Roswell Fanatics

"Truth or dare?"

"What?"

"I said truth or dare?"

"Are you serious?" I say halting my spoon filled with yogurt on it's journey to my mouth to regard him.

"It's a game Liz. You play it. So play."

"Max, we are not eleven and it's not a slumber party." I say rolling my eyes.

"I thought you were a child at heart?" He says with a grin.

"No, that was you. Can we please play something else if you insist on a mandatory game at our only lunch break for the entire day, which I might add is only an hour." I say reminding him.

"Then we'll play quick."

"Max...." I say with annoyance.

"Come on Liz. What are you afraid of? You'll admit something you don't want me to know?" He says with a raised eyebrow.

Is he challenging me?

"I have nothing to hide. Especially from you." I retort.

"Then prove it." He says sitting back in his seat with his hands on his chest.

"You are truly gifted Max. I'll give you that." I say with a small laugh. "I'll play your stupid game despite your weak attempt at reverse psychology." I say with a smile.

His grin alerts me to the fact that I was definitely right. "It got you to play didn't it?" He says slyly.

"Whatever." I say with a roll of my eyes. "Go ahead, ask me." I say leaning forward.

"Truth or dare?" He says leaning forward as well.

"Truth."

"What's the name of the last guy you kissed and where?" He says.

With a raised eyebrow, I say, "Do you really wanna know this?"

Nodding his head, he says, "Yeah, why not. It's impossible for me to get jealous Liz." He says with a roll of his shoulders.

"Hmm, you don't say. Well, let me answer the question for you then." I say getting comfortable. "His name was Corey Anderson and he pulled me into the boys restroom at Leow's Theater. If I remember correctly, I think that was the first time I ever saw a guy's....."

"Alright Liz." He says interrupting me. "I asked for a brief description, not a discussion." He says cracking his knuckles. "What kind of a name is Corey anyway?"

Smiling at his obvious jealousy, I say, "What kind of a name is Max?"

"It's a manly name." He defends. "It describes strength, bravery and of course sex appeal. I think every lad in this day and age should be named Max."

Leaning over the table, I kiss his lips and crack a small smile at his expense. "You are too adorable." I say before sitting back down.

"Yeah, yeah." He brushes me off with a scowl. "Your question please." He says with a neutral expression.

"You are such a big baby." I say finishing off the rest of my yogurt. "Anyway, truth or dare?"

"Dare."

"Risky are we?" I say licking the creamy residue of the yogurt off my lips.

"Always." He replies huskily staring at my lips.

"Too bad though. I can't come up with anything outrageous for you to do. Now if you had picked truth....." I say leaving the sentence unfinished.

"Boring people pick truth. Everyone knows that the real fun is in a dare." He says tapping the table with his hand.

"Dares are overrated. What's the joy in making a fool of yourself? And I am not boring you creep." I say throwing my napkin at him.

"I didn't say you were." He says lifting his hands in mock surrender before catching a hold of my hands and placing them in his. "You Liz Parker, are anything but boring. You brighten up my day." He says tenderly.

Awww

"I loved that you just said that." I say with a smile. "But I still don't have a dare."

"Just think of one Liz. Anything will do."

"Okay." I say looking around at the packed diner for an idea. "See that guy at the counter with the blonde hair talking a mile a minute on his cell phone?" I say discreetly showing him who I'm talking about with my eyes.

Looking over quickly before turning back to face me, he says, "Yeah, what about him?"

"That's your dare. Flirt with him. Make him think your gay." I say with a proud smile.

"Are you crazy?" He says with an unbelieving expression on his face. "Me, gay? That's the lie of the century."

"It's not meant to be true Max. You know it isn't, I definitely know it isn't. It's a dare right?" I say looking for confirmation.

"I am not doing that Liz." He says shaking his head. "It's embarrasing and completely lame."

"I thought embarrassment were for pre teens?" I say quoting him. "And it's a dare Mr. I love competition. Show me what kind of man I'm with."

Staring at me with amusement in his eyes, he moves his chair directly next to mine. Grabbing my face in his hands, he plants a deep drugging kiss on my lips in the crowded diner.

Releasing my lips slowly, he whispers, "Did I show you enough?"

Opening my eyes and trying to catch my breathe, I nod and say, "Perfectly."

Grinning at my dazed look, he says, "Good. I can't allow my girlfriend to have doubts. It's improper."

"Yeah, I bet." I say catching a group of elderly women watching me enviously. "And thank you for picking the busiest diner to prove yourself in. I appreciate it."

"I had to make a point." He says shrugging his shoulders.

"Well here's a real dare." I say clearing my throat. "My parents want you to come over for dinner one night. You know, to make introductions and such." I say trying to guage his reaction.

"Really?" He says surprised.

Nodding my head, I say, "Yeah. They just wanna get to know you and stuff. I know it may sound really soon cause we've only been dating for a month now but I think this could really be good you know? A chance for them to see how great you are. I'd understand completely if you don't want to come...I mean it's all so sudden and...."

Cutting off my rambling, he smiles and says,"I'd love to come Liz. It's not even about that. I guess it's just that...I'm honored that they'd even want me there. That you'd care enough to ask me first." He says with an adoring look in eyes.

"Of course they'd want you there Max. I can't stop babbling about you." I say with a grin. "They only wanna meet the guy that's made me so happy."

Smiling at my words, he kisses me sweetly on the lips and then my forehead before looking back into my eyes. "I wish I could reciprocate the gesture."

My heart totally melting at that comment, I say, "I know you do Max. But it's okay. It's okay because I know that through you, I'll be in their presence. It doesn't matter that they aren't here physically. They live in you Max. And it's beautiful...your beautiful."

Staring at me intently, he cups my cheek and says, "You saying that to me means everything. Not only because your sympathetic and it's pure and real from the goodness of your heart, but because...because I'm falling in love with you Liz. I don't know when it happened, but it did and I can't pretend that I don't love you."

What??? Did he just say what I thought he did? Did he just tell me he loves me?

Shocked to my very core, words fail to come out my mouth. I don't know what the hell to say.

Seeing my inability to form a sentence, Max continues with his speech.

"I know we agreed to take this day by day and not rush anything but it's consuming me Liz. You're consuming me. I can't think about anything else and the more I try to hide what I feel, it gets harder." He says with a desperate edge in his voice. "I don't want it to get harder. Infact, it doesn't have to be. Telling you I love you seems like the easiest thing I've ever done...I know it is." He finally finishes with a deep sigh.

Still reeling from his confession, I open my mouth to say something and close it right back dropping my gaze to the table.

Observing my reaction, Max bends his head to see my eyes and says, "Liz, say something...anything. Just don't sit there. Please."

Suddenly feeling light headed, I stand up and grab my coat preparing to leave. "I've um...I...really have to go Max. I um..I've gotta get home." I say stuttering.

Standing up as well, he grabs my arm as I get ready to walk out and says, "We're still on the clock Liz. You can't leave."

"I'm sorry Max, but I...I need to go home okay. I just do." I say looking up at him only to see the hurt in his eyes at my reaction. I really have to go now.

"What about everything I just said? You're really going to walk outta here? Just like that?" He says with his golden gaze trained on mine.

Shaking my head, I say, "Just leave it alone Max. I'll...I'll call you later." I whisper releasing my arm from his grasp.

"Liz...." He calls out as I continue walking.

It's the last thing I hear before the door shuts behind me.


TBC...

Crystal

*Thanks for the feedback guys...it makes this so much fun to write! And I promise all will be fixed!


It's August 12th 2004 and I'm Liz Parker,

It's been three days since I last heard from Max. Since he said the most wonderful words to me and I left him there cold without a second glance or word. I'm missing him like crazy...he's on my mind everyday and I can't stop thinking about how I acted. I know he's probably confused and angry as hell with me...I would be if I was in his position. I mean he basically told me how he felt, and I rejected him. It's gotta hurt.

The truth is, I panicked. We were supposed to be taking this relationship slowly....none of this was supposed to happen so quickly. The intensity we have and dedication to one another is all there. And I guess what freaked me out the most about Max's confession is that, I feel the same way too. No matter how many times I tried to convince myself that that wasn't it, the more I realized that it was. I'm in love with him...I have been for a while now and the fact that we both feel this way in such a short amount of time scared me more than I'd like to admit. I know he's probably thinking the opposite of that and I hate that I allowed him to. I've never been in love before but I'd be a fool to pass up this chance. To give him up....so I won't.


"Is this a bad time?"

Putting my journal aside, I stand up to face the only man that's ever captured my heart.

With our gazes meeting, I can clearly see all the emotions running through his face.... hurt, rejection, anger, love. I feel even worse for putting him through it.

Shaking my head slowly, I say, "No...no it's not."

He makes his way across the balcony and sits down heavily on one of my chairs. Sighing deeply, he looks back up at me waiting for me to sit as well.

"We're you even gonna call me?" He says looking at me sideways with his elbows resting on his knees.

"I was." I reply nodding my head.

"So what happened?"

Looking down, I mutter, "I didn't know what to say to you if I did. I didn't know if you'd even want to talk to me."

"How would you know if you didn't call?" He says staring straight ahead with his jaw locked tightly. He's really angry.

"Max, I don't even know what to...."

"Say? You said that already Liz." He says standing up from the chair. "You once said you needed me...was that even true?"

"Max of course it's true. I do need you Max...so much. You don't know how sorry I am. How much I regret doing what I did. I never meant to hurt you." I say with tears filling my eyes.

"It's a little too late for that isn't it?" He says standing infront of me. "God Liz, I bore my heart to you. I told you everything and you just left. Was that your intentions all along? To make me love you and walk away?"

"No Max." I say standing up as well. "It's not even about that....I...I just..."

"You what Liz? Tell me." He says raising his voice.

"Max I was scared....so scared of what you said and how you felt. I just didn't know how to respond." I say with my tears falling.

"Why does me loving you scare you?" He retorts with frustration. "Why do you always run from me?"

"Max, I panicked because I feel the same way. All those wonderful things that you said...they described what I felt. And it freaked me out at how soon we both felt that way." I say frantically.

"So that was your solution?" He says in disbelief. "To blow me off completely?"

"No Max. It was just a reaction and...God, I'm so sorry Max. I hate myself for what I did." I say walking up to him.

"You think that was easy for me? I'm scared too Liz. I've never felt this way about anyone in my life....and for you to just turn away like that..." He says pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Do you have any idea of all the torture I went through these last three days?" He says staring at me.

"I do Max. Because I've gone through it too. Being away from you was like complete hell. I never want to experience that again." I say staring right back at him.

Our gazes still locked, he sighs and says, '"So what are you saying Liz? Out of all of this, what are you saying?"

"I'm saying that I love you Max. That I was fool for not saying it that first time when I should've. I'm saying that I want to be with you." I say with desperation in my voice.

Looking at me intently for a long while, he sits back down and takes off his jacket. "Liz, if you didn't want this to speed up as far as it did, why didn't you say anything?" He says looking up at me.

"It caught me off guard Max. I think it did for the both of us but we just had two different ways of showing it. You voiced it and I didn't. It's by no means trying to justify what I did Max. Nothing could do that." I say kneeling down infront of him.

Pulling me up to sit in his lap, he hugs me tightly to his body and whispers, "I can't be without you Liz. I mean...it'll take us a while to move past this, but I still need to be with you. I love you."

"I love you too Max." I say kissing his neck. "I need to be with you too and I'm so sorry for not telling you earlier. I'll never do it again."

Pulling away from the hug, he kisses me gently and frames my face in his hands, "We need to be honest with each other Liz. To be able to always tell one another anything. I need you to promise me that. From this point on." He whispers looking into my eyes.

"I promise Max. I'll do anything for you." I whisper back.

With a small smile on his face, he leans in and kisses my lips. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I deepen the kiss while his hands make their way down to my waist.

Switching my positon until I'm straddling him, I open my mouth wider to recieve his tongue. I can feel my body responding to his touch. I need more.

Slowly pushing him back onto the chair with my body, I slide my hand down his chest until I reach the hem of his shirt. Intent on stripping it off of him, he breaks our kiss and stops my hand from continuing.

"Liz...what are you doing?" He says breathing raggedly.

"I was taking off your shirt." I say with an arched eyebrow.

"You know what I mean." He replies with a pointed look.

"What did you think?" I say looking at him closely.

Seeing the indecision on his face, I sit up and remove myself from on top of him.

"Liz...where are you going?" He says trying to pull me back to him. "Liz...."

"What Max?" I say facing him again. "You don't want me. I get it." I say shrugging my shoulders.

"It's not that Liz. Of course I want you...God, how could you even think otherwise?" He says reprimandingly.

"Then what is it Max? Punishment for earlier?"

"No, it's not punishment." He says looking appalled. "I wouldn't even do that."

"So what if I'm not experienced or I haven't done this before....What makes you such an expert?" I say getting agigated.

"Liz if you'd just listen....."

"I don't wanna listen. What I wanted to do was what we were just doing on that chair a minute ago."

"Liz....."

"But no, you wanted to stop. So you know what Max? That's completely fine with...."

Kissing me into silence, Max walks forward until my back is up against a wall. Lifting me up, I wrap my legs around his waist and arch my back as he kisses a trail down my neck. Gasping as I feel his erection between my thighs, I grab onto his shoulders to stay steady.

"Max..." I moan. "God, that feels so good."

"I know." He replies as he kisses his way back up to my lips. "But we have to stop."

"Why?" I reply in a sexual daze.

"Because there's a group of kids across the street on the third floor that's been watching us for the past fifteen minutes." He whispers in my ear. "Look over there." He motions with his head.

Sure enough, I see them laughing amongst one another taking turns with the binoculars they have. When they see my gaze on them, they quickly scramble from the window and shuts the curtains.

Unwrapping my legs from Max's waist, I slide to the floor and begin fixing my clothing. When I'm done, I turn to him and slap his arm hard.

"Why didn't you tell me? You had me giving those brats a peep show all this time." I glare at him.

Rubbing his arm, he laughs lightly and says, "I tried to tell you but you just wouldn't shut up."

"Oh whatever." I mumble.

Seeing him shrug back into his jacket, I say, "Are you leaving?"

Turning to look at me, he walks over and takes me into his arms. "Yeah, I've gotta work tomorrow." He says kissing my forehead.

"Damn. I was hoping we could do something since I'm off."

"Yeah, I'm sorry. But I'll call you when I'm done. We could hook up then. Alright?" He says lifting my chin to see my face.

"Okay." I whisper just before he leans down and kisses me.

"I love you." He says in my ear.

Smiling at how good the words sound, I say, "I love you too."

"It feels good to hear that." He says with a grin.

Kissing his mouth one last time, I reply, "It feels even better to say it."

Watching him climb over the ladder about a few more kisses later, the first thing I need to do is call Maria.

She'll be dying to know what happened.

TBC....

*Sorry if this chapter lacked at all....I'm not too happy with it myself. But let me know what you guys think anyway!

Crystal

"So Max, where did you meet Liz?" My dad asks before placing a broccoli in his mouth.

Looking at me briefly, Max clears his throat and answers as politely as he could. "Um, we met at our job actually."

"Really?" My father says with a curious glance in my direction.

"Yeah um, she was new and I kinda showed her the ropes and stuff." Max says with a shrug. "She picked up everything pretty quickly."

"I'm not surprised that she did. Liz is a fast learner. She always has been." My mom adds in throwing me a wink. I smile faintly at the compliment.

"It's in the city right? The place you work at Lizzie?" My dad asks with a frown.

"Yeah dad. Times Square."

"Don't know why you'd wanna work there. In all that hussle and bussle...it's like a zoo." He says shaking his head.

"I like it." I say in defense. "It's full of culture and variety. There could never be a boring day in Manhattan."

"More like a stressing day." He mutters. "Could you pass the salad dear?" He asks my mom.

Obliging his request, she turns to Max and asks, "Where do you live Max? In Brooklyn also?"

"No, I ah..I live in the city. Greenwich Village." Max answers. "It's not as hectic but it's more than lively. I guess that's why all the celebrities flock there." He says with a smirk.

"Greenwich Village huh? That's an expensive area to live in...how do you manage Max?" My dad asks.

"My uh...my sister was the one that covered the payment for the apartment when I had moved in. But I have a roomate now. He and I pretty much share the costs of everything." Max answers nonchanantly.

"You have a sister Max?" My mom asks interested. "What's she like?"

"Isabel is uh...she's very complex. I like to call her a chameleon." He says with a small smile. "She can switch from so many different emotions in the blink of an eye. She's just a very collected individual....knows what she wants and how to get it. I admire her a lot."

"Sounds like you two get along really well." My mom observes from his tone.

"We do. We kind of depended on that. It was vital that we understood one another. She's the only real family that I have." Max says quietly.

Entwining my fingers with his under the table, I smile over at him for encouragement, knowing what question is coming next.

"What about your parents?" My dad says slightly confused.

"They uh...they passed away when I was thirteen." He says scratching his eyebrow at the gasp my mom emits. He's uncomfortable with their reactions. The last thing he wants is for someone to feel sorry for him. He told me that himself.

"I'm so sorry to hear that Max." My mom says sympathetically. "That must've been so hard for you at such a young age."

Rubbing the back of his neck, he licks his lips and says, "It was. But it's a long time ago. I survived it." He shrugs eventually.

The silence following his statement is deafening. My dad is still looking at him curiously while my mom is practically emitting sorrow from the expression on her face.

Deciding to end the tension, I change the subject. "Wow Mom...this um, this steak is really amazing." I say cutting a piece and placing it in my mouth for effect.

"Thanks honey." My mom smiles proudly. "I tried a new sauce with it. Thought it would spice it up a little."

"It did." I nod appreciatively. "It's really tender too."

Tender? What a way to change the topic Liz...

"Well I heated the oven a little lower than I usually do. It seemed to work." She says with a smile. I can tell she's enjoying my comments about her cooking.

Don't get too used to it Mommy....there's still Thanksgiving!

"So what are your plans Max?" My dad says intent on this third degree he's giving Max. "What are your plans after the summer's over?" Giving him an annoyed glare, he ignores me completely.

What is he trying to find out exactly?

Max and I have never really broached this topic as yet. We don't really focus on anything that's too far ahead. Since our argument the other day, we've both just naturally drawn our lines at that point. We deal with our relationship in the now. I guess that should change, but I'd atleast like to be the one to ask the question before my own damn father does.

Surprised with the question himself, Max turns to me first and grimaces slightly before answering my dad. "I haven't decided just yet what I'm gonna do. I guess I...I haven't thought about it that much." He says nervously.

"You don't think about your future?" My dad persists with a frown.

Quitting anytime now would be preferable....

"I do." Max nods. "Just like the next person. Lately though, things have changed. The things I once wanted before are slowly taking a new turn of direction." He says genuinely looking down at me with a secret smile.

Returning his smile, I squeeze his hand gently to let him know I understand what he's talking about.

Not missing the look between us, my parents glance at one another before my dad asks another question.

"Did Lizzie tell you about her acceptance to NYU?"

"She did." Max says with a grin. "I'm very proud of her. She's a really smart girl."

Blushing beet red with his compliment, I smile and look down.

"That she is." My dad says seriously. "She wanted to major in Molecular Biology. A very skilled practice....honored and impressive to many. However, she changed it. Just like that. Any idea why Max?" He throws out casually.

Oh My God!

Snapping my head up at his comment, I look at him sharply with fire in my eyes. "Dad..." I exclaim loudly.

How dare he ask him that! Max doesn't even know anything about it. It was my decision...my choice. Furthermore, how could he just carelessly speak about something so personal to me that even I hadn't had an oppurtunity to tell Max about it yet. Why is he doing this?

Looking equally surprised and confused, Max says, " I um...I wouldn't know Mr. Parker."

"She hasn't told you has she?" He concludes.

"I...I um..." Max stumbles clearly umcomfortable.

Feeling my anger rise with his persistence, I get up out my chair angrily. "No, he doesn't know. And I would've appreciated it if you hadn't told him before I did." I say with my teeth clenched.

"I just wanted to know if he had somehow influenced your decision Liz." He says looking at me penetratingly.

"No, he didn't. It was my decision. My choice. When are you going to understand that?" I yell out my frustration.

"Liz, sit down." He says sternly.

"God, I bring him here so you could meet him and see what kind of person he is and you interrogate him to no end. Then you bring your own stubborn refusal to accept my wishes into it. Just what the hell are you trying to do?" I say loudly.

"We have a guest here." My mom says gently trying to diffuse the conflict.

"You tell me Liz. What are you doing besides ruining your life?" He retorts standing up out his chair as well.

"That's the least of your concern." I reply seeing red. "What I do is my business...not yours. So stop trying to control my life."

"Liz..." Max says standing up to pull me down into my seat. I refuse his attempts.

"You don't have a life yet. You don't even know what one is." My dad replies yelling back at me. "Your only eighteen...what do you think you have all figured out?"

"And you do?" I exclaim getting angrier by the minute. "You have a nine to five job and your not even satisfied with that. Your not happy. Not even a little. You don't like what you do but you do it anyway. I have bigger dreams for myself. I intend to love what I do... I don't wanna be like you." I say pointedly.

"Liz...." My mother says astonished with my hurtful words.

Getting the desired reaction from him, he looks at me sharply before bunching his jaw and stalking out of the dining room.

Breathing heavily with my outburst, I watch the direction my dad dissappeared in for a long while.

"I'm so sorry about this Max." My mom tries to apologize for the ruined dinner. "It wasn't supposed to turn out like this." She says looking around at the table.

Nodding his head, he says, "It's okay." Placing a hand on my shoulder, he tries to calm me down. "It was nice meeting you though."

"You too." My mother says with as much of a smile she could muster.

Still angry with everything that was said, I walk away from the table heading outside for some air.

"I'm gonna go." I hear Max mumble before following me out to the porch.

"Liz, you have got to calm down." He says, finding me pacing back and forth on the lawn.

"Calm down? Did you not hear what he said to me?" I stop my pacing abruptly to face him.

"I did." He says walking up to me closely. "But getting so angry like that won't help the situation. It'll only make it worse."

"How the hell was I supposed to react then Max? He was being an asshole." I say crossing my arms infront of my chest.

"Maybe." He replies quietly. "But he was only asking because he cares about you Liz."

"Well he sure has a hell of a way of showing it." I retort.

"Liz...."

"No Max. I know my father okay. All my life he's try to get me to do what he wants me to do. When things doesn't bend his way, he gets controlling and vindictive...I can't be who he wants me to be anymore." I exclaim on a sigh. "Doesn't he realize that?"

"What he realizes is that he has this fantastic woman for a daughter who's growing up too quickly for his liking. Things are changing in your life and the more he tries to place a stiff hold on that, it's the more complicated it gets. He doesn't know how to let go Liz." He says rubbing his hands up and down my arms.

"Don't do that Max." I say shaking my head.

"Do what?"

"Don't make excuses for him." I say stubbornly.

"God, I am not making excuses." He exclaims looking down at me in exasperation.

"You are Max." I retort. "You don't even know him."

"Now I see why you two are always butting heads...your both stubborn as hell." He says in a knowing tone.

Glaring at him, he smiles at my expression before continuing. "What I do know Liz, is that you have him. Regardless of what you think or how you wanna look at things, he's your father and he's there for you. They both are. To me, that's the important thing. You should value that for as long as you have it." He says sincerely.

Looking into his eyes, I feel all of my lingering annoyance and anger fade away. His perception of things is so much more deeper than mine. He sees and observes things that I would never be aware of. He's like my voice of reason...my second pair of eyes.

Seeing my defense crumble, he pulls me tightly into his arms and kisses the top of my head. "Do you understand?" He whispers.

Nodding my head, I sigh and hold him tighter. I wish I could stay in his arms forever.

Pulling away from the embrace, he showers my face with kisses before sealing his lips with mine.

Ending the kiss, he nuzzles his nose against my temple and whispers near my ear. "Just go inside and sleep it off. Give it a night's rest. Tomorrow's another day. Okay?"

"Okay." I whisper back.

"I love you." He says hugging me tightly once more kissing the side of my neck.

"I love you too."

Kissing my lips again, he palms my cheek. "I'll call you when I get home."

Nodding my head, he steps away and goes to his car. Before driving away, he waves at me.

Max is right. Tomorrow's another day.


TBC...

Crystal

"Liz honey, where are you going this early?" My mom calls out from the kitchen where she's making breakfast.

I was planning on leaving the house super early this morning in prevention of coming in contact with my dad. Since our big argument the other night, we haven't spoken a word to one another nor do I plan to. I have my pride you know.

Halting my steps towards the door, I make a u-turn and head for the kitchen.

"I'm meeting up with Alex and Maria. Infact, I'm late." I say looking at my watch.

"This early?" She says with a raised eyebrow.

"I'm going to an orientation at NYU. It's a rundown of all my classes and stuff and I asked Maria and Alex to come with me." I say in a rush. "Can I leave now?"

Turning away from the stove, she wipes her hands on a cloth and regards me with serious eyes. "You wouldn't happen to be in such a rush because your avoiding a certain someone would you?"

"Mom...." I sigh in annoyance.

"This has got to stop Liz." She enunciates slowly. "He's your father. You can't continue with this silent treatment that's been going in here for the past few days. It's ridiculous."

"Well why isn't he making the effort then?" I retort with my arms crossed.

"He's the adult here Liz. Your the..."

"Stupid, niave, immature child." I say interrupting her. "I know Mom. That was made more than clear to me the other night."

"That's not true Liz. I would never even say that to you." She says reprimanding me for my words.

Seeing my refusal to budge from my position, she shakes her head and changes the subject.

"Do you want some breakfast?" She says turning around to pour out some coffee.

"No, I'm good." I say walking over to her and kissing her cheek. "I'll see you later."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"How's life in the battle zone?" Maria asks as soon as we find seats on the train.

"Tension filled, silent, a lot of slamming doors. Pick your favorite." I say sitting back and crossing my legs.

"That bad huh?" Alex mutters while trying to make a phone call on his cell and failing to do so.

"We're underground." I point out. "You won't get any service."

"And here I was thinking you were technology savvy all this time." Maria says with a smirk.

Glaring at her, he says, "This phone is an LG." He informs moving it around to try and gain better reception. "It's not supposed to matter where you are. The damn thing is supposed to work."

"And who told you that?" Maria asks with an arched eyebrow.

"The phone dealer." He says sheepishly.

"And you believed him?" I ask incredulously.

"Not anymore." He grumbles miserably before shoving the phone into his pocket.

Trying to stifle my laugh, I wrap an arm around his shoulder and kiss his cheek. "Don't worry Alex. You'll live." I say before pulling away.

"Where are we going again?" Maria says looking out the window as we cross the Manhattan Bridge.

"To NYU. My school's having an orientation."

"Are their going to be hot guys there?" She says looking at me curiously.

"How the heck am I supposed to know?" I say perplexed. "And aren't you going out with Micheal?"

"Yeah." Alex says jumping in. "I should be the one asking about hot guys."

Whipping our heads around to face him at that comment, he looks like he's thinking about what he just said before he corrects himself.

"Girls." He says nodding his head. "I meant to say girls. You knew that. You knew that right?" He asks with a frown on his face.

"Did you know it?" Maria says laughing loudly.

"Of course I did." He exclaims. Sighing loudly with our giggling, he sits back and mutters. "God, I need some guy friends to hang out with."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"How did the orientation go?" Max asks me in the employees only backroom as we're seated on top of many unopened boxes.

"It went fine. I got my schedule." I say excitedly jumping off a box to go retrieve the paper so I can show him.

"Please, show some enthusiam." He says sarcastically as I skip back towards him.

"Shut up." I say sticking out my tongue at him before smiling.

Taking the paper from my hands, he scans the entire thing and looks up at me. "You only have classes three days out of the week? How come?"

"Well, the counselor asked me if I would prefer lengthing out my classes through the entire week, or just cramming them into a few days so I could have the rest off and I agreed to it." I say with a light shrug.

"What about the weekends?"

"Two classes on Saturday that are optional, and Sunday I'm completely free." I say with a bright smile.

"Cramming all your classes like this might come back and bite you in the ass when you really think about it. Their from eight in the morning to six in the evening Liz. Won't you be exhausted with this routine for an entire semester?" He says looking at me closely.

"No, I won't." I say snatching the schedule back from his hands. "I did it that way so we could spend more time together. I thought you'd be happy?" I ask him with a frown appearing on my face.

"I am happy Liz." He says linking our fingers together. "I'm just thinking about your well being. College is a pretty stressful thing."

Noting the tone in his voice, it sounds like he's speaking from experience.

"Have you...have you been in college before Max?" I ask hesitantly biting my lower lip.

Nodding his head, he lowers his gaze briefly before bringing it back up to mine. "Yeah, I was....last year."

"What happened?"

"I dropped out." He says with shame written all over his face.

"Why?" I ask even though something tells me that I shouldn't.

"It's a long story." He says with a sigh and I immediately know that he doesn't want to talk about it.

Accepting his answer, I sit on his lap and wrap my arms around him.

"I would never judge you Max. I couldn't even do that." I whisper with my head resting on his shoulder.

"I know." He says coiling his hands around my waist.

Pulling back to see his face, I kiss his lips gently and then his forehead.

"What's going on with you and your dad?" He asks once my eyes meet his again.

"Why does everyone keep asking me that?" I exclaim in exasperation throwing my head back.

Poking my side with his finger, he garners a laugh from me as I pull my head forward to face him again. "It's a valid question and I'm not just anyone Liz. I'm your boyfriend...I demand to know." He says in mock seriousness.

"Demand?" I repeat with an arched eyebrow. "I thought cavemen died out after the last ice age?" I say matter of factly.

"Very funny Liz, but your avoiding the question." He retorts poking the side of my ribs again.

"Okay, okay." I exclaim with a shriek thankful that he relented on the tickling. "Nothing's going on and I prefer it that way."

"You mean you guys are still not talking to one another?"

"Exactly." I say burying my head in his shoulder once more.

"Liz...." He says nudging my head back up to face him.

"I know what you're gonna say alright. And please Max, I've had to hear for the past four days now. I don't want to hear it from you too." I say with annoyance.

"Well that's just too bad because your gonna." He says moving his hands down to my hips. "Just be the bigger person Liz and end this. It doesn't make any sense. Holding grudges don't ever amount to anything."

"Don't you think I deserve to hold a grudge Max?" I ask him in all seriousness. "He tried to embarrass me and disregard my feelings. If it's anyone that should be apologizing, it should be him."

Sighing loudly with my response, he says, "Haven't you ever heard of foolish pride Liz?"

"I do not have foolish pride." I say indignantly. "My pride is very damn well justified."

"All I'm saying is don't let it interfere with who you are Liz. It has a tendency of doing that. Okay?" He says waiting for my answer.

"Yes Max, I hear you." I say with a cheesy smile.

Rolling his eyes at the knowledge that what he just told me has more than likely all just gone to hell, he says, "You are one stubborn ass woman."

"But you love me anyway." I say kissing the underside of his jaw.

"Like I had a choice." He murmurs huskily. "You're practically irresistible."

"Ditto." I grin before taking his lips hungrily with mine. Tightening my grip around his neck, I feel him slide his hands all the way up from my hips up my back to the nape of my neck until his fingers tangle in my hair to hold my head steady for his plundering kiss.

"How much longer until our break's over?" I ask breathlessy against his lips.

Glancing at the clock quickly, he says, "About ten more minutes. What did you have in mind?" He mumbles sexily attaching his lips to my neck.

"What we're doing right now is just perfect." I moan out as he sucks my skin into his mouth.

"I agree." He whispers before licking the spot and kissing his way back up to my lips.

Oblivious to the world around us, we didn't hear the door creak open or the clearing of a throat until the person actually began to speak.

Tearing away from the embrace, I look towards the door and spot the reason for the intrusion.

Gasping loudly, I jump off of Max's lap and attempt to think of any excuse as to why our manager just caught us making out in the backroom.

Nothing I came up with in my head sounded feasible.

"Uh, Mr. Owens. I um...We were just...We were just um....." I stumble out looking to Max for help.

He's standing to the side looking just as shell shocked as I probably do.

No big help there Max!

Waving his hand to stop my explanation, he looks at us sternly and say, "They're customers lining up in the front. I suggest you two head out there and take care of them."

Nodding my head dutifully, I walk out of the room with Max right behind me.

Hearing Max muttering about how possibly screwed we are, the only thing running through my head is.... How in the hell will I explain this to my mother???


TBC....

Crystal

"Your boss caught you guys making out now?" Maria squeaks loudly in my room as I tell her what happened today at work.

"Yes, and keep your high pitched squeaking down please. I'd like to not get into another argument with my parents before this week is over." I say flopping down on my bed face first with a groan.

"So what happened? What did he say?"

"Nothing too severe." I say turning over to face her. "He just made us swear to keep our relationship under wraps during work. Something about his supervisor and the rules of codes and some crap like that. We would've been in real shit had we not been on our break."

"And what did Max say?"

"What could Max say?" I snort. "He just nodded his head like I did and prayed that he wouldn't contact my parents. That's the last thing I needed."

"Damn, I always miss all the action." Maria says regretfully.

"It wasn't action. Trust me." I say sitting up. "It was embarrassing and humiliating...I just wanted the floor to open up and swallow me when we got caught."

"God, you and Max are getting pretty serious aren't you?" Maria says with a smirk. "First you admit your love for each other and then you get caught making out in two different locations which might I add is very adventurous not to mention the whole rebellious thing....I think I'm liking this Liz."

Laughing at her description, I hit her lightly with my pillow before talking. "It's not as serious as I'd like it to be." I mumble out.

"What do you mean?" Maria says confused.

I've thought a lot about this and it's just been nagging me for the whole day ever since I found out...that Max had once been in college and dropped out. It just seems like something so out of character for him. I can't get it out of my head.

"It's Max." I say on a sigh. "I just feel like he's hiding things from me."

"Like lying?"

"Not necessarily lying, but, I think he has secrets that he doesn't wanna share with me." I say with a troubled frown.

"Everyone's got secrets Liz. Even you...you haven't told him about that whole not picking a major thing either." She says reminding me.

"I haven't as yet but it's not like I'm not ever going to mention it." I explain. "With Max it's different. He doesn't want to talk about it. Period."

"Okay, what is this thing he doesn't wanna talk about?" Maria asks curiously.

"I can't...I can't say." I mutter out quietly averting my gaze.

"Come on Liz, how am I supposed to help if you don't talk to me?" She says with her hands on her hips. "Just tell me. You know I won't say anything."

"You pinky swear promise?" I ask holding out my pinky finger.

"Liz please, as much fun as third grade was, we're pass that." She says with a smirk.

"Do you pinky swear or not?" I insist.

"Your serious about that?" She asks incredulously. "Okay. Fine. Whatever. I pinky swear." She says linking her finger with mine and twisting.

"Good." I say with a smile releasing her finger.

"Now that the blast from the past is through, can we get back to the present now?" She says rolling her eyes while sitting on my bed.

Nodding my head, I clear my throat and say, "Max told me today that he once attended college and he dropped out."

"And?..." She says still listening for me to continue.

"And that's it." I say with a shrug.

"That's what the hell your so worked up about?" She says in disbelief.

"Don't you get it Maria." I say with emphasis. "That's not like Max. For the short time that I've known him, I know with certainty that he hasn't ever quitted anything in his life. He didn't have the luxury to. So why would he just drop out of college just like that?"

"Have you asked him about it?"

"I did and he said it's a long story and he just dropped it." I say with a shake of my head. "I don't expect him to just tell me every single thing and I've tried to be patient and respect his privacy but my patience is sinking and quickly....it's driving me crazy." I say getting up out the bed and pacing back and forth on my carpet.

"Well, you'll fix it and your gonna do it tonight." Maria says standing up gathering her things to leave.

"What?" I say confused. "And where are you going?"

"By Micheal's." She says casually. "And your coming with me."

"No Maria, I can't. Max won't be expecting me."

"So? Surprise him." She says shrugging her shoulders.

"And my mom...." I continue.

"Won't bother to even look for you." She says interrupting me. "You'll be gone an hour tops...if she asks, you had to pick up something from my house."

"Maria....." I say still slightly skeptic with this idea.

"You wanna know why Max is being so secretive right?" She says looking at me.

"Well, yeah I do, but...."

"Then let's go." She says already heading out my window towards the balcony.

Grabbing my sweater, I follow her out as we crawl down the ladder and hop in her jetta parked infront of my house.

"It's about a forty five minute ride from here to Greenwich Village Maria...." I say after she's driven off. "I'll be more than an hour."

"Did I say an hour?" She says with a small smile on her face. "I'm sorry, I meant two."

Just Great!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Liz, Maria...." Max says in surprise as he opens up his apartment door clad in sweats, a t-shirt and socks. Must be his bed time attire...I've never seen anything more alluring nor sexy. "What are you guys doing here?"

"To see our men of course." Maria says walking into the apartment without invitation.

Smiling at her abrasiveness, I walk inside slowly with Max's eyes watching me the whole time.

"Where's Mike?" Maria asks looking around for him and finding him no where in sight.

Shutting the door behind us, Max turns around and says, "He's um...he's in the shower."

"Really?" Maria mutters with a wicked grin on her face. "Give me a cup of cold water. I wanna surprise him." She says running to the sink drawing the tap water in a cup and then proceeding down the hallway to the bathroom. Micheal's yell a moment later alerts us to the fact that he was definitely surprised!

Taking in my surroundings, I notice how clean their apartment is for two guys living in it. The apartment's tainted with a certain maleness and a buckload of action flicks strewn about the carpet with an X-box and PS2 laying around. Typical...

Feeling his gaze burning through my back, I turn to face him and the curiousness blazing in his eyes is hard to miss.

"What's up?" He says looking at me intently with his back leaning on the door.

"I wanted to talk." I say holding his gaze.

Still looking at me with a penetrating stare, he pushes himself off the door and walks towards me. Taking my hand in his, he leads me to a room which I'm guessing is his and closes the door.

"Your room huh?" I ask looking around. It's loaded with books and magazines. The bed is made up properly with his radio playing softly. It's very peaceful...calming.

"Yeah." He says nodding his head approaching me slowly. The way he's looking at me is giving me goosebumps. The desire in his gaze is unmistakable.

When he finally reaches me, I naturally gravitate into his arms as do our lips. It's magnetic.

With one hand on my waist, and the other holding my face, he plunges his tongue deep into my mouth to tangle with mine. Wrapping both arms around his neck, I deepen the kiss and plaster my body to his with his hands falling to my hips pulling me in closer.

"God, I've wanted to do this all day." He breathes out moving his kisses down my chin towards my neck.

"Me too." I moan out tilting my head back with my fingers tangled in his hair.

"I can't get enough of you." He says harshly walking backwards until the back of my legs hit the bed and we fall down onto it with him landing on top of me.

Sealing his lips back to mine for another passionate kiss, his hands roam the sides of my ribs all the way down to my thighs and back up again.

Shivering with the action, I break the kiss and toss my head back on his bed. There's nothing more erotic than the feeling of Max's hands touching me or to feel his body pressing me down into the mattress. It's like heaven.

Sucking a sensitive spot below my ear in which I'm positive he left a mark, I arch into his body feeling the proof of his desire against my leg.

"Oh God Max...." I moan.

"There was something you wanted to talk about?...." He murmurs against my skin continuing his ministrations.

Oh God, I had totally forgot about that! See what he does to me....

"Yes...." I breathe out heavily.

"What is it?" He says huskily moving back to my mouth again.

Mustering all the courage I could before he starts kissing me again, I say out in a rush, "I wanna talk about why you dropped out of college."

Stopping his nibbling on my skin, he pushes himself onto his forearms and looks down at me. "That's what you wanna talk about?" He says with an arched eyebrow.

Biting my bottom lip, I say, "Yeah and other things too Max. There's still so much we don't know about one another."

Pushing himself off of me into a sitting position, he sighs heavily and says, "Liz, I already told you, it's a long....."

"Story, I know." I say interrupting him sitting up as well. "You said that already."

"I don't really like to talk about Liz." He says with his arms resting on his knees.

"Why?" I ask scooting closer to him.

"I just don't." He says with a shrug. "I never have."

"Not even with Micheal?"

"No one Liz." He says pointedly.

"Well maybe you should change that." I suggest quietly rubbing my hand up and down his back. "I'd listen if you talked."

"That's just the thing Liz. I don't want to talk about it. I'm sorry." He says looking at me.

"Max, I'm not asking for a lot here." I say with a slight frown.

"You are Liz." He says standing up from the bed. "Can't you just accept that I don't want to discuss it?"

"I've tried to do that Max, but the more I respect your wishes is the more I realize that when I do that, you'll eventually forget it and never tell me about it." I say looking up at him from the bed.

"Liz, I love you. You know that. But there's some things that I'd rather keep to myself. Is that so wrong?" He says crossing his arms.

"Yes Max, it is." I say getting out the bed and walking up to him. "I'm your girlfriend Max. Why can't you just tell me?"

"Because I don't want to." He says getting agitated. "It's not like you tell me everything. Infact, there's some things that I found out at that dinner the other night. Remember?" He says walking over to his radio and turning it off.

"Yeah, just throw that in my face right?" I say getting angry. "And you know damn well it's not even the same thing."

"How is it not?" He says walking back over to face me. "It's something you haven't shared with me. Where's the difference? And I haven't tried to force you to spill it out now have I?"

"I'm not forcing you." I cry out in frustration. "God, this is like pulling teeth."

"The bottom line is that I don't want to talk about it Liz. Why is that so hard for you to understand?" He says raising his voice.

"All I'm asking you for is the truth Max." I exclaim loudly. "When did that become a crime?"

"Your being nosy Liz." He retorts just as loud.

"Nosy?" I yell out in disbelief.

"Yes, you are."

"Unbelievable." I say grabbing my sweater from his bed and putting it on angrily. "I come all the way over here so that maybe we could get all of this crap out of the way and be completely honest with each other like we promised we would and you turn around and act like a complete asshole." I fish out fixing my hair back in place.

"So now I'm an asshole?" He says watching me as I walk towards his door to leave.

"Yes, you are." I spin around abruptly. "Keep your secrets and your privacy Max. Right now, I really don't care." I say swinging open his door.

"Where are you going?" He says grabbing my wrist to prevent me from leaving and shutting back his door.

"I'm taking my nosy ass home." I say ripping my arm from his grasp and opening his door again walking out.

"Your totally over reacting Liz." He says following me out. "There's no need for all this."

"Whatever Max." I say waving him off with my hand. Calling out to Maria that I'm ready to go and that I'll meet her downstairs, I open up the apartment door intent on leaving his ass right there.

"Liz, wait....." He says walking closer to me.

"No Max. I've been waiting." I say turning to face him again. "You want your silence, well now you have it."

"What's that supposed to mean?" He cries out.

"Figure it out." I say before shutting the door in his face and walking out the apartment.

Men...they make me so Arrgh!


TBC....

Crystal

I'm miserable. I haven't been this miserable since...since...I can't even remember since when! I've been locked up in my room all day just moping around and crying. My mom knocked on the door three times to ask if I was okay and I didn't utter a word. Maria's been calling me all day and I didn't even answer the phone. I'm totally unfriendly at this moment.

I haven't heard from Max all day and I kinda expected that. After all, I basically implied that we were broken up. He's probably so pissed off right now and it's understandable. When Maria dropped me home last night after he and I had that huge argument, I realized how unfair I was being to him. Here I was demanding him to give me the truth when I wasn't divulging anything either. It was extremely hypocritical to say the least and I just felt like the world's most worst girlfriend.

Thinking about how selfish and unreasonable I was being towards Max last night, it also hit me that it's the same thing that's happening with me and my dad. I'm just so irrational and so hard to deal with...I don't know how any of them put up with me. And it's so ironic that it's the both of them I'm currently at odds with. It can't just be their fault. I'm the blame too.

All the self loathing and regret must've gotten to me cause my period just came a day early and now I'm at the drug store buying pads. It's proving to be a difficult task cause I can't find the damn brand of pads that I usually buy. I know it's Maxi overnight....but where the hell is it??

Turning down an aisle and finally finding the pads I was searching for, I turn to walk away and bump into a hard body and the pads go tumbling from my hands onto the floor.

Looking up at the person that almost knocked me over, it's the last individual I ever expected to see in this aisle no less.

"Micheal?" I say in bewilderment. What the hell?

"Oh...um...hey Liz." He says his eyes darting everywhere but at me. "How's it going?"

"It's um...it's going." I say still looking at him curiously. "What are you doing here?"

"I was um...just looking for some...for some bengay." He says stuttering. "You know, I um...I kinda injured my back at work the other day and it's acting up." He continues gesturing to his lower back.

Nodding my head, I stoop down to pick up my pads and push my hair behind my ears.

Catching his eyes trying to read the writing on the package, I narrow my eyes and hold it tighter against my chest.

"You'd probably wanna check aisle three." I say looking up at him closely. "This aisle is mostly painkillers and feminine products."

Seeing his face flush in embarrassment, I stifle my laughter and walk around him. "I'll see you later Micheal."

"Wait Liz..." He calls out.

Turning back around to face him, I raise my eyes in question. "What's up?"

"I heard about you...about you and Max." He says hesitantly.

"Oh." I murmur before looking down.

"Max is a good guy Liz." He says without preliminaries. "I've known him for a real long time and he's just the best person you'll ever get to know."

"I know." I say quietly. And I do...I've always known it.

"He's always been there for me you know? Always there to help and to understand. He'd never turn his back on me regardless of anything and he's just got the biggest heart." He says with admiration in his tone.

Nodding my head, I listen intently to every word.

"What's going on between you guys is probably none of my business, but I happen to know how much Max loves you. It's pretty crazy to see actually.... how much you fluster him. That's never been done before." He says with a chuckle.

"I love him too." I say with a small smile.

"I know you do." He says looking down at me. "I just thought I should tell you that."

"Thanks Micheal." I murmur genuinely.

"Eh, don't mention it." He says with a smile. "Just don't tell anyone I said anything to you. It might ruin my being mean record."

"Sure." I say with a laugh. "Tell Maria I'll give her a call later."

"No problem." He says with a wave of his hand.

"And Micheal?" I call out.

"Yeah?" He replies turning around.

"It's the third row on your left."

"Huh?" He says with confusion etched on his face.

"The pads." I elaborate. "Maria wears the ultra thin maxi...they're over there." I direct with a nod of my head.

Bending down to retrieve one, he gives me an embarrassed smile and mumbles, "Thanks."

"Your welcome." I say with a smile before sauntering off. Maria is so not right!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Upon returning home and taking a long warm shower, I step out of the bathroom in my robe to see Max sitting on my bed reading a magazine. Beyond surprised to see him there, I stop walking and just stare at him.

Feeling my eyes on him, he looks up and meets my gaze. Holding my stare for a moment longer, he throws the magazine on my bed and stands up.

"I thought you were gonna be in there forever." He says looking at me.

"No...I...um...what are you doing here Max?" I say with a shake of my head as I step closer to him.

"I thought we should talk." He murmurs with his eyes riveted to my face.

"Yeah, we should." I reply quietly.

"There's one thing I have to know Liz." He says unexpectedly stepping up closer to me. "Did you break up with me last night?"

Looking into his eyes, I say, "No, I didn't Max."

"Good." He murmurs before swooping down and capturing my lips in a passionate kiss. Cupping my cheek, he plunges his tongue into my mouth and nibbles on my bottom lip before pulling away.

"I'm ready to tell you the truth now." He whispers frantically with his thumb caressing my cheek.

Opening my eyes to look at him, I gently remove his hand from my face and step away from him.

"Liz...." He says in confusion

"I'm sorry Max." I say looking down. "I was unsensitive and unfair. Instead of wanting you to just tell me your secret, I should've supported you and waited until you were ready."

"Liz..." He says trying to interrupt me.

"No Max, I have to say this." I murmur looking up at him. "You've been there for me all this time...through all this crap with my dad and the minute you had just one tiny confession that you didn't want to share with me, I freak out and call you an asshole and I...I'm so sorry Max." I say with a tear rolling down my face. "You don't have to tell me Max. I don't want you to ever do something just to please me Max...not if you don't want to." I finish shaking my head.

"Are you done?" He asks gently wiping the tears from my eyes.

"Yes." I say on a sigh.

"Liz, I know why you wanted to know." He says staring into my eyes. "You don't wanna have any secrets between us and I didn't understand that before, but now I do. And I want to tell you...I need to."

Nodding my head, I pull him to sit on my bed and plant myself in his lap. Wrapping an arm around my waist, I wait for him to begin.

"Last year spring, I had a fling with this girl. Her name was Amy....Amy Dumont. Anyway, we were drunk and as it turns out, she got pregnant." He says quietly.

"Oh My God...." I whisper out in shock.

"I didn't want to believe that it was mine, but I had no other choice. I mean, I couldn't exactly deny it. That same year, I was entering college in the fall and I wanted to get away from her and the whole situation. You know, try and pretend that it never happened. She applied to the same college that I did and didn't even tell me until the first semester was over." He says reliving the experience.

"So what happened?" I ask him.

"I finally started warming up to the idea of becoming a father after she was about five months pregnant...I even asked her to move in with me in my dorm room so I could be closer to her. I went shopping and bought a truck load of baby stuff...blankets and stuffed animals...bottles and an abundance of diapers. I wanted this baby after all."

"I had a roomate at the time...his name was Gary Payton. We weren't the best of friends, but he was easy to live with. I guess that was because he was hardly ever there. One day when I was just getting back from class, I over hear Amy and him talking about the baby and that's when I found out that she wasn't pregnant for me. It was for Gary...all that time, it was his kid she was having while I was the fool that played into her game. After hearing what I did, I just...I couldn't stand to be there anymore. I couldn't bear looking at her or him ever again and I just left. I dissappeared and I haven't went back to college since." He finishes looking back up at to me to gauge my reaction.

"God Max, I'm so...I'm so sorry you had to go through that." I whisper with shock and sorrow evident in my tone.

"It's okay." He says skimming his fingers across my collar bone. "I still have you...that's all I need." He whispers with love burning in his gaze.

"You always will." I exclaim taking one of his hands in my own and placing it over my heart. "I love you."

Hugging me tightly to his chest, I feel him kiss my head before he says, "I love you too."

And that's how we sat there for a long while....him holding me tightly in his arms with my head resting on his chest.

It's then that I realize that these are the only pair of arms I want to be engulfed in for the rest of my life.

He's the one for me...the only one.


TBC...

Crystal

"Why don't you come over?"

"I can't Max." I sigh into the phone. "I've got a shit load of college papers to fill out and me coming to your house won't finish them."

"Please...." He begs over the line. "I haven't seen you all weekend. I'm beginning to think you've got another man on the side."

"Maybe I do." I reply teasingly.

"Okay, I know I started it but it's so not funny anymore."

"Relax." I laugh out. "Your the only one I want. Well, you and David Beckham...."

"I'm hanging up." He threatens.

"You are such an easy target." I snicker.

"It's only because I love you so much." He says genuinely.

"Really?" I say intrigued. "We'll see how much you love me this thursday."

"Thursday?" He says confused. "What's this thursday?"

"The twenty sixth of August...you know, the day that person you adore so much was brought into this world."

"Who's that?" He says feigning ignorance.

"You better be joking Max Evans." I say pointedly.

"Of course I'm joking." He says chuckling. "I'd never forget my baby's birthday. I just don't know what to get you."

"Anything Max." I say dismissively. "You know I'm not picky with gifts."

"So can I get you a pack of garbage bags then?"

"You do that Max, and I'll suffocate you with them." I exclaim matter of factly.

Laughing at my admission, he says, "Don't worry babe. I got you."

"You better." I retort with a smile in my tone.

"What are those damn papers your filling out anyway? Taking up all your time....just ditch college like I did and run away with me." He says huskily.

"As tempting as that sounds, I don't think my mom will like it all that much." I reply with a snort.

"Damn parents." He mutters.

"It's just dorm room applications and stuff like that." I explain to him. "Educational background, majors and minors....."

"Have you picked one yet?" He asks seriously. "A major?"

"Nope. Not a one." I sigh tiredly. "I'm completely confused."

"Baby, just pick the one that your interested in the most." He says assistingly.

"That's just it Max. I'm interested in everything. This is the price I pay for loving school."

"Your worrying yourself needlessly." He insists. "There's gotta be something that you love deep down more than anything else."

"I can't really pick you as my major Max now can I?" I ask with a grin.

"If you could, I don't think we'd be having this discussion right now." He says matter of factly.

"Your right." I agree.

"What about your journal Liz?" He asks.

"What about it?"

"Your always writing in it." He elaborates. "Why don't you pick journalism or something?"

"What?" I say in disbelief.

"I'm serious Liz." He persists. "For someone that spends as much time writing in that thing as you do, there's no way you won't be perfect at it."

"A few journal entries doesn't really qualify as being perfect Max."

"You doubt yourself too much Liz." He says reprimandingly. "I have faith in you. I know you can do this."

Smiling with his sweet words, I say, "Thanks Max. I'll think about it." I promise him.

"Good." He exclaims. "That's all I was hoping for."

"Well what about you?" I ask him. "What was your major when you were in college?"

"Biology." He answers.

"Really?" I say surprised.

"Yup." He sighs. "Evolution, family trees and the reproductive organs...I loved that class."

"Now I know why you pervert."

"Hey, I'm a man baby...what else am I supposed to think about?" He says in a deep sexy voice.

Oh God.

"I shouldn't have to tell you that." I reply just as sexily. "You should already know."

"If you'd come by, I'll show you exactly what I know." He says even huskier.

"You are insatiable." I reply with a nervous chuckle while fanning myself with my hands.

Damn, he's over the phone and he's turning me on!

"I can't help it if I want you Liz." He whispers. "And I do...I want you so bad that it's driving me insane. I'm sorry if I'm being a little too forward."

"It's fine Max." I exclaim in a breathless murmur. "If it's any consolation, I want you too."

I want him too damn much!

"Are you sure Liz?" He says seriously. "I don't want to rush you into anything your not ready for. I'm content with the way things are."

"I'm sure." I say with certainty. "I love you Max. You already have my heart. I want you to have my body too."

It sounds like he takes a deep intake of air before responding. "Don't toy with me Liz...I've dreamt about this for too damn long." He whispers.

"I'm not toying with you Max." I laugh out. "I want you to make love to me."

"God, are you serious?"

"I've never been more serious."

"When...when do you um...when do you maybe wanna do this?" He stutters out.

"Whenever...anytime's fine with me." I say while trying to hide my laughter at his sudden nervousness.

"Okay...wow...well um, how does tomorrow sound? I mean, we're both off tomorrow and we don't have anything to do...or if tomorrow isn't convenient for you then we can....."

Cutting off his rambling, I say, "It's fine Max. Tomorrow sounds great. I'll meet you at your house around seven okay?"

"Sure." He says quickly. "I can't wait."

"Neither can I." I say in all honestly.

"Are you nervous?" He blurts out unceremoniously.

"No. But I can tell you are." I tell him boldly.

"It's that obvious?"

"Pretty much. Your stuttering and babbling...it's hard not to notice it."

"I'm sorry." He apologizes. "I guess...I'm just a little worried."

"About what?" I ask him. "Do you not wanna do this?"

"No, it's not that." He assures me. "I want to...believe me I do."

"Then what is it?"

"It's just...it's you Liz." He says quietly. "It'll be the first time I'm doing this with someone that I love and the first time you're doing this period. I'm a little unconfident of how special I can make this for you...if I can make it special at all."

He is too damn adorable for words. I'm falling in love with him all over again.

"Max, just knowing that I'm doing this with you is special enough for me. I don't need anything else." I reply wholeheartedly.

"Thanks for saying that...but it meant absolutely nothing to me." He says with worry in his voice.

"Max..." I exclaim laughing loudly at him. "Stop worrying so much. You'll give yourself gray hairs before you turn twenty which isn't too far away."

"This is necessary worrying okay Liz. You don't know how heavy the pressure is on us men to please you women. It's intimidating."

"Max, I don't have anything to compare you to. Virgin over here, remember?" I say reminding him.

"Baby, virgins are the hardest ones to satisfy." He mutters. "And besides, your not just any virgin, your my virgin. I need to make it special."

"So what do you classify as special?" I ask interestedly.

"That's a loaded question babe." He chuckles deeply. "How do you want me to answer...naughty or nice?"

"However you....."

"Damn it Liz...don't you have call waiting?" Maria says busting into my room and interrupting my very interesting conversation.

"Is that Maria?" Max questions irritatingly.

"Would you believe me if I said no?" I ask meekly.

Groaning at the interruption, he says, "Make her go away. I was here first." He whines.

"God, I've been calling you all damn night. I bet your talking to Max." She concludes taking off her jacket and sitting down next to me on my bed.

"I am. " I admit sheepishly.

"You and Max can make love over the phone later." She says with a smirk. "I need to tell you something major and right now."

"Liz...." Max calls over the phone.

"About who?" I ask ignoring Max's pleading.

"You should already know seeing as your in the same damn house with them." She says incredulously.

"My parents?" I say confused. "What about them?"

"Baby...." He calls out again.

"Max, I'll call you back later." I say remembering he's on the line. "If I don't, then I'll see you tomorow okay?"

"What's going on?" He asks with concern.

"I'm about to find out." I reply.

"Call me if it's something serious. No matter what time, I'll answer okay?"

"Okay. I love you."

"I love you too. Bye baby."

"Bye."

Clicking off my cell, I face Maria to see her watching me with a raised eyebrow. "Are you done?" She asks.

"Yes, I'm done." I say placing my phone on it's charger. "You wanna tell me what your talking about now?"

"It's your parents." She emphasizes. "Something's up with them."

"What do you mean?"

"I was just getting ready to knock on your front door when it swings open and your dad walks out all angry and grumbling something under his breathe. He didn't even acknowledge that I was there. Then when I walk inside to ask for you, your mom's at the dining table sniffling like she's been crying. It was just really weird. Like they had a huge argument or something." She finishes looking over to me.

"I didn't hear any yelling." I say shaking my head. "Are you sure?"

"Liz, I know how your parents are. They hardly ever look at each other the wrong way. Something happened tonight." She insists. "You can go check for yourself...I think your mom's still down there."

Getting up quickly from my bed, I make my way down the hall to the stairs leading into the kitchean area.

Entering the dining room, I stumble upon my mom just sitting at the table staring at nothing. She hasn't even noticed me standing there yet.

"Mom?" I call out tentatively while walking closer to her.

"Liz..." She says in surprise before wiping her eyes and turning to face me.

"Are you okay?" I ask worriedly when I finally see her face. Her eyes are red and her face is flushed. She was definitely crying.

"I'm fine." She replies while slowly getting up from the chair to clear the table. "I'm just fine."

"Where's dad?"

I observe the automatic hardening of her shoulders when I mention him. She stops what she's doing and turns to face me. "I don't know honey. He must've went for a walk or something."

Nodding my head cautiously with her answer, I don't move from my spot on the tiled kitchen floor.

"I'm gonna go to bed." She announces unexpectedly. "Goodnight Liz."

"Goodnight." I mutter distractedly as I watch her walk up the stairs to her bedroom.

What the hell is going on?


TBC...

Crystal

Hey peeps, I've started a new fic on the CC board. You can check it out here...."The Final Hours"

Special thanks to...

Sylvia37
Strawberry88
Behrsgirl77
QTgirl
VeronicB
VivaLasVegas
Bixie
kay_b
Emz80m
dreamer19
BehrObsession
rOswell_dreamer
frenchkiss70
FSUMSW94
OmegaRam1
anonymousarfan
foreverdreamer15
roswellluver
sunrise102
linliz68 Whew!....that's a lot of names but it only reinforces the purpose. Thanks for all your feedback. It makes the writing process of this fic less difficult just to know how much you all enjoy it!


It’s August 25th and I’m Liz Parker,

Today is the day…the day that I lose my virginity to the most amazing sexiest guy in the world. I can’t wait! I know I should be nervous and all jittery, but oddly enough, I’m not. I’ve waited a long time for this moment and I’m so ready that I think I’ll die if we don’t do it soon. Being Max’s girlfriend for nearly two months now has been the ultimate test of self restraint I’ve ever had to endure. As cliché as this may sound, the man is indeed utterly irresistible. I don’t know how I lasted this long without jumping him. Well, no more wishing because tonight we’ll both jump each other! It might sound silly that we planned it all out, totally taking away the spontaneity of it, but I don’t think the excitement can ever be diminished. I mean, it’s Max alright…enough said.

As for my parents, I have no idea what’s up with them. My dad didn’t return from wherever he went last night until the wee hours of the morning. He even slept on the couch. I passed him by this morning on my way to the kitchen. I just stood there and stared at his sleeping form for what seemed like forever. My parents never fought. I mean, of course they had your normal married people disputes but it was never to this extent. It was never to the degree of where they wouldn’t speak for the entire day and make a point to always stay out of the others way. It’s very disconcerting and I can’t help this dreadful feeling that the huge disagreement they seem to have had is about me in some way. I can feel it deep in my gut…

“Liz Parker, come on down. It’s your lucky hour little lady.”

Pausing in my writing to listen closely to the voice, I jump up from the bed and head to my balcony.

“Alex?” I call out seeing him standing next to a shiny red car.

“Liz, feast your eyes on my brand new baby.” He smiles up at me swiping his hand over the car.” It’s a 2005 Toyota Camry SE.”

“This belongs to you?” I question in surprise. “Since when?”

“Since my very generous father got a promotion at his job and decided that poor little Alex needs some new wheels.” He grins.

“Yeah, poor little you.” I chuckle.

“God Liz, this thing has leather interior design.” He says opening the passenger side door and swiping his hand on the seats. “Integrated fog lamps, heated outside mirrors, chrome-trimmed body side moldings and a chrome-tipped exhaust.” He exclaims enthusiasticlly leaning up against the vehicle with his hand resting on his heart.. “I think I’m gonna pass out from the excitement.”

Laughing at his expression, I say, “Deep breathes Alex. Just breathe deeply and you’ll be fine.”

Adhering to my advice, he takes a few deep breathes before standing up straight and grinning up at me. “Thanks.” He says sheepishly.

“No Problem.” I smile.

“Let’s take this thing on a test drive shall we?” He suggests wiggling his eyebrows up and down. “What do you say?”

“Sure.” I reply. “Just let me grab my cell phone real quick and then we can go.”

“Hurry.” He calls out already hopping in the driver’s seat.

Running back in my room and retrieving the cell, I make my way outside and climb down the balcony.

“Damn, Alex.” I say as I get inside the car and relax in the comfortable seats. “This car is really amazing. It’s comfortable as hell.” I purr.

“I know.” He says with a smirk. “It’s one of the reasons why I bought it. You gotta make the ladies feel comfty.”

“I’m the only lady in here Alex.” I remind him.

“Well, you know what I mean.” He says shrugging his shoulders pressing down on the acelerator. “This thing is a chick magnet. I’m gonna get all the girls now.” He laughs giddily.

“Where’s Maria?” I ask, rolling down the windows letting the summer breeze hit my face. “She should be here with us reeling in your moment of pure bliss.”

“Ah, who knows.” He says turning a corner. “I think she said something about meeting up with Max.” He answers distractedly.

“With Max?” I ask in suspicion. “What for?”

“She didn’t say.” He responds honking at some girls crossing the street. “Hey girls, want a ride?”

“Alex…” I say slowly. “Not every girl in Brooklyn is attracted to fast cars.”

“Yeah, right.” He snorts. “That’s like saying this car isn’t gorgeous.” He retorts. “It’s impossible.”

“You’re hopeless.” I reply, rolling my eyes with a smile.

Honking at another group of girls, he says, “Ain’t it lovely.”


~~~~~~~~~

After Alex dropped me home from his wild woman hunt in his new car, I spend the rest of the day getting ready for the big night. I bought new underwear and clothes. I even went out and bought the condoms myself. Can you tell I’m excited?

Lathering myself in perfume, my cell phone rings and I practically run to answer it knowing instinctively that’s it’s Max calling.

“Hey you.” I breathe out seductively.

“Hey baby.” He says equally seductive. “What are you doing?”

“Getting pretty for you.” I smile widely. “I can’t wait for tonight.”

“Uh Liz, I have bad news.” He begins hesitantly.

“What?” I ask, my smile fading from my face. “What’s wrong?”

“Mr. Owens just called me.” He begins. “Andrea canceled her shift tonight. He needs someone to come in.”

“Max, please don’t tell me you agreed to take it?” I ask in disbelief.

“I had no choice.” He explains. “He practically begged me ‘till his voice got hoarse and you know me Liz, I can’t say no.” He sighs loudly. “I’m sorry baby.”

“But Max…,” I whine with a pout on my face. “We were supposed to…”

“I know.” He continues gently. “We were supposed to have hot, fantastic sex tonight.” He says on a exaggerated groan. “God, believe me…I’ll be kicking myself for the rest of the evening.”

“Well, can’t you get out of it?” I ask sweetly. “I’ll make it worth your while.”

“Liz…” He cries out in agony. “You don’t know how much I wish I could. But it’s a done deal. I’m stuck here until closing.”

I sigh with deep disappointment and plop myself down on my bed heavily. “Well, if you gotta work then you have to.” I say dejectedly.

“I feel terrible.” He says quietly. “I know how much tonight meant to you.”

“It’s okay.” I murmur. “We’ll do it some other time.”

“I’ll make it up to you.” He says determinedly. “I promise.”

“You’d better.” I reply. “Will I see you at all tonight?”

“Probably not.” He answers. “It’ll be real late when I’m done here. I’ll just call you when I get home.”

“Whatever.” I mumble.

“I love you.” He says tenderly.

“Love you too.” I answer with a frown on my face.

“Bye baby.” He whispers.

“Bye.”

Clicking off the phone, I look at it for a while before placing it on my night stand. Kicking off my shoes, I lie down on top of the covers and stare up the ceiling. So much for making love huh? Maybe this is what I get for planning out the damn thing like my next doctor’s appointment.

Hearing a door slam forcefully, I jump up from my bed and walk out into the hallway only to see my dad disappearing down the steps with a blanket and a pillow in his hand.

My mom opens the door and looks surprised to see me there. “Liz, what’s going on honey?” She asks nonchalantly.

“I was hoping you could tell me.” I answer looking closely at her.

“What do you mean?”

“Mom, you and dad are barely speaking to one another.” I reply evenly. “He’s sleeping on the couch and he’s gone all day and comes home when we’re asleep. What’s going on?”

“Liz, please.” She says shaking her head. “I can’t do this right now.”

“Why can’t you just tell me what’s going on?” I ask in annoyance. “It’s about me, isn’t it?”

“No Liz. It isn‘t about you.” She answers quickly. Too quickly.

“Then tell me.” I insist. “Please.”

Sighing with my persistence, she relents and looks at my face for a long while before speaking. “Your dad got a promotion.” She says quietly.

“And?” I ask, sensing that’s not all.

“It’s the head managerial position at the new office.” She continues. “In Boston.”

“Is he going to take it?” I ask.

“Maybe.” She says with a frown marring her face. “I mean, it’s more pay and better benefits. It would be foolish to pass that up.”

“Okay.” I say, still not understanding the reason for their rift. “You guys are moving to Boston. That’s why your fighting?”

“You’re here Liz.” She says walking closer to me. “Your starting college next month and you’ll be on your own for the first time. I know how much you thrive for that independence and how deeply you need to prove yourself. I’m fine with it…I’m fine with leaving you here because I know you’ll make the best decisions for yourself and I won’t have to worry because I trust you. But your dad….”

“Doesn’t wanna leave me here.” I conclude already knowing the answer.

“Yes.” She answers taking my hands in hers. “He doesn’t see it my way and vice versa. It’s just one big mess.”

“So what does he intend to do?” I ask incredulously. “I’m going to school here. I can’t leave…I can’t abandon my life.” I can’t leave Max behind is what I really want to say but I doubt she’d understand.

“No one’s saying that Liz.” She reassures me. “The choice is all yours. Whatever you decide is what he’ll have to abide by. It’s your life that’s in fear of being jeopardized. I won’t do that to you. But your father, he’s got that thick skull. He won’t listen to anything I have to say.”

“I’ll talk to him then.” I decide firmly. “I’ll make him understand.”

“And if he doesn’t?”

“He’ll have to.” I reply. “I’m not leaving.”

I won’t leave Max…I can’t leave the love of my life behind. Not when I just found him.

Hell will freeze over before I do.


TBC…

Crystal

Happy Halloween....

Sorry for the delay folks. I've been busy. Anywho, thanks for the fantastic feedback. I hope you all enjoy this part!


“Thank you for my beautiful bracelet Max. I love it.”

“Would you stop thanking me already?” He says chuckling. “It’s your birthday Liz. I’m allowed to spoil you.”

“And thank you for dinner.” I continue, turning in his arms to place a kiss on his lips. “It was so romantic.”

“Did you hear a word I just said?” He exclaims, wrapping his arms around my waist as the elevator takes us up to his apartment.

“I did, but I chose not to listen.” I say with a big grin before kissing him again. “This is the best birthday I’ve ever had.”

“Well, it’s about to get better.” He promises with a deep smile. Taking my hand in his as the elevator comes to a stop, we step out and walk down the long corridor to his apartment door.

Opening the door, he lets me enter first and darkness renders the apartment. Flipping on the switch, I squint with the sudden brightness.

“Surprise!”

Jumping back with the unexpected shout, I stumble and Max catches me before I fall. Holding a hand to my thumping heart, I glance around at all the people smiling and catch sight of Maria with a giant grin on her face.

“Happy Birthday Liz.” Maria squeals grabbing me in a tight hug. “Are you surprised?”

“Understatement.” I reply hugging her back just as tightly with a smile. “A birthday party? You did all of this?”

Pulling back from the hug, she helps me take off my coat and hangs it up. “Well, I can’t take all the credit.” She says with a smirk. “Max is just as responsible. It was his idea in the first place.”

Turning around to face him, he smiles at me and tugs at his ear. He is so unbelievably sweet. He organized the entire thing.

“I can’t believe you.” I say with a smile as I go up to him and hug him close. “Is this what you were doing when you told me you had to work yesterday? Were you with Maria all that time?”

“No, that much was true.” He says pulling back slightly to kiss my cheek. “I was at work last night. However, Maria did come by and she handled the inviting and I did the planning. It was a piece of cake.”

“Thank you.” I whisper sweetly before kissing him gently.

“Your welcome baby.” He says returning my kiss. “Let’s go mingle. There’s some relatives of yours and mine here that we haven’t met.”

Walking around, I greet all my cousins that I haven’t seen in like forever. I even chatted up with a few friends I haven’t seen since graduation.

Spotting Alex with Micheal and Maria in the far corner by the food table, I walk over to them leaving Max behind who’s currently engrossed with the grand theft auto video game my sixteen year old cousin brought over. I think they both forgot I was ever there.

“Hey guys.” I call out when I approach them.

“Having fun?” Alex asks sipping his drink.

“Tons.” I reply smiling brightly. “I can’t thank you all enough for doing this. I really appreciate it.”

“It was no problem Liz.” Micheal says genuinely. “Besides, Max would’ve skinned us alive if we weren’t here.”

Elbowing him in his side, Maria gives him a sharp glance while he rubs his injured torso. “What he meant…” She corrects with a smile. “Is that we’re really glad your enjoying your party.”

“I am.” I say with a chuckle at Micheal’s exspense. “I just feel bad for all the cleaning up that’ll need to be done after everyone’s gone.”

“Least of your worries.” Micheal says reassuringly. “We’ve got it under control.”

Right at that moment, someone drops a cup of orange soda on their white carpet and stains it. “Hey!” Micheal yells walking over there in purposeful strides. “I told you no dancing with colored beverages in your hand. Clear liquids only… sprite, water or even your saliva.” He says while bending down on his knees working furiously to get the stain out of the carpet. “This is the last party in this apartment.” He mutters continuing his scrubbing.

“Who would’ve known the guy was a cleaning freak.” Alex comments watching Micheal in amusement. “I guess there’s a first for everything.”

“Tell me about it.” I say in agreement with a smile. “Max is the exact opposite.” I include bobbing my head with the music playing.

“Where is Max by the way?” Alex asks looking around.

“He’s over there with Jordan playing grand theft auto.” I answer pointing in their direction. “The kid stole my man’s attention. That’s not something I should be saying out loud.” I realize with a grimace.

“No, it isn’t Lizzie.” Maria says with a smile.

“Did you say grand theft auto?” Alex asks almost in hyperventilation. “Vice city?”

“Something like that.” I say nonchalantly.

“I’ll catch up with you guys later.” He says abruptly, running over to where Max and my cousin are still playing.

Rolling my eyes, I shake my head and turn back to face Maria. “What is it with guys and videogames?” I ask in exasperation. “It’s like their religion or something.”

“They’ll grow out of it eventually when they realize how cruel life is when they aren’t aroused as much as they’d like to be staring at the television screen more than they do of you.” She says pointedly. “Snaps them right back to reality.”

“I bet.” I nod with a grin. “Are all those gifts for me?” I ask gleefully, taking a look at a table filled with presents.

“Yup.” She says walking over to them. “You want to open them now?”

“Nah, I’ll just take them home.” I reply with a wave of my hand. “Show off all the wonderful things I received when I get there. I know my parents will be shocked as hell.”

“Liz, about your parents…” Maria starts. “I didn’t know if you wanted them here.” She says seriously. “Things have been so tense with you guys lately. I didn’t want to ruin the party with possibly inviting them and upsetting you.”

“It’s fine.” I say with a small smile dismissing her worries. “I doubt it would have been as much as fun as it is if they were here.”

“Why do you say that?” She asks with a frown.

I haven’t gotten a chance to tell her or even Max for that matter the reason my parents have been at odds as of late. This doesn’t seem like the proper time nor place to discuss it either. I tell her just that.

“I…I promise I’ll tell you tomorrow.” I reply solemnly. “It’s not really an appropiate time to talk about it now.”

“I understand.” She says with a nod of her head.

“Thanks.”

“No need Liz.” She says with a smile. “Let me go help Micheal.” She exclaims, glancing to his form still on his knees scrubbing away on the carpet. “Looks like that stain isn’t going anywhere. It needs a woman’s touch.”

“I was thinking the same thing.” I say with a smirk.

“I’ll be right back.” She promises walking away.

Nodding my head, I pick up a drink from the table and look around at everyone enjoying themselves. Spotting Max approaching me, I smile at the scowl etched on his face.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

“I kept dying every time I started a new mission.” He says with a frustrated pout. “Your cousin is a way better player than I ever thought I was. I need to catch up more with my PS2...spend some quality time.”

“More than with your own girlfriend?” I ask sweetly, closing in any space between us with my body.

“Never more than that.” He whispers, succumbing to my seduction as he wraps his arms around my waist.

Tangling mine at the nape of his neck, he lowers his lips to mine and kisses me thoroughly. Moaning lightly as he gently bites my bottom lip, I pull away before he could deepen the contact.

“You can’t kiss me like that while we’re here.” I state, breathing heavily while glancing around to see if anyone was watching us. “It isn’t decent.”

“Says who?” He retorts, placing nibbling kisses at the underside of my jaw. “I did promise I’d make it up to you didn’t I?” He asks sexily.

“I wasn’t aware you wanted an audience for that.” I murmur, as he begins kissing my neck.

“No audience.” He whispers, sucking my skin in his mouth. “We’ve got my room. I’ll double lock it. No one will even dare to come in.”

“We can’t Max.” I say distractedly, trying not to moan as he licks my collar bone. “It’s my birthday party. Don’t you think my guests will wonder where I’ve gone off to? In your room no less?”

“You were tired.” He replies, pulling away to glance at my flushed features. “I’ll tell them you felt sleepy and I put you in my bed.”

“But I won’t be sleeping.” I state, cocking my head to the side.

“No, you won’t.” He grins deeply before kissing my mouth. “You’ll be doing something else entirely…or more specifically, someone.”

“I wonder who that may be?” I ask, feigning ignorance.

“Let’s go to my room.” He suggests, with desire clearly visible in his gaze. “I’ll show you exactly who.”

“God, I can’t believe you’ve got me considering this.” I exclaim, when he stares at me penetratingly for an answer. “And your door bell is ringing.”

“Someone will get it.” He says candidly not taking his eyes off of me. “Will you let me love you tonight Liz?”

Returning his gaze, I know my eyes match the same longing and desire that I can see in his. I can’t deny how much I’ve been thinking about this since last night when he canceled on me. I want him too damn much. Who cares about the people that’s presently here and all the ridiculous planning we had originally decided on going through with. All I know is that if I don’t have him soon, I’m going to go insane with want.

“Yes.” I whisper, close to his mouth before he closes the distance and crushes his lips with mine in a passionate kiss. Pulling me closer to his body, he breaks the kiss and looks into my eyes.

“Give me five minutes.” He breathes out. “I’ll make sure the coast is clear. Okay?”

“Okay.” I say, before he kisses me again.

Hearing a throat being cleared behind us, we pull away to see Max’s sister watching us with a raised eyebrow.

Isabel. The same big breasted blonde I recall seeing not so long ago. She’s even more beautiful up close and personal.

“Isabel…” Max says excitedly, greeting his sister with a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. “I’m so glad you could make it on such short notice.”

“It’s fine Max.” She dismisses, hugging him back with a smile. “I’ve been meaning to visit anyway. I missed my little brother too much to stay away. How’ve you been?”

“Great.” He replies with a slight blush in my direction. “Never been better.”

“You don’t say…” She murmurs eyeing me up and down.

“Iz…,” Max says, taking my hand in his. “I’d like you to meet someone very dear to my heart. This is my girlfriend, Liz Parker.” He finishes with a proud smile, pulling me closer to his side.

“Isabel Evans.” She says curtly, holding out her hand for me to take. Feeling slightly intimidated by her unabashed perusal of me, I hesitantly take her offered hand and smile to ease my nerves.

“It’s nice to finally meet you.” I say, looking up at her. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

“That‘s funny.” She replies, dropping my hand abruptly with a forced smile plastered on her face. “I’ve heard next to nothing about you.”

“I’m gonna get a drink.” She exclaims suddenly, walking away before I could answer her. Turning to Max, he still has that grin on his face as if nothing happened.

Is it me, or does she not like me very much? Something tells me it’s the latter.


TBC…

Crystal

*Thanks for all the f/b guys. I love hearing what you guys think! Now, on with the story....


“I hate Isabel Evans.” I exclaim with a loud growl.

“What? Why?”

“She’s a total bitch Maria.” I say heatedly over the phone. “I hate her guts.”

“Liz…,” Maria says with a chuckle. “What the hell did she do to get you so riled up?”

“Everything.” I reply evenly. “She wrecked my freaking party last night.”

“How?”

“After you and Alex left, she completely stole all of Max’s attention for the rest of night.” I explain vividly. “She rambled on and on about her life in Atlanta and how happy she is and blah, blah, blah. I wanted to smack the living daylights out of her pretty little face.”

Snickering at my predicament, I ignore her and continue to rant. “Then she changed the music.” I state in disbelief. “She changed the music at my party and then ushered everyone out of the apartment at midnight just so she could watch the late show with David Letterman. Can you fucking believe that?”

“No, I can’t…,” Maria says in amusement.

“She’s just so fucking high maintenance and snotty.” I include in annoyance. “Maybe if she realized that the whole world doesn’t revolve around her, people would actually like her ass. I can’t believe she’s related to Max.”

“Now Liz, didn’t you have similar feelings like this for her sibling four months ago?” She asks sleekly. “Look at you and Max now…you’re practically joined at the hip.”

“It’s different Maria.” I say defensively. “Max was just being that way cause he had a crush on me and vice versa. And even when he was an asshole back then, I still couldn’t hate him. I can admit that now.”

“But…,” Maria says.

“But Isabel does it on purpose.” I continue in thought. “For some ungodly reason, she goes out of her way to irritate me. She deliberately does things to piss me off and she knows it.”

“Have you spoken to Max about this? Maybe he could talk to her. Get her to come off that high pedestal she’s riding.” Maria says in suggestion.

“That’s the worst part about it Maria.” I sigh in defeat. “Max doesn’t see any of it. She could insult me left and right and he wouldn’t even be aware of it. It’s like he’s blinded to her evil.”

“Guys are always like that.” She says pointedly. “Their sister’s could do no wrong and everything right. It’s sickening.”

“I know.” I agree tumultuously. “I just…I don’t want her to come between us. Things have been going so good with Max and I. I’m just afraid that she’ll screw it all up.”

“Liz, talk to Max.” She says firmly. “Let him know. He’s the one that has to fix this.”

“I don’t want to ever put him in a situation where he feels like he has to choose between me and his family.” I exclaim deprecatingly. “I don’t want to be one of those girlfriends.”

“And allowing her to constantly disrespect you is just as worse Liz.” She reasons. “You shouldn’t have to ever feel uncomfortable in any situation. She needs to be knocked down a peg or two and know her limits. It’ll continue if you don’t do something about it.”

“Well what am I supposed to tell him without sounding like a nag?” I ask incredulously.

“If you don’t do it, then I will.” She threatens. “And you know I’m not very subtle when I’m pissed.”

“I’ll do it.” I relent in protest. “Just not tonight.”

“Why not?”

“Max, kinda invited me to dinner with him and Isabel at Justin’s.” I reveal hesitantly.

“Don’t tell me you kinda said yes Liz?” Maria asks in disbelief.

“I did.” I admit with a grimace.

“Liz, how will you endure an entire dinner with them when you despise the chick?”

“I’ll try to curve my emotions for the evening.” I say decisively.

“Liz, granted the dinner is at Justin’s, which is pretty pricey by the way…,” Maria says in an impressed tone. “The point is…,” She resumes after getting sidetracked. “The only thing that’ll be curved is your ego if you go tonight.”

“I couldn’t say no Maria.” I sigh in self disgust. “You should see him…how happy he is that his sister’s in town. He practically glows when she’s around. I can’t do that to him. Not when he loves the beast so damn much.” I quip smartly.

“You must really love him to do something like that.” Maria says coyly.

“I do.” I reply quietly. “Wouldn’t you do the same for Micheal?”

“Hell no.” She cries in affront. “Only if your Orlando Bloom are you getting me to make such a huge ass sacrifice like that. And if you haven’t noticed, Micheal isn’t English.”

“So your saying I’m a fool then?” I ask in confusion.

“No Liz, I’m saying that your in love.” She elaborates. “Micheal and I aren’t.

“You aren’t?”

“I care about him deeply and I’m sure it’s mutual, but that’s as far as it goes.” She amends. “We’re not ready for what you and Max have. That’s way in above our heads. Micheal and I are just enjoying one another’s company and having fun.”

“Really?” I ask still in surprise.

“Liz, you can’t possibly be shocked by that.” Maria says with a chuckle. “I’m not the settling type and neither is he. It would be a total waste of energy and make out time for us to pretend that we are.”

“You could’ve fooled me.” I quip lightly.

“Appearances can be deceiving Lizzie.” She recites, sing song. “You should more than well enough know that.”

“Don’t remind me.” I reply on a deep sigh. “I’ve gotta get ready for this dinner from hell. I’ll call you afterwards to let you know if I still have my pride left.”

“Sure thing.” She laughs loudly. “Later.”

“Bye.”

Hanging up the phone, I walk over to my closet in search of something to wear. While scanning for the right outfit, there’s only one thing going through my head. What can I put on that’ll make Isabel look like shit?

****

“You look gorgeous baby.” Max says in appraisal when he comes to pick me up two hours later. Watching his eyes roam up and down my body gives me all the more satisfaction that this outfit is perfect for tonight.

I smile at his awe struck expression. “So that means you like it then?” I ask teasingly, modeling the thigh length black dress in front of him.

“I love it.” He says pulling me to him and planting a thorough kiss on my lips. “You look sexy.”

“Don’t start.” I warn good naturedly when I see the intent in his eyes. “We’ve got reservations. I don’t want to be late.”

“So I can’t tell you you look sexy?” He murmurs deeply with his hands on my hips and his mouth grazing my jaw.

“Not with so much vigor.” I reply with a grin. “Then it becomes more than just sexy. We end up missing dinner and participating in indecent exposure.”

“And what’s wrong with that?” He asks huskily, moving his hands down to cup my butt.

“You are incorrigible.” I chuckle, pulling back from his embrace and kissing his lips lightly. “Let’s go, your sister’s waiting.” I remind him, grabbing his hand in mine.

“Damn relatives.” He mutters as we walk up beside his car. I smile secretly at his words.

The drive to the city was no more than an hour and the line outside the restaurant was outrageous. Atleast Isabel was smart enough to book our reservations.

Holding on tightly to my hand, Max and I walk in the packed place and give our names to the front desk. Ushering us to our reserved seats, Isabel sits haughtily and clearly unpleased that we’re late. She does an awful good job of shielding it from Max. But me, she glares daggers in my back.

“Max…,” She greets warmly. “I thought you weren’t coming anymore.”

“Of course I was.” He says with a smile, hugging his sister.

Pulling back from their embrace, she addresses me and that’s when I notice it. The tight, thigh length black dress not only adorned on my figure, but Isabel’s as well. Just what I needed.

“Nice dress Liz.” She comments, staring at me intently while I fidget under her stare.

Max looks to the both of us and smiles like an idiot. “Hey, what are the odds of that?” He says pulling out my chair and then Isabel’s. “My two favorite girls wearing the same dress. You both look beautiful in them.”

“I look better.” I hear Isabel mumble quietly as she takes her seat. What I wouldn’t give to strangle her little…

“Liz…,” Max says gently, interrupting the direction of my thoughts. “What are you ordering baby?”

“I haven’t decided.” I answer, scanning over my menu. “Maybe some seafood?” I suggest, looking up at him.

“Too much cholesterol.” Isabel interjects, with her eyes fixed on her menu and her ears way over here.

“What are you getting then?” I ask her with my teeth clenched and my eyes narrowed to slits.

“Hmm, most likely something steamed.” She replies still engrossed in the menu.

“Oh boy…,” Max says with a grin. “Are you still on that diet?”

“Yup.” Isabel responds with a smile. “Never got off of it.”

“Isabel has been on this steamed food diet since she was eighteen.” Max tells me with a shake of his head. “She used to try to get everyone to join with her.”

“How lovely.” I smile fakely.

“And it’s done wonders ever since.” Isabel includes. “You should try it Liz.”

“No, I’m good.” I reply dismissively.

“So, shall we order?” Max asks lifting his head to regard us both.

“Sure.” I say.

After our drinks and dinners arrived, conversation is mostly carried between Max and Isabel. I’m more than glad to be left out. It gives me the opportunity to observe her behavior. She seems genuinely sincere when talking to Max. I may hate her existence, but I’d be blind to not see how much she loves her brother. It only makes me wonder even more why she dislikes me so much. It’s obvious she’s capable of some niceness.

“So Liz…,” She begins, after our plates are taken away and chatting is all that’s left to do. “What are your plans for when the summer’s over?”

“Liz got accepted to NYU for the fall semester.” Max answers proudly, wrapping an arm around my waist and kissing the side of my head.

“Really?” Isabel asks with a raised eyebrow not missing our exchange.

“Yeah.” I confirm with a small nod and a smile in Max’s direction. I can’t help but relax in his enthusiasm.

“The city huh…,” She continues. “No out of state colleges accepted you?”

This bitch. “Actually, I was the one that turned them down.” I correct her. “I love this place. New York is my home. Everything I love is here.”

Max gazes at me in adoration and I stare back. Of course I’m talking about him. Who else would I be referring to?

Isabel clears her throat loudly and breaks up our moment. “So how long have you two been dating?”

“Nearly two months now.” Max answers looking over to me for confirmation. I nod my head.

“That’s all?” She says in surprise. “You seem so close…too close.”

“We love each other.” I answer simply with a shrug.

“Are you having sex?” She asks bluntly.

“Isabel…” Max exclaims in surprise, with a reddish tint to his skin.

“What?” She cries in defense.

Right at that minute, our waiter comes over to ask if we want anything else. “Yeah…,” I reply, nodding my head vigorously. “The check please.”


TBC…

Crystal

Happy Veteran's Day