Title: Second Sight
Author: Lori R 2/02 
Email: Gussywussy55@y... 
Category: In Crowders (Kyle and Isabel) 
Rating: 'PG13' 
Disclaimer: These characters are owned by JKatims and
UPN, I write about them for my own enjoyment. No
infringement is intended. 
Feedback: Yes, please. Good or bad I want to know your
thoughts. 
Summary: Isabel discovers Kyle has feelings for her
and something else.
Thanks Covina Guy for previewing this fic! You're
great Kent!


********** 



Isabel sat down in a booth at the Crashdown and waited
for Max to join her. They had been meeting on Tuesday
mornings for breakfast since Jesse had died over a
year ago. Max's return to Liz's and their parents 
good graces made things almost seem like they were
before...but not quite. Max still lived with Michael,
and Isabel was now on her own living in the apartment
she and Jesse had shared. Nothing would ever really be
the same no matter how much they wished they could be.
She looked up when the bell on the door tinkled
expecting to see Max, but instead she saw Kyle Valenti
walk in and nod at her before heading for the counter.
Isabel smiled at him and Kyle smiled back. Another
ritual. She didn't know when Kyle had started coming
to the Crashdown for breakfast or if he did it
everyday, but on Tuesday's he was here like clock
work.
The bell sounded again and Max walked in followed by
Michael. They headed for the booth Isabel was at and
sat down. 
"Hey!" said Michael as he sat next to Isabel, and Max
slid into the seat across from them.
"Hey. Are you working this morning?" she asked as she
took note of his Crashdown T-shirt. 
Michael noddded as he stretched his legs out.
"Yeah, Ralph called in sick so I get to fill in after
a night of working security. I'm bushed so don't order
anything big," he said as he lay his head back on the
seat and closed his eyes.
"Michael!" Maria called out when she spied him cat
napping beside Isabel. "Michael, what are you doing?
We have customers and orders to fill! Get off your ass
and start cooking!" she said as she marched over and
grabbed his ear, pulling him to his feet.
"Ow! Damn it Maria, I can get up without you pulling
my ears off!" complained Michael as he rubbed the
injured appendage.
Max hid a grin and Isabel rolled her eyes as Michael
followed Maria to the kitchen.
"They may not be together, but he still does what she
says," commented Max as he watched them argue through
the order window.
"It's pathetic if you ask me," said Isabel. "Why does
Michael let her do that to him?"
Max's smile softened as he looked at Isabel. "He loves
her in his own way Isabel just as she loves him. They
get under each others skin in more ways than one."
"I know," agreed Isabel. "I just wish they would
either get together or get over it. All of that
tension is wearisome to have to watch."
Max reached across the table and took her hand in his.
"Isabel, it will happen again. Just be patient."
Isabel pulled her hand back and looked away. 
"I don't know what you're talking about," she said
rather aloof, pretending ignorance.
"You're lonely. We all see it," said Max softly.
Isabel started to protest, but Max stopped her.
"No, you know it's true Isabel. After Jesse died you
made sure you were not put in a position to have a guy
ask you out or get close to you."
He took her hand again.
"Time to move on Isabel. Let the past go and move on.
Jesse would want you too."
Isabel bit her lip, and with a quivering sigh said, "I
don't know if I can Max. We were supposed to be
together forever, and now he's gone. I can't and won't
go through that again. It hurts too much."
Max sighed and nodded as he squeezed her hand again
before letting it go.

Liz walked over to their table and said, "Morning you
two! The usual?"
She glanced at Isabel and then turned her eyes to Max,
who smiled as she leaned down to kiss him.
"Yeah Liz, that would be great," he told her.
Nodding Liz walked off and turned in the order and
then walked over to where Kyle sat at the counter.
"Hey Kyle! What can I get you this morning? The
usual?" she asked as she observed him watching the two
aliens in the booth. 
Kyle seemed unaware of Liz as he gazed at...Isabel! It
had to be Isabel because Max and Kyle got along fine
now.
Liz smiled to herself as she asked again, "Kyle! What
do you want for breakfast?"
Kyle jumped slightly as Liz's voice registered with
him.
"Oh uh, hey Liz! What?" he asked her glancing now and
again to the booth.
Liz couldn't hold back a small grin as she asked,
"Are you watching Isabel?" 
Kyle's head whipped around at being caught, a denial
ready on his lips.
"No! No, I'm just...I'm... just...wondering if Isabel
is going to need a ride to work!" he said quickly.
Liz's grin grew bigger as she pointed out, "Kyle,
Isabel works around the corner for her Dad. I don't
think she needs a ride."
Kyle bit his lip and then said, "Riiiight. Forgot
about that. Well..." He didn't know what to say.
Liz took pity on him and said, "Kyle, it's okay if you
like Isabel. Why haven't you asked her out?"
Kyle shushed her with his hands as he quickly looked
towards the booth to see if they had been overheard.
Seeing that the aliens were engrossed in their own
conversation Kyle leaned over the counter and said,
"Keep your voice down! I don't want Heckle and Jeckle
to hear you say that or Isabel!"
"What's the big deal?" asked Liz confused, but
lowering her voice anyway.
Kyle sat back and said as he glanced at the booth
again, "It's Isabel."
Understanding began to dawn on Liz.
"You more than like her don't you Kyle?"
"It sucks being in love with an alien, especially one
who only cares for you as a friend," he said feeling
sorry for himself.
Liz couldn't believe it. Kyle Valenti was in love with
Isabel. 
"Why don't you tell her how you feel Kyle?" asked Liz.
"Because she is still hurting over Jesse," Kyle told
her as he tore apart a paper napkin. 
"But I think..." began Liz.
Kyle threw the napkin down. "Look Liz, I know you are
just trying to help, but don't. Let me suffer with my
broken heart from afar, and you get me some breakfast
okay?"
Liz nodded and went to place Kyle's order as she
thought about her two lonely friends and how she could
help them out.

An hour later...

Max stood up and said, "Isabel, I really wish you
would reconsider coming to the movie with Liz and me.
I don't like you staying alone all the time."
Isabel shook her head. "I'm not going to be a third
wheel Max."
"You won't be third wheel Isabel," Max told her, but
he knew that she would continue to feel that way.
Liz walked up about then and over hearing the
conversation said, "Isabel if you don't go then I
won't enjoy myself. Please say you will come. In fact
if you don't go then I'm not either."
And with that she crossed her arms and waited for
Isabel's answer.
Max turned wide eyes to Liz. The movie had been her
idea because she wanted to see it so badly, so he was
more than shocked that she was going to refuse to see
it if Isabel turned them down. He turned pleading eyes
to Isabel.
Isabel did not like the position Liz had put her in
and really resented it. One look at Max told her he
would be really disappointed if she said no, so and
ruined his date so grudgingly she said, "Fine, I'll
go, but it is under protest, and I'm not promising to
have any fun."
Liz and Max grinned as Liz said, "We will meet you at
the theatre at 7:00 and then eat after. I'm glad you
said yes Isabel."
"Like I had a choice, "mumbled Isabel as she got up
and followed Max to the register.
"See you tonight Liz," said Max as he kissed her
goodbye and followed Isabel out the door.

Liz hurried over to Kyle and nonchallantly said,
"Kyle, Isabel is going to the movies with Max and me
tonight and she feels like a third wheel. How would
you like to come along and help her feel more
comfortable?"
Kyle's eyes lit up and then he frowned. "I thought I
told you to leave this alone Liz. Don't want to be
forced on Isabel."
Liz shook her head. "Kyle, you're just a friend
tagging along to see a movie with other friends. And
if by chance you make some points with Isabel then all
the better. You have to start somewhere."
Kyle thought about it and knew he couldn't pass up
this opportunity to be Isabel's 'date' even if it was
only in his own mind.
"Okay, I'll go, but I don't want her to know how I
feel," said Kyle.
"Great! Meet us at the theatre at 7:00," said Liz.
She watched Kyle leave and then wished the night was
almost here as she went back to work.

*********

"You did what?" asked Max of Liz as they got out of
his car.
"I asked Kyle to join us," said Liz.
"Why?" asked Max confused.
Knowing she was breaking a promise Liz said, "Because
he likes her and won't ask her out."
"Kyle likes Isabel?" asked Max stunned. He knew they
were friends, but he didn't think there was more than
that.
Liz nodded, "This was a perfect opportunity for him to
be near her, and also for Isabel to finally get out."
Max stopped and looked at Liz amazed. "You're playing
matchmaker aren't you?"
Liz grinned. "Well I really only have to get Isabel to
see Kyle as he sees her and then they are set."
"It won't work Liz. Isabel will fight it," said Max
beginning to walk again.
Liz put her hand on his arm and stopped him. "Don't
you want to see her happy again Max? Well Kyle doesn't
just like her, he loves her."
Max couldn't have been more shocked at this bit of
news.
"He would be good for her Max. You know he would,"
said Liz gently.
Max had to agree that Kyle was the perfect choice for
Isabel. Now to get Isabel to see it.
"Let's go. I see Isabel waiting right now," said Max
as he took Liz by the arm and headed to what now
looked like was going to be two shows for the evening.


Isabel was wishing she had never agreed to this. 
Damn that Liz for pushing her into it.
Seeing Max and Liz approaching from the front she was
startled when she heard a voice from behind say,
"Looks like this will be a good movie, what do you
think?"
Turning she saw Kyle standing there smiling at her.
"Kyle! What are you doing here?" asked Isabel
surprised, yet happy to see him.
"Kyle! What a surprise seeing you here. Are you going
to the movie too?" asked Liz innocently.
"Well, I thought..." began Kyle when Max said, "You
should come and sit with us. We're going to eat
afterwards too." He gave Kyle a conspiratory look, but
it also said, "Be nice to Isabel or else."
She had told him. Kyle knew without a doubt that Liz
had told Max. Great! Well at least he could have
tonight to be on as near a date as he could since they
had spent that New Year's Eve together.
"Huh, yeah okay I'll go if Isabel doesn't mind," said
Kyle looking at Isabel.
Isabel smiled at him. "I think that would be fun," she
said relieved not to be the third wheel on this date
anymore. Slipping her arm in Kyle's she said, "I'm
glad to have my friend along."
"Great!" said Kyle hoping he sounded enthusiastic and
not like a love sick puppy who had just been told he
was a great friend.
Friend. She had called him her friend. Well hopefully
that would change. 
Leading Isabel and with Max and Liz following, he went
inside the theatre.

Later...

"Can you believe what they make some guys do in these 
movies?" asked Liz taking a drink.
"Let's see in the first one he did a pie, this one he
superglues himself, I wonder what else they can think
of to do to this poor shmuck," said Kyle shaking his
head.
"The whole time I was wincing. Can you imagine doing
that to yourself?" asked Max grimicing.
They all paused then burst out laughing at the image
it provided.
"No, I think maybe we shouldn't imagine it," said Max
laughing.
"So I guess that means you've never tried those
things?" asked Liz teasingly.
"Well I can tell you he hasn't super glued himself,
but I can't say about the pie," said Isabel joining in
the fun for the second time that night after what had
seemed like ages.
"Isabel!" said Max pretending to be shocked. 
He was glad she was relaxed and acting her old self.
"Hmmmm Max... and a pie," added Liz becoming intrigued
at the thought of Max and no clothes, but without the
pie. 
Max leaned over to kiss her. 
Isabel and Kyle looked uncomfortabley at one another
and Kyle said, "Isabel, want a ride home?"
Isabel nodded greatfully at Kyle as they scooted out
of the booth and left seemingly unnoticed by Max and
Liz.
When the door opened Max and Liz watched them leave
and Max asked, "Do you really think that Isabel will
fall for Kyle?" He could honestly say he liked Kyle
now, and if he pulled Isabel back into the world of
the living then he would be forever greatful. 
"I hope so," replied Liz. If not then a few hearts
would be broken.


"Kyle, I can walk home, you don't have to drive me,"
said Isabel as they headed for the parking lot.
"No I'll drive you. I wouldn't want anything to happen
to you walking home alone," said Kyle as he unlocked
the door on the passenger side of the car.
Isabel smiled and said, "I can take care of myself
Kyle. Powers remember?"
Kyle hesitated and then nodded as he got in on his
side of the car and started the engine.
How could he have forgotten her powers? He was an
idiot.
It took just a few minutes to arrive at Isabel's and
the short distance was driven in silence.
As Kyle pulled to a stop Isabel asked, "Would you like
to come in Kyle? We could watch some TV or a video."
"Didn't we just see a movie or was that someone else I
was with?" asked Kyle straight faced.
"Is there some rule that says we can't see two in one
night?" Isabel answered in a mock snooty sort of way.
Kyle gave her a sideways look as he said, "I don't
know. The videos you choose are not what I would
really call 'Man Worthy'. I mean the last one I
watched with you was 'Rudolph's Shiney New Year'. What
the hell kind of video is that for a grown man to
watch?"
Isabel started to laugh as she remembered that New
Year's Eve, and then smiled softly as she remembered
Kyle giving up his hunt for 'Enigma' to sit and watch
the video with her so she wouldn't be alone on New
Year's. He always seemed to be there for her and she
truly treasured their friendship.
"I understand if you don't want to Kyle," said Isabel
as she started to get out of the car.
Kyle realized he may have sounded annoyed or
complaining and quickly said, "I didn't say I wouldn't
watch a movie with you, just that it needs to be more
manly and not that chick flick stuff you like or
worse."
Isabel turned her brightest smile on Kyle as she said,
"I'll make popcorn or hot chocolate!"
"What, no goobers?" said Kyle teasingly as he followed
her inside.
"No, or beef jerky!" laughed Isabel as she headed to
the kitchen and started preparing popcorn and drinks.
Kyle sat at the table and watched her move about. She
glided when she walked, her head held high and
shoulders back like a woman with a purpose, not like
one who had been suffering from a terrible loss.
Isabel, how are you doing?" asked Kyle as he watched
her dump the popcorn in a bowl.
She hesitated and then recovered after his question.
Bringing the bowl to the table and then the drinks,
she sat and said with tears in her eyes, "I feel like
I'm sleep walking Kyle. Going through the motions and
not feeling anything."
Kyle nodded and then beat himself up inside for asking
the question and ruining the mood and her evening. As
if reading his mind she said, "Kyle, he's in my
thoughts every minute of everyday no matter what I do,
so it's okay to ask."
"I just don't like to see you sad. You were laughing
earlier like you were really having a good time and
then I go and ask that. I'm sorry," he said and meant
it.
Isabel smiled and said, "I had fun tonight Kyle. I
have you to thank for that. Max and Liz....they try,
but then they get all kissy and then it's just me
again...alone. But I've always had fun with you...I've
missed that," she said quietly.
Kyle sucked in his breath. She had missed him. Oh get
over yourself Valenti, she missed having fun, not you.
But I'll take anything I can get, he thought as he
said, "I'm glad I can make you smile Isabel." Then he
paused a beat and added, "But if you really want to
thank me for being here then lets do a little mind
trip and peek at some babes." He wiggled his eyes at
her and grinned that cheshire grin of his.
Isabel laughed as she said, "Don't ever change Kyle."
Kyle smile turned into a frown as he watched her go
get some salt for the popcorn. He was hopelessly in
love and she didn't have a clue. What the hell was he
going to do?


Later that night...

Kyle stretched as he lay in bed thinking about his
evening with Isabel. All throughout the movie he had
been tense as he sat next to her afraid that any
movement would be misconstrue. It was a good thing he
had already seen the movie because all he had been
aware of was Isabel and her scent, and how close she
was to him, touching his arm or leg when she found
something funny.
He had tried to play it cool when they had gone to
eat, and he must have done a convincing job because no
one seemed to notice him choking on his food or
staring at Isabel. 
Closing his eyes he could see her again laughing like
she used too.
As he drifted off to sleep his last thoughts were that
he wished Isabel wanted to be more than just friends.

Elsewhere....

Isabel pulled the covers up to her chin and sighed as
she settled her head on the pillow.
She had fun tonight. 
Sure she had dreaded it, but Kyle's showing up had put
her at ease. He was a great guy and deserved a great
girl. She really had to think about finding one for
him. Something inside of her ached at that thought.
As she drifted off she vaguely wondered why Kyle being
with someone else disturbed her.

*******

The next day in the garage...

"Kyle!" 
Kyle turned around to see Max and Liz approaching.
"Aw crap!" he mumbled under his breath as he put down
his wrench. 
He had had no sleep, the timing on the truck was
giving him fits, and now the Alien Matchmakers show
up. "What do you two want?" he asked aloud.
"How did it go Kyle?" asked Liz all excited.
"How did what go?" asked Kyle as he went back to
working under the hood of a truck.
Max and Liz looked at one another before Max asked
with quiet calm, "How did the rest of the evening go
with Isabel?"
Kyle turned and wiped grease on an equally greasy rag
before saying, "It was fun. We ate popcorn and watched
a movie...nothing big." He turned back to the truck.
Both Max and Liz noticed he didn't seem excited like
they had thought he would be.
"What else happened Kyle?" asked Liz sensing that
something major had happened.
"Nothing," came his mumbled voice.
Max tensed as he frowned and asked, "You didn't try
to...make any moves on her did you?" 
Kyle banged his head on the hood as he popped up and
yelled, "What!? Of course not! What kind of a guy do
you think I am?"
Liz immediately jumped in and said, "Kyle, that's not
what Max meant! Right Max?"
Max watched Kyle closely and then relaxed and said,
"I'm just watching out for Isabel. No offense meant."
"Well offense was taken! I would never do anything to
hurt Isabel! I love her or did you not get that
message from Liz?" Kyle practically yelled.
Taking a deep breath to calm down he said, "Look, I
have a lot of work to do so if you two don't mind..."
Max stared hard at Kyle as if trying to see into his
very soul. Kyle really did love Isabel. Liz said he
did, but he thought it was a crush. Now seeing Kyle's
reaction to Max's question, he knew Kyle was a lost
man and someone who would protect Isabel at all costs.
"Max." Liz took his hand and pulled him away.
After getting in the car Max said, "I feel sorry for
him Liz. He loves her and to her he is just her
friend. I know what that is like to try and be 'just
friends'. It hurts."
Liz rubbed her hand along Max's arm as he started the
car and they drove away.


********

Maria stood at the counter thoughtfully watching as
Kyle finished off his second shake.
"Troubles Kyle? Why don't you tell Maria all about
it?"
She picked up a rag and began to wipe the counter.
Kyle snorted as he put down the now empty glass.
"You're funny you know that Maria?" said Kyle as he
tossed his napkin on the counter.
"Yeah, I get told that quite a lot. Now spit it out!
What's bothering you? Is it Isabel?" she asked slyly.
Kyle's eyes nearly bugged out of his head and he paled
as he quickly looked around and then whispered, "Liz
told you didn't she? I knew she couldn't keep a
secret!" 
Maria took pity on him and shaking her head said, "No,
it wasn't Liz. No one had to tell me that you have a
thing for Isabel. I work here remember? I've noticed
you coming in and sitting here staring at her when you
thought no one was looking."
Kyle stared down at the empty glass feeling sick, and
it wasn't from the two shakes. 
"Does everyone know? I'm a joke to them all aren't I?"
he asked looking up at her.
Maria shook her head said sympathetically. "No, no one
else knows. Well I'm pretty sure no one else does." 
At his forlorn look she paused in wiping the counter
and told him, "Look, I've been there Kyle. You try to
ignore them, but you can't because of who they are,
and then before you know it you're falling for one of
them whether you want to or not. They have this power
over you that you try, but you just can't fight. So my
advise to you...is don't."
Kyle looked at her and said, "But you dropped Guerin.
Doesn't that mean you can fight it?"
Maria shook her head. "No, it just means that for some
of us it just isn't meant to be like it is for others.
Like it is for you."
Kyle shook his head doubtfully. "I don't know..."
"You need to ask her out," she told him as she started
to wipe the counter again.
"Nooo!" said Kyle wide eyed.
"Why not?" asked Maria surprised.
Kyle shook his head and shrugged. "It's Isabel."
Maria rolled her eyes, "So what? You've known her
forever, and been friends with her a while now so
there shouldn't be a problem."
Kyle looked at her with doubt.
Maria stopped wiping the counter.
"Look Kyle, just take her to do something not really
date like. Go in the day and make it layed back, but
fun and romantic."
"Fun and romantic?" asked Kyle unsure.
"Sure, she'll love it," assured Maria.
"What if she says no?" he asked her. He couldn't stand
it if she said no.
Maria smiled. "She won't say no. Trust me."
Kyle nodded his head as he made his decision. "Okay,
I'll do it."

*******


"Now when you feel a tug then gently reel it in...not
too fast, but not to slow either," advised Kyle as he
baited Isabel's hook.
Isabel wrinkled her nose as Kyle ran the hook threw
the crickets squirrming body. 
"Doesn't that hurt it?" she asked as Kyle cast the
hook into the water.
"I don't know," said Kyle as he picked up his own
pole.
"Isn't it against Buddha's teachings to hurt living
things?" teased Isabel.
Kyle looked at her and said, "Food chain. He was meant
to be fish food and the fish are meant to be my food."
Isabel shrugged and awkwardly threw her line in the
water. It wasn't long before she felt a fish tugging
on it.
"Kyle! Kyle, I've got something!" Isabel said
excitedly. "Quick! Do something!"
"Great! Just don't let it go!" he said as he secured
his own pole and went to take her fish off of her
line.
"It's big isn't it? I just know it's a huge fish!" she
said unable to control her excitement. She was really
getting into this and it was all because of Kyle. He
was just so much fun to be around.
Kyle lifted a small fish that was barely big enough to
call bait up in the air.
"What's that? Where's my fish?" demanded Isabel
looking around.
Kyle grinned as he let the fish go. "That was your
fish."
Isabel looked at him doubtfully. "Nooooo that was not
my fish, my fish was a fighter. That was a
...a...piece of sushi."
Kyle started laughing.
"Bring me your line and I'll bait you up again," he
said.
"No! I don't want to do this again. It's misleading.
They seem like big fish and then they really are
nothing. I'll just watch you," she said as she sat
down on the rocks.
Kyle sat beside her and tossed a pebble in the water.
"We don't have to do this Isabel. I just thought doing
something together in the day would be fun. I should
have known you wouldn't want to fish. You're not a
fishing kind of girl."
Isabel felt bad. Kyle had tried to make a fun day for
her, and she had been having fun, but now she had
ruined it. 
Placing her hand on his back she said, "Kyle, I wanted
to have fun with you, so I'm just glad to be here. The
fish would have been a great bonus though," she added
wistfully.
He looked at her and smiled. "A bonus huh."
She smiled back at him. "Sure you were going to clean
them and cook them and I would eat this great fish
dinner."
"Oh really?" he said falling under her spell.
"Yeah, but since we don't have any fish for dinner how
about I cook something for us at my place?" she asked
him placing her chin on his shoulder.
"Uh, yeah great," Kyle answered hoarsely. He helped
her up and gathered their equipment, then they drove
to her place for a quiet, but friendly dinner.

********

After that day, Kyle and Isabel fell into the routine
of meeting at the Crashdown or her house a few days a
week to eat and talk or sometimes to watch videos that
one of them would pick up. This went on for months
with Kyle having to be content to just be Isabel's
friend because he was afaid he would lose even that if
she ever discovered his love for her.
At first Isabel occasionally made references to Jesse
and a sadness would come over her, but lately she
didn't even do that.
They laughed and joked like in the days before Jesse
died, but in the back of his mind Kyle suspected that
Isabel still grieved. So how the hell did you compete
with a dead man?


*******

Isabel was sitting in the park eating her lunch when
she noticed Kyle walking by apparently lost in
thought.
"Kyle!" she called out to him waving when he looked up
and smiled.
Kyle headed over to where she was and sat beside her.
"What's up?" she asked him as she offered him half her
sandwich.
"Thanks," said Kyle accepting the half and taking a
bite.
"You looked deep in thought there Kyle, what's up?"
Isabel asked again as she took a sip from her water
bottle.
Kyle watched a squirrel run up a tree before making a
decision. "Isabel, would you like to go hear a new
band tonight?" 
"Are you asking me out on a date?" she asked him as
she
looked straight ahead.
Looking at the ground and then at Isabel, he replied,
"Yeah, I guess I am."
Isabel felt her heart pick up beats and her palms
begin grow damp. 
Kyle was asking her out.
Somewhere along the way she had started to look at
Kyle differently. He wasn't just her friend anymore,
he was someone who made her heart speed up when he was
near, and even when he wasn't. He made her laugh and
feel happy, and she loved being with him and how he
made her feel at ease. She had even started dreaming
about what it would feel like to kiss him, to make
love with him. But then she would have thoughts of
Jesse and feel like she was betraying him which she
knew was not rational, but she couldn't help.
Max's words came back to her..."You need to move on.
Jesse would want you to." 
Yes, she wanted to move on, and she wanted to do it
with Kyle.
Making her decision she took a breath and said, "I
would love to go hear a new band with you Kyle."
He didn't think he had heard her correctly. "You
will?" he asked looking at her.
Isabel smiled at him as she said, "Yeah, I will."
A huge smile broke across Kyle's face as he stood and
said, "Great! Then I'll pick you up around 7:30 if
that's okay."
Isabel nodded. "That's fine. I'll see you then."
She smiled as she watched Kyle walk away. She could
have sworn he had a spring in his step.
Standing up, she walked back to work, a spring in her
step and a smile on her face.


Later...

Isabel was trying to deside what to wear when she
heard a knock on her door. She opened it to let Max
enter.
"Hey Isabel," he said in greeting. As he followed her
into the apartment he said, "Liz and I are going to
the movies tonight and I thought you might want to
come. We could ask Kyle to come to if you feel funny
about coming with Liz and me."
"No thanks Max," said Isabel as she sat on the sofa.
Max looked down at her and asked, "Why not? I know you
keep thinking you're a third wheel, but..."
"I have plans, but thanks anyway," said Isabel looking
up smiling.
Max couldn't help but notice how much happier Isabel
seemed so he asked, "What's going on? What kind of
plans do have?"
Isabel hugged herself and said casually, "I have a
date." After she said it she glanced at Max as if
afraid she had made the wrong descision to go out with
Kyle.
Max saw the excitement turn to apprehension and as he
sat down next to her he asked, "Kyle. Is it Kyle?"
Isabel nodded.
Max touched her arm and said, "Isabel that's great.
I'm glad to see you moving on."
Isabel smiled and shrugged as she said, "You don't
think I'm rushing it?"
Max shook his head, "No, it's about time actually and
I know you have fun with Kyle."
"Yeah, I do. He's so easy to talk to and be with,"
sighed Isabel, smiling softly.
Max observed the changes in Isabel and wanted to ask
if there was more to the situation, but he was afraid
it would change her mind about the date and Kyle so he
kept his thoughts to himself.
Rising he said, "Well then I'm going to go. I hope you
have a great time Isabel. I really mean that."
"Thanks Max," said Isabel as she saw him to the door.
"You have fun too," she added before closing the door
and leaning against it.
"Okay Isabel get a hold of yourself, it's just Kyle no
big deal. He's your friend and you are going out...on
a date with him. Oh gawd I can't believe I'm nervous,"
she said to herself as she went in to get ready.


******

"Damn it!" said Kyle as he slammed the hood down on
his car. "Piece of crap!" he said angrily as he hit
the hood with his hand.
A blaring horn alerted him to an approaching van.
Squinting his eyes he could make out Michael in the
drivers seat.
Michael rolled down the window on the van and asked
drily, "Problems Valenti?"
"Guerin? Yeah, I've busted a belt and don't have the
time or materials to fix it. Think you can fix it with
your alien voodoo?" Kyle asked hopefully.
Michael shook his head. "Naw, I suck at the under the
hood stuff."
"Well then can you give me a ride to my find my Dad so
I can borrow his truck? I have a date and don't want
to be late," said Kyle .
Michael raised his eyebrows at Kyle's mention of a
date. "Hop in."
After Kyle got in and they drove off Michael asked,
"Who's the date with? Anyone I know?"
Before Kyle could answer Michael asked, "Is it that
busty babe over at Sanderson's bar? I hear she'll go
out with anyone and do anything if you pay her
enough." Michael laughed. 
Kyle shook his head and forced a grin at Michael's bad
attempt at a joke at Kyle's expense. "No, it's not
her."
"What are you doing driving this thing?" asked Kyle
indicating the van.
"It was being painted and my boss sent me to pick it
up," said Michael.
"They give you the really tough jobs don't they
Guerin?" commented Kyle as they pulled on to Michael's
street.
"You know it! Hey, I've got an idea," said Michael
pulling up in front of his apartment just as Max was
coming out the front door. 
"What?," asked Kyle hoping what ever it was didn't
take too long. He didn't want Isabel waiting and
worrying.
Killing the motor Michael said, "Kyle, I'm going to do
you one hell of a favor. I'll let you use the van
tonight for some rockin' and rollin' if you know what
I mean. Just have it back early tomorrow and don't
leave any evidence behind."
"You're kidding!" said Kyle surprised at the offer. He
knew that if Michael had any idea who Kyle's date was
with the offer would never have been made.
"Look, I know you've been without for quite a while,
I'm just trying to help you out here," said Michael as
he handed the keys to Kyle. 
Kyle looked at the keys in his hand and was tempted,
but he then quickly squelched the desire to take the
offer, and went in after his benefactor saying,
"Michael, I don't..." 
"Thank me later Kyle, just have a good time, if you
know what I mean," said Michael as he opened the door
to the van.
"Have a good time where?" asked Max walking up to
Michael's side of the van. "Hey Kyle."
"Max," said Kyle before he turned to Michael and said,
"I don't want this."
"Sure you do," said Michael getting out of the van.
"Any guy would would jump at a chance like this. Take
it."
"Kyle, Isabel said you two are going out tonight,"
said Max as he rested his arm on the top of the car
door.
Michael quickly leaned back inside the van and grabbed
Kyle's shirt.
"I told you I didn't want them," Kyle said in his
defense. 
"You never said it was Isabel!" accused Michael
tightening his grip.
"You never gave me a chance!" Kyle retorted as he
pulled away.
"You touch her and I will make sure you suffer before
I kill you!" Michael promised Kyle as he grabbed the
keys that Kyle held out to him.
"What's going on?" asked Max warily.
"You knew he was going out on a date with Isabel and
you didn't stop it?" demanded Michael as he turned on
Max.
"Yes." 
At Michael's look, Max added, "She's been happier in
the last several months Michael and that is Kyle's
doing." He was trying to figure out what was going on.
Michael shoved the keys in his pocket and sat back in
the seat. 
"I can't believe I almost sent you out to boff Isabel
in this van!" he said shoving his hand threw his
hair.
"What?" choked Max shocked as he dropped his arm from
the door. He quickly looked at Kyle and said, "I told
you not to touch Isabel!" 
With his nervousness about going out on an offical
date with Isabel, his car crapping out on him at the
last minute and now this, Kyle's temper had gone from
smoldering to flaming.
"I don't believe you guys! I never said I was going to
to do Isabel, I just needed my Dad's truck so I could
take her out because my car busted. All I want is a
nice evening listening to a band with Isabel! That's
all! Nothing more!" he said angrily to the two aliens
who would protect Isabel from him.
Max looked a little more at ease, but Micheal was
still doubtful.
"Just remember what I said Kyle," he told him.
Kyle opened the door and got out of the van without a
word, slamming the door as he walked off, ignoring Max
calling his name.
He had walked a few blocks when he realized he still
had no way to pick up Isabel. It was going to take at
least 30 minutes to reach her apartment by foot.
Cursing all the way, he wondered what else could go
wrong?


Isabel paced as she wrung her hands, her mind
imagining all sorts of things as to why Kyle was late.
He was always on time when they made plans. Her top
thought was that he had desided that he didn't want to
take her out and couldn't bring himself to call. But
what if he was lying hurt somewhere? Oh gawd she
couldn't stand it if that was it! She had to go and
look for him just in case. But what if that wasn't it
and he really didn't want to see her? She would be a
fool for looking for him. Making up her mind she 
grabbed her purse as she headed for the door when a
knock sounded. Opening it she found Kyle.
"Sorry I'm late. Car trouble," he said sheepishly as
she opened the door.
It took everything she had not to grab him and hug him
to her. 
"I...I was getting a little worried," she admitted as
she let him in.
Kyle shoved his hands in his pockets and looked at
Isabel. She looked so beautiful in her leather pants
and boots and a sweater that was cut to show off her
shape.
"You...huh...you look really nice, and I'm sorry I
worried you," he finally mangaed to get out when he
realized he had been staring. 
Isabel smiled as she gave him the once over.
"Thanks. I like what you have on too."
She couldn't believe she had feelings for a guy who
lived in jeans and boots.
"We can take my car if we need too," Isabel offered.
Kyle grinned sheepishly with nerves and said, "Okay, I
was kinda hoping you would say that. I'm just going to
wash up and I'll be right back and we can go."
Isabel nodded as she clutched her hands and sat
waiting while Kyle went in to her bathroom and closed
the door.

Kyle washed off his face and hands and then ran his
hands threw his hair. He was about to leave when he
had an intense feeling hit him. He grabbed the counter
and stared at the mirror in horror. It was Jesse and
he was standing right behind him staring a him.
"Oh shit!" said Kyle, his blood running cold from
fright.
"This isn't right," said Jesse.
"I...I didn't plan on falling for her. I never would
have ..." Kyle stammered to the ghost with guilt.
"I should tell....her...that I'm ...sorry..." Jesse
said before clutching his chest and falling to the
floor and disappering.
Kyle realized he was seeing Jesse die from the heart
attack that had killed him. 
Kyle blinked and then fell against the counter
shaking.
"What the hell?" he said as he again turned on the
water to wash his face.
"Kyle? Are you okay?" asked Isabel from the other side
of the door.
Fighting the fear he had just experienced, Kyle opened
the door and said, "Hey! I'm ready to hear a great
band what about you?"
Nodding Isabel went to get her purse, while Kyle
looked one more time in the bathroom.
"Great," he mumbled to himself before heading out to
Isabel.

*******

Kyle and Isabel arrived at the club and luckily found
seats near the stage. 
"Would you look at this place?" said Kyle in
amazement. It was beginning to fill up.
"What's the name of the band?" asked Isabel, moving
her chair closer to Kyle to allow more people near the
stage.
"I don't know. I heard some guys talking about this
great new band that was previewing new material here
tonight, but I didn't catch the name. They must be
good though, I mean look at this crowd!" said Kyle
looking around.
Kyle was relaxing despite still being chilled from
what had happened earlier. He was going to hear a
great new band and he was with Isabel. Maybe the
evening would turn out okay after all.
Isabel felt warm all over just being near Kyle. She
hadn't felt the guilt feelings since accepting his
date, and she was having fun. 
"Look, it must be starting," said Kyle pointing to a
man taking the stage.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! The bands warmed up and ready
to go! Let's hear it for 'Kit Shickers!"
Kyle and Isabel looked at one another.
"Tell me he didn't just say..." said Kyle shaking his
head with dread.
"Yeah, he did," confirmed Isabel perplexed. 
As Jim Valenti and his band took the stage and began
to play the crowd went wild and rushed the stage.
"You okay?" yelled Kyle as they stood up and the band
began to play. He had to shout to be heard.
Isabel nodded as she clung to his arm. They looked
around at the crowd that was swaying to Jim Valenti
and the Kit Shickers music and began to smile.
Apparently the band had a following.
"There good Kyle. I mean I knew they were good, but
the crowd loves them," yelled Isabel as she began to
move with the music.
"Well I'll be!" said Kyle amazed at the way the crowd
cheered his Dad's band. He grinned with pride when his
Dad spotted him and Isabel up front. 
Jim nodded his head and grinned back at his son, his
eyes widening at who Kyle was with. He knew Kyle had a
date, he was just surprised with who the date was
with.

Kyle's arm brushed Isabel's breast each time she moved
and he relished the touch. He may not be making any
moves on her, but it didn't stop Kyle from dreaming
about her every night. True most of his thoughts were
erotic, but he would never tell her that. He watched
her dance as she lost herself in the music and thought
she was the most gorgeous thing he had ever seen.
The band began to play a slower song and Isabel turned
to Kyle and said, "Dance with me."
Kyle hated to dance, he didn't think he was good at
it, but not wanting to disappoint her Kyle placed his
arms around her waist as she wound hers around his
neck and he pulled her close. She stood a bit taller
than he did, but he didn't care, she was with him and
the envy of every man in the room. He had watched the
eyes of the men follow her, and the dislike of the
women as Isabel had entered. But she was with him and
it made him proud.

After the band left the stage Jim came over to the
couple and said, "Well how did we do you two?" He was
still keyed up from the set and his eyes were glazed
with excitement.
"You did good Dad, real good," said Kyle smiling, as
he shook his Dad's hand. 
Jim smiled in relief at Kyle's praise. "Thanks son."
Isabel stood and kissed Jim's cheek as she hugged him.

"You guys were great!" said Isabel smiling.
"Thanks Isabel," said Jim as he looked between the
two.
"So I see you two have plans so I'm going to meet up
with my band. I'll talk to you later," he said as he
winked at Kyle and walked away.
Kyle hid a small smile as he asked Isabel, "Want to go
get something to eat?"
Isabel nodded and smiled. 
"Kyle, I'm having so much fun! Thank you!" 
And feeling impulsive she kissed him.
True it was a chaste kiss on the lips, but to Kyle it
was manna from heaven.
"Let's...let's go," he said as he guided her out.
"Let me run to the ladies room first," said Isabel as
they neared the door.
As Kyle waited for Isabel, he observed a dispute out
the window in the parking lot. Two guys were fighting
over some woman. Drunks he imagined.
He turned away when Isabel approached him.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Yeah," she replied smiling.
They went outside and were walking to Isabel's car
when Isabel stopped and said, "Wait! I left my jacket
inside."
Kyle handed her the keys and told her, "Go ahead and
I'll go back and get it."
Isabel smiled and went on as Kyle ran back inside and
found the jacket where they had been sitting. Heading
back outside he spied Isabel standing by the car when
he heard a shot ring out. He turned his head in the
direction of the sound and saw the people who had been
fighting earlier run off. Turning back he started to
call to Isabel when he saw her slumped on the ground
next to the car.
"Isabel!" he cried as he ran to her and dropped to the
ground beside her. He touched her and felt a sticky
wetness on his hands. 
"No! God, no!" he cried out. She was losing so much
blood from the wound in her side.

Isabel had been standing next to the car looking at
the stars and counting her good fortune to have found
someone like Kyle when she heard a shot ring out and
felt a sharp burn in her side. Looking down she
touched her fingers to the area that burned and when
she pulled them back she saw them covered in blood.
"Oh God, no," she whimpered as she fell.
"Ky-le," she whispered as her head hit the ground.

Kyle brushed her hair from her face and called to her,
"Isabel! Isabel please say something!"
Isabel's eyes flickered and she said in a small voice,
"Kyle, I've... been... shot...why...am...I shot?"
Kyle's blood chilled and he wanted to throw up. He
took off his shirt and pressed it to her side.
"Isabel, I'm going to get you to Max! You hang on you
hear me! Hang on!" he told her, his voice strong
despite his fear.
"Hey man we've called an ambulance!" said a voice
behind him. A crowd had formed and was staring at the
fallen girl and the young man.
"No! I'll take care of her!" said Kyle.
He couldn't let them take her to a hosptial.
"Your going to kill her man! The ambulance will be
here soon!" the voice said as a hand was layed on
Kyle's shoulder.
"I said no!" yelled Kyle as he shrugged the hand off.
He opened the car door and gently picking her up he
placed Isabel in the car before running to the drivers
side and climbing in. 
He realized he didn't have the keys.
"Shit!" he yelled as he slammed his hands on the
wheel.
He got out and searched the ground for the keys while
the crowd looked on. 
"Come on don't do this to me! I've got to have those
keys!" 
"Kyle! Kyle!" said a voice next to his ear. He felt a
firm hand on his shoulder and looked up at his Dad
with relief and fear.
"Dad," he said plaintively.
"Pull yourself together Kyle and get in the car.
Isabel needs you to get her to Max right now," said
Jim firmly, his fear almost as great as Kyle's. He
pressed the keys he had spotted on the ground into
Kyle's hands. "Go Kyle! She may not have much time.
I'll take care of things here."
Kyle nodded, and getting in the car he pulled Isabel
over to him. She moaned and he hated himself for
hurting her. 
"Shhhh, I know. I'm sorry. I'm going to get you to Max
just as fast as I can," he told her as he drove off to
Michael's to get help from Max.

*******

Michael heard someone kicking his back door and went
to answer it yelling, "Quit kicking the hell out of my
door or I'll be kicking your ass!"
Opening it he quickly moved aside as Kyle pushed past
him carrying an unconscious and bleeding Isabel.
"Take her to the bed!" ordered Michael as he followed
Kyle.
"What the hell happened?" he demanded as he rushed to
Isabel's side. "Oh shit!" he said in a panic when he
saw just how much blood she was losing.
Kyle swallowed hard. The smell of blood was strong and
it was soaking the bed.
"Where's Max?" he asked, barely hanging on to what
little nerves he had left.
Michael rushed to get towels to press to Isabel's
side.
"Out with Liz!" he answered. "What happened?" he asked
as he pressed the towels to Isabel's side with shaking
hands. She was so still and pale she almost looked
dead. Swallowing hard, he tried to get a grip on
himself. Isabel needed him.
Kyle wiped his bloody hands over his face without
thinking, smearing Isabel's blood in the process.
"We were leaving the club and she forgot...her jacket.
I went back to get it...these guys were
fighting...over a girl...they must have had a
gun...she was down before I knew it!" he managed to
get out. His heart was pounding was so hard with fear.
"She can't die," he said.
Michael shook his head and pointing his finger at Kyle
said, "Hey! She won't die!" He wished he knew that for
sure though. He went for more towels leaving Kyle with
Isabel.
Kyle knelt down by Isabel and took her hand in his. 
"Don't you die on me Isabel!" he whispered threw his
tears. "I've finally found you and I don't want to
lose you now." He paused and then said next to her
ear, "I love you Isabel, please don't leave me."
Michael walked over to Kyle and pulled him to his feet
and said, "We've got to find Max! I'm going to call
Maria to see if she knows where they are. Go wash that
off before she sees it and panics," indicating the
blood on Kyle.
Kyle nodded and headed for the bathroom where he threw
up at seeing Isabel's blood on his face and upper
body.
If she died it was his fault. Earlier he asked himself
what else could go wrong and now he knew. He could
lose the woman he loved and had never told her his
feelings. 

********

Maria heard her phone ringing and looking at the
caller ID and saw that it was Michael.
"Can't stay stop calling can you Space Boy?" she said
to herself. She shouldn't answer it, but she wanted to
hear his reason for calling. It should be good.
She answered her phone and said sarcastically, "I
thought you were going to quit calling me?"
"Shut up and listen Maria! Isabel's been shot and I
need to find Max! Where did he and Liz go tonight?"
said Michael urgently cutting to the point of his
call.
Maria froze. "Oh my gawd! I think they were going to
stay in because Liz's parents were away! I'll call
over there and find out! If they aren't there I'll go
and find them!"
"Thanks!" said Michael greatfully.
"Michael? She's going to be okay, I mean she has to be
right?" said Maria afraid.
Michael sighed raggedly his own fear barely being held
at bay, "I hope so Maria." And he hung up.


Maria called Liz's and thanked God that they were
there.
"Liz! Max has to get to Michael's fast! Isabel's been
shot!" Maria said urgently when Liz answered the
phone.
"Oh my gawd! Yeah we'll get right over there!" said
Liz. Hanging up she turned to Max and said, "Isabel's
been shot!"
Max quickly stood up, his body shaking. "What?" he
asked hoarsely.
This couldn't be happening. Not to Isabel.
"Maria just said she's been shot and to get to
Michael's," said Liz as she hugged Max.
She could feel him trembling and said, "Max, she'll be
okay."
Max nodded as he pulled out of her embrace and headed
for the door.

********

Michael sat by Isabel and pressed more clean towels to
her side. He had tried to do a little healing himself
to try and slow up the blood loss, but so far he had
not done any good.
"Where's Max?" he asked Kyle, his own anxiousness for
Isabel growing with every thready breath she took. He
felt so helpless. So human. He didn't like that
feeling.
Kyle placed his fingers at her neck and said, "Her
pulse is really weak." Then answering Michael's
question he said, "You just called a few minutes ago.
He'll be here. He has too."
"Hold this to her while I clean these towels," said
Michael. When Kyle took over pressing the towels to
her side, Michael took the soiled ones and used his
powers to clean them.
"Shouldn't we take the bloody clothes off of her?"
asked Kyle noticing how some of the blood was drying
and causing them to stick to Isabel's skin.
"Hey!" said Michael pointing a finger at Kyle.
"I just thought she would be more comfortable! Some of
the blood is drying on her!" said Kyle in disgust at
Michael assuming he had other motives in mind.
Michael looked down and noticed Kyle was right. 
"I'm afraid to do anything about that. Normally I
would just use my powers to get rid of it, but if Max
heals her the blood will be reabsorbed. I hate to do
anything until Max gets here," said Michael.

The door suddenly opened and Max and Liz ran in with
Maria close behind.
"It's about time!" said Michael as he wiped sweat from
his brow. "She's bad Max, real bad!"
Max knelt down by Isabel and bit back nausea at seeing
her pale form covered in her own blood. This was their
nightmare come true. He removed the towels and
shuddered.
"You can heal her right Max?" asked Kyle as he looked
at Max with hope.
Max rubbed his lip and shook his head.
"I...I don't know. It's worse than I thought. I just
don't know," he said nervously as he placed his hands
over Isabel's wound.
Kyle stood up and watched as Max focused his energy on
Isabel. 
Beads of sweat gathered on Max's brow as he gave all
he had to heal Isabel's body.
Suddenly she gasped and lay still.
"What happened?" asked Liz quietly.
"Is she dead?" asked Maria moving closer to Liz. "She 
isn't is she? She can't be dead."
Max and Michael looked in devestated horror at
Isabel's still form.

Dead. That's all Kyle heard as he stared at Isabel and
then he headed to the bathroom and closed the door.
He couldn't hold it in anymore. He cried for the love
he had lost. He cried for his Isabel.
Lifting his head in dispair Kyle gasped. In the mirror
he saw Isabel standing behind him. 
"Isabel?" he asked in whispered in shock. It couldn't
be. His eyes must be playing tricks on him. He turned
quickly to comfront her, but she was gone just as fast
as she had come.
Shaking from what he wasn't sure had just happened 
he heard a commotion in the other room and opened the
door to see what was going on.

Everyone was gathered around the bed hugging.
He hesitantly approached the bed expecting to see
Isabel's dead body, but instead he was greeted with
her pale and tired eyes looking up him.
"Isabel," he said with quiet joy.
The others parted as he came to the foot of the bed.
"I...I thought you were dead," he managed to get out.
"She was. For few seconds she...she died," said Max
quietly, still shaking from the exertion, and shock of
losing and regaining Isabel. He had almost lost her
forever.
"Don't scare us like that again," said Michael wiping
his eyes. He couldn't believe that they had almost
lost her, and it had nothing to do with aliens.
Isabel looked at Kyle and gave him a slight smile as
she lifted her hand to him.
"Kyle, my hero. You helped save my life. Thank you,"
she said in a shaking voice.
Kyle took her hand in his and touched her fingers
lightly with his own. 
"I didn't do anything. In fact I almost got you
killed. What am I saying! I did get you killed! I
should have been more alert to those guys in the
parking lot fighting. I'm sorry," he said feeling a
mixture of guilt and relief as he let go of her hand.
Isabel touched his face and said, "No, you couldn't
have known. It just happened. It wasn't your fault."
She couldn't let him think this was his fault.

"So tell us what happened Kyle," said Michael.
Kyle relayed the story and Isabel filled in what she
remembered.
"Others saw her get shot?" asked Max.
"A few. It was a packed house and the crowd was just
letting out, but the parking lot where we parked was
mostly empty. Why?" asked Kyle.
"The blood," said Max rubbing the back of his neck as
if it ached.
"The blood? What about it?" asked Maria confused.
"Since Isabel lost so much blood and that many people
saw her get shot, the police are going to be looking
for her. You said an ambulance was called?"
asked Max wanting to clarify the facts.
"Yeah, some guy said they had called an ambulance. I
knew she couldn't go to a hospital so I brought her
here," confirmed Kyle.
"That means the Sheriff was called too," said Micheal,
seeing where Max was heading.
"My Dad's band was playing there. He said he would
take care of it," Kyle told them.
"Was there anyone you knew at the club?" asked Liz.
"Yeah, some people from town. They saw...us. Oh hell,
I didn't even think. I'm sorry," said Kyle
understanding.
"You did the right thing bringing her here Kyle,"
reassurred Max. "They will be looking for her though
regardless of Valenti's intervention, and when they
find her she won't be wounded," said Max looking at
the others.
"Max, if the Sheriff takes samples of the blood they
will know it's not human," said Liz.
"I'm on it!" said Michael heading for the door.
"I'm going with you," said Kyle, the tone of his voice
letting everyone know he wouldn't be dissuaded.
"Michael!" called out Max.
Michael and Kyle turned at the door.
"Be careful. We don't know who may still be out there
looking around, and we don't want to arouse
suspicion," said Max.
Michael nodded and he and Kyle headed out the door.

********

They rode in silence for a bit before Kyle said, "You
blame me for her being shot don't you? You can go
ahead and say it, I agree with you. I didn't protect
her and we almost lost her forever."
Michael glanced sideways at Kyle before answering.
"Yeah, I could blame you, but I'm not."
"Why not?" asked Kyle confused as some of his anger
was difused.
Michael pulled to the side of the road several feet
from the club and looking at Kyle said, "Because
you're blaming yourself enough for the both of us."
Kyle looked away and Michael said, "It was an accident
that could have happened to anyone. You got her to us
in time and that's important. Plus," he paused and
then added, "You really care about her and I know you
wouldn't let anything happen to her if you could help
it. That means a lot."
Kyle looked at Michael and nodded. "I'd die for her."
"I know," said Michael as he opened his door. "Let's
go."

They followed a beaten trail around to the back lot
and spied the Sheriff's men just leaving the area.
Jim was with them.
They waited for what seemed like hours until everyone
was gone, and then headed down to the parking lot.
"Where?" asked Michael looking around.
"It was here. She was shot right here, but all I see
is oil," said Kyle looking around.
"And that's all the Sheriff's men saw too," said Jim
walking up in front of them from the side of the club.
"What did you tell them?" asked Michael as he stooped
and waved his hand over the stain making it disappear.
"I told them that she was startled by the shot and
fell into some oil left by a truck which explained the
stain on her. She hit her head and was groggy. Thought
she was shot because of the pain from falling. 
The Deputies sent out here bought it," he said with
disgust. His department that he had taken such pride
in was now a mess of imcompetents.
"We need to leave the oil stain then," said Michael.
"I used some old oil in the back of my truck I was
going to take to be diposed of. We can use the rest of
that," said Jim going to get the oil.
"What about the people who saw it happen? The ones who
recognized us from Roswell?" asked Kyle.
"You'll just have to stick with your Dad's story and
hope no one figures it out," said Michael not sure
what they could do about that.
They covered the area that Isabel's blood had fallen
on with the oil provided by Valenti, and then they
left as they had come.

********

Isabel stood at Michael's backdoor looking up at the
sky, and vaguely listening to the conversations behind
her. Outwardly she appeared calm, but inside she was
still reeling from all that had happened to her.
"How are you feeling Isabel?" asked Kyle as he came up
beside her.
"Fine," she answered still unnerved by everything. "I
would never know I had even died."
Kyle flinched at her words.
Isabel immediately apologized. "I'm sorry, that was
uncalled for." Then feeling the need to explain
herself, she said, "I know we died on Antar and were
sent here to be reborn, but I don't remember that. I
remember this and it's unnerving. I feel like a cat
who has used up two of it's nine lives."
Kyle felt a chill come over him by her words.
"You remember dying?" he asked her hoarsely.
Max and the others in the room fell silent in their
conversations as they picked up on Kyle and Isabel's.
Isabel swallowed and nodded embarrassed. "Yeah, well I
guess dreamed it is more like it. I could swear I saw
you leave the room when the others said I was dead,
and I followed you to the bathroom. Isn''t that a
morbid dream?" She lauged nervously.
Kyle stared at her.
"It wasn't a dream. I saw you," he barely got out.
The others slowly began to gather around.
"I saw you standing behind me in the bathroom. I was
crying and angry and then I looked up and there you
were, and then just as suddenly you were gone. That's
when I heard the others and you were alive," Kyle told
her.
"What? Kyle are you sure about that?" asked Max.
"Yeah, and it's not the first time I've seen
someone...dead in a mirror," said Kyle looking at the
others.
"You mean Alex," said Maria sadly remembering Kyle's
vision of Tess killing Alex.
Kyle shook his head, and then looking at Isabel he
said, "I saw Jesse."
Isabel's gaze flew to Kyle's face. 
"You saw...Jesse?" she asked in a small voice.
"Yeah. When I went to wash up before we went out I
looked in the mirror and there he was. I thought he
was talking to me, but I think I was watching him
die."
Isabel walked slowly to the couch and sat down. 
"What...what did you see?" she asked.
Kyle sat down beside her, "He said, 'This isn't
right,' and that he should tell you that he was sorry.
He grabbed his chest and then he was gone."
Isabel raised her fingers to her lips as tears
gathered in her eyes. "We had a fight. I said he was
working too much and needed to spend some time
relaxing. I was worried because he didn't look good.
He had been working night and day on this case and I
wanted him to go out and have fun with me. I hounded
him actually. He got mad and said he had a brief to
finish and that fun could come later. I stormed out
and that was the last time I saw him alive."
"Isabel..." said Max consolingly as he layed a hand on
her shoulder. "None of us knew he had a family history
of heart problems or that he would die of a heart
attack like his father. It just happened. Your fight
had nothing to do with it."
"I know that's what the coroner said, but to know the
last time we saw each other we were fighting just
makes it hard," said Isabel sniffing. 
"He was sorry he had a fight with you Isabel. He
wasn't angry. He loved you and you know it," said Liz.
Isabel nodded. "Yeah, I guess."
"She's right Isabel," said Kyle. "He loved you. Don't
think about anything but that."
Isabel smiled at Kyle and nodded. 

Michael frowned as a thought came to him.
"Why did Kyle see Jesse and Isabel when they were
dead? Does anyone else find that kinda strange?"
"He also saw Alex," reminded Maria.
"Kyle must be getting these visions because Max healed
him. This is some sort of alien thing," said Liz.
"Oh great. You get cool powers, and I see dead
people," dead panned Kyle. "What's up with that?" He
looked at the others and then admitted, "To tell you
the truth..it creeps me out." 
Isabel touched is arm and said, "Well it may creep you
out, but you let me know that Jesse was thinking about
me when he died and he wasn't angry. I know that
doesn't help you, but it helps me. Thank you Kyle."
Kyle smiled at her, melting at her touch. "Yeah, sure.
I'm glad I could help."
"Maybe that's what Kyle is supposed to do, help
people. You know he helped us find out Tess was Alex's
killer, and he just told Isabel about Jesse. You know
what I mean?" asked Maria looking ay yhr others.
"Then why did he see Isabel? She wasn't dead but a few
seconds," asked Michael.
Kyle had his own idea as to why he had the visions,
but he needed to talk to Isabel first.
"Uh, could I talk to Isabel alone?" he asked the
others.
Confused, the others all agreed to go to the Crashdown
and wait for Isabel and Kyle. They had all agreed that
Isabel being seen healthy in public was important.

When the others had left, Kyle began to pace as he
searched for the words he wanted. Finally he turned to
Isabel where she still sat on the couch and said,
"Isabel, I have wanted to tell you something for a
long time now, and I think now is the time to do it."
Isabel waited nervously as Kyle continued to pace.
"Kyle?" 
Kyle bit his thumb nail as he stopped and said,
"Isabel, I think the reason I saw you dead in the
bathroom is because I have feelings for you."
Isabel stared at Kyle and made an 'O' with her mouth. 
He had feelings for her. She was both nervous and
excited, her own feelings for Kyle having grown
deeper.
"I love you," he told her in a rush. "I know you are
still grieving for Jesse, I understand that, but I
want you to know that no matter how long it takes I'll
wait for you if you just tell me that someday you
could love me too."
There! He had said it and now he held his breath as he
waited for her answer.
Isabel didn't know which had grown bigger, her eyes or
her heart at Kyle's words.
"Kyle, I..." she said breathlessly.
"I know...you don't...you don't feel the same. That's
okay, we can still be friends...I think," he said
trying to sound like he was fine with only being
friends. But he wasn't and never could be.
Isabel stood up and went to Kyle. 
"Kyle, I love you too," she said as she wound her arms
around his neck.
Kyle looked in to her eyes and said, "You do? Really?"
"Yeah, really. Jesse's dead and I've moved on with my
life because I love you."
Then Kyle kissed Isabel for the first time, not as a
friend, but like a man loves a woman with all the
passion and desire that goes with it.
When they parted Isabel rested her head on Kyle's and
asked, "Do you think we should tell the others?"
Kyle smiled and said, "Actually, they already know."
"They do?" asked Isabel surprised.
"Yeah, they've been encouraging me. Apparently I can
be read like a book when it comes to you. Does that
bother you?" he asked her, suddenly wondering if he
had said too much.
"No, I'm just happy you finally let me in on the
secret," she said smiling back at him before kissing
him again.


********

"So Kyle sees people he is emotionally attached too?"
asked Maria confused. "Is that good?"
"I don't know, but I'm sure in time we'll find out,"
said Max as he generously saturated his fries with
Tobasco.
"Here's your drink Kyle," said Liz as she placed it
before him, smiled at Max, and headed for the kitchen.
As soon as Kyle touched the glass a vision hit him of
Liz standing by the fryer talking to Michael as she
prepared to empty the fryer, flames rising up out of
control and burning her.
"What the hell?" he said aloud as he let go of the
glass.
"What is it Kyle?" asked Isabel, when she saw the look
on his face.
"I... I don't know. It was weird, I..." he looked up
and saw Liz threw the order window talking to Michael
and preparing to gather the fries. It was just as he
had seen it in the flash.
"Oh God...Liz!" he yelled at her as he ran threw the
kitchen door, pulling her out of the way as the oil
caught fire, sending a flame shooting up that would
have certainly burned her.
Liz was breathing hard in Kyle's arms as she realized
he had saved her.
Michael quickly doused the flames with his powers
before anyone else was aware of what was going on.
Then as the others came in to the kitchen he turned to
Kyle and Liz and asked, "You okay?" as Liz went in to
Max's arms.
"Yeah, Kyle pulled me out of the way just in time,"
said Liz. She looked at Kyle. "Thank you! I don't know
how you knew, but thank you."
"How did you know?" asked Isabel as she stood next to
Kyle holding on to his arm as if to make sure he was
okay.
"I saw it," he told them.
"But I thought you could only see dead people," said
Maria.
"Me too, but I guess I get different types of
visions," he told them. 
"So you see the past and the future," said Isabel
thoughtfully.
"I guess so. I guess I just have to wait and see how
it develops," Kyle replied. He was not crazy about the
power he had developed, but if it was what he had, he
hoped it was going to be a good thing and not one he
regretted having.
He and Isabel slid their arms around one another.
The move was not lost on the others.
"What's this?" asked Maria smiling.
Isabel and Kyle smiled at each other and Kyle said,
"They want to know what this is."
"So they do," she replied, her eyes shining with love
for him.
The others smiled at them and followed them out of the
kitchen, Liz and Max being last.
"So they are finally together," said Liz beaming with
satisfaction.
"Proud of yourself and your matchmaking?" asked Max.
"Immensely!" said Liz as the door shut behind them.


End