Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2003 9:50 am
Chapter 18E--Week 3
Max fidgeted in his chair.
He was in his second period history class.
How long can a teacher go on about the stupid Neapolianic Wars?
Mr. Fairmont's colorless voice droned on and on.
And on.
His voice like a steady machine in a factory workshop. Hummming away in the background. Heard, but never really listened to.
Max sighed and drew circles on his notebook.
Come on, Isabel! Call me! What have you found out?
***************************************************************
Isabel sat on her bed, and looked at Liz Parker's yearbook picture.
She had never understood her brother's fascination with 'Miss Plain Jane Parker.'
The girl rarely wore makeup. She never dressed in the latest styles.
Isabel stared.
Still. . .
She had kept their secret.
Except for Maria, of course. Isabel raised her eyebrows.
And the girl did love her brother.
And she had gotten them out of a jam or two.
Isabel became determined.
All right Miss Elizabeth Parker. Where are you? And what's going on?
Isabel touched the picture and watched as it wavered slightly.
Then, she laid down, and let herself relax.
***************************************************************
Max weaved his way between students on his way to Councilor Burn's office. He figured, maybe the councilor had another phone number where Liz could be reached. After all, it was through Burns that Dr. Holt had contacted Liz.
"Hey! Max!" Maria's voice called out to him as she raced to catch-up with him.
He stopped and turned.
"Hey, Maria," he said.
She was out of breath by the time she reached him. "Where in the world are you going to so fast?" She asked, breathing hard.
Max didn't want to worry Maria. Excluding Isabel, he hadn't told anyone else about his dreams. There was no reason to get Maria concerned, too. She had enough to worry about with Michael.
"I was on my way to Biology class," Max lied.
"Isn't it in the other direction," Maria said pointing down the hall in the opposite direction.
Crap!
"I. . .I was just going to go get something from the vending machine, first," Max stammered.
Maria wagged her finger at him and teased, "Tisk, tisk! Just because Liz is away doesn't mean that you should start eating junk-food to compensate for your loneliness."
Max laughed. Mostly in relief that she didn't catch on to his lie.
"Now, Max," Maria looped her arm through his and started leading him towards his Bio class, "My job as Liz's best friend is," she started to count on her fingers, "Number One--Make sure no other chicks try and steel you while Liz is away getting herself better educated."
And to demonstrate, Maria gave another 'Max gawker' a dirty look.
Then, she looked up at an obvious Max. He really has no idea, does he? Maria thought.
Max snorted at Maria's comment. Yea, right! Like any other girl could compare to Liz!
"What's number two," Max asked.
"Number two--Make sure no other chicks try and steel you while Liz is away getting herself better educated."
Max laughed. "Let me guess what number three is."
"I think you've got the idea," Maria grinned.
They enjoyed a good laugh as they walked down the hall.
Then, Max, turning serious, asked, "Maria, have you heard from Liz?"
Maria looked up at him. "Si! She left a message on my answering machine yesterday. Why?"
Max felt some measure of relief.
"What did she say? How is she? What has she been doing? How did she sound? Tired? Worried? Did she ask about me?" Max babbled on.
"She just left a message that she was sorry that she missed me. And she'd try back later," Maria said. Confused by his reaction.
"Oh."
"Max? Is everything OK?" Maria asked.
"Sure! Sure!" Max said overly brightly. "I just miss her. That's all."
They walked in silence for a moment.
"By the way," Max's lip quirked, changing the subject. "What was that bet you and Michael made?"
They had reached his classroom.
Maria just grinned, "I don't kiss and tell."
"So,'it' involved kissing?"
"Hhhmmmm. Could be. Could be," Maria teased.
He pointed his finger at Maria, "I'll find out one day, young lady."
Maria just smiled and flounced away towards her own class.
Max, with a huge grin on his face and feeling slightly better about the whole situation, opened the door to his AP Biology class, and walked in.
***************************************************************
Isabel's relaxed on her bed as she entered the dream world.
She walked on clouds, and there was nothing but sky all around her.
The color blue went as far as the eye could see.
She hopped from one cloud to the next. Not sure what was holding her up. The clouds didn't feel like there was anything substantial beneath them.
She giggled as she bounced up and down on one, seeing if she would break through the thin, invisible layer of 'whatever' was holding her up.
I'm not in anybody's dream. Isabel thought.
She didn't know how she knew this. She just did.
Instead she was on some plain or dimension, or 'whatever' between reality and the dream world.
What do I do now? Isabel wondered.
This had never happened before. She had always been able to enter into the dreams she wanted.
Maybe Liz was just too far away?
But it was certainly nice here.
Drifting on clouds.
Maybe I'll bring Alex here, someday.
Isabel lay down on a cloud and felt more comfortable and secure than she had ever felt in her life.
Was it possible to fall asleep in your own dream?
Isabel giggled at the thought. Who cares?
And for the next hour she enjoyed her new found 'Land In-Between Dreams.'
She looked up at the clouds and she discovered she could 'think' the clouds into images she wanted.
She turned one into a horse, then a rabbit, a frog, and then a dog.
A lamb.
A giraffe.
A tiger.
A lion.
She giggled.
She sang.
She danced.
And for the first time in her life, she was free.
But freedom never lasts for long. And in a moment of conscience, she remembered what she was here to do.
A door suddenly appeared on one of the clouds.
A door?
With fluffy whiteness all around it.
'The Door' was far off. She was going to have to jump, hop and skip on many clouds to reach it.
Isabel could see that light was trying to escape around the frame of the door.
Were there more wonders through that door? What else was waiting for her in this 'Land In-Between Dreams?'
I have to come up with a better name for this place.
So, Isabel started hopping from cloud to cloud. Anxious to see what new possibilities waited for her behind the closed door.
***************************************************************
"Hey, Missy," Max said as he put his books away beneath their lab table.
"Hey, Max," She responded absently. She was staring at one of the test tubes that had a funny dark-blue liquid in it.
"What's that?" he asked.
"The next assignment in our book," she said and looked up. She smiled. "Thought I'd get started."
"Trying to impress the new teacher, huh?" Max joked. Maria's teasing had put him in a more lighthearted mood.
Missy blushed and laughed. "She is a college professor. Wouldn't hurt to get noticed."
Max smiled and opened his Bio book to their next assignment.
Suddenly, he felt a blast of white, hot energy slam into his body, and he gasped. He had to hold on to the desk to keep from falling to the ground.
What the hell. . .!!!!!
Little spots of color and light started to dance before his eyes.
"Max! Max! Are you all right," Missy had heard his gasp and could see he was hanging on to the desk for dear life.
He couldn't answer.
He looked up, as Dr. Serina Bryce walked into the room.
***************************************************************
She was almost there. She could see the golden knob on the door and the shiny angel knocker.
One, two, buckle my shoe!
Three, four, shut the door!
Five, six, pick up sticks!
Isabel sang the childhood rhyme as she hopped from cloud to cloud until she was directly in front of the door.
Just one cloud hop away.
The light beams shining from the cracks around the door frame were pearl white.
If they were to shine directly into your eyes, they'd blind you. Isabel thought.
She wasn't on the last cloud that disappeared beneath the door. But she was close enough. It was a big door, and she wanted to make sure she left enough room for it to open completely.
She reached out and turned the knob.
It didn't budge.
It wouldn't turn left nor right. So, she tried just pulling on it. But that didn't work either.
She released the knob and huffed in frustration.
Maybe I should knock. After all, it's rude to just walk in univited.
Isabel reached over and grabbed the heavy angel knocker with both hands and used it to bang on the door three times.
The bangs were so loud, they shook the door.
Some one had to have heard that!
But at first, she heard nothing from behind the door. Just stillness. Then, she heard what sounded like scurrying sounds. Like someone trying to cleanup their house before they let an unexpected guest come in. Then, silence.
Then more silence.
Isabel let out a frustrated sound and grabbed the knob and pulled with all her might. The door started to creak open, but slipped out of her hands and slammed shut as if on a strong spring.
Determination set in Isabel's jaw line.
I am opening that damn door! No matter what!
Again, she grabbed the knob, stepped forward on the cloud supporting 'the door'.
And promptly, fell through.
Isabel woke with a start.
Startled out of her dream world, she looked around her room as if seeing it for the first time.
What the hell is going on?
***************************************************************
After taking several deep breaths, Max's vision cleared, and he was able to stand on his own.
Pushing himself away from his desk, he gave Missy a reassuring smile, and with shaking hands, he finished opening his book.
But he was badly shaken.
What the hell had just happened?!
"Good morning class. I'm Dr. Bryce," Serena's voice was steady and firm with a no nonsense attitude. "Mrs. Becker has given me the itinerary for the class, and I need to warn you that I intent to follow it to the letter! So, no falling behind. If you are having trouble in any area of this class, I suggest you come up and talk to me after this lesson."
As she talked, she walked down the aisle. When she came flush with Max's desk, she froze. But only for a moment. Then, she continued.
"Open your books to page 89 and we'll get started on the next assignment. . ." And she continued as she walked back to the front of the class.
Max watched Dr. Bryce as she worked at the chalkboard and talked with her students.
She deliberately avoided looking his way.
He worked on the assignment with Missy, but at the end of the class, much to his chagrin, he realized that Missy had done most of the work.
Missy didn't seem to mind.
As they put away their items, Dr. Bryce packed up her briefcase and made a hasty retreat.
Max watched her leave.
Through out his life, Max's alieness had made him very unsure about a lot of things in this very human world. But there was one thing he was absolutely sure of.
Serena Bryce was an alien.
But was she friend or foe?
Chapter 19A--Week 4
Maria rewound the tape and hit the play button.
She laid back in her bed as she replayed Liz's message.
"Hi! It's Liz! Sorry, I missed ya!"
Her friend's 'over-bright', 'over-perky' voice made Maria's stomach turn. Sort of like when Marsha Tucker (teachers' pet) sucked up to one her respective teachers.
Gag-a-Maga.
"How are things going with Michael? Is he still being a jerk? Well, that's just Michael, I guess?"
Maria scowled as Liz laughed hysterically at her own statement.
What was with the that!? Only I can call Michael a jerk.
"Well, gotta run. Can't ask Dr. Holt to pay a big long-distance telephone charge. Bye!"
Maria sighed as she heard the sound of the dial tone. As a going away present, Maria had jokingly given Liz a prepaid phone card.
Why doesn't she just use it?
And more importantly, why would Liz call her on a Wednesday night? Liz knew, Maria worked every Wednesday night at The Crashdown.
At first, Maria hadn't thought much about Liz's message----how strange it sounded nor its timing. But Max had reacted so strangely. Maria knew he missed Liz, but his reaction was just so . . . overkill.
So, she had come home from school, and rewound her answering machine and played the message over and over.
And the more she played it, the weirder it got.
***************************************************************
Serina sat in the teachers' break-room, eating an apple. She was becoming very fond of her daily treat. Every morning, she came into her classroom, and found another apple with another note.
Today's note said:
Roses are Red.
Violets are Blue.
Haven't I said,
I'd like to meet you!!
Serina smiled. OK. So his notes were a little corny. But she didn't mind.
They were corny . . . but cute.
And it was nice to have an admirer.
In the past, she had dated------but mostly for appearances. To the human world, she had to make her life as normal as possible.
But she had never really been interested.
She had a job to do. A mission to complete.
And besides, most of the guys she had dated only wanted one thing.
Sex!
But now, she was being romanced.
Well, sort of.
I think I like this.
They still hadn't spoken to each other. But there had been glances as they passed each other in the halls.
It was a fun, sexy game.
Serina moistened her lips at the thought and took another bite of her Tabasco drenched apple.
"Mmmmmmmmmmmmm."
"I've never seen anyone like apples as much as you do," Mr. Burns said with a grin as he seated himself across from her.
"Well, you know what they say. An apple a day. . ." Serina let the sentence trail off as she chewed on her last bite.
Serina liked Burns. He was one of the few African-Americans in Roswell. And some people found him intimidating. Not because he was black, but because his broad shoulders and six-foot, 4-inch frame made him look like a former defensive guard for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Actually, he was an easy man to talk to. And he truly cared for the kids at Roswell High. He showed concern for each and every one of his students. He could tell you almost anything about each one of them.
Which schools they had come from.
What clubs they were in.
Weather they were troublemakers, class clowns, 'A' students.
Whose parents were involved in the PTA.
Which gave Serina another reason to get to know him. . . he was a gold-mine of information.
Mr. Burn's deep laugh made Serina smile.
"I don't think you have doctors in mind when you eat those apples," he teased her.
Serina blushed.
Oh, for heaven's sake!! Am I really that obvious?
As Serina's face got redder, Mr. Burn's chuckle turned into a hearty laugh.
Serina decided to tease him back. "So, you're laughing at me now, . . ." Serina paused, "Guntheri . . ."
Mr. Burns stopped laughing, but he still had a grin on his face, "Hey!! You said you wouldn't tell anyone! I didn't ask for that name you know!" He put up his hands in surrender. "I'm completely innocent. It was aaaallll my Mama's fault."
"How typical," Serina teased. "Blame everything on your parents . . ."
They shared a good laugh.
"So, how was your first week at Roswell High," Burns asked.
This is my chance. Serina thought to herself. Time to start digging for that information.
"Mostly, everything has been going very well. I just have a few questions to ask about some of the students," Serina said.
"Oh!" Mr. Burns was a little surprised. He didn't normally have trouble with students in his AP classes.
She asked the obvious questions first.
She asked about Tommy Lane, aka 'Mr. Can't Pay Attention Because I'm Too Busy Looking at My Partner's Legs.' "I swear, if he ever puts as much energy into his projects as he does into looking at Katie's legs, he'd be a certified genius," Serina huffed.
Burns laughed and said, "They're just at that age. . ."
And the talk went on.
One student who was having trouble getting to class on time.
Another who was having problems with the academics of AP Biology.
"What about this student in Sweden? When is she going to be back," Serina asked. She had looked over Mrs. Becker's notes about Elizabeth Parker. She didn't impress easily, but Serina had to hand it to this Parker girl. She definitely was going to make something of herself in the world of science.
Serina looked forward to meeting her.
"Liz is studying with Dr. Laura Holt. She'll be back around mid-December," Mr. Burns replied.
"The Doctor Laura Holt!" Serina was shocked.
Wow! Now she was definitely impressed.
"You know Dr. Holt?"
"Not personally. I've heard her speak a few times. She's quite famous in the world of Science. She's even cured a few diseases."
"Well, Liz Parker is Roswell's own aspiring scientist. She really admires Dr. Holt. Wrote her some letters, so Dr. Holt invited her to her lab in Sweden to show her the ropes. So to speak."
"All the way to Sweden!" Serina was still amazed. Then, she huffed. "Dr. Holt must get paid a lot more than I did as a college professor to have her own place in Sweden."
Burns frowned slightly. "I thought Dr. Holt was from Sweden."
"Nope. She's an all American girl. Grew up in Idaho, I think," Serina said taking a drink from her coffee.
"Hhhmmmm." Burns had a distant look on his face for a moment.
Serina looked at the clock over vending machine. She didn't have a lot of time left.
Must ask the question. . .
"Also," she stated as casually as she could, "I'd like to know more about Max Evans."
"They're dating," Burns said his mind occupied.
Funny. I had his complete attention a moment ago.
"Excuse me?"
Burns collected himself and turned back to Serina.
"Max Evans and Liz Parker. They're dating."
Serina felt her eyes go round, and her heart start to pound.
That . . .
was not
. . . good.
Serina cleared her throat, took a deep breath to try and slow her panicked heart rate, and asked as casually as she could, "How serious is their relationship?"
Burns had to chuckle. "Well, . . . you know kids."
Serina was literally on the edge of her seat.
"No, I'm afraid I don't. Why don't you tell me," she couldn't quite keep the sound of panic out of her voice.
Burns frowned at Serina's reaction.
"Well, most teachers who have had both students in their class have seen Max moon over Liz Parker for ages."
Shit!!!
" . . . .they've been caught in the eraser room couple of times . . . ."
Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit!
" . . . one teacher said that she became concerned when Max stared so long at Liz that he hadn't blinked the entire class period . . ."
"How long has this been going on?"
Burns paused, surprised at her abrupt interruption.
"Rumor has it that he's had a crush on her since 3rd grade . . ."
Double Shit!
The fourth period bell rang signaling an end to lunch.
"I have to go," Serina hastily picked up her purse and briefcase. She tossed the half eaten apple away, forgetting why it was so special.
"Serina . . ."
"Can't be late for class. Must fill all those brains with science, theorems, knowledge . . ." Serina babbled as she quickly walked out the door.
Serina marched down Roswell High, muttering every swear word she could think of.
This was not supposed to happen. Getting involved with humans was not part of the plan. What was Zan thinking!!!?? And where the HELL was their idiot protector? Why was he letting this happen?
Serina let out a sound of frustration.
When I find that stupid shape-shifter, I'm was going to give him the once over!! I never liked the creep to begin with. The coward had only cared what he got out of protecting the king. He had never cared about the fact that their entire planet and thousands of lives hung in the balance!!!!
Oh, nnnnnoooooooooooooooo. All that stupid, cowardly, idiotic, moronic, doofus-faced, shape-shifter had cared about was his reward for taking care of the king.
Serina walked into her empty classroom and threw her stuff down on the desk.
She took several calming breaths.
She sat heavily down into her chair as some of her anger drained out her. She rubbed the bridge of her nose and told herself to calm down. There wasn't anything she could do to change the situation.
Their king had found his queen.
And Liz Parker was in terrible danger.
*********************************************************************************
Burns walked into his office and headed directly to his filing cabinet. He squatted down and opened the third drawer marked O-R.
"Parker, Parker. . ." he muttered to himself.
He was so intent on looking for Liz's file, that he didn't hear the foot falls behind him.
"What the hell are you doing in my files!" Marge said in her drill sergeant voice. Burns hastily stood up and turned to look at his secretary. Realizing he had just committed the ultimate crime, he stepped away and put up his hands in surrender. The file cabinet was Marge's territory--and you ventured in at your own risk.
He said, "Uh, I need Liz Parker's file." He pause as Marge raised her eyebrows. "Please?"
Burns stepped back as Marge marched up to her file cabinet. She squatted and opened the bottom drawer. Muttering to herself, she began to search.
As she looked through her files, Burns gave in to a childish urge he'd had for years and made monster faces behind her back. He put his arms out and made what his Mama used to call his 'Frankenstein' face. Then, he clawed his hands above her head and rolled his eyes and bared his teeth.
"Here it is!" Marge grabbed the file and slammed the file drawer shut as if to lock out any further intruders. She stood up and turned to her very innocent looking boss and handed him the file.
"Where was it," Burns asked, confused.
"It was filed under Science Club, sir," Marge explained.
"Science Club! Is that how you file everything?!"
"Of course, sir."
"What if a student doesn't belong to any club?"
"Every student should belong to a club, sir," Marge replied. And promptly marched out.
Burns just threw up his hands in frustration. I'll never understand that woman. And he didn't have time to figure her out right now.
He walked behind his desk and sat down. He opened up Liz Parker's school file. The very first thing in her file, was the permission slip signed by her father for the school board to send his daughter to study with one Dr. Laura Holt.
Burns and Mr. Parker had spoken with Dr. Holt over the phone. She had reassured them Liz would be looked after and that she would be in bed every night by 11pm.
Burns smiled as he thought about Mr. Parker's very serious face as he made the last condition. It was nice to see a parent so involved in his kids life. Too often, Burns saw the other side----parents, (especially fathers) who didn't give a big rip about their kids or their education.
He turned to the next page that gave all the information about how to reach Dr. Holt--the name and address of her place in Sweden.
Burns picked up the phone and dialed for international long-distance.
***************************************************************
[q]ScientistExtraordinar writes to ExtraterrestrialGuy:
Max! Hi! So sorry I haven't written, emailed, or called! Dr. Holt has been keeping me busy! Lot's of science stuff to learn. I tried calling Maria, but she wasn't home. Wrote to Mom and Dad. Lot's to do. Can't get caught on the computer. Have to see if Zan is OK. Oooopppssss!!! LOL!! Zan's the BIG science secret around here! Can't tell anyone about Zan! I miss you. I'm so tired. [/q]
Max stared at his screen--a frown on his brow.
"What the hell is a Zan," Michael asked reading over Max's shoulder.
"I have no idea Michael," Max made a sound of frustration. "She's not even using complete sentences."
"She did say she was tired, Max," Isabel tried unsuccessfully to sound positive. The note was a little weird.
A look of determination crossed Max's face. He'd had enough of this. Something was wrong. She hadn't called. She barely emailed.
That was just not Liz.
He turned from his computer and looked at Isabel sitting on his bed. "Isabel, I want you to dreamwalk Liz again," he said.
"Max, I told you what happened. . ."
"I don't care! Try again!"
Isabel sat up straighter on Max's bed, "Don't order me around, Max!"
"Isabel. . ." Max's voice warned.
"Hey, guys," Michael came in-between them, ". . .come on now, don't make me play the part of peace keeper here. Things are weird enough already."
Isabel and Max eyed each other until Isabel huffed and flounced off the bed and made her way to her own room.
"It's not a good idea to piss off Is," Michael warned Max.
"I'm past caring at this point, Michael. At the moment, I'm ready to get on a plane and go to Sweden."
"Like your parent's would let you."
Max sighed and turned back towards Liz's email message.
There was a moment of silence as they both reread the note.
"So, tell me again about this Dr. Bryce," Michael said changing the subject.
"I'm not sure there's much to tell. I got this blast of . . .energy. . . just before she walked into the classroom. When I saw her, I knew she was different, like us. I just knew."
"But she hasn't talked to you?"
"No, she avoids looking at me or even letting me answer questions in class," Max said.
"I'll check her out," Michael said.
"Michael. . ."
"I mean, I'll go to Valenti and we'll check her out," Michael amended.
"You are not to break into her apartment, Michael."
Michael sighed. "Ok, I won't break into her apartment."
"Promise?"
Michael lifted his right hand and put his left hand on Max's Biology book, "I swear on this school Biology book, that I will not break into Serena Bryce's apartment."
Max looked doubtful.
*****************************************************************
Burns slammed down the phone in frustration. For two hours he'd tried to contact Dr. Holt in Sweden.
Without success.
He sighed and leaned back in his chair. It was the middle of the night in Sweden.
Still . . .
He had let the phone ring and ring and ring. Then, on his tenth try he finally got an answering machine.
Dr. Holt's voice had come on the phone asking the caller to leave a message and a phone number and the nature of the call.
Burns had done just those things. He specifically asked for Liz Parker to call him back. He and the school were eager to know of her progress in Sweden.
Or so he told them.
The truth was that he was worried about Elizabeth Parker.
His conversation with Serina came back to him . . .
[q] . . . all American girl. Grew up in Idaho. . .[/q]
If Laura Holt grew up in Idaho, then why did she have a Swedish accent?
Chapter 19B-Week 4
Serina pulled into her regular parking space at the Desert Oasis Apartment Complex, and shut off roar of the motorcycle's engine.
There's nothing like the sound of well built engine, Serina thought to herself.
She climbed off her bike and headed towards the entrance.
Tonight, it's a little dinner, then a nice long hot bath to help me relax.
She had a lot to think about. She had spent most of her earthly life looking for Zan, his family and his Second. But now that she had found them, she wasn't quite sure what to do next. She knew Zan, (or Max as he's called now) was aware of her 'alieness', but he had not approached her.
She reached her apartment door. Before she put her key in the lock she heard the sound of something breaking inside her apartment.
Chapter 19B-Week 4
Michael felt a little guilty. . .
He'd promised Max he wouldn't do this. . . .
But when Sheriff Valinte's investigation turned up nothing significant, he knew he had to take matters into his own hands.
It was always up to him. . .
The police report had read . . .
[q]Serina Ann Bryce
Born: April 21, 1967
Place: Phoenix, AZ
DMV Vital Statistics: Ht' 6ft 1in;
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Brown
Weight: 150lb
No record of citations
Education: Baylor University--Major: Human Biological Sciences with a Minor in Human Physiology Graduate Student-Honors
Current Address: Desert Oasis Apartment Complex
55215 Juno Street
Apt. 12
Roswell, NM 88202[/q]
All the information Valenti had come up with was interesting, but hardly satisfying.
Michael figured it wasn't just curiosity that led Bryce to Human Physiology and Physiological studies.
Serina Bryce wanted to know as much about humans as possible.
So, here he was. All it took was a little alien power, and he let himself into Apartment #12.
Michael looked around at the ultra neat apartment. It made him think of Liz and the few times he had been in her room.
Were all scientists so anal about having a place for everything? Why did they have to keep everything so damn neat?
He sighed and looked around the living room.
It wasn't too bad. The black leather couch was OK.
The coffee table had magazines neatly stacked between a candy dish and a candle holder. He picked up the small stack and took note of their titles.
Science Today.
BioTech.
Human Physiology Magazine.
He froze in surprise when he came to a magazine simply titled Harley.
He flipped through several pages and found certain machines circled. Some had the word 'Cool!' writen in the margins while others were 'X'ed out with a thumbs down drawing sketched on the page.
She liked Harleys, huh. Well, at least she was a cool alien.
He put the science magazines back on the coffee table and kept the Harley Mag. He flipped through the pages as he headed to the kitchen and went directly to the fridge. As he opened the door, he wasn't surprised to see rows and rows of Tobacco sauce. She also had other foods . . . lettus. . .tomatoes. . .baloney. . .milk . . .
And apples. . .
Three plastic bags filled with them.
Can one person eat that many apples before they go bad?
His stomach growled.
He reached in and helped himself to a couple. She won't miss a few. Anyway, sustenance is needed when 'breaking and entering'.
Holding a couple apples in one hand, he reached for a Tabasco bottle.
Standing up straight, he nearly jumped out of his skin as he felt a hand grab his left shoulder.
Dropping the bottle and apples, ignoring the sound of breaking glass, he raised his hand--ready to defend himself.
"I thought I told you not to come here," Max said taking a step back.
"Shit! Max!" Michael's yelled, eyes bugged out. Then, he lowered his voice to a hissing whisper. "What the hell are you trying to do? Scare the crap out of me?"
"If only I could."
"How the hell did you get in here, anyway?"
"Same way you did. Would you mind putting your hand down? That thing's loaded and I don't want it pointed at me."
Michael hastily lowered his hand.
"If you didn't want me to break into her apartment, then why are you here breaking and entering?"
"Because, I knew you'd come anyway. I figure if we both look around, I can get you out of here faster without too much trouble. But what do I find? You. Raiding her fridge."
"I was hungry."
"Then, eat something before you break into someone's apartment next time!"
Serina watched the exchange from the corner of her kitchen with a smirk on her face. She rarely used this power. She didn't like to abuse her gifts. But they were useful for survival purposes.
However, she practiced using them often in private to keep her 'Alien' gifts in top form. After all, it was her 'assignment'----her 'goal'----to teach her King and Second how to use their powers.
How to become warriors and defend their people.
She just wondered how they'd react to the fact that they could become invisible.
Max fidgeted in his chair.
He was in his second period history class.
How long can a teacher go on about the stupid Neapolianic Wars?
Mr. Fairmont's colorless voice droned on and on.
And on.
His voice like a steady machine in a factory workshop. Hummming away in the background. Heard, but never really listened to.
Max sighed and drew circles on his notebook.
Come on, Isabel! Call me! What have you found out?
***************************************************************
Isabel sat on her bed, and looked at Liz Parker's yearbook picture.
She had never understood her brother's fascination with 'Miss Plain Jane Parker.'
The girl rarely wore makeup. She never dressed in the latest styles.
Isabel stared.
Still. . .
She had kept their secret.
Except for Maria, of course. Isabel raised her eyebrows.
And the girl did love her brother.
And she had gotten them out of a jam or two.
Isabel became determined.
All right Miss Elizabeth Parker. Where are you? And what's going on?
Isabel touched the picture and watched as it wavered slightly.
Then, she laid down, and let herself relax.
***************************************************************
Max weaved his way between students on his way to Councilor Burn's office. He figured, maybe the councilor had another phone number where Liz could be reached. After all, it was through Burns that Dr. Holt had contacted Liz.
"Hey! Max!" Maria's voice called out to him as she raced to catch-up with him.
He stopped and turned.
"Hey, Maria," he said.
She was out of breath by the time she reached him. "Where in the world are you going to so fast?" She asked, breathing hard.
Max didn't want to worry Maria. Excluding Isabel, he hadn't told anyone else about his dreams. There was no reason to get Maria concerned, too. She had enough to worry about with Michael.
"I was on my way to Biology class," Max lied.
"Isn't it in the other direction," Maria said pointing down the hall in the opposite direction.
Crap!
"I. . .I was just going to go get something from the vending machine, first," Max stammered.
Maria wagged her finger at him and teased, "Tisk, tisk! Just because Liz is away doesn't mean that you should start eating junk-food to compensate for your loneliness."
Max laughed. Mostly in relief that she didn't catch on to his lie.
"Now, Max," Maria looped her arm through his and started leading him towards his Bio class, "My job as Liz's best friend is," she started to count on her fingers, "Number One--Make sure no other chicks try and steel you while Liz is away getting herself better educated."
And to demonstrate, Maria gave another 'Max gawker' a dirty look.
Then, she looked up at an obvious Max. He really has no idea, does he? Maria thought.
Max snorted at Maria's comment. Yea, right! Like any other girl could compare to Liz!
"What's number two," Max asked.
"Number two--Make sure no other chicks try and steel you while Liz is away getting herself better educated."
Max laughed. "Let me guess what number three is."
"I think you've got the idea," Maria grinned.
They enjoyed a good laugh as they walked down the hall.
Then, Max, turning serious, asked, "Maria, have you heard from Liz?"
Maria looked up at him. "Si! She left a message on my answering machine yesterday. Why?"
Max felt some measure of relief.
"What did she say? How is she? What has she been doing? How did she sound? Tired? Worried? Did she ask about me?" Max babbled on.
"She just left a message that she was sorry that she missed me. And she'd try back later," Maria said. Confused by his reaction.
"Oh."
"Max? Is everything OK?" Maria asked.
"Sure! Sure!" Max said overly brightly. "I just miss her. That's all."
They walked in silence for a moment.
"By the way," Max's lip quirked, changing the subject. "What was that bet you and Michael made?"
They had reached his classroom.
Maria just grinned, "I don't kiss and tell."
"So,'it' involved kissing?"
"Hhhmmmm. Could be. Could be," Maria teased.
He pointed his finger at Maria, "I'll find out one day, young lady."
Maria just smiled and flounced away towards her own class.
Max, with a huge grin on his face and feeling slightly better about the whole situation, opened the door to his AP Biology class, and walked in.
***************************************************************
Isabel's relaxed on her bed as she entered the dream world.
She walked on clouds, and there was nothing but sky all around her.
The color blue went as far as the eye could see.
She hopped from one cloud to the next. Not sure what was holding her up. The clouds didn't feel like there was anything substantial beneath them.
She giggled as she bounced up and down on one, seeing if she would break through the thin, invisible layer of 'whatever' was holding her up.
I'm not in anybody's dream. Isabel thought.
She didn't know how she knew this. She just did.
Instead she was on some plain or dimension, or 'whatever' between reality and the dream world.
What do I do now? Isabel wondered.
This had never happened before. She had always been able to enter into the dreams she wanted.
Maybe Liz was just too far away?
But it was certainly nice here.
Drifting on clouds.
Maybe I'll bring Alex here, someday.
Isabel lay down on a cloud and felt more comfortable and secure than she had ever felt in her life.
Was it possible to fall asleep in your own dream?
Isabel giggled at the thought. Who cares?
And for the next hour she enjoyed her new found 'Land In-Between Dreams.'
She looked up at the clouds and she discovered she could 'think' the clouds into images she wanted.
She turned one into a horse, then a rabbit, a frog, and then a dog.
A lamb.
A giraffe.
A tiger.
A lion.
She giggled.
She sang.
She danced.
And for the first time in her life, she was free.
But freedom never lasts for long. And in a moment of conscience, she remembered what she was here to do.
A door suddenly appeared on one of the clouds.
A door?
With fluffy whiteness all around it.
'The Door' was far off. She was going to have to jump, hop and skip on many clouds to reach it.
Isabel could see that light was trying to escape around the frame of the door.
Were there more wonders through that door? What else was waiting for her in this 'Land In-Between Dreams?'
I have to come up with a better name for this place.
So, Isabel started hopping from cloud to cloud. Anxious to see what new possibilities waited for her behind the closed door.
***************************************************************
"Hey, Missy," Max said as he put his books away beneath their lab table.
"Hey, Max," She responded absently. She was staring at one of the test tubes that had a funny dark-blue liquid in it.
"What's that?" he asked.
"The next assignment in our book," she said and looked up. She smiled. "Thought I'd get started."
"Trying to impress the new teacher, huh?" Max joked. Maria's teasing had put him in a more lighthearted mood.
Missy blushed and laughed. "She is a college professor. Wouldn't hurt to get noticed."
Max smiled and opened his Bio book to their next assignment.
Suddenly, he felt a blast of white, hot energy slam into his body, and he gasped. He had to hold on to the desk to keep from falling to the ground.
What the hell. . .!!!!!
Little spots of color and light started to dance before his eyes.
"Max! Max! Are you all right," Missy had heard his gasp and could see he was hanging on to the desk for dear life.
He couldn't answer.
He looked up, as Dr. Serina Bryce walked into the room.
***************************************************************
She was almost there. She could see the golden knob on the door and the shiny angel knocker.
One, two, buckle my shoe!
Three, four, shut the door!
Five, six, pick up sticks!
Isabel sang the childhood rhyme as she hopped from cloud to cloud until she was directly in front of the door.
Just one cloud hop away.
The light beams shining from the cracks around the door frame were pearl white.
If they were to shine directly into your eyes, they'd blind you. Isabel thought.
She wasn't on the last cloud that disappeared beneath the door. But she was close enough. It was a big door, and she wanted to make sure she left enough room for it to open completely.
She reached out and turned the knob.
It didn't budge.
It wouldn't turn left nor right. So, she tried just pulling on it. But that didn't work either.
She released the knob and huffed in frustration.
Maybe I should knock. After all, it's rude to just walk in univited.
Isabel reached over and grabbed the heavy angel knocker with both hands and used it to bang on the door three times.
The bangs were so loud, they shook the door.
Some one had to have heard that!
But at first, she heard nothing from behind the door. Just stillness. Then, she heard what sounded like scurrying sounds. Like someone trying to cleanup their house before they let an unexpected guest come in. Then, silence.
Then more silence.
Isabel let out a frustrated sound and grabbed the knob and pulled with all her might. The door started to creak open, but slipped out of her hands and slammed shut as if on a strong spring.
Determination set in Isabel's jaw line.
I am opening that damn door! No matter what!
Again, she grabbed the knob, stepped forward on the cloud supporting 'the door'.
And promptly, fell through.
Isabel woke with a start.
Startled out of her dream world, she looked around her room as if seeing it for the first time.
What the hell is going on?
***************************************************************
After taking several deep breaths, Max's vision cleared, and he was able to stand on his own.
Pushing himself away from his desk, he gave Missy a reassuring smile, and with shaking hands, he finished opening his book.
But he was badly shaken.
What the hell had just happened?!
"Good morning class. I'm Dr. Bryce," Serena's voice was steady and firm with a no nonsense attitude. "Mrs. Becker has given me the itinerary for the class, and I need to warn you that I intent to follow it to the letter! So, no falling behind. If you are having trouble in any area of this class, I suggest you come up and talk to me after this lesson."
As she talked, she walked down the aisle. When she came flush with Max's desk, she froze. But only for a moment. Then, she continued.
"Open your books to page 89 and we'll get started on the next assignment. . ." And she continued as she walked back to the front of the class.
Max watched Dr. Bryce as she worked at the chalkboard and talked with her students.
She deliberately avoided looking his way.
He worked on the assignment with Missy, but at the end of the class, much to his chagrin, he realized that Missy had done most of the work.
Missy didn't seem to mind.
As they put away their items, Dr. Bryce packed up her briefcase and made a hasty retreat.
Max watched her leave.
Through out his life, Max's alieness had made him very unsure about a lot of things in this very human world. But there was one thing he was absolutely sure of.
Serena Bryce was an alien.
But was she friend or foe?
Chapter 19A--Week 4
Maria rewound the tape and hit the play button.
She laid back in her bed as she replayed Liz's message.
"Hi! It's Liz! Sorry, I missed ya!"
Her friend's 'over-bright', 'over-perky' voice made Maria's stomach turn. Sort of like when Marsha Tucker (teachers' pet) sucked up to one her respective teachers.
Gag-a-Maga.
"How are things going with Michael? Is he still being a jerk? Well, that's just Michael, I guess?"
Maria scowled as Liz laughed hysterically at her own statement.
What was with the that!? Only I can call Michael a jerk.
"Well, gotta run. Can't ask Dr. Holt to pay a big long-distance telephone charge. Bye!"
Maria sighed as she heard the sound of the dial tone. As a going away present, Maria had jokingly given Liz a prepaid phone card.
Why doesn't she just use it?
And more importantly, why would Liz call her on a Wednesday night? Liz knew, Maria worked every Wednesday night at The Crashdown.
At first, Maria hadn't thought much about Liz's message----how strange it sounded nor its timing. But Max had reacted so strangely. Maria knew he missed Liz, but his reaction was just so . . . overkill.
So, she had come home from school, and rewound her answering machine and played the message over and over.
And the more she played it, the weirder it got.
***************************************************************
Serina sat in the teachers' break-room, eating an apple. She was becoming very fond of her daily treat. Every morning, she came into her classroom, and found another apple with another note.
Today's note said:
Roses are Red.
Violets are Blue.
Haven't I said,
I'd like to meet you!!
Serina smiled. OK. So his notes were a little corny. But she didn't mind.
They were corny . . . but cute.
And it was nice to have an admirer.
In the past, she had dated------but mostly for appearances. To the human world, she had to make her life as normal as possible.
But she had never really been interested.
She had a job to do. A mission to complete.
And besides, most of the guys she had dated only wanted one thing.
Sex!
But now, she was being romanced.
Well, sort of.
I think I like this.
They still hadn't spoken to each other. But there had been glances as they passed each other in the halls.
It was a fun, sexy game.
Serina moistened her lips at the thought and took another bite of her Tabasco drenched apple.
"Mmmmmmmmmmmmm."
"I've never seen anyone like apples as much as you do," Mr. Burns said with a grin as he seated himself across from her.
"Well, you know what they say. An apple a day. . ." Serina let the sentence trail off as she chewed on her last bite.
Serina liked Burns. He was one of the few African-Americans in Roswell. And some people found him intimidating. Not because he was black, but because his broad shoulders and six-foot, 4-inch frame made him look like a former defensive guard for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Actually, he was an easy man to talk to. And he truly cared for the kids at Roswell High. He showed concern for each and every one of his students. He could tell you almost anything about each one of them.
Which schools they had come from.
What clubs they were in.
Weather they were troublemakers, class clowns, 'A' students.
Whose parents were involved in the PTA.
Which gave Serina another reason to get to know him. . . he was a gold-mine of information.
Mr. Burn's deep laugh made Serina smile.
"I don't think you have doctors in mind when you eat those apples," he teased her.
Serina blushed.
Oh, for heaven's sake!! Am I really that obvious?
As Serina's face got redder, Mr. Burn's chuckle turned into a hearty laugh.
Serina decided to tease him back. "So, you're laughing at me now, . . ." Serina paused, "Guntheri . . ."
Mr. Burns stopped laughing, but he still had a grin on his face, "Hey!! You said you wouldn't tell anyone! I didn't ask for that name you know!" He put up his hands in surrender. "I'm completely innocent. It was aaaallll my Mama's fault."
"How typical," Serina teased. "Blame everything on your parents . . ."
They shared a good laugh.
"So, how was your first week at Roswell High," Burns asked.
This is my chance. Serina thought to herself. Time to start digging for that information.
"Mostly, everything has been going very well. I just have a few questions to ask about some of the students," Serina said.
"Oh!" Mr. Burns was a little surprised. He didn't normally have trouble with students in his AP classes.
She asked the obvious questions first.
She asked about Tommy Lane, aka 'Mr. Can't Pay Attention Because I'm Too Busy Looking at My Partner's Legs.' "I swear, if he ever puts as much energy into his projects as he does into looking at Katie's legs, he'd be a certified genius," Serina huffed.
Burns laughed and said, "They're just at that age. . ."
And the talk went on.
One student who was having trouble getting to class on time.
Another who was having problems with the academics of AP Biology.
"What about this student in Sweden? When is she going to be back," Serina asked. She had looked over Mrs. Becker's notes about Elizabeth Parker. She didn't impress easily, but Serina had to hand it to this Parker girl. She definitely was going to make something of herself in the world of science.
Serina looked forward to meeting her.
"Liz is studying with Dr. Laura Holt. She'll be back around mid-December," Mr. Burns replied.
"The Doctor Laura Holt!" Serina was shocked.
Wow! Now she was definitely impressed.
"You know Dr. Holt?"
"Not personally. I've heard her speak a few times. She's quite famous in the world of Science. She's even cured a few diseases."
"Well, Liz Parker is Roswell's own aspiring scientist. She really admires Dr. Holt. Wrote her some letters, so Dr. Holt invited her to her lab in Sweden to show her the ropes. So to speak."
"All the way to Sweden!" Serina was still amazed. Then, she huffed. "Dr. Holt must get paid a lot more than I did as a college professor to have her own place in Sweden."
Burns frowned slightly. "I thought Dr. Holt was from Sweden."
"Nope. She's an all American girl. Grew up in Idaho, I think," Serina said taking a drink from her coffee.
"Hhhmmmm." Burns had a distant look on his face for a moment.
Serina looked at the clock over vending machine. She didn't have a lot of time left.
Must ask the question. . .
"Also," she stated as casually as she could, "I'd like to know more about Max Evans."
"They're dating," Burns said his mind occupied.
Funny. I had his complete attention a moment ago.
"Excuse me?"
Burns collected himself and turned back to Serina.
"Max Evans and Liz Parker. They're dating."
Serina felt her eyes go round, and her heart start to pound.
That . . .
was not
. . . good.
Serina cleared her throat, took a deep breath to try and slow her panicked heart rate, and asked as casually as she could, "How serious is their relationship?"
Burns had to chuckle. "Well, . . . you know kids."
Serina was literally on the edge of her seat.
"No, I'm afraid I don't. Why don't you tell me," she couldn't quite keep the sound of panic out of her voice.
Burns frowned at Serina's reaction.
"Well, most teachers who have had both students in their class have seen Max moon over Liz Parker for ages."
Shit!!!
" . . . .they've been caught in the eraser room couple of times . . . ."
Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit!
" . . . one teacher said that she became concerned when Max stared so long at Liz that he hadn't blinked the entire class period . . ."
"How long has this been going on?"
Burns paused, surprised at her abrupt interruption.
"Rumor has it that he's had a crush on her since 3rd grade . . ."
Double Shit!
The fourth period bell rang signaling an end to lunch.
"I have to go," Serina hastily picked up her purse and briefcase. She tossed the half eaten apple away, forgetting why it was so special.
"Serina . . ."
"Can't be late for class. Must fill all those brains with science, theorems, knowledge . . ." Serina babbled as she quickly walked out the door.
Serina marched down Roswell High, muttering every swear word she could think of.
This was not supposed to happen. Getting involved with humans was not part of the plan. What was Zan thinking!!!?? And where the HELL was their idiot protector? Why was he letting this happen?
Serina let out a sound of frustration.
When I find that stupid shape-shifter, I'm was going to give him the once over!! I never liked the creep to begin with. The coward had only cared what he got out of protecting the king. He had never cared about the fact that their entire planet and thousands of lives hung in the balance!!!!
Oh, nnnnnoooooooooooooooo. All that stupid, cowardly, idiotic, moronic, doofus-faced, shape-shifter had cared about was his reward for taking care of the king.
Serina walked into her empty classroom and threw her stuff down on the desk.
She took several calming breaths.
She sat heavily down into her chair as some of her anger drained out her. She rubbed the bridge of her nose and told herself to calm down. There wasn't anything she could do to change the situation.
Their king had found his queen.
And Liz Parker was in terrible danger.
*********************************************************************************
Burns walked into his office and headed directly to his filing cabinet. He squatted down and opened the third drawer marked O-R.
"Parker, Parker. . ." he muttered to himself.
He was so intent on looking for Liz's file, that he didn't hear the foot falls behind him.
"What the hell are you doing in my files!" Marge said in her drill sergeant voice. Burns hastily stood up and turned to look at his secretary. Realizing he had just committed the ultimate crime, he stepped away and put up his hands in surrender. The file cabinet was Marge's territory--and you ventured in at your own risk.
He said, "Uh, I need Liz Parker's file." He pause as Marge raised her eyebrows. "Please?"
Burns stepped back as Marge marched up to her file cabinet. She squatted and opened the bottom drawer. Muttering to herself, she began to search.
As she looked through her files, Burns gave in to a childish urge he'd had for years and made monster faces behind her back. He put his arms out and made what his Mama used to call his 'Frankenstein' face. Then, he clawed his hands above her head and rolled his eyes and bared his teeth.
"Here it is!" Marge grabbed the file and slammed the file drawer shut as if to lock out any further intruders. She stood up and turned to her very innocent looking boss and handed him the file.
"Where was it," Burns asked, confused.
"It was filed under Science Club, sir," Marge explained.
"Science Club! Is that how you file everything?!"
"Of course, sir."
"What if a student doesn't belong to any club?"
"Every student should belong to a club, sir," Marge replied. And promptly marched out.
Burns just threw up his hands in frustration. I'll never understand that woman. And he didn't have time to figure her out right now.
He walked behind his desk and sat down. He opened up Liz Parker's school file. The very first thing in her file, was the permission slip signed by her father for the school board to send his daughter to study with one Dr. Laura Holt.
Burns and Mr. Parker had spoken with Dr. Holt over the phone. She had reassured them Liz would be looked after and that she would be in bed every night by 11pm.
Burns smiled as he thought about Mr. Parker's very serious face as he made the last condition. It was nice to see a parent so involved in his kids life. Too often, Burns saw the other side----parents, (especially fathers) who didn't give a big rip about their kids or their education.
He turned to the next page that gave all the information about how to reach Dr. Holt--the name and address of her place in Sweden.
Burns picked up the phone and dialed for international long-distance.
***************************************************************
[q]ScientistExtraordinar writes to ExtraterrestrialGuy:
Max! Hi! So sorry I haven't written, emailed, or called! Dr. Holt has been keeping me busy! Lot's of science stuff to learn. I tried calling Maria, but she wasn't home. Wrote to Mom and Dad. Lot's to do. Can't get caught on the computer. Have to see if Zan is OK. Oooopppssss!!! LOL!! Zan's the BIG science secret around here! Can't tell anyone about Zan! I miss you. I'm so tired. [/q]
Max stared at his screen--a frown on his brow.
"What the hell is a Zan," Michael asked reading over Max's shoulder.
"I have no idea Michael," Max made a sound of frustration. "She's not even using complete sentences."
"She did say she was tired, Max," Isabel tried unsuccessfully to sound positive. The note was a little weird.
A look of determination crossed Max's face. He'd had enough of this. Something was wrong. She hadn't called. She barely emailed.
That was just not Liz.
He turned from his computer and looked at Isabel sitting on his bed. "Isabel, I want you to dreamwalk Liz again," he said.
"Max, I told you what happened. . ."
"I don't care! Try again!"
Isabel sat up straighter on Max's bed, "Don't order me around, Max!"
"Isabel. . ." Max's voice warned.
"Hey, guys," Michael came in-between them, ". . .come on now, don't make me play the part of peace keeper here. Things are weird enough already."
Isabel and Max eyed each other until Isabel huffed and flounced off the bed and made her way to her own room.
"It's not a good idea to piss off Is," Michael warned Max.
"I'm past caring at this point, Michael. At the moment, I'm ready to get on a plane and go to Sweden."
"Like your parent's would let you."
Max sighed and turned back towards Liz's email message.
There was a moment of silence as they both reread the note.
"So, tell me again about this Dr. Bryce," Michael said changing the subject.
"I'm not sure there's much to tell. I got this blast of . . .energy. . . just before she walked into the classroom. When I saw her, I knew she was different, like us. I just knew."
"But she hasn't talked to you?"
"No, she avoids looking at me or even letting me answer questions in class," Max said.
"I'll check her out," Michael said.
"Michael. . ."
"I mean, I'll go to Valenti and we'll check her out," Michael amended.
"You are not to break into her apartment, Michael."
Michael sighed. "Ok, I won't break into her apartment."
"Promise?"
Michael lifted his right hand and put his left hand on Max's Biology book, "I swear on this school Biology book, that I will not break into Serena Bryce's apartment."
Max looked doubtful.
*****************************************************************
Burns slammed down the phone in frustration. For two hours he'd tried to contact Dr. Holt in Sweden.
Without success.
He sighed and leaned back in his chair. It was the middle of the night in Sweden.
Still . . .
He had let the phone ring and ring and ring. Then, on his tenth try he finally got an answering machine.
Dr. Holt's voice had come on the phone asking the caller to leave a message and a phone number and the nature of the call.
Burns had done just those things. He specifically asked for Liz Parker to call him back. He and the school were eager to know of her progress in Sweden.
Or so he told them.
The truth was that he was worried about Elizabeth Parker.
His conversation with Serina came back to him . . .
[q] . . . all American girl. Grew up in Idaho. . .[/q]
If Laura Holt grew up in Idaho, then why did she have a Swedish accent?
Chapter 19B-Week 4
Serina pulled into her regular parking space at the Desert Oasis Apartment Complex, and shut off roar of the motorcycle's engine.
There's nothing like the sound of well built engine, Serina thought to herself.
She climbed off her bike and headed towards the entrance.
Tonight, it's a little dinner, then a nice long hot bath to help me relax.
She had a lot to think about. She had spent most of her earthly life looking for Zan, his family and his Second. But now that she had found them, she wasn't quite sure what to do next. She knew Zan, (or Max as he's called now) was aware of her 'alieness', but he had not approached her.
She reached her apartment door. Before she put her key in the lock she heard the sound of something breaking inside her apartment.
Chapter 19B-Week 4
Michael felt a little guilty. . .
He'd promised Max he wouldn't do this. . . .
But when Sheriff Valinte's investigation turned up nothing significant, he knew he had to take matters into his own hands.
It was always up to him. . .
The police report had read . . .
[q]Serina Ann Bryce
Born: April 21, 1967
Place: Phoenix, AZ
DMV Vital Statistics: Ht' 6ft 1in;
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Brown
Weight: 150lb
No record of citations
Education: Baylor University--Major: Human Biological Sciences with a Minor in Human Physiology Graduate Student-Honors
Current Address: Desert Oasis Apartment Complex
55215 Juno Street
Apt. 12
Roswell, NM 88202[/q]
All the information Valenti had come up with was interesting, but hardly satisfying.
Michael figured it wasn't just curiosity that led Bryce to Human Physiology and Physiological studies.
Serina Bryce wanted to know as much about humans as possible.
So, here he was. All it took was a little alien power, and he let himself into Apartment #12.
Michael looked around at the ultra neat apartment. It made him think of Liz and the few times he had been in her room.
Were all scientists so anal about having a place for everything? Why did they have to keep everything so damn neat?
He sighed and looked around the living room.
It wasn't too bad. The black leather couch was OK.
The coffee table had magazines neatly stacked between a candy dish and a candle holder. He picked up the small stack and took note of their titles.
Science Today.
BioTech.
Human Physiology Magazine.
He froze in surprise when he came to a magazine simply titled Harley.
He flipped through several pages and found certain machines circled. Some had the word 'Cool!' writen in the margins while others were 'X'ed out with a thumbs down drawing sketched on the page.
She liked Harleys, huh. Well, at least she was a cool alien.
He put the science magazines back on the coffee table and kept the Harley Mag. He flipped through the pages as he headed to the kitchen and went directly to the fridge. As he opened the door, he wasn't surprised to see rows and rows of Tobacco sauce. She also had other foods . . . lettus. . .tomatoes. . .baloney. . .milk . . .
And apples. . .
Three plastic bags filled with them.
Can one person eat that many apples before they go bad?
His stomach growled.
He reached in and helped himself to a couple. She won't miss a few. Anyway, sustenance is needed when 'breaking and entering'.
Holding a couple apples in one hand, he reached for a Tabasco bottle.
Standing up straight, he nearly jumped out of his skin as he felt a hand grab his left shoulder.
Dropping the bottle and apples, ignoring the sound of breaking glass, he raised his hand--ready to defend himself.
"I thought I told you not to come here," Max said taking a step back.
"Shit! Max!" Michael's yelled, eyes bugged out. Then, he lowered his voice to a hissing whisper. "What the hell are you trying to do? Scare the crap out of me?"
"If only I could."
"How the hell did you get in here, anyway?"
"Same way you did. Would you mind putting your hand down? That thing's loaded and I don't want it pointed at me."
Michael hastily lowered his hand.
"If you didn't want me to break into her apartment, then why are you here breaking and entering?"
"Because, I knew you'd come anyway. I figure if we both look around, I can get you out of here faster without too much trouble. But what do I find? You. Raiding her fridge."
"I was hungry."
"Then, eat something before you break into someone's apartment next time!"
Serina watched the exchange from the corner of her kitchen with a smirk on her face. She rarely used this power. She didn't like to abuse her gifts. But they were useful for survival purposes.
However, she practiced using them often in private to keep her 'Alien' gifts in top form. After all, it was her 'assignment'----her 'goal'----to teach her King and Second how to use their powers.
How to become warriors and defend their people.
She just wondered how they'd react to the fact that they could become invisible.
