Chapter 21
�Why do you say that Liz?�
She moved to the couch. �Just something that Isabel said to me when we got here. I think her little twisted brain was working overtime.�
�Are you saying she... she set it up so the two of us would be alone?�
�Had any good dreams lately?�
Michael made a very loud gulping noise. �What?�
�That�s what Isabel said to me. I think she�s been dreamwalking us.�
{Crap! That means she saw all of those dreams about Liz.} �She�s so nosy sometimes.�
�Yeah, but she means well.�
�So, it looks like just the two of us.� {Not that I really mind.}
�Actually, I think I�m just gonna leave. It�s obvious that this was a bad idea.� Liz got up to leave.
{Don�t let her leave.} �Liz.� Michael placed a tentative hand on her shoulder. �Stay.�
{I�ve been waiting so long to hear those words.}
�I mean, you�re already here, and I don�t have anything better to do. Besides, we�ve got food, and I assume Isabel rented a movie, so why don�t we just hang out? We�re friends, we should be able to.� {There�s that pain again.}
{What did you expect him to say?} �Okay.�
Michael was relieved to say the least. �So why don�t you take off your coat and stay a while?�
Liz began to do just that when Michael finally caught sight of her outfit. It hugged her perfectly, accenting her petite but womanly physique. {This is some sort of cruel joke. I have to sit next to her all night as a friend when she�s wearing that?}
�Michael, hello?� Liz was waving her hands over his eyes. {What is with him?}
Michael snapped out of it. �Let�s eat.�
They ate in relative silence. It wasn�t awkward, it was a relaxed and easygoing kind of silence, like there was no need to talk.
When they finished they began to clean perfectly in sync. Michael picked up the Tabasco, Liz grabbed it and put it back in the fridge. Liz grabbed the napkins they had dirtied, Michael took them and threw them away. They both were smiling inward at the ease of their actions.
When they finished Michael was the first to speak. �So, what movie did Isabel rent?�
�She didn�t. She asked if I could bring one over. She said it was one of your favorites.�
{ Braveheart? Nah. Too Gorey. The Matrix? Maybe. Is always had a thing for Keanu.} � The Matrix?�
�No. Empire Records.�
{Funny Isabel.} �She made me watch that a couple of months ago. She was mumbling the entire time that I should pay attention for future reference, whatever that means.�
�We don�t have to watch it. I mean, we could watch something else.�
�It�s okay. Do you like it?�
Liz bowed her head a little reflecting on the dream she had had less than a week ago. �Yeah, one of my favorites.� She smiled.
�Well, how could I say no to the �Liz Parker 100-watt smile� ?�
{Is he flirting?}
{Am I flirting?}
�Make yourself comfortable. I�m gonna go to the bathroom and then we�ll pop the tape in.�
� �kay.�
Michael walked into the bathroom and shut the door as Liz sat down and tried to breath. {Liz, get a grip. Just deal. You�re here with Michael. Alone. Isabel better have known what she was doing.}
Meanwhile, in the bathroom.....
Michael was splashing cold water on his face in an attempt to calm down. �Had any good dreams lately?� The words echoed in his head. {Wait a second. If Is was in both of our heads and she left us alone than that means that Liz at least likes me back. I�ll just play it cool. Be nice, be polite, be everything you�re not.}
�DON�T BLOW THIS MICHAEL!� He whispered to his reflection.
He took a deep breath and opened the door. {Here goes nothing.}
Dedication: This next part is dedicated to my love: Doug. You inspire me in ways I never imagined possible.
Chapter 22
Liz heard the bathroom door open and the light flip off. {Just breath.}
As Michael walked into the room Liz stood. �I didn�t know where you wanted to sit, so I thought I�d let you choose first.�
�Ladies first, I insist.� {Be nice.}
�Okay.� Liz sounded hesitant. She sat down on the couch and curled her legs under after she took her shoes off and her hair down. She was tight against the arm of the couch.
�Liz, spread out, relax. You cold?� She shook her head. �It can get pretty cold in here at night. I�ll get you a blanket, hold on.� He walked down the hall and opened the closet.
Liz relaxed a little and extended her legs a bit. When she had just gotten comfortable she remembered the movie. It was still in her purse on the chair. She went to get up when Michael came back and stopped her.
�No, don�t get up. You look relaxed. Did you need something, a soda, a tissue, anything?� {Just make her comfortable. You�re nervous enough for the both of us.}
�I left the video in my purse. I was just gonna get it.�
�Don�t. I�ll get it for you.�
{Why is he being so sweet?}
Michael got her purse and gave it to her. �Here. You should get it, it�s be kind of rude for me to rifle through it.�
�Thanks.� She unzipped the bag and grabbed the video. She quickly zipped it back up and went to place it on the coffee table.
�No, I�ll do that.� He put her purse on the table where it wouldn�t block her view of the television. He then took the tape and went to put it in the VCR.
�Michael? Why are you being so nice?�
He stopped dead in his tracks and turned around. �I can�t just be nice?�
�You? Not really. What�s up?�
�We�re friends.� The word almost hurt as it came out. �This night has been weird enough already, I�m just trying to make you relaxed, okay?�
She nodded. �Yeah.�
He turned back around and moved back to the blanket. He opened it up and spread it out, ushering to Liz to lift her arms. �Here.� He gently spread it out over her.
She smiled. �Thanks.�
�No problem.�
He pointed to the spot next to her on the couch. �Mind if I sit here?�
She almost laughed. �It�s your place. You can sit wherever you want.�
He sat next to her on the couch then leaned back with the remote in his left hand and his right arm spread across the back of the couch. He pressed play and looked to Liz to make sure where he was sitting was okay. She gave a little smile and a slight nod and looked to the t.v.
�Fast forward, these are the worst previews. They�re actually not even previews, they�re commercials.�
He pressed fast forward. �Seen this a few times?�
She let out a small laugh. �You could say that.�
�Do you want anything before it starts? Soda, popcorn?�
�Michael, I�m fine.�
�Just checking.�
He smiled and pressed play. They sat still for a little while till Michael heard Liz trying to stifle a laugh. �Liz?�
She turned to look at him and burst out laughing. �Sorry, just remembering something, nevermind.�
{She�s crazy!} �It�s good to see you laughing, it�s been a while.�
�Well, this is the first thing I�ve had to laugh about for a long time.�
The smile on Michael�s face faded. �I�m sorry Liz. We�ve screwed up your whole life. Just knowing us has turned your whole world upside down.�
�Michael, stop. I don�t regret knowing you guys, ever. Sure, without aliens my life would be a lot less dangerous, but without knowing you I probably wouldn�t have a life to worry about. Before I met you it was like I was biding time. Just waiting for something to happen, for my life to begin. But then you guys saved me, and suddenly everything made sense. I had a purpose in life. I was part of this huge thing, so much bigger than anything I could�ve ever imagined. I don�t regret anything I�ve gone through because of you. Knowing you made me come alive.�
�But Liz, don�t you ever wish you could just be normal?�
�Not for a second. Not if it meant not knowing you.�
�Thank you Liz, for always being honest and for saving my ass so many times when I didn�t deserve your help. Just thank you, for being you.�
Liz was bright red by now. �You�re making me blush.�
�Come here ya big dork.�
His arm that had been on the back of the couch was now around her pulling her head to lean on his shoulder. Liz shifted her body and relished the feeling of Michael�s touch. {He�s all warm and comfy. Like a big teddy bear. Michael Guerin as a teddy bear. Hmmm...}
Michael felt more relaxed then he ever had. {She fits into me so easily. Like she was made for me.}
The smell of her permeated his senses. Her shampoo, her perfume, her lip gloss, her skin. There was this distinct Liz smell. A mix of vanilla and something else he couldn�t place. All he knew was that it was the most perfect smell. One that he hoped would be around for a long time.
The movie started and they remained holding each other the entire time. Liz noticed that he laughed at all the same times she did. {I could get used to this.}
Suddenly Michael spoke. It was a sex scene involving a self-absorbed �rock star� and a then-unknown Renee Zellwegger. �I think Rex Manning is the scariest villain I�ve ever seen.�
Liz totally lost it laughing.
�What? It�s true.�
�You love horror films. You can watch Child�s Play, Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th, not to mention Pet Cemetery and Texas Chainsaw Massacre and their various sequels, but Rex Manning scares you? You�re such a wuss.�
�Seriously! The guy is scary. I mean look at his hair. The entire movie it does not move. He wears blue Jockeys and looks like he�s wearing a pound of makeup. You don�t find that the least bit frightening?�
Liz could not stop laughing. �Like you�re one to talk about hair.� She paused gauging his response. �You�re serious. Ohh... little Michael Guerin�s afraid of big bad Rex Manning. Don�t worry Michael, I�ll protect you. I won�t let the sissy man scare you.�
�Oh that�s it Parker, you asked for it.� Michael pounced. He started tickling her till he found out her stomach was the most sensitive. �Oh, ticklish are we?�
Liz could barely speak through her tears. �Stop tickling me Michael! You�re making me cry!�
�No way! I finally found your vulnerability.�
�Please, please Michael.� He had to admit that he liked hearing that.
�What do I get if I stop?� He backed off for a second to let Liz think. �Well Parker? I�m waiting.�
Liz was trying to think. {I know what I want to give him.} �It�s a surprise.�
�A surprise? I hate surprises.�
�You won�t hate this one.�
�Cross your heart.�
�And hope to die.�
�Fine.� He relented his torment but gave her a warning. �Now pay up or suffer the consequences.�
�Okay. But first I have to tell you something.�
Chapter 23
�Alright, shoot.�
�Okay, don�t freak out or anything. After all, it is your fault.�
�What?� {Damn she�s making me nervous.}
�I said don�t freak out.�
�Just tell me, you�re worrying me.�
�My dad knows.�
Michael�s eyes bugged out. �Knows? About us?�
�Us?� {Huh?}
�You�re dad knows we�re.... different?�
�Well, he kinda guessed something was going on.�
Michael stood up. �So you just told him? Liz, this wasn�t your secret to tell.�
�What are you talking about?� Now Liz stood up.
�You could have at least asked Isabel and Max first.�
�What do they have to do with this? It was my idea.�
�Your idea? What are you talking about?�
�New York.� He let out a huge sigh of relief. �What did you think I was talking about?�
He gave her a look that said �You should know.�
�OH!! No Michael, I didn�t tell him that.�
�Wait a second.� What she had just told him finally sank in. �He knows about New York? As in you and me going to New York? To find Ava?�
�Yes, yes, and no. I guess he heard more of our conversation the other day than we thought. He�s still letting us go, but he said to make my mom believe that I�m going to Boston. He thinks I just need some time away.�
�Just like that? He�s letting you go across the country with a teenage guy?�
�Well, he also said not to come back pierced, tattooed, married or pregnant.�
�Pierced and tattooed I can understand. But married or pregnant? Why would he say that?�
�He kinda thinks we are... you know.� She was blushing again.
�Together?� {I wish.}
�Yeah.�
�And he�s still letting you go?�
�He said that he trusts me. He also said that he trusts you, like a son.�
�He said that?�
�He said he was apprehensive when he first met you because you and Max are so close, but that you�re different than him. He says that he knows you�d never hurt me, and that you know how to treat a lady.�
�He really said all of that?� Michael was having a hard time believing this. That an adult, especially Mr. Parker would say these things about him of all people.
�Michael, yes, and he meant it. You�re intelligent, you�re funny, you�re a hard worker. He sees all that. Anyone who thinks otherwise doesn�t know you, the real Michael Guerin.�
�Liz, don�t say that. That�s not me. I�m a screw up, plain and simple. I don�t deserve to be friends with you never mind...�
�More than friends?�
He met her eyes. If he didn�t know any better he�d swear he saw a hint of desire in them.
�If anything I don�t deserve you.�
�What?�
�You heard me. You�re this big, strong, smart, good-looking intergalactic soldier boy. And I�m just Liz Parker, that geek who works at the Crashdown.� {Did I really just saw that?}
�Liz, did the topic of discussion just change?�
The air was charged with electricity. Liz stood right in front of his face. So close that their noses almost touched. �He already thinks we�re together. I never did give you that surprise.�
Liz began to bite her bottom lip.
�Liz.� Michael watched her as she licked her lips in expectation. They slowly leaned in. �We shouldn�t be...�
�Doing this.� She sounded breathless.
They looked into each others eyes and something inside clicked. They both felt it. Almost like a door opening, a new chapter being written. Before either knew what was happening their lips were crashing into each other.
Michael�s hands crept up and grabbed a hold of her face, afraid she would pull away. He had waited too long for it to end so soon. She emitted a small moan that sounded suspiciously like his name.
Liz snaked her arms around his back. She slowly put her hands under his shirt and rubbed his muscles feeling the masculine power of them.
They both started to slow and pull away. They looked into each others eyes and hardly recognized them. They had almost became black with passion.
�Wow.�
�You know that dream I had the other day?� Her voice was thick with arousal.
�Yeah.�
�That was just a glimpse.�
�I think I know what Isabel was thinking.�
�Me too.�
Michael cupped her face. �Liz, I... I have feelings for you.� {It�s not a lie.} �I have for a while now. I think it�s part of why Maria and I broke up. I think she knew.�
�All this time?�
He gave her a slight nod.
�My dad knew.�
�He did?�
�He said that he could tell by the look in your eyes when I was around. He said you had it pretty bad.�
�Really?� Michael�s arm went around her lower back and pulled her closer. He leaned in so their foreheads touched. �What about you? Do you... or is it just...�
�Physical attraction? Animal magnetism?�
He smiled a little, but he was actually terrified of what he answer would be.
�There�s definitely some of that. But I think we made that clear. Yes, there�s more. Ever since that night, when everything happened, I�ve felt different. Something in me was screaming to go to you. Ever since then I�ve been trying to figure myself out. Why I�m drawn to you.�
�And?� {You�re killing me.}
�And I... I feel this connection to you.�
�Like with Max?�
�It�s stronger. This is much different. With him it was calming. Soothing. Friendly. With you it�s chaotic, and passionate. It�s hard to be around you without...�
�Doing this?�
Their lips met again. This time they allowed themselves to fall fully. The dam had broken and now years of pent up tension was pouring out.
They sunk back on the couch. Michael tried his best not to crush her.
They laid there just exploring each others mouths. Trying to memorize each taste, each texture. Every new sensation. They lost all sense of time. They weren�t sure if a minute had gone by or an entire lifetime.
Finally, the sound of the static filled the room and they realized the movie had ended.
They reluctantly pulled away and Michael shut off the t.v.
Chapter 24
�Michael, as much as I hate to admit it, we�ve got to talk about this.�
�I know.�
�Isabel and my dad might be the only ones who know something is going on right now, but if they figured it out before we did then there�s no telling who else knows.�
�You don�t want people to know.� It was more of a statement then a question. �It�s alright, I understand. I mean, what would people think?�
�Michael, I don�t care what people think. I know what I want, I know what makes me happy, and it�s being around you. It doesn�t matter what we do, just seeing you makes me happy.�
�Me too Liz, honestly. But I don�t want to hide what I feel. If I come to school one morning...�
�If?� She laughed.
�Let me finish. If I come to school one morning and I see you at your locker I want to know that it�s okay to kiss you. I don�t want to feel the need to look over my shoulder and make sure Max isn�t around. I want to be able to show you off. You�re great and unbelievable and just so perfect. I want people to know that I�m the luckiest guy in the world because for some reason beyond my comprehension you chose me.�
Liz�s eyes teared up. �No baby, don�t cry.�
�Happy tears.� She sniffled as Michael used his thumbs to brush the tears away. �Baby, I like the sound of that. I didn�t think you�re the type to use pet names. Or open up like that.�
�I�m not. Well, I never was before. Something about knowing you has changed me Liz. Isabel saw it. I think that�s what she meant with the �future reference� comment. You made me realize the way I treat people. You changed me, and it scares the hell out of me. I mean, I�m opening up to someone. I have never done this. And all I keep thinking is when is she gonna realize that I�m not worthy of her.�
�Michael! Stop! I didn�t get to tell you something else my dad said.�
�What?� He sounded worried.
� �You can�t live your life for anyone but yourself. You have to do what feels right.� Don�t you see? Even my father knew I wasn�t happy. I wasn�t happy because I wasn�t being honest. We both just got out of our first real relationships. We just realized we feel the same way about each other, and we can�t seem to keep our hands off of each other.�
�Well, I know that I can�t keep my hands off of you.� He walked behind her and wrapped his arms around her. �You got a problem with that?�
�No! But I�m being serious Michael.�
�So am I.�
�Michael! What I mean is everything is happening so fast. I think we should spend some time together and get used to the idea of being together before we commit to a relationship.�
�You don�t want to be with me.�
She turned around still in his arms and faced him. She reached up and brushed a piece of hair out of his eyes. �I want to be with you, more than anything. I didn�t say we couldn�t. All I said is that we should spend more time together. Really get to know each other. We�ve been a part of the same group for over a year now, and we only had our first real conversation the night Tess died. I think we should act friendly around everyone and see how they react. In less than two months we�re going across the country alone. I don�t want to get there and have everything be weird. Do you understand?�
�I think so. Can I still hug you in public?�
�You better!�
�What about kissing?� His eyebrows raised suggestively.
�In a couple of weeks you can. But only on the cheek. We�re gonna ease into this. No rushing.�
�Fine. But when we�re alone I�m not gonna let you go.�
�What makes you think I would let you?�
They hugged again and just let themselves meld together. After a few minutes Liz looked at her watch. �I know it�s only 10:30, but we both have work tomorrow and it�s been a long night.�
�It�s okay. I don�t want to let you go but you have to go home sometime. We�ll rewind the video and then I�ll drive you home, deal?�
�Deal.�
Liz grabbed her hair clip. �I�ll be right back.�
Once she was in the bathroom she caught her reflection. Her hair looked like she had just woken up and it was still slightly damp. Her lips were still warm from Michael�s kiss. {Wow. This night was better than I ever could have imagined.}
�Tape�s done.�
�I�ll be right out.� She quickly fixed her hair and put on some lip gloss.
She walked out and Michael had her coat. �Your coat my lady.�
He held it out and helped her into it. �Thank you kind sir.�
She liked this side of Michael. The joking side, the cute and playful side, the one reserved for her.
He kissed her again, this time very lightly. He pulled back and licked his lips. �You smell sweet and you taste sweet. I�m never giving you up.�
�Promise?�
�Definitely.�
He handed her her purse. �Let�s go.�
They walked out, ladies first of course, and Michael locked the door. When they got to the bike he handed her the helmet. �Here, put this on. We wouldn�t want you to hurt that pretty face of yours now would we?�
�I�ve never been on a motorcycle before.�
�I know.� He got on. �Just hold on to me, I�ll never let you fall.�
That statement had so many meanings.
She got on behind him. �I don�t think that�ll be a problem.� He smiled and they sped off towards the Crashdown.
The entire time she held on tight. She loved the feeling of the wind on her face. {I�ll have to do this more often.}
A few minutes later they were there. Michael got off first and then helped Liz. �Thanks.�
�No prob babe.�
�So is this �babe� thing gonna be regular from now on?�
�Yeah baby."
�Ok, now you sound like Austin Powers.�
�I�m not going there!�
They laughed. Michael put his arm around her and walked to the back door. Then the awkward goodnight moment occurred.
�Thanks Michael, I really had a good time. I�m glad we talked.�
�Me too.� He gave her a little peck. �But if (kiss) I don�t (kiss) leave (kiss) right now (kiss) I never (kiss) will.�
�As appealing as that sounds my parents probably wouldn�t be too happy.�
�Goodnight Liz.�
�Goodnight Michael.�
She kissed him one last time and walked into her apartment.
Michael walked back to his bike and started home. {I�m gonna have some great dreams tonight.}
November 17, 2000
I�m Liz Parker, and I�m the happiest I�ve ever been. I�m in love.
**This next chapter is loosely inspired by the song �Hopelessly Addicted� by The Corrs.**
Opened my eyes today
And I knew there�s
something different
Saw you in a brand new way
Like the clouds had
somehow lifted
And if yesterday I heard
Myself saying these words
I would swear it was a lie
I don�t know why but
suddenly I�m falling
Was I so blind
I was loving you all the time
Now I�m hopelessly addicted
Helplessly attracted
I�ll make a wish this day
And I�ll send it to the heavens
That we will always stay
Entwined like this forever
And though the world may change
Coz nothing stays the same
I know we will survive
I don�t know why but
suddenly I�m falling
Was I so blind
I was loving you all the time
Now I�m hopelessly addicted
Helplessly attracted
Naturally we acted
Hopelessly addicted
Helplessly attracted
Chemically reacted
Naturally we acted
- �Hopelessly Addicted� by The Corrs
Chapter 25
Liz�s alarm woke her up the next morning at eight. She stretched and was amazed to realize that she had actually slept through the entire night. {That�s the most peaceful sleep I�ve had in over a year.}
She turned on her side and looked at the picture that she had folded so Michael and her were next to each other. She smiled at her memories of the previous night. She still had the faint smell and taste of Michael on her. {Too bad I have to go shower it off.}
She got up and went to take a shower.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Michael had just woken up. Actually, he�s been staring at his alarm for an hour waiting for it to go off. He had been too excited to sleep any longer. {Look at me. I�m like some giddy school girl. What is with the way she makes me feel?}
�AHHH!!� He screamed out of frustration.
{I�m not working for another six hours. How am I gonna stay occupied until then?}
He got up and walked into the bathroom. {Another cold shower.}
After he got out he went to his room to get dressed. Just as he was putting his shirt on there was a knock on the door. {Maybe Liz couldn�t wait either.}
�Coming!�
He began to speak before he opened the door. �So you couldn�t wait until work-�
�Hi Michael.�
�Is, what are you doing here?� {Damn.}
�It�s good to see you too Michael." She walked in and he shut the door.
�Sorry, I thought it was someone else.� He sat down in his chair.
�Liz?�
Michael blushed.
�Thought so. I guess that means last night went well.�
�She told me you dreamwalked us.�
�Yeah. But don�t worry, I pulled out before I saw anything. You�re my brother, that would be disgusting.�
�Thanks. It would be kinda weird if you saw something. So, you saw Liz�s dreams?�
�Michael, I�m not gonna tell you about her dreams.�
�But Is-�
�No! So, what�s the deal with you two?�
�We�re going to �ease� everyone into it. Apparently her dad knew something was up also.�
�Well how couldn�t he? He works with you two so he had to see the flirting.�
�Flirting?�
�Yeah. You know how you fight? Well lately it�s been more frequent. It�s like foreplay. Alex noticed too. You guys aren�t as obvious as Maria and my dumbass brother but-�
�Max and Maria? Are they together?�
Isabel�s face fell. �Kind of. I thought you wouldn�t care. They hang out a lot, but I don�t think they�ve done anything yet.�
�Oh. I don�t really care. It just seems funny the way the four of us broke up and regrouped.�
�Yeah. All we need to do is get Ava so Kyle isn�t alone.�
�Liz�s dad knows.�
�What?�
�About our trip. Not about aliens. He just thinks we need vacation.�
�God, don�t do that. You scared me.�
�Sorry.�
�Wait, and he�s still letting her go?�
�He told her that he trusts me like a son.�
�Wow Michael, that�s great.�
�It feels sort of weird, but nice.�
�I like this new side of you.�
�What? You noticed?�
�How could I not? She really makes you happy.�
Michael smiled. �She accepts me for who I am. She doesn�t want to change me like Maria did. She actually makes me want to be a better person, as corny as that may sound. She�s just so great. And the weird thing is, she wants me.�
Isabel jumped up and hugged him. �Of course she does.� She pulled away. �Who wouldn�t? I�m just so happy for you. It�s about time you found someone who�ll treat you right.�
�You too. Tell Alex if he hurts you he�s-�
�Dead. I know. Max said the same thing.�
�Good man.�
�I�m not gonna say anything to Max and Maria. They will figure things out for themselves.�
�Thanks.�
�Yep. Well, I gotta go. Alex and I have plans. We�re all gonna stop by at work later.�
�Checking on me now?�
�No! Why ever would you say that?� She smiled and walked towards the door.
�Thanks Is.�
�For what?�
�For Liz.�
�You�re welcome. But I do think that Mr. and Mrs. Parker were more responsible for her than I was.� She smiled and walked out. Michael shut the door.
Just then the phone rang. �Hello?�
�Michael, can you come over here now? It�s really important.�
�Yeah, that�s fine. I�ll be right there.�
�Okay. Bye.�
�Bye.�
He grabbed his keys and shut the door. He got on his bike and began to drive off. {I wonder what�s going on.}
Chapters 26-30
Chapter 26
Michael arrived at his destination a few minutes later. He knocked on the door. He heard quick movements from behind it.
The door opened. �I think this is the first time you have ever used the front door when you�ve come to see me.�
�Probably. So what�s the deal?�
�Oh. Come in. Let�s go to my room. That way we�ll have some privacy. My parents are home.�
�Both of them? Wow.�
�I know.�
The walked to the bedroom and shut the door. Michael was the first to speak. �So, what�s so important that you had to call me over this early on a Saturday morning, Max?�
�Please don�t kill me.�
�What?� {Did he do something to Liz?}
�Last night, after �family night� I was bored. I knew that Maria was closing with Jose, alone. You know how much of a perv he can be, so I figured I�d go over there and help her. I guess it was really dead, cuz they closed early. Around 9:30.�
{We must have just missed them.}
�When I got there Jose had already left and Maria was just doing a final check of everything. She saw me at the door and let me in. We were talking and she cut us some pie. So, we�re eating and- please don�t kill me.�
�WHAT?� {God, he can be so annoying sometimes.}
�Well, she had a little speck of blackberry on her top lip, and I just kept thinking �I wish I was that piece of pie� and so I leaned in and her eyes bugged out and she turned around. I felt like such a dumbass. All I could say was �you had a piece of pie� and point to her mouth. She cleaned it off and told me that I should probably go since she was done. I think I really messed up.�
Michael just sat there emotionless.
�Michael, I�m so sorry. I don�t know what I was thinking.�
Michael cracked up. He absolutely lost it. He couldn�t hold it back any longer. � �I wish I was that piece of pie�?�
�Jackass! You�re not mad?�
�Why would I be? We broke up a long time ago. I just want her to be happy.�
�I think I read her signals wrong. Maybe she doesn�t think of me that way.�
�Max, you should have talked to her about this. I can�t read her mind. That�s more Isabel�s thing.�
Max shot straight up. �I�ll ask Isabel to dreamwalk her.�
�I actually meant since she�s a girl she probably knows how girls think. But dreamwalk? Even if she did she wouldn�t tell you what she saw.�
�How do you know?�
{Shit.} �I asked her once.� {It�s not a lie.} �She pretty much said �no way.� You know Is, stubborn as all hell.�
�Yeah.�
{Phew!} �She said you told her to warn Alex.�
�You too?�
�Hell yes. I like him, don�t get me wrong. But if he hurts her I�ll-�
�Kill him. I don�t think many guys would even try anything with the two of us around.�
�Nope. That�s how we know he�s good. Plus, he knows we�re �different.� "
�Right. So anyway, what time do you have to work?�
�Two. But I think I�m gonna go over a little early.�
�Why?�
{Nice job. Liz is right, you do have a big mouth.}
�Hello? Michael?�
�What?�
�I said �why� ?�
�Oh. Ummm.. talk to Maria, see how she is. And Mr. Parker wants to talk to me.� {He probably will if Liz said anything.}
�Oh. I think Isabel mentioned something about meeting her, Alex, and Kyle there later.�
�Yeah. She stopped by this morning and told me.�
�She stopped by this morning?�
{There you go again.} �Yeah. She just wanted to talk to me about our trip.�
�Huh, she didn�t mention it to me.�
�Well, it wasn�t really important. More like �we�re all gonna be at the Crashdown later to talk about the trip.� "
�Okay. Well, if you�re gonna talk to Maria and Mr. Parker before your shift you better go. It�s after ten.�
�Shit. I better go. Bye Maxwell.�
He started to walk away.
�Hey Michael?�
�Yeah?� He turned around.
�You seem happy. Is something up?�
�No. Nothing�s up. Just happy. Later.�
{I hate lying to him.}
He walked to his bike and sped off towards the Crashdown. To Liz. And unfortunately, now to Maria as well.
Chapter 27
Michael got to the Crashdown and sat in Maria�s section. She spotted him and smiled. She got him a cherry coke and brought it to him.
�Hey Michael, what can I do for you?�
�Just some scrambled eggs and some toast.�
�Not hungry?�
�I didn�t really come for food. I have to talk to you.�
Maria got a worried look on her face. �Well, I�ll put your order in and when it�s ready I�ll go on break and come and talk.�
�Thanks.�
She placed the order and less than ten minutes later was sitting across from him. �I tried to make sure Jose didn�t burn the toast or overcook the eggs.�
�It�s fine, honestly.�
He grabbed the Tabasco and doused the food.
�So, um what did you want to talk about?�
�Max.�
�He told you?�
�He told me he tried to kiss you and you kinda freaked and kicked him out.�
�Pretty much.� She sat back. �I just wasn�t expecting it.�
�Max can be pretty intense sometimes.�
�Are we seriously having this conversation?�
�I know, it seems kind of weird. But I�m fine with it, don�t worry.�
�Wow. You�re being really mature about all of this.�
�It�s not that big of a deal really. We haven�t been together for a while. Same with Max and Liz.�
�Liz! Michael, she�s gonna hate me.�
�No, she won�t. First of all, you didn�t do anything. Second, she just wants the both of you to be happy. We both do.�
� �We�? That was strange. You guys have gotten pretty close?�
�Uh yeah, sort of.�
�Well, I�m just not ready to tell her, even if nothing did happen. Max and I haven�t even spoken to each other about it yet. I�m really not sure what�s going on.�
�You like him?�
She nodded while biting her bottom lip.
{Is she blushing?}
�And he likes you.�
�He does?�
�Maria, he tried to kiss you. Besides, you were really there for him during the entire Tess thing. That meant a lot to him. You can tell.�
�But I don�t want Liz to think it�s too fast.�
�Trust me, she won�t think it�s too fast.�
�What do you mean?�
{Remove foot from mouth then talk.} �Nothing. Like I said before, none of us have been together for months now. We�re all free agents, remember?�
�I still think I�m gonna wait a few weeks to tell her. That way at least Max and I can figure �us� out.�
�That sounds like a plan.� Michael took his last bit of food, followed by a sip of soda.
�You�re in a good mood today.�
�Just had some good dreams, that�s all.�
�Oh. I�m gonna take this now since you�re done. Your shift doesn�t start for a couple of hours yet.�
�Yeah. I have to talk to Mr. Parker though so-�
�Mr. Parker? Why?�
�Not really sure. Probably about doing an extra shift or something.�
� �kay. I�ll just get out of your way. Wouldn�t want to keep the boss waiting.�
�Right. Thanks Maria.�
�No prob.�
She walked off, he put a ten dollar bill on the table, and made his way to the back room.
As soon as he walked through the door he spotted Mr. Parker going over some paperwork. Their eyes met and Michael got nervous.
�Hey Michael. You�re here early.�
�Uh yes sir, I mean Jeff.�
�Here to see Liz?� He smiled.
{He�s smiling. That�s gotta be a good sign.}
�Yes, if that�s all right with you that is.�
�Sure, she�s been up for a while.�
�Thank you.� Michael moved towards the stairs.
�Michael?�
He spun around. �Yes?�
�She�s a good girl, treat her right.�
�I will sir. I consider myself lucky. I would never hurt her.�
�I know. And Michael? Call me Jeff! Just because you and Liz are, well, whatever you are, doesn�t mean you have to start calling me sir again.�
�Okay. Thank you.�
�For what?�
�For Liz.�
He smiled. �You�re welcome. And thank you.�
�For what?�
�For making her happy.�
Michael smiled. �My pleasure.�
He turned and made his way up the stairs. To Liz. To his Liz. {Damn that feels good.}
Chapter 28
Liz was running around her room like crazy. She was wearing a light blue skirt that ended about mid-thigh length, and she couldn�t find the cardigan set that matched. {Why are you freaking out about what to wear? You�re not even sure if he�s gonna stop over before work. Plus, you�ll just have to change when your shift starts.}
�Finally!� She found the tank and cardigan and finished putting them on.
She checked herself out in the mirror. Pleased with her appearance she put on some lip gloss and perfume. When she was done she walked back into her room and moved towards her window. {I need some fresh air. Hopefully it�ll calm me down.}
Just as she was about to walk onto her rook there was a knock on the door.
�Just a sec.� {What if it�s him?}
She sat on her bed and grabbed a book. {Make it look like you�re busy.} �Come in.�
The door opened. �Liz?�
{It�s him!} �Michael, hi.� {Play it cool.}
His eyes soaked in the vision in front of him. {She�s gorgeous.} �Hi.� {I just want to grab her and-}
�Come here.� She patted the spot next to her on the bed. He sat down. �So, what are you doing here?�
�Well I-�
�Let me guess. You missed me so much that you just had to see me before work?�
�I-�
�Oh wait, that�s me.� She grabbed him and kissed him.
He was surprised, to say the least, and it took him a moment to relax under her lips. Just as he did she pulled away.
�Better not start that again.�
�Why not?� A mischievous smile had crept across his face when Liz hadn�t been looking. Suddenly he leapt up and started to tickle her. She almost fell off the bed laughing.
�Michael! My dad is gonna hear us!�
�He knows I�m here.�
�What?�
Michael pulled back. �Yeah, we talked before I came up here.�
�He knows we�re alone in my room?� �Well, I�m not sure if he knows that, but he knows we�re up here alone.�
�Hmm..�
�What are you thinking about my little devil?�
�Well, you�ve got me alone, on my bed, wearing only a very small skirt and this flimsy shirt.�
�Liz, all in due time.�
She made a small pout. He turned her face up so that their eyes met. He gave her a peck on the tip of her nose. She smiled and snuggled into him.
�I like this. Just being able to snuggle with you.�
�Me too.�
She let out a small sigh of contentment.
�So, what were you reading when I came in?�
�Actually, I wasn�t reading, even though I should be. Crime and Punishment. It�s due Friday and I can�t get past page ten.�
�Liz! Bad Girl! Maybe I should just leave so you can finish.� He began to get up when he felt her tugging on his shirt.
�No, don�t leave. I can concentrate more when you�re here.�
�I have read it before, I could help if you want.�
�Really? That would be so great. Thank you.� She kissed him on the cheek and hugged him quickly.
�You�ll need a pen and a notebook.�
She grabbed them and snuggled back into Michael. �Check.�
�First, the main character is Raskolnikov, which you already know. The thing is, since they�re Russian they all have something like three names. It makes it easier to give them nicknames. Try calling Raskolnikov Rodney.�
�Rodney?� She giggled.
�Trust me, it works. So-�
This went on for two and a half hours. None of them realized how much time had passed until Liz�s watch alarm went off signaling that she had only half an hour before her shift started.
�Oh my God! It�s 1:30! I can�t believe we�ve been doing this that long.�
�Do you at least understand it now?�
�Completely! I love having you around, you�re so smart. You should show up to class one day and talk like that. Mr. Thompson would be so surprised he�d probably keel over on the spot.�
�Are we in the same English class?�
�Yeah. Honors period four. Apparently even though you did pretty bad last year you couldn�t hide your aptitude. I heard the guidance counselor arguing with Ms. Stewart at the end of last year. She said that she read one of your essays and that it was better than most college level material.�
�She said that?�
�Yeah. Michael, you�re so intelligent. If you showed up to class chances are you would probably been skipped a grade by now.�
�Well, maybe I�d go if I had some sort of incentive.� He moved his eyebrows suggestively.
�How�s this for incentive: you�re not only in my English class.�
�Huh? What do you mean?�
�Michael, we have every class together except for when you have art. Then I�m in yearbook.�
�Every class but one? You mean I could sit next to you and just stare for seven classes?�
�Five actually.�
�What?�
�Well, in History Maria sits next to me. And then there�s lunch.�
�And everyone�s there.�
�Right. But that still leaves English, Chemistry, Algebra, Study Hall, and Phys Ed.�
�Am I really in all those classes?�
�Yep, just the two of us. Max was in my Chem class but he switched. Kyle was in Phys Ed but he went to honors.�
�Honors Gym?�
�Don�t ask.�
�Maybe I should try this school thing.�
�Well, right now you have to let me up so I can go to the bathroom and change for work.�
�Fine.� He grudgingly let her up.
She grabbed her uniform and quickly changed. She came out of the bathroom and went to find her headpiece. All Michael could do was stare. Finally, Liz caught him. �Michael!�
�You�re stunning.�
Now she was blushing.
�I just don�t think I ever realized how short that uniform is. I think I�ll have to have a little talk with your dad about lengthening them.�
�So what, suddenly you two are best friends?�
�Just looking out for your well being.�
He grabbed her and placed her on his lap. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the back of her neck.
�Michael, we�re gonna be late. And you still have to change.�
�Change? I put on an apron and a bandanna. How hard is that?�
�Well, I�m not sure about that, but I know something else that is hard.� She squealed and jumped up.
�You see the effect you have on me?�
�More like felt it.�
�Bitch.�
�Shithead.�
�Oh, we�re so sweet.�
�Yep.�
They had a quick kiss and trudged down the stairs to begin their shift.
Chapter 29
The next few hours mainly consisted of Liz and Michael trying to act normal around Maria. At four her shift ended. She changed just as Max, Kyle, Isabel, and Alex walked in. They sat in a booth and Maria soon followed. She sat next to Isabel and Alex, across from Max and Kyle, much to Max�s chagrin.
She tried to ignore him as much as possible. {I�m so not going to talk about this with everyone around.}
�So, we need to talk about the trip.� Isabel�s voice pulled Maria from her inner monologue.
�Well, they�ll need tickets, a hotel, and a ride to the airport.�
�I�ll take them.� Max and Maria said at the same time. Maria glared at Max.
�I�ll take them, Kyle.�
�Okay.� {What�s with the two of them?}
�They�re leaving here the 28th and coming back on the 2nd. That means they�re gonna be in New York City for the new year. It�s the millennium so most hotels are gonna be booked up soon. Max, Maria, you handle the hotel.�
{Since when is Isabel in charge? What am I saying? Max would�ve said the same thing, just so he could get me alone.}
�I�ll make the money and Alex and Kyle will help me check it all.�
�But-�
Max interrupted Maria before her rant began. �That�ll be fine, Is.�
He smiled at Maria but she quickly turned away. Her eyes fixed on Michael and Liz. He was poking her nose and Liz was trying to swat him away. {They look cozy.}
�Yeah Max.� She turned back to face him. �That�ll be fine.�
Max was so surprised he could barely speak. �So umm..� {Suddenly I�m at a loss for words.} �Let�s just tell Liz that all she has to worry about is the plane tickets.�
�Here she comes,� Kyle pointed out.
�Hey guys, what can I get you?�
Maria noticed how happy she looks. �Hey Liz, we were just discussing the trip.�
�Oh.�
�Max says all you have to worry about is the tickets. We�re handling everything else, including spending money.�
�You guys! That�s too much. I have some money saved. Don�t-�
�Liz, let us do this. You deserve it for all the crap you�ve been through the last year and a half.� {All of my crap.}
�Did Michael have a say in this? He won�t be too happy. You know how self sufficient he is.�
�Well, it�ll be our gift. We�re gonna use our �talents� so he won�t care too much. Besides, whatever is left we�ll just spend. I�m sure he won�t mind.�
�I guess Isabel. So, are you guys gonna order or do I have to kick you out?�
�Two orders of Space Fries, five cherry cokes, and three pieces of Men in Blackberry Pie.�
�Okay, is that it?�
Maria and Alex nodded.
�I�ll go place the order and run your idea past Michael.� She turned and walked to the order window.
�Seems like she�s in a good mood.� As usual Maria stated the obvious.
�Yeah, Michael was too.� {Just in a good mood, right.}
Alex and Isabel exchanged a quick look. �Maybe they just slept well.�
Max and Maria looked at each other. �Nah,� they both said.
Max continued. �Something�s up, and we�re gonna figure it out.�
�Whatever.� Kyle was more than confused. �Isabel, when do you want to start with the money?�
In the kitchen...
�Michael, psst!� Liz had snuck in the back room when Michael wasn�t looking.
�Liz, what are you doing? Someone�s gonna catch you.�
�So what?� She signaled come here with her finger and Michael obeyed. She gave him a sweet kiss taking care not to linger too long, and explained Isabel�s plan.
�That�s fine.�
�Really?�
�Yeah, why wouldn�t it be?�
�Well, I know how you don�t like people to do things for you, especially when you don�t ask, which is never.�
� �Don�t look a gift horse in the mouth.� Isabel told me that once. Besides, I�ll do whatever it takes to get the two of us alone in a hotel room together.� He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead and moved back to the grill.
�Order�s up. Come on Parker, get back to work.� He smiled at her.
�Fine Guerin, you don�t have to be such a dick.� She said this loud enough so that their friends could hear. She grabbed the plates and flashed him a quick look.
She walked to the table and put them down. �Sorry. I�m gonna grab your sodas and pie and be back in a sec.�
She went to walk away and remembered that she had forgotten something. �Oh, Michael�s fine with the plan.�
Chapter 30
Finally 10 o�clock rolled around. They had been waiting a half an hour for their last customer to finish his cup of coffee. He got up, counted out the exact change, and placed it on the table. He then grabbed a quarter extra and tossed it at Liz. �Thanks.�
He walked out and Liz followed to lock the door. Michael tried not to laugh, but found it increasingly harder not to.
�What do you think you�re smiling at?�
He finally cracked. �He was here for a half an hour drinking a cup of coffee that he made you refill four times and he left you a quarter as a tip?�
�See how unappreciated I am?�
�Oh, poor baby. Come here.� He enveloped her in a hug. �I�ve been waiting hours for this.�
Liz sighed and snuggled in. �I think Maria suspects something.�
Michael shook his head. �Max and her are in denial. They want each other, but they�re too scared to admit it. They�re using us as an excuse.�
�Us? What do you mean?�
�Max thought I�d be mad, Maria thought you�d me mad. I told them both not to worry.�
�When did all this happen?�
�This morning, before I came over.�
�Wow, you had a busy day.�
�Let�s clean up fast so we can have some quality time before I gotta go home.�
�Go home? But my parents left this afternoon for Santa Fe. Some seminar. They won�t be back till Tuesday.�
�Tempting, but no. I�ll come over early tomorrow and you�ll finish your book, I�ll do some makeup work. We�ll just hang out.�
�Makeup work?�
�If I�m going to start going to school I should probably do some work.�
�School? You�re gonna go to school? For me?�
�Of course for you. Like I�d pass up the chance to sit next to you almost all day long? Plus, I want to make you proud. Prove to everyone that I�m not just some fuck-up. Prove that I�m worth of you.�
�But Michael, you are worthy. Everyone knows that.�
�Well, maybe I need to prove it to myself.�
�I swear Michael, if it�s the last thing I do, I�ll prove to you that you�re worthy.�
�You�re helping already.� He reluctantly let her go and turned her face up towards his. �Now, let�s clean.�
