Author: Ashley Lane
Email: [email protected]
Rated: PG-13 for violence
Disclaimer: I donıt own any of the Roswell characters, although
Gabriel is mine!!!
Spoilers: everything up to and including the episode ³Leaving
Normal²
Category: mainly M/L
Feedback: Oh yeah!
Format: script (INT. means interior, EXT. means
exterior)
Blood Is Thicker Than Water (PART ONE)
EXT. LIZıS BALCONY
She is seated on a lawn chair, writing in a red book.
LIZ
Today is November 18. My name is Liz Parker. I started this
journal not to tediously record every
event that happens in my life. I have already seen how dangerous
that can be. But there are some things that have to be written
down to be understood. And some events that have to be described
to be believed. Like Wednesday at the Crashdown, when a stranger
came in...
INT. CRASHDOWN CAFE (WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON)
The back of a man as he strides across the cafe. Dressed in all
black, he heads for a booth in the
back. Around him, the few patrons stare and whisper. He sits down
and grabs a menu. Lizıs Dad notices him, smiles in his direction
and heads to the back.
INT. BACK ROOM (SAME)
Liz is just putting on her apron to begin her afternoon shift.
Lizıs Dad sticks his head in the door.
DAD
Liz, are you on?
LIZ
Yeah, Dad. Iıll be right there.
DAD
Okee-dokee.
LIZ
Oh, howıs Mom feeling?
DAD
About the same. Liz, thereıs a customer at booth #3 I want you
to take care of. I want you to show him our best service, okay?
LIZ
Sure.
INT. CRASHDOWN (MINUTES LATER)
Liz heads to booth #3. The stranger has his head down, studying
his menu. As Liz reaches his table, she fixes a smile on her
face.
LIZ
Hi. Welcome to the Crashdown Cafe. What can I get for you?
As the stranger looks up, Liz freezes. Itıs Michael, sort
of...someone who looks almost exactly like him! Same eyes, same
mouth...even the hint of danger she used to see in Michael before
she knew him well enough to call him friend. Liz knows she is
staring, but just canıt help it. The stranger narrows his eyes
and smiles slightly.
STRANGER
I guess you could say Iım new in town. What would you recommend
for a hungry traveler?
Liz blinks a few times before answering.
LIZ
Wow. So youıre visiting Roswell for the first time?
The stranger looks at her carefully, seeming to size her up.
STRANGER
Actually, no. Iıve been here before. Iım just here for a few
days. So, about the menu...?
Liz rouses herself back to waitress status.
LIZ
Oh, sorry. I would recommend...well, the Sigourney Weaver Special
is my favorite.
The stranger smiles.
STRANGER
Somehow, I knew you were going to say that.
Liz opens her eyes wide.
LIZ
Oh...You want a drink with that?
STRANGER
A coke.
Liz smiles and turns to go.
STRANGER
You donıt happen to have Tabasco sauce, do you?
Liz freezes, then turns to give him a half-hearted smile.
LIZ
No. Actually, people....usually bring in their own if they want
it.
Just at that moment, Maria DeLuca comes in the door for work. Liz
gives Maria a strained smile and jerks her head toward the back
room. Maria follows her as she exits to the back.
MARIA
What is it, Liz?
Liz stops to look back at the booth before exiting the room.
CREDITS
INT. BACK ROOM (MINUTES LATER)
Maria is buttoning up her waitress dress. She stops abruptly.
MARIA
Oh. my. God. Do you know what this means?
LIZ
Yes....sort of. Iım very confused. What does it mean?
MARIA
I donıt know. Let me go check him out.
Liz grabs Mariaıs arm.
LIZ
No! He might suspect something.
MARIA
Well, if heıs who we think he is, then he would already be
suspecting something. Right? Otherwise, thereıs nothing to worry
about. Did he order a drink? Iıll take it to him.
LIZ
No. Maria-
MARIA
Liz, youıre being ridiculous. Iım sure itıs, like, just your
imagination or something. Just let me go see.
LIZ
No. You canıt go out there.
Maria stares at her.
MARIA
Liz!
LIZ
Not until you button your dress.
Maria looks down at her exposed chest.
MARIA
Oh. Right. I was going to do that.
INT. CRASHDOWN CAFE (MINUTES LATER)
Drink in hand, Maria heads for booth #3, trying to walk as though
it were a normal customer and not a dreaded alien who could kill
her with one touch of his hand. She stops three steps away and
gathers her courage. Then she approaches the table. The stranger
has his head down, studying the tabletop.
MARIA
Hereıs your Coke, sir.
The stranger glances up at Maria and then at the drink she just
put in front of him.
STRANGER
Thanks.
He goes back to studying the table. Maria is frozen in place. The
stranger looks back up, furrowing his brow so much like Michael
that Maria gasps.
STRANGER
Is something wrong? Because between you and your friend there...
(he indicates the back room where Liz is peeking out) Iım
beginning to feel rather alienated...if you know what I mean?
Maria is shocked but manages to cover with a strange laugh.
MARIA
Oh, thatıs funny. Alien...ated...Iım sorry if Iım being rude.
Has anyone ever told you that you look
just like....uh...Brad Pitt?
STRANGER
No. That would be a first for me.
MARIA
Oh, okay.
Maria gladly excuses herself to the back room.
INT. BACK ROOM
LIZ
Well?
MARIA
This is, like, an X-file or something. I mean, how much more like
Michael could he be? He even does that James Dean sort of rebel-
without-a-clue thing, like, wrinkly forehead thing.
LIZ
Cause. Rebel without a cause.
MARIA
Oh, okay, correct my movie trivia at a time like this. Liz, youıve
got to tell Max. Theyıve got to
know about this.
LIZ
Youıre right. Iıll go after we close.
Maria grabs her arm.
MARIA
Until then, stay on his good side.
Liz smiles nervously.
INT. CRASHDOWN CAFE (LATER)
Liz is watching the stranger out of the corner of her eye as she
wipes up the counters. Suddenly, he looks up and motions to her.
She puts down the cloth, makes eyes at Maria and walks over to
his booth.
LIZ
Hi. How was your burger?
STRANGER
Perfect. I just thought maybe you might be willing to help me
with something else. How long have you lived in Roswell?
LIZ
My whole life.
STRANGER
Ever seen any aliens?
He smiles.
LIZ
(trying to laugh) Are you kidding? Around here, we see aliens
every day.
Maria, who has moved within hearing distance, shoots her a look.
So does the stranger.
STRANGER
My name is Gabriel. Iım looking for a kid who is probably about
your age that I knew years ago. I was hoping to hook up with him
again. He would have been an orphan, adopted when he was about
six years old. Know anybody like that?
Liz is reeling.
LIZ
Oh, wow. Um....well, I guess I do know most of the kids in town,
but Iım not sure that I would know if they were adopted or not.
Gabrielıs eyes narrow.
LIZ
I could ask around, maybe. And see. How long will you be in town?
GABRIEL
Just a few days.
He stands, pulls out his wallet and puts a few dollars on the
table. As Liz smiles nervously, he walks closer.
GABRIEL
Iıll be back to see what you find.
Liz nods. Gabriel gives her a small smile and heads out the door.
Liz lets out her pent-up breath.
INT. CRASHDOWN CAFE (NIGHT)
Liz pauses as she cleans off some tables, tired but her mind
obviously working. Maria walks up behind her.
MARIA
Iım dying to know what Max and Michael say, but Iıve got to go
home and finish that 500 word essay for Mr. Growsky. Only 495
words to go.
LIZ
Have you figured out what this guy might be doing here? I mean,
if heıs one of the...you know.
MARIA
No. Iım sort of afraid to figure that one out.
Maria gives her a hug.
MARIA
Be careful, okay?
LIZ
Sure.
Maria exits. Lizıs Dad comes in from the back.
DAD
What a night. We did really well today. You and Maria are a great
team.
LIZ
Thanks, Dad. Iıve got to go out for a few minutes.
DAD
Liz, I think you need to go see your mother. Sheıs feeling
pretty poorly and we need to let her know we havenıt forgotten
her.
Liz nods reluctantly.
INT. PARENTSı BEDROOM (LATER)
Liz has changed into a casual outfit and is sitting at her motherıs
bedside.
MOTHER
(hoarse) So, your day went okay?
She coughs loudly.
LIZ
Yeah. Donıt try and talk, Mom, itıll only make your throat
worse.
MOTHER
(nods, whispering) But that means you have to talk.
LIZ
I know. Iım sorry we havenıt talked much lately. A lot has been
going on.
Her mother motions for her to continue.
LIZ
Well, remember Max? He came to the hospital when Grandma...well,
the night she had the stroke and then later on, when
she...anyway, heıs a really nice guy and I find myself sort of
wondering about...
She flounders for the right expression, then stops. Her mother
reaches out and holds her hand.
LIZ
Didnıt you think he was....?
Her mother nods with a grin. Liz blushes.
LIZ
But, I know what youıre going to say. And itıs not true. Kyle
and I never really had a future together. Weıre through. Iım
sure of that, but now Iım not sure what happens...with anyone
else.
Her mother just smiles knowingly at her.
MOTHER
(whispering) One day at a time, sweetie.
Liz smiles.
EXT. STAIRWAY (LATER)
Liz has finally gotten out of the house and heads toward Maxıs
house. It is dark and noises around the town make her nervous.
The town square clock strikes 10:00.
INT. MAXıS ROOM (LATER)
Max, in bed, has fallen asleep with the lights on and a book, ³The
Alien Has Landed² on his chest.
EXT. WINDOW- THE EVANSı HOUSE
Liz knocks on the window.
INT. ISABELıS ROOM (SAME)
Isabel turns over in bed immediately. The tapping on the window
comes again. Isabel rises out of bed, her tall form graceful in a
short nightgown. She cautiously goes toward the window.
EXT. WINDOW
LIZ
(whispering) Max! I have to talk to you.
The window opens. Isabel pulls aside the curtain.
ISABEL
Liz? Wrong window?
Liz pulls back in surprise.
LIZ
Isabel! Iım sorry...but actually I do need to talk to you, too.
I need to talk to all three of you.
Isabel steps back and lets Liz in.
CUT TO:
DREAM SEQUENCE:
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY
Max and Liz are standing in the hallway, looking deeply into each
otherıs eyes. The other students in the crowded hallway begin to
disappear in groups...until only Liz and Max are left. Max
reaches out and puts one hand around Lizıs waist, pulling her
closer to him. She leans against him, face
lowered.
He holds her close for a moment, then slips her cardigan off her
shoulders, caressing her bare arms
gently. She sighs and lifts her face to him, sliding her hands
around his back.
He cups his hand behind her head and leans down to kiss her...
Suddenly, Isabel appears, looking sharply defined and out of
place in the soft scenario.
ISABEL
Nice dream, Max.
Max pulls away from Liz quickly.
MAX
Is! I-I....(flustered) this is sort of a private moment.
Isabel smiles knowingly.
ISABEL
Sheıs here, so you might want to wake up.
MAX
Here? Liz?
ISABEL
In my room. She needs to talk to all of us. Iım going to see
Michael right now.
CUT TO:
ANOTHER DREAM SEQUENCE
EXT. BIG HILL UNDER A STARRY SKY
Michael sits at an easel, concentrating with furrowed brow on the
subject sitting not far away. Liz is laying back on a
chaise-lounge, smiling seductively at Michael.
LIZ
Michael, are you going to draw all night?
He frowns at her and paints a few more strokes. Then Liz appears
in front of him. She pulls the palette out of his hands and sets
it on the table beside him.
LIZ
Letıs put those creative juices to better use.
She places herself in front of him and puts her arms around his
neck. He hesitates, then pulls her close and kisses her deeply.
Isabel once again looks out of place in his dream, sharp and
focused in this fuzzy world.
ISABEL
Michael! What are you doing?
Michael pushes Liz away and jumps up.
MICHAEL
Isabel! (he looks at Liz) Just a stray thought, thatıs all. What
are you doing here?
ISABEL
The real Liz is at our place; she needs to talk to all of us.
Right now.
Michael nods.
MICHAEL
Iım on my way.
Isabel takes another look at the simpering dream version of Liz.
ISABEL
Men.
MICHAEL
Um...Is...donıt tell, okay?
She doesnıt bother turning around.
ISABEL
Whatever.
INT. ISABELıS ROOM (SAME)
Isabel wakes up and looks over at Liz.
ISABEL
Theyıre both coming.
She gives her a knowing smile.
LIZ
What?
ISABEL
I would never have guessed it.
LIZ
What?
INT. ISABELıS ROOM (MINUTES LATER)
A KNOCK on the window. Isabel gets up to open her window again,
wrapped in a Japanese silk robe. Michael crawls through the
window and nods at everyone. As Isabel gives him a knowing smile,
Michael flashes back a warning look.
Liz is seated on the other bed, her feet tucked up under her. She
is acutely aware that Maxıs tank t-shirt reveals more of his
chest than she is used to seeing. Even across the room, it is
very distracting.
MAX
So, Liz, whatıs going on?
Turning her mind to business, she takes a deep breath.
LIZ
Someone came into the diner today. His name is Gabriel and he-
looks EXACTLY like Michael. He even asked for Tabasco sauce.
ISABEL
So?
Michael is transfixed by her words.
LIZ
Well, I probably wouldnıt have called you all together but he
said he was here looking for a kid that he used to know from
Roswell. He said that he would have been adopted at age six and
that he would be my age now.
MICHAEL
And he looked like me?
LIZ
Looked, talked, acted like you. It was creepy. Maria and I could
barely get any work done. He wants me to ask around and see if I
can find out what happened to that boy. What should I do?
Michael jumps up.
MICHAEL
I find him. Tell him who I am. This is it. He could be....my
family.
MAX
Wait, Michael. What if itıs a trap?
MICHAEL
What? How could this be a trap?
MAX
We know that theyıre watching us right now. This would be the
perfect way to get us to expose
ourselves.
MICHAEL
Who? Whoıs watching us? The guidance counselor? The sheriff?
(shakes his head) This may be the only shot weıll get at this. I
have to know.
LIZ
Wait, what if you, one of you, not Michael, comes to the cafe and
takes a look at him. I mean, maybe Iım imagining it. Maybe youıll
take one look at him and say, ³No way, heıs a fake.² Canıt
you tell these kinds of things?
MAX
Good idea, Liz. Michael, just wait. Let one of us check him out
first. If he sees you, itıs all over.
Just lay low for day or two and weıll make sure itıs safe.
Okay?
Michaelıs look is inscrutable.
MAX
Look, we want this for you as badly as you do, if itıs safe.
Okay?
Isabel watches on without expression. Michael finally nods.
MAX
So you think heıll be back in tomorrow, Liz?
LIZ
I think so. Heıll want to hear what I have to say. What should I
tell him?
Max and Isabel exchange looks.
INT. CRASHDOWN CAFE (THURSDAY)
Liz is working the register when Gabriel enters. She smiles at
him nervously, then turns to look over
at Max sitting in booth #1. She looks pointedly in Gabrielıs
direction and Max nods slightly.
He watches Gabriel walk towards him, trying not to let shock
register on his face. Liz walks over and pours more Coke for Max.
LIZ
You see him?
Max nods tensely.
MAX
Stay away from him, Liz.
She stares at Max for a moment, then looks over at Gabriel, who
immediately motions for her to come over. Liz smiles and waves at
him before walking into the back room.
INT. BACK ROOM
LIZ
Dad?
Lizıs dad peeks his head out from the supply closet.
DAD
Yes, sweetie?
LIZ
Dad, can you cover for me for a few minutes?
DAD
No, honey, I canıt do it right now. Iım up to my elbows in
stock. Iıll be out there in about half an
hour, okay?
Liz hesitates and then nods.
LIZ
Okay.
INT. CAFE (MINUTES LATER)
Liz looks to see if the other waitress has served Gabriel, but he
motions to her again. Liz reluctantly heads toward his table. As
she nears, Gabriel immediately gets down to business.
GABRIEL
So, did you have any luck?
Liz feigns forgetfulness.
LIZ
Iım sorry?
Max watches the scene with foreboding.
GABRIEL
Did you find my friend?
LIZ
Iım sorry. I must have forgotten. What was it you wanted again?
Gabriel looks at her intently, then over at Max. Max quickly
looks away.
GABRIEL
I donıt think you forgot anything. You know who my friend is,
and who else Iım looking for.
LIZ
Do you want to order something? I can help you with that.
GABRIEL
No, I want to get some answers from you, Liz.
LIZ
Well, Iım sorry, I donıt have any for you.
He gives her an appraising glance.
GABRIEL
You tell them to meet me tonight at the abandoned chipper mill.
Seven oıclock. You do know who I mean, donıt you? Everything
depends on it.
LIZ
Who?
GABRIEL
Youıre a great friend to them, Liz. Maybe too good if youıre
willing to stand between them and what they really want. Are you
sure youıre doing the right thing?
Liz forces herself not to say anything. Gabriel leans forward,
feeling her weakening.
GABRIEL
I can help them more than they know, if youıll justtell me who
they are.
She is torn...
Finally, Liz shakes her head, breaking the moment.
LIZ
Iım sorry, why donıt I get my father for you...
Gabriel reaches out quick as lightning and grabs her wrist. Liz
immediately tries to pull away.
GABRIEL
You want to drag this out, Liz? Fine.
As Gabriel squeezes Lizıs wrist, she cries out. He quickly
stuffs something in her hand. The diner has become quiet, the
other waitress disappears into the back with a frightened look.
Max is suddenly there.
MAX
Let her go.
As he clamps his hand on Gabrielıs, there is a FLASH, then
another FLASH, and Max sees a vision.
VISION:
Gabriel wrestling with someone, a big man.
A knife flashes up in the air and comes down.
The big man cries out and Gabriel stabs him again.
END VISION
Gabriel releases Liz and jerks his hand out of Maxıs just as Lizıs
Dad walks up.
DAD
I think youıd better leave, son.
Gabriel addressed Liz nonchalantly.
GABRIEL
Until we meet again.
He walks out. Max watches him with hooded eyes, then turns back
to Liz.
MAX
Are you alright?
LIZ
I think so. Thanks.
DAD
What did he say to you, Liz?
LIZ
Um...He...uh...(looking at Max) Nothing really. Heıs trying to
find someone and
asked me to help him. But I donıt think I can.
DAD
Well, even if you could, you wonıt. If you ever see
him coming around here again, you call me. Either of
you. Okay?
They nod. Lizıs Dad heads back to the back.
MAX
Iım sorry, Liz.
LIZ
Itıs okay, really. Iım fine. He...gave me this.
She glances at a card in her hand, then gives it to Max. Scrawled
on the card is this:
³The abandoned chipper mill. Seven oıclock.²
LIZ
He wants to meet all of you, I think.
MAX
He talked about us?
LIZ
Not by name, but he said I knew who else he was looking for. Let
me know what you decide.
MAX
No. Youıve done enough. Let us handle it.
Liz nods, gratefully.
INT. ISABELıS ROOM (NIGHT)
Isabel is carefully applying make-up at her sit-down vanity. She
looks perfect already, but isnıt satisfied.
A KNOCK at the door.
ISABEL
Enter.
Max sticks his head in the door. Isabel motions him in.
ISABEL
So, how did it go? Did he look like Michael?
Max nods as he sits on her bed.
MAX
His name is Gabriel. Heıs dangerous. He made it sound like he
knew all about us.
ISABEL
Well, if heıs from the pod, he would know all about us, wouldnıt
he? What exactly did he say?
MAX
He wants us to meet him tonight.
Isabel smiles widely.
ISABEL
Great! (seeing his concerned expression) Why is that not great?
MAX
I still feel like this could be a trap. And this is too important
to gamble with, Is.
She nods reluctantly.
ISABEL
But what if heıs really from Michaelıs family?
MAX
Then he should be able to find Michael on his own. Think about
it, Is. Why is he using Liz?
ISABEL
Liz can take care of herself, Max. We need to be looking out for
Michael right now.
MAX
Thatıs what Iım doing.
Isabel turns back to the mirror.
MAX
You got a date?
ISABEL
Yes.
MAX
Anyone I know?
ISABEL
Maybe...Michael is going to want to meet Gabriel.
MAX
I know. But maybe heıll understand why we canıt, not like this.
ISABEL
Yeah, right. (looks into mirror and sighs) Just like my dateıs
going to understand why I have to cancel.
Max studies her for a moment.
MAX
I donıt think we should meet Gabriel, Is.
She looks at him with determination.
ISABEL
I know. But Michael needs to have a choice in this. Itıs his
life, Max.
EXT. THE EVANSı JEEP (LATER)
With Michael in the back, Max and Isabel drive down a deserted
road and stop.
MICHAEL
What did he say, Max?
MAX
He wants us to meet him. Tonight.
MICHAEL
Where?
MAX
Michael, we canıt just walk into this blindly. We need to make
sure itıs safe.
MICHAEL
No, Max. Iım through being safe. And Iım ready for whatever
happens. Just tell me what he said.
ISABEL
Max...
Max stares at Michael and Isabel for a long moment, then pulls
out the card.
EXT. ABANDONED CHIPPER MILL (6:50)
Michael, Max and Isabel have left their jeep and taken a back way
to the mill.
INT. WAREHOUSE
They are hiding in a small warehouse, on the upper floor. From
Maxıs viewpoint, we can see the incoming road as well as all the
buildings. All is quiet.
ISABEL
(whispering) God, this is creepy.
MAX
At least we know the area is safe. No surprises. If he comes now,
weıll see him first.
MICHAEL
Max, would you take a break with your conspiracy crap? Youıve
been reading too much. (focusing on the landscape) Itıs not a
trap.
INT. WAREHOUSE (MUCH LATER)
Max is brooding as he checks his watch again. 11:30 and all is
quiet outside. He is seated, still looking out over the mill. He
glances over at Isabel, who has fallen asleep on the floor beside
him.
Then he looks over at Michael who is peering intently at the back
entrance to the mill.
Max slowly gets to his feet, waking up Isabel in the process.
He crosses to Michael.
MAX
Weıve got to get home. Curfew calls.
Michael doesnıt even look at him.
MICHAEL
Fine.
He brushes past Max and heads down the stairs.
Isabel limps over to Max.
ISABEL
One side of my body is completely numb. Carry me.
Max has to smile.
INT. PHONE BOOTH (SAME)
Gabriel, wearing a baseball cap and jacket, is waiting in the
booth. He checks his watch. The PHONE RINGS and he picks it up.
GABRIEL
Yeah?.....No, she didnıt budge, didnıt give a hint that she
knew anything. But she does. I can
tell....Yeah, they showed up, without her...I did. Well, how
should I handle it?... And if she talks?....(deep breath) Right.
Yeah, yeah. Iıve already started it. She should be feeling it
right about now.
He hangs up.
END PART ONE