Roswell Fanatics

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Part 11

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“Maria! Would you just pick something?! My goodness, Alex’ll be up here in a few minutes. We have to go, would you just pick one?”

“But it’s important, I need the right one. I can’t just have the wrong one now can I?”

“Just pick one now or I’ll do it for you!”

“Fine…just give me your opinion, the one piece or the two piece? Cause I was thinking the one piece makes me look kinda fat, and I’d get a better tan in the two piece, but then again I have really bad tan lines from the one piece, so if I wear the two piece it might look really bad…”

“Maria!” Liz grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her till she stopped babbling. “Just wear the two piece. It’s a better color on you, besides, now you can fix your bad tan by laying out in the sun.”

“Really? You think so?”

“Why do you care so much anyway?” When Maria gave no response Liz continued with her thought. “Could it be because of a certain spikey haired knight in a shiny new car?”

“I can’t believe you just said that!”

As if on cue there was a knock on the door as Liz pushed Maria into the bathroom. “Now put it on and lets go already!”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Isabel was laying on a lounge chair by the pool relaxing when Max came out of the house with Liz on his arm looking extremely cozy, and Maria and Alex behind them looking amazed at everything they saw.

“Hey guys! Glad you could make it!” she called as she sat up and adjusted her sunglasses so they were resting on top of her head.

Liz had her arms wrapped around Max’s waist from where she sat at his side as the friends sat around and talked for a little bit. Isabel couldn’t help but notice how close they were, or how Max’s face seemed to light up with Liz in his arms. ‘He seems so happy, like nothing in the world could bother him as long as he had her in his arms. He’s so lucky, and so is she. I hope I can find that someday…’

Isabel turned to Maria who had taken up residence on the lounge chair beside hers. “So, Maria, you’ve gotta tell me the whole Pepsi-Boy story cause Michael gets angry if I bring it up and every time I ask Max, he starts laughing so much he can’t even talk. So what’s the story?” She had been waiting to hear this since Maria mentioned it yesterday.

“Well, if you must know, far be it from me to keep you in the dark,” Maria laughed as she went on to tell her new friend about her wonderful adventure into the joys of dumping soda on someone’s head! “You should have seen his face! It was priceless!” Maria went on. ‘Hey, wait a minute…isn’t someone missing from this party,’ she thought to herself. “Hey Izzie, speaking of Pepsi-Boy, where is he?”

“Who knows. Sulking, hiding, being anti-social…typical behaviors of my brother. You get used to it after a while.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Michael watched everyone around the pool from an upstairs window. Why he was up here and not down there, he wasn’t really sure. But it had something to do with his talk with Max last night…yes…the talk. The one where he had voiced his feelings. It didn’t happen often… But why was he feeling that way? ‘No! Gotta be strong. It just wouldn’t work. We’re too different…yeah! That’s it. We argue all the time, we constantly fight. She probably can’t stand to be around me,’ he thought, only to be answered by a voice in his head. ‘But then why do you want to be around her so much?’

Michael sighed and shook his head as he turned and headed down stairs where he joined the others by the pool. He didn’t know what force it was that made him do it, but he did.

The afternoon was fun for everyone. Max and Liz splashed each other in the pool and then ganged up on Maria and Isabel who had been laying in the sun. Soon everyone was in the pool.

Later as they got tired of the water the group separated. Max was teaching Liz how to play poker with Alex and Isabel was watching and often jumped in to help Liz when she saw she was going to do something stupid. That left Maria laying on a lounge by the pool and Michael watching her from the chair beside her.

Isabel looked up from Liz’s hand of cards to see Michael and Maria talking. ‘I don’t know what it is about those two, but there is definitely something there.’

Soon enough though the voice of Maria could be heard yelling. “What?! I was just trying to say thank you for last night! But fine! You don’t want a thank you? Then I take it back! You know, after last night I thought there might be more to you than some spikey haired jerk with a nice car, but I guess I was wrong!” Maria got up and grabbed her towel wrapping it around her body as she marched away over to the others and absorbed herself in their card game.

Michael was stunned. He couldn’t move from his spot. What did he say to set her off like that? God, he had such a big mouth!

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“Getting ready for another date with Max?” Maria asked as she lay on her bed watching her friend running around the room getting ready.

“Yeah,” she smiled happily as she thought of Max.

“My goodness Lizzie! Just what, three weeks ago all you had was school, homework, and me and Alex to keep you busy, and now you’re out with Max almost every night. I mean you’ve even gone out on school nights, so not a Lizzie thing to do.” Maria laughed at the reaction her comment got. But hey, she only spoke the truth. “Seriously though chica, I’m happy for you. I don’t think you could have found a more perfect guy if you tried. I only hope that I’ll find a great guy like that for myself someday…”

“Oh Maria, don’t be silly of course you will!” Liz reached over and gave her best friend the biggest hug she could. She felt bad for not always being around for her lately, but she couldn’t hide her happiness at having found her prince charming.

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“This reminds me of our first date,” Liz whispered up to Max as she leaned back and snuggled herself into his chest. They were sitting on a blanket on the beach. The sun had already set and the small waves were quietly lapping at the sand.

“Mmhmm,” Max nodded his head, nuzzling his face in her soft neck and getting a sigh out of her.

“I can’t believe that was three weeks ago. I mean it seems like it was a day ago, but I feel like I’ve known you forever Max.” She turned herself around so she was straddling his lap and looking him in the eyes. He saw her innocent sincerity, just as she saw his mirrored back at her. He had those eyes that she could just get lost in, and she did. Before she realized what was happening his lips were on hers and she was in heaven. Every kiss with Max was incredible, mind-blowing, awe-inspiring…

“Mmm…I love your kisses…” Liz whispered in his ear when they came up to breathe. Minutes just past by as they held on to each other, reveling in the happiness of being in each others presence.

“Max?” Liz asked softly.

“Yeah?”

“My sister is coming to visit next weekend and I wanted to make sure you’d be around so that you could meet her. She’s checking out the local colleges that she applied to, you know, USD, UCSD, SDSU… I really hope she doesn’t choose SDSU…”

“Of course I’ll be around to meet your sister. I’ll even go with you guys to check out the schools, that way you won’t have to take the bus.”

Oh, thank you Max! You’re the best boyfriend.” Liz’s smile lit up her face as her lips came crashing down to meet his in a thank you. ‘What did I ever do to deserve this?” they both thought at the same moment their lips touched.

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“Hey.” Pause. “Hello?” Pause. “Blondie to Space-Boy! Come in Space-Boy!” Maria’s voice spoke, trying not to yell in the library. Finally she had gotten his attention. It was about time.

“Sorry,” was all the mumbled response she got.

“So where’s Alex?” Maria asked as she sat down in the seat across from Michael.

“I don’t know. I’ve just been sitting here for over an hour reading these books trying to get some ideas. I mean we decided on researching the Women’s Lib movement, but there is so much information, so many areas, I think we might have to make it more specific.”

Maria’s jaw dropped. Was this the same spikey haired one who knew just what to say to make her mad? The same guy who just bumped right into her without caring to apologize? The same one who just loved to taunt her in any way he could? ‘No, this is the boy who saved you two weeks ago,’ dammit, there went that voice again.

“You’ve been researching this for over an hour? Without us? When you didn’t have to?”

“Don’t look so surprised blondie. I may not look like mister straight A student to you, but I am. I do care about my classes and my grades believe it or not.”

“I’m sorry,” Maria apologized meaning every word. This boy just amazed her more and more with every encounter. “I didn’t mean to say that I thought you were a slacker or anything, but… Okay, so why are you taking a women’s studies course anyways?”

“I needed the requirement. Besides, it’s interesting.”

No matter what she did, she could not figure this boy out. One minute she would think she knew it all, but then he’d go and pull something like this and surprise her back to square one. What was it about him that intrigued her so?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“So, what was it?” Liz asked impatiently.

“I don’t know…he just shocked the hell out of me, that’s all. I mean, first he rescues me from that creep, and now he’s…I don’t know…he’s just…more…human,” Maria finally finished for lack of a better word.

“Just be careful, okay Maria?” The sad smile on Liz’s face told Maria that she had seen this coming.

“Careful of what Lizzie? I see that look in your eye, what is it?”

“Well, I’ve seen you guys together and I don’t want you to get hurt, that’s all.”

“Woah! Slow down chica! Let’s get one thing straight here! I mean…I’ll admit, he is hot, but don’t worry Lizzie, nothin’s happening there. Besides, I’m Teflon Babe, remember?” Maria stood up and effectively placed her hands on her hips in the stance of some super hero, causing giggles to fill the room.

“I know you are.” Liz waited until she could stop laughing before continuing. “I’m just looking out for my best friend. If I don’t warn you, who will?” Liz got up from her spot on the couch and wrapped her arms around her best friend to show her just how much she cared.

“Oh, and Maria? Can you please try to keep the apartment looking semi-decent this week cause you know Tess is coming Friday morning and I don’t want to have to do a bunch of cleaning on Thursday night after work and I don’t want her seeing this place looking like a disaster either.”

“I’m not that bad!”

“Maria?”

“Okay! No problem chica! Besides, how much of a mess could I make between now and Friday?”

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Part 12

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“Maria!”

“I know, I know…I’m cleaning it up.”

“Maria, you promised you weren’t going to make a mess.”

“I promised no such thing.”

“No, you only implied that you were going to keep the apartment clean and kept complaining as I asked you over the week to pick up…now look! Maria, Tess is gonna be here in like 2 hours.”

“I know, which is why I’m sending you off to class so that I can clean up.”

“Alright, but right after class I’m going to the bus station to pick up Tess and then we’re coming back here…so it better be at least semi-decent when I get back, or else.”

“Relax chica, I’ll take care of everything. Now get on to class and get out of my way.”

And with that Maria had shoved Liz out the door and shutting it, turned around to face the disaster that was currently their living room. Maria ran across the room to the phone, dialing a familiar number. At the person on the other end of the line picked up, Maria felt the relief spread through her, “Alex!”

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“Tess!” Liz yelled as she saw her sister get off the bus.

“Liz!” Tess called after spotting her in the crowd of people, waiting to greet those coming off at the station.

The two ran towards each other and met in a hug, both glad to finally be seeing each other again. “God, I missed you so much!” Tess exclaimed as tears came to her eyes upon finally seeing her sister after 10 long months without her.

“I missed you too. Oh, it’s been so long since I’ve been home. How are mom and dad?”

“They’re good. They miss you. And so do Smokey and Cookie.”

“Oh, my puppies. Sometimes I forget how much I miss home, but then I talk to you and it brings it all back again.” By this time both girls had tears in their eyes. “So, on to happier thoughts. What do you think of California so far? Sunny San Diego?”

“It’s great. So different from back home in Nebraska.”

“True, so how was the bus ride.”

“Ok. Cramped, but ok.”

“Glad to hear it, cause guess what? We get to take another one!”

“Wahoo,” Tess said with mock enthusiasm, although she couldn’t keep the smile off her face. She was finally seeing her sister again and that’s all that really mattered.

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“Alright Tess, I’m warning you now,” Liz said as they reached the front door of the apartment, “Maria is not the tidiest roommate, so I apologize now for the…mess?” Liz now had a confused look on her face as she opened the door to the apartment finding it completely spotless. ‘How in the hell did she get all this done in two hours?’ Liz thought to herself. Just then Maria came bustling out of the kitchen with a plate of cookies.

“Hey guys, glad you’re home. Want a cookie?” Maria asked as she placed the plate on the table. She then went up to Tess and enveloped her in a hug, “Hey babe, glad you could come visit. It’s been a long time.”

“Too long,” Tess agreed.

“So what do you think of our palace?”

“It’s not that bad…I think it’s quaint.”

“Yeah, you say that now, but wait until you’ve lived in it for a year…then see what you think.”

Maria then turned to Liz, who was still in the same position she had been when she opened the door, mouth open with a confused look on her face. “Hey chica, is something wrong?” Maria asked a knowing smirk on her face.

“How did you…”

“Lets just say that I now owe Alex my first born.” All three of the girls laughed at her comment as they made there way over to the couch to eat the cookies Maria had brought out for them.

“So Maria, what’s with the cookies?” Liz asked. “You don’t bake.”

“Ok, so I cheated. I found them in the cupboard and heated them up in the microwave so they’d be nice and warm.” Again the three girls laughed, happy that they could once again be together like this, like they had been in their youth.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Alex!” Maria called as he entered the café. Tess turned around to see a tall lanky guy walking towards them. Tess was keeping Maria company at the café while Liz was in class and then Liz was going to show her around campus and point out all the benefits of coming to USD as opposed to the other schools she was applying too. ‘It’s not like she has to try too hard,’ Tess thought, ‘I already plan on coming to USD as long as I get in and get the money.’

“Alex, I’d like to introduce you to Liz’s sister, Tess. Tess, this is our other best friend, Alex.”

“Hi,” Alex said putting out his hand for Tess to shake.

Tess took it gladly, “Hey. It’s nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Really? Good things I hope.”

“Yeah, for the most part. Well, there was this one time Maria said…”

“Tess!” Maria looked surprised. When had she ever said anything bad about Alex?

“I’m just kidding Maria. She loves you to pieces Alex, honestly.”

“Awww. Maria, I’m touched. I didn’t know you cared.”

“Ok, ok. Let’s stop it with the mushiness already, k?”

The three spent their time talking and reminiscing about anything and everything, with Maria leaving from time to time to deal with customers. Alex and Tess were soon talking as if they were old friends. Maria just knew they would hit it off. When the café was finally empty again, after a throng of people had just come through, Maria came back to sit with Alex and Tess.

“So Maria, tell me about Liz’s mystery man. I mean, every time I ask her about him she just blushes and changes the subject.”

“Let me tell you something, babe. Liz has got it so bad for him. I mean, she comes home from hers dates and she’s all giddy. It’s so cute…like those high school crushes.”

“I heard that Maria,” Liz said as she came up behind them. She had entered the café and heard everything that Maria had said. “And I’ll have you know that I am not some high school girl with a crush. And I do not get all giddy…”

“Ummm…yes you do.”

“What was that Alex?”

“I said that yes you do. Look Liz, you know I’m your friend and all, but that guy just puts you in a mood. You can’t seem to keep the smile off your face when he’s around.”

“Thanks for the support Alex.”

“Anytime,” Alex said with a smirk.

“Look sis, if you really want to know about him, I’ll tell ya. He’s smart, sweet, funny, just all around a great guy.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m sure he is,” Tess said sounding bored. “But what’s he look like? What do you guys do? Do you have the same affect on him that he obviously does on you? Come on, I want the juicy details here.”

“Umm…I need to get to work,” Liz said as a blush came over her face. She quickly turned, and headed to the back to start her nonexistent shift.

“Nuh uh, chica. You’re not getting out of this that easily. Are you forgetting that you’re not working today on account of your lil sis here?”

“Oh yeah,” Liz replied meekly. “Alright Tess, I promise that I’ll tell you everything…but tonight. We’ll make a girls night out of it. Ya know, rent sappy movies, ice cream, junk food, all that stuff. Just me, you and Maria.”

“Well gee, now I feel left out.”

“Oh, I’m sorry Alex. Did you want to come too?” Liz teased.

“Na, that’s alright. I already have plans.”

“You do not!” Maria exclaimed. “With who?”

“Isabel Guerin if you must know.”

“Oh really, you and Isabel huh?”

“No Maria, it’s not what you’re thinking. We’re just going to see a movie as friends. That’s all.”

“Yeah, uh huh. Right Alex. And the way you look at her screams, ‘I wanna be friends.’”

“Ha ha, laugh all you want Deluca. I’ve seen the way that you look at Michael from time to time, and that is anything but friendly.”

“Exactly, I hate the man.”

“Uh huh, right,” Alex said as he rolled his eyes.

“Alright you two. That’s enough,” Liz interceded. “Let me just go get something to drink and we’re off. K, Tess?”

“Sure.”

Just as Liz had made her way behind the counter to get a drink from the soda fountain, Maria looked up to see a certain dark haired mystery man walk through the door.

“Hey Tess, doesn’t look like you’ll have to wait till tonight after all,” she says, motioning to the door behind Tess. “That’s Max who just walked in the door.”

Max scanned the café quickly and spotted Maria crouching over a table with a couple other people, one he recognized as Alex. He gave Maria a quick wave and she just smiled and jerked her head motioning towards the counter. Max’s eyes followed her movements, finally landing on Liz. Upon seeing his girlfriend, a huge grin took over his face and he made his way over to her.

Tess noticed the way the Max’s face lit up upon seeing her sister, and it brought a smile to her own face. Yeah, she obviously has the same affect on him. She then watched as Max made his way over to Liz, sneaking up behind her, only to tickle her sides from behind. Liz jumped in surprise, then turned around her face too lighting up when she realized it was Max. She hit him playfully for startling her, but she couldn’t seem to keep from smiling. He whispered something to her before he took her in his arms and they shared a passionate kiss. There was something about the way that they looked around each other, you just got this feeling that they belonged together.

“He’s cute,” Tess couldn’t help commenting. “Definitely my sister’s type.”

Maria just giggled as Liz and Max walked up to the group. “Max, I’d like you to meet my sister Tess. Tess, this is my boyfriend, Max.”

“It’s nice meeting you,” Max said putting his hand out to Tess.

“Likewise,” Tess said with a smile. She couldn’t help it. Her sister just looked so happy. Alex was right, Liz had a permanent smile plastered on her face and Tess was sure that it wasn’t going away anytime soon.

They all sat and talked for a while as Tess watched Max and Liz with interest. She didn’t miss the closeness between the two of them, and the way that they would stare at each other when they thought no one was looking. How long had they been going out again? A month or so? Something like that. It was amazing. It looked like they had known each other forever.

“Alright,” Liz finally said. “Tess and I are gonna get going. I need to show her around campus before it gets dark.” Everyone laughed.

“And I need to get to class,” Max said with a groan.

“Ah, poor baby. It was your idea to take classes this late on a Friday afternoon, was it not?”

“Yes, but that was before I knew I’d have a girlfriend to better monopolize my time.”

“Oh…you mean that you weren’t expecting me?”

“Does anyone ever expect to meet the girl of his dreams?”

“Awww…that’s so sweet.” And with that they kissed, and after a few moments with no sign of letting up, Maria felt it was necessary to interrupt.

“Hello? We’re still here ya know.”

Max and Liz broke apart at the sound of Maria’s voice, both blushing at their obvious lapse.

“Alright,” Liz said. “We’re really going now. Come on Tess. And you need to get to class before you’re late,” she said looking pointedly at Max.

“Alright, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Max gave Liz a quick kiss and then walked swiftly out the door to make it to his class on time. Liz and Tess said quick goodbyes to everyone else and then left the café as well.

The rest of the afternoon, Liz and Tess walked around the campus seeing all that there was to see. Liz told her sister everything good and bad about the campus. All the little tricks and shortcuts you needed to know, where to eat and where not to, the best hang outs, where to go to meet people, pretty much everything that Tess would ever need to know about USD.

When they were done, they went to dinner at one of Liz’s favorite on campus restaurants. Nothing fancy, but that didn’t matter to Tess. She was seeing her sister for the first time in a long, long time, and that was all that mattered to her. When they finished, they quickly went back to the café to grab some ice cream and Maria and then they headed back home to start their girls night.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Wow. That movie was…interesting. What was it called again?” Tess asked.

“The Secret Life of Girls. Maria bought it on a kick, ya know from the pre-viewed section at blockbuster.”

“What? I like it. I think it’s cute,” Maria defended. “Besides, it was only like two bucks.”

“True. It’s kinda funny. It’s like a tradition. The minute we walk into the store, we head straight for the pre-viewed movies. How else do you expect college students to get such an extensive video collection?”

“Ok, so I’m ready for the ice cream. How bout you guys?” Tess asked with a devilish glint in her eyes. She knew exactly what came hand in hand with ice cream…girl talk.

“Girl, I thought you’d never ask.” And Maria was up and into the kitchen getting spoons and bringing out the various pints of Ben and Jerry’s that they had brought from the café.

“Alright, gossip time. Ok, my life is boring, so how bout we start with you Lizzie?” Maria started. She knew exactly where Tess wanted to go with this conversation.

“What are you two ganging up on me now?” Liz asked, taken aback. “Maria, your life is not boring.”

“Let’s see. School and work all day, study all night, spend the weekend hanging out with my lovely friends. Yeah, that just about does it. Nothing of interest there. Your turn.”

“Alright, fine. But this isn’t the end. We’ll be coming back to you. I have some questions about a certain pepsi-boy.”

“Who’s pepsi-boy?” Tess asked confused.

“We’ll get to that later,” Maria responded quickly, almost a little too quickly. Liz would have to ask her about that later.

“Alright,” Liz finally conceded. “What do you guys want to know?”

“Everything. Come on Lizzie. You will barely talk about the guy over the phone. I just want to know about him.”

“Alright. Umm…he’s really a great guy. He’s sweet and kind. He’s fun to be around…”

“He’s loaded…” Maria interrupted nonchalantly.

“Loaded?” Tess asked confused.

“He’s rich,” Maria clarified plainly.

“Oh my gosh, Liz. You didn’t tell me the guy is rich.”

“Well, I guess it’s not the first thing that I think about.”

“Not the first thing you think about? Liz he lives in a mansion and drives around in a jag! How can you not think about that?”

“Cause. I don’t care about the money ok. Max is a sweet guy and I like him just for being him.”

“Ahh sis, that’s so sweet. But I bet the car doesn’t hurt does it?”

“Not at all,” Liz giggled and soon they were all laughing.

“Alright, now Lizzie, what kinda stuff do you guys do?”

“You mean besides getting all hot and heavy in his jag?” Maria said with a smirk.

“Maria!!” Liz gasped, a shocked expression on her face.

“Ahh, even better question. How far have you guys gone?” Tess asked, she too grining evilly. She loved being able to make her sis squirm.

“Yeah Liz. How close have you guys gotten?” Maria asked, the implications apparent in her tone.

“Oh, I am so not discussing my sex life with my little sister.”

“Woah Liz, sex life? Way too much information,” Tess cringed.

“No, I…I mean we…ahhh…we haven’t done that! We just kiss. That’s all I swear.”

“Just kiss?” Maria asked. “Right, that’s what you guys are doing parked in front of the building for forty-five minutes before you come up.”

“I…we…ok. So we make out. Maybe a little touchy feely…but that’s it.”

Tess and Maria both burst out laughing. “You know. You’re so cute when you’re embarrassed. You know the last time you used the phrase ‘touchy feely’ was like in junior high,” Maria said still laughing.

“You guys. It’s not funny.”

“Yes it is,” Tess said still laughing.

Liz suddenly started laughing realizing just how she had reacted to the situation. “I feel like a little kid or something. I can’t believe I got so… nervous and flustered. I’m feel like such a dork.”

“Ahh Lizzie, it’s ok. We still love you.” Maria comforted, trying to keep the giggles from erupting.

“I can’t help it. That’s just the way he makes me feel. Like I’m sixteen all over again. When I’m with him it’s just magical. I forget about everything else. I forget how I work my ass off all the time just to keep myself in school, and I feel like I don’t need to worry about that. That it’s all going to be ok, as long as I’m in his arms. This feeling…it’s just indescribable.”

“You really like him, don’t you?” Tess asked frankly.

“I think I’m falling in love,” Liz stated decisively. A squeal was heard out of both the other girls before they jumped at Liz, enveloping her in a group hug.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Max arrived at Liz’s apartment at about ten Saturday morning. He was supposed to be taking Liz and Tess to go check out the local campuses. Maria answered as he knocked on the door.

“Hey Max. She’s still in the bedroom. You can go in there if you want,” Maria said as she made her way back into the kitchen where Tess was.

“Thanks. Hi Tess.”

Tess waved as she continued to stuff a bagel into her mouth. “Do you think we should have warned him?” Tess asked.

“Nah,” they both said in unison, just before they broke out into a fit of giggles.

Max entered the bedroom only to find Liz huddled up in a little ball in the middle of the bed, her knees drawn up to her chest. Max moved over to her quickly.

“Hey honey. What’s wrong?”

“Leave me alone,” Liz muttered.

“Babe, what is it? Can I help?” Max asked laying a hand on her side.

Liz swatted at his hand. “Don’t touch me. Leave me alone.”

Max jumped back, confused by her actions. Had he done something wrong? Said something? Max quickly made his way out of the room, determined to find out what was going on. As he exited the room, he ran smack dab into Alex, who had apparently just come in.

“Woah. Where’s the emergency?” Alex said, steadying himself and Max.

“It’s Liz. She’s all curled up on her bed and every time that I try to talk to her she just tells me to leave.”

Understanding spread over Alex’s face and he just pushed himself past Max and made his way into the bedroom. Max just stood watching in the doorframe as Alex made his way up to Liz, slowly sitting down on the bed beside her. Alex slowly began rubbing circles on Liz’s lower back and whispered soothing words to her.

“Hey sweetie. How you doing?” Alex asked as he continued to rub her back.

“It hurts,” she muttered into the covers, still curled up in a little ball.

“I’m sorry. Come on,” he said coaxing Liz out of her crouching position. He convinced her to spread her legs out underneath her, leaning her back to rest on his chest. Liz just laid there, her eyes closed, as Alex began to rub small circles over her lower abdomen. After a few minutes of this, he silently asked. “Did you take anything for it?”

“No,” she murmured. “Didn’t want to get up.”

“Well, why don’t I got get some.”

“No! Don’t stop. Make someone else go get it.”

“You know what, I have a better idea.” Alex looked up to see Max still standing in the doorway, looking helpless. “How bout Max takes my place, while I go get the medicine.”

Liz just nodded her head, still not opening her eyes. Max was broken out of his trance when he’d heard his name. When Alex moved his head gesturing for him to come over, Max complied. Alex shifted, attempting to hand Liz off to Max.

“I’ll explain everything later,” he said in a soft voice as he and Max switched places. “Just rub her lower abdomen, just a little bit of pressure.” And with that, Alex had left the room in a hurry.

Max just did as he was told, hoping the he was offering Liz at least some comfort. Liz just moaned, still not opening her eyes and Max laid a comforting kiss on her temple. It was then that Liz opened her eyes and fully registered who it was behind her.

“Mmmmm, hey hunny,” Liz said before closing her eyes again.

“Hey babe. You feeling better.”

“A little,” Liz nodded just before Alex came back in. He handed Liz two white pills and a glass of water. Liz downed the pills quickly and returned to her previous position with her head against Max’s chest.

“Liz sweetie,” Alex began. “Why don’t you go take a shower, you’ll feel better when you are done.”

“Ok.” Liz nodded and then got up and moved towards the bathroom.

Alex got up and moved towards the living room, Max close behind him.

“What…” Max began, only to be cut off by Alex.

“Cramps,” Alex stated as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Oh.” Max furrowed his brow for a moment, looking confused, then all of the sudden realization dawned on his face. “Oh!”

“Yeah, she gets them kinda bad sometimes. She’ll be back to her old self in half an hour.”

“Ahh, that would explain the hitting then.”

Alex laughed. “Your lucky. Maria throws things.”

“I heard that!” Maria said from the kitchen. “And I only did that once.”

They all laughed at that. “So Alex, where did you learn that?” Max asked.

“You know, growing up with three sisters, you learn a few tricks.”

Max just laughed, and the three talked until half an hour later when, as Alex predicted, Liz emerged from the bedroom, bright-eyed and back to normal.

“Good morning everyone. Morning honey,” she said coming up to Max giving him a kiss.

“Mmmmm…good morning to you. I take it your feeling better. Wow, what was in those pills you gave her Alex?”

Liz just slapped him playfully on the arm. At the wounded look on his face, she just laughed. “I’m sorry Max. I didn’t mean it. And I’m sorry for this morning too. I was just a little…cranky this morning.”

“Yeah, that’s an understatement,” Maria laughed.

“Like you’re any better. At least I don’t throw things.”

“Once! I did that once! Am I ever going to live that down?”

“Nope,” everyone said in unison, and then they all burst out laughing once again.

“Alright, you guys ready to go,” Max asked looking to Liz and then Tess.

“Sure, just let me quick grab something to eat.”

“Sure…oh yeah. I forgot. Isabel wanted me to ask you guys to come over for a barbeque tonight, Maria and Alex too. She thought it would be fun.”

“Oh, that would be great. I’m sure we'd love to come. What do you say guys?” Liz asked.

The other three just nodded their heads in agreement. “Great.” Max said. “Well, shall we?”

Max, Liz and Tess waved their goodbyes and left for their campus tours.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Part 13

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Wow! I didn’t realize UCSD was so huge! I mean how do people manage to get to a class in ten minutes if it’s on the other side of campus? Even if I was riding a bike I don’t think I could do it!” Tess joked as they looked around. They had just taken the official tour and were now just wandering around a little. ‘I must admit though, this place has a great view,’ Tess stood staring at the ocean at the bottom of the hill where she was standing. ‘This is definitely different from back home, but I like it.’

“You do realize you don’t even have a bike though, right?” Liz laughed.

“Oh yeah, I forgot.”

“Forgetful, and going to college huh?” Max joked.

“Hey Maria got in didn’t she?”

“Tess!” Liz exclaimed not able to believe that her little sister had just said that.

“You know I’m only joking Lizzie. It’s just so easy when you’re friends with Maria Deluca!” she added with a big grin.

“How about I take you two beautiful ladies to lunch before heading over to my place later?” Max asked as he held out an arm for each girl.

“Sounds great!” Tess bounced with every step as they headed to Max’s mustang. Tess absolutely loved Max’s car. It was a dark shiny blue mustang convertible with black leather interior and two thin silver pinstripes on the sides. It was a gorgeous hunk of metal in her opinion.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Okay, Tess, you’ve got to help me! I know Liz’s birthday is coming up, but I’m not sure what to get her,” Max pleaded honestly after Liz had excused herself to use the restroom at the restaurant.

“I don’t know, what kind of gift were you going for?”

“That’s the thing, I don’t know,” he rested his head in his hands in defeat. He had been racking his brain all week to find a gift for Liz but nothing was working, and her birthday was only a week away. “What does she like? What does she not like?”

“Well, Lizzie’s not a fancy girl, you know…I mean she loves to dress up and stuff on occasion, but she loves to just be herself…She doesn’t really go for jewelry…She likes things that are heartfelt…things with meaning…She loves her friends whole-heartedly…She’s an animal person…I know she really misses Cookie and Smokey, our puppies, they were her babies…she doesn’t care about the present, it’s the thought that counts.” She paused to let what she was telling him sink in. “Can I give you some advice Max?” she asked curiously. When he nodded his head she continued, “Liz won’t care what you get her. As long as it’s from you and it comes from the heart, she’ll love it.”

“Thanks Tess,” Max smiled just as Liz was returning to the table.

“Did you miss me?” she asked as she squeezed into the booth beside Max.

“Always.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“You are soo bad girl!” Maria laughed.

“I know, but you gotta admit, its true. I mean he is really hot. If he would just stand there and not talk, then it’d be great! But as soon as he opens that mouth of his…well, you know…” Tess trailed off.

“Don’t I know it girl! I told you about the first time I met him and Max. It wasn’t my fault, it was all his. And to think I thought he was cute at first.”

“Well but he is, he just needs to learn when to shut up and not say anything. I swear his mother must have never told him that if he didn’t have anything nice to say he shouldn’t say anything at all!”

“I was so just thinking that same thing!” Both girls erupted into fits of giggles after Maria’s outburst.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Fifteen minutes earlier…

“Tess this is Isabel, she’s Michael’s sister,” Max introduced. “Izzie, this is Liz’s sister Tess.”

“Hey, its nice to meet you. Maria and Liz have been talking nonstop about you coming to visit for the last week!” Isabel giggled.

“Well its nice to finally meet you too.”

“Hey Michael!” Isabel called towards the stairs. Soon a very disgruntled Michael was standing at the top of the stairs. “Come on, be sociable, everyone’s here,” she urged. Then turning back to Tess, “This is my big brother Michael.”

‘Wow, this guy is built! And those eyes! Those gorgeous brown, brown eyes. And the spikes, well its not my first choice, but its kinda cute, in a little kid kinda way…’ Tess was jarred out of her thoughts by Isabel’s introduction.

“Hey,” she said cheerily.

“Whatever,” Michael grumbled as he walked past her and out into the backyard following Max.

‘Okay, maybe he’s not Mr. Adorable after all. He seems more like Mr. No Personality now.’

“Sorry about that, he’s got a problem with social skills, but don’t tell him I said that,” Isabel whispered conspiratorially.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The giggles died down as Liz came towards them.

“Hey guys. Do either one of you have any Midol or anything at all?” Liz asked with this look that the girls could just tell she was really starting to hurt.

“I’m sorry Lizzie, I usually have something in my purse, but I didn’t bring it with me, I left it at home.”

“Sorry, I don’t have anything either,” Tess said sadly. “Why don’t you ask Isabel, she probably has something you could take.”

“Okay, thanks anyways guys.” Liz walked off towards where Isabel was talking with Alex and Michael.

“Umm…Isabel?” Liz asked quietly while tapping the blond on the shoulder.

“Yeah Liz?”

“Can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Sure, sorry guys,” Isabel said as she and Liz walked a little away from the guys, towards the house. “What’s the matter?”

“Well, I was wondering if you had any Midol or something?” Liz asked feeling a slight blush creep up on her face. Why was she getting embarrassed by this? It was natural, and she did this with Maria all the time…sometimes she didn’t even understand herself.

“Oh, sure. I have like a medicine cabinet full of stuff. It could be its own drugstore!” Isabel laughed.

“Yeah, Maria and I have one in our bathroom full of any kind of medicine you could ever possibly need, but I forgot to bring anything with me, and these cramps are killing me.”

“I’m sorry. I have bad month’s sometimes too and I just want to curl up in bed and die!”

“Yeah, mine have always been really bad. I have a prescription at home for some really strong stuff because nothing would help. Now other stuff helps a little, its gotten better over time. So at least when I don’t have my pills with me, other stuff works.”

“That must really suck, I’m sorry,” Isabel sympathized.

“You learn to live with it. Oh, thank you so much!” Liz said when Isabel handed her a box. “You are a godsend!”

“You’re welcome. Come on, lets go join the others. I need to keep an eye on my brother, he’s been weird all day,” she shook her head and rolled her eyes at her brothers behavior.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Isabel must have had something for her. Lizzie looks a little better now,” Maria commented as she watched her best friend come out of the house. Maria and Tess continued to watch her as she made her way back.

Liz walked over to Max and sat back down on the lounge chair she had occupied before.

“You okay?” he asked carefully.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine in a little bit. I just forgot to bring my pills and Ria and Tess didn’t have anything on them. Luckily Isabel had some Midol I could take.” Liz leaned back in the chair and sighed.

“Hey, why don’t you come and sit here, I’ll give you a back massage.” He motioned for her to come sit in front of him on his lounge chair. Helping her to get comfortable Max gently started with her shoulders and neck, relaxing her muscles and then moved down her back.

“Mmmm…thank you sweetie, you’re the best, you know that? I don’t know what I ever did to deserve you, but I’m glad I found you,” she mumbled. Max was starting to put her to sleep, but it felt so good, she wasn’t about to start complaining now.

“Anytime you need a back rub, you know where to find me,” he whispered in her ear as he gently kissed her neck.

“Mmmm….”

“Just look at those two, they are so adorable!” Maria gushed as she watched her best friend from a distance.

“I know, I want a guy like that. Someone who’s sweet and adorable and will do anything for me…the money isn’t so bad either!” she added as an after thought.

“And look at Alex,” Maria motioned to the other side of them near the barbeque where Alex and Isabel were talking with Michael who was flipping the burgers.

“He and Isabel seem like good friends. They look cute together.”

“I know. They both have the innocent look down pat. I think she’s just what Alex needs.”

“I don’t know Alex that well, and I’ve only just met Isabel today, but I think they suit each other really well.”

“Yeah…now if only I could find someone…”

“Maria you will, don’t worry. Mr. Right will find his way to you and you will be so happy. But enjoy yourself now too, don’t just wait for him, have fun too.”

“I know. And hey, we still have to find you a Mr. Perfect as well. We can go out guy hunting when you come out here for school. Gosh, I can’t believe little Tess is going to be starting college! This is so weird, but we’ll have lots of fun!” Maria gushed.

“Thanks Ria. I can’t wait either. I’ve missed you and Lizzie. You guys were my very best friends. I can’t wait till January, it can’t come soon enough! I can’t believe I’ll be graduating from high school in a few months. It’s all happening so fast!”

“Hey don’t worry about it chica! You’re gonna have loads of fun here with us, so just get your butt back here ASAP!” The two girls laughed.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“I wish you didn’t have to leave so soon Tessie!” Maria cried in the café on Monday morning. Tess was leaving to go back home to Nebraska. “Well I have to run to get to class, but have a safe trip, be careful, and say hello to everyone back there for me. And kiss my mom for me, okay?”

“Sure Ria, I promise. And hey, I’ll see you at Christmas right? You are coming home, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, I’ll be there,” with that Maria gave her almost sister a hug and ran out the doors as the campus clock tower resounded the hour.

“That was interesting…” Max trailed off.

“Yeah, that’s Maria, you gotta love her!” Tess smiled, she did love Maria.

“Well it was nice to meet you this weekend Tess. I hope you do decide to come out here, Liz would be ecstatic. You two seem really close. I know she misses you.”

“Yeah, I miss her too,” Tess’s voice was almost wistful. “Take good care of her for me Max.” Tess reached up and hugged him, pulling him close to whisper in his ear. “She really likes you Max, please don’t hurt her, I don’t think she could take it.”

“I would never hurt her,” Max spoke from the heart. Tess just smiled at him. “I should go, I have an appointment with my chemistry professor.”

“Bye Max, it was nice meeting the guy my sister is head over heels for.” Tess gave him a wink as he walked out the door smiling. So Liz was head over heels for him, huh? ‘Like you didn’t already know that?’ a voice in his head whispered.

Tess turned around to find Liz helping a customer while Isabel sat a table alone.

“Hey,” Tess said as she sat down.

Isabel smiled at her, she really liked this girl. She had never really had any close friends before, but now since being in San Diego she had met four new wonderful people, people she wouldn’t mind getting to know a little better.

“So, what have you decided as far as colleges go?” Isabel asked, after all, that was the purpose of Tess’s visit.

“Well I always have been wanting to go to USD, you know with Lizzie and Ria. I applied to the others because if I can’t get the scholarships or grants to come here, I can probably get them from the other schools. But this is my top choice.” She smiled and looked around her. Yes, she could definitely learn to love this place. It could definitely be home. “What about you? Are you planning on going to college or what?”

“Well I was taking a year off. Some things happened, and I needed a break. Originally I just came down here to get away, but now I’m thinking of going to school here next year. I’m not too sure what I want to do yet, but it has potential.”

“That’s great. So I’ll definitely get to see you then when I come back in January! I can’t wait,” her eyes lit up with anticipation.

“Well, have a great trip home.”

“Oh yeah, I’m so excited, I get to spend hours on the bus with a bunch of strangers, yippee,” Tess rolled her eyes and Isabel just laughed.

“You know what I mean!”

“Yeah, and thanks.”

“Hey Tess, is Alex coming yet?” Liz called from the counter.

“Just a sec, let me look out front. Umm…yeah, there he is,” she pointed to the side and a minute later in walked a tired looking Alex.

“Sorry it took me so long girls. Parking was horrible, I had to park on the other side of campus. Who knew so many people had classes at ten in the morning?”

“Don’t worry about it Alex. Let me go grab my purse out of the back and we can go,” Liz told her sister and friend.

“Hey Izzie,” Alex said as he saw the blond getting ready to leave through the door.

“Oh, hey Alex. Call me tonight okay, we can talk.” With that she was out the door.

“What was that about Alex? Are you two…” Tess asked with a sly grin.

“Huh? No, we’re just friends.” Alex shrugged it off as nothing. ‘Good thinking Alex!’ he told himself, mentally patting his own back.

“Okay, lets go.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The bus station was almost deserted. There were only three or four other people waiting for Tess’s bus.

Alex gave Tess a hug goodbye.

“Thanks for the ride Alex. You take care of my sisters for me, okay?”

“No problem. And you take care of yourself too. If you ever need anything and can’t get a hold of Lizzie or Ria, you can always call me, alright?” Alex offered.

“Sure, thanks.” Tess smiled at Alex one last time as he stepped back to allow the two sisters some time alone.

Liz had tears in her eyes as she hugged her sister one more time.

“I’m gonna miss you! It was great having you here, even if it was just for a short time. I can’t wait till you come out here for real!”

Tess smiled at her sister’s words, and her own tears came soon. “I’m gonna miss you too Lizzie! But hey, you’ll be back for Christmas, and then I should be coming back out here for good. It’s just a little longer.”

“I know. Give Cookie and Smokey kisses for me, okay? And tell mom and dad that I love them.”

“I will Lizzie. I love you.”

“I love you too!” The tears were now coming faster as Liz hugged her sister close one last time.

“All aboard bus 333, now boarding,” the intercom buzzed throughout the room.

“That’s me,” Tess smiled sadly. “Bye.”

“Bye.”

Liz walked over to stand by Alex and was folded into his arms as she watched her sister slowly get on the bus and sit down in a window seat. Tess waved for a minute and Liz waved back. She never realized how much she really did miss her sister until she had to say goodbye again. ‘I can’t wait until she comes out here! Then everything will be perfect!’

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Michael, darling!” Samantha Guerin’s voice was rich and aristocratic as it called across the entry to her son. Michael was in shock. What were his parents doing here? They never came to visit him without at least giving him a notice.

“Mom, dad, what are you doing here?”

“We just thought that we’d come and spend the weekend with our only children. Is there something wrong with that?” Samantha asked.

“Mom!” Isabel smiled from half way down the stairs. She loved her parents and was glad they came to visit her, even though she had been having a lot of fun with her new friends in the four weeks she’d been in San Diego, she still missed her parents.

“Isabel, darling! How have you been?”

“I’m much better now mother. Michael and Max have introduced me to some of their friends and I’m having a great time. I was actually wondering if I could stay for a while longer.”

“I don’t see why not dear. As long as my little girl is enjoying herself, that is all that matters.” The light in Isabel’s eyes told Patrick that his daughter was indeed happy.

“Why don’t we go sit down in the living room where we can talk?” Michael lead the way, still a bit confused as to why his parents showed up out of the blue. Not that he didn’t love his parents, because he did. This was just not typical of them. They always had a reason for everything and now he was afraid of what that might be.

“You know who I talked to the other day Isabel?” Samantha asked her daughter.

“No, who?”

“Andrew Sorenson. He and his parents were at the benefit last week. He asked where you had disappeared to. I think he misses you darling.”

Isabel cringed at the name and Michael who was sitting beside her wrapped a protective arm around her shoulders, silently letting her know that he was there for her.

“You didn’t…umm…tell him where I was, did you?”

“Oh, we didn’t really get much of a chance to talk but I’ll see his father on Monday, I can give him a message for Andrew if you’d like,” Patrick spoke up.

“No daddy! That’s okay…I mean, I’m just enjoying my time away from everything right now. I like things just the way they are.”

“All right, what ever you want honey,” Patrick smiled.

“So Michael, Izzie says that you’ve introduced her to some of your new friends here. Who are these new friends of yours? Do we know their families?”

‘I highly doubt that…’ Michael trailed off in his head.

“No, they’re just some people from school that I have to work on a project with and stuff.”

“Michael, how many times do I have to tell you, don’t say ‘stuff!’ Say something else, but not stuff,” Samantha shook her head. Honestly, you’d think the boy hadn’t gone to some of the countries most prestigious schools while growing up.

“Sorry mother.”

“Well Michael, your mother does have something to tell you though. Sam?”

“Oh yes! Michael, you remember the Harding’s right? Do you remember their daughter Courtney? I’m sure you do. You escorted her to the charity ball a couple Christmas’s ago. Anyway, she’s in town this weekend with her parents. Your father and I are going out tonight with the Harding’s and we told them you’d take Courtney out and show her around town a little. Being the gentleman that you are, I know you two will have a great time.”

Michael’s jaw dropped. Not that little brat. God, she was so annoying. Courtney Harding was a short, blond haired clutz with no conversation skills. She always wanted to talk about herself. Michael didn’t consider that conversation at all. Plus she had this high pitched voice that drove him insane. That night his mother spoke of, the charity ball, he had been ready to do anything to end the torture before she spilled punch on herself and he had to take her home early. Oh yeah, he was so sad about that…it had been the highlight of his night.

“Mother, I don’t need you setting me up on dates!”

“Nonsense honey. It’s a mother’s job. Besides, I had to make sure my son was spending his time with the right kind of company.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Michael?” Isabel knocked quietly at her brother’s door.

“Yeah Izzie?” He looked up to see Isabel in a medium length pink semi-casual dress that fit her perfectly. “Hey, where are you going?”

“Actually that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Umm…Alex is going to be picking me up to help him baby-sit for Professor Kanes. She and her husband are going out for the night and they have a four-year-old little girl and a two-year-old boy. Alex told me about it and I offered to help him. Little kids can be a handful sometimes, and you know how much I love children…”

“Wait a minute, you are going to go baby-sit some little kids in that? Might I suggest jeans since you might be running after them all night?” Michael almost laughed at the picture in his head.

“Well…okay. I suppose I should go change. But I just went shopping and I bought this dress, isn’t it nice? And I wanted to wear it, but I guess it’ll have to wait if you put it like that.”

Michael just laughed.

“So anyways, could you just tell mom and dad that I’m out? Just don’t mention anything about, well you know.”

Michael looked confused at first and then understood. “Sure Izzie.” She didn’t want their parents to know she was with a guy. Cause a guy always led to questions and no one wants to suffer from their parents twenty million questions over a guy. It could be torture, especially with Samantha Guerin. She was the expert at getting information out of her children.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Michael?”

“Hello Courtney.”

“Wow, it’s been a long time. You look great.”

“Thank you, so do you. Shall we?” Michael asked as he offered her his arm. Sure he didn’t want to be here, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t be socially polite. He knew what this meant to his mother, so he was civil.

“Actually Michael, um, you see, my parents kind of set this up, and if it’s okay with you, I kind of had plans to meet this friend of mine. She goes to USD and well, we’ve been talking over the computer for a while and since I was in town this weekend we planned to get together. She’s a psych major just like me, that was how we first started talking. But you are welcome to join us though. I mean, we can just be friends, right?” Courtney looked up at Michael. Why was he smiling?

“Oh thank goodness! I was so upset when my mother told me that she had made plans for me tonight. Don’t worry about it. Come on, I’ll give you a ride. Where are we going anyways?” Michael was shocked, Courtney had changed a lot in two years. Maybe now they could be friends.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Lizzie, do you want to come with me to get pizza? You can bring Max along if you want to. But I have to leave in five. I’m meeting the girl from USC that I’ve been talking to on the computers in the psych lab. Anyways you’re welcome to come.”

“Thanks Ria. Let me go ask Max, he just pulled up out front.”

“Cool, just hurry up, I don’t want to be super late.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Part 14

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“So you guys are both psych majors?”

“Yeah, that’s how we met. See, there’s this kind of board online where you can post topics for discussion and questions and stuff like that on psychology.”

“That’s cool.”

“Yeah, it’s really awesome cause you get to meet a lot of people who are really interested and really care about the subject. So one day I’d posted something and this girl from USD responded. We kinda became friends from there, since we both are so fascinated with human psychology. She’s really awesome and she has so much to say.

“It’s funny, she talks about how she can always read people, ya know. Figure them out after spending just a little time with them, but lately she’s been complaining about this one guy that just baffles her. She just can’t seem to figure him out. It’s kinda funny listening to her rant on and on about it all the time. If you ask me, I think that she kinda likes the guy. But who am I to say, I’ve never met her.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“So, if you two have never met before, how are you going to recognize each other?” Max asked as he, Liz and Maria were heading over to the Felipe’s to meet Maria’s friend.

“Oh, well when I found out that she would be coming to SD we planned a meeting place and time so that we could talk and stuff and we exchanged photos so we could hopefully recognize each other. I just hope that she gets there ok. She doesn’t really know her way around.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Michael and Courtney were sitting at a booth talking while they waited for her friend. There conversation stopped when Courtney’s eyes drifted to the door, just as her friend walked in. “Maria!” she exclaimed as she jumped up to meet the girl.

“Courtney,” Maria responded happy to finally be meeting the person she had been talking to for over a month online.

Michael’s eyes followed Courtney’s retreating form to find her locked in an embrace with none other than Maria Deluca. “Shit,” Michael cursed silently to himself, wondering if someone out there really hated him. From Courtney’s description he’s found himself becoming interested in her perspective friend, only to find out that it was Maria. Not that he didn’t find Maria attractive, he always had. But getting involved with Maria Deluca was just not an option, not as far as he was concerned.

Michael’s eyes quickly drifted to the rest of the group, seeing that Max and Liz were also there. Michael shot a glare at Max, while Max just looked back apologetically, shrugging to convey that he hadn’t known.

Maria and Courtney finally broke apart, still giddy from there meeting. “I brought someone with me,” Courtney started. “I hope you don’t mind.”

It was then that Maria let her eyes drift to the booth Courtney had come from for the first time. Her eyes got wide in recognition and through clenched teeth she said, “Oh no. I don’t mind at all.”

The four made their way over to the booth and Courtney sat back down next to Michael, scooting over to make room for Maria, while Max and Liz sat across from them. “Maria, this is…”

“Michael,” Maria cut her off. “Yeah, I know,” she finished with a little more venom then she meant.

“Oh, so you guys know each other?” Courtney questioned.

“Unfortunately,” Michael answered, sounding a little more serious then he had meant to. Fortunately, Courtney didn’t notice.

“Wow, it’s nice to see you too, Michael. By the way, Courtney this is my best friend Liz and her boyfriend Max.”

“Yeah, I know Max. How are you? It’s been a long time?”

“Never been better,” Max responded as he placed his arm around Liz’s shoulders. “You?”

“I’m good. It’s nice to meet you Liz,” Courtney said while offering her hand.

“You too,” Liz responded, shaking Courtney’s hand lightly.

“So,” Maria started. “How do you guys know each other?” she asked gesturing between Courtney, Michael, and Max. She must admit that she was more then a little curious.

“Our parents have known each other for a long time. They kinda set this up,” Courtney responded gesturing towards Michael.

“Oh…you mean you two are…Courtney, you could have told me. I would have understood. I don’t want to interrupt your date…”

“No,” Courtney interrupted. “As I said, this was our parents idea. Michael and I are just friends.”

“Oh,” was Maria’s only response, trying not to show the relief that come over her at that statement. ‘Wait why am I relieved? I shouldn’t feel relieved. I shouldn’t care one way or the other.’

Michael stared off into space getting lost in his own thoughts as Maria and Courtney continued talking and Max and Liz began to get lost in their own whispered conversation. Why was he here again? Oh yeah. He’d have to thank his mom later. He watched how animated Maria would get when she talked and how that same look was reflected on Courtney’s face. Well, at least they seemed to be getting along well.

He just couldn’t seem to get away from her, Maria that is. She was everywhere he turned. She was constantly working at the café, where he’d go to pick up random things, and coffee from time to time. She was Max’s girlfriend’s best friend and she was quickly becoming a close friend to his own sister. Now, he couldn’t even go on a ‘date’ without seeing her. No matter how much he tried to stay away from her, it just didn’t seem to work out. It seemed like the harder he tried, the more often he saw her. ‘Maybe I should just stop trying,’ he thought silently. But he quickly pushed that thought away as Maria’s voice filtered through his daze.

“Hey you guys, we’re still here ya know. Remember…in a very public restaurant. God, why don’t you guys just go get a room and stop trying to fuck each other at the table.” Apparently, sometime during Michael’s interior monologue Liz had moved so that she was straddling Max’s lap and they were kissing passionately, somewhat forgetting about where they were.

“Maria!” Liz seethed at her outburst. “Keep your voice down. Now everyone is staring.”

“What do you expect Liz, your were giving them quite a show.”

“Oh come on, we’re not that bad.”

“I beg to differ,” and their harsh words seemed to dissipate suddenly as all three girls burst out laughing.

“Did I miss something?” Michael asked.

Max shrugged, the same look of confusion on his face, “Women.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Michael’s parents came back over to the house the next day to visit a little more with their children before leaving. They talked with Michael about school and everything and asked Isabel how much longer she would be staying. They were about to leave when Samantha asked, “Oh honey, how did your date with Courtney go.”

“Good, she’s a great girl. I think that we’ll become good friends,” Michael said emphasizing the word friends.

“Alright, alright honey. I can take a hint.”

As they headed out the door they walked passed Max and Liz as they were coming in. “Hi Mr. And Mrs. Guerin,” Max said as he walked past them.

“Max, how are you? We haven’t seen you all weekend. And who is this lovely lady?” Patrick asks with a smirk, very characteristic of Michael.

“This is Liz, my girlfriend,” Max said a little hesitantly. He knew how Michael’s parents could be, especially Samantha, and he didn’t want them to say anything that might hurt Liz.

“Well, I’m Samantha Guerin and this is my husband Patrick. It’s nice to meet you Liz…uh Liz…”

“Parker,” Liz responded with a smile.

“Hmm…Parker,” Samantha thought. “Nope, it doesn’t ring any bells.”

“Mom!” Michael said a little exasperated. “Didn’t you guys want to beat the traffic?” he said a little quickly, trying to think of a reason to get his parents out of there.

“Yes of course dear. Well, we must be going. Nice seeing you again Max. You too Miss Parker.” And with that Michael had successfully ushered his parents out the door and was leading them towards their car.

“Michael honey, have you had a talk with Max about his new girlfriend?”

“No mom, Max’s affairs are his own business. Not mine. I don’t get in the middle of them.”

“Well, don’t you think you should warn him or something? I mean it’s one thing to have a little fun, but quite another to get involved in a long term relationship with someone like her.”

“Mom! What’s wrong with Liz?”

“Nothing personal dear, as I said. I’m sure she’s good for some fun, but I’d like to think that I’ve instilled some values you, dear son of mine. Someone of our caliber shouldn’t get involved with people of her…status.”

“Max doesn’t care about money mom.”

“You know who she reminds me of Patrick? What was her name? Oh right, Cassie. That’s it. You remember Cassie, don’t you Michael?”

A pained look took over Michael’s features, but it was quickly replaced with a cold icy glare. “Goodbye mother,” Michael replied with a sternness in his voice that was not to be questioned.

“Goodbye dear,” she said with a kiss to his cheek. “Remember what I said. Just think about it,” Samantha said as she climbed in the car.

‘I’m sorry,’ Patrick mouthed, getting the slightest recognition from Michael, before he too climbed into the car as his parents left to return to LA.

Once they were out of sight Michael stormed into the house running up the stairs and into his room, slamming the door on his way.

“What was that all about?” Liz asked after seeing Michael’s hastily retreating figure.

“Michael’s parents kinda get to him sometimes,” Max responded, the worry evident in his voice. He knew, however, that no matter how hard he tried, Michael wouldn’t let him in. Michael rarely let anybody in, not even Max. He hadn’t for a little over a year now.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Cassie. That was a name that Michael hadn’t heard in a while. She had been his girlfriend for his last two years of high school. She was the love of his life, or so he thought. He’d really thought what they had was forever. He’d do anything for her. Give anything for her.

Truth was Maria reminded Michael of Cassie. A lot. That was part of the problem. Her voice. Her speech. Her mannerisms. Her attitude. Everything, even her looks in the slightest bit reminded him of Cassie. It was almost too close for comfort.

Michael’s parents had warned him about Cassie when they first started dating. They’d said that she wasn’t right for him. She wasn’t exactly what you would call financially endowed. She wasn’t good enough. He deserved so much more. Basically, in his mother’s eyes, she didn’t have enough money. Pure and simple. She’d pleaded with him not to continue the relationship, to get out of it while he had the chance and before he did something really stupid. But he wouldn’t listen. He was his own person and wasn’t about to let his parents dictate what he did or who he saw. He ignored everything they had to say on the subject.

Michael and Cassie had gone out for a year and a half before they lost their virginity together. It was the most magical night of Michael’s life. He could still remember every little detail. The way her hair looked flayed over his pillow. The way her chest heaved as she tried desperately to return oxygen to her starved lungs. The way her body writhed on the bed underneath his. And afterwards, as he watched her sleep, he remembered thinking that he was the luckiest man on earth to have found such an angel.

When she found out she was pregnant, he risked everything for her. He swore to stay by her side and help her through everything. He risked his parent’s reaction and their disownment of him. He’d spent the next month staying with Max. He promised that they’d get through it all together, that he’d find a way. He even said they could get married if she wanted to, even if they were a little young. He gave up everything, for her.

When she lost the child, he held her while she cried. Told her that everything would be alright. That they could make it through this, they could make it through anything. His parents eventually allowed him to come back home, with the baby business forgotten, he was allowed back into the family.

Two weeks before graduation, Cassie broke up with him. She said she just didn’t love him the way he loved her and she thought that it was about time they stopped disillusioning themselves. She saw them going in different directions and thought it was better to end things now, then to end on hard terms later down the road.

Michael was heartbroken. He’d loved her more than anything in the world. What made it worse was that after the breakup, she ran right into another man’s arms. It was his parents who pointed out the fact that Cole’s family had more money then his.

Michael just wasn’t quite the same after that. Cassie had hurt him more than anyone ever knew. He hadn’t dated much after that, certainly nothing serious. He always ended it before he could get in too deep. The majority of his dates consisted of set-ups with the daughters of his parent’s rich friends. Those dates barely ever made it past the first.

He’d lost his faith in love. Pure and simple. Love only lead to heartache. And that was what he was most afraid of with Maria. The kind of feelings that he got when he was around her he hadn’t felt in a long time. And Michael hated to admit it, but he was afraid. Afraid of getting hurt. Afraid of allowing himself to open up again.

So he closed himself off from everybody and everything. No one could breakdown his stonewall. No matter how hard they tried.

At least that’s what he thought.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Part 15

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Surprise Liz,” Max’s husky voice whispered in her ear as he stood against her back and gently took off the blindfold blocking her vision.

“Happy birthday, girlfriend!” Maria ran over and enveloped her best friend in a giant bear hug, forcing her to move away from Max. “Happy 20th Lizzie! Wow, you’re so old now!” she giggled.

“Thanks Maria!” Liz laughed, she knew Maria didn’t mean it the way it sounded, but she had to call her on it.

“Oh, you know what I mean!”

“Happy birthday Liz,” Isabel and Courtney said at the same time and the four girls started giggling again. Max, Michael and Alex just stood by watching the girls with questioning glances.

“What is it with them? You get the four of them together and they just giggle incessantly for no reason at all!” Michael grumbled.

“Well I’ve known Lizzie and Ria for a while now and I think its just one of those mysterious things that goes along with being a girl. They do it a lot. After a while it won’t even bother you anymore,” Alex answered wisely.

It was Sunday and they were all at Max and Michael’s place to celebrate Liz’s twentieth birthday. Isabel and Rosie had decorated the place and Rosie made her famous enchilada’s and some other food for everyone to enjoy.

“Come on, what are we all standing around here for, let’s party!” Maria called as Isabel went over to the stereo to turn some music on.

The smile on Liz’s face got even wider as she looked around her. To think that two months ago her birthday plans had been dinner with Maria and Alex at the local pizza place, this was just beyond comparison. Max walked towards her back, his arms immediately making themselves at home around her stomach pulling her close. “Mmm, so you like it?” he whispered in her ear from behind. She turned herself in his arms and stood on her tip-toes to place a peck on his lips.

“Thank you!” she smiled shyly before she leaned her head closer once more, this time getting lost in his kisses. God, she didn’t even need a birthday present, just him, and his wonderful kisses and she would be set for life.

“Hey, lovebirds, you gonna join the party?” Alex called breaking Liz from her foggy haven. Liz looked around to find that she and Max were in the far corner of the room wrapped in each other’s arms as their friends gazed on from the middle of the room.

“Hey, its my party, I can make out if I want to!” she pouted.

“Oh my god girl! I can’t believe you just said that, I mean, it’s such a me thing to say!” Maria burst into giggles and soon everyone in the room had joined in. Max and Liz drifted into the room more towards their friends, but never losing contact with one another.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Hey Michael, are you okay?” Maria asked as she came up beside him. She didn’t know why, but she just felt bad for the guy. He looked so lonely standing by himself while everyone was else was having fun around him.

“Huh?” Michael jumped a little at the touch of her small hand on his shoulder. “Oh, hey,” he responded automatically.

“Are you okay?” she persisted.

“Yeah, I’m fine, why?” his defenses went up around him. The wall that he had built up in the last year was immediately in place.

“Sorry, I was just asking, you don’t have to bite my head off! You just looked kinda sad, I though maybe you needed to talk to someone or something.”

“I said I’m fine. And if I needed to talk to someone why would I talk to you?”

“Gee, someone got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning I see. I’m sorry I tried to do something nice. Sorry I was just trying to be a friend.” With that Maria walked off, wondering why she even tried, and leaving Michael staring behind her.

‘What just happened here? How could I just let her get to me like that?’ he battered himself for allowing it to happen.

Michael sat on the nearby couch and rested his head in his hands. What was happening to him lately? He was too confused to think straight. It was like his mind was in a blender and someone had hit the puree button. Probably Maria with his luck…

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“They are just so cute together,” Courtney whispered to Maria.

“I know, aren’t they? I’ve never seen my girl that happy. But I swear if he ever hurts her…” Maria got all defensive trailing off, preferring to leave it to everyone’s imagination all of the horrible things that she would do to Max should the unimaginable occur.

“I don’t think he would though. I’ve known him since we were kids. He was never this…this…I don’t know…she just brings out something special in him.”

“I know, I think they bring it out in each other.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Michael stood listening to everything around him.

‘Oh yeah, like what is she gonna do if something happens between them. She couldn’t hurt him.’ He listened intently to Maria talking with Courtney as he kept an eye on Max. What was going on with Max though? He had never seen his friend get so involved with a girl, ever. It just didn’t happen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Alex?!” Liz blushed as she opened the present Alex had given her and burst into giggles. She would never have thought in a million years that Alex would give her a present like that!

“What is it?” Isabel asked intrigued by Liz’s reaction.

“Nothing!” Liz stuffed her hand back down in the bag so that no one could see what she was holding. “What’s next?”

“No you don’t chica!” Maria tried to keep the laughter in. She knew what was in that bag and she had helped Alex pick it out…okay so she had picked it out while Alex waited in the car…but it had been all his idea.

“Okay, now I’m really curious, what is it?” Courtney asked.

“No, its nothing-”

Liz stopped mid sentence as Maria reached around Liz and picked up the bag. With a laugh she reached inside and pulled out the present…

“Why…ninja turtles…” Isabel couldn’t finish her thought she was laughing too hard.

“Alex, should I be worried here?” Max looked over at him and Maria who were curled up from laughing so hard, and this only served as more fuel.

“Ma…Max…no worries…its just a joke…maybe Lizzie’ll fill you in sometime!” Max raised a curious eyebrow at his girlfriend who just turned to bury her head in his chest from embarrassment.

Five minutes later, the laughter had all died down but Max was still running his hands through Liz’s hair as her head laid still buried in his chest. Cautiously she pulled away to look up into his eyes. He leaned down and gently kissed her forehead for reassurance. Taking a deep breath Liz sat up and looked at all friends, old and new, who were all watching her.

“I’m sorry Lizzie, but I couldn’t help myself. I mean I’ve never seen someone get underwear for their birthday, so I was curious how someone would react…and the whole…I’m sorry, I just had to do it!” Liz pouted at him as she tried to control the blush she knew was covering her face. “You’re not mad at me are you?”

Liz sighed and shook her head. “You know I could never be mad at you Alex…just, never do anything like that to me again! Okay?” Alex jumped up and gave her a hug, happy that she wasn’t upset.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Okay, so there was this time when Maria and I were little, we were…umm…five years old I think. Anyways, it was my birthday and all my little friends were there. I was opening my presents and mom said that I had one more present that had come in the mail from my aunt Annie. So she brought out this really big box and I was all excited just imagining what could be inside. When I opened it, it was full of underwear…at least twenty or thirty…I was so embarrassed. Anyways by the end of the party we were all wearing them on our heads…we thought we were so cool. I had ninja turtles and Maria had spiderman…we thought they were the greatest thing in the world. God, we were so weird!” Liz shook her head and rolled her eyes at the embarrassing childhood memories. But they were good memories.

Max laughed lightly as he watched his girlfriend sitting on the chair across from him. Night was falling and the two of them escaped outside to sit by the pool and talk. Max had yet to give her his present. At the moment it was in a bag hiding behind the chair where he was sitting.

“That’s so cute,” Max smiled at her.

“It’s not cute Max, it’s embarrassing. I don’t know what we were thinking!” Liz tried to hide her face in her hands only to have Max stop her. Max reached out and took her hands in one of his and with his other hand he pulled her chin up so he could look in her eyes.

“Would you like your present now?” Max decided to change the subject. Without waiting for an answer he sat beside her on her lounge chair and placed the silver bag in her lap.

Liz gave him a big smile as she reached inside. She felt something soft and fuzzy, and when she pulled it out all she could do was gasp. “Oh, Max…this…thank you!” She could feel the tears in the corners of her eyes as she held it against her chest protectively.

“I wasn’t really sure what to get you, but when I saw that I just thought you might like it,” he replied happy to know he had been right.

“It’s perfect!” She held up the soft plush dog and kissed its nose. Carefully setting it back in its bag she turned around and wrapped herself in Max’s embrace, relishing his kisses.

“Did you have a good time tonight?” Max asked as he pulled away just enough to look in her eyes. They were dancing and sparkling in the light of the moon.

“This has been the best birthday ever. Thank you.” Pulling him closer she kissed him, melting against his body as his tongue sought out hers. ‘I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’m grateful,’ Liz thought to herself as she was held tightly in Max’s embrace.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Part 16

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“You’re standing in my sun,” Liz said with a grin as the opened her eyes to see a half naked Max standing in front of her. He was still slightly dripping, having just gotten out of the pool. Liz, however, had chosen to spend her time lying out on the lounge chair working on her tan, instead of swimming.

“Oh pardon me, but I just can’t help myself. I can’t seem to tear my eyes away from the beauty I see before me.”

“Hmmm…maybe you’ll have to work on that,” Liz said with a giggle as Max crawled onto the lounge to capture her lips with his.

Liz playfully smacked him once they broke apart. “Now look, you got me all wet.”

Max’s eyes darkened a little at her statement as he captured her lips again. “Mmmm…It’s good to know that I can do that to you.”

“Max!” Liz said at the smirk on his face. “You know what I meant,” she giggled. “Although…” she let herself trail off as Max started to kiss her once again. They finally broke apart once again, chests heaving, as Max’s maneuvered them so that he was now laying on the lounge with Liz lying against his chest. He continued to stroke her hair as their breathing slowly came back to normal. They just stayed there, in silence, looking into each other’s eyes.

“God I love you,” Max said suddenly still looking down at her. He didn’t know where it came from. Sure, he’d had the feeling for a while that he was falling in love with this angel, but for some reason he suddenly just had to tell her. Like he couldn’t hold it in any longer.

“Oh Max, I love you too,” Liz admitted. She’d wanted to tell him for a while, but was afraid that she’d scare him away. To tell the truth, it scared her. She’d never felt this way about a man, never had feelings that ran this deep. Never felt that her whole world would collapse without him by her side.

Liz moved up to Max’s mouth and kissed him again…hard. She couldn’t imagine what she could have done to deserve such a wonderful man in her life, but she wasn’t going to complain.

They were interrupted by someone clearing their throat, looking somewhat annoyed. How long had Michael been there?

“Hey Michael, what’s up?” Max asked, not relinquishing his grip on Liz.

“Um…I’m just going out to take Isabel shopping. She’s complaining that she didn’t bring enough clothes, which I can’t understand considering she brought three suitcases, but you know Isabel. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that we were leaving and that Rosie went to the store to get the weekly groceries.”

“Alright Michael, see you later. Have fun!”

“Yeah, right,” Michael said with a smirk as he turned back into the house. The smirk quickly disappeared though, once he was back inside. He’d been standing there long enough, he’d heard everything…saw how close they seemed to be getting…a little too close. Michael couldn’t help but think that this wasn’t good. He’d have to talk to Maxwell later.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Once Michael had left, Max turned back to the beauty in his arms. “Michael’s taking Isabel shopping,” Max stated the obvious. “You know what that means…”

“Hmmm…that we have the whole house to ourselves,” Liz finished for him as she climbed up to capture his lips once again. She didn’t know what it was about his kisses, but they were intoxicating. She just couldn’t seem to get enough.

Max flipped them over so that he was now on top, as he moved down her body, nipping and sucking a trail down the side of her neck. Liz couldn’t do anything but revel in the sensations running through her. Her body was on fire. Every place that his lips touched seemed to scorch her skin.

Max continued his trail down her body until he reached the valley between her breasts. He just couldn’t stop touching her, kissing her. She was everything that he’d ever wanted and more. What did he ever do to deserve her?

Liz let out a gasp as she felt Max’s hot mouth close over her nipple, gently sucking on her breast through the thin material of her bikini top. She moaned as sensation after sensation hit her, while he brought up a hand to gently kneed and message her other breast. It wasn’t until she felt his other hand playing with the elastic of her bikini bottoms that an alarm when off in her head.

“Stop…Max,” she said in between breaths, bringing his head up to meet hers. “We have…to stop.” Max kissed her one last time, and then with a large sigh, rolled to the side, trying to catch his breath and regain his control.

“I’m sorry,” Liz began. “I’m just not ready to…”

“No…no,” Max said, still breathing heavily. “It’s ok. You’re right. I think I just kinda got a little caught up in the moment. I’m sorry.” He smoothed her hair down on top of her head and kissed her once lightly on the forehead. They spent the rest of that afternoon just like that. Laying in each other’s arms, whispering words of love, sharing quick kisses, until they watched the sun sink slowly down in the west.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Maria, where do you take a girl when you’re just friends but you want to alert her to the possibility of something more, but you don’t want to scare her…?” Alex went on while Maria stared intently at her computer screen.

“Arg! Now you made me lose my concentration,” Maria interrupted in exasperation. “So Alex, now that you have my undivided attention, what are you rambling about?”

“It’s Isabel. I wanted to take her out Friday, but I don’t know where.”

“Ahhh…Alex, that’s so cute. You really like her don’t you?”

“Yeah ok…so maybe I do. But you know, I want to be her friend first. She just had a really bad breakup and I don’t want her to feel like I’m pushing her or anything. But I want to let her know my feelings, you know, that the possibility is there.”

“Ok, here’s a thought. How ‘bout you just tell her?”

“I can’t do that.”

“And why not?”

“I don’t know. I just can’t. Anyway…where should I take her?”

“Well, why don’t you just take her out to eat, somewhere nice, but not over the top. Then just do something that you know she’ll love. Something that tells her you care about her, about her feelings, about the things that she likes.”

“Hmmm…ok. I’ll think about that. Thanks ‘Ria.”

“No problem,” Maria says and waits patiently for Alex to leave, but he just sits there looking at her. “Uh Alex, this psych paper is due tomorrow…you think you could give me some privacy to get it done?”

“Oh yeah, right. See ya later.”

Maria laughed lightly to herself, “Bye Alex.” Isabel sure was lucky. Alex was a great guy and he deserved only the best. ‘She better deserve him,’ she thought to herself as she tried to focus her attention back on her paper.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“What the hell do you mean you don’t approve of my relationship with Liz?!?” Max yelled.

“Listen Max, I saw you guys together the other day. I heard what you said to her. You’re getting to close man.”

“So what Michael? I love her. Does that mean anything to you? Oh I guess it wouldn’t, you’ve never known what it feels like to be in love.”

“Don’t go there Max! Don’t you dare go there!” Michael said with a hint of warning in his voice.

Max regretted what he said immediately at the look of pain that flashed over Michael’s face. A little more calmly now, “Look Michael, I’m sorry. That was way out of line. I just…she means the world to me. How in the hell do you think your objections would change any of that?”

“Max, you guys are just too different. I mean, you just come from such different backgrounds.”

“Michael, have you been talking to your mom again?”

Ignoring Max’s question, “There’s this huge gap…”

“I don’t care about the money Michael.”

“I know that!” he almost yelled. “But how do you know she doesn’t?”

“How could you even say that? She’s such a nice, sweet, kind person. She would never be so shallow. Look Michael, I love her…more then anything. She means everything to me, and nothing you say is going to make me let her go.”

“She’s after your money man!”

“No, she’s not!”

‘Well, it’s now or never,’ Michael thought to himself. “I heard it Maxwell. I heard her talking to Maria at the party last weekend. She’s only dating you because of this,” he said motioning to the possessions around them.

“It’s not true. I won’t believe it. You’re lying! She didn’t even know…”

“Think about it Maxwell. Didn’t you tell me that she turned you down at first? That later that night she just happened to change her mind, all of the sudden? How do you know that this isn’t what she found out to change her mind? It’s not like it’s a campus secret Max, she could have found out any number of ways.”

Max was taken aback as the reality of this situation took over him. God, how could he have been so blind? How could she have been after his money all this time? How could she have told him she loved him…so whole-heartedly? How could he have been such a fool?

“No…no,” Max mumbled again and again to himself. “It can’t be true.” Max was now sitting on the end of the bed, his head resting in his hands as the tears silently streamed down his face.

Michael just watched as his friend fell apart. ‘It was for the best,’ he thought to himself. ‘Then why do I feel like crap?’

“Look Max, I’m sorry. This is why I didn’t want to tell you. I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“Too late Michael. It’s too late.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Hey Maria.”

“Hey Isabel. What are you doing here?”

“UH…just trying to get out of the house. The tension there was killing me. Max and Michael don’t seem to be talking to each other at the moment.”

“Really, why?”

“I don’t know. Apparently they had this big fight, and now Max won’t talk to Michael. So Michael, being his usual stubborn self, is just reciprocating by not talking to Max. And I don’t even know what happened! Each time I try to talk to one of them about it, they just tense up and change the subject.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. It must not be so much fun living in that house right now.”

“Not at all. I’ll tell you, that house may be big, but not big enough. I just needed to come take a load off. So, how are you doing?”

“I’m ok. I finally finished that huge psych paper that I had, so I have like this big load taken off me.”

“That’s great. Hey, how bout we go out tonight to celebrate.”

“That sounds great!”

“Hey, you think that Alex might want to come with?” Isabel asks with a slight twinkle in her eye.

The look was not at all missed by Maria. She just laughed and motioned towards the door of the café, why don’t you ask him yourself?”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Mmmm…Max, that dinner was so good. I don’t think that I’ll ever get tired of Rosie’s cooking.”

“Yeah, it is good isn’t it?” Max said with a small smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

“Max, is something wrong? You’ve been kind of distant all night. Is this about Michael? Maria said something about you two not talking.”

Max gave a heavy sigh and then lifting his eyes to look at Liz. She was so beautiful and he loved her so much. How was he going to do this? “Look Liz, I think we need to talk.”

“Okay,” she said a little uncertainly as he lead her up to his room. She sat softly on the edge of his bed while Max began pacing the length of the room.

“Max, what is it?” Liz asked, concern in her voice.

Max heaved another sigh, and just let it out. “I don’t think that we should see each other anymore.”

“What? Why?” she must admit that that had taken her by surprise, not at all what she was expecting. “I don’t understand. I thought everything was fine. Is…is there someone else?”

“No, no. There’s no one else. I just don’t think that we’re right for each other.”

“But, I thought you said you loved me?” She was just so confused. She couldn’t believe this was happening. She couldn’t help the tears that silently, slowly, began to trickle down her face.

“We’re just too different. We’re from two different worlds.”

Suddenly realization dawned on Liz and sadness was replaced with hatred and anger. “Oh, I get it now…this is about the money isn’t it. This is about how I don’t have a penny to my name. Is that it? I thought you said that you didn’t care about that Max. I thought you said that money didn’t matter to you.”

“It doesn’t…” but she wouldn’t let him continue.

“No Max. I don’t want to hear your lies anymore. Why did you let it go on this long, huh? Why the big change? Is it because I wouldn’t sleep with you? I wouldn’t fuck you so you found no reason to keep me around anymore.”

“No Liz, you know I’m not like that.”

“I thought I did Max. I thought I knew you. I thought you were different. I thought you were special. But now I see you’re just like everybody else! You’re just like him!” she said, her voice full of venom.

“Look Liz, I’m sorry. It’s just…”

“Oh, I don’t need your apologies Max. You were just doing what you do best. Charming and taking advantage of young innocent women…I’m sure you do it all the time.”

“I…”

“Save it Max. Save it for the next naïve little girl. I’m out of here.” She turned to make her way towards the door, but on a last note she turned around, keeping back the tears that she hadn’t let herself cry. She would not cry in front of him, she would not cry in front of this bastard. “Just so you know, I wasn’t lying. I really did love you.” And with that she turned around and walked out the door, slamming it shut behind her.

Max just stared at the door for a moment before sinking down onto his bed and letting the tears finally fall.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Maria and Alex were sitting in the living room of the girls’ apartment, having just gotten home from ‘celebrating’ with Isabel. They’d really just gone for pizza and ice cream, but it was just what Maria needed. A little time with her friends to help her wind down.

“So Alex, out of curiosity. Did you figure out where you were going to take Isabel on Friday?”

“Yeah…” but before Alex could continue, Liz came bursting through the front door and ran to the bedroom, slamming the door shut behind her. Alex and Maria glanced at each other with confused looks and then both jumped up quickly to run to the bedroom to see what was wrong with Liz.

They opened the door to find Liz huddled up on her bed in a little ball, holding the stuffed dog the Max had given her for her birthday to her chest, crying hysterically. Maria was at her side in a second, as was Alex.

“Liz honey, what’s wrong?” Maria grabbed the sobbing girl, wrapping her in her arms.

“Yeah Lizzie. Tell us what’s the matter sweetie,” Alex’s comforting voice said as he gently smoothed the hair around her face so he could see her eyes.

Liz finally calmed down enough to talk, but as soon as she said Max’s name the sobs came again and all she could do was grab onto Maria tighter and bury her head in her chest.

Alex’s eyes burned with anger. How could someone do that to her? How could anyone ever hurt his sweet, innocent, little Lizzie? Alex’s eyes sought out Maria’s, silently asking her permission. Maria just nodded her head, saying she would be fine, and Alex ran quickly out of the apartment, making his way to his car.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Alex!” Isabel said surprised upon opening the door after hearing the bell ring several times in the last minute.

“Where’s Max?” Alex asked monotonously.

Isabel was confused by the look of hatred that she saw in his eyes. “Why?”

Alex ignored Isabel’s question, moving past her and running up the stairs before he realized he didn’t know which room was Max’s.

“Which one?” he called down to Isabel, who was now standing at the bottom of the stairs looking at him oddly.

“Down the hall, last door on your right. Alex, what’s wrong?”

Alex again ignored her question; running quickly down the hall to the room Isabel had said was Max’s. He stormed through the door without even knocking. He found Max sitting on his bed, his face in his hands.

“What the fuck did you do to her?”

Max hadn’t even registered that someone had entered his room until he heard Alex’s voice. Max looked up, taking a while to register who was standing in front of him. “What?” he asked.

“I said, what the fuck did you do to her?” the intense anger he was feeling extremely obvious. Alex was so angry, he didn’t notice the tears that were streaking Max’s own face. “Why the hell is Liz curled up on her bed at home, crying her eyes out?”

“She’s crying?” Max asked innocently.

“Of course she’s crying. Now I want to know what the hell you did to hurt one of the
dearest people to my heart.”

“I never meant to hurt her.”

“Like hell you didn’t. What did you do to her?”

“We broke up, alright. That’s all.”

“Like hell that’s all. What did you say to her?”

“Actually, she was the one doing most of the talking. I just told her we came from two different worlds and that it would be better if we didn’t see each other anymore.”

“You fucking bastard. You broke up with her cause she’s poor. God, how can anyone be so shallow? You’ve known for so long, why now?”

“Things changed, ok?”

“No, it’s not okay. You hurt one of my best friends, the closest thing I have to a sister out here. She means the world to me, and I hate seeing her in pain. She loved you man. I don’t know whether she told you that or not, but she did. I could see it in the way her eyes lit up every time that she saw you or talked about you. You know that she didn’t even want you to find out where she lived cause she was afraid that you’d do this. She thought you were different though. I thought you were different. And she put her heart on the line again for the first time since James screwed with her. We all thought you were better then him. It’s seems like we were wrong. I hope your happy Max, you fooled us all.”

“Wait…who’s James?”

“Why should I tell you?”

“Look, indulge me. This is your chance to show me what an asshole I’ve really been.”

Alex just sighed and noticed the expression on Max’s face. He looked almost desperate. “Last year Liz dated a guy named James. He wasn’t quite as rich as you, but he was pretty well off. They dated for a while, two months I think. He’d told her he loved her and everything. She actually thought she was in love with the guy, although I don’t think she really was. Anyway, he took her to his parents’ house one day for dinner. They smiled and politely talked with her but she couldn’t help but feel that they were looking down on her. Later that night, she was coming back from the bathroom when she overheard James talking with his father in the study. He was asking James why he was seeing someone of obviously such ‘low caliber’…I think that’s how he put it. James then goes on to tell his father that she was simply a fling, that he’d dump her as soon as she finally fucked him.

“Needless to say, Liz dumped him on the spot, but she wasn’t the same after that. She didn’t date. Sure, Maria tried setting her up with people, but no one ever made it past the first date. She wouldn’t open her heart to anyone, learning the hard way what happened when you trusted people too quickly. That was a year ago, and since then you are the first person she ever allowed herself to give her heart to again. And she loved you Max. She never looked at James with a fraction of the love that she showed when she looked at you.

“You just broke her heart Max. You just ripped it out and tore it to fuckin’ pieces. So I hope you’re happy. I hope it was worth the effort. I hope you got what you wanted. Actually, if it was the same thing that that jerk wanted, I sure as hell hope you didn’t. Just know this Max. He couldn’t have hurt her half as bad as I know you just did. Congratulations on being a fucking asshole!”

With that Alex got up to make his way towards the door, but he was stopped by Max’s voice.

“I didn’t know,” Max said so softly Alex barely heard him.

Alex slowly turned back around to face Max. “I’m sure that you didn’t Max, but that doesn’t make any difference.”

“I never meant to hurt her. There’re just a lot of things that you don’t know.”

“It doesn’t matter. You hurt her more then you’ll ever know. I’ll never forgive you for that, and I hope that she doesn’t either. Our friendship is over by the way. I could never associate myself with the likes of you. I hope it was all worth it Max, cause you just lost the most amazing girl you will ever meet. But you sure as hell proved that you don’t deserve her.” With that Alex turned back to the door, he opened it up and was about to leave when he decided he needed to say one last thing.

Without even bothering to turn around, Alex seethed the following. “Don’t ever come near her again. Don’t come around the café. If you have a class with her, sit somewhere else. Stay as far away from her as you possibly can. Don’t touch her. Don’t talk to her. Don’t get anywhere near her unless you absolutely have to. And if I hear that you have done anything to upset her, anything at all, I will fuck you up so much your own mother won’t recognize you.” Alex then left, shutting the door behind him before Max could say anything else.

Max couldn’t help the tears that once again flowed down his face, as he finally lay back on his bed and cried, asking himself for the millionth time that night if he’d done the right thing.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Part 17

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Lizzie?” Maria spoke softly. “Do you want to tell me about it?” Maria just sat beside her friends curled up form and rubbed her hand soothingly across her back.

“Just leave me alone Maria,” Liz managed to get out as she hid her head in her blankets. She honestly didn’t feel like talking, she just needed to be left alone, and she didn’t want to have to fight with Maria either. “Please!”

The hesitancy that Maria had had a moment ago to not leave her best friend alone quickly vanished. Maybe she just needed a little alone time to sort things out. She didn’t want to leave her friend alone, that’s not what friends do. But if they got into an argument, that would only make things worse.

“Fine Lizzie, I’ll leave you alone. But when you decide that you are ready to talk, just let me know, alright? I’ll be out in the living room all night.” With a last look Maria grabbed her backpack and books and hesitantly shut the door behind her. ‘I hope I’m doing the right thing leaving her alone like this. I mean…that’s what friends do right? I mean I know I’m supposed to be supportive and listen to her problems, but she’s not letting me in. I’ve never seen her like this before. Not even after James, that slimeball! What the fuck did Max do to her?!’ Maria looked back at the door and then headed down the hallway to settle herself in the living room. ‘Any time you’re ready to talk Lizzie, I’m here…just please don’t make me wait too long!’

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It had been three hours and Liz was still curled up in a ball on her bed tangled in her blanket with her stuffed dog clutched tightly to her chest. Stray tears would fall from her eyes every once in a while following the well-laid path of the ones that came before. The sobs had stopped long before, but the tears were still present, but she was fast asleep. Crying had worn her out. At least in sleep she could get away somewhat from everything that had happened.

Liz woke up to the darkness of her bedroom. Looking around for the clock she could saw that it was eleven thirty.

‘Wow, I must have fallen a sleep for a while…’ Liz took a deep breath but couldn’t help the trembling that escaped her as she let it out. Her eyes were aching, her chest was heavy…she felt like she had been through hell…well, she kind of had been, the hell that was being in love with a guy…a guy who had seemed so…so…perfect.

‘What am I going to do now?’ Liz held up the slightly soggy black lab stuffed animal that she had been clutching, but it only brought more tears forward. He had given it to her…but then why was she holding it so tight? He had just torn her heart to pieces and she was hugging the one thing he had ever really given her.

‘After everything…all he saw me as was a poor girl who would be an easy fuck? I thought he was different… To think I told him that I loved him!’

‘But you did!’ a small voice in her head reminded her, causing a few more tears.

‘I loved him…I still do… Why? Why do I still feel like I love him after he just…’ pulling her knees to her chest Liz wrapped her arms around her legs and rocked back and forth in a protective ball trying to keep away more tears.

Taking a deep breath Liz tried to calm herself and found that she could pull it off. Once the tears stopped Liz stood up and grabbed her blanket in one hand, the dog still safely in the other and reached an unsteady arm to open the door.

Hesitatingly she walked down the hall towards the light of the living room. She needed to talk to Maria. If anyone could comfort her, make her feel better, know exactly what to say, it was her life long best friend.

“Ria?” Was that her voice? It sounded so tiny and scratchy, almost non-existent.

“Lizzie?” Maria’s head sprang up from her psych book and she jumped to her feet, hurrying to Liz’s side, engulfing her in a great big bear hug. “Sweetie, are you alright?” without letting go of her, Maria made her way to the couch and sat Liz down beside her.

Liz was quiet; she wasn’t really sure what she could say to that. Was she alright? Not really, truth be told.

“Do you want to talk about it, sweetie?” Maria reached over and closed her psych book, pushing it to the side of the table as she got comfortable on the couch beside Liz.

“I’m sorry…I interrupted your studying…I’ll just-” but before Liz could get away Maria was holding her down, not letting her flee.

“No you don’t Liz! You are staying right here. Classes, grades, studying…none of that matters sweetie. Not now, when my best friend is hurting. That’s all trivial. You are what’s important. Come on now, talk to me, like we used to when we were kids…we always tell each other everything. I hate seeing you hurting like this!” Maria looked Liz straight in the eye and would not budge until she got the hint.

Liz sighed and lay down on the couch with her blanket protectively around her shoulders and the dog cradled against her chest, laying her head in Maria’s lap. Maria gave a sad smile as she brushed her hand lightly through Liz’s dark locks in a soothing manner. They just sat like that in silence for half an hour, neither girl making a sound to disturb one another, just staring off into the dim room.

Maria just waited. She wasn’t going to start this conversation now. No, now it was up to Liz. She needed to get this out, but it couldn’t be forced, she had to do it on her own. And Maria would wait as long as it took. So what if she was tired and had class and work in the morning? Her friend needed her now, so she would be there for her.

“I was at Max’s for dinner…” Liz relayed the whole story to Maria, without moving, in a hushed whisper, almost as if she was afraid to disturb the silence of the room. There were no sobs now; no, now there were only a few stray tears that fell silently down her cheeks at key moments.

“Oh chica! I’m so sorry, I had no idea, well I mean I got the idea after you came in and…I’m sorry, you know what I mean!” Now Maria had tears in her own eyes for the pain that her friend had gone through. Liz sat up as more tears streamed down her cheeks and hugged Maria tightly as they cried on each other’s shoulders.

“And…I told him that I really did mean it when I had said that I loved him, then I walked out the door and didn’t look back.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Maria stood behind the counter in the café waiting for the usual rush of students that happened between classes. She was all alone for the moment because Natalie had to go to her class early and Liz, who was working for the next few hours, had just gotten out of class.

Truth be told, Maria was worried about Liz. They had stayed up well into the morning talking and crying together until they finally fell asleep on the couch curled up under blankets. Liz had even missed her early class this morning because they had no alarm, yet she didn’t care. Elizabeth Parker, perfect student, didn’t care that she had missed an entire class, and it was her bio seminar too. Well, actually, when she thought about it like that, it kind of explained it. Max was in Liz’s bio seminar. Of course she wouldn’t mind missing it, that wasn’t too crazy, but still, Liz never missed a class.

The jingle of the bell on the door caused Maria to look up. It was Liz. She walked slowly with her head down and no expression what so ever on her face. It was like she wasn’t even there. A shell of a person. How could anyone do this to her dear sweet Lizzie? When she got her hands on Max Evans…

“Hey Lizzie.” When Maria got no response from her friend, she decided against asking how she was…that would only aggravate her more. “So, anyways Natalie was telling me about this party Friday night…it’s gonna be a blast she says…” Maria hinted. She wanted to get Liz out of their apartment for a night, have some fun, and forget about her troubles for a short while. It would do her good, much more good than spending the night locked up in her bedroom crying.

“Maria-” Liz went to turn her friend down shaking her head no but was stopped.

“No Lizzie, we need to get out. You need to get out! Come on, it’ll be a girls night! We’ll have lots of fun, I promise. And I won’t even leave your side the entire night if you don’t want me to…please please please please please???” No one on earth could resist Maria’s puppy dog eyes…no one.

“Fine,” Liz conceded as she tied her apron around her waist and walked behind the counter to help a customer.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“So, where are you taking me tomorrow night?” Isabel smiled at Alex, hoping to get something out of him. She was amazed by how comfortable he made her feel when they were together. He was quickly becoming one of her best friends…and maybe, well maybe something more.

“Sorry, if I told ya,” Alex looked around conspiratorially and then leaning his head closer whispered, “I’d have ta kill ya!”

“Alex!” she laughed. Alex loved the sound of her laughter. When he first met her, she seemed sad. Later he found out why when she trusted him enough to tell him why she came to San Diego in the first place. But now, now she was this amazing person whose laughter warmed his heart. “No, serious, I wanna know!”

“I told you I would surprise you, and that’s what I plan on doing.”

“Hey guys, what can I getcha?” Maria asked as she sat in the empty chair. God she was tired. Last night had been exhausting, and work and classes was going to kill her yet. But she would be strong for Lizzie. How many times had Liz helped her through things? Well now it was her turn to be of service.

“Hey Maria, is Liz okay? She looks like she’s getting sick or something.”

“Oh, yeah, well…we were up late last night, because of Max…and you know…” Maria lowered her voice to be sure that no one could hear, especially Liz, as she spoke Max’s name in particular.

Isabel felt horrible about that…she wished there was something that she could do.

“Oh yeah…I feel so bad about that…I don’t know what’s gotten into Max lately. He just mopes around the house and he hasn’t said a word to me since yesterday afternoon, before all this started. Michael hasn’t really said anything to me either, and god knows they’re not talking to each other. That house is so big, well now it’s grown even bigger. But I don’t think it could get big enough for the two of them to be happy now. I mean, they run into each other in the hall or something and I always know cause I hear two doors slam on opposite sides of the house moments later. They are acting like children!” Isabel commented. Whatever it was, it had to be something big…really big, that much she was sure of. And what did it have to do with Liz and Max? Hmm…she’d have to think about that one.

Maria and Alex watched as Isabel got up from her chair and walked over to Liz who was leaning against the front counter. Isabel had to touch her shoulder to get her attention. They watched as Isabel leaned in and whispered something to Liz before pulling her into a friendly hug. Maria was shocked when she saw a small smile appear on Liz’s face as she nodded her head in response to something Isabel had told her. ‘Wow, she actually smiled…somewhat. God, I hope she gets through this…’

Isabel came back to the table quickly but didn’t sit down.

“Sorry guys, I gotta go. I have an appointment with the admissions office right now. Wish me luck!”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It was Friday afternoon and Maria had gotten both her and Liz off of work early so that they could get ready for that party. There was no way Maria was going to let Liz get off with some lousy excuse to miss this. No, this was something that she needed; they both needed a break from classes and real life for one night. Now they would have fun!

“Come on Lizzie, we’re gonna have fun tonight, cheer up!”

“I don’t know Ria, maybe I should just stay home…I mean you’ll have more fun if I don’t go and-”

“No you don’t! You are NOT getting out of this chica!”

“But after everything that happened…”

“That is exactly why we need this!”

“But…”

“No but’s!” Maria sighed and walked over to Liz wrapping her in a hug. “Look chica, I’m not trying to be mean here, but you aren’t doing yourself any good by sitting here and moping and pinning…you need to get out…” she hesitated a moment before finally adding in a much softer voice, “…move on.”

Maria knew she might have overstepped it with that last comment, but it was the truth, no matter how much it hurt to hear it, it needed to be said. The sobs that escaped Liz’s body told her she hit the nail on the head, but she just held on to her friend tighter, never letting go.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Mail-call!” Alex called out as he let himself into the girls’ apartment.

“Oh! Thanks!” Maria came running up to him like a little kid flocking to the ice cream man. She grabbed all the two letters and one medium envelope from him and shut the door, leaving a stunned Alex in the hall.

“You’re welcome!” he called, rolling his eyes as he headed back to his apartment to get ready for his date…or semi date…or whatever!

“Yeah! Tess finally sent it! I’ve been waiting for this forever…” Maria squealed as she took the letter and bounced further into the apartment, noticing a blinking light on the answering machine…she hadn’t noticed that when she got home…oh well. Pushing the button she paused to listen to the message…oh god, it was her mother.

“Maria honey? I got the most wonderful news! But I don’t want to leave it in a message so call me as soon as you get home, okay? You won’t believe this! Call me! Don’t forget!” Yes, that was her mother…she sounded like a giddy teenager. She had been young when she had Maria, and now Maria noticed more and more how different her mother could be from her friends’ parents.

Maria sighed and picked up the portable phone before heading to their bedroom. Hey Lizzie. You got something from Courtney in the mail. Here you go. Ugh…I gotta call my mom now, she left me this freaky message on the machine…if you hear me scream, you know something happened…” Maria walked out of the room with her head thrown back taking deep breaths preparing for the inevitable. It wasn’t like she didn’t like talking to her mother…not at all…because she did! But sometimes, her mother could be really, well, exhausting. Dialing the number swiftly she held the phone to her ear taking deep calming breaths. She could do this…it was just a phone call…just her mother…

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

‘A letter from Courtney? I just met her, what is she sending me?’ Liz wondered. Shrugging it off she opened the larger envelope and pulled out what was inside. There were a few papers with a note on top. Then Liz remembered what this had to be.

~~~~~

“I’m sorry Liz, I don’t have a gift for you,” Courtney apologized.

“Oh, don’t worry about it. I’m sure you weren’t planning on being here. I mean, we didn’t even know each other a few days ago!” Liz laughed as she put all of her friend’s gifts back in their boxes.

“I know, but I still feel bad about it.” Courtney thought for a moment and then remembered something. “You know what? I think I have something at home that you would like.” A smile spread across her face as she thought of it. “I’ll just send it down when I go back home. And don’t worry, it’s not a problem!”

“That’s so nice of you. Thank you…but you really don’t have to!”

~~~~~

Dear Liz,
Well I didn’t have a present for you at your party, but I did promise that I had something for you…well here it is. I hope you like it. I know we just met and all but I had a lot of fun with you guys while I was down there. Hopefully we can all do it again sometime. Well I hope that your birthday was all you wanted to be. Twenty is a big step. It seems strange to not be a teenager anymore, lots of things change, or so people say, but I haven’t seen any yet, I don’t know about you. Well, good luck with Max and I hope the two of you are happy. You two looked so cute together. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him happier than when he was with you. Take care of him.
Always,
Courtney

A tear dripped down Liz’s chin onto the letter as she read. With a shaky hand she lifted the letter to look at what Courtney sent her. It was Max.

“Oh my god!” Liz cried as the sobs hit her full force.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“You what?! Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god!” Maria was pacing back and forth in front of the couch with the phone held up to her ear. “How is it that you never even told me about this? I mean…I never heard anything…and then all of a sudden this…this…well, THIS!!! Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god!”

“Maria, honey, calm down,” came Amy’s soft voice through the phone.

“Calm down mother?! You just spring this on me and you want me to calm down?! I don’t think so!” Maria took a few deep breaths to try and gain some control. “Mom, I can’t talk to you right now, I’ll call you later!” with that Maria hung up the phone and threw herself onto the couch, burying her head in the pillow.

“Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god!”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Maria walked into her bedroom to find Liz in tears again. ‘And this day just gets worse and worse!’ She found the letter from Courtney along with a couple pictures beside the bed. They were cute pictures: one was of Max, Michael and Courtney all in caps and gowns, and the other was just Max, probably his senior picture. Sighing Maria knelt on the floor beside Liz and gently rubbed her back.

“Sweetie, if you really don’t want to do this party tonight, you don’t have to. I don’t want to push you if you’re not ready. But I’m going. After what my mom just told me, I really, really need a drink. Maybe more than one!”

Liz sat up brushing the stray tears away so that she could get a good look at Maria. What happened to her? This wasn’t her cheery friend. And what was she talking about? Maria always made fun of the people who got drunk at parties, she wasn’t planning on…or was she? And what happened with her mom?

“Ria, what’s wrong? What did your mother do this time?” ‘Maybe I’m not the only one with problems,’ Liz realized.

“Look Lizzie, it doesn’t matter, alright?” Maria really didn’t want to deal with this now.

“No! Maria you’ve been helping me and now it’s my turn to help you, now tell me what your mom said.”

“She’s…she’s getting married…” Maria mumbled, but then her voice rose with the fury in her eyes. “Can you believe it? I mean, I didn’t even know about this guy. She never told me anything about him, and now…now she’s marrying him!”

“I’m sorry Ria.” Liz pulled her into a hug, she knew that this was a sore spot for Maria. She had never had a father in her life and never liked the idea of her mother dating because usually all the guys she dated were losers. The only father figure she had was Liz’s, which was safe because it meant that her mother was still all hers. Now she would have to share.

“Don’t worry about it. But I’m going to this party, so are you coming or not?” Maria asked as she brushed past Liz to look at her clothes hanging in the closet. Liz hesitated a moment not too sure about what she was about to do.

“Sure Ria, lets go,” Liz answered finally. There was no way she’d leave Maria alone right now. Who knows what kind of trouble that girl would get into without her there!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Isabel bounded down the stairs as fast as she could in her cute white, high-heeled, strappy sandals.

“Alex!” she smiled brightly as she opened the door.

“Wow, Isabel. You look beautiful,” he told her, enjoying the blush that crept across her face.

“Thanks.” She had finally found the perfect chance to wear that pink dress she had bought a while ago and never worn. With her hair half pulled back and slightly curled at the ends she was sure that she looked good; not too dressy, yet not too casual. The perfect look for a sort-of date…at least that’s what she thought this was. “So, where are you taking me?” He had been very adamant about not telling her until now.

“You’ll see, come on!”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Maria walked in the door of the large house where the party was already in full swing with Liz at her side. They were both looking rather hot in her opinion, after all she had picked out their clothes, saying they needed the right attitude. She was especially happy with her rather short, low cut dress. Now this was a party. You know, there isn’t anything quite like a college party.

A guy passed by with a bunch of beers and handed one to each of the girls with a smile. Maria gladly took hers though Liz was rather hesitant about it.

“Come on Lizzie! It’s time to let go! Time for us to have some fun! Isn’t that what college is supposed to be all about anyways?” Maria shouted to be heard over the crowd. Taking another long swig of her beer she pulled Liz a little further inside.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Come on Max, it’ll be fun. It’ll help us both to relax a little. I thought we agreed to just have some fun this weekend?” Michael was glad that Max was talking to him again. It had been hell living in the same house and not speaking. But now everything was okay again, mostly anyway. They had talked at least…

~~~~~

“Michael look, I’m sorry I got so mad at you about all this. I know it wasn’t your fault or anything. You were just being a friend, my best friend. It just hurt.”

“It’s okay man…” Michael didn’t know what else to say, because he was really starting to feel bad about it. It was, after all, his fault.

~~~~~

“Fine Michael,” Max nodded his head and followed him into the party. But when he looked up, he never expected to see that. “Oh no…”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Maria and Liz were leaning against a wall talking about some guy that Maria had just spotted and was calling cute when they heard someone come in the nearby door. Maria’s eyes lit up and the words ‘fresh meat’ were floating around in her head as she smiled. The smile fell away as her eyes landed on the last person she really wanted to be anywhere near right now.

“Oh no!” she tried to turn and block Liz’s view but it didn’t really work too well.

“What Maria?”

“Nothing Liz, come on, lets go dance.”

“No, serious Maria, what’s wrong?” Liz asked as she finally got a glance over her friend’s shoulder. Maria could see the horror in her eyes before she quickly masked it. Looking down at the drink in her hand that she had been holding, Liz shook her head before lifting it to her lips. She coughed a little but took another large sip before turning back to her Maria. “Come on, let’s go have some fun! Isn’t that what college is supposed to be all about anyways?” she reiterated what Maria had told her not fifteen minutes earlier.

With new energy Liz pulled Maria into the mob, stopping only for a moment when a guy offered them some jell-o shooters. Liz had never had them before, but then again she hadn’t had beer before tonight either…it was a night for firsts.

Liz giggled after her first one causing Maria to giggle as well.

“I think these…” she indicated the jell-o she was about to eat, “are my new best friend!”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Part 18

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Oh no…I’m outta here. I’m sorry man, I can’t do this.” Max said as he turned back towards the door and was beginning to make his way outside.

“Max…Max. Hey wait!”

“Michael…she’s in there. I can’t deal with this right now. Look, I’m going home.”

“Max, come on. We both need this; you know we do. Ok, so she’s in there. You knew that it was going to happen sooner or later. You were bound to run into her eventually.”

“Michael…I can’t. It’s too soon. It still hurts too much.”

“Max…you need to let go. You need to learn to move on. This is your chance. This is your chance to get out there…let loose…find someone new…or just have fun. So Liz is here, big deal. Are you going to let that stop you?”

Max heaved a heavy sigh, looking back towards the house they had just come out of. “You’re right. Let’s go.”

“Alright!”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Max was miserable. Yeah, he had tried to have fun, he really had. He’d even mingled a little bit trying to meet new people. He talked to a few girls, they were attractive enough, but there was nothing there. No personality, no fire. They were mindless drunk bimbos who he was sure wanted nothing more then to get in his pants.

Who was he trying to kid anyway; this wasn’t his thing. Max Evans didn’t go to parties trying to pick up girls. Hell, Max Evans didn’t even party. How had he gotten Michael to talk him into this? Right. He’s supposed to be having fun. Letting loose. ‘Yeah Michael, I’m sure having some fun now.’

So there Max was, standing against the wall in what he assumed was the living room, with an open beer in hand, one in which he had only taking 2 sips out of over the last hour he’d been there, watching an undoubtedly drunk Liz as she flirted with almost every guy in the room. ‘Yeah, this day’s just getting better and better.’

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Liz was having fun for the first time in days. She never knew how much fun alcohol was. She was certainly going to have to experiment with it more often now. Who knew that one little drink would make you so much more relaxed? Or two? Or three?

“Hey, you wanna dance?” some guy she didn’t know asked.

“Sure, I’d love to. What’s your name?” she asked as the guy lead her into the mass of people.

“I’m Sean. And you are?”

“Liz.”

“Well Liz, what is a gorgeous girl like you doing here?”

“Hmmm…trying to get over Max,” she stated nonchalantly.

“Well, what do you say I help you with that,” Sean said bringing her body flush with his.

“Ok,” Liz said as she giggled when he brought her in close to his body.

“I don’t know who this Max guy is, but I can’t for the life of me think of why he would want to let go of a girl like you.”

“Awww Sean…that’s so sweet.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Max watched as Liz danced very close with some guy he didn’t know. He watched the creep as he grabbed a shot glass off some guy walking by, giving it to Liz who gladly took the drink. ‘Didn’t the jerk know that she’d already had way too much?’

The more Max thought about it, the more he didn’t like the guy. Max was a guy, he knew how the male mind worked, what most guys thought about all the time, and he knew exactly what that guy was planning by giving her that drink.

Max watched them move together almost as if they were one person, virtually no space between them. ‘Hey, what is his hand doing there?’ Max felt the jealously bubble up inside him, but he quickly tried to push it back down. ‘You don’t have the right to get jealous. She’s not yours anymore, remember? You’re the one who gave her up.’

Max was snapped out of his reverie when he heard Liz’s giggling, much closer to him then he’d expected. He turned to see Liz and that guy, whatever the hell his name was, headed for the staircase just to his right. Max quickly made his way over to the couple and caught them halfway up the stairs. He grabbed onto the guys wrist, right above where his hand was grasped with Liz’s and stopped him dead in his tracks.

“What the fuck?” Sean said turning around to see some guy had grabbed onto his arm.

“Let go,” Max seethed.

“Get the fuck away from me man. This doesn’t concern you.”

“If this concerns her, it concerns me. Now let go!”

“No. Who the hell are you?”

“I’m her boyfriend.”

“Ahh…Mark is it? Well, it ain’t my fault you let this gorgeous piece of ass slip through your fingers, but she’s mine now.”

With that Max caught Sean with a hard right hook, sending him to the floor. “It’s Max, and if you ever come near her again, you’ll be answering to me. Got it?” But Max didn’t wait for an answer before leading Liz away.

Once they were a safe distance away, Max stopped, turning around to check on Liz. “Are you ok?” he asked.

Liz just nodded her head obediently, biting her lip as she looked at him.

“Liz, how much have you had to drink tonight?”

“Ummm…I lost track after 3,” Liz said while holding up four fingers. She soon became increasingly fascinated with her own hands, looking at them like they were the most interesting things in the whole world.

“Where’s Maria?”

“I don’t know, she went to the bathroom a while ago and never came back,” Liz answered, still marveling at her fingers.

“Liz,” Max said in exasperation, trying to regain her attention. “Do you know what that guy was planning on doing with you?”

“Uh huh,” she said nodding, like it was the most natural thing.

“And you are ok with that?” Max questioned skeptically.

“I don’t know,” Liz replied before someone bumped her from behind and she was thrown forward. Max quickly caught her before she could do herself any bodily harm. He quickly brought her up to look at him, looking quizzically at her giggling face.

“What?” he asked.

“I just noticed something.”

“What?”

“Junior.”

“Junior?” Max raised an eyebrow looking at Liz curiously.

“Uh huh,” Liz nodded before grinding her hips into his own. Max couldn’t help the moan that escaped his lips at Liz’s actions. ‘What had gotten into her?’

“Take me home, Max,” Liz whispered in his ear, a sultry smile on her face.

“Yeah…yeah, I uh…think that’d be a good idea.”

Max quickly lead Liz out to his car. ‘Boy am I glad that Michael and I decided to bring separate cars,’ Max thought as they both got into the car and headed towards Liz’s apartment.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Alright Liz, where’s the key?”

“In my pocket.”

“Great, then give it to me.”

“No.”

“Alright, then why don’t you go ahead and open the door?”

“No.”

“Okay Liz,” Max started rubbing his temples in exhaustion. “How do you suppose we get in if you won’t give me the key?”

“Come and get it,” Liz replied as a broad smile spread across her face.

Max just sighed, ‘This girl is gonna be the death of me.’ He slowly walked over to Liz, who had not moved from her spot leaning against the wall, seeing as she wasn’t having the easiest time standing up straight. Grabbing onto her pocket and pulling the leather material as far away from her body as possible, which wasn’t very far, Max quickly reached into her pocket, retrieving the key.

Trying not to get caught up in the feel of being so close to her skin, Max made a quick job of opening the door to let them inside. He quickly ushered Liz inside, helping as needed, before turning around to shut and lock the door. “Alright, now why don’t we get you to bed so…” but Max didn’t get to finish his sentence, as Liz’s lips were quickly on his.

Max tried not to respond, but it was hopeless as he felt the tingling sensation of her warm lips against his and her tongue moving against his own as she thrust it into his mouth. He was quickly lost in the feel of her, but it was the taste of alcohol on her breath that brought Max crashing back to reality.

“Liz stop. Liz, we can’t do this.”

“But I thought this is what you wanted?” Liz asked, a sad look on her face.

“No…yes…I mean…Yes, I’d always wanted this with you, but…this is definitely not the time. I know if you were sober right now, you wouldn’t want this. You wouldn’t even want me here. You kinda hate me right now.”

“That’s ridiculous Max, I could never hate you. I love you.”

“I wish I could believe that were true. Come on, lets get you in bed.”

Liz just nodded mutely as they made there way into the bedroom. Max found something for her to wear to bed and motioned her towards the bathroom. When she came back out she sat down on the bed, resting her head on Max’s shoulder. He tried to get her to lie down in bed, but she stayed locked in place.

“Max, I think I’m gonna be sick,” she answered at his questioning gaze. Max quickly helped her to the bathroom, making it just in time to fling her head over the toilet and proceed to heave all the contents of her stomach. Max held her hair and soothingly rubbed her back. As the heaves subsided, Max left, returning with a damp washcloth, gently dabbing at her forehead. He got her to rinse out her mouth with water and then helped her back to her bed. He stayed with her, softly running his fingers through her hair and over her back, till her breathing evened out and he was sure that she was asleep.

With his head hung low, Max slowly moved out of Liz’s room. For a brief moment he wondered why he had done all this. Why, after everything that had happened between them, did he still feel the need to protect her? But then, just as simply as the question came, so did the answer. He loved her. He still did. After everything, he couldn’t help but still love her. Too bad that just wasn’t enough.

Grabbing a throw off the back, Max slipped out of his shoes and jacket and lay down on the couch. He couldn’t leave her alone right now. He’d just sleep here tonight. Or at least until Maria came home and he knew someone was here to take care of her. So Max lay down and stared at the ceiling, trying to get his muddled brain to settle into sleep.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Part 19

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Walls vibrating from the loud music, hundreds of people crammed into small spaces, and most importantly alcohol everywhere you look. Oh yeah, Maria was definitely enjoying this! It was kinda funny actually, no matter how much she drank, her cup never seemed to get any emptier…she stared at it in fascination for a while before shrugging it off and taking another drink. Whenever her drink got anywhere near empty, some guy would come and hand her a new one…but she never seemed to really notice. She was happy just drinking away.

Wait a minute, wasn’t Liz just there a minute ago? Where had Liz gone? She couldn’t really remember…oh well! She took another sip of her beer and she was happy . Was that guy looking at her? Why was he looking at her? Yuck! He was ugly, and gees, he had to be at least 30! Shaking it off Maria turned and squeezed her way through the crowd into another room. This was better. Taking another drink Maria looked around her. Oh yeah, definitely better, plenty of fresh meat!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When had he lost track of Max? Michael wasn’t sure. ‘Great, I just hope he isn’t mad at me or something…’ Michael thought. But actually this was all for Max’s own good. This way he could get out and have some fun, hopefully meet some other girls to take his mind off Liz. But Michael didn’t want to think about that anymore. Nope, he was planning on having some fun tonight.

As he walked into a room crowded with people dancing to the music he noticed one blond head standing out from all the others. As he watched her, an unfamiliar smile crept up on his face. She looked beautiful. She was amazing. She was…wait! What the hell was he thinking?! That was Maria! The harpy! Oh god!

Michael walked out of the room and into another, equally as crowded, and full of pretty girls looking for some guy to dance with. And they all seemed to love him…oh this was definitely going to be a fun night, he thought to himself.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Maria was having a great time. The men all seemed to love her and she loved the attention. The spotlight was exactly where she wanted to be…it was a great distraction…well the alcohol helped too…

The guy she was currently dancing with was tall with hair that had obviously been bleached a few too many times. But he was cute and a great dancer and that was all that mattered. The next thing she knew another guy was at her side, this one with greasy black hair who looked like he was on the football team. He tried to pull her away from the blond surfer, but he wouldn’t have it. Mr. surfer grabbed her other arm and pulled her back towards him. But Mr. Football player wouldn’t have that. Soon they were playing tug of war with her arms and she was laughing, until it really started to hurt.

“Guys!” her head was spinning from all the drinks she’d had, but she was desperately trying to take control. “Guys!” she yelled, but her slurred voice could barely be heard over the music.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Michael was dancing with some sorority girl. She had finally shut up. All she had wanted to do was tell him about every single person in her house and all of their business in her little valley girl voice. This was why he stayed away from frats and sororities as a general rule…one that he would have to remember in the future.

Hearing a loud ruckus Michael looked up to see what was going on. Anything to distract him from the blond bimbo he was dancing with. Not that he wasn’t having fun…because he was if she would just shut up.

That was when the pushing started. The crowd was being pushed every which way. Looking up, Michael saw the reason. Two guys were playing tug of war with some poor girl. Wait, that wasn’t just some poor girl…shit! Michael pushed through the crowd until he reached the two idiots.

“Hey!” His voice echoed through the room over the music. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” The two guys stopped yanking on Maria’s arms for a minute and looked at him, angry for the interruption. It was obvious to Michael that Maria wasn’t the only one who had had way too much to drink tonight.

“This has nothing to do with you man!” the surfer snarled before pulling Maria fully into his arms.

“That’s where you’re wrong.” Michael’s voice was smooth and cold, cutting right to the bone. He reached for Maria’s hand, and as gently as he could extracted her from the jerks that were clawing at her. He could already see the red marks on her wrists forming from where they were grabbing her. Michael brought her flush against his chest and leaning down kissed her with all the emotions he had built up inside him. When he pulled back he stared into her dazed eyes for a moment before looking coldly upon the two neanderthals beside him.

“Don’t you ever mess with her again. Is that clear?” Michael glared at the two men until they nodded their assent. Then he turned and led Maria out of the room, having to help her walk since she couldn’t do it on her own.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Maria was still dazed from his kiss as he led her out of the room and out of the house. Her head was swimming from that kiss…god could that boy kiss! ‘And he’s cute too,’ she giggled.

When they were outside on the porch Michael stopped and looked at her carefully. What had come over him, he wasn’t too sure. He just felt this need to protect her from those jerks that would have pulled her apart if they could’ve.

“Are you okay?” he asked, leaning down to look at her face. He held her hands in his and gently massaged the red marks on her wrists, not wanting to hurt her more, but trying to soothe the pain.

“Of course I’m okay!” Maria smiled as her head bobbed up and down. “You saved me, my hero!” she sighed and leaned against his chest, unable to stay standing on her own two feet.

The alcohol was definitely affecting her. Michael decided it was past time to take her home. Maybe she could sleep it off.

“Come on, let’s get you home.” Michael started to lead her to his car but she couldn’t stand. “Come on,” he said as he wrapped one arm around her waist and the other behind her knees, cradling her against his chest.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Michael’s car had just pulled up outside the apartment building when he turned to Maria. She looked beautiful in the faint light from the streetlamp overhead. The orange light seemed to glitter off her golden hair, giving her a halo. She still had that dazed, happy smile on her face.

“Maria?” Michael called to try and break her out of her daze. He was rewarded with her 1000-watt smile, but he didn’t expect what happened next. Maria unsnapped her seatbelt in a flash and settled herself in Michael’s lap, straddling his legs. She gave him her sweet smile as she reached up and started unbuttoning his shirt, leaving a trail of slow languid kisses down his chest as she revealed each bit of skin. Breathing in his rich scent she could feel her head starting to spin.

Michael was in heaven…this…this angel was practically attacking him in his car. He knew he should stop, but it just felt so good…so perfect.

“Maria, what are you doing to me?”

“Mmm…if you have to ask I must not be doing it right!” Maria giggled as she set back to exploring his well-defined chest with an even greater fervor.

“Maria…uhhh…we’re here. Why don’t you go get some sleep?” It took a lot of strength on Michael’s part, but he knew that was the right thing to do, right?

“Mmm…but I want to sleep with you,” to emphasize her point she poked him in the chest with her finger. “And you wouldn’t fit in my bed…” she rambled, giggling and shaking her head in her drunken stupor. She looked into his eyes, her face inches from his, feeling his breath on her lips. “Take me home Mikey!”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Maria’s laughter echoed through the large entryway as she ran ahead of Michael into the house. Michael didn’t understand where she got all the energy from considering earlier she wasn’t even able to walk to the car, but hey, all the better for him, right?

“Mmm, have I ever told you how much I love your house?” she walked forward in a stagger as her head was focused on the high vaulted ceilings and the stairs leading to the second story. Michael saw her teetering on the verge of falling over and raced to her side to catch her.

Maria’s laughter filled the hall once more as she found herself happily cradled against Michael’s chest. Rubbing her hands up and down his chest she continued her exploration that she had begun in the car. His shirt was already unbuttoned allowing her to watch his muscles tense and stretch as he carried her up the stairs. Pushing the sleeves down his arms she reveled in the feel of his naked flesh. This had to be heaven.

Her hands on his skin drove Michael wild…his thoughts were broken…choppy. He couldn’t think of a single reason to stop the inevitable. This woman was a goddess, and she was giving herself to him. With his shoulder he opened the door to his bedroom and slammed it behind them, not once slowing down on the journey to his bed.

The minute he set her down on her feet beside the bed, she attacked him. Clothes went flying, scattered about the room. Hungry mouths seared paths across smooth naked flesh in a frenzy. The room was quickly filled with their cries and moans of pleasure.

A while later the room was silent. Michael looked down at the angel in his arms. God, she was incredible. Why hadn’t he noticed before? Wait, what was he thinking? Pushing all the bad thoughts out of his brain Michael focus on the moment, and he was happy with this little pixie lying at his side. Happy for the first time in over a year…but he had to wonder how long it would last. When would the real world come crashing down on him, because it always seemed to find him, not giving him any peace… But for now he pulled her even closer against his chest and kissed her temple before drifting off to join her in sleep.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Part 20

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Oh Alex, this place is perfect. And how did you know I loved seafood?”

“I have my ways. I’m glad that you like it. This is considered one of the best seafood restaurants in San Diego.”

“God, and the view of the water…it’s just beautiful. Thank you Alex. This is amazing.”

“Anything for you,” Alex said sincerely and Isabel couldn’t help the blush that came over her face.

“So Isabel, I meant to ask…how did your meeting with the admissions people go?”

“Oh, it was great. I talked to this really nice lady who said she’d read over my application and that she was really impressed. She said that she couldn’t tell me for sure now, cause that just wouldn’t be fair, but that she pretty much thought that I was a shoe-in.”

“That’s great!”

“Yeah. I’m so excited. I really hope that I get in. I mean, before I came to visit I really didn’t know where I wanted to go, that was why I was taking the year off. But now that I’m here, I’ve just fallen in love with the place, and I want to start as soon as possible. That’s why I applied for spring semester. I just can’t wait till next year. Plus I’ll get to be close to Michael and Max…”

Isabel trailed off at the change in Alex’s face at the mention of Max’s name. She had forgotten that Max was a sore subject for Alex at the moment. What the hell had gotten into that boys head lately was beyond her. She couldn’t imagine how Max could just give up on Liz so easily; they had seemed so happy together. Come to think of it, she didn’t think that she had ever seen him so happy. She didn’t know all the details about it, but she knew that it had to have ended badly.

Sometimes Isabel thought that she was the only one out of the loop; everyone else seemed to know what had happened, had already chosen sides, but no one would let her in on what was going on. So, she stopped pushing the issue, hoping someone would tell her eventually.

“Yeah, your brother’s seems to be a great guy,” Alex said, purposefully ignoring her comment about Max.

Deciding that a change of subject was in order, Isabel decided to move onto happier topics. “So Alex, how did you, Maria and Liz become so close?”

Alex’s eyes brightened up at the mention of his friends’ names. “That’s a funny story actually. You see, when we were freshman, we all lived on the same floor in our dorm building. I was the unlucky one who got to live with our fucked up RA, who picked on everyone who was a freshman half the time and was dead drunk the other. Anyway, so Liz and Maria lived down the hall from me, they were roommates of course since they had known each other before.

“Well anyway, one time, about a month into the first semester, I get this knock on my door. When I open the door, who do I see but two girls, in towels no less, dripping wet, asking for my idiot roommate. They’d apparently locked themselves out of there room and where hoping that Dereck would let them in without too much hassle. He of course was passed out at the time, so I stole his keys and the rest is history.

“We became really close friends after that. We were all far from home for the first time and we helped to fill the gaps we’d left behind. I have three younger sisters back home, so I kinda adopted Maria and Liz to fill that gap. It just feels natural to me, having people to look after, and I was kinda lost without that. And I became the big, protective brother that neither of them ever had.”

“That’s so sweet,” Isabel responded. “And I must say, I think you’re doing a great job.”

“Yeah, not as great as I should be,” Alex muttered under his breath, hoping that Isabel hadn’t heard him. Fortunately for her, she did.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Alex, that was wonderful. Thank you.”

“Hey, the night’s not over yet. Come on,” Alex said grabbing onto her arm and pulling Isabel down along the shoreline.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

Alex led them down the water until they came face to face with a large boat, strung with lights. Isabel looked up at him confused.

“It’s a cruise of the harbor. I’ve heard that it’s beautiful at night, when the city is all lit up,” Alex responded, a little unsure of himself.

Isabel couldn’t help the grin that spread across her face. “It’s perfect.”

Visually relieved, Alex held out his arm. “Shall we?”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Once the boat had set sail, the couple danced one song then moved up to the deck to watch the sunset. They walked up to the railing at the edge of the ship, looking over towards the horizon. Feeling a little bold, Isabel grabbed onto Alex’s arms and wrapped them around herself leaning against his chest.

Alex was a little surprised by Isabel’s actions, but he couldn’t say that he was complaining. He just relaxed, tightening his arms around her, enjoying the moment and the beauty that he held in his arms.

Isabel loved the security and safeness that she felt in Alex’s embrace. It was like nothing she’d ever felt before. She felt that no matter what happened, everything would be alright as long as she was in his arms.

They watched as the sun slowly sank beneath the sea.

“So, you ready for another dance?” Alex asked when they could no longer see the golden rays.

“Definitely.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

An hour later found Isabel and Alex back out on the deck of the ship, looking out over the lights of downtown San Diego.

“It’s really beautiful,” Isabel commented.

“Yeah,” Alex said with a sigh, although he wasn’t really looking at the city. He just couldn’t seem to tear his eyes away from the beauty beside him.

Seeing Alex out of the corner of her eye, Isabel sighed in frustration. “Alex, are you ever going to kiss me?” she asked, turning to him sharply.

Alex was a little shocked by her comment, but recovered quickly. He quickly wrapped her up in his arms, bringing their bodies together.

“Well, you see. I didn’t want to rush you,” Alex said, bringing his face closer to hers.

“I think I can handle it,” Isabel responded, a smile on her lips, as she finally closed the distance between them.

The kiss was slow and sweet, allowing the gentleness appropriate of the situation, yet holding the promise of so much more. They broke apart, and just stayed there, in each others’ embrace, watching the twinkling lights of the city pass by.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

They sat out on the pier, looking over the water. The starlight tour had ended quite a while ago, but neither wanted the night to end. They just sat there and talked about anything and everything, sharing a quick kiss every now and then. Now they were sitting in a comfortable silence, Isabel leaning her head against Alex’s chest. Finally, Isabel found the courage to bring up something that had been bothering her all night.

“Alex, what did you mean back in the restaurant. When you said you hadn’t been as good a protector as you should have?” Isabel noticed how he stiffened at her words. Plunging forward, she turned to look at his face and moved on. “Is this about Max and Liz? There’s nothing that you could have done to stop that. I mean, who was to know that they were going to break up? I don’t think that anyone saw it coming? You can’t protect her from stuff like that.”

“There’s a little more to it then that,” Alex said with a sigh, really not wanting to talk about this, but knowing that it was inevitable. He knew that Isabel probably didn’t know about everything that happened between Max and Liz, and even himself and Max for that matter, to cause such bad blood between them. He knew that he owed her some sort of explanation.

“What Alex? God, I wish somebody would just tell me what was going on? I’m so sick of seeing everybody mad at each other, and me stuck in the middle.”

“Look Isabel, I didn’t mean to put you in the middle of this. I didn’t want that to happen. There’s just some things between me and Max right now that can’t be forgiven.”

“Like what? And it’s not just you. I just hate not being able to have all my friends and family together in one room again. I miss that.”

“I know.”

“So tell me Alex, tell me what the problem is. Tell me why you hate my brother’s best friend.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Liz woke up to a pounding headache. Groaning, she turned over to look at her clock. 7:30am. Holding her hand to her head, Liz headed to the bathroom in search of aspirin. She finally found some and after downing it with some water she made her way to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee.

Once the coffee was made and poured, Liz walked over with the steaming cup to look out the window, trying to remember what she had done the night before to warrant such a headache. Turning around she gasped out loud and nearly dropped her coffee mug upon seeing the figure lying on the couch, and that’s when it all came crashing back to her.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Max’s eyes slowly fluttered open. At first he was a little disoriented by his surroundings, but remembered where he was when his eyes settled on an angel, namely Liz Parker.

She was huddled up on an armchair, knees up to her chest, staring out the window next to her with a far off look on her face. ‘Damnit!’ Max swore silently to himself. She obviously knew that he was there. He had planned on being gone this morning before she woke up. It would make this a lot easier if he had.

“Why do you care?” she suddenly asked, startling him. He was not aware that she had noticed he’d woken up. But what startled him even more was the deadly monotone of her voice, seemingly void of emotion.

“What?”

“Why do you care? About me? Why do you care at all about what happens to me?”

“Liz…”

“I mean, I just don’t get it,” Liz continued, not allowing him to answer. “I mean, you completely blow me off, finally deciding that I just wasn’t worth it, and then you go out of your way to protect my virtue? I just don’t get it Max. Why do you care?”

“Liz, just because we broke up, doesn’t mean I don’t still care about you; that I never did.”

“Goodbye Max,” Liz said before he could get in another word. Max just nodded his consent, silently slipping his shoes back on and grabbing his jacket. He had made it the door, opening it, and was about to step outside, when he heard her small voice once again.

“Thank you,” Liz said quietly.

Max just smiled a little, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Always,” was his simple reply, before he turned and made his way out of the apartment. It wasn’t until the door was shut and his steps were heard moving down the hallway, that she finally let the tears come.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When she had first seen Max lying on that couch all of her memories and thoughts of everything that had happened last night came flooding back to her. How when she had seen Max at the party, the drinks just started flowing. How she had openly flirted with every guy she could, in part to try and get her mind off things, in part because she knew Max was watching. How she’d danced with that Sean guy, finally feeling desired and wanted again. How Max had come to her rescue when she was about to make the biggest mistake of her life. How she had unashamedly thrown herself at Max the night before, and what a gentleman he had been, not taking the one thing she could have sworn he had wanted all along.

A million emotions played across her mind; sadness, despair, anger, betrayal, embarrassment, confusion… Everything leading back to one question: Why?

Why did he even bother to look after her as he did? Did he somehow feel guilty for breaking her heart and driving her to this point? Was he jealous that someone else was going to get what he himself had wanted so badly? Did he change his mind and suddenly realize he loved her just as much as she loved him?

‘Yeah right, Liz! Stop kidding yourself!’

But then, why didn’t he take advantage of the golden opportunity that was put before him? He was obviously ready and willing, and she wasn’t going to be putting up much of a fight. Why did he stop it then? Was she suddenly not good enough for him? Did he no longer find her as desirable? Was he disgusted by the way she had been throwing herself at him, practically begging him to take her?

Now that he was gone she was even more confused. How could he possibly still care about her after everything that he’d done? If he still cared about her, how could he have broken her heart? So utterly? So completely?

And how come after everything, she just loved him even more?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*