The Martyr of Antar-COMPLETED

[ñusta]

Chapter 76


Liz went to sit at the couch and watch some TV while Max and Kyle were having breakfast at the kitchen area. She had already had hers while she helped Maria there. Anyway, she thought Max needed a little space right now. She watched Maria push Michael into the bathroom and totally ignoring the tube, she just closed her eyes and relaxed. Suddenly, she saw herself sitting at a courthouse. - Oh no, not that nightmare again. - She thought. She had had it for months after she was almost jailed because of Max’s stupid holdup stunt. But she hadn’t had it again. Wait, the prosecutor was Jim Valenti! In full sheriff mode, and he had the predator look he used to have before he knew about them. She was wearing those clothes from back then too, what was going on? Jim stood before her as she sat there like a sitting duck, ready to be questioned.

- Miss Elizabeth Parker, as a sophomore at West Roswell High, I need you to answer some questions about two of your classmates, Michael Guerin and Max Evans. Will you describe them, please? -

- They’re brothers, they seem the same age, but they’re not twins, at least not the identical kind. They don’t even look alike, or act alike. Max is more responsible, more mature, collected, you know. He’s shy, quiet, totally laid back. Michael is unpredictable, like a coiled spring, ready to lash out, ready to take action, always ready for a fight, so impulsive, they’re completely different. -

- What about physically? -

- Michael is taller, stronger built, he was a chunky kid, still is. Max was thin, scrawny until about a while ago, when he started to work out and gained some mass. Michael’s hair is lighter brown, even spiked, it’s soft as a child’s. -

- You’ve touched it? -

- Yes. Max’s hair is darker, almost black, lank, short. Their eyes are a different shade of brown, Max’s are sometimes kind of amber, and sad looking. Michael’s are the colour of honey, very expressive. Max has funny flappy ears, Michael doesn’t. His skin is like velvet and his muscles beneath it feel like steel, but his body is cuddly. Max’s skin is swarthier, different, he is hard and wiry, because he’s thinner, I guess. His legs are also wiry and knobby. Michael has great legs, long and firm, like a girl’s but perfectly muscled, and also a great ass, round and hard. Max’s is rather flat. They even sleep different…-

- Not like humans? - Jim immediately jumped at the chance.

- No, not that. Max sleeps on his back, showing his defined abs of which he’s so proud. Michael sleeps on his stomach, mooning the world which has been so cruel to him. He just lets go, he’s a heavy sleeper. Max wakes up if you take a deep breath…-

- You love him! - He acused.

- I have to, he saved my life…-

- No, not Max, you love Michael. - He sounded and looked smug.

- No, no! I can’t! I can’t! I mustn’t! She’ll kill me! -

- Hey, wake up, who’ll kill you? - Liz opened her eyes to find both Max and Kyle, looking worriedly at her.

- M-my mother! - She improvised. - She doesn’t like the career I’ve chosen, she wants me to study administration and take charge of the Crashdown…-

- What have you eaten, Liz, c’mon! - Kyle laughed and she joined him, a little forced, but quite convincing, as Max was soon laughing along, too. They went back to their breakfast, and Liz thought: “What was that? Of course I love Michael, but like a brother, Max’s kid brother, well, cousin, actually. And of course I had a crush on him at elementary school, ok, and in high school too. What girl there didn’t; who wouldn’t have a crush on the cute tough kid from the wrong side of town? That was Michael. All the girls, Isabel and her snobby friends included, had one. We all drooled after him. Who would have dared steal a look at geek Evans or geek Whitman, even a small surreptitious one, claiming it was out of pity, if you were caught! You were automatically doomed, your life became a living hell. Your friends would laugh in your face and elude you like the plague! Until and if you were lucky enough, the incident was forgotten, by, perhaps, next year?
Of course we were excluded from most circles, as we were close friends with geek Whitman. Even Isabel, once Michael made his appearance, wouldn’t be caught dead near her brother, except to give Michael a hug or kiss, which he welcomed, and smiled at her. She loved doing it to rub it in her friends’ noses, knowing how they felt about Michael and making them green with envy. That was until my “incident” brought us all together. Michael, as could be expected, never gave a damn about what they thought of his hanging out with Max, and that made him even more mysterious and exciting. Maria’s scream brought her out of her thoughts.

Maria got Michael in the shower and wrapping a towel around her not to wet her clothes, proceeded to lather his back while he did his front. It was time saving, and very relaxing, she told herself. As Michael was bent over, soaping his lower legs, she took advantage of his position and slid her sudsy hand right behind his balls all the way back. Michael cried out and straightened up, leaning his upper body on the wall.

- Shit! Maria! -

- What? What! - She pulled her hand away, alarmed.

- That stung like hell! - He hissed before answering.

- Ok, sorry, let me see. - She checked him out, very gently and couldn’t help exclaiming: - Oh my god, Michael! You’re absolutely raw down there! -

- That’s just how it feels…it’s been hurting since yesterday, but I just thought it would go away. - He said, wincing.

- You should have told me! Liz! Liz! - Maria rushed to the door and opened a sliver just in time for her second call.

Liz jumped out of the couch and ran to the slightly open door. She saw Kyle and Max coming up behind her. Maria saw them too and smuggled Liz inside before slamming the door on the guys’ noses. They started banging and asking what was wrong.

- It’s ok, girl stuff. - She yelled back.

- What has Michael got to do with it? - Max demanded, but got no answer. He turned to Kyle who just shrugged, and they went to sit on the couch, their eyes on the bathroom door.

- What’s wrong with him? - Liz asked worriedly, watching Michael kind of hunched inside the shower, with his face buried in his arms.

- He’s completely raw down there, the soap made it sting real bad. Give me a cell phone. -

Liz was about to go get one when she remembered she had hers in her pocket and fished it out. She handed it to Maria.

- Who are you calling? - Maria signaled for silence with her hand.

- Stuart? Hi, it’s Maria…yes, Michael is very raw down…under…there, you know?...oh, ok…you sure?...that’s all?...sorry, thanks a lot…love you too, bye. - She turned to Liz who was watching her eagerly.

- He says it was the icy water leaking out of him. Some leaked around the drain thing and burned the skin raw. All he needs is some baby diaper rash cream, that’ll do the trick. KYLE! - Maria screamed, making Liz cover her ears with both hands.

They heard the running feet skid to a stop on the other side of the door, somehow they reminded them of the Flintstones’ cartoons. Maria opened the sliver again and spoke to Kyle.

- Get some money from my purse and get me the best and most effective, guaranteed, baby diaper rash cream. Hurry up, it’s urgent! -

- Maria! You just had a speed of light time warped alien pregnancy and gave birth in there? - Kyle eyes were popping out of his head.

- Don’t be stupid, Kyle, it’s for Michael! -

- Nooo! It went the other way round and he’s turned back into a baby? Yay! Now you will let me touch his ass! - He was now smiling from ear to ear, both hands on his cheeks for emphasis. Max was staring at the scene open mouthed, not sure if it was a joke or the real thing.

- Kyle! You pervert! You stay away from Michael, and you’re not touching his ass! Now go! - Liz slammed the door again and turned to Maria who was now drying Michael, wrapped in a towel. Liz sat on the toilet and shook her head, half smiling.

- Kyle is such a clown, who would have thought! - Liz scoffed. Then she turned to Michael. - You’ll be fine, you’ll see.- They smiled fondly at each other, Michael thankful, and Liz…she wasn’t sure.

Maria opened the door to an empty place. Max had probably driven Kyle over. They went to the bedroom and they got Michael half dressed in a T-shirt and socks, and then sprawled on the bed. Michael was snoozing in seconds. Liz was tempted to tell Maria her dream, but decided not too. They were getting along great, even with Isabel, connected through Michael. Maria, amazingly, wasn’t showing any jealousy at all, in spite of the interaction, and she didn’t want to risk it with a senseless dream. Maria reached over Michael’s back and took Liz’s hand.

- You know? I’m so happy at the way things have turned out lately. Michael’s “accident” has brought us all together, and Stuart has been a blessing, especially for Isabel. She’s such a great person, Liz, you both are like my sisters. I don’t regret anything, anymore, what about you? -

- I think I’m finally getting over my issues with Max. We’ve both changed, I can’t see him as I did before, Tess screwed that forever, I don’t know if I’ll ever forgive him, but I’m learning to accept it. It happened and nothing can take it back. It depends on me if I’m going to put it in the past, or stay bitter all my life. I think I’ll take the first option. It’s healthier. Honest, Maria, I never thought Max would buy my stunt with Kyle. It looked so staged, I know I wouldn’t have. It wasn’t like we were kissing, or anything, we weren’t even touching! Not like Max and Tess whom I saw actually kissing. And yet he did. I still can’t believe he did. At first I thought he hadn’t and was just pretending he had to use it against me when it suited him. -

They heard the car arriving and the guys coming in. Max brought the bag and gave it to Maria. Liz took Max’s hand and walked him out of the room, closing the door behind them. She rolled her eyes at Kyle’s disappointed look and they went to wait in the car. A few minutes later, Maria came out hand in hand with Michael, looking sleepy again. Kyle took the shotgun seat while Michael lay in the back over the two girl’s laps, getting stares, whistles and jokes from the moment they arrived at the parking lot of West Roswell High. Michael and Maria were their main target, after the show they gave at the traffic light. Michael didn’t give a damn, but Maria walked beside him with her face buried in his chest, until they arrived at Principal Forrester’s office. By the look in his face, he knew what the whole school obviously did, and received the note Max was handing him. They watched the expression in his face change as he read, and when he looked up, there was concern in his eyes. He focused on Michael.

- I’m very sorry, Michael, I didn’t know how bad you had been hurt, but your doctor has given me a very good idea of what you’ve been through. You are allowed to leave the class if you need to go to the infirmary whenever necessary. If you need any medication, the nurse will get it for you, no charge. Anything you need, I’m here for you. -

- Thank you, sir, but he said all that in the note? - He found it hard to believe, at the same time deeply touched by the Principal’s words.

- No, he called me first time this morning. Since you kids didn’t make it to the field trip, I expect you to write a report of this emergency you went through, very detailed and accurate, and I want it here in my office before you leave today. That clear? -

- Yes, sir. - They answered together.

- Ok, off you go. Michael, you’re excused from it. You may go to the nurse’s if you’re not feeling well. - He had noticed the boy trying hard not to wince too obviously, during the meeting, and after what Dr. Davis report on what the kid had gone through, he sure had guts coming to school so soon after, no wonder he had a relapse yesterday. He thought it safer if he didn’t exert himself and spent most of the time lying down instead of passing out in a classroom.

They walked Michael to the nurse’s, who received him, and helped him lie down. The way she looked at him, they could tell Principal Forrester had informed her everything Stuart had told him. They left him in good hands and went to their respective classes. They had been given a free period after lunch to work on their reports for the Principal.

Isabel’s mother dropped her at the hospital at half past midday, where she was supposed to have an appointment for charity work in the children’s ward. Of course, she would later tell her mother, unfortunately, the job had already been taken. She hated to admit how good she had got at lying, lately, but she didn’t want her to worry, after the stress they had been through with all the information they had had to digest about their adopted children, these last couple of months. She walked into the cafeteria just as Stuart came in through the other door.

- Now, this is what I call timing! Perfect! - He rushed to her and took her hand, leading her to a small table in a corner, for some amount of privacy.

- Everything alright with your husband? - He asked.

- Yes, he’s off for New York tomorrow for the closure, and then to Chicago for about 10 days, so I’ll probably be able to go to Phoenix, after all. -

- That’s wonderful! - He said enthusiastically. - The gang? -

- At school. -

- I called the Principal this morning and informed him of Michael’s condition, and his whole ordeal, so they’ll be ok. He seemed a nice person, he was quite concerned. -

- Yes, he’s alright, he’s always been very understanding of Michael’s situation, in spite of all his absences, it seems he knew Hank, and though apparently he took for granted his excuses when he was called to school about Michael, he didn’t, and always supported Michael. He was fair when he got in fights, and heard both sides of the story before coming to a conclusion. Of course Michael got detentions when he deserved them. -

- By the way, how is he? - Stuart asked, matter of factly.

- What do you mean? - Isabel was worried.

- Maria called me this morning saying he was raw down…under…- Stuart started imitating Maria’s explanation.

- Down under? Like Australia? He had a raw Australia? - Isabel was giggling, as she interrupted Stuart.

- Well, yes, if he has an Australian ass, I recommended baby diaper rash cream so if they went to school, it means he’s alright. - Stuart chuckled.

- I wonder if he’ll ever be alright, he’s so physically and psychologically screwed up, poor kid, that it’s amazing he’s such a great guy, once you get to know him. Initially, he’s always on the defensive, but who can blame him, we all are. Look at me, I’m accepting I married Jesse to get away from Max’s manipulations, he’s always wanted to control us as if he owned us. I can’t come to blows with him like they sometimes get close to, Michael holds back because he knows he can easily break his neck without much effort. But Max can really get on your nerves, he’s such a jerk sometimes! If I were Michael, he would probably be in a wheelchair by now. I don’t understand how Michael hasn’t already torn him in two. You can’t imagine the way Max has treated him all these years. He says it’s because he’s afraid for him, but still, that doesn’t give him the right to be offensive, Michael doesn’t deserve it. Of course, now that he knows the real story, he feels bad about it. And Michael has just proved how noble and loyal he is. He’s really royal blood all the way. Anyone else would have taken full revenge and kicked the crap out of him. Believe me, I wouldn’t have even tried to stop him. Oh my god, what you must think of me! - Isabel covered her face with her hands in shame. She shouldn’t have let go like that.

Stuart pulled her hands away from her face and held them in his. He made her look at him.

- Isabel, you’re just a teenager, you’re entitled to make mistakes, whether Max wants to accept them or not. You should have seen the stupid things I did when I was your age! We all do, we can’t help it. If Max thinks he’s so in control, then he should guide you, not criticize you. I’m here for you Isabel, anytime you need me. And for Michael too, even if Max disapproves. -

[ñusta]

Chapter 77


Thankfully and surprisingly, Max approved. He had had a good day in school, everything had turned out right, and the Principal had been very understanding. Anyway, he had never been a Jesse fan and Isabel’s suspicions that maybe the killing of the FBI agent had been staged, did make sense.

The school day went smoothly, except for Maria, who was sick of being constantly questioned: “Where’s the hunk with the gorgeous ass?” and “Is your hand tired, do you need help?” from the girls while the guys went for “congrats on the massage” and “how much did he pay you, wait, how did he pay you?”. Unfortunately not all her classes were shared with Liz, Kyle or Max, though most were, but she had to cope on her own on a couple of them. Lunchtime had them getting Michael from the infirmary and he got his share of teasing too, and a few attempts, some successful, to Maria’s fury, to “handle the merchandise”. The pinching was painful enough to make him go “ow” and wince, the last one having Maria pull out a chunk of hair from none other than Pam Troy’s head. The girl screamed bloody murder, but had to shut up eventually when everyone started laughing at her and quite a few “she had it coming” comments reached her outraged ears. At least that got Maria off the hook for a while. Michael couldn’t care less. He even made it worse by again carrying Maria to the table in his arms, and kissing her quite passionately more times than was needed. Liz managed to get him a veggie salad with soy sprouts for his protein intake and a fresh fruit salad with honey that Maria insisted should be eaten first. She saved the vanilla milk for dessert. Michael’s craving for Tabasco was set aside when he remembered the pain he had been through and all that had been done to him to make him better. Though come to think of it, he did enjoy all the attention he got when he was hurt, and he smirked admitting to himself that it was worth it. But even he had had enough.

After lunch, they took Michael back to his “private suite”, and went to the home room to do their assignment.

- How detailed must it be? - Asked Kyle, rubbing his hands.

- Hey, don’t be gross, or you’ll have us all in detention, ok? Just enough so he knows it was bad. - Liz told him, in a serious tone.

- Don’t worry, I’m not going for the Pulitzer, here, you know? - Kyle said.

- Let’s hope so! - Max rolled his eyes.

When classes were over, they called Isabel and met at Michael’s again, while Jesse was still in Roswell. There she had her talk with Max, and then informed the rest about it. They all liked Stuart and were very grateful to him for Michael’s life, so they had to back up Isabel. Maria took Michael to the bedroom to take care of him and the rest turned on the tube to some game. When a goal was scored, both Kyle and Max, along with the high volume of the TV set, cheered loudly. The door of the bedroom started to open and was slammed shut violently. Some bickering was heard coming from inside the room and then the door opened as Michael came out still pulling up a pair of sweat pants that looked sprayed on.

- Wow, ready for the ballet? - Kyle said after a wolf whistle.

Everyone turned to look at Michael’s indecent outfit. Everything was quite clear.

- Huh? - He went, and looked down at himself. - What happened here? -

- Those are mine. - Said Max. - But it’s ok, they’re just washed, they’ll loosen up. -

- Oh, ok. - He stretched out on the floor along the couch, and Maria’s feet were immediately on his ass, massaging him gently. Liz took his back and Isabel took his thighs. Kyle’s foot started climbing up Michael’s leg but Isabel kicked him viciously off and glared at him. Kyle pouted and turned to the game, clowning forgotten. That evening, everyone had to sleep at home: Liz’s father had had enough, Maria’s mother was arriving from her alien sale spree, Isabel had to put up with Jesse, who was leaving next day sometime late am., and Jim wanted Kyle home to remember what he looked like. Maria made sure Michael was taken care of, though she didn’t doubt Max’s efficiency, she’d rather do it herself. She kissed him goodnight, and left to work with Liz, mostly not to lose her job, which was in jeopardy, in spite of Mr. Parker’s patience. The guys watched the sports channel for a while and called it a night. Max took the sleeping bag and placed it along Michael’s bed, but ended spooned first into Michael’s side and then into his rear as the younger boy adjusted his body and snuggled back into his king.

Next morning, after a luscious breakfast at the Crashdown, Liz, Maria and Kyle walked over to Michael’s and found Max, still spooned into Michael, but awake, watching him sleep as he rubbed his back.

- How was the honeymoon? - Asked Kyle, trying not to giggle.

- KYLE! - Went Liz and Maria together.

- C’mon, you know I make your day! What would you do without me? Your lives would be gloomy and filled with despair! - He delivered. Then seeing no one was paying attention, he went to the kitchen with the bag containing Max and Michael’s breakfast.

- Was she a virgin? Show me the blood! - He yelled and chuckled.

- SHUT UP! - He got back, from female voices as Max’s answer was muffled when he shut the door of the bathroom. He just caught the word : “gross”, which got him chuckling again.

Max showered and dressed while Liz and Maria checked on Michael. Then Maria took him to the bathroom and soon after, they were riding to school in Max’s Camaro. Michael managed two classes but then went to lie down at the infirmary. Then he returned for the last before lunch. At least the boy was trying. As they came out of the classroom at lunchtime, Michael led the way tugging at Maria, behind him, by the hand. He suddenly stopped and Maria and Liz ran into him.

- What? - They went, surprised.

Then they all saw what Michael was smirking at. Leaning on the wall across the door, stood Isabel, smiling at them.

- Hey, what are you doing here? You missed us so much? - Asked Kyle, with a huge smile. He always enjoyed Isabel’s company, and everyone knew he had a big crush on her.

Michael watched her, his head tilted to a side, and a question in his eyes.

- First of all, Jesse’s gone again, and well, it’s not like I miss West Roswell High’s exquisite “cuisine”, but if I have another meal at Mom’s, I’ll be dieting for the rest of my life! - She hands Michael a paper bag. - Courtesy of Cheff Amy DeLucca. -

Michael received the bag and turned to look at Maria, visibly touched.

- Your mother made this for me? - His eyes wide open.

- Following my exact instructions, I hope! - She answered, smiling.

- Thanks, babe…- He kissed Maria’s cheek and turned to Isabel, kissing her cheek too. - Thanks for bringing it. - With his typical smirk.

- No sweat, I met her at the market and she asked me if I could bring it over cause she was going I don’t know where with Jim. - She made a face, as the rest did the same, except Michael.

- I don’t know why you’re so mean to them. - He said.

- Oh, my heart! - Went Kyle, pressing both hands on his chest and feigning a coronary.

Isabel cuffed him up the head and they all walked out to have their lunch.

- Something you’re not telling us? - Asked Max, knowing his sister well.

- Oh, it’s just that I stupidly agreed to drop my studies, at Jesse’s insistence, and I’m so bored! I can’t spend my life shopping and playing house with mom, and tagging along to her charity things, so I came a little earlier and spoke to Principal Forrester, who’s recommending me to the elementary school next door to help with the first graders. - She smiled.

- Oohhh! The little ones! They’re so cute! - Maria whined.

- Maybe you’re practicing for the future? - Liz said coyly. - You want kids? -

- Yeah, I’d love to, but right now, I’m not sure whom I would like to father them. -

- That depends on how much alien you want in them. - Said Michael.

- Michael! - Several voices went together.

- Kidding! - He smirked.

- Doesn’t sound like Mr. Ramirez is an option…- Kyle observed.

- I don’t think so. - She told them in a kind of sad voice.

- And Stuart takes the lead at an easy pace! - Shouted Kyle, banging both fists on the table, making them jump.

- I’d say he’s the perfect choice, no surprise, he already knows and doesn’t mind at all. - Max as usual was the voice of reason. - And there’s the chance your child will be completely human, like mine was. -

- Excuse me Max, but I have my doubts about that. Sorry, I still can’t manage to trust Tess. - They all looked at her, startled by her words.

Not that they all hadn’t thought about it too, except Max of course, he was so gullible. The kid had more chances of being totally human, if it was sired by a human than by another alien, and Tess mind-warping powers could have easily taken care of that without the donor even suspecting. But then, there was no way of proving it. By Max’s pensive expression, it had got him thinking too.

- But then, yes, he might. - Isabel said to smooth things up and not start a debate. - I feel so at ease with Stuart and so uncomfortable with Jesse. I hate to admit it, but you were right, I should have waited. - She sighed.
- But I did manage to pick up some sort of a fight this morning before he left, so I guess I’m going to Phoenix with you guys, if you don’t mind putting up with an old married lady on the brink of a divorce…-

Michael reached her first and hugged her tight, then Kyle’s efforts were dwarfed, beside Michael’s larger frame, but Isabel hugged both back.

The bell rang and as they walked back to the building, Michael asked :

- What now? -

- Biology, at least you can stay standing. - Maria answered.

- No way! If that witch asks me again to dissect a frog, I’ll end up dissecting her. She knows how I feel about it and she keeps insisting, what is she, retarded? I better play it safe and take a snooze. -
- Suit yourself. - Maria said and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.

He decided he’d had enough and turned towards the infirmary.

- I think I’ll go with Michael and pay nurse Kelly the visit I never did during my school years. - She said.

Isabel went with him and waited outside watching as the chummy nurse got him comfortable and he closed his eyes. She then patted his cheek fondly, and padded back to her desk. Isabel entered the room and smiled at her surprised look.

- Well, isn’t this Isabel Evans, finally here after all these years! How are you, dear? - She got up and hugged her affectionately. - I heard you had graduated early. So what are you doing here? -

- I came to visit and Principal Forrester has recommended me for a job as an aide at the elementary, next door. - Isabel told her.

- I thought you were in college…-

- Yeah, but I’m taking a break till next term. - Nurse Kelly patted her arm.

- And you deserve it! Always working so hard! I used to be next door, but then they brought me here to replace the old nurse who went straight to a wheelchair, the poor thing. I remember you as a little girl, arms always full of books, in and out of the library! - She chuckled.

- A complete nerd, huh? - She laughed.

- No, that would be your brother, a wisp of a boy, so thin and pale, but healthy, he was never here either. While this one, - she jerked her head towards Michael, - was quite a fighter, always bruised, and scratched, but he never came for that. It was always belly ache or burning with fever. Poor kid, heaven knows what garbage that bum Hank fed him. - She scoffed.

- You knew Hank? - She was curious.

- Of course I did! He was my best friend’s boyfriend. They eventually married against my advice, and of course, he drove her out of her mind with his drinking. The first time he raised his hand at her, she took off and never returned. She’s in Hawaii, now, running a beach hotel. He was a good for nothing. Wonder what became of him. Leaving was the best he could do for the boy. - She sighed. - Still, Michael never said a word against him. I remember the first time he came here, he spat out the thermometer and broke it into splinters. Whatever you put in his mouth came right back up. So it was always pants down for him, I had no choice, and the needle when he wouldn’t swallow the pills, but he never complained, he seemed to be used to it. And look at him now, such a big boy. Guess he got over all that.-

- Believe, me he hasn’t, he’s just the same. - Isabel checked her watch. - I have my appointment in about 10 minutes so I better be going. I’ll be back for him. -

- Sure, he’ll probably still be asleep when you return. - She hugged her again and waved as Isabel turned to look at Michael wistfully before she left. Nurse Kelly had just confirmed that Michael couldn’t even look back on his childhood for security. She couldn’t believe he had gone through all that and never even mentioned it to them, not even to get it off his chest. It must have been so painful to keep it all inside him without being able to vent it out.

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Chapter 78


When Isabel returned to the infirmary, Nurse Kelly waved her in with a smile.

- See? Just like I told you, he’s still fast asleep. How did it go? - She asked.

- They just asked me to fill in a form and they would call me. - Isabel said, visibly disappointed. - From what Principal Forrester told me, I thought they needed someone right away. -

- Well, dear, we’re practically on the Spring break, so they will probably call you right after, you’ll see. I know the person in charge, so I will personally recommend you. Alright? - Nurse Kelly patted her hand, as Isabel sat beside her.

- May I ask you something? - Isabel told her.

- Sure dear, what is it? - She said, curious.

- You said you were a friend of the wife of Michael’s foster father? - Isabel asked.

- Yes, we were very close, why? -

- Did she know Michael? -

- Yes, she saw him three times. Twice at the orphanage, when they went to fill in forms and get the paperwork ready for the foster situation, they wanted the boy to have a foster mother and father, and then when Hank took him home. - Nurse Kelly assured her.

- What happened to her? - Isabel wanted to know.

The nurse at first looked doubtful, but Isabel’s concerned expression made her open up.

- She called me the very night she arrived in Hawaii. She said she came home one evening after work and found Hank, as usual, watching TV with a beer can in his hand. He had brought the boy home sometime during the day, and got him settled. Michael was setting the table and he had it all wrong, so knowing Hank’s lack of patience, she showed him how to do it and the kid caught on immediately and set the other two places perfectly. She was glad to see he was a smart one. She made omelettes for dinner cause it was either that of the burgers they had been getting on and off all week, and she didn’t want Hank to make a scene that very night. The boy wolfed it down, but Hank was pissed and when she said they only had eggs and burgers, he got violent and raised his hand at her. Michael stepped in front of her, and she was very touched by him protecting her, in spite of his size and age. Hank was quite put off, and told her to go to hell, he didn’t need her, now he had a son, and patted Michael’s bum. She was very upset, and Hank just left to eat with his drinking buddies. She put Michael to bed, and kissed his cheek. She told him that if Hank ever did anything to him he didn’t like, he should tell a cop or his teacher, and he would never have to come here again. Anyway, school was beginning in a week, and when he asked him if he had understood, he said he had. When she woke up in the morning, Hank was asleep in front of the TV, so she went to Michael and he was fast asleep. She kissed him again and left for work, quit, got her savings from the bank, and went to the airport and took off. She felt bad about the boy, but Hank had lately taken to slapping her a little too often. He had started getting rough after the papers at the orphanage had been approved and he was sure of getting the boy. The last time it had happened, she had promised herself that if he did again, she would leave. So she did. She asked me to keep an eye on the boy and let her know how he was doing, which I did every time she called me, which was about every month or two. Michael never complained about Hank, even when I asked him, so that’s what I told her, what else could I do? He started hanging out with you right away, and since your dad’s a lawyer, I thought if he had any problems at home, you would know, and get your dad to do something about it. There was nothing I could do if he didn’t ask for help, like Julie had asked him to, and he never did. - Nurse Kelly had a sad look on her face.

- Didn’t they get visits from social services, and see she wasn’t there anymore? - Isabel asked.

- Yes, but Hank always had an excuse, she was either working, or doing extra hours, or movie night with her friends, you name it. When it became too obvious, he told them she was nursing her sick mother in another state and she might be away for a few months. It seemed Michael had been in a few places before, and had been brought back, so they preferred him staying there than getting him back at the orphanage, where he had a reputation for fighting with the other kids. Julie had asked about it when she saw his file during the first visit, and they had confirmed her that he wasn’t aggressive, but defensive, of himself as of the other children. Unfortunately, there are bullies everywhere. He doesn’t put up with them like the others do. It was the same in school, as you sure can remember, right? With your brother? Of course, Hank was a different story. Julie said he was quite violent when drunk which was every other night. She would lock herself up at the first sign, and was safe most of the time. There was no way a child could defend himself from him. -

Yes there was, Isabel thought, but he wouldn’t do it, mainly for them. She flashed back to that day, when she introduced Max to Michael, and her brother told him that since they were different from the other kids, they had to be very careful, and not to do anything to give themselves away, or they would lock them up in a lab like rats, and probably kill them because they were freaks. Michael promised them he would never do anything at all to put them in danger. And of course, he took all of Hank’s crap to keep his promise to them, and protect them. He never told them what he was going through, so they wouldn’t feel sorry for him, or bad about it, until that black eye, when he trusted Max with the truth and asked him not to tell her, but he did. At least that got him away from Hank, without much attention to themselves, and they had thought they had been lucky that Hank had chosen to leave Roswell. Of course, now they knew Kal Langley had lent a hand. Anyway, Hank’s drinking would have made his credibility very low, where Michael was concerned, but he wouldn’t risk any danger to them, and had protected them as long as he could.

- You ok, dear? - Nurse Kelly looked worried.

- Yeah, it’s just that…he’s a great kid. - She smiled at her.

The nurse smiled back and looked at Michael fondly. She checked the clock on the wall.

- The bell will be going off in a couple of minutes. Maybe we should wake him up, cause it’s not so easy, you know? - She nodded for emphasis.

- Don’t worry, he’s stayed over with my brother so often that I think I know what to do. - Isabel lied, knowing the nurse was quite right.

She went to him, as he was facing away from her, and leaned over to kiss his cheek, then she whispered his name a couple of times against his hair. Since that wasn’t working, she grabbed his shoulder and hip and started rolling him towards her. When his back pressed against her breasts, he sighed and whispered her name.

- Hey, time to go home. - She smiled at him as he opened his eyes and gave her his smirk.

- Hey Iz…I’m dreaming? - He reached back and burying his fingers in her hair, pulled her down to him and kissed her cheek too.

- No, you’re not and I’m glad you didn’t slug me…- She said.

- What? I knew it was you! -

- How? I only whispered, could’ve been anyone. - She was intrigued.

- C’mon, Iz, you know I can feel you…- Isabel interrupted him, clearing her throat, so he knew the nurse was near.

- We’re leaving tonight for Tucson, remember? -

- Wasn’t it Phoenix? -

- No, we had it wrong, Laurie’s house is in Tucson, you should know, you were there too. - Isabel remembered.

- Yeah, you’re right, it’s in Tucson, what was I thinking? -

- Doesn’t matter, we’re leaving tonight anyway, ok? -

- Yeah, cool. -

Michael pushed up, and gave Nurse Kelly a bear hug and a loud kiss on her forehead. She hugged him back, almost disappearing in his arms. Then he stooped so she could kiss his cheek and turned to leave with Isabel.
They met the rest of the group who were already waiting for them at the door.

- Let’s go! - Exclaimed Max, gesturing with his hand.

As they reach the parking lot, Isabel’s cell phone started ringing. She checked the caller and answered.

- Hey, Stuart, you coming with us? - She asked, hopeful.

- Of course, and I have a surprise! Drive your cars into a safe garage, I’ve rented a van to hold us all in full comfort. Just tell me when and where, and I’ll pick you up.-

- Stuart! You’re serious? -

- Absolutely! -

- Hang on. - Isabel turned to the others: - Stuart’s driving us over in a big van he’s rented. He wants the time and place. -

- At Michael’s? Anytime? - Said Max. enthusiastically.

- I heard that, ok, we can leave right away. - Stuart told her.

- Give us about an hour to get our stuff together, ok? -

- Sure, see ya. - He hanged up.

- Fine! We have to pack. - Isabel said.

- We’re packed! - Liz and Maria informed.

- Me too! - Confirmed Kyle, - Max? - Max nodded.

- Well then, take me home and give me a hand. - Isabel knew they would help her get ready as fast as they could, they were all eager to leave.

[ñusta]

Chapter 79


By the time Stuart arrived, they were all at the curve, with their stuff, ready to go. Michael went “Wow!”, and the rest just stared open mouthed at the brand new dark blue SUV. The window slid down and Stuart poked out his head with a big smile.

- Hop in, there’s room for everyone and 15 plush cushions to lounge on. -

Michael opened the side door and it was really awesome! There were no seats, just a wall to wall foam mattress covered in resistant canvas, and the soft cushions. Kyle whistled.

- There must be at least 3” foam in here! - He said.

- Uh-uh…5”. - Stuart confirmed.

Maria climbed in, took 3 cushions and laid one against the back of Stuart’s seat and two in front of it on the floor, so she sat there, stretched her legs and leant back comfortably. Michael heaved in his luggage and Maria’s, then climbed in on hands and knees. He placed his 3 cushions alongside Maria and flopped down on his belly in the middle of the van with his face on her lap. Kyle climbed in then, and taking his 3 cushions, he lay on his side along the back of the van, resting against the door. Max and Liz came in last, and settled on the right side of the van, lying on their backs side by side, holding hands. Isabel climbed in beside Stuart, looked behind her to make sure everybody was settled down, and signaled Stuart to take off.

- All right, we should be there in about 8 hours, if we stop to eat, we may arrive sometime near midnight. - Stuart observed.

- I can drive whenever you get tired, ok? - Max offered.

- Count me in! - Said Kyle.

- Ok, I’ll let you know. Isabel, take care of the radio. - Stuart asked her.

- Hey shouldn’t we get to vote on the station? - Kyle insisted.

- I won’t, I’m taking a snooze. - Said Michael, snuggling and making himself comfortable.

- You’ll get your turn when we switch, right now I’m in control. - Isabel said.

Kyle got his Mp3, and so did Maria, Liz and Max couldn’t care less, and Michael was totally out, so Isabel got her way. After 3 hours, Stuart and Isabel switched places with Max and Liz, and by 7pm. They made a stop to eat something which ended in a takeout and they ate while driving on. When they were about 2 hours away, Kyle took over to wrap it up with Isabel riding shotgun and Stuart sitting much like Maria against the back of Isabel’s seat. She knew the way to the house and made it there easily. They had called Laurie informing her they were on their way and their approximate time of arrival, so the gate opened immediately when they arrived. Michael, Maria and Isabel, were familiar with the premises, but the others were open mouthed at the beauty of the place. Michael hugged Laurie and kissed the top of her head as she buried her face in his chest and clung to him like a limpet. When she finally let go, she smiled up at him and turned to the others.

- Make yourselves at home, the bedrooms are upstairs and three open to a terrace just above the pool, the other three are on the opposite side with the terrace overlooking the garden. Michael, I think you should have the first one on the left, cause that was grandpa’s, mine is the last on the right, so you can choose anyone you like apart from those, ok? Oh, do you want something to eat? - She asked.

- No, it’s ok, we already had something on the way. Thanks, it’s too late anyway. Guess we’re kind of tired from the road. - Isabel told her.

They climbed the stairs and Michael opened the first door on the left and stood there, wide eyed. Maria stepped in front of him and she gasped. They all actually did as they came in after them. The room was gorgeous! The big bed stood facing them a little to the left and a huge window on the left side continued halfway on the back of the room. There was a big walking closet at the back on the right and the door to a bathroom, with a marble tub and Jacuzzi. There was a glass door by the bed to the terrace and stairs leading straight to the pool. Michael turned to Laurie.

- Hey, may I? - He gestured towards the pool.

- Michael, I’ve already told you, this is your home too, whenever you want to. - She smiled at him.

He pulled his t-shirt off and opened the door by the bed and raced down the stairs, the rest rushed to the terrace and watched him bend over to push his jeans down, unzip his boots, kick them off, step out of his pants and socks and dive into the cool water. Then he waded to the edge and just lay there in the water with his face cradled in his arms. Maria got a towel from the bathroom and went to sit beside him with her legs in the water, as she caressed his wet hair. The others joined them sitting like Maria for a while, taking in the amazing scenery, and Laurie brought them some cold sodas, as they sat talking. Kyle went inside to the bathroom and came back to stand beside Michael watching the pool. Michael looked up and saw what he was doing.

- C’mon Kyle, we all know what you’re thinking! - He said, and grabbed Kyle’s ankle yanking him hard and sending him feet first into the water.

Kyle was barely coming up when Max hugged Liz and plunged into the pool with her in spite of her protests when she realized what he was up to. Isabel jumped in, pulling Stuart in after her by the hand. They were all laughing and swimming in their clothes and having a great time. Laurie went to sit by Michael opposite Maria, and placed her hand on his shoulder. Michael covered her hand with his.

- You ok now, kid brother? - She asked teasingly.

- Sure, big sister, I’m ok now. - He told her reassuringly. - You girls want me to dunk you in too? -

- You do that Michael, and you’ll be sleeping alone for the whole spring break. - Maria threatened.

- No way, then. - Michael chuckled, squeezing Laurie’s hand, making her know he wouldn’t do it to her unless she completely agreed.

Isabel started climbing out of the pool, with Stuart and Kyle, who hurried out before her and lent her each a hand pulling her out easily. Max and Liz climbed over the edge to sit with their feet in the water and Laurie went to the house and came back with several towels in her arms for everyone. Soon they were all in the kitchen, some sipping sodas, some tea, and after goodnights all around, they went to their rooms. Maria looked at the tub with the Jacuzzi wistfully.

- I’d really go for one, but I’d probably fall asleep and end up drowned.-
She told Michael, who reminded her they would have enough time to end in the Jacuzzi as many times as they wanted. She was wearing the pale pink nightie that Michael liked so much. He took her in his arms and carried her to bed, laying her gently and stretching out beside her, slowly inching himself over her. The towel he was wearing ended off his body and her nightie went over her head as they made love until they were falling asleep. Michael, as usual zoned off first, and Maria was almost there, not minding his weight over her, which made her feel safe. She held him to her and soon she was sleeping too.

Max and Liz had the room next door, it also had a tub, smaller with no Jacuzzi, and as soon as they were in bed, Max started pulling Liz over to him, spooning her against his side. He turned and kissed her cheek and slowly moved to her mouth, when he realized she was asleep.

Kyle was in the next room, right across from Laurie’s. He started thinking about her. He had taken an instant liking for the girl. She was the perfect size for him, about Liz’s height, definitely shorter than him. Great, but then she was Michael’s sister, and he really wanted no problems with him. He probably wouldn’t want him messing with his sister, but, well, Michael had changed a lot, and seemed to be putting up with him quite well. Who knew, maybe he didn’t mind at all. Yeah, Kyle, sure, high hopes! He thought as he started doing his Ohm thing, and turned to mute mode halfway on the first one. He didn’t want Laurie to think he was a nut, that wouldn’t do. He fell asleep at the third silent Ohm.

Isabel had the room across from Michael and Maria, and Stuart had the next across from Liz and Max. They lay on their beds, wistfully looking at the wall that separated them. Isabel wished she had the power to make it disappear, but she didn’t. She hoped Stuart was thinking the same thing, and she was sorry to disappoint him if he was. She fell asleep looking at the wall, and Stuart, next door did the same.

Laurie’s thoughts were of having a great spring break with her new found brother and his friends, who had taken her in as part of their group immediately, making her feel so good. Her schoolmates still were obviously uncomfortable with her, because she had been in a nuthouse, even if the principal assured her he had made it quite clear what the real and unfair circumstances had been. They were reasonably polite, but none got too close to her, and once she had heard some of them say, when they didn’t know she was around the corner listening accidentally, that they should be nice to her cause she was a millionaire and had a great house with a pool and all where they could throw great parties. That had got her uneasy, for a change, cause now, when anyone tried to befriend her, she couldn’t help think it was just about interest in what they could get from her. So she stayed away from them and kept to herself, anyway, she was too busy making up for the years she had been away, and she wanted to graduate on time. Michael was the greatest brother she could think of, though at first she admitted he had scared her to death because of his resemblance to Grandpa Charles, who had given her his DNA through her father as he had given it to Michael through some weird alien cloning, so there was no doubt they were related through him. He had sprung out as a 6 year old in the same year as she had, but she turned 6 in March and he came out in October, making her about 7 months older than him. Once she got to know him, she felt absolutely safe with him, he was a big boy, and could do things no human could. Sure, he was half human, but his alien side made him be able to protect her like no one else could. His friends were great too and that boy Kyle, the sheriff’s, well ex-sheriff’s son, was kind of cute, she liked him, he was nice. She liked the way he looked at her, but he seemed kind of shy, she hoped he would get over it. Soon she was asleep as all the rest.

[ñusta]

Chapter 80


Michael felt this warm wet tongue sliding all the way down his spine as far down as his tail bone, with a slight dip and a tickle just beyond it, and back up. He squirmed and purred but it wouldn’t stop. After the third dip, as it started sliding back up, he finally opened his eyes and went: “Mmm?” Then a just as warm but dry body pushed against his butt and then the whisper:

- Care to join us in the Jacuzzi, Spaceboy? - Maria…Michael stretched like a cat and considered the tempting proposal. Then something didn’t click…

- What do you mean “us”? - He slurred. He felt her fitting something up his legs which felt snug and cool. - What’s that? -

- You can’t go in naked, with your sister there, can you? - She said.

Michael’s eyes flew open. He pushed up and Maria said:

- Oh, thanks! - And pulled up the cool snug thing over his genitals, and finally, his ass. He looked down and he was wearing a pair of red Olympic type swimming trunks that fitted him skin tight.

- Hey! What’s this? - He asked.

- Wow! They’re a perfect fit! I’m a genius! C’mon! - She wrapped her arms around his stomach and pulled him off the bed. Then she took his hand and walked him, still sleepy to the terrace. They went down the stairs to a room with glass walls on the right, and found they were all sitting in this huge whirlpool, lying back and relaxing. The second they stepped inside, they were met with whistles and teasing about Michael’s red trunks.

- Lay off him of we will go to his own private whirlpool in his room! - Maria threatened.

- Maria! You’re definitely not a morning person! He looks great! - Liz chastised her.

- Sorry, I know, I’m not. But yeah! Doesn’t he? - She now beamed.

She took Michael by the hands and turned him all around for them to see.
Michael looked barely awake, no wonder he didn’t mind the comments at all. He liked the way the girls looked at him but was totally surprised by the looks in the guys’ eyes, Stuart included.

- Hey! About time! Come join us sleepyhead! - Isabel greeted them with a big smile, and thankfully broke the spell. They stepped in and the water was just the right temperature for Michael, barely warm. As Maria stepped in, she asked:

- Shouldn’t it be hot? -

- No, not really. Too hot will make you flabby, loosening all your muscles. This is the perfect temperature, to keep you in a great shape. I made my inquiries with the Swedish owner of the shop where I got it, and he was an expert. Of course, you can graduate the temperature as hot as you want. -
Laurie explained.

- No! I’ll end up like a beached whale! - Complained Kyle, immediately, making everyone laugh and agree with him.

- Well, everyone slept well? - Laurie asked. She received a general “yes”.

- How was the trip? I could’ve sent you airline tickets. - Laurie said.

- Nah, it was ok, we needed to catch up on some sleep, anyway, so we took turns. - Michael told her.

- You slept all the way, Spaceboy, you were the only one who didn’t drive. - Maria observed.

- I’m still not so comfortable sitting down for too long, hey, have mercy! -
Michael wasn’t really sitting down but snuggling kind of sideways.

- Michael, can I ask you something? Why did Nurse Kelly tell me you were always at the school infirmary for fever and belly aches? Max and I have never been sick in our lives! - Isabel wanted to know.

- You didn’t live with Hank…Sorry, I shouldn’t have gone there…- Michael regretted having reacted without thinking, as he usually did.

Isabel closed her eyes tight for a few seconds, also regretting her question, but now that it was out, everyone was curious and eager for an answer. She looked all around, with a question in her eyes, and they nodded their approval at her. She nodded back and took a deep breath before speaking.

- Michael…- But before she could continue, he interrupted her.

- Isabel, trust me, you don’t want to know, it’s not nice…-

- Michael, we’ve been through a lot of really bad stuff lately, we know your life was very unpleasant, and it was so unfair. We all love you very much as I’m sure you have no doubts about it, but the only way we can help you move on, is knowing exactly what you went through, to exorcise all your demons. - Liz beat Isabel to it, and she put it just flawless. - Don’t feel uncomfortable with us, we’re your friends and family, if you also love us, please let us in. -

Michael crossed his arms over the edge of the pool and laid his face on them. He sighed and just as Isabel had done, he shut his eyes tight and opened them again, without raising them. Then he started speaking, in an even and low voice.

- Every time Hank got drunk, he would come home to belt my ass and ram me at least twice a week and maybe 3 times a night when I was lucky and he passed out snoring his lungs out. -

- I thought when you got drunk you couldn’t…- Kyle started.

- Believe me, he could. - Michael continued. - Next day it would hurt all the way up to low down in my stomach, as if they were shoving in a broomstick and it was pushing to come out through my belly. I managed to deal with it until one day I started feeling quite sick so I raised my hand to ask permission to leave the room. That bastard Miller saw me, I know, but he just ignored me. I felt I was about to pass out, so I didn’t give a damn and stood up to leave. I saw Miller, desk and all tilting over and the floor rose right up to my eyes. I managed to turn my face just in time before I hit the ground. I was barely conscious. Miller draped me over his shoulder and dumped me at the infirmary bed. He told Nurse Kelly, “See what you can do” and left. He couldn’t care less, he just wanted me out of his way. I doubled up holding my gut and Nurse Kelly was very kind and sounded quite worried. She asked me what I’d had for breakfast, and I said “nothing cause I wasn’t hungry”. Truth was Hank kicked me out before I could have anything, and she said maybe it was that. Then she touched my face and said I was too hot. Next I know, she’s shoving this thing into my mouth and I gagged and spat it out. It shattered on the floor, so she told me not to worry, and she did it down there…-

- In Australia? - Isabel giggled and Stuart joined in chuckling.

- What? - Michael asked and the others looked at Isabel and Stuart trying to understand what was going on with them.

- My mistake, Australia is “down under”, not “down there”. - She cleared her throat and grew serious. - Sorry, Michael, go on. -

- She just sat there, touching my hair and rubbing my back, and for those few minutes I felt what it must be like to have a mother who cares for you.-

He paused and sighed, and Isabel looked down at her hands, then at Stuart with a sad look on her face. She turned her eyes to see they were all reacting just the same. Michael went on.

- When she read my temperature, she went wild, and she said she had to rush me to a hospital. I knew that meant problems, so I told her my mother had died in one and begged her not to take me there. She bought it and soon after, I felt a needle in my butt. She then placed a cool wet cloth to my forehead, and it seemed to work, because when she checked again, she told me just to rest, and I fell asleep until lunch time. She brought me food, then checked again, and I must have been still ok, cause she sent me back to classes. The next time it happened, she tried to give me an aspirin but I threw it up on her white shoes. I felt real bad about it so she had to give me the needle again. After that, when my stomach hurt, I would go straight to her, and she would take care of me and let me sleep until lunch time, when she fed me and sent me back to classes. One night, Hank was very rough, and next day, I was too sore to get up. When he finally woke up, he was about to hit me when he saw there was blood on the sheet and on my thighs, so he got scared. He told me to keep still and brought a doctor who was his friend and he checked me inside, like they did at the hospital…-

- Oh my god, Michael! How old were you? - Laurie said, shocked.

- I’m not sure, I guess about 8 or 9. I was 6 when they found me and I spent about 2 years or so bouncing around in different homes until Hank finally kept me. -

Maria looked sick as she turned to Isabel, then Liz and Laurie, and they both look as sick as her. The guys couldn’t hide their disgust either, it was clear on their faces.

- So he gives him a prescription for these things that you were giving me. He said they were really for something else, but they would work for me. -

- Hemorrhoids? - Stuart asked.

- No…-

- Piles? - He insisted.

- Yeah, that’s what he said. -

- They’re the same thing. They cause inflammation and pain just the same.-

- Yeah, right, but I got better, and since it was Friday, Hank called school saying I don’t know what, and I stayed in bed the whole weekend getting the things and I was ok on Monday. So Hank always had them at home for that kind of emergencies. Once I woke up sore and bloody again but Hank wasn’t home, so I managed to shower and catch the bus for school. There was no medicine left, so I took the prescription and gave them to Nurse Kelly. She made a call and had the stuff sent over. She paid for them and gave them to me, she never asked any questions even if she suspected what was going on. After that, she only injected me when I had a fever, and shoved the other things when I was sore. When we started high school, I was wondering what I would do now, and there she was, saying she was called to replace the old nurse who had retired. So not to worry, she was there for me. I couldn’t believe it, she’s been my angel. -

- Michael, how long did this go on? - Liz asked.

- All the time I lived with Hank. -

- I can’t believe his friend the doctor was ok with it. - Stuart said,

- He was like Hank. They both started doing it to me. Hank didn’t mind just in case something went wrong, and it eventually did. He had to cauterize me, like you did. Then he got this huge Vet syringe, and they would shoot me with ice cold water too, after they were at me, whether I bled or I didn’t, then they’d shove in one of the things before they sent me to school. But then the doctor had to go back to Boston, from where he came, and he brought a woman doctor, who would take over his job, to introduce her to us and she was as weird as they both were. They had their going away party at Hank’s, and of course, I was included. Sorry, Maria…-

- Why? What do you mean? - She was quite alarmed.

- I…I lost my virginity that night with her. Well, the real one, with Hank and the doctor taking turns in me at the same time…-

- How old were you? - Max said in a hardly audible voice.

- I was 12. -

Everyone’s jaws had hit the floor. Michael was still looking down, so he didn’t know or see their reaction.

- She must’ve noticed there was something different about you…- Max sounded worried.

- Forget it! The way she took pills by the handful about every half hour, she was so high she had them to blame for whatever seemed unusual. So it was Hank and her until 2 weeks before he finally disappeared. -

- I can’t believe it! What became of her? - Laurie asked.

- That’s when she croaked of an overdose and Hank freaked out. He let me be for a couple of days and after the funeral, he came at me and did it until he couldn’t get it up again, so he was furious and started kicking me on the ass, and thighs and then he lands me one between them right on the balls and that was it! I dropped off the bed to the floor and slid under it. He went nuts looking for me, then he lost his balance and fell over the other side and landed on his back by the door. When he got up, he was so drunk that he couldn’t think of looking under the bed and he thought I had left so he went to his TV chair cursing and screaming his head off. I slept there that night just in case, pulling down my pillow, the next night was the same, but before he started kicking me when he ran out of gas, I slid from under him and gave it to him on the jaw with all I had, no powers, mind you. He dropped like a log and I thought I had killed him, until he started snoring and I dragged him by the feet out of my room so I could sleep. Next day as I’m leaving for school, he came out of the bathroom rubbing his jaw and said “you hit me, you punk” so I said I’d do it again if I had to. I turned to leave and he grabbed my shoulder, swung me around and hit me in the eye before I knew what was happening. I just took off, because I was about to use my powers to really kill him. But the thought of how it would drag Max and Isabel into it, did it, and I left. -

He grew silent and Maria bent and kissed his mouth.

- It’s alright, I love you. - She said and kissed him again.-

- I don’t know how you could keep all that inside you, and none of us noticed. - Isabel said.

- I did. Remember I told you I would sometimes heal him in the boys’ bathroom before classes when we were lucky enough to find it empty? I noticed blood on the inside of his thighs a few times, and there were no cuts there. I thought it was weird, but I never asked or said anything. I didn’t want to get us in trouble with all the questions they would ask. Most of the time, the bathroom had other kids, so Michael would end up with the nurse. Remember the Thomas twins? - Asked Max with a weak smile, trying to change the mood.

- Oh my god! The Slobs? - Isabel said, catching on.

- Yeah, Sam and Bill, they had me cornered behind the gym and I was scared to death because they were fat and they clobbered everyone. Michael came out of nowhere and stood between them pushing me out of the way. I just crouched there, watching Michael elbow the one behind him on the nose and punching the one in front smack there too. They took off screaming and holding their bloody noses. Michael pulled me up and winked, and said that if I promised I wouldn’t say it had been him, we were even. So I told him the Slobs would tell on him, and he assured me they wouldn’t admit that he had beaten them up. True enough, the idiots said they had quarreled and hit each other. -

- They stuck their filthy slobbered bubble gum in my hair and my mom had to cut of the whole chunk, hair and all. I still hate them. - Liz said.

The door opened and a woman who looked slightly like Carmen came in followed by a younger one who also looked like her, with trays full of breakfast stuff for everyone. They pounced on the food, thanking the maids and Michael was especially thankful that his tragic life was momentarily forgotten.

[ñusta]

Chapter 81


Once they finished breakfast Laurie suggested she could give them a tour of the premises and then they could go downtown to show them the mall and have lunch there. They would be back at 2pm at the most and they could spend the afternoon at the pool. They agreed, and went to their rooms to dress and met at the living room to start out.

- Michael, since you and Maria already know the place, why don’t you go and meet Grandpa’s pride and joy? - Laurie told them with smile.

Michael gave her a questioning look.

- You’ll really love it, I’m sure, as you have grandpa’s blood in you. Trust me. - She took them to the patio and showed them a trail on the left. - Just follow the trail all the way to the barn. You’ll meet there Rubén or Javi, and probably Johnston, he’s in charge there, though I’m trying to replace him. You’ll find another trail leading right about halfway, you just go straight ahead, ok? -

- Ok. - Said Michael and took Maria’s hand guiding her out of the house.

The day was sunny, and Maria was wearing sandals and a pink light dress. Michael wore jeans, docs, and a wife beater. They started up the trail and soon passed the right fork, but as they did, they heard someone shouting in an angry voice and the shrill scream of an animal that Michael immediately identified as a horse. He turned into the trail and started running, tugging Maria along.

- C’mon! - He yelled as he took off, Maria, trying to keep up, and almost stumbling because the path was overgrown with thick tall bushes, way over their heads.

- Michael! Let go! You’ll make me fall! - She shrieked, and he complied, rushing away from her, as she could see he was actually holding back for her sake.

Michael braced his arms in front of his face, to protect himself from the harsh shrubs and felt them scratch at his cheeks in spite of it. He broke out into a grassy slant that ended in a white fence about 4 feet tall surrounding a large rectangular corral. He couldn’t stop so he half sat sliding until his feet stopped at the level ground in front of the fence. On the way down he had been able to see a huge black horse rearing and screaming in the middle of the corral, as a man tried to control it holding the rope coming from the halter and lashing at it with a whip, on the neck and shoulders.
To their right was what looked like a tall wooden bench with saddles, and riding tack, and crouching under it, obviously scared, was a smallish man.
Michael was outraged, he grabbed the top of the fence and sprang easily over it. Maria came out of the bushes and saw Michael sprinting towards the man hitting the horse. She called him but her voice was lost in the horse’s screams, so she just stood there helplessly watching. When Michael was about three strides away from the man, and sure he would hear him, he shouted : -Hey! - The man turned towards him with a surprised look in his eyes as Michael leapt at him and pinned him to the ground. As the man fell back, he let go of the rope, and the horse took off to the far end of the corral. Michael grabbed the wrist of the man’s whip hand with his leftt and rammed his right forearm against his throat. Maria’s mouth opened wide as she fished her cell phone from her pocket and called Laurie.

- Laurie! Michael’s beating the crap out of a man! We’re at the corral at the end of the right hand trail! -

- Be right there! - Laurie gasped.

- What the hell do you think you’re doing? - Michael asked in a husky rage-filled voice.

The man struggled to pull his forearm away from his throat but wasn’t succeeding. He tried to speak but couldn’t either. His eyes started bulging, and Michael loosened his hold to allow him to answer.

- W-who are y-you? - The man asked, red in the face with anger.

- Answer me, dammit! - Michael insisted.

- Go to hell! - The man spat trying to get up but Michael was too heavy and he was barely middle sized and rather thin.

Maria heard gasps and voices behind her and turned to see the rest of the group standing on the terrace with an even better view than she had.

Michael pushed himself up with his knees as he lay straddling the man’s legs, and got up, dragging the man with him, by the wrist and by the front of his shirt. He turned to the cowering man under the bench and asked:

- Are you Rubén or Javi? -

- I-I am Rubén, sir…- He stuttered, looking at Michael with the same awed look that Carmen had had when he first arrived at the house. He obviously had known grandpa Dupree, and could see the amazing resemblance. He couldn’t take his eyes away from Michael.

- Take the crop! - Michael ordered, and squeezed the man’s wrist making him let go off the whip. Rubén scuttled over and received it as it fell.

Michael let go off the man’s wrist and glared at him.

- Well? - He asked as he shook him like a rag.

The man tried to swing a punch at him, now that his hand was free, but Michael saw it coming and jammed his fist into the man’s nose much faster than him. He let go off his shirt so the man fell back against the bench and sat there holding his nose with both his hands. Michael turned towards the horse, which was standing at the far end of the corral to the left, watching the action with interest. He checked again the fallen man on the other side, and saw a bag on the floor by the bench with something orange inside.

- Are those carrots? - He asked Rubén.

The man just nodded and Michael reached down and took two, jamming them in the back pockets of his jeans. Then he started walking towards the horse.

- Be careful, he’s nervous! - Rubén warned.

- Of course he is! - Michael scoffed.

Michael approached the horse whistling softly to it, and noticed its ears were reacting turning towards him. He moved its face in his direction too. There was absolute silence, not to startle the already frightened horse. Then Michael was standing beside the horse, which seemed to be relaxing, he pulled a carrot from his pocket and fed it to it. The animal started munching contentedly and pushed its muzzle against Michael’s stomach, in a very trusting way. Michael smirked and buried his hand under its long mane, rubbing the strong neck under it.

- Easy there, I won’t let him near you again…- He whispered in a low voice and the horse nickered as if it understood. It really did, not the words, of course, but the reassuring tone. He slid his other arm around the horse’s thick neck and hugged him. The horse arched its neck and snatched the other carrot from Michael’s back pocket. He chuckled, knowing it would do just that. Michael had his cheek against the mane as he stroked the neck with both hands. The horse finished the carrot and tried to find another one nipping at Michael’s empty pocket. Michael twisted away from its teeth.

- Hey! Careful with my butt! - He laughed and the horse threw its head up and neighed, but didn’t move away from him. Then it shoved him playfully on the chest, and Michael picked up the trailing rope, winding it around his arm. He took the end of the rope and passed it over to the other side, tying it to the halter along with the snap at the other end. He took the makeshift reins in his left hand and place it with his right on the animal’s back. He pushed himself up across it and swung his leg over. The horse had been still until Michael was settled, then it started moving. It broke into a trot, tossing its head as Michael patted its neck affectionately, and he gave a gentle playful buck. Michael seemed quite at home on the horse, as he pushed his hips down and forwards and the horse changed into a canter. He went around the corral twice then made a diagonal cross slowing to a trot at the centre and cantering again on the opposite hand twice around too. As he was cutting across a second time, the sitting man chose to get up as he saw Laurie and her friends coming down the stairs from the terrace and approaching the corral. He definitely meant to complain, but his timing was the worst possible. The horse saw him and it changed completely. It charged the man, and chased him back to the bench where he cowered under for protection. The horse was coming on too fast to stop and it jumped over the bench as if it wasn’t there. Michael bent over its neck and flew over with it as if they were one single being. They all watched open mouthed, except Laurie, who was grinning, as if she had expected it to happen. As soon as the horse was over the bench, the man raced to the fence and ducked under it, coming straight at Laurie.

- This is outrageous! Who is that boy? How dare he hit me and ride Moonshadow? I will not take this, Miss Laurie! - He spat the words out in anger.

- Michael is my brother, Johnston, and from what I can see, he is much the better rider than you are. I don’t see him fighting to control the horse, quite the contrary, it seems to enjoy being ridden, for a change. And if I see you hit him with the crop again, you’re out of here! - She warned.

- You can’t fire me! You didn’t hire me, Mr. Bobby did! - He shouted, insolently.

- I can’t see him anywhere around, I don’t think he even lives here any longer…- Michael said.

Johnston turned and jumped as he saw Michael and Moonshadow standing right behind him on the other side of the fence. The horse was bouncing on the ground, wanting to get to him, as Michael reluctantly held him back.

- I have a signed contract! - He screamed. - And keep that damn animal away from me! - His eyes were wide with fear.

- I can tear that contract in two, and if you keep insulting my sister with your screams, I’m sure Moonshadow can take this fence from a standstill with no problem whatsoever. - He turned to Laurie. - You want to see him try? - He loosened the rope a little and the horse reared, pawing the air and shaking its head, its long mane tossing, making it look really wild. Michael smirked, watching the man looking around for a place to run and hide.

- No need. Johnston is going to pack right away, and I’m calling my lawyer to cancel his contract, because his employer doesn’t live here anymore. - She said glaring at Johnston, who scoffed and took off, furious, in the direction of the barn muttering that the horse should be destroyed. Laurie turned to Michael.

- Well, so you found him! What do you think? Do you agree with grandpa? -

- Oh, you meant the horse? Yes, he’s just great, definitely. -

- Go on, then, get acquainted. - She dismissed him, waving him off.

He smirked, and turned back to the corral. He clicked his tongue, and the horse started trotting. Michael used his knees as hinges to post the trot in spite of being bareback. Laurie observed the perfect interaction between the animal and the boy.

- Grandpa would have loved to see this. - She whispered to herself.

- I’m sure he’s here, Miss Laurie…- Rubén whispered back as he stood beside her. Laurie nodded.

- Where did he learn to ride like that? - She whispered to herself again.

This time the answer came as a question, from where she least expected it.

- Is he doing it alright? I don’t know a thing about riding, but it looks like he knows what he’s doing. - Said Kyle, quietly.

- He’s doing fine. He’s posting perfectly, his heels are down, his hands are low, and the way he sits him makes his balance just what the horse needs to feel free, but controlled at the same time. And he’s riding bareback with just a halter. - She scoffed. - Amazing! Johnston has been tossed off so many times that he has come to the conclusion that the horse simply doesn’t like to be ridden, Rubén just walks him from the ground, because he won’t let him get on. Michael just proved both of them wrong. -

She turned to see how her new friends were reacting, and saw the humans watching wide eyed and open mouthed, while the two other aliens, were smiling, looking smug, as if they had expected it.

- Where did he learn to ride? - She asked Max openly now.

- Well, the first time we went to summer camp, Michael went right over to the stables and asked the guy in charge if he could help there, and he was patting the horses and moving around them as if he was home. The man was ok with it so he hanged there all the time. The camp counselor called Michael and told him the horse guy was quite happy to have him there, but he had to take part in at least some other activity, so Michael said to him that swimming would be alright. Problem was he would join whatever swimming group was on when he felt like going, but probably since he had a reputation of being rebellious and difficult, I guess the counselor wanted no problems, and let him be as long as he didn’t get into trouble. Michael didn’t relate well with the other kids. I went over to check on him a few times and stood by the horse guy watching Michael ride. I remember commenting to him once that Michael was sure learning fast, and he looked at me as if I was retarded, He said if he was just learning, then he was the most natural rider he had ever seen in his life. Then he asked me if I knew him well, so I decided it was safer to say I had just met him in camp. We now know he rode since a very young age in Antar, so I guess it partly comes from his alien side, and also from your grandpa’s blood on his human side. -

- I would say it’s definitely his alien side, because you may inherit the taste for riding, as far as human blood is concerned, but that doesn’t come with the know-how. What about you guys? - Laurie asked.

- No, I took many activities, but I’m not keen on horses. - Max said.

- Me neither, I’m kind of afraid of them. - Isabel told her.

Michael was taking the horse in a collected canter, making comfortable circles in every corner and halfway on the longer sides, then changing directions and changing the horse’s leading hand effortlessly without breaking its stride. Then, slowing to a trot, he would stop, back up a couple of steps and start again once around in both directions. Then he was cantering again, slow down to a trot for a few strides, and back to a canter, like before.

- What’s he doing? - Maria asked, totally baffled.

- He’s working him out, and he’s responding like a champion. - Laurie smiled.

- You must be a great rider, you seem to know a lot about it. - Kyle told Laurie.

- No, I’m great from the ground but I’ve hardly ridden, it was my grandpa’s disappointment. I would just go on walks with him on a very gently mare he brought for me, to please him, but that was just about it. Like Isabel, I’m afraid of them. - She confessed.

Michael slowed to a walk and came over to them, stopping alongside the fence.

- Ok, Maria, hop on. -

- What? No way, Michael. - She exclaimed, shaking her head.

- C’mon, you’ll love it! - He insisted.

- No Michael, forget it! -

- I’ll go. - To everyone’s surprise, Isabel climbed over the fence and sat behind Michael, holding tight to him.

- Just hang on to me, ok? You’re safe with me. - He took off at a smooth trot and immediately broke into a slow canter.

Suddenly, the scene changed and mist hid the ground. Michael leant his head back over Isabel’s shoulder and pressed his cheek to hers, her once again long blonde hair brushing his face. He reached up and gathered it in his hand, kissing it. Then he let go and pulled Isabel’s head to him, kissing her on the mouth. She automatically kissed him back. This happened when they were at the far corner, and from where the group was standing, they couldn’t see clearly what was going on. To them, it looked as if Michael was talking in Isabel’s ear. The kiss was short because the horse’s movement pulled them apart. They laughed and she pressed her cheek on his back with her eyes closed. As they passed the group, Liz and Maria started cheering Isabel, and the guys joined in. The horse shied away from them, bringing the riders back to the present. Michael blinked and shook his head, then looking back at Isabel, he noticed she looked as if she had just awakened from a dream. Something told him he looked exactly the same as he slowed the horse to a walk.

- Michael, did that really happen? - She asked, doubtful.

- Yes, do you think they saw it? - He confirmed.

- I don’t think so, they wouldn’t have been cheering me. Take me back. -

As they arrived at the fence, he helped her slide down, easing her off, holding her hand until she was back on the ground. She ducked under the fence, and the way they were all smiling at her, she knew she was right.

- Ok, spaceboy, I’m game, but just walk, ok? Remember I’m wearing a dress! - Maria climbed the fence and eased herself carefully behind him. He just walked around the corral a couple of times, enjoying the way she was clinging to him for dear life. She was scared to death, yet she trusted him enough to accept taking the ride. She didn’t say a word, confirming what he thought, because if she had seen or suspected anything, she wouldn’t have kept quite. She was Maria, right? No way she would keep it to herself. Then Liz climbed on board, accepting just a walk too. She went on and on about how well he rode and how he had surprised everyone, but that was all. When she was back on the ground, Max and Kyle started teasing in fake falsetto voices:

- Oh, c’mon Michael, take us for a ride too, pleeease? - Both together.

- Not gonna happen! C’mon Laurie, your turn. -

- I’ll pass, Michael, honest. -

- Trust me like you did grandpa. - He said and reached out for her.

- Promise you’ll only walk…- She accepted, taking his hand.

- Promise. He’s already had enough. I’m just cooling him out. - Once she got behind him, he walked the horse out of the corral and took a path going left that ended by the barn. He slid down and received her in his arms, then he turned to take care of the horse.

[ñusta]

Thanks for your feedback, Imnotic, incredible as it may seem, the story is partly true. My translator and co-writer's kid brother Michael, went through this horrid ordeal, and passed away in his native Ireland, at 18, in a way that will be described further on. Of course, without the alien part. When Roswell came on a couple of years later, we were both amazed how alike the two Michaels were. I'm kind of psychic, too, part from my environment and part because I'm a Pisces. Actually, we both are the same sign. I just concentrated and wrote my dream the next day, putting it together with our Michael's life. That's how the story happened. And no, Michael doesn't die in this story. No one. of the principal characters. does.

[ñusta]

Chapter 82


He undid the knot he had made with the end of the rope and checked the horse’s breathing. Then he led him to the water trough and tied the rope to the ring beside it with the typical sliding knot. He went into the barn and brought a bucket full of carrots and placed it under the horse’s nose. As it munched happily, Michael turned on the water and hosed the horse down. He got a long thin metal slab with leather handles and scraped the excess water. As the horse stood there drying in the sun and busy eating, he went back in and brought an armful of alfalfa and took it to the grassy corral to the right. He emptied a large bucket and filled it back again with fresh water. Then he came, checked the horse’s coat, untied him and took it to the corral where he let him loose. The horse started bucking and playing and then rolled in the grass.

- Over! - Michael yelled, and the horse rolled clean over to the other side, making him chuckle.

He came back with the halter and hung it on a hook in the barn. He took the carrot bucket and emptied it over the alfalfa, patting the horse’s neck as he ate. It snickered and went on eating. Michael returned to his waiting friends and saw the looks on their faces.

- What? - He asked.

- Max told us about your summer camp experience with the horses, but how did you know where everything was? - Laurie wanted to know.

- I guess all horse places are about the same, huh? - He said, matter of factly.

He got the scraper and the empty carrot bucket and rinsed them with the hose. Then he took them back inside.

- I remember the other kids teasing him about being just with the horses,
and Michael told them the horses were better friends than they were cause they took him as he was, no questions asked. The kids told him: “They don’t speak, you idiot!” and he said: “They do in their own way, but you’re too stupid to understand them.” I’ll never forget their faces and they just turned back and went away. - Max said.

- That’s what grandfather said. - Laurie had a sad look in her eyes.

Michael came back and looked around at the empty fields.

- What happened to all the horses your “dear” uncle Bobby had here before? -

- I asked him to take them away and from what I know, since he couldn’t afford them, he sold them all. He had bought them with grandpa’s money of course, so he made a good profit. He can keep it, I don’t care as long as he stays away. Now he has his friend Johnston to deal with on top of all. - She giggled.

- Serves him right! - Michael said and hugged her.

- You only have this horse? It must be lonely for him…-

- No, there’s the chestnut, he’s on the corral over there…- She pointed behind the trees. - Do you want to see it? - She asked.

- Sure, let’s go. - They went over to the corral, and there stood a big chestnut horse with golden mane and tail. Both Michael and Isabel got an incredible déjà vu of the stallion Rath-Michael sometimes rode to battle.

- This one grandpa bred for me. The other one is very valuable. Grandpa had this theory which he wanted to prove: He knew the English had introduced Arabian blood to their racing thoroughbreds, and grandpa suspected that to give the Arabians the thoroughbred’s height, the male smaller Arabian had to impregnate a tall thoroughbred mare, so the foal would have more space to grow and reach the desired height. So he bought a beautiful huge black thoroughbred mare and paid a lot of money for the sperm of the best black Arabian stallion possible. Here they bred Moonshadow. The mare was fed the best food he could give her and he proved his point. Grandpa was never inclined to artificial vitamins and supplements, because he said that from experience, once you took them away or stopped giving them, the animal never assimilated its food again as it should because its nature became used to the other stuff. So to him it was just the best food and water, exercise, and love, and the results were always just what he expected. - She told them.

- He was very wise, no doubts about that. - Stuart said.

- What about this one? - Michael asked about the chestnut.

- Oh, yes, grandpa wanted to give me a horse I could ride, without the least problems, so he did the same but using a Peruvian Paso stallion’s sperm on a big thoroughbred mare. The Peruvian Paso’s have a lot of Arabian blood too, because they descend from the horses of the Spanish conquistadors, which had a lot of the blood of the Arabian invaders. That’s why they are small horses, though strong and with a lot of stamina. Apart from the fact that they are pacers, are very smooth to ride. This guy is big as his mother and paces like his father when you ask him too. -

- How do you ask him? - Liz asked.

- Body language. - Michael answered her. - There was a pacer at the camp. You just swayed sideways and he started pacing. That’s all it takes.-

- Really? - Liz thought he was putting her on.

- Yes, that’s it. - Laurie was grinning at Michael’s knowledge of horses. - You can ride him tomorrow, ok? -

- Sure, great. What happened to the dams? - Michael asked. Then to the others’ surprised looks, he explained. - The mothers. -

- The black’s died when the colt was three months old. I don’t remember what happened, but grandpa was very sad. The chestnut was only one month old, so the other mare took the colt as her own and fed them both. Grandpa fed her for both colts and she had enough milk until her own was six months old and was weaned, too. Grandpa died when they were about two years old, so now they’re 9. I know the mare was old and she died when I was sent away, according to Anita. Bobby wanted to sell them, but his lawyer told him grandpa had left them to me, with a special clause that they couldn’t be sold or given away. Anita scared Bobby telling him grandpa had asked her to bring a witch who make a spell so that if anything happened to them, the house and money would be lost, and the idiot believed her and respected grandpa’s will. - She scoffed, and shook her head. - Well, let’s go back now, it’s almost lunchtime and we can either still go to the mall or have some of Anita and Sylvia’s great salads and desserts and spend the afternoon at the pool. It’s your choice. -

- We stay! C’mon, please? The mall won’t go away, we can go tomorrow? - Kyle begged.

He beamed when he got a unanimous “Ok” and they started back to the house.

As Maria started following Michael into their room, she felt a tug on her sleeve and turned to see Isabel beckoning to her.

- Be right back! - She shouted and left with her. Isabel led her to her room and sat on the bed, patting her side for Maria to sit by her. Once sitting, Isabel took both her hands in hers and looked her straight in the eyes.

- Maria, you know how we’ve bonded lately, and I can’t keep this from you. When I was riding with Michael we had this weird flashback of our planet, where we were riding together and he leaned back over my shoulder and kissed me. I kissed him back and then just hugged him tight. We were brought back when we passed by you guys and you were cheering me. We felt as if we had just woken up from a dream, but we knew it had really happened. We wondered if you had seen it, but your behaviour told us you hadn’t. I wanted you to know, cause I really feel bad about it. We couldn’t control it, honest! - Isabel sounded and looked very distressed.

- We did see Michael leaning back to you, but we thought he was talking in your ear. At least that’s what I thought. - Maria placed her arm around Isabel’s shoulders.

- No, we were kissing. It has nothing to do with our present time here, I swear! I think I know why I don’t like horses in this life: they remind me of how much Michael loved and enjoyed them in Antar…-

- Then why did you get on with him? We were all surprised because we knew how you felt about horses. Remember you refused the carriage in your wedding because of that? - Maria interrupted her.

- Yes, I just felt this compulsion to do it, I couldn’t fight it, and now I also know why I couldn’t be with him as a couple here. It’s because of what I did to him. I don’t want to tempt destiny into repeating itself. You would never do the things I did to him. - She covered her face in her hands and Maria pulled them away, forcing Isabel to look at him.

- Isabel, Isabel, don’t feel bad. You know Michael has a strong masochistic tendency because Hank’s abuse, so he sometimes wants me to do some rather kinky stuff, and I indulge him. I don’t feel guilty about it because he wants it and I enjoy doing it to him. I’m sure it was the same there for you too, so don’t feel bad about it. You didn’t get him killed, it was Khivar’s ambition with the help of Nicholas. I don’t think even Ava had anything to do with it. She wouldn’t have wanted Rath-Michael killed if she had found a way to have her fun with him. Remember she was killed too. That was the past and we’re here now, we know what went wrong before, so we’re not letting it happen again. We’re together in this, he was yours then and he’s mine now, but we both love him no matter what or how. And I’m ok with it, clear? - She stared into Isabel’s dark eyes, waiting for her response, and she didn’t have to wait long for it to come.

- Crystal! - Isabel said, wiping away her tears. - Thank you Maria, now go to him, he’s waiting for you. -

Maria left after giving Isabel a reassuring smile, and joined Michael, who was in the shower, trying to reach far enough to lather his back.

- Let me do that. - She said, pouring liquid soap in her hands and wrapping her arms around him, rubbed it on his chest and stomach, then she peeled away from him and went for his back, all the way down to his legs, as she ended crouched behind him, reaching over to cover his genitals and the front of his legs. Then she slid up without losing contact with him and hugged him getting herself soaped at the same time. She turned around and rubbed against him so she was completely lathered. Once they rinsed, she got out and received him in the huge black towel from the rack. It was so big, that she wrapped one edge around her and there was still enough for Michael. Maria donned a bikini and brought Michael’s red trunks which were still a little wet from the whirlpool. She remembered how he had been struggling to get the skin tight wet trunks from his body before going for their walk:

- Hey, I’ll do it for you. - She stood behind him and peeled them down. - Brute force doesn’t work here, just female cunning. - She laughed giving his ass a squeeze as he stepped out of the offending garment.

- And don’t you dare change them with your powers, spaceboy! I know exactly what you’re thinking! If you do, I swear I’ll burn them and then you’ll please Max and Kyle with one of my thongs or commando. You decide! -

Michael sighed. He couldn’t keep anything from Maria. It was great in sex, cause she would do to him just what he wanted, but in some cases, it was a problem, like with the trunks issue. Damn, he thought. He turned to find her giving him a wicked smile.

- Ok, come here. - He gathered her in his arms and took her to the bed.

- Michael! We’re getting everything wet! - She complained.

- Don’t worry, I’m sure I can dry it without burning the whole thing up. -

- Michael, it has to be a quickie, they’re all waiting for us down there. -

- They know what we’re up to so just give it to me, ok? - He kissed her and it only took him a second to feel her melting under him.

She returned to the present and again he successfully managed to dry them without burning them like he had dried the bed. Maria crouched behind him again and pulled back one foot and then the other, getting the trunks rather easily as far as his knees. The swell of his thighs had her puffing, but when she reached his butt, she had to push him forwards to manage to get them all the way up. Of course, they snagged at this balls, and he toppled forwards ending on the floor on his hands and knees. That made it easier for her to overcome her “hurdle” and get the tight trunks all the way up. Michael got up slowly and she noticed he was flushed.

- Shit, that hurt! Almost lost my balls, there. - He winced.

Maria couldn’t help laughing out loud, it was so funny the way he said it!

- Sorry, Michael, really…- and started laughing again. She went behind him and started pushing him all the way down to the back patio.

They had quickly changed and met at the pool, waiting for Michael and Maria who were taking longer than they should.

- Bet they’re at it again! - Said Kyle, shaking his head.

- Hey! Let them be, ok? - Said Liz with a warning look.

Finally, Michael appeared at the door reluctantly with Maria pushing him from behind.

- Hallelujah! - Went Kyle and they all started laughing.

- Michael, what is it? - Asked Laurie, noticing his reluctance.

- Hey guys, do you have some extra swimwear I can borrow? Maria just packed this red thing for me…- He asked, begging with his eyes.

- No man, sorry…- From all the guys.

- Maybe you could wear one of the girls’ bottoms, I’m sure they have a few to spare…- Kyle couldn’t help himself. - What do you guys say? You’re with me? - He said, wiggling his eyebrows, suggestively.

- Yeah! Michael you’d look great in a thong! - Max let himself go, receiving such looks from the girls, beginning with Liz that he blushed red. - Sorry, man, just kidding. -

It hadn’t sound like kidding at all, and Michael had this weird look in his face.

- Michael? - Liz and Isabel asked him, noticing it immediately.

- Hank made me wear his woman’s thongs. - He said in a toneless voice.

- Hey, he was an idiot! - Maria said and took him in her arms. - We’re your friends here…- She sent Kyle and Max a glare that made them pale. - They’re just kidding, right? - She spat the last word at them.

- Hey, man, we’re just behaving like idiots, it was just innocent kidding, no offense, meant no harm, ok? - Max got up from his deck chair and went over to Michael.

He took him away from Maria and hugged him, giving him a squeeze. Kyle watched them and the look on his face said clearly: “Damn, why didn’t I think of it first?” Still he had his chance, joining them and hugging Michael when Max let him go.

- Sorry, bro, that was cruel, didn’t mean to bring you painful memories, we didn’t know. You ok? - He asked giving him also a squeeze.

- Yeah, it’s alright. Guess I overreacted, no harm done. - Michael smirked, forgiving them.

Kyle let go of him and Michael lay along the edge of the pool, his face on his arm and the other one trailing in the water. He watched the ripples and tried to forget what he had been brought back to. They couldn’t see the sad look in his eyes but they didn’t need to, they definitely sensed it. Kyle and Max sat by the pool, their legs in the water and just the same, the rest could sense they were just drooling imagining Michael in a thong. Stuart admitted to himself the image had invaded his brain too, but he shook it off before it made him drool and act like and idiot like the other two guys. Not becoming of a doctor, no, no. He literally shook his head, pushing the disturbing image away as Isabel watched him amused, knowing exactly what he was thinking. The salads arrived to save the moment and yes! They were much better than anything they could have eaten at the mall. They pounced on the food and Maria took a plate for Michael, who was still lying there, lost in his thoughts. She knelt by him and placed the cool plate on the small of his back.

- Penny for your thoughts, spaceboy, but only to make you feel better. - She said and bent and filled his back with kisses. Michael giggled.

- Hey! You’re giggling? Watch it, it’s catching! - She giggled too.

She sat by him and soon he had his head on her lap, as she hand fed him the salad.

Max came over and sat by Maria with Liz on his other side.

- Hail Caesar! - He said raising his hand like saluting the Roman emperor.

- That looked like “Heil Hitler”! - Liz said giggling.

- Don’t mention that pig when I’m eating! - Said Michael, in a definitely better mood, now.

- Yeah, I’m sure he wasn’t only a pig, but he ate like a pig too! - Max said, disgusted.

- How are the salads? Excellent, huh? - Laurie said, coming over to them.

- The best! - Maria said. - And they got the dressing just right! -

- I would have never thought soy sauce and lemon could taste so good together! Whose idea was that? - Laurie asked and Maria pointed to Isabel.

- It’s a Japanese “ponsu”, than means sauce! - Isabel said smiling. - I’ve added a touch of Tabasco for us aliens, except for Michael, he’s got some honey for the sweet touch. How is it, love? - She asked Michael.

- Wow! - Was his answer, and the girls laughed.

- This is very nourishing, great for jocks! - Stuart grinned at Kyle.

- Sure, but we sportsmen also need red meat! Right, skater? - Kyle sent it straight to Michael.

- Hey man, don’t make me barf, ok? Meat got me in trouble last time, I’m now having second thoughts about the freaking stuff. -

- What’s the “skater” about? - Asked Stuart.

- Oh, that’s a good one, let me tell you. - Max said, and they all gathered round them, some of them remembering others hearing it for the first time.

- How about I flash it to you, ok? - He reached out for Laurie’s and Stuart’s hands but got a loud protest from the rest.

- Hey, what about us? We want to be included! That was fun! - Kyle remembered and the others rallied by him.

- Ok then, let’s make a circle. - They sat around Michael and Maria, crossed legged, holding hands and closed their eyes and heard Max’s voice in their minds. “There was a hockey match, in Roswell a couple of years ago. The only local rink had been all fixed up and two professional teams had been invited to raise funds for the popular alien capital. My boss, Milton, from the UFO Museum was responsible for the whole thing and a Russian team who was about to leave the USA after ending 2º in the World Championship accepted to play a friendly match with the American team that ended in the 1º place. Michael, of course, had managed to get tickets for everyone, the best seats possible in a front row. He had “stolen” some of his money from his monthly check from Hank’s “secret” stash and had been beaten to an inch of his life when his foster nightmare had discovered where the money had gone. But Michael thought it was worth it. What no one knew was that Milton had staged a surprise stunt: - Max’s voice faded and the scene kept on playing: A few minutes after the game started, the American centre forward player efficiently twisted his ankle and limped out of the ice making a convincing show that he simply couldn’t continue. But once he was sitting it out, he was just laughing and joking around with his friends. The head speakers announced that since this was a friendly game there were no backup players and the only way the game could continue was that someone in the audience would take the “injured” player’s place. Any of the local athletes was expected to step up but the minutes passed and nothing happened. Then to everyone’s surprise, Michael got up and leapt into the ice. Maria reached out and managed to grab the back of his jeans, getting a lot of laughs, but Michael shrugged free as he announced he could do it.
- Can you skate? - The referee asked doubtfully.
- Of course I can. - Michael answered quite sure of himself. The owner and manager of the rink stepped up giving the boy a mocking look.
- I’ve never seen you skating, and it’s the only rink here. - glad to expose his lie. Michael’s reputation preceded him everywhere in Roswell. His foster father was well known for his stunts, and he unjustly paid for it.
- I skate here twice a week when there’s no one else. -
- You punk! Are you admitting you’ve been breaking in… -
Milton interrupted him before it got ugly, knowing he was Max’s friend after a couple of weird situations and because Michael looked ready to tear the fat guys head off from his shoulders.
- C’mon, man, give the kid a chance. If he can’t skate, he’ll only make a fool of himself and you can have your laugh, but there’s no one else right now and you don’t want to give all that money back, do you? -
The guy decided it made sense. He glared at Michael who smirked insolently back at him, daring him to provoke him again.
- Ok, go ahead. Give me the pleasure of kicking your ass out of here.-
Michael was given skates and a blue uniform that had not only Maria drooling. He skated confidently through his fellow players getting friendly pats and spanks as he glided to the centre. He left everyone open mouthed as he secured the puck for his team in a cunning move that involved twisting his body with his ass against the gut of the Russian stepping in front of him and blocking him completely away from the puck. The game started again and Michael sure could play! He was constantly attacking and getting attacked too. He ended shoved on his belly a few times but he pushed up and kept going. He also landed hard on his ass a couple of times. The first one he turned over on his hands and knees as it was the best way to push up from the ice. He winced and couldn’t help rubbing his sore butt. This brought immediate response from the female audience: “Hey Baby!, let me rub it for you,” “Michael, love, I can massage you all night long” “Honey Boy, come bend over my lap and I will ease your pain” and on and on. Maria was furious, her face so red she looked about to explode. She got up and yelled angrily:
- MICHAEL! COME HERE! - He went to her looking surprised by the general outburst.
- TURN AROUND! - He obeyed still uncertain of what was going on and Maria proceeded to rub his ass rather roughly almost toppling him over so he had to brace his hands on his thighs kind of bent over to stay on his feet. She spanked him soundly and pushed him away. Michael’s cheeks were flushed partly from the exercise and also from Maria’s attentions. The yelling began again, this time for Maria: “Go girl, claim your prize” “Great hands, Maria, keep him going!” “Atta girl, way to go DeLuca”. Even Alex was yelling something at her and Kyle! of all people, surrounded by his huge ego jock friends was screaming at the top of his voice. The second hard butt landing had him bouncing right back up just gritting his teeth but no rubbing. Still there were whistles and cat calls. Maria stood up and sent a defiant glare all around the stands. Then a shrill girly voice rang out: “It’s ok. His ass is yours, but you could get generous, and give me just one go at him! C’mon, let’s share him!” It was really funny, so Maria just yelled back “No way!” but she was smiling. Isabel at first thought the voice was familiar and then she almost had a cow when she realized it was none other than her snobby friend Pam Troy! Isabel knew there wasn’t a girl in Roswell who didn’t drool after Michael’s rough good looks and bad boy reputation, but they just gloated to pretend they thought he was just trailer trash. Still they couldn’t keep their hungry eyes away from him trying to disguise their looks as contempt. Isabel also knew they were absolutely jealous of her because Michael hanged out with her brother, but now they were jealous of Maria and Isabel didn’t like that at all. Once a Russian rammed into him and they almost came to blows. The loudspeaker calmed them down reminding them that it was a friendly game. Michael slowed his fist halfway and simply pushed the Russian’s jaw aside, giving him his trademark smirk, and the Russian, remembering he was just a 16 year old schoolboy, punched him rather hard in the ribs. Not even close to what Michael was used to getting at home. The Russian grinned ear to ear missing two teeth, and they skated away. By the end of the game, the result was a tie, but Michael had scored 2 of the 3 goals and even the 3º one was thanks to a brilliant move he made placing the puck right under one of his team mates’ stick. In spite of all the audience screaming his name non stop for several minutes, Michael just took it in stride, and went to shower with hands roaming all over his body playfully celebrating his performance. He shook hands all around with the players of both teams, got dressed and came out straight to Maria’s arms and a bruising kiss that stopped only when they were choking from lack of air. The cheering went on until they were a block away heading for the Crashdown. Then the scene started fading as they opened their eyes.

- That was awesome! - Laurie exclaimed, then they all jumped at the strange voice.

- Are you all right, Miss Laurie? - They turned to see Anita and Sylvia’s worried looks.

- Oh, we’re fine, we were just practicing meditation, Kyle here is an expert and he was showing us how to do it. - Liz immediately improvised.

- Guilty! - Said Kyle raising his hand, identifying himself with a smile.

Both women smiled back and started collecting the plates and leftovers from lunch. As soon as they disappeared from the patio with the “threat” of bringing dessert, to everyone’s delight, Laurie continued.

- Yeah, really, I could even know what you guys were thinking! - They turned to Isabel with a wicked smile.

- Jeez, c’mon, cut me some slack, that was two years ago, at least, I’ve changed a lot since then! - She looked guiltily at Maria.

- I know, Iz, still I like the way you thought then, even if you don’t believe me. - Maria said winking at Isabel, sending her into laughing.

- So we have a champion here! You’re full of surprises, aren’t you? You ride, you skate, what else can you do so well? - Suddenly, Maria blushed deeply, and they all burst into laughter, knowing what she was thinking.

[ñusta]

Chapter 83


- Ok, big sister here defending kid brother there, lay off him. - Laurie said laughing. She checked her watch and informed: - It’s been a little over an hour since we had lunch so we can safely take a swim, right Stuart? -

- Absolutely! - He got up and pulled Isabel, plunging feet first into the pool. Laurie pushed Kyle and jumped in after him. Next went Liz and Max and Maria took Michael’s hand.

- Ready for a swim? - She asked.

- Ok, just roll me in. - He answered.

She slid her hands under his chest and thigh and flipped him over into the water. Then she jumped in. Michael received her in his arms and they waded away from where the rest were splashing around like kids. Just a few minutes later, the weather had other plans. The sun disappeared behind dark clouds and it started raining heavily. Michael heaved himself out of the pool and pulled Maria out carrying her into the roofed area in front of the house. Soon they were all inside dripping wet and shivering with the dropping temperature.

- Maybe I should go help with the horses? - Michael’s thoughts were immediately worrying about them.

- Don’t worry, Michael, this is quite usual here, Rubén probably had them inside when he saw the clouds getting near. He can predict rain almost an hour before it comes. You can call the barn from the kitchen, it’s number 3.-

- No, it’s ok, you’re right. They’re in good hands. - He sounded relieved.

- Ok, change of plans, let’s get dressed and meet in the living room. I’ll have the fire going, ok? - Laurie was the perfect hostess. She raced in the direction of her room and they all did the same.

Maria pulled off her bikini top as soon as she closed the door and watched Michael crawling on the bed on all fours.

- Hold it, spaceboy. - She went to him, and peeled the wet trunks down his legs. - Keep still! - She ordered.

She got rid of the rest of the bikini, and slid on the bed under him.

- Ok, drop slowly, Maria’s under you, and she’s fragile! - She joked.

Michael gently laid himself over her, as she wrapped her arms around him, welcoming his face on her breast. She had always loved his warmth, now she knew his body temperature was normally above average. Perfect, right now, especially since she could feel he was ready for her.

Isabel heard a knock and she met Stuart at the door.

- Ready? - He asked, and hooked his arm in hers, walking to the living room. When they arrived, they found Kyle and Laurie sitting on one of the sofas as Kyle was telling Laurie about his sport experiences. She looked very entertained by him and as she saw Stuart and Isabel joining them, she pointed to the coffee table and a chair.

- Hey guys, there are some warm blankets if you want, ok? And tea and coffee on the table.

- Great, thanks. - Isabel poured what looked like tea into a mug, and handed it to Stuart. He smelled the scent and said:

- Mmm…Green tea! Real good, antioxidant, you know? - He handed the mug back to Isabel. - But I’ll have some coffee, you want the tea, right? -

- Right! - She said and grabbed a blanket taking it to the other couch.

Stuart joined her, sitting beside her and they placed the blanket over their legs, as they sat sipping their hot drinks and listening to Kyle.

- Hey, Stuart, what did you play in school? - He asked.

- Some football, my father’s idea, I didn’t last long though, cause I didn’t like it much, and anyway, med school came to the rescue. - He confessed.

- You played football? - Isabel asked him in disbelief.

- About 3 months, I totally sucked. I was at the bench all the time, only once in the field, I don’t really know how, I was out again in less than 10 minutes, I was that bad. - He laughed.

Isabel rubbed her hands together, and Stuart put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close to him.

Max and Liz came out of their room and as they passed by the next door, they couldn’t help hearing Michael growl and Maria giggle. They looked at each other and faked a half smile, envying their friends’ lack of sexual problems. They arrived at the living room to find both couples very comfortable with each other. Laurie informed them about the blankets and hot drinks, but Max had other ideas. That morning, when they were interrupted by Maria’s call, Laurie had shown them grandpa Dupree’s shelter where he kept his diaries knowing Max would be interested in them. She showed them the way and took Stuart and Isabel in another direction, out of respect for Isabel, after the Grant issues in that particular room. Max had barely seen the first 2 pages when Laurie had called them and they had taken off to the terrace.

- Laurie, would it be alright to go back to check on your grandfather’s diaries? - Asked Max.

- No, go right ahead. Anita and Sylvia will bring the desserts we didn’t have at lunch, so I’ll let you know when they arrive, ok? - Laurie said.

- Sure, thanks. - Max took Liz’s hand and they left for the shelter.

Soon they were concentrating in the handwritten books full of pictures and descriptions of UFO’s and aliens, passing page after page. Max let go of the book he was reading and covered his face with his hands. He turned to Liz, who was still reading, avid for information.

- Found anything? - He asked.

- Well, he was abducted several times, and by different kinds of aliens, according to the drawings. - Liz observed.

- These are definitely ours, in what Langley described as travel forms. - He said, pointing to some of the sketches.

- How do you know? - Liz asked.

- I made Langley shape shift to try to pilot the ship, remember? This is what he turned into. He glowed white like a fluorescent light. - He told her.

- So your people used his DNA to clone Michael, but what did the others want him for? - Liz was curious.

- Maybe they wanted his body like ours used Brody’s. - Max said.

Light steps closing up behind them made them jump. They froze in fright and relaxed when Kyle and Stuart appeared at the door.

- Hey the desserts have arrived, and we wanted to see the shelter. - Kyle said. - So this is where dad killed Grant? -

- That’s what he said. Michael and Maria should know. - Max confirmed.

- And Michael killed the blue jellyfish here too, right? - He looked around as Max nodded.

Stuart looked over Liz’s shoulder at the book she was reading and his eyebrows shot up at the sight of the aliens.

- Hey, let’s go, this place gives me the creeps! - Kyle shuddered, and left the room.

Max, Liz and Stuart went on looking at the books and then they heard Kyle calling to them. Liz shook her head.

- We’ll come back later. - She assured Max, and they left the room.

When they arrived at the chimney room, they saw a dessert cart full of stuff, with dishes and spoons.

- Where are Michael and Maria? - Max looked around the room.

- Mating season? - Kyle provided.

- I better go check on them. - Max left heading for the stairs leading to the second floor.

He arrived at their door and listened, not wanting to interrupt anything. There was no sound at all coming from inside so he knocked and called softly.

- Michael? - No answer.

He was beginning to get alarmed, so he tried the door and found it wasn’t locked. He saw the bed was empty so he looked to the right and saw the bathroom door was barely open but though he heard water falling from there, he couldn’t see anything. He presumed they were having a shower and he was about to close the door and leave, when something caught his eye on the other side of the bed, making him turn. He opened the door wider and saw Michael lying on the floor by the bed and there was clearly blood on his back. Max freaked out and ran to the top of the stairs yelling Isabel’s name, then ran back to Michael. He dropped on his knees by Michael’s side, and looking closer, he realized they were just love scratches, very red, and a couple actually had bled and were already scabbing. He puts his hand on Michael’s shoulder to make sure he was just asleep, and Michael moved and took a deep breath.

- Be right there, love…- He slurred, very sleepy.

The sound of everyone arriving at the door at breakneck speed made Max look up. They were all wide eyed and open mouthed, out of breath.

- Oh my god! Not again! - Isabel screamed as she rushed inside.

- I’m sorry, Isabel, I overreacted! - Max raised his hands in a calming gesture. - He’s alright, they’re just Maria’s scratches. He’s asleep. -

- Damn you, Max! - Isabel exclaimed, her hands on her breast.

- Michael! What’s taking you so long? Did you fall asleep again? - Came Maria’s voice from the bathroom.

- We better get out of here. - Max decided.

- Max? - Michael whispered, as he opened his eyes.

The bathroom door opened and Maria stepped out, wrapped in a bathrobe and hooked to a CD player. No wonder she hadn’t heard anything.

- What’s going on? - She looked scared, ripping the whole CD thing away from her and tossed it on the bed as she rushed towards Michael, who was stretching like a cat.

- I’m really sorry! I came to check on you guys and the scratches on his back gave me the wrong signals, I’m so stupid! …- Max shook his head in regret.

- Michael! What are you doing on the floor? - Maria asked.

- I fell off the bed, I thought I was the other way round, how did I get upside down? - He sounded both confused and still not completely awake.

- Oh, baby! Look what I did to you! - Maria grimaced looking at his scratches.

- Maybe you should heal them. - Stuart observed.

- No! They’re Maria’s. Let them be! - Michael protested.

- C’mon, spaceboy, let Max heal them, ok? - Maria suggested.

- No! I like them! - Michael insisted stubbornly.

- Masochist! - Kyle said, shaking his head and frowning. - I know, “Shut up Kyle”. - He grinned.

- Michael, please, let him at least heal one. I want to see how he does it. - Stuart pleaded.

- Ok, one. Maria will put it right back. - He chuckled.

Max made a mental reminder and yes, their connection still held. Good for this occasion. He placed his hand over one of the scratches on his back and the white light was immediately activated. The scratch faded and the skin was intact again. Stuart watched open mouthed.

- What I’d give to be able to do that! - He exclaimed.

- Ok, I’m getting up, and I’m naked. - Michael announced.

- Hold it, I’m up first. - Max pushed up hurriedly with his hand on Michael’s body without checking where it was.

- Owww! That’s my ass, you idiot, and Maria’s scratched the hell out of it! - Michael winced.

- Shit! Sorry man, didn’t mean to…- In his rush, Max tripped over Michael’s butt, losing his balance, and to top it all stepped on it not to fall.

- Uunnnggghhh! Dammit Max, why don’t you just finish me off? - Michael growled.

- Sorry, sorry…- Max apologized, leaping over Michael and joining the others, all giggling like crazy at the door. They raced down the stairs, risking their necks and broke out into loud laughter when they reached the living room, hoping they were out of hearing.

They were all stuffing themselves with the desserts when Michael and Maria finally arrived at the chimney room.

- Hey those look great! - Maria said, grabbing a plate and digging in.

Michael looked at Stuart for approval.

- Go ahead, kid, the doctor’s home. - Stuart grinned.

- No, man, that won’t spare me from I don’t know what else. You guarantee which ones I can eat without hazards. Ok? - Michael faced Stuart, quite wary.

- Ok, let’s see…You can have the multi jello one, looks good and colourful, then you can have this vanilla pudding, and the apple soufflé. I don’t recommend the cakes, though, not yet. Oh yes, you can have the sherbet. -

Michael crammed his plate with all his possibilities, and showed it to Stuart for approval. He looked doubtful.

- If you eat all that, you’ll surely need my services anytime after…-

Michael hurriedly placed half the serving into another plate and handed it to Maria.

- Thank you, spaceboy, that’s so thoughtful…- She gave him a pleased smile.

- He’s actually thinking of his ass…- Said Kyle looking innocent and getting a glare from the girls.

Anita came with Sylvia and Rubén when Laurie called, to pick up the plates and leftovers, and brought a couple of teapots with chamomile tea, according to Stuart, excellent to put out the fire. Rubén brought a tray with fresh mugs for everyone, and even Michael accepted some tea. He cooled it with a swipe of his hand and gulped it down. The rest spread out on the couches, with the hot full mugs warming their hands. Michael stretched out in front of the chimney, not that close, but enough to keep comfortably warm. Maria lay against him with her head on his butt. Michael gasped when she leant back on him, and she felt him tightening at first. Kyle was watching their interaction with interest.

- Pain in the ass, huh? - He chuckled.

- Max’s thoughtless contribution to my suffering. - He winced.

- I don’t see you moving away. - Max shared a look with Kyle and they nodded at each other. - Masochist! - They announced, together.

- I bet he’s missing that nurse. - Kyle commented.

- Oh, shut up! - Michael growled

- Don’t you dare mention that woman in my presence! - Maria warned.

They heard muffled giggles from Max and Kyle’s direction.

- C’mon, Maria, make it hurt…- Michael rasped as he pushed his hips up against her head, moaning.

- Michael! Stop! - She exclaimed and softly whispered…- Later…-

Kyle and Max exploded in laughter.

- Michael! Please! Don’t get them started! - Isabel frowned.

- Sorry, couldn’t resist it. - Michael apologized, chuckling.

- That sounded quite serious. - Stuart whispered quietly in Isabel’s ear.

- I’m afraid it was. - Isabel whispered back.

[ñusta]

Chapter 84


Stuart decided to lighten things up and remembering, Kyle’s enthusiastic football conversation a while ago, turned to his patient.

- Hey, Michael, you’re a big guy, you played football too? -

- Yeah, I did once. - His answer barely registered as his face was buried in his arms.

- And why did you quit? - Stuart went on.

- I told you, I just played once, like one time? -

- What? What do you mean? - He was obviously baffled by the boy’s vague and senseless answer.

- Oh yes! This one’s mine, I’ll explain…- Kyle exploded full of enthusiasm.

Stuart could see the interaction in the group of friends, the amused smiles of what they were remembering, Michael remained unmoving, his face out of sight, and both he and Laurie exchanged curious looks. Kyle waited about half a minute, grinning secretly, behind his hand to create the suspense he wanted. Then he continued.

- Well, you know, this was about 3 years ago, before the Max-Liz thing. This kid was weird…- He gestured towards Michael, - a real loner. The homo aspect was considered, but after a few unpleasant experiences, on our part, we decided it was better to leave him alone, before we ended picking up our teeth from the floor, like Lawrence Stark did. Remember? - He turned to the others, with a satanic smile. They nodded. Since Kyle didn’t continue, Stuart turned to Isabel with a questioning look.

- This jerk goes to Max and Michael and locks eyes with Michael as he tells him: “I know you guys are together, and I bet you’re the one who gets it, right? Because no one in their right mind would lay a hand on the skinny geek, here, who’s only worth the big dick I’ve seen in the showers.” Can you believe that? - Isabel frowned, outraged. Kyle took over.

- Michael simply answered: “Yeah, you’re right, but I’m not taking it from you.” and gave it to him smack on the kisser. Lawrence keeled back like a log, and his 4 front teeth rained down on him like Adams chiclets! Honest, man, the guy has to have falsies for the rest of his life! And he doesn’t even play hockey! - Kyle doubled up in a fit of laughter that lasted easily a full minute.
When it finally passed, Kyle noticed no one was laughing, so he cleared his throat and continued.

- Still we wondered why he wasn’t after girls, like all of us, sex starved teenagers…well, now I know he was far from sex starved…sorry man, no offense meant, you don’t know how much I value my teeth… - He got a forgiving growl from Michael’s direction, and went on. - The coach had us all trying to convince him to join the team, but so far, no luck. Then one day our jaws dropped to our shoes when we see him going into the coach’s office. Then someone said the coach had found out about Michael’s grades not being that good, no wonder since he spent the school day either sleeping on his desk or at the nurse’s. Of course, that was his chance and he went for it. We crowd outside the window and we hear the coach tell him that he can make his grades improve if he joins the team, and after all our useless and life threatening efforts, the hunk here just says: “ok”. That very afternoon, he shows up at practice, wearing the uniform the coach has given him. The only thing he doesn’t approve of, is the helmet, obviously because of his spikes. - That got a perplexed look from Stuart and Laurie, so Kyle elaborated. - He wore his hair spiked. - He waited until the newly informed couple nodded, to continue. - The coach asks him what would he rather have, messed up hair or a messed up face, so he just puts it on. The coach then calls Jensen, a wiry thin, hatchet faced, crooked teeth ugly mother…- Kyle stopped and rephrased. - ugly guy. He tells Michael he’s the fastest runner they have but a lousy catcher. We need him with the ball to score. Then the coach calls Giles, a black thick guy who’s called the “brick wall”, cause that’s how he looks and feels when you make an unfortunate and unexpected contact with him. He tells Michael, when Jensen takes off, Giles will stick to Jensen’s right side so he should stick to his left making sure first, that they get the ball for him, pass it on to him, make sure he grips it, cause once it’s in his hands he won’t let go, and then they mustn’t let no one get near enough to tackle him. “Clear?” The coach barks, and they both answer: “Crystal!” The coach tells quarterback Peters to throw and gives Jensen the signal to take off with Giles and Michael by his sides. Peters throws and Michael turns to be faster than Giles and not only catches the ball but passes it on to Jensen so fast that the idiot almost drops it, he’s so surprised. He stares at Michael with huge eyes, but takes off as expected, Michael right beside him. The coach calls Giles and signals him to go after Michael, to see what he’s made of, and tackle him. He obeys the coach, and just as he’s gaining on Michael, it’s like the kid senses him, and without even turning, speeds up in a sudden burst, leaving Giles catching thin air. The “brick wall” tumbles and ends up sitting with a stupid look on his face as he turns towards the coach, who signals to him, angrily, to insist. Giles picks himself up and goes after Michael again. This time, when he catches up, he pounces on him before he tries any stunt, and manages to grab him by the hips. Michael keeps on going without loosing a stride, as he’s been told, and drags Giles along for the ride as if he was a rag doll! Giles’ grip starts slipping and he clings desperately to the waist of Michael’s pants, peeling them down to his knees. This finally trips him and he goes down on his face with Giles over him. Of course, the “brick wall” bounces right back to his feet, and mumbles “sorry, bro”. Michael doesn’t even try to get up. He pulls off his helmet, tossing it to a side, and looks at him over his shoulder, not pissed but with his usual smirk. He goes: “Are you coming on to me?” And we all just crack up laughing. Of course the bleachers are crowded full. The second Michael showed up on the field, word got around that bad boy Michael Guerin was taking part in the practice and the bleachers were ready to collapse. The crowd had been going wild since Giles gave them Michael’s ass, since he was only wearing “jock-straps” underneath. - Kyle used the index and middle fingers of both his hands as visual aids to the quotation marks, raising his eyebrows for effect. - The girls are screaming Michael’s name, and their phone numbers, begging for dates, and you name it. Michael very slowly pushes up on his knees, and pulls up his pants before Giles grabs his hand and pulls him up.
He goes: “You ok, kid?” and Michael says “Sure,” and walks away mumbling “stupid game!” making us all crack up again. The coach screams after him: “where the hell you think you’re going?” and Michael shouts over his shoulder: “I need a shower” and simply takes off. The coach is fuming, but he turns to us and says: “he’ll do.” It’s Friday and next day is the game with Braddock High. Ta-ta-ta-taaa…- Kyle gives a loony chuckle. - We have always clobbered BH but we heard that they had a surprise for us this year, and we knew it was bad news for us. We almost passed out when we saw their new acquisitions: none other than the “Rhino”, a black guy that definitely gave credit to his nickname, and two other guys we just knew were good. We are just staring, ready to cry, when Michael takes a glance at the “Rhino” and goes: “Big deal”, and sprawls face down on the bench. Jensen was having convulsions, he couldn’t take his eyes off the “Rhino”, he just backs down without looking and sat on Michael’s ass. He bucked up and bounced him off, making him squeal like a girl in surprise at his gruff: “Look where you’re sitting, jerk!” and the whole team were laughing our heads off. The couch comes barking: “You! Michael Guerin, the bench is for all the team so get your freaking ass on it!” Michael gets up grumbling and sits on the bench with the rest. He’s soon bored to death and gets up and stretches again on his belly behind the bench and simply went to sleep through the whole thing. By the time the game is almost over, we desperately need to score just to tie the game and if we’re lucky enough get the extra point to win. The coach is red in the face and ready for a coronary when he remembers Michael. He goes to the bench, screaming his name and looking all over for him, so we point our thumbs behind us. The coach walks around us and goes: “What the hell!” and puts his foot on Michael’s butt. Michael moans “Not again!” and we start laughing again, but the coach’s look silences us. He gives Michael a hard kick in the ass, and he jerks, going: “Dammit, Hank!” and opens his eyes looking totally confused as to his whereabouts. We are all wondering if the geek’s nickname is Hank, when the coach goes: “Ok, sleeping beauty, you’re on.” Michael pushes up and says: “What?” sleepily, and the coach goes. “You heard me! The same move we practiced yesterday. Clear?” Michael just nods and puts on his helmet, and he’s off. Peters throws, Michael beats Giles again in the catch but this time Jensen is ready for him. He gets it, and zooms with Giles and Michael right beside him. The two other new guys race after them while the rest of the two teams are locked together out of action, and they decide that instead of risking it in on the “Brick wall”, it’s safer to go after the rookie on Jensen’s left. One after another they try to stop him, to get to Jensen, but they bounce off him like flies. They just end up sitting and looking stupid like Giles on his first try while the crowd goes really wild. The guys go: “Guerin, Guerin!” while the chicks go: “Michael, Michael!” The “Rhino” goes for him and just like Giles’s first attempt, Michael senses him and rams his elbow in his throat and sends him flying. The crowd roars, but the guy is tough too, and shaking his head like a stunned bull, he charges back and tackles ramming his feet into the back of Michael’s thighs, sending him flat on his face. Michael braces his fall on his forearms and bounces back up racing back to Jensen in a few seconds flat. Mean while Giles is busy fighting one of the other guys, as the second one limps out of the field. The “Rhino” turns to his coach, open mouthed, who points aggressively at Michael. He runs back towards him but he’s too late and Jensen scores. The crowd is on their feet, sure of the winning point and screaming the place down. The game’s over and Michael freezes on his tracks just as the “Rhino” catches up with him and slams into his back. He has to grab Michael around the chest not to fall, and Michael peels his arms off as if they were limp spaghettis. He turns to the “Rhino” who looks kind of pale, for a black guy, and growls: “Game over, man, want to make it personal?” The “Rhino” raises his hands, and smiles like an idiot, nodding, backing towards his team as he stares at Michael, not believing the kid is still on his feet after their collision, he didn’t even budge when he rammed into him. Giles takes the kick and we win. Then he, Jensen and Peters are carried out of the field but the crowd is screaming Michael’s name. They come to carry him too, but he stares them down and growls: “I walk.” So they just let him be and just pat and whack him, congratulating him. - Kyle shakes his head and chuckles. - Anything you want to add, hero? - Kyle asked.

Michael turned his face towards them, remembering the whole thing.

- Yeah, they had their hands all over me, and they were all laughing so I guessed it was alright. I went to the showers and took the spray on the backs of my thighs that were sore as hell. The coach came over and told me to follow him. He stretched me out on a bed and massaged me with icy hot or something that kind of burned, and then gave me a shot to ease the bruising, according to him. Then there was this party and the chicks were acting real silly, kissing me and touching me, and trying to make me drink but I didn’t feel like it, so I just let them push me down on a couch and do what they wanted with me. They really massaged the back of my thighs much better than the coach did, all my back, ass included, to be honest. The whole thing broke up at around 3am and Giles drove me home. And that was it. -

- You mean you never went back to even practice, or give the coach an explanation? - Stuart asked, disbelieving.

Michael shook his head no, and Kyle took over.

- He skipped 3 days of classes and never returned to practice. I saw the coach begging him, with tears in his eyes, but Michael just said: “No way” and turned to leave. Then the coach asked him why, and he just said again it was a stupid game and walked away.

- I remember that game and the party. - Maria said as Isabel and Liz muttered: “Who doesn’t?”

- You were there? - Michael asked Maria and possibly the 3 of them.

- Yes but you didn’t notice me or any of us from what I can see. -

- I don’t get it, where were you? - He asked, surprised by their confession.

- Behind you, massaging you with all the rest, that's why you didn’t see us, mostly because of all the lips glued to your face! - Maria exploded at the end.

- Oh yes, that I remember. - Michael chuckled and ended gasping as Maria rammed her elbow in his ribs.

- Hey! You should play football! - He moaned, rubbing the new sore spot.

- What really happened, Michael? There must have been a sensible reason.- asked Max. - You kept insisting it was just a stupid game and not even the grades were worth it, but I never bought it, and I’m sure no one else did, right, Kyle? -

Kyle shook his head no, watching Michael silently.

- Yeah, sure there was one. I arrived after the party, bracing myself for Hank, and there he was with his dr. friend, passed out sitting on the couch, with their heads thrown back, snoring their lungs our and stinking of beer.
Probably quite pissed cause I hadn’t been there for them. The TV was on full statics, so I turned it off. I stripped off and showered, and just dropped on my bed. I kept waking up with my thighs burning and aching in spite of the shot and all the massages. Couldn’t even stand the sheet on them. Then it was daylight and there was Hank screaming his head off about warning me not to get into fights and whacking my ass with his belt. So the jerk thought I had got into a fight, that was how I got the bruises. I could feel the buckle tearing into me several times and it hurt like hell. He finally tired and left, bitching like crazy to the news on the tube. The pain got worse by the second and I started burning up. I tried to get up to go get a cold shower but I didn’t make it and fell off the bed. I tried to get up pushing on all fours but I just fell back. Hank came back with the noise and tried to pull me up but couldn’t so I heard him return to the tube and he was shouting at his friend to wake up. Then they were both at me together. Hank had his hands under my chest and the dr. under my thighs and they were panting and huffing but they got me back on the bed. Hank kept saying: “Why didn’t you tell me, why didn’t you tell me…” and I didn’t know what he was talking about. Next I felt the dr. saying I was burning and she took my temperature…-

- In Australia? - Isabel asked with a silly grin.

Michael stared at her, and smirked, showing he had got it.

- Yeah, however you want to call it. I heard her go out, opened her car door and slammed it shut to come back again. Then she started sticking about a dozen needles into each of my thighs as if I couldn’t feel them. I started tossing around, trying to make her stop. She put her hand on my back and told me to keep still, that she was trying to ease the bruising, so I kept still. -

- She was probably infiltrating you with cortisone and xylocaine. - Stuart provided the information.

- Whatever, it hurt like hell…-

- Because you were blocking out the anesthetic. You did it all the time at the hospital, remember? - Stuart interrupted. - But she was doing the right thing for your injuries. -

- Yeah, I know she did. She started calling Hank a complete bastard, and that if she caught him acting like an idiot to me again, she would personally drag him over to the police! Hank told her she wouldn’t dare, and she went: “Try me!” and Hank didn’t answer so I guessed he took her serious. Then I felt something cold and wet on my ass and I realized she was washing away the blood. That’s when Hank decided to react and he accused her of wanting to get rid of him to keep me for herself, and she said: “Shut up, you idiot, you’re still drunk, so don’t tempt me!” That really shut him up. Then when she pulled the thing out and read my temperature, I heard her cry out “Shit! The fucking thing is busted or I’m still drunk too!” and she sent Hank out to buy a new one. While he was gone, she did what you did…- He turned towards Stuart. - With the cold water? And it worked. She took my temperature again with the new one, and of course, by then, it was reasonably down, so she didn’t suspect anything. She told Hank I needed to rest for a few days, and she was there for me all the time, sticking me with I don’t know what drugs, that somehow kept the fever down to human limits. Then by Wednesday next week, I was still very sore, but I could walk hardly limping and I went back to school next day. That was when the smurf, here, came skipping to me all smiles, telling me they expected me at practice after school! He didn’t even ask if I was ok, all they cared about was their stupid game! - Michael looked hurt. - Man, as if I didn’t have enough pain in my life to go asking for extra helping in a fucking field chasing after a stupid ball with a bunch of retards! It’s great to watch, but that’s about it! -

- Hey, kid, now that I hear the whole story, it really makes sense, sorry, I’m with you, all the way. - Kyle really was shocked. He just sat there looking at his hands. Michael turned away from them, staring at the fire. Maria got up and knelt by him, rubbing his back. Then she sat and gathered him in her arms with his head on her lap. Stuart turned to Isabel and gave her a weak smile, apologizing for his bad choice, but she just looked back at him wistfully. He couldn’t have known, no one really had, so he was absolutely forgiven. Stuart turned to Max, sure of no unpleasant surprises with that one.

- What about you, Max, no games? -

- Dad kept me in baseball for a while but I totally sucked! I hated it, but I wanted to please him. -

- That was until he came home with the back of his hand all scabbed where a kid had stepped on it as he sat by the base, sure he had made it safe. He cried for hours and dad had to call it off, very embarrassed. - Isabel finished the short story.

- Guess I was no hero, Michael has all the credit. - Max chuckled as Liz squeezed his hand, condescendingly. He truly felt like her hero for saving her life, and he was quite right there. She smiled at him.

- Games are so stupid, Michael’s right, you just risk getting hurt to please people who don’t care about you, just what you do. Makes no sense at all. -

- I think it’s time for the marshmallows, the sticks should be long enough. - Laurie said and handed them over with the huge bag of the sweets.

They crowded around the fire, toasting the marshmallows until they were brown. Maria fed 3 to Michael, one after the other one, as he ate them automatically, his eyes burning like the fire.