The Final Days (CC,M/L,Mature) *A/N*- 03/10/05 [WIP]

[Jason's Lover]

Title: The Final Days

Author: Jason's Lover

Rating: Mature

Disclaimer: Nothing here is mine.

Category: M/L - Aliens

Summary: Post Departure. Everything in that episode occurs except Max didn't allow Tess to leave the planet. This deals with the ramifications of Tess' betrayal to the group. This is in Max's POV.


Thanks to Hybrid Angel for the wonderful banner!


Lines taken from “The Departure.”

“Did you kill Alex?” I ask, following her every step backward she takes from me.

“I didn't want to.” She replies. “I wish I hadn't, but I did.”

“Why?” I ask her, my anger barely concealed.

“Look Max, the clock's ticking, we don't really have time.…” She stammers.

“Tell me why!” I yell.

“He would have told you what I did and I couldn't let that happen.” She finally answers.

“So you just…you just killed him?” I ask in disbelief.

“I didn't mean to. His brain was just so weakened by the mindwarp, and...look, none of this matters now.” She says indifferently.

“Life matters Tess.” I say, my jaw hardening with every word spilled from her mouth. “My life, your life, his…”

“What matters is getting home, but you could never understand that could you?” She exclaims. “I might’ve been able to teach you but that stupid bitch had you wrapped around her….”

“Don’t you ever call her that.” I yell, grabbing her arm forcefully.

“See! Look how fast you run to her defense.” She cries, trying to rid her arm from my grip. “Why couldn’t you ever feel that about me? I’m your wife, Max…I’m carrying your child.”

“No.” I say shaking my head coming to an epiphany. “This was all some kind of plan to get pregnant and go home, wasn’t it?” I realize, tightening my grip on her arm. “Home to what, Tess? To Kivar? To our enemies?”

“They're not my enemies, Max.” She says quietly.

“You made a deal with them…with Kivar.” I conclude.

“No, Nasedo made a deal…forty years ago.”

“What was the deal?” I ask glaring at her hatefully. Seeing her refusal to answer, I shake her fiercely. “Tell me!”

“To return home with your child, and deliver the three of you to Kivar.” She finally admits tearily.

“And what would happen to us once you delivered us?”

She looks down at the question and I already know the answer. He would’ve killed us. Kivar would take my child as the rightful heir to the throne to continue to rule and despose of us. I feel my anger intensify with the knowledge.

“How did I ever fall in love with someone like you?” I spit out scornfully. “How did I ever marry you?”

“You were different then.” She retorts staring up at me with twisted pleasure at the fury in my gaze.. “You were a king…now you're just a boy.”

“I should fucking kill you right now.” I growl, raising my hand to her head with the intention of doing just that.

“If you kill me Max, you kill our son.” She exclaims. “You’d never take that chance.” She replies smugly.

Remembering with painful certainty that she’s right, I glance quickly at the granilith to see that it’s beginning to activate. Coming to a decision, I drag her towards the exit of the pod chamber. “You're not going anywhere.” I say firmly, opening the chamber. “This isn’t over Tess.”

“What are you talking about?” She cries out, enraged when I pull her through the opening and we begin making our way down the rocks. “Our child can’t survive here…you know that.”

“All I know is that you're a lying murdering bitch and you're not going to get away with it.” I yell at her, forcefully dragging her down with me.

I see Liz watching us descend down the rocks and they all run up to me. I can’t even look at Liz without the guilt and remorse consuming me to the point of insanity. How will she ever forgive me?

“Kyle, guard her with your life.” I say thrusting Tess into his hands roughly. “She’s a prisoner from this point on.”

“I’m no one’s property.” She screams. “I have to go back Max. Let me go.”

“You don’t have a choice anymore. I’m the king, remember?” I say with narrowed eyes. “It’s time I start acting like one.”

Grabbing Liz’s hands in mine, I pull her towards me as the granilith begins to erupt. “Let’s move.”

Sprinting down the rocks, we all stop to watch as the granilith shoots out from the pod chamber and plummets into the sky leaving behind a cloud of smoke in it’s trail. It’s permanent now. We’re stuck here…with Tess. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all.

“You don’t have any idea what you just did.” Tess exclaims loudly. “We can’t ever return now. That was our only way home.”

“You're right. We don‘t know.” I reply, with Liz’s hand still tucked in mine. “But you're going to tell us every single thing that you know.”

“I’ve got nothing more to say.” She retorts.

“Can’t we just kill her?” Micheal says gruffly. “It’s the only thing fitting for all that she’s done.”

“Believe me, I wish we could.” I say glaring at her. “But she’s carrying my son. I can’t do that to him.”

At the mention of my son, I feel Liz start to pull her hand away from mine to take a step back. I don’t give her the opportunity to do so as I pull her in front of me to see her face. “I’ve been really wrong about a lot Liz. But I was right about one thing…to get you into my life, to be around you, to love you.” I say passionately.

“What about Tess Max?” She asks with tears in her eyes. “She’s still apart of your life…she’s still apart of you.”

“No.” I say shaking my head at her words. “There’s only one person who’s always been apart of me Liz, no matter where I was or what I was doing. That person is you. You always will be.” I whisper, holding her gaze. Nodding her head, I pull her into a fierce hug before turning back to the rest of the group.

“Let go of me.” I hear Tess demanding to Kyle.

“Can’t you ever shut up?” He replies annoyed. “What part of ‘not going anywhere’ don’t you understand?”

“You are all going to regret this.” She promises. “I swear it.”

“Not more than you will.” I retort coming to face her. “I meant it Tess. You’re going to pay. There’s no other decision to be made. You did that for us, didn’t you?”

“What are you talking about Max?” Micheal asks in confusion.

“She’ll inform you.” I reply. “But not now. We’ve gotta get out of here. We don’t know how many people witnessed that explosion. We can’t be here when they do.”

“And where do we go?” Maria asks. “Better yet, what are we supposed to do with her?” She spits out in disdain, glaring at Tess.

“We go back to Micheal’s apartment. Right now, it’s the most secretive place we have.”

“So she’s staying with me?” Micheal asks in affront. “I’m sorry Maxwell, but if you need to keep her alive, you’d better think that option over.”

“Relax.” I exclaim calmly. “That’s not what I was suggesting. I don’t know where we should keep her yet.”

“Well she’s not staying with us anymore.” Kyle induces. “This is the last of her I ever want to see.”

“How nice of you Kyle.” Tess says sarcastically looking up at him. “I’ll miss you too.”

“Hey…” I interject forcefully. “You’re the enemy Tess. No one else. You brought this upon yourself.”

“Whatever.” She dismisses me with a wave of her hand. “Do what you have to. See how that works out for you this time around.”

“And we will.” I reply heatedly.

“So how exactly do we leave Max?” Liz says averting my attention. “There’s only one means of transportation here.”

“And the jeep is gone.” Micheal includes.

“We can’t walk back.” Isabel says, standing as far away from Tess as she can. “That’ll look too obvious.”

“We can call my dad.” Kyle advises. “He’ll swing by and pick us up. Alien murderer included.” He says gesturing to Tess.

“Okay…we call Valenti.” I agree stepping forward. “Kyle, Tess, Micheal and Isabel ride back with him to the apartment. I’ll drive Maria and Liz…”

“Home.” Liz interrupts quietly, glancing up at me.

“Home?” I ask, staring down at her. “You're not coming?”

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea right now.” She says, dropping her gaze from mine.

That tells me all I needed to know. She wants her space… she doesn’t want to be apart of this. As much as I don’t fault her for feeling the way that she does, I can’t let her leave like this. I can’t let her go knowing what’s running through her mind.

“Liz...” I murmur to her bent head.

“No Max.” She says snapping her eyes back to mine. “It’s not what you're thinking. Maria and I…we’ve been gone for quite a while now. I’m sure our parents are wondering where we are. We aren‘t any help to any of you if we‘re grounded.” She explains logically.

Nodding my head with her explanation, I ask “Will I see you later?”

“You will.” She murmurs, staring up at me. “I promise.”

“Okay.” I say, still holding her stare. “I’ll ride with them I guess.”

“Liz is right.” Maria says looking up at Micheal. “I’ll see you later spaceboy.”

“Be careful.” He warns before kissing her lips. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” She replies before stepping over to Liz.

It’s so odd to witness their closeness. It’s what Liz and I used to share. Now I’m not so sure if she and I could ever get that back again.

I don’t turn away even as they disappear from my line of vision. I owe it to them as much as I do to myself to make sure that Alex’s death is payed for.

“What happens now Max?” Isabel asks from beside me.

Staring ahead, I answer her as truthfully as I could. “We avenge Alex’s death.”


TBC...

[Jason's Lover]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I'm still undecided about how long this fic will be but hopefully I'll know soon. I also changed the title from 'hours to days'...it's not that noticeable but still I wanted to let you guys know!

Due to Tess still remaining on the planet and not leaving to return like she did in "Four Aliens and a baby", a lot of dialogue from that episode will be used in this part. Maybe in the entire fic overall. Anyway, thanks and enjoy!


I don’t know where to start. I mean, surely she could mind warp us all and escape our clutches. But how the hell do you know when your being mind warped? When Tess started messing with my head when she first showed up, she only made me see things and do things that I wouldn’t normally do. I was unaware of it and merely a puppet in some way. What’s to stop here from doing it again? It’s not like there’s a noticeable sign when it‘s happening to you. I haven’t even asked Liz or Kyle about how they came to their conclusions about Tess. Maybe they’ll know what to look for. I just wish Liz would get here already. I need to make sure that she isn’t avoiding me. The very thought that she would fills me with a panic so terrible I think I might lose my mind.

“What the fuck do we do with her Maxwell?” Micheal says, snapping me from my thoughts. “She’s not talking. This is a waste of time.”

“Tell me about it.” Kyle mumbles with a tired sigh. “It’s getting us no where.”

“Like I mentioned before…,” Micheal says, coming to stand next to me. “We should just kill her and be done with the whole thing. No one here wants to deal with this mess. She's already done the damage. There’s nothing she could say to repair any of it.”

“Don’t you think I know that!” I yell out in frustration. “You think I want this? You think I enjoy being in this position…having all this responsibility thrusted upon me with no freaking way of knowing what’s right and what isn’t? I didn’t ask for any of this!”

“No one’s saying that Max.” Valenti says reassuringly. “Everyone’s just a little on edge with all that’s going on. It’s been a pretty difficult couple of weeks. We’re just trying to come to terms with what’s happened.”

“I know. I just…” I whisper brokenly sitting down on one of Micheal‘s counter stools. “I wish none of this was happening. And what makes everything worse is that now there’s a child involved. An innocent child that has her for a mother.”

“It’s a pity that wasn’t what you uttered when he was conceived, did you Max?” Tess says glaring over at me. “Infact, that was the farthest thing from your mind.”

“Haven’t you done enough?” Isabel snaps, answering her retort before I could. “God, we trusted you. We brought you into our lives and went against every warning we ever felt just to make you feel welcomed. And you betray us…you kill Alex and…” She cries, nearly hysterically. “You deserve none of our sympathy. We owe it to Alex to make sure you suffer. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure that you do.”

“Isn’t that the point of this idiotic gathering?” Tess exclaims, waving her arms around the room dramatically. “Then decide! Go against Max’s orders and kill me. See what happens when you do.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Micheal roars demandingly. “Stop beating around the bush and tell us what the fuck you know.”

“I don’t have to tell you anything.” She replies spitefully.

“I think you do Tess.”

Turning my gaze towards the door, I see Liz and Maria enter the apartment with a stack of papers in a folder.

“Liz…” I whisper despite myself. I can’t help my immediate reaction to having her near again. After weeks of us avoiding one another and the constant fighting, I’ll accept seeing her any way that I can. Even if we aren’t together.

“You’re the last person I’d ever want to talk to.” Tess sneers her way. “I hate you. I always will.”

“Likewise.” Liz retorts, walking over to the coffee table and dropping the folder down heavily in front of her. “This is all the information I collected since Alex’s death.”

“How noble of you.” Tess mocks.

Ignoring her comment completely, Liz says, “According to this paper…” She continues, pulling out a sheet from the folder, “Alex was in Sweden for a month doing research in this building. As it turns out, he never went there.”

“How do you know that Liz?” Isabel asks.

“This building has been torn down since 1994.” She explains.

“So where did he go?” Kyle asks in confusion.

“Not very far.” Liz says pulling out another document. “These are all emails sent from Alex at the University of New Mexico in Las Cruces.”

“What are you saying Liz?” I ask, standing up from my seat to look closely at the paper in her hand.

“I’m saying that Alex was here all that time.” She clarifies, turning to face me. “He was the one that decoded the book Max. She mind warped him into doing it until he finally broke out if it. When he realized what she was doing to him, he confronted her and that’s when she killed him.”

“Why?” Isabel asks, facing Tess. “Why was it so important for you to decode that book? To go home?”

“Tell them.” I growl at her when she refuses to answer. “Tell them what you told me.”

“Nasedo made a deal.” She confesses grudgingly.

“What deal?” Micheal asks suspiciously.

“To return home with Max’s heir and deliver the three of you to Kivar.”

“What?” Isabel screeches. “You planned this? You set this up?” She says louder.

“I had to do it.” She says, defending herself. “I had to fulfill my part.”

“Was killing Alex apart of that?” Maria says angrily.

“You couldn’t even begin to understand.” She retorts. “You don’t have any idea what it’s like to be me.”

“What?” Kyle says sarcastically. “A murderous manipulative hybrid? Real big notion we’re missing out on.”

“You of all people should understand Kyle.” She replies. “You know me better than anyone here.”

“No, I don’t.” He retorts with a dry laugh. “All I know is what a heartless person you are.”

“Kyle…” She cries out.

“I don’t want to hear it Tess.” He yells. “We took you into our home. We protected you. And how do you repay us? You brainwashed me into carrying Alex’s dead body!”

“I never meant to hurt you Kyle.”

“Well too late!” He exclaims loudly.

“You haven’t even heard my side of the story.” She says looking hurt.

“You have a side?” Kyle says in amusement. “The murderer has a side!”

“I was raised by a killer Kyle.” She begins justifiably. “A sick and twisted man…”

“Don’t play the victim here Tess.” He interrupts her purposely. “You know, out of all the aliens I’ve met…you’re the only one that has no soul. And I don’t ever want to see you again.” Kyle says definitively before walking out the apartment and slamming the door behind him.

“Let me know what you decide to do Max.” Valenti says, getting up to follow his son. “If you need any help at all, you know where I’ll be.”

“Thanks.” I nod in sincerity before he walks out the door.

Bringing my attention back to Tess, there’s something that I need to know. It’s been nagging me through this entire conversation and it won’t go away unless I just ask her.

“Are you…are you even pregnant?” I ask, my next breath lodged in my throat.

“Yes.” She answers calmly for the first time since this entire ordeal. “That much is true.”

“What else isn’t?” Liz asks, automatically picking up on the last thing she said.

“He can survive here.” She admits, looking defeated. “This atmosphere isn’t harmful to him.”

“How can that be?” I ask in confusion. “I felt that when I connected with him.”

“It was a mind warp. Something I needed you to believe.” She says candidly.

“Unbelievable.” Micheal mutters in disgust. “And this isn’t what you want to kill?”

“I had to do whatever it took to get Max to activate the granilith.” She insists.

“I can’t believe I fell for this.” I yell out angrily. “How the fuck stupid could I have been?”

“It’s not only you Max.” Liz says, looking over to me. “She fooled us all. Some more than others.” She whispers, turning away.

I know exactly what she’s thinking about. My betrayal to her as well. They’ll never be enough powers in the world that I could possess or even Tess to justify me sleeping with her. Nothing could.

“So what do we do with her now?” Isabel asks sitting down.

“Look…” Tess says standing up. “I won’t try to run or cause any more trouble, alright? I’m stuck here as it is…what’s the point.”

“Are we supposed to believe anything you have to say?” Maria asks incredulously. “How do we know you won’t mind warp us all and escape anyway?”

“I can’t really run and exhaust myself, now can I?” She gestures to her expanding abdomen. “He’s growing rapidly. I won’t risk anything insanely dangerous, especially if it means endangering him. If I wanted to, I would’ve done so already.”

“It wouldn’t matter Tess.” Liz induces. “We know how to detect your mind warps.”

“How?” I ask in interest.

“The tapping of the fingers.” Liz says, demonstrating the action on the counter top. “It’s how we discovered she killed Alex in the first place.”

“We?” I ask curiously.

“Maria and I.” She clarifies. “We noticed Kyle doing it earlier and then we saw Maria’s mom doing the same thing. Since Amy was mind warped by Tess, we figured the same thing happened to Kyle. We basically filled in the missing blanks from that point on.”

God, she’s brilliant. It’s one of the things I love about her… her uncanny ability to follow her instincts and never give up. If it wasn’t for her certainty that Alex was murdered and all the research that she’s done, we probably would be on Antar right now, in the hands of Kivar. I owe her more than I ever realized.

“How long until the baby’s born?” I ask Tess.

“About two weeks.”

“Is that a fact or another one of your well kept lies?” Isabel asks rudely.

“It’s the truth alright.” She retorts. “I am his mother, I should know.”

“Don’t remind us.” Maria quips.

“I don’t care what any of you think.” She exclaims. “All I’m concerned about now is making sure that my son’s safe. Whatever you want to do with me after he’s born then so be it. I’m tired of this life and being here with this group of people who never gave a damn about me. My life never mattered to any of you and right now, it doesn’t matter to me either.”

“That makes two us then.” Micheal says nonchalantly.

“None of that is what’s important now.” I say wearily. “She has to remain unharmed until my son is born. I’d appreciate it if you all understood that.”

“Whatever Maxwell.” Micheal replies. “I just hope you know what you're doing.”

So do I.


TBC…

Crystal

[Jason's Lover]

I know I shouldn’t be here, but I can’t help myself. After the meeting at Micheal’s place, I decided that Tess would remain in the same house she abandoned before the Valenti’s took her into their home. No one wants to babysit her and I couldn’t agree more. While her word means nothing to me, I have to believe that she won’t endanger our child. I don’t think I have a choice anymore. Giving her a lift there, I provided the basic necessities she’ll need. Food, water, clothing…she is carrying my child after all. It’s my responsibility to make sure she’s taken cared of until my son is born. I don’t like it, but it is what it is.

Afterwards, I drove around for a bit with no real destination in mind. I just needed some place to think. Some place to wallow in my self pity. An escape from the nightmare that’s become my life due to bad judgements and deceit. How did so much change in such a short span of time? Not so long ago, I was convinced that Liz and I would be together forever. That nothing and no one could ever come between us. So much for that dream. I screwed up. I fucked up so bad that it could possibly cost me the normal existence I’ve always wanted with the one girl I’ve ever loved…that I still love. I don’t know how to stop loving her. She’s embedded in my soul.

And so, here I am. Where I’ve ended up after hours of searching and driving…Liz’s balcony. I know I don’t have the right to be anywhere near her, but my heart isn’t listening. It never did when it came to Liz.

She’s sitting on her bed writing. In her journal I believe. It’s something she always did before going to bed. It’s like a ritual for her. I’d give anything to read it. Not for the pleasure of wanting to discover her deepest secrets, but to know if she still loves me like I love her. It’s the hope that maybe she still does that keeps me going. Some days it’s the only thing I have.

Sensing my presence, she looks to the window and her gaze collides with mine. There was a time when I knew exactly what she was thinking or feeling just by looking into her eyes. Now they seem so out of reach…so unreadable. It fills me with a despair so deep to know how much things have changed between us.

Getting up from her position on the bed, she walks over slowly to her window and opens the latchet. Pushing it up carefully, her dark eyes follow me as I kneel down to her level.

“I’m sorry…,” I begin, raising my eyes to meet her guarded ones. “If I disturbed you. I know it’s late.”

“It’s okay.” She murmurs quietly with a shake of her head. A lock of her chocolate hair comes loose from her pony tail and I literally itch with the desire to push it behind her ears. She does it without my help.

“What’s going on?” She asks.

Loaded question, I think to myself. What’s not going on these days.

“Everything.” I answer with a heavy shrug. She nods her head in understanding.

“Where’s Tess?”

Not particularly the person I want to be discussing right now, but I know why she brought it up. It’s to steer any conversation away from her…or from us. The thought displeases me greatly.

“She’s…home.” I say after a brief silence. “Back at the house she lived in before, you know… before Valenti took her in. I just thought that would be best for now.”

“Yeah…,” She agrees, dropping her gaze. “I mean, she doesn’t have any other place to go. It only makes sense.”

“I guess.” I murmur, looking at her bent head.

“And she’s pregnant…with your son.” She continues. “She has to be ---”

“Liz…,” I interrupt her gently. “I…I didn’t come here to talk about Tess.”

Snapping her gaze back to mine, she eyes me warily before speaking. “Then why did you?”

“You know why.” I say, not breaking her gaze.

“Max…,” She sighs heavily. “Can we not do this right now?”

“I know…I know you don’t want to.” I respond hesitantly. “But, you need to know Liz. I have to tell you ---”

“There’s nothing left to say Max.” She replies, looking at me wearily. “Nothing’s changed. I realize that more now than I ever have before.”

“You're wrong Liz.” I exclaim. “Everything’s changed. All that I thought I knew…thought I understood. I didn’t understand anything.”

“We can’t be together Max.” She says sadly. “Too much has happened. Things that I can’t forgive.”

“I thought you slept with Kyle.” I blurt out. “You pushed me away when all I wanted…all I ever wanted was to be with you. What else was I supposed to do after I’ve done and tried everything?”

“You were supposed to be a King Max.” She answers firmly with a hint of anger in her tone. “You were supposed to be the leader you were destined to be and free your people. It’s why I did what I did. I didn’t push you into Tess’s bed…I didn’t make you impregnate her.”

“I’m not blaming you.” I exclaim deprecatingly. “There’s no reason enough to justify what I did. I know that. I’m living with the consequences. I’m just trying to understand Liz. I just want to know what went so wrong. Why couldn’t I be the leader I was supposed to be with you be my side?”

“Because we couldn’t Max.” She says wiping her tears from her eyes. “We just…we couldn’t. I had to let you go.”

“Why?” I ask in persistence. “That can’t be the only reason. Why did you fight so hard for us to not be together? Why did you pretend to sleep with Kyle?”

“Max…,” She whispers brokenly. “It’s in the past. It’s over and ---”

“I know there was more to it then just wanting me to stop pursuing you.” I cry out in frustration. “It’s something else entirely. Just tell me Liz. Stop lying to me.”

She turns away from my gaze and takes a deep breathe. Facing me again, she looks absolutely burdened. Like she’s carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. I hope to god she lets me in…that she tells me the truth once and for all.

“You asked me to Max.” She murmurs, tears glistening in her eyes.

What the hell is she talking about? I’d never ask her to do something like that. “Liz, what are you talking about?” I ask in confusion. “I never asked you to do anything.”

“You did Max.” She exclaims insistently. “You came to me from fourteen years into the future for my help.”

“Liz…,” I begin skeptically. “What you're saying doesn’t make any sense. How could I come back from the future? Time travel isn’t possible.”

“It is Max.” She says, wiping her eyes and squaring her shoulders as if she’s getting ready to tell me the biggest secret she’s ever kept. In some weird way, I think it is. “The granilith was assembled to bring you back to the past. Sort of like a time machine.”

“You came to me from the future.” She continues. “Your enemies came to earth and you weren’t strong enough to defeat them. Everyone died and you came back to prevent it. To change the course in time that messed everything up.” She says in desperation.

“And I told you this?” I ask, pointing to myself. “Let’s say that it actually happened Liz? What does that have to do with us?”

“It’s because of us that things got so screwed up Max.” She says, staring at me with wide eyes. “Because you loved me and not Tess. You pushed her away and she left Roswell. That’s why you weren’t strong enough to defeat the skins when they invaded. You, Micheal, Isabel and Tess created a complete unit when you were all together. Your powers were stronger, more amplified. Without her, you failed.”

This sounds like one great big story but if anyone should know about how the unbelievable can also be the truth, it’s Liz. I believe her. I’m an alien for god’s sake. It can’t get any more stranger than that.

“So what are you saying Liz?” I ask, after she's finished. “That the end of the world occurred because we loved each other?”

“Exactly.” She murmurs quietly. “I had to find a way to make you stop loving me. I said all of those hurtful things to you in your room that night, all lies that I needed you to believe and it didn’t work. You didn’t give up.”

“So you went to Kyle.” I conclude.

“Yes.” She whispers, her eyes closed. “I asked for his help and he agreed. I set the whole thing up. And to see your face afterwards, when you came to my window…It was the hardest thing I ever had to.”

Sitting their silently after her revelation, I just don’t know what to say. All this time I thought she did what she did out of her own belief that she wasn’t what I needed when I have a whole race of people depending on me. Turns out, this future version of myself told her just that and she sacrificed her own happiness, and mine, just to save me in the end. To save all of us. And she wonders why I can’t ever stop loving her?

“Liz…,” I say in gentle whisper. “Thank you.”

“For what?” She says looking up at me. “It just made everything worse. Alex died, Tess betrayed us and now she’s pregnant with your child. I didn’t make anything better.”

Reaching out and taking her hand in mine, I say, “You can’t stop what’s supposed to happen Liz. And things are different now. Granted, they weren’t a turn for the better, but it will be in the end. It has to be.”

She stares into my eyes and for the first time in a long while, I can see what she’s feeling. I can see her relief at having finally told me the truth. I can also see her hesitance to believe that anything can go back to the way they once were.

“I might’ve came back and got you to change this timeline, but don’t you see Liz?” I ask, wanting nothing more than to reach out and touch her. “He failed in trying to make me stop loving you. Because I never could. I’ll always love you.”

With my confession, she smiles sadly and nods her head in acknowledgement. “I know you do.” She says with a tear rolling down her cheek. “I love you too Max…but, we can’t have what we want right now. It’s still a fragile situation with Tess…you’ve got a child that’ll be here soon who’ll need you more than I do. And I’m…I’m still hurt Max. I need time to heal and to get back on track. I need…space.”

Nodding with her words, I knew it wasn’t going to be as simple. As satisfied as I am that she told me the truth, I know it’s going to take a lot more for her trust me again. For us to build back our foundation. I’ll do everything I can to make sure that happens. Cause truth be told, I won’t be truly complete until she’s mine again. I need her…I can’t survive without her.

Releasing her hand reluctantly, I look into her eyes once more and smile gratefully. “Thank you Liz, for what you did for me…for all of us. I’ll always appreciate it.”

She returns my smile and I forge ahead with what I really want to say before I lose my nerve. “I know you want your space right now, and I’ll gladly give it to you. It’s the least I could do. But, you have to understand that we belong together Liz. Whether you want to believe it or not, we will always find our way back to one another. Not because I’m persistent or that I can’t let you go, but because it’s meant to be. I hope that one day, you’ll be able to forgive me for my mistakes. For hurting you…for an abundance of other things I wish I’d never done. So have your space Liz, but it won’t be forever. Because I can’t live without you…and I refuse to.”

Holding her gaze much like I did when I told her ‘I’m coming for you’ in what seems like just yesterday, I walk away abruptly and climb down her ladder with a lighter heart.

This isn’t the end. It’s only just begun.

TBC…

Crystal

[Jason's Lover]

“So, how are you…doing?”

“I’m fine.” She answers quietly.

“And the baby?” I prod in unspoken concern.

“He’s fine too.” Tess answers with a hand pressed to her abdomen. “There isn’t any morning sickness if that’s what you're asking. And he doesn’t move that much. I guess alien pregnancies lack the downside of all the normal stuff.”

Feeling extremely uncomfortable with the easy way she talks about our son, I nod my head duly and stand up. It’s rather stupid, but I can’t stay here a minute longer. My skin is prickling just sitting near her.

“I brought more things over.” I say, scratching my eyebrow in nervousness. “Things you might need or whatever. I’ll be um…I’ll be back tomorrow.”

Making my way towards the door, my hand’s on the knob before her voice calls out to me. “Max, wait.”

Turning around slowly, I wait to hear what she has to say. “Stay, please. Maybe we could talk.”

“Talk about what?” I ask cautiously.

“I know you don’t want to be here.” She says on a exaggerated sigh. “I know you don’t want this responsibility.”

Not bothering to deny or rectify her comments, I stand there stiffly with my hands in my pockets. What does she want me to say? You’re wrong? Well, she isn’t. I’d give anything to erase this moment from my life.

Aware of my guarded stance, she drops her eyes and releases a deep breathe. “I’m sorry Max. For everything.”

She’s sorry? She ruins my life and that’s all she has to say? The unbridled anger I feel rushing through my veins almost makes me stagger.

“Then why did you do it Tess?” I ask angrily. “Why would you fuck up my entire world and then be sorry about it?”

“I know you’re angry.” She says calmly. “You have every right to be. I didn’t mean for any of this to---”

“That does nothing for me.” I interrupt rudely, sending her a heated glare. “Your apologies and your words of comfort for the moment does nothing to help to me. I’m still trapped in this nightmare. I’m still living in this inane illusion that’s become my life.”

“I don’t know what else you want me from me.” She whispers.

“I want you to stop acting like you care.” I yell, running my fingers through my hair in frustration. “I want you to stop pretending that you ever cared about me…about any of us. I know you didn’t.”

“That’s not true Max.” She replies, shaking her head vigorously. “I did care about you. I still do.”

“It doesn’t matter now.” I say firmly. “All I care about is my son and fixing my life.”

“Max…,” She pleads.

“After he’s born…,” I continue, ignoring her plea completely. “I want you out of my life.”

Not even bothering to wait for her response, I open the door and slam it forcefully behind me.

*****

It doesn’t take me long to notice where my feet swept me off to after leaving Tess’s house. I haven’t been here in like forever. The glowing sign outside brings a smile to my face. I missed this place. The air of innocence about it. I never wished more than I ever did at this moment, that one of my powers should’ve been time reversal. For some reason, something tells me it wouldn’t have turned out perfect in another time either.

Pushing through the double doors, the familiar jingle alerts the patrons of a new customer. Searching her out with my eyes, I find her behind the counter filling a drink. She looks up and catches my gaze. Smiling shyly, she lowers her stare and returns to her task. I know I promised her I’d give her space, but I can’t seem to stay away. I’ve stayed away for so long that now that I have the opportunity to see her again, the urge to be around her intensifies ten fold. I literally crave her presence.

After our talk last night, I finally felt that maybe things could work out again. She’s made it perfectly clear of her feelings for me and vice versa. But I know it won’t be that easy. I’d give anything to pick up where we left off, but Liz could never cave so easily. I know how badly I hurt her. I’m lucky if she’ll ever forgive me. It seems unlikely that we’ll be on the same page romantically any time soon, but I can’t stop trying. I meant every word I told her last night. I’d have to die before I give her up.

Sitting in my usual booth, I pick up the menu and browse the meals. It’s pretty irrelevant at this point since I know every thing listed on the menu by heart. The simplicity of it fills me with an odd sense of comfort. It’s nice to know that at least one miniscule detail hasn’t vanished completely from my lifestyle.

Sensing her near, I discreetly watch her from the corner of my eye, walking towards me with her order pad out. Trying my best to not seem too eager, I bring my eyes back to the menu until she reaches my table.

“Hi, Max.” She says quietly.

“Hey.” I reply, looking up into her face. There’s never a day when she doesn’t look beautiful. How could I have ever thought I’d get over her? “How are you?”

“I’m fine.” She answers with a small smile. “Would you like to order something?”

“Sure.” I nod hastily. “How about um…,” I begin, pretending to scan the menu. “Some saturn rings.”

“Okay.” She nods, writing it down. “Saturn rings coming right up.”

As she turns to walk away, I grab her wrist and spin her around. “You didn’t ask me what I wanted to drink.” I remind her, seeing the question in her eyes.

“Cherry coke Max.” She answers automatically. “It’s what you always order.”

The expression on my face must be one of complete surprise because she laughs lightly and gently removes her wrist from my grip. “I didn’t forget Max. I never could.” She says sincerely.

Watching her walk away from my booth, I smile widely and relax. It looks like I’ll be here for a while.

She comes back with my order fifteen minutes later and I offer her a seat since her break was due in the next five minutes.

“Just for a little bit.” She promises, plopping down in the seat. “I don’t want my dad to come see me here and blow a fuse.”

“Why would he?” I ask, confused.

Her eyes flit away from mine as she removes the antennae from her hair. “I kind of told him about you and I and the whole thing that happened, alien details excluded of course. Now he’s just a little more protective than usual.” She explains with a shrug.

“That’s understandable.” I murmur with a nod. “I guess, I would be too if I were in his position.”

That’s an understatement to be exact. I know I’ll soon be a father to a baby boy and I’d shield him from any danger with my life. But it’s different with a girl. I know I’d fight tooth and nail with any guy that could potentially break my daughter’s heart. Liz’s father has every right to be cautious. I don’t blame him.

“Don’t worry Max.” She says in reassurance, placing her hand on top of mine. “It’s not like he’ll come down here and attack you with a two by four. He knows better than to get involved.”

Feeling the warmth of her hand seeping through me, I fight off the desire to clasp her hand in mine and keep her here. It’s all to soon when she removes her hand and picks an onion ring from my plate.

“Hungry?” I ask.

“A little.” She smiles sheepishly. “I haven’t eaten anything since breakfast this morning.”

Spinning my plate around to her side, I offer her more and she happily accepts. It’s been so long since we’ve been able to sit and be comfortable with one another like we are now. I guess it’s due to the fact that their aren‘t any secrets between us anymore. I know about future Max…the complete ass that he was…I was. It’s still hard to believe that that ever happened. I have the distinct urge to ask her more about him, but alien related issues are at the center of our existences. I feel like discussing something normal for a change.

“How’s Maria?” I inquire. She and I bonded a lot over the course of this year. It was often her that ever really listened to my constant ramblings of insecurities and theories on my and Liz’s relationship. It’s odd how the person you least expect ends up being your very voice of reason and solace more times than you cared to remember. I owe Maria a lot.

“She’s hanging in there.” Liz replies solemnly. “Micheal’s been really helpful to her during this entire thing. He’s really proven himself.”

“He has, hasn’t he?” I say in contemplation. “It seems like he’s had his shit together more often than I ever imagined I could. Maybe he should be the king after all.”

“Or maybe he’s just supposed to be your anchor when you fall.” She muses thoughtfully. “There’s a reason you’ve been chosen for this Max. Just because you’re a king doesn’t mean you won’t make mistakes. That’s part of the process. You mess up and then you learn from it. There’s nothing self indulgent about it.”

Does she not see how much I need her in my life? That evaluation was something I’d never be able to see on my own. She always saw the good in everything. Quite the optimist.

“Thank you…for saying that.” I tell her genuinely. “I never quite looked at it that way before. I’ve just, always seen it as this curse. This hindrance on my life and all the things I wanted to do and experience. It still is.”

She watches me intently as I speak and her gaze never wavers. I don’t even think I’ve seen her blink.

“It is a burden.” She agrees, dropping her gaze briefly. “Especially for a seventeen year old guy that just wants…normal.” She murmurs, looking up at me then with a hint of regret and longing in her eyes. “But you can’t fight fate Max. If this is something your born to do then so be it, the rest will fall into place if it’s truly meant to be.”

Our eyes lock and we just sit there and stare at one another for what seems like an eternity. The ringing of the bell from the kitchen finally manages to break us out of our stupor.

“My orders are backing up.” She sighs reluctantly, and stands up from the booth. “I guess break time is over.” She whispers with an apology in her tone.

“It’s okay.” I say with a grin, watching her readjust the antennae on her head. “You’ve got a job to do.”

“Stay as long as you like.” She blurts out unceremoniously. “I mean, if you want to.”

“Sure.” I say with a nod. “I’d like that.”

She smiles and walks off behind the counter resuming her orders. When she disappears into the backroom ten minutes later, I watch the door avidly for her to reappear.

The front door jingles again and it sways my attention briefly. When I see who it is that enters, my eyes darken and I feel an unjustified measure of jealously take over me.

Sean Deluca strolls in, his eyes scanning the room much like I did when I came in and my eyes narrow with the action. I know that he and Liz had gotten somewhat close over the last few months, but by the looks of it, something else might’ve happened as well.

I know I should be the last person feeling territorial of Liz after all I put her through, but I can’t quite control the reaction I convey when he’s around. I just feel like he’s always there, waiting for the day when Liz realizes that she deserves better and turns to him instead. The sudden fear that maybe that day isn’t too far away seizes me with a panic I’ve never felt so sharp.

He spots me in the far corner and walks over in purposeful strides to my booth. Sitting down across from me without invitation, he looks me dead in the eyes and the familiar smug that’s always etched on his face doesn’t seem to be anywhere in sight tonight.

“I want to know what the hell you did to Liz.” He demands bluntly.

“I didn’t do anything to her.” I reply, not backing down from his cold stare. I don’t know what he thinks I’ve done, but I’m not about to air my dirty laundry out with a stranger.

“See, now your bullshitting me.” He retorts. “I don’t believe a single thing that comes out of your mouth. And neither should Liz.”

“You can believe whatever the fuck you want to Sean. I don’t have to answer your questions.” I exclaim in annoyance. Who the hell does this guy thinks he is?

“Liz deserves better.” He says fiercely. “I won’t pretend that I know anything about your past together, but what I do know is that you're not what she needs. All you do is hurt her and make her unhappy.”

“You're right.” I reply indifferently. “Maybe I do hurt her and perhaps she does deserve better, but do you really think that you’re any consolation? The fact is, you don’t know anything about me and Liz. I suggest you keep it that way.”

“Is that a threat?” He asks with a raised eyebrow.

“You can take that however you want to Sean.” I answer calmly. “It doesn’t matter to me.”

“I guess we’ll just have to see, now won’t we?” He smirks, standing up from the booth. “I’ll be watching you Evans. You better believe I will.”

Leaving the café just as abruptly as he came, I have to wonder what the hell exactly did happen between him and Liz.

My instincts tell me it’s more than I could have ever wanted to know.


TBC…

Crystal

[Jason's Lover]

“Where’ve you been?”

Spinning around at the unexpected voice, I lose my balance and fall the rest of the way inside my room, landing hard on the floor.

“Fuck!” I hiss, cursing myself for making as much noise as I did. My parents are sure to have heard the racket.

“God, could you be any clumsier?” Isabel sighs, watching me from her perched position at the edge of my bed. “So, where were you?”

The loud thump my body makes on the ground doesn’t deter her from her asinine questioning. She’s never been known to give up…at any aspect. This is no exception.

“Could I pick my ass up off the floor before the third degree?” I ask sarcastically, getting up from the ground. Shutting back my window, I flip on the light and take off my jacket. “Shouldn’t you be sleeping?”

“I would be if mom and dad hadn’t kept knocking on my door every five minutes to ask me if I know where you are.” She retorts, her irritation clearly evident on her face. “It’s been driving me crazy.”

“I went for a walk.” I explain with a shrug. “It’s no big deal.”

“A walk?” She questions disbelievingly. “Is that your secret lingo for saying I’ve really been with Liz all night?”

“Isabel, please, not now alright.” I warn her wearily, sitting at my desk chair to take off my sneakers. “It’s been a long day.”

“Not only for you dear little brother.” She quips, rolling her eyes. “This is the third night you’ve missed dinner.”

“So?”

“And you didn’t clean the garage like dad asked you to.” She reminds me.

“Okay…,” I shrug carelessly, not seeing the objective in her observations.

“You even forgot to give Mrs. Spencer her paper that’s in our mailbox every morning.” She continues, her hands folded on top of her chest. “You never forget that Max.”

“Is there a point to all of this?” I ask in annoyance. “If not, I’d really like to go to bed.”

“You don’t get it do you?” She questions, looking at me in disbelief.

“What don’t I get Isabel?” I say in a defeated tone.

“They're getting suspicious.” She says pointedly. “You're not acting like yourself Max.”

“I haven’t exactly been myself lately if you didn’t notice.” I retort. “A lot’s happened.”

“You’re doing things that are uncharacteristic of you Max.” Isabel says in earnest. “They notice it. They’re our parents…they can tell when anything is wrong.”

“So, I forget dinner a couple of times.” I say in nonchalance. “That automatically means something's wrong?”

“Isn’t there?” She cries out, waving her hands around.

“Isabel…,”

“They’re asking questions Max.” She exclaims, sighing heavily.

“What kind of questions?” I ask. I was taking this lightly, but that surely got my attention.

“All kinds of things.” She answers with a shake of her head. “About where you go every night, and what happened between you and Liz. They ask about Tess and her involvement with you. Dad’s also been asking about the jeep. He wants to know why you keep taking his range rover without asking him.”

“And what do you tell them?”

“I evade what I can and answer the others the best way possible without saying too much.” She reveals, running her fingers through her hair. “It seems like it’s not enough.”

“Can’t you tell them something else?” I ask hopefully. “Throw them off for a little while longer?”

“There’s but so much I could tell them Max until they start realizing it’s all lies.” She says in rebuttal. “This is hard enough as it is.”

“Well what the hell am I supposed to do?” I ask, fed up with the entire situation. “I’ve got a lot going on and I’m trying to make everything work. I can’t deal with this on top of everything else.”

“And I can?” She asks angrily. “You’re not the only one dealing with grief Max. Tess’s betrayal affected all of us. We’re all victims here.”

“I know.” I murmur quietly. “I know that we’re all suffering. I just, I feel so responsible for everything that’s happened. I’m not sure if I could ever get things back to the way they were.”

Her ire deflates and she lays a comforting hand on my shoulder. “I don’t think they can Max. We have to focus on the future. You can’t go back…no matter how much you may want to.”

It wasn’t that long ago that Liz said almost the exact same thing to me. Her words never rung more truer than they do at this moment.

Swiveling the chair around, I look up into her face searching for answers that I desperately need. “So what do I do about mom and dad?”

“I don’t know.” She yawns loudly, snaking her hand up to cover her mouth. “Whatever you do decide, make sure you do it soon. I’m going to bed. ‘Nite Max.”

“Yeah, goodnight.” I mumble, to her retreating figure. As the door shuts behind her, I lean back heavily in the chair and close my eyes. Passing a weary hand over my face, I get up slowly and drop myself onto the bed looking up at the ceiling.

Why couldn’t I just be normal?

*****

“It’s your serve.” Micheal calls out, passing me the ball.

Catching it with one hand, I dribble around him and aim for the hoop. Tossing a lay up, the ball circles the rim before falling out into Micheal’s waiting hands.

Damn, can’t I ever catch a break?

“God, your game is shitty today Maxwell.” Micheal comments, dribbling the ball and shooting it before I could steal it. “I mean, my defense is pretty much always in tact, but when it comes to making a basket, that’s always been your thing.”

“Thanks for pointing that out. I appreciate it.” I say sarcastically, making my way to the bench. “I need a break.”

“We just had one.” He exclaims, watching me in annoyance with the ball poised in his hand.

“Well, another one then.” I retort, gulping down a full bottle of Gatorade.

Dropping the ball, he walks over to the bench and sits down heavily. “What crawled up your ass this morning?” He asks candidly, sipping his water.

“More than usual?” I say jokingly, wiping the sweat from my face with a towel.

“Is it Liz?” He questions, watching me intently.

“Why does everyone keep asking me that?” I cry out in exasperation.

“Max, from experience, we all knew that anytime you were in a sour mood, it more than likely had something to do with Liz.” Micheal points out unapologetically.

“Well, it doesn’t.” I say in weak defense. Noticing the skeptic look he gives me, I relent somewhat. “Maybe a little.”

“I knew it.” He replies smugly.

“It’s not just her.” I deny hotly. “It’s everything. Tess, my parents, and this child that’s about to be born. I’m under tremendous pressure and I just feel like any day now I’ll explode on something or someone.”

“I’ve been there too many times than I’d like to recall.” He says in remembrance. “It wasn’t pretty.”

“What did you do?” I ask in helplessness. “How did you cope with it?”

“Well, we went to Vegas.” He says with a smirk. “That kind of helped.”

“A vacation isn’t optional right now Micheal.” I say rolling my eyes. “What did you really do?”

“I looked around.” He says simply, sitting back on the bench. “I looked around and realized that I wasn’t alone in this world. I had Maria, you and Isabel, and even Liz. I didn’t have to make everything my burden. You don’t have to either.”

“It’s my mistakes.” I say in refusal, shaking my head in defiance. “No one should have to shoulder any of the blame but me.”

“That may be true…,” He says with a nod of his head while scratching his chin. “But you're in a family Maxwell. You have people here that care about what you do to yourself. We don’t like seeing you like this. So naturally we’d do what we can to help.”

Listening to him talk, a prickling sensation flits across my senses. It’s a vaguely familiar awareness and it only occurs when Liz is near. Lifting my head up swiftly, I scan the park to search her out. Finally spotting her, my heart drops when my gaze lands on who she’s with.

“And think about Liz…,” Micheal continues, unaware that my attention has shifted. “What would she say? She’s---”

“Out on a stroll with Sean Deluca.” I bite out, completing his sentence. There walking close together and smiling as they go. What the hell could he possibly be saying that’s got her giggling like that? I feel my blood turn to ice at the display. I knew something was going on between them. Why didn’t she just tell me? I’d gladly step aside if it’s him she wanted.

“What the hell are you talking---oh…,” Micheal says, dumbfounded when his gaze follows mine. “Damn, that’s harsh man.”

Watching them for a while longer, I ignore the pang of hurt that suddenly flew through my veins. Picking up my things from the bench, I turn to Micheal to see him watching me with a curious expression.

I shake my head and stand up from the bench. “What we’re you saying about Liz?” I sneer angrily, gesturing to the scene we just saw.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I know that my reaction may be a little unjustified, but I’m not exactly thinking very rationally at the moment.

“Max, don’t jump to conclusions.” Micheal says pointedly, standing up as well. “You don’t know the facts yet.”

“You just saw them with your own eyes Micheal.” I yell. “There’s nothing left to assume.”

“Max…,”

“No Micheal.” I interrupt, holding up a hand to stop his reassurances. “I am alone. I always will be.”

I walk away from him then and out of the park in angry strides. I really feel like punching something right about now.

I’d love to give Sean Deluca’s face a few good blows.

I hate that guy.


TBC…

Crystal

[Jason's Lover]

Life sucks right now. I’ve avoided Liz at every turn and I feel so miserable about it. I want to go to her and see her so bad but I just know that when I look at her I’ll probably explode. I mean, I know what I saw. She was definitely looking kind of cozy with Sean yesterday morning.

And I know, I’m the last person that should ever be jealous. After all, I did commit the biggest treachery of them all. I slept with Tess. Liz was just…walking, with Sean fucking Deluca. God, why does that bother me so much? Liz and I aren’t together. No matter how much I wish that was different, I can’t change what’s happened between her and I. Regardless of how the thought kills me, I guess I knew that during the time we were apart, she’d be interested in other guys, but why him? He isn’t any more better for her than I am. And it doesn‘t seem like he‘s giving up either. He’s like a leech waiting to suck the rest of Liz’s attention and take her away from me. I know he hates my guts. He’s made that perfectly clear the other day.

It just seems more and more like a competition between us. I mean, I love Liz. I always have and nothing can change that. I know without a shadow of a doubt that she deserves the best, but no one can ever love her like I do. It’s just impossible. And Sean, I don’t know what his intentions are, but he definitely doesn’t want Liz and I together ever again.

The bottom line is, Sean Deluca irks the hell out of me. I just need to find out how serious his and Liz’s relationship is before I talk to her. The need to know is almost consuming me.

There’s only one person who can give me all the answers I’m desperately looking for.

Pushing my way through the Crashdown’s double doors, I sit at my regular booth and wait for her to notice me. Never one to disappoint, she walks over from behind the counter and takes a seat in total Maria fashion. The action brings a small smile to my face. I miss hanging out with her.

“Liz isn’t here.” She informs me before I could even open my mouth.

“I know.” I reply sheepishly, tugging at my ear. “I'm ah…I’m actually here to talk to you.”

“Me?” She asks, looking perplexed. “That’s a surprise.”

“Why?” I ask, a little confused.

“Max, I know we bonded a lot last summer.” She says sincerely, looking directly at me. “But this year, we barely brushed shoulders. I mean, a girl can take a clue despite what the guys say in the locker room.”

“It’s not like that.” I deny defensively. “So much was going on. Liz and I were at odds and I...I didn’t think you’d want to be around me.”

“Max…,” She says patiently. “You and Liz are both my friends. Just because you guys weren’t on cloud nine doesn’t mean that your company was unwelcomed either.”

“I’m sorry.” I apologize, lowering my gaze from hers briefly. “I was selfish and completely inconsiderate.” Shaking my head self deprecatingly, I grimace and say, “Tess really did a number on me didn’t she?”

“Like the lotto.” Maria agrees, looking sympathetic. “Don’t worry. I forgive you.”

“Thanks.”

“So, with that being said…,” She continues, sitting back. “What’s up?”

Clearing my throat, I lean forward before plunging ahead. “What do you know about um…Sean and Liz?”

“Sean and Liz?”

“Yeah.” I nod, my gaze riveted to her face. “Are they…going out or something?”

Preparing my heart to hear the words I’ve dreaded, she does the last thing I ever expected. She laughs. Hard and long. What the hell could she possibly find about this so hilarious?

“Maria…,” I sigh impatiently. “Maria, stop laughing. This isn’t funny. I’m seriously asking here.”

“I know you are.” She wheezes out, chuckling despite herself. “That’s what’s so funny about it.”

“What?” I ask, a frown instantly appearing on my face.

“They’re friends Max.” She says sobering up, wiping a tear from her eye. “Nothing more.”

“Are you sure?” I ask insistently.

“Sean is my cousin and Liz is my best friend. If something was going on between them, I’d already know about it.”

“What if you’re wrong?” I ask. The doubt unwilling to disappear. “What if they’re something more and they haven’t told anyone about it?”

“Max…,” She cries in exasperation. “Chill out dude. I know what I’m talking about. I always know the scoop.”

“But---”

“Sean is a loser.” She says, cutting me off. “Granted, he’s family, but still. I know Liz. She may have some kind of twisted empathy or attraction towards him, god only knows why, but that’s all it is. They’re like oil and water. It just doesn’t mix.”

“I saw them together.” I blurt out, unable to hold it in anymore.

“You saw them doing what together?” She asks cautiously.

“They were…walking.” I mumble, realizing how retarded I must sound right now.

“Okay…walking.” She nods, watching me blankly. “Since when was that boxed in with sex?”

“I didn’t say that.” I deny weakly, shuddering with her reminder of what I did. I don’t think I’ll ever forgive myself for sleeping with Tess. It was the biggest mistake of my life.

“Then what are you saying?”

“They looked cozy to me.” I defend pathetically, with a shrug. “Like they were having fun.”

“So you're saying you don’t want Liz to have fun?” She asks with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes…No…I mean---,” I exclaim, closing my eyes at my stupidity. “I…I don’t know what the hell I mean.”

“You want me to give you the real deal on what’s going on?” She says, looking serious for the first time since we began this conversation.

Nodding my head, she takes a deep breathe and begins. “Liz loves you. I know that, you know that and even Sean knows that. But she’s hurt. She sacrificed so much and yet she still can’t have the one thing she wants more than the world itself. She can’t have you Max. And it’s killing her. Everyday.”

“She can have me.” I reply, my voice breaking with her words of Liz’s predicament. “All I want is for her to have me.”

“It‘s not that simple.” She retorts. “Max, you're about to have a son. This innocent child that’s going to need all of your attention and time. How could she ever compete with that?”

I knew it was going to boil down to this. I knew it was going to become a matter of who’s my number one priority. The woman I love or my child? I never wanted this to happen.

“And you know Liz.” She continues. “She’d never ask that of you. If anything, she understands the situation, but it’s not all peaches and cream either. And I guess, Sean is her escape. He makes her laugh and takes her focus away from all the alien mumbo jumbo and problems. I won’t necessarily say she’s using him, because I really do think she cares about Sean, but that’s all it is Max. It’s a release of some sort. The only time when she isn’t hurting so much thinking about you.”

I’ve got to be the lowest scum on this planet and mine. Here I am, bridled with jealousy, while Liz is hurting over my stupid mistakes and wrong decisions. How could she still love me after all of this?

“So, this is it.” I murmur in defeat. “Liz and I will never be together. I’ll never get her back…because of my son.”

“I didn’t say that.” She says softly.

“But it’s the truth.” I laugh dryly, dropping my head into my hands. “I should’ve known this, right? I mean, I’m the one that fucked up. I fucked up and now the only thing that was worth living for in my life won’t be there anymore.”

“Max…,”

“I love her Maria.” I say fiercely, looking back into her face again. “I keep telling you that, but I don’t think you understand how much I mean it. It’s literally to a point, that if I can’t be with her, I’d go insane. Call it obsession or possessiveness or whatever word you want to use, but it’s the way I feel. I’m trying to give her the space she wants and not pressure her into anything, but the mere thought that there’s someone else out there that wants to be with her…that wants to be with her, the way that I want to be with her, it just…it kills me.”

“You're not telling me anything new Max.” She says, laying a comforting hand on mine. “I know you love her. It’s written all over your face.”

“What am I supposed to do?” I ask wearily. “Let her go?”

“For someone that’s supposed to be a king, you surely don’t have a clue.” Maria jokes, a small smile gracing her lips.

“Huh?”

“Faith Max.” She says, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “When you guys were together, that was a huge part of your relationship. I don’t think it should be any less different now that you're friends. You have to believe that everything is going to work out. Otherwise, what’s the point in even trying?”

“Faith.” I say ponderingly, sitting back in my seat.

“Well, you think about that while I close the restaurant.” She says, patting my hand gently and standing up. “I promised Micheal I’d bring him an asteroid pie.”

“Maria…,” I call out, before she walked away. “Thanks. For everything.”

She smiles warmly and nods her head. “That’s what I’m here for.”

Leaving me to my thoughts, I can’t help but store our conversation to mind. She is right as usual.

Faith was always something I had when Liz and I were together. I guess after things got so messed up, I forgot what that meant.

It’s time to remember.

Taking my precious time getting home, I park my dad’s rover back in the garage as quietly as I could and sneak to my window. Apparently, luck wasn’t on my side tonight. The freaking latch is locked and I don’t recall doing it either.

Walking around the house to the entrance of the side door, I unlock it with my powers and smoothly slide my body inside without making too much noise.

Just when I thought it was safe to climb the stairs to my room, a light flips on out of no where and halts my steps. If that didn’t do it, the voice that calls me out surely would.

“Are you now coming home?”

Silently wishing I could disappear, I turn around to face my dad and grimace at the disappointment glowering in his eyes.

“Yeah.” I answer truthfully. “I um, I must’ve lost track of the time.”

“For an entire week Max?” He asks, perplexed.

“I’m sorry.” I mumble apologetically.

“I don’t get it.” He exclaims, sitting down at the kitchen counter. “What’s going on with you Max? Who are you?”

My heart rate accelerating, I take a step forward before I answer him. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about your strange behavior as of late.” He says, his gaze probing. “The sneaking in and out. The constant secrecy. You taking my car without me even knowing. What the hell is going on Max?”

“Nothing.” I reply defensively. “Nothing’s going on.”

“I think there is.” He retorts, standing up to face me. “Your mother wants to deny everything and pretend that it’ll work itself out eventually, but I know it’s more than what meets the eye. Just tell me Max. Tell me what’s going on and I’ll help you. That’s all I want to do.”

“There’s nothing to say.” I cry out, my irritation increasing. “And if there were something going on, you’d be the last person that could help me.”

“Why’s that?”

“Dad, just leave it alone.” I reply firmly. “I can’t talk about it right now.”

“Then tell me this…,” He says, watching me intently. “What happened to the jeep? I mean, that’s a simple enough question, right? Can you answer that for me?”

Blowing out a frustrated sigh, I run my fingers through my hair and shut my eyes tightly.

God, this is just what I needed. More stress.

Even alien kings need a damn break at some point.


TBC…

Crystal

[Jason's Lover]

“Okay, tell me again what he asked you?”

“That’s not what’s important Micheal.” I say quietly, my eyes riveted to the sun setting over the quarry.

“The hell it isn’t.” He snaps, breaking me out of my daze. “This is some serious shit Maxwell. Your father starts getting suspicious and it’s not important?”

“I didn’t mean it like that.” I amend, shaking my head. “It’s not what he asked that’s the point here. It’s what we tell him.”

“Well what about last night?” Isabel queries, “What did you say?”

“What we agreed on telling him.” I answer, turning to face her. “The jeep is in the shop. The engine went bad and I’m still waiting on it.”

“What’s so unbelievable about that?” Micheal asks, his brows furrowed in question.

“I don’t know.” I shrug, throwing a stone in the lake. “I can tell he didn’t buy it. I don’t think he believes anything I tell him anymore.”

Blowing out a deep breathe, he runs his hands through his hair. “So what’s the plan?”

“There isn’t one.”

“Max---”

“But I’ll think of something.” I include, effectively cutting off his retort. “I know it’s not what you want to hear right now, but it’s all I got.”

“This isn’t as disastrous as you’re both making it out to be.” Isabel speaks up, garnering our attention.

“What do you mean?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Max, this is dad we’re talking about.” She explains. “He’s our father and he’s never done anything to prove that he’d harm us in any way.”

“Isabel, if you’re suggesting what I think you are, please don’t.”

“It’s the only alternative.” She persists, her eyes lit in desperation. “Mom and dad, they could help us and you if they knew the truth.”

“We have been over this more times than I’d care to rehash Isabel.” I exclaim fleetingly, pinching the bridge of my nose. “It always end the same way. They can’t know.”

The flash of disapproval on her face is unmistakable. Surely she couldn’t think I would say yes?

“What if she’s right?” Micheal interjects, motioning to her with an outstretched hand. “What if telling them is beneficial after all?”

“It isn’t.” I reply curtly.

“How do you know that?” She cries out, her patience obviously gone. Staring at her blankly, my confused expression was all she needed to see. “That’s right Max…you don’t know. You don’t have any ideas or any solutions to solve what’s happening, yet your so eager to shoot down any help we offer.”

“You think that’s help?” I exclaim incredulously. “Worrying about how trustworthy someone can be with your life in the palm of their hands isn't help Isabel. It’s a nightmare.”

“Really?” She scoffs, her hands on her hips. “I don’t remember you being so busted up with fear when you risked all of our lives healing Liz Parker in a crowded restaurant. Where was the nightmare then?”

“That was different.” I retort, my voice controlled. “And I don't regret it. Liz hasn’t betrayed us.”

“Neither have they.”

“Iz…,”

“These are our parents Max. That same instinct you had, when you knew that Liz could be trusted, it’s the same thing I know about mom and dad.” She says, her voice gentler now. “We can trust them. We all can.”

“What about Alex?” I ask, the indecision clearly noticeable in my tone. “He’s dead because of what we are. Of what we brought him into. We agreed not to tell anyone after that. I’d never forgive myself if the same fate happened to them too.”

“You can’t control everything Max.” She admonishes, the mention of Alex bringing more than a hint of melancholy to the moment. “I’ll never forget what happened to Alex or forgive Tess for what she did, but you have to see the brighter side of this. If we continue to lie to them, we’re going to lose them.”

“I don’t know.” I reply, still undecided. “This isn’t exactly something you can decide in twenty four hours.”

“Micheal---,” Isabel calls over. “Would you talk to him? He listens to you more than he does me.”

“Isabel, you know Max alright.” He replies, squaring his shoulders. “Once his mind is made up about something, there’s no changing it.”

Do they not see me standing right here? I can still hear you know.

“I’ll think about it.” I decide, cutting off their discussion. “I promise.”

“I hope so.” Micheal includes, his expression unreadable. “I know you’ve got a lot going on Maxwell and you didn’t sign up for the job, but you’re still the leader. What I can help you with, I will. But you can’t let this spin out of control.”

Staring out unseeingly at the darkening sky, it’s a while before I answer him. “I won’t.”

I wish I felt as confident as that sounded.

***


I don’t know where to go. I haven’t seen Tess in days and regardless of how pregnant she must be by now, I can’t quite bring myself to face her. Just looking at her brings back all the things she’s done full force and my control slips just a little bit more to make her pay right then and there.

I’m mentally counting down the days until my son is born. A week left to be exact. And then he’ll really be here. This physically, real little person that I already love. No matter how much my life seems to be sinking deeper and deeper into permanent turmoil, the thought of him never fails to swell my heart.

That doesn’t rid my fear however. I’m only eighteen years old. What the hell do I know about raising a child? What do I know about being a father and making decisions that could possibly determine the person my child grows up to be? I can’t even make those type of decisions in my own life. This is bound to be a train wreck.

My insecurities only increase as I stop in front of a place I always used as a getaway. The UFO center. It’s been two weeks since I last worked here. I don’t even know if I still have a job to go back to. Not as if I’d have time for it anyway. My problems are too overwhelming for a job to be added to the list. I have to quit. Effectively demonstrating what a failure I am, and losing the only solace I had when I needed to be alone. Hopefully, Brody can understand.

Walking inside, I follow the familiar path that leads towards the stairs. Jogging down purposely, I make my way to Brody’s office and knock on the door hesitantly.

“Who’s there?” He calls out, that cautiousness to his tone ever present.

“It’s Max.” I reply, preparing myself for a lecture.

The door flies open and a disheveled looking Brody comes out. All thoughts of dread flew out the window upon his appearance. For as long as I’ve known him, he’s never looked quite this haggard before. Something’s definitely wrong.

“Max…,” He exclaims in surprise. “What are you doing here?”

Still in a stupor at his attire, it’s a while before I answer him. “Um, I ah, I know I haven’t been to work in a couple weeks now.” I begin, scratching my chin nervously. “I just um…I have a lot going on and I’m not too sure I can handle it along with a job right now. I’m sorry.”

“And you came all the way here to tell me that?”

“I…I thought you’d like to know.” I reply with a shrug, my eyebrows raised.

“Well that‘s just perfect.” He mutters, looking pensive. “Where am I going to find a replacement now?”

Feeling incredibly guilty, I quickly amend my previous words. “Look, Brody, if it’s an inconvenience for you, I’d gladly help out any way that I can. Just not as lenient as before.”

“You obviously can’t.” He retorts sarcastically. “Why else would you show up here?”

Observing his fidgety manner and more than usual curtness, I steal a peek inside his office before he shuts the door loudly and glares at me. “Your eyes wander a little too freely for my liking.”

“Why is there a bed in your office?” I ask, ignoring his comment entirely.

“That’s none of your business Evans.”

“Why are you acting so weird?” I query, noting the beads of sweat forming along his upper lip. “Are you okay?”

“I didn’t know you were my doctor.” He grates out, his eyes flashing in annoyance and a hint of restlessness. “I can take care of myself.”

“I was just asking.” I reply quietly, my hands in front of me in a show of surrender. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Losing his ire almost as quickly as it came, his shoulders sag as he raises a shaky hand to his head. “You didn’t. I’m sorry Max. I just…I haven’t been feeling well for a few days now.”

“Oh?”

Nodding his head, he takes a swift look around before looking up at me in sheer helplessness. “I think I’ve been abducted again.”

My eyes narrow with his suspicion. “How do you know?”

“The same way I always know.” He replies, throwing his hands up in the air. “The missing time and waking up in strange places. It’s all the same scenario.”

A rush of deep sorrow washes over me. I’m an alien. I‘m the reason he‘s suffering. Even though I’m not the one directly taking him against his will, it’s still in relation to me and what I am. My life is a curse to everyone I come in contact with.

“I’m sorry Brody.” I murmur self deprecatingly. “I really am.”

“I just don’t understand it.” He continues, a confused expression marring his features. “Why does this keep happening to me?”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him I know exactly why it’s happening to him. Our two occasions of seeking out Larek when we were in trouble a few months ago also threatens to spring forth from my mouth. I don’t say a word though.

“I’m afraid to go to sleep at nights.” He admits. “It’s why I have the bed here. Incase my insomnia ever does wear off, I don’t have far to go.”

“Well what about Sydney?” I ask, his daughter’s well being coming to mind. “Where is she?”

“She’s with my parents for the time being.” He answers, sighing dejectedly. “I can’t take care of her. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to.”

“I thought it was over.” He rambles on, his head shaking in thought. “After the last time it happened, I finally felt like I was free…like I could live in peace. Now this had to go and happen.”

“How long ago?”

“The day before yesterday.” He answers quietly. “I was in here just like I am tonight when I think it happened. Next thing I know, I’m awake in some god awful sewer in New York again.”

A shiver runs up my spine at his words. Did I just hear correctly?

Steeling my expression so he doesn’t get suspicious, I ask in a neutral tone, “Where?”

“New York.” He repeats, his face unreadable. “Apparently I’ve been to the city twice and don’t remember any of it. It’s frustrating.”

That’s what I thought he said. This definitely can’t be good.


TBC…

Crystal

[Jason's Lover]

New York. My memories of the place aren’t pleasant. Sure, the sightseeing was amazing, especially for someone like me when Roswell, New Mexico, the smallest of southwest towns is all I know. Well technically, I’ve been the farthest from Roswell a person can get. I’m from another solar system altogether. I guess that counts for something.

Could it be our dupes stirring up trouble again? Or perhaps Nicholas? When Tess and I was there last year, we never really solved anything. We left and undoubtedly they’re still out there, hanging around, coming up with another alternative to go home.

I wonder if they know the granilith’s gone? Is that why this is happening? Could they be summoning Larek through Brody again for another intergalactic summit? With the enemy involved, the possibilities are endless.

It’s why I called a group meeting at Micheal’s. There’s too much happening all at once. It’s clearly impossible for me to make all these decisions on my own accord. Everyone needs to know about the latest developments. Hopefully we can all come together, differences of the past few months aside, and find out what the hell’s going on.

“Why are we going by Micheal again?” Isabel queries, breaking my thoughts unknowingly.

“Something happened.” I reply shortly, my eyes riveted to the road. “You all need to know about it.”

“What is it?” She asks, her eyes wide and fearful. “Oh god, somebody else died, didn’t they?”

“No, it’s nothing like that.” I assure her, calming her nerves. “I would’ve told you, but I’d rather let everyone know all at once.”

“You're upset.” She observes, watching my profile from her seat beside me. “This is serious, isn’t it?”

“It is.”

She stares at me in concern before her eyes fall to her lap. Placing a comforting hand on my knee, she looks at me again. “Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out.”

Parking in front of Micheal’s place, I nod my head in silent gratitude. I hope she’s right.

“You called the meeting yet you’re the one that’s late.” Micheal quips, opening the door as soon as I knock. “If it was me the world would’ve ended.”

“We had to wait until our parents left.” I explain, walking inside the apartment. At his questioning look, I elaborate further. “There’s a dinner party at my dad’s firm. We kind of out grew it.”

“Did they believe that?”

“They should.” Isabel answers, clearly not ecstatic with the prospect. “I was the one that came up with it.”

“Isabel---,” Micheal begins.

“I know.” She interrupts. “It has to be this way for now. I get it. But it doesn’t mean I’m happy about it either.”

“Where’s everyone else?” I ask, looking around. It’s been days since I’ve last seen Liz. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t eager to see her.

“In the kitchen.” Micheal replies. At my raised eyebrow, he shrugs. “You took too long. We got hungry.”

“There you guys are.” Liz exclaims, walking into the living room with Maria in tow. I feel a thundering in my heart at the very sight of her. She never fails to take my breathe away. “We were wondering what happened to you.”

“This could go on for a while.” Micheal says, effectively cutting off my answer. Liz looks to me in confusion and I shake my head in dismissal. She immediately understood. I’ll tell her later.

“So what’s this about Max?” Micheal begins, wasting no time with preliminaries. “Something tells me this isn’t your average get together.”

“It isn’t.” I reply gravely, clearing my throat. “It’s about Brody.”

“What about him?” Maria asks, the concern in her tone hard to miss. It doesn’t escape Micheal’s notice either.

“Larek’s been contacted in New York again.”

“You're kidding.” Micheal says, his expression disbelieving.

“I wish I were.” I reply. “But it’s true. Brody thinks he’s been abducted, but when he told me what happened, I knew that’s what it was.”

“He told you?” Isabel queries.

“More like confided.” I amend. “It’s destroying his life. And we’re responsible.”

“Indirectly.” Liz speaks up, her eyes sympathetic. “It’s not your fault Max.”

“Not to sound like a cruel bastard, but let’s save our own asses first before we rescue anyone elses.” Micheal points out, followed by a glare from Maria. “What the hell’s happening in New York?”

“Could be another summit.” I suggest, sighing heavily. “I never really resolved anything the last time I was there.”

“But why?” Liz interjects, seemingly confused. “Rath and Lonnie set the entire thing up to kill you and locate the granilith. We don’t have it anymore.”

“Exactly.” I exclaim, my eyes connecting with hers. “What if they know that? What if they know it’s not here in Roswell with us and they’re trying to find another way home?”

“Home to what?” Isabel cries out in exasperation. “Our world was a terrible place. Kivar sits on your throne and all of our people are enslaved. They will never yield to his ruling. Rath and Lonnie can never be the royalty we once were. Why would they want to return to that?”

“The deal.” I whisper, snippets of Tess’s words running through my head.

Their not my enemies Max…

Nasedo made a deal, fourty years ago…

To return home with your child…

deliver the three of you to Kivar…

I can’t believe I didn’t see it before. They we’re promised something. They all were. Tess, Rath, Lonnie and Nicholas. It all makes sense now.

“What are you talking about Max?” Liz asks, her voice bringing me back to the conversation.

“It’s the deal Nasedo made.” I blurt out urgently. “Rath, Lonnie, and Nicholas were in on it just as much as Tess was. It’s why they wanted to go home. Kivar must’ve promised them some kind of payment for our deaths.”

“What kind of payment?” Micheal asks, looking perplexed. “Even if what you‘re saying is true, it’s a rebellion Max. Our people wouldn’t accept them either way.”

“Not with my heir as proof that the royal bloodline still exists.” I include. “They may think I’m dead, but if Kivar makes nice, he’s got a legion of followers. The hardest part is completed.”

“But Rath and Lonnie---”

“Can alter their appearances.” I finish for him, ending his protestations. “They’ve done it before.”

“What about Nicholas?” He asks.

“He does all of Kivar’s negotiating.” I explain, the pieces falling into place. “He’ll always benefit in some way. Had I let Tess go to Antar with my son, the rest of them would’ve managed to return as well. I’m sure there’s another means of transportation other than the granilith on our planet. The Royal four would’ve been in some semblance, reclaiming their rightful place to the throne. We’re pretty much disposable after that.”

“God, he’s right Micheal.” Isabel mutters miserably, running her fingers through her hair. “It’s the risk they took when they sent all eight pods. They never really needed us.”

“Okay, my brain is starting to hurt.” Maria complains, her hand rubbing her temple.

“Do you think Tess knows all of this?” Liz asks quietly, her gaze riveted to mine.

“I don’t see why not.” I answer, sitting down heavily in the seat beside her. “She knew everything else.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Maria quips, rolling her eyes heavenly.

“So Kivar’s pissed cause Tess didn’t return with your kid, while Rath, Lonnie, and Nicholas are equally just as fired up about their ride home being a bust. Where does that leave us? What are we supposed to do?” Micheal asks, his frustration over the situation apparent.

“We can’t do anything until my son is born.” I say wearily.

“That’s a week away.” Micheal exclaims, pacing back and forth. “Who knows what could happen. We should be there.”

“I realize that, but we have to think this through.” I retort, looking up at him. “We can’t just run off to New York without a plan Micheal. It’s too dangerous.”

“So what’s the plan?”

“Maybe we can monitor how often Brody’s body is being taken possession of until we can actually do something about it.” Liz suggests.

“How is babysitting Brody going to help us?” Micheal queries, looking skeptic.

“It’s not babysitting.” Liz insists, her tone firm. “If we can get a decent count of how many times Brody disappears, then we’ll know when something is happening in New York.”

“Sounds logical enough.” Maria agrees with a nod. “Did Brody tell you when his abduction occurred?”

“Not but two days ago.” I reply, warming up to Liz’s idea. She always knows what to do.

“So that’s when the summit began.” Isabel says ponderingly. “It sure didn’t take them long to find out that the granilith’s gone.”

“Imagine what else they’ll uncover.” Micheal mutters. “We’re wasting time.”

“I’m going to Tess.” I decide, ignoring his comment. “She’s going to tell me all she knows.”

“Right.” Micheal says sarcastically. “Because that worked out so well the last time.”

“Micheal…,” Maria warns. “Cut it out.”

“I’m going with you.” Liz announces abruptly, grabbing her jacket from the sofa. She looks up at me just in time to see the refusal in my gaze. “Max, I don’t trust her. I want to come with you.”

“Liz---,”

“I’m going Max.” She says sternly. Her eyes daring me to say no.

Relenting with a sigh, I nod my head. “Okay, let’s go.”

“Wait…,” Isabel calls out. “What about us?”

“Call Valenti and let him know everything.” I instruct her. “We’ll decide about what to do with Brody when Liz and I get back. As for now, just sit tight. I’ll call if anything changes.”

“Real productive Maxwell.” Micheal quips. The yelp he emits from Maria’s slap to the back of his head follows us out the door.

***

“You’ve been pretty low key for a few days now.” Liz comments, breaking the silence as we drive down Murray lane.

“Yeah…,” I agree, glancing her way briefly. “I just had so much going on.”

“Oh?” She queries, concern marring her beautiful face.

“My folks are getting suspicious.” I tell her. “I don’t know what to do about it.”

“Well what does Isabel say?”

“She wants to tell them the truth.” I reply. “I…I’m not too sure that’s the right thing to do either.”

“Is that so bad?” She asks softly. “That your parents know who you really are?”

“Yes.” I blurt out unpretentiously. Her gaze snaps to mine and I shake my head. “I don’t want to destroy their lives. I mean, look what happens every time we let someone in. I can’t put them in that kind of danger.”

“Max, you told me your secret.” She points out. “You saved my life.”

Feeling slightly embarrassed, I murmur. “What does that have to do with anything?”

“Besides healing a perfect stranger in the middle of a crowded restaurant?” She quips, a hint of amusement in her words. “Max, just think about it. Don’t rule out what may be the only alternative because of fear. It won’t get better.”

“You we’re dying Liz.” I retaliate, memories of that day still fresh in my mind. “I couldn’t just sit back and let it happen. Not when I knew I could save you. I just acted on instinct. I knew it was something I had to do.”

“I know.” She whispers, a small smile on her face. “That was the day.”

“The day that what?” I ask, my eyebrows furrowing.

“That I fell in love with you.” She says quietly, a wistful expression on her face. “What you did for me, it just…it blew me away. It was so self less and heroic and I…no one’s ever sacrificed so much for someone they barely knew. And then when I saw into your soul, it humbled me beyond belief. I realized that I always knew you. Even when I thought I didn’t, my soul always did.”

“Why…why are you telling me this?” I query, my voice sounding strained even to my own ears. Why is she telling me everything that I want to hear?

“I’ve been so stupid Max.” She chides, her eyes closing briefly. “All this time I’ve been blaming you. Blaming you for us not being together and everything that happened with Tess. When all along, I’m just as responsible.”

“Liz---,” I interject, seeking to put an end to her self recrimination.

“We both screwed up Max.” She continues, nodding her head. “We we’re so damn focused on trying to do what was best for the other, that somewhere along the way, we forgot that the only thing that was best for us was each other.”

“That’s still true.” I retort, my gaze colliding with hers. “It’s the truest thing I’ve ever known.”

“I know that now.” She replies, her eyes filled with unshed tears.

Jerking the car to an abrupt stop in the middle of the street, I reach out and cup her cheek. “I love you. Whether we’re together or not, I want you to know that I’ll always love you.”

Her eyes never wavered from mine. “I know that too.”

“Max!” The sharp cry pierces our senses, followed by a loud banging on the hood of the car. It’s Tess.

She screams out in agony before her body collapses in the street.

“Oh my god---,” Liz utters, her eyes round. “What’s wrong with her?”

“Stay in the car.” I command her, unbuckling my seat belt. “Lock the doors and don’t come out.”

“Max---,”

“Do it.” I plead fiercely. She nods her head and sits back.

Jumping out of the car, I run around to where Tess’s body lay. Stooping down to her form, I place my thumb on her neck to feel for a pulse.

She’s breathing, but it’s faint. What the hell’s going on?

Shaking her body gently, I call out her name. “Tess, open your eyes. You have to look at me.”

Her unexpected gasp has me staggering backward. She cries out again before her hands cradle her stomach in pain. “Help me.” She whimpers.

“Tess---,”

“It’s the baby.” She manages, her teeth gritting. “He’s coming.”

TBC…

Crystal

[Jason's Lover]

One word, FINALLY! Thanks to Smac and Joye for the inspiration. Read on!



Wow.

Ten fingers. Ten toes. A pair of sky blue eyes and a head full of raven dark hair. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful. He’s absolutely perfect.

Holding him in my arms, healthy and safe, it almost makes all the hell and pain that we’ve endured to this point worth while. There’s nothing evil about him. Nothing sinister or cruel. He’s just an innocent child…one born into this madness that’s my life.

Now that he’s finally here, I’m even more confused about what to do. I didn’t have a plan before and I certainly don’t have one now. Obviously, the stakes are higher. Any decision I make not only determines my future and the people around me, but this infant who has yet to learn of all the harshness of this world and ours. I control his destiny…for now.

Destiny. It’s a word I’ve loathed for as long as I could remember, but a path I inanely decided to follow that led me exactly where I didn’t want to be…so far in that I couldn’t go back. I’d never want to bestow that type of fate on anyone, much less my own child. But I have no choice now. I have to keep him safe. By all costs.

Laying him down gently on the bed, I sit for a few minutes until he falls asleep again. He grabs a hold of my index finger, and it’s the most amazing feeling in the world. He needs me there with him just as much as I want to be. Rocking him slowly, his eyes blink relentlessly before finally closing, his long eyelashes resting upon his cheeks. I’d like to say that he looks like me, but it seems a bit too modest. There’s no way I’m that gorgeous.

Easing my finger from his tight grip, I kiss his forehead lightly and stand from the bed. Putting a protective shield out over his tiny form, I reluctantly make my way out of the room to join the others. I’m sure they’re patience has more than waned.

As soon as I open the door, Liz is standing off to the wall with a pensive look on her face. Sensing my presence, she immediately looks up. There’s so much in emotion in her gaze…love, sadness, hope. I’ve never prayed to any higher power before, but I need all the strength in the world to believe that she won’t turn away from me again. Not after all that we said to each other just a few hours prior.

She walks over to me slowly, her steps cautious. Almost as if she’s afraid. I meet her halfway.

“How is he?” She asks, her eyes large and expressive. “Is he okay?”

I nod, my heart swelling with even more love for her, her unmasked concern for my son a balm for my soul. “He’s sleeping.”

She nods her head jerkily, her eyes lowering from mine. “And Tess?”

“She’s in the other room.” I reply, nodding my head over to the door across the hall. “She’s still unconscious.”

“Oh?” She queries, her eyebrows furrowed.

I rub my neck wearily. “Yeah, it was the labor. It sort of knocked her out. I can’t do anything about it. She has to come out of it herself.”

“You okay?” She asks quietly, her eyes doing a slow perusal of my face.

“I’m fine.” I assure her, much to her chagrin. The truth is, I’m dog tired. By the look on her face, she knows it too.

I smile faintly. “Actually, I feel like I’m about to drop any time.” I admit, reveling in the small grin that lights up her face. “But I’m sure the others echo the same sentiment.”

“Something like that.” She replies, her tone amused. “Micheal’s been wearing a hole in the carpet for the past four hours now. I don’t think I’ve seen him sit since they arrived with Kyle and Valenti.”

“Probably not.” I sigh, raking my fingers through my hair.

We stand in a comfortable silence until she looks up at me with a curious smile on her face. “So, what does he look like?”

I can’t control the proud feeling that washes over me. Despite his mother being Tess, he’s much too precious to have any of her characteristics.

“He’s perfect.” I gush, grinning uncontrollably. “He’s got these big bright blue eyes, and a head full of dark hair. His nose is so pointy and his lips are real small. Thankfully, he doesn’t have my ears and--”

I stop abruptly at the smirk she’s giving me. “What?” I ask, slightly self conscious.

“You’re happy.” She answers, her eyes soft and compassionate. “I haven’t seen you this excited in a long time.”

“Is that wrong?” I ask hesitantly, searching her eyes. “That I feel happy with all that’s going on?”

“No, it isn’t.” She replies, shaking her head. “Max, in spite of what’s happened and what’s still happening, you just had a son. You just had this beautiful child that you love so much already. I think that warrants a streak of contentment.”

I nod with her words, taking them in. She always know exactly what to say to make me feel better. It’s my turn now.

“Liz…,” I begin, stepping in closer to her. “I know that things are pretty hectic right now, and I, with all that we said---”

“I don’t regret it Max.” She cuts me off, already aware of my thoughts. “I meant every word.”

I unknowingly release the breathe I was holding. I give her a small smile. “So did I.”

“Though that’s true, I still think you should focus.” She continues, her voice unwavering. “You know, on him. He needs you more.”

I didn’t expect her to say anything different. She’s right, of course, but she needs to know how much she still means to me…will always mean to me. Regardless of any new development in my life.

I take another step forward and bravely cup her cheek in my hand. She leans into my touch, her hand covering mine. “Liz, this doesn’t change anything. I mean, it does, but never the way I feel about you. Even with all the things I’ll probably have to get used to from now on, I’ll always be here for you. No one can take your place in my heart. Nothing ever will.”

She smiles wistfully, a tear cascading down her cheek. Wiping it away with my thumb, I kiss her forehead gently and enfold her into a fierce hug. Her arms wrap around my waist, returning the embrace. I missed this. Just holding her in my arms. It’s been way too long. By no means, does this mean we’re picking up where we left off, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction. We can’t live without the other. We realize it now more than we ever have before.

It’s in that same embrace, five minutes later, that Maria finds us. She clears her throat loudly, a smirk that she’s trying her best to keep neutral, breaks out on her face.

Liz and I break away, equally blushing at being caught in a somewhat private moment. Of course it was Maria that had to witness it. It’s always her.

“Micheal is asking for you again.” Maria says, her eyes landing on me. “Please go out there Max. If I have to listen to him bitch one more time, I won’t be held accountable for my actions.”

I nod obediently. “I’m coming.”

“Thank you.” She sighs, obviously relieved. She turns to walk away before spinning back around to face Liz and I. “Sorry, you know, for if I interrupted anything.”

“It’s fine.” Liz replies, tucking her hair behind her ears. “We were on our way out as a matter of fact.”

Maria nods, her arms folded on top of her chest. “Sure you were.” She quips, walking away with a smile.

We stare after her retreating form with a shake of our heads. “Let’s just go out there before they send her back in again.” I suggest.

Liz rolls her eyes heavenly. “Good idea.”

Giving her the indication to walk ahead of me, we step out into the living room with five pairs of eager eyes awaiting our appearances.

“Max…,” Isabel exclaims, walking over to hug me tightly. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” I reply, pulling back from her embrace to see the worry in her gaze. “I’m alright.”

“And your son?” She queries, her voice hitching.

“He’s fine too.” I answer her, gripping her shoulder affectionately. Her smile is almost instantaneous. “He’s healthy and---”

“Alien.” Micheal interjects, much to everyone’s chagrin. “You couldn’t have possibly forgotten that Maxwell.”

“Micheal, can you please not do this right now.” Isabel says sternly, glaring at him.

“So when should I?” He asks, his tone aggravated. “Congratulations Max, on the bundle of joy, but it won’t be much of a joyous occasion when you can’t explain why you can’t take him to a doctor.”

“I’m never one to jump on the alien bandwagon, but he’s got a point.” Kyle chimes in, his arms crossed over his chest.

“I haven’t forgotten.” I reply, walking further into the room. “I don’t think I could.”

“So what are you going to do?” Valenti queries.

Stealing a glance over at Isabel, she looks perplexed with my expression. “I’ve been thinking a lot about what we talked about the other day when we were out by the quarry. I think you guys may be right.”

“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” Isabel speaks up, her eyes hopeful.

I shrug lightly, sitting down on a nearby stool. “We need help. And my son, he’s going to need a lot more protection than I can give him. I think we should tell them.”

“And you’re serious about this?” Micheal asks, an eyebrow raised. “You want to tell them everything? You, Tess, and the baby?”

“I don’t have a choice anymore.” I answer, unconsciously looking toward the room I left my son in. “I have to do what I think is best.”

“When do you want to tell them?” Isabel queries, her eyes watery.

“As soon as possible.”

“What does Tess think about all of this?” Valenti wonders, his tone curious.

“Tess doesn’t have a say.” I reply firmly. “And besides, she’s unconscious. There’s nothing she could do if she wanted to.”

“Nothing she could do?” Maria repeats, a frown marring her face. “She can do plenty Max. She’s done it before.”

“It’s different now.” I retort.

“How so?” Kyle asks rhetorically, standing up straighter from his position against the kitchen counter. “Because she had your son? That’s hardly a reason.”

“Kyle…,” Liz sighs.

“I’m sorry, but it’s the truth Liz.” Kyle continues. “She freaking worked her voodoo on us like we were puppets. What’s stopping her from doing it again?”

“My son is stopping me.” Tess answers, making her presence known to us all. “Everything I do from now on is for him. I swear it.”

“Okay, she swears it.” Maria quips sarcastically, rolling her eyes. “I guess we should all believe her now.”

“I deserved that.” She replies, her appearance worn and weary. “But I don’t know how else to say that I mean every word.”

“Well, I guess you should know that Max is planning on telling his parents the truth.” Liz adds in pointedly. “The whole truth.”

Everyone watches her intently to gauge her reaction. She doesn’t flinch or appear to oppose of my intention. Not as if she did I’d change my mind anyway.

“It’s his decision.” She replies, shrugging her shoulders. “I don’t have any objections.”

Kyle looks at her as if she’s grown two heads. “Why are you being so, so--”

“Submissive?” Maria supplies.

He nods his head in bewilderment. “Where’s your colors?”

She smiles sadly, lowering her eyes. “They faded.”

The room goes silent with her admission. As sincere as that sounded, I presume that everyone still has their guards up. They have every reason to.

“It’s late.” I speak up, breaking the tense silence. “There’s no need for all of us to stay here.”

“I can definitely second that.” Kyle murmurs, eagerly picking up his coat. “Dad, I’m ready when you are.” Valenti gives him an incredulous look.

“I’m staying.” Isabel says firmly, her eyes boring into mine. “Mom and dad won’t be back until tomorrow anyway.” I nod gratefully.

“You already know what I’m doing.” Micheal replies. “But I’m taking Maria home.”

“You damn right you are.” She mumbles, standing up tiredly from the couch. “Liz and I have to work the morning shift. I’ve lost enough sleep as it is.”

Turning to Liz for confirmation, she nods her head. “Otherwise, you know I’d stay too.”

“I understand.” I smile, holding her gaze. I don’t want her to go, but she has a life apart from all of this mess.

“Max, was there something else you wanted to discuss?” Valenti asks, his gaze questioning. “I heard what happened earlier, you know, about Brody.”

“What happened to Brody?” Tess queries, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

“You tell us.” Micheal replies, his gaze penetrating.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She retorts, shaking her head negatively.

“I don’t have enough energy or patience to deal with this right now.” I exclaim, rubbing my eyes tiredly. “We’ll deal with everything else later. Right now, I just want to get back to my son.”

Giving Liz one last long parting glance, I make my way back to the room where my child sleeps. I know Liz understood. She always did.


TBC…

[Jason's Lover]

“What are you doing in here?”

Tess looks up, an eyebrow arched as she holds our son in her arms. “I’m holding him.” She answers, returning her gaze to the sleeping infant. “I heard him whimpering. I came to check on him.”

I walk further into the room, my steps purposeful. “I’m here. I’m looking after him.”

Not missing the defensive tone in my words, she shakes her head slightly. “You were in the kitchen. I didn’t think it would be a problem.”

“You thought wrong.” I say in rebuttal, watching her warily.

Sighing heavily, she places him gently back on the bed and stands up. “My apologies…,” She whispers, her expression unreadable. “I just wanted to hold him. He’s my son too.”

I speak sternly. “That’s left to be decided.”

Her eyes snap up to meet mine, her confusion and alarm visible. “What are you talking about?”

“I don’t want you around him.” I reply, my gaze intense. “I don’t want him to know you.”

It may seem irrational and indefinitely out of my control, but I don’t want her bonding with him. Despite her feable attempts at redemption, my trust in her has simply vanished. I’ll never feel reassured when she’s alone with him. Mother and all, does that really mean anything at this point?

“I’m his mother Max.” Tess declares passionately. “I’m not going away and leaving him.”

“How could you?” I counter, crossing my arms over my chest. “The granilith’s gone.”

She closes her eyes with the reminder. “That wasn’t my doing. It wasn’t my decision.”

“It was always your decision Tess.” I exclaim, my eyes slit in anger. “You always had an option.”

“When?” She cries out, throwing her hands in the air. “When did I ever have the chance to be included Max? When could I have possibly been welcomed when I was trying to prove my worth to you and the others?”

“Prove?” I repeat, my ire increasing. “What did you prove Tess? You betrayed us. You killed Alex!”

“That wasn’t my intent.” She replies, her voice lowering. “I’ll never forgive myself for that.”

“As you shouldn’t.” I snort. “Neither will I.”

“What do you want from me Max?” She murmurs, her eyes downcast. “What do you want me to do?”

“I want to know what’s going on in New York.” I say firmly. “Why is there another summit?”

“I already told you.” She replies, shaking her head. “I don’t know anything about that.”

“I don’t believe you.” I hiss, glaring at her.

“I’m telling you the truth.” She replies. “All I know is what Nasedo told me.”

“What were the stipulations of the plan?” I ask her. “What were you promised?”

“My rightful place as queen.” She answers, lowering her eyes. “As for getting pregnant with your child, Kivar wanted him as a pawn. A way to reinforce his ruling and win over the rebels that are loyal to you.”

As I suspected. I already know this. I just wanted to hear it from the horses mouth.

“Why in may?” I query, narrowing my eyes. “Was their some sort of time table? Did Kivar expect you to return then?”

“I don’t know.” She mumbles. “I just did what Nasedo told me to do. No questions asked.”

“And you haven’t returned.” I state gravely. “He’ll be expecting your arrival.”

She shrugs indifferently. “Most likely. I don’t know what he’ll do when he finds out I haven‘t been sent.”

“He already knows.” I reply, walking over to the window. “They all do.”

“They?” She asks, an eyebrow raised.

“Lonnie, Rath and Nicholas.” I elaborate, turning away from her. “They know about our son and your part in the deal. You weren‘t the only accomplice.”

“How?” She asks, shaking her head in confusion. “Nasedo never mentioned anything about them.”

“He wasn’t supposed to.” I reply, staring out the window. “He didn’t want you to know. Obviously, he wasn’t as trustworthy as we had assumed.”

“He wasn’t the best protector, but he wouldn’t lie to me.” She says in rebuttal. “He raised me. I know him.”

“Not as well as you thought.” I answer her. “Not as well as any of us thought.”

“So that’s what the summit is for?” She asks, her voice quiet. “They’re looking for our son and another way home?”

“It‘s what we gathered.” I reply, glancing quickly at the bed where my son sleeps. “They’ll die before they get their hands on him.”

“They won’t.” Tess says curtly. “I’ll make sure of it.”

“Why should I trust you?” I sneer, whirling around to face her. “Why should I believe anything you say?”

She steps back with my harsh tone. “I know you don’t trust me, but I swear to you that I’ll fix this. I’ll help all of you. I mean that.”

The clearing of a throat garners my attention. Lifting my eyes to the doorway, Isabel stands there with an apprehensive look in her eyes. “It’s time to go Max. Mom and dad are expecting us.”

I nod my head, walking over to the bed to retrieve my son. Covering his body with a blanket, I pick him up gently in my arms and move to join Isabel at the door.

Turning back to face Tess, I speak low and calmly. “You’ll do what we ask of you. As for now, stay away from him.”

I don’t wait for her reply as I walk out of the room. It’s time to come clean with my parents. Everything depends on their reactions. We need their help.

***

“He’s your what?” My mother shrieks, her tone incredulous.

“My son.” I repeat, rocking him gently. Chancing a look to my parents faces, their expressions are identical; complete and utter shock.

“Max…,” My dad begins, finding his voice. “What do you mean he’s your son? When did this happen?”

I lower my eyes to gather my courage. I knew this was going to be out of left field for them, but if they’re freaking out now, I could imagine their reactions when I tell them what I really am.

Isabel places a comforting hand on my shoulder as I begin. “Last month, Tess and I--we um, we spent the night together and she uh, she got pregnant.” I mumble, my face heating up at having to admit to my parents that I had sex.

My mother sighs disappointedly before her eyebrows furrow in confusion. “A month? Max, a pregnancy is nine months.”

Here goes nothing.

“There was a…complication.” I answer, glancing at them briefly.

“A complication?” She questions, an eyebrow arched.

“More like a quirk.” Isabel amends, a nervous smile on her lips.

“Max, Izzy…,” My father sighs, sitting in the sofa across from us, “What are you talking---”

“We’re not human dad.” I interject, watching him intently. “Neither is he.”

The silence that ensues after my confession is almost deafening. Glancing at Isabel, she shrugs her shoulders before clearing her throat.

“Mom, dad, it’s the truth.” She replies. “We’re from another world, but we’re still your kids. You’re still our parents.”

“I think I need to sit.” My mom mumbles, her hand resting on her throat, as she sits heavily on the sofa.

“This isn’t easy for us to say, but we didn’t want to lie anymore.” I begin, wanting anxiously to get this over with. “You have to understand how important this is.”

“Is this why you’ve been so secretive?” My dad speaks up, his tone inquisitive. “Because of what you are?”

“Yes.” I reply, looking up at him. “We had to be. Our safety depended on it.”

“But this doesn’t make any sense.” My mother mumbles, shaking her head. “You don’t look any different.”

“We’ve got both alien and human DNA - hybrids, for a more simpler term.” Isabel clarifies. “When you and dad found us that night on the side of the road, we had just hatched from our pods--”

“Pods?” He asks, the word rolling off his tongue in unfamiliarness.

“We were genetically engineered.” I explain. “We were sent here, to earth, in these incubation pods, meant to home us until it was time for us to break out of them. When we finally did, we emerged looking like six year olds and continued aging naturally, like humans.”

“This is unbelievable.” He murmurs, a dazed expression on his face. “Who else knows about this?”

“Alex, before he died.” I answer solemnly. “Liz, Maria, Kyle, Mr. Valenti, and now you guys.”

“What about Tess and Micheal?” My mom asks.

“They’re like us.” Isabel answers.

“Hybrids?” She supplies.

I nod slowly. “I know this is a lot to take in, but you can’t talk about this with anyone. It’s not only our lives at risk now, it’s yours too.”

They nod emphatically before staring into nothingness. This isn’t looking too good. The baby’s whimpering brings them out of whatever reverie they were in.

Isabel and I exchange glances before I clear my throat. “Are you guys okay?”

“Yes, we just, why didn’t you tell us sooner?” My mom asks, shaking her head.

“We wanted to.” Isabel exclaims, her voice hitching. “We wanted to tell you for so long, but we were scared.”

“Scared of what?”

“Of what you’d say.” She answers, shrugging her shoulders. “Of what you’d think. You’re the only parents we’ve ever known. We didn’t want to lose you.”

“Isabel, Max…,” My dad sighs, his tone reprimanding. “That could never happen. Regardless of who you are or where you‘re from, it doesn’t matter to me or your mother. You’re our kids and we love you.”

A tear rolls down Isabel’s cheek as we both nod dutifully. “I told you.” She murmurs, gently elbowing my side.

I crack a small smile. I might’ve withheld a lot with my reaction, but I’m absolutely relieved that they know the truth and accept us. It feels like a huge burden has been lifted off my shoulders.

“Now, about this baby…,” My mom sniffles, shooting me a stern look.

“It was a mistake.” I reply. “I’ll never forgive myself for it, but I don’t regret my son.”

“We’d never expect you to Max.” She replies. “I guess, what I’m saying is, you and Tess together seems a bit odd. I mean, it never striked me that you and her were…together. Especially since you were always so smitten with Liz Parker.”

Smitten. It's much more than that.

“It was a mistake.” I repeat, not wanting to rehash the whole hellacious experience. “I wish it didn’t happen, and I’d give anything to erase it, but I can’t.”

“And Tess?”

“She’s not who you think she is.” I reply, watching them intently. “I found that out the hard way.”

“And what do you intend to do about this child?” My dad asks incredulously. “Surely you don’t think you’re equipped to take care of an infant?”

“I don’t have a choice.” I retort. “He’s my responsibility. I have to do this.”

“You’re not alone.” My mom whispers softly.

“Of course he isn’t, but a baby isn‘t easy to provide for.” He continues. “There’s so much to consider.”

“I know.” I answer, looking down at him in my arms before bringing my gaze to theirs. “That’s why I need your help.”

“We're here Max.” He answers. “Whenever you need us.”

Smiling my gratitude, the ringing of my cell phone breaks the moment. Transferring the baby into my mother’s welcoming arms, I stand up and quickly make my way into the den.

“Hello?”

“Max, it’s me.” Micheal says urgently. “Something’s up.”

“What is it?” I ask, instantly alarmed.

“Brody’s gone.”

“What? I thought I told you to watch him?”

“I was.” He insists. “It’s all I’ve been doing for the past two hours. I even had Maria doing duty since she knows him better than I do. I don’t know how he managed to disappear without me seeing him. What do I do?”

I sigh heavily. “Where are you now?”

“The Crashdown.” He replies. “Liz and Maria get off in the next ten minutes.”

“Stay there. Isabel and I are on our way.”

“Make it quick.” He replies, ending the call.

Returning to the living room, I go over to Isabel. “We have to go.” I say quickly, putting on my jacket.

Her eyes widen before she stands up, following suit.

“Go where?” My mom inquires, rocking my son back and forth. “What’s going on?”

Isabel looks over at me to answer. “There’s still so much you don’t know that we don’t have the time to explain right now, but we’ll tell you everything when we get back.”

“Are you in danger?” My dad asks, standing up beside me. “Do you need our help?”

“You know the truth,” I reply, holding his stare. “That’s more than enough help.”

Noticing my gaze drifting over to my son, my mom speaks up, “He’s safe here with us Max.” I nod with her reassurance. “Please, you two be careful.”

“We will.” Isabel smiles, following me out the door.

“What happened?” She queries once we get outside.

“Brody disappeared.”

“You’re kidding?” She murmurs, her steps quickening beside me.

I glance at her briefly. “I kid you not.”

TBC…