Generation Next - CC - {COMPLETE}

[Lady Scorpio]

Conclusion:

Two months later

“Would you stop fidgeting” Max chuckled as he tried to adjust his sons tie. Not an easy task when Xan wouldn’t keep still.

“Sorry” Xan mumbled, resisting the urge to crawl out of his tux and forget the whole thing. “Dad?”

“Yeah” Max stood back to examine his handy work.

“Were you this nervous when you were going to marry mom” Xan wiped his sweaty palms on the inside of his pockets.

“Not at all” Max smiled, slapping his son on the back.

“Bullshit” Michael broke in with a hysterical laugh. “don’t believe a word your dad says....Max here was a shivering bitch” Michael howled in laughter.

“Really?” Xan smiled, happy to listen to any tales about his parents wedding. Even though he and Bel were there, they were too young to know what was really going on.

“Oh yeah..” Alex piped in. “Your father was hyperventilating so bad, we thought he was going to pass out” Alex laughed, remembering the many paper bags they had went through that day.

“Ha ha” Max narrowed his eyes at them, not liking the fact that they were having a good laugh at his expense.

“Don’t listen to them” Chris finally spoke. “Your dad may have been a mess behind closed doors, but the moment your mom walked in on your granddads arms, you would have never guessed that a few minutes earlier he was a shivering bitch” Chris ducked just in time as Max sent an innocent energy ball at him. They all shared a hearty laugh, before a small knock sounded at the door. Liz stepped inside, a radiate smiled gracing her lips. Max inhaled sharply at how beautiful she looked. She was dressed in a simple, spaghetti strap sundress, that came to rest just above her knees. Her hair long hair was pulled up into a fancy bun, where several strands were cradling her face and neck. A crocheted shawl flowed freely from her slender shoulders, she was truly breathtaking.

“Michael..Alex...Chris, your wives are looking for you, and I was told to tell you that if you weren’t there in the next ten seconds, there will be hell to pay” Liz, Max and Xan laughed as they watched the trio rush out the room.

“You look beautiful” Max smiled, leaning over to kiss her cheek.

“Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself” that was truly an understatement. She took in his tuxedo clad body, and couldn’t help the slight tremors that ran through her body. The things he was still able to provoke in her after all these years, Liz thought.

“Probably the same things you provoke in me” Max sent through their connection. Liz turned dark, stormy eyes on him, and smiled sexily. Max groaned inwardly, knowing that if he didn’t get out of there, he couldn’t be held responsible for his actions.

“I-I’m going to go check and make sure everything is on schedule” he croaked out, placing a lingering kiss on his wife’s temple. This time when he looked in her eyes, he saw the tears gathering, as she stared at their son. He gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze in understanding, and made his way out the room.

“You know your aunt Isabel is out there having a cow” Liz chuckled, brushing an imaginary piece of lint from his lapel. “and your aunt Maria’s been chasing Mickey around the house trying to get her to wear her dress, and...”

“Mom..” Xan spoke, but she continued straightening his tie, and fixing his corsage.

“...Eliza and Charles are at each others throat because he’s teased her about looking so prissy, and..”

“Mom...” he tried again.

“...I don’t know what we’re going to do...” Liz continued on, going around the room picking up things, before sitting them back down in their original spot.

“MOM!” Xan finally shouted, ceasing her hands in his own as she went to straighten his tie for the third time. Liz froze. Suddenly her whole body began to tremble, and she raised her tear filled eyes to him.

“Ah mom” he pulled her into his arms as her tears finally took over and she cried uncontrollably. “please don’t cry mom...please” he hated seeing her cry, most of all, he hated being the one to make her cry.

“I-I can’t h-help it” she got out through broken sobs. “M-my babies are all growing up, a-and your all g-going to leave me” she cried. Technically they all weren’t leaving, but he didn’t comment on that at the moment. He knew she was going to be a little sad, but he wasn’t prepared for the tears. Sonya had gotten accepted at ASU, and they were also one of the schools that had offered him a full scholarship, so they were going to Arizona. Bel and Ricky were leaving for Antar in two weeks, so he could see why she felt they were all leaving her.

“Shh, don’t worry mom, it’s not like we’ll never come home for visits, and you can always come visit us. Arizona isn’t that far away” he reasoned.

“I know” Liz stepped back and he handed her his handkerchief. She mumbled a teary ‘thank you’. “I know I’m being silly, but I can’t help it. It seems like just the other day I was teaching you how to tie your shoes, now I’m about to watch you get married” another sob escaped her lips, and she took a deep breath. “God, my baby’s getting married” this time she couldn’t fight them, and began to cry harder. Xan pulled her into his arms, and he sent a silent plea to his sister. A few moments later, Bel appeared, causing Liz to cry harder as she caught sight of her daughter. Liz had promised herself that she wouldn’t cry, but she couldn’t help it, these were her babies. Most parents are happy and waiting for that moment when their kids leave the nest, but Liz couldn’t feel any of that joy. Instead she felt complete sorrow, she wasn’t just losing one child, she was losing two. Her first and second born. But they were no longer her babies, but a grown man and woman, that were about to start their own lives out in the world. She didn’t know if she would be able to handle it. She pulled Bel into a three way hug, and they all stood there, understanding what this moment truly meant. Max appeared at the door, having felt their emotions. No longer was Xan trying to stop his mothers tears, because his own were falling unattended as he held his crying mother and sister.

“Hey..hey, this is suppose to be an happy occasion” he soothed. He had already accepted the fact that his children would soon be leaving the nest. Although he wasn’t thrilled about them being out there in the world alone, the fact that they would be with the people they loved set his mind at ease some. Still, he knew he had to be strong for Liz and the other children that didn’t understand why their big brother and sister wouldn’t be living with them any longer.

“I know...I’m sorry” Liz sniffled. She brushed her hand over his tuxedo covered shoulders. “I’m going to go check on...check on...” another sob escaped her lips as she ran out the room. Bel moved to go after her.

“I’ll go” Max said, placing a kiss on his daughters forehead, and squeezing his sons shoulder, he made his way after his wife.

“Wow, she’s taking this really hard isn’t she” Xan said, staring after his mom and dad?

“Yeah” Bel smiled, coming to stand in front of her brother. “You look very handsome” she told him.

“Thank you...so how is everything between you and Ricky” he asked.

“Good” she blushed, thinking about just how ‘good’ things were between them. Seeing the blush creep up on her face, and narrowed his eyes.

“What’s that suppose to mean” he inquired, his protective big brother side rearing its ugly head?

“Oh please, don’t give me that look” she raised an eyebrow at him. “I’m a big girl, and I know what I’m doing. I love Ricky and he loves me.”

“Humph” was his only reply. He didn’t want to think about what that sentence implied. So instead he turned toward the mirror with the act of adjusting his tie.

“You know I’m really happy for you and Sonya” Bel said as she came up and stood behind him. Xan stared at her in the mirror and smiled.

“Thanks Bel” he pulled her into his arms. The two siblings held on to each other, knowing that soon they would be separated for the first time in their lives.

“I’m going to miss you” her quivering voice echoed through their connection. She didn’t trust her throat was able to push the words out through her tears. Xan pulled back and looked at her.

“You know I’ll always be there for you...right? All you have to do is say the word and I’ll be on the first spaceship to Antar” he joked, causing her through smile through her tears.

“I know” she wiped at her fallen tears, but more quickly took their place. Xan quicky gather her back in his arms, holding her tight as she fought through her tears. There was a knock at the door, and seconds later Max stuck his head through the door.

“It’s time” he announced, noticing the watery stare of his daughter.

“I guess I better get out there” Bel leaned over and pecked her brother on the cheek. Max squeezed her hand when she walked by him.

“Any last minute advice” Xan asked his father nervously.

“Marriage can be hard...but it doesn’t have to be...always remember to show her that you love her...cherish her, and you can never go wrong” Max advised. Standing back, he took a look at his son. He had watched him grow from the slippery wet newborn, to the man that stands before him today. “I’m proud of you son” he suddenly announced, causing Xan to stare at him in surprise before a huge smile caressed his face.

“Thanks dad” Max pulled him into a fatherly hug.

“Come on, we mustn’t keep the ladies waiting.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You okay” Max asked as he stared down at his wife? He swayed gently to the music, his eyes never leaving her face.

“No” she answered honestly. “Max...” she whispered shakily, “I don’t think I’ll be able to let them go” she replied sadly, watching as her son danced with his new wife.

“Yes you will” Max assured, pulling her body closer to him. “As much as we hate it, their growing up Liz” his own voice was clogged with sadness. His eyes trained on his son, who was happily twirling his wife around the dance floor. A image of his shining face when he was a little boy looking up to him for all the answers flashed in his mind. Xan was a man now, and Max couldn’t help the sorrow that washed over him knowing that he would no long need his advice. His eyes moved on to his oldest daughter. She was standing with Ricky in a corner, a huge smile lighting up her face as he whispered something in her ear. He could remember a time when he was the only man that could make her smile that way. Now Ricky had secured that place in her life. Onwards his eyes travel coming to rest on his Dumpling who was dancing with Terrence, a little to close for his liking. No doubt in his mind he had already lost another one of his babygirls from the instance stare shared between the two of them. He was beginning to understand a little of what his wife was going through. Soon, Clare will be graduating from high school, heading for her own journey in the world. Claudia, Adam and Parker not soon after. Suddenly his heart ached at the thought of his children growing up.

“No one told me it was going to be this hard” she pouted against his chest. Why did it have to be so hard?

“I know” he ran a comforting hand across her back, surrounding her in his warmth.

“They’ll all leave me, and then I won’t have no one” she cried. Max cupped her chin.

“Hey, you’ll always have me” he smiled, “Forever Liz....I will always be here” he captured her lips, tasting the salty mixture of her tears. Liz held on to him tight, knowing that his words were true. Throughout everything, she could always depend on one person to be there for her. To never let her down....her better half...her best friend...her soulmate...Her Max.

“I love you Max” she spoke sincerely, staring up into his beautiful eyes.

“I love you too...you know why” he smiled down at her.

“Why?”

“Because...your Forever Mine!”

THE END

[Lady Scorpio]

Epilogue
Ten Years Later

“Roni...get back here!” a deep voice shouted throughout the house. Max raced through the house, cursing under his breath as he stumped his toe on the end table. Liz only had a second to brace herself, before a slippery, wet body slammed into her.

“Granny help me...he’s trying to drown me” Liz wrapped her arms around her granddaughter, trying to stifle her laugh at her appearance. Her long brown tresses, were covered in shampoo. She was naked as the day she was born, tiny tears caressing her cheeks. Roni wrapped her arms around her granny’s neck, looking cautiously over her shoulder for her Papa. Max appeared in the doorway, his shirt and pants soaked through, a disapproving frown plastered on his face. This time Liz couldn’t hold back her laugher as she took in the sight of her husband.

“It’s not funny Liz” he scowled, glaring at his granddaughter, who only batted her eyes at him and rested her head on her granny’s shoulder. She knew that her granny wouldn’t let anything happen to her.

“What happened to you” nineteen year old Claudia asked as she and Parker giggled as they came in, spotting their dads drenched form? Max only turned blazing eyes on her, and she held up her hands in mock surrender. The three girls tried hard to contain their laughter, but it was to no use, and they began laughing in hysteria. Max huffed, turning on his heels, he stormed towards their room, mumbling something about being to old.

“Young lady,” Liz raised an eyebrow at Roni, “what have I told you about giving your Papa a hard time” she scolded, but her voice held no real threat.

“But he was trying to drown me” she exclaimed in her defense. Liz chuckled softly. What three year old Roni considered drowning, was actually getting her hair washed, a task that no one ever wanted. The girl had a fear in getting her hair wash, always thinking that someone was trying to drown her.

“You know that’s not true. Your Papa loves you, he would never try to drown you” Claudia and Parker sat at the counter, trying not to laugh at their nieces serious expression.

Roni shook her head in disagreement. “He made me go under the water, and I couldn’t breathe..he was trying to drown me” she pouted.

“Roni, you know you have to get your hair washed, so we can go see your uncle Adam graduate.”

“Adam!” Roni’s face lit up at the mention of her favorite uncle.

“Yeah, you have to be a big girl and get your hair washed so that you can go see him” Liz cajoled, knowing how fond her granddaughter was of her uncle.

Roni placed her little wet hands on the side of Liz’s face. “Okay granny..I be a big girl...I three” she held up three fingers proudly.

“Yes you are” Liz smiled, kissing her nose. “Come on, lets get that shampoo washed out of your hair, and get you dressed.”

“Here, I’ll do it mom” Claudia offered, wrapping a towel around Roni’s naked form.

“Thanks sweetie” Liz gladly handed her over to her daughter. “What about you,” she said, turning to her youngest, “have you gotten out what you’re going to wear this evening?”

“Yeah, my dress is lying on my bed, and aunt Deja should be here in a minute. She’s taking Lex and I to the mall to pick up some shoes” she smiled. Just then, Lexi and Deja walked through the back door. They greeted Liz briefly, before the three of them left in search of shoes. Liz made her way down the hall towards her room. She could vaguely hear Claudia as she fought with Roni in the bathroom.

“What are you doing” she asked, coming upon Max as he stared intently at himself in the bathroom mirror? Max jumped at her sudden intrusion.

“I’m getting old Liz” he sighed dejectedly. A ghostly smile played across her lips as she made her way over to him.

“Max, you’re not getting old” they had been having this same discussion for the last couple of three years now, every since he found his first grey hair.

“I found three more” he pouted.

“So what,” she shrugged, wrapping her arms around his waist. “just because you found a few gray hairs doesn’t make you old. Besides, we’re the same age, and I’m definitely not old” she stated.

“Yeah, you can say that. You don’t have patches of grey growing out of your scalp” he said, turning and running a hand through her still brown locks. Liz giggled at his boyish expression.

“Well, no matter how gray you get, I still think you’re sexy as hell” she cupped his butt, giving his cheeks a firm squeeze.

“Is that right” he whispered huskily. Lowering his head, he covered her mouth with his for a lingering kiss.

“Umm” Liz moaned against his lips. She felt his fingers slowly unbuttoning her shirt, and she stepped out of his reach.

“Max, we can’t” she replied reluctantly. His golden eyes burned deep into her, making her shiver with desire.

“Yes! we can” he pulled her flush against him, trapping her with his strong bands. “We don’t have to be at the school until six...and that leaves of plenty of time” his lips nibbled on her neck, descending down to her collarbone.

“Maaxx!”

“What’cha doing” Roni’s curious voice made them jump apart like two teenagers being caught by their parents? They turned to see her dressed in pink overalls, and white sneakers. Her hair freshly washed, and in two french braids, that came to rest at the small of her back. She had the biggest smile on her face as she stared up at them expectantly.

“Well look at you, don’t you look pretty” Liz cooed, hoping to distract the little tot from her earlier question.

“Auntie Claud did my hair..isn’t it pretty....she said I couldn’t put on my dress yet cause I get it dirty before we go see Adam.”

“She’s right Pudding” Max smiled down at her. As much trouble as she gives him, Max could never stay upset with her. Especially when she was the splitting image of her mother. A huge smile graced his lips as he thought about his oldest daughter. Bel and Ricky had gotten married two years after they left for Antar. They had actually had the ceremony on Antar, which was a blessed event for the Antarians. To see one of the royal heirs union with her chosen mate. The festivities lasted for a week, and the entire family had been there to witness it. The two of them had been handling the affairs of the royal family every since. Although Bel had first planned to return to Earth after a few years, she had gotten quite attached to her native planet. Ricky had no problem staying, he only wanted her to be happy. They would visit as often as their schedules permitted, but they were usually away at neighboring planets trying to form allies and trading technologies. That was exactly where they were at the moment. Oaas, a small planet about a light year away from Antar, had requested the help of the Royal family in assisting their smaller planet with their agriculture and advancing their technology. Hence the reason Roni was staying with Liz and Max.

Rhonda Victoria Brown...Roni as she liked to be called, was born three years ago after several failed attempts. Bel had went through a moment of depression when she and Ricky couldn’t conceive. Ricky had been right there, comforting her as always. Finally after six years of trying, four false alarms and one first trimester miscarriage, little Roni made her grand appearance. Max and Liz had been thrilled to welcome their first grandchild. She was a breath of fresh air to their now quiet home. With Bel and Ricky on Antar, Xan and Sonya in their own place across town, Clare away at Harvard Med, Claudia away at the dorms of UNM, Adam spending the majority of his senior year preparing to join his sister at UNM and Parker, who spent every available minute she had at her older brother’s, their home was absent of the childish laughter they had grown accustom to over the years. With Roni around, she made up for their absence. Sometimes making it seem like they had a house full.

From the moment her squirmy body slid into the world, she has had everyone wrapped around her little finger, especially Max. With just a bat of her hazel eyes, she could get her Papa to do just about anything she wanted. She was always getting him to make her stuffed animals dance or change her shirts to different colors. She was always into mischief, keeping Max on his toes. Which was why he was always walking around the house talking about he was getting old. Regardless of how many gray hairs she caused, Max wouldn’t trade one moment of it.

“Papa” her little voice brought him out of his thoughts. She was playing at Liz’s vanity, applying lipstick to her chubby cheeks.

“Yeah Pudding” he answered taking the tube of lipstick from her hand, and placing the cap back on it. Liz handed him a couple of Kleenex and he went about cleaning her face.

“When my mommy and daddy coming” she batted her big hazel eyes at him?

“Soon Pudding...very soon” It had been three weeks since she’d last seen them. Bel and Ricky didn’t like to take her when they visited other planets. They would always bring her down to spend time with her grandparents or Nana Stephanie.

“Goody” she clapped her small hands together, before grabbing his face between them and placing a wet kiss on his nose.

“Hey, were is everyone” a voice sounded through the house.

“Auntie Bear” Roni shouted, jumping off the seat and running toward the door. Clare planted her feet, and caught her as she jumped in her arms.

“There’s my favorite girl” Clare peppered her face with kisses, tickling her sides.

“Clare!” Max and Liz shouted in surprise, before rushing and enveloping their daughter in a tight embrace. “We didn’t think you were going to be able to make it” Liz smiled brightly as she pulled away. Clare switched Roni to her right hip and wrapped her free arm around her dads waist.

“Are you kidding...do you really think I’ll miss my baby brothers graduation...plus, he has been calling me all month begging me not to miss his big day” she rolled her eyes playfully. Truth was, she had been neck high in finals, but she studied hard, and managed to talk her professors into letting her take her finals a week early so that she could be there to watch her brother and cousins walk across the stage.

“Well, we’re glad you were able to make it...and I know your brother will be thrilled to see you” Max kissed her on the temple, pulling her into another hug.

“I can’t breave” Roni announced, pushing at her Papa’s chest.

“Okay, okay” he chuckled, pulling on one of her braids.

“I see planes do travel from Boston” Claudia teased as she stood leaning against the doorframe. Clare turned around and gave her a mock glare.

“Ha ha...come here you” the two sisters embraced. “I’ve missed you” Clare whispered against her ear.

“Ditto.” The two pulled apart, but kept their arms wrapped tightly around each others waist.

“Man it’s great to be home” Clare grinned. She hadn’t been home in a year, trying to finish school so that she could return home and work along side her sister-in-law at her fathers practice. Max had retired two years ago. Even though he was only forty three at the time, he felt he was ready to just step back and relax for the first time in years. Liz didn’t argue, she felt he deserved it.

“Why don’t we go catch up over ice cream” Claudia suggested. Roni’s ears perked up at the mention of ice cream.

“I want ice cream too” she jumped up and down excitedly.

“Okay” Clare laughed, lifting her into her arms.

“You guys coming” Claudia asked?

“You three go ahead” Liz smiled, “I have to get my clothes together for this evening...make sure she doesn’t make a complete mess” she kissed Roni’s forehead, doing the same to Clare. “It’s good to have you home sweetie.”

“Dad?” Clare turned questioning eyes on him. Max watched Liz as she slowly began to undress in the bathroom.

“Umm..no, I think I’ll pass. I have to um..to um..to..” he stumbled, looking around the room for an excuse that didn’t scream he wanted to ravish his wife.

“Get dressed” Claudia filled in for him knowingly, even though he was already dressed.

“Yeah, get dressed” he nodded. “but I expect a full report on how school is going from the both of you later” he said in his best fatherly tone.

“Sure daddy” all three girls planted a kiss on his cheek, and Clare and Claudia chased a very energetic Roni down the hall. Max quickly shut and locked the bedroom door. He could hear the shower running, and eagerly began to unbutton his shirt.

“Now, where were we” Liz startled slightly as his arms wrapped around her waist. She stared at his reflection in the mirror, and noticed the way his eyes were dark with desire. Max crept his hand up her slim stomach, cupping her breast in his large palms. He was amazed that at forty-five, she still looked like the sixteen year old girl he had saved in the Crashdown. Life had been good to her, and there wasn’t any noticeable changes in her appearance.

“Max” she moaned as he twisted her exposed nipples between his fingers. “We can’t” she replied reluctantly. As much as she would love to have him inside her, there was just to much that needed to be done before they all headed over to the high school.

“Why do you keep saying that” he mumbled against her neck, “I know you wantta” he teased, dipping his tongue in her ear. Liz shivered, leaning back against his solid chest.

“You’re right, I do. But we don’t have enough time” she stepped out of his embrace, smiling at the disapproving frown on his face. “Do you want to explain to your son that we were late because his father couldn’t keep his...‘control’ in his pants” she raised an eyebrow at him.

“I’ll make it quick” he tried to bargain, wiggling his eyebrows at her.

“Out” she laughed, turning him towards the door.

“But...” he protested.

“Bye Max” she giggled, inching the door closed.

“Wait” he called out, stopping the door with his foot. “Can I at least have a kiss” he pouted? Rolling her eyes at him as he poked out his bottom lip, she quickly gave in.

“Just one” she agreed. Max’s grin grew wide as he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her against him. His lips slanted over hers, as his tongue probed for entrance, which she happily obliged. The kiss grew deeper, hotter, and he felt her grip his waist, letting out a throatily moan. His fingers danced at the sides of her breast teasingly, and he felt her arch forward, trying to place his hands were she wanted them.

“Quick?” she panted, and Max nodded. Knowing that she could never resist him, Max lifted her in his arms, closing the bathroom door with his foot.

~~~~~~~~~

Three sets of parents beamed proudly as they watched their children walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. “....Adam Jeffery Evans.”

“ADAM!” Roni called to her uncle as the principle called his name. She was jumping enthusiastically in her fathers lap. Bel and Ricky had arrived not long before they all left for the high school, and Roni was thrilled to see them and has been plastered at their side every since. Adam stared out into the crowd, and sent his little niece a big smile and a friendly wave. At eighteen, Adam was the clone copy of Max. With his chiseled jaw, honey dipped eyes, Adonis build and patented Evans smirk, girls were constantly falling at his feet. He had his own little fan club of girls in the crowd that were screaming his name right alone with Roni.

“Oh my god...” Maria bawled as her daughter stood at the edge of the stage waiting for her name to be called. Michael wrapped a comforting arm around her, knowing how emotional she got over the girls. Slyly, he wiped a tear from his eye. Liz squeezed her best friends hand beside her, knowing exactly how she felt. Even though she and Max had been through three graduations already, it still didn’t lessen the ache in your heart knowing that your babies are all growing up and leaving you.

“Eliza Katherine Guerin...” her name was called, and the room erupted in whistles and screams. She too had quite the following. Being captain of the cheerleading squad, and class president, there wasn’t a person around that didn’t know who Eli Guerin was.

“Alex, look at our baby boy...he looks so handsome” Isabel cried as she saw their sons tall form standing in line. It was their first graduation, and they were just coming to terms with Charles decision to move to New York to attend Juilliard. Isabel didn’t understand why he wanted to go so far away from them.

“Mom, I don’t want to be so far away. But Juilliard is the finest performance school in the country. I was lucky to get in” he had tried to soothe her, but she still was having a tough time with knowing he would be leaving the nest soon. Alex smiled proudly up at his son. He was proud of him, they both were. Everyone had expected him to go into computers like his dad, but he had surprised them all when he announced that he had wanted to go to Juilliard since he was little and study music. He was a exceptionally pianist, and people would come from as far as New York to hear him play. A recruiter from Juilliard that happened to have a niece that went to WRH, had came to town on a family visited during the annual school talent show, and she had instantly fell in love with his talent. She had got him a spot to audition, even though they weren’t accepting any more auditions. The panel too fell in love with him, and he was accepted.

“...Charles Maxwell Whitman” the announcer called, and Isabel cried harder. A few more names were called, and ceremony soon came to an end. “...May I introduce you to the class of 2028" the room was filled with blue graduation caps littering the air as screams of joy were heard as the graduates hugged each other and wept.
~~~~~~~~
“Everyone say cheese” Tina instructed to the huge family before her.

“CHEESE!!!” they all grinned widely as she snapped the picture.

“Here...jump in” Lex instructed his wife, kissing her on th forehead before grabbing the camera. Never in a million years had anyone thought that Lex, the staunch Antarian, would fall for a human girl. But somehow, Deputy Tina Lewis had managed to capture the warriors heart, and they had been together for the last nine years, and two kids later. She had taken the news about their alien status fairly well, and said she kind of had a feeling that something was different about him because his eyes were so un-Earthly. Deja couldn’t be happier for her brother. He had finally found the happiness he deserved.

“Okay on the count of three...1..2...3" Lex snapped the picture and smiled. They were all gathered at the Crashdown, and with their large family, it was kind of crowded, but none of them cared. It was a rare moments when they were all together in one place nowadays, and they all relished in the loving environment. The café was bustling with chatter and laughter as everyone caught up with each other.

“Are you okay” Xan asked a very pregnant Sonya. He went to assisted her as she struggled to sit her large frame down onto one of the stools.

“I can do it” she blow out in a huff, swiping at an annoying strand of her hair. Xan watched passively as she struggled hard to sit down. Finally, she managed to ease down on the edge of the seat. “See” she smiled triumphantly. Xan only shook his head and kissed her on the lips.

“I’ll get you something to eat...sit tight.”

“Like I’m going anywhere” she raised an eyebrow at him. Xan knew that was his que to get out of dodge. Her pregnancy was lasting longer then expected, and she was ready to rip him to shreds every time he asked her if she was okay or tried to assist her in any way.

“He’s smothering you...isn’t he” Bel laughed as she sat down next to her best friend. Sonya nodded.

“Yeah...but he means well, and I love him for it” she smiled over at her husband who was fixing her a plate while he talked to his dad and John. It was Bel’s turn to nod. Ricky wouldn’t let her lift a finger during her pregnancy. He waited on her hand and foot, literally. “He’s so excited...he can wait for the girls to arrive” she ran a soothing hand over her enormous stomach were their daughters rested.

“I still can’t believe you’re having triples” Bel let out in awe.

“You...” Sonya chuckled. “I mean we had always wanted a large family like your parents, but I didn’t expected to start the quota with my first pregnancy” they laughed together.

“So when are you and my brother going to give Roni a playmate” she smiled.

“Why? You’re giving her three” Bel laughed.

“True.” the two giggled, before letting out a sobering sigh.

“Ricky and I decided that Roni is it for us...we went through so much to get her, and I-I don’t think I could go through that kind of heartache again” Bel replied sadly. Sonya placed a comforting hand over hers. She knew how hard it had been on her brother and friend, and she could completely understand their reasoning. Bel smiled gratefully at her, before Xan returned with a plate for his wife.

The bells over the door chimed, and Maria let out a loud shriek. “Amaris!” she shouted. A few seconds later, Amaris was engulfed in her mother’s death grip. “Oh my god...went did you get here...how come you didn’t call...where have you been...” she was firing questions at her left and right.

“Maria, give the girl a chance to answer” Michael chuckled, pulling his wife away from his daughter and taking her place for a hug. “Hey Pumpkin.”

“Hi daddy” she whispered happily. Unlike the other children, as soon as Amaris, Clare and Isaac graduated from high school, instead of going to college, Amaris lived aboard. She felt that college would only hinder her artistic view, and thought that the real world would better enhance her talent. She’d been all over the world, painting the many wonders she came across. She never stayed in one spot longer then two months, and the last time they had heard from her eight months prior, she was in Africa. As soon as Michael relinquish his hold on her, Amaris was nearly ran over as her two sisters collided into her.

“I’m sorry I missed your walk across stage” Am said regretfully as she pulled back and stared at Eli.

“It’s okay...you’re here now, that’s all that matters” she assured, pulling her sister into another embrace. Amaris turned her eyes to her littlest sister.

“Check you out...” she smiled in approval at Michaela, “...you’re all grown up and looking every bit of a Latin Hottie” Michaela blushed, and lowered her head. She had changed dramatically from the slugging tomboy she use to be, to a graceful Swan Princess. She had went through an ugly duckling stage her early teen years, because she was still trying to find her own identity and fighting to remain a child. On one hand she was a complete tomboy, out running and spitting all the boys in her class. At the same time she was starting to become a young woman. She struggled for a while, rebelling against everything feminine, but once she had a talk with Maria, she finally welcome the changes she was going through. Now at fifteen, she was a total knock out. Michael had nearly choked one day when she emerged from her room, wearing a dress for the first time since Xan and Sonya’s wedding.

Michaela stood nervously in the middle of the room. “D-do I look okay” she asked her daddy as she pulled frantically at the hem of her dress. She was still uncomfortable with the whole girly thing, but she realized she liked the way the silky material of the dress danced across her body. Michael looked up from the painting he was working on, and nearly had a heartache. There, standing in front of him was his thirteen year old daughter, looking every bit like her mother. With her sparkling green eyes and petite statue. His eyes took in her appearance. Her hair, which could be just as unruly as his own, had been straightened and pulled back into a ponytail with a bang in the back. Lipgloss covered her usually dry lips, and he could see a hint of blush gracing her cheeks. She was dressed in a flowery sundress, that rested just above her knees.‘Oh my god...when did she get those’ Michael thought in shock at his daughter’s newly developed chest. Not wanting to think about that, he moved on. She had on a pair of flat sandals that had straps that crisscrossed around her ankle, her small toes painted a bright red.

“Daddy” she whispered self-conscientiously when he continued to stare at her. Michael stood up, slowly making his way toward her.

“You look beautiful Slugger...” he pulled her into a hug. “...I guess I can’t call you that anymore” he mumbled sadly.

“I’ll always be your slugger daddy.”

“Thank You” Michaela whispered. Her eyes darted briefly across the room, before she lowered her head shyly, a blush creeping up her neck and cheeks. The act didn’t go unnoticed by her sisters, and they looked up in time to see Daniel staring at their sister, a heated spark in his eyes, before lowering his head bashfully. The two girls shared a look and smiled.

“So you’ve decided to grace us with your presence I see” Isaac chimed as he, Clare and Shelly embraced her.

“I figured you stiff shirts could use a little help to liven up this party” she joked. Soon the four of them were talking loudly like old times, when Clare went completely still, her heart pounding rapidly in her chest as she turned toward the door. Seconds later, Terrence’s large statue framed the door. He searched the room frantically, before his eyes finally landed on her.

“Clare Bear” he let out in a choking whisper. His movements were quick as he stepped to her, enveloping her in his strong hold. Everyone else in the room seemed to disappear as the two of them leaned in for a passionate kiss. His hands cradled her faces with gentle care, rubbing his thumbs lovingly over her cheeks. His teeth nibbled and gnawed at her bottom lip, as his tongue intensely for entrance. Clare clung helplessly to the tail of his shirt as his tongue invaded her mouth and she relished in the feel of his warmth as it surrounded her. Their connection roared to life instantly, colliding like lighting, setting a dim glow around their forms. Clare’s senses were overloaded as she felt his soul enter her. She felt the ache in his heart from being away from her, his happiness of seeing her again, but most of all, she felt the love he had for her. It was so strong and unconditional, that the feelings overcame her, and she felt the tears leak from under her closed lids.

“God I’ve missed you” he spoke thickly as he pulled away when the need for air was inevitable. His breathes were coming out in heavy pants, dancing across her face and a gentle caress. Noticing the tears on his cheek, he tenderly brushed them away before placing a sweet kiss on her nose.

“I-I thought you couldn’t get away...I’ve missed you so much” Clare nearly cried, resting her head against his strong chest. Terrence ran his hand soothing up her back, before it came to rest in the silky threads of her hair. Oh how he had missed running his fingers through her brown locks.


“Trust me...” he chuckled slightly, “...it wasn’t easy. I had to pull a lot of strings and give up our first born to be here...I believe I should be rewarded for my efforts...” he teased. Terrence was a trainer for a high tech security company, and was constantly traveling. His last training session had been going on for the last ten months, and he hadn’t been able to come home or fly to Boston to see his favorite girl. Despite Max’s first reaction to their dating, Clare and Terrence’s relationship has continued to strive. Naturally they had went through the normal hurdles of any relationships. But the main one had been Clare’s insecurities about her age.

“Why are you doing this” eighteen year old Terrence pleaded, tears covered his face as he stared at his girlfriend of four years?

“I just think it’s better this way Terrence” Clare whispered softly, her heart breaking with each word she spoke.

“Better for whom” he bit out?

“Terrence please” she closed her eyes at his emotional stare. “I’m not doing this to hurt you...” she started, only to be cut off by his hurt voice.

“Humph, you sure have a funny way of not hurting me” realizing he was shouting, he took a deep breath, trying to calm the tidal wave of emotions churning through him. “Please don’t do this Clare Bear...please don’t. Whatever it is, we can work it out...just please, please don’t do this” he was kneeling down in front of her now, his tear laced face looking up at her, begging her to reconsider.

She ran her fingers through his hair as he laid his head in her lap. “Terrence, you know that this is for the best...I mean you’ll be going off to college in a few weeks, and you don’t need some high school kid holding your back...” she whispered thickly. His head snapped up at her words.

“That’s why you’re doing this...you’re breaking up with me because you think you’re holding me back” he said in disbelieve. “God Clare...why do you keep doing this?”

“Terrence you’re about to go to college. It’s the best years of your life. You’re about to embark on new things...meet new...people” women, is what she really wanted to say. Terrence was a normal, healthy teenage boy, who was about to be on his own for the first time. Why would he want to be bother with a lonely fifteen year old that wasn’t putting out, when he would have his pick of busty college girls that would put her to shame. As if reading her thoughts, Terrence sat up quickly, cupping her face between his hands, before he brought his lips over hers. The kiss might have only last a few seconds, but he had formed a connection with her...wanting her to see exactly what she meant to him.

“What do I have to do to make you realize...I’m not looking for anyone else...I love you Clare, only you...and I won’t let you break up with me because you’re scared. When I asked you to be my girlfriend four years ago in Jamaica, do you really think it mattered that we were three years apart. I didn’t care about that then, and I don’t care about that now. All I cared about was that I wanted to be with you” he pulled her against him, wrapping his strong arms around her waist, as she slowly began to cry in his arms. “Shh, we’ll get through this...I promise. I love you too much to let you go.”

And he hadn’t let her go. Sure there had been several of women that tried to throw themselves at him, but he would politely refuse, and let it known that he was happily in a relationship. The few times that she had made a visit out to UCLA, she received dirty looks and snickers behind her back from the many rejected girls he had left in his wake. They couldn’t understand what Terrence saw in a mousy high school girl.

Clare pitched his side, eliciting a loud ‘ow’ from him. “I’ll reward you alright” she laughed as he rubbed his smarted side. Terrence threw his arm over her shoulders, kissing her temple. “I love you...even when you abuse me” he teased. Terrence was soon surrounded by family, who welcomed him home. Although Max had been very wary when the two of them had first started ‘dating,’ he had been witness to the love and devotion Terrence had for his daughter, and he knew that the bond was forever, just like his and Liz’s.

“Ahh!” Eli yelped in shock as strong arms wrapped around her waist, and she found herself being pulled into the diners storage area.

“Shh...it’s just me” a smooth voice whispered against her ear. The instance she recognized his voice, she whipped around and slapped him in the chest.

“Christ, you scared the crap out of me” she panted, swiping angrily at a loose strand of hair. He smiled at her ire, thinking how cute she was when she was all worked up. Seeing the gorgeous smirk of his face, her anger quickly deflated, and she felt her own lips turn up in a smile.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you” he answered sincerely, closing the distance between them. Eli folded her arms across her chest and glared at him playfully.

“What are you doing lurking in the storage closet anyway” she probed?

“Waited for the right opportunity to do this” he answered, before his lips descended on hers for a steamy kiss. “Umm, you taste so sweet” he mumbled against her lips. Her arms found their way around his neck, pulling him closer.

“You know you wouldn’t have to wait and sneak around if we just told everyone about us” Eli suggested once her lips were free. She peaked her tongue out, tasting his unique flavor. Adam groaned inwardly at her action, wondering if she was aware of the strong desire that one little act provoke inside him.

“Are you nuts” he gawked when what she said finally penetrated his sexual haze.

“Adam...” she let out in a frustrated moan. They had been having this conversation for the last few weeks now. She wanted to tell the world about them, hated having to sneak around like what they were doing was some dirty little secret. He on the other hand wanted to keep their relationship as secretive as possible. Charles was the only one that knew about them, and that was because he had happened to walk in on them one late night while Eli had been closing up the Crash, and she thought she was alone. Adam had snuck in the backdoor to surprise her. They were in the middle of a hot and heavy make-out section when Charles stubbled upon them. They had begged for his silence, in which he promised he wouldn’t say anything, but warned them that their relationship was bound to be discover.

“Why are you so afraid of people knowing about us” she asked offensively?

“I’m not afraid of people knowing about us...I’m afraid of your father knowing about us” he pulled her firmly against him. Leaning back against the wall, he situated her between his gapped legs.
“Why do you keep saying that...” she whispered, brushing aside his unruly bangs, “my dad loves you” she said assuredly.

“Yeah, but will he still love me if he knew what I was doing with his baby girl” he teased, nuzzling his nose against her neck. Adam peaked his tongue out, tracing a wet trail behind her ear. Eli shivered, gripping his shoulders tightly.

“You are so nasty” she giggled, feeling his hand creep up under her shirt.

“And you love me anyways” he stated, playing teasingly with the clasp of her bra.

“Sometimes I ask myself why” she joked, pushing his hands away from her breast.

“Is that right” he challenged, trapping her hands behind her back, “you weren’t saying that the other night when I was going do-” his sentence was cut off by her mouth covering his. He released her arms, and they automatically wrapped around his neck as their tongues battled for dominance. They were so caught up in each other, that they failed to notice the door creep open.

“What’cha doing” Roni’s little voice startled them, causing them to jump apart guilty. Adam swiped his hand over his swollen lips, as Eli tried to re-button her shirt that he had somehow managed to undo during their little rendezvous.

“Hey, what are you doing in here” Adam smiled down at his niece, hoping to distract her?

“I was looking for Basco sauce” she answered, staring behind her at Eli, who had a pretty colored blush on her cheeks. “What were you doing” she asked again, not letting them dismiss her that easily?

“Nothing...Eli was just telling me a secret” he lied. Roni looked at them with a disbelieving gaze.

“Then why was your hand on her bottom and under her shirt” she stated matter of fact. Eli groaned embarrassingly and Adam lowered his head to hide his chuckle.

“Look Munch’n, how about we keep this between us...okay” he tweaked her nose, causing her to giggle as she nodded. “Good!” he stood up and grabbed a bottle of Tabasco sauce from the top shelf, and handed it to her. Roni took off in a childish giggle.

“Do you think she’ll keep quiet” Eli asked coming up behind him, resting her chin on his shoulder?

“Not a chance” he chuckled. “Come on” he tugged her out of the storage room.

“...and they were kissing like Granny and Papa were this morning...‘member Papa” she asked innocently, turning to Max? Just then Adam and Eli walked into the café, their hands clutched firmly together.

“Told’cha” he glared playfully at his niece. Every eye in the room seemed to be trained on them. Adam eyes locked on Michael’s, which were currently blazing with anger. “Time to face the music” he whispered, but Eli wasn’t scared, this was what she wanted all alone.

“How long has this been going on” Michael demanded?

“Daddy.”

“Michael” Eli and Maria admonished in unison. Max and Liz stood next to them, waiting on their sons answer.

“How long” Michael asked again, this time he clutched his jaws together tightly to calm his anger?

“Three years” Adam answered honestly.

“What!” both sets of parents let out in disbelief.

“How come you never said anything” Maria asked once her shock finally succumbed a little, but she had to admit that the fact that her daughter didn’t share something like this with her hurt her deeply. Eli looked up to Adam.

“That was my fault Aunt Ria” Adam admitted. “I don’t know, at first we were just fooling around...but then, then things changed, and I fell in love with Eliza” he smiled down at her as she squeezed his hand.
“But why all the secrecy” Liz probed? She could practically feel the love radiating between the two of of them. Adam flashed worried eyes to Michael, who was still giving him a death glare, before returning back to his mom.

“I guess I was so caught up in it being just the two of us...I sorta wanted to keep it that way for a while...sacred. I didn’t want to let anyone in...not yet” he whispered shyly.

“Daddy, I know you’re upset...but I love Adam...please don’t be mad” Michael looked down at his daughter, her honey brown eyes practically begging for his blessing. He watched silently as Adam rubbed her back soothingly, protectively. Sighing heavily, he ran a hand through his graying hair.

“I’m not mad Princess...I just wish you would have told us” Max, Liz and Maria nodded in agreement.

“Hey, I wanted to tell you, but this big lug was to afraid you’d skin him alive” she teased.

“He’s right” Michael said without a hint of smile in his voice. Adam swallowed hard.

“Uncle Michael...I..I...” he stumbled, trying to find the right words.

“Chill out kid...just know this, if you hurt her, daddy here won’t even be able to fix you up” Michael smiled, but his eyes held truth to every word.

“Yes sir” Adam quickly nodded.

“Glad we understand each other” he slapped the terrified boy on the back. Max chuckled at his son as he let out a relieved breath. He knew Michael was only kidding, but being in Michael’s shoes twice already, it felt good to scare the crap out of your daughters boyfriend. All the women crowded around Eli as she foretold the story of how she and Adam came to be. The men were now engrossed in a deep debate on who was going to be the first round draft pick this football season. Soon the evening grew on, and everyone began to go their separate ways for the night.

“Are you sure you don’t want our help” Tess and Chris asked an aging Jeff. “We can help you clean this place up...isn’t that right Sam...CeCe” the two teens groaned.

“That’s okay...you guys go ahead, we got everything under control” Nancy said as she shooed them out the door.

“..but I want to stay with Papa and Granny” Roni pouted as her father tried to pull her towards the door.

“It’s okay if she stays” Liz assured, playfully grabbing at her granddaughters nose.

“Are you sure mom...” Bel asked warily, “I know you and dad are probably exhausted from having her these last three weeks?”

“Nonsense, we love having her around...isn’t that right Pudding” Max picked her up in his arms. “You guys go ahead...Roni can help us clean up this place.”

“Only if you’re sure dad” Ricky stated.

“I’m sure...now go” he chuckled.

“Call us at Nana Di and Papa’s if she gives you any trouble” Ricky and Bel kissed their daughter before heading towards their car.

“You know you guys don’t have to stay” Jeff assured.

“I know daddy, but we want to stay. You and mom shouldn’t be doing this by yourself. Why don’t you two go on up stairs and rest” Liz smiled as she went about picking up discard cups and plates.

“Are you implying that we’re old” Nancy smiled.

“Not old... just wiser” Liz replied cheekily. Jeff let out a hooping laugh.

“Come on Nance, let us ‘wise’ folks go upstairs, and let these three take care of things down here” Nancy agreed. Stealing a kiss from her great-granddaughter, and one from Max and Liz, they headed upstairs for some much needed rest.

“I’m worried about them” Liz said once they were gone.

“Why” Max asked, holding open the trash bag so that Roni could toss the trash?

“Because their getting older, and I don’t like to see them work so hard. I really wish they would sell the place to us so they could finally relax” she replied. Liz and Max had offered to buy the Crashdown from her parents two years ago when Nancy had suffered a heart attack. She had pulled through, but the event had left Liz worried that next time she wouldn’t be so lucky or that it would be her dad. She felt they worked to hard, and needed to retire so they could look after their healths.

“Liz, you know your parents love owning and working at the Crash. It’s were you grew up, their grandchildren grew up, and now it’s where their great-grandchildren will grow up. They’re not going to give this place up...it holds too many memories.”

“I know” she sighed dejectedly, knowing that her parents would rather drop dead in the Crashdown, before they were to ever sell it. Max wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her forehead.

“Hey...” he smiled down at her, “How about the two of us take a vacation” he suggested.

“Where” she asked, not needing to be asked twice?

“Um..I don’t know” a wicked smile graced his lips, “how about Jamaica...I here the island waters are beautiful at night” he whispered huskily. Liz felt a rumble in her stomach as she caught what he was talking about. It had been years since they had went to Jamaica, but the memory of the little skinny dipping escaped was still fresh in her mind.

“What do you say Mrs. Evans...care to join me in the waters” he kissed a teasing trail down her neck?

“Definitely” she wouldn’t need any coaxing on his part this time.

“Papa” Roni’s small voice pulled them apart, “I sleepy” she yawned, rubbing her little eyes.

“Why don’t you take her in the employee room and lay her down...I can finish up in here” Liz ran a soothing hand down Roni’s hair.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, go ahead.” Max leaned over, brushing his lips against hers.

“I love you.”

“Right back at you” Liz watched with a smile as he made his way to the back.

“Papa?”

“Yeah Pudding.”

“Will you tell me a story” she asked through another yawn?

“A story huh...lets see” he thought about it for a moment, before turning and winking at his wife. “Have I ever told you about the time we went to Jamaica, and your Granny str-”

“MAX!!!”


So that's the end. Our life in Roswell. What a long trip it's been. Will we ever go back? ...I don't know... Even I can't see everything in the future.


A/N...I would like to Thank all of you that stuck with this story through thick and thin. I know it's been times you thought I've abandoned this story, but as you can see from the long post, that I've been putting in some work on it. I was just sad to see it end. Once again, thanks for your continued support a-and...okay, I'm going to go cry now.


XOXOXOXOXO

LadyScorpio