Roswell Fanatics

So I had a little extra time on my hands this week ...

(oh, and thanks for the FB)


34

“So, Liz. I’ve seen that you’ve been busy since our last session…” Jan stated at Liz’s second therapy session.

“I guess you can say that.” Liz replied, blushing. She wasn’t yet used to the looks of recognition as she passed people on the street, or the journalists that kept coming into the restaurant hoping that she would eventually relent and agree to an interview. So, it wasn’t surprising that her therapist had seen her on Oprah as well. She had become an instant celebrity overnight – more so than when the horrible photos of her had found their way into the tabloids. Apparently being seen with Max on Oprah had validated her as a serious candidate for Mrs Max Evans, and not just a one-time fling.

“So how are you doing?” Jan asked.

“I’m great, really great.” Liz smiled. Honestly, she had been on top of the world since she and Max ‘officially’ got together. Life couldn’t be any more perfect at that moment, with the exception that Max had left that morning for Vancouver.

“And your relationship with Max?” Jan prompted.

“It’s going really well.” Liz began. “He’s wonderful … he’s so understanding and patient with me.”

“That’s fantastic Liz. What about your parents? Have you spoken to them?”

“No.” Liz replied. “I know I should. They’re going to find out everything once the show is aired in Australia, if it hasn’t already. I just … I don’t know what to say. ‘Hi Mum and Dad, just calling to tell you that I was raped four years ago and I’ve just told the whole world so I thought you should probably know too. So, how’s the weather?’”

“Maybe that’s exactly how it will go, but at least it will start the dialogue between yourself and your parents.”

“Maybe...” Liz replied non-committal.

“So tell me how did the self defence lessons go?” Jan asked, changing the subject.

Liz immediately smiled at the thought of being able to pin someone as strong as Michael to the ground, and the image of Maria failing in every attempt to throw scrawny little Alex over her shoulder.

“It went really well. I feel a lot more confident – less like a victim I guess.” Liz replied.

“And the group session?” Jan continued.

“It was good. I really didn’t want to go at first, but it was really great to meet other women who had been in the same position as me – or worse in some cases. Some of those women had managed to get through to the other side and actually have an intimate relationship with a man since then. It made me feel more confident about my own future.” Liz explained.

“So you are considering having an intimate relationship with Max in the near future?” Jan pushed.

“Yeah, I guess I am. I don’t want to want to be afraid any more. I want to live my life as much as I can, while I can. I think I’m ready to take that step with him. I trust him.” Liz admitted, before frowning from the sudden image that flashed in her mind of Sean pinning her to the ground. Would she never be free of him?

“Are you sure you are ready for that Liz? It is such a big step…” Jan replied – her obvious concern evident in her voice. “If you’re really not ready, this could take you ten steps backwards in your progress.”

“I’m ready.” Liz replied determinedly, although her voice faltered, betraying her second thoughts.

* * * * *

“Liz! I got the call!” Maria squealed, jumping up and down. “The music director called. I’m going to Vancouver!”

“That’s fantastic Maria. When are you going?” Liz asked, excited for her friend that her career was starting to take off. A music career, a baby, a fiancé – Maria had it all as far as Liz was concerned.

“In a couple of days. I can’t believe it. My music is going to be in a movie!” Maria squealed some more.

“Is Michael going with you?” Liz asked. She hadn’t really spoken to Maria since the engagement, but she was sure Michael wouldn’t be letting Maria out of his sights while she was carrying his baby.

“He wants to… but there’s a catch.” Maria replied hesitantly.

“What kind of catch?” Liz asked. She didn’t like the way Maria’s eyes were sparkling mysteriously.

“Well … technically Max hired him to be your bodyguard, and well, that would generally require him to be at least in the same country as you …” Maria began.

“That’s okay Maria, I don’t need a babysitter.” Liz protested. She surely wasn’t going to stand in the way of their happiness. And it was true – she really didn’t need a babysitter.

“Well Max seems to think you do, and we are not going to argue with the man. So we have come up with a solution. What do you say to coming with us?” Maria suggested.

Before Liz could protest, Maria started arguing in favour of the plan, “You would get to see Max, and where he works. You and I could hang out on set and ogle at movie stars. I hear Orlando’s got a supporting role …”

Liz smiled. Maria knew she was a sucker for Orlando.

“Okay, okay.” Liz agreed. “But, you didn’t need to pull the ‘Orlando’ card on me – you had me at the fact I would get to see Max.”

“So I take it things are going well between you and McDreamy?” Maria teased.

“They’re going better than well.” Liz smiled, but not divulging any more information. She wasn’t quite ready to vocalise what she was feeling.

“Excellent, because I’ve already bought your ticket. Get your bags packed honey – we’re going to Canada!”

* * * * *

“Liz hey.” Max said, answering the phone. “I was just thinking about you.”

“What were you thinking exactly?” Liz flirted.

“How much I missed not seeing you today. What have you been doing?” He asked.

“I had another therapy session. I went to work. Got gawked at on the street by strangers. The usual.” Liz replied flippantly. “How do you cope with all the attention?”

“Easy – I gawk at them straight back.” Max grinned. “They tend to get embarrassed and look away, or just ask for your autograph and move on.”

“I’ll have to remember that.” Liz smiled. “So what have you been doing today?”

“You know, the usual. I’m currently in Whistler, surrounded by awesome glaciers as far as the eye can see, and some of the best snowboarding runs I have boarded in a long time…”

“Sounds great.” Liz replied, trying not to get despondent at the charmed life he led in comparison to hers.

“… yet all I can think about is how much I’d rather be with you.” Max finished.

“That’s sweet Max. Thank you.” Liz smiled. He always knew just what to say. “How long are you in Whistler for?”

“Today and tomorrow. Then I’m back to Vancouver…” Max explained.

“Cool.” Liz replied, mentally jumping for joy that he wasn’t going to be in Whistler when she arrived in Vancouver.

“I’m sorry to cut this conversation short Liz, but I’m supposed to be on set in five minutes. Can I call you back later?” Max asked. In fact he was supposed to be on set five minutes ago, but Liz was worth running late for.

“Sure. I just wanted to tell you something.” Liz announced.

“What’s that?” Max asked – from the tone of her voice he could tell that it was something good.

“I’m …” Liz hesitated. Should she tell him she was coming to see him? Or should she surprise him? She decided on the latter. “I have a surprise for you.”

“What is it?” Max asked.

“I can’t tell you or else it won’t be a surprise. That’s kind of how these things work.” Liz teased.

“Okay, fine. So when do I get it?” Max asked.

“Very soon.” Liz replied vaguely. This was going to be good – he would be so surprised.

“Can you at least give me a hint as to what it is?” Max begged.

“Okay … its something that I think will make you very happy.” Liz replied.

“But I already have you.” Max replied. Liz was the only one who could make him happy.

“This is even better.” Liz replied. “I’ll talk to you soon okay?”

“Okay. Bye Liz. I love you.” Max replied.

“I love you too Max.” Liz said before hanging up the phone, unable to wipe the smile from her face. This was going to be so good.

“What’s got you so happy?” Serena asked, walking into the kitchen and dropping her bag and keys on the counter.

“I’m going to visit Max in Vancouver.” Liz smiled. “Oh, I’d better ask Amy for some time off, and cancel my self-defence lesson, and …” Liz started reeling off everything she had to do in the next few days.

“Stop. Breathe. Back up.” Serena ordered. “You’re going to Vancouver? How are you getting there?”

“I’m flying … oh.” Liz replied, it dawning on her that to get to Max she was going to have to get on a plane.

“Don’t panic. We’ll have you all set. You’ll be fine.”

“But when I land in Vancouver I’ll be green around the gills. That’s not really what I had in mind when I thought of surprising Max. ‘Hi Max, by the way, I think I’m going to be sick…’”

“Wait, you’re surprising Max?” Serena did a double take. This was not the cautious Liz she knew. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“Why not?” Liz asked. “You don’t think he’ll want to see me?”

“It’s not that … it’s just … nevermind.” Serena replied, attempting to dismiss the sense of foreboding that she had. “I’m sure he’ll be very happy to see you.”

“Me too.” Liz smiled. She couldn’t wait to see the look on his face.

* * * * *

“You’re late.” Tess stated. She was in costume, head to toe in ski gear that Max thought made her look like a short dumpy marshmallow man. Max in comparison was walking around without his jacket – apparently the wardrobe department had decided his character was man enough that he didn’t get cold.

“So what, you were taking more interviews, or are you just running late because it’s beneath you to turn up on time like the rest of us?” Tess demanded.

“Well someone got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning didn’t they? Or was it just the wrong bed? You have a habit of sleeping in places you shouldn’t.” Max smirked, referring to her previous bed-hopping.

“At least I’m getting some… I guess considering Liz’s past, she’s not going to be giving it up very easily. You must be going crazy having to go this long with any relief.” Tess replied, taking a step closer.

“If you take one more step I swear I push you down the steepest slope I can find.” Max warned.

“Touchy subject?” Tess smirked.

“Not at all. Just one I don’t want to discuss with you.” Max replied. Would they hurry up and start filming already?

“All I’m saying is that if you need something to tie you over until Liz is ready – I’d be happy to oblige…” Tess purred.

“Not if you were the last woman on earth.” Max replied before storming off set. They could call him back when they were finally ready to roll – from now on he would only talk to Tess if it was written in the script.

This is the chapter that prompted me to write the entire fic (a long time coming but we eventually got there). It was inspired by chapter 12 in Jodi Picoult's 'Picture Perfect' (although if anyone has read it, you'll see that it is only very loosly based on that chapter).

I should also add the appropriate disclaimer that I have again stolen someone's name from real life. In no way am I suggesting that Mr Pirates-of-the Carribean-himself is or is not anything like my character version of him in real life. I have used him in name only, just to help the characters in my fic again interact with the 'real world'.

I think my hints of foreboding were a little too obvious, but for those of you who didn't quite catch on, I'm sorry if this chapter is a bit of a shock (just when everything was going so well too ). But you can't have too much angst, I say!

So, I'm just going to post it and duck for cover!!


35

Max was rummaging through his wardrobe looking for a shirt to wear when he heard a knock at the door.

“Coming…” Max said grumbling to himself that he didn’t have time for this – he was already running late … again. This was becoming a bad habit.

“What?!” He demanded, swinging the door open “… Liz?” He said surprised, having to do a double take to make sure he wasn’t seeing things. Liz was in Vancouver?

“Surprise?” Liz said hesitantly. Max was standing there in only a pair of jeans and no shirt, and he did not look overjoyed to see her.

“It definitely is. Sorry, come in.” Max said, opening the door wider and stepping aside so she could enter. After closing the door behind her, he leant over to give her a quick kiss on the cheek. “It’s so good to see you.”

“Are you sure its okay that I’m here?” Liz replied hesitantly. She was picking up a very strange vibe from him.

“Of course it is.” Max replied, his face softening a little. “I just can’t believe it.”

Max pulled her into a hug, and then stood back and examined her. “Are you okay? You look a little pale.”

“I’m fine. Just not a good flyer. Do you have some Cola or lemonade or something else containing way too much sugar for human consumption?” Liz asked.

“Sure. Help yourself to anything in the minibar. I’m just going to go and put a shirt on.” Max said, leaving the room to attempt to find where he had left his favourite shirt. When he returned, Liz was looking a little brighter, and was standing at the window taking in the view over the park.

“Great view, huh?” Max stated.

“It’s beautiful.” Liz replied.

Max moved away and started looking for his wallet and keys. As he reached for his mobile phone, it started ringing.

“Hello? … yeah I know … I’m on my way.” Max said gruffly. “Five minutes, okay.”

Liz looked at him concerned.

“Sorry, but I have to go.” Max apologised, starting to hunt around for his shoes.

“Is anything wrong?” Liz asked. He was really acting distant. Maybe she shouldn’t have come…

“No … sorry. I’m just a little preoccupied.” Max explained.

“Sorry. You’ve probably got a million things to do today. I should have told you I was coming.” Liz apologised.

“No, I’m glad you came. It was a great surprise. It’s just … I’ve spent all morning trying to get into character for the scene we have to shoot today … and well, you being here is not exactly helping me stay in character.” Max tried to explain why he wasn’t acting like himself.

“Sorry …” Liz apologised again.

“Don’t be sorry. Believe me – it’s a good thing. My character is just a little angry today … and well, you couldn’t possibly bring that out in me.” Max smiled. “I promise I’ll be back to my old self tonight, and I’ll take you out on the town. Okay?” Max asked.

“Can I come and watch you on set? I’d love to see you shooting a scene.” Liz asked.

“Of course.” Max replied smiling. “No, wait, sorry, you can’t. I’d love you to be there, but Tess has demanded a closed set today.”

“Oh …” Liz replied. She knew exactly what they had closed sets for. Why did she have to choose this moment to visit? Now all she was going to think about all day was Max with Tess …

“I’ll talk to the director and see if I can pull some strings and get you on the set. But if not, why don’t you come with me to the lot anyway and you can hang out with some of the crew. As soon as I’m done I’ll come and find you?” Max suggested.

“Sounds good, but I wouldn’t mind freshening up a bit first though.” Liz replied.

“Okay. I’ve got to get down to the set now for my hair and makeup. Why don’t you stay here and use the shower, and I’ll send a car for you in an hour and show you around the lot before we start shooting. How’s that sound?” Max offered.

“Okay. I’ll see you in an hour.” Liz nodded.

Max gave her a kiss on the forehead and quickly left the room. Liz was left alone to survey what she had to work with. Grabbing her bag she started setting up, starting by making Max’s unmade bed, and covering it with rose petals. She then placed candles around his bedroom and throughout the living room. She called room service to order a bottle of champagne to be sent up at 9pm. She topped it off by placing a note on the dresser so that Max would see it when he walked in.

When she had finally put everything in place, she had just enough time to take a quick shower and get dressed before the phone rang to announce the arrival of the car to take her to the lot. Liz took one last look at the room before she walked out - smiling at how perfect that night was going to be.

* * * * *

When Liz arrived on set, Max opened the door for her and took her hand to help her out of the car. Liz couldn’t help but giggle at the sight of Max wearing foundation, a little too heavy, but necessary for the cameras.

“So that’s why you always look so gorgeous on screen … Do they make you wear mascara too?” Liz teased.

Max almost smiled – his lips curled up at the corners, but his only reaction was to tickle her in the side. Liz knew he was trying his best not to think about her, not to be happy when he was supposed to be angry. She didn’t want him to screw up the scene by not being able to stay in character, so she pulled her hand away and stepped away so there was a bit more space between them.

Max immediately took her hand back and winked at her, before leading her over to where some of the cast and crew were gathered.

“Hey everyone, this is Liz. Liz this is everyone. Janet, Cynthia, Matt, and I’m sure you recognise this man…”

“Orlando Bloom…” Liz finished for Max.

“She’s got a little bit of a crush on you I think.” Max teased, wanting to see Liz’s face go beetroot red. Liz didn’t disappoint.

“It’s nice to meet you Liz. Max has told me so much about you.” Orlando said, holding out his hand to Liz.

“It’s all lies.” Liz smiled shaking his hand, making a mental note that she would have to find out later exactly what Max had been saying about her.

“Are you here to watch Max in action?” Orlando asked.

“No such luck. Tess has demanded a closed set today and she won’t budge.” Max explained, rolling his eyes dramatically.

Orlando just nodded knowingly, and immediately offered to hang out with Liz while Max was busy.

“Are you sure?” Liz asked. She didn’t want him to feel like he had to baby-sit her.

“It’s no problem. I was just going to be sitting around with these guys anyway.” Orlando explained. “It’ll be nice to have some more interesting company.”

“Hey!” Janet and Cynthia said in unison, pretending to be offended.

“You always did have a way with the ladies…” Max observed, seeing the offended look on Janet and Cynthia’s faces.

“Girls, you know I still love you.” Orlando grinned, putting an arm around each of them. They seemed to accept the apology and battered their eyelids at him before heading over to the kitchen for some breakfast.

“Hungry?” Orlando asked.

“Famished.” Liz replied. She hadn’t eaten breakfast on the plane, so her stomach was beginning to rumble.

“Well I’ve got to get on set. I’ll come and find you later?” Max said to Liz, giving her a quick kiss.

“I’ll be here.” Liz smiled, before watching him walk in the direction of the big double doors.

* * * * *

Max smiled to himself at how amazing it was that Liz has showed up unexpectedly. If that wasn’t a sign that she was trying to move forward with their relationship he wasn’t sure what was. Especially since she had got on a plane for him – he knew how much she hated to fly. But why did it have to be such bad timing? Today was probably one of the worst days for Liz to see him acting. Thank God for Tess and her demands.

He had tried so hard to get into character for the scene he had to shoot today. It was going to be one of the hardest he ever had to do. But seeing Liz had made him forget the darkness he had tried to engross himself in, to the point that he could only see the beautiful light that emitted from her eyes whenever she looked at him.

He had spent all morning in the makeup chair willing himself not to think of Liz, but by the time she arrived in the car, she was all he could think about. He had been waiting for the car pull into the lot ten minutes before he knew she could possibly be due to arrive, and he had been nervously pacing in anticipation. Knowing that she was so close made him itch to be near her again. When she had pulled her hand away from him after getting out of the car, he knew she was only trying to help him concentrate on his character, but it was too late for that – all he wanted to do was to touch her.

Now that he walked onto the set, the furthest thought from his mind was his character. All he could think about was what Liz was doing at that moment, and where he would take her on their date that night.

‘Focus Max, focus.’ He berated himself. They would be here all day if he couldn’t get this scene right – and that would only keep him away from Liz longer.

At that moment Tess made her grand entrance with entourage in tow. Tess – now there was one woman he could count on to make him angry.

“Hey Max. I just saw Liz outside. I was a bit surprised she would have wanted to be here for this.” Tess smiled, and Max smiled in return, while feeling his anger rising.

“She’s not watching. Closed set remember?” Max replied.

“I’m sure we could bend the rules for your girlfriend.” Tess smiled devilishly. “I wouldn’t want to stand in the way of true love.”

Max didn’t reply, so Tess decided to continue to push the knives in.

“Is it killing you that she’s outside with Orlando, rather than here with you? They did seem to be getting on rather well when I saw them just now, and you know how good he is with the ladies… Maybe you were just a stepping stone all along – you know how these Hollywood groupies can be …”

“Let’s cut the chat and just get this over with.” Max replied through gritted teeth.

“No problem.” Tess replied satisfied. “But Max … remember this is just a movie. I don’t want you getting caught up in the moment.”

“That won’t be a problem.” Max promised, although he thought it may now be difficult because thanks to Tess, his anger was back with a vengeance.

* * * * *

Liz tried not to think about what was going on behind those doors. While she was eating breakfast with Orlando, she tried to focus on his attentiveness in keeping her mind occupied, but occasionally her eyes would drift back in the direction of where Max had disappeared to. In an effort to distract her, Orlando gave her a tour of the set, introduced her to more of the cast and crew, and Liz even got to spend an hour in the music department watching Maria recording the lyrics for her first song for the soundtrack. Finally she got to see Max’s trailer, where she couldn’t help but smile at the fact that Max had stuck a photo of her up on his mirror. She wondered how long he had had it there.

“You’re not listening to a word we’re saying are you?” Orlando smiled, having noticed Liz’s eyes drifting back to the double doors. Liz and Orlando were again in the kitchen, relaxing having some coffee with the wardrobe and makeup girls. Liz had been hearing all about how much they loved working with Max, because he never complained about having to sit in the chair for so long, and always took the time to talk to them as they worked, rather than ignoring them. Tess on the other hand …

“I am, I am.” Liz promised, returning her attention to Orlando.

“Look, why don’t we see if we can slip past security and you can see what’s going on in there?” Orlando suggested.

“Oh, no, we couldn’t … it’s a closed set.” Liz shook her head, but desperately wanting to see what was happening.

“Tess demands closed sets for having to bare any skin at all, even her little toe. It’ll be fine.” Orlando replied, standing up indicating for Liz to follow.

“Are you sure it’s okay?” Liz hesitated. Max had seemed as though he had wanted her to come and watch him, hadn’t he?

“Trust me.” Orlando grinned.

It seemed that Orlando knew a secret way into the stage area, and they managed to find a seat behind the camera crew, in the dark where no one could see them. Liz watched as Max discussed something with the director, wearing only a pair of jeans. Liz couldn’t help but notice the way his bare shoulders and chest glistened under the studio lights.

A few moments later, Tess stormed back on the set, wearing a black dress. Liz wondered what all the big deal had been about closing the set that day - she wasn’t showing much skin at all. The set cleared and Max and Tess got into position. Max whispered something to Tess and she seemed to smile gratefully. Liz wished she could have heard what he had said.

“And action!” The director called.

Max immediately lunged at Tess, grabbing her by the throat and pinning her up against the wall. She fought against him, trying to push him away from him but she was powerless against him.

“Where are you going?” Sean asked, pushing Liz back down.

“You’re beginning to scare me.” Liz replied.

“Let me go!” Tess cried.

“Not until you tell me what it was like to sleep with him. Did you enjoy it?” Max demanded. “Was he better than me?”

“Please stop.” Tess begged. “I didn’t…”

“Don’t lie to me!” Max screamed. “I know what I saw.”

“No you don’t.” Tess replied, and Max slapped her across the face. Tess whimpered and looked pleadingly back at Max for him to stop.

“Really? Next you’ll be telling me that you still love me – that you still want me… Well if that’s the case, I’m only too happy to oblige.” Max stated, ripping Tess’ dress open. He then grabbed her by the wrist and threw her onto the bed.

“I’m taking what you owe me…” Sean breathed in Liz’s ear, before restraining her while he undid her jeans.

“No!” Liz tried to scream for help, but he slapped her so hard that she was scared at what might happen if she tried it again. She tried to push him off of her with all of her strength, but she was no match for him. As she stared back up at Sean’s face, she realised that it was no longer Sean pinning her to the ground… it was Max.

“I have to go…” Liz said to Orlando, standing up and trying to remember how to sneak out the way they had come. As she tried to push past him, she accidentally kicked a chair across the concrete floor, making a noise loud enough for everyone on the set to notice. Everyone including Max.

Liz looked at Max like a deer caught in the headlines. Their eyes locked for a moment before Liz ran.

“Liz!” Max cried, pushing off of Tess and past the camera crew.

“Max!” Tess screamed at him, but he didn’t stop. His only goal was to get to Liz.

He pushed the double doors open, and was blinded by the light of the sun. He had spent too many hours couped up in the dark that morning. By the time his eyes adjusted, he saw Liz bolting to the gates.

“Liz!” Max called again, running to catch up to her.

“Liz!” Maria called, whirling around and finding Liz running towards her. Liz through her arms around Maria sobbing, and then put Maria between herself and Max – her only safety since she knew she would not be able to outrun Max.

“Liz …” Max approached hesitantly. Liz was squeezing Maria’s hand tightly, but wouldn’t look at Max, or answer him.

“I’m sorry …” Max began. “I should have told you about the scene… I should have told you about the whole goddamn movie.”

Max took another hesitant step towards Liz, and Liz took a quick step backwards so that Maria was forced to intervene.

“Hold up Maxie-boy. I don’t know what the hell is going on here, but I’m pretty sure that Liz doesn’t want to talk to you at the moment. So how about we all calm down and take this somewhere a little more private.” Maria replied, indicating to the crowd that had gathered around to watch a shirtless Max beg and plead with his girlfriend. She could just imagine tomorrow’s headlines …

“No.” Liz replied. “I have to go.”

“Don’t … please don’t go.” Max pleaded.

“I can’t talk to you right now.” Liz replied, only meeting his eyes for a second.

“It was just acting …” Max tried to explain. “That’s not me.”

“It had to come from somewhere.” Liz replied. “No one is that good an actor.”

Liz looked at Max in the eyes, and he was horrified but the absolute look of fear on her face. Fear of him. It broke his heart to see it.

“I would never hurt you…” Max promised, the pain etched on his face.

“How could you not tell me?” Liz asked. “How could you make me believe that the scene you were shooting today was no big deal?”

“Because I didn’t want you to think I was hiding anything from you.”

“But you were Max.” Liz stated.

They stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity. Liz wanting an explanation, and Max wanting desperately to find something to say that would justify his actions. But the truth was – she was right. He had deliberately lied to her. He had been doing so for weeks.

Liz was the first to break eye contact, and tugged on Maria’s arm. “Maria, can you take me home?”

“Sure thing babe.” Maria replied, giving Max a look as if to say that she wasn’t finished with him yet.

Max took a step forward, prompting Michael to put a hand on Max’s shoulder, giving him a look as if to suggest that Max would have to go through him if he wanted to follow Liz. Max was forced to watch as Liz and Maria stepped into a waiting car that drove them off the set. As the car disappeared around the corner, Max couldn’t help but think that it may just be the last time he ever saw Liz.

Thanks everyone for the fantastic feedback. I was so moved that I decided to reply to each of you (although I was more moved 30 minutes ago when I started posting this chapter but accidentally hit a button on the keyboard that made me lose it all!) So here we go again ...

Zanity - I promise to fix it ... eventually
Lairabehr4 - If it was easier, the fic would have been over a long time ago and then what would you do with all that free time?
Maya - Ummm ... not today sorry
sprayadhesive - ASAP isn't going to work for me ...
Dreamerlaure - I had you in mind when I warned that some of you wouldn't see it coming Sorry for the shock.
sylvia37 - Thanks for taking Max's side - it was never my intention to lay all the blame at Max's feet. And sorry, much more angst to come!
Begonia9508 - well I'm glad I wasn't too predictable!
roswell3053 - Hopefully you'll be satisfied with this chapter.
clueless - Where would be the fun in making it easy??
Jessibelle47 - Ummm ... you'll have to wait for the next chapter for that. Too much to write ... too little time.
trulov - You're keeping count? Impressive. And by my count, this may be the last time ...
candycane14 - very perceptive, but that was just me keeping my options open!
flyawayraven - stay tuned for the next episode ...
Addicted2AmberEyes - Not sure this part will be the 'key' you are hoping for ...
Behrluv32 - soon? where's the fun in that?
cassie - Hi, welcome. You are so right ...
Natalie36 - absolutely.
Erina - Max said what he did so that Liz wouldn't think he was hiding something from her. He obviously didn't think it through ...
mezz - not sure about the 'kindly but firmly'... more like a crashing down to earth!
Emz80m - You're absolutely right ... I hope I've conveyed that in this part
Alien_Friend - Don't like sad? I guess I'd better start apologising now ...
Tessa1982 - Hey lurker - thanks for coming out of lurkdom. A thousand times? So you probably would have picked up on some of those pesky inconsistencies that slipped through at the start of the fic... and I was hoping no one would notice!
elci - thanks as always for my regular bump!
Lairabehr4 - happy now? I can go and get some sleep or do all the things I should have been doing tonight if I hadn't gotten your message? Good (just kidding - you know I love your persistence). Oh, and since the next part is pretty much all written, you never know your luck getting a daily update for once! I'll say now that I do accept bribes ...

Saying that, I tried not to be swayed by the feedback to come back with a quick fix (to the point I had to cover my ears and cry 'la la la la I'm not listening!!'). I hope you enjoy this part anyway and appreciate the blood sweat and tears that it took to write this very long chapter (okay, maybe not blood or tears, well, not mine anyway, but there was sweat - a string of 40C days (that's over 100F for those playing at home). I think I'm going to go and jump in a cold bath now ...)



36

“Do you want to talk about it?” Maria asked. Liz had her face buried in the crook of Maria’s neck and had been crying for the past 30 minutes. Maria had been soothing her and stroking her hair, not knowing exactly what had happened, but from the short conversation she had witnessed between Liz and Max, she had picked up the gist of it. Max’s character had been abusive and it had freaked Liz out.

“I can’t get the image out of my head…” Liz sobbed.

“Max abusing Tess?” Maria clarified.

“No – Max abusing me.” Liz stated. The night Sean raped her played over and over in her mind, but now it was Max who was hurting her. She knew it wasn’t true, but she couldn’t shake the image from playing like a broken record in her head - Max pinning her to the ground, slapping her, forcing himself on her against her will. Even if they were able to work things out, how would she ever be able to look at Max the same way again?

“Max wouldn’t …” Maria argued.

“I know. That’s exactly what my heart keeps telling me, but my head keeps telling me something different.”

“Well, if I know anything about you Liz Parker, it’s that you usually go with your heart.” Maria pointed out.

“Maybe that was the old me… I don’t know if I can this time.” Liz admitted.

“Oh honey…” Maria consoled.

“The thing that I really can’t believe is that he didn’t tell me about the type of character he was playing … Didn’t he think about how it would effect me to see him up on screen raping someone? Didn’t he realise how accepting the role would appear to me as though he was condoning the actions of his character? It’s as though he didn’t care about me at all. How am I supposed to get passed that?” Liz asked.

“I don’t want to sound as though I’m condoning Max’s omissions, because I’m not, but maybe he accepted the role before he had even met you? Maybe he tried to get out of the contract but couldn’t? Maybe he has been trying to find some way of telling you what the movie was going to be about, but your surprise visit sped up the timeline he was working towards? Maybe his character atones for his actions in the movie, and Max’s role becomes one against the sexual assault of women?”

“Maybe … And maybe you should stop being so rational.” Liz almost smiled. Maria did have a point or two.

“Who would have thought?” Maria smiled in return. She was so used to their roles being reversed.

“So since you’re being the rational one – you have to tell me what to do.” Liz pleaded.

“It has to be your decision Liz. But, I guess what you really have to ask yourself is whether this is worth losing Max over? Has he hurt you so badly that he cannot possibly redeem himself? If you walk, will you get another chance at happiness? Or can you get passed this and the two of you finally live happily ever after?”

“I don’t know… I need to think things through.” Liz replied, abruptly standing up.

“Where are you going?” Maria asked.

“For a walk.” Liz said, grabbing her bag.

“Do you want some company?” Maria asked.

“No. I just want to be alone.” Liz replied.

“Okay. I’ll be here when you get back.” Maria smiled.

* * * * *

Max paced his trailer like a caged animal. He couldn’t shake the image of Liz looking at him with absolute fear. Was he that much of a monster? Had he ever given her a reason to believe that he would ever hurt her? Did she really believe he was capable of that? Was he?

Max paused and looked at himself in the mirror. The photo of Liz caught his eye, and a sob hitched in his throat. Then his eyes refocused on the image of himself in the mirror, and he was disgusted. He had hurt the only person that he had ever loved – all because he was too scared to be honest with her. He had lost everything because he was weak … a coward.

Picking up a nearby chair he threw it at the mirror with all of his strength, and then instinctively ducked as it shattered into a million pieces. Standing back up, he saw his shattered reflection in the shards that remained, and Max felt satisfied. Now the mirror portrayed a true reflection of himself - broken. Sliding to his knees, he buried his face in his hands sobbing.

“Max?” Michael approached hesitantly, followed by Orlando. They had been outside Max’s trailer debating whether or not they should check on him when they had heard the crash. “Are you okay?”

“No.” Max replied, leaning his head back on the wall, not caring that they could now see the tears that were streaming down his face.

“I’m sorry Max …” Orlando began apologising, blaming himself for what had happened. “I shouldn’t have taken her to the set. If I had known she would react like that …”

“It’s not your fault.” Max asserted. “I’m the only one to blame for this... Oh, why couldn’t I have just told her the truth when I had the chance?”

“C’mon, Max. She’ll come ‘round.” Michael promised.

“Did you see the look on her face? She was petrified of me. I don’t think she’ll be ‘coming ‘round’ any time soon.” Max replied.

“Have you tried calling her? Maybe if she just heard your side …” Michael suggested.

“I’ve tried calling her 17 times. I guess she really doesn’t want to talk to me.” Max replied dryly. “But if I knew where she was staying …”

“Oh no. I can’t tell you that.” Michael replied, back peddling.

“You were just telling me I should talk to her.” Max replied.

“Yeah, but that wouldn’t have gotten me in trouble. I’m not willing to provoke the wrath of Maria. She’d kill me if she knew I had helped you find where Liz was hiding out.”

“It doesn’t matter anyway...” Max dismissed the idea. “It’s hopeless.”

“Don’t give up.” Michael pleaded. He had seen enough of Max and Liz together to know that they were destined to be together. They were soul mates, and they both deserved to be happy. “So you screwed up. Everybody does. Liz will come to realise that you’re not the same as your character.”

“I don’t think she will.” Max replied, standing up and grabbing his jacket.

“Where are you going?” Michael asked.

“I need some air. I’m going to take a walk.” Max announced.

“We’ll come with you.” Michael offered.

“No. Thanks for the offer, but I’d rather be alone.” Max replied, walking out of the trailer.

“Max.” Tess said, immediately walking up to him on seeing him emerge from his trailer. She’d obviously been hanging around outside his trailer all this time waiting for him to appear, still dressed in her ripped black dress.

“Not now Tess.” Max dismissed her without a second glance, before walking out the gates.

* * * * *

Liz was sitting in a bar. An Australian bar to be exact. Liz found it almost comical that the place was called ‘Moose’s Down Under’ - she was pretty sure that Moose were not native to Australia, in fact, she could pretty much guarantee there was not one moose in the entire country. She wondered if she should let someone know … She also wondered how she could be thinking about something so trivial while her life was falling apart. What she really needed a drink, but there appeared to be no bar staff in sight.

“G’day, what can I get you?” The barman popped up from behind the counter as if Liz had conjured him.

Liz almost smiled. Well, at least the accent was genuine. Now, if only she could conjure a tasty beverage…

“Cosmopolitan.” Liz replied, trying not to make eye contact. The last thing she needed at that moment was a talkative barman.

No such luck.

“Australian huh? You’re a long way from home.” The barman began, recognising her accent from that single word. “What are you doing in Canada?”

“Hunting Moose.” Liz replied.

“Comedian too. It’s my lucky day.” The barman replied.

“Well at least it’s someone’s.” Liz replied.

“Rough day?” He asked, grabbing a dishcloth and shining the water spots out of a cocktail glass.

“Would I be here at 3 o’clock in the afternoon looking to drown my sorrows in the bottom of a glass if it wasn’t?” Liz replied sarcastically, but immediately rebuked herself - he was only trying to be friendly. She added more softly - “Yeah, rough day.”

“Do you want to talk about it?” He asked, starting to mix the drink.

“Not really.” Liz replied.

“Okay, how about I talk instead… I just found out my long time girlfriend of seven years has been sleeping around behind my back.” The barman began.

“Yeah, well I just discovered my boyfriend has been lying to me.” Liz replied. She knew how to play this game – a great Australian past time – how do outdo each other with tales of how much worse off you are than anyone else in the room.

“My girlfriend was cheating on me with another woman.”

“Ouch.” Liz grimaced. “My boyfriend is paid to kiss his ex on a daily basis.”

“Interesting job.” The barman replied, placing the cocktail in front of Liz. “Turns out my girlfriend used to be a man.”

“My boyfriend is Max Evans.” Liz played her trump card.

“You win.” The barman conceded.

“Oh, I don’t know – a girlfriend who used to be a boy who is now into girls?” Liz pointed out.

“Yeah, I made that up. I don’t actually have a girlfriend, but it tends to get people talking.” The barman confessed.

“Does it always work?” Liz asked.

“Surprisingly yes. So – do you want to talk about it now?” The barman offered again, using the dishcloth to remove water spots from the other glasses that were sitting on the counter.

“Not really.” Liz repeated, but she couldn’t help herself. “… I guess I just discovered he wasn’t the person I thought he was.”

“Are we ever who we say we are?” The barman asked.

“It would be a hell of a lot easier if we were.” Liz replied, staring at the cocktail within arms reach. All she had to do …

“Where would be the fun in that?” The barman replied in answer to Liz’s statement. Liz’s attention was instantly distracted from the alcohol she was about to reach for.

“Look, your boyfriend is a major movie star right?” The barman began, throwing the dishcloth over his shoulder. “They have their own set of rules that they have to live by. His job is a 24/7 deal. Maybe he’s still trying to find his feet when it comes to you.” The barman explained. Liz couldn’t help but wonder what an intuitive guy like that was doing in a bar on the other side of the world, girlfriendless no less.

“And besides …” The barman continued. “He’s a guy. We’ll only show a girl what we are really like once we are sure that she likes the guy we’ve been. By then, she’s so in love that she’ll forgive us for starting to leave the toilet seat up and for spending all day in front of the TV watching footy and drinking beer with our mates.”

The door chimed to announce the arrival of another customer.

“Is that why you don’t have a girlfriend? Your last one didn’t like the fact that you left the toilet seat up?” Liz asked curiously.

“No, she didn’t like my mates.” The barman winked before excusing himself to serve the other customer.

* * * * *

Max was walking down the street, trying not to make eye contact with any of the passer-by’s who felt it was their god-given right to stare at him like he was a sideshow exhibit. Generally he was used to it, and it didn’t bother him – all part of the job, but today he just wanted to be left alone.

To get out of the crowds, he made a beeline for the closest bar. It was quiet, thank goodness, still being 3 o’clock in the afternoon. Taking a seat at the bar, he finally took off his sunglasses, not worried about being recognised in such a deserted dive of a place.

“What can I get ya?” The waitress asked as she sidled over to where Max and sat down in one of the booths.

“Scotch on the rocks.” Max replied. “Make it a double.”

“Sure thing cutey.” The waitress replied, returning to the bar to pour his drink.

When she returned, and placed the drink in front of him, she stared at him for a moment, and Max braced himself for the inevitable.

“Has anyone ever told you that you look like Max Evans?” The waitress asked.

Max looked at her and raised an eyebrow. He wasn’t even going to attempt to deny it, but he wasn’t it the mood to encourage her.

“I thought it was you. What are you doing in a place like this?” She asked.

“Trying to drink in peace. Do you think you can help me out with that?” Max asked, not feeling at all sociable.

“Sure thing babe. Just give me a holler when you want another.” She replied, not at all offended. She was used to the moody ones who really didn’t want to talk. Actually, she preferred them. At least then she didn’t have to try hard to keep them entertained. It didn’t hurt either that they tended to be the bigger tippers.

Max stared at the drink that had been placed in front of him. He had never done this before – deliberately gone to a bar alone in an attempt to drink away his sorrows, but he figured there was always a good time to start… He momentarily felt a pang that he was being hypocritical, for wanting Liz to stop drinking so much when life got too much for her, and now he was doing it himself.

Liz.

Max glanced at his mobile phone again and there was still no messages from her – not that he expected there to be. He had blown it once and for all – he was sure of that. He had left so many messages on her mobile that her voicemail was full, and he just hoped that she would listen to just one of them. It may be the only chance he would have to apologise to her.

Looking at his mobile phone, he began dialling Liz’s mobile number. One more try couldn’t hurt …

* * * * *

Liz had been staring at the drink for over ten minutes, debating whether or not to drink it. On the one hand – she could enjoy a temporary break in having to deal with the situation she found herself in. For a moment she could stop seeing Max’s face hovering over her with malice. But on the other hand – she would still have tomorrow to deal with.

Liz pulled out her mobile to call Serena – she really needed someone to talk to despite her earlier protestation that she wanted to be alone. That was when she saw the seventeen missed calls from Max. She hadn’t even realised that her phone had been ringing, having had it on silent since sneaking onto the set. She was glad though – she probably wouldn’t have answered them even if she had heard it ring. She needed to think through how she was feeling before she even attempted to talk it out with Max.

There was an SMS from her voicemail system telling her she had a voicemail message. She stared down at the phone for a moment, wondering whether she dared to listen to it or not. Was she ready to hear what Max had to say?

Placing the phone on the counter, she stared at the drink again. One small sip wouldn’t hurt…

“Are you going to answer that?” The barman asked, pointing to her phone that was vibrating across the counter. Liz had been too caught up in her thoughts to realise it was ringing. She looked at the caller ID.

“No.” Liz replied.

“Is that him?” The barman asked.

“Yeah.” Liz replied, still staring at the phone.

“Allow me …” The barman said picking up her phone. Liz wildly indicated for him not to answer it, but he gave her a ‘thumbs-up’ and winked at her, the Australian signal for ‘no worries - she’ll be ‘right’.

“Hello, you’ve reached the Catholic Church Confessional hotline. If you would like to receive forgiveness, please press 1 and leave your confession after the tone.” The barman put on his best pre-recorded computer-generated voice, giving Liz another wink.

Liz then got more and more nervous as she heard the barman’s side of the conversation.

“… You can call me Chris…”

“Yeah, she’s here …”

“I don’t think I should say …”

“Yeah I do …”

Chris’ smiled dropped momentarily and he shifted nervously on his feet.

“Look, she doesn’t want to talk to you … so as far as I’m concerned, it’s non-negotiable.” Chris replied, although Liz could sense the hesitation in his voice.

“Uh, yeah, I guess I could do that.” Chris agreed, and Liz was curious – what was Max asking him to do? And she thought it was only women that fell for Max’s charm …

“He says he’s sorry.” Chris said to Liz, his ear still to the phone. “He’s says he should have told you the truth instead of being a coward… He says he’d do anything to make it up to you… Look, he really seems really cut up about the whole thing. Maybe you should give the guy a break. I’m sure whatever he did couldn’t have been that bad…”

Liz hesitated for a moment before reaching for the phone.

* * * * *

Max waited for Liz’s phone to divert to voicemail as it had with the previous seventeen messages. He was taken aback by the sound of a male voice on the line.

“Hello, you’ve reached the Catholic Church Confessional hotline. If you would like to receive forgiveness, please press 1 and leave your confession after the tone.”

“Who are you?” Max demanded. Had he dialled the right number?

“You can call me Chris.” The voice answered.

“Where’s Liz? Is she there?” Max asked. He didn’t know who this guy was, but maybe he could convince this guy to hand the phone back to Liz.

“Yeah, she’s here.” Chris answered.

“Where are you?” Max asked, trying to disguise the desperation in his voice.

“I don’t think I should say.” Chris replied. Max wondered how much of the story he had heard – enough to know that Liz didn’t want to see him.

“Okay Chris … do you know who I am?” Max asked.

“Yeah, I do.” Chris replied.

“Good, then you know what kind of resources I have. What would it take to convince you to pass the phone to Liz? Name your price.” Max asked.

“Look, she doesn’t want to talk to you … so as far as I’m concerned, it’s non-negotiable.” Chris replied, although not sounding completely convinced himself.

For some reason Max was somewhat warmed by Chris’ reply. At least she didn’t appear to be in the company of someone who was money-hungry and would take advantage of her.

“Okay… How do you feel about relaying to her everything I’m about to say?” Max suggested, crossing his fingers that this guy would do it.

“Uh, yeah, I guess I could do that.” Chris replied hesitantly.

“Okay. I want you to tell Liz that I’m sorry.” Max began.

“He says he’s sorry.” Chris repeated to Liz.

“I should have told her the truth from the start instead of being a coward.” Max continued.

“He’s says he should have told you the truth instead of being a coward.” Chris repeated.

“And I would do anything to make it up to her.”

“He says he’d do anything to make it up to you... Look, he really seems really cut up about the whole thing. Maybe you should give the guy a break. I’m sure whatever he did couldn’t have been that bad…” Chris ad-libbed.

“Give me the phone.” Max heard Liz’s voice and his heart leaped – Liz was going to talk to him.

Then his heart constricted as Max heard the dial tone.

Max stared at his phone in disbelief, before his eyes refocused on the drink that was still sitting untouched in front of him. Liz blatantly refused to talk to him, and he found it too hard to comprehend. Picking up the drink and sculled it like a thirsty man in the desert. It burned the back of the throat, but he enjoyed the sensation – the sensation that soon he wouldn’t have to see the image of her eyes staring at him in fear.

“Waitress.” Max beckoned, holding up his empty glass.

* * * * *

Liz stared at the phone in her hand. She had just hung up on Max. What had she been thinking? Faced with the possibility of having to speak to him, she had panicked, and did the only thing that she had the strength to do. It was a pity she wasn’t stronger. She could have at least told him to leave her alone – told him to go to hell – something at least, rather than hanging up on him without a word. What must he be thinking of her?

“He must have really hurt you, huh?” The barman said hesitantly, seeing the look of despair on Liz’s face.

Liz nodded, willing herself not to cry.

“I have to go.” Liz announced, fumbling for her purse to pay for the drink.

“Don’t worry about it.” The barman said, refusing her money, and taking her drink and pouring it down the sink.

Liz didn’t feel the slightest bit of regret at seeing the alcohol wasted. The truth was, she hadn’t been able to bring herself to drink it, no matter how much she wanted to. She knew that it wouldn’t solve her problems … just delay her having to face them. She had been so proud of what she had achieved over the last few weeks, that she was determined that she wasn’t going to relapse. She needed to sort through her feelings before it was too late, for herself and for Max.

“Thank you.” Liz said to the barman, before rushing out into the light of day.

* * * * *

“Max?” Tess approached hesitantly. “Are you okay?”

Tess had been able to track him down to this rundown bar somewhere down Granville Street with the intention of making sure he was okay. She had never seen him look so hurt, or so angry – even counting the time he had confronted her about cheating on him. He must have cared so much more for Liz than he ever did about herself. Normally she would have been upset over the realisation that he really didn’t love her, but seeing the damage he had done to his mirror, she was more concerned about what he might do to himself.

“No, Tess, I’m not.” Max slurred. He wasn’t sure how many drinks he had already had, but it wasn’t quite enough – he could still picture Liz’s fear, and hear the desolate sound of the dial tone. He raised his hand and indicated to the bartender that he wanted another drink. The waitress looked at him concerned but didn’t refuse him another drink.

“Max … I really don’t think you need any more alcohol.” Tess pointed out. “I think you’ve had enough already.”

“I haven’t had nearly enough Tessy.” Max replied, pointed at her dramatically, before staring intently at the end of his finger as though he had never really noticed it before.

“Max.” Tess said, grabbing his hand to force him to return his attention to her. “This isn’t going to help you in the long run. You need to resolve things with Liz, before it’s too late.”

“What do you care? Isn’t this what you wanted?” Max demanded.

“Not like this. I never wanted to see you get hurt.” Tess replied.

Max’s only reply was to slam down another drink.

“Well, it’s too late for that now isn’t it?” Max retorted. “She’s the love of my life, and now she can’t stand the sight of me – all because I am such a good actor.” Max sneered, remembering Liz’s comment and how much it had hurt him.

“Liz isn’t one of us. She doesn’t understand what we do.” Tess tried to explain to him. “Why do you think so many actors date other actors? It’s because only other actors can really understand what it’s like.”

“Then why do so many Hollywood marriages fail?” Max pointed out.

“Maybe because they fell in love with the character, not the person.” Tess suggested.

“Well then doesn’t that put a massive hole in your theory?” Max asked, searching the room for the waitress to bring him another drink.

Tess placed a hand either side of Max’s head, forcing him to make eye contact with her. “You don’t need anything more to drink.”

“Maybe you’re right … But then again, maybe you’re not.” Max replied, indicating to the waitress that he wanted another drink, and to bring one for Tess too. “Have a drink with me Tess.”

“One drink, and then we’ll leave?” Tess asked.

“One drink, and then we’ll see.” Max replied.


* * * * *

Liz found herself walking through the gates into Stanley Park. She had seen the park from Max’s window and had dreamt about how nice it would be to walk around the perimeter of the park on the water’s edge hand-in-hand with Max. Now she found herself there alone and it wasn’t nearly as romantic. Staring at her mobile phone she decided that she would listen to Max’s message. At least she could hear what he had to say without having to give an immediate reply. She could digest his words without being scrutinised for her reaction.

“You have seventeen new messages. Message one…” Her voicemail box lady began. Seventeen?

“Hey it’s Max. Please give me a call. We really need to talk about this.” Max’s voice sounded hesitant.

“Message two…”

“Liz. Please give me a call. I’m going crazy here.” Max sounded a little more urgent.

“Message three …”

“Okay. I guess you’re not going to pick up the phone. I just really need to talk to you about this. I need … oh, I don’t know. Just give me a call. Please.”

“Message four …”

“I’m sorry. I should have told you about the movie. I should have let you read the script. I should have warned you. You’re probably wondering why I kept it from you. I wanted to tell you so many times, but I just couldn’t. I’m sorry for being a coward.”

“Message five…”

“I’ve changed my mind. I’m sorry for not pulling out of the movie altogether. I’m sorry for putting my loyalty to the studio before my loyalty to you. Please forgive me.” Max pleaded.

“Message six…”

“I’m not him Liz. I could never hurt you like that. Please don’t think the worst of me.” Max begged and Liz felt a tear form in her eye. Did she really think Max could hurt her?

“Message seven…”

“Do you remember when you once told me that you trusted me? Can you do that now? Please Liz – I can make this right if you just let me.”

“Message eight…”

“Where are you? I hope you are okay. Please call me even if it’s just to tell me to go to hell, I don’t care – I just want to know that you’re okay.” Liz’s heart softened at his desire to keep her safe despite the canyon between them.

“Message nine…”

“I can’t bear it Liz … I can’t bear the thought that the last time I’ll ever see you is when you are looking at me in fear – as though I’m the one who did those horrible things to you all those years ago. Maybe I’ve hurt you just as much as he did, but please give me the chance to make it up to you. Please forgive me for not being perfect… for not always knowing what’s right.” The image of Max hovering over her faded into an image of Sean. It was Sean that hurt her – not Max. Max couldn’t possibly hurt her like that … she was beginning to understand that.

“Message ten…”

“If I could do it all over again I would have broken my contract and risked the consequences if there was the slightest chance that it would prevent me from losing you. I don’t care anymore – all I want is you. Damn the consequences.”

“Message eleven…”

“There’s a little place down in Mexico that has the clearest bluest water you could imagine. Go with me and I promise we’ll spend the rest of our lives living like recluses by the beach, where there is nothing else but just the two of us and no more secrets. Maybe it’s too late for that now, but it’s nice to dream…”

“Message twelve…”

“Liz … Please Liz…” Max sobbed and Liz’s sobs echoed his.

“Message thirteen…”

“I’m nothing without you Liz. Please come back and show me how to be a better person... Please give me a second chance to love you like you deserve.”

“Message fourteen…”

“…” Max didn’t say anything, but Liz was sure she could hear the sound of a heart breaking – although she couldn’t be sure if it was hers or Max’s.

“Message fifteen…”

“… So I guess you need some space. I don’t blame you. I don’t want to be around myself at the moment either. For a brief moment in time I felt as though I actually deserved you. I was just fooling myself …”

“Message sixteen …”

“Goodbye Liz. I know that it’s too late for us, but I hope you find someone who can love you better. I hope you can find happiness, and occasionally think of me and remember the good times we had.”

Liz waited with bated breath for the final message.

“Message seventeen…”

“…I love you …”

Liz felt completely drained. She hung up the phone and doubled over, willing the nausea away. She had been so hurt, angry and scared, but realising that she could really lose Max, she wasn’t prepared for how that would make her feel. He sounded so defeated and self-loathing and he didn’t deserve it. He had always been there for her, and she was constantly running from him. Sure she was scared, sure she was hurt, but she sure as hell wasn’t going to give up on what they had without a fight.

Dialling Max’s number, Liz mouth went dry at the thought of speaking to him. She wasn’t sure what she was going to say when he answered the phone, but she needn’t have worried - his phone remained unanswered and diverted to voicemail.

“Hey, you’ve called Max. Leave a message after the tone…”

“Max. It’s Liz. I … I just wanted to say that it’s not too late. Please call me so we can talk.” Liz left the message and immediately hung up the phone. She found a seat on a nearby park bench and stared at the water. Holding the phone in her hands she waited patiently for Max’s call. She waited until the sun went down and the cold set it. Feeling herself shiver, she reluctantly headed back to Maria’s hotel, her heart feeling heavier by the minute.

Okay, I'm posting this so soon, partly because I suggested to someone that there may be an update today (although I'm still waiting for my bribe!), and also because I figure it's like ripping a bandaid - it doesn't hurt as much if you just get it over with quickly ...

Judging from the feedback, I'm not going to make any friends with this part, but hopefully I won't lose any more readers either. But if I never post anything ever again, you'll know it is because the mob came after me with their flaming torches and pitchforks to lynch me!

But before you start gathering your weapons, I need to give credit to the song I have borrowed - its 'Running' by 'Evermore'.

So, I usually say something along the lines of 'enjoy' at the end of the author's note, but that may seem a tad inappropriate this time...



37

Liz had spent the night with her mobile phone next to her on the bedside table in case Max returned her call. She left a few more messages for Max to call but she still hadn’t heard from him. She even tried calling the hotel but they flat out refused to put her through - apparently she didn’t know the secret password. So first thing in the morning she headed to Max’s hotel to talk to him in person. She was nervous at the prospect, but she finally felt clear on what she wanted. She wanted Max. She just hoped he still wanted her…

Liz hesitantly went to knock on Max’s door, only to find it had been left ajar, and it swung open by her slightest touch.

“Max?” She called, stepping into the room. She saw his clothes lying haphazardly on the floor and her card unopened on the dresser. Next to it, which had been opened and completely drained, was the bottle of champagne she had organised to be delivered. Both glasses had been used, and one still had remnants of pink lipstick lining the rim.

Liz felt her stomach lurch as it dawned on her what had happened in that room, despite Max’s previous protestations about how much she meant to him.

Too many words
Too many lies
I can’t quite see the truth
When I look into your eyes

Involuntarily she inched a few steps further into the room. Slowly she lifted her eyes to the double doors that were wide open, giving her a view of Max’s bed. There, tousled in the sheets Max lay asleep, naked, his arm draped over the body of the woman still lying next to him. The blonde curls unmistakably belonging to Tess.

Liz’s hands flew to her gapping mouth, but she didn’t make a sound, she couldn’t make a sound. The sight was too unbelievable to be real. She blinked, she pinched herself. She did everything she could to try and wake herself from this bad dream, but she wouldn’t wake. So she did the only thing she knew how to do – the thing that she was so good at, which she had proven time and time again.

I feel I could
And I know I should
Step away
Turn around
Let my feet hit the ground
Running
Running
Running
Running

Liz ran from the room as quickly as she could, stopping only for moment to rip up the card she had left for Max the day before. She left the pieces lying on the floor, wanting Max to realise exactly what he had lost.

You don’t need a broken heart
To know a heart can be broken
You just need to open your eyes
Yeah

Liz ran until her legs couldn’t carry her. Until her legs shook beneath her weight. Until she felt physically sick. Clutching her head in her hands, she bent down and dry-retched, rocking back and forth on her feet, trying to stop the world from spinning. All she could see was the image of Max lying with his arm draped over Tess.

We don’t need to be deceived
To know a lie can be spoken
We don’t have to learn everything twice

“Liz? Is that you?” A voice said next to her, reaching out to touch her.

Liz bolted upright and away from his touch.

“Please leave me alone…” She begged.

“What happened?” Orlando asked.

Liz didn’t say anything, but didn’t hide the tears that were running down her face.

“Can I call someone for you?” He offered, worried about her. “Max?”

“No!” Liz exclaimed.

“Someone else then?”

“Maria.” Liz replied, handing him her mobile phone.

Orlando scrolled through her phone book and found Maria’s number. He dialled the number while keeping his eye on Liz.

“Hi Liz. How did it go?” A female voice answered.

“Maria?” Orlando asked.

“Max?” Maria asked.

“No, it’s Orlando.”

“Where’s Liz?” Maria asked, more concerned about Liz than the fact that she was actually talking to Orlando Bloom.

“She’s here. You need to come and get her.” Orlando explained.

“What’s wrong?” Maria asked worried.

“I don’t know. But she’s really upset. She needs you.”

“Okay. Where are you?” Maria asked, jotting down the details that Orlando gave to her. “I’ll be right there.”

“She’s on her way.” Orlando said to Liz, bending down to where Liz was sitting on the ground.

Liz just nodded and pulled her legs up to her chest.

I don’t know
I really don’t know
If this castle in the sand
Is strong enough to stand

“Do you want to talk about it?” Orlando asked, taking a seat on the ground next to her.

“No.” Liz replied.

“Do you want me to leave?” He asked.

Liz hesitated for a moment, but the thought of Max stumbling upon her alone was enough for her to answer in the negative.

“No.”

They sat in silence, Liz so deep in thought that she barely registered Orlando’s comforting hand on her shoulder. She didn’t register Maria’s arrival until she felt Orlando help her to her feet.

“Liz? What happened?” Maria asked, throwing her arms around Liz.

“Max … with Tess.” Was all Liz could blurt out before she began crying again.

Orlando silently indicated to Maria that he would leave them alone now, and Maria nodded in reply before returning her attention to Liz.

“Oh honey.” Maria soothed, stroking Liz’s head.

“I want to go home.” Liz sobbed.

“Okay. I’ll take you home, but I really have to tell you something first.” Maria announced. She knew it really wasn’t the best time, but it couldn’t wait.

“On my way here I got a call from your mother.” Maria announced.

Liz looked at Maria confused. Maria had been keeping in contact with Liz’s mother? For how long? Had she seen Liz on tv?

Maria interrupted before Liz could ask any of the numerous questions that had been running through her head.

“You’re father is in the hospital. He had a heart attack last night.”

“Wh-what?” Liz stammered. “Is he okay?”

“He’s in intensive care. They don’t know if he’s going to pull through.”

“I have to go.” Liz announced, pulling away.

I feel I could
And I know I should
Step away
Turn around
Let my feet hit the ground
Running
Running
Running
Running

“I’m coming with you.” Maria announced, knowing that Liz was going to go back to Australia. “We’ll get the next plane out of Vancouver. Serena and Alex can send our stuff later.”

“No.” Liz shook her head. “What about your big break? You need to be here.”

“Nothing is more important that being with you.” Maria replied. She didn’t care if she was throwing her music career down the toilet. Liz needed her.

“I won’t let you do that.” Liz replied adamantly.

“No, Liz. Not after what happened this morning, and now your dad. It’s too much for you to handle on your own. You need someone to be with you.”

“No. I insist. Besides, I would prefer to be alone anyway. I have some thinking to do.”

You don’t need a broken heart
To know a heart can be broken
You just need to open your eyes
Yeah

“Are you sure that is what you want?” Maria asked, not wanting to force her presence on Liz if she really did want to be alone.

We don’t need to be deceived
To know a lie can be spoken
We don’t have to learn everything twice

“I’m sure.” Liz replied adamantly. “When you are finished up here, then maybe we can meet up in Australia.”

“You’re not coming back?” Maria asked.

Cause I know
How it feels
All the pain
So real
Cause you sink
And you drown
Until your feet hit the ground
Running
Running
Running
Running

“I don’t think so.”

Cause you don’t need a broken heart
To know a heart can be broken
You just need to open your eyes
Yeah
We don’t need a TV show
To tell us which way to go
We just need to do what we know

Maria hugged Liz again. She didn’t want to lose her for a second time. “Promise you’ll call me as soon as you get there and let me know how your Dad is? And how you are?”

“I promise.” Liz replied. And this time, she intended to keep that promise.

“I’ll come as soon as I can.” Maria promised.

“Thanks Maria.” Liz gave a sad smile.

* * * * *

Max’s eyes fluttered open, and he immediately felt something wasn’t quite right. His muddled memories immediately went to Liz, and he groaned at the memory of her running from the set where she had seen his character in the throws of raping Tess’ character. He wished he hadn’t put her through that. He vaguely remembered trying to talk to her, but his recollection couldn’t go past the fear he could see in her eyes when she looked at him, and the way she flinched away from him when he had taken just one hesitant step towards her.

He tried to remember what else had happened that night, but couldn’t. It was all a fog. As he turned his head to the side he registered the body under his hand. He definitely couldn’t remember how she had gotten there.

“Morning.” Tess’ voice came from beneath the bundle of blonde curls. “Sleep well?”

It didn’t take long for Max to notice that they were both naked, their clothes strewn between the living room and the bedroom.

“What happened?” Max demanded. He couldn’t remember a thing from the night before.

“Don’t tell me you don’t remember?” Tess faked disappointment.

“No, Tess I don’t.” Max bolted upright, clutching his head from the sudden throbbing pain. This couldn’t be happening. This especially couldn’t be happening with the possibility that Liz was still in town. This would kill her if she ever found out.

Max found his boxers, facing away from Tess as he pulled on his jeans.

“Don’t be shy Loverboy.” Tess said, coming up from behind him and running her hands over his chest. “I saw it all last night.”

“Take your hands off me.” Max replied stone-faced.

“But I thought …” Tess began.

“Whatever we did, that’s if we did anything at all, it was a mistake...”

“Don’t say that!” Tess demanded. “It was not a mistake.”

“… I obviously had too much to drink.” Max finished. Oh, why had he gone to the bar? Why had he let this happen? But let what happen exactly? He had slept with enough women in his life to know that he would know if he had sex the night before. There would be … well, evidence.

Max immediately looked at Tess accusingly. “If I was too drunk to remember, chances are I would have also been too drunk to get it up.” Max pointed out. “I don’t believe for a second that I would have let anything happen between us. That’s not something I would do – drunk or not.”

“Well it did.” Tess replied, tears welling up in her eyes. “Surely you must remember something.”

Max hesitated for a moment. He remembered the dial tone from when Liz hung up on him. He remembered the feeling of his heart crashing under the weight of the thought that Liz was afraid of him. He vaguely remembered Tess finding him in the bar, and she had been … nice? He couldn’t remember leaving the bar or anything since.

“I – don’t – remember.” Max spelt out for her, and then couldn’t help but taunt her. “Who would have thought that you were that forgettable?”

Tears welled up in Tess’ eyes, and Max almost felt sorry for saying what he did. She quickly pulled her dress on and searched the room for her lingerie which she stuffed into her handbag. Max noticed that it was the same lingerie she had worn when they had made love for the first time all those years ago, and wondered if she had had him in mind when she had put it on the night before. Had she planned this? Who was he kidding, of course she did. She practically propositioned him every single day, despite her earlier promises about leaving him alone. He tried to remember that the person she had been in the bar was not her … it was all an act to get him to let his defences down.

“I’m sorry…” Max apologised, although not sure for what exactly. For apparently sleeping with her in his drunken depression? Although he still wasn’t convinced about that. For not remembering whether they had or not? For not being capable of loving her anymore? For making her cry?

Tess didn’t say anything but picked up her shoes and pushed past him, leaving the door open behind her. Max shut the door and lent up against it, trying to make sense of what had happened. Thinking about the remote possibility that it was true, that they had slept together, he immediately darted into the bedroom and pulled back the sheets to find – nothing. Nothing that could confirm that they had even had intercourse. What was Tess playing at?

It was then that he noticed the roses strewn between the sheets and over the floor. Tess had obviously been planning the night for longer than he had initially thought. He then saw the empty bottle of champagne on the dresser, which he didn’t remember drinking, and a torn up letter on the floor.

Max slowly picked up the pieces of the envelope, and immediately recognised Liz’s handwriting. He slunk down to the floor and slowly opened the card, holding the pieces together so it was readable.

‘Dear Max,

I just wanted to thank you for being you. You have been so patient with me, so understanding, and so unbelievably wonderful that I couldn’t have asked for a better person to share my first time with.

I love you Max Evans, with all my heart.

So in case I forget to say so, thank you for waiting, and thank you for giving me this beautiful night.

With love forever,

Liz’

Max thought if it was possible to feel you heart ripping in two it would have been the moment that he read that letter. Liz had been responsible for the roses and the champagne. She had planned to make love with him the night before, but it had all gone pear-shaped when she had seen his rape scene.

Max thought of all of the things he could have possibly done differently to undo the past. He had made a mess of everything and he didn’t know how to fix it – if it was even fixable at this point. If only he had been completely honest. If only he had fought harder. If only he hadn’t spent the night getting drunk rather than searching the city for Liz.

He knew Liz would find out about Tess staying the night, he had no doubt about that. Even if he didn’t tell her himself, he wouldn’t put it past Tess to tell her, or to have it in tomorrows tabloids. He would be lucky if Liz was ever able to look at him the same way ever again.

Max carefully placed the pieces of the card together again, reading it over and over. He wondered at the fact that it had been ripped up, and could only assume that Tess had found it before he did. Although, if she had, he was a little surprised she hadn’t disposed of it altogether – that would have been more her style.

Max wondered what Liz was doing. Was she thinking of him? Was she already back in LA? Was she ready to hear him out? Had she returned any of his calls. Scrambling across the floor for his jacket, Max pulled his mobile phone out of the pocket. The screen showed four missed calls from Liz and messages on his voicemail. He immediately dialled the number of his voicemail system.

“You have four new messages. Message one…” The voicemail lady announced, and Max was sure he had never been so glad to hear those words in his entire life.

“Max. It’s Liz. I … I just wanted to say that it’s not too late. Please call me so we can talk.” Max’s heart soared. They still had a chance?

“Message two…”

“It’s Liz again. I’m just wondering where you are? We really should talk about this. I’m sorry for running away like I did. Please call me.”

“Message three…”

“I really hope you’re okay. I’ve tried to call the hotel but they wouldn’t put me through. Just … just call me when you can.”

“Message four…”

“Okay… I guess what I was hoping to say to you in person is that I’m sorry for doubting you … I’m sorry for freaking out … I’m sorry for the way I reacted. It wasn’t fair on you, and I know I hurt you. I just … I guess I was just in shock. I’m sorry for not speaking to you earlier when you called, I just … I guess I wasn’t ready to put my feelings into words. But now I am Max … I still love you. Please call me. We can work this out.”

Max felt so relieved that he immediately called Liz’s mobile. He didn’t care what it took – he would find a way to make things right.

Max reluctantly hung up the phone when Liz didn’t answer. He didn’t leave a message, but tried Maria’s phone instead.

“You have got some nerve.” Maria answered the phone, skipping the pleasantries.

“Hello to you too Maria. Is Liz with you?” Max asked.

“I’m not telling you anything buddy – not after what you did. I should hang up on you right now.”

“Look – Liz left me some messages last night to tell me that she wanted to talk, so could you please just put her on the phone.”

“Liz may have wanted to talk to you last night, but there is no way in hell that she wants to talk to you now. Not after seeing you with that skanky ho.”

The colour drained from Max’s face. Liz had seen them? When? Last night or this morning?

“Put Liz on the phone now.” Max asked steadily, trying to control his panic.

“Uh uh. She doesn’t want to talk to you, and I don’t blame her.”

“Tell me where she is!” Max demanded.

“No.” Maria refused.

Unfortunately for Maria, at that moment an announcement came over the loud speaker which Max could hear through the phone.

“This is a message for all passengers travelling on flight QL463 to Los Angeles… your plane has been delayed due to fog in Seattle causing disruption to connecting flights. For updated departure times please see our staff at Gate 18.”

Maria fumbled with her phone trying to hang it up before Max put two and two together, but she was too late. He had heard every word and was already running out of his hotel room to get to the airport before it was too late.

Well that wasn't as scathing as I expected... no mob with pitchforks in sight.

Special thanks goes to:

Existingman - for the longest feedback I think I've ever received! Thanks for taking the time to put down your thoughts (and everyone else too for that matter).

Trulov and Mezz - So what you're saying is that Max is pretty much unredeemable? Fair comment. But I'm always up for a challenge to change your mind!

Rowedog - Can I get an Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi! Thanks for letting me know you're reading this. Mental note - once Liz gets back to Australia don't write anything that bags Victorians even though they stole the Grand Prix from us ten years ago ... (so very bitter...)

Thanks also to all my regular bumpers not bumping me this week - it took the pressure off so that I didn't rush this part like the last two. Although saying that, it's still not perfect, but you are getting it anyway because I need to move on ...

Enjoy!


38

Max sprinted as fast as he could out of the hotel, only briefly stopping to signal the valet to hail him a cab. The only thought in his mind was getting to Liz before she left for LA, which is why he failed to see Orlando until he literally crashed into him.

“Sorry.” Max apologised, holding onto Orlando to stop himself from tripping over completely. After gathering his footing, he immediately began to head towards the waiting cab that the valet had hailed down for him.

“I didn’t expect to see you up and about so early …” Orlando said, following Max. “Not after the state you were in last night.”

Max stopped in his tracks - halfway in the cab.

“You saw me last night?” Max asked, turning around.

“Yeah… I’m not surprised that you don’t remember. You were pretty out of it.” Orlando replied. “I saw Tess trying to haul you out of the cab, and was struggling. So I helped her get you up to your room.”

“Get in.” Max said to Orlando, stepping back out of the cab and indicating that Orlando should get in first. He did, and Max followed. Once the cab began moving Max returned to the conversation.

“So I was pretty wasted?” Max asked.

“You were practically comatose. I’d never seen you so drunk before. How much did you actually have to drink?”

“I don’t remember…” Max replied trying to think it over. He had had a few before Tess had showed up, but he couldn’t remember much after that. “So after you helped me to my room – what happened?”

“We put you on your bed. I think Tess may have taken off your shoes, but other than that, we just left you where you passed out.”

“You both left?” Max asked confused.

“Yeah. We went down to the lounge for a coffee until about 2am. Why?” Orlando asked.

“Because Tess was in my bed when I woke up.” Max admitted.

“Tess didn’t mention anything about going back up to check on you...” Orlando tried to recollect. “Although that may have explained all those petals…”

Max immediately thought of Liz, and felt a wave of sadness sweep over him.

“I guess she must have come back up, but I don’t remember anything. She said we slept together, but I don’t know…”

“You were far too wasted for that.” Orlando explained. “I’m surprised that you aren’t lying in bed now with an excruciating hangover.”

Max thought about it for a moment. He could generally afford to have a bit to drink and recover quickly in the morning … but to drink enough alcohol to pass out and not wake up with more than a headache? And one that that already appeared to be easing too.

Max’s face went white. What if it wasn’t alcohol that made him pass out? He had been in the industry long enough to know there were plenty of drugs that could knock you out but leave no after effects in the morning. But Tess wouldn’t stoop that low … would she?

“You don’t think...” Max couldn’t even say it out loud. Had Tess drugged him?

Orlando looked at Max hesitantly for a moment, obviously catching what Max was thinking. “Surely not… That’s technically rape.” Orlando pointed out.

“… But if I was passed out, we couldn’t have … I couldn’t have, you know, performed…” Max began, trying to find any hope to cling onto so he wasn’t physically sick at the thought of what Tess might have done to him while he was unconscious.

“Maybe she slipped you a little Viagra as well?” Orlando suggested.

Max felt a wave of nausea and was silent for a moment. Could Tess have really done that? He couldn’t believe that she would. And there was still that nagging issue of there being no remnants of intercourse on his body or in the bed …

“No.” Max shook his head. “We didn’t have sex … I’m sure of it.”

“So if you didn’t have sex … why would she have drugged you?” Orlando questioned.

“Because she wanted me to think that we had.” Max replied.

“Why?” Orlando pushed.

“I don’t know why. Because she’s sick and twisted? Maybe she’s planning something …”

“Whatever it is … you should get yourself tested.” Orlando suggested.

“I will. I just have to fix something first…” Max replied, his thoughts diverting back to Liz.

“Liz.” Orlando voiced who Max was thinking about.

“Yeah. I’ve really screwed things up.” Max replied.

“She was pretty upset this morning.” Orlando commented.

Max’s head whipped around so fast that he could have given himself whiplash. Maria’s words repeating in his head – ‘Not after seeing you with that skanky ho’.

“You saw Liz this morning?” Max confirmed.

“Yeah, running out of the hotel. I assumed she had been to see you – oh… crap.” Orlando added, realising that Liz must have seen Max, but Max hadn’t necessarily seen her. Now Liz’s comment to Maria that morning made more sense.

“Shit. Can’t this taxi go any faster?” Max tried to hurry the cabbie up. He had to get to that airport before she left. If she had seen him with Tess, he really had screwed things up beyond repair.

“Maybe if you just explained …” Orlando suggested.

“How exactly? That instead of chasing after Liz when I should have, I threw a pity party for myself, getting so depressed that I tried to drink my weight in alcohol to the point where I let someone like Tess take advantage of me, and thereby ruining things more than even I thought were possible?”

“Well, when you put it that way …” Orlando replied.

“Shit.” Max repeated.

At that moment the taxi pulled up at the airport. Max pulled all of the cash out of his wallet and handed it to the cabbie. “Keep the change – but breathe a word of this to anyone and I’ll sue your ass. Capeche?”

The taxi driver looked at the bounty in front of him and nodded eagerly.

“Good luck Max.” Orlando said, indicating that he would take the taxi back to the hotel.

Max barely acknowledged Orlando before sprinting towards the airport doors, stopping only briefly to check which airline was the next to fly to LA. Making a bee-line for the Delta Airlines desk, Max didn’t care about the onlookers pointing at him as he passed, until he heard a familiar voice calling his name…

“Max!” Maria called out, seeing Max sprint past her.

Max stopped and immediately ran back to her.

“Where is she?” Max pleaded, and Maria’s heart almost softened by the desperation in his eyes. Almost.

“You’re too late Max. She’s gone.” Maria replied, folding her arms in defiance.

“The plane doesn’t leave for another half an hour.” Max replied mistrustingly.

“More than one airline flies to LA Max.” Maria explained.

“No. You’re just trying to stop me from seeing her.” Max replied, his eyes narrowing. He immediately turned and headed to the Delta queue, pushing his way to the front with Maria calling feebly behind.

“I need you to check the passenger list. I need to know whether you have a Liz Parker on the flight to LA.” Max demanded, minus the pleasantries. The attendant seemed to see his desperation, and ignored the omission.

“I’m sorry sir. There’s no Liz Parker on this flight.” The attendant smiled apologetically.

“I tried to tell you…” Maria replied from behind.

Max felt crushed, but it wasn’t over. It was far from being over.

“I need a seat on that flight.” Max announced.

“I’m sorry sir - the flight is leaving in thirty minutes and you won’t get through customs in time. I can’t get you on the flight.”

Max slapped down his gold credit card. “Are you trying to tell me that you are willing to explain to your employers that you turned down a fully paid first class fare and any repeat business that I’d be willing to throw your way…”

“I’ll see what I can do.” The attendant blushed, taking Max’s card. Money and fame always talked.

“Max …” Maria began hesitantly. “You’re too late. Just let her go.”

“No!” Max replied adamantly. “I need a chance to explain …”

“How are you going to do that exactly? You slept with Tess – what more is there to explain?” Maria demanded.

Max felt slightly deflated. He had held out a small sliver of hope that Liz hadn’t seen him with Tess – but now that was gone. She had definitely been there that morning.

“I’m going to tell her the truth…” Max replied.

“There’s your boarding pass Mr Evans.” The attendant interrupted, handing back his credit card. “This gentleman will escort you through customs.”

“Thanks.” Max replied, grabbing his boarding pass and following the man to the international terminal, leaving Maria to watch him leave.

“You’re too late…” Maria repeated, this time mumbling beneath her breath, “I don’t think even the truth is going to help you now.” If she wasn’t so mad at Max for hurting Liz like he had, she would have almost felt sorry for him.

* * * * *

Max was a bundle of nerves the whole way from Vancouver to LA, either pacing the cabin, or when the stewardesses told him to sit down, tapping his foot on the floor until the person in the seat next to him gave him a look that could kill.

Liz had seen him with Tess.

Liz had seen him with Tess.

LIZ HAD SEEN HIM WITH TESS!!

How was he going to fix this? He couldn’t. He knew he couldn’t. But that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to try. Liz meant too much to him to let her go without a fight. He would go to her apartment and camp outside if he had to until she let him in. He would get down on hands and knees and beg for forgiveness until his knees bled. He would give up his career, his fame and his fortune if it meant that they could be together for just one more day. He would spend every second of every minute of every day for the rest of his life trying to make it up to her – that’s if she would ever see him again.

As the plane landed, Max was grateful for the fact that he had already gone through US customs in the Vancouver airport, so he didn’t have that queue to slow him down now. He was even more grateful for the privilege of being in first class and being let off the plane before the rest of the passengers. As soon as the cabin crew opened the door, Max was off the aeroplane and racing through the airport in the direction of the taxi stand.

* * * * *

“Liz!” Serena waved through the crowd at LAX, pushing her way through until she was able to pull Liz into a bear hug.

“Are you okay?” Serena asked, pulling back to take a better look at her.

“Fine.” Liz replied, her voice and eyes betraying no emotion whatsoever. Serena was worried – Liz looked as though she was in shock.

“What can I do?” Serena asked.

“Did you bring my things?” Liz asked, only then noticing the bags in Serena’s hands.

“I grabbed everything that I could fit. I’ll box up the rest of your things and ship them to you.” Serena replied. “God, I can’t believe you’re leaving. You always said you would eventually, but this is too sudden…”

“I’m sorry… But I think it’s for the best … my dad…” Liz replied, and Serena almost saw a hint of tears beginning to form in Liz’s eyes.

“What about Max?” Serena asked.

Liz didn’t reply, but remained stoic.

“I’m sorry honey.” Serena replied, pulling Liz into another hug.

“I have to go.” Liz said eventually pulling away. “Thank you for everything.”

“It’s no problem. You’re my girl.” Serena replied squeezing Liz’s hand.

“Can you do one more thing for me?” Liz asked.

“Anything for you babe.” Serena smiled.

“If you see Max … please don’t tell him about my dad.”

“I promise … but why don’t you want him to know?” Serena asked curiously.

“Because I don’t want him to think that I need him.” Liz replied.

“Do you?” Serena asked. After what he did, could Liz really want to turn to him for comfort?

Liz didn’t reply, but gave a sad smile.

“Okay…” Serena said, accepting Liz’s silence as an answer. “You’ll call me when you get there right?”

“I promise … That reminds me. You can take my phone.” Liz said, reaching into her purse and pulling out her cell phone. “It won’t work in Australia, so you might as well keep it.”

“Okay.” Serena replied, taking the phone from Liz. “Give me your new number when you get one.”

“I will. I promise.” Liz replied.

“And maybe when things settle down with your family, I can come down and visit your side of the world?” Serena suggested. “See if the toilets really flush backwards.”

“I’d like that.” Liz almost smiled for the first time, and then was the one to initiate a hug. “Goodbye Serena.”

“Bye Liz. I’ll miss you.”

“Not as much as I’ll miss you.” Liz replied, squeezing Serena even tighter.

* * * * *

“Where is she?” Max asked, raising his head to look at Serena as she walked up the path to Liz’s apartment. He had been sitting on the doorstep for the past 30 minutes, finally satisfied, after his incessant knocking, that Liz wasn’t home.

“She’s gone.” Serena replied, pushing past Max to the front door.

“Where?” Max asked, standing up and intending on following Serena inside. He didn’t care how long he had to wait. Liz had to go home sometime, right?

“I just took some things to her at the airport. She’s on a plane to Australia.” Serena explained.

“No. You’re lying. She wouldn’t just take off like that…” Would she? “What about her job? What about her life here?”

“Well, I guess you hurt her that much that she was willing to leave us all behind.” Serena hissed, trying not to get too emotional, but blaming Max for pushing her best friend away. Sure her dad was sick, but if it wasn’t for Max, Liz would have been coming back again.

“I don’t believe you …” Max replied, following Serena into the house. His protestations were quietened by the sight of empty boxes lying around the living room, waiting to be filled. Pushing his way into Liz’s bedroom, he saw the wardrobes were empty, besides a few items of clothing that had been left haphazardly on the floor, casualties of the rush to pack.

“But she’s coming back …” Max said, staring again at the empty boxes.

“No, Max. She’s not.” Serena replied, wiping a tear that was threatening to fall. She refused to cry over this, but she felt abandoned. Within seconds she was slapping Max.

“How could you do this to her? How could you!” Serena screamed, as Max tried to dodge the slaps. Restraining Serena’s hands, she stopped throwing punches at him and he took a moment to recover from the onslaught, although knowing it was nothing less than he deserved.

“I don’t know … I know I’ve screwed things up…” Max stated.

“Understatement.” Serena mumbled, jerking her hands away. “I knew something like this would happen…”

“Why would you think that?” Max asked curiously. What sort of opinion had Serena had about him to make her think the worst of him before even he did?

“Because I had seen the script. I knew what the movie was about. I knew Liz would find out eventually and I knew you wouldn’t be the one to tell her otherwise you would have already. I have also seen enough of your type to know that Liz could never have been enough for you. You are used to women throwing themselves at you all the time and you are used to taking what you want when you want.” Serena explained.

“It’s not true.” Max retorted. “Liz means everything to me. I will forever hate myself for what I have done. I don’t know if there is any possible way she will ever forgive me, but I would wait forever to find out if I have to.”

“Well you didn’t wait that long before you jumped into bed with your ex-girlfriend.” Serena retorted, only slightly moved by Max’s speech.

“Yeah, well, apparently I went to bed alone and I woke up with her lying next to me. So I’m not sure exactly how that’s my fault.” Max defended himself.

“What are you talking about?” Serena demanded.

“Nevermind.” Max dismissed her question, knowing how wrong it was the moment the words had left his mouth. He may not have been able to stop what Tess did to him, but he could have stopped himself from stepping into the bar that afternoon.

“So what are you going to do now?” Serena asked. She needed to know if he was going to go after Liz, in which case she would threaten to beat him to a pulp if she had to.

“I’m going to catch the next flight to Australia.” Max announced, preparing to leave.

“And then what are you going to do?” Serena questioned, stepping between him and the direction of the front door. “Australia may be an island, but it’s not that small. How do you expect to find her?” Serena questioned, folding her arms.

“I’ll start in Adelaide. Contact her parents.” Max started thinking.

“The parents she hasn’t contacted in four years?” Serena stated, trying not to betray her sudden increase in her pulse. “I’m sure they’re bound to know where she is.” Serena added sarcastically.

“Well then I’ll ask Maria.” Max replied.

“Who is about as mad as you as I am …” Serena raised her eyebrow. “I’m sure she’d definitely tell you.”

“Okay … then I’ll keep calling Liz on her cell until she answers and gives me some clue as to where she is…” Max replied, clutching at straws.

“You’ll call her on this cell?” Serena said, holding up Liz’s phone. “See, she didn’t take it with her – seems it wouldn’t work on the Australian mobile phone network.”

“Then I’ll stay here until she calls you …” Max said, down to his last resort.

“Her plane doesn’t land for at least the next 14 hours, so I’d appreciate it if you find somewhere else to wait.” Serena suggested.

“Fine.” Max agreed. “But I’ll be back.”

“Can’t wait.” Serena replied, following him down the hall and locking the door behind him.

* * * * *

Liz sat on the window seat of the 767, waiting for the plane to taxi down the runway. More than fourteen hours in the small confines of the cabin were enough to make her want to get off the plane then and there, but she had to get home to see her dad … before it was too late.

“Hey, do I know you?” The woman sitting in the aisle seat asked, after Liz had been attempting to ignore the woman’s stares while adjusting the air vent above her.

Liz almost groaned at the question, before having the strangest feeling of deja vu. Liz only wished she had thought to bring a baseball cap to pull down over her face with like Max had on the day they had met. Sunglasses on a plane were probably a tad inappropriate.

“I don’t think so.” Liz replied, hoping that would end the discussion, and to make sure it did, Liz pulled on the headphones and flicked through the stations until she found a song she liked. As Liz listened to the music, she stared out of the window, watching the ground crew prepare the plane for takeoff. Liz tried to think about anything but Max, but the lyrics were drawing her in, and after the woman’s question, she couldn’t shake the memory of the day she had first met Max on the plane.

It’s four in the afternoon
I'm on a flight leaving LA
Trying to figure out my life
and my youth scattered along the highway

If she had known how it would end, given the chance again, would she have spoken to Max on the plane, or would she have let the chance pass her by? Would she have opened up her heart willingly if she had known how miserable she would be when her heart was inevitably broken?

Hotel rooms and headlights
I've made a living with a song
Guitar as my companion
Wanting desperately to belong
Fame is filled with spoiled children
We grow fat on fantasy
and I guess that's why I'm leaving
I crave reality

She had thought from the start that Max could do no wrong. He always seemed to know just what to say to make her feel like she was special … like she was cherished. She had basked in the sun that seemed to emanate from him, but she should have known that it would last – the winter always comes eventually. Or in her case, judging by past experience – an eternal ice age.

She had been living a fantasy by believing that she and Max could ever be anything more than brief acquaintances. They moved in different worlds – their planets only briefly in the same orbit. He wasn’t in love with her, just infatuated with the idea of being the one to fix someone as broken as she was. He was used to getting what he wanted, and for a little while he had wanted her. But it wasn’t real. It was time to go home and face reality – her parents, her past, her home – where she belonged.

So goodbye Alice in Wonderland
Goodbye yellow brick road
There is a difference between dreaming and pretending
I did not find paradise
It was only a reflection
Of my lonely mind wanting
What’s been missing in my life

Maybe if she hadn’t been so damaged when she met Max… If she hadn’t been scarred by what Sean had done to her, she would have realised what her feelings for Max really were – her heart responding to the first man who had ever shown her any semblance of what love could be. She had been so desperately craving a connection that she latched onto the wrong person, and let herself believe that she had fallen in love. But maybe it wasn’t love – maybe she was just trying to fill her lonely heart with someone, anyone, who would make her feel whole for the first time in her life.

I'm embarrassed to say
The rest is a rock n roll cliché
I hit the bottom when I reached the top
But I never knew it was you
Who was breaking my heart
I thought you had to love me
But you did not

Why had she thought that she was ready to make love to Max? After one therapy session, and a boxing session in which she kicked Michael’s ass, for some reason she had felt like she was ready for anything? She wasn’t over what Sean did to her – she had proved that once again by freaking out when she saw Max on the set. Why did she ever think that she was ready to let anyone touch her? She had felt on top of the world when she had planned to surprise Max in Vancouver, but it just showed how quickly her world could come crashing down. She shouldn’t have let herself believe that she could be happy. It wasn’t in her destiny.

Yes, a heart can hallucinate
If its completely starved for love
It can even turn monsters
Into angels from above

She had trusted Max to make her happy, but she had no idea that he was keeping his real self from her. Seeing him acting had shown her the person he had the capacity to be, and while she had eventually convinced herself that he was not the same as his character, he had proved himself to be worse than she imagined by sleeping with his ex-girlfriend when he was supposed to be with her. It just showed how incredibly wrong she was when she had thought he loved her. He obviously never did.

Max was not who she thought he was, and she wondered how he could have kept it from her for so long. Was she really that naïve? Was she really that delusional? Apparently so.

You forged my love just like a weapon
You turned it against me like a knife
You broke my last heart string
But you opened up my eyes

If Liz thought she was broken before – now that she had been hurt by Max too, she felt completely unrepairable. Her eyes were reopened to how ugly life could really be. She wondered how long Max had been playing her? How long had he been seducing her, while sleeping around with Tess behind her back? How much was he laughing at her now?

So goodbye Alice in Wonderland
Goodbye yellow brick road
There is a difference between dreaming and pretending
That was not love in your eyes
It was only a reflection
Of my lonely mind searching
For what’s been missing in my life

Liz wondered about the hole she was trying to fill in her heart? Was she really that desperate to find a man – someone she believed could fill that gap? Or was it another love that she had been missing all these years? The love of her parents. She knew deep down that they still loved her, no matter how much she had changed, but that didn’t help sustain her when she hadn’t seen them in four years - when she hadn’t been able to have her father cradle her and tell her that she was still his little girl. And now maybe it was too late…

Growing up is not the absence of dreaming
Its being able to understand the difference between
The ones you can hold and the ones that you've been sold
Dreaming is a good thing
Cause it brings new things to life
But pretending is an ending
That perpetuates a lie
Forgetting what you are seeing
for what you've been told

Why had she left Australia all those years ago without telling her parents what had happened? She should have given them the chance to help her, and then maybe she wouldn’t be struggling so much with it now. Maybe she could have prevented her father’s heart attack – she was sure that she was somehow to blame for breaking it. She just hoped that she would make it back in time to fix what she had broken.

Truth is stranger than fiction
This is my chance to get it right
and life is much better
Without all of those pretty lies

So she was leaving LA. Leaving that part of her life behind her. She would return to Australia – back to normalcy. There she could blend into the crowd again and not have to worry whether around every corner she would see a camera flash – or worse – if she would see Max. She knew that if she saw him again, she wouldn’t be able to help but forgive him. He seemed to have a knack of being able to smooth things with nothing more than flashing that $50m smile.

So goodbye Alice in Wonderland
You can keep your yellow brick road
There is a difference between dreaming and pretending
These are not tears in my eyes
They are only a reflection
Of my lonely mind finding
They are only a reflection
Of my lonely mind finding
I found what’s missing in my life

With that resolve – why did she feel like her heart was torn in two? Tears began streaming down her face no matter how much she swore that she would not cry over Max – he didn’t deserve it. She told herself that she was crying for her father – not for Max – never for Max. And swallowing that lie, she sobbed until there were no tears left to cry.

Firstly, I have to apologise for not giving credit to 'Goodbye Alice in Wonderland' by Jewel which I borrowed for the previous chapter. Sorry - didn't intend to steal it, just got sidetracked!

Secondly, thanks as always for the great feedback, and hello to the new feedbackers.

Thirdly, coloradospace ... *raises hand*

Fourthly, extingman ... Geez, nothing gets passed you does it? Stop finding holes in my story that I have to plug up (open doors ... Tess' in-built 'Max detector' ... ). But as always, thanks for the great (and thorough) feedback.

Here it is ... enjoy!


39

“Max?” Isabel called from the lounge room when she saw Max walk through the front door. “I didn’t know you were coming home.”

Then she saw the defeated look on his face.

“What’s wrong?” She asked, standing to her feet and walking over to him.

“I really screwed things up Iz.” Max announced. “Liz has gone.”

“What do you mean ‘Liz has gone’? Gone where?” Isabel asked confused.

“Back to Australia.” Max replied.

“What? Why?”

“She saw me in bed with Tess.” Max admitted.

Isabel’s immediate reply was to smack Max upside the head. “Are you freaking kidding me?”

“It’s not what you think… at least I don’t think so.” Max began to explain. “Liz came to Vancouver to surprise me…”

“And found you in bed with Tess? What were you thinking?” Isabel interrupted.

“Can I finish?” Max asked his sister. This was new – Isabel not giving him the benefit of the doubt. He almost found it heart-warming that she must really like Liz to not automatically take his side. While he mused over this, Isabel folded her arms in impatience and Max took that as a sign that he should continue.

“Liz came to Vancouver, I took her to the lot, but it was a closed set so Orlando offered to hang out with her until I was finished.”

“Why was it a closed set?” Isabel asked, her eyes narrowing.

“Because the scene involved my character raping Tess’ character.”

“Oh, please tell me Liz didn’t see that.” Isabel replied, and then noticed the way Max couldn’t meet her eyes. “Oh, Max …”

“She freaked out obviously. She left with Maria, and I, well I went and got drunk.”

Isabel responded by smacking him upside the head again.

“I know. It was stupid. I just … you didn’t see the way she looked at me…”

“Okay, so how did you end up in bed with Tess?” Isabel asked.

“I don’t remember. Apparently I got pretty wasted and Tess and Orlando took me back to the hotel. Next thing I remember is waking up with Tess next to me.”

“And Liz saw you.” Isabel clarified.

“Apparently.”

“What do you mean ‘apparently’? What did she say when you saw her?” Isabel asked.

“I didn’t see her. I was asleep. I found out that she was returning to LA so I came back on the next flight.”

“So what did she say when you got to LA?” Isabel pushed. Why was Max being so obtuse?

“Nothing – she’s not here. She’s gone back to Australia already and I haven’t been able to speak to her. I can’t call her, I don’t know where she is, I don’t know how I’m going to find her. Naturally her friends aren’t going to help me, and she’s not really on speaking terms with her parents either.”

“What are you going to do?” Isabel asked, taking pity on her brother.

“I don’t know.” Max admitted. “Plus there’s more…”

“More?” Isabel gulped.

“I think Tess drugged me.” Max announced.

“Are you sure?”

“Pretty sure. But I’m going to get a blood test to confirm it.”

“Why would she drug you?” Isabel asked. Admittedly she never approved of Max’s relationship with Tess, but she had never thought Tess capable of that.

“I’m not sure. That’s what I need to find out. What are you doing?” Max asked when he saw Isabel pick up the phone.

“I’m calling a nurse friend of mine to come and give you that test.”

Max nodded. Soon he would know whether his theory was correct. But would that help him at all with Liz? Would it make a difference to her whether he had been drugged or merely drunk? He didn’t think it would.

At that moment Max’s cell phone began to ring and he grabbed it as quickly as humanly possible in case it was Liz. He looked at the caller ID – it was only Peter.

“Hey Pete.” Max answered the phone.

“Max? Where the hell are you?” Peter asked.

“I had something I needed to do. I’m in LA.”

“Surprise, surprise. So have you managed to patch things up with that girlfriend of yours yet? We’re wasting money up here waiting for you. Not to mention having to shut down filming after you left yesterday.”

“No I haven’t, and you’re going to have to find someone else for your movie. I don’t think I’ll be coming back.”

There was silence on the end of the line.

“You’re joking right?” Peter eventually said.

“No. I’m not.” Max replied.

“Do you realise what the studio is going to do when they hear this?”

“Frankly, the studio is the least of my worries at the moment. Doing that movie has caused me to hurt the only woman I have ever loved, so right now, I’m not really keen to see that movie ever finished.”

“Do you realise what is going to happen if you break your contract?” Peter asked, wanting to make sure that Max realised the full ramifications of what he was doing.

“Yes.” Max replied. It was only his life savings down the toilet, not to mention being blacklisted from the studio in the future. He could see himself quickly going from being one of the top A-list actors to a struggling B or even C-list actor when other studios decided he wasn’t worth the risk. But, the funny thing was, at that point in time, he really didn’t care.

“Okay.” Peter replied hesitantly. “Well. I guess I’ll be in touch. Good luck Max.”

“Thanks Pete.”

“Maybe when this blows over we can catch up for a drink and have a good ol’ laugh about it.” Peter suggested.

“Yeah, maybe… Pete? I’m really sorry.” Max apologised for letting him down.

“Me too Max.” Peter replied.

* * * * *

An hour later Max was sitting at the dining room table with his sleeve rolled up and a nurse drawing blood from his arm.

“That’s it. We should have the result for you in a couple of days.” The nurse said, putting the vial in her case and taking off her gloves.

“That long?” Max asked disappointed. He really needed to know right then what was going on. He was going out of his mind with the possibilities of what Tess could have done to him, or what she was still planning.

“If you want anonymity I’m going to have to do it on the sly, which will take a bit more time. I’m going to have to call in some favours.” The nurse replied sympathetically.

“That’s fine.” Max smiled weakly. The last thing he needed was for this to get out to the press.

“I’ll give you a call as soon as I know anything.” The nurse said, making her way to the door.

“Thanks Anna.” Isabel said, seeing her out.

“It’s no problem at all.” Anna smiled and waved goodbye.

“A couple of days, huh?” Isabel said, taking a seat next to Max. “What are you going to do between now and then?”

“Wait by the phone for Liz to call.” Max announced.

“Do you think she will?” Isabel asked.

“Not me … But she’ll call Serena.” Max replied.

“Wait – you’re going to wait by Serena’s phone and force an unsuspecting Liz to talk to you when she calls her friend?”

“Pretty much, yeah.” Max replied, rolling down his sleeve and getting up from the table.

“Where are you going?” Isabel asked.

“I have approximately 10 hours until Liz’s plane lands. I’m going to go and brood for a while.”

“Great plan Max.” Isabel replied rolling her eyes. There’s nothing like a man of action.

* * * * *

“Maria? Hey, it’s Isabel.” Isabel announced when Maria finally picked up her phone.

“Hi. Sorry Isabel, I thought you were Max. I was debating whether or not I wanted to speak to his sorry ass.”

“So you know all about what’s going on between him and Liz I take it.” Isabel stated the obvious. Of course she would know. “How is Liz?”

“Not so good.” Maria replied, not wanting to mention Liz’s sick father. Liz had been very specific about not wanting Max to know. It wasn’t fair to tell Isabel and expect her to keep it from her brother.

“Do you think Liz is going to come back?” Isabel asked.

“She isn’t planning to.” Maria replied.

“Max is devastated about the whole thing. I just wished they could talk it over.” Isabel voiced.

“That’s not likely. Max really hurt her, and I don’t see how he could ever explain away what he did. I think it’s over.”

“But if Tess really did drug him, it wasn’t entirely his fault, right?” Isabel asked.

“What do you mean ‘if Tess drugged him’?” Maria asked.

“Oh … I … um I thought he would have said something to you about it … sorry, forget I said anything.” Isabel back peddled. Why wouldn’t Max have said anything in his defence? Isabel wondered if Liz would have left so quickly if she had known.

“You better start talking missy – or I swear to God …” Maria threatened.

“He doesn’t know for sure. He’s taken a blood test. He’ll get the results in a couple of days.” Isabel explained.

“Okay. I think you need to start from the beginning.” Maria replied.

So Isabel did.

* * * * *

Meanwhile, Max was in his room, lying on his bed, staring up while throwing a tennis ball at the ceiling.

Bounce

Liz.

Bounce

Liz probably hated him.

Bounce

He had hurt her so much.

Bounce

He couldn’t see anyway out of this.

Bounce

If only he could to speak to her.

Bounce

Maybe she would understand.

Bounce

He just made a mistake.

Bounce

A bad judgement call.

Bounce

Who was he kidding – he had made more than one mistake.

Bounce

And bloody huge ones at that.

Bounce

Liz probably hated him.

Bounce

And he didn’t blame her.

Bounce

“Max if you bounce that ball one more time I swear I’ll shove it somewhere where the sun don’t shine!” Isabel yelled before slamming the door behind her.

No, he didn’t blame her at all.

* * * * *

“I had hoped you had forgotten.” Serena said, opening the door and reluctantly letting Max inside.

“Not likely.” Max replied, following Serena into the kitchen.

“You know, she may not even call. After such a long flight, she’ll probably want to go straight to bed.” Serena tried to dissuade Max.

“That’s okay. I came prepared.” Max replied, holding up his sleeping bag and bag full of snacks. He then held up two boxes of Thai takeaway.

“Is that Beef and Blackbean?” Serena asked, salivating.

“Your favourite.” Max replied.

“Don’t for one second think this gets you off the hook...” Serena replied, grabbing some chopsticks and immediately devouring the food, and then with a mouthful “…or that I’m going to let you anywhere near the phone.”

“We’ll see.” Max replied smiling before stretching out on the sofa as though he didn’t have a care in the world.

“Tell me something.” Serena asked, sitting on the chair opposite Max. The phone sat on the coffee table between them. “Where do you get off acting all confident? Do you really think all you need to do is open your mouth and you’ll be able to talk your way out of this mess? How cocky can you possibly be?”

Max abruptly sat up and looked Serena in the eyes.

“I’m only trying to act confident so that I won’t give away just how petrified I am. Believe me, I know how much I hurt Liz… and I know that the chances of her not hanging up the phone when I try to talk to her are pretty much slim to none. But I have to try … If I don’t hide behind my façade of confidence, I would be nothing more than a blubbering mess on the floor.”

Serena had to give him credit. The guy knew exactly the right things to say. Maybe he would be able to talk his way out of this mess after all.

“Well we wouldn’t want that.” Serena smiled, and then her smile dropped. “Maria called me.” Serena blurted.

“And what did Maria have to say?” Max replied, not getting the point.

“Apparently Isabel called her this afternoon and told her everything … you know … about what Tess did.”

Max hung his head. “I wish she hadn’t.”

“Why?” Serena asked confused.

“Does it really make any difference? I got drunk. The consequences are my fault. It doesn’t change anything.” Max replied.

“Yes it does. It shows that you didn’t have intent. That changes everything.” Serena replied.

“Then why are you still giving me hostility?” Max replied, referring to Serena’s earlier comment that she wouldn’t let him near the phone.

“Because Liz is my girl … and I’m still mad that you didn’t tell her about the movie.”

“Fair enough.” Max replied, lying back on the sofa and staring at the ceiling. “But why didn’t you tell her?”

“You know, I wanted to. I was planning to as soon as I found out. But when I saw her she was so happy. And I thought to myself that she deserved to be happy for once and I sure as hell wasn’t going to be the one to ruin that.” Serena replied. “Besides, it really should have come from you. That’s why I’m still mad at you.”

“If it makes you feel any better, I’m still mad at me too.” Max replied.

“You know what … it does.” Serena smirked at Max, and he retaliated by throwing a pillow at her.

At that moment the phone rang, and Serena and Max both eyed each other off for a second, wondering what the other one would do. In the same nanosecond they both lunged for the phone, Serena reaching it first. There was a slight struggle as Max managed to grab the phone out from under her, but Serena won the battle by giving him a Chinese burn.

“Hello?” She answered breathlessly.

“Hey. How are you?” Serena looked at Max nervously.

“Um … Max is here.” Serena announced.

Max used that moment to steal the phone from Serena.

“Liz?” Max asked desperately.

“No, it’s Maria.” Maria replied, and Max watched as Serena bent over in a fit of laughter.

“Hey Maria.” Max replied, unable to hide his disappointment.

“Look. Isabel called me before…” Maria began.

“Yeah, so I heard.” Max replied, glaring at Serena who was now proceeding to dance around the room gloating over the fact that she had managed to trick him.

“And I just want you to know that if it is true, then maybe it excuses some of your actions, but you’re still in the wrong Max.” Maria warned.

“I know Maria.” Max replied.

“And if you do anything to hurt Liz any further when she calls I will personally hunt you down and rip you into so many pieces they won’t be able to identify the body.” Maria explained, and Max couldn’t help but get a very vivid mental picture. “Sorry … it’s the hormones talking. Just don’t push her Max. She’s having to deal with far too much at the moment.”

“I understand Maria. I just want the chance to say I’m sorry.” Max replied.

“Okay. Well, I guess I’ll talk to you later.” Maria said before hanging up the phone.

“You suck, you know that?” Max said to Serena as he hung up the phone.

“Oh, c’mon. I didn’t do anything – it was your imagination running away with you.” Serena replied, returning to her Thai food. After a couple of mouthfuls, she eyed Max suspiciously. “Hand it over.” She said, holding out her hand.

Max reluctantly put the phone back on the coffee table, from where he had tried to hide it under the cushion he was lying on.

“Nothing gets passed you does it?” Max said.

“That’s why I’m such a good journalist.” Serena replied. “Want to give me an exclusive on how Tess drugged you?”

“Tempting, but no.” Max replied.

* * * * *

Meanwhile, Liz’s plane was finally making the descent into Sydney. Liz would have been overjoyed at the fact she was finally going to be able to get off the plane, except that she still had to take the connecting flight to Adelaide. Two more hours in the air before she could finally plant her feet back on the ground. Thank goodness for air-sickness tablets.

“How long has it been since you’ve been home?” The woman next to her asked. They had been chatting a little on the plane ever since she handed Liz a tissue when she had broken down at the start of the flight. Liz knew she was also Australian, a teacher, who had just been on a whirlwind trip around the US for her long service leave. Liz hadn’t said anything about herself, and the woman hadn’t asked.

“Four years.” Liz replied, watching the sprawling lights of Sydney beneath her.

“I bet your family will be happy to see you.” The woman replied.

“I hope so.” Liz said with a sad smile.

“Well, I hope everything works out for you and your boyfriend. You two seem made for each other.” The woman said out of the blue. Liz looked at her in confusion.

“I worked out where I recognised your face from.” The woman blushed. “I saw you on Oprah last week.”

Liz nodded – thankful that the woman had respected her wish for anonymity during the flight.

“It was nice to meet you.” The woman said, gathering her belongings as the plane pulled up to the gate.

“You too.” Liz replied.

Liz waited for the majority of the people to clear before she grabbed her bags from the overhead compartment and walked off the plane. She checked her watch. She had a couple of hours to get through customs until her next flight left, and she really didn’t feel like sitting down to wait at the next gate, or browsing through the shops, so she headed for the nearest payphone, not even thinking of checking the time difference.

* * * * *

“Max?” Serena mumbled.

“Hmmph…” Max replied incoherently.

“Are you asleep?” Serena asked. She was lying in Max’s place on the sofa and Max was uncomfortably curled up on the chair. There were empty bags of chips and chocolate bar wrappers covering the floor. A cold pot of coffee lay half finished on the coffee table.

“Hmmph …” Max replied.

Serena checked her watch. It was about 3am and she really needed to go to the bathroom. Liz’s plane would have landed about half an hour ago, and she expected the phone to ring any second if Liz was going to call before her next flight. Serena debated holding off, but she really, really had to pee. Max seemed to be asleep, so she grabbed the phone and took it with her to the bathroom, hoping Max wouldn’t even notice.

Max stirred slightly when Serena left the room, but settled back into the strange dream he was having of drowning in chocolate bars, making a mental note that he really shouldn’t eat so much junk food so late at night. As he was wading through the chocolate bars in his mind, he heard a strange buzzing noise. He tried to ignore it but it only got louder. Eventually it woke him up and he noticed Serena had left the room, and taken the phone with her.

His attention was then caught by the blue glow from Serena’s mobile phone on the kitchen bench. Racing over it as quickly as he could without slipping over on chocolate bar wrappers, he lunged for the phone.

“Hello?” He answered desperately.

There was silence on the other end of the phone, but Max could here movement in the background.

“Liz?” Max asked desperately. “Liz … it’s Max.”

There was more silence.

At that moment Serena rushed into the room and saw Max talking on her mobile. Max looked at Serena with hope shining in his eyes. Liz was on the other end of the phone and hadn’t hung up yet.

“Liz … I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry I hurt you. Please … please tell me that you’re okay… please say something … anything…” Max said desperately.

Max thought he caught the sound of a sob hitch in Liz’s throat seconds before he heard the dial tone.

“Liz!... Damn!” Max said, slamming the phone down.

“I hate to say ‘I told you so’.” Serena said.

“Then don’t.” Max replied. “Just don’t, okay?”

Serena’s heart went out to him. The guy was really suffering.

Max stared at the phone for a moment before hitting the redial button. Eventually someone picked up.

“Hello?” A strange voice asked, sounding confused.

“Hi. Where are you?” Max asked desperately.

“In the food court.” The man replied.

“Where? Which food court?” Max asked.

“The Sydney international terminal. Why? Who is this?”

“Did you see the woman who just made a call on that phone?” Max asked desperately.

“Nah mate, I didn’t.”

“Is there a woman nearby – about 5 foot 6 with long brown hair?” Max asked.

“Do you realise how many women here fit that description?” The man laughed.

Max felt defeated. “Thanks anyway.” He said before hanging up the phone.

“So now what?” Serena asked.

“I don’t know.” Max replied, dropping his head in defeat.

Sorry about being MIA last week. I'll try not to do it again!

Thanks for all the fellow 'Press Gang' fans out there for letting me know I'm not alone!

Thanks everyone else for your feedback.

Here's the next instalment!


40

It was only just over 2 hours from Sydney to Adelaide, but it felt like a lifetime for Liz. After hanging up on Max, she had done nothing else but replay his words in her head like a broken record.

As the plane began taxing down the runway -

“Please tell me that you’re okay.”

As she tried to suppress the nausea that threatened her when her stomach plummeted as the plane’s wheels left the ground -

“Please tell me that you’re okay.”

As the plane plateaud and the seatbelt sign was switched off -

“Please tell me that you’re okay!!”

She was far from okay, but that’s not what was bothering her about his words. What was bothering her was that Max made no attempt to excuse what he had done. He had had her full attention for exactly one minute on the phone, and he hadn’t used it to tell her that what she had seen wasn’t real - that it was all a huge misunderstanding and she had overreacted. Instead, he had used that one minute to simply say he was sorry and to ask if she was okay!? That either meant that (a) he didn’t have an excuse for what he had done, in which case she couldn’t see how she could ever get passed what she had seen, or (b) he cared for her so much that he was only concerned about whether she was safe and sane, not whether she hated him or not. What bothered her was that she didn’t know which alternative scared her the most.

“Excuse me.” Liz said to the passenger next to her, as she unclasped her seat belt, and stumbled into the aisle.

Liz headed to the back of the plane, where she made a beeline for the next available toilet with the intention of splashing cold water on her face. Staring at herself in the mirror, the bags under her eyes and bloodshot eyes showed her that she definitely wasn’t okay.

“Are you okay?” A stewardess asked, as Liz exited the bathroom and hesitated to return to her seat.

“Can I get some ice?” Liz asked, feeling hot, sweaty and nauseous – and not sure how much was related to air sickness and how much was from the thought of seeing Max with Tess – an image she hadn’t been able to shake for the past 24 hours or more.

“Not a good flyer, huh?” The stewardess smiled sympathetically while filling up a glass of ice and handing it to Liz, which Liz immediately held to her forehead. Everything would be okay if she could just cool down. No, scrap that - everything would be okay if this was all just a bad dream.

Finally touching down in Adelaide, Liz did a double take to make sure she was in the right place. Since she had been gone, the city had built itself a brand new airport, as though it was trying to finally join the new millennium. As Liz walked the bridge, she would have been more suitably impressed by that fact that she no longer had to walk across the tarmac to get to the terminal, if it wasn’t for the flash of cameras that greeted her at the end.

“Liz! Liz! What can you tell us about your sudden departure from LA?” One reporter asked, leaning over the railing to where Liz was walking up the ramp. “Have you and Max split?”

“How do you feel about the news that Tess was seen leaving Max’s hotel room?” Another asked.

There were more cameras and Liz had to shield her eyes from the bright lights. After so long in the air, and the effect of the air sickness tablets, she found it hard enough to steady herself on solid ground as it was.

“What about the rumours that Tess Harding is pregnant and Max is the father?”

The remaining colour drained from Liz’s face, and she found herself rooted to the spot, unable to move passed the last question. Tess was pregnant? Tess couldn’t know she was pregnant so soon, could she? Unless they had been sleeping together for longer than Liz had first thought. Exactly how long had Max been sleeping around with Tess behind her back? Exactly how blind had she really been?

Liz was grateful when security arrived to escort her away from the reporters, who reminded her of a pack of hyenas waiting to lunge at her over the rail. She barely registered the fact that her feet were moving, except for the vague observation that the reporter’s screeching seemed to be getting further and further away. Despite her protestations at not needing a body guard, at that moment Liz felt the loss of not having Michael by her side to protect her.

“Are you okay?” One of the security guards asked her, leading her through the airport to the baggage carousel.

“No.” Liz replied.

Tess is pregnant.

“Do you have someone meeting you?” He asked, looking at her concerned.

“No.” Liz replied.

Tess is pregnant.

“Come with me and I’ll hail you a cab.” The security man offered.

“Thank you.” Liz replied.

Tess is pregnant!

“Where to love?” The taxi driver asked after the security man had safely ushered Liz into the taxi away from the prying eyes of onlookers.

“Royal Adelaide Hospital please.” Liz replied as she put on her seatbelt.

Trying to shake her thoughts from Tess, Liz tried to concentrate on what she had come home for. On the flight she had played through her mind how the reunion with her parents would go. She had thought about every possible scenario, but funnily enough, none involved her parents throwing their arms around her and welcoming her back no questions asked. The thought of having to tell her parents what had happened to her all those years ago was almost enough to make her ask the taxi driver turn around so she could get on a plane straight back to LA.

“So are you here on holiday or returning home?” The cabbie asked, trying to make conversation.

“Returning home.” Liz replied, but not feeling very much like she was home. After so long away the place seemed foreign to her now. The streets were exactly how she remembered them, but she just didn’t feel like she belonged to them anymore. But at that moment, with the news of Max and Tess, Liz didn’t feel like she belonged anywhere.

“Where have you been?”

“All over. LA mostly.” Liz replied.

“And back to little old Adelaide? That’ll be a shock to the system.” The cabbie laughed.

“More than you know.” Liz replied under her breath.

* * * * *

“Michael?” Maria asked, still half asleep, having woken by the lack of warmth of him no longer lying next to her.

“Michael?” Maria asked again, walking into the kitchen where she found Michael pacing in the dark. “What’s wrong?”

“I couldn’t sleep.” Michael replied. “I was dreaming about my sister.”

“Oh, Michael.” Maria consoled, putting her arms around him. She held him for a moment, then pulled away. “That’s not all that’s on you mind is it?”

“No.” Michael replied, constantly surprised by just how well Maria knew him. “I… I think I should go to Australia.” Michael announced, although looking conflicted. “I think someone should watch over Liz.”

“She said she wanted to go alone.” Maria pointed out.

“Did you really buy that?” Michael asked.

“No. But there’s no arguing with Liz when she gets that way.”

“Well, she’s not here now is she?” Michael folded his arms.

“I like the way your mind works.” Maria smiled. “So … we’ll go to Australia.”

“We?” Michael asked. “What about the movie?”

“With Max pulling the plug, they’re talking about shutting down until he can be talked around, or until a decision can be made about how to replace him. So technically I’m out of a job. I just have a meeting with Phil to discuss some future projects – which I can reschedule for later in the year.”

“Don’t.” Michael replied. “You really need this opportunity. I would feel bad if you didn’t take it. And Liz wouldn’t want that either.”

“You want to go without me?” Maria asked hesitantly.

“No. I don’t want to leave your side. You need me. Our baby needs me too. But I just have this bad feeling that Liz will need someone too before we can both get to her.”

“Go. I’ll be okay for a couple of days, and then I’ll follow you after the meeting. How about that?” Maria suggested.

“Okay…” Michael agreed hesitantly. “Maybe you could get Alex to bring you down. I don’t want you travelling alone.”

“I’ll be fine.” Maria dismissed the suggestion.

Michael just raised his eyebrow.

“Okay, okay, I’ll think about it.” Maria conceded. “So when does the next plane leave?”

“In a few hours.” Michael replied.

“I guess we’d better get you packed then.” Maria said, heading to the bedroom to start pulling out some clothes from the cupboard.

* * * * *

After paying the taxi driver the fare, Liz stood on the kerb with her bags, looking at the doors to the hospital. Would her parents be happy to see her? Was her Dad going to be okay? Was she?

“It’s now or never.” She said to herself, taking a deep breath before heading inside.

Liz waited in line at the reception desk to ask for her father’s room number. As she waited she couldn’t help but notice the TV was on in the background, playing a promo for none other than the episode of ‘Oprah’ that she and Max appeared on. She had been correct in thinking that it would take a little while for the Australian stations to pick it up.

The timing couldn’t have been worse though – the last thing she needed was for her parents to see it before she could tell them about it. But then again, she only had herself to blame for that. But what she definitely didn’t need was all the sideways glances she was receiving from some of the nursing staff behind the counter. Liz wished she could just shrivel up on the spot.

“Next.” The receptionist called, and Liz stepped up to the counter.

“Can you please tell me what room Jeffrey Parker is in?” Liz asked.

“Coming up next… An Oprah special with Max Evans and our very own Liz Parker…”

“Parker … parker …” The receptionist repeated as she searched on her database. Liz started getting nervous, and pulled her hair down around her face, wishing she had thought to buy a baseball cap or scarf to disguise herself. “Oh, yes, here it is… room 214. Just take the elevator to level…”

But Liz was already racing off, wanting to get away from the pointed stares and whispering as soon as she could. In the safety of the elevator she managed to catch her breath and try to come to terms with the thought that she was a celebrity in her own country. This wasn’t what she had bargained for.

Before she was ready, the elevator doors opened onto level 2, and Liz stepped out and followed the signs to room 214, trying to ignore the television that she saw on behind the nurse’s stand as she passed.

Standing outside her father’s room, Liz hesitated. She had had a long time on the plane to think about what she would say to her parents when she saw them, but now her mind was a total blank. How was she going to explain why she had gone away, why she had stayed away so long, and why she hadn’t called? How was she going to explain that she wasn’t the same little girl that they remembered?

Liz hesitantly opened the door, and saw her father lying asleep in the hospital bed. Glancing around the room, she noticed that her mother was no where in sight, but the presence of her handbag and half finished knitting lying on the chair indicated that she wasn’t far away. The TV was on, but the sound had been muted.

She slowly stepped into the room, closing the door silently behind her, not wanting to wake her father. She placed her bags on the floor just as noiselessly before taking a seat by her father’s bed.

“D-dad?” Liz stammered, her throat constricting at the sight of her father looking so ill. He had aged so much in the past four years, and she wondered how much of that had been in the past 48 hours, and how much had been her own doing.

Liz hesitantly took her father’s hand in hers and held it tightly.

“Dad? It’s me Liz. Can you hear me?” Liz asked, watching his face for any sign of movement. There was none, just the steady rise and fall of his chest.

Liz was determined not to cry, but that didn’t stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks. How could she have stayed away so long? How could she have thought that she could live without her parents love to support her? How could she not help but feel responsible for her father’s broken heart?

“Can I help you?” A familiar voice asked from the doorway.

Liz turned around, wiping the tears from her face. “Hi Mum.”

“Liz?” Liz’s mother gasped, placing a hand to her mouth in shock, as she dropped her styrofoam cup of coffee all over the floor. “Is that really you?”

Liz unlatched herself from her father’s hand and stood up, preparing herself for the questions.

“Oh thank goodness.” Liz’s mother cried, and rushed towards Liz to give her the tightest hug she could possibly imagine. “We have missed you so much.”

“I’ve missed you too.” Liz confessed, letting the tears once again run down her cheeks, feeling that maybe she was wrong about the welcome she would receive.

“Is Dad going to be okay?” Liz asked, pulling away from her mother’s embrace and turning to stand beside her Dad’s bed.

“The doctors are feeling positive, but we’re just going to have to wait and see.” Her mother explained, standing on the other side of the bed.

Liz sat down and held her father’s hand again.

“Do they know what caused it?” Liz asked.

“He’s been under a lot of stress lately. The restaurant hasn’t been going very well. His heart just hasn’t been in it.”

“I’m sorry.” Liz said feeling responsible. “It’s all my fault.”

“He’s been so worried about you … we both have. I guess it finally took its toll.”

Liz stood up and started pacing the room. She was responsible for putting her father in the hospital. Why couldn’t she have just called? All she had to do was pick up the phone once in a while and tell her parents that she was okay and that she loved them. She should have told them the truth. Why had she been so selfish?

“Why did you leave Liz?” Her mother asked, breaking the silence that had building as Liz paced, deep in thought.

Liz stopped pacing and looked at her mother. “I …”

“What did we do wrong?” Her mother continued. “Did we do something to make you want to leave? To not let us know where you were? If you were okay?”

Liz saw the look of pain in her mother’s eyes, and Liz’s heart broke to know she had caused it.

“It wasn’t you.” Liz replied.

“Then what was it?” Her mother demanded more strongly this time. “We thought you just needed a bit of a break after high school to see the world. That was more than four years ago. What happened to your dream of going to TAFE? What happened with your friendship with Maria? She was devastated when you left.”

“Do we have to do this now?” Liz asked, beginning to pace the room again. She wasn’t ready for this. She really wasn’t ready for this.

“I think you owe it to us … to me, to tell us the truth. What happened?”

At that moment Liz glanced at the television that was hanging from the ceiling and saw that it was tuned to her episode of ‘Oprah’.

“You want to know what happened? This happened.” Liz replied, turning up the volume of the television.

“Four years ago I was raped…”

Liz watched her mother as her mother watched the screen, seeing her mother’s face go white at the realisation.

“Liz …” Her mother eventually said, turning away from the screen, having watched silently for a while.

Liz didn’t meet her eyes. She couldn’t.

“Liz … honey, I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you tell me?” Her mother asked.

“I was scared and ashamed. I thought that you would blame me for letting it happen. I thought you wouldn’t love me anymore.” Liz explained, voicing words that she didn’t even realise she felt until they came spilling out of her mouth.

“Oh, honey. We could never blame you. It wasn’t your fault.” Liz’s mother reached out to comfort her, but Liz pulled away from her mother’s touch, and began pacing again.

“Who did this to you?” Liz’s mother asked.

Liz hesitated for a moment, before replying in barely a whisper “Sean.”

Liz’s mother’s hand flew to her mouth as it dawned on her how many times she had encouraged Liz to ignore the rumours about Sean and to give him the benefit of the doubt.

“I guess not everyone can be saved, huh?” Liz replied, knowing exactly what was going through her mother’s mind.

“Liz… I didn’t know. I … I just thought you would be a good influence on him, and help him return to the right path.”

“Apparently not.” Liz spat back. Now she knew exactly why she had avoided telling her parents all these years. She had resented them for pushing her towards Sean. They had mistakenly thought that if he was pushed in the right direction he would return like the prodigal son and begin to live his life differently.

“Why did you leave without telling us? Without telling anyone?” Liz’s mother asked.

“He threatened me… he threatened Maria … so I had to leave. I was too scared to face what had happened. I’ve been running ever since.” Liz explained.

“I wish you had told us.”

“Yeah, well, I wish for a lot of things too, but sometimes life doesn’t turn out how you want it to.” Liz replied despondently, trying to ignore the image of Max and Tess that was threatening. She attempted to divert her thoughts by returning to her father’s bedside. He was still asleep, and Liz was grateful that at least he hadn’t had the stress of having to hear what transpired during the past few minutes.

Liz’s mother returned to her chair on the other side of the bed, and picked up her knitting, but her attention kept diverting to the television where Liz and Max were still centre stage.

Liz watched the television for a moment, but couldn’t face watching it. She didn’t want a reminder of how happy she had been only days before … and how naïve.

“I have a question for Liz… Is Max a good kisser?”

“I’m going to get some air.” Liz announced, quickly walking towards the door.

As she was about to step out into the corridor, she heard the only sound that could get her to stay in the room at that moment.

“Liz.” Her dad whispered.

Liz spun around and saw her Dad’s struggling to open his eyes.

“Dad?” Liz replied, racing back to his side and clasping his hand.

“You’re okay…” Liz said, letting the tears roll down her cheeks.

“Now that you’re here.” Her Dad smiled.

You all thought I wasn't going to post this week didn't you?

Okay ... I almost wasn't, but I can't post next week (long long Easter week(end) by the beach) so I thought I'd better post what I have or else I'll be lynched!

Thanks for the feedbacks and bumps!

The song is 'Special Ones' by George (more Australian music that I just had to find some way of putting in my fic - it's been running through my head all week).

Enjoy - have a great Easter - I hope you all get to eat far too much chocolate than what's good for you!


41

“You’re not afraid of a little water are you Dizzy Lizzy?” He teased, kicking up some sea water that was lapping at their feet.

They were at the beach. Maria was lying on her stomach on a beach towel, having just rolled over to bake the other side. The two of them had gotten bored of watching Maria lather herself in suntan oil, so were walking along the foreshore together.

“How many times have I told you not to call me that?” Liz replied, putting her hands on her hips.

“But that’s your name.” He replied smirking, knowing just how much that name annoyed her.

“I threw up once after getting of the ‘Breakdance’ ride at the Royal Show and you have never let me forget it.” Liz huffed.

“Oh, c’mon, it was funny.” He replied, unable to suppress a belly laugh.

Liz replied by defiantly kicking water back at him with much more force than he had originally given.

“That’s it. Now you’re in for it!” He threatened as he grabbed Liz, threw her over his shoulder and proceeded to throw her into the sea. Seconds later Liz came up spluttering.

“You’re gonna pay for that!” Liz smiled devilishly before jumping up and chasing him down the beach where he was high-tailing it away from her.


Liz woke up with a start, and took a moment to take in her surroundings. The first thing she noticed was the sound of the heart monitor, watching over the steady, solid beating of her father’s heart.

Liz ran her hands through her hair, and tried to shake the image of herself with him on the beach. Why did she have to think about that now? After everything? Why did she have to remember a time that she was happy … with Sean.

“Have a nice nap?” Her mother asked, looking up from her knitting.

Liz smiled weakly before diverting her eyes.

“Do you still stay in touch with Mrs Deluca?” Liz asked suddenly.

“Of course, I just saw her a couple of days ago as a matter of fact. She’s just started a party-plan business selling ‘Body Shop’ products, so I held a party for her. It was lovely, we had facials and talked about girls stuff. I sold $200 worth of products and got this lovely moisturiser for free…” Her mother explained, digging through her handbag for the aforementioned moisturiser.

“Has she seen Sean lately?” Liz interrupted, causing her mother to fumble the moisturiser from her hands to the floor.

“Oh dear … um … I believe so.” Liz’s mother replied.

“So he’s in town then?” Liz confirmed.

“Apparently he returned just recently. He had been working up at Roxby but has come back to Adelaide to try and rebuild his life here.”

“Lucky him…” Liz replied, thinking about how nice it would be to rebuild her life too. If only it was that easy.

“I’m sure you won’t run into him. Adelaide is such a big town.” Her mother tried to give her some comfort. Liz couldn’t help but scoff at just how small Adelaide was to the rest of the world. She had no doubt that she would be seeing Sean much sooner than she was ready to.

“So… You’re dating that actor fellow?” Liz’s mum began hesitantly, in an attempt to change the subject. “He seems like a nice young man.”

“Was dating him. I’m not anymore.” Liz corrected.

“What happened?” Her mother asked casually, attempting to focus on the scarf she was knitting so Liz wouldn’t feel like she was under the spotlight.

“It just didn’t work out.” Liz replied vaguely.

“That’s a shame.” Liz mother replied. “Oh, well… his loss.”

“Thanks, mum.” Liz smiled, at her mother’s belief that her daughter was good enough for anyone – even the three time awarded ‘sexiest man alive’.

* * * * *

“So where are you staying Liz?” Her mother asked later that afternoon when she saw Liz suppressing a yawn. The doctors had been in and out of the room all afternoon, and her father had been in and out of consciousness. He was currently asleep again.

“Oh … I … well I hadn’t really thought about it.” Liz confessed.

“Why don’t you stay in your old room?” Her mother suggested.

“No, that’s okay. I can get a hotel.” Liz offered. “I don’t want to put you out.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Her mother dismissed her concerns. “Why don’t we take off now? Visiting hours are almost over, and your father needs his sleep. You can sleep in your old bed, and we’ll come back first thing in the morning.”

“Okay.” Liz replied hesitantly. She knew that it was useless sitting by her Dad’s bedside all night, but she didn’t feel ready to leave his side just yet. Jet lag was beginning to set in though, and it felt like it was going to be a killer. She decided that it would be nice to feel refreshed for when her father woke up the following day. They had a lot of catching up to do, and Liz felt relieved that she was going to get the chance. She had been so worried about him.

“He’ll be okay.” Her mother said, laying a comforting hand on her shoulder, seeing the look on Liz’s face.

“I know.” Liz smiled, before squeezing her father’s hand one more time and placing a kiss on his forehead, before turning to her mother. “Let’s go.”

They headed downstairs to the main entry where Liz saw an unusually large number of people waiting by the doors.

“Uh … I think we should try and find another way out.” Liz said, backing away from the doors before she was seen. The last thing she needed was the tabloids broadcasting exactly where she was to the entire world. There were at least two people in the world she really didn’t want to know. It was probably too late for that anyway after the episode at the airport, but she had to believe that she could remain partially concealed even in this relatively small city.

“I can show you to the staff entrance.” A nurse offered, lightly placing a hand on Liz’s arm and guiding her away from the main entrance.

“I’m Claudia by the way.” The nurse introduced herself.

Liz smiled. That was the name of her grandmother. Maybe that bode well for the purity of this nurse’s offer.

“I saw you on TV before. I guess it would be hard getting used to all the attention, huh?”

“Understatement.” Liz replied.

“Oh well, I guess that’s the price you pay for dating a hunk like Max Evans… What’s he really like?” Claudia asked.

How was Liz supposed to answer that? A week ago she would have said that he was the greatest guy she had ever met. It was the sweetest, kindest, most humble man. Now? Now she really wanted to be able to say all of those things, but she didn’t know if they were still true.

Luckily she didn’t have to, as the nurse didn’t seem to expect an answer.

“I bet he has a great house… and fancy cars … fancy clothes. Man … to have even his fame and fortune for one day – imagine what you could do…”

Sleep with as many women as you want apparently.

“Well here we are.” Claudia said, opening the door to the staff car park. “Joe here can escort you to your car, can’t you Joe?” Claudia asked the gentleman standing by the door.

“It would be my pleasure.” Joe replied, taking Liz and her mother on each arm. “Two beautiful ladies … how did I get so lucky?”

Liz’s mother blushed, while Liz couldn’t help but look over her shoulder to see if this was all a trick and she was about to be pounced on by waiting paparazzi. When they didn’t appear, Liz turned to Claudia and thanked her for helping them.

“My pleasure.” She smiled before heading back inside, but before she did, she turned around. “Oh, when you come back tomorrow, feel free to come this way. I’ll make sure the guard on the door knows to expect you.”

“Thanks again Claudia.” Liz smiled, thinking to herself how nice it was to have people bend over backwards to help her. How nice it was to be home…

* * * * *

“How did it go?” Isabel asked when she saw Max at the kitchen table the next morning. She noticed he looked like death warmed over. “That good huh?”

“Well, she didn’t hang up on me…” Max began.

“That’s good.” Isabel smiled.

“… for about a minute.” Max finished.

Isabel’s smile dropped.

“And did she say anything in that minute?” Isabel asked curiously.

“No. She hung up as soon as I gave her the chance.”

“And what did you say?”

“That I was sorry, and I asked if she was alright.”

“That’s good. Not too pushy – shows you care about how she’s doing.”

“Glad you approve.” Max smiled and the fact Isabel was critiquing him. “Well, we’ll see if she calls back.”

“You’re not going to stake out Serena’s house again are you?” Isabel warned.

“No … I was thinking of trying Maria’s.” Max winked.

“You’re hopeless.” Isabel said, rolling her eyes. “Pity Maria’s in Canada. That reminds me … are you going back for your stuff. I noticed you didn’t bring a suitcase with you yesterday.”

“I’ll get Michael to pick it up for me.” Max replied.

“He’s not in Canada anymore.” Isabel announced. “I thought you knew that?”

“Why would I know that?” Max asked.

“I assumed you were the one who ordered him down to Australia after Liz.”

“What? Michael’s gone to Australia?” Max repeated.

“Apparently. Maria called this morning to let me know. Actually, she called looking for Alex – apparently Michael wants Alex to escort Maria down to Australia in a couple of days.”

“Where in Australia exactly?” Max asked, he’s interest piqued.

“She didn’t say…” Isabel said before adding a warning look, knowing exactly what Max was thinking.

“I know, I know. I’m not supposed to know where Liz is. Maria and Serena have both made that very clear.”

At that moment Max’s phone rang, diverting his attention from thoughts of following Maria to Australia.

“Hello.” Max answered.

“I see… Okay… 10 am… I’ll be there… Bye.” Max hung up the phone. “Let the games begin.”

“What’s going on?” Isabel asked curiously.

“Lawyers are starting negotiations already. I have to go downtown.”

“That didn’t take long. How long will it take?” Isabel asked.

“About as long as it takes for me to give them whatever they want.”

“Max…” Isabel cautioned.

“Don’t worry. It will be fine.” Max promised.

* * * * *

Liz stepped into her old bedroom and dropped her bags. She couldn’t believe how everything looked exactly as she remembered it.

“We didn’t want to touch anything.” Liz’s mother said over her shoulder. “We always hoped that you would be back soon.”

“I’m sorry it took so long.” Liz apologised, stepping further into her room.

“I’ll leave you to get some sleep.” Her mother offered, sensing that Liz wanted to be alone. “Sweet dreams. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Goodnight.” Liz replied distractedly.

She looked around the room and felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her. She couldn’t believe how she used to keep her room. Every inch of every wall was covered in posters that she had delicately removed from the ‘Smash Hits’ magazines she used to buy. She had counted them all once, and it had come to almost 300 posters. She stared at her ceiling – that was still bare. For some reason she didn’t like the idea of having these faces look down on her as she slept.

Liz looked at the various people that she idolised in high school, and laughed at some of the people she had deemed worthy of hanging from her wall. She really had to refine her taste. Liz dreaded to think what she would find in her CD collection.

That idea caused her to approach her CD player, and check out what she had been listening to more than four years ago. She pressed play and waited for the tune to fill the room.

Isn’t it funny how you never really screamed at my face?
But your anger so unspoken and unchannelled permeates my essence
To the point where I don’t want to see you, hear you, be anywhere near you
You probably think I’m threatened by you but your illusionary power doesn’t threaten me
Actually I think it’s kind of funny that you create an illusion that is a mirror
I don’t appreciate you and I know that that surprises you
I suppose you see that those who follow their hearts always win
Those with integrity have won the match before it’s begun

It wasn't until the chorus began, that she smiled dryly at how appropriate it was to how she was feeling now.

So rather than being kicked around, I’m going to kick you to her curb
So rather than being pushed around, I’m going to push you away first
So rather than trying to protect you, I’m going to cover my bases first
So rather than trying to open my heart, I’m going to lock it with a key
So that only the special ones can ever get through to me

When she had first heard the song she had been surprised that someone could be so hurt by someone that they would close themselves off from love, making it so difficult for anyone to ever get through to them again. Now she knew exactly how it felt. Problem was that she now couldn’t tell if it was Sean or Max that had caused her to shut down.

Some can see beyond the barrier of threshold
Whereas others can’t see beyond the sculptured mould
You could offer me nothing, you could offer me nothing that I need
Do you think I’m asking too much?
A kind of respect and trust that shouldn’t even be questioned
How can I open my heart with dishonesty sitting next to me?
I’ve honoured your honour to the point of embarrassment
But innocence in the hands of the guilt-free is kicked to, is kicked to the curb
I was ashamed of my innocence, I was ashamed of my innocence
But now with clarity I see your bullshit is just not worthy of me

Max had nothing she needed, not anymore… Well, unless she counted the hope of ever finding true love, the hope of every feeling any flicker of happiness, the hope of every feeling whole again.

So rather than being kicked around, I’m going to kick you to her curb
So rather than being pushed around, I’m going to push you away first
So rather than trying to protect you, I’m going to cover my bases first
So rather than trying to open my heart, I’m going to lock it with a key
So that only the special ones can ever get through to me

She stared at her walls and searched for what she knew would be there. She found it, next to her mirror – a poster of a slightly younger Max Evans. She stared into his eyes and wondered how someone so beautiful, so sweet and innocent looking could turn out to be so deceptive?

I don’t want to be angry…
I don't want to be angry
I don't want to be angry
I don't want to be angry angry angry!

Liz didn’t want to be angry at him, and she didn’t think she was. She was hurt, she was so deeply shattered, but how could she angry at him? She deserved nothing more than what she had received. She always knew that she was damaged goods, and Max had obviously seen it too.

This is not worthy of me and now with clarity I see that I can walk away
I can walk away

No, that wasn’t true. She deserved more. She deserved a love that was open, honest, and true. She had to walk away because she was worth more than that. She had to give herself a chance to find out just how great her life could be.

So rather than being kicked around, I’m going to kick you to her curb
So rather than being pushed around, I’m going to push you away first
So rather than trying to protect you, I’m going to cover my bases first
So rather than trying to open my heart, I’m going to lock it with a key
So that only the special ones can ever get through to me

Liz reached up and gently pulled the poster off the wall. She really couldn’t bear to see Max’s face when she woke in the morning. She hesitated over the rubbish bin, ready to screw the poster up into a ball never to be seen again, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Instead, she placed it face down in her desk drawer and than glanced back at the now empty space on her wall. She mused at the fact that the empty space now resembled the hole in her heart.

* * * * *

Max stared at the row of lawyers sitting in front of him, and then to those either side of him. If he just signed the agreement right now, they could all go home and save themselves a packet full of lawyers bills. But his lawyer insisted on going through the motions, of pretending that there was a negotiation, when Max really knew that he would give anything to have the movie go away. He was determined that Liz would never have to see the movie finished. Any amount of money they asked for was worth that.

Max reached inside his jacket pocket to check his phone. It had been vibrating incessantly since he arrived, but he had hesitated to check it when he knew there were at least eight people in the room watching his every move.

The phone display showed 10 missed calls from Isabel. Whatever she wanted must be pretty important. He was about to excuse himself from the room to check his voicemail when a secretary walked into the room and dropped an envelope in front of him. It was addressed to him in Isabel’s handwriting. He smiled his thanks before slowly opening it.

What he read inside made his blood boil. It was a news clipping with the headline ‘Tess Harding pregnant: Max Evans the father?’ with a photo taken with a telephoto lens of Tess leaving a family planning clinic. Apparently the paparazzi had jumped to the obvious conclusion that he was the father since Tess had been seen exiting his hotel room the other night. That seemed to be the extent of their research.

Max’s anger turned to concern, as he wondered exactly how long it would take for the news to get to Liz. Would she believe the tabloids? Would she believe them without giving him the benefit of the doubt? Would she believe the suggestion that he had been with Tess for a lot longer than Liz would have originally thought? Of course she would – she had no reason not to.

“Excuse me gentlemen. We’re going to have to resume this discussion on another day.” Max said, rising from the table.

“Max? What’s going on? We’re really getting somewhere.” Max’s lawyer protested.

“If you leave now, we’ll take the matter to court.” The opposing counsel threatened.

“Fine. Your demand is that I pay $20 million in compensation to cover the costs expended on the movie so far, and an estimate of gross takings when it is released? Well, how about I offer you $10 million for costs and an estimate of takings a badly acted movie would rack up at the theatres, which is what you would get if you forced me to continue with the movie. What do you say? Do we have a deal?” Max asked impatiently.

There was murmuring from the other side of the table.

“We’ll have the papers drawn up and couriered to you for signing.” The chief counsel promised.

“Great. It’s been nice doing business with you.” Max smiled, before walking out of the room.

“Max? Wait up.” His lawyer said, catching up to him in the hall. “What’s going on?”

“This.” Max replied, handing his lawyer the envelope. He waited to watch his lawyer’s expression as he read the clipping.

“Wow. Love child of Hollywood’s favourite couple. You’ll have the most photographed child in the world.” The lawyer joked.

“Perhaps if it was true.” Max sneered, snatching back the clipping. “Start clearing your other matters, we are about to have a court battle on our hands.” Max replied.

“Libel? Defamation?” The lawyer asked, referring to the apparently false information in the clipping.

“No. Wilful drugging and possibly rape.” Max replied, leaving his lawyer in the corridor looking confused.

Hey, I'm still here! Sorry, enjoyed my Easter break far too much!

Thanks for all the fb and bumps while I have been away.

This is just a short-ish part to keep you all going until next week. Enjoy!!


42

“Iz?” Max said when Isabel picked up the phone. He was on his hands-free in his convertible on his way home. “I got your message. I’m on my way home.”

“Max…” Isabel attempted to interrupt.

“Can you do me a favour? Could you get Anna on the phone and see if the test results are in yet?”

“Max…” Isabel tried again.

“We really need to find out what happened that night so we can go to press and set this rumour straight.”

“Max!” Isabel hissed louder.

“What?” Max asked stunned.

“Tess is here.” Isabel whispered into the phone.

“She’s what?” Max choked.

“She’s here. She’s set up camp in the living room waiting for you to come home. She won’t leave.”

“Okay… okay. I’ll go and see Anna at the hospital on my way home. I’ll make sure she does the test and then I’ll come home as soon as I can. I can’t confront Tess yet without proof. I will not give her the opportunity to mess with me again.” Max replied determinedly.

“Hurry okay?” Isabel begged. “She’s really getting on my nerves.”

“I promise.” Max smiled, remembering just how ‘well’ Isabel and Tess used to get on in the past. Under the circumstances, he could imagine it was now ten times worse.

Max put his foot down, cutting off the car in the lane next to him to turn left at the next intersection. He was going to get those results even if it meant that his anonymity was blown.

* * * * *

“What are you doing?” Isabel asked Tess, finding her in the kitchen searching through the fridge.

“Well, you hadn’t offered me a drink, so I thought I would help myself. Don’t you know how to treat a guest? Especially one in my condition.” Tess said, patting her stomach.

“Firstly, you’re not a guest – you’re an intruder. And secondly, your condition is your own doing. You won’t get any sympathy from me.” Isabel retorted, crossing her arms.

“It takes two to tango, and your brother definitely seemed up for it.” Tess smirked.

“Yeah, well, we’ll see about that.” Isabel replied before storming out of the room. The sooner Max was home the better.

* * * * *

“Max?” Anna said, looking up from the microscope she was peering into. “What are you doing here?”

“Have you got the results yet?” Max asked.

“No.” Anna said walking towards Max and lowering her voice. “I told you it would take a little while if you wanted anonymity. I haven’t had a chance.”

“Screw that. I need the results now. I don’t care what you have to do, or who finds out in the process.” Max replied.

Anna could see his desperation, and put a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“Give me half an hour.” Anna asked.

“Thanks.” Max smiled gratefully.

Max sat in the corner watching Anna process his blood sample. He ignored the stares he was receiving from the other technicians in the room. He didn’t care who knew about the test now that Tess had splashed her pregnancy all over the news. If his instincts were right, and Tess had drugged him, she would find her name in the papers a lot more in the near future – and not in a good way.

He pulled out the newspaper clipping and re-read it. One paragraph stood out amongst the rest. ‘Close friends of Tess Harding have confirmed that Max Evans is definitely the father…’. So the tabloids had had more evidence than mere conjecture that he was the father of Tess’ child. Tess had been spreading the rumour herself. Max seethed even more.

* * * * *

“What do you have against me anyway?” Tess asked Isabel, having walked into the den where Isabel was attempting to avoid being in the same room as Tess.

“Do you really need to ask?” Isabel replied surprised. “You are selfish, manipulative ….”

“I just know what I want, and I go after it. There’s nothing wrong with that.” Tess defended herself.

“There is when you don’t care who you hurt in the process.” Isabel replied. “Max and Liz were so happy together – they were soul mates. How could you not care that you have ruined their relationship?”

“If they were ‘soul mates’ like you said, they would have been able to stick it out. Liz gave up too easily. I would never give up on Max that fast.” Tess replied haughtily.

“You don’t know anything about Max and Liz. You don’t know what you are talking about.” Isabel replied, getting up to leave the room.

“Oh, that’s right. Liz had been raped. Blah blah blah. That doesn’t mean the rest of us have to tiptoe around her. Bad things happen. She should just get over it.” Tess replied.

Isabel restrained herself from slapping Tess, and pushed passed her without saying a word. There was not enough room in the den for Isabel, Tess and Tess’ attitude.

* * * * *

“What does it say?” Max asked, standing over Anna’s shoulder and peering at the sheet that was hot off the printer.

“You have GHB in your system. It’s a date rape drug.”

Max nodded. He had expected it, but now that it was confirmed, he just couldn’t believe that Tess would do that to him.

“It would have been enough to make you unconscious, but not feel any effects when you woke the next day.”

“Thanks Anna. That’s exactly what I needed to know.” Max replied, grabbing the sheet of paper and racing out of the room.

“You’re welcome.” Anna called out after him.

Max couldn’t remember the drive back to his house, so consumed with anger over what had happened to him. Is this how Liz felt? Having to live with the fact that someone had forced her against her will and she had been powerless to stop it? No, this wasn’t the same because at least Max didn’t have to live with the memory of what had actually taken place – if anything had.

As he pulled up outside his car, he had to pry his knuckles away from the steering wheel, and as he walked towards the front door, he had to restrain himself from turning around and taking a baseball bat to Tess’ windscreen. Instead, Max stormed into his house, and found Tess waiting in the living room.

“Max. Hi.” Tess smiled sweetly. “I guess you’ve heard the news by now. I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to tell you myself in person.”

“Really? I would have thought if that had been your intention you would have refrained from having your ‘close friends’ tell the press that I was the father?” Max replied smugly.

“I … I didn’t.” Tess replied unconvincingly.

“So what was your plan Tess? You get pregnant and we live happily ever after?” Max asked, folding his arms.

“I didn’t plan to get pregnant … it just happened.” Tess explained. “But the happily ever after part sounds good to me.”

“If you didn’t plan to get pregnant, then why exactly were you at a Family Planning Clinic within days of us allegedly having sex? Generally women wait until they miss a period don’t they?”

“I … I was hoping…” Tess confessed.

“Why? What did you think would happen? I would say ‘Hey Tess, that’s great news. Let’s get married’?” Max asked.

“I didn’t know what to expect. I hadn’t thought that far ahead.” Tess admitted.

“How far ahead did you think when you purchased GHB and put it in my drink? Were you thinking of the consequences then?” Max demanded.

“I … I don’t know what you are talking about.” Tess stammered, her face turning a ghostly shade of white.

“Cut the crap Tess. I took a blood test. The doctors found GHB in my bloodstream, and I know you know how it got there. You do realise that if it turns out that I am the father of your child, that you could be up on a charge of rape? How would you feel living out the next ten years behind bars? How would you feel not seeing your child grow up?”

Tess looked ill. Apparently it hadn’t occurred to her that that could happen.

“What’s wrong Tess? Did you think that you could get away with raping me and not have to face any consequences?” Max demanded.

“I didn’t rape you.” Tess whimpered.

“What was that Tess? I didn’t hear you.”

“I didn’t rape you.” Tess replied louder, this time meeting Max’s eyes. “I slipped you the drug, but I had no intention of doing anything to you once you were unconscious. I just wanted you to think that you had gotten drunk and had sex.”

“Why?” Max demanded.

“Because I wanted you to believe that you were the father of my baby. I thought it would bring us back together.”

“So you are actually pregnant?” Max clarified.

“Yes.”

“To who?” Max asked, just so he could feel sorry for the poor bastard.

“You don’t know him. He was just some random guy I met in a bar. It was a one night stand. I couldn’t face the thought that my child would grow up without knowing their father.”

“So you tried to trap me? Make me think I was the father? Do you have no conscience?” Max asked.

“I was desperate.” Tess replied, unable to justify her actions.

“So how far along are you?” Max asked.

“Four weeks.” Tess replied.

“And you would have just pretended that the baby was premature when it was born a month early?” Max scoffed. “Did you really think you would get away with it?”

“I wasn’t thinking straight. I was just doing what I could to give my child the best life possible.”

“Well, it won’t be much of a life if you’re in jail.” Max replied. “The child won’t have any parents then.”

“But I didn’t rape you!” Tess exclaimed. “There’s no need to involve the authorities.”

“You drugged me Tess!” Max yelled back. “That’s still a crime.”

“Please Max … Please don’t do this.” Tess begged. “I’m sorry. I’m so very sorry. I know what I did was wrong. I just … I can’t have this baby in prison.”

Max stepped away from Tess and ran his hands through his hair. He had no idea what to do. On the one hand, he wanted to see Tess finally pay for what she had done. On the other hand, he couldn’t do that to her baby – that innocent child – who had done nothing wrong.

“Okay. I’ll do you a deal.” Max began.

Tess looked at him with hope in her eyes.

“I’ll keep the authorities out of it, if you clear up this ‘misunderstanding’ about the parentage of your child in the press. I want an official apology and when you are done, I never ever want to see you again. If you so far as turn up at the same party as me, I want you to walk back out of the room with your tail between your legs. If I even breathe you in my vicinity I am going to show this blood test to the authorities and make your future a little bleaker.”

“Okay.” Tess promised.

“And if I ever hear you trying to manipulate any one else, my friends, family or even my most hated enemies, I will not hesitate to show this test to the authorities... If I hear that you drug anyone else, even so much as buy someone a drink...”

“Okay!” Tess replied more convincingly.

“Good.” Max smiled smugly. “So then Tess, tell me. What are you still doing in my sight?”

Tess got the hint and grabbed her bag and quickly left the house without even risking a glance back at Max.

When Max heard the beautiful sound of the door closing behind her, he couldn’t help but smile at the knowledge that Tess would never be a problem again.

So sorry for the delay, but I struggled over this part (you'll see why in a minute).

Also, in case you didn't see my note over on chapter 7 of 'Lips of an Angel' (and the question here is why aren't you reading that fic too! ), you'll know that I'm a little indisposed at the moment and not able to write as much as I used to. Morning sickness (or as I like to call it - 24-hour-a-day-morning-noon-and-night sickness) is playing havoc with me and its cutting into my Roswell fanfic time. So basically, I'm apologising for my slackness in the future!

The songs in this part are 'Amazing Grace' by John Newton and 'Chasing Cars' by Snow Patrol. Credit to the writers.

Thanks for all the feedback! And feel free to bump me to get me into gear!

Oh, and BTW - I've been nice and given you all a little bit of M&L time - I know you have been missing it!


43

“Morning.” Claudia said, greeting Liz and her mother just inside the staff entrance to the hospital. “They told me you had arrived. I thought I would escort you up to the second floor.”

“Why?” Liz’s eyes narrowed – naturally suspicious.

“Well … I just wanted to let you know what’s been happening this morning with your father.”

“What’s happened?” Liz asked immediately, her heart beginning to race.

“He had another small attack this morning… We had to restart his heart.” Claudia replied honestly.

“Is he okay?” Liz’s mother asked, the worry evident in her eyes.

“He’s regained consciousness, but he’s very weak.”

“But he’s going to be okay?” Liz pushed.

“Honestly, we don’t know if or when he’ll have another attack…” Claudia warned them, pushing the button on the lift to the second floor.

The lift opened and the three of them stepped in.

“But I thought he was supposed to be getting better?” Liz stated.

“He seemed to be. We don’t know why he relapsed.” Claudia replied honestly.

They stepped out of the lift and headed in the direction of Mr Parker’s room.

“Can we see him?” Liz asked.

“I’ll check with the doctors.” Claudia replied, slipping into Mr Parker’s room and closing the door behind her. Liz was only able to get a quick glimpse of her father, and she found it hard to believe that he could look so deteriorated in just 24 hours.

As Liz stood there, she felt her mother’s comforting hand on her shoulder.

“He’s going to be okay.” Liz said, as though she was trying to convince herself.

“Of course he will be.” Liz’s mother sniffed.

Claudia slipped back out into the corridor and looked apologetic.

“I’m sorry, but the doctors have asked that you give them another half an hour or so. They are still running some tests. I can take you down to the cafeteria if you like?” Claudia offered.

“Thank you.” Liz’s mother accepted, walking in step behind Claudia.

“I’ll come and find you shortly.” Liz replied, turning to walk in the other direction.

“Are you sure?” Liz’s mother asked concerned.

“I’m sure.” Liz replied with a faint smile.

“Okay. I’ll see you soon.” Liz’s mother said before following Claudia down the corridor.

Liz walked in down the corridor in the other direction until she came to the chapel.

Opening the door soundlessly, Liz hesitantly stepped into the room. It had been a long time since she had been inside a church, and she wondered whether that fact alone should send her walking back out the way she came. Instead, she didn’t, feeling called to be there at that moment.

She looked around the room, and saw only one other person in the chapel. A gentleman sitting at the back with his head bowed. Liz walked down the aisle, passed where he was sitting, and sat on the other side of the chapel.

When she sat down, she couldn’t take her eyes off the cross at the front. She stared at it for what seemed like forever, until she finally bowed her head and shut her eyes.

She was so worried about her father that she felt like she couldn’t breathe. She had been so relieved when she had heard the news the day before that her dad was recovering, but now she felt like she was too late again – she was about to lose her father – before she even had the chance to say goodbye. She had come to the chapel believing that all she had to do was ask God to heal her dad and everything would be fine, but now she couldn’t bring herself to begin the conversation.

“Do you mind if I sit with you?” A voice asked, bringing Liz out of her thoughts.

Liz looked up and saw the gentleman who had been sitting at the back of the chapel was now indicating that he wanted to sit next to her.

Liz nodded, somewhat involuntarily.

“I’m Gerry by the way.” Gerry said, holding out his hand.

“Liz.” Liz replied, taking his hand and shaking it.

“I couldn’t help but notice you come in. Are you here about a loved one in the hospital?” Gerry asked.

“My father.” Liz replied. “He had a heart attack… Well, now I guess he’s had two. The doctors don’t know if he’s going to recover.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Gerry replied sincerely. “Listen, I’m a chaplain here at the hospital. I would be very happy to pray with you if you would like.”

“Oh … um …” Liz replied, caught off guard. “I don’t know…”

Liz looked at his friendly face, and something inside her decided to open up to him.

“The truth is - I don’t know what brought me here today. I haven’t been inside a church for over four years. I guess I lost my faith in God.” Liz explained.

“I see...” Gerry replied, putting a comforting hand on Liz’s shoulder. “But the good news is – He hasn’t lost faith in you.”

Liz looked up at him and almost smiled. It was a comforting thought to know that God was still watching over her even if she was doing her best to continually run away from Him.

“Tell me something…” Liz began. “You work at the hospital, so you must see lots of tragedy – a lot of bad things happening to good people. How can you still have your faith?”

“I do see a lot of heartache, but I also see a lot of beauty. I have sat by the bedsides of those dying, only to hear them tell me how excited they are about leaving this life to begin the next. And I have seen many people healed when the odds were against them.” Gerry explained.

“Do you really think God can heal someone just by being asked to?”

“I believe that God has a plan for everyone… but sometimes he likes to remind us that miracles still happen, if we are willing to believe.” Gerry explained.

“Do you think you could pray for my dad?” Liz asked.

“How about we pray together?” Gerry suggested.

“I’d like that.” Liz smiled.

* * * * *

Liz hesitantly walked into her father’s room, nervous at how she would find him. Would he be awake with a smile to greet her, or would he look as frail as he had that morning. After praying with Gerry she felt more at peace with what was happening, but she couldn’t help but hope that her father would receive one of those miracles that Gerry had mentioned.

As she looked over to his bed, Liz saw her father tied up to various tubes and monitors, and his face looked ashen.

“Dad?” Liz said, sitting down by her father’s side and taking his hand.

“Lizzie?” Her father replied weakly, his eyes fluttering open.

“How are you feeling?” Liz asked.

“I’ve been better.” Her dad smiled.

“But you’re okay now?” Liz asked cautiously.

“Just tired… so very tired.” Her father replied.

“I went to the chapel … it’s the first time I have stepped foot in a church since I left Australia.” Liz admitted to her father, worried what his reaction would be.

“And how did you feel?” Her father asked.

“It felt like coming home.” Liz replied, surprising herself.

“Do you remember what we used to sing together?” Her dad asked, with a glint in his eye at the memory.

“Of course…” Liz replied, then started to sing to her father in a soft voice.

“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.”

Liz sang, remembering the words by heart. She couldn’t help but feel how true the words were for her now. She had been lost for four years, but in the space of two days she had returned home, to her parents and to God.

“'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.” Her father sang the second chorus, his voice barely able to manage more than a whisper.

“Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.” Liz’s voice rejoined her father’s.

Liz had blamed God for so many things, none more so than allowing Sean to hurt her like he had. But what she didn’t realise was that God was not letting her be a victim – he was watching over her to make sure she got through it safely. He had been watching over her for years, and finally he had brought her home.

“The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.”

Both Liz and her father looked around and smiled when they heard Liz’s mother’s voice join their’s as she entered the room. They held hands, and for a moment Liz felt her heart overflowing with love for her parents.

But then her life came crashing down.

She watched her father close his eyes, and waited for what seemed like an eternity for him to reopen them.

“Dad?” Liz asked hesitantly, wondering if he had just fallen asleep.

Beeeeeeeeeeeeppppppppp……. The heart monitor replied.

“Dad!” Liz said more urgently, pushing the nurses button for help. “Dad!”

When he didn’t respond she rushed past her mother who was standing in shock, and ran into the hallway.

“Somebody help me please!” Liz cried towards anyone who would listen. A couple of nurses and doctors came rushing towards her, following her back into her father’s room.

Liz and her mother stood back and watched the doctors and nurses try to resuscitate him, but he wouldn’t respond. Liz pulled her mother closer, shielding her mother’s view, but unable to look away herself. She watched as they used the paddles on his chest, one, two, three, four times. Liz then watched as they all stepped away from her father’s body, unable to meet her eye.

“Time of death. 10:56am.” The doctor announced.

“Noooo!” Liz’s mother sobbed, and Liz squeezed her mother tighter, still unable to look away. Her father was now white, the colour completely drained from his face. He looked so tired, but Liz hoped that at least now he was able to finally rest.

* * * * *

Claudia arranged for Amy Deluca to come and collect Liz’s mother from the hospital and take her home. She was in shock, and Liz was worried about her being in the hospital longer than she had to be. Liz on the other hand, was dealing with all the paperwork that a daughter shouldn’t have to do for a father so young. As she handed the last form into the nurses station, Claudia approached her.

“How are you doing Liz?” Claudia asked.

“I’m fine.” Liz replied mechanically. She wasn’t fine – but she had to be, for her mother’s sake.

“Can I do anything for you?” Claudia asked.

“No. I’m all done. Thank you.” Liz replied, turning to leave.

“Oh, before you go. There was a young man here looking for you earlier.” Claudia announced.

Liz’s blood ran cold. Was it Max or was it Sean?

“Wh-what did he look like?” Liz asked hesitantly.

“Tall, light brown hair. Kinda cute.” Claudia replied with a smile.

Sean.

“If you see him again, please don’t tell him where I am.” Liz begged.

“Sure.” Claudia replied confused.

“Thanks.” Liz replied, before turning to leave. As she did, she felt herself slam smack-bang into a tall, masculine body. As she scrambled in a panic away from him, she met his eyes, and was relieved to find that they belonged to Michael.

“Michael?” Liz gasped. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to see how you are doing.” Michael replied.

Liz immediately threw her arms around him and buried her face on his shoulder.

“What’s wrong?” Michael asked, worried about her.

“My father died.” Liz explained.

“I’m so sorry.” Michael replied sincerely, hugging her tighter, but then got worried as Liz pulled away abruptly.

“Who are you here with?” Liz asked, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. She looked over his shoulder but couldn’t see Max ready to pounce.

“I came alone.” Michael explained. “Maria’s going to join me in a few days time.”

And then feeling like Liz needed more explanation, added “Max doesn’t know I’m here.”

Liz smiled in reply, but didn’t dare say anything. Truth was – at that moment she couldn’t tell if she was relieved or disappointed.

“Let me take you home.” Michael offered, taking Liz’s arm.

“Thanks Michael.” Liz replied gratefully.

As they headed for the staff exit, Liz ran into Claudia at the reception desk.

“I’ve found him Claudia.” Liz said, indicating to Michael and referring to Claudia’s earlier mention of a ‘young man’ looking for her.

“That’s not the man that was asking for you.” Claudia replied confused, and Liz’s blood ran cold for the second time that morning.

* * * * *

Liz was finally alone.

Michael had safely escorted her home, and made sure she was alright before excusing himself to go and settle into a nearby hotel, despite Liz’s protestations that he should stay with them.

Liz lay on her bed staring at the ceiling, trying to think of anything besides the image of her father taking his last breath. Amy had called a doctor to come and give her mother some sedatives to help her sleep, which she was now doing down the hall. Liz couldn’t sleep, but she couldn’t do anything else either, without feeling the pain in her heart.

She knew that she needed someone other than Michael to comfort her, but both her best friends were on the other side of the world. Michael had promised to call Maria and Serena for her, but Liz needed to talk to someone herself. Picking up the phone she dialled a number that she knew by heart.

* * * * *

Max was lying in bed, unable to sleep from the thought of what his future would bring, now that he was free of Tess. He glanced over to the bedside table and stared at the box that he had put their earlier that evening. He had bought the contents of the box a couple of days before he left for Vancouver, determined to give it to Liz in the not too distant future.

We'll do it all
Everything
On our own

We don't need
Anything
Or anyone

But he hadn’t had the opportunity of giving it to Liz – not before everything … exploded. Max reached over and opened the box and stared at the diamond inside. He had known when he first saw it just how much it suited Liz, and he wished he had gotten the opportunity of being able to slide it onto her finger. Now he wasn’t sure he would ever get the chance.

As he placed the ring back on the bedside table, the mobile phone next to it began to ring.

“Hello?” Max answered.

All he heard was silence on the other end of the phone.

“Liz?” He asked desperately, quickly sitting up in bed.

“Liz are you okay?” Max asked after another moment’s silence. It was then he heard a whimper.

“What’s happened?” He asked, panicking that he was so far away from her and unable to get to her.

“My father died.” Liz replied with barely a whisper.

“I’m so sorry…” Max replied. That’s not what he had expected. He didn’t even know Liz’s father had been sick.

“I’m sorry for calling so late…” Liz apologised, suddenly realising what the time must be in LA.

“Don’t be.” Max pleaded. “I’m glad you did… I know it’s not the best timing, but I have to tell you something…”

“Please don’t.” Liz begged. “If you so much as mention her name I’m going to hang up this phone.”

“Okay! Okay!” Max replied quickly, wanting to make sure Liz stayed on the phone as long as possible.

“How about you tell me about your dad? You never told me much about your parents.” Max asked, laying back down on his pillow. He hoped that by getting Liz to talk about her father, she would remember some of the good times they had had together.

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Liz hesitated for a moment, but then everything came spilling out. How her father used to take her to the park to push her on the swings, and always buy her an icecream on the way home. How he had taught her to ride a bike without trainer-wheels, and then how to drive a manual when she got her driver’s licence. How he had always been there for her, to answer any question she had about a school project, or just because she was intensely curious. She had voluntarily not seen him in four years, but now that he was gone, she wasn’t sure how she was going to live without him.

I don't quite know
How to say
How I feel

Those three words
Are said too much
They're not enough

Max laid there, listening to Liz’s voice. He smiled when he sensed she was smiling, and felt sorrow when he felt her heart aching. His greatest wish was that he could somehow touch her through the phone – hold her close and make everything okay.

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Forget what we're told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden that's bursting into life

“He sounds like a great guy.” Max said, after Liz had finally fallen silent.

“He was.”

“I would have liked to have had the chance to know him.” Max said regretfully.

“Me too. I know he would have liked you too.” Liz replied honestly.

Max’s heart soared at Liz’s comment. Did that mean she hadn’t completely written him off?

Let's waste time
Chasing cars
Around our heads

I need your grace
To remind me
To find my own

Max knew he had a lot of bridges to mend before Liz would let him back in his heart, but if she had called him at this moment, surely that meant that there was hope? She had overcome her anger when she needed him, and he was going to make sure she didn’t regret that decision. He would be the perfect friend until he could make up for everything he had done wrong. He would wait for her forever if that’s how long it took for her to come back to him.

All that I am
All that I ever was
Is here in your perfect eyes
They're all I can see

I don't know where
Confused about how as well
Just know that these things
Will never change for us at all

Liz completed him, and he wouldn’t feel whole until they could be together again. Was it possible? Could he dare hope? Then he thought, if he told her the truth about Tess, then maybe they could start making their way back to each other.

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

“Liz? About Tess…” Max began before he heard the phone click, closely followed by a dial tone.