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 Two)
INT. LIZıS ROOM (FRIDAY MORNING)
An annoying ALARM CLOCK is buzzing, right next to the soundly
sleeping Liz. Lizıs mother hurries in.
MOM
Liz? Liz.
She turns off the alarm and gently shakes Liz awake.
MOM
Honey, this thing has been going off for a while. You need to get
up and get at 'em.
Liz sits up wearily.
LIZ
Mom? I guess youıre feeling better.
MOM
Yes, I am. Now hurry up or youıll be late.
She exits.
Liz groans and unsteadily gets to her feet.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY (LATER)
Liz sits dully on the break room couch in between classes. Maria
is talking as she grabs a soda out of the machine.
MARIA
I mean, you know how much I used to be in love with Kermit the
Frog. Donıt they have a frog- lover clause somewhere in the
Biology handbook?
She turns back to Liz and stops, noticing again her pallor.
MARIA
Liz? Okay, I know youıre lying now. You look like you just
swallowed the frog I refused to dissect in Biology. What is wrong
with you?
Liz doesnıt even smile.
LIZ
Oh, nothing. I guess I need to take a nap later or something.
MARIA
Well, if you need to take one in history class, Iıll cover for
you. Want a soda?
LIZ
Um...yeah, maybe something with caffeine would help.
MARIA
Yeah, at least youıll be a wide awake zombie.
Liz manages a smile.
EXT. LUNCH (LATER)
Max and Isabel are reading, eating a quiet lunch. Max looks
around.
MAX
You seen Michael today?
ISABEL
He probably skipped again.
MAX
You donıt think heıd go looking for this guy on his own, do
you?
Isabelıs jaw drops.
ISABEL
Of course he would! Oh my god, thatıs probably where he is.
MAX
Yeah, well, my guess is that Gabriel has already left town. Why
else wouldnıt he have shown last
night?
ISABEL
That might be the best thing that couldıve happened. Michael is
willing to give up everything if this guy is...
Max nods.
MAX
Did you see Liz today?
ISABEL
Unfortunately, yes. Iıd like to forget once in a while that our
lives are completely in the hands of a moon-eyed waitress.
Max goes back to reading...
Finally, Isabel canıt stand the silence.
ISABEL
What? What about Liz?
MAX
Nothing...she just looks...tired or something.
ISABEL
Well, she canıt feel any worse than I do. Sleeping on that
wooden floor gave me a kink in my neck. And Iım positively dead
tired.
MAX
Well, you look better than she does.
ISABEL
Doesnıt that go without saying?
Max gives her a look.
ISABEL
Just a joke. I know youıre passionately in love with her. I just
donıt understand why. She complicates everything.
They stare at each other. Max looks away.
MAX
Thatıs not her fault.
ISABEL
Nothing is ever her fault. (she sighs) Itıs not that I donıt
like her. I just donıt like like you with her.
Max gives her a small smile. Isabel rolls her eyes.
INT. CLASSROOM
Liz is concentrating hard on her specimen slides, slowly changing
them out in her microscope and marking a few findings on her
test.
To her right, Max is watching Liz with concern, his space already
cleared of materials.
Liz studies the new specimen, then rubs her face wearily.
MAX
(whispering) Liz, you okay?
The teacher, Mrs. Spalding, hears Max and casually walks over to
Liz. She gives them both a questioning look.
MRS. SPALDING
Liz, are you having trouble?
She picks up Lizıs test sheet.
MRS. SPALDING
Youıve only gotten through half of the answers. Iım afraid youıve
only got about 2 more minutes.
LIZ
Iım sorry. Iım just having a hard time concentrating. I know
the answers, I promise.
MRS. SPALDING
I know, Liz. Why donıt you stop by after school and weıll give
you ten extra minutes or so? Time was not supposed to be factor
in this test.
LIZ
Thank you, Mrs. Spalding.
INT. MARIAıS CAR (LATER)
Liz lays back in her seat, deep circles under her eyes. Maria is
driving slowly up to the Crashdown.
She parks the car and stops to look at Liz.
MARIA
There is no way you are going to work today. Go straight upstairs
and get in bed.
Liz nods and climbs out. Maria watches Liz go upstairs very
slowly. Then she grabs her purse and hops out.
INT. PARKERıS APT. (MINUTES LATER)
Liz meets her mother in the hallway.
MOM
There you are! Mrs. Spalding called and said to look out for you.
(pauses) Liz, you look horrible. What did you do to yourself?
Liz shakes her head and walks to her bedroom.
LIZ
If I can figure out what it was, believe me, Iıll never do it
again.
She stops Liz to feel her forehead and look deeply into her eyes.
MOM
No fever...I hope you havenıt got what I had.
LIZ
Iım fine, really. Iıll just rest for a while, and then get
downstairs.
MOM
Oh, no you donıt. I canıt remember when Iıve seen you this
tired, Liz. Just go to bed and Iıll cover
your shift. Iıll be up to check on you when I can, Œkay?
At this point, Liz has collapsed on the bed. She just nods as her
mom pulls the covers up around her. Lizıs Mom kisses her
forehead, then studies her a moment.
Liz falls asleep immediately.
Lizıs Mom closes the door, leaving the room bathed in the waning
afternoon sunlight.
INT. LIZıS ROOM (LATER)
The room is dark and Liz stirs uneasily. Even in her sleep, she
is restless.
From across the room, a figure slowly moves toward the bed.
The floor creaks and Lizıs eyes flutter open.
It takes a moment for her eyes to clear....then she gasps.
Gabriel stands there watching her, face barely visible.
GABRIEL
Not feeling well?
Liz struggles to sit up, trying to ignore the dizziness.
LIZ
What do you want?
GABRIEL
I think we need to have a little chat.
LIZ
No. I already told you, I canıt help you.
GABRIEL
Oh, thatıs alright. (coming closer) You see, Liz, youıve
already given away everything.
She shakes her head, very disoriented.
LIZ
But...I didnıt tell you anything.
GABRIEL
You didnıt have to. Do you know what brought me here?
LIZ
No. And I donıt care. I just want you to leave....please.
GABRIEL
We intercepted several communications from the FBI. Theyıre
watching you, Liz. And they know more than you think they know.
Everyone knows more than you think they know.
Liz grabs onto the bed, trying not to faint...
LIZ
Thereıs...nothing...to know.
He shakes his head.
GABRIEL
Liz, Liz, Liz. Sure there is. (leaning over the bed) Donıt you
remember? You told me all about it. In
the diner. About Max and Isabel...
Suddenly, Liz isnıt very sure of what she hasnıt said...
LIZ
No...
GABRIEL
And how Max saved your life...
Her head is swimming. This is seeming so much like a nightmare...
LIZ
How did you...no. I didnıt tell you that...
GABRIEL
Itıs okay, Liz, thereıs nothing left to worry about now. No
more secrets. Youıve already betrayed them.
LIZ
NO!
GABRIEL
YES! (intense) Why do you think the FBI knows all about them?
Because of you and your boring little life. Max saved you and you
betrayed them, Michael, Isabel, and Max.
LIZ
NO! I did NOT betray them!
In the pause that follows, their eyes meet: his, disgusted, hers,
horrified.
GABRIEL
Them? All it takes is a little slip like that, Liz. What if I
were an FBI agent? Your friends would be on their way to a secret
compound somewhere, to die a horrible death. And all because they
trusted you.
He pulls leather gloves out of his jacket pocket.
LIZ
No. No...you trapped me. I would never...
GABRIEL
You just did.
Liz closes her eyes in defeat, the room spinning around her.
GABRIEL
Humans always betray us in the end. And Iım not about to let
that happen to my little brother. (pauses) Sorry, Liz. You were a
good kid.
She begins to faint even before he touches her.
A knife flashes in his hand...
INT. CRASHDOWN CAFE (MINUTES LATER)
The crowd has waned and Lizıs Mom checks her watch.
LIZıS MOM
Maria, Iım going upstairs to check on Liz. Iıll be right back.
Maria waves her on.
MARIA
Tell her Iıll be up there when my shift is over.
INT. HALLWAY
Lizıs Mom heaves a big sigh as she ascends the stairs. She opens
the door and heads straight to Lizıs room. Not wanting to
disturb her, she opens the door quietly and peeks in.
INT. LIZıS ROOM
In the semi-darkness, Liz lies still under the covers.
Lizıs Mom smiles and begins to shut the door. Suddenly,
something catches her eye. She opens the door and crosses to the
bed.
LIZıS MOM
Oh my god...LIZ!
The sheets are stained with blood.
INT. CRASHDOWN (MINUTES LATER)
Maria answers the phone.
MARIA
Crashdown Cafe...What???
She begins breathing heavily.
MARIA
How bad is she?...Okay, Iıll send him up. Mrs. Parker? (Lizıs
Mom hangs up) MRS. PARKER? Oh...oh...oh.
Maria hangs up and goes to the back room, where Lizıs Dad is
still doing inventory.
MARIA
Um...Mr. Parker? Liz is...is...
Lizıs Dad looks up at her patiently.
LIZıS DAD
Is what?
MARIA
Bleeding... a lot. She needs you upstairs.
He stares at Maria a moment, then drops his clipboard and rushes
up the stairs. Maria watches, then turns back to the cafe. She
vacillates a moment, unsure of what to do.
Finally, she runs through the cafe and over to The UFO Center.
INT. UFO CENTER
Maria is truly panicking now...
As she rushes in, a group of tourists stop and stare at her.
MARIA
MAX!!! MAX??!!
The tour guide pauses in his recitation.
MARIA
Sorry...
She looks around desperately.
Max appears from the back room, looking at Maria with wide eyes.
She rushes over to meet him in the middle of the room, everyone
watching.
MAX
What is it?
MARIA
Itıs Liz. Sheıs...bleeding...somehow, she cut her wrists or
something.
The crowd begins murmuring.
Max stares at Maria a moment, then glances over at his boss. His
boss waves him on and Max runs out, Maria right on his heels.
EXT. CRASHDOWN CAFE
An ambulance has arrived and the police are on hand to block off
entrance to the area.
Max and Maria race around to the back entrance. As Max puts his
hand on the handrail to the stairs, he sees a FLASH, another
FLASH and then a vision...
VISION:
A figure, head down, with his gloved hand on the handrail.
He stops, sighs and then looks up.
It is Gabriel.
MAX
No...oh no.
Max takes the stairs two at a time, but the door is locked.
MAX
LIZ??
He pounds on it as Maria appears beside him, but there is no
answer.
Around at the front, they hear the ambulance doors shutting.
They run down just in time to see the ambulance ride off, SIRENS
wailing.
MAX
Come on. We may need Isabel.
Maria doesnıt question him, just follows as he runs to get in
his jeep.
INT. HOSPITAL (LATER)
The doctor is standing outside Lizıs room, conferring with Lizıs
parents.
DAD
Okay, explain this to me. How could her red blood cells
just...disappear?
DR. RADNEY
Thatıs the part Iım hesitant to do much guess work on. Thereıs
no sign of infection or cancer that
might have caused it. Right now, frankly, we just donıt know. If
the condition was temporary, then the blood transfusion with new
red blood cells should help her body overcome the deficiency.
However, since we donıt know what caused it, we are unable to
predict whether her body will simply deplete these new red blood
cells as well.
DAD
And you canıt stop the bleeding?
DR. RADNEY
We are doing everything we can. But if her red blood cell count
does not rise, then she will continue to bleed. At that point, we
hope that we will have a few more answers for you and some
alternatives. Right now, all we can do is wait.
The Parkers exchange numb looks.
DAD
Weıll give more blood if itıs necessary.
DR. RADNEY
Weıll be sure to keep you updated. Excuse me, I have to check on
another patient.
He exits.
MOM
I just donıt understand...why would she c-cut herself like this?
Lizıs Dad holds his wife close for a moment, his face haunted by
doubts.
INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY
Max, Maria and Isabel are moving quickly down the hallway,
glancing at the room numbers along the way.
Maria is teary-eyed as they reach the room. She goes right into
the room and hugs Lizıs parents as Max and Isabel hang back
uncomfortably in the hallway.
Max looks through the glass at Liz.
She is pale and still, her wrists heavily bandaged and still
bleeding. She is hooked up to a monitor, her heartbeat slow but
steady.
Maria comes back out into the hallway, tears running down her
cheeks.
MARIA
Sheıs bleeding to death. The doctors canıt explain why.
Something about her red blood cells...(she almost smiles) They
think she might have tried to commit suicide because she and Kyle
broke up. God, would she laugh at that.
Max and Isabel exchange glances.
MAX
Maria, can you get us alone with Liz? We might be able to help
her if we can just be alone for a few minutes.
MARIA
(wiping her tears) Oh, I want you to, but are you sure you should
...with so many people around?
ISABEL
Max says he knows Gabriel did this. So itıs our fault. Weıve
got to try to help. Michaelıs going to see if he can find
Gabriel.
Maria thinks for a moment.
MARIA
Okay, I think I can get them out of the room. Just give me a
minute.
INT. HALLWAY (MINUTES LATER)
Maria is on the waiting room phone.
MARIA
(into receiver) Hang on and Iıll get him for you.
She goes down the hall to Lizıs room.
MARIA
Um...Mr. Parker? Iım sorry to bother you but Rachel is on the
phone. Sheıs at the cafe alone and doesnıt know how to close
up.
DAD
You canıt tell her?
MARIA
Iıve never done it before. Liz always does it when weıre there
alone. Sorry.
He sighs and then exits.
Maria sits beside Lizıs Mom.
MARIA
I am so sorry.
MOM
Did you know she was this upset over Kyle?
MARIA
Well, she didnıt like to talk about him.
MOM
I just canıt stand the thought that she was that unhappy about
the break-up. But that had to be what it was, doesnıt it?
Maria glances at Liz.
MARIA
Maybe we should talk about it where she canıt hear...I mean, she
never even wanted me to mention Kyleıs name in front of her.
Lizıs Mom looks over at Liz and reluctantly stands.
MOM
Right. Now tell me everything that she said about him to you. Donıt
hold anything back. I have to
understand this.
MARIA
Okay.
As they exit, Maria looks down the hall to where Max and Isabel
are waiting.
They come quickly.
Isabel shuts the door behind them and Max draws the curtain
around the bed....
INT. CURTAIN
Liz looks pale and lifeless...
ISABEL
Her eyes arenıt open, Max.
MAX
Can you wake her up? If sheıs dreaming?
Isabel hesitates.
ISABEL
Maybe...Iıll try.
She reaches out her fingers and touches Lizıs forehead, then she
closes her eyes.
Max takes a deep breath and waits.
DREAM
Everything is dark and foggy. Isabel is looking around
cautiously.
ISABEL
Liz?....LIZ?
Despite her growing fear, she keeps moving. After a moment, she
comes upon a door.
She hesitantly enters, finding what appears to be a warped
replica of Lizıs bedroom...very dark and cavernous.
Liz is laying unconscious on her bed, blood pooling around her
wrists and dripping to the floor.
Isabel turns away.
END DREAM
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM
Isabel begins shaking her head as soon as she opens her eyes.
ISABEL
Max...I canıt. Even in her dreams, sheıs dying.
Max stares at Isabel for a moment, then looks down at Liz. After
a moment, he breaks the silence...
MAX
You donıt understand. This canıt happen...I think...I need her.
Isabel watches him a moment.
ISABEL
Iıll try again.
MAX
(softly) Thank you.
Isabel touches Lizıs forehead gently and closes her eyes.
DREAM
Isabel once again enters Lizıs room through the swirling smoke.
She forces herself to get close to Liz.
Lizıs face is pale, her body completely limp.
Isabel swallows nervously.
ISABEL
(whispering) Liz? Wake up. Youıre not dead. And we can help you
if youıll just wake up. But you have to look at us. (she pauses)
At Max. You have to look at Max.
There is no response.
Isabel puts her hands on her hips.
ISABEL
Look, Liz Parker. You can NOT die. My brother just told me that
he needs you...Do you know what that means? You had better wake
up RIGHT NOW.
Lizıs eyes slowly open.
Isabel composes herself.
ISABEL
This is just a dream, Liz. Wake up.
END DREAM
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM
Isabel opens her eyes.
ISABEL
I think sheıs-
Max holds his hand up to quiet her as Liz begins to struggle to
open her eyes.
MAX
Liz? Liz....look at me.
Isabel steps back, watching uncomfortably. She finally turns from
the bed and ducks behind the
curtain.
Max leans over Liz, trying to make eye contact.
MAX
Come on, Liz. Please...
She finally looks at Max weakly, her eyes immediately starting to
close.
Max slips his hand behind her head and focuses on her eyes.
There is a FLASH, then another FLASH as he tries to undo the
damage done by Gabriel.
His face strains until finally...itıs done and Liz slips back
into unconsciousness.
Max steps back, releasing his hold on her breathlessly.
Max studies Liz for a moment, hoping that she might wake up.
ISABEL (O.C.)
Max, Maria says itıs time to go.
Max gently caresses her face, and then turns to go.
Isabel watches him carefully as they exit the room.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM (LATER)
Liz is awake, with some color in her cheeks.
Her parents are standing in the hallway with Dr. Radney.
Maria crosses to the bed with a cup of water.
MARIA
You look so much better. The doctor is so stunned!
Liz picks at the bandages on her wrist.
LIZ
My parents are so worried. They think Iım suicidally depressed.
MARIA
So youıll be in therapy for a little while. Itıs no big deal.
Youıre alive! Although, there is one complication we havenıt
discussed yet.
LIZ
What? Maria, what is it?
MARIA
Well...
A KNOCK on the door.
LIZ
Come in.
Kyle Valenti enters with a bouquet of flowers.
KYLE
Liz. Thank God youıre alright. Your Mom called and said it would
be alright to come over...
LIZ
Kyle! Hi...
He comes over to her bedside and sits as Maria exits with a
pained look.
KYLE
Liz, why didnıt you just tell me you were so upset? I thought
you didnıt want to be with me. But Iım glad I was wrong about
that.
He smiles and reaches for her hand.
KYLE
Donıt worry about anything. Weıll just put this whole Max Evans
thing behind us.
Liz pauses...then manages to smile back.
LIZ
Yeah...
INT. MAXıS BEDROOM (LATER)
Max enters and sits on his bed.
MICHAEL
About time.
Max jumps and turns to see Michael on his sleeping bag on the
floor.
MAX
(tense) Did you find him?
MICHAEL
I found his hotel, but he checked out yesterday and apparently
left town. (uncomfortably) Thereıs got to be a reason he did
this... right?
Max just stares at nothing.
MICHAEL
Think heıll be back?
MAX
Iım afraid so.
They stare at each other for a moment.
The PHONE RINGS.
Max quickly picks it up.
MAX
Hello?
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM (SAME)
Maria is on the other end.
MARIA
Hi, Max. Sheıs fine. And the doctors are absolutely clueless.
MAX
Great.
MARIA
Yeah. Thanks....again. And tell Isabel thanks, too.
Isabel opens the door to Maxıs room with a questioning look.
Max nods.
MAX
(whispering to Isabel) Sheıs fine. (to Maria) Tell Liz ³hi²
for me.
MARIA
You got it. Good night.
Isabel quietly exits again.
Max lays back on his bed, hands under his head. He has a lot of
thinking to do.
FADE TO BLACK
FADE IN:
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY (DAYS LATER)
Max is at his locker when Liz walks by, Kyleıs arm draped around
her neck.
Liz avoids eye contact with Max.
INT. CLASSROOM (LATER)
In Biology, Liz sits beside Max without speaking. He steals a
glance at her, but she seems lost in
thought.
The BELL RINGS and Liz jumps up, books already gathered.
As she passes by Maxıs desk, she drops a note on his book.
Max stares at her retreating form, then quickly closes the book
on her note as other students pass by.
He bends over to get his other books and slides the note out of
his book.
It reads: ³Meet me in the Eraser Room at 2:00.
-Liz²
INT. ERASER ROOM (2:00)
Max is already there, idly peering through the grate in Miss
Topolskiıs office, who is out for the moment.
He turns around just as Liz opens the door and quickly comes
inside.
MAX
Hi.
He looks uncertain as to what to say next.
LIZ
Hi. Um...
She walks closer to him.
LIZ
I wanted to explain why you see me with Kyle again. My parents
think that I tried to commit suicide and the only theory they
could come up with is that I did it because I...love Kyle. And I
honestly couldnıt tell them it was a psychotic alien who tried
to kill me. (smiling through tears) I mean, then they would
really think I was messed up. So, I had to agree and so, Kyle and
I are dating again.
Max just nods.
MAX
Are you okay?
LIZ
Yeah....I mean, no. Itıs killing me to be this dishonest with
Kyle. He really thinks Iım suicidal
without him. And the truth is, the entire time Iım with him, I
want to be...(breaking off) I just donıt want you thinking that
I wanted it this way. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Max steps closer.
MAX
No, Liz, I understand.
LIZ
It wonıt be forever. Just until I can figure a way out.
Max regards her with serious eyes.
MAX
Right. I hate to ask you this, Liz. But I need to know...what
really happened that night?
Liz glances down.
LIZ
Itıs kind of hard to remember. I was already pretty sick. But
I...woke up and...he was standing there in my room.
She looks haunted at the memory.
Maxıs jaw tightens.
LIZ
He was asking me these questions, and kept going on about the FBI
being after us and how humans canıt be trusted with secrets.
(remembering) Oh, he is Michaelıs older brother.
MAX
But why didnıt he want to see Michael, then?
LIZ
I donıt know. I got the feeling that he was just here for me. He
said that he didnıt want me to betray his brother, or any of
you. Iım just glad he didnıt know about Maria.
MAX
(pausing painfully) Did...did he do anything to you? Before he...
cut your wrists?
LIZ
No. I donıt think so. (crossing her arms in front) One thing Iım
wondering, Max. I know this is silly, but...what if he comes
back?
Max steps closer and looks steadily into her eyes.
MAX
I wonıt let him get to you again. I swear.
Liz looks deeply into his eyes, then breaks away.
LIZ
Iıd better go. Iım sorry, Max. I may not be able to talk to you
for a while. Kyle canıt suspect
anything. Thatıs why I havenıt called. (looking miserable) Itıs
probably better for you, anyway. I just seem to get you into
trouble.
MAX
No, Liz...
As she turns to leave, Max gently takes her shoulders and turns
her back around.
MAX
This whole thing happened to you because you knew about us. Thatıs
the reason Gabriel saw you as a threat. Thatıs my fault. I
should have protected you better...Iım sorry.
Shaking her head, Liz steps close and puts her arms tight around
him. She buries her face in his chest and allows a few tears to
fall.
Max holds her close.
After a moment, she looks up and smiles through her tears.
LIZ
You canıt be sorry. Youıre my hero.
Max smiles.
Liz stands up on her toes and kisses his cheek.
LIZ
Thank you.
She reluctantly pulls away and quietly exits....leaving Max
alone... again.
Oh I am what I am.
I'll do what I want...
But I can't hide.
And I wonıt go.
I wonıt sleep.
I can't breathe...
Until youıre resting here with me.
I wonıt leave,
and I can't hide.
I cannot be...
Until youıre resting here with me.
--Dido, "Here With Me" (theme song from
"Roswell")
To Be Continued...In Part 2 of a triology, "After Effects"