Title: Worth Fighting For
Email: EvanSargo@AOL.com
Rating: ADULT
Catagory: polar/extreme AU
Disclaimer: I don't own, I only play=)
Summary: forget everything you ever knew about Roswell........we're going all the way back to the hatchings and starting over in a totally twisted way. So, sit back, keep your hands inside the car at all times, and enjoy the wild and crazy ride=)
Prologue:
August 24th 1989
Deep in the New Mexico desert, on the outskirts of the infamous town of Roswell, inside a hidden and virtually impenetrable cavern, four glowing pods were chambered. The eerie quiet of the chamber was broken by a soft cracking noise as a small hand broke through the delicate outter membrane. An arm followed, then a second arm, and the small figure of a boy sat up and climbed from the pod on shaky legs.
Fathomless amber eyes took in their surroundings, gazing transfixed at the three remaining pods. One small hand reached out to touch the orb beside his own. Wiping condensation from the glass-like surface, the boy gazed at the girl housed within. After staring at the coccoons for quite some time, he finally tore his eyes away.
Walking around the vast chamber, he stopped before one solid wall, his hand reaching out of its own accord. A glowing silver handprint appeared on the smooth stone and the boy placed his hand against it. With a loud hiss, a section of the wall slid back and to the side, and the boy, alone and afraid, stepped from the safety of the chamber into a strange and unfamiliar world.
The boy, by all appearances a normal six year old, wandered silently, aimlessly, through the vast desert for what seemed to his confused mind to be a lifetime, before he noticed bright lights in the distance. The lights appeared to be moving toward him and, although fear shivered through him, the boy moved toward the lights.
Jeff and Nancy Parker, on their way home from a restaurant convention in Santa Fe, jumped from the car at the sight of the young boy, nude and apparently abandoned in the desert. Nancy enfolded the boy in a gentle hug and helped him into the car. The boy took one last look at the receding desert as the Parkers made their way back to Roswell.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Back in the chamber, another child broke free, as a girl with long blond hair and soulful brown eyes stepped from her pod. She glanced at the empty vessel briefly before turning her attention to the two occupied coccoons before her. She sat on the cold hard ground, her eyes locked on the glowing orbs for hours.
Finally the girl stood and moved reluctantly toward the open door of the cave, stepping out into the New Mexico night. The frightened, lonely young girl stumbled across the sand, wandering, lost, through the vast and endless mesa surrounding her.
Several hours passed before she was found by a woman, Amy Deluca, who was on her way home from another day of selling alien collectibles to the businesses in Santa Fe. Amy gathered the silent girl into her car and drove straight home.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Back in the pod chamber, the final two pods were breached. A boy with light brown hair and soft brown eyes stepped from one pod while a doe eyed girl with dark brown tresses stepped up beside him. The children stared silently at each other, a deep connection awakening inside them, and the boy reached for the girl's hand, clasping it firmly inside his own.
The girl smiled slightly as the two children left the cave, swallowed up by the barren flatlands around them. The two children took comfort in each other as they trudged across the cold, packed clay beneath bare feet. Although neither child could speak, they knew they were connected, and their hands remained firmly attached as they made their way.
The inky darkness was suddenly pierced by red and blue lights as a car pulled to a stop beside them. A tall stranger stepped from the car and turned his piercing stare on the abandoned children before him. He asked their names, where they were from, where their parents were, but neither child answered, neither child spoke at all, and finally, James Valenti, Deputy of Roswell, ushered the two children into his sqad car, and drove them back to town.
James Valenti, Jr. led the two children into the police station. The boy clutched tightly to the girl's hand, keeping her close to him. Jim settled the children into a quiet room and went to call children's services. The children had obviously been abandoned and it would fall to the social worker to find a new home for the pair.
The social worker arrived at the station a few hours later. By now, it was nearly dawn in Roswell and nearly ten hours since the first pod had been broken and the first of the four children had emerged. That boy was now in the home of Nancy and Jeff Parker, laying in a bed above their restaurant, staring silently at the ceiling. Tears filled the boy's eyes and rolled down his cheeks as he lay there, terrified, wondering where the others were, wishing more than anything that he was with them.
The girl with the blond hair and brown eyes was now firmly ensconced in the home of Amy Lynn Deluca. The girl sat huddled on the floor, staring out the window, gazing wistfully at the twinkling stars that dotted the brightening sky.
In the Roswell police station, Kathleen Delaney sat with the two remaining children, now wearing matching white t shirts and faded jean shorts, interrogating the kids much as Jim had done earlier, and with the same lack of success.
She pulled her cell phone and made numerous frantic phone calls. Finally, with a sigh, she settled back into the chair. She had found a foster home for the boy, but thus far, had come up empty with the girl. Kathleen hated to seperate siblings, but she had often found herself forced to do so, and this appeared to be another such case.
As she glanced at the joined hands, she sighed, knowing that parting them was going to be a very difficult and traumatic situation, and wished fervently that she could have found someone who would take them both.
Hank Guerin finally arrived. He had agreed, rather reluctantly, to take the boy. He entered and stared silently at the two kids, before turning to Kathleen. "I'll take him home now. Get him squared away at school later. Like I told ya on the phone, I can't take the girl. I only have the two bedrooms, ya know."
Kathleen nodded, walking to the two children and reaching for the boy's hand. He followed her to Hank, never releasing his grip on the girl beside him. Once Kathleen had transfered the boy's hand to Hank, she sighed and, as gently as possible, removed the girl from his grasp.
The boy immediately struggled, reaching desperately for the girl, but Kathleen quickly took the whimpering girl from the room, trying to make things easier for both. Hank practically dragged the boy from the station, shoving him into the truck and driving away. The boy howled with rage, desperate to go back, pain throbbing in his chest the further they got from her, staring through his tears as the police station faded from view.
Kathleen finally found a foster home for the girl. It broke her heart that the only home she could find was all the way in Las Cruces. Seperating siblings was bad enough, but to place them in different cities was far worse in Kathleen's eyes. She sat with the girl and waited for the couple to arrive to take the trembling waif home.
Hank dragged the boy into the trailer and shoved him to the floor. "Pay attention, boy. I don't plan to take any lip outta you. You belong to me now, got it? You do what I say, when I say, or else."
The boy growled and ran for the door. Hank grabbed a fistful of hair and tugged him back. "That the way you want it, brat? No wonder yer damn parents abandoned ya like they did." Hank pulled his belt from his jeans and looked down at the boy. "Let this be yer first lesson, boy." He brought the leather strap down across the child's back and he yelped in pain, struggling furiously. After several more lashes, the boy stood stiffly, tears falling silently from his eyes. Hank didn't stop until he was certain his first lesson had fully sunk in.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Several hours later, the new foster couple arrived and collected the final child. The despondant girl struggled wildly as she was herded from the station and into the couple's car. Heart wrenching sobs filled the silence as the couple sped down the deserted highway. They had been told about the girl being split from her brother and they knew the girl would not go with them happily. They only hoped that with time, they would be able to help her move on. As the lights of Roswell gave way to darkness, a lone car bore the frightened, trembling child away from her family.
Worth Fighting For (UC,Mi/L,ADULT) Ch 11 [WIP]
Moderators: Anniepoo98, ISLANDGIRL5, truelovepooh, Forum Moderators
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Polardreaming
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Fri Sep 10, 2004 11:00 pm
- Location: Polar Heaven
Worth Fighting For (UC,Mi/L,ADULT) Ch 11 [WIP]
Last edited by Polardreaming on Sat Jan 08, 2005 10:06 am, edited 13 times in total.
-
Polardreaming
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Fri Sep 10, 2004 11:00 pm
- Location: Polar Heaven
Worth Fighting For *New chaptter 1
Chapter 1:
June 29th, 2000
Sixteen year old Max Parker entered his parents' restaurant, the CrashDown Cafe, and glanced over at his friend's usual booth. Seeing Michael Guerin seated there, he slid into his usual seat.
"What's the big important news, Michael?" he asked impatiently. He was used to Michael's exaggerations about what constituted 'big important news' and was prepared for it to be just another everyday problem.
"Hank's taking in another foster kid," Michael bit out through clenched teeth.
"What? Since when did Hank decide to become 'Father of the Year'?" Max asked, stunned. For once, Michael was right. This was big news. And it would definitely complicate things. A stranger sharing Hank's trailer with Michael was a disaster waiting to happen. Hell, Max was surprised Michael hadn't blown their secret to Hank by now. The taller boy had no self control. He was always acting without thinking, leaving Max to clean up his messes.
Michael scowled. Sure Hank wasn't the world's best father. But he didn't like perfect Maxwell Parker telling him so. "Not only that, it's a girl." And not his girl. Just some stranger in the foster system.
Max arched his brow at the news. "A girl?! Hank is taking in a girl?" Great! Here comes the whole 'Why couldn't it be her?' speech. Max had been hearing it for ten long years. He could practically recite it word for word. Of course he understood that she was one of them, but she was gone, had been for a very long time. They knew nothing at all about her. Why couldn't Michael just accept the fact that she was gone and move on already?
Michael growled softly. "Yeah, ten damn years too late."
"Michael....." Max sighed resignedly. "You know we-"
"Don't even bother, Maxwell. I've heard it all a thousand times, but you just don't get it. You didn't have the most important person in the world yanked away from you." He shook his head, trying to ease his frustration. God damnit! He was sick and tired of Max's condescending attitude. What the hell did Max Parker know about anything anyway? He'd never lost anyone or wanted for anything in his perfect charmed life.
Max frowned deeply. "Michael, we can't change the past. You know that. And we certainly can't do anything that's going to draw attention to ourselves. I know what happened that night was hard on you, but you have to stop obsessing over it." How many times do we have to have this conversation? Max asked himself. Why couldn't Michael just see how much harder he was making things on all of them by clinging to things he couldn't change?
Michael banged his head against the table softly. "Look, Max. I know we can't draw attention to ourselves, all right, but there is no way I'm just going to forget what happened that night. You just don't get it...Max. I didn't come out of the pods alone. I came out with her. I had a family....for a few hours I had a family and I didn't need anyone else. Then along comes Hank and he rips us apart. I lost everything that night, Maxwell. You'll never understand what that's like. You got the Parkers and a great home and enough money to buy you whatever the hell you want.
"Me, I got Hank. And the clothes on my back. And that's it, Max. No fancy home, no great parents. And most of all, I don't have her. And now Hank decides to rub salt in the wound by taking in some stranger. Some other foster kid is going to take the place that should have been hers.
"Just save your breath, Max. I know I can't change what happened. I know there's no way to ever find her again. But don't ever pretend that you know what I'm feeling.....because you haven't got a clue!" He glared at Max, daring the boy to say one word. His control was about to snap and if Max opened his mouth again, he'd be damned sorry.
The bell above the door chimed and Michael looked up, a scowl crossing his lips as Maria Valenti sauntered over.
"Hi, Michael," she simpered. "How are you?"
Michael stared up at her, annoyed at the interruption. "What do you want, Maria?" he asked bluntly. Michael had no time to waste on the female population of Roswell. Maria Valenti least of all. There was no way in hell he was getting involved with the Sheriff's daughter. Hell, truth be told, there was no way he was getting involved with anyone's daughter. Not now, not ever.
He had learned a long time ago that he couldn't depend on anyone but himself. Maybe Max. And Isabel. And even with them, he kept some distance. Better safe than sorry. That was one of a million lessons he'd learned from Hank in the last ten years.
"I was thinking we could go see a movie. Maybe even grab a bite to eat," Maria suggested boldly, her eyes roaming slowly over his body.
Michael's lip curled into a sneer. "Not if you were the last female on Earth."
"You know, Michael. I could have my pick of any guy in Roswell. You should count yourself lucky I chose you," the blond retorted angrily, running a hand through her blond hair.
"Then, by all means, Valenti, go find some other guy. I'm not interested." He turned back to Max, bluntly dismissing the irritating girl.
Michael could barely supress a frustrated growl when Maria ignored his blatant brushoff and slid into the seat next to him, practically plastering herself to his side.
"I love a good challenge, baby," Maria purred in his ear, her hand sliding through his hair.
Michael pushed her away. "I am not a challenge, Valenti. I. Am. Not. Interested. Go find some other sucker."
Maria pouted prettily. "I don't want anyone else, Michael Guerin. I want you, and I always get what I want."
Michael let out a frustrated growl and shoved his way, none too gently, out of the seat, storming out of the cafe, hands clenched tightly at his sides.
Why the hell were the gods teaming up against him? What had he ever done to deserve this hell he was living in? Losing her, getting stuck with Hank, and now some stranger coming to live with him, and Maria Valenti obsessing over him. And he hadn't asked for any of it.
Not for the first time, he wondered about where he'd come from. He must have done something horrible in that other life, to be stuck in such a nightmare in this one.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Maria watched Michael's retreating form with a smirk on her face. So he wanted to play hard to get. Well, that was just fine with her. She'd meant what she'd told him. Maria Valenti always gets what she wants, one way or another, and right now, Maria wanted Michael Guerin.
With a quick glance at her watch, she headed toward the park to meet up with Alex Harding. They had been the best of friends since they were in diapers, and Maria knew she could count on him to help her plot a way to win Michael over.
The tall lanky boy was leaning back against a tree, head buried in a book, when Maria arrived. She flopped down beside him and yanked the book out of his hand. "I need your help, Alex," she declared.
"What is it this time?" he asked his longtime friend.
"Michael's playing hard to get," she whined.
Alex sighed. "What's so great about Michael Guerin, anyway, Maria? He's rude, obnoxious, and dirt poor," Alex pointed out sagely. He was used to Maria's obsessions when it came to the opposite sex. They just never made any sense to him.
"But, Alex....." she countered. "He's got such a great body....and besides, I like bad boys." And boy is Michael bad, she grinned.
Alex let out a longsuffering sigh and turned to Maria. "What do you want me to do?" He didn't want to get dragged into another of Maria's schemes, but he always went along with her. It was easier that way. Maria could get...crazy... when she didn't get her way.
"I need a plan, Alex, a foolproof plan to make him mine," she insisted. She would get her way in the end. She would make him want her.
"And I'm supposed to help you come up with this plan, how exactly?" Alex asked resignedly. Might as well give in peacefully. He knew he would eventually, why prolong the agony.
Maria groaned dramatically. "You're a guy, Alex. What would a girl have to do to win you over?"
"To be honest, Maria....if I truly wasn't interested, I don't think there would be anything a girl could do," Alex answered carefully. Truthfully, Michael Guerin scared the hell out of him. He really didn't want to get anywhere near the guy.
Maria huffed loudly, not at all pleased with his answer. "I told you, Alex. He's just playing hard to get. You know there isn't a guy in Roswell who's immune to my charms."
Alex wisely chose to keep his mouth shut. No point in stirring up 'Hurricane Valenti'.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Michael stormed down the streets of Roswell toward the quarry. He needed to release some of his pent up anger, and to do that, he needed to get away from prying eyes. Decade old memories flooded his mind, fueling the rage burning inside him. His fists crackled with barely contained energy, and he shoved them into his pockets, hiding them from view.
He couldn't get her face out of his mind. She had haunted his dreams every night of their long separation. He would never forget those innocent doe eyes. That sweet smile. How right she had felt at his side. He remembered Hank, coming in and tearing him away from her. Dragging him into a life of hell. Of alcohol and abuse.
Finally reaching the quarry, and assuring himself he was indeed alone, Michael yanked his glowing fists from his pockets, focusing on a rock across the water and letting the energy shoot from his palms to blow the rock to pieces. The first blast didn't even dent the fury boiling in his blood, and he spent the next hour blowing up every rock and boulder in sight, the energy slowly draining away with each blast.
"Feel any better?"
Michael whipped around to face the tall blond beauty standing several feet away. "So, Max went blabbing it to ya, huh? I should have known." Damn Max and his big fat mouth! Why had he even bothered to tell Max anything?
The girl stared at him stonily through her 'Ice Princess' mask. "Max went blabbing what, Michael? Something you want to share?" she asked.
"Hank's taking in another foster kid. A girl." Michael kept his gaze carefully averted.
Isabel Deluca's brow arched at the revelation. "We are talking about Hank here right? What the hell is going through that pea sized brain of his?" she asked disdainfully. Hank Guerin was a drunken fool in her eyes, beneath contempt.
Then her eyes narrowed in contemplation. "And I'm guessing Hank's little bombshell has you thinking about her again." It was a statement, not a question. Isabel knew Michael well enough to know that the fourth podster was never far from Michael's thoughts. They had, after all, come out together, and then been split up just hours later. Michael may have kept his distance from her emotionally, but she knew him better than he might think.
"What brings you out here, Isabel? Come to see the freak blow things up?" Michael released another blast, demolishing yet another boulder.
The stoic beauty laughed softly. "Actually I came out here to think."
"Think about what?" Not that he really cared, but there was no reason to take his foul mood out on her.
"Well....I was thinking maybe it's time to find her," Isabel responded hesitantly. "I realize we don't have a name.....but how many kids could have been placed in foster care on that one night? If we could hack into Social Service's records..... maybe we can find her." She glanced his way, trying to gauge his reaction.
"Isabel, don't encourage him!" an angry voice reprimanded from behind her, causing the girl to jump in surprise.
"Damn it, Max, don't do that!" Isabel held a hand to her racing heart. What the hell was Max doing here, anyway?
"Forget it, Michael. No one is breaking into any records. We have to stay hidden, damn it. Isabel, you of all people should know better." Max glared at the girl. He couldn't believe that she was encouraging Michael to risk exposing their secret. Had she lost her mind?
Isabel arched a brow before turning her back on the boy. "Don't listen to him, Michael. I'll help you if our spineless leader won't."
Max bristled at Isabel's characterization. "Well, excuse me for being cautious, Isabel Deluca. By all means, go search for her and bring the whole Roswell PD down on us. What was I thinking, trying to keep us safe? It will be much more fun with the police department breathing down our necks. Shall I go write up the invitations? Maybe paste the targets on our backs? 'I'm an alien, shoot me'. Will that do?
"God, Isabel. I can't believe you would encourage him to do something so reckless." Max paced, fuming. Now they were meeting behind his back and planning stupid reckless stunts that could get them all killed? When had he suddenly entered the twilight zone?
Max turned and leveled his 'I am leader. Obey me, or else.' stare at both of them. "We are not going to risk exposing our secret. So just forget it."
Michael glared back at Max. "I don't need your permission, Maxwell. You're not my father...oh that's right, I don't have a father. I just have Hank. If I decide to search for her, you can't stop me."
"Damn it, Michael! Would you stop and think for a minute? This isn't just about you. What you do affects all of us. You can't go making unilateral decisions." Max paced agitatedly. He needed to regain control of the situation quickly, before Michael could do something stupid.
"Why the hell not, Maxwell? You do," Michael pointed out angrily. He was so tired of bowing to Max's demands. It was about time he just said screw it and did what he knew he had to do. Max didn't want to find her, fine. He'd find her himself. Who the hell needed Max Parker anyway?
Max turned on Isabel. "You started this. Remind him of what's at stake, Isabel. Remind him why this can't happen," he demanded.
"No," Isabel answered mutinously.
"No?" Max stared at her, stunned.
"Did she stutter?" Michael smirked.
Max growled. "This is crazy."
"Are you in or out, Maxwell?" Impatience dripped from Michael's tone.
"We. Are. Not. Doing. This." Max glared at them both. He would not let them do something this colossally stupid.
"Out then." Michael turned his back on Max and looked to Isabel. "What's your plan?"
June 29th, 2000
Sixteen year old Max Parker entered his parents' restaurant, the CrashDown Cafe, and glanced over at his friend's usual booth. Seeing Michael Guerin seated there, he slid into his usual seat.
"What's the big important news, Michael?" he asked impatiently. He was used to Michael's exaggerations about what constituted 'big important news' and was prepared for it to be just another everyday problem.
"Hank's taking in another foster kid," Michael bit out through clenched teeth.
"What? Since when did Hank decide to become 'Father of the Year'?" Max asked, stunned. For once, Michael was right. This was big news. And it would definitely complicate things. A stranger sharing Hank's trailer with Michael was a disaster waiting to happen. Hell, Max was surprised Michael hadn't blown their secret to Hank by now. The taller boy had no self control. He was always acting without thinking, leaving Max to clean up his messes.
Michael scowled. Sure Hank wasn't the world's best father. But he didn't like perfect Maxwell Parker telling him so. "Not only that, it's a girl." And not his girl. Just some stranger in the foster system.
Max arched his brow at the news. "A girl?! Hank is taking in a girl?" Great! Here comes the whole 'Why couldn't it be her?' speech. Max had been hearing it for ten long years. He could practically recite it word for word. Of course he understood that she was one of them, but she was gone, had been for a very long time. They knew nothing at all about her. Why couldn't Michael just accept the fact that she was gone and move on already?
Michael growled softly. "Yeah, ten damn years too late."
"Michael....." Max sighed resignedly. "You know we-"
"Don't even bother, Maxwell. I've heard it all a thousand times, but you just don't get it. You didn't have the most important person in the world yanked away from you." He shook his head, trying to ease his frustration. God damnit! He was sick and tired of Max's condescending attitude. What the hell did Max Parker know about anything anyway? He'd never lost anyone or wanted for anything in his perfect charmed life.
Max frowned deeply. "Michael, we can't change the past. You know that. And we certainly can't do anything that's going to draw attention to ourselves. I know what happened that night was hard on you, but you have to stop obsessing over it." How many times do we have to have this conversation? Max asked himself. Why couldn't Michael just see how much harder he was making things on all of them by clinging to things he couldn't change?
Michael banged his head against the table softly. "Look, Max. I know we can't draw attention to ourselves, all right, but there is no way I'm just going to forget what happened that night. You just don't get it...Max. I didn't come out of the pods alone. I came out with her. I had a family....for a few hours I had a family and I didn't need anyone else. Then along comes Hank and he rips us apart. I lost everything that night, Maxwell. You'll never understand what that's like. You got the Parkers and a great home and enough money to buy you whatever the hell you want.
"Me, I got Hank. And the clothes on my back. And that's it, Max. No fancy home, no great parents. And most of all, I don't have her. And now Hank decides to rub salt in the wound by taking in some stranger. Some other foster kid is going to take the place that should have been hers.
"Just save your breath, Max. I know I can't change what happened. I know there's no way to ever find her again. But don't ever pretend that you know what I'm feeling.....because you haven't got a clue!" He glared at Max, daring the boy to say one word. His control was about to snap and if Max opened his mouth again, he'd be damned sorry.
The bell above the door chimed and Michael looked up, a scowl crossing his lips as Maria Valenti sauntered over.
"Hi, Michael," she simpered. "How are you?"
Michael stared up at her, annoyed at the interruption. "What do you want, Maria?" he asked bluntly. Michael had no time to waste on the female population of Roswell. Maria Valenti least of all. There was no way in hell he was getting involved with the Sheriff's daughter. Hell, truth be told, there was no way he was getting involved with anyone's daughter. Not now, not ever.
He had learned a long time ago that he couldn't depend on anyone but himself. Maybe Max. And Isabel. And even with them, he kept some distance. Better safe than sorry. That was one of a million lessons he'd learned from Hank in the last ten years.
"I was thinking we could go see a movie. Maybe even grab a bite to eat," Maria suggested boldly, her eyes roaming slowly over his body.
Michael's lip curled into a sneer. "Not if you were the last female on Earth."
"You know, Michael. I could have my pick of any guy in Roswell. You should count yourself lucky I chose you," the blond retorted angrily, running a hand through her blond hair.
"Then, by all means, Valenti, go find some other guy. I'm not interested." He turned back to Max, bluntly dismissing the irritating girl.
Michael could barely supress a frustrated growl when Maria ignored his blatant brushoff and slid into the seat next to him, practically plastering herself to his side.
"I love a good challenge, baby," Maria purred in his ear, her hand sliding through his hair.
Michael pushed her away. "I am not a challenge, Valenti. I. Am. Not. Interested. Go find some other sucker."
Maria pouted prettily. "I don't want anyone else, Michael Guerin. I want you, and I always get what I want."
Michael let out a frustrated growl and shoved his way, none too gently, out of the seat, storming out of the cafe, hands clenched tightly at his sides.
Why the hell were the gods teaming up against him? What had he ever done to deserve this hell he was living in? Losing her, getting stuck with Hank, and now some stranger coming to live with him, and Maria Valenti obsessing over him. And he hadn't asked for any of it.
Not for the first time, he wondered about where he'd come from. He must have done something horrible in that other life, to be stuck in such a nightmare in this one.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Maria watched Michael's retreating form with a smirk on her face. So he wanted to play hard to get. Well, that was just fine with her. She'd meant what she'd told him. Maria Valenti always gets what she wants, one way or another, and right now, Maria wanted Michael Guerin.
With a quick glance at her watch, she headed toward the park to meet up with Alex Harding. They had been the best of friends since they were in diapers, and Maria knew she could count on him to help her plot a way to win Michael over.
The tall lanky boy was leaning back against a tree, head buried in a book, when Maria arrived. She flopped down beside him and yanked the book out of his hand. "I need your help, Alex," she declared.
"What is it this time?" he asked his longtime friend.
"Michael's playing hard to get," she whined.
Alex sighed. "What's so great about Michael Guerin, anyway, Maria? He's rude, obnoxious, and dirt poor," Alex pointed out sagely. He was used to Maria's obsessions when it came to the opposite sex. They just never made any sense to him.
"But, Alex....." she countered. "He's got such a great body....and besides, I like bad boys." And boy is Michael bad, she grinned.
Alex let out a longsuffering sigh and turned to Maria. "What do you want me to do?" He didn't want to get dragged into another of Maria's schemes, but he always went along with her. It was easier that way. Maria could get...crazy... when she didn't get her way.
"I need a plan, Alex, a foolproof plan to make him mine," she insisted. She would get her way in the end. She would make him want her.
"And I'm supposed to help you come up with this plan, how exactly?" Alex asked resignedly. Might as well give in peacefully. He knew he would eventually, why prolong the agony.
Maria groaned dramatically. "You're a guy, Alex. What would a girl have to do to win you over?"
"To be honest, Maria....if I truly wasn't interested, I don't think there would be anything a girl could do," Alex answered carefully. Truthfully, Michael Guerin scared the hell out of him. He really didn't want to get anywhere near the guy.
Maria huffed loudly, not at all pleased with his answer. "I told you, Alex. He's just playing hard to get. You know there isn't a guy in Roswell who's immune to my charms."
Alex wisely chose to keep his mouth shut. No point in stirring up 'Hurricane Valenti'.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Michael stormed down the streets of Roswell toward the quarry. He needed to release some of his pent up anger, and to do that, he needed to get away from prying eyes. Decade old memories flooded his mind, fueling the rage burning inside him. His fists crackled with barely contained energy, and he shoved them into his pockets, hiding them from view.
He couldn't get her face out of his mind. She had haunted his dreams every night of their long separation. He would never forget those innocent doe eyes. That sweet smile. How right she had felt at his side. He remembered Hank, coming in and tearing him away from her. Dragging him into a life of hell. Of alcohol and abuse.
Finally reaching the quarry, and assuring himself he was indeed alone, Michael yanked his glowing fists from his pockets, focusing on a rock across the water and letting the energy shoot from his palms to blow the rock to pieces. The first blast didn't even dent the fury boiling in his blood, and he spent the next hour blowing up every rock and boulder in sight, the energy slowly draining away with each blast.
"Feel any better?"
Michael whipped around to face the tall blond beauty standing several feet away. "So, Max went blabbing it to ya, huh? I should have known." Damn Max and his big fat mouth! Why had he even bothered to tell Max anything?
The girl stared at him stonily through her 'Ice Princess' mask. "Max went blabbing what, Michael? Something you want to share?" she asked.
"Hank's taking in another foster kid. A girl." Michael kept his gaze carefully averted.
Isabel Deluca's brow arched at the revelation. "We are talking about Hank here right? What the hell is going through that pea sized brain of his?" she asked disdainfully. Hank Guerin was a drunken fool in her eyes, beneath contempt.
Then her eyes narrowed in contemplation. "And I'm guessing Hank's little bombshell has you thinking about her again." It was a statement, not a question. Isabel knew Michael well enough to know that the fourth podster was never far from Michael's thoughts. They had, after all, come out together, and then been split up just hours later. Michael may have kept his distance from her emotionally, but she knew him better than he might think.
"What brings you out here, Isabel? Come to see the freak blow things up?" Michael released another blast, demolishing yet another boulder.
The stoic beauty laughed softly. "Actually I came out here to think."
"Think about what?" Not that he really cared, but there was no reason to take his foul mood out on her.
"Well....I was thinking maybe it's time to find her," Isabel responded hesitantly. "I realize we don't have a name.....but how many kids could have been placed in foster care on that one night? If we could hack into Social Service's records..... maybe we can find her." She glanced his way, trying to gauge his reaction.
"Isabel, don't encourage him!" an angry voice reprimanded from behind her, causing the girl to jump in surprise.
"Damn it, Max, don't do that!" Isabel held a hand to her racing heart. What the hell was Max doing here, anyway?
"Forget it, Michael. No one is breaking into any records. We have to stay hidden, damn it. Isabel, you of all people should know better." Max glared at the girl. He couldn't believe that she was encouraging Michael to risk exposing their secret. Had she lost her mind?
Isabel arched a brow before turning her back on the boy. "Don't listen to him, Michael. I'll help you if our spineless leader won't."
Max bristled at Isabel's characterization. "Well, excuse me for being cautious, Isabel Deluca. By all means, go search for her and bring the whole Roswell PD down on us. What was I thinking, trying to keep us safe? It will be much more fun with the police department breathing down our necks. Shall I go write up the invitations? Maybe paste the targets on our backs? 'I'm an alien, shoot me'. Will that do?
"God, Isabel. I can't believe you would encourage him to do something so reckless." Max paced, fuming. Now they were meeting behind his back and planning stupid reckless stunts that could get them all killed? When had he suddenly entered the twilight zone?
Max turned and leveled his 'I am leader. Obey me, or else.' stare at both of them. "We are not going to risk exposing our secret. So just forget it."
Michael glared back at Max. "I don't need your permission, Maxwell. You're not my father...oh that's right, I don't have a father. I just have Hank. If I decide to search for her, you can't stop me."
"Damn it, Michael! Would you stop and think for a minute? This isn't just about you. What you do affects all of us. You can't go making unilateral decisions." Max paced agitatedly. He needed to regain control of the situation quickly, before Michael could do something stupid.
"Why the hell not, Maxwell? You do," Michael pointed out angrily. He was so tired of bowing to Max's demands. It was about time he just said screw it and did what he knew he had to do. Max didn't want to find her, fine. He'd find her himself. Who the hell needed Max Parker anyway?
Max turned on Isabel. "You started this. Remind him of what's at stake, Isabel. Remind him why this can't happen," he demanded.
"No," Isabel answered mutinously.
"No?" Max stared at her, stunned.
"Did she stutter?" Michael smirked.
Max growled. "This is crazy."
"Are you in or out, Maxwell?" Impatience dripped from Michael's tone.
"We. Are. Not. Doing. This." Max glared at them both. He would not let them do something this colossally stupid.
"Out then." Michael turned his back on Max and looked to Isabel. "What's your plan?"
Last edited by Polardreaming on Mon Sep 27, 2004 2:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
Polardreaming
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Fri Sep 10, 2004 11:00 pm
- Location: Polar Heaven
Worth Fighting For
Chapter 2:
4th of July weekend 2000
Friday
Kathleen Delaney knocked on the door of the Guerin trailer, and stood there, file in hand, waiting. She wanted to get this meeting out of the way so that she could finally undo a ten year old mistake. Not a single night had gone by in the last decade that she hadn't thought about those kids she'd seperated from one another on that fateful night so long ago.
Now, at last, she was going to rectify that situation. She was going to reunite the pair that had so often haunted her dreams. She knocked again. Hank Guerin knew she was coming. Surely he wouldn't have gone out knowing full well about this visit.
She breathed a sigh of relief as the man in question opened the door and ushered her inside.
Kathleen settled herself on the couch, and focused her attention on Mr. Guerin. "Elizabeth will be arriving two weeks from today. I can't tell you how glad I am to finally be reuniting these kids," Kathleen began.
"You said her last foster parents died in a car wreck?"
"Yes, they did. Thank goodness Elizabeth survived with nothing more than a few bruises. It's a miracle, really, that she wasn't killed."
"I'm just happy to be able to finally help ya reunite Mikey with his sister."
Kathleen couldn't help but smile at this man's generosity. "I'm certain Michael will be thrilled to have her back at last."
"Yep, Mikey's never forgotten her. Still pining away for her even after all these years. He'll be overjoyed to have her back. I want to thank ya for letting me surprise him with the news. It will be an even happier surprise that way." Hank smiled graciously.
Kathleen smiled warmly. "I just have a few last minute documents for you to sign. Then I'll get out of your hair."
Hank nodded. "No trouble at all, Miss Delaney. Anything to reunite my Mickey with his sister." Hank signed the documents and showed the woman to the door.
Back in the trailer, Hank sat in his favorite chair and popped open a beer, a smirk playing on his lips. He knew Mikey was already resentful of the girl moving in. Which is why he had no intention of letting the brat in on the secret. Let him resent her. It would hurt him even more when he finally learned the girl he hated was in fact his sister. Hank knew that would hurt the boy far more than any beating he could dish out.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Michael left the trailer park and headed for the library to meet with Isabel. Max had hemmed and hawed for hours about Isabel and Michael 'being reckless' but it had all fallen on deaf ears. Now that Michael had Isabel on his side there was no way in hell he was backing down. He finally had a chance to get his family back, and no one, not even the spineless wonder, was going to stop him.
He strolled in the front doors and headed for the computer terminals, to find Isabel already there and waiting for him. He pulled up a chair and straddled it. "Anything?"
"Not yet. I'm working on getting in the back door," she answered softly.
Michael sat there silently, watching Isabel work. After several minutes of complete silence, Isabel released a frustrated sigh. "I'm sorry, Michael. There's no way to get in without being detected. We'll have to come up with another plan," she said softly. "I'm not giving up on this, Michael. We just need to think of another way, ok?"
Michael nodded slowly. He was grateful for her help, but he couldn't help but have doubts. He was afraid to believe that he might actually find her. Because to believe, and then find out it's impossible.....that would surely kill him.
"Sure, Iz. We'll think of something else."
"You wanna go get some lunch?"
"Nah, I think I'm gonna head back to the trailer. Thanks for trying, Izzy."
The girl nodded and headed toward the CrashDown, while Michael headed in the opposite direction.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Michael reached the trailer and stormed inside. "Mikey, git yer ass in here," Hank called from the living room. Michael glared at him from the entryway.
"Mikey yer new sister will be here in two weeks...Ya better have yer room ready and waitin' fer her or ya can just sleep outside."
"Why does she have to share my room, Hank? You're the one that wants her here."
Hank smirked up at him. "Two weeks, Mikey. Yer choice."
"Damn it, Hank. It's my room. Give her your room if you want her here so bad."
Hank's head snapped as he turned to glare at Michael. "This ain't up fer discussion, brat. That girl will be moving into yer room. The only question is whether yer willing to share it or if ya want to sleep outside."
Michael growled loudly and stomped into his room, slamming the door behind him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Saturday July 3rd
Max woke up early and hopped out of bed, heading for the shower. He'd agreed to meet Izzy for breakfast to discuss the fireworks show scheduled for tomorrow night.
He threw on a pair of jeans and a blue jersey and ran a comb through his hair before heading down to the Cafe.
Serena Evans was waiting tables and he grabbed his usual booth to wait for Iz. "Hey, Rena, can I get two orders of french toast and 2 large OJs?" he said when she walked over.
"Sure thing, boss man," she teased, heading behind the counter to place his order with Jose.
Isabel arrived just as Serena set the plates down and she slid into her seat with a wide grin. "Thanks, Rena."
"No problem, Isabel," the redhead returned with a grin. She went to take care of another customer and Isabel turned her attention to Max.
"So, Max.....about the fireworks show....."
"Of course I'll go with ya, Izzy. It's tradition," he grinned.
"Yeah...um.....the thing is......I kinda have a date..."
"What?!? With who?"
"The new guy. His name is Kyle Whitman."
"Isabel, you know the rules. We don't date. We don't let anyone get that close."
"God, Max, it's just the fireworks show. It's not like I'm gonna marry the guy," she retorted angrily.
"Isabel, no. You can't go on a date with this guy."
"Oh, yeah, Max. Make decrees. That worked soooooo well last time."
"Damn it, Isabel. Why are you acting like this?"
"Maybe I'm tired of always following your rules, Max. Maybe I've decided to think for myself for a change."
Max ran a hand through his hair, letting out a frustrated sigh. He stabbed at his french toast. "Isabel, please. You can't keep putting us at risk this way."
"It's not up for debate, Max. I wasn't asking for your permission. I was just letting you know that I'm going with him."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A furious Michael was tearing his room apart. Damn Hank! God, he hated that bastard. It wasn't enough Hank was taking in another foster kid...a girl, no less, now Michael had to share his room with her, too? Hell, there was barely enough room for him in here, how was he supposed to fit some strange girl in?
"Keep it down in there!"
"Go to hell, Hank!" he called back.
A smirk teased at his lips when he heard the volume on the tv go up. He yanked his bed into the corner with a growl, and eyed his walls mutinously. No way he was taking down his posters. Damn girl could just deal.
He edged the dresser up against the wall next to the bed. There. He flopped down on the bed with a groan. Scowling up at the ceiling, he tried to clear his head. Two weeks. The girl was coming in two weeks. That's how much freedom he had left. Ain't life grand?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sunday
The fourth dawned bright and sunny. Isabel Deluca woke early. She wanted to hit the mall for a new outfit fore her date with Kyle. She took a quick shower before dressing in jeans and a blue blouse. She ran her hands through her long blond locks, drying them with her little burst of her powers, before turning her attention to her makeup. Isabel never left the house looking anything less than perfect.
Once she was satisfied with her appearance Isabel grabbed the keys to her mother's old red Jetta and headed for the mall.
Isabel spent 10 minutes looking for a place to park. Finally she hopped from the car and strode purposefully into the mall, 'shopping nazi' on the move. She spent the morning combing every shop for the perfect outfit. She'd only spoken to Kyle a few times but they had hit it off from the start and she wanted to impress him. She stepped out of the dressing room wearing a pair of low cut jeans and a midriff top and examined herself in the three way mirror.
A wolf whistle made her spin her head, her cheeks turning crimson as she found herself facing Kyle Whitman. "What.....what are you doing here?" she stammered.
"Mom dragged me along," he grumbled.
Isabel dashed into the dressing room and changed back into her clothes.
Kyle grinned as she stepped back out. "So, all ready for tonight?" he asked.
"Yeah, of course I am."
"Great, I guess I'll see you tonight then."
"Yeah, see you tonight, Kyle."
Isabel took the outfit to the cashier and paid the clerk. Her cheeks were still burning when she finally escaped the boutique.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
That night, as Isabel lay beside Kyle on a blanket, she shivered softly as Kyle ran his fingers lightly up her arms, sending a shiver up her spine. Isabel gently lay her head on Kyle's shoulder when the fireworks show began, smiling at the colorful displays.
She was surprised to find that she felt safe in Kyle's arms. She could almost forget all the reasons a real relationship with him couldn't work. Almost.
Kyle walked Isabel to her door. He slid one hand through her silky hair, lowering his lips to hers in a gentle kiss. Pulling away, he gazed into her eyes. "Sweet dreams, Princess." And they were.
4th of July weekend 2000
Friday
Kathleen Delaney knocked on the door of the Guerin trailer, and stood there, file in hand, waiting. She wanted to get this meeting out of the way so that she could finally undo a ten year old mistake. Not a single night had gone by in the last decade that she hadn't thought about those kids she'd seperated from one another on that fateful night so long ago.
Now, at last, she was going to rectify that situation. She was going to reunite the pair that had so often haunted her dreams. She knocked again. Hank Guerin knew she was coming. Surely he wouldn't have gone out knowing full well about this visit.
She breathed a sigh of relief as the man in question opened the door and ushered her inside.
Kathleen settled herself on the couch, and focused her attention on Mr. Guerin. "Elizabeth will be arriving two weeks from today. I can't tell you how glad I am to finally be reuniting these kids," Kathleen began.
"You said her last foster parents died in a car wreck?"
"Yes, they did. Thank goodness Elizabeth survived with nothing more than a few bruises. It's a miracle, really, that she wasn't killed."
"I'm just happy to be able to finally help ya reunite Mikey with his sister."
Kathleen couldn't help but smile at this man's generosity. "I'm certain Michael will be thrilled to have her back at last."
"Yep, Mikey's never forgotten her. Still pining away for her even after all these years. He'll be overjoyed to have her back. I want to thank ya for letting me surprise him with the news. It will be an even happier surprise that way." Hank smiled graciously.
Kathleen smiled warmly. "I just have a few last minute documents for you to sign. Then I'll get out of your hair."
Hank nodded. "No trouble at all, Miss Delaney. Anything to reunite my Mickey with his sister." Hank signed the documents and showed the woman to the door.
Back in the trailer, Hank sat in his favorite chair and popped open a beer, a smirk playing on his lips. He knew Mikey was already resentful of the girl moving in. Which is why he had no intention of letting the brat in on the secret. Let him resent her. It would hurt him even more when he finally learned the girl he hated was in fact his sister. Hank knew that would hurt the boy far more than any beating he could dish out.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Michael left the trailer park and headed for the library to meet with Isabel. Max had hemmed and hawed for hours about Isabel and Michael 'being reckless' but it had all fallen on deaf ears. Now that Michael had Isabel on his side there was no way in hell he was backing down. He finally had a chance to get his family back, and no one, not even the spineless wonder, was going to stop him.
He strolled in the front doors and headed for the computer terminals, to find Isabel already there and waiting for him. He pulled up a chair and straddled it. "Anything?"
"Not yet. I'm working on getting in the back door," she answered softly.
Michael sat there silently, watching Isabel work. After several minutes of complete silence, Isabel released a frustrated sigh. "I'm sorry, Michael. There's no way to get in without being detected. We'll have to come up with another plan," she said softly. "I'm not giving up on this, Michael. We just need to think of another way, ok?"
Michael nodded slowly. He was grateful for her help, but he couldn't help but have doubts. He was afraid to believe that he might actually find her. Because to believe, and then find out it's impossible.....that would surely kill him.
"Sure, Iz. We'll think of something else."
"You wanna go get some lunch?"
"Nah, I think I'm gonna head back to the trailer. Thanks for trying, Izzy."
The girl nodded and headed toward the CrashDown, while Michael headed in the opposite direction.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Michael reached the trailer and stormed inside. "Mikey, git yer ass in here," Hank called from the living room. Michael glared at him from the entryway.
"Mikey yer new sister will be here in two weeks...Ya better have yer room ready and waitin' fer her or ya can just sleep outside."
"Why does she have to share my room, Hank? You're the one that wants her here."
Hank smirked up at him. "Two weeks, Mikey. Yer choice."
"Damn it, Hank. It's my room. Give her your room if you want her here so bad."
Hank's head snapped as he turned to glare at Michael. "This ain't up fer discussion, brat. That girl will be moving into yer room. The only question is whether yer willing to share it or if ya want to sleep outside."
Michael growled loudly and stomped into his room, slamming the door behind him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Saturday July 3rd
Max woke up early and hopped out of bed, heading for the shower. He'd agreed to meet Izzy for breakfast to discuss the fireworks show scheduled for tomorrow night.
He threw on a pair of jeans and a blue jersey and ran a comb through his hair before heading down to the Cafe.
Serena Evans was waiting tables and he grabbed his usual booth to wait for Iz. "Hey, Rena, can I get two orders of french toast and 2 large OJs?" he said when she walked over.
"Sure thing, boss man," she teased, heading behind the counter to place his order with Jose.
Isabel arrived just as Serena set the plates down and she slid into her seat with a wide grin. "Thanks, Rena."
"No problem, Isabel," the redhead returned with a grin. She went to take care of another customer and Isabel turned her attention to Max.
"So, Max.....about the fireworks show....."
"Of course I'll go with ya, Izzy. It's tradition," he grinned.
"Yeah...um.....the thing is......I kinda have a date..."
"What?!? With who?"
"The new guy. His name is Kyle Whitman."
"Isabel, you know the rules. We don't date. We don't let anyone get that close."
"God, Max, it's just the fireworks show. It's not like I'm gonna marry the guy," she retorted angrily.
"Isabel, no. You can't go on a date with this guy."
"Oh, yeah, Max. Make decrees. That worked soooooo well last time."
"Damn it, Isabel. Why are you acting like this?"
"Maybe I'm tired of always following your rules, Max. Maybe I've decided to think for myself for a change."
Max ran a hand through his hair, letting out a frustrated sigh. He stabbed at his french toast. "Isabel, please. You can't keep putting us at risk this way."
"It's not up for debate, Max. I wasn't asking for your permission. I was just letting you know that I'm going with him."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A furious Michael was tearing his room apart. Damn Hank! God, he hated that bastard. It wasn't enough Hank was taking in another foster kid...a girl, no less, now Michael had to share his room with her, too? Hell, there was barely enough room for him in here, how was he supposed to fit some strange girl in?
"Keep it down in there!"
"Go to hell, Hank!" he called back.
A smirk teased at his lips when he heard the volume on the tv go up. He yanked his bed into the corner with a growl, and eyed his walls mutinously. No way he was taking down his posters. Damn girl could just deal.
He edged the dresser up against the wall next to the bed. There. He flopped down on the bed with a groan. Scowling up at the ceiling, he tried to clear his head. Two weeks. The girl was coming in two weeks. That's how much freedom he had left. Ain't life grand?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sunday
The fourth dawned bright and sunny. Isabel Deluca woke early. She wanted to hit the mall for a new outfit fore her date with Kyle. She took a quick shower before dressing in jeans and a blue blouse. She ran her hands through her long blond locks, drying them with her little burst of her powers, before turning her attention to her makeup. Isabel never left the house looking anything less than perfect.
Once she was satisfied with her appearance Isabel grabbed the keys to her mother's old red Jetta and headed for the mall.
Isabel spent 10 minutes looking for a place to park. Finally she hopped from the car and strode purposefully into the mall, 'shopping nazi' on the move. She spent the morning combing every shop for the perfect outfit. She'd only spoken to Kyle a few times but they had hit it off from the start and she wanted to impress him. She stepped out of the dressing room wearing a pair of low cut jeans and a midriff top and examined herself in the three way mirror.
A wolf whistle made her spin her head, her cheeks turning crimson as she found herself facing Kyle Whitman. "What.....what are you doing here?" she stammered.
"Mom dragged me along," he grumbled.
Isabel dashed into the dressing room and changed back into her clothes.
Kyle grinned as she stepped back out. "So, all ready for tonight?" he asked.
"Yeah, of course I am."
"Great, I guess I'll see you tonight then."
"Yeah, see you tonight, Kyle."
Isabel took the outfit to the cashier and paid the clerk. Her cheeks were still burning when she finally escaped the boutique.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
That night, as Isabel lay beside Kyle on a blanket, she shivered softly as Kyle ran his fingers lightly up her arms, sending a shiver up her spine. Isabel gently lay her head on Kyle's shoulder when the fireworks show began, smiling at the colorful displays.
She was surprised to find that she felt safe in Kyle's arms. She could almost forget all the reasons a real relationship with him couldn't work. Almost.
Kyle walked Isabel to her door. He slid one hand through her silky hair, lowering his lips to hers in a gentle kiss. Pulling away, he gazed into her eyes. "Sweet dreams, Princess." And they were.
-
Polardreaming
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Fri Sep 10, 2004 11:00 pm
- Location: Polar Heaven
Worth Fighting For
here's the moment you've all been waiting for. Enjoy! =)
Chapter 3:
July 16th 2000
Kathleen Delaney pulled into the trailer park and parked in front of the Guerin trailer. "Here we are, Elizabeth."
Liz stared at the dilapidated trailer silently for a moment before slowly climbing out of the car. Pulling her suitcase from the back seat, she turned and followed the case worker to the front door.
Kathleen knocked and Liz fought the butterflies in her stomach, trying to keep the panic out of her eyes. Now that she was actually here, she wanted to flee. This wasn't exactly what she'd envisioned when the woman had told her she'd found her another foster home. Liz was by no means a snob, she just hadn't expected to find herself in a rundown trailer park in the middle of Alien Capitol, USA.
She took a deep breath, wondering for the millionth time where he was. Was he happy? Safe? Did he miss her? Did he even remember her after all this time? Exhaling slowly, she pushed the thoughts from her mind, turning to stare up at her new foster father as Hank opened the door.
"Ah, this must be Lizzie. Come on in, Darlin'."
Liz blinked before following his suggestion and stepping inside. She set her suitcase on the floor and turned back toward the two adults. "Thank you.....for opening your home to me," Liz said softly.
Hank smiled brightly. "Of course, Darlin'. Think nothing of it. Go ahead and look around. This is your home now, too."
Liz glanced around the living room, her nose scrunching at the scent of alcohol that seemed to linger in the air. She glanced back at Hank, pasting a polite smile on her face, then turned away again and approached the two bedrooms. The first one she came to had two beds squeezed into the tiny room, leaving barely enough room for the dresser that stood between them. Posters of Metallica covered the walls.
She was sharing a room with her new foster brother. A total stranger, and she was expected to sleep mere feet from him. Liz didn't understand why Miss Delaney was leaving her here. With a drunken foster father who obviously didn't really have room for her.
Liz supressed a shudder. She glanced back into the living room where Kathleen stood conversing with Hank. His emotions poured off him in waves, smothering her. He was not the charming, gracious host he played for Miss Delaney. Liz could feel the emotions he was trying so hard to hide. Anger, resentment, and, most disconcerting to Liz's mind, an overpowering sense of sinister glee.
Whatever was going on in Hank's mind was making Liz feel acutely uncomfortable. She forced herself to walk back into the living room and picked up her suitcase. "I'll just start unpacking," she said softly, before turning and heading back into her new bedroom. "Thank you for everything, Miss Delaney." She shut the door firmly, effectively blocking most of the unwanted emotions eminating from Hank.
Setting her suitcase on the bed, she began transfering her clothes into the top two drawers of the dresser. She stole another glance around the roombefore putting a framed photo on the dresser. She traced the image of her last foster parents lovingly, a single tear rolling down her cheek. There were no other pictures in sight. She had no idea what her new foster brother even looked like.
Once Liz had finished unpacking she opened the door to find that Miss Delaney was gone and Hank was seated in his favorite chair, a hockey game on the tv. "Mr. Guerin?"
"Yes, Darlin'?"
"Would you mind if I go explore town?"
"Course not, Lizzie. You just make sure yer home by four. I expect dinner on the table by five."
Liz gaped at the back of his head. She'd just moved in and he was already expecting her to make him dinner?
Liz practically sprinted from the trailer, her stomach churning. Once outside she leaned back against the side of the trailer, doubled over, waiting for the nausea to fade.
Finally, Liz stood and walked briskly away from the trailer park, wanting to put as much distance between herself and Hank as possible. She passed neighborhood after neighborhood, finally coming to the center of town. She walked down the sidewalk slowly, taking in each shop as she went. She stopped outside the selfproclaimed 'Roswell UFO Museum', her brow arching.
Taking a deep breath, she pushed the doors open and stepped inside. She found the dark building surprisingly busy as she walked down the steps and looked around slowly, taking in the many displays. Her stomach churned and she stepped closer to the 'alien autopsy' display, staring in morbid fascination. Liz had to grudgingly admit to a dark amusement at the human symbolization of alien life.
If they only knew the truth they would probably tremble with fear. She reached a hand out to touch the rubber alien lying on the table.
"Fascinating, isn't it?"
Liz turned to glance at the man beside her. "Sorry?"
"The idea that intelligent life has been visiting Earth for so many years."
"What makes you think that's what they look like?" Liz asked quietly. "How do you know they don't look just like everyone else?"
The man scoffed at her question. "Please. There have been far too many sightings. Too many people reporting the same descriptions. No, trust me, little lady. They don't look anything like us."
Liz found herself enjoying the man's tenacity. He honestly believe what he was saying. Gotta admire a man who's passionate about his obsessions. "So...um...what made you a believer?"
The man reached into his pocket and pulled out a wallet, flipping it to a picture of a little boy standing in front of an ice cream shop. Behind the boy was a vague shadow on the wall that could have been anything, but Liz had to admit, it could look like an alien if you actually believed they looked anything like the figure in the display.
Liz pasted an awed grin on her face. "Wow. So you were that close to one, huh?"
The man smiled brightly. "Yes I was. And one day I will be again. They are still visiting us. Someday, there will be undeniable proof."
"Well, I wish you the best of luck, Sir."
Liz left the UFO Museum and squinted against the bright sunlight. Scanning the opposite side of the street, she saw a Cafe directly across from where she stood, a chinese restaurant at the south end of the street, and a mexican restaurant at the north end.
She glanced at her watch. One o'clock. She crossed the street and entered the Cafe. Her nose immediately scrunched at the decor. Alien murals on the walls. Little plastic alien figures littering the floor and counter. Oh God, she was in some kind of sick demented dream. What was wrong with this town? Did everyone see aliens as little green men? If they only knew....
Liz took a seat at the counter, picked up a menu and glanced through it. Will Smith Burger? Saturn Rings? Alien Blast? Could they get any more cliche? Liz sighed and began to rethink coming in here. She stood, deciding that Chinese wasn't such a bad choice when a waiter came to take her order.
"Oh, please don't leave," a soft husky voice said. Liz looked up into drowning pools of amber. The boy seemed to be about her age. Dark brown, almost black hair. Tall. Muscular. He was definitely cute. Hot even. And Liz could feel his attraction toward her. She found herself strangely drawn to this stranger in front of her. "I'm Max......Max Parker."
"Liz Donovan."
"Very nice to meet you, Liz Donovan."
Liz blushed softly. "You, too, Max Parker."
"So, what can I get you?"
"Oh...um.....nothing actually. I think I'm gonna head home..."
"At least have a soda or something." Max smiled down at her.
"I guess....cherry coke if you have it."
Max grinned and went to get her soda. Liz sighed and looked around the room again. She turned back when Max set the glass in front of her. "Here you are."
Liz smiled her thanks and took a small sip. She waited til he went to help another customer before discreetly pouring a liberal amount of Tobasco into her drink. She took another sip and smiled to herself. Much better.
Max finished with his customer and drifted back toward Liz. "So...um....just visiting Roswell?" he asked.
"Oh.....um....no, actually I just moved here this morning."
"Really?" Max's smile grew wider. "Well, if you want a tour guide, I'm your guy," he offered.
Liz smiled back. "I'll let you know." She drained the last of her soda and stood to go. "How much do I owe you?"
"It's on the house. Hope to see you again soon, Liz Donovan."
Liz blushed and moved toward the door. "Hey, Liz, wait. Do you...um...want to catch a movie sometime?"
"Yeah, sure, maybe once I get settled in...."
"Great! Bye, Liz."
"Bye."
Leaving the cafe, Liz walked down the sidewalk until she came to the Roswell Public Library. She smiled and headed inside. Liz had a deep love of reading. She searched through the non fiction stacks, running a hand along books on philosophy and religion, until she came upon the section on sciences. Liz was intensely interested in genetics. She read every book she could get her hands on. Looking through the titles she found two books she hadn't read before and carried them up to the checkout desk.
"Card?" the librarian asked.
"Yes...um...you should have it ready for me....Liz Donovan."
The librarian looked through her index file. "Sorry, no Liz Donovan."
"Maybe it's under Liz Guerin?" she suggested hesitantly.
The librarian arched a brow.
"He's my new foster father. I know my case worker filed all the paperwork for my card before I arrived."
The woman looked again and pulled out the card. "Here it is. Elizabeth Guerin."
The woman checked out the books and handed Liz her library card.
Liz sighed as she exited the library. She wasn't Liz Donovan anymore. Now she was Liz Guerin. She slid the card into the pocket of her jeans and headed back to trailer park. Maybe she'd have time to read before Hank made her start dinner.
Arriving back at the trailer, Liz entered to find Hank still propped in his chair, a beer in his hand. She pasted on a smile as she walked into her new room and settled down on her bed, opening one of the books and beginning to read.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Finishing up the fifth chapter of the book, she set it down, rising to head into the kitchen. Might as well get started on dinner before Hank could get started on her.
Entering the kitchen area, she checked the frig and cupboards, pulling out various ingredients and found a large soup pot. Liz worked quietly, chopping vegetables, browning beef, finally placing all the ingredients into the pot to simmer. "Mr. Guerin?"
"Call me Hank, Lizzie, Mikey does."
"Um...Hank?"
"Yes?"
"Dinner should be ready a little after five," she said quietly.
"Whatcha makin'?"
"Chili."
"Chili?"
"Yes, Sir."
Hank grunted and took another swig of his beer.
Liz looked up when the door opened, and a tall boy with light brown hair and eyes, wearing a metallica t shirt, entered. Her eyes met his and she froze. She couldn't have moved in that moment to save her life. She was lost in his eyes, drowning, and a part of her never wanted to stop.
Chapter 3:
July 16th 2000
Kathleen Delaney pulled into the trailer park and parked in front of the Guerin trailer. "Here we are, Elizabeth."
Liz stared at the dilapidated trailer silently for a moment before slowly climbing out of the car. Pulling her suitcase from the back seat, she turned and followed the case worker to the front door.
Kathleen knocked and Liz fought the butterflies in her stomach, trying to keep the panic out of her eyes. Now that she was actually here, she wanted to flee. This wasn't exactly what she'd envisioned when the woman had told her she'd found her another foster home. Liz was by no means a snob, she just hadn't expected to find herself in a rundown trailer park in the middle of Alien Capitol, USA.
She took a deep breath, wondering for the millionth time where he was. Was he happy? Safe? Did he miss her? Did he even remember her after all this time? Exhaling slowly, she pushed the thoughts from her mind, turning to stare up at her new foster father as Hank opened the door.
"Ah, this must be Lizzie. Come on in, Darlin'."
Liz blinked before following his suggestion and stepping inside. She set her suitcase on the floor and turned back toward the two adults. "Thank you.....for opening your home to me," Liz said softly.
Hank smiled brightly. "Of course, Darlin'. Think nothing of it. Go ahead and look around. This is your home now, too."
Liz glanced around the living room, her nose scrunching at the scent of alcohol that seemed to linger in the air. She glanced back at Hank, pasting a polite smile on her face, then turned away again and approached the two bedrooms. The first one she came to had two beds squeezed into the tiny room, leaving barely enough room for the dresser that stood between them. Posters of Metallica covered the walls.
She was sharing a room with her new foster brother. A total stranger, and she was expected to sleep mere feet from him. Liz didn't understand why Miss Delaney was leaving her here. With a drunken foster father who obviously didn't really have room for her.
Liz supressed a shudder. She glanced back into the living room where Kathleen stood conversing with Hank. His emotions poured off him in waves, smothering her. He was not the charming, gracious host he played for Miss Delaney. Liz could feel the emotions he was trying so hard to hide. Anger, resentment, and, most disconcerting to Liz's mind, an overpowering sense of sinister glee.
Whatever was going on in Hank's mind was making Liz feel acutely uncomfortable. She forced herself to walk back into the living room and picked up her suitcase. "I'll just start unpacking," she said softly, before turning and heading back into her new bedroom. "Thank you for everything, Miss Delaney." She shut the door firmly, effectively blocking most of the unwanted emotions eminating from Hank.
Setting her suitcase on the bed, she began transfering her clothes into the top two drawers of the dresser. She stole another glance around the roombefore putting a framed photo on the dresser. She traced the image of her last foster parents lovingly, a single tear rolling down her cheek. There were no other pictures in sight. She had no idea what her new foster brother even looked like.
Once Liz had finished unpacking she opened the door to find that Miss Delaney was gone and Hank was seated in his favorite chair, a hockey game on the tv. "Mr. Guerin?"
"Yes, Darlin'?"
"Would you mind if I go explore town?"
"Course not, Lizzie. You just make sure yer home by four. I expect dinner on the table by five."
Liz gaped at the back of his head. She'd just moved in and he was already expecting her to make him dinner?
Liz practically sprinted from the trailer, her stomach churning. Once outside she leaned back against the side of the trailer, doubled over, waiting for the nausea to fade.
Finally, Liz stood and walked briskly away from the trailer park, wanting to put as much distance between herself and Hank as possible. She passed neighborhood after neighborhood, finally coming to the center of town. She walked down the sidewalk slowly, taking in each shop as she went. She stopped outside the selfproclaimed 'Roswell UFO Museum', her brow arching.
Taking a deep breath, she pushed the doors open and stepped inside. She found the dark building surprisingly busy as she walked down the steps and looked around slowly, taking in the many displays. Her stomach churned and she stepped closer to the 'alien autopsy' display, staring in morbid fascination. Liz had to grudgingly admit to a dark amusement at the human symbolization of alien life.
If they only knew the truth they would probably tremble with fear. She reached a hand out to touch the rubber alien lying on the table.
"Fascinating, isn't it?"
Liz turned to glance at the man beside her. "Sorry?"
"The idea that intelligent life has been visiting Earth for so many years."
"What makes you think that's what they look like?" Liz asked quietly. "How do you know they don't look just like everyone else?"
The man scoffed at her question. "Please. There have been far too many sightings. Too many people reporting the same descriptions. No, trust me, little lady. They don't look anything like us."
Liz found herself enjoying the man's tenacity. He honestly believe what he was saying. Gotta admire a man who's passionate about his obsessions. "So...um...what made you a believer?"
The man reached into his pocket and pulled out a wallet, flipping it to a picture of a little boy standing in front of an ice cream shop. Behind the boy was a vague shadow on the wall that could have been anything, but Liz had to admit, it could look like an alien if you actually believed they looked anything like the figure in the display.
Liz pasted an awed grin on her face. "Wow. So you were that close to one, huh?"
The man smiled brightly. "Yes I was. And one day I will be again. They are still visiting us. Someday, there will be undeniable proof."
"Well, I wish you the best of luck, Sir."
Liz left the UFO Museum and squinted against the bright sunlight. Scanning the opposite side of the street, she saw a Cafe directly across from where she stood, a chinese restaurant at the south end of the street, and a mexican restaurant at the north end.
She glanced at her watch. One o'clock. She crossed the street and entered the Cafe. Her nose immediately scrunched at the decor. Alien murals on the walls. Little plastic alien figures littering the floor and counter. Oh God, she was in some kind of sick demented dream. What was wrong with this town? Did everyone see aliens as little green men? If they only knew....
Liz took a seat at the counter, picked up a menu and glanced through it. Will Smith Burger? Saturn Rings? Alien Blast? Could they get any more cliche? Liz sighed and began to rethink coming in here. She stood, deciding that Chinese wasn't such a bad choice when a waiter came to take her order.
"Oh, please don't leave," a soft husky voice said. Liz looked up into drowning pools of amber. The boy seemed to be about her age. Dark brown, almost black hair. Tall. Muscular. He was definitely cute. Hot even. And Liz could feel his attraction toward her. She found herself strangely drawn to this stranger in front of her. "I'm Max......Max Parker."
"Liz Donovan."
"Very nice to meet you, Liz Donovan."
Liz blushed softly. "You, too, Max Parker."
"So, what can I get you?"
"Oh...um.....nothing actually. I think I'm gonna head home..."
"At least have a soda or something." Max smiled down at her.
"I guess....cherry coke if you have it."
Max grinned and went to get her soda. Liz sighed and looked around the room again. She turned back when Max set the glass in front of her. "Here you are."
Liz smiled her thanks and took a small sip. She waited til he went to help another customer before discreetly pouring a liberal amount of Tobasco into her drink. She took another sip and smiled to herself. Much better.
Max finished with his customer and drifted back toward Liz. "So...um....just visiting Roswell?" he asked.
"Oh.....um....no, actually I just moved here this morning."
"Really?" Max's smile grew wider. "Well, if you want a tour guide, I'm your guy," he offered.
Liz smiled back. "I'll let you know." She drained the last of her soda and stood to go. "How much do I owe you?"
"It's on the house. Hope to see you again soon, Liz Donovan."
Liz blushed and moved toward the door. "Hey, Liz, wait. Do you...um...want to catch a movie sometime?"
"Yeah, sure, maybe once I get settled in...."
"Great! Bye, Liz."
"Bye."
Leaving the cafe, Liz walked down the sidewalk until she came to the Roswell Public Library. She smiled and headed inside. Liz had a deep love of reading. She searched through the non fiction stacks, running a hand along books on philosophy and religion, until she came upon the section on sciences. Liz was intensely interested in genetics. She read every book she could get her hands on. Looking through the titles she found two books she hadn't read before and carried them up to the checkout desk.
"Card?" the librarian asked.
"Yes...um...you should have it ready for me....Liz Donovan."
The librarian looked through her index file. "Sorry, no Liz Donovan."
"Maybe it's under Liz Guerin?" she suggested hesitantly.
The librarian arched a brow.
"He's my new foster father. I know my case worker filed all the paperwork for my card before I arrived."
The woman looked again and pulled out the card. "Here it is. Elizabeth Guerin."
The woman checked out the books and handed Liz her library card.
Liz sighed as she exited the library. She wasn't Liz Donovan anymore. Now she was Liz Guerin. She slid the card into the pocket of her jeans and headed back to trailer park. Maybe she'd have time to read before Hank made her start dinner.
Arriving back at the trailer, Liz entered to find Hank still propped in his chair, a beer in his hand. She pasted on a smile as she walked into her new room and settled down on her bed, opening one of the books and beginning to read.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Finishing up the fifth chapter of the book, she set it down, rising to head into the kitchen. Might as well get started on dinner before Hank could get started on her.
Entering the kitchen area, she checked the frig and cupboards, pulling out various ingredients and found a large soup pot. Liz worked quietly, chopping vegetables, browning beef, finally placing all the ingredients into the pot to simmer. "Mr. Guerin?"
"Call me Hank, Lizzie, Mikey does."
"Um...Hank?"
"Yes?"
"Dinner should be ready a little after five," she said quietly.
"Whatcha makin'?"
"Chili."
"Chili?"
"Yes, Sir."
Hank grunted and took another swig of his beer.
Liz looked up when the door opened, and a tall boy with light brown hair and eyes, wearing a metallica t shirt, entered. Her eyes met his and she froze. She couldn't have moved in that moment to save her life. She was lost in his eyes, drowning, and a part of her never wanted to stop.
-
Polardreaming
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Fri Sep 10, 2004 11:00 pm
- Location: Polar Heaven
Worth Fighting For
Chapter 4:
The staring seemed to go on forever. Liz's entire body tingled with the intensity of emotions coming from her new foster brother. She was drowning as much from them as from his gaze. He was the first to break eye contact, storming into his room and slamming the door. Liz turned back to the stove, trying to calm her racing heart. Oh. God. That was her foster brother?!? How was she going to share a room with him? No boy had ever affected her the way he did.
Maybe it wasn't too late to call Miss Delaney. Maybe she could still get herself out of this mess. Liz stirred the chili then recovered it, glancing over at Hank.
"Yep. That's my Mikey."
Liz smiled weakly. What was that weird gleam in his eye? And the emotions rolling off him? That sinister glee was back, stronger than ever. Was he glad about their reaction to each other? But, why would he be? Nothing made any sense to her. Michael seemed to hate her. Yet at the same time she had felt a desire from him that matched her own.
Why would he hate her? He didn't even know her. Was it because he was being forced to share his room with her? But that wouldn't explain the strength of the resentment she'd felt from him, and she couldn't just ask him. He'd want to know how she could know what he was feeling. And what could she say? 'Oh, well see, I can read your feelings because I'm an alien.'? Oh yeah, that would go over great.
At ten minutes after five, Liz shut the stove off and went to knock on Michael's door.
"What?"
"Um....dinner's ready."
The door opened and he poked his head out. "Hank order pizza again?"
"Oh, no.....um.....I made chili."
"Wait. You made dinner?"
Liz nodded.
"Why?"
"Why?" she echoed.
"Yeah, why?"
"Oh...um.....well after Miss Delaney left Hank said...um....that he wanted dinner ready by five, so...."
Michael scowled darkly. "He made you cook dinner on your first night here?"
Liz nodded meekly, suffocating under the waves of anger flowing from him.
"Hey, are you ok?" he asked nervously.
"F.....fine."
"I'm Michael, by the way. Sorry I didn't introduce myself earlier."
"Liz."
"Nice to meet you, Liz."
"Yeah, um, you, too."
"So you made chili huh? Pop open a can did ya?"
Liz frowned deeply as the sarcastic barb sliced through her. "No.....I.....um.......I made it from scratch." She stared down at her feet. God, why was he making this so awkward? "It's on the stove...if you want any...."
She turned and walked into the kitchen and ladled a bowl for Hank, carrying it to him. "Dinner's ready," she said softly, handing him the steaming bowl. Hank took it with a grunt and Liz turned away, filling her own bowl and carrying it outside.
She settled herself at the picnic table in the yard and pulled out her bottle of Tabasco, pouring it over the bubbling chili.
She looked up in surprise when Michael sat beside her, his own bowl in his hands. "You like it hot too, huh?" he asked, taking up the bottle of Tabasco and pouring it on his chili.
"Michael?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm sorry....I don't know exactly what I did.....but you obviously don't like me, so whatever I did....I'm sorry...."
"You didn't do anything. I would have resented anyone Hank took in. Look, I don't hate you. So don't sweat it."
After dinner, Michael helped Liz clean the dishes. "Look, I promised some friends I'd hang out tonight. Do you wanna come?"
"Thanks, but I think maybe I'll just stay here and get settled." Michael nodded and left the trailer as Liz settled into bed and went back to reading her book.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Michael headed out to the quarry, his emotions in an uproar. When he'd stepped into the trailer and laid eyes on Liz, his whole world had tilted. How the hell had she slipped past all his stone walls with just one look?
He couldn't decide whether he wanted to kiss her senseless or strangle her with his bare hands for barging into his life. And had he actually invited her to come along to meet Max and Isabel? Was he losing his mind? No, he definitely needed to stay away from her. He couldn't let anyone affect him the way she had. He'd just avoid her as much as possible and rebuild his stone walls stronger than before.
Arriving at the quarry, he found Max and Isabel already there, in the middle of a heated argument.
"What do you mean you're going on a date Max?"
"Just what I said, Isabel."
"Oh, no! You gave me hell for going to the fireworks show with Kyle. Now suddenly it's ok to date because it's you?!?"
"Whoa, Max got a date?" Michael asked, incredulous.
"It's not a date. I just met this girl. She's new in town and I offered to show her around. That's all," Max insisted.
"Michael, remind him why this can't happen. What's at stake," Isabel smirked, throwing Max's own words back in his face.
Max scowled. "Whatever. I offered to show her around Roswell, and that's what I'm going to do."
Michael turned away from Max, sending an energy bolt across the chasm and blowing up a rock on the other side. "She's here..." he said quietly.
Max turned to Michael. "So you met her huh?"
"Yeah."
"Well, what's she like?" Isabel asked carefully.
"Dunno....didn't stick around long enough to find out," he answered gruffly.
"Michael, you have to at least give her a chance...." she responded.
"Says who?"
Isabel let out an exasperated sigh. "Michael....."
"Don't start, Izzy. I'm not in the mood."
"She's right, Michael. You should at least give the girl a chance. I mean you're stuck with her either way. Why make things harder than they have to be?"
Michael growled but kept his mouth shut. How was he supposed to explain to them how Liz had affected him? Especially considering the fact that he didn't understand it himself.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
August 6th 2000
Three weeks. She'd been living here three weeks now, and Michael had been avoiding her like she was the plague. And as much as she didn't want to admit it to herself, it hurt. Because deep down inside, she cared about him. A lot. She only wished that he felt the same way.
He hadn't even spent one night in his bed since the day she'd moved in. She blinked back tears and reached for the picture on the dresser, tracing the image of her foster mother.
She wondered if she should just call Miss Delaney, tell her it wasn't working out here. That she didn't want to stay. She didn't want to be stuck alone in this trailer with Hank for another minute. In the last 3 weeks he'd had her cooking, cleaning and doing laundry. All while he sat back with a beer in one hand and the remote in the other.
If Michael didn't want her here, fine. She wasn't thrilled about being here, either. She'd just pack up and go. Then Michael could have his life back. At least one of them would be happy then.
Liz pulled her suitcase out from under her bed and pulled open the top dresser drawer, pulling out her clothes and tossing them into the suitcase. Once the top drawer was empty, she opened the second drawer and emptied that as well. Locking the suitcase, she stuffed it back under her bed. She would go into town and find a payphone. Tomorrow she'd be gone, on her way to some other foster home.
She grabbed up the two library books and left her room. "Hank, I'm going out."
"Make sure yer home ta make lunch, Lizzie."
"I will be.......I just need to return a couple of library books."
She opened the door and froze, seeing Michael on the top step. "I.....um......I'm just leaving...." She stepped around him quickly. "Bye, Michael," she added softly.
Michael whirled around. That good bye had sounded...... "Where are you going, Liz?"
"I have to take these books back to the library."
"You finished them already?"
"No....I....I just don't know if there will be time to take them back tomorrow. Look, I need to get going." She walked away, Michael staring after her.
She made it to the road before he caught up to her. "Liz, can we go somewhere and talk?"
Michael led Liz to the quarry. She stood, gazing silently at the water, waiting for Michael to start. "Look.......I've been alone a long time, Liz......and I'm used to it. Hell, I even like it that way. Then you show up and....I've never let anyone get close to me, Liz. But that night you moved in......" He growled and turned away. "I just.....don't let anyone get that close."
"I understand, Michael. But you don't have to worry about it anymore. I'm going to call Miss Delaney and tell her that it's not working out. She'll find me a new foster home and you can have your life back."
Michael whirled around to face her, putting his hands on her shoulders. "Please don't do that, Liz."
"Michael, you haven't been around at all the whole time I've been here. It's not fair that I've messed up your life..." Michael lowered his lips to hers, a feather soft touch that slowly grew firmer. His arms slid around her back, pulling her closer.
Finally he pulled back, gazing down into her deep dark eyes. "That's why I haven't been home, Liz." His hand palmed her cheek tenderly before he dipped his lips back to hers, kissing her softly.
Liz pressed closer, her arms sliding around his neck as she returned the kiss. This time she broke away first, gazing up at him shyly.
"I don't want you to leave, Liz..." he growled softly.
She lay her head against his chest. "Then I won't leave, Michael." He held her close, one hand stroking her hair lightly. "Michael?"
"Hmmmm?"
"Where have you been sleeping the last few weeks?"
"I've been staying with my friend, Max."
"Max Evans?"
"Yeah. How do you know his name?"
"I.....um......met him the day I moved here."
Michael gazed down at her. "Tell me he didn't offer to play tour guide." Michael growled softly. If Max thought he was going to get Liz on a date, he was sadly mistaken.
"Umm...."
Michael growled louder, tightening his arms around her. "Mine," he said softly.
Liz blushed, looking up at him shyly. "I'm not interested in Max, Michael."
"Good," he said gruffly. "Because I'm not sharing."
The staring seemed to go on forever. Liz's entire body tingled with the intensity of emotions coming from her new foster brother. She was drowning as much from them as from his gaze. He was the first to break eye contact, storming into his room and slamming the door. Liz turned back to the stove, trying to calm her racing heart. Oh. God. That was her foster brother?!? How was she going to share a room with him? No boy had ever affected her the way he did.
Maybe it wasn't too late to call Miss Delaney. Maybe she could still get herself out of this mess. Liz stirred the chili then recovered it, glancing over at Hank.
"Yep. That's my Mikey."
Liz smiled weakly. What was that weird gleam in his eye? And the emotions rolling off him? That sinister glee was back, stronger than ever. Was he glad about their reaction to each other? But, why would he be? Nothing made any sense to her. Michael seemed to hate her. Yet at the same time she had felt a desire from him that matched her own.
Why would he hate her? He didn't even know her. Was it because he was being forced to share his room with her? But that wouldn't explain the strength of the resentment she'd felt from him, and she couldn't just ask him. He'd want to know how she could know what he was feeling. And what could she say? 'Oh, well see, I can read your feelings because I'm an alien.'? Oh yeah, that would go over great.
At ten minutes after five, Liz shut the stove off and went to knock on Michael's door.
"What?"
"Um....dinner's ready."
The door opened and he poked his head out. "Hank order pizza again?"
"Oh, no.....um.....I made chili."
"Wait. You made dinner?"
Liz nodded.
"Why?"
"Why?" she echoed.
"Yeah, why?"
"Oh...um.....well after Miss Delaney left Hank said...um....that he wanted dinner ready by five, so...."
Michael scowled darkly. "He made you cook dinner on your first night here?"
Liz nodded meekly, suffocating under the waves of anger flowing from him.
"Hey, are you ok?" he asked nervously.
"F.....fine."
"I'm Michael, by the way. Sorry I didn't introduce myself earlier."
"Liz."
"Nice to meet you, Liz."
"Yeah, um, you, too."
"So you made chili huh? Pop open a can did ya?"
Liz frowned deeply as the sarcastic barb sliced through her. "No.....I.....um.......I made it from scratch." She stared down at her feet. God, why was he making this so awkward? "It's on the stove...if you want any...."
She turned and walked into the kitchen and ladled a bowl for Hank, carrying it to him. "Dinner's ready," she said softly, handing him the steaming bowl. Hank took it with a grunt and Liz turned away, filling her own bowl and carrying it outside.
She settled herself at the picnic table in the yard and pulled out her bottle of Tabasco, pouring it over the bubbling chili.
She looked up in surprise when Michael sat beside her, his own bowl in his hands. "You like it hot too, huh?" he asked, taking up the bottle of Tabasco and pouring it on his chili.
"Michael?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm sorry....I don't know exactly what I did.....but you obviously don't like me, so whatever I did....I'm sorry...."
"You didn't do anything. I would have resented anyone Hank took in. Look, I don't hate you. So don't sweat it."
After dinner, Michael helped Liz clean the dishes. "Look, I promised some friends I'd hang out tonight. Do you wanna come?"
"Thanks, but I think maybe I'll just stay here and get settled." Michael nodded and left the trailer as Liz settled into bed and went back to reading her book.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Michael headed out to the quarry, his emotions in an uproar. When he'd stepped into the trailer and laid eyes on Liz, his whole world had tilted. How the hell had she slipped past all his stone walls with just one look?
He couldn't decide whether he wanted to kiss her senseless or strangle her with his bare hands for barging into his life. And had he actually invited her to come along to meet Max and Isabel? Was he losing his mind? No, he definitely needed to stay away from her. He couldn't let anyone affect him the way she had. He'd just avoid her as much as possible and rebuild his stone walls stronger than before.
Arriving at the quarry, he found Max and Isabel already there, in the middle of a heated argument.
"What do you mean you're going on a date Max?"
"Just what I said, Isabel."
"Oh, no! You gave me hell for going to the fireworks show with Kyle. Now suddenly it's ok to date because it's you?!?"
"Whoa, Max got a date?" Michael asked, incredulous.
"It's not a date. I just met this girl. She's new in town and I offered to show her around. That's all," Max insisted.
"Michael, remind him why this can't happen. What's at stake," Isabel smirked, throwing Max's own words back in his face.
Max scowled. "Whatever. I offered to show her around Roswell, and that's what I'm going to do."
Michael turned away from Max, sending an energy bolt across the chasm and blowing up a rock on the other side. "She's here..." he said quietly.
Max turned to Michael. "So you met her huh?"
"Yeah."
"Well, what's she like?" Isabel asked carefully.
"Dunno....didn't stick around long enough to find out," he answered gruffly.
"Michael, you have to at least give her a chance...." she responded.
"Says who?"
Isabel let out an exasperated sigh. "Michael....."
"Don't start, Izzy. I'm not in the mood."
"She's right, Michael. You should at least give the girl a chance. I mean you're stuck with her either way. Why make things harder than they have to be?"
Michael growled but kept his mouth shut. How was he supposed to explain to them how Liz had affected him? Especially considering the fact that he didn't understand it himself.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
August 6th 2000
Three weeks. She'd been living here three weeks now, and Michael had been avoiding her like she was the plague. And as much as she didn't want to admit it to herself, it hurt. Because deep down inside, she cared about him. A lot. She only wished that he felt the same way.
He hadn't even spent one night in his bed since the day she'd moved in. She blinked back tears and reached for the picture on the dresser, tracing the image of her foster mother.
She wondered if she should just call Miss Delaney, tell her it wasn't working out here. That she didn't want to stay. She didn't want to be stuck alone in this trailer with Hank for another minute. In the last 3 weeks he'd had her cooking, cleaning and doing laundry. All while he sat back with a beer in one hand and the remote in the other.
If Michael didn't want her here, fine. She wasn't thrilled about being here, either. She'd just pack up and go. Then Michael could have his life back. At least one of them would be happy then.
Liz pulled her suitcase out from under her bed and pulled open the top dresser drawer, pulling out her clothes and tossing them into the suitcase. Once the top drawer was empty, she opened the second drawer and emptied that as well. Locking the suitcase, she stuffed it back under her bed. She would go into town and find a payphone. Tomorrow she'd be gone, on her way to some other foster home.
She grabbed up the two library books and left her room. "Hank, I'm going out."
"Make sure yer home ta make lunch, Lizzie."
"I will be.......I just need to return a couple of library books."
She opened the door and froze, seeing Michael on the top step. "I.....um......I'm just leaving...." She stepped around him quickly. "Bye, Michael," she added softly.
Michael whirled around. That good bye had sounded...... "Where are you going, Liz?"
"I have to take these books back to the library."
"You finished them already?"
"No....I....I just don't know if there will be time to take them back tomorrow. Look, I need to get going." She walked away, Michael staring after her.
She made it to the road before he caught up to her. "Liz, can we go somewhere and talk?"
Michael led Liz to the quarry. She stood, gazing silently at the water, waiting for Michael to start. "Look.......I've been alone a long time, Liz......and I'm used to it. Hell, I even like it that way. Then you show up and....I've never let anyone get close to me, Liz. But that night you moved in......" He growled and turned away. "I just.....don't let anyone get that close."
"I understand, Michael. But you don't have to worry about it anymore. I'm going to call Miss Delaney and tell her that it's not working out. She'll find me a new foster home and you can have your life back."
Michael whirled around to face her, putting his hands on her shoulders. "Please don't do that, Liz."
"Michael, you haven't been around at all the whole time I've been here. It's not fair that I've messed up your life..." Michael lowered his lips to hers, a feather soft touch that slowly grew firmer. His arms slid around her back, pulling her closer.
Finally he pulled back, gazing down into her deep dark eyes. "That's why I haven't been home, Liz." His hand palmed her cheek tenderly before he dipped his lips back to hers, kissing her softly.
Liz pressed closer, her arms sliding around his neck as she returned the kiss. This time she broke away first, gazing up at him shyly.
"I don't want you to leave, Liz..." he growled softly.
She lay her head against his chest. "Then I won't leave, Michael." He held her close, one hand stroking her hair lightly. "Michael?"
"Hmmmm?"
"Where have you been sleeping the last few weeks?"
"I've been staying with my friend, Max."
"Max Evans?"
"Yeah. How do you know his name?"
"I.....um......met him the day I moved here."
Michael gazed down at her. "Tell me he didn't offer to play tour guide." Michael growled softly. If Max thought he was going to get Liz on a date, he was sadly mistaken.
"Umm...."
Michael growled louder, tightening his arms around her. "Mine," he said softly.
Liz blushed, looking up at him shyly. "I'm not interested in Max, Michael."
"Good," he said gruffly. "Because I'm not sharing."
-
Polardreaming
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Fri Sep 10, 2004 11:00 pm
- Location: Polar Heaven
Worth Fighting For
Chapter 5:
August 17th
Liz sat at the picnic table, eating her Tabasco laden corn flakes when Michael sat down beside her, sliding his arm around her shoulders. "Morning, stranger," she teased. Since the kiss at the quarry, Michael seemed to be there every time she turned around, not that she was complaining. Cause, she wasn't. Not at all. He refused to leave her alone with Hank, which, secretly, was just fine with her.
Hank's emotions still confused her. He was just...too happy....about the way she and Michael acted around each other. But it didn't feel like a good kind of happy. It felt...wrong. So, Liz had been avoiding the trailer as much as possible when Michael wasn't there.
She didn't insist on being by his side every minute. Michael was still a loner, even if he had finally let her in. They were both too independent to be spending every waking minute together. So, while Michael was off doing Michael things during the day, Liz would spend hours at the library, indulging her love of books, or visiting the UFO Museum. She'd even gone to the mall one day. Granted, she'd only gone because she was bored and there wasn't much to do in good old Roswell, but.....
What Liz really wanted to do was go back to Las Cruces. Not to stay. No, Roswell had finally become home to her in the last two weeks. But she did want to visit her foster parents' graves. And see a few old friends.
"Don't make any plans for next weekend," Michael said gruffly.
Liz turned to look at him. "Actually.....um....I was thinking about going to Las Cruces next weekend."
"What? Why? You said you wouldn't leave, Liz."
"No, Michael! I'm not leaving. I just....next Saturday is my birthday and I really want to visit my old friends and maybe...." she blinked back her tears, "maybe I could visit my parents' graves. This is my first birthday without them..."
Michael tugged her into his arms, holding her close. "I understand, Liz. If you really want to go, we'll go. Wait...your birthday is next Saturday???" Liz nodded, wrapping her arms around his waist. She loved the feeling of just being in his arms, the possessive way he held her, as if he'd never let her go. "Next Saturday is my birthday, too. That's why I didn't want you to make any plans."
"Wow. We have the same birthday. What are the odds of that happening?" She grinned over at him.
"A million to one? Kinda like the odds that I'd find my angel," he teased, causing her to blush.
"Michael, I've been thinking...."
"About what?"
"About getting a job."
"Yeah, me, too, actually."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Not having money was never a problem. But then, I never had anyone to spend money on before, either," he grinned, leaning in to brush a kiss across her lips.
She blushed softly. "I was just thinking if I had a job....I wouldn't be stuck waiting on Hank all day."
Her words had Michael scowling back at the trailer. "Yeah, I don't like you being stuck here all the time when I'm not here."
"It's not like that, Michael," she laughed. "I spend most of the day in town. I just....it gets boring, ya know?"
"Yeah, Angel. There aren't exactly a lot of things to do around here."
"So,' she said, changing the subject, "are you off with Max again today?"
"No, he's working. I have some things I need to do today. I'll meet you at Senor Chow's for lunch?"
"Sure. I'll just go see if I can find a job and meet you there at one?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Michael Guerin actually had a smile on his face as he headed off to meet Isabel. When Hank had informed him that he was taking in a new foster kid, he had been ready to hate her on sight and make her life hell. Then he saw her......that first glance, their eyes locking and he'd been lost. Sure, he fought it. Hell, he was Michael Guerin. He didn't need anybody. But when she'd offered to leave, so that he could have his life back..... Michael shuddered at the thought of Liz not being there. No. Michael might still consider himself a loner, but he wasn't alone anymore. And, strangely, he didn't want to be. Now, if he could just find her, life would be perfect.
Isabel had come up with a new plan for finding the lost girl, and she'd sounded so excited on the phone that he was anxious to get to her and hear her idea.
He was relaxed, knowing that Liz was in town looking for a job and that he'd be seeing her soon.
He still found it amazing that just thinking about her, saying her name, could make him feel this way. And he couldn't help but curse himself for nearly driving her away with his open hostility. That wouldn't happen now. She was his, and he wasn't letting her go.
When he suddenly felt arms wrap around his waist, and a body press against his back, he smiled to himself. "Change your mind about going to town, Angel?"
"Ooooooh, I knew you were only playing hard to get."
Michael scowled darkly, jerking away to turn and glare at Maria Valenti. "What the hell are you doing?"
"Getting my man. You know you want me, Michael. We don't need to play games. I told you, I want you, too."
Michael gritted his teeth, inwardly seething. "I am NOT your man, Valenti. I don't want to play games either, so just stay the hell away from me!"
"Now, why would I do that, Baby? Neither one of us would be happy if I stayed away." She wrapped her arms around his neck, crushing her lips to his.
Michael growled and shoved her away, wiping at his lips with the back of his hand. "What the hell.....?!? Are you deaf, Maria??? I said, 'Stay the HELL away from me!'." He turned, stalking away from her quickly, fists curled tightly at his sides. God, he wanted to strangle her with his bare hands. There was no way he was letting that crazy bitch come between him and Liz. No way in hell. He'd just make sure that Maria didn't get anywhere near him again.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Liz stopped at the UFO Museum again. She was spending more and more time there these days, pouring over the displays and reading the so called evidence of little green men abducting poor unsuspecting humans. But today, she wasn't here as a spectator. She was looking for a job. And what could be more cliche than an alien working in an alien Museum? She chuckled softly to herself.
She found the owner, Milton, the guy who'd had his little almost encounter at the ice cream parlor all those years ago, running the projector. She inquired about a job and he'd given her an application to fill out at home. Back outside, she was glancing along the street when she noticed the 'help wanted' sign in the CrashDown's window. Had she thought the UFO museum was the most cliche? She smirked. No, working in an alien themed cafe wearing that ridiculous uniform.....now that would be cliche. And those antennae headbands! She giggled softly as she crossed the street and entered the busy cafe.
Spotting Max, she walked to the counter to talk to him. "Hey."
"Liz! Hey, you're back," he said with a grin.
"Yeah, I....um....saw the help wanted sign in the-"
"You're hired," he declared. "When can you start?"
Liz blinked. "Um....tomorrow?"
"Great, let's just get you a uniform, then," Max said, leading her into the back. "I'm really glad you came back.......I haven't seen you in weeks. I asked around, but nobody knew of a Donovan family moving to town."
"Oh.....um.....well it's not exactly Donovan anymore. It's.....um....Guerin now," she explained.
"You're Michael's new stepsister???"
"Yeah.....um....yeah, I am."
"Wow. Michael never talks about you, so I had no idea it was you. Come to think of it, Michael stopped spending the night at my place 2 weeks ago. Is he finally back at the trailer?"
"Yeah, we.....um.....we worked things out so he's staying there now."
Max handed her a uniform. "Here you go. A small right?"
"Yeah, thanks."
"So, Liz....about that movie....."
"Oh.....um....ya know what, Max? I'm so busy with getting settled and everything, and now with this new job....I don't think I'm going to have any free time."
"Oh, yeah. Well once school starts then."
"Yeah....um....we'll see how things go....."
"Great. Well, I'll see you tomorrow then. You start at three and work til closing at nine."
"Um....Max?"
Yeah?"
"You wouldn't have another job opening, would you? Michael's job hunting, too, and..."
"Sure, Liz. We could use a second grill person. Tell Michael he works your shift tomorrow."
Leaving the cafe, Liz decided to take the uniform home before meeting Michael. She walked slowly, not really wanting to see Hank, especially with Michael out doing his own things, but she wanted to put the uniform away before she had to meet him at the restaurant.
Arriving at the trailer, Liz walked in and froze in the doorway, startled to find Hank in his chair, wearing nothing but an undershirt and his boxers. She quickly averted her eyes, dashing into her room to drop the uniform on her bed and dashing for the door.
"Where ya goin' in such a rush, Darlin'? Ya ain't made me lunch yet."
Liz gulped. "Michael's expecting me in town, Hank. I'll.....um.......I'll make lunch when I come home, ok?"
"I don' wanna wait til you come home. I want my lunch now."
"O....ok, I'll....just make you a sandwich then...."
"Hop to it, Lizzie. You ain't leavin' til I've been fed."
Liz dug through the fridge pulling out the cold cuts and quickly making Hank his sandwich. She wanted, needed, to get out of there. Hank was drunk and his emotions were crashing over her, weighing her down. God, why did she come back here? She should have known better. She kept her eyes on the floor as she went to the living room, holding the plate out to him. "Here you go, Hank."
Hank's fingers wrapped around her wrist. "Why doncha stay an' eat with me, Lizzie. We can get to know each other better."
"Michael's waiting for me, Hank."
"Yer not goin' anywhere till yer chores are done, and ye can start with the laundry."
Liz gaped up at him. "I'll do it after dinner, Hank."
Hanks fingers tightened their grip. "Do it now, Lizzie."
"Why can't I do it after dinner?"
Hank grabbed her arm and yanked her closer. "Because I want it done now," he hissed, the alcohol on his breath causing her to turn her head. He yanked again. "Ya do it now, or I'll have ta teach ya who's boss, Lizzie," he threatened.
"You wouldn't dare, Hank." She watched him raise his hand and felt her head snap to the side when his palm connected with her cheek.
Her hand flew up to palm her throbbing face, and she glared up at him. "You shouldn't have done that, Hank," she spat. "Miss Delaney won't be too happy when she finds out."
Hank smirked. "I find out ye told anyone about this, ye won' live to find out how unhappy yer Miss Delaney is. And that goes fer Mikey, too. Ye may not care about yerself, but I know ye wouldn't want anything ta happen ta Mikey." Liz fell to her knees as he shoved her to the floor. "Now go do the damn laundry, Lizzie."
Liz snatched up the laundry basket and fled the trailer. She entered the laundry room and threw the basket at the machines as she slid down the wall, knees drawn up to her chest, and gave in to the tears.
August 17th
Liz sat at the picnic table, eating her Tabasco laden corn flakes when Michael sat down beside her, sliding his arm around her shoulders. "Morning, stranger," she teased. Since the kiss at the quarry, Michael seemed to be there every time she turned around, not that she was complaining. Cause, she wasn't. Not at all. He refused to leave her alone with Hank, which, secretly, was just fine with her.
Hank's emotions still confused her. He was just...too happy....about the way she and Michael acted around each other. But it didn't feel like a good kind of happy. It felt...wrong. So, Liz had been avoiding the trailer as much as possible when Michael wasn't there.
She didn't insist on being by his side every minute. Michael was still a loner, even if he had finally let her in. They were both too independent to be spending every waking minute together. So, while Michael was off doing Michael things during the day, Liz would spend hours at the library, indulging her love of books, or visiting the UFO Museum. She'd even gone to the mall one day. Granted, she'd only gone because she was bored and there wasn't much to do in good old Roswell, but.....
What Liz really wanted to do was go back to Las Cruces. Not to stay. No, Roswell had finally become home to her in the last two weeks. But she did want to visit her foster parents' graves. And see a few old friends.
"Don't make any plans for next weekend," Michael said gruffly.
Liz turned to look at him. "Actually.....um....I was thinking about going to Las Cruces next weekend."
"What? Why? You said you wouldn't leave, Liz."
"No, Michael! I'm not leaving. I just....next Saturday is my birthday and I really want to visit my old friends and maybe...." she blinked back her tears, "maybe I could visit my parents' graves. This is my first birthday without them..."
Michael tugged her into his arms, holding her close. "I understand, Liz. If you really want to go, we'll go. Wait...your birthday is next Saturday???" Liz nodded, wrapping her arms around his waist. She loved the feeling of just being in his arms, the possessive way he held her, as if he'd never let her go. "Next Saturday is my birthday, too. That's why I didn't want you to make any plans."
"Wow. We have the same birthday. What are the odds of that happening?" She grinned over at him.
"A million to one? Kinda like the odds that I'd find my angel," he teased, causing her to blush.
"Michael, I've been thinking...."
"About what?"
"About getting a job."
"Yeah, me, too, actually."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Not having money was never a problem. But then, I never had anyone to spend money on before, either," he grinned, leaning in to brush a kiss across her lips.
She blushed softly. "I was just thinking if I had a job....I wouldn't be stuck waiting on Hank all day."
Her words had Michael scowling back at the trailer. "Yeah, I don't like you being stuck here all the time when I'm not here."
"It's not like that, Michael," she laughed. "I spend most of the day in town. I just....it gets boring, ya know?"
"Yeah, Angel. There aren't exactly a lot of things to do around here."
"So,' she said, changing the subject, "are you off with Max again today?"
"No, he's working. I have some things I need to do today. I'll meet you at Senor Chow's for lunch?"
"Sure. I'll just go see if I can find a job and meet you there at one?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Michael Guerin actually had a smile on his face as he headed off to meet Isabel. When Hank had informed him that he was taking in a new foster kid, he had been ready to hate her on sight and make her life hell. Then he saw her......that first glance, their eyes locking and he'd been lost. Sure, he fought it. Hell, he was Michael Guerin. He didn't need anybody. But when she'd offered to leave, so that he could have his life back..... Michael shuddered at the thought of Liz not being there. No. Michael might still consider himself a loner, but he wasn't alone anymore. And, strangely, he didn't want to be. Now, if he could just find her, life would be perfect.
Isabel had come up with a new plan for finding the lost girl, and she'd sounded so excited on the phone that he was anxious to get to her and hear her idea.
He was relaxed, knowing that Liz was in town looking for a job and that he'd be seeing her soon.
He still found it amazing that just thinking about her, saying her name, could make him feel this way. And he couldn't help but curse himself for nearly driving her away with his open hostility. That wouldn't happen now. She was his, and he wasn't letting her go.
When he suddenly felt arms wrap around his waist, and a body press against his back, he smiled to himself. "Change your mind about going to town, Angel?"
"Ooooooh, I knew you were only playing hard to get."
Michael scowled darkly, jerking away to turn and glare at Maria Valenti. "What the hell are you doing?"
"Getting my man. You know you want me, Michael. We don't need to play games. I told you, I want you, too."
Michael gritted his teeth, inwardly seething. "I am NOT your man, Valenti. I don't want to play games either, so just stay the hell away from me!"
"Now, why would I do that, Baby? Neither one of us would be happy if I stayed away." She wrapped her arms around his neck, crushing her lips to his.
Michael growled and shoved her away, wiping at his lips with the back of his hand. "What the hell.....?!? Are you deaf, Maria??? I said, 'Stay the HELL away from me!'." He turned, stalking away from her quickly, fists curled tightly at his sides. God, he wanted to strangle her with his bare hands. There was no way he was letting that crazy bitch come between him and Liz. No way in hell. He'd just make sure that Maria didn't get anywhere near him again.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Liz stopped at the UFO Museum again. She was spending more and more time there these days, pouring over the displays and reading the so called evidence of little green men abducting poor unsuspecting humans. But today, she wasn't here as a spectator. She was looking for a job. And what could be more cliche than an alien working in an alien Museum? She chuckled softly to herself.
She found the owner, Milton, the guy who'd had his little almost encounter at the ice cream parlor all those years ago, running the projector. She inquired about a job and he'd given her an application to fill out at home. Back outside, she was glancing along the street when she noticed the 'help wanted' sign in the CrashDown's window. Had she thought the UFO museum was the most cliche? She smirked. No, working in an alien themed cafe wearing that ridiculous uniform.....now that would be cliche. And those antennae headbands! She giggled softly as she crossed the street and entered the busy cafe.
Spotting Max, she walked to the counter to talk to him. "Hey."
"Liz! Hey, you're back," he said with a grin.
"Yeah, I....um....saw the help wanted sign in the-"
"You're hired," he declared. "When can you start?"
Liz blinked. "Um....tomorrow?"
"Great, let's just get you a uniform, then," Max said, leading her into the back. "I'm really glad you came back.......I haven't seen you in weeks. I asked around, but nobody knew of a Donovan family moving to town."
"Oh.....um.....well it's not exactly Donovan anymore. It's.....um....Guerin now," she explained.
"You're Michael's new stepsister???"
"Yeah.....um....yeah, I am."
"Wow. Michael never talks about you, so I had no idea it was you. Come to think of it, Michael stopped spending the night at my place 2 weeks ago. Is he finally back at the trailer?"
"Yeah, we.....um.....we worked things out so he's staying there now."
Max handed her a uniform. "Here you go. A small right?"
"Yeah, thanks."
"So, Liz....about that movie....."
"Oh.....um....ya know what, Max? I'm so busy with getting settled and everything, and now with this new job....I don't think I'm going to have any free time."
"Oh, yeah. Well once school starts then."
"Yeah....um....we'll see how things go....."
"Great. Well, I'll see you tomorrow then. You start at three and work til closing at nine."
"Um....Max?"
Yeah?"
"You wouldn't have another job opening, would you? Michael's job hunting, too, and..."
"Sure, Liz. We could use a second grill person. Tell Michael he works your shift tomorrow."
Leaving the cafe, Liz decided to take the uniform home before meeting Michael. She walked slowly, not really wanting to see Hank, especially with Michael out doing his own things, but she wanted to put the uniform away before she had to meet him at the restaurant.
Arriving at the trailer, Liz walked in and froze in the doorway, startled to find Hank in his chair, wearing nothing but an undershirt and his boxers. She quickly averted her eyes, dashing into her room to drop the uniform on her bed and dashing for the door.
"Where ya goin' in such a rush, Darlin'? Ya ain't made me lunch yet."
Liz gulped. "Michael's expecting me in town, Hank. I'll.....um.......I'll make lunch when I come home, ok?"
"I don' wanna wait til you come home. I want my lunch now."
"O....ok, I'll....just make you a sandwich then...."
"Hop to it, Lizzie. You ain't leavin' til I've been fed."
Liz dug through the fridge pulling out the cold cuts and quickly making Hank his sandwich. She wanted, needed, to get out of there. Hank was drunk and his emotions were crashing over her, weighing her down. God, why did she come back here? She should have known better. She kept her eyes on the floor as she went to the living room, holding the plate out to him. "Here you go, Hank."
Hank's fingers wrapped around her wrist. "Why doncha stay an' eat with me, Lizzie. We can get to know each other better."
"Michael's waiting for me, Hank."
"Yer not goin' anywhere till yer chores are done, and ye can start with the laundry."
Liz gaped up at him. "I'll do it after dinner, Hank."
Hanks fingers tightened their grip. "Do it now, Lizzie."
"Why can't I do it after dinner?"
Hank grabbed her arm and yanked her closer. "Because I want it done now," he hissed, the alcohol on his breath causing her to turn her head. He yanked again. "Ya do it now, or I'll have ta teach ya who's boss, Lizzie," he threatened.
"You wouldn't dare, Hank." She watched him raise his hand and felt her head snap to the side when his palm connected with her cheek.
Her hand flew up to palm her throbbing face, and she glared up at him. "You shouldn't have done that, Hank," she spat. "Miss Delaney won't be too happy when she finds out."
Hank smirked. "I find out ye told anyone about this, ye won' live to find out how unhappy yer Miss Delaney is. And that goes fer Mikey, too. Ye may not care about yerself, but I know ye wouldn't want anything ta happen ta Mikey." Liz fell to her knees as he shoved her to the floor. "Now go do the damn laundry, Lizzie."
Liz snatched up the laundry basket and fled the trailer. She entered the laundry room and threw the basket at the machines as she slid down the wall, knees drawn up to her chest, and gave in to the tears.
-
Polardreaming
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Fri Sep 10, 2004 11:00 pm
- Location: Polar Heaven
Worth Fighting For
Chapter 6
Isabel was sitting in her mother's little red Jetta when Michael arrived at the quarry. He slid into the passenger seat. "Hey, Izzy."
Oh. Hey, Michael." She flashed a bright smile his way. "Something wrong?"
"Maria Valenti. I swear, Isabel, she's stalking me."
Isabel arched her brow. "What did she do now?"
He mumbled an answer she couldn't quite make out. "She what?"
"She kissed me, ok?" he growled.
Isabel blinked. "Wait, she kissed you?"
Michael nodded. "She's psycho, Izzy."
"Ok. We'll deal with the town stalker later. I was surfing the web last night and I came across this website. It's a place where people who were adopted can search for their birth parents. I registered us. If she's looking for us, maybe she'll find that site like I did. I figured it was worth a shot."
"Thanks, Izzy. Does Maxwell know?"
"Oh, yeah, right. I'm gonna tell Max I put our names on a national website? Do I have stupid tattooed on my forehead or something?" she smirked.
Michael chuckled. "Yeah, you're right. Better to leave our self-appointed leader out of this."
"So tell me more about Liz. I want to hear all about the girl who finally broke through Michael Guerin's stonewalls."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Michael glanced down at his watch. One thirty. Glancing back to the entrance. Still no Liz. Something was wrong. He knew it. He knew she wouldn't blow off their lunch date. Dropping a few bills down on the table, Michael stood and headed back out to the sidewalk.
Where was she? Library? No, she wouldn't blow him off for the library. She had mentioned job hunting, but she'd also been the one to suggest their meeting time. What would keep her away, except....Hank! Michael saw Isabel stepping out of the CrashDown and called out to her loudly. "Izzy, I need a ride home."
On the ride back to the trailer park, Michael told Isabel about Liz failing to arrive at the restaurant.
"Damn it! Hank has had her waiting on him for weeks, Izzy."
"Michael, relax. I'm sure she's fine. Hank wouldn't hurt her, right?" She eyed him silently.
"Yeah, you're right," Michael answered through gritted teeth. "But she doesn't deserve taking Hank's crap all the time." He risked a quick glance to see if Izzy bought the lie.
She better be right, though, because if Hank ever laid one hand on Liz.......Michael bit back the thought, not wanting to even contemplate it. Liz was his responsibility now. He'd have to do a better job of protecting her. He wouldn't, couldn't, let anything happen to her.
Michael was out of the car before Isabel had even come to a complete stop, stalking up the steps and into the trailer. He shot a contemptuous glare Hank's way, seeing that his foster father was still wearing only his skivvies, turning his gaze to the open bedroom door. Empty. His eyes returned to Hank. "Where's Liz?"
Hank shot him a dismissing look. "Doing her chores. Now git on outta here, I'm watchin' the game." Michael stormed back out of the trailer. The only chore that would take her outside was the laundry. He headed in that direction, Isabel running to keep up.
Flinging the door open, he found Liz folding the clean laundry and returning it to the basket. "Liz," he said huskily. Liz turned, moving into his arms, pressing her cheek against his chest.
"I'm so sorry, Michael, he wouldn't let me leave." Her small body trembled in his arms as she blinked back fresh tears.
Michael kissed the top of her head, stroking her back soothingly. "It's ok, Angel. Are you ok? Did Hank hurt you?"
"No," she mumbled softly, hating herself for the lie, but Hank's threat was firmly burned into her mind. And he was right, she didn't care what threats Hank made against her, she could handle him. But Michael...... She wouldn't give Hank a reason to make good on that threat.
"Michael? Everything ok?" Isabel asked, standing in the doorway.
Michael turned, Liz held tightly in his arms. "Yeah, thanks, Izzy. Hank wouldn't let her leave. She's fine." Liz peeked up at the blond girl standing in the doorway. "Liz this is my friend, Isabel Deluca. Isabel, this is Liz."
"So you're the girl who broke through Michael's defenses, huh?" Izzy smiled warmly. "All I can say is, it's about damn time someone brought him to his knees."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Friday night
Liz glanced at the clock above the order window. One more hour. Then she and Michael were heading to Las Cruces with Isabel. She smiled to herself, remembering how close she and the other girl had gotten in the past week.
She had managed to sidestep Max's flirting all night, but it was starting to grate on her nerves. Thank God Michael was working with her tonight. She knew he'd step in if she gave him any sign that she needed his help. Which is exactly why she was able to keep the smile plastered on her face as Max continued to flirt with her between her waiting on customers.
She went to help a new customer who'd just taken up residence at the counter. Smiling brightly, she took the man's order and walked to the window.
"I need a Sigourney Weaver and a side of Saturn Rings, Michael."
She took the check to the jocks seated in the booth closest to the door. "Here you go, guys."
She laughed softly at the boys' harmless flirting, grinning to herself as she felt Michael's glare turned their way. Turning from the boys, she moved back toward the pickup window. "My order ready yet, Michael?" she asked softly.
"Almost, those boys hassling you? Need me to deal with them?" He looked at her hopefully.
Liz laughed at his expression. "I'm fine, Michael. And you're worrying for nothing. Who am I taking back to Las Cruces with me?"
"Me," he answered softly.
"Yes, you, Michael. Not those jocks, not Max. You. Now, where's my order?" she demanded cheekily.
Liz was grateful when her shift had finally ended. She'd divided her time between dealing with Max's unwanted flirting and listening to his hassling Michael over their trip to Las Cruces.
She couldn't for the life of her understand why Michael took the verbal abuse. She was liking Max less and less the more she saw how he treated Michael.
She grinned as she slid into the back seat of Izzy's Jetta with Michael. "So, you must be Kyle?" Liz asked politely.
The boy in the front passenger seat nodded. "Yeah. And you must be the infamous Liz," he teased."
Liz grinned, laying her head on Michael's shoulder.
"That would be me."
Michael wrapped an arm around her shoulders and Liz closed her eyes, relishing the feelings of safety and love that simple action gave her.
The soft buzz of banter between Isabel and Kyle, together with the soothing feeling of Michael's hand rubbing her back were lulling Liz to sleep. "Michael?" she murmured softly.
"Yes, Angel?"
"Wake me when we get there..."
Michael smiled when her soft even breathing told him she was asleep. "Sweet dreams, Angel," he whispered softly in her ear. He let his thoughts drift back to their last shift. He had nearly gone insane, watching Maxwell flirt incessantly with Liz, but he felt deep pride over the fact that Liz rebuffed all his efforts. For him, he reminded himself. He rested his check on the top of her head, breathing in her soft scent, his fingers trailing lightly along her arm. Liz snuggled closer and Michael dropped a kiss to her forehead as his arm dropped to her waist.
Michael gently shook Liz awake when they arrived at the motel. Smiling into her sleepy eyes, he pulled her into his arms and climbed out of the car. He and Kyle waited by the car while Isabel went to check them in. Glancing Kyle's way Michael asked, "So, how exactly did you meet Isabel?"
Kyle grinned. "I met her at the CrashDown. She's pretty hard to miss."
Michael grinned. "Yeah, Isabel is pretty special."
Isabel came back dangling two sets of keys. "So what are the sleeping arrangements, Michael?"
Michael didn't hesitate. "You and Liz, me and Kyle."
Isabel nodded and opened the first door. Michael carried Liz into the room, setting her down gently on the bed. Turning to Izzy, he spoke softly. "Take care of her for me, Isabel."
"You know I will, Michael. Here's your key. See you in the morning." Isabel slid into bed as Michael shut and sealed the door behind him. She glanced curiously at the girl in the other bed for a while before finally falling asleep.
Liz opened her eyes slowly, glancing over at Isabel and smiling softly to herself. Michael must have taken the other room with Kyle. Slipping from the bed, Liz went to take a shower.
She was dressed when Isabel woke up. "Morning, Liz," the blond mumbled.
"Morning. Um....Isabel?" Liz nibbled at her lower lip.
"Yeah?"
Reaching for her bag, Liz pulled out a small, brightly wrapped package. "Michael mentioned it was your birthday, too."
"Wow, Liz. Thank you. I wasn't expecting anything."
"I wanted to give it to you now in case I don't get a chance later." She glanced around the room before turning her gaze back to Isabel. "Actually, there is something else I wanted to talk to you about..."
"Is this about Michael?"
"I was at the library yesterday, and I was just surfing the web when I found this website for adopted kids searching for their birthparents..... and I saw the message you and Michael left."
"Oh, yeah...that.... I can explain."
"You don't have to be afraid of me, Isabel," Liz stated softly. "I'm not going to expose you."
"What?!? I don't know what you're talking about, Liz." Isabel was staring at Liz now, eyes narrowing.
"Isabel, you don't have to look anymore," Liz continued, her gaze on Isabel never wavering. "You found her."
The girl stared at Liz silently for what seemed like a lifetime. "What do you mean, I found her?"
Liz smiled nervously. "I mean, I know your secret, Isabel. Because for the last eleven years, it's been my secret, too."
Isabel blinked before narrowing her eyes again. "I still don't know what you're talking about, Liz," she said icily.
Liz sighed softly and glanced around the room again. She picked the alarm clock up off the bedside table. She closed her eyes, her hand beginning to glow softly. Her eyes finally opened and she handed Isabel a stuffed teddy bear. "I'm her, Izzy."
"You're Michael's sister????"
"What? No! Wait.......Michael thinks I'm his sister???" Liz sat back on the bed. "Isabel, Michael and I may have come out of the pods together..... but I don't believe that we're related. I know we aren't."
"Have you told Michael?"
"I plan to tell him later, when I give him his birthday present."
"Oh, my God, Liz.....this is incredible!"
"Max is the fourth, isn't he?" Liz asked.
"Yeah, our spineless leader. You'll catch on pretty quick. Max likes being in charge." Isabel rolled her eyes at Liz, making her laugh.
"Listen, Isabel, can you and Kyle find something to do today? A movie or something? I need to talk to Michael..."
"Of course, Liz. Kyle and I will make ourselves scarce. Now," she said, ripping the paper of the gift,"what did you get me?"
Liz grinned, watching her exclaim over the charm bracelet. "We may not be related, Izzy, but that doesn't mean we're not family."
Isabel hugged Liz tightly before sitting back on the bed, fastening the bracelet around her wrist. "I bought you something, too. Although it's not even close to as wonderful as this," the girl said softly.
She moved to her own bag, pulling out a bright gift bag and handing it to Liz.
The petite girl reached into the bag, pulling out a short sleeved white silk blouse. "Oh, my god, Isabel, this is great. Thank you soooo much." Liz hugged the taller girl warmly.
A few minutes later, Isabel was opening the door when Michael and Kyle came knocking. Liz smiled as Michael walked to her, wrapping his arms around her.
"You two exchanged gifts already?" he asked peevishly. Isabel enthusiastically displayed her new charm bracelet for Kyle and Michael to see. Michael sighed and handed Isabel a large wrapped box and Liz a much smaller wrapped box.
Liz glanced at the box in her hands, over at Kyle and Isabel, before turning back to Michael. "I guess I can give you one of your presents now," she said impishly, reaching into her overnight bag and pulling out a gaily wrapped flat package. She handed the gift to Michael before slowly opening the gift he'd given her. She gasped softly as she reverently took the angel pendant from the box, holding it to her heart. "Oh, Michael....."
He smiled, taking the necklace from her and clasping it about her graceful neck. "An angel for my angel," he whispered softly in her ear. Liz hugged him tightly.
"Now open yours, Michael." Liz watched him open his gift, her smile brightening when he froze at his first glimpse of the gift. He pulled out what looked like a small bound booklet, flipping through it, his eyes growing even wider.
"Liz, how did you......?" he asked, incredulous.
"You can find anything on eBay these days," she teased. "So, you like it?"
"Like it? I love it, Liz. Thank you!"
"What is it?" Isabel asked impatiently. Michael handed her the book reluctantly and as she flipped through it she turned an awed grin Liz's way. "Wow, Liz, I'm impressed."
The petite brunette smiled. "I know Braveheart is his favorite movie so I was browsing eBay when I saw it, and I just had to have it for him."
"Have what?" Kyle asked, the only member of the group still in the dark.
"It's the autographed director's script from Braveheart," Michael answered in an awestruck whisper.
"Oh, I've seen things like that. They even sell some at the mall," Kyle said with a grin.
"No, Kyle," Isabel said softly. "That is the actual director's copy of the script. Scribbles in the margin, coffee stains and all."
Liz grinned as she was again enveloped in a bone crushing hug from Michael. "Hey, need to breathe here," she teased.
"Whatever else you got him, I don't think it's going to go ever nearly as well," Kyle teased.
"Actually, Kyle, It will. It's the one thing Michael wants more than anything else," Isabel whispered in his ear. Aloud, she said, "Kyle and I are going to go see a movie so Liz can give you your other present, Michael." She hugged him fiercely. "Congratulations, Michael. I'm so happy for you!"
Once they were alone in the room, Michael turned to Liz. "What could possibly top this, Liz?" he asked softly.
Liz smiled nervously. "How about being granted your deepest lifelong wish?"
"That would be great, but-" Michael stared at her in wide eyed amazement. Liz smiled and nodded slowly.
"It's you? It's really you?" Liz barely had time to nod before Michael had her back in his arms, holding her close, his lips meshing to hers. She slid her arms around his neck as he lifted her off the floor, swinging her around. "I can't believe it... I didn't think I'd ever find you again....but how...?"
"I found the website yesterday, Michael. When I realized it was you.....everything suddenly made sense. Our connection......why Miss Delaney brought me to Roswell.....to you...all of it."
"You really are my angel, Liz...." He claimed her lips again, hungrily, his tongue flicking out to tease at her lips. Liz granted him entrance, moaning softly as his tongue slid gently against hers, her arms tightening around his neck as his hands roamed, gliding over her back. Liz gasped as he slid his lips lower, nibbling lightly at her neck.
Michael gently slid her back to her feet, gazing down at her. "I love you, Angel."
"I love you, Michael," she echoed softly.
"Do you still want to visit your parents' graves, Liz?"
Liz nodded solemnly. "I need to say good bye."
Michael and Liz left the room to head to the cemetery. Isabel had left them the keys to the Jetta and Michael led Liz to the car. She climbed into the passenger seat, picking up an envelope sitting there. Seeing her name on the envelope, she opened it, assuming it was from Isabel. Her eyes widened as she read. "Michael!" Michael turned to her, reading the note as well.
Liz and Michael,
I am quite pleased that you have finally found each other after all this time. But you must both be wary. There is an enemy among you. One who will stop at nothing to keep the two of you apart. You must be strong. But above all else, you must remain true to each other. Trust in your hearts, and in your gifts to see you through. I have enclosed a clue to help you in finding answers to questions of the past....be safe and stay true.....
Liz looked to Michael, her shock and confusion mirrored in his eyes. Looking back to the envelope, Liz removed a Polaroid snapshot of a rock abutment seemingly in the middle of the desert. Examining the picture for any other clues Liz found the work pods written on the back. Liz felt dread rising within her. "Michael," she whispered fearfully. "Someone knows........"
Isabel was sitting in her mother's little red Jetta when Michael arrived at the quarry. He slid into the passenger seat. "Hey, Izzy."
Oh. Hey, Michael." She flashed a bright smile his way. "Something wrong?"
"Maria Valenti. I swear, Isabel, she's stalking me."
Isabel arched her brow. "What did she do now?"
He mumbled an answer she couldn't quite make out. "She what?"
"She kissed me, ok?" he growled.
Isabel blinked. "Wait, she kissed you?"
Michael nodded. "She's psycho, Izzy."
"Ok. We'll deal with the town stalker later. I was surfing the web last night and I came across this website. It's a place where people who were adopted can search for their birth parents. I registered us. If she's looking for us, maybe she'll find that site like I did. I figured it was worth a shot."
"Thanks, Izzy. Does Maxwell know?"
"Oh, yeah, right. I'm gonna tell Max I put our names on a national website? Do I have stupid tattooed on my forehead or something?" she smirked.
Michael chuckled. "Yeah, you're right. Better to leave our self-appointed leader out of this."
"So tell me more about Liz. I want to hear all about the girl who finally broke through Michael Guerin's stonewalls."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Michael glanced down at his watch. One thirty. Glancing back to the entrance. Still no Liz. Something was wrong. He knew it. He knew she wouldn't blow off their lunch date. Dropping a few bills down on the table, Michael stood and headed back out to the sidewalk.
Where was she? Library? No, she wouldn't blow him off for the library. She had mentioned job hunting, but she'd also been the one to suggest their meeting time. What would keep her away, except....Hank! Michael saw Isabel stepping out of the CrashDown and called out to her loudly. "Izzy, I need a ride home."
On the ride back to the trailer park, Michael told Isabel about Liz failing to arrive at the restaurant.
"Damn it! Hank has had her waiting on him for weeks, Izzy."
"Michael, relax. I'm sure she's fine. Hank wouldn't hurt her, right?" She eyed him silently.
"Yeah, you're right," Michael answered through gritted teeth. "But she doesn't deserve taking Hank's crap all the time." He risked a quick glance to see if Izzy bought the lie.
She better be right, though, because if Hank ever laid one hand on Liz.......Michael bit back the thought, not wanting to even contemplate it. Liz was his responsibility now. He'd have to do a better job of protecting her. He wouldn't, couldn't, let anything happen to her.
Michael was out of the car before Isabel had even come to a complete stop, stalking up the steps and into the trailer. He shot a contemptuous glare Hank's way, seeing that his foster father was still wearing only his skivvies, turning his gaze to the open bedroom door. Empty. His eyes returned to Hank. "Where's Liz?"
Hank shot him a dismissing look. "Doing her chores. Now git on outta here, I'm watchin' the game." Michael stormed back out of the trailer. The only chore that would take her outside was the laundry. He headed in that direction, Isabel running to keep up.
Flinging the door open, he found Liz folding the clean laundry and returning it to the basket. "Liz," he said huskily. Liz turned, moving into his arms, pressing her cheek against his chest.
"I'm so sorry, Michael, he wouldn't let me leave." Her small body trembled in his arms as she blinked back fresh tears.
Michael kissed the top of her head, stroking her back soothingly. "It's ok, Angel. Are you ok? Did Hank hurt you?"
"No," she mumbled softly, hating herself for the lie, but Hank's threat was firmly burned into her mind. And he was right, she didn't care what threats Hank made against her, she could handle him. But Michael...... She wouldn't give Hank a reason to make good on that threat.
"Michael? Everything ok?" Isabel asked, standing in the doorway.
Michael turned, Liz held tightly in his arms. "Yeah, thanks, Izzy. Hank wouldn't let her leave. She's fine." Liz peeked up at the blond girl standing in the doorway. "Liz this is my friend, Isabel Deluca. Isabel, this is Liz."
"So you're the girl who broke through Michael's defenses, huh?" Izzy smiled warmly. "All I can say is, it's about damn time someone brought him to his knees."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Friday night
Liz glanced at the clock above the order window. One more hour. Then she and Michael were heading to Las Cruces with Isabel. She smiled to herself, remembering how close she and the other girl had gotten in the past week.
She had managed to sidestep Max's flirting all night, but it was starting to grate on her nerves. Thank God Michael was working with her tonight. She knew he'd step in if she gave him any sign that she needed his help. Which is exactly why she was able to keep the smile plastered on her face as Max continued to flirt with her between her waiting on customers.
She went to help a new customer who'd just taken up residence at the counter. Smiling brightly, she took the man's order and walked to the window.
"I need a Sigourney Weaver and a side of Saturn Rings, Michael."
She took the check to the jocks seated in the booth closest to the door. "Here you go, guys."
She laughed softly at the boys' harmless flirting, grinning to herself as she felt Michael's glare turned their way. Turning from the boys, she moved back toward the pickup window. "My order ready yet, Michael?" she asked softly.
"Almost, those boys hassling you? Need me to deal with them?" He looked at her hopefully.
Liz laughed at his expression. "I'm fine, Michael. And you're worrying for nothing. Who am I taking back to Las Cruces with me?"
"Me," he answered softly.
"Yes, you, Michael. Not those jocks, not Max. You. Now, where's my order?" she demanded cheekily.
Liz was grateful when her shift had finally ended. She'd divided her time between dealing with Max's unwanted flirting and listening to his hassling Michael over their trip to Las Cruces.
She couldn't for the life of her understand why Michael took the verbal abuse. She was liking Max less and less the more she saw how he treated Michael.
She grinned as she slid into the back seat of Izzy's Jetta with Michael. "So, you must be Kyle?" Liz asked politely.
The boy in the front passenger seat nodded. "Yeah. And you must be the infamous Liz," he teased."
Liz grinned, laying her head on Michael's shoulder.
"That would be me."
Michael wrapped an arm around her shoulders and Liz closed her eyes, relishing the feelings of safety and love that simple action gave her.
The soft buzz of banter between Isabel and Kyle, together with the soothing feeling of Michael's hand rubbing her back were lulling Liz to sleep. "Michael?" she murmured softly.
"Yes, Angel?"
"Wake me when we get there..."
Michael smiled when her soft even breathing told him she was asleep. "Sweet dreams, Angel," he whispered softly in her ear. He let his thoughts drift back to their last shift. He had nearly gone insane, watching Maxwell flirt incessantly with Liz, but he felt deep pride over the fact that Liz rebuffed all his efforts. For him, he reminded himself. He rested his check on the top of her head, breathing in her soft scent, his fingers trailing lightly along her arm. Liz snuggled closer and Michael dropped a kiss to her forehead as his arm dropped to her waist.
Michael gently shook Liz awake when they arrived at the motel. Smiling into her sleepy eyes, he pulled her into his arms and climbed out of the car. He and Kyle waited by the car while Isabel went to check them in. Glancing Kyle's way Michael asked, "So, how exactly did you meet Isabel?"
Kyle grinned. "I met her at the CrashDown. She's pretty hard to miss."
Michael grinned. "Yeah, Isabel is pretty special."
Isabel came back dangling two sets of keys. "So what are the sleeping arrangements, Michael?"
Michael didn't hesitate. "You and Liz, me and Kyle."
Isabel nodded and opened the first door. Michael carried Liz into the room, setting her down gently on the bed. Turning to Izzy, he spoke softly. "Take care of her for me, Isabel."
"You know I will, Michael. Here's your key. See you in the morning." Isabel slid into bed as Michael shut and sealed the door behind him. She glanced curiously at the girl in the other bed for a while before finally falling asleep.
Liz opened her eyes slowly, glancing over at Isabel and smiling softly to herself. Michael must have taken the other room with Kyle. Slipping from the bed, Liz went to take a shower.
She was dressed when Isabel woke up. "Morning, Liz," the blond mumbled.
"Morning. Um....Isabel?" Liz nibbled at her lower lip.
"Yeah?"
Reaching for her bag, Liz pulled out a small, brightly wrapped package. "Michael mentioned it was your birthday, too."
"Wow, Liz. Thank you. I wasn't expecting anything."
"I wanted to give it to you now in case I don't get a chance later." She glanced around the room before turning her gaze back to Isabel. "Actually, there is something else I wanted to talk to you about..."
"Is this about Michael?"
"I was at the library yesterday, and I was just surfing the web when I found this website for adopted kids searching for their birthparents..... and I saw the message you and Michael left."
"Oh, yeah...that.... I can explain."
"You don't have to be afraid of me, Isabel," Liz stated softly. "I'm not going to expose you."
"What?!? I don't know what you're talking about, Liz." Isabel was staring at Liz now, eyes narrowing.
"Isabel, you don't have to look anymore," Liz continued, her gaze on Isabel never wavering. "You found her."
The girl stared at Liz silently for what seemed like a lifetime. "What do you mean, I found her?"
Liz smiled nervously. "I mean, I know your secret, Isabel. Because for the last eleven years, it's been my secret, too."
Isabel blinked before narrowing her eyes again. "I still don't know what you're talking about, Liz," she said icily.
Liz sighed softly and glanced around the room again. She picked the alarm clock up off the bedside table. She closed her eyes, her hand beginning to glow softly. Her eyes finally opened and she handed Isabel a stuffed teddy bear. "I'm her, Izzy."
"You're Michael's sister????"
"What? No! Wait.......Michael thinks I'm his sister???" Liz sat back on the bed. "Isabel, Michael and I may have come out of the pods together..... but I don't believe that we're related. I know we aren't."
"Have you told Michael?"
"I plan to tell him later, when I give him his birthday present."
"Oh, my God, Liz.....this is incredible!"
"Max is the fourth, isn't he?" Liz asked.
"Yeah, our spineless leader. You'll catch on pretty quick. Max likes being in charge." Isabel rolled her eyes at Liz, making her laugh.
"Listen, Isabel, can you and Kyle find something to do today? A movie or something? I need to talk to Michael..."
"Of course, Liz. Kyle and I will make ourselves scarce. Now," she said, ripping the paper of the gift,"what did you get me?"
Liz grinned, watching her exclaim over the charm bracelet. "We may not be related, Izzy, but that doesn't mean we're not family."
Isabel hugged Liz tightly before sitting back on the bed, fastening the bracelet around her wrist. "I bought you something, too. Although it's not even close to as wonderful as this," the girl said softly.
She moved to her own bag, pulling out a bright gift bag and handing it to Liz.
The petite girl reached into the bag, pulling out a short sleeved white silk blouse. "Oh, my god, Isabel, this is great. Thank you soooo much." Liz hugged the taller girl warmly.
A few minutes later, Isabel was opening the door when Michael and Kyle came knocking. Liz smiled as Michael walked to her, wrapping his arms around her.
"You two exchanged gifts already?" he asked peevishly. Isabel enthusiastically displayed her new charm bracelet for Kyle and Michael to see. Michael sighed and handed Isabel a large wrapped box and Liz a much smaller wrapped box.
Liz glanced at the box in her hands, over at Kyle and Isabel, before turning back to Michael. "I guess I can give you one of your presents now," she said impishly, reaching into her overnight bag and pulling out a gaily wrapped flat package. She handed the gift to Michael before slowly opening the gift he'd given her. She gasped softly as she reverently took the angel pendant from the box, holding it to her heart. "Oh, Michael....."
He smiled, taking the necklace from her and clasping it about her graceful neck. "An angel for my angel," he whispered softly in her ear. Liz hugged him tightly.
"Now open yours, Michael." Liz watched him open his gift, her smile brightening when he froze at his first glimpse of the gift. He pulled out what looked like a small bound booklet, flipping through it, his eyes growing even wider.
"Liz, how did you......?" he asked, incredulous.
"You can find anything on eBay these days," she teased. "So, you like it?"
"Like it? I love it, Liz. Thank you!"
"What is it?" Isabel asked impatiently. Michael handed her the book reluctantly and as she flipped through it she turned an awed grin Liz's way. "Wow, Liz, I'm impressed."
The petite brunette smiled. "I know Braveheart is his favorite movie so I was browsing eBay when I saw it, and I just had to have it for him."
"Have what?" Kyle asked, the only member of the group still in the dark.
"It's the autographed director's script from Braveheart," Michael answered in an awestruck whisper.
"Oh, I've seen things like that. They even sell some at the mall," Kyle said with a grin.
"No, Kyle," Isabel said softly. "That is the actual director's copy of the script. Scribbles in the margin, coffee stains and all."
Liz grinned as she was again enveloped in a bone crushing hug from Michael. "Hey, need to breathe here," she teased.
"Whatever else you got him, I don't think it's going to go ever nearly as well," Kyle teased.
"Actually, Kyle, It will. It's the one thing Michael wants more than anything else," Isabel whispered in his ear. Aloud, she said, "Kyle and I are going to go see a movie so Liz can give you your other present, Michael." She hugged him fiercely. "Congratulations, Michael. I'm so happy for you!"
Once they were alone in the room, Michael turned to Liz. "What could possibly top this, Liz?" he asked softly.
Liz smiled nervously. "How about being granted your deepest lifelong wish?"
"That would be great, but-" Michael stared at her in wide eyed amazement. Liz smiled and nodded slowly.
"It's you? It's really you?" Liz barely had time to nod before Michael had her back in his arms, holding her close, his lips meshing to hers. She slid her arms around his neck as he lifted her off the floor, swinging her around. "I can't believe it... I didn't think I'd ever find you again....but how...?"
"I found the website yesterday, Michael. When I realized it was you.....everything suddenly made sense. Our connection......why Miss Delaney brought me to Roswell.....to you...all of it."
"You really are my angel, Liz...." He claimed her lips again, hungrily, his tongue flicking out to tease at her lips. Liz granted him entrance, moaning softly as his tongue slid gently against hers, her arms tightening around his neck as his hands roamed, gliding over her back. Liz gasped as he slid his lips lower, nibbling lightly at her neck.
Michael gently slid her back to her feet, gazing down at her. "I love you, Angel."
"I love you, Michael," she echoed softly.
"Do you still want to visit your parents' graves, Liz?"
Liz nodded solemnly. "I need to say good bye."
Michael and Liz left the room to head to the cemetery. Isabel had left them the keys to the Jetta and Michael led Liz to the car. She climbed into the passenger seat, picking up an envelope sitting there. Seeing her name on the envelope, she opened it, assuming it was from Isabel. Her eyes widened as she read. "Michael!" Michael turned to her, reading the note as well.
Liz and Michael,
I am quite pleased that you have finally found each other after all this time. But you must both be wary. There is an enemy among you. One who will stop at nothing to keep the two of you apart. You must be strong. But above all else, you must remain true to each other. Trust in your hearts, and in your gifts to see you through. I have enclosed a clue to help you in finding answers to questions of the past....be safe and stay true.....
Liz looked to Michael, her shock and confusion mirrored in his eyes. Looking back to the envelope, Liz removed a Polaroid snapshot of a rock abutment seemingly in the middle of the desert. Examining the picture for any other clues Liz found the work pods written on the back. Liz felt dread rising within her. "Michael," she whispered fearfully. "Someone knows........"
-
Polardreaming
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Fri Sep 10, 2004 11:00 pm
- Location: Polar Heaven
Worth Fighting For
Chapter 7
Kyle sat in the passenger seat of the Jetta, confused by the tense silence permeating the car. The other three had been acting strangely since Liz and Michael had found them at a local diner, insisting they needed to cut their trip short and head straight back to Roswell. Now, as they passed the 'Welcome to Roswell' sign, Kyle was still completely in the dark.
Isabel was driving, her face a blank slate save for the tight smile on her lips. Whatever was going on had her tense, on edge, and Kyle realized he had no idea what to do, to say, to help. Turning to look over his shoulder, he saw Michael holding Liz close, his hand stroking her hair soothingly, whispering in her ear. Whatever he was saying didn't seem to remove the spark of fear shining in her large doe eyes, however. As if sensing his eyes on her, Liz looked up, flashing him an apologetic smile before turning her attention back to Michael.
Isabel dropped Kyle off at his house before heading back to the CrashDown. Michael jumped out of the car and headed down the alley to climb the ladder up to Max's balcony. Glancing in the window and seeing Max asleep in his room, Michael knocked softly on the window to get his attention. When that failed to work, Michael lifted the window and climbed inside, shaking the boy awake.
"Michael, what the hell...?"
"Meeting at the quarry, Maxwell. Now."
"What is it?" Max demanded. "What's going on?"
"Isabel and Liz are waiting. Get dressed and meet us in the car." Michael was too edgy to play twenty questions. He climbed back out to the balcony and took the ladder back down to the ground, leaving a confused Max to get his ass out of bed and join them. Back on the ground, Michael climbed into the Jetta and pulled Liz back into his arms, holding her close. "He's getting dressed."
"Michael, who could possibly know about us?" Isabel asked, sending a terrified glance his way. "And how did they know we'd be in Las Cruces?"
"I don't know, Isabel. That's why we need to discuss this as a group." Michael pressed a kiss to Liz's forehead, whispering soothingly in her ear. Isabel frowned but turned to watch the alley, waiting for Max impatiently. Their entire existence was in danger and Max was taking his time to join them. She felt like screaming. How had things gone so quickly from miraculous in finding out Liz was their missing fourth, to terrifying with the sudden knowledge that someone knew their secret? How could anyone know about the pods?
The second Max was in the car, Isabel sped off for the quarry. Max glanced from Izzy to the backseat, frowning as he saw Michael and Liz together. "Why is Liz coming with us?" he asked impatiently. "I thought this was a quarry meeting?"
"It is, Maxwell," Michael growled softly. "And as to why Liz is here....gee, I don't know, maybe because she's our fourth."
"WHAT?!?" Max was staring at them both incredulously.
"It's true, Max," Liz said softly.
Max glared at Michael. "How long have you known?"
"I only told them this morning, Max. So you can just stop giving Michael a hard time," Liz interrupted angrily. She wasn't about to let Max start in on anyone right now. They had more important things to deal with than Max's petty jealousy issues. She handed Max the picture for his inspection, choosing to the keep the note to herself for now. The warning had been directed toward her and Michael, and at the moment she wasn't inclined to share it with Max Parker.
They pulled into the quarry and piled out of the car. Michael walked to the edge, his eyes scanning the far side in the darkness. He was on edge, his energy crackling through him, and he needed to release it. Making out a boulder he raised his hand, releasing his pent up emotion in a blast of power that blew the boulder to pieces. Liz watched him silently. She could feel the emotions rolling through him and knew he needed this release, and that it was something he needed to do himself.
Satisfied that he was alright for the moment, she turned her attention to their agitated leader. "Whoever left that picture knows our secret, Max. But they also knew we would be in Las Cruces this weekend, which means they have to be close to us." She watched him, waiting silently. If he wanted to play at being leader, let him step up and deal with the real issues. "What are we going to do about that?" she challenged him.
Max stared at her, slackjawed. "Max?" she prodded. "What are we going to do about this?"
He finally seemed to find his voice. "We have to be more careful. For starters, we should lay low for a while. Just act normal. We can't go running around the desert looking for this place." He waved the Polaroid in the air. "We just go on like always. We're normal kids, living normal lives." Liz glanced to Isabel, arching a brow questioningly. Isabel shrugged imperceptibly and Liz sighed. She was glad she'd held back on the letter. If Max's great advice was to ignore the threat, pretend everything was normal, they didn't need his damn help. Hell, he was so anxious to blow all this off, maybe he was the enemy the letter warned about.
At this point, she only trusted Michael and Isabel. She had hoped that she could add Max to that list. The disappointment cut deep, but she pushed it aside and focused on the situation at hand. She would approach this logically. They needed to be level headed about this. Max was right about that much, at least. They couldn't go running off halfcocked.
"So, we're agreed? We all go back and act normal?" Liz nodded, glancing quickly at Isabel and Michael, and they, too, nodded.
The next day, Isabel, Michael and Liz had their own meeting at the quarry. "Ok, are we all in agreement that Max is being an idiot trying to ignore all this?" Liz asked carefully. The others agreed fervently. "Ok, then, we need to handle this ourselves for now. Isabel, maybe you can use the internet, see if there's anything that resembles the picture?" Liz knew it was grasping at straws, but she didn't want to leave any stone unturned. They needed to be careful, but thorough.
"Michael, maybe we can drive around tomorrow, see if we can stumble across this place accidentally?" she suggested.
"Yeah, anything that will help us figure this out is fine with me, Angel," he agreed softly.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Friday, August 30th, 2002 8:23 pm
Liz was bustling around the busy cafe, taking orders and serving food to the multitude of hungry diners. Moving back to the serving window, she brushed a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. "I need 2 rocket chili dogs, a Will Smith burger , a James T. Kirk platter and 3 orders of Saturn Rings, Michael." She offered him a tired smile before turning back to the room, biting back a groan as another customer entered, taking a seat at the counter. Pasting on a smile she headed over to take his order. She felt nervousness oozing off him, bombarding her senses and she slowly shook her head to clear it.
"What can I get you?" she asked cheerfully. She waited while the man perused the menu before finally turning her way.
"I'll take a Will Smith burger with a side of space fries and a blood of alien smoothie," the stranger answered gruffly.
"Coming right up," she answered, turning to place the order. The stranger eyed the busy cafe silently as he waited for his food.
Liz sighed in relief as she rang up yet another customer. The cafe was finally thinning out. A glance at the clock told her it was 8:48. Twelve more minutes. She glanced up when the door chime went off, a smile curving her lips when Isabel entered. Liz waved as the girl slid into their regular booth and she went over to the serving window. "Hey, Michael. I need Isabel's slice of Men in Blackberry pie." Carrying the pie and a large glass of Cherry Coke, she approached Isabel. "Here you go. Michael and I will clean up as quickly as we can, so just take your time and enjoy," she said, grinning. Isabel had taken to giving them rides home on the nights they closed, while Liz was saving up her paychecks and tip money to buy a car.
8:53 pm
Liz glanced around the room as another customer paid and left. Three tables, Isabel in the booth and the stranger at the counter. She sighed in relief. They would be out of there soon. Liz walked to the booth. "Izzy? would you mind helping me close up tonight? I am so totally drained," she requested hopefully.
Isabel grinned. "Sure, Liz. What do you need me to do first?"
"If you could start wiping down the empty tables that would be great," Liz suggested gratefully. While Isabel got to work, Liz rang up the three customers from the table. She glanced to the last remaining customer at the counter, who was finishing up a slice of pie.
Michael poked his head through the door. "I'm just gonna take out the trash, then I'll come help you clean up, Liz."
"Ok, Michael," she said, grabbing a rag and wiping down the booths, hoping the last customer would take the hint. Liz watched Michael grab two large garbage bags and head out into the alley where the dumpster stood.
"Alone at last." Liz turned to the last customer, tensing at the sight of the gun in his hand. "You, waitress.....empty the register," he hissed. "Before the cook comes back, unless you want someone to die."
Liz dashed to the register, opened the till and emptied the bills into the bag the man thrust at her. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Isabel edging toward the kitchen door. The stranger must have seen the movement as well. Suddenly the gun was sweeping from one girl to the other, as if the stranger was unsure of who to shoot first. Two loud pops were heard, as the gun discharged. Two bodies fell to the floor as the gunman grabbed the bag of money and dashed out the door. A small puddle of blood began to pool. And the stranger disappeared into the night.
Kyle sat in the passenger seat of the Jetta, confused by the tense silence permeating the car. The other three had been acting strangely since Liz and Michael had found them at a local diner, insisting they needed to cut their trip short and head straight back to Roswell. Now, as they passed the 'Welcome to Roswell' sign, Kyle was still completely in the dark.
Isabel was driving, her face a blank slate save for the tight smile on her lips. Whatever was going on had her tense, on edge, and Kyle realized he had no idea what to do, to say, to help. Turning to look over his shoulder, he saw Michael holding Liz close, his hand stroking her hair soothingly, whispering in her ear. Whatever he was saying didn't seem to remove the spark of fear shining in her large doe eyes, however. As if sensing his eyes on her, Liz looked up, flashing him an apologetic smile before turning her attention back to Michael.
Isabel dropped Kyle off at his house before heading back to the CrashDown. Michael jumped out of the car and headed down the alley to climb the ladder up to Max's balcony. Glancing in the window and seeing Max asleep in his room, Michael knocked softly on the window to get his attention. When that failed to work, Michael lifted the window and climbed inside, shaking the boy awake.
"Michael, what the hell...?"
"Meeting at the quarry, Maxwell. Now."
"What is it?" Max demanded. "What's going on?"
"Isabel and Liz are waiting. Get dressed and meet us in the car." Michael was too edgy to play twenty questions. He climbed back out to the balcony and took the ladder back down to the ground, leaving a confused Max to get his ass out of bed and join them. Back on the ground, Michael climbed into the Jetta and pulled Liz back into his arms, holding her close. "He's getting dressed."
"Michael, who could possibly know about us?" Isabel asked, sending a terrified glance his way. "And how did they know we'd be in Las Cruces?"
"I don't know, Isabel. That's why we need to discuss this as a group." Michael pressed a kiss to Liz's forehead, whispering soothingly in her ear. Isabel frowned but turned to watch the alley, waiting for Max impatiently. Their entire existence was in danger and Max was taking his time to join them. She felt like screaming. How had things gone so quickly from miraculous in finding out Liz was their missing fourth, to terrifying with the sudden knowledge that someone knew their secret? How could anyone know about the pods?
The second Max was in the car, Isabel sped off for the quarry. Max glanced from Izzy to the backseat, frowning as he saw Michael and Liz together. "Why is Liz coming with us?" he asked impatiently. "I thought this was a quarry meeting?"
"It is, Maxwell," Michael growled softly. "And as to why Liz is here....gee, I don't know, maybe because she's our fourth."
"WHAT?!?" Max was staring at them both incredulously.
"It's true, Max," Liz said softly.
Max glared at Michael. "How long have you known?"
"I only told them this morning, Max. So you can just stop giving Michael a hard time," Liz interrupted angrily. She wasn't about to let Max start in on anyone right now. They had more important things to deal with than Max's petty jealousy issues. She handed Max the picture for his inspection, choosing to the keep the note to herself for now. The warning had been directed toward her and Michael, and at the moment she wasn't inclined to share it with Max Parker.
They pulled into the quarry and piled out of the car. Michael walked to the edge, his eyes scanning the far side in the darkness. He was on edge, his energy crackling through him, and he needed to release it. Making out a boulder he raised his hand, releasing his pent up emotion in a blast of power that blew the boulder to pieces. Liz watched him silently. She could feel the emotions rolling through him and knew he needed this release, and that it was something he needed to do himself.
Satisfied that he was alright for the moment, she turned her attention to their agitated leader. "Whoever left that picture knows our secret, Max. But they also knew we would be in Las Cruces this weekend, which means they have to be close to us." She watched him, waiting silently. If he wanted to play at being leader, let him step up and deal with the real issues. "What are we going to do about that?" she challenged him.
Max stared at her, slackjawed. "Max?" she prodded. "What are we going to do about this?"
He finally seemed to find his voice. "We have to be more careful. For starters, we should lay low for a while. Just act normal. We can't go running around the desert looking for this place." He waved the Polaroid in the air. "We just go on like always. We're normal kids, living normal lives." Liz glanced to Isabel, arching a brow questioningly. Isabel shrugged imperceptibly and Liz sighed. She was glad she'd held back on the letter. If Max's great advice was to ignore the threat, pretend everything was normal, they didn't need his damn help. Hell, he was so anxious to blow all this off, maybe he was the enemy the letter warned about.
At this point, she only trusted Michael and Isabel. She had hoped that she could add Max to that list. The disappointment cut deep, but she pushed it aside and focused on the situation at hand. She would approach this logically. They needed to be level headed about this. Max was right about that much, at least. They couldn't go running off halfcocked.
"So, we're agreed? We all go back and act normal?" Liz nodded, glancing quickly at Isabel and Michael, and they, too, nodded.
The next day, Isabel, Michael and Liz had their own meeting at the quarry. "Ok, are we all in agreement that Max is being an idiot trying to ignore all this?" Liz asked carefully. The others agreed fervently. "Ok, then, we need to handle this ourselves for now. Isabel, maybe you can use the internet, see if there's anything that resembles the picture?" Liz knew it was grasping at straws, but she didn't want to leave any stone unturned. They needed to be careful, but thorough.
"Michael, maybe we can drive around tomorrow, see if we can stumble across this place accidentally?" she suggested.
"Yeah, anything that will help us figure this out is fine with me, Angel," he agreed softly.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Friday, August 30th, 2002 8:23 pm
Liz was bustling around the busy cafe, taking orders and serving food to the multitude of hungry diners. Moving back to the serving window, she brushed a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. "I need 2 rocket chili dogs, a Will Smith burger , a James T. Kirk platter and 3 orders of Saturn Rings, Michael." She offered him a tired smile before turning back to the room, biting back a groan as another customer entered, taking a seat at the counter. Pasting on a smile she headed over to take his order. She felt nervousness oozing off him, bombarding her senses and she slowly shook her head to clear it.
"What can I get you?" she asked cheerfully. She waited while the man perused the menu before finally turning her way.
"I'll take a Will Smith burger with a side of space fries and a blood of alien smoothie," the stranger answered gruffly.
"Coming right up," she answered, turning to place the order. The stranger eyed the busy cafe silently as he waited for his food.
Liz sighed in relief as she rang up yet another customer. The cafe was finally thinning out. A glance at the clock told her it was 8:48. Twelve more minutes. She glanced up when the door chime went off, a smile curving her lips when Isabel entered. Liz waved as the girl slid into their regular booth and she went over to the serving window. "Hey, Michael. I need Isabel's slice of Men in Blackberry pie." Carrying the pie and a large glass of Cherry Coke, she approached Isabel. "Here you go. Michael and I will clean up as quickly as we can, so just take your time and enjoy," she said, grinning. Isabel had taken to giving them rides home on the nights they closed, while Liz was saving up her paychecks and tip money to buy a car.
8:53 pm
Liz glanced around the room as another customer paid and left. Three tables, Isabel in the booth and the stranger at the counter. She sighed in relief. They would be out of there soon. Liz walked to the booth. "Izzy? would you mind helping me close up tonight? I am so totally drained," she requested hopefully.
Isabel grinned. "Sure, Liz. What do you need me to do first?"
"If you could start wiping down the empty tables that would be great," Liz suggested gratefully. While Isabel got to work, Liz rang up the three customers from the table. She glanced to the last remaining customer at the counter, who was finishing up a slice of pie.
Michael poked his head through the door. "I'm just gonna take out the trash, then I'll come help you clean up, Liz."
"Ok, Michael," she said, grabbing a rag and wiping down the booths, hoping the last customer would take the hint. Liz watched Michael grab two large garbage bags and head out into the alley where the dumpster stood.
"Alone at last." Liz turned to the last customer, tensing at the sight of the gun in his hand. "You, waitress.....empty the register," he hissed. "Before the cook comes back, unless you want someone to die."
Liz dashed to the register, opened the till and emptied the bills into the bag the man thrust at her. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Isabel edging toward the kitchen door. The stranger must have seen the movement as well. Suddenly the gun was sweeping from one girl to the other, as if the stranger was unsure of who to shoot first. Two loud pops were heard, as the gun discharged. Two bodies fell to the floor as the gunman grabbed the bag of money and dashed out the door. A small puddle of blood began to pool. And the stranger disappeared into the night.
-
Polardreaming
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Fri Sep 10, 2004 11:00 pm
- Location: Polar Heaven
Worth Fighting For
Chapter 8
Michael walked down the alley to the dumpster, tossing the two large bags in. He was on his way back to the kitchen when two loud pops shattered the silence. "Liz!?!" Michael ran back into the diner, nearly crashing into Max who was sprinting down the stairs. The boys entered the dining room cautiously. "Isabel!" Michael fell to his knees beside the girl, gaping at the blood oozing from a gun shot wound to her stomach. "Max, do something!" he cried, his gaze already sweeping the room for Liz. Max knelt beside Isabel, placing a hand over the hole in her stomach. Seeing that Max was working his healing magic on Isabel, Michael jumped to his feet, searching the room again.
His gaze fell on the open register and he moved toward it. "Liz!" He moved to the inert girl, falling to his knees at her side. "Liz, wake up angel," he pleaded softly, his eyes searching her still form for outward signs of injury. No blood, his frantic mind registered. "Liz, please.....open your eyes for me." Max. Get her to Max. He can heal her. Michael lifted the limp girl in his arms, carrying her over to Max and a healed Isabel. He set her gently on the floor and turned to Max. "She won't wake up, Max.....please.......help her." His terrified eyes never left her face. The note flashed through his mind, the warning of an enemy determined to keep them apart. Was it that enemy that had attacked tonight? But if it was, why shoot Isabel and not Liz? But if Liz wasn't shot, what was wrong? Why couldn't he wake her? Jumbled thoughts tumbled through his confused and terrified mind. He felt Isabel's hand on his shoulder, a silent offering of comfort.
"I can't heal her, Michael," Max said in confusion. "It's like......there's nothing physically wrong with her, nothing to heal."
"Then why the hell won't she wake up, Maxwell? Something is wrong or she'd wake up!"
"Michael...." Isabel's voice, soft, soothing. "Michael you need to calm down. You won't help Liz if you're this worked up."
"I can't calm down, Isabel! How do we help her if we don't even know what's wrong?" He felt her arms slide around him, hugging him, and he hugged her back tightly, his eyes still locked on his angel, praying to a god he'd never believed in that her eyes would open. He didn't know how long he sat there, hovering around Liz, before he was finally able to focus again. He saw Isabel pacing silently, Max kneeling opposite him. Maxwell palming her cheek, whispering for her to wake up. His eyes locked on Max's hand on her cheek and fury welled up inside him.
The doors opened and Michael, Isabel and Max whipped around to see Sheriff Valenti enter, gun drawn. "You kids all right?" he asked. "We got a report of gunshots."
Isabel shot a nervous glance Michael's way before she spoke up. "The diner was robbed, Sheriff. The guy had a gun and he fired at the wall.....to scare us. Liz fainted...but we're all fine...really," she stammered out.
"I'll need your statements then. Let's start with you," he said, eyeing Michael. "Tell me what happened here."
"I didn't see anything," Michael protested. "I was in the alley, dumping the garbage when I heard the shots."
The Sheriff turned to Isabel. "What happened here, Miss Deluca?"
"This guy robbed the diner at gunpoint. He fired into the wall and Liz fainted, from fear and shock, I guess. Then he grabbed the money and ran out of here. Shouldn't you be out looking for him, Sheriff?" Isabel asked.
"That sound about right to you, Mr. Guerin?" Valenti asked.
"Yeah, I guess so. Like I told you, Sheriff, I wasn't here when it happened..."
"I'm going to need you kids to come down to the station in the morning. Give signed statements. In the meantime, I'll put in a call to the station, get my guys down here to dust for prints. I doubt it will do much good, but we might get lucky. I will see you kids in the morning." Valenti took a last look around before stepping back outside and pulling out his cell phone.
Michael whirled around. "Maxwell, how is---" He growled when he saw that Max and Liz were gone. He stalked into the back room and up the stairs to Max's apartment. Fury was rising in Michael at the thought of Max alone with Liz. She was his, damn it! He burst through the door to Max's bedroom, gritting his teeth at the sight of Liz laying on the bed, Max seated in a chair, holding her hand and stroking her cheek. Michael had crossed the room in seconds, grabbed Max out of his chair and pinned him up against the wall. "What the hell do you think you're doing, Maxwell?" he spat.
"What the hell...? I'm trying to help Liz, Michael. What's wrong with you?" he demanded angrily. "You know, you aren't the only one who cares about her. I care about Liz, too."
"No, Maxwell. You don't get to care. She's mine, understand? You don't flirt with her. You don't ask her out. You don't bring her up to your room alone. Are we clear?" He stared into Max's eyes, daring the boy to challenge him.
Max gaped at him for a long moment before he found his voice. "Who died and made you boss, Michael?"
Michael growled loudly. "Get this straight, Maxwell. She's off limits to you. Go find your own girlfriend, damn it, and leave mine alone!" He dropped Max to the floor, turned to gather Liz into his arms, and stalked back out of the room, stomping back down the stairs and into the dining room. "Let's go, Isabel," he said quietly. They went out the back door to the alley, leaving Max to handle the police. Michael just wanted to get Liz home where he could take care of her.
Michael entered the trailer quietly, carrying Liz to their room and setting her gently on her bed. He pressed a soft kiss against her forehead before sitting on the edge of his bed, watching over her silently, his body tense. He needed her to wake up, needed to know that she was alright. He moved to sit on the edge of her bed, taking her hand in his. "Please wake up, Liz...."
"Michael...?"
"Liz?!?" He squeezed her hand gently. "Talk to me, Angel. Are you ok?"
"Isabel! Is she---"
"Shhh. Max healed her, she's ok, baby."
Liz slid her hand to her stomach. "She was in so much pain......" She gazed up at him. "How did we get here?"
"Max healed Isabel. He tried to heal you, too, but he couldn't."
"Because I wasn't hurt," she finished softly.
"We couldn't wake you up. What happened, Liz?" He cupped her cheek, leaning his forehead to hers.
"It's never affected me so strongly before...." she mused. "Maybe it's because Isabel and I are connected?" She looked to Michael. "So......Max can heal? And you blow things up....What is Isabel's special gift?"
"She can enter people's dreams. Liz, what does that have to do with you fainting?" he asked, still worried.
"Side affect of my gift, I guess. I'm an empath, Michael. I feel what other people are feeling. I can usually block most people out, but when Isabel was shot...." She squeezed his hand gently. "I'm ok now, Michael."
He brushed his lips against hers softly, his hand sliding through her silky hair. "Mine," he whispered softly before deepening the kiss, his tongue slipping into her mouth. Liz's hands slid around his neck, holding him close. A soft moan slipped from her lips as he trailed kisses along her jaw, nibbling at her earlobe.
"Michael...." she gasped, her body tingling as he trailed down to nibble at her throat. Her hands slid from his hair to his shoulders, fingers gliding along his arms. He traced his way back to her lips, kissing her hungrily, his hands trailing down her arms, lacing his fingers with hers. Her eyes drifted shut, lost in the emotions swirling around them. He pulled back slowly, gazing down at her.
"I love you, Angel," he whispered softly.
She slid one hand free, reaching up to cup his cheek. "I love you so much, Michael."
"I told Max tonight. I made it crystal clear you're off limits to him," he growled softly.
She smiled up at him. "How did he take it?"
"He wasn't very happy about it," he smirked.
Liz laughed softly. "I'm sorry I missed it."
"You aren't the only one with unwanted attention, you know," he grumbled. Her brow arched. "Maria Valenti's been stalking me for weeks," he admitted.
"The Sheriff's daughter?"
"Yeah. And she won't take no for an answer. But you are the only one I want, Angel."
"Ditto," she teased, using one of his favorite expressions. "It's late......we should probably get some sleep."
"Yeah, the Sheriff expects us at the police station tomorrow morning to give our statements about the shooting." He winced at the thought of how close he'd come to losing her tonight.
"It's ok now, Michael. Max healed Isabel and I'm ok," she said softly. "You're not getting rid of me that easily."
"I'm never letting you go, Angel," he vowed.
Michael walked down the alley to the dumpster, tossing the two large bags in. He was on his way back to the kitchen when two loud pops shattered the silence. "Liz!?!" Michael ran back into the diner, nearly crashing into Max who was sprinting down the stairs. The boys entered the dining room cautiously. "Isabel!" Michael fell to his knees beside the girl, gaping at the blood oozing from a gun shot wound to her stomach. "Max, do something!" he cried, his gaze already sweeping the room for Liz. Max knelt beside Isabel, placing a hand over the hole in her stomach. Seeing that Max was working his healing magic on Isabel, Michael jumped to his feet, searching the room again.
His gaze fell on the open register and he moved toward it. "Liz!" He moved to the inert girl, falling to his knees at her side. "Liz, wake up angel," he pleaded softly, his eyes searching her still form for outward signs of injury. No blood, his frantic mind registered. "Liz, please.....open your eyes for me." Max. Get her to Max. He can heal her. Michael lifted the limp girl in his arms, carrying her over to Max and a healed Isabel. He set her gently on the floor and turned to Max. "She won't wake up, Max.....please.......help her." His terrified eyes never left her face. The note flashed through his mind, the warning of an enemy determined to keep them apart. Was it that enemy that had attacked tonight? But if it was, why shoot Isabel and not Liz? But if Liz wasn't shot, what was wrong? Why couldn't he wake her? Jumbled thoughts tumbled through his confused and terrified mind. He felt Isabel's hand on his shoulder, a silent offering of comfort.
"I can't heal her, Michael," Max said in confusion. "It's like......there's nothing physically wrong with her, nothing to heal."
"Then why the hell won't she wake up, Maxwell? Something is wrong or she'd wake up!"
"Michael...." Isabel's voice, soft, soothing. "Michael you need to calm down. You won't help Liz if you're this worked up."
"I can't calm down, Isabel! How do we help her if we don't even know what's wrong?" He felt her arms slide around him, hugging him, and he hugged her back tightly, his eyes still locked on his angel, praying to a god he'd never believed in that her eyes would open. He didn't know how long he sat there, hovering around Liz, before he was finally able to focus again. He saw Isabel pacing silently, Max kneeling opposite him. Maxwell palming her cheek, whispering for her to wake up. His eyes locked on Max's hand on her cheek and fury welled up inside him.
The doors opened and Michael, Isabel and Max whipped around to see Sheriff Valenti enter, gun drawn. "You kids all right?" he asked. "We got a report of gunshots."
Isabel shot a nervous glance Michael's way before she spoke up. "The diner was robbed, Sheriff. The guy had a gun and he fired at the wall.....to scare us. Liz fainted...but we're all fine...really," she stammered out.
"I'll need your statements then. Let's start with you," he said, eyeing Michael. "Tell me what happened here."
"I didn't see anything," Michael protested. "I was in the alley, dumping the garbage when I heard the shots."
The Sheriff turned to Isabel. "What happened here, Miss Deluca?"
"This guy robbed the diner at gunpoint. He fired into the wall and Liz fainted, from fear and shock, I guess. Then he grabbed the money and ran out of here. Shouldn't you be out looking for him, Sheriff?" Isabel asked.
"That sound about right to you, Mr. Guerin?" Valenti asked.
"Yeah, I guess so. Like I told you, Sheriff, I wasn't here when it happened..."
"I'm going to need you kids to come down to the station in the morning. Give signed statements. In the meantime, I'll put in a call to the station, get my guys down here to dust for prints. I doubt it will do much good, but we might get lucky. I will see you kids in the morning." Valenti took a last look around before stepping back outside and pulling out his cell phone.
Michael whirled around. "Maxwell, how is---" He growled when he saw that Max and Liz were gone. He stalked into the back room and up the stairs to Max's apartment. Fury was rising in Michael at the thought of Max alone with Liz. She was his, damn it! He burst through the door to Max's bedroom, gritting his teeth at the sight of Liz laying on the bed, Max seated in a chair, holding her hand and stroking her cheek. Michael had crossed the room in seconds, grabbed Max out of his chair and pinned him up against the wall. "What the hell do you think you're doing, Maxwell?" he spat.
"What the hell...? I'm trying to help Liz, Michael. What's wrong with you?" he demanded angrily. "You know, you aren't the only one who cares about her. I care about Liz, too."
"No, Maxwell. You don't get to care. She's mine, understand? You don't flirt with her. You don't ask her out. You don't bring her up to your room alone. Are we clear?" He stared into Max's eyes, daring the boy to challenge him.
Max gaped at him for a long moment before he found his voice. "Who died and made you boss, Michael?"
Michael growled loudly. "Get this straight, Maxwell. She's off limits to you. Go find your own girlfriend, damn it, and leave mine alone!" He dropped Max to the floor, turned to gather Liz into his arms, and stalked back out of the room, stomping back down the stairs and into the dining room. "Let's go, Isabel," he said quietly. They went out the back door to the alley, leaving Max to handle the police. Michael just wanted to get Liz home where he could take care of her.
Michael entered the trailer quietly, carrying Liz to their room and setting her gently on her bed. He pressed a soft kiss against her forehead before sitting on the edge of his bed, watching over her silently, his body tense. He needed her to wake up, needed to know that she was alright. He moved to sit on the edge of her bed, taking her hand in his. "Please wake up, Liz...."
"Michael...?"
"Liz?!?" He squeezed her hand gently. "Talk to me, Angel. Are you ok?"
"Isabel! Is she---"
"Shhh. Max healed her, she's ok, baby."
Liz slid her hand to her stomach. "She was in so much pain......" She gazed up at him. "How did we get here?"
"Max healed Isabel. He tried to heal you, too, but he couldn't."
"Because I wasn't hurt," she finished softly.
"We couldn't wake you up. What happened, Liz?" He cupped her cheek, leaning his forehead to hers.
"It's never affected me so strongly before...." she mused. "Maybe it's because Isabel and I are connected?" She looked to Michael. "So......Max can heal? And you blow things up....What is Isabel's special gift?"
"She can enter people's dreams. Liz, what does that have to do with you fainting?" he asked, still worried.
"Side affect of my gift, I guess. I'm an empath, Michael. I feel what other people are feeling. I can usually block most people out, but when Isabel was shot...." She squeezed his hand gently. "I'm ok now, Michael."
He brushed his lips against hers softly, his hand sliding through her silky hair. "Mine," he whispered softly before deepening the kiss, his tongue slipping into her mouth. Liz's hands slid around his neck, holding him close. A soft moan slipped from her lips as he trailed kisses along her jaw, nibbling at her earlobe.
"Michael...." she gasped, her body tingling as he trailed down to nibble at her throat. Her hands slid from his hair to his shoulders, fingers gliding along his arms. He traced his way back to her lips, kissing her hungrily, his hands trailing down her arms, lacing his fingers with hers. Her eyes drifted shut, lost in the emotions swirling around them. He pulled back slowly, gazing down at her.
"I love you, Angel," he whispered softly.
She slid one hand free, reaching up to cup his cheek. "I love you so much, Michael."
"I told Max tonight. I made it crystal clear you're off limits to him," he growled softly.
She smiled up at him. "How did he take it?"
"He wasn't very happy about it," he smirked.
Liz laughed softly. "I'm sorry I missed it."
"You aren't the only one with unwanted attention, you know," he grumbled. Her brow arched. "Maria Valenti's been stalking me for weeks," he admitted.
"The Sheriff's daughter?"
"Yeah. And she won't take no for an answer. But you are the only one I want, Angel."
"Ditto," she teased, using one of his favorite expressions. "It's late......we should probably get some sleep."
"Yeah, the Sheriff expects us at the police station tomorrow morning to give our statements about the shooting." He winced at the thought of how close he'd come to losing her tonight.
"It's ok now, Michael. Max healed Isabel and I'm ok," she said softly. "You're not getting rid of me that easily."
"I'm never letting you go, Angel," he vowed.
-
Polardreaming
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Fri Sep 10, 2004 11:00 pm
- Location: Polar Heaven
Worth Fighting For
Chapter 9
Liz poked her head into the bedroom. "Michael! Isabel is going to be here in ten minutes and you're not even out of bed yet," she grumbled, sliding a hand to her queasy stomach. Michael merely grunted, flopping on the bed so his back was to her. "Fine then, I guess I'll just rely on Isabel and Max to help me find my way around," she groused, turning to go. Michael had jumped from his bed at the mention of Max's name and was mock glaring her way as he yanked on a pair of jeans. She'd been so excited about starting school last night, she'd barely been able to fall asleep. Then when she'd woken up this morning, she'd realized that the only people she knew other than Michael, Max and Isabel were Kyle and Serena. 'Just calm down, Liz,' she commanded. 'You can handle this.'
She fought back a groan when Isabel pulled up, and looked back at Michael with wide, panic filled eyes. "Maybe you have the right idea. We don't really need to be there on the first day, do we?" she asked hopefully.
Michael chuckled and slid his arms around her waist. "You, Liz Guerin, are going to be fine. Isabel and I will help you find your classes," he promised, resting his chin on her head for a moment before stepping back as Isabel honked impatiently. "We better get going before she comes in here and drags us out." He held his hand out to her and she stared at it blankly before taking a step back. Michael laughed and hefted her up over his shoulder, carrying her toward the door.
"Michael!" she cried out indignantly. "Put me down!" Liz groaned, her cheeks flaming, as he ignored her demand and carried her out to Isabel's car. Only when the door was open and he was blocking her escape did he set the blushing girl back on her feet. She glared at him. "I can't believe you did that!" Liz slid into the backseat, burying her head in her hands, ignoring the laughing Isabel and Max in the front seat. She burrowed her head into Michael's chest when he slid in beside her.
"Do we all have second lunch?" Isabel asked, receiving nods from the other three as schedules were checked. "Great, well since we all know how unappetizing the school lunches are, why don't we meet up at the bell and go into town for burgers?" she suggested. Max and Michael readily agreed as Isabel pulled into the school lot, guiding her car into a space near the doors to the gym. Liz was silent as she gaped up at the school, a new wave of panic washing over her. "Liz, it will be fine. Michael's not going to let anything happen to you," Isabel reminded the petrified girl. Liz smiled weakly as she followed the others into the building.
Isabel and Max headed off to their lockers and Liz followed Michael toward his, gripping tightly to his hand as they made their way through the masses of students milling around in the halls. She felt Michael tense as they approached the end of the hall and saw the blond girl lounging against the lockers, eyes seemingly locked on Michael as he approached. "Is that Maria?" Liz asked as she eyed the girl appraisingly. Michael grumbled a 'yes' as they drew closer. For the moment, Liz's anxiety over being in a new school was overridden by the scene about to unfold before her. She watched as Maria plastered herself to Michael's side and her eyes narrowed as Michael attempted to extricate himself from her. "You weren't kidding, Michael. The girl really does throw herself at you," she said loudly enough for Maria to hear.
The blond girl eyed her disdainfully. "You really should mind your own business. What Michael and I do really isn't any concern of yours."
Liz tilted her head in thought before answering the girl. "How many times does he have to tell you he isn't interested before you get a clue?" she asked curiously. "Because I'm getting really tired of having to listen to him complain about how the Sheriff's daughter is stalking him." She lowered her voice so only Michael and Maria would hear her next words. "It seriously cuts into our alone time." Michael stood there smirking as Liz dealt with Maria. She seemed to have the situation well in hand and Michael was content to let her handle it for now. Liz turned to Michael. "We need to hurry so we can find my class before the bell rings," she reminded him. He nodded as they turned to go, leaving a fuming Maria behind them.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Liz peeked into the AP Chem room, feeling slightly relieved to see Max was in the class, already seated at a work station. She turned to peek up at her glowering boyfriend. "Michael he's the only one in the class that I know. Would you mind.....?"
Michael sighed, looking down at her. "Just make sure he knows you're off limits, ok?" he requested.
Liz smiled up at him. "You have nothing to worry about, Michael. You know my heart is yours." She resisted the urge to kiss his fears away, knowing how uncomfortable PDAs made him. "I'll see you at lunch?" she asked softly.
"See you at lunch," he echoed, turning reluctantly to head to his first class.
Liz entered the chem room and slowly made her way to Max's workstation. "May I?" she asked.
Max grinned brightly. "Of course, Liz," he answered. "Small world." Liz set her notebook on the desk and nodded. "So, AP Chem, huh?"
"I've always loved school, especially science," she replied with a shrug. "I plan to go into genetic research. What about you, Max? What do you want to do after high school?"
"I haven't really thought about it. Whatever any of us decide to do, it can't be anything that will draw attention to us," Max reminded her.
Liz sighed softly. Why did he always have to do that? she wondered. Why did he always have to throw in reminders about how different they were? It wasn't as if any of them could really forget. Max just always seemed to need to remind the others that he was in charge. Unfortunately, Liz was less than impressed by the leadership he'd shown in the last few weeks. Sticking your head in the sand and pretending the world was a perfect place just wasn't an acceptable course of action. Pretending something didn't exist didn't just make it go away. It usually only made the problem worse. Why couldn't Max see that? Like this whole Valenti issue. The Sheriff had been snooping around, asking questions, ever since the shooting. And Max wanted everyone to just act normal. Pretend everything was fine. The problem with that was, the Sheriff was still snooping around, still asking questions. She glanced around the room. How could a guy smart enough for AP Chem be so completely clueless about things staring him right in his face?
Liz skimmed through the new Chem book she'd just recieved. "Now class," Mr Seligman began. "This is AP Chemistry, and as such, I will expect maximum effort from every member of this class. The two students with the highest averages after midterms will head up the science fair this year. And, to get you started on the right foot, we are going to jump into our first projects. These projects will be due in 6 weeks and will count as 1/4h of your first term grade." Several groans rang out at the announcement, but Liz couldn't help smiling as the teacher continued. "You will be pairing up for this first project and I expect each person to participate equally to produce the highest quality results. Each team will recieve a different project. Now, the teams are as follows......"
When the bell rang for the end of class Liz gathered up her notebook, turning to glance at Max. "I have study hall fourth period, so I'll go to the library and check out the books we'll need for our project," she offered. Somehow she hadn't been surprised when Mr. Seligman had teamed her up with Max. She'd almost been expecting it. "See you at lunch, Max," she said, heading off down the hall.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Isabel entered her French class, smiling in surprise to find Kyle seated in the back row. She quickly moved to take the seat next to him. "Morning, stranger," she greeted.
"Isabel, hey!" he said, taking her hand and squeezing it gently. "This is great. I get to start every morning with my favorite girl," he added, making her blush at the compliment.
"Hey, Kyle, what lunch do you have?" she asked on impulse.
Checking his schedule, he answered, "Second, you?"
"Me too. Listen a bunch of us are going to the CrashDown for lunch. Do you want to come?" she asked.
"I'd love to, Isabel," he answered.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Michael entered his second period History class and grabbed the seat closest to the door in the back row. He was thinking about Liz, hoping that Max hadn't made an ass of himself with her. He'd made it crystal clear that Liz was off limits to Max, but the boy was stubborn. He was used to being in charge and getting his way. But this was one time that Michael refused to back down. He was so lost in his thoughts he never noticed Maria entering the classroom or her taking the seat next him.
Maria leaned in close, whispering softly in his ear: "Thinking about me, Babe?" Michael jumped, brought out of his reverie, and glared icily at the girl. "Your girlfriend know about our kiss?"
"Girlfriend.... yeah. So you are aware I have one right?"
"Well, yeah. For now." She eyed him up and down. "But sweetie, don't you think it's time for you to move on from Miss. little league, and on to..." She looked down at herself and laughed. "Well, the big leagues."
Michael snorted.
"Funny, I wasn't joking." She glared at him.
Michael just laughed again. "Liz has something you'll never have."
It was Maria's turn to laugh. "What's that?"
"I don't know, morals, tact, brains... you take your pick."
"Keep playing hard to get, Michael Guerin." Maria glared at him, pissed off. "You'll give in sooner or later." 'No matter who I have to destroy to make it happen,' she added to herself with a malicious grin.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Liz looked up and down the hallway she found herself in, silently admitting that she was completely lost. She'd been wandering the now empty halls for nearly ten minutes and still couldn't find the library. She slipped into the girls bathroom, splashing water on her face. The last stall door opened and Maria Valenti stepped up to the sinks, turning her icy glare Liz's way. "He doesn't really want you, you know," Maria stated innocently. "He's just playing the game."
Liz arched her brow, turning her attention to the girl beside her. "Funny, that's now he explains it. And if you knew Michael at all, you'd know how much he hates girls that make spectacles of themselves. Just do yourself a favor, Maria, accept the fact that Michael despises you and go stalk someone else."
Maria smirked. "Afraid of the competition?" she asked, looking Liz up and down and smirking. "Not that I can blame you, of course. I mean, you don't exactly measure up, do you?" She turned, dismissing Liz as she headed toward the door.
"He'll never choose you, Maria," Liz answered softly. "But by all means, go right ahead and make a fool of yourself." Maria glanced back over her shoulder.
"Poor naive little mouse," she retorted. "Doesn't even know when she's being used. Michael knows the game, mouse. He knows how much I enjoy the chase. But in the end, Michael won't be any different than any other guy in this school. He will be putty in my hands, and you will still be the pathetic little mouse that you are." Liz stared after the girl as she slipped out the door. Finally, she took a deep breath and left the bathroom, resuming her search for the elusive library.
Liz slipped the books she'd checked out for her project into her bag and left the library, heading for the parking lot to meet up with the others as the bell rang. She felt an arm slide around her shoulders and she whipped her head around, a grin curling her lips. "Hey, Kyle!" she greeted warmly.
"Hey, Liz. Isabel invited me on this little outing into town, but she didn't mention where's she parked," Kyle explained.
Liz laughed. "Right outside the gym entrance," she informed him as they headed down the hallway, unaware of the narrowed eyes and gloating grin following their progress. "So, Izzy invited you to tag along huh?"
"Yeah. Turns out we have French together first period."
"Well, just a little advice. I think you and Isabel make a great couple," she teased. "And Michael is happy as long as Isabel is happy. So the only person you really need to worry about is Max. Just remember that Max does not speak for the group, as much as he'd like to think he does."
Kyle nodded with a grin. "Well, thank you, Liz. It's nice to know that you guys approve of the new guy," he told her warmly.
"Hey, you're preaching to the choir here, new boy," she teased. "In case you've forgotten, I'm in the same boat." They exited the doors and Liz beamed as she walked to Michael, leaving Kyle to join Isabel. She smiled when Michael slipped his arm around her waist. "I got those books for our project, Max," she said, reaching into her bag and pulling out the books, handing two to Max. "Why don't you work on the written and I'll handle the chemicals?" she suggested.
Max frowned. "I thought we could work on both parts of the project as a pair. Mr. Seligman did say he wanted the teams to work equally," he pointed out.
Liz felt Michael tense up beside her and turned to Max. "Sure, Max. Why don't we work at the trailer Saturday morning?" she suggested. "Michael can work on his homework while we work on the project." Max reluctantly agreed and Michael visibly relaxed as they piled into the car. Kyle took shotgun, sliding into the front with Isabel and Michael, Liz and Max climbed into the back, with Liz sandwiched between the two boys.
The group entered the CrashDown, taking their regular booth. Liz slid in first, Michael quickly scooting in next to her, Max, Kyle and Isabel sliding into the booth opposite them. "Hello, kids," Mrs. Parker greeted them warmly. "What can I get you?" The teens gave her their orders and Liz pulled out her European History text book, opening it to the first chapter.
Michael nudged her lightly. "Can't you read that later?" he teased. Liz smirked at him and closed the book. Mrs. Parker served their food and the hungry teens dug in. Liz popped a fry in her mouth, chewing thoughtfully, glancing at Michael. "What's up, Angel?" he asked softly.
Liz shook her head, picking at her fries. "Nothing, Michael. Never mind." Michael watched her quietly, unable to coax her into telling him what was bothering her. The group finished lunch and headed back to school for their afternoon classes.
Liz and Isabel entered the locker room to change for gym. The whispering chatter immediately silenced as they entered and Isabel and Liz exchanged a glance. Liz turned her gaze toward Maria and her eyes narrowed before she turned away, choosing a locker for herself, and changed into her gym clothes. "Hey, Isabel," one of the girls called. "Better watch your back. I hear Liz is trying to steal the new guy out from under you." Liz whirled around to face the other girls.
"Can't really blame her, though, Britt," Maria said, laughing softly. "She probably just realizes that she hasn't got what it takes to satisfy Michael." Liz clenched her fists, turning back to her locker, trying to ignore the laughter ringing out around her.
"Who would ever want someone as plain as she is?" another girl asked.
"That's quite true, Laura," Maria agreed. "She is awfully mousy. No wonder Michael's losing interest. What guy in their right mind would choose her over a real woman?"
"Liz, ignore them," Isabel said firmly. "Maria's just jealous that Michael chose you over her. She's just being her usual bitchy self. You know she's just trying to stir up trouble." Liz nodded but spent the rest of the class in silence, listening to the hurtful remarks the other girls made in her presence. She left the locker room the second she'd changed back into her clothes. She had one class left, the class she shared with Michael, but at the moment he was the last person she wanted to see, so she turned and went in the opposite direction, slipping into the girls' bathroom and locking herself in the last stall. She stayed there until the final bell rang.
Finally she exited the stall, walking to the sinks to splash water on her tear stained face. She knew she'd have to face them all since Isabel was her ride home, and she was dreading it. She left the bathroom and headed reluctantly down the hallway toward the gym entrance. She had barely walked through the doors before she found herself crushed in Michael's arms, hearing him muttering over and over in her ear. "I'll kill her.....I'll kill her...." He pulled back, looking down into her eyes. "Don't you believe one word she says, Liz."
"I know, Michael. I'm fine, really," Liz said softly. "We better get going. You have a shift tonight." She slid into the back seat, smiling as Michael slid in beside her. She lay her head on Michael's shoulder as Isabel drove to the trailer park. Liz slid out and waved as Isabel drove off. Michael had been reluctant to leave, but Max had reminding him of his shift and he grumblingly given in. Once the car was out of sight, Liz turned and entered the trailer.
Liz poked her head into the bedroom. "Michael! Isabel is going to be here in ten minutes and you're not even out of bed yet," she grumbled, sliding a hand to her queasy stomach. Michael merely grunted, flopping on the bed so his back was to her. "Fine then, I guess I'll just rely on Isabel and Max to help me find my way around," she groused, turning to go. Michael had jumped from his bed at the mention of Max's name and was mock glaring her way as he yanked on a pair of jeans. She'd been so excited about starting school last night, she'd barely been able to fall asleep. Then when she'd woken up this morning, she'd realized that the only people she knew other than Michael, Max and Isabel were Kyle and Serena. 'Just calm down, Liz,' she commanded. 'You can handle this.'
She fought back a groan when Isabel pulled up, and looked back at Michael with wide, panic filled eyes. "Maybe you have the right idea. We don't really need to be there on the first day, do we?" she asked hopefully.
Michael chuckled and slid his arms around her waist. "You, Liz Guerin, are going to be fine. Isabel and I will help you find your classes," he promised, resting his chin on her head for a moment before stepping back as Isabel honked impatiently. "We better get going before she comes in here and drags us out." He held his hand out to her and she stared at it blankly before taking a step back. Michael laughed and hefted her up over his shoulder, carrying her toward the door.
"Michael!" she cried out indignantly. "Put me down!" Liz groaned, her cheeks flaming, as he ignored her demand and carried her out to Isabel's car. Only when the door was open and he was blocking her escape did he set the blushing girl back on her feet. She glared at him. "I can't believe you did that!" Liz slid into the backseat, burying her head in her hands, ignoring the laughing Isabel and Max in the front seat. She burrowed her head into Michael's chest when he slid in beside her.
"Do we all have second lunch?" Isabel asked, receiving nods from the other three as schedules were checked. "Great, well since we all know how unappetizing the school lunches are, why don't we meet up at the bell and go into town for burgers?" she suggested. Max and Michael readily agreed as Isabel pulled into the school lot, guiding her car into a space near the doors to the gym. Liz was silent as she gaped up at the school, a new wave of panic washing over her. "Liz, it will be fine. Michael's not going to let anything happen to you," Isabel reminded the petrified girl. Liz smiled weakly as she followed the others into the building.
Isabel and Max headed off to their lockers and Liz followed Michael toward his, gripping tightly to his hand as they made their way through the masses of students milling around in the halls. She felt Michael tense as they approached the end of the hall and saw the blond girl lounging against the lockers, eyes seemingly locked on Michael as he approached. "Is that Maria?" Liz asked as she eyed the girl appraisingly. Michael grumbled a 'yes' as they drew closer. For the moment, Liz's anxiety over being in a new school was overridden by the scene about to unfold before her. She watched as Maria plastered herself to Michael's side and her eyes narrowed as Michael attempted to extricate himself from her. "You weren't kidding, Michael. The girl really does throw herself at you," she said loudly enough for Maria to hear.
The blond girl eyed her disdainfully. "You really should mind your own business. What Michael and I do really isn't any concern of yours."
Liz tilted her head in thought before answering the girl. "How many times does he have to tell you he isn't interested before you get a clue?" she asked curiously. "Because I'm getting really tired of having to listen to him complain about how the Sheriff's daughter is stalking him." She lowered her voice so only Michael and Maria would hear her next words. "It seriously cuts into our alone time." Michael stood there smirking as Liz dealt with Maria. She seemed to have the situation well in hand and Michael was content to let her handle it for now. Liz turned to Michael. "We need to hurry so we can find my class before the bell rings," she reminded him. He nodded as they turned to go, leaving a fuming Maria behind them.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Liz peeked into the AP Chem room, feeling slightly relieved to see Max was in the class, already seated at a work station. She turned to peek up at her glowering boyfriend. "Michael he's the only one in the class that I know. Would you mind.....?"
Michael sighed, looking down at her. "Just make sure he knows you're off limits, ok?" he requested.
Liz smiled up at him. "You have nothing to worry about, Michael. You know my heart is yours." She resisted the urge to kiss his fears away, knowing how uncomfortable PDAs made him. "I'll see you at lunch?" she asked softly.
"See you at lunch," he echoed, turning reluctantly to head to his first class.
Liz entered the chem room and slowly made her way to Max's workstation. "May I?" she asked.
Max grinned brightly. "Of course, Liz," he answered. "Small world." Liz set her notebook on the desk and nodded. "So, AP Chem, huh?"
"I've always loved school, especially science," she replied with a shrug. "I plan to go into genetic research. What about you, Max? What do you want to do after high school?"
"I haven't really thought about it. Whatever any of us decide to do, it can't be anything that will draw attention to us," Max reminded her.
Liz sighed softly. Why did he always have to do that? she wondered. Why did he always have to throw in reminders about how different they were? It wasn't as if any of them could really forget. Max just always seemed to need to remind the others that he was in charge. Unfortunately, Liz was less than impressed by the leadership he'd shown in the last few weeks. Sticking your head in the sand and pretending the world was a perfect place just wasn't an acceptable course of action. Pretending something didn't exist didn't just make it go away. It usually only made the problem worse. Why couldn't Max see that? Like this whole Valenti issue. The Sheriff had been snooping around, asking questions, ever since the shooting. And Max wanted everyone to just act normal. Pretend everything was fine. The problem with that was, the Sheriff was still snooping around, still asking questions. She glanced around the room. How could a guy smart enough for AP Chem be so completely clueless about things staring him right in his face?
Liz skimmed through the new Chem book she'd just recieved. "Now class," Mr Seligman began. "This is AP Chemistry, and as such, I will expect maximum effort from every member of this class. The two students with the highest averages after midterms will head up the science fair this year. And, to get you started on the right foot, we are going to jump into our first projects. These projects will be due in 6 weeks and will count as 1/4h of your first term grade." Several groans rang out at the announcement, but Liz couldn't help smiling as the teacher continued. "You will be pairing up for this first project and I expect each person to participate equally to produce the highest quality results. Each team will recieve a different project. Now, the teams are as follows......"
When the bell rang for the end of class Liz gathered up her notebook, turning to glance at Max. "I have study hall fourth period, so I'll go to the library and check out the books we'll need for our project," she offered. Somehow she hadn't been surprised when Mr. Seligman had teamed her up with Max. She'd almost been expecting it. "See you at lunch, Max," she said, heading off down the hall.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Isabel entered her French class, smiling in surprise to find Kyle seated in the back row. She quickly moved to take the seat next to him. "Morning, stranger," she greeted.
"Isabel, hey!" he said, taking her hand and squeezing it gently. "This is great. I get to start every morning with my favorite girl," he added, making her blush at the compliment.
"Hey, Kyle, what lunch do you have?" she asked on impulse.
Checking his schedule, he answered, "Second, you?"
"Me too. Listen a bunch of us are going to the CrashDown for lunch. Do you want to come?" she asked.
"I'd love to, Isabel," he answered.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Michael entered his second period History class and grabbed the seat closest to the door in the back row. He was thinking about Liz, hoping that Max hadn't made an ass of himself with her. He'd made it crystal clear that Liz was off limits to Max, but the boy was stubborn. He was used to being in charge and getting his way. But this was one time that Michael refused to back down. He was so lost in his thoughts he never noticed Maria entering the classroom or her taking the seat next him.
Maria leaned in close, whispering softly in his ear: "Thinking about me, Babe?" Michael jumped, brought out of his reverie, and glared icily at the girl. "Your girlfriend know about our kiss?"
"Girlfriend.... yeah. So you are aware I have one right?"
"Well, yeah. For now." She eyed him up and down. "But sweetie, don't you think it's time for you to move on from Miss. little league, and on to..." She looked down at herself and laughed. "Well, the big leagues."
Michael snorted.
"Funny, I wasn't joking." She glared at him.
Michael just laughed again. "Liz has something you'll never have."
It was Maria's turn to laugh. "What's that?"
"I don't know, morals, tact, brains... you take your pick."
"Keep playing hard to get, Michael Guerin." Maria glared at him, pissed off. "You'll give in sooner or later." 'No matter who I have to destroy to make it happen,' she added to herself with a malicious grin.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Liz looked up and down the hallway she found herself in, silently admitting that she was completely lost. She'd been wandering the now empty halls for nearly ten minutes and still couldn't find the library. She slipped into the girls bathroom, splashing water on her face. The last stall door opened and Maria Valenti stepped up to the sinks, turning her icy glare Liz's way. "He doesn't really want you, you know," Maria stated innocently. "He's just playing the game."
Liz arched her brow, turning her attention to the girl beside her. "Funny, that's now he explains it. And if you knew Michael at all, you'd know how much he hates girls that make spectacles of themselves. Just do yourself a favor, Maria, accept the fact that Michael despises you and go stalk someone else."
Maria smirked. "Afraid of the competition?" she asked, looking Liz up and down and smirking. "Not that I can blame you, of course. I mean, you don't exactly measure up, do you?" She turned, dismissing Liz as she headed toward the door.
"He'll never choose you, Maria," Liz answered softly. "But by all means, go right ahead and make a fool of yourself." Maria glanced back over her shoulder.
"Poor naive little mouse," she retorted. "Doesn't even know when she's being used. Michael knows the game, mouse. He knows how much I enjoy the chase. But in the end, Michael won't be any different than any other guy in this school. He will be putty in my hands, and you will still be the pathetic little mouse that you are." Liz stared after the girl as she slipped out the door. Finally, she took a deep breath and left the bathroom, resuming her search for the elusive library.
Liz slipped the books she'd checked out for her project into her bag and left the library, heading for the parking lot to meet up with the others as the bell rang. She felt an arm slide around her shoulders and she whipped her head around, a grin curling her lips. "Hey, Kyle!" she greeted warmly.
"Hey, Liz. Isabel invited me on this little outing into town, but she didn't mention where's she parked," Kyle explained.
Liz laughed. "Right outside the gym entrance," she informed him as they headed down the hallway, unaware of the narrowed eyes and gloating grin following their progress. "So, Izzy invited you to tag along huh?"
"Yeah. Turns out we have French together first period."
"Well, just a little advice. I think you and Isabel make a great couple," she teased. "And Michael is happy as long as Isabel is happy. So the only person you really need to worry about is Max. Just remember that Max does not speak for the group, as much as he'd like to think he does."
Kyle nodded with a grin. "Well, thank you, Liz. It's nice to know that you guys approve of the new guy," he told her warmly.
"Hey, you're preaching to the choir here, new boy," she teased. "In case you've forgotten, I'm in the same boat." They exited the doors and Liz beamed as she walked to Michael, leaving Kyle to join Isabel. She smiled when Michael slipped his arm around her waist. "I got those books for our project, Max," she said, reaching into her bag and pulling out the books, handing two to Max. "Why don't you work on the written and I'll handle the chemicals?" she suggested.
Max frowned. "I thought we could work on both parts of the project as a pair. Mr. Seligman did say he wanted the teams to work equally," he pointed out.
Liz felt Michael tense up beside her and turned to Max. "Sure, Max. Why don't we work at the trailer Saturday morning?" she suggested. "Michael can work on his homework while we work on the project." Max reluctantly agreed and Michael visibly relaxed as they piled into the car. Kyle took shotgun, sliding into the front with Isabel and Michael, Liz and Max climbed into the back, with Liz sandwiched between the two boys.
The group entered the CrashDown, taking their regular booth. Liz slid in first, Michael quickly scooting in next to her, Max, Kyle and Isabel sliding into the booth opposite them. "Hello, kids," Mrs. Parker greeted them warmly. "What can I get you?" The teens gave her their orders and Liz pulled out her European History text book, opening it to the first chapter.
Michael nudged her lightly. "Can't you read that later?" he teased. Liz smirked at him and closed the book. Mrs. Parker served their food and the hungry teens dug in. Liz popped a fry in her mouth, chewing thoughtfully, glancing at Michael. "What's up, Angel?" he asked softly.
Liz shook her head, picking at her fries. "Nothing, Michael. Never mind." Michael watched her quietly, unable to coax her into telling him what was bothering her. The group finished lunch and headed back to school for their afternoon classes.
Liz and Isabel entered the locker room to change for gym. The whispering chatter immediately silenced as they entered and Isabel and Liz exchanged a glance. Liz turned her gaze toward Maria and her eyes narrowed before she turned away, choosing a locker for herself, and changed into her gym clothes. "Hey, Isabel," one of the girls called. "Better watch your back. I hear Liz is trying to steal the new guy out from under you." Liz whirled around to face the other girls.
"Can't really blame her, though, Britt," Maria said, laughing softly. "She probably just realizes that she hasn't got what it takes to satisfy Michael." Liz clenched her fists, turning back to her locker, trying to ignore the laughter ringing out around her.
"Who would ever want someone as plain as she is?" another girl asked.
"That's quite true, Laura," Maria agreed. "She is awfully mousy. No wonder Michael's losing interest. What guy in their right mind would choose her over a real woman?"
"Liz, ignore them," Isabel said firmly. "Maria's just jealous that Michael chose you over her. She's just being her usual bitchy self. You know she's just trying to stir up trouble." Liz nodded but spent the rest of the class in silence, listening to the hurtful remarks the other girls made in her presence. She left the locker room the second she'd changed back into her clothes. She had one class left, the class she shared with Michael, but at the moment he was the last person she wanted to see, so she turned and went in the opposite direction, slipping into the girls' bathroom and locking herself in the last stall. She stayed there until the final bell rang.
Finally she exited the stall, walking to the sinks to splash water on her tear stained face. She knew she'd have to face them all since Isabel was her ride home, and she was dreading it. She left the bathroom and headed reluctantly down the hallway toward the gym entrance. She had barely walked through the doors before she found herself crushed in Michael's arms, hearing him muttering over and over in her ear. "I'll kill her.....I'll kill her...." He pulled back, looking down into her eyes. "Don't you believe one word she says, Liz."
"I know, Michael. I'm fine, really," Liz said softly. "We better get going. You have a shift tonight." She slid into the back seat, smiling as Michael slid in beside her. She lay her head on Michael's shoulder as Isabel drove to the trailer park. Liz slid out and waved as Isabel drove off. Michael had been reluctant to leave, but Max had reminding him of his shift and he grumblingly given in. Once the car was out of sight, Liz turned and entered the trailer.