This is the place where fics that have not been updated in the past three months will be moved until the author asks a mod to move them back to an active board.
Category: Crossover fic w/Conventional Couples and of course the gang from Smallville…and a few twists, turns and surprises along the way!
Rating: Well, I haven’t decided on that yet…
Legal Jazz: I obviously own nothing that would remotely have anything to do with Roswell or Smallville other than some DVD’s. And all that jazz….
This is my first attempt at writing something other than a music review so please be gentle.
PROLOGUE
Maria sat alone in her room. The house was oddly quiet. In fact it was so quiet and so still that the room actually felt like it was suffocating her. Graduation was a huge accomplishment and it should have been a happy day for her, but it wasn’t. She should have gone with her friends, but she didn’t. She couldn’t. The pressure had finally gotten to her and she was sure to crack up completely if she didn’t walk away.
For the past three years her life had been turned upside down with a secret she was forced to keep. It was either keep the secret or lose her best friends, Liz and Alex. For a moment Maria became wistful as she was overwhelmed with memories. In all of her childhood she couldn’t think of a time when she wasn’t part of the three Musketeers. They had been through it all together; the good, the bad and the discovery of the Czechoslovakians. Of course in recalling the “Czechs” Maria couldn’t help but think of Michael. The tears flowed freely at the thought of him. Whatever would she do without Spaceboy? She loved him. There was no questioning that. After the revelation of his love you would think they could’ve made it work.
She spoke aloud and to herself. “So okay, it’s not like I can sit here and play the what if game. I mean really, three years of trying to figure out Michael Guerin. Seriously a girl could go crazy!” And with that she got up off her bed and began to pack. She wondered where he might be. Did they really just get in their little VW van and leave? Could this room actually be getting smaller? And why was it so hard to breathe in here all the sudden? She reached for the all too familiar bottle of Cedar Oil. In through the nose and out through the mouth. Deep cleansing breaths.
The ringing of the phone brought Maria back to her familiar surroundings. “Hello” she said somewhat annoyed at the disturbance.
“ Ria, it’s me, Chloe!”
“Hey Chloe. What’s shaking in Smallville? Where are you? What’s all the noise?”
“Oh it’s just the hustle and bustle of the Talon. When are you getting here?”
“No. No, Chloe. No hustle, no bustle! I need peace and quiet.”
Chloe let out a quiet chuckle. She was all too familiar with her cousin the drama queen and her mannerisms. “Yes, Maria. I know you want peace and quiet. When are you coming in?” Chloe asked again.
“Ok, ticket.” Ticket? Where was the ticket? It was just here a second ago. “I have no clue where my ticket is Chloe. I think it’s about 2:45. Let’s just plan on meeting at the Metropolis airport at 3:00 okay? If something changes I will call you back.”
“You got it chick, 3:00 it is. See you tomorrow.”
“Great. Chloe?” Maria asked hoping she hadn’t hung up already.
“Yeah?”
“Thanks! I really can’t wait to see you.”
Last edited by krystalstorm24 on Sun Dec 19, 2004 7:15 pm, edited 25 times in total.
A wish is a powerful thing, especially when it comes from the heart
A very tired Maria came trudging down the stairs to the smell of hot brewed tea. Amy was humming to herself while puttering around the kitchen. “Good morning, Maria” she said looking up, “I didn’t hear you come in.” Maria sat at the table and propped her all too heavy head into her waiting hands. “How would you like some energizing spearmint tea sweetie?” Amy was already pouring the drink before Maria could protest.
“Fine, Mom” she sighed.
“You look so tired, Maria. Did you sleep at all?” Amy puzzled.
“No Mom, I didn’t sleep. Sleep would require that I actually lay down. And clearly that is not an option. Could you sleep if your whole world had just fallen apart?” Maria ranted barely stopping to catch her breath. “The man I love just left me and he took my best friends with him. No Liz. No Alex. Do you know what that means?” She could no longer fight the lump in throat.
Amy stood before her broken daughter and reached out to her. “Let it go baby, let it all out,” she said as she pulled Maria into her embrace. She sobbed for quite some time while Amy stood there. It was nice to feel needed for a change. Maria had always been so “grown up” and independent. As the sobs began to quiet Amy asked her daughter, in the softest voice she could “Maria, are you sure leaving is the right thing to do? It seems to me that you are just running away.”
Maria pulled away from her mother’s embrace somewhat shocked by the statement. “Running away? You think I am running away? Mom! How could you? Everywhere I look I see Michael’s face. Everywhere I go, everything I do, Mom, please…I need this. I don’t know what else to do.”
Amy gave her daughter a soft smile and a single reassuring nod. “Okay then, let’s get you ready to go. I know your cousin will take care of you and Smallville is the perfect place to just let go of things and find your balance.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Lana? Lana?” called Chloe. “Where are you? You know I need my latte fix before I head off to Metropolis!”
“Calm down, Chloe!” Lana retorted. “You seriously don’t think I’m going to let you leave without a double tall Vanilla do you?” She smirked as she handed the drink off to her friend. She knew Chloe was nervous. She hadn’t seen her cousin Maria in almost four years.
“I just want everything to be perfect. Did you invite everyone to the Talon tonight?” Chloe inquired.
“Well, I don’t know who everyone is but I did invite Clark, Mr. & Mrs. Kent and Lex. I thought you said you didn’t want to overwhelm her?” Lana questioned.
“Welcome her yes, make her feel at home, okay. Overwhelm her, no. We don’t want to go there. She sounded sort of on the edge on the phone you know?” Chloe stated hoping she wasn’t falling prey to one of Maria’s dramatic interpretations.
“It’ll be fine, Chloe. Now get out of here so you don’t get caught in traffic on the way to the airport.” Lana smiled and with a wave she was back in the kitchen.
“Bye to you too, Lana” Chloe shouted as she headed for the door. It only took her a moment to realize that in her excitement she left both her keys and her Vanilla latte on the counter. “Won’t get far without those” she thought retrieving the items and with that she was in her car and on her way to Metropolis.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Oh no. Where am I? Whose dream is this?” Isabel questioned emphatically. Nothing about this looked familiar. She could feel an insurmountable amount of anxiety and tension around her. In the distance she could hear footsteps and they were running towards her. Desperate she cried out again in the darkness. “Is anyone there? What do you want?”
“Isabel? Is it you? I can’t see you?” She knew that voice. It was Alex. Upon the recognition of his voice she was both relieved and saddened. It had over a year and he was still having nightmares. Being healed by Max at the accident site had done something different to Alex than it had done to the others. Alex hadn’t come into any alien powers but he had developed such a strong connection to Isabel that he could pull her into his dreams if he was in trouble.
“Alex, it’s me. You’re okay. What’s wrong?” Isabel spoke softly to get his attention. When her voice was quiet it soothed his spirit and she knew that.
“It’s Tess!” He proclaimed. “She’s out to get me, to get all of us!”
“Alex, calm down. Tess is not out to get you. You are having a night mare” Isabel stated reassuringly. “Tess can’t hurt you anymore! She can’t mind warp you. She can’t steal any more precious moments from us. Tess is dead, Alex.”
“What?” It was all Alex could say.
“Oh, Alex, I don’t know how many times I am going to have to explain this to you,” Isabel replied. “But I know I will do it everyday for the rest of my life if it means I get to spend it with you!” She stated. “Do you want to talk about this when you wake up? Or would you rather do it here?” Isabel queried.
“Isabel?” Alex stated, confused. “I don’t understand. I’m sorry, I just don’t understand.”
“Here, Alex,” she motioned “come sit with me and I will answer your questions.” She waited for Alex to take his place next to her. “Yes, Tess mind warped you. Yes, Tess tried to kill you, but Max, well he healed you.” Alex looked on stunned as she continued. “You sort of had a mental fall out Alex because of what Tess did and you left me. Well, not just me, but all of us, and this alien abyss.” she said.
“But Isabel, you know I would never leave you!” Alex stated just bewildered by the thought.
“Wait, there’s more,” she said taking a deep breath “you left Roswell and went to Sweden. The actual Sweden this time, under the student foreign exchange program. Then Tess got pregnant with Max’s child and she convinced Max that the baby couldn’t survive in the earth’s atmosphere.” Alex just sat there dumbfounded as she spoke. “Alex, then there was Jesse. You pushed me away and well, I married him while you were away,” she looked away at that statement. She couldn’t bear to see the look on his face.
TBC
A wish is a powerful thing, especially when it comes from the heart
A/N--Hi everyone. Sorry it took me so long to get this part done. Between my daughter's cheerleading competition and a Network Admin class in Chicago I have been swamped! I know this section jumps around quite a bit but I am trying to get all the pieces of the puzzle into place. I hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 1B
Please let me get a seat by the window. No amount of cedar oil could help her here. Maria was afraid to fly. Well it wasn’t the flying so much, she mused, but more the taking off and landing. Amy looked at her daughter and smiled as if she knew what Maria was thinking.
“It will be fine, Maria” Amy stated matter of factly. “Promise to call me when you are all settled in at your cousin’s house.”
“I will, Mom” Maria replied. “I’m going to miss you so much and thank you for understanding that I need this time away.”
Amy reached out to hug her daughter and Maria welcomed the embrace.
Now boarding passengers for flight 892 to Metropolis boomed over the speaker, startling the pair.
“Well, Mom that’s my cue,” Maria said, “Wish me luck!” With a wave Maria was gone. She was heading down the ramp way to the plane. The plane that was taking her far away from Roswell and far away from her memories of Michael.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Isabel?” Alex questioned her, “it can’t be true? You wouldn’t marry someone else? Right?”
Isabel hated this. She hated the way his eyes looked at her when he thought of her with someone else. “Alex, I did marry someone else but that’s over now.” She told him in a soothing voice. “It was Jesse. Do you remember Jesse, Alex?” Alex nodded as he took in the information. Isabel reached over to grab his hands before she continued to speak “Alex, we need to talk about this when you are awake. You need to wake up so you hear me with your conscious mind.”
Alex let his mind wander away from that statement as he stood up. He gazed lovingly at the creature before him and implored her, “Dance with me, Isabel.”
“What?” She queried. This was a new twist is his behavior. “You want me to dance with you? Here? Now?”
Before she could protest they were dancing under a moonlit sky. She knew it was only a dream but Alex was happy. She was in his arms and for a moment all seemed right with the world.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lana was just about to close the door to the Talon when Clark arrived. She studied his face as he approached her.
“Closing up early?” He asked.
His question kind of startled her. “Yeah, Clark. Chloe’s cousin Maria is coming in today. Remember? We’re her welcome wagon.”
“Oh, right” Clark replied.
Lana knew that his mind was a million miles away. “Clark, you promised to help me out here. Get this place cleaned up, hang the banner...is any of this sounding familiar?” Lana asked all the while getting an uneasy feeling that Clark was about to bail on her, again.
“Lana” Clark started but was quickly interrupted.
“No Clark! Not again! What is it this time?” Lana shook her head preparing for the next disappointment.
“It’s my dad, Lana!” Clark exclaimed. “It’s his heart! My mom is taking him over to the Smallville Medical Center.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The take off had been uneventful but Maria held onto the cedar oil just in case. She twisted the bottle mindlessly about in her fingers. As she began to relax she leaned her head against the window. Looking below her all she could see were clouds. Soft, white, fluffy and inviting clouds. They sky was so blue up here. She was glad that the flight was going smoothly. She didn’t think she could handle it if it weren’t.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Max looked out at the long road ahead of them. He had no idea where they were going. He already felt like he had been driving for days. He turned to look for a moment at the sleeping form next to him. She was so beautiful. He had been in love with Liz Parker long before he ever made the decision not to get involved with her. At first he smiled at the memory but then his brain jumped in to awaken him with reason. She was here because of him! She could not escape the ‘alien abyss’ like Maria. She was forced to leave everything behind. Her life, her home, her dreams…he had taken it all away from her. His stomach began to turn at the thought.
“Don’t do it, Max!” Liz stated without opening her eyes.
“Don’t do what, Liz?” he asked knowing she was reading his thoughts. These were the times he wished she couldn’t do that. “I thought you were sleeping.”
“It’s not your fault, Max. I don’t want you to think that for a second.”
“It is my fault, Liz. And one day I’m afraid you are going to resent me for it. If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t be here.”
She stopped him right there. “You know what, Max? You’re right! If it weren’t for you I wouldn’t be here. I would be dead! You could have let me die but you didn’t. When you healed me everything about my life changed from that moment on.” She placed her hand on the back on his neck and began to stroke his hair. She hoped what she said had sounded reassuring.
Max glanced up towards the rearview mirror. All he saw was Michael’s brooding face staring out the window. He turned to look at Liz once more before he whispered, “He’s going to be completely lost without Maria.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chloe paced around the airport lobby like an expectant father. Sure Maria was her cousin and they had kept in touch via email but this was going to be an entirely different experience. Chloe wondered if she would really be able to get to know her cousin. Well, the car ride back to Smallville is almost three hours so she figured she would have time to find out.
She realized she had all kinds of questions for her cousin. She was convinced that Roswell had to be an interesting place based on everything she had read on the Internet. Smallville had its ‘wall of weird’ but Roswell was supposed to have been the site of an alien crash. The wheels in her mind began to turn. Maybe the two girls could compare notes on all the strange things that happen in their little towns.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Clark looked through the window into his father’s emergency room. Doctors and nurses swirled around as they worked their magic. Clark reached for his mothers hand and squeezed it tight in his own. “What are they doing, Mom?”
“I don’t know sweetheart,” Martha replied, barely able to choke out the words.
Clark watched the lights on the monitors. His focus landed on the tiny green blips on the heart monitor. He watched them in their rhythmic dance. Up and down. Up and down. Up and down. And then nothing, a straight line made its way across the screen! “Mom!” Clark yelled as he pushed open the door.
The Doctor took advantage of the opening as he screamed down the hallway, “I want a crash cart in here and I want it in here now!” He quickly began compressions on the lifeless body.
A nurse came around the bed towards Martha and Clark. She spoke in a gentle voice, “Mrs. Kent? Maybe you and your son should wait outside.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Alex hummed along to the music in his head as he danced with Isabel. “Funny thing about dreams,” he said, “Everything is always perfect in them.” He smiled at her and then continued his humming. What the tune was she wasn’t quite sure.
Isabel smiled back at Alex. She didn’t want the dream to end either but she knew it was time. “Alex,” she said softly, “It’s time for me to go.” She pried herself from his arms and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. She turned quickly to make her exit and only made it a few steps before an odd sound caused her to turn around. It was raining. “Alex?”
“I guess the stars are weeping for you too, Isabel. Go if you must, but go knowing that I love you.”
She awoke to find herself crying and Alex sleeping peacefully in the seat next to her. Michael looked back towards Isabel and asked, “Is everything okay?”
“I wonder if he’ll ever get over it, Michael! I wonder if he’ll ever come back to me,” she said through her tears.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I’m okay, I’m okay, I’m okay,” Maria repeated the mantra over and over to herself. Her plane had made its way safely to Metropolis and was on the ground. It was the first time she let go of the Cedar Oil. She knew there would be at least 10 minutes before they were ready to disembark the plane so she grabbed her cell phone. She knew once she caught up with Chloe she might not get the chance to talk to her Mom. Her cousin was a talker, an investigator really. Always looking for the next big story, that was Chloe. She flipped open the cell phone and turned it to the on position. Her next response was instinctive as she found herself at the inbox of her text messaging screen. She looked at the screen and there it was a message from Michael. It read I will always love you Maria. Always. A tear slid slowly down her cheek. She didn’t know how long it had been there but what she did know was that she would probably never see Michael Guerin or anyone else again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Charging, 160!” the doctor shouted. “Clear!” he called to his staff as he placed the paddles on Jonathan’s chest. Nothing. “Charging, 220, clear!” He called to them again. He shocked his patient once again with no result. “Nurse, get me 1000mg Epi, IV push!” Having anticipated the order as it was common in cardiac arrest the nurse quickly pushed the medication in Jonathan’s IV tube. “Charging, 360,” the doctor ordered. “Clear! Clear!” he exclaimed. He placed the panels on Jonathan’s chest again. The shock riveted through his body and a tiny green blip appeared once again on the monitor. Then another and another and still another. “He’s back people! Good work!”
Martha wept openly as she watched the Emergency team work on her husband. Clark put a strong, reassuring arm around her and pulled her in to him. A nurse hurried out of the room and addressed the waiting family. “Mrs. Kent, his heart is beating again.”
“Oh thank God!” Martha exhaled.
The Doctor came out into the hallway and directed his attention to his nurse. “Janie, I want you to take his vitals every 15 minutes until we can get him into the O.R.”
“The operating room?” Clark questioned, “Why?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The one thing Chloe hated about 9/11 is that she couldn’t meet her cousin as she got off the plane. She understood the why behind the decision but it still sucks, she thought. She watched the passengers exiting the shuttle from the airside into the waiting arms of their loved ones. She recognized Maria almost immediately. Her hair was longer than Chloe remembered. A lot longer! “Maria!” Chloe exclaimed as she walked quickly over to her. “How are you? How was your flight?”
And so it starts, thought Maria. “Hey chica,” she replied. “I’m here and I’m in one piece. That’s all that matters right now.”
Chloe smiled at her. “C’mon, let’s go get your luggage!”
The girls gathered up all of Maria’s bags and made their way towards the parking lot.
“Nice,” Maria said smoothly as they approached Chloe’s red VW Beetle. “Convertible, I think I like it here already!” She mused.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Maxwell, where are we going?” Michael called to him.
“I’m not sure, Michael,” Max replied in a dry tone.
“Well then how long until we get there?” Michael wondered as the discomforts of travel set in.
“I don’t know that either, Michael,” Max stated sounding irritated by the questions.
Liz could sense the growing tension and chimed in before a battle could ensue. “Max, Michael’s right! We need to stop. We need to get out and stretch our legs.”
“Liz,” he started, “I’m just not sure...”
“C’mon Maxwell!” Michael retorted. “We haven’t seen another car in miles.”
Alex woke up with a big yawn. Isabel looked at him searching his eyes for any sign he remembered the dream. God knows she sure did.
“Hey, Alex,” Liz cajoled. “Welcome to the land of the living.” She said smiling.
“I’m hungry.” Alex stated with another yawn.
“Yeah, Max,” Michael chimed in, “Let’s get something to eat!”
Knowing he was completely outnumbered on this one Max conceded defeat, “Okay, let’s get something to eat!”
Last edited by krystalstorm24 on Wed May 26, 2004 1:23 pm, edited 2 times in total.
A wish is a powerful thing, especially when it comes from the heart
A/N-Lyrics in this chapter offered by the smashing duo known as the Warren Brothers!
Chapter 2
Maria’s mind wandered to thoughts of Isabel as she climbed into the convertible. Isabel always had something to put her hair up with every time she got into the Jeep. Maria began to search through her bag. She was sure she had something in there to make do. She quickly found a pony tail holder and a couple of barrettes. Her hands grabbed the mountain of golden tendrils and pulled them into a tight pony tail. “So, Chloe, how long until we get to Smallville?”
“It takes about three hours, Maria,” Chloe answered, “Do you want the radio on? Or no?”
“Yeah, okay,” Maria postured “as long as it’s not some sappy love song station!”
Chloe let out a small chuckle. “I’m with you there girl.” She searched through a couple of stations before finding one that seemed to suit her. “We’ll have to come shopping in Metropolis while you’re here.”
“Ok, I think I could do some shopping.”
Chloe grabbed the parking pass and handed it to the waiting ticket taker. She paid the fee with a roll of her eyes. “Everyone’s out to make money!”
“So, Chloe, tell me about Smallville and about your friends,” Maria inquired. “Give me a little background so I’m not flying blind here.” Maria figured if she could keep Chloe talking about her life she wouldn’t have to face everything that had recently gone crazy in her own.
“Ok,” Chloe smirked. It was kind of an odd request but one she was happy to answer. “First, there’s Lana. She’s my best friend. She runs the Talon. It’s a small coffee shop and it will become and staple in your visit to Smallville.”
“Uh, I’m not really much of a coffee drinker,” Maria stammered.
“Oh, that’s ok. She’s got all kinds of teas and chi’s too. I’m a big fan of the Vanilla Chi when I’m not in the mood for coffee. She’s got muffins and scones. It’s a real cute place.” Chloe babbled on. “It’s where we all hang out. It used to be a theater and they were going to tear it down. But Lana wouldn't let that happen.”
“Really, what did she do?” Maria questioned.
“She went to Lex and asked him for help. He agreed and so the Talon was born.” Chloe replied with a smile.
“Lex? Who’s Lex?”
“Only the richest and most eligible bachelor in Smallville!” Chloe exclaimed.
“Oh no, I’m not up here on a manhunt, Chloe!” Maria quickly responded.
“Oh, I see. Are you riding the singles wave again? What happened to that guy,” she paused, “uh, what’s his name?”
“Michael, his name was Michael. And yes, things are over between us. Definitely over.” Maria felt a knot rising up in her throat. She closed her eyes willing herself not to cry.
“Sorry chica, I didn’t know,” Chloe clamored.
“It’s ok,” said Maria quietly.
Me and my big mouth Chloe thought. “I guess you probably don’t want to take about that yet.” Good Lord, I just did it again!
“No, not really.” Maria let out a long sigh. “Why don’t you keep telling me about your friends?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Martha sat in the waiting room. Her head was so heavy with thought. A bypass? Jonathan was just too young for a heart problem. Tears welled to surface but she fought them back. I’ve got to be strong she told herself, for Clark. Clark hadn’t said a word in two hours now. He sat in a chair just staring out the window. Martha rose from her chair and spoke, “I think I’m going to get some coffee.”
Her voice pulled Clark back to this world and he looked up at his mother. “No, Mom. Why don’t you stay here in case the Doctor comes back? I’ll go get it for you.”
“That’s sweet honey.” Martha replied nervously twisting a tissue about in her hands.
“He’s going to be okay, Mom!” Clark proclaimed. “I just know it.”
“I know it to, Clark,” she said trying to sound convincing, “he has to be!”
Clark smiled at his mother before exiting the surgical waiting room. A pool of water found itself in his eyes. He only made it a few steps before a familiar voice called to him.
“Clark!” Lana called.
“Lana,” Clark replied. It was all he could manage at the moment.
She reached out and hugged him tightly. It didn’t matter what was going on between them right now. She knew that her friend needed her and she was at the ready. “What’s going on? How’s your Dad?” she questioned.
Clark did not break from her embrace. “He’s in the OR, Lana. He’s having bypass surgery.” The tears flowed freely now and he didn’t care.
“Oh, God. I’m sorry, Clark” she said pulling him in even closer. “I’m so sorry. Is he going to be alright? Is there anything I can do?” She stepped back to look deep into his eyes.
“Yeah, just walk with me to the cafeteria," he told her whilte trying to regain his composure. "My Mom wants a cup of coffee.”
“Clark, you don’t have to put on a brave face for me.” Lana said and grabbed his hand.
He half smiled at her before he said, “Thanks, Lana.”
“Anytime, Clark.” Lana smiled brightly at her friend. “Now let’s go find your Mom some coffee.”
Clark loved her smile. Her whole face seemed so innocent. Her eyes were curious and her smile was just dazzling. He was glad she was here. Even though they were still struggling with their relationship he was glad she was here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“We need a plan, Max,” Michael told him. “We can’t just keep driving aimlessly!”
“Michael!” Isabel exclaimed.
“No, Isabel!” Max interrupted, “Michael’s right. We need a plan. I’m open for suggestions.”
“Okay, Max. A plan sounds great. Can we order some food first?” Alex had become single focus these days. “Well, well, what do we have here?” he said as he thumbed through the menu.
“I’d like a burger,” said Michael “and make sure its got some pickles. I gotta hit the can!”
“That’s lovely, Michael. Thanks for sharing that with us,” Max replied dryly.
“I wonder if they serve pancakes.” Alex wandered out loud.
Isabel closed her eyes. She hurt so much for her friend and for herself. Max had healed Alex. His body anyway, his mind was another matter. It just didn’t make any sense to her. He was so lucid in his dreams. Out in the real world he handled one thing at a time. She wanted to reach out and grab him and shake him but she knew that wasn’t going to calm the badly addled organ called the brain.
“Isabel? Isabel” Liz called to her interrupting her thoughts. “What do you want me to order for you?”
She shook her head and replied, “Nothing really, Liz. I’m not that hungry.”
Max looked at his sister. “Isabel, at least eat some soup. You need something in your stomach. I don’t know when we’ll get to stop again.”
“Fine, Max. I’ll have some soup. Whatever they have is fine. As long as it’s not clam chowder.” Isabel pushed away from the table and stood up. “I’m going for a walk.”
“Isabel,” Max started.
“Don’t, Max” Liz interjected, “Let her go.” She grabbed his hand and looked at him.
He knew she was right. He knew Isabel needed some time to adjust. Hell, they all did. They had just left everything behind. He didn’t know where they were going. He didn’t know who they could trust. He didn’t know a lot of things.
Liz went the counter and ordered food for the whole table. It felt good to be up and about. She was grateful that they had a van to travel in but it still wasn’t very comfortable. She wondered how she was going to keep everyone and everything together. There was Alex. God love him, she was so thankful that he was still here even though he wasn’t fully here. Isabel had been a mess for awhile. Marrying Jesse had been a mistake. She did it on the rebound when Alex rejected her. Max was her rock but she knew deep down he was scared. Michael was, well Michael. Off in his own head, wrapped up in his own heart. She didn’t know when it hit her but all of the sudden Liz was very tired.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sun played an interesting game of peek-a-boo with the clouds as the girls continued their drive to Smallville. She didn’t know if it had been the plane or if it was the car that had been making her queasy. Maybe it was the fact she had barely eaten a thing since she last saw Michael. Chloe was still talking. About what Maria couldn’t say exactly. Maria felt terrible not really listening to her cousin right now but to be honest she felt like crap. The ringing of a cell phone captured Maria’s ear and she said to Chloe, “Must be yours hon, mine doesn’t sound anything like that when it rings!”
“Oh!” Chloe reached down for her phone. “Hello?” It was Lana on the other end of the line.
Maria was pleased to have been interrupted by the cell phone. Now she would have a few moments to quiet her mind and try and get the nausea under control. At least that’s what she thought was going to happen until she caught the sounds of the radio.
“And you make me want to be a better man…
And you, make me want to do the best I can…
I feel a little stronger every time you hold my hand…
You make me want to be a better man”
Michael had always told Maria that song made him think of her. Now here she was listening to it and thinking of Michael. What had she done? Was she right to walk away from this incredible man and his love? The tears slid quickly down her cheeks and now she didn’t even care if her cousin saw them. Maria was completely lost in her own world and her own thoughts. She blocked out the radio and was attempting to do so with Chloe. Although it seemed that Chloe was starting to sound more and more panicked as she spoke.
“Wait! Wait! What do you mean he’s having surgery?” Chloe felt like she was practically screaming the words. “Lana, oh my God, where’s Clark? Is Clark okay?”
It bothered Maria at this point to be only hearing half of the conversation. She reached over to turn off the radio as though it would help her hear the whole thing. Chloe actually pulled the vehicle off to the side of the road so she could fully concentrate on her conversation.
“No, no. I completely understand, Lana. It’s not a big deal.” Chloe turned to look at her cousin. Maria stared at her quizzically. “No, really it’s okay. It’s not like she was in the mood for a party anyway.” She mouthed the word sorry to her cousin and Maria simply shook her head and smiled. “Ok, Lana. Promise to call me and let me know when Mr. Kent is out of surgery! Give Clark a big hug for me.” She hung up the phone and sat there staring blankly at it.
“What was that all about?” Maria inquired.
“Clark’s father is having bypass surgery as we speak! Lana is at the hospital!”
“Oh my God, Chica, I am so sorry!” Maria didn’t even know these people but she was already empathetic in just having heard about them from Chloe. It sounded like the Kent’s were just about everyone’s surrogate parents in Smallville.
“Do you mind if we head straight to the hospital, Maria? I mean before I even get you home to unpack?”
Maria’s heart sank a little bit. She wanted to have her own little pity party but this wasn’t the time. “No, not at all. The unpacking can wait.”
“Thank you,” Chloe said as she pulled her vehicle back onto the road. “This means a lot to me, Ria.”
“It’s ok, Chloe, really.” Maria said.
Not much else was said between the two girls for the rest of the trip. It was a long drive but good for both of them. It gave Chloe time to compose herself before seeing Clark. She and Clark had decided to remain friends, although really it was more his decision than hers. She would have loved nothing more than to have Clark as her boyfriend. Clark clearly had feelings for her but his feelings for Lana were stronger. It hurt, but Chloe knew she couldn’t change the way he felt. She would rather have his friendship than nothing at all.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Michael stepped out of the restaurant. He knew that Liz and Max were more than capable of handling their food orders, so he opted to get out into the open air and stretch his legs. The sun beat down on his face and the warm air filled his lungs. He had only walked a few feet when he saw Isabel sitting out in a field under a huge shade tree. He stood there staring at her for a few minutes before deciding to head that way. She had been crying. He could see that long before he reached her. The sobs had rocked through her body. “Isabel?”
“Oh, Michael!” She exclaimed clearly startled. “What are you doing out here?”
“I could ask you the same thing,” he said, “but I’m not the one sitting under a tree crying. What’s up?”
“I don’t know...I guess I'm just overwhelmed by it all, Michael.” Isabel wiped the tears from her face and sighed. “I know why we had to leave, and I’m glad that I have all of you. But my parents…God, Michael!”
“I know, Isabel, I know.” Michael put his arm around Isabel. In every way that mattered, she was his sister. He knew that this was tearing her apart inside. He held her for a long time and just let her cry. Michael had learned a lot in the past couple of years about women and their emotions. Sometimes they just need to cry. He figured that this was just one of those times. His mind turned to Maria as he sat there with Isabel. Why did she leave? He had stayed here on Earth, for her. How could she just walk away from him? From Liz and the others? It wasn’t long before Michael found himself crying too.
“Holy cow! Looks like the aliens are throwing a 'poor me' party,” Kyle quipped as he approached the sniffling duo, “and they didn’t even ask if anyone wanted to join in.”
“Shut the hell up, Valenti!” Michael told him. “You don’t know what you’re talking about!”
“Oh, come on, Guerin! I was just trying to lighten the mood. Lizzie’s sitting in the dinner, looks like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Max is…well, just Max, thinks he has to be able to fix everything for everybody. I come out here and look at the two of you...boo-hooing like no one else has problems.” Kyle half snorted with that remark. “And Alex…does anyone really want to go there?”
“Kyle, I’m not going to say it again man. Knock it off!”
“Buddha tells us that all great journeys must encounter many obstacles to.…”
“Kyle,” Isabel interrupted him, “haven’t I warned you about throwing that Buddha crap at me?" She half smiled at him remembering the time she actually made the comment. "Zap! Remember?" she smirked as she pointed to his genitals.
“I’m just saying everyone’s life has changed, not just yours and Michael’s, Isabel.” Kyle hadn’t really come to grips with life on the run either and he knew he was treading on dangerous ground with the statement.
“To be honest with you, Kyle…I don’t know what we are going to do without your father!” Isabel told him. “I always felt safe just knowing he was around.”
“Yeah, me too.” Kyle waned. He and his Dad had been through so much in the past few years. It still pained Kyle to think of all the trouble that Tess Harding had caused his family.
The three of them sat in silence for a few minutes before anyone spoke again. There were no more tears to be shed right now. “I’m really worried about Alex.” Isabel stated, matter of factly. “I don’t understand what’s happening to him.”
“Yeah, you got me there sister!” Kyle piped in. “What’s the deal? Why can’t Max do his little hocus-pocus and heal the poor kid?” Leave it to Kyle to run quickly to the cover of humor.
“I don’t know. I haven’t said anything because I know that Max doesn’t know either.” Michael told Kyle.
“I think he’s afraid.” Isabel offered quietly.
“Afraid of what? Being normal? C’mon, Isabel!” Kyle had not really intended for it to come out that way, but it was already too late.
“He’s only been partially healed by Max. Maybe he’s afraid of becoming different…like us.” Isabel didn’t like the way it sounded either, but it was her theory and it was the only thing that made any sense to her. “Max has healed the physical wounds from the accident but I don’t know if he will ever be able to heal Alex’s mind.”
“Heal Alex’s mind of what?”
The three quickly turned their heads to find Alex standing there looking at them with an inquisitive expression on his face. Nobody said a word. In fact, Isabel turned a ghostly shade of white. None of them had dared to talk to Alex about the mind warps or anything since he had come home. Now it looked as though they would no longer be able to evade the conversation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The doctor came through the double doors that lead to the operating room. Mrs. Kent quickly leapt from her seat to get to the doctor’s side. “How is he? How is my husband?” She asked, her eyes pleading for the answer.
The doctor looked at Clark and back to Mrs. Kent. He waited for Clark to join his mother before answering the question. “I’m not going to lie to you, Martha. It was touch and go in there for a while. We managed to get through the bypass and he is in recovery.”
“Oh, thank God,” Martha said, heaving a sigh of relief.
“It’s not that simple…” the doctor started.
“Dr. Kennedy, what are you saying?” Clark asked.
“Well folks, I’m worried about a pulmonary embolism. We just need to watch him very carefully over the next few days.” Dr. Kennedy said. He didn’t really mean to scare the family, but he wanted them to know the possibilities that lie ahead for Jonathan. “Look, your Dad is normally very healthy, Clark, but anytime we start moving veins around we get concerned about clotting and what not.”
“I don’t understand,” Martha uttered. It was just all too much for her to take in right now.
“We’re going to keep a heparin drip open to reduce the possibility of clots. If a clot forms we may have to go back in to remove it. When he’s ready we’ll move him from recovery to CICU. I think that Jonathan will be just fine…I just wanted you to be aware of what could occur. I’m not saying it will, I’m just saying it’s a very real possibility.” Dr. Kennedy wasn’t very good at this part. He was probably the most talented surgeon at Smallville Medical Center but his bedside manner could use some work. He didn’t believe in sugar coating anything. He didn’t believe in giving people a false sense of hope.
“Ok, thank you, Dr Kennedy.” Martha stated. “When can I see my husband?”
“Soon, Martha. I’ll get you back there as soon as I can. When he’s been transferred to the cardiac unit you will be able to see him...in shifts, and you will have to be sterile and gown up. We can’t risk infection right now either.” The doctor looked down at his pager as it was going off. “I’ve got to run folks.”
“It’s not my Dad is it?” Clark asked.
“No, Clark. Not this time.” The doctor smiled at the family and walked back through the double doors.
“Well, I don’t know if I should be relieved or not!” Martha exclaimed. She looked at Clark and exhaled deeply.
“Mrs. Kent?” Lana interjected, “I think he’ll be okay. It may sound naïve of me but I think that Dr. Kennedy just likes to remain reserved until all of his patients are out of the woods.”
Martha looked lovingly at Lana. “I forgot. You used to volunteer here, didn’t you?”
“Yes, I did,” Lana replied. “And I remember how blunt the good doctor can be. Mr. Kent will be fine. I’m sure of it.” She had stated the last sentence with confidence. Sometimes people need hope, she thought to herself.
“Thank you, Lana.” Martha reached out to hug the young girl standing at her son’s side.
TBC
Last edited by krystalstorm24 on Thu Jun 03, 2004 10:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
A wish is a powerful thing, especially when it comes from the heart
A/N-Ok! First of all words cannot express my gratitude and thanks to Hybrid_Angel for creating the awesome banner to go along with my story! Please go check it out on page one. It's amazing!!!!
This chapter is a little shorter than usual but my sis, Safireskye26 is on her way to Florida and I must prepare for her arrival. Enjoy!
Chapter 3
“Where is he? Where’s Mr. Kent’s room?” Chloe bellowed as she entered the hospital. She hadn’t really meant to sound demanding but she was sure the hospital staff was used to the behavior exhibited by distraught loved ones.
“He’s up on 3 west ma’am, in room 323,” the nurse started, “But they are only letting family see him at this time.” The nurse’s words fell on deaf ears as Chloe and Maria were already making tracks to the elevator. She tossed a wave and a smile back to the nurse behind the desk before the doors closed.
“God, I feel like crap!” Maria extolled.
Chloe looked over at her cousin and grimaced. “You kind of look a little pale too. Is everything all right?”
Maria closed her eyes as the elevator made its way to the third floor. “Yeah, just a little queasy. Must be all the traveling.”
“Have you eaten anything today?” Chloe asked. She had been so excited to see Maria that she didn’t stop to think that the poor girl probably hadn’t eaten a thing on the plane.
“Um…” Maria thought, “No, I don’t think I have.”
“Well, no wonder.” Chloe stated as they exited the elevator. “I’ll see if I can find you something.”
“No thanks, Chloe,” Maria told her, “all they have in hospitals is Jello! I hate Jello! Actually, I am not particularly fond of hospitals either!”
“We won’t be long.” Chloe walked quickly towards the gaggle of people standing in the hallway. She knew Maria wasn’t feeling great but she needed to see the Kents. It may have been selfish, but it was her primary concern.
“Chloe!” Lana exclaimed as the girls drew closer.
“How is he, Lana?” Chloe quickly asked.
“Well, he’s out of surgery. Mrs. Kent is in with him now. He hasn’t really woken up yet.”
“But he’ll be okay, right?” Chloe inquired. “Where’s Clark?”
“He stepped outside to get some air for a few minutes.” Lana stated looking over at Maria. “I believe Chloe has forgotten her manners, I am Lana,” she said extending her hand, “and you must be Maria.”
“Oh God!” Chloe exclaimed. “I’m sorry. Maria, this is Lana. Lana, this is Maria.” A blush of pink crossed her face and she shook her head, clearly embarrassed.
“It’s okay, Chloe,” Maria said trying to reassure her, “I know you didn’t forget about me.” She let out a little laugh. “Hi, Lana. I’ve heard a lot about you!” Maria shook Lana’s hand and tried to be gracious, as wave after wave of nausea coursed through her stomach.
“Hi, Maria! Welcome to Smallville.” Lana smiled.
Maria couldn’t help but notice the striking similarities between Lana and Liz. Both were petite with long dark hair. Both were beautiful in a really natural way.
“Chloe!” A voice called out, startling Maria in the process.
“Clark!” Chloe exclaimed. “I hear your Dad is out of surgery and doing well.”
“As good as can be expected.” He told her. “Thanks for coming. It means a lot. Who’s this?” he asked, flashing a smile at Maria.
Chloe turned to her cousin. “Clark, this is my cousin Maria. Maria, this is Clark Kent.”
“Hi.” Clark smiled as he reached out for her hand. “It’s a pleasure.”
Maria could no longer contain the nausea and as she reached forward to meet Clark’s hand she bent over and puked on his shoes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Hello?” Alex asked of the three again. “Heal Alex of what?”
Kyle nudged Isabel. This was her area. He didn’t want to be the one to talk to Alex about mind warping and lost time and memories.
“Alex, why don’t you sit down with us?” Isabel urged. She didn’t know if she was ready for this conversation. The past few days had been taxing enough to deal with.
Alex looked at the trio sitting under the tree. “Heal Alex of what?” He asked again.
“The mind warps, Alex. The mind warps.” Michael charged.
Isabel kicked Michael swiftly. She knew the situation would have to be handled much more gingerly than that. “Alex, please?” She said again. “Sit with us.”
“Hey, nobody told us we were having a picnic!” Max called to the group as he and Liz approached with their food.
“Yeah, is this a private party or can anyone join in?” Liz smirked.
“No, please, join us.” Alex stated. “Isabel is getting ready to share some very valuable information with me.”
Max looked at his sister and she lowered her head. What is going on, he wandered. He helped Liz distribute the food without saying a word.
“Alex, here’s your pancakes,” said Liz. “Why don’t you sit down and eat with me?”
“No, no!” Alex stated growing more agitated. “I want to know what they were talking about!” He pointed frantically at Isabel, Kyle and Michael.
Isabel stood up. “Let me talk to him, Liz.”
“What’s going on?” Max asked of them.
“Well, we were all sitting out here talking about stuff and how things have changed and …”
“Cut to the chase, Valenti!” Max interjected.
“Yeah, Valenti!” Alex threw in. “Why don’t you tell them? Why don’t you tell me?” He demanded. “Heal me of what?”
A stunned silence fell over the group. Isabel reached for Alex’s hand. “Please, Alex. Sit down with me. I’ll tell you what you want to know.” Isabel sat back down and gently urged Alex down by her side.
“Isabel? Are you sure about this?” Max questioned of his sister.
“He needs to know the truth, Max. It’s only fair.” Isabel replied never letting go of Alex’s hand.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mrs. Kent sat dutifully by her husband’s bedside waiting for him to wake up. The rhythmic whoosh of the oxygen system was the only noise in the room. She laid her head on his bed with her face on his hand.
“Martha,” a weak voice uttered. His eyes looked curiously around the room. “What happened?”
“Jonathan! Oh thank God! Jonathan!” She exclaimed! She kissed his hand and held it to her face.
“Martha…”
“Don’t talk honey.” She squeezed his hand. “You’re in the hospital. You had a heart attack.” His eyes widened as she spoke. “You had to have bypass surgery. You did fine!” She smiled at her husband.
“Clark?” Jonathan asked.
“Clark is fine,” she reassured him. “He’s outside in the waiting room with Lana.”
His face grimaced as he realized the pain of having his chest split open. Martha noticed the look and handed him the pain pump. “Here, honey. This is for pain. You just push this button and the machine will dispense pain medication into your IV.”
Jonathan pressed and released the PDA pump. It felt as though someone was standing on his chest.
“The medicine should only take a few minutes to kick in.” Martha told him. “The doctor said you wouldn’t feel too hot the next few days.”
“You’re kidding?” Jonathan joked. “I could go out and run a marathon!”
Martha laughed. “Not on my watch!” She smiled at her husband. “You’ve been under a great deal of stress, so now it’s time to take it easy for awhile. “
“The farm isn’t going to run itself, Martha,” he retorted.
“I know. We’ll manage,” she quipped as the doctor came through the door.
“Well, look who’s awake? How are you feeling, Mr. Kent?” Dr. Kennedy asked.
“Couldn’t be better, Doc. How long am I in for?” Jonathan managed a smile.
“We’ll keep you for four or five days and then we’ll release you to your wife. How’s the pain?” He asked, all while making notes on Mr. Kent’s chart.
“I explained the PDA pump to him,” Martha interjected.
“Oh, good. Is it helping?” The doctor looked down at him. “Jonathan?”
Jonathan had drifted back off to sleep. The doctor turned to Martha, “Must be the morphine!”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Alex,” Isabel started, “do you ever remember your dreams?”
“What are you talking about, Isabel? What does this have to do with anything?” Alex was still agitated. He didn’t like the fact that they were talking about him when he wasn’t around. It made him feel very paranoid.
“Alex, look at me,” Isabel implored. She waited for Alex to look her in the eyes before speaking again. “Do you remember anything about your dreams?”
Alex let out a disgruntled sigh. It was obvious he wasn’t going to get anywhere unless he answered that question. He pondered over it for a moment. “No, not really. I don’t really remember much of anything, Isabel.” He watched her expression change to one of sadness and then he said, “Well, there was something to do with rain.”
“Alex, what do you remember after prom?” She asked.
He fidgeted around and attempted to pull his hands away from Isabel. She held tighter onto his hands. “Alex, what do you remember after the prom?” She asked again. “Look, I know you don’t want to talk about this, Alex but I can’t give you the answers you want unless I know what you remember.”
The gang ate pensively as they watched Alex and Isabel. It was their own private soap opera playing out right before their eyes.
“I remember a book. It was brown and bound in leather. It contained all these symbols in it…almost Native American.” He closed his eyes in an attempt to remember anything he could.
“Yes,” said Isabel. “The Destiny book. Do you know why you had it?”
“Tess gave it to me. “ Isabel’s voice was so smooth and quiet it was almost hypnotic for him. In her hands and surrounded by her voice Alex felt safe. “She wanted to know how to read it.”
“Good, Alex. You’re doing great.” Isabel looked at the others. Max nodded in her direction. “What else?”
“My head hurt so bad. There were so many memories moving around in there all at once. I don’t know what’s real.” Alex began to cry. “I don’t trust who I am, I don’t trust who you are. I’m afraid, Isabel.”
“It’s okay to be afraid, Alex. I’m scared too.” Isabel told him. “Alex, do you remember the accident?”
“Accident?” He asked.
“Yes, the car accident.”
“No, I don’t remember the accident. But I remember Max.”
“What do you remember about Max?” Isabel asked.
“I remember he was in the ambulance. I can see the blood on his hands.” Alex was sobbing now. Big heavy sobs that had been held in for too long. “It was my blood, wasn’t it?” He asked Isabel.
“Yes, Alex. It was your blood. You were seriously injured in the accident.” She continued to speak to him in a soothing tone. She and Alex had tried to have this conversation before but he always froze when the got to this point. She willed him to stay with her this time as the others looked on in quiet amazement. “Alex, Max healed you that night.”
“No, I died that night, Isabel. Nobody saved me. I died!” He cried even louder.
“Alex, you’re here with me now, right? So you can’t be dead.”
“No, I was dead. Max brought me back. I know I was dead, Isabel. I know I was dead because all I could see was bright white light, the light and you.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Maria dropped to her knees, too embarrassed to look up. “Oh my God, I am so sorry!”
“Maria, are you okay?” Chloe asked. “Can I get you anything?” Chloe kneeled down beside her cousin. “Maria, you look so pale?”
Maria could hear the voices in her head. Everything became distorted and the sounds were blurry. She could feel her hands slip from beneath her as she passed out on the hospital floor.
TBC
A wish is a powerful thing, especially when it comes from the heart
“Oh my God, Clark!” Chloe screamed as she watched her cousin hit the floor. “Help me!”
Clark knelt down next to Maria’s crumpled body. Her face was so pale. “I don’t know what to do, Chloe.”
“Dr. Kennedy!” Lana called to him. “Help!”
“Move!” Dr. Kennedy ordered as the nurse tech arrived with a gurney. The two lifted Maria onto the stretcher and carried her down the hall towards the emergency department, with Chloe following them very closely.
“Looks like I need to go, uh, get cleaned up,” Clark grimaced as he looked down at his shoes.
“Yeah, I would say so.”
“What do you think is wrong with her?” Clark asked Lana.
“Not really sure, Clark. She looked exhausted. Maybe she hadn’t eaten anything in awhile and her blood sugar dropped. It could be anything!” Lana had no clue what could have possibly been wrong with Maria, but she felt comfortable offering her possible theories to Clark.
“She puked on me, well my shoes,” Clark commented. “Gross!”
“Nice to know you have that effect on women,” Lana tossed back with sarcastic wit.
“Oh, ha-ha, very funny!” Clark smiled at her.
Martha stepped out of Jonathan’s room and looked at the pair standing in the hallway. “What happened to you?” She asked her son.
“Chloe’s cousin threw up on me.”
“Oh the poor dear,” Martha said, “she must be terribly embarrassed! Is she alright?”
“Not sure, Mom. She kinda fainted.”
“What? Goodness!” Martha exclaimed.
“Yeah, they took her downstairs to get checked out,” Lana explained. “How is Mr. Kent?”
“Oh, he’s fine, Lana. Sleeping like a baby.” Martha smiled at Lana. She didn’t exactly understand what was going on with Clark and Lana but she knew she just adored her.
“Well, in that case…I’m off,” Lana started, “I’ve got a meeting with Lex this afternoon at the Talon.”
“Ok,” Martha said and then she directed Clark, “you go too! Go home and get cleaned up. I’ll check in with you later.”
“Alright, Mom. Call me if you need anything, ok?” Clark asked, giving his mother a quick peck on the cheek.
“You bet, sweetheart.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“A bright light?” Isabel questioned Alex. “What do you mean you saw a bright light?” It was the first time Isabel realized how badly Alex had been wounded. She knew he was in an accident and she knew there were injuries, but she’d heard about people seeing a white light. That meant they were somewhere between this world and the next.
“Yes, Isabel. I saw a white light and in that light I saw you. Well your face and hair anyway.”
“I don’t understand,” Isabel muttered.
“It was really weird, I felt like I was floating. I looked down and I could see everyone standing around the ambulance. I could see myself lying on the stretcher with Max leaning over me. As I drifted higher everyone became fuzzy and so I turned to look the other way. That’s when I saw the light. It was so warm and inviting. I felt drawn to it.”
“Oh, God. This is getting creepy!” Kyle interjected. Liz kicked him swiftly and gave him the death stare. A stare he knew meant he needed to shut up.
The interruption didn’t seem to bother Alex or Isabel. It’s almost as if they were locked into one another and no one else existed. She held his hands tighter and he continued to sit there with his eyes closed, spilling out his story.
“Tell me more about the light, Alex.”
“As I floated into the light your face came into focus. You were wearing a long, white, flowing robe and I couldn’t tell where the light began and where the robe ended...but I knew your face. You looked like an angel.” He could hear Isabel try to stifle her welling tears.
The images washed over Isabel. Not only could she hear his voice, she could see what he was seeing. “Did we speak? Did I talk to you?” Isabel asked.
“I asked you what you were doing there and you told me that it wasn’t my time. You said it wasn’t my time and that I had to go back.” Alex stated calmly.
“Oh my God,” was all she could manage now.
“You told me that you needed me. As much as I did not want to leave the warmth of the light, I came back. I turned from you and floated back towards the ambulance.”
Her heart fluttered as she regarded the way he looked at her limbless body in the light. She could hardly believe the images that she was receiving from Alex. He was slowly letting his guard down in the real world, at least to her. She assumed that Alex felt the connection too. “Alex, if you let Max heal your brain…” she started but was quickly interrupted.
“I’m scared, Isabel. I’m afraid. I don’t know what memories I have that are real and what are because of the mind warp.” Alex was beginning to cry now.
Isabel could feel his pain. No matter what Tess had done to Alex, he was torturing himself just the same. He felt weak and broken. All Isabel wanted to do was see him happy again…the way he appeared in his dreams. “What are you afraid of, Alex? Is it me?”
Alex lowered his head with that question and she knew the answer. It was her. With the connection open she could feel his guilt. He was afraid of Isabel Evans. He was afraid to love her and have his heart broken again.
“Alex, do you know what gift you have?” Isabel asked.
“No, I don’t have gifts, Isabel,” Alex stated. “What are you talking about?”
“Your dreams, Alex. Instead of me dreamwalking you, you pull me into your dreams when you need me.”
“No! Those are just dreams, Isabel” Alex told her.
“Alex, how often do you dream about me?” She queried.
“Oh, I don’t know,” he said blushing with embarrassment.
“Yes, you do, Alex. You dream about me a lot! And the reason I know this is because I am there with you,” Isabel insisted.
“What? It can’t be? Can it?” Alex shifted about, a little on the nervous side.
“It can be, Alex.” With that statement Isabel let go of some of the images he had burned into her brain. She pictured his dream from the night before, the two of them dancing outside under a blanket of stars. She recalled countless others with her mind that she gave to Alex. All of them romantic moments, where Alex was her knight.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Maria’s eyes fluttered open as she was wheeled into the ER. “What’s going on?” She asked.
“You fainted, young lady. Now we just need to know why.” Dr. Kennedy told her. “What’s been going on with you recently?”
“Nothing,” Maria told him, “I’m just worn out. Not sleeping well, not eating well. That kind of crap.”
“Well, I’d like to do a couple of tests just to make sure,” he told her.
“No, no, no!” She told him. “I don’t like hospitals! I don’t like to fly. I don’t like needles! I’m just tired and hungry, that’s all! Oh! And did I mention that I don’t like hospitals?”
“Ok, ok! How about we make a deal? You stay here for a few hours and rest up. We’ll give you some food and fluids and if your color picks up I’ll let you go, alright?” Dr. Kennedy asked, although he was more telling her how it was going to go.
“Sounds like a plan to me, Maria,” Chloe started, “you really scared me there.”
“Sorry, chic, just too much going on all at once you know. I hate to fly, I don’t like hospitals…all of it in the same day kinda got me I guess.” Maria offered in explanation.
“So, it’s a plan then. I’ll check back with you in a few hours.” Dr. Kennedy advised. “Don’t hesitate to buzz Carolyn if you need anything.” He quickly jotted a few notes down on the chart and walked out of the room.
“Are you sure that’s all, Maria?” Chloe questioned.
“Yes, I’m sure. I’m glad to be on the ground and just really tired.” Maria closed her eyes. The exhaustion hit her like a tidal wave. She could hear Chloe droning on about something in the background but it didn’t matter. Maria could no longer fight the urge to sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Well, this has all been really enlightening,” Michael said as he stood up. “I’m going to walk around for a few minutes before we get back on the road.”
Liz looked over to Michael and gave him a quick nod, shooing him away. These revelations from Alex were the most talking he’d done in awhile. She held onto Max silently, praying that Alex would let Max heal him.
“Isabel, I had no idea!” Alex uttered in amazement. “All those dreams…I didn’t know you were really there.”
“Yes, Alex, just as I am here for you now. We all are.” She replied. “I want nothing more than for you to be happy.”
“Being with you makes me happy, Isabel.” Alex said with a smile, “That’s why I dream about you so much.”
Isabel was crying at this point and failed to find words. She just held onto Alex with all she had.
“Alex?” Liz spoke his name softly, much like Isabel had. “You can let go of the hurt now. If you let Max heal your brain you will know what is real. You don’t have to worry about Tess anymore, honey...she’s dead.” Liz was trying to be comforting, strong, and reassuring all at the same time. Maybe if Alex finally felt safe he would let Max take the pain away.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Michael walked along the dirt road. His mind wandered as he strolled in the hot sun. That food was horrible. This car ride sucks! I’m over it! We don’t know where we’re going, and I don’t know where Maria is! There, he finally did it. He had spoken her name for the first time since she left, even if it was only with his mind. He wondered where she could be or what she might be doing, if she was even thinking about him.
He reached down into his pocket. His initial thought was to use the cell phone and try to call her but he knew that was just not safe. Maybe that’s why she left, he thought. She doesn’t think I can keep her safe. His hand bypassed the cell phone and landed on a curious little vial in his pocket. He took it out and stared at it in amazement. Cypress Oil, how did that get in there? He slowly unscrewed the cap and took a whiff of the oil. One was enough for Michael. He quickly put the cap back on to close it. “God! How could Maria stand that crap?” He said aloud.
“Hey, Guerin!” A familiar, but irritating voice called out. “Getting weird back there, huh?”
“Kyle!” Michael didn’t even know what to say. He just wanted to be alone with his thoughts of Maria.
“What? It was getting creepy, so I left. Sue me!” Kyle retorted. Michael could be so moody sometimes!
“It’s not you man. I’m just…”
“Missing Maria?” Kyle could easily fill in that blank. “We all are buddy. We all are.” Kyle had actually grown quite fond of the quirky blonde. “I think Isabel is really getting through to Alex,” he offered in hopes to change the subject.
“Yeah? That would be good,” Michael replied.
“Weird how all the alien healing effects everyone differently.”
“How do you mean?” Michael inquired.
“Well Liz has become really gifted. A human crystal ball if you will. Alex dream walks in reverse, I guess…and me, well I am still waiting to discover what this club has in store for me,” Kyle stated.
“Still waiting for that buzzing and crackling to start, huh?” Michael almost smiled when he said that. He hated to admit it but Kyle was a pretty funny guy.
“Yep, guess I’m not fully cooked yet!” Kyle laughed. “Still waiting to find the right microwave!”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Max became fully aware that more cars had begun to pull into the little roadside dinner. It didn’t take long for the paranoia to set it. “Look, I hate to bust this up, but we gotta get going.”
“Max, please.” Isabel urged.
“Isabel, it’s not safe. We have to keep moving.” Max stated in an authoritative tone. He looked at Isabel and could see the pained look in her eyes. “Isabel, please don’t give me that look! I’ll go get Michael and Kyle.” As Maxed walked away he could feel Isabel eye’s boring a hole into his back, but he silently sighed to himself, there’s nothing I can do.
“Alex,” Isabel called to him, urging him from his trance. “Max says we need to get back on the road.”
“Yeah, honey you haven’t even eaten anything yet?” Liz stated.
Alex opened his eyes and looked at the two women before him. They were both staring at him so intently. “Hi, ladies,” he said with a smile, “why are you both staring at me?”
“How do you feel?” Isabel asked. “Do you remember what we talked about?”
“Sure, I do. Where’s my food, I’m hungry?” He asked.
Liz and Isabel couldn’t help but laugh. Alex liked his food. “I’ll get it ready for you,” Liz said.
Alex and Isabel stood up. Isabel gazed lovingly at Alex. She finally felt like they were making progress. The three of them sat at a picnic table while Alex ate his pancakes. “So, these dreams of mine,” he said looking at Isabel, “They’re real?”
“Yes, they are. Why do you ask?”
“Oh, nothing. I’ll just have to keep that in mind,” Alex replied with a sheepish grin.
It was about that time that Max arrived with Michael and Kyle in tow. “Is everyone ready to head out?” Max asked, looking around at the group.
Everyone nodded in agreement, while Michael was the only one that spoke. “Which direction should we head in? Where are we going?” He asked the one question everyone wanted an answer for.
“I wish I knew,” Max pondered. “Why don’t we just keep heading northeast for now?”
“At least it’s something,” Michael griped, as he climbed into the van.
The van rambled down the open road with Max behind the wheel once again. Driving is the one thing I have control over he thought. With everyone comfortably settled in and their stomach’s full, it wasn’t long before thoughts of blissful sleep overtook most of the group.
Michael fell into a fitful little nap. Tossing and turning, even mumbling in his sleep. The images came so fast and they were so shocking.
Maria throwing up on a tall, dark stranger.
Maria lying on a floor, her golden locks spilled all around her.
Maria sitting in a hospital bed wearing a hospital gown!
The scene changed and then he saw other images. Images that made him sit up with a stunned looked, “Maria!” He exclaimed.
“What about her?” Liz asked with concern.
“She’s pregnant!”
TBC
A wish is a powerful thing, especially when it comes from the heart
A/N-My lil sis always proofreads for me and she's moving this week so pleae forgive any grammaticals. Thanks!
Chapter 5
“What did you just say?” Liz asked absolutely stunned. Surely she hadn’t heard that right. The hush that fell over the van was deafening.
“I said she’s pregnant!” Michael exclaimed.
“What? How could you possibly know that, Michael?” Max queried.
“I don’t know…I can’t explain it…I just know alright!”
“She can’t be pregnant, Michael. It was just a dream. It has to be a dream.” Liz stated trying to convince her self and the others.
Kyle pops his head up from the back seat,” Wha? Wha? What the hell? Can’t a guy get some sleep around here?”
“Shut up, Kyle!” Isabel commanded. “What’s going on?” She eyed the duo in the front seat curiously before focusing her attention on Michael.
“Maria’s pregnant!” Michael exclaimed again!
“Right…and I’m going to be the next swimsuit model on the cover of Sports Illustrated!” she snorted.
“No, Isabel!” Michael retorted. “I’m serious!”
“What? Deluca’s pregnant?” Kyle quipped.
“Michael,” Max said, “Calm down! We don’t know anything!”
“What makes you think she’s preggo?” Kyle asked.
“Wait? Who’s pregnant?” Alex piped in with a yawn.
“God! Maria, for crying out loud, Maria! Does everyone get that?” Michael was near hyperventilation at this point!
“God, would everyone please just stop saying that!” Liz interjected.
“Ok, tell me what you saw. I still think it’s a dream but I need to know what we might be facing.” Max was always the voice of reason.
“Well, there was like a flash or..something…I don’t know. I saw her!” Michael struggled to find the words.
“And what was she doing? Where was Maria?” Liz asked waiting for more answers.
“No,” he paused,” I saw the baby!”
“Uh, what?” Kyle questioned.
“It’s a girl! Awww….” Liz was beaming. “But wait,” she said as her eyes began to well with tears. “She can’t have a baby…I’m not there!”
“Wait, wait, wait! This is all moving way too fast! What else do you see?” Max inquired.
“I saw Maria on the floor…she, uh, must have fainted or something. I don’t know…it’s blurry!”
“Then how do you know what you saw was real?” Isabel asked him.
“I felt dizzy, everything was black…but then I saw the most amazing thing..” Michael’s voice began to trial off.
“What?” Liz gasped.
“A tiny hand print. It was glowing from inside her stomach!”
____________________________________________________________
Dr. Kennedy picked up her chart as he entered the room. Maria was pushing away the tray of food the orderly had left for her. “ I see your dinner is here,” he remarked.
“You call this food? What are you trying to do? Poison me or something? That’s not food! “It’s toxic waste!” Maria rambled.
Dr. Kennedy smiled as he looked at the quirky blonde. “Well, your color has definitely improved. How are you feeling?”
“I feel just fine. I told you that when I got here!” Maria retorted.
“Well, Maria, people who feel fine generally don’t just faint. We’re just being cautious here.”
“Look, I played patient and did what you asked. Can I please just go now?” Maria pleaded.
“On one condition,” Dr Kennedy told her, “You have to promise me that you will come back at the first sign of trouble. Any more dizzy spells or nausea and you come see me!”
Chloe had just entered the room and heard his instructions and piped up before Maria could respond. “Don’t worry, Doc. I’ve got it covered!”
“Chloe! Thank God! Would you just get me out of this germ infested freezer!” Maria exclaimed.
“Looks like you have your hands full, Miss Sullivan!” Dr. Kennedy flashed her a quick smile.
“So, I can go then, right?” Maria asked already out of the bed.
“Yes, Maria, you can go.” The doctor scribbled a few notes on her chart and was gone.
“Dang girl! Like I don’t have enough on my plate without you going and fainting on me!” Chloe laughed.
“Yeah, well that definitely wasn’t intentional. Now, just get me outta here!” Maria dressed quickly and was heading toward the exit when she turned to Chloe. “Oh my God! Who was that little hottie I met earlier?”
“Oh you mean Clark? My best friend…the guy you puked on?” Chloe giggled knowing full well her cousin was dying of embarrassment.
“Oh my God! I did? That wasn’t a dream! Oh just kill me now!” Maria hung her head just completely mortified at the realization.
“Oh no girl! It wasn’t a dream. But I’ll bet Clark wishes it had been!”
“What’s going on, Lana?” Lex asked as he walked into the Talon. “ I thought you were having a welcoming party for someone tonight.”
“We had to cancel that because of Mr. Kent!” she said.
“Why? What’s going on with Clark’s dad?” Lex asked his voice thick with concern.
“You haven’t heard? He had a heart attack, Lex. They rushed him in for emergency surgery!”
“What? Is he okay?” Lex was visible shaken with this news.
“He’s in CICU. And when I left he was awake and talking with Mrs. Kent.”
“Ok.” Lex said as relief washed across his face. “Maybe I should head that way.”
“Wait, Lex. What did you want to see me about?” Lana inquired.
“Oh, it was nothing really. I just got the quarterly reports in from my father’s accountant and the Talon is continuing its profitable run.” Lex moved closer to Lana. “I just thought you should know I am really proud of you.”
Lana blushed slightly at the comment. “Thank you, Lex. Thank you for believing in me and not closing this place down. It means a lot to me.”
“You mean a lot of me, Lana.”
Lana had been aware of Lex’s not so secret crush on her for quite some time so she stepped back behind the counter to put some distance between them.
Lex sensed her growing anxiety and said, “Besides, it was a very good business decision.”
“Well, I guess I should probably get going..” Lana started.
“Don’t leave because of me, Lana. I was just on my way out.” Lex tried to sound reassuring. “You want to lock the door behind me?”
“Yeah, that’s probably a good idea, Lex.” She walked swiftly towards the door and opened it for him.
He paused for a moment before making his exit and grabbed her hand. He pulled it to his lips for a brief kiss. “Good night, Lana.” And with that he was gone, leaving Lana standing there dumbfounded.
The wheels on the road provided a soothing lullaby for most of the gang. No one had really spoken much after Michael’s revelation. He sat in silence and watched the mile markers roll by as Max kept his steady at the wheel. Michael’s thoughts swirled around his flashes. He glanced up at Maxwell and caught an endearing gesture out of the corner of his eye. Max brushed his hand across Liz’s thigh as she slept peacefully in the passenger seat. Michael couldn’t help but focus on Liz’s gentle snoring pattern. It reminded him of the countless times he had watched Maria sleep. He let out a sign and turned to look out the back window. It was then that he caught a glimpse of Alex and Isabel, cuddled close together and smiling contently in their sleep. It was out of sheer frustration that Michael finally closed his eyes.
Alex sat alone on the park bench. It was a moonless night and he felt empty. Nothing in life made sense anymore. He recalled the talk with Isabel under the shade tree. He looked up to take in the beauty of the patterned stars he’d looked at so many times with Isabel. His heart thumped loudly in his chest as he closed his eyes and wished for her to be near.
“God, is this real? Can I really pull her here?” he uttered towards the sky.
“Yes, Alex. It’s real. I’m here.”
Her voice was a melody in his ears. He opened his eyes to find the stunningly beautiful woman before him. “You’re here?”
“Isn’t that what you wished for, Alex?”
He stood up to take her by the hand. “My lady,” he stated offering his hand towards her. “Walk with me. It’s such a lovely evening.”
“Where are we going?” she asked, smiling at him.
“I’ve got a surprise for you.” He giggled at her with childlike innocence. They walked hand in had, fingers entwined towards an oddly placed blanket.
“What’s this?” she asked puzzled.
“It’s for you,” he said coaxing her down on the blanket. “I’ve got some strawberries dipped in chocolate, your favorite..and let’s see…some crackers and cheese…a few grapes and oh look,” he smiled at his date, “A bottle of sparkling cider!”
“Alex, how did you? Why did you?” she stammered.
“I wanted this moment to be perfect.” He laid out the spread before them.
“What’s the special occasion?”
“You.” He took her hand in his. “Isabel, I want to ask you something.”
“Anything, Alex.”
“The night of the car accident, you had called me on the phone..you told me you had something to tell me. I want to know what that was. I need to know what it was, Isabel.”
Her eyes sparkled as bright as the stars as a smile parted her lips. She recalled the moment that she was discovered she was in love with Alex Whitman.
Alex watched her changing expressions and felt the warmth that radiated from her soul. “What was it?” he asked her again.
The word just began to spill right out of her. “I love you, Alex. I’ve always loved you. I tried to hide it from myself. I didn’t want to feel that vulnerable to anyone. I saw what it did to Max and Liz and even Michael and Maria. I didn’t want to be hurt like that. I didn’t want to hurt someone like that. I didn’t really know what I felt until you came back from Las Cruces. It was at the prom, Alex. The way you looked at me. I knew it when we danced and I knew I could no longer deny my heart!”
"So, then you love me?" alex quipped as a smile crossed his face. "You really love me."
"Yes, I do." Isabel had finally said the words out loud and there was no taking them back now.
TBC
A wish is a powerful thing, especially when it comes from the heart
Chapter 6
It had been a long day and Maria Deluca was tired. She was sure that Chloe wasn’t all that happy that she opted for an early bedtime, but given the events of the day she was sure that her cousin understood. Maria stood looking at herself in the mirror. She couldn’t help but notice the bags under her eyes. Man, I’ve got more luggage than Samsonite she thought to herself. She quickly finished unpacking and found her favorite pair of silk pajamas. She’d always loved anything with a leopard print on it and silk was just an added bonus.
She climbed into the bed, her entire body weary with exhaustion. She couldn’t help but recall the events of the last few days in her life. No wonder she was drained. She’d barely slept in days and come to think of it she hadn’t eaten much either. What little she had eaten she’d managed to throw up all over her cousin’s friend. A blush of pink stained her cheeks as she thought of it again. The guy sure had some beautiful eyes, she smiled. The warm bed seemed to envelope her in comfort and she slipped right off into slumber.
It wasn’t unusual for her to dream about Michael. She’d had dreams of him since he’d “abducted” her and her car to go to Marathon. It was there in her dream that she finally wept over her decision to leave the alien chaos behind.
If only he were human….
He can’t possibly run forever…
The FBI was sure to continue their pursuit of Michael, Max and Isabel….
And Liz…what would become of her best friend….
Maria awoke to find herself weeping. She couldn’t believe that she had walked away from it all. She wondered where the gang was and what was going on. She lay in the bed, listening to the sound of the ceiling fan as it whooshed above her head. She reached over to the nightstand and flipped on the light. Her mom had given her a bottle of Tranquility Oil before she left. Maybe it would induce some peaceful slumber. She opened the bottle and let the smell pour itself all over her. She dabbed a drop of it under her nose hoping that smell would last awhile. What was in it she couldn’t say exactly, but it certainly had a soothing effect on her. She replaced the cap on the vial and turned the lights off once again. This time when she closed her eyes she would recall happy moments. Think happy thoughts. Go to your happy place. And once again Maria drifted off to sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Clark turned as her heard footsteps coming up the loft. He turned to find Lana standing before him. “Lana, hey. This is a surprise.”
“Hey, Clark.” Lana gave him a weak smile and he could tell right away that something was on her mind.
“What’s up?” He asked.
“It’s Lex, Clark. He was flirting with me tonight and it made me uncomfortable.”
“What? Lana, come on…this is Lex,” Clark retorted with a smile.
“Clark, would you just talk to him? He’s had this crush for awhile but he’s never acted on it before now.” Lana was still visibly uncomfortable just talking about it.
“A crush? What are you talking about, Lana? He knows about our history. Lex wouldn’t do that to me.” Clark felt a small lump in his throat. “He’s my friend.”
“Well, your friend hit on me, Clark, and I’m asking you to talk to him!” Lana quickly responded.
“Tell me what happened exactly, Lana.” Clark stared at her with full attention. He couldn’t believe in all these years Lex had never said anything about being attracted to Lana.
“It sounds so stupid, Clark. It wasn’t anything in particular. He came by with the most recent quarterly reports…”
“And?” Clark interjected. “What next?”
“I thanked him for helping me get the place started and not closing it down and all.”
“So, sounds like he came by to tell you that you were doing a good job.” Clark said reassuring himself that Lex did not have feelings for Lana.
“Well, yeah…I guess.” She said looking at Clark somewhat bewildered.
“And that made you uncomfortable?” He asked.
“Well, I said it meant a lot to me that he kept the place open and then he said I meant a lot to him.” Lana shifted her weight nervously from one foot to the other. “He started to move towards me then and I went behind the counter. It was just weird, Clark.”
“Lana, maybe you’re just over reacting. I don’t think he meant to make you feel uncomfortable.” Clark shook his head and smiled at her.
“Well, after I moved away from him, he said he was on his way. So I went over to lock the door behind him and he grabbed my hand and kissed it, Clark. That’s what was strange about the whole thing.”
“He kissed your hand? And it wasn’t just Lex using his manners?” Clark inquired.
Lana shook her head, “No, I didn’t get that impression from him.”
“Alright, that’s it then. I’ll talk to him tomorrow, Lana. Don’t worry about it.” Clark smiled at her. Her eyes held such innocence even though he knew she’d been through a lifetime of emotions in her time.
“Thank you.” She reached out and wrapped her arms around him. He returned the hug and tightened the embrace in doing so. Lana let out a big sigh of relief. Things may not be all right where she and Clark were concerned, but she took comfort in him just the same.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Isabel, Isabel, Isabel.” Alex looked lovingly at her. “I am so pleased to her you say that.”
“It felt good to actually say it out loud.” She smiled right back at him.
“I think it’s time to try and put the past behind us, Isabel, and embrace the future.” He slowly sipped the sparkling cider as they sat beneath the stars.
Her smile could’ve lit up the world. “What are you saying, Alex?”
“Well, I think it’s time for me to become whole again. I’m beginning to understand what happened and the lines aren’t so blurred anymore. With you by my side… I know I can get through anything.” Alex spoke with unprecedented confidence.
“Oh, Alex. Do you mean you want to have Max heal your mind? Because that would just be so incredible.” Isabel felt her heart pounding in her chest. It would mean so much to her to have this Alex be with her in the real world. That is not to say she didn’t enjoy his dream world. He had always been so romantic. It was just something else to love about Alex Whitman.
“Yes, Isabel. I want Max to fix my brain. I want to face the alien abyss with you.” He stood up and reached out his hand to her. “My lady.”
She practically leapt to her feet. “Alex, please tell me you’ll remember this when you wake up.”
“Yes, Isabel. I will remember. You’ll help me remember. We’ll be together and all will be right with the world.” He smiled at her.
With that the connection was broken and Isabel was left to wander around in her own mind. She wasn’t really asleep and yet she wasn’t really awake either. She thought about the encounter with Alex. “Yeah, everything will be right in the world,” she grimaced. “Until Alex realizes that facing the alien abyss means we’ve run away from home and are being chased by the FBI.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Maria had fallen into a deep and much needed sleep. It wasn’t long before she was dreaming.
She saw herself standing on a hilltop wearing a long, white, flowing gown.
There were flowers in her hair.
There were flowers on the ground.
Liz was there, standing next to her wearing a beautiful wine colored dress.
And there was Isabel…and Alex… and Kyle…
What was that music? The tune sounded so familiar to her.
A child seemed to appear from nowhere with long blonde hair, porcelain skin and emerald green eyes. She was wearing pink. But who was she?
Maria continued to look around. She saw Max and then finally, she saw Michael. He was wearing a tuxedo and was walking barefoot on the hilltop.
She awoke feeling fully refreshed with a smile on her face. She looked around the room and an air of disappointment came across her countenance. It was just a dream, she thought. It was only a dream.
She arose from the bed and wandered down the hall to the bathroom. She could hear Chloe in the other room typing on her computer. It didn’t take long for the nausea to hit her. She barely made it into the bathroom before she threw up in the toilet. She quickly flushed away the evidence. She didn’t want Chloe to know that she’d thrown up. She wasn’t going anywhere near the Smallville Medical Center again. She washed her hands and face and quickly retreated back to her bedroom.
“Hey, Maria!” Chloe called down the hallway. “Do you want anything for breakfast?”
Breakfast? Ugh! “Yeah, I think I’ll just nosh on a bagel or something.” She yelled back to her cousin. “I’ll be right there.”
Maria reached into the drawer and pulled out her favorite pair of jeans. She slipped the jeans up effortlessly across her thighs and up to her waist. She grabbed a shirt from the closet and threw that on as well. She tucked the shirt into her jeans and tried to button them. No luck. What? That’s weird. She pulled the shirt out and tried to button the jeans again. She couldn’t get them to fit comfortably over her stomach. She stared at herself in the mirror absolutely puzzled. Hmmm, must be bloated. She shrugged her shoulders and reached for different pair of pants. Her stomach didn’t feel flabby, but the jeans just weren’t going on today. She shook her head and walked out of the bedroom to the kitchen.
“Hey there, girlie! How’d you sleep?” Chloe smiled at her cousin. “Feeling any better today?”
“Yeah,” Maria lied, “I feel pretty good.”
“Well, you look better. Toasted or not?” She said waiving the bagel in the air.
“Toasted…definitely toasted.”
“I’ve got a few errands to run today for the Torch, so Clark said he’d show you around a little bit.”
“No way, Chloe. Not gonna happen sister.” Maria said shaking her head. “I’m too embarrassed to face him.”
“Maria, don’t worry about it. Clark is a super guy and he’s free for the day. When I asked, he insisted.” Chloe busied herself with her bagel and the cream cheese.
“Why can’t I just go with you?” Maria pleaded. “I mean it’s not like I know anyone here or anything, and truth be told I could use some girl time. Maybe some shopping…or we could catch a movie.”
“Maria, please? I’ll only be a couple of hours and then we can do whatever you want.” Chloe couldn’t tell her that the real plan was to go help Lana get ready at the Talon and then have Clark bring her over there. Maria wouldn’t stand for that.
“Alright…if I have to.” Maria said with a pout.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Clark barged through the door of the mansion. “Where’s Lex?” He’d been up all night waiting to talk with Lex about Lana, and with each passing hour he had grown more agitated.
“He’s in the study, Mr. Kent. I’ll see you in,” the butler replied.
“No thanks. I know my way around here.” Clark was already halfway there when the words left his mouth. “Lex?”
“Clark, to what do I owe the honor?” Lex inquired.
“Do you have feelings for Lana?” Clark asked.
“What? No.” Lex told him, all the while trying to hide his feelings. “What gave you that idea?”
“Lana did, Lex. She said you came to see her at the Talon last night.”
“Clark, calm down. Yes, I went to the Talon. I wanted to show Lana the quarterly reports. She’s really doing a great job over there and I just wanted to let her know.” Lex said in a soothing tone.
“Let her know what? That you care about her? That you have feelings for her? What is it, Lex?” The questions were just spilling out of Clark.
Lex had watched the dance between Clark and Lana for a couple of years now. They never really seemed to get it together. He decided it was time to make a move. “You know what, Clark, I do have feelings for Lana. What is it to you?”
“Lex, no way. Lana is off limits.” Clark commanded.
“Says who? Are you dating her?” Lex questioned.
“Well, no…it’s just…well, it’s complicated. But you know I care about her.”
“Clark you guys haven’t been able to have a normal relationship in two years. If it hasn’t worked by now…it might be time to move on, for both of you.” Lex wasn’t waiving in his position. “I’ve admired Lana for her strength and beauty, and all this time I’ve watched you just toy with her emotions. It’s not fair, Clark.”
Deep inside Clark knew Lex was right. He adored Lana but his abilities were his destiny. He had tried so many times to tell her…but he just couldn’t get the words out. “Well, you’re making her uncomfortable.” Clark blurted out. He stormed out of the mansion before Lex could get another word in. Clark was mad. He’d never been honest with Lana. How can you build a relationship on lies? You can’t. Relationships require trust and… he pushed the remainder of the thought out of his mind. He went back to the farm still fuming on the inside that all this time his friend had been carrying a torch for the woman of his dreams.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The girls piled into the convertible and headed towards the Kent farm.
“I promise you it will be okay, Maria.”
“I know…you keep telling me that. Somehow, I just don’t think so.” Maria felt a bit odd about being left alone with someone she barely knew.
Chloe pulled onto the farm and headed towards the barn. “Go on, chica. He’s probably up in the loft. I’ll be back in a couple of hours. Okay?”
“Okay.” Maria said as she climbed out of the car. “You have your cell, right?”
“Yeah, I got it.” Chloe said as she backed away.
“Well. I guess that’s it then.” Maria said aloud. She began walking to the barn. “Farm life is definitely not for me...too much dirt and dust. Yep, I am definitely loosing it here…standing outside, talking to myself. Cuckoo!”
Clark hadn’t even heard anyone come in. He was still deep in thought over his conversation with Lex, and the whole Lex having feelings for Lana thing. He had been chucking bales of hay onto a pallet. He needed to get the horses fed and the stables cleaned. He looked around for the keys to the tractor. Since his Mom had rushed his Dad to the hospital in such a fury he wasn’t really sure where the keys could be. Without even thinking Clark picked up the tractor to move it out of the doorway. He lifted it like it was weightless. It wasn’t until he put it down and turned around that he saw Maria standing there.
TBC
A wish is a powerful thing, especially when it comes from the heart
Maria stood perfectly still just staring at Clark. Had she really seen this guy just dead lift a tractor? She looked at the tractor and looked back to Clark and then back to the tractor.
“Oh my God! Oh my God! Okay, so like what was that? I mean normal people just can’t lift 1000 pounds over their heads like a feather. So what are you? I mean I just left Roswell. This can’t be happening all over again. NO! It’s just not possible. Surely you have some kind of explanation.” Maria was just completely babbling at this point and she didn’t care. “What exactly do they feed you out here in farm country?”
“Maria, calm down. Everything is going to be alright.” Clark could hardly believe the words himself. His abilities had always been such a closely guarded secret and now this virtual stranger knew he was different.
“Where’s the oil?” Maria asked, fumbling through her purse. “Where’s the Cypress Oil? I need it! It has to be here!” Her voice trembled with panic.
“Maria, look at me.” Clark pleaded.
“No, no. You just get away from me!” Maria said, taking a step backwards. She turned quickly and started to run towards the field.
Clark flew past her and then stopped dead in front of her causing her to turn a ghostly shade of pale. “Maria, please. I am not going to hurt you.”
“How did you do that? How did you get in front of me?” She looked at Clark stunned and dumbfounded. “I left first. I didn’t see you pass me.”
“Look, Maria…it’s complicated. You don’t know me and I don’t know you…”
“And you don’t think you can trust me with your secret. Is that what it is? Trust me pal, I’ve been keeping bigger secrets than you can possibly imagine.” She could hardly believe she’d just said that out loud. Clark was sure to be curious about that statement.
“What are you talking about? What secrets could you possibly have?” Clark inquired.
“Oh no! We’re not talking about me here, buddy boy. We’re talking about you and your super human strength. I don’t even know what to think of that whole running thing.”
“Clark?” A voice called out. “Clark?”
“Yeah, Mom.” He responded never taking his eyes off Maria.
“I’m going to head back to the hospital now. I’ve made a fresh pitcher of lemonade for you and Maria.” Martha conveyed as she got into the truck.
“Thanks Mom. Tell Dad I said hi.”
With that, Mrs. Kent was gone. The couple still stood in the field just staring at one another. Trying to figure out the secret that each was keeping.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Liz had slept on and off all night. She tossed and turned at Michael’s revelation. Se knew the others may have been skeptical, but Liz had absolutely no doubt that Michael was right.
“Max? Are you awake?”
“Hmmmm? Yeah, I’m awake. What is it? What’s the matter, Liz?” He could see she was upset about something.
“About Maria and this pregnancy thing…I’m worried, Max.”
“Liz, we don’t even know if Maria is pregnant. I still think it’s just some crazy dream that Michael had.” Max replied dryly.
“Max, just for one second let’s assume that Michael is right.” She looked at Max as he shrugged his shoulders in agreement. “I don’t know much about alien pregnancies, but I’m going to assume she can’t go to a regular hospital. How long do they last anyway?”
“That’s my Liz. Always the scientific one.” Max smiled at her.
“Well,” Max wondered aloud, “I’m not really sure, Liz. No, I don’t think it would be safe for her to have the baby at a hospital.” He looked at Liz and watched the worry march across her face. “I can’t say for sure how long a human and alien pregnancy would take. I don’t even know who to ask.”
“Max, Maria is my best friend. I can’t let her go through this alone. We have to go back.” Liz looked at him with pleading eyes.
“Liz, we can’t go back. We cannot go back to Roswell. You know what will happen if we do.” Max stated in a commanding tone.
“There has to be a way, Max. I have to talk to Maria.” Liz implored him.
“What do you want me to do, Liz? I can’t waive a magic wand and make the FBI go away.” He stated sardonically.
“Max, don’t get sarcastic with me.” Liz had made up her mind about being with Maria and she wasn’t going to let Max or the pursuit of the FBI stop her.
“Liz, don’t push me on this right now. I can barely keep my thoughts together for the six of us each passing minute of the day. We don’t even know if Maria’s pregnant!” Max’s voice began to escalate with each word.
“Whoa, whoa…down Evans!” Kyle quipped. “Who pissed in your Fruit Loops this morning?”
Max shot Kyle a convicted death stare. “Stay out of it, Kyle!”
“Don’t bark at him because you’re angry with me!” Liz snapped.
“It’s okay, Lizzie, I can take care of myself.” Kyle replied. “Dang, Evans! Are you always this grouchy in the morning or did I catch you on a good day?” Kyle’s humor never failed to profit a smile.
“Kyle,” Max exhaled, “Liz is convinced that Michael is right and that Maria is pregnant.”
“Yeah, and I want to find a way to be with Maria.” Liz threw in. “She needs me.”
“And I’m trying to tell her it’s not safe to head back to Roswell.” Max countered.
“Look, this power struggle isn’t going to get us anywhere. Do we even know if Maria was planning on staying in Roswell?” Kyle wondered aloud.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Well, do you want to draw pistols at twenty paces or what?” Maria asked.
Clark gave her a brief smile. “Why don’t we go into the house and have some of that Lemonade?”
Maria looked at him quizzically. “Do you plan on answering any of my questions? Or you just gonna leave me hanging here?” Maria was still inhaling the Cypress Oil.
“What is that stuff anyway?” Clark asked as she inhaled.
“It’s Cypress Oil. It’s helps keep me calm. Avoiding the question?” Maria quipped.
Clark turned and started walking towards the house. Maria quickly fell into step with him and they made their way up to the front porch. Clark opened the door and turned to Maria to motion her through. “Maria? What’s wrong?”
“I feel dizzy. I think I’d better sit down.” She said, trying to clear her clouded head.
Clark helped her over to a rocking chair. “Put your head down between your knees.”
Maria looked up at him. “What?”
“I don’t know. That’s what they said in health class.” Clark was fumbling for words. “You’re not going to be sick are you?”
“Ugh! God, I hope not. I just feel woozy.” Maria bent forward and placed her head on her knees. “Hey, I think this actually helps.”
“Do you want some water or anything?” Clark asked.
“No, no water. I think I’d like to try some of that Lemonade now. Maybe a few crackers if you got ‘em.”
“Alright. I’ll be right back.”
Clark quickly disappeared through the screen door and into the house. His mind was just racing with thoughts. How could I do something so stupid? How am I going to explain my way out of this one? The girl is kind of a basket case. Hi, I’m Clark Kent and I’m from the planet Krypton. Oh yeah, way to influence friends. She’ll freak out! I just know it. He poured two glasses of the fruity beverage and pawed through the pantry for some crackers.
As Maria waited outside, slowly rocking herself back and forth in the chair, she hoped the dizziness would pass. She didn’t think she’d been sitting doubled over for long when a strange pain shot through her stomach. It didn’t really hurt, but it felt tight and stretched. Man, my stomach has really been loopy these past few days, she thought. Must be all the stress. She slowly sat up and continued to rock. She found it to be quite rhythmic and soothing.
“Well,” Clark stated coming out the door, “at least you don’t look so pale now.”
Clark set down the tray of drinks and crackers and jumped up onto the porch railing. He sat there looking at Maria as she slipped the Lemonade.
“Does Chloe know?” Maria asked him.
“Know what?” Clark replied.
“That you uh, have uh, special powers.” Maria started.
“No!” Clark exclaimed. “She doesn’t know.”
“So what are you then? Are you an alien?”
Clark was surprised at how easily the question rolled off her tongue. Most people would probably be laughing when they asked that.
“Let’s just say I’m not from around here.” He smiled at her.
This had shades of Michael, Max and Isabel written all over it. She pointed up towards the sky and waited for Clark to respond.
“Maria, it’s not safe to explain my situation to you.”
“What? Are you being investigated by the FBI or something?” Maria chortled.
“The FBI?” He looked at her, puzzled. “No. What kind of secret are you keeping?” Yes, this girl was definitely related to Chloe. They had the same inquisitive nature.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Michael had been pacing back and forth outside for what felt like hours. His thoughts were consumed with Maria and the baby girl she held inside. I really need to be there to get her through this, he thought. There just has to be a way.
When he returned to the group he could tell he was walking into open fire. He had watched part of the heated exchange between Max and Liz and now Kyle had joined in. He dared not imagine what they were speaking of.
“Michael,” Liz sighed, “where have you been?”
“Just out walking around. Had to clear out the cob webs, you know.” Michael eyed the trio curiously before continuing, “Max, I have to get to Maria.”
“Michael, I just told Liz and now I am telling you we cannot go back to Roswell.” Max looked at him just waiting for the challenge that was sure to come.
“Michael, I believe you.” Liz stated, tossing a glance to Max. “We need to figure out what kind of time frame we are dealing with here.”
“I know. I’ve been thinking about that. The way I figure it is Tess knew she was pregnant immediately. She took off in the Granolith and was gone what, maybe a year?” Liz nodded in agreement even though she cringed inside at hearing Tess’s name again. “And when she got back the kid was about 11 months old, right?”
“Yeah.” Max uttered.
“Well then, I figure an alien pregnancy has to last about six weeks then.” Michael declared triumphantly.
“Yeah, an alien pregnancy.” Max countered.
“He’s right, Michael. Tess was a hybrid so it’s going to be different. That’s just science.” Liz stated with empathy.
“I’m pretty sure it’s safe to say that this pregnancy is going be quicker than nine months.” Max offered up.
“Well, how do you think we should figure it then?” Michael asked. “If the alien pregnancy is 6 weeks and then human pregnancy is nine months then that would make this about….” Michael paused a moment to ponder the equation.
“About six weeks for every one week of a human pregnancy.” Liz stated matter of factly.
“It’s a thought.” Max replied.
“Max, can I call her?” Liz asked. “Please?”
“I don’t think its safe, Liz.” He looked at her and could see the sadness begin to well up in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Liz. I don’t want to fight with you on this one.”
“Why isn’t it safe?” Liz asked. “Do you think the FBI is tapping into Maria’s cell phone? She wasn’t a target, Max.”
“Liz, anyone that was part of the group could’ve been a target. There’s no way I can tell if they are watching Maria. I can only venture a guess that they are.”
“Look,” Kyle piped in, “can we call a cease fire here for like five minutes?” He looked at Max and Liz before continuing on. “Ok, so Michael, when was the last time Maria rode the midnight Michael express?”
“Too personal!” Michael and Max recited in unison.
“Look, you’re the one that wants to develop a time line here man. I’m just trying to help you out.” Kyle smiled.
“He’s right, Michael. We’re going to need to know that information in order to make an educated decision.” Liz was now joining in the fun to watch Michael squirm.
His feelings for Maria were obvious but he never felt comfortable talking about the intimate details of their relationship and everyone knew it. “Two weeks ago yesterday,” He said quietly.
Liz thought for a few moments and said, “Well, if our 6 to 1 theory proves to be correct, she would already be about 12 weeks along then. She’s going to start to show soon, Max.”
“Yeah, and I have to be there, Max. I doubt she even knows anything is going on yet!” Michael exclaimed.
“Look, I hate to be the voice of reason here...” Max started.
“I know, I know….” Kyle interjected, “it’s not safe to go back and you don’t think it’s safe to call her. So, where does that leave us?”
“Yeah, Max. Where does that leave us, because I’m with Michael on this one? I will be with Maria.” Liz spoke with certain conviction.
“I need some time to think,” Max said shaking his head. “God, we don’t even know if she is really pregnant!”
“Maxwell, I know what I saw!” Michael turned to Liz, “Thank you for believing in me.”
“Yeah, Liz, why do you believe him anyway? Guerin usually isn’t dealing with a full deck.” Kyle smirked trying to break the mounting tension.
“I don’t know. I just had this weird dream last night. Maria was standing on a hilltop and we were all there. There was a beautiful little girl. She had the most incredible eyes.”
TBC
A wish is a powerful thing, especially when it comes from the heart
“Max, Max!” Isabel called as she ran towards him. “I have the most wonderful news!” Her smile was as bright as the sun.
“What is it, Isabel?” Max responded in his usual monotone manner. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d seen such a smile on his sister’s face.
“It’s Alex. I had the most amazing dream with him last night, Max. He said he’s ready. He wants you to heal him!” Isabel looked as though she might pop from all the excitement.
Max looked at his sister. For her this was good news. Everyone had wanted the old Alex back but Max knew there were no guarantees. He could heal Alex; there was no question of that. But he did not know if Alex would ever be fully restored to the person he once was. “That’s great, Isabel.”
“Looks like you might have to get in line here sister. Max has a full agenda today.” Kyle quipped.
“What?” Isabel looked quizzically at Kyle.
“Liz and Michael are pressuring him to go find Maria. According to them Maria is about 12 weeks along in her pregnancy and everyone wants to be there. So this mornings’ topic of conversation is how do we go back? Or assuming that Maria has left, how do we find her?” Kyle tossed a quick look to Max.
“Look, Isabel…I can handle Alex. I don’t know what to do about Maria. We can’t go back to Roswell. It’s not safe.” Max looked at Isabel. He hoped that she could think of something that maybe he hadn’t thought of before.
“Where is Michael?” she asked.
“He left with Liz to go grab us all something to eat. They should be back soon.”
“Well come on then. Time’s a wasting!” Isabel grabbed her brother’s arm and pulled him along with her. Isabel had waited too long for this moment and she wasn’t going to let it pass her by.
“Isabel, wait. Slow down.” Max said to her.
“What? What is it, Max?” Isabel asked him.
“I just want you to be prepared.” Max told her.
“Be prepared for what?” Isabel eyed her brother.
“I can heal Alex. But I just want you to know that even if I heal his mind he may not be the way he was before. I’ve never done anything like this.” For once Max sounded a bit unsure of his powers.
“It’s going to be fine, Max. You’ll see.” Isabel smiled at her brother. “He’s waiting for us just over there.” She said pointing to the small hill next to the roadside.
Max felt as though he was being pulled into a hundred different directions all at once. So many people demanding his time and attention, he just wondered if he could handle it all. Snap out of it, he thought to himself. All of these people are depending on you. They rounded the van to find Alex sitting quite quietly in the lush grass. “Hi, Alex.”
Isabel quickly took her place next to Alex in the grass. “Are you ready? I brought Max. Are you ready?” Isabel was more excited than a child on Christmas morning.
“Alex…” Max started.
“Look, Max…I know this is a lot to ask of you. I know you have a ton of other stuff on your mind but I’m ready. I know you’re scared but I’m ready.” Alex spoke reassuringly.
“Okay. If you’re sure.” Max stated.
“Absolutely!” Alex exclaimed. And with that Max wrapped his hands around Alex’s head and they began to glow with a healing light.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Chloe, come here and hold this sign, please!” Lana called to her. “Clark and your cousin are going to be here soon.”
“I know. I’ll be right there.” Chloe told her.
“What are you doing anyway? You’ve been sitting over there all morning just typing away on your keyboard.”
“I’ve been working on something for the Daily Planet. I’m still trying to get this internship on my own.” Chloe shrugged. “I know Mr. Luther said he could get me in but I would rather not be indebted to him, you know?”
“No doubt!” chuckled Lana. “I’ve got enough going on with Lex. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have to deal with Mr. Luther.”
“What?” Chloe inquired. “What are you saying?”
“Oh it’s nothing, really. I shouldn’t have said anything. Just forget about it.” Lana stammered towards the counter for a few more decorations.
“No, you brought it up, Lana. What’s going on?”
“I just feel stupid. I told Clark that I thought Lex was hitting on me. And now it was probably just Lex being Lex and I know it upset Clark and well…”
Chloe quickly interrupted, “What did he do? Are you sure he was hitting on you?”
“Well, yes. Uh, no. I’m not really sure. He just made me feel weird. Forget it, Chloe, really.”
The wheels in Chloe’s mind began to turn. “Sometimes fear of loss can be a great motivator.”
“What?” Lana queried. “What do you mean?”
“Well, who knows? Maybe if Clark knows that someone else is interested in you he will either step up and take control or...”
It was Lana who interrupted this time, “Or what? Lose me forever? I’m not interested in Lex, Chloe.”
“Yes, I know. But I still think it would do Clark some good to know that other people are interested in you! This thing with you guys is crazy. You’re both nuts about each other but there’s something keeping you apart. What do you think that is?” Chloe knew the answer to that question before she even asked it. It was the same thing that kept Clark from getting too close to anyone.
“I just don’t feel like he trusts me. And if he doesn’t trust me then how can I put my faith in him?” Lana felt the weight of the statement as it lifted from her mouth. She hadn’t really expected to feel better having said the statement but she knew it was true. She knew Clark felt he had something to hide. She knew he’d come close to telling her before but it was at that moment she realized he just didn’t trust her.
“Well, there it is then.” Chloe stated. “Makes sense to me. Maybe you should tell that to him.”
“Yeah, maybe.” Lana looked around the Talon. “Everything looks good here.”
“Yeah, it looks great. I’ll have to call Clark and let him know we are ready whenever he is.” Chloe smiled at Lana. It was a terrible thing to say but she was glad there was a wedge holding Clark and Lana apart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“So basically then, what you’re not telling me is that...You aren’t from around here, you’re not entirely human and that basically everything I just left behind I’m right back in the middle of?” Maria asked in a somewhat exasperated tone.
“Yeah. I guess.” Clark replied mulling over what Maria had just said. “Wait a minute. What do you mean everything you left behind?”
That statement hit Maria like a ton of bricks. Had she really just said that? Her mind had been a wreck these past few days but it wasn’t like to her to just blurt out anything about the alien chaos. “Small town, you know. Lots of alien stories where I come from. Mysterious spaceship crash, you know, little green men and all that.” She said in an attempt to cover her tracks.
“Right.” Clark wasn’t buying it. He could tell there was more behind the statement than that. “Look, Maria…you can’t say anything, to anyone.” He knelt down in front of the still rocking Maria. “Please.”
“So are you from another planet?” Maria inquired.
“Yes. The planet Krypton, but I don’t know much about it.” Clark felt oddly at ease talking about these intimate details with Maria. He didn’t know why but it felt great to have someone to talk to.
“Then how did you get here?”
“There was this meteor shower and my ship crashed. I was probably about 6 when my parents, my Earth parents found me wandering naked around the corn fields.”
This was definitely getting creepy for Maria. If he had said he came out of a pod she thought her head would explode. It was just so similar to the stories of Michael, Max and Isabel. “Okay,” she said taking a deep breath in, “are there anymore of you? Other aliens, I mean?”
“No, as far as I know I am the only one here. Your turn.” Clark smiled.
“What do you mean? My turn?” Maria squirmed around in the chair.
“What are you running away from in Roswell?” Clark asked.
Maria let out a long sigh and slowly shook her head back and forth. “Just life.” She muttered.
“It has to be more than that, Maria.” Clark placed a reassuring hand on her knee. “Its okay, your secret is safe with me.” He saw the tears begin to well up in her eyes. “What is it, Maria?”
“Oh God. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be crying you know but it’s hard. I mean I dated Michael for like 3 years and now…God, I’m not normally this emotional.” She said wiping the tears away from her eyes. “I don’t know what’s going on with me. All the sudden I’m tired and nauseous and incredibly weepy. And they all left and I just couldn’t go. My best friends, they’re all just gone. And I thought I left all of this behind in Roswell.”
Clark stared at the sobbing girl before him unsure of what to say. He reached out and hugged her and just let her cry. After her wails subsided to a whimper he spoken again, “Who left, Maria? Where did they go? And what did you leave in Roswell?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The flashes hit Max almost instantly. He could see what Alex had been through. He could feel what Alex had experienced. He was devastated at the pain Tess had inflicted on him.
Alex sitting at a computer…staring blankly at the screen.
Pages of notes before him all under one common heading, Destiny.
Alex holding his head and crying from the pain. All the jostled memories. No sense of reality.
Then he saw Isabel the way Alex saw her. Full of grace and beauty. She was the one thing that kept Alex alive. It was as though she was the one driving memory in his subconscious mind.
He saw the accident as the car careened off the roadway. He saw Alex’s body, cold and gray on the stretcher in the ambulance.
He saw Alex’s inner struggle. Afraid to be healed because he feared what he might uncover and yet not strong enough to continue on in his weakened state. It was though Alex was working with two entirely different brains in his head.
Max held the connection until he felt certain that he had cleared Alex’s mind of the painful memories. He hoped that he had fused Alex’s brain in such a way that everything about the mind warp would be tucked neatly away in the vast gray matter that humans never use.
“Alex, open your eyes.” Max commanded as he looked at him. He watched a sense of peace fall across Alex’s façade.
“Alex, it’s okay. I’m here.” Isabel’s voice was so comforting.
Alex Whitman opened his eyes and looked up at Max. He then cast his gaze upon Isabel. They were staring at him with great intent. “Did it work? Am I healed?”
“I think so,” Max said cautiously. “Do you remember anything?”
“I remember lots of things. Are you looking for something in particular?”
“How do you feel, Alex?” Isabel asked. She could hardly contain her joy in knowing that Max had healed Alex.
“I feel great. I’d like a shower now and some food.” He looked around for a moment and then questioned, “Where is everyone else?”
“Michael and Liz went to get us some food. Kyle is taking a shower now. We’re going to have to get back on the road soon.” Max told him.
“So, where’s Maria?” Alex asked.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I’ve got it!” Michael declared to Liz. “I’ve got it. Isabel!”
“What are you talking about, Michael?” Liz said as they gathered up the bags. “What about Isabel?”
“She can dream walk Maria. Maybe find out where she is. What do you think?”
“Sounds like a plan to me.”
“Yeah, I am pretty sure if she holds my hand then I can go in with her. Talk to Maria myself.” Michael said. “At least I hope that’s how it will work.”
“God, Michael. This can’t be happening.”
“I know, Liz.” He said taking the bags from her. He sat them back down on the counter and grabbed Liz into a hug. He knew that Liz was deeply hurt that Maria hadn’t come with them and he knew that Liz was supposed to share this with Maria. “I didn’t mean for any of this to happen, you know?”
“God, I know that, Michael. I understand that we have to stay away from Roswell but I have to be with Maria. We have to make Max understand that.”
“We will, Liz. We will or we’ll take off without them.”
TBC
A wish is a powerful thing, especially when it comes from the heart
