactly is that?” Isabel asked.

“Khivar wants me dead.” Max replied quickly, “So, Nasedo’s wants me dead. And if I just… let it happen… he’s promised to leave everyone else alone.”

“WHAT?!” Several voices screeched at once.

Liz moved forward, staring at Max passionately, “You’re not doing this.”

“Yes, I am. I’ve already decided.” Max responded, “I’ve put all of you in way too much danger in the past few weeks, and I won’t be doing it again. Can’t you see that just having me around has made you risk your lives on multiple occasions? When Pierce had me… in… the… white room…” His voice seized for a moment, “You guys should have never rescued me. You should have left me there. By rescuing me, you guys almost died. You were held at gunpoint. Because of me.”

Michael shook his head, “It’s not your fault. We made our choices, and we accepted the consequences. And I’m not about to sit here and let my best friend sacrifice himself to save us. It’s time that we fight back.”

“What do you mean?” Max couldn’t believe his ears.

Tess nodded in agreement. While she was finding it hard to accept that Nasedo had been playing them the whole time, she agreed that it was possible. Especially after finding out his plan to get her pregnant and send her back home to a man that would most likely kill her after she gave birth, “He means that we’re fighting. Nasedo can come here, but we won’t let him take you.”

Max started to shake his head, but Liz interrupted, “We’re doing this and you can’t stop us. We love you, Max. We won’t let anything else happen to any of us. We’re taking back our lives.”

Alex smiled at the crew of people, “So, what’s the plan?”