Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2006 9:57 pm
A/N: Here you go...This is my first stop 
at dropping off the next chapter this story. I haven't began the next chapter--a bit of writers block, I know it sucks 
But I'm sure I'll get my writting mojo soon enough. Okay here it is...
**Join me in chatting tomorrow at 1pm EST [ but for me that would be 10 AM PST]**
oh, also thanks for the feedback
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Chapter 11: When I Talk To You
[The Evans' Home]
Max POV
“I can't believe what I’m hearing… everyone knew?! My own parents knew, Isabel knew, Alex knew, Michael kn—“, I rant before Michael cuts me off.
“Dude, I didn’t know. I would’ve told you if I’d known”, he says. For some reason, I believe him… He would have told me if he knew… which is probably why they didn't tell, him.
I turn back to my family and address them once more in a calm but undoubtedly icy tone. “How could you? All of you know what Liz’ has meant to me over the years. How could you not tell me?” I look at each and every one of them; none of them say anything but all of them have guilt written all over their face. They know I'm right here.
“Can everyone give us a moment? I need to talk to Liz”, I say and I don’t even wait for there answer, but instead I practically drag her away from the group of traitors towards a quieter place.
“Honey, why don’t we worry about this at another time... lunch is almost ready a—“
“Mom… please”, I say in a strained tone. She's trying to make up an excuse, which did she always does when she's trying to avoid something. I let out a sigh and rub the back of my neck; something I always do when I'm frustrated.
She nods in reply and motions everyone to go inside for lunch. As everybody else goes inside without any further objections, Liz and me walk further back into the yard towards the old oak tree that still has the swing that my dad put together when Iz and me were little.
“Liz?” I speak quietly, maybe too quietly, I realize as I turn to face her. I can tell that she's trying to find the words to say, like she's deciding exactly what to say. I want to help her, but then again I know that this is something she has to do on her own.
She doesn't answer so I say her name again, a little louder this time. Only this time, I force her to look into my eyes.
“Max, I-I…”, she says, struggling with her words. I'm not rushing her; she can take her time.
“I’m sorry Max, I-I had my reasons”, she says as she looks down at her hands, breaking eye-contact
“Which were?”, I ask. Yes, I know I said I wouldn't rush her and I don't mean to sound impatient here, but it’s just that I really have to know… after all this time, why would she tell everyone about her Dad, everyone except me.
She stays quiet for awhile and doesn’t speak for some time. She slowly walks over to the swing and start pushing herself back and forth. I know she's trying to work up the courage to tell me something, so I just wait. After a few minutes, when I feel like I should break the silence, she begins talking.
“Ever since we were in elementary school, all you could talk about was getting out of Roswell; becoming a doctor or a lawyer or something. That was your dream. You have no idea how happy I am for you Max”, she says, smiling proudly at me, and I can’t help but smile back.
“Remember in junior high when we had our fallout? One day, you just stopped talking to me. I don’t know why… but it hurt, Max… and for a long time I thought that was just your way of moving on. You made friends with Michael and you basically ignored me for the rest of junior high like I was a leper or something. What did I do wrong Max… what made you hate me so much?”, she says. I wince at her words, look at her and stop dead in my tracks. Apparently, I was nervously walking around.
I don’t really know why I stopped talking to Liz that year, but I do know that I’ve regretted it all my life. All I know is that I never hated Liz; not even a bit.
“Liz, you didn’t do anything wrong... I-I just h-had these... these feelings for you that I didn’t know what to do with them. I guess I got scared, so I bolted. I didn’t want to have to face you all day so, I just ended it. But if it makes you feel any better I’ve been kicking myself for all these years for not realizing how much of an asshole I was back then”
A smiled creeps on her face. "Well, maybe it does a little", she says before that beautiful smile washes away again as she tries her best to go on with her explanation.
“Did you really mean all those things you said that night in the Crashdown? You know before Kyle interrupted us“, she says, looking down at the ground. I notice that I'm pacing again so I stop once more and kneel down in front of her, not caring about the obvious grass stains I would get on my pants.
“Liz, I meant every word, every action that I did that night. I loved you since the first moment I saw you... even though we were little, I knew deep inside that you would always be the one for me”, I say as I reach over and tuck a piece of hair behind her ear.
“I tried to find you a couple days after it happened, but your Mom said you had already left for New York… and a few days after that I found out that Tess had gone with you, and that she was pregnant”, she says. God, she knew about Tess… she must have thought I was the biggest jerk in the world. How did she find out anyway? I know, Roswell is a small town and word spreads fast so I shouldn't be too surprised… but damn!
“Max, I know the kind of boy you were and I knew what kind of man you wanted to be… what you are… so I knew that any hope of ‘us’ was over the day I found out. I knew you would never turn your back on your family and if Tess was pregnant, you would never leave her. I’ve loved you all through out elementary-, middle- and high school. The day I found out was the day where I put my feeling for you aside… as much as I could… and moved on with my life”, she says. I want to say something. I need to say something, but I can’t. I try to say something but she won’t allow it. I guess she really has to get the words out before they betray her and leave her with nothing.
“The day my dad died, I wanted so much to call you... to hear your voice… for you to maybe comfort me in such a way, that I felt ashamed even for thinking in such a way. You were happy in New York; I didn’t want to ruin that for you. I didn’t want you to see me as that girl, that was clingy and couldn’t...”, she says, breaking of her sentence and a small sob escapes her lips. I don’t know what else to do so I pull her out of the swing and take her into my arms.
“I… I’m sorry Max. I couldn’t bring myself to face you. Everyone insisted that I call you... but I couldn’t do it. Every time I picked up the phone, I thought about you and your dream of becoming something other than another townie. I knew that if I had called you, had you seen the state I was in, you most likely wouldn’t have gone back”
I look at her more closely now. She’s a wreck and this outburst is just the beginning… she’s given up so much in these last several years. She gave up everything just to be here with her family… and she loved me so much she didn’t want me to have to do the same thing.
“Liz, you don’t know how incredible you are... giving up on your dreams to look after your family and pursue your fathers dream rather than your own. It takes a lot of heart to do what you have done. I can understand where you were coming from, about not telling me... but I still would’ve liked to know” She pulls away from me as she thinks about the concept of telling me and then giving me a warm smile as her thoughts still raced through her mind.
“But what about Tess? I know that she hated me… it’s not like it was a big secret”, she half-laughs as I look at her more seriously as she brings up Tess. Can you blame me; I’m still furious when I think of Tess and mine’s last conversation.
It was true; Tess hated Liz with every fibre in her being. Rather than trying to be friends with Liz, or at least being civil with Liz, she openly expressed her dislike for Liz. Liz in turn tried to be friends with Tess but it didn’t work. Ultimately, Tess made me choose. At that time, I thought I was the father of her baby so I choose her. But now, I am actually glad that I’m not, because now I can see that I never loved her... that she was only a replacement of Liz.
“Liz, I’m sorry... I knew I should’ve said something to her. You’re the one I wanted; the only one I wanted… and still want”. She looks at me with tears running down her cheeks, I can’t say anything. I only want to comfort her.
“Really?”, she asks with a small tingling in her eyes as if she doesn’t quite believe it. Instead of answering her, I move closer to her and press her lips against mine, like I wanted to do since we started this conversation.
What was supposed to be a quick soft kiss grew into something more, with a swift motion we both press our bodies together in a tangle of hidden love, passion, and lust that I guess we had bottled up all these years.
“Um...Liz?”… Wait a minute, I didn’t say that!
With a sudden movement, me and Liz both pull away. Why does this keep happening? She gives me an apologetic smile, and turned to see Alex standing there. “Alex, what’s up?”, Liz questions, hiding her face from his look. I can’t get over just how cute she looks right now, almost as if we’re still in junior high or something, at least that’s how it feels.
“Um... your cousin is at the door; he says it’s important”, Alex says. At the word cousin my eyes are forced off of Liz and towards Alex, and he was dead-serious. Liz’s cousin and I have never really gotten along. I guess you could say that he was protective of her, like I was. He was like a brother and I was more a best friend… but since I wanted to be more, me and him always used to butt heads in every sense of the word.
This should be interesting.
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[Liz POV]
After Alex finally leaves us alone again, I turn back to Max. For some reason, I can’t seem to wipe this silly grin off my face. You know the one; it’s the kind a girl gets after talking to her crush in study hall or something. Only this time, we’re not in high school anymore.
“Um... will you excuse me?”, I say to Max. I’m actually kind of wondering why Sean would travel all the way across town, which is at least a thirty minute drive, to tell me something that he can do over the phone as well.
Instead of answering me, Max simply nods and lets go of my hand that he’s been holding from the moment Alex interrupted us.
That makes me think of Alex interrupting. I have to ask, do I have a sign on my back that says, please interrupt me when I’m kissing Max? I could scream; that’s how frustrating this is.
Sean… right, he’s still waiting. I start to walk back inside the house, but as I do I can feel his eyes burning into my back. Believe it or not I still have that silly grin on my face. I’m not gonna fool anyone when they ask what happened.
“Hey Sean what’s up?”, I ask as I walk towards him. The only time he comes over on his own free will is when he wants something. By the look on his face, it doesn’t look like he wants anything in particular… but he coming bearing trouble… a lot of it.
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[Kyle’s apartment]
Kyle POV
“Pam, it was nothing... I swear”. How the hell am I going to get myself out of this mess?
“Nothing?!”, she screams out in exasperation, which is pretty loud for just a petite woman like her, I might add.
“Baby, she meant nothing to me. You’re the only one I care about”. Okay, that’s not completely true but she’ll believe me; I’m a trustworthy guy, right?
I think she’s already calming down. She probably knows that she can’t live without me. Yes, no matter what, the ladies always come back for more.
“Right, now did you tell yourself that before or after you slept with her?”, she sneers. Okay, maybe I spoke a little too soon and she’s not calmed down quite yet. She doesn’t say anything right away, so I think she’s actually waiting for an answer. I mean, she can’t possibly expect an answer to that. First rule with women, never ever answer a question like that. Maybe if I don’t say anything she’ll take the hint and maybe leave or something.
“Kyle, you slept with my sister and I want an answer right now! I mean, don’t you love me at all?”, she says. Okay, was it just me or did she just say the four letter word… LOVE? Whoa, slow down woman! I never said that I loved her; I mean, I suppose I could have said it in a heat of the moment kind of thing but that doesn’t really count… right? Shit, what do I do now?
“Well, um...”, I stutter. Come on Kyle, say something. Girls see right through an act like this
“You know, I don’t know what I ever saw in you. Do us both a favor and leave me and the rest of my family the hell alone!”, she screams and I stare at her blankly as she storms off to pack some of her clothes and other belongings she has lying around here.
I should say something; you know that would make her think I feel something for her… but I can’t think of anything. Just as I’m opening my mouth, the door bell rings.
Talk about being saved by the bell.
“Don’t worry I’ll get it”, I yell as she walked, or should I say stomped, from one room to another. Still, I know that wouldn’t stop her from coming and seeing who’s at the door. Pam’s got some sort of hostess-complex.
“Tessa, h-how are you?”, I ask. She never looked more beautiful than she does right now. She’s the one that got away from me. She was, and still is, the only one for me. Too bad she’s taken. “Would you like something to drink? Water? Ice Tea?” This is the most polite I’ve been to anyone coming over to visit, aside from my Dad.
“No... no thanks… um… I actually have to talk to you, I don’t really know how to say this“, she says before she’s cut of by Pam.
“Kyle, who was at the do—“, she says, abruptly cutting off her words when she notices Tess standing in the living room. She looks at me then at Tess, and I can see that she’s stunned to see her.
“Tessa? Um... hi. How are you? How’s Max?”, Pam says, suddenly a little nervous. Ah yes, Max... the only guy that Pam couldn’t get. Believe me, she tried and tried... even up until the day of graduation. But she just got shot down every time.
“Hey Pam, I-I’m fine...”, Tess says, looking like she wants to turn around and run out of the building or something.
“You know I really need to speak to Kyle for a moment”, Tess says. I nod and start to walk her back to the patio area… that is, until Pam stops me.
“I’m sure that whatever you can say to him, you can say to me”, Pam claims. Like this is any of her damn business. Wasn’t she leaving a minute ago?
“No, I really just want to tell Kyle if that’s okay”, Tess hisses and sends an evil glance towards Pam.
“Pam this is none of your business”, I say, standing in front of Tess like I have to protect her from whatever evil plan is currently forming in Pam’s twisted mind.
“No I really want to hear this... go ahead Tessina!”, Pam shrieks. I turned to look at Tess and she simply nods, giving into Pam’s rude demands, I still think Pam needs to leave but no one ever listens to me.
“I’m pregnant”, Tess blurts out
“Okay, so...”, I say before she holds her hand up to cut me off. There was more.
“I think... I think you’re the father”, she says and it feels like time stops for a moment.
“WHAT?!!”, both Pam and I shriek in unison, causing Tess to jump with fright.
Oh my god, if I thought I was in a mess before I’m definitely screwed beyond belief now.
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[Evan’s House]
Sean’s POV
Man, I haven’t been here in ages... not since we were little. Well, I guess that was my own choice. This is the place that Aunt Nancy told me she was at, so I guess I have to face my past sooner or later.
”Here goes nothing”, I softly whisper as I ring the doorbell and a tall attractive blond girl answers the door. She looks incredibly familiar… oh right, Isabel.
“Isabel Evans”, I smile as she looks at me confused for a moment or two while she’s taking in my features.
When she smiles, I feel relieved. “Sean!”, she practically exclaims and rushes out to hug me.
“Wow, it’s been what…?”, she says, standing there, looking at me for a few seconds before I finished the sentence for her.
“…A very long time”, I say and she nods in agreement.
“What are you doing here? I hardly think you came over to talk to Max?”, she says. I smirk and shake my head. We both know that Max and I aren’t on the best of terms, even after all this time. We just don’t get along.
“No, actually I’m looking for Liz... her mom said she was here”, I say and Isabel steps aside to let me in. I have to say I wasn’t looking forward to actually coming in here but when I see Alex, Maria and Michael sitting there, we start talking a bit and I ask Alex to bring Liz in for me. I don’t want to cause any unnecessary trouble.
“So, what are you now? What ranking?”, Michael asks. I forgot how much he was into all this military government stuff.
“I just got re-ranked to Staff Sergeant”, I say with a smile as he nods in approval. It’s not that long after, that Liz entered the house.
“There’s my favorite cousin”, I beam as I get up to hug her.
She rolls her eyes in a way that always makes me laugh, “I’m your only cousin...what’s up?”
“Um... can we talk outside for a minute?”, I ask. She nods and I let her lead the way.
“It was nice seeing you again Mr. and Mrs. Evans, Isabel, Alice, Michael and Maria”, I say, watching Alex give me a fake evil glare as the rest of them waved goodbye. It’s always fun to tease Alex and I’m not in a hurry to grow up just yet.
“Oh, and give my love to Max will you”, I smirk as Liz drags me out the door, which I didn’t know that a very petite woman like her could do with such force.
Once we’re outside, she looks at me, curious to what I was really doing here.
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[Liz POV]
“Your mom called me and said that she’s going to need some help at the Crashdown for the next few weeks. And me being the very dedicated cousin that I am…”, he grins, completely showing off. That’s what Sean Johnson does best. Sometimes I worry about his over bearing ego.
“I just went over to talk to Aunt Nancy about the things I had to do, and get some stuff for tomorrows shift… but I need the keys to the café and she told me that you have them”, he says. Is he for serious? Since when does he volunteer to work for me? The last time he did this was in his freshman year at UNM and even that didn’t last longer than a day or two; he was always going to all the cool parties on campus.
He obviously notices my scepticism. “So, I’m going to help you take care of the diner... because I know you have that reunion thing next Friday, So... I’m helping out, if that’s okay”, he says. I look at him more closely now. Is he for real? He really seems to wants to help out. Well, if he wants to help, I am in no position to turn him down.
“What about your job?”, I ask
“I need to take up some vacation time and, as of today, I’m officially on vacation for the next two months… that is unless your mom needs me to stay longer”, he says. I sigh, reach into my pocket and retrieve a small key ring with four keys and quickly tell him what each one was for.
“Oh, and Nancy said for me to tell you she’s okay, and that nothing serious happened at the hospital—and that she will talk to you tomorrow. She’s catching up on some sleep while my mom helps looking after the café for the rest of today”, he says. Well thank God she’s okay… although I can’t shake this feeling that she’s not doing as great as she leads me to believe. I guess I’ll find out tomorrow.
“Thanks Sean. Be there ten am sharp… and please, try not to be late”, I half plead as he nods and starts to walk back to his car.
I haven’t seen him since he got back from his leave in Germany last spring, and even when he’s in town, he’s still a stranger, even to his family. The only thing I know about him, is that him and his aunt are the only family besides my mom that I have left.
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[Alex POV]
“No kidding, yes I’ll be there. Okay see you soon!”, I say, hanging up the phone and walking back into the main living room where everyone was at. Liz had just walked back into the house the exact same time that Max came inside again.
Those two really think nobody notices the lusty stare they give each other. Hell, they couldn’t be more obvious if they started making out right here. On the other hand, with those two, you never know what’s going on.
“Isabel, you will never guess who I just talked to—“, I say. She looks at me blankly as she tries to comprehend for a second to what I’m getting at.
“Justin Bradley from high school. We used to play together in school. Well, he got in contact with me through the school information and he says that The Whit’s are going to be playing at the reunion on Saturday, and he wants me to play with them” She’s beaming now; she knows how much I love music and playing. And when I’m excited, she gets excited. It’s one of the things I love about her.
“Oh, honey I’m so happy for you... looks like a lot of good news is happening today”, she says. Everyone suddenly looks at us with curious and confused expressions. Right, they don’t know about the pregnancy thing yet.
I quickly change the subject. “Maria, Bradley also asked for you. The lead singer isn’t coming to the event and we need someone to fill in his shoes. I suppose I can sing a little but you can sing way better than anyone in this room”
“Well, I wouldn’t say that…“, Maria starts before Liz gives her a small shove in the side. Maria looks at Liz for a second and then turns back at me. “That would be great Alex... can’t wait to get started”, she corrects herself as she smiles and gets up to give me a hug.
“No problem Maria”, I say. Everyone here knows that she went to LA to live her dream of becoming a singer, but no one really knows the real reason to why she came back.
I look at her more closely as she walks back to the couch, but instead of sitting next to Liz once more, she sits next to Michael. I’m happy for them, maybe now they’ll get the ending they finally deserved.
My eyes drift back to my lovely wife who was still glowing, but not to everyone else… only to me as I’m the only one who knows the even-better news so far. I’m going to be a father, and I can’t be happier than I am at this very moment.
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[Diane POV]
“Phillip I didn’t invite Liz over so she could be interrogated by Max. When we decided to have this get-together, this was the last thing I had expected to happen. I just wanted them to spend more time together—they obviously like each other, and I thought with a motherly push that I might finally get them together”, I say as I sit on the edge on our bed. He comes up behind me and pulled me into his arms.
“I know honey, but they just have to work this out on their own. You just had them in your best interest, everyone knows that”, he says. I smile as I lay against my husband’s chest, I know he’s right. If by chance those two want to get together then so be it, but if not I will not try and force it again.
“I love you”, I whisper.
“I love you too...”, he says as he kiss the top of my head as we kissed once more before returning back downstairs where everyone seems to be laughing and talking about old times. Maybe organizing this little get-together wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
“Is everyone ready to eat?”, I say as I enter the room and all the males rushed to the kitchen while the girls laugh, myself included. Boys will always be boys.
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[Evans’s Home 10:30PM]
[Max POV]
Today went a lot better than I expected, with the exception of Sean coming to the house. Liz more than made up for everything just by being there. My parent went to bed around nine o’clock, but the rest of us all went outside and talked about everything we’ve been up to.
Maria made her signature ‘Margarita Salt berry-vodka surprise drink’ . In high school, we used to drink these once a year; the night before we were supposed to go back to school. We would all gather at the Crashdown to have one last ‘summer break’-party before going back to school the next morning. I guess you can say it was a tradition in our books.
The girls put on the sound system outside and started to dance. That is, the girls started to dance. The guys just watched. Don’t get me wrong, I can dance… I just like watching Liz dance, but I still have no idea what I’m going to do about the whole Liz situation.
I also notice that Liz is already on her third drink, which is never a good sign in her books; Liz gets drunk extremely fast. After the third song, Maria went back to talk to Michael leaving Liz alone in the middle on the courtyard. That is until she grabbed my hand.
“Max, dance with me?”, she asks. I hesitate at first but when a familiar song picked up the beat, an eager grin flashes over my face.
Switch
Alright ready
Come on man, this is what I do
Yo mic check, mic check, yeah here you go
Nah, he over here
Yeah, I heard he got that hot new thing
It's called "Switch" (switch)
Let's get it going
[chorus]
Hey switch, turn it over and hit it
Turn around, now switch
Turn it over and hit it
Hey, vibe to vibe a second, it's a club girl why you arrived naked
Hear that, how the veteran glide the record
But don't download, go out and buy the record
Hey, something sexy bout her
Girl on the floor, all her friends around her
I mean real clean, ain't gotta touch or nothing
It ain't like I like a chick on chick or something
I'm just a sucker for a hot track
Gimme a drink and a chick to tell 'Stop that'
Dance is a hop and a clap, flip it round
Now bring it on back, break it down
Now switch
The way that her body moves into mine sends everything inside of me on fire. I never want this dance to end. Damn, I always thought Parker couldn't dance, even to this beat. The way her hips are moving, it made me groan with anticipation.
[chorus]
Uh uh uh
I gotta question, I need to ask somebody
Why is it that when y'all see me at the party
Y'all be looking like, "Ooh, he a movie star
He ain't supposed to be out on the floor with everybody"
But oh wait, whoa, y'all forgetting
When I was, amateur spitting before the scripts were written
First one in, last one out the club
Bursting in, passing out in the club
Back at it, this cat is the wit and the charm
Taking you higher, like a syringe hittin' ya arm
Bringing the fire, making your Benz ring the alarm
Let me see you clap, spin baby, come on
Switch
[chorus]
God... she will be the end of me. If this song doesn't end soon she is going to be in for a really 'BIG' surprise if she keeps rubbing into me like that. Damn, it feels so good and yet it's so wrong. I still can't keep a smile off my face though. I can tell she's enjoying it as much as I do.
Oh, you just gonna stand there, huh
What you too cute to dance, or you scared
It ain't really that hard to do and
I aint trying to be in love with you and
All I wanted was a moment or two to
See if you could do that switch-a-roo and
Shut your mouth fool, get your crew and
The thick body and the rear one too and
I'll be right hear waiting on you to
See if y'all can do that switch-a-roo
Hey, hey
That's what I'm talking bout, do that thing mama
That's what I'm talking bout, do that thing mama
That's what I'm talking bout, do that thing mama
That's what I'm talking bout, switch
I wanted to keep repeating the words... 'Do that thing mama' as Liz grinded her hips into me. It definitely seems to fit her in this moment. Now this is definitely a song that’s going on my Ipod!
[chorus]
It’s like I’ve been hypnotized the moment the song ends; I just stand there looking at her, trying to control my breathing. The way her body rubbed unconsciously into mine left a stinging feeling inside my stomach. Who ever knew Liz Parker could dance like that? My eyes quickly go back to Liz and I see her pouring her fifth drink down her throat. Oh crap!
When I walk over to her, she can’t even stand up and she starts to laugh uncontrollably. Oh yeah, she’s wasted. “Maybe I should get her home”, Maria suggests as she frowns at her friend. She offered Michael a sympathetic to indicate that it has nothing to do with him.
“No, Maria—I’ll take her home...its okay”, I offer. Maria knows I would never take advantage of Liz in a state like this and she smiled at me, grateful that I would do this for her. But I have to admit, it’s also a little for me; I want to make sure Liz gets home safely and every minute I could spend with her tonight, I’d take.
“Are you sure?”, she asks. I guess she want to make sure, but if I would tell her no now, she’d probably slap me in the face.
“Yeah, it’s cool. C’mon Liz”, I say as I reach for her and grab… air. I look towards where she was standing and watch her walking to the back of the yard. I have to run to catch up with her.
“No Lizzie, it’s this way”, I say as I take her hand in mine and turn her body to walk the other way.
“Oh Maxie! There you are... I was looking for you!”, she laughs in a drunken voice.
“Good luck with her Max”, Michael shouts as me and Liz walk into the house. I don’t need to look at him to see the smirk that’s on his face right now.
I have to steady her before we walk outside to my truck. She wobbles a bit and I guided her to sit down in the passenger seat.
“Liz which way is your apartment?”, I ask but she doesn’t even seem to hear. She’s not paying any attention to me… at the moment, she’s too fascinated with the radio stations, switching them back and forth.
“Liz?” I question again.
“That way”, she points in front of me where there’s not even a street.
Okay, that was a big help. I reach for her purse and she doesn’t even seem to notice. I pull out her wallet and read the address on her driver’s license. Huh, it’s only a block away from my house.
After strapping her securely unto her seatbelt, we started to drive and she start to sing to the songs on the radio at the top of her lungs and laughs every time she messes up the words.
“Okay, Liz we’re here...”, I say, taking the keys from her purse. She tries to get out of the truck by herself but she failed; she forgot to take off her seatbelt, but that didn’t stop her from trying.
When I released the seatbelt, she falls into my arms and the two of us walk to the door.
“This is a pretty house, Max... pretty”, she laughs as I try to hold her up.
“Yep, it’s pretty Liz. C’mon lets get you inside...”, I say. Deciding that it’d probably be safer if she didn’t walk up the stairs herself, I pick her up and carry her inside the house.
“My room!”, she yells, at the top of her lungs I might add once we arrive upstairs. I gently put her down. I just watch as she kicks off her shoes and throws them across the room, not hitting anything breakable by some miracle, and proceeds to take off her shirt.
“Max, you have pretty eyes”, she says with a smile. I try not to laugh; I’ve never got that comment before.
“Do you want me Max?”, she asks and before I know it her arms are wrapped around my neck, and her lips are pressed on mine. If only she wasn’t so completely drunk … but right now… no, I could never do that to Liz.
“No Liz... not this way”, I pull free of her grasp and she walks around the room a bit before falling onto her bed.
“I’m going to be alone forever. You don’t want me... Kyle doesn’t want me. Maybe he was right. Maybe I’m just a slut”, she says. I wince at the words that came out of her mouth and I sit down next to her and comfortly wrap my arms around her.
“Liz honey, you’re not a slut... you’re a beautiful intelligent woman with everything this world has to offer. Don’t let anyone tell you any different”, I say. I think I’m going to pay a little visit to Kyle Valenti and give him a piece of my mind.
That may be one of the reasons to why she looks so broken. I make sure she’s tucked into bed, and she’s alright before leaving, until her voice stops me.
“Max... don’t go... please...”, she pleads, which stops me dead in my tracks. I turn around, kick off my shoes and get into bed with her... fully clothed of course, and pulled her against me as she mumbles into my chest.
“I love you Max... I always have and I always will”, she mumbles before she goes straight to sleep, leaving me alone with my thoughts about what she just said. All this time, she loved me. Will she remember any of this is the morning? Should I leave?
I have no idea.
TBC
* Song used: Switch by Will Smith <-- Click the link to see the video--if you don't already know the song
at dropping off the next chapter this story. I haven't began the next chapter--a bit of writers block, I know it sucks But I'm sure I'll get my writting mojo soon enough. Okay here it is...**Join me in chatting tomorrow at 1pm EST [ but for me that would be 10 AM PST]**
oh, also thanks for the feedback
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Chapter 11: When I Talk To You
[The Evans' Home]
Max POV
“I can't believe what I’m hearing… everyone knew?! My own parents knew, Isabel knew, Alex knew, Michael kn—“, I rant before Michael cuts me off.
“Dude, I didn’t know. I would’ve told you if I’d known”, he says. For some reason, I believe him… He would have told me if he knew… which is probably why they didn't tell, him.
I turn back to my family and address them once more in a calm but undoubtedly icy tone. “How could you? All of you know what Liz’ has meant to me over the years. How could you not tell me?” I look at each and every one of them; none of them say anything but all of them have guilt written all over their face. They know I'm right here.
“Can everyone give us a moment? I need to talk to Liz”, I say and I don’t even wait for there answer, but instead I practically drag her away from the group of traitors towards a quieter place.
“Honey, why don’t we worry about this at another time... lunch is almost ready a—“
“Mom… please”, I say in a strained tone. She's trying to make up an excuse, which did she always does when she's trying to avoid something. I let out a sigh and rub the back of my neck; something I always do when I'm frustrated.
She nods in reply and motions everyone to go inside for lunch. As everybody else goes inside without any further objections, Liz and me walk further back into the yard towards the old oak tree that still has the swing that my dad put together when Iz and me were little.
“Liz?” I speak quietly, maybe too quietly, I realize as I turn to face her. I can tell that she's trying to find the words to say, like she's deciding exactly what to say. I want to help her, but then again I know that this is something she has to do on her own.
She doesn't answer so I say her name again, a little louder this time. Only this time, I force her to look into my eyes.
“Max, I-I…”, she says, struggling with her words. I'm not rushing her; she can take her time.
“I’m sorry Max, I-I had my reasons”, she says as she looks down at her hands, breaking eye-contact
“Which were?”, I ask. Yes, I know I said I wouldn't rush her and I don't mean to sound impatient here, but it’s just that I really have to know… after all this time, why would she tell everyone about her Dad, everyone except me.
She stays quiet for awhile and doesn’t speak for some time. She slowly walks over to the swing and start pushing herself back and forth. I know she's trying to work up the courage to tell me something, so I just wait. After a few minutes, when I feel like I should break the silence, she begins talking.
“Ever since we were in elementary school, all you could talk about was getting out of Roswell; becoming a doctor or a lawyer or something. That was your dream. You have no idea how happy I am for you Max”, she says, smiling proudly at me, and I can’t help but smile back.
“Remember in junior high when we had our fallout? One day, you just stopped talking to me. I don’t know why… but it hurt, Max… and for a long time I thought that was just your way of moving on. You made friends with Michael and you basically ignored me for the rest of junior high like I was a leper or something. What did I do wrong Max… what made you hate me so much?”, she says. I wince at her words, look at her and stop dead in my tracks. Apparently, I was nervously walking around.
I don’t really know why I stopped talking to Liz that year, but I do know that I’ve regretted it all my life. All I know is that I never hated Liz; not even a bit.
“Liz, you didn’t do anything wrong... I-I just h-had these... these feelings for you that I didn’t know what to do with them. I guess I got scared, so I bolted. I didn’t want to have to face you all day so, I just ended it. But if it makes you feel any better I’ve been kicking myself for all these years for not realizing how much of an asshole I was back then”
A smiled creeps on her face. "Well, maybe it does a little", she says before that beautiful smile washes away again as she tries her best to go on with her explanation.
“Did you really mean all those things you said that night in the Crashdown? You know before Kyle interrupted us“, she says, looking down at the ground. I notice that I'm pacing again so I stop once more and kneel down in front of her, not caring about the obvious grass stains I would get on my pants.
“Liz, I meant every word, every action that I did that night. I loved you since the first moment I saw you... even though we were little, I knew deep inside that you would always be the one for me”, I say as I reach over and tuck a piece of hair behind her ear.
“I tried to find you a couple days after it happened, but your Mom said you had already left for New York… and a few days after that I found out that Tess had gone with you, and that she was pregnant”, she says. God, she knew about Tess… she must have thought I was the biggest jerk in the world. How did she find out anyway? I know, Roswell is a small town and word spreads fast so I shouldn't be too surprised… but damn!
“Max, I know the kind of boy you were and I knew what kind of man you wanted to be… what you are… so I knew that any hope of ‘us’ was over the day I found out. I knew you would never turn your back on your family and if Tess was pregnant, you would never leave her. I’ve loved you all through out elementary-, middle- and high school. The day I found out was the day where I put my feeling for you aside… as much as I could… and moved on with my life”, she says. I want to say something. I need to say something, but I can’t. I try to say something but she won’t allow it. I guess she really has to get the words out before they betray her and leave her with nothing.
“The day my dad died, I wanted so much to call you... to hear your voice… for you to maybe comfort me in such a way, that I felt ashamed even for thinking in such a way. You were happy in New York; I didn’t want to ruin that for you. I didn’t want you to see me as that girl, that was clingy and couldn’t...”, she says, breaking of her sentence and a small sob escapes her lips. I don’t know what else to do so I pull her out of the swing and take her into my arms.
“I… I’m sorry Max. I couldn’t bring myself to face you. Everyone insisted that I call you... but I couldn’t do it. Every time I picked up the phone, I thought about you and your dream of becoming something other than another townie. I knew that if I had called you, had you seen the state I was in, you most likely wouldn’t have gone back”
I look at her more closely now. She’s a wreck and this outburst is just the beginning… she’s given up so much in these last several years. She gave up everything just to be here with her family… and she loved me so much she didn’t want me to have to do the same thing.
“Liz, you don’t know how incredible you are... giving up on your dreams to look after your family and pursue your fathers dream rather than your own. It takes a lot of heart to do what you have done. I can understand where you were coming from, about not telling me... but I still would’ve liked to know” She pulls away from me as she thinks about the concept of telling me and then giving me a warm smile as her thoughts still raced through her mind.
“But what about Tess? I know that she hated me… it’s not like it was a big secret”, she half-laughs as I look at her more seriously as she brings up Tess. Can you blame me; I’m still furious when I think of Tess and mine’s last conversation.
It was true; Tess hated Liz with every fibre in her being. Rather than trying to be friends with Liz, or at least being civil with Liz, she openly expressed her dislike for Liz. Liz in turn tried to be friends with Tess but it didn’t work. Ultimately, Tess made me choose. At that time, I thought I was the father of her baby so I choose her. But now, I am actually glad that I’m not, because now I can see that I never loved her... that she was only a replacement of Liz.
“Liz, I’m sorry... I knew I should’ve said something to her. You’re the one I wanted; the only one I wanted… and still want”. She looks at me with tears running down her cheeks, I can’t say anything. I only want to comfort her.
“Really?”, she asks with a small tingling in her eyes as if she doesn’t quite believe it. Instead of answering her, I move closer to her and press her lips against mine, like I wanted to do since we started this conversation.
What was supposed to be a quick soft kiss grew into something more, with a swift motion we both press our bodies together in a tangle of hidden love, passion, and lust that I guess we had bottled up all these years.
“Um...Liz?”… Wait a minute, I didn’t say that!
With a sudden movement, me and Liz both pull away. Why does this keep happening? She gives me an apologetic smile, and turned to see Alex standing there. “Alex, what’s up?”, Liz questions, hiding her face from his look. I can’t get over just how cute she looks right now, almost as if we’re still in junior high or something, at least that’s how it feels.
“Um... your cousin is at the door; he says it’s important”, Alex says. At the word cousin my eyes are forced off of Liz and towards Alex, and he was dead-serious. Liz’s cousin and I have never really gotten along. I guess you could say that he was protective of her, like I was. He was like a brother and I was more a best friend… but since I wanted to be more, me and him always used to butt heads in every sense of the word.
This should be interesting.
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[Liz POV]
After Alex finally leaves us alone again, I turn back to Max. For some reason, I can’t seem to wipe this silly grin off my face. You know the one; it’s the kind a girl gets after talking to her crush in study hall or something. Only this time, we’re not in high school anymore.
“Um... will you excuse me?”, I say to Max. I’m actually kind of wondering why Sean would travel all the way across town, which is at least a thirty minute drive, to tell me something that he can do over the phone as well.
Instead of answering me, Max simply nods and lets go of my hand that he’s been holding from the moment Alex interrupted us.
That makes me think of Alex interrupting. I have to ask, do I have a sign on my back that says, please interrupt me when I’m kissing Max? I could scream; that’s how frustrating this is.
Sean… right, he’s still waiting. I start to walk back inside the house, but as I do I can feel his eyes burning into my back. Believe it or not I still have that silly grin on my face. I’m not gonna fool anyone when they ask what happened.
“Hey Sean what’s up?”, I ask as I walk towards him. The only time he comes over on his own free will is when he wants something. By the look on his face, it doesn’t look like he wants anything in particular… but he coming bearing trouble… a lot of it.
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[Kyle’s apartment]
Kyle POV
“Pam, it was nothing... I swear”. How the hell am I going to get myself out of this mess?
“Nothing?!”, she screams out in exasperation, which is pretty loud for just a petite woman like her, I might add.
“Baby, she meant nothing to me. You’re the only one I care about”. Okay, that’s not completely true but she’ll believe me; I’m a trustworthy guy, right?
I think she’s already calming down. She probably knows that she can’t live without me. Yes, no matter what, the ladies always come back for more.
“Right, now did you tell yourself that before or after you slept with her?”, she sneers. Okay, maybe I spoke a little too soon and she’s not calmed down quite yet. She doesn’t say anything right away, so I think she’s actually waiting for an answer. I mean, she can’t possibly expect an answer to that. First rule with women, never ever answer a question like that. Maybe if I don’t say anything she’ll take the hint and maybe leave or something.
“Kyle, you slept with my sister and I want an answer right now! I mean, don’t you love me at all?”, she says. Okay, was it just me or did she just say the four letter word… LOVE? Whoa, slow down woman! I never said that I loved her; I mean, I suppose I could have said it in a heat of the moment kind of thing but that doesn’t really count… right? Shit, what do I do now?
“Well, um...”, I stutter. Come on Kyle, say something. Girls see right through an act like this
“You know, I don’t know what I ever saw in you. Do us both a favor and leave me and the rest of my family the hell alone!”, she screams and I stare at her blankly as she storms off to pack some of her clothes and other belongings she has lying around here.
I should say something; you know that would make her think I feel something for her… but I can’t think of anything. Just as I’m opening my mouth, the door bell rings.
Talk about being saved by the bell.
“Don’t worry I’ll get it”, I yell as she walked, or should I say stomped, from one room to another. Still, I know that wouldn’t stop her from coming and seeing who’s at the door. Pam’s got some sort of hostess-complex.
“Tessa, h-how are you?”, I ask. She never looked more beautiful than she does right now. She’s the one that got away from me. She was, and still is, the only one for me. Too bad she’s taken. “Would you like something to drink? Water? Ice Tea?” This is the most polite I’ve been to anyone coming over to visit, aside from my Dad.
“No... no thanks… um… I actually have to talk to you, I don’t really know how to say this“, she says before she’s cut of by Pam.
“Kyle, who was at the do—“, she says, abruptly cutting off her words when she notices Tess standing in the living room. She looks at me then at Tess, and I can see that she’s stunned to see her.
“Tessa? Um... hi. How are you? How’s Max?”, Pam says, suddenly a little nervous. Ah yes, Max... the only guy that Pam couldn’t get. Believe me, she tried and tried... even up until the day of graduation. But she just got shot down every time.
“Hey Pam, I-I’m fine...”, Tess says, looking like she wants to turn around and run out of the building or something.
“You know I really need to speak to Kyle for a moment”, Tess says. I nod and start to walk her back to the patio area… that is, until Pam stops me.
“I’m sure that whatever you can say to him, you can say to me”, Pam claims. Like this is any of her damn business. Wasn’t she leaving a minute ago?
“No, I really just want to tell Kyle if that’s okay”, Tess hisses and sends an evil glance towards Pam.
“Pam this is none of your business”, I say, standing in front of Tess like I have to protect her from whatever evil plan is currently forming in Pam’s twisted mind.
“No I really want to hear this... go ahead Tessina!”, Pam shrieks. I turned to look at Tess and she simply nods, giving into Pam’s rude demands, I still think Pam needs to leave but no one ever listens to me.
“I’m pregnant”, Tess blurts out
“Okay, so...”, I say before she holds her hand up to cut me off. There was more.
“I think... I think you’re the father”, she says and it feels like time stops for a moment.
“WHAT?!!”, both Pam and I shriek in unison, causing Tess to jump with fright.
Oh my god, if I thought I was in a mess before I’m definitely screwed beyond belief now.
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[Evan’s House]
Sean’s POV
Man, I haven’t been here in ages... not since we were little. Well, I guess that was my own choice. This is the place that Aunt Nancy told me she was at, so I guess I have to face my past sooner or later.
”Here goes nothing”, I softly whisper as I ring the doorbell and a tall attractive blond girl answers the door. She looks incredibly familiar… oh right, Isabel.
“Isabel Evans”, I smile as she looks at me confused for a moment or two while she’s taking in my features.
When she smiles, I feel relieved. “Sean!”, she practically exclaims and rushes out to hug me.
“Wow, it’s been what…?”, she says, standing there, looking at me for a few seconds before I finished the sentence for her.
“…A very long time”, I say and she nods in agreement.
“What are you doing here? I hardly think you came over to talk to Max?”, she says. I smirk and shake my head. We both know that Max and I aren’t on the best of terms, even after all this time. We just don’t get along.
“No, actually I’m looking for Liz... her mom said she was here”, I say and Isabel steps aside to let me in. I have to say I wasn’t looking forward to actually coming in here but when I see Alex, Maria and Michael sitting there, we start talking a bit and I ask Alex to bring Liz in for me. I don’t want to cause any unnecessary trouble.
“So, what are you now? What ranking?”, Michael asks. I forgot how much he was into all this military government stuff.
“I just got re-ranked to Staff Sergeant”, I say with a smile as he nods in approval. It’s not that long after, that Liz entered the house.
“There’s my favorite cousin”, I beam as I get up to hug her.
She rolls her eyes in a way that always makes me laugh, “I’m your only cousin...what’s up?”
“Um... can we talk outside for a minute?”, I ask. She nods and I let her lead the way.
“It was nice seeing you again Mr. and Mrs. Evans, Isabel, Alice, Michael and Maria”, I say, watching Alex give me a fake evil glare as the rest of them waved goodbye. It’s always fun to tease Alex and I’m not in a hurry to grow up just yet.
“Oh, and give my love to Max will you”, I smirk as Liz drags me out the door, which I didn’t know that a very petite woman like her could do with such force.
Once we’re outside, she looks at me, curious to what I was really doing here.
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[Liz POV]
“Your mom called me and said that she’s going to need some help at the Crashdown for the next few weeks. And me being the very dedicated cousin that I am…”, he grins, completely showing off. That’s what Sean Johnson does best. Sometimes I worry about his over bearing ego.
“I just went over to talk to Aunt Nancy about the things I had to do, and get some stuff for tomorrows shift… but I need the keys to the café and she told me that you have them”, he says. Is he for serious? Since when does he volunteer to work for me? The last time he did this was in his freshman year at UNM and even that didn’t last longer than a day or two; he was always going to all the cool parties on campus.
He obviously notices my scepticism. “So, I’m going to help you take care of the diner... because I know you have that reunion thing next Friday, So... I’m helping out, if that’s okay”, he says. I look at him more closely now. Is he for real? He really seems to wants to help out. Well, if he wants to help, I am in no position to turn him down.
“What about your job?”, I ask
“I need to take up some vacation time and, as of today, I’m officially on vacation for the next two months… that is unless your mom needs me to stay longer”, he says. I sigh, reach into my pocket and retrieve a small key ring with four keys and quickly tell him what each one was for.
“Oh, and Nancy said for me to tell you she’s okay, and that nothing serious happened at the hospital—and that she will talk to you tomorrow. She’s catching up on some sleep while my mom helps looking after the café for the rest of today”, he says. Well thank God she’s okay… although I can’t shake this feeling that she’s not doing as great as she leads me to believe. I guess I’ll find out tomorrow.
“Thanks Sean. Be there ten am sharp… and please, try not to be late”, I half plead as he nods and starts to walk back to his car.
I haven’t seen him since he got back from his leave in Germany last spring, and even when he’s in town, he’s still a stranger, even to his family. The only thing I know about him, is that him and his aunt are the only family besides my mom that I have left.
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[Alex POV]
“No kidding, yes I’ll be there. Okay see you soon!”, I say, hanging up the phone and walking back into the main living room where everyone was at. Liz had just walked back into the house the exact same time that Max came inside again.
Those two really think nobody notices the lusty stare they give each other. Hell, they couldn’t be more obvious if they started making out right here. On the other hand, with those two, you never know what’s going on.
“Isabel, you will never guess who I just talked to—“, I say. She looks at me blankly as she tries to comprehend for a second to what I’m getting at.
“Justin Bradley from high school. We used to play together in school. Well, he got in contact with me through the school information and he says that The Whit’s are going to be playing at the reunion on Saturday, and he wants me to play with them” She’s beaming now; she knows how much I love music and playing. And when I’m excited, she gets excited. It’s one of the things I love about her.
“Oh, honey I’m so happy for you... looks like a lot of good news is happening today”, she says. Everyone suddenly looks at us with curious and confused expressions. Right, they don’t know about the pregnancy thing yet.
I quickly change the subject. “Maria, Bradley also asked for you. The lead singer isn’t coming to the event and we need someone to fill in his shoes. I suppose I can sing a little but you can sing way better than anyone in this room”
“Well, I wouldn’t say that…“, Maria starts before Liz gives her a small shove in the side. Maria looks at Liz for a second and then turns back at me. “That would be great Alex... can’t wait to get started”, she corrects herself as she smiles and gets up to give me a hug.
“No problem Maria”, I say. Everyone here knows that she went to LA to live her dream of becoming a singer, but no one really knows the real reason to why she came back.
I look at her more closely as she walks back to the couch, but instead of sitting next to Liz once more, she sits next to Michael. I’m happy for them, maybe now they’ll get the ending they finally deserved.
My eyes drift back to my lovely wife who was still glowing, but not to everyone else… only to me as I’m the only one who knows the even-better news so far. I’m going to be a father, and I can’t be happier than I am at this very moment.
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[Diane POV]
“Phillip I didn’t invite Liz over so she could be interrogated by Max. When we decided to have this get-together, this was the last thing I had expected to happen. I just wanted them to spend more time together—they obviously like each other, and I thought with a motherly push that I might finally get them together”, I say as I sit on the edge on our bed. He comes up behind me and pulled me into his arms.
“I know honey, but they just have to work this out on their own. You just had them in your best interest, everyone knows that”, he says. I smile as I lay against my husband’s chest, I know he’s right. If by chance those two want to get together then so be it, but if not I will not try and force it again.
“I love you”, I whisper.
“I love you too...”, he says as he kiss the top of my head as we kissed once more before returning back downstairs where everyone seems to be laughing and talking about old times. Maybe organizing this little get-together wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
“Is everyone ready to eat?”, I say as I enter the room and all the males rushed to the kitchen while the girls laugh, myself included. Boys will always be boys.
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[Evans’s Home 10:30PM]
[Max POV]
Today went a lot better than I expected, with the exception of Sean coming to the house. Liz more than made up for everything just by being there. My parent went to bed around nine o’clock, but the rest of us all went outside and talked about everything we’ve been up to.
Maria made her signature ‘Margarita Salt berry-vodka surprise drink’ . In high school, we used to drink these once a year; the night before we were supposed to go back to school. We would all gather at the Crashdown to have one last ‘summer break’-party before going back to school the next morning. I guess you can say it was a tradition in our books.
The girls put on the sound system outside and started to dance. That is, the girls started to dance. The guys just watched. Don’t get me wrong, I can dance… I just like watching Liz dance, but I still have no idea what I’m going to do about the whole Liz situation.
I also notice that Liz is already on her third drink, which is never a good sign in her books; Liz gets drunk extremely fast. After the third song, Maria went back to talk to Michael leaving Liz alone in the middle on the courtyard. That is until she grabbed my hand.
“Max, dance with me?”, she asks. I hesitate at first but when a familiar song picked up the beat, an eager grin flashes over my face.
Switch
Alright ready
Come on man, this is what I do
Yo mic check, mic check, yeah here you go
Nah, he over here
Yeah, I heard he got that hot new thing
It's called "Switch" (switch)
Let's get it going
[chorus]
Hey switch, turn it over and hit it
Turn around, now switch
Turn it over and hit it
Hey, vibe to vibe a second, it's a club girl why you arrived naked
Hear that, how the veteran glide the record
But don't download, go out and buy the record
Hey, something sexy bout her
Girl on the floor, all her friends around her
I mean real clean, ain't gotta touch or nothing
It ain't like I like a chick on chick or something
I'm just a sucker for a hot track
Gimme a drink and a chick to tell 'Stop that'
Dance is a hop and a clap, flip it round
Now bring it on back, break it down
Now switch
The way that her body moves into mine sends everything inside of me on fire. I never want this dance to end. Damn, I always thought Parker couldn't dance, even to this beat. The way her hips are moving, it made me groan with anticipation.
[chorus]
Uh uh uh
I gotta question, I need to ask somebody
Why is it that when y'all see me at the party
Y'all be looking like, "Ooh, he a movie star
He ain't supposed to be out on the floor with everybody"
But oh wait, whoa, y'all forgetting
When I was, amateur spitting before the scripts were written
First one in, last one out the club
Bursting in, passing out in the club
Back at it, this cat is the wit and the charm
Taking you higher, like a syringe hittin' ya arm
Bringing the fire, making your Benz ring the alarm
Let me see you clap, spin baby, come on
Switch
[chorus]
God... she will be the end of me. If this song doesn't end soon she is going to be in for a really 'BIG' surprise if she keeps rubbing into me like that. Damn, it feels so good and yet it's so wrong. I still can't keep a smile off my face though. I can tell she's enjoying it as much as I do.
Oh, you just gonna stand there, huh
What you too cute to dance, or you scared
It ain't really that hard to do and
I aint trying to be in love with you and
All I wanted was a moment or two to
See if you could do that switch-a-roo and
Shut your mouth fool, get your crew and
The thick body and the rear one too and
I'll be right hear waiting on you to
See if y'all can do that switch-a-roo
Hey, hey
That's what I'm talking bout, do that thing mama
That's what I'm talking bout, do that thing mama
That's what I'm talking bout, do that thing mama
That's what I'm talking bout, switch
I wanted to keep repeating the words... 'Do that thing mama' as Liz grinded her hips into me. It definitely seems to fit her in this moment. Now this is definitely a song that’s going on my Ipod!
[chorus]
It’s like I’ve been hypnotized the moment the song ends; I just stand there looking at her, trying to control my breathing. The way her body rubbed unconsciously into mine left a stinging feeling inside my stomach. Who ever knew Liz Parker could dance like that? My eyes quickly go back to Liz and I see her pouring her fifth drink down her throat. Oh crap!
When I walk over to her, she can’t even stand up and she starts to laugh uncontrollably. Oh yeah, she’s wasted. “Maybe I should get her home”, Maria suggests as she frowns at her friend. She offered Michael a sympathetic to indicate that it has nothing to do with him.
“No, Maria—I’ll take her home...its okay”, I offer. Maria knows I would never take advantage of Liz in a state like this and she smiled at me, grateful that I would do this for her. But I have to admit, it’s also a little for me; I want to make sure Liz gets home safely and every minute I could spend with her tonight, I’d take.
“Are you sure?”, she asks. I guess she want to make sure, but if I would tell her no now, she’d probably slap me in the face.
“Yeah, it’s cool. C’mon Liz”, I say as I reach for her and grab… air. I look towards where she was standing and watch her walking to the back of the yard. I have to run to catch up with her.
“No Lizzie, it’s this way”, I say as I take her hand in mine and turn her body to walk the other way.
“Oh Maxie! There you are... I was looking for you!”, she laughs in a drunken voice.
“Good luck with her Max”, Michael shouts as me and Liz walk into the house. I don’t need to look at him to see the smirk that’s on his face right now.
I have to steady her before we walk outside to my truck. She wobbles a bit and I guided her to sit down in the passenger seat.
“Liz which way is your apartment?”, I ask but she doesn’t even seem to hear. She’s not paying any attention to me… at the moment, she’s too fascinated with the radio stations, switching them back and forth.
“Liz?” I question again.
“That way”, she points in front of me where there’s not even a street.
Okay, that was a big help. I reach for her purse and she doesn’t even seem to notice. I pull out her wallet and read the address on her driver’s license. Huh, it’s only a block away from my house.
After strapping her securely unto her seatbelt, we started to drive and she start to sing to the songs on the radio at the top of her lungs and laughs every time she messes up the words.
“Okay, Liz we’re here...”, I say, taking the keys from her purse. She tries to get out of the truck by herself but she failed; she forgot to take off her seatbelt, but that didn’t stop her from trying.
When I released the seatbelt, she falls into my arms and the two of us walk to the door.
“This is a pretty house, Max... pretty”, she laughs as I try to hold her up.
“Yep, it’s pretty Liz. C’mon lets get you inside...”, I say. Deciding that it’d probably be safer if she didn’t walk up the stairs herself, I pick her up and carry her inside the house.
“My room!”, she yells, at the top of her lungs I might add once we arrive upstairs. I gently put her down. I just watch as she kicks off her shoes and throws them across the room, not hitting anything breakable by some miracle, and proceeds to take off her shirt.
“Max, you have pretty eyes”, she says with a smile. I try not to laugh; I’ve never got that comment before.
“Do you want me Max?”, she asks and before I know it her arms are wrapped around my neck, and her lips are pressed on mine. If only she wasn’t so completely drunk … but right now… no, I could never do that to Liz.
“No Liz... not this way”, I pull free of her grasp and she walks around the room a bit before falling onto her bed.
“I’m going to be alone forever. You don’t want me... Kyle doesn’t want me. Maybe he was right. Maybe I’m just a slut”, she says. I wince at the words that came out of her mouth and I sit down next to her and comfortly wrap my arms around her.
“Liz honey, you’re not a slut... you’re a beautiful intelligent woman with everything this world has to offer. Don’t let anyone tell you any different”, I say. I think I’m going to pay a little visit to Kyle Valenti and give him a piece of my mind.
That may be one of the reasons to why she looks so broken. I make sure she’s tucked into bed, and she’s alright before leaving, until her voice stops me.
“Max... don’t go... please...”, she pleads, which stops me dead in my tracks. I turn around, kick off my shoes and get into bed with her... fully clothed of course, and pulled her against me as she mumbles into my chest.
“I love you Max... I always have and I always will”, she mumbles before she goes straight to sleep, leaving me alone with my thoughts about what she just said. All this time, she loved me. Will she remember any of this is the morning? Should I leave?
I have no idea.
TBC
* Song used: Switch by Will Smith <-- Click the link to see the video--if you don't already know the song
You're the best 
**ENJOY!!** I'm off to bed--work bright and early in the morning 