Roswell Fanatics

Hey guys! Thanks for the bumps and fb. I hope you enjoy this part as much as I did. It's extra long so...happy reading!

Chapter 10

When Max arrived home the grin on his face could light the entire apartment. He Max Evans had a date with the most beautiful girl in the world. He couldn’t believe she had said yes. He had hoped and prayed she did but a huge part of him had already been expecting a rejection. Usually at this time after work he’d be knocked out on his bed but he was just too excited. Max hopped onto the couch in the living room where Isabel sat watching TV. She raised her eyebrow at him questioningly.

“Taking Prozac again Max?”

Max grinned. “Guess what?”

“What?”

“I have a date with Liz tomorrow.”

Isabel looked surprised. “You do?”

Max nodded. “Yup! We’re going out for coffee. I asked her today and she said yes.”

Isabel nodded. “Wow. I’m proud of you Max; your very first date. Now maybe you can move up the scale and actually kiss a girl.”

“I’ve kissed girls.” Max said indignantly.

Isabel rolled her eyes. “Aunt Tammy doesn’t count Max.”

“Shut up Isabel.”

****

Isabel walked through the Crashdown doors amused by the small restaurant. She watched a red head girl with a blue turquoise uniform complete with silver antennas start to approach her.

“Hi! Welcome to the Crashdown. My name is Amber would you like a seat?”

Isabel smiled. “Yes please.”

Isabel didn’t work on Saturdays so she decided to wake up early and come meet the girl her brother had been gushing about for the past month. She was happy Max and Michael were still asleep and couldn’t question her whereabouts. She waited patiently until a small blond in the same uniform approached her.

“Hi, I’m Maria and I’ll be your server for today. Would you like to start out with a beverage?”

“Sure I’d like a coffee please.”

“Coming right up.”

Isabel looked around wondering who Liz could possible be. The place was fairly empty seeing as it was seven o’clock in the morning and most people where still cozy in their beds. Apart from her there were only two other people sitting in a booth. A man in a baseball cap engrossed in his newspaper and an old woman nursing a warm cup of coffee.

Sighing Isabel’s thoughts drifted to a handsome sandy haired man. Kyle and she had been working side by side since she’d started her receptionist job. He was always praising her work and telling her how good a secretary she was. Every time he touched or got near her she’d get tingly feelings in her stomach that she’d never felt with any other guy before. Sure she’d dated in the past and kissed guys but she never allowed herself to get close to any of them. She didn’t know what the future held for her and her brothers and she didn’t want to grow feelings for someone then have to leave them. Now it was different though. To Isabel’s relief they had found nothing but dried out pods. They didn’t need to leave this world; they weren’t going to be taken away to a far off planet. They could live their lives in peace. Isabel could finally find love and have actual friends.

A wet sloppy feeling on her toes pulled Isabel out of her thoughts. She looked down and saw a puppy having the time of its life licking her feet. Laughing Isabel bent down and picked it up. The puppy wagged its tail excitedly and attempted to lick her face.

“No.” Isabel said smiling and moving her face away.

“Bad doggy Lanien.” A little voice said.

Isabel looked down. A little girl of about three in pink footy pajamas had her hands on her hips clearly trying to lecture the small dog.

“Hi there. Is this your puppy?” Isabel asked putting the dog on the floor next to the little girl.

She smiled shyly noticing the woman. “Un-huh.”

“What’s your name honey?” Isabel smiled.

“Faith. Wos you name?”

“Isabel. And what’s this little guy’s name?” Isabel said petting the puppy.

“Lanien! “ Faith said proudly.

“Lanien?” Isabel raised her eyebrow. What a strange name.

“Like dat!” Faith said pointing to the picture of the Alien on the wall.

Isabel snorted. “Well, it fits him in this town.”

Faith stared at the colorful bangles dangling from Isabel’s wrist. They were so shiny and pretty.

“Thas pweety.” She said pointing to her bracelets.

“Thank you your pajamas are pretty too.” Isabel smiled.

“What are you doing here sweetie? Where’s your mommy?” Maria asked putting down Isabel’s cup of coffee.

“She sweeeepin.” Faith answered.

“And why aren’t you sleeeeeping?” Maria asked amused.

“I no tired. Mommy say Mas is comin’ taday I waitin’ fo him.” Faith answered and attempted to sit herself in the booth with Isabel.

“Faith Max isn’t coming until later.” Maria said picking her up to stop her from bothering the woman.

“Max? Max Evans?” Isabel asked.

Maria turned to the blonde questioningly. “Yes. Do you know him?”

Isabel smiled. “Yeah. He’s my brother.”

Faith’s eyes widened and she gasped. “Mas is you bruver?”

“Uh-huh. Hmm let me guess your mommy’s name is Liz.” Isabel grinned.

“Wow! How you know dat?” Faith asked impressed.

Isabel laughed. “Well, all Max talks about is Liz and her beautiful daughter at home. I should’ve known you’re the beautiful daughter he was talking about.”

“Max talks about Liz and Faith?” Maria asked interestingly.

Isabel rolled her eyes playfully. “Oh my god all the time. It’s getting annoying.”

Maria breathed a sigh of relief. Even though she knew Max was a good guy and liked Liz very much it never hurt to be reassured.

Isabel looked up at the small blonde. She and Liz were obviously close and apparently she wasn’t going to get to talk to Liz. This was her chance to be herself and maybe make some new friends.

“Would you um, like to sit down?”

Maria looked around at the deserted restaurant. If anything Amber could take care of any of their costumers.

“Sure.”

Faith sat on Maria’s lap and Alien made himself comfortable in front of their table.

“So, tell me about yourself. What do you do?” Maria asked.

“Oh, well, I work at an auto shop a few miles from here.”

“Really? My brother owns an auto shop.”

“What’s you brother’s name?”

“Kyle.”

Isabel’s eyes widened. “Kyle’s your brother?”

“Oh shit. You work for Kyle?” Maria asked laughing. “What a small world.”

Isabel smiled. “Yeah. He-he’s a really good boss.”

Maria watched Isabel’s cheeks redden; hmm, looked like someone had a crush. Maria smiled and they continued talking. Maria couldn’t believe her ears when Isabel said Michael was her brother too. She hadn’t put it together before. Maria tried to explain her strange relationship with Michael to Isabel. Isabel laughed at Maria’s colorful choice of words.

“Yeah Michael’s…well Michael. You get used to him after a while.” Isabel said grinning.

“Oh please chica. A lifetime with the man won’t get me use to him.” Maria said rolling her eyes.

Isabel found the quirky blond very entertaining and quickly lost track of time. Soon their conversation about Michael’s many faults was interrupted by a soft voice.

“I’m sorry.” Liz said politely. “Maria is Faith-oh.”

Faith had fallen asleep on the booth her little thumb in her mouth. Isabel looked up at the petite brunette. So this was Liz Parker. Isabel had to admit her brother had good taste. Liz was indeed very beautiful and looked like a very nice girl. Isabel noticed the right side of her face was hidden by her curtain of dark hair, obviously to keep her scar from being seen.

“I’ll just take her upstairs.” Liz said reaching over and picking up Faith.

Liz took Faith and Alien upstairs; when she returned the beautiful blonde and Maria where back in conversation. Liz couldn’t help feeling intimidated by the woman and tugged on her red shirt sleeve.

“Come sit with us Lizzie. Liz this is Isabel.” Maria said moving over.

“Hi.” Liz smiled shaking Isabel’s hand briefly.

“Guess who this is Liz.” Maria grinned.

Liz looked at Isabel puzzled. “Who?”

“Max and Michael’s sister; Can you believe it? The poor woman is related to Michael.”

Liz laughed.

“Max has told me so much about you.” Isabel said.

Liz didn’t hide the surprise on her face. “He has?”

Isabel nodded. “Every other word from his mouth has to do with you or your beautiful daughter.”

Liz blushed. She didn’t know Max thought about her so much.

“Well, it’s almost eleven o’clock. My brother’s are probably awake by now.” Isabel said sliding out of the booth. “I’ll come in another time to eat.”

Maria and Liz smiled. “Sure.”

“It was nice meeting you.” Isabel smiled back.

“You too. Come back soon so we can talk some more.” Maria said.

“Okay.”

As soon as Isabel left Maria turned to Liz, “All right we’ve only got an hour before Max gets here. Let’s get you ready.”

Liz looked down at her red long sleeved shirt and black jeans. “I-I am ready.”

Maria gaped at her. “That’s how you’re going?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m sure we can find something a little lighter for you to wear. You could borrow some of my clothes.” Maria suggested.

Liz knew the kind of clothes that where in Maria’s closet. They were the type she’d once worn before everything had happened, before Faith, before she became damaged.

“No thanks Maria. I’m fine like this.”

Maria looked like she wanted to protest but thought better of it. Instead she filled her in on the conversation she had had with Isabel.

****

“How about this?”

Michael looked up at his brother. “You look fine Maxwell.”

“Are you sure? This shirt looks wrinkled. Is it wrinkled? Do you think I should iron it?” Max asked nervously.

“No, your shirt isn’t wrinkled. It looks fine.” Michael said for the fifth time.

“Is this a good color? Maybe I should change it to green,” Max touched his burgundy shirt and the color darkened to a forest green. “How about now?”

“Fine! You look fine! I swear to god if you ask me if your butt looks big in those jeans I’m blasting you through the wall.” Michael said irritated.

“Where the hell is Isabel when you need her?” Max muttered to himself.

As if on queue Isabel walked in through the door.

“Thank god.” Max said relieved. “How do I look Iz?”

Isabel walked over to him and touched his blue jeans changing them to black slacks. Now he wore a hunter green t-shirt with black slacks and black shoes.

“There. You look great.”

Max grinned in appreciation. “Thanks.”

“Okay Maxwell, now your butt definitely looks big.”

Max ignored him. “Where were you?”

Isabel cleared her throat. “Um, the um-“

“Spill it Isabel.”

“Okay I was at the Crashdown.” Isabel admitted and sat next to Michael on the couch.

“What! Why?” Max said loudly.

“I wanted to meet Liz. It was great. I met her and Faith today. You were so right she is the sweetest little thing. I talk to Maria too. She had very interesting things to say.” Isabel said looking pointedly at Michael who seemed to have found the wall very interesting.

“What did Liz say? Did she talk about me?”

Isabel smiled at her brother. “Yeah. She said she couldn’t believe she was actually going out on a date with such a geek and regrets saying yes.”

Max’s face fell.

Isabel bit her lip then burst out laughing. “I’m just kidding. Wow you’re way too easy little brother.”

“She didn’t say that right?”

“No. I only spoke to her for a minute.”

Max looked down at his watch. Eleven forty. “Okay, I’m leaving. So, how do I look?”

“Get out Maxwell.”

****

Liz sat nervously in the backroom of the Crashdown. It was twelve o’clock and Max would be there any minute. Her stomach felt like it was hosting for a gang of wild butterflies and she felt a little queasy.

“Lizzie Max is here.” Maria said coming to the backroom.

Liz’s heart started thundering in her chest. “H-he is?”

“It’s okay Liz. Everything’s going to be fine.” Maria said reassuringly and giving Liz a hug.

Liz nodded and took a deep breath. She stood up and walked slowly through the door and to the front. She looked around and spotted him right away standing by the counter. He looked so handsome. She watched him smile and say something to Amber who laughed flirtatiously. He tensed then looked up as if he felt her watching him. When their eyes met he gave her a brilliant smile that did nothing to stop the dancing butterflies in her stomach.

Max bid goodbye to the redhead and walked towards Liz. She was so beautiful he still couldn’t believe she’d actually said she’d go out with him. He pulled out the white rose he had in his back pocket and held it out.

“Hi. Um, I brought you this.” He smiled.

“Hi. T-thank you.” Liz said taking the rose and glancing up at him then looking away shyly.

“How’s Faith?” Max asked not seeing the little girl.

“Oh, she’s asleep.”

“That’s too bad. I really wanted to see her.”

“Well, why don’t you come up with me and while I put this in water you can see her.” Liz suggested.

“Sure.” Max grinned.

“Okay um, follow me.” Liz turned and walked back through the doors.

She led him up the stairs and through her apartment door. Max looked around the colorful living room. This definitely fit Maria’s personality. Max thought. The couches were an assortment of purple and pink. There was a red rug in the middle the shape of a woman’s mouth. The woman was insane.

A soft thump on his legs made him look down and he smiled when he saw Alien jumping up and down on his hind legs wagging his tail excitedly.

“Hey Alien.” Max bent down to put the pup. Alien was so happy he jumped up and managed to lick his face. Max laughed and rubbed the puppy’s stomach.

Liz leaned against the doorframe and watched as Max played with the puppy. He was so cute sometimes that Liz couldn’t help but smile at him.

“Do you want me to take you to Faith’s room?” Liz said interrupting their playtime.

Max stood up. “Yeah.”

Liz walked towards him. “It’s um, over here.” She went down the small hall and stopped at the door right across from her room.

She opened the door quietly and walked inside. Faith lay on her pink Barbie dream bed sleeping peacefully. She looked like a little angel in pink footy pajamas.

Max felt his heart swell for the little girl. He couldn’t believe how much he loved her already in such a small amount of time. Walking over to her bed Max stroked her cheek softly.

“Sweet dreams princess.”

Liz loved watching Max with Faith. He was so tender and sweet with her and Liz couldn’t help liking him even more. They walked out closing the door softly behind them.

“So, uh, you ready to go?” Max asked sticking his hands in his pocket.

“Yeah. Let’s go.” Liz smiled.

****

“Did you really do that?” Liz laughed at Max.

They sat in a small coffee shop a few blocks away from the Crashdown. Liz had never been here before but she found she liked the warm atmosphere.

Max smiled at her laugh. She looked so beautiful when she did. Her eyes sparkled and her face got a rosy color.

“Yeah. I was grounded for a week and I wasn’t allowed to touch Dad’s razor again.”

Liz laughed softly again. “You three must have been cute children.”

“Well, I don’t tell Michael and Isabel but I was definitely the cuter one.” Max whispered the last part to her.

Liz blushed looking away.

“So, do you have any brothers or sisters?”

Liz thought about Kyle and Maria and smiled. “Well, not by blood but I have an honorary brother and sister. You’ve met Maria we’ve known each other since we were in first grade. Her brother Kyle became part of our little group in second grade and we’ve all been inseparable ever since.”

“I was never really close to anyone. I always felt like an outsider you know? Like there was this barrier between me and everyone else. I never really talk to anyone but Iz and Michael.”

Liz thought about her life after the incident and found that she and Max were the same. After what happened Liz felt like she was separated from everyone else; like they were too pure to be around her.

“What’s wrong?” Max asked her softly.

Liz looked up at him and smiled. “Nothing. Just that we’re a lot alike. I was like that in High school.”

“Oh my god!” A whiny voice said from behind them. “Is that you Liz?”

Liz closed her eyes tightly praying that it wasn’t who she thought it was. A tall big breasted blonde walked over to their table and Liz knew her prayers weren’t answered.

“Hello Pam.” Liz smiled forcefully.

“What a surprise to see you out and about. There were rumors going around that you were a recluse. I mean since no one ever saw you leave your house.” Pam said in a sugary sweet voice.

Max looked up at the blonde and instantly disliked her. Pam on the other hand had the opposite affect. She took one look at Max and thrust her breast out smiling flirtatiously.

“Why hello there. My name’s Pam. Pam Troy. And you are?”

“Max.”

“Are you new in town Max? I haven’t seen you around before?” Pam smiled.

“Yeah I just moved here.” Max said not elaborating.

“Oh, no wonder.” Pam said as though she finally understood. “Now I see why you’re sitting here with Liz.” She looked down at Liz disgusted.

Liz’s breath quickened and her heart started hammering in her chest.

“Why wouldn’t I want to sit here with Liz?” Max said looking at Pam curiously.

“You’re new so you obviously don’t know…Liz is...disfigured,” Pam said shifting slightly away from Liz as if she could catch something from her. “When we were sophomores in high school some guy raped her and cut her up real bad I heard. It’s obvious you didn’t know or you wouldn’t be sitting here with her.”

Max looked at Liz in shock. She was looking anywhere but at him; tears where trailing down her cheeks and she was tugging on her shirt sleeve.

“I, I, I have to go.” Liz got up quickly and ran out of the coffee shop without looking back.

Pam stared after Liz her eyebrow raised. “Anyway, so…how about me and you get together?” she said turning back to Max.

Max stood up. “Sorry, I don’t like silicone.”

He dropped some money on the table and ran after Liz leaving a stunned Pam behind.

****

Liz ran two blocks before she slowed down. Her cheeks were wet from tears and she could hardly see the sidewalk through her blurry eyes. Why was it whenever Liz started to feel better, to forget that she was ugly and just be herself Pam had to come in and ruin it? She was having such a good time with Max before Pam showed up. An image of Max’s shocked face came into her mind and the tears fell faster.

He knew now. He knew she was damaged and he’d never come near her again. God and he had been so wonderful. She’d never felt like she did when she was with him before and it hurt to know she’d never feel like that again. He’d find some beautiful perfect woman to marry and live happily ever after. She’ll become a vague memory to him not worth mentioning.

“LIZ!”

Liz stopped when she heard her name. Turning around she saw Max running towards her. When he was a couple of feet away from her he stopped.

“Why’d you leave?” Max asked softly. “Before that heavily made up gerbil came to our table we were having a good time.”

Liz’s lips twitched at his words but she didn’t look at him. “Max…this wasn’t good idea. We shouldn’t have gone out together.”

“Why?”

Liz closed her eyes. “Because…i-its better if you weren’t seen with me.” She whispered.

“Why wouldn’t I want to be seen with such a beautiful woman?” Max asked gently.

Liz looked up at him her eyes sparkling from unshed tears. “I’m not beautiful.”

“Wow. Then my eyes must be playing tricks on me because every time I look at you,” Max tucked her hair behind her ear revealing her scar. “All I see is beauty.”

Liz reached up to cover her scar with her hand. Max stepped closer to her and gently pulled her hand down. He traced the scar with his finger then leaned in to place a soft kiss on her cheek. He pulled back slightly to look at her reaction. Her eyes were closed and tears were spilling from under her lashes. He kissed her tears away.

“You’re so beautiful to me Liz.” Max murmured. “Inside and out.”

Liz opened her eyes and met his. She could see the sincerity in his honey orbs and opened her mouth to say something but no words came out. Max looked down to her mouth and softly brushed his lips against hers. Liz had her eyes closed again and Max pressed his lips firmly over hers. They tentatively kissed and when Max felt her small tongue meet his, his heart soared. They stood there kissing for what seemed like hours but in reality were only a few minutes.

Liz pulled back looking intently at his face. “Why did you come after me?” she asked softly more to herself than him.

Max answered just the same. “Because Liz Parker wherever you go I’ll always follow.”

Hey guys! Thank you all for the fb. And yes I agree with you that Max is extra wonderful and we all wished we could keep him locked up in our closets forever where we could have our wicked way with him. I also want to say that Hazz you're feedback made me crack up. Thanks.

Chapter 11

“So…you and Maria huh?” Isabel asked once Max left.

Michael cleared his throat loudly. “Uh, yeah we sorta have this um…this thing going. Did she uh…say anything…you know bad about me?”

Isabel grinned. “Oh, only that she secretly hates you and couldn’t bear spending a minute with you and doesn’t know how I do it.”

Michael smiled imagining his little pixie saying just that. “Yeah that’s my blondie.”

He remembered how she’d asked him out for the first time one evening after they were closing together.

Michael scrubbed down the grill angry that he couldn’t use his powers to instantly clean it. He couldn’t risk someone coming in and catching him so now he had to actually use soap and water to wipe off the grime and dirt from a hard days work. Hearing a small cough from behind him Michael turned around and watched Maria wipe off dust from one of the cabinets. He grinned remembering their constant flirting. H thought about asking her out wondering when would be the right time. Maria was one of those people that vibrate. She sends out these vibes but Michael isn’t too sure and doesn’t want to ask her out and find out he’d been reading her wrong.

She turned and Michael quickly got back to scrubbing not wanting her to see him. He felt her getting nearer to him and he concentrated hard on his task.

“All right Michael let’s get something straight here,” she started leaning against the grill with one hand on her hip. “You’re a tactless, manner less caveman who wouldn’t know what romance was even if it danced naked around him wearing alien antenna.”

Michael looked up at her and nodded thoughtfully. “Yup, that about sums it up.”

“Want to go out after work?”

“I’ll meet you outside in half an hour.” Michael answered getting back to scrubbing.

“Good.”

Isabel raised her eyebrow. She hadn’t even been joking that time. Ookay, those two had a weird relationship.

“Alright! I’m going to my room.” Isabel said getting up and heading towards her room.

****

Max and Liz finished walking the last block to the Crashdown hand in hand. Max looked down at Liz and saw she had a small smile on her face and the tears were gone. His head was bursting with questions but he knew it wasn’t the right time to ask them. He’d finally done what he’d wanted to do for over a month and kissed Liz. He was glad he’d never kissed any other girl before because to him it made the kiss even more special.

Once they reached the Crash Max opened the door for her. Liz looked up at him and grinned; he was such a gentleman. Max looked around the restaurant and saw it was empty.

“Maria must have closed early. She doesn’t like working on Sundays it’s really slow.” Liz said softly.

Max nodded still holding her small hand in his.

“Would you…like to come upstairs? I’m sure Faith is awake by now. She’d be really happy to see you.” Liz said glancing up at him then looking away shyly.

Max smiled and leaned in to give her a soft kiss on the lips. “I’d love to.”

Liz blushed and led him through the doors and up the stairs to her apartment. As soon as they came through the door Faith bounded towards them running as fast as her little legs could carry her, Alien right on her heels.

“Momma! Mas!” she yelled.

Max bent down and caught her easily in his arms. Her little laughter filled the room as he tickled her and blew raspberries on her belly. Liz smiled at her daughter’s happiness. Max finally stopped holding her to his side.

“Can I have a kiss hello?” Max asked.

Faith grinned and gave him a wet kiss on the nose. Max laughed.

“What happened to my kiss hello? What as soon as you see a handsome guy your mommy doesn’t exist?” Liz asked jokingly.

Faith turned and reached out for her mom to carry her. “Hi momma.” She smiled giving her mommy a kiss on the cheek.

“You think I’m handsome?” Max asked his eyes twinkling.

Liz blushed. “Um, let’s go find auntie Ria sweetie.” Liz walked off leaving a grinning Max behind her.

“Maria?” Liz called.

“In here!” Maria yelled back.

Liz followed the sound of her voice and walked into Maria’s room. Well, what used to be a room. It looked like a hurricane passed through and scattered every item of clothing Maria possessed.

“Maria what are you doing?” Liz asked putting down Faith.

“I’m going out with Michael and I have nothing to wear.” Maria’s voice came out muffled from the closet.

“Did she say she’d going out with Michael? As in my brother Michael?” Max asked coming up behind Liz. Faith lifted her hands and Max carried her without thought.

Maria poked her head out of the closet at the sound of his voice. “Oh, hey lover boy. I can see you had a good time if you’re up here with Liz.”

Max thought back to the incident on their date and what happened afterwards outside. “I’ll always have a good time if Liz’s is around.”

Maria grinned. “Good answer.” She turned back to her closet. “And yes I do have a date with Michael your brother.”

Max raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Wow, he must really like you.”

Maria poked her head out again in interest. “Why would you say that?”

“Well, because Michael doesn’t date. This is the first time I’d ever heard of him going on one.” Max shrugged.

Maria smiled, “Hmm…good to know.” then turned back to her closet.

“Okay we’ll leave you here to raid your closet. It’s Faith’s lunch time.” Liz said stepping back and closing the door. “What would you like to eat today munchkin?”

Faith tapped her chin with her little finger in thought. “Spagettios!” she said finally.

Liz smiled. “Okay.”

Max followed Liz into the kitchen with Faith. He watched her pull out a can then hesitates with another one.

“Would you like some?” she asked looking over her shoulder.

Max looked down at Faith in his arms. “What do you think?”

Faith grinned. “Spagettios is yummy!”

Max grinned with her then looked up at Liz the grin still in place. “Sure.”

Liz’s stomach fluttered when she looked at his handsome face. She turned back and grabbed another can then proceeded to open them and put two plates in the microwave. When the time went off Liz scooped some spagettios and put some in a small plastic Fruit Loops bowl. Then got two bigger plates and served the rest.

She set the smaller plate and spoon on a small red plastic table right next to the bigger one. Max sat Faith down on the little red plastic chair.

They then sat themselves at the table plates in front of them as well; Max could see his plate had a lot more food on it than hers. They ate in silence for a while until Faith’s little cry made them turn to look at her.

“What’s wrong princess?”

“What happened munchkin?”

They both asked simultaneously.

Faith looked up at them her little pointer finger held out. “I gots a boo boo momma.”

Liz stood up and grabbed her small hand to inspect it. There was a tiny pink spot where she had obviously burned herself with the hot food. Liz leaned in and placed a small kiss on her finger.

“There. How does it feel now?” Liz smiled softly at her.

Faith grinned. “All gone.”

Liz got up. “Good. Now be careful. You don’t want another boo boo.”

Faith nodded.

When Liz sat back down Max was looking at her is eyes shining brightly.

“What?” Liz asked self consciously.

Max leaned in a smile spreading across his face. “I have a boo boo too. Can you kiss it and make it all better?”

Liz blushed but answered anyway. “Where is it?”

Max tapped his lips. “Right here.”

Liz looked away then quickly leaned forward and gave him a tap kiss before sitting back. “Better?”

Max grinned. “Much.”

****

“Pway wif me Mas.” Faith asked later on after they had finished their lunch and Maria had gone off on her date with Michael.

“Sure princess.” Liz was busy in the kitchen so Max let her lead him into her room.

Faith sat herself on her pink hello kitty rug in the middle of her room and grabbed her toy box. She turned the box over and three Barbie’s, a Ken doll, two little pink plastic brushes, a pink ball, and a picture of a dark haired girl with a rag doll.

“Hew you gots ta bwush they hair like dis.” Faith said picking up a dark haired Barbie and a pink brush. She showed him how she brushed the Barbie’s soft hair.

Max looked down at the Barbie’s his eyebrow raised. What he did for this little girl. He picked up a Barbie and a brush and began to brush the dolls hair. After a while of this Faith got tired and grabbed the pink ball.

“Time to pway wif da ball.” She said getting up.

Max gratefully put the doll down and got on his knees a couple of feet away from her. “Okay princess throw it.”

Faith reared her hand back and threw the ball as hard as she could. It landed softly on Max’s lap. Smiling Max threw her the ball back underhanded. Faith tried but failed to catch it but she didn’t give up. She ran after the ball and threw it back to him. They played for a while until Max heard a throat clearing behind him.

He turned and saw a smiling Liz at the door way. “Can I play too?”

“Momma! Looky!” Faith said jumped up and down then threw the ball at Max. “Thwo it Mas!”

Max grinned and threw the ball softly to her. She caught it. “You saw momma! I catch it!”

Liz laughed. “Good job baby.”

“Les play wif my dolly’s momma.” Faith said running to her mother and dragging her inside.

Liz sat down next to Max on the rug that immediately leaned in to kiss her softly on the lips.

“I missed you beautiful.” Max murmured against her lips.

Liz blushed. “I was only gone for half an hour.”

“The longest half an hour of my life.” Max said seriously.

Liz bit her lip turning a darker shade of crimson. She finally noticed Faith looking at them curiously three dolls in her hand.

“Um, let’s play with the Barbie’s munchkin.” Liz said taking a dark skinned doll from her and starting to braid her hair.

Faith handed Max his earlier doll and a tiny pink brush. She sat between them and started to brush her dolls hair. Max and Liz kept sneaking glances at each other then looking away when they were caught.

“Sin me a son Mas.” Faith asked putting down her doll.

Max put his doll down and opened his arms for her to sit on his lap. Faith climbed into his lap and sat herself down looking up at him. Max looked over at Liz thinking about a nursery rhyme his father had sung for Isabel when she was small. He wondered if she’d be upset if he sang it to Faith. Dance to Daddy was a song Phillip thought would help Isabel open up more to him when they first adopted them. It had worked and Isabel soon became her daddy’s little girl.

Alien came running into the room wagging his tail excitedly looking for his girl. He found her sitting on Max’s lap and jumped up to lick her face. Another nursery rhyme came to mind and he decided better to sing her I had a Little Doggie better.

“How about I sing you I had a little Doggie?”

Faith nodded happily. She loved how Max sang to her.

“I had a little doggie that used to sit and beg, But Doggie tumbled down the stairs and broke his little leg; Oh, Doggie, I will nurse you, and try to make you well; And you shall have a collar with a pretty little bell. Ah, Doggie, don't you think that you should very faithful be, For having such a loving friend to comfort you as me?

And when your leg is better, and you shall run and play, We'll have a scamper in the field, and see them making hay. But, Doggie, you must promise (and mind your word you keep) Not once to tease the little lambs or run among the sheep. And then the yellow "chicks" that play upon the grass, You must not even wag your tail to scare them as you pass.”

Liz looked at Max mesmerized. She felt like she was intruding on something private between them. He had a husky deep voice that held you spellbound. No wonder Faith always wanted Max to sing to her.

“How was that?” Max asked Faith who was looking at him in awe.

“I lub you Mas.” Faith said giving him a hug.

Max laughed. “I love you too princess.”

Faith turned to Liz. “Hug momma.” She said opening one of her arms the other still wrapped around Max’s neck.

Liz leaned forward and hugged her daughter her face inches from Max’s. He smiled gently at her and this time it was Liz that leaned in to give him a kiss. Faith giggled.

“You lub Mas momma!” Faith said giggling louder.

Liz pulled away quickly. “I-I’m going to start on dinner. W-would you like to stay?” she asked her face red.

Max’s ears were an equal color. “Sure, yeah.”

Liz got up and quickly left the room; Alien bounding out behind her. Max’s heart was still hammering after Liz left. Faith’s little declaration touched something deep inside him. He knew it was too soon for Liz to have any deep feelings for him and though he knew it was too soon for him also he couldn’t help but think he was falling hard for her. He didn’t know if Pam had been lying but he had a feeling she’d been telling the truth if Liz’s reaction meant anything. He wanted to know her past, he wanted to know everything about her and he knew no matter how horrible his feelings would never change.

His gaze landed on the small picture of the little dark haired girl with a raggedy Anne doll. She was grinning holding onto her little doll her dark eyes filled with happiness.

“Thas my momma.” Faith’s little voice said.

Max smiled. Faith and Liz look a lot alike but with subtle differences. Liz’s hair and eyes were darker than Faith’s. She was so precious; without a care or problem in the world.

“Come on princess. Let’s go help mommy cook dinner.” Max said putting away her toys and placing the picture on her nightstand.

Max picked her up and headed out towards the kitchen.

****

Liz tried her best to pay attention to her cooking. Her hands were shaking and her heart was thundering in her chest. Faith hit a soft spot inside her and she didn’t know what to do. She couldn’t possibly be in love with Max. She just met him a little over a month ago. Who falls in love so quickly? Besides she knew nothing about him. Sure they talked during their date but they didn’t really talk deeply about anything. Everything was still too new to her. Max has been the first guy she’s kissed for over five years and things were suddenly moving too fast.

“Need any help?”

His voice startled her and the knife she was using to cut vegetables slipped from her hand and sliced through her wrist. The blood quickly came gushing out; Liz was too frozen in shock to do anything but stare as it spilled over the counter and dripped to the floor.

“Liz!” Max ran over to her quickly getting some napkins and putting pressure on her wrist.

She must have cut a tendon because the blood soon seeped through the napkins and onto Max’s hand. Liz was starting to feel weak her legs wobbling. Forgetting all rational thought Max removed the tissue and pressed his hand to her wrist. He looked up into her eyes and felt the heat in his hand. Within seconds the skin closed and she was no longer bleeding.

Liz looked down at her now normal wrist then up at Max before feeling darkness consume her.

Hey guys! Thaks for the fb! This part is short but I promise the next chapter will be longer.

Chapter 12

Maria stood outside of the Crashdown waiting for Michael to arrive. This was their official first date considering their last date wasn’t really a date; unless you count making out in the back of the jetta a date. Maria heard the Harley two blocks before it came into view. Michael stopped in front of her and pulled off his helmet. His hair wasn’t even slightly flattened.

“Hop on.”

Maria stared wide-eyed at the monster he expected her to mount.

“H-hop on? Are you insane? I’m not getting on that thing!”

Michael rolled his eyes. “Maria just get on.”

Maria stared at the bike for a while before finally getting on. Michael handed her a helmet put his back on and revved up the bike.

“Are you sure this is safe?” Maria yelled over the roar of the bike.

“Perfectly.” Michael answered.

****

They arrived at a small diner almost like the Crashdown but without all the alien paraphernalia. Maria didn’t even bother to wait for Michael to stop the bike properly as she pulled off her helmet and threw it at him. She walked quickly into the diner and sat herself down on one of the booths. Michael walked in a couple of minutes after.

“Don’t tell me you’re still mad blondie.” Michael said sitting in front of her.

“I fell off Michael!” Maria said angrily.

“You weren’t holding on! Besides I went back for you.”

“Yeah after you drove for five blocks!”

Michael sighed. “Look I’m sorry you fell off. Can we just start over? I’ve never been a date before. I’m not really good at this stuff.”

Maria uncrossed her arms her anger deflating. “Fine. Let’s just have a nice dinner and get to know each other.”

“Damn. You planned on talking? I thought we were just gonna eat then find a place to make out. I knew I should’ve taken you to the movies.”

“Keep talking like that and you’ll never come near these lips again.”

“Okay,” Michael took a deep breath as if preparing himself for battle. “Let’s date.”

****

Max carefully laid Liz down on the bed his heart lodged in his throat. She’d fainted…he’d healed her and she fainted.

“Mas wos wong wif momma?” Faith said trying her hardest to see the top of the bed.

He picked her up. “Mommy’s fine. She just…” Max trailed off lamely.

Liz scrunched up her face her eyes fluttering open. Disoriented she looked around not sure how she got to her room when it all came back to her. She sat up quickly looking down at her wrist then up at Max who stood by the bed holding Faith.

“Momma!” Faith smiled happy to see her mommy was all right.”

“Liz…are you okay?” Max asked tentatively.

“C-come here Faith.” Liz said getting up and taking her daughter from him. She moved to the far side of the room.

“I’m not going to hurt you.” Max said his heart breaking at the fear in her eyes. “I could never hurt you.”

“H-how did you do that?” Liz asked taking another step back.

“I used my powers. I just healed you. T-there was so much blood…and the cut was deep…I couldn’t not heal you.” Max said his eyes on the ground.

“Mas the magic boo boo heawer momma! I gots a boo boo on my leg an Mas heaw it!” Faith said grinning.

“What are you?”

Max glanced up. “Well we prefer the term not of this Earth.”

Liz raised her eyebrow.

Max cleared his throat. “Not a good time for jokes.”

“So your saying you’re like a-an alien or something?”

“Yeah… me, Michael and Isabel.” Max figured her might as well go for broke and tell her about all pf them.

Liz shook her head. “I-you…go home Max.”

Max looked at her startled. “What?”

“Go home Max. I-I can’t deal with this right now.” Liz said holding tightly to Faith.

Max couldn’t even describe the pain he was feeling at the moment. He nodded turning to leave.

“Mas!” Faith called reaching towards him her arms outstretched and her eyes pleading.

Max faced her smiling at his little angel. “I’ll see you later princess.” He said is throat clogged with emotion.

“No! Mas!” Faith called.

Max hurried out the door before he could hear her calling him anymore. He hurried down the stairs and into his jeep. He didn’t know he was crying until his vision blurred and he had to wipe his eyes to see the road clearly. She rejected him…she was afraid of him and what he was. Never in his life did he wish he was normal more than he did right now.

****

Isabel was startled out of sleep when she heard the slamming of the front door. Getting up she walked outside and the sight before her made her gasp. Her brother had tears streaming down his cheeks; he looked terrible.

“Max?”

Max looked up at her the pain in his eyes making her stagger back. What could have possibly happened to him to bring him so much pain? She went to him and led him to the couch where he leaned into her and continued to cry. She soothed him as best she could waiting for him to stop so she could ask him what was wrong. After a few minutes Max stopped and sat up looking everywhere but at her.

“What happened Max? You’re scaring me.”

Max took a deep shuddering breath the image of Liz’s scared face still vivid in his mind. Her big doe eyes full of fear; something Max wished with all his might he could take away. He never wanted her to be afraid of him; never wanted her to suffer in any way because of him.

“She hates me Isabel,” Max whispered the tears returning. “Liz hates me.”

“Liz?” The surprise was evident in her face.

Max nodded slowly. “I scare her.”

Isabel shook her head confused. “What? Why?”

Max explained what happened at Liz’s house to Isabel. By the time he was done her mouth was hanging open and her eyes where bugging out comically.

“You told her?”

“I had no choice Iz. You should’ve seen her hand. There was so much blood she…I couldn’t see her like that. I had to do it Isabel.”

Isabel nodded in understanding. “It’s okay Max.”

Max shook his head. “No it’s not. God, you didn’t see her face. She was so scared.”

“Don’t worry. Everything will be all right you’ll see.” Isabel said hugging him.

Max didn’t answer. He had a feeling he’d never be all right again.

Hey guys! Okay I promised a longer part so here it is! Enjoy!

Chapter 13

Liz finally got Faith to stop crying and put her to sleep. She tucked her in and walked slowly into the living room replaying everything that happened. Max was an alien. Max Evans the first man she’d ever had serious feelings for was an alien. She closed her eyes tightly leaning her head back against the couch. Immediately the scene in the kitchen came back to her. She opened her eyes to look down at her now healed wrist. He said he’d never hurt her and she believed him but she couldn’t help being a little afraid. An alien for God’s sakes! He had said Michael and Isabel were aliens too…wow alien actually were among us. A reluctant chuckle escaped her. Liz sat there for hours thinking about her day when she heard the jingling of keys. Maria walked in dropping her purse and keys on the table.

“Liz! What are you doing up so late chica?” Maria took a seat next to her on the couch.

Liz debated on whether she should tell Maria about what happened with Max. He hadn’t told her not to say anything but it really wasn’t her secret to tell. If and when Michael was ever ready he should be the one to let Maria know about his alien status. Wow it was still a little weird to think about it. Thoughts of how sweet Michael was with Faith came to mind and how much the little girl adored him. She knew neither Max nor Michael would ever hurt them. Isabel she had met only briefly but she seemed to be a kind woman with a nice heart.

“Couldn’t sleep.” Liz answered.

A sly grin spread over Maria’s face. “Does this have anything to do with lover boy?”

You have no idea. “Maybe.”

Maria looked seriously at Liz. “Lizzie…I know that you shouldn’t really trust me about guys and stuff after what I did to you but…I know Max is a good guy.”

Liz grabbed Maria’s hand. “You didn’t do anything to me Maria. How many times do I have to tell you what happened…it’s not your fault. You didn’t know… and besides you didn’t set me up with him those radio people did.”

Tears spilled from Maria’s eyes. “I can’t help feeling like it was my fault though. And you won’t even let me help you. Let me tell dad about Doug. He’ll help find him and he’d lock him up for good for what he did to you.”

Liz shook her head vigorously. “Maria…no. It’s been five years…let’s just forget about it and move on with our lives.”

“But-“

“Remember your promise Maria. It doesn’t matter anymore…its over.” Liz got up form the couch. “Night.”

Maria stared sadly after her friend. It’ll never be over…as long as that bastard was free it would never be over.

****

Max lay in bed staring up at the ceiling; thoughts of his day with Liz fluttering through his mind. He blocked out the incident in the kitchen and thought about what happened earlier in the day. He finally had time to stop and think things through.

‘You’re new so you obviously don’t know…Liz is...disfigured…When we were sophomores in high school some guy raped her and cut her up real bad I heard.’

If what Pam had said was true which as much as he wanted to deny it he suspected she was he understood why she always wore those long sleeved shirts and pants. He felt anger flare inside him at the thought of someone hurting his Liz. The lamp on his bed side table flickered and the light bulb exploded. Sighing he waved his hand over the bulb restoring it. He knew Liz needed space so he wasn’t going to push. He’d give her the time she needed no matter how much it hurt to stay away.

****

Max woke up the next day reluctant to get out of bed. He was contemplating staying there all day when his door slammed open startling him. He sat up and came face to face with a very pissed off Michael. Isabel stood behind him looking apologetically at Max. He had obviously heard about Liz.

Max sighed. “I’ll be out in a minute.”

Michael looked like he wanted to protest but Isabel grabbed his arm and pulled him back shutting Max’s door. Max got up putting on a pair of sweats and stopped by the bathroom before heading towards the kitchen. As soon as Michael saw him he got up.

“You told her Maxwell?”

“Sit down Michael.” Max said tiredly.

“Max how could you just blurt this out to her? What if she turns us over to the cops or something?” Michael asked.

“She’s not gonna do that. Look Michael what’s done is done. I can’t take it back and frankly I don’t want to. I’m glad she knows now.” Max said heading over to the fridge and getting out a carton of orange juice.

Michael turned to Isabel. “What do you have to say about this?”

Isabel looked back at Michael. When Max had first told her about what happened with Liz she had been a little scared. Her thoughts where just like Michaels. What if she turned them over to get experimented on or something? Then as quick as the thought had come it had gone. She trusted Max and she knew he’d never do something that might end up hurting them in the end. Having friends and trusting people was very important to her and she was trying her hardest to let people in.

“Michael I don’t know Liz very well, hell you know her better than me but the way Max talks about her and the way Maria had talked about her let’s me know that no matter how freaked out she may have been at first she’ll come around. Liz doesn’t look like the type of person that would want to hurt anybody. You should know that.”

Michael let out a long breath his anger deflating. Isabel was right. He knew Liz and she was never one to hurt anybody. He understood why Max was glad he had told Liz, now they didn’t have secrets between them and after this they’d probably be closer. An image of a certain green eyed blonde came to mind. How would Maria feel if he told her? Another image of her screaming at the top of her lungs while she ran away from him came to mind. Maybe he’d hold of from telling her so soon.

“Fine. If you guys are okay with this than…I’m okay with it.” Michael conceded.

****

Michael walked into the Crashdown Monday morning unsure on how to act around Liz. Though they weren’t really close they still talked and she never minded when Faith hung out with him during his lunch breaks. He headed past the perky redhead at the front and walked through the back door. He hadn’t noticed someone walking out and quickly held her up before she could hit the floor. He looked down to see a flustered Liz stepping back and tugging down her shirt.

“Careful…”

Liz glanced up at him then back down to the ground. “Thanks Michael.” She made to leave but Michael held her arm softly not wanting to scare her.

“Look…Max told me what happened and what he said to you…I just wanted to let you know that...we’re still the same people. I’m still my extremely cool and handsome self and Max is still the hopeless romantic geek he’s always been.” Michael said lightning up the tense mood.

Liz gave him a small smile. “I-I know it’s just…weird you know. It’ll take some getting used to.”

Michael nodded. “Understandable. I just wanted to let you know…you don’t have to be afraid.”

Liz looked intently up at Michael. The fact that he was speaking to her like that, trying to ease her worry when he was usually sarcastic and closed off made her fear lessen. She wasn’t afraid that they’d hurt her or anything but she was glad that Michael wanted to put her at ease.

“I know Michael. I’m not afraid anymore…I promise I won’t tell anybody.”

Michael grinned. “Thanks.”

“No problem,” Liz smiled. “You know…I don’t know why Maria’s always complaining about how you never talk to her. You’re totally not the way she described you were.”

Michael shrugged. “Yeah well I like to see her cheeks color whenever she’s mad at me and that cute little wrinkle on her nose when she’s huffing just makes me wanna kiss her. I really care about her.”

“I know.”

Michael looked down at Liz. “Don’t tell her though. It’ll ruin my Neanderthal reputation I’ve got going with her.”

Liz chuckled. “You’re a masochist.”

Michael grinned. A minute later Maria came down the stairs her hair still rumpled from sleep and her uniform buttons done wrong.

“You look like shit.” Michael commented.

Maria glared at him. “Bite me.”

“My pleasure.”

Liz shook her head smiling. “Let’s get to work guys.”

****

At twelve o’clock Liz started getting nervous. It was Max’s lunch time and he usually showed up at this time to sit in his booth. She had given herself a pep talk and really wanted to speak to him. She waited tables glancing up at the clock once in a while though after half an hour it was clear he wasn’t coming. Sighing she walked to the back stopping at the sight that greeted her. Faith was sitting cross legged on the couch candy wrappers littered around her and her chubby little face covered in chocolate.

When Faith noticed her mom she gave her a big chocolaty grin. “Hi momma!”

Liz took a deep claming breath. Think happy thoughts. She told herself then slowly marched pass Faith and into the kitchen where Michael was busy with the grill. He looked up at her his eyes widening when he noticed how angry she looked.

“Uh, hey Liz!” He said cheerily. “What brings you back here in this hot kitchen?”

“Michael,” Liz put her hands on her hips. “Did you give my child all that candy?”

Michael looked away. “Candy? What candy? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

In that moment Faith toddled into the kitchen sucking on one of her fingers. “Mikey, you gots mo candy in you pocket? Chocowate all gone.” Faith said opening her hands and shrugging.

Michael smiled sheepishly at Liz who had her eyebrow raised. “Ha, kids…they’ll say anything.”

Liz shook her head sighing. “Come on munchkin let’s go give you another bath.”

****

Isabel sat at her desk quietly eating her lunch. It had been busy today and Kyle was out helping a client. He usually sat with her and they had lunch together. Sighing she thought about her brother and the woman he was clearly in love with. How would Kyle react if one day she decided to tell him? Would he run from her? Isabel prayed that he didn’t she really liked him and hoped that if she did tell him he’d be able to accept her.

“Hey” Kyle said coming in through the door.

Isabel smiled. “Hey. I thought you were with a client.”

Kyle nodded hopping up on the corner of her desk. “I was but I got done early so I came to keep you company. I know you get lonely without me here to entertain you.”

Isabel rolled her eyes playfully. “Yeah, without you here I’d die of boredom.”

Kyle grinned. Isabel continued to eat her lunch aware that he was staring at her.

She glanced up. “What?”

Kyle took a deep breath hoping the pep talk he gave himself in the car would keep him from fumbling his words.

“I, Well, willyougooutonadatewithme?” He asked quickly.

Isabel frowned. “What?”

Kyle shook is head. So much for the pep-talk. “W-will you go out on a date with me?”

Isabel blushed. He was asking her out. Suddenly shy she looked down at her half eaten sandwich. “Yeah…I-I’ll go out with you.”

Kyle’s eyes widened. “Yeah?”

Isabel glanced up at him. “Yeah.”

Kyle grinned. “Okay. How about I pick you up at eight tonight?”

Isabel smiled. “That’s fine.”

“All right well…I’m gonna get back to work.” Kyle said standing up.

“Kay.”

Once Kyle was gone Isabel let out an excited squeal. She had a date with Kyle ‘great ass’ Valenti. She looked up at the clock; one forty five. As soon as the clock hit five she was outta there. She needed to look perfect for tonight.

****

Liz cleaned up the Crashdown with Michael and Maria that night. She thought about Max the entire day; she really needed to talk to him. Walking into the kitchen she cleared her throat to get Michael’s attention.

“What is it?” Michael asked pulling away from Maria.

“I-I need to talk to Max so if you could give me the address to your apartment I’d be really grateful.”

“Okay.” Michael wrote down the address on a piece of paper and handed it to her.

“Can I borrow the jetta?”

Maria nodded. “Sure no problem chica.”

Liz smiled gratefully then quickly ran up the stairs to change. Almost tripping over Alien she went into her room and changed into a black sweater with her blue jeans. She debated on taking Faith with her. Faith was sound asleep in her cute little pajamas when Liz walked in. Deciding she should Liz carefully picked her up and went back downstairs.

“I’ll see you guy’s later okay?” She called softly.

“Good luck.” Michael answered.

****

Liz pulled up in front of the building the butterflies in her stomach doing the konga. She wondered what Max was going to say when he saw her. Carefully picking up Faith she didn’t notice the red mustang parked a couple of feet in front of her car. Climbing up the stairs she stood in front of the door taking deep breaths. Okay, she could do this.

Holding Faith in one arm she knocked softly. The door opened and she came face to face with Isabel. Well, more like shoulder to face.

“Liz! What are you doing here?”

Liz tugged down on her shirt. She couldn’t help feeling self-conscious around the woman. She was so beautiful and Liz…wasn’t.

“I…I came to see Max. I-Is he here?”

Isabel nodded. “Yeah. He’s here. Um, come in.”

Liz walked inside noting how big and nice their apartment was. Isabel obviously decorated it. She walked into the living room nervously.

“Lizzie?”

Liz looked up startled. “Kyle? What are you doing here?”

“I’m taking Isabel out. What are you doing here?”

“I have to talk to Max.”

“Max? You know Isabel’s brother?”

“Y-yeah. We sort of…have this thing.” Liz said not meeting his eyes.

Isabel walked in behind Liz. “I’ll just go tell my brother Liz is here then we can leave.” She smiled at Kyle.

Kyle stood up. “Liz you sure about this guy? Do you want me to stay here with you?”

Liz sighed. “I’m fine here alone Kyle. Don’t worry. Go on your date with Isabel.”

“Liz?” Max’s eyes widened in surprise. “What are you doing here?”

“I-I came to talk to you.”

Max looked at Faith sound asleep in her arms. “Come on. You can put her on my bed.”

Kyle stared after Liz after she followed Max. Maybe he should cancel his date and stay here with them just in case.

“Kyle? You ready to go?” Isabel asked smiling.

He looked into her beautiful face. Well, if he was related to Isabel he couldn’t be all bad right? Kyle hoped he was right because related to Isabel or not if he hurt her Kyle would definitely kill him.

****

Liz put Faith down on Max’s bed her hands shaking slightly.

“Why don’t we go talk in the living room? Isabel would have left by now.”

Liz nodded. “Okay.”

She followed him out and sat down on the black leather couch in the middle of the room. Max took the seat in front of her not wanting to be too close so she couldn’t be afraid.

“I’m sorry.” Liz blurted out after a moment of silence.

“What?”

Sighing she looked up at him. “I-I’m sorry for the way I reacted.”

Max shook his head. “No. No it’s okay. I’m the one that should be sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“You don’t…scare me. I know you’d never hurt me or Faith.”

“I can’t. I could never hurt you…I love you guys too much.”

Liz didn’t know what to say. How could he love someone like her? “Max…you don’t….you don’t love me.”

Max stood up and took a seat next to her on the couch. “How do you know how I feel?”

Liz shook her head. “I’m damaged Max; if-if you knew…you wouldn’t be saying such nice things to me.”

“Let me know,” Max said softly. “Tell me.”

Liz closed her eyes the horrible night coming back to her as if it were yesterday. All the fear and pain shivering through her from all the kicks, and cuts made to her body. Tears were streaming down her cheeks. She felt a strong hand wipe them gently away before tucking her hair behind her ear. Opening her eyes sad dark pools of brown met a sea of honey. She shook her head slowly.

“I can’t.”

Max leaned closer to her his lips a hair’s breath away. He waited for her to pull back from him. When she didn’t he brushed his lips over hers softly taking her mouth. Cupping her cheek he traced the scar with his finger. Liz felt light warmth where his hand was but she was too enraptured with his soft lips to care. Max felt her little tongue entangle with his and groaned. She gave him soft licks and nips that reminded him of Isabel’s old cat. He could taste her salty tears and it only made him want to hold her and never let go.

Max nibbled on her bottom lip before resting his forehead against hers.

“Open up to me kitten.” Max murmured.

“I can’t. It hurts so much Max.” Liz whispered.

“Then let me take your pain. I can handle it.”

Liz stared at him seeing the sincerity and love in his eyes. Never in her life did she feel like talking to someone; letting someone else shoulder the burden. She pulled away from him resting her head on his shoulder. It’d be easier for her if she didn’t look into his eyes.

Max wrapped his arm around her silently willing her to talk to him. Come on sweetheart, talk to me. Then finally her voice soft as angels she started.

“It was the beginning of sophomore year around October. Maria had signed me up for this blind date contest as a surprise. I won and the radio set me with who was supposedly my dream date. H-he was a college student and even though at first I was a little upset I kind of got excited about it. The radio station was there the entire time and everything went okay. At the end of our date he asked me out again only we’d be alone this time. I hadn’t had the best time but I figured it was probably our lack of privacy so I agreed. W-when we went out on our second date he said we were going to the movies.”

Liz closed her eyes tightly the tears slowly spilling.

“W-we were walking there w-when he started pulling me towards an alley claiming it was a short cut…when I said no h-he told me to shut up and dragged me in pushing me against the wall.”

Max took deep calming breaths. If he let his anger get the best of him he was liable to blow something up.

“H-he started hitting me and tearing at my clothes. I-I tried to fight him off I did but he just hurt me even more. I could taste the blood in my mouth where he punched me. H-he pulled out a knife a-and asked me how many dates I’d go on after he got through with me. I-I blacked out after that.”

Liz started to sob her entire body trembling. Max pulled her onto his lap cradling her as she cried.

“It’s okay kitten. I’m here. I’ll take care of you.” Max murmured.

Eventually Liz stopped crying and Max noticed she fell asleep. He stood up holding her tightly in his arms and carried her into his room. He deposited her on the bed next to Faith and turned to leave.

“Max?”

Max stopped.

“Don’t leave me.” Liz whispered.

Max walked back to the bed. “Okay.”

He laid down on the other side of Faith who curled up to him seeking warmth. Max reached over and took Liz’s small hand in his. A few minutes later they where fast asleep.

Hey guys! Thanks for the fb as usual. I'm posting another part already. It seems I've got a brain wave on this story because the chapters just keep coming! Enjoy!

Chapter 14

Faith woke up frowning when she didn’t recognize her room. She was about to call for her mommy when she noticed her lying beside her sleeping. A soft noise made her turn over and her eyes widened with excitement. Mas was here! Sitting up she watched him curiously as he made weird sounds. Climbing onto his stomach she slowly reached over and pinched his nose cutting off any air circulation.. Max jerked awake blinking rapidly. A loud giggling was coming from his stomach; he looked down and smiled when Faith came into view.

“Morning princess.” Max said his voice husky from sleep.

Mowning Mas.” Faith grinned.

Max looked over at Liz who was still asleep. Getting up he carried Faith out of the room and closed the door quietly behind them.

“Mas I gots to go potty.”

“Uh, r-right now? Can’t you wait for mommy to wake up?”

Faith shook her head. “No, I gots to go potty now.” She said bouncing in his arms.

“Okay, okay let’s go potty.”

Max took Faith into the bathroom and put her down in front of the toilet. He unzipped her footy pajamas and let her pull down her Barbie undies. He sat her on the toilet and waited while she did her business humming softly.

“Done!” Faith grinned.

Max handed her some toilet paper and let her clean herself. Faith put up her panties and turned around so Max could zip her up again.

“Now I gots ta bwush my teef and wash my hands.” Faith instructed.

Max pulled out a new green toothbrush from the cabinet and waved his hand over it making it small and pink with the word princess engraved on the handle.

“Here you go princess. A toothbrush just for you.” Max said handing it to her.

Faith’s eyes widened “Pweety…tank you Mas!”

“No problem baby.”

Max picked her up and sat her down on the sink. He grabbed his own toothbrush and put some toothpaste on each. He started to brush his teeth grinning when he noticed Faith copying his every move. Cleansing his mouth he spit out the water and watched
Faith do the same. Putting away their toothbrushes he pulled out his shaving cream. Faith watched as Max shaved off his morning bristles.

When Max was done he picked up Faith and headed towards the kitchen.

“You hungry princess?”

“Un-huh! I want fwuit loops!”

Max walked into the kitchen where Isabel was already up and making herself a fruit salad.

“Morning Izzy.”

Isabel turned around her eyes widening when she saw Faith. “Morning.”

“Mowning Issy! Wemeber me?” Faith grinned waving at Isabel.

Isabel smiled. “Of course I remember you honey. Are you hungry?”

“I want Fwuit loops!”

Isabel laughed. “Okay Fruit loops it is.”

Max sat Faith down on one of the kitchen table chairs and started making breakfast for him and Liz. He wanted her to have something to eat when she woke up. Isabel handed a small bowl of cereal to Faith then went to help her brother.

“So, if Faith is here is it safe to assume that Liz is here too?” She said cracking eggs.

Max nodded. “Yeah. We had a long talk last night and…I think everything’s good between us now.”

Isabel nodded. “I’m glad.”

“So…how was your date with Kyle?” Max asked slyly.

Isabel turned a deep crimson. “None of your business.”

“Aww come on Iz I’d tell you.” Max whined.

“No you wouldn’t.” Isabel ignored him and scrambling the eggs.

“Mikey!” Faith yelled when Michael entered the kitchen.

Michael wasn’t even the least surprised. When Liz hadn’t come home last night Michael had assured Maria that she was safe in his house with Max. To make sure he had gone to Max’s room last night and found all three sleeping peacefully in his bed. With Faith sucking her little thumb and curled up against Max while Max held Liz they looked like the perfect family.

“Hey short stuff.” Michael said kissing her forehead.

Michael pulled out his own bowl and poured himself some Fruit Loops and milk. He sat next to Faith and started his breakfast. A throat cleared behind them and everyone looked up to see Liz standing in the doorway.

“Momma! Looky Fwuit Loops!” Faith grinned.

Liz smiled nervously. “That’s nice baby. Good morning…um, I was just wondering if you had an extra toothbrush or something. If you don’t its okay I-“

“Yeah, come on I’ll give you one.” Isabel volunteered.

“Okay.”

Isabel walked with Liz to the bathroom and pulled out an extra toothbrush from the cabinet.

“Here you go.”

“Thanks.”

Isabel smiled. “I heard you know our secret now.”

Liz nodded. “Yeah, I already told Michael I wasn’t gonna tell anyone.”

“Thanks…” Isabel looked away nervously. “Well, now that you know…maybe we can, you know be friends.”

Liz smiled. “I’d like that.”

Isabel grinned. “Great! I could really use a girlfriend. My brothers can drive me up the wall sometimes…okay well I’ll leave you to it.”

“Okay.”

Liz closed the door behind Isabel feeling for the first time somewhat happy. Telling Max yesterday was like getting rid of venom in her veins. Last night was the first night in a long time that she hadn’t woken up sweating because of her nightmares. She’d slept peacefully through the night and it felt good. Her relationship with Max still had a long way to go but last night was a big step.

After brushing her teeth Liz looked up into the mirror and let out a loud gasp. She tucked her hair behind her ear and stared wide eyed at her cheek. The scar was gone. She touched her hand to her cheek feeling the smooth skin; her eyes filled with tears. Opening the door she walked slowly to the kitchen.

“Max?”

Max looked up from where he was setting the table. Liz had tears in her eyes and her hand was on her cheek.

“What’s wrong kitten?”

“Y-you healed me.”

Michael and Isabel looked between Max and Liz. This conversation was obviously a private one.

“Come on honey. Let me show you all the pretty stuff I have in my room.” Isabel said picking up Faith and walking out.

“Pretty stuff? I like pretty stuff.” Michael said following them.

Max just stared; what could he possibly say? Yeah he had healed her cheek last night. He couldn’t help it. It was as if his body had a mind of its own. He knew he shouldn’t have at least without letting her know but he didn’t care. He loved her and couldn’t help wanting to take all her pain away.

“Yeah I did.” Max said gesturing for her to take a seat.

Liz sat down her eyes never leaving Max. “You shouldn’t have done that.”

Max walked over to her side of the table and kneeled down in front of her. He tucked her hair behind her ear stroking her cheek softly.

“I love you kitten. I can’t stand to see you suffer. I know people are gonna ask questions and we’ll deal with them…I just…I want you to see yourself the way I see you. When I caught my first sight of you in the park a couple of months ago you took my breath away. Then when I saw your tears all I wanted to do was hold you and tell you it would be okay. Finding Faith in that ditch scared and hurt tore at my heart. I healed her little knee and brought her to you and you smiled so beautifully at me…god I had never seen someone so beautiful. That’s all I want kitten…to see you smile.”

Tears had spilled from Liz’s eyes during his monologue. She could see the truth in his eyes as if she were reading a book. His emotions where so clear and she couldn’t help leaning forward and kissing him with as much passion as she could. She wanted so badly to tell him she loved him too but she was so afraid. She couldn’t help it. Liz pulled back smiling slightly.

“Why don’t we eat breakfast and I drop you and Faith off at the Crash before going to work?”

Liz nodded. “Kay.”

After breakfast Max left Liz to go take a quick shower. Liz stood up and finished the dishes before following Faith’s little voice to Isabel’s room. They were sitting on Isabel’s bed apparently playing dress up. Faith had on about every bracelet and bangle Isabel owned. Several gold and platinum chains adorned her neck and her little face was heavily made up with bright red lipstick and purple eye shadow. The giant dress she wore over her little jammies was falling off her shoulders.

Isabel must have let Faith put make up on her because she was currently sporting orange lipstick, blue eye shadow, and a massive amount of pink blush. Her hair seemed to have been brushed by Faith too because it now contained an assortment of yellow and pink scrunchies. Liz couldn’t help but laugh at the way they looked.

Faith heard her mommy and grinned when she saw her at the door. “Momma! Looky my dress!”

Liz laughed again. “You look very beautiful munchkin.”

“Looky momma I bwush Issy hair! She look pweety.”

Liz glanced at Isabel and snorted. “Good job baby. Have you looked at yourself in the mirror yet?” Liz said to Isabel.

“No.”

“Yeah why don’t you go take a look?” Liz said covering her mouth with her hand to keep from laughing again.

Isabel got up and headed for her night stand where she had a mirror hanging over. As soon as she saw herself her eyes widened and her jaw dropped.

“OH MY GOD!” Isabel yelled.

Liz couldn’t hold it in and fell into a fit of laughter. Isabel’s yell attracted Max and Michael who came running.

“Where’s the fire?” Michael asked stopping at the door way.

He looked around his eyes landing on Isabel. “AHHHAHAHAHA! What the hell happened to you?!” Michael laughed hysterically. Every time it looked like he would stop he took another look at Isabel and started laughing all over again. Max tried to be more polite but when Isabel glared at Michael and pursed her lips he couldn’t hold it anymore. He started laughing right along side Michael.

After they were done (Michael had to stop because his side was hurting) they finally heard the soft sniffles coming from the bed. Max and Liz quickly sobered up and went over to Faith who had tears in her eyes.

“What’s wrong princess?” Max asked softly.

Faith tugged on the dress she wore her little cheeks wet from tears. “I make Issy pweety an you laf.”

Liz picked her up and cradled her in her arms like she did when Faith was a baby. “We’re sorry munchkin. She does look pretty. You did such a great job. Right guys?” She said looking up at Michael and Isabel.

“Isabel looked very pretty short stuff.” Michael said walking over to ruffle her hair.

“I loved what you did honey.” Isabel smiled.

Max scooted over forgetting completely that he was in a towel and still damp from his shower. He wrapped his arm around Liz and stroked Faith’s cheek wiping away her tears.

“Are you okay now princess?”

Faith grinned. “Un-huh.”

“Why don’t we go wash all this off honey?” Isabel asked walking over to them and opening her arms.

Faith sat up and let Isabel carry her out of the room. Michael chuckled softly when Isabel passed.

“I really wish I had a camera just now.” He shook his head and walked out.

Liz looked over at Max blushing brightly when she noticed his state of undress. He still had his arm around her and his smell was intoxicating. She tried her hardest not to stare at his muscular chest but couldn’t help sneaking glances at him. The man obviously worked out.

“Uh…Max? M-maybe you should get dressed you don’t want to be late for work do you?” Liz stammered.

Max looked down at himself and his ears turned crimson. “Y-yeah. Um, I’ll be out in five.”

Once Max got up and left Liz started to fan herself with her hand; the man really needed to warn someone when he was going to be walking around naked.

Hey guys! I've written another part! Enjoy!

Erina:

Pandas2001: Thanks she's a fun character to write.

jamy21: Don't we all!

LairaBehr4: I thought so too. I mean who can possible stay mad when someone says something so sweet.

aussietrueblue:

begonia9508: Hope so.

Earth2Mama: Liz is just naturally cautious I guess!

roswell3053: HAHA when I read your last post I was like 'she's the only one that noticed that...'

Natz:

clueless: Thanks!

RhondaAnne:

Queen Fee: Thanks!

hazz: LOL! You always make me laugh.

Emz80m:

nibbles2: Hi! You're the reason why I decided to answer everyone's fb I had a lot to tell you. I completely agree with you about MAx being a little arrogant about not telling her and just healing her scar but, he didn't leave her with a huge mess. He'd never leave Liz alone to deal with things on her own. He plans on being there every step of the way. Now Pam Troy is just going on about rumors. She's not really sure if Liz has scars all over her body even though she does. The only scar that people knew of was the one on her cheek and that will be explained away later on in the story. Maria and Kyle will be delt with in this post. About Max telling Faith about being an alien...he never did. In Faith's mind he just knows how to make boo boos go away. They neevr spoke about him being an alien in front of her. Michael and Isabel aren't as upset as you might think and you're probably right he should think about them before making such rash decisions. Maybe he'll see the consiquences of his actions later on. Thanks for the fb and I hope this made you feel sorta better.

tequathisy: In this post!

Buddah-boy: Thanks!

Okay now that that's done. On with the story!

*****

Chapter 15

*****

Max stopped the jeep in front of the Crashdown. He wished he could spend the rest of the day with Liz and Faith but unfortunately he had to go to work. He’d been thinking about what people or more like Liz’s family was going to say about her now invisible scar. Liz had mentioned that Maria’s mom and dad who she was really close to were on a mini honeymoon so he didn’t have to worry about them just yet. Now Maria on the other hand he was going to have to deal with. Maybe he’d get Michael to try and ease her into the whole ‘aliens are among us’ thing. He knew Kyle and Isabel were getting close but he wasn’t really sure how close yet and if he’d be able to accept it

“Well, um thanks for dropping us off.” Liz said tugging on her shirt sleeve nervously.

“No problem kitten.”

Liz smiled. “I like when you call me that.”

Max grinned. “And I like you.”

“Um…maybe I’ll see you on your lunch break?” Liz said glancing over at him.

“Yeah I’ll be here.”

“Well, okay.” Liz made to get out of the car when Max stopped her.

“Don’t I get a goodbye kiss?”

Liz blushed but leaned in to give him a quick peck on the lips. Max wasn’t having it and held her to him while he kissed her properly. A giggling on the backseat made them pull apart.

“You lub momma Mas.” Faith said grinning.

Max laughed. “Come ‘ere you.”

He reached over and pulled Faith to the front tickling her mercilessly. Faith laughed loudly.

“Gimme a kiss too so I can get to work.” Max said halting his tickling.

Faith gave him a wet kiss on the cheek. Max smiled and handed her to Liz.

“I’ll see you later kitten.” He said giving her one last quick kiss.

“Okay.”

He watched her walk inside before driving off a smile so bright on his face that it rivaled the sun.

****

Liz spent the entire morning avoiding Maria. As soon as she entered the Crashdown Liz had claimed she was tired and ran up to their apartment with Faith in tow. Thankfully Maria hadn’t followed. At twelve o’clock Liz finally went downstairs to meet Max. They really needed to tell Maria something soon because Liz couldn’t avoid her forever. She looked around glad that Maria was no where in sight. When she made to open the backdoor someone tapped her shoulder.

Liz jumped about fifty feet in the air. She turned around and glared when she saw it was Michael.

“You scared me half to death! I thought you were Maria.”

“Maria went out on a delivery. Why don’t you wanna see her?”

Liz tucked her hair behind her ears. “Max healed me yesterday. As soon as Maria sees she’s going to want to know what’s going on. I can’t just tell her you guys are aliens she’ll freak!”

Michael nodded thoughtfully. “Maybe I can help. I’ll keep her away from you today then I’ll bring her to our apartment tonight. Just leave it to me.”

Liz breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh my god Michael you’re a lifesaver. I still need to talk to Max though.”

Michael nodded. “I know.”

Faith ran down the stairs as fast as her little legs could carry her with Alien at her heals. She didn’t even acknowledge Liz or Michael she just ran past them through the backdoor. A minute later they heard a loud squeal followed by little giggles. Liz stepped through the backdoor in time to see Max blowing raspberries on Faith’s tummy. As if sensing her he stopped and tucked Faith to his side his eyes never leaving hers. Liz walked towards them the people in the Crashdown disappearing. She hardly flinched when she bumped into one of the regulars. The poor man’s baseball cap almost fell off his head. As soon as she got at reaching distance Max pulled her to his other side. He nuzzled her neck kissing her there before taking her mouth. He kissed her quickly but sweetly very aware that Faith was still in his arms and people were starting to stare. Pressing his forehead against hers he pecked her lips one more time.

“I missed you kitten.” He murmured closing his eyes and taking in her scent.

“I missed you too.” Liz admitted. “Come on.”

Liz grabbed his hand and led him through the backdoor. Alien who had been sitting behind the door wagged his tail excitedly and jumped up on his hind legs wanting to greet Max. Liz led him up the stairs and into her apartment.

He sat down on the couch with Faith on his lap. Faith snuggled into him her thumb in her mouth while she played with his shirt button. Liz knew she’s fall asleep soon considering it was her nap time.

“What would you like to eat?”

“Whatever you have is fine.” Max said unconsciously rubbing Faith’s back.

Liz nodded and went into the kitchen to make him a sandwich. When she returned with a ham and cheese sandwich, a cherry coke and Tabasco sauce Faith had let the sandman take her and was sleeping comfortably in Max’s arms.

Liz put his food down on Maria’s orange crystal coffee table and took Faith from him. She squirmed slightly but settled down and Liz took her to her room. Max had already eaten half his sandwich when Liz sat down on the couch in front of him.

“I’ve been running from Maria all day.” Liz said absently.

Max looked up at her feeling a small pang of guilt for the first time.

“She knows something’s up Max. She’s not stupid. We’re going to have to tell her something soon because I can’t run from her forever.” Liz said tugging her sleeve.

“I’ll talk to Michael. He can help ease her into things.”

Liz nodded. “He already said he was going to help. He promised to keep her busy today until he could talk to her tonight at your apartment. Kyle’s another story though. We have to tell him something. He’ll notice it too.”

Max stared at his half eaten sandwich. “What if…we all go to my apartment tonight and tell them both at the same time.”

Liz sighed. “As long as you, Michael, and Isabel are okay with it; I’m sure everything will be fine.”

Max sat back on the couch. “Come ‘ere kitten.” He said patting the spot next to him.

Liz bit her lip and got up sitting on the couch with him. Max wrapped his arms around her and held her to him just wanting to feel her in his arms. They sat quietly together for a while before Max finally broke the silence.

“Isabel, Michael and I were found wondering the desert by my mom and dad when we were six,” Max started. He wanted to share something about himself with her the same way she had shared something about herself with him. “It was here in Roswell actually. They took us in and adopted us; a few weeks after that my dad got a job offer out in Connecticut and we moved out here. We hid our powers from them afraid that they might turn us in or stop loving us if they found out we were different. Then one night my mom was making dinner and an oil fire started. I didn’t even know I could do it but I had raised my hand to protect her and a green barrier or something appeared in front of her. I put out the fire before it spread with my powers. That night our parents learned everything that we knew about us and they accepted us.”

Liz looked up at Max in awe. The man had the biggest heart she’d ever seen. He’d do anything to protect the people he loved.

“We grew up normally…well as normal as three aliens could. We used our powers at home liberally even though my mom would freak out some at first. As we grew we wanted to find out more about our past. To see if there might be something for us out there somewhere. A few months ago Isabel, Michael, and I decided to move out here. We figured this was the best place to look since we were found here.”

“Did you find anything?” Liz asked captivated by his story.

Max nodded. “We went out to the desert and ended up finding this secret cave. There were three dried out pods where Isabel, Michael, and I hatched. We looked around there for hours but that was all we found. Isabel couldn’t have been happier about that. She was always afraid she was gonna be taken away to some distant planet and she’d never see our parents again. Michael was happy too even though he tried not to show it.”

“What about you? Were you happy?” Liz whispered.

Max looked down into her big doe eyes. “To tell you the truth I didn’t know what to feel at first. I was happy that we could finally live our lives the way we wanted but I couldn’t help feeling sad like we came here for nothing.”

Liz felt a pang of sadness. Maybe he didn’t want to be in Roswell anymore since there was nothing for him here.

Max noticed the hurt look that came over her face and held her tighter. “Then I thought about you and Faith and all the sadness went away. There was nothing keeping me away from trying to be with you. I didn’t have to be afraid of someone someday coming to take me away from you.”

Liz snuggled closer to him still even after all this time not sure what it was that attracted him to her. She was just a plain small town girl from Roswell with a five year old daughter. She had nothing to offer him yet he still loved her.

Faith walked out of her room rubbing her eyes groggily. She padded softly towards the living room and spotted her mommy and Max snuggled on the couch. She walked over to them and raised her hands for Max to pick her up. Max did without hesitation and Faith curled up between them content to be with her mommy and Max.

****

A few hours ago Max had gone back to work after he’d had a small chat with Michael. He’d explained about how they were all going back to their apartment tonight to have a talk with Kyle and Maria. They’d had a brief argument about telling Kyle but Max had explained that he was Liz’s brother and they’d have a real good time explaining why Liz didn’t have a scar on her cheek anymore. Max promised to call Isabel and tell her about their meeting and to pick Liz up so Michael didn’t have to worry about Maria seeing Liz. It took some convincing but Maria agreed to go to his apartment right after work.

“What’s up Michael? You’ve been acting weird all day…even for you.” Maria said as they parked his motorcycle next to her Jetta in front of Michael’s apartment.

“You’ll know soon.” Michael said helping her off the bike.

He didn’t want to appear nervous even though he felt like he just might jump out of his skin. He cared a lot about Maria and her acceptance of who he was meant a lot to him. He didn’t know what he’d do if she rejected him.

Maria was too busy staring at Michael to see the mustang parked just a few feet from the Jetta. Michael had been acting so strange today that she was a little afraid about what he was going to tell her. He hadn’t picked a fight with her all day but worked quietly without a complaint. She really hoped what he had to say was good.

Michael opened the door and took a surprised Maria’s hand while he led her to the living room; Maria’s eyes widened in even bigger surprise when she saw her brother and Isabel sitting on the couch. Kyle looked curious as if unsure why they were all there and Isabel looked pale. She was wringing her hands and shaking her legs nervously.

“Hey Isabel…Kyle.” Maria looked up at Michael. “So…what is it?”

Michael led her to the couch. “We’ll let you know as soon as Max and Liz get here.”

They all sat in awkward silence until they heard the jingle of Max’s keys. Max walked in with a sleeping Faith in his arms and Liz behind him. He greeted everyone politely before he and Liz excused themselves to put Faith on Max’s bed. When they returned two pairs of curious eyes and two pairs of nervous ones stared at them. Max took Liz’s hand and they sat down on the couch facing Kyle and Maria. Isabel and Michael had stood up to stand beside Max and Liz.

“Okay can somebody tell me what’s going on?” Kyle asked looking at all of them before his eyes settled on Isabel.

Liz took a deep breath before tucking her hair behind her ears. Maria’s gaze landed on her and her mouth opened in shock. Kyle glanced at Liz then did a double take.

“W-what happened to your scar Lizzie?” Kyle asked slowly.

Max answered before Liz could. “I healed it.”

Maria closed her eyes and shook her head before looking at Max. “Come again?”

“Max…healed my scar. He’s got powers. He’s a…well he’s kind of…” Liz stammered.

“We’re aliens.” Isabel said quickly her eyes never leaving Kyle’s shocked face. They might as well just tell them everything in one go. “Me, Max, and Michael. We don’t know where we’re from or anything. What we do know is that we were in the 1947 crash and that we were in incubation pods that kept us safe. We hatched fifteen years ago and our parent found us wondering the desert. They adopted us and we moved to Connecticut not long after. We came back to see if there might be something about us here but we found nothing. Just a cave with three dried out pods inside.”

Isabel took a breath to let them absorb all the information then looked pleading at Kyle. “We’re still us…I’m still Isabel, Michael’s still Michael and Max is still Max…we just want to live our lives…have friends…eventually something more.”

Maria looked at them at a loss for words.

“That’s the first time I’ve ever seen you speechless blondie.” Michael said speaking for the first time.

Maria narrowed her eyes at him. “I knew it! I knew there was something different about you! No normal guy let’s a girl fall of a Harley and keeps driving I should’ve known from the start! I mean who does that! Why I even bother to go out with you is beyond me… I mean sure your great with kids but I can’t base an entire relationship on that…I mean okay obviously your not a bad guy if kids like you. Did you know that kids have a six sense abommff.”

Michael crushed his lips to hers not caring that they were surrounded by their friends. He’d expected her to run off screaming at the top of her lungs but she seemed to be taking everything in okay. The fact that she had insulted him proved that she accepted him. Even though he had a feeling she hadn’t entirely absorbed everything they’d said. Michael pulled back grinning at the dazed look in her eyes. Once again she was at a loss for words.

“Wow two times in one day blondie I’m shocked.” Michael teased.

“You…I…hmm.” Maria mumbled.

Though everyone had watched they’re display with amusement Isabel hadn’t taken her eyes off Kyle. He didn’t seem as open to the idea as Maria was. Isabel stepped forward slightly.

“Kyle?”

Kyle looked up at her his face blank.

“Are you okay?” Isabel asked tentatively.

Kyle stood up abruptly. “I-I need time to process all this.”

Isabel nodded wrapping her arms around her waist. Kyle walked to the door but Liz stopped him before he could open it.

“Kyle…please…you can’t tell anyone about this. I know it’s a lot to take in trust me it took me a few days but its okay.” Liz said biting her lip. “They’re good people Kyle.”

Kyle looked down at Liz her hair out of her face for the first time in five years. She was pleading with him with her eyes and for the first time in a long while he saw his old best friend. The girl he smiled and laughed at his dumb jokes all the time and had that sparkle in her eyes. He could see a dim spark in her dark depths as if someone was slowly bringing the light back into her eyes little by little. He knew who that someone was and at that moment he knew he could trust Max with Liz. He cared enough about her to heal her even with the consequences. The man had to be either madly in love with her or he had a death wish.

Kyle smiled. “I’m not gonna tell Parker. I just need to clear my head for a while.”

Liz nodded. “Okay…how about you stay with me, Faith and Maria tonight? You haven’t been around for a while.”

“Sure. I’ll see you guys later.” He gave her a warm hug before heading out the door.

Liz walked back into the living room to find Isabel had gone off to her room. She knew Isabel had feelings for Kyle and she hadn’t missed the hurt look Isabel had gotten on her face when Kyle had stood up to leave. She sighed and took a seat next to Max.

“Is everything okay?” He asked her softly.

Liz nodded. “Yeah. He just needs some time.”

Maria cleared her throat. “Sorry to interrupt moon-doggie but I need to talk to my best friend/sister for a minute.”

Maria pulled Liz up and took her into the kitchen. “Is that why you’d been avoiding me all day?”

Liz looked at Maria apologetically. “I’m sorry Ria I just I couldn’t let you see me until we figured something out. I didn’t know how you’d react about what Max did and-,” Liz stopped when Maria held up her hand.

“It’s okay chica. I understand. I would’ve avoided myself if I was in the same situation. Knowing me I’d run screaming from myself if I told my…self…” Maria stopped. “What was my point?”

Liz laughed. “That you love me no matter what.”

Maria smiled warmly. “Max is good for you. You laugh more now.”

Liz blushed. “I really like him Maria.”

“I knew you guys were meant to be.” Maria grinned.

Liz nudged her playfully. “Shut up.”

****

A pair of blue eyes narrowed as he saw the sandy haired man come out of the building. He knew she was up there with that fucker. He watched as the drove in that assholes jeep with the little retard asleep in her arms. God, he couldn’t wait until he got the little bitch alone. His cock hardened in anticipation of what he would do to her when he finally got her. Let the little slut think she was safe. He’d been watching for years now…years and was almost giddy with what he was going to happen. He’d leave her for now…let her get comfortable with the tall asswipe she loved to flaunt around. He could see her spirit slowly coming back. He almost came at the thought of being the one to break it. Just a little longer…only a little longer…

Thanks guys for the fb! Here's another part. Enjoy!

Chapter 16

Kyle entered the Crashdown Sunday morning and sat on a stool at the counter.

“Morning Kyle.” Maria greeted cheerily when she spotted him.

Her smiled died down when she noticed his disheveled hair and dark circles under his eyes.

“You look like you haven’t slept in days.” Maria said her voice laced with concern as she took a seat next to him.

“That’s cause I haven’t slept in days.” Kyle said slumping down onto the counter.

“Why? What’s wrong?”

“Isabel hasn’t been to work in a week. I tried calling her but she won’t pick up her phone. I’ve asked Max and Michael and they said she hasn’t spoken a word to them about anything.” Kyle looked up at Maria miserably. “I miss her.”

Maria sighed. “Maybe she’s just giving you the space she thinks you need. You weren’t exactly sunshine and roses last week.”

“Can you blame me?!” Kyle said exasperated. “I mean here’s the first girl in al my twenty two years that I have feelings for and-” Kyle lowered his voice to a whisper. “-and she turns out to be from another planet!”

Maria shrugged. “You really should’ve expected this…I mean how can someone that looks like Isabel ever be attracted to a shrimp like you.”

“Oh, shut up.” Kyle said banging his head on the counter.

“No but seriously, have you thought of maybe going over to her apartment and having a talk with her?”

Kyle stared at his hands for a while than got up abruptly. “I’ll see you later.”

Maria shook her head as Kyle in his haste to get out the door pushed a man out of the way. Kyle didn’t even stop to apologize he just opened the door and hopped into his mustang before driving off.

****

Max and Michael sat on the couch in the living room watching TV two bowls of cereal in their hands. Isabel walked passed them towards the kitchen; her hair was a tangled mess and her face was devoid of make up. She was still in her fluffy bathrobe and slippers. Max and Michael stared as she came back bowl of cereal in hand and sat next to them. This had to be the first time in their entire lives that Isabel didn’t look like the beauty queen she always was. She never ate breakfast on the couch either, she was usually the first to complain tot hem about not eating at the table.

“A-are you okay Iz?” Max asked eyeing her worriedly.

Isabel shrugged and stared at her bowl of cereal but not really looking at it. They sat quietly Max and Michael shooting Isabel glances now and then. The doorbell rang and Max got up to get it. He was surprised to see Kyle standing on the other side.

“Kyle. What are you doing here?”

“I need to talk to Isabel. Is she here?” Kyle asked running has hands though his hair nervously.

“Yeah. She’s in the living room.” Max said stepping out the way.

Kyle walked passed Max and stopped in the doorway of the living room. Isabel sat on the couch looking as miserable as he felt. God, she was beautiful. Max walked by him and into the bathroom.

“Isabel?” Kyle said slowly walking towards her.

Isabel froze when she heard his voice. What was he doing here? She turned around and light brown met green eyes. Kyle stopped a couple of feet in front of her.

“Come back to work Isabel,” Kyle said softly. “I-I really miss you.”

Michael looked between them. “What Max? Yeah, I’ll be right there.” He quickly stood up and took off towards his room.

Isabel looked up at him surprised. “Y-you do?”

Kyle nodded and took a seat next to her.

“Who else am I going to have lunch with? And the other guys don’t really find any of my jokes funny.”

Isabel smiled. “That’s cause they’re lame.”

Kyle looked offended. “My always make you laugh.”

Isabel patted his knee sympathetically. “I only laugh because I like you sweetie.”

Kyle put his hand over hers and looked at her seriously.

“I’m not afraid of you Isabel. I can’t ever be afraid of who you are because I love who you are. No matter what planet you come from.” Kyle teased.

Isabel blushed glancing down at their hands.

Kyle lifted his hand to stroke her cheek then leaned in to give her a soft kiss. He pulled back and looked into her eyes this time Isabel pressed her mouth to his deepening the kiss.

A half-hour later Michael came back out into the living room; he froze in place when he saw them. “What Max? Yeah, I’ll be right there.” He turned around and went back into his room.

****

Max hid his hand behind his back as he knocked on Liz’s apartment door. A minute later Liz answered smiling when she saw who it was; Max grinned and pulled out a dozen roses and a large plush green alien.

“Are those for me?” Liz said raising her eyebrow at the toy.

“These are for you,” Max said handing her the roses. “And this is for-”

“MAS!” Faith yelled and came running towards him.

Max caught her easily in his arms.

“How’s my little princess?”

“Good. A lanien!” Faith said tugging on the green alien’s long arms.

“That’s right baby. I brought you an alien.” Max said grinning.

“Fo me?” Faith said her eyes wide.

“Mmhmm.”

Faith took the large alien in her arms and hugged him to her. She leaned forward and gave Max a kiss on the nose. “I lub you Mas.”

Max tightened his arms around the little girl. “I love you too princess.”

He put her down and watched as she held the alien by the neck his giant head bent back and dragged him to her bedroom.

Liz started walking towards the kitchen to put the flowers in water when Max grabbed her by the waist and pulled her back against him.

“Where you going in such a hurry?” Max murmured against her neck.

Liz closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. “I’ma go put these in water.”

“How about I get a proper hello first.” Max said turning her in his arms.

Liz wrapped her arms around his neck and aligned their bodies to kiss him. Max captured her lips swallowing her soft moan of pleasure. She tasted of maple syrup and strawberries and Max found himself addicted. He wrapped his arms around her gripping the back of her shirt in a tight fist and pressing her harder against him.

“Hey, hey, hey this is a PG house.” Maria said clapping her hands to get their attention.

Liz pulled back panting and turned to face Maria. “Uh-huh and when I came up here yesterday and you and Michael were practically getting it on on the couch that was PG rated right?”

Maria had the decency to blush lightly. “Yeah well my young and impressionable niece wasn’t in the house.”

Liz rolled her eyes and headed to the kitchen for a vase. Max went to sit on the living room couch. Maria plopped down next to him.

“So, I see you and Lizzie are getting really close.”

Max smiled. “Yeah, I love her to death.”

“You know she feels the same way even if she doesn’t tell you. She’s been through so much; you’re the first guy she’s been with for a very long time. I don’t know how it is that you get through to her.” Maria said looking at him with admiration.

“I just want to see her happy. She has the most beautiful smile and I love hearing her laugh. God, they’re everything to me; Faith and her. I can’t imagine not having them in my life.”

Maria smiled. “I’m glad you feel that way.”

“He loves you you know.” Max said after a while.

“Who?”

“Michael.”

Maria grinned. “Oh my little spaceboy,” she said fondly. “He’s changed the way he acts with me. He’s being more open and romantic. I love it but I miss the fights sometimes.”

Max shook his head. “You guys are so weird.”

Liz came out with the roses in a clear vase. She put them on the coffee table and sat down across from Maria and Max.

“What are you guys talking about?”

“Oh just Michael and me. We haven’t had a fight in a while and I kinda miss it sometimes.”

Liz raised her eyebrow. “You guys are so weird.”

Maria laughed. “Well, I’m off. I’ll see you guys later.” She gave each of them a kiss goodbye.

Liz got up and sat next to Max on the couch snuggling closer to him when he wrapped his arm around her. The more time they spent together the more open Liz was becoming. She wasn’t afraid to initiate kisses or hug him anymore.

Faith toddled outside the alien still in her arms. It was so big compared to her but she refused to let him go. Max had given him to her and she was never going to part with it. She walked over to them on the couch.

“Momma les go to park.”

Liz looked up at Max. “Do you want to?”

“Sure kitten.”

Max waited while Liz got Faith dressed and put on some sneakers herself. She let Alien out from his little doggie house and he bounded straight to Max. Max grinned bending down to pet the excited puppy’s head. Max held on to the leash while Liz carried Faith and her green alien down to the jeep.

Once at the park Max and Liz sat down on a bench. Faith handed the little alien to her mommy so he couldn’t get dirty in the sandbox. She ran off and quickly made a new little friend to build sandcastles with. Alien lay at Max and Liz’s feet enjoying the cool breeze and sun.

“When are Amy and Jim coming back from their honeymoon?” Max asked sitting back and wrapping his arms around her.

“In November it’s a three month cruise around the Caribbean. I heard it was really beautiful there.” Liz said wistfully.

Max’s arm tightened around her. “Don’t worry kitten. When we get married I’ll take you there.”

Liz looked up at him. “Y-you want to marry me?”

Max covered his mouth with his hand then started to fan himself pretending to hold back tears. “Is this a proposal? Oh my god. Oh my god. Yes! Yes! I will marry you!” He said dramatically.

Liz laughed and punched him in the arm. Max grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles. “You better believe I want to marry you someday. It’s written in the stars Liz Parker.”

Faith came running with her little friend towards them. “Momma gimme lanien.”

Liz gave her the toy and watched in amusement as she showed him off to the little boy. “Dis is lanien. He come pway wif us.”

“Who give you dat?” the little boy asked in awe of the giant plush alien.

“I did little man.” Max answered.

“Wow! You daddy is soo cool.” The little boy gushed.

Liz and Max stilled not sure what to say. Faith looked up at Max and grinned at her friend.

“Un-huh! He give me lots and lots off tings cause he lub me. Les go pway wif lanien!” She ran off dragging the alien the little boy right behind her.

Max and Liz just stared at each other at a loss for words.

Hey guys! Thanks for the fb and welcome new readers! Okay I enjoyed writing this part so I hope you like it.

Chapter 17

Max was lost in thought the entire drive to Liz’s apartment. Maybe he was reading too much into it but he couldn’t help feeling elated at Faith’s words. She hadn’t gone out and called him daddy but she hadn’t denied it either. Max held back a snort; Faith was still a little girl she probably didn’t even notice what she was implying. Max looked over at Liz she hadn’t said a word since they left the park. Was she upset? Did she hate him now? What about Faith’s real father? They’d never spoken of him and Max was still puzzled about who it was. Faith couldn’t be more than three years old and he wondered who she trusted enough to have sex with to produce the wonderful little girl.

Max parked the jeep in front of the Crashdown and picked up Alien while Liz carried Faith. She didn’t even look at him as they walked up the stairs. He felt dread form in the pit of his stomach.

“Why don’t you go play in your room munchkin while I make us a peanut butter and banana sandwiches?” Liz said putting Faith down and patting her softly on the butt.

Faith looked between Max and her mommy knowing she was purposely being sent to her room. Grown ups were so confusing sometimes. Dragging her green alien she toddled off into her room Alien running right behind her.

Liz turned and walked into the kitchen deliberately ignoring Max. Her heart was still beating wildly in her chest at Faith’s little comment in the park. God, what could Max possibly be thinking now? Yeah they’d talk about marriage and he had said they’d eventually get married in the future but…they were joking right? The way he had said it had been light hearted. She knew she loved him and he loved her but did he love her enough to want to take responsibility for a child? a child that wasn’t his? Sure she knew he loved Faith as much as she him but what if down the line he ended up resenting them? He was still young and hadn’t properly lived life to the fullest. At first he had said it was his alien status holding him back but that threat was over. He could be free to do what he wanted; be with who he wanted. He didn’t need a scarred twenty one year old mother holding him back.

“Kitten?”

Liz continued to make the sandwiches holding back tears. These past few months; especially these past few weeks she’d let herself enjoy being with him. Enjoy his drugging kisses and whispered words of love when they sat watching movies on late nights. Not once did he ever push her for more than those kisses. She had felt his arousal on occasion but he never tried to make her do more. He was always content to hold her to him letting her breath in his warm masculine scent. Unable to hold them back the tears fell silently down her cheeks.

Max walked over and stood behind Liz wrapping his arms around her waist. He kissed her shoulder before resting his head on it. A tear drop landed on his arm and he tightened his hold on her.

“What’s wrong baby?” Max murmured.

Liz closed her eyes tightly. She couldn’t stop herself from leaning back into him and melting in his embrace.

“Talk to me kitten. Are you upset because of what happened at the park?” Max asked gently.

Liz shook her head. “No…no it’s just…”

Max turned her around slowly in his arms. He wiped her tears away with the pad of his thumb.

“It’s just what kitten?”

“We’re holding you back…me and Faith.” Liz pulled away and turned her back on him. “Y-you need to be with somebody that won’t keep you from reaching your dreams. God I-I don’t want you to resent us…resent me for keeping you here when you could be doing something else…with someone else.”

Max erased the distance she put between them and turned her around to face him. “I can never resent you Liz. You and Faith are my life now…my dream. You aren’t keeping me here. I come to you willingly love.”

“W-what if in the future-”

“My future revolves around you. It will always revolve around you. I don’t want a future if you and Faith aren’t in it. I love you guys so much that I can’t thank God enough for bringing you both into my life. Now that I found you Liz Parker I’m never letting you go.” Max said hugging her to him.

Liz hugged him back laying her head above his heart. They didn’t know how long they stood there but a little voice from the doorway made them pull away.

“Momma I hungwy.” Faith held tightly to her green alien’s neck with one hand while she rubbed her tummy with the other.

Liz smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry munchkin.” She reached over and handed her a PB and banana sandwich.

Faith took the sandwich noticing her mommy’s eyes were red. She looked like she did every time she cried. Faith hated seeing her mommy cry.

Putting down her alien for a second she held up her hands to her mother to be carried. When Liz lifted her into her arms Faith hugged her mommy as hard as she could.

“No mo cwyin momma. It huwts wight hew when you cwy.” Faith said pointing to her chest.

Liz felt tears tickle her eyelids. “I love you baby.” She said hugging her tight.

“I lub you too momma.”

****

Maria knocked on Michael’s door waiting patiently for him to open. She thought of how the past week had been and smiled. Michael had been so attentive to how she felt about finding out he was an alien. At first she thought he was just being like that to put her at ease then go back to his old self but she was beginning to see that he was just a really good caring guy.

The door opened and Maria smiled when she saw it was Isabel. They had become great friends this past week.

“Hey Iz. Cool my grandma has those same slippers but in black.” Maria said eyeing Isabel’s furry white slippers.

Isabel looked at Maria like she’d seen a ghost and ran back inside the house and straight to her room.

Shrugging Maria let herself inside and spotted Kyle looking thoroughly rumpled. He looked up when Maria came in.

“What did you say to her?” Kyle asked looking at Isabel’s closed door.

“I just said grandma has those same slippers she has in black.”

Kyle groaned. “Thanks a lot Maria now she probably went to change and won’t be back for like an hour.”

“Wow that sucks.” Maria walked by him and knocked on Michael’s door. He opened it his hair even messier than usual and looking totally annoyed. His expression changed when he was who it was and a smile lit his face.

“Hey blondie.” He said opening the door wider and wrapping his arms around her waist. He leaned in and gave her a soft kiss.

“Hey there spaceboy.” Maria smiled.

He looked over her shoulder at Kyle. “Are they done making out on my couch?”

Maria grinned. “Yeah.”

“Good.” He took her hand and sat on the couch pulling Maria onto his lap.

Kyle looked over at them. “I’m not going to have to do that brotherly thing where I tell you if you ever hurt my sister I’ll punch you so hard you’d go back to that planet you came from right?”

“Kyle!” Maria said glaring at him.

Michael smirked. “As long as you know the same thing goes for you if you ever hurt my sister.”

Kyle shrugged. “Okay.”

Michael raised his hand and turned on the TV with his powers. Kyle looked startled but when he looked at Maria she just snuggled closer to him as if it happened all the time. He settled back down calming his racing heart. This was still going to take some getting used to.

An hour and a half later Isabel came out of her room looking perfect like she always did. Her hair was set in a high pony tail and she wore black jeans and a white silk blouse. Kyle sat up straighter the woman was an angel.

She sat next to Kyle and he couldn’t help leaning in for a soft kiss. “You looked beautiful before you know.”

Isabel blushed. “I can’t believe you saw me like that…I can’t believe I talked to you looking like that. I was a mess.”

“Well you’re my mess.”

Isabel raised her eyebrow. “Is that supposed to be some sort of compliment?”

“Yeah it sounded better when I said it in my head.” Kyle said sheepishly.

Isabel laughed. “You’re so adorable.”

Kyle leaned in to take her mouth again. “I can be even more adorable.” He murmured against her lips and deepened the kiss.

“Hi guys…we kinda want to keep our breakfast in our stomachs so we’d appreciate it if you stopped with the making out. I mean…” Michael shrugged gesturing to the TV. “…we’re trying to watch TV here.”

Isabel smiled though her face was pink. “Sorry.”

“Why don’t we all go watch a movie?” Maria suggested after a while.

“Wow that’s a great idea! Let’s go.” Isabel said looking at Kyle.

Kyle and Michael looked at each other then at their partners. “No chick flicks.” They said simultaneously.

Maria and Isabel rolled their eyes. “We’ll see when we get there.” Isabel said getting up.

Maria followed suit and they went off to the bathroom to freshen up.

Both boys looked after their significant others. “You know we’re gonna end up watching a chick flick right?” Kyle said.

Michael stared after Maria. “Yup.”

****

Two hours later Maria and Isabel were looking at each other with exasperation. The movie was over but Michael and Kyle were too overwhelmed to move from their seats.

“I mean…what k-kind of ending is that?” Kyle said blowing his nose into his tissue.

“I know I mean…I thought chick flicks were supposed to have h-happy endings.” Michael said dabbing his eyes with his own tissue.

Kyle and Michael looked at each other before bursting into tears and leaning against one another for support.

“Umm…it was just a movie guys.” Maria said patting Michael on the back.

“Yeah it wasn’t real.” Isabel said as if she were speaking to children.

“We know! We know it’s not real but…it just hit something right here.” Kyle said pointing to his heart.

Isabel and Maria stood back and watched their tough as nails boyfriends cry their heart out.

“We are NEVER watching a chick flick with these two.” Isabel said as Kyle wiped away Michael’s tears with his tissue.

“NEVER EVER.” Maria agreed.

****

After a long day of playing and watching videos with Faith Liz lay on the couch snuggled in Max’s arms. The TV was off and the only light illuminating them were the small flickers of candles Liz had turned on earlier. Liz loved sitting with him just listening to the strong beat of his heart.

“Kitten?”

“Mmm.” Liz answered snuggling closer to his side.

“W-who’s Faith’s biological father?” Max felt Liz stiffen in his arms.

Max rubbed her arm soothingly. “Its okay baby you don’t have to-”

“Doug…Doug Shellow,” Liz said burying her face into his chest. “He…the guy that raped me Max. He’s Faith’s father.”

Max held Liz in an almost painful embrace. He needed to keep himself under control before he broke something in Liz’s house. He prayed to god he never met this guy face to face because he didn’t know what he’d do. He felt energy running through his body and willed himself to calm down. Faith was still asleep in her room and he didn’t want to frighten her by blowing something up.

“W-when I found out I was pregnant…I wanted to kill it.” Liz didn’t dare look into his eyes. “I hated it Max. I hated it so much. I went to a doctor t-to get an abortion but they wouldn’t let me. I was too young and I needed my parent’s permission.

My parents where on vacation and weren’t around. Not like they would’ve helped if they were.” Liz said bitterly. “I was living with Amy and Jim at the time…they took me in after my-well Nancy and Jeff refused to come back form their trip to take care of me. Amy and Maria found my pregnancy test in the bathroom and took me to a doctor. The doctor had given me some prenatal pills for the baby but I-I didn’t take them.”

Tears of self-deprecation fell down her cheeks. “I hated it so much Max I just wanted it to go away. I wanted him to go away. I had a feeling the baby wasn’t very healthy but I couldn’t be sure because I had stopped going to the doctors. One day Kyle, Maria, and I were watching a movie and I went to get some soda. I felt a sharp pain in my stomach and I dropped the glass after falling to my side.”

Max didn’t loosen his grip on her. He listened intently letting her get everything out.

“Maria called 911 and I was taken to the hospital. I don’t remember anything else until I woke up in the hospital bed. I didn’t know what happened to the baby until Jim told me. She was born at one and a half pounds. Jim took me to see her and...oh Max she was so tiny. Her little arms and legs were so skinny and small. She couldn’t breath on her own and it would be miracle if she survived” Liz had soaked through Max’s shirt with her tears. “I did that to her Max. I hurt my precious baby. I hated myself so much all those months I spent in the hospital with her. There were days I didn’t think she wouldn’t make it. Then finally….finally she pulled through completely. I was so happy. I vowed that day to love and take care of her as long as I lived. Maria had come up with her name when I brought her home. She’d said I had so much faith in her getting better that the name was appropriate. It was a perfect name for a perfect little girl.”

Max held her as her tears slowly died down. Liz looked up at him her eyes red. “Do you hate me now?” she whispered. “After what I almost did to Faith?”

Max cupped her cheek stroking it softly. “I can never hate you kitten.” Max murmured and leaned in for a soft kiss. “I know why you did what you did. Don’t blame yourself anymore baby. Everything turned out as it should. Faith pulled through. She gets her strength from her mother.”

Liz looked into his eyes then covered his hand on her cheek with hers. “I love you.” She whispered softly.

A slow smile spread over Max’s face.

Liz lifted herself up slightly to take his mouth in a passionate kiss. Max threaded his hand in Liz’s hair and took control of their kiss nipping and licking her lips lightly. They kissed for a while before Max pulled back with a groan. He rested his forehead against hers panting lightly into her mouth.

“I love you too kitten.” He kissed her again unable to help himself. “I hate your parents though.”

Liz laughed against his mouth. How she loved this man!

Hey guys! Just wanted to say thanks for the fb and thanks againt to RosDude for my beautiful banner. If ya'll haven't seen it take a look it's wonderful. Well here's another part enjoy!

Chapter 18

“What day is it young man?” Diane Evans shrieked on the phone.

“Uuhhh….October 31st.” Michael said hesitantly to his mother.

“October 31st…OCTOBER 31st!” Diane yelled so loud Michael pulled the phone away from his ear. He didn’t want to lose his hearing at such a young age. “How long has it been Michael Thomas Evans hmm?” Diane didn’t even give him a chance to answer. “You three have been gone for over three and a half months and do you call your mother? NO! You could’ve died! You could’ve been killed for all we know but do you three worry about your mother’s feelings of course not. As long as I’m alive to cook and send you money it’s all right! Let me tell you something young man…”

Michael put the phone down and continued to eat his lunch. Max and Isabel looked on amused as he picked up the phone every few minutes and let out a ‘yeah’ and ‘you’re right mom we’re so sorry’ on occasion.

“See that’s what happens when you’re mom’s favorite.” Isabel said smugly. “You deal with the consequences of her bantering.”

Michael glared at his sister before picking up the phone. When Diane took a breath Michael quickly stopped her before she could keep on ranting.

“Mom Isabel wants to speak to you.”

“Oh yes put her on the phone. I’d like a few words with that daughter of mine. You all think you’re so grown up but as soon as something happens it’s straight to mom…”

Michael grinned and handed the phone to Isabel who if looks could kill would have turned Michael into a pile of ash.

“Hey mom!” Isabel said cheerily. Diane’s loud shrills could be heard from the line then it was back to ‘yeah mom’ and ‘we’re sorry mom’.

“So Maria said we were going to park for that Halloween carnival thing they have every year. Kyle and Isabel already said they would go. Are you and Liz coming?” Michael asked Max as they left Isabel to speak to their mother in the kitchen.

Max shrugged. “I think so. She wanted to take Faith trick or treating first. Maybe we’ll catch you guys up later.”

“The fair starts at eight. You guys definitely have time to take Faith trick or treating before we all meet up.”

Max nodded. “I’ll ask her.”

They sat down on the couch and turned on the TV. Soon they were both deeply engrossed in a hockey game. Isabel came out of the kitchen looking like she just survived the guillotine.

“She wants to talk to you.” Isabel handed Max the phone as if it were on fire and went straight to her room.

Michael laughed silently at Max as he slowly lifted the phone to his ear. “H-hello?”

His mother immediately started off on a rant but Max quickly diverted her. “I have a girlfriend,” He blurted out.

Diane stopped. “Really? Oh my god that’s great honey!” she gushed. “Your father and I were beginning to get a little scared…so tell me all about her! What does she look like? How old is she?”

Relieved Max gladly told his mom about Liz. He could never tire of talking about her. He left out the part about her having a daughter. He’d need to be face to face with his mom to speak to her about that.

“Sweetie you must bring her over for Thanksgiving! Oh it’ll be great! Just like old times!” Max could hear the smile in his mother’s voice.

“I-I’ll ask her but I’m not sure if she’ll want to leave her friends and fam-”

“Oh pish tosh she can invite them too! It’ll be so much fun!” Diane said cutting him off.

“I don’t know…” Max said not sure if telling his mom about Liz was such a good idea now. What if it was too soon for Liz to meet his parents?

“Great! Oh my god Thanksgiving’s only a couple of weeks away! I have to plan! I’ll talk to you later honey.” Diane hung up before Max could say anything.

Michael looked at his brother in amusement. “Smooth move.”

“Shut up.”

****

“Looky momma! Looky Mas! I’m a lanien!” Faith said wobbling out of her room; her green plush alien twin in hand towards her mother who sat on the couch with Max.

Liz sat up and smiled widely when she took a look at Faith. She was wearing her costume and she couldn’t have looked more adorable if she tried. Maria walked out behind Faith proud of her creation. She was wearing a round green costume that made her look like a tiny green ball. Her little hands were replaced with green long fingered gloves. Over her shoes she wore long toed coverings that made her feet seem abnormally large and she had on springy alien antenna that wobbled when ever she moved.

Alien came bounding out after them his tiny doggy superman cape rustling in the wind. Maria couldn’t resist.

“You look adorable princess. Just like an alien.” Max said lifting her up into his arms and kissing her on the cheek before settling her on his lap.

“Wow you did a great job Maria.” Liz said grinning.

“Thanks.” Maria smiled. “Okay, so the plan is you guys take Faith trick or treating for two hours then meet us all at the entrance of the park exactly at eight o’clock. Trinny will be here to baby-sit Faith at seven thirty okay. ”

Max and Liz nodded. “Okay. We’ll be there.”

“Good. Now Lizzie I left your costume on top of your bed.” Maria held up a hand before Liz could protest. “Don’t worry you’ll love it…and so will Max.” Maria said winking at them. “Max, Isabel brought me your costume that she picked out and I put it on my bed. After you take Faith you guys can dress up and meet us at the park.”

“Maria…” Liz started but she pulled them off the couch and ushered them through the door. She handed Liz Alien’s leash.

“Go! I’ll see you guys later.” She shut the door in their faces before they could say another word.

“Les go momma!” Faith clapped the sound muffled by her large plush hands.

Max grinned and grabbed Liz’s hand. “Come on kitten.”

****

Two exhausting hours later Max and Liz returned with a sleeping Faith and a pumpkin basket full of candy. Alien ran towards the kitchen thirsty from his long walk. It was seven o’clock they had half an hour to get ready before Trinny came and they headed off towards the park. Max carried Faith to her room and laid her gently on her bed.

He then went to Maria’s room to see what costume Isabel had picked out for him. He looked in the bag with trepidation unsure of what Isabel could have possibly gotten him. He sighed in relief when he pulled out the Zorro costume. Yeah it was kind of geeky but at least he wasn’t Peter Pan like last year. Michael had been worse off though he had been Tinkerbell. Max shuddered. That’s what happened to them for using her bra as a slingshot for their water balloon war. He quickly took off his clothes and started to change.

Liz held up the costume Maria had made her and couldn’t help but smile. For over five years Liz had never changed for Halloween. All the costumes she used to wear showed off too much of her body. She looked at the one piece black spandex body suit with its long sleeves and felt a surge of love for Maria. The black tail, black boots and cat ears completed her outfit and she felt a fluttering in her stomach what would Max think? She took off her clothes hastily and put on the suit. She tied on the tail and put the cat ears headband on removing her hair from her face. She walked outside and into the bathroom to look in the mirror. She gasped at the woman looking back at her. It had been such a long time since she’d looked at herself properly in a mirror. The costume fit her like a second skin making Liz think for the first time that she could actually be beautiful. It effectively covered her body so you couldn’t even tell she was disfigured.

Her heart beat a mile a minute as she walked out to the living room; she held her breath when she caught sight of Max. He stood there in a sexy black tuxedo complete with a cape, hat, mask, and sword. He looked so handsome Liz was sure she’d die from lack of oxygen.

Max’s eyes widened when Liz came tentatively out of the bathroom. He could only stare as she walked out wringing her hands nervously in front of her. She looked absolutely gorgeous in her cat costume and Max felt himself immediately swell in his pants. They stared at each other for a while before Max closed the distance between.

“You look beautiful kitten.” Max leaned in to kiss her softly on the mouth.

Liz wrapped her arms around him deepening the kiss with a soft moan. Max tasted her eagerly meeting her small tongue with his. Their tongues played with each other before Max slowly nibbled and kissed his way from her neck to her ear.

“So sexy.” He murmured licking her earlobe then sucking it into his mouth. Liz writhed against him her body tense but unsure how to ease the feeling inside her.

DING DONG

Max and Liz pulled apart quickly. That had to be Trinny; a sweet sixteen year old girl who came to the Crashdown regularly. Liz opened the door smiling at the young girl. Trinny’s eyes widened when she saw Liz.

“Wow. You look so nice Ms. Parker.”

Liz’s smile grew. “Thank you Trinny and please call me Liz.”

She let Trinny into the apartment and smiled when the girl stopped short when she saw Max in the living room. Her mouth dropped open and her eyes widened comically. The man was hot! Liz Parker was a very lucky woman.

“Hello.” Max smiled politely.

Trinny just stared.

“Okay Faith is asleep but if she wakes up I made some food earlier that you can just heat up.” Liz said taking the poor girl out of her trance. “She usually waked up groggy so make sure she has her alien with her or she’ll be extra cranky. If you have any problems just call me on my cell okay? And don’t let her eat any candy tonight.”

Trinny nodded her eyes more on Max than on Liz.

“Well, we better get going.” Liz said shaking her head and grabbing Max’s hand. “We’ll see you later.”

Trinny waved her mouth still open.

Liz laughed and closed the door. She looked up at Max smirking slightly. “You know you’re too handsome for your own good right?”

Max frowned. “What? Why do you say that?”

Liz shook her head the man was oblivious to his looks. “Come on.”

****

“Oh c’mon Michael. You look adorable.” Maria smiled at her boyfriend.

“I’m a lamb Maria. A lamb.” Michael said through gritted teeth.

He could not believe he had let Maria talk him into wearing this stupid costume. She had thought it would be funny if they dressed the part of little bo peep. If she didn’t look sexy as hell in her little dress he wouldn’t have gone along with it. He was currently sporting a wool suit that was keeping him unnecessarily warm, and his lamb eared headband only made him feel worse.

“Yeah Mike you look adorable.” Kyle grinned. Isabel had picked out his costume and though he wasn’t really that fond of superman as long as Isabel wore her super girl outfit he didn’t mind. She looked beautiful to him and that was all that mattered.

All six friends had become almost inseparable over the last two months. They hung out regularly after work at the Crashdown or in one of their apartments. Liz had also opened up more thanks to Max and Kyle and Maria felt they almost had the old Liz back. She smiled and joked around like she used to before the incident though both Kyle and Maria noticed whenever she felt overwhelmed with emotion she would immediately cuddle up to Max who gladly held her in his arms. It took them a while to get used to Liz depending on someone that wasn’t them whenever she had a nightmare or bad thoughts plagued her but Max was so loving and understanding that they couldn’t hold it against him.

“Shut up Kyle before I turn your outfit into a bunny.” Michael threatened.

Kyle laughed. He wasn’t even the least bit afraid anymore.

“Look here they come.” Isabel said interrupting Kyle’s laughter.

Michael looked over at Max and Liz and whistled. “Damn.” He’d never seen Liz out of anything but jeans and a long sleeved shirt before.

Kyle had stopped laughing and was smiling affectionately at his other little sister. Her hand was clasped tightly in Max’s and she was glowing. He had never seen her smile so brilliantly before.

“Hey guys.” Liz said once they reached their friends.

“Wow. You look beautiful Liz.” Isabel grinned.

“Yeah.” Michael and Kyle agreed. “Stunning.”

Liz blushed leaning into Max. Max chuckled and wrapped his arm around her.

“You look very handsome yourself girlfriend.” Maria smiled at Max.

Max’s ears turned crimson but he smiled nonetheless. “Thanks.”

“See! Why couldn’t be dressed like that? No, I had to come to this thing as a fucking sheep. A sheep! Next year I’m picking out the costumes.” Michael grumbled.

His friends laughed as they all entered the park. The place was beautifully decorated for the occasion. The ground was covered in eerie smoke that swirled around them wherever they went. Pumpkins, skeletons, goblins, and ghouls were strategically placed to ensure a very frightening experience. Hundreds of people walked around the park stopping at the haunted houses and carnival games. Most were dressed up in one costume or another laughing and enjoying their night.

“Win me one of the toys Michael.” Maria said pulling him towards one of the carnival games.

The rest followed behind them. Ten tries and a hundred dollars later Maria was carrying a giant plush pumpkin in her hand. Isabel held a big red alien similar to Faith’s that Kyle had won her. Though Liz had sworn she didn’t want one Max had easily won her a big black plush cat that matched her costume perfectly.

They walked down the path enjoying each other’s company. Once in a while they’d stop at a booth playing the games for fun.

“Well what have we here?” A whiny voice drawled behind them.

Maria and Liz visibly cringed at the sound. Liz hadn’t seen Pam since that day on her date with Max after she had embarrassed her. The friends stopped walking and turned around. Pam and two other girls stood behind them. They were all dressed as Liz could only describe prostitutes. They had on way too much makeup and their too short leather skirts and tight tops didn’t look appealing at all at least not to any of them.

“Why didn’t you wear a costume Pam?” Maria asked innocently.

“I am wearing a costume you hippie freak.” Pam sneered.

Isabel straightened to her full height. Her eyes went cold in an instant. No one insulted the people she cared about.

Pam’s eyes went from Maria to Liz who held on tightly to Max’s hand. Her eyes widened in surprise before they narrowed in anger. Jealousy ran through Pam as she noticed the guy from the coffee shop. He looked even yummier in a tux and cape.

“Why if it isn’t our little rape victim.” Pam said viciously. “Decided to come out of that rock you live under did you?”

Liz didn’t understand why she let Pam get to her but she immediately felt like she was back in high school right after the incident; impure and disgusting because she was damaged and everyone else wasn’t. Why Pam always got under her skin Liz would never understand but she always managed to.

“You’re so gross I don’t understand how someone as sexy as Max here could ever find you attractive.” Pam lashed out. She was angry that someone had chosen Liz over her and she was even more upset that Liz actually looked beautiful. “I mean the guy obviously has something for disfigured street trash.” The girls behind Pam laughed evily.

Liz felt tears come to her eyes. Max wrapped his arms protectively around her murmuring comforting words to her while he glared at Pam.

“Okay that’s it.” Maria lunged at Pam but Michael held her around her waist stopping Maria from beating the hell out of her.

“The only street trash we see here is you Pam.” Kyle said angrily. If his father hadn’t taught him he should never strike a woman…

“Ahh Kyle Valenti,” Pam smiled her eyes moving to Kyle. “You could’ve had your chance,” she said sighing as if going out with her was the treat of a lifetime. “but you insisted on hanging out with garbage like these two.”

Before anyone knew what was happening Isabel had slapped Pam hard across the face. No one had been expecting it so they all just stared in disbelief. Even Maria stopped struggling against Michael’s hold on her.

“Listen to me you sorry excuse for a human being. If you ever, EVER come near one of us again I’ll make sure you live to regret it.” Isabel snarled at the girl.

Pam’s eyes flashed in anger her cheek still red Isabel’s five fingers etched on her face. “And who the fuck do you think you are bitch?”

Taken unexpected Maria freed herself from Michael and lunged on top of Pam punching her squarely in the face. The two girls were about to interfere but Isabel pushed both girls away with an extra boost of her powers sending them sprawling across the concrete floor a couple feet away.

Michael let Maria beat on Pam for a while before finally going over and picking up a screaming and kicking Maria by the waist.

“Let me go! I’m gonna knock the silicone right out of you you dumb bitch!” Maria yelled.

“Come on. Let’s get out of here.” Isabel said picking up her and Maria’s plush toys and walking towards the entrance to the park.

They all started walking back to Liz and Maria’s apartment. Maria was still fuming and she had to be stopped on more than one occasion by an amused Michael from going back to the park and beating Pam some more.

Once they got inside Liz went straight to her room with Max right behind her.

“Oh I swear to god if I see that slut in the streets I’m gonna finish her off!” Maria said pacing restlessly.

“Calm down Tyson the fight’s over.” Michael laughed.

Maria glared at him. “Don’t tempt me space boy I have plenty of fight left.”

Michael smiled. “I love you.”

Maria immediately stopped pacing and stared at him. “W-what?” Though Maria knew he loved her this was the first time he’d ever admitted it.

Michael grinned and stood up leading a dazed Maria to her room.

“I’ve never seen you that angry before.” Kyle said to Isabel.

Isabel sat next to him one the couch and snuggled closer playing with the silky material of his costume. “Yeah well no one messes with the people I love.”

Kyle wanted to tell her he loved her but held himself back. He wanted it to be special. He’d never been in love before and he needed Isabel to see just how much she meant to him. They settled back on the couch and a few minutes later both were fast asleep.

****

Liz stared at the wall hugging herself. Tears were spilling from her eyes blurring her vision. Max closed the door behind him and walked over to Liz hugging her tightly from behind.

“Don’t cry kitten. Please don’t cry I can’t stand it when you do.” He said softly in her ear.

“Why do I let her do this to me Max? Every time she’s around I just…I know I’m not as beautiful as her o-or as pure but does she have to rub it in my face all the time?” Liz cried.

Max turned her around in his arms. “Baby…baby look at me.”

Liz turned dark painful eyes to his. They held so much love in them that it brought another wave of tears to her eyes.

“You’re not as beautiful as Pam kitten because she’s not beautiful. Pam Troy is the ugliest person I’ve ever met and trust me baby there is not one pure bone in that woman’s body.” Max stroked her cheek lovingly. “You’re so beautiful…so pure that I swear every time I look at you there’s a golden light surrounding you.”

Liz kissed the palm of his hand. “I love you so much Max. You always make me feel beautiful.” She whispered.

“Cause you are kitten.”

Max took her headband from her head and led her to her bed. Liz sat down and Max removed her boots. She curled up on the bed.

“Stay with me tonight.”

Max nodded taking off his shoes, sword, and cape before lying next to her and spooning behind her. Liz snuggled closer to him covering his hand over her waist with her own.

LOL! I'm back guys. Thanks for the bumps and fb. I'm soo happy you guys like my story so much. I'm glad cause I love writing it! I know some of you have questions and stuff but they'll be answered as the chapters go along. ENJOY!


Chapter 19

All six friends sat around Kyle’s living room watching The Little Mermaid. There was a terrible storm raging outside and they were all happy to be safe in warm inside. Faith was snuggled on Max’s lap hugging her little alien to him. She loved watching this movie especially when Ariel started to sing. The movie was up to the good part when Sebastian sang Under the Sea when the lights went out. A loud thunder clap sounded outside before lighting illuminated them for a second.

Faith stiffened in Max’s arms and quickly turned to bury her face in his chest. She hugged her little alien tightly and closed her eyes. Max felt Faith trembling in his arms and hugged her to his body.

“It’s okay princess. I’m here.” Max said softly.

“I’ll go check the fuse box.” Kyle’s voice came from the corner of the room.

“I’ll go with you.” Michael answered..

Rustling could be heard as both men got up and walked out of the living room towards the kitchen. Isabel and Maria quickly started talking to each other while they waited for the boys to return.

“Kitten?” Max reached next to him where Liz had been sitting.

Liz felt for his hand then scooted close to him. Max held both his girls in his arms rocking Faith slightly while he rubbed Liz’s side reassuringly. They didn’t have to wait long before the lights came back on. Michael and Kyle returned and took a seat next to their significant other.

Max looked down at Faith who had fallen asleep with his rocking.

“I’ll take her to Kyle’s room.” Liz said taking Faith from Max. She immediately curled up to her mother her little thumb moving with its own accord to her mouth.

“So did you ask Liz about thanksgiving yet Maxwell?” Michael asked him as Liz left.

Max shook his head. “Not yet. Besides…” he looked at Kyle and Maria. “I’m not sure how you guys feel about meeting our parents. She invited all of you including your mom and dad but-”

“We’d love to go.” Maria smiled. She was a little afraid but excited about meeting Michael’s mom and dad.

Michael smiled at Maria giving her a soft peck on the lips.

Isabel looked over at Kyle who hadn’t said anything. Her heart sank; maybe he didn’t want to meet her parents. Kyle saw the sad look at appeared on Isabel’s face and was quick to reassure her.

“I’d love to meet your parents too baby.”

Isabel smiled brightly. “They’ll love you.”

“Do you think mom and dad will agree to come?” Maria asked Kyle worriedly.

Kyle thought abut it for a while. “I think so, I mean if they were invited too…and I have a feeling speaking to your mom and dad would ease them better into the ‘I know an alien’ club.”

“When do your parents get back?” Michael asked Maria.

“The day before Thanksgiving; we could just call and tell them to meet us in Connecticut at your parent’s house.” Maria suggested.

Kyle nodded. “Yeah I think that’d be best.”

“What’d be best?” Liz asked as she came through the doorway.

“How would you feel about spending Thanksgiving with me and my mom and dad?” Max asked tentatively.

Liz’s eyes widened in surprise. “You want to spend Thanksgiving with me?”

Max stood up and took her in his arms forgetting about his friends and family. “Yes. You and Faith. My mom invited you over along with Maria, Kyle, Amy, and Jim.”

Liz’s heart thumped in her chest. He wanted her to meet his parents. She looked up at him seeing the hopeful light in his eyes.

“Okay.” She whispered.

“Yeah?” Max asked smiling.

Liz grinned. “Yeah. I’d love to meet your parents.”

Max took her mouth in a soft kiss. Liz opened her mouth and allowed their tongues to mate lovingly before throats clearing interrupted them.

“Stop necking in my house.” Kyle said.

“Necking?” Isabel raised her eyebrows.

Kyle rolled his eyes. “Yes necking; making out. Whatever.”

“So it’s settled then. We’re spending Thanksgiving together.” Michael said looking at them.

“Looks like it.” Kyle answered.

****

The weeks seemed to fly by and soon it was a few days before Thanksgiving and they were on a plane to Connecticut. It was an early flight so Faith was still fast asleep comfortably in her seat. Michael had fallen asleep as soon as his head hit the chair. Maria, Kyle, and Isabel talked animatedly about one thing or the other. Liz would have gladly joined in the conversation if she wasn’t gripping her arm holders for deal life and her heart wasn’t about to come out of her throat. She’d never been on a plane before in her entire life. She knew Kyle and Maria had been on one when they were younger but Liz had never left Roswell let alone been on a plane. Her fear of flying and her nerves on meeting Max’s parent’s had her almost coming out of her seat.

“Kitten?” Max looked over at Liz who looked white as paste.

She couldn’t even answer him. If she opened her mouth she knew they’d all be seeing the contents on her breakfast she had this morning.

Max put his hand over hers on her chair feeling her trembling with fear. He didn’t know she was afraid of flying.

“It’s all right baby. Just take deep breaths.” Max said soothingly.

Liz felt warmth from his hand envelop her and her stomach seemed to calm down. He didn’t know if he was using his powers or not but she felt instantly better.

“You okay?” Max asked softly.

Liz nodded. “I-I’m okay.”

“All right. We’re almost there baby.” Max stroked Liz’s hand the entire time until they were landing safely on the ground.

****

Diane and Phillip Evans stood at the gate waiting for their kids and their friends to arrive. She was so excited about having her house full again after so long. She had had a long conversation with Max over the phone and she was happy to hear that not only did these friends know their secret but they accepted them just the same. They had spoken about Kyle and Maria and Max had explained how close each of them had gotten. She was a little sad to hear that all her children were growing up and starting to have lives of their own but she knew that it would happen eventually. No matter how old they got though Michael, Max, and Isabel would always be her babies.

“There they are honey.” Phillip said pointing.

Diane craned her neck and spotted her son walking towards them; a small bundle in his arms and a small brunette walking by his side; she held what looked to be a plush green alien. Behind him came Michael with a small blonde tucked safely in his arms and next to them was her beautiful daughter holding hands with a handsome young man.

Max could feel Liz’s nervousness coming off her in waves. He held Faith in one arm and grabbed her hand squeezing it reassuringly.

“Don’t worry kitten.” He murmured in her hair before kissing her temple.

“Oh look at you!” She gushed when her kids reached her. She went to hug Max but stopped when she saw the small bundle stir in his arm.

A beautiful little girl about the age of two or three opened her eyes. She straightened up rubbing her eyes groggily. She automatically leaned her head against Max’s shoulder. Liz handed her the plush green alien and the little girl took it in her arms holding on to it tightly. Diane looked from the little girl to Liz. Their resemblance was uncanny. It looked like she was looking at the smaller version of the woman in front of her.

Max smiled down at his mother than at his dad. “Hi mom. Hey dad.”

Diane took her eyes off the little girl and grinned at her son. “Is it me or have you gotten more handsome since the last time I saw you?”

Max blushed. “Stop mom.”

Liz squeezed his hand and Max looked down at her smiling. “Mom, Dad this is Liz.”

Liz held out her hand but Diane quickly engulfed her in a hug. “Oh it’s so good to meet you! You are even more beautiful than Max said.”

Liz turned the same color as her son. “Thank you Mrs. Evans.”

“Oh please call me Diane.”

Phillip put his arm around the small brunette squeezing her shoulder briefly. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too Mr. Evans.”

“Phillip.” He said smiling.

“And who is this little angel?” Diane asked smiling kindly at the little girl who was looking at them curiously.

Max took a deep breath. Here was the moment of truth. “Mom, Dad meet Faith…Liz’s daughter.”

Diane and Phillip looked at him startled. Diane’s gaze went from the little girl to Liz than back at Max.

“You didn’t tell me she had a daughter.” Diane said to Max.

Liz paled. Diane’s smile had faltered once she found out Faith was hers. Liz reached over and took Faith from Max holding her protectively in her arms.

Diane just looked at them at a loss for words. Michael cleared his throat. “Mom this is Maria.”

Diane looked at her other son her smile back in place. She hugged her son then the small blonde. While Phillip said hi to them she greeted her daughter and Kyle warmly.

Liz stood to the side trying to hold back tears. This hadn’t been a good idea. Max’s parents wouldn’t want her around their son anymore now that they knew she had a daughter. They’d probably think she was using him or holding him back. Max put his arm around her pulling them close to him.

“It’s okay kitten. It was just a shock for them.” Max said softly.

Liz knew why he hadn’t told them over the phone. He wanted it to be in person but maybe telling them before hand would have lessened the shock a little bit. She had wanted them to like her but the more she saw Diane glance at her the more she thought it wasn’t gonna happen.

****

Diane stared out the car window as they drove home. The kids had rented a jeep and were all riding behind them. Her thoughts drifted to Liz and her daughter. She had seen the hurt look in the woman’s eyes when she got in the car with Max. It hadn’t been her intention to hurt the girl but it was impossible for Diane to get over something so quickly. A daughter! She was so young and Diane wondered what kind of life she must live. At twenty one Diane’s mind had been far from kids. She had just wanted to enjoy Phillips company before they settled down with kids.

Diane also hadn’t missed the way Max had held the little girl so lovingly in his arms as if she belonged there. It was clear he loved the little girl and if the way the little girl was clinging to him was any indication she loved him just as much. Though Max had always been wise beyond his years he was still just twenty one. How serious was he for Liz? Was he ready to take the responsibility that came with being with a woman who had a child with another man?

“What are you thinking honey?” Phillip asked glancing at his wife.

“Did you see the way Max held that little girl Phillip?” Diane asked back.

Phillip sighed and nodded. “Yes I saw.”

“What are we gonna do?” Diane asked worriedly.

Phillip shrugged. “What can we do? He’s old enough to make his own decisions. Besides I feel like they know more about their relationship than we do. It works for them and the most we can do is support them.”

Diane bit her lip. He was right. Max had never done anything in his life to make them doubt his judgment. He always did what he thought was right and usually it was. The way he talked about Liz told Diane that the small brunette was not only special to her son but a wonderful person. She’d just have to get to know the girl herself and make her own conclusions.

The ride in the jeep was filled with tension. No one spoke a word about what had happened in the airport and Max was grateful. He didn’t know if not telling his mother and father about Faith had been a good idea. He knew Liz had been hurt about their reactions and he was angry at himself for being the cause. He was going to have to have a talk alone with his mom and dad and hope they understood how much he loved the two girls in his life.

Alien barked happily from the back seat oblivious to the tense atmosphere. He was just happy they’d finally let him out of that box he’d been in. Spotting his girl a couple of inches away from him he went over and gave her a nice big lick on her cheek before sticking his head out the window; his tongue lolling out and his ears blown back by the wind. This was the greatest trip ever!

****

Everyone marched into the Evans house after their long ride form the airport. Alien ran past them wanting to explore this new territory. Liz walked behind them all reluctantly. She wasn’t too sure she wanted to be there anymore. Diane spotted the look on Liz’s face and walked up to the young woman and her daughter. She trusted her son.

Smiling she looked from Liz to Faith. “Why don’t I show you the backyard? Phillip had built swings for the kids when they were younger. Maybe Faith would like to play on them?”

Liz looked at the woman surprised. She glanced at Max over Diane’s shoulders and he gave her big smile.

“Swins?” Faith’s little voice asked.

Diane grinned at the little girl. “That’s right angel, swings. Would you like to see them?”

Faith hugged the little alien tighter in her hands and stared intently at the woman. Finally she nodded and opened her arms for Diane to carry her. Liz was even more surprised by Faith’s actions.

Diane looked at Liz. “May I?”

Liz nodded and let Diane take Faith towards the backyard. Max walked over to her pulling her into his arms.

“I told you baby. Everything will be fine.”

Liz gave him a soft kiss on the lips.

“Why don’t I show you my room?” Max asked his eyes twinkling.

Liz narrowed her eyes playfully. “Why Mister Evans are you trying to seduce me?”

Max growled nibbling playfully on her neck. “Is it working?

Liz wrapped her arms around his neck. “Maybe.”

****

He climbed slowly up the stairs towards her apartment. Today was the perfect day. The little slut was going get what was coming to her. He saw the way she whored around with that idiot around town; the retard happily running with them. He looked through the window of her house. The room was dark and the house looked stilled. Fuck! She wasn’t home. The bitch was probably off fucking somewhere with the asshole. He’d have to punish her for being such a cock loving slut. He climbed back down the stairs. No matter. He’d get her when she returned. He had patience.