Chapter Forty Eight
Isabel knocked on Max’s door early, needing to catch him before they both vanished into their own separate plans for the day. She had already cornered their father and talked to him about the reporter, setting that in motion. Now it was time to fill Max in. He was going to be less then thrilled.
“Max! Wake up! I don’t have time to play around. I have to pick up Av-Tess in forty-five minutes. You better be covered cause I’m coming in,” Isabel warned then opened the door. Relieved, she saw Max sitting up in bed yawning.
“What’s the problem?” Max mumbled shoving his pillow behind him.
“Several actually. Michael stopped by last night. Alex found some information that is troubling and talked to Liz and Michael about it. I guess there’s a serial killer in Texas or something and Alex feels that Liz fits his profile. With that reporter lurking around he’s worried that Liz’s picture is going to draw him here. I talked to Dad about that reporter and he agreed to call Mr. Parker and Valenti and see what can be done,” Isabel said while strolling around her brother’s room.
Max ignored the bit about his father and focused on the rest. “What do you mean Liz fits?”
Isabel sighed hating to bring news she knew was going to upset him. “You should really talk to Alex to get details but I guess all of the girls are around Liz’s age, have dark hair, most have dark eyes, and are slightly built. Eight out of the fifteen cases that Alex found are in western Texas and about four of those are really close to here. With all of the publicity about the attack on Liz already, and the possibility of photos making the paper with that reporter around, Michael said that Alex was really worried. Michael saw the pictures Alex had of the girls and agreed that Liz might fit the victim profile,” Isabel explained trying to be as clear as possible. Michael had made sure she had the facts straight and grilled her on it before he left.
“So why didn’t Alex or Michael come and talk to me?” Max asked still a little confused. This was a lot to get straight coming from a deep sleep.
“Alex told Liz. Michael happened to still be there and he came and told me,” Isabel said skirting the issue.
“Knowing you would tell me,” Max finished. “Liz didn’t want them to say anything did she?”
“Ask her,” Isabel shrugged and started for the door. “I have some mall recon to do with Ava. See ya.”
Max didn’t bother to respond, his mind already turning over the new information. Reaching for the phone he dialed quickly.
“Hey Alex,” Max said when the call was answered. “Can you email me all the stuff you have on those killings?”
“Ummm sure?” Alex answered scratching the back on his head. Liz was not going to be happy. “I was going to email Liz anyway I’ll just copy you.”
“Thanks,” Max said then paused. “Soon?”
“I’ll do it now,” Alex said moving to his computer. “Listen Max, this is just a possibility. Something that popped up when I was looking into things.”
“Liz didn’t think it was anything to worry about?” Max asked careful to keep his tone casual.
“No, she didn’t. She has a point though. There’s nothing to say this guy even watches the news or reads the paper. Who knows how he chooses them?” Alex said defending Liz.
“Exactly. Who knows?” Max said making his own point.
Liz turned off her alarm clock and forced herself up. After getting ready she called Max.
“Hello?” Max answered his eyes on the computer screen in front of him.
“Hi, it’s me,” Liz greeted him with a smile in her voice.
“Just the person I wanted to talk to,” Max said sitting back in his chair his eyes narrowing.
Liz caught the tone right away. “Who told you?”
“Told me what?” Max asked his tone blank.
Liz sighed, inwardly cursing herself. “I’ll be right over,” Liz said and hung up. Now that she was paying attention she could feel a mix of hurt, anger, and worry humming around the edges of her awareness. Crap.
Max looked over at the light tap on the window and got up to let Liz in. He held out his hand and helped her inside before going back to sit at his desk.
“You’re pretty pissed huh?” Liz asked softly wandering around his room unable to look at him.
“I thought we agreed no more secrets,” Max said watching her. He saw her wince and look down her hair sliding forward in a soft warm wave to cover her face.
“This wasn’t a secret,” Liz denied looking up. “I just wasn’t going to bring it up. It’s not like I was actively hiding it. I just didn’t want to worry you about something that really isn’t an issue. I talked to my dad and he’s going to deal with the reporter. I took steps to limit any problems. If the Sheriff thought it was a real risk I would have told you.”
Max studied her paying attention to her flickering emotions. “It is a risk. I had Alex email me what he had and I’ve looked at it,” Max said wondering why she would be so reluctant to talk to him.
“Max. I know you have this….protective nature. I do and I try to work with it but you have this tendency to think everything is a risk. Walking across the street for me is a risk in your eyes. There is no real immediate danger here. This killer may or may not come here and even if he did there’s nothing to say he would come for me. Not everyone is focused on me. I just wanted to look at this a little more before talking to you. That’s all,” Liz said quietly perching on the edge of his bed. “I was planning on talking to the Sheriff and getting his opinion. Then I would have told you.”
“Well that’s nice. That I would have been told at some point,” Max said his anger leaking into his tone. “Hopefully before a serial killer got his hands on you.”
“Max, it’s not like that. I’m sorry. I should have told you,” Liz said upset that they were fighting.
“It is like that. Did you really look at this stuff? Did you ever consider that this guy could be more then just some human? You fit what he’s looking for. There’s no arguing with that,” Max said scowling.
“I did look at it. There’s at least a thousand or more people that fit that pattern. Dark hair and eyes aren’t exactly anything special around here. It’s the southwest, there are American Indian and Hispanic people all over and most people have brown eyes and dark hair in this country anyway. In fact, I think the first girl was Hispanic and so was the fifth. Not everything revolves around us. There’s no reason to think that this is anything other then what it appears to be. Since I’m already being careful anyway there’s no need to get uptight,” Liz said calmly making her case. Not that she expected Max to listen to her.
“Really? What about this symbol? It could be the seal,” Max said not ready to let it go.
“It could be a ton of things. It’s clearly not a V. The ends curve down,” Liz refuted logically.
“Liz, you have this thing. You can’t deny that people ARE drawn to you. I was so was Michael, Zan, Nesado…I could go on,” Max said crossing his arms over his chest.
“All aliens,” Liz pointed out. “That has nothing to do with this. We have nothing that points at this guy being an alien. All of those girls were totally human with no alien element at all.”
“What about everyone else? You’ve always had people around you. I know. I’ve watched them. Kyle and that guy…what was his name…Zack?” Max continued.
“Now you’re just being ridiculous! Zack was in the FIFTH grade! I have…I had friends. There’s nothing strange about that. I’m a reasonably nice person and I talk to people,” Liz cried getting upset with him. HE thought SHE was unreasonable? This was exactly the reason she hadn’t wanted to get into this until she had more information. Max just didn’t seem to think clearly about stuff like this. Damn Michael anyway.
“I’m not being ridiculous. You have something. You can say whatever you like but I know what I’m talking about,” Max said stubbornly. There was something about her that just…drew people. It wasn’t his imagination.
“Riiiight,” Liz drawled and rolled her eyes. “That is totally based in logic. Maybe we can see it under a microscope or measure it. You think?”
Max’s eyes narrowed at her statement and tone. “Am I talking to Michael? Suddenly I feel that I am.”
Liz’s eyes narrowed in response to his sarcasm. “That’s productive. You just can’t see that you’re being illogical so now you’re insulting me. This is exactly why I didn’t want to tell you until I could prove my side. I have a dad. I don’t need another one. You can’t protect me from everything. It’s not possible and I don’t want you to. It’s cute sometimes but you’re pushing it now.”
“I don’t want to be your dad,” Max said frustrated. “I just want you to stop hiding things from me. I may not always react how you want me to but hiding things isn’t the answer.”
“I said I was sorry,” Liz responded fighting to choke off her other responses. Her eyes flashed with temper but her lips remained clamped shut.
“What? Just say it. You’re clearly not FEELING sorry,” Max pointed out.
“I don’t want to fight with you. I fight with everyone all the time to do the simplest things anymore. If I want to go to a movie it’s a huge deal. I have to argue with my parents for hours. I talk around everyone to get my way on things that shouldn’t even be a discussion. I just didn’t want to spend my one free day, that I had to bust my ass to get, arguing with you on top of everything else. I haven’t even been allowed to Christmas shop or anything! It’s uncalled for. Forget it. I’m going home,” Liz said getting up and heading to the window. “I’ll call you later.”
“No, you don’t get to just walk off,” Max said cutting off her path to the window. “I get to have my say.”
“Fine. What do you have to say?” Liz said crossing her arms and tapping her foot. In the back of her mind she knew this was just stupid but she was tired of soft pedaling everything. She wanted to have a Michael moment.
Max studied her body language and could feel her mood change clearly. “We just love you, Liz. We want you to be safe,” Max said dialing it back a notch.
“Fine. Just don’t smother me. I don’t want to have to justify everything. This is crazy! What do you want me to do? Freak out? Would that make you feel better?” Liz asked still feeling cranky. “I’m doing everything I can to stay safe. With or without this new wrinkle. I can’t do anything else.”
“We could change your hair,” Max suggested then wished he had just shut up. Liz’s eyes heated as her anger spiraled.
“If you wanted a blonde you should have chosen one. You are not touching MY hair!” Liz said absolutely furious. “Aren’t there enough blondes in this stupid club? Screw this. I’m not changing shit.”
“I don’t want a blonde but neither does he,” Max said trying to explain. This conversation had gone south somewhere and he really wished he hadn’t started it at all.
“He who? There is no HE!” Liz yelled. “Not around here and even if there were I’m not changing my hair! I’m not the one with the problem. Can’t you see that you are just boxing shadows here? I can’t believe I’m even discussing this! No. N-O. I. AM. NOT. CHANGING. MY. HAIR.”
Max found himself pushed aside as Liz scrambled out the window. “Liz! Wait!”
“No. I’m not waiting. I can walk home myself the same way I got here,” Liz said stomping toward the front of the house cussing under her breath. The nerve of the man. She wasn’t letting him take over her whole life. There was a line that she wouldn’t cross and this was it. A blonde? Fuck that. There were already too many goddamn blondes in her life as it was.
Max chased after her in his bare feet feeling the waves of anger rolling off of her. Who would have thought? One simple statement about hair color would send her into orbit? “Liz. Wait. We were supposed to go out today,” Max said trying to get her to stop.
“Find a blonde to go out with! I’m not in the mood anymore,” Liz grumbled reaching the sidewalk. “I had a nice day planned but no! You just can’t let anything go can you? What do you think is going to happen to me on the way home? A plane falling out of the sky and landing on me? Or lightening striking me out of the clear blue sky? I made a mistake! I should have told you and I didn’t. Fine. I accept that. I will not accept changing my whole life for some stupid reason that doesn’t even make sense! There are about a hundred serial killers in the United States right now. Everyday. I have a better chance of getting hit by lightening then I do of getting killed by one. I have a better chance of getting killed by a goddamned ALIEN then getting killed by a serial killer! It’s ridiculous. I’m tired and in no mood to continue this stupid argument so just continue it without me. You can talk to yourself and pretend I’m there. It’s the same thing anyway.”
Max walked along behind her, listening to her rant, his bare feet slapping against the pavement, and suddenly he smiled. This was ridiculous.
“I’m going to go back to bed where I should have just stayed. Then I’m going to poison Michael’s turkey that rat bastard!” Liz huffed still worked up. “Maria was totally right about him. No wonder she’s crazy! She had to put with him all this time. That would drive anyone out of their mind. I should call her. I owe her a huge apology. You aliens would just drive any sane person around the bend. I mean really. You’re stalking me!”
Max coughed to cover a laugh.
“You’re paranoid too. I mean the whole world isn’t out to get you. You’ve hung around Michael way too long,” Liz continued. “There are normal ways to deal with this stuff. Logical solutions to REAL problems. Not everything is a global conspiracy. This isn’t the X-Files,” Liz looked up as Max circled her stopping her forward progress. “What? What now?”
“My beds closer. I think you need that nap like now,” Max said smiling. “Come on. I have a very comfortable bed and I’ll be very quiet. No ones home and you can sleep as long as you want to. It’s your day.”
“My day? Right. This is exactly what I had in mind when I got up,” Liz replied eyes narrowed. “Acting like a crazy person in public.”
“I’m sorry,” Max said his eyes dancing.
“You asked me to become a blonde, Max. You should be sorry,” Liz accused.
“I am. I don’t know what I was thinking,” Max agreed coaxing her closer. “Maybe I need a nap too. I wasn’t thinking clearly.”
“Maybe,” Liz agreed her arms winding around his waist. “I’ll share your bed with you if you’re nice.”
“Okay,” Max said nodding before giving her a soft kiss.
Liz sighed in defeat. “I am sorry about not telling you. I didn’t think about it as keeping a secret.”
“I know. I’m sorry for being over protective. Even?” Max asked lacing his fingers with hers.
Liz nodded. “Even.”
“Now let’s go in before my toes fall off,” Max said leading her back to his house.
Liz smiled looking down at his bare feet. “God. We’re turning into Michael and Maria. That’s scary.”
Max laughed in amusement. “Not yet. We have to do this everyday before we’re there.”
“No thanks. I don’t like fighting. It makes my stomach hurt,” Liz said scrunching up her nose. “I don’t know what happened. We went off course somewhere in the middle of all that.”
“Michael says that all the time,” Max pointed out and mock flinched when Liz punched his arm. “Hey hey now, it’s time to make up.”
Liz smiled as they reached his window. “Yeah?”
“Uh huh,” Max nodded and gave her a boost.
Leftovers (CC, ML / Adult) (Complete)
Moderators: Itzstacie, Forum Moderators
Chapter Forty Nine
Liz strolled away from the window, as Max climbed in, to avoid looking at him. In the wake of all the rapid mood changes and sharp emotions….hers and his, Liz found herself floundering a little, unsure of what to do or how to feel now. She wasn’t used to dealing with someone else’s strong emotions on top of her own. She didn’t want to disappoint Max and she knew she had. Then she had completely lost it and acted like a raving lunatic. Her hand fluttered nervously over various objects as she pictured how they must have looked. Oh god she hoped no one had caught that on film. Max chasing her down the street in his bare feet while she bitched at him like a total shrew.
Max heard her small miserable noise and turned away from the window, where he had pulled the curtains to block out the light. Frowning when he saw her standing by the door with her hand covering her eyes, he moved toward her silently. Backing her into the door he reached behind her and locked it then reached over to flick off the overhead light. He worked his hands under her coat and sweater to rub her back in soft smooth motions.
“What’s wrong?” Max asked in a hushed tone.
“Why do you put up with that? I can’t believe I did that. I never…” Liz trailed off softly. She leaned her shoulders back against the door as Max’s hands massaged her lower back.
Max smiled and crowded closer, pulling her hips into his so he was almost blanketing her. Nuzzling her neck he spoke between soft nips. “I don’t really see it as something I put up with. I never really understood why Michael seemed to….egg Maria on like he does, but now….I think I get it,” Max admitted while holding her still for the slow push of his hips.
Liz’s eyes widened in stunned amazement. “Are you crazy? You like it when I…” Liz’s words caught in her throat as he slowly started working her coat off one handed while his other arm anchored her hips against his. “act like a complete shrew?”
“That’s not what happened,” Max denied, slowly unwrapping her. Like a present.
“What happened then?” Liz asked her voice a breathy murmur.
“We had a disagreement brought on by various things. I don’t want you to tone things down for me. I asked you not to hold back and to just….tell me. You did,” Max said with a distracted shrug. As her coat finally slid free of her arms he admired her sweater. “This is nice.”
Liz felt a small curl of amusement warm her at how easily distracted he was. It was something to keep in mind. “Like it?”
Max nodded slowly his eyes on her bare abdomen. “It’s my new favorite color.”
Liz quickly covered his eyes with her hands, her smile widening. “What color is it?”
“Ummm ecru?” Max asked a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
“You are Isabel’s brother aren’t you?” Liz teased him lightly letting her hands fell away from his eyes.
“Let’s just say, when it comes to you, I’m observant,” Max returned feeling her slowly relax against him. He let his fingers play with the beads dangling from the bottom rim of her sweater. “You’re passionate not shrewish. It’s all in how you look at it.”
Liz paused mulling that over before speaking. “Don’t do that. Think I’m perfect. I don’t want that from you. It’s not true and I’ll disappoint you sooner or later.”
“I don’t think that. If you were perfect you wouldn’t need me. Or be able to put up with me because I’m not perfect either. You don’t disappoint me, Liz. You never have,” Max said quietly, after a small pause he asked a soft question. “What do you want from me exactly?”
“I just want you to love me. Despite everything,” Liz said so quietly, if he wasn’t already totally focused on her, he would have had to strain to hear her. “That’s all.”
Max stroked her cheek with his fingers his eyes darkening as he looked at her. “I do love you…because of everything. Because you’re who you are. I can’t help it if I even love it when you’re difficult.”
“You are a total dork,” Liz said with a slow smile before leaning forward and feathering her lips over his. “Now I know you’re Isabel’s brother.”
Max shot her a look and started laughing when he saw her dancing eyes. “Yeah, you’re probably right. If you weren’t at least a little bit difficult I probably wouldn’t love you as much,” Max teased loving her feelings of contentment laced with sheer enjoyment.
“I thought I was easy,” Liz replied rubbing against him slowly.
“Don’t believe your own hype. You’re frustrating as hell and you know it,” Max returned with a happy smile. “You do it to torture me.
“I do,” Liz agreed her fingers creeping under his T-shirt. “I need to keep your interest somehow.”
“I don’t think you have to worry about that,” Max ground out as her cool silky fingers glided over his ribs. Just that was enough to make him loose all ability to think. He ached for her.
“I don’t know,” Liz trailed off distracted by his warm skin under her hands. The heat flaring inside him washed through her and wiped away anything she was going to say.
Max watched her eyes dilate in reaction and responded without thought. His mouth took possession of hers, groaning in pleasure when she yielded without protest. He licked softly into her mouth, at first coaxing her to give him more while he slowly pinned her firmly against the door seeking domination with his mouth and hands.
His possessive response freed her and suddenly he couldn’t take enough, couldn’t move fast enough. Any last visage of logic or control was submerged under searing need. Her fingers flexed against him driving her nails into his heated flesh and she gasp sharply when he jerked back away from her and started tearing at her clothes, frustration coating his response.
No barriers could be tolerated. His hands moved swiftly pulling her sweater off in one motion frantic to remove all the things keeping her from him. His mouth caught her bare breast as his hands moved on to her pants.
Liz felt his jerky tugs on her button fly from a distance, the strong pull of his mouth demanding most of her attention. She whimpered softly in distress when his mouth left her. “Oh don’t. Please. I need…” Liz whispered without realizing it, desperate for the wet heat of his mouth. Looking down she watched him kneel in front of her quickly removing her shoes then working her jeans completely off his eyes elsewhere.
He found his eyes glued to her panties, so after tossing her jeans away he nipped at them with his teeth listening to her gasp in surprise. He moved to hold her hips when her legs looked they wouldn’t hold her, groaning when he realized it was a thong she had on. A thong with little grinning aliens all over them. Looking up into her eyes he was amazed at the heated want openly displayed there. For him.
“God Max, please hurry,” Liz voiced her thoughts out loud, seeing the impact immediately as his eyes turned feral and hotly intense. She grabbed onto his shirt and tugged, ignoring the ripping sound as she stripped it from him. Nothing really mattered except getting him inside her as quickly as possible.
Max surged to his feet, his hands moving to either side of her face holding her for his plundering mouth, as his chest pressed into hers. She tasted like nothing else he could name and he needed more of her. Her tongue tangled with his causing a deep groan of need to force itself out of his throat.
Liz’s fingers moved frantically, pulling at the button on his pants as his tongue moved skillfully, building the heat inside her. She lowered his zipper, gratified when his pants pooled around his ankles, then moved on to push at the last remaining obstacle. His hands on her bare skin, his hot wet mouth, his taunt body pressing hers into the door all fed the bone deep need consuming her.
Feeling her fingers lightly trace over his erection he pulled away from her mouth to suck in some much needed air. His panting breaths warmed her neck as he used his powers to dispose of her thong hurriedly. A loud tortured groan broke from him as she used her thumb to spread the moisture leaking from the head of his throbbing cock. When he pulled her hand from him he watched with hooded eyes as she slowly licked her thumb clean.
Liz watched him break with that one small act. She found herself lifted up, his chest pinning her back hard into the door his hands under her bottom holding her in place. She spread her legs wider to accommodate the aggressive thrust of his hips, crying out sharply at his penetration.
Max felt like he had been punched in the chest as her swollen sensitized tissues parted to accommodate him, immediately closing around every inch of his thick shaft hugging him tight. Hearing her helpless cries he thrust harder pinning her in place.
She clung to him, unable to move to help, his body to completely controlled hers so she vocally encouraged him. “Oh please Max. I feel so….God Max…Yes. I want to….Ahhh please you,” Liz said between moans and gasps for air.
A low growl issued from him in reaction as his hips jerked into her harder the sharp slapping of their bodies coming together were punctuated by his loud grunts. He held nothing back and if there was a thought lurking in his mind it was to get a far into her as physically possible. His breathing was expelled in harsh pants which ground to an abrupt stop as Liz sucked his ear lobe into her mouth holding it with her teeth, her quick panting breaths warming his captive flesh. His toes curled into the carpet to gain purchase as breathing came second to pushing into her faster harder, he needed to be deep inside her, she needed him he could feel it.
“Ohplease ohplease ohplease ohplease,” Liz chanted, his earlobe slipping from her mouth, needing him, just him. If he would just let her move.
Max felt her hips trying to roll in his hands and lost his mind hearing her soft breathless chant in his ear encouraging him to further heights. He slammed into her once, twice, three times, then impaled her with one last thrust that lifted her high as he stared up into her dark slumberous eyes. His hips jerked as he came in scalding pulsations, accompanied by her shuddering moans as her body bowed away from the door.
His forehead hit the wood door with a loud thump as he leaned into Liz his legs barely able to hold them upright. “Ah, damn Liz. What happened here?” Max asked in wonder unable to lift his head.
“I think you went a little freaky,” Liz teased then hid her smile in his shoulder. She was still wrapped around him like a vine clinging to him fiercely. “Can you make it to the bed? Ten steps maybe.”
“No,” Max said rolling his head against the wood. “I can’t without letting go of you and I can’t do that yet.”
“Hmm, let me see if I can help you,” Liz whispered reaching for him mentally. She sent her fierce joy and her hands glowed briefly against his back as she lent her energy without knowing it.
Max sighed and straightened up, holding her to his chest, as he made the journey to the bed. Gently laying her down on his rumpled bed before following her in. He hummed with renewed life as he laced his fingers with hers admiring the bracelet sliding down her arm.
Liz yawned sleepily and cuddled close, her head coming to rest next to his on the pillow. She smiled as Max pulled her arm over his body before releasing her hand so he could stroke her soft damp skin.
“Tired?” Max asked his voice a deep rumble in her ear.
“Very,” Liz agreed her eyes drifting over his profile. “Maybe we can still try one of my experiments,” Liz sighed her fingers stroking his side.
“What kind of experiment?” Max asked his ears perking right up. “I’m always happy to be your test monkey.”
Liz pinched him gently her smile growing at his tone. “Not that kind. Get your mind out of the gutter,” Liz teased. “This experiment is about those dreams. If I take a nap can you try and stay up to see what you think they are?”
“Yeah, no problem. I’m not really tired anymore anyway,” Max agreed. He kissed her temple and smoothed her hair back from her face tenderness in the slow motions. “Get some rest and I’ll wake you in two hours if nothing else happens first.”
“Okay,” Liz agreed warm contentment easing through her. She eased up onto her elbow and kissed him to show him her feelings.
Max sighed against her mouth as her swollen lips clung to his, her breasts brushing against his chest. She was quite simply a miracle to him. Just as she was. He could feel her heart and it was the other half of his.
With a soft hum of enjoyment Liz pulled back just enough to look into his amazing eyes. “I more then love you Max Evans,” Liz declared softly her eyes glowing with happiness. “Just keep reminding me when I forget that you live inside me. Okay?”
“Ohhh I will,” Max agreed lips curving up gently. “Now go to sleep. I’m looking forward to waking you.”
Liz’s eyebrow arched in reaction as her smile widened. “You’re sure no one’s coming home?”
“I’m sure. Dad’s working in Clovis today. Mom has a half-day at the office and then she’s shopping for Thanksgiving. Isabel’s closing out the mall, mapping out her day after Thanksgiving shopping. So. You’re all mine in an empty house. No one will be coming to rescue you,” Max teased his fingers stroking her lower back.
“Good to know,” Liz replied and settled down as close to him as possible closing her eyes.
Max tucked one hand under his head while using the other to continue stroking her back. He listened to her breathing eventually even out enjoying having her near him. He was always amazed at the trusting way she gave herself over to his keeping going totally boneless against him in sleep.
As he waited for something to happen his thoughts turned to his plans. He had been thinking about this a lot and he had decided that they needed to start building resources for the future. There would come a time where they would need the ability to become independent and to do that they would need money. He smiled as he imagined the look on Isabel’s face when he talked to her about getting a job.
Feeling Liz’s fingers twitch against his side as she started to dream. He fingered her bracelet idly as he contemplated exactly how to do this. He couldn’t dreamwalk like Isabel could but maybe he could get something through his connection to Liz. He reasoned that they had gotten flashes from each other with very little effort at all. Even flashes could give him an idea of what was going on.
Taking several deep breaths he stroked her skin and reached for her. Before he even solidified a connection he was receiving images, swift fleeting impressions in no real order. Some he knew were memories. Liz twirling in front of a full-length mirror with Maria laughing in the background. Her longing as she tried to convince him to get them a chance, frustrated that even her slugs weren’t cooperating.
Others didn’t feel the same. That same hint of energy ran through them that he had noticed before. He recognized it because it was so much apart of Liz. Those flashes stood out in vibrant colors and sounds that couldn’t be ignored.
~flash
“You’re sure you’re okay with this?” Liz asked worry etched clearly on her face.
Max felt a stab of her fear and realized she was afraid of what he would say. “I’m more then okay,” Max whispered softly. As he drew her closer he could feel her trembling and hugged her tight sending her a burst of love.
~flash
Dark. Everything was dark but she wasn’t afraid. Even if she never made it out of here it would be okay. She was connected to Max by ties no one could ever break. She would find him because he was home. Pushing her dirty wet hair off of her face she slid down into the dirt and focused.
~flash
Liz cautiously peered out the pick up widow Butcher knife clenched tightly in her hand. Tess. That fucking bitch! She watched Tess circle Maria like a cat playing with a mouse. Fury roared through her as she waited for an opening.
“You’re a sick little twist. You shouldn’t be here,” Maria said coldly.
“Says who? Max?” Tess asked. “Last time I checked this was a public place. I tried to let it go but I keep getting dragged back in. I don’t want to be here any more then you do. Unfortunately, unlike you I don’t have a choice. I never really did.”
“That’s a bunch of shit and you know it. Max gave you a chance. You blew it along with Daddy Nesado,” Maria responded eyeing Tess with disgust.
Tess smiled her eyebrow arching. “I did more then that. Don’t act so virginal Maria. I know better. You play your own games. I hear you’re quite good.”
“Fuck you psycho!” Maria spat back.
Liz glanced over at Alex and jerked her head toward the dining room. They were on their own.
~flash
Liz slowly scooted back onto her bed as Max crawled over her. Sweat ran a trail down the side of his neck drawing her eye. She slowly licked away the bead of sweat causing Max to groan out loud.
She arched under his hands as they slid over her damp skin. “Max now. Please?”
“What will you give me?” Max asked his voice husky with need.
“Anything. My first born child,” Liz gasp out her eyes twinkling with wicked amusement.
Max opened his eyes with a gasp quickly looking down at a still sleeping Liz. Oh shit.
Liz strolled away from the window, as Max climbed in, to avoid looking at him. In the wake of all the rapid mood changes and sharp emotions….hers and his, Liz found herself floundering a little, unsure of what to do or how to feel now. She wasn’t used to dealing with someone else’s strong emotions on top of her own. She didn’t want to disappoint Max and she knew she had. Then she had completely lost it and acted like a raving lunatic. Her hand fluttered nervously over various objects as she pictured how they must have looked. Oh god she hoped no one had caught that on film. Max chasing her down the street in his bare feet while she bitched at him like a total shrew.
Max heard her small miserable noise and turned away from the window, where he had pulled the curtains to block out the light. Frowning when he saw her standing by the door with her hand covering her eyes, he moved toward her silently. Backing her into the door he reached behind her and locked it then reached over to flick off the overhead light. He worked his hands under her coat and sweater to rub her back in soft smooth motions.
“What’s wrong?” Max asked in a hushed tone.
“Why do you put up with that? I can’t believe I did that. I never…” Liz trailed off softly. She leaned her shoulders back against the door as Max’s hands massaged her lower back.
Max smiled and crowded closer, pulling her hips into his so he was almost blanketing her. Nuzzling her neck he spoke between soft nips. “I don’t really see it as something I put up with. I never really understood why Michael seemed to….egg Maria on like he does, but now….I think I get it,” Max admitted while holding her still for the slow push of his hips.
Liz’s eyes widened in stunned amazement. “Are you crazy? You like it when I…” Liz’s words caught in her throat as he slowly started working her coat off one handed while his other arm anchored her hips against his. “act like a complete shrew?”
“That’s not what happened,” Max denied, slowly unwrapping her. Like a present.
“What happened then?” Liz asked her voice a breathy murmur.
“We had a disagreement brought on by various things. I don’t want you to tone things down for me. I asked you not to hold back and to just….tell me. You did,” Max said with a distracted shrug. As her coat finally slid free of her arms he admired her sweater. “This is nice.”
Liz felt a small curl of amusement warm her at how easily distracted he was. It was something to keep in mind. “Like it?”
Max nodded slowly his eyes on her bare abdomen. “It’s my new favorite color.”
Liz quickly covered his eyes with her hands, her smile widening. “What color is it?”
“Ummm ecru?” Max asked a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
“You are Isabel’s brother aren’t you?” Liz teased him lightly letting her hands fell away from his eyes.
“Let’s just say, when it comes to you, I’m observant,” Max returned feeling her slowly relax against him. He let his fingers play with the beads dangling from the bottom rim of her sweater. “You’re passionate not shrewish. It’s all in how you look at it.”
Liz paused mulling that over before speaking. “Don’t do that. Think I’m perfect. I don’t want that from you. It’s not true and I’ll disappoint you sooner or later.”
“I don’t think that. If you were perfect you wouldn’t need me. Or be able to put up with me because I’m not perfect either. You don’t disappoint me, Liz. You never have,” Max said quietly, after a small pause he asked a soft question. “What do you want from me exactly?”
“I just want you to love me. Despite everything,” Liz said so quietly, if he wasn’t already totally focused on her, he would have had to strain to hear her. “That’s all.”
Max stroked her cheek with his fingers his eyes darkening as he looked at her. “I do love you…because of everything. Because you’re who you are. I can’t help it if I even love it when you’re difficult.”
“You are a total dork,” Liz said with a slow smile before leaning forward and feathering her lips over his. “Now I know you’re Isabel’s brother.”
Max shot her a look and started laughing when he saw her dancing eyes. “Yeah, you’re probably right. If you weren’t at least a little bit difficult I probably wouldn’t love you as much,” Max teased loving her feelings of contentment laced with sheer enjoyment.
“I thought I was easy,” Liz replied rubbing against him slowly.
“Don’t believe your own hype. You’re frustrating as hell and you know it,” Max returned with a happy smile. “You do it to torture me.
“I do,” Liz agreed her fingers creeping under his T-shirt. “I need to keep your interest somehow.”
“I don’t think you have to worry about that,” Max ground out as her cool silky fingers glided over his ribs. Just that was enough to make him loose all ability to think. He ached for her.
“I don’t know,” Liz trailed off distracted by his warm skin under her hands. The heat flaring inside him washed through her and wiped away anything she was going to say.
Max watched her eyes dilate in reaction and responded without thought. His mouth took possession of hers, groaning in pleasure when she yielded without protest. He licked softly into her mouth, at first coaxing her to give him more while he slowly pinned her firmly against the door seeking domination with his mouth and hands.
His possessive response freed her and suddenly he couldn’t take enough, couldn’t move fast enough. Any last visage of logic or control was submerged under searing need. Her fingers flexed against him driving her nails into his heated flesh and she gasp sharply when he jerked back away from her and started tearing at her clothes, frustration coating his response.
No barriers could be tolerated. His hands moved swiftly pulling her sweater off in one motion frantic to remove all the things keeping her from him. His mouth caught her bare breast as his hands moved on to her pants.
Liz felt his jerky tugs on her button fly from a distance, the strong pull of his mouth demanding most of her attention. She whimpered softly in distress when his mouth left her. “Oh don’t. Please. I need…” Liz whispered without realizing it, desperate for the wet heat of his mouth. Looking down she watched him kneel in front of her quickly removing her shoes then working her jeans completely off his eyes elsewhere.
He found his eyes glued to her panties, so after tossing her jeans away he nipped at them with his teeth listening to her gasp in surprise. He moved to hold her hips when her legs looked they wouldn’t hold her, groaning when he realized it was a thong she had on. A thong with little grinning aliens all over them. Looking up into her eyes he was amazed at the heated want openly displayed there. For him.
“God Max, please hurry,” Liz voiced her thoughts out loud, seeing the impact immediately as his eyes turned feral and hotly intense. She grabbed onto his shirt and tugged, ignoring the ripping sound as she stripped it from him. Nothing really mattered except getting him inside her as quickly as possible.
Max surged to his feet, his hands moving to either side of her face holding her for his plundering mouth, as his chest pressed into hers. She tasted like nothing else he could name and he needed more of her. Her tongue tangled with his causing a deep groan of need to force itself out of his throat.
Liz’s fingers moved frantically, pulling at the button on his pants as his tongue moved skillfully, building the heat inside her. She lowered his zipper, gratified when his pants pooled around his ankles, then moved on to push at the last remaining obstacle. His hands on her bare skin, his hot wet mouth, his taunt body pressing hers into the door all fed the bone deep need consuming her.
Feeling her fingers lightly trace over his erection he pulled away from her mouth to suck in some much needed air. His panting breaths warmed her neck as he used his powers to dispose of her thong hurriedly. A loud tortured groan broke from him as she used her thumb to spread the moisture leaking from the head of his throbbing cock. When he pulled her hand from him he watched with hooded eyes as she slowly licked her thumb clean.
Liz watched him break with that one small act. She found herself lifted up, his chest pinning her back hard into the door his hands under her bottom holding her in place. She spread her legs wider to accommodate the aggressive thrust of his hips, crying out sharply at his penetration.
Max felt like he had been punched in the chest as her swollen sensitized tissues parted to accommodate him, immediately closing around every inch of his thick shaft hugging him tight. Hearing her helpless cries he thrust harder pinning her in place.
She clung to him, unable to move to help, his body to completely controlled hers so she vocally encouraged him. “Oh please Max. I feel so….God Max…Yes. I want to….Ahhh please you,” Liz said between moans and gasps for air.
A low growl issued from him in reaction as his hips jerked into her harder the sharp slapping of their bodies coming together were punctuated by his loud grunts. He held nothing back and if there was a thought lurking in his mind it was to get a far into her as physically possible. His breathing was expelled in harsh pants which ground to an abrupt stop as Liz sucked his ear lobe into her mouth holding it with her teeth, her quick panting breaths warming his captive flesh. His toes curled into the carpet to gain purchase as breathing came second to pushing into her faster harder, he needed to be deep inside her, she needed him he could feel it.
“Ohplease ohplease ohplease ohplease,” Liz chanted, his earlobe slipping from her mouth, needing him, just him. If he would just let her move.
Max felt her hips trying to roll in his hands and lost his mind hearing her soft breathless chant in his ear encouraging him to further heights. He slammed into her once, twice, three times, then impaled her with one last thrust that lifted her high as he stared up into her dark slumberous eyes. His hips jerked as he came in scalding pulsations, accompanied by her shuddering moans as her body bowed away from the door.
His forehead hit the wood door with a loud thump as he leaned into Liz his legs barely able to hold them upright. “Ah, damn Liz. What happened here?” Max asked in wonder unable to lift his head.
“I think you went a little freaky,” Liz teased then hid her smile in his shoulder. She was still wrapped around him like a vine clinging to him fiercely. “Can you make it to the bed? Ten steps maybe.”
“No,” Max said rolling his head against the wood. “I can’t without letting go of you and I can’t do that yet.”
“Hmm, let me see if I can help you,” Liz whispered reaching for him mentally. She sent her fierce joy and her hands glowed briefly against his back as she lent her energy without knowing it.
Max sighed and straightened up, holding her to his chest, as he made the journey to the bed. Gently laying her down on his rumpled bed before following her in. He hummed with renewed life as he laced his fingers with hers admiring the bracelet sliding down her arm.
Liz yawned sleepily and cuddled close, her head coming to rest next to his on the pillow. She smiled as Max pulled her arm over his body before releasing her hand so he could stroke her soft damp skin.
“Tired?” Max asked his voice a deep rumble in her ear.
“Very,” Liz agreed her eyes drifting over his profile. “Maybe we can still try one of my experiments,” Liz sighed her fingers stroking his side.
“What kind of experiment?” Max asked his ears perking right up. “I’m always happy to be your test monkey.”
Liz pinched him gently her smile growing at his tone. “Not that kind. Get your mind out of the gutter,” Liz teased. “This experiment is about those dreams. If I take a nap can you try and stay up to see what you think they are?”
“Yeah, no problem. I’m not really tired anymore anyway,” Max agreed. He kissed her temple and smoothed her hair back from her face tenderness in the slow motions. “Get some rest and I’ll wake you in two hours if nothing else happens first.”
“Okay,” Liz agreed warm contentment easing through her. She eased up onto her elbow and kissed him to show him her feelings.
Max sighed against her mouth as her swollen lips clung to his, her breasts brushing against his chest. She was quite simply a miracle to him. Just as she was. He could feel her heart and it was the other half of his.
With a soft hum of enjoyment Liz pulled back just enough to look into his amazing eyes. “I more then love you Max Evans,” Liz declared softly her eyes glowing with happiness. “Just keep reminding me when I forget that you live inside me. Okay?”
“Ohhh I will,” Max agreed lips curving up gently. “Now go to sleep. I’m looking forward to waking you.”
Liz’s eyebrow arched in reaction as her smile widened. “You’re sure no one’s coming home?”
“I’m sure. Dad’s working in Clovis today. Mom has a half-day at the office and then she’s shopping for Thanksgiving. Isabel’s closing out the mall, mapping out her day after Thanksgiving shopping. So. You’re all mine in an empty house. No one will be coming to rescue you,” Max teased his fingers stroking her lower back.
“Good to know,” Liz replied and settled down as close to him as possible closing her eyes.
Max tucked one hand under his head while using the other to continue stroking her back. He listened to her breathing eventually even out enjoying having her near him. He was always amazed at the trusting way she gave herself over to his keeping going totally boneless against him in sleep.
As he waited for something to happen his thoughts turned to his plans. He had been thinking about this a lot and he had decided that they needed to start building resources for the future. There would come a time where they would need the ability to become independent and to do that they would need money. He smiled as he imagined the look on Isabel’s face when he talked to her about getting a job.
Feeling Liz’s fingers twitch against his side as she started to dream. He fingered her bracelet idly as he contemplated exactly how to do this. He couldn’t dreamwalk like Isabel could but maybe he could get something through his connection to Liz. He reasoned that they had gotten flashes from each other with very little effort at all. Even flashes could give him an idea of what was going on.
Taking several deep breaths he stroked her skin and reached for her. Before he even solidified a connection he was receiving images, swift fleeting impressions in no real order. Some he knew were memories. Liz twirling in front of a full-length mirror with Maria laughing in the background. Her longing as she tried to convince him to get them a chance, frustrated that even her slugs weren’t cooperating.
Others didn’t feel the same. That same hint of energy ran through them that he had noticed before. He recognized it because it was so much apart of Liz. Those flashes stood out in vibrant colors and sounds that couldn’t be ignored.
~flash
“You’re sure you’re okay with this?” Liz asked worry etched clearly on her face.
Max felt a stab of her fear and realized she was afraid of what he would say. “I’m more then okay,” Max whispered softly. As he drew her closer he could feel her trembling and hugged her tight sending her a burst of love.
~flash
Dark. Everything was dark but she wasn’t afraid. Even if she never made it out of here it would be okay. She was connected to Max by ties no one could ever break. She would find him because he was home. Pushing her dirty wet hair off of her face she slid down into the dirt and focused.
~flash
Liz cautiously peered out the pick up widow Butcher knife clenched tightly in her hand. Tess. That fucking bitch! She watched Tess circle Maria like a cat playing with a mouse. Fury roared through her as she waited for an opening.
“You’re a sick little twist. You shouldn’t be here,” Maria said coldly.
“Says who? Max?” Tess asked. “Last time I checked this was a public place. I tried to let it go but I keep getting dragged back in. I don’t want to be here any more then you do. Unfortunately, unlike you I don’t have a choice. I never really did.”
“That’s a bunch of shit and you know it. Max gave you a chance. You blew it along with Daddy Nesado,” Maria responded eyeing Tess with disgust.
Tess smiled her eyebrow arching. “I did more then that. Don’t act so virginal Maria. I know better. You play your own games. I hear you’re quite good.”
“Fuck you psycho!” Maria spat back.
Liz glanced over at Alex and jerked her head toward the dining room. They were on their own.
~flash
Liz slowly scooted back onto her bed as Max crawled over her. Sweat ran a trail down the side of his neck drawing her eye. She slowly licked away the bead of sweat causing Max to groan out loud.
She arched under his hands as they slid over her damp skin. “Max now. Please?”
“What will you give me?” Max asked his voice husky with need.
“Anything. My first born child,” Liz gasp out her eyes twinkling with wicked amusement.
Max opened his eyes with a gasp quickly looking down at a still sleeping Liz. Oh shit.
Chapter Fifty
Liz slowly lifted eyes that felt weighted down with lead. How was it possible to be even more tired now then before she had gone to sleep? Uncurling slowly she stretched and sat up looking for Max. Worried when she didn’t see him she crawled out of his bed and reached for her clothes. Slipping her arms into her sweater she wondered where he had gone. A glance at the clock proved he hadn’t woken her up on time either. Pushing her hair back she reached for her tangled thong. Her eyes widened in shock as dozens of little Max’s grinned at her, some even seemed to be waving. She started to giggle at his ridiculous prank. He was a total dork.
She finished dressing in rush with a smile curving her mouth. Creeping out of his room on silent feet not sure if anyone else was back yet or not Liz made her way down the hall. She found Max with his head in the fridge so with a smile she sat down at the table waiting for him to notice her.
Max rummaged through the fridge his thoughts elsewhere. He knew he had to tell Liz what he had decided and she wasn’t going to be pleased. His thoughts scrambled for just the right words to use to prevent another argument. Surely she would see reason on this though. It was her future that he was trying to safeguard after all. This wouldn’t be forever…..just until he figured out what was happening. Turning to put his choices on the counter he spotted Liz at the table with her eyebrow raised as she studied him.
“Hungry?” Liz asked eyeing the pile of food on the counter.
Max looked confused for a second until his eyes dropped to the huge pile of food on the counter. “Uh yeah. You?” Max asked scratching behind his ear visibly uncomfortable.
Liz lost her smile and really focused on him noticing things she hadn’t before. He wasn’t looking her in the eye and, was in fact, shifting from foot to foot. “What’s wrong?”
“It worked. I saw some things while you were sleeping and I have a theory,” Max said slowly. He went to sit across from her glancing at her calm expression briefly before focusing on the tabletop.
“Okay, tell me,” Liz said sitting back and bracing herself for bad news.
“Well, I don’t think they’re dreams. They don’t feel like dreams. The only way I can describe it is that they have a flavor. I can feel your energy running through them,” Max explained then reached for an example to use. “Okay, when Isabel first started to dreamwalk she used to dreamwalk me all the time. After a while I could tell when she was doing it because the dream changed flavors. I could feel her disrupting the dream with her powers. These…..visions or whatever, feel like you. The question is what are they visions of.”
“Okay. So what did you see?” Liz asked following along. She listened as he outlined all of the things he had seen. It was incredible. Absolutely amazing and the more he talked the more familiar it sounded. After he had finished she sat quietly, her mind turning everything over looking at it from different angles. “Next time I should take off the bracelet so we can see if that changes anything,” Liz focused on the bracelet turning it on her wrist with her finger. “I’m still not sure what it does. I’ll make a chart and we can try different things and see what effects the outcome. You should write down everything you saw and felt while it’s fresh.”
Max smiled slightly as she listed out a series of experiments and the keeping of what sounded suspiciously like a lab journal. “I will be sure to do that. I’ll email you a copy.”
Liz narrowed her eyes and focused on him. “What’s your problem? There’s something else isn’t there?”
“Well, no…yes…kind of. Look. I told you what I saw. What so you think? Liz…..What if it’s the future? Like the near future?” Max asked watching her face.
“What if it is? We’ll keep our eyes open I guess,” Liz shrugged.
“I’m not talking about Tess. I’m talking about us. It sounds…..sort of like….you might get pregnant. Did you think of that?” Max asked watching her.
Liz sighed and sat back in her seat. “That’s always possible I guess. I’m on the Pill so I don’t see it as a big risk but there is always an outside chance I suppose. I doubt the Pill was designed for aliens but I’m not really worried about it. If you want we could add condoms,” Liz replied trying to see where he was headed with this. Adding condoms was no big thing so why did he look so tense?
“We don’t really know that would work either,” Max pointed out.
“So what are you saying exactly?” Liz asked unconsciously damping her emotions.
“I think we should….back off a little until we know what’s going on. We can still..” Max paused as Liz’s eyes dropped to the table. “I just want to make sure. Your future is….important and I don’t want to mess up here. That’s all. You know I love you.”
Liz thought about that silently for long minutes. “Fine. No sex.”
Max watched Liz shrug like it didn’t matter to her then she raised her eyes to his. She looked a little pissed. “Just for a while. Until we figure this out,” Max said watching her carefully.
“Whatever,” Liz said causally. “I’m not going to force you to have sex with me, Max. Get real.”
Max watched her walk to the fridge and pull out a Coke wondering why he felt like he was somehow missing something. Reaching out to check she didn’t feel mad. She didn’t really seem to feel much of anything actually.
Liz sat back down and pretended not to notice his scowl. She didn’t want to argue with him again. If he wanted to be a big idiot who was she to stop him? Whatever. She didn’t care anyway.
Max watched her jerk open the tab on her can of pop with more energy then it really needed and sighed. “Liz. I’m doing this for you.”
“Whatever you need to tell yourself,” Liz said taking a sip of her pop. “I already agreed. You want me to do a happy dance too?”
Max frowned at her slight smile. “Funny Liz.”
“I wasn’t trying to be funny. Oh look, your mom’s home,” Liz said cheerfully looking out the kitchen window.
Max’s scowl deepened as the kitchen door opened and his mother walked in loaded down with bags. Son of a bitch.
Liz left Max pouting at the table and went to help his mom. “Hi, Mrs. Evans. Can I take a couple of those?”
“Oh hi, Liz! It’s so nice to see you. I’ve got these but there are a few more in the car. I would be thankful if you could get a couple of those.”
“Sure,” Liz agreed with a bright smile and left.
Max sprung up and followed her out before his mom could chide him for not helping. “I got it,” Max said edging Liz out of the way and picking up the remaining bags.
“Of course you do,” Liz agreed and shut the trunk after him ignoring his sharp look.
Diane looked up as the kids came in, Liz carefully shutting the door behind her. “So what are you kids up to?”
Liz glanced at Max quickly then focused on his mother. “I just stopped by to see Max since I won’t see him all weekend. With the holiday and all,” Liz responded then gestured at all the food Max had pulled out. “He was just about to eat I think.”
Diane smiled at the amusement on Liz’s face. “He does eat an awful lot. Max, make sure you don’t spoil your dinner. I’m trying out a new recipe.”
Max winced in misery. “Actually Mom, I was going to take Liz home and I thought I’d eat with her.”
“Sorry Max. I have plans,” Liz said and fluttered her eyelashes at him smiling. “You should spend some time with your family. That’s what the holidays are all about.”
“She’s right, Max. I expect to see you for dinner,” Diane said sternly then sent Liz a smile.
Max shot Liz a look, which just widened her smile. “Okay. I’ll be back by then.”
“Well. I better get going,” Liz said satisfied. “It was nice seeing you Mrs. Evans. Don’t let Max wiggle out of helping you tomorrow. He’s not into sports so he doesn’t have an excuse.”
Diane smiled at the sour look on Max’s face. She liked this girl. Patting her son’s cheek she sent him a look. “I won’t. Max needs to know how to cook just as much as Isabel does,” Looking over to Liz she smiled warmly. “What are your plans for tomorrow?”
“Oh, I have to work. Dad let most of the staff off for the holiday so it’s just me and Michael serving the CrashDown’s special. You’d be surprised how many people don’t want to cook,” Liz replied easily. She thought Max’s mom seemed nice. She put her at ease and never made her feel unwelcome.
“I’m sure that’s true. At least they have somewhere to eat,” Diane agreed.
“Yeah. Michael can cook his likeness and eat it too,” Liz said mildly giving Max a look and arching her eyebrow. “I really better take off. I have a ton of stuff to do but it was nice seeing Mrs. Evans.”
“You too, Liz. I’m glad you’re doing so well after all that’s happened,” Diane said her tone warm and friendly. “Stop by anytime.”
“I will. Thanks,” Liz said as she walked out of the kitchen with Max trailing her. They circled around and went to Max’s room so Liz could get her coat.
Max watched Liz gather her stuff feeling like he should say something.
“Well, I’ll see you,” Liz said walking to the window.
“I’ll drive you,” Max said stopping her.
“I think I’ll walk. I need a little control over my life if it’s okay with you,” Liz said turning to look at him.
“Liz,” Max sighed unhappy. “I’m not trying to take over.”
“Whatever. I’ll see you in school,” Liz said putting her leg over the windowsill.
“Why are you acting like this?” Max asked frustrated. Why couldn’t she see that he was doing this for her?
“You could have asked me what I wanted to do or what I thought. Instead you just decided all on your own. I thought that was what you got so upset with me about this morning. I’m just sick of being told what’s going to happen and not having any say in it. I don’t agree with you. What you told me doesn’t mean that it’s a forgone conclusion that I’m going get pregnant before we’re ready. We don’t even know what these visions really mean. But you know what? I’m not arguing with you anymore. Do what you want. I just don’t have to see it the same way. I’m not going to push you into anything you have the right to see it how ever you want,” Liz said frustration clear in her tone. She shrugged it off and dropped to the ground. She looked in at Max and smiled. “I’ll talk to you later okay? I really do have stuff to take care of.”
“Okay. Can I walk you home?” Max asked softly.
“If you want,” Liz agreed.
Michael watched Liz ignore him and sighed. She hadn’t really spoken to him all day. He thought he had heard her muttering under her breath a few times about turkeys but he had decided not to push his luck. He knew mean when he saw it and Liz wasn’t looking friendly.
Liz for her part wasn’t feeling friendly. She had decided that men sucked.
Even knowing that Max’s warped thinking had him spinning this to be for her benefit didn’t have her feeling any better. To think she had felt bad about bitching at him. No more. She didn’t feel bad about it anymore. God, he was aggravating. You’d think that if aliens really did have a superior intelligence that they’d have built the eight of them better. Honestly. They’d be lucky if they survived at this point because as much as she loved Max she was starting to feel the urge to choke him on a regular basis. She had total empathy for Maria now.
All she wanted to do now was to make it through this shift and go write in her journal for hours. Maybe then she could sort this out. Thank God the café closed early today.
She looked up as the bell over the door jangled announcing more customers arriving. Spotting the Valenti’s and Ava she relaxed. Strolling over to their booth she smiled.
“Okay, two CrashDown specials with extra mash potatoes, one coffee, one Coke, and what can I get for you Ava?” Liz recited the Valenti’s regular Thanksgiving meal.
Ava laughed at the shamefaced looks on the two faces sharing her table. “I guess this is ritual by now huh? Well, a special sounds good for me too and a Coke is fine.”
“Got it,” Liz said and turned on her heels. Sticking their order up for Michael she ignored Michael’s opening mouth to go get the drinks. She delivered the beverages and smiled before leaving them in peace.
Ava watched Liz closely as she filled the salt, pepper, and sugar containers mechanically. Excusing herself from the two men, who were absorbed in rehashing the game, she went and slid onto the stool closest to Liz. When she didn’t even look up Ava broke into her thoughts.
“So. What’s got you all uptight?” Ava asked.
Liz glanced up in surprise at Ava’s voice breaking into her thoughts. “Oh, umm nothing. I was just….thinking. So how did all that shopping go?”
“S’alright. Isabel is a little….anal but nothing I can’t deal with. I been working on all my homework too. I think I’m ready for finals. This ain’t that hard,” Ava said watching Liz nod.
“That’s great. Just let me know if I can help at all,” Liz said mechanically. “We all sort of…..fell behind with all the crap going on. Copper Summit and then everyone just….disappearing. Homework wasn’t a priority.”
Ava smiled in understanding. “I can see that.” She watched Liz as the silence stretched and was almost surprised when Liz spoke.
“Do you ever think about the future? Like what you want to do?” Liz asked looking up from her tray of sugars.
“Yeah, I guess so. You?” Ava asked.
“I did. I had a whole plan laid out. It covered everything,” Liz said softly. “Except aliens of course. Now my plan changed. The funny thing is…..no one asks me what it is anymore. They all think they know.”
Ava studied her downcast face for a moment before speaking. “So what is it? The new plan….or the old one even,” Ava asked knowing Max was the prompt for this conversation.
Liz smiled and rolled her eyes. “In case you didn’t figure it out….I’m a total geek. I wanted to be a Molecular Biologist at Harvard. I’ve always loved science.”
Ava smiled and twirled her straw in her Coke. “Now?”
Liz lost her smile and shifted on her feet. “Now that’s not as……important to me. I mean….if it works out great. If not,” Liz shrugged looking vaguely guilty. “I want a family. Do you even know how long all that school will take? Then there’s getting started in the world. I’m just not sure I want to wait that long. Then there’s not knowing what will happen with everything else you know? I mean….stuff just always pops up and school just gets shoved into the background. You can’t get into Harvard that way….or make the grade at Harvard. I just….That isn’t what’s most important to me now I guess. I don’t know,” Liz trailed off looking uncomfortable.
Ava nodded seeing her point. “So what does Max say?”
Liz’s face tightened briefly. “He’s got his own plan,” Liz focused on Ava and tilted her head slightly. “Did Zan just….decide things for you? Like…think that he knew what you wanted and didn’t ask or listen to what you had to say?”
Ava laughed out loud nodding. “Oh yeah. All the time. He learned better by now I think. Bumming around on his own he musta got that part by now,” Ava said smiling. “Max will too eventually. It just takes ‘em awhile.”
“If he lives that long,” Liz said with a smile.
“Exactly,” Ava agreed.
“I decided to wait him out this time. When he decides he’s ready, I’ll talk to him,” Liz said nodding in agreement with her plan.
“Sounds good. Sometimes they just need to see the error of their ways on their own. No talking to them until then unless you wanna drive yourself crazy,” Ava agreed. That was her plan also. If Zan never came around that was fine too. Then he wasn’t the one. There were some pretty nice distractions around here. Maybe one of them would surprise her.
Liz slowly lifted eyes that felt weighted down with lead. How was it possible to be even more tired now then before she had gone to sleep? Uncurling slowly she stretched and sat up looking for Max. Worried when she didn’t see him she crawled out of his bed and reached for her clothes. Slipping her arms into her sweater she wondered where he had gone. A glance at the clock proved he hadn’t woken her up on time either. Pushing her hair back she reached for her tangled thong. Her eyes widened in shock as dozens of little Max’s grinned at her, some even seemed to be waving. She started to giggle at his ridiculous prank. He was a total dork.
She finished dressing in rush with a smile curving her mouth. Creeping out of his room on silent feet not sure if anyone else was back yet or not Liz made her way down the hall. She found Max with his head in the fridge so with a smile she sat down at the table waiting for him to notice her.
Max rummaged through the fridge his thoughts elsewhere. He knew he had to tell Liz what he had decided and she wasn’t going to be pleased. His thoughts scrambled for just the right words to use to prevent another argument. Surely she would see reason on this though. It was her future that he was trying to safeguard after all. This wouldn’t be forever…..just until he figured out what was happening. Turning to put his choices on the counter he spotted Liz at the table with her eyebrow raised as she studied him.
“Hungry?” Liz asked eyeing the pile of food on the counter.
Max looked confused for a second until his eyes dropped to the huge pile of food on the counter. “Uh yeah. You?” Max asked scratching behind his ear visibly uncomfortable.
Liz lost her smile and really focused on him noticing things she hadn’t before. He wasn’t looking her in the eye and, was in fact, shifting from foot to foot. “What’s wrong?”
“It worked. I saw some things while you were sleeping and I have a theory,” Max said slowly. He went to sit across from her glancing at her calm expression briefly before focusing on the tabletop.
“Okay, tell me,” Liz said sitting back and bracing herself for bad news.
“Well, I don’t think they’re dreams. They don’t feel like dreams. The only way I can describe it is that they have a flavor. I can feel your energy running through them,” Max explained then reached for an example to use. “Okay, when Isabel first started to dreamwalk she used to dreamwalk me all the time. After a while I could tell when she was doing it because the dream changed flavors. I could feel her disrupting the dream with her powers. These…..visions or whatever, feel like you. The question is what are they visions of.”
“Okay. So what did you see?” Liz asked following along. She listened as he outlined all of the things he had seen. It was incredible. Absolutely amazing and the more he talked the more familiar it sounded. After he had finished she sat quietly, her mind turning everything over looking at it from different angles. “Next time I should take off the bracelet so we can see if that changes anything,” Liz focused on the bracelet turning it on her wrist with her finger. “I’m still not sure what it does. I’ll make a chart and we can try different things and see what effects the outcome. You should write down everything you saw and felt while it’s fresh.”
Max smiled slightly as she listed out a series of experiments and the keeping of what sounded suspiciously like a lab journal. “I will be sure to do that. I’ll email you a copy.”
Liz narrowed her eyes and focused on him. “What’s your problem? There’s something else isn’t there?”
“Well, no…yes…kind of. Look. I told you what I saw. What so you think? Liz…..What if it’s the future? Like the near future?” Max asked watching her face.
“What if it is? We’ll keep our eyes open I guess,” Liz shrugged.
“I’m not talking about Tess. I’m talking about us. It sounds…..sort of like….you might get pregnant. Did you think of that?” Max asked watching her.
Liz sighed and sat back in her seat. “That’s always possible I guess. I’m on the Pill so I don’t see it as a big risk but there is always an outside chance I suppose. I doubt the Pill was designed for aliens but I’m not really worried about it. If you want we could add condoms,” Liz replied trying to see where he was headed with this. Adding condoms was no big thing so why did he look so tense?
“We don’t really know that would work either,” Max pointed out.
“So what are you saying exactly?” Liz asked unconsciously damping her emotions.
“I think we should….back off a little until we know what’s going on. We can still..” Max paused as Liz’s eyes dropped to the table. “I just want to make sure. Your future is….important and I don’t want to mess up here. That’s all. You know I love you.”
Liz thought about that silently for long minutes. “Fine. No sex.”
Max watched Liz shrug like it didn’t matter to her then she raised her eyes to his. She looked a little pissed. “Just for a while. Until we figure this out,” Max said watching her carefully.
“Whatever,” Liz said causally. “I’m not going to force you to have sex with me, Max. Get real.”
Max watched her walk to the fridge and pull out a Coke wondering why he felt like he was somehow missing something. Reaching out to check she didn’t feel mad. She didn’t really seem to feel much of anything actually.
Liz sat back down and pretended not to notice his scowl. She didn’t want to argue with him again. If he wanted to be a big idiot who was she to stop him? Whatever. She didn’t care anyway.
Max watched her jerk open the tab on her can of pop with more energy then it really needed and sighed. “Liz. I’m doing this for you.”
“Whatever you need to tell yourself,” Liz said taking a sip of her pop. “I already agreed. You want me to do a happy dance too?”
Max frowned at her slight smile. “Funny Liz.”
“I wasn’t trying to be funny. Oh look, your mom’s home,” Liz said cheerfully looking out the kitchen window.
Max’s scowl deepened as the kitchen door opened and his mother walked in loaded down with bags. Son of a bitch.
Liz left Max pouting at the table and went to help his mom. “Hi, Mrs. Evans. Can I take a couple of those?”
“Oh hi, Liz! It’s so nice to see you. I’ve got these but there are a few more in the car. I would be thankful if you could get a couple of those.”
“Sure,” Liz agreed with a bright smile and left.
Max sprung up and followed her out before his mom could chide him for not helping. “I got it,” Max said edging Liz out of the way and picking up the remaining bags.
“Of course you do,” Liz agreed and shut the trunk after him ignoring his sharp look.
Diane looked up as the kids came in, Liz carefully shutting the door behind her. “So what are you kids up to?”
Liz glanced at Max quickly then focused on his mother. “I just stopped by to see Max since I won’t see him all weekend. With the holiday and all,” Liz responded then gestured at all the food Max had pulled out. “He was just about to eat I think.”
Diane smiled at the amusement on Liz’s face. “He does eat an awful lot. Max, make sure you don’t spoil your dinner. I’m trying out a new recipe.”
Max winced in misery. “Actually Mom, I was going to take Liz home and I thought I’d eat with her.”
“Sorry Max. I have plans,” Liz said and fluttered her eyelashes at him smiling. “You should spend some time with your family. That’s what the holidays are all about.”
“She’s right, Max. I expect to see you for dinner,” Diane said sternly then sent Liz a smile.
Max shot Liz a look, which just widened her smile. “Okay. I’ll be back by then.”
“Well. I better get going,” Liz said satisfied. “It was nice seeing you Mrs. Evans. Don’t let Max wiggle out of helping you tomorrow. He’s not into sports so he doesn’t have an excuse.”
Diane smiled at the sour look on Max’s face. She liked this girl. Patting her son’s cheek she sent him a look. “I won’t. Max needs to know how to cook just as much as Isabel does,” Looking over to Liz she smiled warmly. “What are your plans for tomorrow?”
“Oh, I have to work. Dad let most of the staff off for the holiday so it’s just me and Michael serving the CrashDown’s special. You’d be surprised how many people don’t want to cook,” Liz replied easily. She thought Max’s mom seemed nice. She put her at ease and never made her feel unwelcome.
“I’m sure that’s true. At least they have somewhere to eat,” Diane agreed.
“Yeah. Michael can cook his likeness and eat it too,” Liz said mildly giving Max a look and arching her eyebrow. “I really better take off. I have a ton of stuff to do but it was nice seeing Mrs. Evans.”
“You too, Liz. I’m glad you’re doing so well after all that’s happened,” Diane said her tone warm and friendly. “Stop by anytime.”
“I will. Thanks,” Liz said as she walked out of the kitchen with Max trailing her. They circled around and went to Max’s room so Liz could get her coat.
Max watched Liz gather her stuff feeling like he should say something.
“Well, I’ll see you,” Liz said walking to the window.
“I’ll drive you,” Max said stopping her.
“I think I’ll walk. I need a little control over my life if it’s okay with you,” Liz said turning to look at him.
“Liz,” Max sighed unhappy. “I’m not trying to take over.”
“Whatever. I’ll see you in school,” Liz said putting her leg over the windowsill.
“Why are you acting like this?” Max asked frustrated. Why couldn’t she see that he was doing this for her?
“You could have asked me what I wanted to do or what I thought. Instead you just decided all on your own. I thought that was what you got so upset with me about this morning. I’m just sick of being told what’s going to happen and not having any say in it. I don’t agree with you. What you told me doesn’t mean that it’s a forgone conclusion that I’m going get pregnant before we’re ready. We don’t even know what these visions really mean. But you know what? I’m not arguing with you anymore. Do what you want. I just don’t have to see it the same way. I’m not going to push you into anything you have the right to see it how ever you want,” Liz said frustration clear in her tone. She shrugged it off and dropped to the ground. She looked in at Max and smiled. “I’ll talk to you later okay? I really do have stuff to take care of.”
“Okay. Can I walk you home?” Max asked softly.
“If you want,” Liz agreed.
Michael watched Liz ignore him and sighed. She hadn’t really spoken to him all day. He thought he had heard her muttering under her breath a few times about turkeys but he had decided not to push his luck. He knew mean when he saw it and Liz wasn’t looking friendly.
Liz for her part wasn’t feeling friendly. She had decided that men sucked.
Even knowing that Max’s warped thinking had him spinning this to be for her benefit didn’t have her feeling any better. To think she had felt bad about bitching at him. No more. She didn’t feel bad about it anymore. God, he was aggravating. You’d think that if aliens really did have a superior intelligence that they’d have built the eight of them better. Honestly. They’d be lucky if they survived at this point because as much as she loved Max she was starting to feel the urge to choke him on a regular basis. She had total empathy for Maria now.
All she wanted to do now was to make it through this shift and go write in her journal for hours. Maybe then she could sort this out. Thank God the café closed early today.
She looked up as the bell over the door jangled announcing more customers arriving. Spotting the Valenti’s and Ava she relaxed. Strolling over to their booth she smiled.
“Okay, two CrashDown specials with extra mash potatoes, one coffee, one Coke, and what can I get for you Ava?” Liz recited the Valenti’s regular Thanksgiving meal.
Ava laughed at the shamefaced looks on the two faces sharing her table. “I guess this is ritual by now huh? Well, a special sounds good for me too and a Coke is fine.”
“Got it,” Liz said and turned on her heels. Sticking their order up for Michael she ignored Michael’s opening mouth to go get the drinks. She delivered the beverages and smiled before leaving them in peace.
Ava watched Liz closely as she filled the salt, pepper, and sugar containers mechanically. Excusing herself from the two men, who were absorbed in rehashing the game, she went and slid onto the stool closest to Liz. When she didn’t even look up Ava broke into her thoughts.
“So. What’s got you all uptight?” Ava asked.
Liz glanced up in surprise at Ava’s voice breaking into her thoughts. “Oh, umm nothing. I was just….thinking. So how did all that shopping go?”
“S’alright. Isabel is a little….anal but nothing I can’t deal with. I been working on all my homework too. I think I’m ready for finals. This ain’t that hard,” Ava said watching Liz nod.
“That’s great. Just let me know if I can help at all,” Liz said mechanically. “We all sort of…..fell behind with all the crap going on. Copper Summit and then everyone just….disappearing. Homework wasn’t a priority.”
Ava smiled in understanding. “I can see that.” She watched Liz as the silence stretched and was almost surprised when Liz spoke.
“Do you ever think about the future? Like what you want to do?” Liz asked looking up from her tray of sugars.
“Yeah, I guess so. You?” Ava asked.
“I did. I had a whole plan laid out. It covered everything,” Liz said softly. “Except aliens of course. Now my plan changed. The funny thing is…..no one asks me what it is anymore. They all think they know.”
Ava studied her downcast face for a moment before speaking. “So what is it? The new plan….or the old one even,” Ava asked knowing Max was the prompt for this conversation.
Liz smiled and rolled her eyes. “In case you didn’t figure it out….I’m a total geek. I wanted to be a Molecular Biologist at Harvard. I’ve always loved science.”
Ava smiled and twirled her straw in her Coke. “Now?”
Liz lost her smile and shifted on her feet. “Now that’s not as……important to me. I mean….if it works out great. If not,” Liz shrugged looking vaguely guilty. “I want a family. Do you even know how long all that school will take? Then there’s getting started in the world. I’m just not sure I want to wait that long. Then there’s not knowing what will happen with everything else you know? I mean….stuff just always pops up and school just gets shoved into the background. You can’t get into Harvard that way….or make the grade at Harvard. I just….That isn’t what’s most important to me now I guess. I don’t know,” Liz trailed off looking uncomfortable.
Ava nodded seeing her point. “So what does Max say?”
Liz’s face tightened briefly. “He’s got his own plan,” Liz focused on Ava and tilted her head slightly. “Did Zan just….decide things for you? Like…think that he knew what you wanted and didn’t ask or listen to what you had to say?”
Ava laughed out loud nodding. “Oh yeah. All the time. He learned better by now I think. Bumming around on his own he musta got that part by now,” Ava said smiling. “Max will too eventually. It just takes ‘em awhile.”
“If he lives that long,” Liz said with a smile.
“Exactly,” Ava agreed.
“I decided to wait him out this time. When he decides he’s ready, I’ll talk to him,” Liz said nodding in agreement with her plan.
“Sounds good. Sometimes they just need to see the error of their ways on their own. No talking to them until then unless you wanna drive yourself crazy,” Ava agreed. That was her plan also. If Zan never came around that was fine too. Then he wasn’t the one. There were some pretty nice distractions around here. Maybe one of them would surprise her.
Chapter Fifty One
Romero’s article hit the stands right after the holiday complete with photos. Liz read the article with disbelief. “Latest Victim? Or Wolf Crying Vixen?” screamed the headline. She looked up into Maria’s worried face and started laughing.
“This is just…too much. This is actually funny! Vixen? Me? That is hysterical,” Liz said shaking her head and waving the paper.
“I don’t think your father found it so funny,” Maria remarked from the window. “He looks like he might have a stroke.”
“Yeah, he’s really pissed. I don’t blame him. It’s embarrassing. I really think he’s going to sue,” Liz said tossing the paper to the floor.
“What does Max say?” Maria asked and watched Liz scowl and shrug.
“He’s Max. How do you think he reacted?” Liz asked softly.
“Okay. That’s it. What is going on with you two?” Maria asked truly concerned.
“Absolutely nothing,” Liz replied. “He’s decided that we need to….”back off a little”. So the vixen title is completely false. I’m no vixen. My boyfriend doesn’t even want me like that. Not enough anyway.”
“So what are you going to do?” Maria asked stunned.
“Nothing. I’m not going to do a damn thing,” Liz replied pulling her legs underneath her.
“Oh I see. Maybe a little flirting, those deep soulful stares and he’ll crack?” Maria asked trying to figure out Liz’s plan. Liz never did nothing when a situation wasn’t to her liking.
“Nope, not this time,” Liz denied softly. “This is more then this one issue. I’m not turning this into some….weird power play. I’m not interested in being in control or even being right. I just want to be able to talk to him. And I can’t. He’s not listening and I can’t seem to make myself understood. This isn’t about sex. It’s about fear.”
Maria took a deep breath and studied her quietly. Hurt shimmered around her and Maria didn’t need glasses to see it. “Okay. Fear. Whose fear?”
“His really. I don’t know what he’s so afraid of but he is afraid. Maybe of things changing or…a surprise baby or I don’t even know. The point is that instead of talking to me about it he just….decided this was the way to handle it. He’s not operating from logic. I mean….if you want to prevent a pregnancy then use birth control. Use more then one method if that eases your mind. That’s logic. He’s doing something else,” Liz said thoughtfully. She wasn’t sure how to handle this correctly. She only knew that he hurt her when he shoved her away on something so personal. It was the same thing that had caused her pain before they “cemented”. His tug of war wasn’t something she understood and she had mistakenly thought that they were past it now. She liked sex fine but that wasn’t what she was truly after. If he couldn’t give freely and openly then it was just pointless.
“They do seem to have fear issues. All of them. I can understand being tired of fighting against the tide,” Maria commented.
“See that’s the thing. I don’t want to fight him. We’re supposed to be partners not combatants. I don’t doubt that he loves me and I know I love him. That isn’t it. I’m not really sure what it is. I just know something’s wrong. Every time I try and talk to him he just totes out the same crap that isn’t the truth. It’s frustrating and it hurts. I’m not setting myself up like I did before so he can shove me away “for my own good”. Like I’m some sort of sex fiend which is just laughable. If that were true I would have had sex with someone else because he’s more trouble then sex is worth,” Liz said then paused. “I’m not unattractive. I could find someone else if that was what it was about. Logic tells me that but…it doesn’t FEEL that way at the time. You know?”
“Yes, I do,” Maria agreed. She had her own experiences with an alien that had lead to very similar feelings. “So what are you going to do? Avoid him?”
“No. We’re “dating” or “together”,” Liz said somewhat sarcastically. “I’m just not going to allow him to put me in a position where I’m uncomfortable. I think that he’s expecting me to allow more then I will. We’re going to back off all right. The pants are staying on. Not because I want to break him or whatever, but because that is what he’s really asking for. He’s equating sex with intimacy and they aren’t really the same. Not completely. I don’t know what else to do. Until I can get through some other way this is the only way I can deal with it.”
“What about…..your connection?” Maria asked knowing that it wasn’t as simple as Liz made it sound.
Liz sighed and rubbed her forehead. “It makes this harder. I can feel….him. I just have to use my will power. Max isn’t the only one that has some you know.”
“Oh believe me, I know,” Maria agreed. When Liz made up her mind that was it. This was shaping up to be quite an interesting disagreement.
Cal read through the report and the attached article and felt what past for his blood rise to a boil. This could not be tolerated. He stared at the picture of a clearly recognizable Max Evans with his arm around Liz who was NAMED in the article filled with lies and rumors. This wasn’t acceptable. The report had listed the action the parents had already taken and the lawsuit that was now pending but that wasn’t enough. He would take care of this himself. Permanently.
In fact, there was very little he was happy about quite frankly. Tess was MIA, Zan was halfway across the country being a bum, there was this article, and none of it spelled out anything good.
Picking up the phone he made travel arrangements for Roswell. He better check on a few things including Nesado’s “grave”. He wasn’t taking anything for granted. That little whore was sharp enough to work out how to bring him around. If the conditions were right and she was willing that is. Then he had a reporter to dispose of and a newspaper to take down. Good thing he didn’t need much sleep.
Michael watched the next two weeks roll by with increasing disquiet. He was busy. It wasn’t that. The four hybrids were practicing their powers using the pod chamber and his living room depending on what worked. They were also studying the granilith itself and the chamber to come up with ideas on protecting the granilith. On the surface things seemed fine.
Maria was still keeping him at arms length despite the drawings he left for her almost daily, Ava was fitting right in and had even gone on two dates, Isabel was in the middle of the Christmas whirl which pulled Max along for the ride. The Evans house was blinking and winking in all of its Christmas glory. Kyle was fully recovered from Faith and was now onto some chick called Haley. The Sheriff was busy with work and trying to track down that reporter who seemed to have dropped off the edge of the Earth. Liz was working with Ava on her vision things and keeping them all up to date on what was happening. She went out with Max once a week and they still hung out at school. So what was the problem? Max. He was short tempered and his powers were off in a big way. His shield was fizzling and he’d almost fried himself the last time he had tried it sending Ava into a laughing fit.
The one bright spot was that Zan had called him briefly to say hey. He was up in Detroit, or so he said, and working in some tattoo parlor. He had seen the paper and wanted to make sure that everyone was okay. Michael had filled him in on what was happening briefly and listened to a long pause on the other end.
“You say his shield ain’t working?” Zan asked frowning.
“Yeah, he lost it. It snapped back on him and almost singed his ass,” Michael confirmed.
“How’s Liz?” Zan asked.
“She’s okay I guess. Seems okay anyhow. It’s hard to tell with her sometimes,” Michael admitted. “Why?”
“Just wondering. Keep an eye on them. Call me if anything else happens. I might come down after Christmas,” Zan responded slowly. Duke sounded like he was messed up bad. “How’s Ava?”
“She’s good. Dating some huge jock. Seems happy. She’s hanging with Liz a lot,” Michael answered without fleshing it out more.
Zan frowned then nodded. His girl was something. “Good. I gotta run but call me if anything happens. You got my digits.”
“Cool. See ya,” Michael said and hung up.
So the next day he paid more attention to both Max and Liz. What he noticed was that Liz focused outward. She maybe sitting with Max, touching him even, but she rarely looked him in the eye. She talked and laughed with the group but seemed more reserved with Max. He couldn’t pin point what it was that first gave him that impression. She kissed him and held his hand like always but it didn’t……feel the same somehow.
On the other hand Max seemed to have trouble looking away from Liz. He touched her often, stroking her hair, playing with her fingers, hugging her. But in his eyes there was a longing that hadn’t been present in a while. He didn’t speak very often either. To anyone.
So it was a surprise when two days later Michael opened his door to find Max. Michael stepped back to allow Max to enter silently then shut the door.
“What’s up?” Michael asked flopping back on the couch.
“Can you get off work for two or three days?” Max asked fidgeting in his seat. “During the break?”
“Yeah, I guess. Why?” Michael asked puzzled by Max’s odd request.
“I want to go to Vegas. I’ve been saving and I’ll have enough money by then. We need to build some resources for…..the future. Just in case,” Max explained wiping his palms on his jeans.
“Are you kidding?” Michael asked almost slack jawed at this non-Max like plan. Max was upstanding. A straight arrow. He didn’t suggest going to Vegas and…..cheating the casino.
“No. I’m not. I’ve thought about this. We need money Michael,” Max said seriously.
“For what? Why the sudden need for money?” Michael asked flicking off the TV and focusing on Max.
Max sighed and fidgeted then looked at Michael. “For our future. What if….something happens? We might need money. To run or buy whatever. A car or pay for college or an apartment. We need the ability to survive on our own,” Max explained.
Michael sat silently for a moment confused by Max’s sudden turn around. This just didn’t seem…..like Max. “Don’t bullshit me, Max. What’s this all about?”
Max mentally debated his options. Then with a sigh he caved. “I’ve thought about this a lot. All of what I said is true. We do need to be able to live on our own and the jobs we have aren’t enough. Even with Isabel getting a job too,” Max said looking back at Michael steadily. “What if….Liz got pregnant? We’d need money, Michael.”
“WHAT?” Michael yelped in surprise. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that we don’t know what will happen. This is all new to all of us. We can take all the precautions we want to but we don’t know that they will work. I can’t…..I have to prepare for anything. It’s my job to be ready. I have to….think ahead,” Max said struggling to explain himself.
“Okay. Vegas it is,” Michael said with a shrug. He was all for being ready. After a pause he asked the main question bumping around in his head. “Is she? Pregnant I mean.”
“No, she’s not,” Max said relaxing slightly. “She doesn’t know about this Vegas thing either so just keep it quiet. Okay?”
“Okay. Guy’s weekend in Vegas sounds like a plan to me,” Michael agreed thinking maybe Max needed to get away. Maybe then he could get an idea of what was really going on with him.
Liz was working when the FBI showed up. She looked up as the bell rang and knew who they were right away. She did have some experience in spotting them. A glance at Alex showed him tensing on his stool. She waited until they were seated, in her section of course, before heading over. Plastering a smile on her face, she bounced over order pad in hand.
“Hi! Welcome to the CrashDown my name is Liz. I’ll be your server. What can I get for you?” Liz asked brightly.
“Are you Liz Parker?” The taller of the two in the light grey suit asked.
“Yes. You would be?” Liz asked allowing the smile to slowly fade for a curious expression.
“I’m Agent Davis and this is Agent Lewis. We’re with the FBI and we’d like to ask you a few questions about your attack,” Davis asked watching the slight girl closely.
“Ummm sure but I’m sort of working right now,” Liz replied gesturing at the busy surroundings. “Can this wait?”
“Sure,” Davis agreed. “We actually came in to eat and set up a time to talk with you.”
“Okay, umm is tomorrow okay? I don’t have to work until afternoon so anytime in the morning is fine,” Liz said easily. “Did you find the guy? The one that attacked us?”
“No, we just have a few questions. We think your case might tie into one we’re working on. Is tomorrow at ten okay with you?” Davis asked.
“Yeah, that’s fine. Here? Or at the police station?” Liz asked calmly. This wasn’t a big deal. She had been expecting this since the article came out weeks ago.
“The station is fine. We’ll be talking to the Sheriff and,” Davis glanced at his notes. “Tess Harding as well.”
“Okay. So….what can I get you both?” Liz asked steering them on to order.
When she stuck their order up for Michael he stopped her. “What’s with the suits? Feds?”
“Yeah, it’s no big deal. They want to talk about the attack. I’m going in tomorrow,” Liz replied and moved away from the window to fill their drink orders.
The agents watched her while they ate and saw nothing more then a typical teenager. She laughed and talked with people that were clearly friends. She moved efficiently around the dining room and served them with a smile. Checking on them several times to see if they needed anything. They both agreed that she fit the profile but her attack did not. Not really. There were details that just didn’t fit besides the fact that she was alive when all the other victims were not. Still, there was no harm in following up any possible lead.
Cal’s phone rang shrilly and before the first ring ended he had picked it up. “Langley here.”
“The FBI is in town. They’re talking to Liz and Ava tomorrow. What do you want us to do?” Peck reported.
“Stay close. Report any new developments to me the second it happens. Understand?” Cal asked sharply. Great. Just peachy.
“Yes,” Peck agreed.
Romero’s article hit the stands right after the holiday complete with photos. Liz read the article with disbelief. “Latest Victim? Or Wolf Crying Vixen?” screamed the headline. She looked up into Maria’s worried face and started laughing.
“This is just…too much. This is actually funny! Vixen? Me? That is hysterical,” Liz said shaking her head and waving the paper.
“I don’t think your father found it so funny,” Maria remarked from the window. “He looks like he might have a stroke.”
“Yeah, he’s really pissed. I don’t blame him. It’s embarrassing. I really think he’s going to sue,” Liz said tossing the paper to the floor.
“What does Max say?” Maria asked and watched Liz scowl and shrug.
“He’s Max. How do you think he reacted?” Liz asked softly.
“Okay. That’s it. What is going on with you two?” Maria asked truly concerned.
“Absolutely nothing,” Liz replied. “He’s decided that we need to….”back off a little”. So the vixen title is completely false. I’m no vixen. My boyfriend doesn’t even want me like that. Not enough anyway.”
“So what are you going to do?” Maria asked stunned.
“Nothing. I’m not going to do a damn thing,” Liz replied pulling her legs underneath her.
“Oh I see. Maybe a little flirting, those deep soulful stares and he’ll crack?” Maria asked trying to figure out Liz’s plan. Liz never did nothing when a situation wasn’t to her liking.
“Nope, not this time,” Liz denied softly. “This is more then this one issue. I’m not turning this into some….weird power play. I’m not interested in being in control or even being right. I just want to be able to talk to him. And I can’t. He’s not listening and I can’t seem to make myself understood. This isn’t about sex. It’s about fear.”
Maria took a deep breath and studied her quietly. Hurt shimmered around her and Maria didn’t need glasses to see it. “Okay. Fear. Whose fear?”
“His really. I don’t know what he’s so afraid of but he is afraid. Maybe of things changing or…a surprise baby or I don’t even know. The point is that instead of talking to me about it he just….decided this was the way to handle it. He’s not operating from logic. I mean….if you want to prevent a pregnancy then use birth control. Use more then one method if that eases your mind. That’s logic. He’s doing something else,” Liz said thoughtfully. She wasn’t sure how to handle this correctly. She only knew that he hurt her when he shoved her away on something so personal. It was the same thing that had caused her pain before they “cemented”. His tug of war wasn’t something she understood and she had mistakenly thought that they were past it now. She liked sex fine but that wasn’t what she was truly after. If he couldn’t give freely and openly then it was just pointless.
“They do seem to have fear issues. All of them. I can understand being tired of fighting against the tide,” Maria commented.
“See that’s the thing. I don’t want to fight him. We’re supposed to be partners not combatants. I don’t doubt that he loves me and I know I love him. That isn’t it. I’m not really sure what it is. I just know something’s wrong. Every time I try and talk to him he just totes out the same crap that isn’t the truth. It’s frustrating and it hurts. I’m not setting myself up like I did before so he can shove me away “for my own good”. Like I’m some sort of sex fiend which is just laughable. If that were true I would have had sex with someone else because he’s more trouble then sex is worth,” Liz said then paused. “I’m not unattractive. I could find someone else if that was what it was about. Logic tells me that but…it doesn’t FEEL that way at the time. You know?”
“Yes, I do,” Maria agreed. She had her own experiences with an alien that had lead to very similar feelings. “So what are you going to do? Avoid him?”
“No. We’re “dating” or “together”,” Liz said somewhat sarcastically. “I’m just not going to allow him to put me in a position where I’m uncomfortable. I think that he’s expecting me to allow more then I will. We’re going to back off all right. The pants are staying on. Not because I want to break him or whatever, but because that is what he’s really asking for. He’s equating sex with intimacy and they aren’t really the same. Not completely. I don’t know what else to do. Until I can get through some other way this is the only way I can deal with it.”
“What about…..your connection?” Maria asked knowing that it wasn’t as simple as Liz made it sound.
Liz sighed and rubbed her forehead. “It makes this harder. I can feel….him. I just have to use my will power. Max isn’t the only one that has some you know.”
“Oh believe me, I know,” Maria agreed. When Liz made up her mind that was it. This was shaping up to be quite an interesting disagreement.
Cal read through the report and the attached article and felt what past for his blood rise to a boil. This could not be tolerated. He stared at the picture of a clearly recognizable Max Evans with his arm around Liz who was NAMED in the article filled with lies and rumors. This wasn’t acceptable. The report had listed the action the parents had already taken and the lawsuit that was now pending but that wasn’t enough. He would take care of this himself. Permanently.
In fact, there was very little he was happy about quite frankly. Tess was MIA, Zan was halfway across the country being a bum, there was this article, and none of it spelled out anything good.
Picking up the phone he made travel arrangements for Roswell. He better check on a few things including Nesado’s “grave”. He wasn’t taking anything for granted. That little whore was sharp enough to work out how to bring him around. If the conditions were right and she was willing that is. Then he had a reporter to dispose of and a newspaper to take down. Good thing he didn’t need much sleep.
Michael watched the next two weeks roll by with increasing disquiet. He was busy. It wasn’t that. The four hybrids were practicing their powers using the pod chamber and his living room depending on what worked. They were also studying the granilith itself and the chamber to come up with ideas on protecting the granilith. On the surface things seemed fine.
Maria was still keeping him at arms length despite the drawings he left for her almost daily, Ava was fitting right in and had even gone on two dates, Isabel was in the middle of the Christmas whirl which pulled Max along for the ride. The Evans house was blinking and winking in all of its Christmas glory. Kyle was fully recovered from Faith and was now onto some chick called Haley. The Sheriff was busy with work and trying to track down that reporter who seemed to have dropped off the edge of the Earth. Liz was working with Ava on her vision things and keeping them all up to date on what was happening. She went out with Max once a week and they still hung out at school. So what was the problem? Max. He was short tempered and his powers were off in a big way. His shield was fizzling and he’d almost fried himself the last time he had tried it sending Ava into a laughing fit.
The one bright spot was that Zan had called him briefly to say hey. He was up in Detroit, or so he said, and working in some tattoo parlor. He had seen the paper and wanted to make sure that everyone was okay. Michael had filled him in on what was happening briefly and listened to a long pause on the other end.
“You say his shield ain’t working?” Zan asked frowning.
“Yeah, he lost it. It snapped back on him and almost singed his ass,” Michael confirmed.
“How’s Liz?” Zan asked.
“She’s okay I guess. Seems okay anyhow. It’s hard to tell with her sometimes,” Michael admitted. “Why?”
“Just wondering. Keep an eye on them. Call me if anything else happens. I might come down after Christmas,” Zan responded slowly. Duke sounded like he was messed up bad. “How’s Ava?”
“She’s good. Dating some huge jock. Seems happy. She’s hanging with Liz a lot,” Michael answered without fleshing it out more.
Zan frowned then nodded. His girl was something. “Good. I gotta run but call me if anything happens. You got my digits.”
“Cool. See ya,” Michael said and hung up.
So the next day he paid more attention to both Max and Liz. What he noticed was that Liz focused outward. She maybe sitting with Max, touching him even, but she rarely looked him in the eye. She talked and laughed with the group but seemed more reserved with Max. He couldn’t pin point what it was that first gave him that impression. She kissed him and held his hand like always but it didn’t……feel the same somehow.
On the other hand Max seemed to have trouble looking away from Liz. He touched her often, stroking her hair, playing with her fingers, hugging her. But in his eyes there was a longing that hadn’t been present in a while. He didn’t speak very often either. To anyone.
So it was a surprise when two days later Michael opened his door to find Max. Michael stepped back to allow Max to enter silently then shut the door.
“What’s up?” Michael asked flopping back on the couch.
“Can you get off work for two or three days?” Max asked fidgeting in his seat. “During the break?”
“Yeah, I guess. Why?” Michael asked puzzled by Max’s odd request.
“I want to go to Vegas. I’ve been saving and I’ll have enough money by then. We need to build some resources for…..the future. Just in case,” Max explained wiping his palms on his jeans.
“Are you kidding?” Michael asked almost slack jawed at this non-Max like plan. Max was upstanding. A straight arrow. He didn’t suggest going to Vegas and…..cheating the casino.
“No. I’m not. I’ve thought about this. We need money Michael,” Max said seriously.
“For what? Why the sudden need for money?” Michael asked flicking off the TV and focusing on Max.
Max sighed and fidgeted then looked at Michael. “For our future. What if….something happens? We might need money. To run or buy whatever. A car or pay for college or an apartment. We need the ability to survive on our own,” Max explained.
Michael sat silently for a moment confused by Max’s sudden turn around. This just didn’t seem…..like Max. “Don’t bullshit me, Max. What’s this all about?”
Max mentally debated his options. Then with a sigh he caved. “I’ve thought about this a lot. All of what I said is true. We do need to be able to live on our own and the jobs we have aren’t enough. Even with Isabel getting a job too,” Max said looking back at Michael steadily. “What if….Liz got pregnant? We’d need money, Michael.”
“WHAT?” Michael yelped in surprise. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that we don’t know what will happen. This is all new to all of us. We can take all the precautions we want to but we don’t know that they will work. I can’t…..I have to prepare for anything. It’s my job to be ready. I have to….think ahead,” Max said struggling to explain himself.
“Okay. Vegas it is,” Michael said with a shrug. He was all for being ready. After a pause he asked the main question bumping around in his head. “Is she? Pregnant I mean.”
“No, she’s not,” Max said relaxing slightly. “She doesn’t know about this Vegas thing either so just keep it quiet. Okay?”
“Okay. Guy’s weekend in Vegas sounds like a plan to me,” Michael agreed thinking maybe Max needed to get away. Maybe then he could get an idea of what was really going on with him.
Liz was working when the FBI showed up. She looked up as the bell rang and knew who they were right away. She did have some experience in spotting them. A glance at Alex showed him tensing on his stool. She waited until they were seated, in her section of course, before heading over. Plastering a smile on her face, she bounced over order pad in hand.
“Hi! Welcome to the CrashDown my name is Liz. I’ll be your server. What can I get for you?” Liz asked brightly.
“Are you Liz Parker?” The taller of the two in the light grey suit asked.
“Yes. You would be?” Liz asked allowing the smile to slowly fade for a curious expression.
“I’m Agent Davis and this is Agent Lewis. We’re with the FBI and we’d like to ask you a few questions about your attack,” Davis asked watching the slight girl closely.
“Ummm sure but I’m sort of working right now,” Liz replied gesturing at the busy surroundings. “Can this wait?”
“Sure,” Davis agreed. “We actually came in to eat and set up a time to talk with you.”
“Okay, umm is tomorrow okay? I don’t have to work until afternoon so anytime in the morning is fine,” Liz said easily. “Did you find the guy? The one that attacked us?”
“No, we just have a few questions. We think your case might tie into one we’re working on. Is tomorrow at ten okay with you?” Davis asked.
“Yeah, that’s fine. Here? Or at the police station?” Liz asked calmly. This wasn’t a big deal. She had been expecting this since the article came out weeks ago.
“The station is fine. We’ll be talking to the Sheriff and,” Davis glanced at his notes. “Tess Harding as well.”
“Okay. So….what can I get you both?” Liz asked steering them on to order.
When she stuck their order up for Michael he stopped her. “What’s with the suits? Feds?”
“Yeah, it’s no big deal. They want to talk about the attack. I’m going in tomorrow,” Liz replied and moved away from the window to fill their drink orders.
The agents watched her while they ate and saw nothing more then a typical teenager. She laughed and talked with people that were clearly friends. She moved efficiently around the dining room and served them with a smile. Checking on them several times to see if they needed anything. They both agreed that she fit the profile but her attack did not. Not really. There were details that just didn’t fit besides the fact that she was alive when all the other victims were not. Still, there was no harm in following up any possible lead.
Cal’s phone rang shrilly and before the first ring ended he had picked it up. “Langley here.”
“The FBI is in town. They’re talking to Liz and Ava tomorrow. What do you want us to do?” Peck reported.
“Stay close. Report any new developments to me the second it happens. Understand?” Cal asked sharply. Great. Just peachy.
“Yes,” Peck agreed.
Chapter Fifty Two
Liz prepared for her questioning, putting everything else out of her mind. She didn’t think this was that big of a deal. It was to be expected. Her father was going with her, Ava, and the Sheriff would be there. She wasn’t that nervous. Max was the one having a breakdown. If aliens could get ulcers Max was a prime candidate. She talked to him for over an hour the first time. Forty-five minutes the second time. She hung up on him the third time after twenty minutes. He was like Chicken Little. The sky was always falling.
She walked into the Sheriff’s station the next morning ten minutes early and smiled at Hanson. “Hi! Two FBI agents asked me to stop by today. Are they here?”
“Yes, Miz Parker. Just have a seat and I’ll let them know you’re here. The Sheriff wanted to sit in too after all that trouble with the reporter and all. They’re just finishing up with Miz Harding,” Deputy Hanson said and nodded at Jeff Parker.
“Do you know what this is about?” Jeff asked the deputy.
“Those murders over in Texas I think. They want to see if this is tied to them I believe. Who knows with the Feds though,” Hanson replied with a shrug before going to announce their arrival.
Liz turned to her father and studied his worried face. “Dad? It’ll be fine. I’m sure they just want to ask some questions. It’s no big deal.”
“I just don’t want this all stirred up again. You’ve had a hard enough time with that damn reporter and…” Jeff paused and looked at his daughter. She looked back at him with trusting eyes and he felt his heart constrict in his chest. “Don’t worry honey. We’ll get through this like everything else. That newspaper is going be paying for your college after that article and maybe even your first house.”
Liz smiled and hugged her father quickly feeling guilty that she was so much trouble. Her dad was going to be completely grey after all this. “I’m not worried Daddy. It’ll be fine.”
A few minutes later they were waved into a room and introductions were made.
“We went over the reports of the incident already and we just have a few questions. The Sheriff answered some and we spoke to Tess but we’d like your view of what happened,” Agent Davis said after everyone sat.
“Sure,” Liz agreed. She went over the story they had all agreed on making sure to make several tiny variations so her story didn’t appear rehearsed. She was detailed in her descriptions about how she was taken, all of which could be verified by witnesses. Her father sat next to her and held her hand when she paused showing his support.
“So it was the same man that committed both crimes? The incident at the school and the one at the café? You’re sure?” Davis asked looking up from his notes.
“Yes,” Liz nodded. “I don’t know how he got in without us seeing him though. I was still so….nervous about the first incident that I was watching for him everywhere.”
Davis nodded in understanding. “It would shake up anyone I would imagine.” He felt sympathy for the girl. She looked like a doe caught in the headlights of an approaching car just thinking back on it.
“This man….what did he talk about?” Lewis asked eyes sharp and watchful. As the older of the two and the senior agent he wasn’t as swayed by appearances. Some of the sweetest looking people had monsters gliding under their skin. This whole thing was just…too something.
“Nothing that really made sense. He acted like he knew me but he didn’t call me Liz. Ummm Abby was the name he used. He rambled a lot, screamed actually. I can’t remember everything. I sort of…..passed out when he….touched me in the café. He had a gun and he kept….using the end of it…the muzzle part to touch me,” Liz said haltingly. She really needed to burn in hell for being such a good liar. She had read the seven telltale signatures that gave you away when you were lying and practiced working around them. Research was never wasted.
“Michael actually carried her out,” Jeff interjected squeezing Liz’s hand while Liz nodded in agreement.
“Did he say anything about God or….anything that seemed to be religious to you?” Davis asked.
“No. He just seemed angry with Abby whoever she is,” Liz said slowly. “It was weird though because he knew I wasn’t her. At least I think he did. I was wearing a name tag.”
“When people are on drugs or delusional that often doesn’t matter. Okay. Well thank you Liz for answering our questions,” Davis said satisfied that they were barking up the wrong tree.
“Just one more question,” Lewis inserted. “That reporter. Any idea what happened to him?”
“No. I haven’t seen him since…..before Thanksgiving and only once then. Why? Is something wrong with him?” Liz asked looking puzzled her eyes dark and anxious.
“No one seems to be able to find him,” Lewis said eyes on Liz.
“I’m sure that yellow journalist had a knack for pissing people off. We already filed a lawsuit against him and that so called paper,” Jeff said his face flushing in anger. “What he did is crime. I’m sure it’s not his first. He doesn’t seem to be an upstanding citizen with strong morals to me.”
“Daddy,” Liz warned softly squeezing his hand.
“What? To think you would know anything about that man is ridiculous,” Jeff scoffed.
Davis stepped in to smooth things over. “We were just wondering if he tried to contact her again or she noticed him following her. That’s all.”
“No, I haven’t seen him,” Liz said eyes wide and innocent.
“Okay, if we have any more questions we’ll be in touch. Thank you both for coming in,” Davis said.
Lewis watched them leave thoughtfully. The girl’s story matched everything they had seen and heard. So why was something nagging at him? Roswell was a strange place with secrets that no one including the Sheriff wanted uncovered.
Christmas approached swiftly and Liz wrapped up her shopping the day before Christmas Eve. She wasn’t looking forward to the holiday. Alex was off at relatives house out of town, Maria was not a big fan of the holiday either this year, and Max….well he was being an idiot.
She contemplated digging out her journal but she couldn’t work up the motivation. In fact she hadn’t touched it since…..before the future version of Max showed up. She just didn’t have any thoughts clear enough to record and everything had been happening so fast.
Christmas Eve she worked a short shift with Michael and Ava and spent the evening with her parents. They watched movies and ate Christmas cookies. This year Liz had new appreciation for her parents. They had really stuck up for her and she had caused them a lot of grief lately and cost them a lot of money. They believed in her. It didn’t seem to matter what was printed in the paper about her.
Only when she went to bed did she dwell on Max. Tears flooded her eyes as she realized that she had no idea what to do to fix this. It was almost like Max didn’t want to fix it. Or didn’t see anything wrong which was crazy. She knew Max sometimes went overboard about things but this was surpassing all of her worst expectations. She didn’t think she could handle this much longer. She was lonely.
Max climbed up to her balcony so early on Christmas morning that the sun wasn’t even up yet. He climbed in her window silently and sat down on the floor beside her bed. He sat quietly watching her sleep. He stomach sank into the soles of his feet as he saw the tear tracks on her cheeks. He slowly brushed his fingers over her face and watched her eyes flutter open.
“Hi,” Max whispered when her eyes focused.
“What are you doing here? I thought we agreed that using my balcony wasn’t smart,” Liz said tucking her hair behind her ear. She didn’t bother to sit up.
“The reporter seems to be gone,” Max said and when she didn’t say anything he shrugged. “It’s Christmas. I wanted to see you.”
“Why? You don’t seem like you want to talk. You don’t want much at all from me anymore,” Liz replied after a long pause.
Max sucked in his breath at the pain stabbing through him. “I’m sorry.”
“No, you aren’t. Don’t lie to me, Max,” Liz said and rolled over turning her back on him to hide her tears. “I’m not stupid.”
Max sat still not having a response to that.
“Just go home. Then at least I can be lonely and actually be by myself at the time,” Liz said softly wiping her cheeks.
“I don’t want you to feel like this,” Max said feeling like a heel. He had come over to surprise her not start another fight.
“Yeah well, you know what? My feelings aren’t something you can control. What do you want from me, Max? Seriously. You have been the biggest asshole lately. I just…..I don’t know what to do anymore. I don’t understand so help me out here,” Liz said still facing away from him.
“I know that I’m not….making any sense. Just give me little bit of time to….sort this out in my head then….I’ll settle up with you. Okay?” Max asked softly kicking off his shoes and crawling into bed next to her.
“You’re running an awfully large tab here, Max. I’m going to call it in soon,” Liz warned softly looking over her shoulder at him. “This isn’t how you treat someone you love. At least with Michael you sort of expect it when he slaps you down. He’s open about being closed. You run a good line but it’s not going to cover you much longer. I love you but….I can’t live like this. I’m so lonely here by myself. You just….left me.”
Max sucked in his breath as Liz moved onto her back and met his eyes. Hers showed all the hurt and misery of the last few weeks and her emotions rushed through him as she reached for him. “Can I pay the interest now? Maybe?”
“What exactly do you have in mind?” Liz asked tentatively.
“It’s up to you. What do you want in payment?” Max asked trying to smile. His eyes showed his worry and fear.
“What I want is a real conversation. You can pick the topic,” Liz suggested. “It can be anything just….it has to be the truth. No hiding.”
“Okay,” Max agreed his smile warming as he tried to think of something.
Liz scooted closer curving into him as she waited. As the sky lightened into grey he reached out to lace their fingers together.
“Well….it is Christmas so….what about family? We could talk about family,” Max suggested letting her warmth seep into him.
“Okay. Ummm I love mine. What about you?” Liz teased.
Max smiled feeling lighter at her easy tone. “Me too. Isabel is….frightening during the holidays but I can understand why Christmas is so important to her. She wants to fit in and feels that if she makes the perfect Christmas she will.”
“Too bad she doesn’t understand,” Liz mumbled.
“What do you mean?” Max asked.
“The best Christmas I ever had was when I was eleven. We started decorating the tree late in the season because the café was so busy. The tree caught fire from these lights that shorted out. We were all watching a movie and wrapping presents when it started,” Liz smiled remembering the look on her dad’s face. “So we were all running around tripping over everything to put it out and broke half the presents and water logged the rest but….I’ve never seen my parents laugh that hard. We all had stomach aches and to this day that’s the Christmas I remember the most. If you mentioned it I bet my parents would remember too. Sometimes its what you don’t expect that makes it interesting.”
Max was silent for a while then refocused. “Hmm. That sounds nice.”
“It was,” Liz agreed softly. “What about your family?”
“My mom’s great. You’ve seen that. She’s saved everything from our first lost tooth to Isabel’s first attempt at sewing,” Max said with a sigh but a smile curved his mouth.
“Wait a second,” Liz interrupted. “Isabel sews? Why?”
Max smirked and pulled Liz closer. “I said attempt. She attempted to sew. That’s one of the first times she showed her powers actually. She was so pissed off that it wasn’t working out that she….just fixed it. Isabel failing just isn’t an option,” Max recalled. The look on her face had been priceless. “Mom’s sentimental and everything but she’s not a pushover. We’ve had to get creative over the years to…get by.”
Liz hummed softly in acknowledgement content to listen and play with the buttons on his shirt. This was Max. This was the person she recognized and longed for. Missed more then she thought possible.
Max relaxed back into her bed and stroked her hair as he talked feeling calm and settled inside. There was no fear just peace. The self doubt that had been plaguing him for weeks fell away and he just talked to her while she listened. The soft brush of her hair on his chin and the play of her cool fingers slipping between the buttons on his shirt to rest on his warm skin felt right. It was enough. It was just enough.
In the heart of Texas a man stood in front of his temple and worshipped. He hadn’t found his goddess yet but this new one could be her. He would recognize her spirit when he found her.
Pictures of all his failures adorned his temple, put there to remind him of the false ones. Harlots that tried to fool men. Drag them into the depths of hell itself with their false face. Their lies and deceit.
His Grandfather had told him all about it when he was a boy. The Jackal took many forms….wore many faces but the true face of the goddess would be known. Her eyes would be dark as the night sky with all its secrets and her hair would flow like silk. Stars would shine brighter in her presence and she would be adored. He would worship her as she deserved and prove his devotion. He would build her temple with the bones of the Jackal and she would rise above and bless him.
Liz prepared for her questioning, putting everything else out of her mind. She didn’t think this was that big of a deal. It was to be expected. Her father was going with her, Ava, and the Sheriff would be there. She wasn’t that nervous. Max was the one having a breakdown. If aliens could get ulcers Max was a prime candidate. She talked to him for over an hour the first time. Forty-five minutes the second time. She hung up on him the third time after twenty minutes. He was like Chicken Little. The sky was always falling.
She walked into the Sheriff’s station the next morning ten minutes early and smiled at Hanson. “Hi! Two FBI agents asked me to stop by today. Are they here?”
“Yes, Miz Parker. Just have a seat and I’ll let them know you’re here. The Sheriff wanted to sit in too after all that trouble with the reporter and all. They’re just finishing up with Miz Harding,” Deputy Hanson said and nodded at Jeff Parker.
“Do you know what this is about?” Jeff asked the deputy.
“Those murders over in Texas I think. They want to see if this is tied to them I believe. Who knows with the Feds though,” Hanson replied with a shrug before going to announce their arrival.
Liz turned to her father and studied his worried face. “Dad? It’ll be fine. I’m sure they just want to ask some questions. It’s no big deal.”
“I just don’t want this all stirred up again. You’ve had a hard enough time with that damn reporter and…” Jeff paused and looked at his daughter. She looked back at him with trusting eyes and he felt his heart constrict in his chest. “Don’t worry honey. We’ll get through this like everything else. That newspaper is going be paying for your college after that article and maybe even your first house.”
Liz smiled and hugged her father quickly feeling guilty that she was so much trouble. Her dad was going to be completely grey after all this. “I’m not worried Daddy. It’ll be fine.”
A few minutes later they were waved into a room and introductions were made.
“We went over the reports of the incident already and we just have a few questions. The Sheriff answered some and we spoke to Tess but we’d like your view of what happened,” Agent Davis said after everyone sat.
“Sure,” Liz agreed. She went over the story they had all agreed on making sure to make several tiny variations so her story didn’t appear rehearsed. She was detailed in her descriptions about how she was taken, all of which could be verified by witnesses. Her father sat next to her and held her hand when she paused showing his support.
“So it was the same man that committed both crimes? The incident at the school and the one at the café? You’re sure?” Davis asked looking up from his notes.
“Yes,” Liz nodded. “I don’t know how he got in without us seeing him though. I was still so….nervous about the first incident that I was watching for him everywhere.”
Davis nodded in understanding. “It would shake up anyone I would imagine.” He felt sympathy for the girl. She looked like a doe caught in the headlights of an approaching car just thinking back on it.
“This man….what did he talk about?” Lewis asked eyes sharp and watchful. As the older of the two and the senior agent he wasn’t as swayed by appearances. Some of the sweetest looking people had monsters gliding under their skin. This whole thing was just…too something.
“Nothing that really made sense. He acted like he knew me but he didn’t call me Liz. Ummm Abby was the name he used. He rambled a lot, screamed actually. I can’t remember everything. I sort of…..passed out when he….touched me in the café. He had a gun and he kept….using the end of it…the muzzle part to touch me,” Liz said haltingly. She really needed to burn in hell for being such a good liar. She had read the seven telltale signatures that gave you away when you were lying and practiced working around them. Research was never wasted.
“Michael actually carried her out,” Jeff interjected squeezing Liz’s hand while Liz nodded in agreement.
“Did he say anything about God or….anything that seemed to be religious to you?” Davis asked.
“No. He just seemed angry with Abby whoever she is,” Liz said slowly. “It was weird though because he knew I wasn’t her. At least I think he did. I was wearing a name tag.”
“When people are on drugs or delusional that often doesn’t matter. Okay. Well thank you Liz for answering our questions,” Davis said satisfied that they were barking up the wrong tree.
“Just one more question,” Lewis inserted. “That reporter. Any idea what happened to him?”
“No. I haven’t seen him since…..before Thanksgiving and only once then. Why? Is something wrong with him?” Liz asked looking puzzled her eyes dark and anxious.
“No one seems to be able to find him,” Lewis said eyes on Liz.
“I’m sure that yellow journalist had a knack for pissing people off. We already filed a lawsuit against him and that so called paper,” Jeff said his face flushing in anger. “What he did is crime. I’m sure it’s not his first. He doesn’t seem to be an upstanding citizen with strong morals to me.”
“Daddy,” Liz warned softly squeezing his hand.
“What? To think you would know anything about that man is ridiculous,” Jeff scoffed.
Davis stepped in to smooth things over. “We were just wondering if he tried to contact her again or she noticed him following her. That’s all.”
“No, I haven’t seen him,” Liz said eyes wide and innocent.
“Okay, if we have any more questions we’ll be in touch. Thank you both for coming in,” Davis said.
Lewis watched them leave thoughtfully. The girl’s story matched everything they had seen and heard. So why was something nagging at him? Roswell was a strange place with secrets that no one including the Sheriff wanted uncovered.
Christmas approached swiftly and Liz wrapped up her shopping the day before Christmas Eve. She wasn’t looking forward to the holiday. Alex was off at relatives house out of town, Maria was not a big fan of the holiday either this year, and Max….well he was being an idiot.
She contemplated digging out her journal but she couldn’t work up the motivation. In fact she hadn’t touched it since…..before the future version of Max showed up. She just didn’t have any thoughts clear enough to record and everything had been happening so fast.
Christmas Eve she worked a short shift with Michael and Ava and spent the evening with her parents. They watched movies and ate Christmas cookies. This year Liz had new appreciation for her parents. They had really stuck up for her and she had caused them a lot of grief lately and cost them a lot of money. They believed in her. It didn’t seem to matter what was printed in the paper about her.
Only when she went to bed did she dwell on Max. Tears flooded her eyes as she realized that she had no idea what to do to fix this. It was almost like Max didn’t want to fix it. Or didn’t see anything wrong which was crazy. She knew Max sometimes went overboard about things but this was surpassing all of her worst expectations. She didn’t think she could handle this much longer. She was lonely.
Max climbed up to her balcony so early on Christmas morning that the sun wasn’t even up yet. He climbed in her window silently and sat down on the floor beside her bed. He sat quietly watching her sleep. He stomach sank into the soles of his feet as he saw the tear tracks on her cheeks. He slowly brushed his fingers over her face and watched her eyes flutter open.
“Hi,” Max whispered when her eyes focused.
“What are you doing here? I thought we agreed that using my balcony wasn’t smart,” Liz said tucking her hair behind her ear. She didn’t bother to sit up.
“The reporter seems to be gone,” Max said and when she didn’t say anything he shrugged. “It’s Christmas. I wanted to see you.”
“Why? You don’t seem like you want to talk. You don’t want much at all from me anymore,” Liz replied after a long pause.
Max sucked in his breath at the pain stabbing through him. “I’m sorry.”
“No, you aren’t. Don’t lie to me, Max,” Liz said and rolled over turning her back on him to hide her tears. “I’m not stupid.”
Max sat still not having a response to that.
“Just go home. Then at least I can be lonely and actually be by myself at the time,” Liz said softly wiping her cheeks.
“I don’t want you to feel like this,” Max said feeling like a heel. He had come over to surprise her not start another fight.
“Yeah well, you know what? My feelings aren’t something you can control. What do you want from me, Max? Seriously. You have been the biggest asshole lately. I just…..I don’t know what to do anymore. I don’t understand so help me out here,” Liz said still facing away from him.
“I know that I’m not….making any sense. Just give me little bit of time to….sort this out in my head then….I’ll settle up with you. Okay?” Max asked softly kicking off his shoes and crawling into bed next to her.
“You’re running an awfully large tab here, Max. I’m going to call it in soon,” Liz warned softly looking over her shoulder at him. “This isn’t how you treat someone you love. At least with Michael you sort of expect it when he slaps you down. He’s open about being closed. You run a good line but it’s not going to cover you much longer. I love you but….I can’t live like this. I’m so lonely here by myself. You just….left me.”
Max sucked in his breath as Liz moved onto her back and met his eyes. Hers showed all the hurt and misery of the last few weeks and her emotions rushed through him as she reached for him. “Can I pay the interest now? Maybe?”
“What exactly do you have in mind?” Liz asked tentatively.
“It’s up to you. What do you want in payment?” Max asked trying to smile. His eyes showed his worry and fear.
“What I want is a real conversation. You can pick the topic,” Liz suggested. “It can be anything just….it has to be the truth. No hiding.”
“Okay,” Max agreed his smile warming as he tried to think of something.
Liz scooted closer curving into him as she waited. As the sky lightened into grey he reached out to lace their fingers together.
“Well….it is Christmas so….what about family? We could talk about family,” Max suggested letting her warmth seep into him.
“Okay. Ummm I love mine. What about you?” Liz teased.
Max smiled feeling lighter at her easy tone. “Me too. Isabel is….frightening during the holidays but I can understand why Christmas is so important to her. She wants to fit in and feels that if she makes the perfect Christmas she will.”
“Too bad she doesn’t understand,” Liz mumbled.
“What do you mean?” Max asked.
“The best Christmas I ever had was when I was eleven. We started decorating the tree late in the season because the café was so busy. The tree caught fire from these lights that shorted out. We were all watching a movie and wrapping presents when it started,” Liz smiled remembering the look on her dad’s face. “So we were all running around tripping over everything to put it out and broke half the presents and water logged the rest but….I’ve never seen my parents laugh that hard. We all had stomach aches and to this day that’s the Christmas I remember the most. If you mentioned it I bet my parents would remember too. Sometimes its what you don’t expect that makes it interesting.”
Max was silent for a while then refocused. “Hmm. That sounds nice.”
“It was,” Liz agreed softly. “What about your family?”
“My mom’s great. You’ve seen that. She’s saved everything from our first lost tooth to Isabel’s first attempt at sewing,” Max said with a sigh but a smile curved his mouth.
“Wait a second,” Liz interrupted. “Isabel sews? Why?”
Max smirked and pulled Liz closer. “I said attempt. She attempted to sew. That’s one of the first times she showed her powers actually. She was so pissed off that it wasn’t working out that she….just fixed it. Isabel failing just isn’t an option,” Max recalled. The look on her face had been priceless. “Mom’s sentimental and everything but she’s not a pushover. We’ve had to get creative over the years to…get by.”
Liz hummed softly in acknowledgement content to listen and play with the buttons on his shirt. This was Max. This was the person she recognized and longed for. Missed more then she thought possible.
Max relaxed back into her bed and stroked her hair as he talked feeling calm and settled inside. There was no fear just peace. The self doubt that had been plaguing him for weeks fell away and he just talked to her while she listened. The soft brush of her hair on his chin and the play of her cool fingers slipping between the buttons on his shirt to rest on his warm skin felt right. It was enough. It was just enough.
In the heart of Texas a man stood in front of his temple and worshipped. He hadn’t found his goddess yet but this new one could be her. He would recognize her spirit when he found her.
Pictures of all his failures adorned his temple, put there to remind him of the false ones. Harlots that tried to fool men. Drag them into the depths of hell itself with their false face. Their lies and deceit.
His Grandfather had told him all about it when he was a boy. The Jackal took many forms….wore many faces but the true face of the goddess would be known. Her eyes would be dark as the night sky with all its secrets and her hair would flow like silk. Stars would shine brighter in her presence and she would be adored. He would worship her as she deserved and prove his devotion. He would build her temple with the bones of the Jackal and she would rise above and bless him.
Chapter Fifty Three
The truce she had managed to wrestle from Max on Christmas lasted until New Years Day. He had told her that he was going out with Michael for New Years Eve since she had to work that party with her dad at the CrashDown. She had actually been happy about that, since it had looked like a step in the right direction, what with Max being somewhat distant lately. Now she couldn’t find him and Isabel was trying to blow smoke up her ass.
“Just shut up Isabel,” Liz said getting pissed off.
“Excuse me?” Isabel asked her tone haughty.
“If I wanted a story I’d read a book,” Liz said sharply already dialing Max’s phone. This was it. This was the last straw. When Max’s voice mail came on her anger spiraled. Coward. “You listen to me Max Evans. If I don’t hear from you by the end of the day you better keep running or hope the mother ship picks you up because I will hunt you down and hurt you really really badly. Am I being clear enough for the hearing impaired? And tell that stupid ass with you he will loose his job!”
Kyle whistled under his breath and looked at Isabel’s sullen face. “You better watch it. She looks like she’d love to whoop someone’s ass and yours is big enough.”
“Fuck off,” Isabel responded.
“No! You fuck off!” Liz said pointing at Isabel. “I’m sick of your bullshit stories. Where is Max?”
Maria’s smirk widened at the taken aback expression on Isabel’s face. Her girl did look ready to throw down and she wanted a front row seat for Isabel’s ass kicking.
“I don’t know,” Isabel replied lifting her chin then paused as she thought she heard a low growl. Did Liz just GROWL at her? “He just asked me to cover with Mom and Dad.”
Ava watched silently as Liz paced the length of the Valenti’s living room. She had never seen Liz quite this angry before.
“For how long?” Liz demanded.
“Three days max,” Isabel answered.
“THREE DAYS!” Liz yelled turning to glare at Isabel. “And you didn’t think to ask where he was going or tell anyone? You are blonde!”
“Hey!” Isabel objected over Kyle’s snicker. “He’s the king. If he wants to..”
“NO! We are a group! How many times and in how many languages do I need to say that before you get it! Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?” Liz snapped fed up with this nonsense.
Maria covered her mouth to hide her smile. Girlfriend was on a roll…..rolling right over Isabel.
“There’s no need to get abusive,” Isabel sniffed as if offended.
“It seems to be the only way to get through to you! Don’t you see the problem here? Max is not himself. His powers are….all funky and he’s lost his goddamn mind! You just let him wander off to who knows where with MICHAEL! Because, lord knows, Michael’s totally rational,” Liz said sarcasm dripping from her voice. “Tess is out there somewhere and I doubt she’s friendly. There’s the FBI that seems to have an interest in members of this group that include MAX. We know what they can do! I can’t believe you’re so stupid that none of this occurred to you.”
“I did point some of that out,” Isabel said and sighed. “Okay, look. I tried to stop him but he said that he had a plan for our future and he is normally really dependable. I am telling you. That’s why I’m here.”
“No, you’re here because Liz told you she would call your mother and blow the cover story you were weaving for Max. That’s why you’re here,” Maria said pointedly.
“Whatever. I’m here. That’s the point,” Isabel replied with an eye roll.
“No. The point it that Max and Michael are somewhere doing something that we don’t know about. In other words Isabel. YOU ARE NOT THE POINT!” Liz yelled wanting very much to punch her in the face. Just once. “Do I need to use sign language? Goddamn it! He LIED to me! Don’t you think that’s odd? He’s doing something that he KNOWS I won’t agree with. It could be dangerous!”
“Isabel, if you know something you better tell us,” Ava said speaking up for the first time.
“I don’t know anymore than what I already told you. I swear,” Isabel said sincerely.
“Then we wait,” Liz said glaring at Isabel. She was so angry her hands were sparking. That goddamn selfish stupid worthless blonde bitch! If anything happened to Max she was going to beat Isabel to death. Swear to god.
An hour or so later there was a knock at the front door. Kyle dragged himself away from the TV to answer it and found his eyebrows trying to disappear into his hairline. “Zan?”
“Yup. You gonna let me in or what?” Zan asked casually.
“Sure. Enter the asylum as my guest,” Kyle muttered slamming the door after him. “Stay close because the natives are restless and hostile. Very very hostile.”
Zan smiled briefly as he followed Kyle to the others. His eyes locked onto Ava and his steps slowed at the ice entering her eyes. Kyle wasn’t kidding. Hostility was plain in the air. Pulling his gaze off of Ava he searched out Liz and froze. Whoa. “Hey.”
“What are you doing here?” Liz asked sharply. She wasn’t in the mood to be civil. Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. Bastard looked like Max more every time she saw him. Well that wasn’t to his benefit today.
“Michael called and asked me to come,” Zan answered feeling his neck prickle. Damn she was angry. He thought it prudent not to walk further into the room.
“What did he say to you?” Maria asked drawing his attention.
Zan shrugged lightly. “He asked me to get down here to watch out for you guys. He said him and Max were bonding. Taking some time to chill and blow off steam. They didn’t want to leave you guys here without a guy so here I is. I was supposed to be here yesterday but I got held up.”
Maria grabbed Liz’s arm feeling her vibrate with outrage. This guy was stepping in the shit big time.
“I see,” Liz said and took a deep breath. “As if one Max isn’t enough of a burden. Sure, send another. As if I don’t have enough problems. All I can say is you better not get in my way.”
Zan’s eyes darted over to Kyle who just shook his head. Heaving a sigh he held up his hands. “Yo turn it down a little. I’s not here ta get ya all hot and riled.”
Liz’s eyes flamed pinning Zan in place. “As if.”
“Shut up Zan,” Ava suggested with an eye roll.
“A’right,” Zan agreed and did just that. Shit man. What the hell? He was getting torn to pieces here. Fuck. Not the welcome he was expecting. He rolled his shoulders to relieve some of his tension and glanced at Kyle again who was smirking. Bastard.
“Is that all Michael said?” Isabel asked quietly.
“Yeah. That’s what I said. What the hell’s going on here?” Zan asked looking to Isabel to explain judging her to be the least hostile.
“Max and Michael took off and lied about it. We’re worried,” Isabel answered.
“Enough of this. Zan I want you to tell me if you know about any possible reason Max would be acting like a complete moron,” Liz cut in. She didn’t have the patience for this dancing crap.
“Tell me what he’s doing and maybe I can tell ya,” Zan replied.
“It started with him being controlling. Even more then he normally is. He’s been withdrawn and his powers are all messed up. He lied to me and totally shut me out. I don’t know what happened. I was having these…visions like dreams while I was asleep. He ummm connected to me while I was having one to see what was going on and ever since he’s been a complete control freak. It started before then though, I think. He worried about every little thing but I didn’t notice it really. I mean he’s always been that way but now he’s irrational and….this isn’t HIM. He doesn’t lie to me and run off like this,” Liz tried to explain frustrated.
Zan’s mind ticked away all the things he knew of that could effect them, looking for anything…even a half-assed guess. “You didn’t like….stab him in his sleep or…anything right?”
“What?” Liz asked frowning. “No. Of course not.”
“Why would you even ask a stupid thing like that?” Ava asked.
“It’s just….the seal can do weird shit. If he dies or….something whacks with his seal it can cause behavior changes. If they’s having bond problems that could do it too. All kinds of shit can happen,” Zan shrugged looking back and forth between Liz and Ava.
“What kind of bond problems would cause something like this?” Liz asked softly.
Zan cocked his head at her sudden shift in tone. “Now don’t get….nasty okay? Dis is just…..what I heard. I ain’t neva had a bond myself so….” Zan trailed off.
“I got it,” Liz said waving him on.
“Kay, a bond is like….an open circuit for energy and emotions but it deepens over time. If something…..blocks that or….disrupts it there can be consequences. Fighting the natural process of things is….not good. You having any problems?” Zan asked.
“I’m fine but I’m not the one who….ummm wanted to take a step back either,” Liz said worrying her bottom lip. Glancing at Ava she continued. “I don’t know how much you know about….what’s happened but I have a seal too. Could that have messed Max up?”
“What? How’d you get a…..Max still has his?” Zan asked looking to Ava.
Ava briefly went over the future version of Max and what they knew about that and anything else she thought might be of interest.
“So this other Max said he gave you his seal to restart the bonding?” Zan asked Liz.
“Yeah, he said that changes had to be made so Max and I could have children. I’m not sure he was telling us everything though. He also left me this,” Liz said and tossed him her bracelet.
Zan snatched it mid air and looked at it. “I knew about the mating restrictions but….hmm did ya eva think that maybe Max is bonkers ova these changes that have ta be made? What do ya mean about the step back thing?”
“Max saw things in those visions that freaked him out. He started wondering if birth control wasn’t enough so….umm he said he wanted to wait now that the signals off,” Liz explained.
“Oh no freakin' way! He crazy or what?” Zan asked shocked. He had never heard of something so stupid. “That’s a problem. How long this been going on?”
“Umm since before Thanksgiving so like a month and half?” Liz said thinking about it.
Zan scowled trying to figure this out. What the fuck was wrong with this guy? “Okay well that’s not good. I neva heard about anything like this so…”
“Not everyone is controlled by their dick,” Maria said watching Zan closely. It was clear to her this guy was a man whore. That was not Max Evans.
“That ain’t got nothing to wit it,” Zan denied. “Sex is natural between bonded mates. It’s very necessary, at first in particular. It…reaffirms things draws you closer. It’s fuckin’ normal okay? Specially wit him changing the way he is. Liz ain’t the one that’s needing ta change to breed. He is. This seal thing….it could still be part of it. If this….future dude gave it ta ya there’s a reason more then just kick starting Max’s change. He coulda done that without the seal. You seen this seal?”
“Yeah, we’ve seen it,” Ava spoke up. “It shows on her belly real clear. When Max had to heal her it came right out.”
“Does it eva show other times?” Zan asked turning to Liz.
“Uhh yeah. When we ummm have sex it shows sometimes….most times,” Liz admitted being careful to focus on Zan and not the other people in the room. Like Max’s sister.
“Okay,” Zan said thinking. “Maybe this seal calls to itself or something. I don’t know. There aren’t suppose ta BE two seals. It’s in a different place…I don’t know. The bond thing IS a problem. This seal, it might be part of it too. We need ta get his ass back here.”
“Oh you can count on that,” Liz said grimly. She wasn’t putting up with this any longer. She didn’t give a shit what the problem was anymore.
Max held the phone to his ear and winced as he listened to Liz’s message. He deleted it and put his phone away. Turning to Michael he nudged him to get his attention.
“It’s time to cash out. Head to another Casino. We don’t have much time. Liz called,” Max said gathering his markers.
“She pissed?” Michael asked.
“You’re about to get fired and she threatened me with bodily harm,” Max responded. “We have a few hours and then I’ll call. Maybe a few more after that then we’ll have to head home.”
“Gotcha,” Michael said. He loved Vegas. This place was the shit.
Icy blue eyes watched them leave fuming.
“Hey! You deaf? I asked for a gin and tonic.”
“Coming right up,” Tess answered slowly.
The truce she had managed to wrestle from Max on Christmas lasted until New Years Day. He had told her that he was going out with Michael for New Years Eve since she had to work that party with her dad at the CrashDown. She had actually been happy about that, since it had looked like a step in the right direction, what with Max being somewhat distant lately. Now she couldn’t find him and Isabel was trying to blow smoke up her ass.
“Just shut up Isabel,” Liz said getting pissed off.
“Excuse me?” Isabel asked her tone haughty.
“If I wanted a story I’d read a book,” Liz said sharply already dialing Max’s phone. This was it. This was the last straw. When Max’s voice mail came on her anger spiraled. Coward. “You listen to me Max Evans. If I don’t hear from you by the end of the day you better keep running or hope the mother ship picks you up because I will hunt you down and hurt you really really badly. Am I being clear enough for the hearing impaired? And tell that stupid ass with you he will loose his job!”
Kyle whistled under his breath and looked at Isabel’s sullen face. “You better watch it. She looks like she’d love to whoop someone’s ass and yours is big enough.”
“Fuck off,” Isabel responded.
“No! You fuck off!” Liz said pointing at Isabel. “I’m sick of your bullshit stories. Where is Max?”
Maria’s smirk widened at the taken aback expression on Isabel’s face. Her girl did look ready to throw down and she wanted a front row seat for Isabel’s ass kicking.
“I don’t know,” Isabel replied lifting her chin then paused as she thought she heard a low growl. Did Liz just GROWL at her? “He just asked me to cover with Mom and Dad.”
Ava watched silently as Liz paced the length of the Valenti’s living room. She had never seen Liz quite this angry before.
“For how long?” Liz demanded.
“Three days max,” Isabel answered.
“THREE DAYS!” Liz yelled turning to glare at Isabel. “And you didn’t think to ask where he was going or tell anyone? You are blonde!”
“Hey!” Isabel objected over Kyle’s snicker. “He’s the king. If he wants to..”
“NO! We are a group! How many times and in how many languages do I need to say that before you get it! Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?” Liz snapped fed up with this nonsense.
Maria covered her mouth to hide her smile. Girlfriend was on a roll…..rolling right over Isabel.
“There’s no need to get abusive,” Isabel sniffed as if offended.
“It seems to be the only way to get through to you! Don’t you see the problem here? Max is not himself. His powers are….all funky and he’s lost his goddamn mind! You just let him wander off to who knows where with MICHAEL! Because, lord knows, Michael’s totally rational,” Liz said sarcasm dripping from her voice. “Tess is out there somewhere and I doubt she’s friendly. There’s the FBI that seems to have an interest in members of this group that include MAX. We know what they can do! I can’t believe you’re so stupid that none of this occurred to you.”
“I did point some of that out,” Isabel said and sighed. “Okay, look. I tried to stop him but he said that he had a plan for our future and he is normally really dependable. I am telling you. That’s why I’m here.”
“No, you’re here because Liz told you she would call your mother and blow the cover story you were weaving for Max. That’s why you’re here,” Maria said pointedly.
“Whatever. I’m here. That’s the point,” Isabel replied with an eye roll.
“No. The point it that Max and Michael are somewhere doing something that we don’t know about. In other words Isabel. YOU ARE NOT THE POINT!” Liz yelled wanting very much to punch her in the face. Just once. “Do I need to use sign language? Goddamn it! He LIED to me! Don’t you think that’s odd? He’s doing something that he KNOWS I won’t agree with. It could be dangerous!”
“Isabel, if you know something you better tell us,” Ava said speaking up for the first time.
“I don’t know anymore than what I already told you. I swear,” Isabel said sincerely.
“Then we wait,” Liz said glaring at Isabel. She was so angry her hands were sparking. That goddamn selfish stupid worthless blonde bitch! If anything happened to Max she was going to beat Isabel to death. Swear to god.
An hour or so later there was a knock at the front door. Kyle dragged himself away from the TV to answer it and found his eyebrows trying to disappear into his hairline. “Zan?”
“Yup. You gonna let me in or what?” Zan asked casually.
“Sure. Enter the asylum as my guest,” Kyle muttered slamming the door after him. “Stay close because the natives are restless and hostile. Very very hostile.”
Zan smiled briefly as he followed Kyle to the others. His eyes locked onto Ava and his steps slowed at the ice entering her eyes. Kyle wasn’t kidding. Hostility was plain in the air. Pulling his gaze off of Ava he searched out Liz and froze. Whoa. “Hey.”
“What are you doing here?” Liz asked sharply. She wasn’t in the mood to be civil. Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. Bastard looked like Max more every time she saw him. Well that wasn’t to his benefit today.
“Michael called and asked me to come,” Zan answered feeling his neck prickle. Damn she was angry. He thought it prudent not to walk further into the room.
“What did he say to you?” Maria asked drawing his attention.
Zan shrugged lightly. “He asked me to get down here to watch out for you guys. He said him and Max were bonding. Taking some time to chill and blow off steam. They didn’t want to leave you guys here without a guy so here I is. I was supposed to be here yesterday but I got held up.”
Maria grabbed Liz’s arm feeling her vibrate with outrage. This guy was stepping in the shit big time.
“I see,” Liz said and took a deep breath. “As if one Max isn’t enough of a burden. Sure, send another. As if I don’t have enough problems. All I can say is you better not get in my way.”
Zan’s eyes darted over to Kyle who just shook his head. Heaving a sigh he held up his hands. “Yo turn it down a little. I’s not here ta get ya all hot and riled.”
Liz’s eyes flamed pinning Zan in place. “As if.”
“Shut up Zan,” Ava suggested with an eye roll.
“A’right,” Zan agreed and did just that. Shit man. What the hell? He was getting torn to pieces here. Fuck. Not the welcome he was expecting. He rolled his shoulders to relieve some of his tension and glanced at Kyle again who was smirking. Bastard.
“Is that all Michael said?” Isabel asked quietly.
“Yeah. That’s what I said. What the hell’s going on here?” Zan asked looking to Isabel to explain judging her to be the least hostile.
“Max and Michael took off and lied about it. We’re worried,” Isabel answered.
“Enough of this. Zan I want you to tell me if you know about any possible reason Max would be acting like a complete moron,” Liz cut in. She didn’t have the patience for this dancing crap.
“Tell me what he’s doing and maybe I can tell ya,” Zan replied.
“It started with him being controlling. Even more then he normally is. He’s been withdrawn and his powers are all messed up. He lied to me and totally shut me out. I don’t know what happened. I was having these…visions like dreams while I was asleep. He ummm connected to me while I was having one to see what was going on and ever since he’s been a complete control freak. It started before then though, I think. He worried about every little thing but I didn’t notice it really. I mean he’s always been that way but now he’s irrational and….this isn’t HIM. He doesn’t lie to me and run off like this,” Liz tried to explain frustrated.
Zan’s mind ticked away all the things he knew of that could effect them, looking for anything…even a half-assed guess. “You didn’t like….stab him in his sleep or…anything right?”
“What?” Liz asked frowning. “No. Of course not.”
“Why would you even ask a stupid thing like that?” Ava asked.
“It’s just….the seal can do weird shit. If he dies or….something whacks with his seal it can cause behavior changes. If they’s having bond problems that could do it too. All kinds of shit can happen,” Zan shrugged looking back and forth between Liz and Ava.
“What kind of bond problems would cause something like this?” Liz asked softly.
Zan cocked his head at her sudden shift in tone. “Now don’t get….nasty okay? Dis is just…..what I heard. I ain’t neva had a bond myself so….” Zan trailed off.
“I got it,” Liz said waving him on.
“Kay, a bond is like….an open circuit for energy and emotions but it deepens over time. If something…..blocks that or….disrupts it there can be consequences. Fighting the natural process of things is….not good. You having any problems?” Zan asked.
“I’m fine but I’m not the one who….ummm wanted to take a step back either,” Liz said worrying her bottom lip. Glancing at Ava she continued. “I don’t know how much you know about….what’s happened but I have a seal too. Could that have messed Max up?”
“What? How’d you get a…..Max still has his?” Zan asked looking to Ava.
Ava briefly went over the future version of Max and what they knew about that and anything else she thought might be of interest.
“So this other Max said he gave you his seal to restart the bonding?” Zan asked Liz.
“Yeah, he said that changes had to be made so Max and I could have children. I’m not sure he was telling us everything though. He also left me this,” Liz said and tossed him her bracelet.
Zan snatched it mid air and looked at it. “I knew about the mating restrictions but….hmm did ya eva think that maybe Max is bonkers ova these changes that have ta be made? What do ya mean about the step back thing?”
“Max saw things in those visions that freaked him out. He started wondering if birth control wasn’t enough so….umm he said he wanted to wait now that the signals off,” Liz explained.
“Oh no freakin' way! He crazy or what?” Zan asked shocked. He had never heard of something so stupid. “That’s a problem. How long this been going on?”
“Umm since before Thanksgiving so like a month and half?” Liz said thinking about it.
Zan scowled trying to figure this out. What the fuck was wrong with this guy? “Okay well that’s not good. I neva heard about anything like this so…”
“Not everyone is controlled by their dick,” Maria said watching Zan closely. It was clear to her this guy was a man whore. That was not Max Evans.
“That ain’t got nothing to wit it,” Zan denied. “Sex is natural between bonded mates. It’s very necessary, at first in particular. It…reaffirms things draws you closer. It’s fuckin’ normal okay? Specially wit him changing the way he is. Liz ain’t the one that’s needing ta change to breed. He is. This seal thing….it could still be part of it. If this….future dude gave it ta ya there’s a reason more then just kick starting Max’s change. He coulda done that without the seal. You seen this seal?”
“Yeah, we’ve seen it,” Ava spoke up. “It shows on her belly real clear. When Max had to heal her it came right out.”
“Does it eva show other times?” Zan asked turning to Liz.
“Uhh yeah. When we ummm have sex it shows sometimes….most times,” Liz admitted being careful to focus on Zan and not the other people in the room. Like Max’s sister.
“Okay,” Zan said thinking. “Maybe this seal calls to itself or something. I don’t know. There aren’t suppose ta BE two seals. It’s in a different place…I don’t know. The bond thing IS a problem. This seal, it might be part of it too. We need ta get his ass back here.”
“Oh you can count on that,” Liz said grimly. She wasn’t putting up with this any longer. She didn’t give a shit what the problem was anymore.
Max held the phone to his ear and winced as he listened to Liz’s message. He deleted it and put his phone away. Turning to Michael he nudged him to get his attention.
“It’s time to cash out. Head to another Casino. We don’t have much time. Liz called,” Max said gathering his markers.
“She pissed?” Michael asked.
“You’re about to get fired and she threatened me with bodily harm,” Max responded. “We have a few hours and then I’ll call. Maybe a few more after that then we’ll have to head home.”
“Gotcha,” Michael said. He loved Vegas. This place was the shit.
Icy blue eyes watched them leave fuming.
“Hey! You deaf? I asked for a gin and tonic.”
“Coming right up,” Tess answered slowly.
Chapter Fifty Four
Trying to get a handle on her seething anger Liz took her phone and headed outside. Sitting at the weathered patio table on the back porch she stared out over the backyard with unseeing eyes.
Thinking over the conversation with Zan she realized that she really had a problem. There was no way in hell that she was having sex with Max. She would just as soon kick him in the nuts at this point. Rubbing her forehead with the tips of her fingers she shifted through the information and tried to match it up to the last month and a half. She didn’t think sex was main issue. Their problems had started before that had become an issue.
Looking back and thinking about things logically she could go with the idea of the start of the problem being Max’s changes. His over protectiveness would be natural for a male protecting his mate. They had both been going through a lot at the time with her seal showing itself and then cementing things and the changes had been so gradual that it had sort of snuck up on them.
What she still didn’t understand was Max’s distance and flat out lying. If the seal increased certain traits then that could explain the controlling thing but not his sudden shift when it came to sex. He had deliberately put distance between them that had grown in spite of her attempts to bridge it and talk things out. That could have started the bonding problems….the emotional distance and damping of that sense of oneness. She didn’t believe that sex was the main issue. That was more a symptom of the problem then the problem itself. Zan seemed to have the same problem Max did with mistaking sex and real true intimacy.
The problem now was that she had her own issues to deal with on top of Max’s. Whatever had caused this didn’t take away from the hurt and self doubt that she felt. Maybe if he didn’t always shove her away with steps back. Their history was riddled with steps back and him rejecting her sexually, this latest incident had only worsened her doubts. She couldn’t imagine approaching him intimately at this point. Fear of rejection was strong, the cause didn’t seem to matter. She didn’t feel in the least attractive although she knew he loved her. Love and sex were separate in her mind. None of that even took into account her hostility toward him right now either.
All she knew was she had let down all her walls and opened herself up to him like she had never done with anyone else then she had woken up to him saying that he wanted to back off a little. He had crushed her pride and given fuel to all the doubts she had ever had about herself. She hadn’t seen it coming and it had been a brutal slap in the face. His attempts at making out over the last month hadn’t eased her mind. They had actually had the opposite effect. Conversations with Maria had floated through her head making her wonder. Suddenly she had found herself wondering what Max was really thinking. He seemed okay with getting off but real conversation and closeness was taboo. She had developed a set of brakes that had surpassed the ones she had had while dating Kyle. She had still tried, more then once, to talk to Max but he had been unwilling or unable to explain his side. So she had been left with her imagination and the wisps of his emotions of fear and something too complicated for her to decipher.
Now she was struggling to hold onto her pride and the shreds of dignity that she still possessed. The idea of once again being the aggressor was….abhorrent and completely foreign to her now. But on the other hand, thinking of Max being the aggressor had her mentally resisting his advances. She was unsure of him and herself. She didn’t feel close to him like she used to. She couldn’t feel him and often looked at him as a stranger. So if the solution to everything was sex they were screwed because it wasn’t happening.
So. She had to come up with something else. The first thing was getting him home by hook or crook and then she could go from there. Hmmm actually…..Liz’s eyes narrowed as she looked at this in a new way. Sex might be just the answer to one of her problems. A smile curved her mouth as she remembered biology and the behavior of male animals in the wild.
“That’s a scary look there, Liz,” Zan said breaking into her thoughts.
“Hmm, what’s up?” Liz asked focusing on him.
“I was just thinking. Maybe the two seals are…sorta warring. You know….they’s fine when you’s guys are chillen but once you’s got bond problems there needs to be a clear ruler see?” Zan asked explaining his idea. It had come to him while watching football with Kyle.
“Maybe,” Liz shrugged. She didn’t care about her seal or bonds. She just wanted Max back. Her Max. First to beat him senseless for doing this…..scaring her this badly and acting like Michael on steroids. “How’d you get all of this information about everything? Information that Max and the others don’t have?”
“Some I just stumbled ova and I then I’s got this tape. I think it was from our protector. I listened to it and it sorta…jogged something in me you know? I started to remember more things or…get some sorta instinct I guess. The tape told me about the breeding thing. Can’t have a bunch of bastard halflings competing for the thrown. It told me our place in things,” Zan said slowly looking out over the yard.
Liz studied his face seeing a brief flash of pain before he slid back behind his mask.
“I don’t know everything. What I do know might not be real. Who the hell knows?” Zan shrugged then kicked his feet up onto the table. “I just set my mind on the now. The past is dead, no changing it. Who the hell cares anyway. We’re an experiment set loose in the world so who to say they’s even know what could happen.”
Good point Liz thought briefly. The truth was an elusive thing. What one person thought was truth another didn’t.
The ringing of her phone broke into her thoughts abruptly.
“Hello?” Liz answered.
“Liz?” Max asked moving away from the lights to lean against the wall in a dim corner of a dingy casino off the strip.
“Where are you?” Liz demanded her eyes narrowing at his mild tone.
“Out with Michael. I told you that,” Max said his fingers tightening on phone.
Liz felt her eyebrow arch as her anger swelled blocking out her intention to try and control her temper. “Fuck you, Max. You lied to me and don’t try to bullshit me about it.”
Max looked at the phone in surprise then put it back to his ear. “I am with Michael. We decided to go to Vegas. I’ll be back in two days tops.”
“You’ll be back here by tomorrow morning,” Liz said firmly moving away from a smirking Zan. “I’m serious, Max. This is it. You can’t just run off to Vegas without telling anyone. There are people that we need to be careful of. You scared the shit out of me, Max!”
“I’m sorry about that. I left you a message on your home number,” Max said looking over at Michael who was high five-ing a fellow gambler. “We’re being careful. I can’t come back right away. We’re sort of in the middle of something.”
Zan watched her fingers start to spark and hoped she didn’t fry the phone by her head. Her hand waving in the air as she talked sorta looked like a lit sparkler when you waved it around.
“I don’t care what you’re in the middle of. You get your ass back here. I’m through playing around with you. I’ve had it. My patience has run out,” Liz seethed.
“Just relax okay? I’m sorry about you thinking I lied or whatever but that’s no reason to get this angry. I took care of myself for this long I think I can handle two days away from you without getting killed. I’m really doing this for us. For our future.”
Liz actually felt lightheaded with rage. “You listen very carefully because I will not repeat myself. If you aren’t back here in the morning we don’t HAVE a goddamned future. You aren’t exactly wowing me with your decision making skills lately so your reassurances don’t mean shit to me.”
“Liz, you have the seal and we’re bonded. You can’t just leave. I can explain everything when I get home. We’ll head out tomorrow,” Max said trying to weasel more time.
“I don’t care about any of that. If you’re not here then I’m getting rid of this seal. There’s no bond that can can’t be broken, Max,” Liz said clearly. It was time to play hard ball.
“What are you talking about?” Max asked suddenly feeling queasy.
“Zan’s here and he told me what to do to get rid of the seal. All I have to do is give it to him. He is the fallback guy right?” Liz asked. He wanted to lie? She could lie too.
“What?” Max asked panic icing his blood.
“Figure it out. This is your choice, Max. I’m done playing games and letting you walk all over me. You either want to work this out or you don’t. But let’s be clear about something. I’m not putting up with this shit. I won’t do it. If you love me you wouldn’t shit all over me like this. So you’re either expecting me to call you on this or you’re stupid. Which is it?” Liz asked.
“I’ll be home by morning,” Max sighed.
“Good. Bring your Dumb & Dumber reject with you. I have a few things to say to him too. No excuses. You’re home by morning or we’re over,” Liz said firmly. “Now. Be careful and I’ll see you when you get home.”
Zan smirked as he brought his booted feet together in a clapping motion.
“Piss off,” Liz said and stalked into the house. Men.
As Max left the bright lights of Vegas behind he went over his conversation with Liz. Truthfully he knew that she was going to be mad. He just hadn’t expected this level of fury. Scratching behind his ear in a nervous gesture he hoped he could make this right. They had enough money to start out. If they could manage it right they should be okay.
“Hey, are we in deep shit or what?” Michael asked breaking into Max’s thoughts.
“I think so. Yes,” Max admitted and related the gist of the conversation to Michael.
“Whoa. You’re screwed. That sounds like a Maria level of fury to me. I’ve been there,” Michael replied smirking.
“She said she had a few things to say to you too, Michael,” Max said glancing over in time to see Michael’s smirk disappear.
“Fuck. Thanks a lot Max. She’s mean,” Michael grumbled. “I don’t know what you did before this but she’s been getting really nasty. She didn’t speak to me for two weeks for ratting on her. Then she told Maria that she heard me say Maria’s ass was getting fat.”
“Did you?” Max asked glancing over.
“That’s not the point,” Michael said waving that away.
“It is to Maria,” Max said grinning when Michael just grunted.
“Care to explain this now? I mean, I think I’ve been a good sport here. I helped and I’m about to get my ass chewed off so you could at least fill me in,” Michael grumbled.
“I don’t know if I can so you understand,” Max said quietly. “I’m not sure I do.”
“Try,” Michael said glancing over at Max. “This isn’t you. None of it. The whole Vegas thing, this thing with Liz, all of it.”
“Why isn’t it? I’m not allowed to fuck up?” Max asked a hint of anger leaking into his tone.
“No, that’s not it. You don’t bug out on people and you have lately. You don’t act on impulse and without thinking over every little detail. You’re mister “low profile” not Minnesota Fats with dice,” Michael answered. “This is like a willful act of sheer stupidity. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve done it myself before, but you’re not me.”
“I just realized that even with the chance of making a mistake I didn’t want to….stop sleeping with her. After seeing those visions….feeling them I almost…woke her up. It was…..scary. Thinking that I couldn’t stop. We aren’t ready. For a family and it really freaked me out. Where would we live? How would I pay for a baby? What if something went wrong? I might loose her. But still….it didn’t seem enough to sway me. She trusts me and I’m a complete pervert,” Max stated scowling. He down played the situation and left out a lot that was simply too embarrassing to discuss with Michael. Covering just the surface of his thoughts.
Michael burst out laughing.
“What? What’s so funny?” Max demanded.
“Maxwell. Every guy is a pervert. Watch some cable for god’s sake! You’re worrying about a baby that doesn’t exist. I can’t believe this. I’m going to get creamed for a non-existent baby. I realize you’re uptight and all but this in just nuts. You’re freaking out because you’re lusting for the girl you’ve been in love with since you first saw her and “might” possibly maybe at some point get her pregnant. You’re nesting for a kid that isn’t even in the game. You’re messed up,” Michael observed amused.
“I’m not nesting,” Max denied.
“Yes, you are. Liz is going to rip your balls off for you after this stunt so you don’t need to worry about having offspring,” Michael said pointedly. “That is if Zan doesn’t convince her he’s the stable one of the two of you.”
“What does that mean?” Max scowled his hands tightening on the wheel.
“I mean just what I said. He’s got eyes and he’s not bound by the same standards I am. You’re out of town and acting like a lunatic. You figure it out,” Michael said leaning back and closing his eyes. “He’s been real helpful so far.”
Max frowned his gut twisting fiercely. He remembered that he hadn’t liked the look in Zan’s eyes a few times when he was looking at Liz. Liz had said that Zan knew how to get rid of the seal. His eyes widened as he remembered when her seal tended to show…..Liz wouldn’t…But Zan had attacked her once before. He had left her there with a potential rapist! What was a matter with him? How had he forgotten that!
“Yo! Watch the road!” Michael said sharply then smirked as Max righted the Jeep.
Then there was that killer. The FBI. Max started hyperventilating as all the things that could happen to her ran through his head. He needed to be there! He was the one that should be taking care of her. What had he been thinking leaving her with Zan?
“That’s it. Pull over and let me drive,” Michael said as they veered into the oncoming lane for the third time.
“No. I’m fine,” Max insisted refusing to give up the wheel. Suddenly his fears about not being enough were outweighed by the thought of his mate being alone and vulnerable. He rubbed his burning hand on his thigh, not noticing his seal pulse angrily.
Trying to get a handle on her seething anger Liz took her phone and headed outside. Sitting at the weathered patio table on the back porch she stared out over the backyard with unseeing eyes.
Thinking over the conversation with Zan she realized that she really had a problem. There was no way in hell that she was having sex with Max. She would just as soon kick him in the nuts at this point. Rubbing her forehead with the tips of her fingers she shifted through the information and tried to match it up to the last month and a half. She didn’t think sex was main issue. Their problems had started before that had become an issue.
Looking back and thinking about things logically she could go with the idea of the start of the problem being Max’s changes. His over protectiveness would be natural for a male protecting his mate. They had both been going through a lot at the time with her seal showing itself and then cementing things and the changes had been so gradual that it had sort of snuck up on them.
What she still didn’t understand was Max’s distance and flat out lying. If the seal increased certain traits then that could explain the controlling thing but not his sudden shift when it came to sex. He had deliberately put distance between them that had grown in spite of her attempts to bridge it and talk things out. That could have started the bonding problems….the emotional distance and damping of that sense of oneness. She didn’t believe that sex was the main issue. That was more a symptom of the problem then the problem itself. Zan seemed to have the same problem Max did with mistaking sex and real true intimacy.
The problem now was that she had her own issues to deal with on top of Max’s. Whatever had caused this didn’t take away from the hurt and self doubt that she felt. Maybe if he didn’t always shove her away with steps back. Their history was riddled with steps back and him rejecting her sexually, this latest incident had only worsened her doubts. She couldn’t imagine approaching him intimately at this point. Fear of rejection was strong, the cause didn’t seem to matter. She didn’t feel in the least attractive although she knew he loved her. Love and sex were separate in her mind. None of that even took into account her hostility toward him right now either.
All she knew was she had let down all her walls and opened herself up to him like she had never done with anyone else then she had woken up to him saying that he wanted to back off a little. He had crushed her pride and given fuel to all the doubts she had ever had about herself. She hadn’t seen it coming and it had been a brutal slap in the face. His attempts at making out over the last month hadn’t eased her mind. They had actually had the opposite effect. Conversations with Maria had floated through her head making her wonder. Suddenly she had found herself wondering what Max was really thinking. He seemed okay with getting off but real conversation and closeness was taboo. She had developed a set of brakes that had surpassed the ones she had had while dating Kyle. She had still tried, more then once, to talk to Max but he had been unwilling or unable to explain his side. So she had been left with her imagination and the wisps of his emotions of fear and something too complicated for her to decipher.
Now she was struggling to hold onto her pride and the shreds of dignity that she still possessed. The idea of once again being the aggressor was….abhorrent and completely foreign to her now. But on the other hand, thinking of Max being the aggressor had her mentally resisting his advances. She was unsure of him and herself. She didn’t feel close to him like she used to. She couldn’t feel him and often looked at him as a stranger. So if the solution to everything was sex they were screwed because it wasn’t happening.
So. She had to come up with something else. The first thing was getting him home by hook or crook and then she could go from there. Hmmm actually…..Liz’s eyes narrowed as she looked at this in a new way. Sex might be just the answer to one of her problems. A smile curved her mouth as she remembered biology and the behavior of male animals in the wild.
“That’s a scary look there, Liz,” Zan said breaking into her thoughts.
“Hmm, what’s up?” Liz asked focusing on him.
“I was just thinking. Maybe the two seals are…sorta warring. You know….they’s fine when you’s guys are chillen but once you’s got bond problems there needs to be a clear ruler see?” Zan asked explaining his idea. It had come to him while watching football with Kyle.
“Maybe,” Liz shrugged. She didn’t care about her seal or bonds. She just wanted Max back. Her Max. First to beat him senseless for doing this…..scaring her this badly and acting like Michael on steroids. “How’d you get all of this information about everything? Information that Max and the others don’t have?”
“Some I just stumbled ova and I then I’s got this tape. I think it was from our protector. I listened to it and it sorta…jogged something in me you know? I started to remember more things or…get some sorta instinct I guess. The tape told me about the breeding thing. Can’t have a bunch of bastard halflings competing for the thrown. It told me our place in things,” Zan said slowly looking out over the yard.
Liz studied his face seeing a brief flash of pain before he slid back behind his mask.
“I don’t know everything. What I do know might not be real. Who the hell knows?” Zan shrugged then kicked his feet up onto the table. “I just set my mind on the now. The past is dead, no changing it. Who the hell cares anyway. We’re an experiment set loose in the world so who to say they’s even know what could happen.”
Good point Liz thought briefly. The truth was an elusive thing. What one person thought was truth another didn’t.
The ringing of her phone broke into her thoughts abruptly.
“Hello?” Liz answered.
“Liz?” Max asked moving away from the lights to lean against the wall in a dim corner of a dingy casino off the strip.
“Where are you?” Liz demanded her eyes narrowing at his mild tone.
“Out with Michael. I told you that,” Max said his fingers tightening on phone.
Liz felt her eyebrow arch as her anger swelled blocking out her intention to try and control her temper. “Fuck you, Max. You lied to me and don’t try to bullshit me about it.”
Max looked at the phone in surprise then put it back to his ear. “I am with Michael. We decided to go to Vegas. I’ll be back in two days tops.”
“You’ll be back here by tomorrow morning,” Liz said firmly moving away from a smirking Zan. “I’m serious, Max. This is it. You can’t just run off to Vegas without telling anyone. There are people that we need to be careful of. You scared the shit out of me, Max!”
“I’m sorry about that. I left you a message on your home number,” Max said looking over at Michael who was high five-ing a fellow gambler. “We’re being careful. I can’t come back right away. We’re sort of in the middle of something.”
Zan watched her fingers start to spark and hoped she didn’t fry the phone by her head. Her hand waving in the air as she talked sorta looked like a lit sparkler when you waved it around.
“I don’t care what you’re in the middle of. You get your ass back here. I’m through playing around with you. I’ve had it. My patience has run out,” Liz seethed.
“Just relax okay? I’m sorry about you thinking I lied or whatever but that’s no reason to get this angry. I took care of myself for this long I think I can handle two days away from you without getting killed. I’m really doing this for us. For our future.”
Liz actually felt lightheaded with rage. “You listen very carefully because I will not repeat myself. If you aren’t back here in the morning we don’t HAVE a goddamned future. You aren’t exactly wowing me with your decision making skills lately so your reassurances don’t mean shit to me.”
“Liz, you have the seal and we’re bonded. You can’t just leave. I can explain everything when I get home. We’ll head out tomorrow,” Max said trying to weasel more time.
“I don’t care about any of that. If you’re not here then I’m getting rid of this seal. There’s no bond that can can’t be broken, Max,” Liz said clearly. It was time to play hard ball.
“What are you talking about?” Max asked suddenly feeling queasy.
“Zan’s here and he told me what to do to get rid of the seal. All I have to do is give it to him. He is the fallback guy right?” Liz asked. He wanted to lie? She could lie too.
“What?” Max asked panic icing his blood.
“Figure it out. This is your choice, Max. I’m done playing games and letting you walk all over me. You either want to work this out or you don’t. But let’s be clear about something. I’m not putting up with this shit. I won’t do it. If you love me you wouldn’t shit all over me like this. So you’re either expecting me to call you on this or you’re stupid. Which is it?” Liz asked.
“I’ll be home by morning,” Max sighed.
“Good. Bring your Dumb & Dumber reject with you. I have a few things to say to him too. No excuses. You’re home by morning or we’re over,” Liz said firmly. “Now. Be careful and I’ll see you when you get home.”
Zan smirked as he brought his booted feet together in a clapping motion.
“Piss off,” Liz said and stalked into the house. Men.
As Max left the bright lights of Vegas behind he went over his conversation with Liz. Truthfully he knew that she was going to be mad. He just hadn’t expected this level of fury. Scratching behind his ear in a nervous gesture he hoped he could make this right. They had enough money to start out. If they could manage it right they should be okay.
“Hey, are we in deep shit or what?” Michael asked breaking into Max’s thoughts.
“I think so. Yes,” Max admitted and related the gist of the conversation to Michael.
“Whoa. You’re screwed. That sounds like a Maria level of fury to me. I’ve been there,” Michael replied smirking.
“She said she had a few things to say to you too, Michael,” Max said glancing over in time to see Michael’s smirk disappear.
“Fuck. Thanks a lot Max. She’s mean,” Michael grumbled. “I don’t know what you did before this but she’s been getting really nasty. She didn’t speak to me for two weeks for ratting on her. Then she told Maria that she heard me say Maria’s ass was getting fat.”
“Did you?” Max asked glancing over.
“That’s not the point,” Michael said waving that away.
“It is to Maria,” Max said grinning when Michael just grunted.
“Care to explain this now? I mean, I think I’ve been a good sport here. I helped and I’m about to get my ass chewed off so you could at least fill me in,” Michael grumbled.
“I don’t know if I can so you understand,” Max said quietly. “I’m not sure I do.”
“Try,” Michael said glancing over at Max. “This isn’t you. None of it. The whole Vegas thing, this thing with Liz, all of it.”
“Why isn’t it? I’m not allowed to fuck up?” Max asked a hint of anger leaking into his tone.
“No, that’s not it. You don’t bug out on people and you have lately. You don’t act on impulse and without thinking over every little detail. You’re mister “low profile” not Minnesota Fats with dice,” Michael answered. “This is like a willful act of sheer stupidity. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve done it myself before, but you’re not me.”
“I just realized that even with the chance of making a mistake I didn’t want to….stop sleeping with her. After seeing those visions….feeling them I almost…woke her up. It was…..scary. Thinking that I couldn’t stop. We aren’t ready. For a family and it really freaked me out. Where would we live? How would I pay for a baby? What if something went wrong? I might loose her. But still….it didn’t seem enough to sway me. She trusts me and I’m a complete pervert,” Max stated scowling. He down played the situation and left out a lot that was simply too embarrassing to discuss with Michael. Covering just the surface of his thoughts.
Michael burst out laughing.
“What? What’s so funny?” Max demanded.
“Maxwell. Every guy is a pervert. Watch some cable for god’s sake! You’re worrying about a baby that doesn’t exist. I can’t believe this. I’m going to get creamed for a non-existent baby. I realize you’re uptight and all but this in just nuts. You’re freaking out because you’re lusting for the girl you’ve been in love with since you first saw her and “might” possibly maybe at some point get her pregnant. You’re nesting for a kid that isn’t even in the game. You’re messed up,” Michael observed amused.
“I’m not nesting,” Max denied.
“Yes, you are. Liz is going to rip your balls off for you after this stunt so you don’t need to worry about having offspring,” Michael said pointedly. “That is if Zan doesn’t convince her he’s the stable one of the two of you.”
“What does that mean?” Max scowled his hands tightening on the wheel.
“I mean just what I said. He’s got eyes and he’s not bound by the same standards I am. You’re out of town and acting like a lunatic. You figure it out,” Michael said leaning back and closing his eyes. “He’s been real helpful so far.”
Max frowned his gut twisting fiercely. He remembered that he hadn’t liked the look in Zan’s eyes a few times when he was looking at Liz. Liz had said that Zan knew how to get rid of the seal. His eyes widened as he remembered when her seal tended to show…..Liz wouldn’t…But Zan had attacked her once before. He had left her there with a potential rapist! What was a matter with him? How had he forgotten that!
“Yo! Watch the road!” Michael said sharply then smirked as Max righted the Jeep.
Then there was that killer. The FBI. Max started hyperventilating as all the things that could happen to her ran through his head. He needed to be there! He was the one that should be taking care of her. What had he been thinking leaving her with Zan?
“That’s it. Pull over and let me drive,” Michael said as they veered into the oncoming lane for the third time.
“No. I’m fine,” Max insisted refusing to give up the wheel. Suddenly his fears about not being enough were outweighed by the thought of his mate being alone and vulnerable. He rubbed his burning hand on his thigh, not noticing his seal pulse angrily.
Last edited by Lelea on Mon May 26, 2003 2:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Chapter Fifty Five
Kyle waited for things to settle down and for people to start to leave after this latest crisis before making his move on Liz. Ava had agreed to talk to Zan, pulling him away from Liz finally, so he had an opening.
He found her hovering in the hall looking at the various photos hanging on the wall.
“You feeling better?” Kyle asked stopping more then an arms reach away.
“Not really,” Liz admitted glancing over at Kyle.
“Well, let’s just keep in mind that I’m friendly. I may be a guy but I’m cool,” Kyle said edging closer slowly. Since Alex wasn’t here it was up to him to step in.
Liz smiled and nodded. “I’ll remember. Promise.”
“It’s not that I don’t enjoy a good ass kicking but you’re scary lately,” Kyle half joked eyeing Liz.
Liz sighed and felt tears prick the back of her eyes. “I know.”
Kyle’s eyes widened at the hint of tears and he glanced around for Maria or Ava. Rocking back and forth on his heels he sucked it up and dove right in. “Hey. Hey, none of that in this house, kay? We don’t do that here. Valenti rules.”
“Got it,” Liz nodded and drew in a deep breath focusing on the pictures once more. “I didn’t know you had a thing for dressing up.”
Kyle glanced over at the picture Liz was referring to and flushed. “Yeah, well. It was Halloween and my mom made the costume.”
Liz smiled as she took in Kyle’s blush. “It’s cute. You look very….ummm nice in the gun belt and chaps.”
“I was like four,” Kyle mumbled trying to stop his face from flaming brighter.
“I was a fairy that year I think,” Liz said cutting Kyle a break. He did look cute though with his trademark smile already present even at four. “This year I feel like the girl from the “Exorcist”. I swear my head was spinning around while I was talking to Max.”
Kyle smirked slightly then spoke. “Zan didn’t seem to mind,” Kyle said casually watching Liz.
Liz scowled in response then sighed. “I don’t really care what he thinks. He’s not my problem. Max is, and right now that’s more then I can handle.”
“Evans is a mystery,” Kyle agreed. “I wouldn’t worry too much. He’ll come around.”
“Yeah. Right. Because all of you men are so clear headed right?” Liz asked shooting Kyle a look. “Michael can’t figure his way out of a paper bag, Max is bipolar lately, Alex is…MIA, and you. Then there’s you with Faith or Fawn or whatever this weeks blowup doll is named,” Liz rolled her eyes a smile playing over her lips.
“Umm I think her name is…Astrid?” Kyle said and wagged his finger when Liz shoved him. “Hey! Fragile merchandise here. Save the rough stuff for Max.”
“Shut up, Kyle,” Liz laughed. “The point is none of you are making good choices. It’s frustrating. Michael’s idea of communicating is grunting. Max’s is nodding in agreement and then patting me on the head. Alex…for all the time and effort we put into him you’d think he could call. He’s been gone this whole holiday and not one phone call. Put the computer down, Alex, and step away.”
Kyle laughed seeing her point.
“Now let’s look at you. What are you doing, Kyle? Is all that incense killing your brain cells? These girls you’re seeing are evil. Vindictive and just rotten. I expected more from you. You used to date such nice people,” Liz smirked batting her eyes at him.
“Riiiight,” Kyle replied grinning. “What am I thinking?”
“I don’t know. Did you know that Faith emailed me?” Liz asked turning to face Kyle fully.
“No. I didn’t. What did she say?” Kyle asked then cleared his throat nervously.
“She sent me a very personal picture of you,” Liz said her eyebrow quirking. “I don’t know. I guess it could have been her little cousin or something since there was no FACE. It’s hard to tell. I got a nice story to go with that picture too.”
Kyle’s mouth dropped open and he started to shake his head in denial.
“Yeah. I guess she thought I would be familiar with the parts involved,” Liz shrugged casually. “That’s what I’m talking about. Evil. You really need to think about your choices a little more or at least control the angle of the picture next time.”
“Nononono that wasn’t me! That couldn’t be me since…I don’t…do stuff like that!” Kyle sputtered.
“Whatever,” Liz shrugged. “I would have to wonder who else she’s been emailing though. I don’t know what you did to piss her off like that but she’s very creative in a vile sort of way. She made quite the collage.”
Kyle sputtered too shocked to form words.
“Maybe you shouldn’t answer the ads in those porn magazines anymore. She’s a little bent if you ask me. A nice normal girl, Kyle. Really. Just try it. You might actually like it. That’s all I’m saying,” Liz said and patted his shoulder. “I’ll see myself out.”
Later that night after talking to Maria for two hours about things Liz felt a little better. Over and over in her mind she reminded herself that she couldn’t control Max she could only control herself. Since that seemed to be a difficult task anymore, in and of itself, she had her work cut out for her.
Rubbing her abdomen absently she slowly got ready for bed hoping to get some rest. Worry nagged at her as her thoughts turned to Max. The closest she could come to describing her fear when she couldn’t find him was that it had felt like when he was captured by the FBI except she didn’t KNOW where he was. But it was that same fear of not knowing what was happening to him. She never wanted to feel like that again.
Eventually she drifted off to sleep, her dreams were dark and frightening.
Max dropped Michael off at his apartment and drove directly to Liz’s. Looking up at the ladder he paused unable to actually climb up. He was so tired and he had no idea what to expect from Liz. She was usually so calm but now…well that wouldn’t be the word he would choose. His stomach fluttered, as his nerves grew worse. Sucking in a deep breath he charged up the ladder not giving his doubts time to fester any longer.
Climbing in the window, eyes on the lump under the blankets in the center of the bed, he debated whether he should wait till morning. She might get angry at being woken up. Then again, maybe taking her by surprise and being early would be a good thing. His internal debate was cut short by her voice drifting out from under the covers.
“Are you going to run or come to bed?” Liz asked her voice husky with sleep.
Max crept closer wanting to see her face. “I just….wanted you to know I was back.”
Liz hummed softly at that and shifted over to make room for him. “I’m too tired to talk so….If you want….If you’re tired from the drive you can lay down, but no talking okay?”
“Okay,” Max agreed relieved dropping the bag he had carried in. He would be better prepared in the morning. Rubbing his eyes he kicked off his shoes and removed his belt so the buckle wouldn’t dig into her and climbed into bed.
Liz’s eyes drifted closed as the bed shifted as Max tried to get into a comfortable position. She was drifting over the edge into sleep when Max’s arm snaked over her, his hand coming to rest by her navel.
Max listened to her small sigh and cuddled closer, spooning in behind her. The tension drained out of his shoulders as his nose nestled into her hair, her familiar scent easing his way into sleep. The slight glow from under the blankets was almost unnoticeable. Even if anyone had been awake to see it.
Tess went back to the motel room she had been calling home and removed her auburn wig gratefully. Tossing it onto the dresser she skimmed out of her tight outfit. Walking nude into the bathroom she turned on the shower and adjusted the temperature. As the rivulets of water ran over her skin, her thoughts turned to her sighting of Max and Michael.
Tess scowled as she remembered them laughing and jostling each other as they picked up their winnings. Resentment swelled inside her at the differences between their lives.
Vegas had been as far as she could get on the limited amount of cash she had. Nesado had been tight fisted with all resources, not just information. As tawdry as Las Vegas was it had tons of people to get lost in and it was pretty simple to make easy money without too many questions being asked. Without her powers things were more complicated and a whole lot less fun.
Reaching for the shampoo she wondered what was going on with the Roswell gang that would send them here. This didn’t seem like their bag. She smirked as she imagined Max in a strip club or revue. Little Liz must not be holding the same appeal.
The one thing she knew for sure was that this life wasn’t for her. Working in shitty bars and third rate casinos to hustle a living just wasn’t her thing. The good part about this life was that she was really on her own for the first time. No mission. No Nesado to worry about. It was freeing in a way. She could become whatever she chose to. That part was sort of nice.
Liz woke up slowly with the sunlight warming the room and Max’s arm a heavy weight draped over her body holding her to the bed. Which was good since he had crowded her over to the very edge of the mattress.
Yawning she pushed back against him trying to move him over but found he was just a stubborn in sleep as he was when awake. With a grumble she wiggled out from under his arm and onto the floor. After a quick visit to the bathroom she crawled back into bed pulling the covers up to her shoulders staring at the ceiling quietly. She was so deep in thought it almost startled her when Max rolled over making a dissatisfied noise in his throat. She stayed quiet as he scooted closer a frown marring his face.
Looking at him like this, when she was feeling so still inside, reminded her of why she was doing this. All of this. Her fingers reached out to smooth out his frown and lingered there. He looked so sweet when he was sleeping she could almost forget all of her frustration with him. Maybe if he just stayed quiet they wouldn’t fight. Liz smiled at her rambling and impossible thoughts. Maybe she was loosing it. Insanity would be a comfort at this point, at least she would have an excuse.
Max’s eyes opened and locked onto Liz’s before his brain realized he was awake. He didn’t say anything just looked into her eyes trying to judge her mood. Or actually, just how much trouble he was in. Whichever.
She watched his mind work through the windows of his eyes and knew he was looking for an angle. THE LINE. The one that would save his ass. This should be interesting.
Max watched her eyebrow lift and squirmed. “Okay, before you say anything just let me talk for a second,” Max said softly. “See, I know this looks bad but…but it’s really not….that bad.”
Liz just watched him, suppressing her urge to smile.
“I didn’t really lie. I did leave a message and I was with…Michael. Just like I told you I was but…see, I was thinking that….we needed to start planning for the future, you know? Building the resources to weather whatever comes up. See? So look,” Max said and scrambled out of bed and around to where he had dumped his stuff. Bringing the bag back to her he handed it over. “Open it.”
Liz looked from him to the bag in her hand and scooted up to a sitting position. Unzipping the bag and looking in she froze for a second before looking back up into his eyes.
“That’s our future. All of ours,” Max said his voice laced with excitement.
Liz blinked as she took in that ridiculous statement. “This is just money. It’s not the future. I don’t want your money. How did you get all of this anyway? Max! Hello? What were you thinking? You lied to me and scared the life out of me for this?”
Max scratched his ear nervously and struggled to think of what to say. “We didn’t rob anyone. We won it.”
“You cheated using your powers didn’t you? Max. You have gifts okay? It’s not right to use them to cheat a casino out of money. It’s just not. We don’t need all of this,” Liz paused truly at a loss. Where was this coming from? “Okay, lets just set aside the total wrongness of how you got this money. Let’s just….back up to the way you left. Now. You can say that you didn’t lie but you know that what you did is wrong. You mislead me deliberately. You tried to cover your ass with that message on my parent’s phone but you know I never check it. Everyone knows that. You knew that I wouldn’t go for this little plan of yours so you tried to weasel your way around me. That’s the truth. So don’t try to pretend I’m some idiot that buys this crappy story. I don’t. What’s more, is that you don’t either.”
Max looked away and sighed. “I’m sorry about that. I am….I wasn’t thinking straight I guess. I am sorry.”
“Max, I know this is hard and we seem to be having problems but….you can’t ever do anything like this again. I’m serious. You really seriously scared me. I thought something had happened to you because you don’t do stuff like this. You know better then anyone what can go wrong and we would’ve had no idea where to find you. Or even where to start looking. Come on Max! Please tell me you understand this one small point,” Liz requested watching him intently.
“I do,” Max nodded and took the bag back and tossed it to the floor. “I won’t ever do anything like that again, I swear. I’m sorry I lied. I was just….I was wrong.”
Liz flopped back onto the bed relieved that she had gotten that much out of him. Looking at him from under her lashes she watched him fidget.
“So…you’re not going to….get rid of the seal…are you?” Max asked hesitantly afraid of her answer. He hadn’t been a very good mate so far. He hadn’t protected her or provided for her wellbeing. Could he really expect that she would stay?
“About that. I lied. I have no idea how to get rid of the seal,” Liz said then smiled sweetly.
Max blinked then smiled. “You lied.”
“I did,” Liz nodded in agreement. “You came home though. Didn’t you?”
“Yeah,” Max agreed smiling wider. “Yeah, I did.”
Kyle waited for things to settle down and for people to start to leave after this latest crisis before making his move on Liz. Ava had agreed to talk to Zan, pulling him away from Liz finally, so he had an opening.
He found her hovering in the hall looking at the various photos hanging on the wall.
“You feeling better?” Kyle asked stopping more then an arms reach away.
“Not really,” Liz admitted glancing over at Kyle.
“Well, let’s just keep in mind that I’m friendly. I may be a guy but I’m cool,” Kyle said edging closer slowly. Since Alex wasn’t here it was up to him to step in.
Liz smiled and nodded. “I’ll remember. Promise.”
“It’s not that I don’t enjoy a good ass kicking but you’re scary lately,” Kyle half joked eyeing Liz.
Liz sighed and felt tears prick the back of her eyes. “I know.”
Kyle’s eyes widened at the hint of tears and he glanced around for Maria or Ava. Rocking back and forth on his heels he sucked it up and dove right in. “Hey. Hey, none of that in this house, kay? We don’t do that here. Valenti rules.”
“Got it,” Liz nodded and drew in a deep breath focusing on the pictures once more. “I didn’t know you had a thing for dressing up.”
Kyle glanced over at the picture Liz was referring to and flushed. “Yeah, well. It was Halloween and my mom made the costume.”
Liz smiled as she took in Kyle’s blush. “It’s cute. You look very….ummm nice in the gun belt and chaps.”
“I was like four,” Kyle mumbled trying to stop his face from flaming brighter.
“I was a fairy that year I think,” Liz said cutting Kyle a break. He did look cute though with his trademark smile already present even at four. “This year I feel like the girl from the “Exorcist”. I swear my head was spinning around while I was talking to Max.”
Kyle smirked slightly then spoke. “Zan didn’t seem to mind,” Kyle said casually watching Liz.
Liz scowled in response then sighed. “I don’t really care what he thinks. He’s not my problem. Max is, and right now that’s more then I can handle.”
“Evans is a mystery,” Kyle agreed. “I wouldn’t worry too much. He’ll come around.”
“Yeah. Right. Because all of you men are so clear headed right?” Liz asked shooting Kyle a look. “Michael can’t figure his way out of a paper bag, Max is bipolar lately, Alex is…MIA, and you. Then there’s you with Faith or Fawn or whatever this weeks blowup doll is named,” Liz rolled her eyes a smile playing over her lips.
“Umm I think her name is…Astrid?” Kyle said and wagged his finger when Liz shoved him. “Hey! Fragile merchandise here. Save the rough stuff for Max.”
“Shut up, Kyle,” Liz laughed. “The point is none of you are making good choices. It’s frustrating. Michael’s idea of communicating is grunting. Max’s is nodding in agreement and then patting me on the head. Alex…for all the time and effort we put into him you’d think he could call. He’s been gone this whole holiday and not one phone call. Put the computer down, Alex, and step away.”
Kyle laughed seeing her point.
“Now let’s look at you. What are you doing, Kyle? Is all that incense killing your brain cells? These girls you’re seeing are evil. Vindictive and just rotten. I expected more from you. You used to date such nice people,” Liz smirked batting her eyes at him.
“Riiiight,” Kyle replied grinning. “What am I thinking?”
“I don’t know. Did you know that Faith emailed me?” Liz asked turning to face Kyle fully.
“No. I didn’t. What did she say?” Kyle asked then cleared his throat nervously.
“She sent me a very personal picture of you,” Liz said her eyebrow quirking. “I don’t know. I guess it could have been her little cousin or something since there was no FACE. It’s hard to tell. I got a nice story to go with that picture too.”
Kyle’s mouth dropped open and he started to shake his head in denial.
“Yeah. I guess she thought I would be familiar with the parts involved,” Liz shrugged casually. “That’s what I’m talking about. Evil. You really need to think about your choices a little more or at least control the angle of the picture next time.”
“Nononono that wasn’t me! That couldn’t be me since…I don’t…do stuff like that!” Kyle sputtered.
“Whatever,” Liz shrugged. “I would have to wonder who else she’s been emailing though. I don’t know what you did to piss her off like that but she’s very creative in a vile sort of way. She made quite the collage.”
Kyle sputtered too shocked to form words.
“Maybe you shouldn’t answer the ads in those porn magazines anymore. She’s a little bent if you ask me. A nice normal girl, Kyle. Really. Just try it. You might actually like it. That’s all I’m saying,” Liz said and patted his shoulder. “I’ll see myself out.”
Later that night after talking to Maria for two hours about things Liz felt a little better. Over and over in her mind she reminded herself that she couldn’t control Max she could only control herself. Since that seemed to be a difficult task anymore, in and of itself, she had her work cut out for her.
Rubbing her abdomen absently she slowly got ready for bed hoping to get some rest. Worry nagged at her as her thoughts turned to Max. The closest she could come to describing her fear when she couldn’t find him was that it had felt like when he was captured by the FBI except she didn’t KNOW where he was. But it was that same fear of not knowing what was happening to him. She never wanted to feel like that again.
Eventually she drifted off to sleep, her dreams were dark and frightening.
Max dropped Michael off at his apartment and drove directly to Liz’s. Looking up at the ladder he paused unable to actually climb up. He was so tired and he had no idea what to expect from Liz. She was usually so calm but now…well that wouldn’t be the word he would choose. His stomach fluttered, as his nerves grew worse. Sucking in a deep breath he charged up the ladder not giving his doubts time to fester any longer.
Climbing in the window, eyes on the lump under the blankets in the center of the bed, he debated whether he should wait till morning. She might get angry at being woken up. Then again, maybe taking her by surprise and being early would be a good thing. His internal debate was cut short by her voice drifting out from under the covers.
“Are you going to run or come to bed?” Liz asked her voice husky with sleep.
Max crept closer wanting to see her face. “I just….wanted you to know I was back.”
Liz hummed softly at that and shifted over to make room for him. “I’m too tired to talk so….If you want….If you’re tired from the drive you can lay down, but no talking okay?”
“Okay,” Max agreed relieved dropping the bag he had carried in. He would be better prepared in the morning. Rubbing his eyes he kicked off his shoes and removed his belt so the buckle wouldn’t dig into her and climbed into bed.
Liz’s eyes drifted closed as the bed shifted as Max tried to get into a comfortable position. She was drifting over the edge into sleep when Max’s arm snaked over her, his hand coming to rest by her navel.
Max listened to her small sigh and cuddled closer, spooning in behind her. The tension drained out of his shoulders as his nose nestled into her hair, her familiar scent easing his way into sleep. The slight glow from under the blankets was almost unnoticeable. Even if anyone had been awake to see it.
Tess went back to the motel room she had been calling home and removed her auburn wig gratefully. Tossing it onto the dresser she skimmed out of her tight outfit. Walking nude into the bathroom she turned on the shower and adjusted the temperature. As the rivulets of water ran over her skin, her thoughts turned to her sighting of Max and Michael.
Tess scowled as she remembered them laughing and jostling each other as they picked up their winnings. Resentment swelled inside her at the differences between their lives.
Vegas had been as far as she could get on the limited amount of cash she had. Nesado had been tight fisted with all resources, not just information. As tawdry as Las Vegas was it had tons of people to get lost in and it was pretty simple to make easy money without too many questions being asked. Without her powers things were more complicated and a whole lot less fun.
Reaching for the shampoo she wondered what was going on with the Roswell gang that would send them here. This didn’t seem like their bag. She smirked as she imagined Max in a strip club or revue. Little Liz must not be holding the same appeal.
The one thing she knew for sure was that this life wasn’t for her. Working in shitty bars and third rate casinos to hustle a living just wasn’t her thing. The good part about this life was that she was really on her own for the first time. No mission. No Nesado to worry about. It was freeing in a way. She could become whatever she chose to. That part was sort of nice.
Liz woke up slowly with the sunlight warming the room and Max’s arm a heavy weight draped over her body holding her to the bed. Which was good since he had crowded her over to the very edge of the mattress.
Yawning she pushed back against him trying to move him over but found he was just a stubborn in sleep as he was when awake. With a grumble she wiggled out from under his arm and onto the floor. After a quick visit to the bathroom she crawled back into bed pulling the covers up to her shoulders staring at the ceiling quietly. She was so deep in thought it almost startled her when Max rolled over making a dissatisfied noise in his throat. She stayed quiet as he scooted closer a frown marring his face.
Looking at him like this, when she was feeling so still inside, reminded her of why she was doing this. All of this. Her fingers reached out to smooth out his frown and lingered there. He looked so sweet when he was sleeping she could almost forget all of her frustration with him. Maybe if he just stayed quiet they wouldn’t fight. Liz smiled at her rambling and impossible thoughts. Maybe she was loosing it. Insanity would be a comfort at this point, at least she would have an excuse.
Max’s eyes opened and locked onto Liz’s before his brain realized he was awake. He didn’t say anything just looked into her eyes trying to judge her mood. Or actually, just how much trouble he was in. Whichever.
She watched his mind work through the windows of his eyes and knew he was looking for an angle. THE LINE. The one that would save his ass. This should be interesting.
Max watched her eyebrow lift and squirmed. “Okay, before you say anything just let me talk for a second,” Max said softly. “See, I know this looks bad but…but it’s really not….that bad.”
Liz just watched him, suppressing her urge to smile.
“I didn’t really lie. I did leave a message and I was with…Michael. Just like I told you I was but…see, I was thinking that….we needed to start planning for the future, you know? Building the resources to weather whatever comes up. See? So look,” Max said and scrambled out of bed and around to where he had dumped his stuff. Bringing the bag back to her he handed it over. “Open it.”
Liz looked from him to the bag in her hand and scooted up to a sitting position. Unzipping the bag and looking in she froze for a second before looking back up into his eyes.
“That’s our future. All of ours,” Max said his voice laced with excitement.
Liz blinked as she took in that ridiculous statement. “This is just money. It’s not the future. I don’t want your money. How did you get all of this anyway? Max! Hello? What were you thinking? You lied to me and scared the life out of me for this?”
Max scratched his ear nervously and struggled to think of what to say. “We didn’t rob anyone. We won it.”
“You cheated using your powers didn’t you? Max. You have gifts okay? It’s not right to use them to cheat a casino out of money. It’s just not. We don’t need all of this,” Liz paused truly at a loss. Where was this coming from? “Okay, lets just set aside the total wrongness of how you got this money. Let’s just….back up to the way you left. Now. You can say that you didn’t lie but you know that what you did is wrong. You mislead me deliberately. You tried to cover your ass with that message on my parent’s phone but you know I never check it. Everyone knows that. You knew that I wouldn’t go for this little plan of yours so you tried to weasel your way around me. That’s the truth. So don’t try to pretend I’m some idiot that buys this crappy story. I don’t. What’s more, is that you don’t either.”
Max looked away and sighed. “I’m sorry about that. I am….I wasn’t thinking straight I guess. I am sorry.”
“Max, I know this is hard and we seem to be having problems but….you can’t ever do anything like this again. I’m serious. You really seriously scared me. I thought something had happened to you because you don’t do stuff like this. You know better then anyone what can go wrong and we would’ve had no idea where to find you. Or even where to start looking. Come on Max! Please tell me you understand this one small point,” Liz requested watching him intently.
“I do,” Max nodded and took the bag back and tossed it to the floor. “I won’t ever do anything like that again, I swear. I’m sorry I lied. I was just….I was wrong.”
Liz flopped back onto the bed relieved that she had gotten that much out of him. Looking at him from under her lashes she watched him fidget.
“So…you’re not going to….get rid of the seal…are you?” Max asked hesitantly afraid of her answer. He hadn’t been a very good mate so far. He hadn’t protected her or provided for her wellbeing. Could he really expect that she would stay?
“About that. I lied. I have no idea how to get rid of the seal,” Liz said then smiled sweetly.
Max blinked then smiled. “You lied.”
“I did,” Liz nodded in agreement. “You came home though. Didn’t you?”
“Yeah,” Max agreed smiling wider. “Yeah, I did.”
Chapter Fifty Six
Liz pushed Max down on the bed and straddled him staring down into his eyes. “Now, are you listening to me, Max?”
Max nodded slowly his eyes wide.
“Good, because you need to really pay attention to this. Just because I have a seal doesn’t mean I’m stuck with you. If you don’t start,” Liz broke off as Max’s hands moved to her hips. She plucked them off and pushed his hands to the mattress trapping them under her knees. “Pay attention. I won’t stay if you treat me like crap. I’m serious. Max?”
Max blinked and nodded.
“What does that mean?” Liz asked her eyes narrowing. “Are you even listening? I swear! Do you need a hearing aid?”
“No,” Max said softly. “I just…..Ummm what was the question?”
Liz flicked him in the forehead getting annoyed with his blatant disregard for what she was saying. “God Max! Listen to me for once! This important.”
“Okay, I’m listening. I am,” Max agreed noting the sparks in depths of her eyes. He kept his eyes on hers, focusing intently.
“I’m telling you that this isn’t working for me. You can’t operate this way. Knowingly doing wrong and disregarding me hoping to “settle up” later. It doesn’t work that way. It pisses me off. Don’t think that I’m trapped in this thing with you no matter what you do. I don’t understand why you’re acting this way and I don’t like it. It just….upsets me. It’s one thing to shut me out for a day or two to get a handle on things and it’s something else to be a prick for over a month. I don’t expect total openness every minute of every day. That’s not realistic. What I do expect is to share your life. This isn’t okay. None of this is okay. I don’t like how I feel and I can’t feel you at all. So if you want to be Michael then go live with him and grunt to each other because I won’t have it. Am I getting through?” Liz asked trying to be clear and firm without letting too much of her anger leak out.
God she was beautiful when she was angry Max thought briefly as he nodded. Seeing her eyes narrow he spoke up. “Yes, you are. I have no wish to commune with Michael. Believe me I don’t. I just….Ummm I…,” Max stumbled trying to work out how to say something, anything, to make himself understood.
He was saved from having to respond by Liz’s bedroom door opening.
“Liz, I…,” Nancy started only to freeze as her eyes landed on the bed.
Liz froze like deer caught in the open then looked down at Max who looked like he was about to pass out. Realizing she was still pinning him to the bed she leapt off of him quickly. Flustered, Liz felt her face redden as her mouth opened and shut several times before she could speak. “This isn’t what it looks like,” Liz said, spotting Max’s bag out of the corner of her eye she kicked it under her bed. “We were just….working out a disagreement. Nothing else, I swear. He’s totally clothed. Max get up.”
Max leapt out of bed to stand next to Liz. He was sure that he looked as scared as he was. He wouldn’t mind being struck dead right about now. Or maybe an alien ship could come and pick him up. Anything would be okay with him at this point.
“We were fighting and….it totally wasn’t…..Ummm he just stopped by,” Liz said weakly.
Nancy looked from Liz to Max and wondered if Max was going to be okay. He looked about ready to collapse. “I see that. Maybe next time he stops by to sort out a disagreement he could use the front door,” Nancy suggested.
“Yes. Absolutely,” Max agreed stumbling to get his words out quick enough. “I’ll just….go…now.”
Nancy watched as Max scooped up his shoes and coat keeping his eyes downcast. Liz worried her lower lip and guided him to the door, trailing him down the hall while rubbing his arm in reassurance. She whispered something to him quickly and pecked his cheek before he left.
After Max left, Liz turned to find her mother watching her from the doorway of her room. “Okay, don’t spaz about this okay? It really wasn’t anything like what you’re thinking.”
“Why don’t you explain to me what it was then?” Nancy asked mildly. After that first moment of shock had passed she actually did believe Liz. However, that still didn’t explain him being there at all. Or…..well it just didn’t explain it.
“We got into a big fight. He just came over to talk it out and…..He makes me so mad,” Liz said running her fingers through her hair.
Nancy smiled at the cranky look on Liz’s face. “That tends to happen in a relationship. Do you want to talk about it?”
Liz sighed and went to sit on the couch drawing her legs up in front of her as her mother sat down next to her. “He just….He’s been acting weird. He doesn’t listen at all. He always used to listen. I don’t understand the sudden change. He always talks to me and now he just clams up.”
Nancy watched Liz with amusement. “So you thought pinning him down would force him to listen?”
“Well. At least he can’t run,” Liz reasoned.
Nancy bit her cheek and just hummed in response until she could speak without laughing. “I think you scared him. He looked terrified.”
Liz smiled suddenly. “He did didn’t he?”
“Maybe you need to think about what the trigger was for him shutting down. Men aren’t as good at being open and talking about their feelings as women are. They show things differently,” Nancy said astonished that Liz was even talking to her. She usually shut her right out when it came to stuff like this.
“Yeah,” Liz said thoughtfully. “Thanks Mom.”
“Sure, just….have Max use the door from now on okay? Your father would have a stroke if he saw that,” Nancy said eyeing Liz.
“Right,” Liz said nodding.
Nancy watched Liz bounce off the couch and head down the hall feeling worried and slightly at a loss as to how to deal with this. She vividly remembered being called to the school and what had followed after that. Grounding Liz just hadn’t worked. She had just started slipping out the window. So she was going to try to trust in Liz’s judgement but it was so difficult. It was clear to her that Liz was intimate with her boyfriend, to some extent, and that was hard to deal with. It had been so much easier when Liz was in grade school.
The one thing she did know was that she didn’t want to push Liz away. One of her closest friends had a daughter who had runaway three times and gotten involved with those raves you heard about on the news. Now the girl was in rehab and counseling with a long road ahead and she was only fourteen. She didn’t want to make the same mistakes with Liz. Really, Liz was a sensible girl and a great daughter, even with all the things that had happened over the last two months. Max seemed like a nice boy and he clearly cared about Liz a great deal, fight or no fight. It was a hopeful sign that Liz had been more open with her in the last two months then she had been since she was a little girl. None of that stopped her from worrying though. It was a parent’s job to worry and question every decision.
Ava glared out the door wall at Zan. She wished he would just go away. Back to where ever he had been all this time. She snorted rudely as he looked over at her and winked. Striding over the door she flung it open and stood in the open doorway.
“They’s back now so why don’t you leave?” Ava asked bluntly getting ticked off that her old speech patterns were creeping out.
“That ain’t nice, Baby Girl,” Zan replied smirking at her hostile demeanor. “You can tell me you missed me. S’alright.”
“Right. Like a nagging pain in my ass. That’s how much I missed you,” Ava scoffed crossing her arms over her chest defensively.
“Now I don’t play that way Av’s. You know that,” Zan replied with a yawn. His eyes twinkled with amusement at her choked sound. “I sorta like it here. Maybe I’ll hang with Mikey for a while. Keep an eye on you. Make sure you don’t break the poor boys round here.”
“Screw you, Zan. It ain’t none of your business what I do,” Ava said her hackles rising.
“Don’t get bitchy. It don’t look good on you,” Zan smirked.
“That’s another thing. Just what do you think you’re doing with Liz?” Ava demanded scowling at him.
“Nutten. I didn’t DO anything,” Zan denied eyeing her.
“Bullshit. Your charm won’t work on her. I’m warning you not to pull any shit. I like it here. I like these people and I won’t have you messing this up for me,” Ava said firmly staring him down.
Zan held up his hands and smiled, all innocence. “I’m just helping out’s all. Chill. I won’t wreck things for ya. I’s just want ya to be happy.”
“Right. Like I’m buying that,” Ava said and slammed the door shut. He had never seemed bothered by her happiness before now. So what changed? Other then his line of course.
Zan watched her stalk further into the house and sighed. Time to bounce. Michael was less hostile then these chicks. Something in the water grew’em mean out here in the desert or something. Damn. They were all sorta sexy though.
Zan pulled the mangled, wilted daisy out of his coat and waved his hand over it bringing it back to health. Walking over to Ava’s window he slipped in and left it for her before heading over to Michael’s. Tradition.
After getting home Max had taken a long shower trying to calm down from his worst nightmare. His stomach got queasy just recalling the shocked look on Nancy Parker’s face. Sweeping his hands over his head and sending water flying he reached for his clean clothes and started to dress blocking out his negative thoughts.
He knew he was going to have to try to explain things better to Liz. If only he could think of a way to do that without sounding like a complete pervert. Liz was never satisfied until she had answers, so to resolve things, he would have to find something to explain all of this. Picturing the look in her eyes that morning told him it would have to be damn good.
All of that was, of course, if he was ever allowed near Liz again. He was lucky that Liz’s parents didn’t have any mind reading abilities or they wouldn’t allow him within 100 yards of her.
When the phone rang he picked it up right away. “Hello?”
“It’s me. You okay?” Liz asked softly.
“I think so. How did it go?” Max asked tensing as he waited for her to say she wasn’t allowed to see him. Or her father was headed over to rip all of his limbs from his body. Maybe her father would perform an alien autopsy. He did work in a restaurant and knew how to use a knife. Max cut off a groan feeling sick.
“Fine. No big deal I took care of it,” Liz assured him. Hearing an odd note to his voice she pressed him. “Are you sure you’re okay? It really wasn’t a big thing. Besides, even if it were, I was the one pinning you down.”
“Yeah. I remember. I’m fine….recovering,” Max replied reclining on his bed. “I was never so happy to have my clothes on.”
Liz smiled. “I bet. Listen, if you’re feeling brave enough, you can come to the café. Maria’s on her way and I’m sure the others will filter in. It’s up to you.”
“Okay, I just might do that. I just have to check in then talk to Isabel before I can leave,” Max said softly. “Do you think that you might be able to go out tonight? Like on a date?”
“Ummm I’ll see. I’ll let you know,” Liz said then she winced. “About Isabel…..I sort of reamed her out about covering for you.”
Max smiled then coughed to cover a laugh. “Okay. Good to know. I’ll hear about it I’m sure,” Max said slowly. “Don’t worry about it too much. Isabel tortures people on occasion. I’m sure she’ll understand.”
“Yeah. I’m sure,” Liz said skeptically. “I’ll just talk to you when I see you. Okay?”
“You can count on it,” Max answered and hung up. He would make this right. He had to.
With Brody acting so strange and disappearing like he did that money might come in handy. Who could say how stable his job was. That’s when Max remembered that his bag was still in Liz’s room.
Michael opened his door and stepped aside not surprised to see Zan.
“What’s up?” Michael asked throwing himself down on the couch.
“Bunch of shit. You?” Zan asked.
“Waiting for Liz to hunt me down. Until then…..watching the game,” Michael said and yawned. He was damn tired. Vegas really was the town that never slept.
“You mind if I crash here for awhile?” Zan asked his eyes drawn to the TV.
“Suit yourself,” Michael shrugged.
“Cool,” Zan said casually. He really thought he would stay awhile. See how things went. Sliding Liz’s bracelet from his pocket he held it and swung it around repeatedly so it wound and then unwound from around his finger.
Cal hung up the phone and steepled his fingers in front of him deep in thought. He tried to puzzle out the ramifications of the latest report. Max and Michael’s trip to Vegas and sudden desire for cash. Liz’s fits of anger. Zan’s arrival back in town and Tess’s continued absence from the radar. Some of those were more troubling to him then others.
Standing up he crossed the room and pulled out a file full of pictures and flipped through them. Studying them each in turn, using the pictures to focus his thoughts and puzzle out what was going on. If Max and Liz didn’t straighten out he’d have to intervene. There would be no choice. Something was going on there that he didn’t quite grasp.
His other main concern was Tess. She was sharper then he had thought. He hadn’t expected it to be such a problem to track her down. She wasn’t using her name anywhere that he could pick up. She hadn’t accessed any of the accounts he knew where Nesado’s. Peck had found her SUV traded in for cash in Albuquerque so that was a dead end. That wasn’t good. He wasn’t the only one who would like to find her. She would be valuable to the enemy, which made her a liability.
Liz pushed Max down on the bed and straddled him staring down into his eyes. “Now, are you listening to me, Max?”
Max nodded slowly his eyes wide.
“Good, because you need to really pay attention to this. Just because I have a seal doesn’t mean I’m stuck with you. If you don’t start,” Liz broke off as Max’s hands moved to her hips. She plucked them off and pushed his hands to the mattress trapping them under her knees. “Pay attention. I won’t stay if you treat me like crap. I’m serious. Max?”
Max blinked and nodded.
“What does that mean?” Liz asked her eyes narrowing. “Are you even listening? I swear! Do you need a hearing aid?”
“No,” Max said softly. “I just…..Ummm what was the question?”
Liz flicked him in the forehead getting annoyed with his blatant disregard for what she was saying. “God Max! Listen to me for once! This important.”
“Okay, I’m listening. I am,” Max agreed noting the sparks in depths of her eyes. He kept his eyes on hers, focusing intently.
“I’m telling you that this isn’t working for me. You can’t operate this way. Knowingly doing wrong and disregarding me hoping to “settle up” later. It doesn’t work that way. It pisses me off. Don’t think that I’m trapped in this thing with you no matter what you do. I don’t understand why you’re acting this way and I don’t like it. It just….upsets me. It’s one thing to shut me out for a day or two to get a handle on things and it’s something else to be a prick for over a month. I don’t expect total openness every minute of every day. That’s not realistic. What I do expect is to share your life. This isn’t okay. None of this is okay. I don’t like how I feel and I can’t feel you at all. So if you want to be Michael then go live with him and grunt to each other because I won’t have it. Am I getting through?” Liz asked trying to be clear and firm without letting too much of her anger leak out.
God she was beautiful when she was angry Max thought briefly as he nodded. Seeing her eyes narrow he spoke up. “Yes, you are. I have no wish to commune with Michael. Believe me I don’t. I just….Ummm I…,” Max stumbled trying to work out how to say something, anything, to make himself understood.
He was saved from having to respond by Liz’s bedroom door opening.
“Liz, I…,” Nancy started only to freeze as her eyes landed on the bed.
Liz froze like deer caught in the open then looked down at Max who looked like he was about to pass out. Realizing she was still pinning him to the bed she leapt off of him quickly. Flustered, Liz felt her face redden as her mouth opened and shut several times before she could speak. “This isn’t what it looks like,” Liz said, spotting Max’s bag out of the corner of her eye she kicked it under her bed. “We were just….working out a disagreement. Nothing else, I swear. He’s totally clothed. Max get up.”
Max leapt out of bed to stand next to Liz. He was sure that he looked as scared as he was. He wouldn’t mind being struck dead right about now. Or maybe an alien ship could come and pick him up. Anything would be okay with him at this point.
“We were fighting and….it totally wasn’t…..Ummm he just stopped by,” Liz said weakly.
Nancy looked from Liz to Max and wondered if Max was going to be okay. He looked about ready to collapse. “I see that. Maybe next time he stops by to sort out a disagreement he could use the front door,” Nancy suggested.
“Yes. Absolutely,” Max agreed stumbling to get his words out quick enough. “I’ll just….go…now.”
Nancy watched as Max scooped up his shoes and coat keeping his eyes downcast. Liz worried her lower lip and guided him to the door, trailing him down the hall while rubbing his arm in reassurance. She whispered something to him quickly and pecked his cheek before he left.
After Max left, Liz turned to find her mother watching her from the doorway of her room. “Okay, don’t spaz about this okay? It really wasn’t anything like what you’re thinking.”
“Why don’t you explain to me what it was then?” Nancy asked mildly. After that first moment of shock had passed she actually did believe Liz. However, that still didn’t explain him being there at all. Or…..well it just didn’t explain it.
“We got into a big fight. He just came over to talk it out and…..He makes me so mad,” Liz said running her fingers through her hair.
Nancy smiled at the cranky look on Liz’s face. “That tends to happen in a relationship. Do you want to talk about it?”
Liz sighed and went to sit on the couch drawing her legs up in front of her as her mother sat down next to her. “He just….He’s been acting weird. He doesn’t listen at all. He always used to listen. I don’t understand the sudden change. He always talks to me and now he just clams up.”
Nancy watched Liz with amusement. “So you thought pinning him down would force him to listen?”
“Well. At least he can’t run,” Liz reasoned.
Nancy bit her cheek and just hummed in response until she could speak without laughing. “I think you scared him. He looked terrified.”
Liz smiled suddenly. “He did didn’t he?”
“Maybe you need to think about what the trigger was for him shutting down. Men aren’t as good at being open and talking about their feelings as women are. They show things differently,” Nancy said astonished that Liz was even talking to her. She usually shut her right out when it came to stuff like this.
“Yeah,” Liz said thoughtfully. “Thanks Mom.”
“Sure, just….have Max use the door from now on okay? Your father would have a stroke if he saw that,” Nancy said eyeing Liz.
“Right,” Liz said nodding.
Nancy watched Liz bounce off the couch and head down the hall feeling worried and slightly at a loss as to how to deal with this. She vividly remembered being called to the school and what had followed after that. Grounding Liz just hadn’t worked. She had just started slipping out the window. So she was going to try to trust in Liz’s judgement but it was so difficult. It was clear to her that Liz was intimate with her boyfriend, to some extent, and that was hard to deal with. It had been so much easier when Liz was in grade school.
The one thing she did know was that she didn’t want to push Liz away. One of her closest friends had a daughter who had runaway three times and gotten involved with those raves you heard about on the news. Now the girl was in rehab and counseling with a long road ahead and she was only fourteen. She didn’t want to make the same mistakes with Liz. Really, Liz was a sensible girl and a great daughter, even with all the things that had happened over the last two months. Max seemed like a nice boy and he clearly cared about Liz a great deal, fight or no fight. It was a hopeful sign that Liz had been more open with her in the last two months then she had been since she was a little girl. None of that stopped her from worrying though. It was a parent’s job to worry and question every decision.
Ava glared out the door wall at Zan. She wished he would just go away. Back to where ever he had been all this time. She snorted rudely as he looked over at her and winked. Striding over the door she flung it open and stood in the open doorway.
“They’s back now so why don’t you leave?” Ava asked bluntly getting ticked off that her old speech patterns were creeping out.
“That ain’t nice, Baby Girl,” Zan replied smirking at her hostile demeanor. “You can tell me you missed me. S’alright.”
“Right. Like a nagging pain in my ass. That’s how much I missed you,” Ava scoffed crossing her arms over her chest defensively.
“Now I don’t play that way Av’s. You know that,” Zan replied with a yawn. His eyes twinkled with amusement at her choked sound. “I sorta like it here. Maybe I’ll hang with Mikey for a while. Keep an eye on you. Make sure you don’t break the poor boys round here.”
“Screw you, Zan. It ain’t none of your business what I do,” Ava said her hackles rising.
“Don’t get bitchy. It don’t look good on you,” Zan smirked.
“That’s another thing. Just what do you think you’re doing with Liz?” Ava demanded scowling at him.
“Nutten. I didn’t DO anything,” Zan denied eyeing her.
“Bullshit. Your charm won’t work on her. I’m warning you not to pull any shit. I like it here. I like these people and I won’t have you messing this up for me,” Ava said firmly staring him down.
Zan held up his hands and smiled, all innocence. “I’m just helping out’s all. Chill. I won’t wreck things for ya. I’s just want ya to be happy.”
“Right. Like I’m buying that,” Ava said and slammed the door shut. He had never seemed bothered by her happiness before now. So what changed? Other then his line of course.
Zan watched her stalk further into the house and sighed. Time to bounce. Michael was less hostile then these chicks. Something in the water grew’em mean out here in the desert or something. Damn. They were all sorta sexy though.
Zan pulled the mangled, wilted daisy out of his coat and waved his hand over it bringing it back to health. Walking over to Ava’s window he slipped in and left it for her before heading over to Michael’s. Tradition.
After getting home Max had taken a long shower trying to calm down from his worst nightmare. His stomach got queasy just recalling the shocked look on Nancy Parker’s face. Sweeping his hands over his head and sending water flying he reached for his clean clothes and started to dress blocking out his negative thoughts.
He knew he was going to have to try to explain things better to Liz. If only he could think of a way to do that without sounding like a complete pervert. Liz was never satisfied until she had answers, so to resolve things, he would have to find something to explain all of this. Picturing the look in her eyes that morning told him it would have to be damn good.
All of that was, of course, if he was ever allowed near Liz again. He was lucky that Liz’s parents didn’t have any mind reading abilities or they wouldn’t allow him within 100 yards of her.
When the phone rang he picked it up right away. “Hello?”
“It’s me. You okay?” Liz asked softly.
“I think so. How did it go?” Max asked tensing as he waited for her to say she wasn’t allowed to see him. Or her father was headed over to rip all of his limbs from his body. Maybe her father would perform an alien autopsy. He did work in a restaurant and knew how to use a knife. Max cut off a groan feeling sick.
“Fine. No big deal I took care of it,” Liz assured him. Hearing an odd note to his voice she pressed him. “Are you sure you’re okay? It really wasn’t a big thing. Besides, even if it were, I was the one pinning you down.”
“Yeah. I remember. I’m fine….recovering,” Max replied reclining on his bed. “I was never so happy to have my clothes on.”
Liz smiled. “I bet. Listen, if you’re feeling brave enough, you can come to the café. Maria’s on her way and I’m sure the others will filter in. It’s up to you.”
“Okay, I just might do that. I just have to check in then talk to Isabel before I can leave,” Max said softly. “Do you think that you might be able to go out tonight? Like on a date?”
“Ummm I’ll see. I’ll let you know,” Liz said then she winced. “About Isabel…..I sort of reamed her out about covering for you.”
Max smiled then coughed to cover a laugh. “Okay. Good to know. I’ll hear about it I’m sure,” Max said slowly. “Don’t worry about it too much. Isabel tortures people on occasion. I’m sure she’ll understand.”
“Yeah. I’m sure,” Liz said skeptically. “I’ll just talk to you when I see you. Okay?”
“You can count on it,” Max answered and hung up. He would make this right. He had to.
With Brody acting so strange and disappearing like he did that money might come in handy. Who could say how stable his job was. That’s when Max remembered that his bag was still in Liz’s room.
Michael opened his door and stepped aside not surprised to see Zan.
“What’s up?” Michael asked throwing himself down on the couch.
“Bunch of shit. You?” Zan asked.
“Waiting for Liz to hunt me down. Until then…..watching the game,” Michael said and yawned. He was damn tired. Vegas really was the town that never slept.
“You mind if I crash here for awhile?” Zan asked his eyes drawn to the TV.
“Suit yourself,” Michael shrugged.
“Cool,” Zan said casually. He really thought he would stay awhile. See how things went. Sliding Liz’s bracelet from his pocket he held it and swung it around repeatedly so it wound and then unwound from around his finger.
Cal hung up the phone and steepled his fingers in front of him deep in thought. He tried to puzzle out the ramifications of the latest report. Max and Michael’s trip to Vegas and sudden desire for cash. Liz’s fits of anger. Zan’s arrival back in town and Tess’s continued absence from the radar. Some of those were more troubling to him then others.
Standing up he crossed the room and pulled out a file full of pictures and flipped through them. Studying them each in turn, using the pictures to focus his thoughts and puzzle out what was going on. If Max and Liz didn’t straighten out he’d have to intervene. There would be no choice. Something was going on there that he didn’t quite grasp.
His other main concern was Tess. She was sharper then he had thought. He hadn’t expected it to be such a problem to track her down. She wasn’t using her name anywhere that he could pick up. She hadn’t accessed any of the accounts he knew where Nesado’s. Peck had found her SUV traded in for cash in Albuquerque so that was a dead end. That wasn’t good. He wasn’t the only one who would like to find her. She would be valuable to the enemy, which made her a liability.
Chapter Fifty Seven
**Okay all the articles that Liz and Maria look over in this part are real. In fact they are all from the June issue of O magazine. That I purchased for this part. Umm they look at The Glass Ego by Michelle Burford. And Dr. Phil’s MANual by Dr. Phil of course. So I did not write them or imagine them. They are actually real and quoted in this chapter. **
After talking to Max she hurried down the stairs to the café and slid into the back booth to wait for Maria. She knew that she had a long way to go with Max to get things back on track but at least they were in the same state now. So really, things were looking up.
Maria flung herself into the other side of the booth and tossed her burden down on the table. “I’ve got it.”
“Got what?” Liz asked smiling already. She needed some girl time.
“The solution to all of our problems. That’s what,” Maria said revved up about her latest idea.
“Ooookay. I hope there’s no bag of money involved,” Liz said dubiously.
“It’s all in the research, Liz. Right here on this table is the answer to everything,” Maria said her excitement growing.
“What are you talking about? Those are magazines not research materials,” Liz pointed out amused.
“Exactly. Listen to this and tell me what you think,” Maria said and picked up one of the magazines and flipped through it. “Okay…this article is the best. Tell me if this sounds like anyone you know. Power + Control = Success,” Maria glanced up and lifted her eyebrow at Liz. “Men are socialized to measure their own value in terms of how much power and control they have,” Maria stabbed her finger at Liz. “Tell me that doesn’t ring a bell with you.”
Liz nodded seeing her point. “Okay. You got me. Continue please.”
“I thought so,” Maria smirked and turned back to her magazine. “Every single way in which the world makes a man is at odds with most women’s definition of intimacy,” Maria read and skimmed forward. “The problem is, the person you’re trying to get to jump into the water with you is scared to death of what will happen if he does. As a result you spend your time pursuing your partner, rather then interacting with him,” Maria skimmed further ahead. “Okay…let’s see…it says to put a time limit on intimate topic discussions so they know at the start that it’s not a life sentence. Also…it says to teach him that when he allows himself to be vulnerable with you he can be assured of a good outcome…Focus on understanding how men think not WHY they think that way. That’s good. I like that…..because there is no understanding why.”
Liz laughed and nodded. “I think you’re right about that. You wouldn’t believe what Max and Michael did. I’ve got this huge ass bag of money in my room,” Liz said and rolled her eyes. “That’s what Max bailed on me for. A bag of money. I swear Maria, for the first time ever I’m looking at Max and not getting it. At all.”
“What? How did they get a bag of money?” Maria asked eyes wide.
“They cheated at the casinos. What were they thinking?” Liz asked shaking her head. “Max. Cheating and gambling.”
“I just….I have no idea. That’s what all these magazines are for. We need help,” Maria admitted. Slanting Liz a look she just had to ask. “So this money…..what did you do with it? Can we hit the mall?”
“No, we can not. I shoved it behind my dresser and mashed the dresser as close to the wall as I could. You can’t see it if you look under the dresser and you’d have to move the whole thing to find it and let me tell you that’s not easy. I had to take out all the drawers to move it in the first place. I rearranged my whole room to hide that money. I’m afraid to give it back to Max cause who knows what he’ll do with it. So let’s read on,” Liz said gesturing at the pile of magazines. “I need a plan.”
“Okay, next topic…this is a good one. Men make choices in a relationship based on fear. This will be a topic close our hearts,” Maria said nodding and began to read. “Men invariably protect themselves. If they believe that they are in some way inferior, inadequate, or undesirable, they will so anything to avoid having that deficiency highlighted. In the case of Michael, all three apply,” Maria injected with a sniff causing Liz to smile. “Men adapt a “get them before they get you” mentality. If they suspect that for some reason they are not your Prince Charming, they will actively seek to alienate you so they can say it was their choice and not your rejection that created the distance in the relationship. Now that’s interesting,” Maria said and tapped the page with her fingernail. “Okay, it says here to look at whether you are, in fact, rejecting him or sending signals that he views that way.”
Liz frowned thinking about that. “I don’t think I did. I was sleeping. How can you do that when you’re asleep?”
“What were you doing before that?” Maria asked looking up to see Liz’s cheeks turning pink.
“I wasn’t rejecting him that’s for sure,” Liz said dropping her eyes to the table.
Maria’s eyebrow lifted. “Was it bad sex?”
“Umm I’m not familiar with that. I would say no,” Liz replied then smiled. “Since he couldn’t walk I don’t think that was the problem.”
Maria laughed out loud enjoying the sly smirk on Liz’s face. She had missed this. It was rare to catch Liz in this mood anymore. “Okay. Well, could he have, for some bizarre reason known only to other men, have thought that he was inferior, inadequate, or…just cancel the undesirable part…any of those two work?”
“I’m not a man, Maria. How would I know?” Liz asked logically.
“Good point. See that’s the real problem here. We need Alex. He’s the closet thing to a man we can understand,” Maria pointed out. “Alex is like…..the perfect blend of both sexes. Due purely to our hard work might I add. He’s like a whole new breed.”
“No, what I need is your stun gun,” Liz said grinning.
“I think it’s in my locker. It worked wonders on Michael,” Maria replied then snapped her fingers at Agnes. “Hey! A little service here please.”
“Maria!” Liz chastised sliding out of the booth. “What do you want?”
“Liz. It’s your day off not hers,” Maria pointed out.
“Every day is her day off,” Liz pointed out laughter in her tone. “According to you at least, so what do you want?”
“A coke please,” Maria answered smiling sweetly. While Liz got two Cokes and an order of fries Maria turned back to her bibles. She wanted to help Liz fix this problem whatever it was. She didn’t like seeing Liz freaking out like she had started to do. It was scary. That was her job. You couldn't be the wacky best friend of an already insane person. It just didn't work out.
“So see anything interesting?” Liz asked popping a fry into her mouth.
“Hmmm nothing that screams Max to me. Plenty that scream Michael,” Maria mused. She kept skimming looking for more info for Liz. She had made up her mind about Michael.
“What are some of those?” Liz asked eyeing Maria.
“Not important,” Maria muttered waving her off and then looked up in surprise when Liz snatched the magazine.
“Oh could you possibly be talking about….Men express their feelings through the currency they value?” Liz asked smirking at Maria’s defensive posture. “Hmmm, if you want to know how a man really feels, pay attention to how he treats what he values. Whatever it is, if he gives you what is precious to him (whether you value it or not), he has performed an act of love that may mean much more to him then any words he might use. That sound at all right?” Liz asked looking up into Maria’s scowl. She just smiled sweetly and kept her inquisitive expression.
“Hand over the magazine,” Maria said narrowing her eyes.
“Oh wait! What about this one? Men are hunters? Sounds about right for Michael. Let’s see….As a result of substantial differences between men and women when it comes to sex-differences that are psychosocial, biochemical, and neurological-trying to get a man to function according to female standards is like trying to get a pig to fly,” Liz read.
“Got that right,” Maria broke in.
“A man often fails to see how sex and other aspects of the relationship are intertwined,” Liz read but was interrupted again.
“Need sex advice, Liz?” Zan asked sliding in next to her.
Liz shot him a nasty look. “No. Need relationship advice Zan? Read this,” Liz said and slapped the magazine into his chest.
“I was just trying ta help out,” Zan smirked.
“Actually Zan, she was reading it to me. My previous sexual experiences have been disappointing,” Maria said glancing over at Michael who had sat down next to her. “She thought I needed a lesson in the male…..mind. Liz is a big believer in higher education not…..advice from questionable, possibly diseased, sources.”
Michael just sighed and slumped lower in his seat.
“Michael. It’s so nice to see you,” Liz said staring at him steadily. “I mean, you’ve been travelling so much lately I’ve missed you.”
Michael groaned and slumped a little lower in his seat.
“You don’t seem to have much to say. Funny how that is. Your mouth was flapping away before. Must only do that when it suits you huh?” Liz asked.
“Now look. That was different okay? I didn’t tell Max anything,” Michael denied sitting up.
“You and Max both have that same way of slanting your stories. It’s fine for you to do it. You’re not lying or being reckless. So is it the girl thing or the human thing that’s a problem for you?” Liz asked picking up another magazine and flipping through it.
“Look. If I hadn’t gone with him he would have snuck off on his own,” Michael defended himself.
“Make all the excuses you like. It doesn’t change the facts. You left. You didn’t tell anyone where you were going. I can only imagine all the attention you got while cheating and winning all that money. So. What was the plan if you got spotted? Or if the casino caught on to your little scam?” Liz asked while continuing to flip through her magazine while she waited for Michael to say something. “I’m not hearing anything, Michael. So I would have to assume you didn’t have a plan. Did you have bail money?”
“Cause you know I wouldn’t be paying,” Maria said watching as Michael scratched his eyebrow.
“Okay. I get it,” Michael said wishing he had resisted Zan’s urging to come to the café.
“Good. Want any fries?” Liz asked pushing the plate closer to him. Looking over to Maria she held out her magazine to her marking a spot with her finger. “I think this is the article for you. “The Glass Ego”. It’s about girl power and the influence we have over men. Interesting.”
Maria took it and opened it to the article and started reading.
“I could explain all of that,” Zan said watching Liz. “Women do have a lot of umm influence.”
Liz held up her hand in a stop gesture. “Save the line. That’s your problem. A snake oil salesman is more believable then you are with personal stuff. What is your deal anyway? You’ve got the vanishing act down pat but you need a little work on the rest. A postcard would have been enough.”
“You missed me?” Zan teased.
“TO AVA! You jerk. You were her family her whole life and you totally bailed on her. You didn’t even have the decency to call her and let her know you were alive,” Liz said glaring at him. His whole…..attitude made her ill. She wrinkled her nose in disgust as she watched him shrug.
“She knows I ain’t much for written,” Zan replied then reached for a fry before Michael ate them all.
“Right. That must be why she was so excited about starting to date and having friends,” Liz said and saw his eyes sharpen. Men. “Out of sight out of mind right?”
Maria watched Zan like a hawk. He was rubbing her the wrong way for sure. She hadn’t liked him much last visit and she was liking him even less now. She was a firm believer in vibes and she usually had good instincts…..let’s not examine the Michael thing too closely…..and something was off with him. He disappears with little to no word then just pops up again all helpful and fawning over Liz. She had watched him most of the day yesterday and his eyes rarely left her. It was creepy.
She glanced at Liz and saw her face light up. Looking over her shoulder she saw Max walk in.
Liz started pushing at Zan wanting out. “Move please?” By the time Zan moved Max was at the table. She slid out of the booth grabbing his belt that he had left in her room. “Hi,” Liz greeted him softly. She was going to kiss him lightly but was thrown off by him giving Zan a weird look. “Umm did you miss anything?” Liz asked lightly and let the rolled up belt in her hand unravel.
Max looked away from Zan and smiled. “Yeah, thanks,” Max said taking the belt and leaning forward to brush a kiss over Liz’s mouth.
Maria smirked as she watched Max start to thread his belt through his belt loops. Glancing over at Zan she quirked her eyebrow at him challenging him to comment. Her smirk widened, as he remained silent. I’m onto to you buddy, she thought and reaffirmed her vow to keep a close eye on him.
“So can you get out tonight?” Max asked Liz softly as he scanned the dining room for her parents.
“Umm yeah, I’m all yours. What are we doing?” Liz asked allowing him to draw her closer.
“I thought maybe we could go for a drive. Maybe visit the old highway,” Max murmured softly drawing her closer to him and away from Zan. He moved to place his body between Liz and Zan keeping the movement casual. His instincts were prodding him into action, whispering to him about his insecurities, below the level of conscience thought. Reminding him of his job to protect her and provide for her.
“Okay. I’ll go and get my coat,” Liz agreed softly.
**Okay all the articles that Liz and Maria look over in this part are real. In fact they are all from the June issue of O magazine. That I purchased for this part. Umm they look at The Glass Ego by Michelle Burford. And Dr. Phil’s MANual by Dr. Phil of course. So I did not write them or imagine them. They are actually real and quoted in this chapter. **
After talking to Max she hurried down the stairs to the café and slid into the back booth to wait for Maria. She knew that she had a long way to go with Max to get things back on track but at least they were in the same state now. So really, things were looking up.
Maria flung herself into the other side of the booth and tossed her burden down on the table. “I’ve got it.”
“Got what?” Liz asked smiling already. She needed some girl time.
“The solution to all of our problems. That’s what,” Maria said revved up about her latest idea.
“Ooookay. I hope there’s no bag of money involved,” Liz said dubiously.
“It’s all in the research, Liz. Right here on this table is the answer to everything,” Maria said her excitement growing.
“What are you talking about? Those are magazines not research materials,” Liz pointed out amused.
“Exactly. Listen to this and tell me what you think,” Maria said and picked up one of the magazines and flipped through it. “Okay…this article is the best. Tell me if this sounds like anyone you know. Power + Control = Success,” Maria glanced up and lifted her eyebrow at Liz. “Men are socialized to measure their own value in terms of how much power and control they have,” Maria stabbed her finger at Liz. “Tell me that doesn’t ring a bell with you.”
Liz nodded seeing her point. “Okay. You got me. Continue please.”
“I thought so,” Maria smirked and turned back to her magazine. “Every single way in which the world makes a man is at odds with most women’s definition of intimacy,” Maria read and skimmed forward. “The problem is, the person you’re trying to get to jump into the water with you is scared to death of what will happen if he does. As a result you spend your time pursuing your partner, rather then interacting with him,” Maria skimmed further ahead. “Okay…let’s see…it says to put a time limit on intimate topic discussions so they know at the start that it’s not a life sentence. Also…it says to teach him that when he allows himself to be vulnerable with you he can be assured of a good outcome…Focus on understanding how men think not WHY they think that way. That’s good. I like that…..because there is no understanding why.”
Liz laughed and nodded. “I think you’re right about that. You wouldn’t believe what Max and Michael did. I’ve got this huge ass bag of money in my room,” Liz said and rolled her eyes. “That’s what Max bailed on me for. A bag of money. I swear Maria, for the first time ever I’m looking at Max and not getting it. At all.”
“What? How did they get a bag of money?” Maria asked eyes wide.
“They cheated at the casinos. What were they thinking?” Liz asked shaking her head. “Max. Cheating and gambling.”
“I just….I have no idea. That’s what all these magazines are for. We need help,” Maria admitted. Slanting Liz a look she just had to ask. “So this money…..what did you do with it? Can we hit the mall?”
“No, we can not. I shoved it behind my dresser and mashed the dresser as close to the wall as I could. You can’t see it if you look under the dresser and you’d have to move the whole thing to find it and let me tell you that’s not easy. I had to take out all the drawers to move it in the first place. I rearranged my whole room to hide that money. I’m afraid to give it back to Max cause who knows what he’ll do with it. So let’s read on,” Liz said gesturing at the pile of magazines. “I need a plan.”
“Okay, next topic…this is a good one. Men make choices in a relationship based on fear. This will be a topic close our hearts,” Maria said nodding and began to read. “Men invariably protect themselves. If they believe that they are in some way inferior, inadequate, or undesirable, they will so anything to avoid having that deficiency highlighted. In the case of Michael, all three apply,” Maria injected with a sniff causing Liz to smile. “Men adapt a “get them before they get you” mentality. If they suspect that for some reason they are not your Prince Charming, they will actively seek to alienate you so they can say it was their choice and not your rejection that created the distance in the relationship. Now that’s interesting,” Maria said and tapped the page with her fingernail. “Okay, it says here to look at whether you are, in fact, rejecting him or sending signals that he views that way.”
Liz frowned thinking about that. “I don’t think I did. I was sleeping. How can you do that when you’re asleep?”
“What were you doing before that?” Maria asked looking up to see Liz’s cheeks turning pink.
“I wasn’t rejecting him that’s for sure,” Liz said dropping her eyes to the table.
Maria’s eyebrow lifted. “Was it bad sex?”
“Umm I’m not familiar with that. I would say no,” Liz replied then smiled. “Since he couldn’t walk I don’t think that was the problem.”
Maria laughed out loud enjoying the sly smirk on Liz’s face. She had missed this. It was rare to catch Liz in this mood anymore. “Okay. Well, could he have, for some bizarre reason known only to other men, have thought that he was inferior, inadequate, or…just cancel the undesirable part…any of those two work?”
“I’m not a man, Maria. How would I know?” Liz asked logically.
“Good point. See that’s the real problem here. We need Alex. He’s the closet thing to a man we can understand,” Maria pointed out. “Alex is like…..the perfect blend of both sexes. Due purely to our hard work might I add. He’s like a whole new breed.”
“No, what I need is your stun gun,” Liz said grinning.
“I think it’s in my locker. It worked wonders on Michael,” Maria replied then snapped her fingers at Agnes. “Hey! A little service here please.”
“Maria!” Liz chastised sliding out of the booth. “What do you want?”
“Liz. It’s your day off not hers,” Maria pointed out.
“Every day is her day off,” Liz pointed out laughter in her tone. “According to you at least, so what do you want?”
“A coke please,” Maria answered smiling sweetly. While Liz got two Cokes and an order of fries Maria turned back to her bibles. She wanted to help Liz fix this problem whatever it was. She didn’t like seeing Liz freaking out like she had started to do. It was scary. That was her job. You couldn't be the wacky best friend of an already insane person. It just didn't work out.
“So see anything interesting?” Liz asked popping a fry into her mouth.
“Hmmm nothing that screams Max to me. Plenty that scream Michael,” Maria mused. She kept skimming looking for more info for Liz. She had made up her mind about Michael.
“What are some of those?” Liz asked eyeing Maria.
“Not important,” Maria muttered waving her off and then looked up in surprise when Liz snatched the magazine.
“Oh could you possibly be talking about….Men express their feelings through the currency they value?” Liz asked smirking at Maria’s defensive posture. “Hmmm, if you want to know how a man really feels, pay attention to how he treats what he values. Whatever it is, if he gives you what is precious to him (whether you value it or not), he has performed an act of love that may mean much more to him then any words he might use. That sound at all right?” Liz asked looking up into Maria’s scowl. She just smiled sweetly and kept her inquisitive expression.
“Hand over the magazine,” Maria said narrowing her eyes.
“Oh wait! What about this one? Men are hunters? Sounds about right for Michael. Let’s see….As a result of substantial differences between men and women when it comes to sex-differences that are psychosocial, biochemical, and neurological-trying to get a man to function according to female standards is like trying to get a pig to fly,” Liz read.
“Got that right,” Maria broke in.
“A man often fails to see how sex and other aspects of the relationship are intertwined,” Liz read but was interrupted again.
“Need sex advice, Liz?” Zan asked sliding in next to her.
Liz shot him a nasty look. “No. Need relationship advice Zan? Read this,” Liz said and slapped the magazine into his chest.
“I was just trying ta help out,” Zan smirked.
“Actually Zan, she was reading it to me. My previous sexual experiences have been disappointing,” Maria said glancing over at Michael who had sat down next to her. “She thought I needed a lesson in the male…..mind. Liz is a big believer in higher education not…..advice from questionable, possibly diseased, sources.”
Michael just sighed and slumped lower in his seat.
“Michael. It’s so nice to see you,” Liz said staring at him steadily. “I mean, you’ve been travelling so much lately I’ve missed you.”
Michael groaned and slumped a little lower in his seat.
“You don’t seem to have much to say. Funny how that is. Your mouth was flapping away before. Must only do that when it suits you huh?” Liz asked.
“Now look. That was different okay? I didn’t tell Max anything,” Michael denied sitting up.
“You and Max both have that same way of slanting your stories. It’s fine for you to do it. You’re not lying or being reckless. So is it the girl thing or the human thing that’s a problem for you?” Liz asked picking up another magazine and flipping through it.
“Look. If I hadn’t gone with him he would have snuck off on his own,” Michael defended himself.
“Make all the excuses you like. It doesn’t change the facts. You left. You didn’t tell anyone where you were going. I can only imagine all the attention you got while cheating and winning all that money. So. What was the plan if you got spotted? Or if the casino caught on to your little scam?” Liz asked while continuing to flip through her magazine while she waited for Michael to say something. “I’m not hearing anything, Michael. So I would have to assume you didn’t have a plan. Did you have bail money?”
“Cause you know I wouldn’t be paying,” Maria said watching as Michael scratched his eyebrow.
“Okay. I get it,” Michael said wishing he had resisted Zan’s urging to come to the café.
“Good. Want any fries?” Liz asked pushing the plate closer to him. Looking over to Maria she held out her magazine to her marking a spot with her finger. “I think this is the article for you. “The Glass Ego”. It’s about girl power and the influence we have over men. Interesting.”
Maria took it and opened it to the article and started reading.
“I could explain all of that,” Zan said watching Liz. “Women do have a lot of umm influence.”
Liz held up her hand in a stop gesture. “Save the line. That’s your problem. A snake oil salesman is more believable then you are with personal stuff. What is your deal anyway? You’ve got the vanishing act down pat but you need a little work on the rest. A postcard would have been enough.”
“You missed me?” Zan teased.
“TO AVA! You jerk. You were her family her whole life and you totally bailed on her. You didn’t even have the decency to call her and let her know you were alive,” Liz said glaring at him. His whole…..attitude made her ill. She wrinkled her nose in disgust as she watched him shrug.
“She knows I ain’t much for written,” Zan replied then reached for a fry before Michael ate them all.
“Right. That must be why she was so excited about starting to date and having friends,” Liz said and saw his eyes sharpen. Men. “Out of sight out of mind right?”
Maria watched Zan like a hawk. He was rubbing her the wrong way for sure. She hadn’t liked him much last visit and she was liking him even less now. She was a firm believer in vibes and she usually had good instincts…..let’s not examine the Michael thing too closely…..and something was off with him. He disappears with little to no word then just pops up again all helpful and fawning over Liz. She had watched him most of the day yesterday and his eyes rarely left her. It was creepy.
She glanced at Liz and saw her face light up. Looking over her shoulder she saw Max walk in.
Liz started pushing at Zan wanting out. “Move please?” By the time Zan moved Max was at the table. She slid out of the booth grabbing his belt that he had left in her room. “Hi,” Liz greeted him softly. She was going to kiss him lightly but was thrown off by him giving Zan a weird look. “Umm did you miss anything?” Liz asked lightly and let the rolled up belt in her hand unravel.
Max looked away from Zan and smiled. “Yeah, thanks,” Max said taking the belt and leaning forward to brush a kiss over Liz’s mouth.
Maria smirked as she watched Max start to thread his belt through his belt loops. Glancing over at Zan she quirked her eyebrow at him challenging him to comment. Her smirk widened, as he remained silent. I’m onto to you buddy, she thought and reaffirmed her vow to keep a close eye on him.
“So can you get out tonight?” Max asked Liz softly as he scanned the dining room for her parents.
“Umm yeah, I’m all yours. What are we doing?” Liz asked allowing him to draw her closer.
“I thought maybe we could go for a drive. Maybe visit the old highway,” Max murmured softly drawing her closer to him and away from Zan. He moved to place his body between Liz and Zan keeping the movement casual. His instincts were prodding him into action, whispering to him about his insecurities, below the level of conscience thought. Reminding him of his job to protect her and provide for her.
“Okay. I’ll go and get my coat,” Liz agreed softly.