With Heavy Heart ( Part 5/13/06) Mature [WIP]

[Syke]

Okay, back by popular demand from all you wonderful people who keep leaving me this lovely feedback, I bring you the newest chapter.

Keep on truckin
Syke

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The five friends finished dinner and after Max caught up with the Parkers he finally went back to his childhood home. There was an aroma in the air, it seemed like a mix of rotting meat and, well, something he couldn’t quite place.

“Max,” Diane squealed as she saw her son. “You’re just in time. Dinner’s ready.”

Max smirked if only to keep from blanching, “Gosh Mom, I wish I woulda known because Isabel and I already had dinner at the Crashdown.” He tried to look genuinely apologetic but was failing horribly luckily; his mother was busy in the oven.

Diane stood bringing with her some kind of roast. At least that’s what he supposed it was, “Well, I’m sure your father and I will have plenty of leftovers. Where is your sister?”

“Off with that Valenti kid,” her son laughed opening the fridge and grabbing out a Cherry Coke. “I think they might have missed each other a little bit.”

“Ah young love,” Mrs. Evans sighed. “Speaking of, how are things going with Nikki?”

Max shrugged, taking a sip of his drink. “We’re good.”

Diane offered her son a small smile she knew not to push when it came to Max’s relationships. She and Philip had met Nikki once when they flew out to see him last fall. The cute redhead was nice and polite; she came from an impressive New England family and gave Max space to deal with his demons. Diane wondered if Max would propose but she knew better than to ask.

They both heard a car pulling into the drive. “I think Dad’s home better dish out some of that roast, he must be starving,” Max told his mother all the while chuckling silently to himself, poor Philip.

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Kyle had managed to talk his Dad into spending the night at the DeLuca’s so he and Isabel could have some time alone. There were candles everywhere and the light sounds of Gomez filling the room. He made Isabel wait outside while he lit the candles before pulling her into the living room. The tall blonde looked around and began laughing softly earning a pouty frown from Kyle.

She learned in kissing the younger Valenti, “It’s perfect.”

Kyle gave her a beaming smile, “Good, wine Madame?” He asked producing a bottle from behind his back.

“Yes please,” Iz laughed sitting down on the couch. “You know I’ve really missed you.”

Blue eyes met brown as they gazed at each other. Kyle couldn’t stop the smile that formed on his lips. Sometimes he would have to pinch himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming, who would have ever thought it possible that Isabel Evans would be sitting here with Kyle Valenti saying she missed him. Life was indeed perfect.

“Kyle?” Isabel whispered a hurt look starting to form on her beautiful face.

Valenti sat down beside her gripping Isabel’s perfectly manicured hand in his calloused one. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you Iz, so much.”

It was her turn to offer up a bright smile, “I can’t believe that Maria didn’t ask us if we even wanted to go to California.” Isabel said rolling her eyes.

“Hey, I’m all for any vacation that involves you in a swimsuit,” he laughed wiggling his eyebrows.

Isabel playfully punched his arm, “I can’t believe I’m dating such a perv.”

Kyle grabbed his chest feigning hurt, “You know I only ogle you.”

“And it better stay that way Buster,” Isabel’s smile died as she began fidgeting with the couch cushion. “Do you think Max is going to be okay with seeing Maria? He’s been so happy the last couple years.”

“Are you asking if I think he’s gonna relapse into brooding, mourning, sullen guy?” Isabel slowly nodded and Kyle sighed heavily, “I don’t know hun, it’s been two years since they’ve seen each other. Maybe his new girlfriend has helped him past it enough that he’ll be able to hang out with Maria and not throw them both into a deep depression.”

“I hope so,” She whispered before turning to Kyle with a sly smile. “What else do you have planned for tonight my loving boyfriend?”

“Oh Ms. Evans, you’ll just have to wait and see,” Valenti smirked pulling her in for a searing kiss.

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After watching his mother babble on obliviously and his father choking down the roast Max was finally allowed some silence. The room was exactly how he left it before Boston. He let out a heavy sigh and dropped his bag at the foot of the bed before flopping face first onto the mattress.

RING!!!!

Max groaned pulling the vibrating phone from his pocket, “Hello.”

“Just wanted to remind you that we have to leave Roswell by 9am to make our flight Maxwell,” Michael yawned obviously tired as well.

Max couldn’t help but yawn in return, “I know Mikey. Why are we doing this again?”

“Come on man, you haven’t seen Maria in two years,” Michael said crawling into his own bed. “Plus I think after being in Bean Town you could use some sun, sand, and surf.”

“Eh, maybe you’re right.”

“Maxwell, I’m the Law I’m always right,” Deputy Guerin smirked into the phone.

Max contemplated joking about the King always being right but refrained, “Night Mike.” He hadn’t pulled that card since Liz was found. Isabel, Michael and himself stayed away from their alien pasts, they had never discussed it but Max figured that Isabel and Michael felt the same way he did…guilty. Even though they had never found proof that Alex or Liz’s deaths were alien related they all knew that neither of their friends would be dead if they had never been brought into the secret. Tess kept pushing for a few months but when they didn’t budge she eventually gave up.

Max shut his phone and threw it on the nightstand before getting up and searching through his bag. There was no reason to unpack so he just pulled out a pair of Harvard gym shorts and a pillow, her pillow. After changing, Max made his way into the bathroom to brush his teeth before going back into his room and slipping between the sheets. Max breathed in deeply before letting his eyes drift shut, he wouldn’t dream of Liz tonight, here in Roswell he never did and while that used to give him solace years ago now it troubled him.

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BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

Max rolled over and hit the offending object. Sunlight streamed through the window illuminating his face. It was 7, Max had two hours before he had to meet the others at the Crashdown. He sighed as he rolled out of bed then grabbed a towel and went into the bathroom.

The water was warm as he stepped beneath it wetting his chiseled body. He washed quickly but took a moment to still himself under the steady stream. The water dripped drown through his long, dark lashes as Max opened his eyes staring at the tiles in front of him. Long fingers slowly rose up running over the spot, the tiles were still broken, Max pulled his hand away and turned off the water before stepping out of the shower and wrapping a towel around his waist.

7:32, he still had time. After throwing on a pair of black slacks and a crisp, black button down Max grabbed his bag and strolled out to the car. The town went by unnoticed as Max finally pulled up to his destination after making a quick stop. Max’s breathing became labored as he walked though the rows of granite and marble. There she was, well the spot where her body lay. The raven-haired boy slowly dropped to his knees.

“Liz,” his voice was barely a whisper. “I know I haven’t been here for a while…and I’m sorry,” Max’s voice cracked but he continued refusing to let his tears fall. “I’ve been so busy in Boston that it’s hard to get home as much. I brought you these,” Max said setting a dozen white roses at the base of her headstone, “Sometimes I wonder if they’re still your favorite or if maybe you’ve found something up there that puts even a roses beauty to shame. You did, I hope you know that…Jon says ‘Hi’ he and the guys won the national championship this year, he says you’re their good luck charm. I tried to get back the picture of you that he stole from me but once they started winning it was a lost cause. It’s pretty funny that a girl from Roswell, New Mexico is the saint of the Harvard hockey team,” Max smiled scratching behind his ear. “Anyway, Your parents are taking a vacation to Ireland for their anniversary, but I’m sure your dad already told you that.” Max smiled running his fingers over the other set of roses that Jeff dropped off once a week.

He took a deep breath before continuing not sure if he waned to voice this to Liz, “I…I’ve been seeing someone for a while now. Her name is Nikki and…she’s a really good person. I met her at the little coffee shop I go to all the time, the one I told you about. I care about her Liz, she makes me happy…and sometimes that scares me. I know that I can’t spend my life pining over you and living in dreams of a life we can never have but I still…the other day Nikki actually brought up marriage and I think my mother wants me to propose but no matter how much time passes or how amazing Nikki is,” Max closed his eyes trying to will back the tears. His eyes opened and focused on the lettering in front of him.

......................................................................ELIZABETH PARKER
.........................................................BELOVED DAUGHTER AND FRIEND

Max reached out running his fingers over the engravings, “Your still the only woman I want to give my name to.” With his final confession Max stood up and slowly made his way back to the car. Before climbing in he glanced one last time at the grave marker he’d just left and the message that would soon fade.

.......................................................................ELIZABETH EVANS
.............................................................BELOVED DAUGHTER AND WIFE

[Syke]

Aw...I think I love you guys...or I'm having a heart attack, does love include shooting pains down my left arm?

You guys seriously rock. I refuse to clue you in on what may or may not happen in this fic in the future but I do beg you to continue reading because it will be fabulous no matter what.

This is just a lil bit and it's not quite as angsty, I just wanted to give a little breather. I promise i'll get you more A.S.A.P. cuz y'all deserve it.

Keep on truckin'
Syke



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The flight out was short and sweet leaving the five friends with an excited buzz as they landed. This would be the first time all of them were together in two years. Kyle and Isabel had spent Christmas together in Aspen and they’d all been scattered during the summer making it hard to meet up in one place. As they drove in silence towards the shore each wandered through thoughts of what the week might bring.

“Is that the place?” Valenti asked gawking at the house before him.

Michael glanced down at the directions in his hand, “Same house number.”

There, a stone's throw, from the shoreline was a beautiful, stilted beach house. The siding was painted a light blue perfectly matching the afternoon sky. A spacious white deck, adorned with tiki torches and plush chairs, over looked the sand and water below. They all just stood glancing between each other and the house grinning like cats that ate the canary.

“Are y’all just gonna stand there all day or are you gonna come up here and give me some sugar!” Maria yelled from the front door causing all five heads to snap in her direction.

Michael could only smile as he ran up the stairs engulfing her in a tight embrace. After placing her back on solid ground Michael couldn’t help but sweep his eyes over Maria’s frame. The once pixiesque girl now stood as a sophisticated woman before him. Her hair was sleek, shoulder length, and a light brown that was actually found in nature. Maria gave him a knowing smirk before wrapping her arms around his neck once more.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” she mumbled into his shoulder making his grip tighten.

“Me too Maria, Me too.”

Suddenly Michael was being pulled backwards out of Maria’s arms.

“Don’t hog her Deputy Dog,” Isabel laughed. “We need some lovin’ too!”

The two girls hugged excitedly. Chattering like, well, like women.

Kyle crossed his arms over his chest and gave Isabel a pout, “How come you’re never that excited to see me?”

The tall blonde let go of Maria and turned towards her boyfriend to offer an explanation but she never got the chance.

“Ha ha, gotcha!” Kyle laughed lunging past Isabel to grab Maria into a bear hug.

Isabel shook her head in mock annoyance, “You jerk. I would have given her up in a minute.”

“Couldn’t wait that long,” the young Valenti said as he kissed Maria’s cheek.

As the two friends broke apart Tess walked up. Fiery green eyes met icy blue.

Maria gave the girl a once over, “You look good, Tess.”

“You don’t look too bad yourself…Superstar,” Tess smirked quickly embracing Maria before moving back beside Michael.

Max stood silently watching the interactions and pushed down the pain rising to the surface. Liz and Alex should have been there too, laughing and hugging but they weren’t, they never would be. A shook his head trying to clear those thoughts and offered Maria a shy smile.

“I won’t bite ya know,” Maria giggled as she moved towards Max

He scrunched his nose playfully, “Liar. That’s what you said last time too…I still have the scar.”

Maria laughed and leapt forward nearly knocking Max over. They hugged each other tightly as the rest of the group glanced at one another anxiously. And with that the gang was reunited.

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They grabbed their bags from the car and went inside gawking once again at the beauty of the place. The living room and kitchen were divided only by a bar area with tall, black swivel stools. The kitchen was done entirely in black marble with sparkling silver fixtures and appliances. Isabel ran a finger across the cold countertop with a delighted smile. The living room had two huge, black leather couches and an entertainment center to die for. Bright white shag carpeted the room with a black fur rug in front of the fireplace.

“Holy shit,” Kyle whispered looking around.

Maria’s face lit up, “I was worried you guys wouldn’t like it.”

They all turned and looked at Maria like she’d grown another head.

“Are you crazy?” Isabel laughed, “It’s perfect. Thanks for bringing us Ria.”

“You know I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she grinned. “There are four bedrooms. I figured Spaceboy and I would take one, Kyle and Iz in another, then Max and Tess can each have their own.”

Isabel frowned, “I don’t want to sleep with Kyle.”

Valenti shoved her playfully and wiggled his eyebrows, “That’s not what you were saying last night.”

Max blanched, “I really don’t want to hear about that.”

Michael laughed clapping Max on the back before picking up his bag and heading down the hallway. Leaving the others to follow suit.

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Max walked in to the room at the end of the hall and dropped his bag at the foot of the bed. It creaked slightly as he flopped down on it sighing heavily. He could hear muffled laughter through the walls and couldn’t help but smile. It felt good to be back together again even at the price of reopening old wounds. Although it’s not really reopening when they never fully closed he mused silently. Max picked himself up off the bed, grabbed his bag and began shoving his clothes in the mahogany dresser provided. The room was just as perfect as the rest of the house with white shag and black bedding. After pulling out all of his clothes Max removed Liz’s pillow from his bag, took a moment to breath in the scent of it and tossed it on the bed before heading back out into the living room.

The others were still fighting over bathroom space so Max took the opportunity to check out that massive deck. The sliding glass door soundlessly opened allowing Max to step outside. As the sunlight hit his face Max closed his eyes and breathed in deeply savoring the salty sea air. With a sigh he sank into one of the plush deck chairs and watched the waves rhythmically move along the shore. His thoughts drifted back to Boston where Nikki was probably sitting down to dinner with her parents. She was amazing he couldn’t deny that but his heart was still torn between his new flame and the one that still burned within him. Nikki was hinting at marriage and so was his mother but would it be fair to the refined redhead to put a ring on her hand that would always carry a shadow?

“Hey stranger.”

Max’s head snapped up to meet Tess’ friendly smile. He couldn’t refute that the blonde before him was much different from the one he first met so many years ago. But there was still some detachment in him where Tess was concerned, still a hesitation to let her in completely.

“Hey,” he whispered returning her smile.

The tiny blonde slumped down into the chair beside him, “How’s life?”

Max furrowed his brow. Talk about a loaded question. He gave Tess a slight shrug.

“It’s life,” he finally answered. “I’m interning at a great firm with Jon, so we keep things entertaining. How do you like working for my dad?”

Tess laughed and he noticed how the hollowness that used to be there had vanished. She smiled and shook her head.

“You’re dad is a riot Max,” she giggled again. “Sometimes he’s just so scatterbrained. The other day one of his partners, Jesse Ramirez, said that if it wasn’t for me your dad would never make it to his appointments.”

Max chuckled softly, “That sounds about right.”

The two former spouses smiled at one another before turning their attention back to the horizon. Tess pulled out a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses and laid back in the chair. Max glanced over at the petite girl next to him. There was a hum in the air Max mused, maybe this trip would help to mend old wounds instead of reopening them.

[Syke]

Here's a little bit...I hope to have another chapter up before Christmas...

but just in case I don't...

Happy Chrismahanukwanzakah! (I hate Virgin Mobile for putting that phrase in my head )

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The gang had spent two days basking in the warm California sun. There had been no weird alien occurrences, no FBI, no lies, they were just a group of normal college kids spending their Spring Break in the salty sea. Maria had woken everyone up at the crack of dawn to go shopping in Hollywood before they came back to the beach house to set up a bonfire/luau extraordinaire. There were tiki torches everywhere along with fresh flowers and coolers filled with bottled water and soda, being how the only member of the group that could drink alcohol without short-circuiting was Maria. Michael insisted on buying a whole pig to roast and was vigorously backed by Max and Kyle. The three men were currently down near the beach figuring out how to shove a metal rod through a pig carcass without using any powers…Isabel had started a bet between the girls on whether or not they could do it.

“Just shove it a little harder Max.”

“It’s too tight Michael, we need something to lube it.”

“Max just move out of the way,” Kyle grunted. “You just have to force it.”

Isabel stopped a few feet from the boys, her face screwed up in a disgusted look.

“If I didn’t know what you three were doing I’d be breaking up with Kyle right now,” she chuckled.

“Bite me, Izzy,” Michael spit out trying not to drop the giant pig.

Isabel smiled sweetly at her boyfriend, “I just wanted to let you hog wranglers know that we’re gonna head down to the market and pick up some more groceries.”

She didn’t get a response as the pig lulled forward and all three guys grabbed for it. The tall blonde rolled her eyes and walked back up the beach towards the house. The door squeaked as she slipped inside and went to sit beside Maria on the couch.

“Well they still haven’t used any powers yet but judging by the vein on Michael’s forehead it’ll happen sooner rather than later,” Iz offered taking a swig of Maria’s water bottle.

Maria laughed softly, “Ah, the vein…always a telltale sign of an impending hissy fit.”

It was at that moment that Tess appeared back in the living room, “Are you guys ready to go?”

The two girls on the couch nodded and stood up picking up purses and sunglasses. Grabbing the keys hanging near the door Tess made her way out into the driveway closing the door behind her.

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Five hours and a few alien power surges later the luau was in full swing. The six friends were sitting around a large bonfire eating and laughing decked out in swimwear watching the sunset with the Beach Boys blaring it he background.

“God, I feel like we’re in some hokey 50’s beach movie,” Maria laughed at Kyle and Isabel tring to do the twist.

Tess shook her head causing her blonde curls to bounce with abandon, “I know. I never thought watching Max and Michael try to surf could be so entertaining.”

Isabel jogged over and sank down next to Maria picking up her discarded water bottle. The three girls sat and adoringly watched their friends wrestle in the surf. The sun had sunk down into the horizon and a warm breeze enveloped them.

“Thanks again for inviting us,” Isabel said glancing towards the fiery girl beside her.

Maria just laughed, shaking her head vigorously.

"If you guys thank me one more time I’m gonna scream,” Maria said in a deadly serious tone. “All I wanted was some time with my best friends.”

Suddenly Maria stiffened as tiny arms wrapped around her. Tess blushed a little and smiled.

“Hey, I didn’t say thank you.”

“You hussies,” Maria chuckled. “I’m going for a swim.”

She leapt up running for the shoreline. Isabel and Tess followed her laughing loudly as Maria tackled Michael from behind sending him sprawling into the ocean. With a shocked expression Deputy Guerin sprang out of the water gasping for air. He narrowed his eyes at Maria who quickly tried to escape. A loud squeal sounded as Michael tossed Maria over his shoulder and began walking out towards open water.

“Michael!” Maria screamed beating his bare back with her tiny fists, “Please, I’m sorry…just don’t take me out there!”

Michael stilled but refused to put Maria down.

“You want to go back to shore?”

Maria nodded.

Michael smirked, “Whaddya gonna give me if I take you back?”

“I promise not to kick your ass when we get there Spaceboy,” Maria said in a sugary sweet voice that suddenly made Michael swallow nervously.

But Guerin was never one to back down so he didn’t move forward or back merely dropped Maria into the water below. She shrieked as she hit the water and Michael made a mad dash for the shoreline.

“Well, I’m beat…gonna go hit the hay,” Michael yelled back as he ran up the beach towards the house.

A chorus of laughter followed as Maria stood up glaring after the dead man currently making his way into the house. Those left down at the beach cleaned up quickly before following Michael back up to the house. It was pitch black before Maria realized that Max was nowhere to be found. She threw on a sweat shirt and made her way back down to the fire pit. It was there that she found him; Max was leaned up against a rock staring vacantly into the fire.

“What’re you thinking about?”

“Liz.” Max’s gaze didn’t leave the flames as he answered, he didn’t want to see the look on Maria’s face.

She sighed softly before running a perfectly manicured hand through Max’s shaggy hair. It’d been a while since she and Max had talked about Liz. Maybe it was asking too much to avoid the topic this week. She stepped in-between his legs and sat down leaning back against his chest.

“I still miss her Maria.”

Maria nodded softly, “I know hun…are the two of you still living in the old house?”

Max had told Maria about the dreams, the life they lived while he was asleep. She was the only one he’d told…the only one who’d understand.

“Yeah,” Max whispered. “We just bought a new jeep…They’ve started coming every other night.”

“That’s a good thing though, right? I mean you’re starting to move on,” Maria said picking at his board shorts.

Max groaned, “It still doesn’t stop me from comparing every girl I meet to her, everything Nikki does, I just…”

“You’re not the only one,” she admitted. “I have all these friends out in New York but whenever something happens I always wonder what Liz would tell me, how Liz would handle it. But I’ve started to realize that no matter how much I love her she’s not coming back. My best friend is gone and if I don’t move on it’s going to kill me too.”

She could feel Max swallow thickly behind her. He worked his mouth a few times before finally making any noise.

“I know, but I just feel like I’m losing her,” he sighed sadly. “I used to think about her all day, every day and then eventually it was just the dreams and now the dreams are going and I just feel like I’m forgetting her…and she deserves so much more than that.”

His voice cracked at the end causing Maria to tear up, “Max don’t do that, you are not going to forget Liz…ever. But do you really think she’d want you to just stop living? You know she wouldn’t. And…I really think she would have liked Nikki.”

She felt Max smile slightly, “Ya think?”

Maria nodded.

“I like the hair by the way, very suave.”

Max ran a hand through his shaggy, black hair, “Thanks. Isabel hates it, she thinks I’m going to start eating granola and wearing Birkenstocks.”

“Don’t listen to Isabel,” Maria laughed. “She’s dating Kyle Valenti.”

“Oh, goooood point.”

Max wrapped his arms around Maria tightly as they watched the moonlight bounce off the soft waves. Up at the house Michael sat on the deck staring out and his best friend and semi-girlfriend laughing together.

“I think you’ve got some competition Mikey,” Kyle said handing his friend a coke. “You better get down there.”

Michael shrugged, “I’m tired. I’ll wait and kick his ass when he gets up here.”

“Well if you need any help…” Kyle trailed off with a chuckle as he sank down into the chair next to Michael. What a perfect Spring Break.

[Syke]

As promised...here's the newest chapter, it's really boring and probably not worth reading but it was a part I really couldn't leave out

Merry Chrimukkah!
Syke

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“OH MY GOD…no! You can’t be serious…you are?…OH MY GOD!” Maria squealed effectively waking up the entire population of Southern California, “Don’t worry we’ll be ready as soon as the car gets here!”

Max stumbled out into the living room. His hair was sticking out in all directions as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes with shaky fists. When he finally gained his bearing Max glared at Maria from under his sleep heavy lids.

“The world better be ending in the next few minutes,” Max growled quietly. “Or you’ve got a five second head start DeLuca.”

Maria ignored his comment as she bounced over happily cupping Max’s unshaven face in her hands, “Maxwell I hope you brought your little black dress…we’ve got a party to attend.”

Max blinked once, twice.

“What?”

“Party, Max!” Maria whined rolling her eyes, “You know a social gathering where people get together and conversate-“

“I know what a party is Maria,” he grated out still obviously confused.

Maria laughed, “Are you sure?”

At Max’s blank stare she continued, “My producer just called, he’s in town and going to some big bash and he invited all of us.”

“Who’s throwing it?” Max asked with a coked brow.

“Who cares?!?!?” Maria exasperatedly cried out. “It’s a party. We’re going. Period. The car will be here at two, that gives us four hours to get ready…I better get Isabel in the shower now or she’ll never be ready…” Maria trailed off as she let go of Max and started down the hallway pounding on all of the bedroom doors.

Max slipped back into his room and flopped down on the bed as girlish squeals and uncaring grunts were heard through the wall. Her strawberry scent attacked his senses as Max buried his head in the pillow. Max closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, a small smile formed on his lips. After his talk with Maria last night Max felt lighter, he knew that he wouldn’t forget Liz but hearing her best friends say it out loud just helped him realize it. Maybe it was time to finally give his heart another chance. Now all he had to figure out if Nikki really was what he wanted.

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Four hours and two hundred outfits later the five friends were in the limo speeding towards Beverly Hills. Isabel smoothed out her lavender dress and leaned into Kyle prompting him to hug her closer.

“Aw, aren’t you two just the cutest!” Michael squealed in his best Maria imitation.

The fiery pixy wasted no time punching him in the shoulder…hard.

“Ow,” Guerin cried out.

Maria giggled, “I hope you’re a little more manly in front of your perps Michael.”

“Actually I heard Mikey throws on the garters before work,” Kyle laughed in a stage whisper. “At least that’s what my dad says.”

“Fuck you Valenti,” Michael grated out.

“Is that a threat or a promise?” Kyle asked wiggling his eyebrows.

Max chuckled as he peered out the tinted window. Maybe it was a good thing they lived so far away from each other. Long fingers absently tapped on the knee of his black dress pants, as Max’s thoughts drifted to the redhead waiting for him back in Boston. Was she the one? Should he propose? Those were questions he couldn't answer.

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The party was in full swing by the time they arrived. It was a beautiful, white mansion in Beverly Hills and the house was currently filled with every big name in the book Maria’s producer promptly grabbed her to go mingle while telling the others to enjoy themselves. Tess and Isabel scampered off to catch a glimpse of a man they swore was Brad Pitt while Kyle and Michael tried to find some good cigars. Leaving Max to explore on his own.

“Oh, no I don’t mind being left alone at all,” Max sighed as he stepped out of the doorway. “Just go, have a great time.”

After an hour of checking out every high price painting and sculpture the owner had and chit chatting with some of the guests Max had to admit to himself that the party hadn’t been such a bad idea after all. There had even been an offer for an internship from some high up LA lawyer, Max just wasn’t so sure if this guy was on the level…he looked like he’d stepped straight out of the Godfather.

There was a red carpet clad grand staircase that led to the upper floors and Max’s curiosity soon got the better of him. One room held a heap of music memorabilia, another awards and news clippings, still another was amazingly decorated in dark mahogany furniture and a bed clad in black satin sheets. Then he came upon a spacious, white balcony adorned with lilies, ivy, and white roses along the railing. Max stepped out onto it resting his elbows on the paling and glancing down at the cool, blue water of the pool. Suddenly Max noticed movement out of the corner of his eye and turned his attention toward the form near the deck chairs.

She was a Goddess if nothing else, she stood before him in a large fluffy white robe her face adorned with large, black, Audrey Hepburn style sunglasses and the outfit was topped of with a black newsboy hat tipped perfectly to the side. Max couldn’t help but stare as she slipped out of her robe placing it delicately on the chair beside her. This divine being had perfectly tanned, toned legs that segued into a tanned, toned stomach and supple breasts semi-modestly covered by her slim, black bikini. His breath caught as she pulled the cap from her head letting her hair fall around her perfect shoulders. Her hair was blonde, not that platinum Barbie color of Tess’ curls but that deep, California blonde that sparkled like gold in the sunlight. After slipping a holder from her wrist the tanned, toned creature pulled those golden strands into a high ponytail exposing her slender neck.

“What are you doing out here Maxwell?” Michael asked watching as Max stared unblinkingly below him. Without turning toward his friend Max just shrugged giving an unintelligible answer.

Michael laughed, “Damn, she must be hot.”

The two boys stood for a few moments and watched the Goddess gracefully dive into the pool.

“Let’s go talk to her Maxwell, see if we can get you laid,” Michael said pulling on Max’s arm.

Max sighed, “Mike, I’ve got a girlfriend you know.”

“About that…what’s up with you an Matty anyway?” Guerin asked picking at the railing.

“It’s Nikki,” Max corrected with a pointed look towards Michael. “And we’re pretty serious.”

Michael cocked a brow, “So why didn’t you invite her out to California with us?”

“She’s not exactly a fun in the sun type girl Mike. She’s intellectual and-“

“Max, are you really telling me that you’d rather mess around with pale, boring Matty than,” Michael glanced between Max and the girl below smirking. “That half naked, golden goddess currently swimming below us?”

At Max’s hesitation Guerin grabbed his arm, “That’s what I thought.” Then quickly dragged him down the stairs towards the pool.

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“Well if it isn’t Marty Bell, how’s the record business treating you?”

Marty laughed clapping the older man on the shoulder, “Same ol’ same ol’. This is some party, my friend. You sure know how to throw ‘em.”

The host gave a sly grin, “Did you expect anything less?”

“From you? No,” Bell said shaking his head. “I brought one of my new artists, Maria DeLuca, you’ve just got to meet her. She’s fantastic.”

“Maria DeLuca?”

Marty nodded, “Yeah when I got the invite I decided to let her and a few of her friends tag along. I hope that’s okay.”

“Marty, it was great seeing you,” the man offered shaking Marty’s hand. “I’ll call you soon.”

Suddenly his friend was rushing down the hallway.

Marty’s brow furrowed as he yelled after the man, “Is everything okay Cal?”

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

Just as they threw open the sliding glass doors a shrill voice stopped them dead in their tracks.

“Max, Michael. Where are you guys off to?”

Michael sheepishly turned to face the fiery pixy, “Maria, hey…um Max and I were just going to check out the pool.”

Maria cocked a disbelieving brow. “Uh huh, you were going out there to check out some chick. I can’t believe you two-“ suddenly she stopped mid sentence, “Oh. My. God. That’s my song!”

Before the two men had a chance to answer Maria was rushing out to the pool. Max and Michael turned to each other with a slight shrug before following, at least they’d have an in. They approached with the sweet sounds of DeLuca’s “Bruises” filling the air as the tanned girl pulled herself from the pool and began toweling off. Max noticed that she was even more perfect the closer he got. Suddenly he was standing beside her and she still hadn’t noticed them.

Maria cheerily tried to get the girls attention, “Hi, I’m Maria DeLuca we just noticed you were listening to my song and wanted to come out and meet you…”

The damp, petite blond stilled, slightly bent over and it seemed that her breath became somewhat labored. Max worried that they had frightened the girl. Slowly she raised herself up looking right at Max’s amber eyes. He inhaled sharply looking into her depths; they were a breathtakingly beautiful, green like an exotic African river. But he knew every golden fleck.

Max swallowed thickly before finally finding his voice, “Liz?”

The beautiful blonde offered a shy smile and a half wave, “Hey.”

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

I hope all you wonderful feedbackers enjoyed your Chrismukkah present!

[Syke]

I am so sorry my kiddies. I know that I've been MIA but I moved half way across the country and haven't had much time to update my fics.

Thanks for being so patient with me and leaving all the fantabulous feedback.

This is just a little bit and I'll be back with more in a couple days...I promise

Keep on truckin'
Syke

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

Max just stared in wonder at the girl before him. It was Liz, her cheeks, her lips, her smile…everything except those beautiful brown eyes he used to get lost in and that long brown hair he used to tangle his fingers in. Max briefly wondered if it still smelled like strawberries.

Maria had gone pale. What kind of sick joke was this? She reached out and tentatively poked this Liz-shaped girl in the arm. The petite blonde watched the finger make contact before giving Maria an amused look.

“LIZ!”

Every head snapped up at the stranger’s voice. A tall, bald man came jogging towards them causing Max to step protectively in front of Liz and raise his arm threateningly. Michael followed suit pushing a stunned Maria behind him. The man stopped a few feet from them and held up his hands in surrender.

Langley glanced behind him nervously before turning back to the group. He caught Liz’s eye as she peered around Max’s shoulder.

“Liz, why don’t you just head inside? I’ll take care of this,” he said motioning towards the house with his head.

Max’s eyes never left the man.

“You’re not going to do anything to any of us,” Max growled flexing his fingers.

Langley opened his mouth to reply but promptly shut it and clenched his jaw in frustration. Suddenly Max stilled as a small hand wrapped around his forearm.

“Max,” she whispered softly tugging his arm back to his side.

Liz gave him a soft smile before glancing towards Langley. Their protector sighed before pulling out is cell phone.

“Mason? Get everyone out. I don’t care what you tell them just clear out the house,” Cal closed his phone. Cal’s hands were shaking slightly as he removed his glasses and rubbed his face wearily. “Where are the others?”

Michael cocked his brow quizzically, “Who are you?”

“Cal Langley,” he said offering his hand to the alien before him. “Movie producer and defunct protector of the Royal Four.”

“Defunct?” Max queried.

Cal smiled wryly, “Too big of a word, your highness?”

“Langley,” Liz warned stepping up beside him. “Now is not the time.”

Max frowned slightly as Liz moved away. This girl had a confident swagger when she walked, not the thoughtful steps of the Liz he once knew. Amber met green and Max realized that she’d caught him staring. Her eyes held the same fire and wonder he remembered but buried further things had changed, the love that used to shine through…

“Max!”

His head snapped up at hearing his sister’s frantic call. Isabel came towards the group quickly with Kyle and Tess on her heels.

“They’re saying that everyone has to leave,” Isabel furrowed her brow. “Something about an emergency. I wanted to make sure everyone was all right. Who are th…”

The words died on her lips at the sight before her. It just wasn’t possible…but the look on her brother’s face told her that it was.

“Liz?” Kyle’s voice cut through the thick silence, “What the hell is going on?”

Michael nodded, “I second that question.”

Langley sighed picking up Liz’s robe and wrapping it around her shoulders. Liz pulled it up around her and began walking towards the house leaving the others to follow.

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

Once inside Mason ushered the group into the living room as Liz slipped upstairs. Max made a move to follow her but Mason blocked his way.

“She needs time to change.”

“Change?”

Mason raised an amused brow, “Her clothes.”

Max frowned and sat down next to Tess on the couch. The room was completely silent all were lost in thought. They all wanted to know who Langley was? What had happened to Liz, if indeed that girl really was their Liz. Why would she cause them so much pain, so much heartache?

“Is it really her?” Tess asked in a hushed whisper glancing at Max.

The amber-eyed alien just looked towards the stairs.

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

Liz stepped out of the shower and quickly dried herself off. Her whole body was trembling as she slipped into a pair of black sweatpants and a white tank. She sank down heavily into the chair by her vanity. Each strand of her damp, blonde hair sparkled in the fading sunlight. There were times when she could almost believe that the girl in the mirror was really her but today the past was crashing down around her.

“Liz?” Langley’s voice broke through her daze, “You’ll have to face them eventually.”

Her reflection smirked at him, “I know Cal…I just wanted a few more minutes of this life.”

“This is your life Liz. Just because they know doesn’t mean things change,” Langley said as he crouched down beside her. “You make your own destiny…it’s always what you choose Liz, your choice.”

Liz turned slightly staring out the window at the palm trees below, “Then why does fate insist on making me it’s bitch?”

A loud snort came from behind her as Cal stood up, “It’s been your bitch for the last four years…and don’t you forget it.”

Liz laughed softly before pulling her hair up into a high ponytail. With one more glance in the mirror she stood up and followed Langley down the stairs.

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

Each tick and tock of the antique Grandfather seemed to thunder through the silent room. Michael was pacing the room while Maria just sat staring off into space. The usually vibrant girl hadn’t said a word since seeing her best friend…above ground…in the flesh. The extreme change in Liz’s appearance unnerved her, like she wasn’t really Liz, just a doppelganger.

“Hey,” a soft voice drew the room’s attention. Liz glanced around at her baffled friends, “Any questions?”

[Syke]

I'm back as promised. Just a little note before you read this:

It will seem a little choppy and won't give you all the answers but trust me you'll get them eventually. It's just going to take some time.

On with the show.

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

The room exploded everyone was talking at once. Liz glanced over at Langley who promptly rolled his eyes.

“Okay, okay, one at a time children!” Cal yelled effectively shutting up the group.

They took a moment to look between each other before Maria’s voice broke through the silence.

“Is it really you?”

Liz drew in a shaky breath at the look of utter devastation on her best friends face. It had been so many years since she had been face to face with Maria it was suddenly hard to remember why she’d left in the first place. Langley’s warm hand on her shoulder broke Liz from Maria’s gaze.

“Yeah Ria,” Liz whispered. “It’s really me.”

Isabel nervously raised her hand and waited for Liz to look her way.

“Where have you been?”

Liz smiled softly at the Ice Princess’ concerned tone, “Here…with Cal.”

“And Alex?” Isabel asked. The hope in her voice broke Liz’s heart.

The petite blonde shook her head softly, “I’m sorry but…”

Isabel nodded with tears shining in her eyes.

“Why?” Maria sobbed pleading with her former best friend.

Cal rubbed Liz’s back soothingly as she began.

“You all deserved so much more…so much more.”

Kyle’s cocked a confused brow, “More than what?”

She shook her head angrily, “Than that life. All the running and fear…pain. As long as I was around it was never going to end. None of you could ever have a normal life but if they thought I was just some disturbed teen…you’d be free.”

Max sat quietly refusing to look at Liz, his jaw clenched tightly.

“But we saw your body,” Michael said studying the girl before him. “What was that? A mind warp?”

Langley shrugged, “No…I found a drowned dog, made it look like Liz. There is a body identical to hers in that grave.”

DeLuca blanched looking like she was about to be sick. The others all frowned slightly; it was just too much to take in. They had so many questions but it still just seemed surreal. A silence settled over the room once again.

Liz watched closely as Max’s jaw began to twitch. He slowly turned his head and amber met green once again.

His words came out cold and quiet, “You had us mourning a fucking dog?”

With that he rose from the couch and stalked out of the room heading for the front door. Liz swallowed thickly before jumping up and following after him.

“Max wait!” Liz yelled after his retreating form.

He stopped and tensely turned towards his former love. There was so much hurt in his amber eyes, so much pain and confusion. Liz suddenly felt like the room was closing in on her.

“Why?”

Liz gave him a pleading look, “Max you know why-“

“That’s bullshit and you know it! Pulling this shit and then saying it was to keep us safe!”

“Max, please,” she whispered.

“You were always just so willing to walk away from us at every turn. Why did you push it, Liz? Was it just about the chase huh? And then when you finally got me, what, I didn’t live up to your expectations? Just wanted to know what it’d be like to have an alien for a pet? Did you ever love me? God, I gave you everything and you just made all of these decisions without ever letting me in!” Max spat.

“God damn it, Max!” Liz cried exasperatedly. “One of us had to and you never could!”

Max’s nostrils flared, “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“It means, Maxwell,” Liz barked. “That I had to make those tough decisions because you were so caught up in us…” she let out a frustrated sigh then her voice softened. “Max, you once broke up with me because we needed to find our balance and you were right. When it came to me you had this, this tunnel-vision that stopped you from seeing anything else but us.”

“Liz-“

She held up a hand to silence him, “That day in the Crashdown you shouldn’t have interfered, it started in motion all these rash decisions that ended with dire consequences. Because of your love for me you put Michael and Isabel in danger,” Liz gave a self-conscious laugh, “I’ll take full credit for Maria and Alex.”

“And then the FBI, the white room, telling Valenti, Kyle getting shot…god Max, even your future self had to come back to make sure you didn’t blow up the world because of me. I had to be that balance for us Max, I had to make sure that loving me wouldn’t kill you and everyone else. If I didn’t give up my life all of yours would have ended. It was never about me not loving you,” the petite blonde took in a deep, worn out breath.

Max’s jaw clenched and unclenched in time with his fists. There was a look of utter chaos on his chiseled features Liz’s words had torn at his heart and conviction but he refused to say she was right. There was no way in hell he would believe that all of this deceit and pain was the correct course of action.

At her furrowed brow he finally spoke, “And I thought I had the Martyr complex.”

And then he turned on his heel and walked away.

[Syke]

Here's some more, enjoy.

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

Liz watched as Max slammed the large wooden doors before letting out a frustrated groan. That little scene was not how she’d expected their reunion to go…actually that was a lie…she’d never really expected to come face to face with her old friends again. Max was just as stubborn as she remembered; it’d take a while for him to deal with the situation. Ah, to be dead again. Liz rolled her eyes, what a fucked up thing to think. She walked quietly back into the living room not a single person was looking at her. They’d heard everything.

“I…I really wish I knew what to say guys,” Liz sighed. “I know this isn’t easy and I’m sorry.”

“You’re sorry?” Maria scoffed standing up, “You let us think you were dead Liz. What the fuck were you thinking? Did you get some sort of sick pleasure out of watching us mourn you? God…after Alex…you just-“

“Maria,” Michael softly grabbed her arm pulling her back down beside him.

The fiery pixie glared at her former flame, “Are you defending her? She just left us Michael. The bitch ran off to California to live in a mansion and swim around showing off her blonde hair and having the time of her life while we were back in Roswell dealing with the pain of putting two friends in the ground!”

Liz closed her eyes willing back the tears. The words stung but Liz refused to feel guilty she knew in her heart that she’d done the right thing for all of them. Maria shook her head in disgust at her former best friend’s expressionless face.

“Whatever,” Maria spat before getting up and heading towards the patio with Michael on her heels. Isabel and Tess glanced at one another before following Maria.

Kyle gave Liz a sympathetic smile, “Well that was fun. Can I get a tour of your casa?”

The petite blonde shrugged with a tiny smile of her own, “What do you want to see first?”

“Got any rooms filled with hot babes?” He queried rubbing his hand together excitedly.

Liz laughed grabbing his arm, “Maybe…let’s go find out.”

As the two old friends walked out of the living room Langley gave a heavy sigh. This was going to be a huge test for Liz. The path was diverging once again for the girl he’d come to adore. There were many roads for her to follow, some with dire consequences, but if Langley was sure of anything it was that Liz would make the right decisions when the time came.

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

“So, did you miss me?”

Liz laughed and squeezed the boy’s arm a little tighter, “You know it. Nobody makes me laugh like you do Valenti.”

Kyle nodded. After a short tour of the house the two had ended up on the balcony. Kyle stared down into the crystal blue water of the pool below.

“It was really hard on all of us.”

Kyle felt the girl beside him nod but couldn’t let himself look at her. He needed to get this out and seeing the pain in her eyes…he knew he wouldn’t be able to.

“For a while I wasn’t sure if we were gonna make it. Maria was a total mess and Max,” Valenti blew out a frustrated breath. “Max was a train wreck. The guy just closed everyone out, he was just running towards the edge, you know, and I really thought he was going to take that last step. I know that you think you did the right thing…just like with the whole future Max fiasco, but it’s hard to see why you couldn’t just let us in. It affected all of us Liz.”

A tiny hand softly caressed Kyle’s cheek turning him to face the smiling blonde.

“I know Kyle but you can’t out talk fate,” Liz chuckled at Kyle’s confused features. “We always talked things out and figured out the best course of action. And that works most of the time but sometimes life throws you situations that you can’t solve with group work.”

“That seems like a cop out Parker,” Kyle said cocking his brow.

Liz shook her head, “It’s the truth. Life isn’t always rainbows and puppy dogs sometimes you gotta hurt to help. I know you don’t believe me but one day when you and Isabel have the white picket fence and your two point five kids, you will, you’ll all get it eventually.”

Kyle shrugged turning back towards the pool, “I hope your right Liz cuz we’ve all been hurting for way too long.”

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

Langley slowly made his way out to the pool watching Maria, Michael, Isabel, and Tess whisper among themselves. They quieted quickly when they saw Cal approach. He offered them a warm smile.

“I know this has been a really weird day and you probably still have a lot of questions,” Maria just glared with contempt at the bald man in front of her. “We have more than enough room so if you’d like I can send Mason over to pack up your things and bring them here if you’d like to stay.”

The four friends glanced nervously between themselves before Michael finally spoke.

“That works.”

[Syke]

All the fantabulous feedback has gotten me on a roll.

We're slowly but surely getting there my friends

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

It had been well over two hours but Maria, Tess, and Isabel were still cooped up in one of the spare bedrooms talking about the situation. There was a cool breeze on the night air causing Liz to shiver. Dazed, Liz watched her feet move back and forth in the warm water of the pool.

“Liz?”

The small blonde’s head snapped up. He was the last person she expected to see out here.

“Michael, hey”

He motioned to the spot beside her and Liz nodded slowly. The water splashed as Michael slipped his feet in as well. They both sat silently for a moment watching the rippling water.

“How’s she doing?”

Michael shrugged, “Well she just found out that her best friend who she thought had committed suicide is still alive and been holed up in California without letting us know.”

“So…she’s doing well,” Liz sighed running a tired hand down her face.

“I really think you could have handled the situation better Liz,” he wasn’t angry just confused and concerned. Liz was taken back by his tone. This really wasn’t the Michael Guerin she used to know.

The girl looked over at him with pleading eyes, “Seeing you guys was the last thing I expected this week, you know? I know I fucked up but I honestly didn’t really know how to handle it.”

“Obviously,” Michael smirked nudging her with his shoulder. “I really wanted to hate you Liz, when I realized that you’d made a conscious choice to do that to Maria…to us.”

Liz winced at his words.

“But I couldn’t. Maybe I’m just the same stupid kid that I was in high school but after that day in the Crashdown I hadn’t felt safe…as sick as it sounds…after you died and we shied away from all the alien bullshit, I finally did, I felt safe and it felt like home. I really want to be angry with you but I can’t because…I think I agree with you. You really did fuck us over Parker.”

Liz gave a startled laugh at Michael’s grin, “Are you serious?”

“Sadly, yes.” Michael shook his head in disbelief, “Don’t tell Maria though…it’s not just your attitude though, she’s upset about your look too.”

Liz just stared off into the water, “It’d make it easier to take if I still looked like the Liz she used to know.”

Michael furrowed his brow, “And that’s why you won’t change it…you want her to be angry with you.”

“It’s not like I can just pack up and head back to Roswell Michael,” Liz shrugged. “Liz Parker is dead…you sitting beside me doesn’t change that.”

“It changes everything.”

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

Max quietly made his way back to the house. After walking the streets for hours he’d finally gone back. He was hurt and angry but Liz still had a lot of explaining to do. Max stood at the doorstep for a few moments before entering the darkened house. There was a pale glow coming from the end of the hallway and Max went towards it. There sitting in the kitchen alone was Langley. The raven-haired alien stood for a moment and studied the man who claimed to be their former protector. The older man screamed Hollywood-rich with his tinted lenses and perfectly tailored suits. But this A-lister wasn’t even human Max wondered if he could shape shift as well.

“Everything okay Maxwell?”

Max slowly walked over and sat down across from Cal, “No…I don’t think so.”

Langley watched as Max seemed to struggle with his thoughts. The former alien king was obviously in some major turmoil over the turn of events. It was time to come clean…time for the truth.

“So you used to be our protector?”

Cal nodded.

“But not anymore.’

“It’s not like I stopped checking up on the four of you, but I stayed out of things as much as possible.”

Max scoffed, “Oh, yeah, until you showed up and talked Liz into faking her own death.”

“I didn’t talk Liz into anything,” Langley said trying to defend himself.

Max ignored the comment, “You tricked all of us. You were supposed to protect us and instead you took away the only person who meant anything to me. You made me see those flashes, made me think she was dragged from that river-“

“I did drag her from that river.”

His voice was so low that Max barely heard the comment.

“What?”

Cal swallowed heavily not sure if it was his place to tell Max. It would change everything.

“When I found out about Alex’s death I came back to Roswell,” Langley whispered refusing to look at the man in front of him. “The group was splintered and everything was falling apart. The four of you were closer to being found out than ever before and you were all so wrapped up in your own issues that you didn’t even realize it.”

Max frowned, “What do you mean?”

“All of your enemies-alien and human-were waiting for that slip up. Waiting for one of you to make a mistake and show yourselves…and Liz was the catalyst that was going to make it happen. All of you were so hell bent on proving her wrong that none of you were being careful. You were pushing her away so hard that it was just like a beacon for those trying find you.”

“We didn’t…”

Cal shook his head, “I was there Max. She was hurting just like the rest of you but no one wanted to see it. That night I followed her from the airport, she stopped off at the river to call you…to finally let you in and you just shut her out. The look on her face…Liz was just sitting there, broken and alone, she was one of the strongest people I’d ever seen but in that moment…She stood up, I thought she was going to go home but then she…she just…”

Max drew in a shuddering breath, “What happened?’

“She stepped off. I raced out to the ledge but she was already under the water. By the time I pulled her out she was unconscious and freezing. I took her back to where I was staying…she didn’t wake up for two days. When she finally came to I tried to convince her to go back but she refused. At first she wouldn’t tell me why but eventually Liz told me everything…some of it I already knew but when she told me about future Max and the way you’d all been living, in so much fear and distrust…it really did stem from that day you healed her. As much as I know you don’t want to hear it and I hate to say it…Liz was the one connection all of your enemies had. If she commits suicide she becomes just another disturbed kid and they start looking in other directions.”

“You really thought that killing off Liz would just give us a normal life?” Max scoffed.

Cal gave Max a knowing look, “Didn’t it.”

The young alien was taken back by the comment. He thought back to the way life was before Liz died and the way life was now. It was true that they hadn’t had to run or fight and had finally stopped looking over their shoulders constantly…but Max would have gone through anything to have Liz by his side over the last four years.

Langley spoke up as if reading Max’s thoughts, “But would you give up the lives of your friends for her?”

“I loved her,” Max stated simply.

Cal tsked, “You used to be a king Maxwell…you should know that sometimes you have to sacrifice one for the good of many. Things would have gotten worse and with the way it was going you and Liz might have ended up hating each other.”

“You don’t know that. We never got the chance…she was alive all this time and you just kept her from us,” Max said ending with a frustrated sigh.

“Would you rather I left her at the bottom of that river?”

Suddenly, Max saw the image of Liz lying in her casket pale and still. He glanced out the window and saw her with Michael. Liz was laughing softly as she tucked a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear. He was so torn, torn between hating her and just being relieved that she was alive.

[Syke]

Ooooh...I love feedback! I just had to give you kids another part, so here it is. Enjoy!

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


Life: the interval of time between birth and death. Such a simple definition of the most complex concept. Liz had looked into the face of death, she had seen her own funeral, watched her body covered with dirt, seen the emotional destruction of her friends and family, she had watched it all. But just as she had been resurrected into another life they had as well. Then with one careless act, just a quick swim, they were in danger of losing everything they’d gained.

The sun was just beginning to rise as Liz sat out in the balcony wrapped in her huge, fluffy robe. She hadn’t slept; her night had been plagued by images of her past. The rich pink and blue of the California sun reflected off her Hepburn-esque glasses as she took a deep drag of her cigarette. Liz never smoked but this morning it seemed like the thing to do.

“You smoke?”

Liz simply shrugged and waited for him to take the seat beside her.

“I’m sorry about yesterday,” she whispered taking another drag. “I should’ve handled it differently.”

Max shook his head, “Of all of the scenarios I dreamed up, I never imagined…this.”

“None of us did,” she smiled slipping off her sunglasses.

“Was it really that bad…being with me?” His voice was laced with guilt.

Liz finally turned toward him really looking at the man her boy had become. His hair had grown shaggy and with the two-day old stubble he somewhat resembled a man she’d met many years ago. But this Max wasn’t battle-worn and his eyes weren’t drowning in sorrow, they were tinted with the pain of betrayal, but not the blind desperation of a man holding all of humanity in his hands. It was in that moment that any remaining trace of regret left her. Max had turned into the man he should have been in that other timeline. He was not merely existing, but truly living whether he wanted to admit it or not.

“You know, blame should never rest on the shoulders of just one man,” she said quietly. “Doing so makes false martyrs.”

Max furrowed his brow.

Liz sighed, “What I said yesterday, I didn’t mean to make you think it was your fault…I just didn’t think. Everything got so messed up. I never wanted to hurt any of you again, not after the things you’ve all had to deal with. Maybe I was blind…or naive…but I didn’t think you were going to fall as far as you did when I ‘died.’ But you caught yourself, you let everyone back in Max, you got your life back.”

“I wanted to follow you,” Max confessed dropping his head in his hands.

“I know, Kyle told me they all thought you would but I knew you couldn’t.”

Max pulled in a deep breath.

“You say that one person shouldn’t take it all on their shoulders yet you continue to do it over and over again,” Max leaned in closer. “You’re still trying to shield us from the truth Liz.”

Liz started to protest but Max’s voice silenced her.

“Did you hate Langley for pulling you out?”

She tensed beside him. How could Langley have told him that? The water had been so cold…just like her soul…it was welcoming…it would have been so easy to stay there.

“Liz?”

A warm hand on her arm pulled Liz from her thoughts. She ran a shaky hand through her golden hair before answering him.

“Yes,” she whispered softly. “I just felt so alone and helpless. Langley wanted me to go back but I just…couldn’t,” Liz closed her eyes against the tears that suddenly welled. “I just snapped, after finally breaking down and admitting that I needed you…you told me to get the hell out of your life. I just didn’t have anything left; if I would have stayed…I just didn’t have the strength to fight with you anymore. My soul just felt so heavy, it was chained to so much guilt and responsibility…I needed to free myself by freeing all of you. I wanted to give you the second chance that you had given me.”

“You know…it’s really hard not to feel guilty when you say things like that,” Max whispered glancing toward the beautiful blonde.

Liz just shrugged, “You wanted the truth.”

Max thought for a moment about what had been said, “For a while there I was pretty damn sure that I was going to follow you into that river…how could you have known that I wouldn’t?”

The petite blonde drew in a shuddering breath, “Because you promised me.”

Max’s head snapped up as he met her emerald depths.

“Liz, can you come inside please?”

The girl nodded. With one last glance Liz followed Langley back into the house. Max stared at her vacated spot tying to grasp what she had just revealed. It wasn’t in his mind. She really had been there when he needed her the most. This girl hadn’t just destroyed them and run away, she had stayed to make sure they were able to rebuild. He had pushed her away but she had stayed by his side giving him strength when he was at his weakest.

“It was really you,” Max whispered to her empty chair.

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

Cal and Liz stood in the hallway arguing in hushed whispers making sure they wouldn’t be overheard. Liz suddenly dropped her head into her hands raking her fingers through the golden strands in obvious frustration. Cal reached out to comfort the petite blonde but promptly let his arm fall back to his side before sighing and walking away. After standing in the hall for a few more moments Liz trudged back to her bedroom hoping to catch a few hours of sleep. There was a sound of light shuffling coming from the room as Liz stood in the doorway watching Maria snoop through the items in her desk. Liz reached up and lightly knocked on her own door startling Maria from her activities.

“Liz!” Maria squeaked throwing a few papers back into the drawer, “I was just…um...”

“Going through my things?” Liz questioned raising her eyebrows. “Whatever you want to know Maria, you just have to ask.”

Maria looked up, her eyes brimming with tears, she held up a torn strip of paper, “You saw me open for Sarah McLachlan?”

[Syke]

Sorry to keep my lovlies waiting but life has been crazy. He's a little teaser, I hope to get a longer part out within a week or so. Thanks for all of the wonderful feedback! You guys rock!

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

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” Liz answered giving Maria a full smile. “Langley got me the ticket as soon as he heard. You were amazing up there you know?”

Maria searched this girls face for the tiniest bit of insincerity but found none.

“I always knew it was inside of you Ria,” Liz continued softly she nervously picked at the doorframe. “Ever since The Whits, you just had that fire.”

Maria looked away from the fidgeting girl. The bed groaned as she sunk down heavily upon it still holding the torn ticket. The edges were worn and creased, just like Liz’ photo strip of Max still tucked between the pages of her journal.

“Sometimes I just sit up here looking at that stub and listening to your CD,” Maria’s fingers grazed the torn edge. “You’ve just become this amazing person Maria, you’re so strong…stronger than I could ever hope to be.”

Liz’s confession was met with an awkward silence as Maria continued to stare down at her hands. Suddenly the room filled with a humorless laugh. Liz’s head snapped up as she gave Maria a curious look.

“I was just about to ask how things could be so awkward between us,” Maria explained tossing the ticket back onto Liz’s desk. “But I’m guessing it was around the time you pretended to be dead and left me to mourn my two best friends alone.”

Liz winced at the anger in Maria’s tone…she deserved that.

“You weren’t alone Maria…you were never alone-“

The petite blonde ducked just in time to watch her favorite vase smash into the hallway wall, Maria was mad…really mad. Maria stalked over as Liz straightened back up.

“You. Left. Me. Alone.” Maria said poking Liz in the chest to punctuate each word. “You were my best friend Liz…no scratch that, you were my sister and you weren’t there for me when I needed you the most. Alex was dead! I was hurting; my life was just spiraling out of control and you just pranced away to live like a pretty, pretty princess with that dirty old man with your swimming pool and your blonde hair giggling like you haven’t got a worry in the world. Did you even think about what it would do to your parents?” At Liz’s silence she continued. “Didn’t think so, you…you…God you’re such a bitch Liz. I don’t know when you became this heartless person that could do things like this to the people you claimed to love…but you know what?”

Maria paused for a moment before shaking her head in disgust, “I’m glad I don’t know you anymore.” And with that she pushed her way out of the room leaving a stunned Liz in her wake.

“Well, that went fantastic,” Liz muttered to herself before grabbing the garbage can and sweeping up the pieces of her vase. With her billionth sigh that day the girl emptied the shards of glass onto her desk. Langley had given her that vase right after she’d moved in, he used to buy her white roses but she could never bring herself to fill it…she would just let them to dry up and wither away. Each week she would wake up and the dead, discarded roses would be gone, always replaced with a fresh, fragrant bouquet and water sparkling in the vase, always waiting…for her. Suddenly Liz chuckled at the irony of the situation, it had taken her so long to give in, to fill that vase and only moments for her best friend to destroy it. With slow, deliberate movement Liz waved her hand above the shattered pieces watching as her beloved vase was restored. If only her life were that simple. Then with another wave of her hand she turned the destroyed roses back into the beauties they were mere moments ago.


Michael stood dumbstruck in the doorway. He had come to talk to Liz hoping to get a few more answers about what had happened to her. It was odd, he hadn’t thought that Liz would develop like Kyle had but now watching her recreate a broken vase he realized what she had become. This was no longer Liz Parker, she was something else…Kyle could do small things, changes in color or texture but Liz was obviously more powerful. Michael wondered if Max knew. Suddenly exotic green eyes were boring into his.

“Hey,” she whispered placing the vase back in its rightful place.

Michael nervously ran a hand through his shaggy hair. There was something unsettling about those eyes; they held secrets that he would never know. If anything he knew that something had happened in her past that none of them would ever understand.

“You talk to Maria yet?”

Liz let out an incredulous laugh.

“I think it’s safe to say that she is in no way okay with the situation.”

Michael simply nodded before moving into the room and taking a seat in the red velvet chair near the door. It was ironic, he used to blame this girl for all the problems in his life and now he wanted nothing more than to find a way to bring her back into it.

“It’s gonna take time.”

She smiled wistfully at the man before her.

“There are some betrayals that you can’t forgive.”

He couldn’t help but stare at her cold features. Liz used to be the one person that believed the best in everyone, would forgive faster than God himself, but now he saw the doubt clouding her eyes, that strange emerald gaze.

“She loves you too much to give up on you Liz.”

She just shook her head sadly.

“Things change Michael…feelings change.”

With that she slipped out of her bedroom towards the stairs. Michael watched her carefully, wondering if she’d really been talking about her relationship with Maria with those last painful words.