Roswell Fanatics

Running From the Past

Category: M/L & others AU
Rating: ADULT
Disclaimer: I own nothing. If this story resembles anyone else, it is clearly by coquesitence.
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Summary: Liz has a past that she is desperately trying to escape, but of course the past always comes back, and eventually, she has to face it in order to move on. There are no aliens in this fic. Other couples are also in the story, but will appear later on.



Prologue

She moved hurriedly to the alley across the street. Ducking behind the run down building, she leaned heavily against it, and took a deep breath. She stared down at her blood covered hands, and watched as they began to shake. She could hear the tiny cries, as they penetrated the quite nights air. Wails of loneliness…...of pain, cried out to her, begging her to come back…..not to leave him. She closed her own eyes to fight off the tears, but it was to no avail. They ran down her face in a steady stream, as her heart constricted, and her knees grew weak. Falling helplessly to the ground, she buried her face in her sticky hands, and the sobs racked her body. Light caught her attention, and she looked up though misty eyes.

She watched as the door creaked open, and a woman about thirty bent over, and picked up the small bundle, wrapped tightly in one of her old t-shirts, and the quilt her grandmother had made her when she was a child. The lady detached the note that was pinned to the quilt. She closed her eyes, as the words that she had hastily wrote earlier swam before her closed lids. Words, that would forever be burned in her memory.

Please take care of him, find him a good home. Make sure he knows that he was loved, and always will be in my heart.

She opened her eyes, and watched as the lady picked up the small locket that dangled from his neck. The porch light hit it, setting off a sparkle as it glistened in the night. Her hand moved to her own chest, were an identical locket rested between her bosom. She clutched it in her hand, and tears fell once again. She ducked back in the shadows, when she saw the lady scan the dark streets, looking for whoever left the small infant on their doorstep. Seeing no one, she rocked him gently when he began to cry once again.

“Come on precious, lets get you inside” she looked up and down the street one last time, before sighing, and then turned, heading back in the house. Cautiously, she peered from behind the building, just in time to see the lady turn into the house. She caught a glimpse of his tiny face, and tasted the salt of her tears as she watched him disappear thru the door......out of her life.

“I’m sorry Little One……always know that I love you” with that, she picked up her duffle bag, and slung it over her shoulder. Clutching her army jacket, that was drenched in blood, around her trembling form, she walked away. She hadn’t realized that it was raining, and she couldn’t tell if it was tears or the rain that pelted her face, all she knew was that it was time for her to start a new life.....alone.



What do you think, should I continue?..LS

Hey everyone. First of all I wanted to thank everyone that read this stroy, and those of you that posted f/b........Thxs. Since tomorrow is the $th of July, and I have a family reunion to attend all weekend. I decided to post today because I know I wont be around a computer all weekend. Also for those of you that are reading my other story Generation Next, don't worry the next chapter to that will also be posted today, but sometime tonight. I have to finish proofreading it, and make edits. So once again thank you.



Chapter 1

Four Years Later

Tears leaked from under her closed lids as she laid motionless in her bed. The moon danced across her golden skin, as the wind whipped though her window, and wrapped around her small frame. Her body shivered against the coldness of it, but she made no effort to fend herself from its chilly grip. Instead, her mind was to boggled with the images of her nightmare, to feel anything but the loneliness and heartache she had suffered for four years. She could still hear his cries as he disappeared though the door. Still see his tiny, chubby face as she held him close to her, minutes after he had been born. Her mind drifted to the events of that night, and her eyes squeezed tightly as the painful memories invaded her mind. Unable to take them any longer, she slowly opened her eyes.

She could see that it was still dark outside. She could hear the wail of the ambulance as it raced down the street in the distance. Could hear the barking of the dog two streets over, as it barked at an invisible intruder, most likely a cat. She climbed slowly out of her bed, and stretched, not even bothering to look at the clock. It read the same as every morning. 4:21am, the same time she had been getting up at for the last four years. It wasn’t like she had to be anywhere, it was just her internal clock was set on that specific time. Heck, she didn’t even set the alarm clock, because her body has never failed her once in the last four years. Walking to the chair that rested in the corner of her room, she picked up the clothes, and tossed them on the bed. Routinely, she stripped out of her night clothes, and proceeded to change into her running outfit. Walking into the living room, she slipped on her tennis shoes, and promptly laced them up. Grabbing her house keys, she walked out the door. Even though she lived in Los Angeles, she stayed near the beach, and the morning air could get rather chilly this time of the year. Reaching in, she grabbed her gray sweatshirt off the coat hanger, and closed the door. Making sure to secure all three of the deadbolts on it.

Standing on her porch, she took in a cleansing breath, before jumping down and beginning a slow jog. She knew it was dangerous for her, a single…..5’2 slip of a girl, to be running out here alone. Michael was constantly on her about making herself an easy target for all the muggers, rapists and homicidal murderers out there, who would love to make her their next victim. She chuckled silently to herself at the way he would work himself up in a frenzy over her. She wasn’t worried though. She had seen enough darkness in her life, had suffered enough pain, to be afraid of the streets of LA. Her feet hit the pavement hard, as she ran at a steady beat down Warner Street. The morning air whipped around, freezing her nose, and numbing her fingers. She paid no attention, as she let her feet guided her in the familiar direction. Her heart pounded against her chest, and her lungs burned as she broke out into a full out sprint. Harder and harder she pushed herself, ignoring the pleading of her legs as they cried out in pain under her. Turning onto Victory Street, her pace decreased, and she slowed to a soft jog. The street was lined with perfectly architect homes, that had manicured lawns, and little white picket fences that wrapped around them. Her jog soon became a steady walk. She stuffed her hands in her sweatshirt pockets, as her lungs took in the much needed oxygen. The street was dark, except for the two lamppost that rested opposite each other.

The street was quite, calming. She stopped suddenly in front of a house, that sat in the middle of the cul-de-sac. She took in the house and it surroundings. It wasn’t as large as most of the houses that lined the street, but it wasn’t small neither. It was a two story house, with a two car garage. There was a porch, that wrapped around to the side of the house, and a small upstairs patio that overlooked the front yard. A yard that was laced with rosebushes, and a small old fashion well. On the front door, was a sign that read ‘Home Sweet Home’ on it, with a pictures of apples all around it. She stepped closer, just wanting to get a closer look. Her hand rested on the blue painted mail box, that had the words ‘The Arnolds’ painted in white on it. A smile touched her lips as she saw the basketball goal that hung above the garage. That was new. It hadn’t been there yesterday morning when she had been there. Something on the porch, caught her eye. She looked around cautiously. Making sure she wasn’t being watched. Slowly and as quietly as she could, she climbed the three steps that would take her to the landing. She walked to the swinging chair that hung on the porch. Picking up the small jacket, she held it tenderly in her hands. She ran her hand over the leather material, and felt the coolest of it from having been sitting out all night. Tears that she hadn’t even realized had came forward, falling into a puddle on the black leather. She brought it to her nose, and inhaled his childish scent. She stood there a moment longer, before she knew she had to go. Setting the jacket down, she slowly climbed off the porch, and made her way across the yard. With one last longing look, she turned and began the four mile run back to her house.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Morning Ray” she smiled, as she breezed into the small café. Ray smiled at the bubbly young girl as she raided his cake dish in search of her favorite cheese danish.

“Morning Beth” he greeted her, as he handed her a large Styrofoam cup filled with a double latte. In the four years that she has been coming here, she always ordered the same thing, a cheese danish and a large latte.

“So Beth, when are you going to runaway with me and get married” he wiggled his eyebrows up and down suggestively. She smiled, and pretended to think it over.

“You know Ray, a young girl like me, needs someone that will be able to satisfy me, and could keep up with my hungry appetite” she warned him playfully. He pulled a bottle from his pocket, and shook it at her.

“Just got my new prescription of Viagra right here” he grinned big at her, causing her to laugh out loud, and spill some of her coffee on her silk blouse.

"Oh Ray, you are such a riot, you might be a little bit out of my league, I don't think I would be able to keep up with you " she teased. He handed her a couple of napkins, and she scrubbed frantically at her shirt.

"Ray, will you leave that poor girl alone, and mend the counter" Margie, his wife of thirty two years, yelled at him from the back store room.

"Morning Margie" Beth hollered as she stuck her head thru the door. Margie smiled brightly, and made her way to the front counter.

"Hey sweetheart" Margie bumped Ray's hip playfully, as she added more pastries to the cake dish "You know" a mischievous smile broke out on her face, as Ray rung up Beth's order, and placed a lid over her coffee "my nephew is coming to town next week with my sister and her husband......he's around your age.....and I was thinking, you know that Ray and I aren't as young as we use to be, and I know he wouldn't want to be stuck in the house with us old folks, so I was wondering if perhaps a certain young lady will show him around.....show him some of the LA night life. He's from Roswell, New Mexico, and it will be his first trip to California.....what do you say" she asked hopefully. In the four years she had been coming in there, they had never seen her with anyone else. At first, they didn't think anything of it, but day after day, as they grew to know the young woman, she became like a daughter to them. Never having children of their own, they were overflowing with love, and when she had appeared in their café one night right before closing, they couldn't turn her away. She had been soaking wet from head to toe, and was covered in blood. She had only asked for a cup of coffee, and a cheese danish. They had ushered her inside, and let her rest her feet and warm up. She had paid for her order and disappear into the night. Both her and Ray had stayed up the whole night worrying about the young girl, only to breathe a sigh of relief, when they found her waiting on their doorsteps bright and early the next morning. They never brought up the night before, and she had been a regular every since. She seemed like a happy person, but underneath, they could tell that she was sad and lonely, and hid a past behind those big doe eyes of hers.

Beth smiled at the elderly woman, before she playfully rolled her eyes. They were always trying to set her up with someone. If it was their nice delivery man, or one of Margie's bridge partners grandsons, it was the pleasant young man that had a coffee there the day before. They were the sweetest old couple she had met, they reminded her a lot of her own parents, maybe what they would be like at their age. Even though she knew their intentions were well, they were also quite nosey. Still, she loved them dearly for caring so much for her.

"I don't think that would be a good idea" she told her with a sad shake of her head.

"Beth, it's not natural for a girl as lovely and young as yourself, to stay cooped up in the house all the time" Margie pushed. Ray watched as the young girl's eyes lost their spark, and she lowered her head.

"Now, now Marg, if the girl doesn't feel like showing him around, she doesn't have too" he gave her a warm smile, one in which she returned gratefully. She knew what he was doing, and she appreciated it greatly. Sighing, Margie shook her head, and handed over the small sack with her danish.

"Thank you" she smiled "I'll see you guys tomorrow" she waved goodbye, and exited out the door. Margie and Ray stared after her.

"That child has demons" Margie whispered. Ray threw his arm around her shoulder, and pulled her close.

"She'll be fine" he assured her, but underneath, he wasn't so sure he believed himself.

Beth stepped out onto the sunny street of Venice Dr. She glanced at her watch that read 9:30. There were people bustling about, some heading to work, others to school, and some were out just enjoying the beautiful morning. Slipping on her shades, she made her way down the crowded street.

"Morning Beth" Juan the flower shop keeper waved as she past by.

"Morning Juan" she smiled brightly as he handed her a single red rose. She continued down the walk, and was greeted several times by the merchants that lined the small street. She was well known in the area for her sweet and generous ways. She turned onto the boardwalk that lead to the beach. Arriving at her destination, she pulled out her keys, and unlocked the door. She tossed her keys on the small table that stood at the entrance, and made her way to the small kitchen, were she drunk her latte, and ate her danish. She looked around the small cottage, and realized that she hadn't cleaned the place since the last time she was up here two weeks ago. Throwing on a pair of cut off sweats, and a tank top, she went about scrubbing and cleaning the two bedroom beach house. It wasn't as big as most of the beach houses around, but it was hers, paid for with cash. Because of her past, she didn't deal with banks and credit cards. Everything she owned was paid for with cash......less traceable that way.

Two hours later, she was finished. She grabbed a book from her large collection, a lawn chair and a afghan she had knitted, and headed out the door. She sat her belongings down not far from the house, and settled in. When she had first went out looking to purchase a beach house, she had came across several that were just not her. She had almost given up, until one day she had been walking along a secluded part of the beach, that seemed rarely used, when she had spotted the small cottage. She had fallen in love with it instantly. It was old and worn down, definitely a fixer upper, but it was so far off from the other houses, it seemed like she had the beach entirely to herself. The realtor was hesitant, and tried to push her into looking at something more appealing to the eye, but she had stood firm, and once she had handed him a briefcase full of money, he had eagerly handed over the keys. It had taken her two years to get it to the comfortable little oasis she had now, but it was worth the hard work. She watched the water rush onto the beach, before shrinking back, leaving small seashells in its wake. Over the years, she had collected thousands of seashells, that she laced the cottage with. She sat there for an hour, and watched the sun as it danced across the blue surface of the water, before settling under the afghan and picked up were she had left off in her book. Three hours later, she closed the finished book, slowly climbed to her feet. Stretching when her joints protested at the sudden change in position. Quickly, she packed up her belongings, and headed back to the cottage.

She took a warm shower, before changing into a relaxing sundress. Making her way into the kitchen, she fixed herself a small pasta salad and pour herself a small glass of wine. Turning on the cd player to her favorite light jazz cd, she lighted the numerous candles around the cottage, and enjoyed a late afternoon lunch. Once she was finished, she curled up into one of the large oversized armchairs, and listened to the soft melody of the saxophone that drummed out of her surround sound speakers. She felt her eyelids grow heavy, and she rested her head on the armrest. Her hand wrapped around the small locket tangling from her neck, and she fell asleep.

~~~~~~~~~

The shrieking of her cell phone, pulled her out of her slumber four hours later. Beth looked around the cottage a little disoriented. The room was completely dark, since the sun had went down, and the candles had all burned themselves out. The cd player had long stopped playing, and she was met with complete silence. Again, the piercing, insistent ringing of her phone caught her attention. Running to her bag she had dropped at the door earlier, she searched though the clutter, before lifting the phone in the air in victory.

"Gotcha" she grinned. Looking at the caller ID display, she rolled her eyes and smiled at the name that appeared on the green LCD...'Da Man' she pushed the talk button.

"What's up Michael" she spoke into the phone. She could hear him yelling at someone in the background.

"Sorry about that.....you there Beth" he asked her as he glared at the delivery man that just went into the backroom.

"Yeah, I'm here.....what's going on....who are you yelling at" Beth knew that he had a short temper, and it didn't take much to set him off. Michael sighed heavily. He hated having to call her, especially when he knew she was most likely resting for tonight.

"Look, I hate to bother you...and I know that you will be in later tonight, but do you think that you could possibly come in a little early to mend the bar. Tanya called in sick thirty minutes ago, and the stupid vendor didn't bring all of the order, and says that he won't be able to come back until tomorrow. So I have to drive to east LA and pick up a case from Tony....which will cost me $200" he asked her. The vendor handed him the clipboard to sign off on. He snatched it from his hand, and quickly scribbled his name on it, and tossed it at him. "Get out" he shouted at him. Beth, who was already slipping on her shoes, and heading out the door, shook her head at his bad attitude.

"Calm down Michael...of course I'll come, it's no problem......just give me an hour to go home and grab my bag, and I'll be right down" she closed the door and locked it behind her.

"Thanks Beth....I really appreciate it" he sighed "see you later"

"Bye Michael"

"Bye Beth" they disconnected, and she made the mile walk back to her house. Once there, she took a quick shower and changed her clothes into a pair of black low rider jeans, a white tank top, and her black boots. Making sure all the lights were out, and the front door was bolted shut, she exited though the door in the kitchen that lead to her garage. Slipping on her leather jacket, and throwing her backpack over her shoulders, she mounted her 2004 red and black Harley V-ROD. The bike was monstrous compared to her small frame, but she loved it. She had bought it the first of the year, and she could still remember the look on the salesman face when she told him she liked the feel of hard metal between her legs.

"How's momma's girl" she smiled as her hand ran over the smooth chrome surface. Michael has been begging her about letting him take her for a test drive, but Beth had flat out refused. Michael had own three bikes in the four years she has known him, and he had wrecked two of them trying to impress some chick. Slipping on her leather gloves, she brought the garage door up, and made the engine roar to life. Slipping on her sunglasses, she kicked up the kickstand, and skidded out of the driveway, pushing the button on the handlebar, the garage down descended slowly. She zoomed down the street, the wind catching her long brown mane, and whipped it in the air. She hadn't been lying when she said that she loved the feel of the hard metal between her legs. The way the engine roared and vibrated, sending her into a pleasure override. She liked the freedom of it, as she zipped in and out of traffic at incredibly high speeds, ignoring the fact that she rode without a helmet, and could at any moment lose her life. Once last year she had taken Michael on a ride when she had her Honda Interceptor Abs. He had been clinging to her so tightly, she was for sure he had wet his pants.

"Dammit Beth.....you're going to kill yourself" he had said as he climbed off the bike. He was use to riding bikes, but he also valued his life, and the rate of speed she had been driving, could have easily killed them both if they would have hit a pothole or a large enough rock to flip them over. She simply laughed at him, and called him a wuss. Turning the corner, she slowed the bike down and came to a stop. She stared down the street at all the cars and people that had already gathered outside the club. She set there for a moment, the bike running idly beneath her, and stared at the massive crowd. Even though it was only 8:30, the place was still jumping. She could hear the beat of the music as it belted out though the walls. Ramming the engine, she took off down the street. Maneuvering her way through the packed street, she parked her bike in its designated spot next to Michael’s black Suzuki Hayabusa 1300.

"Beeetthhh" one of the drunken men slurred as he strolled towards her. She kicked down the kickstand, and removed her gloves.

"Kyle....I see you've started early tonight" she raised an eyebrow at him. She got off her bike, and secured it. Kyle threw his arm around her shoulder as she made her way to the clubs entrance.

"Aaahh Beetthh....it's Friday....and yooouuu know what that meeaaannnss" he drawled out. Beth knew what it meant, have of LA knew what it meant. Friday nights at the 'Swirling Cherry' were always packed. Men of all status, and some women, made their way to the 'Cherry' on Friday nights. Tossing their hard earned money on the stage, as their heads followed hypnotized, and their tongues hung out of their mouths like dogs in heat. She removed his arm from around her shoulder in disgust.

"That you should be at home with your expecting wife" she bit out sarcastically. Don't get her wrong, she wasn't against men having a good time, but she was against married men that came on to her, especially drunk married men with pregnant wives at home. Kyle had confided in her one night when she had been bartending. Told her how his wife Tess had just found out she was pregnant. Normally, a man would take it as good news, but Kyle had taken the news like a slap in the face. They had married right out of high school. They had thought they were in love, but as soon as the honeymoon was over, the fighting started. They argued almost none stop for the past four years. He had taken up with a mistress a year ago, and was just about to ask Tess for a divorce, when she sprung that she was pregnant on him. He was for sure it was a trap to keep him around, and it had worked. Growing up without a father, Kyle didn't want that for his child, so he stayed. But he never was at home, always coming to the bar every evening after his shift at the construction site, and staying until closing time at three in the morning. It had been plenty of times Michael had to call him a cab, and send him on his way. Kyle made a clicking sound with his tongue, and stared at her ass as she walked through the door he held open for her.

"Hey Beth" Beverly, one of the waitress greeted her as she came through. Kyle had spotted some of his construction buddies, and had thankfully left her side.

"Hey Bev......where's Michael" she asked, removing her jacket, and stuffing it under the bar.

"He's in the office" she gestured towards the back. Beth tied her hair into a ponytail, and started heading back there "watch out, he's on a warpath" she heard Beverly hollered after her. Beth could hear him screaming as she made her way down the hall. She pushed open the door, and watched as he slammed his fist on the desk.

"I don't give a damn what the sheet says, you better have your ass here first thing in the morning, or I'll personally come down there, and kick your ass" he shouted, before disconnecting the line. Not giving the person on the other end a chance to respond.

"Martini?" she raised and eyebrow at him.

"Yeah. Fat bastard says that he hasn't been paid for the last shipment, and says that he won't deliver until he gets his money" he ran a frustrated hand through his hair, and vacated the seat he was sitting in. Beth walked over calmly, and sat down.

"Michael, you really should think about taking a vacation.......get some rest, you're too stressed" she pulled out a log book, and looked over last months shipment orders. Finding what she was looking for, she looked up at him.

"I'll rest when I'm dead Beth" he pointed out to her, and slipped on his jacket "thanks again for coming in, I shouldn't be gone no longer then thirty minutes, an hour tops" he reached into his jacket pocket, and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. Shaking the pack, he slipped one between his lips.

"Just as long as you're back by ten, everything will be fine" she yanked the cigarette from his mouth, and held out her hand.

"Come on Beth......it's my last pack" he whined.

"Good.......how many times have I told you that smoking will kill you" she admonished as she tossed the pack in the trash, and handed him a pack of gum.

"I know....I know.......I'll be back shortly" he kissed her on the cheek, before slipping on his shades. Beth watched him head out the door, before walking back around the desk. She sat down, and picked up the phone. Punching in the familiar number, she waited patiently for someone to pick up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Maria Deluca was a small town girl from Georgia, and had plans on making it big as an actress or singer. She was sick of the small town life, and was ready for bigger and better things. She was a floating spirit, and believed that Attawater, Georgia was no place for a girl with her talent to spread her wings. So when she had turned eighteen, and graduated from high school, she packed up her bags and headed out to sunny California…..home of the stars. Of course her mother wasn’t to thrilled about the idea, and had out right forbidden her to go, but Maria was grown, and had dreams, and those dreams didn’t include working at the towns steel mill to make ends meat. Her mom didn’t want her to end up working at the mill like her, but she did want her to go to college, make something out of herself, instead of chasing some dreams of being some big superstar. But Maria was determined, determined to follow her own dreams. Going to college…..having some big time career was her mothers dreams, not hers. So after a three month battle, Amy had given in, and let her go.

“Remember, you can always come home” she had said as she hugged her tightly at the bus station. That was five years ago, and Maria still hasn’t had her big break through. When she had first stepped off the bus, and onto the grounds of sunny LA, she had been bursting at the seams to show LA what she was made of. With a thousand dollars in her savings account, she was set. Two months later, she was down to twenty dollars, and no place to stay. She had spent most of her money on headshots for agencies, and outfits for her singing auditions. Most of the agencies turn out to be rip offs, and she was told several times, that she didn’t have to look they were looking for as a singer.

It had been plenty of times that she wanted to throw in the towel, and run home to momma, but she couldn’t. She couldn’t admit failure. She had to prove not only to everyone back home, but to herself also that she could make it. Now though, she was working two jobs to survive, and she was on her second notice of eviction. She was struggling, and she needed cash……fast.

“Excuse me” someone said as they bumped into her. Maria looked around cautiously. She stared at the newspaper in her hand, then to the flashing neon sign above her. ‘Swirling Cherry’ She looked back down at the paper, and read the ad over again. ‘Dancer wanted…..earn up to $500 a night’ She bit her lip nervously. She couldn’t believe that she had gotten so desperate that she had to resort to this. Shaking her ass for cash. Sighing, she pulled open the heavy door, and went though. The place was packed from wall to wall with horny, drunk men. They were all whopping and hollering for some redhead chick on stage. Pushing her way threw the thick crowd, she headed towards the bar.

“Hey sweet momma…..how bout a lap dance” some sleaze ball slurred as he grabbed her ass, and pulled her against his sweaty body. She recoiled in disgust, and pushed hard against his chest. Due to his drunken state, he stumbled backwards, and landed on his ass. A couple of his buddies laughed, while the others helped him back to his feet. Moving as fast as she could, Maria made her way to the bar, and sat down on an empty stool.

“What can I getcha you hon” the tall blonde shouted over the loud music. Maria shook her head in the negative.

“I’m looking for the owner” she shouted back. The girl looked over her with a raised eyebrow. She was just about to tell her to come back tomorrow, when the music stopped, and the entire club grew extremely quite.

“What’s going on” Maria asked in wonder, only to be shushed by a guy sitting next to her, and waved off by the blonde bartender. Michael grabbed the mic from the DJ booth, and made his way on stage. He had just gotten back ten minutes ago, and Beth had been on the edge, thinking he wasn’t going to make it. He stared out at the huge crowd. Man how he loved the Friday nights. The spotlight shined on him, and he tapped the mic to get their attention, not like he needed to. Every eye in the club was glued to the long runway stage. Maria sat back, and watched. She wasn’t sure what was happening, but whatever it was, had every guy in the club, and the few women sitting on the edge of their seats.

“How’s is everyone out there doing tonight” he asked them. The crowd shouted and whistled their response “alright….alright calm down. Now, it’s Friday night, and you all know what that means..” he smiled, and once again the crowd roared in response.

“Tonight is a very special night at the ‘Cherry’ because that is when we are all treated to a very sexy treat” someone yelled ‘hell yeah’ and Michael chuckled. “Of course, like every friday, I must lay down the rules of the house” there were a couple of boos and groans that penetrated the air, and he continued.

“Rule number one……No one, and I mean No one, is to past the black velvet ropes that the Aaron and Monster have set up” he pointed to the two large bouncers, that were in the process of setting up the barricades around the stage.

“Rule number two…….if you are approached……there is to be NO touching……if you fail to comply, your ass will be out of here quicker then a premature ejaculation” there were a few chuckles in the audience.

“And last…..have fun, and Enjoy” he handed the mic back to the DJ, and stuck his head between the red velvet curtains. He looked up, and with a wave of his hand, the house lights went out, and the club was completely cloaked in darkness. Suddenly, red lights flashed around the club, as a low sensual beat vibrated though the speakers. Smoke shot up from the stage, creating a thick cloud of haze, and when it cleared, a lone figure stood in the center of it. She was dressed in a black leather jacket that came to rest in the middle of her thighs, and was fastened securely around her waist. She wore black knee length, three inch boots, that zipped up on the side. Her hair was slicked back, giving it the wet look, flowing gracefully down her back. Dark shades covered her eyes.

“Who’s that” Maria whispered as she leaned back against the bar, her eyes transfixed on the woman on stage. A dreamy look pasted over the waitress face as she replied.

“That my dear.... would be the object of every men and my wet dreams”


See You all next friday...........Have a happy 4th, and be safe



LS......................

Chapter 2

Michael watched as the girl before him, stood stiff and frighten. He had to admit, she was a looker. Not his usual type, but he could definitely see himself doing her. His eyes scanned over her, and he noticed how she clutched her jacket nervously around herself, and held her head downcast. She was wearing a plaid green skirt that came just to her knees. A green blazer covered her top half, but if her long shapely legs were any indication, she had a body to die for. Her hair was pulled back into a sleek ponytail. She wore knee high stockings and black Mary Jane’s, the entire outfit made her look like a innocent school girl, but with a sexier edge. He wanted to look into her eyes, but the way she kept avoiding his stare and keeping her head down, was making it difficult.

Maria clutched her jacket securely around herself. She could feel his eyes on her, running up and down her body as if she was his next meal. He was making her nervous, with his large and intimidating frame. All she really wanted to do, was turn around, and run out the doors she had walked through, and if she wasn’t in dire need of cash, she would have. Her mind was still in a whirlwind over the performance that the dancer had just done. The moves she had done, has to be illegal, and probably weren’t even suitable for porno. Maria shivered, and prayed to god that, that wasn’t what was expected of her, because if so, she might as well leave. There was no way she could be that flexible. She had to admit, even though she knew she wasn’t a lesbian or even found herself attracted to women, she had found herself getting very turned on as she watched the dancer flex and grind on stage. She was a wonder to watch, and Maria could definitely see why Friday nights were packed, and people lined up for blocks, just to see her.

“What’s your name” Michael asked, startling her out of her thoughts? Maria jumped, and looked up at him. Michael was taken back by the piercing green oculus’ that stared back at him. ‘Man, she’s beautiful’ he thought to himself.

“Maria” she whispered , before lowering her head once again, breaking Michael from his daydreaming. Quickly, he regained his composure. Clearing his throat, he walked around her, noticing how she flinched when his arm brushed up against hers.

“How old are you” he inquired as he frantically searched the office for a cigarette. “Aha” he shouted in victory when he found a pack Beth had hidden behind some files in the desk drawer. Maria was watching him curiously, wondering what the heck he was doing. When she saw him pull the pack of cigarettes out of the drawer, she couldn’t help rolling her eyes at his bad habit. Michael noticed.

“What?” he asked mid light. She shook her head, and shrugged her shoulders.

“Nothing.........but if you don’t mind, I would like to live to have children and watch them grow and have children of their own. But that would be impossible, if I die of lung cancer from secondary smoke before my twenty fifth birthday” she snapped at him. Her eyebrows raised, daring him to light his cigarette. Michael was too stunned that she had actually had the nerve to call him out on his habit, that he didn’t notice Beth walking in. Beth caught the tail end of Maria’s rant, and she couldn’t help but smirk at the wide eyed expression on Michael’s face.

“You know she’s right” Beth scowled him, making him snap his mouth shut, and remove the cigarette from his lips. Michael sighed as she placed a hand on her hips, and held the other one out for he could give her the pack. She took them, and flushed them down the office toilet. When she came back, Michael was sitting on the sofa and Maria stood nervously once again in the middle of the room.

“Hi, I’m Beth” she said as she held out her hand to the blonde. Maria accepted, her eyes still trained on the short brunette in front of her.

“Maria” she introduce herself “Maria Deluca”

“Well Maria....it’s nice to meet you” a knock sounded on the door, before the tall blonde from the bar came in with a tray of drinks. She sat the tray down on the desk, and began to unload it, handing one to each of them, Maria kindly declined. Once she was finished, she walked over to Beth, who was leaning against the wall.

“So Beth......when are you and I going to get together.......you know I’ve been having my eye on you every since I walked in the club” she ran her hand up Beth’s arm seductively, and licked her lips hungrily at her. Beth was use to Shelly’s advances. She had been coming onto her every since the day Michael had hired her. Michael had thought he had a chance with the tall curvaceous blonde, but she had told him he wasn’t her cup of tea. Michael hadn’t caught on to her meaning, and had continue to try and hook up with her, but when Beth had came in that evening, Shelly made it clear that she preferred women over man, and had proceeded to try and coax Beth to ‘bat for the other team’ as Michael put it. Even after numerous turn downs, she still asked Beth out. Besides for her major crush on Beth, she was a excellent employee. Hard worker, and always on time. Michael wouldn’t fire her unless her advances became to much for Beth. Unknowingly to Beth, there was a bet between all the employees. They believe that it wouldn’t be long before Shelly ‘turned her out’, and a mighty hefty sum was on how long it would take. Beth took a sip of her Rum and coke, before lifting her hooded eyes up at her. She smiled sexily, before stepping closer to her, her front brushing up against the other girls front. She raised up on her toes and brought her lips to her ear.

“Shelly..” she purred, catching her earlobe between her teeth. She could feel the heat of desire rolling off of Shelly, and just when Shelly was about to wrap her arms around her, Beth stepped back abruptly, and tilted her head to the side.

“Now Shelly....how many times do I have to tell you that I’m strictly dickly” she raised an eyebrow to her, and noticed how Shelly’s nostrils flared in anger. Michael had to cover the laugh that was threatening to bubble out of him at the look of frustration on Shelly’s face with a violent cough. Maria watched on in utter confusion. Shelly stepped back, and glare at Michael, before turning back to Beth. Her anger replaced with animalistic hunger. Leaning over, she whispered low in Beth’s ear.

“For now......but soon, Beth.......you will be begging for me to extinguish the burning fire in you that only I can” she cooed, rimming Beth’s ear with the tip of her tongue, before standing and swaying out the door. Beth frowned and thought maybe she had went a little to far.

“You know Beth, you are such a tease......you better be careful......when you play with fire, you are bound to get burned” Michael teased as he wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed her on the cheek. She leaned back against his chest, and sighed. His hand ran tenderly up and down her hips, and she smiled. Maria watched the two of them, and wonder exactly what was going on between them. Had she been wrong, when she thought that he had been eyeing her earlier, or was it her over active imagination. Because anyone that looked at the two of them, couldn’t miss the closeness and intimacy between the two. Michael momentary forgot about their surroundings, as his hand drifted over the span of her exposed midriff, and his thumb rubbed absently over her soft skin. His head buried in the side of her neck, and he inhaled her scent.

“Michael..” she whispered, and pulled out of his embrace. He looked down at her with hooded eyes, and she couldn’t help the slight tremor that shot though her. Movement out the corner of her eye caught her attention, and she quickly turned to Maria, who was trying to look as inconspicuously as possible. Beth cleared her throat, and sat her drink down on the desk. She tried not to notice as Michael walked past her, and their arms brushed up against each others. He quickly chugged down the rest of his ‘Screaming Orgasm’ and slammed the glass down on the table next to the sofa. The air was filled with tension, as Beth made her way over, and sat on the opposite side of the sofa.

“So you want to be a dancer” Michael’s hard voice sounded through the room. Maria lifted her head, and slowly nodded. “You never answered my question...” he said, as he stood and walked around her. “..how old are you?” Maria kept her eyes trained on him as he moved around her.

“Twenty two” Michael seemed to be considering her answer. He looked to Beth, who gave him a slight nod. Walking up to the other girl, Beth gently removed her jacket, and tossed it on the sofa, leaving Maria in the tiny button up white tank top that had been covered by her jacket. Beth ran her eyes over her. ‘She definitely had a great body’ Beth thought to herself, never afraid to give credit were credit was due. Looking over at Michael, she signaled for him to continue. He pressed the play button on the CD player, and the room was filled with a very erotic salsa beat. Michael came back over, and sat on the sofa, a small smirk on his face. Oh he was going to enjoy this. Beth stepped back, and walked behind her.

“Strip” she smiled against her ear, before walking and leaning against the desk. Beth watched as Maria turned to her with round eyes.

“Huh.....you mean now....here” Maria stuttered. Beth raised an eyebrow at her.

“Of course. This is an interview, and in order to see if you have what it takes, we have to see your moves” she pointed out.

“But I-I thought...” she was left speechless. She thought all she would have to do was come in and apply, this wasn’t what she was expecting.

“What?.....that you would come in, put in an application and then be hire” Michael chuckled.

“Well....yeah” she answered truthfully.

“Sorry Dollface...it doesn’t work like that. You either show us what you got, or there’s the door” he pointed to the large brown double doors, and then looked back at her. Maria fidgeted from foot to foot, completely caught off guard. She wanted to run, but knew that she couldn’t. Not if she wanted to be sleeping on the streets next week. Slowly, she began to move her hips. Beth watched from behind, and could still see the stiffness in her moves. She slowly made her way behind her. Placing her hands on her hips, she guided her movements.

“Relax....that’s it” she coaxed her “let the music enter you...control you” her voice was so smooth and relaxing, that Maria felt herself being pulled into its silky tone. Michael watched the two of them, as Maria grew more relaxed, and started to grind her body against Beth’s. He couldn’t help the growl that rumbled deep in his throat. Beth stepped back, and Maria instantly turned to face her. Beth smiled at the dazed look on her face, and tugged on her shirt. Maria followed her hand, and captured it in her own. ‘What am I doing’ she thought to herself, as she placed her hand on the other girls hip, and pulled her closer. Beth allowed her to bring her closer, but turned her back around to face Michael, who she could tell was very turned on. Their bodies swayed together to the music. Beth captured Maria hands, and with her help, ran them over her aroused body. Once she was sure that Maria was comfortable, Beth stepped back and walked over and sat down on the sofa next to Michael. Maria was no longer nervous, instead, she did as Beth suggested, and let the music enter her, and take over. She began to move her body seductively, her hands traveling over her body. Her eyes stayed trained on Michael, occasionally drifting to Beth’s. Her hips swayed from side to side, and Beth chuckled as Michael’s head mimicked their actions. Maria was so consumed by the music, that she began to unbutton her shirt. She had reached the last button, when Beth stopped the music. Michael jerked his head towards her and gave her a disbelieving look.

“That’s enough Maria” she smiled, and Maria nodded her head, and clutched her shirt closed. She was extremely hot, and picked up the drink that Shelly had offered her earlier, and drunk it down in one gulp, wincing when the hard liquor burned her throat.

“So....am I hired” she croaked out to Michael. Her throat still stinging. Michael looked to Beth, and she simply nodded her head in agreement.

“Yeah.....when can you start” he asked her. Her eyes lit up and catching him off guard, she jumped in threw her arms around his neck.

“Oh thank you....” she exclaimed “...I can start right now.....whenever” she told him. Michael captured her hips in his large hands, and pulled her back. Scared that she would feel the present bulge in his pants.

“Sorry” she whispered shyly, lowering her head when she realized what she had done. Michael waved off her apology, and walked around and sat behind the desk. Beth handed Maria her jacket. Which she gratefully accepted. She buttoned up her shirt, and slipped her arms into her blazer.

“That won’t be necessary” Beth touched her arm gently. “You can start Sunday. They’re usually our slow nights, and it would give you a chance to get comfortable with everything” Beth noticed the hesitant expression that came over her face.

“But..I-I thought I could start right away.....I mean....I really need to start” her eyes cast downwards. Beth looked to Michael, who shrugged his shoulders. Turning back to her, Beth told her that it would be fine if she wanted to start right away. Maria had hugged her excitedly. Beth had call Beverly back into the office, and told her to show Maria the ropes. Closing the door behind the two, Beth leaned back against it.

“I think she’ll work out fine.....don’t you” Michael stood, and walked in front of her.

“Yeah....just fine” he ran his hand up her arm, and she watched as his hand trailed her arm.

“Michael” her eyes locked with his, and she saw the hunger there. Michael stepped closer to her, trapping her between the door and his body.

“Beth.....stop running” he whispered. Tiny puffs of his breath, brushed against her bangs. She placed her hand on his chest, and swallowed hard, as his lips descended on hers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roswell

Earlier the same day

Maxwell Evans sighed heavily as he collapsed onto his bed. He was exhausted, and would be glad if he never seen another box in his life.

“Max....sweetheart, Alex is on the phone” his mom, Diane, announced as she tossed the phone on his bed, as she past by his room on her way from putting away the linen. Max groaned, and turned over on his back. Blindly, he searched for the phone on his bed.

“Hello”

“Hey Max, you sound like shit” Alex joked to his best friend. Max couldn’t help but smile at his friends lively voice.

“Well...yeah, I feel like it too”Alex could hear the tiredness in his friends voice, and hoped that once Max was in LA, he would be able to relax for a while.

“All set for the move?” Max sat up and ran his hand through his hair. He looked around his room, that was now bare, and covered in boxes.

“Yeah...yeah, as ready as I’ll ever be” he sighed “Alex....do you think I’m crazy” he asked uncertainly. Alex knew that this move was going to be a big change for Max. Heck, it had been a big culture shock for him when he left small town Roswell to attend UCLA. But he felt that after everything Max had been through in Roswell, that he needed to get away. He had been ecstatic when Max had called him up three months ago, asking him if it was ok for him to come and stay with him for a few days, but hearing the stress in his friends voice, Alex had asked him to move in with him. His roommate Sam had accepted a position in London, and was leaving Alex with a $1,200 a month rent, that he couldn’t handle alone, especially since he was trying to get his own computer networking company off the ground, and all his extra money went into the company. Max was reluctant at first, but after several pleads from Alex, and his parents encouragement, Max had agreed. He knew Max was still suffering, they all were, but Max wouldn’t allow himself any happiness, and Alex hoped that once they were together again, that he would be able to bring the life back into him.

“No Max....I don’t think you’re crazy....I think this will be good for you....I can’t wait to have my best friend with me.......it will be like old times” Alex said excitedly. Max could feel himself getting excited over the thought of seeing his friend for the first time in a year.

“Yeah....you’re right”

“So how long are your parents staying”

“I don’t know, you know how mom and aunt Margie are when you get them together” he chuckled. Alex definitely knew. When they were little and Max’s aunt and uncle would come for a visit, his mom and her sister would sit up for hours into the night and talk.....sometimes cried, because they only seen each other every few years, and tried to make up for lost time. They would always come to Roswell, because Max’s dad was a lawyer, and had a hard time getting away from the office, but after everything that had happened to Max, he had cut back his hours to help his son. Alex would go by the café twice a week on his way to work, and Margie always made sure he had a hearty breakfast, before he went out and tackle the rough business world.

“Yeah I know”

“Mom wants to make sure that I get settled in, before they leave” Max rolled his eyes at his mothers overprotectiveness, but he guess from his past actions, she had every reason to be.

“Are they still going to Hawaii” Alex asked him.

“As far as I know.......Uncle Ray will show me how to run the café, and after that, the four of them are off to enjoy the sunny beaches of Hawaii” Max told him.

“Good.....good. They need a vacation” Alex was happy for the Evans. He believed they all needed a break.

“Max son, we better finish getting the rest of these boxes in the truck, if we expect to be out of here bright and early tomorrow morning” his dad said as he picked up another box to take out to the truck.

“Ok dad........hey, I’ll talk to you later Alex” Max said.

“Sure Max.....I’ll see you and a couple of days” the two said their goodbyes, and hung up. He ran his hands down his face, and fell back on the bed. He couldn’t believe that he was packing up everything he owned, and moving to a city that he knew nothing about. The past two years have been emotionally draining for him, and he hoped that he was doing the right thing. Hearing his fathers footsteps coming down the hall, he quickly jumped up, and picked up some more boxes. Two hours later, the truck was loaded, and his room was empty. They had broke down his bed, to put on the truck, and he was going to have to sleep in the living room on the couch. Taking one last look in the room he had grew up in, Max hit the light switch, and went into the living room, where his mom had set up the couch for him. He was asleep before his head even hit the pillow.

~~~~~~~~~~

Beth sunk low into the tub. It was filled with lucid bubbles, and the air was penetrated with the sweet aroma of strawberries and cream. She relished the warmth of the water, as it surrounded her body, and consumed her every being. She closed her eyes, and sighed as she listened to the soft sounds of the Celtic harps and pan flutes that drifted though the speakers of her stereo. She had left the club about an hour ago, and she was glad to be at home. Her mind drifted back to earlier. She couldn’t believe she had let things get carried away with Michael like that, but sometimes, everything would come rushing to her....overwhelming her, and she felt vulnerable, and wanted someone to hold her....to love her. She knew it was wrong to lead him on like that for her own selfish needs, but she couldn’t help it. She had seen the hurt in his eyes when she left, and she hated herself for putting that look in his eyes. But she couldn’t get attached. Even though Michael acted all tough and hard, he was a big teddy bear, with so much love to give. Something she couldn’t return. Sighing, she lowered herself under the water. Coming back up, her wet hair matted to her skin. She squirted some bath gel into the loofah, and proceeded to cleanse her body. Once she was finished, she dried herself off, and wrapped the towel around her wet hair. She slipped on her silk robe, and padded into her bedroom. Not even bothering to get dressed, she laid across her bed, and fell asleep to the soft melodies in the background.

~~~~~~~~~

The following Monday

Max opened the door for the yawning delivery man. Smiling at him as he wheeled in the boxes. It was 4:30 in the morning, and Max could definitely understand. The café open at six every morning. They had arrived in California about one that Saturday afternoon. They had stopped at the café to call Alex to have him lead them to his house. Ray and Margie were so happy to see all of them. Naturally, his mom and aunt had hugged each other and cried into each others arms. Leaving the men to go over and unload the truck, under their watchful eye. It had taken them most of the day to unload the truck, and get Max settled in. Afterwards, they had all gathered around the living room, and ate take out, and talked. Alex and Max talked about old times, while his parents and aunt and uncle talked about their upcoming trip. They were scheduled to leave that Wednesday morning. Sunday, Max had set up with his aunt and uncle were they proceeded to show him the ropes. He would be covering for them while they were away on their vacation, since he wasn’t scheduled to report to work for another three weeks, he was happy to help cover for them. He was glad that his parents were finally getting some much needed relaxation.

The delivery man handed Max the order pad. Max signed off, and handed it back to him. He began to unpack the boxes, humming to himself as he worked. Margie stood in the doorway, watching him as he moved around the back room. It had been two years since she had last seen her nephew, and the circumstances weren’t under pleasant terms. She was so happy that he had decided to move out here to LA. She knew that the past two years had been hard on them all, but more so on Max. She could remember the lively boy he was when he was little, and as he grew, he became such a handsome young man. His eyes always held a bright light to them, but now, the light was gone, and replaced with a haunted stare.

“I remember that song” she smiled up at him as she stepped up next to him and wrapped her arm around his waist. Max looked down at her, and gave her a small smile.

“You should....you’re the one that thought it to us” he grinned as he threw his arm around her shoulders.

“Yeah, it took you all but thirty minutes to learn it, and it took Isa...” she stopped when she saw the pained look that past across his face. She cleared her throat, and played with the flap of the box in front of her. Silence flew over them. Max shifted around uneasily, and tried to fight off the tears that threaten to come over him. Ray walked in to the awkward scene. He looked from his wife to his nephew, and sighed. He could see the distraught look on Max’s face, and the guilty expression on his wife’s. Deciding to break the tension, he cleared his throat, and clapped his hands together.

“You two better get a move on it, if we plan on opening up anytime soon” he smiled, causing the both of them to smile briefly, before going back to unpacking the boxes. Like always, the café opened promptly at six, and Max was surprised to see people already waiting patiently at the door. After two hours, he had everything down, and was running the counter while his parents sat and had a light breakfast with his aunt and uncle.

“Thank you....come again” he smiled as he handed a box of donuts to the young executive.

“He’s a real natural” Ray spoke, as he watched Max work and talk with the customers. Diane and Phillip watched their son, and couldn’t help the sad look that played across their faces. They hoped that this was the right move for Max. He had been so withdrawn lately, and they weren’t sure how he was coping any more.

“He’ll be fine” Margie assured them when she noticed their longing look towards their son. Diane had told her how he had stopped talking to them, and had been surprised when he had announced that he was moving to LA. They were worried about him, but had encouraged his move. Hoping that it would lift his spirits.

“Take care of my baby Marg....he’s all I have left” Diane swallowed the lump in her throat. Phillip squeezed her knee under the table, while Margie placed her hands over her sisters.

“You know I will” she smiled. They talked for another thirty minutes, before the bells over the door chimed. Beth stepped through the door, and inhaled the scent of fresh baked pastries in the air, and coffee brewing. Margie smiled as she noticed the young girl come into the café. Standing, she made her way over to her. She pulled her into a hug, before stepping back, and leading her over to the table.

“Morning Beth” Ray greeted her as they came up to the table.

“Morning Ray” she smiled, and looked at the other occupants at the table.

“Beth....this is my sister Diane and her husband Phillip......remember I told you about then coming to visit” Beth nodded her head.

“Phillip.....Diane, this is Beth” she introduced them.

“It’s nice to met you” Beth held out her hand, and smiled warmly when they shook it.

“Ray and Marg have told us all about you.......they can’t seem to stop talking about how lovely and sweet you are” Diane beamed, causing Beth to blush, and tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Thank you” just then, Max came out of the backroom.

“Aunt Margie, I can’t find the...” he stopped dead in his tracks when he noticed the beauty standing next to his aunt. “.....cream” he finished off.

“Oooh Max....this is Beth....Beth, this is my nephew Max” Max stepped forward, and extended his hand. Beth shyly accepted it, and the two stared at each other, caught up into each others eyes. Margie beamed proudly. She knew these two would make a lovely couple. Both Diane and Phillip watched as their son seemed to spark with life with a simple touch from the tiny brunette before them. Beth stared into his amber orbs, and it was like looking into his soul. She saw the hurt and pain.....the sadness, the loneliness and guilt. It was like looking into her own eyes. Everything she saw in him, mirrored her own emotions. Unable to take the deep connection she felt to him, she released his hand, and lowered her head.

“It’s nice to meet you Beth” Max said as he lowered his head, trying to get her to meet his eye again.

“You too” she risked a look at him, and was weakened by the small dimples in his cheeks, when he gave her a half smile.

“Sir?” a lady tapped him on the shoulder. “Can I have my cream please” she smiled. Noticing the sparks between the two.

“Yes....sure, I’m so sorry” he turned to his aunt, who was already returning with the cream, and headed it to the woman. Beth cleared her throat, and turned back to the table.

“It was nice meeting you Diane.....Phillip” she smiled.

“You too Beth” they both answered. Ray came up, and handed her a large cup and a small bag.

“The usual” he smiled, and she smiled before reaching into her bag and pulling out a five. She handed it to him and told him to keep the change.

“See you guys tomorrow............it was nice meeting you Max” she told him, her eyes locking once again with his.

“Yeah.....you too Beth” she gave them a quick wave, and headed out the door. Max watched her leave, and his feet moved under him, and he stood at the window and stared after her, until she disappeared around a corner.

“Yeah.....he’ll be just fine” Margie smiled.

~~~~~~~

The rest of the week went by without a hitch. Max’s parents and his aunt and uncle had left early Wednesday morning, and had called him every day since, making sure everything was running smoothly. He had told them to stop worrying, and enjoy their vacation. Beth had came in everyday as usual. Every since she had met Max, she couldn’t go a day without thinking about him, and she found herself eager to go to the café each morning. And not for the cheese danish and latte. She wasn’t sure what was going on. She had never been so captivated by someone before. Max too had found himself very attracted to the small brunette that graced his presence every morning. He had found himself watching the clock every morning, waiting on the it to strike nine, because he knew that she always came at nine sharp, and hadn’t been late the entire week. They would exchanged pleasantries.......talking about the weather, and what it was like to live in Roswell... ‘Home of the Aliens’ Neither one of them would let the conversation get too deep, and settled for the small chit chat they shared.

Maria had caught on quickly. Michael hadn’t put her on stage yet, mainly because he didn’t want any other guy ogling her. He had put her behind the bar, and was teaching her the ropes of bartending. Beverly had also taken her under her wings, and by Thursday night, Maria was whipping out ‘Sex on the Beach and Long Island Tea’s’ like a pro. She wasn’t making as much money as she would have as the dancers, but she had made enough in tips, to get her slim ball landlord off her back......at least for this week.

~~~~~~~~~~

Friday evening

Beth pulled opened the door as quietly as possible. She slipped into the dark auditorium and sat down in the very back row. The place was packed with proud parents, as they snapped pictures or held their video cameras in their hand. Waving frantically to grab their child’s attention to have them turn to them so they could get a good shot of them. Beth watched as all the preschoolers danced and jumped around the stage. All dressed in their costumes. One of the trees tripped, causing a domino effect, and all the children tumbled to the ground. Their teacher did her best to get them back on track, but it was hard chasing after twenty, four year olds. The parents all laughed as the children decided to do their own things. Some were dancing....others were waving to the audience.......and others were crying. Finally she was able to get the show back on the rode, and everyone sat back to watch the story of Paul Bunyan.

Beth felt her heart expand in her chest when he walked on stage. He was dressed in a plaid shirt and blue pant overalls. He wore a dingy blue cap on his head, and black hiking boots on his feet. A toy ax was thrown over his shoulders, as a kid dressed in a blue ox costume stood next to him. She took in his features, and couldn’t get over how much he looked like his father. He had his same conning gray eyes, and high cheek bones and perfect sculptured nose. Even though his fathers genes seemed to be dominate, she could still see her in him also. He had her dark ebony hair, that curled at the nape, and her small lips. She listened as he recited his lines, and could hear the slight hint of nervousness in his voice, that soon grew more confident as he stood on stage and got comfortable. She couldn’t help the tears that fell from her eyes, and when the show was finished, as all the parents stood and applaud, she slipped back out the door, as quietly as she had entered.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Alex entered the house to find Max lodging on the sofa in front of the television. He could tell that the television was watching him more then he was watching it. Max was sitting there staring at the tube. His mind not even registering the movie that was actually showing. His mind was to occupied with the images of a certain brunette. Alex flopped down next to him, and stared at the T.V.

“Whatcha watching” he asked.

“Nothing”

“Hungry?”

“Nope.....you?”

“No......want to get into something” he asked cautiously. Max picked up the remote, and shut off the T.V. He turned to his friend, and raised an eyebrow at him.

“What?” he asked him. Alex shifted in his seat. He knew Max wasn’t a party guy, but he thought that it would do him some good to get out. Especially since he had been working hard every since he had gotten in town.

“A guy at work was telling me about this club....” Max didn’t even let him finish.

“No!”

“Ah come on Max, it will be fun. We need to get out...have some fun” he pleaded.

“Alex you know that clubbing isn’t my style. We can go anywhere....but not a club” he groaned and rested his head against the back of the sofa.

“Come Max....live a little. If not for yourself, come with me.....make sure I don’t get too drunk and end up plastered in the parking lot” he saw Max about to protest, he added “I need this Max, and so do you. We’ve been working hard all week......now it’s time to play” Max listened to his friend, and couldn’t help but wonder if a night out would get his mind off Beth and other things. Finally he agreed, and an hour later, they were dressed, and headed out the door. Max couldn’t help the grin that broke out on his face as Alex bounced up and down excitedly in the drivers seat next to him, and he had to admit that he was looking forward to tonight.

“Here we are” Alex beamed happily as he parked the car. They stepped out, and marveled over all the people crowding the parking lot. Max looked up at the flashing neon sign.

“The Swirling Cherry”


Later.........LS

Chapter 3

New York

“Anything?”

“No sir” he stood fidgety in front of his boss. Sean took a long drag of his cigar, holding it, before blowing out little smoke rings. Kicking his feet up on his desk, he stared at his lackey with a sharp eye.

“It’s been four years” he pointed out.

“Yes sir.....I know this.....but she seems to just disappeared without a trace” he tried to justify.

“I don’t want to hear any more of your excuses....I want her found immediately” he shouted. Raising to his feet, he walked over to a large antique picture that was hanging on the wall. Pushing a button on his watch, the picture slid aside, revealing a built in safe.

“Turn around” he commanded, and waited on Clark to do so. Once he was turned around, he keyed in the combination, and heard the lock click. Opening up the safe, he smiled brightly when his eyes landed on the contents. Reaching in, he pulled out the small vial, and the large brown envelope. Walking back over to his desk, he sat down, and toyed with the vial between his fingers. Clark watched him carefully.

“I want her found....that little bitch has caused me enough money....it’s time I collect” he demanded. Opening up the envelope, he emptied out the contents on his desk. Two photographs, a key and a small wad of cash. He picked up the photos. He looked at the first one, before placing it down, and picking up the second. His fingers ran over her long ebony hair, and small pouty lips. Her soulful brown eyes stared back at him. He couldn’t help the small tug at his heart, before he placed the picture face down on the desk.

“She can’t be that hard to find.......find her” with that he ordered him out of his office. Sean sat back in his chair, and once again stared at her picture. Picking up the phone, he punched in the numbers. It rung once before the familiar voice came over the line.

“Well?”

“Nothing yet sir” he braced himself for the shout that he knew was coming, but it never came. Instead, the line went dead. He stared at the phone, knowing that, that wasn’t a good sign.

Sean sat back in his chair, and once again stared at her picture “Soon....I’ll have her” he mused.

~~~~~~~~~~

Max followed Alex as he pushed though the crowd of people in the parking lot. This was the reason Max hated going to clubs. They were always crowded, and filled with drunks. If the parking lot was this crowded, he hated to see what the club looked like inside. After standing in line for thirty minutes, Max handed the doorman his ID. The bouncer looked at it, then back at him, before nodding him on in.

“That will be twenty dollars” the redhead at the window smiled as she popped her gum annoyingly.

“Twenty bucks” Max asked astonished. “That’s ridiculous.....why the hell is it so much” he asked her.

“It’s Friday night suga” she smiled as if that explained everything.

“Chill Maxwell” Alex said coming up behind him and slapping him on the back “I got this” he grinned as he pulled two crisp twenties from his wallet, and placed them down on the counter.

“Have fun” she winked.

“Oh, we will” Alex wiggled his eyebrows at her, before pulling Max along behind him to the large double doors, that lead to the clubs entrance. The music that pour out into the parking lot, wasn’t nearly as loud as the music vibrating throughout the club. Max had to cover his ears as the speaker next to him nearly blew out his eardrums. Alex stood mesmerized at the scene before him. His head dance from side to side to the music, while he watched the many women giving lap dances, and the tall blonde on stage.

“Ahhh man, this is sweet” he shouted over the loud music at Max.

“What!” Max shouted as he leaned over to hear him better.

“I said.....” he was cut off by a hand brushing up his arm. He turned to find a bodacious blonde next to him. Her hair was cut short to frame her face. Her make up was simple, but her lips were painted a fire engine red. His eyes scanned over her body, and he couldn’t help the moan that came from his lips, as he took in her appearance. She was wearing a tight mini skirt with a bikini top shirt, leaving a large span of skin exposed.

“Hey” he croaked out, before clearing his throat.

“Hey yourself” she purred. “How about a lap dance” she ran her hand up his broad chest. Alex could only nod mutely, and let her lead him to a table up front. He was so hypnotized, but he did manage to grab a hold of Max, and drag him behind him. An hour later, Max rolled his eyes as he watched another dancer grind and undulated on Alex’s lap. Several of women had came up to him asking him if he would like a dance, which he kindly declined. Instead, he nursed the warm gin and tonic in front of him, drumming his fingers to the music. Occasionally he would scan the club, before settling back on the dancers on stage. He watched as several men tossed their hard earned money on stage at them, and panting shamelessly.

“Damn, she was hot” Alex whistled as he tossed back his drink, and aired himself with his shirt “she almost made me nut in my pants” he joked. Max chuckled. Alex watched his friend, and noticed that he still had on his jacket, and still sipping on the same drink he had ordered when they first sat down.

“Come on Max....let loose.....live a little” he said, as he motioned a dancer over. She came over, and threw her arm around his shoulders.

“What’s up hon” Beverly cooed, playing with his nape. Alex threw his arm around her waist, and pulled her against him.

“My friend here is kind of shy, but would like a dance” he told her. He pushed a fifty in her hand, and pinched her butt. Max was shaking his head frantically.

“Alex no” he hissed. He really didn’t feel like having some girl that he didn’t know rub herself up against him.

“Ah Maaxxx” Alex slurred, the four shots of Tequila’s starting to take their effect. “...just one” he said, waving a finger in the air. Before Max could say no, Beverly had straddled his lap, and was now rubbing her body against his. Somehow, she had managed to rid him of his jacket, and was now running her hands up and down his chest. As much as he tried not to enjoy her moves, he found himself gripping her hips, and aiding her above him. Alex smiled, and ordered himself another drink. Beverly couldn’t contain herself. Usually when she gave lap dances, she gave the dance, and quickly retreated before the guy could get all touchy feely, but she couldn’t help but take her time with this guy. She found herself being drawn in by his piercing amber eyes, that seemed to sparkle with a speck of gold. He had muscles protruding out of everywhere, and she relished the feel of them as she glided her hands over them. His hands were large as they gripped her hips. She had to get a grip, before she went over the edge, from the way her core rubbed up against his jean covered rod. The music stopped, and she smiled down at him. Max smiled as his hands ran over her thighs, and gave them a little squeeze. Unable to resist his gorgeous lips, she leaned over and pressed her lips to his.

“Later stud” she winked, and made a quick exit to the back of the club. Max stared after her, and watched her disappear. Turning back to the table, Max was met with Alex’s knowing grin.

“Admit it...you liked it didn’t you” he wiggled his eyebrows up and down, and smacked his hands on the table.

“Yeah...yeah, she was something” he agreed. The next two hours was spent with the two of them enjoying their selves as they watched the many dancers flounced on stage.

“I have to take a leak” Max said, tossing a twenty on the table “order me a rum and coke will ya” Alex waved him off, too busy watching the tits dancing in his face.

“Yeah sure” he dismissed. Max shook his head, and went in search of the bathroom.

“Excuse me” he said as he grabbed one of the waitress. Maria stared up at him and smiled. Max smiled down at the petite blonde. “Where’s the restrooms” he shouted over the music. Maria balanced the tray on her hand, and motion for him to lean down.

“Go back to the front entrance, there’s a hallway just to the left, it will be the second door on the right” she instructed.

“Thank you” he nodded.

“No problem” she smiled, and made her way over to a group of men that were waiting impatiently for their drinks. Max made his way through the packed club. He was moving down the hall, when he saw a small brunette walk into a door at the end of the hall.

“Beth” he whispered. Walking swiftly down the hall, he was just about to knock on the door, when he shook his head. “Get a grip Max.....like she would be caught dead in a place like this” he mumbled, before heading back towards the bathroom. He couldn’t believe the hold that she already had on him. They hadn’t even went out on a date, and here he was unable to keep his mind off of her. Even though he had only known her for a week, she had managed to get under his skin like no other female had before. The way she smiled, the way her eyes light up when she talked about the beach. He could sit and talk to her for hours, but like himself, she was hiding.......running from something. Too afraid to let someone in. He zipped up his pants, and went to the sink to wash his hands. A couple of guys straggled through the door, causing a ruckus.

“Man....we have to hurry up, it’s almost time” one of them said as he pulled out his member, and took a piss. The other one was looking in the mirror, examining his collar. Max could see red lipstick all over it. He was probably trying to hide it before he went home to his wife.

“I know........I can’t wait, my shit’s already hard just thinking about her” he said as he rubbed frantically at his collar. They quickly washed their hands, and rushed out the bathroom, leaving Max to wonder who they were talking about.

~~~~~~~~

“You seem to be in a happy mood” Beth noticed as Michael hummed softly to himself. She hung her outfit on the door, and sat down next to him on the sofa.

“I should be.....life is great” he grinned. Beth narrowed her eyes at him, and knew something was up. Michael was only happy when he had money in his pocket, and a girl in his bed.

“What’s her name” Beth asked casually, as she began to undress out of her green bell bottoms and black midriff. Michael stared at her body for a moment, before shaking his head from the naughty images that flashed in his head.

“What?” he asked her.

“You heard me...I know you Michael, and I know that you’re either getting some, or about to get some” she smiled, fastening the straps of her garter belt. “So, who is she.” Michael smiled at her intuition. He should have known that she could read him like a book. Perhaps it had something to do with their four years of friendship, or maybe it was their few intimate moments together, either way, he could never keep a secret from her.

“Lets just say that there is someone...but I’d rather not disclose her name at the moment” he grinned, handing her, her stethoscope.

“Really.......she must be special, if you won’t even talk to me about her” she said, closing up her outfit, and slipping on her shoes.

“Something like that” he shrugged. He watched her walk into the bathroom, and he stood against the doorframe, watching her as she secured her hair into a tight bun on her head.

“What about you” he nodded.

“What about me” she asked around the hairpin in her mouth.

“I mean, you seem to have a glow about you.....anything you would like to tell me” raising an eyebrow at her. Beth locked eyes with him in the mirror, before focusing back on her hair.

“Nope” she evaded. She didn’t want to talk about Max. She had been trying unsuccessfully to get him off her mind all day, but every time she found herself without something to do, her mind would drift back to the tall Adonis god that worked at the café. His cute little half smirk, the way gold flecked in his eyes when the sun caught them just right. For the past week, she had fallen asleep with his image the last thing she saw. Michael knew she was hiding something, but he decided to drop it for now. He decided to change the subject.

“So how you feeling.......you ready for tonight” he asked her, handing her, her hat. Beth pinned it to her hair, and stepped back to examine her work. Turning to Michael, she smiled.

“I’m doing good, and I’m always ready” she beamed, and winked at him. There was a knock on the door, and Michael went to open it. Maria stood on the other side, holding a tray with two drinks on them. Michael motioned her in.

“Hey Maria” Beth greeted her when she came out of the bathroom. Maria looked up, and nearly dropped the tray from her appearance. Michael rushed to retrieve the tray before she dropped it on the floor.

“Thank you” she smiled shyly, before looking back at Beth. “Hi Beth” she fidgeted. “Beverly said that you would like a drink before....uhm...you...” she stumbled. Beth hid her chuckle, and picked up the two shots of Hennessy. She drunk one, and chased it with the other. Licking her lips, she smiled.

“Thanks”

“You’re welcome..............does it help” Maria inquired.

“What?” Beth asked, applying her lipstick.

“The liquor....does it help with the nerves” Beth sat the tube down, and looked at her, before shrugging her shoulders.

“In the beginning it helped a lot, but once I got use to being up there, I really don’t need to calm my nerves....I just like Hennessy” she smirked. Maria smiled, before he eyes moved to Michael. They lingered there for a second, before she walked over to the desk, and nervously placed the glasses back on the tray. Michael watched her every move, a action Beth didn’t let slip by her. ‘So that’s it’ she thought to herself. Wanting to respect his wishes, she didn’t say anything when Maria exited the room. She figured when he was ready, he would let her know what was going on between the two of them. Michael looked at his watch after he focused his mind off Maria.

“It’s about time.....you ready” he asked her.

“Yeah.....just give me a minute will ya”

“Sure.....I’m going to go check on the girls” he kissed her on the temple, and went to check on the club. Beth sat down at the desk, and fingered the locket around her neck, before reaching behind her, and undid the clasp. She opened up the top drawer, pulling out a small box, she placed the locket securely in it. Placing it back in the drawer, she shut it and stood up. Picking up the stethoscope from the edge of the desk, and taking one last look at herself in the full length mirror, using the private entrance, she made her way backstage.

~~~~~~~~~~

Max pushed his way once again through the mass of people on his way back from the bathroom. It had taken him a lot longer to reach the table, due to all the females that stopped him, wondering if he would like a dance. Finally, he was able to see Alex, who was coincidently, frantically waving him over.

“Dude, it’s almost time” Alex voiced excitedly as he reached the table.

“Time for what” Max shouted as he sat down across from him, noticing that Alex had ordered his drink, and what looked like another two shots of Tequila for himself.

“Only the beeeesssst part of the eveeninggg” Alex slurred. Max knew he was wasted. Casually, he slid Alex’s car keys off the table, and stuck them in his jacket pocket. Just then, the music died down, and Michael stepped on stage. Max watched as two large bouncers placed a black velvet rope in front of the stage, and they stood protectively behind them. Their arms crossed intimidating over their chests. Michael picked up the mic from the DJ, and tapped on it to get everyone’s attention.

“Alright.....alright, I know all you regulars know the drill, but for those newbie’s out there, let me just make this quick” he started. Alex set up eagerly in his seat, and clapped his hands together. Blake at work had told him about this place, and had told him Friday nights were the nights that everyone flocked to the ‘Swirling Cherry’ He had asked him why, only to watch a mischievous grin dance across his face, and in a dreamy voice he had answered.

“Erotica” Alex had pushed for more information, but Blake had told him he would have to see for himself, and that the main event happened at ten each Friday, and to be there early if he excepted to get a good seat. He had seen him the moment the dancer had dragged them up front when they first came in.

“Rule one.....no one passes the velvet rope.......two........if for some freak reason you are approached ‘NO TOUCHING’..........and most importantly.........have fun” he grinned. Walking back over to the DJ, Michael pulled out a CD from his jacket, and handed to him. Michael stuck his head through the large black curtains, before pulling back, and waving his hand in the air. The lights went out, and the crowd grew quite. Max sat back curiously. ‘This should be interesting’ he thought to himself. The air was penetrated with a low sound of a heartbeat, that soon grew in intensely, beating to the tune of everyone’s heart in the club. Smoke rained down from the ceiling, cloaking the stage. Sitting up front had it’s advantages, Max watched mesmerized as the stage opened up, and he could see the beginning of a head emerging from the opening. The club was still somewhat dark, only the light that danced around the stage edges was giving off efficient lighting, her silhouette finally outlined on stage. He couldn’t see her face, but if her figure was any indication, he was for sure she was a knock out. The heartbeat grew louder, stronger, as a husky voice came through the speakers.

“Ladies and gentlemen….the ‘Swirling Cherry’ is proud to offer you the very special….very unique moves of……Erotica” Maria eyes widened at the sudden change of the music. She recognized it as the same music she had done her own little routine to during her ‘interview’. The very erotic and tempting salsa beat flowed through her, and she watched the crowd as they screamed and shouted as she slowly moved her hips from side to side. Her back still facing the crowd. Michael glanced out at the crowd, from his spot at the back of the stage, as he too stared hypnotized at her hips swaying from side to side. It wasn’t often that they were all treated to such a sight, so when she was dancing, the club would be packed with people flowing out of the entrance. They made out pretty well on regular nights, but on the Fridays was were they made their killing. Men would line up two hours before opening, to ensure they had front row seats to watch her dance. Letting the beat of the music enter her, and consume her, she gradually increased the movement of her hips. Suddenly, she turned around to face the crowd, and Max nearly choked on his own tongue when they locked eyes.

Max couldn’t believe that the girl that has been haunting his every waking moment was standing before him, on stage at a strip joint. His eyes ran over her frame, and he couldn’t help the groan that escaped his lips. She was dressed in a nurses uniform, that barely covered her ass. She had on thigh length white stockings that were held up by garter belts that disappeared under her uniform. Four inch white stilettos covered her slim feet, while her hair was twisted into a bun, with a few strands framing her face, a white nurses hat adorned the top of it. A stereoscope was dangling from her neck, it’s black contrast standing out against the canvas of white. Her honey toned skin also highlighted against the color. The light shined from behind her, making her appear angelic. Max never found the color white so inviting. He had asked her once what she did for a living, and she had shrugged her shoulders, and told him that she was in the entertainment business. Being from a small town, Max had thought she meant that she worked with actress or actors, this being LA and all, but he had never imagined something like this.

Beth stood immobilized when she locked eyes with him. His golden amber orbs staring back at her in complete shock. Her heart pounded in her chest, at what he must think of her. It seemed like the entire room had disappeared, and it was only the two of them, locked in a heated stare, searching each others soul. Michael watched Beth with concern. He had saw her freeze when she had turned around. Her eyes locked on something in the audience. Looking out, the light was dim, but he could make out a couple of tables that were line up front. Finally his eyes landed on a guy sitting at the center table up front. He was staring right at her, and they seemed to be shocked to see each other there. He was definitely going to have to question Beth about it later. Beth shook herself from his stare, and knew there wasn’t anything she could do about the awkward predicament she found herself in. It wasn’t like she could run off stage in the middle of her act, so she focused back on her routine, and once again let the music penetrate her. Her hands moved seductively over her body as the music took over her, her eyes staring deep into Max’s. Dropping to her knees, she crawled gracefully to the edge of the stage, were she licked her rosy lips, and sucked a digit into her mouth. Sitting back on her feet, she toyed with the buttons of her uniforms, and several ‘take it off’ were shouted at her. She smiled devilishly, before wiggling her finger at the crowd.

She lifted her arms, causing her uniform to rise, giving them a sneak peak at what hid underneath. Releasing the hat from her head, she tossed it into the crowd, and watched as two men fought vigorously over it. A shout of success rang out, as the one that claimed it, chugged down his drink, and placed the hat on his head. Skillfully, she removed the four hairpins that secured the bun to her head, and she bent over, shaking the long brown locks. She lifted, causing her hair to fly behind her, and come to rest around her shoulders. At that moment, Max would have gave anything to run his fingers through her tendrils. Making her way back to the center of the stage, she wrapped a leg around the pole. Slowly she grinded and rubbed her body against it, before without warning, the buttons were released, and the uniform fell in a puddle at her feet. Underneath, she wore a white lace bra and thong set. It was simple, but she made it look oh so sexy. Turning away from the crowd, her eyes locked with Michael’s, and she lowered herself down into the splits. His eyes widen, and she threw him a sexy smile and winked at him, before spinning around, and facing the crowd once again. Aaron had set a chair on stage, and she straddled it. She threw her head back and the look on her face made Max wonder what she would look like in the throws of passion. She locked eyes with him, before doing a back flip off the chair, and coming to rest at the edge of the stage.

“Alright out there....I can sense some of you out there are having heart palpitations....” the crowd screamed excitedly. “Nurse Erotica, has just what the doctor ordered........who out there is in need of her assistance” the crowd was in an uproar. Men were screaming and jumping all over their selves to be the lucky guy to be pulled on stage to have their own personal lap dance by the famous Erotica. Beth held out her hands, and Aaron and Monster gracefully lifted her off stage, and sat her on the ground. She moved like a lioness towards her pray, and Max swallowed hard as she inched closer.

“Oohhh man, she’s coming this way” Alex punched Max in the shoulder. Alex couldn’t believe that this beauty was heading their way. He could definitely see why everyone gloated about Friday nights at the ‘Cherry’. Beth stopped directly in front of Max.

“Holy fuck” Alex gasped and his mouth dropped open. Max had always been the lucky one. Placing her foot on the edge of his chair between his legs, causing Max to harden instantly. Beth leaned over, her breath brushing against his lips. All he had to do was lean forward a little, and his lips would join with hers.

“Come with me” she mouth, and Max stared at her lips...her very kissable lips. He leaned forward, only to be met with air, as she pulled back, and fingered him to follow her. Liz figured since Pandora’s box had been open, she might as well work with it. Max was to caught up in watching her hips sway as she climbed up the four steps to the stage. It took Alex’s ‘man get the hell up there’ to pull him out of his erotic daydream. Nervously, Max stood, hoping that his shirt was long enough to cover the large bulge in his khakis. Slowly he made his way to the stage, feeling the heated glares from Monster and Aaron as he past by them. Climbing up the four steps, he cautionously sat down in the chair. Seeing his nervousness, Beth ran a comforting hand down his arm. She began to walk predatorily around the chair, Max’s eyes following her every move. She stood to his left, and he stared up at her. ‘Man she is beautiful’ Max thought to himself, and watched as she gave him a sexy smile. Suddenly, she straddled his lap, catching him completely by surprise.

“Alright Max” Alex hollered from his seat. They stared into each others eyes, mesmerized by the deep feelings for each other that rested there. Again the hypnotizing sound of a heartbeat, vibrated through the speakers. As if her body had a mind of its own, Beth felt herself move above him, their eyes never fluttering. Her hands ran lovingly over his face, and she watched as he swallowed hard. Her legs wrapped around the chair, fully trapping him beneath her. Her breath was coming in heavy pants, as it brushed across his face, causing his nostrils to flare. The entire room had disappeared. It was just him and her. Preparing herself, Beth closed her eyes and leaned back, giving him a view of her soft mounds. He could see her nipples as the strained against the lace fabric that was her bra. His body very aware of just how much of her body was exposed to him, Max groaned, and couldn’t stop his hands as they ran over her shapely thighs, and cupped her soft ass. Beth moaned when she felt his warm large hands over her body, and felt like electricity shocked her as lay trailed over her. Max wrapped his hands around her tiny waist, and pulled her abruptly back against him. Her hands innately circled around his neck as her body grinded into his. Max ran his hand under her long mane, cupping the back of her neck, while his other hand ran possessively over her body. They stared into each others eyes, their lips millimeters apart. Their breath mingling together, as the space between them closed.

“Is it me….are is it getting hot in here” the DJ’s husky voice came over the speakers, breaking Beth out of her sexual haze. She took in her surroundings, and cursed herself for letting herself slip. The music had long stopped, and the house lights had been shut down, indicating the end of her routine. Max stared at her through hooded lids.

“Beth” he breathed. Even though it was dark, he could still see her chocolate eyes staring back at him. But gone was the heated stare of desire, but instead shock and fear danced in them. Quickly she extracted herself from him, and ran back stage, leaving a shocked and confused Max behind.

“Hey buddy….do you mind getting off stage so the dancers could come back on” Aaron’s irritated voice reached his ears. Max nodded, and made his way off stage.

“Oh man…..that was classic……I thought the two of you were going to fuck right there on stage” Alex grinned when he made his way back to the table. Max quickly down his drink, and grabbed another one off a tray from a waitress that had past by. His heart still beating erratically in his chest.

~~~~~~~~~~~

“What the fuck was that” Michael shouted, as he bust through the office doors. Beth was leaning over the sink splashing cold water over her heated face. When she didn’t answer, it only seemed to irate him even more.

“Beth!?”

“What Michael” she tried to act as natural as possible, but her skin still tingled from his touch, and her body was pulsing like a live wire.

“What she says” he replied sarcastically “What the hell happened out there.”

“What do you mean…..I was doing my job”

“Bullshit” he shouted “that was more then doing your job…..I saw the way you two were looking at each other…the way he touched you, and you allowed it. You never let any of them touch you…..why, who is he Beth” in all the years she had been dancing, she had never once allow the men to touch her. She would touch them, but if they so much as brushed there hand over her toe, she would have their ass thrown off stage. When she did give the lap dances, Michael could see how unattached she would get. She would be so involved with getting it over with, but it never showed on her face. For the poor sap that she was dancing for was just so happy to be on stage that he never noticed, but Michael did. So it had shocked him completely when he had watched her dance tonight. The way her eyes sparkled when she looked at the stranger. The way her body glowed when he had touched her. And he was pretty sure that if Carlos hadn’t came over the speaker when he did, they were seconds from kissing. This wasn’t the Beth he knew, and it all had something to do with the man from the front table. Beth sighed, wrapping he robe around her, before sitting on the couch. She place her head in her hands, and mumbled.

“I don’t know”

4everLover, Chilli, limegreenli, dane122, sweetygurl, Kimmie, Starlight, behrstars, roswellluver, HBGO, Anya, Panda2001, Alien614. Roswelllostcause, Lady_without_a_clue, exitingman, Becca1974, rosbuffyangelfanatl, Evans3, Britany

First of all I would like to thank all of you for reading my story and leaving encouraging feedback, you don't know what it really means to a writer to hear from those that are reading their stories. It helps them improve on their skills, and we gladly appreciated it good or bad. I know it’s not possible to always leave feedback, I personally read stories and want to leave feedback, but time is limited, so I do understand. I just wanted feedback on this story, because I will starting back school soon, and I hope to have both my stories by then, and I wanted to know if there was really any interest in this story. But you guys have proven that there are indeed several of you out there that is enjoying this story just as much as I enjoy writing it.

Sooo, I hate starting things and not finishing them. So I will be continuing this story, and hopefully I can keep you all as readers. Anyways.......enough talk.



Chapter 4

“You can’t do this” Maria cried as she frantically picked up her personal items off the ground.

“Who says I can’t” Lou shouted at her, pulling the rest of her belongings out of his truck, and tossing them on the pavement in front of the club.

“I told you I would have your money next week” she brushed an annoying strand of her hair over her shoulder.

“And I told you, you were to have my money today, not next week....TODAY!” Maria had gotten to work only a few minutes ago, only to witness Lou throwing her stuff all over the parking lot. She knew eventually this would happen, but she had expected to at least have more money saved up so when it did happen, she would be able to afford a nicer place instead of the dump she was now being evicted from. Tears sprung to her eyes as she realized she was now homeless, and with only two hundred dollars to her name, she wouldn’t be able to live long at a hotel. In hopes of one last chance, Maria grabbed his arm as he began to climb into his truck.

“Lou please, I’m begging you .......I have no where else to go.....you have to give me until next week......I promise I will have all of your money” Lou looked at her, before his eyes traveled hotly over her body.

“Well, maybe we can work something out” his tongue clicked against the roof of his mouth as he sucked on the toothpick in his mouth. Not liking the way he was eyeing her, Maria dropped her hand and began to back away from him.

“What do you mean” she asked nervously. Lou stepped down off the runner, and stepped closer to her. Again, she stepped back, only to have him grab her by the arm roughly.

“I mean sweets.....I know you like giving lap dances, working at the ‘Cherry’ and all. How about giving ole Lou his own ‘special’ lap dance” his breath was hot and stale, and she could smell the stench of the cheap cigars he was known to smoking. It was strong it penetrated through his clothes.

“I don’t think so” yanking her arm away from him. She moved to pick up the rest of her things, wanting to get into the club and as far away from him as possible.

“Ahh....don’t be like that” he grinned, trapping her between his hard body and the truck. “I’m sure we can work something out” his breathe burning her skin. His hand trailed up her leg and he cupped her ass roughly, giving her a her squeeze. He pulled her against him. Every since she had moved in, he had wanted a piece of her, but she had a sharp tongue, making her very irritating.

“Get the hell off me you sick bastard” she pushed forcefully against his chest, slapping him hard across the face. Lou stepped back in surprise, before his anger took over.

“You bitch” he charged forward, his intend on showing her no one said no to him. Before he could lay a hand on her, his path was blocked by an very angry Michael. Michael had been in the club counting the weeks revenue when Shelly had rushed in and told him that some guy was in the parking lot man handling Maria. She herself had went to sweep the walk, getting everything ready for tonight, when she had seen what was happening. He had immediately stopped what he was doing, and rushed out of the door.

“I think you better leave” he growled out, barely able to contain his anger. He had walked out just in time to see the sleaze ball grope Maria and her landing a mighty fine slap across his face. Lou looked Michael up and down. They were about the same height, but Lou probably had a good ten pounds on him. He was sure he could take him.

“Look buddy, this is between me and the lady. So why don’t you run along and mind your own business” he stepped closer.

“See that’s were you’re wrong.......she is my business” Michael was just itching for this prick to come at him wrong. His fists were clutching and un-clutching at his sides.

“Is that right?” Lou smirked, his eyes running heatedly over Maria.

“Maria, go inside” Michael ordered her. Maria stared up at him, not wanting to leave him alone with Lou. Lou was a shady character, and no telling what type of dirty tricks he had up his sleeves.

“Michael..” he could hear the tremble in her voice, but he didn’t want to take his eyes off the man in front of him.

“Maria GO!” this time his voice was harsher...firmer, showing no room for discussion. Moving quickly, she gathered her things and ran into the club. Michael watched her out his peripheral vision, and when he was sure she was inside he focused once again on Lou. They stood, both eyeing the other.

“Get the hell off my property, and don’t ever come back” he warned. Lou’s own anger began to rise as he watched the way Michael had interfered with his action. Crossing his arms over his chest, he stepped forward.

“And what if I decided not too” he challenged. Michael also stepped forward so that they were only inches apart.

“Then I would love to personally escort you off” he bit out. They stood face to face, both refusing to back down. Lou stared hard into Michael’s eyes, while Michael clutched his jaws tightly, just waiting on him to even flinch the wrong way so he could plummet him. Movement behind Michael caught Lou’s eye, and he instantly stepped back a little. Aaron and Monster had came out when Maria had rushed through the doors, her arms full with her clothes and she was shouting for them to help Michael. She was so scared Lou would hurt him. He was known for carrying a blade in his boot. Michael felt them as they stepped up beside him. Knowing he couldn’t possibly take them all on, Michael maybe, but the three of them he wouldn’t stand a chance. He stepped back more.

“She owes me money”

“How much?”

“Six hundred” without a thought, Michael pulled out his wallet, and counted out six crisp one hundred dollar bills, and tossed them on the ground at his feet.

“Consider her debt paid, and if I ever catch you around here again, I’ll make sure to give you a nice tour of the back alley” he threatened. His eyes narrowed in challenge. He didn’t give him a chance to respond, instead he headed back to the club, wanting to check on Maria. Aaron and Monster glared at Lou as he bent over and picked up the money. He hurriedly fetched his keys out his jean pocket, and climbed in his truck. Cranking it up, he sped off the lot.

“Oh god Michael” Maria cried as he walked through the door. She threw her arms around his neck, and hugged him tight. Michael wrapped his arms around her slim waist and puled her firmly against him.

“Are you ok” he asked, pushing her slightly away from him so that he could check her over. She slowly nodded her head.

“I’m ok, except I’m now homeless” she tried to joke, but Michael could see the slight fear in her eyes.

“Hey, don’t worry about that....we’ll think of something” he assured her. He tucked her hair behind her ear, and his hand gently ran down her arm. Maria smiled up at him, and couldn’t help the way her stomach did flip flops when he returned it.

“Come on..we only have another hour and a half before the McGee party gets here” Danny McGee had rented out the club for his younger brothers bachelor party, and they still had to finish setting up the food and drinks. Thirty minutes into it, the doors to the club opened. Michael looked up, and rolled his eyes in annoyance, as he watched the person walk up to the bar.

“What are you doing here” he asked tiredly. Max sat down at the bar and raised his eyebrow at him. For the last week Max had been trying to catch up with Beth. He had desperately wanted to talk to her the night at the club, but Aaron and Monster had made it perfectly clear that he wasn’t getting backstage. He had waited in the parking lot, with a passed out Alex in the backseat of his car, for her to come out, but some how she had slipped right past him. She hadn’t been in the café the entire week, which was a disappointment to Max. Since he didn’t have a last name or any other means of contacting her, he had resulted in coming to the club every night after he closed the café in hopes of catching up with her, since it was the only place he knew she was for sure to come.

Michael had told Beth about the permanent log that they now had planted at the bar, and she had pleaded with him not to give him any information. At first when he had started coming in, Michael had ignored him completely when he asked for Beth. So the first night Max had nursed a Long Island tea, and refused all offers for lap dances, as he waited patiently for her to show up. Soon the house lights had came on, signaling the bars closing. Max had sadly tossed his money on the counter and left, only to return every night following.

“The same thing I’ve been doing for the last week....I’m looking for Beth” Max stated calmly. Michael shook his head at him, before reaching under the bar and placing a glass on the counter. Filling it with coke and Rum, he sat it down in front of Max.

“Thanks” Michael grumbled, before walking away. Max had gotten use to his stonewall behavior. Picking up his drink, he swirled around on the stool, and took in his surroundings. He noticed Beverly was setting up a table with several food dishes on it, while Shelly was fixing the tables around the club. He was the only other person there besides those that worked there. He knew that there was a private party going on tonight, but that still didn’t discourage him from coming in search of her.

“Hi Max” Maria smiled from behind the bar. Max turned around and gave her a sweet smile. Over the week he had gotten to know most of the girls, but it was Maria that he had found an instant friendship.

“Hey Maria” she finished stacking the freshly washed glasses under the bar.

“Still waiting huh?” Maria felt bad for the guy. He obviously had it bad. He had been there every night that week, and Beth still hadn’t shown her face. Actually she hadn’t even seen Beth since last Friday. Michael had told her that she needed some time off, and was taking a vacation. Max lowered his head sheepishly. Besides for Alex, Maria was the only one that knew how deep his feelings were for Beth. Alex thought he was nuts chasing after a girl who obviously didn’t want to be caught. Maria on the other hand, had been nothing but encouraging. She was a hopeless romantic, and thought it was sweet the way Max refused to give up.

“Yea” he sighed.

“Don’t worry Max, she eventually has to come back to work, right?” she placed her hand over his and gave it a squeeze. “How about a refill” she asked, noticing his glass was almost empty. Max shook his head, and stood up.

“Ones my limit...besides, I have to pick up my parents in an hour, don’t want to show up plastered” he joked. He tossed a twenty on the counter. “Keep the change.....see you later Maria” he smiled.

“Bye Max” she watched him walk out the door, and she shook her head.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Beth brushed away the hair that was matted to her forehead with her sweat. She punched the bag with a right hook, before turning and doing a roundhouse kick. On and on she punched and kicked at the bag, her intents on doing extreme damage. She was frustrated, and she took that frustration out on the bag. Her mind had been clouded with the same thing or rather person for the last week.......Max. She had been so confused. Never had she let herself slip like she had the other night with Max. She was always aware of her surroundings, always knew what was going on around her. But with Max, she had completely dropped her guard, let him be her main focus, and for that, it could lead to danger. That was why she had taken the week away. She needed time to think. Time to process what was happening to her. It wasn’t like she had never been attracted to a guy before, heck that was the whole reason her and Michael had started messing around. When she had first meet him, they had both been having bad times, and decided that since they were both down on their luck, that they might as well sick together. At first it was just a friendly arrangement, but soon they were both lonely, and eventually started messing around. She had always known that Michael wanted more from her, but she wasn’t ready for that, so he had reluctantly accepted her ‘friends plus’ status, and did his own thing. But he was always there when she needed him. She admitted that she could never love him, and that it was wrong to keep his hopes up. So she was happy to see that he had taken a interest with Maria, even though he was still trying to keep it a secret. . She could see that Michael cared about her, if she would had been any other girl that applied for the job, he would have had her working the stage already. But with Maria he was adamant about her staying behind the bar, forcing Beth to hire another dancer to take the dancing position Maria was suppose to have filled.

Now with Max, Max was totally different from Michael. Their essences were polar opposite. Were Michael’s was rough and hard, something she had known her entire life, Max’s was soft and gentle, something she had ever experienced, and it scared her. She had been so mortified when she had seen him at the club. Her first thoughts was what he must think of her. Resorting back to her training, Beth had steal herself and did her job, but the moment he had touched her, her entire wall faded, and she found herself completely captavited by him, sucumbing to his every will. He had gotten under her skin the first time she had met him, and had made a permanent home with each smile he gave her, and the silky way he would speak her name. When he had touched her on stage, that was her undoing, and she had succumbed to her feelings, and let herself go. Which was now why she found herself in such a dilemma. She knew there was no way she could allow something to happen between them, she couldn’t get attached, not with her past. She knew he had been coming to the club in search of her, Michael had made sure she had known. At first he had threaten to throw him out on his ass, but Beth had threaten him with bodily harm if he harmed one hair on his head. Michael had only grumbled in agreement. He had left his phone number for her to call him, and it was constantly mocking her when she past her kitchen counter where he she had hastily jotted it down. She really wish her life wasn’t one of such secrecy. Then maybe her and Max could be more, but it was, and it wouldn’t be safe for him, and she wouldn’t risk it.

Giving the bag a final punch, she picked up a towel and wiped the sweat from her neck. Picking up her water bottle, she took a refreshing drink, and sat down in the middle of the mat. Crossing her legs, she straighten her back and closed her eyes. Before she could get deep into her mediation, her cell phone rung next to her. She already knew who it was, only one person had the number.

“Hey Michael” she smiled into the phone. Michael on the other hand wasn’t up for pleasantries.

“He’s here again Beth” he said annoyingly. He looked across the room were Max was talking to Maria. Beth sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose, fighting off the sudden headache that came over her.

“What do you want me to do about it Michael.....it is a club, he is allowed to be there” she moaned.

“I don’t know, but we both know that he is not here for the scenery. He’s here for you. I don’t like him being her, it’s like he’s staking you” he bit out “this has got to stop....tell the guy you don’t want anything to do with him or something, but if he keeps planting himself at the bar, I’m going to have to start charging him rent” he stated sarcastically. He watched Max stand up and toss some money on the bar before flashing a smile at Maria and leaving. Beth knew she would eventually have to face him, even if it was to tell him that there could never be anything between them, but she just didn’t know quite how to face him.

“Ok Michael, I’ll talk to him” she relented.

“Good...” there was a moment of silence, and Beth knew there was something else wrong.

“What is it Michael” she probed when she realized he was going to straight out and offer any information. Michael ran a nervous had through his hair. He knew that want he was about to ask her was a lot, especially for her, but he had to at least try.

“I need a favor” he started.

“Go on” she said as she began to strip out of her workout clothes. Figuring that she could mediate later.

“It’s just.....Maria’s landlord came by tonight....and he was tossing her stuff on the ground.....talking about she owed him money and stuff....and then he grabbed her.....”

“Oh my god Michael is she ok” her concern growing for the girl that had captured her friends heart.

“Yeah..yeah, she’s ok...maybe a little shaken up, but she’s fine..” he cleared his throat nervously “...the thing is she’s doesn’t have anywhere else to go and....I mean I would offer her to stay with me....but I don’t know how comfortable she would feel....and you know Shelly and Beverly’s situation.....and I know that you have a spare room... and..”

“No!”

“Ahhh come on Beth....it only temporary....only until she gets on her feet.....I promise I’ll find her a place, but it’s going to take me a minute....I swear it won’t be for long” he pleaded.

“Michael” she whined. She liked her privacy. No one but Michael knew where she lived. Her neighbors rarely saw her, and always thought her house was vacant. She didn’t like a lot of people knowing to much about her, it could cause possible complications in her life that she didn’t need.

“Please Beth.......I’m begging you....please, I’ll lose her” Maria had told him that since she obviously couldn’t make it as an singer, and only had enough money for a bus ticket, she was going to return home. Maybe go to college like her mom had always wanted her too. He couldn’t let her go before things even started between them. Beth heard the desperate plead in his voice.

“So are you admitting that you have feelings for her” she inquired. Knowing that the only way he could possibly get her to agree was to be honest with her.

“Yes” he sighed.

“Are you two dating” she could practically see him squirming in his seat.

“We’ve been out a couple of times....I don’t know if you’d call it dating” he answered. Beth sat down on the toilet and ran a agitated hand through her hair. She knew she could never tell him no, especially after all the times he had been there for her. Sighing heavily, she turned on the water for her bath.

“One month Michael, and that’s it....after that I don’t care, she has to go” she stated firmly. Not even trying to contain the excitement in his voice, Michael grinned brightly.

“Thanks Beth....I promise I’ll take care of everything...I’ll bring her over after closing.”

“Yeah...yeah” she hung up the phone, hoping she hadn’t just opened a can of worms. Sinking down in the tub, she closed her eyes and let the warmth of the water seep through her, while her mind drifted to Max, and what she was going to say to him. Soon she had fallen asleep, and was interrupted by a persistent knock at the door.

“Just a minute Michael” she shouted as she threw on her robe. She raced to the front door, and yanked it open.

“What took you so long” Michael huffed as he walked past her carrying Maria’s things.

“It’s nice to see you too Michael” she snipped out. Michael turned at the snide remark. His eyes finally taking in her appearance. His eyebrow raised as he stared at the skin exposed from under her robe. Beth rolled her eyes at the smirk on his face and knew were his eyes were lingering. The robe barely came to the middle of her thighs. The strap was tied loosely, revealing the side of her breasts that were teasingly peeking out.

“Oh grow up” she smiled, and suck her tongue out at him. Maria stood nervously in the doorway. She watched the way they moved comfortable around each other. Beth didn’t even seem to mind that she was walking around practically naked in front of Michael, leaving her once again to wonder exactly what their relationship was. She watched as he slid his hands around Beth’s waist, and leaned down and whispered in her ear, causing her to swat his hands away, and giggle. Michael grinned, and turned to Maria.

“Come on in” he grabbed her hand and lead her inside. Beth smiled warmly at her.

“Hi Maria”

“Hi Beth.....listen, I really appreciate you letting me stay her, and I promise that I want be any trouble.....and I’ll be out of your hair as soon as possible” she rushed to assure her.

“It’s no problem...........here, let me show you around.” she walked down a long hall. “This will be your bathroom” she pointed to a door to the right. She opened it so that Maria could get a view. “...and this will be your room........mine is just down that hall” she pointed to another long hall. Maria opened the door and gasp at the sight before her. The room was huge, it was two times as big as the dump she had rented from Lou. There was a large queen size bed that rested in one of the corners, that looked very comfortable and inviting. It was covered in a soft baby boy comforter, and what looked like dozens of pillows in numerous sizes and shapes. The walls were covered in extravagant paintings and relics. To the left sat a yellow chaise that was resting in front of a huge picture window. There was a entertainment center to the right. The room had a very welcoming feeling.

“You can put your things in here” Beth motioned to the large walk in closet, that was housing two large dressers. Even with the dressers, there was still left an efficient amount of space in the closet.

“I really don’t know how to thank you Beth” Maria exclaimed sincerely. Beth waved her off.

“Well, I’m going to call it a night” Maria turned to examine the room. Beth turned to Michael. “I’ll call you tomorrow” she smiled. He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek.

“Night”

“Night”

“You need any help settling in” he asked Maria. Not stopping her exploration of the room, she shook her head.

“No, I think I can manage” she smiled. Walking over to him, she placed a gentle hand on his arm. “Thank you Michael.......for everything.”

“You’re welcome....get some sleep ok?” he brushed his lips over her forehead, and left her to get settled in.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Nathaniel Arnold, you have five minutes to get your butt down here, before I come up after you” Madison Arnold yelled at her son. It was almost nine o’clock, and his game started at ten. They had to be on the field at least by nine thirty. Her son had a habit of waiting until the last minute to get out of bed.

“Calm down honey” her husband said as he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her on the cheek. She couldn’t help it. Today was going to be his first soccer game, and she was just so excited and anxious all wrapped up in one. She was so worried about her baby boy getting hurt out there on the field, but Ben had assured her that he would be ok.

“Ok...ok, I’m going to go see what is taking him so long” she pulled out of his arms, and ran up the stairs to check on her son. She knock on the door, before stepping in. She could see him sitting on the bed, his back was to the door. He was already dressed in his uniform, and his bed had been made. He looked to be deep in thought as he stared at something in his hands.

“Hey......whatcha doing” she asked, stepping further into the room.

“Nothing” he answered without looking up. She sat down beside him, and brushed his bang of his forehead. Now that she was sitting next to him, she could see what he was holding in his hand.....the locket. When Ben and her had first found out that they couldn’t have kids, they had immediately looked into adoption. They had been foster parents for two years, when Melissa their case worker had called and said that she had a little boy that had apparently abandon at birth, and needed a home. They had instantly fell in love with the small infant, with the wavy ebony hair and chubby cheeks. When they had picked him up from the hospital, the nurse who had been taking care of him, had given her everything that he had came in with, which was a blood stained quilt, a letter and the locket. Madison had taken the quilt to wash it, when another letter that had been somehow hidden in it fell out. She could still remember the words.

To whom it may concern,

I know I have no right requesting anything from you. You must think that I’m a horrible person for leaving such a precious thing like him, but know that I did it for his own good. I love him so much that it hurts my heart to leave him, but it wouldn’t be safe for him to be with me. Which is why I’m doing the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I’m leaving him in hopes that he could be safe and away from the drama that is my life. The locket that he is wearing is very special to me, and I would like for him to keep it, just for a reminder that I love him, and he will always be in my heart, and maybe someday I will be able to tell him personally, and let him know all about were he comes from. Please take care of him.

L.

Something about the letter had made Madison agree to the request. Maybe it was the desperate plea she could feel coming off each word, or maybe it was pain she had felt for the person that had wrote said letter. Whatever the case, she had left it around his neck, and had never taken it off. She knew that the locket held pictures inside, but she had never opened it. She felt that it was something personal, and that Nathan should be the first to open it. Nathan knew that he was adopted, but he knew that they loved him as if he was their own. Even though he was only four, he was extremely bright for his age, and he understood that he was a gift of god brought to them to love. He would sometimes ask about his real parents, and they would be honest with him. Not knowing exactly what to say, they just assured him that his parents loved him very much. He had seemed to accept their answer. Now as she look down at his hands, she noticed that he had opened the locket, and what she saw was a girl that looked exactly like her son staring back at her.

“Is that my other mommy” he whispered, breaking her out of her reveries. His small eyes staring up at her expectantly. It was no doubt that she was indeed his mother. She slowly nodded her head, and felt him sigh heavily beside her. She watched as he stared intensely at the picture, his thumb gentle caressing her features.

“She’s pretty” he said uncertainly, not wanting to hurt his mommy’s feelings. Madison leaned over and looked at the picture.

“Yeah she is” she smiled.

“Do you think she misses me” he asked hopefully. He had been aware of the locket since he was two. As he got older, he sometimes at night when he was frightened by a noise, he would instantly wrap his hand around it, and immediately feel safe. He knew that it was something that his other mommy had given him. His mommy had always told him how much his other mommy loved him. He knew that the locket was hers, that was why he had always keep it against his heart, hoping to feel close to her. He had been putting it in his drawer this morning, not wanting to lose it at the game, when it had slipped out of his hand and hit the hardwood floor. He had bent over to pick it up, when noticed the clasped had popped opened revealing the pictures. He had stared at it in wonder. Wondered where she was...did she never think about him....ever wanted to know what he looked like.....if she missed him. Don’t get him worry, he loved Madison and Ben, and they showered him with nothing but love, but a part of him always wanted to know his other mommy. He felt like a part of him was missing....missing a bond that he knew she could only fill.

“Oh sweetie..” she pulled him into her arms and held him close. “I know she does...just like I know that she loves you very much” and she had no doubt about that from the letter. Taking another last look at the photo, Nathan closed the locket and walked over to his dresser. Pulling out the keepsake box his parents had started for him when he was a baby, he slipped the necklace inside it, and gently closed the lid. His fingers lingered over the box before he stuffed it back in his dresser.

“Hey, is everyone ready” Ben asked excitedly, oblivious to the mood in the room. Madison looked at her son, and saw that he was smiling brightly at his dad, nodding his head eagerly. She hoped that everything was ok with him. But deep down, she had a sinking feeling that something was about to happen to change their lives forever.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Max groaned inwardly for the ten time that morning. It was eight in the morning, and he was extremely tired. He and Alex had stayed up late into the night drinking and talking about old times. He had barely laid down at four, when his mom had called them at six request both of their presents for an early outing before they were to leave to return to Roswell. Never being able to say no to his mother, Max had reluctantly dragged himself out of his bed and got ready. And after several attempts, he had finally managed to pull Alex out of his slumber.

“You know I will never forgive you for this don’tcha” Alex grumbled. His eyes were bloodshot red from his lack of sleep and his hangover. His head was pounding, and his legs felt like they were jell-o up under him. Marge had insisted on taking the family out to a lavished breakfast at a little café near the pier. When they were headed over there, Diane had spotted a Farmers Market, and wanted to stop and look around. That had been and hour ago, and their arms were loaded with fresh flowers and tons of fruit and vegetables. She wanted to make sure Max and Alex had something edible in their fridge besides pizza. Max only smiled at his friend, and followed dutifully behind his parents and aunt and uncle.
“Come on boys, keep up” Marge shouted over her shoulder. Her arm was linked through Diane’s, and they were trying to spent as much time together before she had to leave.

“Yes ma’am” they mumbled in unison. They walked around some more stopping at different vendors. Max stopped suddenly when he spotted a bunch of tasty looking strawberries. He couldn’t help it, they were his weakness.

“They’re as juicy as they look” the lady smiled when she noticed the young man eyeing the fruit. Unable to resist, Max bent over, setting the bags down so that he could retrieve his wallet. He went to reach for the box of strawberries, when a small feminine hand reached out and grabbed the box at the same time. Max looked up, and his eyes widened in shock.

“Beth”

“Max” she whispered in equal shock. After her run, she had decided to come to the market to pick up some things for dinner. She had gotten up early as usual, but she had to be quiet now that Maria was staying with her. She wasn’t use to someone in her home, and she prayed that Michael found her a place soon. It wasn’t like she disliked Maria, in fact she had found her to be an interesting character, but Beth was use to her privacy. Max stared at her, his eyes taking in every detail of her face. It seemed more then a week since he had last seen her. She was just as breathtaking as the first time he had seen her. Her hair was pulled back into a simple ponytail, but a few strands had managed to escape, and were kissing the sides of her face. She was wearing a yellow spaghetti strap tank top, and white cargo capri’s. On her feet were a pair of yellow flip flops with a large sunflower on them. Her toes were painted clear, and a butterfly toe ring adorned her index toe. ‘God she was beautiful’ he mumbled to himself. The two of them stared unspoken into each others eyes. Neither knew what to say to the other.

Beth still hadn’t came up with exactly what to say to him yet. She had hoped to have more time, but now as he stood before him, looking as handsome as ever. His bangs were following over his liquid amber eyes. His ears were protruding out from under his hair, and she thought they were adorable. She couldn’t help it as her eyes ran appreciatively over his body. The hunter green t-shirt was a compliment to his golden skin, and it did nothing to conceal the defined imprint of his muscles. Muscles that she had the pleasure of running her hands over the other night. Her eyes traveled down his long, strong arms that lead to even stronger hands. Hands that had gripped her bottom, and held her close to him. She shiver involuntary as she thought about that night. He was wearing tan shorts that showed off his muscular calves. Birkenstocks sandals covered his feet.

“Sorry” she finally said, breaking the silence. She pulled her hand away from the box, and tugged on the bag over her shoulder, lowering her head. Her voice broke Max out of his daydreaming, and he smiled, and pulled his hand away also.

“It’s ok” the lady at the stand looked between the two of them, and wondered if they even knew the type of electricity they were setting off with their heated stares.

“I’ve missed you at the diner” he said softly. Beth could hear the slight hurt in his voice, and kicked herself for putting it there.

“I’ve been busy” she offered as an excuse. Max nodded his head. Again silence fell over them again.

“Look Beth....”

“Max I...” they spoke together. They both let out a nervous chuckle.

“Come on Max....the ‘rents are waiting” Alex slapped him on the back, not realizing what had interrupted. He stared at the pretty brunette in front of his friend and gave her a dashing smile.

“Who’s your friend Max” he grinned. Max rolled his eyes, and smiled.

“Beth this is my friend Alex.....Alex this is....”

“Holy shit! You’re her....I mean she’s you.......I mean......you’re Erotica” he shouted, causing everyone to turn in his direction. Beth blushed and lowered her head in embarrassment.

“Alex!” Max hissed at his friend. Wondering what was taking the boys so long, the others had came looking for them.

“Beth!” Marge smiled excitedly, and pulled her into a hug. “It’s so good to see you”

“Hi Marge...Ray....Mr and Mrs. Evans, it’s nice to see you again” she smiled warmly.

“You too dear” everyone notice the slight tension between Max and Beth. Deciding to ignore it, Marge jumped up and down excitedly.

“Oooh Beth, we are just about to go have breakfast, why don’t you join us” she beamed at the idea. Max to nodded his head, wanting her to come with them so that he could have a chance to talk to her. Beth began to shake her head.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t.....I have somewhere to be in a little bit” she looked at her watch “actually I should really be going” she smiled, noticing the frown that came across Max’s face.

“Oh” Marge sigh disappointedly. “Maybe next time” she smiled and hugged her.

“Of course” she agreed.

“It was nice meeting you Beth...perhaps next time when we’re in town we can get together” Diane suggested, laying a gentle hand on her arm. She could see that she had already had an effect on her son by the light in his eyes that had burned out two years ago, and she knew it was all due to the young girl standing before her. She hoped that Beth gave her son a chance, and she would be a permanent fixture in their lives. Throughout their vacation, Ray and Marge had nothing but kind words to say about Beth, and they believed that she and Max would make a sweet couple. Diane really just wanted her son to be happy. He deserved some happiness in his life after all he had been through.

“I’d like that” she smiled warmly. The four adults left the three of them standing there while they headed back to the car.

“Soooo....” Alex grinned.

“Bye Alex” Max warned. Taking the hint, Alex winked at Beth.

“Nice seeing you again Beth”

“You too Alex” she smiled.

“Hurry up Maxwell........I’m hungry” he whined.

“You’re always hungry” Max teased.

“Hey....I’m a growing boy” he flexed his muscles, causing Beth to giggle. He playfully punched Max in the shoulder, before running to catch up with the others.

“He’s quite the character” she chuckled.

“Yeah” he ran his hand through his hair. “...he can be a real cut up sometimes. Beth turned and paid for the apples in her hand.

“I’ll see you around Max” she needed to get away from him so that she could think. She turned and began walking away.

“Beth wait” Max hurriedly paid for the box of strawberries and rushed after her. Beth began to fidget as she watched him walk up to her.

“Have dinner with me” he pleaded.

“Max I really don’t think that’s such a good idea” she started.

“Please Beth....I just want to talk....just dinner” he stepped closer to her. His fingers brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear, before letting them trail down her arm. Beth felt herself grow dizzy from his feathery touch. When he saw her about to protest. “I’ll even cook for you” he gave her one of his half smiles, causing her to melt and her resolves began to waver.

“You cook” she raised an eyebrow at him. Max’s grin grew wider at the disbelief her heard in her voice.

“Are you kidding.....you’re looking at the next Emeril” he puffed out his chest proudly. Beth rolled her eyes, and bit her lips uncertainly, and Max could tell she was ready to shoot him down.

“Pleeeaaassseee” he gave her the saddest puppy dog eyes he could muster up, completely crumbling her will to fight him.

“Ok” she whispered. Max gave her a toothy grin, and quickly wrote down his address and handed it to her.

“How about seven?” his parents were scheduled to leave at four that afternoon, which gave him three hours to prepare the most immaculate dinner ever for her.

“That’s fine...I’ll see you later Max” she stepped his information in her pocket and gave him a quick wave.

“Bye Beth” he smiled. His eyes followed her as she walked away, eventually disappearing in the crowd. Beth jumped in her car, and headed towards the park.


LATER........LS

Sorry for the delay..............

Chapter 5

Beth jumped to her feet, and screamed at the top of her lungs. Their team had just made another goal, bringing the score up to 3 to 2 their lead. Several of the rival team parents stared up at her in disgust. Here she was sitting in their section, rooting for the opposing team. Beth sat back down, ignoring their piercing glares. She didn’t care that she was the black sheep in the crowd. When she had first arrived at the park, there were parents and kids running around, everyone trying to get situated. She had been headed over to the bleachers when a small voice stopped her in her tracks.

“Mommy....my socks won’t stay up” Nathaniel whined. He had ran out the house without his socks, and his mom had to bum some off another mother. They were to sizes to big, but it was regulation to wear socks. He had been complaining every since she had handed them to him. He did not want to wear someone else socks. No telling what was crawling around in them. Beth had sat back and watched as the woman adjusted the socks and retrieved two pins out of her purse and pinned the socks in place.

“Now....that should hold them” Madison smiled as she ruffed her sons hair.

“Thanks mom” he ran off to join the rest of the team, and Beth’s eyes followed him longingly. She wanted nothing more then to rush over and wrap her arms around him, but she knew that it wouldn’t be wise. She was torturing herself, but she had to see him, even if it was from afar. He was all the family she had left. Knowing that she couldn’t get to close, she had decided to sit on the other side of the field with the opposing team. She watched on in pride as Nathaniel ran down the field, stealing the ball, and scoring another goal.

“Alright” she shouted.

“Excuse me” the irritated woman next to her started. “I believe you’re on the wrong side” she stated coldly “this side is for the Stallions not the Heat” she was glaring at her now, as the others parents nodded their heads in agreement. They obviously didn’t like her sitting in their section. Beth looked down at her.

“And?”

“And....why don’t you go over to your side of the field” another mother bite out. Before Beth could come back with a snide remark, the referee blew his whistle, signaling the end of the game. Heat-4 Stallions-2. Beth calmly gathered her bag, a smirk of victory on her face.

“Ahh, better luck next time” she smirked, taking one last look at the field. She watched as he jumped up in down with his teammates, before lining up for the traditional shaking of hands. Her breath froze in her throat, when she found him staring right back at her. His head tilting as if studying her, then his eyes grew round, before his attention was grabbed by his parents running up to him and engulfing him in a bear hug. Nathaniel searched the crowd, in hopes of seeing her again, but it was no use...she was gone. He sighed sadly and walked over with his parents to retrieve their things.

Beth laid her head against the steering wheel, as her fingers held it in a death grip. She was trying to calm her racing heart. Her breathing was coming out in heavy pants, as tears pricked her eyes before falling helplessly in her lap. Her whole body shook, as she tried unsuccessfully to reign in her emotions. The look in his eyes as he stared at her was permanently imprinted in her head. It was like he was searching his memory, trying to figure out were he had seen her before. She couldn’t move, it was like her body had lost all ability to function, but when his eyes had widen in shock, her mind quickly kicked into action, and she tore her eyes away from his, and was grateful when his parents rushed forward.

“Damn it…damn it….damn it” she cried, slamming her hands on the steering wheel. She was kicking herself for being so careless. She knew she should have never came here, but she couldn’t resist, it had been a week since she had seen him last, and she just wanted to be there for him, at least for his first game. She had been watching him for four years, and never once had she ever made any type of contact with him. She would always lurk in the shadows, watching from afar, as he grew up. Sitting up, Beth wiped the tears from her eyes, and checked her appearance in the mirror. She knew that by that one encounter, things could get bad. Making a decision, as much as it was going to hurt, she had to stay away. Setting her shoulders, she took one last look at the field, watching as he chase a teammate across the field, before she pulled out of the parking lot, knowing that she was to never see him again for his own protection.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Max opened his arms, and engulfed his crying mother. They were at LAX, and his parents were preparing to return to New Mexico, and his mom and aunt had just had an emotional good bye. Max hated it when his mother cried, it was all he could do but cry along with her. He pulled back, and wiped away the remaining tears from her eyes.

“Don’t cry mom” he cooed.

"I'm sorry.....it's just that I'm going to miss you guys so much" she whispered, again burying her head in his chest" Max wrapped his arms around her, and rubbed her back. His father gave him a sympathetic look over her shoulder, knowing all to well how emotional his wife could get. Looking over at his uncle, Max saw that he wasn't having much luck with his sobbing aunt. The announcement for their flight came over the loud speakers overhead. Diane gathered her strength, and pulled out of her sons arms.

"Now you boys make sure you eat something healthy, and just because it has all the food groups...pizza is not healthy" she brushed aside his bangs, and looked between Alex and Max, giving them her best motherly glare.

"We will" they promised. Diane gave her son one last questioning look.

"You know you can always come home, right?" she told him hopefully. As much as she supported Max's move, he was still and always would be her baby. At least when he was staying at home, she had the comfort of seeing him everyday. Know that he was ok. But now he was going to be hundred of miles away, and she didn't quite know if he was ready to be alone. Sure Alex would be there, but Alex hadn't been through what Phillip and she had with Max for the last two years. He wouldn't be able to recognize when he was starting to get depressed or emotionally withdrawn. She could only pray that this was the right thing for him, and that he was able to get his life back and be happy. Max smiled down at his mother. knowing that she and his father still worried about him, and they had every reason to be, but it was their constant watchful eye that caused him to decide to move to LA. He knew that they meant well, but were unable to move from the past, and realize that he was doing a whole lot better then he was two years ago. He just thought that if he could prove to them that he was able to function on his own again, it would lessen their worries, and being to enjoy their retirement. So when Alex had offered him to come and move in with him, he had jumped at chance.

"I know mom.....I'll be fine" he assured her, his eyes staring into hers, willing her to believe him. Diane nodded her head.

"Don't worry Mrs. E.....I'll take good care of Maximilian here" Alex grinned and threw his arm around her shoulders.

"That's exactly what I'm afraid of" she smiled back, poking him in his stomach. She knew from experience what kind of trouble Max and Alex could get into when they were together. It had been plenty of times that they had to bail him and Max out of trouble when they were in high school. .Alex was a huge prankster, and on several occasions had talked Max into doing them with him, landing them both in the principles office, and once in jail. She wasn't quite sure she wanted Alex to be the one looking after her fragile son.

"Oh, my fragile heart" Alex laid his hands over his chest, while he feign hurt. Diane pulled him into a hug, and he whispered in her ear so only she could hear.

"Don't worry...I'll look after him" he smiled when he released her, and she knew he was serious. Max was like a brother to him, and even though he might joke a lot, but when it came to something serious like what happened to Max, he was all business. Phillip embraced his son.

"Make sure you call your mom at least once a week....let her know that you're ok.....you know how she worries about you" he raised an eyebrow at him.

"I will"

"I'm going to miss you son" Phillip didn't want to embarrass him with his tears, but Max the only child he had left, and his baby. Technically he wasn't a baby, but a twenty six year old grown man, but even when he’s eighty, he'll always be their baby. Max nodded his head in agreement, and gave his dad one last hug, before the flight attendant called their section.

"Tell Beth goodbye for us" he had informed them after several gruesome minutes of their drilling about his and Beth's dinner plans"

"Yes ma'am"

"..and Max" she gave him a pointed look "....mind your manners, and treat her with respect" she warned him, causing him to blush wildly. Marge and Diane hugged one last time , before they both wrapped themselves in their husbands arms.

"Christmas" Marge reminded her. They had came to an agreement that they would spend this Christmas in Roswell. Now the only hard part was for his mom and aunt to last another eight months without seeing each other again.

"I love you" they all called out. The four of them watched as they boarded the plane, and when it finally took off.

"Come on Maxwell....lets get you to the store" Marge smiled at her nephew. She wanted to make sure he had everything he needed to prepare his dinner for Beth She knew that if they were to just spend sometime together, they would hit it off. So she was going to do everything in her power to help him win her over, knowing that Beth could be very stubborn when she wanted to be. The thought of seeing Beth tonight broke the sad mood, and he eagerly threw his arm around her shoulders and guided her to the exit. An hour later, Max and Alex walked through the door with the arms loaded with groceries.

"Man.....I never knew grocery shopping could be so exhausting" Alex complained as he sat down the heavy bags on the kitchen table. They had made the mistake and let her and Max's mom see the inside of their refrigerator, and at the time there was nothing in it but a carton of rotting milk, a six pack and a large pizza carrier, with a half of pizza left in it. Alex wasn't use to spending an hour in the grocery store. This is a guy how considered Fruity Pebbles fruit.

"I think aunt Marge went a little overboard" Max chuckled as he ran his fingers through his hair. He looked around at all the bags covering the table, and that was only half of them. There was still at least twenty bags they had to get out of the trunk.

"So...what are your plans for tonight" Max asked him, as he started putting away the food. Seeing the apprehensiveness in his eyes, Alex decided to yank his chain.

“I don’t know.....I was thinking about lounging around........have a couple of beers........kick back, you know what I mean” he hid his face behind the box of raisin brans he was putting away in the cupboard. He turned around to see the horrified look on his face. Max’s eyes were as big as saucer, and his mouth was open large enough for a RV to drive though, and if he wasn’t mistaking, he could see the tiny trace of tears gathering in his eyes.

“Wh-what” he stumbled out, not believing what he was hearing. Alex laughed inwardly, picking up another bag, he tried to conceal the smile on his face.

“Yeah....I mean, since Beth is coming over, we all could hang out together....get to know each other.

“Um...yeah....um...sure” Max said dejectedly. As much as he wanted to spend time alone with Beth, he couldn't very well kick Alex out of his own home to do so. He resumed to putting away the groceries, hiding the disappointment on his face. Alex couldn’t take it anymore, and began laughing uncontrollably. Max turned around at his hyena laugh, and looked at him confusingly.

“Oh man....you...you should have seen the look on your face” Alex grabbed his stomach, and swiped at the tears in his eyes “...I thought....I thought you were going to cry” he whizzed out. Max finally realized that he had been joking with him, and now he felt like a complete heel for falling for his antics.

“Ha ha” Max glared at him, the corners of his mouth twitching before turning into a large smile. He playfully punched him and the arm, and shoved him out of his way. It took Alex several minutes to regain his whits, and he slapped Max on the back.

“Don’t worry, the place is all yours tonight.....I have a date” he sang, stealing a apple out of the bowl he was pouring them into. Even though Max knew he had been joking, he couldn’t help the huge sigh of relief that escaped his lips. Alex watched Max beam a little, and lifted a eyebrow.

“You really like this girl huh?” Max nodded his head, and a dreamy look past over his face.

“Yeah.....I’ve been telling you that for the last two weeks” he pointed out.

“Yea, but Max she’s a stri.....” he was cut off by a hot look from Max. “What I mean is....I mean.” he sighed heavily, seeing the determined look in Max’s eyes. “.....just...Max, be careful” he knew there was no way to convince Max that he shouldn’t be getting his hopes up on this girl. From the way she had dodged him all last week, he wasn’t certain if she would return his feelings. Seeing the concerned look in his friends eyes, Max’s face soften and he leaned against the counter.

“Don’t worry Alex, I know what I’m doing” he assured him. Alex nodded his head reluctantly. He hoped for his own sake, that he knew what he was doing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Michael laughed at the screen. He had came over to see Maria, and hoped that maybe they could catch a movie or something before he had to head into the club. It was her night off, and he really wanted to spend some time with her, even if it was only for a couple of hours. Maria smiled, and placed her hand over his on the armrest. She had been ecstatic when he had stopped by. She had been bored and looking for something to do. She’d been depress all day. She had went for an audition for a new film that was scheduled to start production in two months, but the entire had started off on the wrong foot. First her alarm clock didn’t go off, and she was running forty minutes behind schedule. She had to take a quick shower and be across town within twenty minutes. When she had finally arrived at the open call, they were getting ready to close the set. She practically begged on her knees to allow her to just read for them, and finally after she had broke down in tears, the producer had agreed to let her read. She was suppose to read with another actor to see if they had chemistry, but the guy gave her one look before dismissing her all together. The producer ended up reading with her, and she had barely got into the character when he had told her thanks for coming, and to leave her resume at the door.

When she had left from there, she had missed the bus to take her back to Beth’s, and the next one hadn’t been due for another hour. So instead she opt to walk to the next stop, when it suddenly began to rain. She couldn’t understand how it could be nice and sunny one second, and pouring rain the next. So she had to walk in the rain, and to top it off, a truck had drove by, and splashed water all over her. The strap of her bag had broke, and her heel got caught in the drain and no one offered any help. Finally she had flopped down on the bus, as people stared at her messy appearance. When she had got home, she had taken a long hot bath, before crashing out. Michael's call to her cell had awaken her some four hours later, and she realized that Beth had yet to come back. She had hear her this morning when she had gotten up. Maria wasn't a heavy sleeper, so she had heard her when Beth made her way through the house, she remembered rolling over and looking at the clock, and noticed that it was only 4:21. She had groaned inwardly, and wondered how she could get up so early. Usually, Maria would be turning over at that time, which was exactly what she had done. She had barreled deeply under her covers, she still had another 6 hours before she had to get to her audition. Michael squeezed her hand, and smiled inwardly when she squeezed it back before lacing her fingers through his. Michael couldn't help it, and leaned over and placed a soft kiss on her lips. Maria sighed dreamily. She couldn't help it. She knew that she was falling hard for him, but he was just so irresistible. It was a great pleasure to be in his company. To anyone else, Michael might seem like a tough guy, with a rough exterior, with his large frame and scuffled appearance, and the way he wouldn't hesitate to rip your head off if you were to miss with any of his girls, especial her and Beth, proved that he was nothing more then a big ole teddy bear.

"Man, that movie was hilarious" Michael grinned as they headed out of the theater.

"Yeah" they walked sided by side in a comfortable silence, both not wanting the day to end. It was just five thirty, and they had a whole two hours before they had to go their separate ways, him to the club, and her home.

"Are you hungry" he asked hopefully. Maria thought about it, and realized that she actually hadn't eaten all day, and just to elaborate, he stomach growled loudly, and she looked up at him in horror. Michael gave her a small smile.

"I guess that means yes" Maria flushed. Too embarrassed to speak, she nodded her head instead. They continued to walk down the crowded walk. "So what do you feel like" Maria thought about it, and for some reason, she had a taste for stir fried rice and orange chicken. She told him such, and they headed to a nearby Chinese place that served the best shrimp fried rice.

"Do you want to eat here" he asked her as they entered the restaurant. Maria really didn't feel like being in a crowded restaurant at the moment.

"Do they have take out"

"Yeah, I think so"

"I' d rather get the food to go, and take it back home.....that is if you want to...if you would rather eat here.." letting her sentence hang in the air.

"No, that's fine, we can go over to Beth's....besides" he looked around the crowded restaurant. "It looks like it would be at least another hour before we were even seated" he assured her. They placed their orders, and were soon heading towards his car. They made small chit chat as they drove to their destination. Michael slipped in his key. He headed to the kitchen, and Maria followed. She watched as he maneuvered throughout the kitchen with complete ease, a sure sign that he had obviously done so a million times. Sitting two plates down at the breakfast bar, he sat down across from her, and began to open up the cartons. They ate in silence, occasionally sharing sly looks at each other. Once they were finished, Michael cleared the dishes, and proceed to wash and put them away.

"You must really spend a lot of time over here" she said. No longer able to hide her curiosity.

"Why do you say that" he dried another dish, and set it in the cupboard.

"Because...." she bit her lip, unsure of how to put what she wanted to say in words that didn't sound reeked with jealousy."...I mean it seems like you know your way around fairly well....which could only mean that you spend a lot of time here" as much as she tried, she couldn't get that hint of jealousy that seeped though. Something Michael caught. Even though he couldn't help the small jump in his chest at her jealous tone, but he knew there was some things they needed to talk about.....More like someone. Sitting on the stool beside her, he grabbed her had, and turned her fully towards him.

"What are you really asking me Maria" she shifted uncomfortably in her seat under his scrutinizing gaze. There was no backing down now. She had opened this box, and now it was time to face the contents. She took a deep breath.

"Ok here's the thing. I see the way you and Beth are around each other, and lets just say that you are to 'comfortable with each other to be just friends.....I mean, really Michael what is going on between the two of you.....are you friends....lovers....what?" she held her breath, preparing herself for the blow. Michael let out a long breath, running his fingers through his hair, making it stick out on ends. What was he suppose to say. He thought about it for a moment, before coming to the conclusion that honesty would be the best way to go. Maria stared at him, waiting on his responds.

"Ok, here's the thing. Beth and I have been friends for four years. When I first met her, we were both down on our luck and were looking for something, anything to make us feel whole. So we decided to stick together, face the world together. We got a place together, and for awhile, it was just two friends sharing an apartment nothing more" now it was his turned to shift in his seat, but he continued nonetheless "...but soon, things changed. Beth started having nightmares that would cause her to wake up screaming in the middle of the night. I would go to her. She would be covered in sweat and tears running down her face. She was so scared, she wouldn’t let me leave, so I ended up staying until she fell asleep” Michael remembered that night all to well. He could still hear her piercing scream as it shocked him out of his sleep. Maria couldn’t quite picture the cool and confident Beth she knew from the scared and fragile one Michael just described.

“They were coming every night, that I rarely slept in my own bed anymore” he paused, and Maria waited to see if he would continue. After several of minutes of silence, she spoke up.

“Ha-have you slept together.....I mean ‘slept’ together” before he could answer. Beth walked through the door. She saw them sitting at the counter, and seen the tense looks on their faces. She had obviously walked in on something.

“Hey” she spoke tentatively.

“Hey”

“Hi” they spoke together. Neither one meeting her eye.

“Did I miss something” she asked. Maria smiled.

“Of course not” she lied. “We brought Chinese....you want some” she asked, already getting up to fix her a plate. Beth looked at her watch, and saw that she only had an hour before she was due at Max’s. She had been thinking of reasons all day to back out of the dinner, but she knew that wouldn’t be fair. She at least needed to go to dinner to let him know that things between them could never be.

“That’s ok...I have plans” she politely declined. She blushed slightly. Max narrowed his eyes at her. He knew that she rarely went anywhere without telling him so that he wouldn’t be worried about her. And the fact that she had failed to mention her plans had his supicisions rising.

“What plans” he asked. Standing up from his seat. Beth nervously tucked her hair behind her ear, and shifted from foot to foot.

“You know...dinner....with Max” the last part came out as a whisper, but Michael heard it nonetheless.

“WHAT!” he shouted, causing Maria to jump, and Beth to roll her eyes. She knew this was how he was going to react.

“Calm down Michael” she walked into the living room, and dropped her bags on the sofa. She had went shopping after she had left the park. Hoping that it would take her mind off a certain little boy. She had been window shopping for at least two hours, when she realized that she didn’t have anything to wear tonight. Another con to add to the growing list of reasons for not going. She had been walking down Rodeo Drive when a dress in one of the windows drew her attention. She had went in, and immediately purchased her size, and got shoes and a handbag to match. She didn’t know were she would wear the ensemble, but she definitely would find an occasion.

“Calm down” he gawked at her. “I can’t believe you’re going to go out with him” he exasperated as he followed her around the room, as she began to gather her things together.

“I’m not.....he’s cooking dinner at his house” she replied as if no big deal. Michael’s eyes nearly bucked out of his head.

“You’re going to be alone with him...in his house.....what has gotten into you....are you crazy....he could be some kind of serial killer or repeated rape offended” this caused Beth to snicker, which only infuriated Michael more.

"Please Michael...Max couldn't hurt a fly" this coming from Maria, who had been standing in the doorway watching them. Beth sent her a grateful look, but she knew he wouldn't listen to reason right now.

"How do you know...what kind of guy sits at a bar every evening waiting on you to come in...I'll tell you what kind....a stalker, that's who..." his arms were flying every which way to prove his point. "You were suppose to be telling him to leave you alone...not making a date with him" his voice was full of anger. Beth slammed the cabinet shut, and turned angry eyes on him. She knew he meant well, but she was a grown woman the last time she checked, and didn't need him dictating her every move.

"Now you listen to me Michael Guerin....first off, I don't need you coming down on me about this ok.....second, you know good well that I can take care of myself" she gave him a pointed look, and Michael grimaced slightly. Walking over to him, she placed a hand on his arm. Their eyes met, and features softened. "Michael, you know I love you, and I appreciate your concern, but I'm a big girl, and I want to have dinner with Max, I will, and there's nothing you can say or do about it. Now, if you don't mind....I have to get dressed" with that said, she pushed a stunned Michael out of her room, and promptly locked the door. Michael stared at the door for a long while. He heard the shower turn on, and the strings of the classical music she listened to when she showered. He huffed, before turning around to be met by Maria's questioning eyes. Before he could say anything, his cell phone rung. Answering it, he talked to the person on the other end. Maria watched as his face grew tense, and he rolled his eyes heavenward. Ending the call, Michael shoved the phone back in his pocket, he ran a tired hand though his hair, and gave her a shaky smile.

“That was Beverly....apparently Martini didn’t show up with all of the order” he ground his teeth together in frustration. “I swear, first thing Monday morning, I’m going to drop his ass and find another distributor” he placed his hand on her arm. “I’m sorry I have to leave so soon, but I promise I’ll make it up to you” he assured her. Maria nodded her head in understanding and gave him a small smile. Beth heard the door close, and she sunk her head out the door.

“Is he gone” she asked, seeing Maria standing there.

“Yeah”

“Thank god..” she stepped out in the living room, her long blue silk robe wrapped tightly around her waist. “...I thought I was going to have to go another round with him.......god he could be so overbearing sometimes” she flopped down on the sofa and ran lotion up her tan legs. Maria only smiled, and sat down in the chair opposite her.

“So Max huh?” Maria couldn’t help but be happy for him. The last week she had gotten to know him as he waited patiently for Beth to show up. She could tell he had a good heart. He was always offering to help her or the other girls clean up at the end of the night, and would always walk them out to the cars, wanting to make sure no harm came to any of them. Beverly on many occasions had tried to sink her claws in him, but Max only had sights for one person, and one person only. Beth tried to hide the blush that creep up her cheeks.

“Yea” she continued to apply the lotion to her legs, avoiding making eye contact with Maria. Maria could tell she didn’t want to discuss whatever was going on with her and Max, and she didn’t want to pry. They had only know each other for barely three weeks, and they hadn’t made it to girlfriend status just yet.

“Well, have a good time.......I’m going to call it a night” she said as she stood up. She headed for her room.

“Maria” Beth called after her, halting her journey. “Thanks” she smiled. Maria gave her a smile, knowing exactly what she was thanking her for. She left her to finish getting ready.

Chapter 6

Max looked at the clock for the tenth time in the last five minutes. It was ten minutes after seven, and she still hadn’t showed up yet. He was worried that she had changed her mind about coming....what if she only said she would come just to appease him.....maybe she was suck on the side of a road somewhere, trying to call him. These thoughts and a whole lot others were running through his head, causing him to pace frantically across the floor. He picked up the phone, seeing if there was a dial tone, making sure it was working properly.

“You do know that a watched phone doesn’t ring” Alex joked, coming into the room, and seeing Max check the phone once again. He was getting ready to leave for his date, but hadn’t left yet. He wanted to make sure that Beth showed up, and if she didn’t, he would be there to cheer his friend up. He had called Kimberly, and let her know that he may be a little late or not even come, depending on the outcome with Max. Max tried to smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

“I know” he sighed dejectedly. He flopped down on the sofa, and picked at one of the roses he had gotten her. Alex untangled his tie, and tossed his jacket over the ottoman. He sat down next to Max, and they sat in silence.

“How about a game of pool” Alex finally said after five minutes had passed. Max shook his head.

“Don’t you have a date waiting on you” he raised an eyebrow at him, knowing good while what he was up too.

“Nah, I can get with her some other time. Tonight it’s just me and you buddy” Max looked at him seriously.

“I appreciate what you’re trying to do Alex, but you don’t have to worry. I’ll be fine. It’s not the first time I’ve been stood up” the last part was a whisper, as he felt his throat clog.

“Come on Max lets...”

“Alex please” he stood up “just go out with Kim....have fun...I really don’t feel like going out...so just...go” he went to his room, and closed the door firmly behind him. Alex couldn’t help the anger that began to stir in him. He knew that she would hurt him, and he made it his priority to have a few words to her the next time he seen her. He grabbed his jacket, and headed out the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Beth cursed silently to herself, as she tried to read the house numbers on their little plaques and drive at the same time. She looked at the clock on the dash, and another curse past her lips. It was seven forty, and she was now officially late. It wasn’t her fault though. There had been an accident on the freeway, that had caused traffic to cease for twenty minutes. Then she had got off on the wrong exit, adding another ten minutes to her delay. She had tried to call him to let him know that she was running late, but she realized that she had left the paper with his phone number on it on the bathroom counter. As much as she had stared at the tiny slip of paper, she should have it memorized. But she didn’t, and now she had to hope that she didn’t arrive too late. Finally, she found the right house, and parked her car on the street. Stepping out of her car, she looked around at the neighborhood. It was very much like her own. Small, quiet, homely. Walking up the walk, she stepped up to the door, and knocked softly. Biting her bottom lip nervously as she waited. Wondering what she was getting herself into. When no one answered, she knocked again, this time a little harder.

Max opened the door to his room, and listened. He thought he heard a knock, but it could of been his imagination. Again the rapping on the door sounded, and Max rolled his eyes.

“Alex, what did you do.....forget your keys again” Alex was always forgetting his house keys. Grabbing his car keys, but never his house keys. He opened the door, and his eyes widened in shook.

“Beth?!” the surprise in his voice, clearly showed that he hadn’t expected her to come. Beth couldn’t help it. Her eyes ran over him. He was only dressed in a pair of slacks and a muscle shirt. His feet were bare, and his hair tousled every which way. Another sign that he had giving up hopes of her coming.

“Hi Max” she smiled, finally meeting his eyes. Max, still shocked, only stared at her.

“Ca-can I come in” she asked tentatively. She wasn’t sure if he wanted to have dinner or not. “I know I’m late....and if you’d rather I leave....” Leave, did she say leave. That snapped Max out of his daze, and he quickly reached and grabbed her hand as she turned to walk away.

“No...wait...I mean, please...come in” he ushered her inside, and closed the door behind them. He stood at the door, watching her as she walked into the living room. God she was beautiful, he thought to himself as his eyes ran over her frame. She was wearing a simple black dress with spaghetti straps. It came just to her knees, and his eyes roamed over her shapely legs. Black sandals that had straps that climbed up those sexy legs. Her hair was swept up in a bun with several strands flowing freely. Max groaned inwardly, wondering how he was going to survive the evening with her looking so tempting. Beth clutched her handbag in front of her as she turned towards him. She found him staring intently at her, and she felt the hair on the back of her neck stand at attention from his heated gaze. Pushing off the door, Max walked towards her. He was standing only a breath away, and Beth had to step back in order to resist grabbing him.

“I’m so sorry I’m late, but there was an accident....and then I got off on the wrong exit.....I was going to call, but I left your number at the house....” she was rumbling, and Max thought it was cute.

“It’s ok” he assured her. He was just happy that she had actually came, and hadn't changed her mind. They stood in nervous silence, either knowing happy to do or say to make things more comfortable.

"Can I offer you a drink" he finally asked. Beth nodded, and he headed into the kitchen to fix them something to drink. While he was in the kitchen. After a few minutes, and he still hadn't returned, she followed the path he had took, and made her way into the kitchen. A smile graced her lips, and she leaned against the doorframe. He was standing in front of the stove stirring something, but the thing that she found was making her heart swell, was the way he was humming happily to himself and his hips swayed to the beat of his tones. He was just so irresistible, how was she ever going to tell him things between them could never be. Max turned to grab the dish towel, but froze when he found her standing there, watching him. A blushed burned his cheeks, and from the intense heat his ears now felt, he knew they were just as red as the sauce he was stirring.

"Hey" he smiled shyly.

"Hey" she pushed off the door, and walked towards him.

"Smells good" she commented, as she reached him. "What is it" looking into the pot.

"Spaghetti" he smiled proudly. Beth raised an eyebrow at him.

"Spaghetti?.....and here I was expecting some elaborate dinner like shrimp or lobster...not spaghetti....I mean you are the next Emeril" she teased, her eyes sparkling when he ducked his head. He turned back to the sauce, and smiled.

"I wasn't sure what you liked to eat beside cheese danish, so I decided to go with something safe" Beth watched him as he added a few more spices. "I mean everyone likes spaghetti...right?" panic began to rise in him as he realized that she may hate spaghetti.

"Spaghetti's fine Max" she agreed when she saw the uncertainty pass his face.

He sighed in relief. "Good........besides, this just isn't your normal spaghetti sauce" this time his eyes twinkled.

"Oh no"

"Uh uh.....this here is what I liked to call Evans Heaven" Beth couldn't help the laughter that bubbled forward. "You mock me woman" he teased, causing her to laugh harder. She was laughing, a good sign right? he thought to himself. Finally, Beth wiped the tears from her eyes and straighten. She found him watching her with a half smile on his face.

"I'm sorry Max" the laughter in her eyes stated clearly that she wasn't. "...but Evans Heaven......that's quite a name."

"Well....laugh all you want, but I'm telling you that this here" he pointed to the sauce, "will have you begging for more" he warned playfully, his tone becoming more huskier. Beth swallowed hard, and looked around nervously. It had suddenly grew hot, and it had nothing to do with the stove. She noticed the dining room table had been set for two, with candles ready for use.

"Is there something I can help with" she asked, hopefully to shift the mood and her thoughts from certain forbidden areas. Feeling the mood change, Max looked around before he answered. There really wasn't anything else left to do. He was basically finished when she hadn't shown up. The salad and pasta were prepared, and the only thing that was waiting to be cooked was the garlic bread. He told her so. They moved around the kitchen together with such fluency. It was like they had been cooking together for years.

"Oh my god Max.....this is incredible" Beth's eyes closed as she savior the food in her mouth. They had sat down to eat about ten minutes ago, and he hadn't been lying, the sauce was heavenly. Max smiled, and looked at her knowingly. The way she looked with her eyes closed and her head slightly thrown back, cause several images to flash in his mind. His pants grew tight, and he had to cough several times to cover the groan that escaped his lips. Beth opened her eyes at his coughing fit, and noticed the strained look on his face.

"Are you ok" she placed her fork down and pushed her chair back, preparing to do the hilech (sp?) maneuver if need be. Max saw her panic expression, and held up his hand to halt her advances. Taking a sip of his wine, cleared his throat.

"I'm fine...I guess it went down the wrong pipe" he lied, hoping she couldn't read the naughty thoughts that were invading his mind.

"Are you sure" still not convinced, especially since his face had turn beet red. Max reached across the table, and captured her hand. His thumb rubbing softly against her palm.

"I'm fine Beth, don't worry." Actually, her worries had all disappeared the moment his had latched on to hers. Now she was watching the gentle way his thumb was caressing her skin, and she felt the spark run hotly through her body. Now it was his time to be worried.

"Beth?" she snapped her eyes to his. "Everything ok?" She reluctantly pulled her hand from his, and took a long swallow of her drink.

"Yes" she answered quickly, before she reluctantly pulled her hand from his, and took a long swallow of her drink. Disappointed from the lose of contact, but easily picking up on her discomfort, Max decided to stir the topic.

"So....you like" he pointed towards her plate, and watched her eagerly nod her head.

"You weren't kidding were you.......this is fantastic" to prove her point, she picked up her fork and took another healthy bite.

"Well....I try" he teased.

"Seriously Max.......you can tell me, it will be our little secret.....who cooked for you" she raised an eyebrow. Max laughed at her skepticism.

"No one cooked for me Beth....this was all my doing" he assured her, laughter still gracing his tone.

"Ok...then tell me, did you learn to cook like this....I mean most guys can't even boil water without practically burning down the place.....I still have scorch marks on my ceiling from when Michael tried to cook me breakfast one morning " she grinned. Max had to clutch down on the jealousy that overcame him at the mention of Michael, and the thought that he had been in her house, in the morning, cooking her breakfast. What exactly was he doing in her house early enough to fix breakfast. he wondered. Deciding not to dwell on it, and let it ruining the rest of their evening, he smiled at her.

"Well, I'm not most guys. The truth is, I've been cooking since I was ten" a surprised look pasted her face.

"Really?"

"Yea, when I was little, I use to sit at the counter, and watch my mom as she prepared dinner for us. One day she had turned to me, and said that since I spent so much time in the kitchen, that I might as well learn how to cook. She said that one on these days I was going to be on my own and would need to know how to cook for myself. She also said that some woman was going to thank her later" he smiled, remembering his moms words to him. "By the time I was sixteen, I was the one preparing the family dinners." Beth smiled, thinking Mrs. Evans was right. Some lucky woman was going to be thanking her for eternity for the handsome man before her. They proceeded to eat dinner, sharing occasionally little stories about themselves.

"Can I use your restroom" she asked as they made their way to the living room.

"Yea....sure" he lead her down the long hall. "Here you go" closing the door softly behind her, Beth took in the room. It was surprisingly very clean and tastefully decorated considering two bachelors stayed there. She didn't know why she expected to see clothes laying everywhere, and nasty toilet paper strolled about. Maybe that was just Michael's place. Quickly, she took care of her business, before checking herself in the mirror and exiting the bathroom. Going down the long hall that Max had lead her down, she noticed several pictures hanging up on the wall. There were pictures of Alex and Max, Max and his parents, Alex, and who she assumed was his parents, Ray and Marge, Max and Alex dressed in their blue and gold graduation cap and gown, their arm flung across each others shoulders. Big grins plastered their faces. As many pictures there were of Max and Alex, there was several pictures of a tall blonde girl with brown eyes and a body to die for. There were a couple of them with her and Alex, but most of them were of her and Max. She would be neither sitting in his lap, or him standing behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist as they smiled brightly at the camera. There was on of the two of them playing, what looked to be football. She was thrown over his shoulder, the football cradled protectively in his other arm, running as he dodged Alex’s hands.

Her eyes traveled over the memory wall, and another picture caught her eye. It was a prom picture, and it was a group picture of Alex and his date, and Max and the blonde haired girl. They were all smiling at their dates. Alex with his arms around his date, and Max with his around her. The thing that really caught her attention was the way the girl was looking up at Max with complete love and admiration. Max was staring down at her, a half plastered on his gorgeous lips. On and on, the pictures continued in that matter. The three of them playing together, laughing, hanging out. The way Max looked at her in the pictures, showed nothing but complete love. For some reason, that bothered Beth, and it took her a moment to realize that she was jealous. Jealous of the way the girl looked at him, smiled at him, and the way he returned those looks and smiles. She had no right to be jealous. After all, she was about to tell him that things between them could never work out, and yet she couldn’t help the heated feelings she was having over a ex-girlfriend, or was she still a girlfriend, and he was nothing but a two timing dog. Shaking off those feelings, she walked back into the living room, where she found him bending over the cd player. As if sensing her, Max turned around, and smiled.

“Hope you don’t mind, I thought we could listen to a little music” he suggested.

“That’s fine” she sat down on the sofa, and watched him as he flipped through the cd’s. Finally he had settled on one, and popped it in. Beth immediately smiled as the first notes of the saxophone hummed through the speakers.

“I hope you like jazz” he sat down next to her on the sofa, while Boney James played in the background.

“I love it” she nodded. They sat and talked for a while, but mainly listened to the soft melodies being played.

“Would you like another drink” he nodded towards her now empty glass. She looked so relaxed sitting there. She had taken off her sandals an hour ago, and her feet were folded up under her, the bun that her hair was in when she first arrived, was no longer up, and was now flowing freely over her shoulders. Beth looked at the glass in her hand, she could use another drink. Thinking that if she had a little buzz, she would be able tell him what she came here for.

“Yeah, I could use another” Max stood, and took her glass. He headed into the kitchen, giving Beth time to stretch her legs. She walked over to the fireplace, and poked the fire that he had started a while back. Finishing, she stood up, only to come face to face with another picture of Max and that girl. This one they were at the beach, and Alex was standing with a super soaker in his hands, while Max desperately tried to hide behind the girl. He was using her as a shield, and she had the toothiest grin on her face, her own super soaker tangling from her hand. Beth stared at the picture, jealousy once again rearing its ugly head.

“Here you go” Max handed her, her drink, startling her out of her reveries. She turned slightly, and accepted the drink in his hand.

“Max who is she” she asked before she could stop the words from coming out of her mouth. Max looked to the picture she was pointing at, and noticed who she was talking about. Beth noticed the way he stiffened, and his face became unreadable. He turned his back on her, and walked over to the sofa, were he sat down with a heavy thud, his head hanging low. Beth placed her drink on the mantle, and walked over to him, where she sat down cautiously.

“Max?” she placed a tentative hand on his forearm. Max looked up to her small, scared voice. “I’m sorry.....It’s none of my business”

“It’s ok” his eyes moved past her, and lingered on the photo. He took a deep breath. “That’s is-Isabel” Try as he might, Max couldn’t help the extreme amounts of guilt and sadness had washed over him as he said her name. A name he hadn’t spoken in two years. He knew he should be over it by now, but he couldn’t let himself off the hook. It had been two years. Two years since he had lost the most important person in his life. Not knowing why she needed to know, Beth asked the question that had been eating at her every since she seen the pictures in the hall.

“Is-is she your girlfriend” she whispered, and then lowered her head shamefully. Max stared at her as if she had grown a second head. Then a small smile past his lips as he realized she was jealous.

“Isabel is...was my sister” he chocked out. Beth’s head snapped up at this revelation.

“Y-your sister” how could she have been so stupid. Now that she thought about it, the pictures lacked the passion and affection that you found between two lovers. She had let her jealous and own feelings cloud her minds vision, and all she saw was Max with someone else that wasn’t her. All these things were signs that if she let Max into her life, she wouldn’t be able to function properly. He was a distraction....a good distraction, but a distraction nonetheless. She was deep in thought, before what he said suddenly penetrated her mind.

“What do you mean was” she asked him.

“What” Max asked, lost in his own thoughts.

“You said was....she was your sister. What did you mean” Max stared at his hands, wringing them over and over.

“She’s dead” he whispered.

“Oh Max....I’m so sorry”

“It’s ok....it happened a long time ago” he was staring out into space.

“Wh-what happened”

“I killed her” he bit out angrily.


TBC.....................

Chapter 7

“Wh-what” she stumbled. Max stared at the wall in front of him. His hands wringing in his lap. He could feel her intense stare on him, and heard the shock in her voice. He couldn’t look at her. He was to afraid to see the complete and utterly disgust in her eyes. He jumped in surprise when he felt her small hand wrap around his, stopping them from their nervous wringing.

“Max” her soft voice reached his ears, and he chanced a look. What he saw wasn’t disgust or repulsiveness as he expected. Instead, they were filled with warmth and concern. Beth had been watching him as he avoided her gaze, and stared at the wall before him. She wasn’t even sure if he realized that he was wringing his hands so badly that they had turned red. She could see the guilt on his face and the self hatred was rolling off him in waves. Forgetting about the reason she had came over in the first place, she placed her hand over his, seizing his moments. When she called his name, she wasn’t prepared for the raw emotions that rested in his tear filled eyes. He looked so lost, so fragile. Like he would break any moment now.

“Oh Max” she whispered. Without a second thought, she pulled him into her arms, cradling his head in her soft breast. His arms instantly wrapped around her tiny waist, and she felt the wetness of his tears as they slid down his face, and soaked through the thin material of her dress. This was new to Beth. She had never seen a man cry before, but for some reason, she knew instantly how to comfort him, soothe him. She rubbed her cheek against the crown of his head, while one hand stroked his nape, and the other brushed away the continuous flow of tears that caressed his cheek. His harden sobs shaking them both, and she held him close, whispering and cooing against his ear. Max clung to her desperately. It had been a long time since he had actually cried for his sister. Even at the funeral, he was to numb to even feel. He had stood unmoved next to Alex, as his dad and aunt tried to comfort his mother. Her breath brushed against his ears, whispering words of comfort. His hold on her became crushing, as wave after wave of guilt and sorrow invaded him. They stayed that way for what seemed like hours, him sniffling softly against her bosom, and her holding his trembling form in her arms protectively. After some time, his cries lessened, and he sighed heavily against her. Beth stroked his neck, as his warm breath danced over her skin.

“It-it was raining..” his raspy voice reached her ears.

“Max....you don’t have too...” she rushed out, when she realized what he was trying to tell her.

“I want too” he assured her. “Ju-just hold me please” his arms pulling her tightly against him. Beth nodded her head. Realizing he couldn’t see her.

“Ok” she whispered. Her fingers sunk deeper into his raven hair, massaging his scalp. Max found himself relaxing under her calming touch, and he took a deep breath, as he prepared to relieve the most tragic time in his life.

********
Two years earlier

“....and Max.....hurry up” Isabel ordered over the phone. Max rolled his eyes, and stuffed his wallet in his back pocket as he listened to her rant.

“Chill out Busy Izzy” using the nickname their dad had given her when she had first learned to walk. She was always getting into something, and they were always running behind her cleaning up the mess’ she made. It seemed that the name suited her. Because as she grew older, she became even busier. She was the captain her college debate team, editor of the schools newspaper, head cheerleader and associated with several school and community charity events and committees. She was so busy in fact, that she rarely came home to visit, which was why Max didn’t let her demands bother him. He hadn’t seen her in four months, and he couldn’t wait to see his little sister. They both were extremely busy, her finishing up her senior year at UNM Albuquerque, and him with med school.

“Stop calling me that” she scowled playfully. Truth was, Max was the only one she still let call her that. She was always trying to make him stop, but honestly she like when he called her that. Max smiled, knowing she didn’t mean it. He cradled the phone between his ear and shoulder, as he unlocked the jeep.

“Whatever.......I hope you didn’t pack all those shoes” he joked, knowing how his little sister liked to bring every pair of shoes she owned with her, and he wasn’t talking about two or three pairs. No, Isabel had what could only classify as a shoe fetish. The girl owned over three hundred pairs of shoes, some in which she had only worn once or never at all. She had a pair to match each and every one of her outfits. She even had matching house shoes for her pj’s. Isabel chuckled, remembering how pissed off him and Alex had been when they had helped her move her things to the dorm. She had three heavy trunks, and they had thought they were her clothes, but when they had found out there was nothing but shoes in the trunks, they dropped them at the bottom of the stairs, leaving her to having to beg some guys to help her take them up to her dormroom.

“Don’t worry Max, I’m traveling light this time” she smiled into the phone.

“Good.....I’ll be there within the next two hours” he assured her.

“Ok....I can’t wait to get home to some of your cooking” her mouth already watering for his food. Sure her mom could cook, but Max’s cooking ought to be a sin, the way it makes you want more and more of it.

“I’ll see you in a little bit Iz.......I love you”

“Love you too.” Exactly two hours later, he was pulling up to her dorm, and found her standing outside with a couple of her schoolmates. Max couldn’t believe that she was a college senior and would be graduating in a few months. He was proud of her.....his little sister. There was a three year gap between them, but one could never tell. When she had turn eleven, Isabel had went thru a major growth spurt, and was standing just as tall as fourteen year old Max, and a body of a sixteen year old. It had been several times Max and Alex found themselves defending her honor from some older boys that made rude and derogatory comments regarding her newly developed body. Now she stood at a supermodel 5'11, with her long blonde hair, and striking brown eyes, it was no wonder Alex was in love with her.

At first he wasn’t thrilled about his best friend dating his little sister, but he realized if it was anyone he trusted more with Isabel was Alex. He guessed it was bonded to happen. The two of them had been friends just as long as he and Alex. He had known for ages that she had a crush on Alex, but Alex was still seeing her as his little sister. But soon that had all changed Max and Alex’s senior year. Max was busy trying to keep his valedictorian status, leaving the two of them spending a lot of alone time together. Alex found himself returning her feelings, and they had been dating exclusively for the last two years. It was hard for them to maintain a long distance relationship, with him at UCLA and her in New Mexico, but they had managed to keep their relationship strong and fruitful. Alex was do to arrive home in two days. They were all coming home for the winter break. It would be the first time they were all together in four months. Max jumped out of the jeep, and had just enough time to brace himself as she jumped into his arms.

“Max!” she shouted excitedly. Max chuckled and wrapped his arms around her.

“It’s good to see you too” he smiled, placing her back on the ground. “You all set?”

“Yeah, my bags are over there” she pointed to were she had been standing with a group of girls, that were now giving him appreciative looks and whispering amongst themselves. Max cringed inwardly.

“Over there” his voice scared and trembling. It wasn’t like he was afraid of women, it was just he had a hard time telling them no, and right now he didn’t have the time for women in his life. Isabel rolled her eyes.

“Jeez Max, you act like you’ve never been around a women before”

“I have you know...I’ve been around plenty” he nodded matter of factly.

“Whatever.......come on, I want to get home” she tugged on his arm, pulling him along. Introductions were made, and Max shamelessly found himself hiding behind Isabel when one of the girls...Pam he believed her name was, kept running her hand up and down his arm seductively.

“Thank god..” he sighed when they finally climbed into the jeep. “I thought she was going to attack me” Isabel couldn’t help but laugh at the way he shivered.

“I don’t know Max.....Pam is a very ‘interesting’ girl” she smiled cheekily.

“I bet” he grumbled. Isabel reached into her pocket and pulled out a slip of paper.

“Here”

“What’s that” he asked looking at the paper in her hand, and trying to focus on the road.

“Pam’s phone number.......she said to give her a call.....she would make it worth your wild” again she cracked up laughing when he frown in disgust, snatching the paper from her hand. He crumbled it up and tossed it onto the highway. They continued on for another thirty minutes, just talking and catching up on each others lives, before the flashing of the gas light came on.

“Max” Isabel cried in disbelief. “How come you didn’t fill up before you left.”

“I forgot” he shrugged his shoulders. “Look, there’s a gas station just ahead....we’ll stop, fill up, and be on our way” he assured her. He pulled into the gas station.

“...and grab me a bag of hot Cheetoes and a Sprite....and bring back my change” he yelled after her retreating form as she went to pay for the gas. Isabel waved him off. Taking the pump, Max placed the nozzle in the tank, and watched as the dollars added up on the tank. Looking up at the sky, he noticed that it was starting to turn gray, and he saw the faint streak of lighting as it danced across the sky. Reaching into the back of the jeep, he pulled out the cover, and began fastening it in place.

“What’s with the cover” Isabel asked as she climbed back into the jeep, handing him his stuff.

“Were’s my change.......I gave you a fifty” he gave her a look, and she raised her eyebrow at him. It never failed. You would think he would have learned his lesson by now. Every time he sent her to the store, she would return changeless.

“Anyways.....why did you put the cover on” unwrapping the Snicker bar, she took a large bit, knowing that she was going to have to run an extra mile to work it off.

Max cast a sideways glance at her, before answering. “Looks like it’s going to rain” as expected, he watched her stiffen, and stop mid chew. Her face grew pale, and she clutched the seat beneath her with a deafening grip. Since she was a child, Isabel had been afraid of the rain. Whenever it would rain, she would crawl into the bed with him, and bury her head under his covers, cling to him, as he held her trembling form. Their parents thought that it was just a normal childhood reaction, but as she got older, the phobia got worse. Once she had been held up after school, and was heading home, when suddenly out of nowhere it began to thunder and lighting, and it was like the heavens opened up and it began to pour down heavily. Isabel had pulled over to the side of the road, she was scared out of her mind. She had called Max begging him to come and get her. When he had gotten there, it had taken him an hour to stop her hysteric cries and coax her in the jeep.

“Hey.......don’t worry...it’ll be ok” he wrapped his hand around hers, un-clutching it from the seat. She nodded her head, trusting her brother completely. She knew it was silly, her being afraid of the rain, but once when she was little, she had, had a dream about dying in the rain, and every since then, she was afraid that it would come true. She squeezed his hand, and sat back trying to relax.

The loud clashing and booming sounded through the air. Isabel shot up in the passenger set. She hadn’t realized she had falling asleep. She immediately noticed how the rain was coming down in heavy sheets, causing little too no visibility. She could see Max hovering close to the steering wheel, squinting his eyes, trying to see the road.

“Max pull over” her pleading voice had startled him. She had fallen asleep about twenty miles back, and he was thankful, because it seemed at that same moment the rain had began to pour down. He had prayed that she would sleep the whole way home, but as he turned to her trembling voice to see the frightened look in her eyes, his pray had fallen on deaths ear.

“It’s ok Izzy.....we’re almost home” and they were. They were about twenty minutes away from Roswell. Max rubbed his hand over the mist covered windshield, causing the jeep to swivel a little. Isabel gripped the dash, her frightened eyes darting back and forward from Max to the road.

“Max please” she was near tears now. She had this sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach, and she just wanted him to stop. Max looked over at her, and tried to give her a comforting smile.

“Isabel.....it will be ok....nothing’s going to happen.....it’s just a little rain” no sooner had he said this, bright lights of a semi was heading straight towards them.

“MAX!!!!” her screams, the sound of the rain pelting down on the jeep and the roaring sound of the diesel's horn was the last thing Max heard, before his world went black.

~~~~~~~~

He stood stiff as a stone, his right arm support by a sling, while his head was heavily bandaged. He stood unmoving as they lowered her body into its eternal resting place, watching his mother breakdown in tears as his dad, aunt and uncle tried to control her waving hands and anguish cries. Alex stood next to him, a supporting hand on his shoulder, his own tears cascading down his face. Unable to stomach the scene before him any longer, knowing that he was the cause of it, Max quickly adverted his eyes. He scanned the throws of people around him, their eyes full of tears and grief. It looked like the whole town of Roswell was there, which would be understandable. Isabel was a very loved person. Everyone seemed to flock to her, wanting to be around her bubbling personality and gracious charm. Several of her college mates were there, as while as some of her professors. Several of their eyes locked with his, and in his mind, he could see the look of hate, disgust for him. He had killed her and they all knew it. Max couldn’t take it, he ran down the hill, ignoring Alex’s tearful call after him.

He ran until the soreness in his legs, and the pounding in his head demanded him to stop. He dropped to his, uncaring of the wetness of the grass. It was ironic that it would be raining on the day of her funeral. It hadn’t rained since the accident a week ago, but today of all days it was raining. Not a heavy rain, just enough to coat the ground. The rain had killed her. ‘No, you killed her’ the little voice in his head taunted. Max lowered his head in guilt, knowing it was his fault that Isabel was died.....no one else’s fault but his own.

~~~~~~~~~~~

“Max!” Diane called through the house. She sat the bags down on the kitchen counter. It had been two months since Isabel died, and they were all trying to move on with their lives, as hard as it was, they were trying. That was all but Max. She knew Max blamed himself for what happened, and no matter how many times they all tried to tell him it wasn’t his fault, he still felt responsible. Alex had returned to LA shortly after the funeral. He and Max had, had a big fight. When he and Phillip had found Max in the cemetery, fallen to his knees and soaked from the rain, Max had went into a state of depression and self hatred. Alex had tried to talk to him, but Max had only blew up at him, saying that he didn’t know anything about what he was feeling, which caused Alex to grow angry.

“I don’t know” he had gawked in disbelief. “I loved her....she was my everything...so don’t you sit there, telling me I don’t know what it feels like to lose her” he had shouted at him. Max had only stared at him, before waving off his emotional blow up, and retreated to his room. Three days later, Alex left. Max hardly left his room, and was eating less and less. His behavior was starting to worry his parents.

“Max” she knocked softly on his door, not wanting to disturb him if he was asleep. She cracked open his door, expecting to see him lying in his bed. Instead it was empty. Walking into the room, a dreaded feeling came over her. The room was eerily clean. It wasn’t like Max was a slob, but usually she would have to remind him to pick up his textbooks off the floor or make sure his dirty clothes made it to the hamper. As she looked around the room, she noticed that the bed was neatly made, and freshly washed clothes were neatly folded and resting on top of it. His books were stacked neatly on his desk, and she could see the imprint of the wheels of the vacuum were it had been ran across the beige carpet. As much as she was thrilled to see that he had actually gotten out of the room and did something, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. Unless he had walked, she knew he was still here. Every since the accident, Max refused to drive. Phillip had gotten him a new car to replace the jeep, but it set unmoved in the driveway.

“Max?” she called again. Her throat was beginning to clog in fear. For some reason, her eyes landed on the door leading to his bathroom. Walking cautiously, she stood in front of it, afraid of what laid behind it. She could hear the sound of water dripping. She nervously placed her hand on the doorknob and gave it a twist. What she found made her heart stop, and her knees grow weak. There was her son, sitting in a tub of water, water that was stained a ugly red with his blood. Blood was pumping out of open wrist. His eyes were closed, and he had the most content look on his face. There was a note lying by the tub, drops of his blood rained down on it. ‘I’m Sorry’ was all it said. It took Diane only a minute to spring into action. Grabbing the phone off the sink, she quickly dialed 911, while wrapping his wrists in some towels. Next she had called Phillip, who had arrived just as the paramedics were loading their son into the ambulance.

************

“If-if I would have just listened to her......pulled over like she h-had begged me too....she-she would still be alive” he was crying harder, and buried his face in her chest. Beth’s own tears were falling down as she had listened to him retell the heart wrenching story. His guilt weighing heavily on her heart, as the thought that her and Max had more in common then he realized. Cupping his tear stained face between her hands, and forced him to look at her.

“Oh Max.....it wasn’t your fault....it was an accident.....something you had no control over”

“But I should have pulled over...I knew how scared she was....bu-but I didn’t listen.......why didn’t I listen” he sounded like a little boy, broken and wanting her to fix him.

“Max, no one blames you”

“I do” he whispered. “I just want it to stop hurting.....want the pain to go away” tears raining down his face. Unable to stop herself, just wanting to take his pain away. Beth leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. His lips were soft and inviting, and she found herself adding a little more pressure. Max was taken completely by surprise at first, but soon returned her kiss with just as much force. Her tongue ran across his bottom lip, searching for entrance. Max sat up, never breaking the kiss. he positioned her so that she was now straddling his lap. He opened his mouth, giving her full access to his warm cavern. Beth shivered at the touch of her tongue glided over his. His tears continued to fall heavily from under his closed lids, and she wanted nothing more then to ease his pain. She pulled away for some much needed air, only to swoop back down, and kiss his face. She kissed his tear stricken cheeks and moved upwards to his eyes, were she placed tender kisses over both of them.

"It wasn't your fault" she willed him to believe her. Their eyes locked. Max could only stare as her brown orbs held him captive. He wanted to believe her, he truly did, but he had been living with this pain for two years, it was hard to let go of the guilt when his sister was gone, and he was left without her.

"Stay with me" he pleaded. He wasn't sure he would be able to handle being alone, not tonight, not after opening up old wounds. He felt comfort in her arms, and didn't want to lose that comfort just yet. Beth bit her bottom lip nervously. 'What exactly was he asking of her' seeing the hesitation in her eyes, he rushed to assure her of his intentions. "I just don't want to be alone right now.....I-will you just hold me....un-until I fall asleep" he lowered his eyes shamefully. She must think he was the biggest wimp. But that wasn't the case, Beth thought he was the most strongest and courageous man she knew. She cupped his chin, and made him look at her. Once his eyes were on her, she leaned in and gently kissed his lips.

"Lets go to your room" she said once she pulled back. His large hands wrapped around her waist, as he stood up, her legs wrapping around his waist. She laid her head on his broad chest, and closed her eyes as he lead them to his room. Max closed the door firmly behind them. Unwilling to release his hold on her, he careful climbed onto the bed. Beth laid down, and felt him brush away her own tears.

"Thank you" he whispered against her ear as he spooned in behind her. He wrapped a protective arm around her waist, pulling her firmly against him. She felt his lips brush against the top of her head, and she closed her eyes and sighed.

"Don't ever leave me" his trembling voice drifted to her ears, and in that moment, Beth knew there was no way she would be able to deny him. He had captured her heart, and she believed that together, they could take away each others pain from their past. And in that moment, she realized she was tired of running, living in fear, she had to move forward, and hopefully with the man behind her, holding her so tenderly in his arms. She covered his hand that was resting on her stomach, and laced their fingers together.

"Never" she whispered, bringing their entwined hands to rest over her heart, trapping his arm to her body. Max tighten his hold on her, a bittersweet smile on his face. Soon, she the sound of his light snoring penetrated the air, and then and only then did she close her eyes. She felt safe in his arms, and maybe, just maybe he could chase away her own nightmares, if only for one night.

~~~~~~~~

He stood staring down at the headstone. It had been four years since he had been there. He couldn’t understand how things could have went so wrong. Thing had turn out so badly, taking a turn for the worst. Kneeling down in the grass, he pulled up some weeds that had overgrown the headstone. He could tell no one has been to visit for awhile. All the other plots were well kept, and had fresh flowers placed against the headstone. He was going to have to have a talk to the grounds keeper about that. He placed the small bouquet of wild flowers on the ground. His fingers trailing tenderly over the cool surface, tracing the indents of her name.

“God, why didn’t you listen” he whispered. He fought back the tears that were stinging his eyes. He sighed heavily. His mind drifted to all the secret meetings and hushed conversations they had. Her warm chocolate eyes swam through his mind. He could still hear her angelic laughter as he cracked one of his lame jokes. She was the only one that found him remotely funny. She wanted to have the ‘American Dream’ with him. The two story house with the white picket fence, a dog and 2.5 kids. He too wanted those things, but life had dealt him a different hand, one that he swore he would give up for her, all he needed was a few months to get all their ducks in a row so they could live in peace, but somewhere, somehow things got all haywire. Leaving her dead, and him living with a constant mark on his head if he didn’t find ‘her’ quickly. His cell rung, breaking him out of his thoughts.

“Yea”

“Where are you” the voice on the other end was irritable.

“I’m on my way” he lied. Standing up, he brushed his pants off. Taking one last look at the grave, he gave the caller his undivided attention.

“My patients are running thin” he bit out. “I’ve given you four years to find her.....and you’ve produced nothing.......it looks like I’m going to have to take matters into my own hands” he hung up before he got a chance to respond.

“Shit” Sean ran a frustrated hand through his hair. Jumping into his Jag, he skidded out of the cemetery.

TBC..................

Chapter 8

Alex stared at the blue car parked in their driveway. It was a sweet ride, and he wouldn’t mind sliding in the seat and taking her for a spin. He walked slow around the Chevrolet SSR convertible, giving it an appreciative once over.

“Yeah.......I could definitely bend a few corners in you” he said to himself, as his hand ran over the car’s smooth body. He looked up at his own Audi Cabriolet, and grinned. “Now don’t you go getting jealous” he slurred. He was a little tipsy after his date with Kim, but he wasn’t totally plaster that he couldn’t get himself home. He leaned over and placed a kiss on the hood of his baby. She was a gift from his parents on his twenty third birthday. She was his pride and joy. Jiggling the keys in his hand, he made his way to the front door. Once inside, he shrugged off his jacket, laying it across the coat hook on the wall. Walking into the living room, he noticed the two wine glasses on the coffee table, and frowned slightly. Now that hid mind was being released from the alcohol, things began to tick in his head. ‘Who’s car is that in their drive, and who was Max with’ Slowly, alex made his way down the hall that housed their rooms.

“Max” he knocked softly on his door. When he received no answer, he slowly twisted the knob before pushing the door in. He hadn’t been expecting the scene that greeted him. There, laying completely in peace was his best friend, but that wasn’t what shocked alex. It was the tiny figure lying, cradled securely in his arms. He immediately knew that it was Beth, and he couldn’t help the smile that formed on his lips. He had to admit, when he had left reluctantly this evening for his date with Kim, he had been furious with her. He had been prepared to go down to ‘Cherry’ and give her a piece of his mind. Regardless of the two muscle bond bodyguards that stood intimidating at the front entrence, he wasn’t going to let them hinder him from letting her know that no one treated his friend like that. His mind had been else were the entire evening. He had seen the devastated look on his best friends face, and he was for sure his going out was an invitation for Max to do something crazy. He had never shaken the dreadful phone call he had received from Mrs. Evans two months after Isabel’s funeral.

**********
Alex rolled over, and buried his head under his pillow, trying to drown out the persistent ringing of the phone. He had just gotten back from New York on a business trip, and he was exhausted. Although he was fortunate to land a well paying job fresh out of college, he knew that because he was the newbie, he was given the dreadful task of meeting potential clinets that had no intention of going with their company. He hadn’t slept more then four hours combined on the trip, and all he wanted to do was enjoy the comforts of his warm bed, and sleep for the next two days. Apparently, someone had other plans for him. Searching blindly from under his pillow, his hand finally collided with the phone, knocking over the lamp and picture frame that rested on his nightstand.

“Hello” his sleepy voice sounded across the phone.

“Alex?” Diane whispered.

“Mrs. Evans…..is that you” he sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

“Y-yeah, it’s me” her voice was trembling, and alex could hear the way she tried to fight back her tears.

“What’s wrong” he was fully awake now, knowing instantly that this wasn’t a casually call.

“I-it’s Max…he..he…oh god….alex, he slit his wrist” she was no longer hiding her tears, instead, she was sobbing uncontrollably. Alex stood dumbstruck in the middle of his living room. He had to have heard her wrong, Max wouldn’t do something like that.

“Wh-what”

“Alex” Phillip had gotten on the phone. He was holding his crying wife in his arms, while he tried to control his own tears. Nothing could have prepared him for the scene he had arrived upon when he came home. All diane had said was to get home quickly, and hung up. When he had seen the ambulance from the corner of their street, he never imagined that they were at his house. But when he pulled up, and his drive was blocked by the large white and blue truck, it was unmistakable. He had dashed out of the car, and ran full speed up the walk. He was met by the paramedics that were urgently rushing past him, pushing the gurney with his son strapped to it, blood covering the starched white sheet beneath him. Max had been pale from the blood lost, but like Diane, he couldn’t help but notice the total look of calm and content on his face. A cry difference from the guiltily and sadden look they had been greeted to for the past two months. Diane hadn’t been far behind them, and the moment that she had seen him, she had broken down.

“What’s going on” Alex was near tears himself, his heart pounding frantically against his chest.

“Diane came home, and found him…..” he broke off, unable to continue.

“Is-is he” afraid to ask the question he feared the answer too.

“He’s alive” Alex could hear a but in there.

“But” he edged him on.

“But he lost a lot of blood, and has slipped into a coma…they don‘t know I-if..” Phillip couldn’t fathom losing another child. Alex sat down heavily on his sofa. His hands were shaking, and he found it difficult to breath pass the lump in his throat. He had already lost his fiancé, the love of his life. How was he going to handle losing his best friend also, all in a span of two months. Unable to fight them any longer, Alex rested his head back on the cushion, and felt the tears as they slid from his eyes, and collected in small puddles in his ears.

“Alex…are you still there” Phillip asked after several minutes of silence. Alex wiped angrily at his tears for betraying him.

“Yea..yeah, I’m still here”

“I..we know that you’ve just left here and all, but it w-would mean…”

“Of course I’ll be there” he was already heading to his room. He pulled out his suitcase that he had yet to unpack from his trip, and sat it by the door. He grabbed the phonebook from under the coffee table, and began flipping to the airlines.

“Thank you Alex” He wasn’t able to get a flight out to New Mexico until midnight, leaving him six hours to dwell on what Max had done. When he arrived in Albuquerque, he had rented a car and drove straight to Roswell. He wasn’t surprised to see his own parents sitting in the hospital waiting room, with the Evans when he arrived. Max and him had always been like brothers. With him being the only child, and Max having no brothers, it was only natural that their parents had formed a close bond from their children’s friendship. The two were inseparable, and if Alex wasn’t at Max’s, you could always bet money that Max was at Alex’s.

“Oh Alex” Mary, his mom whimpered in his arms when she caught sight of him. She had been sitting nervously with Diane, while Phillip and Charles went out for some clothing for the four of them. Diane had finally cried herself into a restless sleep, and she had been running her hand through her long blonde hair, marveling at how much her and Isabel resembled each other. Alex wrapped his arms around her petite frame, and wondered how someone so small, could produce such a huge baby. She was only 4’11 and barely weighed 90 lbs. When he was born, he weighed 8lbs 2oz, and 21in long. He figured it had something to do with his father’s 6’3, 190lb statue.

“How is he” Alex asked, as he pulled her off to the side.

Shaking her head sadly. “There hasn’t been a change…the doctor said all we can do is wait” and they did. For three days they waited to see if Max would pull through.

~~~~~~~

Alex fought desperately to shield the sun from his eyes, as it crept in through the hospital window. When he realized there was no use fighting the new day, he stretched tiredly in the recliner, pulling the blankets away from his face. He was shocked to find Max staring at him with voided eyes.

“Hey” he whispered, feeling a little uncomfortable from the way he was staring at him unblinkingly. Max only watched him squirm for a moment, before turning and looking out the window.

“How long have I been here” his rough voice finally broke the uncomfortable silence filling the air.

“For three days” Alex said, coming to stand in his line of vision. Max wouldn’t met his eyes, instead, he focused on his heavily bandaged wrists. Several tubes and wires were connected to him, monitoring his activity. The smell of the antiseptics and disinfectants were burning his nostrils, and causing a turning motion in his stomach. He could feel the bile raising in his throat, and was grateful when Alex placed the wastebasket in front of him. Alex had seen him grow green, and he immediately knew that look. He held him up, as he continued to empty the contents of his stomach, which wasn’t much since he had been in a coma for the last three days.

“Thanks” Max choked out, as he fell back onto his pillows. Alex waved him off, and sat the can at the door. Walking back towards the bed, he sat down in the recliner he had been occupying for the last three days. Neither said a word as the sound of the constant beep of the heart machine provided the only noise in the room.

“I guess you’re wondering why I did it” Max’s voice startled Alex out of his thoughts. He looked over at him and pondered his question.

“No....not particularily.....more like how could you.....how could you put your parents through this after everything they’ve already had to live through” alex was angry. Angry at his display of selfish behavior. His shouting and anger towards him, seemed not to effect Max. He only stared out the window.

“They should have just let me die” he whispered. Alex stared at him in disbelief. Unable to control his rage, and the extreme amount of relief flowing through him that Max was going to live, he lunged in his face.

“That is the most stupid thing you’ve ever said.......don’t you know how devastated your parents are....how they blame themselves for your selfish act......you think that you’re the only one that lost Izzy....while guess what, you’re not. We’re all learning to live with the pain...we’re all hurting....” he whispered, tears running down his face.

“But you didn’t kill her....I did” Max shouted back. “I killed her.....she begged me to pull over.......pleaded with me to stop....but I didn’t.......I had to prove that nothing would happen........but I was wrong....something did happen.....I killed her..... took your fiancé away.....I took away their daughter...and now....now I have to live with it for the rest of my life...” he was sobbing now, his head buried in his hands as he cried over and over how he was sorry. Alex sat down next to him, and pulled him into his arms.

“It wasn’t your fault Max.........it wasn’t your fault” he rocked him, but it would take another two years for Max to even cut himself some slack.

**************

All night he had been worried that Max would see Beth’s not coming as a reflection of himself, and would do something crazy. Max had assured them that he was ok, but Alex wasn’t so sure. He had never talked about Isabel since that emotional day in the hospital. Even the two therapist his parents forced him to go to couldn’t get him to talk about her.

It had taken Kim an hour to get him to relax and enjoy the evening. Kim was a co-worker of his. They had been thrown together last year on a project when he was still working for ’WebDesigns.’ After he had decided to venture out on his own, she decided to come with him. They had been friends for awhile, but soon, Alex found her intentions to be more then friendly. At first he was scared to get involved with her. He still wore his engagement ring that Isabel and he had exchanged, and he felt like he would be betraying her. After all, it had only been a year since her death, and he thought it was too soon to be moving into another relationship. Kim understood completely, and they had agreed to move things slowly, glacier even. They would hang out and have a good time going to the clubs are out to dinner. He never let their make-out sections go beyond heated pets and ogling of each others bodies. He had only been intimate with one other person…Isabel, and he wasn’t ready for that just yet.

The moon was shining brightly through Max’s window, giving Alex a lighten view of his face. He could see the dried tear tracks on his face, but the small smile that played on his lips, contradicted said tears. He wasn’t sure what had caused his tears are the goofy smile on his face, but all he knew was that he hoped that Beth didn’t break his heart. Closing the door softly behind him, he made his way down the hall to his room, were he shrugged off his shirt and pants, and flopped down heavily in his bed. He was sleep before his head even hit the pillow.

~~~~~~~~~

Beth opened her eyes groggily. At first she was a little disoriented, but the strong arm that tightened around her midriff reminded her of were she was. A smile touched her lips, and she sighed contentedly. For the first time in four years she had been able to sleep without the horrible nightmares that plagued her. Last night after their emotional scene, she couldn’t even imagine her life without Max. But now as she laid next to him, cradled in his warm embrace, she knew that she was wishing for the impossible. Her life was one of darkness. One that she didn’t want to bring him into. Sure she had been ready to stop running, ready to live, but who was she kidding, she would always be hunted by the past. Quietly and as gently as possible, she extracted herself from Max’s bear like grip, and eased out of the bed. She gazed down at his boyish face, resting peacefully, and she felt her heart ache to crawl back in the bed with him. To have him wrap his arms around her and tell her that she was safe in his arms, but she knew that wasn’t possible. Padding softly out of the room, she picked up her shoes from the living room floor where she had abandoned them earlier, and made her way to the door. Once in her car, she started the engine. Her eyes drifted to the green numbers of the clock......4:21, why wasn’t she surprised. She pulled out of the driveway, never seeing the sadden face of Max, as he watched from his bedroom window as she drove off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Where the hell have you been!” Michael’s raging voice boomed the moment she stepped through the door. Michael had been up all night waiting on her. He had called Maria’s cell around eleven to say goodnight, and he couldn’t help but inquire about Beth. When she had informed him that she hadn’t came home yet, his overprotectiveness had kicked in. He had tried calling her cell, but each time received her voice mail. He was a walking ball of nervous energy. He knew he shouldn’t have let her go to that freaks house. He was shorthanded at the bar, so he couldn’t leave. He continued to call her cell, but it was to no avail. After he had urgently kicked out the last drunk at the bar, he had rushed right over, where he had been pacing the floor every since. Maria sat awkwardly in the armchair, watching the two of them.

“What the hell are you doing here” Beth admonished after she recovered from her shock.

“Don’t change the subject” he bit out “I’ve been calling you all night......do you know how worried I’ve been” Beth closed her eyes, and sighed heavily, trying to control her own bouts of anger.

“I’m sorry Michael. I left my phone in the car” she offered, but he wasn’t about to accept it.

“You left it in the car....she left it in the car” he said sarcastically.

“Look Michael, I really don’t feel like arguing with you about this. This is my life, and I can do with it whatever I damn well please” her own anger raising at his audacity. “You know the way out” she bit out, pushing herself off the door, and headed towards her room. Michael was furious over her easy dismissal of his concern. Before she could pass over the threshold of her room, he gripped her arm, turning her roughly towards him. Through all his anger, Michael hadn’t been prepared for the devastated look that masked her face. Tears that she had been desperately holding back until she escaped to the confines of her room, had menacingly made their way to her cheeks. Immediately, Michael’s anger kicked up a notch.

“What did that bastard do........I knew he was bad news....I’m going to kick his ass” he belted out, missing the tortured look that crossed Beth’s face, and the steady stream of tears in her eyes.

“Michael please.....ju-just stop” the shakiness in her voice was what finally ceased his angry rant, and he pulled her into his arms.

“Oh Beth.....I’m sorry” he whispered. His left hand ran comfortingly down her back, while his right ran through her dark tress’. Her heart ached. Max had somehow managed to plant a seed in her heart. A seed of love that only seemed to grow intensely, pushing out the loneliness, and replacing it with something more. Something she had never been pleasured too. Something she was afraid of. She had lost too many people in her life, and the thought of losing Max was paralyzing. So she had did the only thing she was good at........she ran. Now she had to suffer the consequences....a lonely heart. She let Michael hold her....comfort her, and didn’t object, when he lifted her in his arms, and carried her into her room. She just wrapped her arms around his neck, and cried softly.

An hour later, Michael emerged to find Maria sitting in the same spot as he left her an hour ago. She was balled up in the small armchair, her knees pulled insecurely to her chest. He sat down heavily across from her.

“She ok” her whispered tone reached his ears.

“Yea....she fell asleep about thirty minutes ago” he sighed. Maria gave a stiff nod, before placing her feet on the ground, and stood.

“I’m glad” she smiled tightly. For the first time since he sat down, he noticed how her eyes didn’t quite meet his. She was quickly making her way to her room, when his large hands wrapped around her waist, stopping her advances.

“Hey...what’s wrong” his voice soft and full of concern. Maria closed her eyes, and tried not to let his close proximity to get to her.

“Nothing” she lied.

“Don’t give me that” he probed, turning her in his arms. Maria adverted her eyes from his face. With gentle care, he placed his fingers under her chin, and brought her face up to his. He saw the small glistening of tears in her eyes, and they only made his chest constrict. “Tell me.”

Maria shifted nervously. How was she suppose to tell him she was jealous. Jealous of his relationship with Beth. That she resented the other girl, because she had been privileged to his smile, his laughter, his touch. Although she would be forever grateful for Beth’s generosity for allowing her to stay in her home. She had fallen hard for Michael, and she didn’t think she could handle their close relationship. She wanted to think she wasn’t that petty, but damn it she couldn’t help it when it came to Michael.

“Michael....I don’t think this is going to work.....you and me” she answered sadly.

“What?!.....why?!” he demanded, his heart pounding in fear.

“Do you really need to ask” she raised and eyebrow at him. Michael looked at her confusingly for a second, before he realized what she was referring too. He wrapped his arms more tightly around her, pulling her closer to him.

“I told you......Beth and I are just friends” he tried to assure her.

“Michael, friends aren’t as intimidate with each other like the two of you” she whispered. Seeing that they were overdue for a talk, Michael pulled her over to sofa. He sat down, pulling her into his lap. Placing her face between his hands he stared into her eyes.

“Now you listen to me very carefully ok” he waited on her slight nod before he continued. “Good.....what Beth and I had, is over. We are just friends....yes I cared about her, but I love you” Maria eyes widened in shock. Michael couldn’t believe he had actually said it out loud. Sure he had been practicing saying it to her in his bathroom mirror, but never had the guts to actually voice it out loud to her.

“Ex-excuse me” she stumbled over her shock. Michael smiled.

“I said I. Love. You.” he made sure he punctuated each word. “Beth is my best friend, and before you, she was all I had....but now that you’re in my life, I have two people I care deeply about.......Beth doesn’t have anyone but me, and I just can’t abandon her.....do you understand” he prayed silently that he had made sense, and that she would forget the ridicules notion of them not being together. Maria thought about what he said, and couldn’t help but feel like a heel for the bad thoughts she had. He was only being a friend. Remembering the story he had told her about how he and Beth had met and their times together as roommates, she couldn’t believe that she had unconsciously asked him to chose between the two of them. How could she have been so selfish, when Beth obviously was in need of one. Maybe she would try to get to know her better. She brought her own hands up, and cupped his face. With a smile on her lips, she leaned in and pressed her lips upon his. Michael smiled against her lips, wrapping his arms around her waist, as he deepened their first real kiss.

“Wow” Maria sighed when they finally broke for air.

“Ditto” Michael sucked in a deep breath, stroking her hair as her head rested on his chest.

“Michael?”

“Humm”

“I love you too” the grin that plastered on his face could have lit up an entire high-rise. He kissed her forehead, and squeezed her tighter.

“Is she really ok” Maria asked, breaking the comfortable silence they had settled into.

“I don’t know.....I hope so” he sighed.

“Did she say what happened”

“No.....but you best believe, once I get my hands on that bastard.....I’m going to kill him” his anger once again rising. Feeling his muscles grow tense, Maria ran a soothing hand up his arm, he calmed almost instantly. They sat there cuddling on the sofa until the sun began to creep over the horizon, announce the beginning of a new day.

~~~~~~~~~~

Michael didn’t have to wait long for his encounter with Max, because when he arrived at the club that evening, he was there, leaning against the wall with a determined look on his face.


TBC...........

Chapter 9

“What the fuck are you doing here” he said through clutched jaws. His breath dancing hotly across Max’s face. He was strongly resisting the urge to introduce Max to his fist. After she had rested some, Beth had emerged from her room, clad in her running attire, and before she closed the front door behind her she had shouted out to him not to lay a hand on Max. How did she know him so well? Max had been expecting his reaction, especially since Michael made it no secret that he didn’t approve of him. But Max was prepared, prepared to face Michael and walk through hell with gasoline draws on in order to get him to tell him were Beth was. The moment she had extricated herself from his arms, he had been awake. He had never been a heavy sleepier, but he had already grown addicted to having her laying next to him, nestled firmly against him, and he wasn’t about to give that up....not now. Pushing himself off the wall, Max stood at his full height, ready to face off with him if need be.

“Do you really have to ask” Max raised an eyebrow at him. “Where is she” Michael clutched his fist at his side, once again wondering why he had agreed with Beth and Maria not to hit this guy.

“She doesn’t want to see you.....can’t you get that through that pretty-boy head of yours” he bit out. He stepped around him, and forced the key into the lock. He wasn’t surprised when Max followed him into the bar. ‘Jeez, what is it with this guy’ he thought to himself.

“Look, I know you don’t like me....but I’m here to stay” Max’s tone was firm. And it was true he had every intention of being with Beth. He wasn’t completely clueless. He had seen the haunted look in her eyes last night, even through his own emotional breakdown. She was scared.....confused, and a lot of others things he hadn’t been able to shuffle through. But he was determined to be there.....ready with open arms when she stopped running. Michael slammed down the chair that was in his hands, and stalked angrily towards him.

“Do I have to beat the shit out of you to get you too understand SHE.DOESN’T.WANT.TO.SEE.YOU” he hissed through clutched jaws. He was inches away from hurting him. Max felt his own anger rising, ‘who did this guy think he was.” Surprising them both, Max pushed the table next to them against the wall with an angry shove.

“You want to fight.......fine, there’s nothing but space and opportunity between us.....but know this, I will gladly take an ass whipping if it means you’ll tell me were I can find Beth” he was breathing heavily, his fist balled at his side. Michael, who had recovered from his shock, raised an eyebrow at him. He had to admit it was refreshing to find someone that wasn’t intimidated by his bad boy attitude. He was laughing internally. He knew there was no way Max would stand a chance against him. Michael had a good ten pounds on him, and even though they stood at the same height, he doubt Max had ever been in a real fight in his life. Not with his preppy clothes, and baby soft hands. Hell he probably hadn’t had to work for a thing in his life, Michael mused. Michael sighed, and ran a frustrated hand through his hair. He mumbled something about stupid pretty boys, before walking around the bar slamming two glasses on the counter.

Max had been preparing himself for the first punch, but when it never came, he couldn’t help the sigh of relief that flooded him. It wasn’t like he was a pussy or anything, in fact, he and Alex both were black belts in karate, but he had never had to us it. He didn’t believe in violence to solve conflicts, but he would gladly toss aside his beliefs if it meant getting him one step closer to Beth.

“Are you going to stand there like some idiot” Michael huff. Max slowly un-clutched his sweaty hands, and his heart began to return to its normal pace. Cautiously he turned towards the bar to see Michael nursing a drink and another sitting on the counter. He walked over and sat on one of the stools. Michael nonchalantly pushed the drink towards him.

“Thanks” he mumbled.

“Whatever” was Michael’s only reply. They sat in silence, each regarding the man before him.

“What do you want Max” Michael’s tired voice finally broke the silence.

Max’s answer was honest and simple. “Beth” his eyes never leaving Michael’s. Michael slightly nodded as if considering his answer.

“Why Beth” he asked, knowing that no matter what he did, he wasn’t going to be able to shake this guy. He thought he might as well see were his intentions lay. Max shrugged his shoulders.

“I-I don’t know....I just do”

“Not good enough” Max squirmed in his seat under his scrutinizing stare.

“I don’t know.....but from the moment I first seen her, she has gotten under my skin” his voice became dreamy, and he got this far away look in his eyes. “..I mean....her smile....her laugh.....the way she bites her lower lip when she’s nervous......th-there’s something about her” Michael listened to him intently to every word Max had to say. Although he would never admit it, he had taken a liking to him. Every guy that had approached Beth had only been after one thing....a good fuck. They figured since she worked in a strip club, that she was nothing more then a then a easy lay. But he could tell Max was different, he didn’t know what gave him that impression, but he just knew, that if Beth was to give him a chance, he would definitely make her happy. He had the same look in his eyes that Beth got when she, on the few occasions, talked about Max.....all dazed over. Each breath of her name was spoken like a heavenly prayer.

“...all I want is a chance......a chance to make her happy........to love her” Max finished, his eyes begging Michael for a little compassion. Michael stared at him long and hard, fighting an internal battle.

“She has a past” he finally spoke.

“Don’t we all” Max returned.

“She has been hurt before”

“Something I plan to rectify”

“ There’s a wall around her heart”

“One I fully intend on breaking down”

“She won’t return your love” Michael spoke from experience.

“I’m willing to take the risk” they sat in silence, each eyeing the other.

“Look Michael” Max finally spoke after several tension-filled minutes. “ I can tell you care a great deal about her, and you’re only trying to protect her........but I care about her also, and only want a chance to show her.......all I’m asking for is a little help.....her number maybe” he pleaded desperately. Michael killed the rest of his drink, before pouring himself another and downing it. As much as he wanted to see Beth happy, even if it was Max that made her, he couldn’t go against her wishes and give him her phone number.

“I’m sorry Max, but I can’t give you her number” he watched his face fall, and a defeated sigh escaped his lips. Nodding mutely in understanding, Max stood up.

“Thanks anyway” he mumbled, tossing a ten spot on the counter. He stuffed his hands in his pockets, and started for the door, thinking of a way he could get a hold of her...maybe Maria could help him, he thought. She seemed like she was in his corner.

“Hey” Michael called to his sulking form. Max turned. Michael sighed heavily, his eyes heavenward. ‘God I hope I’m doing the right thing’ he prayed silently. Looking back at Max, he stared at him long and hard.

“I swear, if you hurt her or break her heart, I’ll kill you” he finally snapped out after a few minutes. Max nodded. Michael leaned back against the bar.

“Tomorrow’s Monday, Beth has lunch at the ‘Village Café around noon. She’s usually there until around four” he watched as a huge smile plastered across his face, flashing him his pearly whites.

“Thanks man....I promise, I’ll take care of her” his voice held a promised that Michael hoped he held good on. Max rushed out the door, counting down the hours until he was to see her again.

~~~~~~~~~~~

“Beth .....how are you dear” Margie beamed when she laid eyes on her favorite customer. Beth couldn’t hide the sigh of relief that came out of her. She had been dreading coming in this morning, with the fear of running into Max, but the strong desire for a fresh baked cheese danish had broken down her walls, and now she found herself in the small café. A part of her was hoping to see Max, his smile lighting up the room, but she guessed it was for the best that he wasn’t around.

“Hi Margie” she smiled back at her. Margie watched her as she tried to casually look towards the back, no doubt looking for Max. Margie smiled. Max and Alex had been in earlier for breakfast, both having to be at work early. She had fixed them breakfast, and tried to get Max to tell her how his dinner with Beth had went, but he was being all tight lipped about it. Maybe she could get something out of Beth.

“Sooo.....how was your weekend” she asked innocently. Beth narrowed her eyes at her, knowing what she was referring too.

“It was fine.....thank you” she replied, evading the obvious. She opened up the cake dish, and fished out her danish.

“Just fine” Margie inquired. Beth licked at the icing on her fingers, and smiled behind her hands at the impatience she heard in her voice.

“Yeah....just fine” she smiled, accepting the latte Marge handed her.

“You’re not going to tell me are you” Marge whined. Beth only shook her head, and smiled brightly.

“I’ll see you tomorrow” Beth called out as she walk backwards towards the door. Marge waved, and watched as she disappeared thru the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Beth curled up leisurely in her favorite chaise in the café by the window. It sat in front of a large picture window that had the tranquil view of the ocean as its photo. She loved coming to the ‘Village’ It was a small café/library, so she could have lunch and read. The people were friendly, and they all respected each other. She looked around, noticing several students from the university not far from there, engaged in some heavy studying. It was a rule at the ‘Village’ which was absolutely no loud talking and no horse playing. It was a place for piece, and the only noise that penetrated the air was the occasional sound of a cup rattling against its saucer and the stums of Celtic harps playing softly overhead.

“Thank you Melissa” she smiled at her waitress as she sat her lunch down on the small coffee table in front of her. Beth stared at the plate of pasta salad, and found that she really wasn’t all that hungry. The book that she had chosen to read ‘Winters Breeze’ laid just under her side, completely forgotten. She had tried to focus on the words on the page, but after reading the same sentence over for ten minutes, she had given up, and set it aside. Her mind was to cluttered to focus. Instead, she rested her head on her arms, and stared out at the ocean...letting her mind drift. She wasn’t surprised that her traitorous mind wondered to Max. After all, he had been a constant thought every since she had extracted herself from his warm embrace two nights earlier. She could still smell his masculine scent as it had invaded her nostrils....his strong arms as they cradled her protectively to him. She wanted so much for things to be different, but she was getting this nagging feeling in her head that told her something was about to go down. Which was why she couldn’t be with him, couldn’t put him in that kind of danger. She knew she promised that she would never leave him, but once the realization of her life brought her crashing down back to earth, she knew that it was best for his sake that they didn’t get involve. As she had drove farther and farther from his house that night, she was leaving a part of her soul behind. The part that was pure and gentle, and what was left was the harsh and ugliness that was her. If Max knew things she was capable of or had done, would he still want to be near her, or would he see the ugly, tainted monster she was. Beth sighed heavily, her eyes drifting shut as her insides turned at the things she had done.

A feathery light touch brushed up against her cheek, causing her to snap her eyes open. Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes met liquid gold orbs. Max had entered the small café, and his eyes immediately scanned the perimeters for her. Finally he had seen her, and couldn’t help but stand there and watch her for a few cherished moments. He watched her face as it frowned in disgust, and wondered what could have caused such a look, and wanted nothing more then to erase that look. When she had closed her eyes, and her body rose with her heavy sigh, he couldn’t stand still any longer. Slowly he made his way towards her, and when hr finally did, he couldn’t not touch her. A small slip of hair had been caressing her cheek, and he gently brushed it aside.

“Max!” she nearly shouted, earning her several looks for the other occupants in the café. She mumbled a small apology, before focusing back on Max. “What are you doing here” she whispered. Max gestured towards the chaise, and she scooted to make room for him.

“You honestly didn’t think I would let you go, did you?” he whispered back in her ear.

“How did you find me” she hissed, trying not the let the gentle breeze of his breath on her ear effect her.

“I have my ways” he smiled. Beth narrowed her eyes at him.

“I’m going to kill him” she began gathering her things angrily. She knew exactly how he found her, only one person knew her schedule, and that was because if something was to ever happen to her, at least someone would know. Now she was regretting ever telling him. Beth didn’t like surprises, and she didn’t like being forced in a corner, which was exactly the position she was in. She liked to be prepared for things, even simple conversations. With Max sitting before her, she felt trapped. Trapped into a conversation she wasn’t ready for.

“Beth!.......Beth wait” Max called after her retreating form. She had bolted out of the café so quickly, that he had barely had time to catch her red sweater as she blazed out the door. She was fast for someone so small, but he had finally caught up with her as she was about to speed out of parking lot. He jumped into front of her car, his hands resting on the hood. His eyes locked with hers as he slowly made his way to her side. Beth gripped the wheel tightly, her heart beating rapidly in her chest.

“Beth...please...I just want to talk to you” he said as he squatted down beside the car.

“Max...please...”

“No!.....I know why you left the other night” he rushed on when he saw her about to protest “I understand....I really do....you’re scared, I saw it in your eyes”

“Max please.....this......us.....it can never be” she finally said, turning mournful eyes on him.

“Why?” he questioned stubbornly. Beth sighed heavily before dropping her hands in her lap and playing absently with her nails. When he saw that she wasn’t going to come forward with an answer, Max reached inside and encased her small hands in his. She stared down at their enclosed hands, and tingled inside as his thumb caressed the inside of her left wrist. Closing her eyes, she laid her head against the headrest.

“I can’t sit here and say that I know what has happened in your past.....but I can tell you what I hope for the future. I hope that you will give me a chance.....a chance to make you happy......to love you.....protect you.....can you Beth? Can you give me that chance” he pleaded desperately. Beth had been listening to his heartfelt speech, and wanted nothing more then to throw caution to the wind, and summit to his plead, but a part of his words struck out at her ”To protect you” If he only knew that she wasn’t the one that needed protecting. Did he even realized that it was him that she was trying to protect. ”How could he, when you won’t even let him in? A menacing voice in her head reminded her. Her eyes slowly opened, and she was met with his intense gaze. Sitting there, staring at his handsome features, a flashed of that beautiful face all bloody and eyes dead to the world pictured in her mind, and she felt the bile rise in her throat. No, she couldn’t do it. She couldn’t risk bringing him into her world for her own selfish reasons. Ripping her hands from his, she placed the on the steering wheel.

“I can’t Max.....I’m sorry” her eyes never meeting his, to afraid to see the same hurt she was feeling in his eyes. Max stood up abruptly, masking his feelings.

“Sooner or later, you’re going to have to stop running.....and just to let you know” he leaned over so his mouth was inches away from her ear. “...you can’t get rid of me that easily......I have on my running shoes Beth...and as long as you’re running, I’m up for the chase” and with that, he turned and walked casually to his car, leaving her to stare after him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He smiled down at the information in his hands. He knew that he couldn’t trust Sean to do as he was told. It had taken his man all but one week to supply the information that it has taken Sean four years to produce, and he was starting to question his loyalty. Flipping thru the photos, he fingered her features. They were softer now.......tender, a cry difference from when he had last seen her. It reminded him of the first time he had met her. She had been so innocent then....so trusting. He picked up another photo, and stared at the little boy. It was no mistaking who he was. The boy had his mother’s striking brown locks and contagious smile, with his shimmering grey eyes. He had never put two and two together until now. Now it was all so clear to him. Now he understood why things had turned the way they did four years ago. Setting the picture down, he couldn’t believe how careless she had gotten. He had thought he had trained her better. A small smile played on his lips at the thought of seeing her. She owed him, and it was now time for him to collect.




I know it's short, but I wanted to give you something. Especially since its been awhile since I've last updated. I promise, I'm working on getting this out more often, but please bare with me..........Kisses

LadyS

Okay, I know this is a long awaited part, and I'm sorry for the delay. This part may suck, but I had to find someway to bring Beth's past closer to her. Things are going to come into the opening now, so consider this a transitional piece, so who cares if it isn't interesting.


Chapter 10


Max groaned inwardly, burying his face in hands. He peeked cautiously threw his fingers, and watched in agonizing pain as she once again hit her intended target.

“Damn” Max pouted as he watched her high five Michael, and bump hips with Maria. Crossing his arms across his chest, he sent a scolding glare her way. He was beginning to think that he had been hustled. In fact, he knew he had been hustled, and by his own girl. Max couldn’t believe it.

“Man, we are getting our asses kicked” Alex groaned from his spot next to him. He slammed his head on the table as she hit the bull’s-eye for the hundredth time that evening.

“Hey, speak for yourself. I’m doing quite well” Kim gloated, earning a glare from Alex.

“Maxwell, you have to do something about her” he moaned “at the rate she’s going, I’m going to have to work out some kind of layaway plan.”

“What I’m I suppose to do. If you haven’t noticed, I’m down two hundred bucks myself” he lashed back. “Besides, you’re the one that couldn’t keep his mouth shut.... “Let’s make it interesting” Max said, imitating Alex’s earlier statement.

“Hell, how was I suppose to know that your girlfriend was a dart shark” he sighed dramatically, throwing his hands in the air. Max turned his attention away from Alex, and back to the subject of discussion. Max watched her as stood with Michael and Maria, laughing and talking as they divided up their winnings. Feeling his eyes on her, Beth turned towards him. Max narrowed his eyes at her. At first she thought he was upset from her obvious deceit, but the gentle smile that he gave her said otherwise. She smiled, and gave him a wink before turning back to the others.

Max still couldn’t believe that they were actually together. After two months of running, Max had finally caught her. It wasn’t an easy task either. She had continuously refused his offers of dates and had refused his friendship, saying that she didn’t want to hurt him. Even with all her excuses and rejections, Max hadn’t gave up. Because no matter how many times her mouth said no, her eyes said something totally different. That spoke of her loneliness and her want to be with him, but something was holding her back...not allowing her happiness.

He knew she had a past, Michael had told him so, but he had wondered what could have happened that would make her feel as if she wasn’t worthy of love. He could still remember one of his many conversations with her, trying to convince her to give him a chance.

“Max, you have to stop this” Beth sighed heavily, when he walked through the doors with a bouquet of flowers. All the girls in the club envied Beth. They would die to have a guy worship and show them so much attention the way Max was trying to do for Beth. They just didn’t understand why she rebuffed him.

“What?” he asked innocently, handing her the flowers. For a second, he thought she wouldn’t accept them, but she finally reached for them, and placed them gently on the bar. Beth pinned him with a look, but couldn’t stop the small tug at the corner of her lips. She rolled her eyes, and proceeded to fix him a drink. She had gotten use to his persistence over the past couple of weeks, and even though she would never voice it out loud, she loved it when he came around. Max grinned widely. He knew he was wearing her down. He sat down at the bar, and accepted the drink she handed him with a soft ‘thank you’.

“So Beth...” he began after taking a quick swallow. “How about dinner” he asked hopefully. Before the sentence was fully out of his mouth, her head was shaking in the negative.

“Max, we’ve been over this a thousand times. This will never work...we’re just to.....different” the last part came out at a whisper, as she lowered her eyes from his. Max placed his hand over hers, and rubbed his thumb over her smooth skin.

“Beth” he waited until she brought her eyes back to his before continuing. “I don’t care about our differences, all I care about is being with you” he spoke gently to her, just happy that she hadn’t pulled away from him. Beth looked down at their hands, and savored his touch for just awhile longer, before pulling back and returning her eyes to his.

“If you only knew” she said cryptically.

After that conversation, things between them had gotten even more tense, but he still hadn’t given up. So imagine his surprise one day when she had actually accepted his offer. He had been so stunned that she had accepted, that he had only stared at her with his mouth hanging open. They had spent a lovely evening at a little restaurant on the pier. They’ve been together, officially, for about six weeks, and Max has been nothing but overly happy. He hadn’t felt any resemblance to that emotion in two years, and he couldn’t believe that such a small slip of a woman could bring him such happiness. They were taking things slow. They would usually hang out at his place watching movies, and just talking. Sometimes she would spend the night with him, but nothing sexual went on except an occasional kiss here or there. It had been plenty of times that her small whimpers had woken him from a sound sleep. Tears would be seeping out from under her closed lids, and he did the only thing he could, he held her. Whispering comforting words to her, easing her back into a peaceful sleep. She would never stay the whole night thou. He had notice that she would always, like clockwork, wake up at 4:21 in the morning, and creep, what she thought was unnoticed, out of the house.

Other times, like tonight, they would hang out with Alex and Kim, or Michael and Maria, but tonight had been the first time that all three couples had ever spent any time together. He had gotten to know both Michael and Maria over the past few weeks, and he believed that to some extend that they were the reason he and Beth were together. From Maria’s constant meddling, to Michael’s helpful tips of Beth’s were about, he wasn’t sure he would be with Beth. He owed them major, and tonight Michael had called in his IOU card. He had rented out the club to some college students celebrating their graduation. Everything was set to go, when the cater that Michael had hired called and cancel that morning, leaving him desperately seeking a replacement. After four hours and a hundred phone calls later, he still came up empty handed. Beth had been talking to Maria about the spectacular dinner he had prepared for them the previous night, and he had asked her if Max would be willing to help him out. Of course Max couldn’t leaving him in desperate need, considering all the times he had helped him with Beth. So he, along with Alex, Kim and Beth, had threw together a impressive menu. They had all worked diligently to pull off the perfect catering job with success. Considering that neither one of them had ever catered before in their lives, the graduation party had went off without a hitch. The party had been over for at least two hours, and they were all just kicking back, enjoying the rest of the food and good fun.

Alex’s moaning next to him, brought him out of his reveries. Max stared at his friend, and shook his head. Alex was wasted, and he knew that from the amount of alcohol he had consumed, he would have a massive hangover in the morning.

“You’re up Alex” Maria smiled as she came over to the table. She took a sip of her drink. Alex moaned grew louder.

“I think Alex is done for the night” Kim chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck and smiled at her quasi-boyfriend. Alex threw his head back and rested it in the crook of her neck. Before they knew it, his loud snore sounded around the club.

“Come on buddy” Max shook him, and with Michael’s help, they got him into Kim’s car.

“Are you sure you’ll be able to take care of him by yourself” Max asked Kim once he and Michael returned?

“Him? I can handle him” she smiled brightly. “I really had fun tonight. You really out done yourself Max” she pulled him into a friendly hug, before pulling back and smiling.

“Me too, you get home safe, and thanks again for helping on such short notice” he smiled.

“Nonsense, you saved me a night of Ben & Jerry’s and I Love Lucy reruns” she laughed. Max made sure she made it to the car safely. Kim waved as she drove out of the parking lot. Max had to agree with her, he had, had fun tonight.

“She’s right Max, you really did out do yourself” Maria said as she finished the last of her food.

“Man, this place is a wreck” Michael sighed heavily as he sat down next to Maria. “Maxwell, I have to give it to you, I’ve never seen someone throw together a spread like that in such a little time.”

“Ah, it was nothing...It’s what I love to do” he answered modestly. Beth sat down next to him, and Max laced their fingers together. Maria looked around the club, where several of the girls were starting to clean.

“I guess we should start helping clean this place up” she suggested, and for the next hour, they all worked diligently to restore order back to the club.

“Man, I feel like I can sleep for a week” Maria moaned, dropping her head on the table. Michael rubbed her shoulders and smiled down at her.

“Come on, I’ll take you home... You okay closing up” he asked Beth.

“Go” she smiled from her seat in Max’s lap.

“You don’t have to tell me twice” Maria hopped out of her chair, and grabbed her jacket.

“Night you two” Max called out as they made their hasty retreat.

“Night” they heard faintly.

“Night Beth...Max” the last of the girls called out as they made their way to the exits.

“You okay” Max asked her. He knew she had to be tired. She’d been up since four when she left his house that morning, and it was now going on 2am, and as far as he knew, she hadn’t taken a break once.

“Yeah, just a little tired” confessed.

“Come on, lets close up and get out of here” they finished up the rest and closed up before heading to his place.

~~~~~~~~~

Nathan huddled deeper into the back of the closet, his eyes squeezed together tightly. He had hear them as they came up the stairs, had hear his father fighting with one of them. His mother had came in, and she had hastily grabbed him out of the bed.

“What’s going on mommy….where’s daddy” he had asked.

“Shh..everything is fine” she whispered, as she wrapped the blanket around him. Running towards the window, Madison noticed the two cars sitting at the end of the street, and she cursed silently. Ben came through the door, and he motioned for them to be quiet. He tried using the phone to call the police, but the line had been cut, and his cell was in his office downstairs. Footsteps grew louder on the stairs. Thinking quickly, Madison hide Nathan in the closet.

“Mommy needs you to be a big boy okay” she smiled, trying not to let her fear shine through.

“Okay” he whispered.

“Whatever you do, don’t come out of this closet. Whatever you hear…see, promise me that you won’t come out of this closet” she pleaded.

“But why…where are you going..I want to stay with you” he knew something was wrong, and he didn’t want her to go.

“You can’t baby” she ran her hand down his hair, and pulled him into an tight embrace. “please, promise me you will stay in here and be as quietly as possible”

“Okay mommy” she had kissed him one more time, before covering him as best as she could to keep him hidden.

Nathan could hear the angry man as he questioned his parents, could hear his mother begged to leave them alone, and then he heard it….two shots…his mother’s screams…followed closely by a third short. Nathan covered his ears, and squeezed his eyes together. Tears raced down his cheek as he rocked back and forward, trying to drown out his mother’s scream. Light flooded the dark closet, and Nathan looked up into a large, dark silhouette.

“Hello Nathan”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“God you are so bad” Maria giggled as she and Michael made their way up the walk.

“Yeah, and you love me for it” he retorted.

“That’s strange” Maria whispered.

“What?”

“The door was open” they both looked at each other.

“Wait here” Michael ordered.

“No, you’re not leaving me out here by myself” she said, clinging to his arm.

“Alright, come on, but stay near me you understand” Maria nodded. Cautiously, Michael pushed the door with his foot. Entering the house, he flipped the switch, and hear Maria gasp behind him.

“Oh my god!”


Feedback is welcomed..

LS