Roswell Fanatics

Thanks for all the great feedback. Welcome to the story Crashdown 2006. Here is the next part. Let me know what you think.

Stronger together.

“Hurry up Max.” Isabel said as her father helped her from the car.

“I’m starving.” She said as a smile crossed her lips at the smells coming from the café.

Max helped his mother from the car and slowly began walking towards the Café.

“How can you be hungry again? You just had a sandwich before we left the house.” He said with a laugh.

Isabel narrowed her eyes at him and gave him a death glare.

“Umm… Honey never come between a pregnant woman and food.” Mrs. Evan’s said with a smile.

Max smiled at his mother’s comment and then the smile fell from his face.

This was supposed to be one of the happiest days in his life and he was anything but happy.

Max hadn’t been happy all year. What was there to be happy about? His son was still missing and he couldn’t be with the woman that he loved.

After he and Liz had decided that they couldn’t be together he had thrown himself into the search for his son. He had checked and double-checked every lead they had. He had tried to contact Larek through Brody and had even searched for their original ship but all he had found were dead ends. He had come to the conclusion that unless Tess was hiding out here on earth he would never be able to get to Antar and find his son.

His whole life was a mess and now he had to go spend hours in the same room with the woman he loved and he wouldn’t even be able to touch her.

“Life sucks.” He mumbled.

“What was that honey.” Diane Evan’s asked her son.

“Nothing Mom. Let’s go. It’s now or never.”
*****************************************************
Kyle paced the back room of the crashdown.

He had been having strange feelings all day. In the pit of his stomach he just felt like something was going to happen and that’s why he had to see Isabel. He needed to make sure that this feeling that he was having did not have anything to do with her or her baby.

Liz saw Kyle pacing as she walked down from her room.

“Hey Kyle.”

She saw the way he was acting and the look of concern on his face. She felt a knot form in the pit of her stomach.

“Kyle? What’s wrong?”

Kyle looked at Liz. So much had changed between them since they started high school. He once had thought they might end up together but that was before they all had been initiated into the I know an alien club. Now she was one of his closest friends and the only one who might understand what he was feeling. After all an alien too had healed her.

“Nothing. I don’t know. I just have this weird feeling. Like something is going to happen. I don’t even know if it’s a good or a bad feeling. I just know in my bones that something is going on.”

“Have you seen Isabel? Is she all right?”

“Their not here yet. That is what has got me so worried.”

Liz let out a breath that she didn’t even know she was holding. If Isabel wasn’t here then neither was Max.

“I’m sure their fine. Isabel just probably needed to get some rest. Maybe your just all hyped up because of Graduation.” Liz said trying to convince both her and him.

“I hope so.” He said but I don’t think so he thought to himself.

“Are those pigs in a blanket!!” Isabel exclaimed from the diner.

Kyle and Liz heard her and laughed.

“See there she is now.” She said with a smile.

“Well from the sounds of it she’s fine. I better get out there if I want any of those cocktail weenies.” Kyle said with a chuckle

“You coming?” He said as he put out his arm for her to take it.

She took his arm and said a small prayer that the feeling Kyle was getting was just from all the excitement of Graduation. But she knew better then anyone that a feeling like that probably meant something was coming. She just hoped they would be able to handle what ever it was.

“Let’s go”
*********************************************************

It had been a wonderful night, a night full of laughter and tears.

They had told stories from their childhood and laughed about events that had happened in High School. The parents getting a kick out of the faces Michael made when they told the story about Maria and the napkin holder.

They all cried when Kyle gave a toast to Alex and played Bye, Bye Miss American pie on the jukebox.

Even the tension between Max and Liz had seemed to lessen in the celebratory atmosphere.

The parents had bowed out earlier.

The Evan’s tried to convince Isabel to come with them but she wanted to stay and be with her friends. They all agreed it wouldn’t be the same without her. They had finally relented and told her not to be to late.

Shortly after the Evan’s left Jim and Amy Valenti had said their goodbyes. They claimed to be heading home because they were really tired. Both Maria and Kyle had rolled their eyes as they watched their parents leave with barely an inch between them.

“I hope they have protection.” Michael said.

Maria swiftly smacked him on the head.

“What?!! Can you imagine a Deluca/Valenti? Lord help us.”

They all laughed at that.

Liz had told her parents that she would straighten up the diner so they could get some rest. It had been a long day for all of them.

Maria helped Liz put the last of the glasses in the kitchen.

“I'm going to miss this.” Maria sighed.

”Just hanging out here, talking.”

"Maria, what are you talking about? Where going to be living together. We'll talk all the time." Liz said.

"Yeah, I know, but it will just be different."

"Well the food won't be as good that's for sure." Michael chimed in.

"If you can find any food." Max said as he looked at his sister with a smile.

"Ha, ha. I would like to see you carry a baby for almost a year and not have my appetite." She said sarcastically.

"Speaking of babies, when do you think this one will grace us with his or her presence?"

“Well Max checked me this morning and he said that it appears that the baby is almost full term now. So I suspect he or she could be here any day now.” She said with a smile.

She couldn’t wait to hold Alex’s son or daughter in her arms.

“You know Max it would really help with the baby gifts if you would tell us if it was a boy or girl.” Maria quipped.

Maria had been trying to find out if Isabel was having a boy or girl since she found out she was pregnant.

“Maria for the thousandth time I promised Isabel that I wouldn’t tell.” Max said exasperated.

“Maria, I don’t even know.” Isabel chimed in.

Kyle listened to them arguing about the sex of the baby for the millionth time in the last year. Suddenly his vision became blurry.

“Oh god!!!! OH God!!!” he heard louder and louder.

Then he felt a pain rip through him like no other he had ever felt.

His head hit the table in front of him.

“Kyle!!” Isabel yelled.

He lifted his head up and his vision began to clear.

“Are you ok?” She asked in a concerned tone.

“What? Oh yeah. I guess I must have just dozed off. Are you ready to go? I’m beat.”

“Sure. Let me just get my sweater.”

Isabel retrieved her sweater from the back room and Kyle and she said their goodbyes.

“Are you sure your ok?” Isabel said again. Not really believing him.

“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s been a long day.” He said.

The last thing he wanted to do was worry Isabel in her condition. He just needed to get her home and then go to bed.

Still not convinced that he was all right she placed her hand on his arm.

“You know I’m here for you if you need me.”

“I know thanks. I’m sure I’ll feel much better after a good nights sleep.” He said reassuringly.

***********************************************************


At the pod chamber Tess lay on the floor and tried to catch her breath.

“Wow, that was a strong one.” She gasped.

She had been having contractions on and off for the last week but none had been as strong as this one.”

“I guess your getting ready to join us little one.” She said with a smile.

She was wrapped her arms tightly around her body. She knew the time was drawing near. She was scared and alone and didn’t know how she was going to get through it by herself.

For the millionth time in the last year she wished that Kyle were here.

She knew though that would never happen.

He hated her.

She would have to bring her son into the world like she had done everything else in her life, alone.

Hello everyone, Thanks for all the great feedback on this last part.

Krazykitti-You are right, Kyle's feelings do have to do with Tess and the baby. He thinks it's Isabel because he really doesn't know ther is a connection between him and Tess adn that baby.

Roswellluver-I think Kyle starts to get a clue in this part.lol

Crashdown2006- Kyle gets some needed help in this part. Things are slowly starting to become clear to him.

Ariel70- thanks for the feedback. I haven't decided exactly what happened between Max and Tess yet but it will be resolved. The next couple of parts focus on Kyle but will get back to the rest. I'm a dreamer at heart.

Neodragon- Unfortunatly Alex is dead in this fic but that doesn't mean he won't make an apperance or two.

Begonia9508- KYle was drawn into Tess's reality. She was reaching out to him and didn't even realize it. Feeling the mothers pain might com in handy in our world but if that happened there might never be any children. lol

Part 12
She walked quickly down the long corridor focused on one thing, the door at the end.

As she approached the door two guards stepped in front of her.

They inspected her suspiciously.

“What is your business here?” One of the two guards asked.

“Please tell her royal highness that Kristiana is here with some urgent news.” She said.

The guard opened the door and went inside.

Kristiana waited patiently outside.

She felt the gaze of the guard fall on her. It was not something she was unused to. She had always been attractive. In her late thirties she looked more like she was in her early twenties. She had long brown hair and large brown eyes. These traits were uncommon where she was from and they made her even more attractive to the opposite sex. Many a man had tried to court her but she had always refused. Her focus was always somewhere else. On something more important, something that seemed to those around her to be very personal.

“Her royal highness has agreed to see you.” The second guard said as he opened the door behind him.

Kristiana entered the door and curtsied.

“Your highness.” She said reverently.

Before her stood a woman who appeared to be in her mid to late sixties. She had blond hair that she had pulled into a loose bun and piercing blue eyes. She was dressed in a flowing white gown on top of which she wore a gold embroidered robe.

“You may rise.” She said.

“Kristiana my dear you have news for me?”

“Yes your highness. I have just come from meetings with our sources on earth.”

“Have the guardians been born?”

“No not yet. The first one should be due with in days. The vision tracker has pinpointed the location of the first child but there is a problem. The mother is alone.” She said sadly.

“Where is her mate? Why are they not together?” She asked Kristiana.

“According to our sources and from what we could gather from the vision tracker something happened between them and she has decided to hide from him.”

“She is completely alone? None of the others are with her?” She asked in a very serious tone.

“That is correct milady.” Kristiana said sadly.

Kristiana watched as the woman paced back and forth in front of her. She could see the worry and stress on the woman’s face. She had seen it only hours ago when she had looked at her own face in the mirror.

“Kristiana, I know that I have forbidden you to use the dream plain to contact anyone but I think that in this situation you must contact the father of the guardian and urge him to go to her. I know that he will listen to you. They will not survive if she has to deliver that baby on her own.”

A sense of relief and anticipation flooded Kristiana’s body. She wanted more then nothing to run to her room and enter the dream plain. She had been waiting for this moment for years.

“I agree my lady. Thank you.” She said as she curtsied again.

“What of the other guardian and its mother?” She asked with slightly more interest.

“It must be difficult for her without her mate.” She said sadly.

“They seem to be coming along rather nicely. The princess is in good health and surrounded by many who love her. As long as she leans on those who are there for her she should come through the delivery fine.”

The queen smiled at her, recognizing the reassuring tone that she was using.

“Thank you Kristiana. I know all to well how difficult these years have been on you. I hope that reentering the dream plain will help you, but remember not to reveal yourself. You may go.”

Kristiana curtsied once more and was led from the room by the guard.

As she walked down the corridor her pace quickened as she came closer to the door. By the time she reached the outside she was in a slow jog. She reached her vehicle and sped home. If she hurried she could still make it home in time for the earth sleep cycle. She didn’t want to have to wait. She had waited too long already.


Kyle slipped under his covers and sighed.

It had been a long day.

He had gotten up at 6 AM to prepare for graduation and had just gotten back to his home from dropping off Isabel at 1 AM.

On top of that he still couldn’t shake this feeling that something was going to happen. It had driven him crazy all day. Then there was the pain that had ripped through him at the crashdown. That had not been pleasant.

He cleared his mind and prayed that he could find some peace because now more then ever Kyle needed sleep.

As Kyle drifted deeper into sleep he began to dream.


Kristiana sat in her living room. Around her were photographs of people in Roswell. There were pictures of Max, Michael, Isabel, Tess, Liz, Maria, Kyle and even the parents.

She picked up a picture of Kyle. It was of him on a fishing trip and he was wearing a silly fisherman’s hat his father had bought him.

She smiled at the image.

She hoped it didn’t take her to long to access the dream plain. It had been so long since she had tried to access it..

When the queen had found out that she was using the dream plain to check up on those on earth she forbade her to ever use the plain without consent. She was insistent that no outside forces impact the course of things on Earth.

It was a harsh punishment in Kristiana’s eyes and had taken away her only way of keeping track of the people on earth. She had suffered for 4 years with only the occasional news from earth. Then the scientists had created the vision tracker and that all changed.

The vision tracker was a machine that if it had a sample of a subjects DNA could lock in on that person’s location and with a very powerful scope send images of them back to a receiver.

It had helped Kristiana through many rough times but nothing was closer to being with someone then the dream plain and she couldn’t wait to reenter it.

She closed her eyes and concentrated on the picture. Images from the Vision Tracker flooded her mind.

****Kyle walking Liz home from school. ***

***Kyle being healed by Max. ***

**** Kyle and his father fishing. ****

*******Kyle and Tess at the Prom. *****

****** Kyle at Graduation*********


Kristiana looked around. She had forgotten how beautiful the dream plain was.
Immediately strings of all different colors began swirling around her.
She touched a few and smiled as she sensed whom each one belonged to.

She felt a string wind up her leg and wrap around her waist. It was a dark forest green. This was the one she was looking for.

She untangled herself from the string and gentle pulled on it and peered inside.

The scene in front of her brought a smile to her face.

Quickly she ran her hand over her hair changing the color and waved her hand again changing her eyes. To him she would be only part of his dream. Slowly she slipped into his dream.

***********************Kyle’s Dream*****************************

Kyle is dressed in a Dallas cowboy uniform. They are at the 10-yard line and going in. There are 10 seconds left on the clock and they need the touchdown to win.

“Hut.” He yells and the ball is snapped to him.

He tries to find an open receiver but there are none. He sees a 310-pound defensemen heading for him and instinct takes over.

He runs to the left then skirts to the right. Two more defensive lineman head his way.

Just a few more feet. He thinks to himself.

“Touchdown!!!” He yells as the official throws his hands up.

Kristiana watched as the scene played before her. She hated to interrupt but she was here for a purpose.

Dallas wins the super bowl.

Kyle is given the MVP.

<<<Is this what you really want or is this.>>> She sends him a mental picture of Tess and a baby.

“Whose there!! God I can’t even have a fantasy dream without being haunted!!” He yelled.

Kristiana felt guilty but was not deterred.

<<<She needs you. They both do. They won’t survive without you.>>> Again she sent a mental image of Tess and a baby to him.

Kyle searched the crowd for any sign of the person who was sending him these images. The voice seemed so familiar yet he could not place it. All he saw was the crowd yelling his name.

“Show yourself.” He yelled

She felt like she was getting nowhere. She didn’t want to hurt him by showing him these things but she had no choice.

She sent him a picture of Tess in labor and in extreme pain, Tess bleeding the baby bleeding.

It was all too much for Kyle to bear.

“Oh god no.” H sobbed.

Kristiana stopped the images.

<<<Go to her. You love her.>>>

“You don’t understand. She isn’t whom I thought. I can’t love her!!!” he yelled.

<<<Kyle, forget what your head is telling you and listen to your heart. What does your heart say?>>>

There was something so familiar about the way she spoke to him. Something that said he should trust her.

“I love her. I can’t let anything happen to them but how do I find them?”

<<<You know where they are. You always have. You’ve just been letting your head get in the way. Follow your heart Kyle. It will lead you where you need to go.>>>

She was right. It was all so clear to him know. He could feel her. Feel Tess. He knew she needed him and he would go to her.

“Thank You.” He whispered.

Kristiana smiled and slipped out of his dream. Her work here was done.

Stronger Together.

Part 13

Liz’s father placed the last of her things into her new Honda CRV. It had been a Graduation present from her parents.

“Now you have no excuses for not coming back to visit.” They had told her when they had given her the keys.

She had thrown herself into their arms and hugged them tightly.

“Thank You so much. I promise to make a trip home at least once a month.” She said with a huge smile.

“Your all set honey.” Her dad said as he closed the trunk door.

“Liz, are you sure you don’t want me to take the trip with you. Help you get settled.” Her mother asked her again.

As much as Liz wanted her mom to take the trip they couldn’t risk it. Isabel looked like she could give birth at any moment and they had no idea what to expect. If her mom was there when it happened it would be hard to explain anything alien that might occur.

“No thanks mom. Isabel is taking the ride back with me. Michael, Maria, and Max are heading out later today and Kyle will be leaving tomorrow. I’ll have plenty of help.”

“Ok, but if you change your mind just call me.” Her mother said with a hint of disappointment in her voice.

Liz knew that her parents were upset that she was leaving for the summer. They hadn’t expected to have to say goodbye to their little girl so soon after graduation.
They had all agreed that they would spend the summer at the house with Isabel, but her parents didn't know that. She had told her parents that she wanted to get a head start on her courses and had enrolled in a biology class at the university for the summer and while they had been very happy to see that she was taking her studies so seriously they were still sad to see her go.

Liz looked at her mother and her father. She truly had been blessed with wonderful parents.

“I guess it’s time for me to go.” She said sadly.

Her mother began to cry openly.

“I’m going to miss you so much.” She said through her tears.

“Make sure you call me at least twice a week.”

“I promise.” She said as she moved from her mother to her father.

Jeff Parker had always viewed himself as a strong man but in this moment he felt like a lost boy. His little girl was all grown up and leaving them. It brought tears to his eyes.

“Lizzie, I just want you to know how proud we are of you. We couldn’t have asked for a better daughter.”

At the sight of her father Liz began to cry. She could handle her mother crying but to see tears in her Fathers eyes sent her over the edge.

“I love you so much.” She said as she hugged them both again.

“Well that’s enough of that.” Jeff Parker said as he wiped the tears from his eyes.

“It’s not like your going to another Planet.” He said with a laugh.

Liz began to laugh uncontrollably. If her father only knew that at one time she would have been willing to go to another planet…Well it was all too hysterical for words.

Liz hopped into her truck and fastened her seatbelt.

“Call us when you get there.” Her mom said.

“I will.” She replied.

Liz stuck her hand out the window and gave her parents one last wave.

“We Love you.” They yelled as she pulled away.

Jeff Parker placed his arms around his wife as they watched Liz drive away.

Their little girl was gone.

********************************************************
Liz pulled up in front of the Evan’s house.

She had hoped that she would be able to just pull up in front of the Evan’s house and pick Isabel up.

It didn’t look like that was the case.

She parked the car and walked to the door.

Before she had a chance to knock on the door it flew open and Max stood before her.

“Liz.” He said.

“Hi Max. I’m here to pick up Isabel is she ready?” Liz asked quickly.

“No not yet. She’s in the bathroom. Come in.” He said as he walked back into the house.

Liz looked at Max as they stood in silence. She still found it amazing that even after everything that had happened between them anytime they were in a room together there was an instant attraction. Almost like a magnetic pull.

“I’ll go tell her you’re here.” He finally said breaking the awkward silence.

Liz watched as he left the room. She felt the attraction diminish as he left and a sense of relief flooded her. She knew that if left alone in a room with Max Evan’s for to long she might not be able to control herself.

She looked around the room. There were 5 boxes stacked near the door. She walked over to them and read the writing on them, bathroom, Max’s clothes etc. Very organized she thought.

Liz spun around quickly.

“She’ll be right out.” Max said as he walked back into the room.

There was that attraction again. It was so powerful it drew her away from the boxes and in his direction.

She stopped and realized what she was doing. Damn. If she couldn’t be alone in a room with him how in the world was she going to live with him?

“I see your all packed.” She said trying to make conversation and ignore the urge to touch him.

“Yeah, I have been for the last couple of days.” He said as he ran his hands up and down his pants leg fighting the same urge that she was.

The longer they stood there the closer they got to one another.

God, where is Isabel? Liz thought to herself

“I had a really nice time last night.” Max said as he inched closer to her giving in to the pull.

“Yeah me too. It was just like old times.”

They were standing within inches of each other.

He placed his hand on her shoulder.

His touch sent a shiver down her spine.

“I’ve missed that.” He said as they gazed into each other’s eyes.

Slowly max leaned in for a kiss.

“Liz…”

“I can’t find Kyle anywhere.” Isabel yelled as she waddled into the room where they were standing.

They both jumped back.

“Am I interrupting something?” She asked a bit confused.

“No. Of course not.” Liz said quickly.

“Yeah we were just talking about packing.” Max added nervously.

“Ok. I can’t find Kyle anywhere. He’s not at home and he is not answering his cell.”

“I’m a little worried.” She said finally.

“I’m sure he’s fine. He probably just had a few more things to pick up for the move.” Liz said reassuringly.

“If we don’t hear from him in an hour or 2 I’ll send Michael out to look for him.” Max said.

“Isabel are you ready?” Liz asked.

“Yeah. Let’s go.” She said.

She turned to Max and smiled.

“I’ll see you later at home.” She said.

“Yeah at home.” He repeated.
*****************************************************
Kyle pulled his car into the gas station.

He had thrown on his clothes and jumped in the car the minute he had woken from his dream. He had no idea where he was going but just as the woman in his dream had said instinct was taking over. He had no reason to trust her but for some reason he just did.

He had decided after driving for a bit that being his head had no idea where he was going he should fill up. He really didn’t want to stop but he thought it was the best thing. He would get no answers if he ended up stuck out in the middle of the desert because he ran out of gas.

Kyle eyed the gas attendant. He was flirting with the young girl in the other car.

“Excuse me but could I get some gas please.” He said in a very angry tone.

The gas attendant rolled his eyes and walked towards Kyle’s car.

“Must be in a real big hurry.” The attendant said sarcastically.

“Yeah, I’m in a hurry. A hurry to get some answers.” Kyle mumbled a little to loudly.

“That will be 15 dollars.” The attendant said.

Kyle paid in cash and quickly sped off as Maria and Michael pulled into the station.

“Was that Kyle?” Maria asked.

“Yeah, I think so.” Michael replied.

“Wonder where he was headed in such a hurry.” She said a tinge of worry in her voice.

The attendant overheard their conversation.

“You know that guy? What’s up his ass?” He asked.

Michael glared at the kid.

“Did he say where he was going?” Maria asked.

“Something about finding answers. That will be 10 dollars.” He said.

Maria handed him the money and turned to Michael.

“What should we do?” She asked.

“We follow him.” He said without hesitation.

“We are supposed to leave in a few hours.” Maria said.

“I’ll just call Max and tell him that we decided to stay another day and that he should go ahead without us.” He said.

“There is no need to worry everyone. Kyle could just be going somewhere to clear his head.” He added.

Maria nodded in agreement. She hoped that was all it was but somehow she knew things were just never that easy.
*******************************************************

Kyle pulled his car off the main road.

He had figured out about 30 minutes ago where he was headed. He was going to the last place he had seen Tess, the pod chamber.

He didn’t know why he was here. They had seen the granolith leave. Max had even been back to check for sure in his search for his son but yet something was telling him this was the place he needed to be.

This is ridiculous. He thought to himself.

I can’t even get into the chamber if I wanted to.

Yet some unseen force continued to push him in its direction.

As he climbed the rocks to the chamber the chamber the force became stronger.

He cut his arm on a jagged rock but even that did not slow his frenzied pace. He had no control over his own movement he was being led to the place he was meant to be.

When he reached the point where the chamber entrance should be suddenly the force was gone and he felt something else. He knew what it was. It was so familiar. He had only felt it one other time since thae day the granolith left, the night she had come to him in his dream. It was Tess.

“Tess! Tess!! I’m here. Open the door.” he yelled.

Nothing happened. A jolt of pain ran through his body. Something was wrong. He knew it. He felt it. Something was wrong with Tess and he had to get to her but he couldn’t. He didn’t know how.

Kyle’s vision blurred with rage and he began to pound his fist against the rocks as he screamed.

“Damn this Alien crap!!! This force leads me here, leads me to where I am supposed to be and then that’s it!! Now what the hell am I supposed to do!!! I don’t have any alien powers I can’t get in.”

“Is this your universes idea of some sick joke?” He said as he looked up towards the sky.

Kyle could feel Tess on the other side of the chamber door. Her need for him overwhelmed him. Tears threatened to fall from his eyes. He placed his head against the wall and with his palms opened pressed his hands against the chamber door.

“I’m sorry Tess. I should have called one of the others.” He whispered.

Suddenly a glowing handprint appeared under Kyle’s right hand and the chamber door opened.

He stood there for a moment stunned. He didn’t know how and he didn’t care but he had opened the door.

Now he had to get to Tess.

Ok Guys I don't have alot of time but I wanted to post this next Part.

behrstars and Little_Mermie22 Welcome

Part 14
Kyle walked slowly and carefully through the chamber door.

He walked into the chamber where the pods had been stored.

Kyle had only been here one other time, the day that Tess had supposedly left in the graniolith.

He looked around. None of the destruction from that day was evident. Instead he found four pods whose soft glow lit the darkness of the room.

He scanned his surroundings and found a lantern and some matches. When the lantern was lit he looked at the room before him.

Someone had definitely been living here.

Where was Tess? He knew she was here could feel it with every fiber in his being but where?

Before he had a chance to finish his thoughts he heard a scream come from the direction of the pods.

“KYLE!!!!!” Tess screamed.

He ran towards her voice and found her lying near what he could only assume was the granolith. She was sweating and her face was contorted in pain. Then he saw the blood.

“Tess, oh great Buddha.” He said as he ran his hands through his hair.

“Kyle, help me the baby’s coming.” She said as she gasped for breath
.
Kyle ran to her. He had read every book on childbirth but in that moment he had no idea what to do. He lifted Tess’s legs and could see the baby’s head was already out and there was a lot of blood.

“URRR!!!!” She yelled in agonizing pain.

“What do I do?” He asked her.

“I don’t know. I’ve never had a bay before.” She yelled hysterically.

Kyle called upon every memory of every movie and TV show he had ever seen where a woman gave birth. The one thing he remembered from all of them was push.

“I guess Push.!!” He yelled.

A sound he had never heard before emanated from Tess’s tiny body as her face contorted in agony.

Kyle watched as the baby fell from Tess’s body into his hands and began to wail.

“It’s a boy.” He yelled as the tears ran down his face.

He reached for the first aid kit that was lying besides Tess. He remembered from those movies that he should cut the umbilical cord. He found a pair of scissors and did so. Then he grabbed a blanket and wrapped the baby in it so he wouldn’t be cold.

“He’s beautiful Tess.” Kyle said in awe as he placed the child on her chest.

She smiled at him weakly.

“Hi sweet angel. We were really lucky your daddy showed up in time.” She whispered.

Kyle stared at her stunned but not really surprised.

“But… How…”

Tess didn’t have the energy to explain but he needed to know. She reached up and placed her hand on his head. Her hand glowed dimly as she focused what energy she had on removing the blocks from his mind.

The memories and images came fast and furiously.

**********************Kyle’s Memories*************************

Tess is crying and mumbling to herself.

“So he’s going to take her to the Prom. Only as friends he says. Yeah right.”

“I’ve done everything I was supposed to do and he still doesn’t want me. I can’t believe that we were ever married. I give up.”

“Are you ok?” Kyle asks her.

She wipes the tears from her eyes and smiles at him.

Yeah I’m fine.

“Did you want something?” She asked.

“Yeah I was just wondering…” He stopped maybe this wasn’t a good time to be doing this.

“You were wondering what Buddha boy.” She said with a curious look on her face.

“Well… I know that where not together but…” He was very nervous.

“Would you go to the Prom with me?” he finally blurted out.

Tess’s face lit up.

“Yes!! Oh Yes!!!” She said as she ran towards him and flung her arms around his neck.

A look of shock appeared on his face. Well this was going a lot better then he had thought.

Tess pulled away slightly from him and looked into his eyes. A look of realization appeared on her face.

“I love you.” She blurted out.

Kyle’s mouth dropped open.

“What? But what about Max?” He managed to spit out as he closed his gapping mouth.

“Max means nothing to me. He’s what I’m supposed to want. What they told me to want and I never knew any better because I didn’t know what love was. Being with you… well it has shown me what love is and what I feel for Max is nothing compared to what I feel for you.” She said.

He couldn’t believe it. Couldn’t wrap his mind around it. Tess loved him and he knew with every fiber in his being that he loved her.

“I love you too.” He whispered softly.

He lowered his head and their lips met. It was soft, tender sensual. It was love.

Kyle looked into Tess’s eyes.

“Are you sure?” He asked as he tried to catch his breath.

“Absolutely.” She said breathlessly.

They lay on the Bed together and were overcome by the love that flowed between them. It was unlike anything either of them had experienced before and they knew that they were one and it was right.

***********************Tess’s Memory********************

“Tess, it’s me Kyle. Are you ok in there?”

The door opens.

Tess is standing before him. She is pale and she has been crying.

“Tess what’s wrong? Are you sick? I thought you couldn’t get sick.”

“Oh Kyle.” She threw her arms around him.

“It’s ok. Whatever it is it’s ok. We will deal with it together.”

“I’m pregnant. Are you upset?”

That was the last thing he expected to hear. He pulled her from his chest and looked into her eyes.

“Wow a baby.”

“You are upset aren’t you?”

“No, no. I’m just surprised. Is the baby ok? I mean you know.”

“Yes, he’s fine.” She smiled.

“He? It’s a boy?”

She smiled as she nodded.

He smiled back at her.
“I’m happy Tess. This may not be the ideal time for a baby but will deal with it.”

“Oh Kyle…”

*************************Tess’s Memory************************

Roswell Prom.

Tess is standing in the school hallway waiting for Kyle. She hears someone coming and turns toward the sound.

“Well it’s about time…” She started to say but stopped when she saw who it was.

It was Nicholas.

“Waiting for someone Avarina? I hope that it’s your husband and not that twit you live with.” Nicholas said.

“What are you doing here?” She asked nervously.

“What you don’t think I could get a date for the prom?” He quipped.

“I’m here to make sure that you fulfill your part of Nacedo’s deal with Kivar.”

“I already have. You have the translation of the book.”

“Avarina, you are as dumb in this life as you were in your past life. I’m the one who says when the deal has been fulfilled. Don’t make me take my anger out on your human pet.” He said as he gestured towards the gym.

Tess could feel the bile rise up in your throat. How did he know about her and Kyle and how much did he know?

“What are you talking about?” She said trying not to show any emotion.

“You don’t think I’m stupid do you? I know that human Kyle has been taking your mind off of your assignment. If I have to I’ll eliminate him.”

“NO!! I’ll do what you say?” She screamed.

“I see I’ve hit a sore spot. Never give up your weaknesses Avarina. Get me those crystals.” He said as he walked away from her into the Gym.”

She felt like she was going to die. Nicholas was going to kill Kyle if she didn’t find the crystals. She had to protect Kyle and their baby. No one could know this baby was his.

“There you are. Sorry it took me so long I had to get…”
He stopped when he saw the look on her face.

“What’s wrong is the baby ok?” He asked.

This was going to be the hardest thing she ever had to do.

“Kyle, I love you.” She said and then she closed her eyes and erased all of his memories of them together. He wouldn’t remember them making love and he wouldn’t remember their baby.

Kyle had a blank look on his face. He grabs her and brings her into a room.

“Um, Tess, uh you, you're, you're beautiful.” He started to say
“ Kyle, please don't say that. Tess tried to stop him.” Maybe her warp hadn’t worked.
“And the thing is, you're not just some girl, I care about you.” He continued.
“ Kyle, I don't... I just....” Tess was trying to stop him. She had to make him forget her.
“ I think of you as family, as a sister. I don’t' think it could be a romantic thing.” He finally finished.
“I understand. You know I'm disappointed, but I understand. She said with a sense of relief. It had worked.”
Kyle pulled her into a hug.
*******************Tess Memory***************

Nicholas was staring at Tess angrily.

“Did you get me the information on the crystals?” He asked.

“No, I haven’t been able to get any information from Alex. I need to give him a chance to recover from the warps. I can’t just keep doing it over and over. It could kill him.” She shouted at him.

“I don’t give a damn about that damn human. You do what you have to do to get me that information or your little boyfriend in the next room is dead.” He shouted back.

There was a knock at the door.

“Tess, are you ok in there? What’s all the yelling?” Kyle asked.
Damn it. She didn’t know Kyle could hear them. She closed her eyes and concentrated.

“Are you sure you don’t want any Pizza?” Kyle said through the door.

“No, I’m fine. Thanks.”
“It’s a good thing you did that because if he would have come in here I would have had to kill him.” Nicholas said smugly as he walked over to the window.

“Well, well, it looks like it’s my lucky day. I’ll get the answers myself.” He said as he watched Alex walk up toward the Valenti house.

“What are you talking about?” She said.

Alex comes barging into the room.

You did this to me, you sent me to Las Cruces. He yelled as he moved toward her.

Oh my god the mind warps have been too much for him.

Okay, Alex, Alex let me fix your mind, you're not thinking straight.

“You mindwarped me for two months while I decoded that silly book for you and now there's nothing left for you to mindwarp. You destroyed my mind! How could you do this to me?' He yelled angrily.

<<Get me the information that I need Avarina or I will do it myself.>> She heard Nicholas in her head.

Kyle comes into the room.

“Kyle get out!” She yelled at him.

“ What's going on?” He asks

<<Get me the information or he’s dead.>>

“ Kyle go!” She said franticly.

“ I have nothing, I might as well be dead.” Alex yelled.

“Hey just calm down!” Kyle pleaded

“He's right okay. Calm down! Just calm down!” She pleads.

“No, you can't mindwarp me.” Alex insists.

<<I’ve had enough of this. Do it now.>>

When she doesn’t respond she sees that Nicholas is going to do it himself.
She closes her eyes and tries to block him from Alex’s mind but he’s to powerful. He starts to mind rape Alex but his mind is not strong enough and he collapses. NO!!!!

<<Damn it, you’ll pay for this Avarina.>>

Tess kneels down besides Alex.

”I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” She cries.

Tess drops her hand from Kyle’s head.

“I’m sorry Kyle. I couldn’t stop him. I was misguided but I never wanted to hurt Alex. I never wanted to hurt you. I had to protect you and the baby.” She said weakly.

“It’s alright.” He said comforting her.

“I know the truth now. Everything is going to be ok. I’m going to take care of you and our son.” He said as he leaned down and kissed her forehead.

“Kyle, I’m so tired. Take Kyle James.”

“Kyle James?” He said questioningly.

“After his father and Grandfather.” She said with a weak smile.

Kyle took the baby and smiled. He couldn’t believe that he had a son. He looked over at Tess. It was then that he saw the blood. It was everywhere and it just kept coming.

“You’re still bleeding.” He said to her fear evident in his voice.

“Oh God. The Placenta.” Kyle said. It was all coming back to him now. Everything he had read about childbirth and what he knew about alien pregnancies.

When Max had examined Isabel he had said that the baby had created a complicated circulatory system between mother and child. The starting point of this system was the placenta.

“It must still be feeding blood as if the baby were still in-utero.” He said.

“Tess look at me you have to push one last time.” He said pleadingly.

“I can’t. I don’t have the energy.”

“Do it for the me. Do it for our son.” He pleaded.

********************************************************

“Michael, slow down. We are not going to do Kyle any good if we are dead.” Maria said.

“There is no one on the road. We’re fine.” He said gruffly.

“We don’t even know where we are going.” She said to herself.

“Look around Maria. We know where we are going.” He said to her.

Michael had figured out pretty quickly that Kyle was headed toward the pod chamber. It was the only reason he would head out in this direction.

“I know. I just don’t know why he’s going to the pod chamber. Didn’t we say we were going to try and move forward.”

“Maybe he just needed to say goodbye to his past before he could move forward.” Michael said.

“Maybe.” She said half-heartedly.

Deep down inside she knew that wasn’t the case. Maria had always had the uncanny ability to read her friends. Ever since she was little she could just tell how they were feeling and sense when they needed something. She had once been able to tell Liz that she was getting sick just from the feeling of tiredness she had gotten from her body. Her Mom called it her sixth sense. And in the last couple of weeks her senses had been going wild anytime she was around Kyle. He was conflicted, confused, frightened and worried. She had tried to talk about it with him but hadn’t really gotten anywhere. She did know one thing though; Kyle wasn’t going to the Pod chamber so he could move on. He was going there for answers and she didn’t know if he could handle those answers. She didn’t know if any of them could.

“There’s the route marker.” Maria said as she spotted the marker that signaled the turnoff for the pod chamber.

“And there’s Kyle’s car.” Michael said matter of factly as he pulled the Jetta behind the Mustang.

They got out of the car and looked around. They climbed up toward the entrance to the chamber but still there was no sign of Kyle.

“This can’t be good.” Michael mumbled.

“Where is he?” Maria asked worriedly.

“I don’t…” Michael started to say when Maria hit him on the chest.

“Michael look.” Maria said as she pointed to the top of the rock formation that housed the chamber.

Michael couldn’t believe it. The destruction that had been caused by the granolith was gone. It was as if it had never had happened at all.

“What the hell is going on here?” Michael said as he turned to Maria.

“Michael, I think that Kyle’s inside the chamber.”

“That’s not possible. He can’t get in there. Only one of us can.”

“I don’t know how I know this. I just know it.” She pleaded.

Michael didn’t think it was possible but he trusted Maria and her instincts and he wanted to check out the inside of the chamber anyway.

He waved his hand over the rock formation and the handprint appeared. The door slid open revealing the chamber to them.

“Let’s go.” He said.

Ok guys. This part is a little heavy so don't say I didn't give you fair warning.

Stronger Together
Part 15

Michael walked into the pod chamber and looked around. They were amazed to find that all the destruction that they had seen the day the Granolith had left was gone. They could also see that someone had been living there.

“Look at this place.” Maria said in astonishment.

“It’s as if the granolith never left.” Michael said.

“But we saw it…” Maria began to say.

“Maybe we saw what someone wanted us to see.” Michael said.

“Tess. I can’t believe it that witch mindwarped us again. Why we ever…” Maria began to ramble.

“Maria shh. Listen. Do you hear that? It sounds like voices.”

“Oh God what if Tess has Kyle?”

Maria and Michael began walking towards the granolith chamber where the voices were coming from. As they got closer they could make out Tess and Kyle’s voices. When they reached the chamber they could not believe what they saw. There was Kyle, Tess and the baby. They just stood there in shock.

“I’m sorry Kyle. I couldn’t stop him. I was misguided but I never wanted to hurt Alex. I never wanted to hurt you. I had to protect you and the baby.” Tess said weakly.

“It’s alright. I know the truth now. Everything is going to be ok. I’m going to take care of you and our son.”

“Kyle, I’m so tired. Take Kyle James.”

“Kyle James?” He asked questioningly.

“After his father and Grandfather.” She said with a smile.


“You’re still bleeding.” He said to her fear evident in his voice.

“Oh God. The Placenta.” Kyle said.

“It must still be feeding blood as if the baby were still in-utero.” He said.

“Tess look at me you have to push one last time.” He said pleadingly.

“I can’t. I don’t have the energy.”

“Do it for the me. Do it for our son.” He pleaded.

“Did you just hear what I did? Did he just say the baby is his?” Maria whispered.

Tess closed her eyes and pushed. The scream that came from her small body was enough to shake Maria and Michael from their astonishment.

“Kyle.” Michael yelled as he ran towards them.

Maria saw the sight in front of her and winced. This was not good. Tess was pale and there was blood everywhere.

“What happened?” She asked.

“ I don’t know. She’s lost a lot of blood. The Placenta wasn’t delivered right away and it kept pumping blood.” Kyle rambled as tears rolled down his face.

Maria looked at Kyle and Tess. She should hate this girl. She killed her best friend but she didn’t and couldn’t understand why.

“Michael is there anything you can do?” She whispered.

“I’ll try.” He said.

He leaned down and ran his hands over her body. What he found was not good. Tess had lost a lot of blood and her organs were starting to shut down.

“There’s nothing I can do. She’s lost to much blood.” Michael told Kyle and Maria.

“There’s got to be something you can do!! You’re an alien for Christ sakes.” Kyle yelled hysterically.

“I’m sorry man. I can only heal minor things and I don’t even think Max could heal her.”

Kyle fell to the floor besides Tess. He placed his head on her chest and began to cry softly.

Maria’s heart went out to him. He loved Tess and now he was going to lose her again.

“Kyle, let’s try and make her as comfortable as possible.” She said as she placed her hand on his shoulder.

“Hand me those blankets over there and that pillow.” Maria directed Michael.

Kyle got up and picked the baby up from where he had placed him on the floor. He watched as Maria lifted Tess’s head and placed the pillow under it and a blanket on top of her.

Tess’s eyes opened weakly.

“Maria?” Tess said weakly.

“Yes, Tess it’s me.” She responded.

“I know I’m going to die. I know that we were never close but could you promise me something.” Tess asked.

“Depends on what it is.” She said.

“The baby is Kyle’s not Max’s. He is going to need all the help he can get with the baby. Will you help him?” She asked.

“Yes Tess. I promise.”

“I never meant to hurt anyone. I’m sorry about Alex. I tried to stop Nicholas but I wasn’t strong enough…”

“Shhsh, Tess, Try not to talk to much.”

Maria’s heart went out to her. As much pain as she had caused them, this woman knew she was going to die. She would never see her son’s first smile, his first step or hear his first word. No mother should have to be separated from her child like this. Not even Tess. The funny thing was that as Tess spoke to her she knew she was sincere. She really didn’t want to hurt anyone. All she really wanted was Kyle and her son to be safe.

“Kyle can you bring me the baby.” Tess said.

She could feel the life leaving her body and she needed to see him one last time.

Kyle bent down and placed the baby in her arms.

“Hi little one. You are so handsome. Just like your daddy. I know that it’s going to be hard not having your mommy with you but you’ll have your Dad and lot’s of other people around who will love you.”

She was having more and more difficulty breathing but she continued anyway.

“The happiest that I have ever been was when I found out that I was going to have you. I hope that you have happiness friends and love. I had difficulty finding those things so I hope you have them in abundance. Always follow your heart because my mistake was I didn’t. I’ll always love you and be in your heart.”

Tess placed her hand on the baby’s forehead and sent him images of her and feelings of love for him and Kyle. He would always know he was loved.

Maria and Kyle were crying openly as they watched Tess say goodbye to her son, even Michael’s eyes shown with tears.

“Maria, would you take the baby and give Kyle and I some time alone?” Tess asked.

“Sure.” She said through her tears.

She bent down and took the baby from her and she and Michael walked toward the still glowing pods. Suddenly Michael stopped and turned around toward Tess.

“Tess, I want you to know that he will be happy and loved. I’ll make sure of it.” He said.

“Thank You Michael.” She gasped out as she watched them take her son away.

“Kyle?”

“I’m right here Tess.” He said as he took her hand.

“I need you to know that I have always loved you. Only you. I just realized it a little to late. You have so much good inside of you, so much love to give. Your loved saved me. I want you to promise me that you will love again.”

“Tess stop talking like this. You have to make it. I can’t do this alone. I need you. I love you.” He said as tears rolled down his face.

“You won’t be alone. You are going to be a wonderful father. I love y-o-u.” The last words were faint.

He pressed his lips against hers for one final time.

She was gone.

**********************************************************
Max, Isabel and Liz sat in the living room of there new home. Well it was new for Liz and Max anyway.

Isabel and Liz had arrived in the late afternoon and were surprised when Max showed up a short time later.

He was supposed to come with Michael and Maria but they had called him and told him they were going to stay in Roswell another night.

“So they didn’t give any reason why they were staying in Roswell another night.” Isabel asked for the 2nd time in 20 minutes.

“No, just that they had stuff to do.” Max said.

“I hope everything’s ok. First Kyle disappears and now Michael and Maria.” Isabel said.

“I’m sure everything’s fine. You know Maria. She’s always late.” Liz said trying to convince herself as much as Isabel.

“Still no word from Kyle.” She asked Isabel.

“No. This is the longest we have ever gone without contact. It’s not like him.” She shook her head worriedly.

“He has been acting kind of strange lately.” Max added.

“He’s just had this feeling that something was going to happen.” Liz said.

She didn’t want to betray Kyle’s confidence but she was really starting to get worried now.

“What do you mean?” Isabel asked.

“At the Party last night he told me that he felt like something was going to happen.” She explained.

“Did he have a premonition?” He asked her growing more concerned by the moment.

“No, it was just something that he felt but it was really panicking him. He thought it might have something to do with Isabel and when she turned out to be fine we just chalked it up to Graduation Stress. Now I’m not so sure.”

“Maybe you should try Michael and Maria’s cell again.” Isabel urged.

As Max reached for the phone it began to ring.

“Hello.” He said as he picked up the receiver.

“Maxwell, It’s Michael.”

“ Where have you been? We have been worried. Have you seen Kyle?”

“We are fine, Kyle’s with us. Listen we are on our way to you guys. We’ll explain everything when we get there.”

“Is everything alright?”

“It’s a long story. We are all ok and we’ll be there soon.”

“Ok.”

“And Max sheriff Valenti’s on his way too. I got to go.”

Max stared at the received as he heard the dial tone.

“Well?” Isabel asked impatiently.

“They are on their way here. Kyle’s is with them. They called the sheriff to come.”

“What is going on?” Liz asked the concern evident in the tone of her voice.

“He said they were all fine and that they would explain when they got here.”

“So what do we do know?” Isabel asked.

“I guess we have no choice. We wait.” He said.

Sorry I haven't been around in a while. Real life has been crazy. Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I'm glad that you are enjoing this. This next part deals with what happened after Tess died. I wasn't sure in the begginning I was going to have her die. There are certain times I really liked her character but in the end it opened up more doors for her to go. Plus she couldn't get off that easy for Alex's death. Even if she didn't do it in this story. So here it is let me know what you think.

Stronger Together

Part 16

Maria pulled Kyle's car in to the parking lot of the first supermarket they passed. Kyle was sitting in the back with the baby and Michael was behind her in the Jetta.

"Kyle, I'm just going to run into the store and buy some baby formula." She said to him.

Kyle just looked at her his eyes red from crying so many tears.

"Ok." Was all he was able to say.

Not much had been spoken since Tess had passed away. Michael and Kyle had buried her remains in a secluded spot of the pod chamber. It seemed the right thing to do. It was where she had been born and where her son had been born. They also had decided it was the safest place. No one could stumble upon them and disturb them.

While they performed that sad task Maria took care of Kyle James. She had found that Tess was very prepared for the birth of this baby. She had clothes, diapers, wipes, receiving blankets and even an infant seat. They were all well organized in a corner of the pod chamber.

Maria unwrapped the baby and put a diaper on him. He grabbed her finger and squeezed.

"That's some grip you've go there little one." She said with a smile.

She couldn't believe how beautiful he was. She had seen pictures of newborns. They had always looked like scrawny chickens, but not Kyle James. He was perfect. With crystal blue eyes and a full head of dark hair. She couldn't believe the emotion she felt for this new little baby. He was so innocent and already in his first moments of life he had gone through so much. She swore in that moment that she would always be there for him.

"So let's see what we've got here little one." She said to him as she sifted through the pile of baby clothes.

She pulled out a pastel green strechy with frogs on it and put it on him.

"There you go handsome." She said as she set him down in the carrier and placed the rest of the clothes and baby paraphernalia into two bags that were lying near by.

She turned around when she heard footsteps coming towards her. It was Michael.

"Hey, how's he doing?" She asked as he came towards her and pulled her into an embrace.

"Not to good. He hasn't said a thing. I left him alone to say his goodbyes."

"We need to get him out of here. It's not going to help him being here." She said as she lifted the baby out of the carrier and cuddled him to her chest.

"This little one is going to need to eat soon too. Yes you are aren't you." She said in a sing-song voice.

Michael watched her in amazement. He had always known that he wanted to have children with her but in that moment he realized how much he wanted it. Maria would be a wonderful mother.

"Tess didn't buy any formula so we are going to need to stop on the way. Why don't you take that infant seat and take it to the car. It's one of those 2 in one deals, Infant seat/Car seat. See if you can figure out how to connect it."

"How am I supposed to do that? I don't know anything about baby stuff." He said.

"Michael you’re an alien. I think that you can figure it out."

She moved closer to him and placed a kiss on his lips.

"I'll go get Kyle and meet you in a few minutes."

Maria walked toward the granolith chamber. The sight that met her brought tears to her eyes. Kyle was kneeling on the floor next to Tess's grave sobbing.

Maria walked over and placed her hand on his shoulder.

"Kyle... I'm so sorry."

"We never got a chance to be together. To love each other the way we were meant to. All because of some alien world far away. You know she was just trying to protect the baby and me. She came to me in my dream and I pushed her away. I blamed her for Alex's death but she didn't do it. Nicholas did. She tried to stop him. If only I had listened to her." He rambled on.

"We all believed that she killed Alex. It's not your fault. Your mind wasn't cl..."

"I should have known!!" He interrupted.

"You couldn't have she didn't want you to." Maria said.

"You can't do this to yourself Kyle. Stop blaming yourself there is nothing you could have done. You have someone who needs you to be strong." She pleaded.

Kyle turned and looked at Maria, then at the baby. Maria handed the baby to him. He held him securely in his arms pressing him to his chest.

“I won’t let anything happen to him Tess. I promise. I Love you.” He said as he turned and walked away from her grave.

They had met Michael outside and Kyle had reluctantly given the baby to Maria so she could place him in the infant seat. Maria and Michael had decided that Kyle was in no condition to drive so Michael agreed to drive the Jetta while Maria drove Kyle’s Mustang.

That was over an hour and a half ago. They had driven in silence until this very moment. The baby began to cry as Maria got out of the car. She glanced in the backseat and saw Kyle unsnapping his son and cradling him in his arms. She could feel the love he felt for the baby and she smiled.

“How are they doing?” Michael asked her pulling her attention away from the tender moment taking place.

“Ok. I guess. He hasn’t said much but I think that having the baby with him is helping.”

”Did you call everyone and tell them what’s going on?”

“I called but I just told them we would explain when we got there. I just couldn’t find the words. Um Hi max… We found Tess. She’s dead. Oh and by the way the baby you thought was yours isn’t its Kyle’s. Bye.”

“I guess your right. Did you call the sheriff? Kyle really needs his dad right now.”

“Yeah, He asked a lot of questions but he’s going to meet us there also.”

“I’m going to go get the formula so we can feed Kyle James. Then we’ll get back on the road.”

”That’s a big name for a little kid. I’ll have to think of a nickname for the squirt.”

“You do that Uncle Michael.” Maria said with a grin



**********************************************************************

Isabel paced the length of the living room.

“Isabel, please sit down. If you keep walking like that you’re going to put yourself in labor.

Isabel stopped pacing and turned towards her brother.

“They should have been here by now.” She said the worry evident on her face.

“Isabel, Michael said they were fine. It’s probably nothing.” Max said trying to calm her down. They last thing they needed was for something to happen to her or the baby.

“Nothing!! How could it be nothing when the sheriff is on his way here!! Oh God I hope that nothing has happened to Kyle.”

Liz walked out of the kitchen holding a glass of water in hand and gave it to Isabel.

“Isabel, drink this. It will help calm you down.” She said.

Isabel stared at the water. She really did need to try and calm down.

"Drink, Isabel." MAx instructed.

She made a face and then drank the water.

The sound of a car pulling up drew their attention to the front window. Before anyone could say anything Isabel had the door wide open.

“It’s the sheriff.” She said her voice tinged with disappointment.

The sheriff walked into the house and took off his hat. He wore a very worried expression on his face. He had no idea what was going on. Michael had called him a few hours ago telling him everything was fine but that he needed to get to their place immediately because Kyle needed him.

“Where is Kyle?” Jim asked anxiously.

“There not her yet.” Liz said as she took the Sheriffs coat and hat and hung it in the closet.

“What is going on?” He asked.

“We got the same type of call you did. Very cryptic.” Max responded.

“Kyle hasn’t been himself the last couple of days. Something has been bothering him. I thought it was just the stress of graduation and the move but now I just don’t know.” The sheriff said as he rubbed his hands over his face despairingly.

Kyle had been through so much in the last couple of years and his father had hoped that college and the move would be good for him. That maybe he could start to get back to the things he enjoyed in life. The events of this night didn’t seem to support that theory.

“It just doesn’t make any sense. It can’t be anything alien related because they wouldn’t keep us in the dark. They would need us. Right?” Isabel asked unsure of how they would respond.

Liz’s attention was drawn to the window as she heard a car pull up.

“Looks like we are about to find out.” Liz said.

Isabel waddled passed her and pulled back the curtains.

She watched as Kyle’s car pulled in front of the house followed closely by Maria’s.

That’s weird Isabel thought when she saw Maria driving Kyle’s car. Kyle doesn’t let anyone drive his car.

Her body flooded with relief as she saw Kyle emerge from the back seat. She watched as he bent back inside the car to remove something from the backseat.

The minute she saw it she knew what it was. After all she had one just like it in the nursery.

“Oh my god it’s a baby.” She said.

Stronger Together
PArt 17

All Max had to hear was the word baby and he was out of his seat and at the front door.

A million things were running through his head. They had found his son. How? Where? In that moment he really didn’t care he just needed to see him.

Liz stood back and watched Max run towards the front door at the mention of the word baby. Her heart sank to her toes. This was the moment he had been waiting for a year and the moment she had been dreading. They had found his son. She couldn’t believe it. Not even a full day into her new life and her fragile happiness was about to be shattered.

The Sheriff walked over to Isabel and Max.

“Why don’t you give them a few minutes to get inside and explain what’s going on.” He said trying to be as understanding as possible.

The last thing Max wanted to do was wait a minute longer to see his son but the sheriff had a point. He walked slowly back into the living room. As he did he spotted Liz. She had turned pale and had a strange expression on her face. When she noticed him staring at her she quickly looked away.

He hadn’t even thought about how this was going to affect her. Having to live in a house everyday with a constant reminder of his betrayal walking around. It was not going to be easy. He would have to talk to her later.

He was pulled from his thoughts by the sound of the door opening. He watched as Maria, Michael and then Kyle walked through the door. Then he spotted the baby carrier in Kyle’s right hand. He felt a jolt of jealous run through his body at the thought that Kyle had seen his son first. He mentally berated himself for the feeling. This was no time for silly jealousies.

Liz watched as her three friends walked into the house. They looked like hell. You could tell that both Maria and Kyle had both been crying and Michael wore a look of worry and agitation on his face.

Isabel walked over to Kyle put her arms around him and broke the tense silence in the room.

“Kyle, I’m so glad you are ok. I was so worried about you.” She said holding back her own tears.

Kyle didn’t say anything. He wore the same blank expression on his face that he had in the car.

“Is that my s…” Max began to say.

Max began to walk toward Kyle and the baby carrier. Kyle spotted him and flew into protective mode. He placed the carrier behind him and began to back away.

“Stay back Evan’s.” Kyle said the first words he had spoken in hours.

Michael watched the anger rise within Max. The tension in the room was thick. Everyone watched as Max clenched his fist and began to move toward Kyle.

Michael shook his head. He knew that both Max and Kyle were stubborn and lost their tempers easily. Add that to the fact that they barely tolerated each other and anyone could see this was not going to be easy.

“What do you mean stay back. Is that or is that not Tess and my son.”

“It is Tess’s son, but he’s not yours. He’s mine.” Kyle spat out.

“What?” Both Liz and Isabel said at the same time.

“He’s delusional. You expect me to believe that baby is yours. Are you kidding me?” Max yelled.

He began to move closer to Kyle and the baby. Kyle retreated even further back.

“You’re not laying your hands on my son!! I won’t allow him to be impacted anymore by this alien soap opera.” Kyle yelled as he waved his free hand in the air.

That was it. Max had it. Who the hell was Kyle to keep him from his son?

“Give me my son now Kyle or I won’t be responsible for what happens next.”

“Max…” Liz began to say as he inched closer to Kyle.

He turned towards her.

“Don’t tell me you believe him? Of course you do. That’s what you want isn’t it. You want me to believe that I’m not this baby’s father because he will just be a reminder of what happened between Tess and I.!!! Well I don’t believe it!!!” He shouted at her.

Tears began to form in Liz’s eyes. This was the last place she wanted to be right now. All she had wanted to do was calm him down because she didn’t want him to do something he would regret.

“That’s not…I wouldn’t…” She began to say.

Max moved toward Kyle again but this time Michael stepped in front of him.

“Max, Stop!!! Calm down. What Kyle said is true.” He said.

“What the hell are you talking about? Tess was having my baby. Kyle and Tess were never even together.”

“Max, it’s true. Tess told us.” Maria said in a calming voice.

She knew this wasn’t going to be easy for Max to take. He believed that he had a child out there. He had spent a year searching for him. It had cost him his relationship with Liz and know he was finding out it was all a lie.

“Oh and all of a sudden where believing TESS!!” Max yelled.

“She killed Alex.” He yelled even louder.

“No she didn’t!!!” Kyle yelled back. Nobody was going to talk about Tess like that.

“What?! But you remembered it.” Isabel said turning towards Kyle in shock, her face a deathly pale shade of white.

“I remembered bits and pieces. Tonight I remembered it all. It wasn’t Tess it was Nicholas. Tess tried to stop him.” Kyle explained. As much as he was hurting and as angry as he was he could not take it out on Isabel. She had lost Alex and she needed to know the truth.

Isabel began to sway back and forth. All of this was just too much for her.

“Isabel are you ok?’ The sheriff asked her.

He was still reeling from the news that his son was a father. He had decided not to get involved in the argument between Max and Kyle. This was something that Max and Kyle needed to work out between themselves. He spoke up now because he felt the situation needed some diffusing. A lot of information was being thrown out and they needed time to process it.

“Here let me help you to the couch.” He said.

“And Kyle why don’t you come in and sit down. I promise no one is going near the baby.” He said as he gestured towards his son.

Kyle looked at the baby. He was beginning to wake up. He would want to eat.

“Fine. It’s time for his bottle anyway. Maria could you get me a bottle please.” He said as he sat down and removed the baby from the carrier.

“Sure.” She said as she walked off towards the kitchen followed closely by Liz.

Isabel watched Kyle as he cradled the baby in his arms. Could it be true could he be the baby’s father? Had Nicholas really killed Alex? Was Tess trying to help him?

It was all so much to process.

“Kyle why don’t you start from the beginning.” The Sheriff said.

Maria and Liz came back from the kitchen and Kyle fed the baby as he told them all about what had happened. How he and Tess had fallen in love. How she had been forced to erase those memories of love to protect him and the baby. How she had tried to stop Nicholas from mindwarping Alex but that she wasn’t strong enough.

When it came time to tell the group how Tess had died Kyle just couldn’t bring himself to do it. So Maria took over the story from that point.

“Are you sure this wasn’t another mindwarp?” Liz asked. She hated to ask the question but it needed to be asked.

Kyle just stared at her. He didn’t blame Liz for asking the question he just didn’t have it in him to answer it.

“It wasn’t a mindwarp. Tess was sincere. I know it. You could see the love that she had for Kyle and the baby. It was so clear. I can’t believe I never saw it before. You all know I was not Tess’s biggest fan but this was no mindwarp.” Maria said.

Max had listened to the story in silence. A million questions running through his head but now he could think of none.

“But I connected with him. It was so real.” He said trying to grasp at some hope that the last year of his life wasn’t a lie.

“I don’t have any answer for you on that one Maxwell but look at him. Do you feel that connection now? Because I’ve been watching Kyle and he does. You can just see it. He instinctively knows what the baby needs. Before he even cries.” Michael said. He felt bad for Max he knew what it was like to want a family and like it or not Max had believed he was this kids father.

Max looked at the baby and realized he was right. He felt no connection to this baby and the closer he looked he could tell that this child had no connection to him at all. He ran his hands over his face and let out a sigh.

”I’m sorry Kyle. I thought he was my son. I can see now I was wrong.” He said.

Kyle looked at Max. He had calmed down quite a bit since beginning to feed Kyle James. It was almost as if the baby had a calming affect on him. He put himself in Max’s position. He had believed he was going to be a father for almost a year and now had found out he wasn’t it had to be hard. As much as he hated to admit it Max Evans didn’t deserve to be hurt either.

“It’s alright. I understand why you reacted that way.” Kyle said quickly and then continued to feed Kyle James.

Everyone in the room’s bodies relaxed after that. There would be no more fighting tonight.

“It’s really late and it’s been a long day. We should all get some rest. Especially you Isabel.” The sheriff said in a very fatherly tone.

“I could use some sleep.” She said as she pushed herself up off the couch.

“Kyle, there is a cradle in the nursery. Take it and put it in your bedroom. Tomorrow we’ll go shopping for more baby supplies. We’ll need them with 2 babies living here.” She said with a smile.

“Thanks Isabel.” He said as he carried Kyle James up the stairs.

With all the events that had taken place he hadn’t thought about where he was going to stay but with that one simple gesture Isabel had made up his mind for him. He was home.
********************************************************************
Kyle pulled the cradle next to the bed and peered into it.

There was his son sleeping peacefully.

He couldn’t believe it, his son. He was a father.

How was he Kyle Valenti going to raise a baby?

Sure he had read tons of books about them but this was a real live baby.

One who would depend on him for everything.

The baby began to wake up and Kyle instinctively picked him up and cradled him in his arms. Kyle James grabbed a hold of his father’s finger and squeezed.

“That’s some grip you’ve got there buddy.” He said as he smiled at his son and for the fist time he really looked at him.

With all that had happened tonight he really hadn’t had any time to look at him. Sure he had seen him when he was born, when he was in the car but it was now that he noticed how really beautiful he was. He had Tess’s Eyes. They were a crystal blue, like the sky. He had dark brown hair and a small clef in his chin just like his own. What he noticed most was his son’s hands. They were miniature versions of his own hands.

In that moment staring at his son and really seeing him for the first time Kyle felt a wave of unconditional love flow through his body. He had created this beautiful life, with the woman he loved and he knew that he would protect him with his forever.

“So I guess you’ve sort of figured out that I’m your dad.”

“I know I might not look old enough to be your dad but I am. See we have the same hands.” He said as he ran his hand over his sons.

“I guess you’ve’ realized by now too that your moms not here. She had to go away but where ever she is she’s watching over you. I know she is.” He said sadly

“It suc…stinks that she can’t be with us. I won’t lie to you. I know what it’s like to live without a mom. My mom left when I was really young and it used to hurt to see other kids with their moms. I used to think it was my fault. That if I had just behaved a little better she would have stayed. I will make sure that you never feel that way. Your Mom would have done anything to be here with you right now. She lived her life to protect you.”

Kyle placed the bottle on his nightstand and leaned his son up against his chest to try and burp him.

“So you don’t have a Grandma to spoil you either. You do have a wonderful grandfather though. He was a great dad and I know he’ll be a great Grandpa too.”

“So your probably thinking you lucked out. There won’t be any women to nag you. Think again.” He said with a laugh.

“The lady that has been helping me take care of you tonight is your Aunt Maria. I think you’ll really like her. The other two are your Aunt Liz and Aunt Isabel.” He continued.

“Your Aunt Liz and I used to date a long time ago but she and I are just friends now. She’s really smart. Your Aunt Isabel and I have really become close over the last year. She’s having a baby too. So you’ll have a little playmate.” He said as he patted a little harder on his son’s back.

“Then there is Max and Michael. I don’t know how they fit in. Michael is a pretty good guy. He likes hockey. That’s a sport with a puck and a stick. He and your aunt Maria are joined at the hip so you’ll be seeing a lot of him too. Just try not to pick up his attitude.”

“Then there’s Max. What can I say about him? We have issues. For one he was married to your mother in a prior life and he dragged us all into this alien abyss that is now our lives. But I guess if I never met him, I never would have met your mom and there wouldn’t be you. So I guess I owe him for that.”

“But that will be our little secret. No need for him to know that.”

“There are a lot of people who love you Kyle James Valenti and I promise I will do everything in my power to protect you and keep you happy.”

Kyle gave little Kyle one last pat on the back and he let out a large burp.

Kyle smiled.

”You are a Valenti.” He said as he shook his head.

************************************************************

Jim Valenti walked from the top of the stairs down the long hallway that led to his son Kyle’s room.

It was 6 am but he had a sneaking suspicion that his son and his grandson were probably wide-awake. It was hard to believe that his 18-year-old son had a son of his own.


After hearing the news that Tess had died and that the child she was carrying was his grandchild Jim had decided that he would give Kyle and Kyle James some time alone. They needed time to adjust, and time to bond.

That wasn’t the only reason that he hadn’t gone to Kyle last night. He needed time to grieve. He had grown to love Tess as a daughter and the news that she was dead crushed him. He knew that if he had spoken to Kyle last night his emotions over Tess’s death might have gotten the better of him. The last thing Kyle needed was to have to deal with an emotional father. He had to be strong for his son and his new little grandson.

He reached the door and smiled as he heard the conversation that Kyle was having with the baby.

“Can you help me out here buddy. Why do they have to make these things so complicated? First the diapers and now this strechy thing. None of these snaps match up right.” Kyle sighed in frustration.

He knocked on the door.

“Kyle it’s Dad can I come in?” He said.

“Sure Dad. Just a second Kyle said as he walked towards the door and unlocked it.”

The sight that Jim Valenti laid his eyes on was priceless. There were diapers strewn all over the floor along with countless mounds of baby clothes. Kyle was holding his son in his hands. The baby’s diaper was practically falling off of him.

“You better be more careful with those diapers they can get pretty expensive.” He said with a grin.

“Very funny. All this baby stuff is so complicated. Why can’t they just make things that slip on and off?” Kyle said in a very frustrated tone.

“Trust me you’ll find out soon enough.” He said getting a kick out of his sons horrified expression.

Jim walked over to his son and stretched out his hands.

“Here let me give it a try. It’s been a while but I think it’s just like riding a bike.”

Kyle handed his father the baby and watched. His father laid the baby down on the bed and unfastened the tabs on the diaper. He then adjusted the diaper and re-fastened the tabs. Then without any difficulty at all he fastened the snaps on the babies stretchy.

“How did you do that so quickly?” He said in awe.

“Three and a half years of practice. You weren’t potty trained till you were 3 1/2” He said as he picked the baby up and cradled him in his arms.

“Ugh, can we keep that little tidbit of embarrassing information between the 2 of us please.” He said.

Jim laughed and began to coo at the baby.

“Well hello there little fellow. I’m your Grandpa. Yes I am.” He said in a singsong voice.

He was a beautiful baby and definitely his son’s son. He looked just like Kyle did when he was a baby. Except for the eyes. The eyes were definitely Tess’s.

Kyle had been anticipating this moment all night. He wasn’t sure how his father was going to react. Before he had a chance to say anything his father started talking.

“I remember when your mother and I brought you home from the hospital. It was the happiest day of my life. You were such a good baby and I couldn’t get over the fact that you were mine. Your mother had to literally drag me away from the cradle because I kept wanting to pick you up at every little gurgle.” He said as he smiled at the memory.

Jim loved his son and he was proud of him. It had been tough after his wife had left them unexpectedly, no explanation. All that she had left was a note saying she loved them but that she had to leave. Those first few years were the toughest. He devoted all his time to trying to find her but all his leads were met with dead ends. He was a man obsessed and as much as he hated to admit it now he had neglected how Kyle was feeling. He realized it one day when he found Kyle crying after school. It was early May and Kyle was holding a ripped picture. When he asked Kyle what was wrong he broke into hysterics. A little boy at school had tried to take his picture. He had told Kyle he wouldn’t need it because his mom had left him and didn’t love him anymore. In that moment he realized that his son was in just as much pain as he was. He decided then and there that he would focus all his free time on his son. His wife obviously didn’t want to be found and Kyle needed him. He needed to know that he was loved.

Now his son was in a similar situation and he would be there for him. He would make sure that his grandson never went through what Kyle went through. He would know he was loved.

“Kyle you know I’m not very wordy. I don’t express my emotions well but you are my greatest accomplishment. It’s a wonderful thing being a father. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy but I can tell you it will be worth it.” He said sincerely.

Kyle looked at his father. Tears pooled in his eyes. He had always known that his dad loved him but hearing this now meant so much to him.

“Dad, I just hope that I can be half the dad that you are to me.” Kyle said.

The to men hugged with Kyle James in between them. Three generations of Valentie’s

“Kyle James Grandpa is a Raiders fan but we are Dallas fans aren’t we.” He said to his son trying to lighten the mood.

“Kyle James?” Jim asked as he looked at his son. With all the revelations over the last 24 hours he had forgotten he didn’t know his own grandsons name.

“Yeah. Tess named him after me and you.” He said with a smile.

Jim was deeply touched. He felt tears begin to sting his eyes. Quickly pulling himself together he patted his son on the back.

“Well that’s a great name. Kyle why don’t you go take a shower while I get to know my grandson and name sake.”

Kyle was a little apprehensive about leaving him, even if it was only for a few minutes.

Jim saw his hesitation and urged him on.

“Go ahead. We’ll be fine. I’m going to tell him all about the Raiders offensive line.”

Kyle smiled and grabbed a change of clothes. As he walked out the door and headed to the bathroom he yelled back “He’s a Dallas fan Dad.”

“We’ll just see about that now won’t we Kyle James.” Jim said with a smile

Wow guys. Thanks for all the feedback. It really got my butt into gear to edit this next part. Welcome to all the first time posters. I hope you all like this next part.
Roswck

Stronger Together

Part 18

Kristiana wiped the tears from her eyes.

She hadn’t left the vision tracking room since she had gotten there shortly after dream walking Kyle.

She had never expected this. She watched as Kyle delivered his son and as Tess had said her goodbyes to both her son and Kyle. It broke her heart. She had hoped that by dream walking Kyle she could have spared them all this pain but apparently she was wrong.

The scientists had come in shortly after Tess’s death to recalibrate the vision tracker. Now that the subjects would be moving the images would be on a delay. The scientists had urged her to leave and get some rest but she refused. She needed to see what was happening on earth.

When the recalibration was finished she watched as the group learned of Tess’s death and as Kyle spoke to his son about Tess. She watched as the sheriff and Kyle bonded with the baby and talked about Tess being gone. It was all too much for her to bear.

How had it all come to this they were all supposed to be happy? It’s what she had been striving for, their happiness. Now it was as if all she had done was for nothing.

“I’m sorry.” She said as she touched the screen in front of her. Her attention was pulled from the vision tracker when she heard the doors to the observation room open.

A soldier entered the room. He had a strong air about him and you could tell by looking at him that this was not just any soldier but a high ranking powerful one. He was about 6 feet tall with dirty blond hair and dark green eyes. He wore a uniform that was slate gray in color and had a sash of silver running from his right shoulder to his torso. He spotted Kristiana by the vision tracker and walked towards her quickly.

Kristiana, I came as soon as I heard.” He said as he approached her and pulled her into an embrace.

“Are you ok? The guards outside said you haven’t left and haven’t eaten or drunken anything.” He asked the concern evident in his voice.

“Oh Rian, it was so terrible. I watched as Avarina said her goodbyes and…” She couldn’t finish her sentence she was to overcome by emotion.

She pressed him tightly to her trying to gain comfort from his strong embrace. If anyone would understand how she was feeling at this moment it was Rian.

His hand brushed her hair back from her forehead and he placed a kiss there.

“It will be ok. It will all work out. This must be how it’s supposed to be. We just have to believe.” He said.

She pushed from his embrace.

“Is this how it’s supposed to be. Are children supposed to be left with out parents? Are they all supposed to suffer through more and more loss? It’s cruel. Do you truly believe that this is the way it is supposed to be?” She asked anger lacing her every word.

“ I have to believe it!! If I don’t, all that we have done all that we have sacrificed has been for nothing. I can’t believe that. I won’t.” He said trying to maintain his composure.


“I’m sorry.” She said as she watched a flood of emotions cross his face. She didn’t mean to get angry with him. She was just so frustrated and angry.

“I just feel so helpless.” She sighed.

“How are the others doing?” He asked.

“Michael and Maria were there when Tess died. Maria promised that she would help look after the baby.” She said then paused for a second as she picked up a picture of the baby that the vision tracker had printed out.

“He is a beautiful baby.” She said as a smile passed across her lips.

“I don’t know what Kyle would have done if Michael hadn’t insisted that they follow him.”

“He follows his instincts because he was a great soldier.” Rian said with admiration in his voice.

“What about Max, Isabel and Liz.” He asked. He knew that he should refer to Isabel and Max as the King and Princess but through their work they had come to know them so personally that when they spoke to each other they used there earth names.

“Isabel looks like she might go into labor at any moment. Max took the news that the baby was not his hard. He snapped at Liz. You could tell she was hurt.”

“Damn it. This is not good. They must find there way back to each other or all hope is lost, for all of us.”
*************************************************************

Liz reached into the shower and turned on the water.

“A shower that’s what I need a nice hot shower.” She thought as she undressed and stepped in.

The water felt refreshing to her tired body. All she wanted to do was get away. She wanted to get away from the chaos that was her life.

She had naively thought that college would be a fresh start, a new beginning but fate or destiny or what ever was at play here had other plans.

If things were complicated yesterday they were even more complicated this morning. Because yesterday she knew where she stood. She had a plan. She was going to focus on her schoolwork and hope that she could move on from Max. All that had changed when Kyle had shown up with the baby, HIS baby.

It had come as a shock to all of them, especially to Max. He had spent the last year of his life searching for a baby he thought was his son. She knew he must be hurting right now. Part of her wanted to go to him but the other part couldn’t forget the harsh words he had spat at her. She knew he had said them in the heat of the moment but still they hurt. So she had decided not to go. If he needed her he would come to her. She knew that with out a doubt.

So here she was standing under the hot shower. Trying to clear her mind because she didn’t want to face the questions that kept popping up in the back of her head. How does this new development change her relationship with Max? Does she still want to be with him? Can she move past everything that had happened between them?

Yes it was those cruel words of destiny and fate that had put her back right where she had started

***********************************************************
Max closed the front door behind him.

It was 7 am and he hadn’t been home all night.

After Kyle had given them the news that the baby was his and that Tess was dead he had just gotten into his car and driven for hours.

He needed time to think because with three little words “He’s my son.” Kyle had shattered his world.

He knew it wasn’t Kyle’s fault. He hadn’t known the baby was his and after the way Max had been treating him the last year he didn’t blame him for the way he reacted towards him last night.

So much made sense to Max now, the fact that Kyle was so sure for the past year that the baby was all right. Max had resented him for it. Even gotten angry with him for it because deep down inside Max knew there was a connection between Kyle and the baby, one that he didn’t have. He should have put 2 and 2 together. He should have been able to see that Kyle was the baby’s father and not himself.

How could he have known? There were no facts to show that it was even a possibility. He had slept with Tess and as far as anyone of them knew he was the only one to have slept with her. Why had she done it? If she loved Kyle why did she sleep with him?

Kyle had said that she was trying to protect the baby. That if Nicholas had known the baby was Kyle’s she would have killed both of them. If it had been Liz and their child he would have done anything to protect them. She couldn’t go to him and tell him what was going on. He had shown her no loyalty, no true friendship. Why would she? So she had done what she thought was best for her child. He couldn’t hate her for that.

Some where during the night, driving along miles of roads in the dark Max had made peace with Tess. When he had truly thought about it how could he continue to hate her? She had paid the ultimate price. She would never see her son grow up. She would never hold Kyle again.

Alex and Tess were too young to die. They hadn’t even really begun to live their lives but he could. Last night as the winding road stretched before him Max had decided that he would live his life to the fullest because he still could.

Slowly he tiptoed toward the staircase careful not to wake Michael and Maria who had fallen asleep on the couch. He walked down the hall and paused as he reached Liz’s room.

He really needed to talk to her. He needed to apologize for the terrible things he had said to her. He hadn’t meant any of them. Again he had not used his head and again he had hurt Liz. It seemed as if he was incapable of doing anything that didn’t hurt her.

He turned his head toward the sound of the bathroom door opening. A jolt of lust ran through his body as Liz appeared wearing nothing but a towel.

Liz could feel her cheeks began to blush when she spotted Max in the hall.

“Umm, I forgot to bring my robe with me.” She said as she walked to her door.

She opened it and grabbed the robe and put it on.

“One of the habits you develop when you have your own bathroom.” She said with a smile.

God she was beautiful. He thought to himself as he watched her put on her robe.

“You are up early.” He said trying to make conversation.

“Well today’s my first day of class and I’m just a little nervous.” She said. There was no need for him to know that she had been up all night worrying about him.

“That’s right. I forgot.” He said as he mentally berated himself. School was important to her.

“It’s understandable, with everything that has been going on.” She said as she pulled her robe tighter to her body.

“Liz I Just…”

“Listen it’s ok. I understand you were upset last night.” She interrupted.

“I just had all these feelings in me and unfortunately I let them out on you. I’m sorry.”

“Like I said, I understand.” She said not really wanting to have this discussion.

“You seem to be holding up ok.”

“I went for a long drive. It really helped.”

“I’m glad you were able to work some things out.” She said with a half smile.

“I really have to go get ready now. I don’t want to be late on the first day.” She said as she walked back into her room.

“Good Luck. I’m sure you’ll do great.” He said with a smile.

“Thanks.” She said as she turned and closed the door.

She leaned her back against the door and wrapped her arms around her body.

Would anything ever be simple for her again?

Shaking her head she pulled herself together and began to get dressed.

************************************************************
Kyle walked down the stairs holding the baby carrier in his left hand.

He had just gotten Kyle James to go to sleep and he wanted to get himself some breakfast.

“Hey Kyle…” Michael shouted.

“Shh… I just got him to go to sleep.”

“How is KJ doing?” Michael whispered.

“KJ?” Kyle asked.

“Yeah KJ. The baby. You have to admit Kyle James is an awful big name for a little kid. So I came up with a nickname.

Kyle thought about it for a second. Kyle James was awfully long and they couldn’t call him Kyle. That would be just too confusing.

“I like it.” He finally said.

“Thanks, glad to be of service.” Michael said.

“So how is the little squirt doing?” Michael repeated.

“He eats sleeps and poops. Who’s got it better then him.” Kyle said with a smile.

“Yeah and he’s got women dying to hold him.” Michael added.

“I had to physically keep Maria down here last night. She kept wanting to go and check on the two of you.”

“We were fine. Isabel gave me a cradle and I put it on the side of my bed so I could here him when he got up and that was every 2 hours. For such a little guy he can really eat.” Kyle said as he ran his hand through his hair.

“Well I’ve seen you eat, if he’s anything like his father you’re going to have to wipe clean the baby food section.” Michael laughed.

“Yeah. I guess so.” Kyle laughed.

”So where is Maria now?”

“She went up to borrow some clothes from Liz. All our stuff is still back in Roswell.” He said.

Kyle realized that Michael and Maria’s stuff was back in Roswell because they had been with him.

“Speaking of Roswell, how did you guys find me?” Kyle asked.

“We saw you at the gas station and Maria got a weird vibe off of you. You know how she is. So we decided to follow you. It didn’t take us long to figure out where you were headed.” Michael explained.

He remembered how he had known very quickly that they were headed toward the pod chamber. He still didn’t understand how Kyle could have gotten in.

“Kyle how did you get in the Chamber?” Michael finally asked.

Kyle looked up at Michael. With everything that had happened he had totally forgotten about being able to open the chamber door.

“I opened it. I don’t know how but I did. Some force had brought me to that spot and I knew I couldn’t get in. I placed my head and hands on the rocks and a handprint appeared. The next thing I knew, the door was open.” He explained.

“Wow, I guess it’s because Max healed you. You must be changing like Liz.”

“I guess so. Speaking of Evans, have you seen him?” Kyle asked.

Kyle had decided that he needed to talk to Max. They needed to clear some things up if they were going to be living in the same house.

“He was out all night. I heard him come in a little while ago.” Michael replied.

Kyle shook his head acknowledging Michaels response.

“Listen Michael, I just want to thank you for everything that you did yesterday, for Tess and the baby.” Kyle said.

“No thanks necessary. Just wish I could have done more.” Michael said. He was still upset that he wasn’t able to save Tess’s life.

“You tried, that’s what counts.” Kyle said.

When Michael and Maria had found him and Tess they still believed that she was a murderer and yet he still tried to help her.

Michael watched emotions flood Kyle’s face. He felt for him. He had lost the woman he loved. Michael had no idea what he would do if he lost Maria. He pushed that thought from his mind. He would never let anything happen to his Maria.

The baby’s cry startled Michael from his thoughts.

“He’s got some set of lungs there.” Michael laughed.

“Well he’s hungry. Just like his dad.” Kyle laughed.

“Tell you what. You feed the squirt and I’ll make us breakfast.” Michael said.

“Thanks Michael that would be great.” Kyle said as he grabbed a bottle from the refrigerator and warmed it in the microwave.

Thanks to everyone who left feedback on the last part. I really appreciate it. Before you read this part I want you to know that I am a dreamer and this fic has dreamer insurance. That said here is the next part. Let me know what you think.

P.S. I took Astronomy as my science class in college. There was no lab. I went on the assumption that in college you would need a lab partner. If that is not how it is I'm sorry but for argumants sake in my little Roswell Universie in college you have lab partners.

Stronger Together

Part 19
Liz looked at the map in front of her and sighed. She had no idea where she was going and if she didn’t figure it out soon she would be late for her first class.

“Excuse me miss.” A voice came from behind her.

She turned in the direction of the voice. A man stood before her. He was about her age maybe a little older and had dark brown hair and dark brown eyes. He had a backpack hanging from his shoulder and he was looking at her with concern.

“Are you lost?” He asked.

She blushed a little embarrassed to have to admit that she wasn’t going to be able to find her class on her own.

“Yes, I guess I am.” She admitted.

“It’s really easy to get lost around here.” He said with a smile.

“I just don’t understand this building is South Center 101 so the next should be South center 102 but it’s not.” She said as she pointed towards the building.

“Your right it should be 102 but it’s called the Pantaliano Hall instead. It’s named after an alumnus who donated the money to have it renovated and insisted that it be named after him. His ego has made it difficult to navigate for most new students.” He said with a laugh.

“Are you going to South Center 102?” He added.

“Yes.” She replied.

“Well then you’re in luck because that’s where I’m headed. I’ll show you the way.” He said as he began to head towards a winding cobblestone path.

“I really appreciate it.” She said as she walked along side him.

“No problem. So since we are going to be walking together I guess I should introduce myself. My names Sam.” He said.

“I’m Elizabeth.” Liz responded. After she had gotten her acceptance letter she had decided that at school she would use her full name. To her Elizabeth was a more mature name and she wanted to be taken seriously.

“Nice to meet you Elizabeth. Are you a transfer student?” He asked as they walked past a large fountain.

“No. I’m an incoming freshman.” She replied.

“Hmm… I’m impressed. Getting a head start on your studies and with Intro to molecular biology no less. Most freshman just care about living it up the first year.” He said.

Liz smiled. Most freshmen haven’t been through what I have either. She thought to herself.

“Well I’m very serious about my studies.” She shrugged.

“I think that it’s great. You know what you want and your going to get it.” He said sincerely.

“How did you know I was taking Intro to Molecular Biology?” She asked.

“It’s the only one given in this building at this time. I’m in the class also.” He said.

They reached a large building with huge stone columns in front. The doors were made of beveled frosted glass. Liz had never thought she would be going to school in such a beautiful building. This was nothing like Roswell High.

Sam reached for the door and held it open so that Liz could enter.

“Thank You.” She said as she walked through the door.

They reached the classroom and went in and sat down.

“The professor should be here soon. I don’t know much about him but I hear he likes to do a lot of lab work. I think it’s 40% of the course grade.” He said.

Liz smiled. She couldn’t believe that she was really at her first college class and she would actually get to do lab work.

She knew the Class would involve lab work and that was part of the reason she decided to take it. The other reason was that it would keep her busy and prevent her from thinking about Max all summer especially since he was right down the hall.

“I love being in the lab.” She admitted.

“Really?” He said eyeing her curiously.

“Yeah, I’m sort of a science geek.” She said.

Best looking science geek I’ve ever seen he thought to himself.

“Yeah me too. Only I’m more into Anatomy but you have to take this course if you’re pre-med.” He said.

“Pre-med, now I’m impressed.” She said.

“It’s in the genes. I come from a long line of doctors.”

They both looked around as a murmur went through the classroom.

“Here he is.” Sam whispered and gestured toward the door.

A man probably in his mid-fifties entered the room and placed his briefcase on the desk. He was of average height and had black hair that was sprinkled with some gray at the temples. He stood straight at attention and Liz thought he looked very distinguished.

“Welcome to Intro to Molecular Biology. My name is Professor Timothy Rao.” He said with a British accent.

“I hope that you are all ready. This may be one of the hardest courses that you ever take. There will be numerous trips to the lab. The only way to learn anything is through practice. I expect 100% from all my students. If you can’t put in 100% leave now.” Professor Rao said as he grabbed a few leaflets from his desk.

Another murmur went through the classroom but no one got up to leave.

“Good, I see everyone is staying. Today we will go over the course outline and you will be given lab partners.” He said as he handed out the syllabus.

After the teacher had handed out the syllabus he told the students to carefully read through it and he began to assign lab partners. He proceeded through the class list alphabetically and Liz continued to read the syllabus.

She looked at the course grade breakdown: 40% Labs, 30% Exams, 25% research paper and 5% Lecture participation.

Sam was right the professor did think Labs were important. She just hoped she got a good lab partner.

“Sam Pantaliano.” The professor said.

“Here.” Sam replied.

Liz turned and looked at him. Pantaliano she thought to herself, like the building.

A look of realization appeared on her face.

He gave her a big smile.

“Elizabeth Parker.” The professor called.

“Present.” She said as she turned from Sam to the professor.

“You and Mr. Pantaliano are Lab group 15.” He said and then continued to assign lab partners.

Liz looked at Sam and smiled.

”I guess it’s a good thing we already know each other.” He whispered.

“Yeah, good thing I have no sense of direction.” She giggled.

“Do you want to get together after class and have coffee? We could schedule our lab dates.” He whispered.

Liz thought about it for a second. She liked Sam, he was nice and he had helped her and they were lab partners. Hadn’t she been telling herself for the last year that college would be a new beginning? She would meet new people and do new things? Why not start it off with coffee with Sam?

“Sure. I would like that.” She said with a smile and then quickly turned her head back toward the professor.

A lot had happened in the last 24 hours. This would buy her a little bit more time before she had to confront that.

**********************************************************
Liz and Sam had decided to go to the local coffee house called Café Latte.

Liz ordered an Iced Mocha Cappuccino and Sam ordered a Carmel steamer.

They set up their schedule for their labs and then ordered some cheesecake.

“Boy this cheesecake is excellent.” Liz said as she lifted a fork to her mouth.

“The best in Las Cruces.” He said taking a bite of his own.

“Did you grow here?’ She asked.

“No, I grew up in Westchester NY.” He replied.

“Really? What made you come to New Mexico for College.” Liz said sounding surprised.

“The ego driven maniac that named that building after himself.” Sam said with a grin.

Liz had connected the last name and the building before but it had slipped her mind.

“That’s right. So did you inherit that ego?” She said in jest.

He laughed and ran his fingers through his hair.

“No luckily it skipped my generation.” He replied.

“My grandfather grew up in New Mexico and this was his alma mater so my Father went here and now me. I guess you could say its tradition.”

“So how did your family end up on the east coast?” She asked.

“My Grandfather went to Harvard Medical School and then did his residence at NYU.” He explained.

“Is that a family tradition also?” She asked.

“Yeah that’s what they expect me to do.” He shrugged.

“Tell me something about you Elizabeth.” Sam asked.

“I’m really not that interesting.” She said trying to dissuade him from questions about her. The last thing she needed was for anyone to become interested in their little group.

“That can’t be true.” He said.

“Why did you choose this college?” Sam asked.

“It’s close enough to home that I can go back and visit but far enough for me to have some independence.” She said. It sounded like a reason a normal college student might give. After all she couldn’t say she needed to stay near her dead best friends alien girlfriend because she was pregnant with his baby.

“Where in New Mexico are you from?” He finally asked.

“Roswell.” She stated and then waited for the inevitable question.

“Roswell. Really?” He said raising his eyebrows.

“Ever seen any aliens?” He quipped.

Liz shifted in her seat. She knew it was coming. What would he think if he knew she was in love with an alien king from another planet? She bet that would make for some interesting conversation.

“I am one.” She said as she lifted her left eyebrow and smiled.

“Well if all the aliens on your planet look like you, please abduct me.” He said as he put his hands out in front of him.

Liz blushed a little at his comment and then giggled.

“I guess you get asked that a lot.” Sam added.

“Yeah, right after I tell people I’m from Roswell it is usually the next question.”

“I’m used to it. My parents own a restaurant called the crashdown. It’s got an alien theme. The waitresses where alien aprons and antenna.” She continued.

“I would like to see you in that uniform.” He said.

She couldn’t believe it. Was he flirting with her or was he fishing for information.

“How do you know I have one?” She asked tucking a strand of hair behind her ear nervously.

“It’s a family business, of course you worked there. If there’s anything I know about it’s going into the “Family” business.” He explained.

She relaxed a bit. Then reprimanded herself. This wasn’t Roswell. No one knew her here. She had no reason to suspect that Sam knew anything about her. She liked Sam and she wasn’t going to let her past keep her from being friendly.

“Is that why you’re pre-med? Because your family wants you to be?” She asked.

“No, I love medicine. It’s just the area of specialty that’s the problem. Both my Grandfather and Father are Cardiologists and they want me to be one but…”

“You don’t want to.” She finished for him.

“No.” He said shaking his head.

“What kind of medicine do you want to go into?” She asked.

“Pediatrics.” He said with a huge smile. “I love kids.”

“I think pediatrics is a wonderful field.” She said.

“It’s not “high profile” enough for my family.” He said sarcastically.

“So are you going to do what your family wants you to do or are you going to do what you want to do?” She asked.

“I’m not sure yet. I just want to get through here first then I’ll worry about it.” He said.

Liz looked at her watch.

“Is that the time?” She asked.

“It’s getting late. I better get going.” She added.

“Time flies when your having fun.” He quipped.

She reached into her bag and took out her wallet.

“No, no, it’s on me.” Sam said.

She began to protest. As much as she liked Sam she didn’t want him to get the wrong impression.

“You can get it next time. We have a lot of labs to do and I like coffee.” He said with a smile.

“Thank You. I’ll see you in Class.” She said as she got up to leave.

“Yeah see you in class.” He said as he watched her leave and paid the check.

*****************************************************

Maria pushed her shopping cart through the department store looking for Michael.

They had left right after breakfast and headed to Roswell to pick up their things. On the way back Maria had convinced Michael to stop because she needed a few things.

Michael had told her that he needed to pick up a few things also, so they had split up. That was a half hour ago.

Michael hates shopping where could he be? She thought to herself.

Then she spotted him in of all places the children’s section.

A smile spread across her face. Michael’s cart was filled with all sorts of baby stuff.

“Michael. What are you doing?” She asked.

“Well I thought that the baby would need some stuff.” He said with a shrug.

It was truly amazing how Michael surprised her sometimes.

“Isabel has a lot of stuff for her baby but KJ no one really expected him.” Michael continued.

“KJ?” She asked.

“Yeah, I told you that his name was to long. So I shortened it.” Michael said with a grin.

“Well let’s see what you’ve got here.” She said as she went through his cart.

She sifted through packages of diapers, bottles pacifiers and baby clothes. Then she got to the bottom of the cart and found a tiny baseball glove and ball.

“Umm Michael don’t you think the baby is a little to young to be playing baseball?” She asked.

“It’s never to soon for a kid to get into sports.” Michael stated matter of factly.

“Men. All they think about are sports and women.” Maria said shaking her head.

“All I think about is Sports and one woman.” He said.

Maria smiled.

”You know just what to say spaceboy.” She said with a grin.

“This is really nice of you Michael.” She said looking up at him.

“Yeah well the kid got cut a tough break.”

Michael really did feel bad for the baby. He didn’t remember much about his foster mother but he did remember that she was always nice to him. Then she died and he was left with Hank. KJ wasn’t even a few days old and he had already been through so much, all because his mother was half alien. It seemed to Michael that all the bad stuff that happened to them was because of their connection to Antar. The baby hadn’t asked to be apart of that world and Michael swore that he would protect him from it.

“You know, maybe Kyle wanted to buy KJ his first baseball glove.” Maria said. She knew how men could be about sports.

Michael thought about it for a second.

“Yeah, Maybe your right but I’m not putting back this giants jersey. Kyle probably wants the poor kid to be a cowboys fan.” Michael said.

“Whatever you say.” Maria said rolling her eyes.

“We better go pay for this stuff so we can get back to the house before it gets too late.” He said.

They headed toward the checkout. Michael unloaded all of his items first and then placed Maria’s on the checkout counter.

He picked up a large bottle of aspirin.

“Maria, do you really need this much aspirin?” He asked.

“I’ve been getting a lot of headaches the last couple of weeks. I figure living in a house with 2 newborns will probably give me a lot more.” She laughed.

“I guess your right. Maybe I should pick up a bottle for myself.” He added.

“Don’t worry I’ll share.” She said.

“I’m going to hold you to that.”

Max opened the door from his bedroom. After running into Liz in the hallway he had a difficult time settling down and falling asleep even though he was exhausted. Finally the needs of his body won out and he had drifted off into a restless sleep. He had dreamt about what he always dreamt about, Liz.

Sometimes he loved being in his dream world because there he and Liz could be together. He would dream about them being married and living in a small house along the shore or he would dream about there wedding and how they would dance together for hours and then of course there honeymoon.

Then there were the nightmares. The dreams about Liz realizing that she were better off without him. Realizing that she had been hurt enough. In those dreams he wasn’t a participant. He would just watch as Liz lived out the perfect dream life without him. He had been having them a lot this past year.

Today it was a nightmare

Max's Dream

Tess and Max are at the Observatory.

“I can’t believe how my life has changed. So much has changed I have nobody.” Max says.

“That’s not true Max. There are a lot of people that love and care for you.” Tess says and puts her hand on his arm.

He turns and smiles at her.

“I’m sorry for the way I treated you Tess. I was wrong.” He said putting his hand on hers.

Tess reaches out and pulls Max into a hug.

“I’m sorry I have to do this.” She whispers and then there is a flash of light.

Suddenly the dream changes, they are still in the observatory but now they are bothe naked and lying in each others arms.

Suddenly the door to the observatory opens and Liz walks in.

Max’s eyes meet Liz’s.

“How could you? After everything that we have been through how could you do this to us?” She yelled.

“Liz I’m sorry. I don’t know what happened. We were here talking and then…”

“Please Max spare me the details.” She spat.

“But Liz…”

“I never want to see you again. Never!!’ She said and ran to the door.

The dream changed again. This time Max finds himself in a large Church. He looks around and recognizes the many of the people around him. He sees Mr and Mrs Parker, Amy Deluca and Jim Valenti and many other faces from Roswell.

The wedding March begins and Maria walks down the aisle, followed by a little flower girl. Then the music changes and beautiful vision in white appears. It is Liz. She looks toward the end of the aisle and smiles when she makes eye contact with the handsome young man at the end. She walks toward him and with every step her smile gets brighter.

“Ican’t watch this.” Dream Max mumbles to himself. He tries to get up and leave but he finds he can’t move.

The minister begins the ceremony and Dream Max is forced to watch the whole thing. His heart breaking with every word.

“If there is anyone here who can show just cause why these two people should not be married speak now or forever hold your peace.”

“Stop!! I love her. Liz, Liz, I love you!!!” Max yells but to no avail noone can here him. The minister continues and Liz kisses her groom.

That’s when baby Kyle’s cry had woken him up. He had never been so happy to be woken up in his life. Dreams like that one he just couldn’t take.

He went to the bathroom and splashed some water on his face and then headed downstairs toward the living room.

He knew that he would have to face Kyle sooner or later. He didn’t blame Kyle for reacting the way that he did to him last night. Tess had died and it was his fault. Maybe not his direct fault but him being the king had played a role. If Nicholas didn’t want him and the granolith then he and Tess would have been free to be together. Instead she was dead and Kyle was left to raise a baby on his own.

Max walked down the stairs and found his sister scrubbing the kitchen.

“Iz, should you be doing that?” He asked.

“This house is filthy Max. How can we have a little baby live in this filth?” She asked.

“It looks clean to me. Why don’t you take a break and rest.” He said.

“I already tried to get her to stop.” Kyle’s voice came from the living room.

“She’s been at it for hours.” He added.

“I will not have this house be kept in this kind of filth.” She said again and continued to scrub.

Max walked into the living room and found Kyle sitting on the couch. The baby was asleep in the infant seat on the floor next to him.

“I think it’s the nesting instinct kicking in.” Kyle whispered.

Silently Kyle wondered if Tess had gone through a similar stage in her pregnancy.

“So how’s the baby doing?” Max finally asked after standing in silence for a few minutes.

“He’s doing ok. He doesn’t do much. He eats sleeps and goes to the bathroom.” Kyle said his new favorit line.

“Listen Kyle, I just wanted to apologize for how I acted yesterday. I was just surprised and a little angry…”

“Listen Max. It’s ok. I can understand how you might feel. We have all been through a lot. I think that we should just try and put this behind us. All I care about now is taking care of my son.” He said and stuck his hand out to shake Max hand.

Max didn’t know what to say. He had prepared a long speech to apologize for the role he played in this entire thing but instead Kyle had put him at ease. He did it for his son.

“ I’m sorry you lost Tess.” He said after a few moments of silence.

Kyle’s face fell as he thought about Tess.

“She shouldn’t have died that way. I should have known.” He said.

“Kyle, you can’t blame yourself. There was nothing you could have done.” Max said trying to comfort him.

Kyle and he had never been particularly close but he knew what it was like to carry a burden of this magnitude.

“I knew the most about pregnancies. I read every book out there. I was so panicked that I didn’t remember any of it. Then after she had the baby all she wanted was for me to know the truth…”

Kyle ran his hands over his face holding back the tears that threatened to fall at any minute.

“I should have just told her I believed her. That we would be a family no matter what…”

“She loved you. She wanted you to know.” Max said trying to comfort him.

It was strange only hours ago he had hated Kyle now all he felt was sympathy and compassion. Kyle had lost the woman he loved, the mother of his child and he blamed himself. If it was Liz… Well he didn’t even want to think about it.

“You know she never meant to hurt anyone. She really cared about all of you but she just couldn’t control Nicholas. He was to powerful.”

“Kyle I wish that we could go back and change things. Handle things differently but…”

“It’s all in the past. The only thing I want now is to keep my son safe. I know he is part Antarian or whatever but I just want him to be a normal kid. I don’t want him pulled into the politics of another world. He’s lost to much to that already.” Kyle said as he looked down at his son.

“I can understand that. I want you to know that I consider him family and will protect him from any threat that might come from an alien world.”
Kyle nodded his head.

“I appreciate that.” He said.

KJ let out a small cry and Kyle reached down and picked him up.

“Hey there. I guess your hungry.” Kyle said to his son.

Max watched Kyle with KJ. It was amazing. You could see the connection between them. There was no doubting whose son this was. Max heart ached a little bit in that moment. He had believed for a year that he had a son and he felt that loss but things were better this way. He only hoped that he would have a child of his own one day.

Kyle looked over at Max. He knew it must be hard for him, seeing the baby.

“Max, I need to make the baby’s bottle would you hold him for me?” Kyle asked. Max would be part of this baby’s life whether Kyle wanted him to or not. He felt it was better to accept that rather then fight it.

“Sure.” Max said a little bit surprised.

Kyle handed the baby to Max.

“Just make sure you support his head.” Kyle said as he walked towards the kitchen.

“Hi there Kyle James. I’m Max. We have all been waiting to meet you for a long time.” Max said as he rocked the baby in his arms.


Liz walked to the front door. She was glad she had accepted Sam’s invitation for coffee.
She had had a good time. After all that had happened in the last couple of days she had needed that but now it was back to reality and that was right on the other side of the door.

She was surprised to find Max seated on the couch, holding baby Kyle. He looked like a natural as he stood there rocking the baby gently in his arms. It was a vision she had dreamt of many times. Max holding their child, but that was a long time ago.

“Hi Max.” She said as she walked into the living room from the foyer.

“Hi Liz.” He responded with a smile.

“Kyle just went upstairs to get some baby wipes and some diapers.” Max explained. He knew she must have been wondering why he was holding the baby.

“It’s amazing that something that smells so awful could come from someone so small. Max said wrinkling his nose
.
“How was your first day of Class?” Max asked her.

“It was great. I’m going to be doing a lot of hands on work in the lab.” She said.

“I know that you’ll love that.” He said knowing how excited she must be. Max had always liked science. He was even considering going pre-med but Liz loved it. He remembered he used to love watching her when they would be working on there assignments together. She just seemed to glow.

“I scheduled my first one for the first available opening the lab had.” She smiled.

She really couldn’t wait to get to work on her assignments.

“Where is everyone?” She asked noting that the house was awfully quiet.

“Maria and Michael went to Roswell to pick up their stuff. They should be back any minute and the cleaning Nazi is upstairs.” Max said.

“The cleaning Nazi?” Liz asked.

“Yeah, Kyle gave Isabel that nick name after she decided that it was necessary to clean the kitchen floor for the third time in 2 hours.” Max explained.

Liz laughed.

“Kyle thinks it’s her nesting instinct kicking in. She better give birth soon or she is going to drive us clean out of our minds.” Max said.

Liz laughed even harder.

“I heard that Max.” Isabel said as she and Kyle came down the stairs from upstairs.

“Hi, Liz. How was school?” Kyle asked as he took the baby from Max.

“Good. Thanks.” She said.

“Evans your pretty good with baby’s you want to change KJ’s diaper?” Kyle asked with a smirk on his face.

“No that’s ok. I think that’s something that should be between father and son.” Max said with a laugh.

Liz was shocked by what she saw before her. Max and Kyle getting along, joking. What had happened while she was gone?

“Hello, Hello, where back.” Maria exclaimed as the front door opened.

“And we come baring gifts.” She said as she and Michael walked into the living room with huge shopping bags.

“We stopped on the way home and picked up a whole bunch of baby supplies.” Maria said.

“Yeah, I had to stop her from cleaning out the whole store.” Michael chimed in.

“Who are you kidding you loved it spaceboy.” Maria said as she patted him on the back,

They went through all the baby stuff and organized it into piles.

“What’s this?” Kyle said as he held up the giants jersey.

“You can take this back. My son’s a Dallas fan.” He said eyeing Michael.

“We’ll see.” Michael said.

Maria was holding the baby now and he leaned down and whispered to him.

“Don’t worry KJ, I’ll show you what a real football team is.”

Liz leaned back and watched her friends. Maybe things were starting to look up. Maybe this was the beginning of a new life.

Stronger Together Part 20

Queen Arianna paced back and forth in her quarters. She had just finished watching a digital recording of the events on earth and she was distraught. Things were not going as she had planned. Why should she be surprised? They never have.

Queen Arianna’s life had been difficult to say the least. She had been married to King Zantan at the age of 15. Zantan himself was only 17 at the time but because of the political climate he needed an heir and so a marriage was arranged.

Arianna’s father was a very powerful nobleman and had been a friend and advisor of Zantan’s father. It was believed that a Union between the two families would show the people of Antar that the government was strong. They were married in an elaborate ceremony that was talked about for years on Antar.

Zantan was a wonderful man and in time she grew to love him and he her. By the time she was 20 she had 2 children and was extremely happy. Her happiness did not last long. Fifteen years later in a failed attempt to seize control of the government rebels killed her husband. Her son Zan was crowned King at the age of 16.

She swore that day that she would protect her children from the same fate that had fallen upon their father. Her advisors pushed her to have her son marry immediately but she refused. She felt he had enough to deal with at the age of 16 as the new King and needed the time to devote to his study of the law, government and politics. The advisors were not happy but relented after she promised to arrange a marriage that would make the government more powerful.

When the time had come she had arranged the marriage of Zan to Avarina. Avarina was the daughter of King Lasimus of Villanar, the second most powerful planet in their system. The people of Villanar and Antar were quite happy about the marriage; they believed that an heir produced from this line would be able to bring peace to all of the planets of the system.

Unfortunately it was not meant to be. Lord Kivar of the planet Vieantia believed that he should be wed to Avarina or at least the Princess Vilandria. He was tired of his planet being controlled by the other two. Telling him how much he could sell his goods for and what taxes he could levy. If he could marry into one of these families it would give him the power he needed to fully exert his power over his own planet as well as the other two.

Arianna knew this and to protect her daughter she arranged for her to wed to her son’s second in command and friend Rath. It was not a popular decision among many of the nobility. Rath’s family were high ranking members of the senate. They commanded great respect from the nobility for this power. What made the family even more powerful was that they commanded the loyalty of the common people of the lands. They treated them as equals and gave them a say in what happened to them and their families unlike other members of the senate. In simpler times the marriage would have been embraced but in these times of intergalactic strife it was much more favorable to arrange marriages which would strengthen ties with other planets. Some of the nobility even favored a marriage between Princess Vilandria and Kivar. Queen Arianna would not hear of it and her rejection angered Kivar. He vowed Revenge.


For months before the Wedding Festivities Kivar had his minions spreading rumors among the common people that Zan was planning on taking any say that they had in the government away from them. That he wanted them all to live under a strict Monarchy where his power was absolute. Once he was wed to the Princess Avarina he planned to announce the new government and seize control by abolishing the Senate. The people knew that there was to be a major political announcement following the wedding banquet and this only fed into their fears.

Lord Rath’s family, who had such a close relationship with the commoners tried to calm the people’s nerves. They knew that the King did plan to make an announcement about the government but that it was only going to benefit the Common people. He planned to announce that he would create a new house of government called the common house so that the average citizen from the districts could have a say in government. It was to be his wedding gift to his people. They succeeded in convincing many people not to worry but the rebels who had attacked Zan’s father took this as an opportunity to try and gain some more control. It was with the help of these rebels and a few noblemen that Kivar was able to set a plan in motion.

Security was tight through out the wedding festivities. The ceremony took place without incident and everyone proceeded to the reception. King Zan planned to make his announcement to the people following the banquet feast. Many of the guards who were at the reception were members of noble houses who were sworn to the king. They were not happy about the planned announcement because they felt it would undermine their authority and power. They showed their displeasure by leaving during the final course of the meal. The rebel’s and Kivar’s men took this as their opportunity to attack. Lord Rath put up a dramatic fight but with out the support of many of the noble guards he was out numbered and was killed trying to defend them. Kivar’s rebels seized King Zan and Princess Avarina and brought them to Vieantia.

There was chaos and turmoil throughout the lands both the people of Antar and Villanar were outraged that Kivar had taken the King of Antar and soon to be Queen hostage. Their governments were in great turmoil and no one knew what to do. If they attacked Vieantia then the Zan and Avarina would be killed but if they did nothing they would be forced to accept Kivar’s power over them.

Princess Vilandria seeing the hopelessness of the situation and wanting to spare her brothers life agreed to be wed to Kivar. It was arranged that in return for her hand in marriage Zan and Avarina would be released unharmed. An exchange was set up on Vieantia the day of Kivar’s wedding to Vilandria. Royal guards accompanied Princess Vilandria to Vieantia. The plan was for the Royal guards to hand her over to Kivar and retrieve the King and future queen but Kivar had his own plans.

When the time arrived for the exchange Kivar had his guards force Vilandria’s entourage into another chamber and tried to execute Zan. Vilandria seeing what his plans were threw her body in front of her brother and was killed instantly. With his one link to the throne of Antar now dead he was enraged and knew he must seize the power of Antar by force. He killed Zan and Avarina and had his troops storm the capital city. He proclaimed himself the reigning King of Antar and Vieantia.

Arianna sighed as she thought of that fateful day so many years ago.

Queen Avarinna heard of the deaths of her children from her bodyguard.

”I’m sorry your highness but Princess Vilandra and King Zan were killed by Kivar a short while ago.” He told her.

She heard nothing passed Killed. She asked him to leave immediately and prepare the funeral arrangements. She was distraught beyond words. She had no reason to go on, her husband and children were dead and Antar had been lost.

She went to her dresser and opened the top draw. Slowly she removed a dagger that had belonged to her husband. She cradled it in her hands. She had no reason to go on. No reason to live. If Kivar found her he would kill her anyway. Slowly she raised the dagger and prepared to use it to end her life.

Then there was a knock at the door.

“Your highness, It is I Larek of the house of Catalan.” A voice came from the other side of the door.

Arianna placed the dagger back into the drawer.

“Enter.” She said wiping the tears from her face.

Larek entered the room. He had gone to school with Zan and they had become very friendly but she had no idea why he was here now.

”My father King Loraham has sent me to take you to a safe haven in Catalan.” He explained.

“I do not wish to go. I must stay and bury my children.” She said sadly.

“My father has arranged for Lord Rath, Princess Vilandria, King Zan and Princess Avarina to be brought to Catalan as well. He believes them to be the Royal Four.” Larek explained.

Arianna’s eyes shot up at him and she fell into a chair beside her.

“How is that possible? They are dead.” She said.

“The four were to die and be reborn. The scientists here on Antar and Catalan have been working on a secret project. You know the situation that has developed because of the podding.” Larek explained.

“Yes.” Arianna replied.

For over 100 years the planets had been podding their children instead of having the women carry them. This had led to more and more women not being able to conceive. The scientists had said that it was evolutionary. When something in the body was not utilized it became obsolete.

“Well we have been traveling to a distant galaxy where we have found beings very similar to our own. This place is called Earth. We have many groups of scientists down there now. We have found that we can mix Antarian and Catalan DNA with human DNA. My father wants to take the DNA of your children and Rath and Avarina and mix it with human DNA in hopes that they will be the Royal 4 who will bring peace to the galaxy.”

Arianna thought about it for a moment. She didn’t know if her children were part of the Royal four but she couldn’t let this pass. Her children could be reborn. They would have a second chance.

“I will agree to this but I have one condition. I do not want them to be brought back here. If Kivar finds them they will be killed again.” She said.

Larek had not planned on this. They had wanted to complete the process on Earth and then pod them at Catalan. Queen Arianna did have a point though. It would be very dangerous. If Kivar found out about this he might attack the region of Catalan in hopes of destroying the Royal Four. This could not allow this to happen. The process would take many years and in that time Larek needed to keep control of his region. Suddenly he realized the answer it was Earth. The Vieantiains could not survive in Earth’s atmosphere. The four would be safe there.


“We have many people on Earth we could send them there to be born and raised.” Larek said.

“Yes, Kivar will not know about it and when the time is right they can come back and save our planet.” Arianna said.

“We must move quickly. Take only what you need all will be provided for you when we reach safety.” Larek said.

Arianna looked around her room. She packed what few essentials she needed. She went to the wall and removed a necklace with a symbol of their galaxy on it. It was the first gift that her husband had given to her and she had hoped that Zan might one day give it to his wife. Now he might still get that chance. She also grabbed the jewelry from her wedding day. Then she headed for the door. Pausing at the door she looked around one last time. She was doing the right thing. Her children were going to be born again and they would be safe on earth.

Ever since that day Arianna had focused on one thing, the prophecy and protecting her children. She would allow nothing to influence their paths. She believed the prophecy should not be influenced in anyway or it might not happen. Plus if her children were not part of the prophecy she wanted them to be able to live without the fear of being attacked. For years she had played a chess game with the Antarians on Earth allowing that they should watch the four but never interfere directly. She had believed it was the right thing to do but now she was not so sure.

If she was really honest with herself she knew there was another reason that she didn’t want them to interfere. She was afraid. Kivar had found out about the four and would do anything to get to them. He developed suits for Vieantians and sent them to earth to track them down. If Antarians had contact with them they could be killed and she couldn’t let that happen again. Even when the traitor took Avarina from her pod she had refused to allow anyone to interfere. She always thought she was doing what was right.

In the last few days though she had begun to question whether leaving them on their own was the right thing. She saw the pain that her children had been going through over the last year but still she had refused to allow them any help. Now with the death of Avarina and the birth of the first 2 children she knew she could no longer protect her children in this way. They needed help and they needed it now.

She went to her desk and wrote out a letter:

Kristiana,
I need to see you as soon as possible. Please notify Rian that his presence is requested as well. It is very important to the children that no one other then the two of you know about this. There safety is the most important thing.
HRH Queen Arianna of Antar

She folded the letter, placed it in an envelope and affixed the royal seal to it. Then she called to her guard.

“Please take this and deliver it to Kristiana of the house of Keilinar.” She said.

She reached for a framed picture of all the children she had on her dresser.

“I’m sending help my children. You will no longer be alone.” She whispered.


****************************

Kristiana raced towards Queen Arianna’s chambers. She had been in the vision chamber watching Kyle talk with Max about Tess when the guard arrived with the message from the queen.

She was glad that Max and Kyle were taking steps toward mending their relationship but she couldn’t get past the despair that she saw in Kyle. He blamed himself for Tess’s death and her heart went out to him. There really was nothing that he could have done. No one, not even the scientists who had created them, really knew how Tess and Isabel would respond to pregnancy. Sure Antarians and Earthlings had children together and there had been no problems but the Hybrids were different. At least now they knew what to do to protect Isabel but she knew that was no consolation to Kyle.

As she approached the chamber she saw Rian walking from an adjacent corridor. The note had asked her to contact him so she had immediately. Deep down she knew that even if it hadn’t she would have told him anyway.

When they reached each other he reached out for her and pulled her into an embrace.

“Are you ok? What’s going on? Why are we here?” He asked inquisitively.

He had been worried about her ever since he had left her at the vision chamber. She had taken Alex’s death very badly and now Tess. She felt helpless and he was really worried about how this was impacting her.

“I don’t know much. I just got a note from her telling me to get you and come to her chambers. It’s about the children.” She said as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear nervously.

“You don’t think something’s happened that we don’t know about. Do you?” He asked as he arched his eyebrows.

“I don’t see how that’s possible. I just left the chamber. They were all together.”

“Except for Tess.” She said sadly.

“Kristiana there was nothing you could do about that.” He said tenderly as he brushed his fingertips across her cheek.

“If I had been there…” She started to say.

“But you weren’t.” He interrupted

”And not because you didn’t want to be.” He added.

“I know it’s frustrating that we can’t help them but we do what we have to. Our families have been defenders of the house of Antar for centuries. We are bounded by our families loyalty.”

“Well maybe I’m tired of being bound to some ties my family has had for centuries. Look what that loyalties gotten you and me. Look at all we have lost.” She said angrily.

He pulled her tightly against him. He knew that this had been hard on her. Hell it had been just as hard on him. It’s why they had always sought comfort with each other. They were both bound by family loyalty to something that had consumed their lives.

As she felt his arms embrace her tears began to flow freely. This had taken so much from her and she didn’t know how much more she had to give.

“They blame themselves. “ She said her voice muffled in her shoulder.

“It will be ok. They will get through this. They are strong kids.” He said reassuringly.

She pulled out of the embrace and pulled herself together.

“Thanks for letting me vent to you.” She said with a smile.

“Anytime Kris. One day this will all be over and we are going to take that long vacation we are always talking about.” He said as he winked at her.

“As long as you’re flying I’m in.” She said.

“Lets see about the kids.” He said as he placed out his hand for her to take.

“I’m ready.” She said taking his hand in hers.


“Your Majesty. Commander Rian and Lady Kristiana are here to see you.” The guard said as he opened the door to her chamber.

“Please send them in.” She said.

Kristiana and Rian entered the room and performed the customary curtsy and bow.

“Thank you for coming so quickly.” She said motioning for them to rise.

“I trust that you told no one of this meeting.”

Rian and Kristiana both nodded.

“After learning of the events that have transpired on earth over the last few days I have made an important decision.” She said walking to her desk and picking up a sheet of paper.

Kristiana and Rian watched the queen as she sifted through some papers on her desk. They still had no clue what the meeting was about and they stood rigidly as they waited to hear her decision.

“These are the directions to a base in Keilnar. There you will find a ship. You will take this ship to earth and seek out the children.” She said.

Kristiana let out a breath she didn’t realize she had been holding.

Earth. They were sending them to earth.

“I know of no such base.” Rian spoke breaking the silence that had fallen on the room.

“It was top secret. Only myself Larek and the scientists who work there even know it exists.” She said.

“What kind of ship is it?” He asked.

“It is a ship that is consistent with the Melarortin that you fly now but it has been fitted with a warp speed drive that will allow you to arrive on earth in 4 weeks.” She explained.

Four weeks. Kristiana thought to herself. I will be on earth in four weeks. When she had been ordered to return to Catalan it had taken her nearly 3 months to get back. Granted one of those months she was in hyper-hibernation but still it had been torturous. There was nothing to do and all it led to was her dwelling on what she had left behind. The only good thing about that whole trip had been that she had become friends with Rian. Now they were going back, together.

“Kristiana, I know that this has been a difficult time for you. I hope that going back will bring you some peace but please when you are there keep in mind why you are there. They need to figure things out on their own. You are there to guide them.” She said with a smile.

Kristiana smiled and nodded. She could have told her that she had to cut off her right arm and she would have done it. They were going back.

“Now you must leave straight from here. I have had your belongings packed and they are probably already aboard the ship.”

Kristiana looked at Rian. She could see that he was just as excited about going back as she was.

When Queen Arianna finished explaining the details of where to go and what to do they again did the customary Curtsy and Bow and then walked to the door.

Impulsively Kristiana turned toward Arianna.

“Is there anything you want me to tell your children” She asked.

Arianna smiled.

“Tell them that I love them and believe in them.” She said.

“I will.” She said and curtsied again.

“Kristiana wait.” Queen Arianna said.

She walked over to a drawer and pulled out a jewelry box. She removed a ring that had a large pear shaped stone in the center and 4 smaller stones on either side. She placed it in a small cloth pouch and handed it to Kristiana.

“When the time is right please give that to King Zan.” She said her face a mask of emotion.

“I will.” She said as she took the pouch from her.

As she opened the door she found Rian waiting for her. He was wearing a grin from ear to ear.

“Looks like we are going to get to take that vacation a little early.” He quipped.

“This isn’t going to be easy you know.” She said.

“I know but it’s what we have been waiting for.” He said taking her had in his.

“We’re going home.” She said and they walked out together hand in hand.