| Secrets In The Past |
| Chapter 6 _____________________________________ The following Friday... After Lunch on Wednesday the week only got better for Liz. She finally got a few nights of uninterrupted sleep in a row. Just that made her feel worlds better. She still did not have her appetite back but there was always someone shadowing her, providing a gentle reminder at mealtimes. After a day she gave in and ate when they asked her to. It was no use to fight, she always lost anyway. She and Max had a few nice conversations without her feeling the urge to cry or vomit. That was a huge accomplishment. Maria, Michael, and Alex had stayed late to help her with some of the things for the Crashdown so she could finnish and still have time to study. Everyone was being so nice to her, it was a little overwhelming. Even Tess seemed to be turning over a new leaf. They had discussed music and a new movie they both wanted to see, finding they had more in common than just Max. Liz had noticed Tess watching her interact with Max, the strange thing was it didn�t seem to bother her. Maybe it had something to do with the longing glances she saw her sending Kyle. Still, Liz needed to be sure her friendship with Max did not threaten Tess. She was going to talk to her about it tomorrow when they planned to meet and work on Liz�s powers. That was another thing that seemed to be going her way. Isabel had come over Wednesday and Thursday after school to help Liz learn to control them. At first Iz fed a little of her energy to Liz to help guide her but it was not long before Liz was able to change small things on her own. Like the cover of a book or remove a spot from a blouse. Nothing too big yet, but it was a start. Especially when she had changed into her uniform this afternoon and her underwear was the same color as when she had put them on. It looked like Max�s theory was correct. If she could learn to control the power when she wanted to, it would not manifest itself of its own volition. It was a little after eight and she was sitting in the back booth of the cafe studying. Max, Alex, and Michael had insisted on taking her to a movie tomorrow since all the other girls had plans. She wanted to get her work out of the way so she could concentrate on having fun and controlling her powers. She was pulled from her work when a Will Smith burger and a strawberry alien blast were shoved in front of her. Michael slipped into the seat opposite her and began munching on his own burger. �Its your turn to feed me, huh?� His burger stopped half way to has mouth. �You know about that?� �Well, it was kind of hard not to notice that one of you has eaten every meal with me for he past three days. I assume this was a Max and Maria venture.� Michael nodded glad she didn�t appear to be too angry, �yeah, I told them you would figure it out but they didn�t listen.� Liz gave him a sympathetic smile, �Its all right really, a little annoying, but I know that its just because they care. And its always nice to know people care.� �Yeah, I guess.� He was a uncomfortable with where she was taking the conversation. He didn�t want to admit, even to himself, that he cared more about her than people thought. �So,� she tried to make small talk to pass the meal, she and Michael had never been close. Please, they barely spoke to each other once a week. Maybe this would be a good opportunity to get to know each other a little better. �What did you do to get stuck on duty to night?� Michael cocked his head, did she really think that he didn�t like her at all? �I didn�t got stuck. I was working until eight so I volunteered to have dinner with you.� �Oh, well thank you.� She gave him a surprised smile. Liz had always been under the impression that Michael just tolerated her for Max. She was sure that the whole thing with Kyle had not improved her status with him. Maybe she was wrong. She took a sip of her milkshake. �Mmmm. Strawberry my favorite.� �I know.� �You do?� �Yeah, I know a lot more about you than you think.� Liz was a little unnerved by that. What exactly did he mean? �Oh really? That doesn�t sound good.� �No, I just meant ... I know you think that I don�t notice to you, that I don�t like you, but that�s really not true Liz. I agreed to have dinner with you because I was worried about you, just like everyone else. I know you like strawberry shakes because we have eaten here at least three times a week for the better part of our lives.� Liz was completely shocked. Michael had never said this much to her, let alone all at one time. She was powerless to stop the smile that lit up her face, for some reason knowing Michael cared about her really meant a lot to her. �I-I, wow. Thank you,� she said sincerely. Michael was flustered himself. He really had no intention of telling her that but he was unable to stop himself. The fact that it seemed to make her so happy relaxed him a little. Liz had not smiled much lately, it was nice to know he could do that for her. Apparently he was channeling Maria tonight because against his will he opened his mouth and continued to share his feelings. �No, you should not be thanking me. I really have not treated you as well as I should have. You have saved our butts more times than I can count. We would probably all be dead if it was not for you.� Liz bowed her head playing with a fry on her plate. He had no idea how true that statement was. �Michael, really, I only did the right thing. It was not a big deal.� �No Liz, it is. You are constantly putting yourself and your way of life on the line. There is probably nothing I can ever do that will be able to repay you, the least I can do is be nice to you.� Liz could only shake her head. She was trying desperately to hide the tears that were now streaming down her face. Michael had struck the cord of that deep pain. The one that was caused by giving up her entire life�s happiness for his life, all their lives. Michael was about to go on when he caught her quiet sniffle. Crap! He made her cry. What was he supposed to do now? Max was the one who was good with emotional crisis. Quietly he slipped out of his seat and into hers. Without a word he put an arm around her small frame, drawing her in towards his chest. He was struck by how small she was. How had she survived the last year without being broken in half? She needed to be protected. Something struck him at that moment and he made a silent vow to always watch over her, to keep her safe and out of harms way. Rubbing slow circles on her back he spoke softly to try to calm her. �Liz, what�s wrong? I�m sorry. Please stop. I didn�t mean to make you cry. Really, please stop.� He reached across the table grabbing a napkin out of the dispenser to dry her tears. �Come on Liz, please. If Max comes in and sees that I made you cry it will be world war three.� This evoked a small giggle. She raised her head, and smiled sadly, trying to compose herself. �Liz. I�m sorry. I didn�t mean to upset you. What did I say?� Liz sniffled, �no, I�m sorry. I guess this week has just been a bit exciting for me. I didn�t mean to lose it like that.� He squeezed her shoulder, �Its OK. I don�t mind. Besides, your a lot easier to calm down than Maria. She always makes a scene and it usually ends with me being severely bruised.� Liz laughed. Michael knew there was something she was not telling him. Liz was not one to lose her cool like that but he was willing to let it go for now. �Are you OK now? Can I finnish my dinner?� �Yeah, thanks.� He moved back to his own seat. After a brief silence Liz tried to ease the tension that had descended on the table. �So, does this mean we are going to be friends now?� She dawned a bright encouraging smile. �Yeah, I suppose it does.� �Good. Friends with you and Tess in the same week. If I�m not careful Maria�s going to have me committed.� Michael chucked. �How did your training with Isabel go?� �Oh, really great. Nothing big yet, but progress is progress.� They continued talking and getting to know one another as real friends. Michael found Liz to be really easy to talk to. He told her things he never told anyone. They talked about his quasi -relationship with Maria and she gave him a few insights into his girlfriend that he had not thought of. Liz told him about her summer in Florida and even spilled a little about how much she still cared for Max. He didn�t broach the Kyle issue, afraid it might upset her again. They discussed Liz�s powers and how she felt about them. They talked about Tess and what it meant to have family. They also talked about stupid things like how Maria and Michael had tormented each other in grade school and what a dork the new history teacher was. They laughed and Liz got a little teary a couple of times but it was one of the best times either had in a long time. There was a void that was filled by knowing the other better. There had been something they didn�t even know was missing by not truly knowing each other. Before they knew it the clock struck midnight and they were the only two sitting in a now closed Crashdown. Michael walked Liz to her door and made sure she was safely inside with the door locked before he started back to his apartment. Completely at peace for the first time he could ever remember, he thanked the gods for that day that Max saved Liz in the cafe. Unintentionally, that bullet had brought him two of the most important and wonderful women that had ever existed. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* A few hours later... Liz shot out of bed with a violent scream. As her room came back into focus tears started to course down her cheeks. �NO!� she yelled into the darkness. �No, no, no, no, no!� she shook her head back and forth and clutched her stomach willing the pain to disappear. They where supposed to be gone. She told Max and they went away. Why were they back? Why?! Slowly the pain ebbed, leaving a dull ache along with a sore throat and head ache from the screams that were torn from her during the dream. Rolling back onto her side, silently wishing for Max or Michael, she cried herself to sleep. The Lost Conversations Pt 2 Max and Isabel __________________________________________ This is the conversation Isabel refers to in part 5 between her and Max. It takes place between parts 4 and 5 ___________________________________________ Isabel sat at the kitchen table waiting for Max to return. He had taken Liz home about thirty minutes ago so he should be home soon. Hearing the front door open she stood to wait for her brother. He came in to the kitchen and went to the cupboard to get some cereal. �Morning Iz.� �Morning Max,� she replied. He sat in the chair across from her. She raised her brows expectantly at him. �wfupt?� he mumbled at her with a mouth full of tabasco frosted flakes. �Spill Max. You can�t tell me Liz is having nightmares and let her spend the night on our couch and not expect me to ask questions. And don�t talk with your mouth full, its disgusting.� Max sighed. He finished his cereal before answering Isabel. �Ok. She rang the bell last night around twelve. She was crying. It took me like a half an hour just to get her to calm down enough to drink some tea.� �Oh my gosh, Max. Was she hurt?� She was genuinely concerned. The only other time she had ever seen Liz crack was when Max was taken by the FBI and that was just a few tears. �No, she has a lot of hard things going on right now. You know, the whole us thing, the cafe, her new powers, she�s been having really bad nightmares that she didn�t tell anybody about. Then when the meeting didn�t go too well and and she turned her hair blonde it was just too much and she snapped.� �Wow, are you ok with that? I mean with her coming to you?� �You know, I thought a lot about that while I was gone. What she did... how she did it. It just hurt so much. Right before I left I went to see her. I told her I didn�t think we could be friends. I let her think that I hated her and that I would never forgive her. The look in her eyes, so distant, like she was resigned to defeat. Still, she warned me to be careful with the Granolith. She cared enough to tell me she thought I was in danger, right after I told her all that. It just stuck with me. Then she used her powers to save me. Powers she was afraid of and had no idea she even had. She did that even though I told her there was basically no place for her in my life anymore. I realized that was what I loved about her, would always love about her. Her ability to put her own pain aside to help someone else. She has always given everything to help us. To help me. I realized as much as she hurt me I still need her, even if she doesn�t need me.� �Oh Max.� Izzy was truly touched by her brother�s sentiments. �Right,� Max sucked in his breath, trying to return to the subject at hand. �Anyway, getting her to tell me what was really wrong was like pulling teeth. I almost let it go, but she looked so tired and she so rarely brakes down like that. For her to come to me, I knew something was really wrong. Eventually she admitted to the nightmares. I think this really strengthened our friendship, though. You know, taking that first step.� �That�s great Max, I�m happy for you. If this is really what you want.� �I think so, I can�t deny that it still hurts just looking at her but It hurts less knowing we can still be friends. Who knows, maybe in time we can both move past this.� Isabel nodded. Giving him a sympathetic smile, she leaned across the table to rest her hand on his. It was a small gesture but they didn�t really do this sort of thing, talk like this about other people, about things that were troubling them, unless it was related to their origins. It touched her beyond words that even after recent events he would feel comfortable enough to tell her these things. Clearing her throat over the lump that had inexplicably formed, she continued her original line of questioning. �So these dreams she�s having, did she say what they were about?� �She can�t really remember. Apparently its always very blurry. The only thing she seems to remember is the pain.� Max winced and turned away as if even referring to Liz in pain brought him pain as well. �She�s in pain in the dreams? But she does not remember them? Max that�s not good.� �I know. Its not just that she remembers it either. She actually feels it, after she wakes up.� �Max, oh my gosh. That is so not normal. I have never heard of anything like that. I think I should dream walk her.� Iz was still angry with Liz for hurting her brother but in the end Liz was a good friend and she didn�t want anyone to be in pain. �Neither have I, but Izzy, I promised her you would not dream walk her. At least for a while.� �Max! She needs our help. How could you do that?� �I know, I know, but there was not a lot I could do. She said last night was the first night in a while she didn�t have one. She seemed pretty hopeful they were gone. She promised to tell me if they came back though.� Isabel glared at him, not convinced. �Listen I asked her but the whole thing really seemed to upset her. It was not you, or that it was an alien thing. I think it was just the idea of someone inside her head. The last time it happened,� Max blushed a little, �she was not too happy about it. Besides that, we don�t know about this whole pain thing. If she feels it while your in there, you could too. Let�s just wait and see if they come back before we jump in the deep end. Ok?� �All right, Max. If that�s what you want.� �It is. Thanks.� �All right, enough bonding. We are going to be late for school.� Max laughed, grabbed his bag and followed his sister out to the car. Chapter 7a _________________________________ The next morning Liz found herself walking to the park to work on her mind warping. She had discussed it briefly with the pod squad and everyone agreed that Tess would probably be the best one to work on it with her. Even though she had not made an illusion but actually changed things, Tess�s ability was the closest to Liz�s. Tess had suggested they meet in the park because there were a few nooks that were hidden and she often practiced there by herself. Also, there were fewer fine details to recreate than some place indoors. Liz was anxious to meet with Tess because she had some things she wanted to talk to her about. She had thought about what Max had said about talking to people. Coming to the conclusion that the best way to put a few things behind her was to talk to Tess. If there was one less thing for her to worry about maybe then she could focus. Not that her pounding headache was helping. She had woken up with it, probably from crying herself back to sleep after the nightmare. She kept trying to push it to the back of her mind but it would not stay put. Normally she would have thought a dream reoccurring like this was trying to tell her something but she could never derive anything concrete from them. It was always sounds and blurry, incoherent images. Oh, and of course, the blinding pain. She had been so certain they were gone after telling Max about them. The fact that they were back was crushing. She decided to wait a little longer to tell anyone about it in case it was just a one time thing. If she told Max, he might ask Isabel to dream walk her. That was the last thing she wanted. Max had assured her that he would not let Izzy do it unless they returned. Liz did not want Isabel walking around in her head. One, because she might find out about future Max and Liz didn�t think she could stop her from telling her Max. Two, the idea of anyone walking around in her head, besides Max, was kinda upsetting. She remembered how embarrassed she had been when Max saw her fantasy of him. It would be so much worse if his sister saw that kind of thing too. And three, she still did not know what the dreams were. Liz was actually in real physical pain during them and she was asleep. Who knew what could happen to Isabel while she was in one of them? No, better to wait and see if there were anymore. Walking into the park, Liz went towards the playground where she was supposed to meet Tess. Catching her eye, she waved and went to meet her. �Liz are you OK? You're looking a kinda pale.� �Yeah, I just have this pounding headache,� she explained while rubbing her temples. �You know, I think maybe we put this off to another day. This stuff takes the most concentration and I think the headache will only throw it off and frustrate you more.� �No, Tess. I�m sure I�ll be fine once my aspirin kicks in. Besides, you came all the way out here.� �Liz, really, its fine. I don�t mind doing it on another day. I don�t want to make you any sicker. I�m a seasoned professional at this stuff and sometimes it still make me wish for a pick ax between the eyes.� Liz laughed. �Well, all right. If your sure you don�t mind moving it to another day.� �For the last time, its fine Liz. Now I think you should go back home and lie down. I don�t want to be blamed for your headache when the boys come to pick you up tonight.� �I would not worry about that, the group consensus seems to be that I am completely incapable of caring for myself. Really, I�m surprised I don�t get tucked in and read a story at night, the way they have been carrying on recently.� Tess laughed. Kyle was right Liz really was nice when you tried to get to know her. �Tess, before I go, do you think we could talk a little.� Tess noticed how nervous Liz looked. It was almost like she was scared of her. Not that she didn�t have a right to be. Tess smiled, grabbing her hand she led her to a near by bench so they could sit. She tried to make her body language as relaxed and inviting as possible to calm her fears about whatever it was she wanted to say. �Umm ok,� Liz rung her hands unsure of where to begin. �Well, I guess what I wanted to ask is ... Well, I noticed you lately watching me with Max. I wanted to assure you that we are just friends. That�s it. But... but if it bothers you, I mean if you think I�m getting to close, I can back off. If - if you think that I�m uuh, I guess, distracting him from his ... uhh his ... destiny, I want you to know that you can tell me. I could umm, you know, stop hanging out with you guys as much. Just see him in school, that kind of thing.� Oh my God was all Tess could think. I have already ripped Max out of her arms and here she is offering to basically give up all contact with him if that�s what I want. Even though I have been an outright bitch to her for a year, she is still willing to give more. �Liz, I-I don�t really know what to say.� There were a few tension filled moments while Tess tried to collect her thoughts, Liz�s were spinning out of control. She�s actually going to do it, she thought. How can I give him up completely? I need him! But, she is where he belongs. If she thinks I am a distraction, she�s probably right. Max belongs with her, I already know that for a fact, now I just have to see where the cards fall. �Liz,� Tess began again, �umm I have some things I need to say too. I... I�m not quite sure where I�m going with this but if you could just let me say what I have to say before you interrupt, it will be easier to get it all out.� She looked to Liz who nodded her compliance. �Lately I have done a lot of thinking. I came to the realization that I really don�t like who I have become. I�m mean to everyone. I am selfish and cruel, and really only cared about what I wanted. It didn�t matter who I ran over in the process as long as I got what I wanted. I suppose I figured that since I was stuck, basically alone on this rock that it and its people owed me something. When really, I wasn�t alone. If I just would have taken a chance to see things from someone else�s perspective I would have seen that I have the chance for family and friends. I would have seen that some people have bent over backwards to accommodate me while I have continued to treat them like dirt. �The other night Kyle said somethings to me. He explained to me how your life has been completely uprooted since I got here. How you have given up everything you loved because of me. As horrible as it sounds I never really thought about how this all was affecting you or even Max. All I was concerned with was the fact that Max was supposed to be mine and you were in my way. He made me see how much you have given up because I wanted you too. Then he said something that really hit home, he said that was the true reason he loved you. You would give something precious to you away to someone you hate because it was what you thought was right, because someone asked you to. That�s the real reason Max loved you because of who you are, not who you were supposed to be to him. I realized that Max would never be able to love or even like me if I continued to act the way I was. I expected Max to just fall into my arms once he found out about our destiny but that was completely unfair to him. I continued to treat you like crap just because someone I thought should be with me wanted to be with you. Something you had absolutely no control over. �Then Kyle asked me something, he asked me if I could do that for someone I loved. Could I give up the love of my life to a destiny I had no place in simply because I loved him? Really, I don�t think I could. I also realized something else. I don�t think I ever loved Max. I was in love with the idea of Max. All my life I was told that somewhere waiting for me was a man who would love me completely. A great leader who would make me his queen and give me everything I ever wanted. A man who would love me, worship me, and do everything because he loved me. In reality that�s not who Max is. In reality he�s a scared young man who is trying to be a great leader while the world crumbles beneath his feet. Even if you were not around I don�t think Max could love me the way I had imagined. �So to answer your question Liz, no, I don�t want you to give up being friends with Max. After the trip to New York I realized, even thought I am only now admitting it to myself, Max really does need you in his life. Even if you are just friends. You were the first person he really ever trusted, he relies on you a lot more than you think. As for you distracting him from his destiny, I�m trying to adopt a new attitude about that. First, Max and I need to become friends. If I continue to push this on him it will only serve to drive him away. Maybe we were never really meant to be in love, only to be friends. Anyway, whatever happens now, happens.� She inhaled deeply, �Wow that was a mouthful,� she said tying to add a little levity to her rather profound and heartfelt speech. She finally looked up to see that Liz had tears streaming down her face. She had made no effort to wipe them away so they were now collecting on her chin and dripping on to her shirt. �Oh Liz! I�m so sorry!� �No Tess,� she started in a thick voice, �don�t be sorry. I�m just so happy for you.� �Excuse me?� �Tess, do you realize it takes some people all their lives to come to the conclusions you have? To know that they are not happy and to have the courage to try to turn things around.� The only thing Tess could do in response was throw her arms around her and shed her own tears. �Liz Parker do you have any idea what a special person you are?� She sobbed in to her neck. �Liz I am so sorry, so sorry, for everything.� �Shhhh, Tess.� Liz stroked the girls back while her body shook with sobs. �I know Tess, I know. Its going to be OK now, though.� Tess pulled back getting her emotions a little more in check. �Tess, there is just one more thing that I need to ask you, and its really important.� �Of course, anything.� �I need you to promise me that you are never going to leave. That you will always stay with Max, Michael, and Isabel. No matter what happens. They need you Tess, they might not show it well, but they need you just as much as you need them.� �Liz, I don�t know why you think I would leave them, leave here, but I promise I never will. Roswell is my home, they are my family. I have never had family, now that I do, I don�t think I could live through losing it.� Liz sighed. A weight was lifted from her heart and she felt light as air. �Umm Liz?� �Yeah?� �Do you think that maybe we could try to be friends now?� �Yeah Tess, I would really like that.� The girls hugged and got up to walk back to the Crashdown. �So do you want to try for the mind warp one day after school, I can�t do it tomorrow. We are supposed to do a family bonding thing.� �Yeah, sounds good. Is that one of Kyle�s new Buddhism things?� �Yeah, now come on. You look exhausted and I�m sure our little cry fest didn�t help your headache. You should lay down.� �Are you sure? You could stay and watch a movie or something.� Tess smiled broadly at her new friend. �I would really like that, thanks.� Chapter 7b ________________________________________ Max, Michael, and Alex were hanging out in the Crashdown later that afternoon waiting to take Liz to a movie. They were all sitting around their usual booth talking about guy stuff when Kyle burst in making a bee line for their table. �Hey Kyle, What�s up?� Alex greeted him. �Yeah hey, Whitman. Listen, have you guys seen the girls?� �Which ones?� �Liz and Tess. I was supposed to pick them up at the park an hour ago when they finished training. When I got there they were gone. I looked around for a while. You know, in case they were hiding themselves or whatever, but I never found them. I thought maybe they came back here. Have you guys seen them?� When all three shook their heads in the negative Max went into full fledged panic mode, �I knew I should not have let them go out there alone! What if someone saw them? They would not just wonder off without telling someone where they went. Oh God, what if someone took them?� �Max, Max, slow down. We don�t know anything yet.� Michael tried to calm him. He instinctually knew he would know if something had happened to Liz. Of course, he also knew that would not be a bright thing to tell Max. �Yeah, we don�t know someone took them. They very well could have just killed each other.� Alex jested only to be sent three very heated glares. �What? Its not like they really get along or even like each other.� �Liz doesn�t hate Tess. She feels bad for her.� Michael interjected before Max could lose it again. �How do you know?� �She told me, last night during dinner.� �Liz talked to you about Tess?� Max was hurt but tried to hide it. �Yeah, why? Is that a problem?� Michael was a little defensive of his new relationship with Liz. He didn�t know why, but he wanted it to stay private. What they told each other was not for public consumption. He didn�t feel that way about her, anyway. There was no reason for Max to feel threatened. �Ok boys, to your corners.� Alex flitted his gaze between the two. �Lets not panic. Kyle did you try calling Tess�s cell or Liz�s apartment?� �No, not yet. I didn�t have a phone on me.� �Ok see, lets go call Tess�s cell. Maybe they just went shopping or something.� �Together. Tess and Liz?� Kyle snorted, �I don�t think so Whitman.� �Hey, there�s Gwyn,� Michael pointed to the soda fountain. �She�s been on all day, maybe she saw them.� The all walked up to the counter and practically accosted her. �Gwyn.� �Oh!� She spun around to stare at four very anxious looking guys. �Michael, Geez, you scared me.� �Sorry, have you seen Liz or Tess today. We�re looking for them.� �Oh, yeah they both came through around noon and went up to Liz�s house. They were laughing like hyenas. Then around one Tess came down and paid for a pizza they had delivered. I have not seen them since.� �Ok, now your sure this was our Liz and Tess?� Alex asked not really believing what he was hearing. Liz and Tess were willingly spending time together and eating pizza? It had to be an invasion of the body snatchers or something like that. �I�m sure. I think they are still up there.� �Ok Gwyn, thanks for your help. Well, I guess we should go up there since they have apparently forgotten they both have dates tonight.� Max said, leading the guys towards the back stairs. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~~ �Oh my gosh!� Liz squealed. �I can�t believe he did that!� �Oh, he did. I walk in to the bathroom and there�s Buddha boy with a towel around his head, my avocado and honey mask all over his face, and he�s clipping his nails. I swear it was the funniest thing I have every seen.� �I can see it now. I had no idea Kyle was so in touch with his feminine side.� Tess threw back her head in laugher, �I know, it was like a month ago and it still brings me to tears.� Liz and Tess had an all day, old fashioned, girl bonding fest. They were having an absolute blast. They did each others nails, played with their hair, looked through fashion magazines, watched chick flicks and pigged out on pizza. Liz had never had so much fun without Maria. Tess had never had so much fun period. She had no idea it would feel so good to act like a normal teenage girl. Gossiping about boys and playing with make up never seemed important to her, at least not until she knew what she was missing. There was something liberating about the whole experience. Liz was just as surprised as Tess. She had wanted them to be friends but this went far beyond her expectations. Tess was tons of fun when she was not so busy trying to be mad at the world. Not to mention she did killer impressions of both Kyle and Max. That was what brought them to their current topic. They were swapping stories about Kyle and Max, laughing so hard their sides hurt and they were blinded by tears. They were interrupted by a knock on the door. Knowing who it was (human tracking device, remember), Liz called out, �its open guys.� �Liz?� Max called into the apartment when she didn�t come to the door. �We�re in the living room Max.� The four boys walked into see the girls sitting on the couch with tears staining their cheeks. �Liz? What's wrong?� Max instantly went into overdrive. Even though they were supposed to be just friends he had no control over his protective impulses towards her. Whenever she was nearby he was a man possessed to make everything perfect, as perfect as she was. Before Liz could answer Michael jumped in slapping Max on the arm. �Calm down Romeo, they aren't crying, they are laughing.� Max turned to Liz who nodded her agreement along with Tess. �Oh, Ok,� he looked away sheepishly �What are you two doing here?� Michael practically spit. Both girls stood, observing that they were about to get the third degree. �Well Michael, I live here.� �Ha ha, you know what I meant. You can�t just disappear places and not tell us where you are going.� �Ohhh I see. Ok, first of all I did not disappear. I have been here, in my home, all afternoon. I was with another person and you, Michael, have been downstairs almost all afternoon.� �You guys told me to pick you up at the park at five. Do you know how much it freaked me out when I could not find you?� �Kyle calm down,� Tess spoke for the first time. �Did it occur to call either one of us, just because we left the park did not automatically mean we were abducted.� �Ok guys,� Alex, the voice of reason for once started, �we are both in the wrong here, they should have told someone and we should not have over reacted. Lets just move on.� �Thank you, Alex.� �How did the training go, Liz?� �Oh, she had a headache so I insisted it could wait �till later. It takes a lot of concentration and I didn�t want to make it worse.� Tess answered for her. �You had a headache Liz? You should be laying down.� Liz rolled her eyes at Max. �See what did I tell you?� she looked to Tess, �pretty soon its going to be bedtime stories.� Tess laughed. All the boys exchanged confused looks. �As always guys, your concern is sweet but unwarranted. I am fine. Tess and I spent the whole afternoon hanging out, nothing strenuous, I promise. Just girl bonding. Alex grinned, �and what exactly did this bonding entail, ladies?� He waggled his brows at them hopping for some juicy, romping in barely there underwear details. Liz waved her had through the air. �Oh you know, the usual. Painted our nails, played with our hair, ate some pizza, watched some porn, told embarrassing stories about you guys, that kind of thing.� The girls did a very good job keeping straight faces waiting for what Liz had said to catch up with the boys. Suddenly looks of confusion followed by utter shock dawned on their faces. Alex and Kyle simultaneously cleared their throats while Max and Michael tried to look anywhere but at the very innocent looking girls in front of them. �Liz you wanna back that one up for me.� As uncomfortable as it was, Alex wanted to make sure he had heard her correctly. �What Alex? Is there something wrong?� The girls were doing an excellent job of pretending ignorance. �Ok, yeah, umm,� he stuttered. Maybe he really didn�t want to know after all. Taking initiative, Kyle blurted out what they were all dying to know. �Liz, did you just say that you spent the afternoon watching porn?� �NO! Of course not, Kyle.� All the boys gasped with relief, it was just too icky to think about perfect Lizzy Parker watching porn with Tess. �Not all afternoon, we did other stuff too.� Their relief was quickly replaced with horror. Thoughts they so did not want in their heads of what that *other stuff* might be. The pale, wide eyed, stares of scandal were too much for the girls to handle. The collapsed into one another, falling to the couch in a heap of giggles. �Oh my God Liz!� Tess gasped out between fits of laughter. �You are so the master. I can not believe you said that!� �I know! Did you see the looks on their faces. If that was not a Kodak moment, I don�t know what is.� The four very confused young men stood on, staring at the two as the breathily congratulated each other. Finally, realization of Liz�s little joke took over. �Ok, I don�t think we should let them play together any more.� Alex said, not quite believing that the word porn had come out of his best friend�s mouth. �You think this is bad?� Michael gestured towards the still hysterical girls, �Wait until they get Maria in on it. None of us will be safe.� ` Max was too perturbed to speak. He just held that look of complete confusion and indecision. He was not sure if he liked the idea of Liz and Tess getting along this well. Sure he wanted them to be nice to each other but this, this could mean trouble. A thought struck him. Was this one of Liz�s attempts to get him together with Tess. He hopped not. Right now though, he really had no idea what to think. Liz had just made a joke about porn. The girls started to calm down after a moment. �Jesus Tess!� Kyle exclaimed when he felt they would actually hear him. �I told you to be nicer to her. Not corrupt her and turn her against us.� �Hey I resent that! I did not corrupt her, did I Liz?� �Nope.� She grinned at the other girl then back to the guys, �that was just a demonstration of the brilliant workings of my own little mind.� �Crap!� Kyle cried before someone could comment on Liz�s gloating, �It�s almost seven.� He grabbed Tess�s hand and started dragging her towards the stairs. �We�re going to be late for dinner with dad and Miss. Deluca. Come on, we have to go, now.� �All right, all right. I�m coming. Thanks Liz, call me about rescheduling the training session,� she called out before she disappeared down the steps. �Ok, bye Tess.� Turning back to her guests, Liz had to cover her mouth to stifle the giggle threatening to escape at the still flummoxed boys. �Are you guys Ok? Do you need to sit down or something?� �Funny Parker, real funny.� �I thought so too, thanks Michael.� Liz flashed him that brilliant smile of hers. All three decided to let the Tess/Liz thing drop when they noticed that the smile had reached Liz�s eyes. It seemed like ages since that had happened. They were grateful that Tess, of all people, had done that for her. At the same time a little jealous that they had not been the ones who got to bring that light to her eyes. �Oo-kay.� They were starring at her with these weird looks of dreaminess and it was freaking her out a bit. �I guess I will just get changed real quick and we�ll be on our way. Is that all right?� �Yeah, we�ll go down stairs and wait for you. The show does not start till 7:45. Your sure you still feel up to it Liz?� concern now etching Max�s beautiful features. �Max,� she sighed in exasperation, �will you just stop? I am perfectly fine. Last time I checked a headache did not make you an invalid. Just go downstairs and I�ll be ready in a minute. Ok?� �Yeah, sure.� Max and the other thumped downstairs again to wait for Liz. Chapter 8 __________________________________________ Liz, Michael, and Alex were standing in front of the movie theater while Max stood in line to buy their tickets. �So Liz, you and Tess, you�re what? Friends now?� �Yeah Alex. we�re friends now.� Liz smiled at him knowing what he was thinking. �And this happened how? Mind warp? Brain freeze? Brain washing? Good old threats of bodily harm?� �No Alex, we just came to an understanding. That�s all. No blows physical or otherwise were exchanged.� She shivered as a chilly wind blew down the street. Michael wrapped an arm around her shoulder pulling her closer to his body. Alex eyed them with curiosity. Glancing at Max, Alex saw that he had also seen the odd display of affection between the two. To say that Liz and Michael had never been close was an understatement. There had been several times last year when near shouting matches had erupted because of some disagreement or another. Oh, well. It was probably nothing. Everyone had been worried about Liz lately. Michael had probably been on the receiving end of a lot of Maria�s vocalized anxieties and was now channeling that. I mean, Michael would never do that to Maria and Max. Would he? It didn�t matter, Liz would never in a million years do that to Maria. Alex knew Liz was in love with Max, Kyle or no Kyle, she could not fool him. Right, so there was nothing to worry about. Except the look of boiling jealousy that Max was shooting at Michael. That could be a problem. �Liz! Hey... Liz,� someone shouted through the crowd. The three turned to see who was calling her. A guy that looked about their age was strolling up to them with a wide grin. The guy had sandy blond hair with just a hint of wave, he was lightly tanned, around six foot, well defined muscles, with gray blue eyes that were now sparkling at Liz. �Colin, hey. How are you?� Liz smiled warmly at him while Alex and Michael glared at the exchange. Who was this jerk? They knew all of Liz�s friends, where did this guy come from? �I�m good, how are you?� �I�m good. Are you getting unpacked all right?� �Oh yeah. So umm, is this your boyfriend.� Colin gestured to Michael. Liz laughed but made no effort to pull away from Michael. He made her feel safe and warm. Not like Max, but it was still nice. �Michael! I don�t think so. Oh, I�m sorry where are my manners? These are my friends Michael Guerin and Alex Whitman, and Max.... Max is around somewhere. Guys this is Colin Cronin. Colin just moved to Roswell, I showed him around the school last Friday.� �Nice to meet you,� Alex held out his hand. �Yeah, you too.� Michael nodded with a grunt while tightening his arm around Liz. He didn�t know what it was, but he did not like this guy. He really did not like the way he had grinned like a idiot when Liz said he was not her boyfriend. Liz looked up at him when she felt his arm tightening protectively around her. Shooting him a �back off� look, she stepped slightly away from him. Turning back to Colin, �so are we still on for after school next week?� �Oh yeah, definitely. I can use all the help I can get.� �Ok, you tell me what day and I�ll be ready,� She smiled at him, ignoring the penetrating looks she was getting from both Alex and Michael. �Come on Liz.� Michael grabbed her hand and started tugging her toward the theater. �Max is waiting for us and you know how jealous he can be.� Now it was Liz�s turn to glare at Michael. It was so obvious what he was doing and it was stupid. �Colin, I�m sorry. I�ll see you on Monday?� �You better, later Liz.� Liz waited until Colin was out of earshot before she ripped into Michael. �What the hell was that?� �I don�t know what your talking about?� he looked down at her innocently �Oh, don�t you play dumb with me. What was with the �I must protect the little lady� attitude back there? I hardly think Colin is a threat.� �Yeah that�s what we thought about a few other new students, too.� �Michael, will you just stop?! Your being ridiculous. I was just showing him around the school and he asked for my help getting caught up in science and math.� �Who asked for your help?� Max asked when they walked up to him. He noticed the change in demeanor between Liz and Michael right away. A minute ago, much to Max�s dismay, Michael had been all over Liz, it was obscene. Now, Liz looked like she was trying not to claw his eyes out. *Good girl* he silently praised her. �Michael here, if flipping out that I so much as dared to speak to the new boy at school.� �New boy, what new boy?� Max didn�t like Liz talking to other boys at all, let alone new ones that could be out to hurt her. *Get a grip* he chided himself. *Just because we know nothing about him does not mean he�s out to get us. Then again, it doesn�t mean he�s not either.* �Max, look, I don�t know who this guy was but I got a bad vibe from him.� Liz rolled her eyes. �He seemed a little too eager to see Liz. There was just something not right.� �Michael, did it ever occur that he might be interested in me.� Seeing the pained expression on Max�s face she quickly added, �I�m not saying I�m interested in him. I just thought I would try to be nice. We can�t go around assuming every new person we meet is evil.� Not giving either a chance to respond she turned and went into the theater dragging Alex along with her. Following them in Max whispered to Michael, �did you really get a bad feeling about him?� �Yeah I did, I can�t explain it, there was just something wrong about him. He is interested in Liz but not for the normal reasons. I know she just wants to be nice but sometimes she is just too sweet for her on good.� Max handed his ticket to the taker, continuing to follow Liz and Alex. �OK, well, we can�t tell her she can�t talk to him but we should keep an eye on him. Limit her contact if possible.� Michael nodded as they entered the darkening theater. He was not letting that guy near Liz again if he could help it. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Liz screamed and grabbed the hand next to hers on the arm rest. Why had she agreed to see a horror film? Liz had thought she was in between Michael and Alex but she had been so upset with Michael when they sat down that she really didn�t notice. When she tried to pull her hand away after the scary part she found resistance. Max kept a light pressure on her hand to keep it neatly tucked in his. Liz turned back to the screen, they were friends. It was all right to hold hands during a scary movie, right? Her attention was pulled from the movie when Max absently pulled his hand with hers still folded inside to rest on his thigh. Taking a deep breath Liz tried to pretend that she could not feel the toned muscle flexing beneath her fingers. Her heart rate continued to to speed up when he began gently caressing the back of her hand with his thumb. Taking more deep breaths, she tried to ignore the small paths of fire that were coming to life under his casual ministrations. Tingling and warmth traveled up her arm into her chest. She flushed and her breathing became shallow. The movie forgotten, all that existed in that moment were the long suppressed feelings of desire that he was unwittingly exposing. Max had absolutely no idea what he was doing to her. Had he, an army of Skins could not have stopped him from carrying her off to tenderly ravish her sweet lips. Unfortunately he sat there blissfully unaware. Liz on the other hand was having a very difficult time keeping her emotions in check. Hand holding was one thing but what he was doing to her... lets just say friends defiantly did not do this. Alien powers aside those hands should be registered as lethal weapons. Those hands. So strong and powerful, yet gentle and loving. Lord, how she wanted his hands on her... she had to bite her lip to keep the moan from escaping. No, this was wrong. They were friends, only friends. Max had a destiny, she was only his friend. Still, friends did not elicit such feelings in each other. No, friends did not want to sprint out to the Jeep and engage in some clothing optional activities. Oh My God! her mind screamed as his thumb traced the sensitive skin between her thumb and forefinger. Unable to contain her emotions any longer Liz ripped her hand from his grasp and practically jumped out of her chair. Turning to the isle she stumbled over Michael mumbling something about the restroom and air before speed walking out of the theater. Michael watched her with growing concern as she fled from the darkened room. He scooted over into Liz�s chair next to Max. In a hushed whisper he leaned towards him, �What was that all about?� �I don�t know, she just seemed to get restless suddenly. Maybe she had a cramp or something.� Max shrugged his shoulders and turned back to the movie. Michael was at a loss. How could Max be so oblivious? Michael could have felt the emotions radiating of Liz from across the street. She had so many conflicting feelings passing through her if you blinked you missed one. Love, embarrassment, desire, confusion, repulsion, excitement, fear, again with the guilt. However, this time the overwhelming emotion was confusion, she was conflicted and rattled so much by something she had fled the theater. The only thing that could cause Liz to become that upset was Max. Again, Michael felt that weird pull to protect Liz. She was so sweet and innocent. Michael was not stupid, he saw the brief look of pain that flashed through her eyes every time she saw him. Whatever Max had done to her, it was still fresh and every time she saw him it was pouring salt in the wound. Something kept nagging at him, telling him that Max was dangerous for Liz. Max would never intentionally hurt Liz, but the more he thought about it, the primal force that was telling him to protect Liz was also telling him to keep her away from Max. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Across Town... Gwyn was pacing in her small living room while talking on the phone. �Gwyn!� The person on the other end screamed at her. �It�s been a week, what do you mean you have not found anything.� �I�m sorry Justin. I am trying, really I am. I want to find her just as much as you do.� �I know, I�m sorry I didn�t mean to yell. Its just that time is running out. There are rumors that he might be coming. Or at least that he�s starting plans to verify his assumptions. We have to find her before he does.� �I know that. I�m trying everything I can think of. I thought for a while it might be one girl. The girl who�s parents own the diner I�m using for cover. Liz Parker. I ruled her out though.� �Why? Didn�t you say the royals spent a considerable amount of time there? That would make sense.� �They do, but they spend and equal amount of time with her. Zan is rarely alone with her. I think she was sick or something and they were just looking after her. She�s also Rath�s girlfriend Maria�s best friend. It makes sense she would be in their circle.� �Ok, well what about other leads? Did you try adoption records?� �Yes, of course. I obtained the names and addresses of all the girls between the ages of fifteen and twenty. Do you know how weird it is to walk up to a bunch of people and ask them if they are adopted and if so have they ever dated Max Evens?� Justin laughed, �no, but I bet you do.� �I swear, people in this town probably think I�m insane.� �Aww, sweetheart we all knew that already. So, did you find anything?� �Not a thing. The girls that did know who Max was insisted that the only people he had ever dated were Liz Parker and Tess Harding.� �Tess? Tess was Ava right?� �Yup.� �Then what the hell was he doing dating her?� �I have no idea. I talked to people at school about it too. They said the same thing. The weird thing is apparently Liz and Max had a very nasty break up at the end of last year involving Tess. I have no clue as to what happened there. �This is getting so frustrating. The prophecy was so clear! At least I thought it was. She was supposed to be here with them.� �Well what about this Liz girl you were thinking about? Was she adopted?� �No, I found her birth records and everything. She�s not Lillyah. God I wish she were.� �Maybe you should talk to Rath.� �I don�t know. He a little umm... unapproachable. He�s very weary of new people, strangers. Not that I blame him.� There was a silence while they tried to think of other avenues that had not been explored. �Justin?� �Yeah?� �You don�t think.... I mean, you don�t think it�s happened already? That we missed it, do you?� �The sacrifice? I can�t say the thought has not crossed my mind. I was pretty sure when you said they were showing no signs of grief that we were in time. You would think they would notice if one of their friends was dead. But now, if they have never known her? Its really hard to say.� �That makes no sense though, how could the sacrifice take place if she does not know them?� �An accident maybe? Gwyn, I don�t have all the answers. I�m sorry.� �I know. I�m just so frustrated.� �Its OK. I still have faith in you. Keep doing what your doing, looking up records. Try children raised by grandparents and abandoned girls. Maybe something happened and she was never adopted. Give me a call in a few days with a new report.� �Ok, I�ll try my best.� �We will find her I�m sure of it.� �Yeah, but when we find her will she still be alive?� Chapter 9 ________________________________________ He was walking through a lush garden holding her hand. It was bright and sunny, the only thing that dulled the beauty of the day was her smile. �Are you sure this will be all right?� She asked him pleadingly, her eyes begging him to give the answer she so desperately wanted. �Are you sure I won�t be a hindrance to him?� �Lilly, he loves you.� he assured her. �The only way you could be a hindrance would be to deny him. To deny him the pleasure of making you happy for the rest of your lives.� �You always know just what to say. Don�t you?� �To you? Always.� �You�re happy for us then?� �Never in my wildest dreams did I believe something so wonderful would happen for you, sweetling. I could not be happier.� �Thank you.� she leaned up and placed a sweet kiss on his cheek. They continued to walk through the garden taking in its beauty and tranquility. An ill wind began whipping at their backs, pulling at her skirts, as dark clouds invaded the sky. The two caught sight of another handsome young man purposefully striding towards them. Lillyah broke from his grip and ran towards the the second figure. He laughed as he caught her. Spinning her around he placed a chaste kiss on her pink lips before returning her to the grass. �Ahh, I missed you my love!� �Not as much as I missed you,� she beamed at him. �And how are you on what was this bright shinning day?� �I thought I was happy before but now I am delirious.� �Ughhhh!� The young lovers were unceremoniously interrupted, �I can�t wait until you two are finally married. Then we won�t have to listen to all this lovey dovy nonsense any more.� �Ahh Rath, I knew we could count on you to keep our prose in perspective.� he laughed while wrapping an arm around his betrothed to keep the now icy wind at bay. �So, Zan, will you be home long enough to attend the big party or do you still have business in the outlying provinces?� �Both actually. I am not yet finished. However, I would not miss the announcement of my impending nuptials to this beautiful creature for all the planet.� He leaned down kissing her forehead gently while pulling her even closer. Rath was about to make another disparaging remark about their out of control displays of affection when he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye. He turned, narrowing his eyes at the man who was swiftly approaching over the bluff. Zan turned to see what had offended Rath so. Upon seeing the approaching man he kissed the crown of Lillyah�s head and shifted her behind him. The man approached the two exalted heads of the now united provinces. Sneering, he reached around to secure his weapon when Zan pushed the lovely Lillyah behind him. Nearing them he kept his sneer while using a conciliatory tone. �Good day gentleman. I believe you know my purpose. Give me what I want and no harm will come to the kingdom.� �Go back where you came from Durton. You know you will never have what you desire. It belongs to someone else.� �Ahh Zan,� Durton shook his head, �are you sure this is the decision you want to make?� �Durton,� Rath growled, �you heard the man. Get off the land while you still can.� �Fine Rath, you leave me no other choice. Just remember in the coming years that it was not I who brought it to this. It was your beloved King here.� Without further warning Durton produced a large blade from his belt while grabbing Lillyah�s arm. Before the men could react, Lilly was out of Zan�s grasp and pulled harshly against Durton. �Lilly!� Zan cried, lunging towards Durton. Rath tried to move only to find his feet rooted in place. Looking up he saw the same fate befall his king. Both were powerless to help the crying girl who was now begging for them to help her. �Remember boys, you are the ones who took it to this level. I love her. You turned her against me. Now, if I can not have her no one will, least of all you Zan.� With one last look into Lillyah�s terror filled eyes, Durton plunged the blade into her abdomen. Lillyah�s ear splitting screams filled the air as a light rain started to fall. He sunk it in again and again, viscously sheathing the long weapon to the hilt in her once perfect skin and ripping it free. Crimson soaked her once blue dress and spilled to the ground. Her agonizing screams filled the air while the once strong young men looked on unable to stop the horrible scene from unfolding. Only did the evil bustard stop his cruel assault on her body when the screaming stopped and she slumped in his arms. Dropping her lifeless body into the pool of blood, he bowed to the men that were now racked with sobs and fled the garden, passing a remotely familiar figure, her face void of all emotion, on his way. Michael shot out of his bed with a guttural cry. Fumbling for the light he tried to calm himself from the terribly violent dream he had been thrust from. He tried to stand but found his legs to wobbly to support his weight. Dropping back to his bed he tried desperately to stop the tears that threatened. If he cried it would be his undoing. It was only a dream. It was only a dream. It�s not real. It�s only a dream he repeated over and over again. It�s only a dream... *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ �I know what you told me Liz, but I am still having a hard time believing the little hussy.� �Maria, we went over this for hours on the phone last night. She really is not that bad. She�s just scared and lost. I�m sure if you just give her a chance we can all be friends.� Maria and Liz were sitting at their usual lunch table waiting for the rest of the gang to join them. The girls had discussed Liz and Tess�s new friendship over the phone last night. Maria was still unconvinced. �OK, I will try to lighten up, a little. But just for you.� �Thank you, besides she has some great stories about Kyle. I am sure-� �Hi Liz.� Liz and Maria turned to see Colin, the new boy, standing behind them lunch in hand. �Oh, hey Colin,� Liz smiled up at him warmly. �Would you mind if I sat with you?� he asked reluctantly, he flashing her a shy smile that vaguely reminded her of Max. �No, not at all. Colin this is my friend Maria. Maria this is Colin, he just moved here.� She gestured between the two as Colin sat across from Liz. Maria smiled politely at him before sending Liz an �are you insane!� look. They did not exactly have a great track record with new people. It was just that whole �hey I�m here to kill you and all your friends� thing that had started to make her a little paranoid of strangers. Liz rolled her eyes and ignored her. �So Colin, how is your first day going?� �Not too bad thanks. People are pretty friendly here. Thankfully, I have not run into that guy you were with last night. I got the impression he was not too thrilled with my being around you.� �Oh, yeah well... that�s just Michael. He�s very... protective of his friends.� �You met Michael?� This was the first Maria had heard about it. �We saw Colin at the movies last night. Michael was doing his impression of a caveman again. I thought you had broken him of that.� �So did I. I will have to have a little talk with him. Of course it will have to wait �till after school since he has decided not to grace us with his presence today.� �He�s skipping?� �I assume so. I have not seen him all day and he is usually one of the first to the table.� �So, this Michael guy is your boyfriend Maria?� �On occasion, yes.� �Umm ok,� Colin was clearly confused but decided to move on to the information he really wanted. �And who is your boyfriend, Liz?� Liz blushed and looked away for a second. �I�m not really dating right now.� �That's a shame. I�m sure you have broken many hearts at West Roswell with that line.� �Oh, umm, thanks, I think,� she let a nervous giggle escape. Colin nodded, �how come your not dating right now?� Liz looked up sharply, clearly uncomfortable by his probing questions. �Oh, I�m sorry I didn�t mean to pry. You don�t have to say. I really wanted to ask you if you could squeeze in some time to help me with my chem. homework tonight. I�m a little farther behind than I thought and I am so lost.� She nodded, glad he dropped the dating questions. It was clear he was interested in her but she really had no time for a relationship with someone other than Max. �Yeah, I think I can do that. Can you meet me at the Crashdown around seven? We could study while I keep an eye on things.� �Yeah that sounds great,� he smiled. The Crashdown would be perfect. They could have dinner together and maybe he could get her to spill a few more details about herself. Give him something to work with. The Lost Conversations Part 3 Liz and Maria _________________________________________ This this is the phone conversation that Maria mentions to Michael in Chapter 10 between her and Liz. It takes place one evening between Chapters 8 and 10. _________________________________________ �Liz I�m not saying I don�t trust your judgment, but I think you should be careful.� �Careful of what Maria? We are not a threat to each other. Its not like she�s going to take a hit out on me.� �She would not need to. She could do it herself and no one would know.� �When did you become so paranoid?� �About the time we both started dating aliens and being chased by the FBI.� Maria had called Liz to get the skinny on her training session that wasn�t, yesterday with Tess. Liz was telling her all about Tess�s confession and their afternoon of bonding. Maria was still weary of the blond tartlet. It was not that she was jealous. Maria was very confident in her relationship with Liz. She knew no one could ever take her place in Liz�s life and vise versa. Maria was all for Liz making new friends and friends with Tess would make things easier on the whole group. Still, it was a pretty quick turn around. Maria trusted Liz, but Liz did not always have a clear head when it came to alien relationships. Especially lately, with the whole future Max thing and all. It would be easy for Liz to only see what she wanted to see in this situation. That what she had given up was not for nothing, that Tess was a good person who would eventually make Max happy. �So what did she say about Max?� �She said that she was going to back off a little. Let them become better friends, not push destiny. I really think that�s the best way to go now too. Max has resisted all her other advances so maybe if he can begin to be her friend he could learn to lo.... accept his destiny.� Maria shook her head. Liz could not even say love and Max in the same sentence with Tess but she was trying to fix him up with her. She was not sure if she should smack her up side the head or give her a hug. Maybe both. �And she said that she thought it would be better for Max if you two were friends?� �Yeah. I can not even tell you how scared I was about that. There was actually a moment when I thought she was going to say no, that I had to stay away from him in all possible situations. I-I don�t know if I could do that,� her voice cracked and Maria could tell she was fighting tears. �So did you tell her?� �Tell her what?� �That she caused the end of the world?� �Maria! No of course I did not tell her that. Besides its not like she did it intentionally. I did make her promise not to leave them though.� �and she said what?� �She was a little confused, could not tell why I thought she would leave, but assured me she would not. This is her home. I think that was the first time I have really been able to breath since this whole thing began.� �Yeah, I have to admit that makes me feel better too. Now I think our next plan of action should be for you to tell Max everything so you can get back together and stop everyone�s misery.� �Maria, don�t tempt me. Its very mean.� �Liz, I�m deadly serious. Lets examine the evidence. Tess said she would never leave. Great, biggest problem solved. I think I know a big reason for that too. Kyle.� �Kyle?� �Yeah, have you watched them lately? They look darn cozy. She is always staring at him when she thinks no one is watching her. He is always touching her in a little more than friends way. They are definitely on their way and living in the same house... I really don�t think that it will be much longer before we see public mushiness.� �First, Kyle does not do mushy. I know. Second, even if that�s true it does not matter. Who Tess sees here is not the problem. Its who I see.� Mara grunted into the phone. �Yes, I know its not fair, but that�s how it is.� �Liz do you ever listen when you speak? I swear you are becoming so depressing. Do not ever write a love advice column. Confused teenagers will be pulling Romeo and Juliet's all over the country.� �Thanks for the vote of confidence,� Liz responded dryly. �Fine, lets move on to the next piece of evidence. Tess said that you�re good for Max. That he needs you in his life.� �That's not quite what she said Maria.� �Details shmeatails, we all know that�s what she meant. Liz she is handing him to you on a silver plater. �I want you to be friends. Max needs you. I�m not leaving, I like Kyle.�� Maria mimicked Tess� sugary voice. �Maria. That is not what she said or meant and even if it was it would not change things and you know it.� Maria huffed loudly, �you are much too stubborn. All right, lets move on then. You and Max will just be friends. Tess promised she�s not leaving. So why can�t you at least tell Max what happened, that you did not sleep with Kyle?� �Several reasons. One, if Max knew his guilty conscience would kill him. He would think it was all his fault for asking me to that.� �Good, he should feel guilty.� �Maria, Max has enough on his shoulders without feeling guilty about this. Two, he would want to get back together and I am not strong enough to say no to him again. I just could not do it.� �See Liz, you need him just as much as he needs you.� Liz ignored her comment and continued. �And three, I promised him I would not tell him.� Maria sighed. �Liz remember what I said about listening to yourself speak? I can�t tell Max because I promised Max I would not tell him. That�s nuts Liz. These aliens have stirred your brain one too many times� �Like yours has not come in contact with a stir stick, or a blender for that matter.� �Hey, we are not talking about my alien abyss here. This is strictly about you. Liz,� she said softly. �You need to tell him. This thing is eating you alive. I know you�re on an up slide right now but how long do you think that will really last?� Liz sighed heavily, �Maria, I know. I can�t answer that. Lying to Max is so hard and it hurts so much, but its the only way. He can�t ever know. I can�t have what might happen on my conscience. That would be a thousand times worse than the lie.� �All right I will give up on this for tonight, but don�t think this is going to be the last time we talk about this.� �Fine. Consider me forewarned. I have to say good night now but remind me tomorrow to tell you this story Tess told me about Kyle.� �Ooo, did she have gossip?� Liz could see Maria�s eyes twinkling across town. �Yeah, you know, being her friend could come in very handy if your parents continue to date.� �Oh, I like the sound of that. I will take that into serious advisement. I�ll let you go now. Sweet dreams Lizzy.� Liz giggled, Maria never could resist gossip. Especially when it could be used to her advantage. �Good night Maria.� Chapter 10 ___________________________________________ �Michael!� He heard Maria calling his name from the dining room and went in to the break room to await the burst of Maria�s temper he knew was coming. She got really upset when he skipped school with out telling her. �Michael! Michael, there you are.� She came through the swinging door. Placing her hands on her hips she gave him a pointed stare. �And where exactly were you during school today, huh?� �I took a personal day. I needed to get some sleep.� �A personal day? A personal day to do what?� �I just told you,� he was getting irritated, �I was tired so I stayed in bed. There is nothing more to say.� �All right, then why were you so tired? I was on the phone with Liz until late last night and she was at school today.� �I�ve just had a lot of things on my mind and I have not been sleeping real well,� he rubbed his fingers over his closed eyelids. �Can we please just drop it now.� �No Michael. We are in a relationship. Re-lay -shion-ship,� she sounded out slowly for emphasis. �That means that we tell each other when things are bothering us. Now I want you to tell me right now.� �Maria it�s nothing really, I�ve just been having some weird dreams, that's all.� �Weird dreams? What kind of weird dreams? Like, I�m an alien and there are scores of people trying to hunt me down and kill me kind of dreams or the basic I�m a really screwed up teenage guy so I�m having weird dreams about man eating bunnies and talking sandwiches?� Michael was not quite sure how to answer that. How do you tell your already slightly unhinged girlfriend that you think you are having dreams from your past life, one she was not a part of, where a girl you loved but have no idea who she was, is brutally murdered in front of you while you stand there and watch? Luckily he was saved in the nick of time, �Maria!� Gwyn called from the kitchen window. �Its getting really busy out here and we need the cook back.� �Yeah, sorry Gwyn. I�ll be right there.� She turned back to Michael, shaking her finger at him. �Don�t think your getting off that easy buck-o. This is not over. You, me, long talk, later tonight. Don�t try to hide. Now get your butt back in the kitchen, it looks like the natives are getting restless.� Before Michael could come up with a reason not to meet her tonight she was gone. He walked back to the kitchen and grabbed the next couple orders to start the burgers on the grill. As he cooked his mind wandered back to that dream. It had been so upsetting, so violent, so graphic. He supposed he should tell Maria, it was only a matter of time before he had to tell Max. After all, Max was the only other person in the dream he recognized. In the dream he knew who he was and he knew who Max was, although they both looked different. He didn�t know who Lillyah or Durton were, though. He had several dreams like this before but never one where he could see anything. Before it had always been a red fog and Lillyah�s screams. This was the first time he had actually seen her face or heard her speak. He got to see her so alive and happy then she was cruelly ripped away. Although it had only been a dream, he felt the loss keenly all the way to the very corners of his soul. Then there was the possibility that if Michael was having these dreams then so was Max. That was an unlikely possibility though. Max would have said something right away. Probably called some kind of emergency meeting or something. He would probably find some way to link his dreams to Liz. Max found a way to link everything to Liz. This time it would probably be that Liz had been having nightmares too. Michael had considered this as well. With his recent link and totally weird protective feelings towards her it would make sense that her dreams were linked with his. Then he remembered that Max and Isabel had said that Liz�s dreams had not returned. There went that theory. So now what did he have? Some really horrible dreams, some kind of empathic link to Liz, a strange connection to her and need to protect her, and an extreme sense of loss for this unknown Lillyah person that he didn�t even think existed. Could his life get any worse? That was another thing. Did Lillyah even really exist? The dream had a fantasy like quality. Like when you try to remember something but certain things are changed or distorted. If that had really happened in his past life it could not have happened like it did in the dream. If Zan really loved that girl the way Michael was certain he, as Rath, cared about her there was no way they would have just stood there while Lillyah was stabbed. Then let her attacker just run away? I don�t think so. There had been someone in the distance watching too. They were too far away for him to see them but they just stood watching, listening to Lilly�s cries for help. There was no way someone could just stand and watch that, so it must not have been real. Yes, that's it. Rationalizing was always a good way out. Still, if it was not real why did he feel he knew her so well. That he wanted to die when she did. That he wanted to kill Zan for allowing it to happen. Why did he wake up on the verge of tears for a girl that only existed in his nightmares? Looking up at the clock he realized his shift had ended fifteen minutes ago. He had been so lost in his thoughts that he didn�t even realize he could go home. Walking into the back, he went to his locker to grab his jacket and keys. Still lost in thought he didn�t hear someone come in and sit on the couch behind him. That is until he heard someone say something that shot straight through his hazy mind; �Where are you Lillyah?� ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Gwyn rushed into the alley when she heard her cell phone ring. Only one person had the number to this phone and they only used it in an emergency. Gwyn was supposed to call him, not the other way around. Pressing send, she took a deep breath and held the phone to her ear. �Justin?� �Yeah Gwyn, its me.� �What�s wrong?� �Have you found anything?� �No, I tried to get the records you suggested but there aren't any. Roswell is not that big. There are no girls that age that were never adopted. I located two that were raised by their grandparents but both knew their parents.� �Damn, this is not good Gwyn.� �Justin it�s only been a day since I talked to you last. You said you would give me a little while longer.� �I know Gwyn and I�m sorry.� �Justin would you just get it over with and tell me what�s wrong?� �One of our spies says he sent someone out there. He had no idea who it was.� �Well, how bad could that be, so there�s one more bad guy hanging around, right?� she laughed nervously. �Sorry hon, but no dice. Apparently he sent someone to get close to her and confirm her identity.� �Has your informant any idea who he thinks she is?� �Not a clue. Apparently he and the person he sent are the only people who know. He�s not taking any chances.� �Justin, I don�t know what to do. I am running out of options.� �Gwyn, I don�t know what to tell you except that I have faith in you. I know you will think of something.� �It looks like I don�t really have a choice.� �I�m sorry Gwyn but you have to find her and now.� �How long do you think I have until the spy gets here?� �My guess, if he�s not there now it will be a matter of days.� �Great. Well, I don�t know what I�m going to do but I�ll find her Justin. That is, assuming she�s not dead already.� �I know Gwyn. Call me when you have something.� �Right, bye.� Sighing she slid her phone back into her pocket. Turning to go back in she tried to think of something. She had exhausted all legal avenues, the reservation was a possibility but that could take awhile. She could go to the royals if things got really desperate, but that was a real gamble. One, she had little proof and two, that could get Lillyah killed just as easily. Dropping heavily to the couch in the break room she hung her head in her hands. What was she going to do? How was she supposed to find her? �Where are you Lillyah?� she moaned out loud. Suddenly two rough hands gripped her shoulders and yanked her to her feet. Looking up she met the haunted eyes of Michael Guerin. He shook her hard before repeating the question she had not heard the first time. �Who are you and what do you know about Lillyah?� Back Next |