Author: Ash
Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer: I donıt own Roswell or the characters, Iım just
borrowing them Œcause theyıre sooooo much better than what
I could come up with!!
Rated R for violence, intensity and language
Summary: Thriller all the way; part three of a trilogy (³Blood
is Thicker than Water² and ³After Effects²); takes place after
³Balance²; everyone involved
Spoilers: possible shows up to and including ³Balance²
Script format: INT. means interior set, EXT. means exterior set
Feedback: Please!
³I like a look of Agony,
Because I know itıs true-
Men do not sham convulsion,
Nor simulate a Throe-
-Emily Dickinson
Look of Agony (Part Two)
INT. CRASHDOWN CAFE (LATER)
It is a somber group sitting in the cafe. But the blood is gone
and there is no evidence of the slashing. In a booth, Isabel sits
close to Max, his arm around her. She moves closer to him and
shivers. Alex squeezed her hand on the table in mute sympathy and
exchanges a look with Max.
Michael, Liz and Maria sit at the closest table. Liz is huddled
in her chair, her jean-clad legs drawn up under her chin. Maria,
also in street clothes, has her arm around Liz. Michael jumps up
from the table and begins to pace.
MICHAEL
So, youıre saying that we should just stay in Roswell and wait
to get killed?
There are protests from every corner. Lizıs head falls forward
on her knees, tears in her eyes.
ISABEL
Michael, you think this guy wouldnıt jump in a car and follow
us? He knew Maxıs name, where he worked, and even when he would
be alone.
Michael runs his hand through his hair.
MICHAEL
And heıs coming after the rest of us.
Max looks up at him.
MAX
Thatıs not what I said, Michael.
Michael crosses to the table and leans over in Maxısface.
MICHAEL
You said that he was hoping for more of a fight ³next time.²
Who else could he be talking about?
Max shakes his head in frustration.
MAX
Letıs donıt jump to conclusions, okay? (he sighs and surveys
the group) Weıre not getting anywhere tonight. Letıs talk more
tomorrow.
Maria looks at him in amazement.
MARIA
So, thatıs it? You get stabbed three times and almost bleed to
death and itıs...no big deal? God, Max! This is ridiculous! We
could wake up in the morning and youıll all be....be...
Liz grabs her arm.
LIZ
Maria, shut up.
Michael gives Maria a morbid grin.
MICHAEL
Maybe Iıll just keep you with me and if he comes after me next,
you can talk the guy to death.
Mariaıs eyes well up with tears and she runs to the back room.
Liz stands and follows her without a word. Michael squints and
shakes his head.
ALEX
I agree with Maria. You ought to at least stay together tonight
and protect each other. Weıll come up with a plan tomorrow when
our minds arenıt completely numb.
Max, Michael and Isabel look at each other and nod.
MAX
Alright, then, letıs go.
The four of them gather their things. Max hesitates and looks at
the back room.
MAX
Iıll be right back.
He walks back behind the counter and knocks on thedoor. Liz
appears in a moment, wiping her tear-stained face.
LIZ
Max? Oh...
She looks down, but steps out of the way. Max glances over to the
couch at Maria.
MAX
Maria? You okay?Maria nods wanly.
MARIA
Sorry...I didnıt mean to...sorry.
MAX
Itıs alright, Maria.
Max looks back at Liz, who is trying to fade into the
background. Maria gets up from the couch and squeezes by Max.
MARIA
Iıll be upstairs.
MAX
(whispering to Liz) Are you okay?
She looks up at him, desperately trying to be ³okay.²
LIZ
Oh, yeah, donıt worry about me. Iım- Iım...
Max just barely smiles at her attempt.
MAX
(supplying the word for her) Okay?
Liz nods.
LIZ
Yeah. It was...the shock, I guess. You know, the blood and
all...Maybe- (she breaks off and looks at him) I didnıt know. I
mean, I didnıt think somebody would just walk off the street one
day and... try to kill you.
He reaches out and pulls her into his arms, just holding her for
a moment.
MAX
I canıt tell you how glad I am that you werenıt there tonight.
That means everything to me.
He runs his fingers through her hair and Liz looks upat him,
surprised.
LIZ
I canıt take a step back anymore, Max. I thought you were dead
and I wanted to die, too.
Max nods.
MAX
Can I kiss you good night?
Liz tries to stem the tears that are threatening.
LIZ
Only if you promise to do it again tomorrow.
Max hesitates, then lowers his lips on hers. Liz closes her eyes
and clings to him. After a moment, he pulls away and Liz wraps
her arms around herself.
MAX
Good night.
LIZ (whispering) Please be careful, all of you.
Max nods, and then he pushes back through the door.
FADE TO BLACKFADE IN:
EXT. SCHOOL PARKING LOT (AFTERNOON)
Max and Isabel are waiting, silently. Neither looks like theyıve
had a lot of sleep. Liz and Maria come walking up and everyone
exchanges small smiles.
LIZ
Any trouble?
MAX
Everythingıs fine, Liz.
MARIA
Whereıs Michael?
Isabel smiles wanly at her attempt to sound natural.
ISABEL
He and Alex are getting some junk food. Theyıll be right here.
Alex and Michael come walking up, each with a coke anda bag of
tato rings. Michael takes one look at the serious faces around
them.
MICHAEL Tato ring? (everyone shakes their head) Well, now thatıs
one night and one whole school day without the boogie man jumping
out. Anyone feel better?
MAX
Yeah, but assuming this guy is serious, we all ought to stick
together. If he canıt catch anyone alone, then...well, so much
the better. So Michael, that means no walking home for you.
MARIA
Iıll take him home after my shift. He can hang out at the
Crashdown.
Liz smiles.
LIZ
But no free food. Weıll get you in the back washing dishes if
you eat another whole pie without paying.
Michael grins.
MICHAEL
That was strictly for research. I had to see if E.T.ıs entrails
really were in there somewhere. (jumps in the back of the jeep)
Forward, ho, Maximilian!
Max and Isabel share a subdued smile as they pull out.
Liz walk slowly over to Alex and he puts one arm around her and
the other around Maria.
ALEX
Girls, girls!! Must I remind you that thereıs plenty of me to go
around! (he steers them toward his car) We could work out a
schedule. Maria takes me on odd nights, Liz on even. So, who
wants me tonight?
Liz smiles up at him as Maria waves and walks away.
LIZ
I think I need you tonight.
ALEX
Done! Iım all yours.
LIZ
(grinning) Yeah, unless Isabel is there.
ALEX
Plenty of me to go around, girls. No need to fight.
EXT. CRASHDOWN (DUSK)
Maria pulls her car out of the parking place and over to the UFO
Center. She honks the horn and Michael comes jogging out. Maria
looks tense as he gets in.
MARIA
Max okay?
MICHAEL Heıs fine.
MARIA
Is Milton still there?
MICHAEL
(with a sarcastic grin) Yeah, and I checked the closets and under
Maxıs bed, then tucked him in and kissed him goodnight. No
monsters in there. (shrugging) Iım sure the guy thinks heıs
dead, anyway.
Maria looks uncomfortable as puts the car into gear and pulls
away.
MARIA
Can we talk about something more uplifting?
Michael squints at her.
MICHAEL
Like what? 18-hour bras?
She giggles.
MARIA
Jock straps. Elevators.
MICHAEL
Isabelıs 12-inch platform shoes?
She laughs.
MARIA
I donıt think theyıre that high! Um...hot air balloons.
MICHAEL
Now that sounds nice. High up in the air, peaceful and plenty of
space to drop water balloons.
MARIA
(smiling)Arenıt you ever serious?
MICHAEL
Nah, itıs not good for my health.
Maria turns her eyes back on the road. She sighs.
MARIA
Just let me say this, Michael. You have got to be careful.
Because if something ever happened to you....
Michael smirks at her.
MICHAEL
Youıd just move on to the next resident alien. No big deal.
Maria shakes her head, then stares in her rearview mirror.
MARIA
Whatıs with the bright headlights?
She shields her eyes. Michael looks back at the black sedan as it
finally pulls up just to the side of them, but stays back atthe
rear of the car.
MICHAEL
Whatıs he doing?
Suddenly, the car bumps them hard enough to make Maria almost
lose control of the car.Maria screams as she tries to keep the
car on the road.
MICHAEL
Look out for the ditch. Ditch!! Brakes, push the brakes!!
Maria pulls back the other way, over correcting entirely.
MARIA
Shut up!! Iım trying!
She swerves again and Michael jams his foot on top of hers to hit
the brakes.
MARIA
Ouch!
They finally come to a halt in front of a tree besidethe ditch.
They look at the tree and then exchange looks of relief. Michael
jumps out of the car and walks around to the damaged side. He
straightens up and glares at the dark vehicle just pulling up
behind him. The car almost blinds him with its bright lights and
he turns to walk to check on Maria. Suddenly, the car jumps to
life and roars in his direction. Michael only has time to turn,
Maria to scream before the car is on him.
In the split second before the impact, Michael puts his hands
out in front of him and they start to glow just as the hood of
the car makes impact. Maria screams as Michael is flipped up in
the air and out of sight in the darkness.The black car continues
on down the road. Maria jumps out of her car, shaking with anger.
MARIA
(yelling after the car) You bastard!!
She puts her hands to her head, trying to think. She runs to the
edge of the road, looking desperately for any sign of Michael.
MARIA
Michael? Oh god...
She runs back to the car, grabs her cell phone and dials shakily.
MARIA Liz? This car...hit Mi-Mi-Michael...on the road....g-g-get
Max.
EXT. ROAD (LATER)
In the darkness, Alex is pacing back and forth along the side of
the road, keeping a lookout. Liz and Maria stand huddled together
leaning on the hood of the jeep. Liz is rubbing Mariaıs arms
with her hands.
LIZ
Heıs going to be okay, Max said so.
Maria nods vaguely. Headlights come up behind them.They all turn
in fear. Itıs a cop car.
ALEX
Crap! Iıll go warn them.
Alex disappears into the ditch.The deputy gets out and walks
slowly along the road, taking in the scene before him.Liz is
whispering to Maria, who is trying to look relaxed.
DEPUTY Well, would someone mind telling why youıre out here on
private property? Having a little camp-out?
Liz steps in front of Maria.
LIZ
Oh, no. My friend here drove off with her purse on the roof of
her car and weıve been looking to see where it might have fallen
off. We didnıt realize this was private property. Sorry.
The deputy shines his flashlight in Mariaıs face.
DEPUTY
You okay, miss?
Maria looks like she might faint.
MARIA
Iım fine. I just had some really...really...
Liz jumps in.
LIZ
She had some really potent migraine medicine in that purse and
losing it has given her a migraine, of course. Isnıt life funny
that way?
There is some CRACKLING from off in the darkness and the deputy
shines his flashlight on Alex and Isabel picking their way back
up the side of the ditch. The light stops them in their tracks.
DEPUTY So did you find it?
Alex raises his eyebrows, trying to determine from Lizıs intense
look which was the correct answer.
ALEX Uh...no.
Liz leaves Mariaıs side and gives Isabel her hand as she
scrambles up on the road. Alex is right behind her.
LIZ
So you didnıt find Mariaıs purse, huh? Itıs so dark out there,
Iım not surprised.
Isabel just stands there, looking down at the road and shivering.
Alex puts his arm around her.
ALEX
Nope. No purse-finding down there tonight. Much too dark. Waaaay
too dark. Nothing to see. Nothing of any interest at all.
Isabel elbows him.Liz smiles at the deputy and her glance happens
to fall on the purse in the front seat of Mariaıs car,very
obviously in sight. She looks at Alex, panicked, then notices his
shirt has a few spots of blood on it. It almost looks like a
pattern, but anyone up close would see it.
DEPUTY
Can I help? I have several more flashlights in the car.
Liz is frantically motioning to Alex to hide his shirt as the
deputy begins to walk to his car. Alex looks down at his shirt
and curses under his breath. The deputy passes Liz and she dives
for the car door, yanks out Mariaıs purse and throws it out in
the ditch. From the darkness, a disgusted voice...
MICHAELıS VOICE (V.O.)
Ouch!
The deputy turns and Liz simultaneously SLAMS the car door shut,
to cover the noise of Michaelıs voice. The deputy shines the
flashlight on Liz, who is smiling innocently. Immediately, there
is another loud SLAM as Alex shuts the trunk to Mariaıs car. The
deputyıs flashlight reveals that he is only wearing an
undershirt now. Alex smiles engagingly.
ALEX
Thought I might have some flashlights in there, but darn it, I
donıt.
From the darkness comes SHUFFLING and CRACKLING as Max and
Michael come up the side of the ditch. The deputy trains his
light on them and smiles when he sees Michael carrying the purse.
DEPUTY Ah, you found it.
Michael just stares at him.Liz crosses to Michael and takes it.
LIZ
Yep. And it looks like everything is there. It must be your lucky
night, Maria. Thank you, officer, for stopping. I guess weıll be
headed home now.
The deputy watches Max and Michael climb into the jeep, both
looking exhausted. He begins to walk over to them.
DEPUTY
You boys alright?
Max looks up at the deputy through lowered eyes.
MAX Weıre fine.
Michael nods.
DEPUTY
Well, allıs well that ends well. Be careful out there. Drive
safe.
As he gets in his car, Max sighs and drops his head onthe
steering wheel. Michael leans back in the seat, closing his eyes.
No one else moves until the deputy is down the road. Alex, Liz,
Isabel and Maria walk over slowly.
MARIA
(in an unnaturally high voice) Michael, are you okay?
They watch his face carefully.
MICHAEL
Takes more than a busted leg and a bent brain to keep me down. At
least he wonıt be too hard to spot now. He should have a nice,
big handprint on the hood of his car.
Maria reaches out and puts her hand on his arm, trying to calm
her breathing.
ISABEL
Can we just go home? He could still be out here.
Liz and Maria eye the darkness nervously and they all move
quickly to their vehicles.
INT. EVANS KITCHEN (LATER)
Max, Isabel, and Michael are all sitting around thetable,
finishing dinner. Mrs. Evans is clearing the food.
MRS. EVANS
Michael, are you sure youıre done with that chicken? We have
plenty more.
Michael looks up at her with a wan smile.
MICHAEL
No, no. I think three helpings is my limit.
MRS. EVANS
Since when? And Max, where did you leave your appetite?
Isabel looks morosely at him.
ISABEL
Oh, on the side of the road somewhere.
Max gives her a look.
MRS. EVANS
Well, thatıs fine, but next time I cook a big meal like this, I
expect to see it disappear!
Mr. Evans grabs his wife around the waist.
MR. EVANS
Alright, troops, your turn to clean up. Iım going to go spend
some r&r time with my wife.
They exit. The three teens look relieved to be alone.
ISABEL
Well, so much for a normal life. From here on out, itıs ³dodgeball
with sedans² or ³guess whoıs behindthe mask before you die!²
MAX
Isabel!
She turns her fierce eyes on him.
ISABEL
What? Donıt you get it? Iım next!
She stands and rushes out, Michael close behind her. Max leans
back in his chair and sighs. A DOORBELL sounds.
MRS. EVANS (V.O.)
Max, itıs Liz!
DOOR opens.
LIZ
Hi. Is Max here?
MRS. EVANS
What a pretty sweater, dear. Heıs just in the kitchen with
Michael and Isabel. Go on in.
Max stands up as she enters, alone and hesitantly.
LIZ
(in a low voice) Hey, are you okay?
He nods and then shrugs.
MAX
Iım fine.
Liz bites her bottom lip.
LIZ
How bad was it?
Max sighs, leaning against the wall.
MAX
He wouldıve died. Internal injuries, brain damage...the works.
LIZ
Oh my god...and you healed him from all of that?
He stares off for a moment.
MAX
Isabel is convinced sheıs next. And I donıt know how to stop
this guy.
Liz steps forward into his arms, looking up at him.
LIZ
Weıll think of something.
Max sighs and pulls her closer for a moment. His eyes close for a
moment.
MAX
(dejected) Liz, Iıve been thinking...
She pulls away.
LIZ
(warningly) Max...
Max shakes his head and walks across the room as he talks.
MAX
Until we get this guy, you need to stay away from me, from all of
us. You should go home, Liz. (turning back to her) And donıt
worry, we can take care of him, I promise.
MR. EVANS (V.O.)
Take care of who?
Liz and Max stare at Mr. Evans as he enters.
MAX
Michael. Liz is worried that heıs upset over his break-up with
Maria. You know, typical girl stuff.
But she was just leaving, right, Liz?
Mr. Evans nods and heads to the cookie jar.Liz walks out without
another word. Max follows her.
MAX
Maybe I should walk you home. Itıs dark.
Liz turns and glares at him momentarily. Then she crosses to him
and stands right in front of him.
LIZ
God, you drive me crazy. You need to stop worrying about
everybody else so much.
He starts to speak.
LIZ
(stopping with a finger on his lips) But I know asking you to do
that is just as bad as asking me to try to stay away. Weıre just
who we are, Max. We canıt change that.
Max holds her eyes with an intense gaze, then looksdown.
LIZ
There is no way Iım going to just sit and watch you deal with
this on your own.
She puts her hands on both sides of his face, gently forcing him
to look at her. Max closes his eyes for a moment. Liz watches
him, then pulls her hands away slowly.
She turns and exits the house without another word.
INT. ISABELıS ROOM
Michael is standing, watching Isabel as she cries.
MICHAEL
I already told you, Isabel, Iım not leaving you alone, so he canıt
get to you. Not that heıd get through Max, anyway. Or Alex. Youıre
going to be fine. Weıll make sure of it.
Isabel wipes her eyes and looks at him hopefully.
ISABEL
You wonıt leave me?
Michael looks away, then back at Isabel.
MICHAEL
Nope. Iıll even sleep here on your floor if you want.
ISABEL
Iım so glad youıre okay.
She jumps up and hugs him fiercely.
FADE TO BLACK