By Starlight * Runaway By DMartinez *

Author: DMartinez
Disclaimer: I do not own them. Characters belong to Metz, Katims and the WB. Two lines in the first part are from Dawson�s Creek. Song in 3rd part is �Love Sucks� by Jecoa Ross. No infringement is intended.
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Two Roswellians have run away only to run into each other on the road.

< p align=center>Run Away

Part 1

�Would you stop touching me?�

�I am not trying to touch you.�

�Stay on your side.� The gruff voice came again.

�You stay on your side. I cannot believe I�m sharing a bed with you.� The exasperated female voice hissed back before laying back down.

�Believe me the pleasure goes both ways Ms. I Strip For Money.�

�Don�t start with me Mr. I Bathe Only During the Blue Moon.�

�Then shut up.� He laid his head back on his half of the pillow.

�What kind of Hell is this? What did I do in a previous life to end up in a nasty motel with you?�

�Maybe it�s what you did in this one.�

�Bite me.�

�Sorry not my thing.�

�Just go to sleep or something and leave me alone.�

�If you would shut up then maybe I would.�

�Quit hogging the sheet.� She tugged at the thin sheet covering them both.

�I�m hogging the sheet?� He snorted and tugged it back. �Give it up.�

�Quit touching me. Get your butt away from my butt.�

�Please my butt wants nothing to do with your butt.�

�Fine. I�m going to sleep now.�

�That�s great. I am too.�

�Great.� She muttered.

�Fine.�

Part 2, Two Days Before:

Michael Guerin dozed in his seat at the back of the bus. He was trying to forget. It had been one month since he�d been on the road. He left the day after finals. The plan was to roam the country over the summer and then settle someplace in the fall for school as a condition of the terms of his emancipation.

�Let go of me!�

�Come on Sugar. I saw you dancing last night.�

�I said, get off!� The woman yelled back. Michael couldn�t ignore the argument if he tried. Finally he jumped to his feet and stormed down the aisle.

�Hey buddy. She said get off.� Michael tapped the guy on the shoulder.

�Shove off.� The guy growled. �Punk.�

�Just leave her alone.�

�What�re you gonna do about it?�

�Stop you for one.� Michael crossed his arms. The guy swung without warning, catching Michael in the jaw. Michael recovered quickly and punched the guy in the gut. They both went down when the bus screeched to a halt. They were all ordered off the bus; Michael, the guy and the girl. He tossed his bag to the ground and watched the others get off. Then he saw her. Liz Parker in some way too short shorts and a tight shirt. She tossed her bag to the ground, stared at him while the bus drove off, picked up the bag and started walking.

�Liz!� Michael grabbed his bag and ran to catch up. �What are you doing?

�Trying to hitch a ride since you got us thrown off the bus. I could�ve handled that guy.� She bit out.

�Excuse me, next time you�re being molested by a sleaze ball I�ll leave you alone.� Michael stopped walking. Then a voice in his head spoke up. �Max would want you to look after her if he wasn�t around.� �Where are you going?�

�To the next town to look for work.� Liz sighed and waited for him to catch up. �Let me guess, you�re gonna keep me company now.�

�When did you leave Roswell?� He didn�t answer her question.

�Day after finals.� She stared at the ground.

�Yeah, me too.� Michael muttered and started walking. �You shouldn�t hitch. Lots of freaks out there.�

�I�m careful.�

�Why�d you leave?�

�Why did you?� Then it was a silent agreement to walk in silence. They kept stealing glances at each other when they thought the other wasn�t looking. Finally, Liz gave up. �It�s like a days� walk to the bus stop.�

�Then you shouldn�t be alone out here at night.� Michael shrugged. �What have you been doing about shelter?�

�Simple, I get to a town, I get a job, I get a place, I move on.� Liz looked straight ahead. �You?�

�Same, I guess.�

--

Both tired of walking, they sat on the side of the road. Michael picked up a stick and lit the end on fire. It was getting dark and they�d need the warmth eventually. No cars had passed them all day. Just then a semi came into view. Liz hopped to her feet and stuck out her thumb.

�It�s not gonna stop.� Michael warned. Just then the semi slowed and pulled over. She tossed him a look. �Well if I had a pair of those then maybe it�d stop for me too.�

�Gross, it�s a nasty. Ok, Michael, once we�re in the cab, I�m yours. Keep an arm around me at all times.� Liz grabbed her bag. Michael doused his stick and followed her.

�You two need a ride?�

�Yeah, thanks.� Liz pushed Michael to the door first. He tossed their bags up and climbed in. Then he pulled Liz up to sit on his lap.

�I�m stopping two towns over.�

�That�s cool.� Michael shrugged. �Mind if we sleep?�

�Whatever.�

Liz glanced at Michael and he nodded. She leaned her head on his shoulder and curled her legs up on his lap. It was going to be a long drive, a long night and day before they stopped.

--

�It�s almost night, where are you going to find work?� Michael called after her. �Where are you going to stay tonight?�

�Over there.� Liz didn�t point, she just kept walking... to a strip joint. Michael grabbed his bag off the ground and took off after her.

�What do you think you�re doing?�

�Gonna ask for some work.� Liz kept walking.

�You�re gonna waitress in there?�

�No, I�m gonna dance.�

�No, you�re not. If Maxwell finds out that you�re stripping for money and I knew about it... I�m dead.� Michael immediately knew that he shouldn�t have said that.

�It�s none of his business.� Liz spun around on him. Then she calmed down. �If you want to help then you can be my bodyguard.�

--

Michael waited in the dressing room for her. There�s no way he was going to watch Max�s girlfriend strip. That voice kept shooting out at him. �If you don�t take care of her for him, he�ll kill you.�

When she returned, he turned around so she could get dressed again. �Manager has a room for me across the street at the motel... hold out your hand for a minute.�

Michael stretched his hand behind him for a minute. He felt her place a wad of something in it. He closed his hand and started to pull it back.

�Wait, there�s more, just hold on.� Then Michael realized he was holding her tips.

�Who�d�ve thunk it? Little Lizzie Parker, a successful stripper.�

�Guess I�ve earned the right to discard that nickname.� Liz laughed dryly. �I�ve always hated it when people called me that.�

--

�There�s only one bed... okay.� Liz took a deep breath and looked at the floor. Nasty tile. �Floor�s out. So... if we can share a seat for 24 hours, we can share a bed for 10.�

�Whatever.� Michel tossed his things on the floor and kicked off his shoes.

�I�m tired so let�s just go to sleep.� Liz shut the door behind her. Her set her bag down and stared at the narrow bed with its one pillow. Michael crossed his arms and waited for her to make the first move. �Are you mad at me?�

�No, not at all.�

�Pick a side.�

�After you.�

Part 3

Liz almost moaned. She was having a wonderful dream. She was in bed with Max Evans, the love she left behind. He was teasing her, massaging her breasts and kissing on her neck. She could feel his hard body against hers. She opened her eyes and they focused on the nasty motel room. The hand was still massaging her and the hot breath rasped against her neck. She panicked and leapt out of the bed and ran to the bathroom.

She leaned against the door once closed. �It�s just Michael. I�ll bet he doesn�t even know what he was doing to me.�

She climbed into the shower and let the hot water wash over her body. It was cleansing time. Time to wash off the feel of Michael touching her, the smell of sweaty men, smoke and alcohol.

--

Michael sat up and tried to control his body. He could always control every aspect of his body if he wanted to. He had been having a dream about Maria DeLuca, the girl whose heart he�d broken. Then she was ripped out of his arms. When he opened his eyes, he realized he�d just been molesting his best friend�s obsession.

He got up and pulled clean clothes out of his bag. He needed a shower... a cold one. What were they going to do now? That voice in his head kept telling him to stick with her and look out for her. It was going to change his plans. If Max were here, he�d be trying to talk her into going back home. Max would want him to protect her since he couldn�t be here.

The bathroom door opened and Liz stepped out in a towel. She went straight for her bag. Michael stood and headed into the bathroom. Just before he shut the door he spoke, �I�m sorry. I was dreaming.�

--

Michael left Liz at their table to go use the phone. She�d kill him if she found out what he was going to do. He watched the back of her head as he shoved a dollar�s worth of dimes into the phone. He waited through the rings until the familiar voice picked up. [Hello.]

�Hey Maxwell.�

[Michael? Is that you?] Michael smirked at the amazement in his friend�s voice.

�Yeah it�s me.�

[Where are you?]

�South Dakota.�

[Why didn�t you tell anyone you were leaving?] Here it comes, the lecture.

�Cause you would have stopped me and as it turns out... it�s a good thing that I did leave. Guess who I ran into.� He glanced over to make sure she was still at the table. �There�s a short brunette with a serious chip on her shoulder waiting for me.�

[Are you saying you found Liz?] And Maxwell didn�t fail to pick up on his beloved�s disposition. Michael wanted to laugh and tell him what she�d been doing.

�Yeah.�

[She�s okay, right? Let me talk to her.]

�She doesn�t know I�m talking to you. She thinks I�m in the bathroom. I just thought I�d call to let you know she�s okay.� Michael took a deep breath. �She doesn�t want me to stick around but I�ll make sure she doesn�t get into trouble.�

[Thanks man. I�ll tell her parents she�s okay. Are you coming back?]

�I don�t know. I hadn�t planned on it but... I�ll try to convince her to go back.�

[Isabel and Maria are driving me crazy Michael, you have to come back.]

�Okay, later Maxwell.� Click. Michael retuned to the table when the waitress set down their greasy food.

�I�m going east.� Liz announced out of nowhere while she ate. �If you�re gonna follow me... just tell me now so we can get you a ticket too. I won�t be stalked for Max�s sake. Just come with me.�

�Ok, then. When do we leave?� Michael started wolfing down his meal.

�After we eat.� Liz stared out the window. �Do they know where you are?�

�No. I haven�t spoken to anyone since I left.�

�Me either... You know I left Roswell to get away from you Czechoslovakians.� Liz ranted. �Figures one of you would find me.�

�You know, I like that word even less than I do alien.� Michael muttered.

�And the only reason you know that is because you stole my journal...�

�Where is old faithful anyway?�

�I left it at home.� They ate the rest of their food in silence.

--

Michael shifted in his seat on the bus. Liz was asleep. He didn�t know how someone could sleep so much. She just had to fall asleep on his arm too, she was cutting off the circulation. He stared out the window and watched the flatlands fly by the bus. When night fell the bus stopped at a rest stop. The lights of the nearby towns shone in the dark. That�s when Liz woke up. She raced off the bus, did her business then sat down just as Michael was making his way back to his seat. He stopped at the front of the bus to gamble a bottle of hot sauce off a cowboy. He smirked when he sat down. Even he was tired of the quiet.

�So, do you have a stage name? Sexy Scientist? Tantalizing Teenager? Luscious Liz? Passion Parker?� Michael laughed at her. He sat in her aisle seat, which left her in the window seat, trapped.

�No.� She glared at him. �I was going to share my candy with you, but I don�t think I will now.�

�Come on. I�m dying to know. How did Sensible Liz Parker get into the stripping business?� He pulled his own candy bar out of his bag and doused it with his hot sauce.

�You really want to know?� Liz bit into her candy bar. The lights went out as the bus pulled out and then the green dome lights went on. Michael nudged her to get her talking.

�Come on.�

�Well, I left Roswell and took the bus to Albuquerque. I was talking to this girl that had been passing though. She had been Valedictorian of her class. Real smart and all... she reminded me of what I had wanted to be in high school... you know before all this other worldly business entered my life. When we got off the bus, she offered to let me stay with her until I could get going on my own. We hitched to some bar. She lived above it and worked there sometimes.� Liz sighed. �I offered to waitress and she laughed. Said, �I don�t waitress there, I dance there.� I caught on real quick and said I�d never done anything like that before. So she taught me.�

�Just like that, you�re a stripper?� Michael held back his laughter.

�I had my doubts, yeah. I mean it is degrading and all. But if you do it right, you feel powerful. You have his control over the guys that watch. You can take their money and they smile at you for it. Tracy, that�s the girl, was like me. Super-smart and dedicated to school and it got her nowhere. She lives a very comfortable life...� Liz sighed. �I admit, the first time I danced in front of those men, I was terrified. I still get a little nervous but I can do it. No problems. I just don�t bring up my age and the managers don�t either.�

�You like it?�

�No. I didn�t like waiting tables either, didn�t make me stop. I do it cause I can and it gets me good money. I get a few hundred a night in tips. Gets me my bus tickets and food.� Liz turned to him. �What about you? How have you been getting around?�

�You name it. Fry cook for a few nights, did a little mechanic work, whatever keeps me in Tabasco.� Michael took a drink directly from the bottle.

�That�s gross.�

�It�s good.� Michael polished off his candy then got up the nerve to bring the subject up. �You ever going back?�

�I don�t know. You?�

�I don�t have to. I was planning on going to school wherever I landed when school started.�

�Oh the benefits of being independent.� Liz leaned on the cool window. �I might. I don�t know. It doesn�t hurt anymore but if I see him and it hurts...�

�You don�t want to take that risk.� Michael finished for her.

They were both running from the same thing. They understood that feeling in each other. Softly they heard a song drift through the bus from someone�s guitar. Soft vocals followed it. �Love sucks and then it dies. Love sucks and then it dies, yeah. Yeah.�

Part 4

Liz dropped onto the bed the moment she walked in the door. It had been one week since she and Michael had been together on the road. Once again they were in a room with only one bed. �You can forget it Michael, I�m not moving.�

�I�m not asking you to. What�d you do tonight?� Michael was washing the grease off his hands from his stint at the local garage.

�Filled in at Hooters. They even gave me some to go with the shirt.� Liz joked lamely.

�You should have kept them.� Michael shot back.

�I was glad to give them back. They were heavy and made my back hurt.�

�You love to bitch don�t you?�

�I do.� Liz sat up slowly. She pulled a small bottle out of her pocket.

�What are you doing?� Michael watched her twist the cap off and chug half the contents.

�I�m relaxing.� She grimaced against the burn in her throat. �I don�t suppose you want some.�

�After what happened to Max...� Michael sat on the edge of the bed.

�What happened to Max? He got cool for all of one night. I think you can handle it.� She sat up and turned to him. She laid a hand on his shoulder and he winced. �You sore?�

�Yeah, a little.�

�Ok, you drink this and I�ll massage your shoulders. It�ll loosen you up a little.� Liz moved closer and started kneading the muscles in his back. Michael glanced at the bottle then tossed it on the floor. �If you didn�t want to drink it, you could�ve just given it back to me.�

�I think you�ve had enough.� Michael muttered and relaxed under her hands. �It doesn�t take you much does it?�

�I guess not.� Liz sighed and leaned on him. Michael let her, then he realized she wasn�t moving. �You didn�t pass out did you?� �Huh?� Liz sat back abruptly. �Oh, sorry. I guess I was daydreaming.� �You know what. I feel better. Thanks.� Michael turned slightly. �You�re drunk huh?�

�I think so. Everything is like fuzzy.� Liz fell back on the bed. �Oooh. Now I�m dizzy.�

Michael glanced at the bottle on the floor. Tequila. He rolled his eyes. �Liz is drunk. Liz the stripper is drunk... this could be bad.�

�The room is spinning.� Liz�s eyes went wide as she stared at the ceiling.

�We should get you moving around.� Michael stood and grabbed her hands to pull her to her feet. She giggled and stood up, crashing into him.

�Ooh Michael, you�re so strong.� She giggled and looked him in the eye. He didn�t mean to. It just happened. The images flew out at him fast. He let go of her, ignoring the fact that she crumpled to the floor. Michael stumbled against the wall behind him. The same images were playing in his head over and over.

//Liz and Max making out///Liz getting shot///Liz seeing Max in the locker room shower stall///Michael pinning Liz against a locker, kissing her madly///Liz stripping at a club, empty except for a couple of guys and a curvy brunette///An argument with her parents///Running into Michael on the roadside//

�Michael? Are you okay?� Liz clumsily shoved her hair out of her face. �You fell.�

�Uh, yeah. I guess I did.� Michael struggled to get on his feet. �You stay here. I�m gonna go get you something to eat. Maybe we can sober you up that way.�

�It�s cool. I don�t wanna move.� Liz waved her hand at him.

--

Michael grabbed things off the shelves; chips, brownies, cookies and whatever else that had substance. Concentrating on that kept that one particular image out of his head. The storekeeper kept staring at him suspiciously. Michael grabbed a chocolate milk out of the fridge and headed to the counter.

�That all son?� The man narrowed his eyes at the young man, looking him up and down.

�Yes sir.� Michael nodded.

�Ain�t got nothing in your pockets?�

�No sir.� Michael rolled his eyes.

�Awful late for junk food.� The man rang up all the food.

�It�s for a friend.�

�Uh-huh. Don�t start any trouble, you hear?� The man shoved the bag across the table.

�Didn�t plan to.� Michael took his change and his bag, glaring at the old man. He started the walk back to their motel room. Then he started thinking. He knew that hadn�t actually happened. He had felt everything that Liz had felt while it was happening. Michael wanted to ask her about it, then he remembered something. //Why don�t you just ask her?//I don�t want to embarrass her.//

When Michael opened the door, Liz wasn�t on the floor anymore, or on the bed. �Liz?�

He set the bag down and opened the bathroom door. Liz was leaning on the sink, staring at the mirror, tears rolling down her cheeks. She didn�t even notice him.

�Liz?�

She jumped and wiped her face dry. �Michael, I didn�t hear you come in.�

�I got you some food... to sober you up...�

�Yeah, I�ll be right out.� Liz shut the door behind him and turned back to the sink to wash her face. Even being drunk hadn�t kept her from thinking. Thinking about why she ran away from home. It wasn�t something she wanted to think about. �Now Michael knows something�s up...�

--

A bag of chips and two brownies later, Liz was feeling steadier. She could feel Michael staring at her every once in a while. �What?�

�Huh? Oh. I have to ask you something...� Michael started.

�So ask.�

�You seemed a little upset. I didn�t want to...�

�Just ask.�

�Just before I left... I accidentally... What does Max call it?� Michael shut his eyes. �I made a connection. I don�t know how I did it... I just did. I saw some things...�

�Oh god...� Liz moaned and buried her head in a pillow. �What did you see?�

�Um... well that�s the thing. I saw you, at school, with me, and I know that never happened.� Michael stared at the window. �Listen, I uh... it�s very strange to know that you think about me like that.�

Liz burst out laughing. Michael snapped his head around to look at her, confused. That only made her laugh harder.

�What?�

Liz forced herself to stop. She took several deep breaths before she was able to speak. �Ok, I know what you saw. I had completely forgotten about that.�

�What was it?�

�Are you totally oblivious to your appeal to girls?� Liz grinned. �Uh... before I knew you I... well every girl at school has probably thought about you like that.�

�Why?�

�Are you kidding? Michael Guerin. Ultimate punk and threat to parents. You�re the guy that girls said they hate but really secretly want. You�re the guy my dad wishes he was and hopes I never date.� Liz shook her head. �What you saw was an old fantasy... I thought maybe you had seen something else. Whew.�

�Ok, good.� Michael nodded, a slight blush washed over his face. �Like what?�

�Nothing, it�s nothing. Don�t worry about it.� Liz shook her head. �I�m gonna pass out now. Just hit the light before you sleep... yeah?�

�Ok.� Michael ran through the images he�d gotten from her. The argument scene with her parents sprung out at him. He was curious but he wasn�t going to ask about it. Although it would help him to know if he was going to convince her to go home. He�d have to find a way to bring it up.

Part 5

Michael sat up too quickly, his neck hurt. He�d fallen asleep in the chair. This was the third room in a week they�d had with only one bed.

�Michael, come on, we can share.� Liz scooted over. Michael stumbled over to the bed, lying down slowly. �Another bad dream?�

�Why would you say that?�

�You were screaming. I threw a sock at you to wake you up.� She shifted on her side of the pillow. �That didn�t work, so I threw a shoe.�

�Thanks. Will I have a bruise when I wake up?�

�Probably.�

�That�s nice.�

--

Michael planned it well. Liz was gathering her things from the bathroom. He threw his bag over his shoulder and grabbed hers. He held it open while she tossed her things in. Then he froze.

�Michael? What is it?�

�(cough) I... just had a vision. It�s okay.� Michael took a deep breath.

�From my bag? What did you see?� Liz followed him out the door. They had to start walking. No buses for another week and no work to be found and they had little money left.

�You and your parents arguing.� Michael squinted against the morning sun.

�Oh. You saw that?�

�Yeah.�

�Well, now you know.�

�Yeah.� Michael nodded, looking straight ahead at the road they followed. �So, it�s real bad?�

�Yeah... I just never thought they would just split up like that.� Liz started waving her arms around. �And it�s because of me. I let them down. My grades weren�t good enough. I wasn�t a good girl like I was supposed to be...�

Michael just listened to her talk it all out. She wasn�t crying and he couldn�t tell if that was a good or bad sign.

�Did you know she put me on birth control? She doesn�t trust my judgment. She didn�t think I could control myself. Do you see what I�ve done to my mother? And my father! He thought I was on drugs. He resorted to snooping through my bag. They don�t trust me.�

He still didn�t say anything.

�Dad was sleeping in the guest room. I was supposed to choose who I was going to live with. My dad is going to stay in Roswell with the Crashdown. My mom is going back to Santa Fe to live with my aunt. If I didn�t make a decision by the time school let out... they were going to send me to live with my mom�s mother in El Paso.� She stopped walking. �How was I supposed to make a decision like that? If I chose to stay with my dad, then my mom would think I didn�t love her. I can�t just choose one over the other and I don�t want to live with Grandma Betsy.�

�That�s the real reason you ran?� Michael asked softly.

�Yeah... wait... you didn�t know did you?� Liz shook her head at him. �You were bluffing with that vision thing.�

�Yeah but now I know why you were crying last week.� Michael shrugged.

�You know what. Don�t talk to me anymore.� Liz started walking fast down the road. �Don�t follow me either. You can just go your own way now.�

Michael stood and watched her walk off. He was confused by what had just happened. They weren�t even out of town and she had ditched him. When she was just barely in view, he spotted a pay phone. He took a deep breath and dialed.

[Hello.]

�Max.�

[Michael? Hey! It�s been like two weeks. Where are you?]

�We�re in Arkansas.�

[When are you guys coming back?]

�Well, that would depend on whether or not I can find Liz. Then it would depend on if she�d talk to me again.�

[You mean, she�s not with you? Where is she? Why wouldn�t she talk to you?]

�I lied about getting a vision so she�d talk and when she found out she was a little pissed.�

[Her parents are going crazy. When they found out that you had called me and told me you were with her... they attacked me. They call me every day to see if I�ve heard anything else.]

�They�re together?�

[Yeah... why?]

�Like a week before finals they told Liz they were getting divorced. She had to pick and that�s not something she wanted to do.� Michael took a deep breath and let it out slowly. �We�ve just been town hopping, working to get rooms for the night. She�s alright most of the time.�

[Keep her out of trouble... hey... did you know she was on birth control? She never told me that.]

�It�s because of you she was on it. How�d you know?�

[She filled her prescription in Denver apparently. By the time the cops got there, she was long gone. I also think they are on some serious crack. They told the Parkers that she was spotted in a strip club.] Michael snorted. [I mean, like Liz would ever do anything like that.]

Michael held the phone away from his mouth so he could laugh. When he recovered he put the phone back against his ear. �Yeah, not like she�d work at Hooters or anything.�

[Right. So she�s okay?]

�Yeah, she�s fine. So the cops... they don�t know anything?�

[No. One day she was here and the next she was gone. Just like you.]

�Trust me. I didn�t know she�d run off until two weeks ago.� Michael looked down the road. Liz was walking back. �Hey I gotta go... she�s coming.�

[Let me talk to her.]

�No, if you do then I may never get her to go back. Later Maxwell.� Michael hung up the phone and acted like he was leaning against the phone.

�Ok, so I�m just like PMSing or whatever. Come on.� Liz called from fifty feet away.

�What happened?�

�Some sleaze ball tried to give me a ride.� Liz glanced around. �I could use the protection.�

�Hey, sorry about tricking you. I did see that argument though. I got the feelings or whatever but I didn�t know what it was about.� Michael caught up to her and they both headed out of town.

�It�s a touchy subject...� Liz stared at the sign ahead of them. �I changed my mind. We�re going south. I want to see New Orleans... no wait. I want to see San Antonio, then we�ll go to New Orleans.�

�Whatever you want.�

Part 6

�It�s raining!� Liz watched the sheet of rain approach with wide eyes. Michael grabbed her hand and started running to a barn he�d spotted. They weren�t quick enough and the torrent of rain caught and drenched them before they�d closed half the distance to the red building. Michael used his powers to open the door and get them both inside the only shelter for a mile.

�At least we�re out of the rain.� Michael muttered and scrunched his nose at the smell.

�It may reek but it�s dry... but it�s cold.� Liz shivered.

�Maybe there are some blankets in here.� He went exploring. Liz spotted a ladder and found a few bales of hay, a jug and a lantern in the loft. �Where�d you go?�

�I�m up here Michael.� Liz opened her bag only to find everything was wet. �Light this lantern.�

�Okay.� Michael watched her try to wring out her clothes. �It�s real cold but I found two blankets. They smell like horse but... whatever.�

She shivered again. She picked up the jug and opened it. The smell quickly spread. �Moon shine.�

�What are you doing?� He watched her force a big gulp of the stuff down.

�To keep warm.� She coughed out. �Drink some.�

�Ok...� Michael lifted the jug to his mouth and swallowed. It tasted like shit but it left a warm trail down his throat. Immediately he felt dizzy and slow. He dropped to the floor of the loft. Liz shook her head at him. She laid out a blanket and left the other folded on top of it. �So, I�m drunk now... huh?�

�Yep, don�t worry, I�ll join you soon enough.� Liz stepped out of her shoes and set them aside. �Whoo, that�s some potent stuff.�

�It�s still kinda cold.�

�It�s only going to get colder.� She sighed. �We�d better get out of these wet clothes.�

Liz helped the clumsy Michael out of his shirt and jeans. Then she led him to the blanket to get warm while she wrung the water out of his clothes. After she laid them out, she peeled out of her own drenched clothes. She slid underneath the blanket with Michael.

�Shit, you�re cold.� Michael gasped as she snuggled against him.

�Hello, you are too. We have combine body heat so we don�t get sick.� She chattered.

�I won�t get sick.� He reminded her of his alien status.

�Yeah, but I will. I�m no good as a money-maker with a runny nose.�

�You could still make money. I mean people would still pay you with a red nose. You�re pretty enough.� He wrapped an arm around her.

�Well, thank you. I think.�

�I�m serious. I wasn�t as surprised to find out you were stripping. What�s that saying?� Michael rolled his eyes back to think. �It�s always the quiet ones, the girl next door.�

�Shut up.� She rolled her eyes at him and gave him a playful shove.

�I mean look at you.� He lifted the blanket to look at her. �Who would have guessed that Liz Parker had a body like that?�

�What about you? You don�t look bad yourself. I mean it�s not like you workout or anything but you look good.� Liz appraised his body. She poked him in the stomach. �See not at all flabby.�

�Don�t do that. It tickles.� Michael squirmed. When Liz moved to tickle him again, he grabbed her hands and held them against his chest. �I said stop.�

�Okay, fine. I�ll stop.� She dropped her head onto her hands. Michael became very aware of every place their bodies were touching, of her warm breath on his chest. Her legs rubbed against his in an attempt to get warm. He wrapped his arms around her again, this time noticing how soft her skin was. She shifted her upper body against him and he could feel her cold-hardened nipples through her flimsy bra.

Liz shuddered when her nipples rubbed against his chest and closed her eyes. Her body continued to heat up next to his. His hands rested on her back, rubbing up and down creating more warmth. Slowly she lifted her head to look up at him. He was looking down at her.

Slowly he bent his head and brushed his lips over hers. He expected her to pull back but instead she pressed her lips against his. Michael opened his mouth over hers, gently urging the kiss deeper. Liz reciprocated by sliding her tongue into his mouth and caressing his tongue. Her hands kneaded the muscles on his chest. Michael ran his hands up her back to tangle his fingers in her wet hair. Several long moments, they ended the kiss, panting for breath.

Liz rolled onto her back and pulled Michael with her, wrapping her arms around his neck. He covered her mouth with his once again. This time the kiss was feverish and urgent. Hands started roaming caressing muscles and soft curves. Michael pulled down her bra as his mouth traveled away from her mouth and down her neck. He rolled the hardened nipple between his fingers, making her moan softly. Liz�s hands ran through his rain-flattened spikes, holding his face to her chest. His hand caught under the bottom of her bra and followed it around her back.

�It�s in the front.� She gasped out. His mouth never left her skin as his hand returned to undo the clasp. The still damp material left her breast just as his mouth closed over the proud nipple. Michael laved his tongue around it, sucking and biting gently. He slid his hands down her body, tracing the curve of her hips and down her thighs, bringing them up on either side of his body. Liz gasped when his mouth left her breast. She watched him shift his weight onto one elbow. He raised one hand to her neck and slowly slid it down her body. As she gazed between their bodies, she saw his erection straining against his boxers. Then all thought flew from her mind as his hand continued its journey into her panties, cupping her gently. His fingers tangled in her curls, pressing into her. Michael returned his mouth to her body, sucking her flesh into his mouth and marking her before moving southward. His thumb slid in circles around her clit, her cries only encouraging him. His fingers rubbed into her becoming slick with her heat. Just as his mouth came to the spot where she�d been shot, he slid his fingers inside her, making her cry out. Liz let out a moan every time his fingers slid in and out of her body.

Michael suddenly stopped and sat back a minute trying to catch his breath. His head was spinning from the moonshine and the heady scent of her body and his own arousal. Liz whimpered at the loss of his touch. She sat up herself and shrugged out of her bra straps. She slid out of her panties and reached for him. She started kissing him at his neck and followed the same path he had used on her. She slid his boxers down over his throbbing erection.

He moaned when her hand wrapped around him, stroking him just right. He pushed her back down on the blanket, kicking the boxers away from them. She spread her legs for him and he slid into her in one fluid motion. �Oh God!�

�Michael!� She cried as he thrust into her over and over. Liz instinctively met his thrusts with hers. She hissed when his fingers dug into her ass. He barely flinched when her nails raked down his back. �Oh shit Michael!�

They picked up speed, their bodies now slick with sweat. Michael thrust harder, eliciting more cries from Liz. Then her orgasm overcame her, she clamped down on him, driving him over the edge after her. He collapsed on top of her spent. Liz closed her eyes as her heart rate slowed. She shivered when the cold air hit her, almost immediately Michael�s warmth returned with the blanket. They were both asleep within minutes.

--

Liz woke up with a stream of sunlight shining in her face. Her head hurt and she was sore. Blinking her eyes rapidly she tried to roll over, only to find herself pinned from the waist down. When her eyes focused, she recognized the barn she and Michael had run into for shelter. She turned her head and Michael�s spiky head met her eyes. Slowly realization set in. She lifted the blanket to find that not only was she naked... so was Michael. Their legs were tangled up.

�Michael?� She hissed. He mumbled something she couldn�t hear so she smacked him.

�What?!� Michael sat up and his world spun. �Whoa...� He rubbed his eyes and looked down at himself then at Liz�s naked body. �Whoa! What the Hell?!�

Part 7

�Did we... you know?� Michael tried to cover himself up without taking away her cover. Liz lifted the blanket and reached down between her legs. She closed her eyes and brought her hand back out. She bit her lip and opened them.

�Yeah, I�m pretty sure we did.� She saw the look on his face at the crimson fluid on her fingers and attempted a weak smile. �It only happens the first time.�

�I�m sorry.� He covered his face with his hands. �I am so sorry.�

Neither one moved for several moments. The light dimmed then brightened only to dim again. A loud thunderclap broke the silence. The rain started up again.

�I think... I�m going to shower.� Liz got up slowly, wincing at the soreness. She found her clothes nearby and headed down the ladder.

Michael closed his eyes while she moved around. He heard her open and close the barn door. Then he got to his feet and got dressed. He winced as his shirt settled over his back. �Maxwell is not going to like this, I don�t like this...� What disturbed him the most was he couldn�t remember anything after taking that jug from her. He had taken a drink and the next thing he knew Liz was smacking him, waking him up the morning after they had evidently had sex.

He looked over the area they had slept in. He concentrated hard and cleaned the blankets of the evidence of the night�s events. He folded them up and draped them over the edge of the loft. He heard her open the barn door, fumble with her clothes and make her way back up the ladder.

�It�s wall to wall clouds out there. Looks like we�re walking in the rain today.� Her tone was cool and even. �I think we should head back...�

�To Roswell?� His voice was soft, barely a whisper.

�Yeah. They�re going to find me eventually. It might as well be on my own terms.�

�Are you okay?�

�Of course, I�m okay. Let�s get going.� Liz grabbed her bag and climbed down the ladder. Michael grabbed his own bag and followed her. He knew what she was doing. She figured that if she couldn�t remember it then it didn�t happen.

--

Liz curled up on her bed in Fort Worth. She had forced it out of her mind all day but now she was sore and tired. Of all the fantasies she�d had of her first time making love none of them had included bootleg alcohol, a barn, horse blankets.... or Michael. First thing she had done when they�d gotten the room was take a hot shower. While she scrubbed her skin hard, the outside door had opened and closed. Liz was grateful for the time alone.

Now, she was warm but she knew she was sick. Whether it was from the hang over, or the rain, or the knowledge of what had happened... she didn�t know. She snuggled deeper under the blankets when the door opened. She hadn�t spoken to him all day.

Michael set his tray down on the room�s table. He knew she wasn�t asleep. He took two of the cups and sat on the edge of her bed. �I brought you some hot chocolate and some soup.�

When she didn�t answer, he set them down on the nightstand. Shaking his head he returned to the table to eat his own soup. �I�m sorry, Liz. I am.�

�I know. I am too.� She hadn�t cried yet and she didn�t plan to.

�I ran away because I knew this would happen with Maria and I... I didn�t want to hurt her. We didn�t know what would happen and I didn�t want to hurt her.� Michael stared at his soup lid. �I didn�t want to hurt anyone else, that�s why I left. I hurt people, no matter where I go. By leaving, I hurt Max, Maria, Isabel... you.�

�I ran from my life because it�s too hard. Now I�m running back because it got harder. How could we do that Michael? How are we going to face everyone?� Liz�s voice broke.

�We�re gone, Liz. Why are we going back? If we don�t go back, no one will ever know. We won�t hurt anyone...� Michael trailed off.

�Cause if we don�t... we�re hurting ourselves.�

�I broke the same promise twice. I said I wasn�t going to run anymore and I�ve done it twice since...� Michael blew out a deep breath. �I got us two tickets to Amarillo.�

�I�m going to stay with my dad. If I go to live with my mom or grandma now... I�ll be running all over again.� Liz was talking aloud but not really to Michael anymore. �Are we going to tell them? Maria will hate me... Max... I wish I knew what Max would do. We can�t tell them.�

�No we can�t.� Michael solemnly agreed. He kicked off his shoes and climbed into his own. He closed his eyes and tried to sleep. One thought echoed in his mind as he fell into the abyss. �Maria wasn�t my first.�

Part 8

Liz stepped off the bus and glanced around the station. Then she spotted what she was looking for, an ATM. Michael followed her at what he considered a safe distance. She groaned loudly when she saw the out of order sign hanging haphazardly off the machine. The cashier glanced at her, then at the wall behind him. He looked back and picked up the phone.

�There�s got to be another machine here.� Liz muttered.

�I thought you didn�t have anymore money.� Michael grumbled.

�I still have some in my account. There should be enough to get us home.�

�I have enough for a phone call.� Michael suggested.

�No, I said my own terms and I meant it.�

�Then it�ll be a warning.� Michael strode over to the phone and shoved the change into the slot. He punched the buttons hard. Liz leaned against the wall and listened.

[Hello?] The voice croaked.

�Shit, I forgot it�s like six in the morning over there.� Michael smirked when he heard springs popping. �Sorry Max.�

[Michael! Hey, it�s been like a week. Where are you now? Is Liz with you?]

�Someone�s a little excited.� Liz shook her head at Michael, then her head shot up. �A week? What does he mean a week?�

Michael turned his face away from her. �Yeah, we�re in Lubbock. As soon as we can get a ride or a ticket, we�ll be there.�

[So today or tomorrow huh? I�ll be glad to see you guys again. School starts in like a week.]

�Sounds like much fun.�

[Can I talk to her?] Max pleaded. Michael turned and waved the phone at her. She nodded reluctantly.

�Hi Max.� [Hey Liz... how are you?]

�I�ve got a cold.� She shook her head.

[Your parents told us about them... you know, after the last time Michael called... do you know what you�re going to do?]

�Yeah. I do.� Liz sighed. It felt good to hear his voice again. �I�m going to go home, take a shower, listen to my parents rant, tell them I�m staying with Dad and be grounded til I�m 30.�

[Good. Listen... I know that things are weird but...]

�They�ll always be weird, Max... I think I can live with that now.� With a pang she remembered what she and Michael had agreed to pretend had never happened.

�Miss Parker, come with us.� A stern voice commanded.

�This afternoon, Max. Cops are here.� Liz hissed into the phone and hung up. She turned and the cop gestured for her to start walking to the squad car. Michael followed her.

�Where do you think you�re going?� An officer stopped him.

�That�s my friend. I was in the process of taking her home. I�m going with her.� Michael crossed his arms over his chest. �If you take her, then you gotta take me too.�

�Get in the car.� The officer rolled his eyes.

--

�Do you have any idea how worried we were?� Nancy Parker yelled as they walked into the Parker living room that night.

�At least I came back.� Liz mumbled.

�And where have you been?� Her mother demanded.

�You name it and I was probably there.�

�Lizzie... the important thing is you�re home and safe.� Jeffery Parker hugged her.

�I�ve made my decision...� Liz started. �I�m staying here. With Dad.�

--

�Thank you Mrs. Evans.� Michael called after she left the room.

�I missed you!� Isabel threw her arms around him for the hundredth time since he�d walked in the door.

�How�s Liz doing?� Max sat on the edge of the bed.

�Her parents were upset.� Michael pried Isabel�s arms off him. �If her mom doesn�t fight it, then she�ll stay here.�

�So it upset her a lot?�

�It was a lot of things.� Michael stared at the floor.

�Hey... uh... Milton�s looking for someone to you know work weekday afternoons and weekends...� Max casually brought up.

�I�m gonna try to get my job back. Mr. Parker was grateful to me for taking care of Liz or whatever.� Michael dropped down onto his sleeping bag. �It�ll be better than greasy engines and nasty roadside diners.�

�So that�s what you guys did for money?� Isabel wrinkled up her nose.

�It�s what I did anyway.� He shrugged.

�Liz did something else?� Max tilted his head.

�You�ll have to talk to her about that. I promised I wouldn�t say anything.� Michael smirked.

--

�I�m glad you�re going to stay with me baby.� Mr. Parker sat on the edge of Liz�s bed. �I�ve arranged with the school to register you tomorrow. The counselor�s gonna want to talk to you about everything that�s been going on.�

�Ok, dad.� Liz bit her lip. �When�s mom leaving?�

�In a few days... get some sleep.� He kissed her forehead. �We have to talk in the morning about the reports the police were giving us.�

--

Max rolled onto his side and stared down at his friend. �Mr. Parker arranged for Liz to late register tomorrow. I think you could go down there and do the same.�

�I just might do that.� Michael agreed.

�It�s good to have you back man.�

�Hopefully things�ll change for me now.� Michael heard Max roll back onto his bed after turning out the light, leaving them in darkness.

�Like how?�

�Liz and I had some times to talk about... you know... stuff. We�re not going to run anymore and we�re going to give life a try.�

�I�m still not following you.�

�Like, me with Maria and Liz with you. Like picking up where we left off... if that�s possible.�

�You mean that? You guys are willing to overlook destiny for us?�

�I�m warning you now. She might turn the heat up on you. She�ll really want to tell you herself, but I didn�t think it was right to just spring that kind of news on you.�

�Like, I could say no to her.� Max mock-sighed. �If she wants me then I suppose I�ll just have to let her have me. It�s a dirty job but someone�s got to do it.�

�How�s Maria?� �She�s been hounding me since she found out from Iz that you called. I think she�ll be happy to hear that you want to try it again.�

�Thank God for small favors.�

Part 9

Liz got out of the shower and stood in front of her full-length mirror. She dropped her robe so she could inspect the remaining damage. It�d been a week and the hickeys down the front of her body were fading... all except for one. There was a hickey just over the spot where she had gotten shot. It hadn�t faded one bit since she�d discovered it.

�My scarlet letter.� She sighed aloud. She traced the hickey with her finger and idly thought of how she couldn�t remember getting it. Then she looked herself over. She didn�t look physically different although the haunted look in her eyes gave everything away. They showed the knowledge of how she couldn�t remember her first time, how she could never share that experience with her best friend.

A noise behind her made her whirl around. A shocked Max knelt at her window. Liz quickly bent to pick up her robe and wrap it around her body once more.

�I�m sorry. I called up but there was no answer...� Max started rambling.

�It�s ok, Max. Not like I planned to be standing naked in my room when you came over.� Liz rushed over to her dresser to grab her clothes. She walked back into the bathroom to change. �So, did you think about what I said?�

�Yeah and I think it�s great. We don�t have to pick up exactly where we left off. We could go a little slower if you need to.� Max cleared his throat.

�Or if you need to.� Liz reemerged, dressed. �I missed you and I think we�ve been away from each other way too long.�

�If you�re ready for that...� He nodded. They both felt awkward talking like that. He cleared his throat again. �So, how�s it been since you got back?�

Liz took his hand and led him to sit on her bed. �My mother had told me I was grounded until she saw fit... she left a few days after. My dad said that he was just glad I was home. He made me sign a contract that states that I promise to behave in a manner befitting a normal 17-year-old girl. He wants me to know he trusts me. So, I�m not grounded... just on probation.�

�Sounds like you got off lucky.�

�Yeah... thing is, when my mother hears about it, there will probably be a custody hearing. Hopefully by then, I�ll be 18 and free of this bull.� Liz sighed and leaned on his shoulder. �I�m warning you now. I�m going to come crying to you with this stuff. Can you handle that?�

�Of course. I love you, you know that.� He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her head.

�Now, I have to open my bedroom door so that when my dad hears your voice he won�t think something�s happening in here.� Liz pulled herself out of his arms. When she leaned over and opened the door, her shirt slipped up, exposing her stomach. Max eyed the dark spot he�d seen when he�d looked through the window.

�Um, I saw that a minute ago... how�d it happen?� Max gestured to the abused flesh. Liz lay back on the bed pulling him down with her.

�Hematoma, broken vessels... um... I don�t really know how I got it but I know several names for what it is.�

�Looks nasty.� He ran his hand over it.

�I�ve had it like a week and it won�t go away.�

�I can take care of that.� Max smiled down at her. He put a little pressure on it and when he moved his hand it was gone.

�Thank you.� She planted a kiss on his lips.

"Rules Liz.� Jeff Parker�s voice floated through the door and he was gone.

�Rules?� Max raised an eyebrow.

�Right.� Liz sat up and took a breath. �Um, your leg on the floor on that side, mine on this side. Feet must be flat on the floor. It�s the Brady Brunch clause.�

�Oh you mean that filming rule?� Max laughed.

�Yeah. So Brady Bunch clause, door open and no lying down... Sorry.� Liz pouted. �But we can still be close.�

Max grinned and sat up, meeting her in a deep kiss.

--

Michael tried in vain to heal the long scratches on his back. Some of the welts had gone away but the red marks remained. He couldn�t outright remember that night but he dreamed about it. In the morning he had glimpses of what had gone on. Out of the corner of his eye he spied the clock. 10:30. Maria should have been there already. That meant she�d pop in at any moment.

He went in search of a shirt. He wasn�t used to his new apartment yet. He still had boxes to unpack, which he found out had been packed by Max and Isabel when they realized he probably wouldn�t come back before the month was out. He bent over a box and made so much noise ripping it open and rummaging through it that he didn�t hear the door open.

�Oh my God!� Maria shrieked. �Those look so bad. What�d you do? Get stuck in barbed wire? I have just the thing for that. You�re just lucky I brought you a house warming gift.�

Michael whirled around and snorted. She hadn�t changed a bit. She set down her gift and pointed to a chair.

�Sit. Now.� She ripped off a leaf while he obediently sat down. �It�s called an aloe vera plant. It�s a cactus. It doesn�t need much water or attention. You could put it on the outside windowsill and virtually forget about it. It�s perfect for you. It also has healing abilities. This gel inside comes in handy on irritations like these and sunburns...�

Michael listened to her ramble on about the many uses of aloe. He winced slightly at the cool get hit his back. He grinned back at her. �God I missed your incessant ramblings.�

�What?� Maria stepped back. �You�re gone for like three months and the first words out of your mouth are I ramble incessantly?!�

�I also said I missed them.� He pointed out.

�Oh.� She stopped her tirade before it began. Her mouth opened and closed a few times before a small smile crossed her face. �You did?�

�Yeah.� He pulled a shirt over his head, not caring that it stuck to him over the shoulders. �So... listen. I was thinking that maybe I might have been wrong about what I said before I left.�

�Uh-huh.� She crossed her arms. �And what was that?�

�I said that I loved you too much to stay with you... what I should have said would have sounded something like...� Michael pretended to run ideas through his head. �I could never love you enough and I promise to never leave you like that again.�

�Wow. You and Liz been chatting much?� Maria smiled. �I think that this is a great start.�

�Yeah. I think so.� Michael let out a breath. This was going much better than he thought it would. �I need to you know something though. I can�t be your Max, okay. I�m going to try to make us work but I gotta do it my way. I wish I could buy you flowers and presents but I have priorities now. I�m gonna try to keep you pretty near the top.�

�You�ve really thought about this huh.� Maria smiled.

�Well. I had a plan. You come over, we�ll try to talk. Either you were going to bite my head off or you were gonna be mad. I had actually hadn�t planned on you taking this well.� Michael shrugged.

�Come here.� Maria wrapped her arms around his neck. �I�ll try not to expect too much of you. I�m glad you realized that you aren�t dangerous.�

Michael hugged her close and let all her familiar scents, softness and color wash over his senses.

--

�Lizzie?� Jeff called into the room before walking in. When he finally did Max and Liz had separated and made themselves presentable. �I wanted to remind you that this month at school, your free period is going to be in the counselor�s office. The new counselor called me earlier to arrange everything.�

�Okay, daddy.� Liz nodded.

�He just wants to make sure everything�s alright. You don�t have to talk to him everyday but he wants to keep an eye on you.�

�I understand.� Liz looked down at the floor. �I�ll make sure I�m there.�

�Max, are you staying for lunch?�

�Uh...� Max glanced at Liz, who pleaded with him to stay. �Sure.�

�Alright then, ten minutes guys.� Once he was gone, Max turned to Liz.

�New counselor?�

�Mr. Peters. He seemed like a nice guy but I�m a little paranoid given the incidents we had with the last counselor. I was wondering. Could you check up on him?� Liz leaned on him. �You know like we did with... her?�

�I think I can. Don�t talk to him for the first week so I can do my thing.� He kissed the top of her head. �At least our free period is the same this year. Too bad we can�t spend it together for a while.�

�Yeah.� She sighed. In less than 24 hours she�d be thrown back into the Roswell mix. This year was going to be so hard without her mother around.

-- A week into school:

Liz paced the girl�s bathroom. She had been doing fine, just fine. She hadn�t thought about it. She was enjoying being close with Max again. Then she noticed the date on the calendar. Four days late. There had only been one time that had happened. After Maria started her period, hers had been thrown off. Her mom had told her it was because they were so close. One more day and Then she was going to worry. That last time she hadn�t had to worry about being pregnant.

Part 10

�Hey babe, I�ve been looking for you.� Max plopped down onto the couch Liz was sitting on.

�Oh? And what reason could you possibly have to seek me out? In the counselor�s center?� She teased him.

�Well, I�m pretty sure Mr. Peters is who he says he is.� Max turned serious. �I�m getting the feeling you�ve been wanting to talk... but not to me.�

�I�m sorry but...� She sighed and sank back into the couch.

�You need impartiality before you can talk to me.� He nodded his head.

�I don�t want to dump more on you than I have to.� She took his hand. �Don�t worry it�s not just you. I haven�t talked to anyone. Not Maria, not Alex, Isabel... no one.�

�Hey, whenever you feel like it. I�m here for you.�

--

�I�m glad you finally decided to talk.� Mr. Peters sat at his desk opening her file. �Seems like you�re no stranger to counseling sessions.�

�Excuse me?� Liz sat up.

�Involved in alleged shootings, car accidents, lost in the woods, incident in the eraser room. And now we�re adding divorcing parents, running away, underage stripping... anything else?�

�Broke up with boyfriend, slept with his best friend in a drunken stupor, got back together with boyfriend and... the possibility of pregnancy.� The words were out of her mouth before she could think.

�Well... I�m glad that you trust me already. It�s a good start. We�ve got a lot of things to deal with but we�ll tackle the latter first. Have you told your boyfriend?� He leaned forward on his desk.

�No. He doesn�t even know that Michael and I slept together... if I tell him that I could possibly be pregnant with Michael�s baby...�

�You mean this baby, assuming there is one, is not your boyfriend�s? It�s his best friend Michael�s?�

�Yeah... Oh! Well Max and I have never slept together. I don�t even remember what happened with Michael. Neither does he... I don�t think...�

�So he doesn�t know either.� Mr. Peters turned to his computer. �This is something that we need to deal with right away. What�s Michael�s last name?�

�Why? He�s not going to get in trouble is he?� Liz sat up. �It wasn�t his fault.�

�Ok. How about we get him in here so you two can discuss what happened in private?�

�Guerin. G-u-e-r-i-n. He�s got trig and analysis this period.�

--

�Liz, what�s going on?�

�Michael, what do you remember about THAT night?� Liz�s voice wavered only slightly.

�Not much. I thought we agreed to forget about it.� Michael�s voice stayed calm.

�I don�t remember having a condom. I don�t remember seeing a condom. I know I�m on birth control but I don�t know how that works with you guys.�

�What are you saying?�

�I might be pregnant. Mr. Peters is getting the address of a clinic I can go to. He told me to tell you so that either way we�ll know.�

�Shit.�

�Yeah... my thoughts exactly.� Liz paused. �Do you think we should tell them?�

�No. Absolutely not.�

Max leaned up against the wall in the eraser room like he had for the past 20 minutes. That was how he�d spied on Mr. Peters. He was in shock. He had heard everything. At first he thought she had been joking with Mr. Peters but then it seemed to be a really drawn out and elaborate joke.

�Listen. Let�s not decide anything until we know. I�ll take you down to the clinic myself... cause you know... if you are... I�ll need to take care of the blood samples after testing.�

�Ok. I�ll get Mr. Peters. He wanted to talk to us both about this. We have to explain all the circumstances so you don�t get in trouble.�

�What?�

�You�re technically an adult, Michael. I�m only 17.�

Max had heard enough. He picked up his bag and left the eraser room.

Part 11

Liz�s hands were shaking uncontrollably. Michael placed his hands over hers and looked her in the eye. �It�s just a urine test. They�re gonna put a stick in it and we�ll know.�

�How the hell can you be so calm about this?� Liz snapped. �Oh I know. Cause in nine months a watermelon won�t come shooting out of your dick.�

�Hey! Calm down. With any luck it won�t happen to you either.� Michael whispered. �I�m really sorry. I don�t remember much at all. You know that if I could I would take it back.�

�I know. I�m sorry... I�m just on edge and I�m scared.� Tears formed in her eyes. �If I am, we have to tell them. It�s not like we�ll be able to keep it a secret. We can�t pretend I got knocked up by some random stranger this summer because...�

�Yeah. I know. Let�s not worry about that until the results come back.�

--

Michael sat on his old beat up couch. He felt like he was still trying to catch his breath. He had been more scared then he had let on at that clinic. �Negative.� How he loved that word. �The test came out negative.� How he loved that phrase.

Liz had been ecstatic. She was across the cramped one room apartment changing looking like he felt. Relieved and tired. �I still think we should tell them.�

�No.� Michael shook his head at her. �We don�t have to now. No.�

�I think you should.� Max suddenly threw open the door. He glanced around and found fuel for his fury. Liz was standing half naked not ten feet from his best friend. �I really think you should tell me what the hell is going on.�

�Max...� Liz pulled her uniform up over her shoulders. �What are you doing here?�

Michael jumped to his feet when Max slammed the door behind him.

�I know. I know about you two. How could you do this?� Max raged on. �You�re supposed to be my best friend and you. You knew I loved you and you did it anyway.�

�What are you talking about?� Michael knew there was no way out of this conversation but putting it off for every available second was all he could do.

�How long has this been going on? Did you two run away together? Why even bother to come back?� Max yelled. �You could�ve had your baby and none of us would�ve been the wiser.�

�It�s not like that!� Michael screamed back. Liz stood glued to her spot across the room.

�Then how is it? How the fuck is it?� Max stepped further into the room. �What made you think that you could screw her and not tell me? Don�t you think you owe me some sort of an explanation? When were you going to tell me? Or Maria?�

�We were hoping we wouldn�t have to.� Michael muttered.

�So the two of you were just going to fuck behind our backs?�

�I said it�s not like that!�

�So it�s not just sex? You guys... feel for each other too?!� Max backed up. He looked at Liz. She was still standing in the same spot, a stricken expression on her face. She hadn�t said a word in her defense. Max advanced on her. �Aren�t you going to say anything?�

�You�re being an ass, Maxwell!� Michael lowered his voice. He finally noticed how frozen she looked. �Leave her alone Max.�

�Fine. It�s over... for all of us. You have 24 hours to tell Maria before I do.� Max stormed out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him. When he got to his Jeep he jumped in and sat behind the wheel. That�s when he crumpled. They hadn�t denied it and she hadn�t said one word.

Liz sank to her knees in tears when the door clicked, announcing it�s final closure. The only sound in the room was her sobs. Michael slowly crossed the room and knelt beside her. He picked her up and carried to the couch. He stroked her back and kissed her head. �It�ll be okay. When he calms down, we�ll explain everything.�

�He�s not going to listen. Neither will she and if we don�t tell her, he will.� Liz sobbed out, her whole body shaking. Then they both heard the knocking on the door. Before either could move it opened.

�Hey Mi�� Maria stopped and took in the view. Michael with his arms around Liz, whose uniform wasn�t buttoned. �What�s going on?�

�Maria...� Michael started.

�No, no. I see. Don�t explain. I got it. You could�ve just told me.� Maria backed out the door.

�Maria!� Michael jumped up to go after her. He followed her out into the hallway. �It�s not how it looked.�

�No?� Maria whirled around on him. �Max wanted me to meet him here today. I�m a little late. Did Max already show?�

�You just missed him.� Michael stared at the ground.

�Uh-huh. Then why were you�re arms around my best friend? Why was her uniform hanging open? Max must�ve seen what I just saw.� Her voice was cold. �I don�t put up with shit like this. Don�t talk to me... ever.�

�Maria!� He called after her as she marched out to her car. She threw her hand up in the air, flipping him the bird. Michael�s shoulders sagged as he made his way back into his apartment where Liz�s sobs were louder than ever. Slowly he reached for the phone and dialed. �Hey Mr. Parker... I know... He�s keeping Liz after longer that she thought... Yes sir. Can you handle it? ... Agnes... I�m sorry. I�ll make sure she gets there as soon as he lets her go.�

He hung up the phone and returned to the couch. He pulled her against him and let her cry. He felt too dead to cry. Maria didn�t even try to listen to what he had to say. She just walked off. Michael felt wet warmth slide down his face. Then he realized he was crying too. He lost them both in the same day, in the same 10 minutes.

Part 12

Liz fell asleep on Michael�s couch like she did every Friday night since the night Max and Maria found out. It had been two months and neither of one had spoken to her or Michael. Michael watched over her and waited for the phone to ring like it always did at 10:30.

It was their ritual. Watching fuzzy sports on his tiny TV, eating pizza and buffalo wings in silence. She laid out on his couch in her Hooters shirt and he sprawled on the floor with his homework for the week. Not one tear had been shed since that night. Phone calls were made and never returned. A tiny bottle of tequila, left over from the summer, sat on the counter like a reminder.

Ring. Michael jumped up and grabbed the phone. �Hey Mr. Parker... I�ll send her home now... Yes sir... I�ll walk her myself.�

Michael hung up the phone and stomped over to the couch. �Liz. Get up. Time to go home.�

�Hmm?� She rolled over pushing him away.

�If you don�t get up, I�m gonna tickle you.� He sat on the edge of the couch. �The last time I tickled you... I had to clean the couch and let you borrow a pair of my shorts... Now. If you want a repeat...�

�I�m up. I�m up.� Liz sat up quickly. She slid on her shoes and stood up. �Let�s go. I�ll get a drink of water and then we�ll go.�

--

As they were walking to Liz�s places they talked a bit. �You know what. We need to get on with our lives. We can�t spend our Friday�s gorging on pizza, looking like slobs and our Saturdays working like... horses or whatever.�

�You know that�s a bunch of bull.� Michael glared at her. Then something caught his eye. He looked past Liz�s head into the park. It was Max and Tess, they were making out like crazy on a bench. �Let�s go.�

�What? Why?� Liz spun around to see what he was looking at. �No.�

�Let�s go.� Michael pulled her down the street and away from the offensive sight. She clung to him and fought the tears that threatened to come with the reality setting in.

�He hates me.� She whispered.

�Then he�s an ass.� Michael wrapped an arm around her and quickened their pace. Liz looked up at the sky then slowly let her gaze drop as Michael slowed down again. �Fuckin� bastard.�

�Michael, don�t.� Liz pulled on his arm. �If I can�t rip out Tess�s hair then you can�t kick Kyle�s ass.�

�In that case, Tess�s hair is screaming to be pulled out.� Michael growled and tried to pull out of her grip. His eyes were fixed on the blond head of hair pressing against the window of Kyle�s car.

�Dammit.� Liz let go of him and started ranting. �Why the hell did we have to find out like this? And the same damn night!�

�Liz. Sh.� Michael suddenly realized she wasn�t going to stop.

�Doesn�t he know I love him? Can�t he see that he�s the only one I�ve ever really loved? Little over a year ago and I didn�t even like you. Until eight months ago I was scared of you. Four months ago, we had one night that neither of us planned, that we can�t remember, that we didn�t even want and it ruined everything.�

�Liz. Shut up.� Michael hissed. Max and Tess had come walking down the path and stopped to listen. Kyle and Maria had rolled down the window to hear what Liz Parker had to say.

�I mean... we don�t even know if it was good. It could have been the lousiest sex in the history of time and it screwed up our lives.� Liz told him loudly. �I mean... we had never thought about being together before we woke up with moon shine hangovers. It hadn�t even crossed my mind until now that it could have been bad sex. Wouldn�t that suck?�

�What�s wrong with you?� Michael shook his head at her. Then she pulled the tiny bottle out of her pocket. �You didn�t.�

�Oh! But I did and I feel fine!� Liz sang out. Michael put his hands over his face.

�Liz, please, shut up so I can take you home.�

�Home? That be the place where my dad stares at the TV wishing my mom were still around? The place where I can�t do a damn thing without reporting to the warden?� Liz pushed him back. �I just want to be Little Lizzie Parker again. Do you know how bad I want that?�

Max and Maria watched her break down in front of their eyes. Tess snorted, bored, and tugged on Max�s arm. He motioned for her to be quiet. Kyle sat back behind the wheel to watch his ex.

�Liz, come on. Your dad is waiting for you. You�re 10 minutes late already.�

�Well, then. Let�s go. Let�s get Eliza Blue home. She�s not stripping tonight.� She looked up at her only friend. �Remember you wondered if I had a stage name. I did. See... I don�t like Eliza. She�s a liar, a stripper, a lush, and she slept with my boyfriend�s best friend. It�s too bad though. She was really good and what she does.� Liz glanced around. �Michael, why didn�t you tell me we had an audience?�

Michael left her go. He knew he couldn�t stop... he didn�t even know if he wanted to anymore.

�Hi Maxi-poo.� Liz smiled real big. �Is Tess making you feel good? I hear she does that. You know... I wish that it could�ve been you in that barn with me that night.� Liz turned around. �Maria! Get out from under Kyle! I gotta talk to you too!�

Maria didn�t budge.

�Guess that�ll have to do.� Liz took a deep breath. �All I was doing was trying to get us warm. It was raining and we got drenched. Once we had shelter the next logical step was warmth. Drank a little moonshine to get the chill out. Takes like shit but works if it�s all you got. Then of course you gotta get out of the wet clothes or else you�ll get sick. We had blankets... right Michael?�

�Yeah.� Michael nodded.

�I guess the blankets weren�t enough cause next thing I know... my cherry�s been popped and I have a killer headache. Then I see Michael�s ugly face... which makes me wonder what Maria ever saw in him.� Liz turned and started walking towards Max. �I have something to say to you.�

�Liz, what are you doing?� Michael pleaded and shut his eyes.

�If you loved me like you said you did... you would have waited until I told you what happened.� Liz let the tears roll down her cheeks at last. �I don�t know how you found out about me being almost pregnant... but I�m not. You didn�t ask what was going on when you got there. You should have. It was completely innocent. I loved you and I didn�t want to hurt you... I�m sorry I pushed you into the arms of that.� She pointed to Tess. �But... from now on. You stay away like you have been. Hindsight is 20/20. I want none of it. I have decided to get over you, get over myself and get a life that doesn�t involve Czechness.�

�Liz...� Max started.

�No. I don�t want to hear it.� Liz turned and walked to Kyle�s car. �You. I�ve been friends with you how long? You thought I�d steal your boyfriend? No, no, no, no. I don�t like his spiky-haired---ness. You could have him. I didn�t want him. It was an accident. You know me. I would never do something like that on purpose. When you got there after Max left... You didn�t even notice I was crying. All you saw was Michael hugging me on the couch. You ever think that I might have needed comforting after what had just happened?�

Liz marched back to Michael and leaned on him. She was starting to get dizzy. �Our friendships were about trust. I know we should have told you guys that it happened... but we were ashamed. After the way things went when you found out... I don�t think you deserve our trust anymore.� Liz swayed and leaned even more on Michael. Her head was spinning. �Michael, take me home. If I look at them anymore I�m gonna be sick.�

Max and Maria looked at each other over the span of sidewalk that lay between them. Some of what she said had made sense. More sense than they were willing to admit out loud in front of their new significant others. They watched Michael help Liz walk down the street. They could hear her mutterings as she walked away.

�They didn�t even ask us. They just thought we were out to fuck at will... They demanded explanations but never waited to get them. I know I wouldn�t have believed me but I would have listened...�

Part 13

�I thought you trusted me, Liz.� Mr. Peters leaned back in his chair.

�I do.�

�Then what�s with the silent treatment? You signed up for these sessions and you haven�t spoken to me in a while. When you do talk... you don�t tell me everything.�

�I couldn�t even begin to tell you everything.� Liz rolled her head along the back of her chair.

�Ok. Then I�ll give you a place to start.� He looked at his notes. �Your dad called me. Told me you came home drunk and crying Friday night. Said Michael had to carry you to your bed. I know that your father seems to trust Michael a lot but I don�t think he knows everything.�

�That�s because he doesn�t.� Liz lifted her head. �So, right now you want to know why I got drunk.�

�Sure.�

�Well, Isaac, let me tell you. Michael and I had a bottle of Tequila left over from our summer fiasco. It was sitting on his counter. I wanted a blank night. I�ve had them before and I wanted to kill the pain. So I drank it while he was waiting to walk me home. I don�t remember much after leaving his place... what I do remember is seeing Max.�

�Go on.�

�He was making out with Tess. Of all the people on this planet that he had to be kissing... it had to be her.� Liz shook her head and stared at the clock. �I don�t remember anything after that.�

�Why did you and Max break up? Why did it hurt you so bad?�

�I love Max. He loves me. We were finally back together, back to where we left off. I don�t know how he found out but he did.� Liz bit her lip and found the lines of the ceiling. �When Michael and I got back from the clinic, we were relieved. Negative. What a wonderful little word. I was changing for work. I�ve changed in front of Michael before. It wasn�t a big deal. We shared rooms for most of the summer. And he�d watch out for me while I would strip. He wouldn�t watch me but he�d keep an ear out while I did...�

�What happened?�

�Max barged in. Started yelling and screaming. I was frozen. Max was yelling at Michael and Michael was just taking it. Max saw me, I was only half dressed. He yelled at me some more. He knew about what happened during the summer, he knew that I thought I was pregnant. He didn�t wait for the explanation he yelled for. He left and I broke down.� Liz�s eyes fell on the grate. �Dammit. That�s how he knew.�

�What?�

�Nothing. I just realized something.� Liz looked over at him. �Michael said I blew up at the park Friday night.�

�He told me.� Isaac nodded. She looked at him. �He signed up for a session this morning. He told me that you two have no secrets from each other. I�m not going into details about what he said but I know his side.�

�He said that I blamed them. I had no right to blame them for this distance. What I did with Michael was wrong... no matter how it happened. It was still wrong. I accept that. I know they didn�t want to listen to us. I wouldn�t have to them.�

�Seems to me like the trust has been shattered. It�s something that you�ll have to rebuild.�

�I�m trying to kill Eliza Blue. Trying to put her away but just as soon as I�m sure she�s gone... she pops up.� Liz sighed.

�Eliza�s strong. You need that. She�s honest. She told Max and Maria exactly what she thought. I think that might help the situation.�

�It hurt so much to see Max with Tess. He told me that there was never going to be anything between them and I know I hurt him. I hurt me too and he runs to her.�

�Just like you had Michael... maybe Max had Tess.�

�He could�ve turned to Maria. That I could understand... but then... Max wouldn�t do that.� She said softly and stared at the grate... wondering if maybe he was up there listening. �I feel like I�m being punished but the crime isn�t done being committed.�

--

�Hey Parker... hey, I was thinking I might take you up on that request.� Kyle shadowed Liz down the hallway.

�What request?�

�You said that you didn�t remember the sex. I took that as an invite to anyone who could make you remember the wild thing. I�m offering myself as a willing participant.� Kyle grinned.

�Maybe you should talk to your girlfriend about that.� Liz glanced down the hallway at Maria. �I don�t think she�d appreciate you propositioning me.�

�I thought you were into other girl�s boyfriends.�

�This conversation is over.� Liz glared and stalked off.

--

�Michael?� Liz whispered into the phone. �It�s Liz.�

[What�s up?]

�My dad is leaving for Albuquerque in an hour. I don�t want to be by myself.�

[Want me to pick up a pizza and head over?]

�That�d be great. See you in a while.� Liz hung up and looked out her doorway. Her dad was doing some last minute packing. Liz fished a matchbook out of her bag. She dialed the numbers quickly.

[Hello?]

�Tracy?�

[Who�s this?]

�It�s Eliza.�

[Hey girl! How�s it going? I didn�t think I�d hear from you again. Are you still on the road?]

�Naw... some shit went down and I�m home. Listen... I was looking for some advice.�

[Job-wise or parent-wise?]

�Guy-wise... I don�t have much time... so listen to this and tell me if it�ll work...�

Part 14

Liz lay on the couch in an old flannel shirt, her legs propped up on Michael�s. He had the Rolodex resting on her legs, flipping through it. �So Jeffy-boy got bored without his Nancy-girl and organized the video collection.�

�Yep. It�s pretty sad.� Liz nodded.

�So, what�s the plan now? Did the eating thing, did the TV thing, your collection is pretty sad...� Michael set the Rolodex on the table. He glanced down at her as she started to pull her legs up. The shirt slid up and Michael quickly glanced away, but not soon enough to keep his body from reacting. Liz sat up and leaned in to whisper in his ear. Michael groaned at how quickly the sexual vibes had popped up. �Where?�

�Come on.� Liz slid off the couch and pulled him to his feet.

--

Michael stepped out on the balcony pulling his shirt over his head. He tossed it back inside the window on top of his shoes. The pants went next. Then he pulled Liz out onto the balcony. She led him to the lounge and sat him down. She set her things beside the lounge. Michael slid off his boxers and reached for the condom.

--

Liz straddled his hips and closed her eyes as he sat up and pressed his open mouth to her neck. His hands worked the buttons of her shirt. She shrugged her shoulders and felt the soft cloth slide off, catching on her arms as they wrapped around his shoulders.

--

Liz pushed Michael back down on the lounge and slid onto him. He trailed his hands down her arms, pushing the shirt down and letting it pool around her hips. She braced her hands against his chest as she started a rhythm. He closed his eyes to feel how she moved on top of him.

--

Michael watched her breasts glisten under the streetlight�s glow. His hands moved to her hips, urging her faster. Her fingers dug into his chest, holding on as his hips bucked underneath her. She felt the pressure in her body build. She felt like she was going to pop at any moment.

--

Michael watched her throw her head back with her orgasm. Her muscles closed around him. He arched his back as he came inside her quivering body.

--

Michael pried Liz�s fingers off his sore chest. He rubbed at the marks he made on her hips. He helped her slide her arms back into her flannel shirt. Liz pushed herself off him and watched him tie off the condom and toss it aside. He grabbed his boxers and stood. Liz lowered herself onto the lounge. She pulled a pack of cigarettes from the ground and a book of matches.

�Liz?�

�Just go do what you gotta.� She whispered as she fumbled with the pack.

Part 15

Maria let Michael in her window. Before he could open his mouth, she opened hers. �I broke up with Kyle.�

He nodded and stared at the ground, not wanting to do what he came for.

�What?� She whispered taking in his appearance. His shirt was inside out and stuck to his chest. His jeans seemed to cling even more to his legs. His shoes were untied. His usually very spiky hair was matted down with sweat.

Michael closed his eyes and told her. She stared at him in shock for a minute. Then she was pounding on his chest with her fists.

�Why did you do it? Why her?� Maria screamed. �I forgave you! I broke up with Kyle for you! I was going to take you back! Why!�

Michael let her beat his tender chest without answer.

�Answer me!�

�At least I told you.� He whispered. �I didn�t have to tell you. I thought you should hear about what happened tonight from me.�

�Get out!� She yelled. �Get the hell out!�

Michael watched her tears fall from her eyes as he slipped out the way he came.

--

Max hopped over the side of the building and took in the sight. Liz was leaning half off the lounge chair, flicking a cigarette into an ashtray. �I was waiting. I figured you�d be here four cigarettes ago... what took so long?�

�You�re smoking?�

�Yeah. I haven�t had the chance since I got back.� Liz rolled back onto her back. Max�s eyes bugged out. Her shirt hung open, exposing one whole side of her body.

�You knew I was coming?� He stepped forward.

�Good guess.� Liz took a drag on her cigarette. �Let me take another good guess. You broke up with Tess?�

�Yeah.� Max nodded and ripped his eyes away from her exposed body. They fell on the ground, on something wet glistening in the light. He walked closer to inspect.

�It�s a used condom.� She whispered. �Michael was here earlier.�

�Dammit! If you knew I was coming then why?� Max dropped to his knees like he�d been punched. He looked back at her and really saw her. He saw the bruise on her hip. He saw the hickey just above her breast. He saw her hair, messed and damp with sweat.

�You were just going to let me come back to you and forget everything.�

�Do you love him?�

�I barely even like him.� She lit a new cigarette with the butt of the old one. �Do you know that I never lie to you?�

�But you have.�

�No. I�ve avoided questions but I�ve never flat out lied to you.�

�If you don�t even like him then why did you do it again?�

�It was sex, Max, in its most basic meaning. That�s all it was. Michael and I had sex right here two hours ago.� She patted the chair. �I didn�t feel an ounce of feeling for him. He didn�t for me either.�

�You guys just had bad sex. That�s it. Why would you do something like that?� Max didn�t let the tears fall from his eyes.

�It wasn�t bad sex. It was great sex... it was just empty.� Liz sat up. �I have never loved anyone but you.�

�Wasn�t that enough? You loving me, me loving you?� Max dropped onto the roof as if in pain.

�Love isn�t enough if it doesn�t come with trust.� Liz pulled her shirt closed and walked over to him. �You would have taken me back and loved me... but you wouldn�t have trusted me.�

�Would I have had reason to?� Max pulled her down to sit next to him. �What reason do I have to trust you now? You just fucked my former best friend for fuck�s sake.�

�I didn�t lie to you. This doesn�t make anything better but I told you. I didn�t hide anything from you.� Liz closed her eyes. �Michael and I are probably never going to talk to each other again.�

�Where does this leave us? I can�t hate you... even if I tried I couldn�t.�

�I�ve got two more cigarettes. When those are gone, I�m starting over.�

Max reached for one. Liz lit hers, then his. He coughed with the first inhale. They smoked the cigarettes in silence. Tomorrow be damned, they were going to have a blank moment before they had to deal with all their problems. When the last puff could be taken, Max got up and started down the ladder. Just before his head disappeared he stopped. �Tomorrow we rebuild.�

Part 16

�What is he doing here?� Maria turned to Max after spotting Michael in the Evans� living room.

�We all need to talk.� Max gently pushed her into the room.

�All?� Maria sat in an armchair. The doorbell rang. Max sighed and went to answer it. He came back into the room followed by Liz. �I�m not sitting in a room with these two.�

�We aren�t going to survive on our own.� Max started. �I�ve been thinking a lot about what you said and the things you�ve done...�

�Who?� Michael spoke up.

�Liz and I had some sort of conversation last night.� He ran a hand through his hair. �We are all hurting, we all need friends.�

�They can be each other�s friends for all I care.� Maria muttered.

�Michael didn�t tell you everything did he?� Liz asked.

�Oh... he told me enough.�

�We aren�t leaving this room until we come to an understanding about events transpired. Liz, tell Maria what you told me last night.�

--

�It doesn�t make it right.�

�We know that.�

�We don�t deserve your trust... that�s why we�re gonna earn it.� Liz spoke up. �We can�t go on like this. Last night was the end of it. The distrust and pretending things that aren�t what they are.�

�Maria, this is hard for me too but we have to find a way to stick together. Isabel and Alex aren�t talking to anyone because we aren�t talking to each other.� Max added.

�We are sorry for what happened.� Michael stared at his hands. �We proved that it meant nothing, that there was nothing behind it. It was just something that happened. We gotta move on but trying to forget isn�t going to get us anywhere.�

�Ok. So what now?� Maria asked them all. No one had an answer for that one. �God knows that I want to hate you both. I really want to but I can�t. Liz, you�ll always be in here. Michael... I love you too much and that�s what hurts the most.� She stood and started for the door. �We�ll take one day at a time. When I�m ready... I�ll come to you.�

They listened for the closing of the door. Michael stood up.

�You know, it bothers me a little that it meant nothing to either of you.� Max whispered.

�It bothers me a little too.� Michael left them alone.

�How much do I have left to tell you?� Liz curled up on her end of the couch.

�What do you mean?�

�I want to know how many of my sessions with Isaac you sat in on. How much do I have to tell you?�

�You knew?�

�Only since my last session on Monday.�

�Why don�t you just start from the beginning?� Max settled in to listen to her talk about everything that had happened since that day in the desert. Afterwards, Liz would hear his story. They had to start somewhere.

**END**

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