| Part 19 ********************* Max carried Noah down the stairs. He had calmed down when Max had picked him up and rocked him in his arms. Liz looked up when the two of them came down. A smile claimed her lips as she saw the two of them together. She didn�t think that anything could be sweeter than seeing the two of them together. She would never get tired at the sight of them. �Hey Noah.� Liz walked towards the two of them. She stood beside Max and gently stroked his cheek. �Is everything ok?� Max turned his head so he could look directly at Liz. �Yeah, everything�s fine. Isn�t that right little man?� Max turned to his son and cooed his question as he began to rock him. Noah looked at Liz and gave her a little smile. He turned his head to face Max before tiredly rubbing his tiny fist across his sleep filled eyes. The three of them sat on the couch. �God he�s beautiful. He must have had a beautiful mother.� Max found himself smiling as he remembered. �Yeah, she was.� He found himself feeling a little less scared talking about Tess. Granted he wasn�t ready to share his story with the whole world just yet, he felt a little at ease at being able to open up to Liz. She had let him talk and he felt better because of it. Maybe in time, by continuing to talk about it, the pain would subside a little. ******************** Alex pulled onto the rough terrain of the desert road. Isabel�s curiosity was definitely piqued. �Where are we going?� Alex turned his head slightly and gave her a smile. �That�s for me to know, and for you to find out.� Isabel gave him a mock glare before she burst out laughing. Hearing the soft sounds of her laughter warmed Alex�s heart. It made him feel good knowing that he had caused that reaction from her. It had hurt him when she had cried on his shoulder earlier. He knew there was a little more to Max�s situation that she had not yet revealed. He had a feeling that she wasn�t ready to talk about it just yet. But he knew that when she was, he would be at her side. The truth of the matter was, Alex was absolutely frightened beyond belief. Isabel Evans wasn�t just any regular teenage girl. She was a goddess. He had been drawn to her the moment he had laid eyes on her. It wasn�t the fact that she was beautiful, not that that facet didn�t help. No, what had sealed the deal was when she had graced him with that beautiful smile of hers. She had him hook, line, and sinker then. What had stunned him the most was the fact that she was nice to him. Most of the popular girls at school would laugh at his attempts of making any sort of conversation with them. With Isabel, it was different. She had treated him like he was a real person, with real feelings. She had listened to his incessant babbling and actually seemed like she enjoyed herself. And to top it all of, she was real. She wasn�t being fake. Another thing that startled him was the vulnerability he saw in her. It was as if she hadn�t realized how beautiful she was, or how wonderful of a person she was. It wasn�t that she was insecure, more like she was afraid of showing her true self to most people. He wished that eventually that they would become close enough that she would trust him like Maria and Liz did. For the most part he didn�t care if this turned into a romantic relationship. He would be content to just be her friend. He came to a halt by a few rock formations. He gave Isabel a grin, his eyes twinkling. He went around to the other side of the car and opened her door. He reached out for her hand and lead her outside. �Alex, not that I don�t trust you, because I do. But what are we doing out here in the middle of the desert?� He linked her arm through his as he lead her to the rocks nearby. �Ah, patience my dear.� He sat down on a rock and helped Isabel ease down beside him. �Wh- He cut her off, by putting his index finger against her lips. �Shhh. Just look.� He pointed to the sky above them. The sky was pitch black and it glistened with the stars. Isabel let out a gasp as she looked up at the stars. She had never seen anything that beautiful before. She was afraid that if she spoke too loud, that it would somehow ruin the atmosphere. �Wow, Alex, this is, this is absolutely gorgeous.� She turned towards him. �How do you know about this place?� He shoved his hands in his pockets. �When we were kids, our parents would take us camping out here. Liz�s dad saw me staring at the stars and he pointed out the various constellations to me. I guess that�s what sparked my interest in star gazing.� Alex hung his head down. He felt stupid saying all of that out loud. She probably thought he was a geek. Isabel placed her long delicate fingers under his chin and gently lifted it up so that she could look into his eyes. �I think that�s so cool. I�ve never been star gazing before.� Alex gave her a quizzical look. �You haven�t?� Isabel shook her head. �Nope. Could you do me the honor of showing me a few constellations?� Alex�s smile grew wider as his head bobbed in agreement. His smile elicited a smile from Isabel as she once again linked her arm through his and laid her head against his shoulder. �Well, you see right there, well, that�s Orion�s belt.............� ******************** Maria and Michael sat in his pick up in front of her house. �So what do you really think?� Michael cocked his head before answering Maria. �What do I really think about what?� Maria gave an exaggerated role of her eyes. �About Max, I mean you and Kyle seemed ready to send him to the lynch mob when he first admitted that he was a father, then a couple of hours later you�re just ready to forgive and forget.� Michael placed his hands on the steering wheel and gripped it. �I don�t know, I mean I�m just thinking maybe we should cut him some slack.� Maria turned her head on an angle so she could take a better look at his face. �I don�t know Michael, somehow I�m not buying the whole let�s just him some slack. When have you ever been the one to give someone slack?� Michael ran a frustrated hand through his hair. �Yeah, well I have the right to change my mind don�t I?� Maria placed a hand on his shoulder and felt the tension in his body. �Relax, I was just asking. You have every right to change your mind. I was just curious.� Michael closed his eyes and fought to remain calm. �I�m sorry. I didn�t mean to snap at you. It�s just, I mean I got to thinking, what if we were in that position Maria? I mean what if I had gotten you pregnant and we had a child? I mean I know we haven�t crossed that boundary yet, but what if? I sure as hell know that I wouldn�t want people to think I was somewhat of a lesser being just because I loved you, and it resulted into consequences we have to deal with for the rest of our lives.� Maria was taken back by Michael�s response. Somehow that was the last thing she thought he would be thinking about. �You really thought about that stuff?� He shrugged his shoulders. �Yeah, I mean I do. I�m feeling bad for Max. I know that if the roles had been reversed, I would have lost it when people asked their questions. I don�t think I could have kept my cool like he did. And the fact that he was honest with us, I mean you�re the one always saying that honesty counts for a lot. Don�t you think we should give him a chance?� Maria leaned across her seat and pulled Michael into a hug. �You�re absolutely right.� ************ Max and Liz had been silent for the most part save the few giggles that escaped them as they played with Noah. The three of them were sprawled across the plush carpet of the living room floor. Max was lying on his stomach watching as Noah enthusiastically piled his toy blocks on top of one another. Liz sat with her legs crossed as she helped Noah build a tower of blocks. Noah held a toy block in a chubby fist and placed it on top of the growing tower. The three of them watched with baited breath as the tower swayed side to side. A second later, the tower of blocks settled down. Max and Liz both released the breaths that they had been holding in. Just then, Noah�s little fist came into contact with the tower, effectively knocking it over. His childish laughter filled the air as he clapped his little hands together. With their jaws hanging down, Max and Liz looked at each other before turning their attention on Noah. Max turned onto his back and placed Noah in his chest as he started tickling his son. �You think that�s funny little man? You think that was funny?� Laughter filled the air as Max continued to tickle Noah. Max turned his head and noticed how Liz just sat to the side laughing at the two of them. Suddenly, a mischievous glint passed through Max�s eyes as he settled Noah back on the carpet. With the speed of lightning, Max had tackled Liz and her pinned down. He turned his head towards Noah. �Hey buddy, you think it�s time for Liz to get some tickling?� Noah just rocked back and forth on his bottom, clapping his hands. �Liiiiizzzzzzzz!!!� Max turned back to Liz with a devilish grin. Liz immediately shook her head and began to protest. �Max, no. Come on Max.� His skilled fingers ran up and down her sides trying to find her ticklish spot. Apparently, he didn�t have to try too hard for Liz seemed to be ticklish everywhere. His smile grew wider as he realized how much power he had over her. He was merciless, tickling her everywhere, barely giving her time to catch her breath. �Max.........please, stop, Max!� As much as Liz protested, she didn�t want to relinquish the position she was in. This moment was definitely a moment that was forever going to be etched into her memory. ************* Outside the Evans� house, Isabel and Alex sat in his VW rabbit. Isabel began fidgeting with her fingers. �I had a really great time tonight Alex. Thank you.� He waved his hand in an effort to ward off her comments. �It was nothing.� Isabel finally looked up at him. �Will you take me star gazing again?� �Sure, whenever you want. Alex Charles Whitman at your service.� Isabel gave him another shy smile. �I should go inside.� �Right. Well when you get in there, send Parker out here. I�ll give her a ride home.� �Ok.� Isabel opened the car door, but turned abruptly. She leaned over and gave Alex a soft peck on his cheek. �Thank you, Alex.� With that she ran to the house, leaving a stunned Alex with a goofy grin on his lips. ********** Isabel�s keys jingled in the lock before finally opening the door. The sight that met her eyes stopped her dead in her tracks. Max was laying on the carpet with Noah on his chest laughing while Liz tickled him on the sides. Max tried to contain his laughter long enough to yell out his protestations for them to stop. Isabel felt a smile claim her lips seeing the three of them being happy in each other�s company. It was beautiful. She hated to rain on their fun, but Alex was waiting outside. She cleared her throat. Max and Liz looked up to see who it was. The two of them sprang apart and stood up. Liz tugged on her clothing and tried to look presentable. She didn�t want Isabel to get the wrong idea. �Isabel- Isabel gave her a smile. �Alex is outside waiting to give you a ride home.� Liz nodded her head. �Right.� She picked up her purse and nervously tucked her hair behind her ears. �Thanks. Well, I should get going.� She walked past Max who gently placed his hand on her shoulder. �Thanks for all of your help in chemistry. I appreciate it.� Liz turned and gave him a smile. �Anytime.� She leaned forward and gave Noah a soft kiss on his soft cheeks. �Bye bye Noah!� His head was perched against Max�s shoulder. He gave her a small wave before burying his face into Max�s neck. Liz gave a soft chuckle and walked to the door. She gave Isabel a hesitant smile who in return gave her a smile that spoke volumes of thanks. �I�ll see you tomorrow Liz.� �Right, I�ll see you tomorrow.� With a small wave, Liz was out the door, leaving Max and Isabel with Noah. Part 20 ********************* Saturday morning at the Evans home was absolute chaos. Isabel was running around the house trying to get ready, as was Max. Max ran into the kitchen attempting to put on his vest while carrying Noah in the other. �Look, Iz, I won�t be home till after four. Brody might ask me to stay till closing so I may not be home till after seven.� Isabel stood, holding her hands up. �Wait a minute, I can�t baby sit today Max. I have to go to work. I�m working the early shift today and Mr. Parker asked me to work the lunch hour as well.� �Can�t you like call in sick?� �Max, I can�t do that. I�ve only been on the job for a week. Besides, Mr. Parker just saw me yesterday, there�s no he�s going to believe I�m sick.� �Damn!� Max threw his hnds up in frustration. He had completely forgotten that his parents were away for the weekend and that Isabel had a life of her own. What was he supposed to do now? Isabel placed a hand on his shoulder. �Can�t you call in sick? Or at least ask Brody for the day off?� Max sighed loudly. �I can�t do that. I already had to promise Brody I wouldn�t take any sick days just so he would give me the job. And besides, I need to work the hours. I have bills to pay. I can�t just keep hitting mom and dad up for the money. It�s wrong.� Isabel looked thoughtful for a moment. �Hey, why don�t you ask Liz to baby sit? She has the day off. I�m sure she won�t mind. I mean she and Noah seem to get along ok.� Max looked up at her, contemplating her suggestion. No! He couldn�t ask her to do that. They were just at the beginning of their friendship, he didn�t want to dump all of his problems on her. �No, I can�t ask her to do that. It�s way too big of a favor to ask when you�re just getting to know someone.� �Come on Max, when are you gonna find a baby sitter at this hour?� Max weighed his options and felt like pounding against the wall. If he were to call in sick, he was risking losing his job and the just above minimum wage salary he was getting. If he were to call Liz, she might think that he was just out to use her. What choice did he have? �Fine, give me her number.� With a little smile, Isabel dialed the number before handing the phone to Max. Max waited nervously as he waited for someone to pick on the other line. His palms were once again sweaty and his heart was beating a million miles a minute. Geez, what the heck was wrong with him? He was just calling her on the phone, how was he going to react when she was face to face with him? His thoughts were interrupted by someone answering the phone. �Hello?� �Uh, hi, I was wondering if it would be possible if I could speak with Liz?� Liz smiled on the other end of the line. She wondered who it was on the other end of the line. None of her friends ever asked that nicely. �This is Liz. Who�s this?� Max cleared his throat a few times. �Uh, Liz, this is Max.� Liz felt her stomach fluttering. Max was on the phone wanting to speak to her. She resisted the urge to jump around and scream. Instead, she opted to twirl the phone cord around her finger. Trying her best to sound casual, Liz began speaking. �Oh, hey Max. What�s up?� Max shuffled his feet and looked at his son. He felt guilty for asking her this humongous favor, but what other choice did he have? �Look, I know I shouldn�t ask you this, and you don�t have to feel like you have to say yes.� Liz became curious. What did he want to ask her? �What is it Max?� Heaving a heavy sigh, Max started speaking. �I have to ask you for a big favor, and I wouldn�t ask if I didn�t really need it.� �It�s ok Max. Just tell me what it is.� �I was wondering if you could baby sit Noah today while I�m at work. My mom was going to, but she and my dad are in Carlsbad for the weekend, and Isabel has work, and well, I can�t get a sitter this late, and- Liz cut him off with a little laugh. �I�ll do it Max.� Max set off to tell her some other things, but her voice stopped him. �What?� �I�ll be over in like ten minutes ok?� With that, Liz hung up the phone. Max stood there in the kitchen looking dumbly at the phone in his hand. �Well? What did she say?� Max looked up. �She said she would be here in ten minutes.� Isabel gave him a pat on the shoulder. �See, what did I tell you?� She leaned over and tweaked Noah�s nose. �You are just going to have so much fun with Liz today. Aren�t you Noah?� Noah gave her hand a gentle swat. �Lizzzzz!� Isabel�s eyes flew up at Max. �Did he just say what I think he just said?� Before Max could answer, Noah jumped up and down in his arms. �Lizzzzzz!� Part 21 ******************** Max tried hard to keep Noah still in his arms. �Max, when did he learn to say that?� Max busied himself with putting Noah in his chair. �Max? Did you hear me? When did he learn how to say Liz?� Max went to the fridge to start making Noah�s breakfast. �Uh, yesterday.� Max tried to play it off like it was no big deal, but if he knew his sister at all, she wasn�t buying it. �Ok, so, he speaks his first word and you just forgot to mention it to me. To me Max. His Aunt.� Max looked at anywhere but her. He didn�t want to get into this right now. His nerves were already shot thinking about Liz arriving any second now. He walked past Isabel towards the cabinet that held their plates. Looking up at the glass, he noticed his reflection in it. He couldn�t help but smooth down his hair and attempt to look a little better. Isabel stood by Noah and watched her brother check his reflection in the glass. She kept herself in check, not wanting to laugh out loud. She didn�t want to embarrass him, but he just looked so darn adorable. She was glad she had given him the idea to call Liz. If last night was an indication of what the future had in store for Max, Liz, and Noah, then she couldn�t wait for their relationships to blossom. Seeing the three of them together was absolutely enchanting. The shrill ring of the doorbell surprised Max and Isabel. Max turned to Isabel with a worried glance. Somehow, he couldn�t make his feet move. He looked to Isabel with pleading eyes to help him. Isabel just shook her head and pulled him towards the door. Outside stood Liz wearing a bright smile on her face. �Hi Liz!� �Hey Isabel. Max.� Isabel turned to her brother and gave him a little nudge. When he just stood there, Isabel rolled her eyes. She turned back to Liz and gave her a grin. �Nice seeing you Liz. I�m just going to wait in the jeep.� Isabel squeezed through the door, past Liz to the driveway. Max bit back a curse as Isabel made her way out. He didn�t know why he was acting the way he was. He and Liz had talked last night and he had shared his inner most feelings with her. And now he was finding it hard to look into her eyes. What the heck was wrong with him? He hadn�t felt awkward last night when he had tackled her and tickled her.......STOP! He mentally shouted at himself. He couldn�t start thinking about that now. He tried to think of something to say. Anything at all. It was then that he noticed that she was still standing outside. �Oh, I�m sorry. Please, come in.� Liz gave him a smile as she entered. �Thanks. So where�s Noah?� Max lead her into the kitchen. As soon as Liz�s eyes landed on him, she ran to him and kneeled down in front of him so that they could see each other. �Hey, Noah. Ready to have some fun today?� Noah smiled and clapped his hands. �Lizzzz!� Liz looked up at Max, giving him a heartfelt smile. �I don�t think I�ll ever get tired of hearing him say that.� Max found himself laughing a little. �Yeah, well try having him say it all night long, while you�re trying to sleep.� Liz�s smile fell from her face. �I�m sorry Max, I didn�t- Max gently took her hand in his. �It was a joke Liz. I was only kidding. It was actually kind of nice hearing him say your name over and over again. But I�ll be glad when he can tone it down and just say Liz, instead of Lizzzzz!� Liz found herself laughing along with him. �I really am sorry Max. I don�t even know why he chose my name as his first word.� Max gave her a half smile. �I think it�s cos he likes you. And I have to say that he couldn�t have chosen a better first word to say.� Liz could feel herself melting into a Liz puddle. �Thank you.� �You�re welcome.� Their gazes faltered when they heard Noah banging his plastic spoon against the little tray attached to his chair. Max turned to his son with a wry smile. �Looks like the boss is hungry.� Max went to get the rest of Noah�s breakfast ready. �Ok, um his food is in the fridge. He has a few bottles in there that should last for the day. He usually takes a nap at 11, all of his toys are in my room. Just go on ahead and make yourself at home. Eat anything you want, uh, if he gives you any trouble, my pager number is on the fridge. I�ll call later to check on him. Uh, - Liz placed her hand on his shoulder. �Max, it�s ok. I have baby sat before. I�m sure I can handle it.� Max gave a nod of his head. �Right.� He walked to Noah and gave him a kiss on the crown of his head. �You be good little man. Be nice to Liz!� He gave his son�s cheek a soft squeeze before turning his attention back to Liz. �Are you sure you�re going to be alright?� Liz playfully shoved him to the front door. �Yes, now get to work!� With a smile Max gave her a wave and went out through the door. �Bye, Noah! Daddy loves you!� Liz watched from the door as Isabel and Max drove away. She made her way back into the kitchen and pulled a seat up in front of Noah so she could feed him. �Well, Noah, it looks like it�s just the two of us now.� Part 22 ******************** After feeding Noah his breakfast, Liz washed the dishes and tidied up the kitchen. She sat in her seat in front of Noah and started talking. �So, what do want to do? Do you want to play with some toys?� When Noah just smiled at her, she picked him up and carried him up the stairs. �Playing with toys, it is then.� She halted in front of Max�s room, just standing outside the door. Max had told her to make herself feel at home, but somehow she felt like she was intruding. She looked at Noah in her arms and just shrugged her shoulders. Even if she felt like she was intruding, there wasn�t anything she could do about it. Most of Noah�s things were in there. She pushed the door open and looked around. The room was slightly untidy, which was understandable, but it was still pretty neat for a teenage guy who had a baby living with him. Liz put Noah in his play pen. �So, what do you want to play with?� Liz looked around to the various toys around the room. She picked up a stuffed toy and one of those toys that made music when you touched certain buttons. She held them out in front of Noah. �How about these? You wanna play with these?� Just then the phone rang. Liz placed the toys beside Noah and picked up the phone. �Evans residence.� �Liz?� Liz couldn�t keep the smile from her lips. �Max?� �Uh, yeah. I was just calling to see how you were doing. You know, making sure that you and Noah were ok.� Liz fought the keep her giggles from escaping. �Well, considering it�s only been about a half hour since you left, I think we�re ok.� Max felt himself blush on the other line. He felt like an idiot calling to check up on her, but he couldn�t help himself. He would have called the minute he got to work, but he had to clock in and when Brody caught sight of him, he had put him to work on one of the displays. He had sneaked away for a few minutes to check on how things were going on at home. He knew that Liz and Noah were probably having a good time. They seemed so comfortable with each other. He just wished that he could be there himself to witness the two of them together. �Well, uh, ok. I just wanted to check in. I�ll call again later and speak to Noah on my break.� Liz smiled against the phone. �Ok, I think he�d like that.� Max was about to say something when he heard Brody yelling for him. �Look, I gotta go. Tell Noah I love him.� Max hung up the phone and ran towards Brody. He had no idea how he was going to concentrate at work, knowing that he would rather be home right now. ********** Liz shook her head and put the phone back down. She leaned down to see Noah pressing all of the little buttons on one of the toys and burst out laughing when a different sound would come out. Liz picked him up and sat him on the floor. She sat beside him and started playing with him. She couldn�t help but admire his childish innocence, and the way he easily amused with things. �Well, Noah, you�re daddy just called and said he loves you.� Noah looked up at Liz. �Lizzzzz!� Liz just laughed and leaned forward. He held out one of the stuffed toys for her so the two of them could play together. �Ok, I guess I get to be Tigger, and you�re Pooh bear.� Liz tried to change her voice to make it sound like Tigger�s. �Hiya, there Pooh.� Noah giggled and the two of them set out to play. *************** Just as Max had said, Noah would be ready to take his nap at 11. Liz had tried to put him in his crib, but he kicked and fussed. She had seen the way his little head would fall forward from sleep trying to claim him, but he still refused to take a nap. Liz had decided to play along and picked him out of his crib. �I�m sorry, Noah. I guess you relly aren�t tired.� She sat on the bed and held him in her lap. �So, since you�re not sleepy, what do you suggest we do?� Noah rubbed at his eyes and tiredly leaned his head against Liz�s shoulder. Liz gave him a soft kiss on his head. �Ok, how about I sing you a little song? Would you like that Noah?� Liz looked to the baby in her arms. He had his head cradled in one hand against her shoulder and he proceeded to suck the thumb on his other hand. Liz felt the tears behind her eyes. Noah was just the most precious thing she had ever laid eyes on. She quickly thought of a song she could sing to him. �Hush, little baby, don't say a word, Mama's going to buy you a mockingbird. And if that mockingbird don't sing, Mama's going to buy you a diamond ring. And if that diamond ring turns brass, Mama's going to buy you a looking glass. And if that looking glass gets broke, Mama's going to buy you a billy goat. And if that billy goat won't pull, Mama's going to buy you a cart and bull. And if that cart and bull turn over, Mama's going to buy you a dog named Rover. And if that dog named Rover won't bark, Mama's going to buy you a horse and cart. And if that horse and cart fall down, You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town.� As Liz finished the song, she looked down at Noah. His breathing had evened out, indicating that he had fallen asleep. Liz gently stood up, trying her best not to wake him. She placed him in his crib and turned on the baby monitor. She ran her finger down his cheek before giving him a kiss. �Sleep tight precious.� Just as she stood back up, the phone rang. She ran to get it, hoping it wouldn�t wake Noah after he had just fallen asleep. Somewhat out of breath, Liz spoke into the phone. �Hello?� Max felt his heart rate rise at the sound of Liz�s voice. �What�s the matter Liz? Is everything ok?� Liz gave a little laugh. �Everything�s fine Max. I had just put Noah to sleep and I ran to get the phone so he wouldn�t wake up.� Max felt a little stupid for worrying. He should�ve known that Noah was going to be safe with Liz. He just couldn�t stop himself from worrying too much. �So I guess, asking to speak with him would be out of the question.� �Yeah, sorry about that.� �It�s not your fault. Uh, Liz?� �Yeah, Max?� �I just, I just wanted to say thank you for doing this.� �You don�t need to thank me. I�m just glad I found an excuse to spend the day with Noah. He is the most amazing little boy. He�s just so alert.� Max found himself laughing at the image of his son showing off to Liz. Noah had been known to show off a little when other people were around. He would smile and play, and do all sorts of little things to get people�s attention. Max wished he could have been there to see it. �Yeah, he is pretty clever.� Max looked down at his watch and saw that his break was about to be over in a little while. �Uh, I should go. My break is over and I was just calling to see how everything was going.� Liz smiled against the phone. �Well, I�m glad you called.� �Me too. I�ll see you later Liz.� �Bye, Max.� Liz hung up the phone and looked around the room. She picked up the baby monitor and took it down stairs with her. She sat in front of the tv and flipped the channels. Liz flipped through every single channel, but couldn�t find anything appealing. She decided to turn it onto the TV Guide channel, hoping to catch what was coming up next. After sitting for five minutes, waiting for the shows to scroll down the tv, Liz sighed in disgust. Somehow, watching tv seemed so boring after spending the whole morning with Noah. Their whole time together, they had not been idle. Noah was constantly wanting to play and share his toys with her. He had even just sat down with her and told her stories. Ok, so maybe she was stretching that a little far. He had sat down on her lap and talked nonsense. He wasn�t really using real words, but Liz still enjoyed his company, just the same. Liz tried to figure out what to do. She looked up and saw that the mantle over the fireplace was decorated with pictures of the family. Curious, she walked over to get a better look. There were five pictures all together. There was a picture of Max and Isabel with their parents. She could definitely see where they got their looks from. The picture looked a couple of years old, but it still looked adorable. It was one of those family portraits you get done at the mall. The picture beside it, was from the same time, only this time, it was just Max and Isabel. The middle picture was a baby picture of Noah. It looked as if it had been taken a few weeks after his birth. The one beside it was a picture of Max and Noah. It was another studio photo with Max holding Noah in his arms. The difference in this picture was obvious. The smile that twinkled in Max�s eyes in the previous pictures were gone. He wasn�t even smiling. He seemed stiff, and standoff-ish. She had never really seen him like that before, and she hoped she never would. She moved on to the last picture which seemed to be newer than the rest of them. It was a picture of the Evans family with Noah. Every single one of them looked so happy. Liz wondered what had changed that. Noah�s soft cry came in through the monitor. Liz walked back up the stairs. Once, inside, she leaned over Noah�s crib and gently rocked him and forth. �It�s ok, baby. I�m here.� Back Next |
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