Roswell Fanatics

CHAPTER 10


Maria could hear voices around her but was still hesitant to open her eyes. It was only a nightmare! A horrible, ugly nightmare, but it was over. Now all Maria could feel was warmth surrounding her. Reluctantly she opened her eyes to Alex’s nagging voice. Why couldn’t he give me just five more minutes? She looked up and saw Alex standing over her, shaking his head in disapproval, but chose to ignore it. “Alex, I had the worst nightmare. I dreamed Liz had run off and we were chasing her.” Slowly she sat up, suddenly realizing she was lying on the floor. “What am I doing down here?”

Alex knew he should be used to this by now, and in all actuality he was, but she just seemed to have the worst timing. “You fainted, Maria.” Someday she’s gonna faint and really hit her head.

“I fainted? What are you talking about? I was dreaming and you…” Suddenly it all came back to her. It wasn’t just a nightmare! “Oh my God, Alex! Liz? Where is she?”

“We’re not exactly sure, but I’m sure she’s fine.” This came in a deep voice from behind her.

Maria whirled around to see Michael sitting on the floor behind her. “What are you doing?” She looked down and realized his arms were still wrapped around her. “What are you doing?” Maria scrambled to her feet and jumped away from Michael. “I faint and what…you decide to cop a feel?”

Michael could feel his temper start to boil over, but knew it wasn’t the time or place. “Look, honey…you fainted, I just caught you.”

“Well, next time keep your hands to yourself!” Maria was embarrassed, but unfortunately not for the reasons everyone else assumed. She’d enjoyed waking up in his arms.

“Sure, no problem. Next time I’ll let you hit the floor!”

Alex and Isabel both watched the scene with amusement. Michael and Maria were two of a kind. Maria had finally met her match. They both snickered together as if they were sharing the same thoughts, but were interrupted by Maria’s high-pitched tone.

“My God! You’re a total ogre!”

“It’s not my fault you’re a drama queen!”

“Troll”

“Hag!”

Ok, it had gone on long enough. “If you two lovebirds are through maybe we could discuss the issue at hand?” Alex smiled at Maria’s wicked glare. “I’ll take that as a yes. Now, can we go back inside, order some food, and fill each other in on everything we know?”

“Well, how’d we get outside?” Maria asked confused.

“After your little dramatic scene we decided to bring you outside so we wouldn’t draw so much attention.” Michael replied before Alex could open his mouth.

“I am not a drama…look Alex is right. I think we could all use something to eat.” Maria walked quickly towards the door wanting to put as much distance as possible between herself and Michael.

“Is this chick for real?” Michael questioned once he was sure Maria was out of earshot.

“I’m afraid so,” Alex rubbed both of his temples, “don’t worry…you’ll get used to it.”

“Lucky me.” Michael mumbled under his breath. He wasn’t about to admit he’d enjoyed holding her.

They found a quiet booth off in the corner away from most of the other patrons, so they could talk openly without worrying about someone eavesdropping. They each placed their orders and maintained small talk until after their waitress had brought them their drinks.

“Ok, now spill it! Where’s Liz?” Maria wasn’t wasting anymore time. She knew Liz needed her right now.

Michael didn’t really know what to tell them. Obviously they were going to be persistent, but he knew he couldn’t tell them the truth…at least not all of them. He eyed Isabel curiously, but she managed to keep her eyes from meeting his. “I told you, she left with my best friend Maxwell. I can assure you she’s safe. Max wouldn’t let anything happen to her.”

“No, I don’t believe you. Liz is not the type of person to just run away.” Maria said in defense of her best friend.

“Really? I’m sorry…and how was it she ended up here in Opal Cliff?” Michael couldn’t help but grin. He could practically see smoke coming out of Maria’s ears.

“Fine, so she ran off once, but there were special circumstances! She wouldn’t have just run off with some guy she’s known less than a week. It’s just not Liz.”

“I hate to agree with Maria, but she’s right. Liz wouldn’t just take off with some guy she barely knows…especially not in her condition.”

“You mean because she’s pregnant?” Michael could see the shock instantly on their faces.

“How’d you know? Did Liz tell you?” Maria was stunned. Liz hadn’t even told her, but she’d told this overgrown baboon?

“No, Max told me.”

Something wasn’t right. This Michael guy seemed ok, but this wasn’t like the Liz Alex had known since he was five. “Something else is going on here that you’re not telling us. We just talked to Liz yesterday and she didn’t say anything about your friend Max or going anywhere with him.” Alex’s worst fears started to surface. “What have you done with her?”

“What?” Michael could see the panicked expression on Alex’s face. They didn’t really think he’d hurt Liz, did they?

“I’ve known Liz my whole life and I know she wouldn’t have run off…again, without a very good reason. So, if you haven’t done something to her, then tell us why they left?” Alex’s voice rose considerably as he asked his questions. He hated to sound like Maria, but he was getting worried.

Michael looked around them and could see people had taken notice of the group sitting at the table. He had no choice, he had to tell them something or they might go to the police. “Ok…Max was in trouble…Liz was just trying to help.”

“So this friend of yours is trouble? Great and now Liz is involved? If you were really a good guy you wouldn’t have let a young, pregnant girl run off with your best friend.” Alex had stood up and was now standing over Michael. He knew he wasn’t the most intimidating guy, but he was the only one here to fight for Liz’s safety.

This is getting worse by the second! “I promise you…Max isn’t trouble, he was in trouble. If you’ll calm down and lower your voice I’ll tell you what I know.”

Reluctantly, Alex sat back down. “I’m listening.”

“But, Alex, he said…” Maria tried to interject.

“No, Maria. He says he’ll tell us what he knows, so let’s listen.” Alex said in the calmest tone he was currently capable of, which came through gritted teeth.

“When Liz got here a few days ago things changed with Max. Almost immediately he fell for her. He would never hurt Liz…he’s a good guy. Unfortunately, someone hurt him.” He saw the questioning glances, so he continued. “His father…well he’s really abusive. The other night he went on a drinking binge and decided he needed a punching bag.”

“Oh my God.” Maria covered her mouth. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. How could someone hit their own kid?

“Yeah, well Liz and I found Max and got him the hell out of there, but his dad came looking for him. The only way he was going to be safe was to get out of here for a little while, so that’s what he did.”

“And he took Liz with him? I’m lost. I get why he had to leave and Liz was probably upset since she found him, but why would she go with him?” Alex still had a feeling deep in his gut that there was more to this story.

“She wanted to go. I can’t describe it, but there was something between them from the first moment they met. I know he was drawn to her and he cares very deeply for her…maybe she feels the same way about him.” When he had the chance he would tell Isabel more, but this was as much as he was giving these two.

“So, he’ll be back?” Alex questioned.

“Yeah, he always comes back. He just needs a few days to heal.”

“Always? You mean this has happened before?” Isabel asked horrified. She couldn’t help but wonder if this Max was like her…like them. She finally looked to Michael, but he only nodded.

“Alex, what do we do now?” Maria wanted Liz now. The thought of having to wait for her to come back was agonizing.

“I guess we wait.” The four of them ate in total silence, each going through their own inner turmoil over the current situation. Maria was on the verge of tears. She wanted Liz back now. Alex still didn’t believe Michael was telling them everything. Isabel just wanted answers. Answers about who she was, who Michael was, and at the moment most importantly, was Max one of them. She didn’t know how, but she would get her answers tonight.

~~~~~~~

Max smiled as he glanced quickly over at Liz. She’d been quiet most of the afternoon, but just now he’d seen her smile. “What are you thinking about?”

“What am I not thinking about would be an easier question to answer.” She responded instantly.

“Anything you want to talk about?” Max was afraid she was having second thoughts. Not only about them running away together, but about him.

Liz knew what he was thinking. She wasn’t sure how, but she could feel his worry. “I’m not going anywhere, Max.” She smiled and took his hand into her own. “I’m where I belong now.”

For a brief moment Max felt better, but then he realized she wasn’t. She wasn’t where she belonged and he felt guilty for the role he’d played in her decision to keep running. Had he left her alone, she might’ve gone home. “Liz, we need to talk about your family. I wish we didn’t, but I need to know why you ran. I’m sure your parents and your friends must be worried to death by now. It’s ok, Liz, you can tell me anything…you already know my secrets.” He winked at her and she grinned again.

“I had a lot of reasons to run, Max. It wasn’t just the baby. Well, mostly it involved the baby, but there were a lot of reasons.” When he didn’t speak Liz realized he was waiting for an explanation. “I’ve always been perfect in my parents’ eyes, as if I could do no wrong. I was a great student, a loyal, loving daughter, and I even had the perfect boyfriend. Only he wasn’t so perfect and neither was I. Max, I couldn’t bear the thought of telling my parents I had disgraced them. I knew they would be disappointed and I was scared. That’s when I finally told Kyle, the baby’s father.”

Already suspecting the answer, Max asked anyway. “How’d that go?”

Liz thought back to the look on Kyle’s face, and then the accident. “It didn’t go too well…he wrecked his car. At first I blamed myself…but then…” Liz kept seeing the guilty expression on Tess Harding’s face. Just the thought of her made Liz feel sick.

“If you can’t do this right now, Liz, I’ll understand.”

“No…if I don’t get this out now I never will. His father came to see me in the emergency department. He told me Kyle was in a coma and it didn’t look good. I had to get out of there…I just needed some fresh air, but when I went to leave I ran into someone.”

“Someone?”

“I ran into the girl he’d been sleeping with behind my back. The sad thing is…I knew. I knew and I let him get away with it.” Liz wiped away the tears gently flowing down her cheeks. “That’s when I realized I was on my own. I couldn’t tell my parents I was pregnant and alone, and I sure as hell couldn’t stay there with Kyle. I mean if he died I would’ve blamed myself, and if he didn’t it still wouldn’t change the fact that he’d been with someone else and I was carrying his child. It just seemed like a lose, lose situation…so I left.”

“Liz, I’m so sorry.” Max fumbled to find the right words but nothing seemed right. “I can only imagine what you’ve been going through.” Max knew he didn’t have the right, after all he didn’t even know Kyle, but he was angry. How anyone could treat someone like Liz Parker that way didn’t make sense to him. “I knew you were pregnant, but Kyle…”

Liz shook her head. “That’s why I’ve been too scared to call home. What if he’s dead, Max? It would be my fault.” Liz whispered barely audible.

Max had heard what she said and immediately pulled the car over. Once they’d come to a complete stop he turned to Liz. “I want you to listen to me. I don’t know Kyle, and I don’t know this girl, but what they did was wrong. You didn’t deserve that, Liz, and no matter what you think…you weren’t driving that car.” He pulled her into his arms and held her tightly. He would never let anyone hurt her again.

~~~~~~~

“Well, Sheriff…it’s good to know Kyle is going to do right by my daughter. I have to admit…I didn’t think he would.” Ed Harding sat back in his chair and smoked a cigar, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Jim felt sick to his stomach. He didn’t like these people under any circumstances and now he was going to be related to them. “Kyle’s a good kid…he takes care of his responsibilities.”

Ed Harding didn’t care for the fact that his daughter was being considered a responsibility, but at this point as long as the Valenti kid was going to marry his Tess, he was happy. “So, when shall we have the glorious event?” He asked sarcastically. “You know she’ll start showing any time now and neither one of us can afford a scandal.”

“I agree. Hopefully Kyle will be released within the next week and we can have a private ceremony at the courthouse.” Jim started to turn and walk out of Ed Harding’s office, but realized he had something else to say. “Mr. Harding…I don’t know your daughter very well, and I’m sorry to admit I didn’t even know Kyle had been seeing her. The one thing I do know is that my son is not a prize for her to win. If she thought Kyle was her one-way ticket out of this town…she was wrong. Good day, Mr. Harding” He left before the other man could respond. Jim knew this is what Kyle had to do, but he didn’t have to like it and he sure as hell didn’t have to pretend Tess Harding was even close to what he had wanted for his only son.

~~~~~~~

Isabel had been watching the clock for hours and waiting for Alex and Maria to go to sleep. She had to talk to Michael and knowing he was just down the hall was making it more difficult. She’d been waiting for these answers her whole life, and she knew Michael Guerin could finally give them to her. She glanced over at Alex and smiled. He was hugging his pillow, much like a teddy bear, and snoring lightly. Then, she looked to Maria. She’d been chatting Isabel’s ear off most of the evening but it appeared as though she had finally fallen asleep. Quietly, Isabel slipped on her shoes and stood up. She couldn’t wait any longer. She crept slowly out of the room and made her way to the apartment Max had behind the office. As she reached up to knock it became evident that her hands were shaking. She may have wanted answers her entire life, but now the truth scared her. Part of her wanted to turn around and run back to the safety of Alex’s arms, but that choice was taken away from her when the door opened.

“I was wondering when you’d finally make an appearance.” Michael stepped away from the door and sat back down on the sofa a few feet away.

Isabel stood there for a moment dumbfounded and incapable of speaking. “How…how’d you know? I didn’t even…”

Michael smiled at her confused gaze. “I could feel you…I knew you were close.”

“But I couldn’t…”

“I’m sure I’ve had more practice than you have…you know, being with Maxwell all these years.” Thinking about Max brought a familiar pain to Michael’s chest. Max had left many times before, but this time felt different.

Isabel had so many questions, but not a clue where to start. She had felt Michael’s presence with each mile they had come closer to Opal Cliff, but now that she was here…she didn’t know what to say.

“Funny, I thought you’d be more talkative. After all, we have a lot to discuss.” Michael grabbed the remote and flipped on the TV. Until Isabel was ready to talk he figured he’d make the most of his time.

Isabel walked over and sat down on the opposite end of the sofa. She was uncomfortable being here. Whether it was because of Michael Guerin or the possibility of learning the truth about where she came from, didn’t matter. Her heart was racing and her hands were sweating. “I guess I just…”

“Don’t know where to start?” Michael finished for her.

“Yeah.” Isabel sat there, silently praying he would offer her the information she wanted. He didn’t. “I don’t know very much…about who I am…where I come from…” She couldn’t tell if he was even paying attention to her as he laughed at the television. “Michael!”

Michael could see her irritation, so he reluctantly shut the TV off. “Ok…what do you want to know?”

“Everything.” She blurted out without pausing.

“Everything is kind of a broad area to cover…do you think you could be a little more specific?”

His mocking tone was not lost on her. She’d waited her whole life for this and he was treating it as a joke. “Look, I need answers and unfortunately you are the only person who can give them to me. But if this is just a game to you then let me know and I’ll leave now!”

Michael threw up his arms in a surrendering gesture. “Ok…peace! I’ll tell you whatever you want to know.”

Isabel took in a deep breath and finally stepped over the ledge that had been waiting before her for so long. “I need to know who I am…I think you can tell me.”

“Are you sure you’re ready for the truth?” Michael wasn’t intentionally mocking her at this point, but she had to understand the box she was opening.”

“I’m ready…who am I?”

~~~~~~~

Tess looked in the mirror and smiled. Blue was Kyle’s favorite color so she’d worn her most revealing royal blue sweater for his benefit. She smiled to herself I’m getting everything I want and nothing is going to stop me now. She puckered and fixed her lipstick before finally leaving the ladies room…it was time to visit her groom. Tess stepped out into the hallway and ran into someone almost immediately. “Hey! Could you maybe watch where you’re going?” Tess bent down and picked up her purse and the few items that had spilled out. Before she could stand up she heard a voice she had never wanted to hear again.

“Tess? What are you doing here?”

Feeling her dreams slipping away from her, Tess finally found her voice. “Aaron?”


TBC

Ok...I'm finally back! This chapter is a little shorter than normal for me but I didn't want to put off posting any longer! I hope you enjoy...and to my sister, who is totally in the dark with this chapter, it's all your fault She knows what this means


CHAPTER 11


Max had been driving for hours but surprisingly wasn’t tired. Somehow just being with Liz made everything seem…better. It had been a long time since Max had felt safe in his life. He hadn’t felt safe with who he was or with what he was, especially living with his father, but now…life seemed better. Driving down the tree lined streets of Astoria, Max watched as mothers rushed their children to cars for the morning carpool. He watched as fathers kissed their families good-bye and headed off to work. It all seemed so normal. Normal in a way his life had never been.

Max glanced at the small form sleeping in the passenger seat. She looked so peaceful and he could see a faint smile on her lips even as she slept. Max looked again at the many families starting their days and then back to Liz. It was the fairytale life he’d always dreamed of, but he knew it would be short lived. Liz had fallen asleep sometime after two in the morning, giving him plenty of time to think. Max wanted this life. He wanted to live in a world like this with Liz. He wanted to raise her child together and finally feel that sense of belonging he so desperately needed, but reality always had a way of rearing its ugly head. As he watched the sun rise, Max realized that running away with Liz had been wrong. He had no regrets about being with her or offering to help her raise her baby, but he regretted bringing her into his world of chaos. It was too late to take back everything he had told her, but it wasn’t too late to help her regain her own life. He’d had a good reason to run, but Liz hadn’t. She was a typical, frightened teenage girl, but even in her condition, her life had hope. That was something he’d been waiting for as long as he could remember. Now, in the sober light of dawn, he had to make her understand why they couldn’t stay here. Before waking her up he took one last look at the dream world he wished he could live in. “Liz.” He shook her arm gently, doing his best not to startle her.

Her eyelids felt so heavy and all she wanted was a few more hours of sleep, but hearing Max’s tender voice helped ease the transition between her dreams and the morning she wasn’t ready to face. “Good morning.” She whispered, her eyes still closed but a smile dancing across her lips. “Where are we? What time is it?” Slowly she opened her eyes and began to sit up. Before Max could answer her questions she saw the lovely picture he’d been staring at. She could understand the trance he was in. She saw the people rushing to start their days, but most of all she noticed the happy children that surrounded them. It was funny, but she’d never really noticed children playing or laughing around her until she found out she would be having a child of her own. Now there were children everywhere.

Max knew what she was thinking. He may not have known her for long, but he could tell she was picturing herself in the life he’d been daydreaming about only moments before. “It’s beautiful…isn’t it?”

“It’s just like I imagined it would be.” Liz reached over and took Max’s hand in hers, her eyes never leaving the scene playing out before her. “I’d seen pictures of this place, but now I see they didn’t do it justice. It seems so…”

“Perfect. I know. I’ve been watching for a few minutes…envious of the simplicity most of these people live with everyday.” Max’s heart ached at the thought of never knowing a moment of true normalcy.

Liz turned to face him and placed a hand on his cheek. “You don’t have to be envious anymore, Max…this can be our life.” She wanted this. This life was exactly what she’d dreamed about a hundred times. Growing up in Roswell had never been the epitome of a normal life and now she wanted to grab on with both hands to her dream and never let go.

Max knew they needed to talk. The last thing he wanted was to ruin this fantasy, but real life could only be avoided for so long. Just as he was about to open his mouth to tell her everything he’d been thinking about, his stomach growled causing Liz to giggle. It was the most beautiful sound he’d ever heard. “I guess we should probably eat something. After all, you are eating for two so we have to keep you healthy.” He winked as he put the car back into drive and headed further into town hoping to find a small diner.

“You’re so good to me, Max…” Liz trailed off as she recalled their conversation from the day before. She’d known from the very first moment that Max Evans was special, but the offer he’d made her to help with the baby had gone above and beyond her most outrageous expectations. “Why, Max? Why me?”

He could tell this was an important question to Liz, but he knew she’d be disappointed with his answer. “Honestly…I don’t know. I know it’s not the answer you were looking for, but it’s the truth. From the moment I saw you I knew there was something different about you.” He saw the smirk on her face and once again could read her thoughts. “Not different like I’m different…just special. There’s really no logical explanation for it…I just knew I wanted you in my life. I was drawn to you and for the first time in a really long time, my life didn’t feel so bleak.”

Liz blushed at his response. It hadn’t been what she’d expected…it had been better. “Thank you, Max. Right now life seems so crazy and despite your alien status…I feel like everything is going to be ok. I haven’t felt that way in a long time.” Liz smiled at him again and then turned to watch the town as they passed by.

She is so happy. How do I tell her we can’t stay?

~~~~~~~

Isabel had been trying to sleep but it was useless. Her meeting with Michael kept playing over and over in her mind like it was stuck on repeat.

“We don’t really know too much. Maxwell and I were about two when we were found wandering the desert near Roswell.”

“So, you know nothing?”

“I didn’t say that…I said we don’t know too much. There is a difference.”

“Please don’t play games with me…I’ve been alone my whole life waiting for answers. I always knew I was different, but it wasn’t until I met you yesterday that I knew I wasn’t alone.”

“I can only tell you what I know. Even at a young age we knew we were different, but we knew we were the same. We were both adopted and brought here to California, but as we got older we were determined to know the truth. We’ve never been to Roswell, but we’ve studied it. We don’t know why we’re here or where we came from, but we do know it wasn’t a weather balloon that crashed in the desert in 1947.”

“But we’re teenagers…it’s been fifty-seven years since the crash. That doesn’t make sense.”

“That’s what we thought, but we have some memories.”

“Memories? I don’t understand. What kind of memories?”

“Several years ago Maxwell had a dream. At first we ignored it, and assumed it was nothing more than just a dream…until I started having the same dream. We were in some kind of chamber. It was dark and cold, but we saw things.”

“Things?”

“We saw pods…at least that’s what Maxwell calls them. There were four. Obviously we had come out of two of them, but the third pod was empty…I’m assuming it was yours.”

“And the fourth?”

“It was punctured. Whatever had once lived in it must’ve died in the crash…there were just…remains.”

“I think I’m going to be sick.”

“Hey, you wanted to know.”

“So, we were…hatched?”

“For lack of a better word…yes, we were.”

“So, you knew I was out there somewhere alone?”

“Well, that’s a little tricky. We didn’t know where you were or who you were, and by the time we started remembering things you were long gone.”

“So you just left me there? What kind of a monster are you? Didn’t you ever stop to think about what could’ve happened to me?”

“Isabel?”

“No! You left me there alone! You were the only real family I had and you left me there. There’s no excuse for that!”

Isabel closed her eyes again and massaged the sides of her temples. Maybe she had overreacted, but she couldn’t help but feel like she had been abandoned. She could feel the movement beside her and knew Maria was waking up. She wasn’t quite ready to face the day, but then again she didn’t want to face her thoughts at this point either. She sat up and looked over to Alex’s bed, but it was empty. “Alex?” She’d been up most of the night, but she hadn’t heard him leave. Where could he be? “Alex? Are you here?” Maria grumbled into her pillow, but she heard nothing from Alex. Quickly Isabel threw on a robe and went to the balcony to see if he was out there enjoying the sunrise. He wasn’t, but when she looked closer she saw a tall figure walking along the beach. Alex. Isabel didn’t bother getting dressed, but just grabbed a pair of sandals and headed out the door. Lucky for her it wasn’t a long walk to the beach. She didn’t even realize she was jogging to catch up with Alex until she could feel herself losing her breath. Once she was about a hundred feet away she called out to him. “Alex!” He stopped and she saw him look her way, but he didn’t come to her. Finally, she reached him. Completely out of breath, she tried to talk to him. “I’ve…been…looking…for you.”

“Me? Why?” Alex was angry and he didn’t see any point in trying to hide it.

“You weren’t…in bed…I was worried.”

“Were you? Isn’t that interesting.” Alex turned away from her and kept walking along the beach, kicking up sand as he went.

“What’s wrong, Alex? Why’d you leave?”

He didn’t feel like talking right now, especially to Isabel. But like Maria, he knew she was persistent. “I had to think.”

“About?”

“About how much it hurt last night watching you go to him!” He didn’t owe her an explanation further than that and he wasn’t in the mood for this conversation to continue. Instead he kept walking…not looking back.

~~~~~~~

Tess had been up most of the night thinking about her encounter with Aaron. Fortunately it had been brief, interrupted by the announcement that visiting hours were now over. She’d excused herself quickly, but here she was back at the hospital. Once again facing Aaron, the one person in the world with the power to ruin her entire life. She stood paralyzed for a moment staring into Aaron’s deep, blue eyes. She had missed him. She hadn’t wanted to, but she had. “What are you doing here?” She took in a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “Aren’t you supposed to be in Phoenix?”

“I was, but when I heard about Kyle’s accident I had to come…and I wanted to see you.” Aaron stepped forward and took Tess into his arms before she had time to protest. As his lips touched hers he could feel the initial resistance, but almost immediately that resistance had turned into the longing he remembered between them. He’d loved her for years and being away from her had slowly been killing him. Finally, he pulled away and stared into her eyes, but was taken aback by what he saw. She had kissed him back, but now all he could see was regret. “Tess? Baby, what is it?”

Baby! Tess jerked free from his embrace as if he was going to bite her. Why is he here now? He could ruin everything! “Nothing…I’m just surprised to see you…how long are you staying?”

“Well, at least long enough to see Kyle…and long enough for us to figure out where we stand.” He looked at her hopefully. He wanted to hear that she had missed him too, but something was wrong and he could see it.

Tess looked down at her feet, unable to meet his eyes. She’d loved Aaron, but he wasn’t going to be her future…he couldn’t be. Somehow she had to get him out of there without seeing Kyle. She couldn’t watch her entire future go up in flames and do absolutely nothing to stop it. “Why don’t we get out of here? We can talk…catch up?”

Aaron grinned at her eagerness, but he had to see Kyle first. “I’ll make you a deal…you hang around and wait for me for a few minutes and I’ll give you a night to remember.” He couldn’t help but wink at her as she blushed. He liked that he still affected her. “I just need a few…ok?”

“But Aaron I…” She didn’t have time to finish her sentence as Sheriff Valenti approached them.

“Hey there, Aaron…it’s been a while.” Jim noticed the tension instantly and wondered what he’d just interrupted. “You here to see Kyle?”

“Yes, sir. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it sooner, but you know how things go.”

“Yes,” Jim looked at Tess, who appeared to be extremely nervous about something. “Yes, I sure do. Well, why don’t you come with me…Kyle’s been going crazy being trapped in the hospital. I’m sure he’ll be glad to see a new face.” Jim put an arm around the boy’s shoulder and led him down the hall toward Kyle’s room.

Tess watched as they both disappeared around the corner…all of her dreams going with them.

~~~~~~~

Kyle stared out the window of his room, wishing he were anywhere but here. The past week had been a constant nightmare. Unfortunately, being in the hospital had given him more than enough time to think, which was the one thing he didn’t want right now. His memory was slowly starting to come back, but his doctor had warned him that he might never make a full recovery. Maybe it’s for the best he thought to himself. Obviously he had screwed up everything in his life, or Liz would be sitting here by his side. He had been trying so hard to remember their last night together, but it was mostly just a blur. Vague images that didn’t seem to make any sense.

Kyle walked back to his bed and lay down. He’d been sleeping a lot, anything to avoid thinking about the situation he’d found himself in. He was getting married at the end of this week…to the one person in the world he nearly despised. What’s done is done! You did this to yourself. He shifted restlessly trying to get comfortable. When he slept he dreamed of Liz and for a short time his life was peaceful again. He closed his eyes and suddenly images started flashing before him.

Kyle, slow down!

What’s wrong, Lizzie? You’re usually up for a good time.

Kyle, we need to talk…maybe we should pull over?

Look, Lizzie…you’re being king of a drag…is it that time of the month?

Fine. You want to know what’s going on?

Kyle’s thoughts were interrupted as his father and his best friend came strolling through the door.

“Damn, Kyle! I leave you for a few weeks and you gotta pull some crazy stunt to get my attention?” Aaron reached forward to shake his friend’s hand. “Dude, look how pale you are. I’m thinking once you get out of here we’re gonna have to take a road trip…get you looking like the Kyle I used to know.” Aaron winked when he saw Kyle’s grin. He’d been scared the whole ride over that the sheriff hadn’t told him the truth and that Kyle was going to die.

Kyle was relieved to see his friend. Finally here was a new face that didn’t expect anything from him. “Hey, man! It’s good to see ya! What the hell are you doing here?”

Aaron laughed aloud before responding. “Oh, I don’t know…just thought you could use a friend.” Aaron glanced around the room and then back to Kyle. He was surprised not to find Liz next to Kyle’s side after everything he’d been through. “Hey, Kyle?”

“Yeah?”

“What happened, dude? I mean your dad filled me in on the accident, but he says you don’t remember what caused it? He said Liz was with you…”

“Yeah…she was, but now no one knows where she is.” Kyle looked down at the scars on his hands. They were a constant reminder that he’d nearly been killed, but they were also a constant reminder that Liz was gone. She had been fine before the accident…what could’ve changed?

“Kyle? Dude, you listening?”

Kyle was brought back to the moment by the sound of Aaron’s voice. “Sorry. I just have a lot on my mind. So, how are you doing? How’s Phoenix?”

“Oh no…you don’t get to change the subject. What do you mean she’s gone? Liz would never leave you like this.”

“Well, she did. It’s really for the best anyway.” Liz, what I wouldn’t give to see you again.

“The best? How could Liz not being here be good? I thought you two were happy.” Aaron didn’t understand. When he’d left only weeks before they had seemed like the perfect couple.

Kyle hated having to tell Aaron what he had done. He’d been his best friend since they were in diapers and now he had to tell him everything he’d done the last few months. It was the last thing he wanted to admit to anyone. “Yeah, well you know me…if I have something good I have to screw it up.” He watched Aaron’s confused expression, understanding that he wasn’t making sense. “I cheated on Liz…I can only assume she found out and that’s why she’s gone.”

“Wow.” Aaron was speechless. This didn’t seem like the Kyle he’d always known.

“Yep. Wow. That’s not even the best part,” he remarked sarcastically. “The girl…the one I was with,” he saw Aaron nod his acknowledgement, “she’s pregnant and we’re getting married.”

“Married? Do you love this girl? Is the kid even yours?” All Aaron could think of was that he’d only been gone a few weeks…suddenly it seemed like a lifetime.

Kyle smirked. The situation wasn’t funny, but ironic. At one point he’d tried to get Liz pregnant intentionally so she’d never leave him, and yet Tess was now pregnant and Liz was gone. “I don’t know. I didn’t even believe she was pregnant at first, but my dad was with Tess when she saw a doctor.”

“Tess?” Not my Tess!

“Do you know her? Tess Harding?” Kyle had finally come to the conclusion that Tess was his punishment for being such a bastard.

Aaron felt like he was going to be sick. It couldn’t be true…it couldn’t! “Kyle, I have to go, but I’ll be back.” Aaron was out the door before Kyle could say a word.

“Thanks for stopping by.” Kyle muttered under his breath since Aaron was already gone. I wish I could leave too.


TBC

Hey everyone! I'm back and my computer is temporarily behaving itself! Thank you so much for your patience and I hope you enjoy the chapter! The Max & Liz part in this chapter is a little shorter than usual because I had ideas for the other characters, but I can assure you they WILL be back in full force soon

A little note...the Spongebob section of this chapter was TOTALLY inspired by my Habibi (SarahMarie) so I must give her credit for being my muse On to the chapter...

CHAPTER 12


Isabel wasn’t sure how long she’d been sitting in the shower, but the water had long since run cold. Everything around her seemed to be spinning. The last week, despite the craziness, had been the best week of her life. She’d felt like she belonged, like there was some purpose to her existence. Alex had made her feel that way. His open, loving ways were so unlike the other people in her life and now…now she’d lost him too. She’d been devastated by Michael’s revelation and had wanted nothing more than to find comfort in Alex’s arms, but now she sat here, fully clothed, in the shower, wallowing in her own self pity.

“Isabel? Hey, you gonna be in there all day?” Maria had been waiting for more than half an hour to use the bathroom, and she wasn’t about to go down to Michael’s in her pajamas. She pounded again on the door, but still received no response. “All right…I’m coming in!” Maria pushed open the door slowly, almost afraid of what she might find. Something didn’t feel right. Slowly she approached the shower and pulled back the curtain. “Isabel?” Maria stared in disbelief for a moment before reaching to turn off the water. She could see the distant expression on Isabel’s face and the quivering of her bottom lip. “Oh my God, Isabel. What happened?” She whispered as she grabbed a towel and bent down to wrap it around Isabel. “Sweetie, we’ve got to get you out of here before you get sick…come on.” Maria took her arm and urged her to stand up.

Isabel stood up slowly with Maria’s help, her legs had fallen asleep and she was completely frozen. It wasn’t until then that she realized the water had been on cold the entire time she’d been in here. Suddenly the cold air hit her and she began shivering uncontrollably. “I’m…so…cold.” She mumbled as Maria continued to stare at her.

“Well, yeah…that’s what’ll happen if you spend thirty minutes sitting in an ice cold shower. What were you thinking?” Maria grabbed all of the towels she could find to try and warm Isabel.

“I wasn’t.” Isabel stared blankly ahead. She recalled her conversation with Michael the previous night, and then the look of pure betrayal on Alex’s face this morning. She knew once Maria found out she too would get the wrong idea about their meeting, and the kindness would stop. She pulled away from Maria, no longer wanting her help. “Leave me alone.” She snapped.

“Hang on a minute…I don’t know what’s going on here, but I know for once I had nothing to do with it.” Maria stood her ground even as Isabel continued to back away. “You know, you can talk to me, Isabel…occasionally I’m a good listener.”

“No.” Isabel mumbled before retreating from the bathroom. It was only a matter of time before Maria would turn away from her, and she wasn’t about to grow to depend on someone else again. “Just leave me alone! I don’t need your help.”

“Right, cause you frequently take cold showers, completely dressed. This is normal for you? I’m thinking no, so you can either volunteer the information or I can pry it out of you. Either way I’m really good at this.” Maria smiled, trying to lighten the mood. She couldn’t help but feel unnerved seeing the ever so confident Isabel falling apart before her eyes.

Isabel looked at Maria…a smile spreading across her face. She’d really grown to like Maria Deluca, and right now she needed a friend…but could she be trusted? It wasn’t a chance Isabel was willing to take just yet, so telling her the absolute truth was out of the question. “Alex and I…well we had a fight.” Maria didn’t seem fazed in the slightest, but instead confused.

“You mean to tell me this attempt to reach hypothermia was because you had a fight with Alex? Wow, and people say I’m dramatic.” Maria plopped down on the bed across from Isabel knowing there had to be more to the story than this. “So…what was this fight about?”

What could she tell her? She couldn’t tell her the truth but she had to tell her something before Alex did. Just as she was about to speak the door swung open and Alex came in.

“Hey…um…Alex. What’s up?” Maria could see she was in the middle of something, but couldn’t decide if this was something she wanted to witness. After a moment she realized it was best to leave. “I can see you two obviously need to talk, so I’m gonna go see what Michael’s up to.” She passed a glance from Isabel to Alex, neither one of them paying her any attention. “Yeah, you don’t really care, so I’m just gonna go.” Maria grabbed her sandals and quickly exited the room. There was way too much tension in the room and for once the sparks were flying elsewhere.

Alex waited for Maria to leave before saying anything. He was ready to yell, but then he noticed Isabel was soaking wet and shivering. Despite his anger he went to her. “Isabel, you’re shaking. What’s wrong?”

The concern in his voice made everything hurt more. She had seen the anger in his eyes on the beach this morning and yet he was still worried about her. “I took a shower.” Nothing better had come to mind.

“I can see that, but in your clothes?” She was still wearing the pajamas she’d been wearing on the beach, but now she was dripping. He could only assume she’d gone in fully clothed. He wanted to be angry, but right now he had to know what was wrong. His anger could wait. “Isabel, we need to get you some dry clothes.” Alex stood up and reached for her bag. He didn’t care if he pulled out something fashionable or even coordinating, just something dry. “Here, put these on.” He handed her a pair of cloth pants and a t-shirt, most likely something she’d never wear together. “I’ll look away, but you need to change.” Alex tore his eyes away from hers, no longer able to bear the anguish he saw there.

Isabel took the clothes without any objections. Alex was trying to help, and she wanted to let him. She changed quickly and used one of the towels that wasn’t saturated to wrap her hair in. “Ok…I’m decent.”

Alex turned to face her again and could see the tears present in her eyes whether she wanted him to or not. Slowly he bent back down to face her. “Isabel, what’s going on?”

She didn’t know where to start. Was he asking about her wet clothes or was he asking about her night with Michael? It didn’t matter, she was going to tell him the truth…the whole truth.

~~~~~~~

Aaron had been looking for Tess for almost an hour and finally found her in the cafeteria. He had to know the truth and she was going to tell him. As he pulled out a chair and sat down he could tell she’d been waiting for him, for this. “Tell me it’s not true, Tess. Tell me you haven’t been sleeping with my best friend.” His voice cracked unintentionally as he spoke. He’d loved her for so long, he couldn’t imagine her doing something like this.

“Aaron,” Tess tried her best not to break down and cry. She had to be strong. Her father had made the situation clear to her and she couldn’t go back on their decision. “I’m sorry…it’s true.” She didn’t look up. She couldn’t.

“How could you?” Aaron felt his heart shattering into pieces. He’d thought of nothing but Tess since the day he’d left Roswell, but she’d immediately replaced him with Kyle Valenti of all people. “I thought…he’s my…did you ever?” He couldn’t bring himself to ask the questions he so desperately needed answers to. “Why, Tess,” was all he could manage?

Although she couldn’t bring herself to face him she could hear the hurt in his voice. Each word was like a dagger to her heart and it was her own fault. “I was lonely…I needed someone.”

“But Kyle? Why him? You said you would wait for me…was it all a lie?”

She could do this…she had to. “You left, Aaron…I didn’t think you were ever coming back…it just happened.”

“Just like that? How long did it take you? A day? A week? How long did it take for you to jump into bed with my best friend?” Now the anger in his voice was evident.

Tess tried to hold back, but the tears started flowing before she could stop them. “Aaron…please…don’t.” She couldn’t look at him. She knew what she would see in his eyes and it was more than she could take. She tried to leave, but his hand on her arm stopped her escape.

“Fine, you want me to stop? Then look me in the eye and tell me this baby is Kyle’s and not mine.” There was no mistaking it. Tess might be able to lie to other people but she’d never been good at lying to him. The moment he’d asked the question he’d seen the answer in her eyes. “It’s mine, isn’t it?”

~~~~~~~

Liz kicked around the sand at her feet, trying her best not to face Max. She didn’t understand why he was doing this. She could see this was the kind of life they both clearly wanted, so why was he trying to ruin it? “I just don’t understand…I thought…Max, I know you want this too. I know you do.”

She was right. If he was being totally selfish, he wanted this life, but not at the price it would cost Liz. She had friends, she had family, lots of people that cared about her and were clueless of her whereabouts. He couldn’t let that continue. He couldn’t put his own dreams before those of an unborn child that deserved to know where she came from. He had to make Liz understand he was doing this for her. “Liz, I know you want to stay in this fairytale, but we just can’t. You have people waiting for you back home. What about them? Are you really ready to cut off any ties to your past, to your family, to your friends? Don’t you think your daughter might want to know where she came from?” Max walked toward her and lifted her chin until their eyes met. “Elizabeth Parker, there’s nothing I’d like more than to live this fairytale life with you, but it can’t be like this. You need to face your past before we can have a future.”

Suddenly Liz felt a glimmer of hope. He had said future. Maybe he wasn’t brushing her aside after all. “You mean…you mean you might go with me?”

Max quickly realized what an idiot he’d been. It had all come out wrong. She thought he was sending her home alone. “Liz…did you honestly think I’d let you go now? You’re my dream…everything I’ve ever wanted…I’m never letting you go.” He bent down until his lips brushed gently against hers. He started the kiss slowly, but deepened it when he felt her responding. She tasted so sweet, and her lips were so tender. He never wanted to let go. The flash came before he knew what was happening. He could see it all. Her family, her friends, her life in Roswell, but more than seeing it, he could feel the love she had for her home. At that moment he knew for sure he was making the right choice for them both. Her world seemed happy, surrounded by loving faces. Something Max hadn’t known since the death of his mother. Reluctantly, his lips left hers and he looked into the eyes of the girl that would forever hold his heart.

Liz couldn’t believe the visions she had seen. They were horrible. She could feel his loneliness and the rejection he’d felt from his father. She didn’t understand how anyone could be near Max and not love him. She knew they were different, and at times life with Max might not always be easy, but she was willing to take that chance. It sounded crazy, even to her. She was only seventeen, pregnant, and had only known Max Evans for a week, but somewhere deep inside…it felt right. “Ok, Max…let’s go home.”

As Max took her hand he felt more peace than he had ever known. He was exactly where he belonged and the future suddenly seemed bright.

~~~~~~~

Maria had knocked several times, but there was no answer. She reached for the doorknob and turned. It was unlocked, so she let herself in. She walked through the small apartment waiting for Michael to jump out at any second, but he didn’t. She heard a faint sound and headed toward the back of the small apartment. Water running. He’s in the shower. For a minute she thought of leaving, but her curiosity won out in the end. Maria stood at the bathroom door, envisioning the sight on the other side. Wondering if he had tattoos she hadn’t seen, wondering if his muscles were even more impressive underneath the t-shirts he wore, wondering what it would be like to have those arms wrapped around her. Lost in her own mind she didn’t hear the water shut off. The door flung open without warning and there stood Michael Guerin. Naked and shimmering from the drops of water he hadn’t yet dried off. Mortified, Maria thought of running but her eyes settled on Michael’s nether region and she couldn’t tear them away.

Michael’s first instinct was to demand that she leave, but he saw the look in her eyes as she took in the sight before her. He could feel his own temperature rising and had to fight back the urge to take Maria into his arms and tear away the shreds of clothing separating them. Unfortunately, his sense of decency that he cursed frequently came back forcing him to grab a towel quickly and cover his body. He felt embarrassed and Michael never felt embarrassed. “What are you doing here?” He demanded when his voice returned to him.

Maria was still standing there, paralyzed with her fantasies about what she’d just seen. It took a moment for Michael’s angry tone to penetrate. “I…the door was unlocked, so I…I didn’t mean…” The vision of Michael naked was the only thing clear in her mind. She could hardly speak and for once she didn’t want to.

“It was unlocked, so what…you just decided to let yourself in?” Michael was now covered by a small towel, but still felt naked under Maria’s heated stare. “Hello? Are you listening to me?”

Maria smiled as she tried to follow his voice, but she wasn’t about to apologize. “I heard you…I just…well I…” I just saw Michael Guerin naked!

Nothing seemed to faze her. He was waiting for some kind of embarrassment on her part, but it never came. She looked almost…proud of herself. “Do you think I could maybe get dressed now?”

“Don’t bother on my account.” She grinned again watching him unravel in front of her. I’m getting to him.

“That’s it!” Michael spun her around himself and pushed her toward the front door. “You need to go.”

“But it was just getting interesting.” Maria said with the laughter obvious in her voice.

Flustered, Michael continued to push her out the door. “Yeah, well show’s over! I’ll get dressed and meet you guys upstairs. Now good bye!”

“Spoil sport!” Maria teased as he shut the door. She stood there, unable to move and wishing she were still inside with Michael. As she finally started to climb the steps to her room her mind was racing. Only a matter of time, Michael…then you will be mine!

Still inside, finally alone, Michael leaned against the door trying to catch his breath. He’d met forward women before, but there was something about the way Maria had looked at him that made his temperature rise. I don’t know why. She’s not my type. She’s too…but he couldn’t think of words to describe her. All he knew was that he couldn’t be alone with her again, because next time his instincts would take him where he wanted to go, and once there, he could never go back.

~~~~~~~

Maria strolled into the room, humming to herself. She didn’t feel the need to confess what she’d just witnessed, but she wasn’t going to hide the wonderful mood she found herself in. “So, did you two talk? Is it safe to enter?” Maria looked at Isabel sitting on the bed watching Alex. Alex seemed deeply involved in an episode of Spongebob, and hadn’t even noticed her entrance. She looked back to Isabel, “is he ok?” She gestured towards Alex.

“Well,” Isabel had tried to be gentle while she explained her meeting with Michael and the truth about what she was. She thought he had taken it well, but now he had completely retreated into a world of cartoons and was no longer responding to her. “I don’t really know.”

“Did you two have another fight?” Maria questioned.

“Not really…we talked and then he started watching cartoons.” Isabel couldn’t really explain why Alex was spaced out without giving away her secret. Alex had promised her he wouldn’t tell anyone, but now…now he was somewhere else.

Maria walked over and stood in front of the television hoping to gain Alex’s attention. “Hello? Do you see me here, Alex?” But he only looked around her. “Great! He’s totally lost it!” Maria declared, walking back to where Isabel was sitting.

“Ya know, if I could be any starfish…I’d wanna be like Patrick.” Alex stated blankly, his concentration never leaving the screen.

Maria’s mouth dropped open. “What are you smoking?”

“No, seriously! Think about it! I could hang out with Spongebob, and talk to fire hydrants, and look for Squigward!”

About that time, Michael knocked and walked right in. “Hey.” He said, blushing slightly as he looked at Maria. “What’s goin’ on?”

“Alex is stoned!”

“What?” Michael asked, staring over at the geeky kid he’d met the day before. “You sure?”

“I’m not stoned.” Alex replied simply.

“He’s talking crazy shit about wanting to be Patrick!” Maria said, pointing to the TV where Spongebob was still playing.

“C’mon…how cool are his pants? Hawaiian print! That’s pimpin’ right there!”

They all looked at him in disbelief. Michael and Maria shared odd glares, while Isabel felt guilty for sending Alex over the edge.

~~~~~~~

Kyle had not slept much the night before. He was restless, and his dreams disturbing. He could feel himself on the edge of his own memories and was fighting to remember them. He paced back and forth, but nothing seemed complete in his mind. It was like a puzzle, unfinished with only the main, centerpiece missing. He watched out the window as the town of Roswell went about their daily lives. Kyle wanted to be down there, wandering around without a care in the world, but instead he was here…stuck in his own private hell.

Kyle, slow down!

What’s wrong, Lizzie? You’re usually up for a good time.

Kyle, we need to talk…maybe we should pull over?

Look, Lizzie…you’re being king of a drag…is it that time of the month?

Fine. You want to know what’s going on?

Well, yeah.

I’m pregnant!

Kyle stood there, unable to believe what he’d just seen, but he had seen it. He’d seen the look in her eyes and she was telling the truth. His Lizzie never lied.

Jim walked in and for a second panicked at the paleness he saw on his son’s face. He rushed to his side and took his arm. “Kyle? Son, what is it? Are you in pain?”

“No, Dad.” Kyle stood there, stunned and silent.

“Kyle, talk to me.”

“It’s Liz, Dad…she’s pregnant…the baby’s mine.” Kyle whispered with a blank look on his face.


TBC

CHAPTER 13


“What did you say?” Jim asked in shock as he stared at Kyle.

Kyle turned to face his father with tears in his eyes. “I said Liz is pregnant.”

Jim ran a hand through his thinning hair. He wasn’t sure if Kyle was hallucinating or just dreaming. Liz Parker had been gone for almost a week. “Kyle…I know things must be really confusing right now, and I know you don’t want to marry Tess, but you can’t make up things like this. Think about Liz…would you want to ruin her reputation for your own selfish reasons?”

“I’m not making it up! She told me! Liz is pregnant, Dad, and it’s mine.”

“When did she tell you this Kyle?” The doctor had warned Jim about the problems with Kyle’s memories coming back. He said they could be distorted or confused, so at this point his only option was to be patient. “Kyle, I know you want this to be true, but Liz couldn’t have told you this…she’s gone, Kyle. She’s been gone since the night of the accident and I know she hasn’t come back. I just spoke with her father not even an hour ago.”

“No…she hasn’t come back…” Kyle trailed off, finally remembering the events that had occurred the night of the accident. She’d told him then…she was carrying his child.

“See, Kyle…she hasn’t come back…she couldn’t have told you she’s pregnant. It was just a dream.” Jim laid a reassuring hand on Kyle’s shoulder, “I’m sorry, son. It was just a dream.”

“No!” Kyle pulled away from his father in anger. “You’re not listening to me! The night of the accident…that’s when she told me. I was in shock…that’s how I wrecked my car…it was all my fault.” Suddenly Kyle realized he could’ve killed Liz. He could’ve killed their baby. Feeling sick he ran for the bathroom.

Jim’s mind was racing. Could it be true? Is that why she left? Jim had already come to the conclusion that Liz had run off after finding out about Tess, but what if there was more to it than that. If Liz had been pregnant and found out about Tess it could’ve pushed her over the edge. He followed Kyle into the bathroom and knelt down beside him. “Kyle? Are you ok?”

Kyle cried openly, not caring if he looked like less of a man in his father’s eyes. “I could’ve killed them, Dad…I could’ve killed Liz and the baby. What kind of monster am I?” He’d brought it on himself. He knew that. From Tess to Liz…it was all his fault. He looked up to meet his father’s gaze. “Please, Dad…you have to find her…please?”

Looking into Kyle’s eyes now it all made sense. He understood why Liz had left, and he understood why her friends had followed after her. He had four missing teenagers, but at least now he knew why. “I’ll find her, son…whatever it takes…I’ll find her.” Jim wasn’t sure what he would do once he was able to locate Liz Parker. Obviously she’d left with good reason and he couldn’t blame her for not wanting to come home, but if she was carrying his grandchild he would find a way. Jim left Kyle’s room and headed straight for the Emergency Room. Liz had been seen in the ER that night…if she were pregnant they would know.

~~~~~~~

“Are you nervous?” Max asked, glancing over at Liz sitting quietly in the passenger seat.

“A little…I just don’t know what to expect and I think that’s what worries me.” Liz looked out the window, her mind racing with all the possibilities. “Max…I don’t even know if Kyle’s awake. I don’t know if he remembers that I’m pregnant, or if he remembers me at all. Then, there are my parents…” Liz trailed off, not wanting to think about how her parents were going to react. She knew they had to be terrified by her leaving.

“Liz?” Max could tell she was somewhere else right now. “You’re not going home alone. I’ll be there with you…every step of the way. As for Kyle…” Max hadn’t wanted to mention Kyle, mostly out of fear of Liz’s response, but now he had no choice. “How do you feel about him? I mean…do you still love him? Am I going to be in the way?” Just asking the question ripped at his heart. He didn’t want to lose Liz, but he knew she was returning to her life. A life he might not fit into.

“No, Max…you could never be in the way, and Kyle…I never loved him, Max. I know that sounds awful, but I was only with Kyle because it’s what was expected. I cared about him, but it was never love. Besides, he betrayed me…I don’t think he loved me either.” Liz thought the admission would hurt but it didn’t. She’d never loved Kyle, and she didn’t really care if he loved her. The realization brought a smile to her lips. It was as if a weight had been lifted. She’d felt guilty for so long, but now things were different.

Max saw the faint smile and wondered what had put it there. “You’re smiling.” He stated simply, smiling in return.

At the sound of Max’s voice Liz left her current thoughts. “Hmm? What’d you say?”

Max smiled again. “I just said you’re smiling…it’s nice to see.” Max knew he was blushing slightly, something he seemed to do frequently around Liz Parker.

Although he was smiling Liz could see something else going on under the surface. She hadn’t known Max long, but she’d already learned how to read certain expressions he made. “What’s wrong, Max?”

Max didn’t want to tell her. She had enough to worry about returning to Roswell without his added insecurities. “It’s nothing.” He couldn’t tell her, for her sake, and for the sake of his own embarrassment. “I just realized I haven’t checked in with Michael. He’s used to me leaving for a couple of days, but I usually check in with him.” He’d used it as an excuse to avoid the real answer, but he was telling the truth. After all of these years with Michael he felt ashamed that he hadn’t thought about him since they left Opal Cliff. “Maybe we should call…he’ll want to know we’re both ok.”

Liz snorted sarcastically, “I doubt that. I’m sure he’s concerned about you, but it’s highly unlikely that he’s even noticed I’m gone.” She knew it wasn’t true. Michael had been protecting Max and himself, but she was worried. Michael was a strong tie to Opal Cliff, and although it was selfish she wanted Max to come with her to Roswell. What if Michael convinces him to come home? Before she could attempt to stop him, he’d already flipped open his cell phone and it was ringing.

~~~~~~~

Michael had been sitting in the hotel room for two hours watching Alex, but he had refused to move away from the television. Neither Maria nor Isabel had volunteered an answer for his mood, and when asked they both changed the subject. Maria had tried to get his attention repeatedly, but the Spongebob Marathon was the only thing he would pay attention to. It was as if the room was vacant, because Alex acknowledged no one. Michael looked at Isabel still sitting quietly on the bed pretending to read but glancing continuously at Alex. Maria was more forward. She wasn’t even pretending to be interested in something else, but instead eyed Michael like a piece of meat. “Do you mind?” He finally asked her when he could no longer bear the heated stares.

“Not really.” She replied casually. If she couldn’t reach Alex she was determined to make the best use of her time. Rattling Michael was more fun than she’d imagined. “So…tell me Michael, do you work out?” She asked seductively licking her lips.

“Excuse me?” What the hell has gotten into her?

Maria looked him up and down again. She’d enjoyed what she had seen earlier and was anxious for a replay. “I just asked if you work out. You seem very…muscular.”

“I like to run with Max, and occasionally I…” He noticed her grin and realized what she was doing. “Would you cut it out?”

Maria couldn’t help but smirk. “Am I bothering you? I didn’t think anything could bother Michael Guerin.” Maria winked at him, enjoying the way he seemed to be blushing.

Michael was about to tell her where she could shove her questions when his cell phone started ringing. He grabbed it and turned away from the others. “Hello?” He answered quickly, thankful for the distraction.

“Michael? It’s Max…how’s it going?”

Michael held his hand over the receiver and turned back to Maria. “Important call…I’ll just be outside.” He didn’t wait for a response but instead ducked out the door immediately. “Maxwell, where the hell have you been? I’ve been worried and I’ve kind of had my hands full.”

“Well, Liz and I just took a short trip, but we’re fine. What’s up there?”

Michael debated internally for about ten seconds before demanding Max come home. “You really need to get back here, man!” He peered through the window and watched as Maria stretched out across the bed. She was still wearing pajamas that clung to her body in all the right places. Her tight tank top revealed a little bit of cleavage, while her pants stretched across her tight ass. Obviously, she worked out.

“Michael? Michael, are you still there?”

Reluctantly he looked away and went back to his conversation with Max. “Yeah, man…I’m here.”

“Is it my Dad? Have there been any problems with him?”

Michael could hear Max’s worried tone and normally would have been quick to soothe his fears, but he was in over his head and needed help. He hated upsetting Maxwell, but for once he was going to use Max’s paranoia to his advantage. “Let’s just say things have been crazy…how soon can you get back?” Michael felt guilty about lying to Max, but he couldn’t stay here with Maria any longer without some kind of back up and Maxwell still didn’t know about Isabel. Either way…he needed him there. “You gotta come home, Maxwell!” He listened to Max assure him he’d be home as soon as possible and then hung up the phone. He peeked one last time through the window before entering the room. She’s so beautiful he thought staring at Maria. Dammit, Maxwell! You’d better get back here soon! Michael turned the doorknob and reentered the room.

~~~~~~~

“Is something wrong?” Liz could tell Max was upset after his phone call with Michael, but he hadn’t said anything for several minutes. “Max?”

“I’m sorry, Liz, but we have to go back to Opal Cliff.” He saw her frown and knew she had the wrong idea. “Not to stay, Liz. It’s Michael…something’s wrong. He wouldn’t say what, but I can’t leave him there alone with my father…I just can’t.”

Liz reached across the seat and took his hand in hers. He was the most amazing and most caring person she’d every met. Every minute she spent with Max Evans made her even more sure than he was her future. He was the one she’d been searching for and nothing and no one was going to take him away from her now. “I know, Max. Let’s go back to Opal Cliff. Roswell can wait for a few more days.” She smiled at him and kissed the back of his hand. She knew she had to face life in Roswell, but she could wait to have to share Max with her past.

~~~~~~~

Aaron watched as Tess sipped slowly on her juice. Neither of them had said much, but there was so much unresolved between them. And now…a baby. “How are you feeling?”

Tess glanced up, and then back down. She didn’t want to look into Aaron’s beautiful blue eyes…it hurt too much. They’d grown up together and he’d always been the only person that treated her like she mattered, like she was someone special. To her father she was only an inconvenience. Something he had to put up with, and to Kyle she wasn’t even that. “I’m ok…tired, but I guess that’s to be expected.”

He couldn’t put it off any longer…he had to know. “Tess, why Kyle? What happened after I left? Was it even after I left or did it start sooner?”

“Aaron, don’t.” Why can’t he see this is hurting me too?

“I have to know. I have to know that not everything was a lie. I need to know, Tess…you owe me that much.”

She didn’t want to tell him the truth, but for once it wasn’t herself she was trying to protect. She didn’t want to tell the only person who had ever believed in her that she was worthless. She knew it would hurt him even more and she’d already done that enough. “I was lonely…it just happened.”

“I don’t believe you. Kyle loves Liz…he wouldn’t go looking for something else unless it was being offered. So, what’d you do? Let me guess…you just used your body to get what you wanted, right? Isn’t that what you’ve always done? When I had a bright future it was me. So what, you just decided out with the old and in with the new and Kyle looked like a great ticket out of here?” Aaron knew his accusations would be hurtful, but he was tired of being nice. It had gotten him nowhere for long enough. She was determined to hurt him…maybe she needed a taste of her own medicine.

Tess sat there in silence for several moments. Aaron had known her since they were children…he knew everything about her. As much as she wanted to deny his accusations, she knew they were true. Still, she had to play this off…she couldn’t blow this now…there was too much at stake. “Is that how little you think of me?”

Aaron laughed aloud, “don’t you dare play the victim here with me, Tess. I know how you operate, and I was a fool to think you’d ever changed. Whatever! It doesn’t matter anymore…you’ve ruined my life time and time again, but I’ll be damned if I’m gonna sit by and watch you ruin Kyle’s too.” He stood up so fast that his chair fell over. “I know that baby is mine and I’m not gonna let you use it to trap someone else.”

Tess jumped up and grabbed for his arm but missed. “Aaron, wait!” He was already a few feet away, but he turned back. “What are you going to do?”

It was his turn to ruin her. “I’m going to tell Kyle everything…from the beginning. Then, I’m going to stand by and watch while your dreams shatter.” He turned away from her again and this time didn’t turn back when she called out to him in desperation.

~~~~~~~

Jim looked around the ER trying to find the doctor that had treated Liz Parker the week before, but had no luck. Finally, he approached a young nurse standing at the counter. “Miss, I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m Sheriff Valenti and I have a few questions to ask you.”

The nurse looked at the badge he flashed but Roswell was a small town and she was familiar with who he was. “Yes, Sheriff…how can I help you?”

Jim smiled and put away his badge. “Six days ago a young girl was in an automobile accident and was brought here to the ER…I just need some information about her condition when she arrived here and when she was released.”

“Sir, I’m sorry, but you know medical records are confidential.”

“Yes, I know…the problem is the girl is a minor and now she’s missing. I need to know if there was anything wrong with her when she left. Was she disoriented? Did she have a concussion? Really just anything you can tell me that might help me find her.” Jim smiled kindly and winked at the young nurse.

Blushing, she returned the smile. “Ok, just this once…let me see what I can find out for you. What was the name?”

“Parker, Liz Parker.”

“Give me just a minute.” She stepped away from the Sheriff and went to find the girl’s records. It didn’t take long and she was back with the small folder. “It looks like she was fine. She was upset, but not really injured. The doctor checked and she and the baby were both fine.”

The baby! “Well, thank you…that’s all I needed to know.” Jim tipped his hat and headed for the exit. Liz Parker was in fact pregnant and he believed this baby to actually be his grandchild. He climbed into his truck and grabbed his radio. “Deputy Hanson?”

“Yes, Sheriff?” The young voice answered.

“I need you to pull together the Liz Parker case for me…she’s been missing almost a week. I think it’s time we exhausted every measure at our disposal to find her.”

“Yes, Sheriff. I’ll have it ready immediately. Are you on your way back to the station?”

“I’m leaving the hospital now. I should be there shortly. Hanson, get her folks on the phone and see if they can meet me there.”

“Yes, sir.”

Jim placed the radio back down and started the engine. “Ok, Miss Parker…where could you be?”

~~~~~~~

“Who was on the phone?” Maria inquired as Michael walked through the door.

He wasn’t ready to tell her it had been Max. Knowing her, even for a short time, he could see she would drill him constantly until Max and Liz arrived. For now, he would keep this to himself. “Just a friend.”

Isabel looked up from her book. A friend. Somehow she knew it had been Max. Hopefully he was on his way back with Liz. Not only for Liz’s sake, but for Isabel’s as well. She needed more answers and Max might have them. She eyed Michael curiously, wondering why he wouldn’t have told Maria that it was Max. She knew he wouldn’t say anything in front of the others so she decided to drop it for now and go back to her book.

Michael peered again at Maria’s outstretched form and realized he had to get out of there. “Hey, I’m gonna go for a walk. Why don’t you try getting through to Patrick over there.” He said, gesturing towards Alex. “I’ll be back in a while.”

“Hey!” Maria yelled, flying off the bed. “I wanna come. The walls are starting to close in on me here. Just give me a minute to throw on some clothes.” She disappeared into the bathroom before Michael could argue with her.

Isabel smiled. She could see what was going on and she thought it was cute. Michael thought he was such a tough guy…he needed a girl like Maria Deluca to prove him wrong. Besides, it would give her the opportunity to talk to Alex in private.

Maria emerged a few minutes later in cut off jean shorts and a baby blue tank top, which quickly sent Michael’s pulse racing.

“Ready!” Maria declared joyfully.

“Yeah, whatever.” Michael mumbled as she stepped outside before him. Great! The one person I’m trying to escape is the one person I’m stuck with. He trotted down the steps behind her noticing how the shorts hugged her figure. It was going to be a long afternoon.

~~~~~~~

Although Aaron knew he was doing the right thing, standing outside of Kyle’s hospital room his hands had begun to shake. It’s now or never. He knew he had to get this over with before he lost the courage to go through with it. He knocked and then slowly pushed open the door. “Hey.”

Kyle looked up from the magazine he’s been attempting to read, but his mind had been elsewhere. “Hey. I was wondering if you’d come back. You ran out of here pretty quickly.”

“I had something I had to do.” Aaron shifted nervously from one foot to the other and back again.

Kyle could see something was wrong. He’d known Aaron since they were in diapers together. “What is it? I know you…something’s wrong.”

Aaron took in a deep breath. Here it goes. “Kyle, we need to talk…it’s about Tess.”


TBC

CHAPTER 14


Jim continued to flip through the many pages he had gathered on Liz Parker. He was trying to come up with anything that would give him a clue about where she may have gone. From speaking with the Parkers just after her disappearance he already knew Liz was not staying with family. She had no other friends that he was aware of other than her friends from school. Every road seemed to lead to a dead end. Jim mentally kicked himself for not paying more attention to his son’s girlfriend during the two years they had been dating, but it had never occurred to him he would be searching for her someday…gone and carrying his grandchild. Everything he had discovered showed Liz Parker to be an intelligent girl, well liked by many, and not the least bit impulsive. This once again led him to the theory that Tess Harding had something to do with her disappearance. Lost deep in his thoughts, Jim didn’t hear the knock on his office door.

“Sheriff?” Deputy Hanson said quietly, a little unsure about entering Jim’s office without approval.

Annoyed, Jim quickly tried to dismiss him. “What is it, Hanson? I’m very busy.” He hadn’t even bothered to look up but just continued going through his research.

“The Parkers are here to see you.”

“Oh,” Jim gathered the papers scattered across his desk quickly and shoved them into his top drawer, “send them in.” Jim noticed immediately as Jeff and Nancy Parker entered his office that they looked exhausted. Suddenly he felt a pang of guilt knowing he had been so completely engrossed in Kyle’s well being since the accident that he had personally let their daughter slip through his fingers. He extended a hand out to Jeff Parker who gradually smiled and shook his hand. “Thanks for coming in, Jeff. I know this must have been a long week for you.”

Jeff Parker shook his head in agreement, but didn’t speak. Instead it was Nancy Parker that spoke up. “Have you heard anything about Liz? Is that why you wanted to see us?” Nancy asked hopefully.

“No, I’m sorry but so far we haven’t been able to locate her.” Jim wavered now, wondering if he should inform the Parkers about Liz’s condition.

“I just don’t understand,” Jeff shifted restlessly in his chair, “this isn’t like Liz. She’s not the type of girl to just run off. I’m beginning to worry more and more that something did happen to her.”

At that moment Jim realized he didn’t have a choice. If for nothing more than their peace of mind, Jim had to tell them. “Actually…there is something. I know it’s going to be difficult for both of you to hear, but I need you to try and stay calm…in a way this is good news.” Jim spoke reassuringly.

“What is it?” Jeff inquired.

Jim knew there was no easy way to say this so prolonging it was useless. “Well, it’s come to my attention that Liz may have had a reason to leave Roswell.” Jim watched both of the Parkers’ eager faces knowing how disappointed they would be with the news he was about to give them. “I wish I didn’t have to be the one to tell you this but it turns out that Liz is pregnant.”

Nancy began shaking her head the instant the words had left Jim’s mouth. “That can’t be, Sheriff. I know my daughter and she would’ve come to me.”

”I wish I could say I was mistaken, but I’ve spoken with the Emergency Room where Liz was treated. She is pregnant, Nancy, and that means I want, just as much as you do, to find her. Now…do you have any idea where she might’ve gone?”

~~~~~~~

“Tess? What about her?” Kyle closed his magazine and set it aside. “I didn’t think you knew her.”

It was true. Aaron had never flaunted his relationship with Tess…she’d never wanted him to and now he could see why. “Yeah, Kyle. I know her. I know her a lot better than you think I do.”

“OK,” Kyle sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed. “So you know her…what’s wrong?”

Aaron looked at Kyle for a moment and then turned away. He didn’t know where to begin and despite the fact that she’d hurt him…he still loved Tess and right now he was looking into the eyes of his replacement. “We grew up together, Kyle. I was there when her mom left and she was there for me when my dad got sick.” Aaron felt like his heart was breaking open. They’d shared so much and she’d thrown it away for his best friend. “I knew…even when we were kids I knew. I knew I loved her. It was always her. I knew every awful, horrible thing about her, but I didn’t care…I just loved her.” With tears in his eyes he turned back to Kyle. “When I left here two months ago I asked her to wait for me. I told her then that I would be back for her, but I was worried she wouldn’t wait. I guess I was right. You see…she always wanted to get out of here…it was our plan.” Aaron laughed remembering the times they’d stayed up all night talking about the places they would go and the things they would do. “After I blew out my knee and couldn’t play football anymore she started to pull away…she was distant…cold…but mostly she was distracted. I saw her eyeing you at a party one night and we fought about it.”

“But I don’t understand…why didn’t you…”

“Tell you about her?” He waited and watched as Kyle shook his head with a bewildered look on his face. “Because she didn’t want me to. She said it was because of her father. She said he didn’t approve and he would send her away if he ever found out…I didn’t really believe it, but I wanted to make her happy. So, I kept my mouth shut. I watched her…watching you. I knew you were her new ticket out of here, but you were with Liz so I never thought…” Aaron stopped as his voice began cracking. He’d made a complete ass out of himself for her. He’d loved Tess, so he’d trusted her. “I just thought with a girl like Liz you wouldn’t…”

Everything finally made sense. Kyle had always known Aaron had a secret, but he never thought for a minute it was about a girl. Now, he sat there and watched his best friend. Someone he had trusted with everything. Someone that had believed in him enough to think he would never hurt anyone. Someone he’d never wanted to hurt…and yet he’d destroyed him. “Aaron…I didn’t know. I know it doesn’t make it right, but I didn’t know.”

“I know you didn’t, but how could you?” All of the hurt and resentment he’d pushed aside for so long had finally boiled to the surface. “You had Liz. You had your career ahead of you. You had everything…so why? Why would you do that to Liz? Whether you knew about me and Tess or not…how could you?”

Kyle stood and walked over to face his best friend directly, but Aaron pulled away. “I’m sorry, Aaron. I just didn’t…she was always…it just…”

“Happened? And that makes it ok, right? I mean Kyle Valenti can have any girl he wants so why not all of them, right?”

“It was never like that. I honestly didn’t know about you and Tess…I swear.”

“But it was ok? Hurting Liz? Betraying her? That part you’re ok with?”

Kyle had heard enough. His life was falling apart…he didn’t need another guilt trip. “Look, I know you’re pissed about me and Tess, but leave Liz out of this. If I made a mistake it was my mistake. I’m sorry Tess came on to me. Hell I’m sorry I ever laid my eyes on her let alone anything else, but what’s done is done. If you’d told me I never would’ve…”

Aaron huffed aloud. “You never would’ve what? Slept with her? Cheated on Liz? Betrayed me? Right, because we were so close. That’s bullshit, Kyle, and you know it! I believed in you…that was my mistake. You had it all, but it meant nothing to you, did it? Well Tess and this baby mean something to me. I may not be able to forgive her for what she did, but that’s my kid. I know it is and I’ll be damned if I’ll let you take that away from me too.” Aaron couldn’t take another minute in that room so he stormed out, leaving a shocked Kyle in his wake.

~~~~~~~

Liz watched as the scenery outside passed by. They had taken their time getting to Astoria, but Liz could see Max was in a hurry to return to Opal Cliff. At the pace he was going they would most likely make it there shortly after dark. She knew it was the right thing to do…they couldn’t leave Michael there alone any longer, but Liz hated leaving the fantasy they had created.

“It will be ok, Liz. I promise.” Max squeezed her hand and watched her face light up. She was still obviously nervous, but he took comfort in being able to make her smile. “No one is going to come between us…not ever. I promise you that. Whatever happens…it’s the two of us now. Or should I say the three of us?” Max smiled widely. Not only was Liz Parker everything he’d ever wanted, but she was the first person other than Michael to ever know the real him. And now…the three of them…Liz, the baby, and himself would be a family. That much he was certain of and he would guard that with his life.

“Yep,” Liz gently placed a hand on her still flat belly, “the three of us.”

“I’ll be a good father, Liz. I promise you I won’t let you down.” He extended his hand out further until he could rest it on top of Liz’s hand. “I’ll never let either of you down.”

Liz could feel herself falling more in love with Max Evans with each passing second, but what if they were moving too fast? What if he changed his mind once he came to his senses? What if he changed his mind once he met Kyle? There were so many questions…Liz knew she wanted this more than anything, but what if it was too good to be true. “I know you wouldn’t, Max.”

“There is one thing.”

“What?” This could be it. What if he’s looking for a way out? We’re almost back to Opal Cliff…what if he decides to stay? I can’t go home without him. I won’t.

Max grinned at her before finally speaking. “Well…I don’t even know when our daughter is due.” He saw something flash in her eyes and suddenly his worst fears of her regrets came back to the surface. “I’m sorry. I guess I shouldn’t call her my…” How could I be so stupid?

Liz started crying before she could hold back her tears. “No, Max…that’s not it. I knew you wanted to be with me and that you wouldn’t let me down, but I didn’t know…” It has to be too good to be true. “I never thought you’d think of her as your daughter.” Liz whispered barely audible.

Max immediately pulled the car off onto the shoulder. Not only were Liz’s tears breaking him, but also he had to make her see his intentions included the both of them. He unfastened the seatbelt and slid across the seat to embrace her. She leaned into him and rested her head beneath his chin. “I know it’s fast, Liz…maybe too fast, but it feels more right than anything has in a long time. I may not be her biological father, and I know you still have to face Kyle and your family, but I’m here,” He pulled back and tilted her chin up with his hand. She was crying but he could see they were tears of joy. “Liz, I’m here for the both of you. I’m not going anywhere unless it’s with you. I love you. I don’t care how long I’ve known you. I don’t care about the circumstances we met under…I just know what’s in here,” Max held a hand across his chest, “you’re in my heart and I don’t ever plan on letting go.”

Liz wasn’t sure if it was Max’s speech or her hormones playing with her, but she couldn’t stop crying. She looked into his beautiful, amber eyes and saw everything she’d ever wanted and he was an alien. Somehow that didn’t seem to matter. She already knew what people would say, but she didn’t care. For once she was going to chase her own dreams and it was clear that they included Max Evans. “I know it’s fast…”

“Liz, I…”

She held a finger to his lips, “but I love you too.” As the words left her lips she could feel the full weight of what they truly meant, but she wasn’t afraid. She knew life might never be normal with Max, but whatever it turned out to be was exactly what she wanted. Liz watched as tears flowed from Max’s eyes but he smiled through them. This is right!

Max was still staring into Liz’s eyes when suddenly the solution came to him. It was crazy and irresponsible and the answer to all of his prayers. “Liz, will you marry me?”

She couldn’t believe what she had just heard…she had to be hearing things. “What did you say?”

Max grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it gently. “Liz Parker, will you marry me? I promise I’ll make you happy.”

“Max…I’m sure you would, but…”

“But what? I love you and I know you love me. This is our chance…we have to take it!”

“But, Max I…”

“Do you love me?” He asked grinning widely with total confidence.

“Yes, but we…”

“I want to marry you, Liz…I’ve never been more certain about anything in my life. All you have to do is say yes.” Max continued kissing her hand. It was obvious he was getting to her.

Don’t think…just do! “Yes, Max! I’ll marry you!” She threw her arms around his neck and pulled him as close as she possibly could. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

~~~~~~~

Maria looked out over the water. She’d never seen the ocean before and it was breathtaking. She’d been walking with Michael for over an hour in total silence…something that was very unusual for her, but she was content just being near him. He wasn’t like anyone she’d ever known. In passing he appeared moody and arrogant, but there was something else there she couldn’t quite put her finger on. He was just…different. “It’s so beautiful here…I wish I never had to go home.”

Michael wasn’t surprised by the break in their silence. He’d been waiting for it. He had been trying to think of anything to say, but nothing came to mind. When he finally heard her voice he realized he’d been playing conversations with her over and over in his mind. Michael had always thought of himself as confident and cool around women, but with her it was…different. “I love it here. Sometimes when everything just seems to be going wrong I come out here. Listening to the waves crashing is soothing. Sometimes it’s the only place I find peace.”

“And I’ll bet I’m ruining that for you right now.” Maria responded sarcastically.

Michael smiled. As much as he wanted to pretend that he didn’t like Maria Deluca he enjoyed having her around. “Actually, it’s kind of nice not to be here all alone.”

“Right.” Maria laughed, as she climbed up and sat on a large rock on the beach. “Cause this place isn’t a total babe magnet that you haven’t used a hundred times?”

Inside Michael knew she was right about the view, but he’d never wanted to bring anyone there before…until now. “Nope…you’re the first.”

Maria was about to comeback with her quick whit when she realized he was telling her the truth. “Why me? Why now?”

Michael shook his head and bent down to pick up a seashell. “I don’t really know.” He handed her the shell he’d just picked up and turned to face the water. Why did I bring her here? Why now? He didn’t have the chance to finish his thoughts. Maria had climbed down from the rock and took his face into her hands without warning. He saw her smile before raising her lips to meet his. Her lips were warm and moist, and she seemed to melt into his arms as he wrapped them around her. He thought briefly about pulling away, but it was pointless…he’d been waiting for this moment since they had met.

~~~~~~~

Isabel had been trying to find the right way to approach Alex since Maria and Michael had left. She knew she was the reason he had escaped into his own little world, and now she had to bring him back out of it. Isabel sat down in front of Alex, her legs crossed, making sure to block the television. “Alex?” She waited for a response, but nothing happened. “Alex, I know you’re in there. I know everything I told you must have frightened you, but you have to listen to me now. Alex…I’m still me. Please, Alex? Talk to me?” Isabel stared into the blank expression in Alex’s eyes and began to cry. She’d always thought of telling someone the truth about who she was, and now she couldn’t help but feel like it had been a mistake.

Alex could hear her. He hadn’t been trying to ignore her, but had been trying to process everything she had told him. Aliens existed and she was one of them! It was too unbelievable at first, but now he could hear her, he could see her, and she was crying. It was time to stop hiding from reality and face what scared him the most. I’m in love with an alien! It wasn’t the easiest concept to grasp but if growing up in Roswell had ever done him any good it would be now. He reached a hand up and brushed the tears away from her eyes. “Don’t cry, Isabel.”

“Alex?”

Alex took in a deep breath and closed his eyes temporarily. Sitting with them open for so long without blinking had left them dry and burning. “I’m here, Isabel. I can no longer see, but I’m here.”

“Oh my God! What did I do to your eyes?” Horrified she tried to pry his eyes open to see what was wrong.

“Ouch! You didn’t do anything…well except maybe jam your fingers in my eyes.” Alex reached up and rubbed his eyes. “I meant I couldn’t see because I’ve been staring at that damn television for way too long.” Alex chuckled at the look on Isabel’s face. It was priceless!

Furious, Isabel punched Alex in the upper arm and stood up. “I should’ve left you in your world of Spongebob!”

Still laughing Alex stood up to face her. “Aw come on…a minute ago you were begging me to come back to you.” Alex stuck out his lip in a pout hoping to make her smile. It took a minute but it worked. “That’s better.”

“You scared me.” Isabel said pushing him back playfully.

“Me? I scared you! You told me you’re an alien from another planet, and I scared you?”

Isabel gave him a dirty look for his sarcasm but she was relieved. “So…you ok?”

“Yeah…I am. I needed some time to process but I’m ok.”

“Alex, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have told you, but you’re the first person I’ve ever wanted to tell and when you saw me with Michael I knew I couldn’t…” Her ranting was stopped when Alex touched a finger gently to her lips.

“You know…you’re starting to sound like Maria. Maybe letting you two spend time together wasn’t such a good idea.” Alex grinned and winked at her. Obviously releasing some of the tension between them.

“I happen to like Maria thank you.” As she spoke Isabel giggled, thankful that their playful banter had returned. “I’m serious though, Alex…you’re ok with…everything?”

“I really am. I mean it’s not everyday that the girl of your dreams tells you she’s a martian, but what can I say…I’m already hooked.”

Isabel smiled again. “Alex Whitman, what am I going to do with you?”

“Well, I have a few suggestions, but you have to promise you won’t use your alien voodoo on me.”

“Alex!”

“Kidding! Just kidding. I’m glad you felt like you could tell me the truth, Isabel. Really.” Alex had so many questions. There was so much he wanted to know, but at the moment all he wanted was to kiss Isabel.

Sensing what Alex was thinking and feeling, Isabel decided it was her turn to make the first move. She looked into Alex’s eyes and moved closer whispering. “Am I really your dream girl?”

Alex blushed slightly, but wasn’t about to let his awkward ways ruin this opportunity. “Since the first time I ever laid eyes on you. It’s always been you, Isabel.”

“Alex?”

“What?”

“Kiss me.”

They both moved forward together. Their lips meeting passionately causing flashes to start instantly.

Alex, could you stop watching Isabel and listen to me for one second?

Isabel, why are you looking at Alex Whitman?

Hey, I got you into the same car with her, didn’t I?

I do like Alex, and I don’t appreciate being called an Ice Princess!

The reactions of their friends suddenly made no difference. Once they both finally pulled away there was only one thing they could think of. “Wow.” They whispered in unison. Whatever happened now didn’t matter…they were in this together.


TBC

Hello everyone! I'm finally back with a chapter I'm sorry it took so long but life has just been crazy! Hopefully I can get a few chapters ahead so you won't have to wait so long next time Thank you so much for all of your feedback...I hope you enjoy...


CHAPTER 15


Aaron had been sitting on the bench outside of the hospital for what seemed like forever. The sun was setting and the air was growing crisp, but he didn’t move. He was numb. All of the events of the last twenty-four hours washed over him causing him to shiver. The woman he’d loved for his entire life and his best friend had betrayed him. He didn’t care that Kyle hadn’t known about Tess…it didn’t make it right or any easier.

Tess had been debating on approaching him, but he looked so hurt and so lost. She couldn’t bear the thought of looking into his amazing blue eyes and seeing all of the pain she had put there. For the first time in her life she felt regret, but no amount of regret was going to save her now…she knew that. Slowly she walked to him. Willing herself one foot at a time to go to him. Whatever she got, she knew she deserved. Finally, she was within a few feet of him, but he raised his hand, signaling her to stay back. He hadn’t even looked at her, but he knew she was there. She could see the tear stains on his cheeks, forcing her to swallow hard. He didn’t want her there, but she had to say something…anything. It would do no good, but she owed him that much. “Aaron.” She whispered.

He had nothing to say to her. For once, he didn’t even want to look at her. Nothing she could say would possibly remedy the situation, so it was pointless to argue with her. He had decisions to make and until he knew for sure what he was going to do…they had nothing to discuss. He finally stood and stretched his legs. They felt like jello beneath him…he’d been sitting there for too long. “Tess…I’m going to say this once, only once…I don’t want to see you. I don’t want to hear from you. We have nothing to talk about and I have some decisions to make. Now, I’m leaving before I say exactly what’s on my mind.” He tried to move past her, but she blocked him.

“Aaron…please? You have to listen to me. You have to…”

“No, Tess,” he held up his hand again, “I’m through listening to you. I trusted you…I don’t anymore. After I’ve decided what I want to do I’ll be in touch.”

Tess was confused. What decisions did he have to make? “I don’t understand…decisions?”

Aaron smiled, but it wasn’t a friendly smile. “Yeah, decisions.” This might actually be fun and she’s got it coming to her. “You see…the child you’re carrying is most likely…I’d say most definitely mine. Therefore, I have rights. And yes, Tess…I plan on exercising those rights. Who the hell would leave a child with a mother like you?” This time he made it past her. She just stood there, dumbfounded, and Aaron realized it was the satisfaction he’d been looking for.

~~~~~~~

Liz saw the sign ahead Opal Cliff 1 Mile. She’d been dreading this moment all day. While she understood Max’s reasoning for coming back here, Michael…his father…she was still reluctant. It was ironic. This had been her fantasy…the ocean. So beautiful. So inviting. A world of possibilities laying out before her, but after seeing what Max’s father had done to him those dreams were gone. Surprisingly, the only thing she wanted now was to go home.

“You’re quiet.” Max stated, breaking the long silence.

“Just thinking.” Liz wanted to beg him to run, but she knew he wouldn’t. Not because he didn’t want to, but because he would never leave Michael behind in trouble. It was admirable, she admitted, but also dangerous.

“Anything you want to talk about?” Max said sweetly. He reached over and took her hand in his, giving it a little squeeze.

Liz turned in her seat so she could look at him easily. “I’m scared, Max.”

“Scared?” Max looked back at her with wide eyes. “Of what?”

“Your father.” Liz hadn’t meant to blurt it out so quickly, but when he asked she’d just responded.

Liz’s silence finally made sense. Max had been worried that she was thinking about Kyle, or the baby, or her parents, or her friends…he’d completely forgotten the condition he’d been in when they had left Opal Cliff. He’d been so caught up in being with Liz Parker, and falling in love with Liz Parker, that he’d forgotten what was waiting for him upon his return. “Liz, I don’t want you to worry. I can handle him.”

“But, Max…”

“No, Liz. You don’t need the extra stress,” he rested his hand on her belly, “and I finally have a reason to stick up for myself. We’ll be fine. We’ll get Michael, and we’ll leave. My life in Opal Cliff is dead…just as I almost was.” Max thought he would be scared the day he finally decided to leave this life behind, but now looking at Liz and seeing his future so clearly…he wasn’t afraid. Phillip Evans could never hurt him again. Phillip Evans would never hurt him again.

Liz felt slightly reassured, but there was still something there, in the pit of her stomach, letting her know the path ahead was far from clear. “I wish you and I were already married.” She stated matter of factly.

“Me too, but Michael never would’ve forgiven me for that one.” He knew he was right. Michael pretended to be a tough guy, but Max knew better. “Well, we’re almost there…any final thoughts?” He joked.

“Yeah…keep going.” Liz giggled as she looked at him. Everything would be all right…it had to be.

“Whatever happens…I won’t leave you for a second. We’re in this together…no matter how pissed off Michael is. And my father…well let’s both just hope we don’t even see him. He’s probably off on one of his drinking binges anyway.”

Liz took his hand and intertwined their fingers together. “Together.” She agreed.

As Max pulled his car into the parking lot of the motel he felt the lump in his throat growing. Please let him be gone he prayed to himself. He drove past the registration office and toward the back of the small motel where his room was located. If they were lucky he could pack the rest of his clothes, a few personal keepsakes, find Michael, and be out of there immediately. After putting the car in park, he went around to help Liz out of the car. She’d been sitting all day and her legs had to be asleep. “Here…let me help you.” He said, wrapping an arm around her waist.

“I’m not an invalid, Max, I can still walk…for now.” She teased him. It was sweet how he wanted to take care of her.

Max fumbled with his keys and finally found the right one. He slid it into the lock carefully, almost afraid to make any noise. He knew he was on borrowed time right now and wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible.

“I wish we weren’t in such a hurry.” Liz whispered as he opened the door. “A hot shower and a bed sound pretty great about now.”

They walked through the apartment together, holding hands, and making their way to his room. It was risky to turn on a light, but he would move slower without one. He flipped the light switch and wasn’t at all prepared for what he saw. “Michael!”

A very shocked Michael jumped out of Max’s bed. “Maxwell!”

“Maria!”

“Liz!”

~~~~~~~

Alex tried to push himself up on his elbow but his arms had long since fallen asleep. He looked down at Isabel, sleeping peacefully beside him. In a million years Alex never would’ve pictured himself lying here with Isabel…at least not by her own free will. But she had. She’d fallen asleep, curled up in his arms, and had been snoring softly for a while. They’d talked most of the afternoon, most likely the reason for her exhaustion. The sun had set now and Alex could see the glow of the moon out on the balcony. Carefully, he lifted her head, making sure not to disturb her, and walked out the patio door.

Looking out over the ocean Alex couldn’t help but feel like that was him at this very moment. Waves crashing against a shoreline, forever changing. His life had changed so much over the last week that he could hardly recognize it. He’d always known where he was going, even if not by choice, but now his life had spun off into unfamiliar territory. He thought now of Liz. Where is she? Is she afraid of the changes going on inside of her? Will she ever come home again? Liz and Maria had always been the constants in his normally miserable existence…he didn’t want to lose them. But now…now all of their lives had changed. They weren’t just a couple of kids from Roswell, New Mexico. Liz was pregnant and had run off with an alien, which he wasn’t sure she knew. Maria was flirting, as she often did, but also falling for a guy she didn’t know was an alien. Then there was him. Alex Whitman, smallest of small town guys…in love with the girl of his dreams, who also happened to be an alien. Talk about irony…three teenagers from Roswell, home of the 1947 crash, falling in love with three teenage aliens from the crash. Alex couldn’t help but laugh.

“Alex?” Isabel mumbled, still half asleep. “Where are you?”

Alex took one last glance at the ocean and smiled before going back inside. “I’m here.” Slowly he climbed into bed beside her and wrapped his arms around her.

“I thought I’d scared you away.” She whispered, glancing up to meet his eyes.

Alex could see the uncertainty in her eyes, which made his heart ache for her. “Never. I’m not going anywhere…I’ve waited too long to be close to you just to walk away now.”

A single tear rolled down her cheek because she knew he was sincere. Isabel had never thought she could show her true self to someone, and if she did she had been sure they would run, but Alex was still here. Holding her and promising to never let go. “Alex, you have no idea what…”

“Shh,” Alex brushed a stray piece of hair away from her face, “I know.”

It was all he needed to say. Isabel reached a hand up and gently placed it behind his neck, pulling him closer to her. She saw Alex smile and close his eyes just before their lips met. She’d kissed him earlier that day, but this time was different. It wasn’t as sweet, but instead full of emotion and passion. Her lips parted and he moved his tongue into her mouth, gently massaging her tongue with his own, and then quickening his pace.

He wanted her more than he ever had. Maybe it was her vulnerability, or maybe it was the secret they held between them. Whatever it was…it was sending his teenage hormones through the roof and he felt powerless in controlling them. He moved his hand down and reached under the edge of her shirt. He could feel the warm skin on her abdomen, exciting him even further. He was sure any minute now she would slap his hand away in horror, but she didn’t. He slid his hand up her stomach and felt his heart stop when he reached her breasts. I can’t believe I’m actually doing this.

Sensing his uneasiness since it matched her own, Isabel decided to show Alex that she wanted what was happening between them. She pulled away from him and sat up. For a moment she thought of chuckling at the frightened look on his face. He looked like a petrified child, caught doing something he wasn’t supposed to do. She saw his mouth start to open, obviously to apologize for his actions, but when she quickly pulled her shirt over her head…he was speechless. Isabel didn’t think either of them could talk if they wanted to. This was all new to them, not just being together, but being intimate with anyone. Somehow knowing he was afraid too made her relax. It had been a day of firsts and now it was going to be their first night together.

~~~~~~~

Jim had been on the phone all day, speaking with every contact he knew. He’d checked traffic reports, disabled vehicles, hospitals, and even morgues. It seemed as though Liz Parker had disappeared off the face of the earth. No one knew where she was, except for the friends that had vanished with her. Frustrated, he slammed the phone down on the receiver again. It was useless, and yet he refused to give up. When his phone rang again he jerked it up and practically screamed into the receiver. “What!”

“Is this Sheriff Valenti?” The deep voice on the other end asked.

“Yes it is! Who is this?” Whatever it was he didn’t have time for this.

“Let’s just call me a concerned citizen.”

“Look, I don’t know what game your playing, but I have real work to do!” Jim was quickly losing the small amount of patience he had left.

“The deputy at the front desk confirmed you’re looking for a missing girl, am I right?”

“Ok, I’m listening.” It was most likely just a prank call, but the caller had his attention.

“I saw a young girl wandering around, obviously too young to have left home, so I had a policeman I knew run her license tag from New Mexico. The vehicle came up registered to a Jeff Parker. Do you happen to know anyone by that name?” The caller asked in a concerned tone.

“As a matter of fact I do. Where is she? We’ve been searching everywhere for her!” Finally, a break!

“Well, I thought she had disappeared again but I just saw her staying at a local motel.”

“Where are you?” Jim asked as he grabbed a notepad.

“Opal Cliff...Opal Cliff, California. If I were you Sheriff, I’d get someone here as soon as possible. She appears to have fallen in with a bad local crowd, and I’d hate to see something happen to the girl.”

“Well, I’ll get right on that! Thank you for your call. What was your name?” But it was too late…the line was dead. Jim scratched his forehead and thought about the odd call, then immediately shook it off. It didn’t matter how he’d found her, just that he had. He grabbed his coat and hat and ran out of the station.

Phillip Evans watched out the window as he saw his son and that young tramp sneak into his apartment. They’d only been gone a few days and he knew they’d be back. Max always came back. Phillip took a long swallow of what was left of his scotch and went to greet his son.

~~~~~~~

“Maxwell, this is not what it looks like!” Michael quickly begun to fasten the buttons on his shirt, while discreetly throwing Maria’s red bra off to the side where it was no longer visible.

“Really?” Max asked, but continued to smile as he watched Michael turn pale.

“Liz! Oh my God, Liz!” Maria screamed and jumped out of Max’s bed without a second thought. “I’ve missed you so much! I didn’t know where you were at first and then Alex told me you were pregnant! Oh my God, Liz…you’re pregnant!”

Liz just shook her head…this was her Maria. “Yes, Maria…I kind of already knew that.” She responded as Maria engulfed her in a hug. Liz hated to admit it, but she’d missed Maria. She brought her arms up and wrapped them tightly around her quirky friend.

”I just can’t…I mean I had no idea…I didn’t even know you and Kyle…” Maria trailed off. She didn’t have a clue what to say.

“It’s ok, Maria…really.” Liz shot a sideways glance in Max’s direction. “Besides…none of that matters now…I mean Kyle…that’s done.”

Maria turned her head in the direction Liz’s eyes had darted to. “Oh…right. So, this must be the famous Maxwell.” Maria walked over and looked him up and down. “Guess I can’t blame you for running off with this one.” Maria licked her lips, intentionally trying to make Max uneasy, but it was Max that got the last laugh.

“And you’re Maria. It’s nice to finally put a face with a name.” He leaned closer and held out his hand, which much to Maria’s surprise was holding her discarded bra. “I think this is yours.” He whispered and smiled as her cheeks flushed.

Maria snatched the undergarment out of his hands and shot an angry glare toward Michael. “Umm…yeah…thanks.” Maria tucked it under her shirt and excused herself with a wave of her hand.

“Nice, Maxwell…very nice.” Michael’s color was starting to return, but he refused to make eye contact with Max. “Hey, Liz…glad you two came back. I was just telling Maria that you were in good hands with Maxwell.”

“Looks to me like she was in good hands with you.” Liz said sarcastically. After the way Michael had initially treated her she was going to have fun with this. “You sure move quickly, Guerin. Especially for someone who doesn’t like chicks.”

Michael’s color drained once again causing Max to burst out laughing. “I guess I should be glad we didn’t catch you with your pants down, huh?”

Michael threw both hands in the air…what more could he do. “Go ahead, Maxwell…laugh it up.”

Max grinned from ear to ear. “Thank you. I intend to.”

“Hey, it’s not my fault…she seduced me!” Michael said defensively.

Maria came out of the bathroom just in time to hear Michael’s last comment. “Whoa! I did what? Wait a minute, buddy…who had a key to this place?”

Michael scratched at the side of his temple. “Ok, well maybe I…why am I explaining this to you?”

“You tell me…I didn’t ask.” Max answered, still amused by the situation. Had he found anyone else in his bed he would’ve been angry, but it was Michael…and Liz’s best friend. He looked over to see the extremely perturbed expression on Liz’s face. Uh oh! “Umm, Liz…you ok?” He asked warily.

“Sure,” she said instantly, but was nowhere near convincing, “I’m so happy Michael made himself at home with my friend while he waited for us to get back. What was the big emergency again, Michael? You were in over your head? Oh no I’m sorry…you had your hands full. Wasn’t that why we had to rush back?” Liz folded her arms stubbornly across her chest. If Michael wanted to treat women like chicks that was his prerogative, but not when the chick was Maria!

Maria could practically see the steam coming out of Liz’s ears and decided it was time to defuse the situation. “So, you just got back?” Liz only nodded. “Then you haven’t seen Alex yet?”

That got Liz’s attention and diverted it from Michael. “Alex is here too?” Liz asked excitedly.

“Yep, he’s upstairs with Isabel right now.”

“I can’t wait…did you just say Isabel?” Liz questioned in disbelief.

“It’s been a long couple of days, Lizzie. C’mon…I’ll tell you all about it. We’re gonna take a short walk, but don’t worry, Max…I’ll take good care of her for you.” Maria put an arm around Liz’s petite shoulder and winked at the guys before returning her full attention to Liz. “I can’t believe you’re back!” She squealed.

“I’m happy to see you too, but it’s been a great couple of days.” Liz finished saying as Maria pulled the door open.

“I’m sure it has, honey…but the party’s over now.”

Liz and Maria stood there, face to face, with Phillip Evans.


TBC

I'M BACK It's a little shorter than normal but I really wanted to post a chapter! I'll try and hurry on the next chapter so it won't take so long to post Enjoy!


CHAPTER 16

“So, where do you think you’re going?” Phillip slurred, leaning closer to Liz and Maria.

Liz stumbled back a step, completely caught off guard by Phillip Evans’ sudden presence in the doorway. She’d known this was a possibility…that they might have to deal with him, but like Max, she’d hoped to avoid it. “I was just…taking a walk with my friend.” Liz said, taking Maria’s arm and trying to step forward and desperately trying to keep her voice steady. Liz noticed Maria’s confused expression, but with a single look Maria started to follow. She’d been friends with Liz long enough to read her like a book, and Liz could see she’d gotten the message.

“Well…isn’t that sweet, but I’m afraid I can’t let you do that.” Phillip stepped through the doorway and closed the door behind him. “You see, I know a lot of people are looking for you back home, and I think you’ve worn out your welcome here.”

Liz could hear the threatening tone in his voice. Everything came rushing back to her in an instant…the way Max had looked the night she’d found him unconscious. In the back of her mind she’d known what a true bastard Phillip Evans was, but it hadn’t occurred to her to fear him. She knew she should, that much was obvious, but until this moment she hadn’t thought that he could be a threat to her. Instinctively she grabbed her stomach, wanting nothing more than to protect the life of her unborn child. Any second now Max will hear us she thought, but she could still hear him in the bedroom with Michael. “What do you want?” Liz stood up straight and attempted to appear confident.

Phillip laughed, seeing right through this little girl’s tough façade. “As I said…you’ve worn out your welcome and I want you gone.” He reached forward and twirled a piece of Liz’s hair in his fingers, causing her to flinch. “Now, why don’t you be a good little girl and get the hell out of here.”

Feeling the rage boiling inside of her, Liz slapped his hand away from her. “I’m not going anywhere without Max.” She retorted.

“Liz?” Maria whispered, terrified about what Max’s dad would do next. She tugged on Liz’s arm, but Liz jerked it away.

“I think you’re the one that needs to get the hell out of here.” Liz hissed, growing angrier by the second.

Phillip admired her spirit, but she had no clue who she was dealing with. “You’re a feisty one…I like that, but this is my property and I’m telling you to leave…now.”

“No.” Liz crossed her arms over her chest and stood up against him defiantly.

“Fine,” Phillip lunged forward quickly and grabbed Liz, spinning her around until his arm was around her throat, “we’ll do this the hard way.”

“Max!” Maria screamed as she watched Phillip take hold of Liz, and begin choking her.

Max bolted from the bedroom at Maria’s high-pitched squeal. “Maria, what’s wr…” He didn’t need to finish his sentence…the problem was standing in front of him. “Dad.” He said, barely audible. “Please…let her go.” He stood there for a moment, but his father made no move to release Liz. “I said let her go!” All the years of built up anger were flowing out of him right now…he’d be damned if he’d let his father hurt Liz.

“Wow! Did my son finally grow a pair?” Phillip laughed again and pulled Liz closer to his face, slobbering like a dog on her cheek.

“Let her go!” Max yelled again as Michael came up next to him.

“If I were you…I’d listen to him Mr. Evans.” Michael said coolly. He was tired of fearing the man standing before them, and he wasn’t going to let this continue any longer.

“You think I’m afraid of a couple of kids?” Phillip’s rage was starting to sober him slightly.

”I’m going to tell you one more time…let her go.” Max had made a promise to Michael long ago to never reveal his abilities, but watching Liz, choking in his father’s arms, rules no longer applied.

“Or you’ll do what?” Phillip dared.

Without warning Phillip went flying through the door and back several more feet. Max watched as Liz fell to the ground, gasping for air. Immediately he went to her, kneeling down and lifting her into his arms. He turned around to face Michael as he stood holding Liz’s small frame. He knew…he knew he had not done it alone. He’d felt Michael’s strength and energy pulsating next to him. “Thank you.” He said, his voice cracking.

Michael shook his head and fought back the wave of emotions pouring over him. “Don’t mention it, Maxwell,” was all he said.

~~~~~~~

“Did you hear that?” Isabel sat up and shoved Alex off the side of the bed. Not only had she heard something…she’d felt something.

“Hear what?” Alex asked as he sat up, rubbing his backside.

“I heard something…something’s wrong.” Without pausing for a second, Isabel found her shirt and pulled it back over her head. “We have to go!”

“Now?” Alex questioned, disappointed. I knew this was too good to be true. “Isabel…we don’t have to do anything…if you’re not ready we can always…” She was already out the door and half way down the stairs before he knew what hit him. “Figures.” He muttered to himself. He stood up, rubbed his backside again, and put his own shirt back on. “Guess we’re going to see what’s going on downstairs.” Alex ran a hand through his hair and was out the door. Trotting down the stairs he was silently cursing his luck with girls. He’d waited years for Isabel and he could wait longer…but why? He just hoped she wasn’t having second thoughts about him. Once he reached the bottom of the stairs and looked back toward the apartment where he knew Michael and Maria were…he saw the commotion. He picked up his pace and ran down the sidewalk. There was a large guy laying on the sidewalk and a hole that matched his size where the door used to be. “Is everything ok?”

Isabel was standing outside the door in shock. She didn’t know what had happened but from the looks of things…powers had been involved. Maria was standing inside the door, her mouth gaping open. “Michael?”

Michael heard Isabel’s voice and stepped through the hole. “Isabel.” He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her away from the apartment. “We have some serious damage control to do.”

Isabel pointed back at the door, still confused. “What happened?”

“Doesn’t matter now. We’ll talk about it later. Can you…umm…fix it?” He gestured toward the door and she nodded immediately. “Thanks. I’ll get Maria and Alex out of view, but I don’t see how we can explain this one.” Michael had no regrets about using his powers on Phillip Evans, after all the bastard was still alive, but trying to explain everything to Maria and Alex was a different story. “Alex? Maria? I need you…can you help me get something out of Max’s car?”

Maria stood there for a minute trying her best to understand everything she had seen, but there was no reasonable explanation. “Michael…I don’t…what just…how?”

“Maria, please? I need you and Alex to come with me.” Alex followed in behind him, but Maria just stood there in silence.

“I’ll get her.” Alex said holding up a hand. “She can be a little bit of a drama queen and if she just saw what I think she just saw…I’m gonna have to ease her away gently. Give me a minute.”

“Ok,” Michael looked around nervously making sure no one else had come out of their rooms. Luckily, no one had. “She gonna be ok?”

Alex put his arm around Maria’s shoulders and led her away from the apartment. “Yeah…she’ll be fine, but if I were you I’d start thinking of excuses now cause the minute she sees that door fixed…she’s gonna lose it. Good luck.” He patted Michael on the arm and walked away with Maria.

It took a minute for it to dawn on Michael that Alex wasn’t the least bit surprised by what he’d seen. “Isabel?”

Isabel waved her hand slowly over the door, taking her time to make sure it looked as good as new. After she finished she stood up straight. “Yeah, Michael?”

“I just…well Alex he didn’t…” Michael didn’t need to ask his question…the look on Isabel’s face was answer enough. “You told him? How could you?”

“I didn’t have a choice,” Isabel pointed in Maria’s direction, “and now neither do you. Don’t lecture me, Michael…you have your own explaining to do.”

This was Michael’s worst fear. He’d never trusted humans and now there were three involved in his life’s most important secret. “I can’t…I mean she can’t know. We trust no one.”

“You trusted Liz.” Isabel stated.

“Liz!” Michael turned on his heels and ran back inside. Max was sitting on the couch holding Liz in his arms, she appeared to still be unconscious “Max, is she?”

Max shook his head. “She’ll be fine…she just got caught in the crossfire. She’s ok though.” Max brushed a strand of hair away from her face and kissed her cheek softly.

“The baby?” Michael asked reluctantly.

Max smiled and placed a hand on Liz’s stomach. “She’s fine too. They’re both fine.”

Michael didn’t want to bother Max, but his father was still lying unconscious on the ground outside. “Maxwell…your dad…”

Max looked up with pure hatred in his eyes. “Where is he?” For years Max had let his father use him as a punching bag, but the moment he’d laid a hand on Liz he’d finally crossed the line.

The expression in Max’s eyes was one Michael had never seen before. He’d always been mild tempered and hated to fight about anything…but now…Michael was afraid Max would finally kill his father for everything he’d done to him, and for what he’d done to Liz tonight. “I’ll handle it…you take care of Liz…she needs you.” Michael didn’t give Max the chance to argue, but walked out and closed the door behind him.

Max wanted to handle his father on his own, but he wasn’t willing to leave Liz alone. Looking into her beautiful face he thought of how close he’d come to losing her tonight. “I’m never gonna let anyone hurt you again…I promise.” Max whispered down to her and held her close.

~~~~~~~

“Alex…umm…what just? Oh my God!” I’m dreaming! That didn’t just happen! I’m dreaming! “Alex, he was there,” Maria pointed towards the apartment, “and then he was there.” Maria pointed to the sidewalk outside the door. “I know what I saw…the door…how?” This is too much! “Oh my God, Alex…I think I’m hallucinating! You know I always thought mental illness ran in my family…this must be my breakdown! I’m going crazy!” Maria started to sob uncontrollably and fell into Alex’s open arms.

Alex was used to Maria’s dramatic moments, but for once he couldn’t blame her. “It’s ok, Maria. Everything’s gonna be ok.” Alex said in his most soothing voice, while stroking his hand over Maria’s hair. He looked back toward the apartment and saw Michael emerge. Phillip Evans was nowhere in sight and Alex knew he didn’t want to know what had happened to him. “Maria? I think you need to go talk to Michael.” Maria jerked back and looked at Michael, then buried her face in Alex’s shoulder once again. “It’s ok, Maria…I promise.”

“Where’s Liz?” Maria asked, suddenly realizing she’d been rushed out of there without seeing if Liz was all right.

“Liz? She’s here? Are you sure?” Alex questioned and Maria nodded. “I’ll go find her. Talk to Michael…trust me.” Alex had to practically drag Maria back to the apartment, but he finally left her with Michael and went inside. He looked up and down the door. “Good job. Your work?” He asked Isabel.

“Well, yeah…just one of my many skills.” She boasted proudly.

“Very nice. So, where’s Liz? Maria said she’s here.” Alex couldn’t wait to see her. He’d been worried since she’d left Roswell, but he hadn’t allowed Isabel or Maria to see just how much.

“Alex,” Isabel started, but didn’t know what to say. She’d been standing there, watching Max hold Liz close, she was worried about Liz, but she was more interested in Max at the moment. “I think she’s unconscious.”

“Unconscious? Why?” Alex was the one that didn’t wait for a reply this time but turned and saw Liz lying in Max’s arms behind him. He rushed to her, ignoring Max completely. “Liz? Liz, open your eyes.”

“She’s ok…I think she’s just in shock.” Max whispered as he continued to stare at her.

“You must be Max?” Alex looked at Max and couldn’t help but feel angry toward him. “I don’t get it! What happened?”

Max could feel the edge slipping away. His life for the last several years had been nothing but a nightmare…until Liz Parker had stepped into his world. She was the first good thing to ever happen to him and tonight his nightmare had nearly killed her. “My Dad…he…I’m so sorry.” He whispered, more to Liz than Alex.

Alex could see the torment in Max’s eyes and knew he had exposed himself just to protect Liz. “Michael told us about him…your dad…thank you, Max.” He held a hand out, “I’m Alex.”

Max looked at Alex’s hand as if it were a snake about to bite him, but he looked into Alex’s eyes and saw genuine kindness. Slowly, he moved one hand out from under Liz and shook Alex’s hand. “It’s good to meet you…I’m just sorry…”

“It was like this…I know. So, you’re in love with my Lizzie?” Alex questioned, trying to lighten the mood.

Normally Max would have been shy and reserved, but Alex had asked him the easiest question of all. “Hopelessly.”

Alex just shook his head. Michael had said he was a good man and now he believed him. Liz began to stir in Max’s arms, which caught both boys’ attention. “Liz?” They both said in unison.

Liz opened her eyes, but it hurt. Her head was pounding and her arm hurt. She looked up into Max’s beautiful, amber eyes and smiled despite the pain. “Max.” She whispered.

“I’m right here, Liz.” He pulled he even closer and held on as if his life depended on it. “I’m never gonna let anyone hurt you again.” Max lost it then. He’d held it together long enough to make sure she woke up, but now the tears flowed, dripping down into her hair. “I’m so sorry, Liz. It’s my fault…my Dad…I shouldn’t have brought you back here.”

“It’s not your fault, Max.”

“I love you.” Max leaned down and kissed her gently.

“I love you too.”

Alex felt like he was intruding on a moment he didn’t belong in so he stood up and stepped away. He hadn’t seen Liz in over a week, but he could wait. He saw Isabel, still standing like a statue near the door. She seemed to be frozen with her eyes fixated on Max. “You ok?”

“It’s Max…I remember him.” Isabel took in a deep breath. “He’s my brother.”

~~~~~~~

“No, no, no, no, no!” Maria shouted again, walking back and forth. “I know what I saw…I may be crazy, I’m not totally ruling that out, but I know what I saw.” She turned to face him directly, wanting to see the look in his eyes. “What happened, Michael?” she held up both hands to stop him before he spoke. “I’m not talking about the version where Max’s Dad fell through the door…I want the truth!” She crossed her arms across her chest and stood before him, determined to get some answers.

Michael had no choice. Alex was right. Liz knew. Alex knew. It was only a matter of time before Maria would know too. He thought for a moment, but there’s no easy way to tell someone you’re an alien. He took Maria’s hand and led her to the apartment door. She looked at him awkwardly for a minute before she realized the door was fixed. He watched her eyes grow wide and her mouth fall open. “Isabel fixed it.” He stated simply.

Maria rubbed her eyes and then blinked them repeatedly. The door was fixed. The hole was gone and Michael had said Isabel fixed it. “Wh-what…what do you mean she fixed it?”

Michael had hoped she would see the truth without him having to say it, but obviously that wasn’t going to happen. “Isabel, Max, and me…we’re…different.”

“What do you mean different?”

Dammit! Why can’t she make this easier for me? “We’re different. We’re not…”

“What, Michael? Spit it out!” Maria demanded.

“Ok, you know about the crash in Roswell, right?” He wasn’t sure if he was beating around the bush or just stalling.

“Yeah. I’ve grown up in Roswell and believe me people are fanatical about it. I mean the things they do and the things they believe are crazy!” Maria had momentarily lost track of their conversation and was now rambling on about the alien whackos, as she liked to refer to them.

“Not so crazy.” Michael said under his breath.

“What does the crash have to do with how Isabel fixed the door and what happened to Max’s Dad?” Just as the words passed her lips it dawned on her. “No,” she stepped back a foot, “no,” and another foot.

“Yeah, Maria,” Michael closed his eyes as he admitted his most sacred secret. “We crashed in 1947…we’re aliens.”

“Oh my God!”

TBC

Hello everyone! Well, this will be my last update until after the holidays most likely but I promise I will be working on the next chapter in my spare time. Assuming I can find some spare time HAPPY HOLIDAYS! I hope you enjoy!


CHAPTER 17


“Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! I’m crazy! It’s official…I’m nuts! I’ve always known I was a little out there, but I didn’t really think I was crazy!” Maria plopped down on the sidewalk, buried her face in her hands, and began to scream.

Michael had listened to Maria’s ranting and was convinced she might actually be crazy after all. “Maria, look…I know this is all coming at you quickly, but I…”

Suddenly Maria jumped back up. “Wait! Maybe I’m not really here! Maybe I’m having some crazy sexual fantasy and you’re not real!” Maria reached over a pinched a chuck of Michael’s upper arm.

“Ouch! What the hell did you do that for?” Michael rubbed his arm and almost started to pout. That really hurt!

“Oy! You are real! That means I’m standing here with an alien.” Maria said, trying to calm herself. “Oh no. I made out with an alien! Eww!” Maria dropped back down on the sidewalk and buried her face again.

“Hey now wait a minute…you enjoyed that!” Michael realized immediately that it wasn’t the right time to be defending his ability to please a woman, but they’d had chemistry…there was no denying that. Even looking at her now in full panic mode he was slightly aroused just being near her. He didn’t know what it was about her, but there was something. Slowly, praying he wouldn’t get pinched again, Michael sat down next to Maria. “I know this is freaky, but I’m still the same guy you spent the day with. I’m still me. You’ve known Isabel for years…are you afraid of her?”

“Isabel? Oh my God! You said Isabel fixed the door! She’s one of you!” This is too much! Breathe deep…in…out…in…out. “Ok…I’m going to try to be calm. Just so I know I have the story straight…my pregnant best friend is falling in love with Max who’s an alien?” She waited for Michael to nod in agreement. “Ok, one down. My other best friend, Alex, has been pining away for the same girl since grade school and she’s an alien?” Again, he nodded. “And last, but sure as hell not least…I spent the day with an alien and ended up making out in bed with him?”

“Sounds about right.” Michael replied simply. At least she wasn’t screaming anymore.

“Wow. This umm…well…I just don’t…” Maria couldn’t find the words to describe how she was feeling. Even growing up in Roswell had not prepared her for actually meeting aliens.

Taking a chance, Michael reached a hand over and laid it on her leg. “Maria, I’d never do anything to hurt you…I promise.”

“I know.” The words came out so fast it even surprised Maria. “So…you crashed in 1947…how’d you end up here?”

“I told you…Max and I were both adopted.”

“No, I mean on Earth.”

~~~~~~~

Liz sipped the water Isabel had brought her slowly. She was still hurting everywhere. Her head, her back, but mostly her arm. She winced in pain as she tried to lay back down, which caught Max’s attention.

“Liz? What is it? Are you hurt? Where?” Max moved his eyes quickly over Liz’s body but didn’t see any visible injuries.

“I think I just bumped my head, but my arm really hurts. I can barely move it and when I do it shoots pain all the way through my arm.” Considering what could’ve happened, Liz felt lucky to be alive.

Max bit his lower lip and sat there quietly for a couple of minutes. He knew he could help, but would she let him? “Liz?”

“Max?” She said, smiling at him.

He took a deep breath before speaking. What if she thinks I’m a freak? It didn’t matter…it was his fault she’d been put in this situation, so it was up to him to fix it. “I can…I can heal it for you…if you want?”

Liz looked up at him curiously. “You can heal my arm? Really?”

“If you want me to I can.” He rushed out quickly.

Liz could see the fear in his eyes again. “That would be great, Max. Thank you.”

Max smiled shyly, relieved that she was still looking at him adoringly rather than like a circus freak. “I have to touch you.” Liz nodded and he moved his hand to cover her arm. He concentrated for a moment before the soft glow became visible. Her arm was definitely broken, but it was easily healed. “There…it should be ok now.”

Liz lifted her arm up and down, then grinned widely. “Wow. It’s all better.” She leaned forward and kissed his cheek in a thank you gesture and then sat back just staring at her arm. “Neat.” Liz had been so distracted by Max and the pain in her arm that it took her a while to remember Maria had been there too. “Maria?” Liz said, suddenly panicked. “Where is she?”

“Calm down.” Max placed a gentle hand on her stomach and smiled. “You need to take it easy and Maria is fine.”

“Where is she?” Liz asked again.

“I think she’s outside with Michael.” Max turned to face Isabel. “You’re Isabel, right?”

Isabel stood frozen unable to speak so she just shook her head in response. My God…it’s my brother.

“I’m Max. Sorry we weren’t…umm…formally introduced, but you know…bad timing.”

“Yeah.” I remember those eyes.

“Have you seen Maria? I think she was with Michael, but I’m not sure. I know she’s just fine though.” He redirected back toward Liz.

“Umm…yeah. I think they’re outside. I’ll just…go get her.” There were so many things Isabel wanted to say but she couldn’t find the words. He didn’t appear to recognize her in any way. Obviously, Michael hadn’t even had time to tell Max about her, but she’d hoped he would feel the connection. Disappointed, she excused herself and went outside. The sight before her was enough to cheer her up…for now. “How’s it going out here?” She asked, holding back her laughter. Michael looked like he was in complete agony.

Maria had asked Michael almost every question that had come to mind, but Isabel’s sudden presence halted her interrogation. She’s known Isabel for years, but now she knew about Isabel and it scared her. “Hi.”

Isabel could feel Maria’s uneasiness…it was to be expected, but she hoped deep down it wouldn’t change the friendship they’d formed the past few days. “It’s ok, Maria…I won’t hurt you.”

“Now why is that the first thing you both think of to say to reassure me? Is your race typically violent?” Now that she’d calmed down, Maria was genuinely interested in where they came from and who they were.

“Not that I know of.” Isabel responded uncomfortably.

“I think what Isabel means is the idea of aliens scare humans and we’re just trying to say we won’t hurt you.” Michael stated, proud of his answer.

“So no death ray eyes or fireballs? That kind of thing?”

Isabel giggled. “No, Maria. No death ray eyes.”

“I’m guessing you told Alex, right?”

“Yes.”

“Well, that explains the Spongebob marathon. You know…you could’ve told me.” Maria said, a little hurt that she was the last to know.

Isabel shook her head. “I know. I wanted to, especially after these past few days, but I just wasn’t sure…”

“It’s ok…I get it.” Maria winked at Isabel causing her to relax a bit. “Is Liz ok?”

“Actually, she’s asking for you. That’s why I came out.”

Maria stood up and dusted off the back of her shorts. “Guess I’d better get in there then.” Maria started to walk through the door, but stopped and looked back at Isabel. “Nice work by the way.” Maria said, pointing at the door and then continued inside.

“Thanks.” Isabel whispered, smiling. She’d wanted friends her whole life and she’d wanted to find others like her…now she’d found both.

~~~~~~~

“Any luck, Dad?” Kyle blurted out the moment Jim stepped into his room. “Did you find Liz? Where is she?”

Jim grinned, glad to finally be giving Kyle some good news. “As a matter of fact we got a tip. She’s in California and the local sheriff will be picking her up, hopefully within the hour.”

Kyle felt like the weight of the world had been lifted. He knew he had a lot to make up for, but even if it took forever…he’d make it up to Liz. “Well then when can I get out of here?”

“Not so fast, Kyle.” Jim set his hat down on the dresser in Kyle’s hospital room and walked over and sat down beside his son. “There’s a lot to be worked out first. The doctor wants to give you at least another day or two so he can observe you, and the fact is, Kyle…Liz isn’t gonna want to see you. Considering the way she left I think it’s pretty safe to assume that she’s really hurt…you’ll probably be the last person she’ll want to see for a while. Give her some time, Kyle.”

“I hear ya, Dad…I do, but I don’t want to wait. The longer I wait the worse it’s gonna be. I know I have a lot to make up to her, but I’ll do it. I swear I will.”

Jim knew Kyle had good intentions, but he lived by the philosophy that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. “I just think you should give her some space.”

“Don’t worry, Dad…I know what I’m doing. I just need to make her see I’m different now. I’m a changed man. The brush with death has opened my eyes and for the first time I can see exactly what I want. Liz, me, and the baby…we’re gonna be a family and nothing’s gonna change that.”

Jim just sat there. Kyle was going to do what he wanted to do. Hopefully Kyle would come to his senses and give Liz the space she needs to forgive him. For the baby’s sake he prayed she would forgive him.

~~~~~~~

Michael waited outside for a few minutes hoping for Maxwell to come looking for him. The apartment was just too crowded for him right now. They were all in there…Isabel, Maria, Alex, and Liz. Three humans and a stranger to them. To say he was uncomfortable would be putting it mildly. Everything he’d ever believed about people and every promise he and Maxwell had ever made was now jeopardized. He wanted to be able to trust people, but could they? Could they really afford to be wrong? And Isabel. Michael still had his doubts about her. He could feel she was one of them, but what if she was an enemy? How is it that she just happened to end up here? “Michael, I think you’ve been watching ‘Unsolved Mysteries’ too much.” He said aloud, thinking he was still alone.

“Probably true.” Maxwell could tell Michael was feeling anxious. He knew everything about Michael, and all of Michael’s worst fears had been realized in a very short period of time. “You ok?” He sat down next to Michael on the sidewalk.

“I don’t know, Maxwell. Everything’s different now…them,” he gestured toward the apartment, “us. I just don’t know what’s real right now.”

“I know, Michael, but I believe we can trust them. I trust Liz and she trusts them. That’s enough for me. The only one that worries me is Isabel. Liz says she hardly knows her, so why is she here?”

“That would be us.” He watched the confused expression cross Max’s face. “She’s one of us, Maxwell…question is…friend or foe?”

“Wait,” Max stood up and looked through the window into the apartment where the group was chatting, “she’s one of us? How is that possible?”

“Don’t know. She doesn’t have a lot of memories from the crash either. All I do know is she said she felt drawn here. Like she could feel us. What do we do?”

“I don’t know. We have another matter to deal with first. Where is he?” Max’s tone turned cold the instant he spoke of his father.

“You’re not gonna like it.”

“Where?” Max asked reluctantly.

“The trunk of your car.” Michael knew Max wouldn’t be happy but at the time it was the most convenient place.

“Michael.” Max whined as he ran his fingers through his hair. “Whatever. What are we gonna do with him?”

“Your call, Max. You ask me I say dump him off a cliff.” Michael would love nothing more than to know Phillip Evans would never be a problem for them again.

“Be realistic.”

“I was.”

“Well, we have to get him out of my car.”

“I know. I just don’t see how we’re going to explain what happened.”

“Think about it, Michael. He was drunk, we got in a fight, and he passed out, end of story. The door’s fixed, nice work by the way, so there’s no proof anything happened.”

“I hope you’re right.” Michael watched Max stand up and realized he meant now. “I’m coming.” He stood up and the two of them headed for Max’s car.

Just as Max was about to pop the trunk a police cruiser pulled into the parking lot. “Michael, look.” He jerked his head in the direction of the cop. He held his hand on the lock, melting the trunk shut, and then stepped up next to Michael. The car pulled up to the two of them and came to a stop.

A man stepped out of the cruiser and shut the door. “Hey, you boys know where I could find the owner? The Registration Office said he was back here.”

Dammit! “No, officer, but I’m his son…can I help you?”

“Yeah.” The officer approached the two of them and held out a picture. “I’m looking for this girl. Got an anonymous tip said she was here.”

Dad! “I’m not sure…can I see that? We get so many people traveling through. Is she in some kind of trouble?”

“Nope. Just a runaway I’m supposed to bring in. Parents are just worried is all.”

Michael took the picture of Liz out of Max’s hand and looked at it. “Nope. Haven’t seen her.” He handed the picture back to the officer and smiled.

“You boys sure, because the tip came from here?” The officer asked, not believing they hadn’t seen the girl. “Maybe I should just take a look around.”

“I told you, she’s not here.” Michael said forcefully.

“You got a problem, son? I don’t like your tone.”

“Officer, you’re more than welcome to look around, but we haven’t seen the young lady.” Max answered calmly.

The officer looked Michael up and down and chose to disregard him. Young punk he thought. “Well, I’d still better look around. The sheriff from her hometown is looking for her personally.”

Kyle’s dad! “Certainly, Sir. We’ll just get out of your way. I live in the apartment over there…let me know if you need something.”

“Appreciate it.” The officer walked off toward the front of the building and started knocking on doors.

“Michael, what the hell you trying to do?”

“I’m sorry…did you want to hand over Liz?” He remarked sarcastically.

“No. Dammit! Come on…this will have to wait.” Max walked away from the car. His father was not his main priority right now. They walked in and found the other four all sprawled out and giggling on the living room floor. Max smiled, despite himself. Liz was absolutely glowing. So these are her friends…

“Hey, Max. I was wondering where you went.” Liz said sweetly, gesturing for him to sit down next to her.

Max and Michael exchanged glances before Max settled in next to Liz. “Now that we’re all here together we have a problem.”

“What’s wrong, Max?” Liz questioned.

“A lot.” Michael mumbled, earning him a dirty look from Max.

“A cop just showed up…he’s looking for you, Liz.” Max said, grabbing hold of her hand.

“What? A cop? But how?” Maria started firing off questions.

“Sheriff Valenti.” Alex stated.

“Oh no! That means Kyle is probably looking for Liz.” Maria gasped.

“What now, Maxwell?”

“Well…I have an idea, but I don’t know if it will work. It might buy us some time, but it’ll land Liz in a world of hot water.”

“What?” Alex, Maria, and Liz all asked.

Max waved one hand over the other and held it up, showing off a gold band on his ring finger. “I tell him he can’t take my wife.”

TBC

Hey everyone! Yep, I'm finally back I had hoped to post a new chapter much sooner but I was so lucky that I got the flu Hopefully the updates will be weekly from here on out Thank you for all the wonderful feedback and for attempting to be patient with me Now on with the story...

CHAPTER 18


Liz just sits there silently…knowing Max is completely serious.

“You can’t be serious, Maxwell!” Michael finally blurts out.

Max smiles at Michael and looks over to Liz. “I am serious…if Liz agrees to it.” Max winks down at Liz, making her blush instantly.

“Ok,” Alex starts as he stands up from the position he’d taken on the floor for their little reunion. “I hate to be the voice of reason, and you all know I’m a genuine romantic at heart…”

“But?” Maria interrupts as Alex continues to blabber on.

“But…I think it’s a mistake. I know it’s going to be hard going home and facing your parents and Kyle, but you have us,” he gestures toward Maria and Isabel, “we’ll get you through this, Liz. You don’t have to pretend to be married to a total stranger to avoid them…we’ll help.”

“But Max isn’t a total stranger,” Liz smiles adoringly at Max before continuing, “and I love him, Alex.”

“See, I knew Liz was too smart to…what? What did you just say?” Maria asks, shocked.

“I said I love him and I think it’s a brilliant idea.” Liz stands up to face Max. “I would be honored to pretend to be your wife.” Liz giggles and wraps her arms around Max.

“Have you lost your mind?” Maria screeches.

Although Liz should’ve been startled by Maria’s ear piercing tone, she wasn’t. She’d known Maria her whole life and truth be told she had thought it would be worse. So instead she kept her arms around Max and nuzzled under his chin as he bent down slightly.

“Why? You think Max isn’t good enough for her?” Michael questioned, obviously annoyed by the thought.

“Don’t tell me you actually approve of this, you ogre?” Maria demanded.

“Well, no…but…hey wait a second…did you just call me an ogre?”

“Yeah, you half wit…I did!”

“Listen, drama queen…I don’t know who the hell you think you are…”
“I happen to be Liz’s best friend and I think I know what’s best for her!”

“What and Max isn’t?”

“No, he’s not! My best friend is not marrying an alien!”

“Oh, I get it! An alien is good enough for you to use as a toy but when it comes down to a commitment then I’m not good enough?”

“Well, I didn’t know you were an alien when I kissed you! It’s not like you volunteered that information!”

“I can’t imagine why! Look at you, you’re hysterical!”

“And you’re not? You’re screaming too!”

“Maybe it’s because I think you’re nuts! Did you ever think of that?”

“All I know, mister, is that you wanted me and you knew what species I was!”

“An oversight on my part obviously, because I’m no longer sure what you are!”

“Oh yeah!”

“Yeah!” Michael couldn’t help it. Before he could stop himself he had Maria in his arms, her breasts smashed against his chest, kissing her passionately.

Alex and Isabel watched in horror as the scene played out before them, but Max and Liz were not the least bit surprised. Not only had they witnessed Michael and Maria’s passion for each other first hand, they knew what that attraction felt like. From the moment they’d met there had been an electric charge between them that was undeniable. “Max, why do we have to pretend? Why can’t we get married for real?” Liz finally interjected once Michael and Maria’s screaming match had come to a halt.

“You mean it?” Max asked, grinning from ear to ear. “You’ll marry me?”

“Only if you ask properly.” Liz said teasingly.

Without any hesitation Max dropped down on one knee. “Elizabeth Parker, will you marry me? I promise to make every day of your life better than the one before and I promise our child will never know what it’s like to live without love.”

Tears in her eyes, Liz knelt down in front of Max. “I would be honored to be your wife, Max Evans.”

Michael and Maria both opened their eyes and jerked away from one another. “You’re gonna do what?” They asked in unison. They stared in shock at Max and Liz who were now crying and holding on tightly to each other.

“Can we go back to the pretending?” Michael whined. This can’t be happening!

“Liz, are you nuts?” Maria whispered, afraid that if she said it any louder it would make it true.

“Nope. We’re not crazy,” Max said as he looked around at the surprised faces of their friends, “and we’re gonna get married…tonight.”

~~~~~~~

Nancy and Jeff Parker had been pacing Jim’s office for nearly two hours. “Why haven’t we heard anything?” Jeff asked for the twentieth time. Jim had assured them that he knew exactly where their daughter was and that they would hear something immediately. That had been hours ago.

Jim understood the Parkers’ frustration, but he had no answers. He was sure he should’ve heard something by now and was getting worried himself. “Jeff, I know this is hard, but we need to be patient. Things like this take time and this is a special situation. We’re lucky the local sheriff would even go looking for Liz considering her age.”

“Her age? What does that have to do with anything?” Jeff questioned angrily.

“Well, she’s going to be eighteen in less than a week and she’s pregnant…in the eyes of the law in the state of California she’s pretty much an adult.” Jim stated calmly. He’d called in a favor on this one just to get the ball rolling.

“But she’s just a child.” Nancy said quietly.

“Not anymore.” Jim looked at the clock on the wall and decided it had been long enough. He had to find out what was going on. “Let me get Opal Cliff on the phone and we’ll see what the hold up is, ok?”

Jeff and Nancy both nodded and sat down across from Jim. They knew he was going out of his way for them, but they couldn’t help themselves…all they wanted was their daughter back.

Just as Jim reached for the phone there was a knock on the door. “Come in.” He called out. “What is it, Hanson?”

“Sorry, sir, but I know you’ve been waiting to hear about the Parker girl. The sheriff from Opal Cliff is on line one.” After stating his reason for the intrusion, Deputy Hanson quickly retreated.

“See…I told you we just needed to be patient.” Jim smiled and grabbed the receiver as he punched the button for line one. “This is Sheriff Valenti.”

“Sheriff Valenti, sorry it took so long to get back to you but we’ve run into a snag and we were just trying to sort it out.”

“A snag? I’m sorry, Sheriff, but what exactly is going on out there? I’ve had the girl’s parents waiting here for hours to hear about their daughter.”

“Well…I’m afraid they’ll be waiting awhile.” The husky voice on the other end of the line stated sarcastically.

“Sheriff Carlson, apparently I didn’t make myself clear enough before but this is of a great personal matter to me. I need to get this girl home safely and quickly.” Jim said growing significantly more irritated with each passing second.

“Well, Sheriff Valenti, I’m afraid there’s nothing we can do to help you.”

“Is she gone?” Jim questioned, not understanding the problem.

“No, she’s not gone.” Sheriff Carlson stated.

“Then what?” Jim growled.

“She’s married.”

“What?” Jim thought his ears were playing tricks on him. “I don’t think I heard you correctly.”

“Oh you heard me correctly. She’s married. Some local boy whose father is one of our most prominent citizens so I’m afraid we’re not going to be able to help you. Sorry, Sheriff…you just didn’t find her in time.”

That being said the line went dead in Jim’s hand. For a moment he sat there in disbelief, then he wondered how he was going to tell Kyle. Finally, he looked up and saw Jeff and Nancy Parker staring at him in total confusion. He replaced the receiver and sat back in his chair. “I’m sorry…I have some disturbing news.”

“Is Lizzie ok?” Jeff asked terrified. He’d witnessed the phone call and now every father’s worst fears were running through his mind.

“She’s fine, Jeff…just fine.” How am I supposed to tell them this?

“Well, if she’s fine when do we get to see her?” Nancy asked hopefully.

“It seems that Liz has done something a little impulsive and it may take some time to work out.” Jim was stalling, he knew he was, but this was the last thing he’d expected to be telling the Parkers at this very moment. “Liz has gotten married.”

“That’s impossible, Sheriff. I know my Lizzie and she’s not the impulsive type. Not to mention Kyle is lying in a hospital bed here…in Roswell.” Jeff stated firmly.

“Yes, Jeff…he is. She didn’t marry Kyle.” Jim stated still in disbelief.

“But she’s only been gone a week…who could she have married?” Nancy knew her daughter…this was impossible. It was all a mistake. Just a mistake and soon her little girl would be coming home.

“I’m sorry, Jeff, Nancy, but the sheriff out there was certain. Liz married a local boy…it’s out of his hands…and ours.” Jim threw up his arms in defeat. He knew Kyle had not treated Liz Parker well, but he’d hoped that his son would get a second chance. Now, he knew they’d be lucky if she ever came home. How do I tell Kyle his child might be gone forever?

~~~~~~~

Michael waited for everyone to pair off into discussions and pulled Max into the kitchen. “You know I think this is crazy, right?” Michael was praying he could make Max see this decision was completely irrational.

“I know you think this is crazy, Michael.” Max parroted. He was grinning from ear to ear like a Cheshire cat.

“This isn’t a game, Maxwell.”

“I never said it was. I know you don’t understand, but Liz and I love each other. Yes, it’s quick, but it’s right, Michael…I just know it. I can feel it. She’s the one.”

“Well, that’s really romantic and all but you need to think this through. I wouldn’t think this was bright on a good day and have you forgotten we’re up to our necks in shit already?”

Reality hit Max. He’d been trying to forget some of the events of the day, but Michael was right. They had some loose ends to tie up. “I don’t want the others to see my father. I’ll get them to go upstairs and then we finish this…once and for all.”

Michael was surprised by the hatred in Max’s eyes. He’d always been the forgiving one, but not this time. This time something was different. About that time, Liz popped her head into the kitchen to see what Max and Michael were up to.

“Hey. What’s going on?” She asked cheerfully, still dancing on air that she was going to marry Max Evans.

Michael was staring face to face with what was different. He still didn’t trust these people no matter how sweet Liz seemed to be. Irritated, he grabbed her by the shoulders and spun her around to face the direction she’d just come from. “Look, I know you’re all excited right now, but we could use a little privacy. Now go back in there and play with your friends.”

“Excuse me?” Maria popped her head in through the other door in the kitchen. “Go play with her friends? I know you’re not trying to bring down my girl on her wedding day.” Maria said in her most snotty tone. She still didn’t agree with this whole fiasco that was Max and Liz, but it didn’t give Michael the right to act like a total ass. Besides, anything to get a rise out of Michael was well worth her valuable time.

“You tell him, Maria!” Liz called out from the living room.

“Could you chicks just go away already? Geez!” Michael had always been a private person…he liked his privacy and from the moment Liz Parker had stepped into his world everything was public knowledge. His secret, not so secret. His private fling with Maria, not at all private anymore. Everything was a mess!

“Oh, but hell no you didn’t!” This time is was Isabel that spoke up, which shocked them all. “You will refer to us as women, got it?” She said stepping forward into the kitchen and poking Michael in the chest. “If you can’t handle that…we’ll accept girls or females, but we will not accept you referring to us as chicks anymore. Do you understand me?”

Maria, Alex, and Liz just stared in awe. They’d known Isabel long enough to know how out of character this was for her. She’d always been popular and somewhat out of reach, but she’d never been confrontational…that’s what her minions had been for.

“Fine,” Michael stepped back away from Isabel’s protruding finger, “no more chicks. Now…can I please have a few minutes with Max? C’mon, I even asked nicely.”

Isabel glanced at Liz and Maria, both smiling widely, and winked. She’d just earned her respect among them. “Fine. We can give you some privacy. We all need to go freshen up anyway, but you boys get to keep Alex.” Isabel didn’t wait for a reply but blew a kiss over her shoulder. Impressed, Maria and Liz followed after her.

“Great.” Michael muttered almost under his breath. “We finally get rid of them and we still get stuck with Dudley Do Right.”

“You know, Michael, if that were coming from someone else I might be offended, but from an ogre like you I’m gonna let it slide. So, what’s up now? What are we going to do with our manly time?” Alex mocked, amused by the situation.

“We’re gonna get rid of Max’s father’s body. Grab a shovel.” Michael stomped out the front door leaving Max to clean up his mess this time.

Alex gestured toward Michael’s retreating form and snickered. “He’s kidding, right?”

“Not entirely.” Max tried to smile reassuringly but knew he hadn’t been successful by Alex’s rapidly disappearing color. “Come on, Alex. It’ll be ok.” One of these days I’m going to kill Michael.

Alex reluctantly followed Max out the door, still clueless about the task that awaited them.

~~~~~~~

Just one more night. That’s all Kyle had left in the hospital and then he would finally be free to find Liz and make things right again. He was sure he could do it. It might take some time, but Liz had always come back to Kyle and this time would be no exception. Kyle was so lost in his thoughts that he hadn’t heard the door open and close.

“You look pretty far away.”

Kyle paused for a minute before turning around. He’d thought of hundreds of things to say at this moment, but now that the moment was here…he was speechless.

“Look at me, Kyle.” It had taken every ounce of courage Tess had to come see Kyle…the least he could do was look at her.

“I hoped I wouldn’t hear from you again…guess I’m not that lucky.” Kyle said as his eyes met hers. “What do you want, Tess?”

Without being asked, Tess advanced forward and sat down. “I know Aaron came to see you…I just thought…”

“Thought what? That you could put your own little spin on the story and I’d believe you? I mean I saw the look in his eyes so I know damn well he didn’t take you back.” Kyle interrupted.

“Sometimes you can be so cold.” A single tear fell down Tess’s cheek but she immediately wiped it away.

“Don’t play the victim with me, Tess. We both know you’re far from it. So…is it my baby or is it Aaron’s? Do you even know?” As much as the sight of Tess disgusted him, the answer to his question could potentially save his future.

“I’m not positive…but I think the baby is Aaron’s. I know that makes me sound horrible so you don’t need to elaborate. I know what you think of me…what you’ve always thought of me. I wanted so much to prove you were wrong. I wanted so much for you to fall in love with me and see that I was the girl for you, but it didn’t happen.”

“No, it didn’t”

“You’re not innocent here either, Kyle. I didn’t trick you or drug you or wait for you to get roaring drunk…I may have come on strong but you didn’t exactly run away screaming, did you?”

“Now wait a damn minute…you knew I was with Liz and you still threw yourself at me! I may have taken the bait but don’t you dare make me out to be the bad guy.”

This wasn’t why Tess had come here. She knew there would be plenty of time in the next few months for them to fight…it wasn’t important now. “Kyle, I came here tonight because I needed to tell you something…I needed to be honest with you.”

“Honest? Ha! You don’t know what honesty is. Just get the hell out of here. I don’t want to see you again.”

“Fine, I’ll say what I came to say and then I’m gone. I saw my doctor today and the test to prove the baby’s paternity is safer after it’s born so I’m going to wait. Whether you like it or not this child could be yours and if it is you will do the right thing and you will have to show me a certain amount of respect. I have things to discuss with Aaron because I’m hoping I can make this right, which is partially why I came here. I don’t want you to feed Aaron’s hatred for me…trust me he hates me enough already. And I wanted you to know that I was the one that told Liz. I’m not proud of it but I did it. You have your own mess to clean up…I just ask that you give me a chance to clean up mine.” Tess stood up and walked to the door but Kyle’s voice stopped her.

“Tess?” Kyle waited for her to look back. “Why’d you do it? Aaron’s a great guy.”

“Yes he is.” Tess looked Kyle up and down. “I honestly don’t know why I did it because what I got in return didn’t come close to comparing.” It was her turn to look at Kyle with disgust, and then she walked out.

Kyle watched her leave and whether he wanted to admit it or not her words had stung. He knew he’d screwed up and now he’d lost Liz, their baby, and his best friend. One way or another I’ll get them back. Kyle was a lot of things and determined was at the top of his list. Things seemed bad now but he knew they would get better. Kyle smiled to himself and turned toward the door when he heard it open. “Hey, Dad.”

Jim took off his hat and stepped inside. “Kyle, I’m sorry but there’s something I need to tell you. It’s about Liz.”

~~~~~~~

“Wow, Isabel…that was awesome.” Liz smiled remembering the first time Michael had called her a chick.

Isabel batted her eyelashes, pretending to be coy. “I have my moments.”

“Yeah, you do,” Maria smiled, “but I still wish I’d said it.”

The girls were giggling and talking while they changed into nicer clothes. Maria and Isabel both thought Liz was crazy for what she was doing, and they both secretly figured Liz would chicken out, but it was still a chance for them to dress up for their guys. Isabel wanted nothing more than to see Alex look at her the way Max had looked at Liz, and Maria wanted nothing more than to raise Michael’s temperature a few degrees. Once they were all dressed each of them stepped back to be judged by the others.

“So…how do I look?” Isabel asked first. Maria and Liz had always admired Isabel’s beauty from afar and now they were here with her…laughing and chatting like they’d always been together.

“You look stunning, Isabel.” Liz beamed.

“Yep, gonna knock Alex’s socks right off.” Maria responded. “So, check it! How do I look?” Maria twirled around one time, causing what little there was of her skirt to fly up.

“Maria!”

“What? You don’t think Michael will like it?” Maria frowned.

“Oh no…I’m sure he’ll love it.” Liz said giggling again.

“Ok, Liz, your turn.”

Liz pushed herself up off the bed and stood before her friends. “Not exactly what I envisioned myself getting married in, but it’s all I have.” The sundress she wore was cute, but nothing near her desired look. It was a pale yellow, which brought out the flecks of gold in her eyes, but it was ordinary. Not to mention one of Kyle’s favorites…the last person in the world she wanted to think about right now.

“Here.” Isabel stepped forward and looked the dress up and down. She bit her lip and closed her eyes as she concentrated on something. Finally, her eyes flew open and she smiled. “I’ve got it!” She leaned forward and waved her hand across Liz’s upper body first and then continued down to her feet. She watched as Liz’s look of shock turned to one of wonder. When she was done she stepped back and looked at her finished work. “Perfect.”

Liz walked over slowly toward the mirrored closet door in the room. What she saw was beyond amazing. The dress she’d been wearing was gone with only a faint memory remaining and what was left was nothing short of spectacular. It was ivory, full length, with a thin layer of lace covering satin underneath. The sleeves were short but elegant and the neckline was in a delicate v-shape that showed off tastefully what small amount of cleavage Liz had. It was as Isabel had said…perfect! Liz looked up at Isabel and smiled with tears glistening in her eyes. “Thank you.” Liz whispered.

Even Maria couldn’t help but shed a tear. Liz looked like a princess. “Liz, I’ve never seen you look more beautiful.” Was all Maria could manage.

When Liz turned to face Isabel again she could see the pride on Isabel’s face. Suddenly Liz kicked herself mentally for never having tried to get to know Isabel before. Maria had said earlier that she’d grown fond of Isabel this week, and she was nothing she appeared to be. Now Liz knew she had been right…Isabel was so much more. The three girls hugged tightly and cried tears of joy together. It was a beautiful moment between them, unfortunately it was one that would not last. Alex came tearing through the door, out of breath, but nearly hysterical.

“Max’s…dad…don’t…know…where…but…gone…”

“Alex, calm down. What happened?” Liz was trying to understand Alex but he didn’t make any sense. “Please, Alex…you have to breathe. What happened?”

“I can answer that for you.” Michael was standing in the doorway. “Phillip Evans is gone.”


TBC

CHAPTER 19


Liz stared down at the dress now lying on the bed and her heart sank. If she was being rational she could see that all of this was for the best. She and Max were both so young and they barely knew each other. Besides, Liz Parker had never been the impulsive type. All of the arguments made sense, but her heart was another story. Inside she was dying. Staring down at the dress, all of the dreams she’d had were quickly fading away. Logic no longer mattered. What mattered was the life she and Max were going to start together, but now that dream was gone.

Isabel and Maria had been sitting in total silence for over half an hour since Max, Michael, and Alex had gone in search of Phillip Evans. While neither of them had been too keen on the idea of Max and Liz getting married, they both wanted to console Liz now in her hour of need. Unfortunately, she was unreachable. Liz had not spoken a word since the boys had left, but instead took off the dress and changed into something much more casual. Isabel and Maria watched her fumble through her bag but she made no attempt at eye contact and acted as if she were alone. Finally, unable to hold it in any longer, Isabel broke the silence.

“Talk to her.” Isabel whispered in a hushed tone.

“Me? I don’t know what to say. I mean look at her…she’s devastated. I’m not exactly the most sensitive person in the world. Aren’t you the one that called me abrasive?” Maria responded also in a hushed tone.

“Well yeah, to the rest of the world, but Liz is your best friend. You’ve known her all of your life. Surely if someone can get through to her it would be you.” Isabel nudged Maria in the arm, hoping to push her into action. “Go.” Isabel mouthed when Maria made direct eye contact.

“Ok.” Maria stood up and walked over to where Liz was folding clothes to go back into her duffle bag. She’d refolded them several times, obviously just trying to pass the time. “Liz? Is there anything I can get you?” Maria waited for a moment but received no response. She turned back to Isabel who was making gestures for her to push forward. “Liz…I know tonight didn’t go the way you had hoped, but I…”

“Everything happens for a reason, right?” Liz interrupted her. “Doesn’t matter if it makes sense or not…everything happens for a reason.”

Maria could see that the strong exterior was just a brave façade. She knew Liz and she could tell she was falling to pieces inside. “Liz, I know you’re hurting, but…”

“Do you? Do you really? Because I seem to recall you were against this from the very beginning so I’m surprised you’re not doing cartwheels.” Liz responded rather coldly.

“You can’t mean that?” Maria stood there, hurt by her best friend’s words. Could Liz honestly think I wished this on her? “Liz, I would never…” Maria was too hurt to finish her sentence. It had been a long day. A day of truths being revealed and a day of broken dreams, but how Liz could believe that Maria was happy for her anguish was unbelievable.

Isabel could see the tears forming in Maria’s eyes and decided to give it a shot herself. Liz didn’t know her as well, but maybe right now Liz needed to vent to someone she didn’t really know. “Liz, we know you’re hurting…all we want to do is help. Tell us how to make this better for you and we will.”

“You can make this better?” Liz asked sarcastically. “Really? I know you can fix my dress but can you fill a hole in my heart? Can you take me back three months before I got pregnant? Can you make all of this misery go away? Can you?” Liz saw the hurt expression on Isabel’s face now, but chose to ignore it. “Don’t you get it? You can’t help me. My life has turned into one giant nightmare and the one bright spot in my future has disappeared…so tell me, Isabel…tell me how you can fix that. You can’t! No one can.” Liz looked to both of the girls, now on the brink of tears themselves. “I know you mean well, I do, but you can’t fix me. Not this time.” Liz turned toward the door and started to leave.

Immediately, Maria jumped in her path. “Liz, I’m sorry that you’re upset and I know you want to be away from here right now, but it isn’t safe.”

“Get out of my way, Maria.” Liz said coldly.

“No, Liz. You can be upset. Hell, you can even use us as your punching bags, but I can’t let you leave.” Maria stood firm, holding her ground in front of the door.

Isabel joined Maria, blocking Liz’s path entirely. “Maria’s right, Liz. We promised Max. We have to stay here until they find Max’s father. He’s already threatened your life once…we’re not taking that chance again.”

Maria and Isabel waited for the fight. They both knew Liz’s state of mind and it was anything but rational. They knew that at any moment Liz could try and fight her way past them, but they’d sworn to keep her safe. They expected a fight, and they were ready. However, they weren’t ready for what came next. Liz collapsed to the floor, tears rocking her entire body. Violent cries and pleas with God escaped her lips, but all they could do was hold her.

~~~~~~~

Michael’s legs were beginning to tire and all he wanted was to go home, but Max continued to forge on. Relentless and on a mission, nothing was getting in his way. Michael understood where the anger and hatred were coming from, but he would’ve been lying if he didn’t admit, to himself at least, that he was worried. He’d known Max their entire lives and he’d never seen Maxwell in this frame of mind. He’d seen him upset. He’d even seen him cry, but the look in his eyes right now was foreign even to him, and that scared him more than Phillip Evans. “Maxwell, we’ve been everywhere. I say we head back to the motel and buckle down for the night. We’ll start looking again tomorrow.”

Alex nodded in agreement. “He’s right, Max. It’s dark and we’re all tired. We can always try again tomorrow.”

Max knew he hadn’t said much in the time since they’d left the motel…he really had nothing to say. Once again his father had ruined his chance for happiness, so why wasn’t he used to this? “This was supposed to be my wedding day.” He muttered, barely audible.

Michael and Alex exchanged glances, neither of them wanting to admit that it was for the best. “Maxwell, don’t do this…not now. Let’s just go get some sleep. I’m sure Liz is worried about you.” Michael placed a friendly hand on Max’s shoulder, but Max just stood there as if he were a statue.

“I used to wonder why we ended up here. On Earth I mean. My whole life I was always looking for that one thing that would make me feel like I belonged…that one good thing. Then Liz came along. I don’t think you really understand, Michael…she made me human. It didn’t matter what had happened before because my destiny was now so clear…” Max trailed off, lost in a trance.

“Maxwell, you can still have that dream…it’s just temporarily on hold.” Michael tried to say reassuringly.

Max finally looked at Michael and could see his concern was genuine. “Do you really believe that? That dreams can come true?”

”Most definitely.” Alex piped in.

Max smiled, visibly releasing some of his pent up anger. “You’re right…Liz is probably worried…she needs me right now.” Max took a few steps forward before turning back to Michael and Alex. “Thank you.” He watched as they both nodded and then he continued down the beach completely oblivious to the pair of eyes watching him.

Phillip Evans stood in the shadows waiting for the three boys to disappear out of view. He was finally sober, but the events of the night were still hazy to him. When he had awaken in the back of Max’s car he had no memory of being put there. Something had happened, something serious, but his mind was playing tricks on him. The few details he remembered were sketchy at best, so he’d decided to make himself scarce until his mind was clearer. He would find out what had happened…no matter how long it took.

~~~~~~~

“You seem awfully serious, Dad…what’s wrong? Is Liz ok?”

The concern was obvious in Kyle’s voice, but Jim still couldn’t help being a little angry. He was sorry that he was the one that had to tell Kyle about Liz, but he was even sorrier that he understood why she would’ve done something so rash just to get away from Kyle. He loved his son, but it was becoming more and more obvious that he didn’t deserve Liz Parker. Jim felt ashamed by the revelation and wondered where he’d gone wrong. Kyle had always been such a sweet little boy, so how had he ended up here?

“There’s just no easy way to put this so I just need to get it out. Kyle, I was able to find out where Liz was…”

“Great! So, when is she gonna be home?”

“Not so fast, Kyle…I don’t think she’s coming home. I’ve been with the Parkers most of the afternoon…I’m sure you can understand their concern over their pregnant daughter being missing. Well, we just got word back that Liz has gotten married. We can’t force her to come home and it’s highly unlikely that she’ll come home on her own after everything that’s happened.” Jim felt a little relieved to have the truth out in the open, but still felt guilty that he was actually happy for Liz. “I’m sorry, Kyle, but for now…it’s over.”

Kyle walked over to the small closet where he knew his dad had placed some of his clothes and quickly started to get dressed. “The hell it is, Dad. Where is she?”

“Kyle, she’s married.”

“I don’t give a damn! Where is she?” Kyle yelled as he slipped on his boots.

Jim watched as Kyle finished dressing and reached for his jacket. He couldn’t let him do this. “Kyle, leave it alone. She’ll come home when she’s ready.”

“What? And you honestly think I’m just gonna sit here until she does? Hell no! That’s my kid, Liz is my girl, and I’m going to bring them home! Now tell me where she is!”

“No.” Jim said quietly.

“Dad, tell me where she is!”

Jim shook his head. “I’m sorry, son…I can’t do that.”

Kyle couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Dad, look…I know you’re disappointed in me right now, but I’m gonna make everything right again…I promise.” He walked over and placed a hand on his dad’s shoulder. “Now…just tell me where she is and I’ll fix this.”

Jim stepped back and removed Kyle’s hand from his shoulder. “I’m sorry, son, but I think she’s better off. You’ve ruined enough.”

“Dad? How can you say that to me? I’m your son…whose side are you on?”

“My grandchild’s.” Jim saw the hurt on Kyle’s face but for once he was going to do what he thought was right and Kyle wasn’t right for this baby…not now. There was nothing else to be said so Jim turned and walked out.

Kyle stood there for a minute in shock. This can’t be happening! My own father just walked away from me. That’s my kid! Mine! Who the hell does he think he is? Kyle reached for the phone and dialed the station.

“Roswell Sheriff’s Department. Deputy Hanson speaking.”

“Deputy Hanson, hey it’s Kyle.”

“Kyle? How you doin’ boy?” Hanson asked cheerfully.

“Good. Actually they’re releasing me and I’m heading out to go get Liz. My dad said he didn’t have the directions to where she was but that you could give them to me.” Kyle crossed his fingers, praying his dad hadn’t relayed his disappointment in Kyle to him.

“Sure. Let me grab the file and I’ll be right back with ya.”

Kyle heard the phone as Deputy Hanson set it down. He wouldn’t know a hold button to save his life. Kyle heard papers shuffling and finally the phone clink against the desk as Deputy Hanson picked it back up.

“Kyle?”

“Yeah, still here.”

“Let me see…I know the address is in here cause I put it here myself.” Deputy Hanson laughed at himself. “Ok, here we go…it’s the Evan’s Motel in Opal Cliff. I don’t have the directions but I’m sure you could find them on the Internet. Just look for a map of California. It’s on the coast so it should be easy enough to find.”

California? Why would Liz go to California? “Thanks, Hanson…knew I could count on you.”

“Well you just be careful. You’ve been through enough…we don’t need you getting’ hurt again. Drive slowly. Arrive alive.”

“Will do.” Kyle hung up the phone and smiled. Nothing was gonna stand in his way now. He picked the phone up again and called information.

“Operator Assistance. What city and state?”

“Albuquerque, New Mexico.”

“What listing?” The woman’s voice asked politely.

“Southwest Airlines, ticket information.” Kyle jotted down the number the operator gave him and made his final call. When the voice on the other end of the line answered, Kyle hesitated for a minute. He knew he had no right to ask this favor, but he was desperate. “Aaron?”

“Kyle?” The sleepy voice questioned. “Do you know what time it is?”

“Sorry, man…I know it’s late but I need a favor.” Kyle stood there, hoping against hope that Aaron might take pity on him.

“What do you want, Kyle?” Aaron asked, annoyed and more awake.

“I need you to drive me to Albuquerque…I’m going to get Liz.” Again he stood there, fingers crossed, waiting for the silence to end. He knew it was a lot to ask and Aaron had no reason to help him, but he knew what a good guy Aaron was so he knew he wouldn’t let him down.

“Ok.” What the hell am I doing? “Give me half an hour…I’ll pick you up at the hospital.”

“Thanks, buddy. You won’t regret this.” Kyle hung up the phone. Finally…victory! This time tomorrow he would be reunited with Liz and no one would ever come between them again.

Halfway across town, Aaron was sitting on his bed trying to figure out why he’d agreed to help Kyle at all. Once upon a time he was your best friend. Screw that! With Kyle gone the road to Tess is wide open. Aaron smiled to himself before grabbing some clothes. It was going to be a long night, but if it meant getting rid of Kyle for a while it was more than worth it. Aaron dressed quickly and was out the door in five minutes. The roads were empty so it didn’t take very long for Aaron to reach the hospital. As he pulled up he saw Kyle leaning against a pole waiting for him. When Kyle saw Aaron he smiled and ran to the truck.

“Thanks, buddy. You don’t know how important this is.” Kyle jumped in and retrieved his cell phone from his pocket. “I just need to make a quick call.”
“I don’t get it, Kyle…what’s going on?”

“Short version?” Aaron nodded. “Liz is in California, she’s pregnant and alone, so she needs me to come get her.”

“Liz is pregnant?” As well as Aaron knew Liz, it was the last thing he had expected to come out of Kyle’s mouth. “If she’s pregnant what the hell is she doing alone in California?” Kyle didn’t have to answer before the situation dawned on him. “Oh…now I get it. Tess told Liz about the two of you and she took off. Am I right?”

“Yeah.” Kyle said, ashamed.

“So, if Liz left you why would she want you to come get her?”

“She was scared. She thought I was gonna die, Tess told her we’d been together, and she was pregnant. Not exactly a great situation.” Kyle admitted.

“True, but why would she want you there now?” Aaron asked again.

“Because she needs me, Aaron. We’re having a baby and she knows she can’t do it on her own. Look, I could’ve waited for her to come home, but I don’t want her traveling alone in her condition.” It was partially the truth.

Aaron nodded in agreement. “Yeah, she shouldn’t be alone right now. Glad you two are working things out.” Aaron wanted to hate Kyle but he didn’t. Sure he was still angry, but maybe, just maybe, Liz could make a good guy out of him yet.

Kyle flipped his phone open and dialed the number the operator had given him. When someone answered on the other end, Kyle wasted no time. “Yes, I need to make a reservation on your first flight tomorrow morning to the airport in San Jose/Palo Alto. Just one. Yes, I’ll need a rental car when I get there. Thank you. The name’s Kyle Valenti.”

Aaron listened as Kyle relayed his credit card information to the person on the phone and then booked his rental car. When he finally hung up he seemed so content. Aaron watched enviously. Suddenly he hoped that this would be him and Tess very soon.

~~~~~~~

By the time Max, Michael, and Alex got back to the motel it was well after midnight. Max tapped gently on the door, trying his best not to disturb anyone else in the motel. Maria answered the door, looking exhausted with tearstains on each cheek. “Maria? What’s wrong?” Max rushed through the door and looked around. Liz was curled in a ball on the bed, snoring softly. “Is she ok?” Max asked, pointing at Liz.

Maria shook her head. “I don’t know. After you left she…she just collapsed.”

“Collapsed?” Max ran to Liz’s side and gently touched her cheek. “No. Is she ok? Did you call anyone? Is it the baby?” Max rambled off one question after another.

Wiped out and in no mood to handle another meltdown, Maria held up both hands. “Shh. I already have a monster of a headache from her meltdown, so I’m not up to handling yours. She’s fine, physically at least, but emotionally…”

“I know she’s been through a lot…but she’s strong…things will get better…I know they will.” Max said, while kissing Liz’s hand softly.

“I’m not so sure, Max. I don’t know how much more she can take. You didn’t see her.” Maria and Isabel had traded off holding Liz and rocking her until she’d fallen asleep. “I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I think taking her back to Roswell would be a mistake.”

“You do?” Max questioned, stunned.

“I didn’t before but if you’d seen her tonight…Max, she can’t handle Kyle right now. Liz is strong, one of the strongest people I know, but if she has to deal with anything else right now…I honestly think she’d lose the baby.”

“No, Maria.” Max looked her straight in the eyes. “I will never let that happen.” Max focused his attention back on Liz. “You’re my miracle, Liz Parker…I’m never going to let anything or anyone hurt you again…ever.” Max sat on the floor against the bed and just held Liz’s hand. When she woke up he wanted to be the first thing she saw.

~~~~~~~

“Where are you sleeping tonight?” Michael asked Alex when they reached the motel.

“Don’t know.” Alex looked up at the window to the room and saw total darkness. “Not sure there’s room for me up there.”

“Why don’t you stay in Max’s apartment? He won’t care.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, I crash there all the time. Keys are under the mat. I gotta get some stuff from my place, so I’ll be back later. Shouldn’t take too long.”

“Cool, man…thanks.” Alex shook Michael’s hand and headed for the apartment. He was exhausted and in serious need of a shower.

Thirty minutes later, Alex stepped out of the shower, finally feeling refreshed. Everything that had happened slowly began to sink in, but he didn’t want to think about it. All he wanted right now was to sleep. He grabbed an extra blanket out of Max’s closet and went to the couch. Just as he laid down and got comfortable he heard the door open. “Hey, Michael. Don’t know where you’re sleeping ‘cause the couch is mine.” He laughed and waited for Michael to say something, but there was nothing but silence. “Michael?” Alex sat up and waited for his eyes to adjust to the darkness, but it was too late. Something struck him in the back of the head, shooting pain down his neck and into his back. He could feel the blood trickling down his neck, but was unconscious too quickly to stop it.


TBC