Anything But Ordinary (AU, M/L, Mature) [Complete]

[Erina]

Thanks for the wonderful feedback! It seems like you are surprised. Good. More surprises to come.

Part 31

When Liz had found out about her pregnancy, she was shocked. Michael was angry, but her parents...her parents were speechless.

~ ~ ~

“You’re what?” Jeff roared, once he was able to speak again.

“I’m pregnant, Dad,” Liz repeated in a shaky whisper as Michael took her hand.

Liz had spoken to Michael at first. Now he knew everything and could support her.

“Jeff, you need to calm down,” Nancy said, trying to calm down her husband.

“Calm down?” he cried, “How do you expect me to calm down? Our 18-year-old daughter is pregnant, Nancy, pregnant!”

He turned back to Liz, “Who is the father?”

“It doesn’t matter anymore,” Liz said, “I mean...he and I ... we aren’t together anymore, so...”

“Liz!” Nancy interfered, “How can you tell us it’s not important? You didn’t even have boyfriend....wait a minute, you dated that boy. His name was Jeremy, right?”

Liz shook her head, “He isn’t the father,”

“It’s Max Evans’ child,” Michael said, instead of Liz.

Gasps were heard from her shocked parents as even Jeff sat down.

“What? How’s that possible?” Nancy asked.

“You didn’t even mentioned that you dated him,” Jeff pointed out, “Besides, as far as I know, Philip didn’t know about it either,”

Liz sighed, “It’s a long story, Dad. But Max and I...we aren’t together anymore.”

“Is it because of Tess?” Nancy asked.

Liz nodded.

“Oh my God,” whispered Nancy, “Tess was pregnant with Max’s baby. Just like you are now.”

Liz just nodded again.

“Have you told him about the pregnancy?” her mother asked again.

“No,” Liz said, “And I don’t want to.”

“How can you say that? It’s his baby as well, he has the right to know,” Jeff objected loudly. “How are you going to cope all by yourself, Liz?”

“I will find a way, but it’s better if we leave the Evans’ family alone,” she said. “Mr. Evans had given so much to us, money and… it wouldn’t be right to disturb him,” Liz said, uneasy, because she knew that they didn’t owe anything to Philip.

Jeff didn’t agree, “It’s his grandchild, Liz.”

“Please, Mom, Dad. I know what I am doing. I am...not in a very good relationship with the Evans’ right now,” she said. “Believe me, we are better off without them.”

“But,” Jeff said. “You’re only 18, Liz and… it’s tight with money right now. How we are going to do it? You had dreams. Dreams about college. What are you going to do now?” he asked.

“We are family,” Michael said quietly, “And we are going to help and support Liz,”


~ ~ ~

Her family had helped her. Especially Michael. He was her rock, even when Liz knew he still wasn’t open with her. Michael comforted her, but he didn’t allow her to help him.

Chris Michael Parker was born in the middle of the April.

Her parents immediately fell in love with him. It seemed like he somehow made her parents younger.

Although Jeff and Nancy from time to time still insisted that Liz needed to let Max know about his son. Liz said ‘no’ every time.

Mr. Evans had made it clear that he didn’t want her family near Roswell. In the first couple of years, only the thought of Mr. Evans pulled her away from the phone, when she wanted to call Max.

Then she found out about Max’s marriage to Tess. And Liz chickened out completely.

As days turned into weeks and weeks into months the thought about telling Max about Chris, disappeared completely.

It hadn’t been easy. Studying, working and dealing with a little child, were definitely challenging for Liz. But as hard it had been, Liz still had Michael and her parents, who helped her on every step. She didn’t know what could have happened to her if not for her family.

Chris yawned again, but his eyes were open now.

“Are you awake now, honey?” Liz asked softly.

He nodded, “Are we going to see Grandpa and Grandma now?” he asked excited.

Liz chuckled.

“Yes, sweetie, we need you to get ready and then we’re going to see them,” she said and chuckled again as Chris climbed down from the couch and ran to his room.

Liz followed him and dressed him, while telling him to be a good boy with his grandparents. She made him a light dinner and while he was eating, Liz picked up his toys from the living room’s floor and placed them in the box.

She had an interview for a job today, so she was going to leave Chris with her parents. He obviously loved spending his time with Jeff and Nancy, especially in cafe. They would give him some small tasks to do and he felt important. Like a big boy.

A couple of hours later, Liz was walking down the street, smiling. Her interview had gone very well and she was sure the job was hers.

While she was waiting for the bus, her gaze landed on the restaurant across the street. But she was suprised to see her brother there.

Even more. He wasn’t there alone. By his side was a blonde woman and the both of them were laughing.

Maria.

[Erina]

Thanks for the wonderful feedback. The bad news are that this is the last part I have written, but the good thing is...I'm writing more after I post this. I wrote the last ten parts like....weeks ago and now I have to catch up again. Enjoy the part!


Part 32


“I have been dating someone,”

Max gaze immediately fell down on his sister. His little sister.

“What?” he asked surprised.

After high school, Isabel had gone to college, studying fashion. She wasn’t a little girl anymore, but to Max she would always be his little sister.

“Yeah, his name is Alex,” Isabel said, “And… he is actually working with Dad,” she chuckled nervously.

“Really? What’s his last name?” Max asked, turning off his computer. He had done enough work for today, it was time to go home. But was the house he was living in his home?

“Whitman. Alex Whitman,”

Max smiled. He knew Alex. He was a year older than Max, and Philip had hired him just recently. Apparently Alex was very good with computers and Philip wanted to do some innovations in the current system.

Although the very thought that Isabel would date someone like Alex made him smile. They were different, but at the same time Alex and Isabel were perfect for each other. Alex was rather quiet, but he was funny and sweet at the same time. Just what Isabel needed when she needed to deal with someone like their father.

Max had been crushed when Liz had left. And Philip just was there, telling and urging him to do this and that.

And Max obeyed.

His relationship with Tess had changed after the accident. She was broken and she needed comfort and only Max could give it. Her parents were disappointed to find out that she had got herself pregnant and were basically ignoring her entire existence.

Philip took her into his home and Max returned home as well, despite Maria’s objections against letting his Dad rule his life.

The truth was...Max was tired. Tired of fighting against his father. Philip was so much stronger and more powerful, that Max didn’t have a chance.

And without Liz, none of it mattered anyway.

Max spent the remaining days of the summer with Tess, comforting her, and in the fall, he did exactly what his father wanted. Max started studying business and not so long after that, he was already working in his Dad’s company.

“I thought it would be great if you, me and Alex went to dinner together,” Isabel said. “I really like him and I want you to meet him properly,”

Max nodded.

“Just tell me where and when and I’ll be there,” he smiled.

Isabel shifted nervously, “I don’t know how to tell you this, but...I’d love if you didn’t bring Tess with you,”

Max sighed, “Don’t worry, Isabel. She is spending a week in NY with some friends,” he shrugged. “And it’s not like I wanted to take her with me.”

Isabel nodded, “Thanks, Max. You just know...that I’m not very...fond of your wife.”

Max remained silent. He knew his decision to marry Tess had definitely surprised Isabel and Maria.

Max and Tess had become closer. Somehow she had become one of his friends and Max was able to forget her horrible attitude, when Tess said she was sorry over and over again.

They talked about the lost child. They talked about his college life. They talked about many things.

But he never told her anything about Liz and their time. Those memories were only his to held and he didn’t want to share them with Tess.

He started trusting her again.

One summer night Max was in his room, drinking. It was his and Liz’s anniversary and Max felt nothing but pain. He longed to see her. To know how was she doing, if she had moved on.

He remembered Tess coming in his room and then everything… just faded away. He wanted Liz. He wanted to love and be loved. He kissed Tess.

When he woke up the next morning, his head was splitting and Tess was by his side in his bed.

Max was ashamed that he had tainted his and Liz’s anniversary by doing something like that. But he felt bad not only because of Liz. He and Tess had gone so well, becoming friends finally and now...he had ruined everything.

So Max made a decision.

A week later he proposed to Tess.

She had been so happy, smiling for days after his proposal. His father was proud and Tess’ parents had even come to their daughter’s wedding.

Everything seemed fine. Everyone was happy.

Everyone but Max.

He quickly realized his mistake in marrying Tess. He tried to be happy, or at least pretend that he was happy, but it wasn’t working.

Now he was just living from day to day, his life dull, hoping that Tess would leave and divorce him. He hadn’t touched her in a long time and now they were sleeping in two different bedrooms.

But Tess didn’t leave. At first, she had tried everything possible to make their marriage work, even mentioned something about having children, but Max remained passive. After some while she stopped trying and just enjoyed being Mrs. Evans.

Maria had been furious when Max married Tess. She refused to talk with him and eventually she stopped talking and seeing not only Max, but Isabel as well.

Max had once hired a private investigator to help him find Liz. They had searched for months, but nothing. The Parkers had vanished completely.

Max couldn’t find Liz and all he had were memories of their time together.



Ok...Please don't kill my main character.

[Erina]

Thanks for the feedback! Itzstacie is helping me with next parts, so a huge thanks to her as well.



Part 33

“He is asleep,” Michael said and sat down on the couch beside Liz, taking the newspaper in his hand.

Liz switched off the TV and turned to Michael.

“So, how was your day?” Liz asked innocently.

Michael continued to read, “Great. As usual,” he mumbled.

“Nothing new or unusual happened?” Liz continued to ask.

Her brother placed the paper aside as he looked at her curiously, “Liz, what’s wrong with you? You have never been so interested in my work,”

Liz just shrugged, “Nothing is wrong. I just rarely see you lately and I was just wondering if something was wrong,” she replied.

“Everything is great, Liz. And you see me all the time, I’m here with you and Chris almost every day,” he argued.

Michael continued, “By the way, when are you going to tell our parents about you moving out?”

She sighed, “Don’t know. I’m still not sure if I got the job,”

“It’s yours, Liz, you’re perfect for that position,” Michael chuckled.

“But I won’t move out immediately. I mean, I need to save some more money to find a good apartment for Chris and I,”

“Liz, don’t worry about money so much. You know that I earn enough and I can....”

Liz interrupted her brother, “Don’t even say it, Michael. You have helped more than enough in the last few years, I just can’t take more and more from you,” she argued.

Michael shook his head, “You’re just stubborn,”

Liz raised an eyebrow, “And you aren’t? You ask me to take your money, but you won’t accept my comfort,”

He groaned and stood up, “Please, not again,”

“Michael, years had passed, but you still don’t want to talk about it,” she pointed out.

Michael stopped pacing and looked directly in Liz’s eyes. She gasped at the pain she saw there.

“It is just..really hard, Liz. What’s there to talk about?” Michael asked and sat down again, burying his head in his hands.

“I killed someone,” he whispered quietly, “I’m a murderer, what’s there to talk about?”

Liz placed a hand on his shoulder, supporting him silently, “I know, it’s hard, but...you need to knock off this wall you have built around yourself. It’s killing you,” she whispered.

“I can’t just forget it. I killed a baby, an innocent baby. How could I?”

A couple of tears rolled down Liz’s cheeks. It was hard to see her usually so collected and strong brother so...crushed. But somehow it was exactly Liz wanted...exactly what Michael needed. He needed to let go all that pain and sorrow he had kept in himself for years.

“Besides,” Michael continued, “I have to thank Mr. Evans for getting me out of jail,” he spat out bitterly.

“Michael,” Liz whispered, but he didn’t hear her.

“I can’t believe that from all people, I have him to thank for this. He destroyed our family, but after all there is something I owe him,”

“We don’t owe anything to him,” Liz argued, her own anger towards Philip raising.

“What could have happened with our family if not him?” Michael wondered, “I would be in jail and...how would you have managed with a baby on the way and everything else?”

“Don’t think about it, Michael, you’re killing yourself more and more with thoughts like these,” Liz said quietly, “Don’t bring more pain, you don’t deserve it,”

“I can’t forget it, Liz. Sometimes I have dreams...nightmares. I see a small child with blue eyes crying and...I just can’t forget it, Liz. I never did like Tess, but I hate myself for bringing such pain to her. I mean, I hurt her as well; I could have killed her,” he whispered brokenly.

Michael continued, “I mean, what would you do if someone had caused you to loose Chris?”

Liz froze, just the very thought of it scared her to the death.

“But you can’t live with this for the rest of your life,” she said, “Eventually I want to see you happy. Married and happy with someone you love,”

Michael stood up again and wiped his eyes, “How I can think about having my own child, knowing that I have killed another?” he asked.

“I don’t have the right to have such happiness,” he added.

“Everyone deserves to be happy,” Liz argued.

“And what about you?” Michael asked suddenly, “Don’t you deserve to be happy as well,”

Liz frowned at the sudden change of the subject, “I am happy,” she replied, “I have a loving family and I have my son, I don’t wish for more,”

“I know you still haven’t got over Max Evans,” Michael said quietly, “You still keep the picture of him under your pillow and Mom had admitted that she hears you crying in your room from time to time, when you think no one can hear you,”

Liz raised an eyebrow, “Why we are talking about me now?”

“You want me to get over my demons, in order to start a life, a new life, but what about you? Five years have passed, Liz, five years and you still cry over Max. When you are going to get over it and start dating again?”

Liz was speechless for a moment, “It’s not that easy, Michael, I have a son to think about. His welfare comes first, not my dating or the lack of it,” she said back.

“Chris will start asking about his father soon, what are you going to say to him?” Michael asked.

“I will think about it,” she knew that eventually Chris would start asking questions and she dreaded that day.

Michael just shook his head, “You want me to get over the past, but you...you aren’t even trying to get over your own demons,” he pointed out.

Liz remained silent.

Michael still hadn’t told her about Maria.

[Erina]

Wow, I really love your feedback. But I'm afraid things in this fic won't be easy for some time. But I promise to make all things better.

Part 34

Max smiled as he made his way to his father’s office. Last night he had dinner with Isabel and her new boyfriend, Alex. Previously Max had known Alex from work, but last night they talked and talked for hours and now Max couldn’t help, but like him.

He seemed like a very open person, was funny and smart. But the most important thing...Max had never seen Isabel smile and laugh so much as last night. She seemed like a entirely different person, so carefree.

Although Isabel and Alex had been dating for months already, they both wanted to keep their relationship as a secret, especially from Philip, at least for a while. Only the thought about it, brought Max memories when he and Liz had kept their dating as a secret.

And like they all knew...their relationship had ended very quickly.

At some point Max had suspected that their father already knew about Isabel’s relationship with Alex, since he had found out about Max’s marriage so fast, but his sister had assured him, that Max was Philip’s priority and he didn’t care so much about Isabel.

Max only hoped that their father wouldn’t destroy Isabel’s relationship with Alex. She was happy and Max wanted her to remain that way.

Max knocked at his father’s door.

“Come in,” he heard Philip’s voice and went inside.

Philip’s office was huge, located in the top floor with big windows and an enormous desk in the middle. His father was sitting behind it, apparently just finishing talking on the phone.

“Maxwell, how’s work going today?” Philip smiled.

Max merely smiled back, “Great, I think we will have that deal Larson,” he replied.

“Good, good. I just got wonderful news, son, sit down,” Philip said.

Max obeyed and sat down, opposite to his father.

Philip pulled out a cigar, “Want one?” he asked Max.

When Max shook his head, Philip took just one for himself and lit it. Leaning back in his chair, he asked Max, “You remember Khivar, right?”

Max nodded. He had met Khivar several times. He was one of their biggest clients and Philip liked him very much. He had invited Khivar to dinner a couple of times in the last months.

And Max couldn’t help but dislike Khivar. Khivar was like fifty years old and he wasn’t married, besides Max knew that he was as cruel as his father, otherwise Philip wouldn’t like him enough to invite Khivar to his home.

Philip grinned, “He just asked for Isabel’s hand,”

Max stiffened immediately. This couldn’t be happening, just...couldn’t.

“We decided that the wedding would be in a month,” Philip continued.

When Max had regained his speech, he cried out, “What?”

Philip frowned, “What’s wrong? Isabel is old enough to get married,”

“But father you can’t do it.He is much older than Isabel and...Isabel doesn’t even like him!” Max objected.

“So?” Philip shrugged, “No one asks her to like him, only to marry,”

Max couldn’t believe how cold his father was, “Father, don’t you think Isabel won’t want to marry him?” Max asked.

Philip snickered, “Who asked what she is thinking? Khivar is rich and powerful and this marriage will unite our families. Imagine our profit!”

Max shook his head, “Why are you doing this? I married Tess because you wanted so, leave Isabel out of your plans,” he pleaded, “Let her be happy and marry someone she loves,”

“Come on, Maxwell, I thought you have forgotten all this crap about love and happy marriage years ago. Such things don’t exist. Besides Isabel is my daughter, she has lived under my roof and eaten at my table, she has to pay back,”

“She doesn’t owe you anything, Isabel is your daughter,” Max cried out.

“Max, Max, Max...it is about that Alex guy, isn’t it?” Philip asked.

Max froze. That only meant Philip knew that Alex and Isabel were dating. Already.

“He is no match for Isabel,” Philip said, “He just works for me, he doesn’t have money nor power. He is nothing,” he smirked.

“Isabel likes him,” Max argued.

“I don’t care, her wedding to Khivar is already being planned,” Philip spat back, “Better go back to work,”

Max nodded and walked out as fast as he could.

He had to do something. Isabel couldn’t marry Khivar, she would be crushed and unhappy for the rest of her life.

It was more than enough that Max had to suffer from an unhappy marriage, but he didn’t want the same fate for Isabel. No, she deserved more, so much more. Isabel deserved to be happy with the man she loved.

Not with Khivar. He was old and Isabel could be his daughter, how could he want to marry her?

No, Max said to himself and vowed that he would do anything in his power to stop this marriage.

Max made his way back to his own office, making plans in his head how to prevent Philip’s plans for Isabel.

Max opened the door to his office and froze.

“Alex?” he asked surprised.

Max saw as Alex stiffened and turned his gaze from Max’s computer to Max’s form at the door.

Max’s mind was running. What was Alex doing by his computer? He wasn’t supposed to be there.

“What are you doing here?” Max asked.

Alex had gone pale and as Max started walking towards him, Alex started closing down the computer, in order to prevent Max to see what he had been doing.

But Max was faster. He saw what Alex had been looking at.



Yeah, yeah...I'm evil.

[Erina]

Hey, sorry for being late with this part. But here is the part 35.

begonia9508 and flyawayraven - you're so right about Alex (and about Max in some way).

I have part 41 already written for this story.

It doesn't have any connection with this story, but yesterday I was remembering one of our class' trips (already five years ago ). The trip was for two days and we spent the night in old manor. Around midnight we were instructed to make groups of three people, then the first group was instructed to go out from our sleeping room. After 15 minutes the next group went, etc.
Well, wanna know what was there? We already knew that we would be scared, but...we went outside and it was so dark, black curtains were on the windows and only some candles lead the way. The first scary thing was when we were going down the stairs, they were very narrow and suddenly I could feel a hand closing around my ankle. It was so quickly, so sudden, that my heart literally stoped and I opened my mouth to scream, but the hand disappeared so quickly that nothing came out, lol. We went through the manor, seeing scary shadows and evil laughs, but...the best thing was in the end.
We all (three girls) were connected to each other, our hands were tied together. In the very end we could already see the exit, then suddenly...saw! I can say that I know how is it when there is a man (or woman?) behind you with a saw! Not a good feeling, I must say...I repeat, we all knew they were just scaring us, but..who cares when there is a saw behind you? We all started to run as fast as possible, exit was so close. But suddenly we all fell. There was mattress and we had to climb over it as fast as possible because the sound of saw was all around. In the end we made it to the exit, still screaming.

Ok, enough from me, here is the part.

Part 35

“You know you’re not allowed to be here,” Max said in a cold tone, “Even more...you don’t have the access to this information,”

Alex gulped.

“I could call the police and you would be arrested immediately,” Max continued.

“Max...I-It’s not what you’re thinking,” Alex said nervously.

“And what am I thinking, huh?” Max asked, “All I know is that this door was locked and my computer was off. You didn’t only break into my office, you broke in the system,”

Alex remained silent.

“I really love Isabel,” Alex said when some minutes had passed.

“Then tell me what you’re looking for here,” Max asked.

Alex gulped before answering, “I’m not...the person you think I am,” he said quietly.

“Continue,” Max urged him.

“Your father destroyed my family business and...my family as well,” Alex said, “I was only a little boy back then, five...six years old. We owned a land. A land that had been ours for generations. Then Philip came. He wanted to build some hotel and our land was the best place to build it. Philip wanted to buy the land from us, but my father was against it, no matter how much money Philip offered. My father was a farmer and he loved his land. It was the only thing he had, besides his family,”

“What happened?” Max asked.

“When my father refused over and over again to sell the land, Philip disappeared and we didn’t hear anything from him for a while. But then...one night I woke up from screams. There was a fire in our home,” Alex whispered quietly.

“Father was taking me out, but...the fire was everywhere and the house was crashing down. I couldn’t breathe, I was so scared. He pushed me and a moment later I was out of the burning house, but...he didn’t make it. He died,”

Alex paused to take a grip on himself and Max was silent, waiting for the rest of Alex’s story.

“After that not only our house was completely destroyed, but apparently the fire spread over the fields as well. We lost almost everything. My mother was crushed and I was still a little boy, so she sold the land to Mr. Evans. She took the money and we started a new life in other state. But she remained bitter and angry at your father, Max. Perhaps you think it’s stupid to blame your father for the fire and I...don’t have any evidence that he was the one who caused the fire, but...He wanted that land and he knew that after the fire...we wouldn’t have any other choice than sell it,”

Max merely nodded, still thinking about it.

“So, what are you doing here then, Alex?” Max asked later, “Does Isabel know your story?”

Alex shook his head, “No, I haven’t told her about my past. I know it isn’t like Philip is Isabel’s favourite person in the world, but...he is her father after all. I didn’t want to fall in love with her at first, but... I had and I don’t know what to do to stop these feelings. I’m afraid she is going to hate me once she finds out I want to destroy her father,”

“What are you going to do with me?” Alex asked a moment later.

Max sighed. The situation wasn’t pretty. He knew his father and Max strongly suspected that Philip was indeed capable to burn down Alex’s home. After all, Philip did the same thing with Parkers. And Liz.

“My father knows that you and Isabel are dating,” Max said.

Alex was shocked, “What he is going to do with me?”

“Nothing,” Max replied, “But he wants Isabel to marry one of our clients. He even started organizing the wedding,”

“What?” Alex cried and stood up, “He can’t do it! Does Isabel know about this?”

Max shook his head, “No, she doesn’t. But I’m going to do everything in my power to prevent his plans. I won’t let Isabel marry him,”

“What we are going to do?” Alex asked determined.

“My father won’t stop until Isabel and Khivar are married,” Max said, “The most drastic way, is for Isabel to leave the country, have a new name and a life, but even after this I’m not sure if she would be safe,” he admitted, “Our father has connections and spies everywhere,”

Alex nodded, “But there has to be a way,”

“But that’s not all I want to tell you,” Max said a moment later, “Years ago I decided to work with my father not because I wanted, but...I had to work in his company in order to gather information about his illegial business,” Max admitted, “I have been searching for years now, but I have found only some minor things, not enough to send him to the jail,”

Max hadn’t told the truth to anyone. Not even Isabel knew this. In the last years Max had done everything to gain access to more his father’s deals, even marrying Tess was some sort of opportunity to gain more authority in his father’s eyes.

But Max had been working on this for years and...he wasn’t even close. Max knew Philip didn’t include him in many deals, but Max didn’t say anything about this, not wanting to look suspicious. He could wait. At least Max thought so.

But it seemed like Max couldn’t keep a low profile anymore. Isabel couldn’t marry Khivar and Max was ready to sacrifice everything.

“Exactly what about you’re talking about?” Alex asked.

“Blackmail, illegal workers, him being tax-dodger,” Max replied, “But I don’t have any real evidence to this,”

Alex nodded, “I have been doing some research as well, breaking into the system and I suspect things are more serious than you think, Max. He is involved in drugs as well,” he said.

Max just merely shook his head. What kind of monster his father was after all?

They had to find a way to prevent more damage from Philip’s side. He had already destroyed many families. Alex’s family....Parkers....and Max knew there probably was more.

Philip had forced Max to marry Tess and now he was doing the same thing to Isabel.

But Max wasn’t 18 years old. He wasn’t naive and passive anymore. Max was ready to fight against his father.

[Erina]

Wow, thanks for the wonderful feedback! Sorry, if my updates are hectic in the last days, lol, but it's Wednesday now..update time! By the way, Max and Liz are going to meet at the end of Part 41.

extingman - you made some (okay, many) good points. most of them I will explain further in the story.


Part 36


Liz placed the phone back on the table and barely resisted to giggle and jump like a schoolgirl, finding out that the boy she had always liked had asked her to the prom.

No, Liz inwardly chuckled, this was much more serious than a prom. Just the thought about it put a smile on Liz’s face.

She was still disappointed that Michael didn’t inform her about his meeting with Maria. On one hand, Liz couldn’t help but feel hurt that Michael didn’t trust her enough while she had been honest with him.

Michael had known that she had been dating Max, back in Roswell and he was the only family member Liz had at her wedding. Until that day, he still was the only one in the family who knew that Liz had been married, if only for 24 hours. Besides, Liz had told him the truth about Philip.

Then why Michael was hiding something as serious as Maria?

Maria was a link to Roswell, thus she somehow represented it. Years ago, Liz had known Maria, bad talked with her, but had they been friends?

Liz had thought Tess was her friend, best friend, but that friendship didn’t end well.

Liz remembered Maria as open, funny and true person, but could she trust her? Could Liz trust her with her brother’s life?

Liz knew that Michael hadn’t told Maria about Chris, but if Maria had come back in his life, it was only matter of time. And then what? Was Maria still Max’s friend? Would she run and inform Max about his son?

Somehow with Maria, Liz felt jealous. Perhaps not so much jealous as scared...and doubtful. Michael had wounds in his heart and Liz wanted to help him, but he wasn’t letting her in.

Even after his emotional talk last week, he yet had to break the wall around him. And Liz was afraid he would let Maria in, leaving her outside.

On the other hand, those thoughts were ridiculous, Liz thought. It was selfish to feel jealous. If Maria could heal Michael, Liz should be only glad.

Liz had noticed how relaxed, content...and almost happy Michael had looked with Maria. He was leaning back in his chair, his tie off and his eyes shiny. And that beautiful smile on his face...

Even in Roswell, Liz had rarely seen him smiling like that. Michael had always been hard-working, so serious and collected all the time.

Recently, when he was spending time with Chris, just the two of them, Liz could see something in him. He was changing in child’s presence; he definitely looked younger and carefree.

Suddenly Liz heard the door open.

“Hi, honey,” Nancy said cheerfully as she and Jeff came inside, their arms full with groceries.

“Let me help you,” Liz said and took two bags from her mother’s arms.

Nancy was a beautiful woman, but in the first few years away from Roswell, she aged very quickly. More grey hair and wrinkles appeared, making her to look much older. Although Nancy had never lost her charm.

“I have to run back to cafe,” Jeff said after he helped both Nancy and Liz to place gloceries, “I should be back in two or three hours,”

Nancy smiled as Jeff quickly kissed her cheek and a moment later he was already gone.

“Chris is still napping?” Nancy asked then.

Liz nodded, “Yeah, we went to the beach this morning and I guess it tired him more than he wants to admit,” she chuckled.

Nancy briefly looked at the clock, “I better start making some lunch for him, he should be up soon,”

Liz started fidgetting in her chair as Nancy started making lunch.

“Mom?” she asked hesitantly.

“Yes, dear,” Nancy answered, without turning.

“I got a call today,” Liz said, “I got the job, I have to start on Monday,”

Nancy stopped cutting and turned around, “That’s so great, honey,” she hugged her, “I knew all along; you’re perfect for this position,”

Liz smiled and hugged her mother back.

“Does Michael know?”

Liz shook her head, “No, not yet. You are the first one to find out,”

“But there is something else, Mom,” Liz added.

Nancy’s smile disappeared at Liz’s serious tone.

“What is it, dear?” she asked, somehow worried.

Liz fidgetted again, “You know I’m an adult and I have a son....You, Dad and Michael had been helping me all along the road...with room, things, money and...just everything. Chris is growing and I have a job now, so....I was thinking that it’s the right time to move out,”

“What? Liz you know that we love you and Chris and we don’t mind helping and spending time with him. Your Dad and I love having him around,” her mother argued.

Liz sighed, “I know, but...it’s just .... time. I need to get control over my own life back. This apartment is too small for four of us,”

“We can move to a bigger one,” Nancy suggested.

“Mom,” Liz half-whined, half-cried.

“Liz, you have never lived alone and now....you have son. Are you sure about this?”

Liz nodded, “I know it won’t be easy, but that’s life. I want to have a home on my own. Besides, you two need some rest as well,”

Nancy sat down and slowly shook her head, “Your Dad won’t be happy about your decision,” she said.

Liz sat down beside her, “I know but I’m not a little girl anymore, Mom,”

“Then why haven’t you told Max about Chris?” Nancy asked, “Don’t you think he deserves to know? You are not being fair to him. He has already missed so much from Chris’ life,”

“I can’t. Just can’t. It’s been so long time...He is married and probably happy,” Liz argued.

“So what? He still deserves to know,”

“By the way, you won’t believe who we met in the grocery shop!” Nancy suddenly exclaimed, “Diane Evans!”

[Erina]

*cad* - well, you asked for the part.

So, you're surprised about Diane, huh? Let's see what you're going to say after reading this part. Enjoy another twist.



Part 37

“No, no, no and no!” Jeff said rather loudly and Liz was glad Chris was out with Michael. Her father rarely raised his voice and when he did...it was big.

“Dad, please, just think about it,” Liz pleaded, regretting idea to tell her father about moving out. But her regrets lasted only for a moment. She couldn’t live with her parents for the rest of her life.

Jeff defeated slumped back in his chair. His gaze fell on the family picture on the table.

Jeff sighed, “You are my daughter, my baby. You haven’t had an easy life, you aren’t married and you already have a four year old son,”

“I just want to help you,” Jeff said quietly, “I let you all down with Las Cruces deal...and we lost everything only because of me. I just want to repay,”

Liz’s heart sunk. She really needed to tell him about Philip. She was disgusted that after everything Philip had done to their family, Michael felt like he owed something to him, while guilt was eating their father alive.

And Chris...Perhaps only because of Philip, Chris didn’t know his father.

But Liz couldn’t give full credit of that to Philip. If she had been brave enough and come to Max...

What would he had done?

Would Max love their son? What if he was happy with Tess and the news about a son would only destroy his marriage?

Doubts filled Liz’s mind and she couldn’t control them. She loved Max and she adored Chris, but love sometimes just wasn’t enough.

“Dad, I’m not going away forever and I’m not moving to LA or another country; Chris and I...we will be still near you, near family,” Liz said softly, “You’re my family and my son and I will always need you,”

Jeff nodded hesitantly and pulled her in his arms, “You had to grow up so quickly,” he whispered.

Liz smiled, but inwardly she wasn’t as calm as days before.

Diane Evans, Max’s mother was in the same city as she and her family. What was she doing here?

The truth was, her parents hadn’t talked to her, therefore Liz didn’t know for sure if it really was Mrs. Evans.

They had only seen her in a crowded shop and they didn’t get any chance to talk.

Was it really Max’s mother? Max had told her that his mother was a very closed person and she had never left New Mexico.

And Liz started to doubt the very fact that Diane Evans was in Florida.

That wasn’t possible.

~ ~ ~

“Did you check this file?”

“Yes,”

“And Peterson’s case?”

“Yep,”

Silence.

“Larek. My father had been working with him....”

“Already checked and re-checked. Nothing there as well,”

“Damn it,” Max said frustrated and threw papers away.

Alex looked at his newfound friend with sympathy.

“I’m sure, he is going to make a mistake,” Alex said.

Max shook his head, “When? We need something. And soon. I have been working on this for years and I have nothing,” he cried frustrated.

Alex briefly glanced at the door, “You better control your emotions and speech, Max,” he suggested.

He nodded. Max and Alex were working, talking and searching in his office a couple of hours per day. And even the walls had ears...

“We are running out of time,” Max said defeated, “The wedding is in two weeks, I can’t let Isabel marry Khivar,”

Even in this situation Alex remained calm, “We will find something, I’m sure,”

But Alex wasn’t so calm inside. The woman he loved was marrying another man in two weeks. Alex just couldn’t believe how sick and inhuman Philip was. He was a monster and Alex briefly wondered how Philip managed to live day after day, knowing how much pain he had caused to the others.

When Isabel had been ‘informed’ about her marriage to old Khivar, she was crushed and both Max and Alex were scared she would start drinking again, although Isabel hadn’t drunk any alcohol in years.

But Isabel was stronger, than they had thought. She had listened to their plan about uncovering their father. In the end, not wanting Philip to be angry or suspicious, Isabel had ‘agreed’ to marry Khivar, silently praying that her brother and Alex would find anything on Philip.

Philip was pleased that Isabel had so easily agreed to marriage, while her mother had looked clearly surprised, but Diane still congratulated her daughter with the upcoming marriage.

But they were running out of time.

There was a knock at the door.

“Come in,”

Max’s secretary came in, “Mr. Evans, your father wants to see you,” she informed.

Max nodded, “I’ll be there in a minute,”

The secretary left and Max turned back to Alex, “I guess we need to finish today,”

Alex stood up and gathered his stuff, “Fine, see you tomorrow,”

Five minutes later Max was in Philip’s office, watching him. When Max had come in, his father was standing at the window, looking, no, staring outside. Minutes had passed, but Philip remained silent.

“You wanted to talk,” Max said, breaking the silence.

“We are delaying Isabel’s wedding ceremony,” Philip informed, without turning.

Max was speechless, Philip had wanted this marriage to happen as soon as possible.

“Why?”

Philip turned and Max was surprised to see that his father looked...sad.

“The police just came here,” Philip said, “Your mother’s car was found in the lake and....they think Diane is dead,”

[Strawberry88]

wow, yet another twist. when are we going to see Max finding out the truth!? i can't wait!!

[Erina]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm kind of surprised that you so easily (and fast) decided that Diane isn't dead.
*cad* - sorry, but I'm afraid they won't meet sooner than Part 41.

Part 38

“How are you?” Max heard Alex.

Max shifted in his seat. He hated the fact that he was there. He didn’t want to be at his mother’s funeral.

Max wanted her alive.

They weren’t going to bury Diane. No, the police did everything possible to find her dead body in the lake, but it was large and deep. His mother was lying somewhere in there.

Max hadn’t cried. He hadn’t let his emotions take the best of him. Max had to stay strong, no matter what.

But he missed her. Although Philip ruled his children as he wanted, Diane hadn’t protested, only agreed if needed.

Isabel and Max had loved her. Perhaps she had been the only hope they had in Evans’ mansion.

Now Max regretted the fact that he had barely spoken to her in the last years. She had been very closed and quiet woman. Diane rarely left the house, only to go shopping and in her entire life she didn’t travel anywhere far.

“I’m okay,” Max simply said, not wanting to talk right now.

Alex nodded and remained silent, but his gaze went to Isabel, who was sitting at the other side of the room, crying softly.

Both Alex and Max knew that Alex couldn’t go over to Isabel and comfort her, but how he wished just to do so!

But Khivar was not so far away from her, watching like a hawk and Alex couldn’t rise.

Khivar hadn’t been pleased when Philip had suggested to delay the wedding, because of the sudden Diane’s death, but Philip didn’t back down.

Right now they had a little more time. Six weeks. Six weeks until Isabel was to become Khivar’s wife.

~ ~ ~

“Hey,” Liz greeted her brother.

She wrote ‘bathroom’ on the box and went to her bedroom, starting the packing there as well.

She was finally doing it. Liz had a good and stable job and enough money to rent an apartment not far from her parents.

Michael followed her in the bedroom.

“Have you heard the news?” he asked.

Liz continued packing, “What news?”

Michael placed a newspaper in front of her, “Max’s mother died last week,”

Liz froze as she saw the photo of Diane and the small article about her death beside it.

Liz had seen Diane only once, at Max’s 18th birthday party, but it was enough to recognize her now, even years after.

She sat down on the bed, the newspaper in her hands and her eyes fixed on Diane’s photo.

She had been so beautiful...

“What happened?” Liz asked quietly.

Michael sighed, “Apparently, she lost control of the car and it went directly in the lake. They couldn’t find her body, but the funeral was yesterday,”

Liz smiled sadly, “It is actually quiet odd that Mom and Dad tried to assure me that they had seen Diane in the shop,”

“Really?” Michael asked, clearly surprised, “They haven’t told me anything like that,”

Something snapped inside of Liz, she had been waiting and waiting until Michael would talk to her about Maria, but he was silent.

“Oh, so you’re surprised, huh?” Liz said sarcastically.

Michael frowned at the sudden change in his sister.

“What did I do wrong?” he asked hurt.

“I saw you with Maria,”

Michael gulped, “It’s not what you think, Liz,”

“And what am I thinking?” she challenged him.

His mouth opened and closed but no words came out.

“Look,” Liz said, “I totally understand that you’re an adult and I have no right to interrogate you, but...why didn’t you tell me you are seeing her?”

“I...I wanted to tell you,” Michael said sincerely.

“Then why you didn’t?”

“We talked only once,” Michael said, “We bumped into each other on the street and one thing lead to another and we just started talking,”

Liz just nodded, letting him to continue.

“I apologized to her,” Michael admitted, “And I told her not to say anything to Max,”

“Have you told her about Chris?”

“No, of course, no. It’s your place to tell, not mine,”

“Besides,” Michael added, “Maria isn’t Max’s friend anymore,”

Liz was surprised to hear it, “Why?”

“Apparently they had many disagreements regarding his marriage to Tess ... and Maria couldn’t remain his friend,”

Liz nodded, not sure what to think about Maria, “Where is she now?”

Michael shrugged, “Probably in Boston,”

“Boston?”

“She owns a gallery there,” he explained.

“And what about you? Are you going to have a relationship with her again?” Liz asked.

Her brother chuckled nervously, “Why do you think we are going to be a couple again?”

Liz smiled, her brother still loved Maria. Maria was the one, he said.

“Go to Boston,”

“What? Are you crazy? I won’t go,” Michael refused.

“You love her, don’t let this chance slip out of your fingers,” she encouraged him.

Michael shook his head, “You don’t know what you’re asking for, Liz. What if she doesn’t love me anymore?”

“I don’t have an answer to that, but you’ll never know if you don’t try,”

[Erina]

Thanks for your feedback. I'm a little worried about this part, but...I don't think Philip's actions will shock you anymore, right?


Part 39

Liz smiled as she walked out of the airport. It took a while, but in the end Liz had persuaded Michael to go to Boston and find Maria.

Now Michael was on the plane, flying to Boston, Maria’s address in his pocket.

Liz only hoped Maria would return Michael’s feelings. If not... he would be crushed. Years ago Maria loved him, but her feelings could disappear...

Putting away the bad thoughts, Liz concentrated on her work. She had barely started working there, but the company was already sending her to New York, to Meta-Chem.

She was going there in a couple of days and Liz was wary about the upcoming trip.

First of all, Liz just had....this feeling, bad feeling. The previous time she had felt it, she and Max broke up.

On the other hand, Liz didn’t want to leave Chris, but she didn’t have other choice. She was going to be there for days, working and there was no way she could take Chris with her.

That would be the first time in Liz’s life, when Chris would be alone, without her by his side.

She trusted her parents completely, they would take care of her son, but Liz, his mother, still would be so far away.

But nothing bad would happen, right?

~ ~ ~

Max was tired, when he got to Evans’ mansion that night. He had been spending as much time as possible, looking through papers, searching...for hope.

He barely slept anymore. Max was too wired, too stressed. His mother’s death, Isabel’s wedding...everything was just too much.

And then there was his own marriage. He had seen the note on his desk from Tess, that she was back, but he yet had to meet her. Max was out of the door early in the morning and usually returned around midnight, when Tess was already sleeping.

That wasn’t a marriage. But it wasn’t hell either. Tess wasn’t bugging him anymore and since he barely saw her, he didn’t feel like he was married anymore.

Max went directly to his father’s office. Previously Philip had mentioned that he would go on a trip and Max wanted to find more information about it, hoping it could lead to his illegal business.

“I want grandchildren,” Max heard his father to say.

“And what I can do about it?” Tess asked irritated.

Tess, Max thought. What was she doing there?

Philip snorted, “You two have been married for years. You are healthy, he is healthy and young and I need grandchildren,”

“So? Max and I haven’t slept together in a long time,”

Philip sighed, “Tess, I thought that after everything you had been through, you would be smarter,”

The blonde fumed, “Don’t call me stupid. You did everything in your power to force him to marry me, but I can’t make him sleep with me,”

“Lie,” Philip simply said, “Just...find a way. When Max married that Parkers’ girl, you didn’t have any problem with faking your pregnancy,”

Max was stunned. What?

“It was different. Max would have found about it sooner or later, but fortunately that stupid Michael helped to solve it by getting me in that accident,”

“And what do you expect from me now, huh?” Philip asked, “I helped you with everything. I did everything to pull Liz away from Max, I destroyed her family and made an ultimate, so she had to leave with all her family; while you only needed to be in the right place and in the right time,” he reminded.

“We didn’t sleep together that summer,” Tess quietly admitted.

“What?”

“I did what you told,” Tess said, “I drugged him, but he was too drunk and he just passed out,”

Philip sighed, “Well, that doesn’t matter anymore; you two are married and you need to get pregnant soon. I hope you will find a solution when I get back from New York,”

“You’re going away?”

“Yeah. I need to take care of some business there and I have to do it personally,” he briefly said.

Max still standing at the door, barely breathing.

Oh God, how was it all possible?

Was all his life based on lies?

How could his own father do something like that to him? And Tess. Max had thought she had changed. Obviously he had been wrong.

Max had to find Liz. He needed to see her, to tell her the truth.

He wanted to explain her everything he had done in the last years. Why had he started working with his father, why he married Tess....

Why did he marry her? Even Max didn’t know the answer. He had been blind for a long time and trusted people, who didn’t deserve it.

Max was pulled out of his thoughts, when he heard Tess’ moan. He had been so deep in his thought, that Max hadn’t noticed the changes in the room.

Tess was on the couch, lying on her back, her shoes were still on, while her skirt was on the floor. His own father was between her legs, pumping in and out of his wife.

Max gulped at the disgusted scene in front of him and quietly slid away from the obscene room and away from the house.

Max wouldn’t show his father and Tess that he knew the truth now.

No, he had to plan everything before doing something. He would destroy the man who unfortunately was his father.

Max would go to New York.