“Sometimes you have to take a step back to see what’s really going on … maybe it’s what we both need to do right now … find our balance again. So we’ll just take a step back … for a while. It’s what I need … ‘cause I’m just as scared as you are”

I’m Liz Parker, and right now I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. I thought my life was going pretty well recently, right up until last night that is. Max came over, I thought maybe he wanted to carry on where we left off the other night when he swept me up in his strong arms and kissed me like I’ve never been kissed before, but a lot has changed since that night, Michael nearly died. I guess I can understand how he feels, nothing seems to matter when Max is around me, all I can concentrate on is him. These feelings inside are all new to me, I never felt like this with Kyle, but Max is totally different to him. The hard part was in the corridor at school today, I saw Max, and he saw me, but apart from saying hi, he totally ignored me, why? Tomorrow we have biology third period, I don’t know how I am going to get through it.

How is it possible I could be the happiest I have ever been in my entire life and now the saddest, all at one time?

As she closed her locker door, Liz could sense that someone was close by her. As she slowly turned round, her eyes met the gaze of her shadow, Max.
“Hi.” She said
“Hi.” He replied awkwardly. Since that night he didn’t know what to say to her. He knew he had hurt her by asking for space, but it was the only thing he could do to stop himself loosing control of the situation.
“Are you going to biology now?” She asked.
“Yeah, we can walk together if you like?”
“Is that such a good idea, I mean I wouldn’t want to knock you off balance again.” She said with a hint of coldness in her voice. As soon as she had said it, Liz knew the words had hurt him. The pain on his face, he looked like she had just punched him in his stomach and couldn’t breathe. Instead of waiting for her, he turned and headed down the corridor, disappearing into the biology classroom.

The lesson was hard, it seemed to last an age. As biology partners, Max and Liz had to sit together, not an easy feat given their exchange by her locker.
“Look Max, I’m sorry about earlier, I shouldn’t have said that.” She said as they continued their experiment.
“It’s ok Liz, you just said what you felt.” He replied not looking at her. She hated the way they were now. They used to be such good friends, they both knew secrets about the other that would bind them for life, and here they were unable to even be civil to one another. Where had it all gone so wrong for them?

As they packed up their books, the students filled out of the classroom, heading for lunch.
“Max, Liz, can I have a word with you?” Mrs Henry, their biology teacher, asked
“Sure.” Liz replied sitting back down.
“I am in charge of the play the school is putting on in a few months time, and I’m after volunteers to try out for some of the characters.”
”Don’t look at me, acting isn’t something I thrive for.” Max said starting to pick up his bag.
“Don’t dismiss the idea so quickly Mr Evans. I really need some people to try out, and I’d really like it if you two would. The auditions are today after school, I won’t take up too much of your time, I promise. I’d really like to see you two there.”
“Oh, sure.” Liz said trying to please her teacher.
“Max?”
”I’ll see if I can.” He replied reluctantly.
“Good, I’ll see you two at 4.00pm in the drama room.” She replied smiling.
“Are you going to go?” Liz asked as they left the room.
“I don’t know yet, acting isn’t my strong point. Still I guess I don’t have a whole lot of choice now.” He replied before disappearing to find Michael and Isabel.

The auditions went well that afternoon, although Mrs Henry was still having difficulty casting the lead roles. It didn’t matter who she got to read the parts of Alicia and Morgan, nobody seemed right for the parts.
“Max, I’m glad you could make it. Could I get you read a part?” She said seeing Max skulk in at the back of the room and pouncing on him.
“Erm, sure.” He replied hesitantly.
“Good, Liz, can you read Alicia, Max, you’re Morgan.” She said handing the scripts to the reluctant actors. “Ok, start when you’re ready.” She added. By the end of their five minute audition, she knew Max and Liz were her lead actors, they were perfect together. However much they tried to hid their attraction, there was a spark between them that Mrs Henry could see clearly.

“I can’t believe she cast me as the lead.” Max winged
“Oh come on Max, it might be fun.” Isabel said as she sat on his bed.
“Fun, I don’t think so. And having to work opposite Liz is going to be a nightmare.”
“Why, I thought you jump at the chance.”
“Yeah well she isn’t really talking to me right now. I said I needed some space to get everything into perspective, and she didn’t really like it.”
”So that’s why you two have been acting so weird, I thought it was just an act for Michael and Me.”
”Nothing like that.”
“Oh well in a few months the play will be over, and you can forget about it.” She replied before leaving him to his thoughts. Working with Liz was going to be tough. No matter how he tried, being round Liz always made him loose his senses, nothing around him seemed to matter. It took a lot of self control around her to keep calm, he cared so much for her it hurt so much sometimes.

“Right Max, Liz, I want to look at scene six. Now this is a pivotal part of the story, and it needs to be right, ok, start whenever you like.” Mrs Henry said
”Don’t go Morgan.” Liz said hesitantly.
“I have to Alicia, this is the way it is meant to be.” Max said, his eyes riveted to the paper in his hand.
“But, but Morgan, I …… I love you.” She said her eyes locked on her own paper.
“Don’t say that, you can’t say that.”
“But it’s the truth, I can’t let you go.”
“Oh Alicia, you don’t know how long I have waited for you to say those words.” Max said, his eyes skipping over a few text lines.
“I am sorry it has taken me so long.” Liz said
“Stop, you’ve missed a bit out, Morgan is supposed to take Alicia in his arms before she says that line.” Mrs Henry said looking at the script.
“I thought this was just a rehearsal.” Max said protesting.
“That doesn’t mean you don’t have to try, now lets go back to Morgan’s line, starting Oh Alicia, and this time, follow the script.” She replied.
Liz took a deep breath trying to stop shaking, this was going to be harder than she thought.
“Oh Alicia, you don’t know how long I have waited for you to say those words.” Max said putting a tentative arm lightly around Liz’s shoulder.
“I am sorry it has taken me so long.” Liz said, her voice beginning to quaver. This was the first time she had been in his arms, however tentative his hold on her was, since their kiss, and all those feelings came flooding back.
“I need more feeling than this guys. I think you two should go away and practice this scene, I really need it to be perfect, ok?”
”Ok.” Liz replied quietly as she climbed down the stairs from the stage after Max. Her legs were still shaky after their scene, and unable to keep her balance, she slipped on a step and fell towards the ground.
“Liz, are you ok?” Max asked turning round just in time to catch her in his arms. They stayed in the clinch for what seemed like an age, before Liz broke the silence
“Yeah, I’m sorry, just a bit clumsy I guess.” She said feeling flushed.
“Maybe you should sit down for a minute.” He offered still holding her in his arms.
“No really, I’m ok.” She said as he released her from his grip.
“Well I guess I’d better go.” He said picking up his backpack and putting the script inside.
“Mrs Henry said we need to practice that scene …..” She said hesitantly.
“I know. I guess we could do it tonight at my house, if you’re free?”
“Sure, I have to go home first, how about around 7.00 pm?”
”Ok, I’ll see you then.” He said before turning and walking out the door into the afternoon sun.

As the wind ruffled his hair in the open top jeep, he tried to clear his head. Every time he was around Liz he seemed to loose every ounce of common sense he had. Holding her in his arms for the brief seconds that he had done earlier, brought back all the feelings he had for her. No matter how deep he tried to bury them, they always seemed to jump up around her. He knew tonight would be a big test of willpower, Liz wanted to practice that scene, and it was going to be tough to be that close to her.

“Max, Liz is here.” Diane Evans called up the stairs.
“I’m coming, hi.” He said coming down the stairs.
“Hi.” She replied.
“So, what are you guys up to?” Diane asked.
“We’ve got to practice for the play.” Liz replied.
“Oh yes, Max was telling me about that. It’s nice to see you two participating in something for the school, I can’t wait to see it.” She replied before heading back into the kitchen.
“Do you want a drink or something?” Max offered.
“No, I’m fine thank you.” Liz replied.
“I guess we should get this over with.” Max said heading back up stairs as Liz followed him. After putting her jacket on his bed, Liz took out the script from her bag.
Her hands were sweating as she turned to the right page; this was going to be tough she said to herself.
As they got to the part where Morgan had to take Alicia in his arms, Max tried to work on autopilot, and have no feelings. Liz could tell this, and pulled away from him.
“What’s wrong Liz, the quicker we get this over with the quicker we can forget it.” He said sitting down on his bed.
“I’m so sorry being a stone wall comes so easy for you.” She said coldly.
“What?” He said confused.
“Look I can’t hide my feelings like you Max. No matter how much I try, having you put your arms around me reminds me of the night we kissed, how perfect it was. I can’t stop loving you Max, believe me I’ve tried, I guess I should tell Mrs Henry I can’t do the play, so she can get another person to play Alicia. Being round you is just too hard Max, I can’t handle your coldness towards me” Liz said as tears stung her eyes. Max sat very still, not knowing what to say, he wasn’t ready for Liz’s outburst, and much less her tears. As she started to stuff the script in her bag, Max caught her arm.
“Sorry Liz, lets try that scene again.” He said softy, his thumb catching an escaped tear and wiping it away. He left the script on his bed, and said the line he knew off by heart once again.
“Oh Alicia, you don’t know how long I have waited for you to say those words.” He said faintly before putting both his arms around her and placing his lips gently on hers. The kiss only lasted a second or two, but Liz felt like she was swimming under water, unable to breathe. Her head felt light, her legs heavy, and she knew if Max let go of her, she would fall into a heap on his bedroom floor. Wanting to savour the moment a bit longer, she moved her lips back to his, to enjoy his sweet taste once again. As they came up for air, Max ushered Liz towards his bed, allowing her to sit down, realising she wouldn’t be able to stand on her own.
“I don’t remember seeing that in the script.” She giggled.
”Oh god Liz, I am so sorry I’ve hurt you so much.”
“It’s ok.” She replied gently.
“No it isn’t, I’ve been a complete jerk, I should never have treated you that way. I just thought if we cooled it then I wouldn’t feel the way I do about you. All these emotions inside me start to jump up and down every time I see you and it scares me, I’ve never felt this way before. I feel out of control every time I am around you, I forget about everything else, even though I know I shouldn’t. I sit in class and daydream about you, I can’t sleep, your picture is always in my head. What is going on with me?” He said looking worried.
“I think it’s what they call love Max. If it’s any consolation, I feel just the same when I’m with you, my legs go weak, my mind clouds over, I can’t think of anything except the way you make me feel Max. It feels so right, it scares me too.” She replied looking into his deep brown eyes and seeing the love that filled them.
“Where do we go from here then. Is and Michael told me to cool it with you, but I don’t know if I can.” He said honestly.
“I don’t know where we go from here, but …… I’d like you to kiss me again, if that’s ok.” She said hesitantly.
“I can do that.” He replied kissing her sweet lips once again. They were lost in their kiss for what seemed like an age, and when they finally released their grip on each other, Max laid Liz down on his bed, and laid beside her.

All thoughts of the play disappeared from their minds, as they kissed passionately once again. Liz’s baby pink knitted top rose slightly above the edge of her jeans, where it had been resting, exposing a small amount of flesh. Unable to resist temptation, Max placed his hand gently on her stomach and caressed her bare skin. She moaned softly into his mouth as she felt his large hands on her, it felt so good to have him touch her skin. At that moment, she wanted to feel Max’s skin as well, taking part of his black top, she pulled it out from under the band of his jeans and took it over his head, exposing his tanned back. Feeling her hot hands over his chest and back sent shivers down his spine, the heat in his groin started to grow and his head started to spin. After undoing the buttons on her top, his hands travelled up to find her perfect breasts encased in her lacy cream bra. God she was so perfect, so wonderful he thought to himself.

The lovers were so engrossed in their new found freedom, they didn’t hear the door of Max’s bedroom open.
“Excuse me.” Diane Evans said looking at her son entangled in the young girl on his bed.
“Mum!” Max jumped as Liz hurriedly pulled her top across her.
“This doesn’t look much like practicing for your play from here, I think it is time for you to go Liz.” She said sternly before leaving the room.
“Oh god that was so embarrassing!” Max said pulling his top back over his head.
“Do you think your mum is going to be ok with this?”
“I guess so, I mean if she’d of left it a while longer who knows what state we might have been in.” Max said grinning wickedly.
“Do you think she’s going to say something?”
“Probably, I’ll speak to her when you’re gone.” He said opening the door to his bedroom and heading back downstairs.

After saying goodbye, Max went into the kitchen to find his mother.
“Mum, I’m sorry.” He said sheepishly.
“I should think so too Max. I don’t expect to walk into your room to find you and Liz half undressed on your bed like that. I am very disappointed in you Max” She said sternly pointing for Max to sit down at the table with her.
“We didn’t mean it to happen, we were practicing for the play, I guess things just got out of hand a bit.”
”A bit, I think that’s an understatement. You are sixteen years old, I know how much your hormones must react when Liz is around, she’s a nice girl, but you are both very young?”
”Yes mother.” He said like the dutiful son.
“Max I am serious. I take it you and Liz haven’t gone any further have you?” Diane said unsure whether she really wanted to know.
“No, we haven’t done anything before.” He replied.
”Good. I knew it was only a mater of time before you and Isabel embark on adult relationships, but I thought it was going to be a little while longer, especially for you Max. I was shocked to see you and Liz like that, I expected more restrain from you.”
”I really am sorry mum, it won’t happen again.”
”I believe you Max. You will make sure that if you and Liz do take your relationship further that you are, you know, careful.” Diane said firmly.
“Yes mother.” Max said blushing.
“You can go now.” Diane said allowing her son to escape the torture that was etched over his face.

“What did your mum say last night?” Liz said as they stood by her locker.
“The usual, I’m disappointed in you, how I should be more restrained, and to take things slowly.” He said encircling his arms around her waist as she turned to face him.
“Take things slowly, huh?” She said looking deep into his eyes.
“Something like that.” He replied before kissing her soft lips.
“Miss Parker, Mr Evans, the school corridor is no place for shows of public affection, I am sure you have classes to get to.” Principle Watson said firmly.
“Yes sir, sorry.” Max said picking his backpack up off the floor.
“Well off you go.” Principle Watson added.
“We have got to control those urges, otherwise we are going to get into serious trouble!” Liz groaned as they opened the door to their classroom.

Part 2

“Maxwell, there you are, we’ve been looking all over for you.” Michael said, finding Max and Liz sitting together in a remote part of the school field.
”We’re practicing for the play.” Max replied holding up the script to show his friends.
“Do you ever think about anything other than that play!” Isabelle exasperated as she squeezed into the small gap between Max and Liz to sit down, making sure she split them up.
“We’ve only got a couple more weeks before opening night, we’ve got to rehearse.” Max replied trying to defend himself.
“I thought you said this play was, to quote you, ‘fun, I don’t think so’!” Isabelle said mimicking Max’s voice.
“Funny!” He shot back giving his sister an icy stare.
“So …. are you up for going out tonight Max? It’s Friday night and they’re showing the uncut version of The Exorcist at the cinema, it could be fun.” Michael said trying to steer the conversation away from the play.
“Thanks Michael, but I’ve already got plans.” He replied cagily.
“Like what?” Isabelle piped up.
“Liz and I are going to do some more rehearsing if you must know.” He replied looking at Liz.
“Geez, I’ll be glad when this play is over with!” Michael replied rolling his eyes.

That evening, Liz’s parents had gone out for the evening, so she and Max were using the uninterrupted time to continue to practice.
“Maybe we should try this scene without the script, just to see how much we know.” Liz offered.
“Sounds good.” Max replied putting his folded script down on Liz’s bed.
“Ok, ready. Morgan, I can’t do this.” Liz said throwing herself into the part.
“Please Alicia, you always say that.”
“No, it’s wrong, it’s too dangerous. My parents would never forgive me if I sneak around behind their backs.”
”Please Ali, I can’t not see you, erm ……… sorry I can never remember that line.” Max said sheepishly looking at his script. “Ok. Please Ali, I can’t not see you, they won’t find out, we’ll just have to make sure. I need to be with you Ali, I can’t survive without you. We are destined to be together, we are soulmates” Max said hoping the line would eventually seep into his brain.
“Oh why does everything have to be so complicated.” She cried, falling into his arms and pretending to weep.

Being so close to Liz made Max’s head started to spin. He could smell her hair, a fresh citrus lemon smell, it was so soft and silky he just had to touch it. For a minute, Liz though Max was still acting, but when he didn’t let her go out of his arms after a few minutes, she knew he wasn’t. Turning her head, Liz looked up into his deep brown eyes, their eyes were locked on each other, and Max slowly moved his head down and gently captured her lips. Liz’s whole body started to tingle and hum, and for a moment she wondered if he knew the effect he had on her. His hand moved to her cheek, stroking it softly, as he continued their passionate kiss. When they eventually broke apart, Liz felt the room start to spin, and as she stood up she started to wobble.

“Whoa! You ok Liz?” Max asked slightly concerned as he steered her towards the bed so she could sit down.
“Yeah, just a bit disorientated. You’re a good kisser!” She replied as Max blushed.
“Thanks.” He mumbled looking down at his feet in embarrassment.
“Make me dizzy again Max, please.” She whispered, and Max knew exactly what she meant. Forgetting the wave of embarrassment that had engulfed him a few moments earlier, he pushed her gently backwards so she was outstretched along her bed, and slowly kissed her once again. Time seemed to stand still for them, as they enjoyed their uninterrupted freedom. Wanting to feel his muscular chest, Liz slowly pulled away his shirt from under the waistband of his khaki pants, slipped her hands underneath and ran them across his back. Shivers ran down his spine and his skin felt prickly under her touch. Her top had rode part the way up her stomach, and Max placed a shaky hand over her soft skin. For a moment she couldn’t decide whether it was his hand that was radiating heat to her stomach, or the blood in her body reaching boiling point. As they continued to kiss, the room became heady with their passion. Liz could barely breath, it felt like all the oxygen in the room had been sucked out, like she was swimming under water and couldn’t come up for air. All sensible thoughts were rapidly leaving Liz’s mind, all she could think about was how wonderful it felt to be with Max at that moment. As she drank in the giddy feeling washing over her body, she became aware of a shrill ringing noise. It took a few moments for her to come back to her senses, and realise it was the telephone ringing.
“I’d better get that, in case it’s my parents.” Liz said reluctantly breaking their clinch. The right side of Max’s body felt very cold as it got accustomed to the lack of heat Liz had been radiating. Taking in a deep breath, Max put his hands behind his head and stretched out on her bed, thoughts of Liz filling his head, making him smile.

“Erm Max, it’s for you, it’s Isabelle.” She said coming back into her room.
“Oh, ok.” He said reluctant to move from his comfortable position. A few minutes later, Max came back into the room.
“What did she want?” Liz asked, looking up from the script she was reading.
“I’m not quite sure.” He replied puzzled.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, she asked what we were doing, how long I was going to be here, and whether we were alone, then put the phone down.” He replied.
“Right. That makes perfect sense, not.” Liz replied equally confused.
“I get the distinct feeling she doesn’t trust us, and was checking up.” He replied pulling Liz to her feet, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her forehead.
“I can’t imagine why.” She replied with a wicked glint in her eye. She was acutely aware that Isabelle and Michael strongly disapproved of how much time she was spending with Max, and the cover story of practising for the play would be redundant in a few weeks time. She didn’t know what they were going to do then, what Max would tell his sister and friend, but in her mind and heart she was adamant she wouldn’t give up her true love without a fight.
“Well if they are going to not trust us, we may as well give them some reason!” He replied leaning in and devouring her lips once again.

“So Michael, are you coming to the play on Friday night?” Max asked as they walked out to the quad area for lunch.
“Nah, I don’t think so.”
”Why not?” Max asked.
“Look, watching you and Liz play doe eyed lovers isn’t my idea of fun Maxwell, in fact it’s enough to make me wanna puke.” Michael said bluntly.
“What’s your problem Michael?” Max asked, taking hold of Michael’s arm and stopping them before they reached the others.
“Nothing.” Michael snapped.
“Then how about giving me some support here. This play is really important to me and it would mean a lot to me for you to be there.”
“Whatever!” Michael replied before heading off to join the others.
“Thanks for your care and compassion!” Max called after his friend, but knew it was no use.

The Opening Night

“Oh my god Max, I don’t think I can do this.” Liz squealed.
“Of course you can, just take a deep breath and relax.”
“Have you see how many people are out there! What if I mess up and forget my lines, or trip up and fall flat on my face!” She cried hysterically.
“Liz, we’ve been rehearsing for weeks, you know your part inside out, upside down and standing on your head, you’re going to be fine.” Max replied gently hugging her to calm her down. On the outside he looked calm, collected and totally in control, but on the inside Max was just as big a mess as Liz was, and not being in control of a situation was something Max didn’t like. He wasn’t used to that feeling and in truth it unnerved him. It was the opening night of their play, ‘Shadows in the Mist’, with Max and Liz playing the lead roles of Alicia Martin and Morgan Richardson. The story of the play was a tried and tested one, two star crossed lovers who had to overcome various obstacles before their love would win through. Something of a modern day Romeo and Juliet. They had been practising for weeks to get everything perfect, using the play as an excuse to spend more time together. Isabelle and Michael, who were sitting in the audience along with Max’s parents, were breathing a sigh of relief, knowing that in three days time, the play would be over and Max wouldn’t need to spend so much time with Liz. Although he could think of hundreds of reasons why he didn’t want to be there, Isabelle had insisted Michael come along with them. In her view, if she had to sit and watch her brother play ‘lovesick boy’ then so did he.

“Max, Liz, there you are, the show is going to start in a few minutes, are you ready?” Mrs Henry asked looking flustered.
“As ready as we’ll ever be!” Max replied relinquishing his grasp on Liz and taking a deep breath. This was it, no more hiding, they had to go out there and think purely about the play, nothing else.
“Ok, ok I can do this, it’s going to be easy. I’ve just got to walk out there say my lines and get the first night over with.” Liz babbled away.
“Liz ……” Max started.
“No, must stay focused, got to pretend we’re in my room just practising, not out there in front of a hundred people. Just us, my room, my bed, no one else ther….” She continued before Max cut her off by covering her lips with his. “What was that for?” She said surprised as they broke apart.
“Well I was just doing what you asked. Pretending we were in your room, alone, practicing for the play!” He said with a glint in his eyes.
“You’re terrible Max Evans!” She said loudly, swatting his arm with her hand, as a grin broke out over his face. Their attempts at practicing the play at her house had always ended the same way, wrapped up together on her bed kissing.
“Well it managed to calm you down, come on we’ve got to get into our places for the start.” He said taking her hand and leading her out to the edge of the stage. As the chattering of people sitting in the hall began to quieten down, the lights in the hall went dark.
“Good Luck!” Max whispered.
“Ditto!” She called back just before the red velvet curtains swung open and the spot lights came on to emblazon the stage with a bright white light. For a second Liz was stage-struck, she could only see the first few rows of people before being blinded by the light, but they included her parents, Maria, Alex, Michael and Isabelle.
“Liz!” Max whispered hoping to snap her out of her trance.
“Oh Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?.” She said breaking out of her trance, slipping into her role as Alicia and pretending to read an extract from the prop book she had in her hand.

“Oh my god, I don’t think my heart could beat any faster!” Liz said collapsing into a nearby chair. They were half way though the play, and had a fifteen minute interval to collect their thoughts, remember their lines and more importantly, change their costumes.
“Hey, I thought that went pretty well, I only stuffed up one line, and it is the one I’ve been forgetting all along. I must have a mental block on it or something. Maybe by the last night I’ll remember it.”
“You do that and I’ll probably forget mine though shock! I can’t believe I froze at the beginning though, I felt so stupid” Liz replied.
“You were fine, I’m sure nobody noticed.” Max said trying to make her feel better.
“Max, Liz, what are you doing sitting around, you’re supposed to be getting ready for the next act!” Mrs Henry exasperated before running off to find more of her cast.
“She’s going to have a mental breakdown by closing night if she doesn’t calm down!” Max joked.
“She does need to relax a bit, but I guess she’s right, we do need to get changed.” Liz replied, reluctantly moving from the comfy chair and heading in the direction of the changing room.

As she stood in front of the large mirror, pinning up her hair in an upswept, romantic fashion, Liz took in several deep breaths of air in an attempt to calm her nerves and pounding heart beat. Only one more hour to go and then I can relax until tomorrow night, she thought to herself. The adrenalin pumping around her body prevented her from calming down, and when she thought about kissing Max in the final scene in front of everyone her stomach did a flip. It wasn’t that she minded kissing Max, exactly the opposite in fact, but to do so in front of so many people staring straight back at them was a scary thought.
“I can do this, I love Max, and I love kissing him, I can get through the next hour.” She said over and over to herself until one of the extra’s banged on door to tell her it was time to go on for the start of the next act. As they lined up in the wings, Max gently hugged Liz and kissed her cheek.
“We can do the last scene, we can make it perfect, maybe then we can make Isabelle and Michael understand why we want to be together.”
”I guess we can dream!” She joked as they moved into their positions.

In Liz’s view, the final act seemed to be upon them inside a blinking of an eye. Knowing both her’s and Max’s parents were in the audience made everything even worse. Her parents didn’t even know that she and Max were going out, let alone anything like them making out, in their eyes she was still their perfect little girl, who did everything she was told to do. In the next five minutes, even though it was just a play, she would plant the seeds in their brain that she was well and truly growing up, and wanting to take on adult relationships.

“My sweet dear Alicia, is it really you?” He said holding his arms out.
“Yes, it’s me. Oh Morgan, I can’t believe I’ve finally found you again.” She said throwing herself into his arms.
“I swear I will never, ever let you go. I will go to the ends of the earth, no matter where you are, what you will be doing, I will be there, by your side, supporting you all the way. I can’t live my life without you Alicia, you are my life. I love you my perfect Angel.”
”Morgan, without you I have no life, you make me whole, you make me complete. The deep void inside my heart that is left when you leave is too deep, it swallows me whole each time I am alone, I need you, I crave you, I will fight with everything I have, every ounce of strength I possess to have you, hold you and never let you go.” She said as a gentle stream of tears rolled down her face. As they stood on the centre of the stage, a gleaming white spot light pointing directly at them, embraced in each other’s arms, the choir of five girls stood up and started to sing.

“Everybody’s looking for that something, one thing that makes it all complete.
You find it in the strangest places, places you never knew it could be.

You find it in the deepest friendships, the kind you cherish all your life.
And when you know how much that means, you’ve found that special thing.
You’re flying without wings.

So impossible as they may seem, you’ve got to fight for every dream
‘Cause who’s to know, which one you let go
Would have made you complete.”

On stage, Max and Liz radiated passion in abundance to the audience as they clung to each other. The suspense of when, not if, they would kiss was written all over every face watching the couple.

“To know that I can say I love you, in any given time or place
It’s the little things that only I know, those are the things that make you mine

And it’s like flying without wings, ‘Cause you’re my special thing
I’m flying without wings.”

As the choir sang on, Max slow put his finger under her chin and tilted her face upwards so he could see into her eyes. Then he gently bent his head down and kissed her lips, softly at first, but then with as much passion as he would if they were in the room alone. He felt her stiff body gently relax and melt in his arms, and respond to his kiss, slowly allowing her lips to part to accept eagerly his tongue that wanted to gain access to the deepest crevices of her mouth. As he caressed the softness of the insides of her cheeks, he was totally obvious of anyone around him, concentrating only of the buzz he always got when he kissed the beauty in his arms.

“You’re the place my life begins, and you’ll be where it ends
I’m flying without wings, and that’s the joy you bring
I’m flying without wings.”

As the audience rose to their feet and clapped emphatically, the young couple on stage continued their clinch, completely ignorant of any one or any thing around them. Eventually, the rapturous ovation that filled the school hall, brought them back to their senses, and Liz and Max finally parted. Liz suddenly felt self conscious, adding more red to her already flushed cheeks, she dipped her head for a moment, not wanting to make eye contact with anyone, desperately trying to control her emotions. A gentle tug of her hand by Max, brought her back, and any doubts that had flooded her body a few moments previously drained out of her, and she allowed herself to take in the wonderful emotion of the watchers in front of her. Her mother and father shone out their love to her like beacons in the darkness, their pride written all over their faces. Maria was clapping and screaming like crazy, like only Maria could do. Even on the faces of Michael and Isabelle she could see traces of delight mixed with amazement of what they had just seen. As she turned to look at Max, she saw the huge grin that beamed across his face, the pure joy that was running through his veins, the amazing high he was on at that very moment. Suddenly it dawned on her, they had done it, she had done it, they had survived the opening night, and everyone had enjoyed it, suddenly all the hard work was worth it.

“Oh my god Lizzy you were amazing!” Maria screamed, throwing her arms around her best friend and almost crushing her.
“Thanks Maria.” Liz squeaked trying desperately to suck some air into her crushed lungs.
“Oh and that kiss Liz, whoa that was sooo hot! It was electric, so passionate, I think everyone of us in the audience was there with you, wishing we were in Max’s arms!” She said enthusiastically.
“Not me that’s for sure.” Michael replied throwing Max an cold stare.
“We should go and get changed, Liz.” Max said trying to get some space from his friends.
“Oh yeah, we’ll talk later Maria.” Liz replied suddenly realising she was still wearing the light, fly away, dreamy dress of her character. Just as Liz moved out of ear shot, Michael grabbed Max’s arm.
“We need to talk later too, that kiss, I want some answers.” Michael ordered.
“There is nothing to talk about Michael, it’s in the play, it’s an important part, I can’t just not do it. Just accept it and get over it, alright!” Max insisted, pulling his arm away and heading into the changing room.
“No it isn’t alright.” Michael called back, but by then Max was out of earshot, still high from the emotions of their opening night.

Part 3

“I can’t believe we managed to get through that!” Liz chirped as she opened the door to the Crashdown.
“What do you mean, I’m ready to do it all over again!” Max joked.
“All that stress, learning of lines, remembering where to go on stage and what props to have with you. No thank you, once it quite enough for me. I want to go back to being boring old Liz Parker Biologist extraordinare, no acting involved.”
“There is nothing boring about Liz Parker.” Max replied pulling her close and kissing her.
“Hey, don’t start that, we’ve got to get this place cleared before everyone gets here, otherwise there will be no party!” Maria ordered, walking out from the kitchen and finding them in a clinch. Liz had volunteered to arrange the finale night party, having the perfect venue in the Crashdown. All that was needed was the tables and chairs moved to one side and food set out, then they were ready.
“Michael! Max is here to help move the tables.” Maria yelled, taking control of the situation.
“Hi.” Michael mumbled, surfacing from the kitchen and taking hold of one side of the table nearest Max.

Inside thirty minutes, the Crashdown was ready for the party, and the first of the cast began to filter in. The jukebox started to pump out the latest chart music and the atmosphere started to liven up. Throughout the following half an hour, Max realised he always seemed to have a shadow with him, either Isabelle or Michael, and every time he drifted towards Liz, they would intercept and divert him in another direction. Quickly forming a plan in his head, Max waited until he had Isabelle with him, then excused himself to go to the bathroom. Liz had disappeared into the kitchen to get some more rolls, so Max quickly followed her.
“Hey stranger, I’ve hardly seen you all night.” Liz said wrapping her arms around his neck.
“I’m sorry, every time I try and come near you either Isabelle or Michael stop me, I’ve had to pretend to Is that I’m going to the bathroom to see you now!” Max replied.
“What are we going to do now the play is over?” Liz asked, slightly afraid of the answer.
“We’ll tell them, and then they’ll just have to accept it. I tried to cool it and put some distance between us, but I just can’t deny my feels. I can’t ignore how I feel when I’m around you, or how nothing else seems to matter.” He replied as she lifted her head to look into his eyes. The unspoken words their eyes whispered told all they needed to, and Max bent his head down to capture her lips in an intense clinch. Putting his hands around her waist, he picked Liz up and placed her gently on the counter beside them, pushing aside the rolls allowing them to tumble to the waiting floor below. All thoughts of anyone inside the Crashdown were pushed to the farthest regions of the lovers’ brains as physical emotion took over. Their lips locked tightly together, neither wanting the moment to end, both relishing the feelings that were flooding their bodies.

The bang of the kitchen door brought Max and Liz crashing back down to earth.
“Oh, I’m sorry, I …. I was …. looking for the …… bathroom.” A young extra from the play piped up, obviously embarrassed that she had walked in on them making out.
“It’s ok Shannon, it’s the next door on the right.” Liz replied getting down from the counter and trying to hide her blushed cheeks with her hair. Once the door had shut, Liz let out a huge sigh.
“That was so embarrassing, I can’t believe we got so carried away. Thank god that wasn’t Isabelle or Michael!” Liz said waving her hands at her cheeks to try to cool them down and rid them of the red stain of embarrassment.
“Come on, let’s go somewhere more private.” Max said before grabbing her hand and pulling her out the back door of the kitchen and into the yard outside.
“Now this is better, we shouldn’t get interrupted out here.” Max replied with a glint in his eye.

Leaning Liz up against the brick wall of the Crashdown, Max resumed the passionate assault on Liz’s lips. With one free hand, he deafly removed the clip that was confining her hair, allowing it to cascade freely onto her shoulders. Her hands slipped under the shirt that he wore over the top of his trousers, allowing them to explore his tort, muscular back. Her touch was like electric, setting his skin on fire with her slightest touch. He moved his hand to her knitted top, slowly undoing the first three buttons and exposing her creamy, soft skin. Kissing and nibbling at her neck, Max’s hand moved down her body, past her tiny waist to the hem of her skirt. He gently caressed the backs of her thighs through the material, slowly edging the material upwards. The emotion flooding his body was uncontrollable, the heady feeling in his head clouding his mind forcing any thoughts of reason out of his mind. His raging hormones encouraging him to drink more of the wonderfully beautiful woman in his arms. Things were rapidly getting out of control, and in an attempt to regain it, he broke contact with her lips. Staring down into her hypnotising eyes, he traced the edge of her jaw, and then drew his finger across her glossy lips.
“God Liz, you are so beautiful, I love you so much.” He whispered before dipping his head and meeting her deep red lips once again.

As they kissed passionately once more, Max suddenly sensed they weren’t alone.
“Michael!” He said surprised as he pulled away from Liz.
“What’s going on Max?” He said sharply, as Liz hasten to button her top back up to hide her exposed cleavage.
“I don’t know what you mean?” Max replied calmly.
“Don’t play games Max, you know exactly what I mean, and you can’t use the play as an excuse this time.” He said with an angry tone to his voice.
“Ok, I know I said I would stay away from Liz, but I can’t. I’ve tried but I just can’t ignore my feelings anymore, and I won’t. I love Liz, I can’t change that.” He replied taking hold of Liz’s hand.
“Oh so all the rules we made go out the window ‘cause you’re in love. No Max, it doesn’t work like that, there are three of us to make the decision, not just you, your actions affect Isabelle and I too.”
“How? I’m not hurting or endangering you by seeing Liz.” Max said trying to defend himself.
“Your feelings for Liz do exactly that. If you didn’t like her so much you wouldn’t have healed her when she was shot in the Crashdown, then she wouldn’t have found out about us, and wouldn’t have gone crying to Maria and Alex and spilled her guts to them too! Everything you do with her endangers us, because you can’t think straight, you lose all common sense.”
“That’s not fair Michael, my feelings for Liz had nothing to do with why I saved her.”
“No? So you’re telling me if she’d of been a complete stranger you would still have saved her?” Michael asked, totally ignoring Liz.
“Of course I wouldn’t, but ….”
“But nothing Max, I won’t let you play Russian Roulette with our lives!” Michael shouted, running at Max, putting his hands on Max’s chest and ramming him hard up against the wall of the Crashdown.

“Michael! Stop it!” Liz screamed as Max’s hand was wrenched from her own.
“I’ll make you see sense even if I have to bash it into you!” Michael yelled raising his fist and getting ready to slam it down into Max’s face.
“No!” Max yelled, using the extra strength he had over Michael to push his friend away and onto the ground. By this time, Isabelle, Alex and Maria had heard the commotion and came running out.
“What is your problem, what do you have against Liz?” Max yelled angrily.
“Against Liz personally, nothing, it’s you Max. We had rules, not to tell anyone, not to get involved, and you’ve broken them all.”
“I didn’t mean to break them Michael, I didn’t ask for Liz to get shot.”
“No, but you chose to heal her.”
“So you think I should have let her die?” Max asked pointedly.
“No ….”
“Ok so I broke the rules, but what has that got to do with me seeing Liz. Us not being together won’t change the fact I saved her, or told her the truth.”
“How about, it would mean you wouldn’t have any ties when we have to go home.” Michael replied.
“Is that what this is about, going home? Don’t you understand, I didn’t chose to fall in love, it just happened, I can’t change it. Whether I go out with Liz or not, I will always have these feelings for her. No matter whether I am seeing Liz or not, if the time comes to leave to go home it would break my heart. My tie to here and Liz was born the moment I saw her, it has nothing to do with the shooting. But my ties aren’t just Liz, there are my parents, Alex, Maria, my friends. You can’t live your life without getting close to people just in case we find a way home. We only get one life, we’ve got to live it to the full, and accept what comes our way. If we don’t, and put everything on hold just in case, we’ll die sad and lonely, and I for one aren’t prepared to do that. In Liz, I have a wonderful, totally loyal person, who, beyond my wildest dreams, has accepted me for who I really am and never once has wavered in her trust for me. I can’t and won’t let you stop me seeing Liz.” He said adamantly.

As he laid on the floor in the same position as he had landed, the words that Max had just said started to seep into Michael’s brain. If he was honest, what Max was saying was true. There was no guarantee they would ever find their real home, and he didn’t really want to end up old and alone, but finding his real home and parents was Michael’s only drive, his reason for getting out of bed each morning. Getting involved with someone was like admitting it would never happen, allowing part of the dream that drove him to die. He couldn’t let that happen, what would be the point of carrying on if he had no dream?

Suddenly, doing the only thing Michael knew how to do, he hauled himself up from the concrete, and took off out the yard and ran down the street.
“Michael!” Max yelled after his friend.
“Leave it Max, you’ve done enough damage!” Isabelle snapped before disappearing into the street.
“Max, I’m so sorry.” Liz said looking at her dejected boyfriend.
“I should go …….” He started
“No, please don’t.” She replied.
“I have to go after Michael, I’m sorry Liz.” He replied before running out towards the street, leaving Liz standing in the yard of the Crashdown alone. In her mind she wondered what it all meant. Michael had run off and Max had followed, but if it had been she who had run, would Max have come after her? Did this mean they were back to where they were before the play? Friends exchanging pleasantries but barely much else. She really didn’t think she could go through that emotional roller coaster again. Pretending she wasn’t hurting inside, pretending she didn’t want to get close and breath in his familiar aftershave, pretending that being just friends was as easy for her as it seemed for him. In her head a voice screamed out, no, and the inevitable tears welled up in her eyes.
“Oh Liz!” Maria cried rushing up and throwing her arms around her best friend.
“What do I do now Maria, will he ever come back?” She sobbed.
“You go and fight for him Liz, if he’s worth it. Make Michael and Isabelle understand why you must be together. Who knows, maybe Michael will soften and let me in!”
“I don’t think I can do it Maria, I don’t think I’ve got the strength left to fight anymore.” She replied honestly.
“Of course you have babe, this is gorgeous Max Evans we’re talking about. He’s worth walking to the ends of the earth and back. You can’t let Michael and Isabelle win Liz, Max needs you just as much as you need him, that’s plain for anyone to see. Nobody said dating Czechoslovakians would be easy, but you can’t give up, fighting is your only weapon.”
“Should I go after him?”
“I can’t answer that for you Liz, all you can do is listen to your heart and follow what it says to you. Just remember though I’m always here to lend a shoulder to cry on or support you.” She replied.
“I have to go after him, I’ll show Michael and Isabelle I can be trusted and I love Max.” She said adamantly, wiping away the tears that had escaped.
“Go Liz, I’ll look after this place.
“ Thanks Maria, you’re the best friend anyone could wish for.” Liz said hugging her once more before running out down the street. She didn’t know where to find them, or where they had gone, but Liz was determined to walk all night until she found them.

“Michael, slow down!” Isabelle called trying desperately to shorten the distance as they both ran.
“Why Isabelle, what’s the point.” He snapped slowing down to a walk
“Hey I’m not the enemy here remember, I’m on your side.” She said finally drawing up along side him.
“No, you’re not the enemy, but he’s your brother.”
”But I’m not responsible for him Michael, he is his own person.”
“Yeah, someone who has to be in control of every situation, make rules and then be the first person to break them.” Michael retorted.
”Yeah that’s me, the control freak who breaks every rule I can.” Max said startling both his friend and sister.
“What do you want Max?” Isabelle asked coldly.
“To talk, we need to sort this situation out.”
“There’s nothing to sort out Maxwell, you broke the rules, you got involved with a human and now you’ve chosen her over us.”
“Oh and that’s why I’m here trying to make peace with you, instead of being with Liz?”
“Whatever.” Michael said blankly.
“What have I got to do to make you forgive me for saving Liz?” Max asked.
“I forgive you for saving Liz, what I don’t forgive you it the fact that you’re not happy with watching her from afar anymore, now you have to have a full blown relationship. Why can’t you just go back to being her secret admirer again?”
“You know in saving Liz, I had to make a connection. In doing so she saw how I really felt about her, my true feelings from inside my soul, and I saw hers, I know how she really feels about me. If I could turn back the time so that I could stay tie-free I would. No …… actually that’s a lie, I wouldn’t change the time I’ve had with Liz. I love you and Isabelle, but I am lonely, and afraid my life will pass me by without having someone to fill that void.”
“You have us.” Isabelle pointed out.
“I know, but I need more, something away from finding our real home and parents, something ……….. something normal.”
“Human, you mean!” Michael snapped.
“Ok, yeah, I want something that makes me feel human, something that makes me feel like I belong. I’m tired of living my life in the shadows, it’s my time to step out from behind the tree.”
“Ok, so you want to get more involved with your life, fine, but why with Liz? Why can’t you do that alone?” Michael asked.
“What have you got against Liz, why can’t you just be nice to her?”
“I don’t like Liz ‘cause I don’t like the way you are around her. Nothing matters to you except her when she’s in the room, it’s like she hypnotises you or something. You loose all common sense, and can’t think straight.”
“It’s called love Michael, may be you should try it sometime. It’s better than any drugs.” Max joked.
“I’m being serious Max.”
“So am I. I’m trying to be honest, to explain how I feel. If giving up Liz is really what you want me to do, then I’ll do it. But you need to know that I will never, ever love someone as totally completely as I do her. I can’t explain it, it just feels right. Please Michael, Is, don’t make me give up the one thing that makes me happy, she is my whole reason for existence. She’s my soulmate.” Max pleaded.
“Ok, ok, enough of the mushy, sappiness. We can’t stop you seeing Liz, it didn’t work before and it won’t work now, you always seem to find a way back to each other.” Isabelle said.
“Thanks.” Max replied quietly.
“Just remember Maxwell, when it’s time to go and say goodbye to Liz, I told you that no ties would make it easier and less painful.”
“Easier yes, but much more lonelier. Liz knows there is a chance we could find our real home and leave, she’s prepared to take that risk, and so am I.” He replied.
“So, you left her at the party?”
“Standing in the yard of the Crashdown to be exact. I needed to sort things out with you two.”
“So she’s probably balling her eyes out right now afraid you’ll never come back. Come on, time to go back and mend some bridges.” Michael replied giving Max a small smile to let him know they were friends again.

As she walked along the main road through the centre of the town, a nearby light bulb flickered as it neared the end of its life. A slight chill was in the air and Liz wrapped her arms around herself in an attempt to conserve her body heat. She had never been afraid to walk the streets of her home town at night before, but tonight it suddenly felt different. A cold shiver ran down her spine as she got a feeling she was being watched. Quickly turning her head, Liz spun round on the spot to see what was behind her. Upon seeing nothing but the shadows nearby houses and trees cast on the pavement, she continued on, telling herself that it was nothing and not to be so stupid. Thoughts of Max filled her head, driving her along the pavement, giving her strength to keep walking at such a late time of night. If her parents knew she was walking the streets at nearly midnight they would ground her for months, but what they didn’t know wouldn’t hurt them. They were off visiting her aunt for the week, giving Liz some much needed space away from the smothering protectiveness of her mother and father. Still feeling uneasy, Liz decided to jog the rest of the short distance to the Evans’ house. As she approached it, Liz could see no lights on, the jeep wasn’t in the driveway, and there seemed no activity inside the house.
“Either everyone is asleep, or they’re not here.” She thought to herself. Deciding that if Max had come home the jeep would be in the driveway, she headed off in the direction of Michael’s trailer park. It was a long shot, but she didn’t have many places to check, Roswell wasn’t, after all, a particularly large town. Crossing the street, Liz continued her trek across town, still feeling slightly uneasy about being alone on the streets at night.

“You decided to come back then!” Maria snapped as she unlocked the main door to the Crashdown.
“I came back to see Liz.” Max replied as they stepped inside.
“What about you two?” She asked directing her question at Michael and Isabelle.
“We’re just sheep following the master to ‘Little old Bo Peep’.” Michael whipped back. He was definitely in no mood for a grilling from Maria over what had happened earlier that night.
“Well sheep, you can just follow the master outta here, ‘cause ‘Little old Bo Peep’ ain’t here.” Maria replied.
“What do you mean?” Max asked
“Exactly that. After you left her standing in the yard distraught and alone, we talked and she decided to go after you and knock some sense into the head of your two sheep. She left about 30 minutes ago, and I haven’t seen her since. Judging by her mood I’d say she’s prepared to walk all night until she finds you.” Maria replied.
“Where was she going?”
“I don’t know, maybe you should try your house?” Maria said shrugging her shoulders.
“Right, we’ll do that.” Max said pulling open the door and heading outside to the jeep.

“Well I can’t see her Max.” Isabelle said as they pulled up outside their house.
“Where else could she have gone?” Michael asked.
“I don’t know, there’s the Crashdown, UFO Centre, my house and I guess maybe your place.” Max replied.
“Look no offence Max, but I’m really tired. Liz is a big girl she can look after herself. She’s probably given up and gone home already” Isabelle replied.
“Fine Is, you go to bed, but I’m not going to sleep until I find her.”
“What if mum and dad find you’re not home.”
“I’ll smooth it over with them in the morning, I have to find her.” Max insisted
“Whatever.” Isabelle replied harshly, before climbing out of the jeep and heading up the path towards the front door.
“Take me home Maxwell, I’m sure we’ll find Liz on the way.” Michael replied, desperately trying to stifle a yawn that had escaped from his mouth.

As she walked along the dusty, dirt track towards the trailer park, the feeling of being followed engulfed Liz once again. As before, she spun around to find only the trees rustling behind her. By this point she was really getting spooked and, even with Max as her driving force, was beginning to regret starting her little crusade to traipse across town to find her love.

Suddenly, just as the open area of the park came in sight, Liz felt herself being grabbed from behind, a black gloved hand covered her mouth tightly, and dragged her backwards through an opening in the trees. She fought in vain to wriggle free of the grasp, but her assailant was strong, much stronger than she was, and Liz only succeeded in being held tighter. Liz fought desperately for a snatch of a breath, the hand covered both her mouth and nose, leaving very little gap for air. She desperately tried to scream, to attract someone’s attention, but the grip on her mouth was tight, and she was unable to make a sound. Her mind was racing as she tried to think of what to do, her head pounding, her brain desperately requiring oxygen to function properly. She felt like she was suffocating, her lungs hurt as they tried to drag in even the smallest amount of air. A wave of giddiness rushed through her body at lightening pace, her head felt heavy, her eyes struggling to focus and fight against the blackness that was starting to rule her body. As she was pulled towards a nearby car, the loosing battle that was raging through her body took over and suddenly everything around her went black.

The young girl’s body became limp in the arms of her attacker as he swept her up and laid her down on the back seat of the car. Knowing it was a short distance to their destination, and that she was out cold, he didn’t bother to bound and gag her, that way if anyone stopped him they’d think she was just sleeping. As the car pulled out of the trailer park, there was not a movement from the lifeless, sleeping form on the back seat.

Part 4

“She’s not here Max.” Michael said stepping out from inside the trailer.
“Ok, I’m going to go back to the Crashdown, maybe she’s given up and gone back home.” Max said hopefully.
“Ok, I’ll stay here and if she turns up I’ll let you know.”
“Thanks Michael.” Max replied, climbing into the jeep and flicking the ignition to start the engine. As he pulled out of the trailer park, Max could sense something was wrong, he didn’t know what, but he had a feeling it was going to be a very long night. He didn’t know where Liz was, or where to look after the Crashdown, there weren’t many other places she could have gone. He couldn’t imagine what had possessed Liz to chase after him when she didn’t know where they’d gone. It was way too late for her to be walking the streets alone. It may be a quiet, somewhat peaceful town, but Roswell still had its fair share of crime.
“Come on Liz, please be here.” Max whispered as he reached the back door of the Crashdown and rang the bell. He was grateful that her parents were away, so he knew he wouldn’t be waking them up. After standing there for a few minutes. Max decided to climb up to her balcony, just in case she was fast asleep. As he climbed each rung, Max held his breath, clinging on to the faint hope that he would see his angel lying peacefully in her bed. All hope was shattered as he peered in through her slightly ajar bedroom window. Her room was neat and very tidy for a 16 year old, and her bed was perfectly made, not a crease in sight, and no Liz either.
“Damm! Now what do I do?” Max shouted at himself. Inside he was cursing his decision to run after Michael and Isabelle, he should have known Liz would have been upset, but how could he have known she would have tried to follow him.

For the next few hours, Max drove around everywhere he could possibly think of, trying to find Liz. He had checked the UFO Centre, the High School, hell he’d even drove out to the desert area on the way to the next town, but nothing, there was absolutely no sign of his raven haired beauty. Eventually, at 5.00am, he admitted defeat and headed home to the sanctuary of his bedroom, although with all the will in the world there was no way he could sleep. Every time he closed his eyes, her face swam into his brain, her velvety soft dark brown hair, her sparking brown eyes, her warm, infectious smile, no matter what he did, he couldn’t get her out of his mind. In the end, he reached for the remote of his stereo and allowed the music to fill emptiness of his room.

Misery likes company, I like the way that sounds
I’ve been trying to find the meaning, so I can write it down
Staring out the window, it’s such a long way down
I’d like to jump, but I’m afraid to hit the ground

I can’t write a love song, the way I feel today
I can’t sing no song of hope, I’ve got nothing to say
Life is feeling kind of strange, since you went away
I sing this song to you wherever you are
As my guitar lies bleeding in my arms.

Laying back on his bed, he put his hands behind his head and stared up at his white ceiling. Although his body was ravished with tiredness, he couldn’t sleep, he felt guilty that he was at home when he should be out rechecking their regular hangout places. As the music of the song continued, he racked his brain, desperate to think of another place to look, so he could go out and feel like he was doing something to find her.

I can’t write a love song, the way I feel today
I can’t sing no song of hope, there’s no one left to save
And I can’t fight the feelings that are buried in my veins
I send this song to you wherever you are
As my guitar lies bleeding in my arms

“Max honey, you look awful, what time did you get in?” Diane Evans asked, looking at her son, who had just walked into the kitchen, as she served up the waffles in the pan onto his father’s plate.
“It wasn’t that late.” He mumbled pouring himself a large glass of orange juice and downing in one go.
“You want some waffles too Max?”
“No thanks, I’m not hungry.” He replied. “I’m going out for a while.” He added starting to walk out of the kitchen.
“Hang on a minute Max, where are you going?”
“I’m going to Michael’s, I won’t be late.” He replied desperate to escape before his parents quizzed him any more.
“But Max, you really look like you should get some more sleep, I don’t like the idea of you driving the jeep in the state you are in.” His mother said concerned about her son.
“I’ll be fine mum, I got plenty of sleep last night, like I said it wasn’t that late when I got in. Please I have to go.” He pleaded.
“Ok, but drive safely.” She added as Max disappeared from the kitchen and his parents interrogation.
“Max, did you find Liz?” Isabelle asked catching him as he walked out the front door.
“No, I drove round until about 5.00am, but I couldn’t find her anywhere. I’m going to go back to the Crashdown and see if she’s come back, if not I’ll head to Maria’s.”
“Hang on a minute, let me grab my coat and I’ll come with you.” Isabelle offered.
“You don’t have to you know.” He said remembering how quickly she had left him the previous night.
“I want to Max, besides two sets of eyes are better than one.” She said disappearing to grab her coat and returning to join Max in the jeep. The drive to the Crashdown was very quiet, both lost in their own private thoughts. As he pulled up outside, Max could tell Liz wasn’t around. It was gone 9.00am and the Sunday staff were standing on the pavement waiting impatiently for Liz to come down and open the restaurant for the morning rush.
“I don’t know where she is, but I’ve been standing out here for nearly thirty minutes now, and it’s getting beyond a joke.” One of the waitresses snapped.
“May be she’s fallen down the stairs or something and can’t come to the door?” Another offered. On hearing this, Max started to panic, could she be lying at the bottom of the stairs, on the cold titled floor, laying in a pool of blood, her energy and grip on life slowly slipping away. Suddenly, he remembered the slightly open window in Liz’s room.
“Her bedroom window is open a bit, I’m going to climb in and make sure she isn’t inside.” Max said quickly before bolting up the fire escape onto her balcony.

As he opened the window further, Max saw that Liz’s bed was still in the same tidy state as he had seen it in the early hours of the morning, confirming that she certainly hadn’t gone to sleep in her bed that night.
“Liz?” He called as he opened her bedroom door and walked down the hall way. As he reached the end of the hall, Max paused for a moment. The words of the waitress outside came flooding back, and images of Liz lying at the foot of the stairs rushed through his brain. Forcing his body forward, Max descended down the stairs, and was somewhat grateful to find that Liz’s body was not in a crumpled heap at the bottom. Heading out into the restaurant, Max opened the door from the inside, allowing the staff to flood in and start their shifts.
“No Liz I take it.” Isabelle said looking at her brother.
“No. I was really relieved that she hadn’t fallen down stairs, but in some respects it’s worse now. Where is she Isabelle?” Max asked, the worry etched on his face very evident.
“I wish I knew Max, I wish I could say there is probably a logical explanation for her disappearing, but I really don’t know.” She replied honestly.

Thirty minutes later, Max and Isabelle had picked Michael up and were standing on the doorstep of Maria’s house.
“Is Liz there?” Max said instantly.
“Here? No, why should she be?” Maria asked
“Because she’s missing.” Isabelle replied as Maria moved out of the doorway to let them in.
“What! You mean you didn’t find her last night?” She said looking at Max.
“No.” He replied quietly.
“You went home without finding her, how could you!” Maria yelled as tears pricked her eyes.
“Hey, calm down. Max drove round until 5.00am this morning trying to find her.” Michael replied ushering the distraught girl to a nearby seat.
“This is so unlike Liz, why wouldn’t she go home? Have you checked the Crashdown?”
“Of course, when we got there all the Sunday staff and customers were waiting on the pavement.” Isabelle replied.
“I climbed in through Liz’s open bedroom window and let them in, but there’s definitely no sign of her anywhere.” Max replied suddenly looking very tired.
“Look she can’t just have disappeared, she must be somewhere.” Maria replied.
“Where? I have been driving around for hours, searched the same places over and over again. I’ve been to the UFO Centre, the Crashdown, the Trailer Park, I’ve even driven half way into the desert I can’t find her Maria, she’s either disappeared or someone’s taken her!” Max snapped back. The room went suddenly silent, Isabelle looked at Michael for some help, and Maria stared straight at Max, tears cascading down her face at an alarming rate. Max put his head in his hand, he was tired, upset, desperately trying to hold on to his emotions and try not to picture the mental thoughts of where Liz could be which were flying around his brain.
“Look I’m really sorry Maria.” Max said slowly lifting his head, getting up and putting his arms around her.
“No I’m sorry Max. Of course you’ve looked everywhere for her, I just don’t understand it. Who would take Liz?” She said as she buried her head in his chest
“I wish I knew.” He replied holding her tight as uncontrollable sobs radiated from her body.

“OK guys, let’s be realistic. If Liz doesn’t turn up today we are going to have to go to Sheriff Valenti.” Isabelle said, a shudder going down her spine even as she said the words. She had made no attempt in the past to hide how she really felt about the Sheriff. He scared her, he always seemed to be hiding in the shadows and turn up out of nowhere with his dark glasses hiding his eyes and his true feelings and motives. She didn’t like not knowing what people felt, it unnerved her, she liked to know if they were friend or foe as soon as she saw them.
“Yeah great Is, and what would we tell him, Liz has been captured by aliens?” Michael snapped sitting down on a backward turned chair.
“That’s just it Michael, we don’t know that Liz’s disappearance has anything to do with us or who we are. Without any clues we have to assume a human has kidnapped her. If that’s the case, then we need the Sheriff’s help. We only have a few days before Liz’s parents come back, and if she isn’t home by then, the Sheriff will have to be involved whether we like it or not. If we leave it that long, and the Sheriff finds out we knew she was gone, he’ll really get suspicious and think we’re hiding something.”
“We can’t raise Valenti’s suspicions.” Michael said adamantly.
“No Michael, Isabelle is right. There is noting to indicate right now that we are dealing with an alien enemy who has taken Liz.” Max replied calmly.
“Ok, so what do we do now? All we know is Liz went out to look for you last night and never came home. I can’t sit here all day waiting and hoping Liz will walk through the door. I’ll go crazy if I do that.” Maria said.
“Then we keep looking. Maria, call Alex and get him to come over with his car. We’ll split into three groups and check different parts of the town. Maybe we’ll fine something that will lead us to Liz.” Max replied taking charge and trying to sound hopeful.

Fifteen minutes later, the group had paired up and knew which part of the town they had to search.
“Are you sure you’re going to be ok on your own Max?” Isabelle asked, concerned about her brother.
“You sound like mum Is! I’ll be fine, I promise. Now everyone’s got a cell phone haven’t they?” Max asked.
“Yes.” The dutiful chorus responded.
“Ok, so just remember to keep in contact, and let me know if you find anything, anything at all.” Max insisted.
“Be safe Max, if you get tired come home. You’ll be no good to Liz if you wrap the jeep around a tree or something and hurt yourself.” Isabelle added, hugging her brother before she got into the passenger seat of Alex’s car.

After watching his two sets of friends disappear in opposite directions, he slowly climbed into the jeep. Resting his head gently against the steering wheel, Max fought valiantly against the waves of tiredness that was ravishing his body. Liz’s distraught, dejected face popped into his mind, the last image he had of her before he had raced off after Michael and his sister the night before.
“Mr Evans, are you ok son?” A voice asked.
“Oh, yes sir, just erm …. tired.” Max replied looking up and seeing the Sheriff beside him.
“Maybe you should get yourself off home son, catch up on some of that sleep you’ve obviously missed.” He suggested
“Erm, yes sir …….. I’ll do that sir. Thank you.” Max replied rubbing his eyes to wake himself up. As he pulled away, Max was careful to drive off in the direction of his house, so as not to arouse the Sheriff’s suspicions. Max had chosen to check some of the cave areas on the edge of the town, and as he tore down the highway, Max was grateful for the cool breeze that was doing a good job of keeping him awake.

As he climbed over some rocks to reach a cave entrance, the cell phone in his pocked started to ring. Snatching it quickly, he clicked the answer button.
“Hello?” He said, as he continued to climb.
“Max, it’s Is.”
“Have you found her?” He asked hopefully.
“I’m sorry Max, we’ve no news, I just wanted to make sure you’re ok.”
“I’m fine Is, really.” Max insisted.
“Ok, call me if you need anything.” She replied before switching off the phone.
“He sounds in a really bad way Alex, I’m worried about him.” Isabelle said putting the phone back in her bag.
“We’re all worried about Liz, but I guess it’s harder for Max. He knows he was the reason why she was walking the streets so late last night.” Alex replied.
“He shouldn’t be driving on his own, he got absolutely no sleep last night. I should have gone with him.” She said picking at the nail varnish on her nails in frustration.
“Max needs some time alone Is, allow him that.” He replied turning down a dirt track not far from the Crashdown.

“Michael you were supposed to go down that turning!” Maria yelled, pointing at the road they had just passed.
“Fine.” He yelled back, checking his mirrors before screeching the car through a 360 degree turn in the road and turning fast into the road she had pointed at.
“Michael!” She screamed, grabbing hold of the dashboard for support.
“What!” He snapped back.
“Stop the car. Stop the Car!” She shrieked. A few seconds later, her Jetta came to a halt at the side of the road.
“You’re a maniac, are you trying to kill us?” She hollered.
“Hey if I was trying I would have succeeded. Look, I got the turning didn’t I? What’s your problem?”
“My problem is I’d like to get through this is one piece, my mother will kill me if anything happens to her car.”
“Nothing is going to happen, I know what I’m doing.”
“Well I’m glad you do, ‘cause I’ve had enough!” She screamed climbing out the car, slamming the door shut and starting to walk away.
“Where are you going? Maria!” He shouted after her.
“Just leave me alone Michael!”
“Come on, don’t be stupid.” He said getting out the car and running after her.
“Me be stupid, you’re a fine one to talk!”
“Now what have I done?”
“Nothing Michael, you wouldn’t understand.”
“Try me.”
“Look Michael, if you don’t know then there is no point me telling you!”
“God you women are all the same. Look Maria, I’m sorry I don’t know whatever it is I’m supposed to have done wrong, but unless you tell me then how am I supposed to fix it?” He exasperated. Despite his words, Maria kept on walking, until Michael grabbed her arm, making her stop.
“Please Maria.” He asked softly.
“Ok, you wanna know, fine. I’ve fallen for you Michael, and no matter what I do you just can’t see it. You have to be ‘Mr I’m a stone wall and you’ve just got to lump it’ all the time. Well I can’t any more Michael I loved you and you left me, you broke my heart, and walked away without even a look back. How can you do that, how can you be so heartless?” She yelled. As she looked at him, Maria knew Michael didn’t know what to say, for a moment she thought he was going to turn and walk away once again. But what he did do, surprised Maria even more.

Pulling her close, he kissed her, a kiss full of raw passion and bent up aggression. There was little softness in the kiss, but to Maria it said so much. He had the choice to walk away, to continue to hide his real feelings, but instead he had chosen to kiss her, proving he really did care about her.
“Wow! I thought you were going to walk away from me.” She said, as tears pricked her eyes.
“Yeah well maybe I’m fed up of walking.” He replied gruffly, not able to look at her.
“I’m sorry I yelled at you, I’m just really worried about Liz.” Maria replied as a tear escaped down her face.
“Forget it, I don’t bruise that easily.” He replied, his voice softening, as he pulled Maria into his arms and held her tight. The sobs that radiated from her were uncontrollable. It was the first time she had really thought about her friend, and she was scared.
“Shhh, come on Maria, we’re going to find her, she’ll be ok.” He said trying to pacify her.
“How do you know?” She sobbed
“I don’t ok, but you have to believe it. You’re going to go crazy if you don’t.” He replied, stroking the back of her hair.
“Ok, I’m ok, sorry. We should get looking again, we’re not going to find Liz like this.” She said pulling out of Michael’s grasp and wiping away her tears.
“You sure you’re ok?” He asked as they walked back to the car.
“I am now.” She replied thinking about the kiss and embrace they had just shared. She knew their relationship would never be like Max and Liz’s. Michael and Max couldn’t been more completely opposite when it came to romance. Max always seemed to know romantic things to say or do, or surprise Liz with little gifts or notes left in her locker. Although she envied what her best friend had, Maria couldn’t help how she had fallen for Michael.
As he continued to climb up the steep bank of rocks towards the cave opening, Max suddenly felt his foot slip, and he tumbled back down towards the flat desert area blow. Landing with a thud, Max took a moment to calm his spinning head and heart that was threatening to pound right out of his chest. As he began to come back to his senses, he became aware of the searing pain raging in his ankle. Even in the confinements of his trainer shoes, the swelling of his foot was very evident. As he sat on the dusty floor, Max placed his hands on his ankle and fought desperately to clear his mind to focus on the damage. Normally blanking his mind came very easy for Max, he had healed the injuries he had sustained playing basketball with Michael in the yard with ease many times in the past, but he just couldn’t focus. As his mind slowly went blank, an image of Liz filled his mind. She was sitting on a steel bed in the corner of a dark room, her knees bent up to her chest in an attempt to protect herself. She was terrified, petrified of what was happening to her, he could feel it, he could feel her fear. Just as quickly as the image had appeared, it disappeared. He didn’t understand at all what had just happened, how could he have seen Liz, felt what she felt, that was impossible, wasn’t it? But he couldn’t deny it, he had never seen Liz like that before, she was scared, afraid of what was going to happen to her, he could sense her feelings. Closing his eyes once more, this time Max tried to visualise Liz, to try and get some sort of clue as to where she was, but there was no vision, no picture, nothing. So instead, he quickly concentrated on mending his ankle, and then he hauled himself up off the floor and slowly placed his foot down, making sure all damage had been repaired, he then walked back to the jeep.
His vision had distressed him, and he wanted to get back to Roswell as quickly as he could. As he re-entered Roswell, Max was suddenly overcome by a blinding pain in his brain. Swerving the car onto the edge of the highway, Max placed his head in his hands, digging his nails into his temples in an attempt to relieve some of the intense pain. The pain was almost unbearable, he felt like his head was about to split apart, then suddenly he could see her again. She was in a different room, it was well lit, almost clinical, and this time someone was with her. She was strapped to a chair with some sort of machine wired up to her head. That’s when he realised, the pain he felt wasn’t from his brain, it was from Liz’s, the machine was obviously projecting something into her head that was causing her so much excruciatingly blinding pain, and somehow she and Max had connected. Then, all of a sudden, the pain stopped, Max could see Liz’s tiny body relax slightly as the onslaught of pain the machine was causing ceased. It was the last image he saw before his mind went blank once again. Lifting his head up, Max roughly wiped away a tear that had escaped onto his cheek. This vision thing was getting scary he thought, but with each vision he had seen a bit more of the place where Liz was. Jumping on the phone he called the two other teams to meet him back at the Evans’ house as soon as they could. Taking one more deep breath, Max pulled the jeep back onto the highway and drove carefully back to his house.

“Ok, does anyone know what’s going on?” Michael asked as he sat down at the pine dinner table in the Evans’ breakfast room.
“We have no idea, Max just called and told us to meet him here as soon as we could. If he’d of had found Liz though I am sure he would have said something.” Isabelle replied from the kitchen as she poured drinks out for everyone.
“It’s got to be something, he sounded really ……...” Maria started but then looked back at Isabelle’s concerned face as she set the tray of five glasses on the table and stopped.
“Strange, unnormal, not Max. Pick your choice Maria.” Isabelle replied finishing the sentence.
“I’m sorry Isabelle, I didn’t think.” Maria said trying to apologise.
“It’s ok Maria, in truth you’re right, he didn’t sound right. I just hope he’s ok.” She replied as Alex rested his arm around her shoulders.
“Let’s just wait for Max to get here before we jump to any conclusions.” Alex replied trying to calm everyone’s fears.

Ten minutes later, Max’s jeep pulled into the driveway, and Isabelle and Maria jumped up and ran to the front door.
“Max, what’s going on?” Isabelle asked as she walked out to the jeep. “Max?” She said loudly after getting no initial response from her brother. As he had gone to turn the engine off, he had been overcome with darkness in front of his eyes, followed by a blazing light. It took a few moments to realise it was someone shinning a light into his eyes. No, not his eyes, Liz’s eyes he corrected himself. She was back in her room again, lying lifeless on the steel bed, a white coated man was pulling at her eyelids so he could shine the light into them. She wasn’t afraid this time, she was surprisingly calm, Max assumed they had given her some sort of sedative, hence her relaxed manner.
“Max!” A voice screamed in his ear as his shoulder was shaken hard.
“Ouch! Ok, ok Is, just give me a second.” He said lifting his head and rubbing his ear.
“What’s wrong with you?” She asked.
“Let’s go inside and I’ll try to explain.” He replied pulling the keys out of the ignition and walking up the path to the front door.

“Ok Max, we’re all ready, what’s going on, why did you black out in the car like that?” Isabelle asked as soon as they were inside the house.
“Ok, look something really weird keeps happening to me.” Max started.
“Like what?” Michael asked.
“If you give me a chance I’ll explain.” Max replied taking a gulp of the drink that was on the table for him. As he looked around his friends, he saw four faces all concerned but also eager to find out what was going on.
“Ok, this is going to sound really crazy, but please hear me out. When you phoned me Is, I was climbing up to a cave opening. I slipped as I tried to put the phone back in my pocket, and fell down onto the flat ground below.”
”My god Max, are you ok?” Isabelle cried.
“I’m fine Is, just let me finish. I hurt my ankle in the fall, so I tried focus so I could mend it. I struggled really hard to blank my mind out, and as I did, I saw a vision of Liz.”
”A vision?” Michael repeated.
“Yeah, a vision. She was sitting in a dark room, on a bed, and she was scared, I could feel what she was feeling.”
”Ok, anyone else think this is weird?” Alex chirped.
”Are you sure you didn’t just imagine it?” Michael added.
“That crossed my mind at first. I got back in the jeep and started to drive back here, and the more I thought about it the more I reasoned that I imagined it all. That was until I had another vision.”
”Another one!” Maria piped up.
“Yeah. I was driving back and I suddenly got a blinding pain in my head. I managed to pull the jeep off the road, and as I closed my eyes, I saw her again. This time she was in a different room, and her head was wired up to some sort of a machine. The pain I could feel wasn’t in my head, it was in Liz’s, some how she was projecting her pain to me.”
”How’s that possible?” Alex asked.
”I wish I knew.” Max continued. “The thing is not only could I see her, but I could feel was Liz was feeling, and I could see where she was, to an extend anyway.”
“Is that what happened outside a few minutes ago?” Isabelle asked.
“Yeah, when these visions take over, I sort of blank out for a few seconds.” Max admitted.
“So you didn’t hear me when I called you at first?”
”No, it wasn’t until you shouted in my ear and shook me out of the vision that I could see you.” Max replied.
“Ok, so you’re a human satellite for Liz’s visions and feelings, that doesn’t really give us much more to go on.” Michael said.
“But it does tell us that whoever has Liz is obviously after us.” Max pointed out.
”What makes you think that?” Isabelle asked.
“No normal kidnapper would wire someone up to a machine to test their brain pattern. They were obviously trying to get some information from Liz’s mind.” He replied.
“Ok so you’re having weird visions of Liz trapped in a dark room somewhere on earth, can you narrow it down a bit for us?” Alex joked.
“I’d love to Alex, but right now you know everything I do. All I can hope is that I get some more visions from Liz soon.” He replied, taking another large gulp from the glass of juice in his hand.
“So Liz can send you visions, can your reverse the connection?” Alex asked
“Send visions from me to Liz? I don’t know I haven’t really tried. I did try to get more visions from her back at the cave, but not send her something from me.” Max replied beginning to think.
“Maybe you should try it Max, it can’t hurt.”
“And if you can’t get through, maybe I can dreamwalk to get through to her?” Isabelle offered.
“Thanks Is. Hold that thought, I might take you up on it. I guess I’ll go and try to connect with Liz now. It could take a while, you guys might want to do something more entertaining than sitting around here waiting for me.” Max said.
“We’ll be right here waiting for you Max. You also might want to think about getting some sleep, mum’s gonna freak if she sees those bags under your eyes!” Isabelle replied before Max headed off towards his bedroom.

As he stretched out on his bed, Max closed his eyes and tried to concentrate.
”Come on Liz, let me in.” He whispered. He had no idea if what he was doing was right, but he was prepared to try all afternoon and into the evening if it came to it.

Part 5

As her eyes slowly became accustomed to the dimness of the room, she looked around to try and work out where she was. She was lying on a steel framed bed, the mattress and sheets smelt musty and stale, making her stomach turn. As she started to sit up, Liz’s head started to spin forcing her back down on the bed. A wave of nausea washed over her body, and it took every last drop of energy she had to stop herself from retching. After taking a few moments to calm her head and stomach, Liz reopened her eyes and looked around the room. The walls were made out of stone, as was the floor, indicating she was probably in some kind of cave. All that was in the room was a bed, a chair, a tray of indistinguishable substance pretending to be food, and a large wooden door at the opposite end of the room. Not much to go on she thought, she certainly had no clue as to who her assailant was. The last thing she could remember was being at the Trailer Park and then being dragged backwards. She assumed she must have blacked out or something, hence she didn’t have a clue where she was, she couldn’t even be sure she was still in Roswell.

Laying on the bed, she searched her brain, desperately trying to think of a plan on what to do next; then she heard a key turn in the lock of the large wooden door. The sound of the creaking of the door filled the small room, making Liz jump. A large shadowy figure entered the room, and paused for a moment before speaking.
“Hello Liz, my name is Agent Buckley, how are you finding your new home?” The shadow spoke with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
“Why am I here?” Liz said forcefully.
“Now, now, I’m the one who’s supposed to be asking the questions, not you.” He replied in a patronising voice.
“I want to know why I am here.” Liz said again.
“Ok, if we must skip the pleasantries and get down to business, then so be it.” He replied, taking hold of the back of the nearby chair and moving towards the bed. As he stepped out of the shadows, Liz could see his face clearly. He wasn’t that old, maybe about 30 or so, with jet black hair. He was dressed in a dark suit, with a white shirt and black tie, but for Liz it was his eyes that unnerved her. He was confident, his eyes portrayed that very emotion, with an evilness she couldn’t explain. His smile seemed forced, somewhat fake and evil looking.
“We’ve been watching you for quite some time now Liz, I don’t mind saying you did make it very easy for us though, a young girl like you shouldn’t be walking the streets late at night. You see you’ve been brought here because you’ve been a very naughty girl. You’ve been making friends with people you shouldn’t haven’t you, and I want to know everything about your friends.”
“I’ve nothing to say to you.” Liz spat back.
“Ok, we can do this the easy way, or the hard way. The easy way is when you co-operate with us every time we want to know something and no harm will come to you. The hard way is when you refuse to tell us everything, and we have to extract the information from you with various machines that will inflict enormous amounts of pain on your fragile body. Obviously, to me I really don’t mind which way you chose, although the hard way has a certain appeal to myself and my colleagues.” He replied calmly.
“Like I said, I have nothing to say to you.” She said.
“Ok, hard way it is then.” He said standing up and matching out of the room.

As the large door banged shut, Liz drew her knees up to her chest, put her arms around them and hugged herself tight. She was afraid, very afraid of what was going to happen to her, but she knew in her heart she couldn’t betray her friends, and definitely not Max. Who knew what they would do to him if they caught him.
“God Max, I wish you were here. I wish I hadn’t run after you last night, it was stupid, I should have know it was dangerous, but I love you. I need you Max, now more than ever. Give me the strength to withstand whatever they do to me. I never want to fail you, but I’m scared of what they’ll do.” She whispered trying to visualise her love. She could picture him in her mind so clearly, she could almost reach out and touch him. Where he was didn’t matter to her, all that mattered was she could see his face in her mind. She knew in her heart the image of Max in her head would drive her on through the tough times ahead. She was determined to stay strong for Max, whatever it took.

Liz had thought about who had brought her here, it was obvious they had been watching her for a while, but someone must have got close to her to know about her and Max. Her question was answered sometime later. Liz wasn’t sure how much time had passed since the first man had left her, and another came to take her out of the stone room, with no natural light she couldn’t tell if it was even morning or evening. The new room she was brought to was clinical, a similar smell to a hospital filled the air. The light was bright inside, and there were many instruments and machines dotted around. Liz decided instantly that she didn’t like this room at all.
“Hello again Liz.” The familiar creepy voice of Buckley said cheerily. “I’d like you to meet a friend of mine, I think you might have met her already.” He said as he beckoned another person into the room.
“Hello Liz.” She said smiling sweetly. At that very moment Liz felt physically and violently sick. She did know the person, it was Kathleen Topolski.
“You!” Liz spat out venomously. It all became clear at that moment, Topolski was the spy for them, she knew how close Liz had been getting to Max. They had all been suspicious of her, and Alex had confirmed the suspicions when he had uncovered that she was FBI. She had disappeared that day, and none of the gang had seen her since. They had all assumed she was gone for good, but Liz knew different now.
“Yes Liz, me. I told you and your other little friend, what’s his name? Alex I think, that you were making a big mistake, that you had just made things a lot harder for yourselves, but did you listen to me? No! So whatever happens to you now, remember it was your own fault!” Topolski replied calmly.
“Ok Liz, it’s time for you to sit down and answer some of our questions.” Buckley said pointing to the large dentist style chair in the middle of the room.
“I won’t answer your questions.” Liz said.
“Hard way it is then!” Buckley replied, beckoning to two guards outside, who promptly charged into the room, swept Liz off her feet, and strapped her into the chair, with amazing ease.
“Now, we’re going to ask you some questions, and you’re going to answer them, do you understand?” Topolski hissed. After getting no response from Liz, she drew her hand up and slapped Liz across the cheek. The stinging sensation across her face brought tears to Liz’s eyes, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t stop a few of the tears from falling down her face, scorching the very area that had caused them.
“Ok, first question, how do you know Max Evans?” Buckley asked.
“He’s my friend.” She replied not looking at them.
“How did you become friends?”
“Through school.” She replied.
“How long have you known Max Evans is different from you?” He asked bluntly.
“From the first day I met him, he’s male and I’m female, that’s a pretty big difference.” Liz whipped back.
“Not very smart!” Buckley replied.
“Don’t get cocky with us Liz!” Topolski added, slapping her cheek again and causing the stinging sensation to return.
“I ask again, how long have you known Max Evans is different from you?”
“He isn’t different.” She replied quietly. It was only partly a lie, because for Liz, Max was as human as they came. He had watched her, loved her and broken her heart by asking for space, he was just like a normal 16 year old guy struggling to come to terms with the changes within him, the new feelings being with Liz conjured up.
“Ok then, how do you explain Max saving you after you were shot at the Crashdown?” Topolski asked.
“He didn’t. I fell in the commotion, smashed a bottle of ketchup and spilt it over me. I was never shot, Max never healed me.” Liz replied staring at Topolski for the first time since she had entered the room.
“Sheriff Valenti might buy that story, but I don’t!” She replied.
“Well it’s the truth, I can’t tell you anything more.” Liz replied.
“You’re not giving us the answers we’re looking for Liz, that’s not being smart, and Topolski tells me you’re a smart student at school. Maybe we should try some gentle persuasion on you.” Buckley replied with an evil edge to his voice. A few seconds later, a man wearing a white lab coat entered the room and proceeded to wheel a machine from the edge of the room towards Liz. Although she couldn’t see what was going on around her, Liz could guess this machine was going to inflict some sort of pain on her.
“Now Liz, let’s see if we can’t get you to change your mind.” The man said sweetly, taking a wire in his hand and sticking the soft pad that was at the end to Liz’s forehead. After repeating the process with another wire, the man looked at Buckley.
“She’s all wired up and ready to go.” He said.
“Ok, let’s see how strong she is then.” Buckley said, before the man pressed a button on the machine. It was a few seconds before Liz felt anything, then suddenly she had a blinding, excruciating pain in her brain. It was unlike anything she had ever felt before, no migraine had ever been this bad. After about a minute, the machine was turned off and the pain subsided.
“So Liz, are you ready to talk yet?”
“No!” She yelled, just before a bolt of pain entered her head once again. Trying desperately to keep going and not crack, Liz thought of Max and how much he meant to her. Once again she pictured him in her mind, he was driving the jeep in her mind, concentrating hard on looking at the road. He looked tired, but still so incredibly handsome, his brown hair swept back by the wind, his blue top pulled tight against is muscles.
“Yes, that’s it.” She thought, “I can get through this, I’ve just got to think about Max each time.” She said to herself as the pain subsided once again.

After a few more attempts, Buckley lost patience and decided to give Liz some time alone back in her room to think about what had happened. As she felt the guard loosen the straps around her arms, Liz decided to fight for her freedom. Thrashing her arms around, and freeing her legs, Liz tried to make a break for the door. In hindsight, it probably wasn’t the wisest move Liz had ever made. There was little or no chance of her getting out of the room alone, and even if she did, she didn’t know where she was, or which way to run, but she knew she had to try something. For her pains, Liz got a swift blow to her stomach by one of the guards, and a heavy dose of some kind of sedative that within seconds made her extremely drowsy. She barely remembered being carried back to her room, chucked on her bed, or the heavy wooden door slammed behind her, as she slipped into unconsciousness.

“Is she awake yet?” Buckley’s gruff voice called out.
“No, she’s way too far gone still.” The man from the lab replied as she shinned a bright light into Liz’s eyes to test their reactivates.
“How long before she comes round?”
“I’d say a good few hours yet.” He replied turning and heading towards the door.
“Is there nothing we can give her to speed it up?”
“Nah, they gave her the wrong sedative, I don’t have an antidote for that one yet.” He replied as they walked out of the room.

In her mind, Liz felt like she was floating, sitting on a cloud way up high in the sky. She felt relaxed and calm for the first time in ages. A soft calming music filled her ears from somewhere. Her body didn’t ache from the punches she had received, she felt like she could jump from the highest cloud and fall forever. Standing up on the fluffy matter, Liz took a deep breath, and launched herself into the deep blue unknown. Soaring through the air, Liz felt like a bird, free from every worry possible. For a moment, she thought she was alone, but then she sensed someone around her. She couldn’t actually see anyone; it was more like a feeling, someone close to her, a friend.
“Liz, can you hear me?” A distant voice whispered.
“Max?” She called back, suddenly realising the ground was below her and coming up way too fast.
“It’s me Liz, where are you?”
“I don’t know, I’m scared, help me!” She cried back, bracing herself for the impact with the concrete below. Within a second, Liz sat bolt upright on the steel bed, and found herself back in the stone room again.
“Wow, what a rush, I wonder what they gave me!” Liz joked to herself.
“Liz?” The voice called back.
“Maybe I’m still hallucinating.” She thought
“No Liz, it’s really me, please I need some clues as to where you are.” The voice added.
“Hey, I may be totally delusional now, but who cares. Max, if that’s really you, I don’t know where I am. I’m in a stone room, no windows, think I’m underground somewhere.”
“It is me Liz, I’m going to get you out of there soon. How long did it take for you to get to this place?”
“I don’t know, I was knocked out, I could be anywhere.” She said beginning to loose hope.
“It’s ok, we’re going to find you, I promise. Now is there anything else you think might help us?” He replied as the connection began to fade.
“Max?” She called getting no response “Ok, this is beginning to get really weird.” She thought, laying back down on the bed and taking in a deep breath to try to relax.

“Liz?” He called out again, but there was no answer. “I really hope that worked.” He thought to himself as he closed his eyes once again, this time his mind allowed him to relax and fall into a deep sleep for the first time in well over 24 hours.

“Any luck?” Michael asked as his friend returned three hours later.
“I think so, it’s kinda hard to tell whether you’re dreaming it or not.” Max replied sitting down on the sofa.
“Well you look better if that’s anything to go by. Did you get any clues as to where she might be?” Isabelle asked.
“She didn’t know. She said she was in a room with stone walls and floor, possibly a cave or something ‘cause there were no windows in any of the rooms she’s been in.” He replied.
“Ok, so we know to look for caves now.” Maria said looking hopeful.
“Yeah, there’s only about 50 million different caves out in the desert.” Alex replied feeling deflated.
“We can do this Alex, Liz is counting on us.” Maria said.
“Ok, so we go out and search all the caves we find. I think we should split into three groups again, we’ll be able to cover more ground that way.” Max said taking control of the situation.
“I want to go with you then, I’m not happy with you driving alone.” Isabelle piped up.
“I’ve just had over two hours sleep Is, I feel great now.” Max replied getting up to look for the keys to the jeep.
“When’s mum and dad due back Is?”
“Not till tomorrow night. They’re working on some big case at the moment.” She replied.
“Anyone seen where I left the jeep keys?” Max called out.
“Nope, we’ll help you look though.” Alex replied heading to the kitchen. All five friends started to turn the kitchen and lounge upside down looking for the small bunch of keys.
“Found them!” Alex yelled from the lounge.
“Great!” Max exclaimed.
“Yeah, I’ve found something too.” Michael said joining everyone in the lounge once again.
“What is it?” Isabelle asked.
“A leaflet, for Carlsbad Caves.”
“And that is going to help us how?” Max asked.
“Think about it Max. Liz said she was in a cave like room, this place had hundreds of caves.”
“But it’s a tourist attraction.”
“So, what better way to not attract attention to yourselves by blending in with tourists.”
“It’s got to be worth a try Max.” Isabelle added.
“Ok, I guess it can’t hurt to take a look. Tomorrow though, we don’t have time to get there and back tonight.” Max replied.
“Ok, we’ll search some of the caves round here now, and leave early tomorrow to head to Carlsbad Caves.” Michael said.

As arranged, the five friends met up together at the Evans’ house the following morning. Splitting the group into two parties, Maria and Michael followed the jeep to their destination. It was a little before midday when they arrived, all grateful to eventually be able to stretch their legs.
“Ok, sightseeing it is then!” Alex joked.
“Let’s just remember why we’re thought.” Max warned,
“Yes dad!” The chorus replied.
“I’m serious!” Max snapped.
“Relax Max, as if we could forget.” Michael replied trying to calm his friend.
Joining the last tour before lunch, the five friends descended into the caves. The tour lasted nearly an hour, with each participant given a hard hat and a flashlight.
“Hey Maria, don’t you think that stalactite looks like our old elementary school teacher.” Alex said pointing at it.
“You know, I think you might be right.” Maria giggled.
“Guys, we’re supposed to be looking for something strange or out of the ordinary, not faces in rocks!” Max lectured.
“Cool it dude, we are looking!” Alex replied touching a nearby rock. It felt cold and smooth under his touch, as he moved along the wall with his hand, Alex suddenly called out.
“Guys, I think I’ve found something.”
“What is it?” Max pounced.
“The wall, feel it.” Alex encouraged.
“It’s hot!” Maria exclaimed.
“Exactly. This part is hot, but everywhere else is cold.” Alex said moving his hand over other parts of the rock face.
“You think something could be the other side?”
“There must be something, rock doesn’t heat up on its own account.”
“Hey kids, I’m gonna loose you if you don’t hurry up!” The guide yelled.
“Come on, let’s go. We can come back later.” Max instructed, making a mental note of where they were.

Once the tour had finished, the gang decided to get some food before going back to the caves. Sitting on wooden benches outside, they chatted quietly as they ate their lunch.
“Max, have you tried to connect with Liz again?” Maria asked.
”No I haven’t. I might go and try again now, maybe she might know some more information.” Max said getting up.
“We’ll wait here for you.” Maria said as Max headed towards the jeep.

“Ahhhhhh!” Liz screamed.
“I ask again, what powers does Max Evans have?”
“None.”
“No, wrong answer.” Topolski replied, jabbing the hot poker at Liz’s arm once again.
“I ……. I d,, don’t …. know w what you mean.” Liz gasped, pain radiating from every cell in her arm.
“Ok, I’ll ask another question, where does Max Evans come from?”
“Roswell, New Mexico.” Liz replied breathlessly.
“Funny! What planet?”
”Earth.” Liz replied before the searing pain in her arm returned. For Liz, the torture was getting worse, it was harder to keep up her resilience and not end it by answering their questions.
“Liz?” The voice said.
“Max?” She thought back.
“Yeah it’s me, are you ok?” He asked sensing her pain.
“No.” She replied as some of her pain radiated out to Max.
“What’s happening Liz?” He asked, worrying about her.
“It’s Topolski.” She gasped back.
“What is?”
”Hurting me ……. She’s ……..” She trailed off.
“It’s ok Liz, we’re going to help you. Do you have any other clue?”
”No ………… can’t tell ……….. in a room ……… bright.” She replied through breaths of pain.
“Stay strong, I’m coming Liz.” He replied, as the connection disappeared once again.

“Any success?” Isabelle asked as her brother returned to the group.
“Yeah.”
”You ok Max? You look awful.”
“No, I’m not ok. They’re hurting her Is, real bad, she sounded so much in pain.” He said visibly upset.
”Who is?” Michael asked.
“An old friend of ours, it’s ……….” Max started before he was cut off.
“Topolski!” Maria cried out.
”How did you know?” Max asked, turning to her.
“No, no, over there.” Maria pointed eagerly. She was right, Topolski was walking out of the cave area, blending in just like any other tourist.
“Oh my god!” Isabelle exclaimed as all five friends tried to keep their heads down so she wouldn’t see them.
“Liz is here.” Max said pointedly
“How do you know?” Michael asked.
“’Cause it was Topolski who was hurting her.” Max answered, anger raging through every fibre of his body. He wanted desperately to run over to her and shake her until she told him where Liz was, but as he started to get up, he felt a hand grab is arm, pulling him back down.
”What are you doing, she’s gonna get away!” Max said angrily.
“Use your head Max, confronting Topolski is not going to lead us to Liz.” Michael said.
“Why not?”
“She’s clever, she’s not going to just tell us where Liz is. No, we need to be sensible over this. Our best course of action is to follow her and see where she leads us. Think about it Max, it’s the best way to get Liz back.” Michael insisted.
“Ok.” Max replied gruffly, still not totally happy.

In his mind, Max was still reeling from the pain and suffering Liz was going through. Every time they connected, he felt the pain worsen, her strength faltering. He knew she wouldn’t be able to last much longer, and he knew he had to find her and soon. At least now they had a starting point, the first proper clue on the trail of Liz Parker.

PART 6

“Ok Michael, what do we do now?” Alex asked.
“We wait, then follow Topolski and let her lead us straight to Liz.” Michael replied calmly.
“This had better work Michael, Liz’s life could be in danger.” Maria said sternly.
“And ours.” Max replied quietly.
”What do you mean Max, how could our lives be in danger?” Isabelle asked jumping on his words.
“What they’re doing to Liz is really bad, they’re hurting her a lot Is. She hasn’t told them anything about us, but I really don’t know how long she’s gonna be able to hold out. We have to get to her, and fast.” He replied worried for his girlfriend.

It took twenty minutes before Topolski returned from her car, and by that time the gang had formed a plan. If they all followed her, Michael had said, it would look way too suspicious. So it had been decided that the girls would stay by the jeep and wait, with Max, Michael and Alex following Topolski. Maria had at first objected, complaining that Liz was her friend and she wanted to help her. But Michael had stepped in, making her understand that it would help Liz more if she stayed safe. In his mind, he didn’t know he could keep as sane as Max was if it had been Maria taken hostage. No, he needed to know she was safe for his own peace of mind. He may never let on to her how he felt, but that didn’t mean he could deny his feelings to himself.

“She’s coming back.” Alex piped up.
“Right, you guys know what to do. If we’re not back in thirty minutes, get help.” Max replied as they all stood up.
“Be careful Max.” Isabelle said quietly.
“Always.” He replied as they walked away from the bench.
“So now we just wait.” Maria complained.
“That’s all we can do Maria. Let them find Liz then we can help.” Isabelle replied as they walked towards the jeep.

“And on your right you will see a magnificent rock formation that has been buried deep in this cave for over 100 years.” The guide reeled off as the party followed. Max, Michael and Alex had stayed as far back as they could, making sure their hard hats covered as much of their faces as possible. Max watched Topolski intently, determined not to let her out of his sight.

“Keep up at the back.” The guide yelled, making some of the people on the tour turn round. Dipping their heads, Max, Michael and Alex averted their eyes, in case Topolski turned round.
“When’s she gonna do something.” Alex said impatiently.
“Soon, it’s got to be soon, we’re near the place where the rock was hot.” Max replied remembering the area they were at.
“You think it’s connected?” Michael asked
“I think it’s a strong possibility.” Max confirmed. A few minutes later, they saw Topolski move to the side of the group and slip off into the small cavern where the heated rock face had been.
“This is it. Keep back or she’ll see us.” Max insisted, quietly following her.

As she reached the wall of the cavern, Topolski looked behind her. Good no one had followed her into the cavern, that made it easier. Placing her hand on a small rock, they heard a creaking sound and a small door appeared.
“Geez, where did that come from!” Alex exclaimed quietly as they looked on from their crouched position at the entrance of the cavern.
“Well that settles it, Liz has to be in there Max.” Michael confirmed
”I agree, but we can’t just go barging in there can we? We need a proper plan. They’re gonna have guards with guns at a guess, I would suggest the place isn’t that small either, I haven’t a clue where Liz is. All the rooms are likely to look the same in there.” Max said sitting down on the floor and leaning his head against the cool rock face.
“So what do you suggest?” Michael asked.
“Right now? I have no idea, all I care about is getting Liz to safety, but how? Ok so we’ve got powers, but we don’t know how effective they’re gonna be. Besides they only think we’re aliens, they don’t know for sure. If we go in there and use our powers we will be confirming their suspicions, then we’ll be on the run forever. I don’t want that, do you?”
“No of course not.” Michael replied.
“But we can’t leave Liz there.” Alex added.
“I know, let’s go back to the girls and try and think of a plan.” Max said, getting to his feet and heading off to find their tour party, with Michael and Alex following suit.

“So, did you find anything?” Maria asked, jumping on them as soon as she saw her three friends.
“We saw the entrance in the rock face to where they must be holding Liz.”
”But you didn’t go and get her, how could you!” Maria yelled.
“Hey calm down. Think about it, we know nothing of what is the other side, we need to have a plan otherwise they’ll capture us all and then we’re well and truly stuffed. We’ll get Liz out soon.” Michael said, pulling Maria into his arms in an attempt to calm her down and give her the strength she obviously needed.
“I’m sorry, I just don’t know how much more I can take of this. I just keep thinking about Liz and what she must be going through.” Maria said resting her head on his chest.
“I know, we all do.” Michael replied, turning his eyes to Max. He knew it had taken even ounce of control Max had not to rush in after Topolski, more control than Michael thought his friend possessed. Yet it was the right decision, they did need a plan, but where did they start?
“Ok, so anybody got any bright ideas?” Max asked, sitting down on the grass by the jeep.
“I think you should try and connect with Liz again, see if she can give you any more information.” Isabelle offered.
“Ok, I think I can do that. Anyone else?” Max asked as four blank faces stared back at him. “Ok ……. We’ll I guess I’ll try and connect with Liz, you lot just keep thinking of a plan.” He added.

With each attempt, their connection together lasted longer. Max found it easy to get to Liz this time. She was back in the clinical room, although she seemed to be alone this time.
“Liz, we know where you are, we saw Topolski. We’re gonna get you out of there real soon. We need some help though, do you know anything about where you are?” He asked as she looked around the room.
“Not really, I don’t think this place is as big as I thought. I’ve only been in two rooms, this one and mine. There are a couple of laboratory type rooms but other than that nothing.” She replied, walking over to the window in the room and looking out. Max could see everything though her eyes, she was showing him what was around her. There was a narrow passage that sloped down to the room she was in, with a big door at the top. Could that be the entrance they had seen Topolski walk down?
“Ok, when they take you from your room to this room, how long does it take?” He asked trying to gauge how long the other passage way was.
“A few minutes maybe, I don’t think it’s far.” She replied.
“Don’t worry Liz, we’re gonna get you out of there tonight, I promise. We’ll find a way in and rescue you. You’ve just got to stay strong till then.” He replied as the connection began to fade.
“I love you Max.” He heard her say as his vision began to go dim.
“I love you too Liz.” He whispered back.

By the time it hit 6.00pm, the plan had been formed. Isabelle, Max and Michael were going to go in and get Liz, while Alex and Maria waited by the jeep for a quick get away. Again, Maria had protested, again she wanted to feel like she was doing something to help Liz. This time Michael pulled her away from the others to talk to her.
“Look Maria, I know you want to help, but you’re not going to come with us.” He insisted.
“Why not? Why can’t I help? You can’t stop me Michael Guerin.” She yelled.
“Shhh, keep your voice down or you’ll attract far too much attention.” He replied putting his hand over her mouth. “I know you want to help, but it is safer for you to stay with Alex in the jeep.”
“Why Michael? Why is it safer?”
“It just is ok. None of us know what we will face in there, and I need to know you’re safe.” He replied, mumbling the last bit under his breath.
“What was that?” She asked
“I said, I need to know you’re safe.” He replied looking away from her for a moment before continuing. “I can’t go through what Max is going through right now, I need to know you’re alright so I don’t worry. Please Maria, I love you.” He replied. Her face was a picture as she took in what he was saying, her mouth hanging open wide. Michael Guerin admitting he loved her. Wow, if only Liz was here to hear him.
“Wow Michael, I never thought I’d hear you say those three words, not to me at least.”
“Hey, you needed to hear them and I guess I needed to say them. Now, will you please drop this nonsense about coming with us. I can’t protect the both of us.” He replied.
“Ok, just make sure you come back to me, promise.”
“I promise.”
“I’ll remind you of those words sometime.” She added as they walked back to the others.
“Ok guys, now you know what to do. Give us an hour, if we’re not out by then get help. “ Max said to Alex and Maria.
“Take care.” Alex replied, hugging Isabelle.
“Come back safe.” Maria added as Michael kissed her forehead.
“Right, let’s go.” Max said tearing his sister and friend away from the others.

The caves were just about to close, and it took the three of them five minutes before the steward’s back was turned and they could sneak in. As they reached the cavern where Topolski had disappeared, they slowed down.
“Nobody takes chances in there, no heroics, I want all four of us to walk out alive, ok?” Max insisted.
“Relax Maxwell, I have no intentions of dying today.” Michael replied trying to lighten the mood.
“Ok. Now if what I saw from Liz is correct, the room where they’ve been doing all the testing on her should be just the other side of the door, down a sloping corridor. I don’t think there are many rooms inside, so finding Liz’s room should be quite easy. Ready?”
“As we’ll ever be.” Isabelle replied slightly apprehensive. At that moment, she wasn’t sure whether she was grateful for her powers, or whether she’d wished she could have stayed in the jeep with Maria and Alex.
“Now Is, you wait here, if we need you, we’ll yell.” Max insisted.
“No problem.” She replied feeling slightly grateful.

The opening of the large door that was concealed as part of the wall of the cavern was quite easy. Max used is powers to short circuit the wiring, and the door simply slid open.
“Ok that was way too easy.” Michael commented. As he stared back down the passage way, Max was convinced it was the same one Liz had shown him. It sloped down in the just the same way, with a room at the end of it. Signalling to Michael, the two of them made their way quietly down the passageway.
“What no welcome party?” Michael whispered as they came to the end of the passageway.
“Shh!” Max called back just as he came face to face with a guard.
“Well, well, well, what do we have here? Trespassers?” He said coldly. For a second Max glanced at Michael, then with a nod of his friend’s head, they both laid two hefty punches on the unsuspecting guard. The man slumped to the ground, his head making a cracking noise as it hit the hard stone floor.
“Let’s put him in here.” Max whispered, grabbing the guard’s jacket and starting to drag him into the cold clinical room. He was only in there for a split second, but Max didn’t like the room at all, he couldn’t ever imagine the sort of torture someone could inflict on a person with some of their instruments.
“Let’s go.” Max insisted, as Michael stooped over the body and grabbed something out of the guard’s pocket.

As Max started out of the room, he heard footsteps. Ushering Michael back into the room, they crouched down, hoping nobody would find them. As the footsteps got louder Max found himself holding his breath. The sound stopped just outside the room, and he guessed the person was looking in through the window. Then the footsteps started up once again, moving away from the door and away from Max and Michael. Letting out the breath, Max waited a moment before moving once more.

A quick look outside the room to check no one was there, and then Max carried on his search for Liz. There were a couple of doors down the corridor he noted. “Good, somewhere to hide if someone comes.” He thought. Beckoning to Michael, they quietly walked down the corridor, hoping they wouldn’t meet anyone else. As they neared the bottom, Max could see two more guards outside the room. By now he was totally convinced they were standing outside Liz’s room. He didn’t know how, he could just sense she was very close.
“Now what do we do?” Michael whispered.
“In here.” Max replied opening the door to another room slowly and quietly. Fortunately for them, there was no one inside.
“Ok, I’m gonna connect with Liz and let her know we’re here. We need her to make a diversion, take away one of the guards so we can tackle them one at a time.” Max replied before shutting his eyes.

“Liz, can you hear me?”
“Yes, yes, Max?”
“It’s me. We’re close, really close. I need you to do something for us though.”
“Anything.”
“You need to make a diversion, scream, yell or something. Anything that will get one of the guards to open your room and go in. We can do the rest from there.”
“Ok, when?”
“As soon as you can.” He replied before the connection broke off.
“Ok, she’s gonna do something, we’ve just got to be ready.” Max said to Michael.
“Ok, what’s our side of the plan then?” Michael asked as Max peered out of the slightly ajar door.
“We’ll take out the first guard anyway we have to, then go in and do the same to the second. Without using our powers though Michael, not unless it’s absolutely necessary. We don’t want to prove to them who we are.” Max insisted.
“Good job I brought this along then.” Michael replied, pulling out a gun from his pocket.
“Where the hell did you get that from?” Max asked.
“While you were busy thinking just of Liz, I was actually thinking how we might get her out. The guard back there had it in his pocket so I figured it might come in handy.” Michael replied, looking over the object before pointing it at the wall just behind Max.
“Put it down Michael, and just be careful with it.” Max replied concerned their rescue attempt now involved guns.

As the crouched in the room by the door, Max suddenly heard a piercing screaming.
“That’s it, it’s got to be Liz.” Max said getting up and looking out to see if one of the guards had moved.

“Hey, be quiet in there.” He said banging on the large wooden door.
“Ahhhhhhh.” Was the reply he received.
“I said, be quiet.”
“Ahhhhhhh.”
“Right that’s it, I’m gonna go in and make her be quiet.” The guard said to the other.
“Do you think that’s wise, Buckley said not to open her cell.”
“I don’t care what Buckley said, I’m not gonna stand here and listen to her screaming all night!” He insisted, pulling a bunch of keys from his pocket and searching for the correct one for the lock

“I think he’s gonna go inside, are you ready?” Max asked, not taking his eyes off the guards.
“As always.” Michael replied grinning as he cocked the gun.
“Just be careful with that thing, and don’t point it anywhere near me!” Max added before watching one of the guards disappear into Liz’s cell. Seizing their chance, Max and Michael left the safety of the room and walked down the passage way to Liz’s cell, Michael walking behind his friend to shield the gun he held.
“What the hell?” The guard outside the cell exclaimed, scrabbling around for the gun in his holster
“Uh huh, I don’t think so.” Michael replied, lifting the gun from his side and positioning it over Max’s shoulder. “Drop it on the floor very slowly.” Michael insisted. Reluctantly, the guard did as he was told, realising Michael could get an easy shot off if he went for his gun again.
“Move, in to the cell.” Max commanded. “Now!” He added more forcefully. At the sound of voices, the other guard poked his head round the door.
“Nielsen? What’s going on?” He called, just as his colleague walked into the cell.
“Your gun, if you please.” Michael asked calmly as they entered the cell also. Once all firearms, apart from Michael’s had been removed, Max saw Liz lying on her steel bed.
“Liz!” He cried softly, rushing over to her and scooping her up into his strong arms. The strength he passed through to her in this simple manoeuvre gave her everything she needed to keep going.
“Sorry to break up the welcome party Maxwell, but I think it’s time for us to go.” Michael encouraged.
“Right.” Max said taking Liz’s hand and walking back over to the door. “Your keys, give me your keys.” Max insisted. Knowing they had very little choice, the guards threw the bunch of keys to Max’s feet. Backing slowly out of the room, Max shut the door with a loud bang, then sealing the lock with his powers, the three of them started their descent out of the horrible place. In the back of his mind, Max thought that things were going way too easily, but he just wanted and needed to get the hell out of the place and get Liz to safety.

As they ran along the stone corridor towards the exit, a loud shot rang out behind them. At first Max thought nothing of it knowing their best policy was to keep running until they hit a public place, that was until he realised Liz was slowing up, and then he felt her grip on his hand diminish and slip away.
“Liz!” He screamed as he turned in time to see her fall into a heap on the floor, a large pool of blood rapidly forming around her. Fear filled every crevice of his insides, he couldn’t heal her here, then they would know for sure who he was, but he couldn’t just let her die. As the thoughts raced thought his brain at lightening speed, his eyes fixed on her chest, watching the rapidness of her breathing slow down at an alarming rate. Then, he panicked even more, when he realised her chest was hardly moving at all, he was loosing her. Her life was slipping away from him in front of his very eyes and he was powerless to save her.

Part 7

“Don’t move!” Buckley shouted, pointing a gun straight at Max.
“No!” He yelled back crouching down to tend to Liz.
“I said don’t move, and you, drop your gun!” Buckley said issuing the words to Michael.
“Yeah, and if I don’t?” Michael whipped back.
“I’ll blow your friend’s brains out, now drop the gun!” He insisted.
“Do it Michael.” Max said quietly as he cradled Liz’s head in his arms, her life was too important not to conform. A few seconds later, the sound of the gun being dropped onto the stone floor rang out.
“That’s better, I’m glad you understand me now.” Buckley replied sniggering, before lowering his gun.

“Oh I don’t think so!” Another voice shouted.
“What?” Buckley said looking up in surprisement. Isabelle was standing at the entrance to the cave, pointing a gun straight back at him.
“I’m not afraid to use this, now put your gun down!” Isabelle yelled.
“Looks like we’ve got ourselves a stalemate babe.” Buckley chirped back. In the time Isabelle distracted him, Michael scooped down and rescued his gun from the floor, picking it up and pointing it back at Buckley.
“Two against one, I like these odds! Max, get outta here!” Michael said to his friend.
“I’m not leaving you.” Max replied.
“She’s hurt real bad, she needs help, now get the hell out of here.” Michael insisted, and Max reluctantly agreed. Scooping her up in his arms, he slowly walked passed Michael then Isabelle and headed for bright sunlight outside. Michael, keeping his eyes locked on Buckley, saw his hand twitch and go to move his gun to point at Max’s back.
“Don’t even try it!” Michael hissed.

“Oh my god Liz!” Maria yelled, as she saw Max walking towards her.
“Where’s Isabelle?” Alex asked
“Take her Alex, keep her alive till I get back.” Max insisted, before heading off back to the entrance to the cave.

“You won’t use that.” Buckley said mocking Michael.
“Oh no? What makes you so sure?” Michael replied.
“’Cause you’re just a kid, this is just a game to you.”
“It’s no game, it’s a matter of life and death for us.” Michael replied cocking the barrel of the gun.
“Ok Michael, time to go.” Max said putting his hand on his friend’s shoulder.
“You move and I’ll blow your brains out!” Buckley hissed.
“I very much doubt that.” Isabelle replied, taking aim and firing two shots from the gun.

For a split second, Max couldn’t tell what she had aimed at, then he realised as he heard the guard’s gun scuttle across the floor. Isabelle had shot Buckley’s arm that had been holding the gun, forcing him to drop the weapon. The second shot had pierced his leg, making sure he couldn’t follow them even if he wanted to.
“Come on Michael!” Max insisted, grabbing his friend’s arm and pulling him away. Grabbing a stunned Isabelle as they ran passed, they started running out towards the others. Alex immediately started the engine of the jeep as soon as he saw his friends.
“Let’s go!” Michael yelled hopping into the front seat of the jeep. Isabelle, Maria and Max all squeezed into the back, with the lifeless Liz lying across their laps. It was a tight squash, but nobody cared, Liz was back with them in body if not in spirit.

As he sat down, Max gently lifted Liz’s head. She was extremely pale, her lips had barely a hint of colour in them. Placing his hands on Liz’s stomach, Max proceeded to make the connection so he could try to mend the damage. As he searched for the bullet, he followed the trail of destruction it had made inside Liz’s body. The damage was serious, it had ruptured her spleen, shot through one of her kidneys and cause massive internal bleeding. Finally locating the bullet, Max dissolved the metal and then started to work on mending her organs. The bumpy desert road made concentrating difficult, but Max was determined not to loose focus, he wasn’t going to loose Liz now he’d finally got her back. Using even ounce of strength he had, Max repaired the internal damage inside Liz, then fell back and hoped her blood loss wasn’t too severe. It was one thing to mend her injuries, but giving her more blood was something only the doctors could do. If they took her to a hospital doctors would ask way too many questions, like how she’d lost so much blood but had no apparent injuries. Of course if it came to it, Max knew he wouldn’t hesitate, but he just hoped Liz wouldn’t need it. Placing his hand gently on her stomach, Max closed his eyes, the feeling of her chest slowly rising and lowering under his hand comforting him as he tried to recoup his energy after healing her.

“Max, we’re here.” Isabelle said quietly, as her brother dozed on the back seat. “Wh
at? Oh ……….. I guess I must have fallen asleep.” He said, quickly looking at Liz and making sure she was still breathing.
“Here, let me help you with Liz.” Alex offered. After getting her out of the jeep, Max insisted on carrying her up to her bedroom. Isabelle had objected, trying to get him to let Alex or Michael help, he looked so tired after all, but Max would have none of it. He needed to be close to Liz, he was subconsciously afraid something would happen to her if he left her for even a minute.

Laying her gently down on her bed, Max propped a pillow under her head, then started to undo her shoes. Carefully, one at a time, he untied the knots that were in the laces, then removed each shoe and sock, gently resting her feet back down on the bed afterwards. Then he laid on the bed beside her, putting his arm under her neck and drawing her close to him. Redness was slowly beginning to flood her cheeks, covering her previously deathly white complexion, giving Max confidence that she was slowly coming back to him. She was still alarmingly cold, even though she was still wrapped up in his leather jacket that Maria had placed over her in the jeep, so he hugged her tighter, hoping to share some of his own body heat. As he watched her sleep, he couldn’t help but notice how fragile she was, with her still pale complexion and dark hair matted around her face, she looked like a china doll, and Max was still slightly afraid of breaking her.
“Come back to me Liz, I need you.” He whispered, moving her tangled hair away from her face and kissing her damp forehead.

Michael, Maria, Isabelle and Alex, were sitting in the lounge, talking quietly about what had happened earlier that day. They had all subconsciously decided that Max needed time alone with Liz, her disappearance had hit him very hard. They all knew Max would come and get them if anything happened or Liz woke up.

“Boy am I glad that’s over with, playing James Bond isn’t as much fun as I thought it would be!” Alex joked, trying to lighten the mood of everyone.
“Yeah, I hope Liz is ok, she looked pretty ill when Max brought her out.” Maria said worriedly, moving closer to Michael.
“Max wouldn’t risk her life. If she wasn’t ok, he wouldn’t have hesitated in taking her straight to hospital.” Isabelle replied quietly.
“I can’t even begin to imagine what hell she must have been through over the last few days.” Maria said shuddering at the thought.
“Don’t think about it, it isn’t worth it. It’s all over for Liz now, you don’t have to worry.” Michael said sensing her fear and putting his arms around her to comfort her.
“But is it really all over? I don’t think our lives are ever gonna be the same Michael. It was only his arm I shot, he can still come after us.” Isabelle replied as she started to shake.
“Hey, it’s ok. You can’t think like that, you’ve got to stay positive Isabelle. And if he does come after us again, then we’ll all be here to pull together, just like we did with Liz.” Alex replied pulling her close to try to calm her. The words were easy for him to say, he was used to calming Maria or Liz down. But in truth he was scared, what Isabelle was saying was right. Buckley could come after them again if he wanted to, he knew too much, but they were powerless to do anything at that moment.

As she slowly flittered her eyes open, Liz took in her surroundings, it was familiar, her room. For a second she thought she was dreaming, but it felt way too real. As she closed her eyes again for a minute, she took in a deep breath of a familiar smell, Max. Her eyes sprung open again quickly, and she turned her head to look at him. His arms were wrapped tightly around her, he was sleeping, looking very peaceful. Liz found it hard to believe that she was finally in his arms again.
“Hi.” He whispered opening his eyes and looking down at her.
“Hi.” She croaked.
“Are you ok, do you have any pain at all?” He asked concerned.
“No, I think you probably took care of all that, although I don’t remember much.” She admitted.

“You don’t need to remember.” He replied kissing her forehead. As she laid in his arms, Liz felt safe and relaxed for the first time in a long time. It didn’t matter where she was, if Max was by her side, Liz knew everything would be ok.
“A drink, I could really use a drink right now.” She said starting to sit up.
“It’s ok, I’ll get it.” He offered.
“I want to do it Max, are the others here?”
“Yeah, outside. Take it slowly though Liz, that bullet did a lot of damage.” He replied
“Ok, let’s go and see them.” She said swinging her legs over the side of the bed and gingerly standing up. After waiting for a few seconds to compose herself, Liz slowly walked out of her bedroom to where her other friends were waiting.

“Liz!” Maria shrieked, throwing her arms around her friend and nearly knocking Liz off her feet.
“I’m ok Maria.” She said trying to calm her friend.
“Hey Parker, you really scared us there.” Alex added hugging Liz gently.
“I scared myself as well. Thanks you guys, for everything.” She replied.
“Don’t even go there Liz, it’s totally not necessary.” Michael said rubbing her arm.
“Liz, I’m so glad you’re ok.” Isabelle added hugging her. “Ok, now that you’re alright, I think you could probably do with some space. Come on guys let’s go.” Isabelle replied.
“But I don’t want to go.” Maria protested.
“Come on babe, let’s leave the two love birds to it. Maybe we can catch a movie or something.” Michael offered.
“Woah! Michael Guerin offering to take me to the movies, I must be dreaming!” Maria joked.
“Have fun guys.” Liz said
“Don’t worry about mum and dad, I’ll cover for you, you don’t have to come home tonight.” Isabelle said quietly as she hugged her brother.
“Thanks Is, I owe you one.” He added before their friends disappeared outside.

“Just you and me then.” Liz said pouring two glasses of juice.
“Yeah, something like that.” He replied, taking the glass from her. As he stared back as his beauty, he was overcome by her amazing strength and will to survive. He knew she had been through hell, making the connection to save her meant he saw everything they had done. Yet here she was standing in the kitchen as if nothing had happened. Her resilience and ability to adjust to any situation or danger that came their way was more than he could ask.

“Oh god Liz, I am so glad you’re back.” He said pulling her into his arms once again.
“I know.” She replied quietly.
“Knowing me has really screwed up your life hasn’t it.” He said resting his chin on the top of her head.
“You’ve said that to me way too many times Max, you’re wrong. Knowing you has made me a better person in every way possible. I would never ever go back to before I got shot. I took things for granted back then, everything was either black or white, no grey area. You opened my eyes to a whole new world, one that I don’t ever want to leave. I knew right from the start it wouldn’t be easy, but my love for you is so strong that all the pain and tough times are worth it.”
“How can you say that, after what you’ve been through over the last few days.” He said stroking her hair.
“Thinking of you was the only thing that got me through those days. I would never have betrayed you, no matter what they did, I just couldn’t. We have a connection now, a link that can never be severed, no matter what happens. Don’t you see Max, we’re meant to be together.”
“But we’re not even the same species, how can it be possible that we’re meant to be together?” Max asked.
“I don’t know, all I know is I can’t be apart from you, and I won’t let you go.” She said adamantly.
“I’m not going anywhere.” He whispered, tracing her jaw line with his finger.

Unable to contain himself any longer, he rested his finger under her chin for a moment, then gently moved her face up, bent down and captured her lips with his. It was a soft sensual kiss that sealed everything they had just said. In that moment, Max understood the enormous river of love that flowed thought Liz’s every vein, love for him alone. When he used to watch her from afar, Max used to dream of what it would be like for Liz to accept him for who he was, wholly and without question, yet never in his wildest dreams did he think it would be this good. Her unwavering, unconditional love for him, her whole hearted trust and belief completely amazed him as he held his one and only love in his arms.

“I don’t deserve you Liz, you are too perfect.” He whispered.
“No Max, I don’t deserve you.” She replied drinking in the warmth of his body. As he held her, he felt her start to shiver.
“Are you cold?” He asked concerned.
“A bit I guess.” She admitted.
“You need to warm up then, how about a bath?” He offered.
“That sounds nice.” She replied realising it had been way too long since she last showered.
“You go back to bed and I’ll start the bath then.” He said allowing her to go for the first time since he had got in the jeep with her earlier that day.

The water gushed into the deep bath as Max poured half of the bottle of strawberry bubble bath into the tub. As the water reached three quarters full, he switched off the taps and went to find Liz. She was lying on her bed, eyes closed, still wrapped in his leather jacket like it was her security blanket.
“Liz, the bath’s ready.” He said gently as she turned her head to look at him.

Slowly, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed and sat up. Every bone in her body ached as she slowly started to remove her clothes. Soon all she had left on was her shirt and underwear, but as she took a pace towards Max, her step faltered. Rushing to her side, Max wrapped her up in his arms.
“I guess I’m not quite 100% right yet.” She said quietly as Max helped her to the bathroom.
“I’ll be right here with you until your 150% better!” He insisted, turning his back towards Liz so she could slip out of her underwear and climb into the bath in privacy.
“He really is the perfect gentleman.” She thought to herself as she sunk into the hot water and mountain of bubbles.
“You can look now.” She replied looking at him as he turned round and smiling.

Throughout her twenty minute bath, Max sat on the floor by the tub and kept her company. Sometimes talking to her, sometimes just rubbing her cheek with his thumb or moving her hair out of her eyes. Just small gestures, but to Liz these spoke volumes. Somehow making all the pain and torture of the last few days pale into insignificance.

As before, when it was time for Liz to get out of the bath, Max turned his back, not wanting to embarrass her by looking. It took at lot of strength and control on his part, knowing she was wearing nothing as he faced the wall, but he respected her privacy, tonight was for comfort and security, nothing more.

Once wrapped up in her huge towelling robe, Max scooped her up into his powerful arms and carried her back to her room. As he laid her down on the bed, Liz began to feel sleepy. The bath had done the trick, her body felt relaxed, the aching in her muscles easing. Switching on her stereo for quiet background music, Max joined Liz outstretched on her bed. Encasing his strong arms around her body, Max held her tight as the soft music filled the air.

All the fear has left me now, I’m not frightened anymore
It’s my heart that pounds beneath my flesh,
It’s my mouth that pushes out this breath,

Turning her body into him, she rested her head on his shoulder. Softly, she whispered the words of the song into his ear; the words encapsulated exactly how she was feeling at that very moment. She had no fears at that moment, she wasn’t frightened, no matter what they would survived anything, she was wrapped in the arms of her love, her soulmate, and nothing could harm her.

Oh and if I shed a tear I won’t cage it, I won’t fear love.
And if I feel a rage I won’t deny it, I won’t fear love.

Companion to our demons they will dance and we will play.
With chairs, candles and clothes making darkness in the day.
It will be easy to look in or out upstream or down without a thought

And if I shed a tear I won't cage it, I won't fear love
And if I feel a rage I won't deny I, I won't fear love

The fresh scent of strawberry bubble bath filled his nose as he inhaled the smell from her hair. He knew that she was lying in his arms naked apart from the loosely tied robe, but he was more than content with just lying with her entwined in his arms. She had been through way too much that day to even consider taking advantage of her fragile state and doing anything more than just lying together.

Peace in the struggle to find peace
Comfort on the way to comfort
and if I shed a tear I won't cage it, I won't fear love
and if I feel a rage I won't deny it, I won't fear love. I won't fear love...

As the song neared the end, Liz finally allowed her heavy eyes to close.
“Sweet dreams babe.” He whispered holding her tight against his body. She would sleep well tonight, he was determined, she needed it. He would just lie for a while, holding her, watching her, feeling the rising and lowering of her chest. Sleep seemed like the last thing he wanted to do, he could have lost her, he wanted to just look at her, take in her beauty as she slept peacefully in his arms.

In his heart he knew that the path ahead of them would be bumpy, they would forever be looking over their shoulder, afraid of being watched. But as he finally gave into the sleep that washed over his exhausted body, Max knew that no matter what, as long as they had each other, whatever danger they faced, their love would shine through like an ever lasting beacon of hope.