I'll Be (AU,CC,TEEN) Pt 8a - 11/6/04 [WIP]

[liz_maria]

Thank you to qt4167013 for this totally awesome banner!

A/N:This was done in a rush. . .only since this morning so. . .

Diclaimer: Don't own the characters or the song I'm using. . .The Roswell copyright owners are Fox and their producer Jason Katims and the rest of the official Roswell people.The song I'll Be was from EMI Music by Edwin McCain.
Rating: Probably a TEEN or higher...
Dedications:To all the readers of this fic and to tebibehr who I'm still looking forward to seeing again on this board coz' I'm starting to miss her.
Summary (This is gonna be pretty lengthly so I'd suggest that you guys just read the prolouge. It's clearer that way. . .The story will unfold from there): Max Evans had the perfect girl.Everyting went right for him until an accident claimed the live of the woman he truly had feelings for. . .how could he ever feel the same way about somebody else again? The answer lies in the next following parts to come.

A/N:Enjoy!I'll just put A/Ns for additional explanations on some of the rather confusing scenes and parts.

"I'll Be" by: Edwin McCain

The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful
Stop me and steal my breath
Emeralds from mountains thrust toward the sky
Never revealing their depth
Tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated
I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above

[Chorus:]
I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life

Rain falls angry on the tin roof
As we lie awake in my bed
You're my survival, you're my living proof
My love is alive not dead
Tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache, that hang from above

[Repeat Chorus]

I've been dropped out, burned up, fought my way back from the dead
Tuned in, turned on, Remembered the things that you said

[Repeat Chorus]

A/N:Okay. . .here's some info on the fic. Max is a rich company boss who was born and raised in L.A. by his wealthy parents along with his sister,Isabel Evans.His company was passed along to him by his father.He is one of the well known people in the social sides of L.A. .He has a girlfriend from way back.Tess Harding. (In this fic,Tess is nice.)Also born from a rich family. They are the perfect couple,until. . .

I'll Be (Prolouge1)

Winter 2000'

Setting: It was nearing Christmas of the year 2000. The air was cool in L.A. and snow was probably expected to start pouring in a few days.

The cordless telephone rang in the lighted modern Los Angeles apartment unit of Max Evans.He,who was sitting on the couch watching the television,stood up and reached for the cordless phone.

Max pushed the 'talk' button. "Hello?"

"Max!" It was Ed Harding Tess's father.His voice was shaking.

"What is it?You seemed to be worried about something."

"It's Tess. . ." he started quietly. Max could still feel the tremor in his voice.

"What about her?" Max asked urgently. He began to pace around the room.

"S-she's gone." Ed stated to sniffle loudly on the other line.

Max dropped the phone in his haste to take in everything that Ed had just told him. He cursed loudly and shuffled around the room to get the phone from it's spot on the floor.

"W-what d-do you mean?!Did she run away?"

"Max,can you come over? I think it's better to talk about it here."

Max nodded at no one in particular.

"I'll be there in a few minutes."

He quickly turned off the phone and grabbed for his car keys that were lying on his sofa's side table.

Running to the door,Max hurriedly took his coat and ran outside. His convertible was parked right outside. He quickly got on and started the engine.
~~~~~~~
The car swerved from side to side as Max drove as fast as the car was able to go without crashing anywhere.

He was nearly stopped by a policeman for driving through a red light.
~~~~~~
Inside the Harding Mansion's living room,Ed Harding hugged his wife,Jessica tightly.

"How are you going to tell Max,Edward?" came Jessica's tearful voice as she held on to her husband a little tighter.

"He thinks that she's run away." said Edward as he leaned closer to console his wife.

"If only that that were the case. . ." Jessica sobbed harder.

A loud sound came from the outside as they heard the mansion's door swing open and then slam shut.

"Ed!" Max exclaimed as he entered the living room.

He quickly sat himself down accross from Tess's parents,looking at the two of them suspiciously.

Ed watched him carefully as he was still out of breath from running around the big house.

"Winston.Get Max some water." Ed called out to the family butler.

"Yes sir." Winston immedietly scurried off to get a glass of water.

"Now what is this all about?Did Tess run away?" Max asked while trying to catch his breath again.

"Max,we have something to tell you about Tess. . ." Jessica started brokenly.

Winston brought in the glass of water and Ed quickly signaled him to leave them alone.

"S-she's. . .dead." Ed said and both parents started crying again as Max looked at them in surprise.

"N-no.She can't be!She's not dead.What the hell are you talking about?!" Max screamed as he felt the tears starting to come out.

"I'm very sorry,son." Ed reached forward and started patting Max on the back who was hunched over and crying as well.

"Tell me what happened to her."

"There was an accident. . ." Ed began dejectedly. "She came from the shopping district. On her way home,her car collided with a truck. . .She didn't make it."

Ed said the last part in a mere whisper that sounded all too awful in Max's ears.

"A-are they sure?It's not possible!" Max started to reach for his cellphone. Planning on calling his family doctor. But as he started to dial the number,Ed slowly pushed his hand down.

"We already tried. It was hopeless. She just couldn't make it."

Max put the cellphone back into his pocket. He sighed heavily and said the words that he wouldn't ever imagine saying about Tess. "Where and when will the funeral be?"

Ed started to stare into space. "At the family space." It meant that it was to be held at the family's presonal tomb. "In three days." He said it as strongly as he could muster saying.

Max stood up.

"I'll see you there." he said quietly as he started walking walking towards the mansion's front door.

Ed nodded and went back to comforting his wife.
~~~~~~~~
When Max got home,he didn't say anyhting.

He wordlessly sat back down on the couch and reached for the cordless phone and started dialing a very familiar number.

"Hello?" Isabel chirped sweetly from the other line.She was in vacation in Miami.

"She's dead." Max said bluntly. A fresh dose of tears were threatening to come out again.

"Max?" Isabel asked.Her tone returning to her normally serious voice.

"She's dead." Max repeated angrily to the phone.

"Who?"

"Tess!She's gone." Max hissed.

From the other end of the line,Isabel covered her mouth and gasped. She couldn't believe what she was hearing from her brother.

"I'm soo sorry."

"Being sorry doesn't bring her back!" Max snapped at his sister.

"I'll come over as soon as I get here." Isabel said sadly.

Max turned the phone off. And slammed it into the couch beside him.

He and Tess had come from a long way already.He was even thinking of proposing to her in the next few months ahead.But now,everything around him seemed to be cold. His life wasn't ever going to be the same again. Especially without Tess in his life.

(Prolouge TBC. . .)

How was that?

[liz_maria]

A/N:Okay,Thanks to everyone who came to check this fic out. . .woah! I didn't expect that many to leave the fbs. . .

Q&As:

LPorterIt is odd if such an incident occurs. . . I don't really know what to do about Tess so I just killed her. . . :evil: sorry,evil side is showing.

m14I had been thinking about doing that ever since I saw the end of the second season. . .I finally got my wish.But rereading this earlier,I did feel a little sorry myself.

Izzy,the sister. . .will not be icy in this story.Well,not icy to her brother at least. . .

I hope this next part answers some of those questions coz' the story still isn't elaborated here. . .but it will be soon. . .

Ash_maxlizI wasn't really sure if anyone would really be depressed by the early death of Tess,but I didn't know how it would affect you guys. I guess this answers my question. . .

Blessed4EverChica,sorry for not telling you about this new fic. . .when I posted a plug on 'Mesmerized',I didn't know that it would come out a few hours later. . .

Thanks for your faith in me. . .it really helps. . .

Dreamer_DreamingThank you,I'm still thinking about what I plan to do with the story as the next few parts will get released. . .

Crashdown2006Thank you! I'm actually having a hard time about relesing Max's emotions and movements in words coz' everything's really sad. . .

roswellluverThanks,and hopefully,the next few parts I think of soon will go well with the story's ideas. . .
~~~
I'd like to thank everyone for the views and fbs. . .I hope that this one's good. . .

continuation of the Prolouge (Prolouge 2)

(At Tess's funeral)

Max was standing beside Ed and Jessica. They quietly listening to the eulogy that the priest was giving.

He recalled bitterly at how Isabel came back from her vacation the day before.She directly went to his apartment and stayed to talk to him. He hadn't eaten in the last few days since he found about what had happened to Tess. Isabel had forced him to eat something,but he had eaten only a few bites before going back to refuse all the rest of the food that was brought to him.

He had even recalled her saying before she left. "Try to go on with your life. Everything's gonna be fine. You'll see."

Returning his thoughts back to the funeral,Max watched as they began to put Tess into the 'family space'.

Ed was now standing into the makeshift podium and thanking all those who had come.

There was a short word of prayer and then the funeral had ended. All the visitors started to leave. Ed joined Max to where he was still standing.

"Max,please. . .don't worry about us. Everything will be alright."

"How can you say that? You've been with her longer that I have." Max replied wearily.

"Well what can you expect us to do?. . .We really love her. Since she's not here anymore,I think she's like it better if we move on and get back to the things that we still have. If I've ever learned anything from this,it's that you'll have to treasure evrything else that's still here before they're gone too. . ."

Max nodded.

Ed continued. ". . .look for someone else."

"Tess isn't easy to replace."

"I know she isn't.All the more reason to start looking for somebody else now. Promise me. . .,and Tess. . .try to find somebody else. It's the only way to make Jessica,Tess and me happier."

Max nodded again.

"One more thing,stay in touch with us. You've been like a son already. If you need anything.Any problems. . .we'll be there.With and like your perents,. . .if you want to. . ."

"Yes,I will."

"Thank you." Ed patted Max on the back again and walked away.

(TBC)

[liz_maria]

A/N:As promised.I'm back now and here it is. But first. . .

Alien614Thanks for that fb. . .here it is!

I'll Be Part 1

A/N:If y'all wanted to know,the company Max is running is an advertising agency in L.A.. One of the biggest and famous. They conceptualize stuff and decide the details to marketing this and that. . .
Since his father had given him the company,Max is now the president and his father became the VP. . . so that they could work part time(but Max most of the time.).

BTW,In this fic Max is 25 and Liz will be 24. . .
~~~~~~
Present Time
(At the Evan's company office building,a friday afternoon)

Max sat comfortably on his desk at the top of their family company's office building. He was with one of his employees. The twenty-three year old secretary:Elaine or Lana,as Max likes to call her.

"Lana,What is on for the schedule today?" Max asked as he busily sorted through some of his important documents.

"It's your lucky day sir. You only have a meeting with Mr. Davis from the New Jersey Branch in an hour and then your schedule is free for the rest of the day."

Max nodded nad handed some folders to Lana. "Put these in the file A cabinet."

Lana stood up and opened the file cabinet and started stuffing the files in.

"Sir,may I remind you that Mr. Davis is one of those hard-to-please clients that need lots of convincing to seal any kind of deal with him. That's what your father said about him the last time they met."

"Lana,may I also remind you that that was my father and this is me. Let's review: What is my age now?"

"Twenty-five sir."

". . .and my father's age?"

"Fifty-two."

"How many years is he older than me?"

"Twenty-seven,sir."

"Okay,does that answer your doubtful thoughts about me?"

"Yes sir." Lana covered her mouth to stop a fit of giggles from coming.

This is the drill that they always go through when she sometimes 'underestimated' the charms of Lana's boss.

"Do you have any plans for preperations,sir?Do you need the laptop set up there for the slides?"

"Um. . .yes.The laptop. Set it up and go through the Davis slides. See if there's anymore ideas we missed."

"Yes sir. I'll look through it now." Lana stood up and left.

Max sat back down on his desk just as his office phone rang.

He pushed a button and the office phone operator or Edna's (her real name) voice went on "Sir,a call from Miss Isabel."

"I'll take the call."

A beep was heard on the phone and a second later,Isabel's voice came on the line.

"Hey,Max! What's been going on with you?"

"Work. How about you? It's been about a month since you last called."

"Everything's cool. I'm dating this really hot guy. . ."

"Oh no." Max groaned. "Not again. . .you've become guy crazy,Iz! You didn't date this much when you were in high school. Back then,you were already head cheerleader."

Isabel laughed and sighed.

"Dear brother,why not go back into dating."

"I am dating. What's wrong with it?"

"I can see that you're not very happy with it. Your trying to keep this promise to Ed."

"I'm having fun."

"Then why did you sound so dipressed when you said that?. . .I'm telling you,put your heart into it."

Max rolled his eyes and huffed.

"What happened to your putting your heart into it?"

"Who said I wasn't?! You didn't let me finish what I was trying to say a minute ago. . .I had said that I'm dating this really hot guy and he seems to be serious about me so I don't think it's one of those games anymore."

"Lucky you." Max said flatly.

"Your sarcasm is obvious. Listen,why don't I set you up with some of the girls." Isabel reffered to her friends.

"Not them. Too ditzy."

"Try one. . .you might enjoy it."

"Thanks. But no thanks. . .I'm thinking eewww. . .your friends?!"

"What? There's nothing wrong with them."

"Whatever you say. . ."

"I'm telling the truth. They're good."

"Why are you so obsessed with finding Tess' replacement? Didn't you used to be a friend of hers?"

"Not really. I found her a tad to sweet. Sorry,nothing personal."

Max winced. He didn't think hat his sister thought about Tess that way.

"Really? I thought you were something close to best friends?"

"No. Just distant friends. . ."

"Oh."

"Sorry to disappoint you. . .Tess is nice and all. . .but. . ."

"Fine. . ."

"But what about you set-up?"

Max glanced at the digital clock on his desk. He had already wasted fifteen minutes on the phone.

"Iz,I gotta go now. I have a meeting forty-five minutes and I have to start getting ready."

"Okay. . .Call me soon.Bye."

"Bye."

Max put the phone down and sighed. Sometimes,his sister just worked to hard on trying to find a replacement for Tess,but he knew that another one like her would be one in a million.

Lana stepped back into the room.

"Sir,the things are prepared now."

"Good. Wait over by the meeting room. I'll be right there."

Lana nodded and walked out.

Max started making his way to the bathroom.

When he got there,he quickly straightened out his suit and checked his looks on the mirror.
Afterwards,he nodded in satisfaction and walked to the meeting room that they were to be using in thirty minutes.

Lana was already inside. She was bustling around and putting things in their place.

"Lana,make coffee for Mr. Davis and his associates."

Lana went outside to start the coffee machine.

Max looked over at the last details for the meeting. He went over to the laptop computer and checked on the slides and proposals he was going to need.

In twenty-five minutes,he'd have to deliver a perfectly planned proposal on why they should seal a deal with their agancy. It was really like going thrugh the usual motions. . .
~~~~~
(At the time of the meeting)

". . .and that is what I think is the reason why our company,Evans and Associates Inc.,should be the one that will make the advertisement concepts for your product, 'Soft n Smooth' shampoo." Max finished with a smile.

Mr. Davis sat there and was looking thoughtfully at the slides that were put into a folder in front of him.
A minute later,he nodded.

"Mr. Evans. I would be glad to sign another contract with your company on advertising concepts for my product."

He took the contract and started to sign it.

He handed it over to Max who signed it and stood up to shake hands with Mr. Davis.

"Thank you,sir."

"It has been very nice to be meeting with you. We shall set the concept in by next month. The fax and e-mail will be sent to your office directly."

"Yes,thank you. We shall get going now."

Mr. Davis left with his associates as Max sat back down. He started to fix up his things when Lana came in.

"Congratulations sir. You sealed the deal with Mr, Davis."

"I told you so." Max replied with a wink.

"I'll be taking those,sir. You just go ahead."

"Thanks Lana. I'll be leaving early today. You go tell my father that he can take care of eveything else.I'll see you on Monday."

Lana nodded again and continued going back to the cleaning-up.

Max took his laptop and stepped out of the meeting room.He went back to his office and took his things.

Then,he went to the elevators and rode on to the lobby of the building. While waiting for his car from the valet,Max took out his cellphone and dialed Isabel's number.

"Max?" answered Isabel from the other line.

"Iz. . .are you going out on a date with your hot guy tonight?"

Isabel laughed. "No. Why?"

"Well. . .I had the restof the day off and I was thinking that maybe we could just start talking about things. . . we do have a lot of stuff to catch up on."

"Sure,Max. Where?"

"Do you know that cafe by the corner of my apartment?"

"I've been there before."

"We'll meet there."

"Okay,what time?"

"Aroung eight."

"See ya' there."

They hung-up.
~~~~~~~~~
(Back at Max's apartment)

Max had about four and a half hours before he had to meet his sister over at the cafe. He decided to freshen himself up first,so he took a shower.

After bathing,Max walked around his apartment. He decided to tidy things up a bit because he rarely used his free time in going around and maintaining his home's looks. He usually spent his vacations up in his mansion located near the sea by the Hollywood hills.

While sorting through some of the things in his drawers,Max saw a picture of him and Tess at their college graduation. He sighed heavily and put the picture on a box that kept most of his memories of Tess.

He put that box deep inside one of his drawers.After putting things away,he decided that he was a little sleepy so he decided to take a nap for awhile.
~~~~~~~~~
(A looong while later)

riing

Max drowsily got up from bed. He reached for his cellphone and saw that the caller was Isabel so he
answered it.

"Iz?"

"Are you there already? I'm just looking for a parking space."

Max glanced at the clock on his bed's side table. He gasped at the time. It was seven forty-five already. He had to make it there in fifteen minutes or Isabel would be very upset with him.

"I'm almost there.Get me a table and wait for me inside."

"Okay,will you take long?"

"No. Gotta' go."

Max quickly turned off the phone and ran to his bathroom/walk-in closet to get dressed.
~~~~~~~~~
"What is taking him so long?!" Isabel muttered with frustration as she glanced at her Gucci watch and rolled her eyes. "I thought I was supposed to be the one whose fashionably late?"

It had been fifteen minutes since the time they had talked about earlier. There was still no sign of Max.

"If he doesn't get here in another five minutes,I'll personally kick his ass." Isabel growled pointedly.

Just then,Max rushed through the cafe's doors. He nearly bumped into one of the waitresses and she glared at him as he grinned sheepishly at her.

"Izzy,I'm here."

"I noticed." Isabel said icilly.

"Aaawww,Iz,don't be mad. . .I got here,didn't I?" Max pouted and eyed her carefully as he sat down accross from Isabel.

Isabel rolled her eyes again. "It might have worked on the others,but I'm your sister and I have a certain immunity to your irresistible boyish charms."

The waitress came and they ordered their coffee. She then left and Isabel began talking again.

"So,what kind of catching up do you want to do?"

"Tell me about the hot guy."

Isabel smiled and started. "Well. . .his name is Alexander Whitman. Alex for short. We met at one of those opera shows at the theater. He's into poetry and writing and he's quite a famous photographer. Plus he comes from a very wealthy family."

"Yes,the Whitmans. I think I've read about them in the paper somewhere. . .How long have you been with him?"

"Last month."

"Ah,so that explains why didn't call me last month."

"Yes. And let me tell you that this guy's perfect. I can't wait for you to meet him. I think your going to get along pretty well."

"Does this mean something? It is the first time that you've wanted me to meet anyone that you're dating."

"Hopefully soon,it will mean something."

"Wait a minute. . .you! Have you done anything with this guy to make yourself think that it's serious?"

Isabel wrinkled her nose in disgust.

"Since when did brothers get this personal?"

"You did didn't you. . ." Max smirked and shook his head. He leaned back into his seat and made a clicking sound. . .tsk,tsk. . .

"I did not do anything,bastard!"

Max made a look of being taken back.

"I'm sorry,Max. I just think that you were getting too far with your theories."

"Just answer me. I care for you so just answer. Did you two do anything?"

"Not yet."

"Can you try to keep it that way? At least until after your married? I don't really know if you're still a you-know-what since high school, but I think it will help if you just wait. . ."

Isabel nodded and grinned "What the hell happened to you? All of a sudden,this really cute but playful guy suddenly becomes a saint. I'm surprised!"

"Thank you,I think.You have so many good things to say about me."

"It's because other women say the same."

"There we go again. . ."

"You are NOT sliding out of this particular conversation. It's my turn to interrogate you."

"I told you. I'm patient."

"Okay then,let's check you dating calendar out. When is your next date scheduled?"

"None planned yet."

"See!"

"I said I am a patient person."

"Okay,here's my thoughts: I'll give you 'til the end of this month to get a good date. Not just whatever sass that comes along. . .if you do,I'll stop bothering you. If you don't,I will personally set you up."

"Your annoying.Fine.If that will finally get you satisfied."

"It will. Believe me."

Isabel looked at her watch. "It's getting late. I'd better start heading home."

Max nodded and called a waitress over to hand them their bill.

"Thanks."

The waitress came back and Max payed for the coffee.

"I'd better get going too. I have to meet Mike tomorrow."

Max and Isabel stapped out of the coffee shop and went back to their respective homes.
~~~~~~
(back at his apartment)

Max got ready to go to bed. He remembered about his lunch tomorrow with Mike and his girl Maria.

He surveyed the interior of his house. Everything was neatly placed in their designated spot.
'Everything's in place. Perfect. But there's something missing' he thought as he started to go to sleep.

(TBC )

[liz_maria]

A/N:Hi everyone! Sorry for delays. . .busy with school and the typical things that always keep me away from my beloved computer and my fics. . .and so. . .

I'll Be part 2

Roswell,New Mexico
Present Time

Liz Parker stood in her room,above the Crashdown Cafe. She was talking to her parents there.

"Mom,Dad.I have to go to L.A. coz' it's the only way to advertise the Crashdown."

"Aren't you um. . .young?" Nancy Parker,Liz's mom replied doubtfully.

"I'm twenty-four already!. . .Look at Maria,she moved to L.A. to pursue her dreams right after high school graduation and her mom was okay with it. I already stayed over here to finish my college education. Since you guys are planning to let me run the Crash,I have to look for ways to make everything nice and easy. I'll see what I can there coz' I'm not really sure of how the business is gonna be. I've already found a place that would be for rent and the tables and supplies have already been ordered. Eveything will be set on Tuesday and we can have the soft opening on Monday,about a week or two from Tueasday."

"How do you plan to do it?" Jeff Parker,Liz's dad asked.

"I looked over this site on the web. It's an advertisement agency. I sent an e-mail yesterday and I'm going over to inquire personally. The agency seems to be quite successful over there."

"Lizzie,what's the name of the agency you checked out?"

"It's Evans and Associates Inc."

"How much is it going to cost us?"

"I have to admit,it's gong to be a lot. . .but it could be a good investment."

"When do you plan to go?" Nancy leaned over to Liz,eyeing her carefully.

"As soon as possible. If you can get me a plane ride there over at Albaquerque,tomorrow. That would be great."

Jeff was pacing around the room. "Are you sure about this?"

"Yes,definitely sure."

"What about your place to live in?"

"I already called Maria. She agreed. She can even pick me up from the airport."

Jeff looked at Nancy. "Nancy,I'm okay with it. I think Lizzie can handle everything. Are you?"

Nancy nodded and sighed. "I guess it's part of growing up."

"Mom. . ." Liz pulled both of her parents in a group hug. "I love you guys."

After the hug,Jeff started to leave the room. Nancy followed behind him. Before they left, Jeff said: "Go pack up now. We'll call the airport to get you a ticket."

Liz nodded.

"Now,how about that ride to Albaquerque?" she whispered to herself as she went to the phone and dialled Kyle's,her best friend's number.

"Hello?"

"Kyle,it's Liz. You remember what I told you last week?"

"Which one? You've told me lot's of things since Maria left. . ."

"Y'know,that about moving to L.A. to open up another Crashdown there."

"Yeah. So?"

"I'm going there!"

"What?!"

"Well,it's actually part of why I called. I need to talk to you. Can you come over?"

"Okay,I'll be there in ten minutes."

"Thanks."

Liz hung-up.

She started going around her room and using the ten minutes to pack some things.

She went through her closet and picked up clothes,cosmetics and stuff for cleaning up. She put them on top of her bed.

Just then,a knock came from her door.

"Liz honey,Kyle's waiting down stairs." Nancy voice said through the other end of the door.

Liz quickly ran to the door and opened it. She bolted downstairs and saw Kyle standing there.

"Let's go eat ice cream!"

"Okay."

They went out of the Crashdown and straight ot the ice cream place just around the corner.

After sitting down on one of the booths and oreding the ice cream,Liz finally started to talk about her upcoming trip.

"The reason why I wanted to talk to you is because I'm going over to L.A. tomorrow."

Kyle stared at her with shock.

"Liz,your not kidding?"

"No. I'm truly serious. That's why I want you take me to Albaquerque tomorrow. Since it's on a Sunday, I'm guessing that you're free. . ."

"I am. But tomorrow? What did your parents say?"

"They were cool with it. And this is the good news,I'm staying with Maria!"

"That's great!"

"Guess this'll be the last time I'll get to hang out with you."

"Kyle,you're getting too emotional. Just think of what your god might think about you. If he gets exasperated with you,you won't get anymore of those wishes you asked for to come true."

"Please,this is a big thing! You're moving away!"

The ice cream came and they began to dig in.

"I'll come back. Besides,I'll try to set-up there but I'm still not sure about what might become of it."

"Have fun there,Liz. Who knows, you might find someone."

"I'm not thinking about that,Kyle. I'm serious about my bussiness. Though if something like that comes along, I'm okay with it."

"I really can't believe that your leaving tomorrow. It's overwhealming."

"It is,isn't it? I guess I just wanna do something with my time."

"Don't ever forget to call me,Elizabeth."

"I will. I'll e-mail you too."

"That's what I wanted to hear. Life is gonna be a little sadder without you here,Parker. Your noisy little shopping self. . ."

"Ohh,could it be that you missing me already?"

"Well,yeah."

"Don't worry about me. Come visit in a few months. I'm sure 'Ria will be glad to see you there."

"Okay,I'll try to stop by at the end of the year."

"Wonderful!"

Liz looked at her watch.

"Kyle,I think I have to go home now. Lots of packing to be done."

They went over to the counter and payed.

Then,as they stepped out of the ice cream place,Liz waved good-bye and started to take off in the direction of the Crash.

"I'll call you later on what time you can pick me up." she called out to Kyle before disappearing around the corner.
~~~~~~
Back in L.A.

Max was sitting at the local italian restaurant with Michael and Maria. As promised,they had met up to talk and catch up.

"Mike,how's the art gallery?" Max asked as he took his wine glass from the table and started drinking.

Michael ran the famous art gallery just above the Hollywood Hills. He had told Max that that was how he had met Maria. She's an art buff and went over to the gallery to look around. They got engrossed over a panting and have been inseprable ever since.

"We will get a new shipment for the new photo works display. There's this guy named Alex Whitman whose photos are set to be displayed for his opening night."

Max nearly choked on his drink. He set his glass down and swallowed hard.

"Are you okay?" Maria asked.

"I'm fine. It's just that that Alex Whitman is the guy who Isabel is dating."

Michael and Maria both looked at Max with wide-eyes.

"Really?" They both said in unison.

Michael was like a real brother to Isabel and Max. They all grew up together and went to the same schools. They still remain very close and see each other during their free time. When Maria moved to L.A. and hooked up with Michael,she and Isabel became instant best friends.

"True,she just told me yesterday." Max replied matter-of-factly.

"She is gonna be in soo much trouble for not telling me. She didn't see me for a month." Maria laughed out.

"I know. She didn't call me for a month too." Max commented. He was bewildered at his sister's actions for the past month.

"Oooh,I have news for you guys." Maria chirpped.

"What kind?" Michael asked expectantly.

"Somebody's going to live with me!"

"Me?" Michael asked.

Maria rolled her eyes.

"No,stupid."

Max gave her a look.

"Who?" he asked and winked at the annoyed Michael.

"I had this classmate and best friend from Roswell before I moved here. I guess y'all know where I'm from right?"

Both of the guys nodded.

"Anyways,. . ." Maria continued. "She called me up and told me that she might be moving here for awhile coz' of something she wanted to do. I didn't really ask her what. She asked if I have somebody living with me and if it was alright for her to move in and I said yes!"

"And?" Michael asked.

"I'd like you guys to meet her. She's very nice and we still talk to each other on phone or e-mail."

Maria had a thoughtful look to her. "Hey,she mentioned in one of her recent e-mails that she wasn't seeing anyone yet. Maybe we could set her and Max up."

Max groaned. "Why'd you have to be so much like my sister?"

"That's why I'm one of her bestest friends." Maria said in a bragging voice. "It won't be that bad. . .Just meet her."

"We'll see." Max said.

Maria nodded in satisfaction. "This is going to be soo much fun."
~~~~~~~~
Roswell,New Mexico
That Afternnon

Liz finished packing the last of the things that she decided to bring.

Her parents gave her the confirmation that she would be leaving the next day,Sunday,for Albaquerque. She had an afternoon flight to L.A. and after that,she called Kyle up and told him to pick her up bright and early the next morning.

She had also called Amy Deluca,Maria's mother,to tell her that she would be living with her daughter.

Amy had told Liz to say 'hi.' to her daughter and check on how things were going on for her there. She also told Liz to give an e-mail report about Maria.
Liz agreed and told Amy that she would tell Maria all those things that she wanted to be relayed over to her daughter.

Now,she was going to call Maria to tell her that she would be coming tomorrow night.
~~~~~
Maria's Place near the art gallery and Michael's house

Maria sat comfortably at her dinning room. She was having a quiet dinner with Michael,when her phone rang.

"Excuse me." she said and stood up to answer the phone.

"Hello?"

"Ria',it's me!"

"ohmygod! Liz! What's up."

"I'm coming tomorrow night."

"Okay,what time?"

"I'm scheduled to arrive at six."

"Great!We'll pick you up then."

"Thanks,I have to go finish up now. . .bye."

"Bye."

Maria turned the phone off and went back to Michael on the dinner table.

"She's coming tomorrow!" She declared with a delighted smile.

(TBC)

[liz_maria]

A/N:Sorry for the lateness. . .mid-quarter exams. . .
I just remembered. . .about the cocept of this fic so I'll just explain. . .I took this concept coz' I think it would be a good change of pace from what I used to do. [This is actually my first time to write a fic that has the cast away from the Roswell high school. I have to admit that I had a little hard time doing those coz' they had school and was obligated to study and since it's pretty much typical days for those students,this is really something different coz' they aren't really confined anymore to a place that they have to go to. They do have jobs but it is easier to got out of them. . .hehe! I've had alot of first times here. There was the first time I actually used a song. . .First time to have angst written all over the prolouge. . .that kinda' stuff. . .]

Ooops!Sorry. . .before everyone goes to sleep in reading this A/N,let's proceed to the actual fic. . .

I'll be part 3/Update 11/25

Albaquerque Airport

"It's been good,Parker." Kyle gave Liz a hug as she was taking her luggage out of his car.

Jeff and Nancy stood beside their daughter.

"Don't forget to call us." Nancy said as she put a tissue up to her nose.

It was a tearful goodbye that left Liz lonely,but as she thought of going to L.A.,the fears and sadness drained away and it left her with a feeling of being excited.

"I won't. Have fun while I'm away you guys!" Liz hugged everyone and took her luggage. She waved to the others as she walked into the airport.

'I hope this goes well. . .' Liz thought as she entered the small airport. She silently waited for her flight to start boarding while thinking about all the things that will be in store for her in L.A. .
~~~~~~
Back in L.A.

"Come on Mike. We have to get there,fast." Maria said as she hurriedly put her shoes on.

Michael was cleaning up his car when Maria got outside and locked her door.

"I'm done." Michael said as he got in and started the engine.

Maria entered the passenger's seat and closed her door.

"I can't wait for her to meet everyone! I think Iz is gonna looove her. . ."

"Are you seriously planning to set your friend up with Max?" Michael asked.

"Yes."

"That's not gonna be easy. You know how he is with Tess gone."

"We can't stop trying."

"I know that it's for his sake,but didn't we try hard enough?"

"I have faith in him and I think that he's gonna find another one."

"I'm supportive of your plan but don't go too far in pushing them."

"I won't. Do you think Izzy will approve of our plan."

Michael snorted. "Obviously. She's been trying to get him with another girl for the last three years."
~~~~~~
L.A. Airport

Liz stood outside the airport. It was six o'clock and she estimated that Maria's arrival would be a few minutes from then.

She surveyed her surroundings. L.A.'s airport was huge when compared to the one in Albaquerque. This place was obviously very different from anything in New Mexico. It was definitely weird,walking around a place where alien sign boards and alien themed stuff didn't pop up from everywhere you looked.

"Liz!" a familiar voice called out beside her.

"Maria?" she ran over to the blonde girl that was standing five feet from her. They hugged tightly.

"It's been forever since I last saw you!" Maria said as she slowly broke away from Liz's grasp and started helping her carry her luggage.

They walked a few steps and stopped in front of a car. A guy was standing there,smiling.

"Liz,this is Michael. My boyfriend."

Liz beamed and they shook hands.

"Nice meeting you,Michael."

"Just Mike."

"Okay,Mike."

"Mike,load the stuff in the back." Maria ordered as she motioned for Liz to get into the backseat.

Maria went back into the car's passenger seat and spun her head around to face Liz.

"How was everything in Roswell?"

Liz nodded. "Everything's good. And. . .your mom wants to say hi to you and she wants to know how you've been doing here."

"Oh. Thanks. I'll just call her later."

Michael was done with the loading of things in the back and he had gotten back into the car and started to drive towards Maria's place.

"So,what brings you here,Liz?" Michael asked Liz.

"I'm actually here for the family business. We've been planning to open a new branch of the Crashdown Cafe here."

"Great. Do you need advertis-" Michael didn't get to finish his question because Maria quickly interrupted.

"We're going to have soo much fun,Liz! I'll take you to one of the coolest clubs that you can never get into in Roswell. Who knows,we might even catch some celebs hanging there."

"That sounds like a good idea." Liz commented.

"When would you like to go?"

"Whenever you'd have free time."

"How about tonight?"

"That'd be a great first night here. . ."

"Then it's settled. We're going tonight."

Just then,Micheal spoke up. "Sorry girls,I'm afraid I can't go."

"Why not?" Maria gave him a look. He just shrugged.

"My place is a dump. I still have to clean up." Maria simply nodded and said "Have a clean night."

Michael smirked "Clean night?. . ."

Maria rolled her eyes and looked back to Liz. "I'm just soo happy you could come to stay with me!"

"Yeah,I know. I'm just as excited as you are."

They reached Maria's place and Michael pulled over. He went to the back to unload Liz's things as Maria walked over to open the front door. Liz carried her things inside as she was being helped out my Michael and Maria.

When they finished moving things inside the house,all of them step outside.

"I'd better get going." Michael started to the direction of his car as Maria pulled him back into a hug and gave him a kiss.

"As I said,have a clean night." She murmured as they pulled away. She waved to him as he walked into the car. Then,Maria turned back to Liz.

"Let's get inside. . .I'll help you unpack."

They made their way inside and Maria gave Liz a tour of the house.Then,she took Liz's things up to her room that was the guest room located just across Maria's room. There was a bathroo inside the room and a walk-in closet.

"We've got alot of catching up to do. . ." Maria stated as she heped Liz put things away into the closets. They walked back and forth in to the room and closet as they talked.

"Life there was the typical. Almost the same as in high school." Liz said as she took a stack of clothes and walked over to the closet,

"Have you dated?"

"A few guys.None too serious. . .well,once. One serious relationship."

"With who?"

"You remember Josh Wakefield?"

"You?. . .and him?"

Josh Wakefield was one of the most popular guys in high school. Every girl was after him. . .

"How'd that happen?"

"I'm not really sure. He just asked me out and after that. . .we got along and you probably know that it was us."

"Well,what happened?"

"He actually cheated on me."

Maria shook her head. "That's too bad."

"Oh,wait! You wouldn't guess with whom he was with when he cheated on me. . ."

Maria watched Liz jump up and down whilst giggling. "Chloe Herbert"

Maria quickly slapped her hand over her mouth and started laughing along with Liz. "Whoa!. . .biggest slut,huh?"

Liz nodded. "And after a few great months,I find out that the guy was just a horny bastard."

"Caught them in the act?" Maria asked while trying to gain composure over her laughter.

"Almost all the way. . .right there. In the middle of the eraser room!"

"And that was your only serious relationship?"

"I thought that he'd be nicer. . ."

"Really,guys in high school? What did you expect?"

"I guess being young proves that,right?"

"No problem. I know this really awesome guy that isn't dating anyone at the moment and I can set you up with him coz' we've all been pushing him to date."

"Why do you have to push him?" Liz asked as she emptied the last of her luggage into the closet.

"He hasn't been dating in awhile."

"Is there something wrong?"

Maria shook her head as she took Liz's luggage and put it at the back of the closet. "It's just that his girlfriend died a few years back. There was a pretty serious thing that's been going on between the two of them before she died. . ."

"Um,I don't really think that that would be a good idea because this guy might not really have gotten over that girl so. . ."

"No. Trust me,the only way to get things back to normal with him is to let him date again. Besides,he already agreed to go looking out for a date. . .and,I told her about your coming over to stay with me and I asked him if he would like to meet you and he agreed!"

"You told him about me?!"

"Just the part about you coming over and not having any relationships now. . .I had lunch with him and Mike yesterday." Maria shrugged and sat down on the bed. Liz sat beside her.

"I guess it's okay to meet this friend of yours. . ."

"Trust me. This guy is really cool. I'll talk to him about when you should meet." Maria assured Liz.

"Describe him."

"Totally hot! I'm sure you'd say the same. Definitely cuter than what Josh Wakefield will ever amount to! Sweet and really nice. . .it also helps that he has enough time to work out and that this person comes from a rich family and is pretty rich himself. He's a college graduate that has a really neat company that his parents let him run."

"You make him sound like pure perfection. . ." Liz said suspiciously while smirking at Maria

"You gotta believe me. He is."

"Well enough about that,I think we should start getting ready to go to that really cool club you were talking about."

Maria nodded and stood up. "Right. I'm gonna go shower now. I'll see you later."

Liz gave a little wave of the fingers and signaled Maria to go on to her room.

She took some things and ran into her own bathroom to start dressing up.

(TBC)

[liz_maria]

A/N:I'm sorry.This one's way too short . . .I'll get back to this tomorrow or something. In the meanwhile. . .

I'll be Part 4a/(update11/28 )

Partying at the Club

"One more of those. . .things!" a drunk Liz said to one of the bartenders.

When they had arrived,they immedietly started the dancing and even saw some of the celebrities that Maria was talking about. Only Liz had gotten drunk because Maria refused the drinks for she still had to drive them home.

"Are you having fun on your first night here?" Maria yelled over to Liz as she slumped down on one of the bar stools. Maria sat beside her.

"Oh yeah! Having the time of my life!" Liz yelled back.

"You look a little away there. Maybe we should get you home." Maria looked with concern as she watched Liz finish her drink and attempted to stand from her seat but failed miserably.

"Uh. . .One more dance." Liz replied groggily.

"Can you handle it?" Maria asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Duh!" Liz stood up from the seat and started her way back to the dance floor but sagged to the floor.

Maria quickly ran over to her spot on the floor.

"You okay?" she asked while silently cursing herself for letting Liz stand up or walk around anywhere.

"Yeah. . .maybe we should go. . ." Liz said uncertainly.

Maria sighed and stood up, She helped Liz out of the stool and led her out back to where her car was parked.

As they started walking,Maria looked over at Liz and muttered: "Aren't I supposed to be the one that's drunk?"

"Whuzzat?" Liz asked her as she tried to turn her head back to face Maria.

"No,it was nothing!" Maria repled cheerily.

She fumbled with her keys to the car door and when it opened,she pushed Liz into the back seat. She was snoring peacefully.

Maria went in and started driving them home.

(TBC)

[liz_maria]

I'll Be Part 5a
Next Morning

"Umph. . ." Liz mumbled as she sat up in the bed. She rubbed her temples.

"Oowww. . ." She started to recall last night's events when Maria burst into the room.

"You okay now?" Liz nodded as Maria handed her some aspirin and a glass of water,

"Thanks." Liz finished the water and handed it back to Maria.

"Y'know,today's Sunday. . ."

"Yeah,so?"

"You're suppsed to be out there." Maria pointed to the big windows of the room.

"I'm going later." Liz assured her as she stood up from the bed and headed to the bathroom

"Great,I'll go around with you!" Maria chirpped as she leaned against the bathroom door.

"No need for that! I can probably find my way around. Besides,you might want to go out with Mike today. . ."

"I'm sure that he's still too busy in cleaning his place out. It's a sty! That's why I don't go there much,only when I really,really have to."

"Is that so?" Liz asked with a little laugh.

"Yes. You'll take one look at his place and wrinkle your nose in disgust."

"Okay,okay. I see what you're trying to point out now. I'll talk to you later. I'm going to take a shower."

"I'll meet you downstairs for breakfast." Maria said as she exited Liz's room.
~~~~~
Max's Apartment

Ring,ring.

The cordless phone was ringing. It woke Max up. He took it and answered the call.

"Yeah? Who is it?"

"Son,it's me." His father had called him up.

"Dad.Why'd you call?"

His father bellowed on the other line. "Cngratulations! You landed the deal with Davis. I only got the chance to call you now."

"Thanks,Dad."

"I thought that since today's Sunday,maybe you should come by later for dinner."

"Sure,I'll stop by."

"Okay,I'll see you there." his father said and hung up.

Max yawned and went back to sleeping.

(TBC-stick around to see the continuation of the morning's events. )

[liz_maria]

A/N:I really wanted to post on Christmas day,but being busy. . .ugh,unavoidable. . .so now I'm back. . .

Crashdown2006 They're (the girls are) gonna have some fun. . .as for Max. . .he'll probably be having fun too. . .

roswellluver Agree to that. . .men.

Blessed4Ever Chica! Bwahaha Liz is gonna have soo much fun in L.A.,and with what's in store for her,she might completely forget about that jerk,Josh Wakefield

~^~^~^
I'll be Part 5b
Back at Maria's Place

"Hey. Eat." Maria said as she saw Liz come into her kitchen/dining area.

Liz sat in the tiled table located in the middle of the room.

"Smells good. What is it?" Liz asked as she leaned closer to Maria who was taking something from her oven.

"Bluberry muffins. I already had the mixture ready. I just needed to bake them."

Liz smiled. "My favorite."

"I know. I had to walk all over the place just to spot those blueberries in the market places."

Maria put the muffin pan on a cooling rack on top of the tiled table.

"Careful. Still tremendously hot." She said as she placed a plate and fork in front of Liz. She then, proceeded to going over to the refrigerator and took a carton of juice from it.

"I'll help." Liz offered. She stood up from the stool and went over to the cupboards and kitchen cabinets. She found two glasses and brought it back to the table and set it down.

"Thanks." Maria said. She sat down across Liz and took her fork and scooped a muffin onto her plate. She beckoned Liz to do the same.

Liz took one and tried it. She grinned with delight. "These things are great! Do you always make these?"

"Not really. It's only my second or third time."

"Who knew you could cook?" Liz snickered.

"Hey! Living alone does things to you."

"Living alone? You sure?"

"What does that mean?"

"You might have lived with your special-someone here before I moved in. . ."

"No. . .We're still on the wholesome side."

"Oh."

"You always eat at home?"

"On my first year,yeah. I figured I should start getting used to the fact that I had to make my own food. Working at the Crashdown part time has done a lot of good because I could remember some cooking techniques there. I've also kept the place clean enough to live in so I figured that I did pretty well for myself. . ."

"I forgot to ask you after all these years. . .what is your job anyway?"

"I didn't tell you? It's actually how I met Mike. I work for an art auctioning agency. I'm one of their consultants. They sent me over to the art museum to look at some paintings that the agency mught be interested in investing on. I was looking around and I saw this fabulous painting that I just love. Mike works there and he approached me to talk about the painting. Then,after quite a lengthly conversation about the painting,he finally asked me out. And the rest is history. . ."

"What a nice way to meet your boyfriend."

"Coincidence?. . ." Maria chuckled.

By then,they has both finished eating their breakfast. Liz piled Maria's and her own plates,forks and glasses and took them over to the sink. She opened the faucet and started washing.

"Liz,let me do that." Maria said as she tried to stop Liz.

"I'll do it. You've let me stay here so I owe this to you."

"Thank you."

"Yeah,anytime. You go and get ready. . . I'll be done in a minute."

Maria nodded and left to go to her room upstairs.

Liz returned to washing the dishes and glasses.

After several minutes,(and Liz was done with the washing) Maria came down. She was dressed in a lacy v-neck tank top with chocolate brown pants.

"Nice pants. . ." Liz said while checking out her best friend's clothing.

"Really,. . .I love the color."

"Yeah,me too."

"It kinda' reminds me of your hair and eyes." Maria said while smiling.

"Thank you. . ."

"Anywayz,I'm done. . ."

"Oh. . .okay." Liz said while taking a small towel off it's holder and wiping both her hands in it.

"Where do you wanna go?" Maria asked as she watched Liz put away the towel and walk over to her.

"Um. . .I'm not really sure. Got any place in mind?"

They started to walk out of the house.

"Are you gonna be really busy tomorrow?"

"Um. . .yeah. Very. I have to check out the place where the Crashdown is supposed to be. Shipments are gonna start coming in and the inventory. . ." Liz sighed.

"Oh. . .hmm. . .I know! I'll take you someplace you'll love!"

"Where?" Liz asked as they got into Maria's car.

"The beach,silly. That's what Roswell lacks." Maria said as she started driving.

"Isn't it noisy there?"

"Well,yeah. But you know the guy I wanted to set you up with?"

"What about him?"

His vacation mansion is located conviniently beside the beach by the foot of the Hollywood hills!"

"Interesting. . ."

"Besides. . .since his other house is by the beach,it's been declared private property. I think he owns one side of the beach. He might not be in the house so we could maybe sneak in for-"

"No! No sneaking around another person's private property. That's very wrong."

"Liz. . .I' sure it's gonna be okay with him. . .I've done that a couple of times with Mike and he was always happy to have us there."

"That was Mike with you. . .your friend doesn't even know me." Liz reasoned.

"That's why we'll introduce you if he's there. . .Good start for a date,right?"

"No. We're not going. . .We can't. I refuse." Liz said with a wave of her hand to indicate that she was dismissing any further thoughts of trespassing.

"You sure that's what you want?" Maria asked giving Liz another chance to accept her offer.

"Nope. I'm sure with that."

"Okay,we'll just drive to the public part. . .full of people today. . ."

"I don't mind. he beach can have people and still be calm anyways."

"Okay. We'll be there in a few minutes." Maria said as she drove to the highway.

~~~~~~
In Max's apartment

Max had decided that he already got enough sleep and woke up. He already had his breakfast and decided to drive over to his mansion for a few hours before heading over to his parents' place for dinner.

He was already in his convertible and he started driving there.
~~~~~~
In the public part of the beach

Maria looked at Liz with a scowl. "You sure you wanna be here,Lizzie?"

Liz nodded while trying to ignore the annoying kids who were playing frisbee beside the beach chairs they were reclining in.

"This isn't very relaxing. . ." Maria noted.

"Trust me,honey. It's good." Liz said while closing her eyes and trying to shut out the sounds of the others on the beach.

"My friend's place is only a few minutes walk from here. . ." Maria whispered to Liz.

"No,'Ria."

"It's quiet,calm. . ." Maria looked at Liz who was trying to decide whether they should trespass or not.

"Okay,here's what we do. We head over there,but keep a few feet apart from the ending point of his property. . .that good?"

"Fantastic." Maria said as she and Liz gathered their things and started walking over to the mansion/house.
~~~~~~
At Max's beach-side mansion.

When Max got to his mansion,he was greeted by the maid. He went to the back and started walking along his part of the beach. Then,remembering something,he hurriedly ran back into the house.
~~~~~
"Okay,we are are only a few meters away." Maria declared as the mansion (or at least the far back wall) started to come into view.

"We stop here." Liz announced.

Liz had to admit,it was more quiet than a few minutes back. There were barely any people walking around. . .

"So,until what time do we plan to stay here?" Maria asked.

"How about before dinner? Then,we can go over to Mike's for dinner." Maria suggested.

"Will it be okay with him? He might not be done with clean-up. . ."

"Nah,I think he might have already given up cleaning his sty since yesterday. . .As usual,he needs my help in cleaning up his place again. What will men do without us women." Maria said with a wink.

"How sweet. . ." Liz said. "He has his own personal maid. . ."

Maria stuck her tongue out. "I said I'd be there to help. . .not do it for him."

Liz let out a little laugh and then she rolled her eyes. "Will I or will I not believe you?. . ."

"You'll see later. . ."

Liz nodded and started looking at the mansion close-by. "Nice house. . ." she observed.

"I'm telling you,we should go there."

"Really,no. If you want to,you could go by your self."

"Well. . .the purpose of us going there is to introduce the two of you. . ."

Liz looked at Maria doubtfully.

"Come on. You have nothing to lose. We only have to say hi and introduce you. . ." Maria pressed.

Liz rolled her eyes. "Fine. He might not be there. . ."

"We'll take a look around."

They both gathered their things again and started heading to the mansion that lay in front of them.

After a few minutes,they finally reached the partition to it and they walked over to the front door. Maria knocked and the maid opened the door.

"Ms. Deluca. Good day." The maid said with a smile as she opened the door wider and let the two girls in.

"Clara,this is Liz." Maria said and Liz gave a little wave. "Is Max in?" Maria asked as they continued into the spacious living room.

"Yes ma'am. He's just gone into the kitchen. Would you like me to call him for you?" Clara asked as she took the two girls' things and put them onto the floor by the big couch.

"No. I will go in there." Maria said. She gestured for Liz to stay in the couch. Liz nodded and sat back.

Maria proceeded onto the kitchen. She saw Max's back was turned to her. She could see him busily concocting something in the kitchen counter. She quietly tiptoed to where he was standing and suddenly gave him a playful shove from behind.

Max,who was holding a glass filled with pink colored liquid,spun around in surprise and spilled his drink all over Maria's bathing suit.

"Jesus,Maria! Are you trying to kill me?!" Max shouted,annoyed as he watched Maria squealing and fanning her hands over her now dripping wet front.

Maria snarled.

"Serves you right. That's what you get for sneaking up on me like that."

Maria glared at him and huffed.

Max laughed and turned back to the counter and Maria could see him pouring himself another glass of the pink stuff from a pitcher.

"Want some? I don't think that will be enough for you." Max said with amusesment as he pointed to her still wet bathing suit.

"You are bad." Maria said as she went beside Max and took two more glasses from his cupboard and started pouring herself something to drink.

"You remeber the girl I was talking about? The one that's staying with me?. . ."

"Yeah." Max answered as he took a sip of his drink.

"She's here." Maria declared with a nod.

"Oh,so that explains why you've made two glasses. . ." Max observed thoughtfully.

"Yes. And the said girl is the one that you will be set up with." Maria said matter-of-factly.

Max groaned. "Not again. . ."

"Trust me. She's cool." Maria reassured him.

"Okay. . .she's here anyways. . ."

"I'll meet you at the back,okay?" Maria signaled him to go out into the beach.

Max nodded and walked out.

Maria turned and headed back to the living room. She approached Liz who looked nervous.

"How did it go? I heard the two of you shouting in the kitchen." liz stood up and started to go to the door.but Maria stopped her.

"I just surprised him. . .and he accidentally spilled his drink on me." Maria said while pointing to her wet bathing suit.

She handed Liz on of the glasses that she prepared.

"What is this?" Liz asked as she took a sip.

"I'm not sure. . .four seasons,I think." Maria said as she drank from her own glass.

"Did you tell him that I was here?" Liz asked.

"Yeah. I told him to wit in the back. Let's go now." Maria said as she led Liz to the back of the mansion and through the sliding glass doors that led to the beach.

Liz could see a guy with short dark brown hair walking. . .or maybe pacing in the sand while holding a glass with the same thing that both girls were also holiding. He was wearing a clean white shirt and khaki pants that were folded up.

Maria left Liz on the porch of the backside of the house. She walked over to the guy and said a few things to him. The guy said something back. Then,he nodded and turned to the direction where Liz was standing. He smiled at her and walked over,Maria following behind him.

Liz went down from the porch and they met just below the porch.

"Hi. I'm Max."

(TBC-wanna know what comes next?. . .Stay tunned! )

[liz_maria]

I'll Be Part 5c/update (1/31)

"I'm Elizabeth. Liz,for short."

He extended his hand out to Liz. Liz shook it.

Liz instantly felt drawn into Max's beautiful amber-brown eyes. She stared at it for a while until Maria broke the trance.

"So,introduction has finally been done. . .now,on to more pressing matters." Maria said seriously.

"Shut up." both Max and Liz said to Maria in unison.

They laughed.

"Geez,. . .touchy. I'll leave you two alone." Maria said while rolling her eyes. She,then walked away from the two of them and jumped into the water.

"I'm not quite sure,. . .but I think that I've heard of you before. . ." Liz said politely.

"Maybe you have. . .are you familiar with Evans and Associates Inc.?"

Liz stared into space for a few seconds. Then,she smacked her hand against her forehead. "Oh,right! The advertising firm. . ." Liz said with a slight blush.

"Have I done bussiness with you in the past?. . .you might know my father. . ." Max put in.

"No. It's actually a long story. . ." Liz began.

Max gestured for them to sit on the two chairs located on the porch.

Liz nodded and started her story whilst they sat on the chairs.

"I'm from Roswell,New Mexico. I actually came here for bussiness purposes. I'm about to open a branch of the Crashdown Cafe here. . .it's our family business. I need some advertising for the place and I sent a couple of e-mails to your firm. Since I was moving here to open up the Cafe,I'm planing to get an appointment tomorrow. . .so,I guess we'll be meeting each other again. . .soon."

Max smiled after Liz finished telling her story. "I don't know what to say. . .um,would you like me to schedule you instead?. . .Seeing as I have already met you. . ."

"That would be great." Liz replied with delight.

"Can you come by the office building tomorrow?"

"Yes."

"Is ten a good time?"

"Ten's okay."

"Then I'll meet you there tomorrow?"

"Yeah,expect it." Liz said with a laugh.

Max nodded and asked. "Do you have the address for the building already?"

"I do. . .have a copy of the address." Liz said while taking a drink from her glass.

After a minute in silence,Maria ran over to them waving her arms about.

"What is it?" Liz asked as Maria approached them.

"You guys,we're in the beach. Take a swim or walk around. The water's great." Maria looked at the two of them.

"I'll be there in a second." Max said readily to Maria whilst standing from his chair. He turned to face Liz.

"How about you,Liz?" Max asked her.

"Okay." Liz said shyly as she stood up and followed Max and Maria down the porch and into the sand which led to the water.

"You guys go ahead. I'll just walk around." Liz declared with a smile. She started walking around the shoreline and watched Maria walk into the water ahead.

Max walked up to Maria and told her: "I think I'll just be walking around as well. I don't really feel like getting drenched." Maria nodded and waved Max away.

Then,Max walked over to Liz and said: "Can I take a walk with you?-if it's okay. . ."

Liz nodded hastily and added "Yeah,sure."

They walked a few steps when Max asked Liz: "How's L.A. for you?"

Liz grinned. "I gotta' say,it's the most different thing from what I'm used to. Roswell's so small. This place is,like,well. . .it's huge."

"Are you enjoying yourself?"

"So far,I am. Though I haven't really been around the place that much yet. But yesterday,Maria took me dancing at this really nice club. . ."

"You you guys have been dinking-no doubt." Max said enthusiastically.

"How'd you know that?" Liz stared at him suspiciously.

"Simple. Out of all of us,Maria's the drinker." Max said with a smirk.

Liz covered her hand over her mouth to prevent her from laughing out loud at Maria.

"That,I didn't know." Liz said as she glared at Maria's unsuspecting form.

"Yeah,who could expect that a girl could drink and dance like that." Max retorted.

"Um. . .I think. . .Maria's met her match." Liz said sheepishly.

"Really? Who?"

"I practically passed out in the club yesterday. Lucky for Maria,I was still conscious enough to be dragged into her car. Though I went out like a light afterwards,'coz I only remember waking up this morning with a dreadful hang-over."

Max stopped walking and stood in front of Liz and pretended to give her a 'once-over' and looked at her with fake conceitedness.

Liz rolled her eys and laughed.

"I'm telling Maria that I want you to come along the next time we go to a club." Max said smiling.

"That sounds fun." Liz said as she faced Max.

For a moment,their eyes met in something like a trance and both felt completely connected to the other,not just from the talk they had had,but as if they've known one another from lifetimes before. Max started to step closer to Liz when. . .

They heard a loud thud in the sand. They both looked from where the sound came from and saw Maria there. They ran to her side quickly.

Liz looked at Maria's figure frantically. Her friend wasn't moving. She lay in the sand looking unconscious.

"Maria!" Liz yelled as she knelt beside Maria.

She looked up at Max worriedly. Seeing that he had no idea of what was happening to Maria, Liz started shaking her friend violently.

All of a sudden,Maria's eyes flew open and she smiled at Liz and Max.

Liz let out a scream of horror. She quickly let go of Maria (who was dropped to the sand with a mushy sound) and ran to Max and held on to him in a tight hug.

Maria started laughing at the two of them. She found their shocked expressions hilarious.

"Maria!" the two,yet again,yelled in unison.

Liz,then,realized that she had been hugging Max the whole time. She let go of him quickly and blushed.

"What the hell's wrong with you?!" Liz huffed and crossed her arms over her chest.

"That's the second time today! You trying to give us heart problems!" Max said exasperated as he helped Maria (who was still giggling) up.

"Alright,alright. I'll explain." Maria said,the smile still on her mouth. "I just got tired of swimming around and I decided to take a break so. . ."

"-so you decided to lie in the sand and not move like you just drowned?!" Liz said frowning.

"As I said,I was really tired." Maria reasoned.

Liz rolled her eyes,sighed and mumbled. "You got a screw loose."

"I heard that." Maria said as she glared at Liz.

Liz shrugged.

"Hey,what time is it?" Maria suddenly asked.

"About four o'clock in the afternoon." Max replied.

"Liz,we gotta get going to Michael's for dinner." Maria said as she started walking to the direction of the house with Liz following her.

"Max,why don't you come with us?" Maria invited.

"Thanks,but no thanks. I have to be over at my parents' house. We're gonna have dinner there. You guys have fun,though." Max said as he walked both girls to the living room to take their things and then out of the house.

Maria went over to her car was parked and started loading their things in while Liz stayed bahind and waited. While waiting,Max was left alone with Liz.

"You prepared for what you're about to see at Mike's place?" Max asked Liz in a joking tone.

"What would I see there?" Liz asked,amused.

"Total sty!" Max said which caused Liz to laugh.

"I've been warned by Maria." Liz said through little giggles.

"Mike's known for that." Max said with a wink.

Just then,Maria's car stopped in front of Liz.

"Get in." Maria called out.

"I'd better get going." Liz said shyly.

Max looked at Liz and asked. "Yeah,so I'll see you tomorrow then?"

"Yeah,bye." Liz replied with a little wave as she stepped into Maria's car.

"Bye." Max said as he watched them drive away before stepping back into his house and also preparing to leave.

(TBC)

[liz_maria]

Blessed4Ever: The suck-ness of school is about to end and I'm so happy! Other than Maria,Isabel will also be on the 'set-ups' patrol-hehe,that'll be so much fun for Max.

roswellluver: I really want Maria to be loud and funny here because her character in the show added laughs to all the sad moments they had.

JasonBehrsChick: Thanks for the feedback and so,here is. . .the ending of part 5

AznGurl87: I want to add some humor on this story so I thought up light easy-going moments for them to be laughing about.

Crashdown2006: I am so glad to be back too. I came up blank for about a week so I just finished this part. Whew! I typed for a whole afternoon.

Starlight: This fic is somewhat dramatic (I guess) and I didn’t really know how you guys would react to it. I’m happy to know that you like it.

A/N: BTW: Isabel has an occupation as an editor for a very famous fashion magazine that is sold throughout the whole country.

I'll Be Part 5d/(update 3/17)

Inside Maria's Car

"So? What do you think of Max?" Maria asked Liz.

"He's nice." Liz answered. She was looking out the windows of the car.

"Good. Does this mean that I can set you up with him?" Maria asked her.

"Isn't it gonna be awkward if we're going to be working together?" Liz asked with doubt.

"Working...together?" Maria asked taking her eyes off the road for a second and shot a glance at Liz.

"Yeah. I just found out that Max owns the advertising firm that I want to use for the cafe. We're going to meet tomorrow at his office building."

Maria was pleased. "Really . . .your gonna meet . . .That's cool. Maybe it'll be easier to set you guys up."

"Maria, . . .sweetie, . . .we can talk about dating later. My main purpose here is to for opening the cafe's branch."

"But still-"

"I don't want to hear any more of it." Liz sighed. "If destiny has it for me, then it just happens on it's own. I don't really want outside forces to interrupt. He has his free will and if he hasn't gotten over his girlfriend, I’m not going to push."

"Hey, since when did you get into that destiny stuff?"

"Since trying to get my life fixed up and thinking about business more."

Maria scowled. “Your reasons, -they suck.”

“But don’t you think that it’s how you and Michael met?” reasoned Liz.

“It’s a possibility. I'm not obsessed with that, though.” Maria commented.

"Are you saying that I'm obsessed?" Liz glared at Maria.

"Sort of." Maria said with a snicker.

“Oh please, just shut up and drive.” Liz said and the two girls laughed.
~~~~~
On The Way to His Parent’s Mansion

Max was in his car. He drove with one hand and used his free hand to use his cell phone to call his sister.

“Max, why are you calling?” Isabel asked on the other line.

“Are you going to join us for dinner at mom and dad’s place tonight?”

“Yeah. Where are you?”

“On the way there. I’m driving over right now. Are you going to bring your boyfriend along?"

"Oh, Max. That's the thing . . ." Isabel started. Max sensed that Isabel was trying to hide something. "I wasn't really planning on telling our parents yet."

"Why?" Max asked curiously.

"Coz' I haven't proven this guy as the ultimate serious yet."

"What does that mean?" Max was starting to get a feeling of what his sister might mean by "ultimate serious".

"As in . . .engaged to be married." Isabel clarified. This confirmed Max's suspicion. He could even hear the embarrassment in her voice when she was saying it.

"That's good, Iz." Max reassured her.

"You have your support on this?" Isabel asked, surprised.

"Of course. I think that that’s the right thing to do too. I understand that you want to make the meeting the parents thing special. It's great that you’re taking it seriously."

"Thanks, that's really. . .um, nice of you."

"Anything for my beloved sister." Max said with a smile.

“Okay, I’ll see you there in half an hour.” Isabel said and hung up.
=====
At Michael's Place

Maria opened the door into Michael's place and stared in shock at the spotless room.

“Something weird is happening. This place is supposed to be a dump!” She carefully led Liz inside. "Follow me."

The two girls silently made their way up the stairs and into one of the rooms that Maria pointed to.

They walked over to a bed and saw Michael sleeping.

Maria walked over to the head of the bed and suddenly yelled "POLICE,put your hands in the air!"

Michael woke up in shock and quickly tried to scramble of the bed. He fell to the floor, just a few inches from Maria.

"What is it with you?!" Michael said as he glared at Maria.

"Funny. You guys are just so jumpy today. Same thing happened to Max. Only, he spilled his drink on me."

"Why are you guys here?" Michael asked when he got up from the floor.

"Dinner." Maria answered coolly.

"and. . .?" Liz pressed.

"And to get your pig sty cleaned up." added Maria with a smile. “But I am a bit suspicious as to why this place is clean.”

"I value the help." Michael said dryly. “But I managed to clean up just fine.”

“Really?” Maria asked, intrigued.

Michael nodded. “You can take a look around the place, but you won’t really find much of the mess. Like I said, I clean up just fine.”

“I’m so proud of you!” Maria quipped and went over to kiss him.

“Okay, who’s gonna make dinner? You or me?” Maria asked Michael.

“Ooh, me!” Michael answered and hurriedly ran out of the room and down the stairs to start dinner.

“I’m impressed. Are you guys like that all the time?” asked Liz.

“Nah, we argue too. But we talked about the cleaning-up-his-place issue. I agreed to stop by and help him but I never imagined that he actually knew how to clean up this place.” Maria said with a shrug.

Liz nodded. Then they left the room to head downstairs too.
+++++
At His Parents' Mansion

Max just got into his parents' home and he walked over to the dining room where he saw that his parents were seated and had already started eating.

He sat in his old place, which was where he usually sat when he came over.

"Son, we're so happy that you got the deal. Great job."

"Thanks." Max said with a smile.

After a few moments of silence, Isabel came into the room.

"I'm here,” she said cheerfully.

“Isabel, you didn’t visit us or even have dinner here all month.” Said Diane Evans, their mother.

Max gave Isabel a wink when their parents weren’t looking.

“I was really busy for the whole month. The magazine had to go through so much work to get organized.” Isabel lied.

Diane nodded. “I understand how hectic it must be on you.”

“It does get exhausting at times.” Isabel agreed.

“Have you heard about what your brother did?” asked Philip, their father.

Isabel shook her head and looked at her father blankly. “What did Max do?” she asked and looked over at Max’s direction. Her brother only smiled at her.

“He sealed a deal with Davis. One of the highest paying clients we can ever get!” Philip exclaimed happily.

“Wow,” Isabel said. She looked at Max and mouthed ’congratulations’. Max mouthed back a ’thanks’.
+++++
At Michael's Place

“Mike, this is great.” Liz said while taking another fork-full of pasta into her mouth.

“Yeah,” Maria agreed. “ Do you take culinary courses behind my back?”

“No. It’s experimental. I just put some things together, -and I get that.” Michael answered referring to his dinner creation.

“I can’t believe it,” Maria started. “Miracles do happen. This is one of the few times that I have come over to eat here and you feed us this. It’s great! Maybe we should eat here more often.”

Liz nodded. But then, she got a great idea. “Mike, when do you have free time?” Liz asked.

“I get the weekends off.” Michael answered. “Why?”

“I would like to ask you for a favor.” Liz said. “Can you help us with the improvisation of the recipes for the Crashdown’s menu on some of your free time?”

“Sure, Liz.” Michael nodded. “Just call me up and we’ll talk about it.”

“Thank you so much.” Liz said gratefully.

Maria smiled. “This is going to be a great start for the Crashdown’s new L.A. branch.” She said excitedly.
+++++
Outside His Parents' Mansion

Dinner was done and it was getting late, so Max and Isabel said goodbye to their parents and was walking to their vehicles respective together. They first stopped over at Isabel’s car. As Isabel got in, Max remembered to tell her something.

“Isabel, I talked to Maria when we had lunch. She was wondering why you didn’t call her as well.” Max said with a smirk.

“Oh, right. I’ll call her soon.” Isabel said.

“Better yet, just schedule to meet with her. She has an old friend staying with her from New Mexico.” Max suggested.

“How’d you know?” Isabel asked curiously.

“She told me.” Max answered. “Plus, I just met her this afternoon.”

Isabel showed sudden interest in Maria’s old friend. “Did you say that you just met her ?” she asked.

Max decided not to tell Isabel anymore the fact that they were going to meet again tomorrow in his office for business.

“Yeah, I did. And she is a girl.” Max answered casually. Not wanting Isabel to get any of her crazy Maria-like ideas. This was one of the reasons why the two girls got along so well.

“Stop trying to make it sound like nothing!” Isabel snapped at him. “This is your chance!”

“Iz, you sound like Maria.” Max said.

“You mean Maria wants to do the same thing?” Isabel asked, grinning.

“Yes. Girly minds think alike.”

“Hello?! Ask her out already!” Isabel exclaimed. “Unless if she has a fiancé.” Isabel added aloud. “Does she?”

Max didn’t want to answer that question so that Isabel would not push him any further. But then, Isabel will find out from Maria. He was debating in his mind whether to tell Isabel the truth or wait for her to find out from Maria, herself. Before Max had the chance to answer, Isabel cut into his thoughts.

“Answer me, Maxwell!” Isabel demanded. “You know goddamn well that if you don’t tell me the truth, I’ll eventually find out from Maria. Then, you will be in so much trouble.” She glared at her brother, challenging him to look her straight in the eye and lie to her.

Max threw up his hands. “Alright, alright. She’s single, okay.”

“Good.” Isabel said and kissed her brother on the cheek.

Max was thinking about what his sister could mean by good.

“I’ll call you.” Isabel said as she shut her car door.

Max just dismissed the thought. “Bye, Iz.” He watched Isabel drive away and shoved his hand in his pockets as he walked over to his convertible and got in to drive home.
+++++
Just outside Michael’s Place

“Thanks for the fantastic dinner, Mike.” Said Liz.

“No problem.” Michael said.

Maria leaned over to him and gave him a goodnight kiss. “See ya’.” She said as they pulled away.

Michael nodded and the two girls got on Maria’s car to head home.
+++++
back in his own home

Why are Iz and Maria always thinking of ways to set me up with their friends?, Max thought while lying in his bed that night. I know that I’m okay with going out with other girls again, I’ve pretty much gotten over what happened to Tess. But every time I date someone, I’m afraid that they’ll never be or have anything in common with Tess. And so far, my fears have been coming true. They are nothing like her. I know that I’m not supposed to compare them to her. I’m just not getting the reaction that tells me to start a relationship with them. If Iz and Maria do what they say and set me up with Liz, will it result to any good or will it be like what happened with the others? One thing is for sure, though. There’s something very different about Liz Parker, and I have yet to find out what it is about her that is just so interesting.

(tbc-be back soon. )