Roswell Fanatics

Title: AMAWISS
Author: AngelOhana
Email: Luckychika@hotmail.com
Rating: TEEN
Category: AU Max/Liz, some Maria/Michael
Disclaimer: All the Roswell stuff is borrowed. I didn’t create it, I don’t take responsibility for it. The story is all mine, I just like using the people. Most of this is coming from my life, or all my best friend’s lives. AMAWISS belongs to my best friend from junior high.
Summary: Liz and Maria are best friends. Max Evans is still a distant wish. Senior Year is approaching and Maria is tired of Liz refusing to accept her feelings. So Maria to the rescue!

*This is my first fic ever, so any commentary is GREATLY appreciated. I need all the help I can get.
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Prologue

Liz POV

All my life I have struggled with my selves. That is right. Selves because there are so many me’s floating around inside my head that sometimes I can’t seem to understand myself. But funny thing is, all of these me’s are very similar.

Ms. I want believe in Romance.

Ms. I am not Perfect but surely someone understands that’s okay.

Ms. I love perfect boys who don’t notice me.

Ms. I am in Love with Max Evans.

Does anyone see a common thread here? Because no matter how many times my best friend Maria tells me that it is okay to want, to need, to hope, to believe in possibilities (like Max Evans ever noticing me) I just cant seem to accept it. The past three years of my life I have spent daydreaming, hoping that the love of my life would sweep me off my feet, proclaim my perfection to the universe, and make me feel beautiful.

Okay, and so a teeny tiny piece of me really wishes it would be Max Evans. Except he has had 3 years.... 3 YEARS of my presence to realize how in love he is with me.... and it still hasn’t happened.

But it’s cool. I am fine. No biggie, I still love myself and that is all anyone really needs.

A.M.A.W.I.S.S. anyways.

He is probably a demented space freak with like a hidden third eye or something. We are from Roswell. It is totally possible! I don’t need boys. I have my schoolwork, and college to look forward to. One more year left to enjoy my best friends before we are forced to grow up. I can live with that. I can work with that.

I don’t need he of the amber eyes (as Maria calls him) to make my last year memorable. I am perfectly capable of doing that myself. I have dances to look forward to, and.... um....oh yeah... yearbook staff to worry about. I am full of things to do.

Who am I kidding?

At this rate, my last year of high school is going to be very uninteresting indeed. So apparently it’s time to take destiny into my hands, or so Maria says. She is planning something, I can tell. I am just too scared to ask now. All she does is grin devilishly and asks me to trust her. Funny, she always sounds so serious when she says that.

I am in deep trouble.


Maria POV


What everyone needs to understand is that my best friend Liz Parker use to be normal. Now, don’t get me wrong. I love that girl that death. But honestly, doesn’t she realize how insane she sounds right now? I thought I was suppose to be the crazy one.

....This isnt about me though.

She needs my help, but she doesnt want it. She thinks I will embarrass her. Or worse yet, me and Alex will join forces and embarrass her to like infinity. Honestly, does she not trust the Deluca/Whitman charm? We may be a little crazy sometimes but she needs to understand that we would never do anything to hurt her, or make her look stupid in front of Max Evans. Not that she would admit to even care what Max Evans thinks.

Max Evans. Let me tell you a little bit about my best friend and Max Evans. Has there ever been a time since his first day freshmen year in Biology where he didnt occupy Liz’s obsessive, compulsive mind? No. Which is why I need to help her. And I know it is all on me. See, its kind of my fault that Liz denies her feelings. Anyone could tell her that the hate she supposedly harbors for Max Evans has more to do with what we call love here on planet earth. Sometimes, I swear Liz is from another planet or something.

She is hiding from her obvious feelings because of our pact. A stupid pact because obviously I have moved on. See, junior high was not very kind to us. We were nerds, basically. Liz hid behind her science book, and Disney sweaters while I let my glasses and braces hold me back. Thank god for puberty because I have finally emerged into the goddess I know I am. But back then we prepared to forever hate the boys who taunted us, and made us feel ugly. We didn’t want to be measured up to the likes of Tess Harding or Pam Troy. So hence of our pact. Well, actually, its more of a mantra I guess. We lived by this saying, and we used it to mask our feelings of inefficiency.

I know, I am rambling. I do that a lot but you need to understand. It is much easier said then done to believe that anyone could be capable of accepting you as you are. Or so we thought back in junior high. I mean, that involves the most extreme case of acceptance and trust. We were just not willing to believe that. Especially surrounded with hormonal teenage boys with the I.Q. of gnats.

And I know that deep down inside, once those cute amber eyes sauntered into Mr. Estes’ first period biology class freshmen year, Liz has hoped that maybe he would be able to do it.

“Ooh Liz, check him out,” I whispered tauntingly once I noticed her wide eyes. She looked like she had just seen a present under the christmas tree wrapped just for her.

“Shhh Maria. What are you talking about?” she answered defensively. “Don’t stare at the boys. We are here to learn. Besides, biology is really interesting and A.M.A.W.I.S.S. anyways.”

But who was she kidding? Did she think I wouldnt notice her sneaking looks and looking absolutely lost when she glanced over? See A.M.A.W.I.S.S. was our secret code. It helped us survive junior high. It’s an anagram. At least, I am pretty sure that is what Liz called it. All I know is that I made it up.

It stands for “All Men Are Weird, Immature, Stupid Slobs!” And boy did we believe it. We chanted it over and over again. We wrote it on our notebooks, and made it our own personal saying. So of course stupid Kyle Valenti tried to get us to tell him what it stood for. But we promised never to tell, and we didn’t. Not even after his years of constant questioning and harassing! Even Alex, our one acception to the rule, doesn’t know what it means. That is what makes it special and ours. But a girl can only take so much.

So I am going to help her move to the next level and accept that she is just simply adorable, and beautiful. And that believe it or not, boys do like her. I will make her see that she is just as in love with Max Evans, the one with the amber eyes that melts her heart, as he is with her.

Besides, his friend Michael is cute and I got to think about my needs too.

Oh yes, Senior year is going to be lots of fun.

Chapter One

(Maria's POV)

Life is delicate. It is so easy to make one teeny little mistake, and like BAM! There goes the man of your dreams simply because you didn't check your feet after leaving the restroom. And there it is, the piece of toilet paper destined to ruin your life stuck to the bottom of your shoe. That one little square of 2-ply paper alters your life for ever.

Done in by the Quilted Northern.

So this is what I need to remember. I can't make a mistake. This could, like, make or break Liz's future. Today is the first day of school, and I happen to know that in Mr. Crow's 2nd period AP Bio class I have the opportunity to gather information about my intended target.... Max Evans.

God! Could this class take any longer? Blah blah labs blah blah equilibrium blah blah assigned lab partners blah blah.... WHAT? I thought we chose our own partners for this class. No Liz? Darn, there goes my guaranteed A. Ooh, I should pay attention. I took this class to get into a four year university, but it wouldn't hurt if I was partnered up with that cutie Michael Guerin. He has got this interesting, rebel attitude going on that I think is just so sexy. I am sure underneath all that rough exterior is nothing but sweetness. And the added incentive is that he is friend's with Max. So by Prom when I wear my green halter top dre--OW....

"Maria! Pay attention!" hissed Liz to me.

"Geez, could have done without the poking. Ok, Ok, I will," I answer after she glares at me.

Ok, paying attention. Sooo paying attention.

"Now class, I have set up a diagram with your new assigned seats. Please find your seat, and introduce yourself to your new partner," Mr. Crow explained. "Try to do it quickly ladies and gentlemen."

Liz and I gather our things up from our lab table and walk over to the diagram. It's kind of hard to see with a few students standing in our way. I peek over Kelly Andre's shoulder, but I see nothing.

"Can you see who your partner is, Liz?" I ask.

"No, hold on. Let me check to see where our assigned seats are. If we aren't sitting near each other at least, I am going to be upset," she responds.

I see Liz push her way through the mini-crowd. A little to her left I happen to see what can only be described as glum-looking Max walk to the back of the class and sit down. I guess he didn't get partnered up with who he wanted to. Most likely Liz, given how he stares at her so much. Oh, I could ask him to join a study group with me, Liz and whoever our partners may be. I need to start making them interact.

Just when I think about how I can make this happen, Liz walks over to me looking sad and a little annoyed. I guess that pretty much lets me know they didn't get paired together. Darn it! Ooh, who am i partnered with?

"Soooo, who did we get?" I ask her as she stands next to me. "Are we anywhere near each other?"

"Well actually, we are on opposite sides of the class. I am sitting in the front row with Michael Guerin."

"WHAT? No way! Ah, I knew the day was going to go bad when i forgot to light my Luck candle this morning," I whine. Grrr... I can't help but feel a little jealous. She got to sit next to Michael. No fair, she doesn't even find his hair adorable like I do.

"Yeah, well..." she stammers.

"Okay, so you got Guerin. Who am stuck with? Please god, don't say Kyle Valenti." I mutter.

"Actually, Kyle got paired up with Denise Davis. You are sitting in the back row." She pauses, and then states with obviously displaced love/hate.

"You are partnered with Max Evans."

Chapter 2

Maria's POV

Uh oh. This is not good. I can see steam coming out of her ears. Seriously, I can see the smoke curling around her hair as we speak, or should I say as I speak.

"You're kidding." I am partnered up with Max Evans. Now of course I can't have that. How are they ever going to get together, become as one, join the land of couples if they never talk? I can't be Max's partner. That just won't work for me.

"Don't worry, Chica," I reassure Liz. "Just trust me. I have it under control. "

"Wait. What do you mean you have it under control? Maria, you and control do not exist in the same universe. Please don't do anything to embarass me or that forces me to move away after this class. You may be my best friend but I will kill you. I don't like Max Evans. You know that. He is not my type. I am more into like.... um, well my type doesnt really matter right now. What matters is that you don't try to start anything," Liz pleads to me. I can see her big brown eyes glancing across the room nervously to my new lab partner. She is completely transparent. Since when does she ever babble like just now. Never. My point exactly. She is too involved in preventing me from doing this, and that PROVES my point.

Max is sitting at our desk, taking his books out of his backpack. As I watch him, I see him glance up for a brief second, and lock onto LIz. Of course Liz just looks away, embarassed that she had been caught stalking him. She needs to take How to Reel in a Man 101 really quickly because at her rate, she won't ever get married, much less to Max Evans.

"Promise me, Maria. Promise me that you are not, I repeat, are NOT going to insinuate anything to Max Evans that even remotely refers to me," Liz harshly whispers in my ear as we pick up our things.

I raise my right hand, and shuffle my book bag in my left over my shoulder. "Fine, fine, just for you. I, Maria DeLuca, solemnly swear to not insinuate anything to Mr. Maxwell Evans that may refer to you, Liz Parker. Now go and sit before we get detention!" I quickly bow to her, and flash her one of my trust-me-i-am-completely-innocent-and-wont-embarass-you smiles. And then I skidaddle over to my desk in a flurry.

I have theme music playing in my head. The Clash's "London Calling," is playing as I look over my intended target. This is a great song, it totally has me in the mood to kick some butt, err, I mean initiate my plan. If my plan is going to work, I am going to need to work fast. Failure is not an option. I almost feel like Xena, but with way cooler style. I mean, come on.... who wears leather nowadays?

Whatever. I must focus.

"Hi Max. How are you?" I ask. This always works right? A nice hello, and then a good ol' Go out with my bestfriend, she is madly in love with you.

Ok. Maybe not that last part.

"Hi.." He speaks. Wonders never cease. So it was only one word but it definitely counts. He is staring at Liz very obviously. Apparently some things never change. At least that is a good sign, though. It shows his interest.

"So Max, I know you find Biology really interesting and stuff. I have a proposition for you. And I need you to take it really seriously, since I am going to be asking you for a favor," I say.

He looks at me a little strangely, after finally removing his glance from my chica's direction. "Um. What is it?" He looks a little nervous. Does no one have faith in me? Geez.

"Well, I am horrible in Biology. Liz has tried to help me so many times but somehow it always seems to be useless. So I figured the next best option is to expand my source of knowledge. Why don't we have a study group? With Liz and your friend Michael. That way we are all comfortable, and can share ideas. What do you think? Does the idea sound appealing?" I look at him as I finish my sentence. Hmmm, did it just get hot in here, or did I just make Max Evans blush? He definitely wants to. I can see him looking at her, obviously forgetting my presence. I would be offended but I like the fact that he is so smitten with her. This doesn't matter anyway. I have finished my first task (Implant seed of need for Liz Parker). On to Stage 2 (Covert sneakery and necessary location exchange).

I raise my hand, and get Mr. Crow's attention from Isabel and Alex's table. By the way, they certainly seem to look pretty chummy for new lab partners. I will definitely need to talk to the Alex-man soon.

"Yes, Maria. What do you need?" Mr. Crow asks me.

"Mr. Crow, I am so worried. I just can't believe I didn't notice it sooner. My doctor has sternly advised me that I need to take care of my vision very carefully. I can't do this if I am sitting here all the way in the back of the room." I can see Liz looking at me very puzzled. Ha. Won't she be suprised in a few seconds.

"This arrangement is just not going to work. I have a problem with this seating arrangement, Mr. Crow. But I have a solution!" I say this as sweetly as I can, and I smile at my best friend. I need to kiss ass because boy, is she going to get pissed at me after I am done with this.

Liz POV

She has a solution? A solution! Oh my god. Why do I have a feeling she is planning something? Please God, Please don't let her embarass me. Please!

"Mr. Crow, I think I should change seats so I can be closer to the front of the room. It definitely wouldn't hurt to be closer to you during lecture." Maria smiles as she yaps on. Oh god.

She definitely doesn't care embarassing me. I sigh in resignation. I know what is coming.

"Well Maria, what do you have in mind for you new seat?" Mr. Crow asks her. Why does he have to be so nice to her? Can't he see she is the devil?

"Well, Liz has 20/20 vision. I am sure she wouldn't mind doing me this favor and switching seats with me. After all, she is my best friend." Maria finishes this as she stands up and gathers up her things.

"Good idea, Maria. Girls, switch seats and get back to work with your partners. Everyone keep working." Mr. Crow states to the class.

ohmygod. ohmygod. OHMYGOD. I keep looking back and forth between my safe seat very far away from Max Evans, and my new seat next to Max Evans. breathe. I can do this. I don't care about him. I get up with my things, walk past a smug Maria whom I kick ("Ow!"), and take my new seat next to Max Evans. I can't help but sneak a peek at him. Purely for partner reasons. Really. It is important to recognize him by face you know, since we are going to be working together.

Oh jesus, we are going to be working together.

*Btw... I have the next 2 chapters written. I just need to edit them. I hope to have them posted by the end of the week. I am going through finals, and its kind of hectic until after thursday. *

Chapter 3

Liz POV

"The details for your project are outlined in this sheet. Don't forget to set up time outside of class so you and your partner may work together. Part of the importance of any class is learning to cooperate. Since this project is such a significant portion of your grade, I do hope you act accordingly and come up with creative ideas. At the end of this quarter, I expect a well-written outline, and preliminary logs of your project turned in by both of you. The entire project will be due at the end of the year."

I sometimes wonder whether the effect Max Evans has on me is normal. That isn't to say that he has any huge effect on me, which he doesn't. It is simply that school, work, and even life in general get sort of "fuzzy" (for lack of a better word) when he is around.

Take this past biology period. This is A.P. Biology, not just silly easy freshmen year biology. My entire college career could depend on how well I do on the Advance Placement exam for Biology, and my grade in this class. If i dont do well I won't get accepted into any decent 4-year University. I could end up stuck in Roswell, New Mexico for the rest of my life. The rest of my LIFE!! I need to become Biology, in essence. But what have I done the past 52 minutes?

Daydreamed 23 possible scenarios in which He of the Amber Eyes has declared his love for me in time for an awesome Prom Date conclusion.

Scenario #17: I am walking home in the rain. Maria is conveniently absent, so she can't offer me a ride home. I am suprisingly very good looking in the rain. My mascara isn't running, and the rain is helping to emphasize my bone structure as it moisturizes my impeccably made-up face. I look as good as anyone could look in the rain, and just as a slight wind blows my hair romantically around my face in flirty tendrils..... one beautiful god referred to as He of the Amber Eyes steps out from the shadows of some random tree on the sidewalk. He is shuffling his way over to me, his head slightly bent, the raindrops catching on his eye-lashes serving to reinforce the magnificent color of his eyes to me.

And then he says ( flirtaciously mind you), "I only have one umbrella, but for you I wouldn't mind sharing it." He casually offers me his hand, and looks up at me with a sweet but shy smirk on his face.

And I open my mouth to say-

"JERK!"

Huh?!?

Wait. That definitely wasn't me.

Maria POV

If there is one thing my mother always told me, it was to defend my beliefs and never settle. If I wanted to like the New Kids on the Block, it was my decision. If I thought a game was stupid, I didn't have to play. I am a fighter, and I am definitely proud of it. If anyone tries to tell me what to do there is always hell to pay.

So Michael Guerin stating he didn't want to be my lab partner is simply not an option.

"No?" I asked.

He stared straight at me, and had the nerve to look me in the eye. ME. IN THE EYE! And then he had the nerve to say "No," again. That is completely unacceptable. He is going to be my prom date.

I know! I will switch tactics.

"Michael! Mikey, all I was wondering was whether you wanted to join a study group. I know you really mean yes. It's okay. I won't tell anyone you actually studied." I winked at that last statement. Ha. He can't argue with that controlled, docile plea.

"No."

Hurramph. "Why not? There is no legitimate excuse why you shouldn't. I am your "partner." You are my "partner." Therefore, we need to work together anyways. What is the big deal?" Oh gosh, he looks cute when his forehead gets wrinkled. Wait, I think that means he is annoyed.

Why isn't he trying to be nicer? Can't he see how cute I am? I even have my turquoise halter top on today. It is completely boy-proof.

" I don't do science. Especially not with girls like you. I bet you can't name the color of the shirt your wearing, much less create a project." He said. Did he just say what i thought he just said? Oh my god. He really did just say that.

I heaved in a big gasp of breath. I am appalled. No.... I am furious! Who does he think he is?

"What did you just say?" I finally stumble out of my mouth in a gasp.

"You heard me, Blondie."

"I know you did not--" I pause in the middle of my sentence as an idea hits me. Distantly, I hear the bell ring but I disregard it. I think my brief pause unsettles him because he looks at me a little funny. I did not spend 3 months of my life fighting my stupid cousin Sean in the 8th grade without learning a few scare tactics from him. He will definitely pay for what he just said. The best assault one can inflict on a person is emotional, and oh is he going to regret getting me emotional.

I unnerve him by remaining calm for a few more seconds and gather my strength. I can do this. He won't know what hit him in a few minutes. I twist my face into a grimace of displeasure. I squint my eyes, and I swear I even got my mouth to quiver.

" Did you just call me Ugly?" I sob, shudder, and moan all in one breath. If that is even possible! "My therap-pist sa-sa-said my sca-aars would-d go a-," hiccup," way af-ter a few years!!!! Oh my god! I am uggglyyy!" I let my crocodile tears run down my face as I look into his quickly vanishing smirk. HA! I swear i just saw him twitch! Don't you dare mess with the Master, buddy!

"JERK!" I quickly gather my things, and snort for theatrical effect. A girl's gotta do what is necessary in order to win a guy over, you know ! "I am sorry I ever thought you would be nice to me. I thought you might be different. I guess I was wrong. Excuse me while I go call my doctor! I think I need some more of my medication." I stumble past Mr. Crow, and wink at a befuddled Liz before making my grand exit out of the classroom.

Sometimes, Performing Arts Camp really pays off.

Liz POV

Needless to say, with Maria's outburst and dramatic exit out of class, I was a little more wary of talking to Max. I hoped he didn't think that Maria's attitude, er, I mean energy had rubbed off on me. Not that her "energy" is a bad thing. It's just that Maria sometimes tends to lean toward the darkside if you catch my drift. She has got great intentions but terrible delivery.

While I was thinking these very things, oblivious to the world around me, I walked right outside the classroom without saying a word to Max. I almost thought I had gotten away with not talking to him as I walked toward my locker. But then I heard my voice being called out. I turned around and stood there as Max strode over to me.

Scenario # 12: I hear my name being called out in the middle of the hall, and I turn around to find him, HIM, (you know who I mean) walking toward me. His hair is a bit muffled, and his green sweater with the top button open does nothing but wonders for his eyes. Wow, even his smile looks brighter. Everything looks so bright when he is around.

He finally reaches me, and grabs my hand as though it were the most natural thing in the world to do. All the while he maintains this carefree look on his face.

"Would you mind if I kiss you good morning, Liz?" he asks. But by the tone of his voice, it's immediately obvious that the question is rhetorical. He will be kissing me. (!) Apparently, this is normal behavior for him. (!!!!)

And I don't say a word. My dreamself just smiles, and teasingly ponders this act because in this fantasy we are together, as one, joined in the act of love (but not that kind of act!, the sweet-holding hands kind of act).

"I understand if you need some time to think it over. What if I offered to take you to Prom if you said yes?"

"Liz? What do you think?"

I open my mouth to tell him, YES! Kiss me anytime you want! YES! Prom is O-K by me!

"Liz?"

I blink and my fantasy fades away to reveal my very frightening reality. CRAP! While Max was talking to me I just faded out, and my eyes glazed over. I am just standing in the hall with my mouth open, like a complete moron. I knew I didn't talk to boys, especially hot ones, for a reason. Way to make an impression, Liz!

Ugh. Why do I feel this day is just going to get worse?



Part 4

I can't believe that i just did that. Why is it that my sense of self just disappears when Max is around. This has got to stop! I can't give Maria the satisfaction of knowing that I got flustered in front of Max.

"Oh, hey! Sorry, I am just a little spaced out right now. I was thinking about our project, and I guess I just lost myself in the process." I casually walk over to my locker, and let him follow me. I glance over my shoulder, and wait for his response. I need to get my "I am not attracted to you at all" face on if I am going to have to work with him for this project. "So you were saying?"

"Right. Are you sure your okay, Liz? You look a little flushed." He looks at me cautiously, and his thoughtful tone only serves to make me blush more. Why am I so weak? Must remain calm. He is so sweet for being concerned for me, the crazy girl in his biology class. I plaster a smile on my face. "I am great. So what did you ask me?"

"Well, I know we need to start working on our project. So I was thinking that you could come to my house after school to get a jump on it. My parents won't be home until around 5 so we should get a good 2 hours of working done. What do you think?"

Is this some sort of joke? I get to go to his HOUSE? Without parental supervision? Oooh, the possibilities in my dream world.

I must remain calm. This is just science. Me and Max Evans working on a school assignment like lots of other, normal high school students. This is just about Biology.

But why do I feel nothing but chemical reactions when I am around him.

"At your house? Umm, sure. I don't think it should be a problem." No problem at all. Would you like me to map out the 100 reasons this is definitely not a problem for me? Because your abs are definitely reason numero 1. I close my locker, and lean against it. I try to stifle my enthusiasm. Think Boys are Bad. AMAWISS. AMAWISS.

He smiles at me at my response. Sigh. I could get use to his presence, even if he is a boy. "Great, I will see you and Maria today after school. I live just off the corner of Kelton Ave. In the blue house. Umm, okay, bye Liz."

Oh my god! I can't believe I have a study date with Max. It is not like I don't appreciate that he is such a great guy. It is just such a foreign idea that I am actually going to be able to talk to him. Like a real person. Not some psycho-obsessed girl from his bio class.

I can't continue thinking about him this way though. We may be working together, but it is only because we are assigned partners. I shouldn't begin to become more involved than necessary. Right. That is the game plan. Now more then ever, I need to prove to myself, Maria, and anyone else who may be watching that I do not have feelings for him. I may have. At one point. But not now. I can be happy just being myself, and not imagining him with me.

I will conquer these rebellious feelings, and put Max Evans behind me. Or more precisely, out of my heart. No matter how much it may hurt.

...... Did Max just say he would see me and Maria after school? What????????

Maria POV

I almost feel regret about my behavior towards Michael. Almost. I will definitely make it up to him when we go to Prom. I just have more important matters to attend to now.

"So did you know that PE is necessary to our being able to cope with real life after we graduate from high school? Because Mr. Cooper just needed to explain how it is necessary that I retake physical education, in this, my final year at West Roswell High." Alex melodramatically drops to his knees, and mimics praying to the Gods. "Dear God, why must you forsake me so?"

Silly Alex. " So that D in his class freshmen year finally coming back to kick you in the ass, Alexander? I told you that you would regret forsaking kickball practice for a spontaneous Matrix viewing."

Alex jumps to his feet, and quickly catches up to me as I head toward the quad. " I had only 3 unexcused absences. It was completely unfair, and I will have you know that anytime is always a good time to watch The Matrix. Maria, my dear friend, you could learn many things from Neo."

"I thank you for your suggestion but I need your help in more important matters. Ah hah! Exactly who I was looking for," I smile devilishly at him, and then spot my target sitting serenely under a shady tree by the fountain.

"What could possibly be more important than...ah...?" Alex follows my line of sight with his clear blue eyes, and gasps as we manuever our way over to one Isabel Evans. "Isabel Evans?? Why? What are you doing?" He whispers to me as we approach the tree.

"Helping Liz. Remember our pact. I did promise Liz not to insinuate a thing to Max. The silly girl forgot that he has a sister." I smile, and wink at him as he watches both in horror and amusement as we reach Isabel. Knowing Alex, he will at least use to his advantage any time spent with Isabel. Completely unlike our dear, other best friend.

"Isabel, Hi. Can we sit here?" I plop down on the ground next to her, and pat the ground next to me, which Alex immediately takes as his own seat.

"Sure. Can I help you two with anything?" Isabel looks at us calmly, as she sips her Capri Sun.

The thing about Isabel Evans is that she has confidence. Most teenagers, like Liz, and on rare occasions myself, have a hard time being secure in who they are. Isabel isn't. It is like she was born under a lucky sign, because you always know that Isabel Evans isn't afraid of anything. And that makes her very scary for most people in West Roswell. In a world full of souls trying to learn how to live, she has not only mastered the art but moved 3 levels beyond it. So she tends to hang alone, or with her brother and Michael. She is one of the nicest, and most beautiful girls at school, and she is also one of the only girls with no boyfriend. I got to love that. The girl is definitely a strong role model for empowered females everywhere. She doesn't feel the need to have a boyfriend although to be honest, she could have whoever she wants.

Like Alex, who is at this point salivating over Ms. Evans. Boys are so easy to read. I am going to have to talk to him about this.

"I like being upfront, Isabel. I have lots of self-reflective books that emphasize being able to see what you want, and getting it. And I am here because I think you can help me get what I want." I toss my hair over my shoulder, and lean in to her. "Can I trust you to help me with this?"

"Well, what do you want? Why should I help you if I don't even know what it involves?" Isabel glances at me and Alex curiously as she places her juice down.

She asks questions. This is good. I like inquisitive people. I would like to think that I am a born-investigator. "To be quite honest, I want to help your brother Max, and my best friend Liz get together. Because from the way they hide behind their books, they are so-obviously not going to be able to do it themselves. Are you in?"

There. I have laid it all out. Oh god, if Liz knows what I am doing, she would kill me. Maybe I will tell her once they are happily married.

Isabel sits up, and looks at me once I am finished. "You want me to help get them together? How would I know she actually likes him, and you aren't just trying to set her up? Liz is notorious for refusing to go out with boys. Kyle Valenti has been asking her out for years!" She furrows her brow and waits for me to respond.

I got to give her that. She is right about Liz scaring the boys away. "Okay, first of all, I know she likes Max just like you and I both know Max likes Liz. Max is a just little bit more obvious about it. I know my best friend, and she has had a crush on him since the day you both moved here." I can see Isabel trying to believe me. She needs better inside information. "Look, she doesn't go out with other boys because she is hiding her feelings behind a pact we made a long time ago. And I know you may be afraid that she will hurt your brother. If we can just help Max show her he does genuinely like her, she will be able to let our promise go. "

"So can you just help me?"- "Maria"- " I just want to try to make my best friend happy, and by association, your brother happy too.

"Maria!" Alex tags on my hand hard, and I turn to look at him. "What Alex? What?"

"I think we need to disperse for now. Liz is looking around the quad, and she is going to get suspicious if she sees us together with Isabel." He looks almost pale as he finishes the sentence. I think i saw him gulp. That is definitely not a good sign. I need to distract her. " Okay, look, you both finish up the details. I will distract her, ok? By the way Isabel, Liz and I have a study date with Michael and Max today at your house. Maybe you two can plan something by then."

I stand up, and walk over to Liz who has her back to me as she scans the front lawn. Possibly looking for Alex and I since we always spend nutrition together.

"Liz, babe, what is going on?" I chirp happily as I grab her hand and steer her towards the cafeteria. I glance back at Alex and Isabel who seem to be deep in conversation as I walk away. I hope I can trust Alex to organize things.

"Whats going on? How about I ask you? Where did you disappear to? Why the hell did you switch seats in class? And why does Max Evans expect me and you to be at his house this afternoon? Huh, answer me that, Maria??"

Crap. She is mad. Time to do some clean-up.

Chapter 5

Liz POV

So when Maria explained to me how she had no intention of trying to embarass me at Max's house this afternoon, I believed her.

Silly me. I believed her.

So why is it that I am sitting alone in his bedroom as we speak (or should I say, as I speak) studying with Max Evans? Because of my best friend, Maria Alejandra Deluca, that's why. I dont know why I let her walk all over me like I do. I can still clearly see her face at school this afternoon when I confronted her about this so-called group study date, meeting, etc. I was ready to pounce, I swear. There was something too fishy about this chanced study thing.

But what did she say? "Oh Liz honestly. What's with the investigating? First of all, I changed seats because you know I like Michael. What better way for him to notice me if not then by sitting next to him? I figured as my best friend, you would do all in your power to help me out."

I grimaced at her, but I couldn't help believing her. She has been giving Michael Guerin the eye lately.

And we did solemnly swear to help each other out now that we are in high school. At least I promised to help her out with boys. I still choose to uphold the sancitity of our credo, A.M.A.W.I.S.S. But I definitely can't deny that its a good excuse from having to approach boys I do like.

"And a study group would be the best way to do that without being to obvious about it." Maria quipped. She puckered up her mouth in a pout. "Please say you will be there. I can't show up by myself! He will think I am a loser."

And I definitely couldn't say no to that. I know on my worst days that having Max Evans think I am plain, or boring have made me a wreck. So I accepted.

"Fine, Maria. We'll do this stupid study group. But do you swear that this has nothing to do with you trying to get me to ask Max out?"

She tossed her hair from her face, and smiled at me. She even lifted her hand in a pledge, for the 2nd time that day, and said "I promise this trip has only to do with me getting Michael Guerin to go out with me, and making sure my dreams come true."

So then I giggled because only she would equate going out with Michael Guerin as achieving a dream.

But now, all I want to do is give her a few nightmares, especially since Max is asking me for the 3rd time tonight whether I want something to drink.

"No, I really am not very thirsty." I glance up from my notebook, and give him a half-hearted smile.

"Oh. Okay, that is good. It is just that it's a little warm in here. I dont want you to... ya know...." Max scratches his chin fluxomed, "get dehydrated, or something." He laughs nervously. Why is he acting so weird?

"Um, thanks. I'm fine." Geez, I think you can cut the tension with a knife. Unfortunately it isn't very sexual. It's more like painful. Yeah, painfully tight tension.

"So, Max. Do you have any idea about you want to do for our project? " I gather up my hair as I question him, and I watch him glance at me and then look away.

"Well, I was thinking.." Max started to say when the bang of his bedroom door bursting open distracted us both.

"Max! I need you to do me a favor. Oh, Hi Liz." Max's twin sister Isabel saunters into the room in a cloud of perfume, and glances at me as she walks over to her brother. I quickly wave hello.She carries herself confidently as she settles by Max next to his desk as he scribbles on his notebook.

"What's going on?" Max glances up at his sister, and gently scratches his right ear. I love it when he does that. It sort of reminds me of him back in the 10th grade when he use to nibble on his pencil when he was focusing on his english work.

Isabel breaks out into a wide, toothy grin and then asks, "How do you feel about participating in a charitable cause that will help raise funds for the Girls' League Scholarship?"

He eyes her warily, glances at me, and then looks back down at his notebook again. "Yeah, I don't know. What do I have to do?"

I sink back down into his blue and green comforter and try to remain as inconspicuous as possible. This conversation obviously doesn't involve me.

"Oh, its just some silly thing. It really isn't of any consequence. But, Liz, I think you may be glad to hear that your in the running for the Scholarship. Its given to the female student with the best G.P.A. in the graduating class."

I quickly look up from my book. "Are you kidding me?" I probably look pathetically eager, but scholarships are something I desperately need at the moment.

"Definitely. As President, I am in charge of keeping an eye on all of our events." She smiles at me warmly, which come to think of it, never happens. Who knew Isabel could be so approachable? Not me, thats for sure.

Isabel quickly looks over at her brother, and I look over at him too. He continues to stare down at his work but a slight blush crawls up his neck as Isabel keeps talking. "Well, Max. I know there couldn't possibly be any reason why you would give up your precious time for this program, but do you think you could consider it?" Isabel grins at him unabashedly. I feel my cheeks flush as Max looks at me, and I quickly look down at my work before I look like a complete idiot. I really don't want to look like I am begging him to do this. It's really not even my scholarship or anything. I am just in the running.

I don't glance up but I can't help but smile to myself as he responds. "You know. I think I could, um, maybe find some time to do it. That is, if you don't have enough volunteers or whatever."

Out of my peripheral vision I see Isabel jump a bit in joy. "Oh, that's wonderful. I knew you could it!"

I glance back up at Max, and smile at him cautiously. He is so sweet. He is trying to help his sister out. I don't know many guys, with the exception of Alex, who are so giving.

Max looks at me for a second and smiles timidly, and casually asks Isabel what exactly he has to do.

"Oh. This year's fall fundraiser is a date auction. And you, my dear baby brother, are Bachelor No. 13. Okay, well thanks for the help. I got to go do my homework. Ciao, Liz." Isabel quickly walks through the bedroom door. I look over at Max, and can't help but giggle outloud as he exclaims "What!" and runs after his sister in a huff.

Hmmm. An auction? I wonder how much I have saved in my bank account?

Part 6

Maria's POV

I glance across the intersection of Downtown Roswell and make a left down a quiet street, all the while humming along to Maroon 5 as it plays on the radio.

"So what exactly are we picking up?"

"A pack of gum, buddy." I toss a tendril of hair out of my face as I answer his question.

"Wait, you made me tag along with you to the store and protect your "virtue" for a pack of gum? This is ridiculous. I could be watching Smackdown right now."

"You could be, but you aren't. So maybe you might want to get over it, huh?"

"I thought you were terrified of the violence rampant on the city streets this late at night. You know, because 5:30 p.m. is really a dangerous time to be out."

"I'm totally trembling in fear, Mister, and I'm shocked that you aren't able to take a ladies word. Ohhh wait, I forgot. You have no manners."

"Whatever." He crosses his hands in an angry gesture across his chest, and stares out the window of the car.

I have this feeling Michael Guerin won't know what hit him once I am through with him. I quickly grab my cell phone, and put a new part of my plan into action.

Liz's POV

I sit quietly in Max's room while I hear indistinct laughing, and yelling emanating from the walls. Its so weird to be in someone else's home, and see how they live. I mean, not just because this is Max Evan's house, and I wish I could live here with him indefinitely. Ohhh, the idea of living with him in our own home makes my toes curl......

When did I become a sappy girl with no will to fend off swooning tendencies?

Luckily, my phone rings and distracts me from dissolving into another freakishly obsessive fantasy.

"Hello?"

"Hey Chica, it's me. Ok, I am soo sorry I am doing this to you but the Circle K where I needed to pick up something for my mom is closed so Michael offered to come with me to the nearest one which is unfortunately like 45 minutes away. I know you needed a ride home, but i was wondering if you could just ask Max to drive you home, since I have no idea when i'll be back? Would that be alright, because I dont want you to get mad at me or think I'm trying to bamboozle you into something..."

Whoa. The lung capacity on that girl, no wonder she can sing so well. And she's still talking!

"Maria! Stop talking and listen to me. Um, I think I hate you, but its fine. I'll see what I can manage. Make sure you take "advantage" of your quality time with porcupine head, ok?"

"Oh, of course I will, girl. Thanks for being so understanding. Bye."

"Bye."

Great, so I am stranded indefinitely at the Evans unless I ask for a ride home or walk. Walk? Since when do I ever walk?

Exactly.

I quickly get up from my seat on Max's bed, gather up my things into my backpack, and walk out into the hallway.

"Max?" I cautiously voice his name out loud. I know one of these bedrooms is Isabel's so I figure he must be within hearing distance.

Aha, a door just opened. Max glances out of a decidedly girlish looking bedroom. I see Isabel lying casually on her bed, a magazine being slowly skimmed in her hands.

Max glances at me, taking in my belongings and frowns. "Are you leaving?" He opens the door more fully, steps out with an "I'll be back, Isabel," and closes the door behind him.

A muffled "Bye Liz!" echoes from the door, I quickly return it and tuck a wayward strand of hair out of my face as I turn toward Max. "Well, see. That's the thing. Maria just called letting me know she can't give me a ride home, so I was hoping you could." I glance up at his beautiful eyes, and then quickly decide that isnt a good idea if I hope in keeping my cool.

"Ohh, well sure. But are you hungry? You sure you don't want a bite to eat before I take you home?" He sounds so concerned. Trust Max Evans to be a complete sweetheart to a nerd like me.

"Well, I do live above a restaurant. I think I'll be alright." Shoot, why did i just open up my big, fat mouth? Now he looks sad! Quick, think of something!

"Umm.. ehh, well. I mean, are you hungry? Because we could grab something to eat at the Crashdown. I think I could manage to grab us some hamburgers on the house." Oooh, not to bad. Wait, does this sound like I'm asking him out?!?

I AM NOT! This is soooo not a date.

"And we could study, and make the most out of our time that way, don't you think?" I smile at him happily now that I've managed to save my dignity.

Max turns to me as we walk past the living room, and opens the front door for me and smiles his knee-melting smile.

"It's a date!"