Roswell Fanatics

TITLE: Revising Destiny

AUTHOR: Devil Kitty a/k/a Calico Cat

CATEGORY: Max/Liz and the gang

RATING: ADULT - for sexual situations

DISCLAIMER: Don’t own them, just borrowing them, Melinda Metz, Roswell PTB, blah, blah, blah, so please don’t sue me - I don’t have any money anyways

SUMMARY: Post Destiny - Liz still leaves for Florida, but Max goes after her. No EOTW, No Future Max (sorry Realistic Dreamer, I know you love the leather and biceps ) and definitely no TEX! Although this story begins just a couple of weeks after ‘Destiny’, (which I have set in June so the kids will be out of school) I have borrowed liberally from the other seasons.

This is the link to the previous beaufiful banner that Donna(DMG527) made me. And here is the new fantastic banner she did for me ~ Thanks, D




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Chapter 1


“Hi, Maria.”

Maria Deluca closed her locker in the Crashdown’s break area and turned to see Max Evans standing in the doorway. “Hi, yourself, girlfriend. What’s up?” She turned back to put on her lip gloss, looking at Max in the mirror.

“Ummm, I was just wondering...” He rubbed his temple, “Have you heard from Liz today?”

Sighing, she responded, “You’ve asked me that same question every day for the last two weeks, Max, and the answer has always been the same. What makes you think today will be any different?”

Max shrugged, “Maybe she’s had time to think about things. If I could just talk to her, maybe she’d...” his voice trailed off at her pitying look, “... come... home.”

“Sweetie.” She shook her head, “This is no good. Liz flew across the country to stay with her aunt in Florida, and she barely said goodbye to you. She dumped you, big time.”

Max frowned, “She did not dump me!”

Ignoring him, Maria continued, “And what do you do? You act like a little whipped puppy.” She held her hands under her chin and whined with a pout as she mimicked him, “Have you heard from Liz? Did Liz call? Is Liz coming home?” Max blushed as he looked down at his shoes. Maria gave his arm a sympathetic squeeze. “Max, honey, you just have to give her time, let her come to you when she’s ready.”

“Let her come to me.” He stated slowly as Maria settled her bobbing antennae on her head, “Ummm hmmm, that’s what I’d do.”

“Wait a minute,” he eyed her suspiciously. “You mean the way you’ve been patiently waiting for Michael to come around?”

She cut her eyes over, “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.”

“Didn’t you tell me you’d left like five messages for Michael yesterday?”

“Sorry, don’t get your point.” She replied blithely before flouncing out to the front, leaving Max to follow.

But as soon as Maria arrived in the dining area, her eyes narrowed as she saw the new waitress, Courtney, picking up an order at the pass-through, blatantly flirting with Michael.


Courtney leaned against the shelf, “So, Mickey G, do you have any piercings or tats?”

Michael cut his eyes over at her, “Not into pain.” She fingered the small hoop ring in her eyebrow, “Pain is fleeting.” She gave him a sexy smile, “Then it’s all about the stimulation.”

Maria fumed as she barked out, “Courtney, those orders aren’t going to deliver themselves.”

Courtney picked up the plates but gave Michael a parting shot, “I have other piercings, maybe you’d like to see them sometime.” Leaving Michael to stare at her swinging hips as she finally delivered the order.

“Hrrmmph, hrrmmph,” Maria cleared her throat to get Michael’s attention, but to her chagrin he merely turned his back and returned to the grill.


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


From his seat in a booth at the Crashdown, Alex looked at the paper. “Hey, did you see that the Revival Theater is showing Starwars Friday night?” He glanced across the table at Isabel, “Wanna catch it?”

She slowly shook her head, “Alex, we’ve talked about this...”

Alex continued, “Wow, they have the entire trilogy showing on Saturday.” He grinned, “Three movies for the price of one - not to mention...” He comically waggled his eyebrows, “Princess Lea in that gold slave outfit.”

“Alex!” She said harshly, “We are not going to the movies.”

Alex just blinked as he looked at her, and she sighed, “I’m sorry, Alex. You know that I think you’re a great guy, but with everything we’ve learned, everything we’re going through, I just can’t think about being in a relationship right now.”

Alex slowly folded up the paper, “Actually, Isabel, I got that message loud and clear with your first ‘Alex, you’re a great friend’ speech. I was merely suggesting that we see a movie.” He slid out of the booth and stared down at her, “That’s something ‘friends’ do. It’s not like I was proposing.” And with that he left the restaurant, leaving her to stare pensively after him.


~~~~~~~~~~

West Palm Beach, Florida

Liz Parker sat on the beach watching the waves roll gently to shore, knees drawn up as she slowly sifted sand through her fingers watching it fall to pile up on her bare feet. This had become her spot, far enough way that not many sunbathers were around. It was still fairly unspoiled here, being an area with mostly retirees. In the two weeks since she’d arrived on her great-aunt Joan’s doorstep, she had spent many an hour sitting here with just her thoughts for company. Unfortunately, her thoughts weren’t very good company and she was just as heart sore as she had been the day she ran down the mountain from the pod chamber - and Max.

I'm so tired of being here.
Suppressed by all my childhood fears.
And if you have to leave,
I wish that you would just leave.
Cause your presence still lingers here,
and it won't leave me alone.
These wounds won't seem to heal,
this pain is just too real,
there's just too much that time cannot erase.
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears,
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears.
I held your hand through all of these years.
But you still have... All of me.


Her memories haunted her. Her mind drifted back to the night they saved Max - how they had jumped off a bridge together; how they struggled to reach the river’s edge; how she’d coaxed an exhausted and weakened Max to keep moving, and finally; how they had hidden out in that old van. As she looked out on the horizon, it was if she could still hear Max’s declaration: No, that was the day my life began. Liz, when I was in that room... and they did what they did to me, you're what kept me alive. The thought of you. The way your eyes look into mine, your smile, the touch of your skin, your lips. Knowing you has made me... human. Whether I die tomorrow or fifty years from now, my destiny is the same: it's you. I want to be with you, Liz. I love you. Remembering how they had held each other tight while hiding in the old van, she could almost feel Max’s arms around her, could almost hear him telling her that they create their own destinies. But that was before he decided to activate the orbs and everything had changed in a matter of minutes. She had to accept it - she just wasn’t meant to be with him.


You used to captivate me by your resonating mind,
Now I'm bound by the life you left behind.
Your face it haunts my once pleasant dreams
Your voice has chased away all the sanity in me.
These wounds won't seem to heal,
this pain is just too real,
there's just too much that time cannot erase.
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears,
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears.
I held your hand through all of these years.
But you still have... All of me.

And yet she knew that she would never stop loving him - Max Evans was an integral part of her now. But how long would it take until she stopped missing him, until she could think about a life without him and not feel that piercing pain in her chest? She stood up and brushed the sand from her hands and spoke out loud. “Time. I just need time.” She looked heavenward, “No one ever died from a broken heart, right? When I return to Roswell in September and see him again, I...” tears formed in her eyes, “I won’t even care.” But as she walked back down the beach, wiping the tears that leaked from her eyes, she knew she was just lying to herself. It was going to be a long summer.

I tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone.
But though you're still with me, I’ve been alone all along.
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears,
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears.
I held your hand through all of these years.
But you still have... All of me.

*My Immortal ~ Evanescence

~~~~~~~~~~~


Isabel Evans ran a brush through her hair before pulling it back into a ponytail. The calendar sitting on her vanity caught her attention - Friday. Tonight was Starwars at the Revival. Don’t go there, Isabel, she warned herself. Then grabbing a pair of sunglasses, she left her room and headed for Max’s. His door was ajar and she could hear the music drifting through. When she pushed it open it was to see Max just sitting at his desk, feet propped up on his trashcan staring at his computer. On the screen was a moving collage consisting of pictures of Liz Parker that Max had assembled as his ‘screensaver’. She frowned when she recognized Evanescence on the CD player. Every since Liz had left, Max had taken to listening to every sad song he could find. She took a deep breath, I guess it could be worse - he could have turned to those cheating, drinking, kick your dog, country and western songs.

“Max?” At her voice he quickly turned off his monitor and turned around to face her. “You alright?” She asked. When he nodded, she snapped her fingers to cut off the music, “We should get going.”

A few minutes later the brother and sister pulled up in front of Michael’s apartment building. Popping the jeep out of gear, Max rubbed a hand behind his neck, “Damn, I dread this.”

Isabel exited the jeep, “Max, you may have Nasedo working inside the Special Unit, but we have more than just the FBI to be concerned about. Tess knows more about our powers than we do, she can help us practice.”

“Fine.” Max stepped out of his side of the jeep, “but I don’t have to like it. And I don’t have to like her.”

“She’s really not that bad, Max. Maybe, you should cut her some slack.” She started up the walkway.

“Cut her some slack?” He asked in disbelief, “After the way she played her mindgames on us?”

It wasn’t until after Max’s rescue that he learned about Tess’ mindwarping abilities, and that she had used them to fool Pierce so Nasedo and Michael could save Max. Later, it had been his idea that she use her powers on the FBI agents when they went after Pierce so they could retrieve Nasedo’s body. But it wasn’t until they returned home from the pod chamber that Isabel told him how Tess had demonstrated her powers for Isabel out at Eagle Rock. It was then that he realized that it was Tess that had made him see those erotic daydreams, and that she had used her abilities to coerce him into kissing her that night in the rain. It still pained him to remember how much it had hurt Liz.

He was jarred from his musings when Isabel spoke, “I know Tess made some bad judgments, but she did help us rescue you. I just think we should give her a chance. Besides, you’re just pouting because Liz bailed on you.”

Max caught up with her, “Liz did not ‘bail’ on me. I wish people would stop saying that.” When Isabel just cocked her head at him, he avoided her eyes and stuck his hands in his pockets. “She just needed some time to think.”

“Think - bail - whatever, but maybe Liz realizes what Maria and Alex refuse to, that we just don’t belong with them.”

Max wasn’t willing to accept that, “I don’t believe that, Isabel. There’s something special about Liz, and I won’t let it go without a fight.”

“Fight just might be the operative word, Max. We don’t know what’s coming and they could get hurt. That’s why I called things off with Alex, that’s why Michael walked away from Maria.” Isabel turned, hands on hips. “Liz already jumped off a bridge with you - what if something happened to Liz because she’s with you? Could you live with it?”

Isabel’s words struck a nerve, one that Max managed to keep buried most of the time. “Are you telling me that it should just be the four of us for the rest of our lives? You’re ready to just forget Alex and hook up with Michael now?”

At his words, Isabel stopped just outside Michael’s door, “I have no intention of ‘hooking up’ with Michael. I didn’t feel anything romantic for him even when I thought those dreams made me pregnant. Besides, Michael’s like our brother, I could never...” she shook her head and grimaced, “it’s just too squicky to say out loud.”

“And yet everyone thinks I should just fall into line and hook up with Tess.” Max stood with his arms crossed.

Isabel massaged her temples as she felt another headache coming on. She never used to get headaches. “Max, I never said that. What I know is that we can’t just ignore the message from our mother. And you know what Nasedo said - we don’t know who knows about us now that we set the orbs off. It’s just safer if the four of us stick together and work on our powers for now.”

Before she could reach to open Michael’s door, Max grabbed her arm. “Alright, for now we’ll work on our powers, but as soon as Liz comes home, I will set things right between us.”

She gave him a compassionate look, “I’m not the one you have to convince, Max.”


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


“Concentrate, Michael. You can do it.”

Max and Isabel entered Michael’s apartment to hear Tess’s voice as he focused on a large stone sitting on a table, hand outstretched, and suddenly it shattered into tiny pieces and dust. “Alright!” Michael exclaimed.

*CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP*

Michael and Tess turned to see Max and Isabel standing behind them as Max slowly clapped. “Good job, Michael.” Max stated cynically. “If we’re ever attacked by Moon Rocks, the world is safe.”

“Fearless Leader.” Michael responded in kind, “So nice of you to take time from your busy schedule of moping to join us.” Max and Michael had been at each other’s throats for days now and the tension between them was palpable.

Tess held up her hands in a stopping motion, “Could you two just stop snapping at each other? You’re worse than a couple of junkyard dogs.” Max cut his eyes over to glower at her, but she didn’t back down. “It is important that we be prepared. We don’t know who our enemies are, or where they are, but I can tell you one thing,” she looked at the two of them in disgust, “if they were to hit us today, we’d be sitting ducks.”

Max shut his eyes and slowly counted to - he made it to four. “Fine, we will practice, so we can fight our enemies, whoever they might be or if they even bother to ever show up.”

“Oh, they’ll show up. They’ve been waiting a long time for this.” Tess walked up to stand beside him, she took a deep calming breath as she lay her hand on his arm and softened her tone. “We just have to be sure that we’re ready, Max. This is our destiny.”

“Will you please stop saying that?” Her touch nauseated him and Max stepped away from her, “All you’ve done since the day we found the pod chamber is blather about this so-called ‘destiny’.”

Seeing the hurt look cross Tess’s face, Michael defended her, “Don’t blame her, Maxwell. You heard the orb message, we do have a purpose here. Our planet is depending on us.”

“To do what, Michael? It’s not like we can just hop on the next space shuttle and fly to their rescue.” Max looked around, “Besides, it’s been over 50 years since the crash, they’re probably all dead by now.”

“Max!” Isabel said with obvious distress. “I’m sorry, Isabel,” he said softly, “but it’s a definite possibility.”

“They aren’t dead, Nasedo would know.” Tess stared Max down. “You can mock all you want, Max, but you can’t turn your back on this. It’s what we were created for. I am your mate, and it’s about time you accepted your role here.”

He pointed his finger at her, “There will be no ‘mating rituals’ between you and me, Tess. You can just get that sick notion out of your head.”

Michael confronted Max, “She’s not the one who needs to clear their head, Maxwell. Maybe you could see straight if you stopped mooning over Liz and pulled your head out of her ass!”

Max whirled, his face red with anger, “You shut your face about Liz!”

Seeing Max and Michael on the verge of trading blows, Isabel stepped in. “That’s enough! I’m sick and tired of all this fighting.” She rubbed at her aching temples. “Why can’t we ever have a calm conversation?”

“Sorry, Isabel, but Michael’s right.” Tess reached for the alien book lying on the counter. “Max needs to accept that Liz Parker is not a part of his life anymore. At least she actually had sense enough to realize it.” She held the book up, “You can’t change this, Max – it’s preordained. We are meant to be together, mates to bring forth new life to continue the royal line. You saw the etchings, it’s all in here.”

“I don’t give a damn about etchings. I’m not a King and you are not my Queen!” Max grabbed the book from her hand, “We can’t even read this thing!” He cocked his arm and threw the book as hard as he could against the wall, where it left a dent before falling to the floor.

“Hey!” Michael objected, “I had to put down a security deposit!”

“Oh, like you couldn’t fix it, Michael!” Isabel rolled her eyes as she went over to retrieve the book. She waved her hand over the wall and instantly repaired it. But when she bent down to pick up the book, she froze. “What the...?” It had landed with the back cover open, and she just stared for a second at the face looking back at her before she looked up.

“Uh, Max, I think you’d better look at this.”


~~~~~~~~~~~
TBC ~

Wow, thank you guys so much for the feedback-I'm just thrilled. I just hope the rest will live up to your expectations.

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Chapter 2


Maria just looked at Max as he stood at her door. “Max, what are you doing here? It’s getting late and my mom just went to bed.”

Max spoke softly, “I’m sorry, but I’ve been trying to reach you all day. I came by earlier but no one was home.”

She shrugged, “I made the mistake of riding with my mom to Elida to pick up some stuff for her shop. Four hours cooped up in the Jetta with her and now I know more about Jim Valenti than I ever wanted to.” She crossed her eyes and shuddered.

“Maria...”

“I know, girlfriend, you want to talk about Liz, but it’s been a long day and I just want to go to bed. Can’t we talk tomorrow?”

“No we can’t, but this won’t take long.” He spoke with some urgency, “Maria, I know that you know where Liz is, and it’s imperative that you tell me.”

A look of frustration crossed her face, “You’re beginning to get little stalkerish here, Max. I promised Liz that she would have all the time and privacy she needed, so just leave it be.” She started to shut the door, but Max quickly stuck his foot in to stop her. Her eyes widened, “Max!”

He merely held up the alien book and when she saw the last page, her jaw dropped. “Omigod,” she whispered and looked up at him, “It’s Liz!”


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


Max heard Isabel return to her room from taking her bath. He knocked on her door and pushed it open. “I’m going to Albuquerque.”

“Albuquerque!” She turned from her vanity and looked at him with astonishment. “ What’s in Albuquerque?”

“The airport.” He handed her a sheet of paper, “Here’s my flight information, I thought you should have it.”

She saw the final designation was in Florida. “You’re going after Liz.” It wasn’t a question.

He nodded, “I showed Maria the etching, so she finally gave me Liz’s address. I booked a flight online; it leaves at 6:00 in the morning.”

Isabel jumped to her feet, “Are you crazy? What am I supposed to tell Mom and Dad? And this ticket is $400.00, how did you pay for this?”

“I used the emergency credit card Dad gave me, and tell them the truth - that I went after Liz.”

“Max... they’re going to have a fit.”

Max shrugged, “I’ll deal with Mom and Dad later.”

She felt like her head was spinning, “I can’t even imagine what Michael’s reaction will be.”

“I don’t care what Michael thinks.” He ran hand through his hair, “Look, for some reason Liz’s image has appeared in our book, and we don’t know why. For all we know she might be in danger. I’m going, Isabel.”

Realizing she’d never be able to change his mind, she sighed, “Do you want me to drive you to the airport?”

“No, it’s too far. I don’t want you driving back home by yourself. I’ll just leave the jeep in long term parking.”

“Long term? Just How long term are you thinking?” She asked.

“I don’t know, as long as it takes.” He answered. “I’m all packed. I just have to grab my duffle and go. I need to be at the airport early - you know, security checkpoints.”

She walked over to give him a hug, “Be careful, Max, and good luck.”

He hugged her back, “Thanks, Isabel. I’ll call your cell all along, check in with you.”


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


Late morning found Michael standing at a pay phone. “You need to come back to Roswell ASAP. We have a Code Red.”

“Code Red, Michael?” Nasedo replied in his usual impersonal way, “Only Max is authorized to contact me.”

Michael frowned at the receiver, “Well, Maxwell is the Code Red. Seems he decided to go after Liz.”

That got Nasedo’s attention. He reprimanded him, “And you just let him leave? I don’t have time for this, Michael. I have my hands full dealing with the Special Unit. You’re going to have to take care of this yourself.”

Michael: “The problem is why he’s gone after her. The alien book - it changed.”

There was a moment of silence, and just when Michael was afraid Nasedo had already hung up, he heard him say, “What do you mean, it changed?”

“There’s a new etching - and it’s of Liz Parker.”


~~~~~~~~~~


After spending the night driving and the morning flying, Max should have been exhausted, but he was running on adrenaline. He exited the Daytona Beach International Airport into the bright Florida sunshine and looked around for a cab. Finding one, he held out a piece of paper, “Do you know how to get to Ormond-by-the-Sea?” When the driver nodded, “Sure, man.” Max climbed in the back, “Take me to this address, please.”

Twenty minutes later, the cab pulled up in front of the Sunset Motor Lodge. Max looked out the window, then back at the cabbie. “I think there’s been a mistake. I was expecting a residence, not a motel.”

“This is the address you gave me, kid.” The cabbie informed him, so Max grabbed his duffle and exited the cab. Watching the cab drive away, he felt a bit lost as he looked at the small two storied motel. Hitching the duffle on his shoulder, he headed for the door marked “office”.

He entered to find what looked more like an art studio than an office, although there was a filing cabinet and tiny desk in one corner. Near a large plate glass window a partially finished seascape was propped on an easel, a table with paint supplies nearby. No one was in and there wasn’t a counter or a bell to ring, but there was an open door in the corner, so Max cleared his throat and called out, “Hel... hello? Is anyone home?”

Max shifted on his feet as he waited for someone to respond. A small curly head peeped through the door, “Oh, hello there.” As she entered the room Max found himself facing a petite woman, somewhere in her 60's and dressed in a colorful flowing caftan with hot pink swirls that clashed with her dyed red curls. There was a smudge of paint on her cheek and she wore fuzzy purple slippers on her feet. The word ‘eccentric’ came to mind. But when she smiled at him, he felt a flash of recognition and realized that she bore a strong resemblance to Liz’s Grandma Claudia. As he smiled back he thought maybe ‘bohemian’ was a better description.

“Are you looking for a room, dear?” Before he could answer, she rambled on, “I’m sorry, but this is no longer a motel. I recently began converting the place into apartments for retirees.” She laid a finger against her chin, “I really should get that sign replaced.” She shrugged, “Anyway, I’d think a handsome young man like yourself would rather stay at one those resorts in Daytona, “ she gave him a wink, “closer to the action.”

When she finally stopped to take a breath, Max was able to respond, “Uh, no, ma’am, I’m actually looking for someone.” He looked at the slip of paper in his hand and even though he suspected that he had found her, he asked, “Would happen to know a Joan Allen?”

“Now why would a handsome young thing like you be looking for that old biddy?” She asked with a twinkle in her eye.

He gave her a shaky smile, “Actually, I’m looking for her niece - Liz Parker?”

Joan looked up at the handsome boy and could almost feel the anxiousness rolling off of him. She also suspected that she was looking at the reason her great-niece Liz had been so down since she arrived in Florida. “Well, don’t just stand there, darlin’,” she turned back towards the open door, “come on in.”


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


“You’re late.”

Michael turned from the time clock to see Maria. “I know, I called Mr. P.” He tied on his apron, placed a kerchief on his head and walked over to check the waiting order tickets before relieving Jeff Parker who was manning the grill. “Thanks, Mr. Parker, I’ll work late if anyone wants off early.”

Jeff smiled, “That’s alright, Michael, these things happen.” He turned the grill over and went back into his office.

“What things happen?” Maria asked with curiosity. “Nothing.” Michael curtly answered.

Undeterred, Maria leaned on the prep counter. “I stopped by your apartment last night, but you weren’t there.”

“I was out.” He flipped several burgers over and checked on an order of Saturn Rings.

“All night? Because I called several times.” She stood with her hands on her hips and asked suspiciously. “So, out where, or better yet, with who?” She looked puzzled, “Or is it whom? I can never remember.”

He rolled his eyes. “Who, whom - doesn’t matter, because I wasn’t out with anyone.”

“Then where were you?”

It was fully Michael’s intention to tell her to go stick her big fat nose in someone else’s business, but apparently his tongue was no longer connected to his brain because what came out was, “If you must know... I was in jail.”

“Jail!” Maria cried out.

“Could you say that a little louder? I don’t think they heard you over at the UFO Center.” His voice smacked of sarcasm.

She lowered her voice, “What happened, Michael?”

He shrugged, “I was pulled over last night by Deputy Hanson because my bike tag was expired. You know how he loves to hassle me. He made me spend the night in jail since I didn’t have bail money. Valenti let me out when he came in this morning.”

“Why didn’t you call somebody?”

He shrugged, “Not like I never sat in jail before.”

“Well, that sucks.” Then Maria leaned over to prop her elbows on the prep counter and gave him a sexy smile, and teased, “You know, I’ve heard that ex-cons are great in bed.”

He just stared at her, “I thought we agreed that it was over between us.”

Maria straightened up and frowned, “Actually, only you agreed. I wasn’t given a vote. Then you proceeded to avoid me.” She paused before saying softly, “I miss you, Michael.”

He looked downward, avoiding eye contact. “I know, but don’t, because it is over.”

“Why? Because you think you’re destined to be with Isabel?” Maria struggled to hold back tears.

“No, I don’t buy that anymore than Isabel does, but...” He lowered his voice, “I’m a soldier, Maria. And a soldier can’t concentrate on his job if he’s worried about some chick back home.”

“I am not just some chick, Michael. Besides,” she tried to reason with him. “What about Max? He’s the leader, and it didn’t stop him from going after Liz.”

“Yeah, I heard about that. Maxwell’s wrong, but unfortunately, I wasn’t there to stop him.”

A combination of frustration and sorrow swept through Maria, “No, Michael. Max isn’t wrong. He just believes in him and Liz, and he had the balls to do something about it.” And with that she walked away.

A look of regret crossed his face before Michael turned back to the grill to see high flames as his burgers burned. “Damn it!” He blurted as he rushed to get them off the fire.

“Wow, she didn’t look very happy at all.”

Michael whirled around to see Courtney standing near the break area, and he wondered just how long she’d been standing there and how much she’d heard.


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


Liz lay on a beach towel, stretched out on her stomach as she gazed at the ocean waves. The afternoon sun beat down on her head. As she looked around, she noticed a figure jogging along the beach in her direction. She laid her head down and turned her face away hoping whoever it was would just keep on jogging. Although this area of the beach was usually quiet, she’d had a few guys attempt to chat her up, but they had received short shrift from her.

She thought she heard her name called, and looked up as the figure grew larger until it was recognizable. Her heart began to pound and she slowly rose to stand. She whispered disbelievingly, “Max...”

He stopped just before her, “Liz...” Breathing heavily, he gave her a wobbly smile. “Hi.”

Liz just stared at him, khaki cargo pants rolled up above his ankles, white tee fitting snugly, his hair wind tossed - he looked wonderful. When he gave her that half smile, it almost took her breath away. “Max... how?”

“Your aunt told me you like to come down here.”

“No, I meant... how did you know I was here?” She waved her hand to encompass the entire area.

“Maria - but don’t be mad, it took a lot to break her.” He reached out and touched her arm, “I had to see you, Liz, I had to talk with you.” His gaze took in her modest bikini, windswept hair and sun burnt nose – she was beautiful. “You... you look... incredible.”

She felt a shiver at his touch, but shook her head, “Max, you shouldn’t have come.”

“Liz, please. I know if we can just sit down and talk...”

Liz stepped away and bent down to retrieve her lacy beach cover up. As she slipped it on she said, “There’s nothing left to say. We both saw the message... your mother. We both know that you have a destiny, and it doesn’t include me.”

Max cringed at the word ‘destiny’, but he heard the sorrow in her voice, “Liz, I know the message from the orbs was disconcerting, but...”

“Disconcerting?” She stared up at him, “Max, she said that Tess was your bride.” She turned away to look out over the ocean.

He stepped close behind her, “Tess is NOT my bride. I don’t care what the orbs said; we are not the beings who were killed on that planet.” He rested his hands on her shoulders, “I know you left because you think I have to be free to seek my ‘destiny’, but I don’t have a destiny without you, Liz.”

She closed her eyes as she savored his touch. His words were like a balm to her aching heart and all she wanted to do was turn around and be wrapped in his arms, but she forced herself to stand firm. “You don’t know how much I wish that were true but your planet... they are depending on you to return some day. The four of you.” She turned her head to look over her shoulder at him, “I know you, Max, and when it comes down to it, you won’t be able to turn your back on them. And how could I live with myself if I asked you to?” His hands slid off as she stepped away from him, “and then there’s Tess...”

“I don’t have any feelings for Tess.” He interrupted her, “She can never be what you are to me.”

“But you were created to be together. What if someday you do remember that...” her breath hitched as she tried to keep from crying, “that you loved her?”

“Even if I did recover some kind of recessed memory, it wouldn’t be mine. They may have created me from him, but I was created human, too. I’m not a king and I’m sorry, but I’m not their savior.” He reached out and spun her around, his voice quavering. “I’m just me, 17 year old Max Evans of Roswell, New Mexico, and I am in love with you, Liz Parker.”

Her eyes filled with tears and she bent her head to avoid his eyes, beseeching him, “Max, please, don’t make this more painful than it already is.”

“More painful? You want to know painful? It’s watching the girl you love run away from you, it’s learning that she jumped on a plane and flew across the country to get away from you, even though you know that there is something special between you.” He grasped her arms and pulling her close he pressed his lips to hers. When he raised his head, he whispered, “I know you feel it, too.”

It took ever ounce of strength within her to break his hold and step away from him, “I will always be grateful that you saved my life, but we... we just can’t be. You have to go home, Max... just go home.” She turned and hurriedly walked away from him.

As he watched her leave, he struggled to keep from chasing after her, he bit his lip to keep from calling out her name, he squeezed his eyes shut but couldn’t keep the tears from forming.

After moving further up the beach, Liz couldn’t resist turning to look back. She saw Max slowly walking back down the beach, his shoulders hunched over. His figure soon became a blur from her tears. She sank to the ground and buried her head against her knees. She didn’t think it was possible to hurt more than she had the last few weeks, but she was wrong, she felt like she was smothering. Her tears flowed as her heart shattered.

~~~~~~~~~
TBC ~

--------
AN: Everyone who just wants to knock Liz in the head - raise your hands.

Believe me, I understand the problems with moves and servers, etc, but I just want to over losing the last chapter and your lovely feedback.

Now on to reposting...

Chapter 3


“I can’t believe he actually went to Florida.” Tess complained as she and Isabel walked up the sidewalk towards the Crashdown. “We should be practicing our powers, but once again, everything has to come to a standstill because of Liz Parker.” She practically spat out Liz’s name. Tess had been complaining ever since Isabel had told her about Max’s trip, much to Isabel’s regret. “What I don’t understand is why you didn’t stop him?”

Isabel tried to tune her out, because she was secretly glad that Max had gone. Not because she was suddenly wild about Liz Parker, but Max had stood his ground, stubbornly refused to accept his ‘destiny’ over Liz, and now she was a part of their book. There had to be a reason. “Tess, he went, and all you’re bitchin’ and moanin’ won’t change it.” She left an open mouthed Tess to follow her as she pushed the door open and caught sight of a familiar dark head sitting at the counter. If Max and Liz could be together, then maybe the rest of them weren’t doomed to be lonely aliens trapped on this planet either.

“Hi, Alex.” She said with a smile as they headed towards a booth. He turned on his stool, “Oh, hi.” Then he turned back to the counter in apparent dismissal. Maria stood on the other side and when she saw Isabel’s startled frown, she hid a grin. After Isabel and Tess took their seats, a look of consternation still on Isabel’s face, she whispered to Alex. “Ooooh, I don’t think Queen Amidala liked that at all.” Alex shrugged, “I’m just tired of banging my head against a wall.”

“Hmmmm,” she commiserated, “I feel your pain, babe. I have my own stonewall to contend with - a stubborn, rude..." She reached under the counter and pulled out a familiar plush alien toy and began jabbing toothpicks in it. "obnoxious, irritating..."

“Maria!” Alex laughed, “How many times has that poor fellow been mutilated?”

She shrugged, “I dunno, a couple of times.” Alex raised his eyebrows, and she admitted, “Okay, a couple dozen.”

He reached for the doll and held it up, “The poor guy looks like a colander. Maybe we should give him a proper burial and look for a couple of nice, boring human beings?”

Maria cut her eyes over at him and they both shook their heads. “Face it, Whitman, we’re hopeless.”

~~

Isabel watched Maria and Alex as they laughed, and mumbled, “Wonder what’s so funny?”

Tess looked over at them, “Who cares? They’re humans.” She dismissed them with a roll of her eyes.

Isabel sighed and leaned over, “In case you didn’t notice, Tess, the planet is full of them. You know, it might do a world of good for your disposition if you’d remember that you are mostly human yourself.”

“Oh!” Tess took offense, “You take that back!”

Isabel shrugged, “Don’t blame me, I’m not the one who merged your essence with human genetic material and...” Her voice trailed off when she heard a feminine voice, “Excuse me, I’m looking for Alex Whitman?” And she turned around to see a young woman standing in the middle of the café - a very attractive young woman.

Alex turned, and Isabel frowned as he gave the girl a smile. “That would be me, at your service.” The blond also smiled and held out her hand, “I’m Madison Smith. I heard through the grapevine that you were looking for a singer.” As Alex reached out to shake her hand, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He looked a bit confused, “How did you know I was here?" Madison shrugged never losing her smile, “Same grapevine.”

Seeing how slow Alex was to let go of the girl’s hand, Isabel whispered, “What the...?” When they moved over to a small table, and Alex attentively held out a chair for the girl, she felt a clenching in her stomach.

“Helloooo - Isabel - I’m still here.” Tess’s annoyed tone pulled her attention way from the couple.

Unnoticed by Isabel, Maria had observed all her reactions, as they were plainly written on her face. Now that is interesting, Maria thought, very interesting.


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


Max slowly walked back down the beach. He’d opened himself up completely to Liz, poured his heart out to her - now he felt as if that same heart had been torn from his chest. All he wanted to do was find someplace to hide and lick his wounds - but he couldn’t, because he couldn’t leave until he told Liz about the etching in the book. He had wanted her to come home for him, for them - not because his crazy alien life was sucking her back in.

He started up the slope to the motel, intent on retrieving his duffle and finding somewhere to stay, when he just couldn’t go on. He sank down on the beach and stared unseeingly at the sand.

From her vantage point in her studio, Joan looked out the window and saw Liz’s young man sitting alone on the beach. From his dejected demeanor, she assumed their meeting had not gone well.

“Max?” He looked up to see Liz’s aunt standing beside him. He turned his head and wiped his face, now embarrassed to be caught crying. With a sympathetic expression she asked, “It didn’t go so well?” Max shook his head, “She thinks we don’t belong together.”

“And why is that?”

Max shrugged, “It’s complicated...” He surprised himself by elaborating further. “It’s sort of a family thing. Some of them don’t exactly approve… think that we’re wrong for each other.” He turned his sad amber eyes on her, “But I know we could work everything out, if she’d just give us a chance.”

Damn, Joan thought as he looked up at her, this is one beautiful boy, and he obviously loves my Liz. Her own heart skipped a beat. (Hey, she might be old, but she wasn’t dead) She reached down to pat his shoulder. “Let me talk to her, dear, I think she just needs a different perspective.” At his confused look, she assured him, “Just wait here.” She started down the beach in Liz’s direction; she wasn’t going to let Liz throw this one away, not without a darn good reason.


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


Maria delivered a diet cola and an orange soda to Alex and the singer he was talking to, overhearing them discuss several popular alternative bands. She told them, “A double order of Space Fries is on the way.” She turned when the door chimes sounded and Kyle Valenti walked in.

“Kyle!” she smiled at him, “I thought you were off at some baseball camp thing.” He walked up to the counter and took a seat, “It was just for two weeks, I got back this morning.”

“Well, what can I get you?” He took a seat and placed his order. As Maria walked away, he turned to see Isabel and Tess staring at him. He called out, “Maria, could I get that to go?”

After she placed his order, Maria walked behind the counter to face Kyle and gave him a knowing smile, “Tell me the truth, Valenti. How are you really doing? I mean, dealing with the whole...” She pointed her finger upward and went doo, doo, doo, doo ala the Twilight Zone.

He shrugged, “Can’t say I’m wild about the fact that little green men are among us...”

“It gets better.” She assured him. “I remember when Alex first found out, he thought Liz and I had been brainwashed by a drug cult.” He smiled at her and she smiled back at him. “You know, if you want someone to talk to, you can always give me a call.” Maria then reached over and laid her hand on his, “Our parents are going out, that makes us practically related.”

Michael reached up to ring the order up bell just in time to see Maria grab Kyle’s hand and Kyle smiling at her. What the hell? He banged on the bell a little harder than necessary, “Maria! Order’s up.”

Maria glared at him, “Hold your water!” She called out before turning back to Kyle, a wry look on her face, “At least you don’t have to work with one of them everyday.”

She delivered the order and returned behind the counter. Kyle looked over to where Alex was sitting with a pretty blond and asked. “Who’s the chick with Whitman?”

“Oh, Alex has started holding auditions for a new singer for The Whits.”

Kyle looked at her with a lifted eyebrow, “You mean you aren’t a shoo-in?”

“Oh, no.” Maria held up a hand and shook her head, “I love Alex like a brother, and I’ll sing with The Whits on occasion, but we learned that our music interests are just a little too different for any permanent situation.”

“Well, that one’s a looker, that’s for sure.” Kyle turned to get another look.

“You aren’t the only one who’s noticed.” Maria tilted her head to where Isabel sat with Tess. Kyle saw that Isabel kept cutting her eyes over to watch Alex. “Trouble in paradise?”

Maria looked confused for a moment, “Oh, that’s right, you don’t know. It seems that Isabel and Michael don’t think they ‘belong’ with those of us of the human persuasion.” She shrugged, “They broke up with us.”

“Max and Liz, too?” Kyle looked surprised. Maria grinned and leaned over, “Oh, honey, have I got a story for you.”

Michael turned to sit a double order of Space Fries on the shelf, only to see Maria leaning over the counter talking with Valenti - again. He banged on the bell and yelled. “Maria!” Maria sighed, “I’d blame his behavior on the fact that he spent the night in jail, but he’s always this pleasant.” When Kyle laughed, she told him, “I’ll be right back.”


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


While Isabel kept watch on Alex, Tess kept stealing glances at Kyle and Maria. “I wonder just what those two are talking about? I bet it’s about us.”

Isabel gave Tess a smirk, “What happened to - ‘who cares, they’re humans’?”

Tess glared at Isabel, “What happened is that Maria is a flake and Kyle is an unknown. How do we know that one of them won’t crack and run to the FBI?”

Isabel leaned forward, “Because Maria is still chasing after Michael and Max saved Kyle’s life, I doubt we have to worry about either of them.” Besides, she was more concerned with that bleached blond laughing at everything Alex said.

A few minutes later, Maria retrieved Kyle’s order and he moved over to the register. After paying, he turned to find Isabel Evans standing directly behind him. He jumped, “Ack! Don’t sneak up on fellow like that.”

“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you, Kyle.” Isabel smiled. “Just wondered how are you doing?”

“Uh, fine.” He responded, and moved around her only to find Tess blocking the door. “We thought we should have a little talk.”

He looked between the two girls, turned to look towards the back to see Michael staring at him from the opening into the kitchen. He turned back to the girls, “I don’t see any need, and... I really need to get going.” He pushed around them out onto the sidewalk.

Isabel softly spoke from behind him, “Kyle, we just need to know that you won’t... you know, say anything.”

He turned back, “Look, I’m not sure how I feel about... I guess I’m grateful for what Max did. Although you have to admit it was his fault I was shot in the first place.” At Isabel’s frowning, “Kyle!” He quickly added, “Don’t worry I won’t say anything about my close encounter. I just want to be left alone.” He quickly walked away.

Tess stared after him, “I’m still not sure we can trust him, Isabel. I think he bears watching.”

“Fine, then you watch him.” She walked back into the Crashdown to see ‘Madison’ laughing at something Alex said as she fluffed her long blond waves. She looked heavenward, “Could this day suck more?”


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


Joan saw Liz sitting on the beach, an equally miserable sight. “Liz?” Liz looked up, her face ravaged by crying. Joan eased down beside her and wrapped an arm around her, “Awww, honeybear.”

Liz sniffed, “That’s what Grandma Claudia always called me.” Joan brushed Liz’s hair back, “I know. She loved you very much.” Liz just nodded.

“I take it the meeting with your young man didn’t turn out so good, huh?” Fresh tears leaked from Liz’s eyes, “It’s just... incredibly complicated.”

Joan smiled inwardly. “Well, anything worth having usually is. You know what they say, if it isn’t complicated, then he probably isn’t your soul mate.”

Liz wiped at her face and gave her aunt a watery smile, “Now you even sound like Grandma.”

“Well, she said those words to me once upon a time. Did I ever tell you about the summer I went to Paris?” Liz shook her head, “Umm, I don’t think so.”

“Claudia was always interested in her native peoples and ancient things, but for me it was art. I started drawing when I was just a kid. When I was around 20, I packed my bags and took off for Paris to study. I’d been there a short while when I met a young man - Michel - and... well, let’s just say the next few weeks were very intense.” She winked at Liz, who blushed at her meaning.

“He was originally from a small village and had come up to Paris on holiday with his friends. When they went back home, he stayed behind with me. One day he said that he wanted me to meet his family.” She grimaced, “They were already upset that he had stayed away so long, you see he worked for the family fishing business and by staying with me, he’d left them shorthanded. To make matters worse, he was expected to take over his father’s business one day, and there was apparently an ‘understanding’ between his father and a business associate who had a young daughter. An American artiste was not what they wanted for their son. So, long story short - they hated me on sight. I was miserable, so after a couple of days I told Michel that I couldn’t stay and that I was going back to Paris. The night before I left, he had a terrible fight with his father.” She wore a faraway look.

“What... what happened?” Liz asked.

“He chose me over his family and we returned to Paris together. But as much as I cared for him, I didn’t want to be responsible for creating a rift in his family. So a few days later he thought I’d gone shopping with my friend from art class, but instead I had her drive me to the airport where I took the next flight out. I gave her a “Dear John” letter to give him telling him goodbye.” She looked at Liz, sadness in her face, “I never saw him again.”

Liz swallowed, “Never?” she whispered.

“I don’t know how his sister found my address, but a few months after I got back to the States, I received a letter from her. She wanted me know that there had been a boating accident and... Michel had drowned.”

“Oh, Aunt Joan, I’m so sorry.” Liz reached to hug her. Joan brushed away her own tears, “Liz, I’ve had a good life. I’ve traveled the world and answered to no one but myself. I was able to buy the lodge and I’m content. But I took a decision that should have been made between the both of us into my own hands because I thought I was doing what was best for him. And now, I’ve spent the last 40 years wondering ‘what if’.” She reached to brush back Liz’s hair, “I’d hate to see you make the same mistake, sweetness, so please, be very sure before you send your young man away.”

Liz gazed down the beach in the direction Max had taken as she bit on her lower lip. Her heart began to pound. When she had decided to leave Roswell, it had seemed so clear, even moments ago she thought she was doing the right thing, but now a feeling of fearful dread settled over her. Was she making a terrible mistake? She knew Max had a destiny, but he loved her – of that she had no doubt. He’d traveled across the country for her. Was it possible? Could they really be together? Better still, could she really live her life without him? She rose to her feet as she pondered - what should she do?

“Honeybear?”

Liz looked down and for a moment it was as if her Grandma Claudia was smiling up at her. “Run.”


~~~~~~~~~~~


Max sat for a short while after Liz’s aunt left just looking out over the ocean, but he didn’t think anything Liz’s aunt had to say would change her mind. He stood up and was slowly making his way to the lodge when he thought he faintly heard his name.

”Maaaxxxxxx”

He turned to look around, and then he saw her, running down the beach with her hair flying out behind her like a dark flag. “Liz?” He took a few unsure steps forward.

As she got closer, she called out louder. ”Maaaxxxxx”.


I'm not a perfect person,
There's many things I wish I didn't do
But I continue learning,
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go,
That I just want you to know

I've found a reason for me,
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new,
and the reason is you


And when she reached him, he was taken aback as she threw herself against him. “Don’t.” she gasped. He almost lost his balance in the loose sand and grabbed onto her to keep them from tumbling to the ground. Panting heavily to catch her breath, she clung to him and raised her eyes to his. “Don’t go.”

“Liz?” he whispered, hope filled his eyes. She blurted out, “I love you, Max, don’t leave.” Then she pulled his mouth down to hers and poured everything she felt into a soul-searching kiss. There were flashes - each saw scenes of their lives, together and apart and how miserable the other had been. When they pulled apart, Max held onto her as tightly as he could. “Liz... Liz,” he pressed kisses all over her face. “I love you... I couldn’t leave, not even when you told me to.” The tears on their faces mixed together.


I'm sorry that I hurt you,
It's something I must live with everyday
And all the pain I put you through,
I wish that I could take it all away
And be the one who catches all your tears,
That’s why I need you to hear

I've found a reason for me,
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new,
and the reason is You


“I’m so sorry, Max.” Anguish in her voice, “I thought I was doing the right thing.” He shushed her, “Shhhhh, it’s okay now.” She murmured, “No, I hurt you, I thought I could let you go, that it was best for you, but....” He brushed her tangled hair back, “No, Liz, you’re what’s best for me.” He kissed her again and again. After several minutes, he raised his head and rested his forehead on hers. With a shaky smile, he asked, “So, we’re good now, right?” She nodded, “We’re good, but...” she pulled back, “what are we going to do about... Tess?” He shook his head, “I don’t want to think about her, or evil aliens, or Roswell right now, I just want to hold you.”

Liz’s heart almost burst out of her chest as he pressed his lips to hers for another deep healing kiss that rocked them both to their toes. They stood in a tight clinch, oblivious to the curious stares around them.


I'm not a perfect person,
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go,
That I just want you to know

I've found a reason for me,
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new,
and the reason is you

I've found a reason to show,
A side of me you didn't know
A reason for all that I do,
And the reason is you ~~

The Reason by Hoobastank


~~~~~~~~~


As Joan made her way up the beach carrying the belongings Liz had left behind, she grinned with satisfaction when she recognized Max and Liz holding each other close. She heard her name called and turned to see her ‘good friend’ Frank. As he joined her walking along the beach, he asked, “Hey, Joanie, wasn’t that your niece I just saw running down the beach like her tail was on fire?”

“Yes,” she pointed to the couple, “seems she realized that she wasn’t ready to give up on her young man after all.” She dramatically placed a hand against her heart, “Especially once I told her all about my poor long lost love, Michel, who drowned at sea.”

Frank stopped and frowned down at her, “Wait a minute, isn’t Michel that French dude married to your friend, Alice? And didn’t they retire over in Clearwater?”

“Yep, that’s him.” She grinned shamelessly. “Last time I saw them, Michel was fat, bald and they had about a dozen grandchildren.” She winked, “But now don’t you go telling that to Liz.”

He tossed his head back and laughed, “Joannie, you little devil.” He looked up the beach at the couple standing in a close clinch and grinned, “Come on, we’d better go hose those two off.”


~~~~~~~~~~~
TBC ~


AN: Some of you may have recognized the pic of “Madison” as Sarah Lancaster, the actress who portrays “Madison” on Everwood. When I was writing about a singer for Alex’s band, I remembered that the character of Madison sang in a band on EW, so I borrowed her, but that is the end of any EW connection in this story.

I forgot to give kudos to my buddy, Realistic Dreamer, who helped me 'flesh out' Aunt Joan Smoochies, Sandy

Chapter 4


Once Liz’s aunt and her friend joined Max and Liz on the beach, she shooed them inside - said they were apt to give the retirees heart palpitations.

Once inside, Max and Liz refused to be parted and stood side by side in the little kitchen, holding hands while Aunt Joan poured them all glasses of iced tea. Handing a glass to Max, she smiled, “I guess you’ll be needing a place to stay, Max.” She then offered Max the use of a room. “It hasn’t been remodeled yet, we plan to knock down a wall and expand it with the room next door, but right now it’s still just a room and bath.” Max smiled at her, as happy as he was at this moment, he’d have settled for a pallet on a floor. “That will be just fine, Ms. Allen.”

“Ms. Allen?” She frowned at him, “Oh no, call me Aunt Joan, dear.” She headed for the studio/office, “I’ll just get you a key.” When she returned she handed it to him, “Its number 12 across the courtyard. Liz and I’ll get you some linens and towels and you can get settled in.”


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


Max unpacked his duffle, showered and changed into fresh jeans, a blue tee with an unbuttoned blue-checked shirt over it. After waving his hand over his face to ‘shave’, he returned to ‘Aunt Joan’s’ to meet Liz for dinner. Liz opened the door, looking cool and refreshed in a red floral sundress, her hair piled up on her head. As he entered he whispered, “You look beautiful.” She reached up to give him a welcoming kiss. He cupped her cheek in his palm and as the kiss lingered, he heard... “Hello, Max.”

He broke off the kiss and lifted his head to see Aunt Joan, in yet another colorful caftan, wrapping several potatoes for baking. She gave him a wink, “You look very nice, dear. You get settled in alright?”

He reddened as he nodded in affirmative, “Yes, ma’am.”

“Ma’am?” She groaned, “Oh, you youngsters make me feel like Methuselah.” She looked from Max to Liz, “I thought we could grill out tonight. Hope you two don’t mind but I invited Frank to join us.” They both shook their heads. “That’s fine, Aunt Joan.”

“That’s good, honeybear,” she said with a wink, “cause he’s supplying the steaks.”

Liz laughed. “What can we do to help?”

“Well, we need a salad and the table set.”

“Table setting,” Max answered her, “I’m your man.”

“I think Liz might argue with that statement.” As Max shifted on his feet, Joan just laughed at his embarrassment and said she would go help Frank with the grill. As Liz started in the kitchen, Max took the opportunity to follow Aunt Joan out for a private word. “I didn’t get a chance earlier, but thank you. I don’t know what you said, but...” She patted his cheek, “No need to thank me, dear, I just opened Liz’s eyes to what she stood to lose.”

Max smiled, “Well, whatever it was, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.” Then he leaned over and kissed her cheek. “You’re my new favorite aunt.”


Now it was Joan’s cheeks that were tinged with a pleased blush, “Oh, you’d better get back inside before Lizzie thinks I‘ve stolen you away.”

Max reentered the kitchen to see Liz bent over to retrieve the salad ingredients from the open fridge. Max took a moment to enjoy the view - the flirty skirt of her dress, the shapely legs and strappy red sandals with her toes painted to match. So sexy, Max thought as he got weak in the knees. Dry mouthed, he uttered, “Uh, Liz?”

She turned to see him staring at her, and at the look on his face, she got a little weak-kneed herself. The bag of salad mix fell to the floor unnoticed as they both moved towards the other at the same time, their mouths meeting as they fit naturally together.

~~

When Joan returned, she raised an eyebrow seeing how Max was then just starting to set the table and Liz was opening the bag of salad mix, her hair slightly mussed. Taking a paper towel and running it under the faucet, she walked over to Max, “Here, Max.” He looked at her, “You’ve got a little something...” She wiped at the corner of his mouth. “Hmmm, looks like lipstick.” She turned to wink at a flush faced Liz.

During dinner, Max and Liz learned that Aunt Joan’s ‘friend’ was quite a character. There was a lot of laughter as he entertained them with his stories about some of the retirees who lived in the complex. As Max sat beside Liz, he couldn’t remember the last time he felt so relaxed, so normal - so human.

When Liz and Max offered to clean up the table, Aunt Joan refused. “Oh, no, no, no. Frank and I can take care of this. Why don’t you two young things take a nice stroll down to the beach?”

Leaving their shoes near the steps leading down to the beach, Max and Liz walked hand in hand along the water’s edge as the sun slowly made it way towards the horizon, small waves rolling up to tickle their toes. “I can’t believe we’re really here, Max. Together, I mean. Just this morning, I was dreading another day. Knowing I’d be thinking of you, wondering what you were doing,” she gave him a shy smile, “missing you.”

“I know,” he stopped to pull her into his arms, “When I walked back down the beach this afternoon, I was the most miserable I’ve ever been, but now,” he leaned down to drop a kiss on her lips, “I’ve never been happier. I’m just afraid I’ll wake up and find it’s all a dream.”

“Me, too.” Liz smiled up at him, “If it is, don’t let me wake up.” Their lips met. She pulled her head back, “Max, before we have to go back, before we have to face the others, do you think we could take a couple of days, to just... be us?”

“I’d like that.” He nodded, before capturing her lips with his once again.


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


Sunday afternoon Kyle Valenti was sitting in his living room when the doorbell rang. Keeping one eye on the television, where the Arizona Diamondbacks were at bat, he went to answer the door. But his attention was quickly diverted when he saw who was standing on this front stoop. “What are you doing here?”

Tess Harding just smiled, “Why, thank you, Kyle, I will come in,” and pushed her way past him to enter the house. “It has occurred to me that you and I might just be able to help each other out.”

As she walked past him in snug jeans and an even snugger tank top, Kyle’s eyes were drawn to her ‘attributes’. He was also very much aware of the fact that he was dressed in grungy sweats dotted with pizza sauce. He walked over and picked up an empty pizza box and drink cans. “Sorry for the mess, wasn’t really expecting company.”

She waived him off as she sat down on the couch. “It’s fine.”

Rubbing his hands on his pants leg, he sat uneasily in his dad’s easy chair. “What did you mean we could help each other out?”


She smiled, “Why, with Max and Liz, of course. Look, you and Liz were getting along just fine until Max showed up. Wouldn’t you like to go back to that?”

“Well, if Max hadn’t showed up, then Liz would be dead.” Kyle reminded her, “Now that might have helped your cause, but not much benefit to me.”

With her forehead creased in a frown, she asked, “Are you being deliberately obtuse?”

“Hey,” he looked offended, “I am not fat, and what does that have to do with Max and Liz anyway?”

Tess just stared - oookay, not deliberate. She took a deep breath, “I said obtuse, Kyle, not obese. And what I meant was - were you deliberately misunderstanding what I meant? And apparently the answer is ‘no’.”

Kyle’s face flushed with embarrassment at her dig for his lack of vocabulary, and he became defensive. “You know, I was enjoying my afternoon here, watching the game, so why don’t you just spit out whatever it is you want?”

“Don’t get your boxers in a bunch.” When he just glared, she shrugged, “Fine, I want you to help me break up Max and Liz - for good.”

Kyle let his head fall back against the chair with a groan, “You’ve got to be kidding.” He fixed her with a decidedly unsympathetic look, “Take it from someone who’s been there, done that. You are wasting your time. There is just something karmic between those two, I found that out last fall.”

Tess frowned, “I don’t care what’s between them, Max does not belong with Liz. He and I were created to be together, but he is so blinded by the unexplained charms of that little mouse, that he can’t see that his destiny lies with me.”

Kyle stood up, “Now just a darn minute. Liz is not a mouse! She’s smart and pretty and she’s damned brave to have put up with all the crap she has in order to keep Max’s secret.”

“Well, well, well, isn’t that sweet?” Tess wore a satisfied smirk, “That’s quiet a defense for a girl who dumped you to be with someone else. Guess you still care about her after all.”

“Not that it’s any of your business, but Liz and I made our peace a long time ago, and we’re friends. I’m sure the concept of friendship is ‘alien’ to you, but I’m not going to stand here while you diss Liz because you’re jealous of her.”

“I am not jealous!” Tess stood up and faced him, hands on hips, “I should slag you with my death ray eyes for that.”

Startled, his eyes widened and she rolled hers, “Kidding - gee, you Buddhists have no sense of humor.”

“How did you know about that? Did you do that crazy mind shit of yours on me?” He pointed to his head.

She reached over and picked up the copy of “Buddhists for Beginners” lying on the end table. “I don’t read minds, Buddha Boy.”

“No, you just manipulate them to get what you want.” He grabbed the book from her, “I don’t know how you do things back on Planet Vulcan, or wherever, but here on Earth we have this little thing called minding your own damn business.”

“Max Evans is my business.” She insisted.

“You know, maybe you should borrow this,” he held up the book, “might help give you a little clarity on that whole possessive thing you got going on.”

“I already have a book to tell me how to live my life - our alien book.”

“Hmmm,” Kyle tapped his finger against his chin, “Would that be the book that now has a picture of Liz in it?”

“That is an anomaly!” Tess declared, “Probably the result of Max’s obsession.”

“Max’s obsession? You ever heard of the Pot and the Kettle? Guess you and Max have something in common after all.”

Tess glared, “Are you going to help me or not?”

“Not! You used me once before to get to Max.” Kyle walked over to open the door, “I didn’t appreciate it then, I don’t appreciate it now.”

Tess gave him a pout, “Oh, did I hurt your feelings?” She made her way to the door, and Kyle couldn’t help but look at the expanse of cleavage she presented, nor could he help his body’s response when she deliberately brushed her breasts against him. Kyle just clinched his teeth as he turned his head away from her, but he could hear the amusement in her voice, “If you change your mind, call me. There might be hope yet for you and Liz.” She left him to watch after her as she climbed into her car and drove away.


~~~~~~~~~~~


Max and Liz spent a busy but enjoyable Sunday together. They had an early breakfast before playing in the surf and swimming in the lodge’s pool, and Max certainly enjoyed applying sunscreen to Liz’s back. Liz hid a smile as she watched Max dive off the side of the pool - he was almost as spastic as Alex.

Later the couple went to the boardwalk in Daytona Beach and did the tourist thing. They hit the arcades, where Max won Liz a bright orange octopus. They popped into the souvenir shops to buy gifts for back home. Max pulled Liz into a photo booth where they snuggled in the close quarters and mugged for the camera, but ended up with more pictures of them kissing than anything else. They shared corndogs, snow cones and sticky salt-water taffy as they ambled along the boardwalk. Evening came and they went out for a seafood dinner with Aunt Joan and Frank, and afterward returned to the boardwalk for a concert.

It was late when they arrived back at the lodge and yet Max lingered at the door as he and Liz bid each other goodnight. Liz had her arms wrapped around his neck as they kissed. “Max, today was the best day of my life, I’ve never had so much fun.” She smiled sweetly. Unable to resist kissing that sweet smile, Max agreed. “Me, too.” As they stood softly speaking, Liz couldn’t hid a yawn, and Max teased, “Go on inside, Sleeping Beauty. I’ll see you in the morning.” After a couple more good night kisses, Liz went in and Max crossed the courtyard to his room with a big grin on his face. Still lost in LizLand, he didn’t notice the rumbling of thunder in the distance.

By the time Max showered and crawled in between the crisp, clean sheets, he was ready for sleep and within moments drifted off... He looked around and was startled to see that he was once again in the White Room; his heart began to pound in fear. “How did I get here?” He tried to sit up, but his wrists and ankles were strapped down. He was shirtless and once again dressed in the blue scrub pants. No! Not again! Where was Liz - had they taken her? “Liz? Liz!”

A mechanical sounding voice rang out. “Don’t waste your time struggling, Max. You know you aren’t going anywhere.”

“What do you want from me?” He cried out. “Haven’t you done enough?” A door slid open and a figure walked in, dressed in a white biohazard suit. The voice was still mechanical sounding, “For you to accept what is meant to be. Stop denying your destiny.”

He looked up into the mask, “Liz is my destiny. We belong together.” He continued to struggle, “Where is she? What have you done with her?”

The figure reached up to rip off the mask and suddenly it was Agent Pierce wearing a black suit, “Relax, Max,” he taunted in his southern drawl, “We have no interest in Liz. She’s nobody, a human. We’re only interested in you.”

“Why?” Max asked. Pierce walked over to a door, “Because it’s time for you to accept your true destiny, Max.” The door opened and Tess Harding walked in. She approached the table wearing a short, silk robe. “Noooo, keep her away from me,” he pleaded with Pierce as Tess reached out to him only Pierce had disappeared.

“Max,” Tess’s fingers stroked over his chest before sliding down to circle his navel. “Max, you know that I’m your only destiny,” she cooed as she leaned over to lick the side of his face. Max tried to turn his face away from her, “Stop! Don’t touch me!” He strained against his bonds.

Tess dropped her robe to stand in front of him naked, she brought her hands up to cup her breasts. “Just look at these, Max? Don’t you want to taste them?” Max shook his head and squeezed his eyes shut, “God, no!” and yet he could still see her. She climbed up on the gurney to straddle his thighs and he screamed out “Nooooooooo!” as her fingers untied his scrubs. He struggled harder to get free from the bindings holding him down. Just as she started to slide her hands inside his pants, the room was rocked by a loud explosion.


“Aughhhhh!” Max woke and sat straight up, gasping for breathe, his heart racing. Thunder boomed in the night, lightening flashed brightly. A nightmare, just a nightmare. He buried his face in his shaking hands. But what a horrible nightmare. Then he raised his head as his mind raced - or was it? Could it have been Tess? Was she strong enough to manipulate him this far away? The room felt too close, he couldn’t breathe, he needed air. Max stood up on shaky legs and staggered to the door, wrenching it open to dash out into the storm.


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


Back in Roswell, Tess Harding lay on her bed holding a West Roswell High yearbook in her lap. Forced out of her trance when Max awoke, she looked down at the picture of Max Evans and grinned wickedly, “Sweet dreams, Max.”


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


An intense boom of thunder woke Liz. She rose from the bed to look out the window at the awesome display of lightening in the sky. She was turning away when something caught her eye. Pressing her face to the window, she waited for the next flash and her eyes widened in surprise. “Omigod!” She turned and ran out of the room.

“Max!” She ran up to where he stood, hands propped on the wooden picnic table in the middle of the courtyard. He was bare-chested, barefooted, clothed only in his pajama bottoms, and soaking wet. “Max,” she called out over the thunder as she grabbed his arm, “What are you...”

Unaware of her presence until she grabbed him, he jerked away from her and threw up his hand in a defensive mode. Suddenly, a green energy barrier flowed from his hand. Liz cried out, “Max! It’s me,”

Focusing, he recognized her and dropped his hand, the green shield disappearing. “Liz?” He looked around, disoriented, seeming only realize that it was raining. “Max, what was that?” “I… I don’t know. It just happened.”

She gently reached out to take his hand. “Max, what are you doing out here?”

“I... needed some air.”

“In a thunder storm?” She asked in stunned disbelief.

He shrugged, “I couldn’t breathe, I had to get out.”

She was confused at his behavior, but before she could question him, another crack of lightening lit up the sky. Liz jumped in alarm and pulled at him, “Come on, we have to inside.” He allowed her to pull him back into his room.

They stood dripping in the middle of the dark room, the only light from Mother Nature as she continued to light up the night sky. Max apologized. “I’m sorry, I just had to get out of here, I...” His voice trailed off and he looked embarrassed.

Suddenly understanding, Liz whispered, “Nightmares?” He nodded, and she asked, “About... the white room?” Again he just nodded. She pushed his wet hair back off his forehead, “Do you want to talk about it?” He shook his head. She didn’t press him. “Okay. But we do need to get dried off. Can you get us some towels?”

He nodded and went into the bathroom. He looked at his reflection in the bathroom mirror as the lightening flashed. Liz must think he’s crazy, maybe he was. He knew he should tell her about the dream, but he shuddered at the thought of talking to her about Tess. He reached for some towels and went back into the room.

When Max returned, his eyes fell on Liz and he froze. She had turned on a lamp and the light revealed that her white night shirt had become transparent in the rain, clinging to her like a second skin. She lifted her arms as she pushed back her wet hair and her breasts pressed against the thin material. His eyes settled on her nipples, which were clearly showing and he could see they were puckered in the chill. Beautiful... Sexy... and his. She was nothing like – no, he refused to think about that abomination.

She turned her head to see him staring at her, “Max, are you alright?” Following his eyes, she gasped as she saw that for all practical purposes she was standing there naked. “Oh!” She folded her arms over her chest.


Max’s blood thrummed through his body as he slowly began to walk towards her and Liz’s eyes widened as she saw the bulge growing in front of his thin wet pajamas. Woah, not much left to the imagination there. He stopped in front of her, and she gazed up at him, “Max?” she whispered uncertainly. There was something different in his look - a possessive desire she hadn’t seen on him before, and a mixture of apprehension and anticipation swept over her.

He reached his hands out and gently ran them through her hair, drying it in an instant. He then fisting a hand in her hair behind her neck, he tilted her head up to meet his slowly descending mouth. “You are so beautiful.” He kissed her gently, then a little harder, before wrapping his arms around her sliding his hands down to cup her bottom as he kissed her more passionately, his mouth consuming hers. She shivered as she felt his erection pressing against her stomach. When he came up for air, she was breathing just as heavily as he was. He pressed kisses along her jaw, “I love you...” her neck, “need you...” “Max…” she whispered breathlessly. His lips moved back around to her mouth where he whispered against her lips, “I want you... only you, Liz, always you.” She felt a rush of answering need surge through her, and clung to his arms to keep from falling. “Oh, Max, I love you.” She pressed her lips to his throat. “I want you, too.” She reached for his hand and placed it against the top button of her still wet nightshirt, her eyes giving him silent permission. His hand slid down the front of her shirt, the buttons magically falling away as he kissed her shoulders, down her chest and finally bending to capture a turgid nipple in his lips as the night shirt dropped to the floor. Liz’s whimpered moans encouraged him further.

He swept her up in his arms and turned to lay her down on the bed. He had one knee on the bed to join her when she held up her hand pushed it against his stomach. He stopped and looked down at her, “Liz?” She just smiled and pulled at the drawstring to his pajamas. Max smiled and stood up to allow them to fall at his feet, where he kicked them away. Max couldn’t help but feel a swell of male pride as Liz’s eyes widened at her first sight of his naked manhood standing proud, but when she reached out to wrap her little hand around it, what little blood was left in his brain drained straight into his groin.

He fell onto the bed, “Oh, God, Liz,” crushing his mouth against hers. They kissed and caressed as they explored each other’s bodies. Instinct took over. Liz moaned when Max slid his hand down inside her lacy panties to stroke her femininity. “Mine.” he said possessively as his fingers slid into her wet folds. “Yessss.” She whispered as she instinctively let her legs fall apart to grant him better access, her hips moving against his hand. Max ripped her panties off before he shifted to lie cradled between her thighs and whispered against her lips, “And I am yours.” Bracing himself, he shifted his body to stroke his erection along her slick folds while she wrapped her arms and legs around him and stared into his eyes, “Oh, yessss, always yours.” Their movements were so natural, so in sync; it was hard to believe that this was the first time for both of them.

A moment of clarity hit Liz. “Max... wait,” she managed, “protection?” He stilled and nodded his head against her forehead. He held out his hand towards his jeans where they lay across a chair and seconds later, they flew into his hands. Liz’s eyes widened. He smiled, “I’ve been practicing.” He removed the condom from his wallet and tossed the wallet and jeans onto the floor. He sat back on his heels and opened the package and self-consciously rolled it on as Liz watched. He stretched back over her and she whispered, “Next time, I’ll do that for you.” He shivered at her words.

When the moment came for Max to slide into her welcoming body, he hesitated when he reached her barrier. She stroked his face, “It’s alright, Max. I want you, I want this.” But she couldn’t hold back a cry of pain when he thrust inside and ruptured the membrane. He stilled to let her adjust to his body within hers and slid his hand down to deliver a healing warmth. “Thanks.” she whispered, running her hands down his back and let her fingernails lightly drag across his buttocks. Max shuddered with need and slowly withdrew to gently slide back in. Soon Liz was meeting him thrust for thrust, as she murmured, “more, Max, more.” His mouth feasted on hers as his body pumped into her. He could feel his climax fast approaching; it was taking all his control not to explode inside her.

As each of Max’s thrusts bumped his engorged member against her sweet spot, Liz moaned with pleasure. As the pressure built, she felt as if she were floating, tiny tingles rushing through her bloodstream. “Good, oh, so good.” When Max reached down to press his thumb against her little bundle of nerves, manipulating it with a little alien boost - her eyes widened in shock as she came hard in an explosive climax. “Oh God!” As her body convulsed she screamed out, “Zan! Aughhhhhhh, Zaaaannnnn!”

As soon as her inner walls clamped down on him, Max lost all control and his body exploded in release as he answered his love, “Alisria! At last, my Alisria!”

Their bodies were still shuddering when their eyes rolled back in their heads and they collapsed together into a heap as they tumbled into unconsciousness.


~~~~~~~~~~~
TBC ~

Nice to see the board back up.

Chapter 5


Liz slowly woke and became aware that she couldn’t move, a heavy weight was pressing her into the mattress. She eased her eyes open in the early dawn hours to find Max lying halfway across her, his head beside hers. “Ma...Max?” The memories came crashing back - the storm, Max in the rain, the incredible lovemaking. She smiled even as her face flushed in memory - maybe incredible was too weak a word - after all, it had knocked her out. Her brow furrowed as she remembered that just before she lost consciousness that something strange happened, but it was all fuzzy. She turned to Max’s sleeping face, and reached out to stroke his cheek. “Max?” She softly called.

He groaned, “Ummm,” and shifted even closer to her, automatically tightening his hold on her. He lifted his head, his sleepy gaze meeting hers. His eyes popped open, “Liz!” He looked down to see their bodies pressed against each other, and his gaze flew to her eyes. “It wasn’t a dream…” He smiled, “This is real.” She returned his smile, “Not a dream.” His lips found hers for a slow, sweet kiss. “I can’t believe we’re really here... together.” At his words, she added self-consciously, “and very… naked.” With pink cheeks she leaned forward to tug the sheet up. Max felt self-conscious himself, and at her apparent embarrassment he sat up to help her pull the sheet over them. “Liz, are you... are you sorry?”

Hearing the uncertainty in his voice, she looked at him in surprise, and seeing the apprehension on his face she grabbed his hand, “No, of course not.” She slid back down to gaze up at him, her head on the pillow. “Max, I love you.” She pressed a kiss into his palm, “It was certainly unexpected... and surprisingly amazing. It’s just...” She held the sheet to cover her breasts, “It’s just that no one has ever seen me naked before - well, my parents but I was just a baby... and Maria certainly doesn’t count… and …”

Max leaned on his elbow, with his head propped on his hand and grinned as he listened to her babble.

“...then there’s my doctor - but he’s like in his 70's, and his glasses are so thick, I’m not sure how much he even sees.” She nibbled her bottom lip, “Anyway, now that we’re not, uh...you know.”

Seeing her sexily mussed hair and flushed face, he remembered how good she’d felt last night, being surrounded by her - and he wanted her again. He ran his finger along the edge of the sheet, teasing her skin. “In the throws of passion?” Liz looked at Max and was startled to realize that she was seeing something she’d never really seen before - Max Evans smiling, relaxed and teasing her. At least for this moment in time, she had no doubt that he was completely happy.

She shrugged with a bashful smile, “Something like that.” Her movements allowing the sheet to slip down to partially expose her breasts. Seeing his eyes lower, she said mischievously, “Although, I guess we could be... in the throws… I mean.”

He looked back up and grinned, “In that case, we won’t be needing this.” And he grabbed the sheet and tossed it back to the end of the bed while rolling over to press her down in the bed. Nibbling on her lips, he murmured. “Good morning.” Feeling his hardness pressing against her, she answered softly, “I’m counting on it.” He gave her a wide grin before capturing her mouth with his, drawing her lower lip into his mouth to gently suck on it.

“Ummmmm.” She let her head fall back as he trailed his lips down her throat and further still to capture her nipple in his mouth, “You’re so delicious.” She cupped the back of his head holding him close as the sexual heat began to sweep through her. Something tugged at her memory, but it was just out of reach.

When Max switched breasts, his voice muffled against her skin, as his hand smoothed along her thigh, “Ahhh, Liz, you feel so good, taste so good.” She moaned in reply, “Mmmmmm, Max.” and she remembered.

“Max?” She pushed at him, “Max, wait!” He lifted his head and looked at her in concern, “What’s wrong?”

“Last night, when we... at the end, I...” She reached up to rub her forehead, “well, for a minute I thought I might be having a seizure...” Max laughed, and she smiled as she poked him. Then seriously, “And then,” she looked up at him, “I called you ‘Zan’...” Sobering, he slowly nodded, “I remember... and I... I called you ‘Alisria’?”

She looked at him in confusion, “What does it mean? Who are they?” She looked uneasy, “Is it something alien?

Max’s heart sank – last night had been the supreme most emotional and physically intense moment of his life, and now his origins had tainted it. Couldn’t anything ever be normal? “I don’t know anything about an Alisria, but... Nasedo said that ‘Zan’ was who I was before. Michael was someone named Rath, Isabel was Vilandra and Tess was Ava. He never mentioned anyone named Alisria.”

Liz saw how his face fell at the thought that their lovemaking had been blemished due to his alien side. “Max, don’t.” She reached up to caress his face, “last night was wonderful. I can’t begin to describe the things you made me feel - beautiful, desirable...” He couldn’t resist placing a kiss on her sweet lips, “Because you are beautiful and desirable.” But he knew the time had come. “Liz, I spent the last few weeks trying to get Maria to tell me where you were – and she wouldn’t budge. At least not until something happened to change her mind.”

Liz pulled the sheet back up to cover herself as she propped up against the head of the bed. “What something happened?” She asked hesitantly as she mentally braced herself.

He swung his legs over the side of the bed and reached down for his discarded jeans and slipped them on. Liz couldn’t help but admire the flash of his bare backside as he stood to pull up the jeans. “Nice.” Max turned to see where she was looking and wore a pleased blush as he retrieved the alien book from his duffle. Returning to stand by the bed he told her, “Before you see this, I want you to know that I came here for you, Liz, because above all else, I love you. This is just what allowed me to find you.”

Liz recognized the metal book, “Max, you’re starting to scare me. What is it?” He opened the book and she stared in open-mouthed surprise as she looked at the etching. “That’s me! Max, that’s me. How?”

He shook his head as he sat back down on the bed, “We don’t know, it just appeared there the other day.”

She looked at the book, then back at him. “It just appeared? It actually changed itself?” Max nodded, “I was arguing with Michael and Tess, I told them that I didn’t believe in the book setting out our destinies, that you were my destiny.” Liz looked up at him with a soft, “Oh, Max.” Max leaned over to kiss her forehead, “anyway, I threw the book against the wall. When Isabel picked it up, she found the etching.”

Liz flipped through the metal pages, “You still can’t read it?” Max shook his head. Liz stopped, “Max, look.” It was the page with the etchings of a pregnant Tess and Isabel, only now the faces of their mates were blurred. “You can’t tell who they are, before it was definitely Michael and me.” He looked into her eyes, “I was right, we do make our own destinies.” They shared a slow, loving kiss.

As they pulled apart, Liz closed the book and gave him a rueful look, “So much for time to just be us, huh? I guess it’s time to go back to Roswell.” He took the book from her and tossed it back over onto the duffle. Then standing to shuck his jeans, he crawled back on the bed, and as he stretched out over her, he whispered against her lips, “Tomorrow.”


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


Maria finished changing for her shift and was putting her purse in her locker when she heard a voice, “Hi, Maria.” She turned to see Isabel standing in the doorway. “Uh, hi.” She looked at Isabel questioningly, “You’re here awfully early,” then more anxious. “Is something wrong? Is it Max and Liz?”

“No, nothing’s wrong. In fact he’s so happy I could practically hear his grin through the phone.” Isabel shook head as she rolled her eyes. “He called and woke me up at 9:00 o’clock this morning.” “Uh, Isabel,” Maria pointed to the clock which read ‘8:30'. Isabel just nodded, “He forgot that 9:00 in Florida was only 7:00 in Roswell.”

“Ouch,” but now Maria was confused, “so if there’s nothing wrong?” She waited expectantly.

Isabel shrugged, avoiding eye contact, “I just thought if you weren’t busy, after your shift… that maybe we could… hang out.”

“Hang out.” Maria repeated slowly. “As in you and me?” Maria skeptically looked at her. “What about Tess?”

Isabel’s face twisted in a small moue, “I need a break from Tess’s incessant whining about Max.”

Maria nodded, “Hmmmm, can’t say I blame you for that.” Then she smiled, “Okay, what did you have in mind?”


~~~~~~~~~~~


Max and Liz sat on a blanket under a beach umbrella at Liz’s spot on the beach as she unpacked their picnic lunch. She revealed a plate of ham and turkey sandwiches, containers of potato salad and assorted sliced fruits. “Ummmm, looks good.” Max sneaked a chunk of melon. Liz held up two plastic tumblers and a bottle. “Ta dah.”

Max scrunched his nose, “Wine, Liz? Uh, don’t you remember last time?” “Not wine, silly, it’s sparkling cider. I snitched it from the fridge.” She handed it to him to open, “and yes, I do remember.” She cut her eyes over and grinned, “You’re a very cute drunk.” He rolled his eyes before pouring each of them a cup. He held up his cup and shrugged, “I feel like I should make some grandiose toast, but all I can think of is - to us.” She smiled, “To us.” Their cups made a slight clunk as they pressed them together.

After finishing their meal and packing everything up, they lay stretched out on the beach blanket, Liz’s head on Max’s shoulder as he stroked his fingers through her hair. “Thanks for doing this, Max. I wanted us to come back here, because I want to remember this as a happy place for us, not the place that I spent weeks moping.” She admitted. He leaned over to kiss her, “I’m all for anything that makes you happy. I have to admit, just being here with you, watching the surf, is pretty peaceful. I can almost forget about...”

“Uh uh uh,” Liz waggled her finger. Max nodded, “Yes, ma’am.” They had agreed that morning not to discuss anything ‘Roswell’ related for the rest of the day. Today was just for them. As they lay beside each other, drowsy with their tummies full, Liz heard a snuffling sound. Turning her head she smiled to see that Max had fallen asleep. She eased up on her elbow and just looked at him. In his sleep he looked like any normal 17-year-old boy. The tension had eased from his face and he no longer had that ‘weight of the world’ look. She couldn’t resist reaching out to brush his bangs back. She whispered, much too low for him to hear, “I love you, Max Evans,” and snuggled down beside him.


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


As Isabel pulled into a familiar neighborhood, Maria grumbled, “I can’t believe I let you drag me here.”

“It’s not like you had anything better to do.” Isabel informed her. “What with Max and Liz still gone and Michael still ignoring you.”

“Gee, thanks for reminding me about that.” Maria watched as Isabel looked in the rearview mirror and waived her hand over her face, perfecting her makeup. “Hey, can you give me a little...” she pointed at her own face. Isabel rolled her eyes, but she waved a hand. Maria looked in the mirror, “Subtle, natural looking, I like it.” She looked at Isabel, “So… how are you going to justify being here, Isabel? You dumped Alex and now you’re showing up at his auditions?”

“I did not dump him.” Isabel denied, “I just cooled things down.”

“Cooled down?” Maria just stared at her, “It was arctic, Isabel. Boy’s lucky he ain’t a Popsicle.”

Isabel shook her head, “You are exaggerating, Maria. Besides, I’ll just tell Alex I came by to audition.”

“Oh, Isabel,” Maria gave a humorless laugh. “Look, I’m the first to say you’d look great on stage with Alex’s band...” Isabel preened until Maria continued, “but then I remember that I heard you singing on the drive over.”

Isabel frowned, “Just what’s wrong with my singing?”

“Hmmmm, how can I put this without risking bodily injury?” Maria rubbed her hand across her chin.

“Maria!”

“Okay.” Maria held up her hands, “You know how you were singing along to Genie in a Bottle? Well, you definitely rubbed him the wrong way.”

“Ohhhh!” An insulted Isabel exclaimed. Maria grinned, “Now that’s the best note I’ve heard you hit.”

Isabel opened the car door as she huffed, “Oh just shut up. Besides, I don’t know why Alex would be suspicious. We’re all friends.”

Maria mumbled under her breath “since when” as she stepped out of the car. As Isabel came around the front of the car, she continued, “We’ll just tell Alex that we’re here to...” She stopped when she saw a familiar face. “urrrrrrrrrgh.”

Maria looked up, “Did you just growl?” Turning her head to where Isabel was looking - ah hah - she hid a smile. “Hey, that’s the singer we saw the other day with Alex. Madison wasn’t it?” She had to skip to catch up with Isabel’s longer strides, as they approached Alex’s garage. “I think I now know why we’re here - you have green eyes to go with those green gills.”

Isabel stared at her, hands on her hips, “Maria, you do know I could blast you to kingdom come, don’t you?”

Maria just smiled, “You don’t scare me, Isabel.” When Isabel raised an eyebrow, Maria amended. “Well, not anymore. Besides, you need me if you want to win Alex back.”

“I beg your pardon?” Isabel looked down her nose at Maria. “Who said I want to win Alex back? You’re the one who said it - I dumped him.”

“What happened to ‘cooled down’? Seems to me that since the ‘All American Girl’ over there is poised to move right in, you’re realizing that you made a mistake.” As Isabel sputtered, Maria grinned, “Come on, Isabel, let’s scope out your competition.”

Isabel pasted a bright smile on her face when Maria called out, “Alex!” He turned, obviously surprised to see Maria and Isabel together. “Uh, hello ladies. What brings you two around?” Maria answered, “Oh, I remembered that you were holding your auditions today, and thought I could help out and Isabel decided to tag along.”

“Help out?” Alex looked leery.

“Sure,” Isabel agreed picking up from Maria’s cue. “We can keep a list of the singer’s names, get their information like phone numbers, and jot down your notes on who you like.”

“Well, I appreciate that, but I don’t think we’re going to have that many tryout. There’s Madison and a few more.” Isabel kept her smile in place, “Well, we’ll get their information for you then.”

A few minutes later, a pretty but obviously terrified brunette stood at the microphone. Although, she stayed in tune, she was very shaky. The next singer hit all her notes; unfortunately they weren’t the notes in the song.

Two more singers, with nice enough voices, followed her. But neither was anything to write home about.

And then Madison took the ‘stage’. Her raspy voice fit perfectly with the band’s alternative style, the husky tones oozing sensuality. Isabel silently fumed as Alex and his band members raved about Madison and to Isabel’s consternation; Madison was immediately voted in as the new lead singer for The Whits.

Isabel fixed a pleasant smile on her face as she congratulated the young woman, and when her phone rang she was grateful for the opportunity to step away to answer it.

Isabel finished her call and turned to where Maria stood near Alex as they waved goodbye to Madison as she drove off, “That was Max. He and Liz are coming home tomorrow. He’s called a meeting, and he wants all of us to be there.”


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


“Thanks for everything, Aunt Joan, for letting me come here when...” Liz was interrupted by her aunt, “You’re welcome anytime, honeybear, but I have a feeling you and your young man will be just fine.” Joan reached over and gave Max a hug, “Now you take good care of our girl.” With a bashful smile, he promised, “I will.” After a few more tearful hugs and promises to visit again, Max and Liz loaded up the cab with their luggage and headed off to the airport, Liz waving to her aunt as they pulled onto the highway.

Seeing Liz wipe at her eyes, Max put his arm around her shoulder, “We could have stayed a couple more days.” Liz shook her head, “No, it’s time to go back.”

“How about this?” Max pressed a kiss against her temple. “We visit again before the end of the summer, maybe for a week before school starts back.” It crossed Liz’s mind that they had no idea what their lives would be like by the end of the summer, but she smiled and said, “It’s a date.”

They later settled into their seats in the back of the plane that would take them to Atlanta to catch their connecting flight home, and Max looked at Liz. “Before we get back, I think that maybe I should tell you about my nightmare.” Liz nodded, “I think that’s a good idea. Maybe if you talk it out, get it out in the open, you won’t have them anymore.”

He took her hand, “That’s not it, Liz. It’s this particular dream that I’m concerned about. I’ve had several nightmares about the White Room since that night, but this one was different.” He lowered his voice. “I think Tess made me have it.” Liz looked stunned, “Tess? How?”

Max made sure they couldn’t be overheard. “You remember how we initially thought that it was an alien, Nasedo, who was causing me to have those daydreams about Tess?” Liz nodded. “Well, we were half right. But it was Alien Tess.” Max then explained that while waiting to rescue him out at Eagle Rock, Tess had shown Isabel how her mindwarping worked; and Isabel figured out that it was Tess that made him see those things. “We also suspect that it was Tess who made Michael and Isabel have the dreams when they thought she was pregnant.” Then he told Liz about his nightmare and the things Tess did and said in it.

Liz was stunned and took several deep breaths before saying, “Well, that’s disturbing.” Then feeling uncertain, “Max, are you sure it wasn’t… I mean maybe your subconscious…” She looked down into her lap, suddenly feeling queasy.

“Liz, no! I told you, I’ve never had any feelings for her, I swear, and I would never …” He reached to turn her face to his, “I feel like I have loved you since before I was even born. You are the one, Liz. The only one.” They shared several soft kisses.

Then Liz looked at him, a worried expression on her face. “Max, Tess is over 2000 miles from here, that would mean...” He nodded, “that she’s much more powerful than we thought.” Liz felt an icy tingle down her spine.


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


“They’re back!” Maria squealed as the jeep pulled up in front of the Crashdown. A customer objecting with ‘hey’ when she plunked a pot of coffee onto his table before running out onto the sidewalk. “Liz!” She grabbed Liz as soon as she exited the jeep and hugged her, “Oh, look at you, all tanned and smiling. Muy Belinda, ‘chica..” Liz hugged her back, “Oh, Maria.” Then Maria turned her attention to Max as he rounded the front of the jeep. “And just look at you. Is that a smile on your handsome face?” A grinning Max blushed and Liz laughed, “Maria, you’re making a scene.”

“She tends to do that a lot.” They heard a droll tone and looked to see that Isabel had come out of the Crashdown. She smiled at Liz before giving Max a hug, “Glad you’re home safely, but when Mom and Dad see you – you are so grounded.”

Max grimaced, “Did they know we were coming back today?” When she shook her head ‘no’, he shrugged, “Maybe I should just hide out at Michael’s until we meet tonight.”

Since neither Liz’s mom nor dad had come out, she asked Maria, “Where are my folks?” “We didn’t tell them you were coming back today, so they couldn’t rat Max out. They had a meeting at the bank. Did you know that Mr. P wants to replace the fridge and freezer units?”

Liz smiled at Max, “I guess I need to get my things upstairs.” As Maria and Isabel helped them unload Liz’s luggage, Maria asked in anticipation. “So, did you bring me anything?”


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


As Liz, Maria and Isabel each carried a bag upstairs to Liz’s room, Max stopped off in the kitchen to speak to Michael. “Hey.”

Michael glanced over, “So, you’re back.” Max nodded. “And I guess you and Liz are together now?” Max nodded again. Michael just shrugged.

“Michael, I know before I left we...”

Michael interrupted as he flipped some burgers on the grill, “Look, Maxwell, here’s the thing. I guess I’ve been pissed off at you for not leading, but hell, I don’t know what to do anymore than you do. None of us do. I feel like we’re all just sitting around in the dark waiting to be attacked, and if we are… what if I’m not strong enough?” Michael avoided eye contact.

Max rubbed his eyebrow, “What happened with…” He moved closer to Michael, “Pierce. You acted on instinct, making a split second decision, and it was the right decision, Michael. If you had hesitated, Valenti might be very well dead now. You’re impulsive and too rash, but I know in a clutch that you’d come through. So don’t sell yourself short.”

Michael finally looked at Max, “Maxwell, you aren’t about to get touchy-feeling, are you?”

Max just looked confused, “Huh?”

“You know,” Michael stood with his hands on his hips. “Wanting to talk about our feelings or hugging. Crap like that.”

“Uh… no.” Max said slowly. Michael nodded, “Good, cause it’s not the first time we’ve disagreed, and it won’t be the last.”

“Glad you feel that way, cause I’m gonna have to hide out at your place until I’m ready to face my folks.”

Michael turned back to the grill, “You know where the key’s hidden.”


~~~~~~~~~~~


Max climbed the stairs to Liz’s apartment. As he let himself in, he could hear the sound of feminine voices coming from Liz’s bedroom. Making his way down the short hall, he wasn’t surprised to hear Maria’s nonstop chatter, but was surprised to hear Isabel’s voice. He’d figured that she would have escaped as soon as possible.

Tapping on the door, he peeked in to find that Maria and Isabel had both opened the gifts that he and Liz had picked out for them, a necklace for Maria and earrings for Isabel. Okay - Liz picked out.

“Oh, Liz, these are lovely.” Isabel held up a pair of carved coral earrings. Liz smiled at her, “I wasn’t really sure what your tastes were,” she cut her eyes over at Max, “and Max wasn’t any help at all.”

“Hey,” he objected from the doorway. Entering the room, he slid his arms around Liz’s waist. “I told you she had pierced ears.” Maria, Liz and Isabel all shared knowing looks.

Isabel looked at Max, “Shouldn’t you be on your way to Michael’s before Mom and Dad discover you’re back.” He nodded, “Yeah, I just wanted to say goodbye.”

Maria grinned, “Go ahead, don’t mind us.” Liz cocked her head, “I don’t think so.” She moved with Max back down to the living room, where he wasted no time pulling her back into his arms. He kissed her deeply, and moaned, “Ummm, I hate to leave you.”

“Me, too. So, what time are we meeting at Michael’s?”

“Don’t suppose you could get out having supper with your folks?” When she frowned and shook her head, he shrugged, “How about 8:30? Isabel said that Nasedo was back in town, so I’ll call him and Valenti.” After several more goodbye kisses, he finally tore himself away.

When Liz returned to her room, Isabel stood. “I’d better get going, too. See you both later at Michael’s.”

After Isabel left, Liz looked in confusion at Maria. “Who was that? And what did she do with Isabel Evans?”

Maria just laughed, “Awww, she’s alright, once you get past the ice princess persona. I find it’s best to just call her on it when she gets all snotty. But forget Isabel, that’s not the Evans I want to discuss.” As Liz blushed, she insisted, “Come on, chica, give me all the juicy details.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TBC ~

Thank you so much for the feedback

~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 6


Surprised to hear a knock at his door, Michael answered to find Max, Liz and Maria standing with several pizza boxes. “Since when does anyone bother knocking around here?” He stood back as they placed the boxes on the breakfast counter. “It was Liz’s idea.” Max admitted. Michael looked at Liz who just smiled with a shy shrug.

“So what’s with the pizza?” Michael asked, even as he opened up a box and grabbed a slice with a mixture of toppings and covered with jalapenos.

“Just thought everyone might like a snack.” Maria grabbed a slice of beef, mushroom and onions. “Mmmm, besides, I missed supper.”


~~~~~~~~


“Well, if it isn’t the ever burgeoning ‘I Know an Alien’ club.” Nasedo stated with sarcasm as he looked around at the faces in Michael’s apartment. In attendance were his four charges, Liz Parker and her friends Alex and Maria, along with the Sheriff and his young son. “Why didn’t you just hang out a sign?” He asked sarcastically. ”Alien royals discovered - assassins apply inside.”

“Everyone in this room is a part of this in some way.” Max declared, but he looked over at Alex and Maria, “But no one is obligated to stay,” and then at Jim and Kyle. “and anyone who wants to leave is free to go.”

The Sheriff gave Max a slight smile, “You know I’m here for you, Max.” Kyle glanced over at Tess who avoided looking at him. “I think I’ll stay. This could be interesting.”

“Hey,” Maria insisted, “Where Liz goes, Alex and I go, we’re like the three musketeers.”

“Ah, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis.” Nasedo turned to face Max, who stood close beside Liz, “Guess that would make you D’Artagnan.” He smirked.

Alex asked in surprise, “You’ve read The Three Musketeers?” Nasedo raised an eyebrow, “Actually, I saw the movie...”

“Ooh,” Maria interrupted, “the one with Michael York?”

Nasedo ignored her, “…however, I have read many things in last 50 plus years.”

Max crossed his arms, “And yet you never bothered to read the alien book?”

Nasedo gave him a look of disappointment, “Because it’s not written in Antarian, therefore, I can’t read it. Remember, my only job was to serve as protector for the Royal Four. That book was specifically created for you by the ones intended to be your advisors. They would have taught you, but unfortunately, they did not survive the crash.” He looked around, “Now if 20 questions is over, I’d like to see this etching.”

Max handed the alien book to him and Nasedo silently examined the picture of Liz. “I don’t understand why this has happened. I thought it was a guidebook, to explain your past and set the course for your futures. I had no idea that it could alter itself.” He stared at Liz and she felt like a bug under the microscope, “Nor why it would add you.”

Max looked at Nasedo, “Um, actually there’s more.” Nasedo cut his eyes over and raised an eyebrow. “More?”

“The pictures of Isabel and Tess, the pregnant etchings...” Max’s voice trailed off as Nasedo flipped through the book. He stopped and just looked, then looked from Max to Michael. “Your faces, they’re gone.”

“What?” Tess rushed over to grab the book from Nasedo. She couldn’t believe her eyes, as she looked at the blurred images, no longer distinguishable as Max or Michael. “This isn’t possible.” She whirled on Max, “You did this, didn’t you? This is a trick, just so you could be with her?” She glared at Liz as she said the word “her”.

“Tess, I didn’t do anything.” Max denied. “I had no need to change it, I said from the beginning that no book was going to tell me how to live my life.”

Nasedo spoke up, “The book cannot be destroyed or damaged.” He took the book from Tess and held open facing her. “Here, put Max’s face back on the etching.” Tess pressed her finger on the book and scrunched her face in concentration. Even though her finger glowed, nothing happened to the book. Nasedo looked at each of his four charges, “Whatever is happening, the book itself is doing it.”

Meanwhile Max gave Liz a questioning look, and she took a deep breath and gave him a nod, “You’d better go ahead, Max.”

“Something else unusual happened while Liz and I were in Florida. There was... well...” he looked at Liz who suddenly found an interest in examining her toenail polish. Max stumbled along, “...sort of an incident, and... well… um...”

Michael lost patience as Max hemmed and hawed, “Damn it, Maxwell, spit it out!”

Shooting Michael a hard look, Max stated, “Liz and I called each other by... different names.” He finished up with an uncomfortable shrug.

“Different names?” Isabel asked, plainly confused.

Maria eyed Liz with suspicion. “You didn’t say anything to me about ‘different names’ during the ‘incident’.

Surprised Max cut his eyes over, “Lizzzz...” only for a pink-cheeked Liz to confess in chagrin, “It was Maria, I didn’t stand a chance.”

Michael demanded, “What incident?” But realization dawned as he saw both Max and Liz’s red faces and Maria’s smirk. He groaned, “Oh hell! The two of you...”

Max interrupted, “We just...” The discomfort practically rolled off him, “sort of...” Liz blurted out, “... were touching. Um, each other.”

By now everyone had a good idea just what touching involved. Kyle raised an eyebrow, and not bothering to hide his smile moved to stand beside Tess. Leaning close, he softly said. “Touching? Is that what they’re calling it now?” She turned to glare at him as she seethed at the implication.

“When we were... Liz shrugged self-consciously, “touching... it was kind of like... being possessed or something.”

“Possessed?” Alex questioned, “Like in the Exorcist?”

“I’m not sure that’s the right word,“ Liz glanced at Max, who spoke up, “It was more like we actually became different people for just a moment.”

“Different people?” Isabel looked confused, “Max, exactly what happened?”

“Liz called me ‘Zan’ and I called her ‘Alisria’.”

“Alisria!” Nasedo exclaimed, and looked from the etching to Liz and back again and shook his head. “Impossible.”

“You know that name? Who is she?” Max asked.

Nasedo pulled out a stool from the breakfast bar and sat down. “I haven’t heard that name mentioned in... I’d almost forgotten.”

“Forgotten what?” Isabel asked.

“Zan and Alisria.” Nasedo looked at Max, “As I’ve already told you, our home world is Antar. Zan was King.” He looked around at the others, “You know from the orb message that the four of you were recreated from the essence of your predecessors being combined with human genetic material. Their names were Alezandre - Zan for short.” He looked at Isabel, “Zan’s sister was Princess Vilandra and Rath was Zan’s best friend and his second in command. Ava was queen, but...” He heaved a large sigh, “Alisria was Prince Alezandre’s fiancee.”

“Wait a minute, how could he have a fiancée?” Tess declared, “I was Queen!”

“It was before you, before Zan became King.” Nasedo looked at Liz who shifted uncomfortably under his scrutiny.

“Well, don’t keep us in suspense, man, get on with the story!”

Nasedo turned a cold eye on Maria, and she slid around to stand behind Alex. “As I was about to say, it was before I came to the palace. By the time I was on the scene, Zan was already king. He was good man, but rather cold and with more than a few a enemies.” He looked at Max, “but we’ll discuss that at another time. What I was told was that when Zan was still Prince Zan, he was betrothed to a girl he had loved since childhood - Alisria. Alisria and her family were very close to the royal family. King Kronas and Queen Karina loved her like their own children. The couple was almost inseparable. Zan was beginning to take part in representing the interests of the royal house. During a time when Prince Zan was off-planet, enemies of the crown struck in an assassination attempt against the king. It was no secret that King Kronas had a sweet tooth. His favorite sweets were similar to your chocolates here. Someone managed to infiltrate the castle and plant a box of poisoned sweets. The King was very fond of Alisria, and happened to share the sweets with her. They both fell ill and the healers were called in and the poisoned sweets were discovered. Though very ill, the King recovered, but Alisria had received a fatal dose and there was nothing the healers could do. Zan was called home, but by the time he made it back, she had already died. Zan was devastated, he went into seclusion after her burial and it was many months before he resumed any of his royal duties.”

Nasedo looked at the two of them standing there, Max’s arm wrapped around Liz, her head on his shoulder, and everything he had believed about the destiny of his charges had been turned upside down. “At Alisria’s funeral, Zan swore revenge against his enemies and promised Alisria that his soul would never rest until he found hers again.”

“Oh...” Maria clasped her hand to her throat and softly stated, “that is the most romantic thing I’ve ever...” Isabel looked at her sharply, “Romantic? She was dead, Maria.”

“Well,” a chagrined Maria lifted her shoulder, “in a completely sad, tragic and depressing way.”

“What about Queen Bee here?” Kyle asked as he hooked his thumb in Tess’s direction. Tess gave him a death-ray glare.

“When Zan’s father did pass away, by natural causes, Zan assumed the throne. Almost immediately his advisors began urging him to take a bride. After sitting on the throne for a few years, he finally consented to an arranged marriage with Ava, the daughter of the emperor of a neighboring planet who supported Zan’s political beliefs.”

“An arranged marriage? Now that’s just got destiny written all over it.” Kyle smirked as Tess stalked away from him.

The Sheriff had noticed Kyle’s deliberate baiting of Tess and wondered what had brought it about. He hadn’t even known that Kyle knew the girl that well. He made a mental note to have a discussion with Kyle later.

Still smarting from Kyle’s mockery, Tess expressed her discontent, “Nice trip down memory lane, but none of it explains why Liz has butted her way into our book.”

Frowning at Tess’s nasty tone, Liz turned to look at Max who was giving Tess a death-ray glare of his own, “Maybe when we... um...”

Maria interrupted with a teasing smile, “Touched?”

Liz ignored her, “Maybe I got some kind of memory flash from you and the connection triggered you into calling me Alisria. After all, it only happened the first time.”

“First time!?” Isabel blurted, then realizing what she had said, she turned beet red.

Max did his best to ignore the knowing looks. “I guess a memory flash is possible.” Max picked up the book and lightly stroked the etching of Liz’s face. “I don’t know any other explanation.”

Maria rolled her eyes, “You know, for a supposed superior race, you aliens are a bit slow on the uptake.”

Max looked at her, “Huh?” While Michael and Isabel objected with “What the hell?” “I beg your pardon?” Tess and Nasedo just glared at her. Even Liz whispered, “Maria....”

But Maria ignored the offended remarks and looks she received and counted off on her fingers, “Zan and Alisria were in love - she died - he swore that his soul would find hers again - then he died.” She pointed at Max, “Now we have Max - who was reconstituted and sent across the cosmos to live again. Where one day he saves the life of his no longer secret crush that’s he loved since like - ever.” She looked at Liz, “And since that day, the two of you have had that whole ‘look into my eyes soulmate’ thing going on.”

“Is there a point somewhere in all that?” Michael groused.

“Yes, there’s a point.” Maria glowered right back at him. “Maybe Liz didn’t call him ‘Zan’ because of some flash from Max, but because her ‘soul’ recognized his. Just maybe she is Alisria.”

There were several blank stares before exclamations around the room broke the silence. “What!” “How could that be?” “What have you been smoking?” Then Michael bluntly asked, “Maria, is this some of your mother’s new age crap?”

“Actually, Guerin, it’s old age, and I think Maria’s on to something.” Kyle backed Maria up. “For those of you who rode over on the short bus - wake up and smell the Karma, it’s called reincarnation.”

“The short bus?” An insulted Isabel objected, while Michael scoffed at them, “Reincarnation? Have you two lost your minds?”

“No, I have not lost my mind,” Maria snapped at him, hands on hips. “You’ve never heard of reincarnation?”

“Heard of it, yes - believe in it, no!”

“And I never believed in aliens.” Alex stood over beside Maria and Kyle. He wasn’t sure if he believed in reincarnation either, but he wasn’t about to stand by and let her be ridiculed by Michael.

Tess exclaimed, “That’s absolutely crazy, Liz is a human.” The word ‘human’ spoken with disdain.

“Human - alien, doesn’t matter. It’s Fate… Kismet,” Kyle declared, then added looking directly at Tess, “and I do believe that Kismet trumps Destiny.”

Tess had had enough, and she moved to stare into his face, “You’re starting to piss me off, Buddha Boy. It would behoove you to just shut up!”

“Behoove? Are we in the cavalry now?” Was Kyle’s sarcastic reply.

“Bite me!” Tess stalked off to stand near Nasedo.

Jim Valenti took the opportunity to ask his son, “Kyle, what’s going on? You seem to be deliberately egging Tess on.” Kyle just shook his head, “I dunno. She just rubs me the wrong way, with her high and mightiness. She needs to be taken down a peg.”

Jim advised, “You just be careful that you don’t get taken down. You’re poking a tiger with a stick. I trust Max completely, but those two,” indicating Tess and Nasedo, “the jury’s still out on them.”

While their friends debated the finer points of reincarnation, Max and Liz just stared at each other - could it be true? “Max, is this even possible?” Max pulled her into his arms, “I don’t know, but I’ve always known you were special.” She looked up, “After you healed me, I felt things I’d never felt about anyone before, like you’d put a force on me.” She nibbled on her bottom lip, “But maybe it was something deep inside me waking up, recognizing...”

“Me.” He whispered as he caressed her cheek. Then ignoring the babble around them, he held her close as his lips captured hers.

Standing beside Nasedo, Tess asked him. “So, what does this mean - for me?” He looked at her, “I don’t know. You’re still who you are, but everything’s changed now. The book,” he looked over at Max and Liz, “them. But I do know we cannot let down our guard. Your enemies are still out there, and they will be looking for you.”

Tess felt the bile rise in her throat as she watched Max fawning all over Liz, “I need some air.”


~~~~~~~~~~~


Kyle noticed Tess leave the room. He slipped out and as he saw her looking up at the sky, he began to feel a little guilty for the way he ragged on her earlier. “Tess?”

Tess turned as Kyle spoke and glared at him, “ What do you want now? Oh wait, let me guess, you’re here to gloat. Well, let me save you the trouble - Max and Liz are together and I don’t have a chance in Hell. Happy now?” She crossed her arms as she turned her back on him.

He’d seen the tears on her face before she turned away, “Strangely, no.” He felt uncomfortable, “I just wondered if you were alright.”

She gave a humorless laugh as she walked to the edge of the patio, “Am I alright? Let’s recap, shall we?” Her voice was heavy with sarcasm. “Max and Liz turn out to be long lost loves who’ve found each other again, which just coincidentally causes my entire purpose in existing to go up in a puff of smoke.” Turning she caught sight of Max and Liz through the window standing in each other’s arms, and her eyes grew hard. “But hey, Max and Liz are happy so to hell with the rest of the universe.”

“Would you just forget about Evans for a moment? He walked up beside her. “You still have a purpose, you know. Those enemies Nasedo was spouting about are still out there somewhere.”

Tess glared at him, “Those enemies are exactly why they don’t belong together. The four of us each have unique gifts and together we present a unit. That’s what I was raised on - the importance of finding the others again because we were created to be together. And what happens when I finally find them?” She shook her head, “They had no clue who or what they were - Max infatuated with Liz, Michael and Isabel looking at each other as siblings. This isn’t how it was supposed to be.” She rolled her eyes as she turned away, “Oh, why am I wasting my breath, like you’d understand.”

What little sympathy he had brought outside with him was rapidly wafting away. “Oh, Boo-Flippin’-Hoo! So your life isn’t what you expected. Whose is? Welcome to Earth, little girl.”

Tess looked at him in surprised anger, “How dare you...”

“I dare, because you make it damn hard for anyone to have any sympathy for you.” He paced on the patio. “I came out here because I felt bad for ragging on you, but now I’m wondering why? You treat everyone who doesn’t have alien DNA as if they were something stuck to the bottom of your shoe. And yet for all your super powers,” he made quote marks in the air, “you still drop your pants to shit just like everyone else on this planet.”

“Oooohhhh!” Tess threw up her hand and before Kyle could react the terra cotta planter beside him exploded.


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


At the crashing sound, Michael looked towards his patio, “What the hell was that?” He headed for the door only for Tess to rush in and dart through the room, pushing past Isabel and Maria and out the front door of the apartment.

“What’s her problem?” Maria grumbled as she righted herself.

Valenti looked around and asked with worry in his voice, “Where’s Kyle?” Alex looked out the patio door, “He’s sitting out there. And he looks a little shook up.” Valenti went outside to check on his son.

Liz looked nervously at Max, “I guess we shouldn’t be surprised that she’s upset.”

Nasedo stood, “If we’re done here, I’ll go check on her.” He turned to Max; “I have to fly back to Washington in the morning, Max. The Congressional committee hearings start soon.” Max nodded, “Do you think this will work.” Nasedo winked, “Nothing the Republicans like more than putting a stop to Democratic spending.”

After he left, Max looked around and scratched behind his ear, “I guess this meeting’s adjourned.” Isabel nodded, “Just as well, I think we’re all on information overload right now.” She turned to give Alex a shy smile. “Alex, do you need a ride home?”




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


Liz stood out on her balcony and lit several candles in their glass containers. She heard a soft call. “Liz?” She smiled at the familiar voice and leaned over to softly answer, “Come on up.” The ladder rattled as Max climbed up and swung over onto the balcony. “See you haven’t lost your touch.” She teased. He pulled her close for a kiss. “Mmmm, missed you.” She raised her eyebrow, “Max, it’s been less than an hour.” “And your point is...” He smiled when she giggled.

She’d changed from the jeans and tee she’d worn earlier into a light sundress, one that she’d worn in Florida, which suited Max just fine. Not only was she lovely, but it meant bare legs, bare shoulders and – no bra. He was startled from his musings when Liz reached out to touch him as she asked, “What’s that look for?”

He innocently replied, “Just remembering when you wore that dress in Florida, when we walked the beach that first night.” She took his hand and led him over to the lounger, “I remember.”

Max settled in and Liz snuggled down beside him. “So,” Max said, “that was some meeting.” She looked chagrined as she bit her bottom lip, “Sorry about the slipup, about there being more than one ‘incident’.” He laughed, “Yeah, that was a little awkward.”

“Speaking of awkward, what are we going to do about Tess?” Liz asked. “She was so upset, and the way she stormed out.”

Max lifted his shoulders as he shook his head, “I don’t know. I’m glad we decided to wait about confronting her with the dreamwalking. Maybe we should just wait and play it by ear.”

She nodded as she looked up at him, “And the other? The reincarnation idea? It’s pretty wild, Max.” She looked unsure, “What do you really think?”

“That’s a subject I know nothing about... but,” he cupped her face gazing earnestly, “I know that I loved you before I knew what love was. When I stepped off that bus the first day of school, I remember how scared I was.” His thumb stroked her cheek. “Then I saw you, playing with your friends, and I didn’t feel so afraid anymore. It’s like I had found where I belonged, even though I couldn’t tell you.”

“Oh, Max.” Her heart skipped a beat and she turned to press a kiss into his palm. “But if I really was ‘her’, why didn’t I recognize you back then?”

Max shrugged, “You’re human. Maybe her essence was dormant or something.” He winked at her, “Or it could just be that it took a teenage mutant healing you to wake it up.” She rolled her eyes as she gently whacked him on the arm, “You forgot ninja and turtle.” Max just grinned unrepentantly.

Liz threaded her fingers through his, “Seriously Max, that night you came to the Crashdown, and let me ‘see you’,” she took his hand and pressed it to her chest, “it was like my heart just opened up and you walked right in.” She gazed up at him, “I don’t know anything about Alisria or Zan, all I know is that Liz Parker fell in love with Max Evans.” Her words touched him and he couldn’t resist kissing her. When he raised his head, he whispered, “I love you, too, Liz.”

Their kisses grew more passionate, hands reaching out to caress and stroke as their bodies pressed tightly together. Max’s hand traveled up the back of Liz’s thigh, his eyes widening as his fingers felt only flesh as they slid up her flank. His head jerked back, “Liz! Are you naked under this thing?”

“Why do you think I changed into this dress?” She gave him a sexy pout, “But if you don’t like it...” In answer he pulled her over to sit on his lap, his erection pressing tightly against his pants. “That’s how much I like it.” His lips captured hers and his kisses moved down her throat as he unbuttoned the dress and the straps fell aside to reveal her plump little breasts. “Beautiful.” He reached to nibble on one pouty nipple, while his hand cupped the other. He was suckling happily, Liz’s fingers threaded through his hair to hold his head close, as if she were afraid he would stop. Fat chance, that. When he moved from one perky nipple to the other, he murmured, “You are delicious.” Her soft moans were music to his ears when reality reared its ugly head. Max released her with a small pop as he looked up at her in alarm, “Liz, your folks...”

She wriggled around, her bent legs on either side of his lap, making him gasp. “Oh, God, Liz.” She whispered against his lips, “It’s okay, they’re asleep on the other side of the apartment.” Relieved, he used one hand to grab the back of her head and pulled her in for a tongue tangling kiss while his other hand roamed under her skirt across her firm backside, his erection straining against his pants. The thin material all that stood between their joining.

Liz pulled her mouth away and tugged at his shirt until she managed to get it off and she tossed it on the floor. Their bare chests rubbed together, the bodice of her dress around her waist, the skirt covering their lower bodies. “Ah, Liz, do you know how much I want you?” She smiled against his lips and teased, “Oh, I’d say about this much.” She reached down to cup the growing bulge in his pants. He groaned as he slid his hand around to stop her, not wanting it to be over before they got started, but his hand brushed against her feminine mound and instead of stopping her from rubbing him, he began to caress her, his fingers sliding along her moist folds. He panted as he thought, “Damn… so wet.” He didn’t realize he’d spoken out loud until she tucked her head into his neck as she whispered, “You make me that way, Max - only you.”

Her words shot straight to his heart and kept traveling down to his groin. He kissed her feverishly. “Help me,” his lips hot against hers, he fumbled with the button on his pants, “help me get my pants off.” She reached for the opening of his pants and together they pushed his pants and boxers down to his knees and his erection sprang up to rest against her stomach. His breath hitched when she reached down to grasp him. Liz marveled at the texture, so hard and yet so satiny as she caressed the mushroom shaped top. “I love the way you feel in my hand.” She whispered, her hand sliding up and down his shaft. Max’s head fell back as his eyes crossed. “Liz, oh, God.” She shifted her body so that her slick folds rubbed along his hardened member and she breathed into his mouth, “I want you. Now.”

He groaned, her wiggling driving him crazy with need, “Wait... condom, wallet.” She reached down and pulled his wallet out handing it to him, he removed the package and tore it open. “Let me.” She took the condom from the package and slid back on his thighs. When she rolled it on him, he thought he would come on the spot. She slid back up dragging her feminine core along his throbbing length before reaching down to position him to complete their joining. He held her hips as he helped her ease down on his shaft until he filled her. “Oh, Max.” She clung to his shoulders as she began to slowly slide up and down. Max’s head fell back, “Liz... you feel so good.” Their bodies pumped faster and faster, he knew he wasn’t going to last much longer, so he slid his hand down between their bodies to manipulate her little bundle of nerves with his thumb. He could feel her trembling, so he gave it a little alien ‘vibration’ and she came hard. “Aughhhhhhhhh.” She threw her head back as she cried out, “Oh, Maxxxxxxxx.” He pulled her down for a kiss, smothering her cries as her body clamped tightly around him. He groaned into her mouth as his body followed hers over the edge, their bodies jerking in their joint climax.

As their breathing slowed down, their bodies tingled with little aftershocks of pleasure. Liz raised her head and gave Max a well-satisfied sultry smile, “wow,” she whispered. He sifted his fingers through her hair and nuzzling her temple, he grinned, “Couldn’t have said it better myself.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TBC

Thanks for the feedback - I appreciate your thoughts
-----------

Chapter 7


“Hey there, Gidget. Writing about Moondoggie?”

Liz looked up from her seat at her desk to see Maria’s grinning reflection in the mirror as she stood at the bedroom door. With a coy look, Liz replied, “As a matter of fact...” She let her voice trail off.

“Oooh, can I read it?” Maria bounced on into the room and Liz slammed her journal shut with a blunt. “No.”

“You’re no fun, Lizzie.” Maria protested as she flopped on Liz’s bed. “How will I know what to expect with Spaceboy if you don’t spill the beans?”

Liz cut her eyes over, “I think I’ve spilled enough beans. Last night was embarrassing enough.”

“Oh, pooh.” Maria shrugged, “That was nothing. And judging from that goofy smile on your face when I walked in, I’m guessing last night included a repeat performance. Hmmmmm?”

Liz blushed as a memory of herself riding Max like he was a stallion flashed in her brain. “Maria, I already told you, I’m not going to discuss the details of our love life with you, I don’t think Max would appreciate it.”

“Phhtttttt, who cares what Max appreciates? Now that Michael knows the two of you did the deed, you can bet he’ll be picking Max’s brain.” Maria gazed into the mirror, fluffing her hair,
“Cause no matter what that boy says, he wants me.”

Liz rolled her eyes. “Maria...”

Maria fixed Liz with a look similar to a bulldog eyeing a meaty bone, “Lizzie, you know I’m not going to let up. Now if you can’t tell me, your very bestest friend in the whole world, all the delicious details, then who can you tell?” Seeing the indecision on Liz’s face, Maria knew she was close to breaking her. “Now, forget about vague descriptions like ‘incredible’, ‘amazing’ or ‘awe-inspiring’.” Maria wore a mischievous smirk, “I want to know - what did it look like? Was it in the normal place? Did it glow in the dark?”

“Maria!!” Liz laughed as she hit Maria in the face with a pillow.


~~~~~~~~~


Midmorning found Liz in the process of delivering a brunch platter to a customer when Alex walked into the Crashdown. “Hey, Liz.” He took a seat at the bar, “Didn’t take you long to get back in the swing of things.”

“I asked my dad if I could pick up some extra shifts.” She told him, her antennae bobbing. Then she frowned, “Max’s dad is making him pay back the fee for his airplane tickets, and since it was sort of my fault for leaving in the first place . . . “ Alex cocked his head as he lifted an eyebrow and she admitted with a rueful grin, “okay, all my fault, I thought I should help him out.”

“Speaking of Max,” Alex looked around, “Did he get grounded?”

“No,” she grimaced, “just yelled at - a lot.” She glanced at the clock; “He should be over at the UFO Center by now. Since he took off without notice, he’s hoping that Milton will keep him on and maybe give him some extra hours.”

“That’s going to put a damper on any summertime fun for you guys, not to mention me. Who’s going to hang with me if you’re working all the time?” Alex protested good-naturedly.

“What am I?” A voice rang out behind him, “Chopped liver?” Alex turned to grin at Maria, who continued to tease him, “Of course, you could always hang out with Maaa - di - son.”

Liz looked between them, “Madison? Who’s Madison?” Maria answered, “Oh, just the bane of Isabel Evan’s existence.” Alex and Liz both looked confused “Huh?”

Maria stood with one hand on her hip, while she flipped the other outward, “Madison is the blond bombshell who just joined The Whit’s as their new lead singer, and also the cause of Isabel coming down with a severe case of green-eyed monsteritus.”

“Again - I say ‘huh’?” Alex looked at Maria. “What are you babbling about?”

Maria shook her head, “Alex, I swear guys are so dense. The day you met Madison here at the Crash, Isabel could not stop staring at the two of you. I knew something was up when she dragged me over to your auditions - me! But when she growled at seeing Madison . . . ”

Liz held up her hand, “Wait, Isabel actually growled?” Maria pondered, “It was sort of an urrrrrrgh sound, so yeah, I’d say that was a growl.”

“Okay,” Alex took a deep breath, “before I wake up and find out this is a dream and right now I’m at home drooling on my pillow - are you telling me that Isabel likes me again?”

“Oh, sweetie, she never stopped.” Maria assured him. “She and Michael only broke things off with us because of that whole destiny crap. But when Max went after little Alisria here . . . ”

“Maria . . . ” Liz warned, “shhhh, not here.”

“Sorry, chica. Anyway, the day Max left for Florida, Isabel came in all smiles until you ignored her and then Madison showed up and fawned all over you. But what cinched it for me was her showing up all friendly and ‘why don’t we hang out, we can go watch Alex’s auditions’ and I knew something was up. And she was so attentive last night at Michael’s,” Maria batted her eyes, “Alex, can I get you a Coke? Alex, need a ride home? Alex, wanna stick your tongue down my throat?” Liz laughed out loud at Maria’s antics.

Alex stared wide-eyed. “So why am I sitting here with you two? Quick hand me a phone!” He stuck his hand out, excitement in his voice.

“No way!” Maria shook her head, “Alex, she broke your heart. Just because she wants you back, you can’t just succumb. You’ve got to be strong, fight temptation.”

“I don’t want to be strong.” Alex insisted as he grabbed Maria’s shoulders. “I want temptation, I want to succumb.”

Liz laughed softly as Maria cooed, “Of course you do, pumpkin, but right now you have the upper hand. All I’m saying is let her stew in her own juices a day or two.”

“Maria, first of all Madison isn’t interested in me...”

“Isabel doesn’t need to know that.” Maria interrupted him. “Take advantage of her jealousy - milk it, baby.”

“...and second, even if I did want to make her jealous, you know I could never pull it off.”

“Alex, it’ll be fun. Liz and I will help you.” Maria turned to Liz. “Won’t we?”

But Liz vetoed her. “No, Maria.”

Maria’s mouth fell open, “What do you mean no?”

“Look, after what almost happened with me and Max, I just don’t think Alex should be playing games.” Liz smiled at Alex “If you want some privacy, you can call Isabel on the phone in my room.”

His shoulders sagged, “Thanks, but I wouldn’t even know what to say.” Liz offered, “How about starting with ‘Hello, Isabel’ and see where it goes from there?”

But Maria wasn’t done. “Okay, okay – but if you won’t play hard to get, will you at least play not so darn easy?” Maria pressed him, “Wait until she makes her next move, then you can cave.”

As Alex held up his hands in surrender, the bell over the door chimed and Liz smiled brightly as Max walked in immediately searching her out. She fairly danced around the counter to greet him. Alex and Maria just shook their heads as Max and Liz kissed in the middle of the restaurant, ignoring the attention they drew from the cafe’s customers.

“Excuse me,” Alex called out, “Could I get an order of that to go?” Max and Liz pulled apart wearing similar chagrined smiles. “Very funny, Alex.” Liz made a face at him. Then she led Max over to a stool at the counter. “So, how did your meeting go with Milton?” Liz asked.

“Better than the one with my folks.” Max grimaced as he remembered his father’s yelling and his mother’s looks of disappointment when he finally made it home the night before. Then he shrugged it off, “Seems there was some UFO sighting in upstate New York, so he was too excited to be upset with me.”

“A sighting?” Liz looked startled. “Yeah,” Max nodded, “You know Milton, he’s all a twitter, talking on his UFO chat line.”

Mr. Parker entered the dining area just in time to hear their comments. “A new sighting? All right, that’ll be good for business.” He comically rubbed his hands together.

Liz cocked an eye at her dad, “You did hear the part about it being in New York not New Mexico?”

He just shook his head, “Lizzie, the Crash Anniversary is just around the corner, a sighting anywhere will perk up interest and increase attendance.”

“Oh, joy.” Maria was less than enthusiastic, “Even more nutburgers invading town.” Mr. Parker just grinned, “You’ll be thinking ‘oh joy’, when you’re pocketing all those extra tips.” Maria perked up, “Hmmmm, bring on the nutburgers.”

They all laughed, and as Maria and Mr. Parker left the dining area, Liz heard her dad ask, “Do you think your mom can get me another gross of those glow in the dark alien head straws?”

Liz turned back to Max, “This sighting, do you think there’s anything to it? Should we be worried?”

“Your guess is as good as mine, but I don’t think so.” Max answered, “It was probably just a meteor, but I was hoping it would divert attention from around here. I forgot about the Crash coming up.”

“July 2nd, the anniversary of the ‘47 Crash.” Alex deadpanned as he stared at Max, “Now that’s a date I’d think you’d never forget.”

Max just shrugged as he grinned at Liz, “Guess I’ve had a lot on my mind lately.” As Liz blushed, Maria stuck her head through the pass-through, “Hey, guys.” When they looked her way she waved them back. “You’re missing the show.”

Reaching the break area, they saw that the television set was tuned onto CSPAN. Liz joined Maria and Michael on the couch as Max settled on the floor in front of her. Alex pulled up a chair and they all turned their eyes to the television as the camera panned to ‘Agent Pierce’ of the FBI as members of a special Congressional committee questioned him.

Maria looked at the Congresswoman who was heading the questioning. “She looks familiar.” Alex nodded, “That’s Vanessa Whitaker, she’s the representative from Arizona.”

Maria shrugged, “I don’t even know our own representative, not surprising I wouldn’t know theirs.”

They turned their attention to the set.

Congresswoman Whitaker asked, “Agent Pierce, is it true that the so-called Special Unit of the FBI spent 17 million dollars of our taxpayer’s money in search of little green men from outer space?” As she spoke, she sat an inflatable alien toy up on the table in front of her. There were snickers from around the room.

Agent Pierce leaned forward with a look of embarrassment and in a slow southern drawl spoke into the mike, “Yes, ma’am, that is true.”

“And how much of that amount was authorized by your superiors?”

Agent Pierce looked down and mumbled, “none.” The Congresswoman spoke sarcastically, “I’m sorry, I must need to clean out my ears, could you repeat that?” Pierce looked up, and spoke clearly. “None.” There were rumblings around the chamber.

“Gotta tell you, Max,” Alex looked over at him, “having Nasedo pose as Pierce to discredit the Special Unit was pure genius.”

Max shrugged, “I just had him pose as Pierce, it was his idea to leak information about the Unit.”

The Congresswoman continued, “Previous reports filed by the Special Unit made reference to an extraterrestrial,” she smirked at that word, “element discovered called Cadmium X. Do you have any proof that this material exists, Agent Pierce?”

“No, we do not.” He admitted. She raised an eyebrow, “And why is that?”

He looked shamefaced, ““Because there is no such substance. Cadmium X was a hoax. We made it up, in order to justify our funding.”

Courtney walked through and glanced at the set, “You guys watch way too much CSPAN, whatever happened to MTV?”

Maria glared, “Goodbye, Courtney.” Courtney made a face toward Maria then gave Michael a smile, “Later, Mickey G.” Causing Maria’s glare to shift to Michael, who deliberately ignored both of them. “Oh look,” Alex said, “they’re about to vote.”

The Congresswoman spoke, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I believe we have wasted the hard earned money of our taxpayers long enough. Therefore, I move for the immediate disbandment of the component of the FBI known as ‘The Special Unit’. All those in favor? All those opposed? The motion passes.”

“Woo Hoo,” Maria exclaimed. Max looked up as Liz leaned over and they shared a smile and a kiss. Alex turned to high-five Michael, who just stared at him so shrugging he turned to share his high-five with Maria,

“That’s all well and good, Maxwell,” Michael, reminded them, “but that’s just one problem down. Don’t forget we still have our enemies out there.”

Maria sighed, “Every party has a pooper, that’s why we invited you.”

Michael just glowered at her.

Alex stood up, “Well, guys, this has been fun, but I gotta head out. I have to pick up some new guitar strings and picks. We have a band practice tomorrow afternoon.”

“Oooh,” Maria grinned, “Can we come watch?” She looked at Liz, “You should meet Madison.”

Alex rolled his eyes at Maria, but told them, “Sure, We’re going to be working on a couple of new songs, so it’ll be rough, but you’re welcome to come hang out.”


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


As the jeep drove down the neighborhood street the following afternoon, they could hear the strains of the electric guitars. “I can’t believe Alex’s neighbors haven’t called the cops on him.” Michael noted.

Liz turned to grin back at him. Earlier Michael had shown no interest in going to Alex’s band practice until Maria had walked into the back area of the Crash wearing a navel baring tube top and low slung jeans - and suddenly Michael was tagging along.

Liz responded to his comment, “Alex’s house is at the end of the street. The house across from him is currently empty and the neighbor beside him is like 80 and deaf.”

As the foursome climbed out of the jeep, another car pulled up behind them. Maria frowned when she saw the passenger in Isabel’s car. “Hmmm, when I called Isabel, I didn’t know the Queen of the Damned would be coming along.”

Max grimaced as he put his arm around Liz and led her toward the garage. “What are the chances we can avoid her?” Liz gave him a rueful look, “In a two-car garage? Very slim. But, I’ll make the first effort.” Taking a deep breath, she turned and greeted Tess. “Hi, Tess.”

Tess just stared as she walked past them.

“Oookay,” Liz grimaced. “So much for effort.”

As they reached the garage, one of Alex’s band mates called, “Cool, groupies.” Maria rolled her eyes at him before walking up to where the band was set up in the back of the garage. “Hey, Madison. How’s it going?” Madison smiled, “Fine. It’s Maria, right?”

“That’s me, and that’s Max and Liz, Michael, Tess and you remember Isabel.” Isabel gave her a polite smile.

Max wondered about Alex’s folks, and he told them that his mom had gone shopping and his dad had gone into the office when he found out the band was coming over. Soon they all found places to sit. Max, Liz and Isabel sat on an old couch, while Michael shoved clutter around to make space on a picnic table. Maria and Tess set up a couple of folding lawn chairs.

As the guys tuned their instruments, Alex stepped up to the mike, “I’d like to welcome you all to this impromptu performance by ‘The Whits’.” There were whistles, whoops and catcalls. Then the band did a few numbers, receiving applause. Even Michael admitted, “It ain’t Metallica, Whitman, but it wasn’t bad.”

Alex grinned, “Gee, thanks.” Madison added, “Damned by faint praise.” Then she smiled at Alex, “Want to try out the new song?” He nodded, and explained to the others, “We’ve just started working on this, so it’s a bit rough.” As the band started the music, he added, “Madison wrote this.”

Madison began to sing a haunting melody in a slow, sultry voice. When the chorus came in, she took her mike into her hand and moved to stand by Alex who joined in with his husky voice. Madison pressed close to Alex as they shared the mike, their lips mere inches apart. Maria glanced over to see Isabel scowling - oh man, if looks could kill. Should’a known that Princess Isabel would be the jealous type. Maria looked over at Liz and saw her also wearing a frown.

As the song ended, Maria jumped up and clapped. “That was great, guys.” She dashed over to grab Alex by the arm, “How about something to drink, you guys must be thirsty.” Alex was at bit taken aback at Maria’s enthusiasm, but just pointed to an old fridge in the corner of the garage. “Sure, there’s some colas in the fridge.”

“Why don’t you pass some out?” Maria instructed before announcing. “I have to go to the bathroom. Isabel?”

Isabel looked at Maria, “What?”

Maria gave her a hard stare, “Isabel – bathroom,” before turning to enter the house. Shrugging Isabel stood to follow her, but as soon as she entered the kitchen, she saw Maria standing at the kitchen faucet. Maria cupped her hands to catch some water and turned to splash Isabel. “Maria!” Isabel squealed, “What the hell?”

“Just trying to prevent a meltdown. Thought I should cool you off before you burst into flames, or turn Madison into a frog.”

Wiping her face, Isabel glared. “We don’t turn people into frogs, Maria. Believe me, you’d know.”

“Hah . . . Hah . . . very funny.” Maria fixed a look on her, “But I saw your face when Madison was singing that duet with Alex. I know what it’s like to have some bleached hootchiemama after your man.”

Isabel visibly sagged, “Do you think he likes her?” Maria gave her a sympathetic look, “Not yet, but let’s face it - she’s hot and Alex is a guy - if she keeps coming onto him . . . ”

Isabel groaned and Maria rushed to add. “But we both know Alex is crazy about you, he’s just afraid of getting hurt again. I think it’s time you made your move, Isabel.”

“My move?”

Maria nodded, “Yep, you are going to have to seduce Alex.”


~~~~~~~


Alex passed out the cold cans, handing one to Madison noticing that she was rubbing her head. “Got a headache?” He commiserated, “It was kinda loud today.”

She smiled at him, “Yeah, seems like I’ve been having several lately.” She nodded to the corner of the garage where Max and Liz were close enough to each other to be one person as they shared a drink. “Those two always that cozy?”

Alex grinned as he watched Max brush his lips across Liz’s forehead, “Oh, that’s nothing. But to cut them some slack, they just got back together after a big misunderstanding - they’re still in Lovie Dovie Land.”

“Sounds like a nice place. Wouldn’t mind visiting there myself sometime.” Madison gave him a shy smile, “How about you?” Alex just stared. “Mu...me?” He stuttered, his mouth suddenly dry.

“Yes, you.” She smiled, “Cute, smart, your own band. Don’t tell me you don’t have plenty of girls interested in you?”

He swallowed - was . . . , was she coming onto him? He was saved from answering when he heard.

“Isabel!”

Alex jumped as he heard the name called out by Tess. Turning around he saw Isabel and Maria just exiting the house and inexplicably he felt guilty. Tess was holding up her cell phone, “Nasedo just called, he’s on his way home.”

“Nasedo?” One of Alex’s band mates questioned giving Tess the eye. “Cool name, dude, is that your boyfriend?”

Tess cut him a cold glare, not responding as she asked Isabel, “Can you drive me home?” A moody Isabel shared a look with Maria as she noticed how close Alex and Madison appeared. But with a reluctant nod, she left with Tess.

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


Isabel pulled up in front of the Harding house and barely allowed Tess time to clear the car before she quickly drove off. Tess shook her head as she watched Isabel round the corner. Then moving through the house and into the kitchen, she looked at the clock as she set the table. Nasedo should be here any time and he’d said he would bring dinner home. Hearing a car pull up, she looked out the window to see him getting out of his car. Turning away, she took some glasses down from the cabinet.

Nasedo exited his car and reached back in for the bag containing their dinner. While it was a fact that he needed to consume food in order to fuel his body, everything tasted similarly bland to his taste buds so what he ate was of no consequence to him. Tess’s taste buds, however, were more strongly developed, apparently from her human side, but she still liked her foods heavily spicy so he’d brought home Thai take-out, with extra hot chili peppers.

As he approached the back door, he heard a rustling behind him. Turning he recognized the person standing behind him, “You? What are you doing . . . ” his eyes widened as a hand reached out and searing pain enveloped him, and the take-out bags tumbled to the ground.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TBC

Well what?

Thanks for the feedback - And thanks to everyone who's reading.

-------------------
Chapter 8


“Maxxx...” Liz fought to concentrate as Max nuzzled her neck. “Don’t you think we should...” She shivered as his hot breathed caressed her skin, “...should mingle?” Max lifted his head and looked around the garage from their spot on the old couch. Michael was sitting at the drum set idly tapping as he talked with the drummer. Alex and Madison stood with Maria looking at sheet music, and the other guitarist was sitting on the floor replacing a guitar string. As the keyboardist called out, “Man, I gotta pee,” and headed into the house, Max grimaced, “Mingle with who?”

Llz looked around. “Good point,” she murmured before turning her face back to Max’s, but just as their lips met, she pulled back. “No, Max, we have to behave. We can’t just make out in front of everyone. Michael already thinks we’re horndogs.”

“We are horndogs.” But when Liz frowned, Max let his head fall back against the couch and sighed, “Alright… I’ll be good.” She smiled at his pouting countenance, “If you’re good now, I’ll let you be bad later.”

Max cut his eyes over, “How bad?” She just smiled.

“I’m gonna hold you to that.” Then conceding temporary defeat, he stood up and grabbed her hand, “Come on, let’s mingle.”


~~~~~~~~~


With practice over, the band members packed up their gear and left Alex’s. Madison was the last to leave. As she walked down the drive to her car, all three guys watched after her as they obviously stared at her swaying behind. Maria objected, “Are you guys checking out her ass?”

Michael shrugged, “What ass?” But Alex just grinned, “Absolutely.”

Liz cocked an eye at Max who looked innocent, “Uhhhh, no?” She gave him a surprised stare, “Max Evans, did you just fib to me?” But it was Michael who answered, “It’s not a fib, it’s a creative response.”

Maria stared at him disbelievingly, “Creative response?” Michael nodded, “Sure, what would have been your reaction if I’d said, ‘yeah, I was checking out her ass’?” Maria opened her mouth, but Michael plunged on, “I tell what, you’d have kicked me in mine, that’s what.”


Max leaned in close to Liz as he gave her a sheepish smile, “What he said.” Liz just rolled her eyes, but didn’t pull away as she allowed him to wrap his arms around her waist. She murmured, “You are so going to pay for that later.” But a shiver raced down her spine as he nuzzled her jaw and whispered in her ear, “I look forward to it. Besides,” his hand slid down to cup her jean clad bottom, “your ass is much, much better.”

She couldn’t hide her grin as she looked up at him, “Nice save.”

Meanwhile, Michael continued, “You women are such hypocrites. You all walk around swishing your butts in our faces, then get pissed off when we look. But if Brad Pitt walked in here you females would be lifting your tongues up off the floor, and you’d be checking out more than his ass.” Maria was about to pop a gasket, but for once she couldn’t get a word in edgewise. Just call him butter - cause Michael was on a roll.

“There is nothing wrong with a guy admiring the female form.” He pointed a finger at Maria. “Loving you doesn’t mean I suddenly went blind.”

Maria’s ire deflated like a balloon popped by a pin. “Wha... what did you say?”

You could have heard that same pin drop in the complete and total science. Michael blanched as he saw everyone staring at him and he realized what his rant had revealed. He looked at the wide eyed stares of his friends and stammered, “uh, that I’m not blind?”

She took a few steps towards him, “No, before that, Michael.”

Visibly uncomfortable now, Michael backed up and stalled, “Female form - very admirable.”

Maria moved closer, but thankfully for Michael, Isabel returned and pulled up in the driveway. “Oh, look, Isabel’s back.” He dashed over to her car before she even came to a complete stop. Isabel opened her door and they heard her, “What the hell? Michael, I almost ran over you.”

A stunned Maria turned to Liz, “Did he... I didn’t just dream... did I?” Liz slowly shook her head as she stared towards Michael, “Nope, I heard him, too. We all did.”

Maria sighed, “Now I just have to get him to admit it.”


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


Tess opened the freezer and began to fill the glasses. She was startled when there was a loud ‘thud’ against the side of the house.


She dashed to the door and wrenched it open. “Nasedo?” She called. Looking around, she heard him call her voice, “Tess.” He was crawling to the door. “Nasedo!” She ran over to help him inside, where he collapsed to the floor. She helped him roll over and was shocked to see his condition. The front of his shirt was torn and hung in singed shreds and there were scorch marks on his chest. “What... What happened to you?”

“They’re here...” he gasped as he looked up at her.

“Who’s here?” She whispered in fear. He gasped, “Skins,” and he slumped over.

“Nasedo! Nasedo!” She shook him. “I’ll call Max, he’ll know what to do.” She ran for the phone, calling his cell only to get several rings before going to voice mail. “Noooo, come on, answer!” Then she called Isabel’s cell, getting a ‘customer not available’ message. “This isn’t happening!” Tess then grabbed the phone book, but in her panicked state couldn’t find Alex’s number, so she looked up another number, and dialed.

Minutes later, she heard the front door open and footsteps run down the hall. “Tess?”

She looked up from her place on the floor beside Nasedo to see Kyle Valenti standing in the doorway. “Kyle? Where... where’s the Sheriff? And Max?” She asked.

Kyle eased to kneel down beside her, “Dad went to get Max. I told him I’d come on over and stay here with you.” He glanced at Nasedo’s body, seeing the severe injuries on his chest, the glassy eyed stare; he knew there was nothing Max could do here. He might be able to heal gunshot wounds, but as far as he knew not even Max Evans could raise the dead. He reached out for Tess’s hand, “Come on, let’s go wait in the living room.”

She shook her head, “I can’t leave him. He’s never been a father,” she looked up at Kyle as the tears slid down her face, “but he’s all I have.” Kyle reached to put his arm around her and she turned to hide her face against his chest. Kyle couldn’t remember ever feeling more uncomfortable than he did right then; sitting on the floor holding one alien in his arms while another laid dead at his feet.

Although it felt like hours to Kyle, it was only a short later that Max and the Sheriff rushed into the house, with Liz and the others behind them. They were startled to see Kyle sitting on the floor with Tess in his lap as she sobbed.

“Omigod!” Liz softly cried out as she saw Nasedo lying on the floor, his eyes vacant and unseeing. Michael blurted out, “What the hell happened here?”

As Max moved to squat beside Kyle, Liz and Maria gravitated to each other. “Tess?” Max asked gently, “Can you tell us what happened?”

She looked up and scrambled off of Kyle to throw her arms around Max, as she cried out, “Max! I knew you’d come. You have to save him.”


A gamut of emotions ran through Liz. Of course, she felt for Tess, after all Nasedo was like a father figure, but at the same time the sight of her clinging to Max made her want to toss her cookies. Maria placed a hand on her shoulder, when Liz looked up at her, she shrugged, “She’s just upset.” Liz nodded, “I know.”

“Max, is he...” Isabel’s voice trailed off.

Max easily set Tess away towards Isabel, “Tess,” Isabel wrapped an arm around the smaller girl, “What happened?” Tess explained how she heard a crash outside and found Nasedo injured and helped him inside. “I tried to call you, Max, but...” she cut accusing eyes at Liz, “you had your phone turned off.”

“It was in the jeep.” Max moved over to examine Nasedo while Kyle knelt beside Max and spoke quietly, “Max, I don’t think you can do anything. He’s been dead a while.”

Max glanced back at Tess, “I have to try.” He looked up at the Sheriff. “Sheriff, why don’t you and Kyle look around out back? Take Michael with you.”

Max leaned over Nasedo’s body, but try as he might, he was unable to form any connection, and without a connection, he couldn’t heal Nasedo’s injuries. He sat back on his heels and shook his head, “I’m sorry, Tess.” Tess began to cry again and Isabel’s eyes also filled with tears.

“Max,” Liz queried, “What about the healing stones?”

Tess looked up, “The stones! Of course! We have to get him to the pod chamber. We can use the healing stones again!”

Valenti, Kyle and Michael came back in, and Michael told Max. “There’s no sign of anyone else being there, the only thing out of place is a spilled box of food that Nasedo dropped when he was attacked.” He held up a strip about a foot long and several inches wide that looked something like a snake’s skin. “And this. I found this thing beside his car.” As he spoke, it disintegrated before their eyes.

Liz’s eyes widened, “What was that?”

“Skin.” Tess murmured. “Before he collapsed, Nasedo warned me. Something called Skins were here, and that they knew.”

“Knew what?” Max asked. Tess shrugged, “He never got to say, he just fell over.”

Everyone looked around at each other with expressions of dread and fear.

Max rubbed his hand over his mouth as he glanced at Nasedo’s body. “Right now, let’s just get him in his car. Sheriff, if will you drive the others to the pod chamber, then Michael and I can take Nasedo in his car. The stones are already out there.”

Kyle had hung back from the others after he and Michael came in from the backyard, but now he stepped forward. “I can drive the cruiser, Dad. If you want to go with Max.”

Max looked at Kyle, “Kyle, you don’t have to.” Kyle interrupted him, “I know, but I want to.” Kyle then reached to touch Tess’s arm, “Come on, Tess, let’s go on out front.” She allowed herself to be led away, followed by Isabel and Alex. Max turned to Liz, who reached out to hug him. “It’ll be alright, Max, somehow.” But inside, she wasn’t feeling so sure. “I know.” Max kissed her forehead, sharing her uncertainty.


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


Inside the pod chamber, they laid Nasedo down on the floor. As Michael went to retrieve the healing stones from a nearby alcove, the Sheriff, Kyle, Alex and Maria looked around in fascination. Isabel stepped up next to the Sheriff, “Those are our pods.” While Kyle stood with his arms crossed, the Sheriff leaned forward to examine the tattered remains of their alien wombs. “Fascinating.”

Alex asked, “Which one is yours?” Isabel showed him hers, and pointed out Michael’s to Maria.

Michael returned and handed a stone each to Max, Isabel and Tess, keeping one for himself. Liz spoke up, “Wasn’t there a fifth one?”

Michael glanced over at Max, not responding. Liz could read his expression and blushed, “I know what you’re thinking, Michael, and I know my fears let you down that night, but maybe since Kyle and I were both healed by Max, we can help.” Max nodded to Michael and he handed Liz the remaining stone. She placed the stone into Kyle’s hand and cupped her hand over his, both of them touching the stone.

Kyle looked down at his hand, “Uh, what am I supposed to do?”

Max answered, “Just let you mind go blank, focus on the stones, they will do the rest.” Then they stood around Nasedo’s body, but after several minutes – nothing.

“Why isn’t it working?” Isabel asked.

Max spoke up, “I think that whoever or whatever did this to him, it’s not something that we can reverse.”

“But he can’t die.” Tess cried out, “We need him. I need him.” She looked around and focused on Liz. “It’s your fault. You’re blocking the stones.” Hatred rang in her voice, “You don’t belong here! You never did.”

Liz shrank back at Tess’s malevolent tone bumping into Alex.

“Tess!” But before Max could defend Liz, Isabel placed an arm around Tess and gently admonished her. “Tess, you know this isn’t Liz’s fault.”

Tess jerked away from her, “Of course you’d take her side, you’ve all been against me from the beginning.” She began to sob. “I wish Nasedo and I had never come here!”

Maria whispered to Alex and Liz, “Like she’s the only one.”

But before anyone else could respond, the Sheriff called out, “Look!” They looked down to see that Nasedo’s body had developed a bluish tint, which grew to a bright glow as they watched. Suddenly, the glow went out and his body began to cave in on itself as he crumbled to dust.

“Nooooooooo.” Tess would have sunk to the floor, but Kyle rushed forward to catch her before she could fall.


~~~~~~~~~~~


It was a silent trip back into town. The Sheriff kept looking at Tess in the rearview mirror where she sat silently in the back of his cruiser, sandwiched between Kyle and Isabel. As they neared the Roswell city limits, he looked over at Alex, who rode shotgun. “I didn’t even think to ask Max where we were to go. Should we go back to Michael’s, or to Nasedo’s house?” Max and Liz, along with Maria and Michael had decided to drive back in Nasedo’s car.

Kyle spoke up, “I’ll call Liz’s cell and ask them.” When Alex turned and asked with a raised eyebrow, “And I guess you still know her number?” Kyle shrugged. “I used to call it a lot, remember?” Isabel shook her head, “Give me your cell.” She called and it was decided that they would all meet at Michael’s.

After hanging up, Liz looked over at Max. “Max, what is Tess going to do now? She can’t stay alone in that house with whoever did that to Nasedo on the loose.”

“I know. Michael?” Max looked in the rearview mirror, “Can she stay with you for a few days? Until we figure something out?”

Liz turned to see Maria’s disbelieving look, as Michael shrugged. “Wouldn’t she be better off with Isabel?”

“Maybe, but I certainly don’t want her staying at our place. Especially not after...” His voice trailed off as he glanced over at Liz.

“After what, Maxwell?”

Max nodded at Liz who offered, “When we were in Florida, Max had a disturbing nightmare about Tess. He was back in the White Room, but his captor was Tess, and well… it was icky. So we think that she caused it.”

Maria looked at Liz, “You mean like one of Isabel’s dreamwalks?”

“Damn.” Michael uttered. “I didn’t even know she could do the dreamwalk.”

“We think it was something a little different than what Isabel does,” Liz said, “This is more like Tess actually created the dream, where Isabel just pops in to peek at dreams.” Max added, “And she was able to do so all the way from Roswell.”

“This is big, Maxwell, she’s never let on to us that she could do that.” Michael stated, “Maybe she should stay with me, so I can keep an eye on her.”

“Just don’t mention the dream stuff to her.” Max warned, “We’re sort of playing that by ear.”


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


But once back at Michael’s Tess refused to agree to stay at his apartment. “No offense, Michael, but I just want to go home.”

“Tess, you probably shouldn’t be alone in that house tonight.” Liz told her. “I mean, what if, whoever, decides to come back?”

“Like you would care.” Tess shot back at her.

“Tess!” Isabel gave Liz a sympathetic look as she once again admonished the young girl. “No one wants what happened to Nasedo happen to you.” Tess glanced over at Liz and mumbled, “Sorry.” Then she turned and walked to the door, “I’m going home.”

“Tess, wait!” The Sheriff reached to stop her. “At least let us drive you and check out the house.”

When she agreed, the Sheriff and Kyle bid the others goodnight and left with Tess. As soon as the door shut behind them, Isabel looked at Max, “Nasedo is dead and apparently our enemies have found us and are something called Skins. So, what do we do now, Max?”

He sat down at the breakfast bar and shook his head, “I don’t have a clue.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TBC

Thanks for the feedback

Chapter 9


The Sheriff instructed Tess and Kyle to remain in the car until he checked out the house, but Tess insisted on coming in. “Sheriff, if there’s something alien in there, then you’ll need my powers.”

They turned on all the lights as they walked through the house and searched each room, but the house was empty. “Still,” The Sheriff commented, “I don’t like the idea of you being here alone. Are you sure you don’t want to go back to Michael’s?” When Tess just shook her head, Valenti shrugged, “Well, if you see or hear anything, anything at all, call me.”

As he started down the walk back to the car, Kyle hung back. “What... what are you going to tell people?”

Tess just looked confused.

“I mean, about why he’s not here?”

“Oh.” Tess shrugged, “It’s not like we were social, I don’t even know any of the neighbors here. I’ll think of something.” Kyle nodded as he turned to leave, “Well, if you need any...” his words trailed off as he noticed something laying on the edge of the front stoop.


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


Liz exited her bathroom tying her robe around her. Glancing towards her window, she froze as she saw a shadow move across her balcony. She quickly reached over to turn off the lamp, pitching the room into darkness. Just as she fumbled for her phone to call Max, there was a tapping at the window. When the locked window opened with ease she let out a relieved breath at Max’s, “Liz?”

She rushed over to grab him by the arm, “Don’t do that! You scared me half to death.” He wrapped his arms around her, chagrined he apologized, “Sorry, that’s what I was trying to avoid. Are you alright?”

“I’m fine - now.” She leaned her head against his chest, “What are you doing here, Max?”

“I just wanted to make sure you were alright.” He tilted her face up to his, “I knew I’d never be able to sleep after what happened, unless I knew you were safe.” They kissed softly.

Liz asked, “What about Isabel? She’s not alone, is she?”

“No, my folks are there, but I also had Michael go stay in my room. Thought it would be safer for both of them.”

“And what about you, Max?”

He gave her a grin, “Well, now the truth is out, I’m really here so you can protect me.”

Liz gave him a playful shove and he fell back onto the bed, she leaned over him, “And who’s going to protect you from me?” As they kissed Max whispered, “I’ll kill anyone who tries.” After a few more kisses, Liz sat up beside him and cheekily asked, “Did you bring your jammies?” Max cocked his eye, “I don’t wear jammies.”

Liz scrambled to her feet, “What a coincidence,” she stated as she pulled the tie of her robe, “neither do I.” And the robe fell to reveal her naked body to Max. Max wrapped his arms around her waist to press several kisses on her stomach before standing to remove his own clothing. As Liz helped him, neither was aware of another shadow on Liz’s balcony nor the eyes that watched the young lovers.


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


Max woke to see the early streaks of light crossing the dawn sky. He shifted to pull Liz up tightly against him, his morning erection pressing against her bare backside. Remembering the day before at Alex’s, he thought, yep, a damned fine ass it was, and couldn’t resist caressing it.

Liz slowly woke as she became aware of the tiny kisses Max pressed to her neck and shoulders. She turned her head, “Ummm, good morning.” Max’s roaming hands continued to move over her body, one hand sliding down to cup her wet heat. She shivered as he promised, “It’s going to be great.” Their eager mouths worked feverishly as their hands caressed.

Shifting Liz to lay on her back, Max stretched out over her, his manhood sliding along her slick folds as he nibbled on the sensitive skin behind her ear, before making his way down to suckle at her breasts. Liz writhed against him, wanting more. Finally, he reached over her for the nightstand drawer and one of the condoms he’d placed there the night before. Kneeling between her outspread thighs he rolled it on his swollen member, Liz’s hands reached to run along the outside of his thighs. He leaned over her, pressing his lips to hers. “I love you, Liz.” When he slid into her body, she responded, “I love you, too,” and wrapped her legs around him as they settled into a rhythm. As the pressure built, Max used his mouth to keep Liz from crying out. “Shhh, baby, your parents.” He reminded her, “I know,” she panted, “but, oh God, Max.” She whimpered as his thrusts bumped against her sweet spot again and again. She grasped his backside, “Harder, Max, harder.” As their bodies pounded together he began to feel the tiny tremors that raced through her, and Max moved his thumb down to press against her little bud. Giving her a slight ‘alien’ vibration, he sent her over the edge, his mouth smothering her cries of passion as he followed her over into bliss.


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


Kyle exited his room the following morning and stopped as he gazed at Tess asleep on the couch. After Kyle had found another strip of ‘skin’, his dad had insisted that she stay at their place last night. She had tossed off her covers, and since she only wore one of his shirts in place of pajamas, the length of her legs were exposed.

Damn fine legs at that, he noticed. Just as he realized that he was standing there in his boxers, Tess stretched and sat up. “Morning.” She whispered huskily pushing her hair out of her face. “Hi,” he whispered, seemingly frozen as she rose and approached him. She took in his bare chest, glanced down and pulled out the waistband of his boxers, “Calvin Klein,” then peeking inside, “I approve.” Thwack! The band slapped against Kyle’s stomach as Tess let go, leaving him standing wide eyed and speechless as she moved past him to the bathroom.


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


Michael sat at his breakfast bar, bowl of cereal in front of him staring at the game on television, but not really paying attention to the action. When there was a soft knock on his door, he pushed away to go answer it. Normally, he’d have just hollered for whomever to come on in, but after what happened last night, he had locked up when he got home earlier. He opened the door to see Maria. “Hi, may I come in?”

He shrugged, “Sure,” before returning to his stool and began eating again. Maria eased into the room, looked around before saying softly, “I was just wondering... after last night...” She looked uncomfortable. “Are you alright?”

Glancing at her, “Sure. Why wouldn’t I be?” Then he turned his attention back to the television set.

She perched on the edge of the couch, “I know Nasedo wasn’t... it’s not like he was a...” She rubbed her forehead. “It’s still a loss, Michael, and I just wanted to say... that I’m sorry.” He said “thanks”, but didn’t look away from the screen.

She gazed at the side of his face, “Anyway... I just thought you might want to talk about it.” Michael just shook his head. “What’s there to say? Our enemies found him, now he’s dead.” He shoveled another spoonful in his mouth.

She sighed, the stonewall was back up in full force, and all hopes she had yesterday were dashed. Now he’d be be back to thinking they didn’t belong together. She rose to her feet, “Okay, I’ll leave you alone then.” Just as she opened the door, Michael spoke.

“Maria...” She turned to see Michael had risen to his feet. He ran a hand through his messy hair, “Uh, did you want something to drink? There’s some Snapple.”

She looked at him, “I just want to know one thing, Michael - did you mean what you said yesterday? At Alex’s?”

He shoved his hands in his pockets and looking very uncomfortable, he nodded. “Yeah.”

Not exactly the declaration she was seeking, but it was a start. “What kind of Snapple?”

Michael gave her a smile, “Diet Peach Tea.”

“I thought you hated Diet Peach Tea.”

“Yeah, but it’s your favorite.”

With a smile she turned and closed the door.


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


Sheriff Valenti made his way down the stairs of the UFO Center looking around until he spotted the person he was looking for. “Mr. Evans.” He called out. Max turned to see the Sheriff headed his way. “Sheriff,” he put on his best customer service voice, “What can I do for you?” he asked as he looked around for Milton.

“Can I speak with you privately?”

Making sure they weren’t noticed, he led the Sheriff into a storage room, where Valenti brought him up to speed on the happenings at the Harding house the night before. Max ran his hand through his hair, “Well, she can’t risk staying there alone. But we can’t bring her to our house, I guess she’ll just have to stay at Michael’s.”

Max was surprised when the Sheriff offered, “We managed fine last night, so she can stay at our place a while, Max.”

“What about Kyle? I didn’t think they got along?” Max wondered.

“I think Kyle’s set that aside, he was pretty understanding to her last night. He knows what it’s like to suddenly lose a parent. Even though his mom is still out there, somewhere.” Valenti shrugged, “Anyway, Tess has been through a lot and I hate to see her just shuffled around.”

And so it was agreed that for the foreseeable future, Tess would be living in the Valenti household.


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


A couple days later Maria stood frowning during the morning shift as Courtney was once again flirting with Michael. Granted, Michael wasn’t giving her any encouragement, but still...

“Tell me, Mickey G, how long have you had your bike?” Courtney asked. Michael shrugged, “Few weeks.”

She fluffed her hair out, “I just love riding on a bike... your arms wrapped tightly around the guy in front of you, all that throbbing power between your legs.” She cooed suggestively.

Michael removed the toothpick from his mouth and blandly stated, “Yeah, Maria loves mine. You should buy yourself one.” He turned away as the fry machine beeped, leaving a disgruntled look on Courtney’s face and a grin on Maria’s. When Courtney flounced into the bathroom, Maria followed. “News Flash - in case you haven’t noticed - Michael and I are back together.”

Courtney looked at Maria’s reflection as she rubbed some lotion on her arms, “Really. You sew your name on his underwear?”

“You’ll never find out.” Maria spat at her. “Michael is taken, Slutney, so just keep your claws to yourself.”

Courtney just gave her a cool look, “Name calling? How juvenile. Until he puts a ring on your finger, I consider him fair game.” Courtney volleyed as she left Maria fuming in the ladies room.

After Courtney’s shift ended, Maria eased into the break area and attempted to open Courtney’s locker, but it was locked. “Rats.” When she went back out front she saw Isabel and Max come in and smiled. When Max made a beeline for Liz, she headed for Isabel. “Oh, Isabel, could you help me with something?”

In the backroom, standing beside Maria, Isabel just looked at her, “You can’t remember your combination?” Maria just shrugged with a rueful smile. Rolling her eyes, Isabel grasped the lock and in a few seconds the tumblers aligned. “Ahh, thank you, Isabel.” When Isabel turned to go, Maria spoke up. “Oh, you might want to erase your fingerprints, because this isn’t my locker.”

Isabel’s mouth fell open, “What?” Maria slipped on a pair of rubber gloves and removed the lock before opening the door. “It’s Courtney’s.”

“Maria, I can’t believe you. This is illegal!” Isabel admonished her, “and you’ve made me an accessory!”

“I’ll testify on your behalf,” Maria promised matter-of-factly as she opened the door. “I just don’t trust that skank.” She began rifling through the belongings. “I knew it!” She exclaimed holding up her prize, “That hootchiemama has been spying on Michael!” Isabel came over to look over Maria’s shoulder. “Maria, there’s one picture.”

“But it’s of Michael!”

“What’s of Michael?” Maria and Isabel both whirled, guilt on their faces as Michael stood behind them. ““What are you two doing?” Whose locker is that?”

Isabel looked at Maria, “You’re on your own here.” And she dashed back out front.

Michael crossed his arms, and Maria tried to look nonchalant. “I was just performing a routine security check. And it’s a good thing, because I ran across something about you.”

“A security check, Maria? Looks more like snooping in other people’s lockers to me.”

“Alright! This is Courtney’s locker, but look at this. That girl is a stalker, Michael.” She handed him the picture and he mumbled, “Takes one to know one.”

“What’s that?” She looked suspiciously at him, but he was focused on the photo. “This is at my apartment.” He looked up at Maria, “Look, this is me sitting on the back patio at my apartment.”

“Hello! What did I just say? She is stalking you, Michael! She had to have been across the courtyard to have taken this picture.” She closed the locker and replaced the lock. Then grabbing Michael by the arm she said, “Let’s go.”

“Go where?” He asked as she pulled him towards the back of the Crashdown. “We’re going to figure out where she was when she took this.”

“Not so fast, blondie. After my shift, I’ll take Max with me, but you’re to stay out of this.”

“No way, I found that picture, I’m going.”


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


“What are you doing tonight?” Max sat on a barstool as Liz wiped down the counter. She gave him a mischievous smile, as she leaned over, “You.” When his cheeks turned red, she laughed out loud, “Why? What did you have in mind?”

He smiled and reached for her hand, “I just thought we could ride out to the quarry, maybe take a picnic supper...” He kissed the back of her hand, “watch the sunset...”

“Gee, that sounds dreamy, Maxwell.”

A startled Max turned to see Michael behind him, “But you’ve got other plans - with me.” Max also noticed that Maria also stood there, with pursed lips and a pissed off look.

“Huh? Since when?” Max asked and Michael glanced around. “Not here.” He tilted his head towards the back.

Michael and Maria filled Max and Liz in on the photo and Maria looked at Liz, “I told you that skank was a stalker.” Michael rolled his eyes, “I could care less if she’s a stalker, I’m thinking she’s more.”

“What do you mean - more?” Max questioned apprehensively.

“Think about it Maxwell, Courtney showed up here within days after we set off those orbs, gets a job at the Crashdown and starts harassing me. I just think the timing is a little suspicious.”

“You think she might be,” Liz looked around before whispering, “an alien?”

“Not sure, right now I just want Max to go with me to try and figure out where she took this picture.”


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


A short while later, Max and Michael arrived at his apartment, and to Michael’s consternation, Liz and Maria were with them. When he started to go out back, Max stopped him. “Wait, Michael. What if she’s over there now? We don’t want to tip our hand.”


Liz took the photo and walked over to peek out the back door. First looking at the photo, then across the courtyard and back again. “There,” Liz pointed, “the fourth window from the left, second floor.” Michael looked at her, “How do you figure that?”

“Trajectory.” She showed him the photo, “Look at where you’re at in the photo, Michael. You’re sitting in that lounge chair on the edge of the patio and this was taken straight at you, no side angles, but it is a downward shot.”

“So let’s go check out that apartment.” He started towards the door. “Michael, no.” Maria objected, “We have to find out if Courtney is over there first.” She reached for the phone, “I don’t suppose anyone has her number do they?”

Liz pulled out an address book from her purse and began flipping through it. When she saw the stares, she shrugged, “You never know when you’ll have to find someone to fill in.” She pulled out her own cell phone and dialed.

A few minutes later, she said, ”We’re all set. I called Lisa, said I’d like some extra hours and asked if she’d like the evening off, then I called Courtney, told her Lisa wasn’t coming in tonight and asked her to take over the shift.” She looked at Michael, “and as extra incentive, I told her I thought you were working tonight.”

“But...” Michael’s brow furrowed, “I’m not working tonight.” Liz grinned as she lifted her shoulders, “Oh well, too bad for her.” Maria giggled. “Oh, chica, I have taught you well.”

Michael looked over at Max, “Sometimes they scare me.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TBC ~

Thanks so much for your feedback guys. Just hope I can live up to your expectations.
----------------

Chapter 10


That evening, they all met back at Michael’s apartment. Maria insisted that they needed proper skulking clothes and wanted Max to change their colors to all black. “Oh, and can you make Liz and me those catsuit things like Mrs. Peel wore on ‘The Avengers’?”

“Maria,” Michael rolled his eyes, “it’s only 7:00 o’clock and the sun is still up. For us to be dressed in all black would just be more suspicious. And what the hell is a catsuit?”

“Hmmm, too bad.” Liz winked at Max, “cause I’d look kicking in one of those catsuits.” He leaned over to whisper, “Later.” Liz giggled, leaving Michael to complain, “Can we just get on with this?”

Therefore, it was four normally dressed teens wearing jeans and tees that walked up to the designated apartment and knocked on the door. When there was no answer, Max used his powers to unlock the door and they eased inside. “Okay, we need to make this quick, Liz and I will take the bedroom and bathroom, you two look around out here.”

When Max and Liz went into the bedroom, Maria took Michael’s arm, “Ooooh, this is so X-Files, I feel just like we’re Mulder and Scully.” Michael stared, “First The Avengers, now X-Files, don’t you watch anything normal?”

“Like what? That stupid Smackdown you watch?” She asked as she opened up an entertainment cabinet. “You do know wrestling is completely fake?” Michael merely grunted in response.

The cabinet contained a TV, CD player and some CD’s. “Oh, brother, would you look at these? Culture Club? Wham?” She held up a CD, “The Backstreet Boys? Hmmm, she really is an alien.”

“Would you quit joking around and help me out here?” Michael complained. “Okay, but it’s not like I know what we’re looking for.” Maria informed him.

“A calendar, an address book...” Michael opened doors and drawers. “Sure, Michael, she’s going to write out her master plan in an address book.”

“Okay, a diary then.”

~~~

In the bedroom, Max and Liz carefully poked through Courtney’s dresser and night stand. There was nothing unusual, the normal female paraphernalia. Liz opened the closet and knelt down. “Maybe she hid something inside one of these shoes.” She picked up a black leather boot with stiletto heel. “Ooh, I like these boots.”

Max was sliding clothes along the rod, “Woah! Hey, Liz, maybe they go with these.” As he held out a hanger holding leather hotpants and bustier, he raised his eyebrows, “Kinky."

Liz giggled, “Wonder if she has any whips and chains?” Max cocked an eye, “You aren’t getting freaky on me are you?” Liz grinned, “Sorry, not into pain - giving or receiving.” Putting the outfit back where they found it, they made their way into the bathroom and found make-up and perfumes on the counter.

Max checked out the medicine cabinet while Liz bent down to look under the sink. “Liz,” Max called, when she looked up she saw him holding a bottle of skin lotion. “The cabinet is full of nothing but these bottles.” She pointed to the under sink cabinet, “Same here.” He read the label, “For soft and supple skin.”

She stood and looked around the bathroom in confusion, “Why would anyone need this much lotion, unless they had eczema or some really bad skin.” As she finished her sentence she and Max looked at each other in realization. “Skin! Max, that’s what Nasedo said to Tess, that the Skins were here.”

“We need to get out of here.” Max quickly put the bottle back and took her by the hand just as they heard Maria cry out, “Oh My God!”

Dashing out to the living room they found Maria and Michael looking into a cupboard. Michael said, “What the hell is this?” And Maria exclaimed, “It’s Graceland, Michael... and you’re Elvis!”

There hidden behind the doors was what appeared to be a shrine. There were candid photos of Michael all around and glued on a large red paper heart was a picture of his face that had been blown up. There was also a tee shirt and other items of Michael’s that had gone missing along with flowers, ribbons and several votive candles.

“Wow.” Michael said. Maria looked at him in disbelief. “Wow? That’s all you have to say? She’s a nutcase who stalks aliens, Michael. She’s been spying on you, fantasizing about you, and I don’t even want to think about what she’s done with these things.” Maria pointed out a hairbrush, “Well, guess that explains your hair.”

Michael glared, “What’s wrong with my hair?” Maria rolled her eyes, “Let’s just say the Mulletts called, and they want their hair back.”

“I do not have a mullett.” Michael denied.

Before they could continue bickering, Max interrupted them. “She’s a Skin.” Both Michael and Maria whirled around. Liz nodded, “We found two cabinets full of skin lotion in the bathroom.”

“Lotion?” Michael asked. “For the shedding, I guess.” Max shrugged.

“Ewwwww.” Maria wrinkled up her nose.

“She must have been the one who killed Nasedo.” Michael stated.

“Well, this certainly puts her at the top of the suspect list.” Max agreed.


Maria gasped, “Lists. Omigod, I called her Slutney – to her face! She probably has me on her hit list!”

Liz consoled her, “I doubt that, Maria, but...” Maria gasped, “There’s a but?”

“Calm down, Blondie, I won’t let anything happen to you.” Michael assured her as he put an arm around her. “And just who is going to take care of you, Michael?” She asked, and he just grinned, “That’s Maxwell’s job, he’s the leader.”

Max rolled his eyes, “And you make it so easy.”

“Hey, what’s this?” Liz noticed an envelope lying on the bottom shelf of the Michael Shrine. She held up an envelope addressed to Courtney and marked ‘personal’. Liz looked at the return address, “The Universal Friendship League.”

“We’ve come this far,” Max said, “might as well see what it is.”

Liz slid the letter out and read it out loud, “Dear Member: This notice is to remind you that all members must attend the annual meeting at the home headquarters on July 31st. Your failure to do so will be a violation of protocol and will result in the termination of your membership. It’s signed, T. Greer, Senior Coordinator, Vilandra Project.”

“Vilandra? That’s what Nasedo said was Isabel’s other name.” Max stated as he took the envelope, “The return address is Copper Summit, Arizona.”

“Okay,” Maria took several deep, calming breaths, “So here’s what we have - a murderous alien who sheds like a snake, and in addition to being some freaky Michael-worshipper...” Michael rolled his eyes, as Maria continued, “gets a letter demanding that she report about some project named after Isabel’s predecessor.”

“We need to check that place out, Maxwell. The 31st is only a month from now.”

“He’s right, Max,” Liz replaced the letter in its envelope and placed it back in the ‘shrine’. “I’ll call Alex, not only can he look up everything about Copper Summit for us, but if this Universal Friendship League has ever had anything on the Internet, he’ll find it.”

Michael looked at Liz, “Actually, I was thinking more in line of a road trip.”

“Me, too,” Max agreed, “but Liz is right, we need a little recon first. We don’t want to rush in blindly.”

“Speaking of rushing,” Liz noticed the time, “I think we should be getting out of here.” Maria gave a deliberate shiver, “I agree, this place gives me the creeps.”

“Yeah, we need to call a meeting anyway.” Max stated, then looked at Liz who was nibbling on her bottom lip. “What is it, Liz?”

“I was just thinking, maybe we should just keep this between us, Alex and Isabel for now.”

Michael looked at her, “You mean don’t tell Tess, don’t you.”

“I’m sorry, I know that she’s been through a lot losing Nasedo, but I can’t help it. I just can’t...”

“Trust her?” Max finished. “Me, neither.”

“Max, you and Liz have got to get over this...” Michael started only for Maria to raise her hand and interrupt, “Uh, make that three. I don’t trust her either.”

“Fine,” Michael agreed, “but I don’t like it. We are going to need her powers and cutting her out isn’t going to endear us to her.”

“Michael, we aren’t cutting her out," Max denied. “We’re just going to wait until we have more information.”

After making sure that there was no signs that they’d been there, the foursome left the apartment and returned to Michael’s.


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


A short while later Alex walked into Michael’s apartment to see Michael and Maria in the tiny kitchen as the microwave popped corn while Max and Liz sat canoodling on the sofa. Alex grinned, apparently they weren’t just joined at the hips these days, but the lips, too.

“Hey,” he objected, “No public displays of affection. It depresses the rest of us.”

“Speak for yourself, Whitman.” Michael slung his arm around Maria.

A voice behind Alex spoke up, “At least you don’t have to listen to Max coo like an imbecile when they’re on the phone.” Alex turned to see Isabel had just come in just behind him. “Positively nauseating.”

Max and Liz just grinned as they happily bore the teasing. Michael came out of the kitchen carrying two bowls of popcorn, while Maria put another bag in the microwave. “Everyone can get their own drinks, there’s Snapple and colas in the fridge.”

Once they were settled, Isabel looked around as she reached for some popcorn. “Okay, what’s with all the cloak and dagger ‘don’t tell anyone where you are going’? I thought you were just spying on Courtney.”

“She’s a Skin.” Michael baldly stated. Isabel gasped, “Courtney?!!”

Maria stated matter-of-factly, “Of course, I knew from the moment I laid eyes on her that she was an evil alien skank.”

“Wait a minute.” Alex looked at Maria confused, “Courtney? As in - new waitress at the Crashdown - Courtney?”

The foursome took turns filling Alex and Isabel in on their spy mission, and they both laughed at Maria’s description of the ‘Michael Shrine’. Michael shrugged, “Can’t help it if she has good taste in men.”

But Isabel gasped when Liz revealed that the letter from The Universal Friendship League was signed by the head of something called The Vilandra Project. “Vilandra? That’s what Nasedo called me.” She looked at Max and Michael, “Why would they have a project named after me?”

Max shrugged, “That’s what we need to find out.” He looked at Alex, “and that’s where you come in.”

“Me?” Alex was startled. “Yes, Alex, you.” Liz smiled at him, “We need to know everything we can find out about The Universal Friendship League and Copper Summit, Arizona. And no one can tickle the keyboard like you.”

He grinned as he bent his slender arm to flex his muscle, “I’m not President of the Computer Club for nothing.” He glanced around the room. “Michael, where is your computer?”

“My what?” Michael just looked at him. Maria shook her head, “the closest thing Michael has to a computer is his Play Station.”

“That’s okay, I’ll just get my laptop from the car.” When Michael just stared, “You carry a computer in your car?” Alex rolled his eyes, “Computer club - president. Weren’t you listening? ”

Liz laughed, “You don’t have to do it tonight, Alex.”

“Yes, he does.” Michael disagreed. Maria thumped him, “Michael, we were going to watch a movie tonight.”

“So?” Michael shrugged, “Alex doesn’t need us.” All three girls jumped on Michael’s case - “Michael!” from Liz, “How rude!” from Isabel and a sound thwack on the arm from Maria.

Alex held up a hand, “Wait a minute. As much as I enjoy watching you guys beat up on Michael - what’s the movie?”

Maria hid the cover as she held up a DVD, and sweetly said, “It’s Mona Lisa Smile. Julia Roberts is a teacher at an all girls school and...”

“What the hell?” Michael glowered at her, “You brought a chick flick?”

“You’re safe, Michael, ‘cause, ” Alex grimaced, “I’m outta here.”

“Wait,” Michael jumped to his feet with a desperate expression, “take me with you.”

Maria grabbed his hand, “Michael!” She started to laugh, “I’m kidding, its ‘Master and Commander’.”

“You’ll stay, won’t you, Alex?” Isabel inquired. “After all, you wouldn’t want to make me a fifth wheel with these guys would you?” She smiled prettily, and Alex’s eyes glazed over.

Maria rolled her eyes and couldn’t resist teasing. “What about Madison?” Isabel whirled on Maria and scowled. “What about Madison?”

Maria innocently shrugged, “Just thought Alex might have plans. You know, practice with the band, writing music or something.”

Clueless, Alex just shook his head, “No, no plans tonight.”

“Good.” Isabel slipped her arm through his, “then you can stay and hang out with us.“


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


Michael and Maria sat on the couch beside Alex and Isabel, four pairs of feet propped on the coffee table while Max and Liz snuggled together in the easy chair. They had just started the movie when Michael’s phone rang. He looked over and recognizing Tess’s cell phone number, he ignored it. “Wrong number.” He looked at Max. Isabel queried, “You didn’t answer, how do you know it’s a wrong number?” Michael shrugged, “Caller ID.”

A few minutes later Isabel’s cell phone rang, she apologized, “I’m sorry.” She retrieved her phone, “Oh, it’s Tess.”

“Don’t answer!” Max and Michael both called out together. As the phone continued to ring, Isabel looked at them, “Why not? What is going on? Michael, was that Tess just now?” Her phone stopped as it automatically went to voice mail.

Max glanced from Liz to Michael to Maria, “Uh, we just don’t want her coming over here tonight.”

“Yeah,” Maria agreed trying to cover, “cause then she’d be the fifth wheel, well, actually seventh wheel. And she’d feel weird, we’d feel weird.” She reached for the remote and stopped the movie. “Besides, she hates Liz.”


“That’s not exactly the truth.” Liz said, and when Maria cut her eyes at her, Liz amended, “Well, the hate part, yeah, but...”

“Look, Isabel, if she comes over we’ll have to fill her in on what’s going on and,“ Max looked at her, “for the moment, I think we should keep this Courtney thing just between the six of us.”

“But why?” Isabel asked.

Michael answered her, “Max and Liz don’t trust her.”

“Mi-chael!” Maria admonished him. “Don’t ‘Michael’ me.” He informed her, “Not more than two hours ago, you three each said...”

Max interrupted him, “We know, Michael.” He looked from Isabel to Alex, “We just thought we’d wait until we had more information before we brought Tess and the Valentis in.”

Isabel disagreed, “First of all, Tess is already feeling uprooted and at a loss. Keeping secrets is just going to cause hard feelings. But more important, she needs to be warned, if Courtney is responsible for what happened to Nasedo then Tess could be in danger.”

Michael shrugged, “Tess is a tough cookie, you know that she has better control over her powers than we do. Besides, she’s staying with the Sheriff.”

“Look, Isabel,” Liz started, “I’m not unsympathetic to Tess’s current situation, but after what she did in Max’s nightmare, I just think....”

“Nightmare?” Isabel looked at Max “What nightmare?” Liz looked startled and noticed that Max looked uncomfortable, “Oh, Max, I’m sorry, I thought you’d told her.”

“It’s alright. I should have already.” Max explained to Isabel and Alex, “While we were in Florida, I had a nightmare about being back in the white room.”

‘Oh, Max,” Isabel sighed, “I knew you were having nightmares before...” Max interrupted, “You knew?”

“Max, your room is next to mine. I’d hear you call out, and then I’d hear you up moving around your room. But you haven’t had one since you got back, I just thought they were over.”

“This one was different. Tess was in it, and... I think she made me have it.”

“Max, you were all the way across the country, Tess was here in Roswell. It was probably just a normal nightmare.” Isabel told him, “Besides, I’ve never heard Tess say that she could do the dreamwalk.”


Max shook his head, “Tess was the focal point. Pierce was saying I had to accept my destiny and then Tess was there, and she was...” He blushed as he remembered Tess being naked and what she had done to him in the dream. “She did… things.” Liz wrapped her arms around him. “It’s alright, Max.”

“Things?” Isabel’s face twisted as her imagination took over. “Ewwwwww.”

Max nodded, “It was very similar to how I felt when she made me have those daydreams a while back.”

Maria grimaced, “That girl is definitely whacked.”

“She’s also very powerful to be able to dreamwalk Max all the way across the country.” Liz said, “We just want to be cautious where Tess is concerned.”

“So what do we do? I’m the one around her the most, how am I supposed to act around her now?” Isabel worried.

Max shrugged, “We need to act the same as we have been. We just won’t fill her in on anything until we have to, or decide that we can trust her.”

“Good plan, Max.” Maria reached for the remote, “Now, I paid five bucks for this movie, so can we actually watch it?”


~~~~~~~~~~~

Tess sat alone at the Crashdown as she poked at her Blast Off Sundae and wondered where everyone was. She’d called the Evans house earlier, only for Mrs. Evans to tell her that that Max and Isabel were both out. Tess rolled her eyes, she was sure that Max was out with Liz, but wondered where Isabel was. Neither Isabel nor Michael answered their phones. She looked around, not even Maria was here.

She picked up her cell and dialed. “Hey, Kyle, um, have there been any messages for me?” She paused as she listened and her face sank. “Oh, well, thanks anyway.” She pushed her melting treat aside. Might as well just go back to the Valenti’s. Watching television with the Sheriff and Kyle sounded pretty boring, but it beat sitting here alone.

As she stood and left the diner, she didn’t notice the eyes that watched her leave.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TBC ~