Author: Lori R      10/03
Email: Gussywussy55@yahoo.com
Title: 'The Camp Out'
Category: Outsider (Max and Isabel)
Rating: NC17...PLEASE do NOT read this fic if you are under the legal age!
Feedback: Always nice to have...good or bad.
Summary: Max and Isabel go camping.

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

Phillip Evans sat eating dinner with his family his eyes falling on each one as he chewed his meal. Max sat hunched over his plate quietly eating his dinner, his eyes sliding to Isabel now and again. Isabel was in conversation with Diane, but she seemed distracted as she picked at the food on her plate. Both Max and Isabel had been rather cool towards one another the past few weeks and Phillip was tired of it. He didn't know what was going on between them, but he wanted his family back to normal again and he thought he had found the solution. Swallowing he picked up his glass and took a drink then cleared his throat.
Everyone looked up as it became apparent that Phillip had something to say.
"The weekend is coming up and I thought it would be a good idea to spend some quality time together."
At the looks on the faces of the others he announced, "We're going camping!"
"That sounds like a great idea, honey," smiled Diane Evans. She looked at Max and Isabel. "Doesn't that sound great kids?"
Max and Isabel looked at one another and forced smiles as they looked back at the couple who had raised them since they were children.
"Yeah!  Just great!" exclaimed Max a bit too exuberantly. He looked at Isabel and the smile he had on his face slid away.
"Camping?" asked Isabel with a little look of panic.  " I can't ..."
Max cleared his throat and ran a hand up and down his neck. Isabel's eyes went to his and she sobered at the look he gave her. She looked back at her parents and saw they waited expectantly for her to finish her sentence.
"I...I can't think of anything I'd rather do more," said Isabel, forcing a smile before she looked away.
Phillip's smile grew bigger at his family's enthusiasm. "Well great! I know you kids had a great time when we went camping as a group on that Dad's Weekend we went on. And well you two seem to be at odds and I thought this might help smooth whatever it is between you out."
Max and Isabel glanced at one another then looked away, something that wasn't missed by Phillip and Diane.
"I think it's a great idea. Isabel and I can buy the food we need and you and Max can....."
Isabel and Max had each tuned out the conversation and fell deep into  thought. 
Both were dreading the weekend to come.

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


Isabel began to gather what she would need for the camp out and tossed it into a bag. 
"Is that what you're taking?" came a voice from the doorway. 
Isabel tensed, pausing momentarily before she glanced around at Max then back at the items she was shoving into her pack.  She nodded her head slightly. "Yeah," came her uneasy reply.
Max 's shoulders sagged as he sighed and stepped into the room.  "Isabel,  is this the way it's going to be from now on? Because I don't want it to be like this between us."
Isabel sighed as she shook her head and threw another pair of shorts into her pack.
"I don't like this tension between us either, Max, but I don't know what to do about it."
Max backed up and leaned against the door.  "Maybe this trip is what just what we need.  We can sit down and talk. We need to talk about what is happening between us, Isabel."
Isabel looked at him like he had lost his mind. "This trip is a mistake, Max. You know that. And we have talked."  She continued packing but  jumped and moved away when she felt Max's hand touch her shoulder. 
"Sorry," she said apologetcially, when she saw Max's wounded look.  She felt wounded herself. 
"I .... I didn't mean to do that." 
He could see she meant it, but it still hurt him that she would react that way to him. "I know."  He ran his hand through his hair in frustration. "Isabel, we can just go on as if we had never learned the truth."
 He took a step towards her. "We can just be who we have always been. Nothing more." He was almost pleading with her now. He couldn't lose her over this.
Isabel studied Max as she considered his words. Cautiously she nodded her head. "You think we can?"
"We have to try," replied Max.  
Isabel nodded. "Okay," came her quiet reply. She wanted to believe it too. She needed and missed Max, but she couldn't handle the way things were between them either
Max smiled, but it was tinged with sadness. "Good." Things were still uncomfortable between them and it broke his heart.  He pointed towards the hall. "I huh....better go help Dad get things loaded up."
Isabel forced a smile as well. "Yeah. I'll finish up here and be down soon."
Max nodded then backed up and headed out the door.
Isabel sat down on her bed and picked up a sweat shirt and began to fold it then put it down again and sighed.  
"What if I don't want things to go back to being the same?" She rubbed her forehead where a dull ache had begun.  How could things that happened millions of miles away on another planet effect her life here so extremely?
 It wasn't fair. 
She sighed again and picked up the shirt once more and finished packing.


In the hall Max leaned against  the wall and  wrapped his hands around the back of his neck and looked up at the ceiling as if looking for answers. 
'We can do this. ...'I' can do this! We won't be alone so there shouldn't be any problems.'
Max pushed himself away from the wall and walked downstairs.
"Yeah, right."


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

The Lake.....

"Well? Is this a perfect spot or what?" Phillip Evans was thrilled when they came upon a site that was close to the water. "The fishing should be great here too! I bet we can catch a mess for dinner if we get started soon."
"It is wonderful, honey!" replied Diane as she stepped beside him. "Kids! Isn't this spot great?"
"Yeah, great!" Max and Isabel both replied dutifully.
Isabel shifted her pack on her back and hugged her pillow to her tighter. The ride here in the SUV was tense, but she didn't think her parents noticed. They were just glad to have a  'family time', something they hadn't had since Max and Isabel had found out about their past.
"Okay, you girls gather some wood and Max and I will set up the tents before we head down to the water to catch some dinner," said Phillip, setting his pack down. He stood up and looked around smiling. This was what his family needed and he was very pleased with himself for thinking of it.
Max looked over at Isabel struggling  to take off her pack.  He walked over to her. "Want some help?"
Isabel hestitated then nodded and allowed Max to help her take off the pack. 
"Thanks," she told  him with a greatful smile before going off with Diane.
Max watched her go and reminded himself once again that this was nothing more than a trip with his family. Nothing more. There was nothing to worry about between him and Isabel. 
He just wished he believed it.



"Honey, this disagreement you and Max have been having....what is it about?" asked Diane, as she picked up another piece of wood. 
Isabel hesitated as she put a stick of wood in her satchel then said, "Mom, we aren't having a disagreement."
"Isabel, I know you two. Something is going on between you. Your Father sees it too, and it has us both worried. Now what's wrong?"
Isabel turned away nervously and pretended to hunt another stick of wood.  Oh gawd! She was going to have to tell yet another lie to her Mother. Isabel turned back and rolled her eyes. 
"Mom, please. I don't know what you and Daddy think you see, but believe me nothing is wrong between me and Max." She shifted her satchel that was now full of wood. "I think I have enough. I'm going to head back." She turned away and a frown appeared on her face to marr her perfect features. She hated lying to her Mother.
Diane watched Isabel leave and shook her head as she followed. Something was definitely wrong.


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

When Diane and Isabel arrived back into camp it was to find a very unhappy Phillip pacing down by the water and Max watching him with an uneasy look on his face.  Only one tent  had been erected.
"Phillip? What's wrong? Did we forget something?" asked Diane, setting down her satchel of wood.
Phillip shook his head as he took off his hat and slapped his leg with it. "I got a call from one of my biggest clients. He needs some work done ASAP and I need to head back." He shook his head again as he put his hat back on. "I really wanted this time for our family."
Diane sighed. "Well the kids and I will....."
Phillip shook his head as he cut her off. "He has requested I bring my wife to entertain his while we are in meetings." He took Diane's hands in his. "I need you to come with me," he said apologetically.
Diane's shoulders sagged as she nodded. "Fine." Then she looked at Isabel and Max. "I guess the trip is off kids."
Phillip shook his head.  "No. I've called a cab to pick us up. There is no reason Max and Isabel can't stay and camp. We'll leave them the SUV."
Max could feel Isabel's eyes boring in to him. He looked up.  The expression on her face said everything.  She didn't want to stay. She hadn't wanted to come as it was and now that it was just the two of them she was upset.   
Isabel nervously walked over to Phillip and shoved her hands in her back pockets as she tried to think of just the right words. She tried not to appear anxious as she looked up at him and said,  "But Daddy, don't you think we should all go back with ...." 
Phillip held up his hand. "Honey, you and Max are staying. You need to work out whatever is going on between you two."
Isabel's eyes widened as she shook her head. "There is nothing going on between...."
Phillip held up a hand. "Isabel! You're staying. You're Mother and I don't know what has come between you two, but we want it resolved. Maybe being out here alone will give you the time you need to do just that."
Isabel looked at Max.  She could see it on his face. He had known they were staying.  She sighed in resignation.  "Fine." She looked down at the ground to hide how upset she was. There was no point in arguing. The decision had been made whether she liked it or not.
Phillip knew Isabel was unhappy, but right now that didn't matter. She and Max needed to work out their problems and he needed to get to his client. He looked at Diane. "The cab will meet us at the parking area so we better go. The kids can bring out packs when they return."
Diane looked between Isabel and Max. Neither were happy. Maybe this was best. "I'll get what I need to take with me," she said.
Phillip went to stand before Max. "I need you to put your differences aside and  take care of Isabel. She's not used to this outdoor stuff."
Max nodded. "I'll take care of her." 
Then Phillip went to stand before a frowning  Isabel. He hugged her to him. "Honey, try and have fun. Max is a great camper so no need to worry. And please, try to work out your problems with him." He kissed her forehead.
Isabel tried to smile for him and nodded. "Have a safe trip."
Phillip smiled at her effort then  patted Max on his shoulder.  He looked at his watch then called out, "Honey! We need to go!"
"I'm ready," said Diane, as she returned and hugged both of her children.  She lingered with Isabel, laying a  hand gently on her cheek.  She smiled at the quiet girl who forced a smile back. Then Diane followed Phillip out of the camp.


When they could no longer see their parents Max walked over to Isabel and said, "You don't have to worry, Isabel. We'll go on just like Mom and Dad were here. Everything will be okay."
The beautiful blond shook her head. "Things haven't been okay for a while now, Max," said Isabel as she moved off. 
Max's shoulders slumped as he  watched her walk away. She was blaming him for this though she hadn't said so with words.
Isabel  stood alone thinking for the longest time, fidgiting nervously with her hair before placing her hands on her hips and turning back to Max and asking, "Max, did you even try to talk Dad into letting us go with them?"
Max pretended to study the rock he had picked up off the ground as he considered how to answer her. His face scrunched up a bit before he tossed the rock down and turned to answer her. "No. No, I didn't."
Isabel nodded before  looking away. She nibbled her lip and rocked on her feet as she tried to quiet her heart. She put her hand to her stomach to still the rolling there. Her insides were spinning out of control much like her life.
"Why?" she asked, looking at Max. 
"Because I think we need to work this out. No interference. Just us getting back to a place where we are comfortable with one another again."
Isabel nodded. He was right and she knew it, but she was afraid. She felt things were going to change between them, but she didn't know if it was going to be for the better.
"Do you think we can? Get back to that place?"
"I hope so," replied Max.
She felt like it was still a mistake, but she nodded slightly, her nerves still not quite settled down.  "Okay. So how do we start?"
"With normal stuff. Let's go fishing," suggested Max with a shrug.
Isabel wrinkled her nose. "Fishing? Not exactly what I had in mind, Max."  She thought they would sit and really talk. Really talk.
"We're going fishing," said  Max with a small smile. 
Isabel looked towards the tent. "What about the other tent? Shouldn't we put that up?"
Max looked at the tent too. "We'll put it up after we fish."
Fishing. Great. Juuuust great.  "Okay. But I'm not baiting a hook," said Isabel, trying to be light. If Max could make the effort then so could she.


"Okay, don't hurt it! Max...Max!  It's wiggling! It's still alive!" said Isabel crinkling her nose as she watched Max barely repressed a smile as he thread a worm on to the  hook.  "It's supposed to wiggle." He tossed the baited hook away from him.  "It attracts the fish. There, you're all set."
"Now what?" asked Isabel, peering at the worm dangling on the hook.
"Cast the line out across  the water and wait. Something will take the bait and then we'll eat."
"Cast?" Isabel asked doubtfully with a furrowed brow.  "Okay." She flicked the pole behind her and hooked Max's shirt, scratching his chest underneath. 
"Ow! Hey!" winced Max.
Isabel's eyes widened.  "I'm sorry! Does it hurt?"
Max unhooked his shirt and tossed the hook out in front of them. "No. Here, let me show you how." He moved behind Isabel and placed his arms around her's to guide her in use of the pole.
Isabel suddenly couldn't breathe or focus. Max's arms were close around her as he placed his hand on her's, his breath on her cheek caressing her skin as he whispered instructions to her.
"Ummm got that?" asked Max. He looked at Isabel's profile and was struck by how beautiful she was even without make up. He felt something deep inside that was not a familiar feeling where Isabel was concerned and that disturbed  him.
Isabel blinked. Breathe you idiot! "What?"
Max realized Isabel hadn't heard a word he had said. He stepped away from her. "Ummmm, try casting again."
Isabel's hands shook as she tried to follow the little bit she had actually heard of what Max had instructed her to do. She flicked her wrist and sent the line sailing out across the lake where the hook plopped down sending the worm under the water.
Isabel turned and flashed a huge smile.  "I did it!" she said with pride, her earlier unease forgotten. She turned back to watch the where the line had dropped down.
Max smiled at her, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.  He realized as his arms were around Isabel that she had been right. This was a mistake.  He was feeling something for Isabel that he knew for certain was from another time and place that he had been hoping he wouldn't have to deal with.
"MAX! I've got something, Max!" said Isabel excitedly. The pole in her hands bobbed rapidly up and down. "What do I do?"  asked Isabel as she looked with nervous excitement at the bobbing pole.
Max walked out to the water and said, "Reel it in slowly and I'll take the fish off the hook for you."
Isabel carefully reeled in the line and suddenly a nice sized fish appeared on the end of her hook.
"I CAUGHT ONE!!!! MAX, LOOK! I DID IT!" Isabel cried in surprise.
Max couldn't help but smile as he took the fish off and held it up. "It's a nice one too, Isabel. Enough for supper."
Isabel frowned. "Eat it? I can't eat that."
Max  looked at her with a raised brow. "Why not?"
"Because I caught it. I'm looking at it and it's alive and moving. And the worm that you put on the hook was alive too, and now it's dead inside that fish." Isabel shook her head. "I can't eat that.  I won't eat it. Let it go."
"Let it go! Isabel, we catch fish to eat, not to let go," replied Max, holding up her prize catch. 
"Max." Isabel softly begged.
Max sighed as he lowered his arm. "Fine." He squatted down and carefully let the fish go.  He took off his hat and as wiped his brow and  said,  "There goes dinner."
They watched the fish rapidly swim away and then Max said, "I guess that means you're through fishing."
Isabel nodded her head. Her momentary thrill at catching the fish was gone. "Sorry about dinner."
Max put his hat back on and shrugged. "It's okay. We'll eat what food we brought with us."
The last thing they needed to do was fight over a fish.


Isabel lifted her heavy  hair off of her neck. "It's hot out here. Stifling." She took a clip out of her pocket and twisted up her head off of her neck. She sighed.
Max nodded as he wiped his brow. "Yeah." He looked up at the sky. "There's no air stirring at all right now, but they say we are expecting a cool front by tomorrow." 
"I wish it was here now," said Isabel twisting her hair up.
Max  looked over at Isabel and swallowed hard as he watched a trickle of perspiration slide down her cleavage. She had taken off her T-shirt and was wearing just a bikini top and low slung cut offs in an effort to get cool. She looked really hot and that thought was stirring up trouble deep within him. 'You can't think about her like that anymore!'
He scratched the back of his neck. "Huh, why don't we eat then I'll ...huh...get a ....huh....set up the tent."
Isabel noted the change in Max's voice and wondered at it. "Okay. I'll..... get the food." 
She sorted through the food items, but her mind was on Max. They had both been trying too hard. 
But at least they had been making an effort. She glanced up as he pulled off his shirt and wiped his brow with it. Her hands stilled as her heart began to race. She flicked her tongue lightly over her lips as she watched the abs on Max's body as he moved about the camp in his shorts.  An image flashed in Isabel's mind of Max...but it wasn't Max....stepping out of a pool of water....his bared body glistening with the water that clung to it. 'Where had that come from?'
"Isabel?" 
Isabel jumped as she came back to the present and found Max standing in front of her.  Her face flamed at the remembered image. "Wh-what?" she stammered as she looked down at the food. Anything to avoid looking at Max.
"Are you okay? Is the heat getting to you?" asked Max with a frown.
Isabel shook her head as she busied herself with the food. "I'm fine." 
"I kept calling your name and you acted like you were a million miles away."  
Isabel paused at his choice of words. How ironic. Who knew how many miles away Antar was. A million? Maybe. "What did you want, Max?" She looked up then. "And...put on a shirt."
Max looked down and crossed his arms over his chest selfconsciously.
"It's too hot, Isabel."
Of course it was too hot.  That was part of the problem. "Look, I'm hot too. And if I have to wear a top then you do too..it's only fair," said Isabel sharply.
 Max immediately had an image of Isabel without her top. 'Don't go there Max. Don't even think about her that way."  
"Here."
Max looked up to find Isabel standing beside him holding out a plate with a sandwich and a drink. 
"I'm sorry about being so sharp before," said Isabel. 
Max nodded as he took the plate and drink. They were careful not to touch as the food was passed. But both looked up and their eyes met before quickly looking away.
Isabel wiped her hands on her shorts. "We're doing it again aren't we?"
Max nodded then went to sit on a log nearby. "Yeah." He wasn't hungry, but he ate the food Isabel had prepared for him just to keep busy and it stuck in his throat.
Isabel nibbled at her own food then put the rest aside. 
"Not hungry?" asked Max., watching her.
"No," said Isabel with a shake of her head.
Max tossed the rest of his sandwich on his plate. "Me either."
"Max, we have to talk about this," Isabel said, finally looking at the man who was causing such turmoil in her life. 
Max rubbed his hands over his face as he sighed. "I know."
"What they did to us...and this...this lie that Nasedo created....I don't know what to do about it. I'm so confused...and angry!  I don't know what to do or to think.... or how to act anymore!" said Isabel in angry confusion.
"I know. When I think about how they planted the orbs and the book  I get angry too."
"It's not just the orbs and the book, Max!" Isabel's mouth clamped shut.
Max sat up straighter as he eyed Isabel. "What else is there?"
"Nothing. There's nothing," said Isabel, crossing her arms over her knees and  looking away.
"Yes, there is. Isabel, we said we were going to talk about this. Get it all out. Now what is it?" pressed Max. 
Isabel bounced her legs up and down nervously where she sat.  She bit the end of her nail and comtemplated how to answer. Finally she looked at Max and  said,  "You and I were married, Max. To each other!" She stared at him then added, "We were lied to all this time and it's changed everything about who we thought we were and who we are. I don't know what I'm supposed to feel  or think about that!" She continued to hold his gaze a moment then looked away, her heart racing and palms sweating.

That was the first time either had actually said it. 
They had only read about it in the second book and seen the second set of orbs that they had discovered in Nasedo's possessions when they were packing things up so Tess could move in with the Valenti's.
They had no doubt this was the true set that Nasedo had hidden from them.  And then they had avoided what they had learned and one another like the plague. 
Until now.
"Are."
Isabel looked up at the quietly spoken word.  "What?"
"You said 'were'." At her confused look Max clarified. "You said we 'were' married. Technically... we  'are' married."
Isabel's felt a flush wash over her. She'd thought about it constantly, but hadn't thought he had. Not that it mattered. In this life they were totally different beings.
"Well that was there. Here we have other lives." Then as an after thought she said, "And you have Liz."

Liz. Max felt an ache in his heart. 
"I don't have Liz."
Isabel's head turned at his softly spoken words. "What? Why?"
He looked at Isabel. "I told her. ..about us."
Isabel's mouth fell open in surprised dismay. "Oh, Max. Why?"
Max shook his head wondering the same thing. She had been devestated.  "She knew something was up. Maria was complaining of Michael acting stranger than usual and wondered if it was why I was too. She knew you and I were ...having problems.... and asked if it was alien related.  I thought she had a right to know."  Liz had been devestated to say the least. She had expected Max  to marry her someday and now that wasn't going to happen.  He couldn't. Not with the information he had now. 
Isabel closed her eyes. It explained why Liz wasn't speaking to her. Avoided her.  She opened her eyes and shook her head. "You shouldn't have told her, Max."
"There was something else."
Isabel turned to look at Max.  Something in his tone told her that what ever it was he had to tell her it was going to change everything between them. She pushed down the dread building inside. "What else?"
Max met Isabel's eyes. "I had to sort out my feelings over you."
Isabel slowly sat up straighter. "Wh-what?"
"I did something...with Tess.  I should have told you, but I didn't know if it would work. Then when it did I wasn't prepared for what I found out."
"What did you do?" Isabel whispered.
His voice was hoarse when he answered. "She helped me remember our past."
Isabel looked away in shock as she felt the air leave her body in a rush.
"You  remember....all of it?" She couldn't breathe.
Max could see his revelation had disturbed her. He nodded. "Yeah."
Isabel turned to look at him with questioning eyes.
"I remember us, Isabel. I remember you and me."

Isabel turned her gaze to the water  trying to grasp what he was telling her. She couldn't deal with this. 
Max watched her as she tried to let sink in what he had told her. He knew how she must feel. It had been a shock to him too when he had regained his memories of her.
The heavens chose that moment to open up and release a heavy shower of rain on them shocking them back into the here and now. Both looked around.  They had been so engrossed in their talk that they had missed the sky growing darker with clouds or the thunder rumbling in the back ground.
"Get to the tent while I take care of things out here!" shouted Max.
Isabel ran to the tent, and once inside used her powers to dry  herself off. She looked outside the flap and watched Max secure their camp site then run to the tent.
She held back the flap so he could quickly crawl inside then zipped it closed.

He was drenched. 
Isabel reached out and waved her hand across him and he was dry again.
Max looked up. "Thanks."
Isabel nodded slightly then moved across the tent to unroll a sleeping bag.
"I guess putting up the other tent is out of the question now," she said, as she sat crossed legged on the now open bag.
Max nodded as he looked out the side of the tent. "Yeah. I mean I can if you really want me too, but...." He hoped she wouldn't want him too. Not in this. But he didn't want her to feel any more uncomfortable than she already was.  If she wanted the other tent up then he would go out and do it. "It's really coming down out there now."
Isabel sighed as she looked out at the rain beating down on the ground. "We can share I guess." She was nervous being in here with Max. Now more than ever. 
"I upset you didn't I?" He knew she would be. He had been.
Isabel  didn't immediately answer as she bent her knees up and hugged them to her with her chin resting on top.  She wasn't sure it was wise to ask, but she did.  "What did you see? About us I mean?" 
Max was mildly surprised she wanted to know. He knew she was scared of his answer. But he was going to be honest with her.
"We were happy," he told her with a small smile as he remembered what he had seen during the memory retrievals that Tess had helped him with. "We were very happy. We were in love."
Isabel sat silently for a long while until Max asked, "What are you thinking?"
She had such a sad look on her face. "Nothing."
Max wouldn't except that answer. "Don't give me that, Isabel. What are you thinking?"
Isabel weighed her words carefully. "That I have never hated who we are more than now."
Max's eyes opened wide in surprise as he quietly asked, "Why, Iz?"
Isabel raised tear filled eyes to him. " Please don't make me say it, Max."
Max felt his heart constrict.  'Iz..."
Isabel shook her head. "No, Max. Don't. We can't so ....don't. She stretched out on her sleeping bag. "Go to sleep, Max." And she turned her back to him.
Max sat staring at her back and tears welled in his eyes.  As he lay down he damned those that had interfered with their lives. 
And he damned himself for loving someone he could never have again.


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


The rain brought with it the cool front that left the occupants of the tent struggling to find warmth within its thin confines.

After a restless night with too many unwanted thoughts fighting for space in their heads, Isabel and Max had finally fallen into troubled sleep. But during the night the cool air brought them both together for warmth they couldn't find anywhere else.
In her sleep Isabel snuggled tightly next to Max's body seeking his heat and sighed as she found what she sought.
To a sleeping Max the feel of Isabel's soft body tucked closely next to his fed his dream state and he wrapped his arms around her pulling her closer. His body reacted with a craving for the woman who had filled his dreams and he began to seek her out in a quest to quench his need.
Isabel slowly became aware that hands were moving intimately over her body touching her in places no one had ever touched before, arousing in her a need that she hadn't known exsisted but wanted to explore more fully. Lips sought her's hungrily and she responded eagerly  until complete awareness fell upon her.
Max!
Isabel froze, her eyes wide looking up at Max's closed ones. What was she going to do? She reluctantly pulled away from his kiss, but his hands continued to touch her in places and ways that was driving her wild with desire.  'This isn't happening!' her mind cried out. She shifted away from Max and the cool air touched her skin causing her to shiver. 
She waited for him to wake. 
And she wondered about what might have been.

Max fought the urge to waken, but the ache in his lower body was more intense then ever before in his life. He opened his eyes and listened to the rain as it continued to fall. He had to get his mind off of her and then the ache would end. 
Right.  
He'd dreamed of her again. He pushed his fists into his sockets and shivered as the cool air hit his arms and chest.  When would he stop torturing himself with thoughts and dreams of her? She'd been in his blood for so long now that he didn't know what he would do without her. 
He shifted his hips and the painfull erection inside his boxers caused him to wince. He felt like he would burst. He gingerly lifted the sleeping bag up and felt some relief from the weight being removed from on top of his straining member. Cool air. He needed cool air to shock the painful erection out of him. All he needed was for Isabel to wake up and find him stiff and horny.
Max tossed the top of the sleeping bag aside and waited for his body to get control while he shivered from the cool air.

Isabel lay with her hands tucked under her cheek watching  Max as he awakened and wondered if he even knew what had happened while they slept. She knew that as long as she lived she would never forget what it had felt like to be kissed by him. Touched by him. She used the tip of one finger to wipe at a tear that slid down her flawless cheek. 
Then her eyes widened as Max threw back the sleeping bag and revealed his boxers with a huge tented front. Knowing the cause made her blush and ache down low. She tightened her legs together and tried to ignore the feeling that was growing there. 
She heard and saw Max wince and new he must be in pain.  He hit the ground with his fist in what she assumed was frustration.  Then she watched as  he gritted his jaw and then slid slid his hand into his waist band and slowly began to pump.
"You're in pain."
Startled by Isabel's soft voice, Max jumped guiltily as he quickly yanked his hand out of his boxers and pulled the sleeping bag back over himself. His face flamed in the semi darkness as he avoided looking Isabel's direction.
"Max?"
Max groaned inwardly.  Then his brow furrowed as he realized that Isabel catching him about to give himself some relief  had actually fueled his need, not cooled it. Damn! 
"Shouldn't you...finish...um....you know....doing something about it?" Isabel quietly asked.  
"Iz...." his voice was tight with embarrassment. "This isn't something I'm going to discuss with you," said  Max as he struggled with what to do. He couldn't stay here like this and he sure wasn't about to let Isabel get a glimpse of the tent he had infront of his boxers. This trip wasn't going the way he had hoped it was going to go.
Isabel blushed as she realized she had stepped into an area she shouldn't have. "I'm...I'm  sorry, Max. I should never have said....I'm sorry." She turned over, pulling the sleeping bag closer around her.
Max pinched the area between his eyes and sighed. He had to take care of his need before he could deal with  Isabel.  Of course the two went hand in hand. He looked outside and realized the rain had stopped. 
"I'm going out to go  huh.....I'm going out."
He quickly put on his shoes and headed out of the tent into the awakening dawn.

Isabel turned back over and watched out the flap as Max made his way down to the water.
He hadn't even taken a shirt or pulled on pants. Of course he probably couldn't get the pants on in his present state. He was going to be frozen when he returned.
Isabel pulled the sleeping bag up to her chin and shivered as she lay on her back and stared up at the tent top.
She gave  herself  permission to think about the one thing that she hadn't allowed herself to think of since finding out about their true pasts.
 She wondered how Max would react if he knew that she loved him and wanted him as they were truely meant to be.
He'd freak. That's what he would do. He would totally freak. That's what she had done when she had realized her feelings for him were more than what they should have been. But then they had found the evidence showing their lives were not as they had thought and instead of making things better they had made them worse. She rolled her eyes and then blew out a heavy sigh.
"He's your husband, Isabel. Not your brother. Your husband," she whispered to herself.  It sounded strange to say it out loud. Husband. Max was her husband. Isabel closed her eyes. What was she going to do? She loved Max and he loved Liz.   Or at least she thought he did. She wasn't sure anymore. Sometimes he acted like he really wanted them to go back to the way they used to be before finding out their secret. Then he there was the way he had been acting towards her lately....the looks... wanting to talk about their situation...it was like....like he wanted this with her. To take up their past life. But they couldn't do that.  She and Max  could never be together,....not on this world anyway. She was so confused. 
Isabel opened her eyes. Then her brows crinkled in a slight frown. She could leave. And no one....'no one' would stop her!  There was no way she could stay and watch Max have a life with Liz!  She just needed to get through this trip and then she might have to do just that. The thought made her incredibly sad and tears sprang to her eyes. 'You know you won't leave, Isabel.'  Instead of getting through the trip maybe she should make the most of it.  Max said nothing had to change. Maybe he was right. She would act like she always had before they had found out the truth! No problem. Right?
She threw the sleeping bag open and shivered at the cool rush of air hitting her body.  Suddenly her bladder cried out to be relieved. She would see to her needs then do the best she could to act like nothing had ever changed between them.  That's what she would do!
Then why did she feel like her world was ending while  her  heart was breaking?


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


Back in Roswell.........

Michael sat with his hands over his ears as he listened to Maria rant on about how badly Max had broken Liz's heart and how all aliens were not to be trusted. 
He couldn't believe Max had actually told Liz about his past life with Isabel. Hell, he was still reeling from it himself.  He wished his friend had seen fit to inform him before he'd pulled such a stupid move. But that was Max. He did things on a need to know basis. He wondered what Max had hoped to gain? Did he even care about Isabel's feelings on the matter? Had he told her what he was going to do? And why do it?
Max and Isabel sure couldn't be together here. Besides, they seemed to have made it a point to stay as far away from one another as possible as if they were afraid of their past. So why break with Liz by spilling his guts?
He was jolted back to the present moment when Maria hit him on the shoulder rather hard.
"Uncover your ears and listen to me, you rat!"
"Ow! Hey, I'm not the one that broke up with their girlfriend just because they were married to someone else in another life!"  complained Michael rubbing his shoulder. Maria  might be small, but she could really hit hard. 
Maria suddenly sank down beside him and moaned, "I know. I'm sorry! But he hurt  Liz! I mean they were the perfect couple and now look at them! If they can't make it then how can we?"
Flags went up for Michael on that one. He couldn't handle the couple talk right now when he was still trying to figure things out for himself.  He stood up.
"I need to find Max and find out what's going on. I'll call you later, babe." He kissed the top of her head.
Maria frowned. "I thought you could stay and we could talk. You know...about us. 'Our' relationship."
Michael sighed as he scratched his brow. "Don't you think Liz needs you? And don't you want me to talk to Max?"
Maria nodded. "Yeah. I guess your right....and don't let that go to your head," she pointed out, her finger punctuating the air.
Michael kissed her again. "I wouldn't dream of it. Okay then. I'll get back to you later."
Then with a small sigh he headed to the Evans house looking for Max.


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


The Evans Home........

Michael sat on Max's bed and looked around the room. He had arrived earlier and discovered the house empty.  He wondered where everyone was.  A noise downstairs alerted him to someone finally coming.
 home. He could hear Diane and Phillip Evans downstairs, but not Max and Isabel. 
Michael quietly  made his way back out the window and to the front door where he rang the bell.
Diane opened the door and smiled at Michael.
"Michael! How are you? If you're looking for Max or Isabel they aren't here I'm afraid."
"I'm fine thank you. Do you know where Max and Isabel went? I might can catch up to them," Michael asked politely. He had learned from Max and Isabel that he needed to be polite and cautious where their parents were concerned.  Plus the older Evans' had helped  him many a time when Hank was on a drunk by letting him stay in their home. Plus Phillip had helped Michael gain emmancipation just when he hadn't known what else to do when Hank disappeared. 
"Well they are camping and won't be back until tomorrow night I'm afraid. But I'll tell them you came by," said Diane smiling up at Michael.
"Camping? Max and Isabel?" Michael felt the hair rise up on the back of his neck.
"Yes. It was supposed to be a family outing, but Mr. Evans was called back to help a client. Max and Isabel are still there working out their problems.....I hope they are anyway." Diane looked worried. Michael thought she would really be worried if she knew that her son and daughter were actually married aliens from another planet. 
Phillip Evans chose that moment to walk up behind his wife. 
"Hi, Michael! What can we do for you?"
"I was just telling Michael that Max and Isabel are camping and won't be back until tomorrow."
Phillip nodded. "Yes, they are up at the lake. You know Diane told my client's wife about our family camp out and us having to leave early.  She actually got her husband to cut the meeting short so we could rejoin Max and Isabel." He shook his head still amazed by that.  "But Diane seems to think Max and Isabel need time alone to work things out between them.  I guess she's right."
Michael wondered if Max had told Isabel about parting with Liz. He hoped if he had that Isabel could talk some sense into him.
"Yeah, well I'll check back tomorrow then. Bye, Mrs. Evans...Mr. Evans," Michael said, nodding his head at them as he took his leave.
"Bye, Michael!" the Evans elders called out as they waved and closed the door.
Michael hopped on his bike and put on his helmet. Time for a trip to the lake.


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


The Lake........

Max stood by the river considering whether to jump in to subdue his raging hard on, but the thought of the cold water made him shiver.  He looked around and seeing no one nearby, gingerly stuck his hand down his boxers and  took hold of the hard pole that was straining  the material.  He began a slow measured pump, his hand grasping the monster that seemed to grow instead of diminish in his pants. 
 "Focus....focus on her and you'll get rid of it," Max whispered to himself, because ignoring it wasn't helping at all.
So he did. He focused on the one woman he craved.
Isabel.
Her long beautiful blond hair....her sultry eyes and her smile that came from those luscious lips. Her  body was so perfect that every woman envied her. She was all woman. Soft, curvy, and delicious.   But Isabel was more than just looks.  She was smart, tough, caring and gentle. The regal way in which she held herself spoke volumes of how her life was influenced by her other worldly one. 
And she was his wife. 
Max  closed his eyes and his hand worked harder as he envisioned yet again their life together as it was on Antar. 
He remembered laughing and arguing with her and making decisions concerning their people with her.  But most of all he could remember making love with her. Their life had been perfect....then Kivar and his men  began to over throw the city. Months of battles followed and the pain of watching their people fall under Kivar's men had devestated each of them. Finally they couldn't fight Kivar anymore and  the Royal compound fell. He remembered how he had nearly died when Kivar had killed  Isabel...Vilandra . He had watched Michael....Rath being cut down and Ava too. But it was watching her.... die that had caused his own death. Kivar had made sure that Max...Zan had watched the others die before killing him.  
Max opened his eyes. Those last sobering images had cooled his ardor some what.  He relaxed his grip on his shaft and took a deep breath. What was he going to do? He loved Isabel so much, but he couldn't tell her. She would run from him just as fast as she could if she knew how he felt about her. Damn the book! And the damn the ones that had created this mess for them!

A twig snapped behind Max and he pulled his hand from his boxers.  He cupped both hands in front of himself to hide his still present, but not as serious problem. He shivered as the cool morning air surrounded his body.
"Max? Are you okay?" asked Isabel as she came to stand behind him.
Max shivered again, but this time not from the cold.  Isabel's voice was like a caress falling on his ears. He could almost feel her warm breath on his neck. "Yeah. I'm fine," he told her hoarsely. "Why don't you go back inside the tent where it's warmer."
"Max..." He could feel her now. Her breath really was a caress on his neck.
Isabel stood directly behind Max, with her body touching his. "It's cold out here, Max. Come back inside."
Max closed his eyes and swallowed. "In a minute. You go."
Isabel's face took on a look of sadness. He must still be uspet with her for what had happened earlier. 
"Max. I'm sorry." She left it at that and headed back to the tent. Hopefully he would forgive her and come inside. If not then things between them would be worse instead of better.
Max heard Isabel walk away and opened his eyes. There had been such sadness in her voice.  
"You're an ass, Max. A total ass." That said,  he ran  into the water and came up gasping and shaking his head, droplets flying everywhere. 
"Whoooooooooaaaaaaaa!" he yelled as the cold water shock eliviated his problem.



The tent flap opened and a dripping, shivering  Max entered.
"MAX! Oh my gawd! What did you do? You're going to catch your death!" Isabel cried as she  jumped up and quickly used her powers to dry him off. "Get in your sleeping bag and get warm," she ordered, as she led him to his bag.
Max obediently crawled inside, shivering. 
Isabel's brows knitted together in indecision. Then she said, "Move over."
Max's eyes widened. "What? Why?" He had just gotten rid of his problem and didn't need to have it all over again.
Isabel began to crawl in the bag with him. "You need body heat, Max,  and I'm going to give it to you."
"I don't need you to do that!" said Max watching a most determined Isabel.
Her body moved in along side his and she pulled the bag up.  Then reaching inside she pulled her shirt up and off over her head before tossing it aside, and shivering herself. 
"What are you doing?!" Max asked alarmed. 'Ohhhhhhh....this wasn't good!'
Isabel reached down and manuvered her sweat pants down and off, tossing them aside as well. She shivered again.
"I think I read some where that bared skin spreads heat better and we definitely need some heat in here," she explained.
She was now just in her scanty swim suit from the day before, her mostly bared skin rubbing against Max's.
When she had  finished zipping up the sleeping bag she turned as much as she could to face Max and wrapped her arms around him as she pressed her body close.
Max groaned inwardly as Isabel's full soft breasts pushed against his chest. 'No,no,no,no!'  Max thought to himself as  his shivering suddenly subsiding.
Both stared at one another as the evidence of Max's desire sprang up between them seperated only by the thin material of his boxers. 
He grimaced with embarrassment. "Iz....I'm sorry. I didn't mean to......"
He never got to finish. 
"Ahhhhh...what are you dooooinnnnnnnnggaaaaaahhhhh!" gasped Max.
Isabel's hand had slid lightly over his chest and down between them until it rested on the tented front of his boxers causing its contents to jump.
"Izzzz!' hissed Max as his eyes widened in surprise at her action.
Isabel was as shocked by her actions as he was.  The close proximity had been her undoing. She couldn't fight her feelings anymore. Something inside told her this was right. So right that instead of  answering him with words she leaned forward and kissed  him.
Max's eyes widened as Isabel's lips brushed his, the softness of her full ones causing him to lose thought of anything but her.
When Isabel pulled back she stared into Max's eyes and waited anxiously for his reaction.
Max searched Isabel's face. "Iz?"
Isabel gave him a tremulous smile as her hand began to gently press and caress his arousal. 
Max sucked in his breath at her touch. 
"Oh gawd, Iz! Do you know what you're doing?" whispered Max huskily, as he placed a hand over her's. Her hand was making it hard to concentrate and he knew they both had to be clear about the consequences of what was about might happen between them.
Isabel nodded. "I know." 
"Why, Iz?" Max had to know before he let things go any further.
Tears gathered in her eyes. "You're my husband, Max," she whispered softly.
Max looked apprehensive. "But why now? What's changed? I thought...I thought we weren't going to pursue this?"
Isabel could see him pulling back from her. 'You have to tell him, Isabel! Don't be afraid! Tell him!'
"I love you, Max."  
It was said so softly that even as close as they were...heads nearly touching....that Max barely heard her.
His face began to light up. "Yeah?" he asked with a slight smile.
Isabel looked away as she nodded.
Max moved his had to raise her chin and smiled softly at her. "I love you too." Then he kissed her.
Isabel  didn't think she could be any happier than she was at that moment. He loved her! Max loved her!
Her hand moved from his strained erection to his face and the kiss they shared deepened.
Max began to caress Isabel's cheek to down her shoulder and arm to come up over the fullness of her breast where his hand hesitated. Then he gently cupped her breast and wondered at how it filled his hand.
He broke their kiss and pressed his forehead to her's saying, "I never thought I'd hear you say those words to me, Isabel. I thought...I thought I was the only one who felt this way. I didn't want to pressure you into anything." He looked into her eyes. "Isabel, you know maybe we shouldn't do this."
At her surprised and anguished look he hastened to add, "Isabel, if we do this we can't ever go back to the way we were. And I can't guarantee that  you won't .....we might create...."  When he had hoped things would go well between them this weekend he had never dreamed sex might be part of it. He hadn't come prepared.
Isabel pushed a lock of hair out of his eyes. 
"I know, Max. I'm willing to take the risk." 
"And what of everyone else? Mom. Dad. If they find out? Can you live with that?" he asked her. His body was raging to claim her's, but he had to make sure she understood.
Isabel stared into his eyes.  Could she live with everyone knowing?  She asked questions of her own.
"Can you? And can you live with Liz finding out?"
He saw the fear in her eyes. She was worried he would go back to Liz. 
"I'm not in love with Liz. Once my memories were restored I couldn't be. All I want is my wife. The only thing I fear is losing you again."
He saw the relief flow across her face and something else. "What's wrong?"
Isabel shook her head as a tear slid down her cheek. 
"Iz?" He kissed her again slow and soft. "What is it?"
Isabel rolled her eyes before looking into his his. "I wish I could remember you. Our lives before. I thought today I had remembered you, but I'm not sure." She shook her head. "It's not fair."
Her words broke his heart. "You will. When the time is right you will. I promise."
Isabel smiled at him and nodded as he gently kissed her lips. 
His  hand began to mold Isabel's swollen breast, the scanty top leaving nothing to his imagination. 
"How do you get this thing off?" he asked huskily, his desire for her growing stronger .
Isabel smiled nervously and reached behind her to unclasp her top. Max pulled it from her body and let his hands roam lightly over her warm body, memorizing it's feel and it's form. Her nipples hardened under his touch and a slight moan escaped her lips as he bent his head and took one nub into his mouth and teased it. 
Isabel's eyes closed as she savored his mouth on her sucking in the nipple as if it was made for him and him alone. She wimpered and shivered as the cool air hit her moistened skin when he pulled away.
"You are more beautiful than before, Isabel and I never thought that could be possible," he breathed as he kissed her again.
"Max..... Please," she begged of him, her hands running up and down his back as her legs sought to entwine with his.
His moved down the flatness of her belly and over her material covered mound. He pressed his hand to it and her legs opening to his touch was his reward.
Sliding his hand inside the low riding garmet he found her moist and ready. Max shoved at the unwanted bottoms but the wouldn't budge. 
"Damn it!" he growled. He unzipped the bag and tore the miniscule suit bottom from her.
Isabel gasped both at the cool air hitting her naked body and Max's actions.
Max stared down at Isabel's naked body and his erection grew. 
"Isabel........you're so beautiful," he whispered. His hand gently ran a trail over her body from shoulder to calf and back.  His fingers circled her nipples and ran beneath the heavy globes before moving downward to her neatly trimmed mound where they teased her outer lips bringing forth more moisture. 
She wimpered at his touch and he looked into her eyes.  "So beautiful." 
Isabel smiled and then shivered. Max blinked, shivering himself. "Iz! I'm sorry! You must be freezing!" He shucked his own garmet and moved to cover them up when she stopped him. 
"I want to see."
Max lowered the bag and his erection stood proud and free. 
Isabel tentively reached out and ran her hand over the smooth skin and marveled at how it jumped though she had felt it earlier. 
Max clinched his teeth and groaned at her touch then swiftly covered them up, pulling  her close.
"Max."
It was plaintive and yet full of promise.
Max kissed her lips softly and then hissed as her hand grasped him.
"Max."
She said his name calmly, yet it was like a sweet a caress.
"Max."
He moved between her welcoming thighs and settled. His hands toyed with the strands of her hair. 
"Isabel, we can still stop." He had to give her this one last chance to back out before it was too late.
"Is that what you want?" she asked shifting so that the tip of his penis was now touching her sopping      lips. The knowledge that at any minute they would finally be one both excited her and frightened her.
"No. No, it's not. I want what we've both been denied for so long."
She opened up more and whispered, "Then what are you waiting for?"

Max eyes held Isabel's as he made her his in this life.
"I'm sorry, Iz," he told her when he saw her wince.  But Isabel shook her head. "I'm okay."
Max bent his head and began to place long soft kisses along her neck and chest as he slowly moved inside her.  He loved her so much. More than he could even remember loving her on Antar. How could he have ever have forgotten her?
Isabel clinched her walls as she moved with him and Max gasped in surprise and pleasure. "Isabel!" 
Isabel held tight, holding and squeezing  him as she savored the feel of Max  inside of her.  He was her husband and for all she knew this was the only chance they would ever have together. She wanted to make the moments last for as long as she could....so she would never forget.
'Iz......please.....oh gawd......please...." Max begged against her mouth.
She released him slowly and Max let go of the breath he was holding. He covered her mouth with his and kissed her hungrily as he moved with strong deep strokes within Isabel. 
Her eyes widened as Max plunged deeper and deeper inside until she truely believed he might nail her to the ground beneath them. 
That's when the stars burst and everything came rushing in at them all at once.
Isabel gasped and clutched Max to her as images and emotions began to flood her mind while her body convulsed with pleasure. 
"MAX!!.... Max!.... Max, what's hap...happening?!" she cried out, overcome by what she was experiencing.  It was all happening too fast and she didn't know how to get control.
Max wanted to reassure her, but he too was over come by the images and emotions as well. He had seen most of them before, but like Isabel, he couldn't gain control. Things were happening too fast for hims as well. His body suddenly exploded in her's and he shuddered with the force before collapsing on Isabel's still form.
Max gasped for breath as sweat dripped down into his eyes. He looked down at Isabel.  Her eyes were closed and her breathing was shallow. "Iz? ...Isabel?" But Isabel didn't answer.
"ISABEL!?" Max called out, shaking her as he removed his body from her's. "ISABEL!"
He sighed with relief as she began to stir and open her eyes.
"Wh--what happened?" she whispered as she looked up into Max's concerned face.
He held her tightly to him and kissed her brow. "I'm not sure, but you just scared me to death."
Isabel's eyes widened. "Max......Max, I saw. I saw us." She smiled brilliantly up at him.
Max smiled back. "I know. I saw us too."
"Do you think  it would  be that way between us everytime?" she asked sleepily, relishing the feel of his arms around her.
Max yawned as well. "I don't know. I...don't....knoooo."
Both slept, mindless of anything but their love for one another.


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

Michael saw the tent as he came into the clearing. 
He had left his bike up on the top of the trail and hiked in to the camp only to find it quiet.
Too quiet. 
He scanned the water's edge and the area around him. Nothing. Maybe they were hiking. Yeah, right. Isabel hiking for pleasure. That only left one thing.
Michael  looked towards the tent and approached it slowly, almost afraid of what he would find. The flap was up on the side closest to the river. Peering inside Michael bit back a curse shoved his hands threw his hair as he  made his way back to where the fire ring.
He began to gather wood to place in the fire ring. Using his powers he dried out the wood and started a fire. He located the coffee and set some to boiling. Then he sat and waited and wondered what kind of hell Max and Isabel had just created for all of them.



Max's body slowly awakened to awareness as he blinked and opened his eyes to the sun shining in the tent. He stretched then frowned as he sniffed the air. Coffee? He smelled coffee! He quickly looked at the woman asleep beside him and his heart began to beat faster.  A brief smile crossed his face as he remembered what they had shared, but was quickly replaced with a frown as he heard a log being thrown on the fire making it crackle. Someone was outside in their camp and he needed to find out who.  
His protective instincts went into action as he carefully crawled out of the sleeping bag and left Isabel snuggled up warm inside. He looked down at her sleeping so peacefully and again felt a wealth of love spring up inside for her.  He would do whatever it took to make sure they were never seperated again. 
Max moved to the flap of the tent and looked out frowning when he saw who their intruder was.
'What is Michael doing here?' wondered Max. Then he looked over at Isabel and wondered if Michael knew about them. Knowning Michael, he did.
Pulling on his clothes, Max made his way out to face his friend.


"Well, I see you finally decided to get up," said Michael drily as he raised his cup to his lips. He watched Max approach and nodded towards the coffee pot. 
"What are you doing here, Michael?" asked Max without preamble as he sat down on a large fallen log. He poured himself a cup of coffee, but didn't raise it to his lips.
Michael took another sip of his coffee then studied the cup between his hands. 
"I went by your house and your parents told me you were here."
Max's eyes widened. "You couldn't have seen my par...."
"The client let them go early," interjected Michael. "They decided not to come back out here so you and Isabel could have some 'quality' time to work things out alone." He looked pointedly at Max. "Did you 'work things out' with Isabel, Max?"
Max took a sip of the coffee and swallowed the bitter brew, ignoring the scalding heat that burned his mouth. "You know."
"How could you do it, Max? How could sleep with Isabel? Do you even realize what you two have done?"
"You know what she is to me, Michael. What we are to one another. How can you even ask me that?"
"This isn't Antar Max! Your lives are different here!" He looked at Max in frustration. "What if she gets pregnant? Or even is she doesn't someone is going to find out! You told Liz and she told Maria! It's just a matter of time before more people find out and ....."
"You're right! This isn't Antar! But  Isabel is still my wife and we still love one another reguardless of where we are! We can't turn off our feelings! And as for me telling Liz.  I felt I owed it to her not to lie," said Max angrily.  Michael of all people should understand what he and Isabel were going through.
"Others are going to find out, Max!  You have been raised as brother and sister. To explain you were married on another planet in another life isn't going to go over real well!"

Inside the tent Isabel awoke from her warm cocoon to voices arguing. Max and Michael. 'What is Michael doing here?'
As she pulled on her clothes, Isabel listened to the arguement going on outside and  suddenly the joy she had felt at being with Max...knowing he loved her....was gone. 
She appeared outside the tent and stood there listening as Max and Michael's argument grew more heated.
"I would never do anything to endanger Isabel ....or you!" returned Max heatedly.
"What if she's pregnant, Max? And even if she isn't Roswell isn't exactly a town you can get lost in!" Michael shook his head as he poured the contents of his cup on the fire and flung it down.  He rubbed his eyes and looked off only to see Isabel standing infront of the tent watching them. "Isabel."
Max whirled around and stood up. He saw Isabel hugging her body as she watched the two men by the fire.   "Iz....."
"I heard voices."  She looked at Michael and tugged on a piece of her hair that hung down over her shoulder. "How...." she cleared her throat softly...."how did you find out?"
Michael and Max exchanged looks before Michael said, "Liz talked to Maria who yelled at me. The short of it is that  I saw your parents and they told me you were here with Max. I put two and two together."
Isabel nodded and looked away, rolling her eyes as she did so. "Great.....just great." The sadness in her voice said so much about what she was feeling.  She looked back at Michael suddenly with a bit of a spark in her eyes. She drew her shoulders back and said, "I'm not going to apologize. Max and I did nothing wrong."
Michael didn't dare contradict her because in a way she was right. 
"I just think you two should be....careful. We don't know who could find out or what could happen if ...." He stopped and looked at both of his friends knowing he couldn't tell them to ignore their feelings and the reason they were sent here. "Just be careful."
Max walked over to Isabel and took her face in his hands, his thumbs rubbing slow circles against her cheeks. "We'll be careful. I promise," he told her softly.
Isabel went into his arms and pressed her face to his neck. "We need to tell them, Max," she whispered. "We need to tell Mom and Dad before it's too late."
Max heaved a sigh then pulled back to look Isabel in the eyes. "We can't, Iz. Not yet. Please trust me in this."
Tears formed and fell from Isabel's eyes. "But why? I asked you once before to at least let me tell Mom, but you and Michael wouldn't let me. Things have changed, Max. They have become more complicated and I want her ...them... to hear from us about everything. I don't want them to be surprised...hurt because we didn't tell them."
Max looked at Michael who shrugged and looked away. He thought it was a bad idea, but then he had thought telling Valenti about them was a bad idea too. Jim Valenti had turned out to be someone to trust, so what did he know.
Max turned back to Isabel. "Soon. I promise we'll tell them soon."
Isabel seemed to be comforted in that small promise and went into Max's arms again. "Okay."
"We can stay until tomorrow as planned Isabel or we can head back now. What do you want to do?"
Isabel wanted to head back and tell their parents, but she knew that wasn't going to happen.  Staying here one more night might be all the that she and Max had.  
"I want to stay here with you."
Max looked at Michael. "Michael, we really need this time alone. Do you mind?"
Michael shook his head. "No. But just remember what I said. Be careful. We don't need an alien pregnancy or anything else to alert people that things aren't right with some of the residents of Roswell."
Isabel blushed slightly, but both she and Max knew Michael was right and nodded.
"I'll see you back in Roswell," said Michael heading back up the trail.
Max turned back to Isabel. "What do you want to do?"
Isabel moved closer to Max. "Hold me."

Max took Isabel by the hand and they walked down to the water and sat on the shore. Isabel sat between Max's  legs with her back against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and he could feel her heart beating beneath his hand where it rested against her chest.
"It's going to be okay, Isabel. We've waited too long to find one another again in this life for it not to be okay."
Isabel sighed. "I hope you are right, Max. I