Roswell Fanatics

AN - I just want to thank everyone for their concern and well wishes. I truly appreciate it. This chapter sort of sets up the next chapter and you won't have to wait forever and a day for an update since I have most of the next chapter written. I'll send the next chapter to my beta on Thursday so I can get the new part out by the weekend. This chapter doesn't take place immediately following the previous chapter. It goes back in time a few hours before the end of the last chapter to show what Isabel, Michael and Alex were doing while Max and Liz were together.

And a special thanks to my beta, Alysia for getting this chapter back to me so quickly. As always, I would like to thank everyone for reading and the following for leaving FB:

Ginger
begonia9508
frenchkiss70
Emz80m - Congrats girlie on your award. You deserve it.
obsession - thank you, you're too kind
Janesdilemma
taressa05
tequathisy - I'll try my best to redeem Max but the Max/Michael situation won't be resolved any time soon.
flyawayraven
DestinyDreamer
Lizza
RASaero611
Jason's Lover
Shattered Dreamer - It's like you're reading my mind .
loviedovie
Corinne_85
Luvya
Alien614
Mariael311
ForeignLoveMonkey - You're too funny .
Tabby
maxandliz4ever1357
Cherie - I was truly shocked when I read your FB. I absolutely love your stories and it's an honor that you are reading mine.


Again the next chapter is mostly written and it will have some Max and Liz, Michael will question Liz about Max, Max will set things straight with Maria and Phillip Evans will finally be introduced into the story and he's exactly like Dan from One Tree Hill.


Chapter 11

Earlier that same day at the Crash Down


Beautiful and statuesque, Isabel Evans walks through the double doors of the alien-themed Crash Down Café. It was still early in the evening, yet the Crash Down was unusually packed for a Thursday. Isabel glances around the newly remodeled establishment in search of a vacant booth. Unfortunately, all of the booths were occupied as well as the tables. Apparently, there’s an orthodontist’s convention in town and all of the crazed dentists want to experience alien-themed, greasy, cholesterol-raising, fried-food. Spotting a free seat towards the middle of the counter, Isabel takes a seat. She was meeting Michael and Alex there after tryouts.

Karen Guerrin exits the employee lounge of the Crash Down Café struggling while carrying an armful of alien-themed paraphernalia. To the casual observer she was one of the many waitresses running around the crowded Café as if they were a chicken with their heads cut off. She wore the traditional waitress uniform of the Crash Down, which consists of a turquoise, mid-thigh dress that’s held together by several snaps up the center, a silver, alien-face apron and a bobbing antenna, which serves as a headdress. So it’s no surprise that most of the time she’s mistaken for one of the teenaged waitresses when in essence she’s co-manager of the Crash Down along with the owners, Jeffrey and Nancy Parker. Another reason it’s so easy to mistake her for one of the teenaged waitresses is because despite her thirty-five years of life, she easily passes for her early twenties. She maintains the same slim physique of her high school days along with newly cut, a little above shoulder-length brown hair, brown eyes and full pouty lips. For a lack of a better word, Karen Guerrin was hot or a MILF as Alex on occasion so eloquently puts it.

She reaches the employee side of the counter and intentionally drops the load unto the floor. A weary sigh escapes her lips as she drops to her knees and begins to pick up the discarded paraphernalia while quietly murmuring, “Where’s chivalry when you need it?”

Although it was a rhetorical question Isabel decides to answer, “Well, per my History teacher it sort of went out the window with Women’s Lib.”

Isabel softly giggles when she spies wavy, brown hair and surprised, brown-eyes peaking over the top of the counter. “Isabel?” Karen squeaks while slowly standing.

“Guilty.” Isabel answers. “I would have helped you but by the time I noticed that you needed help it was too late. You’d already dropped everything.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Karen dismisses with a wave, “I was more so hoping the cute guy at the end of the counter would have noticed but he didn’t. I must be losing my touch.”

“You Miss Guerrin?” Isabel responds good-humoredly, “Never.”

“See…I knew there was a reason I liked you.” Karen smirks before admonishing, “And I thought I told you, none of this Miss Guerrin crap. It’s Karen. Everyone calls me Karen.”

Isabel lowers her head to hide her discomfort and apologizes, “I’m sorry Miss…Karen. I forgot. It’s just that I was raised to show respect to my elders and my mom would kill me if she knew I was calling any adult by their first name.”

“I’ll have you know that you’re treading thin ice, missy.” Karen feigns offense, “Because I am in no way an Elder! I’m not old. I’m only thirty-five years old. Anyways, I’m like wine. I just get better with time.”

“Oh…I-I didn’t…mean that you were o-old.” Isabel tries to recover from her blunder, “I just…meant…”

Karen watches on in amusement as a flushed Isabel tries to explain her way out of the awkward situation. Deciding to let her off of the hook, Karen interrupts, “Isabel, I was only kidding. I understand completely. My mother was exactly the same way and I wouldn’t want you to do anything that will get you in trouble or make you uncomfortable. So Miss Guerin is perfectly fine. But you’re the only one I will allow such privileges. Only because I like you.”

“I’ll just respond with an okay because every time I open my mouth, I seem to stick my foot further in it.” Isabel replies.

Karen chuckles lightly while bending down to pick up the alien paraphernalia. “What are you doing here by yourself?” Karen asks.

“I’m meeting Michael and Alex here.” Isabel answers while craning her neck to peer down at a kneeling Karen over the counter, “I can’t wait to find out if he made the team. No…scratch that, I know he made the team.”

Karen smiles at Isabel’s confidence in Michael. Isabel and Michael had gotten close this past year and it warmed her heart to know that at least one of the Evan’s were accepting of him. The young lady that sat before her had seen her fair share of difficult times in her short life and in a way she reminded Karen of herself when she was that age. Young, naïve and trusting were a recipe for disaster and she was glad Isabel was strong enough to overcome the difficult times. She hadn’t earned Isabel’s trust but knew of the girl’s plight through Michael. It wasn’t that Michael betrayed Isabel’s trust by telling his mother; it’s just that he and Karen have the type of mother-son relationship that many parents dream of. They are completely and brutally honest with one another and keep no secrets. So when Michael revealed the secret to Karen, her heart went out to Isabel.

“You really think he made it on the team?” Karen queries.

“I have no doubt. There’s only two other members on the team with Michael’s abilities.” Isabel divulges. “The coach would have to be a special kind of stupid not to offer Michael a spot. It would practically guarantee the team a shot at State.”

“Well, it’s good to know that Michael has at least one fan.” Karen says while arranging the alien paraphernalia into a pyramid on the counter.

“Trust me, he’ll have many more fans by the end of this season.” Isabel predicts while assisting Karen with arranging the remaining items into another neat pyramid. She glances at Karen before timidly broaching a new topic. “Just to get off of the subject for a moment…I do a lot of charity work for the Women’s Crisis Center and in one month we’re sponsoring a job fair for the center. And…I was wondering if maybe…the Crash Down would be able to take part in the fair some kind of way. I know the fair will last eight hours and we could use refreshments. And if you’re in the market for new employees, there are some highly trained and skilled women in need of jobs.”

“I don’t think you have to be highly trained or skilled to wait tables here.” Karen chortles, “But we’re losing two of our waitresses in a few weeks so we’d definitely be in the market for new employees. And I’m sure we’d be able to assist some as far as the refreshments. I’ll just need to speak with Nancy about it.”

“Oh, thank you.” Isabel expresses gratitude. “ Any help would be greatly appreciated.”

“Today it’s rare to find a teenager interested in anything other than themselves so it’s refreshing to see someone your age involved in charity work.” Karen commends, “What got you involved in it to begin with?”

“My mother. She’s my role model. She exemplifies compassion and generosity.” Isabel praises. “She’s really the most remarkable person and I only wish that I was half the woman she is.”

“Wow! She sounds like one extraordinary person.” Karen remarks.

Isabel inwardly berates herself for mentioning her mother and quickly expresses regret, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up my mother.”

“Why?” Karen asks baffled.

Isabel starts with uneasiness explicating, “It’s just…you know…the whole situation with…my dad and mom…and you.”

“Isabel, is that what you really think, that I have a problem with your mother? I don’t have anything against your mother. I don’t even know your mother. I’ve never spoken to her a day in my life.” Karen sets straight, “The situation with your father…it…it’s my belief that he probably lied to your mother. I’m more than 99% certain when he met her, he failed to mention his pregnant girlfriend waiting for him back home. Especially from your description of her, I doubt she’s the type to mess around with a taken guy. Besides, that’s life. You learn to move on and I moved on more than a decade ago. So never apologize for speaking about your mother to me.” Karen continues, “You’re proud of her, as you should be, for she sounds like an incredible woman. And she’s extremely lucky cause she has one incredible daughter.”

Isabel’s cheeks turn to a hue of pink as she lowers her head trying to hide the blush Karen’s words cause.

In that instant the bell above the entrance doors of the Crash Down rings alerting the staff to the arrival of new patrons. Karen and Isabel both turn their heads in the direction of the doors and watch as a very elated Michael and Alex make their way over to the counter. Alex takes the only vacant seat at the counter which is next to Isabel while Michael walks around the counter and stands next to his mother.

Isabel and Karen look expectantly at Michael awaiting news of the tryouts.

“What?” Michael questions innocently.

“Well?” Isabel demands.

“He came…he played…he conquered.” Alex answers for Michael while holding his arms up triumphantly. “You are now looking at the newest member of the West Roswell Comets.”

“Oh Michael, I’m so proud of you.” Karen says as she pulls Michael into her embrace and hugs him tightly. She ruffles his hair and gives him a kiss on the cheek.

“What did I tell you Miss Guerrin?” Isabel beams, “Never a doubt.”

“This calls for a celebration.” Karen starts, “How about a round of Alien Blasts?”

A loud crashing sound can be heard from the grill area followed by the sound of shattering glass. With a sigh, Karen rolls her eyes in disgust and asks Michael to fix their Alien Blasts while she goes and handles the situation in the back. Michael goes to the shake machine leaving Isabel and Alex alone.

“So what happened?” Isabel pries excitedly, “I want details.”

“Well for starters, your brother is a jack ass.” Alex supplies.

“Which one?” Isabel smirks.

“Dumbo.” Alex counters.

“Hey. You know the rules.” Isabel reminds glaring at Alex. “No talk of Max or my father.”

“Well some rules were made to be broken.” Alex responds, “Your brother is a class A jerk. First, he trips Michael up during the game of scrimmage,then he deliberately throws the ball at Michael’s face and has the nerve to get upset and charge at him when Michael catches the ball instead and sinks in a three pointer.” Alex snorts in disgust. “That’s real sportsmanship.”

“I don’t believe you.” Isabel says in Max’s defense, not wanting to believe the worst in her brother. “He did no such thing.”

“Oh he did.” Alex shakes his head in the affirmative, “And here’s the clincher. He insults Maria in front of everyone and breaks up with her.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Isabel states resolutely. She and Max were extremely close and she would tolerate no one bad mouthing him, not even Alex. Plus, she didn’t really want to think of Max doing all of the horrid things Alex accused him of to Michael. They were both her brothers and she loved them equally however she and Max had shared a special bond their whole lives, she knew a completely different side of him. He was her over-protective little brother, or at least that’s how Isabel always referred to him considering that she was a full minute older than him. Max was always there for her and would give his right arm to guarantee her safety and happiness. He stood by her through all of the drama of last year concerning Jesse Ramirez and even kept her tragic secret, not even Michael knew of it.

Michael comes back distributing the Alien Blasts. “My mom is having Jose whip us up Galaxy Burgers and Saturn Rings.”

He looks from Alex to Isabel. He senses Isabel’s discomfort and questions, “So what did I miss?”

“Nothing.” Isabel quickly replies before Alex can say anything. Through her peripheral vision she spots a vacant booth. “Let’s get that booth before someone else claims it.”

The three grab their Alien Blasts and head over towards the booth. Fifteen minutes later, the three enjoy their dinner.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After they finish eating, Michael stands stretching and patting his full stomach. He’d had an exhausting yet fulfilling day. As crazy as it sounds, he some how managed to become a member of a team that he wanted no part of. He never wanted to become one of the ‘THEMS’ of West Roswell yet here he is jumping head first into all of the chaos, just to spite Max. He finds himself wondering if it’s really worth it? And to his surprise, his internal answer is yes for if he were honest…really honest with himself, he would have to admit that Max’s words of how Phillip has never mentioned him, really got to him. It was eating him up inside and he didn’t like it. He didn’t know why it would matter to him. But it did and being a member of the Comets was his chance to show Phillip that he was just as good as Max. It was also his way of showing him what he’s missed out on for the past sixteen years. Maybe… just maybe he could get some acknowledgement out of Phillip that he existed.

He announces that he’s going to see if Liz is home and bids Alex and Isabel farewell. He tried to call Liz a few times earlier on her cell phone to give her the 411 on tryouts only to get her voice mail each time. The fact that he’d gotten her voice mail was odd in itself considering that her cell phone was permanently attached to her hip. According to Liz, her cell phone was her ‘mini office’ and kept her in the know. It gave her access to the Internet, instant messaging capability, downloading capability, housed all of her contacts, and her organizer. In a nutshell it was her lifeline. And she viewed every call as important. So it was peculiar that she wasn’t answering her cell.

That was the difference between the two. Michael hated cell phones. On a number of occasions, Liz begged Michael to step into the 21st Century and get a cell phone but his reply was always the same, that a person shouldn’t have that much access to him.

An additional reason Michael wanted to speak with Liz was because of something else Max said. As he and Kyle were leaving the gym, he hinted that a pair of beautiful, doe-brown eyes was waiting for him. This made Michael uneasy because the only person he knew that fit that description was Liz. Max had to be speaking of Liz. Why would he even bring it up to him if he weren’t speaking of her? Ever since then he’s had a funny feeling in the pit of his stomach. The fact that Liz wasn’t answering her cell phone only intensified that feeling. He knew that Liz couldn’t stand Max and always complained about him but there were times when he felt she complained a little too much about Max and that there was more to it than just Liz hating Max.

Michael stands before the front door of the Parker’s residence, which was an apartment above the Crash Down. As his hand is raised to knock on the door, it’s quickly jerked open by Nancy Parker.

“Michael!” Nancy exclaims clutching her hand to her chest. “You about gave me a heart attack.”

“Sorry Mrs. P.” Michael apologizes. “I know it’s kind of late but I was wondering if Liz was home?”

“You know it’s never too late for you, Michael. You’re welcome here any time.” Nancy smiles, “But Liz isn’t here yet. She just called and said that she would be here shortly. I was on my way to the drug store but you’re more than welcome to come in and wait for her.”

“Thanks.” Michael replies as Nancy steps aside allowing him entrance into the apartment.

“Why don’t you wait for Liz in her room”, Nancy begins to chuckle “You know that daughter of mine. When she puts in an appearance, it’ll be through her bedroom window. There’s soda in the fridge and chips in the pantry. I’ll be back shortly.”

Nancy leaves the apartment and Michael makes his way down the hall to Liz’s bedroom.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Crash Down

Alex glances nervously across the table at Isabel. He knew she was pissed at him for bad mouthing Max and he didn’t want her upset with him. He has a major crush on Isabel and would give anything to be more than just friends with her. Logically he knew that he didn’t stand a chance of catching the attention of someone like Isabel. Despite her tarnished image, she was still a knockout... and he was just Alex Whitman, skateboard riding, comic book collecting, computer geek extraordinaire and bassist. In layman’s term, lame and a loser. She would undoubtedly shoot down any attempts on his part. Even though he has no chance in hell of having any type of romantic relationship with her, they were still friends and he was very grateful for that. He clears his throat in an attempt at trying to broach an apology. He opens his mouth but fails miserably when the only sound that spills forth from his throat is another clearing of his esophagus.

“Are you okay?” Isabel worriedly asks. “Do you need some water?”

An embarrassed smile graces his face and he answers, “No. I’m fine.”

“Well, then…” Isabel starts as she stands and begins to put on her jacket. “I’d better go. It’s getting kind of late and I’d hate for my dad to have a panic attack because I’m not in the house. He’s like that when it comes to me, especially with everything that happened last year…” Isabel’s voice trails off.

Alex knew all about her fall from grace last year. The whole school did for the news ran rampant around West Roswell. Isabel Evans, Ice Princess and co-captain of the cheerleading squad was screwing around with Mr. Ramirez. To his surprise, most students blamed Isabel for the relationship and the firing of Mr. Ramirez for he was one of the students’ favorite teachers. However, Alex didn’t share that view. In his opinion, Jesse Ramirez took advantage of her. Mr. Ramirez was an adult and clearly crossed the line by using a young and naïve girl. Alex felt that the firing of Mr. Ramirez was too less of a punishment. He needed to be tried for statutory rape for Isabel would have to live with her wounds for the rest of her life.

“It is getting kind of late. I’ll walk you to your car.” Alex supplies trying to change the subject. He knew the whole experience of last year was difficult for her and he didn’t want her dwelling on it any longer.

“Well, I see chivalry isn’t dead.” Isabel beams as Alex stands and starts to lead her out of the Crash Down.

“Huh?” Alex questions.

“Nothing.” Isabel shakes her head and explains, “Just something Miss Guerrin and I were discussing earlier.”

They step outside the confines of the Crash Down into the nippy air of the night. Just as Alex and Isabel start their trek towards the alley of the Crash Down, Max’s jeep whizzes past them and turns into the alley way. Isabel immediately grabs unto Alex’s arm and pulls him into the darkened shadows compliments of the moon and the Crash Down. She was on the verge of hyperventilating. This was her worst nightmare come true, Max finding out about her relationship with Michael for he was sure to tell their father. Her father would forbid her from associating with Michael and she couldn’t let that happen. He was her brother and she loved him. What exactly was Max doing at the Crash Down and she wonders if that was Liz Parker in the car with him?

Her question is answered as she and Alex peek around the corner and peer into the ally way. To her astonishment, Max and Liz are in the middle of a heavy make-out session.


Tbc...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

AN – I’m sorry it took me so long to post this chapter but I had to end up dividing this chapter into two. I know with my last post, I promised the Michael/Liz confrontation but I didn’t like how it turned out so I'm going to rewrite it. When I finally post the Michael/Liz part, it more than likely won’t be what you expected because I've decided to go a different route with it all together. I have an outline of how this story is supposed to go and the new Michael/Liz revision actually works better with the outline. So that means that you’ll have to wait for Max’s apology to Maria and the introduction of Phillip Evans until the next chapter…sorry. I’ve made it a new rule not to forecast the events of the upcoming chapters because it turns me into a fibber when I can’t deliver what I promised when I said I would. Also, I told you a while ago that the parents have this back-story that will greatly affect Liz's life and I sort of hinted to it in chapter 10, I’m not sure if any of you picked up on it but it’s there. I also know that a lot of you think that Max has multiple personalities because he’s one way with Liz and Isabel and another with Michael and you may view it as unrealistic but I personally know and have worked with a few people that were total jackasses to some people but when you saw them interact with a family member, friend or significant other, they were just the sweetest people. Even in high school for example, the popular clique may have been snobbish to those that weren’t part of their clique and really nice to those who were. Sorry for my ramblings but I’m just trying to say that it is possible for a person to be one way around someone and another way around someone else (I hope that makes sense.). And in defense of Liz, she has every intention of telling Michael about Max…she’s just waiting for the right time and remember that she still doesn’t know what happened during tryouts (and it will matter to her once she finds out). Just remember that everything in this story happens for a reason and Max and Liz secretly being together will actually help another relationship form. Again, sorry for being long winded .

If this story is actually making sense to you now (grammar wise) it’s all courtesy of my beta, Alysia. She’s terrific and I’m really lucky that she agreed to be my beta. Thank you Alysia . Now to give credit, I used a line from Sexual Healing during Max and Liz’s conversation & a line from Heat Wave during Isabel and Alex’s part. And the song used in this chapter is Bobby Valentino’s My Angel (Never Leave You). As always, thanks for reading and still having an interest in this story even though I'm the worst when it comes to timely updates. And a special thanks to the following for leaving FB:

begonia9508
cocopucks
frenchkiss70
Emz80m
tequathisy
cherie
taressa05
RASaero611
Jason’s Lover
FamersAmers – I nearly missed the update for Where You’ve Been so maybe it’s a good thing that they’re dividing the AU forum.
Vmars – That’s really sweet. Thank you
Mariael311
Grace52373
Shattered Dreamer
Lizza - thanks for the bumps
tabby
loviedovie
Alien614 - I still haven't forgotten about Coming Clean, I'm just trying to get more chapters of this story posted first.
adreamer – Welcome to the story and thanks for reading
Gretita

Chapter 12

Alley behind the Crash Down

The jeep quietly idles underneath the fire escape leading to Liz’s balcony. The quiet hum and vibration of the jeep along with the sounds of Bobby Valentino’s CD provide a soothing environment. In Liz’s opinion, it was the perfect setting as the illumination of the moon and twinkling stars provide a romantic backdrop.

“So…” Max says as his hazel eyes stare piercingly into her eyes.

“So…” Liz smiles and returns an equally penetrating gaze.

As silence ensnares them, they lose themselves in the abyss of each other’s eyes. Neither wanting to look away, they start instinctively drifting slowly toward one another. The attraction is so strong that neither can resist the pull even if they wanted to. They come together mimicking the opposite poles of a magnet and slowly close their eyes as their lips meet in a chaste yet electrifying peck.

In the calm before the storm, Liz slowly opens her eyes to see Max again staring heatedly at her. She slowly wets her lips and in the blink of an eye finds them being assaulted by Max’s. Her full, ruby-lips invitingly part, granting his tongue permission to delve into the warm chamber of her mouth thus causing their tongues to begin an erotic dance. He kisses Liz with the voracity of a man on a mission, the mission of devouring her sweet, turgid lips. Max cups the back of her head in a fruitless attempt to pull her nearer. There was just no getting closer. Sensing his frustration, for it was her own; Liz lifts her body up and crosses the distance to straddle his lap while maintaining the kiss. It’s this action that causes her foot to hit the CD player starting a new song, which in retrospect Liz would later view as appropriate.


Damn… you know what’s meant to be is meant to be. You can’t run from love

When I first met you I had these deep feelings,
I knew that you could be the one.
Then back in grade school cause then on the school bus,
We were young but just having fun,
One stop and next to me.
Now that we're older and we've found each other again,
I've learned a lesson that love will find you, if you just let it in

I'll never leave you, God put us together
Forever my angel
Never leave you,
You're my best friend
And its to the end, I’ll die for you

I'll never leave you, God put us together
My Angel
Never leave you,
You're my best friend
And its to the end, I’ll die for you

The kiss continues as she wraps her arms around his neck and his hands take up residence on her hips. She feels his hardness through his jeans and it enthralls her. Instead of feeling it on her stomach as she did earlier that evening in the pool, she feels it perfectly aligned with her moist center. She also feels the discomforting strain between the junction of her legs and the need to relieve it is undeniable. Acting purely on instinct, she grinds her center up against his firm length to relieve some of the tension. This action elicits a groan from Max and to her surprise, she feels his member grow even larger. Thrilled by the fact that she was causing this type of reaction out of him, she assertively grates against the rigid bulge of his jeans once more. Max lets out a hiss and his hands tighten around her hips pressing her core firmly against him while aiding her movements as she repeats the previous actions.

Sometimes I pinch myself to see if I'm dreaming cause this love we have is so real.
Cause when I saw you again I didn’t really know how you would really feel.
Every time that we make love, it feels like the very first time.
I've learned a lesson that love will find you because it’s so divine

I'll never leave you, God put us together
Forever, my angel
Never leave you,
You're my best friend
And its to the end, I’ll die for you

I'll never leave you, God put us together
My angel
Never leave you,
You're my best friend
And its to the end, I’ll die for you

Never leave you, I'll die for you (I'll die for you)
Never leave you, never leave you
I'll die for you (I live for you baby)
Never leave you (Yes I do yeh)
Never leave you, I'll die for you (I'll give my life for ya baby)
Never leave you, never leave you
I'll die for you
Never leave you, never leave you

Max breaks the kiss and catches his breath as their lower halves continue crushing into each other. He begins sucking on the lobe or her ear, which is followed by a very strident whimper from Liz. His ministration continues southward as his lips travel the length of her graceful neck. Liz finds herself arching her neck to allow him better access. She didn’t know why she did this but it was just her body’s own natural response to what he was doing. He finds the spot he wants and sucks languidly on it. He knew he was leaving a mark but didn’t care for he was branding her to let others know that she was taken. Liz lets out another whimper as she feels herself get even wetter. She pulls his face from her neck and begins her own attack on his lips.

You're my better half, all I needed was you to come back in my life.
I love you more than I ever loved before you I'll sacrifice.
I'll go and sing if you ever leave, right now you're all that I know,
We become one, I feel what you feel
I'll protect you,
I will protect you (baby yeh oooohhhh yeh yeh)
I will never leave you

I'll never leave you, God put us together
Forever my angel
Never leave you,
You're my best friend
And its to the end, I’ll die for you

I'll never leave you, God put us together
My angel
Never leave you,
You're my best friend
And its to the end, I’ll die for you

Max was causing havoc on her body and while the amalgamated grinding of their groins helped to ease the tension a bit, it still wasn’t enough. Her body was craving something more and she had an inkling of an idea as to what it was. Based on all of the tiny electrical currents running rampant through out her body, she knew they had to stop immediately because Max’s hands had abandoned her hips and were now cupping and massaging her breast in a tantalizing way. If he continued with this present course of action she wouldn’t be able to deny him anything he wanted, the thought alone frightens her. She breaks the kiss as her chest heaves up and down in an effort to catch her breath.

“What?” Max questions huskily as the desirous fog begins to lift and he pants for air.

“It’s getting late. I should get inside.” Liz wearily answers as she moves back over to the passenger seat.

“Okay.” Max responds as he clears his head and regains his bearings. “I’ll walk you in.”

“There’s no need. My room is just up there.” Liz points to the fire escape.

“Up there?”

“Yeah. The balcony is just outside my bedroom,” She explains.

“You have your own private balcony?” Max inquires with a raised eyebrow to which Liz responds with a nod. “Wow, your parents must really trust you.”

“Yeah. What can I say, I’m a good girl,” she grins.

“So… is there… any chance of… getting an invite up later on tonight?” He cautiously asks while giving her the puppy dog look and inwardly praying she would concede.

“Um…I don’t think that would be a good idea.” Liz grimaces.

“Oh yeah…because of your soul mate.” Max answers somewhat disappointedly.

“No, that has nothing to do with it.”

“Then why?” Max probes.

Not really sure if she should tell him the truth, she decides to be honest anyway. “It’s just that if I invite you to come back later tonight when my parents are asleep. I don’t think I’d be able to control myself with you. I don’t think I would want to.”

Her admission was a pleasant shock to Max. Firstly, he was happy to know that her decision had absolutely nothing to do with the so-called ‘soul mate’ and even more ecstatic to learn that he was having just as a profound affect on her as she was having on him.

“Well, it’s sounding like an excellent idea to me now,” he teases.

“Seriously Max, I don’t think I’m ready for that. Correction, I know I’m not ready for that. I’m scared. I’m feeling things, I’ve never felt before. As much as my body is ready, the rest of me isn’t quite there yet.” She explicates. “I mean…I don’t even know what we are.” She says pointing from herself to Max. “Are we friends who’ll casually date or are we more? Is it boyfriend/girlfriend-ish? I mean…I’m not experienced in this department. I guess what I’m trying to say is that, I really need for us to define what this is.”

Max’s heart sped up a beat; he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. It sounds as if she would be open to the possibility of the two of them dating. This was his dream come true. He takes Liz’s hand in his and says sheepishly, “I want more than any thing for you to be my girl. I know this all seems sudden, cuz' I just broke things off with Maria and we’ve only been back friends for a couple of days but…somehow… it just…feels…”

“Right.” Liz supplies dreamily.

“Exactly,” Max smiles. “It feels right in a way that nothing has felt right in my life before.”

“So does this mean that you’re my boyfriend now?” Liz queries hesitantly.

“If you’ll have me.”

“Oh…I’ll have you.” Liz teases with a playful smile. The teasing smile slowly recedes as she begins to nibble nervously on her bottom lip. There’s one other topic she needs to broach with him, so she proceeds with trepidation, “Once upon a time, we were pretty close but that was four years ago and we’re not the same twelve year olds anymore. I just want the chance to get to know you again without complicating things with sex. I um…I know you’re…um… u-use to the physical aspect of a relationship but I’m just not ready to rush into anything like that. I know it’s asking a lot of you but…do you think it’s possible…I mean…can we take things slowly?”

“Liz, I don’t want to be with you just for sex. I’m not going to lie and say that I don’t want that cuz' if you ever offered, I’d feel like the luckiest guy on the planet, but I know you’re not ready and I’m not going to pressure you. I would never do that. Sex may be a big part of a relationship but it’s not the only thing. There’s friendship, trust and caring so we’ll be pretty occupied with the other factors to worry about what we’re not doing. Besides, I really like you. I’m just thankful that you like me too and that we get to know each other all over again.” Max answers in all earnestness.

“Really?”

“Yeah.” Max smiles and lazily runs the backside of his index finger along her cheek. “So we’ll take things snail paced.”

Liz crinkles her nose and shakes her head, “Uh…not snail paced. More like…moderately paced. I rather like making out with you Mr. Evans.”

“Me too Miss Parker.” Max replies as he leans over and gives her a soft kiss on the lips.

Max reaches behind his neck, unclasping his necklace and hands it to Liz. “What’s this?” She asks as she examines the piece of jewelry, which resembles a tiny, gold, bear’s claw.

“It belonged to my grandfather. My grandmother gave it to me two summers ago. Since you’re my girlfriend now, you should wear my letterman’s jacket but I know you’re not ready for your friends to know about us so I want you to wear my necklace…for now…until you’re ready to wear my jacket.” Max answers.

“Here, help me put it on.” Liz says as she hands the necklace back to him. Max clasps the necklace around her neck. She peers into the rearview mirror to get a glimpse of how the necklace looks. “Well?”

“Beautiful.” Max beams.

“Thank you.” Liz says as she leans forward and gives him a sweet peck on the lips. “I better get in.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Max says and in after thought asks, “How about we have lunch together...off campus?”

“Cool.” Liz hops out of the jeep. “Bye Max.”

With one swift wave to Max, Liz quickly crawls up the ladder leading to the balcony outside of her bedroom. She was still wet from their time at the pool and wanted to get into her bedroom as soon as possible for she didn’t want to risk catching a cold or even worse, pneumonia. Once she reaches the balcony, she walks to her window and lifts it just high enough so that she can fit through it.

As her feet hit the cushiony carpet of her bedroom, the lights flick on and her best friend, Michael is standing before her.

“Liz, we need to talk.” Michael says as he takes a seat on her bed.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Outside the Crash Down

“What the hell is she doing with him?” Alex hisses. “Did you know anything about this?”

“No.” Isabel replies flabbergasted while wondering when exactly this miracle occurred.

As his 'big brother' mode kicks into gear, Alex starts to rush past her in an attempt to rescue Liz from the evil clutches of Max Evans but Isabel quickly grabs a hold of his arm halting his movements.

“Alex, what are you doing?” Isabel whispers while pulling him behind the large, potted, cactus plant all the while praying that Max hadn’t spotted her.

“I’m stopping them.” He answers determinedly. “And confronting Liz. I don’t know what the hells gotten into her.”

“No, Alex. You can’t do that. Obviously, this is something Liz considers private otherwise you’d know about it.” Isabel tries to reason.

“But…” Alex interjects only to be interrupted by Isabel.

“She’ll tell you when she’s ready. Besides, she’s just with Max. He’s loved her since the fifth grade.” Isabel discloses.

“He’s loved Liz since the fifth grade.” Alex states disbelievingly, “Well, he sure as hell has a funny way of showing it. He’s only been tormenting her for the past four years.”

“I’d hardly call what they are doing torture. Besides, Liz looks like a willing participant.” Isabel smirks.

Alex eyes Isabel coolly, “You think this is funny?”

“No.” Isabel sighs in frustration. “I’m only saying that Max won’t hurt Liz.”

“According to Michael, he’s cheated on Maria. Plus he’s a jack ass so that only spells out heartache for Liz and I for one am not going to let him hurt her.” He counters.

“That’s… different.” Isabel explains, “He didn’t love Maria.”

He looks at her as if she’s grown two heads for that was the most ridiculous thing he’d ever heard.

Catching the look he was giving her, Isabel quickly continues, “And Maria doesn’t love him. She doesn’t care. She never cared. It was never like that for them. It was all for show. They were never in a real relationship.”

“How do you know he won’t hurt her?” Alex demands

“Max is a… he's a complex individual with...a lot of complexities.” Isabel wrings her hands frantically due to being flustered. “I’m not a psychologist, nor am I able to take a stroll through his subconscious mind while he’s asleep for an insight as to why he’s a jerk to some people…but I do know that Max is basically a good-hearted person, despite his jerky boy persona. He loves her. She’s the only person he’s ever felt this way about. He won’t hurt her. In fact, I’d be more worried about Liz hurting him. She’s the one with the power.”

Alex lets out a snort of disbelief.

Once the initial shock of seeing Max and Liz together subsided, Isabel was happy for her brother. She knew her brother was in love with Liz despite his persistent denial whenever she teased him about it. She considered Liz to be a sweet girl who was quickly becoming a good friend so she saw this whole situation as a positive one for Max. Since Max failed to share this bit of information with her and Alex obviously knew nothing about it, she quickly deduced that they were keeping it quiet for whatever reasons. Just as Max would give his right arm to guarantee her happiness, she would do the same for him so she was determined to help the two out and at least give them the time they needed before they went public with their relationship or what ever it was. It was the least she could do, for Max deserved to be happy too.

“Just let it go. Liz will come to you when she’s ready.” Isabel says while placing her hand on his shoulder in an attempt to calm him down. “Let it go, okay.”

Alex lets out a capitulated breath deciding to drop the subject for the moment but he planned on having a long chat with his best friend first thing tomorrow morning at school because he knew he’d be waiting until hell froze over waiting on Liz to approach him on the matter.

“Okay.” He relents, “I’ll drop it for now.”

Isabel lets her hand linger a few seconds longer and removes it while giving him a tiny, coy smile, “Thank you.”

This whole situation with Liz has Alex so riled up that he failed to notice Isabel’s hand on his shoulder or even the propinquity in which she stood. However, it’s the sound of 50 Cent’s I'm Supposed To Die Tonight blaring from Max’s jeep as it speeds past them that causes Alex to become aware of his body pressed firmly against Isabel’s. Alex tenses as the realization of just how close their bodies are dawns on him. With not even an inch separating them, he’s able to feel the contour of her full breast crushed against his chest. He was in heaven and hell as an incessant prayer starts in his head for his body not to respond to the feel of her soft body.

“Is he gone?” Isabel whispers as she breathes in his scent.

Alex leans back and spies the brake lights of Max’s jeep a couple of blocks away. He nervously clears his throat and says, “Um…yeah. He’s gone.”

“Sorry about that.” Isabel starts with flushed cheeks as Alex steps back allowing her to come out of the darkened corner. “It’s just that you would have been in his line of vision so I pulled you into the shadow.”

“No problem. I was too busy fuming over this situation to take notice of his approach.”

“Yeah, you were but it’s understandable since you were just being concerned about a friend. If the situation was reversed and I didn’t know anything about Liz, I would probably be the same way. You don’t know Max the way I do but I promise you have nothing to worry about. Liz is in good hands.” Isabel makes clear.

“Um…Sure.” Alex regards her words skeptically while changing the subject, “Let me walk you to your car.”

He once again endeavors to walk her to her car and to his surprise; she grabs hold of his hand giving him a timid smile as the two walk hand in hand into the alleyway of the Crash Down towards her car.


Tbc…