True Destiny (AU M/L ADULT) [WIP]

[Egyptian_Kiss]

True Destiny
Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to Roswell, or the characters in it.
Pairings: AU. Mostly this fic will revolve around a M/L pairing with some M/M and I/A. I like the traditional couples.
Rating: ADULT
Summary: This takes place after The End of the World but has an interesting twist. Langley gives Liz some surprising information and Nicholas and his army of skins are on the verge of discovering the granilith. More surprises and an alternate destiny are soon to be found, but what will this mean for the gang?
Author's Note: This is my first Roswell fic. I have written fanfics before, but this is my first foray into the Roswellian world. There will be violence and intimate adult scenes throughout this fanfic, but that won't come until later chapters.

Chapter One

Liz sat quietly at the counter, it was already ten after seven and Max was supposed to be there thirty minutes before. Mr. Parker, Liz’s dad, stuck his head out from the back room and motioned for her to join him there.

“What’s wrong dad?” He didn’t usually bother her when she was in the diner and no one else was around.

“It’s getting late. Your mother and I think it’s time you headed up. We’re going to have dinner and would feel better if you joined us. We don‘t spend much time together as a family and Maria can take over your shift from eight to ten; we called to ask”. Liz nodded.

“Ten more minutes and if he doesn’t show for Bio study then I’ll be up. Promise”. Jeff Parker nodded in response, sighing as he went up the stairs and to his wife.

Liz sighed as she went back out front and began to wipe down the counter, again. Maria had left at five to go out with Michael. Liz had turned down the invite to go with them, she said she wanted to hang out and wait to study with Max; they had a big Biology exam the next day, and she still had a two hour shift, trying to put away a little extra something.

Liz was still bothered by her feelings for Max. They were still trying to restart their friendship. It was hard. Harder knowing that their future was once so much more than that. Harder knowing that she would not ever have the luxury of holding him in her arms and just being.

The door opened to the mostly empty café, and tore her from her revere. Liz made her way to the door getting ready to seat whoever had come in. It was unusual for her parents to let her study when she had work soon, but it was twenty percent of her grade. It wasn’t who Liz expected. When Liz turned to face the door none other than Tess stood at there, a wild look on her face, lines of worry.

Liz went to the door, all the time trying not to grit her teeth. She absolutely detested the girl in front of her, but petty jealousy’s had no place in her life. Tess rushed into the room spun around and started to whisper at lightening speed. Liz only caught a sentence here and there, but it was enough for her to know that Max was injured and in the pod chamber. Liz snatched her jacket, yelled for Agnes and Gene, the new waiter, and shouted from them to get up front and take care of the Crashdown. Liz and Tess both took off at a run for the jeep, which Tess had parked a block or so away, not wanting attention.

As they road down the dirt path leading out into the desert nearest the pod chamber Liz began to wonder why Tess had bothered to come and get her. She turned to ask, “Why did you come for me? You normally wouldn’t feel the need”. More like she looked to exclude Liz at ever turn.

The wind was whipping around them as they picked up speed, hitting around seventy-five. Tess didn’t look at Liz, but she answered quick and hurriedly. “I was deployed by Isabel. She insisted. She said we need four aliens for the healing stones to work. You’re pretty much it”. Liz nodded. She had been changed ever since Max had healed her, but she wasn’t so confident in her new found abilities, but she wouldn’t let Max die. At the way they were flying down the road, that could be a likely possibility.

“Who hurt him? How did what ever happened to him, happen?” Tess shook her head. Apparently she didn’t have all the information either, or she just didn‘t trust Liz with it. When they pulled up next to the rock that encased the chamber, Liz jumped out, in an all out run she made it to the chamber first; she and Tess rushed in.

In the chamber on the ground, Max was bleeding from a gaping wound etched in his side and he appeared to be unconscious. Isabel held his hand and Michael was standing beside them both, arms crossed. Isabel turned at the sound of their entry and hurried about, grabbing a bag and tossing each of the a small, palm-sized, amber stone.

Liz stood right beside Max’s head; she knelt down and prepared to give it everything she could. His eyes were shut and his breathing was labored. Isabel had tears streaming down her face and Tess appeared anxious. Michael sat directly opposite Liz and next to Isabel; he was concentrating on the stone in his palm. Liz peered down at her own and did her best to follow suit, but something among them wasn’t connected.

“Stop”. The three others looked at Liz as if she were crazy.

“NO. We have to save Max”. Isabel was the first to state the obvious.

“I know that. We need to connect to one another first though. Remember when we had to heal Michael, Isabel? Remember we had to drink from the same bowl to create a connection? I think that our differences are stopping us from connecting with one another to save Max. We need something to connect us”. When she said differences it was obvious she was speaking of the destiny that had torn apart the groups relationships, and created barriers between them all.

“Well be don’t exactly have time to hold hands and share, so what do you expect us to do. There isn’t a bowl of water just sitting around here”. Michael was impatient as ever and didn’t feel like talking.

“We have to do something”. Tess was now fidgeting and seemed angry at Liz. Max was becoming paler by the second and Liz wasn’t sure what to do. Then a light bulb went off as she glanced at a nearby knife. It looked like Michael’s pocket knife, which must have fallen out. Liz reached for it and flipped it open. Without hesitation, Liz slit her hand and handed it off to Tess.

“What am I supposed to do with this?” Tess gave Liz a disbelieving glance, then turned to Michael and Isabel.

“Look. If we had to share fluids, or a connection like last time, this is perfect. Ever heard of blood packs? Well a blood pack would connect us all, then we can save Max. Look we don’t have time to discuss this now; just slit your hand and hold it out”. Liz started to worry as Max began to sweat and wheeze. Tess did as she was told and then handed it to Isabel, who repeated the process. Michael was the last to do it and then he covered all three hands that were outstretched over Max’s body.

The healing stones began to light up brilliantly, shining amber in the free hand of each person. The blood dripped from each palm, mingling together as they hit the wound on Max’s body. As a fourth drop of combined blood hit the wound the stones hummed and emitted a painful blast of energy, sending each of the people surrounding Max slamming into the cave walls.

When the energy died down Liz, Michael, Isabel, and Tess approached Max. His wound was healed, and his color was returning quickly. He opened his eyes and sat up placing his hands on either side of his body for support.

“Max. Thank God”. Isabel fell upon him, hugging him with all her strength. Michael nodded at Max putting in a “yeah” as he went about collecting the stones. Tess hugged him quickly as well, and Liz smiled at him, but hung back. Max was staring at her, she wasn’t sure why.

“Are you okay?” Tess was staring into his eyes, she was trying to get his attention.

“Yeah. I’m fine”. He continued to stare at Liz and seemed to be waiting for something.

“So what happened?” Liz asked him directly. No one had bothered to tell her.

“We, Michael, Isabel, Tess, and I, were headed here, and when we pulled to a stop we met the skins. Apparently Courtney hadn’t died soon enough to prevent the general location of the granilith from falling into Nicholas’ hands. He was canvassing the area when we arrived. We had to fight them”. Liz nodded, the seriousness of what could have happened hitting her like a ton of bricks.

She remembered everything about what the future Max had said pertaining to the granilith. If they had gotten a hold of it, Liz wasn’t sure what would have become of them. Of the world. Everything she had done, or prevented from being done would have been ruined. The pain of giving him up would have been for nothing.

“You need to set up some sort of guard schedule. The granilith must be protected, at all times”. Liz’s voice dropped to a grave tone. Max stared at her oddly, but it was Tess who spoke up.

“And why should you have a right to say what we do with the granilith. You’re not one of the royal four; you were just changed. How could you know what’s best for the granilith? What do you know that we don’t? How do we know the skins haven’t gotten a hold of you and that you’re not betraying us?” Tess let the allegations seethe out from her.

“Enough”. Max was staring at Liz, remembering her warning before he left for New York. She had been right then, and she would never betray him, or at least not on this. “We will set up a guard. If not because of Liz’s suggestion, then because of the attack tonight. We can’t risk the skins getting a hold of the granilith. This much we can agree on.” Isabel nodded, and Michael, strangely enough, agreed passively without comment. Tess threw Liz a glare, but nodded her acquiescence.

“I have to get back for the evening shift”. Liz kept her eyes down, and made her way for the exit. Max called after her and she turned back toward the group.

“Someone will let you know when your shift is”. Shock coursed through her like a pulsing wave of overpowering energy. Trust. He said that was the problem why he couldn’t take her word for how powerful the granilith was before he left for New York. Liz’s eyes filled with tears as she realized what this meant. He was trying to trust her. The corners of her lips turned up and held back her emotions, nodding.

Tess appeared to be ready to protest, but held her tongue. Max wouldn’t be deterred from his decision all her arguments would achieve would be his anger. She struggled to keep her indifferent façade in place, finding it harder to feign calm acceptance, but years with nasado had taught her the most effect way to cut down an adversary was to gain its trust.

Twenty minutes later Liz was back at the Crashdown, her thoughts neatly formed. In addition to Max’s trust Liz felt that she had earned something else, too. As if a certain part of her had clicked back into place. A dreamy expression had taken over her face, even though surprise registered on her face as Maria appeared in front of her.

“What’s up, chica?” Liz shrugged, but gave her a look that stated they needed to talk, tomorrow.

“Nothing. I decided to go see why Max hadn’t showed up. He doesn’t feel well; I guess I’ll be studying alone tonight.” Maria nodded, message received clearly written in her eyes.

“Go on up. I’ll take over your extra shift and you can study”. Liz hugged her, then headed to the back, and up to her room. She turned the lock to her wooden bedroom door, went to retrieve her journal, and pulled out a lighter as she made her way to the balcony.
Liz had just finished lighting the last candle when a hand snaked around her mouth and stopped her alarmed scream. The hand held her in place for a moment then a voice floated to her ears.

“Don’t scream. My name is Langley. I am protector to the royal four”. The hand released her mouth, but Liz didn’t scream; moreover, she didn’t speak. Instead, Liz turned to the self-proclaimed protector. He was a short, bald man, with a large nose, stylish rectangular glasses, and a stocky build. Langley wore fashionable leather attire and exuded importance. Liz stayed silent, unsure of what to say.

“Look I’m here because duty requires it. I wouldn’t have returned to this rat hole if genetic coding didn’t undermine my common sense.” He seemed annoyed with himself and ran a hand over his shirt, freeing it of invisible lint. “You’re different.” Well if that wasn’t the understatement of the millennia.

Langley realized what that must have sounded like and sighed, “I mean to say that you’re necessary. To the royal four. You were human, but not always”. Liz gave him a blank stare. “Your essence was taken from your previous body and transferred, here. To earth.”

Liz’s eyes went wide and her thoughts began to spin a million miles an hour. Her… previous self. She shook her head and gave a chuckle, an unbelieving laugh that caught Langley by surprise. He seemed exasperated by her disbelief and the tips of his fingers began to glow.

“I’m telling you the truth kid. The only reason you were changed was because the king activated your subconscious self. Avadia, the other one, she told you that if the king healed you, you were different, and she was correct. She and the others planted in New York were more alien, and therefore remembered more. She remembered you. The difference between you and the others though, is that you aren’t a hybrid; you’re full alien. The structure of your bones is like mine. Your mother, the one you think was the one to give birth to you wasn’t. Nancy, I think that’s her name, was implanted with memories of your birth, or the birth she assumed was from her.” Langley blew out a breath. It was a difficult thing to explain.

“We, me and the other protector, brought you here. You aren’t from Antar. You are from another planet. Semiada, Zan’s mother, never knew of you. She never knew the real destiny prophesized. Her knowledge was only of what life was like on Antar. In the book it tells of the true fate for all of you. Lerea, you are the only one who can unlock the key to the books secrets. I don’t know anything else. I was sent here by the activation of your alien prowess, which was bound by the atmosphere earth holds. I’m not sure what your powers are, and I’m not sure why you seem to feel emotion, I suppose that the fact that you were born in this world, a small part of you was mutated. I will not come to you again, I will not tell you anymore. I have nothing left to offer”. Langley prepared to leave.

“Why did it take you so long to get here. I was healed a long time ago”.

Langley stiffened and as he continued toward the ladder to leave he said, “ One doesn’t give in to themselves if they can help it. I just couldn’t help it.” Then he left, descended the ladder and disappeared. Leaving Liz to contemplate all he had told her. She settled into her lawn chair, and prepared for the longest, strangest journal entry yet.

[Egyptian_Kiss]

Hey thanks for all the feed back. I just want to clarify that they don't know about the other set of pods yet, and this is after the End of the World. Well hope you like this chapter it really had a lot of key information to it.

Chapter Two

Lerea. The name whispered through her mind again and again throughout the week following Langley’s visit. She wasn’t sure if she should tell Max and the others; she wasn’t sure that she believed it herself. One thing she knew she had to do was get her hands on that book, but how could she? Would she just go up to Michael and say, “Hey, can I borrow your history book, you know, the one written in alien?” For some reason she didn’t think that she would get it that way.

The bell above the door to the Crashdown café rang, signaling someone had entered. Liz glanced up to see Isabel saunter over to the counter and take a seat. Coming out of her daydreaming, Liz went over by her.

“Hey Isabel. What can I get you?” Liz’ voice sounded strained, even to her own ears. She had been avoiding the pod squad for the last few days, not sure she could keep the guilt ridden expression off her face.

“I think I’ll have the Will Smith burger and Saturn rings, plus the usual cherry coke, extra Tabasco sauce.” Liz nodded, not quite meeting her eyes, as she placed the order. Liz knew what she must seem like, not smiling, not talking much, not looking Isabel in eyes, but she had never been good at lying to Max, Isabel, Michael, or Maria; Alex was even difficult to deny the truth to.

“Here’s your order.” Isabel stayed Liz with a momentary touch to the wrist. Liz peered up into her eyes and took in the slight tension of lines on Isabel’s forehead and the warring look of snobby façade.

“What’s the matter with you, Liz? You have been acting weird with me, Max, Michael, and the others all week. What aren’t you telling us? Is something wrong? This isn’t the time to keep secrets, Liz.” Isabel’s serious attitude deepened with each word.

“Nothing is wrong, Isabel. I’ve just been…coming to terms with certain things. Don’t worry about it. I’m fine.” A bold faced lie, and Isabel knew it; the knowledge shining on her face. Hurt flickered on the girl’s face for a second, but faded away behind the protect of barrier of popularity.

“Fine. Your shift to watch the granilith is this even, after nine. You’ll be relieving me. I’ll see you then.” Isabel left long blonde ponytail swishing, not having touched any of her food, the money under the plate.

Liz felt horrible. She had always like Isabel; had felt that Isabel cared more than she let on, and that deep inside of her, Isabel was one of her best friends, or at least potentially so.

Sighing deeply, Liz put the money in the register, got rid of the order, and promised herself that Isabel would get a free meal the next time she came in. The afternoon was not perking her up. All the thoughts of Lerea were driving her up the wall, and if she had to lie one more time she might hit someone.

The bell above the door chimed again, and in walked Kyle. He had become one of her closest, and dependable life supports lately, especially after that whole “sleeping together” thing. The rumor about them was still circulating the rumor mill at school, and Liz had received many notes, from jealous girls and those who thought they were now better than her, along with ones with vulgar, indecent suggestions from other bottom feeding jocks.

“Hey Liz. How’ve you been?” He must have heard about James Nelson, he had attempted to touch Liz’ behind as she was walking out of history class, and had received a slap so hard it shifted two of his side teeth. Kyle didn’t look happy, in fact his expression screamed “I’m out for blood”, he had become highly protective of Liz, like a brother.

“I’m fine. What can I get you?” Liz made an effort to put up a happy go lucky expression on her face, but it was hard, and Kyle wasn’t biting that bait.

“A slice of Asteroid pie and a coke.” When she returned two minutes later with his order, Kyle motioned for her to sit down. “So how are you really?” His calm caring voice almost undid her. How was she supposed to explain that she was some important alien, that her heart was broken because of what she did to Max, and that every lurid and audacious advance being made, and bitchy comment made was tearing at her; the pained emotions running deeper than she thought anyone could handle.

As each emotion slid across her face, gliding in and out of her doe brown eyes, worrying her full lower lip, and pinking of her cheeks flush, Kyle felt like venting on anyone or thing. Liz was a sweet, caring, beautiful person, and though he wasn’t sure why she would bring this on herself, arranging it to look like she had slept with him, Kyle knew he would stick by her.

“I just am having a hard time getting back to life, normal life.” He pretended to accept that answer, but only for the fact she appeared to be fragile porcelain, one more verbal interrogation and she might break.

“I know what you mean.” At her disbelieving facial expression, Kyle back pedaled. “Okay, maybe not. But I know what you’ve been through.” When she looked like she might ask him if he was out of his mind he tried once more, “I don’t have a clue and should not try to relate?” Liz took that in for a second and then they both started to laugh. He did that for her lately. He freed her up inside, enough to laugh, enough to not feel herself the way she was, broken and terrified.

When they stopped laughing, Kyle took up a piece of pie and offered it to her. She gave him a squinty eyed look but the grin on her face offset the suspicion and she took the bite. It was good and it felt good, it felt normal; she sighed and almost closed her eyes.

Liz got up to get back to work, but first she made her way around the table, hugged Kyle and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you. I needed that.” And she knew he knew she wasn’t talking about the pie.

The rest of the afternoon went well. Maria made an appearance at five for her shift, and Liz had taken two breaks, eaten a blue moon burger, with space fries, and then gotten prepared to go to the granilith around eight thirty. Maria had given Liz an inquisition all afternoon, but the mental barriers that had been cracked, chipped, and standing on their last legs, had been rebuilt, despite Kyle leaving shortly before Maria showed.

Hopping into her parents four door, Liz adjusted the mirrors, put the air conditioning on full blast, and turned the volume up on high. She made her way pleasantly to the desert. As she was zipping along the strip of dirt, Liz spotted something. She decreased her speed fast, and pulled off to the side of the road. Something was lying in the brush, shining brightly.

When Liz was within two feet of the glowing object, she reached a hand toward it, and it began to hum. “What in the world?” She took hold of the object and rubbed some mud from it. It was a coin, one that was smaller than a quarter, but bigger than a nickel. The metal was bluish in color, and giving off the light of a hundred watt bulb. An etching of some kind of star was on the front and back, and Liz couldn’t help but stare at it; she knew this, somehow, she knew this.

Snapping out of her daydream, or considering the time, dreams, Liz headed back to the car, stuffing the item in the back pocket of her hip huggers. Buckling in Liz made record time out to the desert, she might not want to share her unlikely past with the pod squad, but they needed to know about this.

Isabel was waiting outside the chamber, a puffy ski jacket wrapped tightly around her. “Liz, what took you so long? I’ve been waiting out here for almost a half hour.” Liz slid her eyes over the face of her wrist watch, how long had she been staring at the object?

“Sorry Isabel, but I found something.” Liz grabbed the coin, and produced it, offering it to Isabel for inspection. “Do you know this?” Isabel was transfixed by it, and picked it up from Liz’ outstretched hand.

“Where did you get this?” Liz explained in detain, about driving down the road and spotting the light, and then stopping to check it out. “So you don’t know what it is?” Isabel was clutching it in her hand now.

“I don’t. Do you?” Liz held her hand out for Isabel to hand it back, but she just shook her head.

“I need to show this to Max.” Isabel look like she was going to make a break for the jeep.

“Wait, what about me?”

“Sorry Liz, but this isn’t a human/alien area. I’ll let Max know you found it, but this is just for aliens.” Isabel made to leave, but Liz couldn’t let her; she was just as connected to it as Isabel was, she knew it.

“Then I guess we had better get them out here. If it’s for all aliens and I have granilith guard; I can’t just go off with you.” Liz let it sink it or a moment, and that’s when Isabel turned back to her.

“What are you talking about Liz?” Liz took a cleansing breath and then started to tell the story that Langley told her. By the end Isabel’s eyes were nearly out of her head.

“I know. Pretty hard to believe, but that’s why I’ve been so…distant. I wasn’t sure if I should tell you guys, you know I hardly believe it myself.” Isabel clearly had gone into shock. Liz walked over to her and took the coin, she needed the odd comfort it was giving her.

“So, all this time, you were one of us?” Isabel was really trying. Liz had to give her credit, she was taking this really well.

“Not exactly like you. I’m mostly alien. I have only a slight difference in my chemical design than an alien, and the difference is due to my expose to earth’s atmosphere at such a young age, it’s why I have feelings. It’s why I can taste things like humans can.” Isabel nodded her expression going back to normal. Liz chuckled a little, “It’s weird. Talking about myself like I’m not a human. I mean I know I’m not, but my whole life…” Isabel nodded in understanding.

“We have to get the others out here. You, despite your reservations, should have told us earlier, Liz.” Liz nodded, solemnly. “Maria, Alex, Kyle, and Valenti are best kept in the dark for right now. We have to see what Max says.” Liz nodded, passively. But then the book came to mind and she stopped Isabel dialing Max’s number.

“I need the book.” Isabel was still coming to terms with what Liz had just told her, and hearing her ask for their book brought it to her attention that it wasn’t just her, Max, Michael, and Tess’ book anymore.

“Okay.”

About forty minutes later, the rest of the pod squad showed up. Michael handed Isabel the book, and she handed it to Liz, who went over by the chamber to try and figure out what she was supposed to do to read it, and left Isabel to explain it, she wasn’t sure she could.

“What’s up Iz?” Isabel rubbed her hands together in a nervous habit. Tess was staring at where Liz sat with their book.

“Well… God with everything we’ve been through we should all know that nothing is impossible, right?” Max’s attention snapped from Liz to Isabel, she never got nervous.

“Come on Isabel, just say whatever it is you have to say.” Michael put in his thoughts. Isabel, much like Liz took a deep breath and went into everything Liz had relayed to her, and by the end the other three were all staring at Liz, whom seemed oblivious to their stares. She had her eyes closed and was moving her hand over the book.

“Come on Iz, you can’t believe she’s one of us. This Langley guy could be a total fake story that Liz had invented to get us to share stuff with her.” Tess took a verbal stab at Perfect Parker.

“No. Liz wouldn’t do that.” It was Max who spoke up this time. He wasn’t looking at the others; he was staring solely at Liz.

“Maxwell’s right. Liz hasn’t done anything for us to distrust her.” Tess was about to argue the point, but held back and nodded. Isabel was the first to approach Liz.

“Liz?” Liz stopped in the middle of a line and opened her eyes. “Liz, what are you doing?” Isabel was almost scared of her answer.

“I’m reading.” Liz said it like it was perfectly normal to read with your hands and not your eyes. At the groups collective look of incredulity, Liz put the book down. “You don’t read it in words, or symbols. It was meant to be read through feeling. Each of the symbols give off a certain vibration, each vibration connects to the next in a format that causes a flash inside your mind, you read this book by deciphering each flash. It’s like watching a movie, without words.”

“Okay I’m completely freaked out here, Liz. How did you know that?” Isabel was at her limits and the others were right behind her.

“I don’t know. I just knew.”

“What’s it saying.” Michael was eager to jump in, he could careless that Liz was doing what he and the others couldn’t, and he would think about the oddness of Liz being an alien later, right now the book is important.

“I says a lot. Mostly about me. In my passed life I was called Lerea. I was…powerful. From what I saw I was born to be the keeper of something, and protector to…everyone. When the battle on Antar broke out, you were all killed, and your DNA was sent here, to make you again. I was born only short months before you were all killed, and because you were all killed my destiny couldn’t be fulfilled. I had to be sent here, after you guys. I was placed in a pod myself, when we landed here. The reason my pod wasn’t found was because my pod isn’t quite a pod. I saw myself breaking out of the granilith. I was the last to come out. Langley, the alien that told me all this, he was the one to stay behind and protect me. He implanted the memory in the Parkers and thus Liz Parker was born.” She seemed freaked out by her words. Like all this, the information and her innate ability with it, was too much.

“So what are your powers?” Max stepped forward and took the book from her.

“I only read a few. It says that no one was sure how many I had, or my abilities because I was a prophecy. When I was born the few powers I started with at my young age were, telekinesis, mind reading, and something called replication, the ability to copy another’s power when used against me.” Michael was nodding like that made sense, Isabel was quiet, Tess was skeptical, and Max was just staring at her.

“Where is your mate?” They all looked at her.

“I don’t know. They didn’t send me with one. It mentions something about choice. Which I find ironic because you guys don’t seem to have one. We do have to find the others though.” Everyone looked at her. “There was another set of pods. I am supposed to help all of you somehow. Together is the only way you’ll be able to leave and return to your planet. It says that I must chose those to rule.” They again stared at her with a collective surrealism.

Liz felt overwhelmed by everything. Despite her outward calm she was in complete freak out mode. She was some kind of important powerful being, and had to chose who, out of the eight were to be the royal four, and on top of it all, she, Liz Parker, smallest of small town girls, had a destiny.

“Liz-” Michael was cut off by Isabel who was studying Liz intently. She waved the question off.

“She’s had enough, Michael.” He wanted to say more, but Isabel had used her “it’s closed” tone. Isabel hugged Liz and turned to the others glaring them off. “We’ll talk about the rest tomorrow. I’ll stay with her for the evening watch, instead of Tess.” They had planned it so that Liz wouldn’t be left unprotected at the pod chamber. Tess was supposed to sleep a short distance away incase of trouble.

“Fine. Tess go home. Michael go to your apartment. We’ll all meet tomorrow at the Crashdown.” Max went into king mode, and then an odd soft look came over his face when he looked at his sister and Liz. He leaned in and hugged Isabel, he didn’t touch Liz, but sent her feeling of warmth. She smiled at him, detached, but still it was a smile.

“So, girls night begins.” Liz smiled at Isabel’s fake cheeriness. At least she didn’t have to deal with Tess. With that thought Liz started what would be a very long night.

[Egyptian_Kiss]

Hey thanks for the encouragement. My updates will probably take close to two weeks, sometimes three. I figured I’d let you guys know.

Chapter Three

“So what exactly has been going on between you and my brother lately? He’s been a total shut-in for a few weeks now, only opening up a little lately.” Isabel had been interrogating Liz since the others had left early. Liz had hoped that Isabel planned to not ask questions, as that was what she had chastised Michael for, but luck would have it that the ice queen was the gossip queen as well.

Sighing Liz was trying to figure out a way to maneuver around that question, as she had dodged it four times already. Isabel could be secretive, she herself had learned that through the few things had people actually knew about the in workings of Isabel Evans, but Liz didn’t know if the truth would be appropriate. Liz had only told Maria about the future Max, and she had tried to get Liz to tell the present Max about the whole thing since. She, Liz, wasn’t sure she could evade telling her Max about the future Max with more than one person on her back about it.

Liz shot Isabel a considering glance; maybe it would make her feel better to tell one of the aliens, free her in someway. Isabel, with her perfect hair, teeth, lips, smile, figure, and friends seemed like an untouchable, uncaring person, but Liz knew the secrets she kept, knew that she cared about nothing more than her family, or those she considered a part of their group, and that was what endeared Liz to her. Liz had Maria, but Maria couldn’t understand what Liz felt right now, with the alien thing, with this new knowledge, maybe Isabel did.

“I have something I’ve only told Maria, that I want to tell you.” Liz had her serious face on the one she had used against Max when she had made that ineffectual speech to Max about not wanting to die for him. Isabel seemed intrigued and sobered up from her carefree girly “let’s dish” attitude. “But you can’t Max…Or anyone else for that matter. Okay?” Isabel nodded her agreement, sitting up eagerly against one of the rock formations.

“A few weeks ago, I was visited by Max.” Isabel’s look said, ‘yeah and…”, but Liz ignored it and went on, “…Max from the future, Isabel. He told me things that only Max could know, so I know that he wasn’t a shape shifter or something. He asked me to help him fall out of love with me, the present him, I mean. If I didn’t…The world would end.” Liz went into detail about everything that had happened and the grievous expression on her face and the tears running down her cheeks touched Isabel.

“So I staged it so that Max, our Max, would see me and Kyle in bed together, and fall out of love with me…And I guess it worked.” Isabel was quiet for a moment and then started shaking her head.

“Sorry, but you’re wrong.” Liz’ mouth twisted a little and incredulity showed through. “He loves you. Look, I’ve never been supportive of the whole ‘look into my eyes see my soul’ thing that you and Max seem to have, but if there is one thing I believe; it’s that you and him do have that, and I believe your story about the future because I know, if there is one place my brother would be if world were going to end, it would be with you. I’ve always said my brother was misguided, and the fact that he thought you and him not being together would save the world proves it. We might need Tess, but with this new information we know that we need you, too. I was wrong about you Liz; I thought you wanted to take Max away from me and Michael, but now I see that you can’t because you are him, you complete him, Liz. And nothing anyone says, or does is going to stop me from believing that.”

Liz sat silent for a minute, that tears slowing and drying, then leaned from her position across from Isabel and hugged her. Isabel hugged her back, not really sure if there was anything else to say, but contented herself with a hug. Then she felt Liz tense up and held tighter when she herself felt an opposing pulling for taking her over, and then Liz pulled back and it was over.

“What was that?” Liz’ eyes had gone wide as she stared at Isabel shaking her head also in confusion.

“I have no idea.” Isabel’s eyes had gone wide and she looked at Liz weird when she had her in full sight. “What?”

“You’re glowing?” It was almost a question. Liz’ head lurched downward as she peered at her hands seeing a fading golden metallic glow. “Does it hurt?” Liz shook her head in reply. “Maybe it’s one of your powers?” Isabel wasn’t sure what it was, but she was whipping out her cell phone as Liz continued to stare at her hands.

“Michael?” Liz could hear a sarcastic remark coming from the other end. “It’s Liz.” She paused to hear Michael start jumping to conclusions and then the phone went static-like and a mini-argument/ fight went on over the phone, and then Max was there asking what was wrong with Liz. “She’s glowing.” Isabel shot an annoyed look at the obvious questions toward Liz, rolling her eyes. “I don’t know.” Another pause. “Okay see you soon.” Isabel clicked the phone shut as Max asked more questions.

“They’ll be here soon.” Isabel put in a fake smile and caustic roll of the eyes.

“I don’t think you should have worried them. It’s already almost gone. The answer is probably in the book. I’ll start reading it again.” Liz pulled the book out of her backpack, surprisingly the others hadn’t made a comment about her taking it.

She’d been reading for twenty minutes before the others arrived. Liz paused after finishing what they assumed was a sentence. “Did you find anything?” Isabel was sitting beside her watching with a troubled expression on her face.
“Yeah, actually. It says that when I replicate someone’s power, or rather copy it, I absorb some of their energy making me glow. I replicate by touching them.” Liz glanced at Isabel; did she now have the power to dream walk, and change molecular structure thing, too?

As if reading her mind Michael questioned, “Can you dream walk and stuff?” Isabel was looking at her funny, like she understood something more. Max had been quiet, but moved to sit by Isabel.

“I think I can. I mean from what the book said if I touched Isabel then, yeah. I guess that now that I know I have that power it was activated and subconsciously worked.” Isabel nodded.

“Then you should try it.” Max was examining her, taking in her full appearance, and his soulful eyes were grappling to catch her own. Liz nodded, lips closed, eyes half-lidded. “Do you have any pictures of anyone?” Liz shook her head. Michael took out his wallet, and with a shocking blush on his face, handed her a picture of Maria.

“How do I…” Liz left her question hanging. Isabel understood first and went into explanation on touching the picture and letting herself relax, connect. “So, just touch and relax?”

“Pretty much.” Isabel nodded her head encouragingly as Liz started to lean back, but stopped when Max and Michael made a move to stop her; the guys looked at one another as if reading each others minds and removed their jackets, putting them behind Liz, to make her more comfortable.

“Um, thanks.” Liz gave them a small feminine smile. Michael shrugged it off, and Max just gave her a searching glance. Isabel released an almost unheard laugh, Liz smiled wider.

With a deep breath, Liz stared down at the photo, touched it, and then leaned back, closing her eyes and tried to let go of any troubling thoughts. It took a few moments, then slid into a comfortable place she usual visited before she went into her dreams, kind of like being caught between waking and sleeping, then an odd heat fell over her and she was at school.

Her eyes ambled over her biology class, and landed on Maria. Why were they the ones here? Why would Maria be dreaming of an empty bio lab, that’s when she saw herself. It was her and Max, they were making out! Maria’s envy of them seemed to fill the mostly empty class, but then Maria peeked toward the open door that led to the bustling hall way and Michael appeared. That in and of itself would have keyed Liz that she was in fact in someone else’s dream if she didn’t already know.

Michael strode over to Maria, flicked a hand to make Max and dream Liz disappear, and then lifted Maria onto one of the lab tables. He began to strip her of her clothes and kiss her, and that’s when Liz jerked away and lurched upward awake.

“Oh my GOD!” Liz practically shouted it to the world. She couldn’t believe what she had just seen. It felt wrong to have invaded Maria’s private dreams, especially that one.

“What? What did you see?” Michael had pitched forward ready to interrogate. Liz flushed just looking at him, and glanced away.

“I did it. I got into Maria’s dream.” Isabel had an open-mouthed, teeth-baring smirk on her face. She knew Liz had seen something private, which was how she had reacted the first time she had seen something porn-like in a friends dream. Isabel was practically shaking with soundless laughter.

“What did you see?” Max asked this time, ignoring his sister. Liz shot him a wide eyed look and shook her head. “Was it a nightmare?” Liz was tempted to retort something like, ’I’ll say’, but chose to just shake her head.

“It was private. Something…for Maria to see, only Maria.” Liz diverted her gaze when Michael tried to get her to spill. “I’m really not in the mood to talk about it. Why don’t we continue tomorrow at the Crashdown. Sound good.” Michael started to argue, saying something to the effect that he wanted to know, but Max placed a hand on his shoulder and told him to go wait in the car.

“What do I look like a kid, Maxwell?” Michael turned his head, glaring holes in Max’ chest.

“No, Michael, you don’t, but I think that it’s late and if Liz uses anymore energy she won’t be able to take guard duty over the granilith and I might just assign you in her place.” Max said it firmly and turned back to Isabel and Liz when Michael cursed and jumped off a boulder and made his way to the jeep. “We’ll talk about it tomorrow. Night Iz. Night Liz.” Isabel hugged her brother, and Liz nodded her head in his direction.

Isabel waited until Max and Michael had pulled away and started driving before jumping in for the details. She just had to know what had little Liz Parker gasping in shock. “So? What did you see?”

Liz was starting to hate that question. Did know one know what the word private, or privacy, meant? Liz noticed that the guys had let their jackets and tossed Isabel Michaels, wrapping Max’s around her shoulders; it was getting chilly outside.

“I can’t tell you Isabel. Maria would kill me, but because I know you won’t leave it at that I’ll say that it was private, and contained one Michael Guerin.” Isabel’s eyes widened, despite the fact that she knew it was something to that effect hearing it out loud was another thing altogether. Her first thought was, ’how could anyone feel that way about Michael’, her second was, ’ewww’.

“Okay, enough said.” Liz gave a ‘yeah I though so’ look Isabel’s way. Liz wasn’t really one into gossip that was the main reason that the popular girls at school didn’t have a great liking for her. She sighed, being a good friend and person in general, was taxing, but in the midst of teen drama almost impossible.

Liz started thinking again about how different Isabel seemed in school, how her entire personality did a one-eighty. Of course being popular had its perks, but Liz had never tried to conform to the ideal teen queen look. She had wanted to be friends with them, maybe join the cheerleading team, but despite the fact she did take secret gymnastic class with a trainer she found, Liz had never felt she would ever fit right in that category. It was one of the many reasons that her and Pam Troy never got along; Pam was highly ranked in the schools social pyramid, but her attitude belonged at the bottom.

“What are you thinking about?” Isabel had been monitoring Liz for several minutes and a tiny frown had formed and deepened at the corners of her mouth. Isabel tilted her head slightly, puzzling at what was wrong with Liz now.

Liz’ head snapped up and she met Isabel’s eyes. Shaking her head, Liz replied, “Nothing.” Isabel didn’t seem convinced.

“Come on, what’s running through that scientific mind.” Isabel decided that prodding the situation was easiest, and maybe would draw Liz out of her thoughts.

“It’s just…How did you get popular? I mean, did you wake up one morning and decided to just, I don’t know, feel popular?” Liz took in the surprised look on Isabel’s face, Liz was sure she had shocked Isabel many times in the passed few hours.

Isabel pondered the question for a moment. How had she gotten popular? It had always just seemed that she was. No one actually decides that their going to get popular, they just are. Girls had always seemed to gravitate to her, and she had just put on some fake smile, laughed appropriately, and dressed how she thought would look nice. Maybe it was easier for her to be popular because she couldn’t let people see who she was, so her distance made people think she was cool, calm, and that inevitable led to popularity.

Eventually the rules set in, and Isabel had learned and practiced them; such as who was also cut from the popular material, who wasn’t, and what was accepted among them. Isabel glanced at Liz and caught the bemused emotions that fell over her. “It’s not a conscious decision, really. It’s more like something you fall into. See you’re average, but because of who you’ve dated, who your friends are, and what you wear, you’re considered a possibility that hasn’t been explored, at least that is what I say, and you know that follows to say, so does everyone else.” Isabel gave Liz a slight smirk and appraising once over.
“Yeah, but how would I, hypothetically, be more.” Liz tried to look the part of an inquisitive scientist. Isabel almost chuckled at how obvious Liz was; she was so simple to read.

“Well, hypothetically, you would hang out with me more, and get into some kind of school activity, possibly go shopping with me and some friends, to buy yourself a newer, more fashionable wardrobe.” Liz considered what Isabel said then nodded her head as if coming to a conclusion.

“So, what are you doing tomorrow after school, Isabel?” Isabel did chuckle this time.

“Why Elizabeth Parker, are you trying to become popular?” Liz smiled at the teasing note in Isabel’s voice and realized this was completely out of character for her.

“Maybe I’ve always wanted to, but with this new side I’m just more able to. Besides, I need a distraction. Working at the Crashdown is my only escape from-” Liz waved her hand around her, indicating the entire alien thing, “-this, and with how much Max hangs around, I’m not sure that even that is much of an escape. My dad suggested this private academy in Vermont, but I couldn’t bear to be away from Maria, Alex, and as much as I want the occasional break from this weirdness, even that would make me homesick. And with this whole new me, I don’t want to settle for being a Roswell small town girl. Can you understand that?” Isabel had been listening with great interest and could truly relate to Liz. She nodded and smiled.

“I can. So…mall?” A brilliant smile blossomed across her face, and Liz nodded in return. “I think there’s hope for you, Liz Parker. But what school activity do you want to do? I, as you know, am on the dance team, and volunteer. What can you do?”

“Um, I do gymnastics, but they shut down our schools team because of how they all got drunk and broke in.” Liz didn’t want to say cheerleading; she felt a little embarrassed and didn’t want Isabel to laugh at her.

“You do gymnastics? Since when?” Isabel stared at Liz; there were plainly many things she needed to learn about Liz.

“I started when I was fourteen and my dad let me start working at the Crashdown. I pay for it, my parents don’t know. I was embarrassed to tell them, so I searched online for a local trainer, and found Regina Hegeford, and so for the passed three years, every day between four and seven in the morning, I practice. Except for when the group stuff gets in the way, that’s why I don’t work shifts until nine, ten in the morning on weekends.” Isabel absorbed it, processed it, and then decided to just move on.

“Won any competitions?” Isabel was had to hear the answer to this.

“A few. Regina wanted to take me to the preliminary to the Olympics, but I don’t think that I could, not with my ties to the group, and not now when I found out who I am.”

“Wow. I’m so impressed, Liz. Now we both know what you would be good at, but since you’re too shy to say it, I will. Cheerleading.” Isabel smiled satisfied with the concept. Liz gave her one in return and pulled the jacket tighter around her, hiding her nose in it, smelling Max’ musk. “Do you have practice today?”

“Yeah. I was afraid that with granilith duty would stop me from going, but thankfully Max relieves us at three, he told me I would need sleep, so…” Liz let her sentence trail off. Isabel appeared excited and Liz waited to hear why.

“Could I come watch?” Isabel was grinning and waited for Liz’ answer.

“I don’t see why not. Regina is usually pretty cool when people pop in an out of practice, but she doesn’t like people who talk a lot, so if you can deal with three hours of silence, except for my training music, you’re on.” Isabel’s grin turned into a full blown smile.

“Great.” The concluding hours were spent in idle chick-chat and getting to know each other time. Liz shocked Isabel when she told her how much money she had saved up, and said it was from her competitions. She had grossed a total of sixteen thousand dollars, not including extra scholarship funding for her college aspirations. Isabel found that Liz honestly was more fascinating than anyone could know, and contemplated the meaning of who Liz was, and why Max was so fully head over heels for the girl.

[Egyptian_Kiss]

Chapter Four

Max drove up to the cliff area at three, as expected, and left his presence unknown for several minutes as he watched the oddity of Isabel Evans, his vain, overly popular sister, laugh and enjoy Liz’ company. When Isabel threw her head back and let out a stream of uninhibited laughter, Max made his appearance, stepping forward smiling.

Liz’ eyes immediately roved over him and she went down her mental checklist of his physical perfection. Her temperature rose when she saw that he was wearing his leather jacket, and a muscle shirt underneath. ’It should be illegal for him to dress like that’, Liz thought as she finished her perusal, which didn’t go unnoticed by Isabel, who had stopped laughing when Max came forward.

“I’m hear for guard watch.” Max always seemed to state the blatantly obvious, in Isabel’s opinion, but Liz seemed to accept it as a reasonable statement, and headed toward the jeep, while Max gave Isabel the keys. He hated the way Liz was distant with him. When he looked at her, he just wanted to pull her in his arms and suffocate her with his kisses. After a longing glance in her direction, Max turned over the keys possession to his sister. “Park in the alley beside the Crashdown, make sure Liz gets in safe and sound, then go home.” Max hugged Iz and made his way over to the rock Liz had been sitting at and took up her position, while watching the two most important women in his life drive off.

Isabel had rolled her eyes at her brother’s orders and made her way to the car with a, “Sure Max”, and then as they drove off, she turned her head to Liz. “So do we need to stop at your place for any kind of training stuff?”

“No. I have an extra leotard at the studio, and Regina lives pretty far out, near Hondo, we’d be late if we stopped for anything. I usually leave around twenty minutes from now, but since we’re in the desert and it’s twenty minutes to my house, we need the time.” Liz gathered her hair up into a bun and stretched a rubber band she had around her wrist tightly around her hair, securing it against the wind and preparing it for her workout.

“Okay. How do you get to practice though, you don’t have a car?” Isabel averted her eyes back and forth between the road and Liz.

“Oh, there’s a bus station about three blocks from the Crashdown, and surprisingly it runs all night. I hear the person who runs the schedules is overly eccentric, and insists on a bus running all the time.” Isabel shrugged, she never rode the bus, and didn’t care about the bus schedule.

“It’s kind of dangerous though, going out early in the morning and riding the bus, I mean.” Liz shrugged back, and let it drop. Her mode of transportation was pretty limited, and she wasn’t going to complain about a bus that she was luck enough to have running that early in the morning. “I’ll drive you from now on.” Liz gazed across at Isabel, not sure what to make of that. “Popular people don’t ride the bus, and maybe I’ll get into gymnastics.” Isabel lifted her shoulders in a light shrug, pretending it had nothing to do about danger, and Liz smiled.

“Thanks Isabel.” Her only answer was the corners of Isabel’s lips tipping upward in a friendly semi-smile. The rest of the ride went in silence, except for the occasional dictation from Liz on where to turn and finally where to stop.

Regina’s studio was a rather large brick building with bay window fronts that displayed uniquely beautiful leotards, and an oak front door that had a brass bell hanging over the entrance. The two girls sauntered into the shop/studio and made their way to the counter, Isabel perused the shop, inspecting the merchandise, and then her eyes landed on Regina.

Regina was a forty-something woman with fiery red hair, watery blue eyes, and a full mouth covered in brick red lipstick. Her clothes consisted of a short flimsy, knee-length black skirt, cream, off-the-shoulder top, and matching black blazer. The woman screamed chic and class, she had been breed from good stock. She smiled kindly at the two girls, revealing perfect, straight, white teeth. Isabel almost envied the woman, almost.

“Liz, how are you? Who’s your friend?” Regina extended a hand to Isabel, ready to give a warm welcome.

“Regina Hegeford, meet Isabel Evans. Isabel this is Regina.” The two women shook hands congenially, and Liz went further into explanation. “Isabel wanted to see me practice, she’ll be giving me a ride from now on, and might be a perspective client. She’s Max’ sister, the popular girl.” Regina smiled wider and Isabel glanced at Liz wondering how much she had talked about her, and what exactly she said, the fact she mentioned her at all caught her off guard, slightly.

“Oh I’ve heard a great deal of things about you. You really do have perfect hair, and such a lovely complexion. Bless you your beauty.” Isabel smiled in thanks and slanted Liz a look.

“Thank you. I didn’t even know that Liz came here until a couple hours ago, but I’ve heard nice things about you also.” A white lie, but Isabel like this woman and wanted to be amiable.

“Why thank you. I’ve known quite a bit about you, and your dashing brother. Is he really all that wonderful? The way Liz speaks of him, you’d think him a Greek god descended from heaven.” Liz turned ten shades of red and stared hard at the floor. Isabel laughed lightheartedly, and shook her head.

“I wouldn’t say Greek god, but then again I don’t think we could stop Liz from thinking any less of him than we could make the stars fall from the sky. He’s a good guy though.” Regina joined in the infectious laughter and started to lead the blushing Liz and chuckling Isabel toward the back changing room.

“I left your favorite leotard in your locker, and an extra blue one with a golden stripe under the chest in there, in case you decided to do team practice.” Regina told Isabel about her team of esteemed girls with aspiring talent, but none of which held a candle to Liz. “She really is the best I have, and had brought me in quite a bit of money as her coach.” Isabel nodded, waiting out in the studio with Regina while Liz changed. “She rarely does practice with the others, I chalk it up to bashfulness, but the girl has nothing wrong with her. Between her figure, her face, and her talent she’s a walking, talking sensation waiting to take off.”

Liz came out of the locker room in a red leotard that had sheer material from the collar to the start of her chest, and silver trim around her neck, legs, and arms. Isabel stared on as Liz stretched and warmed up, then gazed in awe as Liz took to the bars, looping, flipping, jumping, and straightening herself. Liz had a flow to her movements that rang of experience, and natural talent that had been nurtured.

After dismounting the bars, Isabel watched as Liz took to the vault, she was again impressed, and it only ran deeper as she saw Liz got to the floor and perform stunts the West Roswell high cheerleaders would kill to be able to do. Liz did the rings and topped it off with the balance beam, where she didn’t fall once. Apparently Liz had had herself trained in ever area, and Isabel, in all truth, thought that it was too bad Liz had responsibilities to the group, because she could honestly take the gold in the Olympics.

Training had always been Liz’ favorite event of the day, before she met Max, after which her breath was held until the next moment she could see him. He had commented on several occasions when they were involved on what an amazing body she had, but Liz had always hid the fact from him that she was a gymnast, somehow afraid he would think she was inadequate, that was why she didn’t go to team practices.

Her eighties music was still blaring in the studio when the team entered. All of them were dressed in identical blue and gold leotards and immediately began stretching, ignoring Isabel, and Liz. Isabel watched the jealous glares Liz started to receive and was startled that a few envious glares made there way to her direction. Liz seemed to pull into herself slightly, and Isabel got angry.

Walking over to Liz, Isabel grabbed a hold of her arm and ushered her into the locker room. “Liz those girls are jealous. They aren’t better than you. I don’t think anyone could be better than you in this. I mean, I just spent the last three hours watching you train, and you were flawless. Team practice is an hour long, from what Regina told me, and you need to change your leotard and get your, as of now, popular butt out there.” Liz started to argue and Isabel held up a hand silencing her.

“Rule one of being popular: Don’t mess with the queen bee.” Liz smiled and Isabel returned it before heading outside, giving Liz a private moment, to change. Five minutes passed and Liz came out dress and ready for practice. She stretched, even though it wasn’t necessary, and took her place in line. Regina was beaming at her, and Liz gave her, her best and brightest back.

Throughout practice Liz was the only one who didn’t make a mistake, despite the efforts of a tall, leggy blonde, who had tried to trip her on her vault run. Isabel had discreetly shoved the girl out of Liz’ way with an energy push. Liz had felt it and grinned as she made a perfect dismount.

After practice, and Regina’s long appreciative thank you to Liz for joining practice, and signing Isabel on for some private lessons, they had headed back to the Crashdown. “You should get some sleep before we go mall crawling, Liz.” Liz shook her head ’no’ and sat quietly.

“Hey Isabel, don’t tell the others about Regina’s, okay?” Isabel gave her an odd look, but agreed.

“Sure. But you should seriously consider opening up to them. Your amazing, and coming from me, that’s a big deal.” Liz giggled a little and hopped out of the jeep and scrambled up her fire escape to change and head back down through the front of the apartment, and down into the restaurant. She kissed her mom and dad and said that she was going shopping with a friend before taking off.

Isabel had pulled up in front of the Crashdown after letting Liz out on the side. When Liz hopped into the seat next to her, she took off without a care and got ready to shop, the solution to all craziness in her life. She sighed as they raced down the road and turned a corner. The moment they reached the vicinity of the mall she looked in the mirror and waved a hand in front of her lips, re-glossing them and changing the orangey color to a more rouge tone.

“Got to love them powers.” Liz had watched her do it and wondered if she, herself, could. Isabel glanced her way for a second and was amused as Liz tried it and failed.

“You have to see the color in your mind and then just see it on you.” Isabel instructed her, sweeping the lot around them, making sure it was okay for Liz to do it, then nodded for her to try again. Liz did and her lips turned a light shade of gold, which matched her tube top. “Good. Let’s go.”

The two hit the mall like a hurricane and Liz ended up buying five new pairs of jeans, faded and dark, and six different skirts, navy blue, black, green, red, jean material, and a silky long white one. They went into Forever 21 and bought different tops and then to Lord and Taylor to freshen up Liz’ formal wear. Isabel put Liz’ debit card to work and buy the time the pair sat down to eat pizza in the food court, Liz’ account was down twenty two hundred dollars.

“So, Victoria’s Secret next?” Liz nodded as she bit into her pizza, it was missing something.

“Hey Isabel doesn’t this pizza taste like it’s missing something.” Isabel shook her head as she poured on some Tabasco sauce, the guy behind the counter thought she was insane when she had asked for a bottle. Liz eyed the bottle then made a motion to take it, and Isabel pushed it toward her. Liz doused hers and took a bite, perfect. “This is really good.” Isabel smiled as she munched on hers and nodded in agreement.

Liz and Isabel were finishing up and sipping their cokes headed toward their destination when they heard someone call out their names, the two turned and none other than Maria and Alex were headed their way.

“Hi Liz, Isabel. I didn’t know you two shop together.” Alex was the first to greet them, goofy smile intact.

“Yeah. We’re working on Liz’ new look.” Isabel smirked Liz’ way.

“New look? What’s wrong with her regular look?” Maria was frowning, she didn’t like the sound of things. “Liz looks fine.” Alex had started to take Isabel’s five or six bags when she handed them his way.

“Yes she does, but now she’ll look even better.” Isabel smiled, but it was forced, Maria was giving off some pretty mean vibes.

“I’m sure she will, we were headed to Game World, for my new system. I ordered a PSP and Xbox.” Alex cut in smoothly and even though Liz hadn’t tried to pawn her load off on Alex, he took it upon himself to grab her ten or twelve bags himself.

“That’s nice. We were just head for Victoria’s Secret. You can tag along. Thanks for volunteering, Alex.” Isabel almost smirked again when Alex blushed slightly. Maria was now glaring in disapproval and looked like she wanted to pull a teen bitch move, and flick her hair over her should while leaving in a huff, but instead she settled for another glare, then made up an excuse about having to get back to the Crashdown for her shift. She didn’t even hug Liz, who had remained silent because she didn’t know what to say.

“Alright. Victoria’s Secret, but then we have to visit Game World.” Alex did his very best to look like he believed they would make it to Game World, but Isabel’s chuckle and Liz’ slanted look told him all he needed to know.

As they went into Victoria’s Secret, Alex seemed to tense up, and Liz almost laughed when he jumped at the sound of the saleswoman’s greeting. Isabel went around pulling out some of the draws, and flicking through the table varieties, and ignored Alex’s embarrassment when she asked if he liked a pair of red lace panties and the bra to match. He had stuttered and Liz had taken pity on him.

“I think it’s nice Isabel, sexy.” Isabel smiled her way.

“Glad you like them, I want them for you.” Liz’ eyes went wide at the scandalous underwear and turned redder than Alex, quite the feat. “And all of these.” Her eyes darted to the arms full of lacey, silky, and barely there wears. “Okay by you.” Isabel’s eyes challenged her to say no.

“Yes.” Liz felt kind of weak for that, but she had asked for Isabel’s help on it, and she remembered rule number one.

“Excellent. They are lovely. Your boyfriend will be fainting.” A saleswoman had slinked up beside them and was offering her ultimate, commission winning, smile.

“Thanks for the input. That’s all.” Isabel waved a hand the woman’s direction then turned to the table to continue her perusal, and the woman, though indignant, stepped off. Liz was impressed, but she doubted she could have been so dismissive, then again, Isabel was a princess, or at least use to be.

Half an hour later they were putting the bags in the back of the jeep and Alex bid them bye, he needed to go get his systems at Game World. Isabel had put her bags against the back of the seat and Liz’ toward the back of the jeep. They were at the Crashdown a short drive later, and Liz was trying to pull all fourteen bags from the back, and practically fell after pulling so hard the bags came loose and cooperated, making her lose balance, but strong arms steadied her.

Liz glanced up at the person holding her, and it was none other than Max. He held her gently, and Liz had the urge to lean into him, yet instead she righted herself, and shook her arms to jostle the bags into a more comfortable hold. “Thanks.”

“No problem. Let me help you with those.” Before Liz could protest he had grabbed a hold of the bags and started for the front door of the Crashdown. Isabel had come around to see if Liz was okay, she had seen her having trouble and was going to see if she wanted help, something she hardly ever offered, but came to a stop when she saw Max. She watched them interact and decided to leave Liz and Max alone.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Liz. Bye Max.” Isabel waved them off as she got back in the drivers seat of the jeep, and pulled away, speeding down the road to her house.

“Bye.” Liz shouted and did an extended arm wave. She then followed Max, wishing they had gone through the side entrance because everyone stared as she and Max made their way through the restaurant and into the back. Liz unlocked the door to the apartment, and was shocked to find that her parents weren’t home. She instructed Max toward the put the bags on the floor at the foot of her bed and sat down on her bed.

“Thanks for the help.” Liz gazed into his amber eyes for several long moments, but averted her stare else were when he coughed.

“No problem.” He paused, searching for something to say, anything to further the conversation. “You did a lot of shopping.”

“Yeah. Isabel said that my wardrobe was lacking and we chose the mall to help remedy the situation.” Liz looked him in the eyes again when they started to talk.

“The two of you seem to be spending a lot of time together, lately.” Max cracked a smile, and Liz grinned back.

“I know.”

“I think she’s really warming up to you.” Liz nodded. The silence stretched between them again. “Liz I wanted you to know that I know you’re not telling me something.” Liz’ wondering eyes zipped back to Max as he leaned against the wall across from her bed, next to her window. “I want you to tell me what it is. We can’t have secrets, not with this new information about who you are.” Max was hoping she would break and tell him. He missed her, missed her easy smile, the laughter so quick to enter the fray of their light banter and most of all, he missed her unguarded, freely given love.

“Max.” Liz struggled with herself for a few minutes and played and toyed with everything that had happened, what Isabel had told her at the pod chamber entrance, and the passed few months. “I just, I don’t know if I should. The future-”

“Is determined by the decisions we make. Not by prophecies, destinies, expectations. Tell me, Liz. If I have to, I’ll order you to.” Max held back a flinch, he never wanted to have to order Liz to open up to him, he loved her. She didn’t bat an eyelash.

“I will. But not because I am following orders, which by the way don’t work on me, but because your right.” Lowering her eyes Liz let it spill, all the details about the future Max, everything she had learned, and all she had felt. “So you see, our love killed everyone. Max, you told me that Isabel had died two weeks before you came to see me, that Michael just that day. How could we be so selfish, how could I.” Liz sounded so dejected that Max actually did gather her in his arms. He wanted to cry, but wouldn’t, he had to be stronger than that.

“Liz. I love you. You are my world. You are my soul mate. I couldn’t stop loving you if I knew that the universe would cease to exist. The future has already been changed, and as for Tess, we’ll deal with her as it comes. I can’t bear the thought of me without you. I don’t even know why words exist because right now they do me no good, there could never be a strong enough word for me to express the depth of how you make me feel, how you complete me. Love is so inadequate for what I know you are for me.” Liz had laid her head back on his chest, tears, quite, and for once not sorrowful, streaking down her face, and her eyes peering upward under her lashes at him.

Max could resist the urge no longer, he dipped his head down and pressed them to hers. The fire lit within instantaneously and passion surged through them. Liz’ lips met his and her world filled with the demands of her heart. Liz turned more into his chest and threaded her hands in his hair grasping at him desperately. An incendiary flame of need pooled in her lower abdomen and Liz gasped into his mouth as their tongues met and danced.

Max changed their position so that she was laying on the bed and he took position over her. Leaving her mouth, Max trailed a line of eager kisses along her neck, and began to suck on the beat of her pulse. Her hands trailed up his shirt and she groaned against her neck.

Liz scrapped her long fingernails down his chest, grazing his nipples, and then trailing to his sides and coming up to grip his backside. Liz leaned in and placed small effective kisses along Max’ neck and jaw line, then put her hands to use, unbuttoning his shirt and pushing him away long enough to remove the offending material, then just as fast, pulling him to her and ravaging his mouth with a fevered lust he was startled by, but returned whole-heartedly.

Max’ left hand had made a path down to the waist band of Liz’ jeans and had begun to unbutton and unzip her jeans. His right hand was working her tube top off her body, which broke the contact they hand for a moment, but resumed it quickly, once Liz had unhooked her bra and tossed it across the room.

Liz pressed her chest upward against Max’ bare chest and reveled in the contact of heated skin, as she shimmed out of her jeans with Max’ help. Liz held on to Max as he attacked her bruising lips and felt herself start a flash. Clinging to him, Liz moaned and gasped, he continued undaunted and held her more tightly.

Flash

Max and Isabel coming off the bus in third grade

Flash

Liz and Maria by her locker laughing

Flash

Liz smiling at him in the Crashdown

Flash

Their first kiss

Flash

Liz’ face close up when he was drunk

Flash

Liz telling them about her being an alien

Flash

Liz and Isabel laughing at the pod chamber entrance

End Flashes

Suddenly Max stopped, and Liz was startled out of her thoughts at her mother’s shriek of shock and outrage. Liz’ head snapped to her mother standing in her doorway, her father standing just behind her, looking furious.

“ELIZABETH CLAUDIA PARKER!” Her father bellowed her named through the door, as her mother snapped it shut. Max jumped from her once the door was closed, and started to re-button his jeans and pull on his top.

Liz pulled on her tube top and jeans, and then both tentatively made their way to the door, Liz, as she made it to the door, turned and kissed Max softly before shooing him to her window. “They will tear you apart if they get the chance. I’ll see you later at Michael’s, tell everyone the meeting’s been switched.”

“No Liz. I’ll face them with you.” Liz kissed him again, but pushed him more firmly to the window.

“No you won’t. They’re my parents. You go, deliver the news.” Max hesitated, he really didn’t want to leave her alone to face her parents, but did when he heard the banging on Liz’ bedroom door. “Bye Max.” Liz whispered, trying not to alert her parents to the fact Max was escaping.

“Bye Liz. I love you.” Max gave her a loving look as he made for the ladder on her balcony.

“Love you, too.” Liz whispered, and she knew he had heard her.

[Egyptian_Kiss]

Chapter Five

Liz took a deep breath, then opened her door. Her parents stood arms folded waiting for her to start explaining. “Let’s go to the living room.” Her mother broke the silence stonily. Liz nodded silent, then made her way the living room.

“WHAT did you think you were doing, young lady?” Jeff Parker shouted the moment he sat down.

“That was private. You should have knocked.” Liz tried to pretend not to be alarmed by her father’s furious expression, and acted as if she did nothing wrong, which she hadn’t, in her opinion, she may be moving a bit fast in her make up with Max, but her relationship was their business.

“Obviously that was PRIVATE. You are NOT old enough to be having sex!” This time it was Nancy Parker who jumped into the volley of condemning comments.

“What I do in my relationships is my business. I’m seventeen years old. I don’t need your permission to have a relationship.” Liz would not resort to shouting, she was going to stay calm and defend herself.

“It IS OUR business. Yes you are SEVENTEEN, but until the day you turn EIGHTEEN, you are our responsibility.” Jeff Parker had gotten up and started to pace and shout, using his hands to puncture each of his outraged points. Nancy had folded her hands in her lap and was seemed to be trying to keep in her fury.

“Well I’m sorry, dad, but I’m not in a relationship with you, so I you’ll forgive me for disagreeing.” Liz had her fists clenched at her side and was ready to start yelling.

“YOU will NOT speak to ME that way, young lady.” Jeff turned his anger to his daughter.

“I WILL SPEAK AS I LIKE! I am NOT a CHILD, Jeff.” Liz had jumped to her feet and was now raving with her hands in the air, mocking his speak punctuation with the last statement.

“Young lady, you had better sit yourself back down right this second, or so help me.” This came from Nancy Parker, who had, though still sitting, turned her full glare on Liz.

“Or so help you, WHAT?” Liz never liked to argue with her mother, she believed greatly in the ten commandments, but certain things couldn’t be avoided.

“Or so help me, I’ll-” Nancy didn’t finish. She had gotten up and over to her daughter, and before she could control herself had smacked Liz smartly across the face, hard enough to make her head snap to the right.

Liz turned her head back to her mother, the mother who had never hit her, or yelled at her, or said one harsh word to her, her entire life, and ignored the tears that had welled up in her eyes. “I’m leaving. I won’t leave in this house because it would disgrace you, and I am a good catholic, which is the only reason I am not going to say what I would like to about you…Nancy.” Liz had never called her mother by her first name, her mother had told her not to, that mom meant so much to her, that it showed there bond as mother and daughter.

Jeff stared at his wife in shock, then turned his gaze to the back of his retreating daughter. He had never seen Liz so upset, or hurt. His wife seemed to want to apologize, once the shock had worn off of what she had done, but she held back with a self-righteous look on her face.

The second her door was closed, the tears in her eyes broke from her lids, and Liz ran to the closet, pulling out a large overnight duffle. She unzipped it and began to put in her knick knacks, journal, books, jewelry, make-up, money, toiletries, and other necessities. She pulled on her back pack and duffle, then snatched up her bags from her earlier shopping expedition.

Racing passed her parents, Liz couldn’t get a hold of the door handle to the apartment, and then, miraculously, it flew open and Liz didn’t stop to marvel at what had happened. Liz progressed noisily down the stairs and saw Maria opening her locker.

“Maria.” Maria looked at Liz and her eyes dilated into dishpans. “I need a ride.”

“Liz. What’s going on?” Liz shook her head and ran to the door, which also blew open and made her way to the jetta. Maria was only a few steps behind her and got in the car without another question. “Where my going, Liz?” Liz searched her mind, picked out a name and place and faced Maria.

“Michael’s, Maria. If you don’t mind I think I’m going to be living there.” Liz was still crying hysterical tears, but the shock of the whole situation, that had just exploded seemed to numb her to them.

Maria didn’t bother to object, question, or reply, she backed out of the alley and took off for Michael’s. She peered out of the corner of her eye at Liz and realized that the tears were still coming full force, and she desperately wanted to know what had happened. Last she had seen of Liz was her smiling and going off to shop at Victoria’s Secret with Isabel Evans and Alex, she had been mad at Liz, but now she simply felt upset and worried.

“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong, Liz?” Liz licked her lips and sucked them into her mouth before diverting her eyes out the window on the passenger side of the car.

“Me and Max made up. We almost…and my parents walked in…and then they started to yell, and then…” Liz sobbed, “…My mom hit me and I told her I wouldn’t disgrace her by living under her roof and left.” Liz was sobbing now and Maria put an arm around her shoulders and drew her close while shushing her and rubbing her arm.

They pulled up at Michael’s and Liz loaded herself up again and headed for the door. Again the door flew open to a startled Michael and Max. “Michael? Can I stay her with you?” Michael took in her appearance and nodded, still wondering over the door. Max was frantically questioning Maria, Liz had disappeared into Michael’s room, and he was about to follow her before Maria and Michael stopped him. Maria explained what happened and Max was vibrating with anger.

Liz came back out a minute later, and was embraced straight off by Max. She felt him shaking and it eased her own pain a little. Liz rubbed his back as he held her and Max cooled down a bit. They pulled apart when Maria wedged herself between the two to hug Liz as well.

Michael watched for a bit then went to the fridge in the kitchen and pulled out a beer. He walked over to Liz and handed it to her. “I’m not good with words, but let’s say I understand.” Liz looked at him surprised as she wiped at the tears and accepted the alcohol, and hugged him.

“Thanks Michael.” Michael blushed.

“Well I know better than anyone how much the world isn’t perfect with ponies and rainbows…But I’m sorry you do, too.” Michael shrugged it off and went back to sitting in front of the T.V watching the news. Maria was staring at him like he was a saint and went to sit next to him.

Max pulled Liz into the bedroom and placed her on the end of the bed. “I shouldn’t have left. I’m sorry. What happened…” He seemed to leave off while struggling with words to say, something t make it better.

“It’s okay Max, it wasn’t your fault. I’m glad that things worked out between us. I missed you.” Max looked at her hard, still struggling with his emotions, and then leaned in giving her a hard forceful kiss that demanded response to the raging emotions. Liz accepted the anger behind it, the pain, and the connection that they shared from it. Slowly the kiss turned soft and Max relaxed under the touch of her hands, which were massaging his back and he released her.

“I love you, Liz.” Her eyes were shinning with emotion and Liz smiled.

“I love you, Max.”

“So what happens now?” Max had to ask.

“I start over. New.”

[Egyptian_Kiss]

Okay I know I said that I usually post every two to three week, and I usually do, but I've had this spurt of inspiration lately, so here you go.

Chapter Six

Liz wrestled with the covers on Michael’s bed restlessly and finally tossed them off of herself using her legs. She had tried to get him to take the bed, but he had insisted that she sleep on it, saying that the couch pulled out and she should feel more comfortable. It surprised Liz that Michael had taken such care of her, that he acted more compassionate, in his own tough guy way.

Sitting up, Liz glanced over to the right where a small alarm clock sat on a carved up, old, oak end table. It read 1:24 a.m. ‘Great, I can’t sleep.’ Liz had been trying to rest up, get ready for her first day as the ‘new’ Liz Parker, popular cheerleader/Isabel’s newest best friend. Max had asked her earlier, before he left, what she had meant by starting over, new. She had wanted to surprise him, so she said it was a surprise and he wasn’t allowed to ask questions. He had seemed amused about it and had nodded with a cute smile hiding at the corners of his mouth.

Liz smiled just thinking about it, she couldn’t get over the fact that they were together now, that they were finally allowed to be together. Even if the world ended tomorrow, which it might considering she didn’t know the consequences of being with him, she would be happy, and she would die loving him, and knowing that they were together, that they had each other.

With another sigh, Liz got up and headed out to the kitchen were she snatched up a bag of Doritos. Liz raided the kitchen quietly, she took inventory of what they needed. The only thing Michael seemed to have was beer, chips, a box of pops, and Tabasco sauce. Grabbing a pad of paper from under the telephone, Liz wrote out a list of items: milk, eggs, bread, sandwich meat, pepper, salt, lettuce, tomatoes, dressing (ranch), carrots, hamburgers, hotdogs, pasta, tomato sauce, chopped meat, ice cream (vanilla + pistachio), cookies, soda, apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, melon, mash potatoe mix, sugar, flour, chocolate, and cake mix.

Liz wasn’t the overly obsessive type, often, but she knew that Michael didn’t have a home here, he didn’t consider Roswell his permanent basis of life, but maybe if she made it one for him, he wouldn’t feel so alone, so homesick. She figured that if he had more variety in life, even in his choice of what to eat, he might actually care about holding on to what he had. Liz planned to throw a huge dinner, for him, as a thank you.

When Liz got back to bed, she looked at the clock again, a half hour had passed as she had sat making a list of food, and what to cook, and where people would sit. ’I’m never going to sleep. At this rate I might as well just get up and get ready, Isabel was picking her up today for her morning training. She hopped in the shower, got cleaned up, dressed, put her bag together, then went through some bags and pulled out what she was going to wear.

Discreetly as possible, Liz made her way passed a passed out Michael, and out the door, where she stood stiffly, waiting for Isabel to come and get her.

Isabel pulled up in front of Michael’s apartment, Max had told her that the meeting they were going to have was cancelled on the count of personal stuff pertaining to Liz, and had found out that she was residing with Michael, for the time being. Isabel had haunted Max for hours, trying to whittle away at his resolve at not telling her why Liz had up and left her home to live with Michael, of all people, but in the end her insistent questions merely resulted in Max locking her out of his room, and not speaking to her at dinner, when he came down.

Isabel watched Liz come into view, and saw the lines that proved she had been through a lot since she had seen her last. Liz popped the door open, and Isabel just sat staring at her with concern for several minutes before directing her gaze to the road and starting the journey to Regina’s.

“So Liz, sleep well?” It was a sarcastic question, Liz knew it, and she knew it.

“No.” Isabel waited for her to continue, but when an answer didn’t seem forth coming, Isabel tried again.

“Are you going to explain why? Or maybe the reason why you were at Michael’s?” Liz had been peering out the window, but turned to Isabel and looked at her considering her answer.

“Max didn’t tell you?” Liz had a puzzled expression that only further marred the complexion of her face.

“No. I only know that he was upset. He wouldn’t tell me anything, just that the meeting, which is still necessary by the way, was cancelled and then he gave me a look, a weird one and said you told him to tell me that you were staying at Michael’s. I had asked why, but he went stonewall, God, he’s more like Michael than he knows.” Isabel had begun to rant, but Liz cracked under the worried vibes she was getting from Isabel.

“Max came over yesterday, up to my room, after you left. We…talked.” Isabel’s question gaze encouraged Liz to continue. “I told him, Isabel. Everything. We talked about it, and we made up, God it was perfect, but then he kissed me, and well…my parents walked in.”

“And? So what? They saw you making out.” Isabel gave a shake of the head that said she didn’t understand and ran an uneasy hand through her hair.

“Well, it was a little more than…making out. But that’s not the point.” Liz rushed to say the last quickly, in hopes of moving over the shocked gasp Isabel had let escape. “I made Max leave, then I started to talk to my parents, they didn’t take it well, and we fought.” Liz gulped in some air, the memories so fresh flushing over her, “ I left and when I say left, I mean, I took everything important, and the new clothes, then ran right passed my parents, and left.”

Isabel glanced from the road to Liz’ distraught expression and back within the flickering of a second, her heart reached out for the girl, but with all the new developments she wasn’t sure what she could say to comfort her, so she changed the topic, the safest thing to do.

“Well, we have to clue Maria, Alex, and Tess in on everything. I think that maybe I’ll break it to Alex, and Michael can handle Maria, Max can deal with Tess, so you don’t really have to say anything.” Isabel was already configuring a plan on how to tell Alex that Liz was an alien, his best friend he had know since forever, was an alien; not going to be an easy task.

“No. I have to tell Maria and Alex. You, or one of the others can clue Tess in, but Maria is going to be so hurt if I let Michael do it. And Alex deserves more from me, from our friendship.” Isabel glanced at Liz and nodded.

“Alright. Now, what are you going to wear today. I assume after our training we can take showers at Regina’s, she said she had a few stalls in the back, and we could use them. Then I’ll apply our make up and we can get dressed and drive to school from here.” Liz nodded and said Isabel would have to wait to see her choice of clothing, which she didn’t want to do, but had no choice.

They parked in front of Regina’s and hopped out, Isabel was thrilled that she was taking her first gymnastic lesson and Liz was hyped up because she needed something to get everything out of her head, or at least tucked in a corner somewhere for as long as possible.

Isabel and Liz went in and greeted Regina, who smiled and led them to locker room, she knew Liz knew where it was, but liked to feel like she was doing something helpful. Regina told them to be ready in five and Liz had thought nothing of it, while Isabel asked after a leotard. Regina had produced a beautifully made silver leotard with blue stars shooting across the front. Isabel shinned her a bright toothy smile and thanked her.

Liz had already gotten dressed, and was warming up, when Isabel walked out, her hair pulled taut in a bun and the leotard fit her perfectly. Regina had taken fifteen minutes to start with Isabel, and Liz had simply clicked play and began her workout. She decided to mix things up and do floor first.

She stepped on the mat and just as she did Sheryl Crow’s, The Difficult Kind, came on and she started dancing. Her body did easy twists and slinky moves. At each time the song pitched high she did a flip, or leg trick, and when it hit its low moments, Liz did tumbles and twists. It was not an easy song to do tricks to, the music wasn’t a fast upbeat tempo that most of the girls worked with, but Liz loved it.

When she finished her last step, Liz heard clapping, her head snapped up from her u-bend position and her arm came down from the air above her head. A man around Isabel’s height stood hands clapping, he couldn’t be more than twenty-two and he was handsome. His hair was a dark rich mahogany, he had big eyes, blue, and seemed slim, but his arms held a hint of definition. He was staring right at her.

“I’m sorry, Liz.” It was Regina, she was standing next to Isabel who was holding herself vertical on the rings, and turning fiery red. “This is Cameron, he’s a trainer from a different school, I had a meeting with him, I completely forgot.” Liz nodded, she tore her eyes away from the man and sauntered over to Isabel; Liz put one hand on Isabel’s stomach, the other on her shoulder blades, and pushed them, making the position straighter, but also taking the pressure off her spinal cord. \

“Regina, next time try explaining posture first.” It was a slight reprimand from Liz, she was annoyed by the interruption, and decided the best way to take it out was a critic. “Hold that position for two more minutes Isabel, then slowly pull your body down, as if you were lying on a bed and holding your legs up straight, then stretch them wide, and swing down.” Liz instructed. “Go have your meeting, Regina. My time here today won’t be costing me anything.” It was a statement that Isabel didn’t think the timorous Liz she knew would ever make. Here, Liz seemed to have more courage.

Regina had turned pink at Liz’ blatant reprimands, and obvious displeasure, Liz was always very sweet, but she was really the reason lessons were kept quiet, other than from music, Liz didn’t like talking much. The man appeared amused, but held in his laughter. The two professionals went into her office, and Liz helped Isabel, who was pretty flexible, though she couldn’t follow directions all that well.

“You know you have a lot of back bone when it’s just you and Regina, and not the team. How come you’re not that way all the time?” Isabel was huffing, attempting to pull her legs apart and back together.

“I’m not sure I understand what you’re asking.”

“Well-” Isabel swung her feet forward and landed, a little tremulously, “-here, when you’re doing gymnastics, you are confident, even forceful, but when we’re in Roswell, or the others are being rude, you clam up, act more submissive.” Liz shook her head, she didn’t think she was that way. “You should try to be more you, Liz. The you that just told a grown woman you weren’t paying for a lesson because it was interrupted and you found that unacceptable. That’s what it takes to be like me.”

Liz chewed on that food for thought, and nodded, she would try. “Okay. I’m going to do the rings. Turn the music back up, I lowered it earlier, and you just dance around on the mat, do some splits, a couple tumbles, anything you’re absolutely confident you can do. Don’t attempt anything you aren’t sure about.” Isabel smiled and watched Liz grab hold of the rings, hoist herself up and begin. The positions she did were skillful, and in Isabel’s opinion, they looked painful. She raised the volume on the music, and did her own thing.

Liz went the whole nine yards, she zipped through, rings, bars, the vaulting horse, and the balance beam. She directed Isabel occasionally, and when Regina and Cameron came back out she was back on floor, while Isabel just practiced walking and sharp turns on the balance beam. Liz was dancing to some high techno/rock beat and had just pulled a difficult back flip when she heard the two talking, and it threw off her balance when Cameron shouted out to her.

Isabel watched Liz fall and hit the ground hard as she was attempting a twisty move, and ran over to her. “Liz, are you okay?” Isabel saw that her arm was bruising, but nothing looked broken.

“I’m fine.” Liz had bitten the words out, and got up just as fast as she had fallen. She made her way over to a stunned Regina and a guilty looking Cameron. “Look, I don’t know you, but my one rule in here is no talking, for obvious reasons. I’m not sure you’re that great of a trainer if you don’t realize what you just did was stupid, and dangerous. I’m going to ice my arm to stop the bruising, I’ll talk to you later, Regina. What ever you had to say Mr… Cameron, save it.” Liz walked in the back, furious.

People should know better than to walk in on a lesson in the first place, but to do so again, then talk, and on top of it shout out the gymnasts name, it was absurd and Liz was shaking with controlled anger. Some people were just so inconsiderate it grated on Liz’ nerves. The door behind her opened and she turned to see Cameron glancing around.

“I believe I made myself perfectly clear, sir.” Liz still didn’t know his last name.

“I apologize, you have every right to be angry.” He leaned against the wall opposite her as she pressed some ice to her arm. “I was calling you name because Regina has mentioned you several times at the last competitions, and it’s always that you can beat out my girls, and any others. She feels you could go to the Olympics. I had to meet you. And you are really everything that Regina boasts. I saw you doing your routine, and it was fabulous.” Liz blushed a little at the compliments, she could never get use to them, even though she received vast quantities of them at the meets she went to in the past.

“I’m not that great, and as you can see, I fall like everyone else.” Liz did not add that she wasn’t really doing much, and that her normal routine was much better because she hated bragging.

“Yes, you are that great, and you wouldn’t have fallen if I hadn’t intervened as I had. I watched your form, you are flawless.” Liz blushed again and smiled coyly. “Look the reason I’m here is because I want you to compete against my girls, I want to see if they are ready, because if they can keep up with you they are.”

“I’m sorry, but I don’t compete that often and frankly, I don’t know you that well. I don’t even know your surname.” He laughed a little and smiled again.

“Fair enough. My name is Cameron Foxet. I own the Foxet line of training programs.” Liz gasped, Foxet training was the most elite of all training institutions. Liz had applied there, but it was far too much money and they had said she wouldn’t cut it. “And if you do it, not only can you train at the studio nearest you, but I’ll throw in twenty thousand dollars as well.”

“Twenty thousand dollars?” Liz’ eyes were the size of saucers. To him that was pocket change, but to Liz Parker, that was like robbing a bank. “Why would you give me twenty thousand dollars just to beat your gymnasts?”

“Because, Miss Parker, I’ve never seen talent like yours, and my girls are the best, so I need to try and beat the competition, apparently, that’s you.” Liz stared at him for another moment.

“When?” Cameron’s face lit up and he smiled.

“This Friday?” Liz thought about it. She leaned forward and took the ice off her arm and extended it.

“You have a deal, Mr. Foxet.” His smile widened and he gingerly shook her arms, and he had to give her credit she didn’t wince.

“Next Friday, Miss Parker.” Liz watched him go. Never in her life did she expect to be able to earn that much money doing something she thought was easy, especially considering she didn’t think she was that good.

Liz took a shower, reflecting on the condition her life was in. She had thought that when Max saved her life things couldn’t get any weirder, but here she was being proven wrong a million times over. Her thoughts strayed to Max and she started to fantasize about being alone with him again. She imagined what he would think of her today.

Her mind thought of his reaction. She would walk into school, side by side with Isabel, and strut over to her locker where he would be waiting for her. He would take in her clothes, her make up, and he would pull her to him. He would kiss her, deepening it, making her moan, rubbing his hands up and down her sides. He would turn her so her back was braced against the locker and his hand would slowly travel up her shirt, and she would wrap her arms around him, pulling him closer.

The bell would ring, and everyone else would disappear, only they would exist, and she would pull at his leather jacket, pushing it off his broad shoulders, and he would moan her name and trail open mouthed kissed down her jaw, then her neck, and then pull at her shirt, impatient to feel her again, as she was to feel him.

A sudden knocking on the shower stall brought Liz out of her daydreaming, and she quickly rinsed the conditioner out of her hair, and snatched at the towel hanging over the top of the stall. She pushed the stall door open and held the towel in place. Isabel was waiting impatiently, she was dressed and her hair was pulled back in a half up, half down do with a clip holding it in place.

“Were you drowning in there? It’s been like twenty minutes.” Isabel jumped to complain. “We have an hour to get you ready and back to Roswell.”

“Sorry.” Isabel nodded, exasperated, and started to apply her make up. Liz went back into the locker room and put on her chosen clothing, and thought about how she was going to dry her hair.

Isabel walked in and smiled. Liz looked great. She was wearing a pair of straight dress pants that fit her frame perfect and the white with black vertical dashes looked sharp and sexy. A cream off the shoulder top made of silken material accompanied it and a black blazer toped off the ensemble, along with the two inch heeled leather boots.

“Nice choice. But your hair is sorely lacking.” Isabel walked over and waved her hand in front of Liz, the hair dried and Isabel looked at the effect, better, but not quite. “Try putting your hair up.” Liz snatched up a rubber band from her duffle and gathered the hair in a high ponytail. “Perfect. Now make up. We don’t have time for me to apply it.” Isabel waved her hand in front of Liz’ face again and black liner with stunning smoky eye shadow with black mascara appeared to define Liz’ eyes, and a nude gloss was slick across her lips, a perfect offset.

Liz turned, examined herself in the mirror and couldn’t help, but gape at what she saw, there was no way that was her. She looked so different from her regular self. Isabel stood smiling smugly behind her. “No time to stare, plenty of that will happen when we get to school, let’s go.” Liz followed suit and grabbed her things, going out to the jeep and getting in.

They drove mostly in silence, and when they got to the school just got out and headed for the front doors. Two freshman geeks held the door open for them, and Liz smiled sweetly in thanks to the one on her right, he nearly fell over in shock that she had acknowledged him.

Liz and Isabel made their way toward Liz’ locker, and saw Max, Maria, Alex, and Michael waiting there. They turned when they heard footsteps, and jaws dropped. Everyone in the hall was whispering about how Liz looked, and the fact that Isabel was hanging out with her. Liz just smiled and leaned in to kiss Max, who was gawking along with the others.

When she pulled away she smiled. “Good morning.” He nodded still stunned and hooked an arm around her waist when she turned to the others. “Hey guys.” Maria had collected herself first and faced Alex to see him with his eyebrows nearly at his hairline.

“You look great.” Alex spoke first, and Michael nodded, he was silent, but no outward expression showed his reaction otherwise. Maria agreed almost immediately, and hugged Liz.

“Yeah, Chica, you look fantastic. You sure did some shopping.” Liz grinned and twisted towards Max, she was waiting on his reply, but he was stunned and still staring at her.

“Max? What do you think?” He snapped out of it, and gripped her again as he leaned in to kiss her.

“You look amazing, different, but amazing.” Liz blushed a little and said a silent thank you. She glanced in the direction she saw Isabel last and noticed she had gotten closer to Alex, and was laughing at something funny he had just said. Michael was leaning against the lockers and Maria was yelling at him for something he has just said, and Liz felt content.

The bell rang and Isabel turned to Liz, she gave her a look and started to head for first hour, which they shared and Liz fell into step beside her. A group of her friends greeted them when they walked in, some were shooting Liz envious look, and others were assessing the impact Liz might have on their little in crowd. Liz stuck by Isabel and sat beside her, they talked about the assignment they were doing, but also about guys and that’s when the conversation got interesting.

“Speaking of boyfriends, Liz, who are you going with right now? I heard you and Kyle Valenti hooked up?” A short red head who had sized her up as the enemy earlier was first to launch a verbal assault.

“Actually, that was just a rumor, and I’m not with Kyle. We’re just friends.” The girl’s facial expression spoke of her disbelief.

“What about Max, you know Isabel’s brother? Is he up for grabs because I’ve been thinking about getting him to ask me out?” Liz felt something in her rise, ready to tell the girl to back down, and energy was crackling through her, making its presence known.

“Liz is actually going out with Max.” Isabel took hold of the conversation and gave the red head a glare, putting her back in her place.

“Were you two split up from a time though? That was the rumor I heard.” Another girl, who didn’t seem so vicious, or into ridiculing Liz spoke up. She seemed genuinely interested and so did the two girl with blonde hair behind her.

“Um…yeah. We had a disagreement, but that’s over. He’s mine.” Liz shot that at the red head and though it was more forward than Liz usually got, she was proud of herself, maybe it was just that easy. She looked to Isabel to see a smirk playing on her lips as she peered down at her worksheet.

“I’m happy for you. Max seems really happy with you.” It was the brunette who had asked and seemed genuinely interested. Liz looked at her funny wondering how the girl would notice that, but didn’t bother to think about it too long.

“Thanks. I don’t think I know all of your names. I mean we’ve been in class together and all, but having never talked…” Liz trailed off, hoping they would take it from there, and they did.

“Mindy.” Said the red head.

“Casey.” That came from the brunette and the blonde two the left behind her, the one with the large nose and brown eyes said her name was Katherine, and the girl who looked like her replica, obviously her twin, said her name was Kimberly. Liz had nodded and smiled in reply.

The rest of class was spent in idol chick chat and Isabel seemed to be the silent observer, the one who put in witty retorts occasionally, but otherwise held true to her ice queen reputation. When lunch came, Liz joined Max, Michael, Isabel, and Tess. Maria, Alex, and Kyle didn’t have lunch with them, unfortunately.

“So Liz, cheerleading has already started, but they have this thing on the squad where people can join if they challenge one of the team and beat them at a cheer off, or floor show. I think that your best bet is a floor show.” Isabel poured some Tabasco on her hamburger and took a bite, then passed it to Liz, who shook some on her pizza.

“You’re trying out for cheerleading, Liz?” Tess had joined the squad when she got to the school, hoping to fit in better and become popular. Tess was semi-popular because of it, but no one really took much notice to her. She didn’t appreciate Liz’ sudden fascination with her squad. “Why don’t you challenge me?”

Liz gazed at Tess for a moment. “Sure, but does that mean you would lose your spot if I beat you?” Liz didn’t like Tess, and kicking her ass at what she seemed to be good at would be satisfying, but she didn’t want to take something away from her that she thought was hers and hers alone.

“No. I would just be pushed down a position, but that’s only if you beat me.” Tess’ eyes were calling out a challenge, and Liz couldn’t help but smile.

“I’d love to, Tess. Floor good with you?” Liz issued her reply more with her eyes than with her words.

“Sure, I’m good at it all.” Liz nodded and leaned back into Max, who was holding her and reading a book, completely oblivious to their topic of conversation. Michael had sat chowing down, but not saying anything. He was pretty amused by the whole situation and thought he might even stop by to see it, maybe.

[Egyptian_Kiss]

Chapter Seven

The day went by in the blink of an eye in Liz’ opinion and she made more friends with the people Isabel hung out with, they seemed to take her in and accept that she had become part of their click pretty quickly. Four of Isabel’s guy friends had already asked Liz for her number, which she had to say she couldn’t give because she had a boyfriend, but maybe she would see them around. They had been fairly upset, but hopeful and had joked around with her, paling around.

Isabel had caught up with Liz before she walked into Bio and handed her a note that said the cheerleaders were meeting in the gym after school. Liz took her seat in Bio and tried to concentrate. Max and her were up front in the classroom and realized they had a lab to do.

Liz went to work immediately, and her and Max finished up with twenty minutes of class left. Liz dropped her hand under the desk and Max caught it in his own, intertwining their fingers. The teacher stepped out and everything around them started to fade a little. Max had leaned closer, making their shoulders brush and Liz did the same, and it seemed to trigger flashes.

Flash

A tall building surrounded by smaller ones

Flash

Taxis, people, cars, and corner vendors

Flash

A person who looked exactly like Max, but with piercings

Flash

Isabel, but with short hair and highlights with dark liner around the eyes

Flash

Michael with a Mohawk and some piercings

Flash

Tess with purple hair cut and straight with piercings as well

Flash

A sewer with pods

Flash

The four together

End Flashes

Liz sucked in a breath and let go of Max’ hand. He grabbed hold of her shoulders to steady her on her stool. Her breathing was deep and she was slightly disoriented. She held on to Max for dear life and eventually the feelings of connection faded.

“Are you okay Miss Parker?” Her teacher was standing over her.

“I’m okay.” He gave her a pass and told Max to take her to the nurse, just in case.

The moment they were in the hall Max started to usher her to the eraser room. Once they were safely inside Max sat her down on an empty desk. He ran a hand over her and placed a hand on her stomach, as if to heal her, and she felt better instantly.

“What happened, Liz? Did you get a flash?” Max was staring at her impatiently, he had been so scared when she had started to shake a little and then she had stiffened and then next thing he knew, she needed him to support her.

“I saw things. You, but it wasn’t you, and Isabel, Michael, and Tess, but it wasn’t any of you. I think I got flashes of the others. The ones from the other pods. But how is that possible? How come I got flashes about them from you?” Liz’ head was still spinning with the possibilities. “Maybe they were trying to reach out to us and I just got it through you, because you were the closest one to me and seeing you share DNA with them it was transmitted through you?”

Max wasn’t sure what to say, he had begun to pace, and then came to a stop. “Maybe, if that’s true you could get the connection to go the other way?” Liz stopped muttering to herself about possibilities and looked at him. “I mean, you’re really strong Liz, and now that you can dream walk maybe you can do this, too?”

“But Max, Isabel is more advanced at this than me. Maybe she should do it. She has more of a hold on her powers than I do.” Liz had doubts. She had gotten into Maria’s dream, but whose to say that she could get into someone’s mind while they were awake, Isabel even had trouble with it, and that had been when Max was heavily drugged.

“Isabel doesn’t have the energy you do, Liz. Think about it. Your pod was the granilith, if it took the strongest thing we have to contain you, at that young an age, the possibilities of what you could do are unfathomable. I believe in you.” Max said it sincerely as he cupped her face and captured her gaze. “Try.”

Liz took a deep breath and tried to absorb Max’ words for truth, maybe he was right. Maybe she should just give it a shot. “I need you to tell me what to do, Max.”

“Okay. Take a deep breath. Close your eyes, and look for the energy in you. Find the source of it and pull it to the center of yourself. Hold it and think about who you want to contact. Use the flashes you got to send them back, and get a link going. Just try. Deep breaths.” Max was holding her hands and he felt her, the energy she had was crackling in the air, and he felt his own surge a little, but hers dominated the contained space and pushed outward.

Liz felt it, the power that Max was talking about, she could hear him, but couldn’t say anything. She kept breathing and emotions were running through her, but she tried to focus on the energy and moving it upward, to the center of her being. When she hand it there she thought about the flashes and they replayed as if triggered by her energy, and she grabbed on to an image of Max, or rather, the guy who looked like Max and let her energy seep into the connection of his image and herself.

Max felt the power moving, restless, and then nothing, the energy faded and Liz went limp in front of him. He caught her before her head could hit the floor between them. “Liz.” She didn’t answer, she looked like she was passed out. “Liz. Liz, wake up.” When she didn’t wake up, Max leaned in panicked and shook her lightly, “Liz. Wake up, Liz!” It was a sharp command, but she couldn’t answer him.

Liz’ eyes roamed over where she was. She saw that she was in the sewer, that the pods were in the wall, and furniture littered the dank seclusion. She walked over to the couch, saw CD’s splayed out and popcorn. Liz ran her hand over the couch, the fabric was a little itchy. She turned to look around some more, but came face to face with Max, or at least he looked like Max.

“Who are you?” The Max look a like asked.

“I’m Liz. Who are you?” The guy stared at her for a moment and then waved his hand, and Liz realized that three she had seen who looked like the others were surrounding her, to attack.

“The name’s Zan.” He gave her a weary look, not quite trusting her.

“Zan, wait isn’t that what they called…” Liz trailed off and saw the others staring at her.

“They called who what? What do you know about my name?” Zan was instantly suspicious.

“You hatched from the pods didn’t you?” Liz gestured to the pods in the wall.

“How you know that?” This time it was Michael, or his look a like.

“Because I know the others. The ones from the other set of pods. Were you trying to contact them?” Liz wanted some answers.

“Yeah, but you ain’t one o’ them.” It was Isabel’s duplicate who said this.

“No. I came in the granilith, I was a baby born from another planet and placed in the granilith to travel to earth. My name was Lerea. But now my name is Liz. You are?” Liz was trying to gain their trust by giving them some vital information.

“She’s Lonnie, my name’s Rath, and this here is Ava.” Liz’ eyes lingered on Ava, she didn’t seem that much like Tess, kind of mousey and timid.

“You did contact us, but I’m was the one who got it. Where am I?” Liz glanced around again, not many clues as to where she was exactly.

“This is New York. You have the granilith?” Zan was the one talking to her now. Liz looked at him and saw him and the others looking at her expectantly.

“Yes. It’s heavily guarded, and I wouldn’t suggest trying to get to it, not until we trust you.” Lonnie seemed to size Liz up, then shot off an energy blast, and it went right through Liz. “Obviously that’s going to take time.” Liz felt her energy lagging, but needed to get them to come to Roswell, she new there were others, and these were them. They were necessary, for what she would have to read the rest of the book, when she got a moment to herself.

“Come to Roswell.” Zan stared at her, and Ava stood by his side, fidgetting with her skirt.

“Why?” Ava spoke up for the first time and she seemed more confident at Zan’ side.

“I don’t have time to explain, I can’t keep this up much longer. I’m not really here. I just reversed the flashes, I guess just more strongly. Come to Roswell, look up Michael Guerin, I’ll be there. If you want answers, come.” Liz saw a look pass between them all, but she couldn’t stay any longer to see if they were going to come.

Max felt Liz stir and tears welled up in his eyes as he lifted her head and pressed a kiss to her lips. He felt her respond and pulled back to look into her eyes. Liz had tired lines around her eyes and her forehead was wrinkled in stress. “Are you okay?” Liz nodded and yawned.

“I’m really tired. I used so much energy, Max, but I got through. I saw them, I was there with them. I could touch things, but apparently they couldn’t touch me. I told them to come to Roswell, I told them a little bit about the stuff here, and they were really interested in the granilith, so I’m going to suggest we watch it in twos from now on. God I feel like I haven’t slept in over a week, what time is it.” Liz had babbled, she knew it, but she was exhausted and taking the time to articulate everything in great detail just wasn’t an option.

“School’s almost over. You were out for twenty minutes, you scared me.” Max held her and pressed kisses to her head and wrapped his arms around her tightly. He had been terrified that she wouldn’t wake up at all, that she had gone somewhere that he wouldn’t be able to get her back from.

“I have to go to the gym, I have to beat Tess at cheerleading, to get on the squad.” Max didn’t seem to understand what she meant, but she just leaned in to press her lips against his, she took comfort in him, felt him warm her inside and was tempted to get lost in the feeling of his arms enveloping her, and his lips pressing firmly against hers, but then she remembered all the work her and Isabel had done to get her in the in crowd, and how smug Tess had been at lunch, she couldn’t throw that away.

“Come, watch me try out.” Max nodded and got up, helping her to her feet. The exhaustion was wearing off, not very quickly, but she thought she would be okay to try out. She would just have to pull it together and do her best.

The cheerleaders were warming up when Liz walked in, and the captain, Vicky Delaney, was sitting on the bleachers tying her sneakers. Liz made her way around to Vicky, who greeted her friendly enough, and Liz explained that she wanted to try out for the team, beat Tess. Vicky blew a bubble asked if Liz was close to Isabel, and when she said yes, Vicky nodded and told her to get into something suitable.

Liz thought about her leotard, which was in the duffle she had been carrying all day and then about the skirt she had tuck inside, just in case Isabel hadn’t liked her pants. That would have to do. Liz saw that Isabel was just coming into the gym, she walked over to her and Max, “Hey Liz, good luck.” Isabel winked and looped her arm through Max’ and headed for the bleachers to sit and watch.

In the locker room, Liz saw Tess getting ready and went over to another row, for privacy. She changed into her red and silver leotard and slipped on the silvery white she had brought in the duffle, it was flimsy and only went to mid-thigh, but it was loose fitting and kind of like a ballet skirt, the sleek kind. She also pulled her hair up into a bun and stretched, then pulled out a CD with some of the music she trained to.

Vicky stood up and called people’s attention to her, and explained the challenge issued, and said Tess would get to go first since she was already on the squad and then Liz would have her chance. Liz nodded and handed her music to the person running the stereo and said to play track four when she was up.

Tess got on the floor as soon as a mat was laid out. All the cheerleaders did floor routines and practiced like gymnasts because of cheer offs and the regionals. Tess danced to some upbeat modern day pop and did a few smooth moves, Liz would admit she was decent for a cheerleader, but knew one day at Regina’s would smash her self-esteem into the ground. On the last move she did a back flip and landed in a hands on hips on foot forward and popped up pose.

The other cheerleaders cheered, and Isabel and Max did too, but not too vigorously. Liz smiled at them and Tess when she passed her on the way to the mat and cued the stereo and started one of her favorite routines. She did to back hand lay outs, followed by a forward flips, so dancing intermingled, than pulled a slick twisting jump that made her legs split full and slam down on the mat. Using her hands she speedily pushed backward and up at the same time flipping her front leg to the side and jumped up and started to dance again, it happened in rapid succession, which amazed a few of the varsity cheerleaders who had stopped stretching to watch.

Liz covered the whole mat in tumbles, twists, lay outs, flips, hand springs and up to date dancing. By the end when she did her u-bend pose many people were just staring at her. Isabel, Max, and Vicky started to clap loudly and everyone followed, and a few guys who had watched wolf-whistled, which caused her to blush.

Ten minutes passed as Vicky and the varsity cheerleaders debated the decision and during that time, Liz was bombarded with millions of questions from everyone. She didn’t tell them much, just that she practiced a lot, and that she’d been doing it for some time. Max had cornered her at the water fountain and she confessed to him about Regina, and he had laughed when she said she didn’t tell him because he might think it was funny or something.

Isabel had told Liz that it was awe inspiring and that Vicky would be out of her mind if she didn’t take her on the team. Tess hadn’t spoken a word to her, but Liz knew that she was silently fuming, that it bothered her that Liz was better and could potentially take her place in this.

“Alright we have an answer. Tess you were great, we loved your routine and hope that you contribute that much effort during all our practices and games, but…you have been moved down a position and Liz you have been put in right below me. Normally we don’t let people jump so many positions, but from what we saw, you have talent that will benefit our team a lot, therefore, welcome to the squad.” Everyone clapped and Liz smiled and turned a pretty shade of pink.

Liz was laughing when Max said, “Oh what a surprise.” Liz had slapped his arm and Isabel had cracked a smile and Liz had thanked her again. Tess walked over and Liz turned to her.

“Nice routine, Liz.” Tess didn’t look happy, but Liz acknowledged the fact that she was being civil.

“Thank you. You made some pretty good moves, too.” Tess nodded in thanks and headed off to the locker room. Liz did the same, changed and headed out to see Maria standing there in shock. Liz hadn’t realized, but she was watching everything, and Michael was with her.

“Liz. Why didn’t you tell me?” Lots of excuses ran through her mind, but she wanted Maria to hear everything at once.

“Can we go to Michael’s, and bring Alex. There is a lot we haven’t had time to tell you, but we need to talk. Okay?” Maria nodded and headed off to find Alex, not even hugging Liz, which hurt, but she understood where the other girl was coming from, she’d be upset too.

“Look, Liz, I have to be somewhere, so I’ll see you later. Okay?” Isabel decided to break the silence that was left behind at Maria’s departure and she really did have to go and do something, she had a chemistry test to take.

“Yeah. I’ll see you later.” Isabel smiled, and sauntered off, only stopping once to say bye to Vicky.

Michael had taken off after Maria, and Tess still hadn’t come out of the changing room; Liz turned to Max, about to ask if he was ready to go. Max had been casually standing behind her, waiting for their cue to leave.

The couple didn’t have to say anything, they merely linked hands and averted their path from the gym to the exit and started for the jeep. Isabel apparently had a ride home with Mindy and Liz was pretty sure that was because Max caught a ride with Michael and Maria that morning.

As they rode toward Michael’s Liz kept her eyes on Max. She had wondered why he and Michael, and Maria especially, hadn’t asked her and Isabel about why they disappeared this morning so early and without a word. Of course Max now knew, and she was so glad he took it so well, and despite her prior reservations about cluing in the others, Liz had to admit it was a bit freeing to have them know.

Another thought occurred t her though, if they were all in school, who was guarding the granilith? Who was watching out for Nicholas and his skin legions? “Max? Whose watching for Nicholas? I mean while we’re in school there’s no one to make sure that they won’t find and take the granilith?”

Liz also followed that train of thought to the others, Zan, Ava, Rath, and Lonnie. It was necessary to get them to trust her, but she could just hear Michael’s yelling when he found out what exactly she had told them.

“I asked the sheriff if he could stake it out, and Michael cuts first and third, Tess has fourth and sixth free, and Isabel took second because she had a free period. Fifth is where the sheriff makes his rounds and then we’re out for the day, and Tess goes straight there, unless she has practice, like today, and the sheriff covers.” Liz nodded, but she knew she’d have to figure out a better schedule because she didn’t like Michael skipping out on first and third.

“I have third free, and Alex and Kyle have first. Michael can take over for Tess on fourth because he has a free period, and I think that you should take right after school, and I’ll catch a ride with Maria and Michael, or one of Isabel’s friends. I don’t like Michael cutting, it’s not fair to him.” Max nodded, though he didn’t like leaving Kyle and Alex there alone.

“Maybe we can figure out some sort of protection for Alex and Kyle; I understand that the sheriff doesn’t really need any, one because he has a gun and two because Nicholas wouldn’t want to risk exposure to the police, which might trigger the FBI, but Alex and Kyle aren’t protected.” Max’ mind was whirling a million miles a minute, and he was trying to form some plan.

“We’ll come up with a way.” Liz was optimistic on that point, she seemed to be a lot more upbeat, now that they were together again. “Oh, I almost forgot.” She pulled the lists she made earlier out of her pocket. “We need to stop at the store and pick up a few things. Michael has nothing at the apartment.” Max looked her way for a second, nodded and turned right onto another road leading to the closest shopping center.

“Wait here. I’ll only be a couple of minutes.” Liz hopped out of the jeep and made her way into the store. She whizzed around the aisles as rapidly as possible and twenty minutes later she was at the counter. She tossed the items up as quick as possible and slid her debit card through the machine, and waited as it processed, she took the receipt and noticed she had just spent one hundred seventy dollars in groceries. “Geez.”

Max popped the door open and saw how full the cart was and shook his head. “Did you buy the whole store, Liz?” She smiled and started to pile groceries in the back seat, and Max helped her, then told her to hop in and he’d return the cart.

When they were back on their way to Michael’s Liz reached a hand over and took Max’, putting it to her lips, Liz kissed the knuckles tenderly, then placed her head on his shoulder and just sighed contently. “I love you, Max.” She heard him whisper it back and just watched as the scenery passed them.

Michael’s came into view and they acknowledged the fact that the others, except Isabel, were already their, and waiting for them. Liz grabbed four bags and headed in, passing everyone else saying how heavy the bags were, and that they should help bring them in. Maria, Alex, Tess, and Kyle got up and went to grab some of the others, while Michael stood gapping open mouthed at the amount of plastic bags filled with food.

“Close your mouth Michael, you’re going to attract flies.” Maria had just unloaded three more bags as Alex and Max came in with the last.

“How much food did you buy?” Michael was staring at the pile on his kitchen table and the stunned look seemed permanently etched there.

“Enough to keep us going for a couple weeks, and so I don’t have to chose between Doritos and Pops for my next meal.” Liz was ripping the bags open and going back and forth between the cabinets and the table and the refrigerator and the table.

“Hey, I like Pops.” Kyle broke into the debate, which ensued for sometime; none noticed when Isabel walked in, or her amusement at seeing Liz zipping around unpacking bags, and Michael and Kyle debating with Max, Tess and Maria over the best cereal brand. Alex had smartly stayed out of it and was sitting on the couch watching a movie on CBS. Isabel went over and joined him.

“Hey Isabel. How are you?” Alex turned from the T.V. and smiled at her. They had gotten really close recently and he couldn’t stop the goofy smile that spread across his face.

“I’m fine. How about you, how’s the computer thing?” Isabel knew that he was completely over the moon about being in this great computer programming class, but acted like she didn’t notice that much.

“It is fantastic. We just started decoding encryptions, and I think I might crack our first code very soon.” She tried to curb the smile that was fighting it’s way onto her face and lost. “Listen Isabel, remember that night we were out in the woods, staring at the stars; well I was thinking, and stop me if I’m out of line, but I was thinking it would be nice to do that again, sometime. But I understand if you don’t, I mean I know how busy things get and all.” Alex was already shaking the idea off, as if set for her rejection.

“That would be great. I have granilith duty tonight, how about then?” Her smile broke fully across her face when he stumbled over himself in hurried agreement and only turned from him when he heard the others coming into the room.

“Let’s get started. Now I’m going to recap everything that has happened and then I have something to tell all of you, something me and Max discovered in school.” Everyone took a seat and Liz told Maria and Alex everything about who she was, what she could do, granilith duty, everything, and they were completely shocked and Maria was freaking out.

“Maria, calm down. We already knew that I had powers to help them.” Liz was trying to explain it away, but Maria wasn’t having it.

“Yes, but Chica, we thought that was because of Max’ healing you, but you were like an alien way before that, and like more so then them.” She was acting like the others weren’t even there and they stayed quiet.

“Maria, this doesn’t change anything. I’m still your best friend, someone you’ve know your whole life. And what you said was partially right, Max’ healing ignited my powers, who knows what would have happened if he hadn’t.” Alex agreed and told Maria it was still their Liz, and she started to calm down, but her nerves about the whole thing were jittery.

For the next hour, Liz explained about Regina, and her training, answering questions here and there and she told them about the twenty thousand dollars, which blew them all away, especially Tess.

“So basically you cheated. I mean today at practice. You didn’t even tell me you were a practiced gymnast” Tess threw in the accusation bitterly.

“What? No, I didn’t cheat. Just because someone doesn’t tell you everything about themselves doesn’t mean they’re a cheater. If I didn’t tell you I knew how to ice skate and we went ice skating, would you be disappointed I didn’t fall?” Tess bit back the remark that came to mind and looked away. Maria gave Liz a look of hurt because, unlike Tess, she had a reason to be upset, she had known Liz forever and she should have told her sooner.

“Okay enough about that, we have something else to tell you.” Max cut in, hoping to head off any further arguments, or hurt feelings. “Liz got a flash today in Bio, and saw us, well another us.” He gestured to Tess, Isabel, Michael, and himself and continued to go into detail about what happened between him and Liz, and Liz filled in the blanks about what exactly happened, and was said. Max had gotten angry in a split second when he heard that Lonnie had shot a blast at her. And when Michael heard about her sharing info on the granilith he exploded, as was expected.

“You what?! Do you have any idea what you just did? They could be on their way here right now, for the granilith! Great Liz, freaking great!” He slammed his fist into a wall, and it cracked a little, making his fist bleed. “How could you do this? Do you know what they’re capable of? Isabel can’t blast. We don’t even know what powers they have!” Michael was working himself up.

“Michael, stop it. We need to think, and we have bigger problems than the others, the skins are here and we haven’t come up with a way to find and kill them, yet.” Max pulled the tirade to an abrupt stop, and Michael just silently fumed while nursing his, now, pulsing hand.

Everyone sat trying to come up with an answer, but Tess was thinking about the others. How come Nasedo never mentioned them to her, how come he didn’t prepare her for that? She had grown up with him, and as distant as he was, she felt hurt that he had kept something like this from her, and the possibility that he knew about Liz and didn’t tell me made her even more upset. Unless he didn’t know, unless Langley was the one who put Liz in the granilith, and Nasedo had no idea.

“I don’t think we’re going to come up with anything today, so I think that we should just leave it, for now.” Alex piped up, and Maria and Liz agreed. Michael remained quiet and Isabel nodded, and Max said to them all, “Keep it in mind, and we’ll talk about it again tomorrow.”

Tess and Kyle left, Alex and Maria hugged Liz, and Isabel told Max she would meet him in the car. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow, Michael.” He healed his fist and then turned to Liz, “I’ll see you when you and Isabel get to school. Maybe I’ll take you there one of these mornings.” Liz smiled and kissed his cheek and hugged him before stepping back and heading for the kitchen, she had to make dinner.

Max walked back to Michael and knew he had to say something, he knew Michael wouldn’t just leave it. “Just don’t, Maxwell. I’m a big boy. I’ll deal with it.” Michael had his stonewall reserve in place.

“Wait till tomorrow Michael, that’s all I ask.” Michael nodded and Max left. Tomorrow would be one hell of a day.