Roswell Fanatics

Well it's finally here. It has been a rough couple of months. My kids are finally healthy and I have finally finished this part. I hope that you like it.

Till We Meet Again

Liz looked at her watch as she tapped her foot impatiently waiting for the elevator to get to her floor.

It was almost 10:00 and she wanted to get home as soon as possible. She hadn’t planned on staying this late but a few late cases had come in and she had been forced to see them through. She had anticipated that might happen and had brought her makeup, curling iron and dress to work with her so that she wouldn’t have to get ready at home.

She knew she probably looked a little out of place but it was saving her time and that was all she cared about at this point.

The door opened and Dr. Baker walked out.

“Elizabeth you look lovely this evening.” He said.

“Thank You.” She said a slight blush creeping into her cheeks.

“I hope you have a lovely evening, Happy New Year.” He said.

“Happy New Year.” She reciprocated.

She was glad when he began to walk away. The last thing she needed was for him to start up a conversation with her and delay her even more.

She stepped on to the elevator and waited for the doors to close.

“Hold the elevator.” She heard from outside.

“Shit.” She mumbled. She would know that voice anywhere.

She began to press the door close button rapidly and the door was almost closed when a hand appeared pushing the door open.

“Damn it.” She cursed under her breath.

Max pushed the door open and stepped in.

As if he weren’t out of breath enough from his short sprint to the elevator the sight of Liz in a tight fitting black dress further took his breath away.

“Thanks for holding the elevator.” He managed to say through ragged breaths.

His heart was beating a rapid rhythm in his chest and his body was starting to have a reaction to how sexy she looked. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

Liz shifted uneasily under his heated stare. As far as she was concerned he had lost the right to look at her like that a long time ago.

She wrapped her arms around her body and turned to face the closing doors.

Max sighed silently and moved to the back of the elevator leaning against the wall. He wasn’t sure if things could ever be right between them again.

Liz watched the numbers of the elevator slowly descend and then suddenly there was a loud noise and a jolt.

“What the hell.” She said as she leaned against the wall opposite her to steady herself.

They had stopped.

Liz began to press the buttons on the elevator panel.

“No, No, NO.” She said as she pushed more buttons.

“I think we are stuck.” Max said from behind him.

She turned quickly to face him.

“No, really I hadn’t figured that out genius.” She said sarcastically

Turning back to her button pushing she continued to mumble under her breath.

“I don’t think that is going to help.” He said still in his original position.

In a flash a light bulb went off in her head.

“You did this. You made this happen.” She accused.

He was shocked.

“I had nothing to do with this Liz.” He said in defense.

“You used some of your voodoo and made this elevator stop. Fix it now. I don’t have time for your crap right now.” She yelled angrily.

“You have some ego. I just got back and you think I’m going to risk everything just so that I can be stuck in this box all night. Maybe you’re the one who caused this to happen I mean you were slamming those buttons pretty hard before I got on here.

Ignoring his defense she continued. “If you aren’t going to fix this I will. You forget that I have some of my own voodoo.”

She waved her hand in front of him and pressed her hand against the elevator wall.

Quickly Max grabbed her hand.

A chill ran through her body at the sensation of his hand on her skin. She pushed passed it and focused on her anger.

“Let go of me right now Max Evans. You have no right…”

He placed his head near her ear.

“I have every right. If you haven’t noticed there is a camera in here. I do not want to have to explain your glowing hands. I’m not going to risk everything I’ve just gotten back just so you can make your date.”

His warm breath made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. Every sense in her body was heightened. She cursed the fact that he could still have this affect on her even when she was trying to resist it. She tried to break free but his grip was firm.

“I didn’t do this Liz if you try and do anything we could drop 7 stories to our death. Are you willing to take that chance?” He said in a softer tone.

The tension in her body released and his grip loosened though he didn’t let go.

“Then what do we do? I’m not spending the rest of the night in here with you.”

He released her from his grip and she wrapped her arms around herself to try and fight off the chill that invaded her body at the loss of his touch.

Max walked over to the instrument panel and pulled the emergency knob. Instantly the elevator was filled with the sound of ringing alarm bells.

Liz covered her ears. “Great now where stuck in here and I’m going to go deaf. What a great way to start the New Year.” She mumbled to herself.

“You’re the one who is in such a rush to get out of here.” Max said in a raised voice so she could hear him.

She rolled her eyes at him and tuned her back in his direction.

After a few short moments the alarm bells stopped and a voice could be heard coming from the instrument panel.

“Hello this is Henry Sanso in Maintenance/Engineering. How many of you are there?”

“Hello Henry. There are two of us.” Max said in response.

“Ok. We are working on the problem as we speak. There seems to have been an electrical short of some kind.”

“Henry could you do me a favor and let the ER know that I am stuck in here. My name is Dr. Max Evans.”

“I sure will is the other occupant a patient?” Henry asked.

“No Henry its Dr. Liz Parker.” Liz said before Max could respond.

She knew who Henry was and they had a few conversations in the cafeteria. He was a good man and she was glad he was on the case.

“Hi Dr. Parker. I promise to have you out of there as quickly as possible.”

“I know you will.”

When they were through talking to Henry they stood there silently. Liz moved as far away from Max in the elevator as she could get and sat down. After standing for a few moments Max decide to sit as well.

Liz turned her body so that she was not facing him. He took the opportunity to study her. The way her hair fell around her neck just barely caressing her shoulders. The way she still tucked a piece of hair behind her ear when she’s nervous or uncomfortable, it was as if nothing had changed but yet everything had.

Max was overcome with sadness. How had things come to this? The woman he had loved since third grade couldn’t even stand to be in the same room with him. He had only ever tried to do what he thought was right and he had failed the one person that mattered most.

She knew he was watching her. She always knew when Max Evans was watching her. She thought back to all those times he and Michael had come into the Crashdown. Even though she had denied it to Maria she had always felt him watching her. She had savored it then, that feeling that engulfed her when his eyes were on her. Yet know she cursed it. She hated that after all this time he could still arouse those feelings in her.

“Stop staring at me.” She finally snapped at him.

Caught off guard by her remark his gaze fell to his hands.

“I wasn’t staring.” He tried to lie.

“I know what it feels like to have your eyes on me Max. You were staring.” She said looking at him for the first time. There eyes met and for the first time Liz noticed how tired and sad his eyes looked.

Quickly she admonished herself for feeling any sympathy for him.

“Married men should not be looking at other women.” She said quickly breaking their eye contact.

“I’m not married.” He said quickly.

“That’s debatable. I’m sure the Mother of your child would disagree.” She threw back at him.

“And I’m sure you’re wrong.”

Liz stood up.

“You have got to be kidding me. I spent most of my teenage life listening to her spout off about how she was your wife and you were destined to be together. You mean to tell me that now that she has her nails sunk into you as far as she can get them being the Mother of your child she has suddenly had a change of heart? I don’t think so. I’m surprised she didn’t have them perform an Antarian marriage ceremony as soon as you arrived.”

“That’s not who Tess is anymore. I’m not sure she ever was that person.”

Liz felt as if she were about to explode. Was he actually going to defend her? Did he have the nerve to stand there and try and tell her that the woman who basically had destroyed their lives was not who she thought she was?

“I am not going to do this. I’m done with this.” She said feeling even more trapped now then she had before.

“I’m done with you.” She said pointedly.

“There are things that you don’t know. These things will change how you view the past.” He said as he moved closer to her.

She moved back trying to avoid him entering her space. She was fine when he was within a few feet of her but she could barely breathe when he was in inches of her.

She leaned her arms against the wall of the elevator giving her the support she needed.

“So tell me Max. What are these things that will change how I view the past?”

“I can’t. Not now.” He said sadly.

She shook her head in disbelief.

“This is why I am glad I’m done with all of this, the secrets the lies. It almost destroyed my life once I won’t allow it to happen again.” She said closing her eyes for a moment.

When she opened them she looked him straight in the eye. It took everything she had within her.

“I’m over you. I’m with Ryan now. I love him.” She said.

A brief flash of hurt fleeted through Max’s Amber eyes hearing those words leave her lips about another man but he would not be defeated. Liz was the woman that he loved and he would never give up.

“I don’t deny that you might have feelings for him but is he your soul mate?”

“Does the room come alive with electricity when the two of you are together?”

He inched even closer to her.

“Does you skin crave his touch?”

He grazed her forearm lightly with his fingertips sending Goosebumps all over her body.

“Can you see into his soul?”

Max’s face was within inches of hers. She could smell his sweet breath and almost taste his lips on hers. She swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. This wasn’t going the way she had planned. Hell she hadn’t planed this.

“I’m not a teenage girl anymore. I don’t need to see stars when I kiss Ryan.”

“I don’t need to see his soul because it’s not hidden it’s there for everyone to see. He’s charming and funny. He hates spiders and loves dogs and children. I know he loves me and will never leave or hurt me. I’m safe with him. I don’t need anything else.”

He took his hand and ran it through her silky hair. God it still felt the same as it had the last time he touched it.

“I hear your words Liz but your body, your body is telling me something different.”

“Max…” She began to say.

“There are things that you don’t know. I know that it sounds lame that I can’t tell you now but there is a reason. I love you I have never stopped loving you. The time will come when this will all be out in the open and when that time comes no one and nothing will stop me from winning you back. We belong together. I know you can feel it. I told you once and I’ll tell you again I’m coming for you Liz Parker.”

As Max inched closer to her reflexively she licked her lips. Her head was telling her to stop what was about to happen but her body would not comply.

Suddenly the intercom on the Control panel came to life again.

“Hello Liz.” Broke through the silence that had settled in the elevator.

It was Ryan. The sound of Ryan’s voice effectively shattered the moment between Max and Liz.

Max watched helplessly as Liz untangled herself from his grasp and walked to the intercom.

“Ryan is that you.”

“Yes, I called because I was worried and they told me what was going on. Henry was nice enough to let me talk to you. He says you should be out soon.”

“Thank God.”

“Are you ok? I know how you feel about enclosed spaces.”

Liz smiled. Ever since Max’s ordeal in the White Room and their dealings with evil aliens Liz hated bring anywhere that didn’t have an exit. Ryan had noticed once and she had told him it was claustrophobia.

“I am now.” She said placing her hand on the intercom.

Max had to turn away it hurt too much.

“I’ll be waiting for you.” He said.

A10 minutes passed and not a word was spoken. Liz kept her eyes fixed on the doors. Then the elevator shook and they were moving again.

The door opened and as promised Ryan was waiting. He had 2 plastic cups and a bottle of apple cider.

“Happy New Year he said. Well in 3 minutes any way.” He said looking at his watch.

She walked over and kissed him quickly on the lips.

“You didn’t have to stay.”

“And miss starting this New Year with you? Never.” He said kissing her on the forehead.

“Thanks for taking care of her Dr. Evans.”

Max needed to get out of there and quickly.
“I would never let anything happen to Liz” He said looking at her.

“Have a nice Evening.” He managed to force out.

Max began walking down the corridor towards the ER.

Ryan pulled Liz into an embrace.

She held on to him tightly and watched as Max walked away.

Everything she had said to Max in the Elevator was true. Ryan was everything she could hope for in a man and she was safe with him. She knew rationally he was who she wanted but deep down inside a part of her also knew that her heart had just left the corridor for the ER.

Well here it is. i had a sudden burst of creativity and actual time to write. lol. This is a Kyle Tess part. Let me know what you think.

Part 28

Kyle stumbled up the stone pathway toward the house. After leaving Maria’s he had driven his car to the closest bar and after a few drinks he was exactly where he wanted to be, completely drunk. He didn’t drink often because after Max healed him he found he got drunk very quickly but tonight he wanted to be as far away from reality as he could be. Unfortunately instead of erasing the memories from his mind they he was drowning in memories of Tess.

The owner of the bar who recognized Kyle immediately had asked him to give him his keys. The last thing he wanted was a front page headline about the star baseball player who had left his bar drunk on New Years Eve and smacked up his car killing or injuring himself. Kyle handed over the keys willingly and said that he would be back for them tomorrow. As much as he might be hurting he didn’t want to end up dead. The bar owner offered him a ride but he refused.

He set out on foot passing happy couples canoodling in the streets waiting for the clock to tick to midnight so they could hold each other even closer. The site made his mind wander to Tess and their last New Years Eve together. He did not stop as he walked. He let his feet lead him until they finally led him to stumble up this stone path to this large oak door. His mind told him that he was crazy, that he had never been here before and could be waking up total strangers but his heart knew why he was here. She was here.

Clumsily he rang the bell his mind screaming for him to stop but his emotions winning out. He needed this he needed closure. He had no way of knowing that there was anything but closure behind that door.

Tess sat on the sofa wrapped in a large wool blanket. While the others had gone out or were working she had spent the night at home alone, catching up on movies she had missed in the 5 years she had been gone. She had just turned the television to Dick Clarks New Years Rocking Eve when she heard the bell ring.
The sound surprised her but she assumed that it was Max or Isabel and they had forgotten their keys but as she got closer her heart began to beat rapidly in her chest and her palms began to sweat. She didn’t know why her body was reacting this way until she reached the door and opened it. There she found Kyle leaning up against the doorframe.

“Kyle.” She said.

They stood there for a few moments neither of them saying anything.

He had come here tonight but now he was at a loss as to what to say or do.

“Kyle what are you doing here? How did you know where to find me?” She broke the silence.

“I just knew.” He slurred. “I always know.” He added silently.

Tess sensed immediately that he was drunk.

“Come inside its getting cold.” She said wanting to help him.

“What I’m not interrupting a romantic night between you and his majesty.” He said still slurring his words.

Tess led him in to the house and turned towards him.

“Kyle your drunk.” She said Matter-of-factly.

“I guess we can thank El Presidente for that also. A little added benefit from his healing. Good ole Max Evans can’t help but heal you and then screw your girlfriend.”

“Kyle did you come hear to talk about Max?” She asked.

“Why are we not supposed to talk about him? Is that some rule on your planet?” He asked sarcastically.

“No but…”

“No let’s talk about Max, shall we. Isn’t he Mr. Wonderful. What do all you girls see in him? From where I stand he’s not so great. He tells Liz he is her soul mate and than turns around and gets his alien wife from another lifetime pregnant with his child.”

Tess stared at him sadly. He was so hurt. She wished that she could take that hurt away but there was nothing that she could do about the past. The only thing that she could do was give him the future and their son.

Kyle saw her staring at him with what looked like sympathy in her eyes. He didn’t need her pity.

“What you’re not going to try and defend Saint Max. Was I that bad in bed that you had to run off and screw him the first chance you got or was it just that you wanted to compare human sex to Alien?”

Tears welled up in her eyes and it took all that she had not to lose it emotionally. She had to believe it was the anger talking because she knew he could never think that what they shared was anything but love.

“You know that’s not true. What we shared together was the most beautiful thing I have ever experienced. It was the first time in my life that I truly felt love. I know your hurt but please don’t desecrate that moment.”

He had intended for what he said to hurt and from her reaction he could see that his statement had the desired effect. However looking into those blue eyes filled with sadness and regret it didn’t make him feel any better.

He advanced on her quickly placing his hands on her arms and turning her towards him.

“Why Tess? Tell me why?” He said pleading.

“I loved you. I know you loved me. I could feel it. Please tell me why you turned away from me. Why did you go to him? You ripped my heart out and stomped it into a million pieces. I was physically ill for weeks after you left.”

“Kyle, I never meant to hurt you. It was all a mistake a terrible mistake. If I could have come back and told you the truth I would have.”

The room began to spin rapidly around Kyle. Tess was standing there before him and then suddenly there were three of her. He reached out his hand to touch her soft blond hair.

“I loved you.” He mumbled not hearing anything she said.

If he could just get his lips to hers it would make her stop moving and he could move on. He needed that kiss, to taste her lips once more.

Tess stared at him confused. He had not responded to her comments at all and now he was running his fingers through her hair.

Kyl…” She began to say but his lips on hers stopped any further sound.

His lips met hers with feverish desire. His tongue caressed her lower lip begging for entry. She quickly parted her lips to allow him entry savoring the sweet taste of his kiss. The kiss deepened and Tess pulled her body flush against his. She could feel the effect the kiss was having him and it increased her own desire.

Suddenly Kyle’s world began to spin out of control. He saw flashes from Tess but they were coming at him to fast that he reached out and grasped on to what he could. It was her little boy, her son with Max. There was nothing left here for him.

Tess was still feeling as if she had been lifted on to cloud nine when Kyle pulled away. She looked at him confused.

This was the woman that he loved and even if he could get passed what had happened over 4 years ago her son would be a constant reminder. He wanted to tell her that but the alcohol was beginning to wreak its havoc on his body.

“I’m going to be sick.” He said covering his mouth.

Tess felt as if she were one of those football coaches who have cold water thrown over them at the end of a game.

“Well isn’t that what every girl wants to hear after kissing someone.” She mumbled to herself as she led Kyle to the bathroom.

After emptying the contents of his stomach Tess led him to her bedroom. She admired his physique as she took off his clothes leaving him only in his boxers. He had long ago passed out and she sat there watching him sleep.

She wanted to curl up beside him as if these past few years had never happened and it was prom night again. She knew that would never be but she also knew that she had a chance to make things right.

Quietly she left the room taking all of his clothes with her. It was time to get her life back. Tomorrow, tomorrow she would make things right. Tomorrow she would tell him everything and nothing was going to stop her.

Thank You to everyone who voted for this fic in the Round 9 awards. It got runner up for lead portrayal of Michael.

Part 29

Till We Meet Again

Kyle tried to open his eyes but quickly slammed them shut to block out the offending sunlight.

He moaned loudly as he placed his hands on the sides of his head.

“Damn it.” He mumbled as the throbbing in his head played a rhythm of its own against his temples.

‘Liz.’ He thought. He had to get to Liz’s so she could get rid of this pain. It was only a few houses away if he just put some effort into it he could make it there.

He managed enough strength and rolled himself over right on to the floor.

“What the hell!” He said as he landed with a thud.

It was then that he opened his eyes and realized that he was not in his own home he was somewhere he did not recognize.

Franticly he began to search his memory of the night before. The last concrete thing he remembered was being at Maria’s for the party and finding out that the girl he had been talking to was Michael’s sister. Everything after that was blurry and the harder he tried to access it the more his head ached.

He gained his composure and found he was able to stand. He examined the room for any clue of where he was. It was a fairly large room. There was a large dresser to one side and a desk to the other. Directly next to him was a queen size bed with flowered sheets.

‘Clue number one, this is definitely a girl’s room.’ He thought as he began to search for any other sign of whose room it was.

Had he met someone last night and gone home with her. That wasn’t like him but it also wasn’t like him to drink either so all bets were off.

Now he was stuck. Should he get his clothes and sneak out before the occupant of the room returned? No that wouldn’t be right especially if they had done what he thought they might have done.

He should at least get dressed. He began looking for his clothes.

“Where the hell are they?” He yelled frustrated.

Suddenly images of that Kathy Bates Movie Misery began to run through his head. Had an obsessed fan managed to get him back to her room and stolen his clothes?

The room began to spin and he needed to sit down.

‘Maybe I didn’t get drunk. Maybe I was drugged. Shit maybe it’s the FBI. What if they found out that Max and the others were back?

Panic started to wash over him.

He sat on the edge of the bed and placed his hands on his head trying to get his bearings.

“Are you ok?” A voice from the door asked.

Slowly he opened his eyes and found Serena standing before him.

“Shit.” He mumbled to himself.

No, this was not happening to him. How had he ended up here with her? Images of Michael zapping him began running through his mind. Michael was going to kill him, slowly.

“What?” Serena asked when she wasn’t able to make out what he said.

“I’m fine.” He said slowly trying to contemplate his next move.

“You sure don’t look fine. Does your head hurt?” She said moving closer to him.

“Yes I have a hangover.”

“Is that an illness?” She asked because she had never heard the term before.

Realizing that she had no idea what he was referring to he decided to explain.

“No, this is what happens when you drink too much Alcohol. FYI aliens don’t handle the alcohol too well so you probably should avoid it.” He said with a small grimace.

“What’s FYI?”

“For your information.” He clarified.

“But you’re human.” She added.

“I am but I have been healed by your fearless leader so you could say I have alien tendencies.” He smirked.

“I could make the headache go away.” She offered.

Kyle moved back on the bed a bit.

“No thanks. I’ll recover from this the human way.”

“I’m not going to hurt you.” She said a bit taken back by his reaction.

“There is no need for any alien voodoo.” He said waving his hand and grimacing as he did it.

“Suit yourself.” She said.

“Where are my clothes?” He asked trying to change the subject.

“I don’t know. Tess took them.”
Kyle’s eyes which had been slits suddenly popped open.

“Tess?” He said with confusion and shock all together.

“She said she didn’t want you leaving before she got back.”

“What does Tess have to do with anything?” He asked.

“You came to see her last night. Don’t you remember?” She asked.

Kyle tried to remember but the harder he tried the worse it hurt.

“What did you think you were doing here?” Serena asked.

Kyle looked up quickly and then down quickly. His cheeks turned a light shade of pink.

It was at the sight of Kyle blushing that she realized what he thought had happened.

She smiled.

“You thought that you and I…” She said and then her grin grew wider.

“My brother would have killed you.” She said and then laughed.

“Yeah well now I don’t have to worry about Psycho Guerin attacking me.” He said.

She laughed at his comment.

“So if you’ll just give me my clothes will pretend like none of this happened.” He said as he stood up.

The sheet fell to reveal Kyle only in his boxers. It was now Serena’s turn to blush.

“Sorry I can’t do that.” She said her cheeks a bright shade of crimson.

“You can’t do this. You can’t keep me here.” He said angrily.

Serena moved towards the door and then turned back to look at him.

“In case you haven’t heard we are aliens. We’re very good at abductions.”

With that comment she opened the door and headed out, leaving an angry and speechless Kyle behind.


)****************************************************************
Tess walked along side her son Jamie in the Park. She had asked Serena to bring him home early from Maria’s so that she could talk to him about his Father.

Tess had always been very honest with her son. When Jamie had been old enough to realize he didn’t have a father she had explained to him that he did have a father only he was very far away and didn’t know about him before she had returned to Antar. Well at least that was close to the truth. He knew about him only he believed he was someone else’s.

Tess’ mind drifted back to the day that they had found out that the baby growing inside of her was Kyle’s and not Max’s.

The foursome had been on Antar for several weeks. They had been given lessons on their history and met important members of the resistance group. The days were long and the Tess found herself getting more and more tired. It didn’t help that she was awoken several times a night by medical personnel who would check on her and the baby.

At first she had thought that they were being overly cautious with her because she was caring the heir to the throne but as her Antarian improved she began to pick up on bits and pieces of conversations that made her think otherwise. In fact she was afraid there might be something that they weren’t telling them.

She had spoken to Max about it and he had agreed to set up a meeting with Larek. That was where she found herself now. In a large oval shaped room waiting with Max for Larek.

Tess watched as the large doors adjacent from where she was sitting slid opened to reveal Larek.

“Your majesties.” He said with a slight bow.

Max stood to greet Larek.

“Hello, Larek.” He said as he shook his hand.

Tess smiled at him and the two men sat down with her.

“How are you feeling Tess?” Larek asked.

The group had asked to be called by their earth names and the Antarians had agreed.

“I am worried.” She said bluntly.

“Worried? About what my lady?” Larek asked.

“The baby.”
Larek fidgeted with his hands a moment. His movements did not go unnoticed by either Max or Tess.

“You have nothing to be concerned about all our tests show that the baby is fine.” Larek tried to ease their worries.

“If that is the case then why do they keep waking Tess up at all hours of the night and day to run tests on her.” Max asked.

“It’s precautionary.” He tried to convince him.

“I don’t believe you Larek and I demand that you tell us the truth about what is going on with the baby.” Max said anger filling his voice.

“I was hoping that I could put this off a while, until we had taken our first action against Kivar.” Larek began.

“Oh my God. What is wrong with my baby?” Tess said tears springing to her eyes.

Larek shook his had immediately. “There is nothing wrong with the child my lady.”

“Why have you been running all these tests on her?” Max asked as Tess gained her composure.

“We weren’t prepared for this?”

“Prepared for what? You just said that there isn’t anything wrong with the baby so what weren’t you prepared for, a pregnant woman?” Tess said as she placed her hands on her stomach.

Larek’s eyes looked down quickly. “Yes. We didn’t expect Tess would be pregnant.”

Max stood up quickly. “What the hell are you talking about you’re the one who told us that she was pregnant. You said that the granolith told you that the heir had been conceived. How did you not plan on her being pregnant?” He yelled.

“Things have been deteriorating quickly here. People were becoming resigned to the fact that Kivar was the ruler and that wouldn’t change. We needed something that would rally them around the resistance again.”

“So you created the story about the heir?” Tess asked.

Larek shook his head.

“We needed the royal four. We needed to give the people hope. We knew that you wouldn’t come back of your own free will. Your relationships on earth were much too strong. The bonding that was taking place would prevent it.”

“How did you plan to do that?” Tess asked quickly.

“You have to understand this isn’t something that I wanted to do.”

“Answer her damn it.” Max yelled.

“While I was using Brody Davis as a Vessel I made it appear as if you and the Queen had had intercourse and then I told you about the graniolith and the conceiving of the heir. We had no way of knowing that she was already pregnant.”

The words spun around in her head. “Appear as if… Concieving the Heir… She was already Pregnant…

“Oh my God.” She whispered and then her hands shot to her growing belly. “Kyle.”

As soon as the realization hit her it hit Max as well. He jumped to his feet and punched Larek in the mouth.

“You Son of a Bitch.” He yelled.

“How dare you. Do you know what you’ve done?” He said looking at Tess.

Larek placed his hand on his lip and wiped a small trickle of blood away.

“You have to understand we need you here. This is why we recreated you. You need to lead us in the fight against Kivar.” He said trying to explain their reasoning.

“All I understand is that you are selfish. You didn’t care about us or our loved ones all you cared about was getting us back here. Do you how many people have been hurt by your actions?” Max yelled his anger building again.

“You are going to send us back.” Tess said interrupting them.

“I am afraid that is not possible.”

Tess turned red and clenched her fists at her side. When she spoke her voice was calm and serious.

“No, you are going to find a way. All I ever wanted was a family, to be loved. I had that with Kyle and the sheriff. Now he hates me. He thinks that I betrayed him. You stole him from me and you stole him from our child. You are going to fix this. I will not allow Kyle to believe that I betrayed him and he has a right to know that this child is his. I don’t care what you have to do but I am going back to earth.”

“The Graniolith was the only means of getting you here. It can not be used to go back. We have had scientists working on teleportation but with the war there just is not the time to devote to the project.”

Tess felt like she had been kicked in the stomach as the reality of his words sunk in. She reached back and found her chair. She was stuck here. Kyle would think she had betrayed him for the rest of his life and he would never know about their child.

“You listen to me Larek. We will help you fight against Kivar but in return you are going to take you’re top scientists and put them to work on teleportation. Once this war is over we are leaving this planet. This isn’t our home, earth is and we will get back there. Nothing in this world or any other is going to stop us from getting back to the ones we love.”

“As you wish your majesty.” Larek said and gave a quick bow as he retreated from the room.

“Tess, are you ok?” Max asked as he came to stand next to her.

“Max I can’t believe this. Kyle needs to know.” She said tears streaming down her face.

“I meant what I said Tess. We are going home.”

The sound of her son’s voice brought her out of her memories.

“Mommy, I had a good time with Mwikayla.” He said smiling up at him.

Tess smiled at how he pronounced the little girls name.

“I’m glad that you did honey.”

“And I even got to play baseball!!” He said excitedly.

Tess laughed at his excitement. Ever since they had gotten to earth and he had found an old baseball game on TV he had been hooked.

“You did? That must have been really fun.” She said as she stopped at a park bench and sat down.

“Luke’s brother played with me.”

“I’m glad that you made some friends. They are really important.”

The little boy nodded at her and sat down next to her on the bench.

“…And family Jamie, family is important also.” She said moving him closer to her.

Jamie smiled up at his Mother. As with most children his age she was his world but even more so for him because he did not have a Father. That was about to change and part of Tess would miss being the only center of his world.

“Do you remember all the stories about earth that I told you when we were on Antar.”

Jamie smiled. His Mommy always told him stories about their home. She said that even though they lived on Antar their home was earth. He loved hearing those stories. They were funny and he always got to hear about his daddy.

“I like the one when you told my daddy to try the waffle with the tamasco sauce in it.” He said excitedly.

Tess smiled that was one of his favorites.

“I know you like that one. You already know that your Daddy didn’t know you were in my belly when I left to go to Antar.”

Jamie nodded sadly. His mom had always talked about his daddy and he loved to hear the stories but he also wished he knew his daddy.

Tess’s heart broke at the sadness in her son’s eyes but this time she knew that she could fix it.

“Would you like to meet your Daddy?” She asked placing her hand on his.

Jamie’s eyes became round like saucers and he jumped up excitedly.

“Really, I can meet him?” He asked with all the enthusiasm of a child on Christmas morning.

In that moment Tess knew that everything was going to be ok. Her child deserved to know his father and Kyle deserved to know his son.

“Yes, maybe later today.” She said with a smile.

“Do you think he will play baseball with me?”

“I’m sure he would love to play baseball with you.”

Jamie spotted Serena walking their way and ran towards her.

“I’m going to meet my Daddy.” He said excitedly.

“I know that’s great.” Serena said ruffling his hair with her hand.

“Jamie, why don’t you go and play on the swings while Serena and I talk.” Tess said to her son.

“Ok Mommy.” He said as he headed in the directions of the swings.

“He is so excited. Do you think it was a good idea to tell him before you got Kyle’s reaction?” Serena asked.

“If there is one thing I know it’s that Kyle would never reject or abandon his own child. He may hate me but he will love and embrace Jamie.” Tess said confidently.

“Well if you don’t hurry he my walk home in his boxers.” Serena said.

“He’s not going anywhere until I am through with him.”

Tess walked over and gave Jamie a kiss and a hug.

“I have to go back to the house but Serena is going to stay with you at the park. Have fun.” She said with a smile.

Tess gave a small wave to her son and Serena and then headed toward home and a conversation that would change all of their lives.

Til We Meet Again
Part 30

Kyle rummaged threw the draws, thongs, bras, little tiny t-shirts.

He needed to find something he could wear.
Sure he could leave in his boxers but what if there was a photographer around. He could see the headline now:

“Star Athlete walks home in the buff.”

His manager would kill him and what if they found out where he was coming from? They would never leave Tess, Serena or Isabel alone and even though they weren’t his favorite people he didn’t want to draw any undo attention to them.

“Damn it! How many thongs does one woman need?” He yelled.

At any other time he would have found this fun and slightly arousing but right now all he wanted to do was get the hell out before Tess got back.

‘Doesn’t Max leave any of his things in here?’ He thought to himself.

He had just picked up a blue thong when the door opened.

Tess gave a small giggle when she entered the room.

“I don’t think that’s your size.” She said with a giggle.

“Tess!” He hissed.

“This is not funny! Where are my clothes?”

“No it really is funny.” She said with another giggle.

Kyle threw down the thong and moved forward in only his boxers.

Tess’s breath caught in her throat. God he was hot! Kyle had always been in shape but now he was amazing. His arms were double the size of the last time she saw him and his abs well she was surprised he wasn’t an underwear model.

As she was staring at him admiring him he was rambling on about his clothes and how she had no right to do this to him.

Tess shook her head slightly trying to focus on the task at hand. She handed him his shirt because it was going to be a hell of a lot easier to talk to him when she wasn’t staring at his washboard abs.

Kyle took the shirt and slipped it over his head.

“Where are my pants?” He demanded.

Tess found her voice again.

“You can have them back after I finish talking to you.”

She moved into the room so that she could put a bit of space between them.

“You have no right to do this.” He said angrily.

“We need to talk and this was the only way that I could make sure that you would listen.”

“I don’t think that we have anything to discuss.” He said.

“Your wrong Kyle there is so much that needs to be said.”

“Did you use some mind tricks to get me here?”

“What?”

“You heard me.”

“You came here last night. You were drunk and passed out.”

“No I didn’t. I don’t know where you lived. You did this.”

He grabbed his head and stepped backward and sat on the bed.

“You probably did this to me. Stay the hell out of my head!”

Tess stepped forward and placed her hands on his head. Before he had a chance to react her hand glowed and his head cleared. His memories of the night before came rushing back, the bar, Tess, the kiss.

A small groan escaped his lips

“I’m not in your head Kyle”

He gently grabbed her hand from his head.

“Please don’t touch me.”

He couldn’t take it the feel of her hands on his skin. It felt too right and that was the last thing that he wanted.

Kyle released his grip from Tess and her hand fell to her side. She hated that this was what their love had come too. She cursed Larek for the choices he had made that had led to this.

“Please Tess a lot of time has passed. I don’t see that there is anything left to say. I don’t want to rehash the past and I don’t want to hear about your life with Max and your son.”

“Kyle there are some things that you need to know. We learned…”

“I don’t need to hear this or what you learned. I know what I need to know. My love wasn’t enough for you. You needed to know what it would be like with Max. He’s always what you wanted and you got it. That’s the end of the story.”

“That’s not true. You are who I wanted. I never wanted Max.”

“You sure have a funny way of showing it.” He said with disgust.

“Wait; don’t tell me on Antar sleeping with someone else is a sign of your endearing love.” He added sarcastically.

“I never slept with Max.”

Kyle stopped his movement and slowly turned and looked her in the eye. Was she actually going to stand here and lie to his face? Anger began to build inside him and then suddenly he was unleashing it on Tess.

“I can’t believe that you just said that! Are you going to stand there and actually deny that you have ever slept with Max? You have a son. I saw him.”

Tess was shocked. He had seen Jamie

“When?” She asked but Kyle just continued talking.

“Are you going to stand there and deny your own son? Even I knew he was yours. I just knew it. I was drawn to him and he was such a sweet little boy and you his mother are going to stand there and deny that he exists…”

“I never said that he didn’t exist!” She yelled.

Kyle stared at her with a look of disbelief on his face.

“You just told me that you never slept with Max. Your son is living proof that you did. Why would you suddenly deny that? Did you think I was actually going to fall for this?”

Tess had enough of this. She understood his anger but she would never deny her son.

“He’s not Max’s son he’s yours.”

Kyle stopped dead in his tracks.

“What did you just say?”

“Jamie is not Max’s so. He is your son.” She said again.

With the words Tess felt free, as if a huge weight had just been taken off of her chest.

“You’re lying.” Kyle breathed out. “Why would you do this Tess? What do you hope to gain from this?”

“It’s the truth Kyle.”

Kyle didn’t know what to think. He didn’t see an angle. Why would she lie to him? He remembered the day that he found out about the baby. She made a point of telling him that there was no way the baby was his. This couldn’t be true.

“You told me there was no way that the baby was mine. You said that he was the heir and that meant he was Max’s. He can’t be mine.”

“I know what I told you. I thought that he was Max’s but he isn’t he is ours.”

“No, you’re up to something. This can’t be true. He is not my son.” He said shaking his head and moving back.

Even as he said the words something began to stir inside of him. He brushed it aside. He may want for that boy to be his but he wasn’t. He just couldn’t be.

“Kyle I think you know it’s true. Why do you think that you have been drawn to him and him to you? If you look deep within yourself you’ll see it’s true.”

Why had he been drawn to Jamie? Couldn’t it just be because he reminded him of her? The more he tried to explain it the more he couldn’t deny that there was something between him and that little boy, a connection.

Once he acknowledged that connection there was no denying that he was Jamie’s Father.

“I have a son.” He said looking up at her.

Tess breathed a sigh of relief.

Kyle looked at Tess the mother of his child. He had missed almost five years of his son’s life and for what? All she ever wanted was Max and she used his child to get him. She treated him like a pawn in some sick twisted game and the final result was that he had missed out on his child’s life.

“You lying bitch.”

Tess was taken back by the sudden angry outburst.

“What?” She said hurt and shocked.

“You heard me. You lied to me. You told me that the baby couldn’t be mine.”

“I told you that I thought the baby was Max’s. I didn’t know.” Tess pleaded.

“Stop Lying! I told you that I wasn’t going to let you leave because the baby couldn’t be mine. You always wanted Max and the baby was your ticket to get him. If I stopped you Max would know that you slept with me and you couldn’t pass the kid off as his. God I was so stupid to believe you.”

Tess was angry. She had expected the disbelief but this really hurt. He wasn’t even giving her a chance to explain. God when did he begin to hate her so much?

“Kyle that’s not true! I believed what they told me. They wanted Max and I to believe that we had slept together and conceived a child so we would return home. It never happened. There never was supposed to even be a baby. They just wanted to get us back there. “

“The minute I found out that he was yours I tried to get back to Earth but there just wasn’t anyway. The Antarians didn’t see us as people with lives and families. They saw us as the Royal Four. All we ever were was a means to an end and they would do whatever was necessary to get us back to Antar to stop Kivar.”

Kyle couldn’t process what she was telling him and at the moment he didn’t want to. All he wanted was to see his son.

“Does he know about me?” H asked in a much softer tone.

Tess’s face was a mask of confusion for a moment at his sudden change in demeanor.

“Does he know about me or does he think Max is his Father.” He said again clenching his teeth when he said Max’s name.

“Jamie never thought Max was his Father. Ever since he has been able to understand he has known that his Father was on earth our real home. I’ve told him stories about you.”

She said moving towards him.

Kyle’s face was a mask of pain before he spoke his next words. His eyes rose to meet hers and for the first time since she had told him about Jamie he held her gaze. Tess noticed the unshed tears lingering in the corners of his eyes.

“Does he think I abandoned him?”

The thought that his son had to endure the same pain that he had felt when his mother left was too much for him to handle.

“No.” Tess said shaking her head.

She wanted so much to reach out and hold him, calm his fears but she knew that was not what he wanted. He needed to know that his son didn’t feel abandoned.

“I told him that you didn’t know about your son before I left. I told him that you would be so proud to know that you had such a fine boy. He knew that as soon as we were able to we were coming back to earth and to you.”

“Thank You.” He said.

“He knows everything I know about you Kyle and he loves you.”

“I want to see him Tess. I don’t want to see him as a stranger in the park or a guest at a party. I want to see him as his Dad. I want to be his Dad.”

The tears that had been threatening to fall were streaming freely down her face.

“I know and he wants a Dad.” She choked out.

He held her gaze for another few seconds and then walked over to the dresser where he had seen a pad and pen.

Quickly he jotted down his address and phone number and handed it to Tess.

“I don’t want Jamie to see me like this. This is my address. I live right outside Roswell. Give me a chance to shower and change and then please bring him over.”

“He is at the park with Serena. I told him that he would probably get to meet his dad today. You should have seen his face.” She said a smile appearing on her face as she remembered his reaction.


“You told him?” Kyle asked surprised.

“Weren’t you afraid that I wouldn’t believe you or wouldn’t accept him?”

“You may not want to acknowledge it Kyle but I know you. I knew that would never happen.”

They held each others gaze for a few moments.

“I’m sorry Kyle. If I had known, I never would have left.”

“What’s in the past is in the past. What’s important now is that Jamie knows he has a Father that loves him.”

Tess gave him a small smile and a nod and then went to get the rest of his clothes.

Kyle was left alone. His legs felt weak and he wasn’t sure if it was because he was still hung over or because his world had just been turned upside down.

In a matter of moments he had found out that he had a son and everything that he had believed the last five years was put into question.

Tess returned a few moments later with his clothes.

She wished that things had been different. She wished that he could have seen their son born, take his first steps and say his first word. Instead he was meeting his son when he was almost five.

She walked over to him, gave him a small smile and handed him his clothes.

She said nothing as she left the room but they were both thinking the same thing. ‘Where do we go from here?’

I know everyone is waiting for the Kyle Jamie reunion but that will be in the next part. This shows us what Michale and Maria have been up to.
RhondaAnn
FSU/MSW-94
RASaero611
RiaRath101
Timelord31
Earth2Mama
clueless
behrluv32
Flamehair
tequathisy-Alex and Liz will be finding out soon but who will be the one to tell Liz?
begonia9508-unfortuantly for Tess she doesn't have a very good reputation wehn it comes to telling the truth but all of what she said is the truth. She is a victim in this also.
Lady_vixen
LovinGuerin2Much
Asabetha
ultimatepickupline- Welcome to the story and yes they should make quite a cute three.
KarenEvans-Some have more guilt and pain then others but you will see in the next few parts that atleast some of the couples are moving in this direction.
jbangelo-Kyle has a lot of things to get straight in his head. Everything that he believed to be true is not and he needs to come to terms with that.

A quick question for anyone who might know. Where do the Arizonia Diamondbacks have spring training camp? Is it in Florida? need to know for the story and haven't a clue. Thanks.



Thank you for all of your feed back and for voting this fic runner-uo for best candy fic! i really appreciate it. I hope that you like the next part and won't beat me over the head for not posting the reunion. Here it is.

Part 31
Maria awoke on New Years Day to the smell of Fresh coffee brewing in the Kitchen.

She walked groggily toward the Kitchen with a longing desire for a cup.

After Mikayla’s party Michael, Serena and she had spent some time tidying up the house. The rest of the night had been spent entertaining Luke, Jamie and Mikayla.

Even though she had hoped to get some alone time in with Michael she enjoyed getting to know Jamie. He really was such a sweet little boy and so much like Kyle. She still couldn’t believe that Jamie was Kyle’s son. She still had no idea how this had all happened. As far as she knew they had been 100% positive that the baby was Max’s and yet there was no denying that Jamie was Kyle’s. She would certainly drag these answers out of Michael today.

“Good Morning or should I say afternoon.” Michael said with a smirk over his coffee mug.

“God I need a cup of coffee.” She said as he sat on a stool at the island in the kitchen.

“Your wish is my command.” He said before handing her the cup he had prepared for her.

“This is great.” She said as she took her first sip.

“Since, when are you such a morning person?” She eyed him suspiciously.

“I’ve always been a morning person.” He quipped playful.

“Umm… no not really.” She said with a roll of her eyes.

“You barely used to get up before 10 on the weekends unless you had a shift at the Crashdown and even then you were a grouch unless you had your coffee.”

“Well there is no coffee on Antar so I had to get used to that and as for being a morning person… You haven’t really seen me in the morning.” He said with a wink.

A smile spread across her face. She liked the fact that Michael and she had slipped back into their old banter. She wondered where they would be if he had never left.

“And who says I will?” She barbed back at him.

“Oh you will.” He said with a grin.

He had never been happier then he was at this moment. He was with Maria and his daughter and there was no place he would rather be.

“You’re rather sure of yourself aren’t you?”

“No.” He said shaking his head.

“I’m sure of us.” He said as he moved closer to her.

“Oh really?” She said as she too inched closer to him.

Michael placed his arm around her waist. There was no denying the chemistry between them was still there.

“umm…hmm.” He moaned as he nuzzled her ear.

Shivers ran up and down Maria’s back as she savored his touch. She pressed her body more tightly against his. God he smelt so good. She remembered that smell. After he had left she had taken two of his old Metalica T-shirts and kept them in her room. She would bury her head in them savoring his scent that lingered there. After a while the sent faded and they just smelled like dirty t-shirts.

‘This is so much better than a ratty old T-Shirt.’

The sexual tension was thick. It was electric. If anyone had been there they could have seen it, felt it. Anyone that is except perhaps some preschoolers who barged into the kitchen unaware that they had interrupted anything.

“Mommy, Mommy can we go to the park?” Mikayla yelled as she bounced into the kitchen followed closely by Luke.

Maria and Michael quickly separated. Maria grabbed her coffee and quickly took a sip.

“Damn it.” He mumbled to himself.

‘Someone needs to teach my little girl about timing.’

“What honey?” She said when she had calmed herself a bit.
“Luke and I want to go to the park.”

Mikayla and Luke bounced up and down with anticipation.

“Please.” Luke pleaded.

“How about we go later?” She asked.

“Yeah!!” The two children exclaimed excitedly.

“Where is Jamie?” Maria asked finally realizing that one of her tiniest house guests was missing.

“His mom picked him up this morning.” Luke said as he grabbed a bagel from the table.

“Tess was here?” Maria asked shooting her eyes to Michael.

“Yes.”

Michael could see the look in her eyes and thought quickly to get the kids out of the kitchen.

“Why don’t you kids go and watch a DVD in the playroom while we get things ready for the park.”

“Cinderella.” Mikayla yelled.

Luke made a face.

“Power Rangers.” He said louder.

“Cinderella.” Mikayla demanded.

“Cinderella is too girlie.”

“Why don’t you watch something you both like?” Michael asked not sure how to handle the situation.

“Toy Story!” They both yelled at the same time and then made a beeline for the playroom.

“Why was Tess here?” She asked once the children were gone.

“She came to get Jamie.”

“Did you tell her that I knew about Jamie and Kyle?”
“Yes.”

“And did you tell her that she has until the end of the day to tell Kyle or I will?”

“Yes.”

Sometimes she hated his one word answers.

Maria’s face contorted into a mask of aggravation.

“And what was her response?” She said with an exaggerated sigh.

“I don’t think that it is going to be a problem.”

“Michael Guerin!! “ She yelled.

“Kyle showed up at Tess’s last night.”

“What? That’s not possible. How did he even know where to find her?”

Michael shrugged. “Think about it Maria. If you really needed to find me don’t you think that you could?”

When she thought about it he was right. She could feel him and the closer that she got to him the stronger the connection was.

“So what happened?”

“He kissed her.” He said matter-of-factly.

“What?!” She yelled.

Michael laughed at her reaction.

“That is not true.” She said shaking her head.

“And the he threw up.” Michael added.

“That sounds more like it.” Maria said triumphant.

“Did she tell him?” Maria asked concern for her brother growing by the second.

“He was drunk Maria. He kissed her, threw up and then passed out.”

“Kyle doesn’t drink. He doesn’t handle his alcohol well.”

“Obviously.” Michael said with a smirk.

“This isn’t funny Michael. Kyle has a right to know about Jamie.”

Michael walked towards her.

“He will. Kyle spent the night at the house and she is going to tell him as soon as he wakes up. That is why she came to pick up Jamie so early. She needed to prepare him.”

“Prepare him for what?”

“To meet his Father.”

“Does he know about Kyle or does he think that Max is his Father?” She asked her heart going out to the little boy whose world could be turned upside down by this news.

“Max is Jamie’s uncle, just like me. Jamie knows that his father is on earth but I don’t think that he knows it is Kyle.”

Maria shook her head. This was so unbelievable. Not that anything should surprise her after everything she had been through.

Maria sat down.

“I don’t understand how this all happened, Michael.”

“Why did Tess lie about the baby being Max’s?”

Michael took his chair and faced it towards Maria’s.

“She didn’t lie, Maria. She wanted that baby to be Kyle’s.”

“Well then why didn’t she just tell Kyle it was his? She told him that there was no way that baby was his. She said something about the granolith. I know I sat for hours with Kyle as he went over it. He wanted that baby to be his. He was physically ill over the whole thing.”

“He was ill because when Tess left earth he lost his connection with the baby.”

“What?” Maria asked a bit shocked.

“Antarian babies, while they are in the womb form a connection with their Fathers in the first few weeks after conception. It lasts until a few weeks after birth.”

“A connection?” Maria asked.

“They say it is more a feeling of awareness that the Father has. It serves as a way for the Parents to know if the baby is in trouble. When Tess left that early connection was lost and that is probably why he was ill. The loss of that kind of connection so suddenly they say it’s terrible. ” Michael explained.

“Did you feel any connection when you left? I mean because of Mikayla?” Maria asked.

Michael looked at her a sad look crossing his face.

“No.” He said shaking his head.

“Mikayla was conceived the night that I left. There was no way for the connection to be formed.”

Maria shifted turning her back slightly towards him.

“Oh.” Was all she was able to say. It hurt knowing that he and Mikayla had missed out on something so special.

Michael goy up from his chair and moved toward her. He placed his hand on her shoulder and she turned to look at him.

“I wish it could have been different.” He said giving a voice to what they both were thinking.

“Me too.” She said sadly.

They held each others gaze for a moment.

Maria held her breath.

It would be so easy to get lost in those eyes. She wanted to forget that any of this was going on but she needed answers not only for herself but for her daughter and her friends.

“You still haven’t explained why Tess did what she did.” She said quickly releasing her breath and returning to her seat at the counter.

Michael sighed.

“I told you Tess didn’t do anything.”

“So you have said, but there is still no evidence to prove otherwise and I am through giving her the benefit of the doubt.”

“Maria you know why we were sent to earth.”

“They needed you to come back and save them from the clutches of Kivar.” She said rolling her eyes a bit.

“That’s right and they would do anything they needed to make that happen.”

“Yep, good ole destiny.” She said sarcastically.

Michael looked passed her sarcasm. She had been hurt by destiny and she had every right to feel the way she did.

“We were their last hope and they were getting desperate. The people of Antar were starting to accept the fact that Kivar was it. The resistance was losing support and strength. The idea of us wasn’t enough. They needed to do something or all would be lost. They needed us.”

Maria looked up at Michael a mask of confusion on her face.

“What are you saying Michael?”

“They knew that we had formed relationships here. They knew that those relationships would prevent us from wanting to return and complete what they saw as our purpose.”

“Are you telling me that Max and Tess slept together because of something they did?’ She said pointing in the air with her finger.

“No, I’m telling you that Max and Tess never slept together at all.”

It took a few minutes for her to even to be able to come up with a response to what she had just heard him say.

“Michael did they Mindwarp you in to believing this? They both told us they had done the deed and now they are saying it never happened and we are supposed to just believe it. I may be able to believe that aliens are among us but I’m not going to believe this.”

She immediately got up and began to pace in the kitchen.

“Maria…” He started to say.

“No let’s be adults about this Michael. It’s like they say if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck it’s a damn duck!”

Michael looked at her his face a mask of confusion.

“Ugh.” She grunted throwing her hands in the air.

“They said they had sex so they had sex!” She yelled forgetting the kids were in the house.

“What’s sex?” Mikayla asked as she walked into the room with her cup.

Maria turned bright red and turned toward her daughter.

“Do you need more juice?” She said quickly.

Mikayla nodded her head. “What’s sex?” She asked again innocently.

Maria had no idea what to say. It was certainly much too soon to have the birds and bee’s discussion with her daughter.

Michael smirked at a speechless Maria something he had never seen before.

“Umm…” She said trying to think of something anything to say to her daughter.

Michael continued to look on in amusement and then decided to help.

“Mikayla sex is what you are a boy or a girl. They call that your sex or your gender.” Michael said thinking quickly.

Maria let out an audible breath as she watched her daughter take the cup, nod her head and accept her Father’s answer.

“Can we have some pretzels?” She asked her previous question already forgotten.

“Sure.” She said handing her two bags from the pantry.

She watched her daughter scamper into the next room and visibly relaxed.

“I can’t believe I forgot they were here. Thanks for the quick thinking.”

A sly smile spread across Michael’s face.”

“I don’t believe I have ever seen you speechless.”

“Well it doesn’t happen often only when my daughter asks me about sex.”

“Yeah I guess that could throw you.” He said trying not to laugh.

“Well when she is a teenager you can tell her the real meaning of the word.”

Michael’s face took on a horrified expression and it was Maria’s turn to laugh.

“Got ya.” She said.

They smiled at each other and then Maria remembered what they had been talking about.

“My point still stands. Both Tess and Max admitted that they slept together. How can they deny it now?”

“They only thought that they slept together.”

Maria looked at him her perfectly arched eyebrow lifting in response.

“It is true. Larek used Brody’s body to set it up as if they were together. Then he told them that the granolith had acknowledged the conceiving of an heir. It was all a trick.”

Maria stared at him in disbelief.

“You’re serious aren’t you?”

Michael nodded his response in the affirmative.

“So all of this was a lie?”

“They knew that when Max and Tess heard about the baby they would want to go home because they would fear for the child.”

“Did they also know that it would devastate everyone around them? That it would prevent my best friend from being able to trust anyone for almost five years or that Alex would throw himself into his work and have no life otherwise? Did they even care that they were taking a child away from his father?”

“Part of the reason that they chose this scenario was because they knew that it would help detangle our earthly relationships. As for Kyle and Jamie they didn’t know there was a baby until we arrived on Antar.”

“God, how can you be so calm about this Michael?” They deceived you. Because of their lies you missed out on the first four years of Mikayla’s life.”

“I made my peace with the Antarians a long Time ago Maria. I had to. If I was going to fight their war and get them free of Kivar I couldn’t hate them.”

“You are a better person then me. I don’t know if I could ever forgive someone for trying to control my life.”

He moved towards her wanting her to understand.

“It wasn’t easy Maria. I hated them for what they had done.”

His hand gently caressed her face.

“ I hated them for taking me away from you.”

His thumb caressed her cheek.

“But I also knew that they only way that I was ever going to get back to you was to put that hatred aside. The sooner we won the sooner we got to go back home.”

Maria placed her hand on his face. Gently she brushed away the bangs that covered his forehead. When he did not move to stop her she ran her finger over the scar that was hidden beneath.

Tears filled her eyes as the full realization of what he had been through hit her.

“I can’t imagine what it must have been like for you. The things you must have seen.”

Michael closed his eyes pushing back the tears that had formed there at the memories of what he had seen on Antar.

“I won’t lie to you Maria, the things I have seen…”

She placed her finger over his lips.

“You don’t need to say anything. You shouldn’t have had to endure that.”

“It was my destiny. It’s why we were created.”

“But they didn’t even give any thought to who you were now. They just expected you to leave everything that you knew…”

“If you could have seen what Kivar had done to them…”

Michael shook the images from his head.

“That is when I let my hate go Maria. I fought for them and I fought for you because by helping them I knew that it would lead me back to you and once I got back to you I swore I would never leave you again.”

Maria gazed into his eyes. They were so easy to read. She could see his soul, all of the pain all of the love. He was truly open to her.

“Michael…”

He placed his finger over her lips. There was no need for words. He had an uncontrollable urge to kiss her. Slowly he lowered his head. He smelled the sweetness of her breath.

Maria’s breath caught in her chest. She licked her lips in anticipation of the touch of his lips.

“Mommy, the movie is over can we go to the park?”

Maria and Michael’s foreheads met instead of their lips.

A small sigh escaped from each of them.

“She doesn’t have the greatest timing.” Michael whispered as a smile spread across his lips.

Hesitantly they untangled from each others bodies.

“Please.” Mikayla pleaded oblivious to what she had interrupted.

“Ok Mikayla get your shoes.” Maria said. She knew that look in her daughters eyes and she was not going to give up on this one.

“Luke we can go now. I told you it was ok to bother him.” Mikayla yelled as she ran toward the play room.

They both laughed at her comment knowing that if only they had a few more moments.

“What are the chances you can get a babysitter tonight?” Michael said as he watched his daughter out of the room.

He loved his daughter but he needed to be alone with Maria.

Maria quirked her head to the side.

“Are you asking me out on a date?”

“Maybe I am.”

“Well then I’ll call my Mom. She owes me for last night.”

Maria grabbed the phone and dialed her mother’s number.

Michael watched her she was a vision even in her robe and slippers.

“Hi Mom. Did you have a nice night?”

Maria scrunched up her nose at her mother’s response and it made Michael laugh.

Maria shot him a look and he held up his hands in defense. He grabbed a cup of coffee and pretended to find interesting things on the refrigerator.

“No thanks I don’t need any details.”

“Listen we are going to take Luke and Mikayla to the park.”

“Yes when I say we I mean me and Michael.”

“Yes he is still here. No he doesn’t plan to leave.”

“Mother! May I finish?” Maria said through gritted teeth.

“I need you to take Mikayla over night.”

Maria ran her hands through her hair as she listened to Amy on the other end.

“You owe me.”

Michael took a sip of his coffee and continued to watch in amusement.

“I’m not sixteen you can’t tell me who to date.”

Maria turned bright red at her Mother’s response.

“Yes I remember what happened last time and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Amy continued to chatter away. Maria became more and more agitated.

“Fine Mother, I promise if Michael and I have sex he will wear a condom!” She yelled.

As the words escaped Maria’s lips Michael spit the gulp of coffee he had just taken all over the kitchen counter.

“Daddy what did you do that for?” Mikayla asked as she and Luke entered the kitchen.”

‘Shit.’ Maria thought as the walked in.

“I’ll drop them off at six gotta go.” She said not waiting for a response.

“Hey kids!” Maria said almost giddy.

“How much of that did you hear?”

Mikayla looked at Maria confused.

‘Thank God the last thing that she wanted to do was try and explain what a condom was to her almost 5 year old daughter and brother.

“Ok honey we are almost ready to go.”

“Daddy do you need me to help you clean that up?” Mikayla asked still wondering why he had spit all over everything.

Michael still stood in the exact place he had when Maria had made her little comment. It had caused his body to have an immediate reaction. A reaction he would prefer his daughter never saw.

Michael thanked the heavens when Maria answered for him

“Daddy’s a big boy he can clean up his own messes.”

“I need you to go get a bag together because you are going to stay at Grandma Amy’s.”

“Hooray.” Both Luke and Mikayla yelled and then they headed toward her room.

Maria walked over to Michael and placed her lips near his ear.

“It appears we are on.” She whispered softly.

Michael watched as she began to walk away.

“I need to go get changed.” She said as she threw him a quick look over her shoulder.

“I could use a cold shower myself.” He mumbled as he used his powers to clean up the mess.

Part 32

Michael toweled off from his shower.

‘God I really needed that.’ He thought as he walked into his room.

Things appeared to be going really well with Maria and he could not wait for them to have their date tonight.

It was a huge relief that she now knew about Jamie but there was still more and he knew their relationship could not survive if they had secrets.

Pondering the secrets that he kept Michael reached for his cell and punched in Max’s number.

“Hello.” Came the groggy reply from the other end.

“Max what’s wrong with you?”

“Well besides getting stuck in the elevator last night I spent the rest of the night working in the ER. I am wiped.”

“That sucks man.”

Max would have rolled his eyes if they were open but at the moment he didn’t even have enough energy to even do that.

“Listen Michael I really need to get some sleep. So if there isn’t anything important can I talk to you later?”

“You’ll want to hear this Max. Maria knows about Jamie.”

Max bolted straight up in his bed, eyes wide open.

“What? You promised you wouldn’t say anything until Kyle knew Michael!” He yelled into the phone.

“Back off Max I didn’t tell her she figured it all out on her own.”

“That’s not possible. How could she know?”

“Max, she is Maria. I am surprised it took her as long as it did.”

Michael was right. If anyone could figure something like this out it would be Maria. She was really intuitive.

“Shit Michael. Did she tell Kyle? What about Liz?”

He remembered Liz and Ryan walking off together last night and for a moment thought that the interruption of Maria with this news might not have been such a bad thing.

“She didn’t tell anyone.”

Max let out a sigh of relief.

“Yet.” He added and Max tensed up again.

“What do you mean?”

“She gave Tess until the end of the day to tell Kyle and trust me she was not happy about it.”

“Did you call Tess?”

“I didn’t have to. Apparently Kyle showed up at the house last night.”

Max was surprised as far as he knew Kyle wanted nothing to do with Tess.

“She told him?”

“He was piss drunk and passed out. I saw her when she picked up Jamie this morning and she was on her way to do it.”

“What about Liz?”

“That’s why I am calling.”

Max stood up quickly and began to pace the residents sleeping area.

“She knows?” He whispered.

“No not yet but if I’m in here calling you I have only one guess on who Maria is calling.”

“Damn it, Michael I wanted to be the one to tell her.”

“I don’t think that Maria will tell her over the phone so I think that you still might have a chance.”

“I have another hour here and then I’ll head over to her place.”

“Do it soon Max. Maria might not tell her but there is no telling what Kyle will do when he finds out.”

Max frowned and flipped his phone shut. Sleep was out of the question now.

*&*********************************************************************

Maria pulled her robe tight around her and moved over to her dresser.

Quickly she picked up the phone and punched in Liz’s number.

She needed to get in to contact with Liz before anyone else did.

The phone rang for a few moments and then a male voice answered “hello.”
“I’m sorry I must have dialed the wrong number.” Maria said.


“Maria is that you? You don’t have the wrong number. It’s Ryan.” He said with a laugh.

Maria looked at the clock. It was nearly noon.

She was still on morning time but apparently everyone else was wide awake.

“Hi, Ryan how was your New Years?”

“It was good.” He said not giving her anymore information.

“How was yours?” He asked in return.

“Oh you know twenty some odd kids and parents. It was interesting.”

They both laughed.

“Is Liz around?”

She loved Ryan but she really needed to talk to Liz before anyone else did.

“She’s in the shower. We just got up a little while ago.”

Maria’s eyes went wide at that statement. She hadn’t thought of the fact that Ryan had spent the night. She had just assumed that he had come over later.

“Hmm…” She hummed into the phone and this elicited a little chuckle from Ryan.

“It is kind of important.” She added after a few seconds of silence.

“Ok let me go check the bedroom.”

Maria listened very carefully. She heard Ryan travel up the steps to Liz’s bedroom and then heard the sound of the door opening.

‘No knock.’ She thought and began to tap her foot impatiently.

She heard some muffled sounds and then the sound of Ryan telling her she was on the phone.

“Maria?” Liz said as soon as she got a hold of the phone.

“Hey Liz, I need to talk to you.”
“Is everything ok?”

“Everything is ok but this can’t wait.”

“Maria is this about the Czechs?”

“Yes.”

“There isn’t anything I need to know about them.”

“Trust me on this, you will want to know.”

Liz glanced at Ryan.

“I really don’t want to be involved.”

“Liz I understand how you feel but you will find out about this and I want it to come from me.”

A knot formed in Liz’s stomach.

“Maria…” She said a bit of dread in her voice.

“It’s nothing life or death but it is important.”

“Fine I can meet you later today.”

“Ok, Michael and I are taking Mikayla and Luke to the park for a little while. I will be back at around three ok.”

“See you then.” Liz said.

“Oh and Liz we can also talk about how Ryan doesn’t need to knock on your bedroom door anymore.”

Liz rolled her eyes.

“Maria!”

“See ya later chica.”

Liz hung up the phone.

“Is everything ok?” Ryan asked as he came over and put his arms around her.

“Yeah, you know Maria.”

“Is she having money problems?” Ryan asked concerned.

“Money Problems?” Liz asked confused.

“I heard you ask her if it was about some checks.”

The light bulb went off in Liz’s head and before she could stop herself she laughed. She quickly recovered.

“No Maria is far from having money problems.”

Liz thought quickly about what she could tell Ryan.

“When Maria was first starting out I lent her some money and she gave me some checks a few months ago to try and repay me. I left them there on Christmas and she is a bit upset.”

Inside Liz cringed at how easy she fell back into the lying and covering up.

“You are a wonderful friend.” He said dropping a kiss on her cheek.

She smiled and nestled into his embrace trying to push all thoughts of the Czechs out of her mind.

“Do you really have to go?” She said turning to face him her body still firmly in his grasp.

“I wish I could spend the whole day with you but I have rounds.”

Liz pouted her lips and Ryan laughed.

“How about we have dinner tonight?”

“That sounds great.”

She was sure she would need some Ryan time after Maria told her what ever she had found out about the pod squad.

*(************************************************************

Isabel exited the shower and wrapped a large navy blue towel around her. It was soft and warm and she pressed it against her body relishing in the way that it felt against her cool wet skin.

“I have to get me a towel warmer.” She thought to herself.
She walked out of the bathroom and into the large guest room where she had spent the night.

It had been a wonderful night.

After leaving Maria’s she and Alex had gone back to his house to wait for the New Year.

Alex made popcorn and they cuddled together watching Dick Clarks rocking New Years Eve. It was all so normal and she loved it. They had fallen asleep in each others arms and at some point Alex, who was always a gentlemen led her to this beautiful room and bid her good night.

She had known that she had missed him but she hadn’t realized how much until she was left alone in that room. Isabel Evans finally knew what she wanted and she wanted Alex Whitman.

She picked up her clothes from the night before and ironed out the wrinkles with her powers. Isabel Evans was never one to be seen in the same outfit twice so she changed her sweater from beige to red and her skirt from brown to black.

She took a few more minutes to dry her hair and apply some lipstick she had in her purse.

Happy with her appearance she began to navigate the maze of hallways that was Alex’s home. She wasn’t sure where he was but she smelled something delicious and allowed her nose to lead the way.

As she got closer to the smell she could here Alex’s voice. She stopped not wanting to interrupt him.

“I can’t believe this Kyle.”

“When did you find this out?”

He waited for a response.

“And you’re sure that this is the truth?”

He waited a few more beats and then he responded.

“Well man all I can say is congratulations. Five years late but better late then never.”

Isabel stiffened. Kyle knew. Kyle knew that Jamie was his son and now Alex knew.

“Everything will be fine. You’re great with kids.” Alex continued still unaware of Isabel’s presence.

“I have a few new games the company is putting out. I’ll drop them by later. I think that there is a Dora the Explorer one.”

Isabel had moved closer know and she could see Alex smiling and shaking his head.

“No Dora the explorer is not just for girls.”

“Yes she is a girl but boys love her also.” Alex tried to explain.

“If Maria and Liz heard you right now they would whack you upside the head.” He said laughing.

“Ok Kyle I promise you I won’t expose your son to any girlie games. Besides I think Diego’s in the game.”

“No, Diego is not Dora’s brother or boyfriend he is her cousin.”

“Yeah I don’t know why I know all this either. I better find some female companionship other then a four year old girl.”

“Whatever Valenti, talk to you later.” Alex said shaking his head,

Alex hung up the phone and Isabel took a deep breath. It was time to face him and she didn’t know how he was going to react to her keeping this secret from him.

“Good Morning.” She said as she walked in to the kitchen.

He looked up and a small smiled appeared on his lips at the vision of beauty that appeared before him.

“Good Morning.” He returned her greeting.

“Can I get you some coffee?”

Isabel was taken back by his question. She had expected him to jump on her about the Jamie news but instead he was offering her coffee,

Finding her voice she quickly responded. “Yes.”

I made breakfast it will be ready in a few minutes.

She gave him a smile of thanks.

“You’ll never believe what happened this morning.”

Isabel took a big gulp of her coffee. Here it comes.
“My good friend Kyle informed me he’s a Daddy.”

An unexpected sigh of relief escaped her. She had known from the conversation that Kyle knew but the confirmation was relieving.

“I’m glad that Tess was finally able to tell him.” She said.

“How is Kyle taking the news?”

“He is surprised, excited, happy. All the things new fathers usually are except they usually come with infants not 5 year olds.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you Alex. I just couldn’t…”

“Isabel don’t.” He said holding up his hand and interrupting her.

“I’m not upset that you didn’t tell me.”

“You’re not?” She asked surprised.

“No. I understand it wasn’t your secret to tell.”

“If Michael didn’t know about Mikayla I don’t think I would have told you before Maria got a chance to tell Michael. It is part of being a friend.”

Isabel smiled at him.

“How come no woman has snatched up such a handsome and wise man?”

Alex‘s eyes met hers and they held each other’s gaze.

“I believe that my heart was on another planet so there was nothing for them to snatch.”

Tears sprang to Isabel’s eyes.

“Mine was here.” She managed to get out.

As Alex moved closer and wiped a tear from her cheek the timer on the oven went off and they both laughed.

“Breakfast is ready.”

Isabel sat down at the beautifully set table and waited for Alex to return.

.

“Chocolate chip Pancakes ala Tabasco for you and plain ole Chocolate chip pancakes for me.”

He smiled as he placed the plate in front of her.

Isabel poured some syrup on the pancakes and took a bite.

Her eyes grew wide.

“My God Alex these are delicious. How on earth did you learn how to make these?”

“Mikayla and I came up with the recipe.”

“Well she is obviously better at this then Michael. Remember when he tried to make me a Tabasco Birthday Cake.” She laughed.

“Oh yeah that was funny.”

They talked and laughed and reminisced and had a perfectly normal breakfast and Isabel loved it.
&**********************************************************************


Liz finished up the last of her chores in the house and glanced at the clock. It was almost three and she knew that she would need at least a half hour to get to Maria’s.

She washed up quickly, pulled her hair in a ponytail and headed for the door.

She grabbed her jacket and opened the door. She was surprised to find that her front porch was occupied. Quickly surprise turned to anger.

“What the hell are you doing here?” She hissed.

Thanks for all the feedback and bumps.
Sorry for the delay my daughter has been sick but finally here it is.

Part 33

Max stared at the door in front of him.

This was it the moment he had waited five years for. Yet he hesitated before knocking. His whole life could change with this knock and he just needed a second to pull himself together.

Unfortunately for him, time isn’t always kind and the door flew open revealing Liz.

Surprise crossed her face, then anger and then she put on her mask.

“What the hell are you doing here?” She hissed.

Even when she was angry she was still the most beautiful woman that he had ever seen.

“We need to talk.” He said Matter-of-Factly

She moved to block the doorway and her eyes narrowed.

“I said everything that I had to say to you last night Max. We aren’t teenagers anymore we can’t talk things to death over and over. I have a new life now and I would appreciate it if you respected that and left me alone.”

He moved closer to her invading her personal space.

“I heard and felt a lot of things last night in that elevator but none of them said for me to leave you alone.”

The feel of his breath on her caused her to get goose bumps. Again she cursed the physical effect he had on her. This had to end. She had to make it clear to him that she wanted nothing to do with him.

She moved back regaining her composure.

“Well maybe you didn’t hear that last night but I am telling you now Max Evans. Leave me alone I am happy. I have a great job a wonderful man and a good life please honor what we might have had by letting it end here and now.”

“I can’t do that.”

Liz’s shoulders slumped and she sighed.

“Max please. I don’t want to leave Roswell but if you don’t leave me alone then I will.”

That one hurt. Did she really want to be away from him so badly that she would leave her friends and family?

Slightly defeated he reached out and touched her arm.

“Please hear me out. I promise after I tell you this if you still want me to leave you alone I will.”

His amber eyes pleaded with her just to listen and she knew resistance was futile. She could never say no to those eyes.

“Fine.” She said moving allowing him access to the doorway.

”But make it quick I have someplace I need to be.”

As he walked into the traditionally decorated condo the phone rang.

“I need to get that.” She said grabbing the phone and walking to the foyer.

He took in everything around him. He wandered over to the fireplace and the pictures that were on the mantle. There were photos of her and Maria, Maria and Mikayla when she was a baby, Mikayla, Alex and Kyle at the park, Liz and her parents.

He picked up one of the frames. It was a picture of Alex, Maria Liz and Kyle. They were all dressed up. Liz was wearing a beautiful green dress and her hair was swiped up. She had her arm wrapped around Maria and a huge smile on her face.

Sighing he placed it back on the mantle. He winced as he saw the next one. It was a picture of her and Ryan. Moving as quickly as possible passed that one to one of Liz and her parents at her medical school graduation. She held a nameplate in her hand that said Dr. Parker.

It was a history of Liz’s life with out him.

He turned quickly when she reentered the room.

“Ok, Max what is it that you have to tell me?”

She was very matter of fact and again he was taken a back by her abruptness. This wasn’t going to be easy.

“Well I didn’t finish saying what I wanted to last night. I didn’t say what I needed to.”

He moved closer to her meeting her eyes.

“You said all you needed to say Max.” She said shaking her head sadly. Again she silently wished she would leave him alone.

“Last night I told you that there was something that you didn’t know.”

“Right.’ She dragged out the word sarcastically.

“The little thing you couldn’t tell me or wouldn’t tell me. Like I said last night it is always the same thing.”

She was about to continue but he stopped her before she could.

“I’m ready to tell you.”

That stopped her. She wasn’t expecting that. The Czechs never gave up their secrets that easily. No they waited until someone’s life was in danger or could be changed irrevocably. That is when they usual decided to spill their secrets.

Suddenly the thought occurred to her that this just might be one of those moments. What would what Max had to tell her do to her life? Did she really want to know? As she stared at him in her home she wished that she could escape and stop whatever it was he would tell her but she knew that wouldn’t work. Whatever Max was about to tell her she would find out eventually. So she hoped he would do it quickly and get it over with. Like a band-aid coming off an old wound.

“This isn’t easy Liz. What I am about to say is going to change a lot of what you have believed in the last five years.”

Apparently Max hadn’t heard about the band-aid theory.

“Listen Max, I’m a big girl please just spit it out.”

Max sighed. Why was he pussy footing around he needed to just tell her.

“Ok. A lot of what we believed to be true when we left here turned out to be false.”

Liz laughed a reaction that he was not expecting.

“So you aren’t the dead Savior King of a distant planet?”

“No I was the King of Antar.”

“Tess wasn’t your wife?” Liz said next for some reason finding the whole idea that they had been wrong about something very funny. Maybe it was a defense mechanism. She had read studies about people who in stressful situations laughed. Maybe that was happening to her now or maybe she was just falling crazily down into the Alien abyss again.

“No all of that was true.”

Again she laughed unable to stop herself.

“Then what Max? Did the sex not happen? Is Jamie not your son? Is he a figment of our imagination?”

She was about to laugh but then she saw his face. The smile left her face.

Max didn’t know what to say. He had never expected her to guess like that. He watched as she leaned her hands against the sofa.

“Maria saw him he stayed at her house last night.” She said shaking her head.

“Jamie’s real I’m just not his Father.”

Her head shot up at his words and their eyes met. Tears stung her eyes.

“That’s not possible Max.” She said shaking her head. Her mind couldn’t process this.

“It’s true. Jamie is Kyle’s son.”

“Kyle? No you’re wrong. You’re lying. Kyle told us what Tess said to him. You told me that you connected with the baby. Kyle wanted that baby to be his.”

She rambled on trying to make sense out of what she knew to be true and what he was trying to tell her was true.

Max moved toward her. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and try and take away her confusion but he didn’t. He knew he couldn’t, not yet anyway.

“Larek used Brody to make it appear as if Tess and I had sex.”

Liz’s head shot up meeting his eyes.

“You never slept with Tess.”

Max shook his head signaling that she was correct and then continued.

“They came up with the story of the heir in hopes that we would come back to Antar. They were afraid of the relationships we were forming. There wasn’t supposed to be a baby. They figured they would tell us when we arrived. They weren’t expecting her to be pregnant but she was.”

“Kyle, Oh my God. I have to find him and tell him.”

She started to head for the door but Max grabbed her arm.

“He already knows. That is why I couldn’t tell you last night. I promised Tess that I wouldn’t say anything until she told Kyle.”

Liz stopped. She couldn’t believe what she had heard. How could everything she believed for the last five years be wrong? What had happened then had shaped her life and now he was telling her it wasn’t true. What was she supposed to do with that?

She was very aware of his hands on her skin and the tingling sensation that was radiating through her body. She couldn’t think like this.

She broke herself free. She seized on the anger.

“You know I always thought that there was something wrong with a civilization that pinned their hopes on a bunch of teenagers.”

She began to pace around the room, letting the anger consume her as she moved.

“Why should I be surprised that they would do something like this? God, Nacedo showed us what they thought of humans.”

“They knew that the bonds we were forming here were too strong. They felt they needed to get us back anyway they could.”

He had meant it to console her in the fact that they shared such a strong bond. That was not how she took it.

“And to hell with the humans, right. God, have they never heard of free will. Did they think that you were going to do what they said just because they created you?” She yelled back at him.

“Liz…”

He began to move toward her

Liz put her arms up stopping his advance.

“No don’t try and defend them.”

“I wasn’t going to defend them. I think that what they did was reprehensible but don’t you see. It was our bond that they were threatened by. They knew that our love was so strong that if they didn’t do something all hope would be lost for them.”

Liz scoffed.

“I guess their spies weren’t that good then. Didn’t they know that you always chose the aliens over the humans?”

“That’s not true Liz. I love…”

“Not true? Of course it’s true Max.”

Tears filled her eyes and she swore that she would not let him see them fall.

“You chose her over me, over and over again.”

“I didn’t sleep with her Liz. I told you that you were my destiny. I didn’t want to be with Tess.”

“Yes, Max I know. I was there. You told me over and over again that I was the one but your actions they told me otherwise.”

Her eyes met his for the first time since he had told her and in that moment the anger was gone and all he saw was hurt. Hurt that he had caused..

“You could have stayed Max.”

“What?” He asked surprised by her comment.

“You could have stayed. You could have chosen us.”

“But, Tess and the baby…”

“You could have stayed here. God it wouldn’t have been easy but at least we could have tried but you chose her. My worst fear was that the moment you found a way home you would go and leave me and that is exactly what you did.”

She was right. He had never thought about staying. When he found out about the heir and the granolith he knew he had to go. Not because he wanted to but because he thought it would be best for her.

“I thought that it was best for everyone involved.”

”There it is. Almighty king Max makes everyone’s decisions for them. I always thought in the end no matter what we would end up together but I was naïve. I was a child. I won’t make the same mistakes again.”

“We can still end up together.”

She let out a sarcastic laugh.

“You see there you go again. I should drop everything just because you came back in my life?”

“That isn’t what I meant.” Max said realizing he was not going to get through to her when she was this angry.

“What should I tell Ryan? My boyfriends back from another planet. It seems he didn’t sleep with his ex-wife from a previous life and she didn’t have his love child. So I have to throw away what we have started here for him.”

“Liz. I’m sorry this isn’t what I wanted to happen.”

“I know you thought I would take you back. Open my arms and say its all ok. Well it’s not all ok.” She yelled at him.

He looked at her sadly. She was right. He had always believed that she would accept what he had to tell her and they would resume their relationship. It was why he had fought so hard on Antar. How had he been so naïve? Did he really think that she wasn’t going to move on with her life and that if she did she would give it up just for him?

Liz needed him to go. She couldn’t take the look of despair that had appeared on his face. She could feel her resolve begin to weaken and she knew she could not let that happen.

“Max, I’m sorry that the people on your planet are depraved lunatics who would use an innocent child to get what they want. Whether it existed or it didn’t exist is irrelevant. They were playing god with all our lives.” She couldn’t help the fact that her tone softened.

Amber eyes met brown and she knew that she needed to get him to leave.

“That doesn’t change what happened. It doesn’t change the fact that five years have passed. Five years in which I have made a life for myself.”

Max said nothing. He just stood there taking in the fact that he was losing her.

“You promised me that if I heard you out that you would leave me alone if I still wanted you too. Well I do.”

All he had ever wanted for her was happiness. This is what she thought she wanted and he had to honor that, for now.

With one last look at her he gave her a sad smile and without saying a word walked out the door.

Liz walked over to the door he had just walked through and placed her hand on it. She had just let he soul mate walk out the door.

Turning around she placed her back on the door and slid down to the floor. She embraced her knees for comfort and sobs began to wrack her body. She let it all out. So much had been lost. Mikayla and Jamie had spent almost five years of their lives without knowing their Fathers. Alex and Maria had lost five years with the people that she loved but most of all she cried because she had lost the only man she knew could complete her.

Part 34

Kyle walked around his house nervously. It amazed him that he was so nervous. It wasn’t as if he had never met Jamie before but he knew that this time it was different. This time he wasn’t a kid in a park or at a party this time he was his son.

“My Son.” He said to himself and shook his head.

He still couldn’t believe that after all this time, after all that they had been through Tess’s baby was his. The thought of it brought with it so much emotion. Happiness anger, resentment, excitement and even hope swirled within him. But for now he had to push those emotions down. He had to keep his head clear for his son.

In hopes of keeping those emotions contained he had spent the last few hours meticulously cleaning his house and then proceeded to pull every toy that he had at his house for his brother Luke out of the closet. There were legos, matchbox cars, power rangesr and other superhero’s all over the place and of course his playstation 2 with the new Dora and Diego games Alex had brought over.

He looked at the clock. They would be here any minute. His stomach rumbled and he hoped he wouldn’t bring up the small sandwich that he had forced himself to eat an hour earlier. That thought flew quickly out of his mind at the sound of the door bell. He ran quickly to the door and opened it.

When he opened the door and saw his son he knew that everything was going to be fine. A quick smile sprang to his face as he took in his son’s appearance. Tess had bundled him up in a heavy jacket, which he probably didn’t need, but what brought a true smile to his face was the Arizona Diamondbacks cap that adorned his head. He wondered if he even knew what the cap was or that he was a member of the team.

His eyes shifted to Tess. Of course she was as stunningly beautiful as ever. He quickly felt that swirl of emotions rise within him and promptly pushed them down by returning his attention to his son.

“That’s a nice baseball cap that you’ve got there.” He said breaking the short silence that had swept over them.

Jamie nervously touched the cap.

“I saw it in the store the other day and my Aunt Isabel said I could buy it.”

A frown appeared on his face for a moment. Kyle’s heart leapt to his throat. Had he done something wrong?

“Do you like this team? If you don’t I can get a new one.”

Kyle crouched down to his son’s level a huge smile spread across his face.

“I love them. Why don’t you come in and I can tell you all about it.”

Jamie grabbed his mother’s hand and followed Kyle into the house.

His eyes lit up at the sight of all the toys. He looked up at Kyle his eyes wide.

“You live in a toy store?” He asked amazed.

Both Kyle and Tess laughed.

“No.” He said shaking his head.

“I just have a lot of toys for when my brother comes over.’

“Luke.” Jamie said.

Kyle shook his head to show that he was correct.

Something that Jamie had said earlier clicked in Tess’s head.

“Is Kyle the person you played baseball with at the party?” Tess asked her son in surprise.

Jamie shook his head yes and squeezed his Mother’s hand tighter.

Tess looked at Kyle.

“He came home and told me about the party. He was so excited that he had gotten to play baseball with Luke’s brother. I thought he was talking about another little boy.”

“He’s really good at it, a natural.” He said with pride.

Jamie’s head shot up.

“I am?” He asked hopefully.

“I think with a little more practice you will be the star of the T-ball team this year.”

“Do you want to look around at the toys?” He asked him.

For the first time he let his Mother’s hand go and looked up at her to see if it was ok.

“It’s ok baby you can go play.”

Jamie ran over to all the toys. He had never seen so many. He finally decided that he would like to build and settled down in a pile of legos.

His parents stood there watching him for a few moments and then Kyle broke the silence.

“Thank You for bringing him.”

“He was excited to come.”

“What does he know?” Kyle said as he watched Jamie build a tower almost as tall as he was.

“That we were coming to see his Father?”

“Do you think he realizes it’s me because he doesn’t seem fazed?” He said as he watched Jamie put a large green lego at the top of the tower.

“Maybe because he met me already he thinks we are waiting for his Father to come.” Kyle said nervously.

“There is only one way to find out. You have to talk too him.”

Kyle nodded his head and went over to his son.

“Hey Jamie are you having fun?” Kyle asked as he sat down with him in the pile of legos.

Jamie shook his head enthusiastically.

“Do you know why you’re here?”

Again Jamie nodded his head.

“I’m here to see my Daddy.” He said as he continued to play.

Kyle knew it. He had no idea who he was.

“Do you know who your Daddy is?”

This time Jamie stopped playing and looked directly into his eyes.

“Don’t you know it’s you?” He asked a hint of sadness in his eyes.

Kyle was surprised by his answer. He didn’t want to see that hint of sadness in his eyes, not now not ever.

“Yes I do.”

Jamie looked relieved. He had been scared that his Father still wouldn’t recognize him.

Kyle didn’t know what else to say. This wasn’t supposed to be how you met your son, as a stranger.

As if sensing his feelings Jamie broke the silence.

“I’ve always known. I was just waiting for you to remember.” He said as he continued to play with his toys.

His statement startled both Kyle and Tess who was standing in the doorway watching the scene unfold.

“How did you know Kyle was your dad?” Tess asked walking into the room.

“I recognized him and I felt it here.” He said placing his hand over his heart.

Tears sprang to both their eyes.

Suddenly Kyle remembered something that had happened a few days ago in the park.

“Didn’t we tell you not to talk to strangers?”

He nodded his head.

“But he’s not a stranger I know him.” He said matter-of-factly.

Kyle looked at her and could tell she wasn’t pleased.

“I’m a baseball player sometimes kids think they know me because they see me on TV.”

“What do you mean you recognized me?” Kyle asked.

“I knew you from my dreams.” He said as if it was obvious.

“Your dreams?” Tess asked.

“You know. The ones where me you and daddy were at the beach only the water wasn’t thick like on Antar it was soft and cool against our skin and we had a picnic and something daddy called cotton candy. There are others but that’s my favorite.”

“Oh my God.” Kyle said tears springing to his eyes.

He turned to look at Tess.

“I’ve had that dream.”

He looks back at Jamie still building his tower as if he hasn’t just revealed that they have had the same dream.

“Jamie gets the cotton candy all over his face and in his hair and we laugh at him and he puts it in our hair and then we all run to the ocean and wash it off.”

“That’s right and then a wave knocks Mommy down and you catch her and give …”

Jamie starts to finish but Kyle stops him and looks straight at Tess.

“It’s the same dream. That’s why I have been drawn to Jamie. I recognize him. How is it possible that we have had the same dream?”

“I don’t know? He can dreamwalk but Isabel tried it wasn’t possible.”

“What do you mean?”

“When we found out about Jamie and you… I had Isabel try and dreamwalk you but she couldn’t. We assumed that because of the distance she couldn’t do it.”

“Well I think he can.” Kyle said looking at his son in awe. It all made sense now. He knew there was a connection to this little boy and now he knew why. He was also glad that in some way he had always been with him.

Tears were streaming down Kyle’s face now.

Jamie moved closer to him.

“Don’t be sad daddy.”

“I’m not sad buddy. I’m happy. I’m so happy that you are my son.”

A big smile spread across Jamie’s face.

”I’m so sorry that I haven’t been with you.”

“It’s ok Daddy. I know that it wasn’t your fault.”

Kyle was amazed by his son. He was so strong and brave and perfect. He felt his heart swell with love.

“Jamie, would it be alright if I gave you a hug?”

Jamie opened his arms indicating it was ok. Gently Kyle swooped him up.

As his arms wrapped around his son for the first time his heart felt as if it might burst. The tears flowed freely.

He had heard many times about the love between a parent and child, from teammates, friend and even his own father. They had always said that it was like no other love and they were right. The feelings that he was feeling were like no other he had ever had. He knew that he would do anything for his son and that he would lay down his life for him.

After a few moments he loosened his grip and looked down into his son’s face. He was smiling and the sheer joy in his eyes filled Kyle with the same joy.

“So what do you think we should do for the rest of the day?” Kyle asked wanting to make up for lost time.

“Do you think that we could go to the park and practice riding my bike?” He asked hopefully.

Kyle looked at Tess who was still crying after witnessing the first embrace of Father and Son. She smiled and nodded.

“I would love that.” Kyle said hugging his son again.

He would never tire of doing that and he would never lose his son again.

Thanks again for nominating this fic. Here is the first part of Chapter 34.

Part 34A

Maria slipped in to her black jeans and red cashmere sweater. She was getting ready for her first date with Michael in over 5 years and she felt like she was 16 again.

Mentally she chastised herself. This was Michael the person she had given her heart and soul too. What did she have to be nervous about?

“Everything.” She said into the silence of the room.

Five years had passed and in those five years she had not let go of an ounce of the love that she felt for him but she didn’t know if that was the case with him. After all five years was a long time. Michael remembered the girl she used to be. What if he couldn’t love the woman that she had become?

The thought that might happen made her sick. She had even considered calling the whole thing off.

Liz had called her to tell her that Max had been by to tell her about Jamie and Kyle. Maria had instantly offered to come over. It was partly because she could hear the pain in her best friend’s voice and partly because she was trying to avoid her date with Michael.
Liz had convinced her that she would be fine and that the best remedy for her was to spend time with Ryan.

“Live in the Present and forget the past.” She had said.

Maria knew it wouldn’t be that easy for her but if she was willing to go on after everything who was she to hide? At least she had the man who she knew was her soul mate waiting for her downstairs.

She finished putting on her make-up and gave herself a once over.

‘Well at least I can still look hot. Even if I am someone’s Mother.’

Those were her last thoughts before she headed out the door.

*&********************************************************************

Michael waited in the kitchen for Maria to be ready.

He had taken a shower and Mikayla had helped him pick out something to wear. She had chosen a pair of his black jeans and blue polo shirt because she said her mom liked blue.

He felt like this was his first date with Maria and was glad that he didn’t have to pick her up at her Mom’s.

As he grabbed himself a Snapple the door bell rang and his daughter went screeching past him at full speed.

“Grandma Amy!!”

Michael’s stomach dropped.

“What?” He managed to get out.

“I thought that we were dropping you off.” He yelled to his daughter’s disappearing form.

“She called and said she wanted to pick me up.” She called back before opening the door and greeting her Grandmother.

‘Shit! Where the hell was Maria?’

Amy walked toward the kitchen holding her granddaughter’s hand.

Spying Michael she narrowed her eyes and then smiled at Mikayla.

“Why don’t you go get your stuff together? While your doing that your Dad and I can have a little chat.”

“OK.” She said and ran up the stairs before Michael could sop her.

“Shit, Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.” He mumbled to himself.

“Mrs. Deluca.”

“Valenti..” She corrected.

“Sorry that’s right.”

They stood there in an uncomfortable silence and then Amy began to talk.

“Michael, I trusted you with my daughter once and you took her innocence and then left for another planet.”

Michael gulped.

“I never meant to do that.”

“You may not have meant to do that but you did and my baby was left pregnant and alone.”

Michael started to say something but she stopped him.

“She was scared but through it all I could see that she really truly loved you. Now I have two girls that I have to protect and before this goes any further I have one question for you. Are you going to leave again? Because if you are then stop right now. They can not take being hurt again.”

She looked Michael straight in the eye and he returned her gaze.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“Good, but know this if you break that promise there will be no planet for you to hide on to protect you from my wrath.”

He could tell she wasn’t joking and he smirked and nodded his head in understanding.

Michael turned to grab another Snapple from the refrigerator.

“There is one other thing…” She began and when he turned around to look at her she was holding a long strip of condoms.

“These are condoms.”

“Mrs. Deluca.” He said.

“Valenti.”

‘Damn it.’ He thought.

“Mrs. Valenti I know what those are.”

“You may know what they are but I don’t believe you know how to use them.”

He quirked an eyebrow in her direction.

“I am going on precedent here Michael and from the track record you alien males have I believe you need a brief sex Ed lesson. I love Mikayla but I don’t want this date of yours to produce anymore grandchildren for me.”

“Michael thought it was time to turn the tables on Mrs. Del… Valenti.”

“Thank you for the tip. I was wondering if you have given the same talk to your stepson?”

“Who Kyle?” Amy said shaking her head.

“Kyle doesn’t need this talk. He hasn’t gotten anyone pregnant.”

A sly smile spread across his face.

“Have you spoken to him recently?”

“What is that supposed to mean? What are you talking about? God I’m too young to be a grandmother again.” She rambled

Before she could interrogate him further Mikayla came running into the room with her bag followed by Maria.

When Michael caught sight of Maria all thoughts of taunting Amy left his head. She was a vision, literally. She was exactly how he had envisioned her all those years on Antar. It was that vision that got him through some of the toughest days in his life.

Tears filled his eyes and he fought very hard not to lose control of his emotions.

Maria noticed his demeanor immediately. She smiled at him as her heart pounded in her chest.

“Are you ok?” She asked.

He managed to find his voice again and took her hand. “Yes. You look beautiful.”

Maria felt a small blush rise to her cheeks.

The moment did not go unnoticed by Amy.

“Remember our little talk, Michael.”

Then she turned to her daughter.

“I left you something in your bag.”

Mikayla hugged and kissed her parents and Maria gave her mother a kiss as well.

Soon they were out the door.

As Maria opened her bag to see what her mother had left her she turned to Michael and asked:

“What was that all about?”

As soon as the words left her mouth several packages of condoms fell out of her bag.

Mom!” Maria groaned.

“That is what it was all about.” Michael said with a smile and then the two of them broke out laughing.

When they had recovered they headed out the door.

”Where are we going?” Michael asked.

“It’s a surprise but I think you will like it.”

Part 34 B

Maria pulled her Lexus into the parking lot of the Restaurant.

Michael looked up and read the sign “Casa de Mexicana.”

“We are having Mexican?” He said with a hint of a smile.

Michael had always loved Mexican food. As far as he could tell it was the closest type of food to Antarian and he often didn’t have to add any Tabasco if the dish was made just right.

“I have my Italian and you have your Mexican.” She said with a shrug, trying not to make a big deal out of it.

It was a big deal for Michael though. They could have gone anywhere but she had taken the initiative and gone to a place where she knew he would enjoy the food.

“Thanks. I haven’t had Mexican since I have been back.”

Maria smiled back at him as she pulled into a spot.

“Mikayla loves this place.”

They got out of the car and walked toward the restaurant slowly Michael reached for Maria’s hand. As if the two had never been separated their hands entwined fitting together as perfectly as if you were slipping on an old pair of gloves.

Maria did not say a word as she felt the warm sensation of his hand in hers radiate through her body but no one could miss the huge smile that now spread across her face.

As they entered they were met by a tall Mexican man. A smile spread quickly across his face and he walked toward them.

“Senorita Maria, it is so lovely to see you again.”

He came and kissed her on both cheeks earning him a quick scowl from Michael.

“Hello Pablo. Happy New Year.” She responded trying not to laugh at the scowl that she had seen appear on Michael’s face.

“And a happy New Year to you. We were sorry not to see you at our New Years fiesta.”

“Ah well I promised Mikayla she could have a little fiesta of her own. Maybe we will be able to come next year.”

“Where is my favorite customer?” He said with a genuine smile and Michael wasn’t so sure he liked it.

“She is with Amy tonight. This is my dinner partner tonight, Michael.”

‘Geez does this guy know everyone? How often do they come here? And why was he spending so much time talking to Maria. Didn’t he have any other customers that he needed to talk to?’ Michael thought when Pablo didn’t ask who Amy was.

“It is very nice to meet you Senor Michael.” Pablo said as he turned to regard Michael. His smile was still just as bright.

“So that will be a table for 4 then?” Pablo asked.

“Four? No two.” Maria said shaking her head confused

“You will not be dining with Senorita Liz and Senor Ryan? They are at the bar.” He asked surprised.

“Liz and Ryan are here?” Maria asked surprised and then looked over toward the bar where she saw them.

‘Great.’ Michael thought.

“I didn’t know they would be here. Let’s go say hello.”

Pablo nodded and went to go and get their table ready.

Michael groaned inwardly. The last thing he wanted to do was spend his night with Liz and her new boyfriend but he also knew that he couldn’t tell Maria that.

Maria headed off toward the bar followed closely by Michael.

“Liz.” She said and Liz turned around to see her best friend.

When Liz heard Maria’s voice she was surprised. She had assumed that Maria and Michael would go to Senor Chows because it had always been one of the pod squad’s favorites. She stayed away from the place for obvious reasons. She should have assumed that Maria would bring him here. It was one of her and Mikayla’s favorites.

Damn it. This night was supposed to be for her and Ryan. The last thing she needed was another reminder of Max and yet here he was.

“I didn’t know that you were coming here.” Liz said as she kissed her hello.

Ryan then came forward and kissed Maria hello leaving Michael staring at Liz for a moment.

“Hello Michael.” She said.

“Liz.’ He said nodding in her direction. Was that sympathy she saw in his eyes?

Before she could think about it Ryan had come toward them and was reaching out to shake Michael’s hand and Maria was answering her question.

“You know how much Mikayla and I love this place.”

“Nice to see you again Michael.” Ryan said.

Michael took the man’s hand and grasped it firmly. He said nothing just nodding his head.

“Well we are all here why don’t we eat together.” Ryan asked.

Both Michael and Liz cursed mentally.

Michael did so because he wanted to spend an evening alone with Maria and Liz because she wanted to forget about her alien past. Having dinner with Michael and the person she saw as being her future was not going to help her achieve that goal.

“Ryan we can do that some other time. Maria and Michael haven’t had a night out alone in a very long time.”

Ryan was surprised. Maria and Liz always did everything together. He thought it would be strange for them to be in the same restaurant and not sit together. He didn’t say anything he just nodded his head and then Pablo appeared.

“Your tables are ready.”

They each acknowledged him and made their way to their tables.

They said their goodbyes and Maria promised to call Liz in the morning.

When Maria and Michael were seated they sat in silence for a few moments looking at the menu.

“I’m glad that Liz didn’t want to sit with us. Who knows when we will get to be alone again.”

She smiled knowing his sentiment was true and that it didn’t have anything to do with her friend.

“Me too.” She said acknowledging the fact that she wanted to be alone with him too.

The waiter came over and Maria asked Michael if it was ok that she ordered for them. He was fine with that and allowed her to make the selections. They both would start with the spicy chicken tortilla soup. She then ordered herself blackened chicken fajitas and ordered Michael the 5 Alarm hot tamales.

The waiter double checked with Michael that he wanted the tamales and when he said yes the waiter shook his head and went toward the kitchen.

“Is there something wrong with the tamales? Are you trying to get rid of me already?” He said with a smile.

“Mikayla made me promise you would have them. She wasn’t happy we were coming without her.” She said with a laugh.

“Well if she loves them then I know that I will too.”

“We will have to make sure that we bring her back.” He added not wanting his daughter to be sad.

Maria had to smile. Only a few days and Mikayla had her father wrapped around her little finger.

They sat there as they waited for their food talking mostly about Mikayla and about Maria’s song writing career.

Every once in a while he would shoot a look over to Liz and Ryan.

Finally he asked Maria a question about them.

“What does she see in him?”

Maria almost choked on her drink.

“Who Ryan?” She asked when she caught her breath.

Michael rolled his eyes.

“Of course Ryan.”

“Well besides the fact that he’s hot, he is also a great guy.” She answered wondering why he was so interested in Ryan.

He scowled when Maria said Ryan was hot. He didn’t think he was anything special.

“Why are you so interested in Liz and Ryan anyway?’

Michael took a sip of his drink.

“Max.’ Was all he said.

“Max made his bed.” Maria said as she took a taste of her soup that had just arrived.

“Max was tricked.”

“Max may have been tricked into believing that he and Tess had slept together but he chose to leave.”

“What other choice did he have?”

“He could have stayed. It might never have worked out between the two of them but at least they might have had a chance. When he left he took away her hope.”

“Is that how she sees it?”

“That is exactly how she sees it.”

“He sees it as he was sparing her the pain of having to see them together as a family.”

“There Max and Liz.” Was all that Maria said.

“She belongs with Max.”

“That’s not for you to decide spaceboy.”

Maria finished off the last of her soup and the waiter took her plate.

“Besides since when are you such a big supporter of their relationship.”

“I’ve never been against their relationship.”

Maria raised her eyebrows.

“What?” Michael said defensively.

“Alright maybe in the beginning I wasn’t blaring the trumpets or anything but after seeing how much she means to him… Well they just belong together.”

“Listen in a perfect world I guess Max and Liz would be together but this is the real world and a lot has happened between them. Ryan makes her happy and he’s a good guy. If this is what she wants then I have to support her in that.”

“I wasn’t saying that you shouldn’t. Max is my best friend and I want what’s best for him.”

“I know that you might have a hard time with this but if you just get to know Ryan you’ll see what I mean. You know there is a reason that he is Mikayla’s doctor.”

Michael gave her a look of concern.

“He doesn’t know anything.” She said reassuring him.

“…But when Mikayla was about 1 and a half she got really sick…”

“What do you mean really sick?”

“She had a 103 fever and a very bad cough. I was a nervous wreck. I thought that she would be like the four of you and never get sick.”

There was an air of remorse in her voice as she spoke.

“Her pediatrician wanted to prescribe all of this medicine and I didn’t know how she would react to it. I mean she was your daughter and you had never had to take medicine… and then there was the time Max had alcohol. I didn’t know how she would react to it.”

Maria took a sip of her water and Michael could see that this memory was very tough for her.

“Liz was just an intern and my pediatrician wouldn’t allow her to consult on the case. I was sitting in the waiting room of the emergency room crying and that’s when I met Ryan. He asked me what was wrong and I told him about Mikayla. It turned out he knew Liz. He said that he would take her case and let Liz consult on it.”

“That must have been a very difficult time for you.”

“It was.” She admitted.

“Liz tested medication on Mikayla’s blood to see how it might react to it. Ryan deferred every aspect of her care to Liz. Within a few days she had made a full recovery and was back home.”

“I don’t know what would have happened if Ryan weren’t there.”

Michael had to concede to the fact that Ryan had helped his family while he couldn’t but he didn’t have to like it.

“You shouldn’t have had to go through that alone.”

Maria knew that Michael felt guilty but that had not been the intention of her story. Deep down Maria knew that Liz would have to deal with her feelings for Max but it was obvious to her that Liz was not giving Ryan up any time soon and she would prefer that when Michael was around him there wasn’t constant animosity.

“I did what I had to at the time. The circumstances put things out of both of our control. If you could have been there I know you would have. Besides, I was not alone. I had Liz, Alex, Kyle, Jim and my Mom and the Evans.”

Michael said nothing. He knew she was right but that didn’t change the fact that his family had needed him and he wasn’t there and someone else was. It also made it really hard to hate the guy, the guy who could ruin everything.

He was about to say something to Maria when the waiter arrived with their meal.

He placed their plates down along with several pitchers of water. He smirked a bit at Michael and the left them to their meal.

“That guy is weird.” Michael said shaking his head.

Maria laughed and they started their meal.

The waiter watched from the corner. These guys always thought they were big shots on their dates. They come in order the spiciest thing on the menu as if that is going to impress her and then spend the rest of the night drinking from a jug of water. This guy had thought it was a good idea for his girlfriend to order for him, big mistake.

He watched as he took the first bite. This was it. He rubbed his hands together and then nothing. “What the hell?” The guy didn’t even flinch. He had never seen anything like it. Well there was that time the little girl at his table had eaten a whole plate full but that had to have been a fluke.

The waiter stood in stunned silence as he watched Michael finish the entire plate without once taking a drink. Eventually Pablo came walking over to him because he had an order up.

“That guy just ate those Tamales without taking a drink once. I can’t believe it.”

Pablo looked at whom he was referring to and smiled when he saw Maria. He knew that could mean only one thing.

“Maria I have never had anything on earth that has tasted this good.”

“I knew you would like it. That there is Mikayla’s all time favorite meal.”

That didn’t surprise him at all. He had to bring the others back here so they could try it as well.

Pablo came over with the check.

“Did you enjoy your meal?” He asked.

“That was great. I have never had anything as good as that.” He said truthfully.

Pablo smiled.

“May I ask a question?”

Maria nodded.

“This must be Senorita Mikayla’s father.”

“How did you know that?” Michael asked quickly.

“Only the father of my favorite Tamale customer could eat those tamales without taking a drink of water.”

They all laughed.

Michael grabbed the check and declared he was paying. Maria conceded to that and then they headed home.

So far it had been a wonderful night.