Us Six Against the World

Disclaimer: Don't own the 'em. I'm just borrowing them. I promise to put them back the way I found 'em.
Summary: Post heatwave, and how the six Roswell High kids become closer and realize through good times and bad, that no matter what they go through, it really is, "the six of them against the world". They will go to Florida for spring break, learn more about the aliens they came from, and all with the FBI and a certain sheriff, one step behind them. Or is there someone closer?.....
Category: Other
Rating: R
Authors Note: Distribution: It's okay, just let me know first. (Gonna be VERY long)

Part 1

*******Post Heatwave -The next day**********

I'm Liz Parker, I'm "sweet -Sixteen" and boy was I kissed last night!! I can almost say I've never been kissed until last night. No other kiss could compare. The few pecks and kisses I've experienced this last year, since I was allowed to start dating, can't even be considered kisses compared to Max Evans' kiss.

Max Evans. My Max..... I love the sound of that. But is he mine? Will he ever really be mine? Max is no ordinary guy. He's extra-ordinary in every way. And he kissed ME last night! His first kiss, and it was with ME! Liz Parker, who lives in a small town and up until a few months ago, lived a very boring, dull life.

Max's kiss was...magic. It was like when two chemicals come together and cause instantaneous combustion, an explosion, but then simmer and continue to boil together in compatibility. I think that's what we do.. we sizzle and boil when we are together, and if we get too close, we explode.

Max told me he had been saving up for his first kiss for forever, and he had been saving it for me! I feel hot and cold goosebumps when I think of that. Max Evans says the sweetest things. He's sensitive, loving and a born leader who has to take care of everyone around him. He's my hero, in more ways than one.

But now, as I get ready for school this morning, I wonder what the day will bring. For although Max came to me last night and finally let his guard down and kissed me, I still wonder how he will act today. For the characteristics of Max that I love, are also the same ones that can keep us apart. Max's sense of responsibility, and the need to be the one to take care of everyone for "their own good" can easily backfire on our chance together. Will he go back to the "I have to protect you, and keep away from you" Max, or will he be the sweet, romantic, open, happy guy he was at the dance the other night. The one who told me he had been waiting all his life for that night together.

I guess I won't know until I am actually face to face with him again. Am I scared? I'm terrified! And yet, my stomach feels like it's riding a roller coaster when I think of that kiss, and how Max looked right before he kissed me. How his strong, warm arms wrapped around me, made me feel safe and yet on fire at the same time.

********************************

Liz walked into school the morning after she and Max had kissed, with excitement and worry. How was Max going to act?

But the first person she saw was her best friend Maria, and that took her mind off of everything else when she saw her.

Maria looked terrible! Liz had not had a chance to talk to Maria after they had first talked at the dance. Maria had gone off with Michael, and then Liz had been with Max, and then in jail with Alex. They had a lot of catching up to do, and from the look of her best friend, not all of it was going to be good.

"Maria? What's wrong?" Liz asked as she came up to the small pixyish blond who was just closing her locker.

"Hey Liz." Maria stated, in a falsely bright voice. Her smile pasted on.

"Maria? No... no way... come on, we've got to talk." Liz said and started pulling Maria out of the school and toward the parking lot.

Maria knew it was useless to argue with Liz when she set her mind to something, and she really wanted to talk to Liz anyway. So she followed along docilely.

The two petite girls did not go unnoticed. Several pairs of eyes watched them walk toward the lunch area benches and trees that were spread out for the kids to enjoy while relaxing during lunch.

Max Evan's eyes followed Liz with an intensity that Max was now known for when looking at Liz. He had waited for her, hoping to catch her before her first class, and maybe even kiss her once to start the day, and to let her know he wanted to continue to kiss her and be with her. But he could tell from the miserable look on Maria's face, and the determined look on Liz's, that he would have to wait. He knew all about responsibility, and wanting to take care of the ones you loved. Liz was a lot more like him then she realized. He sighed and headed to his first class. He'd catch up with her later.

Another pair of eyes watched the girls as they went off. These eyes were filled with pain, and were particularly focused on the small blond. "I knew I'd hurt you, Maria, " whispered Michael Guerin as he too turned and walked toward the art room.

He needed to paint, to let out his emotions. He had come to school today to see Maria first thing this morning, just from a distance, to see how she was doing. Now he was sorry he had. She looked as bad as he felt. Thank God she had Liz. Liz was the female version of Max. And he always thanked God he had Max. Sure Max could be bossy, and try to tell him and Isabel what to do at times, but that was only because he was so used to them looking up to him for advice and support while they had been growing up scared and vulnerable after they had realized they were different.

He sighed. You deserve to feel miserable Michael, you really screwed up this time. You hurt the only decent thing that ever happened to you. He thought, as, shoulders down, hands in his pockets of his jacket, he headed toward the art room.

One more pair of eyes followed the girls before he too turned away....

* * * * *

Part 2

Liz led Maria to a shady spot under a tree, and sat down, watching Maria worriedly.

"Okay, what happened?" Liz demanded.

"Just what you said would happen... Michael... he realized that he didn't want me.. didn't want to get ... involved." Maria whispered, wiping a tear that slipped silently down her cheek.

"Oh Maria... I didn't really want that to happen. I just know that with our... Czechoslovakians friends, they are very hard to pin down and get "involved" with." Liz sighed, taking her friend's hand and holding it tightly in support.

Maria wiped another tear with her other hand, and squeezed Liz's hand back.

"I... I think it's just me. He thinks I'm too serious and demanding, and then he seems me as this total air head at the same time. I... I'm just not his type." Maria swallowed, trying to resign herself to the fact.

Liz searched Maria's face quietly, then smiled. "I don't believe that for a minute." She stated.

Maria met her eyes in surprise. "What...?"

" You are EXACTLY Michael's type. That's why he ran. Maria, he is scared to death. He's just like Max when it comes to wanting to protect those he cares about, and to protect himself as well." Liz explained.

Maria wanted to believe her friend. She tried to smile. "You think?" She asked.

"I know." Liz stated firmly. Then she smiled again, slowly. " I never told you what really happened to my diary." Liz started.

"Someone returned it, you left it at the Crashdown, right?" Maria took a deep breath, trying to calm down from her earlier bout of misery.

"Well, sort of..." Liz smiled a secret smile that Maria knew meant she had a good secret to tell her.

"Okay, what?" Maria asked. Her interest peaking up.

Liz told Maria about the night Michael visited her at the Crashdown and returned her diary. Then she told her what Michael said right before he left.

"He likes YOU?" Maria gasped.

Liz couldn't help but look shocked and then burst out with a laugh. The thought was so ridiculous.

"No! Maria, if you weren't so upset right now you'd know how ridiculous that sounds! He meant he envied Max a girl who feels that way about him! Maria, Michael WANTS to be loved, loved for EXACTLY who he is. But he's... he's scared! And it's you that has him scared. And why do you scare him???" Liz prodded.

Maria's face brightened as she took in the logic behind what Liz was saying. Then she slowly smiled.

"So... he DOES like me?" Maria asked wanting to actually hear it.

Liz nodded "Ummmhummm... and you know what else... I think he more than LIKES you... he's CRAZY about you Maria." Liz blurted out happily. Really warming to this thought. She was realizing it more herself as she talked it out with Maria.

"So... what should I do?" Maria asked with a half laugh, half sob of relief. And wiped at her face again.

"Well, you certainly don't let him run away!" Liz laughed.

Maria laughed too. Liz could always do that to her. Liz was so bubbly at times, and yet at others she was so serious and grounded. But for Maria, she was always there for her, always cheering her up.

"Don't let him run away, huh?" Maria started thinking.

"That's right. You have to show up everywhere! Never give him time to get used to you NOT being around."

The two laughed again as they made plans for the unsuspecting Michael.

"So how about you? Are you going to start taking your own advice?" Maria finally asked, leaning back against the tree now more content.

"Well...." Liz smiled her secretive smile.

"What? ....What? What haven't you told me! Out with it Liz!" Maria asked excitedly, sitting forward again.

Liz laughed and the sound was one of pure joy and excitement.

"Oh my... what did Max do at the dance???" Maria started guessing.

"Well, he tried... tried to kiss me. But then I got arrested and thrown in jail with Alex." Liz stated calmly, licking her lip, and waiting for her friend's reaction.

"Wait...WHAT!... You... Alex... JAIL?" Maria freaked and then jumped to her feet.

She started pacing.

Liz smiled, this was the Maria she needed to see.

She explained what happened and the two talked some more.

As they walked back toward the school building, Maria smiled and looked at Liz.

"Thanks, Liz."

Liz stopped and turned, looking serious again.

Maria stopped and met her look.

"Don't give up on him Maria. He needs you. They need us. They just don't realize how much."

****************************************

Part 3

Liz took a deep breath and tried to calm her racing heart as she opened the door to her biology class. This would be the first time, since the kiss last night, that she would see Max. All her fear and excitement came rushing back as she had run down the hall to class, just as the bell rang.

Max' head spun around when the door opened. Their eyes met. And locked.

"Miss Parker," Their biology teacher remarked, "glad you can make it today. We aren't keeping you from anything, are we?"

A chorus of low laughing was heard through the room as Liz pulled her eyes away from Max's and she slid into her seat trying to become inconspicuous.

She didn't want all eyes on her when she wanted to just have a starring contest with Max. But now that would have to wait. Miss Hardy was waiting for her to open her book. She glanced over at Max's book where he already had it turned toward her so she could see the page.

Liz gave a quick smile and met his eyes briefly as she flipped to the page, all the while knowing all eyes were on her while she got to her place in the book.

When Liz found the page and looked up at her teacher, Miss Hardy turned around and started writing on the board again.

With all the eyes back on the teacher, or most of them, she took a deep breath, and sneaked a sideways glance at Max who hadn't said a word yet.

He was looking back at her, smiling. The humor in his eyes was obvious, but so was the beautiful smile that curved his lips.

"Hey." Liz smiled back, again, caught in his mesmerizing, intense gaze.

"Hey." Max whispered his eyes caressing her face as they studied it. Liz's stomach dropped at that look, and she swallowed. Max Evans could make her lose total control right in the middle of her favorite class!

Liz watched as Max's eyes finally stopped roaming her face, when they landed on her lips. She felt her lips start to tingle and heat when his caressing glance suddenly blazed with passion. Liz couldn't help the small gasp that came out as she saw Max' look go from loving, to passionate, like he could take her and kiss her right then, right in the middle of biology!

Max's gaze was pulled from Liz's mouth at her gasp. He shook his head, realizing how completely he had lost control there, and how it had affected Liz.

He blushed at his own body's reaction, cleared his throat, pushed his chair in further, and then grinned again at Liz. Her face was a bright red too, and she was trying to look back down at her book as if that would help her to concentrate on the subject being discussed.

"Boy it sure is hot back here." came a comment from behind Liz. It was said so that only the few people around them would hear.

Liz and Max turned to see Pam Troy staring right at them with a smirk on her beautiful, smug face.

She laughed along with her small group of friends, when both Max and Liz blushed again, and turned back toward the front.

"Well, Max Evans, if you ever get tired of looking at Liz here, you're welcome to look at me like a snack ANYTIME." One of Pam's friends whispered seductively.

The popular, beautiful girls always loved to flirt and tease, and Max was a great subject, since he was usually so quiet and in control.

Once again Max turned bright red and squirmed a little, keeping his eyes fixed on the blackboard.

Liz couldn't help but giggle herself, at how cute Max looked when caught. And the description of how he had looked at her had been very accurate.

Max threw an "I can't believe you laughed" look at her and then warned her with his eyes, and a small curving of his lips, that he would get her back.

Liz's heart suddenly leaped at the playful smile that hovered around Max's eyes and mouth. He was flirting! She could hardly wait until class was over. She turned back toward the lecture and smiled through the whole thing, not hearing a word that was said. Just enjoying the warm presence of Max beside her. She was so in-tuned to him she could hear his breathing, and every little movement he made. Her body tingled. She wanted to burst out laughing from shear happiness, and at how crazy it was that Max Evan's had just seduced her in the middle of class, surrounded by their peers, and with just a look!

When the bell rang, Liz's heart leaped and almost caused her a heart attack. FINALLY! She didn't know how much more she could have taken. The tension that had been building between her and Max the whole hour was painful.

As they all started out of the classroom, Max didn't even look back as he reached behind him and found her hand. Then giving it a little squeeze, he lead them out of the class and down the hall.

Liz's heart was pounding. The look she had seen in Max's eyes as the bell had run, had almost melted her. The blood was pounding in her ears, as well.

Liz gasped when she saw Max heading for the second floor "Eraser Room"!

She hardly had time to let out her startled breath, when she was pulled in behind Max and suddenly found herself up against the already closed door.

"Max!" Liz managed to say finally, as she watched him now standing, leaning over her, and resting his hands on either side of her shoulder's gently. His gaze was still intense, yet amusement lurked in his eyes as well.

"Liz." Max said back.

Liz laughed from pure happiness, realizing that Max was really enjoying this, and was acting carefree and just the way she had always dreamed he would act.

Max grinned fully now, watching Liz's own happiness burst out.

"You make me crazy Max Evans!" Liz accused with a large smile.

"Ditto." Max said, using Michael's favorite phrase. Then his face turned serious.

Liz's heart dropped and she couldn't breath. Was Max now coming to his senses, realizing that he had just dragged her up a flight of stairs and into the small "make out" room.

"I wanted to kiss you sooo much in biology. I thought I was going to, and the heck with Pam Troy and her friends, and even Miss Hardy." Max admitted.

Liz breathed again, realizing the serious look wasn't Max having second thoughts, only being his normal sweet self, and sharing his feelings.

Liz looked up at him her own eyes hot and dreamy. "Yeah, well, I think everyone could tell that. You certainly seduced me right then and there, Max Evans."

Max blushed again and laughed. The thought of being able to seduce Liz Parker in the middle of biology was intoxicating. He felt great.

"God, Liz, I've got to kiss you.. I can't wait another second." Max admitted as he leaned in slowly toward Liz.

Liz held her breath, slowly released it and her own eyes slowly went to half mast, as Max's lips came closer to hers.

That first touch set off a spark. The instant combustion thing, Liz thought as Max suddenly shifted and opened his mouth fully over hers, deepening the kiss.

Max was on fire! All night long, after he had left Liz on her roof, he had tossed and turned in his bed grinning like a fool while his body burned. He had pictured doing just this today. He had pictured grabbing her and taking her hand in front of everyone, letting everyone know that she was now his. He pictured leading her up the stairs to the "Eraser Room" to do just this. Ever ever since he had found out what the "Eraser Room" meant, Max had had many dreams of Liz and himself here.

Liz too was burning. Max was taking her mouth with a passion he had never shown before. Last night, the kisses had been full of sparks and heat, but today, today Max was totally out of control, and letting the two of them burn, not just simmer.

When they finally came up for air, Max leaned his head against hers, and they both waited to catch their breaths.

Then their eyes met, humor matched humor, and they laughed softly.

"I can't believe I did that!" Max said in pleased astonishment. Remembering how he had practically dragged her out of biology and up here.

Liz just laughed again and hugged Max to her. His arms came around her naturally and they just stood like that.

Liz drinking in all that was Max. His smell, his warmth, the sound of his still slightly unsteady heartbeat against her ear. She was the most content she could ever remember in her life. She was so happy her heart felt like it would burst. She was exactly where she had always wanted to be... and one of her fantasy had actually come true!!!

Max felt Liz smiling against his shirt, and he too smiled, closed his eyes and just enjoyed feeling Liz against him, around him. The connection was there. They could feel each others feelings and thoughts.

***************

Liz sat in a daze at lunch, not eating, just holding her orange, and smiling.

She heard a throat clear finally, and focused her gaze on the person who had taken a seat across from her at the outside table.

The knowing look in Isabel's eyes made Liz blush and Isabel laugh.

"So it's true!" Isabel said in astonishment, with the look of a friend waiting to hear the juicy details. "My brother really pulled you out of biology and practically dragged you up the stairs to the Eraser Room? Max!?"

Liz giggled at the image and nodded. "Yeah, I guess that's what happened. It all happened so fast." Liz laughed again out of shear happiness.

Isabel watched the excited glow in Liz's eyes and smiled. She knew that if Liz was this happy, so was Max. And that made her happy. Liz really was good for Max. If Isabel had to share a part of Max with anyone, she was glad it was Liz.

Liz was honest, loyal, a good friend and was just really sweet. Of course Isabel would die before admitting those drippy words out loud, but she could think them. She smiled to herself.

Liz focused on Isabel and saw that Isabel was not upset at all by this new development, in fact she looked happy for them. Liz thought Isabel had definitely started to trust her, that they were starting to become friends. Could her day get any better?

Then she saw Isabel's eye focus past her and fix on something, or someone.. Liz turned to see Alex talking to some friends. Liz smiled... Isabel and Alex??

When Liz turned back around to smile at Isabel, Isabel cleared her throat and pushed her hair back casually. "So, how did Alex take the truth about us? Max told me last night that you had to tell him in the jail. Was he freaked?" Isabel asked, trying to look and sound like she didn't care, only Liz could tell the answer was very important to her.

Liz met her eyes and smiled. "Well, at first he didn't believe me. He did want the drugs I was on, though."

Isabel laughed, picturing Alex saying just that. Seeing the relaxed look on Liz's face made Isabel think Alex couldn't have taken it too hard. Not like Maria had at first.

"And now?" Isabel asked.

Liz laughed, "I don't know if he believes it any more now, but he has been looking at Maria and I as friends again."

Liz got an idea. "Hey, why don't we have a get together, just the six of us. You know, to get Alex used to you guys, so that he doesn't freak like Maria did." She suggested.

Isabel's face brightened and then she tried to look nonchalant again. "Sure, sounds like a good plan." she said looking at her nails.

Liz smiled and when Isabel looked up to see Liz's knowing look, she too smiled and gave in. "Okay... so I think he's a nice guy."

Liz just nodded, still smiling.

Isabel tried to look disgusted. "You know, Max has got to stop dragging you to the "Eraser Room" if you are going to just look so sappy and happy all day long." Isabel smiled as she said it.

Liz blushed which made Isabel laugh. "Hey! I know what we can do." Isabel said with an interesting twinkle in her eye. "You know, to make Alex feel more... comfortable.. how about a pool party at our house this weekend? We have a hot tub too." Isabel said really starting to like this idea. Her mind thinking and planning ahead.

"A hot tub?" Liz smiled wickedly.

Isabel surprised Liz by blushing. Then they both smiled.

"I don't know if Maria will go for this though, considering how Michael dumped her." Liz frowned, worried they wouldn't get Maria to go along.

Isabel frowned too. "That jerk! Tell me he didn't! I should have known, the way he was talking about being able to leave anyone at anytime." She rolled her eyes... then another thought came to her and she smiled a sneaky smile.

"What?" Liz asked, knowing Isabel had a plan.

"I know a way we can get Maria and the chump to make up..." Isabel grinned.

**************

Part 4

Pam Troy flipped back her hair, laughed, waved good-bye to her group of friends in front of the movie theater, and started home.

It was a clear, chilly night. The stars showed bright with the absence of the moon. Pam walked down the quiet, dark street without a care. This was Roswell after all, a small town that had always been a safe place.

Her thoughts were on the movie she had just seen. She never heard someone approach from behind. She didn't have time to scream. She never saw a thing. One minute she was walking along the street, and the next she felt a sharp pain in her head, and then everything went black.....

********************

Max slipped his gray sweater over his head as his bedroom door opened. Peeking out from the top he knew who it was, because only Isabel didn't knock.

He pulled his sweater down the rest of the way over his gray T-shirt and waited for Isabel to say what she had come in to say.

He grabbed his books and put them in his backpack, as Isabel paced.

"Max, I need your help." She finally sighed. She was already dressed and ready for school, but was fretting about something and the day had hardly begun.

"Yeah?" he tossed his backpack over one shoulder and waited.

"Max, I want to get Michael to come to the pool party tonight. Only he says he won't. He tells me he's just not into it tonight, but I know it's cause of Maria." Isabel continued to pace, then stopped in front of her brother.

"Max, he'll listen to you. I've got an idea on..."

"Is, if he doesn't want to see Maria, I don't know how you expect me to change his mind?" Max answered with a raised eyebrow.

Isabel threw up her hands. "But he DOES want to see her. He just doesn't know how to take back what he said to her." She tried to explain to her dense brother.

Max sighed. "Okay, and how do you know he really wants to get back with Maria?" Max asked, knowing he shouldn't, but until she had her say, they would not be able to leave for school.

"Max, he's as crazy about Maria as you are about Liz. It's obvious! But he will need a push to get back with her. So here's my plan...." Isabel put her hands on her hips and explained what she wanted Max to do to help out.

*********************

The bell for lunch period rang and Michael headed to the tables to wait for Max and Isabel. He went to most of his classes today, only because Hank was home, and on a rampage from drinking. He was running out of places to hide, between Hank and now Maria, he should just go live in a cave, he thought. But then, Maria was ignoring him now. He sighed, pursed his lips and squinted into the sun. Maybe he should just get out of Roswell.

"Hey, Michael." Max said as he slid onto the bench across the table from his friend.

"Max." Michael answered.

"What's up?" Max asked, casually taking his sandwich out of his pack, and popping the top on the soda can he had bought.

"Not much. You?" Michael asked, knowing his friend was going to try to talk him into going to the party tonight. He had been waiting for Max's turn to try to get him to go. When Isabel had failed, he knew she would go right to Max. Michael smiled and knowing smile, and tilting his head sideways, he waited.

Isabel flew up to the table at that point and stood above them. "This is really weird guys... but have you noticed anything different about Alex lately? And the way he is with Maria??"

Michael had been basically looking around, used to Isabel's tirades about some girl or other who had done something to piss her off. But when he heard Maria's name mentioned, his head came around.

Then when he saw they both turned to him, he turned away again.

"I wouldn't know. Maria and I are not talking. My decision." Michael stated just to make sure they remembered who broke up with whom.

"How about you, Max?" Isabel demanded with her hands on her hips.

Max looked surprised. "No, I haven't noticed anything... I mean, they always hang out a lot. And they usually laugh and joke around." he said putting hot sauce on his sandwich and taking a bite.

"Hump!" Isabel commented. "Well, to me it's different. I mean, usually Alex notices me when I go by, even when he is talking with Liz or Maria, but now... I mean I said Hi as I passed and he didn't even hear me, he was listening to something Maria was whispering in his ear... and his face looked too interested and flushed even!!!" Isabel stamped her foot.

"Oh well, who cares, I don't care about Alex, I was just getting used to his puppy dog eyes always following me, but this will just make it easier not to have to worry about him trying to make more out of our new friendship." And with that, Isabel walked away.

"Aren't you going to eat?" Max asked as his sister walked away.

She looked back and flipped her hair. "I'm not hungry all of a sudden. Later!" And she walked off.

"This will be interesting tonight then. Watching Isabel pretend she doesn't care that Alex now is making puppy eyes at Maria." Max sighed. "Maybe I'll hang out with you instead." Max stated casually.

Michael frowned. "She did not say Alex was making any kind of eyes at Maria! She said he just didn't look at her with those type of eyes. I did not hear her say Alex is looking at Maria all sappy." Michael told Max, trying to convince himself too.

Max shrugged and continued eating. "Well, I'm sure if he is or isn't, it's no big deal. As long as Isabel doesn't make a fuss tonight. I guess as long as Liz and I can spend some time alone in the hot tub it will work out." He smiled at the thought. "Hmm... maybe if Is gets upset enough, she will leave, and then Liz and I won't have to share the hot tub with her." He continued thinking and smiling.

Michael stared hard at his friend. "What about Maria and Alex??!! Where will they be??" he demanded.

"Oh, either too involved with each other, especially if Is walks off, or they will have gone somewhere together by then any way. So Liz and I will have time alone." Max smiled, warming to the plan he was mapping out for him and Liz.

"Who says I'm not going tonight?? I never said that." Michael stated with an impatient look, and shifted uneasily on the seat. Not liking the thoughts and images of Maria and Alex going through his mind.

"Huh? I don't know, Is said you didn't want to cause of Maria, which I can understand. You don't want to hang around her and torture yourself with not being with her. And now... well, especially now, I'm sure you wouldn't want to hang around watching them moon over each other." Max stated casually, taking a sip of soda.

"I never said I wasn't going to the party. I said I would think about it. But Maria has nothing to do with it. Whether she is there or not does not make any difference to me. None at all.. I couldn't care less what she does or who she does it with." Michael stated defensively.

"Oh." Max stated, and hid a smile behind his soda as he took another sip. Isabel had been right again.

"Well, guess I'll see you later then?" Max stated as he gathered up his empty trash and the bell rang.

"Yep. I have no intention of missing a party because of Maria. She doesn't tell me where I can go or who I can hang around." Michael stated standing too.

"Good. See you later then. Come anytime after school, my parents are away for the weekend." Max stated in a casual tone, and walked away.

Michael nodded and frowned. How could Isabel think he was going to run and hide every time Maria was around. No way! He'd show them... besides, why should he let Alex upset Isabel by hanging all over Maria tonight. He would make sure that Alex did not upset Isabel. After all, an unhappy Isabel was not something anyone wanted to be around all weekend. He'd do it for Isabel.

************************

"Liz!" Maria called to her friend as she caught up with her as she was heading to their last class.

Liz turned to see Maria rushing toward the class. She smiled. "Hey Maria."

"So what time do you want me to pick you up tonight?" Maria asked.

"What? I thought you weren't sure if you wanted to go or not." Liz asked with surprise in her eyes.

"Oh that, well, why should I let Michael Gurien ruin my social life! Why should I stay away from a fun party because he might or might not be there. He will not run my life! And besides, Alex mentioned something to me that was disturbing to say the least. I mean, for Alex it was upsetting." Maria corrected quickly.

"What are you talking about?" Liz asked.

"Well, get this!" Maria started, looking around and then leaning in closer to her best friend to tell her the latest juicy gossip in a lower voice.

"Alex is like the most grounded person next to you right? So he has to be telling the truth about this, cause he doesn't easily jump to conclusions like I do. He said that he saw Isabel laughing and what really looked like flirting with Michael to him. Flirting! Can you believe it? Isabel is now after Michael?! And poor Alex! I mean, she knows how he feels, and if she decides to flirt with Michael tonight, why, she will just ruin Alex's night. No way is that going to happen. I'll go just so I can protect Alex." Maria nodded in determination.

"Isabel and Michael? Really? Well I guess that explains this morning...." Liz said fading off as if remembering something she had seen earlier.

"What? What!" Maria demanded and pulled Liz back to meet her eyes.

"Huh? Oh, nothing... something I thought I saw this morning. Forget it, it's nothing important, at least now that we know, you can keep it from happening so Alex isn't upset. Good." Liz nodded and smiled.

"Right. Right!" Maria smiled warming up to the excuse it gave her to go.

They headed into class as the bell rang, and Liz smiled and gave a slight nod to Isabel as she entered the class and met Isabel's questioning eyes. They shared a fast, satisfied smile, and then Isabel pretended she didn't see Maria's glare as she came in behind Liz and passed by Isabel's seat.

This was going to be fun! Isabel smiled again. She couldn't wait for tonight!

No one noticed the other pair of eyes that smiled too brightly at them from the back of the room.

And so far... no one noticed that Pam Troy had not shown up for school that day.

***********************

Part 5

Louisa Marquez walked up to Isabel Evan’s house. She looked behind her, having a feeling she was being watched. She shivered and then rang the bell.

She was looking for her friend, Pam Troy. They had all gone to the movies last night, but when Pam had left, she’d said something about stopping by Isabel’s for some notes on the homework project they were working on together. When Pam hadn’t shown up for school this morning, Louisa hadn’t thought anything of it, and neither had any of their other friends. Pam was known to ditch school often, and with a drunk mother who didn’t care, Pam could not show up at home for a few days and no one would miss her.

But Louisa was worried. Pam was supposed to sleep over her house tonight, and when she had gone by this evening to see where Pam was, Pam’s mother had said she hadn’t seen Pam since before the movies the night before. She could understand that, but not that Pam hadn’t shown up at her house. And with no word. Pam loved coming over to Louisa’s house and looked forward to it whenever she could.

Louisa hoped Isabel, probably being the last person to see her, would be able to tell her where Pam might have headed after having gotten the notes from Isabel last night.

As Louisa waited for someone to answer the door, she shivered again and looked behind her. She was imagining things. She felt as if someone was watching her. Like eyes were boring holes in her back. She shrugged it off thinking she was just paranoid because Pam had taken off somewhere without telling her.

He stood in the bushes across from the Evan’s home and watched the nervous girl look around again. A twisted smiled appeared on the handsome face at the obvious scent of fear that could be sensed from across the street. Not long now… and he would be content again for a little while.

Louisa felt relief when Isabel answered the door.

"Louisa?" Isabel questioned. They were not friends so she couldn’t imagine what she was doing here.

"Hi Isabel, umm I know this is weird, but did Pam come over here last night to get some history notes?" she asked.

Isabel shook her head and watched the worry come into Louisa Marquez eyes.

"Something wrong?" Isabel asked, tilting her head a little.

"Oh no… I’m sure it’s nothing… Pam often does a disappearing act when her mother goes on one of her drinking binges… she’s probably just hiding out. " Louisa said and then smiled to reassure the now frowning Isabel.

"You sure?" Isabel asked, having seen the concern bright in Louisa’s eyes a minute ago.

"Yeah, sure. Thanks anyways. Sorry to have bothered you."

"Sure, no problem. Hope you find her." Isabel called out to Louisa as she watched the girl head back down the walkway.

Then, with a deep breath, Isabel closed the door, preparing for her flirting performance. Louisa and Pam were forgotten.

Louisa was more worried than ever now, and was so preoccupied that she didn’t even sense the shadow that came out of the bushes as she passed.

It was over quickly

*********************

Liz watched the scene before her with amusement twinkling in her eyes. Max had a hard time watching the show going on across the pool, when Liz was this close, in a bikini, and had the beautiful smile on her face, that he loved so much.

Max squirmed a little on the side of the pool where they sat, and then pulled his towel over his lap. He had to try to concentrate on the humorous scene across the pool if he wanted to be able to stand up in the near future without embarrassing himself.

He glanced to where Liz’s eyes were glued. He saw Isabel practically all over Michael. Isabel was laughing at something Michael had said, and was leaning over him as he sat on a chair by the pool, across from Max and Liz.

The look on Michael’s face was comical. He looked uncomfortable with Isabel’s obvious flirting, but seemed to allow it as a favor to Isabel. She had asked him earlier that if Alex started hanging all over Maria, could she flirt with him to show she didn’t care. Michael had been surprised, but then shrugged.

In the pool, at the far end, Alex was doing his best to keep his eyes glued to Maria. It wasn’t easy when Isabel’s display was so noticeable. Isabel was wearing a bright red bikini, and looked breathtaking to Alex. He tried really hard to keep his eyes off of her, knowing she was just playing a part as she leaned all over Michael.

Maria was frowning and glaring at Isabel and Michael. She was not even trying to hide her anger and disgust. (If she had been calmer, she would have seen how Michael couldn’t keep his eyes off of Maria even with Isabel hanging all over him.) Then she turned back to Alex, feeling sorry for him with that she-devil all over Michael, and tried to do her best to keep him entertained.

Liz laughed softly so only Max heard. "This is really good. I think we should charge admission." she smiled and glanced at Max.

But she sucked in a breath as she saw Max. He was looking at her, not the couples across the way. His eyes were at half -mast, and were dark and blazing with passion. He just continued to look at her, and Liz was lost. His eyes could pull her in so easily, even when he wasn’t trying… but now, with that intense look in his eyes, she was gone.

"Max…" Liz whispered as he started to lean in closer to her. She could tell from his look, that he was going to kiss her, even before he started leaning in. That look in his eyes was the same look she had seen right before they had left biology yesterday.

Max’s eyes went from Liz’s eyes, to her lips as he started to open his own mouth to capture her soft, willing one.

Liz closed her eyes and sighed into Max’s mouth as he finally closed his over hers. Instant heat and fire boiled through her veins and into his. They could feel each other’s reactions, and this only fueled their heat more.

When Max’s big strong hands slid up her sides and his arms wrapped around Liz, she melted into him. Her own arms went around his strong shoulders to caress the back of his neck, where it met his soft, sexy hair.

Liz didn’t have time to enjoy that before Max lifted her and sat her on his lap facing him, her legs straddling his hips. The look of surprise on Liz’s face was quickly erased as Max moved in for another deep kiss. Liz’s head was spinning. She couldn’t breath, and didn’t really care if she ever did again. Max’s mouth was devouring hers and causing sparks to fly through her body and her veins to boil. She was so hot, but at the same time, she had goose bumps all up and down her body. What was he doing to her?

What was she doing to him?! He wondered as he again took her sweet, warm, soft mouth and devoured every inch of it. He was burning up. He had no control and didn’t want any. Liz, in a flour sack, could turn him on, but Liz in her yellow bikini drove him over the edge. He loved the taste of her. She had a unique taste that was just her. Sweet, warm and Liz… he could kiss her forever.

Liz was just swimming in sensations. Max had totally seduced her right there at the side of the pool with everyone around. She whimpered when she finally realized what was pushing up between her straddled legs. Her legs turned to jelly and she was glad she was not standing. "Max… oh Max…" Liz whispered against his mouth when he let them come up for air momentarily, but kept his mouth against hers. Their heads were together and both were trying to breathe.

Max knew she felt his arousal, but she didn’t seem afraid, or shocked. He could actually feel her excitement as she felt him beneath her. This connection thing was going to kill them. Feeling their own bodies’ needs was bad enough, but to feel each other’s needs was down right explosive.

Liz didn’t know what she wanted to say… so she just let her body take over. She started to push closer to Max. Leaning into his hard heat that was already pressing up between her legs. She felt Max’s hardness touch her most sensitive spot as she moved closer and she gasped. "Oh God… Max…" she sighed and then moved again.

Max groaned but kept his eyes on Liz. She was beautiful all flushed and aroused. And her heat rubbing against his hard arousal felt so damn good he didn’t care where they were.

A shriek and a splash pulled them around. They had both forgotten that they weren’t alone.

Max and Liz both stiffened, but their bodies still burned. Max gently eased Liz off of him and sat her next to him again. He groaned and pulled the towel back across his lap.

Liz looked flushed, but couldn’t take her eyes off of his hard arousal now covered under the towel.

"Liz… God, don’t look at me that way," he pleaded. Liz met his eyes and saw that they still burned for her. Then she flushed again, nodded and turned away to try to concentrate on what was going on around them. Her body was still humming, and she could feel the heat still coming off of Max.

Michael and Isabel were now in the water and not too far from Maria and Alex. The show was heating up around them too.

Liz took a deep breath, heard Max do the same thing, trying to clear his head, then their eyes met again and they shared a private laugh.

Max tore his eyes away from Liz’s once more, not wanting to lose it again, he had almost…

"What the hell!" Alex yelled as Michael dove at him. Isabel swam across the pool to Max and Liz with a laugh.

"What happened?" Liz asked almost sorry she had missed it. Obviously something had set Michael off.

Isabel laughed again and looked back over at the two men wrestling in the water now.

"Alex was great! He saw that Michael needed more of a push, so he made another move. All he did was put an arm around Maria and move in closer and Michael lost it." Isabel smiled pleased.

All three of them watched the scene across the pool. Maria frowned in disgust at the stupidness of the two guys and started hitting Michael.

"Hey!!! Stop it both of you!" She yelled.

The slap on his bare back and her yelling, stopped Michael. He let go of Alex, and turned his anger on her.

Maria was just as angry. "What the hell is wrong with you! You are supposed to make Alex feel comfortable around you guys! That was the whole purpose of this get-together!"

Michael glared back at her. "Well I think you were making him comfortable enough for all of us!" Michael threw at her.

"Me? What? I’m not the one all over Isabel!" Maria accused.

"No… you were the one all over Alex!" Michael returned.

"I was not!!" Maria exclaimed, infuriated now.

Michael didn’t let her continue, as she started to do. He grabbed her around the waist and pushed her up against the side of the pool. Maria had to grab his shoulders or go under. She glared back at him.

"NO ONE puts their hands on you but me!" Michael finally bit out.

Maria looked stunned, then slowly melted against Michael and her own eyes lowered, as she smiled up at him.

Michael saw her acceptance of this and smiled his famous half smile. Then he did what he had been dying to do since he had seen Maria yesterday morning talking to Liz. He leaned forward, pulled her tighter against him, and kissed her.

Alex swam across to join the other three who were still staring in shock at Michael’s open display of jealousy.

"Well, I think that worked out well." Isabel finally said and then laughed.

Alex grinned, looking a little water logged, but pleased they had pulled it off.

Then all four of the conspirators looked at one another and burst out laughing. It had worked all right!

Michael and Maria pulled apart as they heard the rest of the group laughing across the way.

Michael turned, keeping Maria in his arms and glared over at the rest of the group.

Maria frowned at the laughter and smiles on Isabel’s and Alex’s face. Then it hit her.

Michael was a little slower , his brain was still fuzzy from kissing Maria. But when Maria left his arms, swam across the pool and hit Alex and splashed Isabel, he started to understand.

"You two are terrible! All four of you are! You were all in on this weren’t you!?" she accused.

Michael swam over to Maria and took her back into his arms, smiling at the four conspirators.

Maria looked at his smile and hit him on the arm next. "Don’t tell me you were in on this too!!" She accused.

Michael laughed at Maria’s cute anger, and pulled her hand away and held it as she tried to hit him again.

"No, but I can’t say I’m sorry that they did it." Michael admitted, still smiling.

Maria saw the humor of it. Her friends cared enough to set up the whole show, and all it had done was exactly what she had wanted it to do, get Michael back in her arms.

Then all six of them laughed.

"Hey! Let’s have some chicken fights!" Liz announced suddenly.

Immediately Michael lifted Maria onto his shoulders, while Max slid into the warm water and reached for Liz. He lifted her up, their eyes sharing the remembered passion of moments ago, and then she was on his shoulders.

Isabel looked uncomfortable. Alex swallowed and turned to her. "You don’t have to if you don’t want to Isabel. I understand." Alex said in a small voice.

Isabel could tell that Alex was disappointed, but would not force her to get on his shoulders. After all, they barley knew each other. But then Isabel remembered Alex’s dream and she realized she did know him. She smiled at Alex then.

"Well, I don’t mind if you don’t. You’re the one who has to hold me up." She commented.

Alex swallowed and his eyes were round and large. The thought did things to him. "I.. I don’t mind" he managed to get out, as he lifted Isabel.

Isabel was surprised at how easily Alex lifted her. She felt his wiry muscles as he swung her onto his shoulders. He was lanky, but had strength beneath his wiry build.

Isabel didn’t have any more time to think about Alex, because Liz and Maria were heading right for her.

************************************

Later the six of them sat in the hot tub and just talked. They talked about school, the teachers they had in common, and the classes they hated and liked.

For a few hours the six forgot there were any differences between them.

Michael and Maria started bantering and Maria jumped up, splashed Michael and leaped out of the hot tub and into the pool. Michael was right behind her. They started a game of chase as Maria laughed and Michael dove for her.

Isabel smiled and then noticed the looks exchanged between Max and Liz. She had noticed their earlier, spontaneous making out, and had been surprised at first, but then she was happy for Max and Liz.

She turned to Alex who was relaxing with his eyes closed, and a content smile on his face. She was glad they had eased his worries about them. He seemed okay with them now.

"Come on Alex, let’s go get something to eat. I’m starved." Isabel exclaimed as she started out of the hot tub.

Alex scrambled up with her and glanced over at Max and Liz. Then he saw the reason for his and Isabel’s quick departure. Max and Liz only had eyes for each other. They both looked ready to devour each other.

Alex smiled as he followed Isabel into the house. His friends had managed to help him get time alone with Isabel. He couldn’t complain about the way this get together was turning out.

Maria and Michael were chasing each other and laughing in the pool, but Max and Liz didn’t hear anything. Both were starring into the other’s eyes, remembering their earlier loss of control.

"Max…" Liz started, only to find herself back on Max lap, facing him, and his mouth closing over hers.

Liz signed and wrapped her arms around his strong sexy neck and just enjoyed the sensations that Max created throughout her whole system.

Liz loved the smell of Max, the taste of him. He was unique in so many ways. And he was hers! This time when Liz felt Max’s arousal between her legs, she sighed, moved closer to him, and started a slow movement back and forth against his hardness. The water only added to the friction building between their bodies.

Max pulled her closer, devouring her mouth and then started moving his own hips in rhythm with her hot sexy body. He was lost in the burning fire that they were caught in. And neither cared.

Max slipped his tongue into Liz’s mouth and found hers. They both gasped and moaned at the first contact of tongues. "Yes…" Max whispered into her mouth, and his body rubbed a little faster against Liz’s.

Max could feel the heat of Liz around his arousal, and the taste of her on his tongue. A bomb could explode and he wouldn’t have heard it or cared. He was so hard he didn’t know how much more he could take. He put his hands on Liz’s hips to slow her down, but then, of their own will, his hands helped her find a perfect rhythm for them instead.

He could feel her nipples harden against his chest and his own nipples hardened in answer. "Oh God…" Max swore. He was going to loose it.

"Max…" Liz whimpered. He knew he should stop them. He knew what was going to happen if he didn’t, but he couldn’t stop it. He wanted it… and he knew she did too.

He slid a hand up her trim tight tummy, and moaned into her mouth as he finally closed his hand, gently over Liz’s swollen breast. Liz squealed into his mouth and tried to move closer if possible. Her own hands started wandering.

She felt the heat of Max’s large hand close over her sensitive nipple and then he pushed the bikini top out of the way and bare skin met bare skin. Both sighed and moaned, their movements becoming even more frantic.

"Max… please…." Liz pleaded softly, as she ached and burned. She needed something… she needed Max. With Max invading her mouth, caressing her nipple with a hot burning hand, and grinding his arousal at the most sensitive part of her, Liz suddenly wanted it all. She clasped tighter to Max and he felt her fear at the new feelings. He knew he couldn’t hold out much longer. He wanted Liz with him when he went over the edge. He slid his other hand under the water and between their bodies. They were so hot! Slowly Max touched Liz where the heat was centered and she whimpered and her head fell to his shoulder.

Max took a deep breath, Liz was like wax melted over him. She was totally his to do with as he wanted. And he wanted to touch her. To make her come with him over the edge.

He slipped a finger under the bikini at the juncture of her leg and hip, and both groaned at the feel of Max’s hand touching Liz’s heat.

God she was sooo slick and hot! He had to be inside her if just a little. He slipped his finger gently up into her inviting heat and swallowed and dropped his head against Liz’s sweet smelling hair. She was against his chest and her mouth was open against his shoulder. She was lost. She was whimpering and enjoying the feel of what Max was doing to her body.

Slowly he slid his finger in and out, feeling Liz’s muscles contract around him as she started to tremble.

Then he felt Liz’s little hand search between their legs and brush against the hardness she sought. Max lifted his hips closer to her hand and groaned when she slipped her hand inside his suit and found him.

The feel of Liz’s little hot hand closing around his hard throbbing arousal, did him in. He pushed his own face into her neck, started moving his finger faster and faster inside Liz, and then felt his own control burst.

Liz was slowly caressing and experimenting with the new part of Max she had found. He was so smooth, yet hard. It felt like silk around the top. Liz felt herself go over the edge as Max’s finger increased the speed, and then she matched his speed with her own, hand on him.

When Max groaned and buried his head in her neck Liz felt herself blindly go over the edge with him. She bit his shoulder and hung on as the rode out the storm together.

When they finally became aware of the world around them again, they heard the lapping of the water, the sound of crickets in the night, and a soft far away moan.

Max lifted his head in shock and looked around. What had they done! Anyone could have seen them.

He looked around and saw Isabel and Alex through the window into the kitchen where the light was streaming out into the darkness. Then he heard the moan again and saw the blurred shapes in a corner of the pool. The two shapes looked like one as they were lost in their own world.

Max signed and realized they had been lucky not to have gotten caught. But then, it didn’t seem anyone else would have cared. He laughed softly in relief and pure joy. He felt great! Here he was with the only girl he’d ever loved, completely wrapped around him, trembling and sighing, after their first shared orgasm.

* * * * *

Part 6

Sheriff Valenti signed, raked a hand through his hair and lowered his head, a frown covering his face.

He paced his office and looked out again past his door, to the couple that sat in the outer office. The woman was crying, and the man was trying to comfort her.

Mr. & Mrs. Marquez had just finished telling him that their daughter was missing, and had last been seen last night when she had gone out to visit a friend.

When they had called Pam Troy’s house, Pam’s mother had told them the same thing that she had told Louisa last night. She hadn’t seen Pam since Thursday night.

It was now Saturday morning, and both girls were still missing.

He hoped that they had just gone off somewhere for the weekend, maybe camping or to get away from their parents. But he couldn’t wait for them to come back on their own, if they were going to. He would have to do a full scale investigation. Pam was known to disappear for days at a time, according to his son Kyle, but not Louisa. Louisa was very level headed and Kyle did not see her as the type to put her parents though this scare.

Both his son Kyle, and Kyle’s friend Tommy were also sitting in the outer room. Both were worried and feeling uncomfortable with Mrs. Marquez’ sobbing.

Tommy was Louisa’s boyfriend, and had been brought in when Louisa had turned up missing. He and Kyle had been together the night before, with a bunch of other football buddies, and Tommy hadn’t seen Louisa since earlier yesterday in school.

Kyle was there to lend his friend support. He was in a daze, as was his friend, for things like this didn’t happen in the usually small, quiet town of Roswell. The last time something unusual had happened in Roswell, it had been at the Crashdown, the day of the shooting. But in that case, no one had been hurt. But now, two of Roswell’s teens were missing, and both were friends of Kyle’s and Tommy’s.

Sheriff Valenti sighed again, threw himself down in his chair and picked up the phone. He would have to call in more help. He would have to interview all the residence of Roswell to see if anyone had seen Pam or Louisa, or knew where they were.

Then, if that didn’t turn up anything, he would have to call on the state for more help to start a search for the two girls. He hated that. That brought the media into it, and tons of people from all over coming to see and possibly destroy evidence. The dogs and cameras would make it a field day, and it would only make matters worse for him to do his job. But he couldn’t wait until the girls showed up either. He had no choice. He would start with the interviewing of the townspeople.

* * * * *

Liz and Maria exchanged solemn glances as they served an equally solemn, if small, crowd at the Crashdown that afternoon.

By now the word had spread about the missing girls, and the investigation was on. No one knew anything so far, and everyone was becoming more and more concerned.

Maria was sniffing her oils more and more frequently, and trying not to freak out about the thought of the two missing teens from their small town.

Liz was equally worried and a little afraid with every hour that the two girls were still missing.

When the door opened again, Liz glanced over and saw Max and Michael heading their way.

Liz sighed with relief. Just Max’s presence was a comfort.

Max walked up to Liz, and took her hands. "You okay?" he asked in a gentle, low voice.

Liz nodded and saw Michael pull the oil away from Maria and hug her.

Max saw the strain in Liz’s eyes and pulled her up against him as well.

When he and Michael had heard what had happened, they had both come straight to their girls. The thought that it could have been either of them was sobering for the two boys.

The door opened again and Isabel and Alex came in. Both looking distraught as well.

Isabel came up to Max and Liz and her hands were twisting in fear.

"Is? What is it?" Max asked and turned to her.

"Max! Oh God, Max. I saw Louisa last night…" Isabel said as she started to shake and Max put his arms around his sister.

"What? How?" Max asked, knowing they had all been together last night.

Isabel explained the quick odd visit from Louisa, and then she choked on a sob. "I could have been the last person to have seen her… and the sheriff will question me and… maybe if I would have let her come in she wouldn’t be missing… and…"

Max stopped her from rambling by sighing and holding her tighter.

"Is, you couldn’t have known. We still don’t know for sure anything has happened to either of them. Maybe Pam ran away and Louisa is helping her. They are probably fine." Max tried to comfort.

Isabel pulled out of Max’s comforting embrace and took a deep breath. Then she began to pace.

"No… I have a bad feeling about this… I can’t explain it… but it’s there." Isabel swallowed and held herself tightly.

Alex had been standing by, wishing he had been the one to take Isabel in his arms and comfort her. Now as he saw her hug herself he realized, that as a friend, he could.

He gently put a hand on her arm and she turned to him. Then, to his surprise, she went into his arms herself. He held her tight and closed his eyes. God, what if it had been Isabel!

Max watched his sister’s reaction to Alex and was stunned. Then he turned to Liz, who smiled slightly, glad for her two friends, but even more worried after Isabel’s words of imminent doom.

Isabel, still in Alex’s embrace, turned back around to her brother. "Max, what should I tell Valenti?" she asked in a terrified voice.

Max understood Isabel’s overwhelming fear of the sheriff, but knew, as did Isabel, that she had to tell what she knew, if it could be of some help.

"I’ll go with you Is." Alex said, rubbing her arm in comfort. She was shaking with fear. He too knew of her fear of the law, and understood where it came from now.

"I’ll go too." Max stated.

"No. Max. If you go then it will just make Valenti think again about all his suspicions about you and Isabel and everything. Let me go with her. With his mind on this problem, he probably won’t even think of his suspicions about Isabel. But if you went with her…" Alex didn’t finish. He hated to tell Max that his presence could be dangerous for his own sister.

The look on Max’s face was filled with pain, but he nodded in agreement.

Liz put a hand on Max’s arm, and he wrapped an arm around her in need of some comfort himself. He was a danger to everyone he loved.

"Max… don’t." Liz said softly.

He looked down into her understanding eyes that were also filled with pain, and he knew she felt what he was feeling and thinking.

"This connection can be annoying. I can’t even feel sorry for myself." Max smiled slightly, trying to make light of the tense situation.

Liz squeezed his arm, again in understanding. "It works both ways Evans." Liz bantered back, trying to help him lighten the situation. "Besides… you were the one who invaded my thoughts first." She said in a teasing voice.

Max loved her for trying to lighten the mood. Then Liz turned to Isabel. "Would you like me to go with you Is?" She asked. Sometimes another female friend could help.

Isabel was surprised, but then remembered how much closer Liz, Maria and she had gotten, and realized that this is what friends did for one another.

She smiled shyly and nodded. "You wouldn’t mind?" she asked.

Liz shook her head. "Of course not. Let’s go."

Max, Michael and Maria watched their three friends leave and then exchanged looks of their own fear.

"Do you think the sheriff will start investigating Isabel?" Maria asked, grabbing her oil out of Michael’s hand and sniffing it again.

This time, neither Michael nor Max could assure her, since they were wondering the same thing.

How could things have gone from so perfect last night, to so terrifying the today, Max thought as he met his friends’ equally worried eyes, and knew they were asking themselves the same thing.

And what could have happened to the two missing girls!?…

Part 7-12