FREE (AA,CC/UC,MATURE) CH 39 10/10/07 [WIP]

[Buffsteraddict]

Title: Free
Author: Buffsteraddict/ Steph
Rating: Mature
Disclaimer: None of the Roswell character's belong to me, they belong to Jasim Katims, Fox, Upn, ect.
Couples: M/L, CC/UC
Genre Alien Abyss
Timeline: Set 7 year's after the season two episode ''Baby, it's you''. Everyone's around 24-25 year's old.
Summary: Liz Parker left Roswell near the End of Season 2, now 7 year's later she must return to Roswell, New Mexico, What happens???
Author's notes: Okay, so here's yet another M/L fic, only, let me warn you, there won't be much Max and Liz action until probably the very end of this fic. The title of this fic came to me from this song by Sarah Brightman. I really love that song, so I decided to use that title for my fic. The Prologue is pretty much short, But it doesn’t really matter because I’ve already got two parts written so I’ll post again soon enough.
Oh, and, before you go on reading, a big thank you to Lizard_Queen for the beautiful banner, a million thank you’s!!

Oh and also, I just got myself someone to co-write this story with!To_Kiss_A_Frog, thank you for being my beta!



Prologue
Roswell, New Mexico-May, 2001

Liz Parker knocked on the Valenti's door, hoping that someone would answer the door quickly. Finally, after only seconds of waiting, Tess opened the door, a look of surprise on her face when she saw Liz standing there on the porch.

''Liz.'' Tess said. ‘’Hi.’’

''Hi, Tess.'' Liz said tentively.

''So, are you here about me and Max?'' Tess asked immediately.

Liz frowned. Why the heck would she be here to talk to Tess about her and Max?? '

'No, um, I....well, I wanted to talk to you, actually.'' She said, trying her best to smile, even though she really didn't want to. Talking to this short, blond-haired girl made her want to puke. She hated the thought of Max being with her.

''Oh, sure.'' Tess said, stepping aside to let Liz in. ''Come on in. What did you want to ask?''

''Um, I just um, you know I have questions about your powers, mind control especially.''

''What kind of questions?'' Tess asked curiously.

''You know, um, anything that you can tell me, but um, like...''

At that precise moment, Max Evans walked through the front door, not noticing that Liz Parker was standing right there.

''Hey, your door's...'' He stopped short when he finally noticed Liz there. ''What are you doing here?''

''Um, nothing, you know, we were just...we're talking, I should go.'' Liz answered, turning around, ready to bolt out the door.

''Talking about what?'' Max asked, blocking the passage to the front door.

''Nothing.'' Liz answered, trying her best to keep her calm. ‘’I’m just going to go now.’’

But Max didn’t budge.

''Max, you know, it's ok, forget about it.'' Tess said. ''Really, it's okay.''

''No, I want to know.'' Max asked, his voice rising slightly.

Liz turned to Tess, ''We'll just talk later.''

''No, please don't go on my account.'' Max said, ''Go ahead and ask your questions.''

''Max, she's just had a few questions about my powers, that's all.'' Tess answered. ''It's no big deal.''

''New theory?'' Max asked, ignoring Tess. He stared hard at Liz.

''I just wanted to know some things about mind control and I thought--''

''Oh, so Tess killed Alex. Is that your theory?'' Max asked, cutting her off.

''No.'' Liz said.

''Max, she didn't say that.'' Tess said.

''That's what you're thinking, why don't you just ask it?!'' Max asked angrily, his eye's boring into her own.

''Max, of course that's not what I'm thinking!'' Liz replied angrily.

''Tess, did you kill Alex?'' Max asked, sarcasm in his voice. He turned to Tess. ''Did you?''

''Max,'' Tess warned. ''Stop it.''

''What were you doing on the night that he died?'' Max continued.

''Will you stop it?!'' Liz said angrily.

''Go ahead! what were you doing?!'' Max asked Tess.

''She was with me.'' Kyle said suddenly from the couch. ''We were watching Gladiator on video.''

''An alibi.'' Max said, his voice full of venom. '' From one of your own.''

''Can I leave now?'' Liz asked, tear's threatening to spill any second now. God, he made her so angry.

''Yep.'' Max said, finally letting her through.

Liz hurried out of the house and shut the door behind her. She couldn't believe everything had just happened. She was angry at Max, at Tess, and also at herself. There was simply no way that she could spend one more day in Roswell, New Mexico. She had to get out of this suffocating town. And Fast.

************************************

End of Prologue, I know it's short, but as I said in my Author's notes, I already have two sweet Chapter's coming up in the next few day's. Just think of the Prologue as what's to come next.

[Buffsteraddict]

Author’s notes: **Important**
So terribly sorry that I haven’t posted before! My stupid computer crashed, and I lost all of my work that I had written up to now. I had to re-write the whole Chapter.
Anyway’s, just a couple of thing’s before you read on, just so you’re not all lost and stuff, about 7 year’s have past since Liz left town, Max and the rest, after Tess had Max’s child, did figure out that Tess was the one who killed Alex. Max kept the child (Xander), and ordered Tess to leave Roswell. That’s about it for the important stuff..
Oh and also, a huge thanks to everyone for the feeback, DreamerHeart, Earth2Mama, orphyfets, lizard_queen, Timelord31, Sweet Liz and begonia9508, thank you guy’s so much!!

Chapter One-
San Francisco, California- July 2008

Liz Parker pulled her small VW bug into her assigned parking spot in a nice warm patch of sunlight, but stayed behind the wheel of the car. She couldn't help but notice that the dense fog covered the entire office building but didn't extend to the parking lot.

Strange, Liz thought. But not that strange, I am after all in San Francisco.

Liz couldn't believe that she was about to sign a contract. It just seemed so permanent, and in a way it was. Once she signed the contract, she would be legally locked into her job for whatever period of time they mutually agreed on. There was just something so final about what she was doing.

But Liz loved her job. She loved working as an advice columnist. She couldn't see herself working as something else.

Well, here I go, Liz thought as she took a deep breath and enjoyed the last bit of sunshine before she entered her fog-enshrouded workplace.

''There you are,'' Her editor, Lois Rothman, said before Liz had even stepped in the office. ''I swear i'm going to have you hooked up to a GPS system so I know where you are every second of the day.''

''I'm only two minutes late, Lois.'' Liz defended herself. ''Two minutes is nothing.''

''Just tell me your coming in here with your latest column,'' Lois asked. ''And your comments on the new contract.''

''I'm still working on it.'' Liz said, ''The column that is. And as for the Contract, I'm ready to sign.''

''Good,'' Lois said, as Liz led the way into her own private office and and sat down in her chair. Lois quickly shut the door behind her and sat down opposite Liz in her guest chair.

''Alrighty then,'' Lois said, pulling out some papers from a folder. ''You've read the contract already. Now, you just have to sign it.''

''Alright,'' Liz said, taking the papers from Lois. Not needing to read it since she already had, Liz grabbed a pen and quickly signed the contract.

''Now, you better get going on that advice column because the deadline's tonight at 5.'' Lois said, taking back the paper's.

''Yeah, don't worry I’ll be done by tonight.'' Liz reassured her boss. ''No worries.''

''I trust you, I trust you.'' Lois said, ''By the way, Summer vacations are coming up. You have a week off. Are you by any chance flying home to New Mexico?''

Liz leaned her head back and sighed. ''I don't think so.''

''Oh come on,'' Lois said. ''You've been thinking about it for weeks.''

''I know, I know,'' Liz said. ''It's just that… I haven't set foot in Roswell for year's. My parent's don't have a clue where I am.''

''That's exactly why you have to fly down there.'' Lois said. ''You got to go see your parent's, they're probably worried sick about you, Liz.''

''I know they are,'' Liz said. ''But what am I supposed to do? Just waltz back into their lives like nothing's happened? They're going to kill me.''

''Well, heck,'' Lois said. ''I think I would kill you if you were my daughter and you had run away from home when you were 17.''

''I guess your right,'' Liz said with a sigh.
''Look, if you can't face your parent's, at least give them a call.'' Lois said. ''You at least owe them that, don't you think?''

''Your right.'' Liz said. ''It’s just…Roswell…it brings back a lot of bad memories for me. There’s some things that I wish I could just forget about.’’

''Liz, it’s been over 6 year’s!’’ Lois said, rolling her eye’s. ‘’I’m almost certain that you’ve have time to get over those thing’s, whatever they are.’’

‘’I’m not sure about that…I just…I can’t go. I’m sorry, I just can’t.’’ Liz said, ‘’And that’s final.’’

‘’Are you sure about that?’’ Lois asked.

‘’No,’’ Liz answered stubbornly. ‘’I can’t, I’m sorry. Besides, I have tons of work here in San Francisco to do. And there’s Brendan. I don’t want to leave him.’’

‘’Alright.’’ Lois said, standing up. ‘’I shall respect your decision then, even though I don’t agree with you. Oh well, you’d better get back to your column then.’’

Liz nodded. ‘’I’ll be done by 5.’’

‘’I know you will.’’ Lois said, smiling. She quickly excited the office, leaving Liz alone in her own office. She sigh to herself as she booted up her computer. As much as she wanted to see her parent’s again, she just couldn’t bring herself to fly to Roswell to see them. What would they say if they saw their daughter again after 6 year’s? Would they even talk to her after all the pain she had caused them?? Could they ever forgive her for everything she had done?

**********************************
Roswell, New Mexico

‘’What have you done??’’ Max demanded his sister as he stepped inside his small apartment. His usually white coloured walls were now painted a bright yellow. ‘’I told you not to paint my walls like that. Now the room looks to-‘’

‘’Cheerful?’’ Isabel finished for him, shooting him a look. ‘’Yeah, I know. Don't you just hate it when everything is cheerful?’’ She added sarcastically.

‘’I just don’t like,’’ He said stubbornly. He quickly passed his hand over the walls of his apartment and the bright yellow faded back to it’s usual white. ‘'I like it better like this.’’

Isabel shook her head in despair and sat down on Max’s couch. ''Gosh, Max, I really hope your son doesn't grow up to be like you.''

‘’Where’s Michael?’’ Max asked as he threw his jacket next to Isabel on the couch.

‘’Right here, Man,’’ Michael said from the doorway, who was accompanied by Maria.

‘’Alright guy’s,’’ Maria said, rubbing her hands together. ‘’There's something I got to tell you. I’m singing tommorow night at this place just outside of town and I really, really want all you guy’s to come and see me.'' She smiled and shot Max a hard look. ''All of you,’’

‘’Of course we’ll be there,’’ Isabel said, turning to shoot max a look. ‘’Right Max?’’

‘'Xander-.’’ Max started, but Maria quickly stopped him.

''Your little to die for son can stay with his grandmother for one night.'' She said with a smile on her face.

''I'm not sure about this, Maria.'' Max said, uncertainly. ''I've been really busy with work for the past couple of week's.''

''And going out tommorow night will be the perfect night to chill out and relax.'' Maria said.

''Alright, Alright,'' Max said, ''I'll be there tommorow night.''

‘’Good,’’ Maria said, clapping her hands together. ‘'I guarantee fun.’’

''Yeah, well, I'm pretty sure this next piece of news I have for you guy's will make you think twice about going out tommorow night.'' Michael said quietely.

''What other piece of news?'' Maria asked.

''It’s just that I have something important to tell you guy’s,'' Michael said. ''Something I probably should of told you this morning when it happened. It's just, I knew that it would make all of you panick and I didn't want that to happen.''

‘’What is it?’’ Max asked, ''Michael,''

‘’Look, your probably not going to like this,’’ Michael answered, passing a nervous hand through his long brown hair.

‘’Michael, just tell us,’’ Isabel said. ‘’Your getting everyone really nervous here.’’

‘’Michael, just tell us.’’ Maria said. ‘’Just tell us what it is.’’

‘’Fine,’’ Michael answered pausing to look at Max. ‘’I'm pretty sure that I saw Tess this morning.''

‘’What?!’’ Max exploded angrily. ‘’What do you mean Tess is back in town? When did you see her??’’

''This morning,’’ Michael answered. ‘’I was heading to the Crashdown. And I saw her, walking down the street.''

''Oh my God, Michael, did she see you? Did she say anything to you?’’ Maria asked, ''And why the hell didn't you say anything!?''

''Because I knew you guy's would react that way,'' Michael said. ''And yes, I think she did see me. Mostly because I started running after her like some jackass.''

‘’Max, what are we going to do?’’ Isabel asked, putting her hand on his knee.

‘’I can’t believe that bitch would come back here,’’ Maria said angrily, her fist clenched. ‘’After all the trouble she’s caused us.’’

''I think I know why she's here.'' Isabel said. ''She's here to get her son back.''

''Xander,'' Max said immediately. ''Iz, call mom, make sure Xander’s alright.’’

‘’Of course,’’ Isabel said, picking up the cordless phone and quickly dialed the number that she knew by heart.

‘’I’m going to head out, try to see if I can find Tess.’’ Max said, grabbing his jacket. ‘’Then I’ll head to mom’s house to pick up Xander.''

‘’What about us?’’ Maria asked. ‘’I want to help find that bitch. She needs to pay, Max. After everything she's done. She killed Alex. She murdered him. For no freakin' reason at all.’’

‘’You two can come with me,’’ Max answered quietly. ''It's better if there's more of us out there looking for her. We can split up.''

‘’Alright Maxwell,’’ Michael said, ''Maria and I can cover one part of town and you and Iz can cover the other side.''

''Alright.’’ Max said.

‘’Max,’’ Isabel said, putting down the coordless phone. ''No one's picking up the phone at home. Max, they're supposed to be home. Dad's gone to Las Cruces for the week, Mom's home alone with Xander.''

‘’Okay,’’ Max said, ''Change of plans, We have to find mom and Xander. We'll go check at the house, see if they're there. Maybe they were just outside or something.''

''Don't worry, Max.'' Isabel said, smiling reasuringly at her brother. ''Xander's fine. He has to be. And even if Tess has him, she wouldn't hurt him?Would she?''

*********************************************

[Buffsteraddict]

hey everyone,
It's been a while that I posted and I know that. First off, i'd just like to say that I got myself a beta, I'm going to be co-writting this fic with To_Kiss_A_Frog. Now the next chapter was written by her and her only. So a huge thank you for accepting to be my beta, it's really appreciated:)!!!

Also a huge thanks to everyone for the amazing feeback.

*********************************

Chapter 2

As they drove towards Murray Lane, Isabel’s earlier question rang in Max’s head. ‘She wouldn’t hurt him, would she?’

At one point Max would have said no. At one point, Max had actually had some faith in her but that had all come crashing down around him the day Michael and Maria proved Tess had been the one to kill Alex. He still remembered how much of a shock it had been to learn a traitor was among their group and worse than that, it hurt to know Liz had been right, an alien had been responsible for their friend’s death.

They had all had their reasons for being angry but Max couldn’t imagine what it had been like for Kyle. He had been the one Tess mind warped and he had been the one that carried Alex’s dead body, thinking it was luggage. Even now, after spending two years away at a trade school for his mechanics, Kyle still carried the horrible memories with him. He thought leaving Roswell and the alien abyss would dim his remembrances but it had done the opposite and being far away had only made him worry about his friends since he was no longer part of their everyday life.

It had been the same for Isabel. Her first desire had been to flee the town where all her worst memories lied but after spending a year and a half at Berkley in San Francisco, she couldn’t take the distance and put in for a transfer. When she decided to attend law school, there had no longer been any question in her mind that she would take the classes nearby in Las Cruces and commute to and from school while helping out at their father’s firm the rest of the time.

Thinking back on it all now, Max remembered how scared he had been at the time that Tess would try to take their child so he had safely left Xander with Isabel while he and Michael went to confront Tess about her deception.

She had cried, pleading with them to believe the whole incident was an accident. When her tears had no effect, she lashed out and started yelling about how Max had never cared for her and about what a bitch Liz was. Max may have still been angry that Liz took off with no notice to anyone and had yet to return, but in that instant, he felt sick hearing Tess even utter Liz’s name.

It had only been Michael’s restraining hand that held him back from striking her dead on the spot. His once hot headed best friend proved what a loyal second in command he was by thinking logically when Max couldn’t.

He couldn’t kill, would have regretted it if he had so he ordered her to leave Roswell, threatening to finally extract revenge on her if she ever tried to return.

She had adhered to his warning and never returned… until now that is. Max knew that her presence would spell trouble for he and his son along with all their friends and he knew something would have to be done about Tess before she had a chance to hurt someone else.

Quickly coming back to himself, Max pulled into the drive way of his childhood home. “Her car’s not here” Isabel observed as they quickly climbed out of the jeep the moment Max cut the engine.

“Come on” he commanded before running inside.

The place looked as it always did, not a thing out of place besides a small stack of toys in the corner that Xander had obviously messed with.

“Maybe they just went to the store or out for ice cream or something” Isabel suggested but there was fear in her voice. She was afraid to think what would happen if Tess had gotten to Diane and Xander.

Max walked around, running his hand over the furniture, trying to get a flash of anything that would give them a clue about whether or not his family was safe.

He was frustrated when he felt nothing.

“Come on, let’s drive around some more and see if we can spot her car anywhere” Max decided, not giving Isabel a chance to reply before he hurried out of he house with only one thought in mind, ‘getting to his son before Tess did.’

******************************

San Francisco, CA

As she sat, staring mesmerized while the last page printed, Liz was brought back to the real world by the sound of her phone ringing. “Liz Parker” she answered, smiling briefly when she heard the voice on the other end.

“Hey sweetheart, are you free for dinner?” Brendan asked in response. Liz could practically hear the returning smile in his tone and she was once again struck with guilt.

By all counts Brendan was perfect. He came from a good family and worked at his father’s real estate firm, he was sweet, handsome and totally loving towards Liz but sometimes when she looked in his eyes, she found herself thinking that the blue depths were the wrong color and the sound of his voice was the wrong tone.

She should be in love with him but as much as she tried to forget the past and the heartache she left behind, she couldn’t get past the thoughts of the shy, amber eyed boy that risked his life to save hers.

He had changed. It had been a slow transformation and she was more than aware she played a big part in that change but by the end, she just couldn’t recognize him anymore and it hurt too much to try.

She met Brendan during a time in her life when she was still so unsure about everything. He had been her rock and she had leaned on him though it took a lot of persuasion on his part in the beginning. She knew that he loved her and told her often but as much as she wanted to, she could never force the words out and she knew they would be a lie if she did.

“What’d you have in mind?” Liz asked back, playing coy as a way to suppress the guilty feeling that was becoming more prominent with time.

“Well I was thinking that I could pick you up around seven and then you and I could to that place you like so much” Brendan offered.

“You mean you’ll actually go with me to Luna Park?” Liz asked, referring to the interesting and hip restaurant Liz liked to frequent which was a lot different from the usual upscale places Brendan regularly ate at.

“If it means spending time with you” was Brendan’s smooth reply.

“You got yourself a date” Liz agreed and exchanged only a couple more pleasantries before hanging up the phone. She quickly gathered her pages to take to the Lois but even her task couldn’t sway her mind from more thoughts of Roswell and the life she long ago left behind.

[Buffsteraddict]

Hey,
Alright, I'm finally back with a new part. A huge thank you to everyone for the amazing feeback:)It's really appreciated.

Also a huge thank you to To_Kiss_A_Frog for being my Beta and revising this new Chapter for me.

~Steph~

***********************************************************

Chapter 3

Liz glanced at the alarm clock that lay on her bedside table. 6:30. Brendan was supposed to pick her up in fifteen minutes and she wasn't even dressed yet. And she had no idea what to wear.

''Liz, why don't you just wear that cute red top you have in your closet?'' Liz heard her roommate and her best friend, Rachel call out from the living room.

''Because, that's exactly what I wore the last time I went out with him.'' Liz called back, trotting over to her closet to find something descent to wear for tonight. ''Besides, were not going somewhere fancy tonight so I don't need to wear anything, well, fancy.''

Liz heard the door to her room open and she turned to find Rachel standing there, her arms crossed over her chest.
Rachel Rothman was the kind of girl who could get up in the morning, not take a shower, not brush her hair and just go out and she would still look good. She looked good in anything she wore, even if you dressed her up in her PJ's she would look good. She was the total opposite of Liz. Tall, with long strawberry blond hair and these dark blue eye's. She was definitely someone you wanted to be friends with because she was always there for you, no matter what. She had moved from New York City when she had been sixteen year's old, her father was a Doctor while her mom...well, Rachel's mom was her boss. She was the editor of the San Francisco Daily Newspaper. If it hadn't been for Lois Rothman and Rachel, she most probably never would have gotten the job as an advice columnist.

''You mean Brendan's not taking you out to a fancy expensive restaurant tonight??'' Rachel asked, a look of mock disbelief on her face. ''No freaking' way. How did that happen?''

''I don't know,'' Liz said, grabbing black skirt from her closet along with a brightly stripped sweater.

''Uggh, not that sweater , please.'' Rachel said, reaching out and grabbing the sweater from Liz's hands. She turned back towards the closet, searching for another top to go with the skirt that Liz had chosen.

''Okay, what was wrong with that sweater?'' Liz protested, making a face. ''I like that sweater.''

''That make's one of us then.' She paused. ''I mean, you look like an evil circus clown in that sweater.'' She said, grabbing a small , thin, black shirt from Liz's closet.

''No , way.'' Liz said immediately when she saw the shirt that Rachel was holding up for her. ''There's just no way that I'm wearing that. God, why can't Serena be here right now? She actually has a good sense of style.''

''Liz, please.'' Rachel said, rolling her eyes. ''Serena dresses way worse than me, okay? Just try it on, will you? It's the only descent thing in your closet and Brendan's going to be here any minute now.'' She paused and glared in the direction of Liz's closet. ''I swear, tomorrow I'm taking you shopping.'' She paused. ''Serena's out with that guy again, isn't she?''

''Yes,'' Liz answered. ''She is actually. She left about an hour ago while you were still working. And, also, I can't go shopping tomorrow, I'm working remember?'' Liz said. There was just no way that Lois would give her the day off just so she could go shopping for clothes.

''I'll give your boss a call, then. She'll give the day off. I mean she is my mom, she has to listen to me'' Rachel said. Then she let out a sighed of frustration. ''And can I know why exactly is Serena out with that guy again? What's his name? Jacob?''

''Yeah, it’s Jacob.'' Liz answered. ''And why do you care so much.''

''Because I'm friggin' jealous, that's why.'' Rachel answered. ''I mean, look at you two. You have Brendan, and Serena has that new guy, Jacob. And who do I have? No one.''

''Well,'' Liz said slowly. ''You had that guy a couple of week's ago, what was his name again? Kevin? What happened to that guy? I mean, you went out with him for a couple of week's didn't you?''

''Kevin, yeah.'' Rachel said. ''The scum cheated on me with his ex-girlfriend, can you believe it? His ex-girlfriend.''

Liz felt a rush of nausea hit her when Rachel said that. She couldn't help but think of Max and Tess. And, God, even her and Kyle that night she had pretended to sleep with him to make Max fall out of love. It had all happened so long ago, but Liz could still remember all of it so clearly.

''Great,'' Rachel said, crossing her arm's over her chest. ''And your not even listening to my pain. Your probably just thinking about Brendan aren't you? God, I am doomed to being alone for the rest of my life.''

''Oh, no,'' Liz said, snapping out of it. ''I was listening to you, really. He was a jerk, okay? You didn’t deserve that, really. But I'm sure there's someone else out there for you. There's gotta be.''

''Like who?'' Rachel asked, desperately. ''Larry, the cable guy?''

Liz smiled. ''Yeah. Larry the cable guy.''

''You and Serena are just so lucky, you know that?'' Rachel asked, sadly. ''I just wish I could fine a nice, trusty guy out there.''

''And you will.'' Liz said reassuringly. ''Someday. Soon. Maybe next week, who knows?'' She wrapped a comforting arm around Rachel. ''Seriously, you'll see.''

''Fine,'' Rachel sighed. ''And while I wait and see what happens to my oh-so-pathetic life, you need to get ready and try on the clothes I picked out, okay?''

Liz nodded and Rachel left the room, closing the door to give her some privacy so she could get ready.

Liz simply sighed and shot a look at her alarm clock once more. 6:40. She quickly changed out of her work clothes and into the skirt that she had picked out and the black shirt that Rachel had picked out for her to try on.

Not bad, Liz thought as she looked at herself in the mirror. The shirt wasn't as bad as she had thought it would be. Now all she had to do was put on a little make-up and fix her hair and she would be ready.

''Are you changed yet??'' Rachel called out from the other room. ''Get your ass out here, I want to see that shirt on you before your dream boy get-''

At that precise moment, Liz heard a knock from the front door. It was Brendan. And he was Five minutes early.

''I'll get it!'' Rachel called. She quickly got up from the couch and crossed over to the front door.

''Alright, tell him I’ll be out in a sec, okay?'' Liz called out. ''I'm almost done!''

Rachel quickly unlocked the front door and pulled it open, revealing Brendan who was standing there, holding a huge bouquet of White Roses.

''Well, look who he isn't wearing any fancy clothing tonight.'' Rachel said with a smirk on her face. ''That's a surprise. I doubt Liz will recognize you dressed like this, I mean, your wearing Jeans! And you’re wearing a black t-shirt. Since when do you wear jeans and since when do you wear t-shirts??

''Ha, very funny, Rachel.'' Brendan replied smoothly. ''I'm taking Liz to that restaurant she loves so much.'' Brendan said.

''Luna Park, huh?'' Rachel said. ''Aren't you more of an upscale restaurant type of guy?''

''I wanted to take her out somewhere she'd like.'' Brendan explained, shrugging. '' I know how much she loves that place so, I sort of figured I'd take her there tonight.''

''Cute,'' Rachel said, looking down at the bouquet of White roses, which Rachel knew how much Liz loved those. ''Anyways, she'll be out in a second. She was just changing into her non-work clothes. You want to come in?''

Right then Liz came to the door, wearing the outfit that Rachel had picked out for her.

Rachel beamed when she saw Liz's outfit. ''I knew that that outfit was perfect for you.''

''She's right,'' Brendan said, not taking his eyes off of her. ''You look absolutely amazing.'' He paused and then handed the bouquet of White Roses over to her.

''They're beautiful.'' Liz said, looking them over. ''Thank you so much.''

''They're not as beautiful as you though.'' Brendan said, leaning down and placing a kiss on her lips.

Rachel rolled her eyes and sighed. '''That's my cue to go.''

''Here, can you put these inside for me,'' Liz asked, breaking away from Brendan's kiss and handing over the flower's.

''Sure,'' Rachel said, taking the bouquet from Liz. ''But then I'm going home. I'm gonna have a sort chick flick night thing or something. I'm gonna lock myself up in the living room, make popcorn and stay up all night long, wallowing in my pain.''

''Alright, then.'' Liz said. ''Go home and wallow in your pain, Rothman. Just make sure to lock up my apartment when you leave, okay?''

Rachel stuck her tongue out and nodded. ''Sure.''

''Alright,'' Liz said. ''I will see you tomorrow then.'' She linked her arm to Brendan's as the two of them walked down the flight of steps that led to the entrance, and outside into the still humid San Francisco night. Apart from the humidity, it was a perfect night. The sun was slowly sinking in the horizon, illuminating the sky with an orange glow.

''I love watching the sunset.'' Liz said, looking into the horizon. “The sun and sea. And the Golden Gate Bridge. It's just so amazing.''

Liz's apartment was situated in the heart of San Francisco. It was positioned halfway up a hill and so from her apartment she always had a beautiful view of the San Francisco bay and the sunset.

''It is beautiful, isn't it?'' Brendan said, taking in the view himself as he walked Liz over to his brand new 2008 Silver Porsche. He pulled opened the passenger door and let her in. Then he quickly walked around the car and got in himself.

''So.'' Brendan asked as he climbed into the Porsche and started the motor. He turned to face Liz with a smile on his face. ''Tonight, we're celebrating.''

''Celebrating?'' Liz asked, with a confused smile on her face. ''And what exactly are we celebrating?''

''The Contract that you signed today at work.'' Brendan said. ''I mean, this is big, Liz. Your now officially 'Contracted'.''

''Oh, right,'' Liz said. ''The Contract. Right.''

''You are happy that you did this right?'' Brendan asked, his face suddenly turning serious.

''Oh, of course!'' Liz said quickly. ''Of course I'm happy. I mean, this is huge and it's great. Sure, I mean I have more responsibilities now, and, it's just...I don't know, I've never actually thought of myself as a...well, as a 'contracted' person, you know? It all seems kind of...surreal.''

''But you are happy with your decision right?'' Brendan asked. ''You don't have any regrets…do you?''

''No.'' Liz said. ''I don't regret signing that contract one bit. You know that I absolutely love my job, Brendan. It's one of the best thing's that's ever happened to me.'' Liz smiled. ''It does, however, mean longer day's at work for me.''

''Yeah, I understand that.'' Brendan said. ''I mean, now that you signed that Contract, you are gonna have more responsibilities.'' He paused and put on a hurt face. ''You won't have time for me anymore.''

Liz rolled her eyes and smiled. ''You know I'll always have time for you, right? I never could have gone through the past couple of years without you, Brendan.''

He smiled and leaned over to hug her, pulling her into his arms. ''Thank you for saying that.'' He said in her ear. ''And I want you to know how proud I am of you, Liz.''

''And I'm proud of me too.'' She answered, holding on to him. And she was. She absolutely loved her job and she was happy with everything she had accomplished in the past couple of years. Even though she knew that she owed everything to Rachel and Rachel's mom. She never would have been able to get where she was today if it hadn't been for them.

She had been totally and completely lost when she had arrived here in San Francisco. But then she had met Rachel and both her parent's had been so helpful and generous toward her. They had practically taken her into their home she had been able to finish high school and go to College, where she had majored in Psychology. She had gotten herself a small job as a waitress when she had first arrived in the city and she had earned enough money to get herself an apartment. And then in her third year of College, Lois Rothman, her Editor in Chief, had offered her a job where she worked. Liz had, of course, agreed. Why wouldn't she? She was being offered a pretty good and high paying job.

And that's where Brendan came into her life. Both Brendan's parent's were wealthy Lawyer's who owned there own Firms. They owned a huge house right on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge. Brendan had been a student at Harvard University, studying law. And then one early morning in December of 2006 she had been out to get some coffee at a small Cafe in town and that's where she had accidentally bumped into him.

***********************************************

December 2006

Liz walked down Main Street, the big city surrounding her. It was an early Monday morning. 7:30 AM to be exact. Liz had half an hour to kill before she had to get to work so she decided to stop by the Starbucks cafe in the heart of San Francisco. She was just so tired, she had stayed up till 1 in the morning just talking and hanging out with Rachel and Serena and she hoped that maybe a good cup of coffee could maybe wake her up.

When she finally reached the Starbuck’s, the place was packed with people, each and every single one of them craving coffee. She pulled open the doors and walked in, immediately hit by the strong, delicious smell of caffeine.

Liz waited in line for about 10 minutes when she had finally gotten her coffee. She quickly paid and then hurried toward the exit door, in fear that she would be late for work. She had only started working for Lois Rothman about two week's ago and she didn't want to show her appreciation by showing up late.

She reached inside her jean jacket and pulled out her cell phone. She wanted to check the time and make sure she’d have enough time to make it to work when all of a sudden she bumped into the man who had just entered the cafe. She had been so busy looking down at her cell phone to check the time that she hadn't seen the man enter as she was making her way out.

''Oh My God,'' Liz said as he coffee spilled all over the man's black jacket.

''Oh, God, I am so, so sorry.'' She said. ''God, I'm an idiot.''

‘‘You’re not an idiot.'' The man said, who, Liz saw, turned out to be just about the same age as Liz. He had dark brown hair and hazel eyes and Liz couldn't deny that he was definitely attractive.

''Yes, I am.'' Liz said immediately. ''I'm a big klutz.'' She reached out and grabbed a couple of napkins from the counter. ''Here, try this.'' She reached out and handed him the napkins.

He smiled gratefully and took his jacket off, using the napkins to wipe away most of the coffee off of it. ''Really, it's not your fault. I wasn't looking where I was going either.''

''I was the one who was checking the time on my cell phone.'' Liz argued. ''I'm the bad one here. Not you. You’re just the tall, nice looking guy who got in my way, that's all.''

God, I can't believe I just said that, Liz thought.

''Really?'' The guy said, a small smirk forming on his face. ''Tall? Nice looking? Me, really?''

''No, really.'' Liz said, ''I'm so sorry. I was just in a really big hurry to get to work, I didn't want my boss to kill me but I see now that it's a little too late.''

''You don't have a car do you?.'' The guy asked.

''Uh. no, well I mean I do but I don't have it with me today. I thought I'd walk instead.''

''I'll give you a ride.'' He said.

''Are you kidding me?'' Liz said, her mouth hanging open. ''I just spilled coffee on you, I ruined your jacket and now you want to give me a ride?''

''Why not?'' He said, sticking his hand out. ''I'm Brendan by the way. Brendan Harrison.''

''Well, Brendan Harrison.'' Liz said, reaching out for his hand and giving it a shake. ''I'm Liz. Liz Parker.''

''Good to meet you Liz.'' Brendan said. ''Now, please, just let me give you a ride to work. What have you got to lose?''

''Um, have I mentioned that I spilled coffee all over you?'' Liz said.

''It's almost 8.'' Brendan said, looking down at his watch. ''I thought you wanted to make it to work on time?''

''I do.'' Liz said. ''But-''

''Then let's go.'' He said, throwing away the coffee-stained napkins into the nearest garbage bag.

''Alright then.'' Liz said as he led the way outside into the bright morning air. She followed him as he led the way toward his car, which was a sleek dark blue Jaguar.

Well this guy sure seems like he has a hell lot of money, Liz thought, staring at the car.

''Nice car.'' Liz managed to say as he opened the door for her to get in.

''Thanks,'' He replied, closing the door and hurrying to the other side of the car.

''So where do you work exactly?'' Brendan asked as he climbed inside the car and started the motor.

Liz gave him the address as he started down the road.

''So, what's your job exactly?'' Brendan asked curiously.

''I'm an Advice Columnist for the San Francisco Daily Newspaper.'' Liz explained, smiling.

''Wow,'' Brendan said amazed. ''That's got to be an awesome job.''

''It is.'' Liz agreed. ''I just started working there about two week's ago actually. Its great though.''

''Yeah, writing for a Newspaper.'' Brendan said. ''Seems like an awesome job.''

''Definitely.'' Liz said. ''What about you? If you have a car like this I’m pretty sure you've got to a have a very high paying job. What are you like a Doctor or something? No wait, you’re too young to be a Doctor. An actor? No, I would have seen you in a movie or a television show or something.''

Brendan laughed and shook his head. ''I'm neither of those actually. I'm studying Law at Harvard University. I'm just on Christmas vacations and I'm visiting my parent's for two week's. This car belongs to my parent's. They're both Lawyer's for their own firm.''

''Wow,'' Liz said. ''Harvard. That's, uh, pretty big.''

It was actually kind of Ironic how she herself had always dreamed of going to Harvard University. Ever since her father had put that poster of Cambridge over her head, she had fallen in love with that school and she had vowed to herself that she would make it there someday.

Liz felt another wave of sadness hit her. She would never make it to Harvard. All of her dreams had ended the day she had left Roswell, New Mexico.

''It's not my dream though.'' Brendan said sadly. He kept his eyes on the road as he stopped in front of a huge building, which is where Liz was supposed to get off.

''Wait, what do you mean it wasn't you dream?'' Liz asked, looking into his hazel brown eyes. ''You didn't want to go to Harvard?''

Brendan shook his head sadly. ''Not really. See it was more of my parent's dream for me to go to Harvard. Not mine. They wanted me to become a successful lawyer. But I was never really into that sort of thing.''

''Wow,'' Liz said, her heart breaking for this guy whom she had only known for a couple of Minutes. ''I'm sorry.''

''Na, don't be.'' Brendan said. ''It's no big deal. There are worse things out there.''

''I guess,'' Liz said. She turned her and looked outside and then she looked back at Brendan. ''I really should...''

''Get going, I know.'' Brendan said, smiling warmly. ''Your going to be late if you don't get out of this car.''

''I know,'' She said, reaching for the handle, she turned and gave Brendan one last smile. ''Thank you for the car ride. I didn't deserve it after what I did to your jacket.''

Brendan laughed. ''Don't worry about that. I didn't even like the jacket anyway. Now I have a good excuse to buy myself a new one.''

''Alright then.'' Liz said. ''I guess I'll see you around.'' She slowly opened the door and got out of the car. Just as she was ready to close the door, Brendan stopped her.

''Liz, wait.'' He said, calling her back.

''What is it?'' Liz asked.

''Do you...would you go out with me tonight?'' He asked her. ''You know since I’m tall and good looking??'' He added with a small smirk.

Liz was taken aback by the question. He was asking her out on a date??

''Uh, I...'' Liz started. Come on, Liz, what have you got to lose?, Liz thought to herself.

''Sure. Why not.'' She answered smiling. She reached inside her purse and quickly pulled out a pen and a small piece of paper on which she scribbled down her address.

''That's my address.'' Liz said as she handed him the slip of paper. ''And my phone number.''

''Alright, then.'' Brendan said. ''What time should I pick you up? How does 6:30 sound?''

''Sounds great.'' Liz answered. ''And also, thanks again, for the ride.''

''No, Liz.'' Brendan said. ''Thank you.''

[Buffsteraddict]

Here's Ch.4! A big thanks to everyone for the feeback and a big thank you to To_Kiss_A_Frog for being me Beta!

~Steph~

******************************


Chapter Four
Roswell, New Mexico

Max was now beyond panicked.

He and Isabel had gone all over town and they hadn't seen any sign of either their mother, his child or Tess. They had been searching Roswell for the past hour and they had repeatedly tried phoning Diane Evans, but she hadn't answered her phone once.

“Iz,” Max said, driving down the road, toward the Crashdown. “I'm really scared.” He said, “I'm so scared that she got to mom and Xander. And mom can't protect herself and Xander from Tess, you know that.”

“Max, please.” Isabel said, placing one reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Look, we haven't been to the Crashdown yet. Maybe mom took Xander there or something.”

“I hope so.” Max said, swallowing hard. “I don't know what I’d do if-”

“No, Max,” Isabel said. “Let's not go there okay? And even if Tess did get to mom and your son, she wouldn't hurt Xander. I mean, I know she's a crazy murdering bitch but she's not crazy enough to hurt her own son.”

Max didn't answer. Instead he continued to stare straight ahead as they approached the Crashdown Café. A place where he usually tried to stay away from ever since Liz had taken off from Roswell almost eight year's ago. He had set foot in the Crashdown only about 3 times ever since Liz had left town. He just couldn't make himself go in there, the place brought back too many memories of what he had had with her.

“You going to be okay?” Isabel asked, worriedly as if reading his thoughts. “I can go in if you-”

“No, Iz.” Max said, shaking his head as they arrived in front of the Crashdown. “I'm fine. And I am going inside.”

Isabel nodded as Max quickly parked the Jeep and jumped out, Isabel right on his heels as he hurried toward the front doors of the Crashdown.
As soon as he stepped inside he was hit by a wave of sadness. The Crashdown Cafe hadn't changed one bit since the last time he had seen it. The walls were still covered with tacky alien drawings, the booths and counter were the same, and the waitresses still wore the same exact outfits that both Maria and Liz had worn back when they had worked here.

Looking around the place, he couldn't help but wonder if Liz was okay. God, he hoped she was. And if she was, where was she? What kind of job did she have?? Did she have a boyfriend? Even worse, was she married?

“Max!” A voice said, interrupting his thoughts. Max looked up to find himself staring at his mother.

“Mom!” Isabel exclaimed, rushing over to her and taking her in her arms. “Oh thank God.”

“Isabel, Honey,” Diane said, hugging her daughter back as Max spotted Xander sitting down at one of the booths near the very front of the restaurant. Max quickly rushed over to him, taking the small 6 year old in his arm's.

“Honey, what's wrong?” Diane asked, worriedly.

“God, mom, we were worrying like crazy.” Isabel said, “We were looking for you and Xander all over town. We couldn't get a hold of you at home and then we tried your cell phone and you wouldn't pick up. We were just… really concerned.”

“Oh, Izzy.” Diane said. “I decided to take Xander out tonight so I brought him here. And I forgot to bring my cell phone with me so that's why you couldn't reach me.”

“Daddy, Grandma brought me here to this really cool alien restaurant.” Xander said as Max hugged him tightly. “Grandma let me drink a milkshake!”

“That's great.” Max said, smiling and tightly holding onto his son.

“Why were you two so worried?” Diane asked, curiously.

“Well, it's just that we couldn't reach you so we got worried.” Isabel lied. “That's all.”

“Iz, you better call Michael and Maria to let them know that we found them.” Max said quietly.

Isabel nodded and reached inside her jacket for her cell phone. She quickly dialed the number and let the phone ring several times before Michael finally picked up.

“I better take Xander home,” Max told his mother as she slid back into the booths across from him and Xander, who was busy slurping his milkshake away.

“Are you sure?” Diane asked. “Because I can keep him overnight if you want.”

Max shook his head in response. “I think it's better if I just take him home.”

“After I'm finished my milkshake.” Xander protested, taking another sip of his drink.

“Right,” Max said as Isabel closed her cell phone and joined them at the table. She slid into the booth next to her mother.

“Michael picked up.” Isabel said. “I told him that we had found mom and Xander and he told us he's meet us back at your apartment in twenty minutes.”

“Alright,” Max said. “That's good.”

“I wanna come back here tomorrow.” Xander said, grinning widely, causing small dimples to appear on his little face. “And the day after that, and the day after that.”

Isabel shot Max a small look before looking down at her nephew. She knew how much it hurt Max to even come near this place ever since Liz had left Roswell. It just too was painful for him.

“I'll come back with you tomorrow, okay?” Isabel said, putting on a smile for him.

“And the day after tomorrow?” Xander asked.

“And the day after tomorrow.” Isabel answered.

“But now we really have to go.” Max said. “Michael and Maria are waiting for us back at the apartment.”

“Okay,” Xander agreed and hoped out of the booth just as Isabel, Diane and Max slid out.

“Alright, then.” Diane said, bending down to hug her grandson. “I thought you and I could spend some more time together but I guess it'll have to be some other day.”

“Tomorrow.” Xander said happily, clinging to his grandmother. Diane smiled and hugged him tightly.

“By the way, Isabel,” Diane said, letting go of Xander and turning to hug her daughter. “Has your father called you? He told me he had something important to ask you. I'm not sure what it is exactly, but I think its work related.”

“Oh,” Isabel said, completely clueless. “No, I haven't talked to dad lately. Did he tell you what it was about?”

Diane shook her head. “No, he didn't say. But you should probably try giving him a call.”

Isabel nodded. “Of course. I'll try calling him later on tonight.”

Max shot a look toward the counter and found himself looking straight at Jeff Parker, who looked right back at him.

“I'll be right back,” Max said quietly. He slowly made his way toward the counter, where Jeff was busy cleaning some plates. Jeff gave Max a small smile when he saw him approach.

“Hey, Max.” Jeff said, shaking Max's hand.

“Hey, Mr. Parker.” Max said.

“Please, Max, just call me Jeff, okay?” Jeff requested, almost immediately.

“Right,” Max agreed and silently noticed how tired the older man looked. “Jeff. How's it going?”

“Not so bad.” Jeff said with a hint of sadness in his voice. “How about you? How have you been?” he queried, understanding that in a way, they were both kind of in the same boat where his daughter was concerned.

Max shrugged, sliding his hands into his pockets. “I'm okay.”

“Good.” Jeff smiled. “That's good.”

“Have you...” Max started, but he couldn't finish his sentence.

“No,” Jeff said, as if reading his thoughts. “We, uh, we haven't heard from...Liz. And If I had, you know you would of been the first to know, right?”

Max nodded slowly. “Yeah, I know. It's just that...I keep hoping that she'll come back, you know? I just wish that she would come back. I miss your daughter so much, Mr. Parker. You have no idea. I lay awake practically every night, hoping that she's somewhere safe and that she'll come back to me.”

“I know what you mean.” Jeff said with a sigh. “I usually can't sleep at night either. And even though it's been almost 8 year's now. Just like you, I keep praying that she'll come back.” He paused. “But I doubt she will, Max.”

“I know.” Max acknowledged, while a wave of pain and guilt quickly began to consume him.

“Daddy,” A child's voice said as a small hand tugged on his jeans. “Daddy, can we go home now? I think that big milkshake got me tired.”

Max smiled down at his son and picked him up in his arms.

“He's growing up so fast.” Jeff said, smiling at Xander in Max's arms. “How old is he now? 5? 6?”

“ 6.” Max corrected. “And yeah, he is growing up pretty fast” he agreed with another glance down at his son… the one person who could really make him smile nowadays.

“Well, I better head upstairs.” Jeff said, throwing his apron on the counter. “I guess I'll see you around then, right?”

“Right,” Max said. “Good night, Mr. Parker.”

“Jeff.” Jeff corrected him. “It's Jeff. And good night to you, too, Max. And Xander.” He paused. “It is Xander, right?”

“Yup.” Xander answered, smiling widely. “It's Xander.”

“Bye, then.” Jeff said, shooting them one last smile before heading out of the Crashdown, towards the back door.

“Daddy, who is that?” Xander asked, tugging on a strand of Max's black hair.

“That's...” Max paused and searched for the right words. “I used to know his daughter” he decided on

“Who's his daughter?” Xander asked, curiously. “Have I seen her before?”

Max shook his head as she let his mind briefly wonder to the last time he had seen Liz Parker’s face. Even know, the sting of her disappearance was too painful and he quickly shook the thoughts away. “No. You never got the chance to meet her” he replied.

“Well, what happened to her?” Xander asked as he continued to pull on a strand of Max's hair for entertainment.

“She left town a long time ago.” Max answered solemnly.

“Where did she go?” Xander asked, staring up at his father while Max slowly put him down on the floor.

“I don't know.” Max replied as she valiantly tried to hold back the tears that threatened tot fall. “I don't know where she went.”

“Do you think she'll ever come back?” Xander asked, as the two of walked towards the exit, one small hand held inside one larger one.

“I don't know.” Max answered, somberly. “I hope so. But I don't think so, Xander.”


*************************************************************

San Francisco

Both Liz and Brendan followed the waitress as she led the way towards an empty table. Liz loved this club. She absolutely loved the ambience of it and she usually came here every Friday with Serena and Rachel. This wasn't a place where she and Brendan usually came together since Brendan was more of an upscale-restaurant type of guy. He usually liked to bring her to some fancy, very-expensive restaurants on the outskirts of San Francisco. But for some weird reason, tonight he had actually agreed to come here.

The club was already in full swung. People were dancing, talking and laughing all around her which put a smile on her face.

“Alright,” Brendan said as the two sat down facing each other. “I forgot what the food tastes like here. I sort of haven’t been here in a while.” He explained and held up the menu that the waitress had brought them. After a moment’s pause, he immediately asked, “Any recommendations?”

“Well, they have great cheeseburgers.” Liz said, smiling. “I usually take a salad or something, but the cheeseburgers are great.”

“Good, then that's what I’m taking.” Brendan answered, not bothering to read the menu. Satisfied, he placed it to the side and looked up at Liz.

“You know, I'm glad you brought me here tonight.” Liz admitted, “You know how much I love this place.”

“I do.” Brendan said, giving her hand a squeeze. “Listen, there's something important I have to tell you. It's kind of work related actually.”

“Go ahead, then.” Liz encouraged as she squeezed back. “Shoot. What is it?”

“My father's asked me to head to New York this weekend on a business trip. I'm supposed to be meeting up with these lawyers about… something” he explained with an uncharacteristic shrug. “Truthfully, I'm not exactly sure why, my father hasn't really filled me in with the details.”

“So you'll be gone all weekend?” Liz said, pouting slightly. “You'll be leaving me alone all weekend?”

Brendan chuckled. “Well, actually, I was sort of hoping that you would come with me to New York.”

“Really?” Liz eyes widened slightly, causing a wide grin to break out on Brendan’s face. “I could come with you?”

“Of course.” Brendan agreed as he continued to hold onto her hand. “I need you with me, Liz.”

“I want to go with you.” Liz said, seriously. “Really, I do. But I have work. I really can't take a couple of days off work, Brendan. Especially with that new Contract I just signed. Lois needs me to finish my column. You know how she is.”

“Actually, I sort of gave Lois a call and arranged it so that you could come with me this weekend.” Brendan said. “She said it was alright with her but that you should be back to work, first thing on Tuesday morning.”

“Oh my, God, are you serious??” Liz asked, letting out a small laugh. She leaned over the table and threw her arms around Brendan. “Brendan, that's great! I can't believe she agreed to let me go.” She paused and pulled away slightly. “Wait, why is she letting me go? How exactly did you convince her? I mean, Lois is a pretty stubborn person and-”

“Liz, relax.” Brendan said, chuckling. “Look, I talked to her this morning over the phone and she agreed that you needed some time off of work. You've been working really hard lately and she thought you needed a break.”

“She did?" Liz said, frowning. “That's a very un-Lois thing to do. But… I guess I'm very grateful for it anyway.”

“It'll be great.” Brendan said, smirking. “I mean, we'll be able to spend some alone time. You and me. Together for a whole weekend away from Serena and Rachel.”

“Definitely.” Liz said, smiling. “I mean, wow, New York. I've only been there twice and I was around…15 years old the last time.”

But there was also that time when Max and Tess were in New York with Lonnie and Rath, A small voice in the back of head reminded her. When Max was in danger and you connected with Isabel to try to reach out to Max.

Liz quickly shook those thoughts away. That was all in the past. A past which she had been trying to forget about for the last 8 years. She had done a pretty good job of it too except for those rare moments she had, every now and when those memories came back to her and she was helpless to stop them.

“I already booked us a room at this hotel in the center of New York City.” Brendan continued, seemingly unaware that Liz’s attention had momentarily drifted “And were going to be taking my dad's Jet to get there so we won't have to wait at the airport or anything.”

“That's great.” Liz smiled and leaned over once more to place a kiss on Brendan's lips. “It'll be fun.”

[Buffsteraddict]

Hey:) Thank you guy's so much for the feeback and sorry I kept you waiting. Here's the next Chapter! A big thanks to To_Kiss_A_Frog for being my Beta!:)

~Steph~

********************************************************

Chapter 5
Roswell, New Mexico

“Is he okay?” Maria asked throwing herself at Xander, who was tightly hold onto Max’s hand, as soon as he and Isabel walked through the apartment door. Without waiting for a reply, Maria bent down and tightly enveloped little Xander in her arms. “Thank God your okay, sweetie.”

“Maria, I think you’re starting to scare the poor kid.” Michael said as Maria continued to cling to Xander.

“I’m just happy he’s okay and that he’s here, that’s all.” Maria said, smiling down at Xander once she had finally released him from her grip.

“You feeling tired?” Max asked as he picked his son up off the floor.

“Kinda,” Xander replied, resting his small head on Max’s shoulder. “I kind of wanna go to sleep now.”

“Good,” Max smiled. He turned to Isabel, Michael and Maria who were all looking up at him expectantly. Of course they were all waiting for him to make a decision about Tess, but right now wasn’t a good idea. He wanted to get his son to sleep before he started discussing Tess Harding.

“I’m gonna go put Xander to bed and then we can talk.” Max said, shooting the three a look.

“Of course,” Isabel said, pulling out her cell phone once more. “And while you do that I’m gonna give dad a call.”

“And I’m gonna grab something to eat,” Michael said, immediately stalking off towards Max’s fridge. “You do have something decent in here to eat right?”

“Mostly leftovers.” Max answered before exiting the small living room with his son in his arms. He walked down the narrow hallway and into Xander’s small bedroom.

“I don’t wanna go to school tomorrow, daddy.” Xander whined softly. “I don’t like it there.”

“Why not?” Max asked as he slowly put down Xander on the floor. Almost immediately, his son hopped into bed and straight under the covers.

“I just don’t like it there.” Xander said softly. “There’s a...woman there. And she’s...”

“What woman?” Max asked immediately, sitting down on the bed next to Xander. “Xander?”

“She keeps telling me these things.” Xander carried on in a small voice. “She keeps telling me these thing’s about herself.”

“What kind of things?” Max asked as panic slowly started to rise. “Who is she? What does she look like? And what kind of things does she tell you?”

“She’s...short.” Xander said. “Taller than me though. Much taller than me. She had long blond hair and blue eyes. She never tells me her name.”

Tess, Max thought immediately. It’s Tess! It has to be her!

“What does this woman tell you?” Max asked. “Xander, you have to tell me.”

“She tells me that she’s...” Xander paused slightly, “My mommy. But she’s not. Right, daddy?”

“When did you see her?” Max pressed on.

“Today at Recess.” Xander slowly replied. “And yesterday too and the day before that.”

“She’s alone?” Max asked. “She comes to you alone?”

Xander nodded. “Yes. She’s all alone.”

“And what else does she tell you?” Max asked. “Has she done anything to you?”

Xander shook his head. “No. But she tells me that your...a bad man. That I shouldn’t trust you. That thing’s are...coming.”

“Xander, you can’t trust her, do you understand me?” Max said, “It’s important that you stay away from her. She’s a bad woman.”

“But she seemed...nice.” Xander said. “She was friendly with me, daddy. I don’t think she wanted to hurt me.”

“Of course she wouldn’t hurt you.” Max answered silently. “But I don’t want you going anywhere near her okay? I’ll bring you to your grandma’s house tomorrow. I don’t want you going to school until I found out more about this...woman.”

“But she’ll come back for me, daddy.” Xander said. “She said she would find me again. Wherever I go she’ll find me. That’s what she said before she left the schoolyard.”

“Your safe if you stay with me, okay?” Max answered, passing a hand through Xander’s short dark brown hair. “As long as your with me nothing will happen to you.”

“Okay,” Xander said slowly.

Max managed to muster up a small smile before bending down and giving his son a hug. “Try to get some sleep, okay? And try not to think about that woman too much. I promise I’ll take care of her.”

“I love you, daddy.” Xander said sleepily as Max got up and headed toward the door.

“I love you, too, Xander.” Max said as he turned to give his son one last look. Quietly, he slipped out the room, making sure to close the door tightly behind him before making his way back toward the living room where he could hear Isabel talking urgently to both Michael and Maria.

“I can’t just leave now,” Max heard his sister say. “Not after everything… not after finding out that Tess is back in Roswell. There’s just no way that I’m leaving you guys.”

“What’s going on?” Max asked as he stepped into the living room. All three of them turned and shot him anxious looks.

“Max,” Isabel said. “Is Xander asleep?”

Max nodded. “I put him to bed. But there’s something important I need to tell you.”

“What is it?” Maria asked.

“What were you talking about?” Max asked, curiously, shooting his sister a look. “Right before I walked into the living room.”

“Oh, it’s nothing important.” Isabel answered with a wave of her hand. “I just talked to dad and he told me that he’s leaving on a business trip after tomorrow. He’s going to New York and he wanted me to go with him.” She paused. “But don’t worry, Max. I said no. There’s too much going on right now. I just can’t afford to leave.”

“Isabel, it’s going to be okay.” Max said. “I’ve got Michael here to back me up if something happens and this New York thing, it’s just for a couple of day’s right?”

Isabel nodded. “Yeah, it’s only for a couple of days. But I’m not going, Max.”

“Why not?” Max asked.

“Because you need me here. You and Xander. With Tess back in town, who knows what she’ll do to you or Xander?” she questioned while Max remained quiet for a couple of seconds as he played over his son’s earlier words. “Max?” Isabel queried. “Are you okay?”

“Xander’s seen Tess.” Max answered quietly. “She’s been going to him everyday for the past three days now.”

“Oh my, God.” Maria said, slapping a hand over her mouth. “Oh my God, Max.”

“Has she done anything to him?” Isabel asked as her eyes grew wide. “His he-”

“He’s fine.” Max answered. “But we have to find her before she does do something to him. Or to the rest of us.”

“Alright, Maxwell.” Michael said, getting to his feet. “And what exactly do you propose we do?”

“I don’t know!” Max snapped. “I have no idea what to do. I thought I made it clear to her when I told her never to come back to Roswell. She wasn’t supposed to come back here.”

“I know, Max.” Isabel said, taking a few steps towards him. She placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder as he sank into the couch. “We’ll make sure she doesn’t get her hands on Xander, okay?”

Max nodded, running a nervous hand through his hair. What if Isabel was wrong? What if they couldn’t get Tess? What if she got to his son before he had the chance to stop her?

“Xander said something else,” Max managed to say. “Tess told him that he couldn’t trust me. That he could only trust her. And that... something was coming.”

“What’s coming?” Michael asked, frowning.

“I don’t know.” Max answered. “She didn’t tell him.”

“Look, let’s just get some sleep for tonight, okay?” Isabel said after a short pause. “We’ll get back together tomorrow and talk about it some more. We can call Kyle and Sheriff Valenti and tell them what’s going on.”

Max nodded slowly. “Good. That’s a good idea. We should all just try to get a good night’s sleep and we can meet back here tomorrow morning.”

“Fine,” Maria said. “It’s gonna be pretty hard to get some sleep considering there’s a friggin’ killer out there somewhere. God knows she could be monitoring our every move using some alien spy-camera or something.”

“Come on,” Michael said, gently guiding Maria towards the exit. “We’ll be back tomorrow morning, Maxwell.”

“Yeah, Max.” Maria said, “Try not to let that bitch get to you okay? She’s just an evil alien whore.”

Michael tightened his grip on Maria’s waist as he exited the door, shooting Max one last look before closing the door behind him.

“Max, are you gonna be okay?” Isabel asked worriedly as she sat down beside him on the couch.

“I think so,” Max answered uncertainly. “But I want you to do me a favor, Iz.”

“Anything.” Isabel answered.

“I want you to go to New York with dad on this business trip.” Max said quietly.

“No.” Isabel answered immediately. “I’m not going, Max. Forget about it.”

“Isabel, please.” Max pleaded. “I want you to go.”

“Why do you want me to go so badly?” Isabel asked, standing up. “Why?”

“Because,” Max sighed. “Because ever since you found out about Tess… about what she really did to Alex, you’ve always been there for me. You’ve dedicated these past couple of years to me. And I can’t even tell you how grateful I am for that.” He paused. “But now it’s your turn. I want you to stop worrying about me all that time and I want you to start living again. I want you to go to New York. Start living again, fall in love… I don’t know.”

“Max-” Isabel said, but he cut her off.

“No, Iz.” Max said. “Just go to New York, okay? Don’t worry about me I’ll be fine. I’ve got Michael here to back me up if something happens.”

“Alright,” Isabel said. “But that whole speech you just gave me… you have to start living again too. I want you to fall in love again too, Max.”

Max let out a small heartless laugh.

“That’s not possible, Isabel.” He said. “I fell in love once. And I fell hard for this girl. And now she’s gone. My heart died the day Liz Parker left Roswell. I’ll never love anyone again. It’s just not possible.”

************************************************************

San Francisco

“So, how did it go?”

Liz sunk into the couch and clicked on the TV as she held the small cordless phone to her ear. She had just gotten back home from her date with Brendan and the first thing she had done when she had reached her apartment was give Serena a call. Even though she knew it was late and that Serena was working the next day.

“It was great,” Liz answered into the phone. “We went to Luna Park. And then he told me that he wanted me to go to New York with him this weekend.”

“Are you Serious? Doesn’t he know that Lois will never let you go if you're gonna be missing work for a couple of days?”

“Well, apparently he talked to Lois and she agreed to the whole thing.” Liz said. “She doesn’t mind if I go but I have to be back at work by Tuesday morning.”

“But Brendan’s always going away on business trips, why is he asking you to go with him this time? What’s so different about this weekend?”

“Beats me,” Liz answered. “Not that I mind though. A couple of days away from work isn’t going to kill me, is it?”

“Yeah, definitely. When are you leaving for the big city anyways?”

“This Friday,” Liz said, “He said we’d be taking his dad’s jet or something.”

“Your going New York City in a private Jet? Have I mentioned how much money that guy has? I mean, the guy could just, like, retire right now if he wanted too and he’d have enough money to last him until he dies. I don’t understand why he’s even bothering to work for his dad.”

“You don’t like him much do you?” Liz asked, shaking her head to herself. She knew Serena didn’t like her boyfriend all that much but she didn’t know why. Brendan was pretty much the sweetest guy out there.

On the other end of the line, she heard Serena emit a small sigh.

“It’s not that. I mean, Brendan’s a great guy, really. He’s sweet, generous… caring, and he loves you. I know he loves you, Liz. You can just see it, you know? But... I just... don’t what it is.... I just can’t put my finger on it...there’s something about him.”

“He is a great guy, Serena.” Liz said. ‘He is sweet, generous, caring and I know he loves me.”

“You don’t feel the same about him though, do you? Do you love him? I mean, I know you care about him. A lot. But it just seems like there’s...I don’t know, it’s t like there someone else that your waiting for, you know?''

“No way,” Liz said immediately, “I love Brendan. You know I love him. He’s the best thing that’s happened to me.” She paused. “There was someone else though. There was another guy. But that was years ago. And I’m over him now. I know that he and I can never be together again. It’s all in the past now and I have to focus on the present and the future right now. I have a great job that I love and I have a great boyfriend who I love.”

“Alright, Alright, I get it. But that guy from your past, you never said anything about there being a guy in your past before. As a matter of fact, you never talk about past. Why’s that anyways? Does it have anything to do with that guy?

“Kind of,” Liz answered with a sighed. “He was kind of the reason that I left Roswell. But, it wasn’t just him. It’s just that my life was so screwed up. I just couldn’t be in that town anymore. I had to leave.”

“Don’t you regret it though? I mean, you left your family behind, Liz. Don’t you miss them? Don’t you think they’ve been worried about you?”

Liz immediately felt a pang of guilt. Of course she missed her family and of course they were probably worried sick about her. But she couldn‘t bring herself to call to them up. Or even just visit them.

She didn’t want to go back to Roswell.

“Yeah, I do miss them sometimes.” Liz answered. “And I’m sure they are worried about me. But I just can’t go back, Serena. I just can’t.”

“Alright, I’m sorry I brought up the whole past thing back for you.” Serena said on the other line. “It’s just...I sort of talked to Brendan yesterday. And I knew that he’d convinced Lois about letting you go to New York this weekend.”

“You knew?” Liz asked, frowning into the phone. “Well, why didn’t you say anything before? And how come you knew? When did he tell you about this?”

“I just can’t tell you, Liz. I promised him that I wouldn’t say anything to you. He’d kill me if he knew that I’d told you. It’s supposed to be a surprise.”

“Whoa, Serena,” Liz said. “What surprise?? What are you talking about?”

“I can’t tell you, Liz.” Serena said. “You’ll find out this weekend.”

“Uhh, okay, I guess I’m not getting another word out of you am I?” Liz said with another sigh. “Tell me though, is it a good surprise? Will I like it?”

“Yeah, I guess you will. I mean I know that you’ll definitely be surprised. It might even be the shock of your lifetime. You won’t be expecting it, that’s for sure.”

“Okkayy.” Liz said, grabbing the remote control and shutting off the TV.

“Anyways, I got to go. Big day at work tomorrow. Alissa’s not coming in for work so I’m the one who’s covering for her.”

“That sucks,” Liz answered, glancing at the clock above her shelf to her left.

“Definitely. But I want to go you to bring me back something from New York. I don’t care what it is, Parker, just bring me back anything, kay?”

“Sure thing,” Liz said, smiling. “So I guess I’ll see you later then?”

“Yeah. I’ll pass by your apartment tomorrow. Maybe you, Rachel and I could grab something to eat and maybe catch a movie?”

“Sounds like a plan,” Liz said.

“I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

“Yeah, bye,” Liz said, as she hit the talk button and threw the phone next to her on the couch. She couldn’t help but wonder what Brendan was planning for her? What kind of surprise would it be? He wasn't going to propose, was he? There was just no way he would do that...right?

***

[Buffsteraddict]

Hey,
To_Kiss_A_Frog just sent me the corrected copy!A big thanks to her for being me beta and also a big thanks to everyone for the feeback!

Here's Chapter 6,
Steph


*********************************************************

Chapter Six

“Brendan, this is crazy.” Liz gasped as she looked around the private jet with amazement. “I’ve never been in a Private Jet before. This is just completely amazing, everything is so...luxurious in here.”

“It’s something, huh?” Brendan grinned “My dad mainly uses this for business trips and I have to say I haven’t been in here for a while now. I don’t usually use my dad’s jet, I usually just fly with Delta Airlines like most people do.”

“Yeah,” Liz said as she continued to stare around the luxurious plane. She immediately spotted two men standing near the front of the plane. The two were both wearing suits and were obviously the Pilot and the Co-Pilot of the plane.

“That’s Griffin and Kent,” Brendan explained when he saw that she was staring at them. Pilot and Co-Pilot. They’re also close friends of my father.”

“I see,” Liz said as Brendan placed a hand on her shoulder and led her towards them.

“Gentlemen,” Brendan said, smiling. “This is Liz Parker. Liz, this is Pilot Marc Griffin and Co-Pilot Kevin Kent.”

“Nice to meet you guys,” Liz said as she took turns shaking the two Pilots’ hands.

“Likewise,” Marc said as he shook her hand. He turned to Brendan. “We’ll be departing in approximately ten minutes and it should take us a good six hours before we reach our destination.”

“Alright, then,” Brendan said as he moved his hand from her shoulder and instead wrapped his arm around her waist.

“Enjoy your flight, Mr. Harris,” The Pilot said before heading back inside the Pilot’s cabin where the plane’s controls were.

“Would you like something to drink?” Brendan asked. “There’s pretty much anything you’d like in here. Except for beer, my father hates beer.”

“Nah, that’s okay.” Liz answered. “I’m not that thirsty right now.”

“Yeah, me neither.” Brendan said. “How about I give you a grand tour of the plane?”

“You mean there’s more to see than this?” She waved her hand around the part of the plane that resembled a living room.

“Yeah, there’s the back of the plane that’s really interesting to see.” Brendan said, “There’s the washroom.”

“Ah, of course,” Liz said, smiling. “I absolutely have to see the washroom.”

Brendan smiled and took Liz’s hand in his. “I’m really glad you came with me this weekend.”

“Well, I’m glad I came to,” Liz said, “I haven’t taken a break from working for...well, actually, I’ve never taken a break from work since I started working for Lois. It’s great to get away from it all, you know?”

“Yeah,” Brendan said as he slowly leaned down to kiss her. “It is.”

Brendan kissed her passionately, and all thoughts immediately flew out of her head as she lost herself in the moment. He carefully pulled her down with him onto the plane’s leather seat as he placed both his hands on her hips and kissed her hard on the mouth.

Maybe this weekend will be great after all, Liz thought.

*************************************************************

Roswell, New Mexico

“Max!!”

The door to Max’s room burst open and Isabel, smiling widely, hurriedly walked in. “Max, wake up.”

“Huh, what?” Max said, his eyes snapping open. “What’s wrong? Where’s Xander??”

“Xander’s fine,” Isabel said, “But I have some great news for you.”

“And you had to tell me at 6:45 in the morning?” He asked, shooting at his clock that lay on his bedside table.

“Yes,” Isabel said, still smiling widely.

“Fine, tell me before you explode.” Max said, pushing the sheets off the bed as he slowly sat up, yawning.

“Okay,” Isabel said, giddily. “I think I found the answer to your problem. You know, the whole Tess being back in Roswell thing.”

“Really,” Max said. “Then tell me because I’ve barely been able to close my eye’s since I found out that Tess had been stalking my 6 year-old son to school everyday.”

“I talked to dad.” Isabel said, “And he told me that it would be great if you and Xander wanted to come to New York for the weekend with the two of us.”

“I don’t know, Iz,” Max said wearily.

“Come on, Max. It’ll get you and Xander out of this town for a while.” Isabel pleaded, “You need this little weekend getaway, Max, trust me.” She paused, “And there’s no way in hell that Tess would follow you to New York.”

“What if she does something to Michael? Or Maria?” Max asked, “Or what if she went after Kyle and his dad? Nobody would be here to protect them.”

“Michael’s here.” Isabel said. “He knows how to protect himself. And I know he won’t let anything happen to Maria, Kyle, or Kyle’s dad.”

“Yeah, it’s just-”

“No, Max,” Iz said, shaking her head. “Dad managed to get two extra plane thickets. Plane leaves at 10 so we have to be at the airport at around 8 which means that you have to start packing now.”

She switched on the light, momentarily blinding Max who let out a small groan.

“Okay, okay,” Max said, “You win. Go wake Xander up while I take a quick shower, okay?”

“Alright,” Isabel said, “I’ll call dad and tell him your coming.”

“Great,” Max groaned as Isabel hurried out of the room. For some reason Max had a weird feeling about going to New York. He didn’t know what it was but he had a feeling that something was going to happen this weekend.

And he had no idea if it would be a good thing or a bad thing.

*************************************************************

San Francisco

Liz and Brendan were still making out on the leather couch, both starting to breath heavily.

God, I could probably do this all day, Liz thought through a happy haze.

“I could do this all day,” Brendan whispered as he kissed her some more.

“It’s like you read my mind,” Liz replied as the two continued to kiss.

Finally after several more minutes of heavy kissing, Liz began to pull herself away from him.

“Why are you stopping?” Brendan asked huskily.

“Because we’ve been doing this since we took off,” Liz said, giggling. “We need a break. I need a break anyways.

“Have a mentioned how beautiful you are, Liz Parker?” Brendan asked, gazing into her eyes.

“You have mentioned it a couple of times,” Liz smiled as she snuggled against his chest. His arms immediately went around her small frame as he held her against him.

“What hotel are we staying in anyways?” Liz asked, curiously as he gently stroked her hair.

“It’s a surprise.” Brendan answered as Liz’s stomach contorted in knots as she remembered the conversation she had with Serena a couple of day’s ago.

“And what about this meeting anyways?” Liz asked. “What’s it about?”

“It’s this meeting with a couple of lawyers.” Brendan answered. “These lawyers are coming from all over the States. Santa Monica, California, Las Vegas, Nevada and this little town called Roswell in New Mexico. My dad would of come himself only he was sort of busy with this case he’s been working on for a while now.”

Liz stiffened when he mentioned Roswell. She prayed that it wouldn’t be anyone that she knew.

“Are you okay?” Brendan asked worriedly when he saw her face pale slightly.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Liz said, her head still resting against Brendan’s chest.

“I had momentarily forgotten that your family lives there,” Brendan said. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring it up, it’s just-”

“Hey, it’s okay.” Liz said, trying to reassure him. “Really, it’s no big deal. It’s not like there’s going to be anyone that I know in New York anyways.”

“Yeah,” Brendan said, “Of course not.” He stayed silent for a while after that and Liz knew that something was bothering him.

“Brendan, what’s wrong?” Liz asked, “You seem...deep in thought. Like your somewhere else.”

“It’s nothing,” Brendan answered, putting on a smile.

“No, there’s something that’s bothering you,” Liz said, lifting her head from his chest and looked at him squarely in the eyes. “Tell me what your thinking about.” She said softly.

“Your family.” Brendan said finally. “I was just thinking about them, that’s all. You never really...talk about your past in Roswell. You never really talked about it with me.”

Liz sighed and rested her head once more on Brendan. “That’s because my past is full of...not so good things. Things that I’ve been trying to forget about for years now.”

“But you can tell me anything, Liz.” Brendan said, “You know that, right? You can tell me anything, even if it’s about your past. The only one thing I’m pretty sure of is that you left Roswell because of some guy that probably broke your heart, am I right?”

Liz was quiet for a moment as she thought of what to answer him. She should tell him the truth. Or part of it anyways. He deserved to know a little bit more about her past other than she left Roswell at the age of seventeen.

“Yeah, your right.” Liz answered. “I did leave Roswell because of a guy. But like I told Serena and Rachel thousands of times, there’s more to it than that.” She paused. “I had a best friend, his name was Alex. He died when I was seventeen in a car crash. Or that’s what most people thought anyways. Some people started to believe that he had actually committed suicide, but I knew they were wrong. I knew that Alex never would have done something like that or that it had actually been the accident that took his live.” The memory of it all brought an back an onslaught of pain that still managed to hurt as deeply as it had years before.

“So I started looking into it, and all the evidence I found pointed out to me that it was someone who had killed him, not some stupid car crash.” She continued. “That’s when my friends started abandoning me. My other best friend, Maria, she got mad that I was looking into the case. She was pissed and she stopped talking to me for a while. And then this guy...Max...He didn’t believe in me either, he was with this girl, Tess...I just”

“Hey, it’s okay,” Brendan said, when tear’s started forming in her eye’s. He held her tightly against him. “You don’t have to tell me anymore if you don’t want to.”

“No, I want to.” Liz answered softly. “You deserve to know. It’s just hard for me to talk about it that’s all. The point in all of this is that one night I went to Tess’s house to get some information about something, and Max was there and he just started yelling at me and basically I just left town that night and I’ve never been back since.”

“You loved him, didn’t you?” Brendan asked gently. “This Max guy, I mean. But he was with another girl.”

Liz let out a small harsh laugh. “I have to say that’s kind of my fault. I was kind of the one who pushed them to be together and I did technically sleep with my ex-boyfriend when Max was trying to get me to be with him again. He caught us in bed.”

“Oh,” Brendan said. “That must have hurt.”

“Yeah, he was hurt all right.” Liz said, “But I was hurt too.” She wiped a small tear away from her eyes. “I’m sorry, I know how weird it must all sound. There’s a little more to it than I just told you but it’s just that it’s kind of complicated to explain.”

“I understand,” Brendan said gently. “Sort of.”

“It doesn’t matter anyways.” Liz said, “It’s all in the past. I’m not planning on going back to Roswell. That part of my life is dead and buried.”

Or so I hope, Liz thought.

[Buffsteraddict]

Ooh, I so knew I could do this!! I finished the next Chapter, only I didn't get it checked over by To_Kiss_A_Frog. Dang it, I'm to excited, I need to post this new part now.

So I shall post this now. Thanks to everyone for the great feedback from the previous Chapter! It's always immensely appreciated!

Thanks!

Steph

*************************************************************

Chapter Seven

Liz sat quietly in the car as Brendan drove the sleek white Mercedes Benz down the highway. She sat still, gazing out of the window as the road flashed by her field of vision.

They had landed just about twenty minutes ago at the JFK International Airport where a car had been waiting there for them. They had immediately hit the road and they were now about five minutes away from reaching New York City. Liz could see the peek of the Brooklyn bridge that was quickly rising ahead. She could feel Brendan reach out and take her hand in his own as he continued down the highway.

Liz couldn’t help but feel a foreboding feeling about this trip. Something simply wasn’t right. Something was going to happen and she had no idea what it was.

“You okay?” Brendan asked worriedly as he glanced at her.

“Yeah, why?” Liz asked, putting a smile on her face. “I’m fine.”

“Alright,” Brendan answered. “You kind of look...I don’t know, you just look a little freaked out about something.”

“No way,” Liz answered immediately. “I’m fine. I’m better than fine actually.”

“Great,” Brendan answered. “We’re almost there.”

“Alright,” Liz said smiling. “So, are you going to tell me where your taking me or do I have to guess?”

“Alright, alright, I’ll tell you, I’ll tell you.” Brendan said in a defeated voice and a small sly grin on his face. But before either Liz or Brendan could say something, a cell phone rang. Liz glanced in Brendan’s direction and saw him let out a small sighed as he reached inside his jacket’s pocket and pulled out a small cell phone. He pressed on one of the buttons and held the phone to his ear, keeping one hand on the steering wheel.

“Hello?” Brendan answered the phone.

Liz turned her head and continued to stare out the window as Brendan spoke in the receiver. Liz knew immediately that this was a business phone call.

“I’ll be there in about 15 minutes, dad.” Brendan said as a small frown formed on his face as he spoke. “We just arrived in New York City, we’re <i>on</I> the Brooklyn Bridge as we speak.”

There was a short pause and then Brendan spoke again,

“So when’s this meeting anyway’s? And <i>where</I> is it?”

Brendan continued to steer the car as they got onto the Brooklyn Bridge. By then Liz had a full visual of New York City and she couldn’t help but let out a small gasp when she saw how beautiful all of it was.

“Alright, dad.” Brendan said, “I’ll talk to you later and I’ll see you Tuesday morning first thing.”

And with a final word of goodbye he hung up the phone and slipped it inside his pocket, focusing his attention back to driving and back to her.

“So?” Liz ask curiously. “What did daddy want exactly?”

“He just wanted to remind me at what time this meeting was.” Brendan explained. “There’s going to be a series of meeting that I have to attend this weekend. The first one being tonight, the second one being tomorrow, then there’s another one on Sunday and Monday.”

“You have one tonight?” Liz asked, pouting slightly. “I thought we could do something tonight. And now your telling me that your going to be working?”

“Don’t worry, there’s going to be plenty of time to do something together this weekend.” Brendan answered with a small wink. “I brought you here for a reason Liz. I want you to have fun this weekend and I want you to take a break from all the hard work that you’ve been doing lately.”

At that precise moment, a cell phone rang again only this time it was Liz’s.

Liz shot Brendan a sheepish smile and reached inside her purse to pull out the small device. She pressed the button and held the phone to her ear.

“Hello?” She answered.

“<i>Liz!</i>” The voice on the other line exclaimed. “<i>How’s it going!?? God, you’ve only been gone for half a day and we miss you already!</i>”

Liz smiled in the receiver. She didn’t even have to ask who it was she knew it just by hearing the excited voice on the other end of the line.

“Hey Rachel,” She said, “It’s nice to hear your voice. I mean, when was the last time I talked to you? Ah, yes, it was this <i>morning</I>.”

“<i>What can I say? I miss you.</i>” Rachel said, “<i>I mean, Serena’s nowhere to be found. I tried calling her cell phone and she’s not picking up. I’ve also tried calling her place and she’s not picking up over there either. And now I’m bored and I don’t know <i>what</i> to do it.</i>”

“Go take a walk.” Liz answered with a small shrug of her shoulders.

“<i>Funny,</i>” Rachel said and Liz could just imagine Rachel rolling her eyes on the other line. “But, seriously, where are you right now?”

“<i>We just arrived in New York City,” Liz explained as she flashed Brendan a smile. “Listen, can I call you back later?</i>”

“<i>You better,</i>” Rachel replied. “<i>Or I’m going to hunt you down, comprende?</I>”

“Okay,” Liz said, “See you, Rachel.”

And with that she closed her phone with a snap and stuffed it back in her purse.

“Wow, is that a record or something?” Brendan asked, “I mean, you talked to her about 3 hours ago and she’s already calling you to tell you that she misses you.”

“I know,” Liz said with a laugh. “That’s Rachel alright.”

“I’ll say,” Brendan said as they suddenly got off the Brooklyn Bridge and as they entered New York City.

Liz could feel the City’s buzz already. All of a sudden she was so excited that she forgot all about her foreboding feeling about this weekend.

“So, Mrs.Parker?” Brendan asked. “Are you ready to see the first surprise that I’ve got for you this weekend?”

Liz grinned widely, “Bring it on.” She said excitedly.

“Great,” He said with a grin of his own.

Fifteen minutes later Liz found herself in the heart of New York as Brendan pulled the car up to the front of an almost sky-high Hotel. She gazed up in amazement at the height of the Hotel.

“Welcome to the Hilton.” Brendan announced as the car came to a full stop in front of the Hotel doors.

One of the man dressed in a suit opened the door for her and she stepped out of the car, stretching her legs.

“Good evening.” The man said to her as he closed the door behind her.

“Uh, Good evening to you too.” Liz said a little uncertainly as the trunk to the car popped open and the man passed by her and headed for her bags that were located in the trunk.

“Oh, I can get those myself,” Liz said as she rushed to the back to help him carry the bags but before she had the chance to grab her own bags, Brendan stopped her by sliding his arms around her waist.

“No way,” He said in her ear, “I told you, this is <i>your</I> weekend. I don’t want you to do anything.”

“But, they’re just bags,” Liz whined. “<I>My</I> bags. Can’t I just-”

“I got them,” The man in the suit said with a smile. “This <i>is</i> my job you know.”

And with that the man disappeared inside the hotel with all of their bags and belongings.

“Come on,” Brendan said, pulling her my the arm towards the entrance. “I want you to see the room I got us.”

Liz smiled and let herself be dragged inside the hotel.

Brendan was right, Liz thought as she followed him. This is probably the only vacation she’s get in a long shot. She might as well enjoy it. Besides, she was going to have fun. She’d make sure of that.


*************************************************************

“Daddy!” Xander shrieked, giggling as his father lifted his son in his arms and placed him on his laps. “Are we almost there, daddy?”

“We’re almost there, Xan.” Max said, reassuring his son as they drove down the streets of New York City. Their plane had landed a little bit over forty minutes ago. His father had rented a car, a mid-size SUV, and now here they were, in New York City.

Of course, Max had already been here before. The last time he had been here, he had been with Tess. The two had attended a Summit along with both Lonnie and Rath.

He felt a wave of disgust as he remembered the events that had happened a little over 6 year’s ago. He felt stupid and completely disgusted with himself as he remembered;

***

<i>There was something Liz said...just before we left. She told me the granilith could be dangerous if it fell into the wrong hands.</I> Max had said to Tess as the two had been sitting somewhere in downtown New York City. The two had been talking about their possibilities and what they should do about Nicholas, Khivar, and about giving up the granolith to him,

<i>How does she know that?</I> Tess had asked curiously.

<i>“She wouldn't say.</i>” Max had answered her with a frustrated sighed.

“<i>But she's never even seen the granilith.</i>”

“<i>I know. I know. But I just keep thinking about it...the way she said it...she seemed so sure. I just don't know what to do.</I>”

“Whatever you do...it'll be the right choice. I'm sure of it. "

“Why?” Max had turned to face her.

“Because despite whatever Nicholas said about you in there, I know that you were a great man in that other life. A great king. I know it in my bones.”

“All you've ever done...is trust me, been there for me whenever I needed you. I've never done anything to deserve that kind of loyalty.”

“I think in that other life...you must have been one great husband.”

***

“Max, are you okay?” Isabel asked, looking back at him from the front seat. Max shook his head, shaking those memories away. How could he have been such an idiot? Everything she had told him had been complete bullshit. Everything had been lies. God, for all he knew she could of been working with Nicholas, Lonnie, and Rath all along.

He hated her. He hated her so much. She had ruined everything. She had fucked his life up and turned it upside down in a moment. And most importantly, she had ruined his chances of being with Liz. Everything Max could of had with her, his future with her. A wedding, a family. All of it had been ruined in one night.

“Daddy?” Xander asked, reaching out and touching his father’s face. “Daddy, you look a little lost in thought. Daddy, are you okay?”

Max managed to swallow and blind the tears away as he held his son in his laps.

“I’m fine.” He said, “I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?” Philip asked from the driver’s seat. “You look a little pale.”

“No, I’m fine.” Max lied, “I guess I’m just a little tired from the plane trip and all.”

“Okay,” Philip said, “Well, we’re here anyway’s, so if your tired you can just go take a nap or something while Iz and I stay with Xander.”

Max shook his head, “No, It’s okay. I’m okay.”

All of a sudden Isabel let out a loud gasp from the front the passenger seat as she stared straight ahead. Her eye’s were wide open as she simply stared ahead.

“Isabel, what is it?” Philip Evans.

“Max,” Isabel choked out. “Max, look,”

Max took a deep breath before following Isabel’s gaze outside and straight ahead.

Max Evans felt himself go numb as he saw what Isabel was being so frantic about.

There, standing next to a shiny, white Mercedes stood the only women hat could make him feel like this, Liz Parker.

And holding her around the waist was another man.


*************************************************************

[Buffsteraddict]

Hey,

A big thanks to everyone for the feedback! And now here's Chapter 8!

Steph

***********************************************************

Chapter Eight

“Wow,” Liz said, looking around the large and spacious room with a huge smile on her face. “This is amazing, Brendan.”

She laughed and crossed the room towards the large bed and then threw herself on it just as Brendan threw himself on the bed beside her, wrapping his arm around her waist and burying his face in her hair.

“I’m glad you like it.” Brendan said..

“How much time until you have to get to this meeting of yours?” Liz asked as she snuggled closer to him.

“Bout’ half an hour.” Brendan replied, holding her tightly. “I don’t want to go. I don’t want to leave you here all by yourself.”

“Hey, I’m going to be fine.” Liz said, “I’m a bit tired so I might just take a quick nap or something. How long’s your meeting going to be?”

“Ughh,” Brendan groaned. “I have no idea. But I have a feeling it might take a while. I should be back by eight tonight.”

“Eight?” Liz said, pulling herself away from Brendan and propping herself up on one elbow. “Your going to leave me here all alone in this big city for four hours??” She put on a small pout on her face.

“Hey, if I can get out of the meeting early, you know I will right?” Brendan asked, reaching out and touching Liz’s face.

“I know,” Liz answered. “And now you better get going or your going to be late to this meeting.”

“I still have half an hour before the meeting starts,” Brendan whined, wrapping his arm around her waist once more.

“But you have to find the place,” Liz said, “That may take a while.”

“Your right.” Brendan sighed. “Fine, I’ll go.”

“Okay,” Liz said as Brendan leaned in and gave her a small kiss on the lips.

“I love you.” He said after pulling away from her.

Liz froze immediately at his words. She couldn’t help it. Every time he said those words to her she froze. She wanted to tell him that she loved him to. She wanted to so much. But...would she mean it if she said it?

“Me too.” Liz answered, putting a smile on her face. She turned and then stuck a finer out in the direction of the door. “Now <i>go</I> or your going to be late and when you get to this meeting everybody’s going to be staring at you funny cuz your late.”

“Okay,” Brendan said as he rolled off the bed and grabbed his briefcase off the floor and bent down next to Liz to give her one last kiss. “Don’t forget, the car is at your full disposition. And I can get you a driver to drive you anywhere you want. And you can also eat wherever you want, I left you some mo-”

Liz made a swift gesture with her finger and pointed towards the door as she smiled.

“I will see you tonight then.” He said, smiling before he crossed the room and opened the door, throwing her one last smile before leaving the room.

Once Brendan was gone, Liz let out a small sighed and laid back on the bed, grabbing the remote control and clicking the plasma screen tv open.

What was she supposed to do now? She had four hours to kill before Brendan returned.

She zapped the channels and yawned loudly.

Crap. Crap. Boring. Boring. Crap.

She shut the tv off with a click and rolled to the side of the bed, picking up the phone that lay on the bedside table. She quickly dialed Serena’s phone number and waited for someone to pick up.

<i>“Hello?”</i>

“Serena?” Liz said into the phone. “Hey, it’s me.”

<I>”Liz!”</I> Serena exclaimed over the phone. “Oh thank God!”

“Is everything okay?” Liz asked as she bent down next to the mini bar and pulled the door open, revealing large amounts of alcohol. Liz closed the door and stood back away, crossing the room towards the large window overlooking the city. She pulled the blinds open.

“What’s wrong? Is everything okay?” Liz asked as she stood there, mesmerized by the view from her window.

<I>“No,”</I> Came Serena’s reply. <i>“God, I just had a date from hell. Do you have <i>any</I> idea what I went through tonig-”</i> She paused. <i>“Wait what time is it in New York right now?”</i>

“Almost Five.” Liz answered, looking out the window. “Why?”

<i>Just wanted to know.”</i> Serena answered simply. <i>“Anyway’s, about what I was saying before. I had dinner with this guy tonight. God, it was horrible. I guess it’s safe to say that I won’t be seeing him again anytime soon.”</i> She paused slightly being continuing. <i>“Anyway’s, enough about me. What about you? Having fun yet in that big nice city your in?”</i>

“Brendan’s gone to his meeting.” Liz answered, “I’m here alone in the hotel room. More like a suite. I swear you’d go crazy if you saw the room I’m in. The view is amazing.”

<i>“Sounds great.”</i> Serena said, <i>“Dammit, someone else is trying to get through to me. I got to go. But I want you to call me later tonight, okay?”</i>

“Sure.” Liz said, “Bye.”

She clicked off the phone and placed it back on the charger as she looked around the room, unsure of what to do next.

She finally decided on heading an checking out the hotel. With a Hotel like this one, she was bound to stumble across something interesting.


**************************************************************************************

Max sat unmoving on the bed of the hotel room as Isabel and Philip stood a few feet away from him, both talking in hurried whispers.

“This was a mistake.” Philip Evans said, “God, what was I thinking? I shouldn’t of brought him here.”

“Dad, this isn’t your fault.” Isabel answered. “We had no idea that she would be here. I can’t believe her, after all these years.”

“Well, Jeff will be happy to know that she’s here and that she’s safe.” Philip said, taking out his cell phone. “I better give him a call.”

“No, wait.” Isabel said, taking the cell phone out of his hands before he had a chance to dial. “I need to find out more about this before you make that call to Jeff.”

“Izzy, do you have any idea about the guy who she was with?” Philip said with awe evident in his voice. “That guy happens to be Brendan Harris. The guy’s got more money than the entire town of Roswell.”

“He’s a Lawyer?” Isabel asked.

“Yeah, he’s a lawyer alright.” Philip says. “His father, James Harris is one of the top lawyer’s on the West <i>and</i> East Coast.”

“Wow.” Isabel said, “So they’ve got money, huh?”

“You have no idea.” Philip says. “And speaking of that, I really have to get to this meeting, Iz. And so do you.”

“I’m not leaving Max alone.” Isabel said, shaking her head. “There’s just no way.”

Philip sighed. “Fine. I’ll go to the meeting alone and you stay here with Max and Xander...” Philip looked around the room, suddenly alarmed. “Izzy, where’s Xander?”

Isabel turned around and looked everywhere, her face suddenly going pale. “Dad, he’s not here.”

“Dammit, he must of left the room and we didn’t see anything!” Philip said, shooting a look at Max, who was still sitting down unmoving on the bed, seemingly unaware of what was going on.

“Okay, dad,” Isabel said, “You go to the meeting, I’ll stay and find Xander. He can’t of gone very far, he’s got to be around the hotel somewhere. Don’t worry, I’ll find him, okay?”

“Fine,” Philip said, “I’m keeping my phone on. If something happens I want you to call me immediately.”

“Okay,” Isabel agreed. “I’m going to find him now.” And with that, she shot her brother one last look and then hurried out of the hotel room to find Xander.


**************************************************************************************

Liz wandered around the lobby, looking at the people all around her. Young couples, old couples, children and teenagers.

She crossed her arms across her chest as she continued her visit of the hotel when suddenly she felt someone bump into her.

Liz frowned and looked down when she noticed as small boy looking up at her with hazel eye’s.

“Sorry,” Liz said, looking down at him. “Are you okay?”

The boy simply nodded. “I’m okay.”

“Okay,” Liz said, looking around for the boy’s parents. “Um, are your parents around?”

“Nope.” The boy answered. “I don’t know where my daddy is.”

“Oh,” Liz said, “Do you want me to help you find our daddy? He can’t have gone very far, he’s got be around here somewhere.”

The little boy nodded as he continued to stare at her intently. “I’ve seen you before.” He said, reaching out and touching her face lightly.

“You probably saw me around the hotel or something.” Liz said, shrugging slightly. “You and your daddy must be staying at this hotel right?”

The boy nodded. “Yup. I’m here with my daddy, my aunt, and my grandpa.”

“Okay, then.” Liz said, “I’m going to help you find your family, but first I need to know your name.”

“Xander.” He answered. “My name’s Xander.”

“Okay, Xander.” Liz said, standing up. “Let’s go find your daddy, okay?”

“Okay,” Xander answered. “What’s <i>your</i> name?” He asked curiously.

“Liz.” Liz answered, looking down at him. “My name’s Liz.”

“Where do you live, Liz?” He asked,

“I’m from San Francisco.” Liz answered with a small smile on her face. Cute kid. “What about you? Where are you from?”

“Roswell.” The boy answered.

“Roswell.” Liz replied numbly. “Y-you live in Roswell?”

“Yup.” Xander answered. “I live in Roswell.”

Liz felt her legs go weak. This was too big of a coincidence.

“Are you okay?” Xander asked, tugging on her sleeve. “You don’t look okay.”

“Honey, can you tell me what your daddy’s name is?” Liz asked, bending down next to him once more, afraid to hear his answer.

“His name is Max.” Xander answered. “Max. And my Aunt’s name is Isabel.”

<i>Oh, God, Max is here</i> Liz thought as she felt bile rise in the back of her throat, <i>What do I do!?</i>

Most importantly, he had a son. And the mom’s got to be Tess. There was just no way that Tess <i>wasn’t</i> the mother here.

<i>Come on, Liz,</i> Liz thought, <i>Take a deep breath, you can do this.</i>

Liz took a deep breath and forced a smile on her face. “Okay, Um, then we better get going and find your daddy then. Do you remember you’re the room you were in? The floor you were on?”

“Yup, I think so.” Xander answered. “Fifth floor, room 213.”

“Wow, you have a pretty good memory.” Liz said as she led the way towards the elevator.

“That’s what my daddy says.” Xander answered.

“Yeah,” Liz said, looking away from him for a moment. Now that she knew who his father was, she couldn’t help but notice how much he looked like him.

<I>He slept with Tess</i>, A small voice at the back of her head screamed. <i>He loves Tess. He doesn’t love you, you obviously mean nothing to him.</i>

“Xander!” A voice called out, bursting through her thoughts. Liz looked up to find Isabel rushing towards them. She grabbed Xander and wrapped her arms around him, holding on to him as if there was no tomorrow.

“Xander, we were worried!” Isabel said, hugging him tightly. Suddenly she pulled back and stood up, enfolding a hand around Xander’s, she looked straight at Liz. Her brown eye’s piercing through her own.

“What are you doing here?” She snapped angrily, her angry eyes never leaving her’s.

“Nice to see you, too, Isabel.” Liz said icily. Who the hell did she think she was anyway’s? “Your newphew was apparently lost so I attempted to find his parents. Now that that’s done, I better get going.” She paused and let out a small bitter laugh. “Say hi to Max and Tess for me, will you?”

With that she turned on her heels and hurried off, not even knowing where to go. One thing she knew for sure was that she had to get out of here.


*************************************************************

[Buffsteraddict]

Hey guy's,

Here's another Part that I've been writting. You guy's are going to kill me that I didn't write more, but, anyways, I'm still posting this. A big thanks to everyone for the feedback, it's always appreciated.

Enjoy,
Steph

*************************************************************

Chapter Nine

Isabel clutched Max’s son in her arms as she watched Liz march off angrily. She was helpless to go after her with Xander in her arms, and it’s not like she could just put him down and leave him all alone while she went after her.

She knew that she hadn’t been the nicest person. She could of been a little calmer and more rational, but she couldn’t help. When she saw Liz standing there, she just couldn’t help but feel angry at her. Angry for what she had done to her brother and angry at what she had done to her friends and parents when she had left Roswell all those years ago.

“Izzy, you know that lady!” Xander said, staring at Liz as she walked away. “She’s a nice lady, she wanted to help me find daddy...I think you made her angry.”

“I think so too, sweety.” Isabel said with a small sighed, “Let’s go find daddy, okay? I’m sure you scared the crap out of him by taking off like that,”

<i>If he even noticed</I>, Isabel thought.

“Daddy was busy staring off into space and you and grandpa kept whispering to each other,” Xander explained as Isabel pushed the button for the elevator doors to open.

“You shouldn’t of taken off like that,” Isabel reminded him. “This is a really big hotel, something could of happened to you. You could of gotten lost,”

“I won’t do it again,” Xander said, “I promise.”

“I know you won’t,” Isabel said, still holding him in her arms.

They got onto the elevator and waited as the elevator went up and suddenly stopped at their floor. The doors open and Xander wriggled out of Isabel’s grasp as he rushed out of the elevator and hurried down the hallway to their room.

“Fine,” Isabel muttered more to herself than to anyone else as Xander hurried down the hall, “Don’t wait for me.”

“Daddy!” Xander said, bursting through the door of the hotel room. He hurried across the room and jumped into his dad’s arms. “Guess who I met just now?”

“Where were you?” Max said, hugging his son tightly. “I was worried. Where’s Izzy?”

“Right here,” Isabel said as she came into the room and closed the door behind her. “I found your son downstairs in the lobby.”

“I met Liz!” Xander burst out, a huge grin on his face. “She’s a really nice lady! Isn’t that the girl who’s daddy works in that nice restaurant with all the spaceships on the walls?”

Isabel swallowed hard as she took a few steps towards Max and Xander. Max immediately looked up at Isabel, visibly alarmed by the situation.

“What does he mean, he met Liz?” Max asked, his eyes boring into Isabel’s. “What is he talking about?”

“I got lost and she helped me find Aunt Izzy!” Xander continued, “Isn’t that great?”

“Wait, <i>what?</i>” Max burst out, putting Xander down on the bed. “Isabel, how did this happen?”

“He was wondering around the hotel and he got lost.” Isabel explained, “That’s what he says anyway’s. Apparently he bumped into Liz and she offered to help him find you.”

“Does she know that Xander’s my son? Does she know I’m here?” Max asked, suddenly feeling nervous and jittery.

“I think so,” Isabel answered, “She didn’t look surprised to see me. I think Xander might of told her some stuff.”

Max turned to face Xander, “Xander, what exactly did you tell Liz?”

“I told her my name.” He said, shrugging. “I also told her that I lived in Roswell and that you were my daddy and that she was my aunt. That’s all.”

Isabel let out a small sighed as she sat down on the bed next to Xander. “I think she still thinks that your with Tess because when she left she told me very sarcastically to say hi to you and Tess.”

Max took a deep breath and sat back down on the bed next to Isabel and his son.

“What am I going to do?” He asked, desperation obvious in his voice. “I-I have to find her. Do you think she knows about Alex? What Tess did to him?”

“What did she do to him?” Xander asked, looking up at his father in confusion.

“Nothing sweetie,” Isabel lied, running a hand through his hair. She looked at Max.

“I don’t know if talking to her is such a good idea, Max.” She said, “It’s just...I was sort of harsh to her. She got mad and stormed off. “I doubt she’ll want to talk to either of us anytime soon.”

Max sighed and rubbed his face. “Isabel, why?” He said, “You know it’s not her fault if she left Roswell. It’s mine. I’m the one who screwed thing’s up between us. I’m the reason she left.”

“Stupid reason to leave then,” Isabel said sourly. “I mean, most girls don’t hop a Greyhound over guy troubles.”

Max shook his head as Xander hoped off of the bed and sprang to the window of the hotel room, obviously bored with their conversation.

“I have to try to talk to her,” Max said, “I have to make thing’s right and I have to tell her about Tess...about what she did to Alex.”

“I had planned to talk to her before I called her parents.” Isabel said, “Figure out some stuff from her, like where she’s been all these years. But I guess my attempt at talking to her failed.” She paused, “Maybe I should go call them right now.”

“Fine, you do that,” Max answered. “And keep an eye on Xander. I’m going to find Liz and see if I can try to talk to her.”

“She was heading outside last time I saw her,” Isabel said as Max got up from the bed. “Max, wait.” Isabel said, stopping him. “About that guy that she was with.”

“I don’t-” Max started but stopped himself. He swallowed hard and looked at the floor momentarily. “What about him?”

“Dad told me who he is,” Isabel said. She didn’t want to tell him but a part of her felt like she had too. “His name is Brendan.” She said. “Brendan Harris.”

Max felt his insides churn but he waited for her to go on.

“He’s a Lawyer.” Isabel said, looking up at her brother. “And apparently he’s a hell of a good one too. His father’s loaded with money, or that’s what dad said anyway’s.”

“Daddy, take me with you.” Xander said. “You have to take me with you.”

“Xander, I can’t.” Max said, “You have to stay here with Aunt Izzy, okay? I’ll be right back, I promise.”

“Fine,” Xander pouted as he turned to Isabel. “Can you take me for a milkshake, then? I’m thirsty.” He stated.

Isabel smiled. “Sure.” She said, “I just have to make a phone call first, okay?”

“Okay,” Xander pouted some more as he hopped up on the bed.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” Max said.

He walked out of the room and headed downstairs to the lobby. He had to hurry if he wanted to catch up to Liz, not that he even knew what the hell he would say to her once he found her. He was scared to talk to her. What if she was married? What if she had a kid with her or something? And where did she live? Obviously if that guy she was with had a lot of money as Isabel had said, she was probably living in some mansion somewhere out there.

He hurried across the lobby and towards the front doors of the Hotel when he spotted her, talking to a man who seemed to work at the Hotel. He felt his heart constrict at the sight of her. She hadn’t changed much since the last time he had seen her. Her hair was a little longer and layered. She was smiling up at the man standing in front of her.

He took a deep breath and pushed the doors open. He stepped outside and advanced towards her.


**************************************************************************************

Liz excited the hotel and stumbled outside in the warm summer air.

She couldn’t believe it. Max Evans had a son. And Tess Harding was the mother. The perfect little family. She wondered if they lived in those pretty little white houses with the perfect front yard with really green grass and nice, tall trees with some cute little white dog.

She shook her head in disgust. Who cares? All she had to do now was avoid Max for the entire weekend and then she’d head back home to San Francisco early next week. New York was a big city. She could hide from him all weekend if she wanted to.

“Can I help you with something, Ma’am?”

Liz turned to find herself staring at a tell, dark haired man who was dressed in a dark black suit.

“Uh,” Liz said, taken aback. “No, not really. I’m fine.”

“I’m Rob Wilson,” The tall man clarified, “Mr. Brendan Harris asked me to stand by here in case you needed to use the car. I can get someone to get the car for you if you wish.”

“Oh,” Liz said surprised. The car. She could easily get away if she had the car. That was a good thing.

“Sure, why not.” Liz said, “That would be great.”

The man smiled and reached inside his pocket for his cell phone. He punched in several buttons and held the phone to his ear.

“Get Mr Harris’s car up here.” He said into the phone. “Mrs Harris is requesting it.”

“Mrs <i>Parker</i>.” Liz corrected him when he had snapped his phone shut. “We’re not married.”

“Your not?” The man said, sounding slightly surprised.

“We’re not.” Liz repeated.

“Oh well, my bad,” He answered.

At that moment Liz felt a hand on her shoulder and she jumped into the air, surprised.

She turned around and her mouth practically fell open when she saw who was standing there. Shock and surprise registered on her face as she stared at the man who stood before her.

************************************************************