Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2003 2:27 am
Chapter 27
No one said a word to her. They all just kept sneaking sideway glances at her, and when she caught them, they would quickly avert their eyes. There was a lot of tension in the house, and everyone was too scared to breathe a word, so instead, they went about trying to distract their minds from the demons that consumed their thoughts.
After what seemed like forever, Liz had finally dropped her shield, and allowed Max thru their connection, but instead of pulling just him into the connection, her emotions were so high, she had managed to pull the rest of them into it also. Max’s head had spun, and his stomach twisted in a knot from the images and feelings he had received from her. They were so strong........graphic, that he doubled over in pain as the scene of Kivar, and the things he had done to Ava flashed thru his mind
At first he thought, no prayed that it was just a nightmare, but deep down inside, he knew that this was real..........a memory from Ava that haunted Tess every since their memories resurfaced. Guilt washed over him in waves, he wasn’t there to protect her.....his wife in that life, and she had called for him............begged him to help her.....save her. He had dropped to his knees, and tears trailed his face as he realized that not only was Tess suffering, but Liz as well. She had connected to her, and had experience the whole thing also, as if it was actually happening to her.
Michael was pissed.......Isabel and Maria too shock to speak.........Alex was heartbroken at what just flashed thru their minds. Chris stood, unmoved. His face was unreadable, and he had just stared at the two of them.....................
***** Anger..........that’s all that he was able to feel. Chris couldn’t believe the things that had just went thru him, and all those things had happened to Tess. He knew that they were only her memories from her previous life, but it was still her regardless of what life time she was in.
He had watched as Liz threw up her shield, and was confused as hell, but now he realized why. She was trying to do for Tess something no one was able to do for Ava.........protect her. He looked around at the others. He watched as Max kneeled on the ground, sobs racking his body, Michael’s face was deep red in anger, while Maria and Isabel clung to each other. Alex held his head low, but he could see the glisten of his tears on his cheek.
He turned back to Liz and Tess, and he noticed that Liz had stopped crying, and had a look on her face that sent a chill thru him. Finally her shield dropped, and Max was the first one to their side.
“Liz?” He was uncertain what to do. She brought her eyes to his, and he let out a deep breath. She looked back down at Tess, who had also stopped crying, but still held on to Liz’s form.
“Chris” Chris heard her whisper his name, and he was by her in a flash. His anger subsided, all that remained was the love he had for Tess.
“I’m here sweetie” it had been a while since she had even addressed him, but he was just happy she was opening up to him. He brush her bangs away from her face, and gave her a gentle smile. Tess closed her eyes at his gentleness, and something inside her sparked. This was the man she loved, and who loved her unconditionally, and he had been there for her thru everything, and she had been shutting him out, and all he wanted to do was love her.
Tess released her hold on Liz, and threw her arms around his neck, surprising him and everyone else. Chris was ecstatic, he stood up, firmly crushing her in his hold. He kissed her forehead, and she rested her head against his chest. Liz stood up as well, and placed her hand on his arm.
“Why don’t the two of you go to the back and talk” she suggested. Chris nodded his head, and quickly swept Tess in his arms, and carried her to the back. Once they were out of sight, all eyes turned on Liz. She shrugged them off, and went to the back to check on Bel and Xan.
“Max....what the hell was that” Michael hissed. The energy Liz had conjured up, had only been produced when they were all connected. Never once had either one of them held so much power. They all knew Liz was powerful, maybe even more so then the original four, but this.....this was something else.
“I don’t know” Max wiped the remaining tears from his cheeks, and ran a tired hand thru his hair. Their lives were turning upside down, and was guaranteed to get worse before they got better. He stared at the spot Liz just exited, and sighed.******
Max kept a close eye on Liz. Her whole persona was bothering him. Although she wasn’t blocking him or anything like that, she was still acting different. The others had noticed too, but yet they stopped asking her if she was alright, after she snapped at Michael the last time he asked her.
“I’m sorry Michael, but really, I’m fine” she assured him, and gave him a bright smile to prove it to them all. But Max wasn’t stupid, he had been ‘Liz watching’ since he was in the third grade, and he knew when she was happy or sad, or anything, and he knew she was doing a good job of hiding her feelings.
“Max” her voice had brought him from his line of thinking. She was standing next to him, running her fingers over the back of his neck, playing with the hair there.
“Huh” Liz smiled down at him.
“I asked you if you wanted more coffee” she nodded to his cup.
“Um....no” she quickly kissed his lips, and went to discard the breakfast dishes in the sink. Just then Xan and Bel came bowling thru the kitchen, screaming at the top of their lungs.
“Hey, hey......what’s the rule about running and screaming in the house” Liz scolded them. They stood there, fidgeting from foot to foot, and with big wide eyes, they stared up at her.
“No running or screaming inside....we’re sorry mommy” they said together. Liz looked down at her two angels, and couldn’t stay upset with them. A smile broke thru on her face.
“It’s ok, but no more” she patted their heads, and shooed them out the kitchen. Chris and Tess weren’t far behind the twins, and Liz smiled as she saw the light back in Tess’ eyes. They had been in the back talking, and from the looks of things, Tess was going to be alright.
“Hey” Tess spoke shyly. Chris wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her on the temple, letting her know he was there for her. Isabel stood up and made her way over to Tess.
“Hey yourself” she smiled at her, and gave her a hug. Maria followed suit, and before long, they were all gathered in a group hug. Tess turn to Max, who was standing slightly away from the others with his head hanging low. She extracted herself from Chris’ grip, who was reluctant to release her. She walked over, squeezing Liz’s hand as she past her, and stood in front of him. Lowering her head so she could see his eyes.
“Hey” she smiled at him. Max looked at her, and saw nothing but love in her eyes, not anger or hate for him. He hated himself right now for not protecting her in their past life. Tess wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him tight.
“I love you” she told him, feeling his emotions of guilt running thru him. Max squeezed her back, and a small whimper escaped his lips.
“I’m sorry.......I.....god I” his voice cracked, and there wasn’t enough words that can replace him not being there for her.
“Don’t be.........that was a different time, I know you would never let anything happen to me now” she spoke with such confidence. Max pulled up and watched the sincerity cover her face. She winked at him, and got the reaction she was searching for........he smiled.
“I love you too” he kissed her forehead, and tucked her hair behind her ear.
“Should I be jealous of this love” Chris teased as he wrapped his arms around Tess possessively. She turned in his arms and kissed him on the cheek.
“Never” her voice was serious, but held a light teasing tone to it.
“Come on” he coaxed her.
“Were are you two going” Maria asked.
“Home” they answered together, before disappearing out the front door.
“Hey........what do you say you and I......” Alex whispered the last part in Isabel’s ear, causing her to giggle then blush.
“Bye” she said hurriedly, and grabbed Alex’s hand, dragging him out the door.
“Oook” Maria laughed after them. Michael came in with the twins thrown over his shoulders.
“Uncle Mikey put us down” they begged, but the laugher in their voice proved they really didn’t want him to. He spun them around one last time before placing them on their feet. Bel scrunched up her face, and waved her hand in front of her nose.
“What’s up munch’n” Maria asked her.
“Uncle Mikey pheeeewww” she wiggled her nose and stuck out her tongue in disgust.
“Theresa Isabella Marie Evans, what have we told you about saying things that aren’t nice” Liz scolded her, all the while trying to contain the laughter that threaten to over come her.
“Never say something that could hurt some ones feelings.............sorry” she recited the line that her mommy and daddy were constantly preaching to her. Xan held his head down, to hide the smile on his face, and she elbowed him in the side.
“Alright you two, go get your stuff together. Your Nana Nancy will be here shortly” she told them, and they eagerly ran out to gather their things. As soon as they were out of earshot, Liz let the laughter she had been desperately to hide go.
“Oh you think that’s funny huh” Michael grabbed her and hugged her, making sure to bury her head in his armpit.
“Eeewww Michael, she’s right you’re pheeww” Liz laughed, trying to pull her face out from under his arm.
“Hey, get your hands off my wife” Max joked, while pulling Liz to his side. Maria was standing back watching them with a smirk on her face. Michael turned to her when he heard her giggle. Maria saw the funny look that crossed his face.
“Oh no you don’t Spaceboy” Maria threw up her hands as a sign of surrender, but he advanced on her.
“Michael nooo” she pleaded. Michael pulled her close to him, and instead of torching her with his hideous smell, he kissed her on the lips.
“Come woman......you.....me....shower” he easily tossed her over his shoulder, and turned to Max and Liz.
“Later” he grunted, before turning towards the door.
“Bye” Maria waved from her position on his shoulder.
Max and Liz shook their heads at the two of them. This was how there life was suppose to be. Hanging out together, spending time with family and friends, not planning for war.
“Hey, you ok” Max asked her, and she knew what he was asking. She turned around and cupped his cheek.
“Max I’m fine.....stop worrying” she soothe him.
“But Liz........” she placed her finger over his lips to hush him.
“Not now” was all she said before kissing his lips, and going out back with the twins. He stared after her, and felt his heart ache.
“Max” Max turned to see Nasedo and Veser standing at the back door. He motioned for them to take a seat.
“Your Majesty, there is a decision to be made sire” Veser spoke with great urgency.
“I know” Max stood up and walked to the window, were he watched Liz chased the twins around the back yard.
“We will meet back here tonight” he told them.
“But Your Highness...” Max turned around suddenly, and pinned Veser with a look.
“Tonight” he said firmly.
“As you wish sire” Veser stood and bowed to him. Max looked to Nasedo then Veser, to see if there were any more objections, when he saw none, he turned on his heels, and joined Liz out back with the twins.
Chapter 28
“Alright kiddos, I have a fresh batch of cookies that are just screaming to be eaten” Nancy smiled at her grandkids.
“Yea” Xan and Bel shouted excitedly. They ran inside to grab their backpacks.
“Thanks mom” Liz kissed her mom’s cheek in gratitude.
“None of that, you know I love to spend the day with them. Their my favorite little people” she joked. Liz usher her into the house, were they ran into Max.
“Hey mom” he smiled down at her, while giving her a warm hug. Nancy smiled up at him, amazed at how much he had changed from the shy boy that use to pin over her daughter, to the remarkable man he was today. A devoted husband, excellent father and a great friend.
“Hey Max” she squeezed him one more time before following Liz into the kitchen. Nancy watched Liz busy herself, and knew she was troubled. She knew what had happened early, and from what Maria described, Liz was in hiding her true feelings from everyone. She placed her purse on the table, and went and stood next to Liz, who at the moment had her head stuck in the fridge.
Liz could feel her mothers eyes follow her as she tracked thru the kitchen. She also knew the lecture she was about to receive. She made her way over to the fridge, hoping to find anything that would put off the forthcoming conversation. She saw her mothers feet standing next to her. Letting out a deep sigh, she stood up and grabbed the pitcher of tea, anything that would stop her hands from shaking.
“Tea?” she asked her mother. Nancy pinned her with a look, before turning around and reaching into the cupboard and grabbed some glasses. She met Liz at the table, and sat down across from her. They sat there in silence, and Liz squirmed under her mothers watchful eye.
“Liz” here it comes, Liz thought. She raised her eyes to met her mothers, and saw a comforting smile there.
“Moooom” Liz whined. Nancy placed her hand over Liz’s.
“Liiiiiz” Nancy raised an eyebrow at her, and Liz sighed in defeat. She knew there was no way around this conversation. Nancy saw her buckle, and instead of a long lecture, which she had planned, she saw the distant look in Liz’s eyes, and the bags under them, indicating her lack of sleep.
She stood up and pulled Liz to her feet, and press her head in her bosom.
“When you’re ready” was all she said, and Liz pulled her arms around her mothers waist, thankful once again for her support.
“Thank you mommy, I love you” Liz breathe deeply, loving being wrapped in her mothers arms like this. It had been a while since she held her like she use to, and Liz realized it was something she missed dearly.
“I love you too honey” Nancy stroked her long ebony hair, and kissed her head. Liz wasn’t quit ready to relinquish her hold just yet, but the sound of two bubbly twins, came rushing down the hall. Max stopped in the doorway, and watched the scene between mother and daughter. His worries for her increased, and once the twins were gone, he would find out exactly what was bothering her.
“Ready you two” Nancy asked, and their heads eagerly nodded up and down. Liz kneeled down in front of them.
“Have fun, and mind your Nana and Papa” she warned them, before kissing their cheeks. Max carried their things to the car and got them buckled into the car seats. Liz hugged her mom again.
“Thank you mom” Nancy knew that, that one thank you meant more then her taking the kids for the day.
“Anytime” she blew her a kiss as she pulled out of the driveway, heading towards the Crashdown. The fact that two men dressed in the Royal armies gear, followed closely behind her, didn’t slip past her. Liz blew out the breathe she didn’t know she was holding at the scene. She shook her head, and headed into the house.
“Max” she called to him.
“In here” was his answer. She followed the sound of his voice, and found him sitting on the edge of their bed.
“They’re gone” it was a statement, more then a question. She nodded her head, and he motioned her over to him. He pulled her down on his lap, and wrapped a arm around her for support. Liz bit her lip nervously, and Max gentle extracted her lip from in between her teeth. He turned her so she faced him, and slowly covered her lips with his own. Liz sighed against his lips, loving the contact. She turned and straddled him, and couldn’t stop the moan that escaped her lips.
“Max” she moaned while releasing his shirt from the confines of his pants. Max released her lips long enough to allow her to remove his shirt, before she attack his mouth again. Her movements were urgent, almost desperate. She stood up, and ripped her shirt over her head, tossing it behind her head blindly, leaving her clad in only her bra and shorts. Max inhaled sharply, as he ran his eyes over her tight little form. He could see her nipples tighten under the lace material of her bra. His eyes traveled down her frame to her smooth stomach, and he loved to place loving kisses over the tanned skin. He continued to travel downwards to her extremely tight, short shorts, and his cock harden painfully. He knew that the denim material was the only thing that covered her feminine treasure. This morning he had stood in the doorway, and watched her get dressed. She caught his eye in the mirror, and a sexy smile played on her face, and she dropped her robe, revealing her nakedness to him. She had quickly pulled on her bra and tank top, and making sure she had his undivided attention, she slowly pulled on her shorts, with his mind so clouded with the view of her, he vaguely realized that she neglected to put on any underwear.
She had walked past him in his daze, and kissed him on the cheek, swaying her hips as she descended the hall, his eyes had been trained on her hips with every sway and switch. If it hadn’t been for the house full of people, he would have jumped her right then and there.
“Max” she whispered huskily to him, and he stared up at her. He saw passion.....love.....desire......hunger, all wrapped up in that one stare. Lately her eyes held a dim to them, but now, now she seemed so alive. The sound of unzipping, brought him out of his sexual arousal. He stood up, and placed his hands over hers, stopping her.
“No” he breathed to her, buttoning and zipping her shorts back up. She looked up at him with a mixture of confusion and hurt. He kissed her on the nose upon seeing the hurt in her eyes.
“Max....”
“Later” he told her, and pulled her to sit down next to him on the bed. He placed her hand in his, and brought it to his lips, placing tender kisses over her knuckles.
“Talk to me” his voice was smooth, not pushy or demanding, just loving. Even still, Liz was tired of everyone asking her if she was alright, or they were there when she needed them. She jerked her hand out of his causing him to jump at her actions. She ran her hand thru her hair, frustrated beyond belief, and she stood up and pinned him with a look that shocked him.
“Maybe I don’t want to talk” she cornered him. Max stood up, attempting to calm her, but she stopped him in his track with her next statement.
“Maybe I just need you to fuck the shit out of me” her voice was heavy, and laced with something he had never heard from her..........anger. In all the years he had known Liz, he had never once seen her angry. Upset, yes, angry, no. She was always the calm one, always there to calm him when his anger got the best of him. She was the one everyone could turn to in situations, knowing she was always the level headed one. And like a missing puzzle piece snapping in place, he realized that Liz, his wife was pissed. Not necessary at him, but at everything that has been going on lately. Tess.......Xan.......Isabel.....everything was nagging at her, and she was ready to blow. She was always trying to be the strong one for everyone, for him. He had put so much on her, never once wondering if it was too much for her to handle. Expected her to always back him up, never once taking her feelings into consideration. He watched her pace back and forth in front of him, battling internally.
Liz felt her anger building. Everything was slamming into her at once, and she wasn’t sure what to do with it. She had always consider herself rational, never taught she had a hateful bone in her body. She didn’t even hate Tess when she came around announcing her destiny to Max. Instead, she felt envious of her, not hate. But at this moment the hate that coursed thru her blood was consuming her and directed at one person...........Kivar.
He had came in, and in one short month, turned their lives into the hell it was today. He had destroyed their perfect lives, and replaced them with fear and worry. He had tainted her children’s mind with hate and mistrust. She hated him, for what he did to Ava and Vilandra, Rath and Zan. She hated him for the way he made her husband doubt himself, but most of all, she hated him for the feelings of hate that consumed her.
“Liz” he spoke tentatively to her, but she ignore him as if he wasn’t even in the room.
“God” she screamed, surprising both him and herself.
“It’s ok to be angry” he tried to soothe her, but she spun around and looked at him.
“Is it Max, because all it’s doing is succeeding in making our lives miserable. God I just........I wish.............aaahhh” the lights flickered, and the walls shook. Max could feel her energy pooling, and knew the only way for her to feel better was to release it. Liz felt it also, but this was stronger then she was use to, and didn’t know what to do with the powers streaking thru her. Max saw the confused and frighten look that fell upon her face, and he could tell she didn’t know how to control it.
“Just let it go Liz” he coached her silently.
“Max” her voice was small and scared.
“It’s ok love.......just release it”
The walls began to shake violently, knocking the pictures that covered them to the floor. The lights blew out, leaving only sparkles of electric in their hast. Max thru up his shield, and the moment it was fully up, she let lose.
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Maria giggled as she ran her hand thru Michael’s hair. They were laying naked, after just sharing an explosive orgasm together. Michael was presently placing tiny kisses all over her body, and had just hit her ticklish spot right behind her left earlobe.
“Michael” she cried thru her fits of giggles. He continued on down her neck to her chest were he made sure to give her nipples long, open mouth kisses, before he moved on down to her rib cage, were he proceeded to kiss each individual rib, before he continued.
He stopped at her stomach, were he ran a shaky hand over her still tiny stomach, slowly caressing and massaging it. He looked up at Maria, and a look of complete awe past over his face. Maria saw him swallow the large lump in his throat, and a loving smile graced her lips. No words were spoken between them, but they both knew what the other was thinking. They were going to have a baby.....a family.
“I love you......thank you” in that one statement, Maria knew he wasn’t thanking her for the precious gift that was their child, but also for loving him, trusting him and standing by him no matter what.
They had talked some more once they came back from Max and Liz’s. They talked more about his past life, his feelings then and now, and the one thing that wasn’t a question in his mind was how much he loved her. She had been a little worried that he was still afraid for her to have a child, but he assured her that as long as he was breathing air, nothing was going to happen to her or their daughter. She was their gift, a gift he planned to cherish every single day.
“I love you” she was really enjoying being connected to him like this, it made her feel complete, and she finally understood what Liz meant when she said that her and Max’s connection was something you couldn’t understand unless you experienced it for yourself.
Michael lowered his head, and she assumed to continue his journey down her body, but what he did next surprised her, and made her love for him increase. Michael kissed the smooth skin of her belly, and rested his cheek against it.
“Hey little one.......it’s me, daddy” his voice was so small and tender, you would never imagine him as a warrior. A tear slipped from Maria’s eye, and she laced her fingers thru his hair, and listened to his velvety voice as he spoke to their daughter.
“God....we haven’t even met yet, but I love you so much” he closed his eyes, and took a deep breath, placing his large hand over Maria’s stomach, and before he knew it, a connection was made.
Michael felt himself floating, and then found himself standing in a large room. What struck him was that the room had multiple paintings hanging in it, some he recognized as ones he had painted, others he didn’t recognize. One picture stuck out at him, and he walked over to it to get a closer look.
It was a simple painting really, but the center of attraction was what caught his attention.....Maria. She was dressed simply in a long green summer dress that matched her eyes. Her hair looked to be blowing in the wind, rays of sunlight caressed several tress, making her glow. She held the dress in her hands, keeping it from dangling in the river bank, in which she was playfully splashing around in. Her feet were bare, and she wore a childlike smile on her face that insinuated her beauty.
“Isn’t mommy pretty” a tiny voice sounded behind him. Michael didn’t even have to turn around to know who it belonged to.......his daughter. His hands grew sweaty, and his heartbeat increased. He took a deep breath, and slowly turned around. There she stood, a mixture of him and Maria. She was dressed in a pair of dingy overalls, and a bright green tank shirt, that was covered by a white shirt that read ‘Crashsdown’ over the left breast, with his name embroider underneath, that was rolled up her arms to fit. He realized that it was one of his Crashdown uniforms shirts Jeff had made him start wearing his senior year.
Her hair was pulled into a haphazard ponytail, leaving several strands unattached. Paint covered her from head to toe, and she held a tiny palette in her right hand, and a paintbrush in the other. She was beautiful. From what he could tell she looked about four years old, with an attitude he wasn’t sure if she got from him or Maria. He was so busy staring at her, drinking in the sight of her, that he had forgotten she had asked him a question.
“Daddy!” she called to him, hands on her hips, and her foot tapping a mile a minute. ‘Yelp, definitely Maria’ he thought to himself.
“Yeah” he finally found his voice.
“I said, isn’t mommy pretty” she asked him again, wondering why her daddy had just spaced out. Michael turned back to the picture once again, and nodded his head.
“Yeah, she is” he spoke breathlessly. He felt a tiny hand slip into his, and he looked down to see his daughter staring up at him. He had to fight the tears that threaten to escape at the sight of her.
“Come on” she pulled him over to a section in the room which held a tiny easel “sit down daddy” too stun to do anything else, Michael did as she instructed. She walked over to the easel, and placed a fresh canvas on it. Michael’s eyes widen in shock, and he looked around the room again, and realized that they were in his studio. Pictures that he had painted were there, and.......
“Did you paint those pictures” he asked her, pointing to all the pictures of different sceneries.......mountains and hills, lakes and oceans. There were paintings of him and Maria....Max and Liz...the twins.....Amy, their entire family. Michael looked once again at the picture of Maria, and he let out an awed sigh.
“Wow” she turn him and gave a bright smile as her answer, before she turned around and pressed play on the CD player next to the easel. Metallica’s ‘Fade to Black’ poured thru the speakers, and he sat there with such pride, and watched her as her brush flew across the canvas with articulated strokes. His little pixie............
The connection faded, and Michael felt the tear that slid from his eyes. He removed his hand, and saw the tiny handprint fade away. He felt Maria’s hand in his hair, and he raised his head to look at her. She had a knowing smile on her face, and tears in her eyes. He placed one last kiss over his daughter, and crawled up on his side so he was facing her. He ran a thumb across her cheek, and captured her lips in his.
“I love you”
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“Oh Alex.....that feels...oh that feels wonderful” Isabel cooed.
“You like that huh” he whispered in her ear.
“Um hum” was her only reply. She couldn’t form a coherent sentence if she wanted to at the moment, the things he was doing with his hands, were reeking havoc on her body. Alex moved lower down her exposed back, and placed a kiss between her shoulder blades, before continuing.
“Oh yes, right there” she moaned. Alex added a little more pressure, and felt her sigh in pleasure. Slowly he rubbed in small circles, kneading gently. With every touch and caress, she fell deeper and deeper. He ran his large hands over her bottom, and gave it a playful swat. Moving farther down, he massaged the left then the right leg, before ending at her feet, were he caressed every arch and curve of each foot.
He ran his hands back up her body, and kissed her neck. Her breathing was even, and a smile touched her lips.
“Tired” he whispered in her ear.
“A little” she confessed “that was great, thank you” she whispered.
“No thank yous needed. I love pampering you” he told her truthfully “I love you.”
“I love you too Alex” he heard the tiredness in her voice. He kissed her forehead, and pulled back.
“Rest love” he soothed her. He laid down next to her, and she instantly curled into him, resting her head over his chest. The sound of his heartbeat soothing her into a peaceful sleep. A heart that only beat and belonged to her. Alex ran a hand up her arm, while the other one made it’s way to her long blond hair, gently combing thru it, wrapping around his fingers like silk. He felt her tiny puffs of air as her breath danced across his naked chest, and he knew she was asleep.
They had came home and talk about her conflicting feelings about her past, and what their future held. She had admitted that she was confused about her feelings towards Michael. She wasn’t sure how she was suppose to feel now that she remembered him in their past life, and she had loved him. He had told her to search her heart, and it would never fail in giving her the answer she needed and knew was true. Alex remembered holding his breathe as he watched her struggle internally.
Finally she had turned to him with a tear stained face. His heart had dropped upon seeing the look on her face, but the words that came out her mouth shocked him even more.
“My heart only knows one true love, it can only beat for one” she grabbed his hand and placed it over her heart “it beats for you Alex, my heart leads me only to you.” Tears had sprung to his eyes, and he had pulled her into a crushing hug. They were going to make love, but upon seeing how tense her muscles were, he opt to giving her a full body massage instead.
As he laid there holding her in his arms, Alex raised his eyes to the heavens above.
“Thank you” he whispered.
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“So how is it” he asked her hesitantly. Tess swallowed the concoction, and Chris watched her face tentatively. A slow smile played on her lips, before turning into a full pledged grin.
“Perfect” she assured him, and saw him visible relax. Chris wasn’t much of a cook, actually he never cooked. Not since their college years, when he left a pot of eggs boiling on the stove and forgot about them, letting the water boil out of them and burning the pot, setting off the smoke detector. From that day forward, Tess had banned him from the kitchen, vowing to never let him near any open flames again.
Chris refilled her glass of water before sitting down across from her. He had been practicing cooking, against her knowledge, and had made them brunch that consisted of fresh fruit, and a small batch of Belgium waffles. He wanted the mix to be perfect, and had even added Tabasco sauce to the mix for her. He stuck out his chest in manly pride, and she laughed at him.
“I guess this means I’m allowed back in the kitchen” he asked her with total seriousness.
“One brunch doesn’t qualify you as a gourmet chief” she joked with him.
“But you admit there good though” he taunted, wiggling his eyes brows.
“Yeah, they’re good” she had to give it to him, they were very good waffles.
“Damn good” he returned.
“Damn good” she smiled at him, and rolled her eyes at his quirkiness.
“You bet your ass their good. Now, eat up before they get cold, and then we’ll set up a cooking schedule” he told her, lowering his head when he saw her eyes widen in shock. Tess saw him trying to hide his smile, and threw her napkin at him.
“Jerk” she laughed at him, and he placed his hand over hers.
“Yeah, and you love this ‘jerk’, so what does that make you” he teased her.
“Desperate” she replied cheekily.
“Exactly” he pointed to her “what would you do without me” he joked. The smile quockly faded from her face, and her voice turned serious.
“I’ll die” her tears fell down her cheeks, and Chris was out his chair and by her side in a flash. He turned her chair around, and sat on his knees in front of her.
“You’ll never lose me, never” his voice held no argument to it, and he kissed her hands “I love you Tess Harding, and they would have to drag me kicking and screaming before I left your side” he assured her. He knew she was worried about their enemies, and the possibility of him getting hurt or worse. The talk they had, had at Liz’s had brought their relationship to new heights. Tess found the strength she needed to confront her past in Chris, and Chris realized that his life wasn’t complete without Tess. He knew that her enemies were his enemies, and whatever he had to do to protect her, he would. That was what love was, what giving your heart to someone meant.
Tess stared down at the man before her, and knew he meant every word he spoke. She had failed to realize exactly how much he loved her, when she was struggling with her memories, and shut him out completely. But never again, never again would she take his love for granted. Her heart was scream at her to let him in, let him help heal her, and once she did, she was rewarded with unconditional, lasting love. And in that moment Tess realized what she wanted.
“Marry me” she rushed out. Chris stared at her with wide eyes, but once the shock wore off, he answered her quickly.
“Yes!” he pulled her face to his, and they were soon entwined in a mind blowing kiss.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“How do you feel” he breathe in her ear, while trailing the loofah up her arm.
“Better” she smiled, as she leaned against his chest.
“You ought too, after blowing out our wall, you do realize I will have to rope Michael into helping me fix it don’t you” he teased her, and was rewarded with an elbow to the side.
“Ump...” he laughed, and she pinched his thigh.
“Ok...ok” he held his hands up in surrender “you do know that’s going to leave a bruise” he teased her.
“Well stop making fun of me” she whined playfully.
“Never” he kissed her on the temple, and stroked her stomach.
“Seriously though, admit it, you feel a whole lot better now that you’ve released some of that anger” he wrapped his arms around her waist, and rested his chin on her shoulder. Liz looked at the massive damage she had done to their wall, and had to admit that she did feel a whole lot better now. She hadn’t realized that she was so angry until she released the blast that destroyed their poor, defenseless wall.
“Yeah” she admitted. After she had calmed down, they had talked about everything that was bothering her, and Max listened intently as she talked about her hatred for Kivar and all the pain he has caused their family. She had talked herself into exhaustion, and Max had ran them a warm bath were he proceeded to wrap her in his warmth and love.
Liz laced her fingers thru his, and rested her head back against his chest and closed her eyes. Max massaged any parts of her body he could reach, while placing loving kisses over her face. Soon he heard her tiny snore, and he smiled to himself. Carefully he lifted them from the tub, careful not to disturb her, he dried them off using his powers, and laid her down in their bed, before climbing in next to her. He closed his eyes, praying that this would all be over soon.
No one said a word to her. They all just kept sneaking sideway glances at her, and when she caught them, they would quickly avert their eyes. There was a lot of tension in the house, and everyone was too scared to breathe a word, so instead, they went about trying to distract their minds from the demons that consumed their thoughts.
After what seemed like forever, Liz had finally dropped her shield, and allowed Max thru their connection, but instead of pulling just him into the connection, her emotions were so high, she had managed to pull the rest of them into it also. Max’s head had spun, and his stomach twisted in a knot from the images and feelings he had received from her. They were so strong........graphic, that he doubled over in pain as the scene of Kivar, and the things he had done to Ava flashed thru his mind
At first he thought, no prayed that it was just a nightmare, but deep down inside, he knew that this was real..........a memory from Ava that haunted Tess every since their memories resurfaced. Guilt washed over him in waves, he wasn’t there to protect her.....his wife in that life, and she had called for him............begged him to help her.....save her. He had dropped to his knees, and tears trailed his face as he realized that not only was Tess suffering, but Liz as well. She had connected to her, and had experience the whole thing also, as if it was actually happening to her.
Michael was pissed.......Isabel and Maria too shock to speak.........Alex was heartbroken at what just flashed thru their minds. Chris stood, unmoved. His face was unreadable, and he had just stared at the two of them.....................
***** Anger..........that’s all that he was able to feel. Chris couldn’t believe the things that had just went thru him, and all those things had happened to Tess. He knew that they were only her memories from her previous life, but it was still her regardless of what life time she was in.
He had watched as Liz threw up her shield, and was confused as hell, but now he realized why. She was trying to do for Tess something no one was able to do for Ava.........protect her. He looked around at the others. He watched as Max kneeled on the ground, sobs racking his body, Michael’s face was deep red in anger, while Maria and Isabel clung to each other. Alex held his head low, but he could see the glisten of his tears on his cheek.
He turned back to Liz and Tess, and he noticed that Liz had stopped crying, and had a look on her face that sent a chill thru him. Finally her shield dropped, and Max was the first one to their side.
“Liz?” He was uncertain what to do. She brought her eyes to his, and he let out a deep breath. She looked back down at Tess, who had also stopped crying, but still held on to Liz’s form.
“Chris” Chris heard her whisper his name, and he was by her in a flash. His anger subsided, all that remained was the love he had for Tess.
“I’m here sweetie” it had been a while since she had even addressed him, but he was just happy she was opening up to him. He brush her bangs away from her face, and gave her a gentle smile. Tess closed her eyes at his gentleness, and something inside her sparked. This was the man she loved, and who loved her unconditionally, and he had been there for her thru everything, and she had been shutting him out, and all he wanted to do was love her.
Tess released her hold on Liz, and threw her arms around his neck, surprising him and everyone else. Chris was ecstatic, he stood up, firmly crushing her in his hold. He kissed her forehead, and she rested her head against his chest. Liz stood up as well, and placed her hand on his arm.
“Why don’t the two of you go to the back and talk” she suggested. Chris nodded his head, and quickly swept Tess in his arms, and carried her to the back. Once they were out of sight, all eyes turned on Liz. She shrugged them off, and went to the back to check on Bel and Xan.
“Max....what the hell was that” Michael hissed. The energy Liz had conjured up, had only been produced when they were all connected. Never once had either one of them held so much power. They all knew Liz was powerful, maybe even more so then the original four, but this.....this was something else.
“I don’t know” Max wiped the remaining tears from his cheeks, and ran a tired hand thru his hair. Their lives were turning upside down, and was guaranteed to get worse before they got better. He stared at the spot Liz just exited, and sighed.******
Max kept a close eye on Liz. Her whole persona was bothering him. Although she wasn’t blocking him or anything like that, she was still acting different. The others had noticed too, but yet they stopped asking her if she was alright, after she snapped at Michael the last time he asked her.
“I’m sorry Michael, but really, I’m fine” she assured him, and gave him a bright smile to prove it to them all. But Max wasn’t stupid, he had been ‘Liz watching’ since he was in the third grade, and he knew when she was happy or sad, or anything, and he knew she was doing a good job of hiding her feelings.
“Max” her voice had brought him from his line of thinking. She was standing next to him, running her fingers over the back of his neck, playing with the hair there.
“Huh” Liz smiled down at him.
“I asked you if you wanted more coffee” she nodded to his cup.
“Um....no” she quickly kissed his lips, and went to discard the breakfast dishes in the sink. Just then Xan and Bel came bowling thru the kitchen, screaming at the top of their lungs.
“Hey, hey......what’s the rule about running and screaming in the house” Liz scolded them. They stood there, fidgeting from foot to foot, and with big wide eyes, they stared up at her.
“No running or screaming inside....we’re sorry mommy” they said together. Liz looked down at her two angels, and couldn’t stay upset with them. A smile broke thru on her face.
“It’s ok, but no more” she patted their heads, and shooed them out the kitchen. Chris and Tess weren’t far behind the twins, and Liz smiled as she saw the light back in Tess’ eyes. They had been in the back talking, and from the looks of things, Tess was going to be alright.
“Hey” Tess spoke shyly. Chris wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her on the temple, letting her know he was there for her. Isabel stood up and made her way over to Tess.
“Hey yourself” she smiled at her, and gave her a hug. Maria followed suit, and before long, they were all gathered in a group hug. Tess turn to Max, who was standing slightly away from the others with his head hanging low. She extracted herself from Chris’ grip, who was reluctant to release her. She walked over, squeezing Liz’s hand as she past her, and stood in front of him. Lowering her head so she could see his eyes.
“Hey” she smiled at him. Max looked at her, and saw nothing but love in her eyes, not anger or hate for him. He hated himself right now for not protecting her in their past life. Tess wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him tight.
“I love you” she told him, feeling his emotions of guilt running thru him. Max squeezed her back, and a small whimper escaped his lips.
“I’m sorry.......I.....god I” his voice cracked, and there wasn’t enough words that can replace him not being there for her.
“Don’t be.........that was a different time, I know you would never let anything happen to me now” she spoke with such confidence. Max pulled up and watched the sincerity cover her face. She winked at him, and got the reaction she was searching for........he smiled.
“I love you too” he kissed her forehead, and tucked her hair behind her ear.
“Should I be jealous of this love” Chris teased as he wrapped his arms around Tess possessively. She turned in his arms and kissed him on the cheek.
“Never” her voice was serious, but held a light teasing tone to it.
“Come on” he coaxed her.
“Were are you two going” Maria asked.
“Home” they answered together, before disappearing out the front door.
“Hey........what do you say you and I......” Alex whispered the last part in Isabel’s ear, causing her to giggle then blush.
“Bye” she said hurriedly, and grabbed Alex’s hand, dragging him out the door.
“Oook” Maria laughed after them. Michael came in with the twins thrown over his shoulders.
“Uncle Mikey put us down” they begged, but the laugher in their voice proved they really didn’t want him to. He spun them around one last time before placing them on their feet. Bel scrunched up her face, and waved her hand in front of her nose.
“What’s up munch’n” Maria asked her.
“Uncle Mikey pheeeewww” she wiggled her nose and stuck out her tongue in disgust.
“Theresa Isabella Marie Evans, what have we told you about saying things that aren’t nice” Liz scolded her, all the while trying to contain the laughter that threaten to over come her.
“Never say something that could hurt some ones feelings.............sorry” she recited the line that her mommy and daddy were constantly preaching to her. Xan held his head down, to hide the smile on his face, and she elbowed him in the side.
“Alright you two, go get your stuff together. Your Nana Nancy will be here shortly” she told them, and they eagerly ran out to gather their things. As soon as they were out of earshot, Liz let the laughter she had been desperately to hide go.
“Oh you think that’s funny huh” Michael grabbed her and hugged her, making sure to bury her head in his armpit.
“Eeewww Michael, she’s right you’re pheeww” Liz laughed, trying to pull her face out from under his arm.
“Hey, get your hands off my wife” Max joked, while pulling Liz to his side. Maria was standing back watching them with a smirk on her face. Michael turned to her when he heard her giggle. Maria saw the funny look that crossed his face.
“Oh no you don’t Spaceboy” Maria threw up her hands as a sign of surrender, but he advanced on her.
“Michael nooo” she pleaded. Michael pulled her close to him, and instead of torching her with his hideous smell, he kissed her on the lips.
“Come woman......you.....me....shower” he easily tossed her over his shoulder, and turned to Max and Liz.
“Later” he grunted, before turning towards the door.
“Bye” Maria waved from her position on his shoulder.
Max and Liz shook their heads at the two of them. This was how there life was suppose to be. Hanging out together, spending time with family and friends, not planning for war.
“Hey, you ok” Max asked her, and she knew what he was asking. She turned around and cupped his cheek.
“Max I’m fine.....stop worrying” she soothe him.
“But Liz........” she placed her finger over his lips to hush him.
“Not now” was all she said before kissing his lips, and going out back with the twins. He stared after her, and felt his heart ache.
“Max” Max turned to see Nasedo and Veser standing at the back door. He motioned for them to take a seat.
“Your Majesty, there is a decision to be made sire” Veser spoke with great urgency.
“I know” Max stood up and walked to the window, were he watched Liz chased the twins around the back yard.
“We will meet back here tonight” he told them.
“But Your Highness...” Max turned around suddenly, and pinned Veser with a look.
“Tonight” he said firmly.
“As you wish sire” Veser stood and bowed to him. Max looked to Nasedo then Veser, to see if there were any more objections, when he saw none, he turned on his heels, and joined Liz out back with the twins.
Chapter 28
“Alright kiddos, I have a fresh batch of cookies that are just screaming to be eaten” Nancy smiled at her grandkids.
“Yea” Xan and Bel shouted excitedly. They ran inside to grab their backpacks.
“Thanks mom” Liz kissed her mom’s cheek in gratitude.
“None of that, you know I love to spend the day with them. Their my favorite little people” she joked. Liz usher her into the house, were they ran into Max.
“Hey mom” he smiled down at her, while giving her a warm hug. Nancy smiled up at him, amazed at how much he had changed from the shy boy that use to pin over her daughter, to the remarkable man he was today. A devoted husband, excellent father and a great friend.
“Hey Max” she squeezed him one more time before following Liz into the kitchen. Nancy watched Liz busy herself, and knew she was troubled. She knew what had happened early, and from what Maria described, Liz was in hiding her true feelings from everyone. She placed her purse on the table, and went and stood next to Liz, who at the moment had her head stuck in the fridge.
Liz could feel her mothers eyes follow her as she tracked thru the kitchen. She also knew the lecture she was about to receive. She made her way over to the fridge, hoping to find anything that would put off the forthcoming conversation. She saw her mothers feet standing next to her. Letting out a deep sigh, she stood up and grabbed the pitcher of tea, anything that would stop her hands from shaking.
“Tea?” she asked her mother. Nancy pinned her with a look, before turning around and reaching into the cupboard and grabbed some glasses. She met Liz at the table, and sat down across from her. They sat there in silence, and Liz squirmed under her mothers watchful eye.
“Liz” here it comes, Liz thought. She raised her eyes to met her mothers, and saw a comforting smile there.
“Moooom” Liz whined. Nancy placed her hand over Liz’s.
“Liiiiiz” Nancy raised an eyebrow at her, and Liz sighed in defeat. She knew there was no way around this conversation. Nancy saw her buckle, and instead of a long lecture, which she had planned, she saw the distant look in Liz’s eyes, and the bags under them, indicating her lack of sleep.
She stood up and pulled Liz to her feet, and press her head in her bosom.
“When you’re ready” was all she said, and Liz pulled her arms around her mothers waist, thankful once again for her support.
“Thank you mommy, I love you” Liz breathe deeply, loving being wrapped in her mothers arms like this. It had been a while since she held her like she use to, and Liz realized it was something she missed dearly.
“I love you too honey” Nancy stroked her long ebony hair, and kissed her head. Liz wasn’t quit ready to relinquish her hold just yet, but the sound of two bubbly twins, came rushing down the hall. Max stopped in the doorway, and watched the scene between mother and daughter. His worries for her increased, and once the twins were gone, he would find out exactly what was bothering her.
“Ready you two” Nancy asked, and their heads eagerly nodded up and down. Liz kneeled down in front of them.
“Have fun, and mind your Nana and Papa” she warned them, before kissing their cheeks. Max carried their things to the car and got them buckled into the car seats. Liz hugged her mom again.
“Thank you mom” Nancy knew that, that one thank you meant more then her taking the kids for the day.
“Anytime” she blew her a kiss as she pulled out of the driveway, heading towards the Crashdown. The fact that two men dressed in the Royal armies gear, followed closely behind her, didn’t slip past her. Liz blew out the breathe she didn’t know she was holding at the scene. She shook her head, and headed into the house.
“Max” she called to him.
“In here” was his answer. She followed the sound of his voice, and found him sitting on the edge of their bed.
“They’re gone” it was a statement, more then a question. She nodded her head, and he motioned her over to him. He pulled her down on his lap, and wrapped a arm around her for support. Liz bit her lip nervously, and Max gentle extracted her lip from in between her teeth. He turned her so she faced him, and slowly covered her lips with his own. Liz sighed against his lips, loving the contact. She turned and straddled him, and couldn’t stop the moan that escaped her lips.
“Max” she moaned while releasing his shirt from the confines of his pants. Max released her lips long enough to allow her to remove his shirt, before she attack his mouth again. Her movements were urgent, almost desperate. She stood up, and ripped her shirt over her head, tossing it behind her head blindly, leaving her clad in only her bra and shorts. Max inhaled sharply, as he ran his eyes over her tight little form. He could see her nipples tighten under the lace material of her bra. His eyes traveled down her frame to her smooth stomach, and he loved to place loving kisses over the tanned skin. He continued to travel downwards to her extremely tight, short shorts, and his cock harden painfully. He knew that the denim material was the only thing that covered her feminine treasure. This morning he had stood in the doorway, and watched her get dressed. She caught his eye in the mirror, and a sexy smile played on her face, and she dropped her robe, revealing her nakedness to him. She had quickly pulled on her bra and tank top, and making sure she had his undivided attention, she slowly pulled on her shorts, with his mind so clouded with the view of her, he vaguely realized that she neglected to put on any underwear.
She had walked past him in his daze, and kissed him on the cheek, swaying her hips as she descended the hall, his eyes had been trained on her hips with every sway and switch. If it hadn’t been for the house full of people, he would have jumped her right then and there.
“Max” she whispered huskily to him, and he stared up at her. He saw passion.....love.....desire......hunger, all wrapped up in that one stare. Lately her eyes held a dim to them, but now, now she seemed so alive. The sound of unzipping, brought him out of his sexual arousal. He stood up, and placed his hands over hers, stopping her.
“No” he breathed to her, buttoning and zipping her shorts back up. She looked up at him with a mixture of confusion and hurt. He kissed her on the nose upon seeing the hurt in her eyes.
“Max....”
“Later” he told her, and pulled her to sit down next to him on the bed. He placed her hand in his, and brought it to his lips, placing tender kisses over her knuckles.
“Talk to me” his voice was smooth, not pushy or demanding, just loving. Even still, Liz was tired of everyone asking her if she was alright, or they were there when she needed them. She jerked her hand out of his causing him to jump at her actions. She ran her hand thru her hair, frustrated beyond belief, and she stood up and pinned him with a look that shocked him.
“Maybe I don’t want to talk” she cornered him. Max stood up, attempting to calm her, but she stopped him in his track with her next statement.
“Maybe I just need you to fuck the shit out of me” her voice was heavy, and laced with something he had never heard from her..........anger. In all the years he had known Liz, he had never once seen her angry. Upset, yes, angry, no. She was always the calm one, always there to calm him when his anger got the best of him. She was the one everyone could turn to in situations, knowing she was always the level headed one. And like a missing puzzle piece snapping in place, he realized that Liz, his wife was pissed. Not necessary at him, but at everything that has been going on lately. Tess.......Xan.......Isabel.....everything was nagging at her, and she was ready to blow. She was always trying to be the strong one for everyone, for him. He had put so much on her, never once wondering if it was too much for her to handle. Expected her to always back him up, never once taking her feelings into consideration. He watched her pace back and forth in front of him, battling internally.
Liz felt her anger building. Everything was slamming into her at once, and she wasn’t sure what to do with it. She had always consider herself rational, never taught she had a hateful bone in her body. She didn’t even hate Tess when she came around announcing her destiny to Max. Instead, she felt envious of her, not hate. But at this moment the hate that coursed thru her blood was consuming her and directed at one person...........Kivar.
He had came in, and in one short month, turned their lives into the hell it was today. He had destroyed their perfect lives, and replaced them with fear and worry. He had tainted her children’s mind with hate and mistrust. She hated him, for what he did to Ava and Vilandra, Rath and Zan. She hated him for the way he made her husband doubt himself, but most of all, she hated him for the feelings of hate that consumed her.
“Liz” he spoke tentatively to her, but she ignore him as if he wasn’t even in the room.
“God” she screamed, surprising both him and herself.
“It’s ok to be angry” he tried to soothe her, but she spun around and looked at him.
“Is it Max, because all it’s doing is succeeding in making our lives miserable. God I just........I wish.............aaahhh” the lights flickered, and the walls shook. Max could feel her energy pooling, and knew the only way for her to feel better was to release it. Liz felt it also, but this was stronger then she was use to, and didn’t know what to do with the powers streaking thru her. Max saw the confused and frighten look that fell upon her face, and he could tell she didn’t know how to control it.
“Just let it go Liz” he coached her silently.
“Max” her voice was small and scared.
“It’s ok love.......just release it”
The walls began to shake violently, knocking the pictures that covered them to the floor. The lights blew out, leaving only sparkles of electric in their hast. Max thru up his shield, and the moment it was fully up, she let lose.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Maria giggled as she ran her hand thru Michael’s hair. They were laying naked, after just sharing an explosive orgasm together. Michael was presently placing tiny kisses all over her body, and had just hit her ticklish spot right behind her left earlobe.
“Michael” she cried thru her fits of giggles. He continued on down her neck to her chest were he made sure to give her nipples long, open mouth kisses, before he moved on down to her rib cage, were he proceeded to kiss each individual rib, before he continued.
He stopped at her stomach, were he ran a shaky hand over her still tiny stomach, slowly caressing and massaging it. He looked up at Maria, and a look of complete awe past over his face. Maria saw him swallow the large lump in his throat, and a loving smile graced her lips. No words were spoken between them, but they both knew what the other was thinking. They were going to have a baby.....a family.
“I love you......thank you” in that one statement, Maria knew he wasn’t thanking her for the precious gift that was their child, but also for loving him, trusting him and standing by him no matter what.
They had talked some more once they came back from Max and Liz’s. They talked more about his past life, his feelings then and now, and the one thing that wasn’t a question in his mind was how much he loved her. She had been a little worried that he was still afraid for her to have a child, but he assured her that as long as he was breathing air, nothing was going to happen to her or their daughter. She was their gift, a gift he planned to cherish every single day.
“I love you” she was really enjoying being connected to him like this, it made her feel complete, and she finally understood what Liz meant when she said that her and Max’s connection was something you couldn’t understand unless you experienced it for yourself.
Michael lowered his head, and she assumed to continue his journey down her body, but what he did next surprised her, and made her love for him increase. Michael kissed the smooth skin of her belly, and rested his cheek against it.
“Hey little one.......it’s me, daddy” his voice was so small and tender, you would never imagine him as a warrior. A tear slipped from Maria’s eye, and she laced her fingers thru his hair, and listened to his velvety voice as he spoke to their daughter.
“God....we haven’t even met yet, but I love you so much” he closed his eyes, and took a deep breath, placing his large hand over Maria’s stomach, and before he knew it, a connection was made.
Michael felt himself floating, and then found himself standing in a large room. What struck him was that the room had multiple paintings hanging in it, some he recognized as ones he had painted, others he didn’t recognize. One picture stuck out at him, and he walked over to it to get a closer look.
It was a simple painting really, but the center of attraction was what caught his attention.....Maria. She was dressed simply in a long green summer dress that matched her eyes. Her hair looked to be blowing in the wind, rays of sunlight caressed several tress, making her glow. She held the dress in her hands, keeping it from dangling in the river bank, in which she was playfully splashing around in. Her feet were bare, and she wore a childlike smile on her face that insinuated her beauty.
“Isn’t mommy pretty” a tiny voice sounded behind him. Michael didn’t even have to turn around to know who it belonged to.......his daughter. His hands grew sweaty, and his heartbeat increased. He took a deep breath, and slowly turned around. There she stood, a mixture of him and Maria. She was dressed in a pair of dingy overalls, and a bright green tank shirt, that was covered by a white shirt that read ‘Crashsdown’ over the left breast, with his name embroider underneath, that was rolled up her arms to fit. He realized that it was one of his Crashdown uniforms shirts Jeff had made him start wearing his senior year.
Her hair was pulled into a haphazard ponytail, leaving several strands unattached. Paint covered her from head to toe, and she held a tiny palette in her right hand, and a paintbrush in the other. She was beautiful. From what he could tell she looked about four years old, with an attitude he wasn’t sure if she got from him or Maria. He was so busy staring at her, drinking in the sight of her, that he had forgotten she had asked him a question.
“Daddy!” she called to him, hands on her hips, and her foot tapping a mile a minute. ‘Yelp, definitely Maria’ he thought to himself.
“Yeah” he finally found his voice.
“I said, isn’t mommy pretty” she asked him again, wondering why her daddy had just spaced out. Michael turned back to the picture once again, and nodded his head.
“Yeah, she is” he spoke breathlessly. He felt a tiny hand slip into his, and he looked down to see his daughter staring up at him. He had to fight the tears that threaten to escape at the sight of her.
“Come on” she pulled him over to a section in the room which held a tiny easel “sit down daddy” too stun to do anything else, Michael did as she instructed. She walked over to the easel, and placed a fresh canvas on it. Michael’s eyes widen in shock, and he looked around the room again, and realized that they were in his studio. Pictures that he had painted were there, and.......
“Did you paint those pictures” he asked her, pointing to all the pictures of different sceneries.......mountains and hills, lakes and oceans. There were paintings of him and Maria....Max and Liz...the twins.....Amy, their entire family. Michael looked once again at the picture of Maria, and he let out an awed sigh.
“Wow” she turn him and gave a bright smile as her answer, before she turned around and pressed play on the CD player next to the easel. Metallica’s ‘Fade to Black’ poured thru the speakers, and he sat there with such pride, and watched her as her brush flew across the canvas with articulated strokes. His little pixie............
The connection faded, and Michael felt the tear that slid from his eyes. He removed his hand, and saw the tiny handprint fade away. He felt Maria’s hand in his hair, and he raised his head to look at her. She had a knowing smile on her face, and tears in her eyes. He placed one last kiss over his daughter, and crawled up on his side so he was facing her. He ran a thumb across her cheek, and captured her lips in his.
“I love you”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Oh Alex.....that feels...oh that feels wonderful” Isabel cooed.
“You like that huh” he whispered in her ear.
“Um hum” was her only reply. She couldn’t form a coherent sentence if she wanted to at the moment, the things he was doing with his hands, were reeking havoc on her body. Alex moved lower down her exposed back, and placed a kiss between her shoulder blades, before continuing.
“Oh yes, right there” she moaned. Alex added a little more pressure, and felt her sigh in pleasure. Slowly he rubbed in small circles, kneading gently. With every touch and caress, she fell deeper and deeper. He ran his large hands over her bottom, and gave it a playful swat. Moving farther down, he massaged the left then the right leg, before ending at her feet, were he caressed every arch and curve of each foot.
He ran his hands back up her body, and kissed her neck. Her breathing was even, and a smile touched her lips.
“Tired” he whispered in her ear.
“A little” she confessed “that was great, thank you” she whispered.
“No thank yous needed. I love pampering you” he told her truthfully “I love you.”
“I love you too Alex” he heard the tiredness in her voice. He kissed her forehead, and pulled back.
“Rest love” he soothed her. He laid down next to her, and she instantly curled into him, resting her head over his chest. The sound of his heartbeat soothing her into a peaceful sleep. A heart that only beat and belonged to her. Alex ran a hand up her arm, while the other one made it’s way to her long blond hair, gently combing thru it, wrapping around his fingers like silk. He felt her tiny puffs of air as her breath danced across his naked chest, and he knew she was asleep.
They had came home and talk about her conflicting feelings about her past, and what their future held. She had admitted that she was confused about her feelings towards Michael. She wasn’t sure how she was suppose to feel now that she remembered him in their past life, and she had loved him. He had told her to search her heart, and it would never fail in giving her the answer she needed and knew was true. Alex remembered holding his breathe as he watched her struggle internally.
Finally she had turned to him with a tear stained face. His heart had dropped upon seeing the look on her face, but the words that came out her mouth shocked him even more.
“My heart only knows one true love, it can only beat for one” she grabbed his hand and placed it over her heart “it beats for you Alex, my heart leads me only to you.” Tears had sprung to his eyes, and he had pulled her into a crushing hug. They were going to make love, but upon seeing how tense her muscles were, he opt to giving her a full body massage instead.
As he laid there holding her in his arms, Alex raised his eyes to the heavens above.
“Thank you” he whispered.
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“So how is it” he asked her hesitantly. Tess swallowed the concoction, and Chris watched her face tentatively. A slow smile played on her lips, before turning into a full pledged grin.
“Perfect” she assured him, and saw him visible relax. Chris wasn’t much of a cook, actually he never cooked. Not since their college years, when he left a pot of eggs boiling on the stove and forgot about them, letting the water boil out of them and burning the pot, setting off the smoke detector. From that day forward, Tess had banned him from the kitchen, vowing to never let him near any open flames again.
Chris refilled her glass of water before sitting down across from her. He had been practicing cooking, against her knowledge, and had made them brunch that consisted of fresh fruit, and a small batch of Belgium waffles. He wanted the mix to be perfect, and had even added Tabasco sauce to the mix for her. He stuck out his chest in manly pride, and she laughed at him.
“I guess this means I’m allowed back in the kitchen” he asked her with total seriousness.
“One brunch doesn’t qualify you as a gourmet chief” she joked with him.
“But you admit there good though” he taunted, wiggling his eyes brows.
“Yeah, they’re good” she had to give it to him, they were very good waffles.
“Damn good” he returned.
“Damn good” she smiled at him, and rolled her eyes at his quirkiness.
“You bet your ass their good. Now, eat up before they get cold, and then we’ll set up a cooking schedule” he told her, lowering his head when he saw her eyes widen in shock. Tess saw him trying to hide his smile, and threw her napkin at him.
“Jerk” she laughed at him, and he placed his hand over hers.
“Yeah, and you love this ‘jerk’, so what does that make you” he teased her.
“Desperate” she replied cheekily.
“Exactly” he pointed to her “what would you do without me” he joked. The smile quockly faded from her face, and her voice turned serious.
“I’ll die” her tears fell down her cheeks, and Chris was out his chair and by her side in a flash. He turned her chair around, and sat on his knees in front of her.
“You’ll never lose me, never” his voice held no argument to it, and he kissed her hands “I love you Tess Harding, and they would have to drag me kicking and screaming before I left your side” he assured her. He knew she was worried about their enemies, and the possibility of him getting hurt or worse. The talk they had, had at Liz’s had brought their relationship to new heights. Tess found the strength she needed to confront her past in Chris, and Chris realized that his life wasn’t complete without Tess. He knew that her enemies were his enemies, and whatever he had to do to protect her, he would. That was what love was, what giving your heart to someone meant.
Tess stared down at the man before her, and knew he meant every word he spoke. She had failed to realize exactly how much he loved her, when she was struggling with her memories, and shut him out completely. But never again, never again would she take his love for granted. Her heart was scream at her to let him in, let him help heal her, and once she did, she was rewarded with unconditional, lasting love. And in that moment Tess realized what she wanted.
“Marry me” she rushed out. Chris stared at her with wide eyes, but once the shock wore off, he answered her quickly.
“Yes!” he pulled her face to his, and they were soon entwined in a mind blowing kiss.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“How do you feel” he breathe in her ear, while trailing the loofah up her arm.
“Better” she smiled, as she leaned against his chest.
“You ought too, after blowing out our wall, you do realize I will have to rope Michael into helping me fix it don’t you” he teased her, and was rewarded with an elbow to the side.
“Ump...” he laughed, and she pinched his thigh.
“Ok...ok” he held his hands up in surrender “you do know that’s going to leave a bruise” he teased her.
“Well stop making fun of me” she whined playfully.
“Never” he kissed her on the temple, and stroked her stomach.
“Seriously though, admit it, you feel a whole lot better now that you’ve released some of that anger” he wrapped his arms around her waist, and rested his chin on her shoulder. Liz looked at the massive damage she had done to their wall, and had to admit that she did feel a whole lot better now. She hadn’t realized that she was so angry until she released the blast that destroyed their poor, defenseless wall.
“Yeah” she admitted. After she had calmed down, they had talked about everything that was bothering her, and Max listened intently as she talked about her hatred for Kivar and all the pain he has caused their family. She had talked herself into exhaustion, and Max had ran them a warm bath were he proceeded to wrap her in his warmth and love.
Liz laced her fingers thru his, and rested her head back against his chest and closed her eyes. Max massaged any parts of her body he could reach, while placing loving kisses over her face. Soon he heard her tiny snore, and he smiled to himself. Carefully he lifted them from the tub, careful not to disturb her, he dried them off using his powers, and laid her down in their bed, before climbing in next to her. He closed his eyes, praying that this would all be over soon.