Roswell Fanatics

Title: Return to Roswell
Author: Carebehr
Rating: TEEN
Category: AU M/L and CC
Summary: Future Fic. Starts out with a lot of hate and bad feelings towards each other but of course we know these couples can’t stay apart for too long! Other than that read on to find out! No aliens in this one.
Disclaimer. I own nothing of Roswell except some poor quality VHS tapes of the episodes.

Part 1

“Maria! Hurry up, we need to pick Liz up at the bus station in about twenty minutes!” Amy Deluca yelled up the stairs to her daughter.

“I’m on the phone!” Maria yelled down. God she hated living with her mom. All of her friend’s were either married, or living with their boyfriend’s and here she was, twenty-three years old, alone and still living with her mother. How pathetic. “I’ll call you later Isabel, I gotta go.”

“Okay, but you’re coming over for dinner right?” Isabel asked.

“I’m not sure. I’ll see if Liz feels up to it.” Maria said hesitantly.

“She doesn’t hold me responsible for Max leaving does she? I mean I had nothing to do with it Maria, you know that.” Isabel said sadly. Sometimes she wished Max would come home so she could ring his demented little neck. She knew their parents felt the same way.

Max had left five years before to go to New York. He had said he wanted to “expand his horizons” and “get the hell out of Roswell”. One day he just packed his things and left. They weren’t even sure that was where he was until he called three weeks after leaving to say that he had moved into a studio apartment and gotten into NYU. Isabel still wasn’t sure why he really left. Everything seemed to be great. He and Liz were getting along, and they had all just graduated. Liz had been accepted to UCLA and he had planned on going with her. Then it all seemed to fall apart and Max was gone. Not only did he leave, but he took Michael with him.

Maria and Isabel took comfort in their friendship and became as close as sisters, though things weren’t the same since the rest of the group left. They were all inseparable throughout high school, with Max and Liz finally becoming the last of the group to hook up with each other. Isabel smiled at the memory of the night her and Kyle caught them kissing in the bathroom of their old house. When they finally came out, everyone was clapping for them. She walked into the kitchen and sat down at the small table her and Kyle had put in there for cozy little breakfasts.

“Hey beautiful.” Kyle said as he walked into the kitchen and put his briefcase down on the table before leaning over and kissing her cheek. “Who were you on the phone with?”

“What?” Isabel asked, lost in her thoughts. “Oh right, Maria.”

“How is she these days? Still living with her mom?” Kyle asked trying not to smile.

“Yes, don’t pick on her.” Isabel playfully slapped him. “It’s not her fault.”

“I know.” Kyle smiled. “My dad has another date with Amy tonight, so at least she’ll have the place to herself for awhile.”

“No she won’t.” Isabel said, standing up and leaning against the stove. “Liz is coming home today.” She said, sneaking a look at Kyle’s face.

“I know.” Kyle said as he turned around slowly to look at his wife. “I should have told you, but to be honest, I only found out yesterday, and you were asleep when I got home last night.” Kyle explained. “ I have an appointment with her at one o’clock this afternoon.”

“For what?” Isabel asked in shock. “Why does Liz need a lawyer?”

“Sweetie, you know I can’t tell you.” Kyle said as he kissed her cheek and picked up his briefcase. “I have to keep all of my clients business confidential, you know that.” He started walking towards their front door as she followed him.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know.” Isabel said as she stood in the open doorway and watched him walk to his car. “I love you.” She called out. “Have a good day.” She said as she waved at him.

“ I love you too.” Kyle blew her a kiss and got in his car, wondering how long it would be until everything was out in the open and the shit really hit the fan.
***

“Lizzie!” Maria squealed as Liz got off the bus. Her hair was pulled neatly into a ponytail and she was wearing a yellow sundress with a matching ribbon in her hair. She threw her duffle bag over her shoulder and waved happily in Maria and Amy’s direction as they both started to walk towards her as well.

“Hi you two!” Liz said as Amy and Maria reached her. She threw her arms around Maria and hugged her tightly. When she released her, Amy immediately embraced her.

“How’s my girl?” Amy asked as she hugged Liz tightly.

“I’m fine I guess. Just tired. Finals were a killer. Graduation kind of went by in a blur!” Liz laughed. “Still, it feels great to be done!”

“I’m so proud of you honey. I wish Maria had went to college.” Amy said as she shot Maria a death glare. “So have you decided on whether or not you’re going to go to graduate school?”

“Not really. I’m still thinking about it.” Liz said as she smiled at the two women.

“So where is she?” Maria asked looking around. “Where’s the little munchkin?”

Liz laughed and rolled her eyes as she looked at her watch. “I figured you’d go about ten seconds without asking me, I see I was right on the nose.”

“Sorry, I’m just excited to finally see her in person. I’ve only ever seen her in the pictures you’ve sent me from California.” Maria said looking around.

“You can stop looking for her Maria, she isn’t here.” Liz laughed. “Josh is driving up with her in a few days. We thought it would be easier that way. I wasn’t too thrilled about her riding the bus all the way here with me, besides, I have somethings to take care of before she gets here.”

“Well that’s very understandable.” Amy said. “Come on, let’s get you back to our place and get you settled in.”

“Great, I’m wiped.” Liz smiled as they walked towards the parking lot. “Umm, you guys didn’t tell my parents I was coming did you?”

“You asked us not too, so we didn’t.” Maria said as they reached the car and Amy opened the trunk.

“Liz honey,” Amy began. “I know it’s none of my business, but maybe it’s time for you and your parents to make amends. It’s been a long time now.”

“Not long enough.” Liz said as she threw her bag into the trunk and slammed it shut. “I can’t believe they were so upset with me about the whole baby thing. I mean to totally cut me off and take away my college fund!” Liz said as she shook her head.

“Nope, definitely not time to make amends.” Maria laughed as she got into the front seat of her mom’s Jetta.

“Hey Amy, when are you going to get a new car anyway?” Liz laughed as she changed the subject.

“I happen to be looking into it actually.” Amy said as she got into the driver’s seat and started the engine. “If Maria would stop getting into accidents, then her car wouldn’t constantly be in the shop, and we could have brought it.”

“Three accidents! Two of which weren’t even my fault!” Maria yelled as she threw her hands into the air. “Big deal! You make it sound like I’m constantly rear ending people!”

“Well honey, you have to admit that it is sort of weird that these things keep happening to you.” Amy said as she tried to sound nicer.

“Well maybe if you wouldn’t make me drive to the Leisure Land neighborhood to deliver pies, old people would stop crashing into me and my new Jeep!” Maria yelled at her and then they suddenly both burst out laughing.

“Geez, I missed you guys!” Liz said as she settled back into the seat and relaxed.

Part 2

“Well here’s your room, I hope it’s big enough for the three of you.” Maria said as they walked into the large guest room of her and Amy’s house.

“It’s perfect.” Liz smiled. “I really appreciate this Maria. I’m sorry it took me so long to get back here. Between Samantha, school and the wedding, things have just been crazy. Like one thing after another.” Liz smiled. “I really missed you though. I’m so happy that you’re going to be my maid of honor.”

“I’m thrilled too.” Maria said. “I can’t wait to meet Josh. He sounds great. He looks gorgeous in the pictures you sent me of him and Sam.”

“Yeah, he’s pretty cute.” Liz smiled as she nodded. “Sam is getting so big Maria, I can’t believe she’s going to be five.”

“Me either. I wish I could have been there with you when she was born.” Maria pouted.

“You were having your appendix removed Maria!” Liz laughed. “I highly doubt it would’ve been wise to fly to California!’

“I know.” Maria said sadly. “Still, I can’t believe I’ve never even met her. I should have come to see you out there.”

“I didn’t exactly rush back here either.” Liz said sadly.

“Well you had a good reason not too.” Maria said. “By the way, Isabel and Kyle invited us over for dinner tonight if you’re up to it.”

“I don’t know Maria.” Liz said shrugging her shoulders. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.”

“Why not?” Maria asked. “Samantha won’t be there, and Isabel really wants to see you.” Maria said, trying to convince her. “You know it wasn’t her fault that he left Liz. Please don’t blame her.”

“What?” Liz asked in shock. “Why would I blame Isabel? Is that what she thinks? That I blame her for Max leaving?”

Maria nodded. “Sort of. She doesn’t think you blame her exactly, more like seeing her will remind you of him and so you stay away.” She said. “You know Liz, she’s not really wrong. Isn’t that why you’ve stayed out of Roswell? Too many bad memories?”

“No Maria.” Liz said. “I’ve stayed away from Roswell because I have too many good memories.”

“What?” Maria asked, confused. “What does that mean?”

Liz sighed. “It means that coming here makes all of the wonderful images of my past come flooding back. I guess I wasn’t ready to face that until now. When I was away at school I would lay awake at night and wonder how everything got so royally fucked up.” Liz said as she sat down on the bed. “I would lay there and reminisce about how much fun we all had together, and Max and everything we had. I would wonder how such good memories could have turned into something so different. I was afraid to come back here. I was afraid of facing the fact that those memories are only that. Memories.” Liz explained. “I know that now and I’m okay with it. I’m marrying a great guy, that loves my daughter, and I’m ready to start my life with him.”

“Do you love him?” Maria asked quietly.

“Of course Maria! I wouldn’t marry him if I didn’t!” Liz laughed.

“Good.” Maria said. “So how about that dinner?”

“Ok.” Liz said. “I’ll let Kyle know we’re coming when I see him at one.”

“You’re seeing Kyle today?” Maria asked, surprised.

“Yep. No time like the present.” Liz smiled as she stood up and walked over to her duffle bag, unzipping it quickly. She pulled out a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and threw them on to the bed.

“What do you think he’s going to say?” Maria asked, intrigued.

“Well after he gets over his initial shock, I think he’ll help.” Liz smiled as she pulled her jeans on under her dress.

“Aren’t you afraid he’s going to tell Isabel?” Maria asked with her eyes wide with curiosity.

“No, he can’t.” Liz said. “Client confidentiality and all that. Besides. I’m going to tell her myself anyway. She should know.”

“Good idea.” Maria nodded. “She’ll know as soon as she sees her anyway.”

“I know.” Liz smiled. “She does look exactly like him doesn’t she?”

Maria nodded. “Yep.” She thought for a minute and then looked at Liz suddenly. “Liz, Kyle is going to have to get a hold of Max and tell him about Sam in order for him to give up his rights you know.”

“I know Maria.” Liz nodded as she pulled off her dress and tossed it to the floor. She pulled her t-shirt on and sat down next to Maria again. “That’s one of the reason’s why I came back.” She said. “The lawyer I saw in California says I have to get Max’s permission to let Josh adopt Samantha after the wedding. I can’t say he abandoned her because he doesn’t know about her. I talked to Kyle about it and he said it’s true. He said he’d help me.”

“Do you think he’ll do it?” Maria asked quietly.

“Sure.” Liz nodded confidently. “He hates me. He shouldn’t even bat an eyelash at the papers. I’m sure he’ll just sign them and send them back to Kyle, no questions asked.”

“I hope so.” Maria said nodding her head. “What are you going to do if he won’t sign them?”

“I don’t know Maria, I haven’t allowed myself to think that way.” Liz shook her head. “I guess we’ll just cross that bridge when we get to it.” She stood up and started to walk out of the room.

“Yeah, if it’s not burned down completely by then.” Maria said as she got up off the bed and followed Liz.

“What?” Liz asked as she looked back at Maria.

“Nothing.” Maria muttered as they headed out the front door.
***

“So did you find him?” Liz asked as her and Maria sat across from Kyle in his office.

“Of course.” Kyle smiled. “Liz, are you sure you want to do this? Maybe once Max finds out he has a daughter, he’ll want to be part of her life.”

“Too bad.” Liz said. “He should of thought of that before he left and went to New York.”

“That’s not fair, he didn’t even know you were pregnant.” Maria interjected.

“Whose side are you on?” Liz said as she looked at Maria.

“Sorry. Yours.” Maria said as she raised her eyebrows at Kyle.

Kyle looked at Liz and shook his head. “All I’m saying is that once you tell him, you’re opening a whole can of worms.” Kyle explained. “If he wants to fight you he can get lawyers, it could get ugly. Can’t you and Josh just raise Samantha without having him adopt her?”

“No!” Liz said. “I’m not doing that. I want her to be his daughter. I’m not afraid of Max, or any fancy lawyer he might get. Kyle, just tell him and let’s get this over with. He won’t fight me, he doesn’t care about me and he won’t care about Sam either. All he cares about is himself.”

“Okay.” Kyle said. “You’re the client. Do you want me to send papers, call him, what?”

“Send the papers. I don’t want any contact with him other than that.” Liz said as she stood up. Let me know what happens.”

“Okay.” Kyle nodded and stood up as well. “So are you two coming over tonight?”

“Yep.” Maria said. “Tell Izzy we’ll be there at six.” She walked over around the desk and gave Kyle a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for everything.” She said.

“No problem” Kyle smiled at his friend and then turned to Liz. “Liz, I’m glad you’re back. You look great. I can’t wait to meet Josh, and of course Samantha.”

“Thanks Kyle, I really appreciate this. It makes it a lot easier to have a friend help you out with these things.” Liz smiled as she also walked around to the other side of the desk and kissed Kyle on the cheek. “See you tonight.”

“Ok you two.” Kyle smiled. “Have a good day.”

“Oh by the way Kyle, I’m going to tell Isabel about Sam later.” Liz said as she stood in the doorway to his office.

“Thank God!” Kyle said as he collapsed into his chair with relief. “I thought I was going to have to keep it from her forever!”

“You wouldn’t have been able too, as soon as she sees Sam, it will be obvious.” Maria said winking at Kyle and leading out the door after Liz.

Part 3

Kyle stood up and walked to the adjoining door to the office next to him. He raised his hand and knocked three times. A moment later he heard the familiar “Come in” and he entered the office.

“Hey.” He said as he faced Philip Evans. “I need to ask you a few questions about the Parker case.”

“That’s what I’m here for Kyle.” Philip said smiling as he walked to his filing cabinet and put away a few files in the top drawer. “I told you when you started this internship that I didn’t expect you to know everything. After all, you’ve only just completed your first year of law school.”

“I know sir.” Kyle smiled as he sat down. “There are just so many confusing laws. Especially regarding this issue.”

“First of all, I told you to call me Dad three years ago when you and Izzy got married. Second of all, let’s just sit down and go over the case and I’ll help you wherever I can.” Philip smiled as he sat down at his desk. “Now is this going to go to court? If it is then I need to know everything so I can represent this woman with you. You said her name was Parker?”

Kyle swallowed the lump in his throat. “Yes. Liz Parker.”

“Liz Parker as in Max’s ex?” Philip asked surprised.

“Yes.” Kyle said. “She contacted me a few weeks ago regarding this matter and I told her I’d help her. I figured it would just be some standard paperwork, but now that I’ve had time to think about it, I think I might need your help. It’s regarding Max.”

“Max?” Philip asked, raising his eyebrows. “Have her and Max been in contact? What did he do?”

“He didn’t do anything.” Kyle shook his head. “Well not that he knows of anyway.”

“So what’s the case?” Philip asked, curiosity peaking as the conversation continued.

“You’re granddaughter is the case.” Kyle said.

“What?” Philip asked him, confused.

“Liz had a baby. It’s Max’s. Her name is Samantha and she’s almost five years old.” Kyle tried to explain. “Max doesn’t know about her. He left right after she was conceived. Liz and him haven’t spoken in five years. Liz left and went to UCLA, had their baby and just graduated.”

“So she wants us to find Max for her to let him know about her?” Philip asked. “That shouldn’t be a problem I know where he is.” He smiled, “So when do I get to meet my granddaughter?”

“There’s more.” Kyle said trying to figure out how to tell Philip the bad news. “Liz is getting married. She wants her fiancé to adopt Samantha after the wedding. She wants Max to sign his rights to her over.”

“So she doesn’t want any of us to know her?” Philip asked as he turned around in his chair and looked out the window so Kyle couldn’t see his eyes fill up with tears. “Samantha is her name?” he asked quietly.

“Yes.” Kyle said. “I know this must be hard for you. To find out you have a granddaughter and then find out you won’t get to be a part of her life.”

“It’s devastating Kyle.” Philip nodded. “Why didn’t Liz ever come to Diane and I for help? What about her parents, do they know Max is the father?”

“Yes sir. From what Liz has said, they only people that know are Maria, Amy Deluca, Alex and her parents. Her fiancé Josh knows, but of course he doesn’t know Max.” Kyle said. “Her parents took away her college fund when they found out she was going to keep the baby. They didn’t want to make it easy for her. She’s not on speaking terms with them.”

“Where is she staying?” Philip asked. “I’ll need to talk to her about the case. I have a feeling that when Max finds out, it won’t be as easy as she thinks.”

“She’s staying with Maria, but their both coming to our place for dinner tonight. Why don’t you and Diane join us?” Kyle asked. “She’s planning on telling Isabel, I don’t see why she wouldn’t want to tell Diane as well. Supposedly Samantha looks just like Max. I guess she wants to warn people not to be too surprised when they see her.”

Philip nodded and turned back around to face Kyle. “Sounds good. Is seven okay?”

“Fine.” Kyle tried to manage a smile.

“Will Sam be there?” Philip asked hopefully. “I’d like to at least meet her before Liz takes her out of our lives forever.”


“Sorry, but she won’t be here until Wednesday." Kyle said, I guess Liz wanted to take of most of this before she got here.

Philip nodded. “Okay. So do you want to call Max or should I?” he asked.

“Liz just wants the papers sent. She doesn’t want any other contact with him to be made.” Kyle said.

“Well that’s too bad. He’s my son, and I’m going to call him. He deserves to know before he just gets papers in the mail asking him to give up his daughter.” Philip said.

“Ok sir. I mean dad.” Kyle smiled.

“Kyle, by the way, whatever happened between Max and Liz?” Philip asked curiously.

Kyle shrugged. “No one knows. One day they were together and in love, the next day Max left. Supposedly he left her a note, but no one knows what it said. Liz has never talked about it. Michael never even said a word to Maria, he just left with Max.” He explained. “Neither of the girls has heard from them since.”

“I can’t believe Max would be so cold. Michael either.” Philip shook his head. “Well by the time this is all said and done, I’m sure we’ll all know the truth.”

“I’m sure you’re right.” Kyle said as he smiled again and walked back through the door to his own office, shutting it behind him.
***

“So that went pretty well don’t you think?” Maria asked with a smile as her and Liz walked down the street to the garage where her Jeep was being repaired.

“Yeah, I guess so.” Liz nodded as she stuck her hands in the pockets of her jeans. “I can’t believe you bought a Jeep of all things Maria.”

“Why because Max had one?” Maria asked. “Relax, mine is nothing like his.”

“That’s good, his was a death trap.” Liz laughed. “What color is yours?”

“It’s white, and it’s perfectly safe I assure you.” Maria smiled.

“Right, as long as you’re not driving through Leisure Land.” Liz laughed.

“Exactly.” Maria laughed with her. “Hey, Alex wants us to stop by his office after we pick up my car. He’s dying to see you.”

“Yeah, I talked to him on the phone the other day. He told me that he’s dating Tess Harding!” Liz laughed. “That’s too wierd. I thought they hated each other!”

“Well they did, but Tess has changed a lot.” Maria said.

“What do you mean?” Liz asked intrigued by Maria’s tone.

“Well you know she’s been waiting tables at your parent’s restaurant since her Dad died, and let’s just say it’s really humbled ‘little miss perfect’.” Maria smiled.

“Like how?” Liz asked, trying to get more information out of her.

“Well for one thing, she’s really taken advantage of the ‘free food for employees’ rule. I swear shes put on at least twenty pounds since high school.” Maria laughed. “Sorry I shouldn’t laugh.”

“Wow! Twenty pounds huh?” Liz asked, not trying to hide her shock. “So how did her and Alex hook up?”

“They have been seeing the same psychologist, I guess.” Maria said. “Tess started seeing her after her dad died, and Alex started seeing her after Isabel dumped him for Kyle.”

“Wow.” Liz laughed. “I didn’t know Alex had to see a psychologist when Isabel and him broke up! Why is he still seeing her? That was four years ago!”

“I know.” Maria nodded. “I think it just helps him deal with his stress you know? The computer business is lonely. I think it helps him to just have someone to talk too.”

“Weird.” Liz said. “I don’t think I can picture him and Tess together.”

“It is kind of weird.” Maria agreed. “Still, Tess is pretty decent these days. I think she finally realized that being a stuck up bitch wasn’t winning her many admirers. They seem to be happy so far. Although it’s only been a couple months so who knows?”

“Well I do want to see Alex, so we can head over there after we pick up your car.” Liz said. “It’s so strange to be back here.” She looked across the street and down the alley.

Maria followed her gaze and saw The Crashdown, the restaurant her parents owned, across the street. “Sure you don’t want to go say hi?” she asked.

“Huh?” Liz asked. “Oh yeah. Positive. I was actually just remembering my old room and my deck. Remember that night we all got drunk up there and Max almost fell off the ladder climbing down?” she started laughing.

“Yeah, that night was fun.” Maria said. “I sure miss those days. You know everyone tells you that it’s the best time of your life, but I never believed them until now.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean.” Liz smiled sadly. “Still, you never know what lies ahead for us. Maybe the best is yet to come.”

They were both silent for a moment and then they both started laughing at the same time and both blurted out, “Nah!”

Part 4

Liz and Maria picked up Maria’s Jeep at the garage and three hundred and forty two dollars later were on their way to Alex’s office.

Maria maneuvered her vehicle into a parking space and looked around. “Oh look-there’s Tess’s car, she must have come to meet Alex for a late lunch.” She said.

“Oh goody.” Liz said sarcastically as she hopped out of the car. “I can hardly wait to see her.”

“Ok, be nice, remember, she’s changed. Alex really likes her, so be good for his sake.” Maria smiled as they headed into the office building.

“I’m not sixteen Maria, I can be a mature adult.” Liz said as she followed Maria through the winding hallway. A moment later they were standing outside of a door with Alex’s name on the outside of it and the title “ Web Page Design Consultant’ underneath it.

“Good, glad to hear it.” Maria said quietly as she opened the door. “Hello, anyone here?” she called out as she gave Liz a strange look. “God I hope they’re not in the back having sex or something.”

“No such luck.” Alex said as he stepped up behind her laughing.

“Shit Alex, you scared the crap out of me!” Maria squealed as she jumped.

Alex quickly took Liz into a giant bear hug. “Liz! It’s so good to see you!” he said as they embraced tightly.

“You too.” Liz said as she tried to breathe under his tight arms.

Alex let go of her and held her at arms length. “You look great. Exactly the same as you did when you left.” He said as he took in her appearance.

“Hi Liz.” They heard someone say from behind them in a quiet meek voice.

Liz knew it was Tess instantly. They had never been friends. Tess was interested in Max when they were in high school, and they had even dated a few times before she Max realized they felt stronger about each other than they both thought. She remembered the day she saw Max and Tess kissing in the hallway. It was then that she realized that she was in love with Max Evans. Unfortunately it took him a while longer to realize he had feelings for her as well. Some days she wished she could turn back time and make sure she and Max never became more than friends, but then she would take one look at Samantha and realize that everything happens for a reason.

Liz slowly turned around and even though Maria had warned her about Tess changing, she still was not prepared for what stood there in front of her. “Hi.” She managed to mutter as she took in Tess’s appearance. She had definitely gained about twenty pounds. She was still a petite pretty blond, with the same amazingly piercing blue eyes. Her hair had grown a lot in the last five years, it was nearly to her waist, and it was still wavy in the classic Tess way. Still, she was missing something. Something that had made her the Tess she used to be. Tess stood slightly back; obviously self-conscious about her changed appearance since the last time they saw each other. She wore glasses, and her clothes didn’t seem to fit her comfortably. Liz couldn’t put her finger on exactly what the biggest change was, but it was obvious that Tess had lost her confidence and was not happy with her current self.

Alex sensed her discomfort and walked over to her, putting his arm around her. “Liz, you remember Tess don’t you?” he asked, trying to break the silence.

“Of course.” Liz smiled. “How have you been? I hear you’re working at my parents place?”

Tess nodded. “Yeah. They’ve been really great. It’s been rough for me.”

That much was obvious to Liz. “Sorry to hear about your dad.” Liz said quietly.

“Thanks.” Tess nodded. “It was pretty sudden, a heart attack. The worst thing was that he never got to meet Mel.”

“Mel?” Liz asked as she looked at Maria and Alex, confused.

“My daughter Melissa.” Tess explained. “She’s four.”

“Really?” Liz asked. “I didn’t know you had a daughter. I do too.” She smiled.

“I didn’t know that either.” Tess said giving Alex a hurt look. “Alex didn’t tell me.”

“Well, I asked him not to say anything to anyone about her. Only a few people here in town know.” Liz said. “Samantha will be here on Monday. Maybe we could get the girls together to play or something before we go home.”

Maria’s mouth dropped open in shock. Liz was asking Tess to come over and bring her daughter to play with Sam? This was too weird.

Alex smiled. “Mel would love that, wouldn’t she honey?” he asked as he squeezed Tess tighter. He knew that Tess was nervous about seeing Liz. She knew Liz never liked her. Now they had something in common. Alex was secretly thrilled.

“Yes.” Tess nodded happily, visibly relaxing. “She’s with her Dad this weekend, but she’ll be back on Monday too.”

“Does her Dad live here in town?” Liz asked.

“Yep, right past the high school.” Tess said. “He has Mel on weekends.”

“Are you divorced?” Liz asked, feeling more comfortable with their conversation.

“No, we never married.” Tess said. “One of those things you know? It didn’t work out.” she said shyly.

“ I know what you mean.” Liz laughed, instantly putting Tess at ease.

“How about you? Are you married?” Tess asked.

Liz was surprised by Alex’s loyalty. He really hadn’t told Tess any of the things she had confided in him over the last five years. “Engaged. Actually my fiancé is bringing Samantha from California with him when he comes for the wedding.”

“You’re getting married here in Roswell?” Tess asked happily.

“Yes. We’ll be here for a few weeks, then after the wedding we’ll head back to California. My fiancé Josh has his business there.” Liz said. “ We have some things here in town to take care of. Also, all of my friend’s are here, and Josh’s family is in Albuquerque, so it was just easier to have the wedding here. I couldn’t get married without Maria and Alex being there. “ She said looking at her two friends. “I really hope you’ll come too Tess.”

Tess smiled brilliantly. “Thank you Liz. That would be great.”

“Of course I know you’ll be there.” Liz said as she smiled at an elated Alex.

“You know it.” Alex said as he mouthed the words “thank you” over Tess’ head.

Liz nodded at him and smiled. “Well we have to go, we have dinner plans. See you guys this weekend maybe?” she asked as she looked at Alex and Tess.

“Definitely.” Alex nodded. “Why don’t we all go out tomorrow night? I have a friend I’m dying to introduce to you Maria.” He said as he looked at Maria.

Maria rolled her eyes. “Alex I told you, I don’t want to go out with any more of your computer geek friends. Not interested, thanks anyway.”

“He’s not a computer geek. He’s a bank financer. He saw the picture of the three of us on my desk and asked me about you.” Alex smiled and wiggled his eyebrows.

“That picture is five years old Alex! We took it the day Liz left for college.” Maria laughed.

“You look the same.” Liz smiled. “What do you have to lose anyway? I’ll be there too so it won’t be like a double date or anything.”

“Fine. He can meet us for drinks but that’s it.” Maria said. “Come on, we gotta go.” She said as she grabbed Liz’s hand and started dragging her towards the door.

“Ok great!” Alex called out after them. “I’ll have him meet us at Senor Chow’s at six!”

“Whatever!” Maria called out behind her. “Bye.”

“Bye Alex. Nice seeing you again Tess!” Liz called out as Maria dragged her out the door.

“You too!” Alex and Tess called out together as they stood and watched them leave.

Once Maria and Liz were outside Maria let go of Liz’s hand. “Sorry, I had to get out of there. Alex is always trying to set me up with some loser.” Maria said as she hopped behind the wheel.

“No problem.” Liz laughed. “Hey how come you didn’t tell me Tess had a daughter?”

“I don’t know.” Maria shrugged. “I guess I forgot. I try not to think about her and Alex together. It creeps me out.”

“Why?” Liz asked. “She seems nice. I think they’re a cute couple.”

“You would.” Maria said as she started to back out of the parking spot.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Liz asked in an offended tone.

“Nothing.” Maria laughed. “I’m just joking around. Yeah, I guess they’re sort of cute together. I haven’t actually seen them with my own two eyes until today.”

Suddenly there was a loud crash and Liz and Maria lurched forward in the Jeep.

“SHIT!” Maria yelled as she peered out the back of the car and saw the twisted metal of someone’s rear bumper. “My mom’s never gonna let this one go!”

Part 5- NEW YORK

Max looked at the clock on the mantel and adjusted his treadmill speed. He was running short on time and if he wanted to get in a full workout before going to dinner with Sarah tonight he needed to run faster. He seriously considered canceling his date with her, but changed his mind earlier that day when Michael told him he was having some of his friends from work come over to play poker. It would be a cheaper evening for him to take the woman out than to play poker with Michael’s friends. Last time he had lost over two hundred dollars.

The treadmill beeped to signal the end of his workout and Max jumped off of it before it stopped completely. He walked over to the bar he had attached in the bathroom doorway and started his pull-ups. As he hoisted himself up to the bar, he thought about the long day he had tomorrow. He was on call at the hospital, as usual and since he was just a first year med student he got all the crappy patients. He sighed as he thought about the boils he’d have to lance, and the stitches he’d have to give. He wondered if he was really doing what he wanted to do by becoming a doctor. He let go of the bar and landed on his feet momentarily before dropping to the ground and starting his crunches.

“Hello? Anyone here? Max?” he heard Michael call out from the front entryway to their tiny studio apartment.

“Yeah I’m down here.” Max called as he raised his hand up mid-crunch.

“Oh hey.” Michael nodded at him. He walked over to the tiny fridge and opened it. He started taking out the old boxes of take-out one by one and smelling them, quickly throwing then in the trash. “I picked up some beer and stuff for tonight. Are you playing?”

“No, I have a date with Sarah.” Max said as he continued his crunches.

“Ugh.” Michael said. “I thought you were ending that whole thing.”

“I am, I just haven’t yet.” Max said.

“Why not?” Michael asked. “She’s a total bitch.”

Max stood up and looked over at Michael. “Hey could you throw me one of those bottles of water?” he asked and Michael took one out of the fridge and threw it to him. “Anyway,” Max said after he took a giant gulp of the water. “She’s not a total bitch, she’s just a little conceited.”

“What?” Michael said in shock. “She made you throw away anything that had to do with your past Max. You’re yearbooks, all your pictures, even the tassel from your graduation cap. She’s a total bitch.” Michael said again as he popped the top off a bottle of Budweiser and took a swig of it.

“All right, so she’s a little eccentric.” Max shrugged. “Anyway, I told you, I’m ending things.”

“Good, do it tonight.” Michael said taking another drink of his beer. “You know who she reminds me of?” he asked as if it had just occurred to him.

“Who?” Max asked, narrowing his eyes.

“That chick you dated in high school that wouldn’t let you hang out with us. What was her name?” Michael asked, trying to remember the girl’s name. “Oh yeah, Tess Harding!”

Max nearly choked on his water. “Oh my God.” He laughed. “You’re right! She does act like Tess did. I had totally forgotten about her! Yeah, she was little psycho.”

“A little?” Michael asked. “She wouldn’t even let you go to the movies with us because of Liz and Maria. She thought you were totally in love with Liz remember?” he asked laughing.

“I was Michael.” Max said giving him a strange look. “That was why we broke up, don’t you remember? The kissing in the bathroom?”

“Oh yeah.” Michael said as the memories came flooding back. “I forgot you and Tess were still together when Kyle and Isabel caught you and Liz on the brink of sex.” He smiled.

“We were not on the brink of sex.” Max said, rolling his eyes. “We were just kissing.”

“Whatever.” Michael laughed. “If you would have had any more time you would have been on the brink of sex. I’m sure of it. She was so into you dude.”

“Shut up man.” Max said throwing his empty water bottle at him. “It wasn’t like that. Not with us.” He walked over and collapsed on his bed. “I really cared about her.”

“Right.” Michael nodded. “That’s why you left her after she finally did sleep with you.”

“Shut up Michael.” Max said. “You don’t know anything about our relationship. Besides, I wouldn’t talk if I were you, you left Maria too.”

“That was different.” Michael said as he threw his empty beer bottle in the trash and opened another one.

“Why because you proposed to her and she said no?” Max asked.

“I never proposed.” Michael said as he sat down at the table.

“What are you talking about? I helped you pick out the ring man.” Max said. “You told me that you proposed after graduation and she said no.”

“I know what I told you Maxwell, but that’s not exactly what happened.” Michael said as he looked across the room at Max.

“Well what did happen then?” Max asked, sitting up.

“I chickened out.” Michael said. “I heard her and Liz talking after the graduation ceremony and let’s just say that she would have said no if I’d asked her.”

Max nodded. “Oh. What were they saying?”

Michael shook his head. “You don’t want to know man, trust me.”

“Ok.” Max said as he looked over at Michael. “It must have been really bad.”

“It doesn’t matter now.” Michael shrugged it off. “No biggie. I’m over her.”

“That must be why you’re such a dating machine.” Max said sarcastically.

“Shut up.” Michael glared at him. “I’d rather be alone than date women like the bitches you date.”

“Point taken.” Max said. “I gotta go get in the shower.”

“Hey Max?” Michael called out as Max started to walk towards the bathroom.

“Yeah?” Max asked as he stopped to turn back around.

“Do you ever wonder what they’re doing now?” Michael asked. “I mean Maria and Liz, do you ever wonder about them?”

Max looked at him and said, “Well Liz went to UCLA, and probably just finished her first year of graduate school. Maria probably got some cool job singing somewhere, or she’s still working with her mom. They’re probably both married by now.”

“Ever wonder if we made a mistake?” Michael asked him quietly.

“Are you kidding?” Max asked him. “I wonder every damn day.” He said solemnly as Michael nodded in understanding.


Max stood under the hot shower and let his mind wander back to his past. He tried not to let it creep up on him, and he had gotten pretty good at keeping the memories at bay. Something about the conversation he had just had with Michael made it hard not to think back to high school. Back to Liz and when they first got together and all of the times they shared before it all had to end.

He smiled as he remembered the day he had met Liz Parker. Isabel and him were starting the new school year at a new elementary school in Roswell. Their parents had just moved them to the small town from Minneapolis, and they were not looking forward to it at all. They had met Michael on the bus, and quickly it was the three of them facing the first day of the third grade together.

They met Alex, Maria and Liz at lunch, when Maria threw her fruit roll up across the table and it landed in Michael’s already messy hair, sticking to it immediately. They had all started laughing uncontrollably, and when Max’s chocolate milk came out of his nose, Liz handed him her little pink napkin from her lunchbox. The six of them were inseparable from that day on.

When they got to junior high, the three girls had separated themselves from the guys. Isabel had tried to explain it to Max one night by saying that they were growing up, and that girls matured faster than boys did. She told him that they felt the guys were too immature to hang out with them. The guys felt bad, but consoled themselves by torturing the girls every chance they got. Max laughed as he remembered the day that him and Michael had put mice in the girl’s lockers, only to scare Alex half to death when he went to Isabel’s locker to borrow her English book.

By the time they were sophomores in high school, they were close again and did everything together. Nights during the week were spent studying at the library, or hanging out at The Crashdown. Weekends were either spent bowling or at the movies. Every now and then one of them would bring a guy or girl they were dating, but that only lasted so long. Everyone knew that if you dated one of their group, you dated their whole group. They were all good friends but none of them were anything more than that until the summer before their senior year.

The rains that spring had been heavy and unrelenting. By the time school got out, the rock quarry that they sometimes went to hang out at, had filled up with water and created a small lake that was crystal clear and warm. Alex had suggested that they go swimming there one day instead of the local community pool. They all had thought it was a great idea and headed out there on that Monday after school got out. When they got there, they were surprised to see that half of their school was already there.

The girls had giggled almost the whole day as they pointed and splashed at some of the football players from their high school, flirting with them. Max still remembered exactly how Liz looked that summer day. She had her hair pulled back into a loose ponytail and she had worn a yellow bikini. Before she decided to get in the water she had pulled her ponytail out and let her chocolate brown hair tumble down over her shoulders. Max had been sitting right next to where she was standing, and as she bent over to shake her hair out, it had brushed across his face. It had smelled like strawberries.

Max smiled as he closed his eyes, almost as if he could feel it trail across his face again right at this moment. He opened his eyes and reached over and turned the shower off, stepping out into the steamy bathroom. He wrapped a towel around his waist and used his hand to clear off a space in the steamed up mirror. He looked at his reflection and shook his head, trying to snap himself out of the reminiscing. It was no use though; his mind went right back to where it had left off a moment before.

“Oops sorry Max.” Liz had said as her hair had hit him in the face.

“No problem” Max said, trying not to look up at her.

“Are you going to come in?” Liz asked him innocently.

“Yeah, I’m just going to wait to see if Tess shows up.” He had told her.

“Oh yeah right. I guess that’s what a good boyfriend would do isn’t it?” Liz had said as she ran off towards Maria and Isabel.

Max continued to look at his reflection in the mirror, but he wasn’t really seeing it. He was seeing Liz the way he had seen her that day at the quarry. She had grown up right in front of him, and he hadn’t even noticed. He was too busy dating the occasional cheerleader to even see what was right in his face. He knew he couldn’t cross that line with her though. Their friendship was too important. All of them understood it. At least he thought they did until he saw Michael and Maria making out behind a tree later that day as the sun started to go down.

He had continued to date Tess through the summer; even after Michael and Maria told everyone they were a couple. Alex finally admitted that he had feelings for Isabel and they hooked up right before their senior year started. He saw less and less of Liz as Tess became more controlling and Liz started dating Kyle Valenti. Looking back, he realized that Tess must have known his feelings for Liz had changed, and that caused her controlling behavior.

His first inclination that maybe Liz had the same thoughts about him came shortly after school started. Tess had grabbed him in the hallway and started kissing him like a mad woman. When she had released him he had seen Liz standing there, with tears in her eyes. When they made eye contact she turned and waked down the hallway and away from him as quick as her legs could carry her.

Max laughed as he remembered the scene. She had later admitted to him that she had been in love with him for over a year. Max took his razor out of the tiny medicine cabinet and lathered up his face as he continued to allow himself to remember the past.

A week after the “hallway kiss,” as it was later referred to, Isabel and him had a party at their house while their parents were out of town. Everyone had gotten completely trashed, including Tess, who had passed out on his parent’s bed, trying to convince him to sleep with her. She had been trying to convince him all summer, but Max wasn't interested. The party had started to wind down, so he left Tess on his parents bed and stumbled into the hallway where Kyle was sitting on the floor with his head in his hands outside of the bathroom door.

“You okay man?” he had asked him as he put his hand on Kyle’s shoulder.

“Yeah, just got dumped.” Kyle muttered in a drunken stupor.

“Dumped? By Liz?” he had asked, surprised.

“Yeah.” Kyle had said. “Oh well, it’s just as well. I don’t need no charity dates!” he said, slurring his words.

“Huh?” he had asked him, totally confused.

“Liz said she couldn’t go out with me ‘cuz she had feelings for someone else.” Kyle had told him. “Whatever, like I care.” He pulled himself up and stumbled down the hallway calling out some girl’s name.

He had called after Kyle to ask him where Liz was, but Kyle was too drunk to notice.

A moment later the bathroom door opened and Liz was standing there. Her hair had been slightly messed up and her eyes were red like she had been crying. Max smiled as he remembered. She had been wearing a black top and jeans, and her lips were red and swollen. It had been obvious that she had been ravaged, and was not too happy about it. He remembered thinking that she had never looked so beautiful as she did right at that moment, but he was instantly mad, immediately thinking Kyle had done something to her against her will.

“Hey.” He had said, looking at her closely.

“Oh, hey Max.” Liz had said. “How long have you been standing there?”

“Just a minute.” He said to her. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, Kyle and I broke up.” She had told him.

“Sorry.” He had said, nodding at her.

“It’s okay.” She had said to him. “Where’s Tess?”

“Passed out in the bedroom.” He had said.

“Oh. Well then you better go in then.” Liz had told him as she nodded towards the bedroom.

“Nah,” He had said looking towards the room. “I think I’m right where I need to be.”

Liz had burst into tears and a second later she was in his arms and he was hugging her. He was drunk, but he still remembered every single moment that he had her in his arms that night. He rubbed her back and whispered into her hair that she would be okay. She shook her head and told him that she had to leave, had to get out of his house.

“I don’t want you to leave Lizzie.” He had said quietly.

She looked up at him and managed a weak smile. “You haven’t called me that since the fourth grade.”

“Sorry.” He had told her. “I’m a little drunk.”

“Me too.” She admitted. “This feels good. I’ve missed you.”

“God, I’ve missed you too.” He had said to her as he continued to rub her back.

“What happened to us Max? What happened to our friendship?” Liz had asked him as she rested her head on his chest.

“Well, I think we fell in love with each other didn’t we?” He asked her, the alcohol making him braver than he felt.

Liz had looked up at him and as their eyes met she nodded her head slowly. A moment later her lips were on his and he had sworn he was dead and in heaven.

They had let themselves into the bathroom and shut the door, forgetting to lock it in their passion-induced haze. They must have spent a couple of hours in there getting to know each other’s bodies, even though they never removed any clothes. Isabel and Kyle walked in on them much to their surprise.

Max burst out laughing at the memory of Kyle and his sister’s faces when they saw him and Liz in the bathroom. Liz had been sitting on the counter with her legs wrapped around his waist and he had his hands under the front of her shirt. From that night on, they were a couple, and that was the beginning of the happiest time in his life.

Max zipped up his slacks and pulled his black sweater over his head. He ran the comb through his hair one last time before walking out of the bathroom

“What’s with you?” Michael asked him as he walked over to his bed and picked up his leather jacket.

“What do you mean?” Max asked, confused by the question.

“You have the goofiest look on your face.” Michael said. “Happy about breaking up with Sarah?” he asked hopefully.

“Yeah, I think it’s time.” Max said nodding. “I want more. Much more than she can give me.” He said as he headed to the door.

“Glad to hear it man.” Michael said. “Oh by the way, you’re dad called while you were getting ready. He said it was really important that you call him ASAP.”

Max looked at his watch and sighed. “I don’t have time now, I’ll have to call him when I get home later.”

“He said that if it was after seven his time, he’d be at Kyle and Isabel’s house and to call him there.” Michael said shaking his head. “Man I still can’t believe those two are married.”

“I know.” Max said. “She’s still mad at me that we didn’t come to their wedding. Shit, I gotta go.” He said as he shut the door behind him and headed out to break up with Sarah.

Part 6

“So you’re telling me I have a niece?” Isabel asked as she sat down at the kitchen table with Maria and Liz.

“Yeah.” Liz nodded. “Biologically.” She said. “ Isabel, you need to understand, that I’m doing this for Sam’s own good. Max isn’t going to be a part of her life. Josh will be her dad after the adoption is final.” Liz explained. “She’ll take his last name, he’ll help raise her. She will be brought up in California. You and you’re parents really won’t have any ties to her.”

“But that’s not fair!” Isabel said, suddenly standing back up. “Why tell me at all? Why tell any of us?”

“Well Maria and Alex knew when I was pregnant, I asked them not to say anything to anyone. I really didn’t want Max to know.” Liz said sadly.

“But why not?” Isabel asked. “I’m sure that he would have come back. I mean I know he left suddenly, and I don’t pretend to know why, but I know he loved you Liz. He would have wanted to know.”

“I didn’t want him to come back just because I was pregnant Isabel. If he didn’t care about what we had before I was pregnant, then I didn’t want him to come back just because of it.” Liz said sadly. “It took me a long time to get over it, and believe me, I picked up the phone to call you and your parents about a hundred times to ask you where he was, but I knew he would just end up resenting our daughter, and ultimately hating me.”

“What makes you think he’s just going to sign his rights over when he finds out?” Isabel asked. “Don’t you know him at all?”

“I thought I did, but obviously I didn’t.” Liz said. “I would have never thought he would just pick up and leave like that after graduation. I mean I know he wanted to be a doctor, but he could have done that with me in California like we had planned.”

“Yeah, and don’t even get me started on Michael. At least Max left Liz a note.” Maria said angrily.

“What did the note say Liz, if you don’t mind me asking?” Isabel said timidly, not sure of how hurt Liz still was over the situation.

Liz shrugged. “It said that he needed space, to figure out what he wanted. That he loved me, but he couldn’t go to California with me. Basically that was theme of it. I don’t know, I can barely remember.” Liz waved her hand in the air. “Whatever. It was a long time ago.”

“It wasn’t that long ago.” Isabel said. “Only five years or so.”

“Whatever.” Liz said. “Anyway, Sam will be here on Monday, and I wanted to tell you about her Isabel. You deserve the truth.”

“Yeah, not to mention the fact that she slightly resembles Max, and we’re sure you would have figured it out anyway.” Maria laughed.

“Do my parents know?” Isabel asked.

“Well not that they’ll tell you, but I’m sure Kyle has told your dad by now.” Liz said. “After all, Kyle is working for him, and if this goes to court, then he’ll need your dad’s help since he hasn’t passed the bar yet.”

“True.” Isabel nodded. “They won’t tell my mom though. They’re really good about that confidentiality clause thing. Kyle wouldn’t even have told me if you didn’t. Is it ok if I tell my mom?”

“Yeah, you might as well.” Liz nodded.

“Ok.” Isabel said sadly. “Well I can’t wait to meet her. Josh too.”

“Thanks.” Liz smiled. “They’re both great.”

“Josh is so cute. Isabel, wait until you see him!” Maria said as Liz slapped her playfully on the arm.

“She doesn’t care about that kind of stuff do you sweetie?” Kyle said as he stood in the doorway eavesdropping.

“Nope.” Isabel said, walking over to kiss him. “I have the cutest man in the world already.” She said affectionately as she planted her lips on his. “Now that you’re home, you can help me put the steaks on the barbeque.”

“Ahh, now I see what you’re really after.” Kyle smiled. “Just let me go get out of this suit first.”

“Ok.” Isabel said. “I’ll just go take everything outside so it will be all ready for you.”

“Sounds good.” Kyle said as he kissed her cheek again before walking out of the room. “My parents should be here any minute so make sure the door is open for them.” he yelled out behind him as he walked down the hallway.

“You’re parents are coming?” Maria asked, surprised.

“I told you that your dad already knew.” Liz smiled. “It’s okay. Now we can all tell your mom together.”

Isabel nodded. “Be right back. I’m just going to run this stuff out to the barbeque for Kyle.”

“Ok.” Maria said. “I need to wash my hands, that tow truck driver made me hold his tools and I got all greasy.”

“He made you hold his what?” Isabel called out behind her laughing.

“Nothing Miss Pervert.” Maria said and then turned to Liz. “I swear I think she’s sexually repressed or something. She has the dirtiest mind!”

Liz laughed. “She always has!” She said grabbing a handful of the carrot sticks that were on the table. She stood up and walked over to the couch. She looked at the clock and was surprised that it was already seven o’clock. The day had flown by.

“Hello? Anyone home?” Philip Evans called out form the doorway.

“In here.” Liz called out in response. “Here we go.” She muttered under her breath as she walked over to meet Max and Isabel's parents in the entryway.
***

Max walked out of the elevator with a smile. The breakup with Sarah was over with. He thought back to it and realized that all things considered it went rather well. She had thrown her wine at him, but he had moved out of the way of the flying red liquid just in time, and it had hit a woman wearing a white silk blouse instead. Max had left the restaurant just as they were about to break into a full-fledged catfight.

Max opened the door to their apartment and was surprised to see Michael all alone, playing solitaire at their tiny table.

“What happened? Where are the guys?” Max asked looking around the room.

“Gone.” Michael said as he flipped the cards over one by one.

Max walked over to the tiny fridge to grab a beer. He opened it and wasn’t surprised to see that there weren’t any left. “Well the beer’s all gone, so I know they showed up. What happened?”

“I kicked their cheating asses out!” Michael said, obviously having had too many beers himself.

“They cheated or you just lost all your money?” Max asked laughing as he walked over to his bed and threw his jacket on to it.

“Whatever, same thing.” Michael shrugged. “You’re back early, what happened?” he asked, suddenly cheering up.

“It’s over.” Max smiled.

“Whoo-hoo! Michael yelled. “Ding dong the wicked witch is dead!”

“Well she was alive when I left, but that might not be the case now.” Max laughed. “She threw a glass of wine at me and it hit some lady. They were about to get into a brawl when I took off.”

“You should have stayed to watch!” Michael laughed. “So what did you tell her?”

“I told her the truth.” Max smiled. “That I wanted more out of a relationship, I want to be in love. I told her I wasn’t in love with her so there was no point in continuing any kind of relationship.”

“Sappy but brutal.” Michael nodded. “I like it.”

“Thanks.” Max said. “I’m glad you approve.”

“I guess I should call my Dad back?” Max asked. “It’s been stressing me out all night that he’s trying to get a hold of me.”

“Why? Michael asked.

“Because he never calls.” Max said. “My mom does, and every now and then I get a message from Isabel, but not lately.” Max frowned. “But my Dad never calls.”

“So call him right now. I’m going out to get more beer anyway.” Michael said as he threw on his jacket and picked up his wallet and keys from the table. “Can I borrow ten bucks?”

Max laughed. “Sure.” He said, taking his wallet out of his pocket and handing Michael the money. “He said he'd be at my sisters after seven his time right?”

“Yep.” Michael said. “It’s just after eleven here, so he should be there now. See ya in a few.” He said as he walked out the door leaving Max alone.

Max walked over and picked up the phone, pulling out his phone book at the same time. He flipped to the page where Isabel’s number was and quickly dialed the phone.

Ring. Ring. Ring. “Hello?” the female voice asked as she answered the phone.

Max hung up. He figured he must have dialed the wrong number because that was definitely not Isabel, or his mother for that matter.

Max picked the receiver back up and dialed again, slower the second time around.

“Hello?” the voice said again, slightly irritated.

“Isabel?” Max asked carefully.

“No, she’s outside right now. Do you want me to go get her?” the woman asked.

“Yes please.” Max said as he started to recognize the voice on the other end. His throat started to close up as he heard her speak again.

“Can I tell her whose calling?” she asked him suspiciously.

“An old friend.” Max said as it popped into his head.

“ Max?” She asked him quietly, recognizing his voice too.

“Liz?” Max asked, his voice trembling.

“Yeah.” Liz said as her legs gave out from under her and she sat down on the sofa in Isabel and Kyle’s living room. Just hearing his voice again after all the time that had gone by was almost too much for her to handle.

“What are you doing in Rowell?” Max asked, trying to catch his breath. Hearing her voice was like a knife shooting through his chest over and over again.

Liz hesitated for a moment before answering, figuring it would be better to just be honest. “I’m getting married in a few weeks. We’re having the wedding here. You know, family, friends, everyone is here.”

“Right.” Max said. He had figured Liz was married already, but hearing the words come out of her mouth caused his heart to sink nonetheless. He couldn’t figure out why, he was over Liz and had been for a long time.

“So did you want to talk to Isabel?” Liz asked quickly.

“Actually no, my dad called looking for me. He told me to call him over there when I got home.” Max said, still trying to recover from Liz’s news. He shook it off and tried to sound as business like as possible. “Is he there?”

“Yeah.” Liz said glaring across the room at Philip, who was staring at her with a guilty look on his face. He had walked in from the back yard to see her on the phone. It was obvious that he knew exactly who she was talking to. “Hold on.”

“Liz.” Max said, trying to catch her before she put his dad on the phone.

“Yeah.” Liz said waiting for him to say what it was he obviously wanted to say to her before going another five years without speaking.

“Good to talk to you. Congratulations on your wedding.” Max said as he tried to catch his breath. His throat started to close up again and he rolled his eyes at himself for being so ridiculous. He realized he was sweating and he wondered what the hell his problem was.

“Right. Thanks.” Liz said. “Bye Max.” she handed the phone to Philip who had crossed the room in anticipation of talking to his son. Liz walked away quickly and out into the backyard where the rest of the dinner guests were laughing happily. She looked around and her eyes met with Maria’s who rushed over to her.

“Are you okay?” Maria asked. “You’re white as a sheet. You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.”

“Worse.” Liz sighed. “I just got off the phone with Max.”

“What?” Maria shrieked, causing everyone to turn and look at them.

“Can we leave please?” Liz asked. “I don’t feel very well.”

“Sure honey, I’ll just go tell Isabel and Kyle.” Maria said as she put her plate down and walked away, leaving Liz standing there alone.
Philip walked up to her a moment later. “Liz, I’m sorry. I didn’t think you would answer the phone.” He apologized.

“It’s okay.” Liz said, still pale and feeling sicker by the minute. She didn’t want to ask, but she had to know. “So did you tell him?”

“No.” Philip said. “He was too distracted to talk to me. He said he had to go and hung up.”

“Oh.” Liz nodded. “Please Mr. Evans, just send him the papers. Don’t turn this into a big dramatic thing by calling him and telling him your self. Please?” she begged.

“Kyle and I already sent them out this morning. We sent them overnight, Saturday delivery as well. I just wanted to warn him to be home tomorrow to get them. Kyle told me you didn’t want me to tell him.” Philip said. “At first I thought you were wrong, and I was going to tell him, but you’re the client, and I have to treat this case that way.”

“Thanks.” Liz smiled weakly.

“Liz, Can we please meet her?” Philip asked with tears in his eyes. diane stred at her, barely able to control her emotions.

"Please Liz, please." Diane whispered.

“Of course.” Liz nodded. “I just don’t want her to be confused. We can just tell her you both are friends of the family though.”

“Thank you.” Philip said as he grabbed her hand and squeezed it.

“Ok, let’s go.” Maria said as she approached Liz just as Philip and Diane were walking away.

“Ok.” Liz said as she started to head out the back gate of their yard and out to the driveway, where Maria’s Jeep sat, crumpled bumper and all.

“You ok?” Maria asked. “Was that prick Michael there with him?”

“I don’t know.” Liz said quietly. “It was weird.”

“I bet.” Maria nodded.

“Maria, do you think I’m doing the right thing?” Liz asked, picturing qll the Evans' sad faces.

“I don’t know Liz.” Maria shook her head as she climbed behind the wheel. “What other choice do you have? Sam deserves a normal family. Josh and you can give her that. Why confuse her?”

“That’s what we thought, but now I’m wondering if maybe Max’s family should be a part of her life, even if Max won’t be.” Liz said. “I mean she knows Josh isn’t her dad. She doesn’t call him daddy or anything. Maybe we should tell her the truth about who Max’s family are. They are her family Maria.”

“I know.” Maria nodded. “Maybe you should talk to Josh about it when we get back to my place.”

“I know what he’ll say.” Liz sighed. “He’ll tell me to do whatever I think is best for Sam.”

“Well that’s supportive.” Maria smiled.

“Yeah, he’s really supportive about all of this.” Liz said. “I haven’t changed my mind about him adopting Sam, I’m just wondering if it would be so awful for her to have his parents and Isabel and Kyle in her life.”

“Well it’s never a bad thing to have people that love you.” Maria said. “You know they will Liz.”

“I know.” Liz nodded. “I think we’ll just have to wait to see what Max does. After hearing his voice, I’m not so sure this is going to be as easy as I thought.”

“Why do you say that?” Maria asked.

“Well, I think I made him out to be this awful bastard in my head. You know, like he hated me and didn’t care about anyone but himself? ” Liz said. “After hearing his voice, it was like the same old loving, caring Max. He might fight me Maria.”

“Come on Liz, I’m sure he has enough going on in his life without worrying about you and a kid no less.” Maria said. “I don’t want to sound mean, but he really doesn’t have a right to be in her life. If he cares, he’ll want what’s best for her too, and that’s obviously Josh.”

“I hope you’re right.” Liz said. “I really do.”



Part 7

Max lay in his bed staring at the spinning ceiling above him. The lights from outside, danced across the walls in a mesmerizing pattern, and the fact that he had drank way too much wasn’t helping him.

He wondered why the hell he even cared that Liz had been at Isabel’s. He was curious as to why it even made him sick to think about her getting married. He had told himself at least a thousand times over the last few years that she was already married and had couple of kids. Hearing her voice was like stepping straight into the past. He closed his eyes and fell into a fitful sleep, dreaming about the nights they had spent on the phone when they were younger. Her voice hadn’t changed at all. He woke up the next morning, soaked in sweat as he heard her voice in his head again. “I’m getting married.” she said, over and over again. He sat up with a start.

“Max? You up?” Michael asked looking over at him over the edge of the newspaper he was reading. “These came for you.” He said as he threw a Fed-Ex envelope into Max’s bed.

“What are they?” Max asked and immediately brought his hands up to his aching head.

“Not sure.” Michael said. “It looks like they’re from your dad. Did you get to talk to him last night?”

“Yeah.” Max said. “For a minute. Guess who answered my sister’s phone?”

“Who?” Michael asked curiously.

“Liz.” Max said, rubbing his temples.

“Seriously?” Michel asked as he nearly choked on his coffee. He nodded in sudden understanding. When he had returned from the liquor store the night before, Max had taken a six-pack of beer and locked himself in the bathroom. Michael had just figured he had gotten into a fight with his dad on the phone. When he emerged an hour later, he went right to the hard stuff. Michael knew better than to ask him anything when he was in that state. “So that’s why you were like that last night?” He smiled to himself.

“What do you mean?” Max asked. “I was just upset about Sarah and all that. No biggie.”

“Right.” Michael said, smiling to himself. “So was the bitch there with her?”

“I’m guessing you mean Maria?” Max asked and Michael nodded. “I have no idea. I only talked to Liz for a second and then she put my dad on the phone. She’s getting married.”

“Holy shit!” Michael said and then bit his lip as he saw the look on Max’s face. “So what did your dad want?” Michael asked, trying to change the subject.

“I don’t know. Dinner must have made me sick, because I had to hang up on him and go throw up.” Max rolled his eyes.

“I’m sure dinner was what did it.” Michael said sarcastically.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Max asked groaning.

“Nothing.” Michael said looking at the newspaper.

“Ugh. I feel like shit.” Max said as he rubbed his eyes and picked up the white envelope from his lap, looking at it.

“I’m not surprised man.” Michael laughed as he turned the page of the paper. “You drank a six pack last night, not to mention the Jaegermeister that you finished off from the cabinet. Do you want some coffee?”

“Yeah.” Max nodded as he ripped open the envelope and pulled out the papers, narrowing his eyes to read the small writing.

“Here.” Michael said handing him a mug of the steaming hot liquid. “So what is it?”

Max was silent as he read the papers once and then a second time. “FUCK!” He said loudly. “Go pack some stuff Michael. We’re going to Roswell.”

“What?” Michael asked as he nearly dropped his own mug. “What are you talking about? Did someone die?”

“No, look.” Max said handing him the papers and jumping out of bed.

Michael read through the papers, twice just like Max had. “A daughter?” Michael asked in shock. “Liz has a daughter and you’re the father?”

“Apparently so. Nice of someone to fuckin’ tell me huh?” Max yelled as he picked up the phone book and slammed it down on the counter. “And if she thinks I’m just going to sign those and send them back with a smile, then she has another thing coming!” he yelled as he pointed to the papers in Michael’s hand. “I can’t believe her! She didn’t mention any of this last night. What kind of a coward is she?”

“Who are you calling?” Michael asked as he stared at Max.

“The airport.” Max said. “I told you, go pack some shit; we’re going to Roswell.” Max demanded, waiting for Michael to get moving.

“I’m not going with you.” Michael shook his head adamantly as Max started dialing. “I can’t go back there.”

“What?” Max asked, slamming the receiver down onto the base. “What the hell are you talking about? If I can go back there than you can too.”

“No Max. I can’t.” Michael said sitting down slowly on Max’s bed.

“Fine suit yourself.” Max said angrily. “I don’t have time to discuss this with you right now. I’m telling you though that I really need you there with me. This isn’t going to be a pleasure trip you know. It’s not like I’m asking you to go to our damn reunion! I need you there for support man.” Max said as he picked up the phone and started dialing again. “Is this about Maria?”

Michael nodded. “I can’t see her.”

“Why not?” Max asked. “What the hell happened between you two anyway? What could she have possibly said? Never mind I don’t have time for this bullshit. Quit being a baby and go pack!”

Michael shook his head. “I can’t.”

“Fine. I’ll call you from there then.” Max said and then he started talking to the person on the other end of the line. A moment later he was giving her a credit card number and hanging up the phone as Michael watched. “I leave in three hours. I gotta go.”

Max ran into the bathroom to hop in the shower, his hangover quickly disappearing. “Unbelievable.” He muttered to himself as he stepped under the hot water, quickly washing his hair and body. “Liz, this is far from over.” He said out loud, and then tears spilled over his eyes as the reality of the situation hit him ‘I have a daughter.’ He thought. ‘Liz and I have a daughter and I’m going to have to give her up, just like I gave Liz up.’ He said as he stood in the shower and let himself cry as the hot water cascaded down his trembling body.
***



“Maria, I told you this guy isn’t a computer geek.” Alex whined into the phone. “Come on, don’t cancel on us.”

“I’m sorry Alex, but I have too. Josh called and left Liz a message last night; Samantha and him will be here tonight. We have to stay here and wait for them.” Maria said as she rolled her eyes at Liz. “They’ll be here in a few hours.”

“Fine.” Alex said. “But I’m rescheduling you’re date with this guy.”

“Whatever, I have to go.” Maria laughed. “I’ll call you tomorrow morning, maybe we can all get together for breakfast.”

“Sounds good.” Alex said. “Talk to you then. Bye.”

“Bye.” Maria said as she hung the phone up. “I swear, sometimes I want to just kill him!”

“Go easy on him Maria, he just wants you to be happy. He means well.” Liz laughed.

“So have you thought any more about what we talked about last night?” Maria asked, changing the subject.

“Yes, actually I have.” Liz nodded. “I think we need to definitely wait to see how Max reacts to this whole thing. I have a bad feeling Maria. Like this feeling of dread coming over me.” She said as she grabbed her stomach. “It’s really strange.”

“Hmm.” Maria said. “Do you think it’s because he was supposed to get the papers this morning?”

“Yeah.” Liz said. “That must be it. I should have told him on the phone last night. I was just weirded out by hearing his voice you know?”

“I can imagine.” Maria nodded. “I know if I got “shithead” on the phone I would have completely gone off.”

“Are you really still mad at him?” Liz asked. “It’s been five years.”

“Are you still mad at Max for leaving you?” Maria asked with her eyebrows raised.

“Good point.” Liz nodded. “What do you think that means?”

“That we hate them.” Maria smiled. “Obviously.”

“Do we really hate them though?” Liz asked her.

Maria thought for a minute before answering. “Umm yeah.” she said. "Definitely."

“Why do we still care enough to hate them?” Liz asked. “You know if we really were over the whole thing we wouldn’t have any feelings at all towards them. We would be indifferent.”

“No, I can honestly say I hate Michael.” Maria answered.

Maybe that’s because you two didn’t have any closure.” Liz asked as she sat down next to Maria on her bed.

“Maybe.” Maria nodded. “I just still don’t get why he left Liz.”

“I know. We were so sure he was going to propose to you after graduation. It was weird.” Liz shook her head in confusion.

“I know." Maria shrugged and then smiled as she remembered something. "Oh yeah, speaking of proposals that took place on graduation day, did I tell you that Trudy and Mark Petersen are finally getting divorced?” Maria asked.

“Ooooh really? What happened, did she finally realize he was a loser?” Liz laughed.

“Yeah, after he got fired from the gas station near highway 285.” Maria nodded. “She told him to get out!”

“We shouldn’t laugh. It’s sad.” Liz said.

“Why is it sad?” Maria asked. “Those two deserved each other. She was a bitch and he was an ass. Remember what I said when we were getting ready for the graduation ceremony?”

“No what?” Liz asked trying to remember the day.

“I said that if it were me, and he was the last guy on earth, I would never marry him, and Trudy was standing right there!” Maria laughed. “She stormed out of the room and that’s when you told me that he proposed to her that morning, and she had said yes! We laughed so hard we almost peed our pants!”

“Oh yeah!” Liz said doubling over. “That’s right! We said that she would be bailing him out of jail within a year!

“To be honest, I can’t belive they lasted this long.” Maria shook her head. “You know she has four kids?”

“Really?” Liz asked. “Poor thing.”

“Yeah.” Maria said with a straight face. Then she looked at Liz and they doubled over in laughter again.

***

“Ladies and Gentlemen welcome aboard Delta Flight 429 with direct service to Albuquerque New Mexico and continuing service to Los Angeles California. “ the flight attendant said over the speaker.

Max rested his head on the back of his seat and tried to straighten out the multitudes of thoughts that were swimming around in his brain. His hurt and confusion from the news that morning had turned into the inevitable anger he knew would follow. He went over the papers in his lap again and looked at the name on them. Samantha Megan Parker. His anger surfaced again as he read the name for the hundredth time. Liz had given his daughter her last name. He knew she had also probably listed “father unknown” on Samantha’s birth certificate. Now Liz wanted him to just sign over his rights to his daughter, their daughter, to another man that he had never even met.

Max was brought out of his thoughts by a commotion in the front of the plane. Apparently someone was trying to board at the last minute, having just made it to the gate before take off. Max put the papers away, and put his head phones on, leaning his head back and closing his eyes. He hoped that whoever was boarding, did not have one of the empty seats next to him. He didn’t feel like making idle chit-chat with some old lady, or some obnoxious teenager.

Max knew his hopes were in vain as he heard the loud bang of the overhead compartment above him slam shut, and the seat next to him move. He opened his eyes to see Michael sitting next to him.

“What are you doing here?” Max asked in shock. “I thought you couldn’t come.”

“Yeah, well I thought you might need me.” Michael said, shrugging his shoulders.

“Thanks.” Max smiled.

“Besides, I think I have some unfinished business of my own to take care of.” Michael said as he pulled out his CD player and un tangled his headphones.

“Ya think?” Max asked, smiling.

“Shut up.” Michael glared at him. “Just be glad I’m here.”

“I am.” Max smiled. “Thanks again for coming with me.”

“Don’t be too happy. I charged the ticket to your credit card.” Michael smiled and he put on his headphones, settling into his seat comfortably.

“I figured.” Max laughed as he too put on his headphones and returned to his thoughts.

Part 8

“So what now?” Michael asked as he followed Max off of the plane, quickly throwing his large duffel bag over his shoulder.

“Well, we need to rent a car to drive into Roswell.” Max said looking around for the car rental counter.

“Why didn’t you just call Isabel and have her come and get us?” Michael asked.

“Oh right Michael.” Max said rolling his eyes. “Hi Isabel, sorry we don’t stay in touch, and sorry we left without telling you, and oops, sorry we missed your wedding to Kyle, but do you think you could drive two hundred miles to come pick us up in Albuquerque?” Max said sarcastically, imitating the conversation he would have had with Isabel if he had called her and asked her to pick them up.

“Point taken.” Michael nodded. “The sign said the car rentals are to the right.” He pointed and he and Max started walking in that general direction. “So what are we going to do when we get to Roswell?”

“Well, I guess we’ll head to my parents house and then tomorrow morning we’ll go look for Liz.” Max said as he continued to walk. “I don’t know where she’s staying, probably with her parents.”

“Probably.” Michael nodded. “I guess that would make The Crashdown our first stop.” He said, dreading going into their old hang out.

“I guess so.” Max nodded. “Anyway, by the time we get there tonight, it will be too late to go looking for her. We’ll just go grab a bite to eat and head to my mom and dad’s.”

“Sounds good to me.” Michael nodded.
***

“Mommy!!!” Samantha squealed as she ran and jumped into Liz’s arms, hugging her tightly. “I missed you so much!”

“I missed you too sweetie.” Liz smiled as she hugged her, gently rubbing her back as she kneeled down next to Samantha. “Did you and Josh have a nice trip?”

“Too long.” Samantha said pouting.

“Yeah.” Josh said. “We both missed you like crazy.”

“It is a long drive isn’t it? I missed both of you too.” Liz laughed as she turned around to Maria. “Maria this is my daughter Samantha and my fiancé Josh.” Liz beamed as Josh and Maria shook hands. Liz then turned towards her daughter. “Sam, this is mommy’s best friend Maria.”

“Hi.” Samantha said shyly.

“Hi there.” Maria smiled. “You can call me Aunt Maria if you want.” She smiled. “Hey, do you like ice cream Sam?”

Samantha nodded. “My favorite is vanilla.”

“Wow she really is your daughter.” Maria laughed as she looked over at Liz. “Well Sam,” She said as she turned back to face the little girl. “We have a huge tub of vanilla ice cream in the kitchen. What do you say, you and me go find ourselves some big spoons and dig in?”

Sam nodded enthusiastically before turning to Liz. “Can I mommy?” she asked sweetly, looking at Liz with huge eyes.

“Well, we are going to go to dinner soon.” Liz said hesitantly as Josh shrugged his shoulders in response.

“Oh phooey.” Maria said laughing. “Come on Sam!” she laughed as she scooped the girl up into her arms and carried her off to the kitchen.

Liz laughed as they walked off, then she turned to Josh. “So how was she?” she asked.

“Oh you know.” Josh smiled. “She missed you. Not as much as I did though.” He said as he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight, kissing the top of her head. “How’d everything go here?” he asked curiously.

“Fine.” Liz nodded as she rested her head on his chest. “The papers were delivered first thing this morning and we haven’t heard anything from him yet.”

“Maybe that’s a good sign.” Josh said hopefully.

Liz let go of him and she turned around to peek around the corner into the kitchen. Once making sure Maria had Sam completely entertained she faced Josh again. “I don’t think so Josh. I have a bad feeling in my stomach about it. I talked to him last night on the phone.”

“Really?” Josh asked nervously. Liz had told him all about her history with Max and he wasn’t looking forward to dealing with the guy if he didn’t cooperate with their request. “What did he say?”

“Well after he recovered from the heart attack he had when he realized I was the one he was talking too, he said it was nice talking to me and congratulations on our wedding.” Liz said, remembering the conversation. “I didn’t mention Sam.” She whispered.

“Why not?” Josh asked. “Why didn’t you just tell him? Now he got those papers and is probably wondering why you didn’t say anything to him last night.”

“I know.” Liz said shamefully. “I was just scared. It was weird to hear his voice after all this time you know?”

“I’m sure it was Liz, but that was pretty cowardly.” Josh said, chastising her. “Look, we can’t really talk about it here. After we take Sam to dinner, why don’t we leave her here with Maria and you and I can go get a drink or something and talk more about it.”

Liz nodded. “Ok.” She smiled and hugged him again. “I’m glad you’re finally here, I really need a night out with you.”

“Ok then, it’s settled. After dinner we’re going out.” Josh smiled and kissed the top of her head again.

***
“How much longer Max? My butt is falling asleep.” Michael asked as he twisted around in his seat trying to get comfortable.

“About an hour or so.” “Max said looking at the road. “Michael can I ask you something?”

“Sure.” Michael nodded.

“What do you think would have happened if we wouldn’t have left?” Max asked, looking at Michael out of the corner of his eye. “I mean would you and Maria have stayed together?”

“Well I would have thought so, if I didn’t know what she really felt about me.” Michael said, looking out the window.

“Ok, spill it.” Max said. “What happened between you two? How come you never proposed?”

“Well, to make a long story short, the day we graduated I heard her and Liz talking, and she said I was a loser and she wouldn’t marry me if I was the last man on earth.” Michael said as he was instantly transferred back to that day in his head.

“What?” Max asked in shock. “You heard her say that?”

Michael nodded. “Yep.”

“About you?” Max asked, still surprised that Maria would say something like that. “I don’t get it. Liz told me Maria was completely in love with you. I mean granted, when you told me you were going to ask her to marry you right after we graduated, I thought you were nuts, but Liz assured me Maria would say yes. Why would Maria say something like that about you?” Max asked.

“I don’t know.” Michael shrugged. “But she did.”

“Are you sure you heard right?” Max asked. “I mean did you hear her say your name specifically?”

“No, but I didn’t have too.” Michael shook his head. “It was obvious.”

“What?” Max asked, even more surprised. “You’re telling me that you heard her say she wouldn’t marry someone if he was the last guy on earth, and you just assumed it was you that she was talking about?” Max asked. “Did you ever ask her about it, confront her?”

“Nope. I left with you the next day.” Michael said as he continued to look out the window.

“Man, you are an idiot.” Max said, glaring at Michael. “You came with me to avoid confronting her. Why didn’t you just ask her?”

“I told you, I didn’t have to.” Michael said as he faced him. “At least I didn’t end things through some stupid note, and I didn’t get her pregnant before I left either.”

“Shut up.” Max said and they drove the last hour of the journey in silence.
***

“Thanks for watching her tonight Maria. She shouldn’t be any trouble. I put a movie on for her.” Liz said as she stood on Maria’s front porch. “Josh and I really need some time alone.”

“No problem chica.” Maria said smiling. “We’ll have a blast.”

“Ok.” Liz smiled. “No more junk food. I mean it!”

“Sure, sure.” Maria rolled her eyes. “I promise.”

“Thanks.” Liz smiled and called out to her daughter through the open front door. “Sam, come give me a kiss good night sweetie. Josh and I are going out for a bit.”

Samantha quickly made her way out the door and on to the porch. “Bye mommy. See you tomorrow.” Samantha said as Liz bent down and gave her a hug and a kiss.

“Bye sweetie.” Liz said. “I’ll come in and kiss you good night again when we get back okay?”

“Ok mommy.” Sam said nodding and pulling away from Liz. “Bye!” she waved as she ran back inside to watch “The Muppet Movie.”

“I can tell she’s going to miss me.” Liz laughed.
***


“Michael wake up.” Max said for the third time as he shook Michael’s leg again.

Michael suddenly sat up, startled. “What?” he said as he narrowed his eyes and looked around.

“We’re right on the edge of town.” Max said. “We’ll be at my parents house an a few minutes.”

“Oh.” Michael said as he ran a hand through his messy hair. “Can we stop and get something to eat first. I’m starving. The peanuts on the plane didn’t cut it. Cheap bastards.”

“Yeah.” Max nodded. “I’m hungry too. There’s a bar up here on the right, I’m sure they serve some sort of food. It’s probably the only place open. It’s after ten already.”

“Oh that’s right.” Michael said. “Everything in this hole closes at nine. We’ve been in New York so long I forgot.”

“I know what you mean.” Max smiled. “Well I’m sure we can get some popcorn at least.”

“Great.” Michael said. “I can hardly wait.”

Max pulled into the dark parking lot next to the bar. The lot was fairly empty, with only a few other cars sitting in it. Him and Michael got out of the car and started walking towards the door of the run down building, the blaring country music getting louder as they approached.

“Ugh, country.” Michael screwed his face up in disgust.

“Are you hungry or not?” Max asked. “I think you can handle an hour away from Metallica Michael. Shit, open your mind man.”

“Shut up Max. At least I have a music taste. You listen to all sorts of crap.” Michael said as they walked up to the doorway of the bar and showed the giant bouncer their Id’s.

The bouncer waved them through and they walked to a small table that was high off the ground. They jumped up on to the stools next to it and picked up the small green menus from the center of the table.

“Ok, do you think it’s safe to eat steak at this place?” Michael looked around at the few couples on the dance floor and then over to the bar.

“I’m sure it’s fine.” Max sighed. “I’m just getting a burger and a beer.”

“That sounds safer, I’ll have the same.” Michael nodded. “You’re buying right?”

“Yes.” Max nodded and laughed. “Aren’t I always?”

“Good point.” Michael nodded. “Order for me, I’m going to take a leak.” He said as he hopped off of his stool and headed towards the giant pointing finger on the wall that read “restrooms.”

Max looked around and didn’t see any waitresses so he hoped off of his stool and walked over to the bar. The bartender happily took his order and gave him two mugs of beer. Max headed back to the table and set the beers down, looking around the place as he got back on his stool. Aside from the few couples dancing, and the group of guys playing pool in the back, the place was nearly deserted. The band had started a slow song, and out of the corner of his eye, he noticed another couple head out to the dance floor from another table on the other side of the bar. Max squinted his eyes to get a better look and was just about to focus in completely on them when Michael hopped back on his stool and ended up right in his line of vision.

“Hey.” Michael said. “Did you order?”

“Yeah, that’s your beer.” Max said as he tried to look around him.

“What’s up?” Michael asked him as he tried to get Max’s attention back by waving his hand in front of Max’s face. “Hello?”

“Look.” Max nodded towards the dance floor. “What do you think of that?”

“Forget it Max, I’m not dancing with you man.” Michael joked as he looked towards the dance floor.

Max looked at him momentarily with an annoyed expression. “No moron, look at who that girl looks like.”

“What girl?” Michael asked looking closer at the couples dancing.

“The one dancing with the guy in the blue shirt. The tall blond guy.” Max said as his face started to get red with anger.

“Holy shit, is that Liz?” Michael asked as he looked closer. “It is!”

“It certainly is.” Max nodded as he picked up his glass of beer and downed it quickly. “And I think the next dance belongs to me.” Max said as he jumped down from his stool and headed towards the dance floor.

“Here we go.” Michael muttered as he also drank his beer, hopped down and followed. He definitely wanted a front row seat for this one.



Part 9

The band led into a rendition of Dido’s “Here With Me” another slow song. Not just any slow song, but her and Max’s song from their high school prom. That night they had vowed to be together forever and to dance to this song on their wedding day in the future. ‘Fat chance’ Liz thought to herself as Josh led her across the dance floor. Liz looked up at him and smiled. Here she was, dancing with this great guy, who was gorgeous, but she couldn’t stop thinking of Max. How did he react when he got the papers? She wondered if he would sign them as they had hoped or if she would have a nasty message waiting for her when she got back to Maria’s. Knowing the old Max, she figured he was out with Michael getting drunk over the whole thing.

She looked around the dinky bar at the lack of people and suddenly she got a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach. She continued to look around and didn’t see anything unusual. A bunch of other couples dancing, some people playing pool in the back, a nearly empty bar with a gruff bartender and one deserted table with two empty beer glasses on it and two plates of food that hadn’t been touched. Liz shrugged off the uneasy feeling and looked up at Josh again.

“I love this song.” Josh said as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into him.

“Me too.” Liz lied, as the bitter memories of her prom came flooding back.

“Are you okay?” Josh asked as he noticed the strange expression on her face.

“What? Oh yeah, fine. Just tired.” Liz said as she rested her head on his chest.

A moment later she felt Josh pull away from her and take a step back. She immediately saw the shoes next to her feet and knew someone had interrupted them. She closed her eyes briefly to steady herself and looked up, not expecting to see who was standing there in between her and Josh.

“I think this dance is mine.” Max said as he stared at Liz with an angry expression and then turned to Josh. “This is our song, isn’t it Liz?” he asked her without taking his eyes off of Josh.

“Well….” Liz managed to get out before Max stepped in front of Josh and took Liz into his arms.

Josh was about to explode but one look from Liz told him who this guy was. It was Samantha’s father. He could tell just by looking at him. The dark hair, the amber colored eyes, the slightly protruding ears. It was obvious, and the way Liz looked at him made it perfectly clear this was the guy Josh had dreaded letting back into Liz’s life. He stepped back and decided to let Liz handle it.

Josh turned around and came face to face with another guy that was watching the scene. He could only guess it was Max’s best friend Michael. Liz had told him all about Max and Michael and what had happened after they graduated high school. He looked at Michael and nodded as he passed him to go back to the table that Liz and he were sitting at. Josh knew Liz could handle herself with Max and he would keep a close eye on the situation from a distance. He knew Liz would fill in all the details of their conversation later. They had no secrets from each other.

On the dance floor Liz was trying not to let her eyes meet Max’s. He pulled her roughly to him and she instantly could smell his after-shave, she was so close to his neck. Unlike Josh, who was much taller than Liz, Max and her always fit together like a puzzle. She came right up to his neck, and he was only a head taller than she was.

“So were you ever going to tell me?” Max asked as he continued to dance with her.

“Yes.” Liz nodded slowly, trying to keep her voice steady. “Eventually.”

“Why didn’t you tell me when you found out? I would have come back, you must have known that.” Max said, closing his eyes as the scent of her shampoo drifted up his nose. It smelled like strawberries, just like he remembered.

“I didn’t want you to come back just because I was pregnant. You obviously didn’t want to be with me. I didn’t need a charity relationship Max.” Liz said as the anger from five years ago returned. “Or can’t you tell?” she said as she looked over and smiled at Josh.

“Who that guy?” Max laughed. “Give me a break. You know he’s not your type.”

“He’s exactly my type Max because he’s nothing like you.” Liz said bitterly.

“Whatever.” Max said. “He’s not going to raise my daughter.”

Liz looked up at him and their eyes met for the first time in five years. She tried to think of something to say, but knew she had to be careful.

Max looked into her eyes and continued in a gentler tone. “Besides, it wouldn’t have been a charity case Liz, I cared about you. I loved you.” He whispered as they danced to the end of “their song.”

“If you loved me you wouldn’t have left in the first place.” Liz stopped dancing and stepped back, glaring at him through angry eyes, not willing to let being so close to him cloud her judgment.

“So your still mad at me then huh?” Max asked with a small smile. “Well I’m pissed as hell too, so I guess that makes us even.”

“Is that why you think I didn’t tell you about Samantha? To get even with you for leaving me?” Liz asked, placing her hands on her hips. “If that’s what you think then your wrong. I didn’t tell you because I knew I couldn’t count on you Max.”

“What?” Max asked in shock. “What do you mean you couldn’t count on me? I never did anything to make you feel that way Liz.”

“Oh really?” Liz asked. “Leaving me is supposed to make me think I could count on you? All it did was make me realize how selfish you are!”

“You didn’t even tell me that we were going to have a baby together! Talk about selfish!” Max yelled right as the band stopped playing.

Heads turned as Liz looked around the bar, tears welling up in her eyes. She turned quickly on her heels and ran towards the front door as fast as she could, brushing past Michael and nearly knocking him over.

Max tried to chase her, but as he reached the entrance to the bar, Josh was standing in front of the door holding his and Liz’s coats. He towered over Max and was clearly angry over what had just transpired on the dance floor.

Josh looked down at Max and glared at him. “I don’t think this is the time or the place Max.”

“So I guess you’re the fiancé?” Max said snidely.

“That’s right, and I don’t like to see Liz upset, and you’ve upset her.” Josh said, clenching his fists.

“Are you threatening me?” Max asked as Michael stepped up behind him.

“Take it however you want. Just don’t upset her again. You’ve put her through enough crap in her life, and I’m not willing to let you put her through anymore.” Josh said.

“First of all, you’ll never know about Liz and I, or what we’ve shared. You don’t know a dammed thing about me, or our past relationship. Second of all, I’m not willing to turn my daughter over to you, not now, not ever. What do you think of that?” Max asked as he took a step forward and looked up at Josh with unrelenting anger.

“We’ll see.” Josh said. “Why don’t you meet me tomorrow at The Crashdown and we’ll discuss it?”

“Will Liz be there?” Max asked, narrowing his eyes.

“No.” Josh said. “She isn’t on speaking terms with her parents. They didn’t approve of her having Sam, and they haven’t spoken since.”

“I want to meet Samantha.” Max said angrily. “I won’t accept “No” for an answer either.”

“We’ll talk about that tomorrow. You and I, man to man.” Josh said. “Two o’clock.”

“Fine.” Max nodded .

Josh turned and walked away heading outside towards the parking lot with Max following closely behind him. “Oh yeah one more thing.” Josh said as he turned back around and looked at Max. “Stay away from Liz.”

Max didn’t say anything as he watched Josh head towards the car that Liz was sitting in. He watched Josh get into the driver’s seat and start the engine, and as the car turned towards the road, tiny drops of rain started falling. Max looked at Liz in the passenger seat and as she turned her head to look back at him through the window, their eyes locked and the tiny drops of rain turned into a relenting downpour as Max stood there and watched her until the car disappeared from his view, not even noticing that he was soaking wet.
***

Liz crept into Maria’s spare bedroom where Samantha was fast asleep, hugging her stuffed Kermit The Frog. She sat down on the edge of the bed and looked down at her beautiful daughter and smiled. The storm that had started when her and Josh had left the bar was still pounding rain on to the widows of the house, and the only light in the room came from a tiny nightlight that Maria had put in there for Sam.

Liz brushed a stray hair from Samantha’s forehead and whispered, “I’m so sorry honey. Mommy really screwed things up.”

Samantha lay perfectly still, fast asleep, but Liz continued to talk to her. “I saw your daddy tonight. I’m sure he wants to meet you pumpkin.” Liz inhaled as Sam started to stir and her eyelids fluttered.

“Mommy?” she said half asleep, as she wiggled around in the bed. “Where’s Kermie?”

“He’s right here next to you sweetie.” Liz said as she moved the frog closer to Sam’s hand so she could feel him. Sam smiled as she realized her frog was with her.

“Where’s Josh?” Sam asked, making Liz’s eyes grow moist.

“He’s getting ready for bed. He’ll be up in a minute.” Liz said trying to blink back her tears.

Sam nodded. “Mommy, am I supposed to call Josh 'Daddy' after you two get married?” Sam asked as she rubbed her eyes.

“Do you want to?” Liz asked.

Sam shrugged. “I don’t know. If you want me too I will.”

“I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to do honey.” Liz smiled. “If you want to call him Josh still you can. If you want to call him Daddy, we can ask him if it’s ok.”

Sam nodded and looked thoughtful for a moment. “I think I want to call him Josh still if it’s ok with him. And with you too Mommy.” Sam said as she looked up at Liz. “Cuz he’s not really my Daddy right?”

Liz looked down and touched Sam’s cheek. She had never lied to her daughter. Samantha knew about Max leaving when Liz was pregnant with her. It had never been a secret between them. “That’s fine Samantha and I’m sure Josh will be okay with it too.” Liz smiled.

“Good.” Samantha smiled. “I don’t want to hurt his feelings or anything. I really love Josh a lot.”

“I know.” Liz smiled. “He loves you too.”

Samantha smiled. “I can’t wait until your wedding. I’m going to look so pretty in my flower girl dress, huh Mommy?”

“Yes you sure will.” Liz smiled. “You know, Auntie Maria is going to be in the wedding too.”

“I know.” Samantha tried not to laugh. “She tried her maids dress on for me tonight. She asked me why it had so much tulle on it.”

“Her bridesmaids dress you mean?” Liz asked as Sam nodded. “Well I guess I wanted her to look as pretty as a princess. Besides, my dress has a lot of tulle on it too.”

“What’s tulle?” Sam asked curiously.

Liz laughed. “It’s the net like stuff that makes up the skirt of the dress. Yours has it on it too remember?”

“Oh the scratchy stuff?” Sam asked.

“Yep.” Liz smiled. “Now I think it’s time for you to get back to sleep honey.”

“Ok.” Sam asked as she puckered her lips waiting for Liz to kiss her goodnight.

Liz bent down and gave her a kiss. She then stood up and whispered, “Good night angel.”

“Mommy?” Sam asked as Liz walked towards the door.

“Yes?” Liz whispered, stopping in the doorway.

“Are Grandma and Grandpa going to be at your wedding?” Sam asked hopefully. “I really want to meet them. I’ve only seen pictures.”

“I know.” Liz said sadly. “Maybe we’ll go see them tomorrow. Would you like that?”

“Mmm-hmm.” Sam said as she started to drift back off to sleep. “Lots.”

“Ok.” Liz whispered as she walked out of the door and closed it gently. “I guess it’s time to make amends.” She whispered to herself as she walked down the hall towards her bedroom.


Part 10

Maria walked over to the fridge and opened it, ducking down and sticking her head nearly all the way inside.

“What could you possibly be looking for?” Liz asked laughing as she walked into the kitchen.

“The margarine.” Maria said from inside the fridge. “I need it for my toast.”

“Uh Maria?” Liz asked, trying not to laugh.

“Yeah?” Maria called out.

“Isn’t that it, right next to the toaster?” Liz asked as Maria slowly lifted her head and followed Liz’s pointing finger to the giant tub of margarine sitting on the counter.

Maria slammed the refrigerator door shut and shook her head. “Damn, I’m spacing out this morning!”

“Why?’ Liz asked. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing. This came in the mail yesterday. My mom left it on my bed.” Maria said as she walked over to the table, picked up an envelope and threw it at Liz.

Liz caught it easily and looked down at the envelope. The return address was from West Roswell High Alumni Association. “What is it?” Liz asked, trying to open it and balance her mug of coffee at the same time.

“An invitation to our five year reunion.” Maria said in a disgusted tone. “I mean who ever heard of a five year reunion? Ridiculous of you ask me!”

“So I take it you don’t want to go?” Liz asked trying not to laugh.

“No! Of course I don’t want to go!” Maria spat out. “Besides, it’s the same night as your wedding.”

“Well then you have a good excuse for not going to the thing then.” Liz said as she walked over to the table and sat down. “But, if you don’t want to go because you’re afraid of seeing Michael, I’m afraid avoiding the reunion won’t solve your problems.”

“Michael wouldn’t go to the reunion anyway.” Maria shook her head as she sat down across from Liz and started buttering her toast. “What do you mean by ‘not going won’t solve my problems’?” she asked as what Liz had said just hit her.

“Michael’s in Roswell.” Liz said, eyeing Maria over her coffee mug and watching her bite into her toast. “So is Max.”

Maria spit her toast out across the table, the piece narrowly missing Liz’s forehead and landing in her ponytail instead. “WHAT?” Maria yelled.

Liz reached up and picked the half chewed piece of toast out of her hair, dropping it on to the empty plate in front of her. “Thanks.” She said with a disgusted look. “My day isn’t complete until I get chewed up food in my hair. Especially food with butter on it.”

“Sorry.” Maria said. “But what did you mean when you said “they’re here in Roswell?”

“Exactly that.” Liz answered, reaching up with her napkin to wipe the butter off of her ponytail. “Josh and I ran into them last night at Larry’s Bar.”

“You guys went to Larry’s Bar?” Maria asked in disgusted surprise. She saw the look Liz gave her and changed her tone. “Right sorry, I mean, what happened?”

“Well, Josh and I were dancing and Max cut in.” Liz said, staring across the table at her best friend. “We exchanged some words and then I ran out in near tears.”

“Why?” Maria asked. “What did that asshole say to you to make you so upset?”

“Only the truth.” Liz said sadly. “That I was selfish for not telling him when I was pregnant with Sam. Of course he was right. He did have a right to know.” She said. “He accused me of not telling him because I was trying to get back at him for leaving.”

“Is that true?” Maria asked gently. “I mean I know you were pretty mad back then.”

“It’s sort of true.” Liz nodded. “I was only eighteen. I was really pissed at him too. I might have done it to get back at him, in part.”

“Oh.” Maria said quietly, not knowing exactly how to respond. “So Michael was there with him huh?”

“Yeah.” Liz nodded. “I almost knocked him over as I ran out of the place.”

“Did he say anything to you?” Maria asked hopefully.

“Nope.” Liz said. “He was obviously there to give Max moral support. He didn’t say a thing, but when Josh tried to stop Max from following me out of the place, Michael was immediately by Max’s side as always.”

“Wow.” Maria said. “Sounds like a rough night. Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” Liz nodded. “Thanks.”

“So are you two going to meet to discuss Sam?” Maria asked curiously, as she took a sip of her coffee.

“Not that I know of.” Liz shook her head. “I’m sure he’s staying with Diane and Philip. He can direct any questions to Philip. I think last night was just a coincidence that we were all at Larry’s.”

“Weird.” Maria said as Samantha walked into the kitchen, dragging Kermit behind her.

Liz nodded as she noticed Sam come in. She leaned over to Maria. “Let’s keep this between us ok?” she whispered as she nodded towards Sam.

“Of course.” Maria nodded.

“Hi Mommy, hi Auntie Maria.” Samantha said cheerily. “What are we having for breakfast?”

“What would you like princess?” Maria asked, standing up and walking over to the refrigerator.

“Pancakes!” Sam squealed. “Please.” She added.

Maria looked at Liz questioning if this request was ok, and Liz nodded. “I could go for some pancakes myself!” Liz said happily, putting on a big smile.

“Ok then, pancakes it is!” Maria said as she opened the fridge and began rifling around inside of it again.

“Just in case you need it, the margarine is still by the toaster.” Liz said, laughing.

“Very funny.” Maria said as she pulled a silver bowl out of the refrigerator. “For your information, I already have the batter made. I had a feeling we would be wanting pancakes today.” She smiled and winked at Sam before turning back to her friend. “Besides, we’ll only need the margarine after I cook them braniac. You’ve obviously never made pancake batter.” She said, playfully glaring at Liz.

“Maria, mixing Bisquick with milk and putting it in the fridge doesn’t constitute “making” pancake batter.” Liz laughed.

“How did you know we would want pancakes Auntie Maria?” Samantha giggled.

“Just a funny feeling.” Maria laughed. “So what do you want to do today Sam?”

“I’m going to meet my Grandma and Grandpa at their restaurant.” Sam said matter-of -factly.

Maria spun around to look at her in shock, dropping the bowl of pancake batter on to the floor. “Oh crap.” Maria whispered under her breath as the batter splashed up and hit her right in the face.

“Auntie Maria said “crap” Mommy!” Sam yelled laughing.

“I heard.” Liz laughed. “That doesn’t mean it’s okay for you to say it though young lady.”

“Sorry.” Sam said, and her and Liz busted out laughing, so hard that they nearly fell off their chairs.

“You think this is pretty funny huh?” Maria asked as she bent down to clean up the spilled batter from the floor.

“Uh-huh.” Liz laughed, doubled over in her chair.

“You look silly Auntie Maria!” Sam squealed as Maria tried in vain to wipe the batter off of her face and clothes with a wet towel.

Josh walked in from his morning jog a moment later through the back door to Maria and Amy’s kitchen. He took one look at Maria and busted out laughing too. “I guess this means no pancakes this morning?” he said pouting. “You know it took me half an hour to make that batter this morning before I went jogging?”

“You made the batter?” Liz laughed, as tears streamed down her face. “I knew there was no way Maria could have done it!”

“Hey, I could’ve made it!” Maria tried not to laugh. “I happen to be a very competent cook!”

“Yeah about as competent as you are a driver!” Amy laughed as she too walked into the kitchen and surveyed the scene.

“Oh you be quiet Mom.” Maria said, wiping up the remainder of the mess.

“Speaking of which, isn’t your Jeep supposed to be ready today?” Liz asked, finally controlling her laughter.

“Yeah.” Maria nodded. “Hey, why don’t we all go out to breakfast, and then we can go pick it up?”

“Sounds like a great idea to me.” Josh said as he poured himself a glass of orange juice. “Just let me go take a quick shower.”

“Yeah, I’ll need one too.” Maria said, continuing to wipe the batter off of her face. “So try to make it speedy.”

“Ok.” Josh said as he left the kitchen. They could hear him laughing all the way to the top of the stairs.

“Where do you guys want to go for breakfast?” Maria asked, looking at Liz and Sam.

“I want to go see Grandma and Grandpa!” Sam said, excitement in her voice.

Amy raised her eyebrows at this new development as she sat down next to Liz. She had been hoping Liz would reconcile with her parents while she was here. She was going to do her part to help. “Actually if you don’t mind that would be great for me.” Amy said. “I have four pies to deliver to The Crashdown.”

“Ok, that’s fine.” Liz nodded. She knew when she was being ganged up on. “Sam, let’s go get dressed sweetheart. You want to look pretty for Grandma and Grandpa don’t you?”

“Yup.” Sam nodded and picked up Kermit. “Can I wear my blue dress?”

“Sure.” Liz said as Sam took her hand and they headed out of the kitchen together.

***

Philip Evans looked down at the papers sitting in front of him “So here’s the deal Maxwell,” Philip began as he and Max sat at the kitchen table at the Evans’ house. “If you want to contest the adoption you are perfectly within your legal rights.”

“Do you think that’s what I should do Dad?” Max asked as he poured himself some coffee. “I mean as my Dad, and as my attorney.”

“Max, I can’t be your attorney. My firm is representing Liz. I can’t represent you if you contest it.” Philip said. “I can give you advice as your father though.”

“What advice are you giving me then?” Max asked, leaning back in his chair.

“All I can say is that having children is amazing. The moments we’ve shared as a family, watching you and Isabel grow up, all of it was amazing.” Philip said, running a hand through his hair. “I know you weren’t there to see Sam be born, and you haven’t been a part of her life for the last five years, but Max, there’s nothing like being a Dad. If you’re ready to take on the responsibility.”

“Are you saying that you don’t think I am?” Max asked.

“No I’m not saying that.” Philip said. “But maybe you weren’t back when Liz became pregnant. Maybe that’s why she didn’t tell you to begin with.”

“Maybe.” Max nodded in agreement. “Still, that doesn’t mean that what she did was right.”

“No it certainly doesn’t.” Philip said. “Neither is what you did. All I’m trying to say is that she’s trying to do the responsible thing now. She wants Sam to be raised in a loving home, with a mother and a father that love each other. She wants Sam to be raised by Josh because he's the only dad that Sam knows.” Philip explained. “If you’re not ready to be a real dad to Sam, then you should let Josh do it.”

“You think I should sign the papers then.” Max said nodding in understanding.

“I’m not saying that either.” Philip said. “I’m just saying that you need to do what’s best for Samantha. Believe me, I would like nothing better than to be totally selfish, and to tell you to fight Liz tooth and nail on this, so I can get to know my granddaughter and so your sister can get to know her niece. I just can’t tell you to do that though Max. I have to -no you have to- decide what is best for your five year old daughter. Who is better suited to be her Dad, you or Josh? Who would be better for her?”

“I guess Josh would be.” Max said sadly. “But I’m her real Dad! Doesn’t that count for something?”

“Of course.” Philip nodded.

“But I don’t even know her Dad. Josh does, and he loves her. He loves Liz too.” Max said. “I guess he would be better for Sam.”

“How do you know?” Philip said. “You haven’t even seen Samantha. You haven’t had a chance to be a Dad, how do you know you wouldn’t be a terrific one?”

Max shrugged. “I don’t.”

“Would you be willing to move to California, where her and Liz live, to be closer to her, to be part of her everyday life?” Philip asked. “Or would you expect Liz to raise her alone so that you could have Sam with you over school vacations and summers in New York?”

“Of course I would move to where they are. I wouldn’t expect Liz to not have a life because of me, or the way we decide to raise Samantha.” Max said. “Besides, I would want to be there all the time.”

“Good answer.” Philip smiled. “I think you need to meet your daughter Max.”

Max nodded. “I really want to Dad.”

“Ok then.” Philip said. “I’ll try to set it up with Liz. In the meantime, don’t sign anything, and I’ll get you another lawyer. I have just the person in mind.”

“Thanks.” Max smiled weakly. “There’s one more thing.”

“What?” Philip asked, taking a sip of his coffee.

“I saw Liz last night.” Max admitted. “I also met Josh. He wants me to meet him at The Crashdown at two today.”

“Why?” Philip asked. “Does Liz know?

“I don’t think so.” Max shook his head. “He also told me to stay away from Liz. He said that I’d caused her enough pain in her life. Like he knows me or something.”

“Well he knows whatever Liz has told him.” Philip said. “So he knows one side of the story. The problem is Max, no one knows your side of the story because you haven’t told anyone.”

“I know.” Max said quietly.

“So why don’t you tell Liz your side of it.” Philip asked. “She’s the only one who really has the right to know.”

Max nodded. “I’ll tell her eventually.”

“Good.” Philip said. “Go meet Josh, hear what the guy has to say. Just don’t agree to anything when it comes to Sam. Or Liz for that matter.”

Max smiled. “Ok.”

“Good.” Philip said, finishing his coffee. “Now I’m going to go get dressed. I have a day booked with appointments, including one with Kyle and Liz at noon.”

“Talk to you later.” Max smiled as he stood up and took his plate to the sink.

“Thanks.” Philip said. “By the way, don’t let Michael eat any of my Twinkies from the box in the freezer.”

“Ok Dad, I won’t.” Max laughed as his Dad left the kitchen, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

Part 11

Josh bent down and scooped Sam into his arms with ease. He then reached down with his free hand and took Liz’s hand in it, offering her moral support.

Liz smiled up at him gratefully.

“Ready you guys?” Amy asked as she pulled the pies out of the trunk.

“As ready as we’ll ever be.” Liz said quietly.

Maria walked over to Liz and stood in front of her. “Liz, we don’t have to do this you know.”

“Yes we do.” Liz smiled. “It’s okay Maria, it’s been long enough.”

“Ok.” Maria said as she reached over and squeezed Liz’s free hand.

Liz smiled at her and they all headed into The Crashdown. The door jingled as they entered. Liz looked around but didn’t see her parents anywhere. She did however spot Tess behind the counter. They made their way to a large table in the center of the restaurant and all sat down, Liz sitting in between Josh and Samantha, with Amy and Maria sitting straight across from them.

A moment later Tess walked over to their table with a big smile. “Hi Liz, its nice to see you. What a surprise.” She said as she then turned to Maria. “Hi Maria, Hi Amy.”

“Hi Tess, here’s the rest of the pies for this week.” Amy smiled as she picked up the boxes from the table and handed them to Tess.

“Thanks.” Tess smiled. “I’ll go put them in the kitchen and then I’ll be right back to take your orders.”

“Great.” Liz said. “Could you also let my parents know that we’re here?”

“Sure.” Tess smiled and looked at Sam. “You must be Samantha.” She smiled.

“Yep.” Sam said. “I’m here to meet my Grandma and Grandpa.”

“Well then I’ll go get them.” Tess smiled again as she carried the pies towards the kitchen.

Liz watched here walk away and took Josh’s hand in hers. “Here we go.” She said nervously.

“It will be fine honey.” Josh said. “I promise. I’m sure they’ll be thrilled to see you.”

“I hope so.” Liz said as she heard the squeak of the kitchen doors open and turned to look at them.

Her parents were rushing through the doors, heading straight for them, with Tess following right behind them. As they approached the table Liz stood up and wiped her sweaty palms on the front of her lavender skirt.

“Lizzie!” Nancy Parker squealed when she saw her daughter. “I’m so glad you’re here!” she said as she walked over to Liz and took her into a tight embrace.

Liz was so surprised by her reaction she didn’t even know what to do, so she just stood there and let her mom hug her. “Hi Mom.” Liz managed to whisper as her mom kept hugging her. She looked over her mom’s shoulder at her father standing in front of her. “Hi dad.” She said quietly.

“Hello Elizabeth.” Jeff Parker said sternly. “It’s been a long time. What brings you to Roswell?”

“I’m getting married.” Liz said as he mother let go of her and stepped back to stand next to her father.

“Married?” Nancy asked. “When?”

“In a couple of weeks.” Liz smiled. “This is Josh.” Liz said as she stepped aside and Josh stuck his hand out.

“Nice to meet you Mr. Parker.” He said as he shook Jeff’s hand. “You too Mrs. Parker.” He said as he then shook Nancy’s.

“Well this is a surprise.” Nancy smiled. “And where is our grandchild?”

“Right here.” Liz said as she stepped aside to reveal a suddenly very shy Samantha. “Mom, Dad, this is Samantha.”

Samantha looked up at the two strangers and managed a small smile. “Hi.” She said quietly.

Nancy inhaled sharply at the sight of her adorable grandchild. “Well aren’t you the prettiest little thing I’ve ever seen.” She said as she knelt down in front of Sam’s chair.

“Thank you.” Samantha said. “Are you my Grandma Nancy?”

“Yes I am angel.” Nancy said as her eyes filled up with tears. “And this is your Grandpa Jeff.” She said as she pointed over to Jeff Parker.

“Hello Samantha.” Jeff said with a big smile. “You must be hungry. Would you like some pancakes?”

“Uh-huh.” Samantha smiled and nodded. “Auntie Maria spilled our pancake batter all over the floor.”

“Sounds like Maria.” Nancy laughed as she stood up and took Liz’s hands in hers. “Lizzie, I would love for you, Sam and Josh to come over for dinner tonight, would you please?”

“Sure mom.” Liz nodded. “It’s really good to see you.”

“You too honey.” Nancy said. “Let’s put the past where it belongs, in the past.” She said as Jeff nodded in agreement behind her.

“I would like that a lot.” Liz smiled. “Sam really needs her Grandparents.”

“Well, we need her too.” Nancy smiled. “Now let’s get all of you some breakfast!”
***

Michael walked into the Evans kitchen and looked around. No one was there, so he helped himself to a cup of coffee and headed towards the fridge. He opened it and looked around, but nothing sounded good. He then reached up and opened the freezer, instantly spotting the box of Twinkies. Reaching up to grab one he heard someone behind him clear their throat. He turned around to see Max standing there.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Max laughed as he walked over to the coffee pot.

“Why not?” Michael asked. “I’m dying for something sweet.”

“Yeah well, those are my Dad’s and when he left this morning he gave me explicit instructions not to let you touch his Twinkies.” Max laughed. “So hands off.”

Michael dropped the Twinkie back into the box and shut the freezer door. “Well what can I have then?”

Max shrugged. “I don’t know, my mom is apparently on some health food kick. No sugar or anything with preservatives. That is most likely the reason for the attachment my father has to his Twinkies.”

“You know what sounds really good right now?” Michael asked as he licked his lips.

“What?” Max asked curiously.

“A slice of Amy’s pie from The Crashdown.” Michael said.

“No way.” Max said. “We are NOT going in there.”

“Why not?” Michael asked. “You said Liz’s fiancé told you she wasn't on speaking terms with her parents. It’s not like you’re going to run into her there or anything.”

“What about her parents?” Max asked. “I don’t want to see them. They probably think I left Liz because she was pregnant.”

“Who cares what they think.” Michael shrugged. “Besides, they never work out on the floor of the place, they always stay in the back.”

“That’s true.” Max said.

“Come on Maxwell, tell me you’re not dying for a slice of that Men In Blackberry Pie?” Michael asked, taunting him.

“Ok fine.” Max relented. “But we’re getting it to go.”

“Deal.” Michael said with a big smile. “I’ll go get dressed.” He said as he rushed out of the kitchen.

“How do I let him talk me into these things?” Max asked himself out loud as he heard Michael run up the stairs to the guest room.

Part 12

Josh looked down at his watch and frowned. Leaning over to Liz he kissed her cheek and said, “I’m sorry honey, but I have to run. I have a conference call in twenty minutes that I can’t miss.”

Liz nodded. “Ok. No problem. I’ll see you later, after we go pick up Maria’s car from the shop.”

“Sounds good.” Josh smiled. “Mr. And Mrs. Parker, it was a pleasure to meet you both.” He said as he shook both of their hands again.

“You too Josh.” Jeff Parker smiled. “Looking forward to getting to know you better.”

“Yes, you will all come to dinner tonight won’t you?” Nancy asked as Josh stood up to leave.

“Sure.” Josh said as he stood behind Liz and squeezed her shoulders supportively. “We would love too.”

“Terrific.” Nancy smiled.

“Bye everyone.” Josh said as he waved to everyone and kissed Sam on the cheek. “Bye pumpkin.” He whispered to her before heading towards the door.

“He seems wonderful Liz.” Nancy smiled. “What does he do for a living?”

“He’s a stockbroker or a trader or something.” Liz said. “I don’t know exactly what he does, something with stocks though.” She wanted to keep her answers vague. She still didn't completely trust her parents after what they did to her.

“That’s a good business.” Jeff smiled. “What are you doing these days sweetie?”

“I’m working in a lab on the USC campus.” Liz said. “We’re researching cancer medications right now. It’s really interesting.”

“I can imagine.” Maria rolled her eyes and yawned as Liz slapped her arm.

“Shut up.” Liz laughed. “It is! I’m just lucky I went to USC, or I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to be doing it.”

“That’s why you chose that school wasn’t it Liz?” Amy asked as she took a bite of her pancakes.

“Yep.” Liz nodded. “I actually was accepted to four other schools, but USC was the only one with the program I wanted to be involved with, and with the lab right on campus. Now that I graduated, they said I can stay on as one of the alumni apprentices.”

“And that means?” Maria asked.

“Well it means that even though I won’t be going to school there, I can stay on and help the students with their internships. Plus I’ll actually be getting paid now.” Liz laughed.

“Well that’s good news!” Maria joked.

“Yeah.” Liz shrugged. “It is, but I’ve had job offers from all over the country. Some of the best hospitals want me to come assist them in setting up their labs to be more like the USC one. I just don’t know though.”

“Who pays better?” Maria asked.

“Well, the job at USC doesn’t pay even close to what the other hospitals are offering, but I don’t know if Josh would be up for moving out of LA. Plus, I hate to just uproot Samantha.” Liz said as she reached over and touched Sam’ head. “She’s just about to start a wonderful private school.”

“Well you have time.” Nancy smiled. “Plus, once you’re married you might not want to work at all. You might just want to stay home and have a couple of more kids.”

“Mom, I like my work.” Liz said. “I don’t do it because I have to. I do it because I love it.”

“I know.” Nancy said quietly as they all heard the door jingle.

Liz looked up to see Max and Michael standing there in the doorway, looking extremely awkward.

“Oh my god.” Maria whispered, as she dropped her fork and tried to avoid looking at them.

“What are they doing here?” Jeff Parker asked, standing up. “They should know better than to come in here.”

“Dad wait.” Liz said as she stood up to stop her Dad from throwing them out. “Let me go and talk to them.”

“Mommy who is that?” Samantha asked as she stared into the identical eyes that were staring back at her amber one’s.

“Umm no one honey. It’s just an old friend of mommy’s.” Liz answered as she turned to her Mom. “Mom, why don’t you take Sam in back and show her around, maybe you could show her my old room?”

“Yeah, I want to see Mommy’s old room.” Sam said as she continued to look at Max before finally breaking their eye contact to look at Nancy.

“Come along then.” Nancy smiled as she took Sam’s hand and led her out the back of the restaurant, through the kitchen.

“I think I’ll come too.” Amy said as she pushed her chair back and stood up, throwing a nasty glare in Michael’s direction as she did so.

Liz looked at Maria who was casually trying to make her way under the table. “I’m pretty sure he saw you already Maria.” She said.

“Who cares?” Maria asked. “That doesn’t mean I want to talk to him.”

“Well then you better stay here because I’m going over.” Liz said as she calmly walked over to Max and Michael and stood in front of them. “What are you two doing here?” she asked.

“Would you believe we came here for pie?” Michael asked, trying to smile.

“No.” Liz said.

“Well it’s true.” Max said, watching over Liz’s shoulder as Sam’s small head disappeared through the swinging door to the kitchen. He then turned his full attention to Liz. “So was that her? Was that Samantha?”

“Yes.” Liz nodded. “It was. She doesn’t know who you are Max, please don’t confuse her.”

“She’s beautiful Liz.” Max said as he looked into her eyes.

“Thank you.” Liz smiled. “I can’t take all the credit though, her father is pretty good looking.”

Max smiled shyly. “Thanks.”

“Anyway.” Michael interrupted. “Could I get some pie? I swear we’ll leave after that. We just wanted to get a couple pieces to go.”

“Go ahead, but I’m not the waitress in case you didn’t notice.” Liz said. “I’m sure Tess can round you up a couple of pieces.”

“Tess?” Max and Michael both said at the same time.

“Yeah, she works here.” Liz said trying not to laugh. “You can both close your mouths now.”

At that moment they heard a crash as Maria bumped into Tess, trying to make her escape through the back door. “Shit!” Maria yelled out as the plates hit the ground, causing everyone in the restaurant to look their direction.

“Same old Maria I see.” Michael said, as he looked over at her, sitting on the ground, covered in syrup from one of the plates of waffles that Tess had been carrying.

“Actually that’s the second time this morning she’s been covered in food.” Liz laughed as Maria stood up and disappeared through the door and into the back room.

“I believe it.” Michael said as he walked away from Liz and Max and headed towards the counter to order his pie.

“So.” Max said as he looked at Liz. “I swear we didn’t know you would all be here right now. We though we could just come in, get a couple of slices of Amy’s pie, and take off.”

“Well, we came for breakfast after Maria dropped the pancake batter all over the floor this morning.” Liz said as she looked at him. “Sam really wanted to meet my parents too.”

“I thought you weren’t speaking to them.” Max asked. “I mean that’s what John said.”

“It's Josh actually." Liz said, correcting Max's mistake.

"Oh right." Max said casually, avoiding her eyes and looking around the restaurant. "Whatever."

"Why did Josh tell you about that?” Liz asked, confused.

“Oh I don’t know, I think he mentioned it in passing.” Max shrugged. “You know, when he was telling me to stay away from you and Samantha?”

Liz laughed. “He’s really protective of us.”

“How sweet.” Max said sarcastically. Where is Mr. Wonderful anyway?”

“He had some work to get back to so he left a little while ago.” Liz glared at him. “Anyway Max, are you going to sign the papers or not?”

“I want to meet her Liz.” Max said.

Liz sighed and looked around. “Come on, let’s sit down and talk for a minute.”

“Ok.” Max nodded, thinking this was going better than he thought it would when he first saw her sitting there.

They sat down at one of the free booths next to the door. Liz looked across the table at Max and then around the restaurant to make sure no one could hear them.

“Max, it’s really complicated.” Liz said. “She doesn’t know you. The only person she knows as her Dad is Josh.”

“Does she call him dad?” Max asked. “Does she think he’s really her father?”

“No.” Liz said wringing her hands under the table. “She knows he’s not really her Dad. She calls him Josh.”

“Does she want Josh to adopt her?” Max asked as he looked at Liz.

“She doesn’t really understand it.” Liz said. “She knows that he will be her Dad when we get married, but she still wants to call him Josh. She probably will even if he adopts her.”

“If?” Max asked trying not to smile. “You said if.”

“I mean when. When he adopts her.” Liz said quietly. “Max, the way she looked at you when you walked in, it was like she knew who you were.”

“I know.” Max nodded. “I noticed it too. Our eyes are the same.”

“It’s more than your eyes.” Liz whispered. “It’s everything. Admit it, she looks just like you.”

Max nodded. “She really is beautiful Liz. I can’t believe we made her.”

Liz smiled. “I know. It’s amazing isn’t it? Every time I look at her I see you.”

“I wish I had something to look at that reminded me of you the last five years.” Max said shyly.

“Max, why did you leave?” Liz asked the question she had wanted to ask him since the day he left. “I mean, I know what your note said, I still have it for God’s sakes, but why did you really leave?”

“You still have that note?” Max asked sounding surprised.

“Of course.” Liz said quietly. “No matter what happened or why you left, we still have a past together. You’re still the father of my child, a child that was made out of love- or at least I thought she was.”

Max nodded. “No you're right. She really was you know. I mean I really did love you Liz. I hope you know that.”

“All I know for sure is that you left me.” Liz said as he eyes filled up with tears. “I want to forgive and forget so badly, but I can’t.”

“Liz, I don’t know if I can sign the papers and let go of Samantha so easily, without even knowing her.” Max said. “I want to do what’s best for her, but I don’t know what that is yet. I need some time. Please, just give me some time. I promise, I’ll give you an answer before…” Max trailed off sadly.

“Before what?” Liz asked, noticing his changed expression.

“Before your wedding.” Max said. “I promise, I’ll let you know by your wedding ok?”

Liz nodded. “Ok.”

“Can I meet her?” Max asked. “We don’t have to tell her who I am, I just want to meet her, to talk to her. I have a right to meet my own daughter don't I Liz?”

Liz looked around. “Ok. Meet me at the park on Wright Street, you know, on the outside of town at three today. Can you make it?”

Max nodded. “I have a meeting at two, but it should be done long before three. I might be a little late, but I’ll be there. Thank you so much.”

Liz nodded and scooted to the end of her seat. “Ok, I’ll see you then.” She said as she stood up and turned to walk away.

“Liz?” Max said and she stopped and turned to face him.

“Yeah?” She said as she looked down at him sitting there.

“You look great.” Max said quietly and he swore he saw her eyes light up at the compliment for a brief second before she turned and walked towards the swinging kitchen door.
***

Maria stood in front of the tiny bathroom mirror as she gripped the sides of the pedestal sink. “Get it together Deluca, it’s just that scum bag Michael for God’s sakes.” She said out loud to her reflection. “He should be the uncomfortable one, not you.”

“Maria are you okay in there?” Tess asked from outside the door. “When you’re done I really need to wash this syrup out of my uniform.”

Maria opened the door slowly and looked at Tess. “Sorry, I guess seeing Michael sort of freaked me out you know?” she asked. “I didn’t mean to crash into you like that.”

“It’s ok.” Tess smiled. “To tell you the truth, it was just as much my fault. I was distracted when I saw Max too. I mean, I know we never had anything close to what Liz and him had, but still, he’s my ex, and seeing him after all this time threw me for a loop.” Tess admitted. “Besides, I’m not like you and Liz, I don’t look as good as I did back then.”

Maria smiled at her and put her hand on Tess’s arm for a moment before heading back towards the swinging door. “Tess, you look fine. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Besides, I think I see Alex out there looking for you.” She said as she peeked out to the front of the restaurant through the tiny window in the door.

“Really?” Tess asked. “I better wash this syrup off then.” She said before she started to head into the bathroom. “Oh, wait.” She said stopping. “I better get Michael his pie first so you can go back out there.”

“It’s ok, I’ll get it.” Maria said. “I mean I have to face him sooner or later right?”

“Right.” Tess smiled. “Thanks.” She said as she went into the bathroom and shut the door.

Maria smiled to herself as she walked over to the refrigerator and pulled out one of her mom’s pies. She still knew Michael, and so she knew he wanted a slice of Men In Blackberry. It had always been his favorite. She picked the pie up and headed towards the counter where she knew he was waiting.

Michael looked around as Max walked up behind him.

“What’s up?” Max asked. “Where’s our pie?”

“I have no clue.” Michael said. “Tess should have brought it out by now.”

“I can’t believe Tess works here. Too weird.” Max said as he sat down at the counter next to him.

“Yeah, especially since we were just talking about her a couple of nights ago.” Michael said. “Do you get the feeling that we’re slowly being pulled back into this town? Into this life?” Michael asked. “I mean it sort of feels like the "Twilight Zone" you know?”

Max nodded. “It is weird to be here. Liz is being pretty cool though. She’s going to let me meet Sam.”

“Really?” Michael asked. “That’s great man.”

“What about Maria?” Max asked. “Did you get to talk to her or anything?”

“What makes you think I want to talk to her?” Michael asked. “I don’t have anything to say to her.”

“How about an apology for being an idiot?” Max said laughing.

“Me?” Michael asked. “Did you apologize to Liz?”

“Sort of.” Max said. “Well not really, but I’m going to when I see her later.”

“Well obviously Maria doesn’t want to talk to me, she took off the second I walked in the door.” Michael said. “It doesn’t matter. It’s all over now anyway.”

“Are you sure that’s what you want?” Max asked as he looked over at his friend.

“What do you mean?” Michael asked. “Of course it is.”

“What I mean is that Maria was the last real relationship you had.” Max said. “I mean you've dated, but nothing serious. Don’t you want something like that again?”

“Maybe.” Michael shrugged. “But it’s too late to have that with Maria.”

“You got that right.” Maria said as Michael turned around and looked at her.

“Maria I….I…” Michael stammered, taken by surprise by the fact that she was standing right in front of him.

“You..you..what?” Maria asked looking right into his eyes. “You don’t know what to say?”

“Umm, no I guess I don’t” Michael said. “You look great.” He said as he looked at her red halter top and short black skirt.

“Nice try Michael.” Maria said bitterly. “Anything else?”

“Maria look, I’m relly sorry about what happened, and I can understand why you’re so mad, but if you would just listen to my side of the story, I’m sure you would see….” Michael said.

“Forget it.” Maria said holding up her hand. “I’ve done just fine without you Michael Guerin, so don’t think you can just walk in here and turn our lives upside down again. That includes you too Max.” Maria said as she threw a glare Max’s direction.

“Hey, I only came in here for…” Michael started to say, but Maria interrupted him again. “For pie, yeah I know.” She said as she looked down at the whole pie in her hands. “Let me go and get you those slices.”

“Great, then we can go.” Michael said as he struggled to breathe.

“Better yet, why don’t let me just give you the whole pie, that way you can have some for later, and you don’t have to come back.” Maria said in a bitter tone.

“Fine.” Michael said, rolling his eyes.

“Good.” Maria said. “Here it is.” She picked the pie up and aimed it right for his face, hitting him dead on with it. The blackberries stuck to his eyelashes and eyebrows as Max looked on, trying not to laugh.

“Enjoy!” Maria said with a smile as she walked into the back of the restaurant again, leaving Michael sitting there covered in his favorite pie.

“By the way, that’s on the house.” Tess said as she walked past him giggling. She then added a quick, “Hi Max.” as she strolled past him with a tray of food and headed for where Alex was sitting.


“Un-fucking-believable!” Michael said as he stood up and began pulling napkins out of the dispenser.

“Sorry, man.” Max said as he tried to maintain his composure. He slapped Michael on the back. “Come on, let’s head back to my parents house so you can clean up.

“Fine.” Michael said. “But I promise you Maria, this isn’t over!” He yelled out towards the kitchen, loud enough to be sure Maria had heard him.

“Oh, I believe you.” Maria said to herself as she sat on the floor of the kitchen laughing and crying at the same time.


Part 13


Liz walked upstairs into her old bedroom and over to the wall. She looked at the picture that was still hanging there of all of them on graduation day. She smiled at the memory and thought to herself how much everything had changed in the last five years. She pulled the picture off of the wall and went to sit down on her bed. Her mother had Samantha thoroughly intrigued, looking at old photo albums, so she knew she had a few moments to be alone in her old safe haven. She looked down at the picture. Everyone had on blue caps and gowns. Max, Alex, and her also had Valedictorian sashes around their necks.

Alex and Isabel had their arms around each other’s shoulders as Alex made a silly face. She had thought the two of them were a strange couple at the time, but looking back, they were perfect for each other. Alex helped Isabel feel smart and Isabel helped Alex feel sexy. They were so adorable in the picture.

Michael had Maria on his back and she had her arms wrapped tightly around him. They both had huge smiles on their faces, that told a long story about two best friends that became more. They really loved each other, and Liz knew Maria hadn’t felt like that about anyone since Michael. Liz only wished they both knew why Michael left when Max did.

Max. Liz touched his face in the picture and smiled. There he was, holding her tightly around the waist and kissing her deeply. They didn’t even care that Kyle was taking the picture of them, they only cared about being wrapped around each other. They had promised each other so much, and none of it was true. Now she was so confused she could hardly stand it. Seeing him again was like traveling back in time. He looked the same. Max had the same beautiful, soulful eyes as always. He had the same smile and he even smelled the same. He was also Samantha’s father, which made things even more confusing. Not to mention the fact that she was getting married in a week and a half. She knew that if Max signed the papers he would be out of their lives forever, and even though she thought she wanted that, now that he was here, and she was looking at him right in front of her, she wasn’t so sure it was what she wanted anymore. All of the anger from the last five years seemed to have disappeared and she was left with nothing but good memories about Max.

Liz knew it wasn’t fair to Josh to let Max into their lives, and it wasn’t fair to Sam to completely force Max out of her life either if he wanted to be a part of it. Sam deserved to know Max if he wanted to be involved with raising her. Liz wondered how that would affect her marriage.

Liz sighed as she rested the picture down on the bed. She stood up and walked over to the window, opening it and climbing out onto the balcony. She took a deep breath and walked over to where the lounge chair still sat and got down on to her hands and knees. She reached behind the chair and felt for the loose brick. When she found it, she wiggled it back and forth until it came loose, and she pulled it out, revealing a small hole in the wall. She reached in and pulled out a stack of items. She looked through the pile that hadn’t been touched since she left for school five years earlier. Liz smiled as she saw her journal, some photos of her and Max, and the letter. She carefully lifted the flap of the envelope and pulled out the yellow piece of notebook paper. Tears filled her eyes as she unfolded it to reveal Max’s neat handwriting.


Dear Liz,

I just want you to know first off how much I love you and how much being with you has meant to me. I would never trade our time together for anything in the world.

I’m sure you can tell by the tone of this note so far, that I’m leaving. I just want you to know that it’s not because of you. You are the most wonderful, sweetest person I have ever known, and I feel so lucky to have been part of your life and to have had you as part of mine.

I just think we are headed in different directions. I know we had planned to go out to Los Angeles and go to college together, but the more I think about it, the more I think it is the wrong decision. I feel like we both need to get out of Roswell and see the world, and I think we need to do it on our own, with nothing to tie us down to each other.

We are both so young, and we have our whole lives ahead of us, to do what we want to do with our careers and our futures. I don’t want either of us to resent the other one because we gave up on something we really wanted to do because the other one didn’t want to, or couldn’t do it.

I know this doesn’t make a lot of sense right now, but maybe when we are older and more mature, it will make more sense. Hopefully we will meet again sometime in the future so I can explain it better to you and in person. I just can’t do that right now. It is too hard to look into your beautiful eyes and say goodbye to you so this is how it has to be.

I hope you find someone to love you as much as I love you Liz.

Goodbye and good luck at USC, I know you’ll do great.

Max


Liz folded the letter back up and stuffed it back into the envelope. She reached up and wiped the tears off of her cheeks as she stacked the items back up again and reached over to place everything back into her secret hiding spot.

“Hi.” Max said as he stood at the top of the ladder, looking over at her.

Liz spun around as she heard his voice and quickly stood up.

“Sorry.” Max said as he climbed over the edge of the balcony. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“What are you doing here Max?” Liz asked as she reached up to straighten her hair.

“I don’t know really.” Max shrugged. “Michael and I were walking back to my parents house and when we passed the alley, I just had this overwhelming urge to climb up.”

“Oh.” Liz said. “What were you going to do once you got up here?”

“Actually, to be honest, I wanted to look into your room. I guess I’m feeling nostalgic.” Max admitted, looking at his feet.

“I know what you mean.” Liz tried to smile. “I’ve been feeling that way myself today."

"So what are you doing out here?” Max asked. “I mean where is everyone?”

“Umm, Sam is in looking at old photo albums with my parents. Maria is gone I guess.” Liz shrugged. “She told me about the pie thing and then she took off. I was going to go with her to pick up her Jeep, but I decided against it. I just wanted to be alone.”

Max nodded. “Yeah, Michael is on his way back to my house to sulk.”

Liz laughed. “I guess they haven’t changed that much.”

Max laughed. “ I guess not. Remember when Michael mashed that banana spilt into Maria’s hair?”

“Yeah.” Liz smiled. “She was so pissed at him she denied him sex for a week!”

“I know.” Max said. “He was miserable to be around that week!”

They both laughed for a moment before Max got serious again.

“You know something Liz. Seeing you, it’s like no time has passed at all.” Max said as he walked over to her and sat down on the lounge chair.

Liz sat down next to him. “I know Max, but time has passed.”

Max nodded. “I know.”

“So what were you just crying about?” Max asked. “You don’t have to tell me. It’s none of my business. I guess I’m just used to knowing things, when it comes to you. I didn’t think we had any secrets from each other. Why didn’t you tell me about Sam?”

“I don’t know.” Liz shrugged. “I just didn’t want you coming back because I was pregnant. I was also angry with you.”

Max nodded in understanding. “I can understand that. Believe me, I don't deny that I was a total jerk.”

“I was reading your note.” Liz admitted. “I had hidden in the wall when I left for school.”

“You were crying.” Max said. “Why?”

“It still hurts.” Liz said as she tried to maintain her composure.

“Liz I..” Max started, but Liz shook her head.

“Max, don’t say anything. Just please don’t.” Liz said standing up. “There’s no point in rehashing things from the past. It can only cause pain. For us and for Samantha.”

“But we have a daughter together Liz.” Max said. “A daughter that I want to know. I promised you I would think of allowing Josh to adopt her, I didn’t say I would allow it for sure.”

“I know.” Liz nodded. “I want you to know that whatever you decide, we’ll work it out ok?” Liz said. “I mean it. We’ll work it out. If you want to be part of Sam’s life, we’ll handle it.”

“I just want to do what’s best for Sam, and having me be a part of her life, especially after what I put you through, I don’t know if it would be the best thing for her.” Max shook his head. “I’m so confused.”

“I know.” Liz said. “Max, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. It was wrong. You deserved to know the truth, when it was happening, not five years later. I guess I just thought you wouldn’t care.”

“I do care.” Max said. “I would’ve cared then too, but I understand why you didn’t tell me. You didn’t want me to come rushing back because of a baby.”

“Especially after what you said in your note about resentment and everything.” Liz said as she glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.

“I see you looking at me.” Max smiled. “And yes, I remember exactly what I wrote in that note. I just meant I didn’t want you resenting me Liz.”

“What do you mean?” Liz asked. She suddenly heard Nancy calling her from inside her room. “Shit, you have to get out of here, I’ll see you at three. Go.”

“But…” Max started but Liz waved him towards the edge of the balcony.

“Hurry, go, we’ll talk about it later at the park.” Liz said as she tried to get him off the balcony before her mom saw him.

“Ok.” Max said as he quickly leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “See you later beautiful.” He then jumped over the edge and onto the ladder, quickly climbing down, leaving Liz standing there in shock at what he had just done and said.


Max whistled as he walked down the alley and away from Liz’s balcony. He wondered what had possessed him to kiss Liz’s cheek and call her ‘beautiful’, even though she most definitely was. He grabbed his stomach and smiled. There they were, the flutters. He had always felt the flutters in his stomach when he was younger. Every time he was around Liz. Max couldn’t believe they were still there. For a moment he forgot that Liz didn’t belong to him anymore, she belonged to Josh. Max’s smile disappeared as he realized this fact and he quickly looked at his watch. He was supposed to be at The Crashdown for their meeting in ten minutes. He slowed his walk and came to a stop on the corner, not in any hurry to see Josh or find out what he wanted.

He looked around and for a minute he felt like he had never left Roswell. A second later he heard his name being called from behind him and he smiled, recognizing it even before turning around.

“Max!” Isabel called as she rushed towards him.

Max turned around with a wide grin. “Izzy!” He said as he opened his arms and she ran into them, hugging him tightly.

“How are you?” Isabel asked squeezing him tight.

“I’m okay I guess. How about you?” Max asked releasing her and holding her at arms length. “How’s married life?”

“Oh you know.” Isabel smiled. “If Kyle would relax about school and his dumb internship with Dad, it would be great. In the meantime he’s too busy to really be into the whole marriage scene.”

“Meaning?” Max asked, his eyebrows rising curiously.

“Meaning that when he’s home, he’s too tired from work and studying to do anything else if you know what I mean.” Isabel said, shyly looking at the ground. “Plus, school starts back up in a week, and I’m going to be taking a couple of classes at night, so I’ll hardly ever see him.”

“What kind of classes are you taking?” Max asked.

“Well, I need to take a computer class and I’m taking a marketing class.” Isabel smiled. “My boss, April, wants me to have more knowledge of the computers in the office, and she wants me to get into marketing the clothes as well as designing them.”

“That’s great.” Max smiled. “So how is the fashion designing going anyway?”

“Good.” Isabel nodded. “We’re having a fashion show at the store on Friday night. You should come. Oh, would you? Most of my stuff will be in it.”

“Sure, if I’m still here in town by then.” Max said and looked at his watch. “I have to go, I have a meeting, but let’s get together for dinner. Are you free tonight?”

Isabel nodded. “Yeah, Kyle has to work late. Want to meet at mom and dad’s?” she asked.

“Sure, that’s where Michael and I are staying.” Max nodded. “Mind if he joins us?”

“Not at all.” Isabel smiled. “I’d love to see him.”

“Great, seven then?” Max asked starting to back towards The Crashdown entrance.

“Sure.” Isabel said with a wave. “See you then!”

Max turned around and smiled as he walked over to the restaurant and opened the door, thinking to himself that it had turned out to be a great day so far.

Part 14

Max walked through the door to The Crashdown and looked around. Luckily Liz’s parents were nowhere to be found, and neither was Josh. He checked his watch again, only to see hat he was still two minutes early. He walked over to the booth next to the window and sat down to wait.

“Hi Max.” Tess said with a small smile. “Can I get you anything?”

“Yeah, how about a cherry coke, and the last five years of my life back?” Max said sarcastically.

“What?” Tess asked, confused.

“Nothing, just a cherry coke please.” Max said. “How have you been by the way?”

“Oh, me?” Tess asked shyly. “Fine I guess. I’ve been working here since my Dad died. Oh, and I have a daughter. She’s about the same age as Liz’s actually.” Tess said before biting her tongue. “Did you know Liz had a little girl?”

“Yeah, I just found out.” Max said sadly.

Tess couldn’t help but notice Max’s expression change. “Sorry, I guess I just figured you would of known before now. I always figured you guys would at least stay in touch after high school, even if you weren’t together anymore.” she shrugged.

“Yeah, me too.” Max said. “Things don’t always work out the way you think they will huh?”

“That’s for sure.” Tess shook her head. “Mark and I never even had a chance.”

“Mark?” Max asked. “Is he your daughter’s father?”

“Yep.” Tess said. “One of those nights that ends up changing your whole life. Unfortunately, we weren’t in love. Not even close. Still, he helps me out a lot with Melissa.” Tess smiled. “I wouldn’t change anything. Mel is my whole world.”

Max smiled. He knew Liz felt the same way about Samantha. “So are you dating anyone special?” he asked.

Tess’ breath caught in her throat. She wondered if Max wanted to ask her out. “Umm yeah, actually I’m dating Alex Whitman. You?” She asked nervously.

“Alex huh?” Max smiled. “That’s great Tess.” He shook his head. “ And, no, I’m not seeing anyone right now. I just got out of a thing with a woman in New York.” Max smiled to himself as he remembered Michael comparing Sarah to Tess.

“Oh.” Tess nodded. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be. It wasn’t serious.” Max said. “Besides, everything happens for a reason.”

“I agree.” Tess smiled. “I’ll go get your drink.”

“Thanks.” Max said.

Josh walked up behind Tess and tapped her shoulder. “Could you please bring me a cup of coffee too Tess?” he asked politely.

“Sure Josh.” Tess said as she walked away, tucking her order pad into the front pocket of her uniform.

Josh sat down and looked across the table at Max. “So, glad to see you were able to make it.” He said snidely.

“Cut the crap.” Max said in a low voice. “Why did you want to see me?”

Josh reached into his blazer and pulled out his checkbook. “How much Max? How much will it take to get you out of Liz and Sam’s lives?”

Max rolled his eyes. “Are you kidding me?” he asked, trying to decide whether he was angry or amused by Josh’s insinuation. “You think you can just write me a check and I’ll disappear? This isn't the movies you know.”

“Look Max," Josh said. “This could be very profitable for you. I write you a check for whatever amount you ask for, and you just simply go back to living your life as it was before you found out Liz had your daughter.” Josh smiled sarcastically. “And of course you sign the papers allowing me to adopt Samantha.” He added.

“Why not let me decide before offering me the money?” Max asked. “I mean I might have decided to sign them anyway.”

“I doubt that.” Josh sighed as he leaned back into his seat. “I’ve seen the way you look at Liz. I don’t think you would sign them. That’s why I’m making this offer.”

“Well forget it.” Max said. “I’m not for sale.”

“Well let me know if you change you mind. I’m prepared to be very generous.” Josh said. “Very generous.”

“Whatever man.” Max said. “Is that it? I have an appointment at three.”

“That’s it.” Josh nodded. “Just remember one thing though.”

“What?” Max asked as he stood up.

“I’m marrying Liz a week from Saturday, whether you like it or not. She loves me and I love her and you can’t change that. The three of us are going to be a family. ” Josh said as he glared at Max.

“What makes you think I want to change that?” Max asked.

“Don’t you?” Josh asked.

“No.” Max shook his head. “I just want Liz to be happy. If marrying an asshole like you is what makes her happy then so be it. I want her and Samantha to have a good life.” Max sighed. “Look Josh, I can tell your intentions are probably in the right place, and you think you’re doing what is best for them but you also need to remember one thing though.” He said in an angry tone.

“And that would be?” Josh asked, acting bored with Max’s threat.

“Samantha is my daughter, and she will always have my blood running through her veins and nothing you can do will change that.” Max said as he turned on his heels and headed out the door, nearly knocking the bells off the top of the rim as he stormed out.
***

“So you’re actually think if he refuses to sign, then I should take him to court?” Liz asked in surprise.

“Look Liz,” Kyle started, “ The guy abandoned you when you were pregnant. There isn’t a judge in New Mexico that wouldn’t rule in your favor.” He said.

“Kyle, I didn’t tell him I was pregnant!” Liz said as she stood up from her chair. “He would have come back if he would have known.” She said as she started to pace.

“How do you know that Liz?” Kyle asked. “He just left you for no valid reason. He was completely selfish. You don’t know if he would have come back.”

“Yes I do, because he came as soon as he found out. Even after all this time.” Liz said as she ran her hand through her lose brown hair. “I can’t just tell him he has to sign or we go to court. He has a life in New York to get back to.”

“So what are you saying?” Kyle asked, getting frustrated. "You're really confusing me. Do you or do you not want him to sign these papers Liz?"

“UGH! I don't know what I want anymore Kyle! I'm so confused!" Liz said exasperated by the whole situation. "I guess if he won’t sign then I’ll work it out with him amicably.” Liz said turning to face Kyle.

“What?” Kyle asked in shock. “You came to me for help, to help you get him to sign the papers. Now you don’t even seem to care whether or not he signs them. What the hell is going on Liz? What is making you change your mind about all of this?”

“Nothing is going on.” Liz shrugged. “I came to you as a friend Kyle. I wanted you to find him, draw up the papers, and have them sent to him. I didn’t think he would think twice about signing them. I was so sure this is what I wanted. I thought for sure he would just sign them and send them right back.”

“Well obviously you thought wrong.” Kyle said.

“Maybe. Maybe not.” Liz said. “He might still sign them Kyle. But now if he does it will be like another rejection from him.”

“So are you telling me that you hope he doesn’t sign them?” Kyle asked quietly.

“I don’t know what I’m telling you.” Liz said sitting down again. “I just know that seeing him here in Roswell, knowing that he cares, has made my anger almost disappear. Almost.”

“So where do you want to go from here?” Kyle asked.

“Let’s wait to see what he decides and we’ll meet again when he does. I’m telling you right now though: I don’t want this to go to court Kyle. If he wants to be a part of his daughter’s life then that’s his right and I won’t stand in the way of it. I refuse to fight him.”

“Liz, are you sure?” Kyle asked. “Think of what’s best for Sam, we could win this case.”

“I am thinking about what's best for Sam.” Liz said. “It’s not up to me to make all the decisions. He is her father and I can’t change that. To tell you the truth, I don’t want to. Max is a great guy. There were some mistakes made, but now I’m not so sure that they were all his.”

Kyle nodded, not wanting to pry into what mistakes were made by whom. “Ok. I’ll let you know if I hear anything from Pam.”

“Pam?” Liz asked.

“Yeah, Pam Troy is Max’s lawyer. I take it you haven’t received anything from her yet?” Kyle asked.

“No.” Liz said quietly. “He got an attorney already?”

Kyle nodded. “On Philips advice of course.”

“Right.” Liz nodded, feeling sick to her stomach. “Well I have to go.” She said looking at her watch. “I have an appointment at three.”

“Ok.” Kyle smiled. “I’ll call you if I hear anything.”

“Great.” Liz said. “Say hi to Isabel for me.”

“Sure.” Kyle said as he waved at Liz as she walked out of his office. “Next time I see her I will.” He said to himself after the door had closed.


Part 15

“You’re late.” Liz said as she saw Max walking up to her with his hands stuffed into his pockets.

“Sorry, I guess I got a little lost.” Max smiled. “I haven’t been here for awhile you know.”

“Right.” Liz said as she looked at him. His hair was longer in the front then it used to be, and it fell in front of his eyes, giving him a little boy look.

“How did your meeting go?” Max asked as he looked around the park.

“Fine and yours?” Liz asked trying not to smile.

“Fine.” Max said quietly.

“So what did Josh want?” Liz asked as she turned and looked over at the swings.

Max followed her line of vision and his eyes rested on Samantha being pushed on one of the swings by an older girl. “How did you know I was meeting Josh?”

“Please Max.” Liz laughed. “I’m marrying the guy, plus I’ve known him for four years. He had a meeting, you had a meeting. I’m not stupid.”

“I know.” Max smiled. “Intelligence has always been one of your best traits.”

“Thanks.” Liz laughed. “So what did he want?”

“Oh you know, he wanted to talk me into signing the papers.” Max said casually, not wanting to tell Liz that Josh had offered him money.

“I figured.” Liz nodded. “So?”

“I told him I hadn’t made up my mind yet and we left it at that.” Max said, continuing to look at the swing set. Sam was giggling as the older girl pushed her higher and higher, her dark long locks trailing behind her as the wind rushed through them. “She’s really amazing Liz.”

Liz nodded. “I know.”

Max looked over at Liz. “She looks a lot like you.”

“No she doesn’t, she looks exactly like you and you know it.” Liz smiled. “So do you want to meet her or what?”

“Now?” Max asked, suddenly nervous.

“Yeah.” Liz asked. “Unless you want to forget it?”

“No, no.” Max stammered. “I mean, are you sure?”

Liz nodded. “Josh would kill me if he knew I was doing this, but she deserves to know you Max, even if it is just for now, and you sign the papers, she deserves to meet you.”

“Liz, I have to be honest with you.” Max said. “If I meet her, I might not be able to let go of her. I might not be willing to sign.”

“Thanks for being honest.” Liz managed a smile. “I though about that too. I still think you both deserve to meet.”

Max nodded. “Are you sure?”

Liz nodded. “Definitely.”

“Ok then, let’s do it.” Max said as he ran his hand through his shiny brown hair.

“Don’t be scared, she’s only five.” Liz smiled as she took Max’s hand in hers and led him towards the swings.

When they were standing in front of the swing set Samantha’s smile immediately disappeared from her face as she stared at the man with her mother. Her legs stopped moving and the older girl could tell she was ready to get off. She helped Sam slow the swing down and then ran off when it had almost stopped. Sam continued to look at Max, her eyes wide as she saw her own eyes looking back at her with amazement. She jumped off the swing and ran towards Liz, stopping when she was standing right in front of them.

Liz and Max bent down to her level as Sam continued to stare at Max, and he at her.

“Samantha, this is a friend of Mommy’s. His name is Max Evans.” Liz said, her voice shaky with emotion. “Max, this is Samantha.”

Max stuck his finger out in a mock handshake and Samantha grabbed it with her little hand. “Nice to meet you.” She said politely in a sweet little voice. “I saw you at my Grandma and Grandpa’s restaurant this morning. You’re the man with the eyes like mine.”

Max nodded and tried to keep his emotions in check. “That’s right.” Max said. “It’s nice to meet you too.”

“Want to come and play with me?” Sam asked as she looked at him, her eyes bright with hope.

“I would love too.” Max said with a big grin. “What would you like to play?”

“How about house?” Samantha asked. “Mommy, you can play too.” Sam said as she turned to Liz.

“Ok.” Liz nodded, smiling through her tear filled eyes. “What should I be?”

“I’ll be the mommy, Max can be the Daddy and you be the baby.” Sam said, looking at Liz.

“Ok.” Liz smiled. “Is that ok with you Max?”

“Fine.” Max nodded. “I always wanted to have a beautiful wife and now I have one.” He laughed as Samantha took his hand.

“My mommy said I look just like my Daddy and that’s why I’m so pretty.” Samantha said. “She said my daddy is the bestest looking guy she ever knew.” Sam said loudly. “Even cuter than Josh.” she added quietly, only loud enough for Max to hear.

“Oh really?” Max asked with a large smile as he turned around to see Liz completely mortified by Sam’s comments.

“Yup.” Sam said nodding her head. “Right Mommy?”

“Uh-huh.” Liz mumbled as she followed Max and Sam towards the giant playhouse that was built on the playground.

“Well that sounds like a nice thing to say about someone.” Max said trying not to laugh.

“Someday I’m going to meet him too.” Sam said confidently before changing the subject. “Ok, let’s play. Max since you’re the Daddy, you pretend like you’re just coming home from work okay?”

Max nodded. “What do I do for a living?” he asked looking down at her.

“You’re a doctor.” Sam said, smiling.

“Well that shouldn’t be a stretch for you.” Liz laughed. “I guess I’ll just act like a baby then?” she asked as she sat down in the corner of the playhouse.

Max smiled a wicked smile. “Well that shouldn’t be too much of a stretch for you.” He laughed.

“Very funny.” Liz said as she rolled her eyes at him. “I guess I deserved that.”

“No you didn’t, I was just kidding.” Max said quietly. “Anyway, it would have been safer to say that we both acted like babies.”

“True.” Liz nodded.

“Hey!” Samantha yelled. “Are we playing or what?”

“We are, we are.” Max laughed.

“Ok then.” Samantha said. “I’m going to go get some water so I can make mud pie for dessert. Be right back.” She said as she scampered out of the playhouse and headed towards the drinking fountain.

Max waited until she was out of earshot before he bent down quickly and looked at Liz. “Have dinner with me tomorrow night.”

Liz looked back at him in shock. Her eyes were locked on his dark amber ones. She wanted to say no, but the word wouldn’t come out of her mouth. “I’m getting married.” Liz blurted out in a shaky voice.

“I know.” Max smiled. “I meant to discuss Samantha.” He whispered with a small smile.

“Oh right, of course, I know.” Liz said, shaking her head and snapping herself out of her hypnotized trance. “I suppose we do need to do that.”

“Yes we do.” Max asked. “Liz you didn’t think I was asking you out, like on a date did you?”

“No, don’t be ridiculous.” Liz said as she stood up and brushed the dirt off of her pants. “We both know I’m getting married and that I’m totally in love with Josh.”

“Right.” Max said nodding, as he continued to look at her and tried to read her face.

Liz turned around and faced the wall. “Right.” She whispered. “Besides, even if I wasn’t, which I totally am, we both know nothing could ever happen between us again.”

“Right.” Max said as he stared at her back. “Too complicated. Too much old baggage.”

“Right.” Liz said as she turned around and looked at him.

“I’m glad we got that cleared up.” Max nodded.

“Me too.” Liz said as she stepped towards him and reached up to brush some sand off of his shoulder. "You have some sand..."

“Right.” Max said as he took her hand. “Liz…I…” he couldn’t say anything. His breath was caught somewhere between his mouth and his lungs. He quickly looked into her eyes and realized he couldn’t look away. He pulled her into his arms and grabbed the back of her neck with one of his hands. Her lips were on his in an instant and her arms were around his neck. Her fingers snaked through his hair and a moan escaped his throat.

Liz opened her mouth and their tongues met, both of them hot with desire. Liz ran her fingers through his hair as he touched the side of her face with his fingers, gently tracing her jaw line with his thumb. Liz was swept into their past instantaneously.

“Hey, I’m supposed to be the mommy!” Sam yelled as she entered the playhouse.

Liz and Max let go of each other and each took a step back. Liz’s hand immediately covered her mouth in horror at what she had just done.

“Oh my God.” She said as she backed towards the door of the playhouse. “Sam honey, I have to go to the restroom. You and Max stay here and play, I’ll be right back.” She said as she darted out of the structure and ran to the bathroom as fast as her legs would carry her.

When she reached her destination she quickly went inside one of the stalls and locked the door. She sat down on the floor of the stall and hugged her knees to her chest as her tears began to fall down her cheeks. “What am I doing?” she asked herself in a whisper as the scene between her and Max replayed itself in her mind over and over again.

Part 16

Maria pulled into her driveway and shut her car off. She tilted the rearview mirror so she could see her reflection better. Instead of seeing her face, she saw the person she wanted to see less than anyone else on earth, Michael. She watched him walk up behind the car and over to her side of the vehicle, and before she knew it he was standing right outside her door.

“Hi.” Michael said through her open window.

Maria rolled her eyes and opened the door quickly, causing Michael to jump back to avoid being hit. “What the hell are you doing here?” she asked.

“I wanted to talk to you.” Michael shrugged, putting his hands in his pockets. “I think we should get some things straight.”

Maria walked past him and headed towards her house. “The only thing we need to get straight is the fact that I don’t want to have anything to do with you.” She called out behind her as she continued to walk away.

“I know you don’t, you hitting me with the pie made that clear, but I need to ask you something Maria.” Michael said as he followed her.

Something about the tone of his voice made Maria stop and turn around to face him. She looked up and into his eyes and saw the hurt there. “What?” she asked, not willing to be a slave to her own emotions.

“Well it’s about the last time I saw you.” Michael said quietly.

“You mean before you and Max ran away like a couple of pathetic losers?” Maria asked in a bitter tone.

“Yeah.” Michael nodded.

“Well ask away.” Maria said, staring right at him.

“The day we graduated, when you and Liz were getting ready in the gym, did you tell her that you thought I was a loser and that you wouldn’t marry me if I was the last guy on earth?” Michael blurted out all in one breath before his courage ran out.

“What?” Maria asked as she wrinkled her nose up and narrowed her eyes at him. What the hell are you talking about? Of course I never said that! Where would you get a crazy idea like that from?”

“I heard you saying it myself.” Michael admitted. “I came in to talk to you and I heard you saying it to Liz.”

Maria put on a sarcastic expression. “Michael, there has been this neat little product for sale since we were little kids. It’s called a Q-tip. Evidently you have never heard of one, or used one for that matter, because I never said anything like that. Clean your ears out.” She said as she turned around to walk away again.

“Maria, wait.” Michael called out after her. “Please.”

Maria turned around again. “You know what Michael? I’m done talking to you. I thought you knew me better back then than anyone else did, even better than Liz sometimes. Obviously you didn’t know me at all did you?” she asked.

“I thought I did.” Michael said, looking at the ground.

“If you did, then you would have known how much I loved you, and you would have known that I would never have said anything like that about you. I thought you were going to propose that day.” Maria admitted as her eyes welled up with tears.

“I was going to.” Michael said sadly. “Then I heard you say that so I…”

“So you left with Max.” Maria finished for him. “Coward.” She turned back around and reached for the door handle, opening the screen door quickly. “Good bye Michael, go back to New York.” She said as she walked through the door and slammed it behind her.

Michael stood there and looked at the door for a few minutes before finally turning and leaving. He again wondered why he had come back to this place. It was going exactly as he thought it would, absolutely awful.
***


Liz looked in the mirror inside the small park bathroom. It wasn’t even a real mirror, just a giant piece of metal that was hung on the wall. She could barely make out her reflection in the scratched surface. She narrowed her eyes and brushed her messy hair back with her fingers.

“Liz? Are you in there?” Max called from outside the door.

“Yeah.” Liz yelled. “Be right out.”

“Mommy?” Samantha called as she entered the restroom.

“Over here baby.” Liz said quietly.

Samantha walked over to Liz and smiled. “There you are! Max and me were getting worried about you. It’s starting to get dark out. We have to go home.”

Liz nodded. “Ok. I guess I didn’t realize I had been in here for so long.” She smiled. “Let’s go.”

Samantha smiled. “I really like Max mommy. He’s so nice.”

“Yes he is.” Liz nodded. “I can tell he likes you too.”

“I hope so.” Samantha smiled. “Have I met him before mommy? I feel funny, like I have.” She asked.

“I don’t think so.” Liz said. “Come on, we better get going. Josh is waiting for us to go to dinner at Grandma and Grandpa’s.”

Samantha nodded. “Kay.” she said happily. “Can we play with Max again before we go home to California?”

“We’ll see.” Liz said as she took her daughter’s hand and walked towards the door. When they exited the restroom Max was leaning against the wall waiting.

“Ready you two?” Max asked with a grin.

“Yep.” Liz said casually.

“Good, I’ll walk you two to your car.” Max smiled.

“That’s ok.” Liz shook her head. “We can find it.”

Max’s smile disappeared and he knew at once that Liz had regretted their kiss. “Ok, well if you’re sure.”

“Absolutely.” Liz said. “We have to run, Josh is waiting.”

“I’m sure he is.” Max said sarcastically.

“Bye Max!” Sam called out as she let go of Liz’s hand and sprinted towards their car.

“Bye!” Max called out after her with a wave. He turned to Liz and lowered his voice. “You can act like nothing happened, but it did. I can tell you’re not happy about it, and I understand, but don’t lie to yourself Liz.”

“I don’t know what you mean.” Liz said as she avoided his eyes.

“Yes you do.” Max nodded. “We obviously are still attracted to each other.”

“Attraction is only physical, don’t mistake that kiss for being anything other than a physical thing Max. Its just part of the whole nostalgia thing. I love Josh.” Liz said adamantly.

“Keep telling yourself that Liz and maybe by the time your fiftieth anniversary rolls around, you’ll finally believe it.” Max said angrily.

“Don’t you dare insinuate how I feel about Josh.” Liz said angrily. “You don’t know anything about our relationship.”

“Funny, I said the same thing to him about you and me.” Max said as he stared at her.

Liz looked into his eyes. “There is no you and me, not anymore.” She said as she tried to walk away.

Max grabbed her arm and forced her to look at him again. “Maybe there could be. Maybe there should be.” He said as he looked into her eyes. “Don’t we owe it to ourselves and to Sam to find out Liz?”

“We don’t owe each other anything.” Liz shook her head. “I do have an attraction to you Max, but it’s just old physical feelings resurfacing. Too much has happened between us for me to just forgive and forget. Don’t mistake that kiss as anything more than that. Don’t lie to yourself Max- it was just physical. We were close once, comfortable with each other. That’s all that was.”

“I’m not asking you to forget Liz, just maybe to try to forgive.” Max said quietly.

“I don’t know if I can Max. I’m still angry with you even though I don’t want to be. I can’t just change my feelings overnight.” Liz explained.

“I know.” Max said. “I’m not asking you too. It’s probably better for us to just try to be civil and nothing else at this point.”

Liz nodded. “I agree. I have to go. Let me know what you decide about Sam. Or else have Pam call Kyle.” She said.

“Ok, I will” Max said with a sigh.

“Thanks.” Liz said. “See you around Max.” she said as he let go of her arm and she started for the car.

“Liz.” Max called out a moment later.

Liz turned around and looked at her with a small smile. “Thanks for letting me meet her.” He said with a grin. “It really meant a lot to me.”

Liz smiled. “I’m glad, but I should be the one thanking you Max.” she said.

“Why?” Max asked, confused.

“Sam’s the best thing that has ever happened to me, and you’re half of the reason I am lucky enough to have her in my life. Thanks.” Liz said quietly.

Max smiled shyly and nodded, not able to get any words out, only able to watch Liz get into her car, fasten Sam into her booster seat and drive away.


Part 17

“Where have you been?” Isabel asked as Kyle walked through the door. “We’re meeting Max for dinner at my mom and dad’s in half an hour.”

“I was at work where do you think I was?” Kyle said as he put his briefcase down on the kitchen table. “How was I supposed to know we were going to dinner?”

“I told you when I called you at the office earlier.” Isabel said. “Jeez, don’t you listen to anything I say?”

“Yes, usually.” Kyle shrugged as he walked over to her and kissed her on the cheek. “I guess I didn’t hear that part.”

“Did you hear me say I was on my way to register for school?” Isabel asked sarcastically. “Or has that fight escaped your memory as well?”

“Please, Isabel I’m tired. I don’t want to rehash that conversation.” Kyle sighed. “So did you register?”

“Yes. Sorry.” Isabel said quietly. “I don’t want to fight.”

“We don’t have to.” Kyle said. “I just don’t see why you have to start taking classes at night.”

“I thought you didn’t want to rehash this.” Isabel said. “Besides, it’s not like you get home before ten most nights anyway.” She said quietly.

“Isabel, when we got married I told you that I would be working long hours for awhile.” Kyle said as he sat down at the table. “You knew what you were getting into.”

Isabel glared at him. “I knew you were working long hours, I didn’t know that you were going to be so controlling on where I spent my time. I told you I have to take theses two classes at night to keep my job Kyle.”

“I know you did.” Kyle sighed. “I make enough money to support us Iz, why don’t you just quit that job?”

“Quit?” Isabel said in shock as she poured him a cup of coffee. “I love this job, that’s why I do it. I want to have a career too.”

“Why?” Kyle asked as she handed him the mug. “What is the big deal? Besides, I thought you wanted to try to have a baby.”

“I did.” Isabel whispered.

“Now you don’t anymore?” Kyle asked as he turned in his chair to look at her.

Isabel shrugged. “I don’t know. I don’t think things are very good right now between us. I think we need to get settled more before we have any children.”

Kyle stared at her and stood up. “Fine. We’ll do that.”

“Kyle, you have to admit things are difficult between us right now.” Isabel said, her eyes welling up with tears. “I just think we should wait for a little while longer.”

“Whatever.” Kyle said picking up his briefcase. “I’m not going to your parents tonight. I’m going back o the office to get some work done.”

“Kyle please…” Isabel started but he was already out the door. “Damn.” She said to herself as he headed for his car. She stood at the door and watched him start the engine and drive away, not heading in the direction of his office at all.
***

“Maria?” Liz called out as she waked into the house. “Maria, are you here?”

“In here.” Maria called from her bedroom.

Sam darted to the room she was staying in to get dressed as Liz headed for Maria’s room.

Liz poked her head through the door. “Can I come in?” she asked.

“Of course.” Maria said with a huge grin. “I’m just getting ready to go out.”

“Where are you going?” Liz asked as she sat down on the bed and watched Maria put on her black boots.

“I have a date.” Maria said, rolling her eyes.

“Really?” Liz asked in surprise. “With who?”

“That guy Alex has been trying to set me up with. We’re doubling.” Maria said. “If I call your cell phone and sound panicked, come pick me up okay?”

“Sure.” Liz laughed. “Why the sudden change of heart? I thought you were refusing to go out with this guy.”

“I was.” Maria nodded. “But, I figured ‘what the hell!’ especially since Michael is back in town. I could use a night out of distractions if you know what I mean.”

“Yes I certainly do.” Liz laughed. “I could too, but we’re going over to my parents for dinner.”

“Oh that’s right.” Maria nodded. “Michael was here this afternoon. You’ll never believe the line of crap he fed me.”

“He came over here?” Liz asked in shock. “Why? What did he say?”

“He basically said he left with Max because he over heard me say something the day we graduated high school.” Maria said, shaking her blond locks. “Can you believe that?”

“What did he hear you say that would have made him leave?” Liz asked trying to remember that day.

“Oh some bullshit about me saying he was a loser and not wanting to marry him if he was the last guy on earth.” Maria said as she sat down next to Liz.

“What?” Liz asked. “You never said anything like that about him.”

“I know.” Maria shrugged. “I told him he needed to clean out his ears.”

Liz thought back to the day they graduated and everything it entailed. A moment later she gasped and grabbed Maria’s hand, turning to look at her.

“What’s wrong?” Maria asked, scared by Liz’s expression.

“Oh my God Maria.” Liz said slowly.

“What?” Maria said, shaking Liz’s hand as it grabbed hers tighter.

“Maria, you didn’t say that about Michael, but you did say that about someone else.” Liz said. “Do you remember? While we were getting ready?”

Maria narrowed her eyes and thought about it for a minute. Suddenly she stood up and her hand flew to her mouth. She looked at Liz and spoke. “Oh shit, you’re right Liz! I said it about Mark Petersen!”

Liz nodded silently.

“Oh my God, I have to go talk to Michael.” Maria said as she grabbed her purse and headed for the door.

“Maria, what about your date?” Liz called out as she ran after her.

“I call and tell them I’ll be a little late. No biggie.” Maria yelled out behind her. “Are they staying at Max’s parent’s house?” she asked as she grabbed her keys off of the holder in the kitchen.

“Uh-huh.” Liz said as she watched Maria race out of the house.

“Talk to you later Lizzie!” Maria called out as she got into the Jeep.

“Ok.” Liz said sadly even though she knew Maria could no longer hear her. “But I really needed to talk to you.” She whispered to herself as Maria drove away.
***


Michael looked in the mirror and combed his wet hair back. The conversation he had with Maria that afternoon had been running through his head all day. “Damn.” He muttered to himself as he remembered how mad she had been. He wondered if it was possible that he had not heard what he thought he had heard that day. He shook his head to snap himself out of his thoughts. “No, I know what I heard.” He said out loud to himself. He tightened the towel around his waist and opened the bathroom door, walking quickly across the hall into Max’s old bedroom.

“Hey.” Michael said when he saw Max sitting on the bed. “When did you get back?”

“A minute ago.” Max said, pulling his shirt off over his head. “I was with Liz and Sam at the park.”

Michael’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “And?”

“And I kissed her.” Max said quietly.

“I’m sorry.” Michael said shaking his head, pretending to shake the water out of his ears. “Did you just say you kissed her? As in kissed Liz?”

“You got it.” Max nodded. “It was a mistake.”

“I guess! What did she do about it?” Michael asked. “Did she freak out or what?”

“Well at first she kissed me back.” Max smiled. “Then Samantha walked in and yes, she freaked out. She was in the bathroom at the park for an hour.”

“Oh shit.” Michael said as he sat down on the bed. “So what are you going to do?” he asked. “I mean you met Sam right? Does she know you’re her dad?”

“No, we just met as friends.” Max said. “She’s wonderful. I don’t think I can sign the papers and just let her go.”

“I figured.” Michael nodded. “What about Liz? Can you let her go?”

“She doesn’t have feelings for me Michael.” Max said sadly. “She said the kiss was purely a physical thing. Just a natural reaction since we were so close before. Nostalgia.” Max shrugged. “Maybe that’s all it was for me too. Who knows? Maybe being back here in this town, going to The Crashdown, seeing her and Maria and everyone again is making us crazy or something.” Max looked at Michael. “Besides, she’s getting married a week from Saturday to that jerk Josh.”

“Do you think she loves him?” Michael asked.

“I think she thinks she does.” Max said shaking his head. “The thing is though, she kissed me back. She liked it as much as I did, and it was great man.” Max rolled his eyes and smiled. “Not to sound too cheesy, but it was passionate, not like a physical thing but like it used to be with us. It was like her heart was touching my heart again. How can she say she’s in love with that guy if she was kissing me like that?”

“Look Maxwell, you and Liz have a past. Some of it was painful, but most of it was great. Maybe there are parts of both of you that want to relive the great parts.” Michael shrugged. “I’m sure having us back here is making them a little crazy too.”

“Maybe.” Max nodded. “Either way, I don’t think I can sign those papers. We’ll have to figure something out. Some way for me to be a part of her life.”

“Whose life?” Michael asked. “Sam’s or Liz’s?”

“What do you mean?” Max asked. “Sam’s of course.”

“Are you sure?” Michael asked. “Don’t use Sam to get to Liz. Do what’s best for Sam, not for you man.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Max asked, looking over at Michael.

“Nothing.” Michael said. “I’m only saying that I know how you’ve always felt about Liz. Don’t use a relationship with your daughter as a reason to keep from losing Liz again.”

Max nodded. He knew what Michael was talking about. He wondered if that was what he was doing. Was he really willing to turn his life around to be part of Sam’s life? Was that really what was best for his daughter or would it be easier to sign the papers and let Josh adopt Sam? Max felt nauseous as he thought about Josh raising his daughter. He hated that guy. He wondered what the hell Liz saw in him. It didn’t matter, she was going to marry him and there was nothing he could do about it. As long as Liz thought she loved him then there was no hope in changing her mind, even kissing her hadn’t made her admit her feelings for Josh might be false. Michael grabbed his clothes and quietly left the room, heading back to the bathroom to change. Max heard a tapping at his window and turned around to see who it was. He was surprised to see Maria standing there.


Part 18


“Maria, what the hell are you doing here?” Max asked as he opened the window. “You now we’re not 16 anymore. Ever hear of the front door?”

Maria climbed in to Max’s room and took his offered hand as she jumped down. “Sorry, Max, but I need to talk to Michael, it’s really important. As for the front door thing, it just felt weird, you know? I haven’t talked to your parents since you guys left and it didn’t feel right just knocking on the front door.”

Max nodded in understanding. “Right.”

“So is he here?” Maria asked.

“Yeah, he went to the bathroom to get dressed. I don’t think he’d appreciate you going in there to talk to him.” Max smiled.

“Well can I wait in here then?” Maria asked.

“Be my guest, I’m heading out to take a shower in a minute. My sister and Kyle are coming over for dinner tonight.” Max said. “Michael should be back in a minute, I’ll let him know you’re here.”

“Ok thanks.” Maria said as she sat down on Max’s bed to wait.

Max picked up his clothes and walked to the door before turning back around to face her. “Hey Maria how long were you at the window?” he asked, suddenly wondering how much she had overheard through the thin glass.

“Long enough to hear you tell Michael you and Liz kissed and all of that mushy stuff.” Maria said, trying to keep the amusement out of her eyes.

“Oh.” Max nodded. “I take it she didn’t tell you?”

“I didn’t give her a chance.” Maria said. “We talked for a minute and then I sort of rushed out.”

Max nodded. “Don’t tell her I told Michael ok? I don’t want her to think it was something I’m bragging about.”

“Ok.” Maria nodded. “I didn’t think you were bragging though Max. You sounded like it meant something to you.” She said quietly.

“It did I think.” Max said. “I just don’t know what.” He turned the doorknob and left the room before Maria could respond. A moment later he was standing in front of the bathroom door. He lifted his hand to knock but the door flew open as his hand was about to make contact with the wood.

Michael jumped back in shock. “Shit Max, don’t do that man, you scared the hell out of me!”

“Sorry.” Max laughed. “I need to take a shower.”

“Ok, the bathrooms all yours.” Michael said, walking past him.

“By the way, Maria’s in my room waiting to talk to you.” Max said as he went into the bathroom and quickly shut the door, not allowing Michael a chance to respond.

Michael stood in the hallway with his mouth open, debating on whether or not he should go back into Max’s room. After the disastrous conversation he and Maria had earlier that day, he couldn’t even imagine what she was doing in Max’s bedroom. His curiosity got the better of him and he turned the doorknob and quickly walked into the room. Shutting the door behind him, he saw Maria sitting on Max’s bed waiting.

“Well this brings back some memories huh?” Michael asked as he smiled at Maria.

Maria looked around and then looked at the bed. “Oh yeah right.” She nodded. “The night of that party right?”

“Yeah.” Michael said. “Never mind, stupid thing to bring up.”

“It’s not stupid Michael.” Maria said, looking up at him. “Those were the good times.”

“They were all good times.” Michael said quietly as he walked over to Max’s desk and kept his back to her. “Anyway, what are you doing here?” he asked over his shoulder.

Maria took a breath and quickly stood up and walked over to him. She stood directly behind him and reached out to touch his arm. “Michael, I know what you heard was true. Liz and I talked tonight and she reminded me of the conversation.”

Michael turned around and stared into her eyes angrily. “You mean you did say all of that stuff? And you didn’t even remember?”

Maria nodded. “Yep. I said it, and I didn’t remember.” She said. “I didn’t remember because I wasn’t talking about you. I was talking about someone else. I was speaking about a hypothetical situation with someone else. Not you Michael. You misunderstood.”

“Who?” Michael asked. “Who were you talking about?”

“Mark Petersen.” Maria said. “Liz had just told me about him getting engaged and I was talking about what a loser he was. I’m sorry you overheard that and thought I was talking about you. Why didn’t you just ask me about it though?”

Michael shrugged and turned around again. “I don’t know. I guess I was just so hurt it was easier to leave and when Max told me he didn’t get accepted to USC and was leaving for New York, it was just an easy escape.” He said quietly.

“Max didn’t get accepted to USC?” Maria asked. “I never knew that.”

“No one knows.” Michael said as he turned to face her again. “Don’t tell anyone ok?”

Maria nodded as her cell phone began to ring. She opened her purse and pulled it out, quickly answering it. “Hello?”

Michael watched her from across the room and smiled. She looked exactly as he had pictured her over the last few years. Her hair was still blond, but longer, nearly down to her waist. Her eyes were still piercing and her body, well if possible, it was in even better shape than he had pictured it being in his mind, and that was saying a lot. He looked at her from head to toe and was amazed at the fact that no guy had snatched her up yet. He had figured she would be married by now or in a serious relationship at the very least. He saw her hang up her phone and he turned around to face the desk again before she could catch him staring at her.

“Michael, I have to go. Alex set me up on this blind date, and I’m already an hour late.” Maria said, as she put the phone back into her purse and zipped it.

“Ok.” Michael said casually. “Have fun I guess. Thanks for telling me about what really happened that day.”

“We’re not done talking about it yet.” Maria said. “Are you going to be around later?”

“Yeah.” Michael nodded. “Isabel and Kyle are coming over for dinner, and then Max wanted to go play pool or something. Why?”

Maria walked over to the desk and quickly wrote something down on a pad of bright yellow post it notes. She peeled one off and turned around, handing it to him. “Here’s my cell phone number. Call me later and let me know where you are and I’ll come meet you. I want to finish this conversation.”

“What time do you want me to call you?” Michael asked, looking at the number.

“Whenever, around eleven or twelve I guess.” Maria said as she put her purse over her shoulder and walked to the window.

“You’re going to be out with this blind date guy until eleven or twelve?” Michael asked.

Maria turned around and looked at him, trying to hide her smile at the underlying jealously in his tone. “If I’m lucky.” She smiled sweetly and winked. “You never know.”

***

“Hi you guys, come on in!” Jeff Parker said as he opened the door to their house. “We’ve been waiting for you.” He smiled.

“Sorry we’re late Dad.” Liz smiled. “It takes us a little longer these days. Sam is starting to get very picky about how her hair is done.” Liz rolled her eyes. “Aren’t you, little one?” she asked.

Sam nodded. “Yep. I wanted a French braid.” She smiled.

“Well it looks lovely.” Nancy smiled at Sam. “Why don’t you come into the kitchen with me and we’ll get you some chocolate milk?”

“Ok.” Sam said and nodded politely as she followed Nancy into the kitchen eagerly.

“Can I get anyone a drink?” Jeff asked as he looked at Josh and Liz.

“I’ll take a vodka tonic if you have it.” Josh smiled.

“Sure I have it.” Jeff nodded. “Lizzie? What can I get you?”

“Umm, a vodka on the rocks please.” Liz said as Jeff and Josh stared at her in shock. “What? It’s been a long day.” She said as she sat down on the couch.

“It has?” Josh asked as he sat down next to her, watching Jeff leave the room to go get their drinks. “Why has it been a long day?” he asked curiously, lowering his voice.

“Can we talk about it later?” Liz asked, avoiding his eyes.

“No.” Josh shook his head. “What happened today Liz?” he asked, whispering.

“Nothing.” Liz said quietly and then gave up. She knew he wouldn’t leave her alone until she told him. “I took Sam to the park so she could meet Max.”

“What?” Josh asked, his voice rising slightly. “Why?”

“Josh, let’s just talk about this later ok?” Liz asked, begging him with her eyes to agree.

“Fine, but we will talk about this later Liz.” Josh said as Jeff came back into the room with their drinks.

“Here you go you two.” Jeff smiled. “Dinner should be ready in just a bit, and Liz, I know your mom wants to hear all of the details about the wedding.”

“Great.” Liz said absentmindedly. “Terrific.” She mumbled as she downed her drink.

Nancy poked her head around the corner. “Dinner’s ready everyone and Samantha has already staked out her seat at the table.” She smiled.

“Ok.” Jeff said as Liz and Josh stood up. “Let’s head into the dining room.” He smiled.

Once they were all seated around the table they all happily dug into the loads of food that Nancy had cooked up. Liz was a bit surprised, since her mom was never much of one to cook homemade meals. When she was a teenager she remembered eating at The Crashdown more often than eating a meal in her own dining room.

“Wow mom, you really went all out here.” Liz smiled; feeling slightly more relaxed after her vodka.

“Well I know I didn’t cook much when you were growing up, we always had the restaurant to run. Besides I wasn’t sure what everyone liked.” Nancy smiled and shrugged her shoulders.

“It all looks great Mrs. Parker.” Josh smiled as he loaded a gob of mashed potatoes on to his already full plate.

“You know you can go back for more.” Liz said sarcastically as she watched him drench all of his food in gravy.

“I know.” Josh said as he shot her a nasty look. “It just all looked so good, I couldn’t decide what to have first.

Liz nodded and looked at her plate. She really wasn’t hungry. She felt strange, like her whole world had turned upside down in one day. She couldn’t put her finger on exactly what it was, but she almost felt like she wasn’t even the same person as the one who had returned to Roswell a few days earlier. She was still plenty angry with Max for leaving, that was for sure, but the whole experience at the park made her anger wane more than slightly. She poured herself a glass of red wine and took a sip, as she drummed her fingers on the table quietly.

“Are we boring you?” Josh said, snapping her out of her thoughts.

“Huh?” Liz asked, confused by what she had missed. “What?”

“Your mom was asking you about the wedding next Saturday, you know OUR wedding?” Josh said, the anger in his voice barely hidden.

“Oh, sorry Mom.” Liz said, ignoring Josh’s tone. “What about it?” she asked, taking another drink from her glass of wine.

“Well I just wanted to know if you needed any help or anything.” Nancy asked shyly.

“Oh, yeah.” Liz nodded. “I would love it.”

Nancy smiled. “Great. Just let me know what you would like me to do.” She beamed.

“Well, Maria and I have a dress fitting on Tuesday if you would like to come.” Liz smiled. “Do you have something to wear? It’s kind of dressy. It’s an evening wedding, and the reception will be lit in gold lights and candles.”

“Well I’ll go buy something.” Nancy smiled. “Maybe Sam would like to come with me?” she asked looking at her granddaughter.

Samantha was busy blowing bubbles in her chocolate milk through her straw, but she looked up when she heard her name. “What Grandma?”

“Would you like to go shopping with me to help me find a dress for mommy’s wedding?” Nancy asked.

“Oh yes.” Samantha nodded. “Could we go to the toy store too?”

“I think that could be arranged.” Nancy smiled. “We’ll go Monday so if I need my dress altered I can bring it when we go get yours and Maria’s done on Tuesday.” She said as she looked over to Liz again.

“Sounds great.” Liz smiled. “Just let me know what time you want me to bring her over.”

Nancy nodded. “Maybe on Monday night Sam would like to spend the night.”

Samantha nodded. “Oh could I mommy? That would be so fun!” she begged.

“I don’t see why not.” Liz smiled, happy that Samantha was taken with her parents. “What do you think Josh?” she asked.

“Fine with me.” Josh said, as he continued to work on finishing every bite on his plate.

“Great then it’s settled!” Nancy said happily as she began to eat.

“Yippee!” Samantha squealed as she also began eating again, even finishing off the rest of her carrots.

Liz looked around the table and smiled, glad that everyone was getting along so well, but still feeling like something wasn’t right about the whole scene. She looked around again at Samantha, then at her father sitting next to her and her mother sitting across from her. She looked at Josh quickly. Without realizing it, she immediately picked up the bottle of wine, poured herself another glass, and downed it, still trying to figure out what her problem was.

Part 19

Isabel stared across the table at Max. “You mean you actually met her?” she asked in shock. “Liz actually let you meet Samantha?”

“Yep.” Max nodded. “And we spent about an hour together playing house.” He smiled.

“Well, what’s she like?” Diane asked curiously. “What does she look like?”

Max beamed proudly. “Well not that I can take any of the credit, but she’s wonderful. She’s polite, friendly, an angel.”

“And?” Philip asked. “What does she look like?”

“Like me.” Max said quietly. “Like a perfect blend of Liz and me.”

The table fell silent as they all looked at Max. Isabel looked over at her mother and father’s clasped hands on top of the table and she saw them squeeze each other’s fingers. Her eyes filled up with tears unexpectedly. She cleared her throat and tried to gain her composure as she stood up and began to take dishes into the kitchen.

“Izzy, don’t worry about that.” Diane said. “We can do it later.”

“It’s ok mom.” Isabel said as she took an armful of plates into the adjoining room. “I don’t mind.” She called out from the kitchen.

“So Max, are we going to get to meet her?” Philip asked hopefully.

“I don’t know Dad.” Max said. “Liz didn’t introduce me to Sam as her father, just as an old friend.”

Philip nodded. “Liz said she would introduce us to her the same way.”

“Hey I have an idea.” Diane smiled as her voice became excited. “Why don’t we throw Liz and Josh a wedding shower?”

“What?” Michael asked, as he took a break from shoving pie into his mouth.

Isabel walked back into the room and sat down at the table. “What’s going on? Why do Max and Michael look like that?” she asked as she looked at the horrified expressions on their faces.

“I have no idea.” Diane said, waving her hand at them. “They’re ridiculous. I merely suggested that we throw a wedding shower for Liz and Josh. It would give us all a chance to meet Sam in a festive setting.”

“Mom, that’s a nice thought, but why would Max want to throw a shower for his ex girlfriend and her fiancé?” Isabel asked. “I mean that is kind of weird.”

“Kind of?” Michael asked as he took another bite of pie.

“Really mom, I don’t think…” Max started but Isabel cut him off.

“Hey what if we threw Liz a shower, or a party or something? You know, nothing weird like strippers or anything, maybe something like a slumber party?” Isabel asked. “We could all spend the night here, and Sam could come too.”

“That’s a good idea.” Diane nodded as she thought about it. “Philip, you could be here too of course, so you would be able to meet Sam too.”

“Sounds good to me.” Philip nodded. “I could meet her and then leave all you ladies alone and disappear into the bedroom, or go out with the guys or something. Maybe we could play poker in my office?” he asked looking at Max and Michael.

“Well that is a better idea.” Michael said nodding. “What do you think Max?”

Max thought for a moment and then nodded. “Ok. I guess. As long as that jerk Josh won’t be here.” He said. “You know he tried to pay me off today?”

“What?” Philip asked in shock. “He tried to pay you off?”

“Yep.” Max nodded. “He offered me money to get out of Liz and Sam’s lives.”

“What an asshole!” Michael said, finishing his pie and putting his fork on the empty plate. “What did you tell him?”

“To forget it.” Max said. “Look, I still don’t know what I’m going to do, and I appreciate the fact that you all want to meet Sam, but please, don’t get attached to her. It will make it even harder for me to think of what’s best for her.”

Philip and Diane looked at each other and then back at Max and nodded.

“Ok.” Isabel muttered quietly. “Max, are you sure you’re not attached to her already though?”

“That’s just it.” Max said sadly. “I am. And that’s making it even harder. I want to do what’s best for Samantha, not myself.”

Michael smiled at him in support. “Well thanks for dinner Mrs. Evans. It was great,” he said, trying to change the subject. “Sorry Kyle couldn’t make it Iz.”

“Yeah.” Isabel smiled. “He said he was really sorry. He had a lot of work to do at the office.” Her eyes locked with Philip’s and she quickly looked away.

“Well we’re going to go play some pool.” Max said standing up and pushing his chair in. “Want to come?”

Isabel thought for a moment and then shook her head. “Nah, you two go ahead. I need to go home and do some laundry”

“Sounds exciting.” Michael said rolling his eyes. “Thanks for dinner Mr. and Mrs. Evans. Maxwell, let’s get going.” Michael said as he also stood up and pushed his chair in.

***
“Liz, are you drunk?” Josh whispered as he sat down on the couch next to her.

Liz looked over at him and rolled her eyes. “No.” she said. “Jus’ a little buzzed.” She mumbled in slurred words.

“Nice.” Josh said, obviously ticked off. “What is with you?”

“Nothin.” Liz said as she leaned back into the cushions. “Told you, rough day thas all.”

“Whatever.” Josh said. “Do you think you can pull yourself together long enough to talk about Max?”

Liz sat up straight. “What about him?” she asked, sounding a bit defensive.

“What do you mean?” Josh asked. “I want to know why you let him meet Sam without discussing it with me first.” He whispered.

“Oh that.” Liz said, sounding relieved.

“Yes that.” Josh said angrily. “What the hell did you think I meant?”

“Nothin.” Liz said, leaning back again. “I knew thas what you were talking about.”

“Fine then, why didn’t you ask me first?” Josh asked.

Liz was suddenly angry. She sat up and looked at him. “I let her meet him because he is her father. I didn’t discuss it with you because she is my daughter. She’s not yours.”

Josh stared back at her, the hurt obvious in his eyes. “Liz I….” He started but no words would come.

Liz clasped her hand over he mouth. “I’m sorry.” She mumbled through it. “I dunno why I said that. I don’t know wha’s wrong with me.” Her head was spinning all of a sudden.

“I do.” Josh said standing up. “Coming back here was a mistake Liz. A big mistake.”

Nancy walked into the living room to an obviously tense moment. “I put Sam in my room. Why don’t you two just leave her here tonight? She’s fast asleep, she’ll be fine.” She said, trying to break the silence.

Josh nodded. “Mrs. Parker, thanks for dinner, it was wonderful. Liz has decided to stay here tonight as well. I have some work to do back at the Deluca’s, so if you’ll excuse me I have to say good night.” He said as he shook her hand. “Please tell Mr. Parker thank you as well.”

“Josh…” Liz said but he was already heading for the door.

“Talk to you tomorrow Liz.” Josh called out behind him and the door slammed shut seconds later.

Nancy looked over at Liz. “Is everything ok between you two?” she asked.

Liz nodded. “Everything’s fine mom. I just said something that hurt his feelings.” Liz saw the worried expression on her mother’s face and smiled. “Don’t worry.”

Nancy nodded. “Do you want me to make up your room for you?”

Liz nodded. “I guess so.” She said as she looked at the front door, desperately wishing Josh would walk back through it, but knowing that he wasn’t going to. She shook her head as she watched her mom walk out of the room and head upstairs to get her room ready and sat back down on the couch. “What am I doing?” She asked herself as she buried her head in her hands and started to cry.

Part 20

Michael pulled into the parking lot of the bar and turned to Max. “So, ready to play some pool?”

“Yeah.” Max sighed as he opened the door.

“What’s wrong?” Michael asked as he also stepped out of the vehicle. “I mean besides the recent turmoil your life has found itself in?” he laughed.

“Nothing.” Max shrugged. “This just sucks that’s all.”

“What does?” Michael asked sounding confused.

“All of this.” Max said. “Everything. I can’t believe this is actually going on in my life, I mean seriously Michael, did you ever think we would be back here?”

“You know what Max, honestly I did.” Michael said as he opened the door to the bar and allowed Max to go in before him.

Max looked over his shoulder at him as he handed the doorman his ID. “Really?”

“Well I had hoped we wouldn’t, but something always made me feel like we would be dragged back here.” Michael said handing his drivers license over to the large bouncer as well.

Max started walking towards the pool tables and found a small table in the corner that was open to sit down at. “Looks like the pool tables are all taken. Let’s hang here until one opens up.” Max said, sitting down.

Michael nodded. “I’ll go put our money on that table for the next game.” He said as he pointed to a pool table that looked like it was about to free up at any moment. “Want a drink while I’m up?”

“Definitely.” Max nodded. “Whatever beers on tap.”

“Be right back.” Michael said as he headed off towards the bar, leaving Max alone at their tiny table. He was glad that Max was preoccupied with his own thoughts. He needed to call Maria, and he didn’t want to have Max asking him a zillion questions about it either. He looked behind him and as soon as he could no longer see Max, he headed for the bathrooms where he knew there would inevitably be a pay phone.

Sure enough, as Michael rounded the corner he saw the phone, and lucky for him, it wasn’t being used. He pulled the small yellow paper out of his pocket and looked at his watch. It was only ten twenty, but he figured he better call Maria now. Max and his pool games tended to drag on for a while, and if he didn’t call now, then he was afraid it would be a couple of hours before he would get the chance again. Picking up the phone he dropped his money in and dialed the number quickly. It rang three times before Maria answered it.

“Hello?” She said sounding completely pissed off.

“Hi it’s me. Michael.” Michael said, feeling immediately weird about the whole thing.
“Who?” Maria said into the phone loudly.

“Michael.” Michael yelled. “You told me to call you.” He said loudly as he plugged one ear with his finger so he could hear better.

“Oh hi.” Maria said. “Sorry I didn’t recognize your voice, were in this really loud bar and it’s hard to hear.”

“I know, we’re in a loud place too.” Michael yelled as people started to turn around and look at him. “How’s the date going?”

“Fine.” Maria yelled. “You know.”

“Right.” Michael nodded and yelled into the phone. Obviously the guy was right there and Maria couldn’t talk.

“Hey, Alex and Tess are here with us and they’re dying to see you, you know without pie all over your face?” Maria said loudly, laughing.

“Where are you guys?” Michael asked. “Maybe I could stop by later and just say hi.”

“We’re at this hole in the wall called “The Fat Rat.” Maria said. “Do you know it?’

Michael laughed as he poked his head around the corner and looked around the bar. “Yeah, I think I’ve heard of it.” He said as he spotted them over next to the bar. “I’ll try to make it over there later.”

“Great.” Maria said. “See you later then?” she asked casually.

“You bet.” Michael said as he watched her through the crowd of people. Her date was a tall blond guy with glasses and a black suit. He was definitely not Maria’s type.

“Kay bye.” Maria yelled into the phone and then hung it up.

Michael hung up the pay phone and smiled. He wondered what the odds were that Maria would be in the exact same place as they were. He laughed and headed towards the opposite side of the bar to get Max’s beer and a drink for himself. After completing their drink order he headed back into the room where the pool tables were to find Max sitting right where he had left him.

Michael put Max’s beer down and took the seat on the other side of the table. “So what’d I miss?”

“Nothing.” Max said. “No tables yet.”

“Hey guess who’s here?” Michael asked, trying to sound as casual as possible.

“Who?” Max asked even though he couldn’t care less.

“Maria, Alex and Tess.” Michael said taking a swig off his bottle of Budweiser.

Max sat up and looked around. “Really? Where?” he asked. “I don’t see them.”

“There over on the other side of the bar.” Michael pointed. “Maria is on some blind date. He’s one of Alex’s friends. They’re doubling I guess.”

“Wild.” Max said shaking his head. “I mean what are the odds?”

“I was wondering the same thing.” Michael laughed. “Although the way things are going for us in this town, the odds are pretty good for anything!”

“So what did she say earlier?” Max asked suddenly forgetting about his own problems for a moment, and remembering Maria’s visit to his parent’s house earlier that evening.

“She came to tell me that the conversation I heard that day did take place, but that her and Liz were talking about Mark Petersen.” Michael said, embarrassed by his admission.

“I told you!” Max said. “I told you she wouldn’t have said that about you! I knew you were wrong! Man, you have some serious begging to do.”

Michael nodded. “Yeah, Could you not rub it in? I feel dumb enough already.”

“Yeah sure.” Max nodded in understanding. If he knew his friend at all, and he was sure he did, he knew Michael was already punishing himself enough.

“Thanks.” Michael said.

“So did Maria see you?” Max asked. “Does she know you’re here?”

“Actually, when she was at your parent’s house earlier she gave me her cell phone number and asked me to call her tonight after we got done with dinner.” Michael said, holding up the post it with the phone number on it. “I called her when I went to get our drinks, and she said they were here. She doesn’t know we’re here too.”

Max laughed. “Why didn’t you tell her?” he asked.

“I told her I’d stop by later and say hi.” Michael shrugged. “I didn’t really want to intrude on her date, or ruin our plans to play some pool.”

“Yes you do.” Max laughed. “Come on Romeo.” He said as he stood up and headed for the bar where Michael said they were sitting.

Michael jumped up and grabbed his bottle of beer off the table, following Max towards where they were sitting. He came up behind Max just as he was approaching their table.

“Well, well, what a coincidence. Imagine seeing you guys here.” Max said as he looked around the table at Alex, Tess and Maria.

“Hi Max.” Tess said shyly. “What are your two doing here?”

Maria smiled and shook her head as she looked at Michael. “Max, Michael, this is Anthony.” She said as Anthony stood up and shook Max’s hand and then Michael’s.

Michael gave a short nod to Anthony as he sat back down. “Hi Alex, Tess.” He said politely. “Maria.” He nodded and smiled at her.

“Hi Michael.” Alex said. “Max.” he gave a curt nod in Max’s direction.

“Hi Alex.” Max said. “How’s it going?” he asked. He could tell from the cold stare Alex was giving him that he was one of the few people in town that knew Samantha was his daughter. He should have known, Liz and Alex had been friends since they were little.

“Nothing much.” Alex said. “Just working and stuff. So what are you doing in town?”

“I have some legal issues that I’m dealing with.” Max said, cutting the conversation short.

“Are you and Michael going to Liz’s wedding?” Tess asked, completely out of the loop. “Maria just asked Anthony to be her date.” She smiled.

“Umm no.” Max shook his head. “We weren’t invited.”

“Oh.” Tess said feeling stupid. “Well, why don’t you two sit down and join us.” Tess said as she felt Alex squeeze her knee under the table. “ I mean if you want to.” She tried to desperately rescind the invitation.

“Don’t mind if we do.” Michael said, pulling up a chair and sitting down on the other side of Maria. “So Armand, how’s the blind date going?” he asked, leaning up and looking at Anthony. “I guess it must be going pretty well if she invited you to her best friend’s wedding huh?”

“Actually the name’s Anthony.” Anthony said.

“Right, Whatever.” Michael said as he grabbed a handful of pretzels from the basket on the table and shoved them in his mouth.

Maria rolled her eyes at Michael and slapped him on the arm. “Sorry Anthony. He’s my ex.” She said quietly. She couldn’t believe it, Michael was jealous. She tried not to smile. Here she was, on a date with a really nice guy for the fist time in a long time, and Michael was there ruining it. Still she was amused by the fact that he was jealous after all this time.

Anthony nodded. “Ahh, I see.”

Maria’s phone started to ring. “Saved by the bell.” She muttered under her breath. The testosterone floating around the table was enough to choke her. She was thankful to whoever was calling her.

“Hello?” Maria asked loudly as she answered her cell phone. “Liz? Liz is that you?” she asked as she waved at everyone to be quiet. “What’s wrong sweetie? Oh no. Ok, stay there, I’ll come pick you up right now. Ok, I’ll pull up right outside.” Maria said and she hung up the phone. “I gotta go.” She said as she started to stand up.

“What’s going on?” Michael asked as he looked across the table at Max.

“What is it Maria?” Max asked. “Is it Sam? Is she ok?” he asked desperately, his chest felling unbearably tight.

“Sam’s fine.” Maria said. “It’s Liz. She got a little drunk and said something to Josh. She’s really upset and I need to go pick her up.”

“Why do you have to go get her?” Anthony asked. “I mean where is she?”

“She’s at her parent’s house.” Maria said as she threw her purse over her shoulder. “Apparently Josh got so mad at what she said, he left her there and told her to spend the night there tonight. She just needs to talk.”

“Well what did she say to him?” Alex asked, concerned for his friend.

“She didn’t say.” Maria shrugged. “She was really upset though. Sorry Anthony, let’s try to do this again before the wedding ok?” she said as she bent down and kissed his cheek.

“If there is a wedding.” Michael said quietly.

“Shut up Michael.” Maria hit him in the shoulder playfully and winked.

Max stood up. “Maria, why don’t you let me go.”

“Excuse me?” Maria asked as she shot a death glare towards Max. She might be on her way to understanding why Michael left, but she would never forgive Max for leaving Liz. “I don’t think so.” She said as she walked past him, quickly heading for the door.

Max turned and looked at Michael who gave him an encouraging nod. He quickly turned and followed Maria out of the bar. When he reached the parking lot he finally caught up with her. “Maria please!” he yelled out as she approached her white jeep.

Maria stopped and turned around. When Max was finally standing in front of her she glared at him with angry eyes. “No way Max. You’ve put Liz though enough. She’s upset right now and she’s expecting a friend, not the person who caused all of this.”


“Please let me go, I need to talk to her.” Max said desperately.

“Could you be any more selfish?” Maria asked. “What about what Liz needs? What about what Sam needs?”

“I think Liz needs to talk to me too.” Max said quietly.

“She doesn’t.” Maria said. “She’s done with you Max. You left her. She’d done just fine without you. She has me, she has Sam and now she has Josh. We’ve always been there for her which is more than I can say for you! She has a chance at real love, at real happiness, and I won’t let you ruin it!”

“I realize that I’ve been a real asshole Maria.” Max said taking her arm. “But I need to make it up to Liz and to my daughter. I need to explain things to her.”

“Like what?” Mara spat at him pulling her arm away. “Like how you didn’t get into USC so you gave up on the two of you?”

“How did you know about that?” Max asked in surprise.

“It doesn’t matter how I know.” Maria said. “Max, there are other schools in Los Angeles you could’ve gone to. Besides, Liz would have gone to another school if it meant she could have stayed with you. She would have done that even before she found out she was pregnant. Don’t you realize how much she loved you?”

Max didn’t say anything. He knew how much Liz loved him back then and he knew she would have gone anywhere he went, but he never wanted to be the one to stop her form going to the school that she talked about going too the entire time he knew her. “Maria, you know as much as I do that Liz would have been unhappy going to another school. She would have ended up resenting me, maybe resenting Sam too. I didn’t want to do that to her.” He whispered sadly.

“Look.” Maria said as she watched his expression turn to sadness and his eyes fill up with tears. “Liz deserves to know the truth. If you promise to tell her, right now, tonight, I’ll let you go pick her up.”

Max nodded. “Ok. I promise.”

Maria nodded silently and started to walk past him but he grabbed her arm.

“Thank you. I owe you one.” Max said and he leaned over and kissed her cheek.

Maria smiled and looked at him. “I’m holding you to that.” She whispered and started to walk back towards the bar. “Oh by the way,” she called out, “pick Liz up in the alley behind her house, her parents and Sam are asleep, and she doesn’t want them to wake up.”

Max nodded and waved. As soon as Maria was safely back into the bar, he raced to his rental car and headed towards The Crashdown.

Part 21

Max pulled the car up at the end of the alley and turned off the ignition and headlights. Taking a deep breath he opened the car door and set off down the skinny asphalt road leading towards Liz’s balcony. “What the hell am I doing?” he whispered to himself as his shoes squished against the rain soaked streets.

He stopped just short of where the ladder to Liz’s room was and whistled softly.

A moment later Liz poked her head over the edge. Her eyes shot up in surprise as she noticed that it was Max standing below and not Maria. “What the hell are you doing here?” she hissed down to him.

“I came to talk to you.” Max said back as quietly as possible.

“Where’s Maria?” Liz whispered back suspiciously.

“She’s on a date.” Max said. “Are you gonna ask me questions from up there all night or do you want to get out of here?”

Liz thought for a moment before rolling her eyes. “Fine, but we’re just going to talk right?”

“Yeah, yeah, of course.” Max nodded as he waved her down before she woke up the whole house.

Liz swung a leg over the edge of the balcony and started to climb down the ladder. Max could tell she was still pretty drunk as she slowly made her way from rung to rung. He watched her nervously for a moment before he climbed up to meet her and help her down. When he reached her in the middle of the ladder he placed one hand firmly on her waist, which was exposed due to the way her shirt had inched up, as she clung to the ladder with both hands.

Liz inhaled sharply at the touch of his hand on her bare flesh. “I can do it myself.” She said angrily as she wiggled away from him.

“Oh really?” Max whispered against her ear. “Because from down there it looked like you were about to take a ten foot plunge to the street.”

“Whatever.” Liz said in a frustrated tone.

“Come on Liz, let me help you, you’ve obviously been drinking.” Max said quietly as he put his hand on her waist again to steady her, as he started to descend the ladder slowly.

“Fine, but don’t get any ideas.” Liz said as she also started to move down the ladder.

“Don’t worry.” Max said getting frustrated with her.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Liz asked bitterly.

“Nothing,” Max sighed. “Just hurry up.”

“I’m going as fast as I can you know.” Liz whispered.

Max reached the bottom and hopped down, reaching up to place both hands on Liz’s hips helping her hop down as well.

When they were both safely on the street Liz stuck her hands in her pockets casually. “So where to?” she asked, tilting her head to the side.

Max shook his head and smiled. “Well, you were the one that wanted to get out of here, so you tell me.”

“How about the old swimming hole? You know, the one at the quarry?” Liz asked as she looked up at him hopefully.

Max sighed and knew he wouldn’t be able to tell her no. “Liz, it’s pretty dark out there, I’m not sure if it’s a good idea.”

“Oh come on, have some balls” Liz said as Max’s eyebrows shot up. “What? Did I offend you?” sha asked.

“Umm, no.” Max laughed, she was obviously trashed. “I guess I’m not used to hearing you talk like that, that’s all.” He looked up at the sky. “Besides, it’s not that, I just don’t think it’s the right place to go tonight. The weather is kind of weird.”

“Oh stop it.” Liz smiled. “Come on chicken.” She smiled as she started to skip towards the end of the alley like a little girl.

“Fine.” Max called out as quietly as he could as he followed her towards the car remembering the last time they had been at the rock quarry together.
***

Maria couldn’t believe that she was sitting in between Michael and her date and they were both ignoring her completely. She took another sip of her martini and rolled her eyes. The two of them had been talking about basketball for the last hour. Even Tess and Alex had enough sense to leave twenty minutes before.

She wondered how it had happened. When she left to go get Liz, the two of them were eyeing each other like two tigers ready to fight over prey, and when she got back it was like they were the best of friends. Not that she had wanted Michael to be jealous, but after what had happened between the two of them five years before, she had to admit to herself that it was flattering that he could still feel that way. She looked at Michael again and smiled.

“Maria can I get you another drink?” Anthony asked politely as he put his hand on her knee.

Maria looked at him and smiled. “No thanks. Actually I think I’m about ready to head home. I have an early appointment in the morning with my car insurance agent.” She rolled her eyes. “Something about my rates going up.”

“Oh.” Anthony said in a disappointed tone. “Ok then, we better go.”

Michael looked at Maria and smiled. He could tell she was bored out of her skull. “Hey, are you guys hungry? We could go over to Denny’s and grab something to eat.”

Anthony perked up at this suggestion, but Maria shook her head. “No thanks Michael.” She said. “Unless you two want to go without me. I could take a cab home.” She suggested looking at Anthony and Michael.

“No, it’s ok.” Anthony said. “Michael and I are going to play basketball tomorrow anyway and he needs all the rest he can get.”

Michael laughed. “Yeah, right.”

“Ok then let’s go.” Maria said in an angry tone as she stood up and put on her jacket. “Michael, always a pleasure.” She nodded her head at him curtly as she started to walk away.

Michael noticed Anthony busy fishing through his wallet to leave a tip on the table and he seized his opportunity. He grabbed Maria’s arm and pulled her closely to him so her ear was next to his lips. “I’m calling you in thirty minutes. We’re not done talking.” He whispered softly into her ear.

Maria felt the tingles rush through her body and she wasn’t sure if it was Michael’s whispering voice or the extreme amount of alcohol she had consumed that caused it. She was barely able to keep herself from standing upright as the smell of Michael’s cologne made its way up her nose and took over her senses. She nodded slowly as he released her from his grip and turned to shake Anthony’s hand.

Michael sat back down at their table as Anthony led Maria through the still crowded bar and towards the door. Maria turned one last time to see if Michael was still sitting there and saw that he was not only still there, but that he was staring right at her and as their eyes met for a split second, she suddenly found herself wanting to get home as quickly as possible.

Part 22

“Wow it sure us dark out here huh?” Liz said as they pulled into a clearing next to the water filled quarry.

“I told you it would be.” Max said as he turned the car off. “Why did you want to come up here tonight Liz?”

“I don’t know. I guess I was feeling nostalgic again or something. Damn, there’s that stupid word again-nostalgic.” Liz rolled her eyes. “Why do you think certain places and certain smells and certain songs do those things to us? Make us remember what we’ve tried so hard to forget?”

Max shrugged as he looked over at her. “Maybe that’s just it, our mind wants to forget but our heart doesn’t. Maybe that’s why those things make us remember. To make sure our hearts don’t die.” Max waited for her to say something but she remained silent. “ I know all of the memories my heart holds is what has kept it from dying over the past 5 years. I haven’t been able to find anything close to what we had Liz, and believe me, I have looked.”

Liz finally looked at him. “I would be lying if I said I never thought about all of the good times Max, I do. I have thought about them over and over, wondering if I did something to make you leave like you did.”

“Liz…” Max began but he was cut off.

“So I suppose you want to know what happened tonight?” Liz asked, quickly changing the subject.

“Only if you want to tell me.” Max said quietly. “If you don’t then that’s ok too.”

“No, I want to tell you.” Liz sighed. “I told Josh that I let you meet Sam and he got angry. Really angry.”

Max looked at Liz closely and turned in his seat to face her. He placed his hand on her arm gently. “He didn’t hit you did he Liz, cuz if he did, I swear..” Max said as he tried to look into her averted eyes.

“No, no.” Liz said, shaking her head.” Josh would never do that. He loves me Max.”

Max nodded. “I know he does. Sometimes guys do shit like that though, even if they love the person.”

“Well Josh wouldn’t.” Liz said. “He just got mad, and long story short, I basically told him that he wasn’t Sam’s father and he didn’t have the right to get mad.”

“Ouch.” Max said. “That’s pretty harsh.”

“Thanks.” Liz said as she turned away from him and towards the window. “Like I didn’t feel bad enough.”

“Sorry.” Max said as he looked at her. “Do you think you two will be able to work it out?”

“Probably.” Liz nodded. “Hopefully.”

Max was surprised by how his heart fell at her answer. “Good.” He said quietly. “I mean you are getting married next Saturday right?”

“Right.” Liz said quietly. “I’m sure it will be fine, but I don’t know if he’ll ever forget that I said it.”

“Well, will you be able to?” Max asked.

Liz shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“Liz, talk to me, tell me what’s going through your mind.” Max said as she turned back around to face him.

“Do you really want to know the twisted thoughts of my innermost self?” Liz asked with a laugh. “I mean they might freak you out.” She warned in a joking tone. “They freak me out, thus the reason for my alcohol induced state.”

“Try me.” Max said as their eyes met and the smile disappeared from her face.

Liz looked across at him and her eyes filled up with tears. “It’s like I don’t even know myself anymore Max. Ever since I came back here, it’s like everything is different.”

Max nodded. “I know what you mean.”

“You do?” She asked. “Do you feel it too? Like this is some sort of weird parallel universe or something, like the Twilight Zone or the Bermuda triangle?”

Yeah.” Max nodded again. “Like you’re not sure if you’ll be able to leave? To return to the life you’ve made for yourself outside of Roswell?”

“Exactly.” Liz said as she looked at him amazed that she wasn’t the only one that felt like that.

“Michael says he feels it too.” Max whispered. “Like he knew somehow we would all end up back here again.”

“Really?” Liz asked with a small smile. “Jeez, you have no idea how much better that makes me feel about everything.

Max smiled at her as the moonlight lit up her face and her eyes sparkled at him through her tears. “You know Liz, you’re still the prettiest girl I’ve ever known.”

“Right!” Liz said as she wiped her tears away and laughed. “Come on Max, you’re a great looking guy, living in one of the biggest cities in the world, I seriously doubt I’m the prettiest girl you’ve ever known! You said it yourself; you’ve been with a lot of women.”

“Ok first of all, I never said I’ve ‘been with’ a lot of women. I just said I had been looking for what we had and I’ve never been able to find it again with anyone.” Max said, not wanting her to get the wrong idea. “Many first dates, not very many second dates, and rarely any third dates.” He looked at her more closely. “Second of all, I’m totally serious.” Max said quietly. “You’re beautiful. Maybe even more beautiful now than you were in high school.”

“Yeah well you’re still pretty damn sexy yourself Max.” Liz smiled, slightly embarrassed by the compliment.

“Actually that’s just the alcohol talking.” Max laughed.

Liz rolled her eyes. “Shut up you know you’re good looking.” She teased as she playfully hit him on the arm.

Max grabbed her wrist firmly as she punched him and pulled her towards him.

“Max…” Liz said in resistance, as her face was mere inches from his.

“Liz, tell me you don’t feel this.” Max whispered as she leaned in closer towards him.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Liz said as she began to feel slightly lightheaded at the closeness. “Feel what?” she asked, trying to deny it.

“This connection we have. It’s not just Samantha that we share between us. It’s these feelings. They haven’t gone away for me, and I know they haven’t gone away for you either.” Max said as he held on to her arm and looked into her eyes. “Don’t tell me this is just a physical reaction to seeing each other again because it’s not. Our hearts won’t let us forget each other Liz, there has to be a reason why.”

Liz couldn’t look away from his deep amber eyes. “I’m getting married. This can’t happen.”

“Why?” Max asked as he moved closer to her face with his lips. He licked them quickly and saw the blood rush through Liz’s cheeks.

“I love Josh.” Liz said as she watched his lips move closer to hers and she smelled his leather jacket. His hand let go of her arm, but she found she couldn’t pull away. “I came here to marry Josh.”

Max nodded. “I know you did Liz, but you can’t deny that you still have feelings for me can you?”

Liz sat perfectly still, afraid to do or to say anything.

“So tell me.” Max asked quietly as he reached up and brushed a stray hair out of her face and pushed it back behind her ear.

Liz felt the goosebumps rise up as she took a deep breath. The feeling of his hand brushing against her cheek was almost more than she could stand and she closed her eyes. “I’m so angry with you Max.”

Max nodded as he kissed her cheek slowly and gently. “I know you are. I was such a loser, such a total jerk to you Liz. I can’t even stand to look at myself in the mirror sometimes.”

“Good.” Liz said as she felt his lips touch her other cheek.

“There hasn’t been a day in the last five years that I haven’t thought of you Liz. It’s the truth.” Max whispered as his eyes filled up with tears. “I’ve had dreams at night that I was with you again and they felt so real, so amazing, and then I would wake up and have to face the reality of how I treated you.”

The tears rolled down his cheeks and Liz opened her eyes to see the pain on his face. She reached up to wipe them away, first one cheek and then the other and before she knew what was happening she was kissing his tears away as quickly as he was kissing hers away.

Liz’s hands wrapped around the back of his neck as he pulled her closer towards him, until the only thing separating them was the vehicle’s emergency brake.

Max ran his hands up Liz’s back, desperate to feel every square inch of the body he had only felt in his dreams for the last five years. He was ecstatic that she seemed to want and need him as much as he wanted and needed her, but he knew he wouldn’t be able to be with her completely because somewhere in her mind was Josh.

Max let go of Liz and sat back quickly as she stared at him in confusion. “Liz, I can’t do this.” He said as he ran a frustrated hand through his hair.

Liz looked at him in shock. “What’s wrong?” she asked, sounding surprised.

“I can’t do this. You still love Josh. You’re marrying him.” Max said quietly. “You’re here with me right now but somewhere in your mind you’re with him.”

Liz was silent. She knew he was right and she didn’t know what to say. “I’m sorry. I guess I got carried away.”

“I did too.” Max said quietly. “But, I wasn’t lying Liz, everything I said was the truth.”

Liz nodded. “I know Max.”

“The thing is, I still love you.” Max said quickly. “I didn’t even realize how much until I saw you again. I know you’ve hated me for the last five years, and I can’t blame you, but I want you to know the truth. No more lies.”

“Ok then, why did you leave?” Liz asked as she felt fresh tears making their way to the surface.

Max took a deep breath, ready to tell her the whole story.
***



Maria sat on the bed, waiting for the phone to ring. She wanted to be sure to answer it before it woke her mother up. The last thing she felt like explaining was why Michael Guerin was calling her at two in the morning.

The phone made the beginning of a ring a minute later, exactly a half an hour from the time she left the bar. She quickly picked it up. “Hello?” she whispered into the receiver.

“Hey you. Is Mr. Wonderful gone?” Michael asked in his deep voice.

“No actually he’s right here in bed next to me, do you want to talk to him some more about basketball? I think I could wake him up if you want.” Maria said sarcastically.

“Wow, he’s already asleep?” Michael asked laughing. “I see you haven’t lost your touch.”

“Ok, that was either a compliment, or a really mean insult.” Maria said, pretending to sound hurt.

“Well I meant it as a compliment, but you would know about your “touch” these days better than me now wouldn’t you?” Michael asked, lowering his voice into a sexy tone.

Maria laughed. “So did you call to reminisce about our sexual exploits or to talk seriously?”

“Well I had originally called to talk seriously, but now that I have you on the phone what the hell?” Michael laughed. “What are you wearing?”

“You’re a pig do you know that?” Maria asked as she unzipped her skirt and it fell to the floor.

“Yep, and I’m damn proud of it.” Michael said.

Maria laughed. “So I take it you liked Anthony?” she asked, changing the subject.

“No.” Michael said. “I was just acting like I did so I could spend more time with you tonight.”

“What is that honesty I hear in your voice Mr. Guerin?” Maria asked, sounding shocked.

“Well I have to start sometime.” Michael said growing more serious.

“How about right now?” Maria asked as she took her shirt off and threw it across the room, climbing into bed in her bra and panties.

“That’s exactly what I was thinking.” Michael said as he lay on Max’s bed and kicked his shoes off.

Part 23

Let’s go for a walk and I’ll explain everything. This car is getting a little stuffy.” Max said as he opened his door.

Liz nodded and opened hers as well, stepping out of the car and into the light of the full moon.

Max looked across at Liz and smiled as her face was illuminated in the moonlight. “Well, I don’t really know where to start.” He said , taking her hand and beginning to walk down the old dirt path that they had walked dozens of times before.

“Start at the beginning.” Liz said sadly. “Why did you just leave without telling me in person Max?”

“Well for one thing I was a coward.” Max shrugged and tried to manage a small smile. “I knew that the best thing for you was to let you go to California without me, and I was afraid that if I was looking into your beautiful eyes, I wouldn’t be able to let you go.”

“But you were supposed to go to California with me Max, that was the plan remember?” Liz asked in a confused tone as they continued to walk in the darkness.

“I know that was the plan, but there was a problem.” Max said as they reached the top of a small incline. They both looked out over the water filled quarry and sat down, Max laying his jacket on the ground for her to sit on.

“What?” Liz asked as she lowered herself down to the ground and on to his jacket.

“I couldn't to USC Liz.” Max said in an ashamed tone as he looked down at her. “I ccouldn't go to any of the colleges in California.”

Liz sighed. “Why not? You were a great student!"

Max sat down next to her and picked up a handful of pebbles. “Before we graduated, right after we applied, I overheard a conversation between my parents one night.” Max said softly. “They made some bad investments and lost all of my college money. Isabel’s money too.”

“Oh my God.” Liz said as she reached over and covered Max’s hand with hers. “So what happened?”

Max threw a pebble into the water and looked over at her. “Well I called USC and asked about financial aid, but because my parents income was still pretty high, they denied me the money for tuition. My Dad tried to take out a second mortgage on their house, but they got turned down for that too because of some credit problems. There was no way they could have afforded to send me to California Liz.”

“But you could have come with me anyway. You could have got a job and when I wasn’t in school I could have worked too. We could of gotten an off campus apartment together.” Liz said as she looked at him.

Max avoided her eyes and he continued. “Liz, going to that school was your dream. You talked about it since we were little kids. How do you think you would have felt if you had to take a job, in addition to going to college just to try to pay for some crappy apartment? It wouldn’t have been fair to you and you would have ended up resenting me.”

Liz shook her head. “No Max, It would have been worth it because we would have been together.”

“Well I would have hated myself for making you do it.” Max said as he finally turned and looked at her again, taking her other hand in his. “It’s not the life I wanted for us Liz.”

“Well I could have gone to another school Max, someplace where it would have been less expensive for us to live, and then you could have gone to community college. Or we could have both stayed here in Roswell and gone to community college.” Liz said trying to make sense of it all.

“No Liz, you don’t get it.” Max sighed and took her hand. “You’re the smartest girl I’ve ever known. You got into USC and your parents were able to send you. There was no way I was going to allow you to give that opportunity up. I’m not sorry that you went. The only thing I’m sorry for is the cowardly way I handled the situation. I should have just been honest and told you what happened, but I didn’t.”

“I know why you didn’t.” Liz said as she looked into his tear filled eyes. “You knew how much you meant to me. How much I loved you. You knew that I wouldn’t have gone.”

Max nodded as a tear slipped out of the corner of his eye. “I’m so sorry Liz. I never knew you were pregnant. We slept together for the last time and the next morning I left you that shitty note and disappeared. I screwed everything up so badly for us.”

Liz shook her head. “Max I want you to know something too.”

“What?” Max asked quietly as he noticed Liz shift uncomfortably.

“I knew where you were. I knew you were in New York. I had your address and phone number for the first two years you were gone.” Liz admitted.

“You did?” Max asked in shock. “But how? I didn’t even tell my parents where I was.”

“Well do you remember Bonnie Higgins?” Liz asked.

Max thought for a moment and shook his head. “No. Should I?”

“No, not really.” Liz said quietly. “She was a girl Maria and I met at camp when we were eleven. Maria and I were in the same cabin as her.”

“What does she have to do with any of this stuff?” Max asked curiously as he continued to throw pebbles into the water.

“Well we all kept in contact, and when she graduated high school she moved to New York to work at the free clinic her Uncle was a Doctor at, so she could work her way through med school.” Liz explained. “Do you remember her yet?”

Max thought for a minute and looked over at Liz as he suddenly knew where she was heading with their conversation. “Bonnie was the name of the nurse at the free clinic I worked at when I first was in New York.”

Liz nodded. “Yep. She knew all about you from my letters. She told me when you showed up and filled out the application. As soon as she saw that you were from Roswell she called me in California.”

“How come she didn’t tell me you were pregnant?” Max asked, suddenly angry.

“I never told her.” Liz shrugged. “She gave me your address and phone number, but I never used them.”

“Why not?” Max asked, running his hand through his hair.

“Well after the way you left, I guess I was mad. I was immature too.” Liz shrugged. “Besides, I figured that if you didn’t want me, you wouldn’t want our child either. I didn’t want you to be with me just because of a baby. I didn’t want you resenting me either I guess.” Liz wiped at her eyes. “It doesn’t matter now. I just thought you should know. You weren’t the only one that was stupid about everything.”

Max was silent for a moment as he thought about what Liz had just told him. Both of them had been trying to protect the other one, and they had both ended up missing out on a lot. “How could we have been so dumb?” he asked as he looked over at Liz.

“I don’t know.” Liz shrugged. “It’s like we were both trying to avoid having the other one resent us, but we ended up resenting each other anyway.”

Max shook his head vehemently. “No Liz, I don’t resent you. I just regret not being given the chance to be there for you, and for Sam.”

Liz nodded. “I don’t really resent you either Max. I do resent not being given the chance to make up my own mind about California though. Still I can’t be mad at you, you thought you were doing the best thing for me, and looking at the way everything turned out, I really should thank you. I wouldn’t be where I am today if all of this wouldn’t have happened. I’m a lot stronger than I used to be. I just regret not telling you and giving you the chance to know Sam before now.” She squeezed Max’s hand and smiled.

Max managed a small smile as well. “You are strong Liz and I should thank you too.” Max said as he ran his thumb over the back of her hand.

“For what?” Liz asked.

“For taking such good care of our daughter. She’s amazing, just like you are.” Max said as he stood up, pulling her up by her hand behind him.

“Well your welcome.” Liz smiled. “She is amazing and I know the two of you will have a great relationship down the road.”

Max shook his head. “No Liz. We won’t. I’m signing the papers. I’m going to let Josh adopt Samantha.”

Liz stared at him in silence for a long moment as he let go of her hand and started to walk down the hill towards the water filled quarry.

***

Michael closed his eyes and pictured Maria lying in the bed next to him and smiled. “Uh you do know that you’re treading on dangerous ground don’t you?” he asked into the receiver.

“Oh really?” Maria asked quietly into the phone. “Why is that?”

“Well you’re on the phone in the middle of the night with a guy that hasn’t been laid in umm..well… a long time. I could get the wrong idea if you know what I mean.” Michael laughed.

“Well that was a little more information then I needed to know, but thanks Michael.” Maria laughed as she listened to his deep voice. “I think I’ll take my chances. I’m a big girl.”

“So what did you say you were wearing”? Michael asked with a laugh.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Maria asked in a sultry tone.

“Yes I would.” Michael said seriously. Otherwise I wouldn’t have asked.”

“Well, I was in my bra and panties, but I just took my bra off.” Maria said, lowering her voice even further.

Michael let out a low whistle as he pictured her in her old bedroom, lying on her bed in nothing but her little lace panties. “So you still have your thong on then?” he asked with a smile.

Maria disappeared under the covers for a brief moment and then poked her head back up. Her bare arm came out from under the blanket and dropped a handful of lace onto the floor. “Not anymore.” She whispered.

“I thought you wanted to talk.” Michael whispered into the phone as he unbuttoned his shirt and shrugged out of hit, suddenly feeling very overheated.

“I did, but I’m over it.” Maria said with a smile. “Actually I wish we could “talk” in person.”

“Your drunk aren’t you?” Michael asked into the phone smiling.

“What if I am?” Maria asked. “I mean really Michael, do you care?”

“Yes.” Michael said, even surprising himself. “I do care Maria. I want you to be perfectly coherent when you’re with me, that way you can remember every second.”

“Well I guarantee you; my judgment and my memories are perfectly intact.” Maria said as she slid her hand under the covers, thinking of Michael being there with her. “So why don’t you come over?”

“Maria I….” Michael said, unsure of where her mind was. The last thing he wanted was to take advantage of her inebriated situation.

“Michael look, I had two drinks in the last six hours. I’m telling you I’m not drunk. I want you to come over. What do you want me to do, beg? We’ll have plenty of time to talk ok? I just really need you to be with me tonight. Please Michael, don’t make me ask again.” Maria said, her voice shaky with emotion.

“I’ll be right over.” Michael said quickly. He smiled to himself as he threw on a sweatshirt, pulled on his shoes, and quickly jumped out Max’s bedroom window.

Part 24 (NC 17)

Michael stood outside Maria’s window and took a deep breath. “What are you doing man?” he whispered aloud to himself. “This is Maria you’re about to go see.”

Suddenly the window flung open and Maria was standing there looking at him. “Are you coming in?” she asked quietly. “Or would you rather me come out there?” she smirked.

“No, I’m definitely coming in.” Michael said as she stepped aside and he began to climb into her bedroom. Once inside he looked around the room. Not much had changed in the last five years. Her shelves were still adorned with pictures of her with Liz, Alex and Kyle. There was even one with her and Isabel from graduation. There weren’t any of him, or of the two of them together. “I see your room looks about the same.” He said as he turned around to face her.

Maria smiled. “Yeah, I guess it does.” She said, pulling the white sheet she had wrapped around her naked form closer to her bare skin. “I got a new mattress though.” She laughed.

Michael laughed as well. He remembered the day they had destroyed her old mattress. He had the brilliant idea to put it on the top of the car and drive it out to the old rock quarry the day before graduation. Max and Liz had taken an inflatable air mattress, and Alex and Isabel had taken his mattress plus a foam pad for the top of it. They had spent their last night together as high school students up there and the next morning, on the way back to their houses, Maria’s mattress had fallen off the top of her mom’s Jetta and flown off the edge of the windy road and into the water below. Michael laughed again. “Yeah, sorry about that, but maybe I would’ve tied your old mattress to the car better if you wouldn’t have been parading around in that tiny red bikini.”

Maria rolled her eyes. “Don’t blame me for your stupid mistake.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Michael said as he took his first good look at her. Her hair was hanging loosely down her back and she had the sheet wrapped around her perfectly toned body. He could just barely see the outline of her breasts through the crisp white cotton. Her lips were full and pink and her eyes were glistening in the moonlight that was coming through the open window. “Maria, You’re still so beautiful.” He whispered as he took a step closer to her.

“Thanks.” Maria whispered as she looked down at the ground self-consciously. “But I never knew you thought I was beautiful before. You never said so.”

“I know.” Michael nodded as he touched her chin and tipped it upwards so she was forced to look in his eyes. “There were a lot of things I never said before that I should have.”

“Like what?” Maria whispered as she stared at him.

“Like how much I loved you. How I wanted to spend my life with you, and how I wanted you to marry me and be with me forever.” Michael said as he ran his thumb along the edge of her chin.

“How come you never said that stuff?” Maria asked, her eyes filling with tears.

“Because I was a stupid eighteen year old kid who didn’t know how to say what I felt.” Michael whispered, moving his thumb from her chin to her lips and running his finger across their plump fullness. “I’m sorry Maria.”

Maria nodded, but was silent. She had told herself before she saw Michael that she would never allow him back into her life. She had promised herself that she would make sure she would never get sucked back into those eyes, those lips. She tipped her head back slowly as she felt his strong arm move around her waist and pull her closer to him. She heard herself gasp quietly as he ran his hand up her back.

Michael couldn’t believe he was here with her. He had dreamed about this moment for the last five years, never truly believing it would ever come. She was allowing him to touch her. He knew Maria, and he knew forgiveness didn’t come easy for her. She might never forgive him for leaving the way he did, but she was allowing him to be with her. Even if was only this one night, one last time before going their separate ways again, he knew he had to have her. He wanted to make love to her the way he had dreamed of for so long.

Maria could barely breathe at the touch of Michael’s hand on her bare shoulder. Suddenly his lips plunged down onto hers and her last remaining breath was stolen. Michael was kissing her again, and all of her anger was suddenly gone. She knew she would be mad at herself in the morning for not only giving into him, but for practically begging him to do this in the first place, but she didn’t care. She had thought she was over him, now she knew she was wrong. Her stubbornness would never allow him to know how wrong she was. “Michael, this doesn’t make everything ok, I hope you know that.” She whispered as he released her lips from his momentarily.

“Shut up Maria.” Michael said as he suddenly scooped her up into his arms and walked her over to the edge of her bed, gently laying her down on the mattress. He quickly pulled his sweatshirt over his head and tossed it carelessly onto the ground. He kicked his shoes off and looked down at Maria.

Maria stared up at his chiseled chest and closed her eyes briefly. To her surprise, when she opened them he was still there. She had almost thought she was having one of the many dreams about Michael that had invaded her sleep throughout the last few years. She sat up and dropped the sheet from her chest, allowing it to fall to her waist and exposing her bare breasts. She reached her hands up to Michael’s waist, grasping at the button fly on his jeans.

Michael stared at Maria’s nude form and inhaled sharply. Her breasts were begging him to touch them. He cupped them with his large hands as she undid the fly on his jeans and desperately pulled the pants down the sides of his body along with his boxers. He kicked them off quickly and they landed on the floor next to his sweatshirt. Michael climbed into the bed, never letting go of Maria’s hot flesh, and she moaned at his touch.

Maria lay back, resting her head on the pillow, as Michael ripped the rest of the white sheet from her body, throwing it off the side of the bed. He lowered his head towards her and took her lips in his again, desperately plunging his tongue into her hot mouth. He moaned as he kissed her, causing Maria’s lips to vibrate in the most erotic way. She gasped as she kissed him in return, teasing his tongue with her own until neither of them could breathe.

Michael released Maria’s lips and began kissing her neck, running his hands down her hot flesh until he reached her hips. He gently pushed her legs to either side so her heat was fully exposed to his touch. He moved his lips to her erect nipples as he took one of them in his mouth, plunging his fingers into her at the same time.


Maria’s head tipped back involuntarily as she moaned in pleasure. “Oh God Michael.” She said aloud in as quiet as voice as she could. “Please don’t stop.”

Michael released her breast from his mouth and smiled. “I wasn’t planning too baby.” He whispered as he started kissing her stomach, making his way lower and lower, teasing her with kisses and nibbles until he had almost reached her core. He pulled his fingers from her heat and was about to pleasure her with his tongue when Maria suddenly grabbed the back of his head and pulled him back up to her chest.

“My turn.” Maria commanded as she suddenly reversed their positions and she was on top of him. She could feel his hardness in between her legs and knew she was dying from anticipation. If she had let him go down on her she wouldn’t have lasted five seconds. If she remembered anything about Michael and his lovemaking she remembered how talented his tongue was.

Maria leaned down and pinned Michael’s arms above his head before going directly for his neck, a weak spot for him. She kissed his neck gently at first, running her tongue along the base of his neck and up to his ear. She moaned into it softly and felt the reaction she was waiting for. His arousal increased and she smiled, releasing his arms from her grasp. She moved down his neck to his chest and then his stomach, making her way towards his manhood with her tongue. Michael grabbed her shoulders and suddenly stopped her.

“Uh Maria, if you do that it will all be over in seconds.” Michael said with an embarrassed grin.

Maria smiled back up at him and nodded, knowing exactly how he felt. She sat up and leaned over towards her nightstand, opening the drawer and taking a condom out of it. She ripped open the package and removed the contents, rubbing her heat against his hardness the entire time.

Michael couldn’t stand it anymore. He had waited for her for so long, he was struggling with being able to control himself for another second. Maria was torturing him, rubbing herself on him, obviously as ready for him as he was for her. Before he realized it she had slipped the condom on him and was maneuvering herself back into position on top of him.

Maria moaned as she felt his hardness slip easily inside of her, and suddenly she realized that she felt complete being there with him, being one with him again. She smiled to herself in the darkness as she reveled in the feeling and she began to move up and down, slowly at first but with a building passion she was unable to ignore.

Michael closed his eyes and tried to lock the feeling away in his mind, not knowing if this was going to be the last time he would ever be with his one true love. As she moved up and down his arousal, he tried to control his mounting pleasure so it would last longer for her. He tried to think about a zillion different things, but his thoughts kept returning to Maria, and he realized it was pointless to try to think of anything else at this moment. He took a deep breath as he felt her fingers grasp at his chest as she rode him, holding on tightly as her own pleasure was peaking.

“Michael, I’m gonna…” Maria whispered as she increased her speed.

Michael finally was able to allow himself to release his own climax and they both shuddered with the built up passion that they had been saving only for each other. Michael grasped Maria’s buttocks as she slammed herself onto his hardness as it quivered with release. They gasped for air as they rode the waves together as one, Michael uttering Maria’s name over and over again until she collapsed onto his bare chest.
***
“Max, Max, come back” Liz called out as she chased after him down the dirt path leading to the water.

Max stopped when he reached the shore and turned around to see Liz running down the path after him. A moment later she was standing a few feet away. “I see you’re still a pretty quick little runner.” He smiled.

Liz tried to catch her breath. “What…What did you mean?” she asked as her breathing returned to normal.

“That you can still run pretty fast.” Max said with a small grin.

“Very funny.” Liz said taking another deep breath. “I meant by saying you were signing the papers.”

“I meant that I’m signing the papers.” Max said, picking up a rock and throwing it, watching it skip across the top of the water.

“Why?” Liz asked. “I thought you really cared about Sam.”

“I do.” Max said bending down to pick up another rock. “That’s why I’m signing them. She deserves more. She deserves two parents that love her and two parents that love each other.”

“Max I don’t think…” Liz started to say before Max cut her off.

“Look,” Max said as he threw the second rock into the water. “Sam doesn’t know I’m her father. The only person she’s ever known in that role is Josh. He loves you, you love him, and you both love Samantha. Where does that leave me?”

Liz was silent as she looked at the sadness on his face. She didn’t know what to say.

“I’ll tell you where.” Max said picking up another rock and throwing it angrily in. “It leaves me alone in New York, or wherever, fighting with you over spending time with our daughter. Sam doesn’t deserve that and neither do you and Josh. It’s hard enough for a marriage to make it these days, it will be even harder having the sperm donor around to contend with.”

“Max you’re more than that you’re…” Liz said, trying to think of the right word.

“What?” Max asked curiously. “A good friend? An old classmate? An ex-boyfriend? What am I to you Liz?”

“You’re all of those things.” Liz said quietly. “But you’re also Sam’s father.”

“Biologically you’re right.” Max said. “Unfortunately, she doesn’t know me as that, and it’s better if she never does. You and Josh get married next Saturday and he can adopt Sam. I want what’s best for the two of you and that’s Josh.”

Liz swallowed. “Max I really think you should reconsider.”

“Why?” Max asked as he walked over to her. “Why should I? This is what you wanted to begin with isn’t it? It’s why you sent the papers. It was a mistake for me to come here. It just made things more difficult. You should go back to the way your life was before coming here, before seeing me.”

Liz put her hand on his arm. “I thought it was what I wanted, but now I’m not so sure. I think Sam could really benefit from having you in her life.”

“Why?” Max asked, avoiding her eyes.

“Because I have.” Liz said quietly. “My life is better because you’ve been a part of it. I don’t know if I want it to go back to the way it was before. The happiest times in my life have been because of you Max.”

“Yeah and the worst times of your life have been because of me too.” Max said looking at her.

“True.” Liz nodded with a small smile. “But for the most part, the good times outweigh the bad times.”

“Thanks.” Max said sadly. “But I think the time has come to make a decision based on what’s best for Sam. We can’t be selfish.”

“Selfish?” Liz asked as her voice turned suddenly angry. “Don’t you think that’s what I’m trying to do? Don’t you think it’s what I’ve always done? Everything I do is for Sam dammit!”

“Liz, I know, I wasn’t trying to say…” Max said as she pulled her arm away and turned her back towards him.

“I know what you were trying to say.” Liz said bitterly. “Believe me I’ve heard it all.
Ever since I had Samantha people have been telling me that she needs to come first, that I need to weigh all of my decisions carefully and that I need to do what’s right for Sam. Don’t you think I know that?”

“I’m sure you do.” Max said. “You’ve done a great job with her.”

“You have no idea the things I’ve done because of Sam and what was best for her.” Liz asaid in an angry tone. “I couldn’t even tell you everything.”

“Liz..” Max said putting his hand on her shoulder.

Liz shrugged it off and took a step away from him. “Guys at school would ask me out on dates, or to go to parties, but I never went, because I had Sam-not that I minded because she’s my whole life.” Liz quickly added. “The guys that I did go out with, ran as soon as they found out I had a child. You know I didn’t even want to go out with Josh when he first asked me? I went because he was volunteering in the campus daycare program and Sam adored him.”

“Oh.” Max said quietly. “Well it’s great that he cares so much for her.”

“Yep, she talked about him nonstop. It was always “Josh this and Josh that.” So when he asked me out I did it because I knew me having Sam would never be an issue for him.” Liz explained. “It turned into this serious relationship and now we’re getting married.”

“Well you fell in love with him.” Max said in his own bitter tone. “Right?” he asked quietly.

“No Max, I didn’t fall in love with him.” Liz said, spinning around to face him. “I love Josh, but I didn’t fall in love with him. I love him because he is a great man. I love him because he loves me and adores Sam. I love him because cares about our feelings and what happens to us in the future, but I’ve only ever fallen in love with one man in my life.” She said as her eyes met his and her anger pierced through him.

Max stared at her and wondered if she was saying what he thought she was. “Liz, are saying that man is me?” Max asked carefully.

“Of course it’s you!” Liz yelled and threw her arms up into the air. “The only problem is that you never wanted to fight for us, for our happiness Max, and it’s completely obvious to me that you still have no intention of fighting for us, or at the very least for Sam, now.” She lowered her voice, giving up. “So fine, hand Sam and I over to Josh, go back to New York, and don’t look back.”

“You never wanted to fight for us either!” Max said angrily. “You knew where I was, you could have told me you were pregnant but your anger wouldn’t let you!”

“Whatever.” Liz sighed. “It doesn’t matter now. You’re leaving anyway.”

“It does matter.” Max yelled, his voice echoing off the rocky walls of the quarry.

“Why?” Liz yelled, her voice echoing as well.

Max took a deep breath and lowered his voice. “Because you’re the only woman I’ve ever loved, and I still love you Lizzie”

Liz stared at him as her eyes filled up with tears. “Do you?” she whispered.

Max nodded. “Yes, and it kills me to give you and Sam up to this guy, but I don’t see any other way do you? Sam is completely attached to Josh, and you two will have a wonderful life with him. He makes great money, and he loves you guys so much. He can give you both things I can’t.” Max said sadly.

Liz didn’t say anything. She knew what Max had just said was true. Samantha was attached to Josh, and they would have a good life with him. She also knew that she would be miserable. “But what about you? Don’t you deserve to be happy too?” she asked.

Max shrugged. “I’ll be okay.”

“Will you?” Liz asked as she walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his waist.

Max rested his head on top of hers and inhaled the sweet scent of her. A tear rolled down his cheek as he whispered, “Yeah, you and Sam are the only things that matter. If I know you two are ok, then I’ll be fine.”

Liz looked up at him and tried to smile. She wondered if she would be ok. She wasn’t lying, she did love Josh, but seeing Max again brought back all of the feeling she had been trying to suppress for so long. She had finally admitted to herself, and to Max, that she still had feelings for him. She wasn’t sure if she could move forward with Josh knowing that Max had feelings for her too. How many times would she have to give up her own wants and needs for her daughter? Liz rested her head on Max’s strong chest again and breathed in his cologne. She realized that sometimes being a mother was harder than she had ever dreamed it would be.

Max smoothed Liz’s hair as he held her. He would have to sign the papers and leave Roswell soon. Liz and Josh’s wedding was the following Saturday and he knew he wouldn’t be able to handle it if he was in town for the rehearsal and other happy festivities. He would call the airline when he got back to his parents house and arrange for a flight back to New York for him and Michael. It was time to leave this life behind him and try to start a new one. He hoped he was strong enough to let go of the two things he loved more than anything else in the world. Being a father was harder then he thought it would be but he had to do what was best for Liz and Sam.

Liz stepped back and held Max’s hands in her own. “Max I want to ask you something.” She said nervously, looking at the ground.

“You know you can ask me anything.” Max said as he reached down and tipped her chin up with his hand.

“I want to be with you one more time.” Liz said as she looked into his eyes.

Max’s eyes grew wide with shock at he looked at her beautiful face. “You mean make love?” Max asked nervously.

Liz nodded slowly, but remained silent as she searched his face questioningly.

“Do you think that’s a good idea?” Max asked softly. “I mean don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I don’t want to because I do. I just don’t know if we should.”

“We shouldn’t.” Liz said. “Absolutely shouldn’t. It would be wrong in every way. But I still want too Max. I need to do this with you. One more time, one more memory.”

“What about Josh?” Max asked, wanting to bite his tongue off for mentioning the guy’s name.

“What about him?” Liz asked. “I’ll have the rest of my life to worry about him. I want this night to be about us Max. You and me. No Sam, no Josh, just us. Not like it was before everything happened, but as adults.”

Max silently stepped closer to her. He tilted his head down and looked at her lips. “But what if after I can’t let you go?” he whispered.

Liz didn’t answer him, she looked up at him and saw the hurt in his eyes right before he closed them. She closed her eyes as well, as she felt his hand move to the back of her neck, under her hair. She felt his lips touch hers, slowly and gently and she knew he was giving in to her request.



Part 25


Isabel sat at her tiny kitchen table staring at her registration paperwork for her two classes. She looked at the listings again and drummed her fingers nervously. In three days she would be going back to school and one of her teachers was going to be Alex. She looked at his last name sitting next to the listing of her computer class and her stomach knotted up. She had already tried to get moved to another class, but the only other one available was on Wednesday mornings, and she had to work.

Taking a deep breath she stood up and went to the refrigerator, pulling out a bottle of water and opening it. The phone started ringing and she absentmindedly picked it up. “Hello?” she asked quietly.

“Hey it’s me.” Kyle said in return.

“Oh hey. Where are you?” She asked.

“Are you still up or did I wake you?” Kyle asked. “It’s pretty late.”

“I’m up. I was just watching T.V.” Isabel lied. “How come you’re not home yet?”

“I was studying for the BAR and I lost track of time. I just wanted to call so you wouldn’t worry.” Kyle said.

“Fine.” Isabel said impatiently. “I’m going to bed. I have to work in the morning. See you later.”

“Isabel, I don’t want to fight anymore.” Kyle said.

“Well you should of thought about that before you took off.” Isabel said. “Look, I’m really not in the mood to think about this right now.” She said as she hung up the phone angrily. She didn’t know how much more of Kyle she could take. They had been so happy before all of this BAR exam stress. She wondered if Kyle was really studying for the test, or if he was studying another woman. She was tired of all the false pretenses, trying so hard to make everything look perfect to her family and friends. The honeymoon was definitely over.

She walked into her bedroom and turned off the light, climbing into bed alone like she had every night for the last week.
***

Tess rolled over and smiled at Alex’s sleeping form. She stood up and walked into the bathroom, grabbing her clothes off the floor on her way in. Once inside, she shut and locked the door behind her before turning the light on. She didn’t want to wake Alex up. She turned the shower on and stepped into it as soon as it was at a suitable temperature.

Melissa was with her father for a four-day weekend and she had to work the opening shift in the morning. She didn’t like to spend the entire night at Alex’s house yet. Their relationship was progressing smoothly, but the way the gossips in town talked, she had no interest in having any of them see her leaving his apartment in the morning. She knew he wouldn’t be upset when he awoke and she was gone. She had been doing this since they started dating.

She stood under the hot water and thought about the phone call she had received the previous afternoon while she was at work. She had returned home to find a message on her answering machine from Diane Evans. She was apparently throwing Liz a surprise wedding shower tomorrow night and she was invited. Tess smiled. She had always wanted to be a part of their “special group” and now here she was, years later, going to Liz’s wedding and her shower too. She knew the only reason Max and Isabel’s mom invited her is because Maria probably told them to, but she didn’t care. She was in! She wondered if it would be strange spending the afternoon with Isabel now that she was dating Alex. Rinsing the conditioner out of her hair quickly, she decided not to let that bother her and to enjoy herself. She would have to get Liz something really special.
***

Michael rolled over and rested his arm on Maria’s waist. She still felt warm and he pulled her closer against his body.

“Mmm. That feels good.” Maria murmured, half asleep.

“What does?” Michael asked, not sure if she was dreaming or still awake.

“You.” Maria whispered. “You being here with me.”

“I know what you mean.” Michael smiled.

“I wish we could stay here forever.” Maria said quietly as she pulled him tightly around her.

“Me too.” Michael said. “I want you to know that this wasn’t just sex for me Maria. It was important. It meant a lot to me.”

Maria rolled over and faced him, leaving mere inches between them. “Michael, when are you and Max going back to New York?”

“I don’t know.” Michael shrugged, reaching up to brush a stray hair out of her eyes. “Soon probably. I can’t imagine he’ll want to stick around to watch Liz marry that guy.”

Maria nodded. “You know he is a pretty good guy Michael.”

Michael looked at her strangely. “Oh really? You think so huh?”

“Yeah I do.” Maria said. “He loves Sam and Liz.”

“That must be why he tried to pay Max to get out of their lives.” Michael said. “Yeah he loves them a lot.”

“He did that?” Maria asked. “No way. Josh would never.”

“Well he did.” Michael said. “He offered him quite a bit too.”

“Wow.” Maria said. “Unbelievable. But I’m sure he did it because he doesn’t want to see Liz or Sam hurt.”

Michael nodded. “Sure, whatever.”

Maria shook off the conversation. “Enough about them, are we going to get a chance to do this again before you two leave?”

“How about tomorrow night?” Michael asked, kissing her neck gently.

“Can’t , sorry. Isabel and her mom are throwing a surprise shower for Liz tomorrow night. It’s a sleep over.” Maria said. “Maybe Monday night?”

“Oh that’s right, I think I heard something about that sleep over thing.” Michael nodded as he moved his kisses to her shoulder. “Well we’re staying there, so I guess I’ll see you at some point.”

“Oh right.” Maria nodded. “Maybe we can have a secret rendezvous!” she giggled.

“Maybe.” Michael said. “But I’m still busy with the one we’re having right now.” He said as he disappeared under the covers, not wanting the night to end quite yet.