RhondaAnn: It’s gonna happen…
Earth2Mama: She’s reached the breaking point, but she’s gonna be okay.
So does Maria! We think Antonio’s right.
mary mary: Thanks, we’re glad you’re enjoying it! You just never know…
Alien_Friend: We hope so, too! There’s only one part left!
We’re so glad you enjoyed their reunion! He went through a lot to get back to his family, but for him that’s all that matters.
80s_UnLove_Child: Well, we’re sorry that we made you cry, but we do appreciate the compliment!
kismet: Y’know Liz will make sure he understands that he isn’t to blame.
We totally agree… let’s go see if we can find him.
We hope so, too!
begonia9508: Having Max back will take a lot of the pressure off of Liz and Maria too.
Michael won’t stop until he finds her!
L-J-L 76: Oh, my… lots and lots of questions. Okay, let’s see, where to start? Hmm, okay, here we go…
It was a good surprise for Liz, too! And what a relief! Max couldn’t stand for the girls to be in that apartment one moment longer. Maria is sad right now and of course it’s only amplified knowing that Max is back and she’s been denied a reunion with Michael, but hopefully Antonio’s prayers will be answered and Maria will get her Christmas miracle. Max will probably tell Liz in time, perhaps when the painful memories aren’t quite so fresh. Michael is trying to find his way back to Maria. Isabel and Kyle… we may find out more about them. We’ll see what happens when he finds her. We’re pretty sure Michael will be happy for Max and Liz, even if a baby will make things difficult. No worries, we love questions! Although, some of your questions won’t see resolution in the fic since it’s just a three-parter, but if ya want a really looong fic with lots of questions and answers we’ll be happy to shamelessly promote one of our other fics… Double Trouble.
Natalie36: Uh-oh, you’d better do what we did then… both!
keepsmiling7: The baby’s very happy that her daddy’s there!
We’re pretty sure Michael’s on his way.
Thanks for reading!
Eva: One wish down, one to go!
Capture and what followed didn’t go easy for either of them, but you can bet the girls will help them work through that pain.
We’ll see soon!
zaneri1: Thanks! Well, he’ll do his best to show up for Christmas!
Part 3
Max pressed the button for the fifth floor when he and Maria climbed into the elevator at the hotel they had just moved to. His heart had clenched tightly when he had found her in the tiny, cold apartment, crying and freezing, just a few minutes before. He knew it had to be hard for her, knowing that he was back and Michael was still out there somewhere.
Maria had desperately tried to find a way to leave Michael a note to tell him where they had moved to, but she hadn’t been able to figure out any way to describe their destination without revealing too much to their enemies, should they find the note first.
They had promised each other to be careful, whether someone was missing or not. Nobody should know where they had gone or who they really are. Maria knew that it was too dangerous to leave a note for Michael and Max had convinced her that he would find her, no matter where they went.
“Dinner should almost be ready by now,” Max said when the elevator started to move. “But I think you’ve got time to take a hot shower first.”
In spite of her worries and exhaustion, the thought of a hot shower was too good to resist. “That sounds good. Liz needed to get away from that crummy little apartment.” She bit her bottom lip before glancing from the numbers to Max. “What happened to you guys, Max?”
Max shook his head sadly. “They captured us shortly after we sent you and Liz in another direction and they took us to some kinda old factory near Tucson in Arizona.”
“They hurt you.” It was a statement of fact, not a question. She didn’t want to pry, didn’t want to bring up bad memories for him, but she needed to know about Michael.
Max nodded, the motion hardly visible.
“I’ve noticed you’re limping... something they did to you or a result of your escape?”
“We had to jump from a moving truck during our escape, that’s when it happened.”
“You haven’t healed it... why?”
“They did something... I don’t know. Our powers were gone for several weeks. They’re still weak and hard to use, but they’re getting stronger every day.”
“Max... was he hurt when the two of you escaped?”
“We were both hurt, Maria. But not too badly.... nothing life-threatening.”
“Michael doesn’t have the ability to heal the way you do though.” She suddenly turned and grabbed his shirt in her hands, gripping it tightly. “He always hides it when he’s hurt, so how do you know he wasn’t hurt badly?”
Max placed his hands over hers to keep her from ripping his shirt. “We spent several days together before we had to split up again. Believe me, Maria, he was doin’ okay.”
“Why can’t I ‘feel’ him then? You guys shouldn’t have been too far apart, but you’re here and he’s not...” She took a step back, wincing when she realized how that sounded. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean that the way it sounds. I’m just worried about him.”
“I don’t know where he is, Maria,” Max said helplessly. “Maybe he had to take a different way ‘cause the FBI was closin’ in on him again. I don’t know.” He sighed. “He would never come here if he isn’t 100% sure it’s safe for you, you know that.”
“I know. I’m sorry, Max. I am happy you’re back; Liz has needed you so badly. The past few months have been difficult.” She smiled slightly. “So, how’s it feel to know you’re gonna be a daddy?”
He couldn’t hide the smile. “It feels amazing. I really had no clue about it.” He looked at Maria and his face turned more serious. “I’m also really scared though, ‘cause the baby will mean even more responsibility and we’re always gonna live in danger.”
“Maybe it’s time for us to follow Isabel and Kyle’s example and get out of the country... the FBI wouldn’t have jurisdiction on foreign soil. I realize the unit chasing us doesn’t exist in an official capacity, but we might be safer somewhere that they don’t have an active presence.”
The *plong* of the elevator bell announced that they had reached the fifth floor and the door opened automatically. “Yeah, I thought about that, too, especially now. Liz won’t be able to be on a run all time. She needs a lot of rest and it wouldn’t be good for the baby either.”
“I know it wouldn’t necessarily solve all of our problems, but... maybe it would take some of the heat and stress off of us for a while.” She rubbed her temples tiredly. “It might be good to have everyone close by when Liz goes into labor.” She shrugged. “Somethin’ to think about, your highness,” she said, giving him a lightly teasing smile.
Max snorted and started to walk in the direction of their suite. “We took one with two bedrooms,” he told her before he stopped in front of room number 521.
Maria stepped inside when he unlocked the door and held it open for her. The warmth in the room was welcoming and she smiled as she looked around the living area.
“It’s much better than the other apartment,” Max said as he closed the door behind them.
“Not that it would take much to be better,” she said with a quiet chuckle.
“Hey, you two, dinner will be ready in about 20 minutes,” Liz called from the kitchen area.
Maria walked over to her friend, hugging her and placing one hand on her belly. “How’re you two doin’?” she asked, easily reading the happiness in Liz’s features. She could see the lessoning in the stress lines that had become so visible around her eyes.
Liz smiled brightly. “We’re fine. Can you believe this little girl kicks me every time Max touches my belly?”
“So, it’s a girl, huh?” Maria returned her smile. “Bet she’s gonna be a daddy’s girl.”
“Uh-huh, she’d better listen to her mommy, too.”
“Knowing her parents she’ll probably be a very well-behaved kid.” She snorted and shook her head. “Nothin’ like me and Michael’s kids,” she said without thinking.
“Oh, yeah,” Liz said, hoping that this wouldn’t turn into an awkward, sad moment.
Maria shook the thoughts off, knowing that if she got lost in them that it would only ruin the evening and the last thing she wanted to do was mess up her friends’ happiness. “I’m gonna go take a very long hot shower, girl. Don’t hold dinner for me if it’s ready before I’m out. You guys go ahead and eat.”
“Okay, but you have to eat something, Maria.”
“I will,” she promised.
“Okay,” she nodded to a door at the end of the room. “The bathroom’s over there.”
Maria smiled faintly and motioned to the doors on opposite sides of the main room. “And which room did the two of you take?”
“The left one, both rooms are identical.”
“And I’m sure the two of you have already put yours to good use,” Maria said with a grin. She winked and ducked out of the room before Liz had time to think of a comeback or throw something at her.
*****
Maria stared down at her still half-full plate. She couldn’t swallow another bite of it, even if it tasted really great. She wasn’t hungry at all. “Why don’t you guys go over to the TV and I’ll get the dishes done?” she suggested.
Liz gnawed on her bottom lip for a few moments, torn between staying with her friend who was obviously hurting and doing as Maria had suggested and going over to the living area and snuggling with Max.
Max took the decision out of her hands though when he thanked Maria and then escorted his wife out of the kitchen area. He knew she was glad he was back, but he also knew it wasn’t easy for Maria to see him and know that Michael was out there somewhere, possibly hurt, and trying to get back to her.
Maria watched them leave and go into the living area. She felt guilty for feeling jealousy towards Liz. It was so hard to be happy for her best friend right now and that’s why she had made the offer to take care of the dishes. Seeing those two together was like a slap in the face. And she knew Liz could see her hurt, but she wanted her to be happy.
“Let her be, Liz,” Max advised as he settled back into the couch cushions and pulled her back against his chest. “I know you wanna help her and be there for her, but...” He didn’t really know what else to say so he rested his chin on her shoulder and placed his hand on her belly, knowing their daughter would kick and distract Liz for a little while.
“It’s just not fair,” she mumbled and relaxed against him, smirking when the baby moved as soon as she felt Max’ touch.
“No, it’s not, but Michael’s a survivor, Liz. And you know how he is with her... he’ll find his way back to her.”
“I really hope so. We need to be all together.”
His hand moved to cup her chin, tipping her head back against his shoulder so he could kiss her. “We will be,” he whispered against her lips. “I know you have faith, so just hold onto that.”
Maria had taken her time cleaning up the kitchen, but after 45 minutes she was finished with all of it and she glanced at the couple on the couch. It was time to join them. She knew she had to so she started to walk towards them and took a seat in the armchair. “What’s on TV?”
Liz glanced up at Max. She hadn’t been paying any attention to the television.
He shrugged. “Just the same movies they play every year around Christmas.”
Liz shifted and snuggled as close to him as she could get. She really didn’t care about what was on TV.
Maria nodded and stared at the screen. She lifted her feet up from the ground, so she could wrap her arms around her legs.
“We can watch something else if ya want?” Max said, realizing that Maria was uncomfortable.
She shook her head and fidgeted in her seat. “Nah, whatever you’re watching is fine.” She shrugged. “I think I’m gonna head to bed here pretty soon anyway.”
“We can do something else,” Liz offered. “Play a game or something.” She didn’t want her friend to be alone and she knew there was no way Maria would find sleep anytime soon.
“You guys should enjoy your time together, and you should try to enjoy it alone.” Maria shook her head and smiled at the couple. “I know you want to be alone and believe me, I understand it and I promise I don’t hold that against you. It’s just... a little hard to be around right now,” she admitted honestly.
Max nodded. “You just tell us if you need anything, okay?”
“I will. But for now I think I’ll just tell you guys good night.” She pushed herself to her feet and moved towards her room.
“Good night,” Liz whispered and glanced up at Max, a little worried. It was Christmas Eve and nobody was supposed to be alone.
“Give it time,” he whispered.
*****
He walked through the silent streets, forcing his feet to keep moving despite the exhaustion threatening to pull him under. The wind was bitterly cold, blowing so hard that it felt like tiny knives flaying his skin. His head was ducked against the wind and the fat snowflakes that were beginning to fall once again, but he forced himself to continue on his agonizing journey.
Pain still radiated out from his muscles from a combination of questionable injections given to him during his imprisonment and the endless days he had spent on the run. He and Max had been forced to take different paths to throw their captors off and to lessen the threat of leading them back to the girls. They had agreed before their escape that if either of them was unable to shake their pursuers they would take a different path and lead them elsewhere.
He had located the apartment the girls had been staying in, but it had been deserted. He had walked around, touching things in hopes that he would feel something related to Maria, but that ability had been subdued by something in the injections he had been given. He had left the apartment, running into a Hispanic man coming out of a door next to the entrance to the stairs on the ground level.
The man had watched him for several minutes, gauging whether or not he was a threat, and he had suddenly straightened up and asked what he wanted. They had talked for several minutes before he had learned that Maria was still in the town, but the man didn't know where. He hadn’t missed her by much, and he wasn’t convinced that the man would’ve told him where she was if he did know; he seemed to be protective of her. That thought brought a smile to his chapped lips and he ducked his head against the biting wind as he turned another corner.
He had been searching since talking to the man the night before, but he hadn’t yet had any luck. Earlier in the evening he had realized that it was Christmas Day and he had started to search churches in the area, certain that she would be seeking comfort in one.
How many times had she dragged him to a church in whatever town they were living in on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? He knew he would find her there if he could just find the right church.
He ignored the cold as he paused a moment, head held high as the bells of a church rang out, the sound seeming almost hushed in the wintry silence that surrounded him. He tried in vain to determine the direction the sound was coming from as the wind picked up again. “C’mon,” he muttered, “gimme a break just this one time... she doesn’t need to be put through this.” Neither did he, but there was no need to beg for himself. For her he would, but, no one else.
He looked around when the wind suddenly died down and the night was so silent he could hear the snow falling. The bell rang out one last time and he realized he hadn’t been listening close enough to determine what time it was. Faint echoes filtered through the air and he walked out to the middle of the deserted street, snow and frozen slush crunching underfoot as he turned in a small circle. The moon overhead cast its white light over the area, illuminating it and glinting off of... He squinted and for just a moment the light glinted off of something in the distance and a small smile graced his features.
It was a church steeple with a bell swaying gently as the wind started to blow again. He glanced up at the sky, eyes settling on the brightest star in the dark canvass. He nodded at the star, a silent thanks to whoever was out there watching over them, and took off in the direction of the church.
He was breathing hard by the time he reached the small church, surprised to find its doors unlocked.
It was a sad commentary on the times that even churches locked their doors nowadays, he thought as he pulled it open and stepped inside out of the cold.
He took several steps inside, moving through the foyer and into the main room. His eyes locked on the woman sitting there, alone, her posture expressing a pain that wasn’t physical and his throat locked up as his hands closed over the top of the pew closest to him.
The church was old and small, but Maria wasn’t concerned with aesthetics as she sat in one of the pews, hands folded tightly as her forehead rested against them. She rocked slowly back and forth in her seat, silently praying for a miracle and listening as the bell in the tower above the church rang out the eleven o’clock hour.
It was Christmas night and she had left Max and Liz alone, happy for their reunion, but hurting deeply for the one that she had been denied. She didn’t want to do anything to detract from their happiness so she had decided to take a walk, hoping that by the time she returned they would have retired for the night. She had spent the day with them, having nowhere to go since most everything was closed for the holiday, including the restaurant. Without having work or caring for Liz to distract her it left her mind free to constantly worry over where Michael could be and how badly he might be hurt.
The sound of someone entering the church caught her attention, but at first she ignored it.
Most likely someone else searching for a little peace, she mused. But after several minutes she realized that the person hadn’t moved to sit down and she turned slowly, glancing over her shoulder.
Michael held his breath when he saw her turn and look at him, certain that he had never seen a more beautiful sight. He straightened up, denying the aches and pains that were screaming at him, begging him to give in to them. “Maria,” he whispered, his voice strong despite his appearance.
She had to grab the backrest of the wooden bench tightly when she realized who was standing only a few feet away from her. Her heart started to pound wildly against her chest.
Was it really him? Or was she finally going crazy in her loneliness? “Michael?” she breathed out, afraid that speaking too loudly would destroy the moment and she would find herself alone in the church again.
“You were expectin’ another alien-human hybrid to track you down in a church on Christmas night?” he asked, trying to make a joke and hating it when his voice cracked.
She just stared at him, hearing that he had said something, but not really understanding the words. “Michael...” she said again, as if saying his name would finally make her believe he was there.
His hand tightened around the bench for a moment before he took another couple of steps towards her. “It’s really me, Maria.”
Her eyes filled with tears as the realization that he was standing right in front of her hit her. “You’re here.”
“I’m here,” he said, unable to hold back the smile.
She suddenly jumped up from the bench and ran the short distance towards him, crashing into his arms as she cried in relief.
Michael barely managed to brace his feet in preparation for the impact of her body as she threw herself into his arms. His arms came around her, crushing her to his chest as he lowered his head and kissed her. “God, I missed you so much,” he whispered in between kisses. “I came back soon as I could, Maria.”
“I was so scared that something had happened to you,” she admitted.
He raised his head and met her watery gaze. “You knew I wouldn’t stay away any longer than necessary though...” He let the words trail off, waiting for the reassurance he needed from her.
She wiped her tears away and nodded. “Yeah, I know, Michael. It was just so hard to see Max and Liz back together.”
“He made it back then,” he said, relieved. “I wasn’t sure after we...” He cleared his throat. “The escape didn’t exactly go smoothly and we were forced to go in separate directions.”
She pushed his open jacket aside to press her cheek against his strong chest and she inhaled his scent. “He came back yesterday.”
“I found the apartment and ran into some guy from the restaurant below... he didn’t know where you had gone. Said you’d be back, but I couldn’t wait for that.” His hands shook from the cold as he shifted to slide them under her coat. “Don’t worry,” he said, chuckling quietly when he felt her shiver, “I know they’re as cold as ice right now.”
“We should go to the hotel,” she suggested. “You’re soooo cold.” Her hands roamed over his upper body. “Are you okay? Any serious injuries?”
“Nothin’ that serious,” he denied.
It wasn’t exactly a lie, he thought. The pain was much more manageable than it had been when they had been held captive and it was lessening with every passing day.
She checked his eyes, deciding that he wasn’t telling the whole truth. She took his face in both hands, letting her thumbs trail over his cold cheeks. “I love you.”
He sighed tiredly as he reveled in her tender, caring touch. “That brought me home,” he said gruffly. “I love you.”
“The hotel we’re staying at isn’t far from here,” she said and lowered her hands again.
“Just can’t wait to get me into bed can you?” he teased, taking her hand and allowing her to lead him back outside.
She leaned against his side. “I’m so glad you’re here now.”
He just nodded when she didn’t respond in the same manner. It was probably too soon for her to be able to joke around just yet. “I don’t even know how long I’ve been runnin’; the days started to run together. I didn’t even realize it was Christmas until earlier tonight.” He shuddered as the wind gusted and it felt like ice hitting his skin. “Did we know it got this cold here when we put Kansas on the list?”
She chuckled. “Well, we wanted snow for Christmas, remember?”
He snorted at that. “No problem, looks like we’ve got snow.”
The walk to the hotel didn’t take long and before he knew it they were stepping into the lobby for one of the nicer hotels in the city. He was silent as they rode up to the fifth floor, leaning back against the wall and listening as the bell chimed with each floor they passed. The heat from the building was seeping into his body, chasing the cold away.
He looked around the hotel room, barely noticing when she closed the door behind them. The living area was silent and the lights on the Christmas tree in the corner provided the only light. He didn’t see the others so he assumed they had already turned in for the night. He was glad though because while he wanted to see Max for himself to make sure he was alright, he needed to be with Maria more right now.
“Here, take your jacket off,” she said gently and helped him with it. “You want something warm to drink?”
“Huh-uh.” Michael shook his head at her offer and carefully pulled his right arm free of his jacket.
Damn, that hurt! “I saw the apartment you guys have been livin’ in...”
“You did, huh?” She glanced at the ground. “It wasn’t as bad as it looked.”
“No, I’m sure it wasn’t,” he murmured, knowing she was lying. He recognized the avoidance tactic when she dropped her gaze and he reached out to catch her chin and lift her gaze back to his. “We’ll try to do better than that from now on.”
“We definitely should,” she said. “There’s something I have to tell you, Michael.”
He quirked an eyebrow at her tone. “What’s up?”
“Liz... she’s pregnant...”
He took a couple of steps and dropped down to sit on the couch. “Pregnant?” he repeated incredulously.
“Yeah.” Maria sat down in front of him on the coffee table.
“No, no, no, no, no,” he muttered. “That’s not good, Maria. Bein’ on the run’s difficult enough, but... a baby?” He scrubbed a hand through his hair as he considered this news. “Max was probably pretty happy about that, huh?”
“He was,” she nodded. “It’s been a difficult time for Liz the last couple of months.”
He growled under his breath at the newest complication. “Alright,” he said finally, “we’ll work somethin’ out. It’s good news for Max and it’ll give him somethin’ to focus on instead of...” He shook his head. “Anyway, we’ll worry about it later.”
She frowned. “Instead of what?”
He reached out to take her hands in his. “Nothin’ worth talkin’ about.”
She shook her head. “No, seriously, Michael. What’d they do to you?”
He pulled his hands back and tried to control his expression when he got to his feet too fast and every muscle in his body protested. “It’s over, Maria, there’s no need to talk about it.”
“You’re in pain, Michael,” she stated and got up as well.
He backed away from her, keeping distance between them when she started to approach him. “It’ll pass.”
“Don’t turn away from me,” she begged.
He stopped in his tracks, unable to deny her request. His dark eyes followed her as she took several more steps in his direction.
“I’ve missed you so much, Michael, I’m just worried.”
“I’m here now and I’m fine... or at least, I will be.” He reached up to scratch his eyebrow. “They didn’t do anything that I won’t recover from.”
“Okay.” She knew that anymore pushing wouldn’t make him to talk.
“Maria... I know how you feel about talkin’ this stuff out, and maybe later, but for now...” He shook his head. “It’s just too soon, okay?” He reached out to cup her cheek. “Right now I just wanna hold you and know that we’re both safe and we’re together.”
“C’mere.” Her arms came around his hips and she pulled him closer. “We’re together and safe...” she sighed, “at least for now.”
“For now,” he repeated as his eyes traced over her features.
Maria wondered if they would ever be safe for more than just ‘for now’.
“You’ve been okay while I’ve been gone?” he asked after a few minutes.
She smiled softly. “As ok as I could be without you.” She knew she had lost some weight during the last weeks, but it would be fine now that he was back.
“You haven’t been eatin’ right,” he said. “No appetite or no food?”
She shrugged. “More the first I guess.”
“We’re gonna have to do somethin’ about that.” He pulled her closer against his body and kissed her.
“I like that,” she mumbled against his lips and stood on her tiptoes.
He ignored the pain in his muscles as he shifted just enough to catch the backs of her thighs and lift her up. “Which room?” he rasped.
“The right,” she said, surprised by his sudden move.
He nodded, trying to control his breathing as he carried her into the bedroom and nudged the door closed with his elbow. He still got winded easily, but he refused to miss out on being with his girl. He placed her carefully on the bed and knelt down in front of her.
She let her hands trail over his face. “I really love you.”
“Uh-huh, I’m hearin’ a ‘but’ comin’,” he said slowly. He had a feeling he hadn’t hidden anything from her.
“You’re too exhausted for this, Michael. I can see it in your eyes and I can see it in the way you move.”
He groaned when she easily picked up on his fatigue. “Sometimes you’re just too smart, girl.”
She grinned. “That’s why you only want me.”
“Nah, that’s just one of many reasons why I want you.” He chuckled as he leaned in to kiss her again. “So, shove over and let me lay down since you’re not gonna let me do anything else.”
She laughed. “Okay,” she crawled up on the bed, “lose your clothes and c’mere.” She got rid of her shirt and jeans and slipped under the blanket.
He got to his feet, his legs feeling shaky after being bent for several long minutes. “You sure about this?” he asked, worried about her reaction to seeing the fresh scars on his chest and upper arms. “Some of the stuff they did... it wasn’t as bad as I’m sure it could’ve been, but... Max only had enough strength to heal the worst of it.”
“I’m sure, Michael.”
“Stubborn woman,” he muttered affectionately. He grabbed the neck of his shirt and pulled it up over his head, dropping it on the floor before kicking his shoes and socks off. His eyes locked on his hands as he unfastened his jeans and shoved them down over his hips and stepped out of them. He bit his bottom lip before forcing his gaze up to meet Maria’s, worried about what he would see there.
She lifted the blanket and motioned for him to join her.
He sighed in relief as he slid under the covers, feeling the warmth of her body as she moved closer to him. It wasn’t her reaction to the damage that he was worried about because he knew she wouldn’t be repulsed; it was the hurt she would feel when she looked at him and saw the wounds, knowing he had been in pain and she had been powerless to stop it.
“You’re gonna be okay,” Maria whispered as she wrapped her arms around him. “I’m sorry that you had to suffer all alone for so long.”
“I’ve got you in my arms, Maria. I’m already okay an’ believe me, I’m not in any pain right now.”
*****
Michael woke up abruptly, gasping for air. It took him several seconds to remember that he had just gotten back to his woman last night. “Fuck,” he hissed slightly.
When would these damn nightmares disappear again? He glanced at Maria, who was still sleeping peacefully next to him.
It was only 6am but he knew that there was no way he would go back to sleep anytime soon, so he placed a tender kiss on her temple and stood up from the bed. His muscles hurt badly so he decided that a shower might help them to loosen up a bit. He collected his stuff from the floor and quietly crept out of the room to cross the living area to the bathroom. Just as he was about to pull the door open, someone spoke up from behind him.
Max stood in the doorframe of his bedroom, staring at the man in front of him and wondering if this was just a dream. The nightmares had driven him from his bed yet again. It had become a common occurrence and he knew from experience that it would be a while before he was able to sleep through the night again without the cruel reminder of his captivity. He had been on his way out to the main room so he could pace without disturbing Liz, but he had frozen in place when he had noticed the man silently crossing the space between Maria’s room and the bathroom.
“Uh... Michael?” It was stupid. He knew it was stupid. He could see Michael there, but he didn’t believe what he was seeing.
Michael froze. He knew Max’ voice, would know it anywhere, and had even known that he was there in the hotel suite, but it took a moment for his heart to stop pounding so hard in response to another voice breaking the silence. He turned his head to look at the man he hadn’t been certain he would ever see again. Max looked as bad as he felt, but there was something... peace... acceptance, maybe, in the eyes staring at him.
“Max... Maria said you were here.” He took a couple of halting steps in the other man’s direction. “You made it.”
“Yeah,” Max muttered, still confused, but he forced himself to move towards the other man as well. “You’re here now, too.” He felt stupid for pointing out the obvious, but he didn’t know what to say either.
“Yeah, last night... y’know how important the Christmas thing is to Maria.” In the past he would’ve reached out and thumped Max on the shoulder, but after their captivity he knew how well he would react to that action so he left it alone. “Made it a little more difficult when you moved the girls before I could get to her.” He shook his head to let Max know he was only teasing.
“You saw that shitty place, huh?”
“Yeah, not good. I’m surprised they haven’t caught pneumonia.” He smirked. “Heard your girl caught a case of pregnancy though.”
“Yeah,” Max smiled a little. “She’s already pretty huge.”
“Gonna make life on the run a little more... challenging,” he said carefully.
Max let his hand run through his hair. “I know it’s gonna be difficult, Michael.”
He shrugged. “So, congratulations.” He made a face. “We don’t have to hug or anything, do we?”
“No, we don’t have to do that. So, everything okay with you?”
Michael relaxed. Max was more tactile than he was, and under normal circumstances he would’ve given him a ‘guy hug’, but right now the only touch he was comfortable with was Maria’s. “As okay as it can be right now. We’re not pincushions for a bunch of mad scientists, so, it’s all good.”
Max nodded. “I was about to make some coffee. Want one?”
“Yeah, why not?” He hooked his thumb over his shoulder. “I’m gonna grab a quick shower.”
“Alright, coffee should be ready then.” Max watched his friend disappear into the bathroom and felt a little bit of peace settle over him. He knew that things were already getting better, now that they were all together again.
“Is Maria already awake?” Liz asked tiredly, as she stumbled out of the bedroom.
Max pushed the button on the side of the coffee maker to get it started and turned around to look at his wife. She was tired, disheveled, barely awake...
and he had never seen anyone more beautiful, he thought, smiling when her right hand automatically moved to rub her belly.
“Haven’t seen her emerge yet.” He bit back the smile when her inquisitive gaze moved to the bathroom door at the sound of the shower.
“Well, if she’s not up yet, then who’s...” Her head turned to the side and she stared at him, suddenly wide awake. “Michael?”
He saw the happiness in her eyes as she realized that Michael had made it back and she hurried to Maria’s room.
It was kinda like watching a little penguin in fast forward, he mused fondly. But, maybe he wouldn’t share that particular observation with the love of his life. Somehow, he had a feeling she wouldn’t think it was as cute as he did.
Liz burst into the second bedroom... or at least tried to... and she waddled over to the bed where Maria was quite contentedly sleeping, curled around one of the pillows. She hated to wake her, but she was so happy for her friend. She sat on the edge of the bed and bit her bottom lip. Maybe she would just nudge her and see if she was close to waking up. “Maria?” she tried, whispering.
“Huh?” Maria mumbled still half asleep.
“Maria,” she hissed, a little louder this time. She started to bounce on the edge of the mattress without even realizing it. She couldn’t take it anymore and she reached out to poke her best friend. “Maria!”
“Liz,” Maria complained and tried to open her eyes. What the hell did she want? Was something wrong? Suddenly she jumped in the bed. “Everything okay?”
Liz knew she was grinning like a fool, but she didn’t care. “There’s an alien in the bathroom and he doesn’t belong to me.”
Maria relaxed again and slapped Liz’ shoulder playfully. “God, I thought something had happened.”
“Uh, hello! Something obviously happened and you’re not sharing!”
“Well, in case you hadn’t noticed it before, I was still sleeping,” she answered with a grin.
“When did he get here?” she asked, ignoring Maria’s comment.
Maria rubbed her eyes and let herself fall down on the bed again. “Last night. I was in this little church near the hotel and suddenly... he was there.”
“A Christmas miracle,” Liz whispered. “How did he find you there?”
“I don’t know. Guess he knew I would go to a church around Christmas and he couldn’t find me in our old apartment.”
Liz smiled. “Can you believe they’re both back?”
“No, it’s just like a dream right now. But it’s not… right?”
“No, it’s definitely real.”
Maria smiled brightly and threw herself into Liz’ arms, carefully because of the baby. “I can’t believe it,” she whispered, not even realizing that tears were running down her cheeks.
Liz hugged her friend back. “I know, it’s too good to be true.”
“Your Daddy’s back and your uncle, too... well kinda your uncle,” Maria said to the baby as she rubbed her friend’s belly tenderly. “Oh. Did ya feel that, Liz? She kicked me.”
“No,” Liz complained, “she kicked
me. Seems like I’ve got a very active girl since her Daddy’s back.”
Maria laughed and glanced up at her friend again. “We’re gonna be alright.”
Liz nodded. “I know.” And for the first time in the last four months she also meant it. “So, I know it’s early, but since we’re all up, what about breakfast? Maybe we can have room service.” She wiggled her eyebrows.
Maria’s stomach growled in response to that. “I feel like I could eat whole pig right now.”
Liz snorted. “I doubt that. But it’s good that you’re hungry again.” She turned slightly in her seat and started to get up from the bed.
Maria watched her friend for several seconds before she burst out into laugher as she saw how Liz was trying to get up from the mattress but her belly wasn’t letting her. “Seems like that baby girl is holding you down, huh?”
Liz stuck out her tongue. “Ha ha, funny girl. Don’t just sit there uselessly. Get up and help me.”
Maria shook her head in amusement and climbed out of bed to help Liz up and once that goal was achieved she started to search around for her clothes.
Liz walked back into the main room and found Max in the kitchen. “What’re ya doin’ in here?” she asked, surprised when she saw all the delicious food on the dining table.
“I’m making breakfast, what’s it look like?” He walked around the table to give her a quick kiss. “Good morning, by the way.”
She smiled. “Good morning. Where’d you get all this food from?”
“I brought it in yesterday before I went to get Maria from the other apartment. You didn’t even realize, huh?” He pulled one of the chairs back and gestured for her to sit down.
“That looks really delicious, Max.”
“Only the best for my two favorite girls,” he said smiling.
“And I guess you didn’t mean me by that,” Maria said as she joined them at the table.
“Mornin’,” Max greeted her.
“Where’s Michael?”
“Still in the bathroom, but he should be out soon,” Max said and got the coffee from the kitchen to serve it to Maria. “I made some tea for you,” he said to Liz, “and it’s almost ready.”
“Thanks.” She relaxed in her chair and glanced at her husband, wondering how she had managed to survive the last few months without him.
“Damn, Liz, what’d you guys eat while we were gone? You’re huge,” someone spoke from behind and they could hear the funny teasing tone in his voice.
Liz turned in her seat as much as her belly would allow and shot an evil look at Michael before her features relaxed again. “Good to see you too, Michael.”
He smirked and joined them at the table as well, squeezing the shoulder of the pregnant woman slightly as he sat down.
Liz smiled at his simple gesture, knowing that it was his way of saying that he was okay with the baby and that they would all find a way to go on with their lives.
“Did ya sleep well?” Michael asked his girlfriend and leaned to the side so he could steal a kiss from her lips. Her hand came up and grabbed his collar when he was about to pull away too quickly. She held him close as she deepened the kiss, not caring about the others right at that moment.
“Um,” Max coughed slightly, “ya know, this hotel room has two separate bedrooms for those activities…”
Maria smirked and finally let go of Michael. “Well, I think I’m way too hungry right now to go anywhere.”
****
After breakfast the girls were sitting on the couch, watching
Home Alone for what had to be the thousandth time in their lives while the boys were busy with cleaning up the kitchen.
“Where do we go from here, Max?” Michael asked when he was sure the girls were occupied. “I mean, we can’t go with the original plan for long anymore. Your wife isn’t gonna be able to move around so much and it won’t be any easier once the baby gets here.”
“I know,” Max sighed, “I’ve been thinking about it the whole time. We have to find a safer place, Michael. Somewhere we can stay at least for a whole year or two.”
The other man nodded. He was sick of moving around too. They all needed a place to settle down for a while. “Think we should leave the States?”
Max shrugged. “Probably. We should start to do some research as soon as the holidays are over. The sooner we find a new place, the better.”
“Sounds like a plan. A place where we could find some peace after all the crap would be nice.”
Max nodded silently.
Yeah, he thought,
more than nice.
“Hey you two, whatever you’re talking about, you can do it right over here as well,” Maria said, tapping the armchair next to her.
Michael smirked at her and threw the dish towel on the table to join her. He lifted her legs up from the seat and sat down on the armchair next to her, pulling her close and placing her legs over his again.
A sudden knock on the door had everyone exchanging looks of surprise and fear. They weren’t expecting anyone and nobody knew they were there. Max walked to the front door quietly, gesturing to Michael to let him know to take the girls out of sight, before he opened the door.
The other man nodded. “Is there any other way out of this room?” He was already kicking himself for not checking that out as soon as he got here.
“There’s a fire escape in the bedrooms, but I’m not sure if I can make it,” Liz said.
“Alright, behind the front door then,” he said and they moved quickly but quietly. Michael placed himself in front of the girls and nodded at his friend.
Max nodded as well and pressed his back against the wall next to the front door as he placed his hand on the doorknob. He knew better than to ask who was there. If it was the FBI it wouldn’t help anyway and they had more of a chance to take them out if they had the benefit of a moment of surprise on their side. With one quick move, he turned the doorknob and let the door fly open wildly.
Everything stayed silent for several moments and they all held their breaths, waiting for someone to step in with a gun or some other weapon in his hand.
“Uh… hello?” someone, a man, suddenly said from out in the hallway. “Maybe this’s the wrong hotel room?” the person hissed. Obviously he wasn’t alone.
“No, they said room number 521,” a female voice answered.
Max and Michael exchanged a glance, their eyes widened in shock as they recognized that voice. They would always recognize HER voice. Max stepped in front of the door first, looking at the two people in the hallway.
“Isabel... Kyle… what…?”
“MERRY CHRISTMAS!” Isabel squealed and threw herself into her brother’s arms.
The others came out of their hiding place as well, still surprised of the sudden turn of events. “I missed you so much,” Iz said with tears in her eyes. She walked over to the others, stopping when she realized Liz’ condition. “Oh, my God, I’m gonna be an aunt.”
Liz smiled and nodded before she was pulled into a hug.
“Hey, man,” Kyle greeted Michael, “that woman was so excited to get here. She’s talked my ear off the last few hours.”
“How’d you guys find us here?” Maria asked curiously and hugged Isabel as well.
The other girl smiled at her mysteriously. “Must be a Christmas miracle!”
THE END
