'Failure by Design': M/L & CC, AN 5/13 TEEN [WIP]

[keyelee]

Title: Failure by Design
Author: Kylee
Category: AU, M/L & CC
Rating: Teenish
Disclaimer: Not mine. *pouts*
Summary: Liz POV. Semi-fluffy. The gang are in highschool/college. Liz & Max have a lovely relationship... at first. Something happens to change their lives forever. The effects change everyone, but will this be enough to make them realize what they've been missing in eachother?
Feedback: Please and Thank-You!!

*Update*
Behrsgirl77 made me this amazing banner!


Failure by Design
Part One



“You do realize that it is like.... uh, 2:16 in the am, right?” I ask with a grumble. You’d think that after all of these years we’ve been a brother-sister ass kicking team, he’d get it. That he’d understand that I hate, HATE, being woken up at 2:16 am. But no, he doesn’t get it.

“Yeah, I can see that.” he answers, smiling. He knows that he has pissed me off. He knows that he has accomplished his task. I’m not so amused.

“Well, is there something you need?” I roll over onto my back and squint up at him, rubbing my eyes roughly.

“I need... I need your advice.”

Talk to me? Ask my advice? What could he need my help for. And he is serious; I can tell by the slightly embarrassed look on his face. It seems like he wants to get this over with faster than I do now. But, come on! This is Alex Parker we are talking about, people. Mr. I-can-do-everything-myself-without-the-help-of-my-kickass-little-sister-Liz. Hmm... something is up.

“Well, spill? What could you possibly have come up with that you need my assistance for, especially at... 2:17 in the morning?”

“I can’t sleep. I’m bored, entertain me.” He answers with a fake grin. I can easily see through his facade and I’m not buying it.

“Is it Isabel?” There is a pause, I can see the hesitation on his face.

“Yes. Now, scoot over.” At this moment, I regret my anger. I just do as requested. He crawls into bed with me, and we lay together, not speaking. I’m just there for him, like he has been there for me in the past, and will be there for me in the future. I love him. I can’t help it, if he were your older brother/best friend, you’d love him too. He can be a big goof at times, but he’s just... him. After a long silence, he finally speaks.

“Do you think we’ll get back together?” He asks, and I can hear the pain in his voice, and his throat choking up. I choose not to acknowledge this so that he doesn’t get uncomfortable.

“Honestly, I do.” I respond tenderly, “And you know that she is just as miserable as you are, she’s probably laying in bed with Max right now, having the same conversation that we are having. She really loves you, Alex. We both know that. She just needs some time.”

“That’s what she keeps saying, but I don’t understand what she isn’t sure about... I just, I don’t wanna talk about it anymore. I’m getting myself depressed.” I pretend not to notice as he wipes the tears from the corners of his eyes and steals one of my pillows from under my head.

“So, my ass is sun burnt!” I exclaim, trying to change the subject.

“Shut up, you creep. I don’t want to know anything about your ass. And I best not find out that anyone else knows anything about it either.”

“Yes, sir!” I salute him and he grins.

“’Night Kuh-Liz”

“’Night Kuh-Alex”

Lemme guess, you are confused. I’d be confused too, we are a confusing bunch-o-people. First of all, I need to run through the introductions so that you don’t get lost. My name is Liz Parker, and I am 17 years old. My brother is Alex Parker, and he is 19. We are from Roswell, New Mexico (aka the most boring place on earth). We have a group of friends; I like to call them “the group of people I like and call my friends”. These people are as follows:

-Maria Deluca- 17 1/2 years old, long time best friend of yours truly. She is loud, blonde, and.. loud. But, she has the biggest heart of anyone I know. She is always the first person to take care of you in your time of need, and we all love her for it.

-Michael Guerin- 19 years old. He has been best friends with my brother since.. like before they were alive. Sometimes, I think that they are the same exact person. There are only two things in this world that they don’t agree on. 1) Alex is a big emo loser (I am too but so what!). Michael would not be caught dead listening to Alex’s favorite band, Death Cab. This has been an ongoing struggle since Alex discovered Sunny Day Real Estate... and well, he never looked back. 2) Alex hates, and let me stress the HATES part of this statement, bbq chips. He won’t go near them, and Michael could eat them everyday for the rest of his life. Other than that, they like the same things, dislike the same things, etc. It’s kinda creepy.

-Isabel Evans- 18. In a few words, COMPLETELY KICKASS. I love me some Isabel, lemme tell you. Isabel is the only person in the world that is able to completely understand my every thought, idea, action. And, by just looking at her, you would never guess it. She is gorgeous, completely stunning, but when she opens her mouth, you’d think she was a seventh grader. We are like the same person on the inside, similar to Michael & Alex. Although Maria has been my bffaeae since kindergarten, Isabel and I are realistically closer. She moved to Roswell about 3 years ago, and since the first moment I spoke to her, I knew that I.E. +L.P = best friends forever. It’s fate, I swear it.

-Kyle Valenti- 20. Hard to sum up in a few words. Kyle is one of the most genuine people I have ever met. He is hilarious but caring at the same time. He would rather die than have one of his friends seriously hurt, but can still manage to laugh his ass off if one of us trips. But, he is a great shoulder to lean on and he makes me feel that there is hope for me yet.

-Tess Harding- nearly 17. Tess is.. goofy. She drives me crazy with her perverted jokes and anti-girly ways, but I wouldn’t change her for the world. She is completely gorgeous, but when she begins to speak, only a certain type of guy continues to find her attractive. His name is Kyle Valenti, and they fit together perfectly.

And, last but certainly not least... there is:

-Max Evans- 19. Do you think that its weird that I’m desperately in love with my best friend’s slightly older brother? No one else knows, except for Isabel, about these feelings I have for him. But, I’m over the denial thing. I LOVE MAX EVANS! He is everything I could ever want, rolled into a convenient package. He’s gorgeous, he’s intelligent, he’s witty, he’s interesting, he’s dorky, he’s cute, he’s strong, he’s tall, and he knows exactly how to make me feel like everything is right in the world. I really need to thank Mr. & Mrs. Evans for conceiving those two; they really did a fine job...

Well, all of this thinking was making me tired. Alex began snoring next to me, so I turned onto my side, in hopes of finding sleep. ‘Tomorrow is going to be a big day’.
~~

“You two are a bunch of creeps.” This is this first thing I hear as I reluctantly give in to consciousness. I let out a groan and roll over with a stretch. I feel something warm, which I decide is a face, and with my right hand I proceed to hit it as hard as I can.

“Alex, wake up. Mom is insulting us again...I think? Did you just call us ‘a bunch of creeps’?” I half whisper/half choke as the cool morning air enters my messy room, but he doesn’t even flinch as he softly snores. Opening my eyes, I find the sight before me bone chilling.

“It’s true! Why do you kids insist on sleeping in the same bed. I don’t like it, you are fully grown! It is just...strange!” My mother, Nancy Parker, is standing in my bedroom looking completely out of place. She has on a simple house dress with neat hair, and she has just folded her arms after yanking open the only window in my room. She lets the last words escape as she shudders and begins to feel tears glaze her eyes over, and I am officially sure that I have entered hell. “Come home.. please? We miss you and we just want to be a family again. I know that you think that you have all of the answers.. but this just isn’t right, I need my babies!”

“Mother. We are not, I repeat NOT, moving home! We just got this apartment and we are doing fine. And you know that Alex has his own room & bed, he was just feeling down last night so he came in here. And, how the hell did you get inside any ways?” I question, feeling violated and confused.

“Well, with my key, of course.” my mother forces out, looking at her feet and transferring her weight from one foot to the other slowly.

“Your what?” I cannot believe this.

“My key, Lizzie. Clearly your mother needs a key, what if one of you fell and hit your head, and you needed me. I would need a key to get in.” Her eyes move to meet mine, and I don’t even begin to rip into her logic before vilolently removing the covers from my body. I march straight up to her before shoving a hand into her face.

“Hand it over.”

She glares at me for a second before rummaging through her bag for her key ring. “This isn’t fair!” She whines before slipping the silver key off of the ring. With a puff, she hands it over and retreats out of the room. I follow her into the kitchen, where I stop dead in my tracks.

“When exactly did you completely lose your mind?” At this second, it is the only thing I can think to say. I am surrounded by mountains of grocery bags and my grinning, clearly insane, mother.

“The moment I gave birth to you!” She answers, starting to put eggs into our tiny fridge. “You need to eat, Lizzie, and your father and I don’t mind helping out with some groceries. I don’t want you two living off of ramen noodles.” Turning to me, she smiles triumphantly. “And, I made you two a pie.” She walks with purpose to the counter near the kitchen sink and picks up a steaming cherry pie.

“I can’t deal with you right now.” I quickly turn on my heels before running into my room. I slam the door before resting against it and run my shaking hands through my hair. I close my eyes and take a deep, calming breath. Finally feeling ready to move, I open my eyes. My heart is beating a mile a minute and I’m cursing myself for allowing myself to get this worked up. Who would have thought that a cherry pie could put me into orbit like this? I need air. I need to escape from my mother. I fall to my knees and search for a pair of jeans and maybe a t-shirt, if I can find one. I find a worn pair of pants and one of Alex’s tight Something Corporate shirts, and scurry towards the bathroom that connects my room to that of Alex.

I reemerge after brushing my teeth and hair, only to see Alex waking up in a trance. “I need keys. Now.” I grunt with an upturned palm. He points to the night stand with a smile on his face, not once breaking his gaze from the bedroom door.

Confused, I raise my eyebrows and stare at the battered wood door myself. What is so interesting? I continue cautiously. “I need to get out. I’ll be back with the car later.” He simply nods and I head toward the mesmerizing door. As soon as it opens, his mouth goes into the widest smile I have ever seen.

I say goodbye before I rush toward the front door, only to hear a single word from Alex’s lips.

“Pie.”

Feedback, pretty please?

[keyelee]

Thanks so much for the feedback! I'll try and keep updating this a lot, if you guys continue to like it. Also, I need a banner.. if anyone would be interested... please contact me. And, as always, feedback is very much appreciated!!


Part 2

I drive through downtown streets with a clear destination in mind. My radio is up far too loudly, but I couldn’t care less. The gas light is on, and I silently curse Alex for forgetting to fill the tank like he had promised. Tapping my fingers on the steering wheel, I allow myself to breathe easily for the first time since beginning my journey. ‘Jeeze, get ahold of yourself already.’ I murmur under my breath.

My mother has been driving me mad since birth. One minute, she is far too overprotective, and the next, she is too wrapped up in her own ridiculous drama to be concerned about our well-being. Plus, she is a mean drunk. Part of me wants to hate her guts, but I know that it isn’t entirely her fault that she is severely misguided. We have never had a strong relationship, and for as long as I can remember, she has always rubbed me the wrong way.

I have no problem with mothers in general. I love Mrs. Evans, and I think she understands the issues I have with mother more than anyone else. My mom has never approved of my friends, and has never had a nice word to say about anything involving ‘Evans’. She even called Mrs. Evans in the middle of the night once, drunk, to bitch her out for letting me spend so much time with Isabel. Since then, Mrs. Evans has been my stand-in mother, and it isn’t unusual for me to chat on the phone with her at least once a day. She worries about me, I know that she does, and it feels good to know that I have her in case I get myself into trouble.

With my high school career slowly coming to a close, I know that things will be looking up. In a little over 3 months, my entire life will change. Nancy ‘Crazy Pants’ Parker will no longer be able to track my every move, unless she decides to uproot my father and herself to follow me to college in Albuquerque... which I wouldn’t put past her.

I’d just be better off without her interfering with me life... that’s why I left. She was driving me insane, to the point where I would be sleeping at Isabel’s 6 nights out of the week. But, I won’t get into that. I’ve complained about my mother more in the last 4 years of my life than should be legally allowed. When Alex asked me to move in with him for the summer before we both go up to school, I couldn’t resist the opportunity of freedom 3 months early. My parents didn’t take it so well at first, but because my birthday is weeks away, they couldn’t do too much to stop me.

Ugh, I can’t wait until I’m at school. It’ll be great, I’ll be independent and in charge of myself... and my mother will be no where in sight! I’ll be completely relaxed and calm, and able to continue my life in peace!

I continue my drive, convincing myself that my mother is the downfall of the human race, and my thoughts drift to a certain someone. I wonder to myself if they are the real reason I have gotten myself so shaken up today.

My brakes squeal as I pull into the empty driveway. I climb out of the dirty old car, and slam the door with purpose. Feeling much better at the comforting sight before me, I march to the front door, slip in my key, and silently enter.

The house is dark and smells of clean laundry. A relaxed smile covers my lips as I slip my sandals off and step on the soft carpeting of the living room. I look around and remember all of the good times that have been had in this place. How many study dates turned ‘Sex in the City’ marathons have taken place on that comfy blue couch? How many wrestling matches were conducted on the shaggy carpet? How many squeals from tickle fights, potato chip crumbs lost in between cushions, and scary movie nights have happened in this room? How many family dinners that became a teenage feeding frenzy in no time flat? I remember back to the night my sophomore year when Maria broke it off with her first real boyfriend and we ate so much ice cream in attempts to comfort her, that Isabel, Maria & myself puked all over the bathroom, all at the same time. I remember when Alex and Isabel had their first kiss on the Lay-Z boy next to the coffee table. I remember Kyle breaking his nose after hitting that same coffee table with his face once. I remember sneaking shy glances at Max from the couch more times than I can count before I had enough nerve to start talking to him. Ah... I’m going to miss this place.

I climb the stairs after reminiscing over the past and quietly open a bedroom door. What I find pulls at my heart strings.

“Get out! I don’t want to be seen like this!” She cries as she wipes at her face with a handful of kleenex.

“What the hell happened to you? Are you all right?” I can’t help but be concerned. Isabel is sitting up in her bed, her face flushed red. She has crazy morning hair, snot running down her face, and a cough that makes me cringe.

“I’m sick.” She manages to get out as I step closer to her bed. Her morning breath causes my face to contort and my nose to wrinkle, and she notices with a scowl. “Oh, get off it! It’s early in the morning and I haven’t slept all night. I’m so sleepy but I can’t calm myself down enough to get some rest.”

“Have you taken anything?” I return as I move my hand to her forehead to feel her fever. “Iz, you’re burning up.”

“Give me some Nyquil or something, something to knock me out.” She begs as I get up to stand above her.

“Way to go and get sick on this very important day. How could you?” I question with mock harshness. I step into her bathroom to find something to ease her pain, and return with Nyquil and a glass of water.

“What are you talking about?” She answers, gratefully taking the medicine.

“It is our last Saturday before graduation, silly. We were supposed to celebrate.”

“At... 8 o’clock in the morning?” I stick my tongue out at her and she grins. She knows exactly why I’m here so early, but she has to go and let me down.

“I can’t let you sleep in this bed with me, Liz. I won’t let you get sick. Now... get out of here while you still have your health! Go sleep in Max’s room.” She shoos me away and a groan as I make my way to the door.

“But, you are much better at cuddling.” I whine, but she has no mercy.

“I’m sure he is a fine substitute. Now, shoo!”

I shut her bedroom door and stalk across the hallway. It is a morning tradition that when I can’t sleep or I need some comfort, I crawl in with Isabel. Hell, Mr. Evans gave me my own key for just such an occasion. A few times, Max has had to take Isabel’s place in comforting me back to sleep. Not that I mind being so near to Max, but it is a different kind of comfort. It is the kind of good feeling that you are near him, but you are sucking your stomach in while trying to fall back asleep, so you don’t look fat if he wakes up before you. When I reach his room, I open the door silently and smile.

Max is sleeping on his stomach, nearly falling off of his bed, and gently snoring. His back is bare and his black hair is messy from a rough night’s sleep. His feet are peaking out from his favorite blanket, and he forgot to take his watch off last night and it has made an imprint on his cheek. I shut the door behind me, replace my jeans with a pair of boxers I’ve taken out of his top drawer, and climb over his sleeping form.

He groans in his sleep as I rip a pillow out from under his head and steal part of his covers, and snuggle up to his wall. His bed smells like him, and I can’t complain. The smell comforts me, and I quickly find myself drifting to sleep.

What seems like hours later, I wake up to his clock beeping loudly at me. My scowl quickly turns to a grin when I find Max flush against my stomach. We were spooning in our sleep. Awww! He stirs next to me, and I watch as his eyes flutter open and his arms sleepily reach for the ceiling in a stretch.

“’Morning Sunshine.”

[keyelee]

Part 3

“’Morning Sunshine.”

“Couldn’t sleep?” He replied sleepily and with a knowing smile.

I sit up further and wipe the sleep from my eyes. “More like, got woken up by my mother.”

“’nuff said.” He grunted, knowing exactly what a Mrs. Parker run-in was like. “How’d she wake you up, any ways? Don’t you turn your cell phone off at night?”

My eyes narrow as I stare back at an innocent looking Max. He remembered that I turn my phone off at night? Hmm... “She somehow managed to get herself a key to our place.”

“Ouch.”

I stretch and yawn lightly as I answer. “Tell me about it. Now, are you cooking me breakfast or what? I don’t know what you kids expect me to eat while your parents are away.” Mr. and Mrs. Evans were on a short business trip and were expected back sometime Monday afternoon. They were trying their best to get as much work done as possible before Isabel’s graduation so that they could take a much deserved vacation.

I can tell that he is avoiding my hungry demands as his eyes search his room, looking slightly lost. “Where is Izzy, by the way? Shouldn’t you be spooning with her instead?” Oh. No. He caught that, too? Great, I’m sure that I’m blushing profusely now. Just great....

“Sleeping. She got herself sick and refused to let me snuggle. So, having no other option, I had to come in here and sleep with you and your stinky feet.” I explain with an exasperated tone. I dramatically get out of bed and stand on my tippy toes and reach for the ceiling, completing my first full stretch of the morning. I can feel my shirt rising slightly, and I feel the air meet the warm skin of my stomach, along with Max’s staring.

Glancing at him, I realize where Max’s eyes are. Hmm...

“Wearing my boxers, are we Parker?”

Oh. So, that is what he was looking at. The fact that I’ve stolen his underwear, not that I was trying my hardest to do a sexy stomach bearing stretch. What a loser.

“Yupp. Now, cook for me.”

He gets up finally and I stifle a gasp. He looks sooo... yummy. Ugh, why do I this to myself. Why didn’t I just take the couch? I could have predicted that Max would have me thinking naughty thoughts as soon as I woke up. It is far too early to be drooling over Max Evans.

“Fine, but I’m only making pancakes. I have to meet Michael and Kyle at noon.” He caves, while glancing at the bedside clock that is still beeping.

“What for, and why isn’t my idiot brother going with?”

“Beats me.”

Hmmm... Alex is being very strange lately. Not hanging out with his friends, getting excited about Mom’s pie (well... maybe that isn’t so out of character), and waking my ass up at 2 in the morning. I need to amend this situation.

“Well, I’m tagging along.”

“That’s fine with me. Now, come on. I’m getting hungry. Maybe I’ll even make you banana pancakes.”

“Yes!”

We both make our way to the kitchen and I can’t help but smile when he starts gathering ingredients for banana pancakes. I start to make coffee, and we feel like the perfect breakfast team. I feel dumb for even thinking that such a thing exists, but I can’t help but feel good about this, how we move around without getting in the way of each other, both being silently comfortable with the other person.

“Excited about school?” He breaks the silence.

“Yeah... and nervous, a little bit. What is college really like?”

“It’s great, really, you’ll see. College will fit you perfectly, I already know.”

“That’s good to hear.” I feel better already, especially knowing that the whole gang, minus Tess (who is a year younger than myself), will be in Albuquerque with me. Remembering my plan, I excuse myself from the kitchen as the coffee pot begins to drip the first drops of coffee goodness. “I’ll be right back, I just have to use the phone.”

“Okay.”

I step into the living room, dialing the ever-so familiar number. After three rings, he picks up.

“Hewwoh.” His mouth is full, and I have no doubt in my mind that he has nearly finished that pie already.

“Get your ass over here now. Bring some chicken noodle soup, crackers, and cherry popsicles.”

“Huh? Um... why would I want to leave the wonders of pie to bring you soup?”

“It’s not for me, dumbass. Izzy is sick, and I think that you coming over here just might do the trick.” I can tell that my words have clicked in his head seconds later and he is out of breath quickly, probably running around in search of clothes.

“Will do! Thanks, Lizzie. I owe you.”

“Yes you do. And, you can repay me by running our mother over on the way here.”

“With my bike?”

“Sure.”

“Hmm... we’ll see. I’ll catch you later.” He hangs up before I have time to confirm my revenge, and I growl in frustration.



*The other half of this part will be posted soon.. I've just been really busy with school and work, but I will keep up with this, I promise!*

[keyelee]

Part Four

After delicious pancakes, courtesy of one Maxwell Evans, I can’t keep a grin off of my face. We are waiting for Kyle and Michael at a local park, and I’m propped up against the fence that surrounds the basketball court as Max warms up for their game.

“Why don’t you play?” He asks, missing a shot.

“Well, that’s simple. I suck. I cause other people to suck, too. You should know this already, I’m the downfall of all things basketball.”

He chuckles and I just nod, wide eyed. It’s the honest to god truth. I do not mix well with basketball.

“You didn’t have to come today, you know. If you and basketball don’t get along very well, this is going to bore the hell out of you.”

“I doubt that.” I mutter to myself as he peels his shirt off of his toned shoulders, beginning to sweat in the afternoon heat.

Michael and Kyle arrive a short while later, and they begin to play an intense game of one on one... on one? I’m not exactly sure how their little game works, but it seems like a pretty shitty game to me. Psh.. who needs sports? Not me.

I have, however, appointed myself head cheerleader for “Team Kyle”. He seems to be doing the best out of the three, though I’m not exactly sure on the score. I don’t even know what constitutes as a point... or how many points for that matter. But, Kyle makes nearly every shot, so I cheer loudly for him after every basket.

Kyle grins his thanks at me after every energetic outburst, or sends a high-five my way. Michael is cursing under his breath as he pants, and Max keeps shooting me strange looks. What? Did I miss something?

The game ends sooner than I had first anticipated, and I can’t say I’m disappointed. The guys begin toweling off, and I approach them on the court for the first time since their game had began.

“So, who won?”

They all stare at me like I’m from another planet. “What, you couldn’t tell?” Michael asks in confusion.

“I would guess that Kyle won, but your rules are very confusing. I can’t tell what is happening most of the time.”

“Max won.” Kyle manages to get out before falling to the ground with a water bottle. Max barely looks up as he continues to get his belongings together. I take this chance to congratulate him.

He groans as I jump on his back and hug as much of him as I can get my arms around. “Congrats darling! You won! You won, you big ole’ winner!”

He laughs wholeheartedly and turns me around to face him. My skin begins to tingle and he looks down at me with a half grin. “I didn’t realize you would be so excited if I won.” He states, pushing some hair out of my face.

I frown and throw my hands to my hips. “Why would you say that?”

“Well, you were obviously a Kyle supporter.” He returns, raising an eyebrow at me.

“I’m always on ‘Team Max’ when it counts, you should know that by now. I was just providing Kyle with some... confidence?”

“Sure.”

“Can we get something to eat now, I’m officially starving.” Michael chimes in, and I look to Max and Kyle.

“Are you two hungry as well?” I ask.

“Mmhmm.” They both answer, but I’m still full from pancakes.

“Fine. Crashdown?” I don’t even know if I’m expecting an answer. That is where we always eat, no matter the occasion.

“Was there ever any doubt?” Kyle asks, slinging an arm over my shoulder. “Won’t you sit next to me today, Liz?” He mock flirts and I laugh.

Max quickly pushes Kyle off of me, and I detect a hint of jealousy. Yeah, right. I’m making this up, I’m sure of it. “Sorry, Kyle. Liz is with me today. After all, she did wake up next to me this morning.” He adds, implying that much more than sleeping had taken place.

Before Kyle can shoot a comment back at Max, I feel strong arms grab me from behind. “Quit bickering, you two. It’s obvious that Liz is with me today.” Michael states, pulling me in front of the other guys.

I answer before anyone can get another word in. “Sorry about your luck, boys. But, I’m solo today. You’ll just have to flip a coin to decide who gets to sit by me at the Crash.” I declare, scooting away from the guys as I skip towards to Jeep gleefully. This makes me feel good, being with friends. It allows me to feel calm, and not worry about anything that my mind is usually preoccupied with.

We get to the Crashdown in record time after everyone manages to get in their cars, and my day progresses in a very normal fashion. Michael won the coin flip, and we enjoyed a nice lunch together at the Crashdown with Maria as our waitress. After lunch, Max takes me back to his house, where we find Isabel and Alex watching a movie in her bed. They look cozy together and it is easy to see that just the fact that Alex is there had made Isabel feel better. We excuse ourselves to the living room.

“I can give you a ride home if you want.” Max offers as I flip through channels on the living room T.V. Yikes, home? Umm... no thanks.

“Not ready yet.” I answer, and he gets it immediately. I don’t want to go to my apartment alone.

“Wanna stay over?” His voice sounds shaky and I’m curious as to why.

I want to answer yes more than anything, but I know that I shouldn’t. I can easily predict what would happen, and it doesn’t seem like the right thing to do. Max & I would watch movies and order in and have a blast. Then, we’d both retire to his bed after a friendly night together. And, I would lay awake thinking about how much I want so much more with him, and he would fall to sleep easily, dreaming about killer ninja penguins or something. I just can’t do this with him anymore.

“Nah, that’s alright.” I don’t go into depth with my reasoning, and I can tell that my answer has taken him by surprise, because he leans back suddenly into the couch.

“Oh... okay.” Dammit.

I regret not thinking up an excuse immediately because I can tell his feelings are hurt. “I just... I...” I break off. What am I doing? Am I going to tell him?

“You just... what? Liz, talk to me.” He’s concerned. It’s in his voice and etched on his face. Not to mention his arm is now around me. Sweet Jesus.

“Max, I have to get this off of my chest because it is driving me nuts.” I answer, looking up at him. He is just staring at me, his face blank.

“Sure Liz, go ahead.” He encourages me to continue.

“I love being best friends with you, I truly do, but we can’t go on acting like this anymore.”

“We can’t?” He swallows and I can tell that he is confused.

“Max... Oh, god... how do I say this? Max, we can’t act like we are a couple when we are just friends.”

His eyes go wide and I feel more embarrassed now than I have ever felt. But, I’d rather not repeat this mess in the future, so I might as well get it all out in the open now.

“I have feelings for you. And, acting like this with you is just... it’s too hard for me to deal with when I know you only want to be friends. And, I still want, no... need, to be friends with you because you are so important to me. So, we just need to set some guidelines and I’m sure we won’t have any more issu...”

I can’t complete my sentence. Why, you might ask?

TBC... Feedback, please!?

[keyelee]

Thanks so much for the feedback, guys!
Part Five

So, I take it that you are wondering what the hell has been happening around here? Well, lemme just tell you, I am on cloud 9 these days!

That day, when I wasn’t able to continue with my nervous schpeel, I was rudely interrupted. By Max. Well, more like, Max’s lips. Sigh... how romantic, right?

And now, Max and I are, officially, together. As in, dating, smooching, and... that’s all, so far. Might I also add that this doesn’t exactly please me. I’ve been waiting for my chance to have my way with that body for as long as I can remember, but he is insisting that we ‘take things slow’. I didn’t even get a say in this decision. He is being such a... girl.

Any ways, graduation has come and gone, as well as my 18th birthday. The girls took me out, and it was a lot of fun. We had to sneak Tess in, and we all ended up getting so drunk, I had to call Alex to come and get us. That didn’t go over so well, being as though we had lied about our location. We told them that we were going to dinner and then dancing. We ended up going to the local male strip club. Yeah, let’s just say, our men were less than pleased as they escorted our drunk asses home.

We’ll be moving up to Albuquerque in less than a month, and everything has fallen into place. Alex and Isabel have reunited! Yay! I’m so happy for them. They were both completely miserable without each other, and thanks to yours truly, they are once again a happy couple. Yup, you guessed it. Alex coming over that day when Izzy was sick did the trick. Ahh.. I’m so good sometimes, it hurts.

So, tonight, we are all having our monthly ‘Pizza, Cheesy Movie, and Sleep over’ night at the Evans’ house. That is actually where I am headed right now. I think that the movie we have all decided upon is ‘3 Ninjas Kick Back!’. Oh, you know that you lead an excellent life when you can incorporate ‘3 Ninjas’ into movie night.

I pull into the Evan’s driveway, all the while knowing that I will most likely get blocked in by someone else’s car. But, I don’t even care. It’s just one more reason to stay longer tomorrow.

I get out of my car and skip towards the front door. My life is good, I must admit. Let me count the reasons that I love life. And, hey, why not do so out loud!

“Uno! Less than one month of N. Parker! Dos! Slammin’ hot boyfriend, Maxwell! Tres! No more high school! Cuatro! 3 Ninjas! Cinc...”

“You know I hate being referred to as Maxwell.”

I look up in horror to see Max leaning against the house, standing on the porch, smirking at me. “And, I didn’t realize that the 3 Ninjas were so close to your heart.”

I can feel my cheeks burning red, but I choose to play it off. “Yeah, well... I really like karate.” Smooth, Liz... real smooth.

I squeeze past him and quickly run into the kitchen, where I hear Mrs. Evans humming softly. She is wearing an apron, and if my nose isn’t deceiving me, I believe that she has also baked--

“COOKIES!” I feel a large body throwing me out of the way and running towards the oven.

“Ouch!” I grunt, throwing an evil glance towards Alex, who is now sitting indian style in front of the oven watching the cookies bake, as I manage to stand myself up again. I feel Max come up behind me, and wrap his arms around my waist as I dust myself off and smile up at him.

Mrs. Evans can’t help but to laugh at Alex, who is now humming a chant and swaying back and forth. “Liz, how did your brother get so crazy?” She asks in between laughs as she wipes her hands on her apron.

“Beats me.”

She starts to remove her apron, and grabs her purse off of the counter. “Well kids, I’ll go pick up the pizzas. Be good while I’m gone.” She kisses each of us on the cheek and starts towards to door. “Love you guys, bye.” She hollers before closing the door.

“Love you, too!” We return in unison.

Max and I exit the kitchen, and I run out of his reach. “I’ll race you to your room.” I offer, and he grins. I take off up the stairs, and I effortlessly dodge his arms, which are trying to pick me up. “Quit trying to cheat!” I scream, and his laughs are contagious. I run into his room, and land gracefully on his bed in hysterics.

He slowly walks into view, and he is sporting the largest grin I have ever seen. He looks so happy. And, I’m the one making him happy. How did I get so lucky?

He saunters over to me, and from the look on his face, I can tell that his playfulness has turned to lust. He reaches the bed, and I greedily pull him on top of me. I can feel his warm breath on my face, and it doesn’t take long for our lips to meet hungrily.

I feel like I’m in heaven, and he feel so good pressed up against me. My hands begin to roam under his shirt, and the feel of his skin is enough to make me moan into his mouth. He moves his assault to my neck, and I’m convinced that this is the moment. Thing are finally going to change, and just the thought makes me increase the intensity of our rendezvous by pulling his shirt over his head.

We break away from each other, and our eyes meet. Dark with desire, his eyes are asking me the meaningful question. ‘Are you sure?’ they inquire, and I’m about to show him my answer as I hear a loud knock and a shriek.

“Oh my goodness, get some clothes on. You guys are sick, at least lock the door before you decide to go at it!”

Max looks over his shoulder and I can tell he is pissed. He glares at Izzy, who is leaning against the door looking smug, and throws his shirt back on, mumbling under his breath.

“Do you need something?” I question, frowning that my needs were, yet again, not met.

She seems renewed on her purpose with my question. “Have you seen Alex?”

Rolling my eyes, I think back to the cookies. “In the kitchen. I can’t believe you didn’t look for him in there.”

Her eyes light up with understanding, and she groans. “That should have been the first place I checked. Thanks.”

“You're very welcome!” Max bites back and I can’t stifle my giggle. The mood is clearly ruined, and he smiles at me and sighs. “Don’t think I’m done with you, Parker. Just you wait until tonight.”

I shiver in anticipation, and hear the sounds coming from the living room. “Everyone is here.”

“Let’s go.” He stands up, and offers me his hand. I take it with a smile, and we head downstairs. Even though I’m still a virgin, life is good.

TBC....

[keyelee]

Sorry that this has taken so long, but school is kicking my ass.

Part 6

As we enter the living room together, hand in hand, I can’t help but to smile. This is truly what I live for.

Maria and Michael are bickering on the couch, Isabel is tugging Alex out of the kitchen with all of her might, and Kyle and Tess are having a tickle fight on the floor. As soon as the notice us, all hell breaks loose.

“It’s about time!”

“Jeeze, what the hell were you two doing?”

“Hey, I’d pick sex over 3 Ninjas any day!”

“Um, excuse me, that’s my brother you are talking about. Keep it PG, please!”

“Is that the timer on the cookies?!?! Are the done yet?!?!”

“I think I’d pick 3 Ninjas over sex.”

“Oh no, you did not just say that. See if you get any tonight after that little outburst, Michael!”

Max just grins, scratching at his right eyebrow, waiting for everyone to settle down. “Um, there was no sex. Now, I’m ready for pizza. Is Mom back yet?” Just as the words left his mouth, Mrs. Evans opens the door, looking like she was about to fall over. In her arms were 5 large pizza boxes, and she was attempting to balance them while hugging her purse and closing the front door. Alex and Kyle rushed over to help her immediately.

“You could have called us from the car and we would have come and got them, Mom.” Kyle scolds her, steadying her with one hand while Alex grabbed the boxes.

“I guess I should have. I didn’t realize that they were so hard to carry.” The gang clamors into the kitchen, but I stay behind to talk with Mrs. Evans.

“So, what are your plans for tonight?” I ask, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

“I don’t know, I think I might meet some friends for a late dinner, but I don’t know if it’s such a good idea.”

“I think that it’s a good idea. You don’t get out enough.” She smiles at me, and I wonder, not for the first time, why I couldn’t have gotten a biological mother like her.

“You’re right. I think I will.” She hugs me quickly and when we pull away from each other, I frown at the sight before me. All five of the pizza boxes are empty, as well as the cookie sheet. Alex is dancing up and down because the cookies were too hot to eat, and his mouth is burning. Kyle and Michael are arguing over a small piece, even though both of their plates are full with pizza, and everyone else is chowing down like they hadn’t eaten in days.

But then, Tess catches my eye. She motions over to me, and when I reach her, she whispers one word. “Microwave.”

YES! I love Tess, I absolutely love her! I run to the microwave, and sure enough, there is a plate full of pizza just waiting for me. I grab it gleefully, and begin to stuff my face. No one seems to notice, except for Max.

He is sitting in the corner of the kitchen, pouting at me, and it is very clear why. He has one tiny piece of pizza on his plate. When did he get so adorable?

“Those bastards took all the pizza before I even had a chance to get any. Maria gave me this sympathy piece.” He whines, picking up the pathetically small piece of pizza in disgust as I settle on his lap.

“Well, you’re lucky that you have such a kind girlfriend.” I give him all but two pieces, and he grins at me.

“You’re the best.”

Before I can answer, Mrs. Evans pokes her head into the kitchen, dressed and ready to leave. “Kids, I’m going out for the night. Behave, please. I’ll be back pretty late, don’t wait up. I love you all, bye!”

We send our love and hear the door slam shut. Seconds later, my cell phone rings. I check the caller ID and cringe. I answer with regret and mutter a hello. “Lizzie, where are you honey? I want you and Alex to come over for dinner tonight.”

I groan and it’s clear that I have everyone’s attention by this point. All talking has ceased and all eyes are on me. “Alex & I are at the Evans’ house for movie night, you know, like we have been doing for years now, weekly. How about a rain check?”

Her voice rises immediately and she is screaming through the phone. Without hesitation, I shut my cell and throw it across the room. Rubbing my temples, Alex catches my eye. He’s shaking his head, and I can tell he is silently furious with our mother. He knows how stressed out that woman makes me, and although it has never been as bad for him as it has been for me, he understands my frustrations with our pathetic excuse of a mother.

“Don’t worry about it, Lizzie.” He says, and I catch sympathetic smiles from everyone. His mood changes quickly and I know that tonight will still be fun. “Now, enough of this bullshit, it’s time for 3 Ninjas!” He screams in delight, throwing his empty paper plate into the garbage, and he takes off in a run for the living room.

TBC, and soon, I'm pretty sure.

[keyelee]

Thanks so much for all the feedback, I really appreciate it!

Part 7

The phone rings and I’m abruptly awoken. ‘God dammit, who is calling this late?’ My mind screams, as I sit up fast. Panting, I notice that I am no longer in the living room, and I no longer have any clothes on. WHAT?!? Then, the night comes flooding back to me, and I remember everything. Wow, I had sex. And, it was good! At least I think so... This is craziness, I tell you. Grinning, I look to Max, who is equally naked and is now hugging my pillow and snoring softly. I gently rub his cheek, but the phone is still ringing, loud and obnoxious, and it brings me back to reality.

I untangle myself from his sheets, and throw myself to the floor, in search of the telephone. I scramble to get to it before it gets transferred to voicemail. Breathlessly, I answer.

“May I speak to Mr. Philip Evans, please?” The proper woman’s voice requests.

Confused and irritable to be woken up, I snap back, “He’s out of town, and it is,” I glance at the time on the bedside clock, “3 in the morning. But, can I take a message?”

By this time, Max has woken up. He is grinning at me and patting the bed next to him, coaxing me to return to my previous position. He is now staring at me with raised eyebrows, and I realize that it is most likely because I’m naked, sprawled across the floor, barking into the phone. Before the women on the phone can ask any more questions, I decide to give the phone to Max.

“Hold on, here is his son.” I crawl back into bed and hand the phone to Max and he rubs his eyes, giving me a confused expression. I shrug and settle back in my place impossibly close to him, my head resting on his arm, and a content smile covers my face.

I can’t help but try to hear what the voice is telling my gorgeous boyfriend. I caress his leg, signaling to him that after he hangs up, we shouldn’t go back to sleep. He grabs my hand as soon as he feels my touch, and squeezes it. Hard. So hard, I can’t move it, and it hurts, badly. I twist around to look at his face, too startled to cry out, and it’s ghost white. He is shaking, and I become extremely worried. I can hear the dial tone from the phone, but it is still pressed to his ear, and he is staring straight ahead.

“Max, you’re hurting me.”

This is all it takes to get him back to reality, and he lets go of my hand. He’s staring at me now, and I’ve never seen him so afraid in my life. I sit up and try to find out what is going on.

“Baby, what is it? Who was that?” I rub his shoulder, and his voice cracks as he tries to answer.

“The... th-the hospital.” My eyes go wide and I feel my body burn up, and now I’m the one who is shaking. My breath quickens and I can feel a panic attack coming on. “There’s been an accident. A drunk driver hit...”

‘Don’t say it, don’t you fucking say it.’ my mind screams. My hands reach my face and I know I’m as close to tears as possible. I’m panting to get air into my lungs, and I want so badly to scream. ‘Don’t you fucking say it!’

“...my mom.” He finishes, and I’m in hysterics. “We need to get down there right away.” I clamber out of bed and I want to run. I reach the door before Max calls to me.

“Clothes, Liz.”

I turn around, my quivering hand covering my mouth as tears fall down my face. He reaches for me, and I notice his tears as well. “We’ve gotta be strong for her, we’ve gotta get down there.” He reasons, his voice shaky, and I nod into his shoulder, not trusting myself to speak.

He releases me and tosses my clothes toward me. I dress in record time, and he tells me to wake Izzy as he looks for his keys. Halfway down the stairs toward the living room, I decide that everyone needs to know. It wouldn’t be fair for them to be left in the dark when we all care for her so much.

I flick the light switch and I hear numerous groans. “Get up.” I order, pacing back and forth, waiting for Max.

“No.” I hear someone grumble sleepily, and that’s all it takes before someone I don’t even know takes over my body.

“Wake the fuck up, NOW!” I scream at the top of my lungs, still panting, still crying. Max reaches my side at this exact moment, and I know that I can’t be the one to explain everything. Everyone is staring at me, confused but silent, looks of worry covering their faces.

I practically run into the kitchen, when I hear my cell phone ring. It’s where I threw it, on the floor in the kitchen, next to the fridge. And, at that moment, everything makes sense. I answer, and the brief phone call confirms my suspicions. “Oh my God.”

I hear Isabel’s hysteric cries from the living room, and I numbly walk back to everyone.

Everyone turns to look at me, and my lip is quivering and I’m gritting my teeth as I make the words out. “I just got a call.” I gasp for breath. “There’s been an accident...” I’m cut off.

“We know, babe.” Michael returns, looking sympathetic at me.

“No, you don’t.” I answer with regret. “Another one.” I say, holding my phone up for all to see. Everyone is, understandably, confused. Except, for Max.

“Oh my fucking god.” He spits, his nervous hands running through his hair, and he looks to me, wide eyed, and I can’t read his expression.

Realization dawns on everyone, minus Tess. “What?” She questions through her tears.

“Mrs. Parker..." Maria begins.

Kyle finishes, "She was the drunk driver."



Feedback?

[keyelee]

Again, sorry for the wait. And, thank you very much for all of the feedback!!

Part 8

The floor is cold, and I can’t seem to keep from shivering. My eyes feel heavy, and everything else is just... numb. The white tiles I sit on are speckled with grey, and I can’t keep my eyes off of them. They are perfectly random, but at the same time, entirely orderly. Put together. Complete. And at this moment, I just wish I were a floor tile. Is that weird? I think that it just might be, but I’m okay with that.

Everyone else is on the other side of the waiting room. Sitting together, leaning on each other in their time of need. I can’t be near them right now. Max won’t look at me, anyway. Isabel is in hysterics, still. Mr. Evans is comforting Isabel and keeps shooting me worried looks. My father is no where to be found, I don’t know if Alex was able to get a hold of him or not. And Alex is just... driving me crazy. Getting coffee for everyone. Being calm, optimistic even. There is nothing to be optimistic about. Even if everyone is fine... she did this. Ugh, I can’t think right now.

You’d think the hospital people might want to do something about this smell. It’s simply awful. I inhale deeply through my nose, and shudder. “Like piss and 409.”

A voice. Someone is speaking to me. I look up. It’s Michael.

“Quoting Ben Gibbard, Michael? Have you been listening to Death Cab with Alex again?” He offers me a smile. I scoot over and he sits.

Silence falls over us. It’s comfortable. He breaks it after a few minutes, and I just... I don’t want to hear it. But, yet again, he surprises me.

“Don’t worry. We don’t have to talk.” He slings an arm around my shoulders. I can’t hold it in anymore. I cry. Silently at first, my head buried into his sweater. And then, just... I let it all out. I sob. Loudly, drawing attention to us. And when I look up, everyone is looking at me, silently sending support. Izzy gets up, and sits on my other side. We cry together. And Max, he looks at his lap for a long moment, gets up, and leaves the room. My cries grow louder.

“He’ll come around.” I resist the urge to snort out loud. How does she know that? How can he just walk away and act like this isn’t killing everyone of the rest of us. He’s a coward. Of course, I don’t say any of this out loud. I just nod and rest my head on the wall I’m leaning on. How can this be happening to me? To her? To them?

A voice clears and Isabel scurries into a standing position and all but runs toward the doctor who just walked in. I don’t move. I don’t want to hear what is being said. If the news is bad, I don’t know what I’ll do. It’s all too real. I can’t hear it from the doctor, not now. I haven’t had enough time. I focus on the floor, hoping to appear invisible.

“Ms. Parker?” Oh, this applies to me. I grumble and get up, and Michael pats my back in encouragement as he rises next to me.

“Well, both Diane and Nancy have been in surgery for the last couple of hours. Diane just got out of surgery, but is still in critical condition. We’re confident that she will be fine. I’ll let you know when you can go in and see her.”

He pauses. And I already know what’s coming next.

“Unfortunately, Nancy had lost a lot of blood. I’m sorry, but she didn’t make it through surgery.”

I feel myself being crushed in someone’s arms, and the familiar scent lets me know that it’s Alex. He’s sobbing into my hair.

All I can do is just... blink. And stare at the wall behind where the doctor is looking remorseful.

Everyone is staring at me. Isabel looks shocked, worried, and guilty for feeling relief. Mr. Evan’s gently tugs at Alex’s arm and escorts him into Isabel’s waiting embrace. He looks at me meaningfully.

“Go get some air, Liz.” I slowly nod and crush him into a hug before running out of the room, refusing to let myself think.

I feel the cold air on my bare arms as I rush out into the darkness. I feel my legs give out and my body slam onto the freezing concrete. My hands find my face and I make the most horrible noises I’ve ever heard as my face is instantly soaked. My emotions are so mixed up, I don’t know what I’m crying about. My mother’s death? Mrs. Evans’ second chance at life? The fact that Max doesn’t even know yet?

“Hey.” I look up, and there he stands, looking like he is coming to terms with the news that he doesn’t know isn’t coming. He is as far away from me as possible, and he can’t look me in the eye. I feel like I’m about to throw up.

“She’s fine. She’s out of surgery and they expect her to make a full recovery.” I spit out, and he looks so relieved. He comes toward me, trying to wrap me up in a hug, but I throw myself to my feet and glare at him. He looks wounded at my reaction.

“And in case you are curious, my mother is dead. She died on the fucking table. Hope you’re happy.” I wrap my arms around myself and head further into the darkness.

“Liz!” He runs to catch up with me and grabs my arm.

I recoil at his touch. “Don’t you fucking touch me!” I screech, looking into his warm eyes with as much hatred as I can muster. “It’s really fucked up that you can’t even come near me until you find out that your own mother is alive. I love her, too! You act like this is my fault. Well you know what, I don’t need this right now, especially from you. Stay away from me!” I scramble away from him, nearly tripping over myself as I move as fast as I can in my hysterics.

“Liz! Wait!” He calls after me, but I just keep moving into the darkness of the forest behind the hospital.

TBC

[keyelee]

Part 9

I’m not exactly sure what I must have been thinking when I ran into the woods, but I’m finding my decision to be stupider by the second.

It’s official. I’m lost.

I’ve given up trying to get myself out of here a few minutes ago. I’ve stopped to sit on a little tree stump. Gathering my thoughts together for the first time all night, I’m hunching over, feeling like I’m going to be sick. My mother is dead.

Suddenly, my cell phone rings and I stare at it before answering. It’s Maria. She’s worried. She wants to know where I am. I tell her that I’m lost and I’ll probably never find my way home. So, maybe I’m being a tad dramatic. Or maybe, deep down somewhere, I believe it.

She’s screaming something about sending a search party when Alex gets on the phone. I can hear her continue to call my name in the background.

“Max said you headed into the woods.” So they’ve talked to Max. I wonder if he’s talking to Alex, acting sorry for our mother. He makes me sick.

“Yes, that I did.” I respond stubbornly, refusing to offer any further information. I’ll just stay out here forever, I decide. I’ll live amongst the forest’s creatures. Like Tarzan.

“I’m coming to find you.” He states, leaving no room for discussion. I try my hardest to convince him against it. Being lost is slowly seeming more appealing than being near everyone.

“I’m gonna stay out here, like Tarzan. No need to come for me.” I tell him, completely serious. He snorts on the other end of the line.

“Are you going to live in a tree? Are there branches to swing on?” He asks, punching holes in my once foolproof plan.

“I’ll manage.” I retort, glancing around my future home. I can get used to all of the dirt.

He’s silent for a moment before he responds. “You’re going to go to the bathroom outside for the rest of your life?”

My mind is quickly changed and I disclose my location. “I’m on a tree stump in the... um, part of the forest with all of those.... uh, trees? Come get me.” With that, I snap the cell phone shut and I stare into the darkness, and I urge myself to make a decision about how I’m going to deal with all that I’ve just learned.

I decide that I need a drink as soon as I make my return to civilization. I just won’t drive, ‘cause then I’ll be dead, like my alcoholic mother. Oh, god. Am I a horrible person for thinking that just now? I think that I am.

About 10 minutes later, I hear Alex calling my name, and I jump up, excited to see him. Surprisingly, I’ve missed people, even though I’ve only been awol for a half hour. I call to him to help him find me. “I’m over here on my stump! Alex! Alex?!”

He continues to call my name, but his voice seems to be getting further away. I’m getting desperate.

“Alexandra!!!” I cry, running my hands through my hair in anguish. I’ll never be found!

“Stop calling me that.” He pouts as he comes into view. I launch myself at him and he returns my hug.

“Stay with me and my stump for a bit before we head back?” I give him puppy dog eyes.

He sighs and gives in. “Why not?”

We settle down, me on Stumpy (I’ve decided to name him) and Alex on the ground. There wasn’t enough room for the both of us, and Stumpy is rightfully mine, so... Alex graciously took the ground, after he whined like a baby about it for 5 minutes. We sit in silence for a few seconds.

I speak, feeling suffocated by the silence. “Does Dad know?”

He swallows but doesn’t turn to look at me. We both stare straight ahead.

“Yeah, he showed up right after you left. He’s... he’s taking it... all right, I guess.” He nods his head at the darkness in front of us as he brings his hand through his long hair.

I don’t say anything and he goes on, chewing on his lip, seemingly in deep thought. “He started crying, though. For a split second. He cried on Mr. Evans shoulder, saying how sorry he was for what she did; for what she was. For how cruel she had always been to Mrs. Evans.”

Even if I wanted to speak, I couldn’t. My stomach is in knots and I feel like throwing up again. He continues.

“He didn’t cry because she died. He didn’t cry because he’ll miss her. He cried because he was embarrassed because of her.” He chokes out, tears falling from his eyes as he coughs. He wipes at them roughly, refusing to let his emotions get the better of him. “And then, he’s just... fine. It’s almost like...” He trails off, and I find my voice.

“He’s liberated from her.” I finish, and it all makes sense. He’s been waiting for her to drink herself to death. Now he can move on with his life, because he hadn’t felt anything remotely close to love for her in years.

“What are we supposed to be doing?” I ask, voicing my vulnerabilities to him.

He doesn’t speak for a moment, but then he finally turns to me, offering me his support by grabbing my hand as my tears begin to fall. “Hell if I know.”

I swipe at my tears before grabbing onto his hand again. “Let’s get out of here.”

He nods and stands, and I say my goodbyes to Stumpy. We make our way of the woods and as we enter the hospital, I disclose one more thing. “I slept with Max tonight... before all of this happened.”

He looks up at me, and I almost forget this is my older, overprotective brother. He looks at me with compassion and slings his arm around my shoulders. “You okay?”

“Well, we’re over.” I answer, shrugging.

“Your decision?”

“Pretty much.” I reply as we near the elevator.

He turns to me with a smile when I wait for him to push the buttons, one of his favorite things to do. “I’m sorry.”

I sigh, leaning back against the wall in the elevator. “It’s fine.”

He nods, turning his gaze to the dial above the doors to see if we are nearing our floor. He turns to me when I speak again.

“I feel guilty for saying this,” I start, “But I really can’t wait to get the fuck out of this town.”

He offers me a tightlipped smile before grabbing my hand and pulling me out into the hallway once the doors have opened and I brace myself to see everyone. “Me, too.”

TBC

What'd you think?

[keyelee]

I just want to give a big thanks to all of the feedbackers. I've been trying to write as much as possible lately, which is a nice change from having a hard time getting anything decent down in either of my fics.

This is partly because I've been able to get some other ideas out of my head by starting something new, which I'm not exactly sure if I should post or not. If I'm able to get some more parts on it out in the next 2 weeks or so, I just might.


Part 10

It’s been three weeks, to the day, since that night at the hospital. A lot has changed.

We’re all in Albuquerque. I finished moving all of my stuff this weekend.

Maria, Isabel, and I are sharing a dorm room this year with another girl from out of state. Her name is Gabrielle. She’s ridiculously pretty, upbeat, and intelligent. She is so sweet to everyone. I hate her. I can’t help it, but she just rubs me to wrong way. And, she seems to secretly have it out for me. The good thing is, she has severely underestimated the powerful ways of Liz Parker. Oh, how the tables will turn once I come out on top. Any ways, moving on.

My father has since moved to Alaska. Random, huh? As predicted, there weren’t any tearful goodbyes or promises to call and write. He deposited a disgusting amount of money into each of our bank accounts and headed for the hills. I can’t say that I’m sorry to see him go.

Mrs. Evan’s is home from the hospital. Once I returned to the hospital that night, she asked to see me and I sat with her for close to an hour. We cried together and she promised me that she’d always take care of us, no matter what. I still can’t believe how she could feel compassion for my mother. I certainly don’t.

In case you’re wondering, I didn’t attend her funeral. Everyone did, including Max, except for me. I broke into my mother’s abandoned liquor cabinet and drank far too much. And then, I walked to the library and spent my time sitting in a corner, insulting people in my head. I know, I’m really cool. I get drunk and then go to the local library. I can’t help it, I’m just a party animal.

Speaking of that idiot, I haven’t spoken to he-who-shall-not-be-named since that night. We’re over, and I don’t ever want to see his face again.

I realize, of course, that this isn’t possible. So whenever he is around, I simply ignore him. It isn’t that hard actually, because he ignores me, too. We have a nice little system going on.

And as for me, I can’t say that I am in some terrible emotion state. I just... I don’t think about her. It makes things easier.

And since that night, Alex and I have been inseparable. I know it has a lot to do with the fact that we are the only family left for each other. As far as I’m concerned, that’s just fine. He’s all I need, any ways.

As you’ve probably guessed, we’re all here, minus Tess. It’s been harder than I would have thought, leaving her behind. Obviously, it has been the most difficult for Kyle, seeing as how they are dating. But, she’s promised to come and visit, so we are all looking forward to that.

Isabel is doing okay, considering all that has happened. She and Alex are still going strong, and she’s been by my side every since, always trying to help. I can’t say that it doesn’t drive me up the wall sometimes, because the last thing I want to do is talk about it, but it does help that she is there... every waking second.

I’m not exactly sure how her brother is doing, the evil one that I hope finds a painful death in the near future. I hope he’s miserable, to be honest.

As I sit here and reflect, I can’t help but feel out of place. Albuquerque is a nice enough city, and it sure beats the hell out of Roswell, but it just isn’t what I had imagined it to be. I mean, I guess I don’t have that strong of an opinion about it, because... I haven’t really left my room except for class. But still, I wish things were different around here, and then maybe I’d be enjoying my college experience more. Maybe it has something to do with Gabrielle, who is a close second to Max on the list of people I hate.

“Lizzie, I’m back!” Speak of the fucking devil.

Groaning, I roll over and off of my bed, attempting to hide from her on the floor. I can hear her stomp into my room, clearly uninvited, sniffing around to see if I’m here. She seems convinced that I’ve left.

“Finally, now I don’t have to deal with that bitch.” She mutters under her breath, turning around and heading back into the living area. Fucking bitch! I’ll kick your ass!

I’m fighting with myself, not sure if I should bust out of my hiding place and beat the bitch down or wait until later, when the door to our room opens again. It is clearly Maria.

“Hi sweetie!” She chirps at Gabrielle. “How was class?”

This makes me sick.

“Just fine, thanks! Do you want to head out for lunch or something? I’m starving.” Oh, hell no. I called dibs on Maria for lunch today!

“I can’t. Liz and I have a lunch date.” She explains, her voice growing louder as she nears our room.

I can hear the bitch pouting from the living room, and I wish for nothing more at this second than to be able to strangle her. “Well, she isn’t here...” She trails off, hoping Maria will reconsider her offer.

“Really...?” As she steps into the room we share with a frown on her face, I pop up from behind my bed and motion for her to come closer.

She looks like she is about to speak when my eyes go wide, and I lift a single finger to my lips, signaling that she shouldn’t talk. Looking at me like I’m crazy, she shuts the door behind her, telling Gabrielle that she has to change, and locks it before letting my know that the coast is clear.

“Are you hiding from Gabby?” She sits on my bed, waiting for an explanation.

Ugh. Don’t even tell me you have a little nickname for her.

“You should have heard her! When she thought I wasn’t in here, she called me a bitch!” I rant, retelling the story of what had taken place mere minutes before.

Looking unconvinced, she rolls her eyes. “I’m sure you were just hearing things. Gabby is the sweetest.”

You’ve got to be kidding me.

Feeling too tired to argue, I lay back onto my bed. “Whatever. Are we going to lunch or what?”

Standing up, she quickly changes her shirt and then turns back to me. “Yeah, let’s go.” She moves toward the door.

“Um, hello? Lucifer thinks I’m not here.” I remind her.

“What do you want me to do about it? You got yourself into this mess.” She points out, her hands on her hips.

“Get her out of here for a minute and I’ll sneak out. Tell her...” I ponder what excuse she should use. “Tell her that you think she left her razor in the community bathroom!” I exclaim.

With a raised eyebrow, she remains quiet for a moment. “You really think that’ll work?” She questions, clearly becoming inpatient.

Exasperated, I suppress a growl. “I don’t give a fuck what you tell her, just get her out of here! I’ll meet you in the courtyard!”

With her hands up in surrender, she leaves our room and after a few moments of talking, I hear the door slam loudly, signaling that they’ve left. I quickly scamper out of our room and into the hallway, down the stairs and into the courtyard in front of our building.

I find a bench and wait for Maria to meet me. After a few minutes, my phone rings. Without looking at the caller ID, I pick it up.

“Hello.”

I hear the person on the other end of the line breathe deeply and mutter a curse under his breath.

“Um, hello. Who the hell is this?”

“Wrong number.” The mystery caller spits out quickly. I recognize the voice instantly.

Oh, this day keeps getting better and better.

“Max?”

After a moment of silence, he speak up. “Yeah, it’s me.”

“Why are you calling me?” I question bluntly as I quickly become irritated.

He is equally as friendly. “I told you before, I dialed the wrong number.” His voice is cold, and for one reason or another, this fuels my anger.

“Well, see to it that it doesn’t happen again!” I practically scream, slamming my phone shut as I jump to me feet. Where the hell is Maria?

She comes into view and I breathe a sigh of relief. Finally, I can eat. I’m absolutely starving lately.

TBC