Roswell Fanatics

A/N - Hey guys...I should be packing but instead I'm posting I don't have time to thank each of you individually, but just know that I appreciate all the feedback and thoughts *hugs*

Nora - I think you were peeking at my notes...cause the answers to your questions are in this post!


Chapter 30

“Liz, didn’t the doctor say that you needed to stay in bed?” Serena asked as she watched Liz tidy up her room.

“I know that, but what the hell am I supposed to do in this room all day long? I want to go to school but ever since the last ultrasound where they told me the baby was lying low I haven’t been allowed out of this house. I’m going crazy!” Liz screamed out in frustration. She was going stir crazy. Max wouldn’t let her move, the farthest she could go was downstairs for dinner, and even then Max would carry her. She thought she would have a few more months of freedom, but instead in her seventh month she was confined to a bed.

And to top everything off, her birthday was a week away. She would be turning seventeen and that meant she was another month closer to becoming a mother. Liz did have to admit that the notion was growing on her daily. The more she felt her baby move around inside of her, the more in love she fell.

Max had been keeping her as entertained as possible, but that didn’t mean it helped at all. In fact, she felt like the walls were closing in on her. She was homebound now and the baby wasn’t even here yet. What would she do once it was? Liz wasn’t naïve enough to think that it would be easier, in fact she knew it was going to try all of the patience she had.

Liz didn’t want to focus on that now though, she needed to find something to wear that didn’t make her feel like a beached whale. Serena, Max and her were going to watch a movie downstairs, while Jeff and Nancy babysat Sophia. At first Serena protested, she didn’t want to burden the Parkers. That notion however died quickly when she saw how excited the Parkers were about spending the evening with Sophia.

“Liz are you sure its okay for your parents to watch Sophia? I can easily take her and we can all watch the movie together,” Serena questioned, still not all that certain that the Parkers weren’t doing it for Liz’s sake. Serena knew just how frustrated Liz was being stuck in the house.

Liz whipped her head around to regard her friend. “Are you crazy? My parents were practically doing cartwheels in the living room when I asked them,” she stated as she scrunched up her nose in disgust. The shirt she’d just chosen to wear was hideous. What was she thinking buying it?

“Right, okay. Well, are you sure that you and Max don’t want to be alone tonight?” Serena rushed out. In all honesty, Serena had never had friends like Max and Liz before and so she didn’t know what the boundaries were.

“Serena, if I’m alone with Max anymore I think we might actually make history and make another baby while I’m pregnant,” Liz answered nonchalantly. Serena couldn’t help but blush, that was so much more than she ever wanted to know about Max and Liz’s relationship. Liz however was none the wiser, in fact as she progressed further into the pregnancy the less tolerance she had for skating around things. She simply spoke her mind no matter the situation.

“I’ll take that as a no,” Serena and Liz both giggled and shook their heads. Liz continued to dig through her closet and finally found a solid blue maternity shirt and her maternity shorts. She hated them more than anything on the planet, but it was all she could fit in.

“Alright, I’m going to get dressed and I’ll meet you downstairs,” Liz called out as she made her way into the bathroom, but she was stopped by Serena’s voice.

“I’ll just tell Max to meet you up here in a few minutes,” Serena called out before exiting the bedroom. She left quickly knowing that Liz would slam her bathroom door in frustration. Despite that, Serena couldn’t help but laugh at her friend.

****

“This is just stupid! I can do it myself, Max!” Liz yelled out as soon as she entered her bedroom after changing, only to find her boyfriend lying on her bed.

Max took one look at her round belly and flushed features, and fell even more in love with her. She left him completely breathless and completely wanting. He honestly didn’t know what came over him, but he found himself having to tea himself away from her daily. He ached to be with her, but she didn’t want to be touched. Max wasn’t looking for sex, he was looking to hold her at night until she fell asleep and kiss her until her lungs were starved for air.

As soon as school started up again they would sit together in Liz’s room doing homework or studying. Some nights Max would fall asleep and several times Jeff or Nancy would pass by and see them. At which point, they decided that they wouldn’t say anything and after a few more times, Max and Liz took the silence over the situation as their approval.

Liz protested immediately. Saying that she needed time to herself and Max had to admit that it hurt. He felt as if she didn’t want to be with him, but later came to understand that she just needed her space.

“Baby, I know you can. But I’m just worried. This is serious Liz, I don’t understand why you don’t treat it that way?” Max tried to reason with her, but he saw her jaw set in protest. He ran a tired hand over his eyes and just waited for the argument, he knew they would have, to begin.

“I am treating it seriously, but you are all driving me crazy! I’m stuck in this room all day, my tutor comes, I have lunch and then the tutor leaves and I’m still in this room!” Liz bit out angrily.

“Liz, you need to calm down.” Max stood and placed a soothing hand on her shoulder, pulling her gently into an embrace. He kissed the top of her head and waited until he felt the muscles in her back relax.

“I know, I don’t know what to do with myself all day. I’m all by myself again, Max.” Liz looked up at him teary eyed and that’s when she saw realization in his eyes.

“God! How stupid could I be? I’m so sorry, Liz,” he said as he pulled her closer. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know why I didn’t see it. You were alone for so long,” he concluded.

“Yes, I don’t like it Max. Ever since you came into my life, I’ve never been lonely and now I’m here and,” she cried gently fisting her hands in the cotton of his shirt.

“Shh, its okay. How about we compromise?” Max pulled away slowly framing her face in his hands.

“What?” she sniffled.

“We watch a movie tonight, and how about next week I’ll get permission to leave school early, we’ll send the tutor home and you and me go to the park. I have a surprise for you,” he finished with a gleam of excitement in his eyes.

“Really?” she asked hopeful.

“Promise, now let’s go feed the two most important people in my life,” Max smiled and kissed her lips, then dropped to his knees, lifted up her shirt and placed a kiss on her stomach.

“I love you, Max.” Liz smiled down as she ran a hand through his hair.

“I love you, too Liz. I love both of you so much.” Max stood and on his way he leaned over and lifted Liz into his arms.

Liz giggled, if she was honest, she loved Max carrying her everywhere. But she didn’t think he needed to know that.

Secretly though, Max saw the glint of excitement in her eyes every time he lifted her in his arms. That’s how he knew no matter how much she protested, that she loved it.

****

“Its not comfy here, I want to move,” Liz grumbled out as she practically rolled herself off of the couch.

“Liz, where do you want to sit then?” Max asked rolling his eyes for the forth time that evening.

The first time was when she wanted the lights off, then back on again. The second, she needed a snack, but after he’d returned with it, she complained that she didn’t want it after all and to take it away. The third was when she complained that the movie wasn’t loud enough, and then proceeded to cover her ears when the music played, and said it was too loud. Now, the complaint was the seating arrangement. She wanted to sit on the couch a moment ago, and now she wasn’t ‘comfy’? Max wanted to scream at her insanity.

Serena just sat back and watched Max get beyond frustrated with Liz. She had to admit she was pleasantly surprised that Max had not let on about how pissed he was with her. She laughed to herself, when Liz would look away from him, and he would roll his eyes in exasperation. She was a bit much, and Serena knew if it was her, she would have yelled at Liz already. Therefore, Serena had to commend Max on his control.

“Liz, where do you want to sit?”

“In my bed,” Liz mumbled out playing with edge of the throw pillow. She knew she was making Max crazy, but she didn’t do it on purpose.

“In your bed? Your bed that is upstairs? The one that you were just complaining about being in all day, everyday? Is that the bed?” Max asked as he threw himself, with a heavy sigh, into the love seat.

“Yes, I can’t help it. It’s not...”

“Comfy?” he finished for her. “I know Liz. Serena, could you grab the movie and we’ll meet you upstairs?” Max asked already standing to pick Liz up.

“No problem,” Serena answered and made her way over to the television.

Max walked up the stairs carrying her, and felt his knees give a little when her lips attached themselves to his neck.

“Liz,” he moaned out softly and turned so that his back was against the wall. He needed to regain his balance. She was driving him crazy. Correction, her tongue and lips were driving him crazy.

“I’m sorry baby, really. I don’t mean to drive you crazy,” Liz whispered into his ear and she knew exactly what she was doing.

Max swallowed thickly and was just about to push off the wall to carry her the rest of the way, but was stopped when he felt her frame his face in her hands and plunge her tongue into his mouth.

He sucked on her tongue gently, and then slanted his lips over hers in a feverishly. He took the time to relish in the feel of their tongues colliding against one another, stroking until they both were forced to part.

“Liz…” he panted and rested his head in the crook of her neck.

“Hmm…” she moaned out softly, knowing she was driving over the edge.

“We…have to get upstairs before Serena…” he couldn’t finish the sentence when he looked up and was met with the overwhelming desire to be with her.

“You’re right. Okay, let’s go.” Liz nipped at his neck once more but then pulled away when she heard him moan her name. She was teasing him and she knew that they could do nothing, at least not yet, she thought wickedly.

Max composed himself enough to continue the journey up the stairs and down the hallway to her room. Once inside he placed her in the center of her bed, and opened the bedroom windows. It was a nice night, and he loved the fresh air, just as he knew she did as well.

“Hey guys! I have the movie, and I brought up some drinks too, so we don’t have to go back downstairs for it,” Serena said as she made her entrance. She quickly crossed the room and put the movie on.

Meanwhile, Liz and Max sat next to one other holding hands, and as soon as Serena turned and took her seat, they turned to each other and mouthed, ‘I love you’. They shared their secret smile before settling against the bed to watch the remainder of the movie.


****

“What do you mean we’re moving? I don’t want to move.” Liz protested at dinner the next night. Jeff and Nancy had been talking and since both Liz and Max had applied to Yale University, they knew that Max and Liz couldn’t live on their own with a child, so they decided to sell their house and move closer to the University.

“Liz, calm down. Its not a big deal,”

“Mom, you don’t even know if we’ll get in, and yet you’re ready to move?” Liz asked. Even though she knew there was a very slim chance that her and Max would not be accepted, but that wasn’t her point.

“Honey, you and Max are at the top of your class,” Nancy tried reason with her daughter. Truth was, Yale had sought out the two teens to discuss a possible future at their institution a few months back. Jeff and Nancy met with the recruiters and knowing that Max and Liz would have a child soon, they knew it would be wise if they both attended the same University. Which is also, when they decided to move.

“Liz, I think it’s a great idea. This way we can both go to school during the day and have the nights free with the baby,” Max entered the conversation after sitting in silence.

“I guess, but what about Serena? She’s just been so great to me and Max and, if we move all the way over there, when will I see her?” Liz asked desperately, it would be hard enough moving to a new state, with a baby and attending college. Nothing would be familiar and she wouldn’t have Serena who was her best friend, now that her other friends were too busy being normal teenagers.

“Liz, you’ll be able to see her and we can fly her and Sophia to visit.” Jeff hated to see his baby girl upset, but there was just no way to make her completely happy.

“Right,” Liz said as she played with her piece of apple pie. Max saw how upset she was. He knew her and Serena had grown close and knowing that Serena had already gone through what Liz would be going through, he knew Liz felt comforted by having her around.

“What if she came with us?” Max asked, not really sure where the question had come from.

“What?” Nancy, Jeff and Liz all turned curious eyes towards him.

“Think about it? Serena will be graduating, and no she’s not going to Yale, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other schools in the area,” Max began to formulate a plan in his head. This could work, he thought. Now he just needed to convince everyone else.

“Max, Serena can’t afford to live on her own. Right now, she barely makes it living with her mother, who only tolerates her and Sophia,” Liz bit out angrily, not at Max but at Serena’s home situation. Liz was shocked when Serena had explained that when she found out she was pregnant, that her mother wanted her to get rid of it. And had even kicked her out of the house for a few months, Liz couldn’t imagine her parents ever doing such a terrible thing to her. At that moment, Liz had realized how good she actually had it and now Max was suggesting Serena struggle once again?

“I know, but we can help her,” Max began only to be cut off by Jeff.

“Son, that is a fantastic idea, but there is a problem with the plan,” he started and gave his wife a small smile. Liz and Max were confused.

“What’s the problem?” Max asked wondering what the hell was going on.

“Nancy and I have been talking and we thought it might be best if you and Liz had your own place. Now, it would be on the same property, so we wouldn’t be far but if you wanted to, you could both live together.” Jeff finished and hoped for the best.

Max thought living with Liz and his child, as a real family was great. Liz however felt even more pressure compound, what would be expected off her? Being a mother was going to be a full time job, she wasn’t ready for the rest. Max saw the emotions flicker across her face faster than he could determine what they meant.

“Liz, are you okay?” he asked soothingly.

“I am,” she didn’t know what to say.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to,” Max began trying to mask the pain.

“No, it’s not that I don’t want to, it’s just that I don’t know if I’m ready.” Max closed his eyes against the pain. He didn’t want to force her to live with him, and he completely understood what she was trying to convey, but it still hurt.

“Honey, no one said you and Max have to get married, in fact it will be a smaller home on the same property and it will have four bedrooms, so there will be plenty of room,” Nancy knew exactly what was going on in her daughter’s head. Therefore, she wanted to make sure she understood that just because her and Max would be living together, if they so chose, that didn’t mean that she had to turn into a wife.

Liz looked around the table and realized she jumped to conclusions. Max didn’t want her as his wife; he wanted to just be with her and their baby. Which is what she had been craving prior to her becoming pregnant. Her parents weren’t pushing her away, in fact they were trying to give her freedom to grow up and become her own person whoever that might become. Liz finally realized why her parents had decided to move. She turned and smiled at Max softly, then turned to her parents.

“Thank you. And I’m sorry. I just freaked out for a minute, but I’m okay now. I think it’s a great idea.” Liz smiled genuinely. Max, Jeff and Nancy all breathed a sigh of relief. They didn’t want to pressure her into anything. In fact, they felt it was the most logical thing.

“I’ve got it!” Liz shouted out.

“What?” Max asked and couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm.

“Serena could move in with us Max, couldn’t she?” It seemed like the most logical answer to Liz and to Max as well.

Jeff and Nancy had to disagree. “Why not?” Liz asked sorrowfully.

“Liz, you are going to have a newborn in a one story home. Have you thought about how much sleep both you and Max would not be getting? If Serena has her daughter and is trying to work and go to school, the baby will keep her up all night. I hardly think that is fair.” Nancy pointed out reasonably.

“So then she can live with your mother and I,” Jeff deduced quickly. He knew his wife so well. Surely they would have a home with more rooms than they knew what to do with.

“Seriously? You both wouldn’t mind?” Max asked. Honestly, he thought Liz’s idea was the best option. Of course, that was before Nancy had pointed out the obvious problem with that arrangement.

“Not in the least. We would love nothing more than to have Serena and her daughter join us, that is if she agrees.”

“Oh, she will!” Liz smiled happily as she lifted her fork to her lips.

****

“Will you still love me if I keep getting fatter?” Liz asked in the darkened room later that same evening. Max had crawled under the covers to hold her that night. He was thankful that she allowed him to spoon against her.

“Liz, I’ll love you no matter what. You have nothing to worry about,” he whispered out and kissed the shell of her ear.

“You’re too good to me,” she surmised.

“Nah, you’re totally worth it,” he joked and waited until she turned her head and sealed her mouth with his.

“You love rubbing my belly don’t you?” Liz questioned with a giggled when she felt his large, warm hands settle underneath her nightshirt.

“I love rubbing every part of you, the belly is just a bonus.” Max smiled against her shoulder.

“I’m sorry we can’t do anything and I’m sorry that I’m always so tired,” Liz apologized softly. She felt his arms come around her pulling her closer to him.

“Liz, all I want is to be with you. I don’t care how, just so long as I’m here.” Max kissed her neck softly and felt her snuggle closer to him.

“Hmm, I love you.” Liz murmured lazily.

“Me too, baby. Me too,” Max rested his head against her pillow and waited until she fell asleep.

He laid there in silence, listening to her breathing. He hoped that no matter what came in the future, that they would always have moments like this.


TBC…

P.S. - I updated - Confessions of a Married Man & Making the Magic Last

A/N - Okay I'm finally back with an update. I also wanted to let you guys know that I'm going on vacation yet again and therefore I'm not sure if I'll be updating before I leave, but if I do update you'll see it on Thursday

Thank you all for your great feedback! I wanted to let you know that this chapter was not part of my original plan for the story, but it took on a life of its own. Oh and don't kill me for the ending

adreamer
taressa05
FSUMSW94 - Thank you for always listening to me ramble about this and every other story lol *hugs*
vampyrax
Dreamer06
NorafanofMaxandLiz - OMG!! LMFAO!! No sex...kill the doctor hahaha!! Oh and as far as your last post...nope it was all originally in the plan to have things work out this way
linliz68
Earth2Mama
orphyfets
Jason's Lover
anonymousarfan
hazz
behrlyliz
AppleJacks
cherie
dreamer destiny - Amen to the jealousy thing LOL!
Sweet Liz
Dreamer 4 Ever
obsession
rigel
frenchkiss70
Itzstacie - Prepare yourself.
Bixie - Aww congrats sweetie! You have pointed out exactly what I am trying to convey in the story. Liz is by no means completely mature to the situation, not fully anyway. Things change...and so do people
begonia9508
BehrObsession
Gunther0925
Ellie
Timelord31
Catalyst - Hi! First I want to thank you for taking the time to sit and read the posted parts. Secondly, I totally agree about him not being straight LOL!! Thank you!
Lurkers - Hope you are enjoying it...Thanks for reading!


Chapter 31

“What are you doing?” Liz hissed out at her boyfriend who was lifting her out of bed.

“I’m taking you out. Don’t you remember?” Max asked as he placed a kiss on her cheek and then placed her on her feet.

“I do, but you said it would be in the afternoon. I look terrible. And I’m hungry and I feel so uncomfortable.” Liz grumbled out as she waddled over to the bathroom. Max thought she looked adorable. She was growing by the day and at that thought Max’s heart began to race.

Soon, his and Liz’s child would be here. Soon they would be a family, he thought with a far off look on his face.

“What the hell are you grinning at?” Liz bit out angrily. She was not a morning person, but now that the baby was sitting on her bladder she was even less happy about waking up.

“Happy Birthday, baby.” Max leaned down and went to kiss her lips but she brushed passed him.

“Not until I brush!” she screeched out and slammed the bathroom door. Max just sighed and threw himself on top of her bed. She was getting even crankier by the day and he was about to burst from the frustration. One minute she was okay, the next she was barking at him for doing something wrong. This was nothing like he expected.

Nevertheless, he loved her. Today was going to be a perfect day, he thought.

****

“I don’t want to sit out here. My back is killing me and I dunno I’m just tired,” Liz whined. She knew she was becoming increasingly difficult to be around, but this baby was making her life miserable and it wasn’t even born yet. She almost couldn’t wait for it to get here.

“Liz, could you just please come here? Sit in my lap and I’ll rub your back okay? Look, I even brought you a pillow and a nice thick blanket to sit on,” Max said hoping it would change her mood.

Liz sighed heavily and allowed Max to help her sit. Once she was seated she turned in his arms and kissed his lips softly. She then rested her head against his chest. “I’m so sorry, Max. I’ve been completely unbearable. I don’t know why you put up with me,” Liz murmured gently as he rubbed her back in small circles.

“Because I love you. And you put up with me,” he stated simply but Liz protested. Oh no, he thought.

“Put up with you? Max you are perfect and you’re so sweet to me. You take care of me even when I’m nasty to you. I can barely put up with myself,” Liz laughed halfheartedly.

“Liz, it’s okay. You’re getting further along and your uncomfortable. And I’m sure you’re scared as well.” Max concluded at that moment that the reason for Liz’s sudden outbursts is her frustration. He didn’t know why he hadn’t seen it sooner.

“I am. I’m terrified Max. I don’t know if I’m ready.” Liz looked up at him with a wild look on her face.

“Me either. But I know that you are going to do great and we’re going to love our baby so much, Liz. It won’t matter that we’re not perfect, we can learn together.” Max whispered into her ear as he pulled her closer. At that moment Liz loved him even more.

“Are you hungry?” he asked her a few minutes later.

“No, I don’t really feel good. My stomach has been acting weird all morning.” Liz shrugged.

“How about I let you rest your back against the pillow?” Max offered and Liz smiled appreciatively before allowing him to help her sit.

“Better?”

“Much, thank you.” Liz smiled and settled between Max’s legs, with the pillow set right behind her.

“It’s such a beautiful day today. I’m glad you got me out of the house,” Liz smiled as she pulled Max’s arms around her. He rested his hands against her protruding belly.

“It’s weird,” he announced suddenly.

“What is?” Liz asked trying to turn slightly to regard him.

“This. It feels weird. I never pictured myself at seventeen waiting for my baby to be born,” he trailed off and Liz simply nodded.

“Me either. I’m seventeen today and I’m going to have a baby in a couple of weeks. I’m going to be somebody’s mother. I definitely didn’t picture myself this way.” Liz continued as she closed her eyes and rested her head against Max’s chest.

“Do you…do you regret it?” Max asked softly. Not really wanting to hear her answer. His heart would break if she answered yes.

“No. I don’t. I did at first, but I told you before, Max. It’s a part of you and me and I could never regret that.” She reached up and ran a hand through his dark hair.

“Me either. Now, you know what we haven’t done?” Max’s voice perked up a bit. He did have a plan for the day and he’d be damned if anything got in the way.

“What?”

“We haven’t decided on a name.”

“You’re right! I can’t believe it!” Liz sat up slowly, with Max’s help.

“Turn me around,” she asked and he stood and helped her. He then took a seat right in front of her, so that they were facing each other.

“Okay, if it’s a girl?” Max asked wondering how much thought Liz had put into this.

“I didn’t think of any,” Liz shrugged. She tried for weeks to think of girls names that she liked but every time she found one she liked, she ended up referring it back to someone she knew or met in school.

“None?” Max asked shocked. He figured she’d have a hundred girls names picked out.

“Not one.”

“You?” she asked.

“I didn’t pick one,” Max gave her a sheepish grin.

“Okay, moving along to boys. You first.” Liz said.

“I like, Nathaniel, Ethan and…damn what was the other name?” Max tried to remember. It was on the tip of his tongue but it wasn’t coming to him.

“I can’t remember. You tell me yours.” He figured maybe her names would help jog his memory.

“I like, Kevin, Christopher and Elijah.”

“That’s it! Elijah!” Max shouted out. How the hell could he forget that? It was his first choice.

“Really? You like it?” Liz asked unsure. Maybe Max was saying it to agree with her, but when she saw the genuine smile form on his lips, she knew it was true.

“Yes, but I couldn’t come up with a middle name for the life of me.” Max leaned back against the tree truck and watched as the wind blew softly. How was it possible for her to be even more beautiful than the first day he met her, he wondered.

“How about we use your mother’s name?” Liz asked gently. She didn’t want to ruin Max’s good mood.

“Liz, in case you missed it, my mother’s name is Diane. Not exactly a boy’s name.” Max smirked at her and it earned him a slap on the arm.

“I know that! But what if we used the letters, well not all of the letters but most of them?” Liz edged on.

“What did you have in mind?” Max crossed his arms. Inside his heart ached but he had to admit that knowing Liz had thought about his feelings, meant the world to him.

“Dean.” Liz said as she looked into his eyes. Searching for his understanding as to why she wanted to include a part of his mother’s name in their child’s name.

“I love it. Elijah Dean Evans,” Max whispered out and leaned over to capture her soft lips in a sweet kiss. He rested his forehead against hers and pushed her hair over her shoulders.

“Thank you, Liz.”

“Don’t, Max. Your mother was an extraordinary woman. She raised you to be just as amazing as she was, I would want nothing less than that for our child.”

“Now if only there was a way to ensure that it turns out to be a boy.” Max joked and soon they were both bursting with laughter.

“You know when I was younger,” she paused for a moment realizing how long ago it felt.

“I always thought when I got older and found the love of my life, that we’d get married and have a bunch of little girls. Funny, now that I’m living it, I can’t imagine a little girl right now. I think because…” Liz trailed off. She’d almost given away her secret. It was too embarrassing for her to say it aloud to Max.

Max leaned in closer and asked, “Because what?”

Liz blushed, and turned away. “I can’t tell you, it’s stupid,” she tried to hide the redness she knew had crept up on her face.

“Tell me, please?” he pleaded while caressing her cheek softly. Liz turned to him and was met with such an intense stare from him that she gasped inaudibly.

“Okay. I’m hoping that our baby looks just like you. From the first time I saw you I was just blown away. Everything about you is…it’s just perfect to me. Your lips, your nose, your eyes, and your heart. No one could ever love me the way you do, Max.” Liz smiled shyly but Max was quick to his knees pulling her against him, as best as possible.

“I love so much, baby,” he murmured against her hair. And he did love her, he loved her more than any words could ever express.

“Liz,” Max started as he pulled away. He quickly saw tears falling from her eyes and he swiped them away and kissed her lids gently.

“Shh, don’t cry. Don’t cry,” he cajoled.

“I’m not crying, I just got something in my eye.” Liz tried to cover up but Max knew better.

“Now I need to talk to you about something serious, so I just need you to hear me out before you answer me okay?” Max edged on vaguely.

“Yes.” Liz rested her hands on her belly and waited for Max to begin. He looked really nervous; she wondered what that was all about.

“Good!” Max was still kneeled in front of her and knew that this was as close as he could get to what he wanted. He drew in a deep breath and began.

“This past year has had its ups and downs for me, but the one thing that has stopped me from going insane, was you. Some mornings, in the beginning, I didn’t want to get out of bed. Everything was still fresh in my mind, and I know that you always wanted to help me and talk to me, but I just didn’t think it could get better. I didn’t think I could ever be happy again. Then you would walk into a room and just smile at me, and that was enough. It was enough, Liz because you are my whole world and everything in it. I know that I could never feel this way about anyone else. I know that we’re still young,” he swallowed thickly trying to find the right words. Hoping that she understood what he was trying to say.

Liz’s heart was racing, what did he mean, by ‘we’re still young’, she wondered. Surprisingly though, she wasn’t scared. And she didn’t feel pressure, the only thing she felt when she looked into his eyes, was love.

“I want to be with you forever, Liz. I want moments like this, forever. More than anything though, one day I’m going to ask you a question and I’m hoping the answer will be, yes.” Max smiled and pulled out a small white velvet box from his jacket pocket. His hands shook nervously, and he didn’t dare look at Liz. He would lose his nerve if he did.

Liz didn’t know what to say or what to do. Was he proposing? She was only seventeen, and…and what? She loved him, for now and forever. It didn’t matter how young they were. She smiled sweetly and waited for him to finish. Max popped open the box to reveal a beautiful white gold promise ring with two intertwining hearts held together by a quarter carat diamond.

“I want to give you this ring. And I want to make a promise to you right now. My promise is to always love you, to always be there for you. And no matter how bad things might get or how hopeless some situations might seem, I promise to remember that you are the love of my life. I’m promising you forever, Liz.” Max finished, his voice hoarse from emotions as he removed the ring from the box and reached out for her left hand.

Liz was in tears. Max always said the sweetest things to her, but this was different. He wanted to marry her. He wanted to be with her for the rest of his life. In that moment, Liz Parker realized that she was the luckiest girl in the world and she thanked God for leading him to her. She looked down as Max raised her hand and positioned the ring in front of her finger. Liz lifted her eyes to Max and found him staring at her, such love and adoration shining in his eyes. Did he not know what she would want?

“And I promise you forever, Max.” Liz smiled and watched as he sighed in relief, and then slid the ring on her finger. She quickly reached out and framed his face in the palms of her hands, “You couldn’t have made me happier, Max. No matter what happens, just know that I’ll always love you.” And with that she sealed her lips to his. Max eagerly pulled her into his arms and kissed her back, pouring all of his happiness and love into that kiss. He wanted her to feel it everywhere.

“What?” Max asked breathless a moment later when he felt Liz grab his arm roughly.

“Max…I think…” Liz panted out. What was happening?

“Liz, what’s wrong?” Max rushed out and helped her to her feet. Oh God, was it the baby? Was something wrong? He didn’t know and she wasn’t answering him. Finally he tilted her chin up to face him. She looked panicked.

“Liz, talk to me, baby.” Max pleaded desperately and then watched as she reached down and placed a hand on her stomach.

“This isn’t happening,” she murmured as she felt yet another wave of pain hit.

“Is it the baby?”

Liz lifted her confused eyes to him and took a deep breath, “I think…I’m in labor, Max.”

TBC…

I know cruel...I'll be back soon. I'll be updating Confessions in a few

A/N - I'm back! Okay guys I think Liz has been waiting in pain for too long, what do you think? (lol)

I just wanted to take a second to thank each of you that are reading, leaving me feedback and for those who come out every now and again from lurkdom to let me know what you think. I appreciate it and at times especially when my muse does not want to cooperate, it helps me a great deal.

La'Shon...what can I say, but thank you for all your help and support...don't know what I'd do without you *muah*!

Now I think it's time we get this show on the road...hope you enjoy and I hope I don't disappoint!


Chapter 32

Max’s eyes were wide with panic. She couldn’t be going into labor, not yet. She was too early.

“Liz, are you sure?” Max asked hesitantly.

“Yes, I’m sure,” Liz gritted out behind clenched teeth.

“Okay. You’re going to be fine.” Max tried to reassure her, even as fear crept up his spine. He leaned over and lifted her into his arms gently.

“Max, the blanket and pillow,” Liz screeched out. Max was sure that Liz had lost her mind at that moment. How could she be thinking about the pillow and blanket at a time like this?

“Liz, I need to get you to the hospital.” Max rushed out as he made is way over to his Jeep with Liz tucked safely in his arms.

Max set Liz inside and strapped her in securely before running over to the driver’s side and hopping in.

“Are you okay?” Max asked tearing his eyes away from the road for a second as he saw Liz cringe in pain.

“No, Max I’m scared!” Liz cried out. The pain that started off as a twinge of pain in her back, quickly moved to her abdomen and progressed far too quickly into contracting pain all over. The baby was over a month early and Liz knew that it was very possible there was something wrong.

Max was just as scared as Liz, but he couldn’t let on. He needed to be strong for her. He quickly reached out and grasped her hand tightly.

“I have to call your parents,” he rushed out a few minutes later. They were ten minutes from the hospital and Max had no idea if that was sufficient time for her, he was completely unprepared to deliver his own child. Max shook the thoughts from his head. They would make it…they had to.

****

“Nancy, it’s Max.” When Max finally got a hold of Nancy on her cell phone he was pulling up to the hospital.

“Max, what’s wrong?” Nancy noticed immediately the urgency behind Max’s voice.

“We’re at the hospital, Liz is in labor.”
“Oh God, okay Max, Jeff and I are coming right now. Don’t worry.” Nancy rushed over to her husband who was currently looking for his next set of golf clubs and practically pulled him away. She quickly explained that they needed to get to the hospital.

“Max?” Nancy asked when Max grew completely silent.

“Okay,” Max answered with uncertainty.

“Just get her in to see a doctor and everything will be fine.” Nancy tried to reassure him but she knew he was terrified.

“I am. We’re here now. I’ll see you soon?” Max asked with a lace of complete terror evident in his voice.

“Yes you will, Max.”

“Liz your parents are on their way.”

“Max it hurts really bad.” Liz sobbed out as the contractions continued to rip through her small body.

Max didn’t know what to say, he quickly pulled up to the emergency room doors and rushed to remove Liz from the Jeep.

As soon as Max entered the first set of automatic sliding glass doors a nurse assessed the situation.

“How many weeks is she?” The petite nurse asked as she pulled up a wheel chair so that Max could settle Liz in.

“She’s a little over seven months,” Max answered. He wasn’t sure how many weeks that was since he hadn’t paid much attention when Liz explained it to him.

“Okay let me take her.” The nursed reached for the chair and Liz gripped Max’s hand tightly.

“He can come back in a few minutes, we need to have a doctor take a look at you first.” The nursed tried to reassure the young teens. They didn’t appear to be any older then eighteen if she had to guess.

Max threw the nurse a small smile of gratefulness, before kneeling down next to Liz.

“I’m going to wait for your parents and then I’ll come back okay?”

“No. I don’t want to go without you,” Liz sobbed softly and Max knew that he had to get Liz to leave with the nurse. He reached out his hand and cupped her cheek softly, “I love you, but you need to go Liz. I’ll be right there, I promise.” He reassured her one last time and she finally released her iron grip on his hand.

Max watched as the nurse wheeled her away, and he was left feeling completely helpless and lost.

****

“Max!” Nancy called out as soon as she spotted him standing against the wall in the emergency room.

“Nancy…Jeff,” Max rushed out in relief.

“Where is she?”

“They took her away and they said I had to wait,” Max sounded so wounded. Nancy knew that he was worried for Liz and the baby. She quickly wrapped her arms around him and told him she would find out what’s going on.

While Nancy went to the nurse’s station to find out what was happening with her daughter, Jeff convinced Max to have a seat.

“I can remember when Nancy went into labor with Liz. I was on my way home from work and she called me frantic. She was yelling at me profusely because I wasn’t supposed to be working that day. I had decided that morning that I would only go in for a couple of hours, boy I paid for that decision.” Max only half listened; he was too busy watching Nancy speak with the nurse.

“Why?” Max asked flatly. Jeff knew Max was going through a very stressful situation, he himself had been through it, but he was already in his thirties by that time. This was a completely different situation. He could only imagine what it must feel like to go through this as a seventeen year old.

“Not only did Nancy not let me live it down, but I almost missed Liz’s birth,” Jeff confessed.

“Really? Wow, but you made it so that’s all that counts.” Max deduced quickly. At least he knew he wouldn’t miss his child’s birth, that was unless the doctors wouldn’t let me see her.

“Don’t worry, Max. You won’t miss it, if I have anything to say about it.” Jeff offered the only comfort he could at the moment for he himself was going crazy with worry for his daughter and grandchild.

A few minutes later Nancy returned and the doctor that had seen Liz approached them.

“How is she?” Max asked before the doctor was even in front of him.

“She’s fine, but…” That was a word Jeff, Nancy and Max didn’t want to hear.

“But what?” Nancy rushed out trying to remain calm all the while inside she felt like she was drowning.

“She is almost completely dilated, if her water doesn’t break we will need to very shortly. We would have liked to prolong the pregnancy longer, but she is too far into the labor process for us to stop it now.”

“Doctor you know that she’s early, right?” Nancy asked just for her own piece of mind. She knew so long as the doctor’s knew what they were up against then the better chance for a good outcome they would have.

“Yes, we are aware. We have no reason to worry, we spoke to her doctor and based on her last ultrasound the baby was already four pounds. Regardless of that though, we already have a team from the neonatal unit ready to accompany us in the delivery room.”

Nancy, Jeff and the doctor spoke about exactly what was going to happen once Liz went into delivery, but Max just ached to see Liz. If he didn’t soon he would explode.

“Can I see her now?” Max asked a moment later.

“Is this the father to be?” The doctor asked with a smile on his face. He knew that Ms. Parker had just turned seventeen today and was asking for her boyfriend desperately.

“Yes. Can I see Liz?” Max asked again losing patience.

“Is that okay with you?” The doctor turned and asked Nancy and Jeff, only because he wasn’t sure if the parents wanted to see her first.

“Of course!” Jeff spoke up and that was all the doctor needed to hear. He nodded for Max to follow him back. Max threw a grateful smile over his shoulder at Jeff and Nancy as he walked through the doors.

****

“Nothing is ready, we’re not ready for this yet.” Nancy began to pace the waiting room floor.

“Nance, it will be fine. We can have the baby’s room done in two days. Just relax, Liz will be fine.” Jeff reached out for his wife and pulled her into his arms.

“They’re just kids, Jeff. I know that sometimes we forget but they are and this is the beginning of the hardest journey of their lives.” Nancy looked up into her husband’s eyes with pure worry etched across her face.

“I know. I forget too sometimes, but honey we have to believe that they love each other enough to get through anything. No matter what we’ll be there for the both of them and the baby.”

“Oh God!” Nancy sobbed softly.

“What?” Jeff reared back to regard her.

“We’re going to be grandparents on our daughter’s seventeenth birthday,” Nancy half cried half laughed at the irony of the situation.

Jeff let out a small laugh and pulled his wife back into his arms.

****

“Max!” Liz wept out in relief. She had been begging to see him for the past half hour, but they kept telling her they needed to wait and get her situated before she had any guests.

Max was by her side in an instant, he reached out his hands and framed her face. “I missed you. How are you doing?” he asked and then leaned in and kissed her forehead gently.

“I’m okay. The baby is coming,” Liz smiled up at him in relief. She had never been more happy to see him than at that moment.

“I guess that means you’ll have to wait even longer to take your drivers test.” Max joked softly.

“I know. I’ll never be able to drive at this point.” Liz rolled her eyes in mock exasperation. Since the doctor had placed Liz on bed rest it meant she couldn’t practice driving to be able to take her test today. Which was looking like a good thing, she knew she’d fail if she went into labor while taking her test.

“So what do you think? Should we come up with a girls name?” Max queried lightly as he settled down next to her. Liz immediately gripped his hand and that was the first time he noticed how many machines were hooked up to her.

“They are for me and the baby, you know to make sure everything is okay.” Liz shrugged not looking Max in the eyes. That wouldn’t do. This moment was too important. He quickly placed a finger under her chin and titled her face towards him.

“Everything is fine. The doctor already talked to me and your parents.” Max tried to reassure her in the most soothing voice he could muster up. He could feel her trembling and he simply leaned in and kissed her lips. It was a tender kiss filled with so much promise.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.” Liz smiled shyly.

“Okay girl names, we better hurry because these contractions are getting closer and closer.” Max leaned up and cleared his throat.

“Noelle and Nicole.” Were Max’s choices.

“Jasmine and Justine,” Liz listed off the top of her head.

“I don’t know. I like them all but I don’t love any of them.” Liz sucked in her bottom lip and bit it gently. Clearly trying to decide as quickly as possible.

“I know what you mean. How about we just wait and we’ll decide when we see our baby is? How does that sound?” He asked wiping away her matted hair from her face.

“Sounds great. Can you get my parents?” Liz asked just as another contraction hit, she bore down and gripped Max’s hand hard.

“I’ll go get them,” Max said after the last contraction hit.

“Hurry,” Liz whispered out letting her hand drop from his. Max nodded and slipped out of the room.

****

“Max, how is she doing?” Nancy and Jeff were by his side the moment the doctor called them back.

“She’s in a lot of pain. Why don’t they give her something?” Max asked somewhat annoyed. They are just letting her suffer and he didn’t know why.

“She’s too far along, Max. The baby could come at any time. We’ll just come in quickly and then I believe the doctor is going to check her one last time before making his decision.”

“So she has to do it without anything?” Max asked swallowing thickly. He of course had no idea the kind of pain a woman went through giving birth, but he was sure it was no walk in the park. Liz was so tiny and what if she couldn’t take it or…

“Liz will do great! Don’t worry.” Nancy smiled reassuringly at Max before leaving him to see her daughter.

“Nancy’s right. Liz will get through it,” Jeff placed a hand on Max’s shoulder for support.

“How do you know? How can you be so sure?” Max asked with great uncertainty. And at that moment Jeff Parker realized just how much Max loved his daughter. He worried for her, as man worried for his wife and child. Not as a teenager terrified of becoming a parent. It was at that moment that Jeff realized just how lucky he was. Not only did he have a loving wife and a beautiful daughter but he’d found an amazing son in Max. A son he and his wife could never produce. And a grandchild that would soon be born. He felt like the luckiest man in the world at that moment.

“I know because she’s stronger than she even thinks she is.” Jeff embraced the young man briefly before walking in to see his daughter.

****

“Mom,” Liz breathed a sigh of relief. She’d never needed her mother more than at that moment.

“Oh baby, it’s okay. You are doing great so far and I’m so proud of you Liz.” Nancy kissed her daughter’s forehead the moment she walked into the room.

Liz doubled over in pain as yet another contraction hit, they were getting closer and closer now.

“You’re proud of me? Why? I’m seventeen and I’m having a baby, I’m sure it’s not what you had planned for me.”

“That may be true, but you are the person I raised you to be. You took responsibility and in a short while, you are going to become a mother and you will pass along everything you know to you and Max’s child.” Nancy explained with tears in her eyes.

“I love you, Mom.” Nancy smiled at her daughter as she reached for a washcloth and wiped up the sweat off her daughter’s face.

“Liz, they aren’t going to give you anything for the pain. Did they tell you that?”

“Yeah. It’s going to get worse right?” Liz asked hesitantly. Nancy wished she could take the pain away for her daughter but that was impossible.

“It will, but then you won’t even think about it, honey. Instead you’ll be celebrating the birth of your baby.” Nancy beamed brightly.

“Mom?”

“Yes sweetheart?”

“Is Max going to be here? Can he I mean?” Liz asked not looking at her mother. She didn’t want to hurt her mother’s feelings but she wanted Max to be there. He helped calm her so easily and she had a feeling she would be needing that.

“Of course! He will be here with you through the entire thing. Your father will be in here in a minute to see you.” Nancy smiled brightly.

“Thanks, mom.”

“Welcome.”

****

As soon as Jeff left the room, Max was right back at her side. They were waiting for the doctor to give the word, but they didn’t need to wait for it because as soon as the nurse entered the room Liz’s water broke.

They quickly prepared the room for delivery. Max was already dressed in his scrubs and Liz was being prepped for the birth.

After a full hour of pushing and heavy breathing the baby was ready for Liz’s final push.

The doctor instructed her to push one last time, but she was exhausted.

“I can’t. I really can’t. I’m so tired,” Liz half cried, half begged. Max placed cold rag against her forehead and leaned down close to her ear. What he had to say was for her ears only.

The doctor observed the silent exchange between the two teens. He’d seen several teens in the delivery room, but they were different. So dependent on one another, so in sync. More so than some adults he’d seen in his lifetime.

“Liz, baby you’re doing so great. I know you’re tired but our baby is almost here. I’m so proud of you and I’m so happy right now. I love you so much, baby. Just one more push.” Max kissed her cheek softly before standing upright and looking in her eyes. Max’s words calmed her down, she was anxious, tired and scared. However, as soon as her eyes locked with his she found this inner strength to finish this.

“I’m ready.” She bore down and pushed one last time at the doctor’s instructions. A few seconds later the room filled with the sounds of their precious baby’s cries.

“It’s a boy!” The doctor announced and asked Max if he’d like to cut the cord. He couldn’t have been happier about that. Liz slumped back into the bed exhausted but completely happy and relieved.

“Oh God, Liz. He’s so tiny and perfect.” Max said in awe as he watched the nurses take his son away to clean him up.

“Here you go.” The nurse turned and handed Max his son. The moment he held his son for the first time, Max couldn’t help let the tears slip from the corners of his eyes. It was so overwhelming at first but the moment Max laid eyes on his son, he fell in love once again. His son. A part of him and part of Liz. Someone he vowed at that moment to spend the rest of his life taking care of, no matter what.

“He’s so beautiful, Liz.” Max said as pulled his son closer and placed a soft kiss on his forehead before turning to his girlfriend and placing their child in her arms.

“I want to see him,” Liz asked breathlessly.

“Oh my God, he is perfect. He’s so beautiful, Max. He looks just like you,” Liz gasped out softly with tears streaming down her flushed cheeks. Max took a seat next to her on the bed and brushed his fingers lightly across his son’s forehead.

“Yes except for the ears, thank God!” Max joked as he wrapped his arms around his family.

“Yes, but other than that he looks exactly like you.” Liz smiled brightly as she cradled her child in her arms.

This was a moment Liz would never forget, the moment she held her baby for the first time. His hair was dark, his skin was soft like porcelain, his fingers and feet were so tiny, but all perfect.

“Hello sweetheart,” Nancy and Jeff entered the room shortly thereafter. They were anxious to not only to see their grandchild but their daughter as well.

“Mom, Dad come look. He’s so amazingly beautiful.” Liz beamed brightly as her parents surrounded her bed.

“Oh honey, he is so beautiful. Are you feeling okay?” Nancy asked her daughter who looked exhausted as she passed her sweet grandchild over to her husband.

“I’m just tired but I’m good.”

“What’s his name?” Jeff asked as he held his grandson for the first time and cried tears of joy.

“Elijah Dean Evans,” Max announced proudly.

Nancy looked at Max and smiled. She knew that Max and Liz had decided to keep Diane’s memory alive through Elijah.

“I think it suits him just fine.” Jeff said as he handed his daughter her child.

“Yeah, it does. It really does.” Liz smiled down at her son and placed a kiss on his cheek.

This was the beginning of the rest of her life as a mother, and although some part of it terrified the hell out of her, another part of her couldn’t wait to live it.

TBC…

FYI: Confessions will also be updated tonight.

A/N - *waves* Hey guys! I'm back with a new part for this story today, only because I'm not sure if I'll be around this week. Either way, don't worry about the way I leave this, I won't keep you hanging for longer than a week

This is a drive by post but I wanted to thank each of you that take the time to read this. I appreciate it and well I hope you enjoy...

Chapter 33

“Oh my God,” Serena gasped as she stood watching through the glass at Max and Liz’s child.

“He is so beautiful, really. And just adorable at that.” Serena said as her eyes darted from Elijah to Max.

“Thank you.” Max smiled proudly.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t get here sooner,” Serena began to apologize but Max waved her off.

“Don’t worry about it. I know Liz is going to be glad you’re here.” Max smiled and nodded in the direction of Liz’s room.

“I’ll just be a few minutes,” Serena stated before pushing open the door.

“Take your time.” Max offered. Besides he wanted to sit and watch his son a few minutes longer. They would be bringing him to Liz shortly and he wanted just a few moments to watch him alone.

He wondered to himself at that moment, he didn’t know why but he did, if his father ever felt that way about him. Before he became what he ended up being, if he wished for moments alone with him. Just to watch him, or talk to him. Did he ever ache to hold him as a baby, as Max did for Elijah?

Unfortunately those were answers Max would once again never get. It didn’t matter though, not now. Max was a father and he would do everything in his power to make his mother proud of the person he is today. Most importantly though, Max vowed that he would love his child above all else, until the day he died.

****

“Hi.” Serena whispered out as to not startle Liz.

“Hi. I’m so glad to see you.” Liz smiled brightly and offered Serena a seat.

“How are you feeling?” Serena asked empathically. She herself had been through it and knew that she felt completely exhausted and stressed.

“I’m feeling better. I can’t sleep though.”

“No? I would have thought you’d pass out by now.” Serena crossed her legs getting a little more comfortable. Liz had something on her mind and Serena would make all the time in the world to listen to her.

“I am tired. I just can’t get my mind from reeling. I’m a mother. I’m this precious little boy’s mother. And I don’t know what to do.” Liz finished sadly. She loved her son more than anything, even Max surprisingly so, but she was left confused by it as well.

“I didn’t either, but I loved Sophia the moment I saw her. I knew that I had a decision to make and it wasn’t an easy one. I could take her and be there for her. I did love her from the first time I saw her, but was I willing to sacrifice everything for her? My other option was that I could take her and be a good mother to her. I knew it would be a struggle but if it was worth it, and I knew it was, it would be the greatest thing I did with my life. I know how you feel and I know the internal struggle you’re dealing with. But you are so lucky.” Serena finished with a shake of her head. Liz just didn’t understand and Serena wasn’t sure if she would be able to make her for that matter.

“You always say that to me,” Liz smiled shyly.

“But you really don’t get it do you? No matter how many times I say it, you don’t see the big picture do you?”

Liz simply shook her head.

“One day, I don’t know when. You’ll get it and I’m going to be there by your side to say, I told you so.” Serena laughed softly and Liz couldn’t help but join in her mirth.

“Did you see him?” Liz asked after a moment of silence.

“I did. And he is beautiful and perfect and simply adorable.” Serena smiled brightly.

“He looks exactly like, Max.” Liz said with a hint of pride. Funny how she felt that she might actually be jealous of that fact, but surprisingly so she couldn’t have been happier. Max was a beautiful person inside and out, why wouldn’t she want her son to posses such rare qualities?

“I know! I almost fell over when I saw him. I can’t believe it, two men that look like Max walking this earth, it’s unworldly.” Serena joked, half seriously.

“Tell me about it. You better watch out, because when Elijah gets bigger I’m sure he’ll have an eye out for Sophia.” Liz joked back.

“Oh no! If Elijah turns out anything like his father, my daughter will be kept under lock and key!” Serena and Liz both doubled over in laughter.

“I see we are having a good time without me,” Max pouted as he entered the room with the nurse following right behind him with Elijah.

“We were. In fact, we were talking about you and Elijah.” Serena stood to face Max.

“Really?” Max asked with a raised eyebrow in question.

“Yes, we were talking about how Elijah looks just like you and that when Sophia grew up, he’d have his eyes on her.” Liz answered with a twinkle of joy in her eyes.

“Oh of course! You kidding me? Sophia is so beautiful already. Wait until she grows up. My son won’t know what hit him!” Max winked and Serena blushed bashfully. Max had a way with words and although Serena was happy that Liz found someone so special, she couldn’t help but wonder when it would be her turn.

“How’s my champ doing?” Max asked as he kissed Liz’s cheek gently. He could tell she was tired but she had yet to sleep.

“I’m okay. I’m just really tired.” Liz punctuated that statement with a yawn.

“I’m going to get going. But I’ll be by tomorrow afternoon, after school with Sophia.” Serena smiled and gave her friend a quick hug, then turned to Max and reciprocated the sentiment before turning to Elijah. She leaned over and lifted him into her arms and kissed his chubby cheeks before placing him in the arms of his father.

“Have a good night.”

“Bye.” Liz said absentmindedly as she watched Max hold their son. The way he looked at him awed her. Liz knew at that moment that Max loved his son more than anyone in the world, even her. Although the realization of that hit home for her, she knew exactly what Max was feeling, because she herself felt that way as well.

“God, can you believe it?” Max asked as he looked down into his son’s face and smiled.

“What that he’s really here? That he’s ours?” Liz rattled off a list of things that ran through her mind.

“All of the above. I just never knew it would feel like this.” Max grasped for the right words to express the way he was feeling, but fell short. He settled next to Liz on the bed and settled his son against Liz’s chest. Liz quickly placed a soothing hand against Elijah’s back and rubbed it gently.

“I love you…both of you so much.” Max leaned down and kissed Liz’s lips softly before laying himself completely on the bed with her.

“Me too, Max.” Liz yawned once more before letting her eyes fall heavily closed. She unconsciously kissed the top of her son’s head before falling fast asleep.

Max laid there watching her sleep, holding their son against her chest. Never relinquishing any hold on him. He smiled. This was a new beginning, one filled with so much uncertainty. But Max was happy nonetheless. So long as he had Liz by his side, he knew everything would work itself out.

****

2 Weeks Later

“Liz.” Max nudged his girlfriend gently.

She didn’t move.

“Liz, baby it’s your turn.” Max nudged her a little harder but still she remained still. He huffed as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. He ran his hands through his bed hair.

Max looked over his shoulder at her. She was sleeping so soundly. He sighed when he looked at the bright red numbers staring back at him.

Three thirty.

He needed to get up for school in three hours. And he’d yet to sleep one full hour. After hearing yet another cry from the far corner of the room, he dragged his body upright and padded over to his son.

“What’s the matter? You still not happy?” Max cooed as he held his son against his bare chest. Elijah had been fussy all night and it was taking all of Max’s strength not to pass out. He was working, going to school and getting up all hours of the night with his son. It was taking its toll and tonight he was paying for it.

“Can you give daddy a break for just one night? You know I love you, but you need to stop crying.” Max smiled as he heard his son’s soft cries die down. He hoisted him up higher on his chest and bounced him to a steady rhythm. Within minutes Elijah was fast asleep and Max quickly placed a kiss on his forehead before placing him back inside his crib.

Finally, he thought. “I’ll get some sleep,” he mumbled as his lids grew heavy once again and sleep claimed him.

****

When the alarm went off a few hours later that morning, Max groaned as he lifted his hand to shut it off.

It just couldn’t be time to get up, he thought.

After lying there for a few minutes he pushed the covers from his weary body and sat up. The room was empty as it was every morning when he awoke. Liz was downstairs with Elijah making his breakfast.

He walked over to his dresser and closet pulling out some clothes before hopping in the shower. He quickly showered and got dressed even quicker.

Max made his way downstairs and found his son in his cradle and Liz pouring a glass of orange juice.

“Morning!” Liz greeted a little too cheerfully for Max this morning.

“Morning,” he replied as he lifted his son up and kissed him good morning.

“I made you breakfast, Max.” Liz smiled and waited for Max to kiss her good morning. It never happened. Instead he took the plate from her hands and sat down at the table.

“Morning everyone! How is my precious grandson?” Nancy asked beaming brightly as she lifted Elijah and kissed his temple gently.

“He’s good, Mom.”

“Good. I heard him crying last night and I wasn’t sure if he was feeling well or not.” Nancy edged on having a pretty good idea of who was in fact getting up with Elijah in the middle of the night.

Nancy wasn’t blind. She could see her daughter was well rested every morning, while Max seemed to drag himself through the day.

“He was? I didn’t even hear him. Did you, Max?” Liz asked innocently. And Max had been trying to reign in his anger but this morning he couldn’t.

“Of course I did Liz. Who do you think gets up with him every single night? Not you. You’re always passed out and when I try to wake you, you won’t even budge.” Max bit out angrily.

Nancy just sat back and watched the story unfold. She had suspected that it was Max but now she knew for sure. Even more so, she had been wondering when Max would confront her about something else.

“I’m sorry. I honestly don’t hear it.” Liz tried to explain. She truly didn’t hear it when the baby cried. She was a very hard sleeper and Max knew it, so why was he making it seem like she did it on purpose?

“How could you, Liz? I’m sure after all the exertion learning to drive takes and doing whatever it is you do all day long, you’d pass out and not wake up for anything.” Max stood gulping down his orange juice.

“Max. I’m sorry. I know I’ve been going out a lot lately. It’s just that I haven’t been out of the house in so long. And I have to go back to school soon. I…”

“What do you think? I don’t want to go out? That I want to get up in the morning, go to school, then put in a few hours at work, come home to do hours of homework and somehow squeeze time in to spend time with my son and finally crawling into bed only to get up half a dozen more times during the night?” Max retorted sarcastically.

“That’s not what I said. I said I was sorry! You don’t have to be so hard on me all the time.” Liz rebutted back angrily.

“What?!” Max whipped his head around completely baffled.

“You know what I’m talking about.”

“No. I don’t. You go out everyday, you come home whenever you want. You leave Elijah home with your mother to watch. When I get home you kiss me goodbye and I don’t see you until the next morning. I’m sorry but where in that am I being hard on you?” he questioned succinctly.

“You expect too much from me!” Liz fired back.

“Too much? You think I expect too much from you? You’ve seriously lost it, Liz. I don’t expect enough from you.” Max pinned her with a furious gaze before kissing his son and bidding Nancy goodbye.

With a slam of the back door, Max was gone.

“Liz.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Liz answered back softly before extracting her son from her mother’s arms and making her way out of the room.

****

It had been an entire two days since Max looked at her. Liz was becoming more and more unsettled with the entire situation. She knew she wasn’t pulling her own weight but now that the damage was done, she didn’t know how to convince Max that she was sorry.

“Mom, where is everyone?” Liz asked as she entered the kitchen that Saturday morning. When she woke up, Max and Elijah were already gone.

“Oh honey. Good morning. Your father took Max and Elijah out this morning. I thought maybe you and I could do something today.” Nancy turned and faced her daughter. She knew that her and Max were still not on speaking terms. Nancy knew that Max had every right to be upset with, Liz. And although a small part of her thought he might be being too hard on her, the bigger part knew he wasn’t as furious with her as he should be.

Still Liz was her daughter and so she knew that the best thing to do at this point was to stay out of it.

“Sounds good! I just have to take a shower and get dressed.”

“So about an hour?”

“Yes, that would be perfect.” Liz smiled as she left the room. As soon as she made it to the staircase, her smile fell. She missed, Max. She now had the time to view the situation through his eyes. Liz knew she wasn’t being very fair with Max, and all this time he wasn’t looking for her apologies. No, in this instance Liz knew that for Max, actions spoke louder than words.

And she intended on rectifying the situation as soon as possible.

****

More than an hour later, Liz found herself in the middle of an empty living room, calling out for her mother.

“Oh honey! Back here!” Nancy called out from the back porch to her daughter.

As soon as Liz opened the sliding glass doors and stepped outside, her eyes went wide.

“Surprise!” Everyone that Liz knew were standing in her very nicely decorated backyard.

“Oh my God!” Liz covered her mouth in surprise as tears sprung to her eyes.

“We wanted to throw this for you before the baby came,” Nancy explained quickly and Liz simply smiled her gratitude and hugged her mother.

After over two hours of opening present after present the party was finally over and only a few people remained behind talking to Liz.

One of which was Serena, the other two were Maria and Isabel. Liz had seen them over the last few weeks, that was after all who she was hanging out with.

“So Liz, what are we doing tonight?” Maria asked.

“I won’t be able to go out tonight.” Liz looked her once best friend in the eyes.

“What? Max still pissed at you?” Maria questioned.

“Yeah.”

“We won’t keep you out long. We just have this invite to this great party across town. We could have you back by one or two.” Isabel spoke up.

“In the morning?” Serena had caught wind of the conversation as she helped Nancy clean up.

“Serena, hey!” Isabel turned to face her.

“Why don’t you come too?” Maria offered and Serena crossed her arms in front of her chest.

“I have a daughter, in case you guys forgot. And if I don’t watch her I don’t have someone sitting at home willing do to it for me.” Serena answered not looking at Maria and Isabel, but instead right at Liz, who visibly squirmed.

“Right. Liz if you change your mind, call me by eight.” Maria said as she walked away not realizing what her taking Liz out at night was actually doing to her relationship with Max. Serena watched both Maria and Isabel walk away, but she wasn’t angry with them. They didn’t know any better, but Liz did, and for that she was angry.

“Is that why Max is upset with you?” Serena bit out angrily. Liz was ruining the best thing in her life and didn’t even know it.

“Yes. I’ve been going out for the past two weeks with Maria and Isabel, and I’ve been getting back so late that I don’t hear the baby crying. So Max is stuck getting up with him.” Liz admitted shamefully.

“I don’t believe you, Liz. God! You don’t know how to fuck up a little bit do you?” Liz was taken aback by Serena’s words. She remained stoic.

“You know Max didn’t want me getting upset with you, so he didn’t tell me the truth. He loves you that much, still trying to protect you. You seriously need to grow up, Liz. I love you like a sister but there are some mistakes that cannot be forgiven. It would be a shame to see what you and Max have go to hell because you weren’t more careful with it…with him. Max is growing up quicker than he ever needed to, but he’s faced it without doubts. But you, you use that against him.” Serena accused. She was beyond furious. She had explained to Liz time and time again that she needed to be careful, that Max was a one of a kind and she was damned lucky to have found him. Now she was just throwing it all away, for what? A few nights out? On top of that, Serena knew that Max quit his job a week before saying that he really didn’t need it any longer. But she knew something was going on because he hardly spoke about Liz, and he was always so tired looking.

“I’m not using anything against him!” Liz retorted angrily.

“Yes you are. He’s faithful, and loving and caring and he’d do anything for you. He’d give up anything for you, just to make you happy. You expect so much from him and he feels like he’ll let you down if he doesn’t come through in the end. That’s not fair, Liz.”

Nancy paused at the door at the sound of Serena and Liz’s raised voices. Instead of breaking it up she decided to see just what was going on.

“I never told him to give anything up! Ever. And I don’t expect anything from him, except to love me and Elijah, that’s it!” Liz cried out.

“No that’s not it. You don’t even see it do you?” Serena surmised.

“See what?” Liz rushed out. She did not like hearing the truth coming from Serena. She hated that Serena knew her so well.

“At what cost does Max have to pay to love you?”

“There is no cost, Serena. He loves me because he chooses to love me.” Liz answered through clenched teeth.

“Aren’t you lucky? You don’t have to do anything for Max to love you,” Serena smiled sadly. Her friend really didn’t understand and Serena knew she couldn’t be the one to teach Liz either. Unfortunately, it was a lesson Liz was fated to learn on her own.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Liz crossed her arm in frustration.

“If only it were that easy. Liz, here is one thing I did learn. I may not have been in love before, but I know enough to be able to tell you this. Love should be about a feeling…not an obligation.” With that Serena brushed passed Liz and into the house, passed Nancy.

Liz fell to her knees in tears. Was it true? Was she that blind? Was Max giving up his happiness for her?

“Honey,” Nancy kneeled beside her daughter and pulled her in her arms.

“Mom, I don’t know what I’m doing anymore.” Liz cried out.

“Shh, you’ll figure it out.” Nancy tried to soothe.

“What if I don’t? What if I lose Max while I try to figure it out?” Liz pulled away swiping her eyes quickly.

“I wish I could give you an answer to help you, but I can’t. All I can say is, if you love him, and I know you do, you’ll work it out in time.” Liz blinked back the tears as she looked at her mother.

She then closed her eyes and prayed that the answer came to her sooner rather than later.


TBC…

A/N - Well I see most of you are upset with Liz, which I expected. However, there was one person that got exactly what I was trying to say:

vampyrax wrote:Boy I feel some angry readers coming on, I however am not one of them this is just how Liz has been through this story a bit selfish and immature not fatal flaws and Max knew she was like this from the start. I hope she just needs time to see her wrongs and make them right.

That is exactly right, Liz has been flawed and that was my intention

FSUMSW94 - Thanks for always listening to me when I ramble about my random thoughts on this and everything

AppleJacks - Liz does need to grow up, I agree. It's just not going to happen overnight. Thanks!

Earth2Mama - Uhm so you're just a *tad* upset with Liz. LOL!! Thanks!

Dreamer06 - I see where your anger comes from but she did just turn 17 and she is far from being grown up and it won't happen automatically now that she has a child Thanks!

Behrsgirl1230 - No worries, they'll find their way Thanks!

Luzser1800 - Thank you! I appreciate that and yes, not to say Max is a saint but he has accepted his responsibilites where Liz is lacking!

kay_b - You are asking a lot of me aren't you? Don't worry I have plans Thanks sweetie!

dreamer destiny - Yes, I could see how you would say she doesn't deserve Max, but Liz doesn't know how to be a mother. Just because she had a baby doesn't make her a mother, not by a long shot. She needs to understand what it means to be one, and it won't happen just like that not at her age and her frame of mind Thanks!!

isis7777 - Thank you and all I have to say is baby steps!!

harroc83 - No one is disagreeing that Liz is being selfish, but not everyone is made the same way. And being she has lived the life she has, there was one of two ways the situation could have played out. I chose to go with the more raw one. Liz needs to develop and the only way to do that sometimes is to hit rock bottom, I'm not sure that Liz is there yet. She's still confused, hopefully this part will help Thanks!!

Jason's Lover - Hey Crystal, I agree and I play on working on that Thanks!

Spicy trini1 - And you have captured what needs to happen and what is happening in a nutshell! Thank you!

mareli - Hey girl! You have also pinpointed something, Max is beeing very lax with Liz. He needs to step up and tell her something, but again they are teenagers and they don't have all the answers...soon things will come to a head. Thank you!

begonia9508 - You have described Liz perfectly...just one thing she is also scared Thanks!

frenchkiss70 - Tiph, I know you're angry...I will try and change that soon! Thanks!!

rigel - You are right someone needs to help Liz realize her responsibilities...just not yet. Thanks!

roswellgirl_21 - Hi there! I agree as well as you do about Liz, we'll just see how it plays out! Thank you!

BehrObsession - Don't worry, Liz is disappointed too, but she doesn't know what to do about that...yet. Thank you!

Ellie - Yet another think you've pointed out, communication which is something that is not happening between them. Thanks!

obsession - Thank you!! Liz has a lesson to learn and she will eventually.

adreamer - Things have a way of working out in the end, that is my belief. Thank you!

cherie - OMG! I left you speechless...oh shit I'm not sure about this part now LOL!! *muah* Thanks!

anonymousarfan - Serena is 100% right...let's see what she has to say in this part! Thanks!

Eccentric One - You got it! Liz has not bonded with her son at all. That is a major factor that you picked up on. Now...QB because of you I''m late in delivering this part...I love how I can blame you for making me lose my focus! Team Jezebel!! (lol) *muah*

Roswell 10/2/00 - Excellent idea, let's see if they can do it! Thanks!

Ace Roswell - Hi and thank you!!

linliz68 - Thank you girl!

rosbuffyangelfanatl - Thanks for the bump! Hope you enjoy!

Alien614 - Let's hope she doesn't lose Max Thanks!

Mariael311 - Hey girl!! You've been MIA! Welcome back! Thanks!

Lurkers - Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy!


Chapter 34

Four Weeks Later

Liz still hadn’t figured out how to better the situation between her and Max, even weeks later. He was at least talking to her and they were getting along much better.

Liz knew she hadn’t done anything, yet Max forgave her for the way she’d been acting over those two weeks. She didn’t do anything, and he forgave her. Liz still didn’t understand that one, but decided to let it go for now. She was happy to have him back.

“Liz, I’ll be back in about two hours. I’m going to play some ball with Michael and Alex.” Max said as he reached her room that Sunday.

“Wait? Don’t you work today?” Liz asked after she placed her book on the table and stood to meet him at the door.

“No. I quit a few weeks ago. Didn’t I tell you?” Max was sure he’d mentioned it to her.

“No, you didn’t. Why did you quit? I thought you liked working there?” Liz asked in confusion.

“I did, but I don’t anymore. I’m going to be late.” Max tried to walk out of the door but Liz gripped his arm gently.

“What does that mean? Why didn’t you tell me?” Liz asked sadly.

“I thought I did, Liz. I swear. It was during the first couple of weeks after Elijah was born, I wasn’t getting enough sleep and I didn’t want my grades to slip. I talked to your father and he agreed it would be best.” Max was still wracking his brain to figure out how he couldn’t have told Liz, but he knew he did.

“I don’t remember you saying that.” Liz was still trying to process that Max had made such a decision without discussing it with her.

“I did,” Max finally remembered.

“What?”

“I told you, you came home at midnight. Remember? I stayed up waiting for you to call me, but then you came home and I told you I quit.” Max replayed the conversation for her. He was hurt, but decided not to dwell on it.

“What did I say?” Liz couldn’t believe she forgot something as important as that.

“You told me to do what I needed.” Max finished flatly.

“God! I’m so sorry, Max. I guess I was really tired.” Max shrugged it off. He then leaned in and kissed her lips softly.

“I love you, and I’ll see you later.” Max kissed her one last time before leaving.

Liz was left speechless. How careless could she be? She slumped her shoulders before climbing into bed to cry.

Things were not getting any better.

****

“Just a minute!” Serena called out when she heard a knock on her door later that day.

“Liz!” Serena was surprised to say the least when she swung open her door. Her and Liz hadn’t really spoken all that much since the baby shower.

“Hi, are you busy?” Liz asked as Serena stepped aside to allow Liz to enter.

“No. I’m just about to give Sophia a bath.” Serena smiled and quickly pulled Liz into a hug.

“I missed you,” Liz said softly.

“Me too.” Serena nodded for Liz to follow her back into her room.

“Hey sweetie!” Liz said as she lifted Sophia into her arms and kissed her.

“God, she gets more beautiful by the day. Not fair at all.” Liz joked.

“I know. If only we were all so lucky. Come bring her.” Liz followed Serena into the bathroom.

“Just place her in here.” Liz placed Sophia into the baby bath and watched as Serena bathed her daughter.

“I just love giving her a bath. I don’t know maybe it’s because she always smells so sweet afterwards,” Serena started not looking at Liz. But when Liz didn’t respond, she turned to her and saw that Liz had tears in her eyes.

“Liz, what’s wrong?” Serena asked worriedly.

“Nothing. It’s nothing. I just need to get something to drink.” Liz sniffled before lifting up to her feet, leaving Serena very confused.

Twenty minutes later, Serena had bathed and dressed her daughter. Liz had not returned and Serena wondered if maybe Liz left, but when she entered the kitchen she saw Liz standing by the refrigerator crying.

“God, Liz what’s wrong?” Serena came up beside her best friend and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“Did you know that Max quit his job? Or that I’ve never given my son a bath? Or that I’m terrified that I’ve already lost Max?” Liz cried out and turned into her friends embrace.

“Shh, Liz. It will be okay.” Serena tried to comfort her.

“I feel like everything that I have is just slipping away and I’m letting it!” Liz cried out in frustration.

“Calm down and talk to me.” Serena ushered Liz to the nearest chair.

“Max went to play ball this afternoon and I asked him about work and he told me he quit a few weeks ago,” Liz sniffled and gratefully took the tissue Serena held out for her.

“Weeks!” Liz began to sob again.

“How could I not remember him telling me?”

“Liz,”

“No! You know what I was doing while Max was trying to make a decision about his job? I was out at a party with Maria and Isabel. How selfish could I be? He was waiting up for me, and I just blew him off! I’m a terrible person!” Liz’s tears clogged her throat making it difficult for Serena to understand her, but regardless she did.

“You are not a terrible person. You just need to get your priorities in order.”

“Ha! I can’t do that. You know why?” Serena shook her head.

“Because I don’t know what they are. I thought I did. Elijah and Max, keeping and making them happy. But I can’t. I’m not cut out for this.”

“What are you saying?” Serena asked cautiously.

“I’m saying that I’m falling apart and I don’t know what to do.”

“Talk to Max.”

“Are you kidding me? He practically looked like I kicked him in the gut when I asked him about his job. I can’t dump this on him.”

“Why not?”

“You said it yourself, Serena. Love is about feeling not obligation.”

“Oh no, you are not going to sit here and tell me what I meant by that. Because that was the farthest thing from my mind when I told you that. You need to talk to Max. He is the only person that can help you.”

“No. I need to figure this out on my own.”

“That’s not fair, he should know what you’re going through. Just try, Liz.” Serena pleaded softly.

“Okay. I’ll try.” Liz promised.

“Now what is this about, Elijah?”

“I’m a terrible mother. I’ve never given Elijah a bath. Max does it, it’s their time together.” Serena laughed.

“What is so funny?” Liz bit out hurtfully. How could she be laughing at a time like this, Liz wondered.

“It’s only their time because you choose not to be a part of it. I bet Max would love it if you helped. He won’t push you Liz. If that’s one thing I’ve noticed about Max when it comes to you, he’ll never force you do anything you’re not ready for.” Serena surmised quickly.

“Yeah, that’s true. Why do I always feel like I’m dumping my problems on you?” Liz asked dabbing her eyes dry.

“Because you do and I’m glad you do. I’m your friend, Liz. Don’t forget it. I might get angry or upset but that doesn’t change the way I feel about you.”

“Thank you.”

“Oh God! Before I forget, I need to speak to you about something really important.”

“Shoot.” Serena took a sip of the glass of water she’d left on the table earlier.

“After graduation, my parents, Max, Elijah and I are moving. My parents felt it would be best if they moved closer to Yale. Max and I have already been accepted, we received the letters in the mail three weeks ago. They knew we couldn’t afford it on our own. So we’re moving to a house that will be on the same property as my parent’s but it will give Max and I privacy as well.”

“Wow! That’s really great Liz. Congratulations on the college first of all, and secondly on the move. It will be so much better, and will help keep you focused on school and everything.” Serena finished with as much enthusiasm as she could muster up. She was sad that she’d be so far from Max and Liz, her only true friends in a long time.

“Wow, don’t sound so enthused?” Liz joked lightheartedly.

“Sorry. It’s just that you, Max and your parents have been so great to me ever since I moved here. It will be hard to let that go,” she finished sadly.

“Then don’t.” Liz said quickly.

“Then don’t what?” Serena asked curiously.

“Don’t let it go. Come with us.” Liz smiled but could tell Serena still didn’t understand.

“First of all, I don’t want you to think I’m trying to dictate your life or anything. I just wanted to put an offer on the table. You can take it or leave it. I of course would love it, if you took it, but no pressure.” Liz said with a bright smile on her face. She then proceeded to explain the plan of Serena and Sophia moving to Connecticut and living with her parents.

“Are your parents sure? I mean this is kind of weird.” Even as the words left her mouth, Serena couldn’t help but realize that it was an amazing opportunity to get away from her mother and just really start off fresh.

“Yes. My father is the one that suggested you live with them. You know my parents don’t buy small. Hell I wouldn’t be surprised if you barely saw them in the size house they are looking to buy. Max and I would hate to leave you, and I know it’s kind of unorthodox, but we would love to have you. Besides, I couldn’t imagine going through the crisis that is my life, without you.” Liz finished sincerely. She couldn’t read Serena’s expression, but she still held onto hope.

“What about school? I mean I haven’t decided yet, not that I’ve applied.”

“What do you mean? You haven’t applied?” Liz asked confusingly.

“I was going to work fulltime to get a place for me and Sophia.”

“You don’t want to go to school?”

“Of course I do! But realistically even taking out loans I can’t afford to go to school full time and work full time.” Serena explained, not the least bit bitter that Liz never had to worry about things such as that. In fact she was grateful, Liz was wholeheartedly unprepared for what the real world had to offer, or lack there of. Liz would find out soon enough and Serena would be there to help her, she promised silently.

“I think we can all work on that. Besides there are some really good schools in the area. Even if you started out at a community college first,” Liz finished optimistically.

“Let me think about it. I’ll be by tonight to talk to you and your parents, okay?”

“Sounds good!”

****

“Hey baby, where have you been?” Max asked as he emerged from the shower to find his girlfriend and son in his bedroom.

“I went to see Serena that’s about it. How was the game?” Liz asked as Max came to sit beside her and kissed her lips softly. He then leaned over and kissed his son softly.

“He missed you,” Liz smiled up at Max.

“I missed you too, Max.” Max couldn’t resist, he lifted her onto his lap and kissed her thoroughly. Very aware that their son was between them, Max simply framed her face in his hands to plant sweet kisses all over her face.

“The feeling is mutual. So what are the plans for today?” Max asked stroking her hair and shoulder softly.

“I know Serena is coming over for dinner. I told her about the move and she’s going to give us her decision tonight.”

“That’s great. I hope she accepts.” Max smiled genuinely at her. He missed Liz, his Liz and he hoped to get her back soon.

“Me too. Other than that, I was thinking maybe we could go to the park before dinner.” Liz asked unsure of herself, she wasn’t sure why, but she was.

“I think that’s a great idea,” Max smiled and kissed her lips once again before extracting her from his lap to get dressed.

“Okay, let’s go.” Max reached out his hands and Liz placed Elijah in his father’s arms. Max cradled him against his chest and Liz was set to follow behind them, but instead to her surprise he reached out his hand for her to take. And she did so with a bright smile.

Things were already looking up, she thought.

****

Serena had come to dinner that night and accepted the offer the Evans’ so graciously offered.

Max and Liz were settling in for the night and Max was about to give Elijah his bath, when Liz crept up behind him.

“Can I…help,” Liz finished meekly. This was a bad idea, she thought.

“You want to?” Max asked hesitantly. He didn’t think she liked bathing Elijah since she never offered to do it or even helped before.

“If you’ll show me what to do.” Liz looked up at Max with hope shinning in her eyes, along with fear.

“Of course. He’ll be happy to have bath time with mommy,” Max smiled and handed her their son.

Liz held her son close to her chest and nuzzled her nose against his neck, he was still so small and seemed so fragile. Did he even know who she was, she wondered?

“Liz, come on. Just kneel down and place him in the tub, you have to support him.” Max explained and watched as Liz followed his instructions.

“He doesn’t like the washrag very much, so make sure you put enough soap on there for him.” Max continued to softly guide Liz through the routine their son liked best. And before Liz knew it, she was bathing her son. As small as a feat it was, to Liz it was a giant step in the right direction.

After kissing him goodnight, Liz turned on his mobile and turned off his nursery light before making her way into the bedroom where Max was next door.

“Hey, he asleep?” Max asked looking up from his notebook. He had a final the next day and wanted to look over his notes one last time.

“Yeah. Thank you, Max.” Liz said as she crossed the room and climbed into bed with him.

“For what?” he asked confusingly.

“The bath. I wasn’t sure I could do it and…”

“Why would you think that? Liz, you were just scared, it’s okay and it’s perfectly normal. I felt the same way.” Max explained.

“Why did you do it then? How?” she asked wondering why it always seemed that when it came to their son, Max was up for any and every challenge. Making her feel like there was something wrong with her for not getting with the program as quickly.

“You didn’t, so I couldn’t let him go without a bath.” Max joked lightly and quickly wanted to kick himself.

“Don’t cry, Liz.” He pleaded, dropping his notebook to the floor and pulling her into his arms.

“I haven’t been a good mother or girlfriend,” Liz cried out into his neck.

“Shh, its just been hard. And you are a great mother, Liz. Don’t doubt that. You just have to adjust to it, no one said it would happen instantly.”

“It should. Cause it would make it easier.” Liz laughed when she felt Max smile against her cheek.

“Yeah it would. Oh and a step by step manual would be great, don’t you think?” He joked.

“God, yes!” They both broke into a fit of laughter before settling comfortably next to each other.

“I love you, Max. I know I have a really weird way of showing you that lately. But I do. And I’m so grateful for your patience with me, through everything.” Liz spoke out into the dark room while being held in his comforting arms.

“Liz, I told you. I’ll always love you and I’m not perfect and I don’t expect you to be either. I just need you with me,” Max finished softly while running his hands through her long soft tendrils of hair.

“I’m with you. I know I don’t act like it, but I am. I swear I am.” Liz vowed lifting herself on her elbows to regard him.

“Good. Goodnight, Liz.” Max leaned up and captured her lips in a soft kiss.

“Night.” Liz laid her head back against his chest and listened as his breathing evened out. It was then and only then that Liz began to cry.

It was for the first time that Liz realized the relationship she had with Max had changed. He loved her, of that she had no doubt. In fact, Liz knew that Max would love her no matter what, but that was not her reason for crying.

Liz’s reason for crying was that she just knew without a doubt she would somehow make Max question her love for him. She didn’t know where the feeling came from, but it was there. It settled in her heart like a brick and no matter how much she tried to push it to the side, it just wouldn’t move.

Liz took a deep breath and decided it was her nerves and guilt over the past few weeks that were getting to her. Shortly thereafter, she followed Max into slumber.

TBC…

A/N - I know you guys are all on Liz...that's cool...and I totally understand...but again like I said things will get better soon. Just a little transition part for you

I wanted to say this because well it's important to me. The fact that you guys support me and take a moment to let me know how you feel. Whether you want to pounce Liz now and again or just to say that you can't wait to see where I take it, means a lot. So I appreciate it and I hope that you enjoy this little part!!

Thank you!


Chapter 35


The weeks turned into months and soon graduation would be upon them. The past few months had still been trying on both Max and Liz but their relationship had reached a new understanding.

Liz had tried to make an effort with Max and with Elijah, and somewhere she had decided that all those torrid thoughts about failing as a mother and failing Max were better left unsaid and not thought of. Gone, but not forgotten.

Liz had returned to high school to finish out her senior year, while Nancy watched the baby.

Max on the other hand was counting the days until graduation. He couldn’t wait to start college and to move. The quicker he graduated college, the quicker he’d be able to get a job in the field he’d always dreamed of.

So many things lingered over their heads, but they both heeded none of the signs. Max loved Liz and Liz loved Max. That was enough…for now.

****

“What about this one, Liz?” Maria lifted up a yellow dress she thought Liz might like.

“No. It’s really pretty, but I don’t like it.” Liz shrugged. They had been at every store in town for hours and she had yet to find her prom dress.

“So is Max excited about prom?” Isabel asked as she pulled yet another dress off the rack to try on.

“Yeah, I guess.”

Serena turned her head quickly and eyed Liz suspiciously. Liz dared not look into Serena’s eyes.

“I’m sure he could care less about prom. He’s probably looking forward to prom night,” Maria winked as she brushed passed another aisle of dresses.

“I’m sure he is.” Liz answered softly.

“So, Liz are you and Max going home after prom or are the parentals going to watch Elijah?” Isabel asked.

“I honestly don’t know. We haven’t talked about it really,” Liz answered vaguely. Serena was under sheer suspicion that Liz was holding something back.

“Well more power to you. I still don’t know how you keep your hands off of Max.” Maria said as she waved her hands nonchalantly in the air.

“Maria!” Isabel screeched out.

“What? It’s the truth. I know I would jump his ass every chance I got.”

“I don’t know. I mean we haven’t done anything since I was seven months pregnant.” Liz nibbled on her lower lip and she scrunched her nose up in disgust over yet another dress.

“What?!” All three girls shrieked out.

“What?” Liz asked confusingly.

“Liz, you and Max haven’t slept together in over five months?” Isabel asked blushing bright red.

“Yeah. I’m scared. I mean I have had a baby what if it doesn’t feel good for him anymore? I did push that baby out of there, it can’t be tight anymore.” Liz’s cheeks burned a bright crimson and the other girls couldn’t help but giggle.

“I’m serious.”

“I know you are, but my mom says it goes right back.” Maria offered.

“Okay. But what about stretch marks? I have them…I thought I wouldn’t get them but I have a few and they aren’t pretty. Max isn’t going to like the way I look.” Liz lowered her gaze to the floor.

“Are you crazy?! Liz you don’t look like you’ve had a kid. I should be so lucky.” Serena spoke up for the first time.

“You? Are you crazy? You’re tall and beautiful, you are the one that looks like she hasn’t had a baby.” Liz rushed out dramatically.

“Liz, I assure you. It will be good for him and he’ll love your body. Trust me.” Serena offered with a knowing smirk.

“I don’t know. I’ll have to talk to Max.”

“Yeah, you do that.” Serena threw over her shoulder as she lifted a dress off the rack.

****

Liz had still not found a prom dress but that wasn’t what plagued her that night. No, it was the fact that she needed to talk to Max about prom and prom night. She swallowed thickly. This wasn’t supposed to be this hard. They had no problems having sex before Elijah, what would be the difference now?

“Hey, so did you shop until you dropped?” Max asked as he walked briskly into the room with his son.

“Did you miss daddy?” Max lifted his son over his head and waited for the reassuring cooing that would spill from his son’s mouth.

“Oh yeah, you missed me little man. I love you.” Max pulled his son down and kissed his forehead before passing him over to Liz.

“There you go, give the goo goo eyes to mommy. She loves it.” Max winked at Liz as he began to undress.

Liz couldn’t help but watch him, as she did every night. The tight, bulging muscles in his back and arms. She watched closely as he undid his jeans and let them fall from his thighs. Then he turned around and walked over to his closet beside the bed, and she watched the taunt ripples in his abdomen flex with every stride he took. God, she missed feeling him…touching him.

She straightened herself out and wiped the beads of perspiration from her forehead. Liz lifted her son and placed him on his back on the bed.

Max soon slipped in beside her and rested his hand on his son’s round tummy.

“He loves it when you come home. He knows when you leave, I think that’s amazing.” Liz smiled down and kissed Max’s lips.

“You know what I think is amazing?” Max asked resting up on one elbow to regard her.

“What?” she questioned softly.

“That he was inside you and now he’s here. That you gave birth to him, I think that’s truly amazing.” Max leaned up and captured her lips in a hungry kiss. He wanted her, had wanted her for a long time, but was never sure if she was ready or not.

“Max, we need to talk about prom.” Liz ran a finger over her swollen lips. It had been quite a while since Max kissed her that passionately. She missed it.

“What about it?”

“We’re going, as you know.” She said with a small smile playing on her lips.

“Yes. I remember I asked you.”

“Right. So what about prom night?” Max blinked repeatedly. Was she asking him about prom night casually or was she asking him something more? He didn’t know. All he knew was at that moment his heart was racing.

“Prom night?” Max half choked on his words.

“Yeah. Isabel mentioned something about her parents letting her have the cabin for the night. We could all go together.” Liz shrugged still not looking Max in the eyes.

“If you want that is,” Liz finished in a whispered tone.

“If I want? Of course I want.” Max leaned up into a sitting position and then motioned for Liz to join him. She did without hesitation.

Max wrapped his arms around her waist and tilted his head up to regard her. “I want to be with you, Liz. I miss it, but I don’t want to rush you. So, if you’re not ready it’s okay. We can still go to the cabin, that won’t change anything.” Max reassured her quickly.

“No. I want to, but…” Liz trailed off. She didn’t want him to know what she was thinking.

“What?” She shook her head.

“Tell me, please. I’ll tickle you until you do.” Max teased and when she still wouldn’t divulge the answers, Max began to tickle her. She squirmed in his lap and that was turning out to be a bad thing.

“Liz,” Max stopped when Liz’s lips began to suckle his neck softly. He ran his hands up her back and pushed her closer against his body.

“Hmm,” Liz moaned out softly when Max’s hand found the underside of her nightgown. He quickly moved his lips over hers, plunging his tongue into her mouth hungrily. She tasted better than he remembered.

“Too long,” she gasped as she threw her head back.

“Yes…too long,” Max confirmed with a smirk of satisfaction on his lips. He moved his hands to her soft thighs and began to run his hands up them ever so gently. He reveled in the sounds of her soft whimpering moans.

“It feels so good, Max.” Liz gasped out as he found the damp curls between her thighs and began to glide his fingers over them.

“God! Don’t stop,” Liz moaned out and pulled his lips to hers hungrily. She began to shamelessly grind herself against his ever-growing erection.

“I won’t…trust me,” Max said between kisses. His fingers finally coming into contact with her moist center. He quickly slid a finger inside of her warmth.

“Oh…Max….” Liz moaned out and Max quickly moved his lips from her neck to her mouth, successfully swallowing her moans of pleasure.

He plunged his fingers deeply inside of her over and over until she was writhing beneath him uncontrollably, gasping for air for her starved lungs.

“Oh God…yes….Max….yes!” Liz moaned out as quietly as possible as her entire body shuddered in ecstasy. Her head thrown back, lips parted and her chest heaving. She was completely beautiful in his eyes.

“You feel better?” Max asked with a half smile adorning his lips.

“Much. God that was…” Liz had no words. It had been a long time since she’d felt that feeling only Max could bring her to feel.

“I know. I love you.” Max smiled and then began to chuckle.

“What?” Liz asked sounding hurt.

“Not you baby. Oh God! Our poor son.” Max grumbled and then nodded and watched as their son slept peacefully right beside them.

“Oh God! I am a bad mother!” Liz cried out dramatically.

“No, you’re not. But we can’t do that again.” He smiled devilishly at her and she agreed with a silent nod of her head.

“Max, what about you?” Liz asked when she returned from bringing their son to his room. Max was almost asleep by the time she got back.

“I’m okay, Liz. It was enough to see you like that.” He rolled over and kissed her goodnight, pulling her flush against his body before falling asleep.

Liz laid there in the dark for a moment longer, before making a silent promise to make up for tonight at prom.

TBC…

A/N - Okay guys here is the new part, just don't kill me when you get to the end of it. I'll be back soon with the new part because well...there are only 2 parts left of this story and then it's over

Thank you for your feedback...heated or otherwise, it keeps things interesting. Hope you enjoy!!

Chapter 36

The prom was here before any of them knew it. And that found Liz Parker pacing her bedroom floor like a caged animal. She was excited yet terrified at the same time.

“Liz, you want to calm down?” Serena asked as soon as she entered her best friends room.

“I can’t. What am I thinking? I can’t sleep with, Max.” Liz turned wild eyes towards Serena.

“You can’t? Surely you can. After all you’ve already made a baby, so obviously it was good enough for seconds…and thirds…and f…”

“I got it smart ass. That’s not what I mean. It’s like we have a mission tonight, to have sex and that’s a lot of pressure.” Liz tried to explain her feelings.

“Liz, this is Max. He’d never put pressure on you or on this.” Serena tried to reason.

“Right! You’re right. Okay. I need to get dressed,” Liz looked down and saw she was still in Max’s t-shirt.

“Yeah good idea.” Serena smiled and walked towards Liz’s closet to help her with her dress.

“Liz, this dress is going to look so great on you.” Serena said as she placed the dress across Liz’s bed.

“You think? I’m not sure about the color at all.” Liz shrugged. It was the last dress she tried on and she still wasn’t sure, but she had run out of time.

“It will look perfect.”

“Now why don’t you get dressed and I’ll wait downstairs with Max.” Serena gave her friend an encouraging smile before slipping out the door.

Liz took a deep breath as she prepared herself to get dressed.

****

“Lizzie?” Jeff knocked on his daughter’s bedroom door about an hour later.

“Come in!” Liz called out.

Once he walked into the room, carrying his grandchild, he saw that his daughter was still not ready.

“Look who came to check on his mommy?” Jeff joked as he reached out and handed Elijah to her.

Liz smiled and held him close to her chest as she kissed the top of his head. She nodded for her father to take a seat on her bed.

“Is Max getting impatient?”

“Actually, no. He’s watching television with Serena and her date, John.”

“Where is mom? Did she get what I asked her for?” Liz asked bouncing Elijah on her knee. It was something she learned that he loved and she couldn’t help but smile at his baby giggles.

“Yes, she’s on her way here with it. I figured I’d bring him to you so you can get ready.” Jeff leaned in and kissed his daughter before standing.

“What dad?” Liz asked embarrassed by his staring.

“I just want to tell you, that I’m proud of you Liz. I know that things are tough sometimes but I have faith in you.” Jeff smiled before being interrupted by Nancy.

“I’m here honey. I’m sorry I had to wait for them find it.” Nancy quickly placed the packages she had in her hands on the bed.

“It’s okay. We were just talking.”

“I’ll see the three of you soon.” Jeff said as he left the room.

Nancy turned to her daughter and couldn’t help the tears that sprung to her eyes.

“Mom, why are you crying?” Liz didn’t want to get completely emotional before she showed Max her surprise.

“Nothing! Okay let’s get ready.” Nancy began to rummage through the bags she brought. They had some work to get done and not a lot of time to do it in.

****

“What the hell is taking her so long?” Max was indeed impatient and it had nothing to do with waiting for Liz and everything to do with tonight. He was a young man and he had needs and hormones that were threatening to drive him crazy.

Max loved Liz and tonight would be special no matter what, but just the thought of being able to make love to her again, was too much for his seventeen-year-old body.

“Max, would you mind if I took some pictures of you?” Jeff asked as he stood in the doorway with his camera in hand.

“Sure.” Max stood and followed Jeff out the back door.

“So, tonight’s a big night.” Jeff began the conversation as casually as possible. This was awkward for him even though he had a grandson.

“Yeah, I know Liz has been waiting for this day for a long time.” Max began to feel his pulse quicken. He shook the lurid thoughts from his mind and concentrated on Jeff.

After a few pictures, Jeff lowered his camera and called Serena out for some pictures as well. At that point Max thought he was off the hook. Surely Jeff was not going to give him the sex talk considering he and Liz already had Elijah.

“Do the both of you have protection?” Jeff asked bluntly and both Max and Serena began a series of choking fits.

“Oh my God!” Serena couldn’t hold her shock in any longer.

“What? I might have a grandson that I love to death, but that doesn’t mean that I want a granddaughter to go with that, right now that is.” Jeff joked. He enjoyed seeing the two teens squirm.

“Right. Okay. Is Liz ready yet?” Max asked as he made his way passed Jeff and Serena. It was getting too intense out there.

“They’ll be fine, Mr. Parker.” Serena reassured him.

“I know they will be.” Jeff smiled and ushered Serena back into the house.

****

“Oh God! He looks so adorable!” Liz gushed over her son. He was wearing a little black and white tuxedo.

“He does Liz, and you my daughter look beautiful.” Nancy smiled as she observed Liz holding Elijah up admiring him.

“He looks just like Max, he’s so perfect. I can’t believe it.” The words had slipped passed her lips before she knew it.

Nancy was going to speak up, but decided at that moment to allow Liz a moment with her son, so she slipped out of the door undetected.

“Why didn’t I see it?” Liz spoke in awe as she sat on her desk chair with her son settled comfortably on her lap. She brushed his dark brown hair back and kissed his cheeks.

Elijah laughed when he caught his reflection in the mirror across the room. Liz followed his line of vision and looked at the picture they made together. Funny thing was that when she looked at his reflection in the mirror, for the first time she saw herself. He wasn’t just Max’s son he was hers as well. His eyes might have matched his father’s but the shape of them, were hers. His lips were hers and his smile was perfection, and all his own.

“I’m so sorry, baby. I neglected you for so long.” Liz pulled him to her chest and began to cry. She cried for her son, for the love she should have been showering him with. But instead she was too busy trying to get her ‘life’ back. How selfish she had been with him. How threatened she felt by her own son. And as her sobs took control of her petite body, she realized that the only place she wanted to be was with Max and Elijah. The only true happiness she’d ever known was because of them.

Pulling her composure together, she wiped her eyes and stood. She cradled her son in her arms and peppered his face with kisses. Whatever nightmare she was making herself live in was over and tonight was a night of new beginnings…for all three of them.

****

A few minutes later, Liz made her way downstairs with Elijah hoisted comfortably on her hip.

“Finally! I thought I was going to have to…God…” Max’s words caught in his throat the moment he laid eyes on Liz and their son.

“Liz,” he whispered in awe. She was by far the most beautiful girl he’d ever laid eyes on. His eyes moved down to the perfect bundle of joy gripping his mother’s dress and resting his head against her shoulder. He was beautiful, just like his mother, he thought.

“Hello handsome. I wanted to surprise you,” Liz smiled brightly and more importantly confidently. The fog that she’d been living in, cleared and she finally saw the way Max looked at her. Like she was perfect and beautiful, she swallowed passed the lump of regret in her throat.

Liz came to stand in front of him and kissed his lips softly, then passed their son to him.

“He looks so good! I can’t believe it!” Max’s eyes were round with amazement and happiness as he lifted his son up and kissed his chubby cheeks.

“I know. I thought that even though he can’t come to prom, that we could take pictures with him here. You know, so we could have something to tell him about when he gets older.” Liz smiled timidly.

Max’s eyes quickly darted from his son’s to Liz. There was something different about her tonight, he didn’t know what it was though. He decided to not focus on that for too long and just enjoy the moment.

“You look beautiful.” Max offered with a bright smile. Liz smiled back shyly before reaching for Elijah.

“We should take some pictures. I’m sure Serena is probably pulling her hair out waiting for me.” Liz joked.

“Yeah. You can say that.”

****

After taking two rolls of film worth of pictures, Liz, Max, Serena and her date left for the Prom. Afterwards, they would be going to dinner. That however wasn’t what Liz was looking forward to.

“Dance with me?” Max asked as he extended his hand for Liz to take. He ushered her to the dance floor, pulled her against his body as they began to sway to the music that filled the air.

“I love you,” he murmured in her ear. Liz reared back to look him in the eyes, “I love you, too.” They smiled at one another before sealing their lips.

The night was going by without incident, which Liz couldn’t have been happier about. Max had just left her at the table to use the restroom, when a familiar face made its way over to her.

Liz rolled her eyes in exasperation. “What do you want?”

“Aww, come on Liz. I just wanted to say congratulations on the baby.” Charlie Stevens, was not Liz’s favorite person. He used to make fun of her all the time, so why was he suddenly sitting next to her?

“Thank you. But I think it would be best if you left.” Liz looked over his shoulder for Max, but he was nowhere in sight.

“I have to say, you don’t look like you’ve had a kid,” Charlie slured out getting too close for comfort for Liz. He was drunk and Liz decided it was best if she walked away. Just as she stood he grabbed her arm and pulled her into his lap and without warning captured her lips in a kiss.

Liz was stunned. She took a moment to react, but that moment served to be too long.

“What the fuck are you doing?!” Came the voice from behind her. Liz jumped off of Charlie’s lap to see the angry and hurt face of the love of her life.

“Max, it’s not what you think,” Liz rushed out.

“Liz…what were you doing?” Max asked again trying to hold back the bile rising in his throat. After leaving the bathroom he ran into Michael and Alex. He spoke to them for a few minutes before making his way over to Liz, only to find her making out with another guy.

“Nothing! I…” Liz still didn’t know what the hell happened herself. One minute she was standing the next his lips were on hers.

“Nothing?! It didn’t look like that to me! You were kissing him!” Max yelled out enraged at this point. How could she be denying it?

“No, he kissed me.” Liz shook her head profusely. This was not happening.

“I didn’t see you pull away.” Max retorted sarcastically.

“Max…” Liz began to explain but Max cut her off abruptly.

“I don’t want to hear it, Liz. I’m done with this bullshit.” Max turned on his heels and left her standing there wondering how the hell she was going to get him to listen to her.

TBC…

A/N - So here we are...The End. I was just looking through my notes on this fic, and I just realized I've been writing it for a year! A whole freaking year! Damn, that's a long time But now it's over. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone that has helped me along the way, whether it be via feedback, PM's, e-mail or good ole' MSN. There were times I was at a stand still with the story, but all of you combined helped me through those rough patches.

I'm going to stop rambling now, but I have to give a special thanks to Tiffany and La'Shon. You both know what you do for me, and I always thank you, but sometimes that word fails in comparsion to what you give to me

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Chapter 37

As quickly as her legs would take her, Liz was darting after Max. She ran down the hall calling after him, but he didn’t stop.

“Max, wait!” Liz called out as soon as she cleared the doorway, but it was too late Max had taken off in a dead run. There was no way she was going to catch up with him now.

Liz felt the weight of the world crashing down on her shoulders, what was she going to do? Quickly pulling herself together she turned and searched for the limo driver. Running up to him breathlessly she begged him to get her out of there.

“Liz!”

“Liz!” She turned quickly when she heard Serena’s voice.

“Oh God!” Liz broke down in tears.

“What happened? Where’s Max?” Serena rushed out holding onto Liz’s shoulders.

“I…Charlie kissed me.”

“What?! That asshole!” Liz just nodded as the tears streamed down her flawless cheeks.

“I know. And Max saw and…he left.”

“Left? Didn’t you explain?”

“I did…I tried but he didn’t want to listen. Now he’s gone and I have to find him.” Serena nodded.

“You will. Take the limo. I’ll get a ride home, don’t worry.”

“But…”

“Just go!” Serena watched as Liz jumped into the passenger’s side of the limo.

“You’ll find him, don’t worry,” Serena reassured her.

“I hope so,” Liz whispered to herself as they drove away in the direction of Max’s departure.

****

“What the fuck!” Max yelled out angrily up at the night sky. They were having a great time and then she’s kissing someone else? He didn’t understand it, but it made him sick.
As soon as the fresh air filled his lungs, he ran and ran. He didn’t stop until he ended up at the bus stop ten blocks away. He sought comfort from the one person that always seemed to be able to do so.

His mother.

“It hurts so bad, mom. So bad. How could she? I thought she loved me, I thought…I don’t know.” Max shook his head in frustration. Today was perfect or so he thought until he say her sitting in another guys lap kissing him. It hurt more than he ever thought it would. Finally, he let go and cried.

His shoulder’s shook as the tears ran steadily like a waterfall down his cheeks. God, it hurt and he didn’t know how to make it stop.

It felt like hours before he stopped crying but in reality it was a few minutes short of an hour. Max wiped the tearstains and sat up a little straighter against the tree trunk. It was getting late and as much as he wanted to hide from her, he knew he couldn’t. He closed his eyes once more, and then he heard it. It was faint, but he’d recognize that voice anywhere.

“Max!” Liz cried out. She had searched everywhere she could think of and then she realized she was looking in the wrong place.

Max stood dusting off his pants and avoiding her cries. He needed to stay strong and not give into her. This was serious and he couldn’t be the pacifist any longer in their relationship.

“Max, thank God I found you,” Liz finished breathlessly. She had lost her heels somewhere along the way, but it didn’t matter. What mattered right now was getting things straight with Max.

“What do you want?” Max asked coldly.

“I needed to talk to you.”

“About what?” Max pinned her with an incredulously stare.

“What you saw.”

“I don’t care.”

“How can you say you don’t care?” Liz asked not a little hurt by his lack of emotions.

“Easy. I don’t care. It’s your life, Liz. So far you’ve lived it the way you wanted, so why should I stop you now?”

“No. Don’t be like that. Today was a great day, Max. Charlie kissed me and I was shocked, but I was just going to pull away when you approached us. He was drunk and…” Liz began to cry, she didn’t want to cry. She wanted to be strong enough to tell Max how sorry she was for everything.

“Max, that’s not important.”

“The hell it is. What happened?” Max asked again, his anger deflating. He had no doubt that Liz wouldn’t lie to him about this, but he needed the full story.

Taking a few steps closer to him, Liz began to explain what happened.

“Do you believe me?” Liz asked hesitantly. Max just nodded.

“Max we need to talk about us now.” Max didn’t say a word; he simply sank back to the ground and watched as Liz settled on her knees in front of him.

Liz knew this was not going to be easy. This was a long over due conversation and she knew it.

“I don’t know how to start this,” she began softly. “I owe you the biggest apology for my behavior. I took so many things for granted and that wasn’t fair to you.” Max huffed softly.

“You know, I’ve waited to hear you say that a thousand times. But I have to ask, what’s the sudden change?” Max looked into her tear filled eyes for an answer.

“I looked at our son today, and I realized for the first time how perfect he really is. He’s the best part of me, the best part. And I took his love for granted. I wasn’t his mother when I should have been, when he needed me to be. I know I can’t go back and fix it, but I can start from right here. But…”

“But what, Liz?” Max asked softly.

“I need you with me to do that.” Liz looked at him closely, he wasn’t ready to let the hurt go and she understood. So she backed away.

“You were my first love, our son was my second and that’s the way I was looking at our relationship. But I realized tonight when I looked at Elijah in my lap, that he’s not just your son, he’s mine as well. And I realized that I love him more than anything…even you. I took for granted that I had you and my parents, and I left you holding the bag. I was blaming you for something you had no control over.” Realization dawned on Liz at that moment. She finally figured out what was holding her back all along.

Max looked at her confusingly and then asked, “What were you blaming me for? Getting pregnant?” he asked sadly.

Liz shook her head and stood. “No. I was blaming you for loving me second.”

“Liz…” Max stood quickly, but she took a step back.

“No, Max. I just realized that I was my own worst enemy. I was pushing you, and Elijah away because I was jealous of your love for him. Even though I’ve said it to myself a hundred times, that it didn’t matter. But it did. And it shouldn’t have, because you love me like I love you. And we love him more than anything in the world.” Liz paused for a moment and looked up to the sky.

Max watched her closely. She was moments from a complete breakdown, but he knew she needed to finish what she started.

“You know what the sad part is? I was blaming you for loving him more than me, when I myself was doing the same thing. I was just so blinded by the thought of losing you.” Tears leaked from the corners of her eyes and Max quickly took her in his arms.

“Liz, I should have asked you what was wrong. I could have, and I didn’t. I knew something was wrong, but I thought you needed time. Now, I know I was wrong. You didn’t need time, you needed me.” Liz stepped out of his embrace.

“No, Max. I should have been there for you and Elijah. I shouldn’t have been running away from my feelings and I sure as hell shouldn’t have left you to take care of our son. I was stupid, and irresponsible and…” The remainder of her words were muffled by his lips crashing down on hers. He framed her delicate face between his hands, kissing her with desperate need.

Max then pulled her flush against his body as he dragged his lips against hers. He wanted to hold her like that forever and never let go. Liz folded her arms around his neck as he continued to make love to her mouth, softly and roughly all at the same time.

“I love you,” Liz moaned out as Max kissed a trail down her neck.

“I love you, Liz.” Max pulled her up against him harder, he needed to be with her and he couldn’t wait.

“Max, we need to stop.” Liz pulled away reluctantly and they both took in their surrounds. They were in a cemetery, which was definitely not the place for that.

“Let’s go.” Max leaned over and picked her up in his arms.

****

“Are you sure this is okay?” Max asked as the limo pulled up to the Isabel’s parents cabin.

“Yes, they won’t be here for at least another couple of hours.” Liz smiled as she slid out of the back seat.

Max followed her up the stairs to the cabin. Liz removed the keys Isabel had given her from her purse and opened the door.

“Wow, this place is so beautiful.” Liz said as soon as Max flicked on the lights, but he could have cared less. The only beauty in the room was her.

“I think I’ve seen enough of this room,” Max said as he nuzzled his nose against her exposed neck.

Liz giggled and dragged Max to the back room. She didn’t even have a chance to open the door fully before Max had her in his arms and slammed the door closed behind them.

Max placed her on her feet in front of the bed and began to undress her slowly. He wanted to remember this moment…this day, for the rest of his life.

After they had shed their clothing Max laid on top of Liz, kissing every inch of her before he finally reached her lips.

“Max?” Liz asked panting softly.

“Yes, baby?” Max asked resting himself on his elbows, being careful not to crush her.

“Thank you.”

“For what?” he asked unsure of what she was referring to.

“For loving me the way you do.” Liz smiled and kissed his lips gently.

“Thank you, Liz.” He returned the sentiment.

“For what?”

“For teaching me that life does go on, and that one bad thing can bring about so many good things.” Max quickly swiped the tears from her eyes before leaning in and kissing her. He pulled back a minute later.

“What’s wrong?” Liz asked when he pulled away abruptly.

“I forgot to thank you for one other thing.” A small smile played on his lips.

“What?”

“For baking me the best damned cookies I’ve ever eaten.” They both laughed out at his silliness.

“You always had such a way with words.” Liz slapped his arm gently.

“And don’t you forget it.” Max finished and sealed their lips together once again. Their bodies tangled together creating a perfect puzzle.

“I need you so bad, Liz.” Max panted out into the dimly lit room.

“I’m all yours, Max.” Liz whispered out and spread her legs giving him the room he needed to bring their bodies together.

Max leaned in and kissed her lips hungrily, just as he plunged into her body. Their bodies moved fluidly and languidly. Neither of them wanting to rush any of the sensations coursing through their bodies.

“Forever, Max…I need you forever.”

“I’ll never leave you, Liz…never.” Max crushed his lips to hers, sliding his tongue in and out of her mouth, mimicking the movements of their bodies. Soon they were racing to the end, to the moment when both of their bodies would wash over in pleasure. They clung to each other, bodies slick from sweat and their hearts beating rapidly as they both allowed the sensations to wash over them.

“You felt so incredible, I don’t know how I went so long without you.” Liz said as she lay on top of Max moments later.

“Me either, but I know that I never want to wait that long. In fact,” he reached down and pulled her against his hardness. “We need to catch up, we owe it to ourselves. We’re still young, Liz.” He leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose.

“And that means?” she teased.

“That there’s room for improvement and a plenty of time for practice for baby number two.” Max smiled cheekily at his love, before feeling her move above him.

“I think you’re right, Evans. So how about we work on my technique?” Liz asked as she slowly sank herself down on him.

“Oh…I think you’ve perfected that move.” Max began to smile but that was cut short and taken over by the overwhelming need to moan, very loudly….


****



Later that night, they woke up after their lovemaking and called home. They both missed their son and hated being away from him for an entire night.

Ultimately they decided to leave the cabin and spend the rest of their night together with their son.

It was well passed two in the morning. Max and Liz laid in bed with their son between them. Elijah had woken an hour ago and had finally fallen back asleep.

“Max?” Liz whispered into the darkness of the room.

“Yes.”

“I finally figured out what I want for the rest of my life.” Her journey had a purpose, a meaning and she wouldn’t hold back from telling Max.

“Yeah? And what’s that?” Max asked turning to his side to face her. He laid his hand on his son’s stomach.

“This. Moments like this…forever.”

Max couldn’t agree more.

<CENTER>THE END</CENTER>

***Epilogue to follow on Thursday***

A/N - So I decided to post this early, hope you don't mind

What can I say that I haven't already to you guys? The feedback has always been encouraging and very heated at times, esp., towards Liz. What can I say? That was how it was meant to be. I'm very sad to see this one go, but it's time.

For those of you who are looking for a new story, I'm working on it right now. It's an AU w/Aliens called The Butterfly Lounge. It should be out I *hope* sometime in October.

Again thank you...and here we go...



Epilogue

4 Years Later


“Congratulations!” Nancy and Jeff said as they approached Max and Liz on the day of their college graduation.

“Thank you,” Liz smiled at her parents.

“Yes, thank you. We couldn’t have asked for more from the both of you. Thank you for supporting us and being there with us every step of the way,” Max said sincerely and it earned him a hug from both Nancy and Jeff.

“Mommy! Daddy! Cong…Congr….” Elijah tried to say the word his grandfather taught him all week to say to no avail. He crossed his arms in frustration.

“I can’t do it, Grandpa,” he half cried. Max quickly lifted his son in his arms.

“It’s okay little man, mommy and I know what you mean. Thank you so much!” Max kissed his son’s cheeks and squeezed him tightly.

“Daddy! Lemme go! You’re gonna squish me to death!” Elijah laughed out and Liz couldn’t stop herself from helping her son.

“Oh sweetie, you know that daddy and I love you so much!”

“I lub you too mommy!” Elijah cuddled up to his mother.

“Such a momma’s boy.” Max shook his head in mock exasperation.

“Yeah right! You know he’s his father’s son.” Max smiled proudly at that fact. Elijah might love his mother with all his heart. But he strived to be just like his daddy, he adored his father and the feeling was mutual for Max.

“I see the smug look on your face. You’ll pay for that later,” Liz threatened lightheartedly.

“I’m counting on it,” Max whispered into her ear.

****

After dinner that night, Serena and Liz sat at the table drinking a cup of coffee, while Max played with Elijah and Sophia in the backyard.

“So what are your plans?” Liz asked Serena.

“Thanks to your parents and all their help and support, I got a great job offer for a company near by. I start in a week and it has great benefits and just so much opportunity for me to grow. And the pay isn’t bad at all.” Serena smiled as she sipped her coffee. Liz smiled back and reflected on the weeks, months and years that led up to today.

It was a long road, but she made it. She survived and most importantly she grew up. It wasn’t easy by any means, but she was lucky and she now understood what Serena meant all those years ago.

Max was a blessing in disguise. He brought her out of her shell, he gave her back her parents, he gave her a beautiful son and most importantly he gave her the greatest love she’d ever known.

Through the years of college her and Max grew closer, if possible. After the incident during prom and their argument following that, they made a promise to each other. A promise they’ve upheld until this very day. The promise was to never lie, never keep a secret and most importantly not take each other for granted.

Along the way though, Liz needed guidance and she found it in Serena, her mother and her father. She also needed love, and that she was showered with on a daily basis by Max and her son. The two most important people in her life.

“So what about you?” Serena asked breaking Liz from her thoughts.

“Max and I are getting our own place, not far from here of course. My parents would die if I moved Elijah any further than a few blocks. Max has a great job that he’s been at, as you know for three years. They’ve offered him a great position now that he’s graduated. And as for me, I’ve been looking at a few teaching positions. I think I’ve finally decided that I’d really liked to teach science.”

“Yeah? I think that’s great, have you decided on what grade you wanted to work mainly with?” Serena questioned knowing that her friend had tossed around the idea of teaching for years.

“Yes. I finally figured it out. I was going to go with College, but decided a few weeks ago that I’d like to teach high school students.” Liz smiled when she heard a yell coming from the backyard. It was her son of course.

“No fair daddy! Jus’ cause she’s a girl you didn’t do it!” Elijah cried out accusingly at his father.

“No, I didn’t. She won fair and square.” Max feigned innocence.

“See I tol you Eli!” Sophia crossed her arms and smiled.

“Nah uh!”

“Yeah huh!” Sophia mocked back.

“Daddy!” Elijah looked up to his father with tears in his eyes.

Max’s heart broke. Sophia did win the round of hide and seek they were just playing but he hated to see his son cry.

Max kneeled down and tousled his son’s dark hair. “Eli, you know I don’t cheat. Sophia won cause she found me. I didn’t tell her where I would be. Now why don’t you be the good boy that you are and say you’re sorry?” Max coaxed his son in Sophia’s direction.

“I’m sorry,” Elijah mumbled out as he kicked at the imaginary dirt under his feet.

“S’okay,” Sophia smiled and without warning leaned in and kissed Elijah’s cheek before blushing and running away.

“Daddy! She kissed me!” Elijah yelled.

“I know. Did you like it?” Max asked standing up and looking down at his son’s confused face.

“No! It was yucky!” Elijah ran into the house to have his mother wash his face.

“You will eventually,” Max mumbled to himself with a smile on his face. He was definitely his father’s son.

****

Later that same night Max, Liz and Elijah were in the backyard, sitting on the porch. Elijah was playing with his toy truck but suddenly he looked up to his parents and yelled. As only a four year old would,

“Mommy!”

“Daddy! “

“I wanna go on the swings!” He rose to his feet and began to run towards the swing set.

“Okay baby, we’re coming!” Liz called out.

“Does he always have to yell?” Max asked laughing as Liz shook her head.

“I don’t know where he gets it.” Liz feigned innocence.

“No?”

“Nope.”

“It couldn’t be from his mother?” Max edged on.

“Of course not!” Liz yelled and then blushed. She knew that is exactly where their son got it from.

Liz stood and was about to make her way over to the swing set when Max’s hand on her arm stopped her.

“Liz…wait.”

“What Max?”

“I have something that I have been meaning to ask you and I wanted to make sure the time was right.” He continued vaguely.

“Okay, make it quick cause the native is getting restless.” Liz joked as Max stood…but then he did something completely unexpected.

He dropped down to one knee in front of her.

“Max?” Liz questioned not knowing if this was real or not.

“I love you, Liz. I’ve loved you for longer than I can remember. I made promises to you, silent and aloud. I’ve tried to keep all of those promises but there is one that I have yet to fulfill.” Max smiled as he lifted her left hand and removed the ring he’d placed there several years ago.

“I want to be with you forever, Liz. I want to spend the rest of my life with you…and Elijah. Let me fulfill my promise to you right now.” Max sucked in a deep breath and looked her in the eyes.

“Liz Parker, will you marry me?” Max flipped open a black velvet box and produced a two carat platinum princess cut diamond, and waited for her answer.

Liz blinked back the tears, she had always thought that she and Max would get married, but still it didn’t seem real. There was but of course only one answer she wished to give him at that moment.

“Yes!” Max breathed a sigh of relief and happiness, and then slipped the ring on her finger. He then stood and pulled her in his arms and kissed her, pouring every ounce of happiness he felt by her answer, into it.

“I love you, Max.” Liz whispered out breathlessly as they rested their foreheads against one another.

“And I love you, Liz.” Max smiled against her lips one last time before their son’s voice tore them apart.

“No more kissing daddy! Come push me!” Elijah yelled out and Max and Liz couldn’t help but laugh.

This was their family and they couldn’t have been happier.

*****

Four months later

“What are you thinking about Mrs. Evans?” Max asked as he wrapped his arms around his new bride.

“That this has been one of the best days of my life. But then I corrected myself because since I’ve met you there have been so many.” Liz smiled as she dropped her head back against her husband’s chest.

Husband. It had only been a mere five hours that they were married and now they were tucked away in their hotel room. They wouldn’t leave for their honeymoon until the following day, but tonight was theirs and theirs alone.

“I know what you mean.” Max dropped a kiss on her shoulder and led her back to their bed. Max wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her flush against him, so that their noses were touching.

“Max do you want to have more children?” she asked staring into his dark eyes.

“Yes of course,” he answered honestly.

“Do you want to wait?”

“No. Liz if I could I would have another with you right now.” Max smiled and kissed her soft lips, teasing her with his tongue and pulling her that much closer. Liz pulled away gently to regard him.

“How does eight months sound?” Liz said with a smile forming on her lips.

“You’re pregnant?” Max lurched up out of bed and turned the lights on.

“Yes.” Liz nodded and waited for his reaction. She didn’t have to wait long though. A moment later Max had her pinned beneath him.

“God, I love you so much,” he said softly and kissed her lips once again as he flipped them over so he could hold her closer.

“Me too, Max. I love you so much.”

“Max?”

“Yes, baby?” His mind was still reeling. He was going to be a father, again. Liz was pregnant and he couldn’t have been happier at that moment.

“Thank you for my forever,” she whispered out against his lips.

“That was always the promise Liz,” Max murmured against her lips before taking them fully in a kiss filled with even more promises for the future yet to be told.



<center>The End</center>