A Reason To Run (CC,M/L,MATURE) COMPLETE Ch. 16

[Crashdown_51]

Author's Note: Yep kiddos, this fic is about to end. When you ask? Chapter 16. It's sad but true. Chapter 14 is the big OH SHIT chapter I've been building up, . Hopefully, you guys take it that way.

Thanks for all the feedback and who the hell is out there? So many suspects. He he. And it being a Crash fic, I might've busted out with a new character, lol. <sigh> Oh well.


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Chapter 11

Max/Liz Room

“Maxwell, there’s someone out there.”

“Max?” Liz called out, this time right beside him with one hand clutching onto the covers and the other hand over his, that was holding on to the doorknob.

“Get dressed.” Max ordered her and then looked back to Michael. “Go downstairs and get Dominic.”

“Maxwell, we can do this ourselves.” Michael argued, seeing Liz in the background gathering a armful of clothes and then closing the door of the bathroom behind her.

“Yeah, but he can stay here and take care of Liz and Maria.” Max explained, seeing Michael struggle with himself before finally giving in and heading downstairs with Maria right behind him. Max quickly put on his socks and boots, looking around frantically for his warmer and sweater.

“Max, what’s going on?” Liz questioned as she stepped out of the bathroom untucking the hem of cotton turtleneck sweater from her dark denim jeans and then flipping her hair out from the neck of her sweater.

“Michael says someone’s out there.” Max replies as he slips in his warmer and sweater and then moves over to stand in front of Liz who’s tying the laces to her boots. “It’s probably nothing. A raccoon or something.”

“Max, it’s never nothing when it comes to us.” Liz answered sadly, tying the last bow to her boots and standing up to see that her comment had struck a nerve for him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean--”

“No. You’re right.” He answered and then looked to the door when it opened, seeing Michael, Maria and Dominic standing in the hallway. “Let’s go.” He said, taking Liz by her hand and meeting with everyone in the hallway.

“Max, what’s going on?” Dominic asked as they all followed Max and Liz down the stairs and into the living room.


Living Room

“I need you to stay here and take care of Liz and Maria.” Max asked as he caught the gloves and ski hat Michael tossed to him and put them on.

“Why? What’s going on?”

“We don’t know yet but they will be safer with you here.” Max answered, opening the door and waiting when he saw Maria pull Max.

“Promise me you’ll be careful.” Maria asked, tugging on his arm.

“I will.” Michael answered, giving her a quick kiss and then exiting the front door, where Max flashed Liz an assuring smile and then followed after.

“Okay, so what are ‘we’ suppose to do?” Maria questioned Dominic.

“I don’t even know what’s going on.” Dominic reminded.

“Cliff notes version. Possible bad guy outside. So what’s our move?” Maria questioned more irritated. Both her and Liz watched as Dominic pensively pondered and then watched him move steadily to the light switch and turn off the lights to the living room. “What are you doing?” Maria asked, feeling Liz clutch on to her arm as she was did with Liz.

“You asked me to do something right?”

“Yeah, Luther Vandross…” Just as Maria was going to complete her insult, Dominic bee-lined his way to her and covered her mouth with his hand while his other held the back of her head.

“Look. If we turn off the lights, whoever’s out there can’t see us. And if the can’t see us, they won’t know where we are right?” He asked, making Maria’s head nod before releasing it. “So you two start turning off the lights while I turn out the fire.” He assigned, watching the two split up and start turning out the lights while he tossed sand on the burning fire, leaving them in a pitch black cabin.


Outside

“You sure you heard something?” Max asked as they moved further into the woods, hearing the snow crush beneath their boots and then heard a twig snap from in front of them, making the two freeze where they stood and then look at each other.

“Definitely sure.” Michael answered then signaled Max to be quiet and to move to the white barked tree to the left of them while he move to the one to the right of them.

Pressing his back against the cold bark of the tree, Max picked up a thick piece of bark he spotted peeking out of the snow and held it closely to him in a batting position, ready to swing when Michael would signal him to.

They stood silently against their trees, seeing their breath in the cold air and tears start to build up in their eyes from the cold. Max held out a hand, questioning Michael on what was happening, only getting a shrug from Michael until other snap was heard this time from behind them.

Max and Michael quickly moved to the trees across from them, pressing their back against them and lower close to the frozen ground as they heard another twig snap and this time a hint of dim light from a flashlight, cutting through the night and wobbling around.

Michael signaled Max with a peace sign, calculating two people in the woods with them from the different direction of the twig snaps.

Max watched as Michael maneuvered himself covertly to the same position as before, signaling Max to take on whoever was coming from the behind him and he would take whoever was coming from in front of them.

The adrenaline started to rush through both Michael and Max’s bodies, making them forget about the cold air hitting their bodies like a million needles. For those few minutes, their hearing had become as alert as a blind man, hearing the wind blow by and another twig snap, this time closer than the second one they heard.

Max’s patience was wearing thin, noticing Michael’s was practically holding on by a thread. He noticed the wobble of the flashlight again, this time followed by another snap of the twig and the sound of crushing snow at a slow pace. Whoever was coming, was coming cautiously, but for some reason, the approaching person wasn’t Max’s deepest concern, he was more worried about the second person, the person he could no longer hear.

Michael crossed over again, squatting back to the tree across from him when he no longer heard the cautious steps coming from the approaching person from behind them, but instead heard a quickening one, almost as if the person was charging towards them.

The steps sounded closer and closer, faster, almost at the same speed their hearts were beating. They could hear the snow crunching louder now and the flashlight shining brighter. And as soon as Michael could determine where how close the person was, he lifted himself up a little, knees bent, and readied himself until he heard a twig snap right beside him and then dove straight at the mystery person.

Max bolted up, bark in the air, ready to slam down, until he heard the mystery man repeat the word ‘no’ as Michael turned him around with the flashlight now in his possession and shined it on the man, revealing the last person they would’ve imagined.

“Dominic?!” Michael and Max questioned confused, while Dominic held his hands defensively in front of his face as he watched Max lower the bark and Michael step back off of him to catch his breath.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Michael questioned in anger as he inhaled and exhaled the cold air.

“I thought you could use my help.” Dominic answered, picking himself up from the snow and dusted whatever snow didn’t melt into his clothes off of him. “I know these woods like the back of my hand.”

“You were suppose to be taking care of Liz and Maria.” Michael reminded, letting the sounds of Liz and Maria names hang when he looked over to Max and realized what he had just realized from that statement.

“Hey, you’re the kids. I’m the adult.” Dominic argued but then noticed Michael and Max stunned faces. “What?”

“You left them alone.” Michael answered in a low tone and with that statement alone, Max bolted back towards the cabin, hearing Michael and Dominic running behind him.

Running with all his might, Max spotted the dark cabin with all the lights turned off and could feel the heated panic rush through his body. When he reached the front door, he stormed in and stopped Michael’s speed, who ran into him as Dominic ran into Michael, leaving the three standing closely together under the doorway.

“Maxwell?”

“Michael. Look.” Max pointed out with his chin and eyes. Michael pointed the flashlight down to the pine wood floors and spotted a beeline of melted snowy footprints, following the line and noticed it led upstairs. Max and Michael exchanged worried looks, assuming the worst and then slowly followed the footprints to up the stairs.

“Wait.” Dominic called out in a whisper, moving to behind the stair and moved the bookcase. Michael and Max watched confused as Dominic rummaged through a loose floorboard and then came out cocking a gun. “Okay. Let’s go.” He suggested, noticing Max and Michael’s skeptic looks and then signaled the two to move it along with his gun.

Cautiously, the three made it up the stairs and to the hallway, where they followed the prints to the direction of Max and Liz’s room, which door was closed.

[Crashdown_51]

Great update. Are you going to continue this story or is going to be all done.

I have no idea. But if I do, I'm gonna write it first like I'm doing with the other fics (After Dark, Black Bullet, Silver, and Back To You) that way I can get back to my old habits and post everyday.

Hmm....but just out of curiousty what would you like to see covered?

lizard_queen ~ No dice! LOL. It's not Isabel or Jesse. I mentioned this character before, but like only once in way he wouldn't be noticed. I think it was when they had gotten to the cabin or were at the store. Not sure.

McGees ~ If I answer your question on why Donny left them, it would spill the bean if he's good or not. And I just can't have that. I need to know you guys are like "what's his damn deal" until I drop the ball. All I can say is welcome and thanks for reading.

And Max's realization a few parts back - about how Liz could only relax, only felt safe when she was with him in spite of everything - was just heartwrenching. He never will stop doubting himself, will he?

Nope. It's sad, no I think you said it better, "heartwrenching". As long as they're still being chased, he'll never stop worrying and even then I think he'll be blaming himself for everything they've been through.


Thanks everyone for the fb.


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Chapter 12

Cabin – Hallway

Dominic pointed for Michael to open the door so he could storm in the room, protected by his gun. Counting down to three with his fingers, Michael swung open the door and Dominic bolted in the room.

Max and Michael followed in afterwards, when they heard Dominic stand down and click on the safety to his gun. Scanning around the room to the direction of the only lit light coming from, the two spotted Liz, Maria, and an injured elderly man looking to them in stunned surprise.

“It’s okay.” Dominic announced to Max and Michael, tucking his gun behind his jeans as he turned to look at them.

“It’s okay.” Liz assured Max, who noticed Liz had a brown bottle of peroxide in one hand and a cotton ball in the other.

“Who is he?” Michael questioned as Dominic turned on the lights.

“I’m Thomas Douglas.” The elderly man answered with his voice a little shaky.

“Who?” Michael questioned.

“Mr. Douglas.” Dominic repeated and then moved closer. “He’s the caretaker.”


Living Room

“Here you go.” Maria spoke in an apologetic cheer as she carefully handed a warm coffee cup to the old man.

“Oh, thank you little lady.” The man responded, taking the cup into his aged hands and tried to keep it from shaking as he slowly inched it towards his mouth to take a sip and then set it down on the coaster in front of him. “Now, where did I leave off?”

“Right at the part where Maria attacked you.” Michael answered frankly, catching a smack from the back of Maria’s hand and then flashed her a ‘what’ look while everyone laughed.

“Oh, yes. Yes.” The old man recalled and then clutched the blanket closely to him. “Didn’t expect that at all.” He said with a small laugh.

“I’m so sorry.” Maria apologized as she twisted a napkin in her hand.

“It’s quiet alright. Just I don’t think I’ll be able to secure the cabin now in time before the storm.” He informed them as he winced when he rubbed the back of his neck.

“Well, we can do it.” Max volunteered as he pointed to himself and Michael.

“Oh, non-sense young man. It’ s my job…”

“Mr. Douglas, you’re not doing anything.” Dominic commanded with a small laugh. “It’s my fault anyways. I should have told you I was back with visitors and besides, all we have to do is board up the windows and tie down the logs. I know the drill.”

“Yes. Yes. I believe you do. You’re grandfather taught you well.” Douglas replied letting out a sad sigh that matched Dominic’s expression and then shook it off with a forced smile.

“Come on Old Man. I’ll take you home.” Dominic volunteered, patting him lightly on his back and helped him up and out the door.

The four of them watched as Dominic’s Jeep Grand Cherokee drove off and then moved back to the couches in front of the fresh fire.

“Kinda close Maxwell.” Michael warned in a sigh as he held a crocheted quilt tighter to him.

“We just have to be careful next time.” Max answered as he held on to his quilt.

“I still can’t believe you two.” Michael retorted in disappointment pointing to Maria and Liz, surprised they would be so careless around someone they didn’t know.

“Yeah, I’m sure Old Man River graduated top of his FBI class back when it was first established.” Maria sneered sarcastically as she rolled her eyes.

“It’s not funny.” Michael warned.

“Oh, come on. The man is older than the Crypt Keeper.” Maria pointed out with a chuckle.

“What if he was a shape shifter?” Michael questioned.

“He’s right.” Max mumbled, looking to Liz who was snuggled closely in his arms. “We can’t trust anyone we don’t know.”

“Well, it’s a good thing Liz’s here is our own travel-sized Madame Vivian.” Maria debated, pointing to Liz.

“What did you see?” Max asked curiously.

“Nothing life threatening.” Liz answered, looking to Maria.

“A few denture and diaper changing flashes and we dubbed the old guy harmless.” Maria explained. “Only wish Liz here would’ve gotten clairvoyant on me before I clobbered him with a pool stick.”

The four of them sat cuddled close to the fire until they heard Dominic pull up again.

“Is he okay?” Maria asked as soon as Dominic entered the cabin.

“Yeah. He’s more worried about the cabin then his health.” Dominic answered with a shrug and then closed the door. “Listen, we have to board up the windows and get some wood. A pretty heavy storm is coming.”

“Right.” Max answered and then followed behind Dominic with Michael following behind him, this time, the two leaving with their coats to the shed.


The Shop

Basement – The Next Morning

“Bad news boss.” The driver announced the second he saw Burns coming down the stairs. “We lost visual.” He informed him, pointing to the video camera that showed the boarded up windows.

“What about audio?” Burns asked trying to hold his anger behind his teeth.

“We still got the bug in the coffee cup.”

“Yes, that fucking coffee cup. You know, Dwight, they could only drink so much coffee.” Burns replied sarcastically.

“Yes sir, but it’s what’s discussed over that cup of coffee.” He answered with a mischievous proud smile and handed Burns a clipboard of last nights’ transcripts. Burns began reading down the freshly typed pages, while Dwight watched Burns’s smile grow bigger and bigger the further down he read.

“You know Dwight. I think we had I priorities wrong.”

“I think so too.” He agreed with the same smirk Burns had stretched across his face.

“Then let’s do something to get them straight.” Burns plotted, handing back the clipboard to Dwight.


Cabin – The Next Morning

“I can’t believe you’re gonna leave already.” Liz sighed as she hugged her knees.

“Yeah, can’t stay here forever.” Dominic replied, taking in a breath and then sipped from his coffee cup as Liz sipped some of her tea.

“You almost seemed relieved about that.” Liz analyzed, seeing he wasn’t to disappointed with leaving, but under the circumstances, the further he got away the safer his career was.

“Too many ghosts in this place.” Dominic answered, staring onto the floor and then shook his head and looked to Liz to see her looking at him pensively. “Forget it. It’s in the past.” He shrugged.

“Yeah, one thing I’ve learned is that the past has a funny way of catching up with you.” Liz sighed and took another sip of her tea.

“For my sake, I hope not.” Dominic mumbled. Liz just eyed him curiously and then turned back to look at the boarded up windows. “So do you plan on seeing a doctor?”

“Huh?” Liz asked surprised by his questioned.

“Sorry, kinda overheard the big news.”

“Oh.” Liz replied biting on her lip as she lowered her head and blushed.

“Gotta rough 9 months ahead of you.” He warned with a smile.

“Yeah.”

“You scared?”

“I know I should be, but, with Max...no. No, I’m not. Excited if anything.” Liz answered with a lit face.

“That’s how it should be.”

“You seem, I don’t know…”

“Like I know what I’m talking about?” Dominic finished seeing Liz nodding ‘yes’. Dominic placed his cup down in front of him and then leaned over to take out his wallet. He opened the first flap and smiled before handing his wallet over to Liz. “Jesse. He’s gonna be 4 years old in a month.”

“Oh my God, he looks just like you.” Liz gasped as she examined the wallet-size picture of Dominic hugging a little boy

“Yeah, not sure if that’s a good thing.” He said with a chuckle.

“It is.” Liz replied and flipped over the wallet to see his badge. “Is he in Phoenix?” Liz asked, tracing over his badge number, causing herself to emit a flash. She heard crying and mumbling before she could make out Dominic’s voice calling her.

“Liz? You okay?”

“Huh?”

“I said are you okay?” He repeated looking at her skeptically as she rubbed her forehead. “One minute I’m telling you about Minneapolis and the next you zone out again like before.”

“I’m sorry.” Liz said shaking her head. “Minneapolis?” Liz repeated confused.

“Yeah. That’s where my son’s at.” He replied skeptically.

“How fast can you get there?” Liz asked concerned as she handed him his wallet back and headed towards the staircase with him right on her heels.

“Four hours, maybe. Why?” He asked and then pulled her by her arm to make her face him. “Why?”

“Use your police light.” Liz answered.

“Is it because of this?” He asked, referring to him helping them. Liz pulled herself from his grasps, opened her and Max’s room quietly as she tipped-toed in and then came back with a key chain Swiss Army knife and hugged Dominic.

“No.” She answered, slipping the knife in his back pocket. “Hurry.” She warned. Dominic looked at her suspiciously for a moment and then bolted down the stairs and into his car. She heard the engine roar and then the car speed off, making a loud slippery sound that cause Max and Michael to bust out of the rooms.

“Liz?” Max called out as he held on to the towel around his waist.

“What’s going on?” Michael asked.

[Crashdown_51]

What's going to happen to Dominic's son?

Good question. Like Liz said, whether he gets there in time or not you can be sure he's gonna come back asking questions.

I wish someone would break that Damn coffee cup already!!!!!

Dude, I was LMAO when I read that.

Why did Liz give him that key chain? Does it mean something and i totally missed it?????

[color=dark red]Yeps. Come on now, Jazzy. You know me. [/color]

Author's Note: Alright guys, one chapter away from the big "Jabiem ti Mamu". In this chapter, the days go quicker cause their really isn't a point to prolonging the whopper of a shocker that I've been raving about since I can remember. A few questions are answered here. A maybe to the questions, 'is Dominic good or bad?' and to one no one asked but I thought you would've 'How the hell did Max know Isabel's address if she left to Boston when they were already running?' Now, I must insists, what I have planned for Chpater 14 is very evil. Very Crash-like to the 5th power. So I beg of you to ask yourselves, 'what, oh, what, does this crazy chic have instore for us?'
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Chapter 13

Cabin – Living Room

“You sure that’s what you saw?” Max asked as he put on his shirt.

“Yes. Positive.” Liz answered nodding ‘yes’.

“Was it happening tonight?” Michael asked as he cracked his knuckles.

“I-I don’t know. Maybe.” Liz answered. “But, whenever it happens, you know he’s gonna come back for an explanation.” Liz warned.


Granite’s Piggly Wiggly – Granite Falls, Minnesota

3 weeks later

“Do you see anything?” Michael asks as he squats down beside Maria, who’s peering through a pair of binoculars.

“Nothing.” She answered and then handed the binoculars to Michael. “Who’s bright idea was it to meet here?” Maria asked sarcastically as she snuggled closer to him for warmth.

“We’ll give it another hour. After that we go back to the cabin.” Michael answered instead.

“Yeah. I should have guessed it was your idea.”


Cabin – 2 hours later

“So, what happened?” Max asked when he saw Michael and Maria stomping off the snow by the front door.

“Nothing.” Michael repeated, seeing Max and Liz exchanging looks.


Cabin - October 21st

“Is that them?” Maria asked as they watched from the window two cars approaching.

“Yeah, it’s them.” Max answered and moved to the door, opening just as the cars pulled up. The four of them stood on the front porch waiting until they saw the people they have been dying to see since June 1st, the day it all started.

“Max! Michael!” Isabel called out as she ran to them and hugged them both. “God, I’ve missed you.”

“Isabel.” Liz called out about to run until everyone screamed in panic unison.

“NO!”


Living Room

“Oh, look at you. I can’t believe it.” Diane gasped, covering her mouth as she eyed Liz’s stomach in amazement.

“Yeah, I can barely believe it myself.” Liz blushed, surrounded by Diane and Isabel, while Max and Michael talked in the kitchen with Phillip and Jesse.


Kitchen

“So you followed our instructions?” Max asked trying to make sure the visit went according to plan.

“Yeah, everything. Me and Phillip are on business, we decided to bring our wives along.” Jesse answered with a nod as he popped open his briefcase and pulled out a thick brown file. “Here’s everything you asked us to look for, not much though.”

“You might be wrong.” Max murmured as he took the file and handed it over to Michael when the girls came into the kitchen chattering. Max spotted Liz looking down to the floor sadly and then forces out a smile when his mother asked her something. Getting up, he moved over to the group of women who were checking up on the turkey and finishing up on the other deliquesces and stood by Liz. Entwining their fingers together, Max signaled Liz to follow him into the living room.


Living Room

“You okay?” He asked caressing her cheek.

“Yeah, I just was hoping to see my parents too.” Liz answered sadly and then shut her eyes when Max leaned down and kissed her forehead.

“You will.” He promised as he wrapped his arms around her, while Liz, still with her eyes closed, enjoyed the sensual sway the two had started.

“Guys. Dinner’s ready.” Isabel announced, leaning out the doorway and then turned back into the kitchen.

“Come on.” Max hummed softly, pointing to the kitchen with his head but was pulled back for a kiss.

“Let’s eat in the living room.” Liz suggested with a pout.


Kitchen

“What’s up Max-a-million?” Michael asked when he saw Max coming back into the kitchen alone and start piling up the napkins and silverware on top of the stack of dinner plates.

“Liz wants to eat in the living room.” Max explained and then continued collecting the rest.

“Don’t just stand there.” Diane commented to Phillip.

“You heard Momma Evans. Pack it up and move it to the living room.” Maria ordered as she snapped her fingers and clapped. Michael, Jesse and Phillip began grabbing items from Max’s hands and then made their way quickly to the living room.


Living Room – 1 hour later

“Okay, so you’re like what?” Isabel asked enthusiastically.

“5 months.” Liz answered with a blush as she held on to the sides of her stomach while Max rubbed the small of her back.

“Is the baby…?”

“Human?” Max asked with an expecting smile, finishing off his mother’s thought.

“Max, you know it doesn’t matter to me.” Diane assured him and then reached over to Max and squeezed his arm.

“I know Mom.” Max replied covering her hand with his. “And as far as we know, yes, the baby is human.” He answered and then looked to Isabel who was smiling ear to ear. He knew that besides being happy to see them again, the main source of her happiness derived from that very moment. A open conversation with their parents and her husband involving who they really were. A feeling that he was beginning to understand why Isabel wanted it for so long.

“Okay, sorry Mr. Evans. Michael loaded the dishwasher when I wasn’t watching and set of a nuclear bomb in there.” Maria apologized, showing the party the result of Michael’s attempt to help do the dishes.

“Hey, how was I suppose to know it was gonna melt.” Michael asked defensively.

“It’s plastic Michael. Plastic melts when it gets to a certain temperature.” Maria argued back, hearing everyone snort a laugh.

“It’s a dishwasher. Its purpose is to wash dishes. Plastic cups fall under the dishes category.” Michael replied, trying to justify his actions.

“Hopeless.” Maria huffed, rolling her eyes.

“Why didn’t you just change it back?” Max asked curious as to why Michael didn’t use his powers to reshape the cup.

“He did.” Maria huffed sarcastically. “He just melted it more beyond recognition. Not even alien superpowers can salvage this cup.” Maria snickered.

“How can I concentrate with you yakking in my ear?”

“Right. It’s my fault.” Maria sarcastically answered and then looked to Phillip. “If you want, I can serve you water in one of our coffee cups…”

“Oh, no. It’s okay. I’m fine.” Phillip waved off and then returned his attention to Isabel. “Sweetie, don’t you have something for them?” Phillip asked with a smile, noticing everyone’s head snap to Isabel with curiosity.

“Oh, right.” She said shifting her head side to side on her forgetfulness and then turned to Jesse. “Jesse. Do you mind?”

“Nah. No.” Jesse answered as he got up and grabbed his coat from the coat rack.

“Let me help you Jesse.” Phillip suggested as he got up, which got Michael and Max to get up as well.

“Well help too.” Max volunteered, grabbing his jacket.

“It’s not a shipment guys.” Isabel laughed.

“Still.” Max answered opening the door for them, waiting for them to exit before he closed the door behind him.

Outside

“So did anyone go to Granite?” Jesse asked as the stomped through the snow.

“Nope. Not a man in sight.” Michael answered.

“So what does that mean?” Jesse asked. “Can we trust this Roma guy?”

“Just because no one was there doesn’t mean he didn’t tell someone where we are.” Max answered, stopping by the side of the car.

“Damn. Forgot the keys.” Jesse cursed after patting his pockets down.

“No sweat.” Michael replied, about to place his hand on the door before Jesse stopped him.

“No. No. No. No. No. No.” He shouted in panic, stopping Michael from touching the car. “Maybe Max should do it. It’s a rental.” Jesse explained, seeing Michael roll his eyes and step aside.

“Whatever.” Michael retorted under his breath as he jammed his hands in his pockets and tried to ignore the fact the Max was trying to hide his smile behind his hand as he scratched his head. Max step up to the door and pressed his hand over the keyhole, making the lock pop and then pulled on the door handle, opening the door.

“You know what? I’m impressed on what you kids can do.” Phillip commented looking to Max who had a look of confusion.

“Impressed?” Max repeated.

“I don’t just mean alien-wise but mind-wise too.” Phillip clarified, afraid that Max was probably assuming that he meant impressed by what they could do, like some magic show. “The way you kids plan things together, with Isabel, it’s mind-boggling.”

“Thanks.” Michael said with a proud smile.

“It was Michael’s idea.” Max declared, seeing how smug Michael was becoming from the compliments and recognition.


~Flashback~

“Are you sure this is going to work?” Maria asked him as she looked over Max’s shoulder, who was writing a letter to Isabel.

[color=dark blue]Dear Isabel,

We miss you and everyone so much. Guess what? Michael found a way for us to see each other. July 17th, meet us at Granite Falls, Minnesota. There’s a restaurant called the Granite Piggly Wiggly near rest stop 10, we’ll meet you inside.

Max[/color]

“The Piggly Wiggly?” Maria asked in an amused tone. “How upscale.”

“Maria. Go watch the door.” Michael yelled pointing to the direction of the door.

“Coast is clear, 007.” Maria informed them sarcastically as she kept an eye out for Dominic.

“So what exactly would this prove?” Liz asked curiously as she watched Max address the letter to Isabel.

“We’ll see if you’re cop friend is as trustworthy as he says he is.” Michael answered.

“If we don’t see FBI Agents or police, we’ll know then that we can trust him.” Max explained, handing the letter to Michael.

“But what about Isabel?”

“She’s been keeping in touch with Michael in his dreams. She knows not to go.” Max answered lowering his head. Liz could safely assume that the reason why Isabel had been dream walking Michael was because Max hadn’t been sleeping at all. He would pretend to be asleep so she wouldn’t worry, but little did he know that she was beside him doing the same thing.

“Ready Maxwell?” Michael asked by the door.

“Yeah.”

Living Room

"What's up guys?" Dominic asked, trying to hide his nerves when Michael and Max walked in with their arms crossed and an unreadable expression.

"We have to talk." Max answered, sitting down on the couch and then pointing to Michael to go to Dominic. Michael pulled out an envelope from behind him and then handed it to him.

~End Flashback~

“What the hell is all that?” Michael exclaimed looking into the back seat.

“Huh, you should see the trunk.” Jesse warned.

“We should have told Maria to help out.” Michael replied. “We could’ve shoved this all in her big mouth.” Michael commented, making everyone laugh including himself, which he quickly stopped looking at the three in fear. “Don’t tell her I said that.” He pleaded, making them laugh even harder.

“Let’s load em’ up boys.”

[Crashdown_51]

I'm really scared to read chapter 14!!!

You should be.

The plastic cup melted in the dishwasher right? So what about the bug that the fb planted on one of the coffee cups. Does that mean that it would melt aswell? Assuming of course that it was plastic or something with a low melting point.

Despite Jazzy's pleas to break the coffee cup. I hate to say (not really ) that the cup is still in rotation, lol. The cup with the bug is ceramic, which means since the plastic cups were melted by Point-Dexter Michael Guerin, the bugged coffee cup is going to have a bigger cameo appearance than before.

What happened with Domonic's son? Is he alright?

Patience is a virtue Kristen-san. So chill-lax. LOL. As for what's in the car, you'll find out sooner than you think. And now it's your turn for CYHO, so fly. Fly free little birdie and write like the wind. Write all those evil things we talked about.

SweetnSpicyCandy ~ Thank you so much for reading and welcome.

Author's Note: Hi guys. As promised. Power and chaos. LOL. J/K. Or am I? <stroking chin> Anywho. This chapter had a butt load, so outlooks seem to say that the next chapter might be the last. Aww. All my fics are ending.


_____________________________________________________________


Chapter 14

Song: 2 Become 1 by Jewel
Song: Come Away With Me by Norah Jones


Cabin – Living Room

“Whoa! What is all that?” Maria gasped in amazement as she held the door open for the guys to come in, each with their own loads of gift bags and boxes.

“Well, Isabel here thought that Liz might like a baby shower.” Diane answered, giving Isabel a proud hug when she saw Liz’s wide-eyed, ecstatic smile.

“For me?” Liz asked surprised as she looked at all four piles and then turned to Isabel and Diane with tears falling from her eyes. “Thank you.” She cried, hugging and kissing the both of them.

“Liz, it’s nothing really. Just a few things I picked up.” Isabel waved off before Jesse and her father both snorted and coughed by her statement.

“Don’t pay them any mind.” Diane advised, wrapping her arm around Isabel and giving her another hug.

“You don’t know how much this means to me.” Liz cried even more as she wrapped her arms around both Isabel and Diane.

“Aww. Can Aunty Maria get in on the love?” Maria asked with a smile and her arms extended, until Liz pulled her into the hug.

Max watched contently as all the women in his life, that he held dear to him shared a moment and then glanced at Michael to see that he was just as content as he was.


The Shop – Basement

“Son of a bitch!” Burns yells as he takes the outdoor seat and throws it across the room.

“Sir.” Dwight called out with his hands up in surrender, trying to calm an outraged Burns down. “It’s okay.” Dwight assured him, but then straightened up nervously when Burns turned to glare at him in anger.

“Okay?” Burns repeated in disbelief as he inched his way to him, turning his ear out towards Dwight, to hint to see if he heard him correctly. “Okay? How the fuck is this okay?!” He shouted grabbing Dwight by his shirt.

“We still have the transcripts from before. It’s more than enough proof.” Dwight defended, still with his hands up in surrender. “We heard the girls. Glowing hickeys. Flashes. I mean the kid healed her from a bullet wound for Christ sake, what more proof do you need?” Dwight asked frustrated, looking back to Dwight who was still glaring at him before, slowly releasing his grip from his shirt.

“I want names.” Burns answered as Dwight straightened up his shirt. “I want to know how many of them are out there. I want to know everything they can do. Hell, I want to know how he takes his coffee. I want to know everything there is to know about these monsters.”

“It’s not like they’re gonna sit around and talk about it.” Dwight debated. “I mean the only reason why we know as much as we do now, is because the girl got pregnant.”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying that the only way these kids talk about who they really are is when something alien happens to them.” Dwight explained, shaking his head when he saw Burns eyebrow arch in interest.

“So the only way I’ll get my answers…all of them,” He paused as he began to pace back and forth. “…is if something extremely alien happens.” Burns plotted and then turned to face Dwight as if an idea had suddenly hit him. “Or…”

“Or if what?” Dwight asked suspiciously.

“Do you know when the parents and sister are leaving?” Burns asked as he stroked his chin.

“Tomorrow night. Why?” Dwight asked curiously as Burns’ turned his back to him again, fearing what he was plotted. “Burns? Or if what?”

“Tomorrow night, you’ll find out.”


Max/Liz’s Room

“Max, do you see how small these clothes are?” Liz asked with an ear-to-ear smile as she sat in the center of the bed, displaying one of the tiny baby outfits to him from the piles she had around her.

“Yeah.” Max answered with an amused face as he turned off the light to the bathroom and made his way to her, clearing a section for himself to sit behind her.

“Everything’s so tiny.” She continued to gasp in ecstatic disbelief as she sorted all the items together while Max began to rub her shoulders.

“I think Isabel out did me.” Max laughed nervously.

“What?” Liz asked confused turning to face him.

“Remember the night on your balcony?” Max asked lowering his head. “The night before this all started.” He explained in a spiritless tone.

“Max. That’s over now.” Liz assured him as she cupped his cheek and shook her head. “We’re together now.”

“That night, I was the happiest I’ve ever been.” Max confessed with a small smile of memory. “That night I got to have you…and I knew…”

“You knew what?” Liz asked with softly, stroking Max’s cheek for him to continue.

“That there’s no one else for me but you Liz.” Max replied in a whispery tone. “There never has been.”

“Max, there’s no one else for me either but you.” Liz answered with a joyful smile as she attempted to get a connection with Max’s eyes when he lowered his head again to kiss her palm. “Everything we’ve been through…I would go through it a hundred times if it means being with you.” She confessed, seeing Max’s head snap up and look at her with eyes of both sadness and gratitude. “Max. Can’t you see?”

“See what?”

“See that I’m ‘head-over-heels’ in love with you.” Liz replied with a smile, before she pulled him in for an assuring kiss. A kiss that was shortened when Max slowly pulled away, resting his forehead against hers.

“Liz. There’s something I have to tell you.”

“What?” Liz asked curiously, looking him confused as he slid of the bed and began pacing. “Max what is it?” She asked concerned, turning completely to plant her feet on the floor. Max looked at her again with his sad brown eyes, a looked that worried Liz, and then knelt down in front of her to kiss her stomach. “Max?” Liz called out in a shaky voice.

“Sorry. Asking the baby something.” Max replied, seeing Liz’s nose scrunch up in amused confusion.

“You’re what?”

“Well, I was asking the baby if it was okay if I could ask you to marry me.” Max answered, flashing her one of his famous grins.

“You were…um, and what did the baby say?” Liz asked trying to contain her happiness.

“He said go for it.” Max replied with a smirk.

“Hmm, well it’s good to know we make smart babies.” Liz commented with an amused smile.

“Yeah, you can say that.” Max added with a chuckle as he dug in his pocket and pulled out a ring that he held up to her.

“Oh my God. Max.” Liz gasped in amazement as she eyed the antique ring. “It’s beautiful.”

“It was my grandmothers.”

“How did you…? Your parents know about this?” Liz asked jittery.

“I think they already consider you as my wife.” Max replied. “So do I.” Max admitted, loving Liz’s breathless expression as she bit her lip shyly. “I just want to make that feeling official.” He enounced to her as he took her hand in his and held the ring at the tip of her ring finger. “Liz Parker…” Max paused, when he heard Liz take in a breath and press her free hand against her chest, and then continued with his declaration. “I love you so much and I would like to know if you would you do me the honor of completing my life by marrying me?” He exhaled as his hands began to tremble.

“Yes.” Liz answered enthusiastically, seeing Max let out a sigh of relief as he slipped the ring down the rest of his fingers before standing up as she did and embraced in an overwhelming kiss of emotions. “Oh my God, Max.” She gasped in dreamy disbelief as she admired the ring on her finger and gave him another kiss of amazement. “Can I go tell Maria?” She asked with her hands together and a little jump of uncontrollable enthusiasm.

“Uh, before you do that.” Max voiced holding his finger up for her to hold on. “I was wondering if you would like to marry me?”

“But I…”

“As in tomorrow?” He asked nervously, seeing the request hit her shockingly.

“Tomorrow?” Liz repeated completely stunned as Max scratched the back of his head, anxiously waiting for a response.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a long time. Since…”

“The night of my balcony?” Liz questioned getting a nod from him.

“Then when Michael and me went to Granite Falls, I saw this little white Chapel…” He paused as he lowered his head and shoved his hands in his pocket before looking back up to her. “It just made me want you even more.” He admitted shyly. “I know it’s selfish of me, we can do this whenever you’re ready…”

“Max.” Liz shushed him by placing her finger over his lips and then cupped his face. “If you would’ve asked me to marry you right now, I would.” Liz answered, seeing his ears turn red in embarrassment and a smile stretch across his face as he lowered his head. “So, what should I wear?” Liz asked smiling eagerly as she clapped her hands lightly.

“Um, I’m not too fashionable, but I was thinking maybe this.” Max suggested as he walked to the door and opened it. Liz watched curiously as he waved for someone to come in and held her breath until she saw Michael walking in with a white dress. Covering her surprised gasp, her attention was attracted to the door when she saw Maria leading everyone inside as they clapped and cheered.

“Congratulations Momma.” Maria cheered holding out her arms as she walked to Liz to hug her.

“Congrats Man.” Michael stated contently to Max as he patted him on the shoulder while Max was hugging his mother.

“Oh, I’m so happy for you.” Diane confessed as she kissed Max on the cheek and rubbed if the smudge of rosy lipstick off his cheek.

“Congratulations son.” Phillip declared as he took his turn to hug Max as Michael and Isabel took their turn to hug Liz.

“You take care of my little brother now.” Isabel playfully threatened as she patted Liz on the back as they sway hugged.

“I promise.” Liz answered and then caught Max looking at her contently as Maria took her turn to hug him.

“So who’s up for a game of pool to celebrate?” Michael announced hearing everyone laugh in amusement.

“Not tonight buddy.” Maria answered as she pushed him lightly to move towards the door. “We gotta get up early in the morning. These two love birds gotta tie the knot.”

Liz and Max waved good-bye as the exited the room one by one, the last one being Isabel who flashed them one last smile before shutting the door behind them. The second the door closed, Max pressed up behind Liz and wrapped his arms around her, swaying her lightly as he kissed the crook of her neck.

“So.” Liz proclaimed in fascination.

“So.” Max replied and then returned to kissing her neck.

“Tomorrow I become Mrs. Max Evans.” Liz announced softly as she admired her ring again.

“You always were. Just tomorrow you get a piece of paper that legally declares it.” Max answers with a proud smirk.

“I can’t wait.”


Granite Chapel - Next Morning

“It’s my understanding, the bride and groom decided to say their own vows.” The reverend announced looking to Max and Liz, who both nodded in agreement. “Will the bride go first?” The reverend asked, seeing Liz nod nervously, releasing Max’s hands and then turning to Maria, who pulled out a piece of paper from her bouquet and handed it to her.

Max smiled over how adorable Liz appeared as she began unfolding the piece of paper nervously, which reminded him of the day she questioned him about who he really was back at West Roswell High’s art class. She had the same innocent face she had back then, just with a new glow, despite what she went through. Still beautiful to him as his father walked her down the isle and she magnified her beauty even more with the dress he had selected for her to wear. The sheer straps hung right on the corners of her shoulders while the rest of the dress hugged her right to compliment her as well as the baby. Her hair was wavy with small tendrils laced with small white flowers and her bouquet was made up of white roses, a last minute touch he had to add when Michael bought red instead of white.

“Max, a long time ago you asked me to read me diary. Do you remember?” Liz asked, lifting her eyes off the paper to see Max nod embarrassed when he heard Isabel, his mother and Maria gasp in surprise. “I told you ‘no’…

“Good girl.” Maria cheered.

“Shh.” Michael shush, getting a thankful glance from Max, who returned his attention to Liz when she continued speaking.

“I told you ‘no’ because, besides it being personal, I-I was afraid that you’d see the way I really felt about you and-and afraid that…maybe you wouldn’t feel the same way about me.” Liz confessed as she bit her lip nervously. “Well, I’m not afraid anymore.” She declared, flashing him a loving smile. “I want you to see how you make me feel. How you make me feel beautiful by the way you look at me, like you are now…” She blushed when she glanced up to look at him, looking back at her shyly before she looked back down. “And how you make me feel like I’m the only person you see when we’re together in a crowded place. Max, I love everything about you. Who you are and how you are. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I want you to see all that and I want everyone else to see that too. I want them to see how much I love you and I that always will.” She concluded, folding her piece of paper and then smiled timidly when she saw Max’s humble smile.

“And the groom.” The reverend signaled Max to start his vows.

“You’re not the only one that was afraid Liz.” Max commenced as he took Liz’s hands with his. “I was afraid you’d find out who I really am and-and not love me…but you love me no matter what and it’s something that you can’t even begin to understand how much it means to me. I was afraid of giving ‘us’ a chance, for it to work out really well and then somewhere along the line, I’d have to give you up. Well, you were right Liz. It’s not my decision. It’s something you feel, not choose. And if it meant having you, everything we’ve been through was worth it. Everything that you say you feel, I think I feel it ten times more.” Max confessed, pausing when he heard his mother start to sniffle. “When I wasn’t with you…I felt so lost. And-and I don’t ever want to feel that way again.” Max admitted, lowering his head when he began to choke up, feeling Liz squeeze his hand for support. After gathering himself, he lifted his head to see Maria, Isabel, and his mother with their eyes full of joyful tears. “I love you ‘so’ much Liz and I only hope I can make you as happy as you deserve to be, as happy as you made me.” He concluded stroking the side of her stomach softly with his hand that was touched thankfully by hers and then looked to the reverend, who cleared his throat to continue the ceremony.

“Do you Elizabeth Parker, take Max Evans, to be your lawful wedded husband, to love and to cherish him, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” Liz answered flashing a smile to Max.

“And do you Max Evans, take Elizabeth Parker, to be your lawful wedded wife, to love and to cherish her, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” Max replied without breaking his gazing connection from her.

“The rings?” The Reverend asked, turning to face Michael and advised him to give Max and Liz each others’ rings. “Now Elizabeth, repeat after me.” He instructed. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

“With this ring…I thee wed.” Liz repeated as she slipped Max’s wedding band on his finger and then smiled anxiously to him during his turn.

“Max.” The reverend instructed.

“With this ring…I thee wed.” Max repeated as well, slipping the band down Liz’s finger to join the other and then squeezed her hand.

“By the powers invested in me, and by the state of Minnesota, I know pronounce you husband, and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”

Max took one step closer to Liz as she did towards him and bent down, pressing his lips softly against hers, emitting a rush of flashes and receiving some from her as well.

Stars. When he healed her. The moment back at the Crash when he revealed himself to her through flashes. Liz’s locker room fantasy. The kiss on the bridge before they jumped. The night at Copper Summit. Her playing footsy with him over homework. The first time they made love. The look they gave each other when they touched palms and kiss each other through the glass the night they were captured by Burns. And the night they made love after finding out Liz would get pregnant followed by stars again.

“I love you Liz.” Max whispered after slowly pulling away, holding her close as he rested his forehead against hers.

“I love you Max.”


Cabin

I watch you while you're sleeping
Messy hair, chest bare, moonlight on your skin
I wanna breathe you in
In the silence, words come easy
I can tell you now just how simple it's been to let you in
Don't move, this mood is a painting
We'll never find the same thing

Love, do not make a sound
Melt into me now
To become one

Love is so close to hurting
With a shake we could wake from our own dreaming
But we must make a vow
'Cause I have waited a lifetime
Now is the right time

Love, let's make time stand still
Let this moment last until
To become one

Like a bird owns its wings
Like a song belongs 2 melody
You belong to me
I fold your arms around me
Let your flesh, your breath, your love, surround me
Oh, you feel like home

Love, do not make a sound
Melt into me now
To become one


With Isabel and Maria’s resourcefulness, the furniture had been pushed back, the entire living room decorated in white confetti and balloons, ribbon and a huge banner that hung over the fireplace that read “Congratulations Newly Weds” in big bold letters.

The first to dance with Liz was Phillip, her new father-in-law, who praised her on how happy he was to know Max how found her. Meanwhile, Max danced with his mother, who was still emotional from the whole ceremony, commenting on how her little boy was all grown up as he shot longing glances to Liz.

After the couple exchanged partners to Michael and Maria, Max cut their dance short and disappeared upstairs while Liz was exchanged to Jesse. By the time the last note of the song was song, Max had returned with a proud smile and tapped Jesse on the shoulder to cut in.

“She’s all yours.” Jesse announced as he stepped aside and return to get his wife.

“That you are.” Max commented smugly as he pulled Liz closer to him by her waist.

“Where did you go?” Liz asked curiously, giggling off his cocky comment.

“Come on. I’ll show you.” Max invited, entwining his fingers with hers as he led her upstairs.


Max/Liz Room

When Max opened the door, he guided Liz in while covering her eyes and then closed the door behind him before removing his hand. “Surprise.” He said in a low tone, watching as she looked around breath taken by the lit candles and red and white rose scattered about while a portable boom box rested on the nightstand.

“Max, this is beautiful.” Liz gasped picking up the single white rose that was placed on her pillow and took in its smell.

“Not as beautiful as you.” Max replied as he walked over to the nightstand and turned on the radio, letting the soft jazzy tones play from the tiny speakers. Taking his wife’s hand, she instinctually walked to the warmth of his arms and sway to the sounds of the music.

Come away with me in the night
Come away with me
And I will write you a song

Come away with me on a bus
Come away where they can't tempt us
With their lies

And I wanna walk with you
On a cloudy day
In fields where the yellow grass grows
knee-high
So won't you try to come

Come away with me and we'll kiss
On a mountain top
Come away with me
And I'll never stop loving you

And I wanna wake up with the rain
Falling on a tin roof
While I'm safe there in your arms
So all I ask is for you
To come away with me in the night
Come away with me


Living Room – Later on the Night

“Bye!” Liz and Maria shouted as the four of them waved good-bye to the two cars, whose taillights had become faint in the nights’ shadow. Wrapping their arms around their girls, Max and Michael led Liz and Maria back inside to start cleaning up the mess that was left behind.

“Where do you want this baby stuff?” Michael asked Liz, holding a white bassinet in his arms awaiting further instructions.

“Um, I guess in our room.” Liz shrugged looking to Max, who was picking up the folded stroller and followed Michael upstairs, but not before stealing a kiss from her. Once Max and Michael were upstairs, and Maria was taking plates to the kitchen, a faint knock was heard on the door and Liz rushed to open the door.

“Oh, they probably forgot something.” Liz assumed cheerfully as she twisted the doorknob and opened the door wide, finding a pair of hands that snatched her instead of seeing one of the Ramerizs’ or the Evans’.

“Liz?” Maria called out concerned when she heard a muffled noise. When she returned to the living room, she spotted and recognized one of the two men that were holding Liz’s mouth shut.

“Shh.” The man she recognized as the Agent from the Phoenix motel ordered, pressing the tip of his black, military style blade close to Liz’s throat. “Keep your mouth shut and she’ll be fine.” Burns threatened, seeing Maria nod frightfully in compliance before signaling Dwight to continue.

“You. Come here.” He ordered with his gun, signaling Maria to come towards him. Once she was in arms reach, the four of them looked up to the top of the stairs when they heard Max and Michael returning.

“Liz!” Max shouted in shock as Dwight quickly grabbed Maria by the wrist and pulled her to shield him with the gun against the side of her head.

“Maria!” Michael yelled as he and Max rushed down the stairs and stood across Burns and Dwight in a stand off position.

“Please.” Max begged, reaching out for Liz but then held up his hands in surrender when Burns threatened Max by poking the tip of the blade close enough to Liz’s throat to drive a whimper out of her.

“Relax. You follow the rules she lives, you don’t you’ll need an Orthodontist to identify her after I’m through with her.” Burns threatened, watching both Max and Michael’s hands cautiously.

“Okay. I’ll do whatever you want, just, please…don’t hurt her.” Max pleaded, keeping his hands up to show he wasn’t making any sudden movements.

“I want answers.” Burns demanded, pulling Liz as he took a step closer to Dwight.

“What do you want to know?” Max asked in defeat, noticing Michael’s head snap a quick look to him form the corner of his eye before returning to watch over Maria.

“The tape? Is he the man from the video? The one that helped you escape?” Burns questioned, looking back and forth, from Max to Michael, awaiting his answer.

“It was me.” Michael answered forcefully, seeing they had no other choice.

“How many of there are you?” Burns added.

“We don’t know.” Max answered before Michael could.

“You lying to me?” Burns asked threatening Max again with Liz again.

“No. No. We don’t know. It’s the truth.” Max swore as his hands trembled franticly. “We’re the only two we know about.” Max assured him as he pointed to himself and Michael.

“Well then, that changes everything, doesn’t it Dwight?” Burns asked rhetorically. “If you’re the only two, that makes her even more valuable to me.”

“No. Please. Take me. Leave her, she has nothing to do with this.” Max pleaded, hearing Liz cry ‘no’ underneath Burns’ hand.

“Are you kidding me? We know all about her. About the baby growing inside her.” Burns informed him as he lustfully dragged the blade close to Liz’s stomach.

“No. Please!” Max begged, taking a step forward that made Burns quickly return the blade back to the threat-full spot near Liz’s neck. “Please!” Max supplicated in despair.

“Max-a-million, you move again, and she dies and Junior goes with her.” Burns warned as Liz struggled in his arms. “That goes for the Momma too.” He threatened in Liz’s ear for her to settle down. Max watched helplessly, as Liz obliged and stopped struggling.

“No. Please.” Max pleaded as the tears spilled from his eyes as they did from hers.

“Maxwell, relax. He’s not gonna do anything to her.” Michael assured him looking back to Burns who had his eyebrow arched by Michael’s assurance.

“You know what. He’s right. How can I hurt her if she’s worth so much alive?” Burns asked rhetorically again as he caressed his nose on the side of Liz’s face and then gave Dwight a signaling look, which made Dwight make Maria turn to face him. “At least she is.” Burns insinuated to Liz as Dwight moved the gun from Maria’s head and pressed it against her stomach before firing a shot, making Max, Michael, and Liz jump by the load sound.

“No-ho-ho!” Michael cried, trying to break through Max’s hold, ignoring the fact that the gun was now pointed towards Liz.

“Mmmm!!!” Liz revolted in Burns’ arms crying hysterically and stomping wildly, as she watched Maria fall to the floor on her stomach and then a pool of blood start to seep beneath her on the wooden floor.

“Hold him, Max-a-million, or the baby will know what the nuzzle of a guns feels like once it’s been fired.” Burns threatened, as he watched amusedly as Michael fell to the floor with Max, as he tried to reach for Maria’s hand. Seeing tears spill from Michael’s eyes as Maria’s attempts to reach him were stopped when Dwight fired a second shot to Maria’s back.

“No!! You bastard! You bas-tards!” Michael shouted in pain as he attempted to reach for Maria.

“Michael.” Maria choked out a mouth full of blood.

“Maria! Maria!” He cried, watching helplessly as she stopped reaching for him when her head and hand feebly dropped to the floor. “No! Max! Do something! Maria!” Michael cried even harder.

“What? What do you want from us?” Max yelled powerlessly.

“I want to know…if she bleeds green.” Burns answered.

“No!” Max pleaded when Burns turned Liz around and stabbed the blade as hard as he could into her belly and jerked the knife up before she fell mere inches away from Maria. “No!”

[Crashdown_51]

Author's Notes: Was that a "jabien ti mamu" chapter or what? Didn't I say it was going to be??? I believe I did. But wait it only get's worse. Yes, I'm evil. I have to have a balance something good has to happen before something fucked up happens. Like a see saw. So now you see why it had to happen after the wedding. No this is not a flash, it's happening for real, so that theories bye-bye . And you all have it in for that coffee cup don't you??? And I know I suck with the timing of the updates, but I'm trying. Really I am. Oh and for sure the last chapter is Chapter 16. So, be prepared my little chickidees and thanks for the feedback.

Why did Burns cut into Liz if he wants her and the baby alive to study them?

He wanted to see what Max would do. Either let them die or heal them in front of him. Kind of like how Pierce wanted to see Max work the orbs. As for Maria, you said it yourself, the transcripts only proved Max, Michael, and Liz were, so he wanted to see if Maria was too.

And why hasn't Dominic showed up again? What did happen to his kid? Like Liz said he would definitely want to come back and find out how she knew...

Patience. I promise you, you will find out.

I was really surprised they let the Evanses and the Ramirezes leave unscathed -- or did they? Are they captured outside somewhere?

They are safe.

You've killed before!!

LMAO!!!!

Didn't Liz know this was coming?? Seems like there was something she and Max were talking about?? Could they have known about this and been ready?? And what about Dom?? Was he being blackmailed because of his son??

Wow! you had a lot of questions lol. No Liz didn't know this was coming. And no, what hapened to Dominic's son had nothing to do with aliens.

You know what just occured to me?

All this time i've been begging you for an update of COTT because of the suspense and The Vanished because it was this giant dreamer moment, but now that their both over i realised something about this story:

MARIA IS BLEEDING TO DEATH HERE! AND SO IS LIZ AND HER BABY!

Not to mention the fact that they have both been STUCK BLEEDING TO DEATH FOR OVER TWO WEEKS!

No one has that much blood. And theres only so long that Max and Michael can stay frozen crying on the ground for.

OMFG! I was laughing so damn hard that tears were coming out!!!!!!


_____________________________________________________________


Chapter 15

Cabin

“No!” Max shouted from the top of his lungs as he watched Liz fall to the floor beside Maria.

But before anyone could react, the sounds of three whisking bullets were heard as they shot through the windows from the outside. The first shot whisk past Agent Burns, the second grazing Dwight and the third nearly striking Max if he hadn’t conjured up his shield to stop the bullet. Two more shots were heard and Max dove to the floor beside Michael, just as one of the bullet ricocheted on the spiral staircase and the other grazed the sofa making feathers fly all over the place.

“Max?” Michael exhaled as he lied on his side covering his head with his bloody hands that were probably stained when he was touching Maria.

“Michael, I need time to heal them.” Max proclaimed as another shot was heard followed by the shattering glass falling to the floor. Michael nodded and then looked over to where Burns and Dwight were to see Burns sliding on his back and Dwight crawling on his belly, as the two aimed for cover in the kitchen.

“Now.” Michael ordered Max as he got up, hearing the firing start again as he used his powers to flip the couch over in order to cover Max and the girls, before another bullet entered the window pane and grazed his arm, making him fall to the floor.

“Michael!” Max shouted when he heard Michael yelp.

“I’m okay!” Michael shouted and then realized where he had landed. He had managed to land in the small nook under the stairs, where he recalled Dominic hiding his gun in.


By the couch

“Liz, you have to hold on for me.” Max pleaded, looking to her holding her stomach as he pulled Maria to him, checking her faint pulse while he turned her to her side and then placed his hands on both bullet wounds. Focusing on healing her, a light glow shone from beneath his hands, triggering a rush of images from Maria subconscious to Max’s. Images mostly of Michael, a few of Liz and one that seemed to have the most emotion, one of her, Liz, and Alex, snuggled together as they watched TV. Max propped himself up as he gasped for air, watching Maria cough as she slowly opened her eyes and then quickly moved to Liz to heal her.


Under the stairs

Michael used his powers to send the bookcase over to the opposite end and then searched frantically for the loose floorboard. Once he spotted the board that shifted when he touched it, he pulled the board off and pulled out the tinned box, popping it open and pulling out Dominic’s gun.


By the Couch

“Ugh!” Maria cried, hyperventilating as she searched her body frantically for bullet wounds.

“Liz.” Max stuttered as he held her upper body up, placing his hand over her bloody stomach and began healing her.

Suddenly shots and glass breaking were heard again as Michael dove to them, spotting Maria curled up in a ball as she covered herself. “Maria?” Michael called out in relief.

“Michael?” Maria called out, lowering her hands from her face and then scrambled to him. Michael cupped her cheeks as he leaned on his shoulder, as she did, and planted a hard kiss of relief on her lips that was stopped when they heard Max having trouble breathing. Michael turned to see Max in the middle of healing Liz, his hand glowing as he held Liz close to him.

Max could feel Liz heart beating rapidly, but something wasn’t normal, he could feel Liz changing and something else. He felt her heartbeat multiplying, three beats, and then suddenly the image of inside Liz’s womb suddenly flashed into his mind. Two little faces. Coughing out a chuckle of amazement, Max realized Liz was having twins, continuing his connection to see the wound actually healing from the inside out and then released the tears in his eyes as the connection stopped.

“Maxwell!” Michael called out when he saw his hand stopped glowing.

“Twins.” Max whispered to Liz when he saw her eyes connect with his. “You’re having twins.” Max repeated with an overwhelmed smile. But before Liz could answer, another bullet whisk above them causing both Max and Michael to shield Liz and Maria underneath themselves.

“Maxwell, who the hell is that?” Michael whispered in anger as he looked over to Max.

“Whoever it is, he’s shooting at everyone.” Max replied and then looked down at Liz. Liz looked up at him and could see Max struggling with something, but didn’t know what. Picking her up lightly to sit by Michael and Maria, Max turned his hand to the direction the bullets were coming from and conjured his shield. “Michael get them out of here.” Max ordered.

“What?” Michael and Liz exclaimed.

“No I’m not leaving you.” Liz cried as she held onto his arm.

“No way Maxwell.” Michael rejected, shaking his head no. “You can’t be King now.”

“Michael, I’m asking you as a friend…as a brother. Please. Get my family out of here. Get yours out. Get our family out.” Max pleaded. “I can’t keep this up too long.” Max warned them, pointing to his shield with his chin.

“I’ll be back for you.” Michael vowed as he grabbed Liz’s arm.

“No. You get them out of here.” Max commanded, seeing Michael about to argue but just gave in and handed Max Dominic’s gun. “You keep it.” Max declared, pushing the gun away. “Go.” Max ordered Michael, before leaning forward, pulling Liz from her neck to steal a kiss. “Go.” Max whispered to her when he pulled away, seeing a single tear escape from her eye.

Max quickly stood up, holding his shield up as he looked forward to the broken windows and then glancing back to see Michael helping Liz up as Maria pulled the quilt from underneath the couch and cover Liz with it as they headed to the window under the spiral steps. Michael Lifted the window, letting in a gust of cold wind in and then helped Maria out first. “Maxwell, I need your help.” Michael whispered, realizing Maria wasn’t strong enough to lower Liz.

Max looked in the direction of the kitchen, not being able to see neither Burns nor Dwight and then looked in front of him to see that whoever was outside had stopped firing. Walking backwards until he reached Michael and Liz, he lowered his shield and wrapped his arms around Liz as the two of them watched Michael hop out the window.

“I love you.” Liz declared stealing another kiss before they took a step closer to the window.

“I love you too.” Max replied, lifting her up and put her feet out the window first into Michael and Maria’s hands, slowly letting her slip out until she was completely in Michael’s arms and set down on the snow.

“I’ll take care of her.” Michael promised as he covered Liz again with the quilt and wrapped his arm around her as Maria did before they moved quickly into the cover of the woods.

“I knew it.” Max heard Burns’ voice announce proudly. Turning around, he spotted Burns and Dwight, Dwight who was pointing his gun at Max, by the kitchen doorway. “Dwight.” Burns called out while keeping his sights on Max.

“Yeah?” Dwight responded, cocking his gun in preparation.

“You got someone to find.” Burns ordered.

“No!” Max shouted, lifting his hand to stopped Dwight from moving when assumed Burns’ meant Liz. But as he lifted his hand, the door was kicked open and Max aimed his hand towards the door just as two shots were fired from different directions.


Rameriz Rental Car

“Max!” Isabel gasped, clutching her chest with one hand and Jesse arm with the other.


In the Woods

“Max!” Liz shouted as she stopped dead on her tracks as she clutched her heart.


Rameriz Rental Car

“What?” Jesse asked slamming on the brakes.

“Max. Go. Go back.” Isabel frantically ordered in tears.

“Alright. Alright.” Jesse shouted in panic, as he slammed twice as hard on the gas, making the car jerk on the snow before he made a U-turn and high-tailed back to the cabin.


In the Woods

“Liz, what’s wrong?” Maria asked as she bent down a little to look at Liz, who was looking down at the snow, stunned and crying.

“Max is hurt.” Liz cried looking to Michael as tears spilled from her eyes as Michael looked to Maria, clueless on their next move. “Max is hurt.” She repeated in a cracking whisper.

“You two keep going.” Michael ordered.

“What?” Maria vented with a shaky voice.

“Look, I promised Max you guys would be safe.” Michael answered, handing Maria the gun. “Keep going.”

“No Michael, you’re not leaving us.” Maria argued as she started to cry.

“I’m going with you.” Liz announced, seeing Michael get overwhelmed by their rebellion.

“No. Your not.” Michael answered firmly.

“I’m going.” Liz answered with anger as she jerked her arm out of Michael’s grasps and began moving through the snow as she cupped under her stomach.

“We get there, you have to promise me you two are gonna hide.” Michael pleaded to Maria as he held both her arms.

“Let’s go.” Maria answered with a nod and then held his arm as the two ran behind Liz.

[Crashdown_51]

Hey I re-did the banner for this fic:

<center></center>

And when are we gonna see the 4th installment of the COTT series?

I already posted the 4th installment, it's called Back To You....here's the link for you: "Back To You"

Author's Note: Wow, awesome feedback guys, loved it all.

lizard_queen, Ellie, icequeen, Jason's Lover, BelevnDreamsToo, Emz80m, Timelord31, Smac, scoobydoo4000, behrinthecity

Yes, folks. A Reason to Run ends today. There were so many questions I wanted to answer but your questions would be answered in this chapter. All the feedback was awesome, all the questions, wow. LOL.


_____________________________________________________________

<center>Chapter 16</center>

Cabin – Living Room

“Drop it.” Dominic commanded Dwight, with the threat of his gun, to lower his weapon as he stepped fully into the living room.

“Wait.” Burns quickly voiced, holding his hands up in defeat as he watched another man enter tactically into the room with his gun drawn as well.

“Get down on the ground. Now.” Wess ordered once Dwight dropped his weapon and then signaled Dominic to check on Max while he kicked Dwight’s gun away.

“Wait.” Burns argued again after watching the gun slide into the kitchen.

“Hands behind your heads. You move or I shoot.”

“You don’t understand.” Burns continued to argue as he followed Wess’s instructions.

“Max?” Dominic called out taking a knee beside Max’s motionless body, checking his pulse while he continued to point his gun towards Dwight and Burns, who were lying on the floor with their hands behind their heads.


Rameriz Rental Car

“Hurry up Jesse!” Isabel cried, clutching on to his arm while he struggled to steer the speeding car in the snow.

“I’m going as fast as we can.” Jesse shouted back, nervous by how hysterical Isabel had gotten. “We’re almost there.”

“Hurry.”


Woods

“Wait. I know you don’t plan to go strolling in through the front, Liz?” Michael questioned in a panicked whisper when he could see they were a few feet away from the cabin.

But Liz didn’t answer, she simply continued to hike through the snow while holding the sides of her stomach and her eyes focused on the cabin.

“Well, then, what’s the plan, because I for one am not up for getting shot again.” Maria declared as she struggled to keep up.

“Ditto.” Michael added as he looked around.

“Look,” Liz huffed as she stood in place to answer Michael and Maria. “Max is in trouble in there, and I don’t care if I have to dodge bullets or climb the highest window in that cabin…I’m gonna get to Max.” Liz vowed looking from Maria to Michael and then continued walking when no one argued with her.

“Um, Liz? Before you become a martyr for love and all, by they way, very romantic.” Maria paused to give Liz a worried two thumbs up before continuing with her suggestion. “Maybe we can, oh, I don’t know, maybe go through the kitchen?”


Cabin – Living Room

“You don’t understand. He isn’t human. None of them are.” Burns argued frustratingly with Wess as he handcuffed him. “Look. Look. I can prove it. At “The Shop”, in the basement, we got it all. Transcripts, videos, audio, I mean all we’re missing is a big red bow.”

“So we’re adding illegal wires to the list?” Wess asked sarcastically as he held on to his gun with both hands and then looked to Dominic, who was putting pressure on Max’s gun shot wound to the chest. “How’s he doin’, Roma?”

“He’s loosing a lot of blood.”

“Max?”

They heard a females voice say, but when they turned to look in the kitchens passage way, the first person they saw was Michael stalking to them, which caused Wess to draw his weapon to stop him.

“Hold it.” Wess commanded, seeing Michael stop dead on his tracks as he extended out his arms to stop Maria and Liz from going any further.

“It’s okay.” Dominic assured Wess and then signaled him to let them get through.

“Max!” Liz gasped spotting Max, unconscious and bleeding heavily, by the foot of the stairs when she looked under Michael’s extend arm.

Pushing past Michael and Wess, Liz knelt down beside Max with Dominic’s help and noticed a plum sized welt forming on Max’s forehead.

“Oh my God!” Maria gasped as she covered her mouth in shock to see Max’s body lying still.

“He must’ve hit his head on the steps when he got shot.” Dominic informed her of his speculations and then glanced over to Michael and Maria, who stood before them.

“Michael?” Liz whimpered as she turned to look at him with tears flooding her eyes. “What do I do?” She asked in a cry and then turned back to face Max as she tapped him lightly on the face. “Max, wake up.”

“Maxwell.” Michael called out as he knelt down beside him and Liz and then slapped Max as hard as he could across his face. “Maxwell!”

“We have to get him up Michael.” Liz stressed as she ran her fingers desperately through her hair.

“Some one’s coming.” Maria announced as she looked back out the front door to see bright headlights piercing through the trees and night.

Michael quickly stood up and moved over to the door beside Maria to see that a car was indeed coming up the path in rushing speed.

“Who is it?” Dominic asked as he cocked his gun in preparation for the new visitor.

“I think…” Maria trailed off as she stood on her tippy-toes to get a better view. “It’s Isabel!” Maria announced with an ecstatic smile as she ran out to meet them.

“Max.”

Both Michael and Dominic’s attentions were brought back to Liz, who was crying over Max’s body while she held tightly to his hands.

“Max. Wake up.” She cried shaking him lightly but then stopped when she felt a sharp pain in her abdomen. “Ugh!” She whimpered hold the sides of her stomach.

“What? What is it?” Michael questioned worried as he knelt down beside her again.

“The babies.” She puffed in and out. “The babies are kicking like crazy.” Liz announced as she struggled to ease the pain with her breathing.

“Come on. She’s got to sit…” Michael was about to suggest for Liz to sit down somewhere just as a commotion was heard beside them.

“Shit!” Wess shouted, falling flat on his back and accidentally shooting up at the ceiling before dropping his gun, when Burns kicked him down by swiping his legs under Wess’s feet. Burns rolled back once to Wess, grabbing his gun in the process and held it against Wess’s head.

“Don’t move.” Burns threatened pressing the gun harder against Wess’s head when he saw Michael and Dominic make a motion to move. “You.” Burns ordered to Wess. “Get up slowly. You try anything. I shoot.”

But before Wess had a chance to nod, Isabel stepped in the front doorway and lifted both hands to make Dwight, Burns, and Wess fly back into the kitchen and at the same time sent Dominic flying back near the window Michael, Liz, and Maria had escaped out of earlier.

“Isabel.” Michael called out in relief.

“Max?” Isabel questioned as she continued to hold her hands up in case any of the four got back up.

“He’s…” Michael turned back to face Max, about to point him out to Isabel when his jaw dropped at the sight. “What the hell?” He gasped in shock when he looked at Liz’s glowing hands over Max’s bullet wound. “Liz?”

“It’s not me.” Liz coughed out in an overwhelmed laugh of joy. “The babies…” She trailed off when her hands stopped glowing and then cupped the sides of Max’s face. “Max.” Liz called out with an expecting smile.

“Liz?” Max weakly replied as his eyes slowly opened to see her looking down at him in tears.

“Max!” She cheered in tears as she through her arms around him once he propped himself up on his elbows, feeling Isabel kneel beside them to see if he was okay.

“Max.” Isabel called out in a sigh of relief as she took a step closer to see his status.

“Jesus.” They heard someone cough out from the kitchen. All looking in the direction of the kitchen, they see Burns holding Wess hostage with the gun against his head again, only this time using Wess as human shield. “How many are there of you?” He asked in a tone of disgust and amazement as he eyed Isabel in wonder.

“Wess.” Dominic called out as he stood up.

“Uh uh, Detective. Drop your weapon.”

“No.” Max declared firmly as he stood up while he and Michael helped Liz up.

“Stay right there you freak.” Burns warned as he jammed the barrel of the gun harder into Wess skull.

“You know, that really hurts.” Wess commented sarcastically as he held his hands up in resistance.

“Shut up.” He ordered and then looked to Max, who positioned himself in front of Michael, Liz, and Isabel, while Dominic moved beside Max.

“Let him go.” Dominic ordered as he pointed his gun towards Burns.

“Yeah. Let me go.”

“Shut it.” Burns warned, engulfed by Wess’s cocky tone. Looking from Dwight, who was standing beside him frightened, to the front door, and then began calculating mentally how many feet he was away from the door. “Alright. We’re gonna leave and none of you are gonna move or Detective Wess here gets it.”

“I said no.” Max voiced in anger as he aimed his has to the front door and made it slam shut when he saw Burns take a step towards it. “You’re not going anywhere.” Max threatened in a low tone as he tried to bite back the hateful crack that was trying to take over his voice.

“I’ll shoot him. I sweat to God I will.” Burns warned as he frantically kept sticking the barrel against Wess’s head.

“And?” Max asked unimpressed after a chuckle of amusement.

“And?” Wess repeated in surprise.

“Relax.” Max waved off, stretching his neck to the side to hear a crack and then rolled his shoulders before he held his wrist in front of him.

“I’ll do it.” Burns shouted as he clicked back the safety, causing Wess to nervously lean back closure to Burns and shift his eyes from the sight of the barrel to Max, who was still watching him indifferently.

“Take a look around, Agent.” Max advised to Burns with a cocky smirk. “Who haven’t you shot that isn’t walking around now?” Max questioned, seeing Burns eyes focus from him to Liz. “You almost killed my kids, my wife, my friend, and you almost killed me.” Max paused as he looked from Michael to Isabel before he looked to Liz, who flashed him a smile of support. “Did you really think we’d let you go?” Max asked before turning to look back at Burns. “Did you?”

‘Beep…beep…beep.’

Liz turned to look at Dominic patting his pockets down until he pulled out his cell phone from his back pocket and answer it.

“Hello?”

“Donny? “The Shop” is secure now.”

“Get to the cabin.”

“I’m already on the way.”

“I hope that’s who I think it is.” Wess commented as he took a step back when Burns did.

“Shut up.” Burns ordered as he looked to Dwight, who was a little deeper into the kitchen the he remember, which only made him assume he was about to make a run for it.

“Look, just put the gun down and…”

“Screw you.” Burns retorted before aiming his gun to the group and fired three back to back shots at them just as Max lifted his shield and Dwight went running out the kitchen door.

Dominic stood in shock the second he saw Max conjure his shield, causing the bullets floated into the waves of his green force field and then fall to the ground, intact with shell casings, when he lowered his hand.

Then without warning, the front door was kicked opened, causing everyone’s head to snap towards the door, including Burns’, who pointed his gun towards the door causing the unknown slender woman to fire her gun in self defense.

Max, Michael, Liz, and Isabel jumped when they heard the shot and witnessed the bullet hit Burns perfectly on his temple and then exit from behind his head before his body collapsed on the ground.

“Everyone okay? Donny? David?” The woman asked concerned, looking to Dominic who gave her a nod of assurance as she holstered her weapon.

“Took you long enough.” Wess snorted as he grabbed his gun from Burns’ hand and then stood up to dust himself off.

“Isabel?” “Michael?” Jesse and Maria called out in relief simultaneously when they reached the doorway, spotting them one at each side of Max and then rushed to hug them.

“Jesse.” Isabel replied right after taking a step forward before throwing her arms around Jesse.

“Maria. I’m okay.” Michael assured her as she smothered him in kisses and then looked to Max for help but saw Max was busy with Liz in his arms.

“Which one of them is it?” The woman asked Dominic as she moved in front of them looking carefully at everyone.

“It’s her.” Dominic answered pointing to Liz, which made Max hold Liz closer to him for protection.

“You’re Liz?” The woman asked unsure only getting a suspicious nod from Liz.

“Why?” Max questioned skeptically, expecting the woman to answer, but instead, she through her arms around Liz and began to cry.

“Jackie let her breathe.” Wess chuckled when he noticed Liz exchanging confused looks with Max.

“Oh. I’m sorry.” Jackie apologized as she loosened her grip on Liz and then wiped the tears from her face. “I-I’m Jaclyn Wess, um, I mean…Jaclyn Roma.” She corrected herself as she glanced quickly to Dominic who flashed her a thankful smile. “Jesse’s mother.”

“Oh. Oh!” Liz replied shaking Jackie’s hand while she glanced to Dominic and then turned back to Jackie when she heard her crying again.

“Come on.” Dominic chuckled as he made his way through Max and Liz and then guided her towards the kitchen by the small of her back.

“My sis. The most emotional FBI Agent you’ll meet, ain’t that right Jackie?” Wess questioned as he looked back to Jackie shaking his head when he saw her sniffling against Dominic’s chest. “Thank you.” Wess whispered sincerely before turning to face Liz.

“Your welcome.” Liz replied, blushing on how emotional the three were but yet stunned to discover that Dominic’s wife was a FBI Agent.

“That other guy got away, Maxwell.” Liz heard Michael whisper to Max in a serious tone.

“He couldn’t have gotten far on foot.” Dominic speculated as he took a step forward.

“We placed a few in their tires on the way here.” Wess announced proudly as he playfully punched Dominic on the arm.

“Are you sure you hit the tire, Cowboy?” Maria mumbled under her breath as she rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.

“What?” Wess questioned confused be her comment.

“I thought that being able to shoot the bad guys was a requirement to be a police officer.” Maria continued to vent while Dominic and Wess exchanged puzzled looks to each other.

“She has a point, man.” Michael backed with an apologetic shrug as he shoved his hands in his pockets. “You guys were shooting pretty crappy.”

“What? Wess exhaled in offense as he moved closer to the door, pointing his gun to clock on the wall and fired a shot straight through the center and then moved the gun over to his view in the kitchen and shot at the coffee cup that was on the counter. Admiring his shots, he tucked the gun behind him and then smiled smugly as everyone except Dominic and Jackie looked at him in amazement. “You were saying?”

“I almost got my ass shot off.” Michael exclaimed as he pointed to himself in aggravation.

“Hey! No one told you to have a force field.” Wess shouted back in defense.

“What?” Max, Michael and Isabel questioned at the same time.

“What force field?” Max asked completely baffled.

“Well, that’s what we figured since we would be shooting straight and then the bullets would fly off to another direction.” Wess replied with an indifferent shrug while Max, Michael, and Isabel exchanged suspicious looks.

“What?” Dominic questioned, noticing their expressions.

“Stay here.” Max commanded to Liz as he held her arms and then looked over to Dominic. “Well be back.”

“Wait!” Dominic protested as the three were about to leave. “We can help.”

“Not with this.” Max replied while shaking his head ‘no’ and then looking to Liz one last time before running out with Michael and Isabel.


Outside

“What are you thinking Max?” Isabel asked worried as they quickly made their way to the shed.

“He’s thinking aliens are among us.” Michael huffed out as they enter the shed.


Cabin – Living Room

“Maybe you shouldn’t stand by the window.” Liz advised Wess, nervous to see him looking out the windows that had been shot out as everyone else sat down by the nook under the stairs.

“It’s okay. I’m good.”

“Maybe you should listen to her, David.” Jackie pleaded, nervous as well to see him just peering out the glass like there was no danger.

“Look, I said…”

But before Wess could finish his statement, Liz lifted her hand and sent Wess falling back against the couch.

“Hey.”

“I’m sorry.” Liz apologized as she rubbed the sides of her stomach. “But you’re making me nervous and that’s making the babies kick like crazy.”

“Babies?” Jesse repeated in surprise. “Twins?” He questioned with a smile as Liz nodded “yes” to him.

“That’s that King lovin’.” Maria teased as she wiggled her eyebrows.

“Maria!” Liz gasped in embarrassment.

“What? Hey I’m the one that should worry. Michael’s the second-in-command so who knows if he knocks me up with the next generation Antarian army.”

“Maria.” Liz giggled as she shook her head in disbelief.

“It’s possible.”

“Wait. Antarian?” Dominic questioned as he, Wess, and Jackie listened curiously.

Shed

“Do you see anything?” Isabel whispered, seeing Michael looking from one shed window that overlooked Jesse’s rental car by another that he could only assume belonged to Jackie and the path back into town and Max looked from the window that overlooked the side of the cabin and the woods.

“Zip.” Michael answered but continued to look out the window.

“Max?” Isabel called out for his response.

“Nothing.” Max answered shaking his head as he kept his eye on the kitchen door that Dwight left opened.

“Maybe they split when they saw us coming out.” Michael suggested as he tightened his eyes to focus on the path.

“Maybe.” Max replied in a tone of doubt.

“You think its Khivar?” Isabel asked desolately, fearing for Jesse when she actually considered it being him.

“No. Khivar would’ve killed us if he had the chance.” Max answered firmly and then looked down to his wedding band.

“What’s wrong?” Isabel questioned, making Michael turn his head to glance at Max before returning to look out the window.

“Liz is having twins.” Max informed Isabel with a weak smile as he twisted the band on his finger.

“Twins. Max, that’s great news.” Isabel cheered in amazed shock.

“Wh-when I healed her…I…I saw them.” Max reminisced, as he looked at nothing in particular with a dazed smile stretched across his face. “They’re both boys.” He informed them as tears escaped his eyes from the sight.

“Congratulations Maxwell.” Michael wished sincerely as he flashed Max a quick smile and then looked back out the window when a light caught his eye. “Got something.” Michael announced looking carefully at the path while Max and Isabel piled up by him.


Cabin

“So, that’s how you knew?” Dominic asked with intrigue as he pieced the information together.

“When you were showing me pictures of Jesse, I touched the picture and it triggered the premonition of the burglary.” Liz explained as everyone listened with intrigue. “I saw that he was gonna knock the gun out of your hand and then pin you down.”

“And he would’ve killed him if it wasn’t for that Swiss Army Knife.” Jackie declared in relief as she held Dominic’s hand and gave him a grateful smile.

“Oh, that reminds me.” Dominic snapped his finger and leaned on his hip as he pulled out the small Swiss Army Knife she gave him and handed it to her. “I think this belongs to you.”

“Um, thank you.” Liz replied trying to control her ecstatic grin as she took it and then looked at the inscription ‘Max and Liz Forever’ before holding it tightly in her hand as she held it close to her heart.

“Shh.” Jesse hushed them and then pointed up at the ceiling where lights appeared.


Shed

“Who is it?” Max asked unable to see behind Isabel’s wild hair.

“Max, it’s mom and dad.” Isabel proclaimed before the three rushed out the shed.

“Mom! Dad!”

“Oh Isabel. Thank God.” Diane exhaled in relief as she touched her collarbone and rushed to hug her. “We thought something happened when we didn’t see you behind us anymore.”

“No. No. We’re fine.” Isabel reassured her as Max gave his father an assuring nod that everything was okay.

“Are you sure?” Diane questioned concerned as she held Isabel back by her arms to look at Max and Michael.

“Everything’s fine mom.”

“Mom, guess what, Liz is having twins.” Isabel announced to distract her from the real issue.

“Twins.” Phillip repeated in surprise as he and Diane looked at Max in amazement.

“Yeah.” Max replied with a nervous smile.

“Congratulations!” Diane cheered as she hugged him tightly.

“Congratulations, son.”

“Thanks.” Max choked out from how tight his mother was hugging him.

“Yeah, it’s great news, but the even bigger news is I get to go shopping again.” Isabel cheered with an enthusiastic grin.

“Maybe we should get back inside.” Michael advised, extending his hands to get everyone to start moving towards the house.

“Oh, sweetie, if you need anything, I mean anything, do not hesitate to ask.” Diane offered as she hooked her arm around Max’s.

“Well, now that you mention, Mom, there is one thing I wanted to ask…”


Cabin

“Who is it?” Maria questioned Wess as she held on tightly to Liz’s hand.

“Oh, now you want me to check.” Wess declared sarcastically as he crept to the corner of the broken window and peeked out the corner to seeing Michael reach the top step first. “It’s okay. They’re back.” Wess announced as he stood up.

Just as everyone was standing up, Michael stormed in through the front door and looked directly at Maria and Liz with a huge smile plastered across his face.

“What are you smiling about?” Maria questioned curiously, wondering why Michael had.

“We’re going home.”


_____________________________________________________________

YEP, THAT'S THE WAY THE COOKIE CRUMBLES.

It's all over.

So you're wondering what happened with the coffe cup, the transcripts, the babies, and Dwight....well



Part 3 is on the way.