Roswell Fanatics

“Waiting.”
Author: Brittany
Rating MATURE
Summary: AU, no aliens, but some Sci-fi. Read to find out the rest.
AN: Ok, I own nothing! Ecept a few of the characters you have never seen
before. Another thing, this idea came from the really good show “The Dead
Zone.” I will change it, but the general gist comes from there. I know you are all thinking, why is she starting another fic? But have no fear, the new part of family is almost ready, it will be out by tomorrow at the latest.

Part 1

“One plus one is?” Elizabeth Parker asked her class full of first graders. They
were going over their memorized addition facts.

“Two!” The whole class shouted.

“Very good! OK, now how about four plus three?” She stood up from her
desk and picked up her stuffed bear that sat on it.

“Seven!” They wailed again.

“Oh my goodness, you are all geniuses!” She smiled at Cindy, a pretty little
girl with blonde braided pig tails. “How about something a little harder”

“Yeah!” They squealed in delight. They loved having Ms. Parker as their
teacher. She was nice, and always handed out candy on Fridays. She never
yelled at them. And on their birthdays, she would bring them something
special, and they would have a special time, just for that child.

“OK, you asked for it.” She touched Adam, who sat in the first row on the
nose.

“Seven plus six?” She narrowed her eyes playfully.

They all thought about it, but for only a second. “Thirteen!” They finally
exclaimed.

“Yes! That is right. I am so proud of you all.” She gave them the biggest
smile she could muster.

“I think that deserves a treat!” She walked back to her desk, and opened a
drawer. Inside was a big bag of Hershey Hugs. They were her favorite.

All the kids watched as she walked to her desk and opened the drawer. They
also watched as the door opened noiselessly, and a tall man walked in. They
all contained their giggles as he slipped undetected behind Ms. Parker. With a
finger to his lips, and a smile on his face, he remained half hidden behind the
big American flag they said the pledge of allegiance to every morning. They
all knew Mr. Evans, he was constantly coming into their classroom,
surprising their teacher.

“OK guys, you know the rules, no eating them until you get onto the
blacktop, OK?” Ms. Parker pulled the bag out of her drawer and walked to
each desk distributing them, two a student. She wasn’t aware of the slight
screeching coming from the chalk board in the front of the class.

When Ms. Parker got to the back, and heard a slight noise. Josh, a little boy
with plenty of freckles noticed Mr. Evans cringe when the chalk broke. He
turned around shakily, fearing he was getting caught red handed, not ready.
She was about to turn around when Josh interrupted.

“Uh, Ms. Parker! You forget me!” He shyly shouted quickly. His already red
cheeks burned crimson when the noise went unheard and Ms. Parker, who
was very pretty, smile at him.

“Of course I didn’t forget about you Josh, I have two just for you.” She
walked over to him, and gently set two of the chocolates on his desk.

Josh watched as Mr. Evans blew his breath out quietly, flashed him a grateful
smile, and finished writing quickly.

Ms. Parker ruffled Josh’s hair, and was about to turn around again, when
Ashley, a small brunette who was very quiet asked her.

“I think he wants to ask you something.” She pointed toward the front of the
class where Mr. Evans was kneeling quietly in front of Ms. Parker’s desk.

Ms. Parker turned around, her eyebrows knotted thoughtfully, to see what
Ashley was talking about.
There was the love of her life, kneeling not 10 feet away from her. In his
hand was a black velvet box, and on the chalkboard behind him the words
read:

‘Will you Marry Me?’

Her breath caught in her throat, and the small giggles didn’t even register in
her brain.

He kneeled with a bright smile on his face. Her shocked expression was
worrying him, and he stood up quickly. He walked up to her.

“Elizabeth Parker, I have loved you since I was six years old, I would be
honored to spend the rest of my life with you. So, would you, marry me?” He
stood as close to her as possible, to the point where only a sheet of paper
could have passed between them.

“Yes Max, yes I will Marry you!” She squealed and wrapped her arms
around his shoulders. Unmindful of twenty small eyes staring at them, she
kissed him with all she had.

Max kissed her back, picking her up and twirling her around. He felt ecstatic
beyond belief. He set her down, looked into her eyes, and opened the box he
was still clutching in his right hand. Inside was a beautiful diamond ring.

“Will you wear my ring?” He gently asked her, pulling the ring from the box,
and grabbing her hand.

“Yes.” She watched as he slipped it on her finger with care.

She couldn’t stop the tears from rolling down her eyes. She kissed him again
and again, but she still didn’t hear the giggles.

Liz felt a small hand tug on the back of her shirt. She turned around to see
Ashley with a shy grin in her face.

“Does this mean we have to start calling you Mrs. Evans now?” She giggled
as she brought her small hand to her mouth.

Max kneeled down to the little girls level and touched her nose. “You betcha
little miss.”

She broke into uncontrollable giggles again, and ran back to her desk.

Liz’s smile couldn’t have been any brighter. She looked at the clock, only 5
minutes until school was out for the weekend, and she had Max all to herself
for three days.

“OK guys, why dont we pack up, and leave a little early today?” She looked
around into the eyes off all the eager children. They squealed in delight, and
ran to their cubbies to get their things.

Max and Liz watched in delight as the children bid there farewells and
walked out the door. As soon as the last child was out the door, Liz jumped
Max

“I love you so much.” She mumbled between kisses.

“And I love you!” He grabbed her chin, and smothered her face in light
kisses.

“Are you really going to marry me?” He stared into her eyes, needing
conformation.

“Yes, you goofball, I will marry you!” Her eyes twinkled gleefully. “Lets get
out of here.”

“Yeah, lets.” Max helped her grab her things, and together they dashed out
the door with smiles on their faces.


Part two

Max sat under the large weeping willow, his back against the trunk. He
stroked his fiancées dark hair from her position between his legs. Together
they stared at the children they could see running through the park between
the thin whisps of branches that hung down lazily. Their picnic basket lay
empty beside them.

“I love you.” He whispered to her.

“I love you, so much.” She looked into his eyes.

“I cant wait to marry you.” Max traced his fingers over the soft features of
her face.

“Neither can I.” Liz reached up, and grabbed his hand.

“I have to ask you a question, but I dont want to scare you.” She sat up, and
turned to face him, still holding onto his hand.

“Anything Liz, you know that.”

“OK, do you want a family?” She tentatively asked.

“With you? Of course! There’s nothing I would like better than too see little
versions of you and I running around our home.” He wrapped his arms
around her again, and brought her back to rest against his chest. “Why would
you doubt that?”

“Because, I know about your family, and I didn’t know if you wanted that.”
She clasped his hands strongly from their resting place, on her lower
abdomen.

“Just because my parents were a little.....stand-offish.” He smiled.

“A little stand-offish?” Liz stroked his fingers, knowing this might be a sore
subject for him.

“Well, all it does is strengthen my resolve to make sure our family will be full
of love, and never doubt that they mean the world to me.” He kissed her hair.
“I cant wait, to see you full with our child.”

“What are you saying Mr. Evans?” She giggled, hoping she knew the answer
to that question.

“I want to start a family with you, soon.” He kissed her hair again. “Now.”
He laughed. “Is that what you want?” He hopefully asked her.

“More than anything.” She turned in his arms once again, to capture his lips
in a kiss.

They finally broke apart when the need for air became too much. Liz rested
her forehead against his. “Are you saying we are going to start a family
before we get married?”

“Are you kidding me?” Max smiled at her, before kissing her soundly. “No
child of mine will be born out of wedlock. Guess that means I will have to
marry you soon then huh?”

“I guess so mister.”

“But you know what we have to do before we can have our baby?” He kissed
her again.

“What?”

“We have to make it. And to do that we have to go home.” He kissed her
again and again.

“Yes we do, dont we.” She stood up, and grabbed his hand.

“So how many do you want?” She narrowed her eyes playfully at him.

“Well, I dont know, 7 sounds like the right number.” Max laughed at her
shocked expression.

“Are you kidding me, I am not getting pregnant 7 times.” As he picked up
the forgotten picnic basket, she playfully whacked him in the arm.

“Its up for negotiations, of course. Why? Do you not want a big family?”

“You know what, lets make one, then we can work on the rest of the soccer
team.” She laughed as they walked out from behind the large willow, and
passed the screaming children in the park.

“Hm, ideas ideas Ms. Parker, or should I say, soon to be Mrs. Evans.” He
wrapped his free arm around her shoulder.

“I like the sound of that.” Together they walked back to his house, that sat on
the corner.

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

Max lay staring at Liz, who slept peacefully. They had spent the whole night
making love. It had been perfect. He felt beyond lucky to be laying there with
her. He brushed back a piece of hair that was covering her beautiful face. She
was perfect to him. Every little thing about her was. He had loved her since
they were six years old, and to be loved in return was beyond his realm of
comprehension. Why she chose her whole life to love him baffled him, but he
wasn’t going to question it.

“I love you so much it hurts.” He whispered into her ear quietly. She simply
smiled in her sleep, and moved to get closer to him.

He stroked her hair, and stood up carefully, making sure not to disturb her.
He glanced around his bedroom and opened his dresser to get boxers. He
walked out to the kitchen, and opened the cabinets to get the things to make
Liz’s favorite breakfast. Chocolate chip pancakes. He continued looking, but
couldn’t find the chocolate chips. He decided to make a quick trip to the store
to get some.

Writing a quick note, and making a deposit from the garden on his bed, and
get dressed. Max grabbed his keys and went out the door.


Liz woke up reaching for Max, only to find air. She opened her eyes, and
saw a white rose with a little note underneath it.

Liz,
I went to the store to get something, I will be right back.
I love you more anything,
Max.

Liz smiled, and held the rose close to her chest. She sat up, and grabbed
Max’s shirt which had been thrown carelessly the night before. She smiled at
the memory, and yanked it over her head.

She walked into the living room, and decided to watch the news until Max
got back.

~~~~~~~~

Max walked into the quickstop, and walked straight to the aisle with
chocolate chips. He chose his pack, and went to the counter to buy them.

“Goodmorning Max, how are you this fine morning?” Old Al Walker asked
him.

“I am just fine Al, how are you?” He handed him the money for the
chocolate, and waited as he put it in a bag.

“I am good, how is your little lady?” He handed Max the bag with a grin.

Max started backing out of the store with a smile. “She’s good Al. Have a
good day, and take care of that back.” She smiled at the crouched old man.

“I will.”

Max walked out of the store, and opened the door to his civic. He climbed in,
and pulled out of the parking lot, ready to get back to his house.

From the other side of the road, a tired trucker rubbed his eyes. He had been
on the road for close to 17 hours without stopping. He really wanted to get
this load to the warehouse before noon. But he was so tired. His eyes slid
closed, and he opened the quickly. Was there supposed to be 4 yellow lines
on the road? He closed his eyes for only a second.

Max drove down the winding road, whistling to the radio. He turned a
corner, and in front of him was a truck. He couldnt have swerved if he had
tried.

Liz sat anxiously on the couch. She had woken up over a half hour ago, and
Max was still not home. She had long since turned off the TV, too restless to
sit and watch it. She was nursing a cup of coffee on the kitchen when she
heard the front door open. Assuming Max was home, she jumped up to go
greet him, then yell at him for worrying her.

“Max! I thought you had- Oh my gosh!” Liz screamed. There in the doorway
was old Al.

“Oh, Liz, I am so sorry. I didnt think you were here.” He shielded his eyes
quickly.

Liz strianed to pull the shirt down further, figuring it was the only thing she
was wearing. “Its fine, I will be back in just one second.” She ran back to bed
room, and threw on a pair of pajama pants that she kept in Max’s dresser.

“Ok, um. Not to be rude, but what are you doing here?” Liz asked as she
walked out of the bedroom, and into the living room.

“Oh, Liz.” Al hung his head. He definatly didnt want to be the one to give the
news.

“What?” Liz’s breath caught. She didnt like the soude of his voice. It was
almost always feeble, but that sounded desperate.

“Its Max, he was in a car accident.”

Liz’s whole world started spinning. She couldnt think, and breath couldnt
make its way into her lungs.

“What?” She was too shocked to do anything else than just stand stock still.

“It was just 20 minutes ago. He was coming home, and a big rig threw him
off the road.”

The words ‘big rig’ and ‘threw him off the road’ kept cirrculating threw her
mind.

“Is he- is he?’ Liz couldnt form the words.

“No, hes not dead if that is what you are asking, but he isnt in good shape.
The firefighters just got him out of the wreckage. He was brought too the
hospital.” Al just stood in the doorway, waiting for her too fall apart.

That was all Liz needed to hear to get her in motion. She ran into the kitchen
and grabbed her keys. Without giving Al a second thought, Liz was in the
garage, pulling her car out.

Within 5 minutes she was at the hospital. In a town as small as theirs, it
wasnt hard to get anywhere. She turned her car off, and tore out the door, not
bothering to take the keys out of the ignition. Clad in only Max’s button up
work shirt, and a pair of midnight blue pajama pants, she ran through the
halls of Roswell Memorial. She reached the nurses desk, and knew the
woman on duty.

“Shirly, where is Max?” She breathed out.

“Oh, Liz. He is in surgery.” Shirly stood up from the counter, and walked
around to talk face to face with the distraught young girl.

“What?” Liz had a look of horor on her face. A look pleading with anyone to
tell her this was all some sick joke.

“He came in, and he was barely breathing. They took him to surgery.” She
wrapped her arms around Liz whose legs were collapsing under her. It was
all starting to sink in. The love of her life could very well not survive this. He
could easily die.

Liz couldnt breath. He eyesight was getting dim, and she felt like the walls
were closing in on her. She didnt realize her cheeks were wet with streaming
tears. She wasnt aware of someone talking to her, telling her to wait in the
waiting room. She simply let them take her.

She sat on the couch in the small room. Her knees were drawn up to her
chest, and she was cradling herself protectively. He sobs could be heard by
anyone within 10 feet of her.

Shirley walked up to her. She felt horrible. Everyone in Roswell knew Max
and Liz’s story. They had grown up together. Been dating since they were six
yeard old. It was obvious to anyone who saw them that they were in love.
They went off to college together, returning together. Everyone was surprised
when they came home not married. They always said that it really
didnt matter to them, and when the time was right, they would tie the knot.
They had simply been too busy to get married while they were both getting
top grades at New Mexico University. They were Roswell’s sweethearts, and
too see this happeneing was like a punch to her own stomach.

She gently touched the distruaght girl’s shoulder. “Liz, would you like me to
call anyone?”

Liz turned her red swollen eyes up at her. “Uh,-” She choked out. It was
obvious that every word was strianed. “Could you call um, M- Maria for me
please? Her n- number is um, 599- 0921” Liz told the number then bowed
her head again.

“Sure sweetie.” She offered a sad smile, and left to go call Liz’s best friend.

10 minutes later, the short blonde green eyed girl showed up in the door way.
She looked at her best friend in pity, knowing she was in hell.

“Lizzie?” She cautiously took a step forward.

Liz looked up for the sencond time in 20 minutes, and saw her friend.

“Maria, what am I gonna do? I feel like I cant breath.” Liz sobbed out, tears
falling by the buckets from her eyes.

Maria ran to her firend, and wrapped her arms around her shoulders. The
force of Liz’s sobs rocked them both. Maria merely held tighter, tears of her
own slipping from her eyes.

“I cant breath Maria, I cant breath without him.”

7 hours later the doctor walked into the room. Liz had long sice stopped
crying, choosing to simply stare at the wall, unblinking. Maria had gone to go
get some coffee, and she was alone.
He stared at the young girl on the couch. She looked so lost. He hated to tell
her this, it was the worst part of his job.

“Elizabeth Parker?” He asked. The nurse had told him her name.

She snapped around quickly, and turned hollow eyes at the doctor.

“Yes?” She answered quickly.

He took a few steps forward, and sat on the couch next to her.

“I just got out of surgery with Max Evans, and I have to tell you that he is
going to survive.” He tried to sound up lifting, but even Liz could tell that
was going to be the best of his speech.

“And?” Her eyes seemed to be filling up with a little more hope.

“We stopped a lot of internal bleeding, and he damaged his left leg, but we
realigned that as well. But sometime during the accident, he hit his head. We
got some of the swelling in his brain to go down, but not enough.”

“What does that- what does that mean?” Liz was confused. What was he
talking about? He said Max was going to survive, but why did he sound so
grim?

“Max is in a coma.” He stated carefully.

Liz couldnt breath again.


Part 4

“You can go see him in recovery if you like.” The doctor told her.

She simply stared at him with hollow eyes. With a slight nod, she stood up
and followed him out of the room.

Together they walked into the room full of medical devices. The sterile smell
made bile rise in Liz’s throat. She guessed that was the opposite of what was
supposed to happen.

Then she saw him. He was hooked to so many machines it was hard for Liz
to count them all.

His skin was pale, his lips looked ghostly white. The tube that was coming
out of his mouth looked so menacing.

“You can touch him. Dont be afraid. And the tube in his mouth will be taken
out tomorrow. He is breathing fine, its just precautionary.” The doctor
encouraged her. He ventured, “You know, they say that if you talk to a coma
patient, they sometimes wake up and say they remember hearing it.”

“You are a doctor,” Liz stared at the only man she had ever loved, and
walked over to his bed. She sat next to him, and gently brushed the bangs
away from his eyes as she had done a million times before. “Arent you
supposed to know these things?” She whispered gently.

“Miss, I have been a surgeon for 15 years. I have become sure of two things.
One being that I am really not sure of anything, and the other, is that love can
do extraordinary things.” He put a gentle hand on her shoulder.

She gripped his hand with hers. “Thankyou. Can I have a minute please?”

“Of course.” He walked out, and added. “I will be praying for you.”

She turned and looked at him. “Thankyou, so much. For everything.”

With a sad smile the doctor nodded and walked out the door.

Liz looked at her love. He looked so helpless.

“Hey there.” She grabbed his lifeless hand. “Why are you doing this to me?”
She couldn’t help it. The tears began pouring out her eyes again. “Why? I
cant live without you. You are everything to me.” She laid her head down on
his chest. She wrapped her arms around his chest and sobbed.

“Please wake up, for me? I need you. Pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease.” She
repeated incoherently. Her sobs were palpable.

“Please wake up, please dont leave me all alone.”


Ok, here are the first 4 parts. Um, since the clean out, I decided to get my butt into gear. I have to finish this story. But, the problem is, I cant find like 4 or 5 filler parts, so while I am on the quest for those, I will post the brand new part! (if anyone cares anymore, lol)

Part 5

*Two months later*

Liz walked into the hospital room. It still smelled somewhat sterile, but she
had done her best to freshen it up.

“Good morning Max.” She walked up to his bed where he laid peacefully. There
were no longer any tubes, except the IV. “How are we doing today?” She felt
his temperature and his pulse, her morning routine.

“Looking good.” She opened her bag and brought out a pile of pictures.
“Look at what my class made you.” They were all get well pictures,
rainbows, puppies, other happy things. “You should have seen the welcome I
got when I came back.” She tacked a few of the pictures on the wall, next to
the numerous vases of flowers and stuffed animals that had been sent. “They
miss you though, and they know I miss you. But they make it a little better
every day. Susie brought me cookies. They were pretty good. I have to
remember to thank her mother.”

She sat on the bed, and grabbed his hand. “Hm, I better get your blood
flowing.” She sat back up, and pulled the lotion out of the cabinet next to his
bed. She began massaging his legs, arms, chest, trying to keep the circulation
going.

“When the nurse comes back we will roll you over. Wouldn’t want to get
those nasty bedsores. But anyway, Maria has finally got her design out for the
public eye. Some big shop in Albuquerque. I am really proud of her. You
would be too. She thinks that I should go out more, but I say, you are more
important. And she met a guy. I think you may know him, he works at your
company. Michael Guerin? I don’t know, he seems ok.”

She continued massaging the skin, until she had covered every inch. When
she finished, she sat back down next too him. “I have to go too the doctor
today.” She grabbed his hand and held it to her cheek. “I don’t want to go, I
think I know what he is going to tell me.” She moved his hand from her
cheek to her abdomen. “Can you feel it in there? Its our baby. I know it is too
soon but, I like to think I can feel it.” A silent tear fell down her cheek. “I
don’t want to do this alone. You’re supposed to be here with me.” She laid
down on his chest. “I am so scared. I don’t think I can do this alone.”

“That is why you have to wake up.” She sniffled loudly. “Its not just me who
needs you anymore, its our baby.”

Just then the nurse walked in, and Liz sat up. She wiped her eyes quickly,
and offered a small smile to the nurse.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning Liz.” The nurse brought in extra sheets and pillows.

Liz nodded and grabbed the remote control. She turned on the TV, and
waited to see the news. She didn’t wait long as the image of the reporter
appeared.

She was standing outside Max’s house.

“I am standing outside the home of Max Evans, the young heir to the
international company Evans incorporated. As you may already know, Mr.
Evans was recently in a car accident that has left him in a coma. As of right
now there is no hope of him waking up. We spoke to his father, Phillip
Evans, and he said quote ‘I am praying for my son’s health, and I cant wait
for the day he wakes up.’ Mr.-”

Liz shut the TV off, not being able to take it. Since Max had been in the
crash, reporters and tabloids had been looking to get a story. Liz really did
understand it was their job, but she couldn’t handle any more.

She turned back to Max, who was being turned over onto his stomach.

“You have to wake up soon, you just have too.” She blew out a large breath,
and took a book out of her purse. It was a daily ritual to read to him. She was
reading ‘The Old Man and the Sea’ currently.

She began reading where she left off.

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

Liz saw black dots behind her eyes. She had known, but the doctor’s
appointment had made everything so real. She sat in her empty living room.
She looked around at all the things that reminded her so much of her love.
There were pictures on every wall, and in the drawer next to the sofa she was
sitting on, there was a drawer full of love letters for her.

‘Congratulations Liz, you are three months pregnant.’

Liz heard the cheery voice in her head, but she felt anything but cheery.

“How am I ever going to do this?” She thought out loud to no one in
particular.

She walked back into the bedroom, the last place she had seen him awake.
She sat on the bed, and simply stared at the pillow where his head used to
rest. She laid in his side of the bed, and smelled the cotton cover, trying to
remember how he smelled. It didn’t take long, he was everywhere to her. It
was the first time she had brought herself to even be in the room where he
love should have been sleeping every night. Where they should be discussing
baby names in the early morning hours, where they should have been making
love in the dead of the night. Tears that she swore shouldn’t have existed
anymore streamed down her cheeks as she sobbed into his pillow.

She gripped the pillow tighter as she cursed the stars that had taken her love
away. She screamed so loud she knew she had to alert everyone within a
twenty mile radius.

As she laid there, too exhausted to cry anymore, she noticed a corner of a
white envelope under her pillow. She cautiously picked it up. On the front
was Max’s clear handwriting, ‘Liz.’ She opened the envelope and looked at
the sheet of paper. Liz noticed it was dated the day of the accident. She
wiped her eyes, and began to read.

‘My Dearest Elizabeth,
As I lay here in our bed and stare at you sleeping, I realize how lucky
I am to know you. I have thanked the heavens everyday since the first grade
that gave me my own personal angel. You are so beautiful that I am
sometimes stunned something so beautiful can exist with mere mortals like
myself. You are my earth, my sun, my stars, my heart, and you are my soul.
You make me want to be a better person. If we live to be a thousand years
old, I will never take our love for granted. I will forever prove my love for
you, make sure you know that you are the precious thing in my world. As I
think about the child we may have created, it brings tears to my eyes. A little
girl with your beautiful hair, or a boy with your deep eyes, either way I pray
that we have created him or her. And I cant wait for the day we will be able
to see our child with our own eyes. Our family will be complete.

I love you my Elizabeth, my love,
Maxwell.

Liz started sobbing again. She threw herself into her pillow, and wondered
how much more she could take. She didn’t think she could make it without
her heart. And Max was her heart. She had never felt alone, Max had always
been there for her. And know she was utterly alone.

As she contemplated laying in that bed, the last place she had seen her Max,
and never getting up, she realized she wasn’t alone.

Her palm traveled to her abdomen, and she gazed down to the place where a
piece of Max lay, waiting to be born.

“I will always be there for you baby, I will always love you.”

Part 6

*Four years later*

“Oh my God Maria! I am having the most stressful day ever.” Liz wailed as
her best friend walked in the front door.

Maria laughed as Liz ran around in a robe, with her hair in hot rollers,
chasing after her son.

“Maxwell Jackson Parker Evans you get in this living room right now, Aunt
Maria says so!” Maria put a hand on her hip as Liz mouthed a ‘thankyou!’
Liz walked back up the stairs, knowing Maria would make sure Jason would
get ready.

Maria walked through the living room, and the kitchen, trying to find the
raven haired, three year old.

“JJaaaaaaccccckkkkk.” Maria walked into the game room, hiding her smile
when she saw his foot sticking out from behind the sofa.

“Hm, I wonder where Jack could be?” Maria walked closer to the sofa. “He
couldn’t be, behind the sofa would he?”

Maria jumped at him. “Ah hah!”

Jack screamed, a smile on his lips. His amber eyes sparkled as he tried to run
from his aunt. “Noooooo.” He screamed in childish glee.

“Oh, I have got you!” Maria scooped him up. “You need to get ready little
boy.”

“Aunt ‘Ria, we have ta go?” Jack pouted.

“See your Daddy? Of course we have to go.” Maria carried him out of the
game room, and up the stairs into his bedroom.

“Why dont you want to go? Dont you want to see your Daddy?” Maria was
under the impression Jack loved his father very much.

“I do, buh, Is sad when he doednt talk to me.” Jack sniffled as Maria picked
out an outfit from his dresser.

“Aunt ‘Ria, does he not talk to me cuz he doednt love me? Mommy tells me
hes seeping, but how cum he neber wakes up?” A small tear came down
from his beautiful amber eyes.

“Oh honey,” Maria walked over to him, scooped him up in her arms, and sat
on his bed. “Why haven’t you ever asked your mommy about this?”

“Cus she always gets so sad. I hear hers cryin, eben when Kyle is here.” He
sniffled into Maria’s shirt.

“Oh Jacky boy, your mommy still loves your daddy very much, even though
she also loves Kyle. It still hurts her heart when she thinks of your Daddy.”
Maria took his little hand and placed it over her heart.

Liz watched the scene from the doorway. Silent tears came down her face as
she thought of the fact she had never told Jack how she really felt.

“Jack.” She walked into the room.

Jack turned to face his mother. His young inquisitive eyes turned quickly,
trying to wipe his eyes. Even at three, he never wanted to see his mommy cry.

“Maria, could you give Jack and I a minute?” Liz softly asked her, taking her
son from Maria’s lap.

“Sure chica.” Maria walked out.

“Jack, you know that mommy still loves daddy very much dont you.” Liz
took Maria’s position on Jack’s bed.

“Uh huh.” Jack laid his head on her shoulder.

“And you know that Daddy loves you, even if he cant tell you.”

When Jack didn’t say anything, Liz pulled his head away, looking into the
eyes of his father. “He does you know, he loves you very much. Before he
fell asleep, he used to talk about you all the time.” He brushed the bangs
away from his eyes, kissing his little cheeks. “We used to talk about how you
would have brown eyes, and brown hair. He was crazy about you.”

Jack leaned back into her shoulder. “They when did he leab me?”

“Oh Jack, he couldn’t control it. And you know, one day he might wake up.
And you have to be waiting for him.” She hugged him close to her chest.

“Can we see Daddy now?” Jack whispered.

“Well honey, I have to go with-” Liz started.

“Pease mommy.” He turned his puppy dog eyes on her, the ones the
reminded her so much of her Max.

She blew out a deep breath. “Well, ok. But Aunt Maria will have to take you,
and I will meet you there. Ok buddy.”

“Otay mommy.” He released her, and climbed out of her lap.

“But right now, we have to get you dressed.” She picked up the overalls that
had lain forgotten. She then put on his white tee shirt, and picked him up
again.

She took Jack out into the living room, and saw Maria sitting on the sofa,
watching television.

“Okay, we are ready.” Liz went to the door, and picked up her son’s blue
sneakers.

Maria turned the tv off, and stood up, taking Jack out of Liz’s arms as she
tied his shoes.

“Change of plans though. I am going to the hospital.” She finished with his
shoes, and walked to the coffee table to pick up her purse.

“But I thought you and Kyle had a meeting with-”

“We do, but it can wait. I will just meet him there, and tell him that we will
do it another day.” She walked back up to her baby boy and placed big open
mouthed kisses on his cheeks.

“Mwuah! I love you.” She touched her finger tip to his nose.

He giggled happily. “Lub you too.”

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

“Hi Daddy!” Jack wailed as he saw his father.

Maria set him down, and he ran to the hospital bed where his father lay
lifeless. He touched his father’s head, his hands, everywhere. It was his
tradition, he would touch everywhere to make sure Max was warm. He
started doing it when he was a little over a year old, and though there was no
reason, he had kept on doing it.

Once he was satisfied Max was warm, he crawled on his father’s lap, and did
his other tradition. Since he had watched the doctors do it, Jack would pull
his eye lids open, cheek his ears and his nose, and press his palm to Max’s
neck.

“You good Daddy.” Jack clapped his hands together.

“Daddy, Jilly just mowved in nes door. I like hers.” He chatted happily.

~~~~~~~~~~

Liz arrived at the building, and ran inside, hoping to make her meeting quick.

Inside the office, she saw a florist, and her fiancé.

“Hey you guys, I am sorry, but I have to make this quick.” She sat in the
chair next to Kyle, and faced a young attractive girl in her twenties.

Kyle leaned over to kiss him, but Liz pulled her head away the last second,
pretending to have not noticed.

Kyle shook his head, and sat back down in his chair. He didn’t know what
was going on with her.

“Why do you have to leave?” He asked, grabbing her hand.

Liz willed herself to not pull her hand away. “Oh um, I promised Jack that
we would do some things together.” She tried to sound convincing.

“Ok. Then we will make this quick.” Sarah, the florist, smiled warmly at
them. Her specialty was marriage flowers, and she knew the trade well, She
had been in the business for a few years now, and was worried about the
marriage she was helping plan.

“Please.” Liz smiled back.

“Well, actually all we have to do is confirm that you both wanted the red
roses?” She looked through her file, noting the roses.

Liz shivered at the thought of red, but nodded anyway. “Yes.”

Kyle felt the tremor, and gripped her hand harder, shooting her a worried
glance. She was acting strange, and it was scaring him.

Liz gave another reassuring smile, and turned back to Sarah.

“So, how many would you like?”

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

Liz walked out of the building with Kyle. They walked together to the
parking lot.

As they stood by Liz’s car, Kyle wrapped an arm around her shoulder. He
planted a kiss on her head, rubbing her arm reassuringly.

“You all right Lizzy?”

Liz wrapped her arms around his waist. “Yeah I am fine.”

“So, what is it you and Jack are doing?” Kyle opened the door for her.

“Well um, we have to-” Liz tried to think quickly. But she finally decided
honesty was best.

“I am taking him to see Max.” She said quickly. She didn’t know how he
would react.

“Oh. I thought Maria was taking him today.” He tried to keep the dejected
tone out of his voice.

“She was, but he started asking questions, and I know that I have to be there
with him this time.” She stepped back, not knowing if he needed space or
not.

“Alright, um, call me when you get home.” He hugged her again.

Liz hugged him back. When Kyle pulled away, he planted a sweet kiss on her
lips, as if trying to claim her.

She pulled away after a moment, and sat in her car.

“You’ll call me right?” He asked as he brought her door to close.

“Yeah. As soon as I get home.” Kyle smiled, and tapped the top of the door
as she turned the engine over.

“I love you.” He smiled sweetly.

“Ditto.” She blew him a kiss, and pulled out a parking lot.

“Yeah.” Kyle blew out a breath, and shook his head wistfully.

Part 7

Liz took a deep breath as she pulled up to the hospital. It got harder every
time she came. Every time she saw him, it seemed as though he got farther
away from her, to a place she could never reach. It took having Jack,
realizing she had to live for him, for her to question moving on.

But Liz was staring to realize she would never ‘move on.’ Not in the sense
she would stop loving Max. Know she was just starting over. Not to forget
Max, but to take the charished memories of him, and the most precious gift
he couldnt have ever given her, and starting fresh. Or trying to at least.

As Liz turned off the engine, and stepped out of her car, she thought about
Kyle. He really was a wonderful guy. In all the ways Max couldn’t be there
for Jack, Kyle was. Not that Jack thought of Kyle as his father, he simply
knew that Kyle was a fun guy to hang around with.

Liz did love Kyle. Not that way she loved Max, no she would never love
anyone else like that, but she did love him. She just hadnt brought herself to
say it. He was perfect. Always caring, he accepted her no matter what
‘baggage’ she had. She also knew that Kyle was desperately in love with her.
Not that Liz didn’t appreciate that, and she did try to reciprocate it, but it was
so strange for her. She had been loved by one man her entire life. It was
different to feel it from someone else. But Kyle was always there for Jack.
Kyle loved Jack as though he were his own son. Liz sometimes felt that Kyle
wished he was Jack’s father, but Liz knew that Max would always be Jack’s
father. Whether he was awake or not.

Liz walked in the building, greeting the nurses as she passed. She knew them
all by name. As she passed the lounge, she saw Max’s doctor of 4 years, Dr.
Keller. Liz long since knew better than to ask him about Max, she merely
waved and said hello.

She took the elevator to the fourth floor, and passed the other comatose
patients. She saw Gregory Wallton, who had been in this section of the
hospital for close to two and a half years now. The doctor had just about as
much faith in Gregory waking up, as they did Max. Joshua Amstead, an 8
year old who had been hit by a car 5 months ago lay in his room with his
mother. Josh was moving now. He hadnt opened his eyes yet, but he was
definitely was making progress. Sarah Calhoun, who was 4 months pregnant,
lay with ventilators and a baby monitor.

Liz wiped back a tear as she looked upon the twenty four year old through
the clear glass. Her belly was poking through her gown already. Liz had
spoken to Sarah’s husband, trying to help him through it. She knew what it
was like, hoping for your loved one to wake up before a baby was born. The
roles had been reversed, but Liz knew the feeling.

She continued walking to Max’s room. she stopped at the open door, and
watched her son talk animatedly to his father. He was sitting on the side of
the bed, chatting happily. Most of his words were incoherent, but it sounded
sweet all the same.

She looked quickly around, and noticed Maria wasn’t there. She walked
toward Jack, touching his hair to alert him to her presence.

“Mommy!” He wrapped his small arms around his mother.

“Hey baby. How is Daddy doing?” She brushed the bangs out his eyes, and
lifted him into her lap. She took his place beside Max.

“Hes doin good.” Jack laid his head against his mother’s shoulder.

“Hey Jack, Liz you made it.” Maria walked through the door, carrying a cup
of coffee.

“Yeah. Hey do you think you could take Jack for a minute?” Liz asked.

“Sure. C’mon Jack, lets go get something from the vending machine.” Maria
walked over to Liz, and scooped Jack out of her lap.

“K.” Jack waved to his mother as they walked out the door.

Liz sighed in the stillness of the room. She turned around and faced Max. He
looked so lifeless. There were no longer any tubes exept for an IV that keep
him hydrated.

Liz just stared at him, and grabbed his hand. There was no reflex to wrap his
own strong fingers around hers, no comforting warmth in his palm. Just his
motionless hand.

“Hello Max. How are you today?” She brushed back his hair, it had gotten
longer since the last time she had seen him. He had a small five o clock
shadow, not that he could shave it.

Liz wiped a tear from her eye, thinking of the things Max was missing out
on.

Liz started to think about Kyle again. Her decision to marry him hadnt come
easily. She had made him wait for close to 4 months.

“I dont know what to do Max.” A tear escaped her eye, as she laid her head
down on his chest.

“I dont want to abandon you, I dont. But I cant keep doing this. I need to
really live my life.” She clutched his sides, her sobs threatening to take over.
“I need to know if I am making the right decision. I love him, I really do, but
not like I love you.”

She listened to his steady heartbeat. It mocked her. Something that proved he
was alive, yet he really wasn’t. When they had gone off to college, and they
began sleeping in the same bed, she used to wake up at night, and just listen
to his heartbeat. I confirmed what they had. Now it just reminded her of what
she didn’t have. That Max was so close, yet he was so far away.

“Please, just open your eyes, and make everything go away.” She spoke to
him quietly. “Please, just open your eyes.”



I know, I know.....horrible. Sorry this part was so short, but I thought you all deserved a newpart when I promised one two days ago, and you didnt get one. Sorry! But a nasty virud type thingy got my computer, and I had to rewrite everything. But I am working diligently working LOL. The new part, and a longer part, will be out soon!
_________________

Pat 8

*Two months later*

“Come on Kiddo, time to go.” Kyle walked into the house. He called for
Jack.

“Cummin Kyle.” Jack hollered from the top of the stairs.

Liz smiled from the kitchen. She was finishing making their pb&j
sandwiches. She placed them into the picnic basket, and closed the woven
top.

“Here you go boys. Lunch for two hungry fisherman.” Liz laughed at them.
Kyle had his fishing gear on, complete with wet trousers, and stirrups. Jack
just looked adorable with his fishing cap, and small khakis. Kyle had the
poles in one hand, and had handed Jack the tackle box. It was almost larger
than Jack himself, but he insisted on carrying it.

Liz handed the basket to Kyle. “Well you two have a great day, and catch lots
of fish.” Liz picked her son up, and kissed his cheek.

“Otay mommy.” Jack squealed, and wiggled to get down.

Kyle hugged Liz, and kissed the top of her head. “What are you going to do
today?”

Liz hugged him tightly. She had come to the conclusion she was going to
give her heart to Kyle. She was truly going to marry him. She was never
going to forget Max, but she was going to let a little bit of him go.

“Probably plan the wedding some more.” She smiled at him.

“More woman. You plan every day.” Kyle smiled at her. Inside he was
jumping for joy. She finally seemed like she was there.

“Well you do want a perfect wedding, dont you?”

“Of course.” Kyle let go of her. “Well, have fun.”

“You too. Take care of Jack.” She kissed her son one more time.

“Of course. Bye hun, I love you.” Kyle added hopefully. She still hadnt said
it yet.

“Ditto.” She smiled, pretending not to notice the look on his face. She just
wasn’t ready yet. Beside, now, when she said it, it would hopefully be this
wonderful surprise type thing.

But she had something to do other than plan their wedding. Today marked an
anniversary. It wasn’t a pleasant one, but she celebrated it all the same.

*Across town.*

“I dont know what to do.” Dr. Keller shook his head quizzically. “His vitals
are fine, he even has brain activity. This is the strangest case I have ever seen.
His brain isn’t functioning in the normal way. His cerebral cortex is virtually
turned off, yet he is still functioning actively. We expected the lack of use in
his cortex, but he shouldn’t be sending brain waves like this. Maxwell Evans
is in perfect health. He just isn’t waking up.” He spoke to his boss, Dr.
Spindler.

“Well, I dont know what to tell you. He is a modern medical mystery.” Dave
spindler sat back in his chair. “There is nothing you can do.”

“Yes bu-” Just then he felt his pager go off. “One second please.” He
requested. He unclipped the pager from his hip, and looked at the clear
screen. ‘Code 45. Room 17’

“Oh my god.” He gasped.

“What is it?” Dr. Spindler questioned earnestly.

“Its Max Evans. He woke up.”

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

From room 17, a body that had lain motionless for more than 4 years, started
to move.

Max rolled over in the bed, sighing in his sleep. “Liz.” He whispered.

He opened his eyes. He sat up quickly, not recognizing his surroundings.
This wasn’t his bed, and it most certainly wasn’t his room.

“Liz!” He called out loudly. Where was he, and more importantly, where was
Liz?

“LIZ!” He screamed. He didn’t remember being here. He looked over his
own body. When he noticed the IV, he ripped it out quickly.

The last he remembered was asking Liz to marry him, and then they had gone
home, and spent all night together.

A nurse heard his wailing, and quickly ran to his room.

“Oh my god, you are awake!” She screamed.

“Who are you, and where the hell am I!” Max had jumped out of the bed.

“I need to get the doctor.” The nurse went to turn and go out the door, when
she felt a strong hand clamp around her arm.

As soon as his fingers made contact, Max found himself being pulled into a
room. It was a bathroom, and he was standing next to the shower. It looked
as though it was an adults bathroom. It was painted blue, with white rugs on
the floor. On the counter were simple hygiene products, toothbrush,
toothpaste, hairbrush, soap. Max staggered, trying to find his bearings. He
felt compelled to look around. He noticed the door, it was open. A little boy
in a diaper was crawling in. He couldn’t have been any more than a year old.

Max watched as the toddler opened the cabinet underneath the sink. Inside
were cleaning products. Max stood unable to move as the boy pulled the
clorox out from the cabinet. Max tried to get the boy to drop it, but he simply
made grabs at air.

The toddler looked quizzically at the cardboard cylinder, trying to open it. He
settled on sticking his fingers in the holes instead. Max couldnt stop him. As
much as he tried, he couldn’t get the little boy to let go of the cleaning
solution.

He watched horrified as the little boy brought his fingers to his mouth.

A girl in her teens showed up in the doorway.

“Joey?” she looked around the hall before looking into the bathroom. When
her eyes did make it to the little boy on the floor consuming the poisonous
mix, she screamed.

“JOEY!”

Max felt himself being pulled back into the room with the lady.

“Joe......Joey.” Came out f his mouth breathless. “Hel.....help.......joey.”

“How do you know my son’s name?” Came her bewildered statement.

“You need to help Joey.” He still gripped her arm tightly. “GO!”

“Ok...ok.” She yanked her arm away, and tore down the hall.

Max took a deep breath, before darkness swallowed him.

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

Liz sat at her desk, looking through bridal magazines, when she looked at the
clock. It was about time for her to go. As she sat up, she felt an urgency to go
faster. She quickly got ready, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of urgency.

As she drove down the road, she had to suppress the urge to push the gas
pedal down farther. She was stopped at a red light, and found herself
chanting, ‘come on, come on.’

As she pulled up to the hospital, she ran through the front doors. She ran
through the halls. The urge to make sure Max was all right was
overwhelming her. What she saw when she got to Max’s room made her stop
cold.

Part 9 A

Liz stood cold as a half dozen doctors and nurses worked on Max. Her heart
almost stopped beating.

“His heart rate is dropping.”

“His pb is low.”

“Get me a crash cart.”

Liz sat paralyzed as nurses rushed all around her. Her legs stopped
supporting her as she slid down the wall, hugging her knees to her chest
tightly.

“Charging 200. Clear.”

Nothing.

“Charging 400. Clear.”

Still nothing.

“Damnit, c’mon Max. Charging 500. Clear.”

Then a musical sound filled the air.

Max’s heartbeat.

“Yes people! We got him. But he isn’t out of the woods yet. Lets get him
hooked up to a head monitor.” Dr. Keller smiled as Max’s breathing started
to even out.

Liz felt a small smile of hope grace her face as she looked at Max. He looked
horrible, but he was alive, and hopefully, he was now going to wake up.

“Ms. Parker.” Dr. Keller’s surprised voice came out when he saw the young
girl huddled in a corner.

“Hello Dr. Keller.” Liz stood up. “What just happened?”

“Well, it looks as though, Max woke up.”

“I realize that. But what happened?”

“I have no idea. From what a few of the nurses told me, he apparently woke
up, and started asking for you. Then something happened. He grabbed a
nurse, and started telling her to go after her son. Then, he went into cardio
arrest.”

“What?" Liz shook her head. "I dont understand.”

“Neither do I. But we have sent his blood to the labs, and we have him on a
brain monitor, and we will be sending his up for a catscan soon.”

“Alright. Um, Doctor, will he be waking up any time soon?” She asked
hopefully.

“Im sorry, there are no garauntees he will wake up again at all, but even if he does, we had to give him some medications, and he wont be awake
until tomorrow.” He shook his head sadly, knowing how hard this was on
her.

“Alright.” Liz shook her head, and started walking back to the entrance.

“Ms. Parker.” Dr. Keller called.

Liz turned around, wiping her eyes.

“Yes.”

“I can tell you that, the medications will be waring off right around eleven
tomorrow morning. I cant guarantee it, but it should be somewhere around
then.” He smiled sadly, and walked toward the lounge.

“Yeah.” Liz was already making the plans in her head.

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

Kyle turned the car off, and hopped outside his side of the car. He opened the
back door, and scooped a sleeping Jack out of his car seat. He wasn’t big
enough yet to seat with a seatbelt. Kyle carried the sleeping baby into the
house.

It was after dark, but it wasn’t really late. He walked into the living room,
settling Jack down on the couch.

“Night little man.” He kissed Jack’s head, and walked throughout the rest of
the house, looking for Liz.

“Liz?” He questioned into the stillness.

When he came upon the kitchen, he saw Liz, nursing a cup of coffee. He
knew something was wrong. Liz didn’t much like coffee, she said it made her
feel too jumpy. He couldn’t see her face, she was looking at the table. She was
simply staring at nothing.

“Hey. Whats going on?” Kyle leaned against the door frame casually.

Liz turned her head up, and he saw the fresh tear tracks. Her eyes were puffy, and she had mascara running down her cheeks.

“What is it?” He walked over to her quickly.

Liz sniffled, and looked into Kyle’s eyes.

“Max woke up.”



Short! I know it is short, but sometimes I cant help myslef Well, I will be back with the rest of part 9 SOON!
_________________
courage isnt the absence of fear, it is the presnece of fear, and the will to overcome it. -Black knight.

Part 9 B

“What?” Kyle asked, flabbergasted.

“Max, he woke up today. But after he woke up, he suffered a heart attack.”
The tears started again.

“What? How? Is he alright?” Kyle shook his head, pulling another chair up
beside her.

“He is alright. They dont know if he is going to wake up again.” Liz leaned
up against his arm, drawing in his warmth.

“Liz. What does this mean?” Kyle pulled away from her. He stood up, and
put his hands down on the table.

“Wha...” Liz closed her eyes, and pinched the bridge of her nose. “What are
you talking about?”

“You know what I am talking about.” Kyle gripped the side of the table
tightly.

Liz laid her head down on the table. It was something she did when she was
little, and she hadnt shaken the habit. “I cant handle this right now Kyle.”

“I need to know Liz. If Max Evans wakes up, and is suddenly fine, are you
going to throw the past two years out the window?” Kyle stared at her.

“How can you ask me that right now?” Liz picked her head up, and brushed
her hair away from her face. She never noticed she had so many nervous
habits.

“Easily. I need to know if there is a reason for me come back tomorrow.”
Kyle sat back down, looking into her eyes expectantly.

“Kyle, do you honestly think that if Max wakes up I would just forget about
you?” Liz blinked quickly. “I know I haven’t been the most attentive
girlfriend, or fiancé for that matter, but I would think that you thought more
highly of me?”

Kyle looked shocked. “Of course not, I just figured-”

“Exactly. You just figured. Honestly Kyle, I have no idea what is going to
happen. I have to tell you that, if Max had never been in that accident, we
would not be sitting here today. We would have probably never met. But it
did happen.” Liz grabbed his hand. “I care about you Kyle. I am not going to
forget what we have. But it is going to take me a little while to get all my
thoughts reorganized.” Liz blew out a deep breath, hoping she was making
the right decision. “You are the only father figure Jack has ever known, and I
would never kick you out of my life, no matter what the circumstances
between you and I. Dont think that.”

Kyle smiled at her. He reached a hand across, and stroked her hair.

“But Kyle, I do think it is best if we postpone the wedding.” Liz gripped his
hand, trying to get through to him.

Kyle stopped his gentle mistrations abruptly. He pulled his hand back, as
though he had been burned.

“Of course.” He mustered a smile, and tried to sound reassuring. Hell, at that
point, he was just happy she hadnt canceled it altogether.

“Are you going to be okay?” Kyle questioned genuinely.

“Yeah. I think so. I just need some time.” She stood up from the table.

“Alright. So, I guess it is time to go, huh?” He tried to joke.

Liz let out a mirthless laugh. “It has been a long day.” Then she remembered.

“Hey, how did fishing go?”

Kyle smiled, remembering what he had done that day. “Jack actually caught a
fish.”

“Really?” Liz smiled.

“Yeah. We actually caught a few, but as soon as I went to put them in the ice
box, he couldn’t stand to kill them, so he made me put them back.”

Liz actually laughed for the first time that day. “Sounds like my Jack.”

“Yup.” Kyle opened the front door.

“Goodnight.” Kyle leaned into kiss her.

Liz pulled back. “I just need time Kyle.”

Kyle stopped, and pulled back. “Yeah. Bye.”

“Goodbye.” Liz watched him get into his car, and drive away.

She shut the door, and walked into the living room, staring at her son
sleeping. Sometimes, he looked so much like Max, it scared her. They were
exactly alike. She remembered a time when they were 12, and he had taken
her fishing. They would catch the fish, but Max would make Liz let them go.

Liz smiled, and brushed the bangs from his eyes. She scooped him up, and
carried him to his bedroom.

She changed him quickly, putting on his power ranger pj’s.

“Rest well buddy. Tomorrow is a big day. You just might get to see your
Daddy.”


Ok, I had to get this part out! Alrighty, I know I havent solved anything, but at least Max woke up, Right? (dodges flying tomatoes) Im am sorry, but it will get a little better
_________________


Part 10

Max came into consciousness, having never felt worse in his life. His chest
hurt, his head hurt something fierce, and he couldn’t stop the stupid dream he
had had from replaying in his head.

It had to be a dream, because the last thing he remembered was going to bed
with Liz. He never went to a hospital, and he had certainly never met the lady
he remembered.

Max’s thoughts stopped when he felt something small inserting itself into his
ear. Max tensed immediately. He opened one eye cautiously, the bright lights
making it hard for his eyes to adjust.

The first thing he saw were a pair of eyes that looked very familiar. He
wasn’t oriented enough to figure out from where, but he definitely knew
them. The next thing he was aware of, was that is seemed like he had a
thousand tubes pumping him full of god knows what.

‘Oh God! It wasn’t a dream.’ He had yet to speak to the person that the eyes
belonged too, but he tried to sit up quickly. As soon as he pushed his arms
down to propel him forward, his chest ached so bad, he fell back down.

The person sitting next to him, let out a yelp, and fell off the side of the bed.
Max immediately felt the urge to make sure the person was alright, not
knowing exactly why, but it took priority over his chest.

Max tried to turn a little on the bed, trying to see over the side. He noticed the
person, wasn’t really a person, more a little boy.

“Are you-” Max tried to speak, but his throat was so dry, the words came out
sounding like nails on a chalkboard.

“You awake!” Came the boys exited squeal.

Max merely lowered his eyes, looking at the boy the reminded him so much
of something.

“Oh my jeepers, mommy’s gotta see you.” The boy immediately hightailed it
out of the door.

“Wait.” Max rasped out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So Doctor, have you figured out what caused the heart attack?” Liz asked
Dr. Keller quickly.

Dr. Keller leaned forward in his chair, resting his elbows on his desk. “Well,
we have concluded that the cardiac arrest was caused by the jump in activity.
Essentially, Max’s heart has been beating at the exact same pace for the past
four years. When he woke up yesterday, he jumped straight up. This required
a large amount of oxygen to go from his bloodstream to his heart. The jump
in activity actually caused his heart to stop beating. It wasn’t getting there
quick enough, not being accustomed to actually transferring oxygen in large
quantities.” He tried to explain as plainly as he could.

“Alright.” Liz sat in the comfortable chair, absorbing the new information.

Dr. Keller put his chin in his hands, trying to figureout the best way to tell the
nice young woman in front of him some disturbing news.

“But Ms. Parker, it wasn’t Max’s heart attack that has worried me.”

Liz turned worried eyes on him, praying the worst was over.

“As you know, we took Max up for a cat scan, and we found out something
interesting.” Dr. Keller pulled a file out of his desk, taking an x-ray out of an
envelope. “You see,” He pointed to the front region of what looked to be a
picture of a brain, “Here is where most people function. It contains the
normal sensory functions, motor skills, things like that.”

Liz shook her head, not understanding. “Okay.”

Dr. Keller then reached into another envelope, taking out a different X-ray.
“This is Max’s brain.” He looked into her eyes. “Have you ever heard that
people only use about half, if that, of their brain?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, you see, Max’s brain isn’t working in the correct order right here. It
wont, ‘wake up’ so to speak. So Max’s brain, has found a new way to work.
It uses the less used portion of his brain.”

Liz nodded, trying to understand. “Okay, what does that mean?”

Dr. Keller set the X-rays down, clasping his fingers.

“Honestly, I have no idea. And neither does anybody else. I have never heard
of anything like this, and neither has any other physician in this hospital.”

Liz squeezed the bridge of her nose. “So what you are telling me, is that you
cant help Max?”

“No, we just have to run some more tests, see what is going on up there.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jack ran as fast as his little legs could carry him, into Dr. Kellers office. It
wasn’t very far from his daddy’s room, and he made it quickly.

He reached up to the door handle, and turned it. He launched himself inside
the room, yelling at the top of his lungs,

“Daddy woke up!”

Just like that he was back out of the room.

Liz sat up quickly, following her son.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jack ran back into the room quickly. He saw his dad trying to sit up. He did
the only thing he could think to do.

“Hi!” He yelled.

“Hi.” Came Max’s raspy response.

Liz came in the room quickly staring at something she had never expected to
see again. Max’s beautiful eyes.

“Max.” She gasped.

A thousand years seemed to pass in the the rime it took for either of them to speak. Liz could hardly believe whatshe was seeing. It was like a dream. Max was awake.

Max took her in, loving the view. “Liz.”

Liz heard the raspiness. She was so full of nerves, she starting bustling
around.

“You need water.” She grabbed the pitcher, and poured him a cup. “Here.”
She went to hand him the cup, and she noticed her hands we shaking.

“Oh my god!” She suppressed a shiver when his fingers reached for the cup.
The tears started coming, and Liz couldn’t do nothing to stop them.

Max took the cup, and grasped Liz’s hand with his other hand, while he took
a big gulp. His throat felt 100% better, just from a drink.

When he finally felt better, he spoke up. “Liz, whats wrong? What is going
on? Where are we?”

Liz felt her legs giving out, and she walked over to the chair. She sat down,
and sobbed. She couldn’t touch Max right now. He didn’t even know what
had happened.

Max went to stand up, trying to reach her, but he could hardly move.

He noticed the little boy walk up to Liz, and pat her hair. Liz looked up at
him, smiled and pulled him into her lap.

“Liz?” He questioned. As far as he knew, he had never seen the boy before.

Jack looked at his mother, not understanding what was going on. He didn’t
know why his mommy was staying away from his daddy. But, he felt that
she needed him, and he simply hugged her.

“Liz?” Max begged. He sensed something was off. He could feel it in the air.
“What happened to me?”

Jack looked up quickly, meeting his father’s eyes.

“Yous been seeping.”

“What?” Max asked, trying to put the pieces together. It was killing his he
couldn’t get over to Liz. And felt a strange connection to the little boy who
was in the arms of the girl he loved.

“Yous been seeping.” Jack repeated.

Liz looked up, and smiled at her son. She regained her composure, and
turned watery eyes at Max.

“Max.” Liz stood up, Jack in her arms, and flung herself on his bed. Her arms wrapped tightly around his neck. She tried
to stay away from his chest, knowing it had to be sore.

Max felt tears stinging his eyes. He know knew more than ever that
something was off.

“Tell me what happened?” He begged.

“You dont remember?” She whispered into his ear. Jack was feeling a little
squished, but he didn’t mind.

“No,” Max whispered, bringing his arms around her middle with the little
strength he had. “Please tell me.”

Liz sat up, bringing Jack to her chest protectively.

“You were in a coma Max.”



Here are some more parts! I will come back with more! lol!

Max shook his head. His head just wasn’t rationalizing what she was saying.
“Your joking?” He pleaded.

“No, Max.” Liz shook her head, sniffling.

“How long?” He asked, dreading the answer.

“Max-” Liz tried to shake answering him.

“Tell me!” He ground out.

“Four years.” Liz whispered.

Max felt his head fall, and he started crying. His sobs were palpable.

Jack saw this, and climbed over to his father. He hated seeing people cry.

“Is otay Daddy. You wake now.” Jack smiled at Max. Trying to make him
feel better.

Max turned his head up quickly at the word father. His brain was having a
hard enough time comprehending being asleep for 4 years.

“What?” Max asked.

“I said, you wake now.” Jack brushed his daddy’s hair the same way his
mother had done to him a thousand times. It always made him feel better.

Max exhaled a breath, realizing where he knew those eyes from. They were
the same ones he saw every morning when he looked in the mirror.

Max asked a question that would solve the rest.

“Whats your name?”

“Jack!” He smiled brightly.

Liz watched in anticipation. She could hardly breath. She had waited for this
day for more than three years. When she realized that Jack’s answer wasn’t
what Max was looking for, she answered for him.

“Maxwell Jackson Parker Evans.”

Max turned his eyes to Liz. His amber pools were full of questions Liz could
read easily.

“Yes Max.” Liz nodded, tears spilling down her cheeks.

“Oh my god.” Max looked back to Jack, taking in his beauty. He had to be
the most beautiful child he had ever seen.

“Hi Daddy.” Jack waved, suddenly feeling very shy.

Max just scooped the little boy into his arms. He squeezed tighter than he
thought possible. This little boy was part of him, this beautiful child, was his.
And he had missed everything up to this point in his life.

Max felt tears choking him. He was on more then information overload right
now. His whole world had changed in a matter of moments. Nothing would
ever be the same.

“Liz I-” Max needed to talk to her. He hadnt let go of his grip on Jack. He
felt as though, if he let go, he would somehow disappear.

The door opened, and a blonde pixie walked in.

“So, how is Max?” She looked up to see she had interrupted something really
intense. “Max is awake.”

She turned unblinking eyes on him. “Wow.”

Max smiled her, through his tears. “Hi Maria.”

“Hello. How are you doing? Well obviously, you arent doing to great. But
your okay, and I am just going to shut up.” She smiled, and then bowed her
head.

Liz smiled at her exuberant friend, and looked back at Max. She could tell he
really needed to talk right now.

“Maria, do you think you could take Jack for a little while?”

“Ye...yeah, of..of course.” She stuttered out.

“Thanks.” Liz lifted Jack out of Max’s arms. Smiling when Max seemed to
protest.

Maria walked over to her, and picked up Jack.

“How do you feel about ice cream?” She asked him.

“Okay.” He looked quickly at Max. “Yous be here when I get back?”

Max smiled. “Yeah.”

Jack smiled, and Maria carried him out the door.

Max turned his amber pools back to Liz.

“Tell me everything.”


I know that part was horrible, but it was caught in my head, and I have been playing with it for the last few hours, (hours I probably should have spent studying for mid terms ) and this was the best I could do. But he did wake up! And thats what counts, right? Ok, tell me what you think.
_________________
courage isnt the absence of fear, it is the presnece of fear, and the will to overcome it. -Black knight.



Part 11

“Please Liz, I have to know.” Max grabbed her hand, looking into her eyes.
They were so full of emotion. But Max noticed, she looked so, so confused.
Liz always took first priority in his life, and he needed to know what was
wrong with her before he thought about his own problems.

“Is there something you arent telling me?” Max tilted her head so that she
was facing him. “You can tell me love, anything. I just found out a have a
son, and I have been in a coma for four years. I think I am ready for anything
right now?” Max laughed a little, trying to lighten the mood.

Liz felt her eyes start to water at his term of endearment. He had been calling
her ‘Love’ since they were 11, and Liz didn’t feel as though she deserved it
right now. She turned downcast eyes at him. Trying to smile through her
tears.

“Max dont.” She sobbed out.

Max pulled her close to his chest. It didn’t matter that it ached from the
pressure, only that she was alright. He looked at her with all the love he
possessed.

“Love, you are scaring me. Just tell me you arent dieing, ok” He smiled at
her, fearing her answer more than he cared to admit.

Liz felt him love wrapping around her as it had done so often in the past. She
loved that feeling, being completely cherished. But she shouldn’t be feeling
it, she reminded herself. She brought her fingers to his brow, her eyes casting
rivers down her cheeks.

“Max, I am-”

As soon as Liz touched him, Max felt himself being pulled away again. This
time, though, he found himself in a familiar place. It was Senior Chows. He
had taken Liz there a few times. He looked around his surroundings. It
wasn’t very full, maybe twenty people.

As his eyes took inventory, he noticed a petite brunette in the corner. His
petite brunette in the corner. She looked beautiful. She was wearing a dark
red dress, with her swept up.

Max watched as she sat next to a man Max had met before. He couldn’t
place the well dressed man yet, but the way he was holding onto his Liz, Max
figured he would soon.

The man had his arm around her waist, before removing it to pull out her
chair. Liz smiled at him, before sitting down.

Max walked over to their table, touching Liz’s shoulder, trying to get her
attention. She didn’t move, or even react to his hand being there. Max soon
realized he was only ment to watch the scene play out, not participate.

Max listened as they engaged in small talk. They talked about Jack, and both
of their jobs. When Liz referred to him as Kyle, Max knew who he was. He
was a lawyer. A defense lawyer to be more precise. He had represented the company a number of times, and Max had always liked him.

Until now.

“So, um, Liz. The reason I uh, brought us here tonight, is to ask you
something.” Kyle reached across the table, grabbing Liz’s own hand.

Max fought the urge to deck Kyle in the face, but knowing that nothing
would happen anyway he let the scene play out.

Liz smiled at him, having no idea where he was going with this. “What is it?”

“Well um, we have been dating for, about a year now. And, I love you Liz.”

Max clenched his fingers. He knew where Kyle was going, and Max wanted
to put a halt to it, right there and then.

Kyle stepped away from his own chair, and knelt in front of Liz.

“I guess what I am saying is, will you marry me?” Kyle pulled out a little
black box from his pocket. He opened it, and inside was a diamond ring.

Liz’s mouth fell open, and she found herself gasping for words. Tears stung
her eyes, as her first thought was, ‘What would Max think?’ She opened her
mouth, but nothing came out.

Kyle stood up, bringing her with him.

“Well?” He asked nervously.

Liz felt a few tears running down her cheeks. “Kyle I-” A sob choked her as
she tried to find the words she needed.

“I just need to think.” She pulled away from him, running out the door.

Max would have smiled in satisfaction, but he saw the look that passed over
Kyle’s face. It was sheer devastation. Max didn’t have the heart to be happy
over something that obviously had such a large affect on him.

Max hardly had time to think about it, before he was once again being pulled
into another room.

He was in an apartment, he knew that much. It was hardly decorated, beside
a few sofas. On the wall, Max noticed there were a few pictures. He didn’t
recognize most of them, but both Liz and Jack were on the wall.

This room was tense, Max could feel it in the air. He looked around to see
Liz and Kyle again. They were sitting on the couch. They weren’t doing
anything, simply sitting, talking.

They both looked strained.

“Kyle, um, well I have been thinking, and well,” Liz looked at him, a smile
on her face.

Kyle turned hopeful eyes on her. “Yeah.”

“Well, do you still want to marry me?” Liz looked scared.

Kyle brushed her hair, giving her a look of pure love.

“More than anything.”

Liz smiled. “Good, because, I want to marry you.”

Max felt the bile rising in his throat. That was to much for him to take.

Just then, Max found himself back inside the hospital room. He took a big
breath.

Liz was still in the middle of the sentence she was trying to finish.

“-Seeing somebody.” Liz told him, staring at the bed.

Max tried to breath, but it was getting more difficult. He could hardly think
straight. His fiancé was engaged to another man.

Liz couldn’t make her gaze reach his eyes. She knew that no matter how she
had it, it would mean the exact same thing. She hadnt waited for him.

Max waited for her to say it, praying it was just some sick joke his own mind
had played on him. But he could feel in the pit of his stomach that it was
real. He had somehow seen the past.

“Oh. Well, is it serious?” He tried to stay indifferent, but he thought he could
see the recognition in her eyes.

“Um, well.” Liz was biting her lower lip.

Max grabbed her chin, and forced her to stare at him. “Liz, I have been
asleep for 4 years, but I can still tell when you arent telling me something.”
Max smiled through his innerturmoil. He felt like he was being gutted, with a
blunt knife.

Liz smiled through her eyes, that stung with years strongly.

“Max, I am engaged.”

If Max thought he was in agony before, then he was in hell now. Hearing her
say the words were horrible. It was worse than anything he had heard since
waking up, which, thinking about it, had hardly been an hour ago.

Liz saw the look in his eyes, and felt the tears slide down her cheeks. “Max?”
She sobbed out.

Max simply turned his head, burying it in the pillow. He couldn’t deal with
this right now, he shouldnt really deal with anything right now. In the space
of less than 60 minutes, he had found out that he had been sleeping for four
years, a son that he had practically missed growing up, he was now having
some sort of strange phcycic thing, and to top it all off, the love of his life
was engaged to another man.

‘My life has turned to shit.’ He thought to himself. Tears burned his eyes
hotly as he drenched the pillow case.

Liz watched him, recognizing that trait. He did it when he wanted to you go
away. He would simply turn away. He had been doing it to people he didn’t
want to talk to for years. But never once had he done it to Liz, until now. She
let out a lob sob, and ran out the hospital door.

Max sat in his room, utterly alone. It was a terrible feeling. And worse, he
hadnt felt it since he was 6. When he had met his love, and now, she was the
very thing that was making him feel like this.

Max closed his eyes, trying to block out everything. But then, something
invaded his thoughts. It was about 3 and a half feet tall, with dark with
brown hair, and amber eyes. As much as Max tried to feel bad, just the
thought of the little person he helped create, made him feel so much better.

Just then, Max would have killed to have Jack with him. He needed to get to
know his son. He had to find out every little thing about the raven beauty.
The thought that he had missed such important years in his son’s life made
Max feel sick to his stomach. He knew he had to make it up, somehow.

Max decided he would think about Jack, which kept his thought from Liz.
He loved Jack, already, and he had only seen him for about 20 minutes.

Max felt a bittersweet smile face his face, as he waited for someone else to
drop a bombshell in his lap.


Ok, I know, this is killing me just to write it, but, it has to be done! Sorry Okay then I will be back soon with the next part. OH! and just so you know, the past is in the past, timeframe wise. Max was in his coma in 1998-99,(havent decided the exact date yet) so now he is in the present for us! Ok, happy to clear that up.
_________________
courage isnt the absence of fear, it is the presnece of fear, and the will to overcome it. -Black knight.



Ok guys, I am accepting flying rotten fruit to hit me, seeing as I said I would post on Wednesday, and here it is on Saturday night. I am so sorry, but RL has been kicking my butt! Alright, again, I apologize, and here is the next part, I really hope you like it. I wasnt sure about it, but I just couldnt mess with it anymore.

Oh, and one more thing. I really dont know an ectreme amount about medicine yet, so if things are a little off, forgive me!

Part 12

Max sat in his bed, listening to the sound of his own heartbeat. It was
strange, to look around at all the monitors that were ensuring his survival. Liz
had left around 30 minutes ago, and it had given him a little bit of time to
think.

He knew why he was so upset, because in his mind, Liz was still his. It hadnt
dawned on him that Liz had been alone while he was in a coma. And, in the
silence, Max came to the conclusion that no matter how bad it killed him, he
was happy to see that Liz had found some happiness in his absence. She
deserved it. A person as wonderful as Elizabeth Parker shouldn’t spend any
time alone.

Which led Max to think of Kyle Valenti. Max only knew him on a
professional level, but he thought he was a good enough guy. But Max did
know one thing. If Kyle ever did anything to hurt Liz, or Jack for that matter,
Max knew the man would never again see the light of day.

As Max was lost in his thought, his doctor came walking through the door.
He knew that Liz had been in, so he figured he would wait until she left to
check on Max Evans.

Max was brought out of his thoughts when he saw the door open. Standing in
the doorway was a man in his mid fifties probably, white coat, graying brown
hair. he was around six feet tall, not an overly intimidating man.

“Hello Max. My name in Dr. Robert Keller. It is nice to finally meet you.” He
walked into the room, and offered his hand.

Max shook it, feeling strange to be talking to the man that had taken care of
him for four years without him knowing it.

“Hello.”

Dr. Keller sat in the chair next to Max’s bed, and opened his chart.

“I have to say Max, I wasn’t expecting to meet you.”

“Thats reassuring.”

Dr. Keller chuckled. “Well, you suffered severe head trauma.” He sat up, and
started checking Max’s vitals. He checked his ears, eyes, heart rate. “It sent
your brain into shock.” He checked blood pressure, looked over Max’s EKG.
“It virtually, shut it down.” Dr. Keller then went on to explain to Max, what
he had to Liz. But since overlooking his head CT, he told Max what he had
learned.

Max complied easily with all the things the doctor was doing, but looked at
him skeptically. “But, there is something you arrant telling me, isn’t there?”

“Your pretty perceptive. Your right. Max, part of your brain, isn’t
functioning.” He sat back in his chair.

Max frowned. “What?”

“Oh, dont worry. Its does not appear to be affecting you. You see, you are
now operating out of what we like to call, the dead zone. It is a section of
your brain that no one knows a whole lot about. Scientists have been studying
for years, but no ones knows for sure what happens in that region.” Dr.
Keller, leaned back in the chair. “Max, have you ever heard that most people
dont use most of their brain?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I already told this to Liz, but what this means, is that you could
become capable of things people arent normally capable of.” Dr. Keller sat
up, and started pacing. “What I am trying to say is, is that if anything strange
has happened since you woke up, anything strange, you should probably tell
me.”

Max nodded. “Speaking of that. The first time I woke up, I touched a nurse I
think. It was like I was being pulled into a different universe. I saw a little
boy, he had swallowed cleaning solution. When I came out of it, the woman
said I was saying the name of her little boy. I had never seen either of them
before.” Max swallowed.

Dr. Keller’s eyes went wide, he could hardly believe what he was hearing.
“The little boy, was his name, Joey?”

Max nodded. “Yeah, why?”

Dr. Keller took off his glasses, and wiped his brow. “Yesterday, a nurse who
works in this hospital brought her son into the ER. He had swallowed a large
amount of cleaning solution.”

“Oh my god.” Max looked at the ceiling, wondering what the hell was going
on.

“Max, we were able to save him. But, if she hadnt been home sooner, he
would have died.” Dr. Keller looked him hard in the eye. “Do you realize
what this means?”

Max kept eye contact. “It means that I am now some weird person who is a
physic.”

“No Max. Its not like you were just supposedly born with this, ability, like so
many people say. You have what might as well be scientific evidence that
there are parts of the human brain that are capable of things we never
dreamed.”

Max nodded sarcastically. ‘If only I would have waken up with the ability to
open the earth so it could swallow me.’ He thought to himself. “Dr. Keller. I
really appreciate all you have dont for me. I really do, but I have been hit with
so many things in the last hour and a half, I am starting to wonder if waking
up was the best choice.”

Dr. Keller immediately nodded, already feeling bad for bringing on unwanted
stress. “Of course. I just came to make sure you were alright. Um, I will be
back later to check up on you.” He started walking back toward the door.

Max sighed happily, until he felt the pain in his chest from the hard breath.
“Alright. I have one more question though, why does my chest feel like
someone hit it with a sledge hammer?”

“Oh, well. Max when you woke up, you had a heart attack.” Dr. Keller
turned around, and pursed his lips in an indifferent posture.

Max’s eyebrows turned down. ‘The whole world must have gone crazy.’ He
looked at the doctor. “And we arent worried about this?”

The doctor shook his head. “Max, after everything you went through, that
heart attack was nothing. Honestly though, it wasn’t very bad, but we did
almost loose you. Your heart stopped beating for a moment due to the small
amount of oxygen. We got you back though. It was really minor, caused by
accelerated movement to quickly. The pain you are feeling will be gone in the
morning.”

‘Minor heart attack my ass.” Max thought to himself. ‘Why doesn’t he try it
sometime.’

“Alright, thankyou.” Max tried to make that sound like he wanted to be by
himself right now.

“OK Max. I will see you in the morning.”

MAx closed his eyes, and heard the door close. A few good hours of sleep
was what he needed right now.

Max frowned when he couldn’t get comfortable. It wasn’t even the hospital
bed, he was missing something. A body that always kept him warm, and
reassured him everything was alright.

Max fought the feeling, trying to sleep on his own. But, no matter how hard
he tried, he couldn’t get himself to fall asleep.

As he stared at the ceiling, he thought about the world in general. Things
hadnt stopped functioning since he went into a coma. He thought about
everything he had missed.

How were things? How was his father’s company? How was the economy?
Did the Braves ever get to the world series?

As Max pondered everything, he missed the sound of the door opening.

Maria walked in, holding Jack’s hand, not expecting to see Max alone. She
though Liz was still there.

“Max?” Maria questioned.

Max shook his head, dreading more company. He had yet to open his eyes,
hoping whoever was bothering him would figure he was asleep, when he
heard a little voice he was sure he would never forget.

“Daddy?” Jack asked. He hoped his Daddy hadnt already fallen asleep. He
really wanted to talk to him.

Max almost shot out of bed, before he reminded himself it hurt to much to
move.

“Jack?” Max questioned. He couldnt quite sit up to see him, but he was sure
he knew the voice.

Jack’s eyes picked up as he heard his father. He was so exctied to see him
again. Or sort of see him, the bed was to high for his little body.

“Daddy!” He ran as fast as his little legs would carry him to the bed. He
climbed up the chair with difficulty.

Maria walked over to the chair, helping Jack up. “I am so sorry Max. I didn’t
mean to disturb you. You are probably soo tired. I know I would be. Or
actually, I dont know, and no offense, but I hope never to find out.” Maria
looked into his eyes. They looked tried and worn, yet vibrant at the same
time. “Wow. Girlfriend, you arent looking to good. But, I wouldn’t expect
you too. Wow, I just keep rambling to you. Do you know where Liz went?”
She took a deep breath.

Max had to smile at her. She sure was something. “No. Uh, well. She left a
little upset.” Max bowed his head.

Maria got the hint, and covered her mouth with her hand. “Oh no Max. She
told you didn’t she?”

Max nodded. He looked over to the chair, where Jack sat, playing with his
shoes. He really was beautiful. Max had never seen anything that took his
breath away like his son.

“I am so sorry. Oh my. Are you alright?” Maria asked sympathetically.

Max shrugged, tears burning his eyes. “No. But I will have to be.”

Maria smiled sadly. “Well, on the up side I did bring someone who was very
excited to see you.” Maria touched Jack’s hair.

Now, Jack had been very patient while Aunt Maria and his Daddy talked.
But know it was his turn.

“Daddy. Aunt Ria’ gots me ice cweam. Nilla is my favite. Whas yours?”
Jack was talking so fast, his words coming out even more slurred than
normal.

“Vanilla is my favorite too.” Max patted the bed beside him, waiting for Jack
to make his way up. “What else do you like?” Max asked him.

“I like,” Jack stared at his father eagerly, “Blue’s clues. And I like my toys,
and I like doggies, buh mommy say dat I to young for a big doggy.” He
jumped on the chair, clapping his hands.

Maria watched them with a sad smile. They deserved this time together.
“Guys, I think I am going to go find your Mommy Jack. Think he could stay
here with you Max?” Maria added, knowing the answer. By the look in
Max’s eyes, she didn’t think he would ever let go.

“Of course!” He answered quickly. “I mean, I would really like it if Jack
stayed here with me.”

“Alrighty then.” She walked over to Jack, and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“Be good to your daddy.” She kissed Max on the cheek. “Dont try to do
anything stupid.”

They both smiled, and Maria noticed, it was the same way. She waved and
walked out the door.

Max watched as his son talked animatedly about blue’s clues, and how he
missed Steve, but Joe was alright. Max laughed, having no idea what Blue’s
clues was, but just the fact that Jack liked it was enough for him.

“So Jack, what is your name?” Jack had made his way over onto the bed,
sitting comfortably by his Daddy.

“Daddy you just said it. Is Jack.” He giggled at him. Grownups were so silly
sometimes.

“Your right, but my whole name is Maxwell Phillip Evans. Whats yours.”
Max felt like he was a starving man, trying to drink up all that was his son.

“Oh. Is, Maxwell Jackson Parker Evans.” He finished proudly. He had a big
name for such a little boy.

Max felt the breath leave his throat when his son said his name. Liz had
named him Maxwell. “Look, we both have the same first name.” Max
brushed the bangs away from Jack’s eyes.

“Yup. Mommy told me she named me afer you.” He pointed at his Dad.

“She sure did. How old are you Jack?”

“I am this many.” He held up three fingers, and puffed his chest out. “Im big
boy.”

Max laughed. “Yes you are. Do you know when your birthday is?” Max
knew it was a longshot, but he wanted to know everything.

“May 12, 1998.” His mommy had taught him all the important days in his
life.

“Really. Are you going to have a party this year?” Max asked.

“Uh huh. And Jacob and Eric and Stu will be there.” Jack yawned loudly,
laying down next to his father. “I cant wait. Is gonna be four years old.” Jack
snuggled into him, his eyes closing drowsily.

“Are you tired?” Max asked.

“No.” Jack’s voice was faltering.

“Are you sure?” Max pulled one of the blankets around Jack. He smiled as
Jack tried to stay awake.

“Uh huh.” Jack stuck his thumb in his mouth. As he nodded off to sleep, he
wrapped an arm around Max.

“Thats what I though.” Max whispered.

As he watched his son sleep, Max didn’t feel deprived anymore. He just
realized that he had Jack for the rest of his life now, and he was going to
make the most of it.

As Max watched his even breaths, he felt his own eyes getting heavy. He
finally felt comfortable enough to sleep.

As he drifted off, he secured Jack next to his chest. “I love you.”
_________________
courage isnt the absence of fear, it is the presnece of fear, and the will to overcome it. -Black knight.



AN: I would love to tell you that, I have a great excuse for not posting, but honestly I dont. Well, sort of. I have VERY large plans for this fic, bt RL has me in a bind right now, and it just doesnt want to let go. You know when some mornings you wake up, and just wonder where the last week went? I swear, I am stuck in that mode. So, he is the next part, sorry it isnt longer, but the next post should be out soon. I hope you like it.




Part 12A
Liz ran to her car, and she could hardly contain her tears. Max had never shut her out, ever. To feel cut off from him was heartbreaking. Even if they were never again involved romantically, which she assumed they wouldn’t be, she still didn’t want to be shunned by him.

As she drove down the road, Liz thought about what she had laid on Max in less than 2 hours. It was horrible. To find out you were asleep for four years was bad enough, but on top of everything else, Liz felt like she maybe should have saved some of what was said for another day.

But the more she thought about it, the more she realized, she felt better that Max knew. Even if he wasn’t happy with everything, he had always deserved to know the truth.

Liz pulled up to her home, and noticed Kyle’s car in the driveway. She was so mixed up. She needed him so much, yet she loathed the sight of him.

As she turned off her car, she prepped herself for seeing Kyle. She didn’t not want to see him; she just didn’t know how to act around him anymore. How did he expect her to react? Did he expect her to be sad, or for it not to affect her? Did he think she was going to leave him, or did he expect her to stay?

She opened the door to her house, and looked around for Kyle. He wasn’t in the living room, or the TV room, or the library. She finally opened the door to the kitchen, only to find Kyle in the middle of cooking a relatively large meal.

Liz sat in the doorway with a smile. Kyle was by no means a cook. He had an apron on over jeans and a red cubs shirt. He had something on his face, and his hair was sticking up every which way.

“What are you doing?” Liz started giggling.

Kyle jumped about a foot. He hadn’t heard Liz come in. He turned quickly, gasping at the sight of a body in the kitchen.

Kyle’s brain finally registered, and he smirked.

“I am cooking dinner. Jeez. Don’t you know I am a wonderful cook?” Kyle wiped his hands and walked up to her.

“Really?” Liz laughed, kissing his messy face.

Kyle flared his nose, making a funny face. “I am the next Martha Stuart, just you wait and see.”

“You mean bankrupt and in jail?” Liz walked over to the stove looking over what seemed to be chicken cordon bleu. But, it didn’t really look edible.

“Well, I would be an honest homemaker.” Kyle walked up behind her, knowing he had to ask the question that had drove him to do all this.

“How did it go?” He turned her around, and brought her over to sit at the table.

Liz closed her eyes. She didn’t know how to answer. “I have no idea really. But he is alright.”

Kyle nodded solemnly. “Ok. Where’s Jack?”

Liz’s head flew up, realizing she hadn’t told Maria what she was going to be doing after she left. “Oh no, I didn’t tell Maria I was coming back home!” She started to stand up, ready to go get her baby.

Kyle grabbed her hand, holding her in place. “Slow down. Where is he?”

Liz shook her head sitting back down. Maria would take care of him; she didn’t know what she was worried about. “I left him with Maria. They went and got ice cream while I spoke to Max.”

Kyle’s eyes widened. She had been alone with him? “And what did you guys talk about?” He tried to sound as even as possible.

Liz looked at the ceiling. Just thinking about it hurt. “Too many things.” Liz sniffled, and refocused on Kyle’s face.

“You know what, its not important right now.” She stood up, looking over what Kyle had made again.

Kyle laughed, coming to stand behind her. “Well, hey, if it isn’t any good, we always need food for the neighbor’s dogs.”

Liz laughed.
Maria opened the door to Liz’s house without knocking. She looked around the living room, and didn’t see her.

She made her way through the rest of the large house. She finally heard voices from the kitchen. Inside, Liz and Kyle were laughing over the chicken.

Liz was holding a piece up with a fork, looking at it like it was an alien, (wink) and Kyle was trying to cut another piece with a knife.

Maria smiled, watching them. She had expected to find Liz a mess. She had expected to have to pick Liz up, drag her into the shower, and get her dressed. But, she expected this least. Liz was smiling, and it looked genuine.

Although she was baffled, Maria liked this.

Liz looked over to the doorway through her giggles.

“Hey Maria.” Liz laughed. She was having fun. Kyle had made her forget for a little while, and Liz appreciated him for that.

Maria walked farther into the kitchen. “Hey, what are you two doing?”

Liz laughed again. “Well, Kyle tried to make Chicken cordon bleu. Tried being the operative word.” Liz looked around Maria for her son

“Where’s Jack?”

Maria giggled nervously, not sure what Liz’s reaction would be. “Well um, Jack is with Max.”

Liz got anxious at first, but calmed down after only a second. “Oh, alright. I guess I should go get him Max needs his rest. If I know Jack at all, he wont let Max sleep a bit.”

She stood up, her laughter from before forgotten.

Kyle had remained quite, his smile faltering as well.

“Ok. I better go get him.” Liz bustled around, looking for her keys. “Hey have you guys seen my coat?” She looked at them.

Maria nodded no, and Kyle face remained passive.

“Ok, its warm anyway. I don’t need it.” She turned, and exited the house.

Kyle watched her walk out, and put his head in his hands. “I don’t know what to do Maria.”

Maria sat down in Liz’s abandoned seat. She rubbed his back affectionately. “Just keep being there for her, for Jack. It’s the most you can do right now.”

Kyle raised his eyes, looking Maria straight on. “Why doesn’t it feel like enough? Like they are slipping away from me?”

Maria just looked at him with sympathy in her eyes. She didn’t know how to answer that, when the only things running through her mind was, “They are.”
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courage isnt the absence of fear, it is the presnece of fear, and the will to overcome it. -Black knight.



AN: Ok guys, sorry for the wait, but here is the next part. I dont know about it, so tell me what you think.


Part 13 B
Liz walked through the hospital, realizing she had been there quite a few times that day alone. So much had happened in so little time. Everything had seemed to stretch since Max’s accident. But now, time seemed to be slipping through Liz’s fingers.

She approached Max’s door, having no idea what to do? Knock? Walk in? Run away screaming? The last one sounded nice.

In the end, she decided to knock. Which was strange, like most things had been that day. She hadn’t knocked before coming into a room Max was in, since she could remember.

She knocked a few times, and waited for someone to answer the door, or to hear a ‘come in’ or a ‘hold on’ or maybe ‘screw off.’ She didn’t, know she was just expecting something.

After a few minutes, she started worrying, and opened the door. She really wasn’t ready for what she saw.

Max was asleep. He had some how maneuvered himself onto his side. ‘He always was a quick healer,’ She though to herself. His arm was curled protectively around a little body. They looked so comfortable together. Jack had his face turned into his Dad’s chest, sucking on his thumb, something Liz had tried to break him of many times. They both laid under the covers, with Jack’s jean clad leg sticking out the side. He never really was one to like blankets.

At that moment, the resemblance between father and son was uncanny. Everything from their hair color, and the way it curled at their neck, to the way they both slept with their eyes almost open. It had been creepy at first, Liz had never known weather or not Max was really awake. But you get used to it, it was kind of reassuring, like he was always on the lookout, even in his sleep.

They looked so peaceful; Liz didn’t have the heart to wake them. She simply walked to the chair next to the bed, and watched them sleep. As she stared, her own eyes got heavy, and she laid her head down on the back of the overstuffed chair. She realized that she hadn’t really slept the night before. She had been so anxious; her dreams had eluded her all night.

But as she listened to their even breaths, she felt her eyelashes coming together. Before she knew it, she was asleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Max woke up sometime later, feeling somewhat better than the first time. The little body that was pressed against him was beyond comforting. Max looked into Jack’s sleeping face, and just stared. He was so beautiful. Max knew Jack looked like him, it was obvious, but he could still see Liz in him. In the shape of his eyes, and his high cheekbones. Max didn’t know how it was possible to love someone so much that he had just met.

Liz awoke while Max was looking over his son. It touched her too see Max like that. She had always known he was fond of children, but to see him react so strongly to Jack was wonderful.

She shifted in her chair, and Max jerked his head around quickly. When he saw Liz, he smiled.

“Morning lo-, Liz.” He cut himself off. Love may seem to be a common pet name, but he had calling her that since they were seven. It meant something that he couldn’t have anymore.

Liz heard the stutter. “Morning.” She looked at her watch. “Oh wow. Its about 4:30.” They had been sleeping for close to 9 hours.

“Guess everyone really was worn out.” Liz sat up and rubbed a kink out her neck. But she knew how to take care of it; it definitely wasn’t a new thing to sleep in that chair. “How’s the big guy doing?” She gestured to their son.

Max looked down to the beautiful little boy in his arms. “He is still sleeping.” He whispered, fearing that if he woke Jack up, the peaceful look on his face would disappear.

“That’s probably a good thing. He is definitely not a morning person.” Liz laughed, coming to sit next to her sleeping son.

“That’s something he gets from you.” Max laughed.

Liz giggled. “Probably.”

Max stared at Jack’s face, and inhaled his clean scent. He summoned the courage he needed to ask Liz an important question. “What’s he like?”

Liz’s eyebrows knotted. “What?”

Max brushed a stray piece of hair from Jacks eye. “Well, he has been here since last night, and I know he is energetic and playful, and perfect in everyway, but I want to know all about him. What he likes, what he doesn’t like, and everything in-between.”

Liz nodded in understanding. “Max-.”

He cut her off. “I know, I have a lifetime now, well hopefully, to get to know him. But I cant-.” He stopped mid-sentence, trying to calm his emotions. “My god Liz. The last thing I remember is falling asleep with you, and know I wake up, and its like I have missed out on something that doesn’t exist in my mind yet.” Max breathed out heavily, having no idea if he made sense. “We planned for a child, and that was all I could think about. But I was supposed to have nine months to wait, to prepare. I am still supposed to have those months. Its like, my brain can’t grasp that he already exists, and he is three years old. I had so many hopes for his first three years. I was supposed to be there for all our child’s firsts. God, it was such a dream, to wake up in the middle of the night and hear our son or our daughter crying, and us having to get up and go get them. But it didn’t bother me; it was what I was looking forward to. To have a little person who depended solely on you and I. And now its like I have him, but I missed so much.” Tears slid heavily down Max’s cheek. A family was really all he had ever wanted.

Liz listened knowing he needed to get it out. She even understood what he was saying to a point. But Liz knew she could never fully understand what he was going through right now. She had been there for Jack through everything. Midnight feedings, scraped knees, and everything else was significant in his young life.

Liz sat next to Max, just listening. “Max, Max. It’s all going to be okay. You’re here now, and Jack has you. I cant turn back time, and I cant give you all the things you deserve, but I can promise that you have all the time in the world now. We’re not going anywhere Max. Can’t you see it? Jack loves you so much. He hardly knows you and he is crazy about you.” Liz didn’t know if what she said was helping at all, but she hoped she could ease his mind now.

Max nodded, staring at the ceiling. He repeated his earlier question. “So, what is he like now?”

Liz smiled. “Well, remember yourself when you were really young?”

Max knotted his eyes quizzically. “Liz, I did the math, and have come to the conclusion that I am almost thirty years old. I cant remember when I was three.”

Liz giggled. “Well that’s to bad, because Jack is so much like you.”

Max was still confused. “How can he be like me? He doesn’t really know me.”

“Oh but he is. Jack is nothing else if not your son.” Liz touched her son’s forehead. “He loves pizza, but can’t stand pizza sauce. He makes us get garlic sauce. Um, he really likes to watch Saturday morning cartoons, Blue’s clues is his favorite one. He loves sports, and likes to fish, as long as he doesn’t have to kill them.” Liz laughed at all her memories.

Max smiled, taking in all he could.

“You know, I could talk about him all day, but I think you should find out yourself.”

Max smiled. “Your probably right.”

Just then, Jack’s little eyes opened, and he looked at both his parents. One he had known his whole life, and one he had a whole life to get to know.

Liz noticed Jack’s bright eyes, and touched his cheek. “Hi Baby.”

Jack smiled brightly, liking having both his parents around him.

“Hi Mommy.” He turned to look at Max. “Hi Daddy.”

“Hey buddy.” Max shifted, as uncomfortable as he was, to face Jack better.

Liz noticed the wince, and grabbed Max hand.

As soon as her fingers touched him, Max felt himself being pulled away again.

He was standing in a back of a hospital room. Nurses were running around frantically, shouting and receiving orders.

He looked over to the center of the commotion and saw Liz, tired and sweaty.

“C’mon Liz, you have to push!” One of the nurses coaxed her.

Liz head bobbed to the side. Her hair was matted to her forehead, and her breathing was erratic. “I cant.” She moaned. “I need Max.”

The doctor looked at her sympathetically from his position in front of her. “I know you need him, but your baby needs you. C’mon Liz you are doing great. A few more hard pushes, and you will get to see your baby.”

Liz braced herself, and pushed with all her might.

“AAAAHHHGGG.” She screamed. Never in her worst nightmares did she imagine it would hurt this bad.

“That was good Liz! That was great. It’s crowning. Ok. One more hard push, and your baby will be here.”

Liz moaned loudly. “I cant do it. I can’t do it. I need Max. Where is Max!” Her rational mind just wasn’t working.

The nurses patted her head with a cloth lightly. “Sweetie, Max isn’t here. You need to be strong, and get this baby out of you. Ok? On ten, we are gonna need a big push, and its all gonna be over.”

The nurse started counting, and Max watched helplessly as his son was born.

“AAAAAAHHGG” Liz screamed, and for a second, there was silence.

“Congratulations Liz, you have a baby boy.” The doctor set the little boy against Liz’s chest, as he wailed healthily. ‘He is so small.’ Max thought to himself. He counted ten fingers, and ten toes.

Liz watched him with tired eyes. “Hello my love.” She touched his nose with her finger. “I love you so much.”

Max watched with hardly restrained tears. Liz was so brave. And even covered in sweat, she looked more beautiful than ever.

The nurses took the little baby away. Max sat back as they bathed and measured him.

She brought him back to Liz, and set him in her arms. The little blue blanket made him look even smaller if that was possible.

“He is 8 pounds, 4 ounces, 22 inches long. He certainly is a big one.” The nurse looked over the little baby.

Liz’s eyebrows came up, “Yes he is.”

Max shook his head. ‘No, he is so tiny.’

“All we need now is a name for him.” The nurse had the small card that held all his information.

Liz looked into his small amber eyes, so reminiscent of his father’s already. “Maxwell, Maxwell Jackson.”

The nurse started jotting it down. “Ok, Maxwell Jackson Parker, welcome to the world.”

“Evans.”

The nurse stopped writing. “Excuse me.”

Liz never took her eyes off her son. “Maxwell Jackson Parker Evans.”

The nurse shook her head. “Ok.”

Max smiled.

He felt himself being pulled back into his room, where Liz and Jack were now.

“-Max.” Liz questioned him.

His eye’s snapped to attention. “What?”

Liz smiled. “You seemed to have zoned out.”

Max looked at Jack, who had sat up. “I’m back.”
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courage isnt the absence of fear, it is the presnece of fear, and the will to overcome it. -Black knight.



AN: Ok guys, I am really sorry for the wait, but I have been pretty busy. But, I am currently on Spring break, and have nothing to do for the rest of the week, so expect a new part soon. AND. this is important, there is reference to whats going on the in world, I.E. the war, and if you dont like how I put things, well dont yell at me too bad, becuase I dont pretend to really know anything that is going on over there. I dont want to quote on something I dont know, and then be wrong, so I figured being vague would be the best way. So, I hope you are all fine with that. Anyway, enough babbling, on with the show




Part 14
Max thought back to the other day when Liz and Jack had been in his room and he had seen the vision on Jack being born as he tried to walk the few feet. It had been a day since he had seen them, far too long. He had tried to remain as remote as possible while they were there. He fought to keep his breath even, and his tone light as they relayed stories from Jack’s earlier years. As soon as they went out the door though, Max felt overwhelmed with what he had seen. But, after he clamed down, he thought about what he had seen. He realized he had been blessed to witness the birth of his son, even if he wasn’t really there physically. But he wouldn’t trade in for the world. He longed for more memories like that. But right now, Max was focused on walking the 10 feet.

Max pushed himself, as he looked five feet away, his goal. His legs just didn’t want to walk. His physical therapy was awful to say the least. Who didn’t understand that muscles haven’t moves for 4 years, wont move again, for at least a little while? Max pushed himself harder, but his muscles were just not cooperating.

“C’mon Max. It’s only another few feet. Keep pushing yourself.” Michael Guerrin pressed him. He was Max’s physical therapist.

Max gritted his teeth, willing himself to press harder. He used the rails on either side to support himself. His knuckles were white from effort. This was pathetic. He ran five miles a day since he was 15 years old. Now he couldn’t walk 10 feet? Jeez. He looked down to his pitiful abs. Man that made him want to cry. A lifetime of working out ruined from lack of activity for 4 YEARS! That would take him awhile to get that form back.

Max finally called it quits 6 inches later.

“Man, you had like 4 more feet. You could have done it.” Michael grabbed his arm and helped him to the chair.

Max felt the strange whoosh sensation at the contact of Michael’s hand.

“Don’t worry about the water.” Max settled himself into the chair, and looked Michael in the eye.

“Wha-.” Michael turned around, and his hip caught the side of the open bottled water sitting on the small table.

The bottle tumbled over the table, and spilled on Max’s gray sweatpants, and all over the floor. “Oh man, sorry.” He grabbed one of the towels off the table, and quickly stepped to wipe the mess off the tiled floor. He stopped mid-wipe.

“Like I said, don’t worry about it.” Max grinned.

Michael stared at him. “Wait, how did you-?”

Max grabbed another one of the towels, and wiped his head. “Don’t even ask.”

“Yeah.” Michael trailed off, and finished wiping the mess.

“So, how long have you been a physical therapist?” Max asked, trying to start conversation.

Michael threw the towel in the hamper, and sat down next to Max. “Going on two years.”

“Really?” Max asked. He reached up to the table and grabbed another bottle of water.

“Yeah. Actually, before I did this, I worked for your company.” Michael also grabbed a bottle.

Max looked at him skeptically. “Are you serious?”

“Yup. But, the timber business just wasn’t for me. So, my girlfriend Maria-.”

Max raised his eyebrows. “Maria DeLuca?”

“The one and only. Yes, Liz’s best friend. So, after I quit Evan’s logging, I went back to school, and got my credentials to become a physical therapist. Actually, she was the one that insisted I make sure I was your physical therapist.”

Max laughed. “Small world.” Max fiddled with the lid of his water bottle. “So, um, you’ve been around Jack a lot then?” Max couldn’t take his eyes off the bottle.

Michael stopped taking a drink. He shook his head a little jerkily. “Yeah.”

Max looked at him. “And Liz?”

“Uh huh.” Michael placed the lid back on the bottle.

“And they are both fine. There’s nothing wrong, and they’ve been alright.” Max questioned eagerly.

“Yeah,” Michael met his eyes. “They have been okay. It was a little touch and go there right after Jack was born. Liz was a wreck, but everyone helped, and she’s doing alright now.”

Max nodded his head. “And um, have you met Kyle Valenti?” Max asked apprehensively. He needed an outside opinion.

Michael scratched his eyebrow, wondering why Max was asking that. He knew about he and Liz’s relationship, and also knew about Kyle and Liz’s relationship. “Yeah. Were friends I guess.”

Max blew out a deep breath. He was hoping Michael could get the hint without Max having to say it. “And, he is, uh, a nice guy?” Max stammered out.

Michael finally caught on. “Oh, uh yeah man. He really cares for Liz, and Jack for that matter. He is really a good guy.” Michael reassured him. He didn’t now what he would do if he were in Max’s situation.

Max breathed out in relief. It wasn’t exactly what he was looking for, but he would take what he got. “Good, good.”

They sat in silence for a few more minutes. “I think I am up to it again.”

Michael stood up, ready to help. “You sure?”

“Yes.” Max said decisively. He was going to make it the entire 10 feet, even if it killed him. He stood up on his own, and grabbed the railings. He wrapped his fingers tightly around the cold steel, and forced himself to take a step.

After around 20 grueling half-foot steps, and many mean words from Michael, Max made it to the other side.

“That was great. Ok, you up for some leg presses?” Michael grabbed his arm to help steady him.

Max puffed his cheeks out, trying to decide weather or not he could do it. “You know what, what the hell. The sooner I do this, the sooner I can walk again.”

Michael smiled, even though Max was grimacing. “That’s the attitude.”

They made their way over to the weight lifting machines, and Max sat on the leg press.

Michael adjusted it accordingly, and Max lifted a few. “So, what’s been going on in the world?” Max hadn’t thought to ask before, but know he was feeling a little left out.

He sat in a chair next to Max. “Well, let’s see. Some bed crap has been going on. America is at war, sort of."

"With who?" Max looked shocked.

"Iraq." Micheal really didnt know what to say about it.

"About what?"

"Well actually, I really don’t know the details, and I don’t pretend to. It pretty much started when something big happened in New York, but that’s to long and drawn out to try and explain myself. You will probably read about it, and understand a lot better than I do. Um, the damn L. A. Lakers have the championship three years running.”

Max grimaced. He wasn’t sure if it was from the 3 presses, or the fact the Lakers were on top. “That’s horrible.”

“Yeah, but they’ll lose this year. Either Sacramento, or San Antonio will bring um down.” Michael supported his knee through the fifth press. “What else? Uh, George W. Bush is now the president.”

“Again?” Max strained for the sixth press.

“Nah, its his son. He is okay I guess. I’m not into politics myself. Ugh, wow, I cant think of really anything, but you know what, I will get you a copy of some big headlines.” He checked to see Max wasn’t straining his hamstring too bad.

“That would be- ahg- wonderful.” Max grunted. He would get 10 in, no matter what.

Max and Michael finished with the leg presses, which Max did successfully. He wheeled Max back to his room, and helped him back into his bed.

“Your are going to be really sore in the morning, just so you know.” Michael smirked at him. “Thank you for telling me, really.” Max smiled sarcastically. “If I wasn’t in enough pain most of the time, I would put soreness on top of my list.”

“It will get better. You did great today.” Max smiled genuinely. “Thanks.”

Michael started walking out the door, and Max stopped him. “Hey, send Maria in here sometime, were long over due for our girlfriend chat.”

“OH my god man, she reverted you to the dark side.” Michael looked stunned.

Max laughed. “No, it’s a name she gave me when we were juniors in high school. But I need to talk to her.”

“Ok, see you tomorrow Max.”

“See you later.” Michael walked out the door.
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courage isnt the absence of fear, it is the presnece of fear, and the will to overcome it. -Black knight.



AN: Ok guys, I know I said I would update last week, and I got eh part all ready then, but my computer took a swan dive , and I had to wait until today to get it back from the place we go to get it fixed. SORRY SORRY! But, here is the new part, and it is pretty long I guess. And just so you know, what you are all hoping for is coming up. So, enjoy

Part 15 A
Max hobbled himself around on his crutches. He was- well, sort of walking now. 2 months, and more physical therapy than he ever thought possible; he was at least on crutches. He didn’t even think you could get that sore, but he figured it out the hard way. He could take a few steps here or there, but mostly, he suck to crutches. Max had eventually told Michael about the visions. He wound up having to when sometimes they were so powerful he nearly doubled over. Michael was skeptical at first, but after enough evidence, Michael had accepted it.

“Are you ready?” Liz asked him.

Max followed her up the path. The path that lead to his house. He looked at the brown house he had called home since he was a little boy. IT was still as big as ever with the same brown trim, and white roses leading up the walkway. Hi father had given him the house for his eighteenth birthday. Max had thought it was too much, but his father wanted to him to have a stable place to have when he got back from college. But at the time, Max wasn’t sure if it was that, or he wanted to keep a close eye on him. But, all the same, it was the same three-story home. The house he was now going to live in with the woman he loved who was engaged to someone else. The house that his son lived in. The son he had gotten to know pretty well in the last two months. Max couldn’t have been happier about his and Jack’s relationship. His son was perfect, everything he could ever expect, and so much more it was scary. Max found himself up most night just thinking about how wonderful Jack was. It was a new and wonderful feeling to Max. To feel so much paternal pride, and love. Just looking at Jack made Max happy. He had visited almost every day. And when the doctor told them Max could finally go home Jack was so happy, he talked himself to sleep. He saw everything in his son that he was missing. Max felt hope every time he looked at him, hope that everything would work out.

“Max, are you ready?” Liz walked up to him, and waved her hand in front of his face. “You in there?”

Max snapped to attention. “Oh, sorry. Yeah, lets go.” Together, they walked in the front door, and Max took in his surroundings. It looked the same, and yet, Max had expected it not to. He didn’t know why, but just thinking about all the time he had spent away, Max had expected something to change. He had spent time in his hospital bed, which was all he had while he was in his hospital bed, just thinking about all that would probably be different when he got home.

But looking, he would have never noticed his absence. It was the same large living room, minus a few pictures he remembered, and adding a few of Jack, and Kyle Valenti. Max didn’t know how much he liked that one. Looking around, there were the same vases, sculptures, and paintings. The same coffee table Max had made during shop when he was a senior in high school sat in the middle of the room, on the same off white carpet that had been put in six moths before his accident.

“Hey, where are you today?” Liz smiled at him. Over the last two months, she had come to be great friends with Max again. It wasn’t what they had before, but it was enough for the moment being.

“I don’t know.” Max set his crutches down, and sat on the white couch that had been there since he and Liz moved back in after college.

All of a sudden, the sound of little footsteps came from the stairs. Max saw his little boy’s hair before he saw his face. “Daddy?” Jack questioned. He saw his father sitting on the couch and sprinted to him.

“Daddy!” He jumped into his father’s lap, and wrapped his little arms around Max’s neck.

“Hey buddy.” Max closed his eyes, and cherished the feeling of his son in his arms. It was something he had felt many times since waking up, but still felt new and exciting every time.

“I mish you.” He planted little kisses on his face. His daddy was the best daddy ever.

“I just saw you last night.” Max gave him a big kiss on his cheek.

Jack seemed to contemplate this for a little while. “I mish you still.” Was all he said.

“I missed you too.” Jack sat in his lap. “Daddy, you want to see my room?” His eyes looked so hopeful.

Max set Jack on the floor. “Of course. Lets go.”

Liz watched them. It made her feel so complete to see them together like that. More complete than she had felt in a long time. Jack was always a happy child. Liz made sure he always felt loved from everyone around. Not that she needed to, Jack was a little charmer. But there was always something missing in his eyes. Something that just made him shut down a little bye the end of the night. Liz had always known in was the absence of his father but when he and Kyle starting hanging out, she had thought that maybe that void had been filled. But looking at him now, Liz knew Jack had everything he had always wanted. It was just something about the way he smiled now. Like he had no worries, and the worst thing plaguing his three year old mind was when his Daddy would actually come home. Not if he would ever actually got to see his eyes open.

Liz helped Max sit up, and handed him his crutches. “Ok, well, are you going to make it up the stairs?” She looked at the large staircase, and glanced at Max skeptically.

Max looked at the menacing 50 steps. He had counted them as a child. “I think I can do it.” Jack made sure his father was following him, and ran up the stairs.

Max watched Jack’s child exuberance, and carefully maneuvered himself up the steps. It was a tricky business, going up steps with crutches was. Liz stood behind him with barely his humor. She attempted to help him, but he shrugged off her hand, stated he needed to do it himself. She watched with a smile. It was definitely the same Max. The same determination clouded his eyes, and eluded sensible thought.

Max watched Jack as he stood at the top of the stairs, with his arms crossed over his chest. Max could see so much of Liz in him right now.

“Comin’ Daddy?” Jack bounced his knee steadily, trying to wait, but it just wasn’t working.

Max gave his son an encouraging smile. “I’m trying pal.”

Jack compassionate side kicked in, and he rushed back down the stairs to help his father.

“I help.” Jack looked at his father for moment, and decided the best plan of action. He stood behind him, and pushed his bottom.

Max laughed when he felt the little push. “You know what Jack, I think I can make it buddy, but thanks for helping.”

Liz came and scooped Jack up. “Let’s let Daddy make it up all by himself.” Max gave her a grateful smile, and continued his way up the stairs. He was at least halfway now, and going strong.

Together, they made it all the way up, and Max was glad to learn Jack had one of the second floor bedrooms. Another 40 steps would not cut it. Liz let Jack down, and brushed a stray piece of hair from her eyes. Who would have thought coming up stairs could be so hard?

“Come Daddy.” Jack grabbed his pant leg, and drug him down the hall.

Max followed him, and gasped when he realized what room he had come to. It was the one he had grown up in. Jack pushed open the door, and Max saw that Liz had kept it almost the same as when Max had shown it to her for the first time.

“Wow.” Max commented when he saw the same bed, and same dresser occupying the room. Max also noted that a few of his toys littered the floor. He put his crutched down, and settled into the same wooden rocking chair his mother had fed him in as a baby.

As his fingers collided with the carved wood, he felt the all to familiar whooshing sensation, and he found himself looking down from the doorway upon Liz, and what Max knew was a very small Jack.

Liz was gently rocking, trying to coax the infant back to sleep. “Sleep my precious darling. Mommy is tired.”

Her eyes looked weary, but the amount of love held for the baby in her arms was apparent. Max looked unable to move, and watched as Liz eventually put the baby back to bed.

Max was pulled back into the room, noticing Liz was in the same position as before the vision. She started moving again when Max regained his bearings.

Liz looked around, hoping Max would mind how she had tried to keep the room the same as she had first encountered it.

Max picked up the little action figurine on the floor. He studied it; trying to remember the last time he saw it.

“I hope you don’t mind.” Liz explained. Jack had run off into his closet to get a few of his trucks. “Um, your mother gave me some of these things when Jack was born, and I just remembered it from when we were younger. The bed and dresser were in the attic, so I had them refurnished. Um, your mother found a box of toys, and Jack go into them one day. He loves them. I decided a good way to keep you and Jack close was to try to make his room like yours.”

Max had a stoic look on his face. He couldn’t believe how wonderful she was.

“You mind, don’t you? I’m sorry, it was just something I thought I would for the both of you-.”

“No, Liz. This is wonderful. I can’t believe you would do this, for me.” Max played with the little Spiderman figure. It was obvious it was old. “Does he really like these?”

“They are his favorite.” Liz picked up a G.I Joe, and played with the movable arms.

“Thank you.” Max felt a little chocked up.

Liz shook her head. “No need to thank me.”

Max looked at her. “Yes, yes there is.”

Just then, the closet door burst open, and Jack stood with his arms full of toy trucks. He looked at them with a dead serious expression. “Mommy, Daddy, is time to pay trucks.” Max and Liz both burst out laughing, hardly being able to contain their fits. Jack just looked too cute.

He walked over, completely unfazed, and handed his daddy biggest one, and Liz the next biggest one. Liz took the truck and settled herself down next to her son on the carpeted floor. Max also maneuvered himself down, and together they played with Jack’s trucks.


Liz danced around the kitchen, moving her wooden spoon around like a wand. She was cooking dinner tonight, for what seemed to be everyone. It was a very large pot of spaghetti, and she had another one going. Tonight was a big night, Kyle was coming over for dinner, Michael and Maria were coming over, and Alex was scheduled to call. A big thing when someone was constantly moving, and Liz could never ever get a hold of him.

She added a little pepper to the tomato sauce, and waited to Kyle to arrive. That’s what she was most afraid of tonight. Max and Kyle would meet for the last time. She had skirted around it for the last three months, but it was inevitable. They had to meet someday. Liz just hoped everything would go okay.

Liz listened for anything, hoping someone would come home. Jack was at the neighbors, Max was at physical therapy with Michael, Maria was at her house getting ready, and Kyle was working, but should have been here soon.

Kyle thought it was odd that Max lived with her and Jack. But Liz explained that Max had lived there his whole life. It was his home as much as it was hers, if not more. Beside, Liz wanted Max and Jack as close as possible. Sometimes she felt as though she was forcing a relationship with them, but then when she saw Max look at him, she knew Jack was just what he needed.

She heard the door open, and ran to it. She didn’t even know who she wanted to be there, but the company would be welcomed.

She turned the corner, and there stood Kyle, with Jack thrown over his shoulder.

“Hey.” She looked at them with confused eyes, yet a smile.

“Hello. I was just about to come to the door, when this little guy come barreling into me.” He set Jack down, and kissed Liz on the cheek. “How are you?”

Liz smiled at him. “I am good, but I am happy that you are here.” She picked Jack up and gave him a big kiss. “Hello you. Did you have a good time at Derek’s?”

Jack nodded happily, and wrapped his arms tightly around her neck. “Yup. His mommy gives us cookies!”

“Really! Well I don’t know how good that was, because we are having spaghetti tonight.” Liz explained while walking in the kitchen. She set Jack down, and checked on the sauce.

“Yeah!” Jack clapped his little hands together, and took in the wonderful smell.
Liz dipped the spoon in, and held it to his lips. “You want to taste it little man?”

Jack nodded excitedly. “Ok, but be careful, its hot.” She made little blowing noises.

Jack mimicked her, and blew off the steam. He tasted it, and smiled. “Yummy mommy.”

“Thank you baby.” She kissed his head, and stood back up. Jack ran out of the kitchen, and most likely into the living room to watch TV till his dad

I was wondering are you going to update this story, cuz its really a great storyy. I want to know what will happen next. Please!!!!!!!

I LOVED THIS STORY! Please tell me that you're going to continue it! It's SOOO good!!

Part 15 A
Max hobbled himself around on his crutches. He was- well, sort of walking now. 2 months, and more physical therapy than he ever thought possible; he was at least on crutches. He didn’t even think you could get that sore, but he figured it out the hard way. He could take a few steps here or there, but mostly, he suck to crutches. Max had eventually told Michael about the visions. He wound up having to when sometimes they were so powerful he nearly doubled over. Michael was skeptical at first, but after enough evidence, Michael had accepted it.

“Are you ready?” Liz asked him.

Max followed her up the path. The path that lead to his house. He looked at the brown house he had called home since he was a little boy. IT was still as big as ever with the same brown trim, and white roses leading up the walkway. Hi father had given him the house for his eighteenth birthday. Max had thought it was too much, but his father wanted to him to have a stable place to have when he got back from college. But at the time, Max wasn’t sure if it was that, or he wanted to keep a close eye on him. But, all the same, it was the same three-story home. The house he was now going to live in with the woman he loved who was engaged to someone else. The house that his son lived in. The son he had gotten to know pretty well in the last two months. Max couldn’t have been happier about his and Jack’s relationship. His son was perfect, everything he could ever expect, and so much more it was scary. Max found himself up most night just thinking about how wonderful Jack was. It was a new and wonderful feeling to Max. To feel so much paternal pride, and love. Just looking at Jack made Max happy. He had visited almost every day. And when the doctor told them Max could finally go home Jack was so happy, he talked himself to sleep. He saw everything in his son that he was missing. Max felt hope every time he looked at him, hope that everything would work out.

“Max, are you ready?” Liz walked up to him, and waved her hand in front of his face. “You in there?”

Max snapped to attention. “Oh, sorry. Yeah, lets go.” Together, they walked in the front door, and Max took in his surroundings. It looked the same, and yet, Max had expected it not to. He didn’t know why, but just thinking about all the time he had spent away, Max had expected something to change. He had spent time in his hospital bed, which was all he had while he was in his hospital bed, just thinking about all that would probably be different when he got home.

But looking, he would have never noticed his absence. It was the same large living room, minus a few pictures he remembered, and adding a few of Jack, and Kyle Valenti. Max didn’t know how much he liked that one. Looking around, there were the same vases, sculptures, and paintings. The same coffee table Max had made during shop when he was a senior in high school sat in the middle of the room, on the same off white carpet that had been put in six moths before his accident.

“Hey, where are you today?” Liz smiled at him. Over the last two months, she had come to be great friends with Max again. It wasn’t what they had before, but it was enough for the moment being.

“I don’t know.” Max set his crutches down, and sat on the white couch that had been there since he and Liz moved back in after college.

All of a sudden, the sound of little footsteps came from the stairs. Max saw his little boy’s hair before he saw his face. “Daddy?” Jack questioned. He saw his father sitting on the couch and sprinted to him.

“Daddy!” He jumped into his father’s lap, and wrapped his little arms around Max’s neck.

“Hey buddy.” Max closed his eyes, and cherished the feeling of his son in his arms. It was something he had felt many times since waking up, but still felt new and exciting every time.

“I mish you.” He planted little kisses on his face. His daddy was the best daddy ever.

“I just saw you last night.” Max gave him a big kiss on his cheek.

Jack seemed to contemplate this for a little while. “I mish you still.” Was all he said.

“I missed you too.” Jack sat in his lap. “Daddy, you want to see my room?” His eyes looked so hopeful.

Max set Jack on the floor. “Of course. Lets go.”

Liz watched them. It made her feel so complete to see them together like that. More complete than she had felt in a long time. Jack was always a happy child. Liz made sure he always felt loved from everyone around. Not that she needed to, Jack was a little charmer. But there was always something missing in his eyes. Something that just made him shut down a little bye the end of the night. Liz had always known in was the absence of his father but when he and Kyle starting hanging out, she had thought that maybe that void had been filled. But looking at him now, Liz knew Jack had everything he had always wanted. It was just something about the way he smiled now. Like he had no worries, and the worst thing plaguing his three year old mind was when his Daddy would actually come home. Not if he would ever actually got to see his eyes open.

Liz helped Max sit up, and handed him his crutches. “Ok, well, are you going to make it up the stairs?” She looked at the large staircase, and glanced at Max skeptically.

Max looked at the menacing 50 steps. He had counted them as a child. “I think I can do it.” Jack made sure his father was following him, and ran up the stairs.

Max watched Jack’s child exuberance, and carefully maneuvered himself up the steps. It was a tricky business, going up steps with crutches was. Liz stood behind him with barely his humor. She attempted to help him, but he shrugged off her hand, stated he needed to do it himself. She watched with a smile. It was definitely the same Max. The same determination clouded his eyes, and eluded sensible thought.

Max watched Jack as he stood at the top of the stairs, with his arms crossed over his chest. Max could see so much of Liz in him right now.

“Comin’ Daddy?” Jack bounced his knee steadily, trying to wait, but it just wasn’t working.

Max gave his son an encouraging smile. “I’m trying pal.”

Jack compassionate side kicked in, and he rushed back down the stairs to help his father.

“I help.” Jack looked at his father for moment, and decided the best plan of action. He stood behind him, and pushed his bottom.

Max laughed when he felt the little push. “You know what Jack, I think I can make it buddy, but thanks for helping.”

Liz came and scooped Jack up. “Let’s let Daddy make it up all by himself.” Max gave her a grateful smile, and continued his way up the stairs. He was at least halfway now, and going strong.

Together, they made it all the way up, and Max was glad to learn Jack had one of the second floor bedrooms. Another 40 steps would not cut it. Liz let Jack down, and brushed a stray piece of hair from her eyes. Who would have thought coming up stairs could be so hard?

“Come Daddy.” Jack grabbed his pant leg, and drug him down the hall.

Max followed him, and gasped when he realized what room he had come to. It was the one he had grown up in. Jack pushed open the door, and Max saw that Liz had kept it almost the same as when Max had shown it to her for the first time.

“Wow.” Max commented when he saw the same bed, and same dresser occupying the room. Max also noted that a few of his toys littered the floor. He put his crutched down, and settled into the same wooden rocking chair his mother had fed him in as a baby.

As his fingers collided with the carved wood, he felt the all to familiar whooshing sensation, and he found himself looking down from the doorway upon Liz, and what Max knew was a very small Jack.

Liz was gently rocking, trying to coax the infant back to sleep. “Sleep my precious darling. Mommy is tired.”

Her eyes looked weary, but the amount of love held for the baby in her arms was apparent. Max looked unable to move, and watched as Liz eventually put the baby back to bed.

Max was pulled back into the room, noticing Liz was in the same position as before the vision. She started moving again when Max regained his bearings.

Liz looked around, hoping Max would mind how she had tried to keep the room the same as she had first encountered it.

Max picked up the little action figurine on the floor. He studied it; trying to remember the last time he saw it.

“I hope you don’t mind.” Liz explained. Jack had run off into his closet to get a few of his trucks. “Um, your mother gave me some of these things when Jack was born, and I just remembered it from when we were younger. The bed and dresser were in the attic, so I had them refurnished. Um, your mother found a box of toys, and Jack go into them one day. He loves them. I decided a good way to keep you and Jack close was to try to make his room like yours.”

Max had a stoic look on his face. He couldn’t believe how wonderful she was.

“You mind, don’t you? I’m sorry, it was just something I thought I would for the both of you-.”

“No, Liz. This is wonderful. I can’t believe you would do this, for me.” Max played with the little Spiderman figure. It was obvious it was old. “Does he really like these?”

“They are his favorite.” Liz picked up a G.I Joe, and played with the movable arms.

“Thank you.” Max felt a little chocked up.

Liz shook her head. “No need to thank me.”

Max looked at her. “Yes, yes there is.”

Just then, the closet door burst open, and Jack stood with his arms full of toy trucks. He looked at them with a dead serious expression. “Mommy, Daddy, is time to pay trucks.” Max and Liz both burst out laughing, hardly being able to contain their fits. Jack just looked too cute.

He walked over, completely unfazed, and handed his daddy biggest one, and Liz the next biggest one. Liz took the truck and settled herself down next to her son on the carpeted floor. Max also maneuvered himself down, and together they played with Jack’s trucks.


Liz danced around the kitchen, moving her wooden spoon around like a wand. She was cooking dinner tonight, for what seemed to be everyone. It was a very large pot of spaghetti, and she had another one going. Tonight was a big night, Kyle was coming over for dinner, Michael and Maria were coming over, and Alex was scheduled to call. A big thing when someone was constantly moving, and Liz could never ever get a hold of him.

She added a little pepper to the tomato sauce, and waited to Kyle to arrive. That’s what she was most afraid of tonight. Max and Kyle would meet for the last time. She had skirted around it for the last three months, but it was inevitable. They had to meet someday. Liz just hoped everything would go okay.

Liz listened for anything, hoping someone would come home. Jack was at the neighbors, Max was at physical therapy with Michael, Maria was at her house getting ready, and Kyle was working, but should have been here soon.

Kyle thought it was odd that Max lived with her and Jack. But Liz explained that Max had lived there his whole life. It was his home as much as it was hers, if not more. Beside, Liz wanted Max and Jack as close as possible. Sometimes she felt as though she was forcing a relationship with them, but then when she saw Max look at him, she knew Jack was just what he needed.

She heard the door open, and ran to it. She didn’t even know who she wanted to be there, but the company would be welcomed.

She turned the corner, and there stood Kyle, with Jack thrown over his shoulder.

“Hey.” She looked at them with confused eyes, yet a smile.

“Hello. I was just about to come to the door, when this little guy come barreling into me.” He set Jack down, and kissed Liz on the cheek. “How are you?”

Liz smiled at him. “I am good, but I am happy that you are here.” She picked Jack up and gave him a big kiss. “Hello you. Did you have a good time at Derek’s?”

Jack nodded happily, and wrapped his arms tightly around her neck. “Yup. His mommy gives us cookies!”

“Really! Well I don’t know how good that was, because we are having spaghetti tonight.” Liz explained while walking in the kitchen. She set Jack down, and checked on the sauce.

“Yeah!” Jack clapped his little hands together, and took in the wonderful smell.
Liz dipped the spoon in, and held it to his lips. “You want to taste it little man?”

Jack nodded excitedly. “Ok, but be careful, its hot.” She made little blowing noises.

Jack mimicked her, and blew off the steam. He tasted it, and smiled. “Yummy mommy.”

“Thank you baby.” She kissed his head, and stood back up. Jack ran out of the kitchen, and most likely into the living room to watch TV till his daddy got home. Kyle had a sweet smirk on his face when she looked at him.

“What?”

Kyle just smiled and shook his head. “Nothing, you just, look so natural doing that.”

Liz laughed. “I hope so, he’s my son.”

Kyle nodded. “Oh, I know. I guess, I don’t know how to describe it. Its like, you have this way with people, like you are so, oh, well. Never mind.” Kyle rolled his eyes.

Liz set the spoon down, and walked up to him. “What?”

He tried to get away from her. “Nothing, its no big deal.”

She reached up, and touched is cheek. “What were you gonna say?”

Kyle leaned into her hand, and gave in. “I guess, its like, it impossible to not love you. You bring out the best it everyone. There, you happy?” He narrowed his eyes playfully.

Liz nodded. “Yes, and thank you.” She kissed his cheek.

She stopped and looked into his eyes. “Liz.” Kyle whispered. He moved his hand up to cup her head, and moved to kiss her.

Liz watched him, and waited, feeling the tension. When she felt his breath on her lips, she moved his hand and pulled away. “Um, I have to finish dinner.” She bit her lip and walked away.

Kyle dropped his hand, and looked at her back. He blew out a big breath. “Liz?”

She picked the wooden spoon back up, and turned to face him. “Not right now Kyle.”

“Then when? You are so hot and cold. One minute, you seem like you are enjoying us being together, and another, you seem to want to get away from me. What is that about.” He crossed his arms over his chest, and looked at her expectantly.

When Liz opened her mouth, she heard the door open. Maria’s voice suddenly filtered through the house. Liz looked from Kyle to the door way, and back to Kyle. “I said not right now Kyle, I am busy.” She stated firmly.

Maria walked in the kitchen not a second later, and sensed the tension. “Everything Ok guys?” She asked cautiously.

Liz turned back to dinner, and smiled. “Everything is fine.”

Maria nodded. “Ok then.” She looked at Kyle, and noticed the look on his face. “How are you Kyle?” She hadn’t seen him in a while, and by the look on his face, he definitely needed a friend.

Kyle glanced at Liz’s back, thinking about all the possible ways to answer that question, and finally settled on, “I’m fine.”

And, again, the door opened, and Liz heard Jack’s excited squeal. “Daddy! You no have crutches!”

Liz heard, and ran out of the kitchen into the living room. There Max stood, Jack in his arms, standing freely. “ “Nope buddy, I can, well sort of walk without them.” Max kissed his forehead, and looked at everyone else.

Kyle and Maria had followed Liz out, and they had different looks on their faces. Maria’s was one of happiness. Her boyfriend was here. She walked over to him, and laid a big one on him. “Hey baby.”

Now Kyle looked a little different. From first glance, he just looked curious. But if you looked closer, you could see the fear in his eyes. This man had the potential to take everything he loved away from him, and the worst part was, he wasn’t even trying.

“Hey guys. I haven’t seen you in a long time Valenti.” Max walked over to him, with Jack in his arms, and shook his hand.

Kyle took it, and almost grimaced at how comfortable he looked with Jack on his hip. His little head was tucked securely at his neck. It had taken Kyle a long time to get Jack half that comfortable with him.

“Nice to see you, up and moving.”

Maria noticed both of their stiff postures, and silently thought, ‘I wonder how this will work out.”





Ok, next part: The dinner, and it effects.
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courage isnt the absence of fear, it is the presnece of fear, and the will to overcome it. -Black knight.



Ok, really really really really (insert LOTS more reallys.) about the long wait but things have been hectic! end of the year, means lots of end of the year projects, and once you finally finish the damn projects, you move onto finals! Really, its wonderful! NOT, anyway, enough about me, Im sorry to say, but this part isnt even very long, but, I will have all the time in the world to write after next friday! So rest assured, the parts will start coming much quicker after that, so, here is the next part.




Part 15b

Liz had just finished setting the garlic bread on the table, when the phone rang. Maria was setting the table, and the boys were in the living room, watching whatever sport was in season. She set down the wooden basket, and thought for a second who it was. ALEX! ‘Oh my,’ Liz thought to herself. ‘Alex doesn’t know.’ “Are you gonna get that?” Maria asked her. Liz smiled, “I think I am going to let someone else pick it up.” Liz hollered out to the living room. “Hey, could someone get that please?” She knew Max would pick it up, he had been since he got home. She thought maybe it made him feel a little more connected. Every time he seemed to pick up the phone though, he had a the hour conversation with somebody. Half the people who called almost had heart attacks.

Inside the living room, all the men were watching the basketball game, when they heard the phone ring. Max jumped up immediately, while Kyle and Michael looked at him strangely. Jack kept his eyes glued to the screen. “Um, I’ll get it.” Max said meekly, and he ran to the phone. He really liked doing something so little as picking up the phone. He hadn’t been able to do it for so long, it seemed like a good way to stay connected, or so he told himself. It was either that, or how freaked out people got when they realized who they were talking too. Max thought it was hilarious.

He ran into the hall, and picked up the cordless receiver. “Hello?” He said expectantly.

He heard a sharp intake of breath, and then a timid voice. “Hello?” Max would have recognized that voice anywhere, the voice of his best friend since grade school.

“Alex?” Max questioned. Liz had told him that it was nearly impossible to get a hold of him, and Max hade been dieing to hear from him.

“Who the hell is this?” Alex sounded afraid.

“Alex its me, Max.” Max said carefully. By his experience, he knew people dealt with talking to him in weird ways. Sometimes they were scared, sometimes they were shocked, and sometimes they just didn’t believe him.

“No, Max is in a coma, he has been for 4 years.” Alex sounded scared, hopeful, yet scared.

“I uh, well, I woke up Alex.” Max waited hesitantly. When he heard a loud thump, Max got worried. “ALEX?” Max questioned. He heard shuffling, and then an excited squeal.

“Sorry, dropped the phone. Oh my god! Max? Is it really you?”

Max smiled. “Yeah man, its me.”

“Oh my? Where is Liz?” Alex screamed.

“Making dinner. Why?” Max always knew Alex was a little off his rocker, but he didn’t know why he was asking about Liz. He was the one who hadn’t spoken to him in 4 years.
“Because, she must be going crazy. How long have you been awake?” Alex was spitting out the questions rapidly.

“Uh, a little more than two months I guess.” Max went into the kitchen, and sat down at the island counter. Liz watched him with a smile. She knew it would make Max happy. Alex and Max were thrown together as children. Both their father’s were wealthy business owners, and they connected with each other well. Where Max was responsible and serious a lot of the time, Alex was goofy and could make anyone laugh. They balanced each other well.

Liz listened to Max’s one-way conversation, and thought about Alex, and how he had tried to stay involved in Max’s life. He called every three months, down to the day. With his job, it was lucky he even called that much. As the director of foreign relations of his father’s company, he was hardly ever in the United States.

“Where are you?” She heard Max ask. “Egypt? Wow, that’s pretty far.”

Liz tapped his shoulder, and pointed to dinner. Her eyes asked if he was going to sit down and eat with them.

He shook his head in yes, and just held up one finger. Liz smiled, and went back to putting the bread in a bowl. Neither noticed as Kyle walked out of the bathroom, and watched them interacting.

“When?” Max sounded excited. “A month, that’s great. Yeah sure, okay great, I’ll see you soon. Later Alex.” Max pushed the end call button, and threw a smile in Liz’s direction. “Alex is coming.”

Liz smiled brightly, and set the bowl back down on the counter. “When?”

Max stood up, and started helping with dinner. In wasn’t a conscious thing, just something they had perfected over the years. “A month. Apparently, he finally got some time off, and would like nothing better than to come see me.” Liz laughed while she stirred the sauce, and held the large wooden spoon out for Max’s inspection. He tasted it, and automatically reached around her for the pepper. “The rest of us don’t matter?” He handed it to her, and went to start grinding the Parmesan cheese. Liz had always refused to buy it out of a box, or can, stating that freshly ground parmesan tasted 100 percent better. Max really didn’t care, but there was no use fighting her on it. “Of course not, I am the one who just woke up.” He smiled smugly at her, and set the block of cheese down.

“Is that right?” Liz poked him in the ribs. “He doesn’t want to come see me, or his favorite nephew?”

Max smirked, and in a quick move, stole the wooden spoon from her. “Well, maybe Jack.” He stepped in front of her, and stirred the sauce pretending to ignore her.

Liz’s eyes got big, and she scoffed at him. “Oh really?” Liz pulled out the big guns. She slowly stepped in front of him, and then attacked. Max never saw it coming. Liz fingers worked quick, finding just the right places on his ribs. Max tried to fight back, but Liz just wasn’t ticklish. Soon, Liz had Max gasping for breath, and pleading for mercy against the wall. “Say it!” Liz smiled evilly, not letting up on his torture.

Max struggled for breath, but managed to sputter out, “Never!” He was squirming helplessly.

“Say it!” Liz’s fingers knew all of Max’s ticklish spots.

Max couldn’t handle it anymore. “Ok ok, I give!” Liz stopped, and looked at him in the eye.

He brought his face within inches of hers. Liz smiled in anticipation.

“Never,” he whispered. He ran quickly away from her, and into the living room. Liz’s eyes shot up in shock, and she chased him. Kyle followed them into the living room.

“Maxwell Phillip Evans, I am going to get you.”

Jack watched as his parents ran into the room, and smiled as he watched them. His dad was out of breath, and his mom had playful revenge in her eyes.

Maria watched with a smile. She knew these two people; she had missed them over the last four years.

Max noticed Jack sitting between Michael and Maria on the couch. He quickly ran over and scooped him up before Liz could get to them. He held him up against his chest, daring Liz to get him.

Jack giggled in glee, “Daddy, whatcha doin?”

“You gotta help me buddy, mommy’s gonna get me.” Max stood behind the couch, waiting for Liz to make her move.

“You cheater!” Liz gave him her meanest look. “Don’t you use your use your son to hide behind, come out and take your punishment like a man.” She walked to the other end of the couch, and stared at him.

Jack sat in his father’s arms, enjoying his parent’s banter. When his mommy looked at him though, he knew what was going on.

Liz held up three fingers, and slowly put one down, then the next, and after her index finger went down, Jack twisted in his father’s arms, and started tickling him.
Max was too surprised to react. How had the turned they tables on him? Soon, both Max and Jack were making it hard for Max to breath.

“Say it Max!” Liz’s fingers were restless. “Yeah Daddy, say it say it!” Jack giggled. He was just sort of wiggling his fingers under Max’s chin, but having fun all the same.

“Ok, I give! Liz is the best, everyone would want to always come see her!” Liz smiled in triumph, and sat back on her heels. She scooped Jack into her lap, and gave him a high five.

“Good work Partner.” She smiled and kissed his cheek. Jack smiled.

Max shook his head sadly. “Double crossed by my own son. What’s the world coming too?”

Michael, who had hardly taken his eyes off the TV, despite all the commotion, spoke up. “Hey, do you guys smell something?”

Both Liz and Max took a deep breath, and realized at the same time, “The spaghetti!”
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courage isnt the absence of fear, it is the presnece of fear, and the will to overcome it. -Black knight.


Ah Hah! Here is the new part! Thankyou so much for waiting. Haha, no pun intended (ok, bad joke, but, I have had a long day.) i think it sucks, so tell me what you think! Anyway, on with the show!




Part 15C
Max and Liz both ran into the kitchen, gasping for breath at the sight of the stove. The sauce had boiled over, covered the stovetop, the floor, and even the wall behind it. Liz quickly ran to the dial, and turned it down, Max grabbed a potholder, and lifted it off the burner.

“Oh no.” Liz stared pitifully and the now charred sauce. “What a waste.”

Max smiled. “Well, that’s what you get.” He gave her a smug look, then went about cleaning up the mess on the stove.

“Oh really?” Liz stirred the sauce, getting a horrible idea.

“Definitely.” Max just wiped the counter down.

“I’d watch what you say.” Liz picked the spoon up, careful to keep in the hollowed out part of the spoon.

Max turned around to challenge her, when he saw a wooden spoon, flinging sauce his way. It landed all over his face, and his shirt. Thankfully, it had cooled down a little, but not enough to stop the sting.

“Elizabeth Anne Parker! Your gonna pay for that.” Max went to attack her, when Maria walked in.

“Children, children, children. What is going on here?” She looked at Liz, and saw her about the crack laughing, but Max’s back was to her, and she couldn’t see his face. “Max, look at me.”

“No.” Max didn’t budge.

“Max-.”

“No.”

“Max, do you want me to-.”

Max knew better than to mess with Maria, and turned around quickly. He had wiped his eyes, but it was still all over his face.

Maria saw him, and couldn’t help but laugh. “Well Max, id say she got ya.”

Jack ran into the kitchen, to see what all the noise was about, when he saw his daddy.

“Daddy, ya got somefin on your face.” Jack walked over, and lifted his arms up. Max picked him up.

“You think so buddy?” Max asked him.

Jack nodded, and wiped his finger in the sauce. He brought it to his mouth, and made a funny face. “Is yucky.”

“Your right.” Max set Jack on the counter, and then grabbed a dishtowel. He wiped his face. “You will get yours Mrs. Higgins.”

Liz gave him a challenging look, and scoped her son up. “Well, what are we going to have for dinner now?” She asked her son.

“Pizza!” Jack clapped his hands.

“Of course you want pizza, you always want pizza.” Liz hugged him, and reached for the phone Max had left on the table. Before she dialed she yelled, “Hey, the spaghetti is ruined, is pizza ok?”

Maria, who was already in the kitchen shrugged. Kyle, who had finally made his presence known just smiled. And all anyone heard from the living room was:

“Pizza? Hell Yeah! I mean, yes.”

Max finished wiping off his face, and watched Kyle look at Liz. He looked so, Max couldn’t even describe it. It as sadness mixed with, longing.

Liz dialed the number, ordered a few pizzas, and set Jack down. She saw Kyle out of the corner of her eye, and hugged him. “Where have you been?” She pecked his cheek.

Kyle smiled at her reassuringly, “Watching TV.” He kissed her lips, very sweet and gentle, wanting to know her reaction, especially with Max in the room. Liz allowed him too, but shied off before long.

She pulled her lips away from his. “Oh, ok.”

As Max watched, he felt a horrible gag reflex, followed by the incredibly strong urge to break Kyle’s jaw. He wasn’t very hungry anymore.

Liz walked out of Kyle’s arms, and out of the kitchen, suddenly feeling very claustrophobic. Everyone followed.

As Max walked, he started feeling a little weak in the legs. His steps were jagged and rough, in a matter of seconds.

Michael took his eyes away from the TV, just in time to see Max walk in.

“You ok Max?” Michael stood up, sensing Max wasn’t going to make it that much longer. Liz saw him, and immediately rushed to help him. Together they awkwardly hobbled to the wall, being she was so much smaller.

Max braced himself off the wall. Liz put a protective on his chest, but backing off when she saw Michael come to help. He was the physical therapist. “Yeah, just a little tired. I’ll be fine.” Michael helped him stand up straight, and felt how badly Max needed to sit down. He helped him over to the couch, and eased him down.

“Sorry everyone,” Max apologized. “I felt a little pain, but this just came really fast.”

“Don’t worry about it man, it normally does come pretty fast.” Michael checked Max’s leg’s, feeling the cramping muscles. “You definitely shouldn’t be walking on these. Maybe we took you off the crutches a little soon.”

“No no, they will be better in the morning.” Max hated those damn crutches. “I was just running around a lot today.”

Michael looked at him warily. “Ok, but no more walking today.”

Max nodded. When he looked up, he saw Liz and Jack. Liz looked like she was trying to calm him down.

“Hey, what’s going on?” He motioned for Liz to bring the little man to him.

Jack sniffled, as his mother sat him down next to his father. “Are you ‘k Daddy?”

Max scooped him up onto his chest. “Hey, im fine.”

“You sure?” Jack sounded so worried.

“Im not going anywhere.” Jack nodded and snuggled into his chest.

Kyle remained in the shadows, not knowing what to do.


The pizza came, everyone ate and laughed, and then Michael and Maria went home, but not before Michael helped Max into his own room. Jack was still so worried; he decided to sleep with Max.

That left Liz and Kyle to themselves.

“Can we talk?” Kyle asked as he stared at his beer. They were sitting outside in lawn chairs, staring at the bright New Mexico stars.

Liz took another sip of her wine. “Of course.”

“What are you doing Liz?” He set the beer down, and sat so he was facing her.

Liz gave him a blank look. “What do you mean?”

“With me. Where do you expect this relationship to go? We have been engaged for close to a year, together for two and we haven’t slept together. In the past three months, you hardly let me kiss you.” Kyle had stood up at this point.

Liz closed her eyes. She should have been expecting this. “What are you saying Kyle?”

“What I am saying is: how do I compete here? I desperately want to be with you, I do, I would do anything. I love you. I don’t know what to do. I have tried everything.” Kyle was pacing furiously.

Liz sat up. “And what would you be competing with?”

“Are you that dense Liz?” Kyle’s words came out harsh. “Max. It is so obvious you still love him, so what are you doing with me?” He finally allowed himself to voice what he had been trying to deny the past few months. “You Max and Jack are a family. It is obvious, I am sick of being in the way. I’m not what Jack needs anymore, Max is.”

“Dont say that. Jack will always need you. You are the only father figure he has ever had in his life before now. And as for Max, I don’t know what I feel.”

“Have you ever even loved me Liz?” Kyle was hurt, but he could take it. He had seen with his own two eyes what they had, and he wasn’t going to be the one to wreck that.

“Yes.” Just then Liz decided to be totally honest. “But not the way you want me too.”

Kyle shook his head. “I undertand.”

“Do you?” She fiddles with her wine glass. “Kyle you are the best person in the world, and I do- I do love you. Its just not the same. You are my best friend; you have helped me through some of my worst times. I just can’t be with you, the way you want me too. I see that now, that I am being so selfish. You deserved to be loved by someone who can love the incredible person you are.” Kyle nodded. This was it; their relationship was over.

Liz downed the rest of her cup, and hung her head. “I guess I have screwed things up pretty bad this time.”

Kyle sat down next to her. “No, you just are confused. Tell me one thing though.”

Liz looked up at him with glossed eyes. “Anything.”

“Do you really love him?”

She shook her head. “Kyle-.”

“You said you would tell me.” Kyle was trying valiantly to not let his emotions get the best of him.

Liz eventually gave in. “So much Kyle. So very much, since I was six years old.”

Kyle wrapped an arm around her shoulder. He’d take what he could get. “What are you so afraid of?”

“I can’t lose him again. It nearly killed me last time. I wont put myself through that again.” The tears began spilling down her cheeks. It felt so good to tell someone how she felt.

Kyle hugged her tightly. “You have to have faith Liz.”

“You say it like its so simple.” Liz wiped her eyes.

“It is that simple.”

Liz smiled. “Since when did you get so smart?”

“Your guess is as good as mine.” Kyle kissed her forehead. “I better go.”

“Thank you so much Kyle, for understanding, for everything.”

“You don’t need to thank me.” He stood up.

“Yes I do. Don’t forget what I said. Jack still needs you.”

Kyle smiled. “Don’t worry, I wont be leaving Jack.”

“Goodbye Liz.”

“Goodbye.”

Kyle walked back into the house.

Liz listened to the front door open, and Kyle’s car start.

She sat there looking at the stars, feeling a great lifted off her shoulders.

~~~~~~~~~

As Max slept peacefully next to his son, he didnt notice the familiar pull in the back of his mind.




AN: To Gigo, Cypress oil smells horrible, or at least I think so. I swear it burned my nostrils, but it actually does clam you down. Its really strong, like smell it all through your house if you leave the lid off strong. At the least the stuff I bought does. Hope that helps, lol.
_________________
courage isnt the absence of fear, it is the presnece of fear, and the will to overcome it. -Black knight.

Last edited by Britany on 10 Jun 2003 07:19; edited 1 time in total



Ok guys, please dont hate me after you read this. *Runs and hides*




Max sat in the booth, playing with his son. Jack was sitting across from him, laughing hysterically. His Daddy was so silly sometimes. He was playing with the napkin, acting like a crazy person.

“Daddy, you so funny!” Jack laughed deep in his belly. “You think so little man? I’ll show you silly.” Max reached across the table, and tickled him mercilessly. “Daddy stop!” Jack gasped. “You want me too stop?” Max smiled, his fingers working relentlessly.

“Yeah!” But, it was obvious Jack loved the torture.

Max finally stopped, and released his son. “What do you want for lunch buddy?” Jack stopped laughing, and grabbed his kid’s menu. “I wanna burger, wif fries! Oh! And a strawbellie milkshake!”

Max smiled. “Sounds great kid.” Max tousled his hair, and looked across the room. There, at the counter, talking animatedly with someone she must have known was the love of his life. She looked so beautiful, wife her long gorgeous hair, and perfectly shaped lips. His eyes lowered past her breasts, and settled again on the round fullness of her belly, obviously heavy with a child. His child. He marveled at the way her sky blue maternity billowed around her beautifully.

As he took inventory of her, she turned to face him. The adoring smile that graced her face was one of pure love and devotion. It spoke volumes to him. Her eyes, deep and beautiful, full of love, and lust, those eyes had captivated him so long ago, and would stick with him forever.

She walked over to him with a gentle sway, that only a pregnant woman could master. She approached him.

“Hey honey.” She lowered her head, and kissed him softly. “Hi love.” He used one hand to cup her cheek, and the other to caress her belly.

Jack gave an exasperated sigh. “Momma Daddy, I please get my burger?” He knew his Momma and Daddy, once they started, there was no stopping them.

Max leaned his forehead against hers, and smiled. “Our duty is never finished.”

She chuckled, “Of course not.” She kissed his forehead, and sat next to her son. “You want a hamburger?” She brushed the bangs from his eyes. “Yeah!”

Max smiled wistfully in his sleep. Holding his son next to him securely.

Max sat with his family, watching them eat and laugh.

Liz stopped eating, and sat up suddenly. “Oh wow, she just landed on the bladder.” She smiled. “I will be right back.” She started toward the bathroom.

Max looked back to his son, and watched as he struggled with his milkshake. He was sucking with all his might, but it was too frozen, and just wouldn’t come up the straw.

“Daddy, help!” Jack whined, and gave his father pleading eyes. Max laughed, and handed his son a spoon. “Try that.”

“Give me my money now!”

Max heard an angry shout, and turned to see what it was. Two men were sitting at a table. One looked very angry, and the other looked frightened out of his mind.

“I don’t have it, but I promise-.” A scared voice replied.

“No, now!” The angry man pulled out a gun, and pointed at the other man. All the screams of the other diners didn’t even enter his mind. He moved to shield his son quickly.

“I just-, give me a few days-.”

“Goodbye.”

Max watched in slow motion as the man pulled his finger. The other man became brave as he reached out, and hit his hand away.

Max immediately looked for Liz, hoping to god she had already made it to the bathroom. But she hadn’t. She was standing paralyzed, as was everyone else.

Max followed Liz’s eyes to a speeding bullet that rapidly approaching her.

“NO!” Max screamed, and dove after her. He came in contact with her body, and they both landed with a thud. Max checked over her frantically.

“Liz!” He scanned her face, looking for any sign of injury. He looked into her eyes, and immediately felt the bile rise in his throat. They were cold, and unfocused.

“What is it love, tell me what is wrong!” Max screamed.

Liz turned hollow at him. “Max.” She whispered painfully.

Max suddenly felt something very warm covering his chest. He rose to his knees, and examined his white shirt. It was stained red, the deep red of blood.

His jaw quivered uncontrollably as he looked down to Liz. Her chest was oozing the sticky substance.

“No, no, No!” Max felt heavy tears burning his eyes. “Liz, look at me.” He commanded her. She was staring blankly at ceiling, taking deep ragged breaths. “Liz, LOOK AT ME NOW!” He shouted forcefully. Fear was eating him. He could barely think.


Tears ran down his cheeks as Max slept. He twisted painfully, clutching his son to him. He shouted in his sleep.

“Please, you have to look at me, you are going to be okay.” Max pleaded with her. His tone was so desperate. His voice cracked horribly. “Please Liz” Tears splashed from his face down onto her face. She managed to turn her brown eyes to face him.

“Ta- take c-c-care offff Jack.” She whispered.

Max shook his head, refusing to believe it. “No Liz, don’t talk like that, you’re going to be fine. ” He tried to smile for her, through the tears.

Her small hand managed to make it to his face. It gently caressed his cheek.

“I love you.”

Max shook his head, gathering her into his arms. He felt the exact moment her hand fell from his cheek, lifelessly to her side.

“No.” He sobbed. He gripped her tightly, refusing to believe it. “No, no, no, no.” He rocked her limp body back and forth, burying his face in her hair.

“We need you, please, I need you so much.”


Liz awoke to the sound of Max yelling, and Jack crying. She sat up immediately, sprinting down the hall, into Max’s bedroom.

The sight she saw shook her to the core. Jack was sitting on the side of his bed, crying as he watched his father twist about, yelling and crying. It was obvious he was having a nightmare.

She ran to the bed, and shook Max as hard as she could.

“MAX!” She screamed over him. He continued thrashing and crying. “MAX! Wake Up!”

Max’s red swollen eyes snapped open.

“Oh god, you’re here!” He wrapped his arms around her, clutching her tightly. “Your really here.”

Liz let him hold her, whispering in his ear. “Calm down Max, it was only a nightmare.” She cooed sweetly. “It’s all going to be okay. It was only a dream.” She stroked his sweat-matted hair.

“It was so real.” Max sobbed.

“Daddy?” Came a very small voice, laced with tears.

Max turned away from Liz, and looked at his baby son. He looked so small and scared, sitting on the other side of the bed. Max scooped him up, holding him to his chest. Max stroked his back comfortingly. Jack let out a relieved sigh, happy to have his Daddy back.

Max turned back around, and wrapped an arm around Liz. He clutched them both tightly, never wanting to let go. His dream would never come true. He vowed silently. He would do anything to prevent it from happening.

“I love you both so much.” Max whispered through his tears.

He would do Anything!


Ok, I know, *ducks and covers* sorry, but I sort of needed this part. Uh, I really hope no one throws anything. Next update will be soon! And dont worry, it will be better! I promise! [/i]
_________________
courage isnt the absence of fear, it is the presnece of fear, and the will to overcome it. -Black knight.
AN-ok, im back. Um this part is REALLY short, like my record short, but the good part is, I will be back, possibly tomorrow. With a long part. But, I thought you all deserved this.



Liz lay contentedly in Max’s bed, looking into his peaceful face as he slept. He was lying on his back, one arm resting on his chest, the other stretched out, reaching for some invisible figure. The three of them had fallen asleep together. Max had squeezed them both so tight; Liz had felt short of breath. She eventually woke up, and had taken Jack back to his bed, just in case Max woke up screaming again.

Something had scared him tonight, something horrible. She couldn’t ever remember a time she had seen his eyes that haunted, like he was not even there. She had heard about every nightmare for close to 20 years, and he had never had a nightmare that had him screaming and crying in his sleep.

Liz was so deep in thought; she didn’t notice Max’s eyes open. He turned onto his side, and rested his head on his hand. His amber eyes stared at her finding himself amazed with her beauty.

“Morning.” Max snapped her out of her reverie.

“Good morning.” Liz smiled at him. “How are you feeling?”

Max closed his eyes, trying to stop the replay. It was more than he could take. “Better.”

“Wanna talk about it?” She coaxed him.

Max shook his head. “Max, it is obviously a big deal, are you sure you want to talk about it?”

“Not-.” Max took a big breath. “Not right now. Just give me some time.” He ran a hand through his bed head.

“Ok.” Liz smiled at him reassuringly. She wasn’t going to push it. “Alright.”

Max nodded. He collapsed back onto the bed, and closed his eyes. “Where’s Jack?”

“In his bed. I took him back a little while ago.” She scooted over to him, and rested her head on his chest. Max stiffened for a moment, but finally wrapped his arms around her.

Liz sighed and snuggled closer. This was home. Max’s warm arms protecting her, making her feel safe.

Max ran his fingers through her hair, reveling in its softness. His dream kept playing in his mind; he couldn’t get away from it. He needed to escape it. His fingers started to shake as they ran through her thick locks.

Liz felt it, and chanced a look to his face. “Are you sure you are all right?”

Max looked into her eyes. He didn’t say anything.

Liz watched him, and felt she needed to comfort him. She scooted up, and stared deeper into his eyes. They were full of worry, but more than that, she saw need, and desire.

Liz lowered her face to his, and gently brushed her lips over his. Her hand crept to his cheek. Max ran his hands up her back, sliding them under the cotton material. It had been so long since Liz had felt his warm skin touching hers. She had missed it so much.

She pressed her lips more fully onto his, loving the feeling of his hands on her skin.

Max pulled away from her, searching her eyes.

“Liz is this okay?” He hadn’t removed his hands from her back.

Liz only responded by taking his soft lips again.






Ok, here is the complete rest! I dont know how I missed this. Chalk it up to my stupidness. anyway, total thanks to everyone who kept it for me and mailed it, when I couldnt find my own story. Major thanks, so ok, enjoy!