here's the next ch. enjoy and HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY to all those who have been or are in the military or have/had friends and family there (which is like everyone if i'm not mistaken
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Chapter 6
After the limo driver dropped off Kyle and Tess at the Valenti’s, Isabel decided to stay with Alex. She was so worried about him and did not believe for one moment that he was doing well, despite his protest.
Michael and Maria ended their night back in his apartment. All Michael really wanted was to remove his dancing shoes and spend the rest of the night with his girl. He knew Maria was pleased that he did a good thing tonight. This dance was important to her, and even if he could not admit it out loud, it was to him too because all Michael wanted was to make Maria happy.
“Wait… do you think we should knock?” Maria asked hesitantly.
“What?” Michael asked when Maria pulled his hand away from the door knob. “This is my place,” Michael said incredulously.
“Michael! The driver said he dropped them off here a few hours ago. You don’t know what could be going on in there. They have a lot to work through and I don’t want to interrupt.” Maria continued to explain in a high whisper.
“So what, you expect me to sleep in the hallway?” Michael said already pushing Maria out of the way.
“Michael will you just stop and listen first.” Before Michael could push her out of the way Maria grabbed hold of the knob and turned angry eyes at Michael. “Shut up and listen. What’s going on tonight could change history as we know it, so back off! Now, let me see if I can hear anything through the door.” When Maria did not hear anything, then and only then did she allow Michael to open the door as she directed him to walk in slowly.
“I can’t believe you have me sneaking into my own place over Max and Liz,” Michael muttered begrudged.
They walked into Michael’s apartment to see the room was dark and seemingly untouched. “They’re not here,” the disappointment in Maria’s voice was evident. She hated seeing her friends so sad and angry. Max and Liz loved each other and regardless of her feelings for Tess, Maria would work just as hard as anyone to make sure she stays, if it meant saving the world and seeing her best friends smile again.
Not for one second did she believe Tess would take the whole Max and Liz situation in stride, but Maria doubted that they were in the same place as a group as they were late last year. She was not blind to the close relationship Max had began developing with Tess as of recent, but even if Max only saw it as a friendship, she knew Tess saw it as more…or at least the potential to be more.
Maria did not care though; she’d seen how Tess had integrated herself within the Valenti family and even saw a nice side to her when she invited her mother to spend Thanksgiving with the Valenti’s for Jim. Even if that thought sickened her more than she’d like to admit, she hardly believed Tess would up and leave now when everyone she knew and cared about was in Roswell. Now all she had to do was convince Liz before it was too late to salvage her relationship with Max.
“Well that’s good then,” Michael said interrupting her thoughts.
“What?”
“I said I am glad they aren’t here.” Michael demonstrated why by pulling Maria into him. He kissed her full lips before pulling back to give her a knowing grin.
Maria rolled her eyes but led the way to his bedroom. She’d have to talk to Liz tomorrow to see what happened and where they’d disappeared to. “I hope they’re working out their problems,” Maria said stopping at the door to Michael’s room.
Moving Maria’s hair out of his way Michael moved in for a soft kiss on her neck. “I’m sure they’re fine and sucking face somewhere or I don’t know giving each other long intense stares.”
That got a smile out of Maria. Michael, never being known for his patience, put his hand over Maria’s to help her open the door. Neither got more than a step into his room before the hallway light illuminated the bedroom and the two sleeping figures occupying his bed.
A squeak left Maria’s lips, but before words could form, Michael’s hand was covering them and as quickly as he could he pulled her out and shut the door.
As Michael dragged Maria out the door her foot caught on some unseen material. Bending down to remove the intrusive cloth that stuck to her heals Maria said, “I guess they worked out their problems,” as her shocked eyes pulled up Liz’s prom dress. Never had she imagined that this is how their night would conclude.
She was still taking in what she had seen as Michael’s voice intruded on her trance. “I can’t believe he christened my bed before I did,” at Maria’s dirty look he couldn’t help but say, “What? That’s just not right.”
“Michael this is serious,” Maria said wagging the dress at Michael.
“Who’s not being serious? He could have asked.”
“Michael,” Maria scolded though her voice never got louder than a whisper. She walked back into the living room with Michael on her tail, dropping the dress on the back of the couch.
“Why are we whispering again?” Michael asked behind her.
“We’re not,” she protested. “How could they just do that? Does this mean they’re back together? This was too fast. Does Max even know about what happened?” Maria was talking to herself by now, but that did not mean she didn’t catch the strange looks she was receiving from Michael.
“What are you talking about? I thought you wanted this for them.”
“No, Michael. What I wanted was for them to talk about their problems. I didn’t want my best friend to lose her virg— virtue…I uh…you just don’t understand…” Maria back tracked but Michael caught on quickly.
“Uhuh—what are you talking about? You’ve been acting kind of strange all night and I already know about Liz if that’s what you’re talking about…everyone does.”
Maria’s eyes narrowed at Michael before she turned an equally angry voice to him, “Listen Spaceboy, you should know more than anyone that appearances are deceiving.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Michael asked now convinced that whatever Maria had been hinting at all night was more than just about Max and Liz’s relationship. Looking closely at Maria, Michael narrowed his eyes and asked the question that had been bothering him since Maria exploded at Liz at the dance, “What are you hiding?”
Stepping away from Michael and turning her body from him, Maria innocently asked, “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t play dumb. I know you; this is more than your concern over Max and Liz’s relationship.”
Maria didn’t want to lie, but she wouldn’t break Liz’s trust, so she did what she’s bested over the years and talked around the topic the best she could. “I’m just worried about my best friend and her happiness. I don’t want our group to break-up either. We’ve all gotten so close and then everything with Tess last year and this year and all the crazy alien stuff aside from her…” Michael kept looking at her skeptically, he knew there was much more to the story than she was letting on, and Maria knew he wasn’t buying any of it. His disbelief was written clear across his face. Dramatically as she could, Maria let out a grievance of hers that had been bothering her since Liz confided in her the truth about the future version of Max. “Fine, I’m just scared that if Max and Liz can’t make it work, then what chance do any of us have? What’s the point?” Maria finished plopping onto Michael’s couch with a thud.
I'm not a perfect person
There's many things I wish I didn't do
Michael didn’t move. He couldn’t. He did not know what to say. He knew he’d never be able to promise her forever. If this year’s numerous alien encounters taught him anything it is that his trip home was eminent.
But I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you
Home—He’s always wanted to go home since before he even knew where or what home was. If he got his chance to go, how could he not take it? He ran his fingers through his hair and took a seat next to his girlfriend. “I don’t know what to say to make you feel better. You knew what it was to get involved with me, with us and this whole situation. I tried to push you away before because of it…”
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know
He saw the fear and hesitation those words brought to the surface for her. He knew it was still all too fresh, but if this week had taught him anything, it was that he’d do just about anything for the spitfire in front of him, even lose major pride fumbling across a dance floor. Pulling her close Michael continued, “But I’m here now. Anything you need, I’ll be there for you; and I’m sorry if I wasn’t before, but I’m trying now. I don’t know what else to tell you. I’m not good at this stuff, you know that…” Tears were threatening to fall down her cheeks and Michael thought he’d really stuffed things up for sure, but as he slowly began to retract his arm away from Maria she quickly grabbed it back.
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you
“No Michael, you’re wrong. You knew exactly the right thing to say,” Maria said before covering his lips with hers in a deep kiss.
Michael wasn’t really sure what he said, but whatever it was had Maria throw herself on him and pin him down to the couch. She was kissing him senseless and he was happy.
I'm sorry that I hurt you
It's something I must live with every day
And all the pain I put you through
I wish that I could take it all away
And be the one who catches all your tears
That's why I need you to hear
Finding happiness seemed to be the goal of the night and Maria was working hard to make sure she showed Michael just how heavenly he made her feel.
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you
His hands caressed her neck and her back, and as beautiful as he thought she looked in her long white dress, now it was cumbersome and intrusively blocking him from his intended destinations. The looseness of the bottom half of her outfit however, allowed Maria the freedom to entwine her legs with Michael’s and soon enough their minds were far from the two waking figures in the next room.
I've found a reason to show
A side of me you didn't know
A reason for all that I do
And the reason is you
~~~
“Thanks for the night Kyle; it was a lot of fun, but I’m so beat. I’m going to bed now,” Tess said as she locked her door for the night. She quickly waved a hand over her outfit and changed her dress to a dark shirt, jeans and sneakers. Not wanting to come up with any such explanation if Kyle or Jim came to check in on her that night, she quickly closed her eyes and concentrated on her two roommates. They were soon both fast asleep in their separate corners of the house and she was sliding out the front door like the slippery snake that she was. The nagging at the back of her head that some might mistake for a conscious at using the only two people she knew to truly care for her was drowned out by a mission she felt bound to see to the end.
The intricate web Tess had been weaving since she came to Roswell was in danger of unraveling if Max and Liz’s earlier actions were any indication. She had some serious work ahead of her tonight, but nothing was going to stop her from achieving her ultimate goal.
~~~
“Isabel please relax,” Alex tried for the umpteenth time as Isabel came to a screeching halt in front of Michael’s apartment.
“You refuse to see a doctor tonight, so you’ll see Max,” Isabel stated as she put the car in park. “I stayed with you tonight to try and talk some sense into you but that obviously isn’t working.”
“Ouch that hurt a little. I thought you stayed with me because the Whitman charm has finally taken you completely over and…”
“Alex enough with the jokes, I’m serious. Let’s go,” Isabel commanded as they got out of the car and walked into Michael’s.
“Don’t you think we should knock,” Alex said they reached the door and noticed Isabel looking around before going directly for the locked knob.
“No,” was her simple reply as she walked into an eyeful on the couch.
“Oh my God…” Isabel shrieked as she turned her face into Alex’s shoulder.
“I told you we should have knocked,” Alex whispered keeping his eyes closed and slamming the door with his foot, effectively getting the attention of their friends on the couch.
Michael quickly moved his hand out from under Maria’s dress and pulled them both into the sitting position. Barking at Isabel’s turned figure he asked, “What the hell are you two doing here?”
“We were looking for Max. I guess he’s not here.” Isabel said never turning back to look at her friends.
“He’s in the bedroom. You can both look now.” Maria tuned in.
“Ewww-Eeewww-Eewww…OH MY GOD!!! Did you like flip a coin for who got the bed,” Isabel asked disgusted, not really caring for an answer.
Alex opened only one eye to make sure it was safe, before a grin hit his face and he opened both eyes, “That’s more than I ever really wanted to see from you.”
Maria matching his grin said, “Please you’ve seen way more.”
“What?” Both Michael and Isabel questioned her head finally leaving their place between Alex’s shoulders.
Avoiding her boyfriends questioning stare and the awkwardness of the moment Maria asked less harshly than Michael, “What are you doing here again?”
Looking to Michael’s bedroom with a hint of disgust, Isabel wondered if she should just drag Alex to the E.R. She really did not want to know what could be going on between Max and most probably Liz, but she did not want to waste time. Quickly, Isabel got back to business and said, “I need Max to check out Alex. Something is wrong with him.”
Maria jumped up and rushed to Alex. “What’s wrong? What happened? Is it something alien?” she said while checking him over.
“Maria, chill,” Alex said pushing her back some. “I’m fine; Isabel’s over exaggerating.”
“We don’t know what it is, but his ears were bleeding at the prom.”
“What!” Maria gasped. “Why didn’t you take him to the hospital.”
“He wouldn’t let me.”
“Hello, I’m right here. Stop talking to me like I’m not. I’m fine. It happened, but then stopped,” Alex said a bit aggravated, but neither girl was listening. He was being hardheaded and they were too worried for him to hear what he had to say. His fingers began tapping rhythmically on his side as he tried to ignore his growing headache.
“So that’s why I was looking for Max instead of going to the hospital. I figured Max could scan him and see if he could fix what’s wrong. If it’s really bad maybe he can get to it before it gets worse.” Isabel reasoned to Maria.
“Yeah, yeah, no you’re right, okay let’s get Max,” Maria said ready to drag Alex into Michael’s occupied room.
“Maria stop,” Michael said, coming back into the conversation. “Look,” he said pointing to the bright light that seemed to be pulsing out the door through every angle.
“Mother—” the expletive stopped dead on his tongue before he could get out the rest.
Alex gripped his head and groaned in pain. With the blood dripping from his ears and nose so no one noticed the way he steadily tapped his fingers on his head.
Michael caught him before he collapsed. He put Alex on the couch and quickly the commands went flying, “Isabel, stay with Alex. Maria, check the bathroom for anything to stop the bleeding. I’m going to get Max.”
“Michael…” now it was Maria that didn’t know what to say. Her best friend was bleeding on the couch, and her boyfriend was walking into a glowing room that held her other best friends that could possibly be in danger—God only in Roswell.
“It’s okay; watch Alex,” was all Michael said before turning back to his room. Slowly, with his arm raised in defense he went for the knob preparing for any danger.
“No listen,” Maria said stopping him. “I just thought of something. I don’t think it’s anything dangerous there. Remember the last time glowing was involved with Max and Liz…” Michael just made a face and turned to look at the door, “this is a lot more glowing, so…” she was ready to instruct him on what to do but she kept turning her eyes back to Alex bleeding on the couch. Pushing the first aid kit into Michael’s hands Maria went directly to Michael’s closed bedroom door. “Here, let me.”
~~~
Looking into the window outside of Michael’s bedroom Tess cursed to herself. She should have known this is where they would be. After her first stops at the Crash Down then Max’s left her with nothing but the knowledge that at least they weren’t far, seeing how Max’s car was still at his place, she made her way to Michael’s. She kidded herself into thinking that nothing was going on since there were so many people at Michael’s, but boy was she wrong.
Tess had first looked into Michael’s living room window to see if she could spot anyone. What she saw was Michael and Maria going at it on the couch. She was about to turn away and take her search elsewhere before she caught sight of Isabel and Alex. She quickly turned to the other side of the apartment building trying her hardest to stay low and out of view. She knew the cloak of the night would aid her, but much to her misfortune it did very little to assist Max and Liz. The full moon above gave Tess more than enough light to see the two scantily clad figurers through Michael’s bedroom window.
“No,” she whispered into the night, her eyes ready to bulge out of her head in anger. “NO,” she said a little louder, hitting the side of the building with her open palm. She did not even notice the angry red wilt that was growing with her hasty action as he ranted and paced outside the window. “Shit, shit, shit, think...this can’t happen, this cannot be happening. Think, think, think, what do I do?” She couldn’t believe that after everything, all Liz had to do was take off her clothes and Max would drop everything to get back with her.
She had to do something quickly before they went too far. ‘This is already too far,’ she thought, but then the situation got worse than she thought possible. Her eyes and mouth opened in pure shock as a powerful glow began to pulse around the two lovers. “It’s beginning,” she spit out angrily. Tess’ eyes seemed to almost blaze in the night as she realized everything she feared was happening before her very eyes. She knew there was no way to stop what was already under way, what was now inevitable, so she relied on the only thing she could to postpone what was going to happen. She closed her eyes and began concentrating on a warp, no longer able to control the tears that slipped through her closed eyes.
~~~