Returning to Love (AU,M/L,MATURE/ADULT) [COMPLETE]

[Lady Scorpio]

I know, I know...another one, but I promise all three of my new stories have several chapters written already, and you won't have to wait long for a update...and oh yeah, I don't think I can write fluff...so, sorry.


You already know who's responsible for this lovely banner....Thanks Hybrid-Angel

Returning to Love
Author: Lady Scorpio
Catagory: M/L, original characters, yada...yada
Rating: MATURE (for language) could possible have some ADULT moments, but I’ll give a warning beforehand.
Disclaimer: I once again, own nothing. Roswell belongs to whoever thought of it, and the major UPN folks. Any parts of this story that resembles anyone else’s story or this story has been done before, it is clearly a coincidence, and I mean no harm. I’m just a lonely Dreamer, who misses Roswell.
Summary: Can Max and Liz return to the love they once shared or is it to late to fix the damage formed?
Feedback Always appreciated, good or bad.
Updates With two little ones riding my coattail...whenever time permits

Also want to thank Itzstacie for lending her time to beta this and God Sent for me. She's a real Sweetie

~~Prologue~~

Staring down at the papers in front of him, Max threw back another shot of whiskey as he read over the contents...Petition for Divorce...Elizabeth Evans from Maxwell Evans. The more he read it, the more shots he poured himself. He hadn’t even realized he was crying until the words on the paper began to dance around in front of him. With the tears came anger. She didn’t have a right to end things. They had made vows to each other...promised to stand by one another thru thick and thin...thru sickness and health...till death do they part. Sure they had been separated for the last three months, but he was for sure they were working things out. Now she was throwing it all in his face with her petition for divorce. With unconcealed anger, Max jumped up from his seat, tossing the papers across the room. If she thought he was just going to sign away his family, she had another thing coming, he thought as he grabbed his keys.

It’s a wonder he made it to their house with the amount of alcohol and anger consuming him. Their house, he snorted. It hadn’t been their house and a long time. Staring at the car in the driveway, Max felt his hands tighten around the steering wheel and his blood boil. Stepping out of the car, he stumbled drunkenly up the porch steps.

“Liz...Liz open the door” he demanded...banging his fist against the door, “Liz...I know you hear me in there” he continued to shout. Liz stood on the other side of the door, wincing every time his fist connected with it.

“Daddy” two small voices sounded at the top of the stairs before their tiny feet scrambled down the stairs.

“Hold on sweeties” Liz grabbed them before they could reached the door.

“But we want to see daddy” her daughter whined as she listened to her daddy’s cry on the other side of the door. Her brother nodded his head in agreement.

“Not now...I need you two to be a good boy and girl and go back upstairs and put on Daddy Daycare” she looked up at the person that stood in the doorway.

“Could you...” she trailed off pleadingly?

“Of course...come on kiddo’s, I’ll race you upstairs” the two tykes eyes lit up in excitement before taking off up the stairs.

“Liiizzz” Max shouted, stepping off the porch to call up at the window. Liz opened the door, stepping out onto the porch.

“Max, what are you doing here” she hissed, taking in his haggard form?

“Liz...” he slurred stepping closer to her, “Liz...don’t do this...d-don’t take away my family...I’m begging you...don’t do this” he wrapped heavy arms around her, squeezing her against him.

“Max...” she tried to push away from him, “You’re drunk...you have to go...you’re causing a scene” she finally managed to free herself from his vice grip and watched as he stumbled down the stairs.

“But I love you...” he wavered as he stood up, “Can’t w-we...can’t we just talk about this?”

“I can’t talk to you when you’re like this” she sighed, running a tired hand though her hair, “besides...there’s nothing left to say...” she whispered sadly.

“Liz?” Liz turned to see Drew standing behind her, “Is everything okay” he asked, placing a hand at the small of her back? He looked over at Max, his eyes narrowing in deadly slants.

“Everything’s fine Drew” she nodded tightly. Seeing the way that bastard had his hand on his wife, Max grew enraged.

“Is he the reason you’re doing this...” he grounded out angrily, “is he the reason you’re willing to throw away our family....are you fucking him” he shouted, “Are you fucking my wife Drewy-boy?”

“Max” Liz shouted in disbelief, tears brimming her eyes, but he was to far gone to listen. Walking back to his car, he jerked opened the trunk.

“Yeah...that’s it...” he stated calmly, slamming the trunk down “oh Drew here has been fiddling my wife...all the time acting as a concerned friend” he walked around the car, a baseball bat in hand. Seeing him advancing, Liz quickly ran down the stairs, standing in front of him.

“Max stop...you’re drunk...please just calm down” she begged pulling on his arms. Max jerked his arm from her, stalking toward Drew. Drew stood tall, ready to fight him if need be.

“You’re a fucking snake Thompson...I knew you had a thing for my wife...” he sneered.

“Go home Max” Drew said calmly, not at all threaten by him, “you’re making an ass out of yourself.”

“Fuck you rich boy...this is my home...” Max slammed the bat into the hood of Drew’s Lexus.

“Max!” Liz cried.

“What the hell is your problem” Drew cried, watching as Max slammed the bat into his window?

“You think you can just come and take my wife from me...my kids” the bat came down hard against the back window, “I got news for you...she’ll always be mine” the bat connected with the side door. The blood roared in his ears and he couldn’t see past his anger and drunkenness as Liz called out for him to stop. Suddenly sirens sounded, and the police pulled up. They tried to defuse the situation, but in his drunken state, Max swung the bat at one of the officers, and they quickly brought him to the ground with force.

“Please don’t hurt him...” Liz cried, tears burning her cheeks, “Max stop fighting” she begged and she watched as he stopped resisting.

“Liz...Liz..I love you...please...Liz” Max cried as they loaded him into the squad car.

“Daddy!” Hannah and Justin cried as they ran out the house, watching their father being put in a police car. Liz caught them as they struggled and fought against her.

“I want my daddy” Hannah screamed. Liz barely felt Drew remove them from her arms as she and Max locked eyes as the car drove off.


~~~~~~~~~

Like?...Dislike?...Let me know

XOXOXOXOX

LS

[Lady Scorpio]

You guys are awesome, and I thank you whole-heartedly for your wonderful words. I hope you like the next part. Don't worry answers will come soon


Chapter 1

“Evans...you’re free to go” the guard yelled, unlocking the lock to his cell. Max groaned as he sat up. He buried his head in his hands as the room began to spin rapidly. Finally after everything in front of him became one once again, he stood up and followed the guard up front.

“Thanks” he grumbled as he collected his things from the police officer at the desk. Stuffing his wallet into his back pocket, Max shrugged on his leather jacket and headed to the front. Zan stood as he saw his brother coming. Identical amber eyes locked as Max fidgeted under his brother’s scrutinizing gaze. Sure he was five minutes older then Zan, but at the moment Max didn’t feel like the older sibling.

Identical twins Maxwell and Zander Evans were a sight for sore eyes. Sometimes it was hard to tell them apart. They both wore their hair shoulder length that cradled their napes. They had the same height, build, style and taste. They even worked together for the LAFD. People were always mistaken one for the other. Only those closest to then could tell them apart. Zan had a slight limp from when he fell out of their tree house when he was eight and broke his right leg in two places and it never healed properly. Those that knew them intimately knew that Max had a clover shape birthmark on the inside of his right thigh, whereas, Zan, who also carried the same mark but on the small of his back. They both had matching tattoos of the Ying Yang on their shoulders, Max’s on his right and Zan’s on his left.

Zan didn’t say anything as he eyed his brother, he just slid on his sunglasses and walked off. Max dutifully followed behind him. The car ride was done remotely in silence as they both sat in deep thought.

“How did you know I was down there” Max asked after the silence grew suffocating? Zan pinned him with a knowing glare. “Liz” Max answered his own question. He sighed heavily, laying his pounding head against the headrest. He closed his eyes to fight the nausea that was threatening to take over him.

Zan stared ahead thinking of the frantic call he had received from his sister-in-law the night before. She had explained what had happened and that Max had been arrested. His first instinct was to go right down to the police station and bail him out, but then he stopped himself knowing Max needed to stew for awhile and what better place for him to do it. Besides, it wasn’t like he was going anywhere. So with a conflicted heart, he had rolled back over and went to sleep.

“How is she” Max asked thickly?

“How do you think she is?” his brother returned tightly. “She’s angry as hell” he bit out, “but she’s more worried then anything…just like the rest of us” he finished tiredly, not understanding what was going through his brother’s head anymore. There use to be a time that they knew each other inside and out, could finish each others sentences, knew what the other was thinking before he even knew. Now, things had changed, Max had changed and he wasn’t sure he liked the person he was becoming. Max ran a hand down his face, noticing the stubble starting to form there. “Max, I don’t know what your problem is, but you better fix it and fast before you lose Liz” Zan advised wisely.

“I already lost her” Max whispered, “she filed for a divorce” he admitted softly.

“Damn” Zan mumbled in disbelief. The car was once again cloaked in silence. Zan pulled up to the firehouse, cutting the engine, he turned to his brother. “You know if you need to talk or anything…I’m here for you bro.”

“Yeah…I know…thanks man” they pounded fist before climbing out of the car. Climbing the stairs to their bunks, they past by the Lt. office.

“Evans” they heard him call and back paddled. Lt. Allen sat at his oversized desk, watching as the brother’s filed into his office. “Actually, I was only calling Max” he corrected, looking pointedly at Zan. Zan looked over at Max.
“I’ll catch up with you” Max told him. Zan nodded before leaving the room. “What’s up Lou” Max asked once they were alone.

“Max, I don’t know how to say this but to just say it” he started, “I’ve notice you’ve been somewhere else lately and I hate to say this, you’re one of my best men, but your work’s suffering…I can’t have you out there with a cloudy head…I can’t put my other men in danger like that…”

“Just spit it out already” Max growled through clutched jaws.

“I know about your arrest Max…and it’s the second one in six months. I have no choice but to place you on leave…I would prefer you place yourself on leave…for personal reason…but…” Max didn’t even wait to hear the rest of what he had to say.

“Max!…Evans!” the lieutenant called after him. Zan pushed away from the wall, having heard everything the lieutenant had said. When he made it upstairs to their room, he found Max grabbing his things out of their footlocker and stuffing them into his LAFD duffle bag.

“Did you know about this” he accused hotly, emptying his toiletries into the bag?

“You know I didn’t…but maybe Lou’s right, maybe you should take some time off…get your head back on straight.”

“Whatever” Max hissed under his breath. Zipping up his bag, he threw it over his shoulder.

“Where are you going” Zan grabbed him as he tried to rush by?

“What do you care” he tried to push past, only to be slammed up against the wall? The other firefighters in the room knew not to butt in.

“I care because you’re my brother and I don’t like to see you going down this destructive road” he shouted in his face.

“Well, don’t watch” Max snapped. He pushed him off and stormed down the stairs. Zan stared after him, shaking his head tiredly.




XOXOXOXOXO

LS

[Lady Scorpio]

Chapter 2

“Uncle Zan” Zan smiled as he stepped out of his car. He watched his niece and nephew as they ran down the stairs. He caught them in his strong arms, spinning them around as their childish giggles reached his ears.

“How is my favorite double trouble” he smiled, placing them on the ground?

“Good” they answered in unison.

“Are you behaving for your mom” he raised an eyebrow at them? The two identical raven heads bobbed together.

“I bet” he laughed, knowing the kind of mischief the two of them were capable of getting into. Zan saw Liz standing on the porch watching them and made his way to her. “Hey” he smiled warmly, engulfing her in his embrace.

“Hi” Liz mumbled against his chest. Zan heard the tremble in her voice and the slight shaking of her form.

“Come on” he guided her inside, the twins eagerly running ahead of them. He lead her into the kitchen where he sat her down at the table before going to the fridge to get her something to drink.

“Have you spoken to him” Liz asked as he handed her a beer and sat down across from her? It had been a week since Max had shown up at the house, a week since he had stormed out of the firehouse. No one had heard or seen from him since. He wasn’t answering his phone or door. Liz had expected him to show up two days ago because he had promised to take the kids to see Shrek 2, but when he didn’t show, she was left the awkward task of explaining to Hannah and Justin why their daddy didn’t come see them as promised. It broke her heart to see their face full of disappointment. Throughout everything that was happening between her and Max, Max had never let the twins down. Which was why her anger had disappear and now she was filled with worry.

Zan shook his head, “No” he answered, sipping on his beer. The few times he had went by his brother’s apartment, Max hadn’t been there or if he was, he was told to go away and not return. Seeing the way Liz wrung her hands together, he placed a calming hand over them. “Max told me about the divorce Liz . . . are you sure this is what you want” he asked, hoping that there was a way to savage their relationship?

Liz nodded sadly, “It’s for the best,” she swallowed thickly, “things haven’t been right for the last year Zan, you and I both know it” she fought back the tears, and Zan stood, taking her in his arms.

“Maybe . . . ” before he could finish his thought, Drew walked in, a bouquet of flowers in his hands. Drew stopped when he saw the scene before him. At first he had thought it to be Max, but then he noticed the tattoo on the left shoulder.

“What’s up Zan” he greeted? Liz felt Zan stiffened around her and watched as his eyes grew dark with anger. Zan looked between the two of them before stepping back.

“I’m going to go check on Han and Just” he announced, walking out of the room without a second glance.

“Hey, you okay” Drew asked, stepping up to her, brushing a stray tear from her cheek?

“Yeah . . . thanks” she eyed the flowers in his hands and raised an eyebrow at him. Drew smiled, his green eyes sparkling.

“For you mi lady” he handed them over to her, leaning over to place a kiss on her cheek, “I thought you could use some cheering up.”

“Thank you” Liz took a moment to smell the sweet roses before walking over to the counter and finding a vase. “What are you doing her Drew? I thought you had some meeting to go to” she inquired, looking over her shoulder as she filled the vase with water.

“I did, but I’m finished now and I thought I would take Hannah and Justin off your hands for a while” he offered.

“Really?” she asked, thinking of the zillion things she had to do that day, and it would be a lot easier if she didn’t have two six-year-olds bugging her every five minutes.

“Really” he answered knowingly. “You know I love spending time with them, maybe I’ll take them to my parent’s ranch, you know they love riding the horses” he smiled.

“That would really be great” she smiled, rubbing tiredly at her neck.

“Hey” Drew said as he stepped closer to her, “why don’t you get some rest while we’re gone” he suggested in concern.

“Rest” she snorted, “I have too many things to do and rest isn’t one of them.”

“I’m worried about you Lizzie . . . I know you haven’t been sleeping” his fingers caressed her cheeks tenderly, “You need to take care of yourself . . . ” a throat cleared behind them and Drew dropped his hand from her face and stepped back. Zan glared hard at him, his arms folded across his chest intimidating.

“I’ll just . . . go tell them” he pointed behind him. Drew shook inwardly under Zan’s piercing glare when he walked past him. Liz arranged the flowers in the vase, unaware of the look Zan was sending her.

“Can I ask you something” he asked, leaning against the counter?

“Of course” she turned looking at him. So much like Max . . . but not.

“A-are you two . . . together? Is he the reason . . . ” he asked, unable to finish his sentence.

“What?...No!” she snapped, offended that he could even ask such a thing.

“Okay” he threw up his hands when he saw the fire in her eyes, “Look, I’m sorry. I just had to ask.”

“Well you need not to . . . Drew and I are just friends” she clarified. Zan looked at her, wondering how she couldn’t see what everyone around her could. Drew was in love with her, and now that Max was quickly being removed from the picture, he was making his move. Before he could speak up on it, his cell rung.

“Hello” he answered. Liz watched as he turned his back to her and began talking low to the person on the other end. “Okay, I’ll be there” he flipped the phone closed with a snap. Zan ran a tired hand over his face before turning back toward her.

“I have to go.”

“Is everything okay” she asked, noticing the slight distance in his eyes?

“Yeah” walking over to her, he pulled her into a hug, “call me if you need anything . . . and promise me you’ll think hard before making any decisions” Liz knew that he was talking about Max. She nodded, letting out a weak ‘okay’ before pulling away.


“Tell Hannah and Justin that I’ll see them this weekend” he smiled before slipping on his shades and heading out the door.

~~~~~~~~

Zan arrived to see Michael and Kyle already there. He walked up to hear the tail-end of the conversation they were having with the landlord.

“...and I’ve been getting complaints all week . . . I’ve had enough, I’m calling the cops” she fumed. She turned, heading into her apartment to do just that.

“Wait a minute . . . ” Zan and Michael watched on in amusement as Kyle followed her into the apartment to diffuse the situation. A few minutes later he returned with a stricken look on his face.

“Here” he said, tossing the keys to Zan. Kyle shuddered as he thought about what he had to do to get them.

“Thanks” he mumbled before climbing the stairs to Max’s apartment. The second they opened the door, they were greeted with the foul smell of alcohol and vomit.

“Shit” Michael covered his mouth and nose, “it smells like death in here” he resisted the urge to throw up as he rushed to a window and pried it open.

“Ahh” Kyle screamed, grabbing onto Michael’s arm, “there’s something crawling under there” he pointed to the discarded pizza box on the table. Michael pried his fingers from his forearm and pushed him off him.

“Get off me” he bit out.

“I’m telling you . . . something was moving and it had these beady little eyes” he explained.

“You’re a pussy” Michael laughed. Walking over to the table, Michael lifted the box, only to let out a scream.

“What the hell is that” he shouted as he pushed Kyle in front of him, “Get it” he ordered.

“Hell no . . . you get it” he shifted, pushing Michael ahead of him.

“God I swear . . . you guys are worse then Maria” Zan said, “it’s just a rat” he shook his head.

“That’s not a rat . . . that’s an oversized Chihuahua” Kyle and Michael jumped on the couch when the rat jumped off the table and just stared at them. Zan grabbed it by the tail.

“Grrr” he teased bringing it closer to them. He nearly fell over in laughter as he watches Kyle tumbled over the back of the couch, grabbing Michael’s shirt and taking him with him.

“Get off of me” Kyle groaned, pushing Michael’s back. Zan tossed the rat out the window to the dumpster below.

“Our hero” Kyle swooned, batting his eyebrows.

“Whatever” Zan laughed, making his way to the back to Max’s room. The room was dark and smelled worse then the living room. Turning on the light, Kyle and Michael instantly backed up.

“What the hell are you doing” Zan hissed, eyeing the revolver in Max’s hand? Max looked up at him, his eyes bloodshot and empty.

“Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be shot” Max asked, looking curiously down the barrel of the gun?

“I’m pretty sure it would hurt like hell” Kyle mumbled earning him an elbow in the stomach from Michael. “Sorry” he whispered, glaring hard at his friend.

“Max . . . come on man . . . where the hell did you get a gun” Zan asked stepping closer to the bed. Max didn’t answer, just took another deep drink from the bottle in his hand. Zan sat down on the bed, noticing how it was litter with empty bottles and pictures. Pictures of Liz and Max . . . Liz alone . . . Liz, Hannah and Justin.

“She’s taking my family away . . . ” he began to cry, “she doesn’t love me any more” he slurred.

“Max . . . Liz loves you . . . ” Zan started.

“NO SHE DOESN’T!” he shouted, pointing the gun at his brother, “if she loves me . . . she wouldn’t be killing me” he sobbed, drowning the rest of the liquor before squinting his eyes.

“What the hell are you doing here any way” he asked, playing with the safety on the gun.

“I was worried about you . . . I went to see Han and Just, they miss you” he saw something flicker in his brother’s eyes before it disappeared altogether.

“My babies” he smiled, picking up one of their pictures. He took in their contagious smiles. So much like their mother’s. “I can’t lose them Zan” he turned teary eyes to his brother.

“Then you have to get off your ass and fight for them . . . prove that you want them . . . because trust me, there is someone already willing to take your place.”



~~~~~~~~

A/N....Once again I would like to thank you for you wonderful f/b. Thanks for giving this story a chance I hope I can continue to live up to your expectations. And to all the lukers out there, I love you guys too. ........

XOXOXOXOXO

LS

[Lady Scorpio]

Chapter 3

Crying . . . he could hear her crying, but where was it coming from. Max looked to his left, then right, but it was no use. He couldn’t see past the thick smoke that danced before him. The crying grew louder as the smoke engulfed him. His heart pounded in his chest as he raced blindly toward the crying. His lungs burned as smoke filled them. His legs felt weak as he pushed them beyond their physical ability. But he couldn’t stop, couldn’t give up. He had to get to her . . . had to soothe her crying. Just when he felt his legs about to give out, the crying stopped and the smoke suddenly cleared. Frantically, Max did a complete 360, his eyes landing on the small crib in the corner.

She stared at him, her cheeks burning with hot tears. Her brown eyes big, frightened. She held out a tiny hand to him . . . begging him to save her. He took a step forward, but the distance between them suddenly grew wider. He took off running, only to have the crib grow farther away. She started crying again, but this time no sound erupted from her throat. She was reaching for him desperately and Max felt his own tears burn his cheeks. In what seemed like a lifetime, he finally reached the crib. Looking inside, he found it empty. Feverishly searching through the stuff animals and blankets, Max felt his knees buckle.

“No” he choked, “Noooooo!”

“Noooooo!” Zan startled awake at his brothers anguished cries. He quickly ran into Max’s room to find him thrashing on the bed, sweat covering his body.

“Max!...MAX!” he called out to him, trying hard to wake him and hold him down so that he wouldn’t hurt himself or him. Max’s eyes flew open, searching frantically around the room before landing on his brother.

“Are you okay” Zan asked? Even through the dim lighting from the moon, he could see how pale Max had grown, the tears on his cheeks. Instead of answering, Max scrambled quickly from his bed and made it just in time to throw up. Zan flipped on the light in the bathroom, staring down in concern as Max continued to heave and cry. When he finished, Max fell back tiredly against the wall, silent tears running down his face.

Zan walked farther into the bathroom. He flushed the toilet and closed the lid before taking a seat. “You want to talk about it” he asked gently, not knowing what state of mind his brother was in? Max mutely shook his head before standing up and straggling to the sink. He quickly rinsed out his mouth and cleaned the remaining of his tears before walking back into his room, not even sparing Zan a second glance.

Sighing heavily, Zan turned off the bathroom light and walked back into the room where he found Max already fast asleep.

The next morning, Max walked into his living room to find Zan, Kyle and Michael sitting on his sofa eating cereal as they laughed at the cartoons on the television.

“What’s up Max” Michael says around a mouthful of cereal, causing milk to dribble down his chin and half-eaten Captain Crunch to fly out onto Kyle’s arm.

“Dude, gross, don’t you know you’re not suppose to talk with your mouth full” he glares, earning him the finger from Michael.

“Fuck you Valenti” Michael opens his mouth, exposing the mashed up cereal in his mouth. Max chuckled lightly, taking a seat down beside Zan.

“Thanks” he mumbles when Zan hands him a bowl and the box of cereal. Zan watched his brother, hoping to catch some sort of vibes from him, but as the usually lately, Max guarded his emotions well. Max could feel his brothers eyes on him, but chose to ignore it and pretend to be engrossed in Ed, Edd and Eddie.

“Hey man, I heard about the divorce” Kyle suddenly announced, “Ow” he winced when Michael elbowed him in the stomach. “What the hell you hit me for” he growled, sending his own elbow into Michael’s biceps. At Kyle’s words, Max sat frozen, the television screen suddenly growing blurry. He sat his bowl of cereal down on the table and went to his room.

“Nice going dipshit . . . how ‘bout you pull that foot out of your mouth now” Michael rolled his eyes.

“What? What did I say . . . it isn’t like we don’t know” Kyle said clueless.

“Of course we know stupid . . . but the key is to pretend we don’t know . . . not go around mentioning it to Max . . . can’t you see the guy’s sensitive right now” Michael glared. The two of them begin arguing back and forward. Zan got up and followed Max to his room.

“So everyone knows” Max asked, pulling on a clean shirt?

“Pretty much” Zan answered, watching as Max moved around the room. “You okay man” he asked?

“Yeah” Max answered unconvincingly.

“Hey, we’re about to go down to the gym . . . hit the weights . . . how about you join us . . . you know Kyle’s still sulking because you maxed more weight then him” he chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

“Maybe next time . . . I have somewhere to be” he grabbed his keys off the night stand, but before he could exit the room, Zan grabbed his arm.

“I’ll go with you” he asked hopefully.

“I don’t need a babysitter Zan” he retorted, prying his arm from his brothers grip.

“Could have fooled me . . . you’re emotional right now Max, I don’t think you should be alone.”

“Don’t worry . . . I won’t be alone” he whispered before making a quick get away.

~~~~~~~~~

Isabel and Maria watched on in concern as Liz continued to scrub at the same spot for the last twenty minutes.

“If you rub any harder, you’re going to drill a hole into the table” Maria said. Liz looked up at her confused before realizing what she was saying. She blushed slightly before tossing the rag into the sink.

“Liz . . . are you okay” Isabel asked, grabbing her friends hand. She hadn’t been expecting what happened next. Liz crumpled into a mass of tears as she shook her head violently.

“I-I don’t know anything a-any more” she hiccuped, wiping at her tears.

“Oh sweetie” Maria stood up, wrapping her arms around her friend. “It’s going to be okay” she cooed as she rocked her gently in her arms.

“I-I just wish things d-didn’t turn out like this” she sobbed, clutching her fist into Maria’s silk blouse. “It hurts so much.”

“I know love . . . but if it hurts so much, why are you going through with this silly divorce” Maria asked, not understanding what could have happened to cause Max and Liz to end up like this. In high school they were the envy of all couples. Everyone wanted a relationship like Max and Liz. They were homecoming King and Queen, voted most likely to marry and be successful. Their bond was unbreakable, so she thought. Now she didn’t know anything anymore. If Max and Liz couldn’t make it, and they were soulmates, what did that say about her and Michael’s relationship. Isabel stood awkwardly to the side. Liz was one of her best friends and she loved her dearly, but on the other hand, Max was her brother. She hated to see the both of them obviously still in love with each other, but hurting so much just the same.

Liz straightened in her seat, wiping at her tears as she sighed heavily. “I’m tired Maria . . . ” she began, “I’m so tired . . . every since . . . s-since . . . ” she struggled to even say it and Maria and Isabel held her hand in comfort, knowing instantly what she was trying to say. “Every since then, he has done nothing but pushed me away . . . and when he’s not pushing me away, we were fighting. Max and I never fought . . . not like this . . . ” she sniffed, “I mean sometimes it was about stupid stuff like him leaving the toilet seat up or me forgetting to mention having dinner at your parents house. I mean we were doing nothing but fighting and screaming at each other. And then he started drinking more and more and things just got worse. It got to a point where we weren’t evening hiding the fighting behind closed doors anymore . . . we would just go at it in front of Just and Han. It got to a point where we couldn’t even be in the same room for five seconds before the fighting started. Three months ago I told him that maybe we needed some time apart and he agreed, that’s why he got an apartment on Quincy” she admitted softly, inhaling a deep breath. Even though Maria and Isabel were her best friends, she hadn’t told them what had been really going on between her and Max.

“I still don’t understand how you guys went from needing space to getting a divorce” Isabel spoke softly, still trying to understand what was happening.

“A week after Max moved out, I suggested that we see a therapist . . . you know to help, and surprisingly he agreed. The sessions seemed to help, but when the doctor asked a-about . . . ” fresh tears flooded her eyes as she began to weep softly.

“It’s okay Chica, take your time” Maria soothed.

“Max completely lost it, a-and refused to go back . . . I figured if he wasn’t willing to talk about it to save our marriage, he doesn’t want to be married anymore” she was crying loudly now and both Maria and Isabel held her tightly.

“Liz you know that’s not true. Max loves you and you love him . . . you guys will get through this” Isabel promised.

“How? How can we get through it when he refuses to even acknowledge it. He won’t even go with us to visit her . . . it’s like she doesn’t even exist to him” the thought brought more heart shattering tears forward and her body shook violently. Isabel and Maria shared a look, knowing that the scars between Max and Liz ran deep. They just hoped that they could heal.

~~~~~~~~~~

“What are you two up to” Drew asked, flopping down on the blanket before the twins?

“We’re going to get mommy and daddy back together” Justin smiled only to wince in pain when Hannah socked him in the shoulder. “What’cha do that for . . . I’m telling mommy” he glared, rubbing his sore shoulder.

“It’s suppose to be a secret big mouth” she narrowed her eyes at her brother before turning back to Drew. She didn’t want him to know what they were planning because he gave off what her Aunt Ria called bad vibes. She liked Drew. He was nice to her and Justin. He would always take them out for ice cream or to ride the horses. What she didn’t like was the way he stared at their mommy when he thought no one was watching. But she was watching, and she didn’t like it one bit. He would stare at her the way their daddy use to stare at her before all the shouting started.

Drew looked between the two of them, noticing how Justin sat with a scowl and Hannah smiled innocently up at him. “You two do know that even though your daddy and mommy aren’t together anymore, they still love you very much” he tried to explain. Justin nodded his head sadly but Hannah only seemed to grow red with anger. Before he could ask her what was wrong, his mom came out with a tray of fresh baked cookies and milk.

“Who wants cookies and milk” she called from the deck? Hannah and Justin shot up like rockets and ran toward her, leaving Drew the task of picking up their backpacks and blanket. As he picked up Hannah’s bag, her notebook fell out. Curious as to what a six-year-old would write he opened it up to take a quick glance. The first few pages were filled with drawings and practice words. He came across a page that had ‘Getting mommy and daddy back together’ his eyes widened as he came across the first thing on the list. . .Get rid of Drew, it said with several exclamation points beside it. Drew lifted his eyes, only to have them collide with Hannah’s cold stare.

[Lady Scorpio]

Chapter 4

“Could you put this on the table for me sweetie” Liz ran her hand over her sons raven locks as she handed him the tray of fruit?

“Okay” Justin smiled up at his mommy.

“Hannah!” Liz called for the forth time, “What is your sister up to” she asked? She had been calling her for lunch for the last twenty minutes.

“I don’t know” Justin lowered his head, hoping his mother didn’t find out he was lying. Liz narrowed her eyes at him. She noticed the way he pulled on his right ear, a trait he had picked up from his father. They only did it when they were extremely nervous . . . or lying. Before she could question him further, the aforementioned came strolling into the kitchen.

“Where have you been young lady? I’ve been calling you forever” she scowls but without much heat.

“I’m sorry mommy,” Hannah smiled, “I was just cleaning my room” she grabbed the cups from off the counter and began helping her brother set the table. Justin raised an eyebrow at his sister and she winked in return. Liz watched her daughter with a suspicious eye. She knew she was up to something and had managed to rope her brother into it as well. But unlike her brother, Hannah was very sneaky and was good at hiding things. She decided to wait and see what the two of them were up to. Grabbing the tray of sandwiches and soup, Liz sat down at the table to share lunch with her kids.

Justin nibbled on his grilled cheese sandwich, his feet tangling happily beneath him. “Ow” he suddenly growls when Hannah’s foot collided with his shin. He glares at his sister who nodded her head to their mom.

“What’s wrong Just” Liz asked, oblivious to what was going on beneath the table.

“Nothing . . . I just bit my tongue” he said through clutched teeth.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes” when she saw that he was indeed fine, she resumed eating her lunch. Hannah cleared her throat, sending a pointed stare her brother’s way.

“Mommy?” He finally speaks up.

“Yeah.” Before he could put their plan into action, there was a knock on the side door moments before Drew strolled in.

“How’s my favorite fam” he smiles, placing a kiss on Liz’s cheek and ruffling Justin’s hair. His eyes locked on Hannah’s, sending her a warm smile. Instead of returning it, Hannah huffed and returned to her lunch, tearing the edges of her bread as if it had committed a crime against her.

“Hey Drew . . . what brings you by” Liz ponders, gesturing for him to have a seat. “Would you like something to eat . . . drink” she asked?

“I wouldn’t mind a glass of that lemonade you got there and maybe a bowl of soup” he flashes her a toothy smile, which caused both Hannah and Justin to stew angrily in their seats.

“We’ll get it” Hannah suddenly jumped from her seat, grabbing her brother on her way. As she went to the refrigerator, she grumbled under her breath at the site of him sitting in her daddy’s seat. She leans over and whispers something to Justin that causes his pupils to dilate in anger and he nodded his head in agreement.

“I thought you and the kids would like to catch a movie with me . . . I know they’ve been dying to see that new Shrek movie that’s out” he goes on to explain his appearance. Liz bit her lip in thought. She knew that Max was supposed to take them to see the movie, but she hadn’t heard from him in close to three weeks now. Besides, she really needed to get out, take her mind off of things.

“You know what . . . I think that would be great” she smiled, watching the way his face lit up.

“Great” he beamed. Just then Hannah and Justin returned with his lunch, but before he could react, Justin spilled the hot soup into his lap. Following her brother’s lead, Hannah ‘accidentally’ tipped the glass of lemonade onto his soup soaked khakis.

“Oh my God” Liz jumped up from the table, grabbing a dishrag off the counter. Liz quickly rushed over to Drew to assist him, while Hannah and Justin stood to the side with satisfied smiles on theirs faces.

“Liz . . . Liz, it’s okay” Drew called to him when she began wiping frantically at his shirt and pants. He halted her movements, grabbing the towel from her hand. Liz stared at the huge mess on the front of his clothes and groaned. Then, she noticed Hannah and Justin to the side sharing secret looks and smiles.

“I don’t see anything funny you two,” she chastised, “What do you have to say” she placed her hands on her hips, her foot tapping impatiently.

“Oops” they answered simultaneously, not an ounce of remorse tracing their voices.

“Oops . . . that’s all you have to say?” She watched as their smiles faded and they looked at each other before nodding their heads.

“Yes.”

“Hannah Marie and Justin Alexander Evans . . . you apologize this instant” Liz demanded, knowing that their little ‘accident’ was intentional. For the past few weeks, whenever Drew was around, something always ‘accidentally’ happened to his clothes or his car.

“We will not” Justin answered for the both of them, his chin rising in a clear stubborn stance. Liz eyes widened in shock as she stared down at her defiant son. Usually it was Hannah who gave her trouble, always wanting to test the waters, never Justin. He was her little Angel.

“Liz, really, it’s okay” Drew tried to get her to calm down. He wasn’t blind of the looks he had been receiving from the twins when their mother wasn’t watching.

“No, it is not okay . . . ” she glared at him before turning back to them, “I don’t know what has gotten into you two . . . I want you to go to your rooms . . . and when I come up there, I will be getting some answers . . . NOW!” she tacked on when they didn’t move. The twins quickly rushed upstairs, leaving a frustrated Liz behind.

“I swear, I don’t know what has gotten into those two lately” she said, shaking her head. Turning, she found Drew staring at her. “I’m so sorry Drew . . . ”

“It’s okay Liz. It’ll wash out” he smiled, stepping forward.

“Just make sure you send me the dry-cleaning bill, okay?”

“It’s no big deal” he shrugged.

“No, I insist” she shook her head adamantly.

“Okay” he answered, having no intentions of doing such.

“Good” Liz smiled, and went to clean up the mess that they caused. “What are you doing” she frowned when he bent down beside her?

“Helping.”

“You don’t have to help . . . in fact, I think Just and Han should clean this up since they are the ones that made this mess” she groaned.

“It’s okay Liz,” he said as he placed the dishes in the sink, “give them a break . . . it was an accident” he smiled turning toward her. Liz placed the remaining dishes in the sink with a small huff. Drew watched as she blew an unruly strand of hair out of her face while she mumbled under her breath. He couldn’t help but think how beautiful she looked all frustrated. Unable to resist, he did something he had been dying to do from the first moment he laid eyes on her. Taking her completely by surprise, he turned and kissed her.

~~~~~~~~

Max pulled up to the place he had called home for the last seven years. Killing the ignition, he took a deep breath before stepping out of his car. It had been three weeks since he had talked to or seen Liz and the kids. He knew he couldn’t see them, not when his head was so messed up, but he missed Hannah and Justin and wanted to take them to the park. He didn’t know how Liz would react, especially after his three-week absence.

Walking through the side gate that lead to the kitchen, Max knew it was lunch time and Liz would most likely have the twin’s seated for their normal grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Stepping onto the porch, he froze at the sight before him as he stared through the screen door. Max couldn’t breathe. He felt his heart plummet to the pit of his stomach as he watched his wife kissing another man. Soundlessly, Max stepped back off the porch, making a hasty exit before they saw him.


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

XOXOXOXOXO

LadyScorpio....

[Lady Scorpio]

Chapter 5

“What the hell are you doing!?” Liz shrieked as she pulled away from Drew’s grip. Before he could explain, Liz’s fist connected with his jaw. She stood before him, fire in her eyes as she clutched her fist at her side.

“Liz, I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me just then,” he tried to explain.

Liz shook her head, “No, that’s not acceptable. You don’t go from talking to someone to sticking your tongue down their throat. What the hell were you thinking?” she hissed sharply. Drew straightened, still rubbing his swollen jaw. He had wanted to tell her for so long. Wanted her to know exactly how he felt. He knew that he should have talked to her first before kissing her, but he couldn’t help himself and now he had to tell her the truth.

“Look, Liz, I know you’re upset, but please . . . I can’t stop thinking about you,” he admitted. “From the moment I saw you at my father’s company three years ago, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you . . . I love you Liz,” his heartfelt admission only seemed to heighten her anger.

“You bastard!” she seethed through clutched jaws. “How dare you? I trusted you. I trusted you with my friendship and you were only using it to get into my pants,” she shouted.

“That’s not true,” he denied adamantly.

“Isn’t it?” she snorted in disbelief.

“No, Liz, you have to believe me. I love you . . . I want to take care of you and the kids ” he took a step forward, stopping when he noticed the way she stepped back.

“I’m a married woman Drew . . . and I love my husband very much,” she pointed out.

“But does he love you? How could he treat you the way he does . . . how could he abandon you when you needed him the most?” he whispered. “He left you hanging dry after Josephine died . . . I would have never done that to you . . . never.”

“You don’t know a thing about Max,” she fought back the tears at the truth in his words.

“How can you stand there and defend him after everything he has put you through? All the fighting . . . the tears . . . the heartache,” he asked, remembering the weeks after Joey’s funeral. How Max had shut Liz out, leaving her a grieving mother desperately needing her spouses support. Instead of being there for Liz, Max would disappear for days, leaving her alone and shattered.

“Get out of my house,” she whispered tightly.

“What?”

“I said get out!” her tiny fist began pounding into his chest and face. “Get out Drew . . . I want you out of my house right now!”

“Liz, please . . . ” he tried to catch her flying fists.

“Don’t you ever speak about Max or my family again . . . I never want to see you here again,” she shouted angrily as she managed to push him out onto the porch. Drew continued to try and reason with her as she slammed the door in his face. Liz waited until she heard his footsteps descending from the porch and the sound of his car pull off before she slid to the floor and cried.

How could she have been so stupid? How could she have been so blind not to see what was obvious all this time? Liz felt so confused and hurt. She had trusted Drew. He had always been there for her when Max turned away from her. Had it all been done with an ulterior motive? Was he always waiting on the right moment to make his move? Her mind was in a complete jumble. She felt guilt eat at her soul. Had she given him a reason to believe that she felt anything besides friendship toward him? Had all the times she had call upon him, cried to him, where they silent cries for his affection? That last thought was what really terrified her. Had things between her and Max caused her to send out the wrong signals to Drew. By allowing him into her family, into her life, had this all been her fault? Liz buried her face in her hands. She just wanted things to go back to the way they were. Back to the time when it wasn’t so hard to wake up each day, knowing that her life was a complete mess and her marriage was going down the drain. Liz was shaken out of her depressing thoughts at Justin’s urgent scream.

~~~~~~~~~~

Five sets of eyes followed Max as he paced the length of the living room floor. He had arrived at Zan’s forty-five minutes prior and had done nothing but pace since he arrived. Occasionally he would mumble a string of curses, before resuming his pacing, his hands flexing uncontrollably at his side.

“Are you going to tell us what the hell is going on, or are we going to have to sit here and watch you wear a hole in the carpet all night?” Michael finally asked. Max stopped, sending him a heated glare before pacing once again.

“Max, what’s going on?” Isabel questioned, noticing the pulsating vein in his neck.

“I’m going to kill him,” he answered simply, unaware of the shocked expressions in the room.

“Kill who?” Zan inquired, standing up and blocking his brother’s movements.

“That snake bastard Drew,” he informed them.

“Well alright then,” Kyle stood, clapping his hands together in glee. “I never did like his pretty boy ass. When do we do this?” he began cracking his knuckles.

“Shut up Kyle,” both Maria and Isabel shouted at him.

“Hey, leave the guy alone,” Michael joined in. “He’s right. I know a perfect spot in the desert. No one would ever find the body. Kyle, you get the shovels . . . Maxwell, you figure out how you want to do this . . . and I’ll get us some grub” he stated seriously as he started for the kitchen. Zan, Maria and Isabel stared at the two of them as if they had lost their minds. A few seconds later, Max’s baritone laughter reached their ears. Michael and Kyle smiled triumphantly at each other.

“You two are certifiable,” Isabel grunted.

“Hey.”

“Ow,” Michael and Kyle winced simultaneously when Maria slapped them upside the head.

“The two of you need to grow up. Don’t you see this is no time for your stupid jokes?” she admonished.

“Hey, it worked didn’t it?” Michael sneered at her as he rubbed his sore head.

“Yeah, I mean he’s not thinking of killing Drew anymore,” Kyle pouted, hating the way she always used his head for a punching bag. Zan rolled his eyes at them before turning back to his brother who was still chuckling over their friends twisted minds.

“What’s going on Max? What happened?” at his brother’s question, the smile fell from Max’s face and was replaced once again with a scowl before it too was replaced by Max’s falling face. Max sat down in a nearby chair with a heavy sigh, burying his head in his hands.

“Max?” Isabel sat on the coffee table in front of her brother. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“She was kissing him,” he choked out.

“What? Who?” she frowned confusingly.

“Liz,” he finally looked up at her. Isabel inhaled sharply when his tear filled eyes met hers. “I-I went over to the house to see the kids . . . a-and there they were standing in the middle of the kitchen . . . kissing,” he finished brokenly.

“What? That doesn’t sound like Liz . . . Liz would never to something like that . . . she loves you too much,” Maria defended her friend.

“I saw it with my own eyes Maria,” he snapped. He wanted to believe her words, but if he hadn’t witnessed it with his own eyes maybe he could have, but he knows what he saw.

“I’m surprised you could see anything past your own drunken self pity act,” she retorted angrily.

“Maria,” Michael warned, trying to calm the fire he knew was brewing inside her.

“No Michael,” she jerked out of his hand. “It’s time we all stopped walking on eggshells for him,” she sat down on the edge of the coffee table next to Isabel. “Max, you know I love you, but it’s time you pulled your head out of your ass and BE A MAN!”

“I am a man,” he retorted hotly.

“Bullshit! You’re a coward,” she stated baldly. Zan stood to the side, leaning against the wall as he listened to Maria tear into Max. “I know you’re still hurting over Joey . . . but what do you think Liz is going through? She needs you Max a-”

“You don’t know a damn thing about what I’m going through!” he shouted standing to his feet abruptly.

“You’re right, I don’t . . . and you want to know why?” she stood up, her hands planted firmly on her hips. She was not at all intimidated by his much larger frame. “Because you’ve shut us all out . . . shut Liz out, only to welcome the bottle into your arms open-heartedly while the rest of us sit back and watch you ruin your life and your family!” She watched as he lowered his eyes guiltily and some of the anger inside her died down. Walking over to him, she placed a gentle hand on his forearm, drawing his saddened eyes to her. “Sweetie, I’m not saying these things to hurt you . . . I only want you to wake up . . . fix this rift between you and Liz, make your family whole again.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and Max buried his head in the crook of her neck.

“You just don’t understand.” She felt his body shake in her arms as a sudden wetness fell upon her shoulder.

“Help us understand,” Isabel whispered, having heard her brother’s broken words. “What happened that day Max?” Max pulled away from Maria’s comforting embrace to see all of their expectant faces. Before he could even respond, his cell phone began ringing.

He cleared his throat before answering, “Hello . . . Liz? What’s wrong?” She was crying into the phone and he could barely understand anything coming out of her mouth. The others had gathered around, hearing the panic in his voice. “Just calm down, I’ll be right there,” he clicked off the phone, heading toward the door.

“Max, what’s going on?” Zan question, grabbing his own keys from the table.

“It’s Hannah.”

~~~~~~~~~

Max rushed through the emergency room doors, the others hot on his heels. He quickly ran down the long halls, checking each curtain as he went. Finally he saw Justin sitting down in a chair in front of a curtain at the end of the hall.

“Daddy,” Justin cried when he spotted him coming down the hall. Max caught him as he slammed into him.

“Hey big guy,” he sighed, holding his son close. The curtain slid open, revealing Liz’s shaken form. Max and Liz stared at each other, their eyes speaking volumes.

“Hey,” Zan stepped forward. “Why don’t we take Justin down to McDonald’s . . . what do you say big guy?” Justin looked between his parents and then over to his sleeping sister.

“Okay,” he mumbled. “Will you be here when I get back?” he asked Max.

“I’ll be right here,” Max assured him.

“What happened?” Max asked once he and Liz were finally alone. He reached out to touch her arm, but dropped his hand before making contact. Liz tried to cover her disappointment at his actions. Instead, she focused on their daughter.

“Apparently they were trying to climb down the escape ladder when she slipped,” she told him only what little information Justin had given her. She walked over and brushed the bangs from her daughter’s forehead. “She broke her arm . . . and the doctor says she has a slight concussion. He’s going to let her go home later this evening once they’ve cast her arm and the C-scan turns up nothing.” She watched as he hesitantly sat next to the bed, tracing his fingers over Hannah’s small nose. Hannah’s eyes fluttered open.

“Hi daddy,” she whispered, a small smile brushing her lips.

“Hey Puss,” he smiled, brushing his lips over her forehead. “How’s my girl?”

“I’m good . . . my arm hurts really bad though,” she winced slightly.

“Yeah, you kind of broke it,” he chuckled softly.

“Really?”

“Yeah,” he nodded. Liz came around and sat in a chair next to Max.

“Cool,” she whispered. Liz rolled her eyes. Only her daughter would think breaking her arm was cool. “Will I have to get a cast?” she asked eagerly, remembering when her Nanny broke her foot and had to wear a cast.

“Most likely,” Liz answered.

“Can I get a blue one? ’Cause it’s my favorite color,” she informed them.

“We’ll see Puss,” Max smiled, “We’ll see.”

“Why don’t you get some rest,” Liz suggested when she saw her daughter’s eyes drooping.

“Okay mommy,” she yawned before falling back into a drug induced sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~

Max gently laid his daughter down in her bed, taking extra care not to agitate her arm. After five restless hours in the ER, they had finally released her. Max had followed Liz to make sure they got home safely. Hannah and Justin had fallen asleep on the ride home and he was helping Liz put them to bed. Removing her clothes, Max slipped her nightgown over her head.

“Sorry,” he whispered when she moaned when he jolted her arm. Of course she didn’t hear him. She was once again deep in sleep.

“Sweet dreams Puss,” he kissed her forehead, pulling the covers securely around her. Max passed Liz in the hall as he headed for his son’s room and she headed toward Hannah’s. He stared down at his son as he slept peacefully in his bed. Max missed tucking his kids into bed at night. Missed reading them a bedtime story as they snuggled into his sides. Sighing, he leaned down and brushed a kiss over his son’s cheek.

“Sweet dreams big guy,” Max walked out of the room, closing the door softly behind him. He stared at the door at the end of the hall, feeling his heart constrict in pain.

“Max?” Liz’s soft voice suddenly sounded behind him. He turned around to find her staring intently at him . . . hopeful. He looked away, unable to take the emotions swimming in her eyes.

“Would you like something to drink?” she asked, trying to disperse the tension in the air.

“Sure,” he followed her downstairs and into the kitchen. Upon entering the kitchen, Max was instantly reminded of the scene he had walked upon earlier, and felt his heart plummet.

“Maybe I should go,” he swallowed hard, already backing up toward the door. Liz watched his retreating form, knowing she didn’t want him to leave.

“Max, wait,” she called out to him, rushing to block his exit. “Please don’t leave . . . I-I don’t want to be alone right now,” she admitted, tears gathering in her eyes. Max watched a single tear roll down her right cheek and it was his undoing.

“C’mere,” Max pulled her into his arms. He had never been able to take her crying.

“I was so scared Max,” she sobbed into his chest. “W-when I saw her laying there on the ground . . . I-I thought . . . ” she couldn’t even finish her sentence before she was taken over by heart-wrenching sobs.

“Shh,” he soothed, running his hands over her back tenderly. “She’s okay. Hannah’s a tough girl.” He pulled her more firmly against him. He felt her nod her head against his chest as her arms tighten around his waist. They stood there, holding on to each other tightly, relishing the feel of being in each other arms for the first time in nearly eight months. As if feeling the air in the room change, Liz pulled back, staring up into his eyes. Max lifted his hand and cupped her cheek, brushing away the straggling tears with the pad of his thumb. Liz closed her eyes at his gentle caress.

“Liz,” her eyes fluttered open at the soft utter of her name. Max’s eyes darted back and forward from her eyes to her lips in silent questioning. Liz nodded slightly, holding her breath as she watched his head descend slowly toward her.


XOXOXOXOXO

LS

[Lady Scorpio]

Chapter 6

The world seemed to cease around them as their lips met in a tentative kiss. It started out slow, getting reacquainted with each other. Liz felt her legs grow weak beneath her as his tongue ran smoothly against her bottom lip.

“Please,” he whispered desperately and she immediately opened to his assault. The minute her lips parted, Max slid his tongue into the deep crevice of her mouth. He felt his body tighten as their tongues began that familiar dance that they had mastered so long ago.

“Max,” she wept when his mouth left hers, only to cry out in pleasure when he began placing feathery light kisses down the delicious slope of her neck. Her hands clutched tightly in his shirt as her body tingled with anticipation. It had been months since she felt his kiss, felt the hardness of his body as he drove into her at alarming force. She needed him . . . wanted him, and from the prominent hardness of his arousal pressing eagerly against her stomach, he needed . . . wanted her just as bad.

Max groaned at her small whimpers. His fingers dug painfully into her hips as he grinded against her. He pinned her against the doorframe, his large body towering over hers. Lifting her tiny frame, Max settled her heated core over his throbbing erection. An animalistic growl elicited from his throat when she locked her legs around him and gyrated her hips against him.

“Oh god . . . Max,” she purred against his ear as she rocked shamelessly against his swollen cock that was desperately trying to break free of its denim confines. Max took heed to her throatily utters as his hips thrust excitedly, complimenting her own movements. Her hand fisted in his hair as she brought his mouth to hers for a sweltering kiss. Her tongue stabbed in and out of his mouth, imitating what she wanted him to do to her.

“Shit Liz,” he gurgled when she took his bottom lip between her teeth, sucking vigorously before once again plunging her tongue deep into his warm mouth. Liz pulled urgently on the hem of his shirt, needing to run her hands over his taut muscles. Max pulled back, allowing her to remove his shirt. He inhaled sharply when her small hands began to caress his heaving chest. Liz felt his hands tighten around her as he quivered from her touch. She took pride in knowing that she was the only one that had ever been privileged to his beautiful body.

Her fingernails scraped over his sensitive nipples. Her eyes darkened in arousal as she watched them tighten into stiff peaks, begging for her attention. She pushed slightly against his chest and Max leaned back, giving her the room she needed. Liz leaned forward, flicking her tongue over the left, then right before capturing the swollen left nipple between her teeth and stroking her tongue over it vigorously. Max shook all over from the pleasure her warm mouth was creating. She always knew how to use her tongue to give him the ultimate pleasure. He pressed almost painfully against her, grinding his throbbing member against her heated center. But Liz didn’t care as his hands slid up her sides, the heat from his hands leaving a scorching trail over her bare skin. She caressed the muscles in his back, feeling them constrict beneath her hands. Releasing his nipple, she stared up at him through hooded eyes.

“My turn,” he growled, ripping her sweater down the middle. His fingers expertly flicked open the front clasp of her bra, and her breast spilled forward from the lack of support. Max felt his mouth water as the swollen globes thrust forward, their honey toned nipples straining tightly for him. He couldn’t breathe. It had been months since he had been treated to the sight of her beautiful body. There was a time not long ago that he thought he would never get that privilege ever again. Sucking in a shaky breath, Max raised a faltering hand up to touch her. Seeing the hesitation in his eyes, Liz captured his hand in her own.

“Touch me, Max, please.” She placed his strong hand over her trembling breast. Max stared into her eyes, nodding slightly before applying gentle pressure to the soft breast in his hand. He watched her face in fascination as he caressed her, ignoring the aches in his legs from their awkward position.

“Max,” she cried out, tossing her head back as he twisted her nipple between his fingers. Max took advantage of her position and attached his mouth to her exposed neck. He started suckling slow at first, playing lazily with her nipples. He could feel her growing impatient. He knew that she liked for him to caress her breast roughly, to squeeze them between his large hands, but he wanted to go slow. He wanted to savior every moment of loving her body. Max flicked his tongue across her neck, groaning softly when her nails dug into the tender flesh of his shoulders.

Liz’s head was spinning. She needed him despertly, and he was torturing her with his slow movements.

“God you smell so good,” he panted against her ear. “So sweet.” Cupping her breasts, he brushed his thumbs over her taut nipples, causing her head to fall forward against his broad shoulder.

“Liz?” he whispered softly. Liz lifted her head, seeing the questioning in his eyes. She nodded slightly, her eyes traveling from his eyes to his lips before bringing her own to cover his. Max wrapped his strong arms around her waist and stepped back. Blindly, he made his way up the stairs, never stopping the heated kiss she initiated. Once they made it to the room they had shared for eight years, Max gently placed her in the center of the bed.

Liz watched with barely concealed hunger as he crawled on the bed after her, sliding between her slightly parted legs. She watched his every movement as he slowly slid the remains of her sweater off her shoulders, his fingers trailing lightly over her exposed skin. Max slid his hand over her collarbone, and further until he was palming her breast. This time his movements were quick and unexpected as he swooped down and sucked one of the hard peaks into his mouth.


“Oh god,” Liz shrilled, burying her hands in his long locks, keeping him firmly against her. Max didn’t release her nipple as he followed her down onto the bed. He switched breast, making sure to give them both the proper attention they demanded.

“Mmmm,” he moaned as he began to place hot kisses down her body. Finally reaching his destination, Max lifted up and their eyes locked as he began to slowly unbutton her shorts. His fingers brushed against the soft curls peeking out from beneath her panties, and he almost lost it. Her heavy scent invaded his nostrils, causing them to flare. Max could literally feel the heat pouring off her body. With extreme care, he removed her shorts from her body, leaving her clad in only her red boy-cut panties. Starting at her feet, he trailed his hands up her shapely legs, massaging her calves and thighs before finally coming to rest on her hips.

Liz tried not to squirm as he buried his face against her pantie-covered core, inhaling her musky scent before running his tongue the length of her. But it had been so long since they had been intimate with each other, and her body quaked feverishly with need. Max quickly removed the last barrier keeping him from her precious treasure. Her pink flesh glistened with her juices, and he couldn’t resist and ran his finger through her moist lips.

“God, you’re so wet,” he spoke in awe as he continued to stroke her folds. Liz closed her eyes in shear pleasure, biting her bottom lip as he played her like a priced violin. His gentle caresses and husky whispers causing more of her juices to flow from her. Max watched her face as he slid one, then another finger into her slick passage. Her chest heaved, her lips parted a tiny gasp escaping her lips as she clawed at the silk sheets beneath her. Liz could take it any longer. As much as she loved the feel of his hands, she needed more. She needed to feel him pressing against her.

“Max,” she muttered softly, her eyes opening lazily. She held her hand out to him. Understanding her needs, Max quickly undid his jeans and slid them and his boxers to the floor. His erection sprung forward in relief from the constricting materials. Capturing her outstretched hand in his own, Max returned to the bed, settling perfectly between her thighs.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered. Max ran his thumb softly over her bottom lip before slanting his mouth over hers. The kiss was full of passion and desire.

“Max, please, I need you inside me . . . to make love to me,” she panted, resting her forehead against his. Max nodded slightly in understanding. Lacing their fingers together, he pulled his hips back and slowly slid into her warm, moist walls.

“Aaaahhh,” they moaned in unison as their bodies came together for the first time in nearly a year. Their eyes remained locked on each other as their bodies created delicious friction together. Their love making had always been intense, full of heated passion. They had been together long enough to know what the other needed, and they both knew that tonight, the other needed slow and easy. Max rocked into her with calculated strokes. Shivers ran down his spine each time he slid out only to have her greedy walls pull him back in. Releasing her hands, he rested his elbows on the sides of her head, never once breaking his steady strokes. Teasingly, he flicked his tongue at the corner of her mouth, causing her to chase after him with her own tongue.

“Max,” she pouted/moaned. Max relented, granting her access to his mouth. Liz ran her hands over his slick back before burying them in his hair. She drove her tongue into his mouth. She loved the taste of him, the unique taste that was just Max. Liz slid her foot over the back of his leg, causing him to shake above her.

“Liizz,” he hissed, burying his face in the crook of her neck. Liz wrapped her body around his, holding him tightly against her. “God I love you,” he confessed as he hugged her against him. He kissed the underside of her jaw. “I love you so much Liz . . . I need you . . . I’m going crazy without you . . . ” he admitted as he continued to slowly rock into her. “Please Liz . . . please let me come back home . . . I need you baby, please . . . please say I can come home.” His voice was thick with emotions as he stared down at her. Liz felt tears clog her throat at his emotional plea.

“Can I baby?” He began to drive into her with deep-strokes. He could feel her walls clutch around his member, could feel her legs quiver around his waist. “Tell me you miss me as much as I miss you . . . tell me you want me home . . . ” he pulled back, the engorged head of his throbbing length lingering at her opening before he slammed back home.

“Yes Max . . . yeesss!” Liz wailed, her back arching into a perfect bow as she exploded with a mind numbing orgasm. The feel of her velvety walls pulsating around him sent Max into his own spasm as he shot his liquid love into her fertile womb. Once their bodies finally calmed from their combined orgasm, Max collapsed bonelessly above her.

“I love you.” He nuzzled her cheek before placing a loving kiss against her neck. Sated, Liz ran her hand through his hair as he rested his head against her bosom. Together they fell asleep as the night air cooled their drenched bodies.

~~~~~~~~~

She was crying for him, needing him. Max fought to get to her, but each time he took a step, the stairs seemed to grow longer. Finally, he managed to climb to the top of the staircase. Swinging open the bedroom door, he rushed to her crib, noticing that the crying had stopped. At first she appeared to be sleeping, but as he stepped closer, he noticed how her chest didn’t rise and fall like normal. Ripping the blanket from her tiny form, Max felt the tears sting his eyes.

“Wake up baby . . . please, wake up for daddy.” He clutched her tiny body in his arms, praying that she would wake up. Dropping to his knees, he let out an anguished sob.

“Max . . . MAX!” Liz shouted as she shook him beside her. Max shot up like a rocket, looking around the room disoriented. “Hey, are you okay?” she asked, placing her hand gently over his cheek forcing him to look at her. Max saw the concern in her eyes and quickly looked away. He could feel the guilt eating away at him and the worry in her eyes only made it worse.

“Yeah. I’m good,” he answered stiffly, removing her hand from his face and placing it in her lap.

“Do you . . . do you want to talk about it?” she asked, trying to hide the hurt on her face as he went through great lengths to put distance between them.

“No,” he answered quickly, shaking his head as he began to climb out of the bed.

“Where are you going?” she grew panic as she watched him pull on his boxers. Hearing the slight fear in her voice, Max climbed back onto the bed.

“I’m just going to the bathroom. Why don’t you go back to sleep?” Placing a small kiss on her forehead, he quickly made his way to the bathroom, closing the door firmly behind him. Liz stared at the door for a long time. She wanted to scream at him to talk to her, to let her in, but most of all she wanted to cry. Cry because she hadn’t missed the fact that he had been calling out their daughter’s name in his sleep. Why couldn’t he talk to her? Why did he continue to push her away? Liz felt the first hot tear burn her cheek before it was followed quickly by others. She laid back down, silent tears collecting on her pillow.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Sorry for the long delay. But nookie is hard to write, especially when you blush with each scene. I'm sorry if this part sucks...

XOXOXOXO

LS

[Lady Scorpio]

Sorry for the long delay, I hope your like the new part....

XOXOXOX

LS....


Chapter 7

“Whoa,” Max chuckled as he grabbed the bowl of cheese from Justin’s hand.

“But mommy likes cheese,” he pouted at his daddy.

“I know, but I think there’s enough in there buddy.” Max ruffled his dark head before turning back around to pour the eggs into the hot skillet. “How’s that orange juice coming along Pus?” he asked over his shoulder.

“Good daddy,” Hannah smiled, placing another orange half over the juicer. Max smiled at his children as they continued to dance around the kitchen, eagerly helping him with breakfast. Hannah and Justin had been surprised to say the least to see their daddy in their mommy’s room that morning. Max had opened a sleepy eye to see them leaning over him with twin grins on their faces.

“Morning,” he had whispered softly, glancing over at Liz’s sleeping form. Looking at the clock on the night stand, it was barely six o’clock.

“Morning,” they said loudly.

“Shh,” Max whispered as Liz squirmed beside him. Gently he crawled out of the bed. Sliding on his t-shirt, he motioned them out of the room. He closed the door softly behind him as they gathered in the hall. “What are you two doing up so early?” he smiled. He missed waking up with them on Saturday mornings as they gathered around and watched cartoons all morning.

“We were hungry,” they answered together.

Max smiled. “Is that right? Well, lets see what we can do about that,” he smiled, picking the both up in his arms effortlessly as he strode down to the kitchen, the small giggles traveling down the hall. So for the last hour they had been preparing a huge breakfast for Liz when she woke up. They were going to surprise her with breakfast in bed.

“What’s going on in here?” Liz asked, startling them all. She looked around her kitchen that looked like a tornado had hit it.

“Mommy,” Justin cried, rushing over to her. “You’re not supposed to be out of bed...it’s supposed to be a surprise,” he pouted, trying to push her back out the kitchen. Hannah nodded her head in agreement as Max stared on in amusement.

“I’m sorry,” she smiled down at him. Running her hand over his dark head, she leaned over and kissed his forehead before walking over and doing the same to Hannah.

“How you feeling sweetie?” she asked Hannah as she stared at the huge blue cast on her daughters arm and running her finger over the small bump on her forehead.

“Better,” she answered. She was even better having wakened up to find her daddy back home. Liz fidgeted nervously as she and Max locked eyes. He gave her a small smile before walking over and kissing her on the cheek.

“Morning Baby,” he grinned. Justin and Hannah giggled at their daddy as he began to shake his bottom as he whisked the pancake batter. Liz watched the three of them in silence. She watched they way they interacted with each other and the huge smile that plastered their faces. As much as the scene brought joy to her, it also brought sorrow as well. She knew that they missed him. Missed having him around as much as she did, but she knew things weren’t okay. Last night she had agreed to let him come home. Even though it had been in during the throws of passion, she had meant it. She wanted him to come home. She needed him as much as he needed her. She had thought that maybe last night had been the first step to the long road of recovery for them. Maybe she was being delusional. She wanted to believe that they were heading in the right direction, but then he had woken up with a nightmare and refused to talk to her. It had hurt her tremendously. She felt like he had thrown up a wall so high, it was impossible for her to scale it. As much as she hated to admit it, nothing had changed.

“Max,” she whispered softly but loud enough to capture their attention. “Can I talk to you for a sec?” she asked, sending a gentle smile toward the kids when they watched her with curious eyes.

“What’s up? I’m sorry about the kitchen...I promise I’ll clean it up after breakfast.” he smiled as they now stood in the in their bedroom.

“Max, it’s not about the kitchen,” she started. “Look...about last night...”

“Yeah, last night was amazing,” he grinned wrapping her in his arm as he nuzzled his nose against her neck.

“Max,” she called to him, stopping his hand as it began to run up her leg and beneath the hem of her short gown. “We need to talk,” she shook her head sadly.

“What’s wrong?” He stepped back staring down at her. “Talk about what?” he questioned.

“I-I think last night was a mistake...”

“A mistake?” he gawked at her. “You’re telling me that us making love was a mistake...that what we shared meant nothing to you?”

“I didn’t say that,” she whispered thickly. “It meant everything to me.”

“Then what are you saying?”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea that you come home…not now…not when you’re obviously not ready to talk to me.”

“What are you talking about?” he evaded.

“I’m talking about last night...your nightmare.” She raised an eyebrow at him and watched as he looked away. “Max, what was it about?” she probed gently. She placed a hand on his forearm willing him to look at her.

“Nothing,” he quickly answered.

“I don’t think so Max,” she continued. “You were calling out for Joey.” Max snapped his eyes to hers and suddenly felt like he couldn’t breathe.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he evaded.

“STOP IT!” she shouted at him. “Stop shutting me out. She was my daughter too and I hurt just as much as you do...but you’re to busy shutting me out to see,” tears had trailed down her cheek as she stared at him.

“Why can’t you just leave it alone?” he snapped back, his guilt putting him on the defensive side.

“Why can’t you just talk to me?” she retorted back. Seeing that things were quickly getting out of hand, Max walked over and slid his hand up her arm.

“Hey...I’m sorry for snapping at you,” he spoke gently. “Look, I thought everything was all good. Why don’t we just sit down and have a nice breakfast with the kids.” Liz shook her head, stepping out of his embrace.

“No Max, don’t you see...you want to pretend that nothings happened, that everything is fine...but it’s not. Nothing has changed...you’re still shutting me out and refusing to talk to me...we’re back to square one,” she whispered sadly.

“Damn it, Liz. What do you want from me?” he growled in frustration.

“I want you to talk to me...to grieve, whatever it takes...I need you right now...” Already on the defense and unable to the plea in her eyes, he opened his mouth before he could put what he was going to say through the filter.

“You didn’t seem to need me so much when you had your tongue down Thompson’s throat.” Liz stood there like a deer in headlights. The sound vibrated against the hall as her small hand collided with his cheek.

“You bastard,” she fumed. “How dare you.”

“So you’re going to sit there and deny it…I saw you,” he bit back icily.

“You should know me better then that,” she shot back.

“How the hell am I supposed to know anything? Every time I turn around he was there…he was the one you called every time something went on between us.”

“Well I exactly couldn’t come to you…now could I? You’re to busy running from me…running from the fact that Josephine is gone…” she choked out.

“Liz,” he reached out to her. “I’m sorry.”

“Just go,” she sighed, seeing that they were getting nowhere.

“W-what?”

“Just go, Max. I can't do this anymore. It’s killing me. I love you, but how can we make things right when you're so closed off?" she whispered tiredly. Max stared at her, his heart shattering in a million pieces. As much as he hated to admit it, she was right. He had been so caught up in the moment last night, and missed her so much, he just wanted to come home...to his family. But the only thing he had managed to do was make things worse. He wasn't in any condition to talk to her and give her what she needed right now and until then; he knew he couldn't fix things between them. Nodding stiffly, he gathered up the remainder of his clothes. Liz wrapped her arms around herself, trying to fight back the tears. Once he was finished, Max stood in the middle of the room like a lost child. He sent one last sorrowful look at her and felt tears burn his eyes as he saw the pain he was putting her through for the first time.

“Where are you going?” Justin asked when he made his way back downstairs. He eyed the jacket in his hand before turning questioning eyes back toward his daddy’s. They had been waiting for them to come back down so that they could have breakfast together like they use to. Hannah stood at her brother’s side, her own curiosity peaked. Max swallowed thickly as he stared at his two babies.

“Daddy has to go.” He tried to smile reassuringly as he kneeled down in front of them.

“But why? We haven’t finished making breakfast,” Hannah pouted.

“I know Pus. But I promise, this weekend I’ll come get you guys and we can do whatever you want,” he vowed. He could see the tears glistening in their eyes and knew he had to go.

“I’ll call you tonight.” He stood up. Kissing them both on the forehead, Max quickly made his way into the hallway. Hannah and Justin watched sadly as he left the room. Liz stood at the top of the stairs. She had heard him as he talked to the kids and knew it was hard for them to understand what was going on. Max stared up at her, their eyes locking. It seemed like forever as they stood there, wanting to say so much, yet saying nothing at all. Max sighed heavy before turning around and leaving. As soon as the door closed behind him, Liz sunk down to the floor, her body overcome by violent sobs.

[Lady Scorpio]

As promised, it's still Sunday here so I made the weekend post I promised. Hope you like and sorry if it's too short. I'm working on the next part of all three of my stories at the same time.

XOXOXOXO

LS


Chapter 8

Liz groaned when she heard the doorbell ring. She had a ton of things to do and not nearly enough time to do them. Hannah and Justin were spending the day with the Evans' and she was using the kid-free time to clean the house. The truth was, she was doing anything and everything to keep her mind off of Max and what happened the night before. After he had left that morning, she had been so upset that she had called Diane, who was more then eager to get her hands on her two grandchildren, especially Hannah, who Liz was quite sure soaking up the attention her grandparents were showering her with. Once they had left, she couldn't fight her emotions any longer and needed someone to talk to. She had called Maria, who had dropped what she was doing and rushed to her friend’s side. She had told her about what happened while Maria listened and never said a word as she cried into her lap.

"Shh, everything's going to be okay," she had said as she ran her hand through her hair. After she had cried herself out, Maria had made them a huge hot fudge sundae, which they ate while strolling down memory lane. It wasn't long before Maria said something about having to get back to the shop to relieve one of her employee's, leaving Liz once again alone to dwell over Max. Not feeling like crying again, she had opted to clean instead.

Dropping the armful of dirty clothes in the hamper, Liz made her way through the house toward the front door. Swinging it open without looking to see who it was first, her eyes narrowed to dangerous slits.

“What the hell are you doing here?” she growled when she saw who was standing at her door.

“Liz, wait,” Drew pleaded when she was about to close the door without letting him answer her question. “Will you please listen?”

“What could you possibly have to say that I would want to hear?” she asked, once again trying to close the door in his face.

“Ten minutes, that’s all I ask . . . ten minutes Liz,” he begged. Liz stood there, eyeing him, before she stepped back.

“Five,” was all she said before making her way into the kitchen. Grabbing the bag from the porch, Drew stepped inside.

~~~~~~~~~

Earlier . . . across town

Zan moved just in time as the door flew open, hitting the wall with a loud bang. “Where the hell is he?” Maria’s loud and angry voice sounded from the hallway.

“Ah shit,” Kyle quickly scrambled from the couch. “Sorry man, you’re on your own,” he motioned to Max as he hightailed it out the backdoor.

“Coward,” Michael laughed as he stared after Kyle’s retreating form, but when he saw his wife’s angry form appear in the doorway, he quickly stopped laughing and squirmed under her deadly glare. “Uh I think…yeah, I think I’ll catch up with Kyle, later.” Max watched him as he grabbed his jacket from the back of the sofa. He gave Max a sympathetic look that told him he didn’t want to be in his shoes at the moment. As soon as the door closed behind him, Maria let loose.

“What did you do?” she demanded.

“I’m not going to get into this with you Maria,” Max answered as he stood up to empty the rest of his drink down the sink. “What goes on between Liz and I, is just that…between Liz and I, it’s none of your business, so stay out of it,” he stated firmly.

“See, that’s were you are wrong asshole. When my best friend calls me up in tears and I have to rush over there to comfort her…it becomes my business,” she snapped.

“Maria,” Zan grabbed her elbow, trying to avoid the confrontation he knew was about to happen. Of course, Maria was already fired up and wasn’t about to calm down and his attempt at defusing the situation was pointless.

“Maria, I’m serious…back off,” Max growled.

“Screw you Max, I told you to fix things, not make them worse.”

"Hey!" Max shouted, his already foul mood increasing at her accusations. "I did try to fix things, but she threw me out once again," he growled.

"Only after you refused to let her in as always," Maria scoffed. "How dare you accuse her of being unfaithful . . . Liz loves you. Do you know how much that hurt her?"

"I know what I saw Maria," he responded hotly. The truth was, Max knew that Liz would never be unfaithful to their vows even when they were on rocky terrains, but at the moment Maria was calling him on his stupidity, which only put him on the defense.

"Well if you would've stuck around long enough instead of running away as usual, you would have seen her knock the hell out of him," she snipped. A small smile graced Zan's lips who was standing a safe distance from them, as he pictured his barely 5'1" sister-in-law laying it into Thompson. Looking over at his brother, he saw the same ghost of a smile grace his lips. Liz had always been the smallest in their group, and when they were in school she would always get picked on and would just take it. Max would get so upset that she refused to stand up for herself. One day in the sixth grade, Penny Morris gave Liz a black eye because she liked Max and he wouldn't give her the time of day because of Liz. Max had been extremely pissed, and insisted that she learned to defend herself and she had finally relented, allowing Max and Zan to show her some basic karate since they had been taking it since they were three.

“You better wake up Max,” Maria continued, “a person can only take so much heartache and rejection and believe me, Liz is way past that point. If you keep it up, you’ll lose her and you know what I think she’d be better off without you,” With that, she left. Max sank down heavily into the armchair, her words echoing in his head.

“Do you agree with her? Do you think Liz would be better off without me?” he asked Zan, who had been standing silently across the room.

“I agree you need to wake up and get your head out of your ass and talk to Liz,” he told him honestly, never the one to be subtle.

“I can’t,” Max admitted guiltily.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Zan shouted. “Wake up man! You’re going to lose her. Is that what you want?”

“Of course not,” Max shouted, jumping to his feet.

“Then let her in. Talk to her, that’s all she’s wanting.”

“And what I’m I suppose to say?!” he shouted. “Am I supposed to tell her that because of me, our baby girl is laying six feet beneath the ground?” Tears began to fall from his eyes but he never noticed. “Am I supposed to tell her that because of me she’ll never get to hold our daughter again or take her to her first day of kindergarten? Am I supposed to tell her that I let our baby die? I've saved hundreds of lives, b-but I couldn’t . . . I couldn’t save my Joey. Why couldn’t I save my baby?” He broke down, an animalistic howl escaping his throat as he sank to the floor. Zan stared down at his brother in shock, never expecting to hear those things come out of his brother’s mouth. Seeing his brother’s broken form, Zan gathered Max in his arms and held him as he continued to ask why.

~~~~~~~~

Liz stood stiffly at the kitchen counter, impatiently waiting for him to talk. Drew squirmed under her nettled gaze. Finally, he cleared his throat.

“My mom sent this over for Hannah,” he began, holding up the large, colorful bag. “Diane told her about the fall, and she sent it over as a sort of ‘Get Well.’ There’s something in there for Justin as well.” When she didn’t move to take the gift, Drew sat it down on the table and stood nervously.

“Clock’s ticking,” Liz warned.

“I know. Damn it, Liz, this isn’t easy okay,” he sighed, running his hand through his dirty blonde hair. “I know you said not to come back, but I had to. I made a mistake yesterday, and as much as I know I owe you an apology, I can’t apologize for the way I feel. I love you Liz. I always have. Maybe I went about it all wrong yesterday and I know now that I shouldn’t have kissed you like that . . . catching you off guard, but you have to believe me when I say that I want to be with you, to take care of you, Justin and Hannah,” he finished, hoping that she would at least hear him out.

“Nothing has changed since yesterday Drew. There is never going to be an us,” she snapped.

“Are you seriously going to tell me that Max is more worthy of your love? The guy’s a fucking drunk who deserted you. How can you love someone like that? I don’t understand.”

“You see, it’s not for you to understand, and I’m not going to sit here and discuss my marriage with you,” she growled.

“What marriage?” he retorted, “it’s hasn’t been a marriage since Josephine died.”

“Get out.” Liz could barely contain her anger and if he didn’t leave, she wasn’t sure she could be held responsible for her actions.

“Liz . . . ”

“She said get out.” Liz looked over Drew’s shoulder to see Max standing in the doorway, his eyes dark with anger, a few feet behind him stood Zan his eyes matching his brother’s.

[Lady Scorpio]

Sorry for the delay. I hope you like. Just a quick AN there is one chapter left plus a epi. Chapter 10 will be up later tonight...hopefully.

Chapter 9

"What the hell are you doing here, Thompson?" Zan growled, ready to introduce his fist to Drew's face. He always knew Drew was a snake. He would notice the looks he would give Liz when he thought no one was looking. He could never understand why Max and Liz couldn't see it.

Drew eyed the two of them standing there. His first instance was to run, but then he thought if he wanted Liz, he was going to have to fight for her. He had watched the pain Max caused Liz and believed that he could offer her better; could love her... treasure her like she deserved, something he was willing to offer.

"I'm here to talk to Liz," he replied coolly.

"Talk's over," Max growled. Liz could see the vein in his neck pulsating dangerously with anger; his hands balled tightly at his side. Max could barely contain the fire burning through him. He and Zan had walked up to hear everything Drew said. Max knew that most of what he said was true, but that was why he was here...to fix the damage he caused.

"Drew, please, just go," Liz sighed, running a tired hand through her hair.

"Liz," he whispered softly as he stepped forward, running his hand up her arm. The movement caused Max to snap and things grew crazy.

"Max!" Liz cried as she watched him slam his fist into Drew's face. Zan stood to the side watching the two of them go at it, a small smile on his lips. Drew managed to get in a few good punches, but he was no match to Max. He watched his brother slam his fist into Drew's nose and blood splattered across the kitchen floor.

"Will you stop them," Liz shouted at her brother-in-law, noticing his tiny smirk. Zan stared down at her with a pout. He was enjoying watching Max kick the shit out of Thompson. But upon seeing her so upset, he sighed heavily.

"Fine," he grumbled. Walking over, he grabbed Max just as he was about to lay another blow to Drew's face. "Alright, that's enough," he ground out, pushing Max across the room. Turning, he picked Drew up off the floor. "I think it's time for you to go." He slapped him hard on the back as he led his bruised and bloody form to the door, leaving Liz and Max alone.

"Max." He was leaning against the counter, his back toward her. He was breathing rapidly, and she could tell he was trying to get his anger under control. Walking over to him, she placed a tender hand on his arm. Max looked down at her, and she gasped. "You're bleeding," she whispered softly as she lifted her hand to the large gash above his eye. Max raised his hand and touched his forehead and winced.

"Come on," she instructed. Grabbing his hand, she lead him upstairs to their bedroom. Max sat down on the edge of the bed and watched her as she disappeared in the bathroom. She returned with the First-Aid kit a few minutes later and sat it down beside him. His eyes stayed trained on her as she drenched a cotton ball in alcohol. Stepping between his spread legs, Liz captured his chin in her hand. "This might burn," she warned as she touched the cotton ball to his brow. Max hissed in pain, his hands automatically shooting out to wrap around her hips. She gave him an apologetic smile as she continued to cleanse his wound. The whole time she worked, she never met his eyes, but she could feel his as they burned into her.

"All done," she announced, placing the band-aid over the cut.

"Thanks," he whispered dropping his hands reluctantly to his lap.

"It was nothing," she assured, already missing his warmth. "I'll just go throw this away," she motioned to the soiled cotton balls and gauze.

"I got it," he stood quickly, taking the items from her hands. He discarded the trash in the bathroom container and walked back into the bedroom. They stood in silence, not sure what to say. They knew there was a lot that needed to be said, but neither knew where to start.

"Cleaning?" he gestured toward her outfit with a small smile. Liz ducked her head shyly and stared down at what she dubbed as her 'cleaning outfit.' It was a pair of his old LAFD sweats, rolled over several times to fit her petite form and a raggy old grey tank top with a blue bandana covering her head.

"Yeah," she blushed, tugging on the extra long drawstring.

"Want some help?" he asked uncertainly. He knew he was putting off the reason he was there, but he was nervous and scared and anything to help ease his jitters, he was willing to do.

"Sure," she smiled. Together, the two of them worked side by side as the tackled the task of house cleaning. It was like old times when they would spend a Saturday while the kids were with his parents and they would clean all day.

"What is this?" Max asked as he held up a bowl with green fuzz growing inside it

"That little booger," Liz admonished as she crossed the room and stared at what he was holding. Apparently her daughter was sneaking ice cream. "No wonder she's plumping up like the Pillsbury Dough Boy," she frowned, causing Max to chuckle. Hannah had a major sweet tooth, one she had inherited from her daddy.

"Finally," Max sighed as he sat down heavily on the sofa. They had cleaned the house from top to bottom and it was spotless. It was a shame it wouldn't stay that way once the twins returned. Liz walked in a few minutes later with several empty boxes in her hand.

"What are those for?" he asked curiously as she fidgeted near the doorway.

"F-for. . .I-I. . .they're to put Joey's things in," she whispered sadly. Max swallowed thickly at the mention of their daughter and stood up. "I-I just think it's time. . .you know. It's been almost two years. . .s-since she d-died and. . ." she couldn't finish as tears burned her eyes. It didn't take Max but a second to react and gather her in his arms. He held her close as small sniffles escaped her lips.

"Can I help?" Liz's head snapped up in surprise at his question.

"Y-you want to help?" she asked. Max could hear the surprise in her voice and frankly he was surprised the words had past his lips. He knew he was ready to open up to her, but was he ready to box up Joey's things and bury them away like they had buried her. But when he looked down into his wife's hopefully eyes, he knew this was the first step in making things right between them.

"Y-yeah." He let out a shaky breath. He could do this. Liz searched his face, trying to see if he was serious. Every since Joey had died, he hadn't stepped one foot into her room. Now he was offering to help pack her things away. She saw the pale look on his face and knew he wasn't ready, especially if he couldn't talk about what happened.

"You don't have to, Max."

"I want to," he quickly corrected. "I think it will help," he admitted. Liz nodded. She picked up one of the forgotten boxes and waited on him as he grabbed the others. Max followed her as she made her way up the stairs, his heart pounded violently in his chest and ears. Liz paused at the door, her hand gripping the handle tightly. It wasn't like she never went in the room, in fact she had spent entire week curled up in the rocking chair she would rock Joey to sleep at nights crying after she had died, but the thought of packing her daughter's things away still tore at her heart.

"Liz?" Max whispered softly behind her. He placed a comforting hand on the small of her back and Liz leaned into him. Max kissed her temple and rubbed her back gently. Liz was grateful for his comfort. "You okay?" Liz nodded gently before turning the knob and pushing slightly.

Max inhaled sharply as the door fell open. The room looked exactly how he remembered it. His eyes traveled over the white and yellow room. They landed on the Princess bed he had put together for her not only a month before she died. Liz felt it was time for her to have a big girls bed since she was almost three and managed to climb out of her crib every night. So they had went shopping for a big girl bed.

The first store they came upon, she fell in love with the huge four post bed. Max and Liz felt it was to big for her and tried to convince her to get one smaller, but she had batted her huge brown eyes and Max had caved leaving Liz no choice but to submit. Onward his eyes traveled, and landed on the small table in the corner where she would have tea with her dolls for hours. There was a large bookcase in the opposite corner where he would read her a bedtime story while he rocked her to sleep. Everything his eyes landed on brought back memories that brought tears to his eyes.

"Are you okay?" Liz asked concerned as he stood stiffly in the doorway. Max blinked, forcing his tears back.

"Yeah," he managed thickly. He slowly walked into the room, placing the boxes on the floor. He lifted a shaky hand, and slid open the small dresser drawer. Following his lead, Liz walked over to the bookcase and began removing the books and placing them in the box. Max lifted out one of her tiny t-shirts. Bringing it to his nose, he inhaled. It still smelled like her. Like Baby Magic and talc powder. He closed his eyes tightly, knowing that he would never get to hold her again and smell her sweet scent. His legs grew weak and he sunk to the ground.

"It's all my fault," he whispered brokenly. Liz startled at the sudden break in the silence and turned to see Max sitting on the floor, staring at one of Joey's shirts. "It was all my fault. I should have never left her alone." He raised wet eyes to hers, Liz stood frozen in the spot she stood. She was to afraid that if she moved, he would shut down on her again and she couldn't take it again.

"I-I only left her alone for a second," he confessed. "the phone rung a-and instead of taking her with me. . .I-I left her alone. . .I should have never left her alone," he ground out angry at himself. "W-when I got back. . .there was blood a-and s-she was so still." He was no longer in the room, but back on that dreadful day.

"You ready to take a bath, Joey girl," Max smiled as he blow a raspberry on her belly.

"Daddy," she giggled hysterically. Max relented and released her. She ran down the hall with him close behind. Liz had taken Hannah and Justin to the doctor and afterwards was taking them shopping for shoes. Max helped her into the tub and sat down on the toilet as she began playing with her toys.

"You ready to get out?" he asked twenty minutes later as he watched her pour water out of the bucket, most of it hitting the floor and him instead. Joey smiled up at her daddy, shaking her head, causing her drenched brown locks to slap her in the face. Max laughed, tweaking her nose. "Okay, okay, a few more minutes and then you have to get out or you're going to look like a prune," he grinned. The phone suddenly rung through the house. At first he thought to ignore it, but he was expecting a call. "Daddy'll be right back, okay?"

"'K," his daughter replied, not looking up from the water. Max rushed into their bedroom and reached the phone just before the caller hung up.

"Hello," he answered. He was soon carrying on a conversation with the person on the other end. When he hung up, he had a huge smile on his face. Walking back down the hall, he thought of his surprise and Liz's face when he revealed it. Stepping into the large bathroom, his eyes immediately landed on the blood on the side of the tub.

"Joey," he rushed forward, seeing her tiny body floating in the red tinted water. He quickly pulled her out, laying her upon the tiled floor. She wasn't breathing. Max immediately began CPR. "Come on Joey Girl, breath. Breath for daddy. . .come on," he pleaded as he blew another breath into her tiny body. "Please," he cried as he gathered her limp body in his arms several minutes later when he didn't get a response. "Wake up, baby. . .wake up."

"But she never woke up. . .s-she's dead because I left her alone to answer the stupid phone," he shouted. "I should have never left her," tortured cries escaped his lips and Liz sunk to her knees in front of him. Max instantly encircled his arms around her waist, crushing her form against him.

"I'm sorry, Liz. I'm so sorry," he cried into her stomach. Liz buried her fingers in his hair, as his body shook, her own tears running freely down her face. Zan quietly eased back down the stairs, not wanting to interrupt. He felt tears clog his throat at the pain they had suffered. No one should lose a child, but it was life and all things happen for a reason. Closing the front door softly behind him, he prayed that they could finally move forward, and mend the rift between them.

"Shh, Max, it was an accident. It wasn't your fault," she tried to assure him. Max pulled away abruptly.

"An accident that could have been prevented," he shook his head sharply. "Don't you see. . .it's because of me Joey's dead. . .because of me we'll never get to hold her ever again," he whispered sadly.

"Oh Max," Liz cried as she cradled his face in her hands, forcing him to look at her. Everything seemed so clear now; the reason why he was pushing her away, the fights, the refusal to even speak of Joey. He blamed himself and for some reason felt that she did or would as well.

The whole thing had been ruled an accident. Apparently, when Max had went to answer the phone, Joey had decided she was ready to get out. She had tried to climb out of the tub by herself and slipped, hitting her head on the faucet, sending a deadly blow to her temple.

"Max, look at me," Liz cooed softly. Max was scared to open his eyes. He was afraid to see the look in her eyes. "Max," she probed more firmly. Max slowly pried his eyes open. "It wasn't your fault. It wasn't your fault baby." She brushed away the rapidly falling tears from his cheeks. She could tell by the look in his eyes he didn't believe her words. "No one blames you."

"I do," he mumbled, lowering his eyes to his lap.

"I don't." Their eyes locked, and Max saw the truth in her eyes, and fresh tears flooded his eyes. He crushed her to him, and together they done something that was long overdue. . .they grieved for their daughter. . .together.

They didn’t know how long they stayed huddled together on the floor, but soon Max carried her to their room and laid her down in the bed. He crawled in behind her, spooning his form against her. Liz clung to him desperately as they continued to gain strength from each other.

"I'm leaving," he whispered brokenly against her neck. Pulling her firmly against him, Max fought hard to hold back the tears threatening to spill forward once again.

"W-what?" Liz asked confused. She turned over to face him, their foreheads resting against each others.

"I'm going to rehab. B-before Zan and I came over here, he took me to sign up," he admitted. After his breakdown with Zan, Max realized that he was more messed up then he thought. He knew it was time he got his shit together and fix things between him and Liz. There was no way that was going to happen if he was wasted all the time. So he had asked Zan to take him, which his brother obliged, never looking down at or criticizing him. "I'm so fucked up right now Liz," he whispered, running his finger over her cheek, chasing a tear that had fallen.

"How long?" she asked, unable to control her tears. Even though she knew he was right, she didn't want him to leave, not when he had finally opened up to her. For the past year that was all she had ever wanted from him; to come to her, grieve with her. They had lost a child; one they had watched grow within her and was ripped from their lives to soon. But he had shut her out, pushed her away and things between them had spun out of control. She had thought that he would never open up to her, especially after what had happened the night before, but when she had seen him standing there in the kitchen, broken, she felt for the first time there was hope. Knowing exactly what she was thinking without her having to say a word, Max sat up against the headboard, pilling her against him. Liz buried her face in his chest as he ran a comforting hand through her hair.

"Four weeks," he answered sadly. He felt her nod against him, before wrapping her arms tightly around his waist.

"What will we tell the kids?" she pondered softly. Max sighed heavily, thinking about Hannah and Justin.

"I don't know," he finally replied, "but we'll figure it out. . .together." Liz nodded before relaxing more into him. Max stroked her back tenderly, listening as she sniffled softly. Soon, her stifles died down and her breathing evened out as she fell asleep in his arms. As he stared down into her sleeping face, he noticed how tired she looked; how drained. He couldn't help the guilt that washed over him knowing that he was a major cause of it. Shifting so that they were laying side by side, Max stroked her cheek, his finger tracing a dry tear track. He made a vow right then and there, he was going to make things right again between them. Opening up to her earlier had been the first step, and if he had done it sooner, they wouldn't have had to go through all the heartache and hurt.