Trying For A Storybook Ending Part 5

We stand in semi-silence for a minute, Maria and me look at each other with a newfound understanding, while Liz and Tess are making small talk to each other. I decide that that is enough of this, and I grab my bag and walk out the room door where the others follow behind me.

As we all get into the car I see that Liz and Tess have got in the back together, which leaves me driving shotgun in Maria's car. I should have made Max leave the jeep. I hate this car... it's so... poky. I have a peek at the rear-view mirror and I can't help but smile at Liz and Tess. They look so... so... friendly. They are laughing nervously and whispering. Oh what a difference a day makes huh? My stomach is jumping; I hope this works. As I begin to re-ponder my plan Ii hear Liz's voice from the back seat.

"So... um Isabel? What is the plan for tonight?"

Poor, poor Liz. She sounds so nervous. I think she's forgotten that she and my brother have been out about 50 times together. She probably thinks I have a really tacky Valentines Day planned for them all at a fancy restaurant, with a horrible atmosphere. Hmmm, should have thought of that sooner. Never mind I'll use that one next year. But tonight? Tonight.... tonight I have something "safe" planned. The boys are already there in fact. Yeah, so we're going to the Crashdown... not exactly the worlds most romantic venue I agree ... but it has everything we need. It's "safe". I know what you're thinking... "how will you be able to talk when it's full to bursting?" Well, I had help. See Mr. Parker is closing an hour earlier tonight. So come 10pm, the place is ours. Why? Well although Mr. Parker is a businessman he's also a worried father. He doesn't like to see his little girl upset and I, a "very good friend", asked him to surprise Liz. Of course he did it, who wouldn't do it to make their daughter happy again?

"Just to the Crashdown Liz, relax. Things will be great tonight, I promise."

"Yeah... right."

We arrive and Maria stops the car. I have a quick look at the clock: 9.48pm. We have 15 minutes before the place is empty. I walk in and look around for the guys. Sure enough, there they are. Max, is drumming nervously on the table. Is that a rose he's got there? My brother- the hopeless romantic. Beside him is Michael. He looks bored and a little angry. He hates these "hallmark" holidays. Opposite Michael is Kyle. I can't tell how he's doing because he seems to be staring at Michael. They two really don't like each other. I look next to Kyle and my stomach knots. There's no Alex. I didn't really expect him to show but.... I had hoped.

I have no time to finish my thought as Maria barges past me and walks straight over to the table. I have a quick look around and I see Liz and Tess hovering behind me. Poor Michael.

"Hi guys! Hi Michael! I never got a chance to say anything to you today because we were having a little "girl time" so to speak, but here. Happy Valentines Day!"

Oh My God! She had given him a present and completely turned the tables on him. She hadn't exploded and he... he was actually smiling? Oh My God! He opened the wrapping and inside there was a "little green man" clutching a heart. Ok it was incredibly tacky but, wow! He seemed to love it.

"Basically, it's symbolic, Spaceboy. But you have to work that bit out yourself."
"...Thank you Maria."

I smiled as he reached into his jacket and pulled out a small package and thrust it into her hands. Max got up to give Maria his seat and looked over towards Liz. He smiled weakly at her and took the rose of the table and hesitantly began to walk towards us. Liz burst into tears and ran out the door. I turn to go after her, maybe I've pushed her too hard. Too much too soon. Before I even turn I feel Max brushing against me and out the door. She won't need me. I hear a squeal of delight coming from the table and turn back around. Maria has wrapped Michael in bear hug and the tears are streaming down her face. He must have got it right this time. Good for them. As I watch the two of them I feel a pang of jealousy; they have what I want. This really bites. Kyle begins to walk over to us and I hear Tess start to giggle as he performs an over-exaggerated bow in front of her before offering her his arm. As she accepts, feigning a regal air, he guides her over to the booth where he hands her a package. Even Valenti got in on the gift-buying thing. I sneak a peek as Tess opens it and, I might be wrong but it looks like a football shirt? Why would ANY guy give a girl a football shirt? We don't like football... Whyever he got it, she seems to like it. Oh God she's crying as well. She probably just realized what an ape she fell for. He really is romantically challenged. As I turn towards the door I hear Mr. Parker ask everyone to leave apart from those at the booth. They look a little confused, but I'm sure they will work out who to thank later. I just wish that Max and Liz were there. I walk towards the jeep, I need to go somewhere and I'm sure that Max will get home ok without it. As I get in it I hear voices: Max and Liz. They are right in front of me but totally oblivious.

"What do you mean Liz, I don't understand.... what do you mean "another me"?"

Liz pulls him abruptly to her and kisses him through her tears and as they pull apart I see that he knows.

"Liz? You... you, gave up everything... got hurt... be... because I... asked you to? Why?"

"Max...I had to. It was you... "

Max takes her in his arms and begins to gently kiss her. It's at that point that I pull away and leave them. This is something they deserve.

Three down, one to go.

I arrive at the house a little after 10pm. I hope he's at home and not out on a date with some bimbo. My stomach is really knotting as I ring his doorbell. It seems like an eternity before he comes to the door. He looks surprised to see me.

"Isabel? Hi! What are you doing here? Is everything ok?"

"Hi, everythings... everythings great. I um... I um... just wanted to say... Happy Valentines Day... to you."