Roswell Fanatics

*sneaks in* Hey guys!!! Remember me??!!?! *lol* Finally, a freakin month later... I got a new part for you guys!!!! Paris was definatley MIA for quite awhile after I finished TOOIT, but she randomly showed back up a few days ago, and I managed to get a new part out before she ran away again... I really need a new muse! *lol* So... here it is! It hasn*t been beta-ed or anything, I wanted to get it out ASAP... so any and all errors... totally my fault! So... yeah! Enjoy!!!!

Chapter 31

Liz threw her last load of laundry in the dryer along with a dryer sheet and started it up. She grabbed the basket of clothes she’s just retrieved from there and took it into her bedroom, trying to quickly fold them up, get them put in her suitcase and get back out to hanging out. It was their last night in Florida, and Liz had procrastinated on packing and laundry, and now it was all catching up with her.

She finished shoving the last bit of clothes in her suitcase and walked back out onto the balcony. Dropping down on Marias lap, she reached onto the table and grabbed her drink "Did I miss anything?" Liz asked. The boys had been arguing for a good half hour about sports, supermodels, cars, and all kinds of random stuff. The girls had sat back, taking it all in, and laughing when the boys almost came to blows over the most minute little things.

"Not really" Maria replied, glancing around Liz to where Michael was managing the grill and waving the spatula in Kyles face over something he'd said.

"OH MY GOD!" Lonnie suddenly screamed, causing everyone to look at her. "I just realized who you look like!" she said, pointing wildly in Alex's direction.

His eyes got wide as if he'd just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He chanced a glance at everyone, all staring at him. "Uhm... who?" he ventured to ask.

"Tom Hanks!" she said, looking around at everyone "Don'tcha think?"

Everyone agreed with "Oh my god", "You totally do", "Never noticed that before".

Alex simply shrugged one shoulder, finishing off his beer. "Well, I'm sure Tom would do this if he were me... I'm going to get another beer."

Liz glanced into the livingroom and saw Zan and Rath still engrossed in whatever video game they were playing now. Liz debating going in there and just turning it off when a better idea came to her. "Hey," she nudged Maria, "Watch this." She nodded to where Zan and Rath were, raised her hand, and the video game and television both turned off.

"WHAT THE FUCK?!" both of the guys exclaimed, jumping up and looking at the TV.

Liz and Maria both burst out into laughter, causing the boys to spin around, pinning them with a death glare.
"Yo, bro, you need to keep your woman in check" Rath said, droppin back down onto the couch and crossing his arms.

Before Liz had time to be offended, and before Zan even had a chance to say something back to him, Lonnie was out of her chair and up in his face "What the fuck did you just say?!"

Rath visibly cowered, knowing he was in some serious trouble. Zan quietly slipped from the room and out onto the balcony, giving Liz a kiss and dropping into Lonnies vacated chair. "Sorry bout him, Kitten."

Liz waved her hand in the air dismissivley. "No worries, he's gettin his."

Zan glanced back inside just as Lonnies fist soundly connected with Raths jaw. He grimaced, looking back at Liz and Maria, whose mouths were wide open. "Trust me from personal experience... Lonnies knows how ta hit betta than almost any guy I've met. Rath'll think before he opens his mouth again."

A few minutes later, Rath and Lonnie both appeared back out on the balcony. Lonnie shot Rath a death glare, to which he looked at Liz and apologized. Liz just smiled and nodded, knowing that she was about two seconds away from bursting out into a fit of laughter at just how whipped Rath was.

“Aight, Al, answer me this...” Lonnie said, givin Alex a soft shove in the shoulder that almost sent him flying off his chair. “Whoa, you aight?” Lonnie asked, catching Alex by the arm before he tumbled to the ground.

“What? Yeah, I’m totally ok” Alex said, “It’s the alcohol, I’m fine. But, can you not call me Al? Its just... not cool.”

Lonnie snickered for a second “Sure thang... ok, so what I wanna know is... what the hell was up with the Vanilla Ice at the kareoke bar?”

Alex’s eyes grew wide “Nope, sorry, that’s classified info, sister! No way in hell you’re makin me tell you that!” He took a long swig from his beer, showing he was clearly not about to tell them.

Lonnie nodded slowly, then turned to Liz and Maria “Spill, we all know you know, and we all want to know!”

Liz and Maria looked at each other, then to Alex, who was choking on his beer. “Well...” Liz started.

“Elizabeth Claudia Parker, don’t you dare sell me out!” Alex shouted, once he recovered. He could tell that she was seriously debating on telling them all about it. “C’mon now! What have I ever done to you?!”

Liz’s jaw dropped and she chocked back her laugher. “What have you ever done to me? Ok.. What about that time in 5th grade when you put gum in my hair and I had to get it chopped off?”

“That’s why you cut your hair so short?” Isabel asked, remembering Liz suddenly coming to school one day with really short hair.

“Yup.” Liz responded shortly, “OR! How about the time when we were all helping my dad in the restaurant and you broke a cup and blamed it on me and Maria?” Alex’s face fell, knowing that Liz was defiantly gonna tell them. He held his hands up in surrender. “Ok, so... the reasoning behind this whole.. Vanilla Ice thing...” Liz looked around, noticing she had the whole groups attention. “One day, me and Maria went over to Alex’s house to hang out with him. His dad let us in and told us to just go on up to his room, not bothering to alert Alex that we were there. So we go up to his room, and hes completely jammin out to Ice, Ice Baby! We’re talkin... holdin a fake mic, lookin in the mirror, dancing, he had his hair all poofed up like Vanilla Ice... it was hysterical!”

Alex’s face was a nice shade of crimson by the time the story was done, and everyone was in a fit of laughter. Isabel tried to come to his defense “C’mon, he had to have been like, 10, or something, right?”

“10?!” Maria spoke up, “No, he wasn’t 10... this was in like 8th grade!”

Isabel cracked up, looking down at Alex “Sorry, I tried to help, but...” she couldn’t get the rest of her sentence out before she doubled over.

“HAHAHAHA!” Alex shouted, jumping up from his chair. “Everyone make fun of poor Alex, like I don’t have enough problems without you guys making me the butt of the jokes.” When no ones laughter let up, he threw his arms in the air “Screw this! I’m goin to play video games! Lizzie!” Alex pointed at Liz then waved his hand in front of him, to where he ended up pointing at the TV. “Make it work!”

Liz held up her hand towards the TV, turning it and the video game back on. She watched Alex go back inside and start fiddling with the system that was sitting on the floor. “What is he doing?” she asked, nudging Maria.

Maria glanced inside “God only knows... I can’t believe you told everyone the story.”

Liz’s eyebrows drew together, “Oh, don’t even play like you weren’t gonna tell if I didn’t!”

Maria tried to fain innocence, but her innocent look crumpled two seconds later “Yeah, you’re right.” She glanced back in the livingroom. “Kyle!” she said a little loudly, since Kyle and Michael were *still* at the grill arguing about something. She glanced over and saw his questioning gaze. “You better pray or meditate or whatever to that fat little bald man, and ask him to help us all!”

“What are you talking about?” Michael grumbled, obviously confused by Marias random rambling, as he always was.

“Alex just hooked up DDR...” Maria trailed off.

"DDR?" Michael asked, obviously lost as to what she was talking about.

"Dance, Dance Revolution" Maria clarified, knowing that was all that needed to be said. Everyone glanced at each other before grabbing their drinks and running inside.
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Liz stood in the middle of the bedroom, taking another look around to make sure she didn't forget to pack anything. Zan was sprawled out on the bed, one arm over his eyes. Liz turned around and looked at him, seeing that he was starting to fall asleep. She suddenly jumped on the bed, causing Zan to spring upright.

"What?! I'm awake!" he declared, looking around the room with wide eyes.

Liz couldn't hold back a giggle. "Someones tired."

"Fuck yeah, I'm tired!" Zan said, flopping back on the bed and re-covering his eyes with his arm. "I just helped ya pack half'a Florida, and my stomach still hurts from laughin at Alex and Rath try'na play that damn dance game!"

"Yeah, that was hilarious!" Liz agreed, laying down beside Zan and resting her head over his heart. "I think thats about the millionth time since I've been there that I've been thankful for cameras"

Zan snorted "Yeah, well, you betta not'a taken any pictures of me dancin on that thing" he sat there for a few minutes, but after hearing nothing from Liz, he lifted his head and looked down at her, "You took pictures of me dancin, didn't ya, Kitten?"

Liz smiled sweetly. "Maybe..."

"Ah, fuck me." Zan groaned, covering his head with the pillow. "You betta not show those to anyone, ya heard me?!"

“Well... if it makes you feel any better, I got pictures of everyone doing it... and you looked a lot better doing it than Alex did.”
Zan shook his head. “I still dunno what happened to that kid. When he was at Swamp, you two were out there dancin and he was doin a good job... then tonight... he was flailing all over the place... I was sure he was gonna break something.”

Liz lifted her head and looked at him “Sparky... he *did* break something! He broke the lamp when he fell over!”

Zan laughed “Nah, I meant I was sure he was gonna break something on him! Like, an arm or leg, or his neck or somethin.”

Liz giggled, then suddenly sat up, straddling Zans lap. He tore the pillow off his face like it was burning him and looked at Liz with wide eyes. "What?" she asked innocently, "You said 'fuck me'... I was kinda plannin on it anyway.... not too tired, are ya?"

Zan thought back, trying to remember actually saying that, then it hit him that he actually had. Instead of actually telling her that he was in no way too tired for that, he answered by sitting up quickly, grabbing the hem of Liz's shirt and whipping it up over her head. His mouth covered hers in a passionate kiss as he worked the claps on the back of her bra. Liz ran her fingernails down Zans back, which had been without a shirt for about half an hour. Zans mouth worked its way from her mouth, down her neck, and over her breasts before latching onto her left nipple. Liz reached her hands between them, working the button on his jeans, and soon after that, lowering the zipper, She pulled Zans hard length from the confines of his boxers, grasping him in her small hand, and pumping slowly. Zan growled as he reached up under her skirt and untied the sides of her thong. After both of the bows had been undone, he grabbed it, tossing it on the floor. Zan laid back down on the bed, stretching himself out as Liz lifted herself up, and positioning Zan at her entrance. She waited for a second, until Zan looked up into her eyes, and then quickly impaled herself. They both moaned in satisfaction as Liz slowly began rocking against him.

"God, you're so fuckin perfect, baby" Zan purred as he reached up to caress her breasts. Liz rocked against him slowly, still becoming accustomed to having him inside her. Slowly, her motions became quicker, and more frenzied. As Liz’s movements became quicker, Zan sat up, leaning his weight back on his hands, and took one of her nipples into his mouth, switching between sucking and nipping them.

Liz wrapped her arms around Zans neck, clawing at his back as she rode him. She could feel her orgasm fast approaching, so she rocked as fast as she could against him. Suddenly, Zan slipped a hand in between then, pressing his thumb to her clit, making quick, precise circles. Liz’s inner muscles clenched around his cock as she threw her head back, moaning as her orgasm washed over her.

Zan laid back down, grasping her hips and taking control of the situation. He held her hips captive as he slammed into her, hard. Seconds later, he groaned in satisfaction as he came.

Liz rocked against him until he was drained, then she laid down on his chest. She sighed, reaching up to play with his hair. After a minute of comfortable silence, Liz spoke. “I’m really gonna miss that.”

Zan skating his fingers down her spine, then back up and wove them into his hair. “Yeah, me too, Kitten.” He gave her a soft kiss on the top of her head before turning over so they were both on their side. He pulled out of her and got up, grabbing a pair of his boxers out his clothing pile and walking toward the bathroom.

“Where are you going?” Liz pouted.

“Quick shower, I’ll be out in five minutes.”

As he slipped into the bathroom and the water began running, Liz grabbed her pajamas and threw them on. She did another quick sweep of the room, checking all the drawers, making sure she’d packed everything before going into the kitchen to get a glass of ice water. As she was walking past the couch, she noticed someone laying on it. She raised her hand towards the light and it flipped on.

Michael groaned as bright light filled his vision. As soon as his eyes adjusted, he looked up at the offending person who turned the light on. “Liz, what are you doing? I liked it being dark in here!”

Liz sat down on the couch next to Michael’s hip, tilting her head at him. “What are you doing?? Why are you asleep on the couch??”

“What are you talking about?” Michael grumbled.

“Well...” Liz started. “I know that Alex is with Isabel in the extra bedroom at the other condo... Rath, Lonnie and Ava are at their place, Kyle and Tess claimed the livingroom at the other condo... Max has the main bedroom over there, and you and Maria are supposed to be claiming the spare bedroom here... why are you on the couch?”

Michael sighed “She’s in one of her moods, Liz. I can’t handle her when she has those crazy mood swings of hers, I really can’t. So I just went ahead and left before I did or said something else to piss her off”

“Michael...” Liz started, setting her water down on the coffee table and taking ahold of one of his hands, “you know for a fact that you wouldn’t wanna be with Maria if she didn’t have those crazy mood swings of hers. Their part of the package... she ain’t called Hurricane DeLuca for nothin, ya know? You love Maria... you love her mood swings. You love that you have no clue what she’s gonna do from one minute to the next. There’s no denying it... I see it when you look at her. So just go in there, apologize for being a jerk and enjoy your last night in Florida with the girl you love.” Michael started to argue when Liz slapped her hand over his mouth. “Don’t argue with me, Guerin! Get the fuck in there!”
Michael didn’t budge for a minute, then he sat up, swinging his legs over Liz’s head, so he was sitting right next to her. He grabbed her into a quick, awkward hug. “Thanks.”

Liz shrugged a shoulder. “That’s what I’m here for... now GO!”

Michael chuckled a little “Yes ma’am.” He mock-saluted her before disappearing down the hallway.

Liz grabbed her water off the coffee table and walked back to the bedroom door. She lifted her hand, turning off the livingroom light before stepping into her bedroom and closing the door.

She did one last sweep of the room, feeling like she was forgetting something. When she found nothing, she laid out her outfit for the next day, a comfortable pair of jeans, a pair of flip-flops and a tank top. She checked over her bag that she would keep with her up front in the car, which contained a book, a few magazines, her walkman, and her CD’s. She glanced at the bed, seeing her Care Bear that Zan had got her on their first date sitting there. She quickly set it next to her luggage, not wanting to forget it tomorrow.

After one last look around, she climbed into bed. Just as she was snuggling down into the covers, Zan emerged from the bathroom. Liz felt her mouth go dry. No matter how many times she saw him naked, it was still breathtaking. He was standing there, completely oblivious to just hot sexy he was with his hair still damp, and sticking out all over the place. He was only covered up my a towel that was loosely knotted at his waist, and there were beads of water slowly trickling down his chest and over his abs. Liz let her eyes wander over his body, and unconsciously licked her lips.

“Like what ya see, Kitten?” Zan asked, leaning into the bathroom doorway.

His voice broke Liz out of her sexual haze and her eyes snapped up to his face. He started laughing, causing her to blush slightly. She rolled her eyes at him, then pulled the covers over her head, snuggling deeper into the bed. Next thing she knew, Zan was in the bed, with his chest pressing into her back. “Did ya miss me, baby?” he purred in her ear, snaking his tongue out to run it along the shell of her ear.

She shivered, then stuttered a little before replying “No, I was cuddling with my other man.”

He pulled back a little “Oh yeah, who would that be? I need ta find him and beat him.”

Liz giggled, “Don’t even start trippin, I went to get a glass of water and found Michael on the couch, I talked him into going back into the bedroom with Maria.”

Zan nodded, before turning Liz onto her back and climbing in between her legs.”Ready for round two?”

Liz giggled, “You know it!”

TBC...

Love it? Hate it? Lemme know either way!

Hey guys!!! I*m back!!! I know, and soo soon!!! *lol* Its been taking me forever to get updates out to you guys and I really apologize for that, so I hope that by coming back so soon after the last part, that*ll make up for it! *lol* Ok... so here it is... The Goodbye!!! Enjoy!!! Oh, and a little sidenote for Chris... *LOL* Your feedback had me crackin up! Love ya!!

Chapter 32

Whether because they couldn’t sleep due to the impending departure from Florida, or because those awake were being too damn noisy, everyone in the condos was awake by 5 A.M.. Liz was in the kitchen making coffee, Michael was cooking breakfast, Maria was showering, Isabel, Tess and Alex were cleaning, Zan had called Lonnie, Rath and Ava to come over for breakfast, and now he, Kyle and Max were starting to load all the packed suitcases into the various vehicles.

Maria swept into the kitchen, freshly changed, and stood in front of Liz. “Dry Me.” Was all she said, and that was all it took, Liz raised her hands, running them through Marias hair, making it dry, smooth and straight.

“Thanks” Maria said, glancing at the two different coffee makers in front of Liz. Due to the large number of people, the fact that they always argued about what kind of coffee to make, and the fact that Liz’s condo had somehow just became the condo everyone hung out in, they’d brought the coffee maker over from the other condo. “Which ones which?” Maria asked, coffee cup in hand, pointing back and forth.

“The one on the left is regular, the one on the right is Vanilla Macadamia Nut” Liz replied over her shoulder as she grabbed a handful of coffee cups out of the cupboard and set them down on the counter. She and Maria both grabbed a cup of the Vanilla and wandered out onto the balcony.

“I’m really gonna miss it here.” Maria said, blowing slightly on her coffee, then just giving up and holding it toward Liz. Liz rolled her eyes, but waved her hand over the coffee, cooling it down slightly. Maria lounged back in her chair, looking around her. “I can’t believe that I almost didn’t come down here.”

Liz took a sip of her coffee, nodding slowly. “Yeah, I really don’t know what I would have done without you guys being here... it just made this whole experience so much better.”

“Not to mention the fact that we have, literally, a dozen rolls of film to get developed when we get home ” Maria added, with a laugh.

“Oh geez,” Liz groaned, “I don’t even wanna think about what’s on half those rolls of film ”

Lonnie suddenly materialized in the doorway, Ava following behind her “What’s up, bitches?” she greeted, dropping down in the closest chair.

Liz and Maria laughed “We love you too, Lonnie.” Maria added sarcastically.

Lonnie scoffed “Please, ya knows I love ya guys like sistas and all that, just like I love Aves” she said, reaching over and grabbing Ava in a hug. “And ya knows we’s gonna miss ya”

“We’ll miss you too,” Liz and Maria said in unison, then gave each other dirty looks.

Ava laughed “How cute, you two’re twinkies ”

“If you want anything to eat, you better get in the kitchen and get it now ” Michael bellowed, causing all the guys to jump up and immediately run for the kitchen.

The girls all got up off their lounge chairs to go inside, except Liz. They all looked down at her expectantly. “No, I’m fine, go ahead, I just wanna sit here for a minute.”

They nodded, and went inside, closing the door behind them to give her a moment of peace. This was it. They were leaving today. She stood up, setting her coffee cup down and lighting up a cigarette. She glanced into the parking lot, seeing the cars all parked in a row, just waiting to be driven back toward home. Even though the sun hadn’t come up yet, Liz could tell that it was gonna be a tight fit with all the extra luggage, and the extra person that would be squeezing in there in a few hours.

They planned on leaving between 7:00 and 8:00 A.M., the drive would take roughly 19-20 hours, and they’d planned on driving straight through. There were enough people to take over in case someone needed sleep.

Liz was seriously starting to doubt her strength. She had always been the strong one, the voice of reason, the one to come through in a crisis and all that... but she didn’t know if she was strong enough to just walk away from Zan. She’d walked away from Max back at the Pod Chamber in May, and although she’d loved Max then... she hadn’t made love to him. Her connection to Zan was deeper, he knew her in a way Max Evans didn’t. She didn’t think anything could hurt worse than walking away from Max. Today she was finding out that she had been wrong in that assumption.

She glanced at the sky, seeing the stars slowly disappearing as the sun threatened to break on the horizon. Slowly, but surely, the sky was getting brighter, proving that no matter how hard she wished it, time wasn’t going to stop for her.

She took a long drag off her cigarette as a pair of arms slid around her waist. She didn’t even have to turn around to know that it wasn’t Zan, and she didn’t have to turn around to know who it was either.

“What’s up, Alex?” Liz asked, leaning back into his embrace and hugging his arms to her stomach.

“Just making sure you’re ok. You didn’t come in to get anything to eat. You wanna talk about it?” he asked, resting his chin on the top of her head.

“I’m fine.” She lied, “I just wanted a minute to sit and think.”

“You can say you’re fine all you want, Liz, but you can’t fool me. This is Alex Whitman here Best friend since forever. I see right through you, and you’re not ok.” He countered softly, no accusations in this tone, just honesty. After a few minutes of silence, Alex simply said “Its gonna hurt, that’s expected, but you’re not alone. You always have me, you always have Maria, you have Isabel... hell, I’m sure you could even talk to Kyle on occasion” he smiled down at her as she turned to face him and laughed. He reached down on the small patio table and handed her a plate of hash browns. She raised her eyebrows at him. He rolled his eyes “Best friend since forever, remember?”

She took the plate, smiling up at Alex. “Thank you.”

“No problem, thought you’d better eat something before Kyle shoveled it all in his mouth.” They both laughed, knowing it was true, Kyle ate like all the food would disappear if he didn’t inhale it within five minutes of it being set in front of him. Liz sat back down in her lounge, and Alex went back inside, just as Zan was stepping outside.

“Managed to snag some food before Kyle got to it?” Zan asked, sitting down across from Liz and giving a feline stretch.

“Alex did” Liz said around a mouthful of food. She took a drink of her coffee and then she and Zan sat in silence, content just to be in each others company. Liz finished off her coffee and hash browns, setting her dishes aside as Zan relocated to her chair. She sat on his lap, looking down into his face as the sun started to rise behind them.

“Kitten, I need you to promise me something, ok?” Zan asked, very seriously. Liz nodded, wondering what he could be asking. “Promise me that you’re gonna be strong, ok? That you ain’t gonna cry, cause I don’t think I can do it if you cry.”

Liz closed her eyes, willing the tears already forming in her eyes to go away. “I can’t do that.” She whispered. She looked up and met Zans eyes. “I’m always the strong one. The one that stays cool and collected and doesn’t cry... but I can’t do it this time. I’m sorry. I wish I could be strong for you, but I can’t. Its gonna kill me to have to get in that car and drive away. I just...” she took a deep breath, “I can’t promise you that, I’m sorry.”

Zan cupped her face in his hands, giving her a soft, sweet, gentle kiss on the lips. “I didn’t think ya could... but ya can’t blame a guy for tryin.” he smirked at her, causing her to giggle.

“You smell.” he said suddenly, like it was nothing.

Liz leaned back quickly “What? What do I smell like?”

Zan looked towards the sky as if trying to figure out an impossible math equation “Hash browns and coffee.”

Liz gave him a little shove and they both started laughing. They sat together for a few minutes before they stood up to watch the sun rise together. As the sun fully came up over the horizon, Zan faced her, placing his arms around her waist and pulling her in close, leaning his forehead against hers. “I love you, Kitten.” he whispered, soothingly running his fingers over her skin at the small of her back.
“I love you too, Sparky.” Liz whispered back, capturing his lips in a slow passionate kiss.

His hands snaked their way into the back of her pajama pants, giving her butt a soft squeeze. Liz pulled away and laughed “What are you doin?”

Zan slid his hands back up her back, “I like your ass, sue me.” he said before returning his mouth to hers.

Their sweet moment was suddenly shattered by Isabel reaching through the sliding glass door and yanking them both inside. “Ok, everyone listen up ” Isabel started, in full organizer mode... again. “We have a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it in. We need to get on the road ASAP. I made a list of everything that needs to get done.” she stated, tearing a page out of the tiger print organizer she’d bought at the mall last week and holding it up for everyone to see. “You all have assignments, don’t slack on these, trust me, you don’t want me getting worked up over this.” She set the paper down on the coffee table and looked at everyone. “Ok, get to work ” she added cheerfully before disappearing out the door and going back to the other condo.

Rath, Ava, Zan and Lonnie all sat in a state of shock. Lonnie spoke up first “Yo, what the hell was that?”

“The Christmas Nazi.” Michael and Max replied, not sounding too thrilled about it.

“It ain’t Christmas.” Rath said, stating the obvious.

“Yeah, you be happy about that.” Michael said, picking up the list and looking it over, then handing it to Max who did the same. They set the list down and started to go do what they were assigned to do when they noticed no one else moving.

“Oh, she will be back to check on us.” Max added, springing everyone into action.

About an hour later, all assignments were done, everything was packed, and everyone knew what car they were riding in for the first part of the trip. Isabel had planned it all out to the littlest detail, so much so that they even knew which gas stations and food places they were stopping at.

“Liz ” Emily yelled, running out of her condo in pajamas.

Liz walked over “Hey, I didn’t think you’d be up this early.” Liz gave her cousin a quick hug.

“Yeah, well, someone up there kept yelling at Rath because he wasn’t doing something right.” Emily replied. Everyone turned and looked at Isabel, who looked around cluelessly. “I had to come say goodbye.”

“Em, we said goodbye yesterday, cause I knew you and your parents wouldn’t be up when we left. But, I’m glad you are.” Liz pulled her into another hug. “I’m gonna miss you.”

Emily wrapped her arms around Liz, holding on tight. “I’m gonna miss you too.”
The girls pulled back and looked at each other for a minute. Maria appeared next to them “Emily, would you mind taking a few pictures of all of us together?” she asked.

“Oh, no, not at all.” Emily replied, walking over to them. Everyone started pulling out cameras and setting them down at Emily’s feet. She looked down and counted seven cameras. “A few pictures, good grief.”

Everyone laughed and squished together, trying to make the picture taking process as painless as possible. Picture after picture was taken until all the cameras had been used. Everyone collected their cameras and put them back with their luggage in the cars. Emily and Liz said goodbye, and Emily went back in her condo.

Everyone stood near the cars, not sure what to say, but no one taking the steps to actually leave. After a good minute or two of silence, Isabel chimed in “Guys, we really do need to get on the road.”

Everyone hugged Lonnie, Rath, Ava and Zan goodbye. As everyone from Roswell went to get in their cars, and Lonnie, Rath and Ava went to get in theirs, Liz and Zan stood, unmoving, facing each other.

“So,” Liz started.

“Yeah,” Zan added.

Liz looked everywhere she could, except at Zan. She knew the minute she did, she was gonna break down. That the thin wall holding her tears back would crumble into nothingness the second she looked into his eyes. Liz looked over and saw everyone watching them. “I feel like a monkey in the zoo or something.”

Zan followed her gaze and snorted a laugh. “Yeah, I hear that.” They both looked at their feet, Liz suddenly very interested in her toe nail polish, and Zan suddenly fascinated by the tip of his boot. “Aight, this is retarded.” Zan finally said. He grabbed Liz by the hips and pulled her against him, kissing her with every ounce of emotion he had in him.

Liz quickly responded, slanting her mouth over his, allowing his tongue the access it was begging for. Her fingers wove their way into his hair, making it spike up in even more directions than it was before, and one of his arms wrapped around her waist, holding her to him for dear life, while the other held tight to the back of her neck, not letting her escape him. When the need for oxygen became too great they broke away, but didn’t let the other go. Liz slowly opened her eyes, and looked up into Zans as tears began spilling down her cheeks. Zan pulled her into a hug, one of his hand on the small of her back, the other on her butt.

“You really do like my butt, don’t you?” Liz asked, smiling despite everything.

Zan pulled back and looked at her face. “Oh yeah, plus I wanted to see you smile again.”

Liz’s bottom lips began quivering. “I don’t think I can do this.”

“You can. You’re going to. You have to.” Zan told her.

“If I’m going to, then I’ll have to do it now.” Liz said, pulling out of his embrace slightly. “Its only getting harder the longer I stand here.”

“Ditto.” Zan lowered his head, and captured her lips in one last kiss. He broke the kiss, then slowly began to disentangle himself from her. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Liz said, her voice cracking as the tears kept flowing. She took a step back from him, looking at him for one second longer, memorizing his face. “Goodbye, Zan.”

“Bye Liz.” Zan managed past the lump in his throat. He had to turn and walk away from her now. She couldn’t see him cry.

They both walked backwards in opposite directions. Then, as if predetermined, they turned at the exact same time and walked the rest of the way to their vehicles. Liz climbed into the passenger seat of Maria’s Jetta. Maria reached over and grabbed one of her hands, Alex leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her from behind, and Isabel leaned over, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. Liz looked out the passenger window and nodded to Max, signaling that she was ready to leave. He nodded to her, then turned to Michael, who in turn nodded to Kyle. Max put the Jeep in gear, pulling out right behind the Dupes. Maria followed Max, Kyle followed Maria. As the four cars hit the highway, the first one turned right, bound for New York, and the other three turned left, heading to New Mexico.

TBC...

Heres the next part... Lemme know what you think! (Oh, and sorry in advance for teasing you poor Dreamers, but keep in mind... there ain*t gonna be no Max/Liz in this fic... sorry!)

Chapter 33

Liz groaned, her neck hurt, and she had no clue why. She opens her eyes slightly, squinting into the bright light that floods into her vision. She closes her eyes, attempting to snuggle back down into her pillow, then realizing that her pillow isn’t actually a pillow, but a thigh. She quickly looks up, and into Alex’s face as it comes into focus. Groaning again, she sits up and looks around, when everything comes back to her. They left Florida and are on their way home. Sleepily, she looks over at Alex. “Where are we?” she asks, her voice rough with sleep.

Isabel turns around from the front seat, where she relocated to when they stopped to get gas before leaving Destin. “Good morning” she says cheerfully, smiling back at Liz “We’re somewhere near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, I think, we’re stopping for food and gas... you’ve been asleep for like six hours.”

Liz nodded, rummaging around her purse for her cigarettes. She rolled down the back window and lit up, inhaling the menthol-laced smoke. She stared out the window, not looking at anything in particular, all the scenery becoming one big blur of color as the Jetta followed the Jeep off the interstate, and eventually to the McDonalds they had planned on stopping at for lunch.

Liz stepped out of the car, popping her neck, which was stiff from sleeping on Alex’s leg and looked around. Everyone else got out of the vehicles, stretching their legs. They all met up and started walking towards the door. “Ooh A playplace ” Kyle said, jumping up and down like a five-year-old kid at Christmas, prompting Alex to join him.

“You guys can’t seriously be excited about the McDonalds playplace,” Max said, looking back and forth between them. “I mean... ya know what? I’m not even gonna say anything.” he shook his head, knowing that anything he said wouldn’t matter.

They all went inside and ordered food, all going out into the playplace area to eat. Maria and Liz sat down next to each other in a booth, setting up all their food so it was easily accessible. “You ok?” Maria asked, opening a ketchup packet and squirting the contents onto the paper on her food tray.

Liz took a sip of her soda, setting it down and grabbing a few fries, popping them in her mouth. “Yeah, why?” she glanced over at Maria, seeing the patented ‘you can’t lie to me’ look on Marias face. “Fine, fine... No. Ok? I’m not ok. I just...” Liz sighed, pushing her food away from her, suddenly not so hungry anymore. “It hurts so much. I didn’t think it would hurt this much.”

Maria nodded, swirling her straw in her drink. “You never think its gonna hurt as much as it does. But, think about it Lizzie... you and Zan... ya know Went beyond ” Both girls laughed, despite themselves. “I would be a nervous wreck right now if I were you. You leave Roswell, leaving Max behind, which broke your heart. You tried to escape to Florida to get over it, only to have your heart broken again ”

Liz glared slightly at Maria “Wow, thanks for the recap... in case I didn’t know how much it sucked, I have you to remind me. I knew I kept you around for a reason” she said sarcastically, immediately feeling guilty for biting Marias head off. “Maria...”

“No ” Maria interrupted. “Don’t you dare apologize to me. You have every right to be upset So be upset Don’t hold it in Vent it If you need to yell at me, yell at me You know I can handle it, and besides, I’m your best friend, if you can’t yell at me, who can ya yell at, ya know? ” Liz smiled, grabbing her McChicken and taking a bite, knowing that even though she was rather nauseous, she had to eat something. “Besides,” Maria added, taking a long drink of her milkshake, “its not like you really needed me to point all that out to you, that was my bad.”

Isabel and Tess slid into the booth across from them, and the girls started gabbing about nothing in particular. Stuff they’d bought in Florida, the new school year coming up, anything and everything. Liz smiled as she listened to Isabel, Tess and Maria start ranting about Pam Troy and debating on just how slutty she would be this year. Liz thought back over what Maria said. She had been through a lot of heartbreak in the last few months, more than she ever wanted to experience. She thought about seeing Max with Tess, then eventually leaving Max at the Pod Chamber. Unconsciously, her eyes slid over to where Max was sitting with the rest of the guys. She felt that familiar, yet oddly forgotten fluttering in her stomach as her eyes locked on his. He had been watching her, just like he used to at the Crashdown. She smiled slightly, holding back a little laugh as Max’s eyes went wide, realizing he’d been totally busted, and he quickly looked down at his food. She looked down, then couldn’t help stealing another glance to see if he was looking again. He looked up at the exact same second she did, and they shared a secret smile, knowing the other was thinking the same thing.

Liz couldn’t help wondering what was gonna happen with her and Max. She didn’t wanna loose him, but she knew it wasn’t like they could just jump back into a friendship and have everything be ok. There would be many long, emotionally draining conversations to come, trying to work through everything that had happened since Tess had showed up in Roswell. She wanted to work on it though, she didn’t wanna be at war with Max.

Liz glanced up at Tess. Even knowing that the girl she was looking at was responsible for all the drama and conflict that had gone on between her and Max, she couldn’t be mad at Tess. Tess was actually proving to be a really sweet girl, who just wanted to be accepted. Now that she had been accepted for who she was, for her personality and energy, not because she was Max’s wife from another life... she had pretty much given up on all the Destiny bullshit. Liz even thought she’d seen evidence that Tess and Kyle might be having a little something going on with them.

“PLAY TIME!” Kyle shouted, making a mad dash from the table and diving into one of the openings going into the large maze of plastic tubes that made up the gigantic playplace.

“Wait for me!” Alex shouted, hot on Kyle’s heels, climbing into the tube after him. Their voices echoed through-out the closed in area that the playplace was located in as they maneuvered their way through the maze.

“We’re never going to get out of here now.” Isabel said, sounding slightly pissed off. “We have a tight schedule to keep if we don’t want to stop for the night, we don’t have time for this kind of nonsense.”

As soon as the word ‘nonsense’ was out of her mouth, Alex literally tumbled head first out of one of the tubes and into the ball pit. “BALLS!” he exclaimed when he managed to get himself upright again. “I thought Kyle was over here.” he looked out the mesh curtain the surrounded the ball pit as everyone looked at him like the idiot he was proving himself to be. He mentally shrugged his shoulders, trying to wade through the pit back to the opening to look for his long-lost companion. “KYLE!” Alex shouted, still trying desperately to get out of the ball pit, making no headway.

“ALEX!” Kyles voice carried from the complete opposite side of the structure. “Where are you? ”

“I’m stuck in the ball pit” Alex shouted, as he struggled, but was just getting himself more and more stuck. “Where are you?”

“I’m in the top tower with the rolling tic-tac-toe board ” Kyle exclaimed “Come over here and play this with me”

Alex scoffed “Yeah, I would if I could, but I can’t! I AM STUCK!! Did you not hear me say that before?”

“Hold on, I’m coming to find you” Kyle shouted, which was then followed by the sounds of Kyle trying to find his way to the ball pit.

Alex started struggling, almost panicked, trying to free himself. “Guys” he said, looking wildly at everyone who was still sitting at the table, in shock that those two had seriously gone in there. “I can’t get out” He fought as hard as he could, which still didn’t get him any closer to getting out. “HELP!” Alex finally panicked, “There’s balls everywhere, and their sucking me in!”

Every burst out laughing at the ridiculousness of Alex situation before Michael got up and walked over to the mesh, looking inside at Alex. “Alex, dude... do you have any idea how many kids have probably puked in that thing?”

That statement was followed by Alex squealing like a little girl, and flailing about in a last ditch effort to get out. “ITS GOT MY FOOT! MICHAEL, KYLE, MAX! GUYS! HELP ME! ITS GOT MY FOOT!! WHY, LORD, WHY? ”

“Oh for the love of Buddha ” Isabel said, giving Tess a little push, to get the point across that she wanted to get out of the booth. Isabel sauntered over to the net, standing next to Michael, and looking down disapprovingly at Alex. “Alex Charles Whitman, first the Vanilla Ice thing, then DDR, now this? What am I gonna do with you? ”

Alex stuck out his lower lip, pouting “But, sweetie... it really, REALLY has my foot ”

Liz, Maria, Tess and Max walked over to join Isabel and Michael at the mesh net, just as Kyles voice sounded from somewhere else in the playplace “Alex? ”

“Kyle? ” Alex said, looking back towards the offending tube that had spit him into the abyss of balls he was still fighting to get out of.

“I’m lost Come find me ” Kyle shouted.

Alex’s mouth dropped open, completely offended by what Kyle just said “Are you freaking kidding me? You were supposed to come find me, you dumbass ”

“Oh, for fucks sake ” Liz shouted. All eyes turned toward her, quite surprised by her outburst. “Guys, this is Alex and Kyle we’re talking about here... theres no way in hell their gonna find each other, or their way out of this thing for that matter unless we find them ourselves.”

“I resent that ” Kyle shouted.

“Oh, shut up You know its true ” Liz volleyed back. She looked at everyone on the outside of the playplace. “Sooner we get them out, sooner we get back on the road.”

Everyone climbed into the playplace and split up to find Alex and Kyle. That proved to be the worst decision ever. It took them a good hour to find Kyle, then extract Alex from the ball pit, and then find whoever had managed to get lost in the process of the rescue. Once the last person was finally out of the playplace, it was a good hour and a half after they went in McDonalds.

“We’re so behind now ” Isabel started bitching the second they were outside McDonalds. “You know we’re gonna have to stop and pay for a hotel room now, right? What do you have to say for yourselves?” she whipped around, pinning Alex and Kyle with death looks.

“Well...” Alex started, scared to say the wrong thing, “If it makes you feel any better, I don’t like playing in balls anymore.”

Isabel rolled her eyes, trying to act upset, but started cracking up as soon as everyone else lost it. Alex and Kyle looked at each other, shrugged and everyone went and climbed back into their vehicles to get back on the road.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


They pulled into a hotel outside Dallas around 10:30 PM. They probably could have made it all the way to Roswell tonight, but everyone was just too tired to go on anymore. After the McDonalds playplace fiasco, they got back on the interstate going back the same way had came from and ended up getting lost for about an hour trying to find their way back. They all dragged themselves into the room they’d rented, everyone tired and cranky. They took turns showering and getting into pajamas, most passing out wherever they happened to lay down after their shower.

Liz woke up some time later, sprawled out in the middle of the livingroom floor. She pulled herself up, grabbed her purse and walked out onto the hotel balcony to smoke, since they’d gotten a non-smoking room. She folded herself down in the chair that was out there and looked around. It was nothing like Florida, and she hated it on that basis. She didn’t want to be going back to Roswell, she wanted to still be in Florida, comfortably encased in Zans arms in bed.

She glanced over as the sliding glass door opened and Max stepped out. He gave her a small half-smile as he slid the door closed and padded over to sit on the chair next to her. “Couldn’t sleep?” he asked, staring up into the sky.

“No, not really.” she said, taking another drag and slowly exhaling the smoke. “What are you doin up?”

Max shrugged slightly “Heard you come out here, just came out to keep you company.”

Liz fought back the urge to tell Max that she didn’t need him watching over her all the time, that she was more than capable of taking care of herself. She took a deep breathe, squashing all those thoughts and simply replied with a “Thank You.”

Max just nodded, and they both sat in slightly uncomfortable silence. Liz finished her cigarette, and starting picking at her nails, which she needed to go get fixed. The acrylic was all grown out and they were getting too long, and the white polish of the french manicure was starting to chip off. Liz waved her right hand over her left hand, then did it the other way around, then sat to admire her brand-new, perfectly filled, perfectly painted, perfect length nails.

“You’re really getting the hang of that, huh?” Max asked, reaching over and taking one of her hands to see how well she had managed with her powers.

“Yeah, I think I’m learning pretty quick.” Liz said, slipping her hand out of Max’s and touching his white t-shirt, turning it bright pink. She giggled as a horrified expression crossed his face. He quickly fixed it, glaring at her. “What?” she asked innocently.

Max shook his head, then got really quiet, as if debating with himself about something. Liz glanced over, and he appeared to be in his own world, completely unaware of her. She sat up on the edge of her chair, leaning towards Max, placing her hand on his knee. He almost jumped out of his chair, obviously deep in thought. “Oh, sorry. You ok?” Liz asked.

Max looked deep in her eyes. “No, Liz, I’m not ok.” She looked at him, obviously concerned. “We need to talk.”

Liz was a little taken aback. “About what?” she asked, apprehensively.

Max took a deep breath, then said exactly what was on his mind, “About the fact that I’m still in love with you.”

Liz literally sat back. All the air whooshed out of her lungs. That was definitely the last thing she had expected to come out of his mouth, but then could almost slap herself for not expecting it. She had no clue what to say back to him, she glanced around the balcony, as if looking for an escape route, then finally looked back into his eyes. “Max, I don’t wanna do this now.”

“Well, that’s too damn bad, Liz, cause we’re gonna talk about it now.” Max said, making it clear there was no room for argument.

“This is really not the time, and definitely not the place, ok? Lets just drop it and we’ll talk about it later.”Liz almost pleaded with him.

“Later.” Max practically spat the word out. “Its always later Liz, you say we’ll talk about it later, but we never do. I’m sick of having all this shit to say to you, and you never wanting to listen to it. Well, I don’t care if this isn’t a good time for you, but I have some things that I need to say and so I’m gonna say them.” he said.

“What the hell is wrong with you? ” Liz blurted out. “You can’t make me do something I don’t wanna do, and I don’t wanna deal with this ”

“It has to be dealt with And if I don’t deal with it soon, I’m going to go crazy ” Max said, pushing his hands through his hair.

Liz closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. When she opened her eyes, she bore her eyes into Max’s. “Fine. Say what you have to say and get it over with.” she replied angrily.

“I love you.” Max said, causing Liz to lower her eyes, focusing on the ground. “No” Max said, getting on his knees in front of Liz, cupping her face between his hands. “Look at me. I love you. I always have and I always will. I don’t care about any of that Destiny stuff. I wanna put it all behind us. I want us to go back to the way we used to be. I don’t care about anything that happened with you and Zan, and I know that you can’t just forget it, but I want us to be together. I want to work on us.”

Liz couldn’t stop the tears from falling. She loved Max, but she wasn’t in love with him. She didn’t want to hurt him, but she couldn’t be with him. There was no way to get out of this predicament without someone getting hurt... and Liz knew that it was gonna be Max that got hurt. “Max...” she started saying, but was abruptly cut off when his lips crashed against hers. She didn’t have time to think about pulling away before a series of images flashed in front of her eyes. Flashes of her and Max’s first kiss, finding the orb, her walking away from him at the cave, his heart shattering, finding out she’d left for Florida for the summer, driving all the way there, the only thing on his mind was winning her back, seeing her with Zan, her at Swamp, dancing with Alex, her getting pierced, her trying on clothes for Max, flashes of Max with Jocelyn, kissing her, being with her, all the while wishing that she was someone else.

Liz finally regained her bearings and pulled away from Max, sitting back in the chair, sucking air into her lungs. She was still processing everything she’d seen during the flashes when she realized that if she got flashes, then Max got flashes too. Her eyes flew open and she knew immediately that he’d seen flashes of her with Zan. His eyes were hollow, like he wasn’t even there. He closed his eyes, dropped his head and Liz watched in horror as his shoulders started shaking, harsh sobs wracking his body.

“Max...” Liz whispered, tears forming in her eyes. She would never understand how her, Liz Parker, smallest of small town girls was able to bring the King of another planet, literally, to his knees.

Max got up, sitting back down on his chair, his head in his hands. “I should have known. I mean, I suspected, but I was in denial and didn’t want to believe that you could do that to me.”

“What are you talking about?” Liz whispered, heatedly. “I didn’t do anything to you We weren’t together... we AREN’T together ”

“I know ” Max yelled, sounding more mad at himself, then at Liz “But I didn’t want to believe that you could actually fall in love with him... that you could fall out of love with me.” he finished, his voice breaking.

Liz felt her heart break a little at his words. “I never thought we would end up like this. I never wanted it. I never wanted this huge rift between us. I hate it. I hate that I can’t talk to you. I hate that there’s so much that went on this summer in each others lives that the other doesn’t know about. I hate not knowing you, Max.” She watched as Max got up off the balcony floor and sat back in his chair, taking a deep breath and wiping his hands over his cheeks. “I hate that I make you cry.” she whispered.

Max snorted a laugh “Yeah, I don’t especially like that you make me cry either.” he looked up at Liz. “I hate not knowing you too. I just...” he sighed. “I know we can’t be together now. I know how much you love Zan... I felt it when I saw the flashes. Its not gonna stop me from loving you, Liz. Nothing ever could. No matter what you do, I’m always gonna love you more than life itself. But I understand that we can’t be together now. But I need you. I have to have you in my life. I’d rather have you as a friend than not have you at all. And I know that we can’t just jump into a friendship... but I want to try.”

Liz launched herself into Max’s arms “I’m so happy to hear you say that You have no idea how much I want that, Max I can’t live without you in my life, you’re way to important for me to completely loose you.”she pulled herself out of him arms, going back to her chair. “We’ll have to... as retarded as this sounds... get to know each other again, ya know?”

Max nodded, “Yeah, I know exactly what you mean.” he sat back in his chair, getting comfortable. “So, tell me about yourself, Liz Parker.”

Liz laughed at the absurdity of that statement, Max used to know her better than anyone. But they weren’t the same people they were back in May, so much had changed for both of them.

Liz and Max spent the rest of the night sitting on the balcony. They talked about all the things that they hadn’t been able to talk about all those months before. They talked about Tess, about what her being in Roswell meant to the group, and about how they were both starting to think that she really fit in and was a great addition to the group. They talked about Destiny, and the message from Max’s mother in the cave. Max asked to hear about how Liz and Zan had met, their first date, and how things had developed before they’d arrived in Florida, and even how things had gone after they showed up, since Max tried his hardest to remain oblivious to the situation. In return, Liz asked to hear about how Max met Jocelyn, and what exactly had gone on between them.

After they got through all the insanely draining conversations, they started talking about all the good times they’d had that summer, and all the funny stories, most of them involving Alex and Kyle. They both agreed that those two shouldn’t be allowed to hang out without supervision.

Soon, the sliding glass door was being pushed open, and they were all getting ready, piling back in the car and were on the road again. Liz opted to drive the last part with Max, so they could continue to build their friendship. They both knew it was gonna be hard, going from being totally in love and all over each other to being friends, but they wanted to make it work.

Before she knew it, Liz looked up and saw a very familiar sign... “Welcome To Roswell.”

Liz sighed, glancing over at Max. “Home, Sweet Home.”

TBC...

Wow... I see a few lurkers have come outta the wood work after my authors note.. *lol* Good to see you all! I hope you guys like this chapter... as far as I can see, this will be the second to last part... I plan to write the last part tomorrow, but you just never know what could happen! *lol* I was gonna hold off posting this... but you all can thank Lindsay for it gettin posted.. she*s yellin at me! *lol* So.. this is for you, Linds! Love you, *Twinkie*!

Oh, and also... I think this chapter sucks... So... Sorry about that...

Chapter 34

*~Two Months Later~*

Liz slipped off her alien antennae headband, threw them in her locker and smoothed her hair. Life in Roswell had pretty much gone back to normal by now. The group had returned to school, and work, but were closer than they ever were before. Kyle and Tess started dating, and were pretty serious about each other now.

Liz looked at the pictures taped to the inside of her work locker. A picture of Maria, Alex and her at Swamp, a picture of the whole group that Emily had taken before they left Florida, and a picture of her and Zan. She hadn’t heard from Zan since her return to Roswell, and while she had expected it, it still hurt. She grabbed her cigarettes and lighter, quickly putting them in her apron pocket before closing her locker, and walking through the swinging door and into the café. She spotted Maria standing behind the counter, her chin propped in her hands, looking extremely bored. It was surprisingly slow, considering it was a Saturday, but since the lunch rush was over, they each had a total of one table.

Liz walked behind the counter, and over to Maria. “Hey, I’m gonna slip out the front and have a cigarette, cover for me?”

Maria dismissively waved her hand at Liz. “Go on, you’re not gonna miss anything. Take your time.”

Liz looked around the diner quickly, making sure her dad was still upstairs. “You’ll come warn me if my dad comes back, right?” Maria nodded, and Liz slipped out the front door, and rounded the corner of the restaurant, standing in the alley. She quickly pulled her cigarettes and lighter out of her apron and lit one, putting the pack back and inhaling the smoke.

Over the course of the two months back in Roswell, her parents had discovered the piercings, and were coming to terms with her new style of dress. Even thought they didn’t know the details of the break-up between Max and Liz, they knew that it was hard on Liz, and this was her way of starting over. Liz was grateful that her parents were trying to be supportive and understanding, and were taking everything in stride, rather than just yelling at her and grounding her.

Liz thought about Max. They had become better friends than they ever had been. They could talk about anything, and hang out without any kind of weird-ness. They’d even gone to the Homecoming dance together two weekends previous. Although Liz’s parents found that rather odd, they kept all their comments to themselves, as they often did. Liz was still a straight A student, so in their world, all was alright.

Liz caught sight of two familiar blondes making their way towards the Crashdown. They caught sight of her hiding out in the alley, and veered her direction.

“Taking a break?” Tess asked, smiling at Liz as she rolled her eyes and held up her cigarette.

“Of course.” Liz replied, taking one last drag and then tossing the cigarette down the street to where Agnes usually stood whenever she came outside to smoke.

Isabel and Tess walked over to the closest outside table and sat down. Liz took their drink orders and went back inside to put her cigarettes back in her locker, and get her headband. She went back into the diner and began fixing the girls their drinks, glancing over just in time to see Maria cashing out the last people that were in the restaurant.

After she was done, she walked over to where Liz was finishing up with the drinks. “Thanks, I am kinda thirsty.” Maria said, taking one of the drinks.

“No.” Liz quickly grabbed the drink from Maria just as she was about to take a sip. Maria pouted slightly. “Isabel and Tess are sitting outside.” Glancing in the back, she saw Jose getting ready to leave the kitchen. “There’s a table outside, don’t go anywhere ”

She rolled her eyes as he mumbled something in Spanish. Liz went outside and gave the girls their drinks, making sure to bring them a bottle of Tabasco. She took their food order, and turned it into Jose before grabbing herself a drink and going back outside to sit down for a few.

When she reached the table, Maria was already kicked back, sunglasses perched on her nose, her feet kicked up on a chair she’d pulled over from another table. “So, what’s going on?” Liz asked, sitting down in the vacant chair and taking a long drink of her iced tea.

“Not too much, just talkin about the party that’s going on tonight. You goin?” Isabel asked, testing her drink, then shaking a little more tabasco in it.

“That party at the old soap factory?” Liz asked. The girls all nodded. “I dunno, the last one didn’t exactly go very well.”

“Wait, what happened at the last one?” Tess asked. She was still catching up on a few things that had gone on before she’d came to town.

“Well... The cops ended up showing up, and when Max and I went inside to find everyone else and we ended up splitting up. I ran into Alex and this guy ran by and shoved two bottles of alcohol in our hands.. Which is exactly how Sheriff Valenti found us about five seconds later.” Liz explained. “Needless to say, we ended up in jail. My parents were none to thrilled about that.”

“Yeah, like that would happen AGAIN ” Maria tried to reason with her. “C’mon Lizzie All the cool kids are doing it ”

Liz rolled her eyes. “What makes you think I even want to go to this party to begin with? Maybe I just wanted to sit at home and do my homework.”

“Ya know,” Maria set down her drink and turned to face Liz. “If you would have said that a year ago, I would have no doubt in my mind that you were being serious. Unfortunately for you... I know better now I know that you loved all the times we went to Swamp over the summer. You’re not the same little bookworm you used to be, Lizzie. You’re a regular party girl.” Liz opened her mouth to speak, but Maria rushed on before she could. “Don’t even. You know you wanna go And you know that we know you wanna go So you know what? We’re gonna go What do you think about that? ” Maria sat back triumphantly.

“Actually, I was gonna tell you that you were a hundred percent right.” Liz crossed her arms over her chest.

“Oh...” Maria shrugged slightly.

“Yeah, see? You just wasted all that breathe. You really have no idea when to shut up.” Liz stuck her tongue out at Maria.

“Children ” Isabel clapped her hands. “Don’t make me separate you two ”

Tess laughed at their antics. “So... we’re going, right?” She wasn’t really sure which way they had decided to go after all that.

“Yes, we’re going.” Liz confirmed. “What should we wear?”

“You should wear that pink thing,” Maria quickly spoke up. “You haven’t had a chance to wear it since we got back, and you look so hot in that shirt You’re gonna have guys droolin all over you ”

Just then, Jose stormed out of the front door of the CrashDown with two plates of food. He placed them on the table and glared at Maria and Liz. “Ladies. I think you’re slightly confused about something. My job is to cook. That’s it. Its not my job to bring the food to people, and I’m fairly certain it’s not your job to sit on your butts and gossip.”

Liz held up her hand. “We get it, Jose. We’re sorry. Go back inside, we’ll be inside in a minute.”

He went inside, once again muttering in Spanish. Liz and Maria rolled their eyes at him as they stood up. “Ok, so should we just get ready together here?” Maria asked, grabbing her drink.

Isabel and Tess looked at each other for a minute before nodding. “Sounds like a good idea. What time do you wanna meet upstairs?” Isabel asked, taking a bite of her hamburger.

“Does 8 work for everyone?” Liz asked, looking at all of them. Maria agreed, then went back inside. Isabel and Tess both gave her a thumbs up since they both had a mouthful of food. “Ok, See you guys at 8, then.”

Before she could turn around, a pair of arms grabbed her around the waist, picking her up and spinning her around before smacking a sound kiss to her cheek. “What’s goin on?” Max asked after he’d set her back on her feet, coming to stand beside her with his arm affectionately around her shoulder.

“We were just deciding to meet up in my room at 8 to get ready for this party at the old soap factory. And I was about to go back inside and tell my dad to take over downstairs before Jose has another conniption about having to bring the food out.” Liz said before taking Max’s arm from around her shoulders. “You goin tonight?”

Max nodded before dropping down into the chair across from Isabel. “Cherry coke, please?”

Liz nodded, “Of course. Do you want anything from the kitchen?”

Max thought about it for a second, before shaking his head. “No, that’s ok. I’m not that hungry.”

Liz smiled. “Jose thanks you. I’ll be right back with your drink.” Liz went inside and started making Max’s drink before telling Jose that he didn’t have to make another lunch and could take a break. Maria flew by babbling something about going upstairs and looking through Liz’s new clothes for something for her to wear to the party tonight.

Liz grabbed the Cherry Coke and made her way back outside onto the patio. She put the drink down in front of Max. “I really hope you didn’t change your mind about getting food, because Jose just took a break, and I highly doubt he’ll be heading back into the kitchen anytime soon.”

Max laughed slightly. “No, I’m still not hungry.”

“Ok, I’ve gotta go upstairs and save my closet from the hurricane that is Maria DeLuca.” Liz rolled her eyes. “And since I was supposed to be off work about 10 minutes ago, I’ll have my dad come downstairs to cash you guys out. See you at 8?”

“Yup.” Both girls said before going back to eating.

Liz nodded and turned to go back into the Crashdown when she felt someone staring at her. It wasn’t just any ‘I know someone’s looking at me’ feeling. It gave her the chills, making the hair on the back of her neck stand up. She knew that feeling. And somehow, she just knew it was Zan.

She spun around, quickly scanning the street, before her eyes crashed into amber eyes. The only thing was... those eyes belonged to Max. She looked around again, then back to Max. “Were you watching me while I was walking inside?”

Max fiercely shook his head before shrugging his shoulders, and confirming that he was.

“Oh...” Liz looked around once more before deciding it was nothing. It had happened to her before. She felt someone watching her, knowing instantly it was Zan, only to find Max looking at her. “Ok, see you guys later.”

Liz walked in the front doors, through the empty restaurant, and upstairs. Once she told her dad to go downstairs and keep watch until the next shift of waitresses showed up, she walked to her room to find Maria sitting in the middle of the floor with a mass of clothes surrounding her. Liz sighed before going about helping Maria find clothes and cleaning up her bedroom.

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Tess and Isabel showed up ten minutes early, party clothes in hand. Liz was putting the finishing touches on Maria’s makeup before starting on her hair.

Tess and Isabel changed quickly, before taking over on Maria to let Liz get ready herself. “What should I do with my hair?” Liz asked.

“Leave it down, and leave it straight.” Maria suggested, as Isabel and Tess agreed.

“Alright.” Liz grabbed a hold of the towel that was perched on top of her head, keeping her wet hair out of her face and pulling it off. She tossed the towel in the hamper before running her fingers through her hair, drying and straightening it before turning to regard the girls.

After their nods of approval she walked over to the bed and picked up the outfit she had laid out to wear: Her barely there pink top, a pair of tight hip hugger jeans that sat dangerously low on her hips, and a pair of black boots.

She went into the bathroom and changed, double-checking to make sure the bows that held the back of the shirt together were very securely tied as to avoid anyone randomly walking by and untying one of them. She pulled on her boots and checked herself over in the mirror before emerging from the bathroom and doing a little turn for the girls.

“Hot mama ” Isabel said, nodding. “Very nice The boys from West Roswell are gonna be so shocked to see you dressed like that I can just see the looks you’ll get now.”

“What are you gonna do for makeup?” Tess asked, as she took a step back from Maria, who had just finished getting her hair done, so she could step into the bathroom and change.

“I haven’t really thought about it.” Liz admitted. “What do you guys think? Should I do the natural, yet sexy look?” Liz swiped her hand over her face, soft, subtle eye make-up and a hint of blush and gloss appearing. “Or, should I do that all out sex-kitten look?” She swiped her hand over her face again, this time the subtle makeup was replaced by dark charcoal eye makeup, a little more blush, making her look slightly flushed, and darker, sexier lipstick appearing.

“No offense, but the second option makes you look more slutty, for some reason.” Isabel tentatively replied. “I’d go with the first.”

Liz simply waved her hand over her face a third time, the soft makeup reappearing, and all traces of the ‘slutty’ makeup gone.

Maria stepped out of the bathroom in one of Liz’s new black halter tops and a pair of jeans. “Well?”

“Very nice.” the girls nodded in approval.

“Good, now lets go.” Maria said, grabbing her purse. “Lets get this party started ”

“Wait ” Liz yelled quickly before any of them had the chance to open the door. She quickly ran to the closet, grabbing a baby doll t-shirt and slipping it on before throwing her coat on over it. “Ya know, so my parents don’t go all ballistic.”

“Ready now?” Maria asked, tapping her foot impatiently.

“Yes, I’m ready now, we can go.” Liz confirmed, following the girls through the apartment, through the CrashDown and outside where the boys were waiting.

Liz, Michael and Maria got into the Jeep with Max, while Alex, Isabel, and Tess climbed into the Mustang to ride with Kyle.

Once they were out on the highway, far away from the Crashdown, Liz took off her jacket, and then reached down to the hem of her t-shirt to pull it off as well.

Max caught the movement out of the corner of his eye and glanced over, doing a triple take when he noticed her taking off her t-shirt. “What are you doing?”

“Taking off my t-shirt. My real shirt is underneath it, I just didn’t want to give my parents a heart attack in case they saw it.” Liz explained, pulling off her safe shirt and tucking it away under the seat.

“Yeah, that was probably a good idea.” Max said, seeing what shirt she had on. “If you insist on going to this party in that shirt, I’m staying with you. God only knows what kinda guys are gonna be drooling all over themselves to get to you.”

Liz narrowed her eyes as she turned to regard Max. “I’ll go ahead and take that as a compliment, ok?”

“Oh No Not saying you look bad, or anything. Its just...” Max shifted uncomfortably, catching a glimpse of Maria and Michael in the backseat, both covering their mouths to keep from laughing. “I, uhm, just... know what guys generally think about... and you dressed like that is sure to make them think... about... that...” Max trailed off. He cleared his throat and decided to just shut up and keep driving.

It didn’t take them long to get to the old soap factory. The party was already in full swing, and you could hear the music pumping from outside. They made a plan to meet back at the cars at midnight, and each went their separate ways.

Liz and Max stayed along the wall, taking in everything that was going on. “You want something to drink?” Max asked, placing a hand on her arm after seeing more than a few guys eyeing her.

“Yeah. Just get me whatever.” Liz nodded. Max instructed her to stay where she was, and that he would be back in less than a minute.

“Jello shooter?” Liz heard an all-too-familiar voice say from behind her. She couldn’t keep the smile off her face as she turned around and came face to face with Octavio. “Hey Its you ” he pointed at her, immediately recognizing her.

“Yeah, its me.” Liz said. He took his sweet time, slowly running his eyes over her body. She crossed her arms over her chest. “Did you want something?”

He held his hands up in mock surrender. “Whoa, babe. Just asking if you wanted a jello shooter, but I’m gonna assume the answer is no, right?” he held one out to her.

Liz raised an eyebrow, looking from him down to the small plastic cup of jello in his hand. “What the hell...” Liz took the cup, and brought it to her mouth, squeezing it as the jello fell into her mouth in a huge glob. She swallowed it, nearly chocking. “God What is this? 95% alcohol, 5% jello?”

“Something like that.” Octavio replied, stepping closer to her. “So, you wanna dance?”

“No, thank you.” Liz politely declined his offer. A jello shooter was one thing, actually having to dance with him and have his slimy hands on her?? There weren’t enough jello shooters in the world.

“Aw, come on, babe. We were just startin to have fun.” Octavio took another step closer, invading her personal space bubble. “Just one dance, I ain’t gonna bite.”

“She said no, thank you.” Max said, stepping next to Liz and handing her the drink he’d gotten her before sliding his arm around her shoulders and looking down at Octavio.

“Dude, you always come outta nowhere, what the hell is that?” Octavio didn’t wait for an answer before he turned to go pester another female.

Max looked down at Liz. “See? Exactly why I’m stayin with you.”

Liz looked up at Max. “My knight in shining armor. Whatever would I do without?” she teased.

Max just rolled his eyes, and went back to checking out their surroundings. Liz started moving her hips to the beat of the techno remix that was playing, taking a long drink. She set her cup down on the floor next to her foot, stepping in front of Max and taking both of his hands in hers. “What are you doing?” he asked, immediately tensing up.

“I’m making you come dance with me. Unless you wanna let me go by myself. I’m sure I can find another dance partner.” Liz knew Max would never give up his post as her own personal bodyguard so he let himself be drug out onto the dance floor. He stood perfectly still as Liz began swaying her hips to the music. She looked up at him. “Oh, come on You have to at least try ”
“I don’t dance.” Max punctuated every word, leaving no room for argument... or so he thought.

“Until now.” Liz added. She turned so that her back was pressed into his chest, and his hands were resting on her waist. “Follow the movement of my hips with your hands, and then make your hips work.” Liz tried to explain.

Max growled a little, not pleased that he’d ended up out on the dance floor, but he did as she instructed. He followed the movement of her hips with his hands, and then made his hips replicate her motions.

“That’s not bad,” Liz called over her shoulder. “Just loosen up a little bit. Don’t be stiff. Just listen to the beat, and follow it.” As Max started loosening up, Liz moved his hands from her hips, and brought his arms around her waist.

The two of them moved in time with the music, completely in sync with the other. Any guy who had even the slightest thought of approaching Liz gave up the second they saw her with Max. To the outside world, they looked like the perfect couple, one starting where the other ended. No one, including those a part of the intimate group that Max and Liz were friends with, understood how they could be so completely right for each other, and not be together.

After a few songs, Max and Liz took a break, going outside to get some fresh air and for Liz to have a cigarette.

Dozens of people stopped to talk to Liz. The girls wanted to know where she’d gotten her outfit, and how she got her makeup and hair done so perfectly. The guys wanted to know if she was single, and when she’d turned into the hottie they were looking at.

Max took it all in stride, simply placing his arm around her shoulder whenever anyone would walk over. Even thought they told everyone they weren’t together, no one believed them, but they let it go.

At midnight, they all met back at the vehicles to go home. On the way back into Roswell, Liz put her t-shirt and jacket back on, just in case her parents were up waiting for her. Max pulled up in front of the CrashDown and she leaned over to give him a quick kiss on the cheek before saying goodnight to everyone and walking inside.

Once she’d said goodnight to her parents, who were, indeed, waiting up for her, she went to her room and changed into her pajamas. Just as she was about to crawl into bed, there was a knock on her window. She turned to see who it was, and was shocked at who was looking back at her. She rushed across the room and threw open the window. “Ava... what are you doing here?”

TBC...

Here it is, the conclusion to the first fic I ever wrote.... *sigh* I*ll have to be honest... I*m really gonna miss this fic. I just want to thank all of you for reading and leaving me FB, it really meant alot!

Tanya and Lindsay--you two were always there when I was having a problem... and you always helped me work through it... I honestly think I woulda long ago given up on this one if it wasn*t for you guys. I owe you so much! I love you both! Thank You Bunches!!

Also... just so everyones aware... I have another fic in the works... an AU fic called "All's Fair In Love and War".. its not posted yet.. and I*m not sure when I*ll start posting, but keep your eyes open for it!

One more thing... any confusion about Liz's outfit in the second half of the last part... its the outfit she*s wearing in the picture Ann used in my banner... I described it as best I could!

Ok... I*ma shut up now! I, seriously, finished typing this not two minutes ago... so any and all mistakes... all my fault, but I can*t make myself care enough right now to go back and check for em... I just really wanna get this posted for you guys. I hope you guys like the ending... As always... let me know!

Chapter 35

Liz took a step back from her window to allow Ava to slide in. Liz immediately looked back through the window to see if Zan was with her.

“He ain’t out there. Its just me.” Ava supplied, looking around the bedroom and taking everything in.

“Oh.” Liz tried not to sound disappointed, knowing she failed miserably. “What’re you doing here, Ava? I mean, not that I’m not happy to see you, because I am.” Liz paused to lean in and give Ava a quick hug. She pulled away and went to take a seat on the bed, holding out her hand, signaling Ava to take a seat as well. “Is everything ok?” Liz got suddenly concerned.

“Don’t flip. Everyone’s aight. Everyone’s still alive and all that good shit.” Ava quickly put Liz’s fears to rest. “I just... I dunno. The only reason I stayed ‘round New York was cause’a Zan. I stayed because I thought I was supposed to be with him. It’s clear that that ain’t gonna happen, so I decided to take off.”

“You just took off?” Liz’s eyebrows drew together. “By yourself? Where are you going?”

Ava slipped off her patent leather blue ankle boots and drew her legs up underneath her, making herself at home. “I didn’t just take off. I told em first. I didn’t run away or nothin. And I ain’t real sure where I’m goin. Before we went to Florida, we hadn’t ever left New York.” Ava shrugged, picking at her nail polish. “I always wanted to see Cali... and the infamous Roswell, New Mexico, of course. So, I decided to look ya up.”

Liz laughed, still not quite believing that Ava was in Roswell, in her house, and sitting on her bed. “How’d you even find me?”

Ava scoffed. “Please. I heard you talkin about your dad’s restaurant, and it’s not like it took a rocket scientist to find it... there’s a fuckin spaceship comin out the side of it ‘Sides... I saw Maxie-boy drop you off a few minutes ago. You were lookin hot, where you comin from?”

“Party out at the old soap factory. Which is pretty much the only thing to do here on a Saturday night. It wasn’t anything spectacular or anything.” Liz leaned back against the headboard, hugging her Care Bear to her chest.

“Yeah, this doesn’t seem quite like a hardcore party town or nothin.” Ava stated the obvious, stretching out on the bed. “So, whats up with you and Max? Saw you bein all huggy-kissy earlier. Whats that about?”

Liz snorted a laugh. If she had a nickel for every time she’d heard that phrase since returning to Roswell, she could buy the whole damn town. “Nothings up with us. We’re just friends.”

Ava clicked her tongue ring. “Yeah, I’m sure that’s all it is. Friends with benefits, maybe?”

“No. Just friends.” Liz sighed as Ava simply raised an eyebrow. “I’ve explained this to everyone at least a million times. Max and I aren’t together. We aren’t getting back together. We’re nothing more than friends. I still love Zan with all my heart, and no, I’m not trying to replace him with Max.”

Ava held up her hands. “Whoa there, killer. Don’t go havin a stroke or nothin. You say yous two just friends, then yous just friends. I still think its weird, but that ain’t for me to judge.” Ava went back to picking on her nail polish.

An uncomfortable silence settled between the two girls, neither quite sure what so say. Liz finally blurted out. “So, what do you think?”

Ava looked up from her nails, glancing around the room. “About....?”

“Roswell.”

Ava let out a little laugh. “Yo, this place is straight cornball How the hell do ya’ll live here? There’s alien shit all over the place, everything closes at like five in the afternoon. It’s like a million degrees outside.” Ava shook her head. “I don’t know how Max and them do it either. The whole point of this town is aliens... how crazy would it be, actually bein an alien livin here? I don’t think I could do it. I’d be gettin all pissed off bout all this shit.” Ava shook her head again. “Nope, definitely couldn’t do it.”

“Its not that bad.” Liz laughed when Ava shot her a ‘Yeah, right’ look. “Well... it is pretty hot here all the time, we are in the desert after all... and there is alien shit around every corner, but that’s expected. Aliens crashed here in 1947, didn’t you hear?” Liz laughed. “But not everything closes at five Its more like... I dunno, ten or something.” Liz sat and thought about it for a minute. “Yeah, I guess it is pretty bad. But its home, ya know?”

Ava shook her head. “Nah, not really. We never really had ‘home’. We just had each other. But, I guess I get what you’re tryin to say.” She cleared her throat, anxious to start talking about something else. Anything else. She notice a picture of Liz and Zan, goofing around on the beach in Florida in a picture frame on the night stand. She reached over and picked it up. “Nice picture of you two. Got any other pictures from Florida we could look at?”

Liz nodded. “Yeah, I have a whole album full of them.” She went to the closet and retrieved a thick photo album from the shelf. “All of us that took pictures down there got our film developed on the same day and we all got together downstairs in the diner after it closed one night and looked at them together. If someone had a good picture the others didn’t, we went back and got copies made.” Liz motioned towards the balcony. “You wanna go sit outside and look at them? Its nice outside, and I can’t smoke in here.”

Ava and Liz crawled out onto the balcony, pushing the two chairs together and sitting down, opening up the picture album.

There were pictures of all the girls at the beach, sitting side-by-side in lounge chairs, sunglasses perched on the noses, pictures of Liz and Alex dancing at Swamp, Liz and Maria dancing on the tables, Liz and Maria doing karaoke, the boys playing basketball in the pool at the condo, everyone playing DDR, and everyone before they left.

Ava stopped and stared at two pictures. “Who took these?” The pictures she was referring to were of Liz and Zan. One of them was a picture of Zan sitting on a chair on the balcony of Liz’s condo, his arms wrapped around Liz, who was sitting in his lap. They were looking at each other, huge smiles on their faces. The other was of the two of them standing on the balcony, kissing, the sun rising behind them.

Liz smiled as she looked at the pictures. “Maria. That was the morning we left Florida, I had no clue she took them at the time, but they turned out amazing.”

“Yeah, they did.” Ava glanced over at Liz, seeing the pain hidden in her eyes as she looked at the pictures. “He misses you.”

Liz looked over at Ava suddenly. “I’m sorry?”

“Zan.” Ava clarified. “He misses you.” Ava looked back down at the photo album, flipping the page. She ran her fingers over a picture of Liz and Zan that was staring back at her. It was obvious that one of the two of them had taken the photo themselves. Their faces were smashed together, trying to make sure they were both in the picture. “You know, before you came along... I’d never seen Zan smile. It was always one of those damn cocky half-smile smirk things. Once you came into the picture... I don’t think you coulda blown that damn cheesy smile off his face with dynamite.” Ava took a deep breathe. “You know... when me and Zan were together... he’d always tell me he loved me, but I always knew deep down that he didn’t really mean it.”

“No, he meant it, Ava.” Liz corrected softly. “He even told me that.”

“Aight, I guess I worded that wrong... lemme try again.” Ava got quiet for a minute, contemplating how exactly to word he next few sentences. “Aight, I think I got it this time. Zan used to tell me he loved me... but he didn’t mean it in the way he means it when he says it to you. Zan loved me, but he was never in love with me. Not once did he look at me the way he looked at you. I always felt like he was waitin for somebody else... the whole time we were together.” Ava looked over at Liz. “I was right. He was waiting to find you.”

Liz nervously chewed on the inside of her bottom lip. “I’m sorry I took him away from you.”

Ava burst out laughing, throwing Liz off as to what the hell she’d said wrong. “You got it all mixed up. He wasn’t mine, so you didn’t really take him away. If we woulda stayed together... we woulda been settlin. I don’t think it woulda lasted very long either.” Ava flipped another page, laughing at a picture of Alex, surrounded by thousands of different colored plastic balls, a helpless expression on his face. “Anyways, back to what I was sayin... After we left Florida, I never saw that smile again. After me and Lonnie got our pictures back, and Zan saw the ones of you and him together, he took off. He said he needed time to think and clear his head, and he took off for two days. When he came back, he didn’t say anything about being gone, and things went back to the way they were before we went to Florida. He’s still head over ass in love with you... I know you was probably worried about that.”

Liz nodded slightly. “A little.”

“You shouldn’t be.” Ava shook her head. “No offense intended here, but I don’t get it. What is it about you, Liz Parker, that makes the Kings of Antar fall so in love with you?”

Liz blushed. “I have no fucking idea.” Liz stated honestly. “I wonder that every day of my life.”

Ava flipped to a new page in the picture album, laughing a little. “Speaking of the Kings of Antar... whats up with this picture?”

Liz looked over to see what picture Ava was referring to, then laughing when she saw it. Maria had insisted on taking it, thinking it would be the funniest thing in the world. Liz was standing sideways, her stomach pressed up against Zans stomach, her back pressed up against Max’s stomach. Both guys had their hands rested on her hips, and one of Liz’s hands was reached behind her, resting on Max’s upper arm, the other was on Zans chest. “That picture was nicknamed the Liz sandwich. Maria almost died laughing when she took it, she thought it was hysterical.”

The girls sat and talked for another hour before the alarm clock on Liz’s cell phone began going off. “What the hell is that?” Ava asked.

Liz glanced around, noticing for the first time that the sun was up, shining down brightly on Roswell. “The alarm on my phone. I have it set for 8:30 AM. I have to take a shower and get ready.” Liz explained, walking over to her window and sticking her hand inside. The alarm stopped going off shortly after.

“Whatcha gettin ready for?” Ava asked, standing up.

“Max is meeting me downstairs at the Crashdown at 10. We have a Biology project due at the end of this week. Also, I have to help Maria and Kyle with an English paper they have... basically, we’re all getting together to do homework.”

Ava looked slightly impressed. “You real smart, or something?”

Liz shrugged a shoulder. “I’m not a rocket scientist or anything, but... yeah, I guess I’m pretty smart. I have advanced classes.”

“Max does too?” Ava asked. Liz nodded. “Check me out, friends with the smart kids.” Ava laughed at her own joke. “Aight, I’ma let you get all ready and shit, I’m takin off.”

“Wait, you’re leaving?” Liz asked. She didn’t want Ava to leave yet.

“I got a room over at the Tumbleweed Inn. I’ll stick around for a few days at least.” Ava followed Liz back into the bedroom, slipping on her shoes before returning to the window. “I’ll check back with you later today after I get a few hours sleep.”

“Ok.” Liz gave Ava another hug. “I’m really glad you’re here... I missed you.”

Ava snorted. “Cornball.” She smiled, “But I missed ya too.” Ava started climbing back through the window, onto the balcony. “Lata.” And with that, she was gone.

Liz took a deep breath, still not sure that all that had gone on that night had really happened. She mentally shrugged, heading for the bathroom to get ready.

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Liz stood in her closet, hair and make-up done, with a towel wrapped around her body as she contemplated what to wear. Liz finally just grabbed something and threw it on the bed. After looking it over for a minute, she decided it worked and quickly put it on.

Once she was dressed, she went and stood in front of her full length mirror. She turned from side to side, taking in the red leather pants that sat low on her hips, and a black jacket with three-quarter length sleeves, a zipper up the front, which sat slightly off to the right side, and a large circular buckle that held a belt in place near the hem, and showed off a fairly large amount of her stomach. Satisfied with the outfit, she slipped on a pair of black, pointed toe boots and took one last look. Making a last minute choice, she threw her hair up on top of her head in a messy ponytail.

She glanced at the clock, it was 10:05 AM, meaning that she was already five minutes late to meet Max. Not that it would really matter, the Crashdown was more like a second home to Max, rather than a restaurant. She grabbed her book bag and made her way downstairs.

She walked through the swinging door into the café, making a pit-stop to get a soda. She could see that Max was already outside, his notes spread out in front of him, and he was hard at work.

She grabbed two glasses of Cherry Coke and went to go outside, when her dad stepped into her path.

“What are you wearing?” Jeff looked Liz up and down, resisting the urge to pull her into the backroom and throw a blanket around her so no one could see her.

“What?” Liz looked down at her outfit. “Oh, come on, Daddy. Its not like I got my boobs hanging out all over the place. This outfit covers up a lot if you really think about it.”

Jeff shook his head. “Liz, I’d like to think that your mother and I have been very lenient with you about everything, but...”

“But what, Daddy?” Liz cut him off. “I’m 17. I’m not a little girl anymore. And besides, I’m going outside to work on a Biology project with Max. You can see us through the window. Its not like we’re running off to go have wild monkey sex or anything.”

“That’s supposed to make me feel better about this?” Jeff questioned.

Liz sighed before getting on her tip-toes and giving her dad a kiss on the cheek. “Its fine, Daddy. Get back to work, the foods not gonna serve itself.” Liz scolded, walking past her more-than-stunned father and making her way outside.

She pushed the front door open and walked over to Max. “Hey.” she smiled, setting the soda down in front of him and dropping down into the chair across from him.

“Hey.” Max glanced up, grabbing the soda. “Thanks.” He took a drink then set it back down. “What took you so long?”

“My dad was wiggin about my outfit.” Liz explained, taking her book out of her bag and getting all her notes organized.

Max leaned across the table, looking at her outfit. “Well... that jacket is rather... short.”

“So?” Liz raised an eyebrow. “Like I said to my dad, its not like my boobs are hanging out or anything.”

“You said that to your dad?” Max asked.

“Yeah, and then I explained that we were sitting out here, where he can see us, working on a Biology project, not running off to go have wild monkey sex, and then I told him to get back to work and walked away.” Liz explained, already jotting down a few more notes from her book.

Max simply sat, utterly speechless. “Y– wh– h..” Max took a deep breath. “Your dad probably hates me.”

“He does not hate you He has no reason to hate you Well... except for the fact that you broke my heart... but I think he might be over that.” Liz flipped through her notebook. “Do you have the notes we took in class on Thursday? I can’t find mine....”

Max searched his book, then his notebook, finally finding his notes and hanging them over to Liz. All conversation stopped, and they both got to work on their project.

“Hey girlfriends ” Maria greeted, sitting down next to Liz, reaching over and taking a drink of her soda.

Max shook his head, still hating the idea of Maria calling him girlfriend, but said hi to her just the same.

“Where’s Kyle?” Liz asked, only briefly glancing up from what she was writing.

“Parking his car. I took the parking space right in front, that’s really gonna piss him off. But... oh well You snooze, you loose That’s my motto ” Maria rambled. “You still gonna help us with our English?”

“Give you pointers on how to do it, yes. Actually do it for you, no.” Liz replied.

“Smart girls are mean.” Maria pouted, pulling her stuff out of her bag just as Kyle was walking up.

“Thanks for stealing my parking spot.” He gave Maria a glare as he sat down next to Max. “Hey guys.”

Max and Liz mumbled a hello, both completely focused on their work.

“She’s gonna help us, right?” Kyle leaned across the table to ask Maria.

“She already said she wouldn’t do it for us, we’re on our own now, Valenti.” Maria sighed.

“So, we’re gonna fail. Excellent.” Kyle rolled his eyes and took out his work.

After about five minutes of Maria and Kyle doing nothing but talk about anything and everything but the English work they were actually supposed to be doing, Liz couldn’t take it anymore. She reached into her bag and took out her iPod.

“Aren’t you supposed to be working?” Maria asked, snacking on the fries that had just been delivered to the table.

“Yeah, but you two won’t shut up, so I gotta block you out somehow.” Liz replied, putting on her headphones and flipping through her music selection. Finally, she just picked anything and turned the volume up.

She went back to working on her notes, and a few seconds later, ‘Bowling For Soups’s 1985 started playing. Without even noticing she was doing it, she started bobbing her head to the music as she wrote.

By the time the second verse started, she was bouncing in her seat, bobbing her head, which was more like head banging, and humming along with the song... all the while, never missing a beat writing her notes, and completely oblivious to the fact that Kyle, Maria and Max were staring at her.

Maria ventured to reach over and tap Liz on the shoulder. Liz jumped almost a foot off the ground before ripping her headphones off. “What the hell was that for?!” Liz screeched. “You scared the shit outta me!”

“First of all, I didn’t mean to scare you, its not like I snuck up on you or anything, I’ve been sitting here for quite a while.” Maria started. “And secondly... I tapped you because you were distracting.”

“What?” Liz asked, confused as hell.

“You were completely jammin out to that song... you had no clue we were even here. Yet, somehow managed to keep writing notes... you’re awesome.” Maria concluded.

“I was jammin out?” Liz looked at Maria. “Not-uh! You’re just tryin to mess with me! I was not!”

“Yes, you were.” Maria countered.

“Was not.”

“Yes, you were.”

“You’re impossible!” Liz looked over at Max. “Was I jammin out?”

Max nervously scratched behind his ear. “Yeah, pretty much.”

“Traitor.” Liz grumbled, before putting her iPod away and going back to her notes.

“What’s up?” Tess asked, walking up behind Kyle and giving him a kiss on the cheek before dragging a chair over to sit next to him.

Isabel and Michael followed behind her, Isabel also brought over a chair, sitting next to Tess, while Michael squatted down behind Max to have a quick talk before he had to go to work.

Liz gave up on her notes for the time being and started talking to the girls. A few minutes later, she got that feeling... that ‘someone special is staring at me’ feeling.

She turned her attention to Max, who had his back to her, still talking to Michael. She quickly glanced around, not sure what was going on. Maria glanced over at her, noticing her acting weird. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m not sure.” Liz answered. She kept looking around her, finally turning all the way around in her chair. Her heart stopped, and her breath caught in her throat. “Ohmigod...” Liz somehow managed.

Maria followed Liz’s line of vision, her mouth dropping open as well. “Holy shit!” Maria practically screamed, causing the entire group to glance over.

Liz’s head was spinning, she couldn’t believe what she was seeing. She had to be dreaming, because there was no way that Zan was standing there, staring at her, that damn smirk on his face... in Roswell! She looked him up and down, taking in his usual black boots, black cargo pants, and black hoodie with the sleeves torn off over a brown t-shirt.

“Am I seeing things?” Liz asked, to no one in particular.

“If by seeing things, you mean Zan... than no... cause we all see him too.” Tess replied.

Before she knew what she was doing, Liz jumped up, running towards Zan as fast as she could... which was considerably slower taking the shoes into account.

Like a scene from a cheesy love-story movie, Zan started running towards her also. Liz could practically hear the sappy music, and she really did feel like it was all going in slow motion.

Moments later, they crashed together, holding onto each other for dear life. “Are you really here?” Liz’s voice broke as she asked.

“Yeah, Kitten. I’s really here.” he replied, pulling back and framing her face with his hands, taking in every detail of her. “You look even sexier than I rememba.”

Liz sobbed a laugh, tears streaming down her face. “I missed you so much.”

Zan wiped her tears away with the pads of his thumbs. “I missed you too. Why else do you think I came all the way across the damn country? Sure as hell wasn’t for the scenery.”

Liz smiled up at him. “Are you ever gonna kiss me?”

“Betcha ass.” Zan growled before bringing his lips down on hers. They both poured every single ounce of pain they’d felt over the last months apart into the kiss, leaving each other breathless.

They pulled away, struggling for breath. “Ava?” Liz asked.

“So was just scopin everything out for me. Lonnie and Rath are here too.” Zan admitted, raking his gaze down her body. “Damn, you’s lookin hot as hell, baby. Not for anyone in particular, I hope.”

Liz shook her head. “Of course not. I’m all yours, Sparky.”

Zan leaned down, gently covering her lips with hers, taking his time to savor the feeling of having her in his arms again.

They broke apart and rested their foreheads together. “I still can’t believe you’re here...”

Zan pulled back slightly. “C’mon baby, you’s gotta know you was more than just some summer lovin.”

“Really?” Liz couldn’t stop herself from asking.

“Damn straight.” Zan informed her, pulling her close to him and wrapping his arms securely around her waist. “You’re stuck with me, Kitten.”

The End.

Hey guys.. I just wanted to, once again, thank you all so much for all your wonderful FB, and for reading this... I still can*t believe its over!!! *lol*

As of right now, I have more than a few ideas as for future fics, as well as one in process right now over at the AU board... however... no sequal for this has been planned yet. That doesn*t mean that it won*t happen.. I just wouldn*t hold my breath, ok??

Anyways! The reason for me stopping by is... this...


Best Author of An Unconventional Couple Fanfic(Summer Lovin)
Best Portrayl of a Dupe(Zan in Summer Lovin)
Best Dupe Fic(Summer Lovin)
Best Short Story(The Only One I Trust)

I*m still quite shocked over all the noms that Summer Lovin got... but I know its because of you guys... so thank you, from the bottom of my heart.. it means alot that you guys loved this fic! I hope you*ll keep an eye out for my future fics, and just maybe, you*ll find a sequel to this one day.