| Part 40C *************** Max sat in his jeep with Liz at his side, and Noah in the back seat outside of the Evans� home. Max turned slightly, grasping Liz�s hand in his. �Why did you want to come here?� Liz looked up at Max, her sad eyes twinkling with unshed tears. �Because I feel safe here.� Max reached over and kissed her hand before the three of them went inside. Diane rushed to the front door as soon as she heard it open. �Max, is that you?� Diane stilled at the sight of a very distraught Liz in her son�s arms. �Liz, dear, are you alright?� Liz gave Diane Evans here most convincing smile. �I�m fine, Mrs. Evans.� Diane looked to Max for some sort of confirmation of what Liz was telling her, but he just shook his head. �If you don�t mind mom, Liz and I were just going up to my room to study.� Max implored his mother to let him handle the situation in private. Diane gave a slight nod of her head, stepping aside reluctantly. Once they reached his room, Max closed the door behind him, and placed Noah in his crib. He took a seat beside Liz, wrapping his arms around her fragile form. He gave her temple a soft kiss, as his hand ran down the side of her arm. �Liz, please tell me what�s wrong. I can�t stand seeing you this way.� Liz buried her face deeper in the crook of Max�s neck, her tears leaving a wet trail. �I�m sorry, Max.� Max found himself smiling despite the situation. It amazed him how Liz could think about him at this moment, when she was the one that was hurting. �Why are you apologizing to me for?� She pulled away, wiping her tear stained cheeks. �My parents.� Max just nodded, as realization hit him. �I�m assuming that your parents aren�t too keen on you and I as a couple?� Liz shook her head sadly. She saw the look of sadness in Max�s eyes and it brought all of the pain she had felt when she was talking to her parents back to the surface. �I tried to make them understand..............� �Shh........� Max placed his index finger against her lips. �It�s ok, Liz. I already had a feeling that they wouldn�t understand, right away. Lord knows if I had a daughter like you, I wouldn�t be too eager to let her date a single father either.� �But that�s the thing. They can�t tell me what to do. I won�t let them.� The determination was set on Liz�s face. Max leaned his forehead against hers, breathing deeply. �Are you sure I�m worth all of this?� Liz heard the vulnerability in Max�s voice, making her heart hurt that much more. �Of course, you are. Why would you say something like that?� He pulled back, his eyes downcast. �I just........I want to make sure that I�m really what you want. I don�t want you to feel like I�m tying you down, or that I�m pressuring you into something you�re not ready for.� He finally looked up into her eyes, �I want you to know that I love you, Liz. And if you�re not ready for a relationship right now, I�d understand. I would wait forever for you.� Liz silenced him with her lips on his. She gave everything she had into the kiss, wanting Max to understand how much she needed him in her life, how important he was. Pulling back, she brushed her lips against his forehead. �I love you, Max. I meant what I said, before. We can get through anything as long as we stick together.� He gave her a small smile. �I know. I�m sorry for doubting what we have, I just........sometimes, I just wonder what I did to deserve someone like you.� Max threaded his fingers through her hair, enjoying the silkiness of it. Liz returned his smile, leaning into the touch of his hand. �I think you�ve got that the other way around.� Max gave a small chuckle, pulling Liz into his embrace. He scooted back towards the headboard, leaning up against it with Liz by his side. �Liz!� Noah called to her from his crib, reaching out his arms. Liz hopped off the bed and grabbed him, bringing him to Max�s bed. She gave him a soft kiss. �Hey, precious. I�ve missed you.� She gave him one last squeeze before she let him crawl onto Max�s chest. He lay his head down, his eyes slowly drifting closed. Max looked down at his son laying on his chest, and softly ran his fingers through Noah�s hair. �So what should we do now?� Liz snuggled up closer to Max, enjoying the warmth of his body. �I don�t know. What did you have in mind?� �Hmmm, I don�t really care. I�m too exhausted to move right now.� Max laughed, tightening his arms around Liz. �Then we�ll stay right here.� �Sounds good.� Liz�s voice was muffled by Max�s sweater. He looked down to say something to her, when he saw her eyes were closed. Her breathing had evened out, letting Max know that she had fallen asleep. He kissed her forehead, then closed his own eyes. *********** Diane walked up the stairs to call Max and Liz down for dinner. She gave the door a little knock, but no one answered. The door was slightly ajar, so she peaked her head in. �Max............... Her voice drifted off when her caught sight of Max, Liz, and Noah asleep together on the bed. Max was laying flat on his back, with Noah sprawled against his chest. His arm draped over his son, while his other arm was wrapped tightly around Liz, who was curled up on his side. Diane placed her hand over her mouth, at the sight that three of them made. They looked just like a family. Phillip walked up the stairs, standing beside his wife. �Di? What�s taking so long?� When she didn�t answer, he looked to where her eyes were focused. A small smile touched his lips, as he steered Diane towards the stairs. �Why don�t we give them a few more minutes?� Diane just nodded her head, sharing Phillip�s smile. As she made her way down the stairs, Phillip stepped into the room, gently shaking Max�s shoulder. �Max.� Max�s eyes fluttered open, but shut them again when the light hit his eyes. �Dad?� �Yea. Dinner�s ready. When the three of you are ready, come on down.� Phillip sat back up, closing the door behind him as he left. Max�s eyes finally came back into focus. Noah shifted on his chest, causing Max to look at him. He had his thumb in his mouth, and his other hand was curled around Liz�s hand. Liz! Max�s heart beat tripled when he realized that Liz was still asleep beside him. His eyes shot to the door when he realized that his father had seen them. He hoped that his dad didn�t get the wrong idea, but upon remembering what his father had said, his heart slowed down a little. It didn�t seem like he was mad. As he continued to contemplate his thoughts, Liz began to stir beside him. Her long lashes fluttered against her rosy cheeks, her lips slightly parted. Max couldn�t resist leaning down and placing a kiss on her lips. Liz smiled against his lips, her eyes coming into focus. �What was that for?� Max ran his finger down the tip of her nose. �Because I could. And because you look absolutely breath taking right now.� Liz gave him a smirk, her eyes disbelieving. �I don�t think so. How can I be breath taking when I have bed hair?� Max just laughed. �You always look beautiful. In fact, I don�t think I�ve ever seen you more beautiful than the way you look right now.� Liz�s face flushed at his sincere comment. �C�mon. We gotta go downstairs. It�s time for dinner.� Liz shot up in bed, straightening out her clothes. �Your parents saw me asleep? Here?� Max just nodded, his eyes a little confused. �Yea, why?� Liz ran her fingers through her hair, trying to make herself a little more presentable. �I just, I don�t want your parents to get the wrong idea.� Max sat up, cradling Noah in his arms. �They didn�t. And besides, we did nothing wrong. We just fell asleep.� Liz nodded, placing her hand in Max�s outstretched one. The two of them walked into the dining room hand in hand. Diane, Phillip, and Isabel looked up. �It�s about time you two got down here. I thought I was going to have to start gnawing on my arm.� Isabel smiled as she saw the two of them blush at her playful teasing. Max pulled out Liz�s seat for her, before taking his seat beside her. �Ok, let�s dig in everyone!� Diane passed the dinner rolls to Liz. She gave her hand a soft squeeze, causing Liz to look at her in shock. Diane just smiled at her and mouthed the word thank you to her, Liz returned her smile, feeling better already. Even if her own mother couldn�t understand her relationship with Max, she was glad that Max�s mother did. Part 41 ************** It was Wednesday morning at West Roswell High School. Max had come to school early, hoping to catch Maria before he met up with Liz. Spotting her at her locker, he walked towards her purposefully. �Hey, Maria.� Maria looked up from the jungle that was her locker. She blew a piece of hair away from her eyes, smiling when she saw Max. �Oh, hey Max. What�s up?� He leaned up against the locker beside hers, thinking of a way to ask her what he had to ask. �Well, I was wondering, you know, I would never put you in a position like this, but I wouldn�t ask if I didn�t need the help. And I�m only asking cos I don�t have any other choice. I was wondering if you could do me a favor. But I don�t want you to feel like you have to, you can feel free to say no.........� Maria watched in amusement as Max rambled on and on. She thought it was kinda quite how he was stumbling all over his words. She slammed her locker closed, giving him her biggest smile. �Sure, I�ll do it.� Max stopped long enough to give Maria a questioning look. He had been in the middle of his speech when she had spoken. �What?� Maria leaned on her locker, giving Max a sideways glance. �I said, I�d do that favor for you.� Max got a little wrinkle in between his eyebrows. �But you don�t even know what I�m asking you to do.� She pushed herself up from the locker, to stand up in front of Max. �That�s really beside the point. But you might as well tell me what it is, so I know what it is I�m going to be doing.� Max just nodded his head slowly. He hadn�t really expected to have Maria say yes. In fact, he had a whole speech prepared. He just took a deep breath, hoping that she was still willing to do him that favor, after he told her what it was. �You see, Liz has kinda been having a tough week, and well, she and I have work all week and I�ve been wanting to do something special for her, you know, to make her forget her problems for a little while. Anyways, the only day off we have together is Saturday, and well, I kinda wanted it just to be us. I mean I would ask Isabel to do it, but she has work, and my mom does too. I guess I could just leave Noah with a babysitter, but I�ve never really done that before, and since you�ve already met him and you two seem to get along ok, I was wondering if you could watch him on Saturday.� Maria�s eyes were glowing with excitement. She clapped her hands together, jumping up and down. �Are you asking me if I can babysit Noah on Saturday, while you do something special for Liz?� Max�s head bobbed up and down slowly, trying to gauge what Maria�s reaction was going to be. He was caught off guard when she threw her arms around his neck, giving him a big squeeze. �Of course, I�ll do it!� She pulled back with an enormous smile on her face. She was more than happy to help out Max. In reality, she would have babysat for Max, regardless of the situation, but after hearing the reason why he wanted her to babysit, she was even more excited. Liz sure was lucky. Max found himself smiling down into the eyes of Maria. �Thanks, I totally appreciate it.� �No problem. Just make sure you bring Noah to my house bright and early. I wanna make the most of spending the day with him.� Max felt like his heart was about to burst. Never in a million years would he have thought he would make friends that would support him. Maria was such a great friend. It seemed as if she was always there when one of her friends needed her. He placed a hand on her shoulder, his eyes becoming serious. �And about Monday afternoon, with Pam.......I just wanted to say thanks. I probably would have hit her myself, but my mom�s always taught me not to hit a lady.......� Maria�s nose scrunched up, showing her distaste of the topic of conversation. �Max, Pam Troy is a lot of things, but she sure as hell ain�t a lady.� The two of them laughed at what Maria was saying. Suddenly, Michael and Kyle made their way towards them. Kyle clapped Max on his back. �Max, my house, Saturday. We�re watching the game.� Michael wrapped his arms around Maria�s waist, leaning his chin on her shoulder. �Yeah, Max. Whitman�s gonna be there too. We�ll make a day of it.� Alex came down the hall, his wallet chain dragging. �We�ll make a day of what?� �Game on Saturday, my house.� Kyle, shifted his book bag onto his other shoulder, grinning at the guys. �So, how about it, Max? Can we expect you there?� Maria, shook her head. �No can do guys. Max has other plans.� Michael quirked his eyebrow at Maria. �What do you know about it?� Max finally spoke up. �Actually, I kinda have plans with Liz.........� He let his voice trail off, a little sad that he was declining their offer. It sounded like it was going to be fun, and he never really done any hanging out with just the guys, but he couldn�t say yes. As tempted as he was to say yes, his main concern was Liz. He wanted to take her out for the day, and make the world fade away even for just a little bit. �Oh, well that�s cool. If you want, stop by after. I�m pretty sure we�ll be hanging out all day.� Max gave a little smile. �I might just do that.� �Might just do what?� Liz and Isabel made their way to the group that had now congregated by Maria�s locker. Liz slipped her arm around Max�s waist, giving him a smile. �What were you saying?� �I just told the guys I�d stop by later on Saturday to hang out.� Liz frowned at him. �Why not stop by in the morning? Isn�t there some sort of game on or something?� He slipped his arm around her shoulders, bringing her closer to him. �Yeah, but we have plans for the whole day.� �We do?� Max nodded slowly. He had heard the surprise in her voice, and he wasn�t sure if that was good or bad. �Yeah, I kinda made, plans, but if you don�t want to- Liz�s face lit up with a smile. �I want to. But what are we doing?� Max�s eyes began twinkling. �It�s a surprise.� Liz rolled her eyes, slapping him across the chest. Max�s jovial laughter filled the hall, their friends joining in. The bell rang, causing the students to heave a simultaneous groan. Everybody said their goodbyes, going their separate ways. Max held Liz�s hand as he walked her to class. They stopped outside the door where Max placed a kiss on Liz�s forehead. �I�ll see you at lunch.� Before he could leave, Liz tugged him back towards her. �What have you got planned for us this weekend?� Max�s smile took on a devilish quality. �I told you, it�s a surprise.� Liz gently pinched his side, causing Max to yelp. �Max Evans, what have you got up your sleeve?� �That�s for me to know and for you to find out!� He placed a quick peck on her lips, then pulled back quickly heading for the other direction. �I�ll see you at lunch!� He found himself laughing at the sight of Liz standing outside of her classroom, her hands on her hips, giving him a mock glare. He was going to enjoy Saturday. He was going to go out of his way to make it a special day for Liz. He knew she was bottling up her feelings concerning her parents decision about their relationship. He had tried to get her to open up to him, but she always said she didn�t want to talk about it. He didn�t want to push her, but he knew holding all of that in wasn�t healthy. He had been persistent, and at least got her to tell him something. She had said that she and her parents were no longer on speaking terms and had left it at that. He knew how much this was hurting her. That�s why he had come up with this idea. He would make her forget her problems even for just a couple of hours, and then together, they would face their problems hand in hand. Part 42 ************ Max trudged up the walkway of the Valenti/Deluca household. In one arm, he carried Noah, and the other held Noah�s things. As he reached the front door, he dropped the bag and rang the bell. The door opened with Kyle wearing gym shorts and a t-shirt, scratching his head. �Hey, Max.� He pulled the screen door open, stepping aside to let Max through. He noticed Max struggling a little with the bag, so he reached forward and took it from him. �I got.� Max gave Kyle a grateful look, and made his way inside. Kyle turned his head towards the hall and yelled at Maria. �Hey, Maria! Max and Noah are here.� Kyle turned back around and smiled at Noah who was smiling back at him. �Hey, little guy. Give me a high-five?� Kyle held out his hand for Noah to hit it, but Noah just giggled into his father�s shoulder. Max looked at his son, sharing his infectious laughter. �Are you shy, little man? Kyle only wants to play.� Max turned back to Kyle. �He�s just a little shy right now, but give him an hour and you�ll wish he would have just kept ignoring you.� Kyle laughed, tugging on Noah�s little hat. �It�s ok. We�ve got plenty of time. By the time you pick him up, he�ll be running and jumping faster than all the other little kids.� It was then that Maria burst into the living room. �Morning, all.� She headed straight for Max and Noah. She took Noah from Max, pinching his chubby cheeks. �Hi, Noah.� Noah smiled back up at Maria. �Hi.� Maria turned to Max, an excited gleam in her eyes. �Did he just say hi?� Max shared her excitement. �Yeah, I think he just did.� He turned to his son, giving him his most encouraging look. �Hi, Noah.� �Hi.� Maria and Max exchanged smiles, both looking ready to jump up and down. As the phone rang, Kyle just shook his head and answered it. �Hello? Oh, hey dad.......Yeah, just Michael and Alex, and Max a little later on.........yes.......yes.......I said I was sorry about that........I promise............You don�t have to worry..........Maria�s going to be here all day.........Ok, I already said I promise.........FINE!........Michael, Alex, and I, are not professional wrestlers. The living room is not a fighting ring, and we will not pretend like it is........Are you happy, now?...........� Maria just shook her head at the conversation Kyle was having with his father. He was no doubt getting the lecture about being adults. She found herself chuckling as she heard Kyle repeat the litany that his father had come up with. She returned her attention back to Max, lowering her voice conspiratorially. �So, did you do it?� Max gave her a grin, while bobbing his head in response. �Yeah, I did. Noah even helped.� Maria looked at the bundle in her arms and smiled. �Aw, that is just so sweet. What I wouldn�t do to be able to see that.� Giving a small chuckle, Max tried to speak again. �Yeah, well you may be able to. Izzy couldn�t resist and bust out the camcorder.� They laughed together for a little while before max sobered up again. �Did you get Liz to do it?� �Yeah, but she has been nagging me constantly to try and figure out where you�re taking her.� Max gave Maria a worried glance. �You didn�t tell her, did you?� Maria shook her hair wildly, her blonde curls bouncing. �No, of course not. Just a warning. She�ll do her best to get it out of you, but don�t give in.� �Don�t give in?� Max swallowed, tugging on his shirt collar. �Uh huh. She�ll try to wear you down, do all sorts of tricks. Don�t fall for it. But she�ll save the best for last. She�ll look at you with those doe eyes and her long eyelashes, and I know you�ll give in. So don�t look into her eyes!� Max jumped back a little at the change of pitch of Maria�s voice. �I-I won�t.� �Good. Now, do you need directions, or.......� �No, I know how to get there. I�ve practically burned into my memory.� �Great, so I guess I�ll see you later.� Maria turned Noah so he was facing Max. �Say buh-bye to daddy?� Noah waved to his father, then placed his hand back on Maria�s shoulder. Max leaned forward and gave Noah a kiss on his cheek. �Bye, Noah. You be good for Maria while I�m gone.� Max gave one last goodbye, as he headed towards his jeep. On his way out, he came across Michael and Alex. �Hey, Max.� �Hey, guys.� �So, there�s no possible way we can persuade you to stay?� Michael grinned at Max, as he asked his question. Max shook his head. �Not a chance. But I�ll be back later.� Alex gave Max a wave as he continued down the walkway. �Ok, later, Max.� Max turned back around, giving one last wave. �Yeah, later.� ********** As Max arrived outside the Crashdown, he saw Liz sitting outside on the curb, with a floppy hat and sunglasses. She had a bag slung over one shoulder as she waited. Max pulled up beside her, jumping out of the jeep. He reached out his hand to help her up. �Been waiting long?� �No.� She let him take her bag and place it in the back seat. He opened the passenger door, helping her into her seat. As she turned to put her seat belt on, Max brushed his lips against hers for a sweet kiss. He made his way around to his side, jumping in to start the engine. �You ready to go?� Liz graced him with a smile that lit up her entire face. �With you? I�m always ready.� Max shifted gears and headed out of Roswell. ********** As the three guys settled themselves with junk food in the living room, Maria ran to get the phone with Noah in her arms. �Hello?� �Maria, is that you?� Maria shifted Noah into her other arm as she cradled the phone against her shoulder. �Isabel? Is that you?� �Omigod! Thank goodness you�re there. I need you to come over to the Crashdown. Agnes just called in sick and I can�t find anyone to cover for her. I�m the only one here and the place is starting to fill up. Please, Maria. You gotta come down here and help me.� Isabel rushed the words past her lips. Maria looked at Noah in her arms, then looked to the phone in her hand. Having made her decision, she placed the phone back against her ear. �I�ll be there in ten minutes.� Maria put the phone back down and headed back to the living room. She deposited Noah on Alex�s lap, giving Noah a kiss on his head. �Look, I gotta go down to the Crashdown and help Isabel for a couple of hours. Agnes bailed on her so she�s the only one there. You guys watch Noah while I�m gone.� Maria walked down the hall to her room to retrieve her purse. She came back with keys in hand, heading towards the front door. On her way, Kyle came to stand in front of her. �Is this some kind of joke?� She pushed Kyle out of the way. �No it isn�t. I can�t leave Isabel alone all by herself. It�s Saturday and the place is going to be packed.� She pulled the screen door open, but Kyle grabbed it before she could get out. �You can�t just leave Noah here with us.� Maria rolled her eyes. �Why not? There�s three of you guys here. It�s nothing you guys can�t handle. And besides, he�s just a little baby.� Michael called out from his position on the couch, where Noah had crawled into his lap. �Uh, have you forgotten that we�re three teenage guys that have no babysitting experience?� Maria looked to see a very uncomfortable Michael, in the presence of a very curious Noah. �You guys have nothing to worry about. He�s exactly like you guys, except for the fact that he�s less than two feet tall.� Maria pushed the door open again and headed for the jetta. As she sped out of the driveway, she pulled her window down to yell. �I�ll call later on to check up on you guys.� She gave a wave and a smile as she headed to the direction of Main Street. Kyle shut the door and walked back into the living room. He stood there and watched as Noah climbed off of Michael�s lap, walking towards him. Noah tugged on Kyle�s pants leg, a grin on his lips. �Hi.� Kyle looked to the Michael and Alex, who both just shrugged their shoulders. They could do this, right? I mean how hard was it to take care of a little baby? When Kyle didn�t pay attention to Noah tugging on his leg, Noah turned his attention to the hallway that led to the bedrooms. He covered his mouth with his hand as a giggle escaped his lips. He ran towards the bedrooms, leaving a very stunned Kyle in his wake. Kyle�s eyes grew wide. He turned to his friends and pointed to where Noah had run. �Go! Go catch him!� The three boys practically tripped over themselves as they tried to reach Noah. They didn�t understand how Noah had run away from them so quickly, when he had such short legs. The three of them quieted down and listened for Noah�s childish giggles, to lead them to his location. �Noah, come out, come out, where ever you are.� At the sound of Alex�s voice, Noah appeared from Kyle�s room, running towards the living room again. He was to quick for Alex to catch. Kyle tried to grab him, but Noah had side stepped him, running between Michael�s long legs. The three of them shook their heads, as Noah once again managed to escape the three of them. This was going to be a long day. Part 43A *************** Liz turned so that she was facing Max as he drove. Max caught her looking at him from the corner of his eye. �What?� He turned to look at her for a quick second before turning his eyes back to the road. Sighing, Liz lifted up her leg so that she could sit on it. �Nothing. I�m just admiring the view.� Chuckling, Max pointed to the scenery outside the window. �I think you�ve got that mixed up. The view is towards that way.� Liz shook her head. She pulled off her hat, causing her chocolate colored tresses to flow around her shoulders like a waterfall. Max had to do a quick double take, as he was suddenly mesmerized by the sight beside him. Gripping the wheel a little tighter, he forced his eyes back to the road before they got into an accident. �Nope. I didn�t get that mixed up. I�m enjoying the view right here.� Max turned again to see the way Liz�s eyes shone in the sunlight that filtered through the windshield. NO! He shook his head. Maria was right. He couldn�t look into her eyes without wanting to spill everything about his surprise. Liz bit her bottom lip to keep from smiling at the sight of Max so flustered. Placing a hand on his arm, she spoke softly. �Max- She was surprised at the way he jumped back at her touch. She pulled her hand away. �Is everything ok?� His eyes were dancing wildly. �Tricks.� Liz stifled the laugh that wanted to come out. �Tricks?� Max nodded his head slowly. �Yeah, no tricks.� Indulging him, Liz nodded as if she was understanding what he was talking about. �No tricks?� �Uh huh.� Max refused to turn to Liz anymore as he continued to speak. It was too dangerous. She had that beautiful smile of hers that showed her perfect white teeth. That smile that made his knees weak, and his toes curl. Liz finally let the laughter inside her bubble forth. Max was just absolutely adorable. She had no idea what he was talking about, but she couldn�t care less right now. Seeing the way he was fighting himself for some sort of control endeared him to her. Max threw a glance at Liz. She was laughing, her head tilted back, exposing her elegant neck. Gulping, Max tried to think of anything but the beauty that was seated beside him. This was going to be the longest ride of his life, but he couldn�t really complain. He wouldn�t change a thing. He was the luckiest man alive. **************** Michael, Alex, and Kyle ran into the living room to find Noah climbing onto the couch. The three of them watched as Noah struggled a little, but eventually situated himself in the middle of the couch. All heaving a sigh of relief, the three boys sat down. Kyle on the end of the couch, Michael on the other, with Noah in the middle. Alex took the recliner that was beside Michael. Kyle pushed Noah back against the cushions of the couch, making sure that his little legs weren�t dangling off of the side. With his hand on Noah�s tummy, he started talking. �Ok, pal, we gotta lay some ground rules here. No more running around til the game is over. Ok? After that we can play all you want.� Noah just covered his eyes with his hands, laughing. Kyle nodded then turned his attention to the tv. He flipped the channels just in time to see Hannah Storm, talking about today�s game. �Come on. Let�s get to the good stuff.� Michael leaned forward to grab a bag of lays chips. He ripped the package open, grabbing a handful. He handed it to Kyle who dug right in, passing it towards Alex. When Alex received the bag, he studied the label, reading it carefully. With a teasing grin, Kyle hit Michael across the shoulder, pointing towards Alex. �What�s the matter, Alex? Checking to see how many calories there are?� Alex gave a mock laugh. �Ha ha. I was checking to see if they made this with that Olean crap.� Michael looked up from the mountain of chips in his hands. He popped one into his mouth, throwing a look to Alex. �So, what if they did? What�s the big deal?� �Didn�t you hear? That Olean stuff doesn�t digest in people�s systems, that it just leaks straight through to their underwear. You know, kinda like track marks.� Kyle looked at Alex horrified. �Dude, that�s so gross! I so did not need to hear that.� Alex just shrugged his shoulders, and dipped his hand into the bag. The three of them returned their attention to the television screen. Tip off was about to begin when a stench started to permeate through the room. Kyle was in the process of putting a chip into his mouth, when he had the sudden urge to drop it. �What is that smell?� Michael looked up, holding up his hands. �It�s not me. That�s just foul.� Michael and Kyle both turned their heads sharply to Alex who was grubbing on some chips. �What?� When they both gave him a knowing look, Alex shook his head vigorously. �Well don�t look at me. Just because I said something about track marks.........� His voice trailed off as his eyes landed on Noah. Kyle and Michael followed his gaze. Kyle leaned forward to get a sniff of Noah when he suddenly jumped out of his seat. �Geez!� Alex tried not to laugh at his friend, but it was hard not to. �I guess it�s safe to assume that it�s our little buddy?� Kyle nodded, a look of disgust on his face. �Oh, yeah. It�s definitely him.� The three boys gathered around Noah, watching him curiously. �What are we going to do?� Michael tilted his head to the side, studying Noah�s every move. �I don�t know about you guys, but I�m calling Maria.� Kyle ran to the phone and dialed the number to the Crashdown. �Crashdown, Maria speaking.� �Good, it�s you.� �Kyle?� �Yeah, it�s me. We�ve got a problem.� His eyes returned to Noah. �A very big problem.� �Well, what is it? Is something wrong with Noah? Is he hurt?� �Calm down, Maria. He�s not hurt.� �Then what is it?� �Noah, he kinda needs a diaper change. Like really bad.� Maria blew out a breath. She turned her head to listen to the voice that was calling her. �Maria, order�s up.� She turned her attention back to the phone. �I don�t see what the problem is, Kyle. Just change him. I gotta go.� Before Kyle could get another word in, he heard the click of the phone. Slowly putting the phone down, he turned to his friends with a defeated look on his face. �What did she say?� �We�ve gotta change him.� Michael�s eyes grew wide. �Hold on. What do you mean we�ve gotta change him.� �Well I�m not doing it by myself, besides, we can�t just leave him like that.� Alex stepped forward. �Ok, everyone just relax.� He looked his two friends in the eyes. �We�re in this together.� ************** Liz sat back in her seat. �How longer til we get there?� �No way. I�m no telling you anything.� �Oh c�mon, Max. Can�t you give me a clue? Anything?� Max shook his head in the negative. �Nope. I�m not telling you anything.� Liz crossed her arms in front of her, her lips forming a pout. Max chuckled at the sight of Liz pouting. She was so cute when she did that. He reached over and gently touched her shoulder. �Oh, don�t be like that. I promise. It won�t be much longer.� Liz couldn�t keep up the act anymore. She uncrossed her arms, reaching up to twine her fingers with Max�s. �Ok. I promise I�ll stop trying to get information from you.� Max gave her a smile, then returned his eyes to the road in front of him. Liz pulled his hand up to her lips, giving it a soft kiss. She didn�t know what it was that she did to deserve Max Evans, but she wasn�t about to complain. Back Next |
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