Troubled Soul--(M/L--Mature) COMPLETE --Oct 18

[Behrsgirl1230]

thanks so much for the great feedback! I was really self concious about that last chapter so I'm glad you all enjoyed it. I'm updating early since I will be out of town until Sunday so my next update will be next Monday.
aussietrueblue, Earth2Mama, Topy458, adreamer
Thanks soooooo much! Your feedback means the world to me!

Chapter 11

We made it home around the same time we would have gotten home from school...a little later but our parents didn't seem to notice. Max dropped me off in front of the crashdown and gave me a soft kiss and said he'd stop in later. I got out of the jeep and watched him drive away before going inside to see if Maria was in for her shift yet.

I said hi to my parents as I walked through the door to the backroom and luckily Maria wasn't there yet. I put my books down and waited for her so I can have her cover for me for skipping school.

She walked in about 2 minutes later and just as she was about to say "LIZ WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU TODAY?!" I gave her a look and brought her to my room to tell her everything....and yes I mean EVERYTHING. We're best friends it is my duty to tell her what happened between Max and I.

She started flipping out when I told her. She was so happy that Max and I had worked things out and she was also thrilled that it was possible to make love with the czechoslovakians.

I changed into my uniform and walked downstairs to start my shift. Max ended up stopping for a little while but couldn't stay long because he had to work that night. The entire day I just had a smile on my face. Maria said I was glowing....and thats how I felt.

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

The next day at school I couldn't wait to see Max. I didn't get a chance to talk to him last night because he got out of work really late and I fell asleep. When I woke up this morning I noticed the missed call from him and the voicemail he left me. It was great to hear his voice even though it was only a message.

I went to my locker and then went around the corner to go see if Max was at his except when I turned the corner I froze. There he was, with a big smile on his face laughing as Tess had her arm entwined in his. Maria came up behind me and asked what was wrong and then looked to where I was looking. She gasped and while she was still looking in that direction said, "Oh my God what a dick! Liz....Liz?" That's all I heard as I ran into the bathroom crying.

I cried and cried and cried and then looked in the mirror and saw that my mascara had run all down my cheeks. I washed my face and then went into my backpack to retrieve some make up to cover up my red face from crying so much. As I was pulling out my makeup i heard something fall out of my bag.....my pills. I looked down at them, opened up the bottle, and took 2. I reached into my bag for a drink and it wasn't until after I had drank half of the bottle that I realized it was my alcohol not soda. I know what you're thinking, why did it take so long for me to figure out? I was in a different world and didn't really taste the alcohol until i finished my first sip, which happened to be half the bottle. Anyway, I realized that probably wasn't the smarted thing in the world to do. (take pills with alcohol) but oh well, it makes me feel twice as good.

Unfortunately I wore short sleeves today so I couldn't cut my wrists. I was a little bummed about that. But not nearly as upset as I was that Max wanted to be with Tess after everything that had happened with us yesterday. God what was I thinking that he wanted to be with me? I'm such an idiot. I finished my alcohol, threw the bottle in the trash and walked out of the bathroom slightly buzzed. It must have been a mixture of downing the smirnoff and taking the pills.

I feel someone run up to me as I walk down the hallway, I turn around and see Max. "Liz..."

"What do you want?" I spit out at him.

"Liz let me explain."

"You don't have to. You never really wanted me back...it was the chase wasn't it? You loved the chase of trying to get me, and then you finally did and now you want to move on. I get it. I was just a good fuck to you wan't I Max?"

"Liz stop you know thats not true"

"Do I?" I said and tried to walk away but he grabbed my arm. "Let go of me!"

"No...what the fuck is wrong with you Liz?! Can't you see that I'm in love with you....YOU! Not Tess not anyone else....you. It's always been you and I don't know why you keep doubting it."

"Maybe if you weren't all over Tess I wouldn't doubt it."

"Liz that's not what happened and you know that. She came up to me and was telling me about what she had to do in Drama class yesterday with Neil Summers. Neil has been after Tess ever since she got here and she was telling me what he was doing to her and it was funny....so I laughed."

"Lame excuse Max. Next time try to think of a better lie." Again I started to walk away but he ran in front of me and stopped me.

"Liz, I'm telling you the truth. He was putting his arms around her and kept giving her these absolutely horrible [/] pick up lines. I couldn't help but laugh." I looked up at him and neither of us said anything. "Liz... you have my heart. not Tess, you. I feel nothing buyt friendship for her. For you, I feel everything. My stomach still rumbles everytime I see you, or hear your voice." He takes my hand and puts it up to his heart. "Everytime I'm with you, or think about you, my heart beats so fast, and in that very spot, that's where you are to me. Right there....in the center of my heart. You have the biggest part of my heart Liz. You always have, and you always will. I just wish you would realize that." He kissed my hand let it go and walked away.

I stood there for a while just thinking about what he said. Maybe he was right. Just then Maria came up to me.

"Hey you ok?" she looked at me really concerned.

"I don't know." She then hugged me and didn't let go as my sobs overtook me and i went hysterical in her arms.

"If it makes you feel better, I went up to the jerk and put him in his place. You should've seen his face....priceless." There was a long pause. "And for the record....I don't think he was doing anything with Tess. When I went over there she was going on and on about Neil Summers, that is until I flipped them off and freaked out on Max."

I laughed at that. I can't believe she actually flipped them off. "Thanks Maria. You're the best. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"It's what I'm here for girl....always!"

With that we walked down the hallway and headed to class.

********

When I got to Chem and sat next to Max he didn't even look at me. So I did the one thing I could think of. I lifted his face and cupped it in my hands so he had to look at me and said, "Hey.....I'm sorry. I should have trusted you but I didn't. Can you ever forgive me."

He looked at me for a while and then just like that episode of Boy Meets World he grabbed my face with his hands and said, "Of course. because I love you"

"I love you too" and then we kissed. a soft innocent kiss since we were in class, but still a kiss none the less. We could hear the people around us whispering and the couple people that started howling and whistling at us and we couldn't help but laugh. Looks like things might actually be ok in my life for once.


Sorry so short....I'll be back on Monday!

[Behrsgirl1230]

Well I'm back from stalking the Backstreet Boys! haha and I did a good job too! I met Nick two more times and Kevin and AJ again and I ended up in the 3rd row for one of the concerts so I had an absolutely AMAZING time!

Anyway....I'm going to Europe on Friday so I will try to update this again either tomorrow or Thursday. And if I'm not mistaken there will be an internet cafe near our hotel in Rome so maybe i'll even get to update while I'm over there! I'll be back on the 21st so hopefully you all can hold out until then lol. I'll try not to end it in a cliffhanger cuz I know I would be pissed if I were you guys lol.

Thanks so much for your great feedback aussietrueblue, Earth2Mama, and Topy458 You guys must be reading my mind about the professional help! haha. Enjoy the next part!

Chapter 12

All through class Max had a weird look on his face so I decided to ask him about it once class was over. "Hey," I said taking his hand while he was getting his books together. "what's wrong?"

He looked at me for a while and opened his mouth as if to say something but stopped. Then he finally said "Do you wanna go somewhere after school?"

I was caught off guard by that response so I simply said, "Uhhhh sure I guess. But that doesn't answer my question."

"I know sweetheart.....I know." Then he kissed my cheek then said "Meet me by my car after school." he then kissed my lips and walked out of the room leaving me there. *Did I miss something?*

****

The rest of the day went by pretty slowly because I was thinking about what was wrong with Max the whole time. Finally the bell rang and I ran to my locker and got my things together and ran to Max's car before I could see anyone. Thankfully I didn't have to wait long. Not even a minute after I had gotten there I saw Max walking towards me.

"Hey beautiful" He said as he kissed me.

"Hey yourself handsome. Where are we off to?"

"Just somewhere private where we can talk. Hop in."

I did as I was told and got into Max's jeep. The ride was pretty silent, but nice at the same time. He held my hand over the stick as he drove and he kept looking over at me and smiling. A couple times he even brought our joined hands up to his lips to kiss. I can't believe I lived without this for so long. I kept glancing over at him and it looked like something was on his mind and it was really starting to freak me out.

"Hey" I said

He just looked at me and mumbled a "hmmm?"

"What's wrong? You're really starting to scare me. What is this all about?"

He pulled over to the side of the road, turned the car off and took his seatbelt off. Then he turned in his seat to face me and grabbed my hand again. I'm really getting scared. Oh God he wants to break up doesn't he?! I scared him before by freaking out and he doens't want to deal with that so he's breaking it off. Oh God oh God oh God. What am I gonna do? I can't be without him I just can't! Ok Liz calm down just let him talk...breathe.

"Liz...you know how much I love you right?" I nod. "And you know that I want to do anything for you right?" I nod again. "Well I really want to do something for you because I'm scared."

"Scared of what Max?" Is he scared of committing to me again? Maybe he thinks I'll leave him like I did at the pod chamber and he doesn't want to go through that.

He looks up and me with his eyes all glossy and what he says shocks me.

"You"

Me?! "M-me?" he nods. "Why are you scared of me Max?"

"I'm not scared of you....i'm scared for you."

I'm lost. I look at him weird and I think he can tell that I have no idea what he's talking about.

"Max you know I can help you fight your enemies when they come...no one or no thing will hurt me. I'll be fine."

"No Liz. This has nothing to do with aliens."

"Then what does it have to do with?"

"You Liz. Can't you see it? You're hurting yourself and I can't just sit here and watch you slowly kill yourself and not do anything to stop it!"

"Max what are you talking about?"

"Liz don't fucking play dumb alright! You know damn well what I'm talking about. You were drinking at school again today...I know you were. And you probably cut your wrists or took your pills or something too didn't you?"

I was silent. I just sat in his car with me mouth wide open. "How did you...."

"I could taste the alcohol on your breathe when we kissed in chem."

"Oh..."

"Liz I don't know what's wrong. I thought we had gotten past all of that but apparently we haven't. Liz...." He was silent for a while. "Liz I think you need to talk to someone about how you feel."

"Max I talk to you and Maria all the time."

"No Liz....a professional."

"You want me to see a fucking shrink?!"

"Liz..."

"No Max! God I can't believe you! You think I'm some psycho that needs therapy don't you?! Ya know what Mac fuck you! I don't need you or your stupid shit right now" I got out of the hopped in the back seat.

"Liz...."

"Shur the fuck up and just take me home."

"Liz stop. Just listen to me."

No Max you listen to me. I will NOT talk to some freakin person that I've never even met and tell said person all of my fears and secrets and thoughts. So just take me home and leave me the hell alone." I crossed my arms and slouched in my seat and looked everywhere but at him. I closed my eyes trying to make the tears not fall as I waited for the car to start....but it never did. All of a sudden I felt Mac's big arms engulf me and he put my head into his chest and I lost it. I just cried and cried and cried until i had no tears left in my system. I couldn't stop shaking either. For the first time i realized just how fucked up my life had gotten.and I didn't know what to do. So I just sat in Max's arms.

"Oh God Max, my life is so out of control. I've fucked it up so bad"

"Shhh Liz it's ok. I'm here, I'm never leaving you....I just want to help you. I want the girl that i fell so madly in love with back." He then kissed the top of my head and was rubbing his hands up and down my back to comfort me.

*******

I didn't even realize that I had fallen asleep until I woke up in my bed hours later. I was so confused. I got up and started calling for Max but obciously he wasn't in my house. I looked at my clock to see what time it was and saw a note there. I opened it up and read it.

Hey beautiful,
I'm so sorry about before. I didn't mean to make you feel bad in anyway, I just wanted to help you. You fell asleep in my arms in the car and I didn't have to heart to wake you so I drove you home and carried you to your room. You looked so peaceful and beautiful while you were sleeping. Call me when you wake up so I know you're ok.

I love you sweetie.

Love Always,
Max

With a smile on my face I grabbed my phone and called him.

"Hello?" It was Mrs Evans

"Hi Mrs Evans, it's Liz. Is Max there?"

"Oh hi Liz honey! Yeah I'll go get him for you" I could hear her scream for him in the background. "Max! Liz is on the phone!" there was a slight pause. "He'll be right there."

"Thank you Mrs Evans."

"Hello?"

"Hey Max."

"Hey...how are you doing?" I could hear the concern in his voice and it made my heart jump

"Better thanks. Do you know how amazing you are?"

"What do you mean?"

"I'm going to find myself a psychitrist. You were right....I need to talk to someone that doesn't know all of the drama that is our lives and straighten my life out. Because I don't want to lose you Max, and I know if I keep doing this to myself...that that..." I couldn't finish because my tears took over.

"Shhh Liz it's ok. It's ok. I'm gonna come over ok? I'll be there in 5 minutes. Will you be ok?"

"Y-yes. Thank you Max. I-I love you."

"I love you too sweetie.....I love you too"

[Behrsgirl1230]

I'm back! Sorry it's been so long. When I got home I wanted to catch up on all the stories I was reading before I posted more lol. Thanks to all of the readers and lurkers!

Earth2Mama, Topy458, Emz80m, Penny C, Timelord31

Chapter 13

I hung up with Max and sat on my bed crying waiting for him to get here. I was crying so hard that I didn't even hear him come through my window and walk up to me. It wasn't until he lifted me up and held me in his arms that I realized he was there.

"Shhh. It's ok sweetie. I'm here Liz everything will be fine. Shhh." He said to me and he was stroking my hair.

"Max I'm so scared."

"I know sweetie, I know. But everything is gonna be alright. Don't you worry. We're gonna get you help and you'll be as good as new before you know it. ok?"

I just nodded against his chest. Then he lifted my head and held my face in his hands and said, "Liz, I love you so much. We're gonna get through this....I promise you." Then he kissed me.

"I love you too Max. I don't know what I'd do without you right now. Thank you for being here and helping me."

"I'll always be here for you Liz. No matter what...always."

I just smiled at him and then we layed down on top of my bed together and fell asleep in each other's arms.

We woke up a few hours later when my mother came into my room and woke us up.

She started to shake me. "Liz. Liz honey wake up."

I slowly got up and when I started to sit up Max awoke as well. "Mom? What's wrong?"

"Hi Mrs Parker" Max said sleepily. "Sorry, we were just talking and fell asleep."

"It's ok kids. It's almost 9:00 though. Do you kids want something to eat?"

Max and I looked at eachother and agreed. "Sure Mom, that would be great thanks."

My mom left the room and Max and I layed back down and just stared at each other. Max broke the silence a few minutes later. "Are you gonna tell your mom about what's going on?"

"I don't know. I'm scared. What will she think of me?"

"She'll think its wonderful you're trying to get help. And she'll still love you, but I'm sure she'll be scared for you....just like I am."

"I know. You're right" I sat there thinking for a little while.

"Hey...you alright? he asked me.

"Yeah I was just thinking.....I don't want to tell her alone....will you come with me?"

"You know I will." Max said smiling and then kissed my forehead. "Now let's go downstairs and get some food."

"Good idea." I laughed.

****************
Max left at around 10:30 and I went up to my balcony and layed on my lounge chair to think. Then I did something I hadn't done in a long long time.....I got out my journal and wrote.

It's December 14th. It's been a while hasn't it? To sum up what's happened tince I last wrote, Max and I were together for 3 months, then I broke up with him so he could follow his destiny. Good thinking Liz....nope! Then a future version of him came to me and told me to break his heart and then things began to spiral out of control. I've fucked up my life so bad. The only good thing about it is that Max and I got back together and nothin is going to break us apart. He's my heart, my soul, and my life. Without him I would just crub,le and fall apart, and I guess I really started to. So now with Max's help I'm going to get my life back together. I'm going to start by telling my mom what's been going on with me (leaving out all the alien stuff). Then I'm going to see a psychiatrist. Max thinks it will really help me. He's just the greatest. I hope my mom doesn't take what I have to tell her too hard. Max said she'll be worried about me, but she'll be proud I'm getting help. I really hope he's right....

I was interupted when I heard my phone ring.

"Hello?"

"Lizzie?" The person on the other end cried.

"Maria what's wrong?"

"C-Can I come over?" she sobbed.

"Of course you can. Do you need anything?"

"Just a shoulder to cry on."

"You got it girl. I'll be waiting on my balcony. Just use the ladder ok?"

"Ok. Th-Thanks Lizzie."

"No problem Maria. love you"

As I was waiting for Maria I put my journal away and called Max. We discussed when I would tell my mom and his wanting to tell her tomorrow won out over my wanting to wait a few weeks. So he's coming over tomorrow after my Saturday morning shift at the cafe. I didn't tell him that Maria called because I didn't know why she was so upset, but I'll be sure to tell him everything tomorrow.

About a minute after I got off the phone with Max, Maria climbed up my ladder and I ran up to her and engulfed her into a giant hug.

"Maria, what's wrong? What happened?"

"My mom...she...she..."

"What did she do?"

"She didn't do anything....she has cancer."

I didn't know what to say. I was in shock. I've known Mrs DeLuca my whole life and I can't believe this. The only thing I can do right now is hold my best friend and pray to God that everything will be ok.

"Do you wanna sleep here tonight?"

"That would be great."

"Ok...come on. Let's get inside." We got inside and I sat on my bed with Maria's head in my lap as I played with her hair. "When did you find out?"

"Right before I called you. She sat me down and told me she went to get a mammogram and they found cancer. She said they told her it was in the very early stages so she'll most likely be ok if they begin treating her now but.....oh God Liz I'm so scared."

"Shhh...it'll be ok. Don't worry. She'll go for treatment and everything will be fine." We were silent for a while. "Does Michael know?"

"No I called Alex after I called you but he wasn't home."

"Do you want me to call him and have him come over?"

"No, I'll tell him tomorrow. Right now I just need my best friend."

"Alright...well you got her right here. Don't worry about a thing."

I heard a knock on my door, and once again it was my mother.

"Oh my God Maria. Come here." Maria got up and walked over to my mother who gave her a huge hug. "I just got off the phone with your mother. How are you doing?"

"I've been better" She laughed.

"Oh sweetie don't you worry about a thing. She told me it's treatable and she has a 90% chance of beating it."

"Thanks Mrs Parker."

"Mom is it ok if she spends the night?"

"Of course. I'll be downstairs if you girls need anything."

"Thanks" Maria and I both said.

Maria and I got changed and into bed and talked about other things the rest of the night until we passed out. The whole night all I kept thinking was that I can't believe everything that's going on. I feel like my life has become one huge nightmare. Most of all, I can't believe Maria came to me before Michael. If it were my mom I know Max would have been the first person that I called, and it really scares me to think that I've put Maria 2nd in my life when for as long as we've known each other she's been first. I feel like such a horrible friend right now....

[Behrsgirl1230]

Ok so I was a little weary on posting my last chapter cuz I wasn't all that happy with it, but then I figured I'll leave it up to you guys. So since you guys weren't thrilled with it either I decided to rewrite it and repost it. So here's that and I will most likely add Chapter 15 later on tonight.

Chapter 14....again

Maria and I woke up the next morning and my dad told her to go home and be with her mother and not worry about her shift. All throughout my shift instead of thinking about what I was going to tell my mother about what I had been going through, I was still thinking about what a bad friend I've been to Maria. I made a promise to myself to have a long talk with her and tell her everything that's going on in my life, because I know she would be just as scared as Max is about me if I let her in.

I was so lost in my thoughts about this that I didn't even notice Max walk up behind me as I was wiping down a table until I felt his strong arms wrap around my waist. I turned around in his arms.

"HEY!" I said returning the embrace and lightly kissing him on the lips.

"Hey you. You sound nothing like I thought you would this morning." He said with a smile on his face.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, we are about to go talk to your mom and you don't sound nervous at all. You almost sound......chipper." He laughed.

"Nah, I'm just really happy to see you. I don't like being separated." Then i wrapped my arms around his waist and pressed my head against his chest. He then kissed the top of my head.

"Me either honey."

Just then my mom walked in. Perfect timing mother...grrrr.

"Hi Max, how are you?" she said to him.

"Hey Mrs Parker. I'm great how are you?"

"Just fine thanks. What are you doing here so early?"

"Uhhh..." He looked to me.

"Mom can we talk to you upstairs please."

"Oh God you're pregnant aren't you?!"

"What?! No! Mom, please this is important."

"Fine but let's hurry before your father suspects anything."

We followed my mother upstairs into the living room. She sat on the chair while Max and I sat on the couch, his hand never leaving mine.

"So what's the matter?" She asks us.

I look at Max, and he nods silently telling me it's ok and that he's there for me. I take a deep breath and begin talking. "Well Mom, have you noticed that I haven't exactly been myself lately?"

"I thought something was off but I thought it was just because you 2 broke up. Ever since you got back together you've seemed fine. Why?"

"Well...I'm not entirely ok." Tears started forming in my eyes. "After Max and I broke up I started to get really depressed." I took another deep breath. This was a lot harder than I thought. "I didn't know what to do with myself, so I would sit in my room and cry. One day I started cutting myself. I thought it would have been a one time thing...but it turned daily. Then that wasn't enough so I started taking the pain medicine the doctor's gave me for when I got my wisdom teeth out." Tears were now freely flowing down my face and Max never let go of my hand. I was looking down the whole time because I couldn't bare to see the look on my mother's disapointed face.

"Are you still doing these things?" she asked me and I could tell she was crying as well.

All I could do was nod. "Not as frequently, but yes."

"Oh my God Lizzie..." that was all she could get out before she broke down and I lost it with her.

Max could tell that I couldn't go on so he finished for me. "Mrs Parker, the reason Liz is telling you this is because I've convinced her to talk to someone about this. I'm terrified I'm gonna lose her and I don't want that to happen. We need your help to find the best psychiatrist out there."

What my mother did next shocked us both. She stood up, walked over to us and engulfed us both in a huge hug. "Thank you...both of you. For being honest with me Lizzie and confronting me about this. And you Max...for helping my little girl. I can tell you are the best thing that has ever happened to her."

The three of us sat there for a little while still locked in an embrace before mom finally let us go. "I actually do know a good psychiatrist. Do you mind if I go give her a call now?"

"Not at all Mom...thank you." I said with a smile on my face. Then watched my mom leave the room. As soon as she was gone Max hugged me and wouldn't let me go. We just sat there for what felt like hours and I felt so safe in his arms.

"I'm so proud of you Liz." he said then held my face in his hands and kissed me. "So proud. How about we hang out tonight. Just me and you and a movie...your choice."

"I would love that...but can it be tomorrow? Maria really needs me right now." For the first time in my life I was choosing my best friend over Max...and it felt good.

"Sure. What's wrong with Maria?"

"Her mom has cancer. She found out last night. I just really think I should be with her tonight."

"Oh my God of course. Tomorrow night then...you're allll mine." he said and wiggled his eyebrows up and down.

I just laughed. "I love you Max."

"I love you too Liz"

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

The next day

I sat on my bed and pulled out my journal and started to write.

It's December 16th. I decided to call Maria and have her over last night. I needed to tell her everything. Of course she had no complaints and came over right away. We talked about everything and she said her mom is starting Chemo on Monday. I just have this feeling that Mrs DeLuca is gonna be ok. It's a very comforting feeling actually. Anyway...so I told Maria exactly what had been going on with me and she yelled at me for a good 5 minutes on how she couldn't believe that I didn't talk to her about it. I told her that I dwas going to get help and that I was going to be ok and that if I started up again she'd be the first person I tell....even before Max. I then told her how I felt like I had been a horrible friend to her and she told me I was being ridiculous and that she understood that what Max and I have is different from her and Michael. It was an emotional night filled with laughter and tears and friendship.

I felt lips against my cheek and looked up and saw my wonderful boyfriend sitting on my bed. "Hey sweetie"

"Hi. I love that you sneak up on me like that."

"Oh yeah?"

I then crawled on his lap and began passionately kissing him. "Yeah"

We kissed again this time more hungrily. "mmmm good to know. So how are you feeling today?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean are you feeling depressed or anything today? Any..cutting since last week?"

I felt a little weird about him asking me this...I don't know why...I guess it's just another thing that going to the psychiatrist will help me with. "Umm...no. I feel fine." I replied with a weak smile.

"Liz...you'd tell me right?" He said running his fingers through my hair.

I nodded and he seemed to accept that.

"Ok...so what are our plans gonna be tonight?" he asked me.

"Well...my dad is working the grill for the next hour, and my mom just left to go to the mall with my aunt for the next few hours so how about we take advantage and do something here....right now?" I unbuttoned his shirt as I was saying this and I could feel his arousal pressing into me.

"Liz...we can't." He said taking my hands away from his shirt.

"Why not Max?" I asked him hurt.

"Liz...we can't just have sex because you don't want to talk about what's happening to you."

"There's nothing to talk about Max!" I yell as I get up off of his lap and walk around my room frustratingly running my hands through my hair.

"Fine!" He said as he got up and started walking to my window.

"Liz, I don't know what to do about you anymore but I don't want to argue with you. I'll be at my house. Come by later if you still want to hang out." He didn't even kiss me goodbye, he just disappeared through my window.

*****************
About an hour later I got a frantic phone call from Maria. She said she was at the hospital and for me to hurry over. So that's exactly what I did. I got to the emergency room and found Maria there waiting with Sheriff Valenti and Kyle.

"Maria!" I screamed and ran to her and hugged her. "What's wrong? What happened?"

"My mom" she said sobbing. "we were watching tv and all of a sudden she started having a seizure."

"Shhh. She'll be fine Maria don't worry." However I wasn't really so sure. I just held her and just kept telling her everything would be ok. Valenti then came over to me.

"What did the doctor say?" I asked him.

"He said that the cancer is spreading very quickly...much quicker than it should be, and they aren't sure if chemo will work."

"Oh my G..." I couldn't even finish my sentence. I was in complete shock. Mrs DeLuca might now make it out of this and I don't think my best friend will survive losing her mother. Maria is so strong...but her and her mother are so close...almost as close as the two of us and I can't lose her. I knew right then and there what I had to do to ensure that my best friend and my second mother would be ok.

*******

Later that night

It was getting late so I left Maria and Valenti at the hospital while Kyle and I headed home. Instead of going home I went somewhere that I knew I needed to go. To Max.

I walked up to his window and hesitated to knock. But then I looked in and saw him laying on his bed and he looked upset. He kept looking at his phone. I wonder if he was debating calling me or not. I wonder if he's been like this since he left my house this afternoon. Just as I was about to knock he looked up and saw me there. As soon as he saw me a smile appeared on his face. He walked over to his window and opened it for me. He helped me in and neither of us said anything. We just held each other as I sobbed into his chest.

"I'm so sorry Max....so sorry" I cried.

"Shhh...Liz it's ok. I should be the one that's sorry. I didn't mean to upset you before." He said as he rubbed my back.

"Can we have that movie night?" I asked looking up at him.

"Of course" he said kissing me on the nose. I giggled and then he said. "What do you want to watch?"

"Anything...as long as I'm with you." I said and then he kissed me on the lips.

"Come here." he said and dragged me to his bed. He put in a movie and I honestly couldn't even tell you what we watched. I had so much on my mind. I cuddled up into his side and felt so safe being in his arms.

"My mom made an appointment for me" I said randomly.

He looked down at me. "Really?"

"Yeah....Tuesday after school."

"Do you need me to come with you?"

"No...I think I'm going to be ok. For the first time in a long time...I think I'm going to be ok."

Max just smiled and said "I love you so much. Do you know that?"

"Yeah...I do. And I love you too."

Max then kissed the top of my head and wrapped his arms tighter around my body. It was then that I realized that with some help, pretty soon I'm gonna be the Liz Parker I used to be.

[Behrsgirl1230]

Chapter 15

I fell asleep in Max's arms watching the movie. When it was over he woke me up and asked me if I wanted him to take me back to my house. Although I wanted to just tell him I wanted to just stay right where I am, I knew I had to go home. We drove in silence most of the way until he asked me what made me change my mind about how I was feeling.

"After you left I got a phone call from Maria. She was at the hospital, so I went down there." Tears started forming in my eyes. "Valenti was there too and he told me that the doctors said that Mrs DeLuca might not make it. The cancer is spreading too quickly."

Max pulled over held me. He knows that Mrs DeLuca is like my second mother and I hate to ask him this but I know I have to.

"Max?" I said looking up at him.

"Yeah?"

"I really hate to ask you this and put you in this position...but is there anything you can do for her?"

He seemed to be thinking about it and then said, "I'll try."

I held onto him tighter. "Thank you"

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

Maria wasn't in school the next day, so I called her to make sure everything was ok. To my surprise she was at home, so I told her I'd head right over there after school.

I got to Maria's and found Mrs DeLuca there as well. I ran up to her and gave her a hug.

"What are you doing home?! Are you getting better?"

"No sweetie. The doctors said there is nothing they can do, so I forced them to allow me to be at home with the people I love until it's time for me to go."

"Don't say that Mrs DeLuca. You're gonna be ok. I just know it."

"Liz I appreciate your optimism, but we all have to face the truth." I started crying and gave her another hug and then Maria walked in. I ran up to her and hugged her as well.

"How are you holding up?" I asked her.

"Ok I guess. I'm just glad she doesn't have to be in the hospital and she can spend time at home" She replied and I just nodded in agreement.

For the next hour the three of us just talked and laughed about things and just enjoyed the time we had with Mrs DeLuca. Then I realized I had to head home for work and told them I'd be back tomorrow.

I got to work and had my usual customer waiting for me in his usual booth.

"Hey" I said taking a seat next to him in the booth.

"Hey!" He said kissing my cheek. "Where have you been?"

"At Maria's. The doctors can't do anything so Mrs DeLuca forced them to allow her to spend the rest of her time at home."

"It's that bad huh?"

"Yeah." I said sadly.

"Listen, why don't you go get changed for work, do your shift, and I'll head over to Valenti's and ask him what he thinks ok?"

I could feel the smile appear on my face. "Ok." I said and then kissed him. "Thank you so much Max. I love you" I then kissed him again and went upstairs to get ready for my shift.

After work I went in my room to do some homework and write in my journal.

It's December 19th. Christmas is almost here and hopefully Maria will get the best Christmas present ever this year. Her mom is getting worse. The cancer spread faster than they expected it to and they said chemo won't work. Max went to talk to Valenti today to see what he thinks about him maybe trying to heal her. I hope he does. I don't want to lose Mrs DeLuca. Losing her would be as bad as losing my own mother. With everything that's going on in my life right now, I don't think I could handle it.

On a diffent note, I'm going to the doctor tomorrow. Max offered to come with me but I think I can do it on my own. It's about time I started to become my independant self again and not have to depend on Max for everything like I currently am doing.

I heard a knock on my door and my dad peeked his head in. "Lizzie?"

"Hey Dad. What's up?"

"Max is here. Do you want me to send him in?"

"Sure Dad. Thanks"

"Thanks Mr Parker." I heard him say and then he walked in and came up to me and kissed me.

"Hey"

"Hey you"

"I missed you today. How did it go with Valenti?"

"Great. He thinks it's a great idea. So I'm gonna go over there tonight and see what I can do. Obviously we're gonna have to tell her so he thinks it will make it better for their relationship as well. Hopefully with Maria too. I think it would be good if she knew."

I attacked him with kisses and he fell back onto my bed. He started laughing. "What's this for?"

"Thank you Max. Thank you so much."

"I know how much she means to not only Maria, but to you and Valenti and I can't just sit around when I have this gift. I might as well use it."

"How did I get so lucky to have you?"

"I dunno. How did I get so lucky to have you?" He answered me with a smirk on his face.

I laughed. "So do you want me to come tonight or would you rather me not be there?"

"I would always rather have you with me than not with me." He said as he kissed me.

"Ok. Let me tell my dad where we're going and we can head over."


We got to Maria's and Kyle and Valenti were there.

"Max, Liz, what are you two doing here?" Amy asked.

"Well..." Max started but Valenti cut him off.

"Amy, Max is here to help you. He's going to try to make you better."

"What are you talking about Jim? Max isn't a doctor. Does he have some sort of healing powers or something?" She joked.

"Actually....yeah. I do." Max said and Amy's eyes nearly went out of her socket.

"Get out of town!" She laughed. But we were all silent just looking at each other. "Oh my God. You're serious aren't you." We all just nodded. "How?"

"Mrs DeLuca do you remember when there was that shooting at the Crashdown last year?" I asked her.

"Of course I do! I ran right over there terrified that the two of you had gotten hurt. Thank God neither of you did."

"Well actually I got shot...and I was lying on the floor dying...but Max ran over to me and saved me." I said squeezing Max's hand.

"I don't understand."

"Mrs DeLuca, what I'm about to tell you, you have to swear not to tell anyone. All of our lives will be in danger if you do." Amy just sat there in shock, and nodded. Max then told her about him, Isabel, Michael, and Tess, and a lot of what we have gone through. "The only people that know are Liz Alex Maria Kyle and the Sheriff...and now you. Please don't say anything."

"I won't...I promise. I'm a little freaked out, but if you could somehow save me Max, I'd be forever grateful"

Max nodded then let go of my hand and walked over to the side of her bed. He hovered his hands over her until he found the spot where the cancer started. He placed his hands on her chest and began the healing process. He stopped after a little while because it was making him very weak. He was getting nervous that it wouldn't work. Then started again with the faith that it would work. After what seemed like hours later, but in reality was only minutes, he was done and we waited for Mrs DeLuca's reaction.

"Oh my God. I don't feel any pain. It's completely gone." Amy was in tears and pulled Max into a hug. "Thank you Max. Thank you for allowing me to live to see my little girl graduate and get married and become a mother herself."

I saw Max blush a little and said it was the least he could do since Maria had been such a wonderful friend to him the last year and a half.

Maria then ran up to him hysterical crying and thanked him as well.

"So you're dating an alien huh?" Amy said to Maria. She just nodded. "Well...are my grandchildren going to be green?" She tried so hard to say that with a straight face but failed. Then we all burst out laughing.

Max walked over to me and put his arm around my waist. I looked up at him. "Thank you."

"Anything for you Liz...anything for you" and then he kissed me.

I looked around the room and couldn't help but smile. Maria and Kyle were off talking and Maria couldn't stop crying, she was so happy to get her mom back. Valenti was sitting on Mrs DeLuca's bed holding her hand. They really do look happy together, and they are so much in love. I could tell Max was looking around too, so I looked up at him and then wrapped my arms around his waist and stayed there for while being thankful for this close knit group of wonderful people I can call my family.

[Behrsgirl1230]

Thanks Earth2Mama for the feedback I can't even tell you how many times I've wanted to not continue with this story but even if there is one feedback I know I have to continue because that one person likes the story and would want me to continue. So thanks for leaving feedback and thank you to all the lurkers who read as well

Chapter 16

It seemed like I was sitting for hours when in reality it was only about 5 minutes. I hate waiting...waiting makes me anxious and nervous and i hate being like that.

"Liz Parker?" A female voice called out.

I stood up. "Yeah that's me."

"Follow me please."

I nodded and followed the woman into a room. She sat down on the ground and had me do the same. She was a short woman with short wavy blond hair. She was probably in her late fourties, early fifties.

"How are you today Liz? My name is Dr Lamey, but you can call me Lara."

"Hi Lara. I'm actually doing really well today."

"Well that's good. So do you want to cut to the chase or shall we get to know each other?" She said with a smile on her face. I really didn't care either way. I honestly just wanted this hour to be over with.

"It doesn't matter. Whatever you want." She stared at me for a second as if trying to decided what she felt was better.

"Liz you're not yet 18 is that correct?"

"Um..no I'm only 17. Why?" That was a random question that I wasn't expecting.

"Just making sure. Just so you are aware because you are a minor I will have to discuss with your parents what we discuss in here."

"O-okay." Damn. I hate that. I wish that I my parents didn't have to be involved, but hey they're paying so I guess I should give them that much.

"Liz, who do you feel closer to, your friends or your parents?"

"My friends" I answered right away. She smiled then took out a pad and pen and handed it to me.

"Do me a favor Liz. Write down the people in your life that are important to you in order of importance."

I nodded then picked up the pad and began writing. Without a doubt Max is first, then Maria and Alex are on the next line, the next line would be my parents and Mrs DeLuca, the next line Kyle, then Isabel followed by Michael and Valenti. Then I had to stop. I looked down at the list and realized...not only are these the only important people in my life...but they are really my only friends. How sad is that?

I put the pad down and Lara picked it up to look at it. "Max is your boyfriend isn't he?" She said with a smile and I simply nodded.

"How long have you been dating?"

"On and off for just over a year." I told her.

"You love him don't you?"

I nodded and said, "With all my heart. How did you know?"

"I could tell from the look in your eyes. As soon as I mentioned him your eyes lit up and you started glowing."

"Yeah, he's my everything. He's actually the one who made me come here."

"Oh yeah? Why is that?"

"Well, he was worried about me. He told me he didn't want to lose me."

"Why would he think that he would lose you?"

I focused my attention on this painting on the wall. I couldn't bare to look her in the eye. "When we broke up I got really depressed..." I had to pause and blink back some tears. "I started to hurt myself, and continued to when we got back together. He found out and got really scared."

"What would you do to hurt yourself?"

There was a long pause. I really didn't feel comfortable talking about this with a stranger and I think she could tell.

"It's ok Liz. We can talk about something else." I wiped my eyes and just nodded.

The rest of the hour was pretty much just us talking and getting to know each other and it went by rather quickly. In all honesty the whole session wasn't that bad.

"Ok Liz, our time is up. I hope I'll see you again next week." She told me.

"You will, don't worry." I said as I shook her hand. "It was really nice meeting you Lara"

"You too Liz." She walked out into the waiting room with me. "Is your mom going to pick you up or did you drive?"

"No my mom should be he...." Just as I was saying that I saw him. "Oh my God Max!" I ran up to him and he kissed me and held me. "What are you doing here?"

"I convinced your mom to let me pick you up" He said and then let go of me and grabbed hold of my hands "How did it go?"

"Really good." I turned around and saw Lara there smiling. "Oh Lara this is Max. Max this is Lara" He let go of me and shook Lara's hand.

"It's nice to meet you Max."

"You too." He said and then looked at me. "Ready?"

"Yeah" I said as I grabbed his hand. "Thanks Lara. See you next week"

"Bye Liz." she said as Max and I walked out of the building hand in hand.

*********

"I'm so proud of you Liz." Max said to me as we were driving.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah" He looked over at me and smiled as he rubbed our joined hands with his thumb.

We sat there in comfortable silence for a while and then I asked. "How's Mrs DeLuca taking the news?"

"Actually really well. She's completely accepting and is even all buddy buddy with Michael now."

We both shared a laugh at that. "That's so great. I'm so happy everything has been working out...I owe that all to you Max."

"C'mon Liz...this is all you."

"No Max. Mrs DeLuca is alive because of you, and I'm getting help because of you. I may not be 100% better because of one session but it's a start. Before you know it I'll be the old Liz Parker again."

He lifted our hands and kissed them. "I love you so much"

"And I love you too"

He pulled up to the Crashdown and we both just sat in his jeep for a little while. "I don't want to go in yet."

"Why?" he asked me.

"Because my mom probably just got off of the phone with Lara and now she'll know everything I said in my session. That would just be so awkward."

"Then how about I come in with you. You know, we can have dinner. It will be like we're on a date."

"Yeah we could do that...or..."

"Or what?"

"Or we can go to Senor Chows and have a real date...just like our first one." I looked at his face and it simply lit up.

"I would love that Liz. Let's go"

Before I knew it we were off and in front of Senor Chows. This is our place. We come here all the time. I don't know why, but we've just always loved it. I love playing pool with him here too. It just reminds me of our first date and what a wonderful time we had until Maria interrupted us.

Max and I ate and then danced. "I Shall Believe" came on the jukebox and we knew we just had to dance even though everyone was staring at us cuz we were the only ones. It was so amazing. I love him so much and I'm so happy that I have him to help me through this rough time in my life.

[Behrsgirl1230]

Thanks Earth2Mama and all the lurkers for sticking with me throughout my first fan fic. It's been rough and fun and now it's coming to an end.

Chapter 17

It's been a year since I started going to my sessions and I really feel like I've changed. I feel like the old Liz Parker again. I haven't cut myself in over five months and I haven't taken any pills in almost a year. I still drink sometimes, but only when I'm at a party and Max is there to take care of me.

Graduation is only a week away and I'm so happy that I will graduate a healthy person. Max has never left my side since I started going for therapy. He's been my shoulder to cry on and he's been my savior. I don't know where I'd be right now if it weren't for Max, but I thank God for him each and every day. I don't know why I was the lucky one that he chose to love, but I am and I love him more for it.

Mrs DeLuca is doing great. The cancer is completely gone and the doctor's couldn't believe it. She's also been great with the whole alien thing and is so accepting of the three of them. Valenti even proposed to her six months ago. The wedding is only a couple months away.

Maria and Kyle are really excited for the wedding too. They enjoyed being friends and even though they get grossed out whenever they see their parents making out, they can't wait to become family. It's something neither one of them has ever really had.

Speaking of Maria...our friendship is great. I've stopped taking her for granted and realized that a friendship like ours is truly rare. We both realized that we were spending all of our time with Max and Michael and not each other, so we make a day each week for each other. No phone calls from the guys...nothing. Just best friends hanging out like we used to before the whole "Alien Invasion" happened.

"Knock knock." I hear Max say as he knocks on my door.

"Hey you." I say hopping off of my bed and running into his arms. "What are you doing here? Don't you have to work?"

"Nope it was really slow so Brody gave me the rest of the day off." He smiled and took my hand in his. "And now I'm taking you out."

I giggled. "Max! Where are we going?" I asked as he dragged me downstairs and into his jeep.

He took my hand, kissed it, and said, "It's a surprise." Then he smiled that smile of his that drives me crazy and he drove off."

We hopped out of the jeep and walked hand in hand into the desert where Max set up a romantic dinner.

I wrapped my arms around his waist and kissed him. "What's this for?"

"You" He said simply wrapping his arms around me. "You're my whole world Liz, without you I don't think I'd be able to live. I'm so grateful that you got help and are as healthy and happy as you are today." He paused and looked at the picnic table he had set up and let me over to it. "I wanted to do something for you before we graduate."

I kissed him again and said, "I love you. Do you know that?"

He laughed and said, "Yeah...and I love you too." He smiled and kissed my temple. "Let's eat"

I rolled my eyes. Of course, him being a guy all he can think about is sex and food and right now it had to be food.

We ate the amazing dinner that his mom helped him cook. Then we just sat cuddled up together and talked about anything and everything under the sun.

"I have something for you." He said out of the blue.

"Yeah?!" I said excitedly

"Yeah. An early graduation present because I love you so much." He said reaching under the table.

"What is it?!" He handed me a small wrapped box.

"Open it and find out silly" He said as he kissed the top of my head.

I opened it up and found a gorgeous platinum band diamond ring. It was absolutely beautiful. It had a diamond in the middle then in the shape of a bow had all jewels on each side of it. I stared at it in awe and then looked back at Max. Tears were swimming in my eyes.

"Max..."

"It's a promise ring." He said taking it out of the box and putting it on my left ring finger. "I want to be with you forever Liz, and even though we're going to different colleges, I want this to be a reminder to you of how much I love you, even when I can't be there to show it."

I didn't know what to say so I climbed onto his lap and kissed him. Before we knew it we were on the desert ground making out.

We made love that night under the stars and it was the most beautiful thing ever. I never really thought about the fact that I wouldn't see him all the time next year. That he'd be around a lot of other girls and I'd have to wonder whether or not those girls are trying to make a move on my man. But now with this ring, I'll know that I won't have to worry about that, because I'm the one that has Max Evans' heart, and I always will.

THE END