Roswell Fanatics

Banner By:~Amara~
Thank you it's beautiful!



“See You at the Show”
By: Dawn M. Brock

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Roswell. Jason Katims does, and frankly he should be ashamed of himself. I borrowed some aspects from Melinda Metz‘s world. They should have let her write more than one episode. She rocks! The only things I own are my dreams of Michael, Max, Alex, and Kyle. You can't have those. They are mine!
This Fic is inspired by the song "See You at the Show" Performed by: NickelBack. Gots to give credit where credit is due. The rest is all me. Whether ya like it or not.
Rating: Adult. This is a song Fic. So have your CD player ready.
Summary: Groupie Fic; Set after “Surprise“. The Whits are discovered by a talent scout. Alex and Maria go on tour leaving behind their “Czech” past in hopes of finding a bright new future. Possibly in each other?

Now on with the show...

Part One

“Each friend represents a world in us. A world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.”-- Anais Nin

(Lyrics to “It Matters to Me” By: Faith Hill)

Maria bounced happily up the narrow stairs to her on again/off again boyfriend’s apartment. Currently they were “off again“, but the enchanting pixie remained optimistic. She had just received the most exciting news, and could not wait to share it with the most important alien in her life. Though he had made it perfectly clear that he thought they couldn’t be together; she still hoped that her love for him would break down the walls around his heavily guarded heart. Not even bothering with the niceties of knocking she burst through the entrance and exclaimed,

” Michael, guess what?!”

Snap. Crack. Maria quickly covered the top of her curly blonde hair attempting to shield herself from the unexpected exploding rock bits. Dusting dirt off her fuchsia tank top and denim skirt she scolded him,

“Ahhh! Goodness. Watch where you sling the debris will ya!”

Her handsome if not poorly mannered ex glared at her surprise entry and snorted,

“Sorry. Next time I’ll blow up rocks in my own apartment where I will have enough privacy to do whatever the hell I want. Oh wait this is my place. So then what are you doing here?”

Baby tell me where'd you ever learn
To fight without sayin' a word
Then waltz back into my life
Like it's all gonna be alright
Don't you know how much it hurts

Choosing to ignore his sarcasm she analyzed the surroundings. There was a small stack of brown and red rocks piled on top of the coffee table. Tess stood a couple of feet away in the kitchen with a half drank diet coke in her perfectly manicured hand.

“So… practicing your “smashing things into oblivion” power. You know, Michael with all that pent up rage you should really seek counseling. Anger management classes would do you a world of good.”

Tess tried to stifle a snicker but failed miserably. The aggravated pupil shot his teacher a warning look, while Maria innocently shrugged her shoulders.

Ria- One point; Space Boy-Zero. This was too easy. Letting out a huff, he all but growled at her.

“Again, I ask what are you doing here? As you can see we are kind of in the middle of something. You know alien stuff you wouldn‘t understand.”

When we don't talk
When we don't touch
When it doesn't feel like we're even in love
It matters to me

Ouch! That was a little bit hurtful. Maria suddenly felt very uncomfortable. She anxiously shifted her weight from one foot to the other. Did he have to constantly remind her that she wasn’t special? She didn’t have any “gifts” and was not in the “Yay! I’m an Alien Club”. This was why he felt they couldn’t be together. She didn’t belong in his world, and he didn’t want to have anything to do with hers.

When I don't know what to say
Don't know what to do
Don't know if it really even matters to you
How can I make you see
It matters to me


“Um… I just wanted to tell you that a talent scout saw Alex and me play the other night. You know at that gig I called and asked you to go to, but you didn’t.”

“I was busy.” He snapped defensively. Fiddling with a stone in his rough and callused hand did not keep him occupied. He set it down harshly on the coffee table and then proceeded to challenge her to a staring contest. His not so cheery disposition exuberated impatience. She backed down first. Adverting her eyes she continued,

“Anyways, she absolutely adored us and offered us a record deal. We leave for Los Angeles tomorrow night!” Completely brimming over with excitement she waited for encouragement from the love of her life. Unfortunately the words of praise she was longing for would never come.

The room fell to a deafening silence. Michael said nothing for several moments. Unsure of what to do Tess set her can down on the counter and managed a small congratulations. Maria and Tess were in no way, shape, form, or fashion close by any means, but Tess realized what this meant to her. It was her dream coming true.

Michael however did not share her enthusiasm.

“So….” He trailed cruelly.

“So….” She tried. “Aren’t you gonna say something like way to go or that’s my girl! Something.” The petite firecracker spouted growing angrier by the minute. When was he going to realize that he said so much with a look alone? How is it that he knew the exact thing to say or rather not to say to shatter her heart?

Michael’s cold brown eyes held no glimmer when he stated matter of factly,

“You’re not my girl.” As if to get the point across he stomped across the room and picked up another rock.

Seeking the man she fell in love with Maria stepped foreword and played her tiny hand on his arm. The hardened solider jumped back as if he’d been stung. Only a few months ago he claimed he loved her too much, and now he acted as if she was the plague. The man she was searching for was lost forever.


Maybe I still don't understand
The distance between a woman and a man
So tell me how far it is
And how you can love like this
'Cause I'm not sure I can

In turning away from her he might as well have struck her in the face, because she felt wounded. Her chest began to ache and burn like someone had poured kerosene on her soul, and lit a match. That’s when she realized she wasn’t breathing. It was as if her entire body had shut down in one fatal swoop.

“The Stonewall” gave his once love an annoyed glare.

“So are we done here?” He questioned running his hand through his shaggy chocolate brown hair.

When we don't talk
When we don't touch
When it doesn't feel like we're even in love
It matters to me


Feeling very out of place Tess focused on her crimson rhinestone sandals in fake fascination.

Hurt filled Maria’s emerald eyes causing them to pour tears. As she started toward the door, she paused only to get out her last comeback.

“Yes, Michael we are done. It’s been made abundantly clear that you couldn’t care less about me and my life; I don’t even know why I bothered coming over here.”

“Me neither.” He mumbled never meeting her pain filled eyes.

She was hoping for a rebuttal, but instead all she received was a confirmation of all her worst fears. He didn’t care if she left. It wouldn’t bother him if he never saw her face again.

Suddenly, her once joyous news had become a death sentence. Maria and Michael’s relationship whatever it was or could have been was over. His feelings for her were dead and buried, and she was left to mourn the loss all alone.

She wiped silent tears off of her flaming cheeks and walked out of his apartment for the last time.

After she was gone Michael walked into the kitchen and pulled a Peach Snapple out of the refrigerator. After the lid was removed he carelessly tossed it across the room at the door. Coming to the realization that he was drinking Maria’s favorite flavor he put the drink back lidless. Tess watched this turn of events skeptically.

The wise queen crossed her arms over her chest and looked poignantly at the crumbling partition.

“Well, I have to say I’m impressed. You really should have taken Drama instead of painting as an elective.” she evaluated.

“What are you babbling about?” He inquired crossly taking a step toward the coffee table.

“Oh I’m just saying you’re a much better actor than you are a painter.” She responded. Tossing her can in the garbage she stood in front of him blocking his path to the stones.

“You think I didn’t mean every word I said.” He asked raising his voice a bit. His tone was challenging, and its meaning was not lost on her.

“Does it matter what I think?” She questioned. The intenseness of her piercing blue eyes penetrated his resistance, but not good enough.

“Not in the least.” He answered pacing the small piece of unoccupied area between the door and the couch.

“Okay then.” She sat down on the couch and proceeded to get comfortable, because it was obvious that this conversation was far from finished.

“Besides she’s better off. You know away from this E.T crap. She deserves someone who can give her a life outside of predestined mating, skins, and intergalactic warfare.” He reasoned trying to convince her as well as himself.

“Yes, she is better off, but the question you might want to be pondering is are you? Because if she leaves now with things like they are she’ll close the book on you. If you are in love with her you better tell her now before it’s too late.”She smoothed the wrinkles out of her black skirt with her powers.

“Haven’t you ever heard the saying if you love something let it go? If it comes back it’s yours.” He replied smugly rather proud of himself.

“What makes you think she’ll come back?” She inquired while running her fingers through her newly straight hair. Freaky alien magic was good for one thing. It saves you a trip to the salon.

“Uh… Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” He uttered anxiously grasping for straws. Uncertainty washed across his rebellious face, but just as quickly as the emotion appeared it soon vanished. Once again only toughness was visible.

The boy had it bad. Indecisiveness was not a good look for him, not that it looks particularly well on anyone but nevertheless.

“Hate to burst your rather pathetic bubble, but have you ever heard the saying Out of sight; Out of mind.” She shot back.

Tess-One point; Michael-Zero

When I don't know what to say
Don't know what to do
Don't know if it really even matters to you
How can I make you see
It matters to me

Part Two

“For life long friends look for people who have contradictory opinions--like they’re a vegetarian who wears fur, or they don’t believe in vaccinations, but do lots of drugs. It makes for continued intrigue down the road.”--Unknown

(Lyrics to “Breakaway” By: Kelly Clarkson)

“That’s the last of it.” Maria revealed forcing the last pair of Monolo Blonick’s into the crowded trunk of Alex’s brand new candy apple red mustang. To say the car was filled to capacity was an understatement. Liz had no earthy idea how her two best friends were going to fit in the vehicle for the long drive ahead of them.

Grew up in a small town
And when the rain would fall down
I'd just stare out my window
Dreaming of what could be
And if I'd end up happy
I would pray (I would pray)

“I think this may be a safety violation of some sorts.” Liz articulated walking around the vehicle. She looked from the shiny car to Maria skeptically.

“What are you talking about Lizzie? I am a walking talking safety violation.” The vivacious siren remarked.

“You got that right.” Kyle chuckled to himself.

Either Maria didn’t hear him or she chose to ignore it because she opened the passenger side door.

The group got a good look inside and it was just as stuffed. The abundance of Maria’s belongings was overflowing the two bucket seats.

“Wow, Ria it looks like you took everything but the kitchen sink.” Isabel stated.

She glanced over at Alex who was giving Liz a goodbye hug. The ice princess felt slightly jealous of young miss scientist over there. Alex wasn’t even acknowledging her presence. Well, it wasn’t as if that was a new development. He hadn’t been since he found out about her and Grant. Why couldn’t things ever be simple for a change?

“No, but I brought the bathroom sink with me. Why do you think I under packed” she squealed with mock horror.

Max strolled over to the self proclaimed “Teflon” and wrapped her up in a protective embrace. He was more than a little upset that she was leaving. They had grown very close over the summer and now she was riding off into the sunset and leaving him behind.

Trying hard to reach out
But when I tried to speak out
Felt like no one could hear me
Wanted to belong here
But something felt so wrong here
So I prayed I could break away

“Well, girlfriend it’s been a trip, and you know to where.” She pulled back so she could look into his shimmering amber eyes.

“Yeah I do. I’m gonna miss you and I’m sorry Michael didn’t show he had…”

“Better things to do I’m sure.” she interrupted not wanting to drudge up memories of last night’s fight.

“He really cares about you. He’s just got…”

“Vast space where his heart is supposed to be. I know, but that’s not my problem anymore.” She replied with finality laced in her voice.

The beautiful alien king smiled weakly at the little poppet in his arms and hesitantly let her go.

The bubbly blonde managed a glance at Liz who was studying the car intently and then whispered to Max.

“She’s in love with you. Just give her time, and take care of her for me”

The romantic dreamer nodded his eyes never leaving the raven haired beauty’s nervous form.

I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
I'll do what it takes til' I touch the sky
I'll make a wish
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway

Liz absent mindedly kicked the tires checking the air pressure. “Does this car have passenger side airbags?”

Alex raised his eyebrow at his analytical friend and grinned knowingly.

“The ‘Stang is perfectly safe. Scouts honor.” He promised holding up the universal hand signal.

“You were never in the boy scouts.” Liz smiled at the ridiculous absurdity of their conversation.

“No. Not technically, but I went to a bunch of their meetings and I learned a lot of stuff.” He explained his mischievous smirk never faltering.

“Alex, please. You went for the free cookies.” Maria unveiled rolling her eyes at him.

“Oh yeah. Those were awesome.” He pulled both Maria and Liz into his arms.

Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget all the ones that I love
I'll take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway

His girls snuggled close to his chest and whispered their goodbyes. “I love you, chica.” Maria said softly.

Liz worked desperately to fight the oncoming downpour, but soon gave up the lsing battle. “You are the best frister. I’ve ever had!” (More than friends+ Almost sisters= frister) The dark haired lovely cried.

Maria fought her own urge to break down and responded, “Right back atcha babe!”

Wanna feel the warm breeze
Sleep under a palm tree
Feel the rush of the ocean
Get onboard a fast train
Travel on a jet plane, far away (I will)
And breakaway

“Awwww… I think I’m gonna shed a tear.” Kyle teased wiping a nonexistent tear from his eye.

“Come on Pinky. We gotta get outta here. It’s gonna be dark soon.” Alex muttered while examining the pink and orange streaked sunset.

“Right behind you Brain!” Maria sang skipping to the car.

Buildings with a hundred floors
Swinging around revolving doors
Maybe I don't know where they'll take me but
Gotta keep moving on, moving on
Fly away, breakaway

Isabel grabbed her former devout love slave’s arm.

“Can I talk to you for just a minute?”

Alex gave Maria the “Give me a minute nod.” So she gave them their much needed privacy by getting into his car and shutting the door.

The group disbanded all yelling their “see ya later’s”. Until it was just the two star gazers alone together. The tension between the two was positively unnerving.

“Alex. I uh… just wanted to say bye.” She stuttered nervously. She was acting so uncharacteristic. Isabel didn’t get nervous. It was below her and everything she stood for.

“Bye.” Alex said completely unaffected by the obvious emotion in her stammering voice.

“Look I don’t want us to part with weirdness between us. We have gotten so close over this past year. I don’t know what I am going to do without you. Who am I going to talk on the phone to for hours and hours?”

“I’m sure Grant will be more than willing to listen to you drone on and on about the wonderfulness of yourself. Goodbye Isabel.” He concluded.

I'll spread my wings
And I'll learn how to fly
Though it's not easy to tell you goodbye
I gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway

And then he was gone.

Isabel stood all alone with only a cloud of dust to shield her from the coldness of the approaching night. “Goodbye Alex.”

A lone figure stood in the shadows watching as the sports car pulled away. The young radical ran his rough hand through his disheveled hair in a James Dean like fashion. That was it. He had let her go. It had taken all his strength not to yell out for her. This was for the best.

Maria frowned at Alex’s tortured expression. This was no way to start a road trip.
Wanting her partner in crime‘s gloomy attitude to vanish she tried to cheer him up.

“So… What are we going to do tonight Brain?”

Alex couldn‘t help but crack up at his feisty accomplice beside him. He declared in a serious booming voice “The same thing we do every night Pinky. Try to take over the world!”

Their uninhibited laughter filled the empty night hair joyously. They were both excited about starting a new chapter in their life. The journey they were embarking on was going to be quite an adventure, and they wouldn’t miss it for the world.


Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget the place I come from
I gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway, breakaway, breakaway

Please leave me lots and lots of feedback!

Part Three

“I hold it true, whate’er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;’
Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.”
-- Alfred Lord Tennyson

(Lyrics to “Wasted Time” By: The Eagles)

“You’ve gotta be kidding me!” Maria yelled aggravation spilling through her strained voice. They had been driving for hours and now all she wanted was to get clean and sleep for a very very long time.


The free spirit trotted across the flamboyantly purple room. The expanse of the room was the same as a regular size elevator but without the cheerful music. Covered in wall to wall lavender the inadequate space gave Maria a slightly naucious feeling. Leaving Alex to carry all the bags in himself she plopped down on the fluffy bed closest to the window. Wheezing and panting her best friend all but collapsed when he reached the doorway. Maria smiled when she witnessed his shocked reaction. Staggering foreword he flashed her a sheepish grin.

“Okay, from now on I book the rooms.” She declared crossing her arms.

“Come on. It’s not that bad” You’ve stayed in worse I’m sure.” He reasoned sitting down on the bed adjacent to hers. He picked up the remote and began channel surfing. He almost had it down to an art. One channel a second. That’s talent.

Instantly she flashed back to the last time she was in a skuzzy hotel.

"All right, how about just one personal question? You know, since I didn't turn you in back there. Why is it so important to you to find out where you come from?"

"Because there's gotta be something better out there for me than Roswell, New Mexico."

"You think that's funny."

" No, no. It's just, um...when i was a kid, I used to stay up at night and, um, make up stories about my father...you know, and who he was and...what he was doing. And they all ended exactly the same way. He would come in a limo and pick me and my mom up and take us off to some exotic place where we'd live like royalty. Because, you know...I thought to myself...there's got to be something better out there for me than Roswell, New Mexico."

"Substitute a spaceship for a limo, and you know what i mean."

"Yeah. I...I'm, uh, I'm getting kind of tired."

"Yeah. It's been a long day, huh?"

"Yeah."

"I don't suppose we could share?"

"Not if you were the last alien on Earth"


Sliding out of those painful memories she heaved a defeated sigh,

“Ugh… I need a shower.” Rising slowly she made her way to the bathroom.

“Okay, I’m just gonna watch some T.V; there’s a whole special on Motley Crue coming on in 20 minutes.”

“You and your hair bands. Geez.” she muttered behind the closed door.

Well baby, there you stand
With your little head down in your hands
Oh my god, you can't believe
It's happening again
Your baby's gone and you're all alone
And it looks like the end

Maria peeled away her clothing as if removing the binds of her emotions. Releasing her flowing hair from the confines of the navy clip it fell cascading around her shoulders providing a shield for her urgent tears. The salty liquid tumbled down her cheeks as she drown in her sorrow. A sob escaped her throat sending her weeping into the cleansing spray. Cradling her face in her trembling hands she fought for control over the flood of her feelings. Her hiccupping sobs could be heard clearly in the other room. Alex’s body tensed when he recognized Maria’s cries of pain. Not sure of what to do he ventured cautiously toward the door.

You're back out streets
And you're trying to remember
How to start it over
But you don't know if you can
You don't care much for a strangers touch
But you can't hold your man

Knocking softly, Alex hunched awkwardly and with anxiety dripping in his voice,

“Are you okay? Did you stub your toe again? ‘Cause I’m not going to get ice, it’s far!”

Sniffling profuciously she answered, “No. I got soap in my eyes that’s all. I‘m fine.”

You never thought you'd be alone
This far down the line
But I know what's been on your mind
You're afraid it's all been wasted time

“Are you sure?” he admonished, drumming his fingers along the frame of the door.

In a snippy response Maria shouted, “I SAID I WAS FINE. DIDN’T I?”

“Uh…Yeah…Okay…” He replied in typical male fashion. “Is this about Michael??”

“As if I give a damn about that,” she paused searching for her insult “Predator!”

“I loved that movie!” Alex shouted with a chipper tone. Her amused laughter swiftly returned to bitter tears of longing.

The autumn leaves have got you thinkin'
About the first time that you fell
You didn't love the boy too much
No no, you just loved the boy too well“Opps. I’m sorry. Did I brokedid you?” He asked with a childish innocence.

“No sweetie. I’ve been brokedid for sooo long.” she whispered faintly.

“Alex… Am I unlovable?” The broken gypsy spoke barely audible.

“No. Of course not.” He stated reassuringly.

“Then why does everyone leave? My father ran out on me. Michael doesn’t want me anymore. I guess I‘m just defective. All I wanted was for him to make the big gesture,” she looked toward the ground deflated “You know for him to tell me he’d been miserable for the past few months. That he needed me back.”

So you live from day to day
And you dream about tomorrow
And the hours go by like minutes
The shadows come to stay
So you take a little somethin'
To make them go away

Glancing up she met his eyes, “I needed him to assure me that I was enough. That I was worth defying fate for. Is that too much to ask?”

I could have done so many things, baby
If I could only stop my mind
From wonderin' what I left behind
And from worryin' about this wasted time

Maria’s nudeness finally dawning on him a faint blush tinted his cheeks as he lightly wrapped a towel around her now shivering body.

Another love has come and gone
And the years keep rushing on
I remember what you told me
Before you went out on your own:
"Sometimes to keep it together
You've got to leave it alone

“No baby. That’s not too much. In fact, it’s not near enough. You deserve so much more.” He gently kissed her forehead and carried her to bed.

So you can get on with your search, baby
And I can get on with mine
And maybe someday we will find
That it wasn't really wasted time

I hope you liked it![/i]

Author's Note: I'm a bad bad writer. Sorry for leaving you hanging. Hope this makes up for it.

Part Four


“My bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep.
The more I give to thee the more I have. For both are infinite.”
-- William Shakespeare

(Lyrics to “Sweet Child of Mine” By: Guns & Roses)


The morning after is always inevitably awkward. The worse

aftermath scenario by far is when you wake up alone, and have to take

the walk of shame back to your own bed. Alex was not spared this

special breed of humiliation. Upon waking he instantly realized that

Maria’s bed was alarmingly vacant. Its female occupant had apparently

skipped out before the sun had risen.


The eternal optimist tried to separate himself from the

lavender sheets only to find himself trapped under their threatening

wrath.The more he struggled the worse it got. After several failed

attempts he finally broke free of their treacherous hold. Stumbling

over to the oak dresser, he lifted the cheap alarm clock up so that he

could read the bright red flashing numbers.


9:50. Where the hell is she?


The lanky musician searched frantically for his misplaced companion,

but to no avail. She was gone.


This is Los Angeles not Roswell. She shouldn‘t be running off

without telling someone. There are evil businessmen who would try to

take advantage of her sweet naive nature. Bad people with video

cameras.

She's got a smile that it seems to me
Reminds me of childhood memories
Where everything
Was as fresh as the bright blue sky


He shuddered at the very thought of it. Not his Maria. Not

the center of every bit of trouble he had ever gotten in during

middle school. The same girl who made him watch "Casablanca" over and

over until he finally admitted he liked the film. The one and only

girl besides Liz that danced with him at their 8th Grade Spring Fling.

He had to find her. Running through a list of possible locations was

a tedious task. Truth be told there was no telling. Maria was a free

spirit. She followed the wind, which was one of Alex’s favorite things

about her. That and her smell.


Now and then when I see her face
She takes me away to that special place
And if I stared too long
I'd probably break down and cry


Maria’s scent was unlike anything that could be packaged in

a bottle. Her unique fragrance was a cross between cinnamon and

vanilla. The closet possible description would be vanilla ice cream

with chunks of Big Red chewing gum in it. Hot but cold. Sweet but

spicy. Sharp but smooth. “That Maria smell” was how the whole gang had

described but only now did Alex realize how much he savored that

combination. Funny how you appreciate things when they are taken from

you.


Afraid of being consumed by the outrageous comforter he

avoided the bed. Shuffling toward the dingy mirror he laughed at the

sight before him. He was still wearing his clothes from the day

before. After Maria’s little meltdown, Alex didn’t want to leave her

alone so he held her tightly while she drifted off to sleep.

Sweet child o' mine

Oh yeah, that’s right. I held a soaking wet, very naked Maria close

to my body, while she slumbered.


Last night, there was nothing sexual about the act. He was

merely a friend helping out another during a time of distress. However

this morning with the outline of Maria’s curves sketched into his

memory he had difficulty walking.


Due to the fact that Alex had two girls as best friends for

years he had gained quite a bit of will power, but never had it been

tested so much. Growing up, Ria was his amigo. The chic he

could “just” hang around without that weird nervous feeling getting in

the way. He has assumed that it would always be that way. He assumed

wrong. No longer did he see the gawky all over the place girl wearing

peasant tops and a major attitude arguing with her gym coach over a

woman’s right to choose.

Sweet love of mine

Instead he saw a strong an independent woman whose heart had

recently been stomped upon. Which was exactly why he had to keep these

feelings in check, because the last thing that he would ever want

would be to screw up his friendship with her. Still there was nothing

wrong with admiring her exquisite form was there?

She's got eyes of the bluest skies
As if they thought of rain
I hate to look into those eyes
And see an ounce of pain


Not so long ago Alex had placed Maria in the cute column on

his list. It wasn’t that he hadn’t found her attractive. Any man alive

would have had to been blind to make that mistake. It’s just that her

wide eyes and short pixie cut had made her appear more whimsical than

provocative. However last nights imprint of her elegant body was

nothing short of breath taking.

Her hair reminds me of a warm safe place
Where as a child I'd hide
And pray for the thunder
And the rain
To quietly pass me by


As she lay cradled in his arms with only the off white

towel and his crumbled attire separating them he noticed features he

had sorely over looked. Her long creamy white legs seemed to run

forever. The top of her breast spilled out from the misaligned towel

allowing him a slight peek show. Always the gentleman, he covered up

the sleeping beauty and tried desperately to memorize the lines in her

face. Each Laugh line represented a comedic memory that they shared.

This small detail suddenly seemed more precious than any feature he’d

ever witnessed. Those wondrous lines all lead up to the art which was

her mouth. Full and pouty it held promises of kisses to be shared. Her

luscious lips parted slightly allowing the celestial being within his

arms to take a sharp intake of breath. His mind began racing.

Sweet child o' mine


Is she ok? Is she having a nightmare? Is Michael in it?


Instantly an emotion crept upon him. One he was all too familiar

with. Jealousy.

"She can’t escape his torment even in her dreams,” he analyzed

rubbing her forearm gently.

Sweet love of mine

His thoughts were interrupted by the phone ringing.

He darted anxiously to the side table and picked up the insistent

receiver.

It was just the wakeup call he forgot he had placed. They

had a little over an hour before their meeting at the studio to do

pictures for the album cover.

Where do we go
Where do we go now
Where do we go
Sweet child o' mine


“Get it together Whitman. She’s going through a rough time. She really

needs you to be there on her. For her! Be there for her! Ugh, I’m

screwed.”


Opps. Another impure thought. It’s hard (Pun intended) to stop once

you’ve started.

She's got a smile that it seems to me
Reminds me of childhood memories
Where everything
Was as fresh as the bright blue sky


Suddenly the door busted open revealing to him the object of

his lust. She was carrying several shopping bags on each arm and even

one around her neck.


Instantly his fear for her safety was diminished and

replaced with annoyance.

Now and then when I see her face
She takes me away to that special place
And if I stared too long
I'd probably break down and cry


“Where have you been?” He questioned.

“Out.” She stated feeling completely comfortable with her

answer. She began pulling out clothes from the bags. All were

different styles and colors creating a magnificent rainbow before his

very eyes.

Sweet child o' mine


Careful not to let himself get distracted he spouted only one word,

“Out.”

Sweet love of mine

Misinterpreting his inquisitive tone she answered him as if he did not know the meaning of the word.

“You know out. The opposite of in.” She skipped over to the

mirror brushing passed him unknowing the effect that single touch of

hers had on his body.

She's got eyes of the bluest skies
As if they thought of rain
I hate to look into those eyes
And see an ounce of pain


“Well, you didn’t tell me you were leaving. For all I knew you

could have been in a ditch somewhere.” He spoke shifting his gaze

from her to the sexy outfits in her hand.


Her hair reminds me of a warm safe place
Where as a child I'd hide
And pray for the thunder
And the rain
To quietly pass me by

“A ditch? Alex, why are you channeling my mother? I needed to buy

something new for the shoot today. You looked so peaceful I didn’t

want to disturb you.”She reasoned, while deciding to wear the

green dress.

Sweet child o' mine

The uneasiness remained in his worried expression.

Sighing Maria continued, “But next time I will. I’ll

jump up and down on the bed and throw pillows at you. ”


“Thank you.” Alex beamed instantly feeling better.

Sweet love of mine

He didn’t want to clip her wings. He just wanted her to be

careful. If anything was to ever happen to her, he couldn’t stand it.


She understood that he only wanted to protect her so she’d

try to remember to let him know if she was going somewhere. A lot

harder than you’d think. She’d never had someone who expected her home

at a certain time. Her mom was always out of town. The alluring pixie

had never had anyone to wait up for her, or worry if she was late.


Living with Alex was one of the conditions her mother had

set when Maria asked to live her dream. She must have figured Alex

would take care of her. Little did any of them realize that co

habilitation with your best friend can be bittersweet.

Where do we go
Where do we go now
Where do we go
Sweet child o' mine

TBC

[Author’s Note: Just wanted to say thank you to all the readers. Your support is very important to me. I hope you enjoy the part!

Part Five

“All Love that has not friendship for its base,
is like a mansion built upon the sand.”
~Ella Wheeler Wilcox~

(Lyrics to “Singing in My Sleep” By: Semi sonic; Some mock lyrics of “You’re the Inspiration” By: Chicago & “Somebody Like You” By: Keith Urban)

Stepping onto the crowded bus, Maria threw her bag to one of the road managers, Joe. Or was it Bo? Maybe it was Moe? Hmm. She had a hard time keeping the new roadies straight. He caught it effortlessly and gave her a sexy smirk,

“How are you feeling this fine evening?” he drawled with unmistakable southern accent.

The clever diva shifted her jacket to her left hand so he could see the Starbucks Hazelnut Cappuccino gripped tightly in her right.

“Pretty, witty, and brimming with caffeine.” she giggled sliding into the seat next to Alex. Her best friend’s intense gaze on the instrument before him told the hyper pixie that he was in deep practice mode. She admired his dedication, but sometimes she thought he should lighten up. After all they were Rock Stars now!


It was Day One of their tour and she was bubbling over with excitement. It had only taken a few weeks of recording and now they were ready to hit the road. Their first single “Hurt by Love” was already number one on the music charts.

Calls were coming into all the radio stations from avid fans requesting more from “The Whits”. The band was absolutely thrilled by their ongoing success and couldn’t wait to play for a live audience.

There's a new wind blowin' like I've never known.
I'm breathin' deeper than I've ever done.
And it sure feels good, to finally feel the way I do.
I wanna love somebody,
Love somebody like you

Alex lifted his eyes to acknowledge her presence but continued on, crooning the lyrics to his work in process.

“Now I’m falling in love too fast. With you or the songs you chose. And all the stars, play for me. Say the promise you long to keep. I can hear you sing it to me in my sleep.”When he finished she beamed at him, “That’s beautiful. What lucky lady was your muse?”

He smiled painfully. If only he could tell her the truth. That every word he wrote was for her. Ever since that night when he’d held her tightly in his arms he couldn’t imagine being that close to anyone else.

Mobs of beautiful women threw themselves at him every day and none of them held a candle to the girl he wanted. They all paled in comparison.

An' I'm lettin' go of all my lonely yesterdays.
I've forgiven myself for the mistakes I've made.
Now there's just one thing, the only thing I wanna do, mmm, mmm.
I wanna love somebody,
Love somebody like you

He desired not only her body but her quest for knowledge. Maria had a habit of questioning everything, which he found to be adorable. Her appetite for argumentative conversations thrilled him. She expressed her own opinion on all subjects ranging from the importance of Cheetos to The Homeland Security Act passionately and without fear. She was constantly challenging him to his limits; He wouldn’t have it any other way.

It had been a very exasperating three weeks. The frustrated musician had thrown himself head first into work hoping it would take his mind off the delicate beauty. Alas, nothing worked. In fact it just got worse.

Having her so close and not being able to express to her his true feelings was pure torture. He had truly fallen for her , but there was no way he would risk jeopardizing their friendship by trying to make something more out of what they were.

Noticing his strained expression she assumed it was about Isabel. They had never discussed the conversation he’d had with “The Ice Princess“, but Maria was guessing it hadn‘t went well.

Max had called a couple of times to see how everything was going, and Maria had gushed over all their endeavors. When Max asked if Alex wanted to chat with Izzy he politely declined.


Yeah, I wanna feel the sunshine,
Shinin' down on me and you.
When you put your arms around me,
You let me know there's nothing in this world I can't do.

So she assumed it was over, but maybe his heart was having a hard time healing. Mending her shattered pieces had been quite a task, but amazingly she felt better than ever. It was as if a huge burden had been lifted. The bewitching performer knew part of that feeling was because of Alex. He had been there for her, taking care of her without making her feel smothered. Their friendship was growing stronger with every passing day, and she was grateful for his companionship.

Determined to cheer up her broken comrade she made the silliest face she could muster up.

“It’s about me. Isn’t it?” She accused grasping his shoulder in fake desperation.

Then she proceeded to mockingly serenade him with her own version of a self centered sappy romantic song.

“I am the meaning in your life. I’m the inspiration. I bring feeling to your life. I‘m the inspiration. You wanna have me near you. No one needs me more than you do.”

When she completed her own twisted version of the popular love song He was having trouble breathing due to all the laughter.

“Maybe you should go sing that to Leo. I’m sure he’d be impressed at the improved lyrics.” Alex taunted her motioning to the roadie who was eying her.

“Leo! That’s his name.” she exclaimed in relief. Alex’s disapproving glare made Maria wince.

“Don’t worry. I’m not gonna get involved with the crew. I don’t mix business with pleasure. Unless of course, Keith Urban wants to give me a call and then all bets are off.” she stated gazing out the window.

Alex snapped to attention, “Keith Urban?! Ria, he sings country!”

The bus’s engine started startling the bantering duo. This did not stop the feisty blonde who begins to fawn over the widely popular country artist.

used to run in circles goin' no-where fast.
I'd take, uh, one step forward and two steps back.
Couldn't walk a straight line even if I wanted to, mmm, mmm.
I wanna love somebody,
Love somebody like you.


“So… he’s pretty and that voice Mmmmm! I’d like to butter his biscuit.” she remarked laughing at Alex’s shocked appearance.

“You would molest his breakfast? Whatever, I’d rather you date someone with substance like Mick Jagger or Steven Tyler. You know talented performers. ” He laughed at the absurdity of their discussion.

“But they ‘re so old!” Maria exclaimed in mock horror. “Anyways, adverting the topic away from middle aged rock legends, How far are we from our first gig?”

Alex sighed, they’d only left Los Angeles fifteen minutes ago and she was already asking “Are we there yet?” This was going to be a very long tour.

“Four Hours, though if we would have taken the private jet like the record company suggested it wouldn’t have took half as long.”

Maria huffed and gave her closest friend a threatening look, “Alexander Whitman, you know why I didn’t want to take the plane.”


Wanting to get her riled up he pressed on, “ Come on Ria. Give me one good reason why not. It is more convenient. There is less hassle and more down time between concerts.”

Whoa here we go now!

He watched in amazement as she wobbled her head back and forth sending her long blonde curls in a frenzy.

“ You want a reason. Okay I’ll give you seven: Patsy Cline, The Big Bopper, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valance, Ronnie Van Zant, John Denver, & Aaliyah.” she listed her hands waving back and forth erratically.

“Fair enough.” He relented waving his arms about to prove that he was indeed unarmed.

Yeah, I wanna feel the sunshine,
Shinin' down on me and you.
When you put your arms around me,
Well, baby there ain't nothing in this world I can't do.

Their eyes met and it was all over. For a moment he thought about telling her. Wonderment filled him when he pondered the possibility. This notion was shattered when she spoke,

“Alex, what happened with you and Isabel the day we left Roswell. I mean you never spoke about it ,and I can tell something is bothering you.”

His eyes down cast he replied, “ Iz and I weren’t meant to be together, and it’s not because of Destiny or the cruel politics of high school, which by the way didn’t help our chances any.” He chuckled a bit easing out the tension.

“She simply isn’t the one for me. Don’t get me wrong. I care about her deeply ,but the rejected puppy routine got tired real quick. I want someone who is going to treat me as an equal not as their unrequited love slave.”

Maria smiled in astonishment. She couldn’t help but envy his strength. He seemed to have it all together. Knowing what you want and what you don’t is a valuable little piece of information to have.

It is a lot harder to obtain then you’d imagine, but when you do realize the two there is no greater sense of accomplishment. She wished she could be more like him.

Sometimes it's hard for me to understand,
But you're teachin' me to be a better man.
I don't want to take this life for granted like I used to do, no, no.
I wanna love somebody,
Love somebody like you.

“I’m proud of you. You finally broke free of the treacherous hold those aliens seem to have on us poor earthlings.” She gave him a meaningful hug.

With her petite form pressed to his chest Alex patted her back gently offering comfort for her wounded heart.

“Even though I knew Michael and I didn’t have a future together stupid me didn’t want to give up hope. What scares me the most is I was willing to give up everything to be with him. I would have followed his stubborn ass anywhere if it meant us being together.”


I'm ready to love somebody,
Love somebody like you. Oooh.

She raised up so that they were both eye to eye, “I was so wrapped up in our demented relationship that I couldn’t see the inevitable truth in front of me. I never want to be consumed by love again.”

Alex gave her a reassuring half smile, “It was fun being part of the “I know an alien club” for a little while though. Wasn‘t it?”

An' I wanna love somebody,
Love somebody like you, yeah.


Maria sat up curling her legs under her, “ Yeah, There for a while it made me feel important. Like I had a role to play in the grand scheme of things, but come to find out I’m just a mundane human with no significant part in this world.”

“Just because you ‘re human doesn’t mean you don‘t have a deeper purpose. In fact with all that you’ve been through and withstood for this long should just confirm that you, Maria Deluca, are meant for great things.”


“This means a lot to me. Not just the pep talk ,which by the Deluca Scale was a ten!”
“Score!” Alex cheered as if he had one his first game of dodge ball.

“But also just you being here. You’ve been my rock. My security and I don’t know how I would have managed the past few weeks without you. I really appreciate it Alex.”

“That’s what I’m here for Kiddo. I‘ll always be here for you.” He promised.


Oh yeah.
Oh, I wanna be the man in the middle of the night,
Shinin' like it's true.
I wanna be the man that you run to whenever I call on you
When everything that loved someone finally found it's way
Wanna be a better man
I see it in you yeah

Author’s Note: Thanks for all the wonderful feedback! You, the readers, are what make this so fulfilling. This is a two parter. Enjoy.

Part Six

“Sometimes we let affection go unspoken.
Sometimes we let our love go unexpressed.
Sometimes we can’t find the words to tell our
Feelings. Especially toward those we love
The best.”


(Lyrics to “Best I Ever Had” By: Vertical Horizon)

*Back in Roswell*

Applying yet another coat of lavender nail polish to

her already perfectly manicured nails, Isabel watched her bedroom

door anxiously. Her snobby friends from school were due to arrive any

minute. She had agreed to go this party at the old soap factory ,but

to be brutally honest she didn’t feel like going to a crowded building

and watching her fellow classmates funnel beer and make out with one

another.

Why was she being so cynical? This was just what she does.

Make an appearance at some bogus party, show all the boys at West

Roswell what they want but can never have, and then crawl into bed

cold and alone, because no one would ever love her for who she truly

is.

So you sailed away
Into a grey sky morning
Now I'm here to stay
Love can be so boring

That’s because no man besides Max, Michael, Alex, and Kyle

would ever no what she really was. Max was her brother and Michael

might as well be. Alex had in her eyes deserted her. Kyle was funny

and sweet at times but not her type. Besides him and Tess had a little

something happening on the side they thought no one knew about.


Whenever the blonde newcomer walked anywhere within ten feet

of the dedicated Buddhist he lit up like a Christmas tree. Seriously

there was no bringing him down from the instant high he obtained by

just being near the Former Queen of Antar. Isabel couldn’t help but

a tad jealous of their happiness. The whole secret fling arrangement

they had going was so painstakingly obvious. The real humor behind it

however was they were the only ones who didn’t notice they were

utterly smitten with one another. No one commented on their growing

relations. Isabel certainly didn’t want to be the one to

scream “Destiny!” Because that would in fact force her to have to

partner up with the ever brooding Guerin.


Isabel had never really been a big Maria fan, but if she

would bring Michael out of the slump he currently lived in she would

drag the girl home herself. Every since the pixie stick had split the

impulsive alien had instantly become a recluse never leaving the

apartment except for work and school occasionally. Michael attended

both inconsistently and was at the point in his education and career

that if he missed one more day they would automatically expel and fire

him. No questions asked.


Nothing's quite the same now
I just say your name now

Several attempts were made as a sort of intervention to get

to the root of his problem, but the lonely rebel thwarted all actions

they have taken to help him. No one talked about his self inflicted

isolation anymore. They all knew the cause behind it, and she was

hundreds of miles away. In all fairness Isabel didn’t have a right to

complain. The Ice Princess had found herself staying in a lot more

than usual. Life just seemed mundane and completely pointless to her.



Getting up in the morning, going to school, and

pretending to be something she’s not started weighing heavy on her

mind. She was tired of being the “perfect socialite.”


Why wasn’t she allowed to make mistakes or for goodness sake to have a

bad hair day every once in a while?!


But it's not so bad
You're only the best I ever had
You don't want me back
You're just the best I ever had


Feeling frustrated she stopped attending the school

functions she had once prided herself in. She blamed it on the

weather or that she “supposedly” had nothing to wear. When in reality

the sky couldn’t have been clearer and her closet held more shoes than

Nine West.

As much as she hated to admit it, even to herself, she

missed Alex. He was the one man who accepted all of her flaws and

all; and in response to his unconditional devotion she had shoved him

away by dating Grant. Who indeed later turned out to be inhabited by

an evil alien. Alex would find that ending justifying. She thought. I

wish he was here; I’d tell him all about it and he’d laugh, but never

throw “I told you so.” back in my face. She had wrote him a couple of

emails, but they had all went unanswered.


So you stole my world
Now I'm just a phony
Remembering the girl
Leaves me down and lonely


“This is way too self pitying.” she mumbled to her self. “I

am Isabel Evans. I don’t need anyone.”


At that exact moment her radio which had been playing

softly in the background began blaring the tune of her demise, “Hurt

by Love”. She hated that song. Not because she thought it was bad. In

fact it was quite the opposite really. However the beautifully

composed music just summed up the whole friendship/ lack of

relationship that she and Alex had once shared.

Send it in a letter
Make yourself feel better


The moment Maria’s soft voice began crooning the toxic

lyrics; Isabel jumped up and shut it off. She just couldn’t take the

constant reminder of what she could have had with Alex. Escaping the

popular song had become a difficult task. It shot up to #1 requested

song on all the radio stations, kids at school sang out the heart

breaking lyrics in between classes, and Max even played it now and

again when he gave The Counting Crows a rest. She couldn’t even get a

break away from the insistent memories in her own home.

But it's not so bad
You're only the best I ever had
You don't need me back
You're just the best I ever had

Speaking of Max, he had been acting rather odd at this

particular point in time. For some unknown reason he despised Kyle. At

first Isabel thought It was because Buddha Boy and Tess were starting

to get physical, but no evidently he thought Kyle made a play for

Liz. Isabel of course saw this as highly unlikely, because he was

really into Tess. Max however had his mind made up and was not on

speaking terms with Kyle or Liz. Max not talking to Liz. Strange.


And it may take some time to
Patch me up inside
But I can't take it so I
Run away and hide
And I may find in time that
You were always right
You're always right

Rolling the nail polish bottle in between her unsteady

hands she scooted further back onto the bed. Her thoughts always

drifted back to Alex. “I wonder what he’s doing now.”


So you sailed away
Into a grey sky morning
Now I'm here to stay
Love can be so boring

What was it you wanted
Could it be I'm haunted

But it's not so bad
You're only the best I ever had
I don't want you back
You're just the best I ever had
The best I ever had
The best I ever



Part Seven

“Love is like a friendship caught on fire.
In the beginning a flame, very pretty,
Often hot and fierce,
But still only light and flickering.
As love grows older,
Our hearts mature
And our love becomes as coals,
Deep-burning and unquenchable.”

By: Bruce Lee


(Lyrics to “Wonderful Tonight” By: Eric Clapton)


* Room 204 at The Hilton Hotel in New York City*


“Alex, can you help me find my turquoise outfit? You know the one with

the sequins.” Maria yelled from inside the cramped closet.

It's late in the evening
She's wondering what clothes to wear
She puts on her make up
And brushes her long blonde hair

Tonight was the band’s big coming out party for The New York

Elite and she wanted to look her absolute best. Thus the reason why

she had all the clothes she owned scattered in the floor.

“Alex!” She exclaimed, while examining an outfit she had already

vetoed twice before.


Her roommate shook his head disapprovingly at his

frantic friend. “If she keeps going like this she’s going to have a

panic attack,” He thought. The quick thinking fellow entered the

distraught room with an elegant dress in one hand and a stylishly

wrapped box in the other.


And then she asks me
Do I look all right
And I say yes, you look wonderful tonight

The exasperated diva leapt at the sight of her dearest friend’s

entrance.

“Alex, where did you get that? It’s gorgeous. I mean to

die for. Really.”

He handed the black lace knee length gown to her. “I saw it

in the shop downstairs and I thought you might want something new for

tonight.”

Maria hugged the dress to her chest happily. “Is that for

me too?” she grinned eying the elaborately decorated package resting

in his right hand.

We go a party
And everyone turns to see
This beautiful lady
That's walking around with me

“Oh, I don’t know. I don’t think you deserve anything else. After all

look at the mess you made in the middle of our bedroom floor.” He

pretended to scold.

They both knew this game well. He acted like he was

aggravated that she was the most disorganized person alive and she

acted like she would change her bad girl ways. Both knew that this was

how it would always be and they liked it that way.


Maria looked down at the huge mound of clothes at her feet and grinned sheepishly.

“I’ll clean it up when we get home. I promise. Please.” she begged

stretching her lower lip out in a cute pout. She twirled a lock of

her long straight blonde hair around her finger exuberating the look

of innocence.

And then she asks me
Do you feel all right
And I say yes, I feel wonderful tonight

Like he could possibly turn down that face. Alex relented

giving her the bright red box with a shiny crimson bow.

She tore open the present excitedly and lifted the white

paper to revel a small book of poetry. Maria turned the rare book

over carefully in her small hands and read the cover,



“Alfred Lord Tennyson’s Greatest Works!” She jumped into her

surprised amigo’s arms wrapping her legs securely around his waist.



“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! He is my favorite poet of all time!”

“I know.” He stated shifting her in his arms so he could point out the

page that he had book marked.


“The Charge of the Light Brigade that’s your favorite poem isn’t it?”

He questioned nervously.


“YES! It is! You even underlined my favorite part.” she squealed in

childlike glee.

Not needing to read the text she spouted off the passage stating each

word she knew by heart.

“Take me now in midnight darkness. Tell me how the morning’s

brightness. Robs are love of peaceful lightness!”

The hyper pixie wrapped up in his arms showered him with smooches all

over his cheeks and forehead. When she was finished fawning over him

she jumped down and ran to the bathroom to put her new dress on.


I feel wonderful
Because I see the love light in your eyes
And the wonder of it all
Is that you just don't realize
How much I love you

Alex stood red faced and frozen in the position he had

caught her in. Blushing profusely he prayed that she felt what he had

when she submitted those gentle kisses upon his face. Maybe she did

see him as more than a friend. In fact didn’t her kissing him at all

mean something in the girl code? That had to count for something

right. He racked his brain desperately trying to remember the girl’s

rule for kissing guy friends and boyfriends. What exactly crossed the

line? He pondered this for several minutes, and was just as stumped

when she emerged from the bathroom.


Girls are so complicated. We whined to himself. All

coherent thought was taken away when he saw her.


The dark black set off the paleness of her skin creating

an ethereal contrast. She looked simply angelic until you caught a

glimpse of the tops of her thighs when she moved. His thoughts then

were anything but pure.


“How does it look?” She questioned scanning her reflection in the full

length mirror.


Alex cleared his throat and responded in typical boy like

fashion, “It looks fine.”


Still bubbling over with excitement from her well thought

out gifts Maria giggled.

“Tonight when we get home we can take turns reading it. I

absolutely adore British poetry. Don’t you?”


Taking the opportunity to argue with her he

chuckled, “Actually I’m more into American authors. Give me Frost or

give me death!” He proclaimed enjoying her shocked reaction.

“How can you say that? Tennyson was a poet for the people. He alone…”

Interrupting her rant he rebutted, “Oh please Tennyson was a quack who

was in love with his cousin.”

Maria tried to stifle giggle, but failed miserably, “Be that as it

may. He was still a very talented man.”


Okay, I’ll be the judge of that when you read me some

of his stuff tonight. Till then We’ll have to agree to disagree.” He

concluded fiddling with his tie.

It's time to go home now
And I've got an aching head
So I give her the car keys
She helps me to bed

Maria stepped in front of him and took control of the

situation by beginning to straighten his tie for him. There was such

an intimacy in that one act that startled them both. As she stood

before him her hands touching his chest she felt stirrings inside of

her she didn’t know existed. Finishing quickly she looked up at him

and their eyes locked instantly. Their mouths were mere inches apart.

This was the perfect time to tell each other their feelings.


Unfortunately this sweet private moment was interrupted by

the fool banging on the front door.


“Deluca. Whitman. The limo is here.” Leo informed the two.

“We’d better go.” Maria stammered grabbing her purse.

Alex cursed with disappointment. “That roadie is soo fired.” he

grumbled under his breath.

“Did you say something?” The bright eyed vixen asked her eyes pleading

for his answer.

“No. Unfortunately I didn’t” He stated not meeting her gaze.

Guys are so complicated, she whined to herself.

And then I tell her
As I turn out the light
I say my darling, you were wonderful tonight
Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight

Whatcha think?

Author's Note: Thanks for your patientce. This is a two parter. Yay! Because NaNoWr Month is going on I should be posting more, but I hvae many other fics going. So basically I am updating the ones that get the most feedback. So if you love it hate it whatever just tell me!

Part Eight

Disclaimer: I do not own Keith Urban or Kelly Clarkson. If I did I wouldn’t be working; I’ll tell you that. Please do not sue.

“We come to love not by finding the perfect person,
but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.”

(Lyrics to “Love Me” By: Elvis Presley)

* Club Drink in downtown New York City*


Neon lights blinded a very nervous Maria as she stepped out of the exquisite limousine and onto the red carpet. Not wanting to lose something so dear to him, Alex grasped the blonde’s hand gently but firmly. The feel of her small delicate fingers intertwined with his was definitely a brand new guilty pleasure he could indulge himself in. For according to the Girl Code: Men and Women can hold hands and still just be friends.

Not that he wanted to “just” be friends with her. Alex had never met anyone like her in his entire life. His appreciation for her diversity grew with every passing moment they shared together. He wanted nothing more than to be intrigued and fascinated by this kooky woman for the rest of his life.

Okay, I know that’s a bit much to take in all at once, but you have to remember he’s known this girl his entire life. It is only now that they have gotten to spend all this time alone together that has allowed him to learn all the little things that make her tick. It is each and every single one of those factors that make up the crazy sexy woman he has fallen in love with.


It happened completely by accident he assures us. Now he had to work up the will to ask her how she really feels about him. Nothing like a little liquid courage to speed the process along. (AKA Alcohol)

WARNING: IF YOU ARE AFRAID OF A DRUNKEN ALEX SKIP THE REST OF THIS CHAPTER AND GO TO THE NEXT ONE. THANK YOU~

Mobs of individuals tried to rush the new celebrities. Thankfully the security detail maintained the crowd mercilessly. Maria and Alex literally fell into the club laughing.

“Can you believe we are in here?” Maria exclaimed taking the opportunity to observe her surroundings.

“No. I can’t. They didn’t even try to card us.” Alex chuckled attempting to smooth his disheveled clothes back into place with his free hand.

“It’s a good thing they didn’t. We are shy the age limit by like four years.” she acknowledged running her left hand through her hair. Her right was still clutching his tightly.

“Uh Maria. I kind of wanted to talk to you about something.”

“Oh my God, Alex. Look! It’s Keith Urban! He’s here at our coming out party! I’m going to go say hi.” Maria shouted enthusiastically before releasing his hand and taking off.

Letting out a deep breath he surveyed his empty hand. Seconds ago it had held the most precious thing to him. Now she was going to drool all over some Country singer? Yuck!

“I’m going to the bar!” he informed the room. This statement got several hoots and hollers from the gathering of people he didn’t know who ironically were all there to congratulate his band on their immense success. After a couple of rounds of Jim, Jack, and Jose, Alex had to admit he was feeling pretty good about himself.

There were dozens of girls there who wanted his body. Any one of them would happily fill his bed if he asked. Hell, he didn’t have to ask. They were begging him to take them home with him. So what did it matter if one girl didn’t. Even drunk him wasn’t that dumb. It still mattered because her opinion was the only one that mattered to him.

By the time Maria located her missing friend he was too far gone,”Oh Alex you are so bombed. How much did you drink?”

True to form the intoxicated rock star’s table looked like the setting of a Motley Crue music video. He held up his hand and mumbled,

“Oh high thur Muhria! How did ur wittle chat wid Billy Ray Cyrus go. Prosperous I hope.” He stuttered.

“Yeah it went great he loved our single ,but look at you. Why did you drink so much? I didn’t even know you drank at all.” she remarked pulling him up in the closest standing up position she could manage.

“I didn’t eithur ,but I reely wanted to discuss a matter importance of an matter of yeah you know” he repeated desperately trying to make himself clear to her.

“It’s okay sweetie. I’m going to get you out of here and then we’ll talk about whatever you want.” she reassured him leading him to the exit.

“Wait! Wait!” He shouted. “I luft Kelly Clarkson’s nuber back on thu tabel.


“Huh?” she said her face twisting in confusion.

“Kelly Clarkson gave me hur celly phon nuber. She sad I culd call ….anytime.” he yelled putting emphasis on the words anytime.

“Okay. I’ll go back and get it.” Leaning him on the bar she walked back over to the table he had been inhabitating and sure enough on the club napkin was a note written in cherry red lipstick.

Had a great time with you Xander!
Call me anytime.

Love,

Kelly

“Numbers scribbled on club napkins how skanky,” Maria snorted shoving it in her pocket. She was sure in the morning Alex would wake up and realize that he could do so much better than that American Idol Pop Tart!

When she reached the bar Alex was talking it up with some peroxided Pamela Anderson Knockoff. Maria placed his limp arm around her shoulder. Acknowleding the girls presence Maria stated,

“Well, we have to go. Thank you for showing up at our party.”
Maria proceeded to lead him towards the door when Malibu Barbie decided to get clingy.

“I don’t think Xander and I were finished with our conversation. In fact I think it was just about to get a lot more interesting.” she said all moxy like while running her hideously fake nails along his inner thigh.

“Hey! “ Maria snapped while smacking the girls hand away.

“Hands off the goods sister!”

The annoyed bleach job began to get angry, “He doesn’t belong to you. So why don’t you back off!”

Trying to remain calm Maria stated, “He does not belong to anyone. For he is not an object and will not be treated as thus.”

Alex finally speaking up for himself staggered forward,

“I don’t care if you treat me like an object.” He drunkenly assured Maria.

And then something terrifying occurred… Alexander Whitman began to sing an old Elvis song to Maria in front of the entire club.

“Treat me like a fool. Treat me mean and cruel, but love me.
Break my faithful heart. Tear it all apart, but love me.”

He jumped on top of the bar and sang to her as he wiggled his hips in the original Elvis fashion. Several older women began stuffing his pants with $20 bills. His little performance drew quite a crowd. Many sang along while other casual observers snapped pictures. Probably planning on selling them to a cheesy tabloid for a quick buck.

“If you ever go darling I’ll be oh so lonely.
Begging on my knees, all I ask is please love me. Oh yeah.”

He ended the serenade on his knees in front of Maria. She was doing her best not to have a laughing fit by covering her mouth with the hand he wasn’t holding.

The scariest part of the whole ordeal was he wasn’t half bad. A little rusty on the lyrics but he was on key and everything.

The entire room began clapping. Some of the plastered people even hooted and hollered. One older lady yelled at Maria,

“Take him home and give him a reward for that performance. He deserves it.”

Smiling at the public, Maria turned back to the ho in heels,

“Sorry Chica, but your kind never wins. In the end, it all comes down to one important fact. A good man, like Alex here, wants a woman with integrity and respect. Something that I’m sure you know absolutely nothing about.”


Part Nine

“True Poets don’t write
Their thoughts with a pen…
They release the ink that flows
Within their heart.”


Remember how I was telling you about how bad the morning after is. Well, multiply that by like a thousand and you understand the pain that follows a drunken night filled with admissions you wish that wouldn’t have seen the light of day.

Alex awoke to the evil sun bearing down upon him. Ugh, why had they all gotten rooms with huge windows? It’s too early for this much brightness. It was at this point that he realized what woke him up. The smell of eggs and bacon. Was she trying to kill him? Food after alchol is bad. Very bad.

“Rise and shine, peaches. It’s time to face the beautiful day!” she said cheerily.

Ignoring the insanely good natured girl beside him he rolled over.

“You know when I sleep with a guy he usually eats the breakfast I provide the next morning. It’s good manners.” Maria stated eying him curiously.

“He won’t if you cooked it. That is if he knows you as well as I do. You blew up my microwave.”

“That was in the 6th Grade. You want to tall about the things you did in the 6th grade.”

It was then that he realized her previous words; sitting straight up he analyzed his surroundings. Indeed he was in her hotel room. In her bed. Wearing only… Uh Oh. Black boxers.

Had he slept with Maria?

He looked over at his “maybe” lover. In his hazy eye sight all she was wearing was his dress shirt from the night before.

His thoughts ran rampart at this point:

“This is bad. Very Bad. Well it’s great if I slept with her cause then I know she loves me ,and we can be together, and it’s all good. Unless it wasn’t good. What if I sucked? It’s not like I have previous experience to back me up. Oh I don’t want the first night I made love to Maria be because of my drunken state. I wanted it to be special and meaningful, and boy do I sound like a pansy. Best check out the damage before I go jumping to conclusions.”

He turned to the luscious beauty befor him and for a moment he just basked in the awe of her. “She looks really good in my shirt.” He realized. “I could definitely get used to this. Minus the enormous headache of course.”

Opening up a pill bottle she handed Alex an asprian.

“Okay, now I’m going to give you the Deluca cure for hangovers. My mother swears by it. You should take into consideration that you will be the first non Deluca in on the family secret. Promise you won’t tell.”

He nodded in submission as he took the pill.

“ Good. Now you take one aspirin and a shot of the snake that bit you.”

“Huh?” Alex stated clearly confused. He searched for an markings that she might have branded him. “Did you bite me?”

“Um no.” Maria snickered, “Why did you want me too?”

Suddenly his mouth felt very dry, he leaned over and picked up the water bottle on the night stand. Guzzeling it’s contents he avoided the perky blondes gaze.

When he consumed the entire thing he snuck a peek at Maria who was lining liquer along the bar.

“Geez. ‘Ria Could you not open those I’ll be sick.”

“You are going to take a shot of which ever one whooped your tail last night.” She commanded. “Now which one did it?”

“Jim, Jack, and Jose.” He answered obediently.

“Ah my three favorite men.” she chuckled pouring a shot from the first bottle.

She brought it over and set the glass in front of him. “Now” she demanded, “Take it like a man.” He hoped she had been that domineering last night. It was sexy as hell.

What happened next however was not.

Alex took the shot uneasily and then coughed for a good five minutes nonstop.

When he was finished he pouted rolling away from his slightly touseled bed mate.

“She sure does look good slept in,” he thought. Feeling the nausea overcome him he growled, “Oh I really don’t like you right now. Why did you make me do that?”


“Because it’s what you needed.” she explained, “and don’t be silly we both now you love me.”


Uninhibited terror appeared across Alex’s tired face. Uh Oh. What had he said last night? “Think. Think. Think.” He commanded himself. Nothing would surface. Oddly enough the only thing he could recall was an old Elvis song being stuck in his head. That’s weird.

He tried desperately to read Maria’s features. Had he confessed his feelings for her last night? If he had why was she looking so nonchalant. Would that matter to her? He didn’t know which scenerio was worse. He told her and she freaked or he expressed his feelings and she could care less. It was a losing battle either way.

“You’d better love me otherwise I dragged your sorry butt all the way up here for nothing. Well, me and two of the security guards. We got you in the bed just before you passed out. “

Relief laced with sadness filled Alex when realized that they had indeed just slept all night. Why did he feel so disappointed? This was the outcome he had wanted. Right?


“Oh and did you know Leo got fired. Apparently someone called and filed a complaint aganst him. Who would do such a thing?”

Propping himself upon his arms Alex racked his brain. He vaguely remembered a phone call to their producer last night. Opps.

Noticing hs guilty expression Maria tried to bite back a laugh,

“You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that. Would you?” She questioned studying his features carefully.

“No. Of course not.” He stammered. Rising from the bed and crossing the room, he retreated to the minibar where he pulled out a bag of Skittles. Without thinking about it, he tossed her favorite candy to her without a word and then snatched a Snickers for himself.

“I had room service delivered.” she stated tearing open the package eagerly.

“Thanks ,but this was calling to me.” he responded taking a big bite.

Out of now where Maria once again challenged the intriguing musician.

“Alex, what is love?” the inquisitive beauty asked shifting herself closer to him.

Trying not to choke, Alex reluctantly swallowed,

“Um. Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.” He answered.

Finding a boost of confidence he cocked his head to one side and smirked.

“Robert Frost said that.” His next move was perfectly calculated as he darted from the flying pillow, Maria had launched at his head.

“Well, what does Mr. Tennyson say about the matter.” he asked his eyes meeting hers. For a moment he thought he could get lost in her gaze. To drown in her eyes seemed to be a wonderful way to go.

“I don’t care what Tennyson or Frost say about love. I want to know what you think?” she continued determined to get an answer from him. She needed to see if he’s feelings for her were in anyway what she felt for him.

Holding is achy head in his hands he responded through his palms,


“Oh Ria I don’t know. We love because we simply cannot help it. Good or bad. Right or wrong. It’s a part of us. We submit to it ,because what else can we do? Without it we’d be completely passionless and lacking soul. That’s a life no one wants to live. So even when we know how hard it’s going to be can’t pass it up. It’s much too precious. After all, we are only human.”


He finishes slightly smiling at the last part. He wished he could tell her happy he was that they were away from the pod squad together. Without all the alien distractions they could just be human together. That meant more to him than any Grammy could.

Maria mirrors his actions by displaying a forced laugh.

“Yeah, only human.” she deadpans.

Misinterpreting his words she became incensed. He must still be in love with Isabel. How could I have been so stupid? Maria scolded herself. Never Again. She promised herself. I will not put myself in a postion to get hurt, and with that she built her own little stone wall around her heart.

Alex watched as Maria’s bright green eyes darkened and her expression became guarded. Not liking that expression one bit he scooted closer to her. Feeling defensive she backed away and scooped up her pants. Pulling a piece of rumpled up paper out of the pocket she shoved it at him.

“ Oh Xander,” she mockingly spout out, “ I almost forgot. Here is Kelly Clarkson’s number she wanted you to call her.”

Jumping in a pair of sweat pants that had been casualy thrown over the lamp shade she stomped to the door slamming it behind her.

“What did I do?” Alex questioned the empty space.


What do you think?