Something Like You
Author: Amy
Disclaimer: The characters of "Roswell" belong to Jason Katims, Melinda Metz, WB & UPN. They are not mine and no infringement is intended.
Couple: Conventional
Rating: Mature
Alternate Universe, W/O Aliens
Hi Everyone! This story is in response to a challenge posted by Poison Ivy. The challenge is as follows:
Inspired by and Based on Danielle Steele's Toxic Bachelors
Max Evans, Michael Guerin and Alex Whitman are three best friends who saw each other rather rarely after their high school. Still they remained the best of friends you can get.
Max Evans is your typical bachelor guy. In his late twenties, he's that kind of guy that has one-night-stands weekly. As a head of a big time million making company, he has everything he ever dreamed. Expect that little thing, called love.
Michael Guerin has the same age as Max and swore off all woman, after his broken marriage. He thought that she was the one, but her thoughts weren't the same. Now, to avoid a serious relationship , he became a pilot travelling all around the world.
Alex Whitman has casual relationships, but they all end the moment where it gets more serious. He can't commit to the thought of him starting a family, particularly the girls family. As a well known song writer, he has more money that to know what to do with it.
The three friends come together twice a year. One time with thanks giving and one time for their annual summer trip, where they borrox Max's father's yaught to make a cruise around the carribean.
Now it's summer and just before they leave, Max' younger sister comes to break him some terrible news and their annual trip changes when three persons becomes 6.
Must haves
* CC
* First a few chapters of their past
* Happy ending
* Not 'adult', plz. You can pick Mature, but not adult
* One of the girls has a secret back home
Please let me know what you think! I hope you enjoy!
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Chapter 1
May 1999
Max Evans looked over at his two best friends who were currently arguing over something stupid. Max sighed, he would definitely miss this. He hadn’t realized how fast his senior year had gone until his graduation was over. Currently, he was waiting for the sea of people around him to part before he, Alex, and Michael left the auditorium to find their parents.
A half hour later they were all heading towards The Blue Path, a great restaurant that his parents had made reservations at for everyone. When they arrived they were escorted to a room with tables already set up. There were two long tables. Max Evans sat at the head of one. To his left sat Alex Whitman and to his right sat Michael Guerin. Next to Alex sat Isabelle Evans, Max’s younger sister. Next to Michael sat Maria DeLuca, Michael’s girlfriend. At the other end sat Elizabeth Parker, best friend to Isabelle Evans and Maria DeLuca. The other table contained Mr. and Mrs. Whitman, Mr. and Mrs. Guerin and Mr. and Mrs. Evans.
As the waiters took their orders Max, Michael, and Alex discussed their plans for college in the fall. The three were going to be separated for the first time since Kindergarten. Liz, Maria, and Isabelle, who were all three years younger and who had become inseparable in sixth grade, listened with sympathy.
“I’m really excited to attend Boston College. They have one of the best Business programs in the country.” Max said.
“Yeah, and they have some of the greatest night life.” Michael said, which caused all three of them to laugh while the girls chose to ignore the comment.
“Well, I, for one am happy to attend Berkley.” Alex said.
“This will be the first time we’re apart. I mean I’ll be here in Roswell going to Roswell University, Max will be in Boston at BC, and Alex will be in California. What are we going to do?” Asked Michael, who didn’t want to sound like a girl but he really didn’t know what he’d do without his best friends.
The table quieted as all the teenagers picked at their dinner. None of them really sure of the answer.
After dessert, Max, Alex, and Michael excused themselves and went out to the desert.
“I think we should make a pact here and now.” Alex said.
Max and Michael looked at him, their curiosity piqued, as they waited for him to continue.
“No matter what happens and where we are we get together twice a year. Once at Thanksgiving and once during the summer.” Alex said and looked up for their reactions.
“For the rest of our lives.” Michael said.
“Thanksgiving we can pick different locations, but for the summer we should take my Dad’s yacht and sail to the Caribbean.”
It was decided then and there that they would never back down from this plan no matter what was going on in their lives.
Chapter 2
September 2003
“Michael are you crazy?!” Max Evans yelled into the phone.
“Max, stop yelling. I’m not crazy, I’m in love and we are getting married. So are you coming or what?” Michael responded.
“Of course, of course. But, she just graduated from high school!”
“I know, I know. But time waits for no one. I‘m expecting you tonight in Las Vegas.” Michael said as he hung up the phone.
Max sighed, his friend was definitely crazy. Max smiled in spite of himself, he was truly happy for his best friend. He threw some clothes in a suitcase and called to get the soonest flight possible. As he was waiting for the elevator to bring him to the bottom floor two girls walked by him and waved. He winked back at them and saw them giggle to each other. He wished he could remember their names. He had spent last Friday night with the red head and then he had spent last Saturday night with the brown haired beauty. He got into the elevator and pushed the button for the lobby.
Twelve Hours Later
Max tiredly walked into the lounge of the hotel. He was absolutely exhausted but he was starting to get his second wind. He hadn’t seen Michael and Alex since their trip this summer. For the past three years, they had kept to their agreement and met up twice a year. They didn’t see each other except for their two annual trips and occasionally at Christmas time.
Max immediately spotted his sister. She caught his eye and waved him over. He made his way over to the table and hugged his sister. He had seen her a few weeks ago before they both left for college. Isabelle had decided to go to Florida State University. He realized that Florida agreed with her, she looked much more happier than she had in Roswell.
He hugged Alex, Michael, and Maria. After congratulating Michael and Maria, he asked an obvious question, “Where’s Liz?”
“Right here.” He heard behind him and turned around. His eyes widened slightly. He hadn’t seen her since he had graduated high school and she had definitely grown up. Liz and Isabelle had decided on the same college while Maria opted to stay in Roswell. Max’s eyes slid down Liz’s body. She was wearing a hot pink halter top which accented her bronze skin. Her dark hair was pulled up into a messy ponytail. She wore no make-up, but she didn’t need too. She had on a pair of black capris with black flip flops. Max decided he had never seen anyone more beautiful than her.
Max looked back up at her and realized he had caused her to blush with his open perusal of her body. He shifted, scratched his ear, and gave her a lop-sided grin. She smiled back and took a seat at the table. Max realized that he suddenly wasn’t tired at all. Even after everyone else had gone to bed, he and Liz stayed up and talked about everything. Eventually, she invited him up to her room and they watched the sunrise.
As Max made his way to his room, he realized that he had never experienced anyone like Liz Parker before. He wondered briefly why he never noticed her beauty before. She had always bee a book-worm science nerd in high school, and he was the athlete who only thought about sports, college, and fast women. If he was honest with himself, he was still that same person. One night stands, studying, and playing soccer, and watching sports on TV. That’s who he was. But, he wished that he could have spent more time with Liz and tell her how he felt.
The thought stopped him in his tracks. How he felt? He didn’t feel. He slept with girls and that was it. No feeling involved. That’s what he wanted. As Max sank into his bed and closed his eyes exhaustion took over.
The next day he avoided Liz as much as possible. That night Michael and Maria were married. Liz, Isabelle, Alex and Max were all witnesses and celebrated with the happy couple. Alex was the first to leave. He had classes the following afternoon. Liz and Isabelle left after him and Max followed after that. Michael and Maria drove back to Roswell after bidding all their friends goodbye.
Chapter Three
November 2004
Alex and Max nervously watched Michael pace back and forth. They weren’t really sure what to do. They were on their annual trip and had decided to go skiing in Colorado. Alex and Max had gotten there the day before Michael and when Michael arrived he was a mess. But, he hadn’t said a word since he arrived. Suddenly he stopped pacing and turned towards them.
“She’s leaving me.” he whispered.
“What?” Alex and Max asked unanimously.
“She’s leaving me. She doesn’t love me anymore. She resents me. I held her back. Do you believe that?” Michael asked as tears of anger and hurt fell from his eyes.
Alex just shook his head, “Michael…”
But before he could finish Michael flew into a rage trashing the entire room.
Max had to restrain Michael and the three men ended up staying in their suite for the whole weekend. Alex and Max were afraid to leave Michael alone. By the end of the weekend all three were emotionally drained.
On the way back to Boston, Max was thinking about Michael. He wondered if Michael would ever get over Maria. Max thought to himself, that’s why I don’t even waste my time. An image of Liz popped into his mind, but he pushed it back. He thought about the dates he had lined up for the next few weeks, trying to forget the memory of the sunrise and Liz’s face.
Chapter Four
July 2009
Max packed his bags and made sure he had everything for the tenth time. He was preparing for his annual trip with Alex and Michael. After Michael’s divorce he had sworn off all women. Michael became a pilot and he had traveled all over the world. He hadn’t dated anyone in almost five years. Max shook his head. He felt bad for Michael because he knew that Michael was bitter and didn‘t believe in love anymore. Max didn’t know what had become of Maria. He and Isabelle had discussed the divorce once and he had never brought it up with her again.
Max himself had become CEO of a multi-million dollar company. He had more money and success than he knew what to do with. He had a different girl on his arm every other day. He was one of the most eligible bachelors in the United States, but he still wasn’t truly happy and he didn’t know why he felt like he was still missing something.
Max couldn’t wait to for this vacation. He definitely needed it. He was excited to see his friends, but also he was excited to just get away from Boston for a while. Max grabbed a notepad and wrote some last minute things he needed to get on his way to the airport. He put the pad back down and the picture on his counter caught his eye. He picked up and looked at the three innocent, naïve young men in the photo. It was a picture of Alex, Michael, and himself on graduation day. Max’s mother had snapped it quickly before they had to get in their procession lines.
Max shook his head as he put the photo back down onto the counter. Alex was the most successful one out of all of them. He was a famous songwriter based out of Los Angeles. He dated casually, but never anything serious. Max knew that Alex was afraid of meeting families. He didn’t know why, but he was. Max knew that Alex had more money than he knew what to do with. He had it invested in stocks and bonds.
Max was brought out of his daydreaming by the ringing of his door bell. He walked over to the door and opened it. He stood there for a second shocked at who was on the other side of the door. His sister with tears pouring down her face stood before him. He quickly enveloped her in a hug and closed the door.
He wiped her tears and asked, “Izzy, what’s the matter?”
“Max…” was all she could get out before a fresh batch of tears came.
Something Like You (CC, AU w/o aliens, Mature) Ch 6&7 [W
Moderators: Anniepoo98, ISLANDGIRL5, truelovepooh, Forum Moderators
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Skittles1983
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 70
- Joined: Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:55 pm
Something Like You (CC, AU w/o aliens, Mature) Ch 6&7 [W
Last edited by Skittles1983 on Sun Oct 22, 2006 5:10 pm, edited 3 times in total.
"Something in your eyes makes me smile..." David Gray
-
Skittles1983
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 70
- Joined: Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:55 pm
Hi Everyone,
Here's the next chapter. I'm going to be updating once a week from now on:) Real life is calming down, so I have time for my writing!!:)
Thanks for all of the feedback and please let me know what you think of this part. ~Amy
***********************************************
Chapter Five
A few hours later
Max stared at his sister’s sleeping form. She had cried herself to sleep and Max still didn’t know what was wrong with her. He was supposed to be on a plane right now, on his way to meet Michael and Alex in the Florida Keys, where his father kept his yacht. He had called the guys and told them he would be delayed until tomorrow. They understood and didn’t even argue. He knew that Michael and Alex were content to hang out in the Keys for a while. He could just imagine the trouble they’d get themselves into.
A sleepy voice brought him out of his reverie, “Max…”
Max looked at his sister, “Izzy, please tell me what’s wrong.”
“It’s Liz. Her boyfriend…he…I…oh god,” and before he could comprehend what she was trying to say she was off the couch and retching in the bathroom.
He went in and held her hair back for her, while rubbing her back soothingly. Max was starting to panic, but before his fears could cloud his mind, Isabelle spoke.
“Liz was supposed to meet me for dinner last night. She was just going to come down to my condo and we were going to grill some chicken. She was twenty minutes late and I went to go see if she was all right. Before I got out of my door I heard a scream come from her condo. I ran next door and the door was slightly opened. I walked in and I could hear her yelling at someone to stop, so I grabbed the baseball bat she has in her closet and made my way to her room,” Isabelle paused and took a deep breath.
Max let out the breath he was holding in.
“I pushed open her bedroom door and her boyfriend…he was…he was raping her.”
Max’s eyes widened slightly, but he knew there was more to the story, so he controlled his emotions.
“I froze for a second, but then I whacked him with the bat and I kept hitting him as hard as I could.” Isabelle stopped.
“What about Liz? Did he hurt you?” Max couldn’t contain himself any longer.
“No, no. He didn’t hurt me. But, Liz…she just is so broken. Max, she loved him and he turned around and did this to her. He hit her a few times, so she was kind of out of it when I hit him. She’s in the hospital now and her parents are there, but she just wouldn’t talk to anyone. They kept her in the hospital for overnight observations and I decided to stay with her. In the middle of the night, she looked like she was dreaming, but she was calling out for you.”
Max was speechless.
Isabelle continued, “I brought her home this morning and she wouldn’t talk to me. She thanked me for saving her. I told her I had to go out and I’d be back later on tonight. Max, I had to come get you. I need you.”
And Max knew he would do anything for his sister. More importantly, he would do anything he could do to help the petite brunette, who even if he didn’t know it yet, he had fallen in love with a long time ago.
Here's the next chapter. I'm going to be updating once a week from now on:) Real life is calming down, so I have time for my writing!!:)
Thanks for all of the feedback and please let me know what you think of this part. ~Amy
***********************************************
Chapter Five
A few hours later
Max stared at his sister’s sleeping form. She had cried herself to sleep and Max still didn’t know what was wrong with her. He was supposed to be on a plane right now, on his way to meet Michael and Alex in the Florida Keys, where his father kept his yacht. He had called the guys and told them he would be delayed until tomorrow. They understood and didn’t even argue. He knew that Michael and Alex were content to hang out in the Keys for a while. He could just imagine the trouble they’d get themselves into.
A sleepy voice brought him out of his reverie, “Max…”
Max looked at his sister, “Izzy, please tell me what’s wrong.”
“It’s Liz. Her boyfriend…he…I…oh god,” and before he could comprehend what she was trying to say she was off the couch and retching in the bathroom.
He went in and held her hair back for her, while rubbing her back soothingly. Max was starting to panic, but before his fears could cloud his mind, Isabelle spoke.
“Liz was supposed to meet me for dinner last night. She was just going to come down to my condo and we were going to grill some chicken. She was twenty minutes late and I went to go see if she was all right. Before I got out of my door I heard a scream come from her condo. I ran next door and the door was slightly opened. I walked in and I could hear her yelling at someone to stop, so I grabbed the baseball bat she has in her closet and made my way to her room,” Isabelle paused and took a deep breath.
Max let out the breath he was holding in.
“I pushed open her bedroom door and her boyfriend…he was…he was raping her.”
Max’s eyes widened slightly, but he knew there was more to the story, so he controlled his emotions.
“I froze for a second, but then I whacked him with the bat and I kept hitting him as hard as I could.” Isabelle stopped.
“What about Liz? Did he hurt you?” Max couldn’t contain himself any longer.
“No, no. He didn’t hurt me. But, Liz…she just is so broken. Max, she loved him and he turned around and did this to her. He hit her a few times, so she was kind of out of it when I hit him. She’s in the hospital now and her parents are there, but she just wouldn’t talk to anyone. They kept her in the hospital for overnight observations and I decided to stay with her. In the middle of the night, she looked like she was dreaming, but she was calling out for you.”
Max was speechless.
Isabelle continued, “I brought her home this morning and she wouldn’t talk to me. She thanked me for saving her. I told her I had to go out and I’d be back later on tonight. Max, I had to come get you. I need you.”
And Max knew he would do anything for his sister. More importantly, he would do anything he could do to help the petite brunette, who even if he didn’t know it yet, he had fallen in love with a long time ago.
"Something in your eyes makes me smile..." David Gray
-
Skittles1983
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 70
- Joined: Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:55 pm
Hi,
Here's chapters 6 & 7. Thank you all for your patience and feedback. Let me know what you think of these next two chapters. Thanks! ~Amy
Chapter 6
Two weeks later
Max watched Liz out of the corner of his eye. She was leaning casually against the railing of the yacht, looking out over the beautiful ocean water. Her bruises had started to fade, but her right arm was still in a sling. Max sighed as he closed his eyes and enjoyed the warm sun beating down on his shirtless torso while his thoughts were filled with Liz.
He and Isabelle had arrived in Florida only to find Michael and Alex at Liz’s apartment. Max knew that once Michael and Alex found out what had happened to Liz, they would be by her side no matter what. They had looked at Liz as a younger sister throughout high school. And, both Max and Isabelle were surprised to see that Maria and Michael were in the same room sitting on the couch talking civilly. It was amazing what sharing concern for a friend did to the two of them.
Max had been enraged when he finally saw Liz. She was covered in bruises and her arm was in a sling. She looked so tiny and fragile in her big bed. Max had wondered how anyone could have ever harmed her. He knew that he couldn’t just leave his sister, Liz, and Maria on their own. He could tell that the girls were really worried about Liz, so he had pulled Michael and Alex aside. Max had gotten Liz to open up a little bit, but he was worried about her too. Michael and Alex agreed with his idea to have the girls go with them. The yacht was certainly large enough to accommodate all of them. Max had let the girls pick their rooms first. They had chosen rooms next to each other on the first floor, while the guys were all next to each other on the bottom floor. For the first week, Liz had been uncomfortable around Max, Michael, and Alex, however, she had warmed up to them. Max knew that it wasn’t anything personal, it was the fact that she had been raped and beaten by a man she cared for.
Max’s eyes popped open as a shadow blocked the sun from his face. He smiled up at Maria.
“Max, what are you doing?” Maria asked.
Max laughed, “Um, Maria what does it look like I’m doing? I’m resting, relaxing….the whole point of this trip.”
“Oh, so this is what you guys do on these trips?” she asked curiously.
“Yup.” he answered as he closed his eyes.
The sun hit his face again and he cracked his eyes open to see that Maria had walked over to where Liz was standing. He watched Liz lie her head on Maria’s shoulder. The light Caribbean breeze blew Liz’s hair off her shoulders and Max was mesmerized. He had caught himself staring at her several times throughout the past two weeks and he was often drawn back to that night that they had spent just talking and then watching the sun rise. Max sat up as realization dawned on him. All this time, all these women in the past few years, he’d been using them to try to forget the one girl who had stolen his heart. Max rubbed his hands over his face. Maybe the sun was getting to him, he was having crazy thoughts. He stood up and made his way to his room to take a cold, very cold shower.
Chapter 7
Three days Later
Max smiled as he watched Maria pull Liz and Isabelle out onto the dance floor. The girls dance without caring who was watching, even Liz. Max’s eyes darkened with desire as he watched Liz lift her arms above her head and sway in perfect time with the music that was blaring out of the speakers. He looked away as she looked over in his direction. He looked over at his two best friends. Michael was staring intently at Maria, while Alex seemed to be following Isabelle’s every move. He laughed silently. He knew that Michael was falling for Maria all over again and he knew for a fact that Maria was falling for Michael again as well.
Max’s mind drifted to a conversation he had had with Liz. Last night he had been woken up by a knock on his door. He had turned on the bedside light and stumbled out of bed to open the door. He had been surprised to see Liz standing there in a pair of purple pajama shorts and white tank top.
“Liz, are you all right?” Max had asked her concerned.
She looked up at him with tears in her eyes and shook her head, “I had a nightmare…”
Max didn’t let her finish. He pulled her to him and shut the door quietly. He lead her over to the bed and pulled the covers back. He pulled the covers over her once she was settled and then laid down beside her rubbing her back while he murmured comforting words. When he felt that she was sound asleep, he got up silently and made himself comfortable on his favorite recliner and draped a blanket over himself, letting sleep claim him.
He had awoken in the morning to find Liz already awake and watching him quietly. She gave him a small smile when their eyes met.
“Hi.” she said softly.
He smiled back, “Hello.”
They stared at each other for a moment before Liz broke the silence, “Max, thank you for last night.”
Max was puzzled, “I didn’t do anything.”
Liz’s smile grew wider, “I knew you would say that. You made me for safe for the first time in a very long time.” She looked down for a moment before continuing, “I thought I loved my boyfriend, but the truth was I didn’t. I don’t even know why I was with him. I cared for him immensely, but deep down I always knew there was something off about him. The moment he walked into my home, the day of the attack, I knew something was off.” Liz paused and Max waited quietly for her to continue, “I just had a bad feeling all day. And then, it happened. He came over unexpected and breezed in talking about trust, faith, love…he was rambling, I thought he was drunk, but when he looked at me, his gaze was full of hate. Later, the hospital told me they found drugs and alcohol in his system. He had never been so violent or angry before and I was scared. I was scared up until last night. Max, you made me feel safe. Thank you.”
She got up, kissed his cheek and walked to the door. She lingered for a moment and then turned back towards him, “By the way, have you noticed the way that Michael and Maria have been staring at each other. I think, no I know, that Maria is falling for Michael all over again.”
Max’s laughed. He knew she was right. He also hoped that she would continue to open up to him about herself and the day of the attack.
A small hand on his arm brought him back to the present. He looked down and his eyes met Liz’s.
“Hi.” She said quietly.
He smiled, “Hey.”
“Do you want to dance?” she asked casually.
He nodded and took her small hand in his. A slow sang came started to play. Max saw that Isabelle and Alex were already on the dance floor and Michael and Maria were making their way out onto the dance floor as well. Max pulled Liz closer to him and rested his hands on her hips. Liz rested her forehead against his chest and her hands lightly grasped his biceps.
And I
I'm dreaming of sleeping next to you and feeling like a lost little boy in a brand new town
I'm counting my sheep and each one that passes is another dream to ashes
And they all fall down
Max rested his chin lightly against the top of Liz’s head. He breathed in her scent: a mix of strawberries and vanilla.
And as I lay me down tonight
I close my eyes
What, what a beautiful sight
Liz’s hair was swept up in an elegant twist. She wore a simple lavender dress that was made of silk. It had a halter top and fell just above her knees. Max was glad that Isabelle suggested they have a dress up night with dinner and dancing to occupy one of their nights. The girls had long ago taken off their shoes. Liz wore no makeup but Max didn’t care. He knew she was beautiful without it.
Sleeping to dream about you
And I'm so tired
Of having to live without you
But I don't mind
Sleeping to dream about you and I'm so tired
Max had decided to go for a simple pair of black dress pants with a royal blue button down dress shirt. He had left a few of the buttons undone. He pulled Liz tighter against him and noticed that she seemed to mold herself to him. She fit perfectly.
I found myself in the riches
Your eyes, your lips, your hair and you were everywhere
I woke up in the ditches, I hit the light and I thought you might be here
But you were nowhere (you were nowhere)
Well You were nowhere
Max had dreamed of Liz on several occasions. Ever since that night they spent talking and then watching the sun rise, she had popped up in several of his dreams. It had irked him that she had had such an effect on him. But, if he were honest with himself, he looked forward to the dreams. Max sighed, content for the moment and allowed himself to get lost in his feelings.
And as I lay me back to sleep
Lord I pray that I can keep
He felt Liz’s head rise off of his chest and he glanced down at her. She smiled up at him and wrapped her arms around his neck. He tightened his arms around her waist.
Sleeping to dream about you
And I'm so tired
Of having to live without you
But I don't mind
Sleeping to dream about you and I'm so tired
A few strands of her hair broke loose from her twist. Max brushed them away from her face. His breath caught in his throat as his fingers brushed her cheek bone.
It's just a little a lullaby to keep myself from crying myself to sleep at night
Oh just a lullaby to keep from crying myself to sleep
Oh just a, just oh, just a little lullaby,
Time seemed to stand still. Max didn’t want to scare her, so he pressed his lips to her forehead and then her temple.
Sleeping to dream about you
And I'm so tired
Of having to live without you
And I'm so tired
He felt her stiffen for a moment, but then she relaxed and rested her head against his chest again. They continued to dance unaware that they were the center of their friends’ attentions.
Sleeping to dream about you
And I'm so tired
Of having to live without you
But I don't mind
Sleeping to dream about you and I'm so tired
Well I'm so, I'm tired
I'm falling, I'm so tired, I'm so tired
Song used: "Sleeping to Dream" by Jason Mraz
Here's chapters 6 & 7. Thank you all for your patience and feedback. Let me know what you think of these next two chapters. Thanks! ~Amy
Chapter 6
Two weeks later
Max watched Liz out of the corner of his eye. She was leaning casually against the railing of the yacht, looking out over the beautiful ocean water. Her bruises had started to fade, but her right arm was still in a sling. Max sighed as he closed his eyes and enjoyed the warm sun beating down on his shirtless torso while his thoughts were filled with Liz.
He and Isabelle had arrived in Florida only to find Michael and Alex at Liz’s apartment. Max knew that once Michael and Alex found out what had happened to Liz, they would be by her side no matter what. They had looked at Liz as a younger sister throughout high school. And, both Max and Isabelle were surprised to see that Maria and Michael were in the same room sitting on the couch talking civilly. It was amazing what sharing concern for a friend did to the two of them.
Max had been enraged when he finally saw Liz. She was covered in bruises and her arm was in a sling. She looked so tiny and fragile in her big bed. Max had wondered how anyone could have ever harmed her. He knew that he couldn’t just leave his sister, Liz, and Maria on their own. He could tell that the girls were really worried about Liz, so he had pulled Michael and Alex aside. Max had gotten Liz to open up a little bit, but he was worried about her too. Michael and Alex agreed with his idea to have the girls go with them. The yacht was certainly large enough to accommodate all of them. Max had let the girls pick their rooms first. They had chosen rooms next to each other on the first floor, while the guys were all next to each other on the bottom floor. For the first week, Liz had been uncomfortable around Max, Michael, and Alex, however, she had warmed up to them. Max knew that it wasn’t anything personal, it was the fact that she had been raped and beaten by a man she cared for.
Max’s eyes popped open as a shadow blocked the sun from his face. He smiled up at Maria.
“Max, what are you doing?” Maria asked.
Max laughed, “Um, Maria what does it look like I’m doing? I’m resting, relaxing….the whole point of this trip.”
“Oh, so this is what you guys do on these trips?” she asked curiously.
“Yup.” he answered as he closed his eyes.
The sun hit his face again and he cracked his eyes open to see that Maria had walked over to where Liz was standing. He watched Liz lie her head on Maria’s shoulder. The light Caribbean breeze blew Liz’s hair off her shoulders and Max was mesmerized. He had caught himself staring at her several times throughout the past two weeks and he was often drawn back to that night that they had spent just talking and then watching the sun rise. Max sat up as realization dawned on him. All this time, all these women in the past few years, he’d been using them to try to forget the one girl who had stolen his heart. Max rubbed his hands over his face. Maybe the sun was getting to him, he was having crazy thoughts. He stood up and made his way to his room to take a cold, very cold shower.
Chapter 7
Three days Later
Max smiled as he watched Maria pull Liz and Isabelle out onto the dance floor. The girls dance without caring who was watching, even Liz. Max’s eyes darkened with desire as he watched Liz lift her arms above her head and sway in perfect time with the music that was blaring out of the speakers. He looked away as she looked over in his direction. He looked over at his two best friends. Michael was staring intently at Maria, while Alex seemed to be following Isabelle’s every move. He laughed silently. He knew that Michael was falling for Maria all over again and he knew for a fact that Maria was falling for Michael again as well.
Max’s mind drifted to a conversation he had had with Liz. Last night he had been woken up by a knock on his door. He had turned on the bedside light and stumbled out of bed to open the door. He had been surprised to see Liz standing there in a pair of purple pajama shorts and white tank top.
“Liz, are you all right?” Max had asked her concerned.
She looked up at him with tears in her eyes and shook her head, “I had a nightmare…”
Max didn’t let her finish. He pulled her to him and shut the door quietly. He lead her over to the bed and pulled the covers back. He pulled the covers over her once she was settled and then laid down beside her rubbing her back while he murmured comforting words. When he felt that she was sound asleep, he got up silently and made himself comfortable on his favorite recliner and draped a blanket over himself, letting sleep claim him.
He had awoken in the morning to find Liz already awake and watching him quietly. She gave him a small smile when their eyes met.
“Hi.” she said softly.
He smiled back, “Hello.”
They stared at each other for a moment before Liz broke the silence, “Max, thank you for last night.”
Max was puzzled, “I didn’t do anything.”
Liz’s smile grew wider, “I knew you would say that. You made me for safe for the first time in a very long time.” She looked down for a moment before continuing, “I thought I loved my boyfriend, but the truth was I didn’t. I don’t even know why I was with him. I cared for him immensely, but deep down I always knew there was something off about him. The moment he walked into my home, the day of the attack, I knew something was off.” Liz paused and Max waited quietly for her to continue, “I just had a bad feeling all day. And then, it happened. He came over unexpected and breezed in talking about trust, faith, love…he was rambling, I thought he was drunk, but when he looked at me, his gaze was full of hate. Later, the hospital told me they found drugs and alcohol in his system. He had never been so violent or angry before and I was scared. I was scared up until last night. Max, you made me feel safe. Thank you.”
She got up, kissed his cheek and walked to the door. She lingered for a moment and then turned back towards him, “By the way, have you noticed the way that Michael and Maria have been staring at each other. I think, no I know, that Maria is falling for Michael all over again.”
Max’s laughed. He knew she was right. He also hoped that she would continue to open up to him about herself and the day of the attack.
A small hand on his arm brought him back to the present. He looked down and his eyes met Liz’s.
“Hi.” She said quietly.
He smiled, “Hey.”
“Do you want to dance?” she asked casually.
He nodded and took her small hand in his. A slow sang came started to play. Max saw that Isabelle and Alex were already on the dance floor and Michael and Maria were making their way out onto the dance floor as well. Max pulled Liz closer to him and rested his hands on her hips. Liz rested her forehead against his chest and her hands lightly grasped his biceps.
And I
I'm dreaming of sleeping next to you and feeling like a lost little boy in a brand new town
I'm counting my sheep and each one that passes is another dream to ashes
And they all fall down
Max rested his chin lightly against the top of Liz’s head. He breathed in her scent: a mix of strawberries and vanilla.
And as I lay me down tonight
I close my eyes
What, what a beautiful sight
Liz’s hair was swept up in an elegant twist. She wore a simple lavender dress that was made of silk. It had a halter top and fell just above her knees. Max was glad that Isabelle suggested they have a dress up night with dinner and dancing to occupy one of their nights. The girls had long ago taken off their shoes. Liz wore no makeup but Max didn’t care. He knew she was beautiful without it.
Sleeping to dream about you
And I'm so tired
Of having to live without you
But I don't mind
Sleeping to dream about you and I'm so tired
Max had decided to go for a simple pair of black dress pants with a royal blue button down dress shirt. He had left a few of the buttons undone. He pulled Liz tighter against him and noticed that she seemed to mold herself to him. She fit perfectly.
I found myself in the riches
Your eyes, your lips, your hair and you were everywhere
I woke up in the ditches, I hit the light and I thought you might be here
But you were nowhere (you were nowhere)
Well You were nowhere
Max had dreamed of Liz on several occasions. Ever since that night they spent talking and then watching the sun rise, she had popped up in several of his dreams. It had irked him that she had had such an effect on him. But, if he were honest with himself, he looked forward to the dreams. Max sighed, content for the moment and allowed himself to get lost in his feelings.
And as I lay me back to sleep
Lord I pray that I can keep
He felt Liz’s head rise off of his chest and he glanced down at her. She smiled up at him and wrapped her arms around his neck. He tightened his arms around her waist.
Sleeping to dream about you
And I'm so tired
Of having to live without you
But I don't mind
Sleeping to dream about you and I'm so tired
A few strands of her hair broke loose from her twist. Max brushed them away from her face. His breath caught in his throat as his fingers brushed her cheek bone.
It's just a little a lullaby to keep myself from crying myself to sleep at night
Oh just a lullaby to keep from crying myself to sleep
Oh just a, just oh, just a little lullaby,
Time seemed to stand still. Max didn’t want to scare her, so he pressed his lips to her forehead and then her temple.
Sleeping to dream about you
And I'm so tired
Of having to live without you
And I'm so tired
He felt her stiffen for a moment, but then she relaxed and rested her head against his chest again. They continued to dance unaware that they were the center of their friends’ attentions.
Sleeping to dream about you
And I'm so tired
Of having to live without you
But I don't mind
Sleeping to dream about you and I'm so tired
Well I'm so, I'm tired
I'm falling, I'm so tired, I'm so tired
Song used: "Sleeping to Dream" by Jason Mraz
"Something in your eyes makes me smile..." David Gray