Pen Pals - M/L, CC Adult ch25 teaser 11/28/09 [WIP]

[behrluv32]

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Allie Xie




Chapter 16c
Crash Down Café


“Yeah, like what do you play?” Michael asked curiously between chews. He never once pegged Alex as a musician. In fact, he never really pegged Alex for anything because Michael never really thought of him period.

“Well, we’re just starting out. Actually, we’re trying out our sound, but it’s definitely alternative. We just got a new drummer, and now we’re looking for a new lead singer,” Alex said, excited to be talking about his band. Animatedly, he told Michael about his band finally coming together and how he had everything but a lead singer. He explained that he had a girl with an okay voice on back vocals, but her voice wasn’t strong enough for the lead.

Recalling a semi- conversation he had with Maria, Michael questioned, “Doesn’t Maria sing? She’s your best friend, why not ask her?”

“How do you know she can sing?” Alex asked suspiciously.

Michael just shrugged off the question, not liking how Alex looked at him. However, when Alex persisted a little, Michael snapped and replied with a gruff, “Look, I don’t know, all right! I think I heard her and Liz talking once about it, or maybe it was Max, whatever. It was dumb though, like karaoke or something inane like that. I just know that Maria’s a singer.”

Laughing at Michael’s little huff, Alex thought ‘Hum interesting.’ The words, Thou doth protest too much were on the tip of his tongue, but before they left his lips Maria and Liz came through the back door of the restaurant.

Maria was the first person to spot the unique pair sitting together. Momentarily stunned by the view in front of her, she stopped dead in her tracks effectively stopping Liz’s sentence and stance as she bumped into Maia’s back, “Maria? W-what happened?” Liz asked confused, but when Maria’s brief second of astonishment passed it was quickly replaced by anger.

Even though she got to vent out her frustrations upstairs with Liz, Maria still had a whole lot to say and with the reason for her aggravation sitting there with Alex, her best friend, eating and laughing she sure as hell was not going to let things just slide. Stomping straight up to their table Maria turned to Michael and asked, “Why are you here?”

Swallowing the last bite of his burger and then stuffing a few orbit rings into his mouth Michael looked up at Maria incredulously and with his mouth full he responded, “I think it’s pretty self explanatory,” as he pointed to his plate, “…but if you need an explanation my old buddy here Alex invited me to eat with him,” he finished as he took a zip of his milkshake.

“Alex, how many times have we told you no dogs are allowed in this establishment unless they are in a cage or qualify as a seeing-eye-dog? And he obviously doesn’t have a cage and can’t possibly be intelligent enough or have the coordination to be a seeing-eye-dog,” Maria ranted as she stared Michael down.

Alex and Liz were quietly standing back rather stunned at Maria’s little outburst.

‘Teflon my ass! Wow, she really likes him,’ reflected Liz.

‘Okay, now I know something is going on. I wonder what she’s not telling me,’ Alex thought.

Michael was pissed, ‘Who the hell does she think she is,’ was running through his mind. He stood up and stepped into Maria’s face, “What the hell is your problem? I came here to eat, to at least try and talk to you, and you bite my head off. I didn’t do anything. I was sitting here and you come and insult me, a customer mind you. Plus, you did the same thing earlier. You’re PMS-ing, aren’t you? I know it…”

Alex’s eyes swiftly flashed with something akin to fear. Not even tempting fate by looking at Maria Alex staged whispered, “Michael, nooooooo,” as he shook his head fiercely.

Michael turned to face Alex when he heard his name being called. Looking at Alex’s face Michael didn’t understand his error until he turned back to a red faces Maria. ‘Shit, is that steam coming out of her ears?’ he thought blanking.

Michael staggered back losing some momentum, eye’s wide and hands up, he backed away a little more, “Shit, Maria. I…,” but he didn’t have anything to say at least not anything he wanted to say in front of anyone anyway. Maybe he needed to try this again later, but when he looked back into Maria’s green eyes and saw they were about to burst and the way her hands were gripping her hips, he thought maybe getting through to Maria wasn’t going to happen at the moment.

Irritations quickly started to rile up Michael blood stream and he let out a defensive, “Whatever,” before turning to Alex, “Thanks for lunch, man, good talking to you. You should leave the waitress a nice tip, she’s one of the good ones,” he said pointedly. Michael patted Alex on the shoulder, grabbed his jacket and left hurriedly.

“You heard him, right, YOU ALL HEARD HIM, RIGHT????” Maria questioned, her own blood boiling.

“Uh Maria,” Liz started as she gently tugged on Maria’s arm.

Maria snatched her arm away and began storming after Michael, but Alex was quick to act. Grabbing Maria by the waist and pulling her up and around, he said, “Whoa girl, let it go. Maria, we all have plans for tonight and he’s already gone and out the door.”

Furious that Alex stopped her she turned on him, “Well, he wouldn’t be if you hadn’t stopped me,” Maria barked.

Taking a step from Michael, Alex held up his hands in surrender, “Me friend, not enemy, grasshopper,” Alex teased. When Maria didn’t laugh he backtracked and muttered, “Ooookay, so maybe no to the Jet Li movie I rented.”

“Why the hell were you eating with, w-with, with...” when she couldn’t form the words she pointed to the door Michael exited through and said, “that?”

Alex was like a fish out of water. His mouth would open and close not sure of the right thing to say or whether there was one. Alex sighed gratefully when Liz came to his rescue.

“Maria come on, he doesn’t have a real reason not to,” Liz said giving Maria a knowing look. When Maria visibly relaxed and slumped her shoulders a bit she turned to Alex.

“I can’t believe you think we were going to sit through a Jet Li movie,” Maria said instead of apologizing for snapping at Alex.

He never really rented a Jet Li movie, he just wanted to get a reaction out of Maria. Letting it go, he cockily says, “Does that mean both my girls are going to be spending the night with me?” at their nods and smiles he excitedly whips, “All right,” as he wrapped his arms around them both and walked them out the Crash Down.
~~~


Maria’s House


“So that’s it. That is pretty much what’s been going on with the two of you,” Alex said after Maria finally told him about Michael and her relationship and Liz explained her afternoon with Max. Turning to Maria, Alex asked, “Why didn’t you tell me about you and Michael before? I wouldn’t have minded or judged you in any way, you know?”

Smiling at her long time friend Maria responded, “That was never the issue, Alex. I love you. You’re my best friend,” turning to Liz with a smile she amended, “one of my best friends, but I just didn’t know what to say. We didn’t talk about it with anyone, even each other, it was like an unspoken rule between us,” she finished with a sigh.

Understanding, or at least trying to, Alex nodded his head and said, “So now we’re all single and depressed, I can live with that,” Alex said playfully but regretted it when he saw the smile drop from Liz’s face.

Tension quickly filled the room until Liz’s uncomfortable laugh broke the silence, “Come on guys, I so don’t need to think about Max and me right now. Please, aren’t we here to just have Three Musketeers-like fun? You know, movie, music, junk food and absolutely no serious conversation about anything,” she said slightly pleadingly.

“Ahh, you are right young wise one, which is a good thing because I have three classically funny movies with me here. I was hoping we’d do comedy tonight if I couldn’t sneak in Jet Li,” Alex winked. “Okay so I’ve got, Mickey Rooney in Love Laughs at Andy Hardy,” when the girls looked at him with a ‘huh’ look he said, “Okay, next choice is, Monty Python and the Holy Grail…”

Letting out a frustrated breath, Maria wondered why they let Alex get the movies on his own. She was not in the mood for any of those movies but comedy was really all she was set on, so she said, “At least you came up a few decades. Did you at least get one movie that was made after we were born?” When Alex held up his last choice, The Mask, she relented and sent Alex to go make the pop corn while she set up the DVD player.

A ring at the front door veered her tasks but to say she was surprised at the intruder would be an understatement. “What do you want?” Maria asked unintentionally harsh.

“Gee Deluca, nice to see you too,” Kyle sneered at her callous tone.

“I didn’t mean that,” Maria revised, “I meant, what are you doing here?”

“Well our parents decided to move their date night over to my house,” at Maria’s cringe Kyle highly sympathized, “…yeah, I know. God they act like, like…”

“…us,” Maria finished.

“Exactly, so I figured since I was getting run out of my place you’d take pity on me and let me stay here till I can go back home,” said Kyle trying to give his best puppy dog eyes.

“Don’t do that to me. I’m not one of your cheerleaders. I won’t throw myself at your feet over that dopey smile,” Maria said good-naturedly, “Why here? Why not at one of your jock friend’s houses?”

“Are you going to give me the third degree out here or are you going to let me in?” Kyle started getting upset.

“That depends,” said Maria.

“On?” Kyle said taking the bait.

“On whether you answer my questions,” she said

With a huff he said, “Fine, I need to really concentrate on that history paper we have due next week.” At Maria’s skeptical look he continued, “Yeah, usually I wouldn’t care, but if I don’t do well on this I’m pretty much screwed this basketball season and I won’t get anything done in any of the guys places, the library closes early, and plus I figured I could get a little help from a fellow classmate,” Kyle hinted. “So again, are you going to let me in?”

At Maria’s hesitation, Liz took pity on Kyle and said, “Oh just let him in Maria. He has nowhere else to go.”

“Yes he does, but okay, fine,” as she stepped aside she turned to Liz and said, “but you’re the one that’s gonna help him with his paper.”

“Whatever, but after the movie,” Liz relented.

“Hey Liz, I have been meaning to formally introduce myself, I’m Kyle Valenti.” Kyle had been glad to see that Liz was at Maria’s house. He thought she was so beautiful the first time he saw her at school and was really upset that Max had gotten to her first. He was going to ask Liz out anyway when he thought that it was just a few dates with Max, but they got serious quickly, and Kyle would never step on another man’s toes. That said, he did still appreciate the view and would be there in a heart beat if they ever broke up. Liz seemed different; she was more than pretty, she was smart, and Kyle thought she’d make a great girlfriend.

“I know your name. Your picture is in the main office and we’re in a few classes together,” Liz commented.

“So you’ve noticed me,” Kyle said haughtily.

“Back off, you know she has a boyfriend,” Maria directed to Kyle’s lame attempt at flirting. When she saw sadness filter Liz’s features she said, “Well kind of, I mean…”

“Maria,” Liz hissed.

Kyle’s ears perked up at this tidbit of information. Now he was really glad he came. “So Evans was dumb enough to let you get away,” Kyle reasoned taking a seat extra close to Liz, smiling down at her and putting an arm around her shoulder.

Liz said nothing and was saved by Alex coming in with a huge bucket of popcorn and a few tubs of ice cream. “Kyle,” was all Alex said, surprised at the intrusion.

Maneuvering out of Kyle’s arm, Liz got up and said, “Well apparently Kyle’s joining us this evening, so let’s just start our movie night already,” then went to turn out the lights and begin the nights’ festivities.
***



Max was anxious. The excitement and nervousness building up in his system had him pacing. He had gone straight home, showered, changed and thought out the perfect words to say and what he would do to explain that horrible afternoon. Deciding the best route would be complete and total honesty, he mentally prepared himself for if Liz would feel differently about him after the night was over. When he finished getting ready, he stopped by the flower shop and picked up a single white rose to give to Liz. ‘It can’t hurt,’ he figured.

Still, he paced the bottom of Liz’s ladder for what seemed like an eternity before he got the nerve to climb up. It was getting dark outside and a bit chilly in the crisp November desert air. As he made his way up to Liz’s balcony his heart started to beat faster. Peeking inside her window, he didn’t see Liz anywhere. “Maybe she’s downstairs or out with Maria,” he thought aloud.

After an hour passed with no sign of Liz he was becoming uneasy. He let himself into Liz’s room and sat on her bed and just waited. The long day was taking its toll on Max and he decided to lie back on her bed, but before he knew it his eyes shuttered closed. The long day and anxiety were wearing on him and he couldn’t help but be tired.
***



Max's parents were frustrated with him. Had he learned nothing from the punishment that weekend? Because of everything going on, they had kept an extra close eye on his comings and goings, but this evening Max hadn’t come home or called and skipped dinner.

Isabel said she hadn’t seen him all day, but trying to cover for her brother again she assured them that he was probably just hanging out with Liz or Michael and he probably wouldn’t be home too late. After that weekend, she didn’t think Max would be dumb enough to get in trouble so soon, but she also knew that when her brother got within 100 feet of Liz Parker he stopped thinking with the right head.

When Mrs. Evans found Michael crashed on Max’s floor with Max nowhere in sight, she and her husband were beside themselves. They didn’t know whether to be worried or enraged. Max wasn’t answering his cell phone and they didn’t know how to get in touch with him through Liz. Isabel was adamant that she didn’t have Liz’s number either and started to think that she should really get all that information.

Now it was past one in the morning, so Phillip decided to call the police department to report Max missing. Deputy Hanson was about to get off his shift when he got a call from a frantic parent worried about his missing 16-year-old son. The first thing Hanson wanted to do was inform the Sheriff of the situation. He just prayed that Valenti wasn’t asleep because if the case turned out to be nothing and he disturbed his boss’ rest, Valenti would get upset. He decided to try the radio first, even if Valenti was off duty.

Jim Valenti was driving Amy home when he got a call on his radio. At first he felt like ripping Hanson a new one for not being able to just handle procedure normally before calling him, but when he said the name Max Evans, the Sheriff recalled the name from that afternoon and all of the young man’s strange behaviors. ‘Maybe this really is something,’ he thought.

Jim smiled ruefully at Amy and said, “Duty calls.”

Smiling lightly she responded, “Well, at least it was at the end of our date.”

Driving up to the front of her house he noticed Kyle’s car. “Kyle’s here? It’s late, why isn’t he at home in bed?” he questioned out loud.

Both parents looked at each other questioningly, “Come on inside, we’ll see what our kids are up to,” Amy said. Amy had suspected Maria had a little crush out there but the thought of it being Kyle never crossed her mind, and now that she thought about it the idea didn’t appeal to her.

The parents opened the door and walked in on four teenagers startled out of their wits.
***



The history paper was long forgotten as Kyle, Maria, Liz and Alex made it an official movie night. Well, maybe ‘movie’ wasn’t the right term. After finishing off The Mask they noticed that the sci-fi channel was giving a Tales from the Crypt marathon and spent the rest of the night indulging in the creepy TV classic. They were all so enraptured in the show that they didn’t hear a car pull up the driveway. Just as the killer was sneaking up on the terrified heroine, the front door flew open.

Popcorn flew, four teens jumped off the couch, and the piecing screams of six people all surprised beyond belief mimicked the scared TV heroine on the screen.

When Jim reached to turn the light on and saw the fear etched on everyone’s faces, he couldn’t help but laugh a little as he held his heart.

A chorus of, “Shit,” “Fuck,” “Jesus,” “Holy Mother,” and “Oh my GOD,” filled the room.

“Okay, does someone want to tell us what’s going on here?” Jim finally got out.

“We were watching TV,” Maria said pointing to the set to prove her point as Valenti saw exactly what they were watching. He smiled a bit, thinking he remembered that episode, but taking on parent mode he said, “Kyle, why aren’t you at home? Didn’t you have that paper to work on that your coach and history teacher called me about? Plus, it’s very late and all you kids have school tomorrow.”

“Yeah well... with the activities going on at home it’s not like I could concentrate anyway,” Kyle said looking at his father knowingly.

Everyone looked away and blushed at that one. With a slight cough, Valenti reprimanded, “Kyle!” Then with a groan he said, “Yes well, drive straight home. I got a call at the station that I have to look into.” Looking at Amy, he gave her a small smirk and mouthed, ‘See you later,’ as he walked out with his son.

“Thanks for helping us clean all the popcorn you spilled, Kyle,” Maria growled out at a departing Kyle. She’s upset that he was leaving them to clean up all the mess especially, since it was him who threw the popcorn about. Maria could have thrown something at him after he gave her a small smirk.

“Bye ladies, Alex, Miss Deluca; have a good night,” Kyle saluted as the door closed.

“Have a nice night,” Maria mimicked rather disgustedly.

Smiling Amy said, “Don’t start. Now, clean up this mess and go to sleep. Jim’s right, it’s a school night you should all be in bed. Alex I suppose you’ll be on the pull-out?” At his nod she continued, “Well fine, now kids don’t be too long. I already spoke to your mother earlier Liz and I’m glad you’re here, you’re welcome anytime,” at Alex’s ‘Hey,’ she smiled at her daughter’s best friend, who was more like a brother. “Alex, like it even has to be said,” she gave them all kisses on the forehead and went to bed. Maria, Liz and Alex were all soon to follow.

~~~

[behrluv32]

cont'd
~~~~

A soft voice slowly brought him out of his dream. “Max, what are you doing here? Why are you in my bed?” Liz asked him with a hint of anger in her voice.

Liz’s attitude immediately changed when she heard Max’s plea, “Liz, God Liz, I am so, so sorry.”

“Really?” Liz said hopefully.

It tore Max up, hearing the doubt in her voice, “Yes, I didn’t mean any of it. I am sorry. I-I love you, I love you so much and that’s what I wanted to tell you today,” he explained. "That's what I want to tell you everyday."

“I love you too,” Liz said happily as Max pulled her onto the bed with him.

Liz straddled Max’s lap her skirt rising up her thigh and pushed him firmly into her mattress. “How sorry are you?” she asked, giving him a wicked smile before crashing her lips into his.

Between kisses Max tried to keep explaining the days events, “Liz, Liz I just want you to know I can’t stop loving you. I will never not love you, but you need to know…”

“Don’t stop Max. Please don’t stop touching me,” Liz said her body burning everywhere Max touched.

Max didn’t know where this side of Liz was coming from but he was enjoying it. He didn’t want to stop, not this time. As soon as she lost her sweater she started tugging his shirt off and Max was finding it increasingly difficult to form the words that were previously dominating his thoughts. ‘No, I have to concentrate,’ Max thought. When Liz started kissing down his neck, then his chest, his eyes rolled back, ‘have to make her understand,’ Max thought until Liz lightly nibbled on his nipple and grabbed his crotch. “Shit Liz,” Max said aloud and pulled Liz up to look at him.

“What’s wrong,” Liz said with a seductive smile. Max didn’t know how Liz was doing it, but it felt as if Liz was vibrating above his lap and it was incredible. Still he had something to say before they went any further.

“I-I wasn’t kidding before when I told you I was, well alien,” he began then rushed on before she could say anything, “but I’m still me…”

“Max I don’t care if you’re from the moon, as long as you’re here with me now,” Liz told him before returning to her previous task.

Max was in heaven. He was in pure bliss.

Liz was making her way down his stomach and when she dipped her tongue into Max’s belly button and started undoing his belt and cupping him again for good measure.

Max, getting over zealous, started to help her. Liz’s skirt was ridding high and when he slipped his hands slowly up her thigh until he reached her panties, he could feel she was already wet for him. With his fingers he moved the intrusive material out of his way and started touching her light and high, slightly above her clit very slowly work his way down. When she leaned into him, he knew he’d hit the right spot. He reached with his other hand to run his fingers through her hair then reached down to unsnap her bra. When Liz moved up to pull off the straps, and felt Max move his hand, she groaned and grinded in protest. Max was shocked and delighted at that.

“Oh my God Max,” Max heard Liz moan, but his eyes snapped up to the person gasping by the windowsill, who simultaneously screamed the same words. Isabel quickly turned to avert her eyes.

Max tried to reach out and stop Liz from her task but she wouldn’t stop. The way she was grinding above his hard shaft was divine. She lost her bra and kept kissing him. Max didn’t want her to stop, it just felt too good, but why the hell was Isabel here. “What are you doing Iz? GET OUT,” Max barked in an order.

Indignantly Isabel growled then turned around, “No I will not get out! Is this why the hell you aren’t home at close to two in the morning and worrying our poor parents to death, huh? Did you and Liz have sex? Is that,” she was still turned away from the scene her brother was making again, but she flailed her arms towards the two of them on the bed and continued, “Did you two fall asleep after doing it?” Isabel questioned disgustedly. Then in a gasp Isabel turned around and said, “Did you tell her the truth?” all the while wishing she hadn’t because dream Liz was trying to get into her brother’s pants. “Damn it Max I’m right here, can’t you stop her for two seconds,” Isabel screeched mortified to even have to see this in a dream.

Max was seriously getting upset, Liz was doing incredible things to his body and his sister would not go away, “What do you mean fall asleep? Isabel what the hell are you talking about and why are you in Liz’s bedroom? Shit! We’re busy,” Max growled back.

Realizing that her brother didn’t know what was going on she huffed and said, “You’re dreaming you idiot. I’m not in Liz’s room, I’m dreamwalking you. We’ve been calling your phone for hours and you haven’t answered once. Mom and dad called the police because they were worried about you and why the hell are you asleep? And more importantly where are you sleeping,” Isabel screamed.

Max looked at his sister confused and then when he turned to dream Liz this time she was looking up at him with upset eyes. “Max, make her go away,” dream Liz said as she took Max’s ear into her mouth.

He knew Isabel was probably the real thing and that if he was still dreaming that meant he fell asleep waiting for Liz, but he really didn’t want to get up. This dream was going a hell of a lot better than his life at the moment and if he couldn’t relish in the real Liz he at least had her in his dreams. He looked back up at Isabel considering what he could say to his sister, but just the look in his face said it all.

“Oh seriously Max, that’s it I’m leaving. I only did this to make sure you were okay and I obviously see that you are. I can’t stand to watch this anyway. You better wake up and get your butt home. I’m telling mom and dad I got in touch with you and that you are on your way home, so get up,” she finished with a huff as she disappeared out of his dream world.

As Isabel started to fade so did the world around him including Liz, “No, Liz. Don’t go,” Max said trying to hold onto the final vestiges of the dream.

“Max,” said the soft voice of his angel.


***






Nancy woke up needing to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Passing through the hall she noticed Liz forgot to turn out the light before she left this afternoon. ‘Teens,’ Nancy thought with a roll of her eyes, ‘Why are they so wasteful? How hard is it to turn off a light bulb? Does Liz think electricity is free?’ Making her way into her daughter’s bedroom she’d never expected to have all her sleepiness wiped out of her in one fell swoop.

In her daughter’s bed was the young man that Liz swore was just a friend. Nancy’s eyes shot open at the sight and at Max’s mumblings, “No, Liz. Don’t go.”

‘Liz, is Liz here?’ Nancy wondered, hastily looking around the room and then rushing into the en-suit Liz had. When she was sure there was no sign of her daughter Nancy started to become angry. ‘What was Max doing in Liz’s room? In her bed?’ “Max,” Nancy finally said approaching the bed.

~~~


Face down curled into Liz’s pillow with her scent all around him, Max was still trying to hold onto his dream. He could no longer see Liz, but he could hear her calling his name, he still felt like she was touching him, and caressing him. He was so hard and he needed Liz to help him relieve the pain.


~~~


“Max, what are you doing here?” Nancy said while trying to jolt Max awake with a shake.

~~~



“Max, what are you doing here?” a warm voice asked him.

He did not answer. Max reached for her hand and brought it to his lips, cheeks, and then started moving it down his chest before the hand got snatched away. He didn’t understand. Why is she pulling away now? “Liz… Why did you leave? Are you mad at me,” he asked her, “I got Isabel to go away.”



~~~



When Max took the hand that Nancy was trying to wake him up with and brought it to his lips she was stunned, but as he started moving it across his cheek then further down his face, Nancy quickly pulled away. Max’s mumbled sleep filled words startled Nancy more than the thought of Max in Liz’s bed, “Liz…ma—we me. I’s go away.”

‘What did he just say,’ she wasn’t really too sure what she was hearing, but it didn’t sound good, “Max,” she said more forcefully.

~~~


It hurt him to have her pull away from him. ‘She is mad at me,’ he thought. “No…let me just,” Max said pulling Liz’s pillow closer to him and snuggling in deeper into it and falling back into his dream.

To Max, he was pulling Liz into his chest instead of the pillow, “Please don’t be mad at me,” Max said then, kissing the top of Liz’s head. “You’re still mad at me?” He asked dream Liz.


~~~




This time Nancy heard Max very clearly and the fact that she probably wouldn’t be getting much sleep tonight was making her irritable. With one hard push and a loud scream into his ear Nancy finally accomplished her job.

Looking all around him and then into the irritated eyes of non other than Nancy Parker Max’s dream was more than over.

Max didn’t know what to say or do. His mouth was opening and closing but no words were coming out and he was painfully aware of the awakened status of his lower anatomy.

“What do you think you are doing in my daughter’s bed in the middle of the night?” Nancy asked to a finally awake Max Evan’s. When he still did not answer she shook her head and said, “Did you not understand my question or are you suddenly mute?” Nancy said her anger increasing ten folds at Max’s apparent reluctance to answer her questions.

“I don’t know. I’m sorry.” Max said as he sat up slightly moving the pillow over his lap.

“What, so you don’t know how you ended up asleep in my daughter’s bed? Are you on something?” Nancy said now backing away from Max slightly.

As realization dawned on Max he got his bearings together and told her the truth, “I had a really long day and I came here to talk to Liz and she wasn’t here, uh your door was open, and well I let myself in, t-to wait and she never came. I guess I fell asleep. I’m really sorry.” Getting a better grip he said, “I didn’t mean to scare you or disrespect you or your home. I was just as surprised when I work up and saw you as you probably were to see me.” Un-tucking his shirt before he got up he pointed to the door and said, “I’m just going to go. I bet my parents must be upset. I really am sorry again.” He tried to make his way out of there as quickly as possible.

Not letting him get away so quickly Nancy stopped him and asked, “Are you dating my daughter?”

Happy that he didn’t have to lie about that he honestly said, “No, I’m not…”

Nancy interrupted him then and said, “Did you buy her that rose on her nightstand?”

“Yes, but,” at Nancy’s skeptical look Max continued, “She is just one of my closest friends and I got her mad at me today. I was trying to apologize, but I just got into more trouble.”

After calming down some and seeing the distraught look on Max’s face, she decided to give him a break and to pick this up with Liz tomorrow. “You should call your parents to tell them you’re heading home. I heard a phone vibrating a few times while I was trying to wake you. It was probably yours, so perhaps your parents are trying to reach you,” she reasoned.

“It’s fine, my car’s downstairs. I’m just going to head straight home. I’m going to get it when I get in anyway,” Max said.

Nancy wondered what had happened to that handsome young man that made him wear such a sad look. “Okay just be safe and I’ll talk to you and Liz about this later. I am too tired and I have to work in the morning, so for now I guess I’ll believe you.”

What Nancy said got Max wondering why he didn’t ask this before but, “Uhm, Ms. Parker, where is Liz?”

Exasperated she said, “I’m afraid if I told you, you may not go straight home like you say,” when she saw he was about to protest she said, “I’m only kidding. She spent the night over at Maria’s. So trust me she is doing a lot better than you, now get,” she finished kicking him out.

***

Max was dreading driving home and was upset that he’d have to deal with his parents and Isabel before he even got to straighten things out with Liz.

Walking to his car too many thoughts were going through his mind and he just knew he wouldn’t be sleeping another night. At least he caught a few winks in Liz’s room even if the night didn’t go as he’d like.

Putting his keys in the ignition, Max was about to start the car when he heard a police siren. ‘Shit, I don’t need this,’ Max thought.

Walking over to Max the Sheriff said, “Mr. Evans, you know it’s past curfew, don’t you.”

“Yes sir, I’m sorry. I am on my way home now,” Max said, finding himself apologizing to a lot of people today.

“I’m sorry I can’t let you do that. Your parents called the station extremely upset and worried that they could not find you. I am going to take you home and you can pick up your car tomorrow, or I guess later today as the case may be.”

Max’s eyes widened in realization, ‘Shit, Isabel did say something like that before I woke up. Damn,’ Max though, then said, “Uhm, but Sheriff, can’t I just follow you? I need my car.”

“Well, you should have thought about that before you decided that you were above the law. You know you aren’t supposed to be out at this hour. Now come with me,” Valenti said.

Sighing Max complied, took his keys out of the ignition, and followed the Sheriff to his jeep cruiser.

After a few minute on the road Valenti asked, “So you want to tell me what you were doing out so late and what was all the commotion with you this afternoon?” When he got no response from Max he continued on a hunch, “You know you have good folks, I’d hate to see something like drugs…”

“I’m not doing drugs,” Max said and confessed a half truth to get the Sheriff off his back, “My girlfriend…we, we broke up.”

At his confession Valenti’s attitude shifted. Feeling sorry for the young man who he now sees is obviously broken up about his situation, ‘Most likely his first broken heart,’ Valenti figured. Thinking about what he would say to Kyle in a situation like this he then started, “Look son,” but Max quickly interrupted.

“Oh look my house,” as they pulled up into the driveway.

Valenti let it go. He knew Max would be getting an earful from his own father in a matter of minutes. “Well, here we are then. I’m going to walk you in. I need to have a few words with your parents,” Valenti said making Max cringe.

Looking up to the front door where his parents were already waiting, Max held his breath and walked out of the car. “Here we go again,” he said to himself as if he were going to face the firing squad. God, this day just would not end.
~~~~~~~~


tbc.

[behrluv32]

Thank you for all the feedback I so love it. It is truly what keeps me going. I am sorry for the delay but I promise that will not be the case for the next chapter especially since it is already written just not finished editing. And also sorry about that little joke…it was April Fools after all …

Erina
Timelord31
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Alien_Friend (x10) : jesus woman 10x i was gonna come back... just kidding
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roswell3053 (x7): thanks I’m always happy to get a new reader
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katydid (x2): thanks for the well wishes and no I sooo did do a shitty job, but it was only one grade, I just freaked. I still averaged an A in that class (yey!!!) so it wasn’t bad but it felt horrible at the time so thank you.
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Whimsicality: thank you so much!!! That was so sweet
not_of_this_earth (x2): thank you and I know what you mean I do the same thing
Cocogurl
Believer: well you may not get what you want in this chapter but I gave you a little dreamer moment…well kind of…uh you’ll see …and sequal???? this isn’t even half done

This chapter as well as the next is dedicated to my lovely beta, LairaBehr4, who has been working with me for some time now. She is going to be very busy for a time to come and these will be the last two chapters she’ll be helping me with. Thanks for everything hun and good luck



Chapter 17
West Roswell High



Walking into school today, Liz’s mind was on everything to do with Max Evans. After Maria fell asleep last night, Liz was left with just her thoughts in the quiet room. She did not know when it was that she finally fell asleep, but it sure did feel as if she had barely closed her eyes before Ms. Deluca woke them for breakfast. Now highly sleep deprived and more than a little nervous the wheels of her mind were already turning. She wondered if she’d have to see him before class… how she could avoid him… if she wanted to… if he would be waiting for her… if he had been worrying about this day as much as she was…

“…and then we had wild and crazy sex before the aliens came and abducted the one-eyed little green baby we made that night.”

“Huh, what? What are you talking about Maria?” Liz asked, catching only a few words from Maria’s ramblings.

“I had a bet going with Alex since breakfast that you’d hear me talking before we got to our lockers,” Maria provided.

“I guessed you’d be gone to us until Max showed up and you’d need one of us to hide behind,” Alex said teasingly.

“I’m sorry guys, it’s just…” Liz started but was cut off.

“No need to explain Liz, we were only teasing,” Alex said.

“I wasn’t! You owe me ten bucks! Cough it up, mister,” Maria said with a wink towards Liz.

“That’s not fair, you cheated,” he argued.

“Did not,” Maria cried indignantly, “I said I’d get her attention and I did,” she finished with a wide smile.

Amused by her friends’ antics and their uncanny ability to de-funkify her mood, she gave a hardy laugh and said, “I love you guys; you know that?”

“Oh, is this like a group hug moment?” Alex asked as he pulled both girls into his arms. They all laughed and stopped in front of Liz’s locker. “Okay girls, bonding was fun and we need to do it again sometime, but I need to get to the computer lab before class starts. I’ll see you in first,” Alex said running off quickly.

“Alexander Charles Whitman, don’t run away from me like I don’t know what you’re trying to do,” Maria screamed after him, “Oh Liz, you mind putting this in your locker? Kyle left it last night,” she said handing Kyle’s jacket to her. “I’ll see you in class. I’m gonna catch Alex and then make a quick bathroom stop,” she sad hurriedly.

Maria was halfway down the hall before Liz realized what she had actually said. Liz merely nodded and watched Maria run off. With Maria and Alex by her side she knew she could make it through the school day, she just hoped that Max didn’t do anything to make what happened any worse by lying to her again.
***

Seeing Maria rushing towards him, Kyle reached out to grab her arm before she could run past him. Not noticing who was attached to the arm that grabbed her, Maria turned to give the guy a piece of her mind before realizing who it was. “I’m busy, what do you want?” Maria let out hastily, not meaning to sound rude, but coming off that way all the same. She really was in a rush.

“Nice to see you too Deluca,” Kyle said as his friends snickered around him after Maria’s stark reply.

“Sorry, but make it quick. I got to go,” she said a bit calmer.

“Did you by any chance bring my Letterman jacket?” Kyle asked feeling slightly naked without it, plus the day was a bit nippy.

“Yeah, I gave it to Liz. Try and catch her before she leaves her locker; she should still be there,” Maria said as she walked off not noticing the smile that spread across his lips.

“Thanks,” he yelled after her and then turned to his friends and said, “See you later,” before stalking over towards Liz.

***

Walking into the school today Max had one thing on his mind … or rather one person. Liz. He wanted to find her and clear the air as soon as possible. They had a lot to talk about and he didn’t want to screw it up this time.

Things at home were … different, too. Interesting. He’d been so sure that he was going to catch hell for what had happened, but his parents were acting as if the whole incident hadn’t occurred at all. His mother acted like everything was fine before Max had left with Phillip. Diane even offered to take Isabel to school so Max didn’t have to drive back. His father drove him all the way to the Crash Down without a word about the night before all he said was, “Have a good day and I’ll see you at home tonight,” before going to work. Max wasn’t sure exactly what the sheriff said to his parents when they got home last night, but whatever it was he was highly grateful. His parents didn’t hound him and they let him go to bed with just the words that they’d all talk later. Although he wasn’t looking forward to it, he was just glad for the short reprieve.

“Short” was the operative word though, because that did not stop Isabel and Michael from asking questions once he got to his room. Still, he didn’t want to talk so he kicked Isabel out with excuses of it having been a long day, nothing happening, and his desperate need for sleep.

Michael being Michael though waited until Isabel was gone before bluntly asking what he’s been wondering ever since Isabel first woke him that night. “So, uh, did you, like, do it?”

Not wanting to talk about the night at all, knowing that Isabel probably told Michael what she “walked” in on Max gave him a stern glare ignoring how slightly embarrassed he would normally be, and too upset to even want to argue Max merely mumbled, “It was just a dream. I fell asleep. ALONE. Back off! Good night,” before tugging off his clothes and turning into bed.

Not being one to give up on the last word, “Must have been some dream, huh,” Michael said then used his powers to deflect the pillow that was flying towards his head. With a smile on his lips Michael mumbled something along the lines of, “Poor horn dog not getting any makes him snippy” before chuckling off to sleep.

Max, on the other hand, regardless of all his protest, couldn’t close his eyes for the life of him; and just like the past few nights, he barely slept a wink. However, once sleep started to claim him, Michael stumbling out of his window early that morning stole the sleep right from under him. Now he was walking to Liz’s locker to wait for her before she went to class.

***

“Hey beautiful, miss me?” When the words reached her ears and an arm wrapped around her shoulders she sorely wished it was Max next to her. Instinctively she knew that if it had been Max, in spite of what happened yesterday she would have leaned into him and said ‘yes.’ But this was not Max and it may never be again if he didn’t get his act together.

“Hey Kyle,” Liz said with a sigh. “What’s up?”

“Just wondering what the prettiest girl in West Roswell is doing hanging by her locker all alone,” Kyle flirted light- heartedly.

With a cheesy smile Liz said, “Let it up, Kyle. I have a boyfriend.”

“Hey, that’s not the impression I got last night,” Kyle said raising both his eyebrows in a teasing impression.

Going along with Kyle’s little delusions for a bit and certainly not wanting to speak to him about anything Max related Liz stepped up to Kyle’s ear and sweetly whispered, “Oh Kyle, you’re just so cute. It’s absolutely adorable that you still have such an active imagination to think that I won’t break your arm off if you don’t take it away from around my shoulder. Now!”

The smile Kyle was sporting just grew wider. Stepping away slightly from Liz with his arms up in mock defense Kyle said, “You have definitely been spending too much time with Deluca. I think she’s rubbing off on you, but I like it. Sweet and spunky, I could get used to that.”

Rolling her eyes Liz said, “What do you want, Kyle? I have to get to class.”

“Well, for starters, can you still help me out with that history paper? It really is kicking my ass?” Kyle asked sincerely.

“Yeah sure Kyle, I’m busy till Friday though, so how about you stop by the Crash Saturday afternoon,” Liz responded.

“Great, that’s great,” when Liz gave him a ‘what else’ look he continued, “Okay, also can you give me my jacket? Maria said you have it. You know, unless you want to keep me warm,” Kyle drawled.

Liz let out an indignant scoff, “You just don’t let up, huh?”

“Never,” he smiled. Kyle knew she was probably still with Max, she had said as much, and from last night he got that they obviously had a little scuffle, but he wasn’t trying to get in the way of that. He simply liked flirting with Liz and would unquestionably think about stepping in if Evans messed up with her, but just being friends was okay too. Liz was certainly a friend he wouldn’t mind making. He had a lot of fun with her and everyone last night and he wouldn’t mind doing something like that again.

Laughing she said, “Wait, I just put it away.”

Liz handed him his jacket as he said, “You know if you were my girl, you’d get to wear this and you wouldn’t have to give it back,” Kyle teased.

“Oh really now?” Liz egged Kyle slightly, “Well, I’ll keep that in mind,” she said sarcastically and gave him a condescending pat on the chest. Liz wondered what was up with him today. She knew he had a joking, class clown-type personality, but he seemed to be laying it on extra thick today.

***

Making his way to Liz’s locker Max was surprised at the sight before him. There, huddled by her locker, was Liz and…and Kyle. Both had smiles on their faces and Kyle had his arm wrapped around her. When Liz snuggled closer to whisper into Kyle’s ear Max felt his heart constrict and jealousy rippled through him. When he saw Kyle step away somewhat with his arms raised Max thought it was a good sign until he saw them continue to flirt. He was not close enough to make out the words, but what he was seeing was more than enough for his irritation to rise.

Max walked closer when he saw Liz reaching into her locker. He began to pick up snippets of their conversation as he approached and the frown that marred his face grew deeper.

‘You know if you were my girl, you’d get to wear this and you wouldn’t have to give it back.’

‘Oh really now? Well, I’ll keep that in mind.’

“I really wish you wouldn’t,” the words left his mouth before he could stop them and it was clear as day that every word was laced with a thin strain of controlled anger.

Removing her hand from Kyle’s chest Liz let out a surprised gasp, “Max!” Seeing Max so close to her, she worried as to what he thought he heard.

If looks could kill, Kyle would have been buried six feet deep a year ago. Max was boring a hole in his head with a mere look and the way Max’s fist were balled up at his sides showed his restraint dwindling.

Liz’s eyes hadn’t left Max’s since he made his presence known and she completely forgot Kyle’s being there.

Feeling a moment coming along, and wanting to push Max’s buttons some for the fight he knew Liz and Max obviously had Kyle greeted Max with a quick, “Evans,” and turned to Liz, “… Okay, well I had fun last night. We should do it again sometime. I’ll see you Saturday, and I’m going to just…” pointing behind him and noticing Liz wasn’t even paying him any mind he just finished with a “bye.” Then, for extra measure and to get Liz to turn to him, he shot, “Oh Liz, I think you’re cute too,” he added with a wink before walking on.

Kyle could see how much Liz liked Max, anyone could really. He didn’t actually want to cause trouble between the two, but he wanted to let Max know that he clearly had something good and that others would quickly jump in the moment he wasn't in the picture.

“Max,” Liz said again ignoring Kyle’s last comments.

“What was that about?” Max asked heatedly.

Turning away from him she closed up her locker again then turned back to Max, “That isn’t whatever you think it is,” Liz said meekly.

He ignored the side of his mind that would usually have him take the passive aggressive route to a conversation, his jealousy was too strong, and so he went for straight jabs. His lips began to move before his mind could even get a chance to catch up, “So we break up and that’s it. You didn’t even wait a whole day before you go out with…the football player?” He knew Kyle was the sheriff’s son, but he did not want to have to say his name. Kyle was a lot of what he wanted to be for Liz. He was just a regular guy in high school with out any real cares. He was normal.

“You’re jealous,” Liz stated more than questioned. She wanted to scoff at the irony. He broke up with her and then lied to her, so now she wanted to question where he got off acting so green. When Max eyes lowered she continued, “You know what, that couldn’t be further from what was happening, but even if it were you’d have no say because like you said, ‘We broke up.’”

“I didn’t want to break up,” Max said taking a step back.

“Then why did you?”

Ignoring her question he instead said, “I was waiting for you last night… in your room. Your mom found me…”

“She what?” Liz interrupted but Max ignored that too.

“She said you were at Maria’s, but I guess you lied to her about that like... like you do about me,” Max said with sadness and pain in his voice, “You went out with Kyle yesterday.”

Liz was getting upset, but the obvious pain Max was in seeped through his eyes when he looked back at her; so instead of blowing up at him she grabbed him by the arm and brought him into the empty ceramics class room.

“Sit,” she ordered. When Max complied she began. “Not that you have any right to ask this after the stunt you pulled yesterday, and we’ll talk about my mother later, but there is absolutely nothing, nothing at all, going on with Kyle and I. He is a potential friend and nice guy, and yes he was kind of flirting, but who doesn’t he flirt with? He was just joking around. He came over Maria’s yesterday and hung out with us and Alex and I’m helping him with a paper later this week. That’s it. Okay?” When Max just nodded she continued, “You really hurt me yesterday, you know that.”

“I’m sorry,” Max said in lieu of anything else. “That wasn’t my intention,” he replied while moving closer to Liz. However, the incredulous look she was gave him made him rethink what he was saying, “Liz…”

“So which part were you not trying to hurt me with? Was it when you were breaking up with me or when you were trying to tell me you’re a little green alien from outer space?” She said, her voice rising higher at each accusation. “So tell me Max, where’s your third eye? Do you keep it tucked behind your hair?” Liz said reaching behind Max and feeling around the back of his head. “Is this,” she said gesturing to his entire appearance, “just some clever disguise to fool every one of us lowly earthlings into trusting you? Tell me Max, are there others or are you the only one?” Liz would have continued firing question after question, but when she finally stopped her scolding to look back at Max she realized he was hurting as much if not more than she was. “God Max, what is it? Just tell me,” she said a little softer. “All I keep doing is asking you to be honest with me and you haven’t been. It…it just hurts,” Liz finished sounding rather defeated.

“I…I know. I’m sor…”

“Don't! Stop apologizing, and tell me Max,” Liz said getting nervous. She knew it would be bad. She’s been telling herself that for a while and Max just kept reinforcing that thought through his reluctance to answer her. Yet, not knowing what the bad was, has slowly been killing their relationship. She wanted to think she was prepared for anything but Max was acting so unlike himself lately and she missed her boyfriend. Most of all she missed her best friend, the only person she told everything to for as long as she could remember. Max went as far as trying to break up with her and making ridiculous claims to get her to back off, and all the lying was getting to Liz.

There was never anything Liz wouldn’t tell Max. Not one thing she could think of that was of importance that she did not want to share with him. Liz would hardly call herself an open book. No one really knew her except for Max, which is why their situation was tearing her apart. He knew more about her than she ever wanted to tell anyone, not her new friends or her parents. Maria and Alex were only just getting to really know her and vise versa. Max always seemed to know things it seemed before she would even word them; and not even her grandma Claudia, who she loved more than life, knew as much as Max (although she was a very close second).

“This is hard, okay, and that did not make it any easier,” when Liz started to question what he was talking about Max said, “…but okay.” Liz’s eyes glowing with wonder had him rushing to continue, “I need you to take a seat first.” Sitting her on a stool by the clay sculpture he said, “I know you won’t believe me at first so just listen, okay?” At the nod of Liz’s head Max began, “I have always wanted to tell you this, always, and I just never knew how to. I guess I’ve just always been scared of how you would react and I didn’t want you to look at me any differently. You have all these beliefs, but they aren’t true, I mean they aren’t real…you have the wrong information I mean. God, you see it’s just that I wasn’t lying yesterday. It wasn’t a joke.”

“So you want to break up,” Liz asked in a hurt but still very confused tone.

“NO!” Max yelled holding his hand out, “Not that, not that. What I am trying to say, what I have been trying to say is…”

Liz was holding every ounce of control to just say spit it out. This mumbling, stumbling act was not Max at all and it was making her skin crawl, but then as with may of their most important moments an interruption cut them both off at the seams.

“There you guys are. You realize the bell rang like a good 5 minutes ago don’t you? Isabel I found them,” Alex stage whispered down the corridor. “I know you guys have to talk and whatever, but don’t you think you’ve been in enough trouble at school for locking yourselves away where you’re not supposed to,” Alex couldn’t help but tease. He would have continued but the nervous look on Max’s face combined with the sweat pouring down his brow and Liz’s own anxious energy, had Alex begin to wonder if this was really something he should have broken up. He was about to apologize, but Isabel came up behind him and did her own bit of interrupting.

“Hey, God Max, I have been looking everywhere for you. Something's up with Michael. He's acting weird,” Isabel said completely ignoring Liz. The sight from Max’s dream last night was still too fresh on her mind to look at Liz with a straight face.

“Weirder than usual?” Max asked although honestly he wasn’t happy for the reprieve Isabel and Alex just got him. He wanted to get this out already and not being able to was becoming some form of cosmic joke (no pun intended).

“Yeah, no, I just saw him at the other end of the hall, and he just went the other way.” Isabel continued.

“Well, maybe he didn't see you.” Max tried.

“No, he was ignoring me. The hallways are virtually empty and he practically ran into the bathroom not to run into me. Will you just go in there and see what's going on? I waited outside the door then called in but…” Isabel pleaded.

“Isabel!” Max said a bit shocked at the extent she went to, but the look she was giving him had him amending, “Right, okay just give me a second. I was a little busy before you got here ,” Max said in a surly tone. Michael was part of the reason for his lack of sleep and him avoiding Isabel could be due to any number of reasons. He wanted to ignore her right about now too.

“Max, I’m serious. This is important.” Seeing the stubborn annoyed look Max was giving her, Isabel turned it right back on him then said, “Max, you guys can suck face any time this is important.”

Rolling his eyes at his sister’s comment he started to defend, “We weren’t…”

But Isabel wasn’t budging, she was having a really bad feeling since her mom dropped her off for school this morning, “Maxwell,” she stated simply, then when she saw his cave she said, “Thank you.”

“I am really sorry. I'll see you later. Plus, I think it’s better if we discuss this in private. We’ll go out at lunch okay. I am really sorry,” Max added for emphasis.

“It's not okay, this is important too, but you’re right we do need more privacy than this,” Liz said indicating more to the room’s occupants than to the location of the room itself, but she relented.

Pulling Liz slightly away from their intruders Max placed his palm up to Liz’s cheek and asked, “Can I just kiss you?”

A bit louder than she intended Liz stated, “I don’t know, since you aren’t my boyfriend anymore…”

Pressing his lips firmly onto Liz’s he gave her a firm but tender kiss. Liz was not easily swayed though, but he kept on kissing her till she kissed him back and then he pulled away and whispered, “Yes I am,” before placing a soft peck on her lips.

“What if that’s not what I want any more?” she whispered right back.

“Then you’d break my heart,” he said honestly.

Pleased with that answer, if even in a mildly sick way, Liz nodded and let Max go off with his sister. Then grabbing Alex’s arm she let him lead her to class, knowing they already missed homeroom and that she had to cover for Max.


***

“What was that about?” Isabel asked as she and Max moved further away from the ceramics room.

“Nothing…don’t worry about it. It was nothing,” Max dismissed.

“Didn’t look like nothing to me,” Isabel continued.

“Seriously Isabel, I tell you just about everything, but just back off on this one, okay? At least for right now. How about you go to class and I go see if Michael’s still in the bathroom? If not, then I’ll check if he went to first period and I’ll talk to him after. Don’t worry so much; it’s probably nothing,” he finished before giving her a peck on the forehead and pushing her off to class.

“Nothing, like all your nothings?” she couldn’t help but ask as Max walked on ignoring her last words.

***

[behrluv32]

Thanks you all for your lovely feedback

LairaBehr4: thank you thank you thank you
begonia9508: hope you’re caught up
thetvgeneral: here’s a little more Kyle for you
Alien_Friend: yup you’re right there is much more Michael situation to deal with
Sprayadhesive: maybe…probably…oh just read it
Natalie36:
Cocogurl:
roswell3053: yeah I’m trying to figure that one out for myself too
Emz80m: well you know drama…

Oh and thank to the lurkers as well

A lot of this is taken from Independence Day, but I did add my own twist to it so just read and find out what and where.

Chapter 18a
Fears and Revelations


Walking into the boy’s bathroom Max is a bit surprised and very curious when Michael tried to avoid facing him. Stepping up closer to Michael, Max says, “Hey, you all right?”

“Yeah, I'm fine,” came Michael’s quick and snippy reply.

Not buying what Michael was saying, Max continued, “Cause, uh, Isabel thought...”

Annoyed at Max’s persistence, Michael snapped, “Can't a guy get some privacy?” then walked into a bathroom stall.

When the class bell rang to signal the beginning of first period, Max just ignored Michael’s rudeness and responded, “I'll wait.”

“Max, just get outta here,” Michael tried a bit more meekly.

“You can't stay in there all day,” Max tried then.

“Max, I'm serious. Just leave me alone. I'll be out in a second,” his reply forcefully, once he noticed Max was not moving.

Having no intention of listening or believing Michael, Max said, “Fine,” then walked over to the door, pushed it open, and let it close by itself. He then waited for Michael to come out of the stall and was immediately concerned when he saw Michael's black eye, with fear etched across his face.

Max was shocked silent when Michael walked out the stall. He had only seen Michael a few hours ago; ‘How did this happen?’ he thought. When Michael tried to pull away, upset that Max had tricked him, Max grabbed his arm and pulled Michael towards him.

“Michael,” Max started, but when he saw his reluctance to talk he decided to opt for a different route. “You want to get out of here?” Max said and pulled out his car keys.

Michael only nodded. The car ride was silent. Max kept driving with no real direction in mind. When he saw a turn-off to Loan Cedar Road, he took it remembering that all the area had were old tracks where cargo trains pass, so not too far off from the road Max parked his jeep by the clearing.

After a few minutes went by of both young men throwing stones at the passing trains, Max realized Michael was not going to begin, so he started instead, “How did it happen?”

“He was drunk when I was got home,” Michael stated blankly.

Shaking his head Max questioned, “Hank?” although he was not sure if he was surprised or not, but anger was clouding his memory. Michael didn’t even have to reply, before Max asked sounding all too frustrated, “Has it happened before?” He often times wondered what propelled Michael’s late night visits through his bedroom window.

“Couple times… This was the worst, though. Never left a mark,” replied Michael.

“Michael...” Max tried but was cut off quickly.

“Don't,” came a hasty reply, “I don't want you feeling sorry for me. I don't want anyone feeling sorry for me,” Michael said sounding a bit sorry himself.

“Everyone's gonna ask,” Max said unable to keep the sympathy out of his voice.

“Not if it's gone.” Michael tried sounding stronger than he had previously, but at Max’s bowed head he began to plea, “Fix it. Please. I tried, but I...”

Max could not believe his ears but as carefully as he could he said, “And what about the next one?”

“There won't be a next one,” was his sure reply.

“Michael, you don't have to protect him.” Max said finally letting out some of his anger, and then simply stated, “He's not even your real father.”

“No kidding,” Michael all but scoffed. After Max reached out to remove Michael's black eye all the walls he’d momentarily let drop rose back up. “I don't want anyone else to know about this.”

“Michael, you can't just...”

“Maxwell, it's between you and me,” Michael said leaving no room for argument.


***

Crash Down Café


The school day had come and gone with no sight of Max since he had gone to find Michael. Liz didn’t know what to think about it, but it just gave her more time to jump to a number of different conclusions. She had managed to convince herself that whatever was going on with Michael had to be huge and that was what was keeping Max away. So giving him the benefit of the doubt, she didn’t assume anything negative. Max’s last words to her today left her feeling a craving to be with him…near him and it was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore Maria who was trying to convince her to leave Max be and let him come crawling. This was a far cry from what Maria had been preaching not even 24 hours earlier, but that was before Max’s disappearing act and Maria bearing witness to her reaction. Unfortunately, after some time Maria started to make sense and that worried Liz.

“You and me, Liz. We've got to stick together. All right? Hold our ground. No matter how much they try to charm us, they are like a drug, and we have to just say no,” Maria argued after observing Max’s seemingly neglectfulness when it came to Liz lately and well just about anything Michael ever did. The word ‘prick’ came to mind, but she kept that to herself. “No wonder they’re best friends,” she could not help but add.

As much as Maria’s words were affecting her, Liz had an inkling that there was a lot more to today’s events than any of them knew. “Maria, I can’t stay away… I—I can't help myself…It’s Max,” Liz tried to make her understand, which was a hard feat especially after the last two days. When she saw Max walk into the Crash Down and look around for her, Liz couldn’t help but beam triumphantly, “He obviously feels the same way.”

“Okay. Do you remember that commercial? When the girl takes the pan and bashes up the kitchen? Okay. This is your brain on Max,” Maria reasoned.

Behind Max and Isabel walked in Amy Deluca with her arms full and looking around for her daughter, “Hi, girls! I have pies,” she said.

“Wow, that's a lot of pies,” Liz exclaimed hoping to turn Maria off topic.

“Yes! I have chocolate, banana, rhubarb, strawberry, and coconut…”

Cutting Amy off the Sheriff appearing to come out of thin air said, “Did I hear someone say coconut? How'd you know that was my very favorite?”

At Amy’s chuckle Maria bypasses her and mumbles, “Excuse me, while I go and throw up.”

“I only made one. Sorry,” Amy said rather huskily.

“That's a shame, cuz that looks awful good, and so do you, Amy,” he flirted.

“Oh, well. I'd make you another one, but considering that we haven’t made any new plans for our next outing I wouldn’t know when to make it. I would want it to go to waste now,” Amy flirted right back. “You see, when I make a pie for someone, I expect it to get eaten.”

Jim was not sure if Amy was using pie as a euphemism for what he thought or whether it was his own mind making him hear what he wanted, but whatever ‘pie’ she was referring he’d be more than happy to oblige; and he made no secret of it. “Well how about this evening, then? I'll tell you what, Amy…I'll eat it, if you make it, I will eat it,” Jim decided to reply and did so with a sly grin.

“Hmm… Fine. Just remember, Jim, I’ll be expecting you to keep that promise, and if you break it this’ll be the last time I’ll offer you any of my… pie,” Amy said sternly.

“Yes, ma'am,” Jim knew better than to reply in any other way.

~~~

Max told Isabel everything that had been going on with Michael and she paled at the thought, “Are you saying what I think you're saying?” Isabel said not sure she wanted to believe her brother.

“Calm down, Isabel. I promised him I wouldn't tell anyone,” Max whispered.

“Then why did you tell me?” she screeched.

“Cuz I'm worried about him. I don't...I don't know what to do,” Max said sounding defeated. He was so worried about his friend, his brother and he needed advice.

“Okay, Max, you can't just tell me something like that and expect me to do nothing” Michael took this moment to come into the Crash Down and overheard the last of what Isabel said.

“Hey,” Michael said suspiciously. At their clipped greetings and facial expressions Michael observed them then concluded, “You told her,” before he turned around to leave.

“Michael!” Yelled Isabel as she ran after him with Max following behind her, “What are you gonna do? Pretend it didn't happen? You have to do something,” she pleaded.

“Like what?” was Michael’s frustrated response.

“Tell someone. Report him,” she reasoned.

“Yeah, who? Valenti? Yeah, that'd be a smart idea, wouldn't it?”

“Max told me this has happened before,” Isabel let out.

When Michael turned betrayed eyes on Max he reasoned, “Look, I'm sorry, but I had to tell her.”

“Look, everybody's got problems. If it wasn't this, it'd be another thing. I'm a big boy. I can handle it,” Michael shrugged off.

“Maybe you could talk to my dad. He's a lawyer. He could help. He once told me about this...this case he had where he helped a minor get permission to live on his own,” she said, remembering her father talk about how he took on the case for free and not understanding how any parent could lay a hand on their child.

Michael was not hearing it though but Isabel refused to let up, ‘Well, if he hurts you again, Michael...”

“He won't.”

“You could use your powers,” she said ignoring his interruption.

Frustrated Michael said, “I had to stop myself last night. I can't control my powers like you and Max. You guys know that. Especially in the state of mind I'm in. If I did anything, I'd probably kill him.”

Isabel thought that that wasn’t necessarily a bad idea, but said, “Well, all I know is you can't go back there. So stay with us. At least until Hank calms down.

“Fine, if it's gonna shut you up,” Michael huffed before leaving, but inside he was grateful.

~~~

When Max left seemingly running after Michael but without so much as a word to her, Liz’s previously beaming smile faded. “I’m telling you they’re like a drug and not even the good kind,” Maria said shaking her head at Liz’s annoyed look.

Pulling off her antennas without a word or glance in Maria’s direction Liz turned and left to the back room. She needed a break.


***


“Do you think we should tell Mom and Dad?” Max asked. He was truly scared for Michael and he did not know how to handle the situation. All he knew was that Michael couldn’t go back to Hank’s and staying with them for a few nights wouldn’t do much for Michael in the long run. He needed a way to keep Michael safe.

“Michael has to agree to it…If not, I’m scared to push him away,” Isabel said looking up at her brother with a worried expression.

“Are you sure this is a good idea? He may never agree to it. He can’t stay there Isabel. I—I won’t allow it,” Max said finally being sure of one thing today.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right, but let’s just get through tonight. Plus, I think it would be good for Michael to really spend a few nights with us, instead of just prowling around our parents. I want him to be part of the family,” Isabel said surely.

~~~

Later that night at the Evans home, everyone was seated at the table for dinner. The air surrounding the dinner table was thick and everyone seemed to be on edge. Max was not making eye contact with his parents, today’s events made him temporarily forget that his parents expected an explanation for last night and he still had not spoken to Liz, but it all seemed small in comparison to what Michael was facing.

Neither parent usually minded when Michael came over. In fact, they often invited him for dinner, even if he reclined they liked knowing their children’s friends. But, they needed to speak with Max and thought this was just his way to delay the inevitable. They also weren’t sure what was wrong with Isabel, yet knew she was acting unusual.

Isabel was trying too hard to plaster a smile on her face. She was trying to make her parents think everything was normal but her insides were a mess and Michael’s lack of etiquette wasn’t helping her situation any. Her parents, her father especially, was not one to just let things go. When Michael started helping himself to all the dishes before everyone was ready Isabel said, “Michael, we usually wait till everybody's sitting before serving ourselves.”

“Why?” He asked not understanding the logic behind that concept.

“It's polite,” Isabel said tightly.

Most of dinner went on with light meaningless conversation with Isabel correcting Michael’s manners whenever the time would arise. If her parents found the behavior strange they let it go, but when conversation was directed towards Michael Isabel’s agitation was noted more so.

“So, Michael, how long is your father away?” Diane questioned.

“Oh, just a couple of days, actually,” Isabel answered for him.

“What does your dad do again, Michael?” Philip asked then.

“He's not my dad. He's my foster father,” Michael said snidely.

“Actually, he's in, um, marketing,” Isabel tried to divert with a slight cough.

“Isabel, are you gonna let Michael answer a question? You are all but cutting his meat for him,” Philip replied no longer caring to keep his comments about Isabel’s behavior to himself.

“DAD!!!” Isabel squealed in embarrassment.

Ignoring both her husband’s and Isabel’s behaviors Diane turned to Michael and said, “You know, in all the years you've been friends with Max and Izzy, I don't think we've ever met him.”

“No great loss,” Michael mumbled but everyone heard all the same.

Trying to save grace, Isabel said, “Well, um, what Michael means is that, um...”

“Why don't you let Michael tell us what he means?” Philip said annoyed. ‘What is going on with these kids,’ he thought looking to each one of them critically.

“I didn't mean anything,” Michael said wanting to move all conversation away from him.

“Dad it’s nothing. Just let it go,” Max said trying to diffuse the situation. “Mom would you like some help clearing the table,” Max said getting up to do so before he even got an answer.

“Hey you know what we haven’t done in a long time?” Answering her own question, Isabel said, “Played a board game with the whole family. You know we have all these great games, Life, Parcheesi, Sorry, oh…Clue! We should play Clue,” Isabel said excitedly walking over to closet where they kept the board games.

When Max heard Isabel say she was looking for Clue his eyes widened. The board game was still under his bed from when he and Liz decided to play the game. He still had not had the chance to fix it back to the ‘G’ rated version since they had added their own little adult twist to it, and well that was the last thing he needed to let his parents see. He cringed at Isabel’s next words, “Hey Max, didn’t I see it in your room?”

Thinking quickly Max said, “Yeah you know what it was, but I lent it to Liz. Why don’t we play Monopoly instead?”

Annoyed but not letting it show Isabel said, “You know that’s a great idea and here it is.”

They all began to play and as the game went on Isabel continued acting a bit too excited, “All right. As long as I'm back on Park Place, I think I'll buy a hotel.

“Isabel you’re a killer at this game,” Phillip laughed finally feeling comfortable that evening.

“She's ruthless. You gotta watch out for her,” Max teased, even though he wasn’t really paying the game much mind.

“Okay, let's regroup. Uh, it's Michael. Your turn,” said Diane.

Michael rolls the dice and lands on one of Philip’s properties, “Okay. Ah! Let's see. Atlantic Avenue with four houses. That's 975 you owe me,” Phillip said.

“Ohh! Ouch. Ouch, ouch. Wow, a lot,” Diane said smiling.

Not having the money and feeling rather embarrassed about it Michael said, “How about I just catch you next time around?”

“You'll catch me on the next time around?” Philip asked as if it were a foreign concept.

“That's a new rule,” Diane said, noting Michael tense.

Not thinking much of the situation Max said, “Michael, we...we usually pay on arrival.”

“That's okay, I'll lend it to him,” Isabel said passing the money over to her father.

Shaking his head Philip said, “Oh, Isabel, no. No lending except from the bank. Uh, but he doesn't have any houses to mortgage, so...”

Taking the game to heart Michael said, “Just rub it in, huh?”

Taken aback Philip said, “I...I'm not trying to rub it in, Michael.”

Honestly in no mood to be playing a damn board game or playing house Michael became defensive, “What's the big deal? Why can't she just lend me money? It's a game.”

Snapping back at Michael, Philip said, “Well, the deal is, in this house, we play by the rules.”

“Well, I don't want to play anymore,” Michael was done with all of this. He got up from the table dropped his pieces and started to leave.

“Michael, wait,” Diane pleaded after glaring at her husband.

“Michael. Michael! You didn't have to be so rude to my dad,” Isabel said running after him.

“Rude? He was sticking it to me for no reason,” Michael argued.

“It was a game!” Isabel said indignantly.

They continued to argue around the actual topic until their real feelings started to pour out, “I don't want him to know me,” Michael finally admitted.

“He could help you. You just have to speak up and tell him the truth,” Isabel tried to reach him.

“And what, be a poster child for domestic abuse? It's not gonna happen,” Michael scoffed.

Isabel saw she was losing him but she just had to try. She knew the only way Michael would accept her dad’s help was if he asked for it himself any other way and he’d fight it to his last breath, so she said, “You have to do something, Michael. Please don't just pretend it didn't happen. Please.”

No longer wanting to hear Isabel’s words Michael shook his head and said, “See ya,” as he walked off.

Coming onto the porch after Michael left Max took came up behind his sister, “He's not easy, Isabel. Never has been.”

“I know that,” she didn’t need Max to state the obvious.

“You can't push him like that,” Max gave in a soft warning.

“He was acting like a child,” Isabel disputed.

Nodding his head Max reasoned, “Maybe. But maybe you need to stop treating him like one… He can't make up for in one night what he's never had in a lifetime.”

Breaking down Isabel, “I—I'm really scared for him, Max.

***


Liz was in no mood to do anything but go sulk after her shift. It was after 10:00 p.m. and when Max had left she’d been in a funk. He didn’t so much as leave a message on her cell phone after promising her they’d talk later. Her mom came home around 8:00 p.m. and passed through the restaurant to tell Liz they needed to talk when her shift was over. Though, as Liz walked up the stairs to the apartment they share all the anger she wasn’t able to let out on Max after he left with barely any acknowledgment of her presence added to the seemingly hundreds of customers she severed today, made anything her mother had to say to her sound like a verbal attack. All Nancy had asked was how Liz’s day went, but apparently Liz found her tone to be too inquisitive. That was all the catalyze Liz needed for the argument that followed. Everything out of Nancy’s mouth seemed to irk Liz more and without answering her mother’s questions she stomped off to her room leaving a bewildered red head at her wake.

***


Michael walked back to the trailer ignoring Hank’s more than colorful greeting of, “Where the hell have you been?” and walked directly into his room closing the door with a sigh.

***

“Oh, I am so wiped out. Thanks for the lift Kyle you really didn’t have too,” Maria said.

“It’s cool. Plus, I know your mom took the car and you needed a lift. So uh, Liz didn’t seem all to happy tonight. Max messed up again? I thought he’d know better after this morning,” Kyle said gauging Maria’s reaction.

Not wanting to get into Liz with Kyle she rolled her eyes and said, “Yeah, well whatever. Here, sugar rush as a payment for the ride.”

“Food? Oh, your mom’s pies? I love her pies. Pay me like this any day,” Kyle said.

“Yeah well, the way our parents are going they’ll be your mom’s pies soon enough,” Maria said with mild disgust.

Kyle looked around and spotted the half-eaten coconut pie before questioning, “Maria?”

Maria walked around to the kitchen table and accidentally sat on the Sheriff's hat. Jumping up and picking up the hat with her eyes growing wide Maria look around the room and then to Kyle as they heard muffled laughing coming from Amy’s bedroom. “Oh, my God!” she exclaimed.

“I know, come on,” Kyle said going back to the front door to slam it closed.

“Mom! I'm home!” Maria couldn’t control the way her voice squeaked when she said that.

Amy appeared from the bedroom trying to fix her clothes and hair, “Hi! Uh...what are you doing home so early?”

“It's 10:30,” Maria drawled.

“Oh, my God! I must have lost track of time. Uh, you want some pie?” Amy offered.

“No, no.” and “No, thank you,” came the two quick replies.

“Um. Uh, we...uhm...I am gonna go in my room and study, and you should go to sleep, cuz you've got a really big day tomorrow,” Maria told her mother.

“I will,” Amy said still trying to calm her disheveled appearance.

“Soon?” she asked then.

“Very,” came her mother’s reply.

“Alone?” Maria asked the question that had actually been on the tip of her tongue.

Indignantly Amy said, “Of course! I'll be right there.” Just then the Jim walked out and his clothes all ruffled, his shirt half un-tucked, and lipstick from his cheek across to his lips. “Uh, right after I say good night to the sheriff,” Amy said with the nerve to at least blush and look embarrassed.

“Evening,” Jim greeted

“Dad,” was Kyle’s only response before turning around and just walking out the door. “I can’t believe my dad’s getting more action than I am,” Kyle said to himself, although not quite low enough for everyone not to over hear, as he walked out the house.

Unfortunately, for Maria that night lead to an awkward sex talk from her mother. Michael was even brought up, as if that was even an option. If Maria thought that was this was the end of her night she was sadly mistaken.

***

Michael was sitting in his dark room and before he knew it a drunken Hank made his way in to pick a fight. Michael was sick of Hank, sick of this cramped trailer, sick of everything and he let Hank know it with a single sentence, “Go to hell, Hank.”

“No wonder your parents left you out in the desert. Who'd want ya?” was Hank’s slurred reply and that’s when all hell broke lose. They argued letting spiteful words fly but before a fist flew, Max and Isabel entered the trailer.

Surprised Michael asked, “What are you guys doing here?”

Max and Isabel made their way to Michael interrupting the obvious argument. They weren’t going to let Michael get hurt again and they refused to and leaving him with a drunken Hank, despite Michael refusal of their help. Both Isabel and Max refused to leave without Michael and Hank wasn’t too keen on that notion, but that was only to spite Michael. When Isabel threatened to kill Hank if he so much as touched Michael again, Michael knew it was the beginning of the end for his time in this ‘home.’ Hank pulled out his gun with the intention of ridding himself of his house guest. When Max tried to diffuse the situation to move them all out of the mobile home Hank cocked his gun causing Michael to step forward. Unleashing his powers Michael let all his strength go as best he could pushing Hanks gun back before it discharged.

“What the hell?!? Oh, you little bastard. You're a freak. I always knew it. You're a freak!” Hank yelled.

Max lead Michael and Isabel outside. Nervously Michael said, “Congratulations, you made it worse. Now he knows.”

“Michael, Hank was so drunk, he's not gonna know what he saw and he sure as hell isn't gonna remember it in the morning,” argued Isabel.

“Isabel, I can't go back there,” Michael knew as much but when all Isabel could answer him with a ‘Good,’ Michael shook his head and said, “You just don't get it, do you? I know Hank's a jerk, but that's the only thing I had, and now you guys screwed that up for good.” He didn’t want to hear them offer him a place to sleep for a few nights. What he needed was a place to call home. “Look Max, I don't belong there… I don't belong there, I don't belong here, I don't belong anywhere,” Michael said dejectedly. Max and Isabel tried to argue why they understood but Michael knew they did not. They could not. They had a family they played board games, basketball, and ate dinner with.

“So you got a raw deal, no one's saying that you didn't. But, God, Michael, you finally have a chance to change it. Would it kill you to ask for help, just once in your life?” Isabel asked angrily.

“Yeah, you know what? It would,” Michael feeling he’d at least salvage some pride tonight. Michael walked away ignoring his sibling’s queries of his departure.

***


He didn’t know what brought his feet here, but it had started to rain and he didn’t have anyone else he knew to go to. His ego would not allow him to go back to the Evans’ house, his eagerness to live another day made him stay away from the trailer, Liz’s would be weird and even he knew it be inappropriate, he didn’t know Alex well enough to show up at his place like that, and well that only left Maria. Honestly, he didn’t think of any of those other places until he was standing outside Maria’s window soaked from head to toe wondering if he should step in closer.

Maria was combing her hair and listening to light music when she looked out her window only to see Michael standing in the rain. She didn’t think she could believe her eyes. It had to be her mother’s annoying words come to bite her in the ass, she thought. Pushing through her oils and other ‘remedies’ on her desk she finally found what she was looking for "grief relief," she read on the label. It’s an herbal remedy that shocks the mind back into reality when the body has gone into over drive. You place a few drops under your tongue and you are relived from your grief. She’d actually gotten it to give to Liz, because of her Max issues, but as she looked up to sees Michael still standing there she couldn’t help her next actions. She poured the whole bottle into her mouth and as Michael began walking towards her window she sprung into action. “What are you doing out there? No, you can't come in. No. I know why you're here. All right, I know what your plan is, I know what you want, but it's not gonna work this time, mister, okay, no matter what you say. My answer is no. No, no, no, no, no.”

Despite her words, despite Michael’s actions towards her the past few weeks and all she disputed when it came to him she couldn’t turn him away, “God, you could get pneumonia. Here, take your shirt off. Hold on. You're shivering,” Maria said as she ran a towel through his hair. When she pulled it back and looked at him her heart broke at Michael’s expression.

He’d been trying to hold back his tears for so long now. He had never cried in front of anyone, but he couldn’t help it anymore. A few tears flowed down Michael’s cheeks and Maria reached up to wipe them away. He couldn’t explain why he allowed Maria to see him this way, but he needed someone and she’d been there before, even if it were in a different capacity, but he needed her to be there for him at this moment.

“Come here. Shh, it's okay. You don't have to tell me; it's okay,” she soothed as she lead him to lie on her bed.

When Michael started to really let lose and cry as Maria hugged him closely. She didn’t think Michael would ever open up to her in this manner. She never knew why he was so distant with her when they were together, but she always read such fear beneath his stubborn front. She liked the challenge Michael posed for her at first and it hurt her when he pulled away so abruptly. She knew he had secrets and she was okay with it, she had her own and figured she’d break through his eventually. But when he broke their feeble relationship off, her own abandonment issues surfaced and she had a negative backlash towards everything Michael Guerin. Now though she wanted to forget all the negative and focus her energy on fixing whatever tore Michael down.

Maria had her arms wrapped around Michael from behind as he curled up onto her bed. When she felt Michael begin to shake and shiver beneath her as sobs raked his body, she tried hard to swallow the lump growing in her throat. She didn’t know what to do to calm him so she began humming in a peaceful tone as she rubbed her hands soothingly across his arms and back. She placed kisses on his ear and his neck and when he turned his body towards her she repeated the gesture on both of his closed eyes, on his forehead, nose and cheeks.

Michael finally looked up at her. She was looking at him with an expression he could not decipher, but it made his body tremble for all new reasons. She placed a tender kiss on his lips and ran her hand down his face. The tears had not stopped, merely subsided, as they lied there for an unknown amount of time looking into each other’s eyes. Michael leaned in this time to give her a soft kiss on the lips and pulled back to take in Maria’s features. ‘She is so beautiful,’ he thought. If he’d been honest with himself he had strong feeling for Maria for a long time, but circumstances he viewed to be beyond his control stopped him from getting too close. He couldn’t. It was not fair to either of them and he didn’t think he could give her a real relationship anyway. It was just too much. But now falling into Maria’s big green eyes and running his hands through her silky blond locks and over her plump lips he couldn’t stop himself and she didn’t seem to want to stop him either.

Their lips crashed in a heated embrace. Their hands were everywhere and before Michael knew what was going on, he’d lost his under-shirt. Maria’s hands were running up his chest and his were hardly idle. Although, they have messed around before, it was mostly kissing and touching was left to above clothes, but tonight was different. When Michael’s hand came up under her small tank top caressing her stomach, then up higher till he reached right bellow her breast things intensified. He became increasingly aware of her lack of a bra then added to the fact that the only thing separating them was her small top and thin sweats and his jeans. When Maria moaned his name he took her whole breast into his hand. Caressing one breast and then the other, Michael had not intended on coming here for this, whatever this was, but they were both on fire and stopping wasn’t on any of their minds.

Maria felt Michael harden beneath her and unconsciously her hand reached down for him. “Oh God Maria,” Michael whispered as one hand continued to caress him and the other unloosened his belt. She wanted to make him feel good…make his demons go away. She wanted him to lose himself within her…she wanted to lose herself within him and she was not ashamed of it.

Michael was relieved from some of the pressure of his jeans when she unzipped him, but that was as far as she went with his clothes then. He lifted the slight scrap of a top Maria had covering her and they continued to kiss and touch as naked chest touched naked chest and bottoms grinded to relieve themselves of aches that had developed. Everything was happening so quickly and neither tried identify where all this need came from.

Not much thought was going into any of it, but their hormones were screaming at them how wonderful all this felt. When Maria felt the first touch of Michael’s bare erection on her core with only the light barrier of her sweats she let out a guttural moan and pushed down harder on Michael. She wanted to feel more of him.

All of this was such new territory for Michael, but Maria’s reaction was so unexpected, so mind blowing, he lost whatever shred of control he may have had. Holding Maria tighter he brought his lips back to hers and began to ravish her. Rolling them over to pull Maria on top of him, he moved his hands so one was in her hair and the other was holding her behind firmly on his stiff member. For the first time in a long time Michael was beginning to feel in control of a situation and he didn’t want to let go.

***

[behrluv32]

Lines taken from a few epis. In Roswell season 1

Chapter 18b
Answers




Guilt is a powerful emotion that of which can cause even the most level headed of men to go insane in time. Tonight guilt was threatening to take over another whose mind has already been weakened by too many long nights with scarcely any sleep. Max’s mind was running on overdrive. He knew he should have been asleep then, but it seemed another restless night would be passing him. He couldn’t help but muse that maybe aliens didn’t need sleep but the heaviness of his eyes and the dull ache on the side of his temple begged to differ. Thoughts of that day’s events plagued him. Everything Michael has been going through not only today but his entire life with Hank, the lies he had been keeping that caused his parents to be on his case constantly now, dealing with Isabel’s fears of losing Michael, and the pain he knew he was causing Liz.

‘Liz!’ he thought then. Oh God what she must think of him at this moment. “Shit! We were supposed to talk at lunch today,” Max said aloud in the empty room. ‘Did I even greet her in the Crash Down today,’ he tried to think back but so much had happened that most of it was jumbled. After Michael had run off he and Isabel drove around town just talking about anything, everything and nothing at all till their curfews drew them home. It wasn't until after he showered and got ready for bed that his thoughts brought him back to Liz and the mess they’d endured the last couple of days.

He picked up the phone without a second thought or care to look at his bedside alarm clock.

~~~

Four rings did nothing to wake her, but the click over to her answering machine and a familiar voice broke through her less than heavy slumber. “Liz, are you there? Liz if you are listening to this please pick up. So much has happened today... I didn’t mean to ignore you.” There was a slight pause and then the voice started up again, “Shit it’s kinda late, are you up. Liz baby…”

A groggy voice answers the phone, “Max,” Liz stated simply.

“Liz, I'm sorry. I...”

Liz didn’t know whether he was apologizing for waking her up of that day’s events but she still cut him off, “No. It's okay.”

“I know we've been needing to talk.”

Coming out of her sleepy haze, Liz snapped, “Yeah well, a conversation usually takes two people.” Liz heard Max’s heavy sigh over the phone and asked, “What happened Max?”

“I... I can’t really talk about it, but Michael got into this thing and I don’t know, but Isabel and I have been trying to help him.”

“Okay vague, but I figured it was about Michael so fine. I guess you’re just trying to be a good friend. I remember how you used to be with me,” Liz said digging a little lower than she’d meant to.

“Liz,” Max tried but she back tracked.

“No sorry that was wrong. I’m just frustrated,” Liz said honestly.

~~~

Making a decision then and there Max shot up from his bead and said, “I can be at your house in five minutes. Liz I want to tell you everything. I need to tell you everything and I just can’t hold it in anymore, but it has to be in person; it can’t be over the phone.

~~~

Liz’s eyes sparkled, this was it the moment she had been waiting for and the anticipation she felt at that moment had her jumping up and out of her bed, “Really,” she couldn’t help but question.

“I’m putting on my pants right now,” Max answered.

Looking over at her clock that read a quarter to one she sighed and said, “No don’t,” before the question left Max’s mouth she continued, “You’ve gotten in enough trouble for being out all night. I’ll be in you house in ten minutes.”

“Liz it’s pouring outside,” Max reasoned.

“It’s okay Max, I own an umbrella…”

“Funny,” Max interrupted with sarcasm dripping through the one word.

“Max’ it’s okay. I’ll take my mom’s car and park a block from your house and meet you at your window. Plus, if your parents hear you taking the car out they’ll have you grounded till graduation.”

“I was going to run,” Max tried to ration.

“In the rain,” Liz disputed.

“Well…”

“You were going to run here in the pouring rain and then run back home after,” without giving Max the opportunity to respond she persistent, “Don’t be ridiculous. I will be there in five,” Liz said and hung up the phone after a quick, “See you in a few.”

Liz threw on a pair of jeans and her galoshes and put her raincoat over her pajama top. She grabbed her copy of the car keys and was out her window in under a minute, excitement bubbling in her stomach. This was the moment she had been anticipating for far too long in her book.

Making her way down her fire escape Liz tried to squelch her anticipation some because it was causing her knees to shake and her hands tremble. Both her feet slipped slightly on the wet rim and she held on tightly suddenly rethinking her hasty retreat down the slippery metal ladder. The sound of thunder crashed down so loudly then it was sure to wake the dead. The abrupt noise caused Liz’s heart to momentarily clench and her hands to slip off the step she was holding. The last thing she thought of was Max’s face before everything went black and she fell to a heap on the hard gravel floor.

~~~


Max’s eyes drew to the window quickly. The thunder crackled so loudly his heart tightened and his mind rushed to thoughts of Liz. He moved to his phone to call her only got her machine. ‘She’s probably already on her way here,’ Max tried reasoning with himself, but he didn’t like the way he was feeling then.

“Since when do I let a little rain freak me out?” Max asked himself as he began pacing the length of his room. A minute turned to five and five to ten and Liz still had not shown up. “Maybe her mom caught her sneaking out or she’s just driving really slowly in the rain,” he concluded. Another bout of thunder hit but this time with lightning so bright it illuminated his entire room in the dead darkness that had befallen that night. “Five more minutes and that’s it,” he told himself already dressing and slipping on his shoes. He thought better than to reach for this car keys but true to his word he was out the window before the five minute mark was up. The worst of the rain seemed to have passed but he ran threw the night taking the route Liz would have had she driven to his house. ‘It’s probably car trouble. I shouldn’t have let her go on her own in this weather. Fuck!’ he cursed himself as he wiped some of the rain drops out of his eyes. Max ran as fast as his legs could take him, but the closer he got to his destination the more his chest constricted and an urge to physically see Liz intensified.

Reaching Main Street, he spotted the Crash Down and Mrs. Parker’s sedan where it was usually parked and his sense of dread intensified ten fold. A fear like he’d never felt before immobilized Max as he came into the alley. Some part of Max knew what he was seeing, but his mind did not want to comprehend Liz as a crumpled mass on the floor beneath her ladder. She was drenched from the rain and her right arm was in an awkward position, but this was only the exterior of the damage. His mind quickly came out of shock and he was by her side in an instant screaming her name as he got closer.

His knees came crashing onto the floor and even if the impact of the concrete to his knees did hurt he wouldn’t have felt it. Standing above her, he saw the blood pooling around her head and a sob escaped his lips. “Liz, Liz, open your eyes, baby please, Liz,” Max said as he reached down to see if he could move her without causing her more pain. Although the rain was still coming down, it was much lighter now but he needed to get her indoors. “You are so cold,” Max said as he took Liz into his arms and heard her groan. As much as it pained him to see and hear her in pain, he couldn’t help the relieved sigh that escaped his lips. Her groan was the first time he got a response out of her and he needed her to be conscience for what he was about to do. “Stay with me Liz, please,” he whispered as he used his powers to open the back door into the Crash Down.

Lying Liz on the tan sandy couch by the back entrance, Max immediately went to work. “It’s gonna be okay,” he said although he wasn’t sure if it was to calm his nerves or hers. When he received no response he tried again with a more panicked, “Liz, LIZ! You have to look at me. You have to look at me,” Liz weakly looked at him, and he put his hand over the back of her head finally assessing the extent of her damage. He felt his hands fill with her blood and he couldn’t help the thought that crossed his mind then, ‘How are you still conscious?’

His powers surged through her, healing all the damages done to her head by the fall, then moving over to her broken arm, while trying to warm her body at the same time. Sweat was protruding off his forehead and all the while he was seeing images of Liz's life. Images of her with her mother, father, grandparents and other family and friends filled his mind. Images of Liz scribbling away at her desk, stuffing envelopes with pictures of herself to send to him, and her staring intently at the phone all gave Max new insight into the world as lived by Liz Parker. Max sighs when he took his hand away, the wounds were healed and as Liz became fully aware of her surroundings he said, “You're all right now. You're all right,” he said before taking her into a fierce hug and continuing the mantra. He held onto her tightly and was slowly becoming aware that the moister on his cheek could no longer solely be attributed to the rain. Tears were streaming down his face and a sob escaped his lips as he said, “I could have lost you.”

With a shaky voice and more timid than she’d meant to sound Liz asked, “Max, what just happened?” as she pulled away from him so they could look at one another directly.

This was the moment of truth; there was no holding back now and no need to beat around the bush any longer. Rubbing the tears from his eyes Max said, “I told you, I’m not from around here?”

“Where you from?” Liz tried although she already knew where this was all going. Max points up with his index finger and Liz says, “Up north?” Max points higher and Liz says the words she’s been trying to avoid, “This is ridiculous, I mean you’re not…you can’t be… You're not an, an alien, I mean. Are you?”

Seeing how Liz was slowly freaking out Max tried to be a bit comical though at this time he had no idea where the strength to joke was coming from, “Well I prefer the term not of this earth,” when he saw Liz’s blank expression Max continued, “Sorry, it's not a good time to joke. Yea, I am. It’s weird to actually say it, but this is what I was trying to tell you before at the park…”

Liz pushed off the couch to start pacing, “Liz....”

Liz turned what Max interpreted as a wary eye towards him and at the audible gulp Liz heard from Max she calmed her expression and said, “Tell me everything.”

~~~

They talked until early dawn. Max spent hours telling Liz everything he knew about who he was human and alien alike.

Liz asked question after question and was awed at the things Max showed her he could do. She was in awe of him. His presence, his being, every word had her entice, eager to know more.

Max told Liz about how he, Isabel and Michael were wandering along the side of the road the night they were found by his parents.

~~~Flash~~~


“I remember the first time I saw Michael. It was in the desert the night we first came out of the pods. The sky was bright with stars and this full moon. Isabel and I found each other first. We didn't know how to speak, but we could communicate anyway. We walked for a while, but we could both feel someone else,” Max tried to explain.

“Michael,” Liz concluded.

“He said he saw us, but that he was afraid. So he just watched us for a long time. When he finally revealed himself, he was standing on this rock. Just like you'd expect from Michael, 'Here I am. Deal with me.' He said it was the hardest thing he's ever had to do...to trust us.”

“So, um, how did you guys end up getting separated?”

“We all saw the headlights at the same time. Isabel took my hand. We knew we'd be safe as long as we stayed together. I held my hand out for Michael. I knew he wanted to. He just wouldn't take it. So we just looked at each other for a long time. Wouldn't see him again for 3 years. Isabel would cry every night, wondering where he was,” Max said, and Liz could read the obvious pain in his eyes.

Max hadn’t said anything yet about what was going on with Michael, but she didn’t ask either. He’d say it when he was ready, but Max caught the questioning look in Liz’s eyes anyway, “You all right?

“Uh, yeah, it...it's just kinda sad, you know? Thinking of being separated like that,” Liz covered.

“I can’t imagine being separated from them. They are the only real family I know,” Max said and Liz held his hand in a comforting support.

“Michael, he’s going through a really rough time right now. I don’t know what I’d do if I lose him,” Max confessed.

“Why would you?” It was an innocent question. Liz didn’t know much about Micheal's life.

“Michael wants to find a connection to home. He needs something to hold onto and he doesn’t think he has it here.”

“Oh…I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be… You don’t have a reason to be,” Max said and sent Liz a bit of a smile.

Liz reached over and hugged him tightly. They held the embrace for a moment and then Max had to ask, “You aren’t mad or freaked out...something?”

“I know I should be, maybe on some level I am,” holding onto both his hand she continued in a low whisper, “You saved me.”

~~~End Flash~~~


When the sun came up their attention was drawn to the sun shining in the window above them. They had talked for hours but it seemed like there was so much more that had to be said. “You know, this explains your kisses.”

“What do you mean?” Max asked curiously. ‘Did she think there was something weird about the way I kiss,’ he thought but said, “I mean you know you’re the only girl I’ve kissed so…”

“No, I just mean they’re explosive,” with a slight blush Liz says, “I’ve literally seen stars. I thought I just had an over active imagination. Is that because you’re an alien? Wow you’re right that is weird to say.” Max smiles then chuckles slightly. His laughter prompts Liz to ask, “What?”

“Sorry, I just , uh, I just keep picturing you in that dress, with the, uh, the cupcakes.....on it,” Max reminisces.

“What?”

“Forget it, it was a long time ago.”

“Oh my God. That's, that's right. I can't believe I actually wore that thing!!” Liz exclaimed then something dawned on her, “I had that dress in kindergarten, I know I would never have sent you any pictures of me wearing that thing. Did you like, read my mind or something?” Liz asked with a bit of fear in her voice.

“No, I-I don't read minds… it’s just that…I mean when things get intense we see flashes sometimes and when you and I are together I see things inside of you. When I healed you though it felt different, the connection felt deeper. And I got this rush of images.... An image of that dress flashed into my mind, and, I knew how you felt about it,” he explained.

“How did I feel about it?” Liz asked the fear leaving her and quickly the scientist in her took over again. She needed to know how far the connection went.

“It was the single supreme embarrassment of your life. But your Mom made it for you; she was so proud of it, she'd never made a dress before, so you wore it... for her sake.” Liz nods in shock as Max continues, “I've never tried this before, but maybe I can make the connection go the other way. I want you to see that I'm still me.”

“Max, I think I have…I mean I think I’ve seen inside of you too. Maybe the stars I saw were like a repressed memory and I think I’ve seen other things as well… I-I want to try it,” Liz said eagerly.

Max didn’t want to over step his boundaries. They may have stayed up talking all night after he found her in the rain, but he didn’t want to cross some invisible line that may scare Liz off. So, instead of kissing her Max advanced slightly until he was in front of her. “I have to touch you,” he said it as if it’s a warning, but Liz simply nodded. Max held her head gently between his strong hands and said, “Now just take deep breaths and try to let your mind blank out.”

Liz received a rush of images, Max and Isabel walking down the road and the Evans finding them, the first time Max saw her picture and read her letter and how ashamed he was that he hadn’t put much effort into it, Max the first time he saw her in person, times they laughed on the phone together, and so many other images that left no room to wonder if he was the same Max he’d always been. What probably touched her most were the flashes from their present time together. They were the smallest moments where he’d just stop and look at her, in the halls at school talking to Maria or in class or when they were just together.

She could feel everything he was feeling. His loneliness, it stemmed from the fear of losing her. He was terrified that he could never tell her the truth and even if he did she wouldn’t understand.

That she would turn him away.

Call him a freak.

Move on to someone else... someone normal.

For the first time she was really seeing Max Evans, all of him with no secrets as barriers between them. She got to see herself as Max saw her, and the amazing thing to her was, in his eyes, she was beautiful.

Max pulled away then and asked, “Did it work?” Liz nodded, while Max looked at her slightly embarrassed, and not for the first time that night they were both thankful for the dim lighting.

“It’s getting late,” Liz said then as the day was becoming clearer. “You should get home; you can’t afford to get in trouble now.”

With a small smile Max said, “Yeah you’re probably right,” as he reached a hand up to Liz’s hair to remove an intrusive object, “You had a uh...”

“Hair thing, right. Thanks. Before you go, can you help me up my ladder?” Liz asked shyly.

“Anytime."

Once they reached the top Max said a quick goodbye but Liz stopped him, “Hey Max,” Liz began before he reached the ladder to go back down. When he turned to face her she planted a firm kiss on his lips, “I never got to thank you…for saving my life.”

Pulling back he replied, “No, thank you,” ecstatic beyond words that everything seemed like it was going to be perfect. “Does this mean we’re…”

“Human girlfriend and Alien boyfriend? Yup until I find Alien royalty, then I’d have to pick and alien prince over a simple alien boy,” she said jokingly.

Max shook his head and gave her a quick kiss again, “Are you sure about that, I mean I could give you anything an alien prince would and I’d even call you my princess. Plus, would his kisses be explosive huh?” he asked cockily.

“Shut-up,” Liz squealed and threw her arms around him.

They got lost in a kiss, but a honking horn brought them back into reality “I’m enjoying this, but you really have to go. I’ll see you in school in a few hours,” they kissed once more before he left, neither knowing the significance their light jests would foretell.


*****

[behrluv32]

These are thank yous from the last few posts. Thank you all for all your posts comments and anything else it was highly appreciated and makes me want to write all the more.
begonia9508 (x4)
Natalie36 (x4)
Emz80m (x4)
Cocogurl (x10)
LairaBehr4(x3)
Confusedfool
Allie Xie
Believer
Alien_Friend (x13)
Thetvgeneral (x4)
Erina (x2)
Timelord31
Dreamers_fan_believe
Ellie: thanks for coming back to this
Katydid

Woohoo I got thin in in time



Chapter 19



It was only a bit past dawn, a few hours before she was even supposed to wake up. Liz knew she should be exhausted and in a way she was, but her mind was still processing all she learned and she was way too ecstatic to lie in bed and close her eyes. She had come to know so much in such a short amount of time, some things that excited her, others that scared her, others that made her heart want to burst out of her chest. All of them had her mind racing and even though she and Max spoke all night this was her alone time to process everything that had happened last night and the weeks prior.

Before she knew it she was rushing to her desk to write question after question to ask Max. He had put this incredible force on her and she wasn’t sure if it was about all she’s learned today or all they have shared over the years, but regardless of anything else she could not help the smile that formed on her lips. Standing up to pace her room Liz suddenly stop as realization dawned on her, “Oh my God, I am in love with an alien,” Liz said aloud as the day came crashing upon her quickly and her whole room began to spin before she collapsed onto the floor.

***

“Oh, honey, you're gonna be late.” The school day begins at 8:00 a.m. however it was rounding 7:30 and there had yet to be sign of movement around the house. Walking into her daughter’s room to wake her for school a sudden panic rushed over her heart as her eyes landed on a sight before her. “Oh, my God!”

“Oh! Mom...”

“MARIA!!!” Amy screams as she sees Michael in Maria’s bed.

Maria's mom quickly makes her way to Maria’s bed and starts bopping Michael on the head with a rolled up newspaper. “Get out! Get out of this bed! Out of this bed! Out!”

“Take it easy,” Michael pleaded as he continued being hit upside his head. He grabbed his shirts and shoes that were semi scattered on the floor before rushing out Maria’s bedroom.

“Get outta my house!” The words echoed through the house as Michael made his hasty retreat.

Everything was happening so fast and Maria barely had time to catch up before Michael was flying out the door, “Wait! Michael! Mom! Mom! Mom...”

Livid—Livid and possibly scared shitless were the only possible words to define Amy’s feelings right then after hearing her daughter call out Michael’s name when she was throwing him out the house, “Maria! Kitchen, NOW!”

***

“Liz, get up it’s time for school,” Nancy yelled through the closed doors as she passed Liz’s room. Nancy had over slept herself, thoughts of the last few months, few years if she really thought about it, plaguing her. They caused her nights to be restless and her days to be long. She knew the next few weeks were going to be a big turning point for her and her family and she just hoped that Liz would be open to what was to come. Coffee—coffee was what she needed and as she passed Liz’s room to make her way towards the kitchen, a hot cup of energy to get her day started was all she needed.

After enjoying her little pick-me-up that only caffeine and a pound of sugar can create Nancy realized that there was still no movement about the house. It wasn’t like Liz to be late; she was usually prompt and ready to go when it came to anything. ‘She certainly got more of that from her father,’ Nancy thought as a smile graced her lips. With a sigh Nancy grabbed a cup of coffee for Liz to help her get moving along a bit faster. “You’re going to be late,” Nancy started as she opened Liz’s door, but the words died in her throat and the cup of coffee she was holding went crashing to the floor. “LIZ!!!” Nancy gasped and ran to Liz’s side. Lightly slapping her face around and shaking her shoulders, she let out a sigh of relief when daughter came too.

“Mom,” Liz started meekly. “Mom, what are you doing?” she said with more force as she was pulled into a tight hug by her mother.

Liz may have be conscience but that did not stop Nancy from running her hands across Liz’s face and forehead to check her temperature, the back of her head for any lumps and then body her body just to see if anything was out of place before answering her daughter. “Oh God Liz, what happened?” Nancy finally asked.

Realizing her position on the floor then remembering what she was doing before she fainted, Liz thought quickly and started, “Oh mom, I was just so tired and I woke up early because I forgot to do this homework assignment and I guess I was so tired I just fell asleep on the floor.”

He mother looked at her doubtfully and said, “Get into bed and let me take your temperature, you feel a little warm.”

“Mom, I’m fine really.”

“Well then let me make sure. Everything else looks okay. Turn your head,” Nancy rambled, doing a double check over Liz’s body to make sure she didn’t miss anything the first time around.

“Maaa…” Liz whined but was cut off.

“What’s this,” Nancy asked at the strange silvery substance on the back of Liz’s neck.

Rushing to her mirror Liz noticed what looked like two silver fingerprints on the back of her neck, “You know what I was in art yesterday I must have gotten some paint on me and didn’t notice.”

“On the back of your neck,” Nancy noted skeptically.

“Yeah, scratching or something…” then noticing the clock her eyes widened, “Oh my God, mom it’s 8 o’clock. I’m late for school.”

As Liz started gathering her clothes to head to the bathroom Nancy stopped her, “Liz, I think you’ve been working too hard and your stressed, so how about you stay home today and I call the school and tell them your not feeling well.”

As tempting as that would sound to anyone else Liz couldn’t wait to go see Max in school today, “Mom, I’m…”

“‘Fine,’ yes I know. Look how about you take your time, shower and get ready, then I will drive you to school.”

Relaxing a bit Liz relented, “Thanks mom.”

“No problem. Good, now let me call the school to tell them you’ll be a bit late.”

Thinking back to all the classes she’s been missing lately Liz said, “You know what mom that’s not necessary, I’ll just talk to my first period teacher, she’s really cool and it’s biology. I know she likes me and I’m going to be on time for second so it’s okay.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, mom thanks.”

“Okay, Lizzie. I love you.”

Liz frowned slightly then, she loved her mother but only her father and grandmother ever called her Lizzie. It was weird coming from her mother. “I love you too mom.”

“I know that look. When was the last time you spoke to him?”

“Not too long ago…last week actually.”

“Why don’t you call him tonight? I’m sure he’d love to hear from you.”

“We haven’t talked much since we moved out here,” but not wanting to put all the blame on her father Liz continued, “I guess we’re both been kind of busy.”

“Even if you don’t talk, he asks about you a lot.”

“You’ve been talking to him?” Liz asked surprised. She always thought the biggest reason for them moving to Roswell was to get away from the memories of what a happy family they were.

“Here and there,” was Nancy’s vague response. Leading Liz over to sit on the bed she continued, “I know you think we came out here to be further away from what our life was like back east, but that’s not completely true. “When we left New York after your dad and I separated it was because I needed to be away from him but you still needed a father. So when we moved to New Jersey it was because it was far enough away that I did not have to be near your father but you were never too far away from him. But I moved to Roswell to be closer to your father.”

“What does that mean?” Liz asked completely confused.

“Did you know you were born in Roswell?”

“Yeah, you said we moved to New York when I was two because you got offered a great job with incredible pay.” At Nancy’s nod Liz asked, “Where are you going with this?”

“Well, what you probably don’t know is that we lived in this very apartment till you were two years old. The Crash Down has been in the Parker family for generations and before it was the Crash Down it was Parker’s Bar back in the 40’s. You see, you’re dad gave most of the café back to your Grandma Claudia and sold the other portion to Amy and let her help run it. Amy was a waitress here for some years and helped as a manager since she turned 18. She had Maria not long after we had you and when we were looking for someone to sell to she came up. She had some money saved up so your grandma became a silent partner while Amy ran things here. She’d even rent out this apartment as needed.”

“Why are you telling me this now? Why not before…”

“It wasn’t only my new job that brought us to New York. I mean that was part of it, but your dad always wanted something more in his life.”

“More than us?” Liz asked sadly the question that had plagued her for years after her father left.

“No sweetie that’s not what I meant. Your father loves you; he loves you so much. But your dad always had this passion for music. He wrote the most beautiful lyrics it was like poetry. He wanted to be a musician so badly, but so many things kept happening that got in the way and one was your grandfather. He wanted so much more for your father, but you know Claudia, she told him to follow his heart and so he did. We went to New York and while I worked on my career he worked on his music. After a few years he realized that it wasn’t going to happen and things just started to change honey. I don’t know what to tell you, but you were growing up so fast and he was missing what we had in Roswell. He was watching you and moving from one job to the next, I was working long hours and things just fell apart slowly.”

“Is that why he…you know…is that why he cheated on you?” Liz asked cautiously

“How did you…” Nancy sobbed.

“I heard you two fighting one day.” Liz admitted

Tears were streaming down both their eyes, but neither knew when the other started. “Oh Liz I’m so sorry you heard that?”

Wiping the tears from her eyes Liz exclaimed, “Well I’m not! I’m glad I know what type of a man my father is.”

“Liz your father made one mistake, a big one, but it was a mistake between him and me. It does not change the fact that he has always been a good father to you and that you have and always will be daddy’s little girl,” Nancy reasoned.

“Yes it does, and don’t say that,” Liz screamed. All this pent up anger about her parents divorce was finally coming out and even if she felt like it was towards the wrong person it was the only person there.

“I’m not saying he was in the right, but we both had a lot of problems and well that isn’t really any of your concern. We both love you so much Liz and that’s all that should matter.”

“That’s not the case, you’re not the one who keeps getting ripped out of different schools and away from her friends every few years at whim.”

Smiling a little at her daughter’s rant even if she shouldn’t Nancy said, “So you’re telling me you’d go back to Jersey or New York if you could? That you’d leave all the new friends you’ve made here? Maria, Alex, or that boy who I found sleeping in your bed last night…” when she got the reaction she wanted from Liz she continued, “How is Max anyway.”

“Oh…uh yeah good, better you know…fine,” Liz stumbled.

“That’s good to know. You want to tell me about that?” Nancy said effectively switching topics.

Turning back to the clock Liz said, “Crap, look at the time at this rate I won’t make it to second,” before rushing into the bathroom and closing the door behind her.”

“This conversation isn’t over but I’m late for work too, so we’ll continue this later,” were Nancy’s parting words as she retreated to the kitchen to gather material to pick up the remnants of spilled coffee and mug pieces before finishing getting ready for her own day.

***

The drive to school was interesting to say the least. Nancy kept asking questions about Max, while Liz countered on questions about her father. All in all, it was not a very informative drive.

Liz didn’t make it to her first two periods as predicted, but she knew she couldn’t skip out on her U.S. government course just to see Max. However, that didn’t mean she couldn’t ask for a bathroom pass, which is exactly what she did. She wanted to go catch a little bit of Max wrestling in his gym shorts, but who wouldn’t? A smile wide across her face, she all but skipped to the gym but two voices stopped her dead in her tracks.

***

“Don’t avoid me Michael. What happened last night wasn’t nothing… and I’m sorry about this morning but you can’t just ignore me. It hurts okay,” Maria said timidly.

“I’m not ignoring you. I was busy…”

“Don’t give me that, you practically ran the other way when you saw me,” Maria was about to burst and Michael’s nonchalant ‘I could care less’ attitude wasn’t flying after the night they shared. “I’m not asking you to spill your deep dark secrets, but don’t you dare act like nothing happened yesterday.”

“I-I wasn’t and it wasn’t nothing. Look it’s just been a lot okay. I’m not trying to be an ass or avoid you…not really anyway,” Michael began and even when an ‘I’m sorry,’ slipped through he lips he didn’t find himself regretting it especially after he saw the smile it caused.

Maria reached up then and placed a gentle kiss on Michael’s lips. “You wanna go sit somewhere at lunch? We can just sit and eat.”

Michael didn’t want to admit how much he liked Maria’s kisses, but when she was done talking he realized how much he’d rather sit through a meal with her than an uncomfortable lunch with Max and Isabel reminding him of what happened the day before. Michael kissed her this time before nodding his head yes.

“I have to get back to class now, but I’ll see you in a bit,” Maria told Michael as she gave her one more kiss on the cheek and walked away.

***


Liz could not believe her ears. ‘Did Maria and Michael have sex? Does she know? What if she doesn’t? How could she not if they did?’ These thoughts rushed Liz’s mind but then the thought that Michael could have sex with Maria and not say anything about his alien status to her Liz said, “That Jerk,” aloud. She was about to go stomping into gym and make herself known to Max but she didn’t have to.

“I hope that’s not directed towards me,” Max whispered as he came up behind Liz and wrapped his arms around her waist. When Liz relaxed in his arms Max asked, “Liz what happened? Where have you been?”

“Uhh—no not you…your friend on the other hand…” Liz left rather open.

“Turning a more concerned eye to Liz, Max asked, “Did you see him? He’s here? Did Michael do something?” Max asked so concerned that it caused Liz to recall Michael was going through something big.

“Yeah I saw him, but no he didn’t do anything. I mean he may have I don’t know. It was just me. Never mind forget it. I came to ask you to lunch, but what are you doing out of class,” Liz said avoiding Max’s glare.

Pointing to the water fountain she was standing by Max then said, “Yeah, of course we can, but what were you doing that you weren’t in class this morning? I was worried…are you sure nothing happened?” Max asked but only got a cryptic smile and a half grin from Liz.

“Don’t worry so much you’ll get little lines,” Liz teased. She realized she didn’t really know what happened and didn’t want to start assuming anything. She’d talk to Maria before talking to Max; however, she was defiantly going to talk to Max about Michael and Maria’s relationship. If Michael was going to get serious with Maria it isn’t fair not to tell her the truth.

Max smiled and asked, “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. Now kiss me I have to go to class.” Liz gestured to her bathroom pass and said, “My teacher is going to think I fell in,” before she stole another kiss and sprinted back to class.


***

[behrluv32]

Enjoy and thanks for the bumps and/or fb

Alien_Friend
LairaBehr4
Cocogurl
begonia9508
Timelord31
& lurkers

Special thanks to stargazer md for sending me some microsoft programs



Chapter 20a

The ringing bell ripped through the silence of the classroom like a thunderous bolt of lightning through a quiet night. The air seemed to crackle in the small space as three nervous pairs of eyes caught sight of the time.

Lunch time was looming, but food was far from everyone’s thoughts. Michael picked up his geometry book and was out the door as fast as his legs could take him, but if he thought getting away would be easy, he was sourly mistaken. Max was hot on his tail with Liz not too far behind.

When neither Michael nor Liz had shown up for classes this morning Max was on edge. He was happy to have cleared the air with Liz somewhat, but now that left Michael. He figured Michael would avoid history class just not to feel Isabel and his worry or hear their questions of where he’d spent the night before. When Michael wandered in 10 minutes late to class avoiding Max’s stare, Max knew he’d have to chase Michael down if he wanted to get Michael to talk, but he didn’t think he’d actually be physically running after his friend.

“Michael,” Max yelled down the crowded hallway. “MICHAEL,” Max screamed this time loud enough to get a few heads to turn.

The last bellow finally stopped Michael’s movements but he didn’t turn to face Max. He refused to let anyone get to him today. When he felt Max walk up and put his hand on his shoulder he let out a faint, “What?”

Max walked to face Michael while gesturing to Liz to give him a minute. He knew he probably wouldn’t have much time before Michael tried to bail again so he went straight to the point, “I’m not trying to tell you what to do. I know you’re going to do what you want or feel is right anyway so there is no point, but Isabel and I care about what happens to you. Please don’t block us out or assume we don’t care, because we do. If you need or want anything you know where we are, you’re my family, my blood, my brother and nothing is going to change that,” Max finished finally catching Michael’s eyes. He removed his hand from Michael’s shoulder at his nod of acceptance or possibly just mild recognition Max was not very sure, but he took what he could get.

“Look, I kind of got plans right now, so I’ll see you in class.” Michael said in a somber tone. He tried to pull a reassuring smile as he said, “I’m fine really, plus your girlfriend’s waiting for you,” before heading to the bleacher to meet Maria.
***

Liz walked up to Max then knowing they had a lot to still talk about but not too sure if now was the best time. Reaching up to wrap her arms around Max’s tense shoulders, Liz needled his neck a bit and gave Max a slow kiss in efforts to ease his worries. “Is he okay?” Liz asked genuinely concerned.

“No, but he will be. I’ll do my best to see that he will be,” was Max’s vague reply but Liz didn’t push the topic. Instead, Liz dragged him to a secluded area on the top floor of their school’s library. Between the rows of stacks was a small two seat couch meant to be used as a comfortable study area.

Grabbing her backpack Liz pulled out a couple of brown paper bags. “I brought us some food from the Crash. I have a few Astro-Clubs, Men-in-Blackberry pie and I got you a cherry coke too,” Liz said happy to see the smile on Max’s face grow.

They ate their lunches in relative silence before Max opened up the conversation. “So uh, why didn’t you go show up to class this morning?” Max was rather worried that Liz was more nervous about his alien status then she’d let on.

“Oh yeah, about that…well mom and I had a talk, a long talk actually. It was about a lot of different stuff I guess but mostly about you and my dad.”

“Okay. Do you want to talk about it?”

“No, not really, but there is something I want to show you.” Turning her back to him, Liz lifted up her hair to show her neck to Max. “Do you see that silver thumb print on there,” she said gesturing to the expanse of her neck, “I checked the rest of my head and I have all this silver kind of glow on my scalp. I think it’s your hand print from the healing.” When Liz turned back to face Max she never expected the look she saw on his face. “Max?”

He didn’t know what to say though. Max looked at Liz expressing all his fear and sadness in just one sentence, “I’m so sorry. I am so…”

“Don’t even Max. I’m just showing you what’s there because I thought you should know and might tell me what it is. I don’t know or care that it’s there. It may or may not go away, but if it has to be there because you healed me I’m fine with that,” Liz said with sincerity.

“Can I see it again?” Max asked hesitantly. At Liz’s nod Max examined Liz’s head a little more fully placing his hand following the silver on her scalp. “I think your right. Does it hurt? Do you feel different?”

Liz turned to Max with a smile and said, “No it doesn’t hurt, but yes I do feel different.” At Max’s confused expression Liz placed herself onto Max’s lap, put her arms around his neck and said, “Ever since you left this morning I haven’t been able to think of anything but kissing my boyfriend.”

***

Isabel’s eyes went wide when she heard Max and Liz’s conversation. She had hoped Max and Michael would show up at their usual lunch table, but when neither showed up she finished eating and came to the library. She was looking for a book she needed for a psych paper, until Max’s voice caught her ear.

“Can I see it again? I think your right. Does it hurt? Do you feel different?”

When Isabel caught sight of Liz on Max’s lap through the stack of books she couldn’t stop the disgusted look that crossed her face. She wanted to find her book quickly and get far away from them before she had to see anything else. Liz’s next words caught her attention though and realization dawned on her.

“No it doesn’t hurt, but yes I do feel different. Ever since you left this morning I haven’t been able to think of anything but kissing my boyfriend.”

‘Max wouldn’t have been dumb enough to sleep with her, would he?’ Isabel thought too stunned for words. With everything that was going on now with Michael she couldn’t believe how stupid and careless Max was being, especially after all the drama with their parents about his and Liz’s relationship, and the sex talk that shall never be mentioned again, Max still managed to sleep with her. She knew that he must really care about Liz to risk her finding out the truth about them or he was your average horn dog. Hearing her bother moan out Liz’s name took Isabel out of her reverie. Deciding the book wasn’t worth all this added stress, Isabel left the library with thoughts of how to her deal with her brothers on her mind.

***

Michael and Maria spend their lunch time eating under the bleachers. No words were spoken between them throughout their meal, but when Maria moved to sit between his legs and Michael took her into his arms without any protest Maria smiled. She felt she was finally getting through to him and it made her happy.

Michael placed a kiss on Maria’s cheek as she snuggled into his chest. He held her while trying to ignore the guilt that was slowly nagging him. He knew Maria cared about him and he cared for her too, but he also knew she’d feel a lot differently if she knew what he really was and that he had little intention of staying in Roswell for very long. He refused to think about that now though, but he did want to remind himself to have a talk with Max soon. This thing with Maria was going places he wasn’t sure he was ready for or even wanted to go.

***

The rest of the school day went on without much fuss. Everyone went to their classes and acted as if nothing were going on and when the school day ended Maria offered to drop off Michael at home. After a slight fuss Michael reluctantly agreed.

“You don’t have to keep acting like this with me Michael. Even if you want to admit it or not, I know a lot more about you than you think. I don’t care where you live or whatever it is you think you have to hide from me,” Maria went on as she entered the trailer park. “Plus, I’ve known exactly where you’ve lived since before we’ve started this whole…” the words died on her tongue when Maria pulled up to where Michael trailer used to be.

Jumping out of the car Michael walked out to the pile of his stuff that was lying on the ground. On top of his bag was a folded up note.

Maria walked up behind Michael. If she wondered at all about what was going on or what was written on that note all she had to do was see it in Michael’s reaction. Her heart constricted at the sight before her. Reaching out to touch his shoulder Maria whispered, “Michael.”

Michael crumbled up the note and tossed it before shrugging off Maria’s hand. “Don’t…whatever you’re thinking about saying just don’t.” He walked off, leaving his stuff with a confused Maria in his wake.

“Where are you going?” Maria yelled out.

Michael didn’t answer though. He wouldn’t have known what to say anyway. He just walked without looking back, not really thinking about any one thing; he just walked.

Curiosity won the best of Maria and before she could stop herself she picked up crumbled up piece of paper.

I got my last check today. I left you all your stuff. I’m done.
~Hank

“Oh, Michael.” Maria was furious and heartbroken at the same time. How could someone do that? Now she knew whatever happened last night to make Michael so upset must have had something to do with his dad. Maria ripped the note into pieces, threw Michael’s stuff into her trunk and went off after him.

Hearing the Jetta pull up beside him Michael didn’t even bother to face Maria as he said, “Don’t you have to get to work or something? I’ll figure this out on my own.”

Michael would have kept on too but Maria’s next words stopped him. He knew she wasn’t lying when she said, “You can walk as far as you’d like but I’m going to just drive right beside you. So get in the car or not but I’m not leaving you Michael. All your stuff is already in my trunk so you may as well get in.”

Maria held her smile as Michael got into her car.

“You want to come to my place. I mean I know my mom, if we just explain…”

“Look Maria, that’s nice it really is, but I’m not your mom’s favorite person right now. It’s fine. I’ll just stay at Max’s for a while. I stay there a lot anyway,” Michael shrugged off the whole incident like it was nothing. He was trying to detach himself from everything, but Maria wasn’t buying it.

“Don’t do this to us Michael…”

“What do you want from me? I don’t have time to deal with your damn insecurities about our relationship,” Michael bellowed in the car.

“Because of everything that’s going on I’m going to let that go,” was Maria’s quick reply. She was secretly a bit happy that he called whatever they are in a relationship and that he was at least letting her help him. If she had to put up with his attitude for a while she’d take it. She knew what it felt like to be abandoned by a parent, but at least she still had her mom. She knew all Michael had was Max and Isabel and she was determined to make him see her as the third person on that list, and after the last two days she already felt like she was getting closer to there.

***

The rest of the drive to the Evans’ home held in silence. When Maria had tried to mention telling the sheriff, Michael was quick to be defensive, so she dropped the topic. When they reached the Evans’ Michael kissed her. He kissed with a passion she’d never felt from him before, not even last night, and she didn’t know what to take from it.

“Thank you,” Michael whispered as he pulled away. He told her he’d see her later before grabbing his things and taking off. Maria left when she saw him head to the back off the house. She was already running late for work and Liz has been waiting to speak with her all day, or so Liz said when she got into English after lunch. What Maria missed though was Michael stopping in the garage before continuing on through the back yard and across to the next few houses. Michael didn’t know where he was headed, but he’d be damned if he’d have to deal with more pity from the people around him. Not today anyway.

***

[behrluv32]

Thanks for the wonderful feedback; it's part of what makes me want to continue writing.

LairaBehr4
Alien_Friend
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Strawbehrry Shortcake
begonia9508
Cocogurl


Here's the rest of ch 20 so i hope you all like it




Chapter 20b




When Maria entered the Crash Down she walked directly to the table where Liz was taking Max’s and Isabel’s orders.

“Hey, Maria what happened? You’re late.” Liz commented when she saw Maria walking towards her without her uniform on.

“Yeah, I was with Michael actually?” Maria got the table’s attention then. Max and Isabel were both curious as to why they were alone together at all and Liz for her admittance to the fact. Maria turned to Max and Isabel then and said, “Look, I just dropped him off at your place. I think you may want to head over there now; he’s going to need a few friends right now.” Maria left it as simple as that before turning to the back room.

Max and Isabel both looked at Liz questioningly but it was Isabel who spoke up first, “Why would Michael go to Maria for anything?”

“You know I wouldn’t know, but I’d take her advice.” Liz said although neither Max nor Isabel believed her. She planted a kiss onto Max’s lips and pushed them on their way.

When they made their way out of the front, Maria came through the back fully dressed. Liz went directly to Maria and got straight to the point. “So you and Michael, huh?”

Maria only smiled, “This wouldn’t be what you wanted to talk about earlier by any chance?”

“Well, I went to go talk to Max third period, you know when he had gym, and I may have overheard a conversation.”

“Eavesdropping now are we? You know it’s not very becoming. I never pegged you for a snoop,” Maria chided in jest.

“Okay don’t tell me what was going on between you and your non-boyfriend all last night then I wont tell you what happened with mine,” Liz continued.

“Hah, you sound like me. I can’t believe I’m even saying this and if you ever quote me I’ll deny it, but Kyle was right; I am rubbing off on you,” Maria teased Liz. But then she got more serious and said, “Liz really, I’m usually always up for a gab fest with you, but not today okay. It’s been a long couple of days and I’m not there right now. I’m still not positive what Michael and I are but we are something and until we figure out what that something is I’d prefer to leave it alone. And I know you talkrd to Max and obviously know something’s up with Michael but I just can’t okay.” All of a sudden Maria was getting teary eyed and that’s when Liz knew there was definitely something bigger going on.

“Hey, hey hon come here,” Liz pulled Maria into the backroom and pulled her into a hug, “What’s wrong?”

“I’m sorry. *sniff* I’m just so worried about him and I don’t want to push too hard *sniff* because I’m scared he’s going to pull away and *sniff* I’m not having that…not after everything, b-b-but he’s going through so much right now *sniff* and I just want to be there for him.” Maria held onto Liz a bit longer before pulling back. Wiping her eyes Maria began to apologize, but Liz would have none of it. “Okay, but thank you. I do feel a lot better. I guess I needed that.”

“Hey, I’m here for you babe, anytime. I love you.”

“I love you too…Okay, okay, now let’s get to work. We have hungry people to serve greasy alien themed food to.”

***

Time—time seemed to be the only constant of the day even if every second that ticked by seemed to take hours. After Liz caught Maria looking at the clock for probably the millionth time that last hour she finally stopped her. “Look, it’s not too busy if you want to just go in the back and sit for a while or even go to Max’s and see what’s taking them,” Liz tried, but Maria shook her head.

“No, I don’t think I should and I rather be doing something. Anything is better than nothing and I just have this feeling, this bad…” the words died on her lips when Max walked through the front door with a troubled look on his face.

Liz and Maria hurried to him. “Max?” came Liz’s low question.

“He wasn’t there was he?” Maria asked though she knew the answer before the words came out of his mouth.

“Isabel and I went home to look for him and then when we noticed he wasn’t there we went out to look for him. We even went out into the desert and we stopped by the trailer park but…”

“It was gone too,” Maria finished for him.

“Guys maybe we should take this to the back,” Liz said leading her friends out of the main area and any potential eavesdroppers.

“What do you know Maria? This is really important to me. I need to know what you know,” Max pleaded. He was beyond concerned for his friend. He didn’t think Michael would just skip town on them but he wasn’t positive. Michael had the tendency to act like a loose cannon and he wasn’t in the best state of mind right now. Max didn’t know what he’d do with himself if Michael did decide to leave. Michael may have never considered Roswell his home but Isabel and Michael have always been his home and he didn’t want to lose either of them, “I-I can’t lose him, he’s family, my family and just tell me.”

Maria wanted to sob at the anguish she heard in his voice. She was so mad at Michael right now for what he was doing to her and his friends; she no longer felt it was in his best interest to keep what she knew to herself. “You know Michael was having problems with his foster dad?”

“Did Hank do something? Did Michael do something to Hank? Why do you even know this?” Max let the questions fly. It wasn’t like Max to be so jumpy but this whole situation had him nervous.

“Max just let her explain,” came Liz’s calming voice as she placed her hand in Max’s.

“I don’t really feel comfortable airing Michael’s business, but I am really worried about him. I—he’s in trouble and he doesn’t want anyone’s help. He’s so hardheaded...”

“Maria,” Max pleaded.

“Right, sorry. It’s that Michael and I have kind of been seeing each other on and off,” Maria said the words with her head down, she didn’t need to see the shocked expression that passed Max’s features as she continued. “That’s not even important; it’s just that he was really upset last night so he came over and he stayed with me, but my mom walked in this morning a-a-and she got the wrong… impression. She kicked him out and well it was kind of a mess.” She turned to Liz and said, “That’s what you walked in on us talking about Liz.” Then going back to Max she continued, “I knew something bad was going on but he didn’t want to talk to me about it.

I drove him home today after school and the trailer was gone. Hank just threw all this things on the floor and left. I mean he actually left, left. How could he do that? He left the coldest note,” Maria had tears in her eyes by now and as her knees began getting weak she made her way to sit on the couch. “I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know what was going on and Michael didn’t want to talk to me about it, so I just grabbed his things and put them in my trunk.

When I got Michael to come with me, I offered him to stay at my house, but with my mom, well... it was a dumb idea. But, he said he’d go to your place and it’d be fine. I though we should maybe tell the Sheriff, I mean he’s not that bad of a guy and he’s with my mom. We can explain it to him, but Michael will freak. Well, I dropped him off at your place and I saw him head through the side before I came here. I should have made sure he really went in,” Maria said the last part quietly to herself, but even she knew if Michael really didn’t want to do something he couldn’t be force to do it.

After hearing everything Max didn’t know what to say. Maybe he didn’t know as much about Michael as he’d thought. He had kept so much from him and Max wondered what other surprises this day had in store. Maria looked up at him wiping away her tears, “I want to know too. I want to know what you know because I know there is more to this,” when she saw apprehension cross his eyes she continued, “I told you everything I know. I think I deserve the same.”

“Okay,“ Max agreed with resignation in his voice as he nodded his head, “Hank was hurting Michael,” Max’s voice tightened when he heard the girls gasp, but he continued as if he’d never stopped, “he has verbally and physically for years. He came to school the other day with a black—,” Max stopped himself realizing he couldn’t explain to Maria why he no longer had the blemish. Coughing away his answer, “He just had some bruises and Isabel and I just found out. We were trying to get him to stay with us for a while and we wanted our dad to help him get away from Hank. But he left mad last night and we’ve been worried about him and where he went ever since. When Liz told me she saw him in school this morning I was just relieved he was around. I haven’t really talked to him except for a few minutes where he just said he was fine and would talk to me later. But that’s it. Since Isabel and I couldn’t find him, she decided to wait him out at our place and I was going to keep looking. I was hoping you could give me more information.”

“I really don’t know Max but,” She looked at Liz apologetically, “I’ll help you look. I have my car. We could cover more ground that way.”

“It’s fine. I have you covered,” Liz said knowing she had to go out there soon. They had left one waitress on the floor alone and knew that she was probably just too busy holding everything down to have stopped to get them. “You two go, I should head back anyway. Good luck guys,” Liz finished giving Maria a hug and a soft kiss to Max as they made their way out the back of the Crash.


***

It had been hours and both Max and Maria had scoured all of Roswell and a lot of the desert by now. They had kept Liz and Isabel in touch by phone but it was late and Isabel was at her whit’s end. She wanted to tell her parents or even report Michael missing, but Max held her back.

Maria was worried sick, but she’d already ignored over a handful of her mother’s calls and knew better than to stay out too late. She didn’t know what else to do and finally called Max as she was pulling up to her home. She spotted the Sheriff’s cruiser outside of her house then and was tempted to involve him, but she knew it wouldn’t be appreciated. “Well then you shouldn’t have made me so damn worried and maybe I’d listen to you,” she said the words to herself. She was so upset she couldn’t help them. Maria felt like she was giving up and when she was walking to her stoop. Once Max finally answered, she told him, “I’m home now, but if he comes by I’ll let you know okay. Please call me if you hear anything,” she implored. At his acceptance, he let Maria know he’d be going home too.

When Maria hung up the phone and her front door flew open, she knew she’d have to deal with her angry mother, but the emotionally trying day fell upon her like a ton of bricks.

“Mom,” Maria said exhausted, “Not now, please,” trying to hold back the tears, but when her mom persisted a lump formed in her throat and tears of frustration, anger, and fear fell down her cheeks.

“Maria? Honey, what’s wrong? Was it that boy?” was Amy’s first thoughts as she tried to pull her daughter into a tight hug. “Jim! Find that no good dog of a…”

“Mom, no it’s not…” Maria began, then with pleading eyes to the Sheriff she said, “He didn’t do anything.”

“Honey then what is it,” Amy began again.

“I think I should go,” came Jim’s reply as Maria nodded her head against his departure.

“No Sheriff, I need to tell you something,” Maria began. She was determined to help Michael whether he wanted it or not.
***


After hanging up with Maria, Max wondered if maybe Isabel was right. He’d have a talk with his parents tomorrow too if Michael did not show. This wasn’t about them being different this was about Michael safety and if he couldn’t protect him himself then he’d be sure to find another way. He needed to and Michael deserved it.
***

All staff and customers had long since left the Crash Down, but it wasn’t until this minute that she was finally able to begin to sweep up the floors and start to close. She would have started closing an hour ago, but a heart breaking call from Maria followed by a tired call from Max slightly hindered her plans. When there was a knock on the door of the Crash Down Liz couldn’t help but groan, “Can’t people read,” she mumbled to herself before yelling to whoever was at the door a snide, “We’re closed.”

When the knocking persisted, she looked up to see the last person she’d expect to see that night. Putting aside the broom, she opened the front door to a sheepish looking Michael Guerin. “Michael?” Liz said in a questioning tone. “What are you doing here?” She asked then.

“Uh, oh I saw that the lights were still on. I figured the grill isn’t on any more but do you mind if I buy a sandwich and stuff. Nothing’s really open now and I’m kinda…”

“You want to come in?” Liz offered, before Michael ran off. The conversation looked to be making him uncomfortable and she didn’t want to chance him saying ‘forget it’ and moving on.

When Michael made his way in, Liz began again, “If you help me out, you know cleaning up and all, whatever you want to eat is on the house.”

“Yeah, yeah I can do that okay, so what do you need.” Michael said liking the idea of a relatively free meal.

He didn’t want to say anything but he was starving. He hadn’t eaten since lunch and he would’ve kept wandering Roswell if his stomach hadn’t stopped him in his tracks. It wasn’t really too late, but it was Roswell and most places were closed before 10 p.m., the Quickie Mart was clear cross town and most of Main Street was dark by now. He was tempted to go over to Max’s especially since Maria’s was out of the question, her mother was probably stationed at Maria’s window with a machete or one of the sheriffs guns, but then he saw the Crash lights on and thought he lucked out. Although, at the window wasn’t the waitress he’d hope, he knew Liz would not mind letting him buy food. She’s let them all hang at the Crash before.

“If you could pick up the chairs and place them on the tables that would be a big help.” Liz answered his question as if she knew nothing of what had been going on with him. “Is there anything you want in particular? There are galaxy subs in the back and we still have a huge piece of double-chocolate chunk cake too,” Michael’s stomach answered for him with a loud grumble and Liz merely shucked. “I’ll take that as a yes,” she said walking off without letting Michael say a word. While Liz was in the back getting together Michael’s food, Michael was out front picking up the chairs that were still on the floor. She was tempted to call Max and Maria, but thought against it. She had a better idea.

“Wow, that was quick Michael. Geez, maybe we need to hire you here,” Liz said as she came out with his food. All the chairs were on the table tops and he even started sweeping.

“Here, let’s switch.” Liz put down his food at his usual booth before going off to get him a drink. “Oh I’m sorry I didn’t ask, it’s just cherry coke is Max’s favorite and so I got you this.”

“—S’okay,” came Michael reply through a mouthful of sandwich.

“Oh here’s this too,” Liz said handing him a bottle of Tabasco sauce.

Michael swallowed hard then looking at Liz strangely. Nothing he was eating warranted him needing Tabasco so he couldn’t help but give her a hard stare. “What is there something wrong? I know you and Max go through that by the gallon. I’m your waitress and your best friend’s girlfriend, I’ve seen him put this in everything from soda to pie. I’m surprised you guys don’t chug the stuff.” Liz said nonchalantly. “Don’t mind me but I’m going to finish sweeping while you eat. If you want another sub just let me know.” Liz said as she started sweeping again.

When Michael was about finished eating Liz decided to say the words she’d been holding since he walked in, “You know you have a lot of people looking for you,” when Michael looked up she continued, “Now, I’m not going to sit here and tell you what you should or shouldn’t do…”

“Good,” Michael said but Liz ignored him.

“… but I’d be nice if you’d call the three people that spent there entire afternoon looking for you.” Liz walked up to him then and pulled out her cell phone, placed it onto the table, and grabbed his plate. “I’m going to go wash this.”

“Liz,” Michael’s voice stopped her in her tracks. “What do you know?” he asked, the words coming out as a harsh accusation.

Choosing her words very carefully Liz began, “All I know is that you had your family worried sick. Max talks about you like you’re his brother, so to me that’s what you are and he and Isabel—well I’ve never seen two people more terrified that they’d never see you again. That is until Maria…” she didn’t elaborate when she saw his eyes widen, but before she went into the back room she said, “But you know what, call them or don’t because I’ll do it anyway; I care about them too much not to.” She let the words hang in the air a bit before saying, “It would just be better if they heard your voice for their own piece of mind, you know so they know you’re alive. But like I said in the first place, I’m not going to sit here to tell you what to do.”

When she was done with the dishes she peaked in to see Michael still staring at her phone. It hadn’t looked like he’d call anyone yet, but she’d leave him to his time. Making her way upstairs she quickly changed, grabbed a few things and told her mom of her situation, the edited version anyway. Liz told her mom, her friend Michael, his foster father skipped town on him today after beating him up a little. When her mom was all but mush Liz continued quickly until her mom agreed to her plan, now if only Michael were so easy to play off.

By the time she came back down the steps of her apartment Michael was making his way into the back room. “Your phone,” was Michael’s reply as he handed her, her phone as he tried to make his way out.

Liz stopped him though. “Did you make the calls,” she emphasized that she was talking in the plural sense.

“I’m giving you your phone back, aren’t I?” was Michael stark reply.

“Fine, now here is a blanket and some pillows. This thing here pulls out. Stay or don’t, but everything is here. It’s your choice. Whatever you decide, hit the lights after you do.” And with that she was up the stairs leaving behind a slightly bewildered Michael in her wake.

After getting into the apartment, Liz ran to her balcony to see if Michael had gone, but all she caught were the lights of the restaurant turning off and no movement from any door. She smiled to herself then and made a few quick calls. ‘Everything will turn out okay,’ Liz thought to herself. It just had to.



*****

this has nothing to do with my story but i found this on youtube yesterday and it's just this great little fluffy m/l vid that i loved when i saw it yes so i wanted to share

http://youtube.com/watch?v=HcRhtniUZOw

[behrluv32]

A/N

Just in case you've lost your place i'm adding this as a section. this is just a recap

PREVIOUSLY on Roswell...

Journal Entry 10

Today is Friday, November 12, 1999 and I just got back from dinner at Max’s. To say the evening was eventful would be an understatement, but then again I guess it could have been worse. In fact, the entire day has really been a trip and a half.

~~~

I know mom is just worried about me, but it’s just weird talking to her about anything that really matters. She’s hardly like grandma. I haven’t seen her in ages and I really miss her. She’d never judge me the way that mom does, she’d just listen and give me advice. That’s why this afternoon I just had to rush home and erase the principal’s message. Mom would never understand. Ever since her and dad, she has just been too weird when it comes to the opposite sex, so this is hardly the way she should find out about Max.
~~~

Liz's Room

Hey listen, I’m going to do freshen up, but before I forget the Friday morning after next I’m going to be going to New York on business,” said Nancy.

“Didn’t we move here to get away from business in New York,” Liz asked.

“Well yes and no, look I have a surprise for you when I get back but don’t even try to hint at it ok. I won’t budge, but I hope you’ll like it.”

“Okay. So the day after Thanksgiving huh, do we have any plans that day,” Liz asked

“Yeah actually, since it’s just the two of us and it’s just Amy and Maria, I suggested that the four of us all eat here at the Crashdown. Some of the locals have dinner here every year and I figured it is a great way to meet a few new people in town,” Nancy reasoned.

“Yeah that’s fine with me, it sounds like fun,” and it gives Max and me a whole weekend alone, Liz thought cheerily.
~~~~~~

Roswell High Hallway

Rolling her eyes Liz said, “What do you want, Kyle? I have to get to class.”

“Well, for starters, can you still help me out with that history paper? It really is kicking my ass?” Kyle asked sincerely.

“Yeah sure Kyle, I’m busy till Friday though, so how about you stop by the Crashdown Saturday afternoon,” Liz responded.
~~~

Crashdown Cafe

“I told you, I’m not from around here?”

“Where you from?” Liz tried although she already knew where this was all going. Max points up with his index finger and Liz says, “Up north?” Max points higher and Liz says the words she’s been trying to avoid, “This is ridiculous, I mean you’re not…you can’t be… You're not an, an alien, I mean. Are you?”

Seeing how Liz was slowly freaking out Max tried to be a bit comical though at this time he had no idea where the strength to joke was coming from, “Well I prefer the term not of this earth.”
~~~

Maria's Room

“Oh, my God!”

“Oh! Mom...”

“MARIA!!!” Amy screams as she sees Michael in Maria’s bed.

Maria's mom quickly makes her way to Maria’s bed and starts bopping Michael on the head with a rolled up newspaper. “Get out! Get out of this bed! Out of this bed! Out!”

“Take it easy,” Michael pleaded as he continued being hit upside his head. He grabbed his shirts and shoes that were semi scattered on the floor before rushing out Maria’s bedroom.
~~~

Liz's Room

“It wasn’t only my new job that brought us to New York. I mean that was part of it, but, your dad always wanted something more in his life.”

“More than us?” Liz asked sadly the question that had plagued her for years after her father left.

“No sweetie that’s not what I meant. Your father loves you; he loves you so much... I don’t know what to tell you, but you were growing up so fast and he was missing what we had in Roswell. He was watching you and moving from one job to the next I was working long hours and things just fell apart slowly.”
~~~

Crashdown Cafe

“You know you have a lot of people looking for you,” when Michael looked up she continued, “Now I’m not going to sit here and tell you what you should or shouldn’t do…”

“Good,” Michael said but Liz ignored him.

“… but I’d be nice if you’d call the three people that spent there entire afternoon looking for you.” Liz walked up to him then and pulled out her cell phone, placed it onto the table, and grabbed his plate. “I’m going to go wash this.”
~~~

“Did you make the calls,” she emphasized that she was talking in the plural sense.

“I’m giving you your phone back, aren’t I?” was Michael stark reply.

“Fine, now here is a blanket and some pillows. This thing here pulls out. Stay or don’t, but everything is here. It’s your choice. Whatever you decide, hit the lights after you do.” And with that she was up the stairs leaving behind a slightly bewildered Michael in her wake.

After getting into the apartment, Liz ran to her balcony to see if Michael had gone, but all she caught were the lights of the Crash turning off and no movement from any door. She smiled to herself then and made a few quick calls. ‘Everything will turn out okay,’ Liz thought to herself. It just had to.



...the next chapter will be up in a few days

[behrluv32]

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Chapter 21


Journal Entry 20

I'm Liz Parker. It's November 25th. Today is Thanksgiving, and after the week I have had I know what I’m thankful for; I can only hope my friends see how fortunate they are as well…

A few days earlier


*Flash Back*


“Max! What are you doing here?” Liz said as she wrapped her robe tighter around her waist. “My mom is in the other room.” A mischievous smile spread across Max’s face and Liz tightened her robe even more. “Max stop,” she said the words with so little protest that his smile widened. As he began stalking towards her Liz couldn’t stop her own lips from broadening. ‘Damn him for being so darn irresistible,’ she thought.

*Knock* Knock*

“Liz hurry-up. You don’t want to be late.” Nancy’s voice boomed through the door.

Liz eyes turned to follow the intruding voice, but she didn’t budge. When she turned back to Max he was nowhere to be found. “Max?” She whisper into the seemingly empty room and couldn’t help the full belly laugh that consumed her when she saw the tips of Max’s sneakers peaking from under her bed.

“Max you can come out, my door is locked.” she said but laughed harder when with a sheepish looking Max peaked half of his head out from underneath the bed.

“I knew that.” He said trying to play off like he did not just take a nose dive under Liz’s bed to avoid being caught in her room by her mother again.

“What are you doing here?” Liz asked again as she took a seat in front of her vanity and began to do her hair. “You’re not supposed to pick me up for another half hour.”

Ignoring her words, Max walked up behind Liz as she was reaching for her blow-dryer. He caught her hand effectively stopping her from her task. Her eyes caught his in the mirror questioningly. Slowly he moved his hand up her arms, to her shoulder, and continued until he had both his hands in her wet hair. As he soothingly ran his fingers through her hair a glow emitted from his fingers that had Liz’s eyes widen in surprise.

“Max! That’s incredible,” Liz said rising to flip her newly dried locks over her shoulder. “Are these some of the perks with having an alien for a boyfriend? Because if they are I have to say, I really could get used to your other worldly status.” Liz said with a wink and another peck on the lips.

Liz still was not used to Max’s powers, but he amazed her everyday. Max constantly surprised Liz and today was one of those moments where he just left her in awe. Liz planted a big kiss on his lips then, but pulled away when Max tried to deepen the moment.

“Wow if that’s what I get for drying your hair I think I’ve been short changed on the whole bringing you back from the brink of death thing.” Max said teasingly. “I think you should spend the next few minutes thanking me like that,” Max said as he fell into Liz’s already made bed.

“Max!” Liz gasped wondering towards her boyfriend’s high playfulness this early in the morning, especially after everything that had been going on with Michael the days prior.

Michael had finally gone to the Evans’ for help if not with a lot of turnabout first. Liz may not know everything there is to know about Michael Guerin, but she knew he didn’t do anything by anyone’s terms but his own. It was not until he felt he was good and ready that he made his way to the Evans’ for help or even accepted help from Liz for that matter. The day after Michael spent asleep in the back room of the Crash he snuck out early leaving only a haphazardly thrown pillow and crumpled sheet behind. Later, Liz learned it was to make his way to Max and Isabel’s home.

Max told Liz he and his family awoke to Michael cooking them all a large breakfast. Isabel was the first to find him. She was as surprised, if not more so than Max that Michael was there at all. After two weird phone calls one from Michael and the other from Liz the night before she was sure Michael would avoid them for another few days. Michael was full of surprises though and when the rest of the family joined, Michael swallowed his pride and asked Philip if he could help him live on his own. When Philip and Michael came to an agreement all that was heard was a squeal. As uncharacteristic as it was of Isabel, she was just so excited. She ran into her father’s arms and thanked him profusely and then bombarded a highly uncomfortable Michael with a large hug and a kiss. Max said it was the happiest he had seen her in years.

Isabel clung to both her brothers that day like it was the last time she’d ever seen any of them. She finally felt her family was coming together. That of course is not to say that she did not find the time to chew Michael out on the stunt he pulled the day before, but his gesture at breakfast that morning definitely bought him a few hours and a much lighter reprimand.

Since that day, Max had seemed so much lighter. I was like the weight of the world lifted off his shoulders for a while. His family was whole, the girl of his dreams knew him in and out and still wanted to be with him, he had a new job at the UFO Center, and school was going well ever since Liz started to help him out with his biology issues. Life was great, perfect even and it only seemed to be getting better. So when Max came into Liz’s room highly playful so early in the morning Liz was thrown for a bit of a loop.

Reaching out his arms Max said, “What is it so bad that I want a little kiss from my girlfriend.”

Giving in, Liz moved closer to Max and that’s when he pounced. He grabbed her robe clad waist and pulled her down onto the bed with him. He placed light kisses everywhere he could reach, kisses that had Liz giggling at the light feathery touches. When Max maneuvered Liz beneath him, he pulled back to look deep into her eyes before giving her a slow sensual kiss on her lips. Liz robe parted some giving Max a tantalizing view of the swell of her breast and Max had to hold himself back from getting too involved in this impromptu make-out session, as silly as he was acting he did come early for a reason.

“Max what is it?”

“You know you’re beautiful right?”

Smiling Liz could only sigh out his name. “I’m sorry. I just really wanted to kiss you, but I came here to tell you something.”

“Oh, okay,” Liz said rising a bit as Max came off of her. “So what’s going on.”

“I just came to say that I can’t take you to school this morning, but I already called Maria and she is going to swing by and pick you up after she gets Alex.” Max rushed quickly only now realizing how much time he’d spent here, he was supposed to go to Liz’s for a second and rush back to his dad’s office. “Isabel, Michael and I aren’t going to be in school today, but I wanted to see you first. We both have work this afternoon and I knew I wouldn’t get to see you till later tonight, so I wanted to come over and explain.”

“But why? And you came clear across town to tell me you can’t pick me up today?”

“Oh, well I know I could’ve called but I wanted to see you,” Max asked perturbed that Liz even had to ask.

“No Max, why aren’t you guys going to school today?”

A little bashfully, Max let out an apology before explaining his situation. “A lot is happening and I really have to go now, but the Sheriff called this morning. He got Michael’s trail pushed up. He didn’t think Michael should spend the holiday stuck in this situation and convinced the judge to see him early.”

“Really?” Liz asked a bit surprised, then realization dawned on her. “Oh my God, how much do you want to bet Maria had like everything to do with this.” When Max looked at Liz confused Liz explained, “Who knew there would be perks to your mother dating the Sheriff? Amy Deluca is the Sheriff’s girlfriend, so maybe Maria said something.”

“Oh I don’t know, possibly I guess,” a bit of a devious grin appeared on Max’s face then and he said, “Can I be the one to tell Michael that Maria’s mom had something to do with this. He’d love that.” Max never got to get on Michael’s case about being chased out of Maria’s bed by Ms. Deluca, but he was dying to get Michael on something.

“Max, don’t tease him. He’s going through a lot right now.”

“Are you serious? After all that he did when we first started going out? Do you remember the first night you came to my house for dinner and all the crap he said, and the first time you met my parents, and…”

“Yeah, okay that’s enough for me. I’ll keep my mouth shut. You can go get him back.” Liz interrupted, thinking she really didn’t want to know all the other times.

Falling back into his playfulness Max said, “Well, I don’t think I ever asked you to keep your mouth closed,” as he walked back into her arms to kiss Liz some more.

“Max, what’s gotten into you?” Liz asked as she pulled away.

Placing his palm onto Liz’s cheek, Max spoke from the heart. “I’m really happy. You make me happy and everything is perfect right now.” Max kissed Liz one last time before saying he had to go. Liz sent wishes of good luck to Michael and went back to trying to get ready for the day.
~~~

Michael became an emancipated minor that day and by the end of the week he even had a brand new apartment. Even though it was section eight housing, Michael still needed to come up with money to pay the rent, utilities, furniture, groceries and just about everything else, so he went job hunting. He didn’t have to go to far though.

Nancy and Amy offered Michael a job as a cook after school and on weekends. Michael, as graciously as he could, accepted. Nancy had not seen Michael since before he had spent the night at the Crash Down. He had come in and gone without her even catching a glimpse of him. She knew the last thing he’d probably want is someone gushing over him, but she could not help her need to find a way to help Michael. Nancy did not want to make him feel uncomfortable, but with the need to mother him as best she could, she got together with Amy and decided to give him a job at the Crash Down as soon as Liz had mentioned Michael needing employment.

She seriously felt for Michael and what he was going through, so when she offered him the job she did so with pay as equal to that of there regular cook. On the other hand, Amy sympathized for Michael but wanted more than anything to keep an eye on him and Maria. She did not trust for one minute the lines Maria threw at her about nothing happening between Michael and her, too many clothes were missing in the scene she walked in on, but since she knew Michael was going through so much and \she let it go. For now that is.

Maria was excited of course, but that was until they had their first day of work together. Those two can bicker up a storm, but they sure do find interesting places and ways to make up.

Michael now had multiple invitations for Thanksgiving. First, he was invited to the Evans’ where Diane was cooking a large traditional feast in preparation for the slue of Evans’ flying in from all parts. Michael didn’t really feel like doing that whole family scene, but knew he’d at least have to make an appearance to placate Isabel. Max didn’t blame Michael at all though, especially since he knew of Michael’s second offer.

He was invited to the cafe to spend it with Maria, Amy, Liz, Nancy and the Valenti’s apparently. Kyle and Jim had their meals there every thanksgiving as a tradition since Kyle was young. Amy and Maria decided to spend this holiday in Roswell in lieu of visiting Amy’s family, who are currently living in California, but they had invited Liz and Nancy to join in the festivities in the Crash, and now Michael as well. The Crash Down is supposed to be pretty full as the restaurant is kept open for the town’s people who don’t have anywhere to go on the holiday season or smaller families that forego the traditional for a night.
~~~



Journal Entry Cont’d

So much can happen from one day to the next. Life throws you all types of unexpected, life-altering, curve balls and you just have to roll with the punches. Yes, it’s a bit cliché, and oh so weird coming out of 'You got to have a plan Parker,' but good things…great things can definitely come from the unexpected. Whether it’s an old friend, turned boyfriend who ends up being from another solar system, loosing old baggage to allow you to gain a new support system through extended family and friends, or just the lessons you learn from experiencing life’s crazy hands, all types of wonderful matters can come out of unanticipated life events.

Tonight, when we sit around our food saying what we are thankful for I know what I am going to say. I am thankful for all my friends and family because above all else, I know they are all good people, even the ones that are a little green around the gills.

My mom’s going away tomorrow afternoon for her business trip to New York City on this long weekend, and I get to have this time with no work or school that I can spend showing Max how thankful I am to have him in my life and how much I appreciate him. I plan to show him just how happy he makes me too. As many things as I’m thankful for, what I want most of all is for Thanksgiving to be over with, so my weekend can begin.