Roswell Fanatics

CHAPTER 11B


“Max, is she going to be all right?” Diane trusted her son completely but she was concerned for Lily.

“I hope so, Mom.” Max looked over at Lily’s small body lying on the bed and was dreading what he had to do. “I just don’t know how I’m going to keep her calm. The situation alone could cause her to become hysterical…there’s nothing I can do about the pain.”

“But Max, you can heal her?” Diane was getting a little confused.

Max nodded, “Yes, I can heal her after…but I can’t stop the pain during.”

“Oh no, Max. You can’t put her through that.” Diane whispered hoping that Alex could not hear their conversation.

“What should I do then? Let them die? Possibly let them all die? It’s not an option for me, Mom. I have no choice. I need you to convince Alex to trust me…he’s gotten to know you a little…I’m a total stranger.”

Diane wasn’t sure of anything right now, but she knew Max had no other choice. They couldn’t sit back and watch her die. “Ok, Max…I’ll do what I can. Just please be careful.”

“Trust me…I wouldn’t risk her life. I’ll be careful…I just hope it’s not too late.” Max looked over at Alex. He didn’t need a hysterical father to be, but he knew he needed Zan’s abilities, however small they may be. Just as he was about to return to Lily’s side the sheriff came back into the room.

“Wow! It’s still coming down pretty hard out there!” He noticed Alex glance over at him quickly but he immediately returned all of his focus back to Lily. Jim motioned for Max to come closer to him. “Max, this is all I could find.” He held out a small hunting knife in front of Max. “I know it’s small, but it’s extremely sharp. It’s all I had.”

“It will have to work. I can sharpen the blade even more and sterilize it…thank you Sheriff.” Max looked into the eyes he had come to trust so many years before. “I can’t believe you’re here. It means so much…not just to Kyle, but…” he trailed off before the tears came.

“I know, son. I know. Good luck. I’m gonna head back to the others. Michael was already getting uneasy before so I sure as hell don’t like the fact that I have to tell him this.” Jim shook his head. They would all panic when they heard it wasn’t going well.

“Sheriff, don’t. Don’t tell them…they can’t help so just don’t say anything yet.” Max locked eyes with Jim and with that look tried to make him understand he was already afraid. The others didn’t need to worry.

“Ok. I’ll be in room 142 if you need me. Diane, are you staying?”

“Yes, but thank you Jim.” She smiled confidently to Jim hoping to sooth away some of his tension. Unfortunately, he knew how bad the situation was so he just nodded once more before leaving.

“Well, I guess it’s time. We can’t wait any longer.” Max looked at the small blade in his hand and felt sick. They were all counting on him. “Are you sure you’re up to this?” He observed his mother’s apprehension knowing she was putting all of her remaining faith in him, but she nodded in agreement and they both approached the bed.

Lily was unconscious by now. The moment she’d seen the knife she had fainted. Although Alex was already beginning to panic, Max realized this was a blessing in disguise. Hopefully she would remain unconscious long enough for him to take the babies. He’d never really believed in God, but at that moment he began to pray.

~~~~~~~

“What the hell is going on in there?” Michael demanded the moment Jim walked back into the room.

“Calm down, Michael.” Jim turned away from him to lay down his soaking wet jacket. He knew he had to lie to them, but he knew Michael might see right through it. “Labor takes time…I’m sure you probably know that by now. You do have children don’t you?” Changing the subject was his best option. Besides, he had no clue what they’d all been up to the past fifteen years. It was the perfect way to pass the time.

“Actually, yeah. A little girl…Eli.” Michael grinned to himself. “She’s just like her mother too.”

Jim smiled remembering what it was like to watch Maria grow up. “I’ll bet she’s beautiful and probably a big handful.” He snickered.

“Don’t you know it! She’s a little spitfire like Maria…and yes…she’s beautiful. Looks just like Maria. Blonde hair and big blue eyes.” Thinking of his daughter had a calming effect on his otherwise bad mood. Maria and Eli were his life.

“You forgot to tell him that she has you wrapped around her pinky.” Kyle laughed. Eli was the only one who could reduce Michael to groveling with a single smile. Not even Maria had mastered that.

“Oh shut up, Kyle! You just wait for your turn!” Michael glared back at him.

“So you’re not a father?” Jim looked at his son now. He couldn’t believe how much he’d grown. He’d been a man when he left but now he was in his thirties.

Kyle looked sadly at his father. “Nope. Haven’t found the right woman yet. It’s just not easy… being who we are.”

“Yeah, and the fact that you’re still pining away for Isabel doesn’t help.” Michael blurted out.

“What? I’m not…I mean Isabel and I…we’re just roommates!” Kyle was stuttering. He could barely find the words to speak.

“Sure, Valenti. Keep telling yourself that. We all know already.” Michael said casually. It was no secret to any of them that Isabel had captured his heart many years ago.

“So you love my daughter?” Phillip had been sitting so quietly that they’d all forgotten he was even there. He watched Kyle move nervously in his seat. He knew Isabel would be lucky to have someone like Kyle. He appeared to be a fine man. “It’s ok. You don’t have to answer…actions speak louder than words.” He smiled at Kyle who was now blushing.
“What about Max? Does Max have any other children?”

“Yes sir.” Michael stood up proudly. “He has two amazing kids. Mikey, he’s thirteen and Beth, she’s a little over two. He’s a great father…says he wanted to be just like you.” The look Michael exchanged with Phillip was full of nothing but pride.

Phillip had to fight to hold back tears. He hadn’t expected to feel so emotional hearing about Max’s family. “And Liz? How is she?”

“She’s great! You know Liz. Smart, beautiful, kind…she’s the one that’s held us all together.” Kyle had grown to love Liz like a sister through the years. Sometimes he felt like she was his strength.

“That’s really great. I’m glad they’re happy.” Phillip turned to look at Jim and smiled. “Don’t you have something you want to tell Kyle, Jim? Well, and Michael for that matter?”

Jim watched as Kyle and Michael exchanged confused glances. “Well, yeah there is something.” Jim wasn’t quite sure how to tell them about his family. It was obvious that Michael and Kyle still tried to get the best of each other. “You boys are kind of family now.” Jim smiled again. He’d give anything to see the look on Maria’s face when she heard the news. “You see…Amy and I were married several years ago and we have a daughter…Sidra. She’s eleven and quite the handful herself.” Jim just watched in amusement, as Michael and Kyle were suddenly speechless. “So, Kyle…Maria’s finally your sister.”

Michael almost fell down laughing now. He couldn’t wait to tell Maria. He could just hear her now ‘My Mom, the hippie, married the sheriff’? This was priceless! Now he had another reason to want to go home.

“What are you laughing at, Guerin? You get to deal with Maria when her arms start flapping so fast she’ll probably go airborne!” Kyle could imagine Maria’s response too. “So, you’re happy then…right Dad?”

“I’m happy, but I’ve missed my son.” Jim was on his feet a second later and quickly embraced his son. “You’ll never know how much I’ve missed you.” Jim felt his eyes glistening with tears but didn’t care. He had his son back and he had to make the most of the time they had together.

“You ok, Jeff?” Phillip said with concern in his voice. Jeff had just been standing in the background taking it all in. He knew this must be difficult for Jeff since Liz wasn’t here.

“I’m ok. I’d just give anything to see my baby girl again. I’m still happy for all of you…really I am. I’ll feel better once I’m able to talk to Max and hear more about my daughter.” He looked over to Kyle who had finally released his dad. “Thank you for saying such nice things about Lizzie. It helps. I’m gonna go next door…I saw a coffee shop and I could really use some about now. Jim, you want something? Boys?” He smiled. “Sorry, men?”

“No thanks, Mr. Parker. I don’t think I could eat right now. Not until I know everything’s ok.” Michael was pacing back and forth again.

“I could really use a Blast-off Burger, Mr. Parker! I don’t suppose you brought one, huh? Orbit rings maybe?” Kyle was smiling from ear to ear. He’d practically grown up at the Crashdown.

“Nope. Sorry Kyle. I promise one way or another…soon.” Jeff smiled just thinking of the old times.

“Oh well. It was worth a shot.” Kyle sat in the chair by the window and propped his feet up on the edge of the closest bed.

“I’ll go with you, Jeff. Keep you company.” Jim looked at his coat and decided he’d rather go without it since it was still dripping.

Kyle saw him glimpse at his jacket and hopped up. “Here, Dad, I’ll take care of that for you.” Kyle waved a hand over the jacket and it was suddenly dry. “Pretty cool, huh?” Kyle could tell his dad was speechless. At the time they left Roswell he didn’t have any powers yet.

Jim took the coat from his son. A little shaken by what he’d just witnessed. He’d forgotten all about Kyle having powers now. “Thanks…appreciate it.” He smiled at Kyle but he was in shock. He turned towards the door, but Michael stopped them.

“Um, Mr. Parker?” He said nervously.

“Yes, Michael?”

“I know it’s not the same thing as having her here…but you could use my cell phone to call Liz. It’s safe.” He’d reached in his pocket and was extending his hand with the phone out to Jeff.

“Are you sure?” Jeff was stunned.

“Yeah. She would really like it…she’s really missed home.” Michael just looked at Jeff, but this time didn’t smile. He knew Jeff’s heart was breaking inside so it didn’t seem appropriate.

“Thank you, Michael. Thank you.” He turned and walked out the door before the boys saw him crying.

~~~~~~~

“Alex, it’s ok.” Diane was doing her best to calm Alex down, but the moment he’d seen the knife he had become hysterical. “Listen to me, Alex. Max is only sensing one heartbeat. There’s no other choice. Do you want to lose them?” Diane was doing her best to hold him back as Max prepared to start cutting.

“No! But what if he hurts her?” Alex was terrified.

“I won’t, Alex.” Max spoke from his place by the bed. “Besides, I have you here. If she happens to wake up, I’m going to need you.”

“Me? What can I do?”

“Before you got here and even after you arrived, you were able to ease her pain. If she wakes up, I’m going to need you to do that again. Between the two of us she’ll be fine. I can heal the cut. Don’t worry. I won’t let you down.” Max hoped his son could find it within himself to trust him, but regardless he was proceeding. As he made the initial cut he watched for signs of Lily waking up, but she wasn’t. He wasn’t as worried about her though. Having just fainted from the horror of the situation she had a pulse, and surprisingly it was steady. Max reached her uterus and made a thin line incision. He couldn’t believe he was actually doing this or the fact that he knew HOW to do this. Once inside he immediately saw the problem. He removed the baby in distress first. The cord was wrapped tightly around the infant girl’s throat. “Mom! Help me!” His mother had scrubbed her hands and quickly grabbed a towel. “Get the cord off her throat as quickly as possible! I’ll get the other baby then help you revive her. Alex, get a towel! Quick!” Max reached back in and withdrew his grandson. He moved as swiftly as he possibly could. He cleared the fluid from the child’s nose and mouth and almost immediately the room echoed with his first cry. “Alex, it’s your son.” He handed the infant to Alex and once he was sure he had a good hold of the child he began to repair the damage he’d caused to Lily’s body. He’d been lucky; the blood loss was minimal and she still had a strong pulse. Now he just had to wait for her to wake up. He prayed to God again that she would. He arose from his current position and went to his mother holding his granddaughter. She had removed the cord but the infant wasn’t breathing.

“Max?” Diane whispered softly. “Is she ok?”

“I don’t know.” Max held his hand over the infant’s chest. She was so tiny beneath his hand. At first nothing happened, but then a glowing connection appeared beneath his palm. “Come on baby girl.” He was talking to himself. She had to be all right. Come on. After what seemed like forever she let out a roaring cry! Max and Diane smiled at each other both with tears in their eyes and then turned to Alex. Words couldn’t describe the expression on his face. He was holding his son and listening to his daughter’s loud cry.

“Is she ok?” He asked, scared to hear the answer.

Max looked at his granddaughter and then at his son. “She’s perfect!” Max took her gently from Diane’s arm and walked over to Alex. He placed the screaming infant into Alex’s arms and looked at both of his grandchildren…side by side. “They’re fine!” He couldn’t hold back his tears…he’d been petrified but both infants were fine.

Alex looked down in awe at his children. He was a father! “Thank you.” Was all he could say. Max had saved both of his children. There just weren’t words for that!

~~~~~~~

“Lizzie?” Jeff spoke into the phone with his hands shaking fiercely.

“Dad?” Tears sprang from Liz’s eyes the moment she’d heard his voice. “Daddy is that really you?”

“Oh, honey! It’s me!” Jeff was openly crying. Nothing had ever sounded so beautiful as her voice did at this very moment. “My baby girl! I’ve missed you so much!”

“Oh, Daddy!” Liz could barely speak because she was now crying so hard. “I love you so much! I’ve missed you! I miss Mom! I wish I could come home!” Her heart was breaking all over again. She’d always missed her parents but hearing her father’s voice again brought back every ounce of pain.

“I know, baby. I know. Your Mom isn’t with me, but I know she misses you so much. We’ve both missed you so much. Michael told me about your children. My baby girl’s a mother now.”

“Yep. I’d give anything if you could see them. My daughter looks a lot like you. Mikey, my son, is just like Max…looks and all.” Liz smiled thinking of her children.

“I’m so proud of you. I want to see you, Lizzie. There has to be a way.”

“I wish there was, Dad. I won’t risk putting you in danger. I can’t.” Liz was sobbing with Maria holding her hand. She looked at Maria thankfully and realized she must want to know about her mother. “Dad. How is Ms. Deluca?” She saw the tears in Maria’s eyes.

Jeff smiled. “Actually, it’s Mrs.Valenti now.”

“What!” Liz couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Oh my God, Dad! Are you serious? You have to tell Maria…hold on.” Liz giggled and handed the phone to Maria.

“Mr. Parker?”

“Maria. How’s my girl? Are you at least trying to stay out of trouble?” Now Jeff was the one laughing through his tears.

Hearing a familiar voice from home got to Maria almost instantly. Now Liz was holding her hand reassuringly. “How’s my mom? How did you even end up with Michael’s cell phone?”

“It’s a really long story that I’ll let the boys tell you later. Just know that we’re all fine. About your mother…I don’t think I should be the one to tell you so I’m gonna put someone else on the phone.” Jeff handed the phone to an extremely nervous Jim. He had been sitting next to him quietly in the truck the whole time.

“Maria?” Jim couldn’t believe how nervous he was. He was actually sweating. “How are you doin’ darlin’?”

“Sheriff? Where’s my mom? What’s wrong? Oh God! Is she dead? Is that why Mr. Parker wanted you to tell me?” Maria was growing more hysterical with each question forcing Liz to cover her ears to avoid the noise.

“No, Maria. Nothing like that. She’s fine. She’s just not here, but well…um…”

“What Sheriff? Tell me?” Maria was getting angry now.

“Well…you see…um…we got married. Your mother and I got married. You actually have a sister. Her name’s Sidra.” Jim waited for a response. “Maria? Did you hear me?”

Maria had fainted! Liz and Isabel were standing over her laughing and trying to wake her up. Liz wished Michael had been here to see this!

~~~~~~~

Both infants finally started to calm down and look about the room with wonder. Alex had just been sitting there holding them…not able to speak a word. Finally, his arms were getting so tired he spoke up. “Diane? Do you think you could take them? Just for a minute…I’d like to check on Lily.”

Diane smiled and gladly took the infants from his arms. It was more difficult than she had imagined. Holding both of them at one time. She sat down carefully on the bed and just smiled into their tiny little faces. She watched as they both yawned and suddenly realized she was exhausted too.

Max had been taking Lily’s pulse every two minutes and was getting more and more worried that she wasn’t waking up. He wasn’t surprised when she had fainted but he’d really expected her to wake up by now. He reached over her body again and gently took her pulse. Suddenly alarmed he was on his feet! Her pulse was gone!


TBC

Hello Everyone! I'm sorry that it took me so long to post this chapter! I've had a migraine for 4 days so it was difficult to write I would like to thank my sister krystalstorm24 for not only proofreading my fic for me, but she saved me on this chaper! There were a few parts I was extremely disappointed with and she helped me fix them! I'm feeling much better today so I'm hoping to start on the next chapter by tonight. As usual all feedback is greatly appreciated! I'm trying to figure out which direction I want to go in with this fic and whether or not to eliminate a few minor characters. Please let me know what you like or even what you don't like. Well, I've babbled long enough I hope you enjoy!
:smilecolros:


CHAPTER 11C


“I can’t believe she actually fainted!” Jeff couldn’t help but laugh at the image of Maria fainting. She’d always had a flare for the dramatic so he could picture it easily.

Jim was laughing too. He wished he could have told her in person, but who knew if they would ever have that chance again. “Yeah…I guess I caught her a little off guard.”

“A little? I think you knocked her off her feet! Michael will be sorry he wasn’t there to witness it though…you know he loves to watch Maria squirm!” Jeff was just sorry he hadn’t been able to talk to Lizzie any longer. She had to go once Maria had fainted, but at least he had heard her voice. He’d been laughing with Jim, but the tears were returning at the thought of his daughter.

Jim saw the look in his eyes and knew what he was thinking. He didn’t need to ask. He’d been fortunate that Kyle had come with Max, but he knew all too well how much this situation hurt. He put a reassuring arm around his friend’s shoulder as they walked back to the room. “I know, Jeff. I know.”

When they walked back into the room Michael was still pacing. Kyle had fallen asleep in the chair and was snoring loudly, obviously irritating Michael further. Phillip had been standing at the window so he saw the two men approach.

“Anything yet?” Jim asked Michael once the door closed.

“Nothing. Something’s wrong. I don’t like this.” Michael had almost worn a hole in the floor while they had been gone. To the casual observer he would appear as the father to be.

Jim couldn’t help but smile again at the thought of Michael while Maria had been in labor. He’d have given anything to see that! “Michael, you worry too much. These things do take time.” Jim sat down in the chair opposite his snoring son. “You don’t see Kyle panicking.” He chuckled out loud.

Jeff and Phillip both let out a laugh too. “Nope…Kyle looks pretty relaxed to me.” Jeff was standing over Kyle watching him closely. “Wonder where he gets his attitude from?”

Jim snickered. “That would be his mother. God knows I’m not this calm.”

Michael threw the towel he had balled up in his fists at Kyle, nailing him in the head. “Wake up, idiot!”

Kyle jerked awake to see what had just happened and managed to tip his chair over. After picking himself up off the floor he glared at Michael. “Damn you, Guerin! What the hell is the matter with you?”

“In case you haven’t noticed we’re kind of in the middle of a crisis, jackass!”

“Guerin, would you just breath! I swear he can never just go with the flow.” Kyle stated to his audience as if he were on stage. He’d always been the clown of the group!

“Boys!” Jim laughed again. “I mean men. Men! There’s no point in fighting…I’m sure Max is taking good care of Lily.” Jim knew if there was one person he could trust in this world other than Kyle it was Max. Max would die himself before he’d let harm come to someone he loved. “Michael…I talked to Maria while we were gone. Still a handful, that one!”

That had gotten Michael’s attention. “Is she all right? Eli?”

“She’s fine…I think.” Jim watched the panic spread across Michael’s face. “It’s ok, Michael. She just…fainted.”

“What?” Michael was confused. Why would Maria faint? Then it hit him. “You told her?” He watched as Jim nodded and started laughing again. “I really wanted to be there for that. So…she really fainted?” Maria was famous for fainting…she’d practically made it an art form.

“Yep…Jim told her he was married to her mother and that’s all it took” Jeff said smiling.

“You know Maria. I don’t understand why it surprised her so much…you were chasing after her mom long before we left Roswell.” Michael had never understood Maria’s deal with the sheriff. She adored him so why wouldn’t she want her mother married to him?

Jim was taken aback at Michael’s words…he hadn’t chased her. Had he? “I don’t know what you mean…Amy and I were just…just friends.” Jim was starting to sweat again. It sure is hot in here Jim said to himself.

Michael finally cracked a smile. “Now I see where Kyle gets it! You’re both delusional! Why can’t the two of you ever admit you’re pining away for someone? We all saw it. Maria and Liz told me about the night they almost walked in on you and Ms. Deluca.”

This time it was Jim who fell out of his seat. Everyone in the room started laughing together. Poor Jim…his face had turned bright red.

~~~~~~~

“Max, what’s wrong?” Diane had seen Max jump from his position next to Lily and now he was completely pale.

“Her pulse…it’s gone.” Max checked her body to see if she was bleeding out but he saw nothing. “I don’t understand…it was just there.”

“What do you mean her pulse is gone? Lily!” Alex was across the room and at her side before Max could even explain. “Lily, baby! Wake up! Lily!” Alex was shaking her shoulders…she had to wake up now! “What did you do to her?” Alex’s glare stung Max’s heart. He could feel the anger radiating off of his son. He couldn’t really think he had done this?

“Alex…I didn’t do this.” Max spoke in a whisper. His heart ached at the thought of Alex blaming him. He had to save her! He wouldn’t let Alex suffer her loss and he wouldn’t let him think he was a monster. Immediately Max jumped into action and started scanning her whole body with his hand. He would save her! He had to!

~~~~~~~

“Maria? Maria, can you hear me?” Liz was kneeling beside Maria’s body. She couldn’t believe she’d actually fainted! She glanced up at Isabel and noticed the Ice Princess was grinning from ear to ear. “You know you could help me, Isabel.”

“Why? She’s fine.” Isabel bent over Maria and giggled as she stood back up.

Liz stood and faced off with Isabel. She was trying so hard to keep a straight face and Isabel wasn’t helping. “You know for once it would be nice if you made yourself useful.”

“What do you want me to do? I don’t exactly carry smelling salts with me for Maria’s performances.” Isabel was doing her best to stop giggling. Then suddenly there was nothing to laugh at…Liz had just fainted in front of her! “Not both of you! Come on!”
Isabel knelt down over both of the women lying in front of her and started waving her hands back and forth. They couldn’t do this to her!

~~~~~~~

Lily could see the knife in Max’s hand. What was he doing? She hated knives, needles, and anything sharp for that matter! So what was he doing with a knife? He was coming towards HER! She quickly glanced at Alex whose eyes were the size of marbles and then everything around her went black!

The next thing she knew she saw Liz. She was standing in front of her with a puzzled look on her face. “Liz? Is that you?”

“Lily? Lily, what’s going on? Are you all right?”

“I don’t know.” Lily looked around her…she felt odd. “I don’t know what’s going on. Max…he was holding a knife…something’s wrong.”

“A knife? Why would Max have a knife? What do you mean something’s wrong?”

“I don’t know. The babies! He said one of the babies didn’t have a heartbeat! Liz, oh my God! My babies!”

Liz ran to Lily and held her while she sobbed. “Lily, Max can heal. He’ll make everything ok, I promise. You’ll be ok and so will the babies. But you have to calm down…this can’t be good for you.”

“Liz, my babies. I want my babies.”

“Lily, they’ll be fine. Max can heal them…that must be why he had a knife.”

“What?”

“Lily, please try to stay calm… if Max knew something was wrong…he would go in and take the babies out.” Liz tried to speak as gently as she could but there was no easy way to tell Lily that.

“Take the babies? You mean cut me open? What if it kills me?”

“Lily, you don’t understand…Max can heal you. You’ll be fine. You’ll see.”

Lily tried to find comfort in Liz’s words, but she couldn’t. Right now Max was probably cutting her open! “No Liz! He’s not a doctor! He can’t!” Suddenly the room around them was glowing with a bright light. Lily turned to see where the light was coming from, but it was endless. Its power was so strong, Lily felt compelled almost drawn towards the light. She turned to look at Liz and noticed a tear falling down her cheek. “Liz? What’s happening?”

“Lily…you have to listen to me now! You have to go back…you have to fight! It’s not your time!”

What’s happening? Lily realized she was dying, slipping away. “It’s happening,” was all she could say.

“No Lily! It’s not your time! Max can save you, but you have to fight! You have to open your eyes and look at him!”

Liz reached out again and took Lily’s hands in her own. She closed her eyes and concentrated. She had to make Lily see.

Lily looked stunned but the flashes came quickly.

Liz saw a man with a gun, it was pointing at her

The gun went off, Liz had been shot

And there was Max, standing over her holding her face

Liz watched as Max Evans held his hand above the small hole in her stomach

Liz stood up holding her uniform as Max ran out of the café

Liz was writing in her journal. “I’m Liz Parker and five days ago I died. But then the real amazing thing happened. I came to life.”

Liz watched as the look of uncertainty on Lily’s face changed to one of understanding. “You see…give Max a chance. Please? Do it for your babies…he won’t let you down.”

Lily nodded to Liz. “I trust him…thank you.” Lily had not only seen the flashes from Liz…she had felt them.

“Go back, Lily. Max will save you. He won’t let you down.”

Lily nodded again to Liz and with that the connection was broken. Lily walked away from the light…her children needed her.

~~~~~~~

Max was doing everything he could. He realized what had gone wrong, but it was too late to fix it. What if he had killed her? He needed her to open her eyes. She was probably hemorrhaging inside but he couldn’t fix it without truly connecting with her. How could he have been so careless? Max pleaded with her through his subconscious. She had to at least open her eyes. Suddenly his prayers were answered! Lily’s eyes fluttered open then shut again. “Lily, come on! Look at me…Lily!” Max had hope!

Her eyes opened slowly and she stared into Max’s eyes. There she saw Alex staring back at her. They weren’t the same color, but the soul behind them was familiar.

Max held his hand over Lily’s abdomen where he thought he had healed the incision he’d made. He concentrated with every ounce of energy he had left and made sure not to break eye contact with Lily. The flashes came quickly as they had with Liz. She was opening herself up to him, trusting him…he could feel it.

Lily was watching Alex from across the playground wondering why he always sat by himself

Lily standing up to the bully who always picked on Alex

Lily staring at Alex after their first kiss, She’d fallen in love with the boy next door

Lily was watching Alex sleep and noticed he was smiling

Lily cried as she watched her parents scream at Alex after telling them she was pregnant

The flashes continued to flow from within Lily. He could feel how much she loved Alex and how she had watched him from afar for years…the way he had with Liz. That’s when he saw it…the bright light and Liz. He saw the flashes she had given Lily and realized Liz had saved her. It was Liz who had convinced her to come back. After what seemed like forever the connection was broken and he knew Lily would be fine.

“Thank you…you saved my life.” Lily could only whisper. Her throat was completely dry.

With tears of joy in his eyes Max responded. “You’re welcome…thank you for allowing me to see my son.” It had been a gift from her. She had let him see everything. He knew from experience with Liz that she had done that with complete trust. They exchanged a small smile and a look of understanding. Max knew he was going to like her.

Alex had been sitting next to Lily in a state of shock watching as his father had saved her life. How could he take back what he had said? How could he make Max see that he was sorry? “Thank you…I’m so sorry.”

Max could see that Alex thought he was angry. “No, Alex. I’m sorry I scared you. She’s going to be fine.”

Alex leaned over and kissed Lily gently then walked around the bed and faced his father. “I don’t know how I can ever repay you for saving my family…Dad.”

Max couldn’t believe what he had just heard, but he knew he’d heard correctly. Alex had called him Dad. Very unsure of himself Max extended his arms and embraced his son. Max had waited years for this. It was a dream and he prayed he wouldn’t wake up.

~~~~~~~

Diane had waited for everything to settle down before going to see everyone else. She had wanted to make sure Lily and the babies were all right before she left. She knocked on the door to the room and was not surprised that Michael was the one to answer. He looked like a mess, which made her smile. When she walked in all of the men in the room stood up. She hadn’t realized they would be worried. She just figured they would assume it was the labor that was taking so long.

“Is she…is she ok? The babies?” Michael looked like a scared child now, but so did all of the men surrounding him.

“She’s fine. They’re all fine.” Diane decided not to tell them at this point how bad things had gotten. She much preferred to deliver the good news. “A boy and a girl…they’re absolutely beautiful.”

“Can we see them? Her? All of them?” Phillip was normally so composed, but these were his great-grandchildren.

“Yes. They just asked for a few minutes.” Diane smiled at Phillip.

“Thank God they’re all ok.” Jim breathed a heavy sigh of relief.
“Yeah…how’s Max? Is he holding up ok?” Michael knew Maxwell and he knew he had been scared.

“Max is fine. Exhausted, but fine.” Diane walked over to Michael and before he could object she hugged him tightly. She was surprised when the embrace was returned. Slowly she moved away from Michael and looked to Kyle. He was standing like a statue a few feet away. “Kyle? Is everything all right?”

“Yeah…I was just…well you know…a little worried.” Kyle had been petrified, but he wanted to make sure no one knew that.

“So…what did I miss in here? I’m sure you guys have done a lot of catching up.” Diane was so happy to see the boys again. She hadn’t really known them very well before they left Roswell, but she knew how important they were to her kids.

“Well, the boys filled us in on everything that they’ve been up to and Jeff was able to call Liz.” Jim smiled shyly.

“Oh, Jeff. I’m so happy for you. How was she?” Diane realized she hadn’t had time to even ask Max about Liz.

“She’s good…misses home a lot.” Jeff was a little choked up when talking about Liz so he chose not to say much.

“I’m glad. Hopefully Max will tell us more when he has the time. He’s just a little preoccupied right now. And Maria? Was Jim able to speak with her?”

Everyone in the room began to laugh except Jim who was blushing. “Yes…I spoke with Maria…briefly.”

“Before she fainted!” Kyle couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of his new sister hitting the floor after hearing that their parents were married.

“Oh dear. Is she all right?" Diane was truly concerned.

“Yes…she’s fine. Just a little shocked to hear what has been going on in Roswell.”

“Was she happy to hear about Sidra?”

“Well, I’m not really sure. She fainted rather quickly so I didn’t get much of a response.” Jim said nervously.

“Dad! The fainting was her response!” Kyle said sarcastically.

“Oh.” Diane smiled too. She knew how worried Jim had been for years about the day he would finally have to tell Maria he had married her mother. “Well…I think we could go see Max now. We’ve given them some time.”

Everyone headed for the door together…Michael and Kyle actually crashing into one another forcing Diane to separate them. They all stepped out the door carefully taking in their surroundings. The hotel seemed almost deserted. There was some chatter coming from the pool in the distance, but no one close enough to see them. When they reached the door the men all stood there nervously. Diane smiled thinking about how men were supposed to be the strong ones. Diane used the key Max had given her and unlocked the door. She peeked in to get Max’s approval before entering. He actually looked a little relieved to see everyone. Lily and Alex looked up from the bed and smiled widely as everyone came in.

Michael saw the two small infants in Lily’s arms and his heart instantly ached for Maria and Eli. “Hey Maxwell. You ok? You look tired.”

“Yeah, I’m ok. I think the day is just catching up with me. So, are you guys gonna come check out my grand kids?” Now Max was smiling proudly.

“Wow, Max! I just realized you’re old!” Kyle snickered, but was immediately slapped in the head by Diane. “Hey! I’m just being honest! Alex, you made your dad a grandfather at the early age of thirty-four. Ouch!” This time Kyle ducked before Diane could hit him.

“Can I hold one? Or both? Can I hold both of them?” Phillip was stuttering like a teenager.

“Lily? Is it ok?” Max wanted to make sure she was comfortable.

Lily grinned. “Of course, you’re their great-grandfather.”

Phillip winced at the words…now he knew he was the old one. He looked at Diane who was just smiling proudly. She didn’t care how old it made her sound. She was just proud. “Don’t remind me, Lily. I’m not getting my walker just yet.” He slowly approached the bed and waited for Alex to hand him one of the infants. He was holding his great-granddaughter…it was so surreal. He hadn’t been there when his grandchildren were born and Max and Isabel were already six when they had adopted them. He was a little uncomfortable holding an infant, but didn’t even want to think about putting her down. “So…have you come up with any names yet?”

Lily smiled. “Actually…I’ve been thinking about it for a while now, but Alex and I haven’t really discussed it yet.” She smiled over at Alex, contently holding his son.

“I’m so happy that they’re all right…I don’t really care what we name them. I trust you. If you’ve been thinking about it I’m sure the names are perfect, like you.” He kissed her on the cheek and she giggled.

“Ok…well then I’d like to introduce you to Cory Alexander…it means chosen defender. And Amberlee Elizabeth…Amberlee means immortal.”

Max looked at the happy faces around the room. “Cory and Amberlee. They’re perfect.” Everyone nodded in agreement and moved in closer to see the two children. Max noticed that Kyle was staring at them with an odd expression on his face. “Kyle? What are you thinking?”

“Well…I was just wondering…what their last names are gonna be?”

Max hoped they would carry the Evans name, but he wasn’t sure he had that right. Now Max feared them returning home…wherever that might be.


TBC

Hello to all! This chapter is a little shorter than usual, but I wanted to post before the weekend! Enjoy!
:smilecolros:

CHAPTER 12A


“I can’t believe you two! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?” Isabel was standing in front of Liz and Maria, both conscious now, but wishing they weren’t.

Liz gently massaged her temples. Sometimes the connections with Lily were so strong they gave her a migraine. “Isabel, we didn’t exactly MEAN to do anything to you. I’m sorry if her Royal Highness was inconvenienced!”

Isabel felt a sudden pang of guilt. She didn’t mean to be a bitch, but under the current circumstances she wasn’t handling stress very well. “I’m sorry, Liz. You just scared me.” Isabel bent down and wrapped both arms around the woman who had become her sister many years ago. “I’m really sorry, Liz.”

“It’s ok, Isabel. I know you were just worried.” Liz slowly stood up holding her back where she had hit it. One of these days she was going to end up breaking a bone.

“Are you hurt, Liz?” Now Isabel sounded genuinely concerned. Whenever one of them seemed to be injured her mothering instincts came out full force. “Here, Liz.” She placed an arm around Liz and helped her to the couch. “You should lie down for a while…you don’t look so good.”

“Thanks, Isabel.” Even when Isabel was trying to help it always came out wrong. When is she going to learn that ‘you don’t look so good’ is a polite way for saying ‘you look like shit’?

“Hello! Does anyone remember me? I fainted first!” Maria had already picked herself up and was standing with both hands on her hips.

“Maria, you fainted because you’re a drama queen…Liz obviously fainted because of…Lily?” Isabel hoped it had been Lily, because if Liz had fainted for any other reason Max would kill her when he got back. After all, she was supposed to be taking care of Liz.

That caught Maria’s attention and she ran to her best friend’s side. “Oh, Liz. I’m sorry. Are you ok?”

Liz closed her eyes and wished the throbbing would go away. “Yes, it was Lily…things aren’t going too well down there.” Liz didn’t bother opening her eyes. She knew their panicked faces well enough.

“What do you mean not going well? Are Max, Michael, and Kyle all right?” The thought of losing any of them terrified Isabel, but at that moment her thoughts went straight to her roommate, Kyle.

“It’s not them…” Liz wondered how much she should tell them. At this point they could do nothing. “Lily’s labor just isn’t going as smoothly as we hoped.”

“You’re not telling us everything! I know you, Liz…what’s wrong?” Maria could always tell when Liz was being less than truthful…is was HER gift.

“Maria, there’s nothing we can do from here. Max will call when he has answers. You know that.” Liz was still massaging her temples when she heard the voice.

We’re already a bunch of freaks and now Dad’s gonna bring back some more. Why couldn’t Zan just stay gone? Things are bad enough as it is! Look at what it’s doing to my mom. Doesn’t he even care?

Liz didn’t want to deal with this right now, but she knew she’d better deal with it before it got any worse. Sometimes she hated her gifts! Especially now that Mikey was a teenager…the last thing she usually wanted to know was what was going through his mind. Lucky for her this only happened when tensions ran high so it wasn’t an everyday occurrence. “Mikey, come in here.” She knew he was standing in the foyer just outside of the living room. She could sense him.

Isabel and Maria looked at each other. They didn’t see Mikey. Was Liz hallucinating?

“No, I’m not hallucinating and Mikey I already know you’re there so get in here…NOW!” Peace. All she wanted was some peace and quiet. Was that really too much to ask for?

Mikey slowly walked into the living room with his hands in his pockets and his head hung low. He should’ve known better. “Yeah, Mom?”

“Don’t ‘Yeah mom’ me…I heard that! That isn’t really what you think is it? We’re not freaks, Mikey and you should be thankful for your gifts. They come from your father and you’re lucky to have him.” It always angered Liz when he did this. He was just starting to come into his powers so Liz understood that he was scared, but it didn’t give him the right to belittle his father.

Mikey felt horrible. He loved his parents, but he didn’t want this. “Mom, I know I’m lucky to have both of you, but I can’t help it. I don’t want to be like this.”

“Mikey, I know this is scary and I’m sorry for that. But if you’re waiting for me to apologize for having given birth to you, you’ll be waiting a really long time. I wouldn’t be alive today if it weren’t for these GIFTS you hate so much, and as for your existence…you were created out of love and no matter how much you try to make me regret it I happen to love you.” When Liz opened her eyes she could see that Isabel and Maria had backed away and were standing in the foyer, but Mikey was standing next to the love seat a few feet away. Liz sat up slightly and patted the cushion indicating that she wanted Mikey to come sit down. “Come here…let’s talk about this, ok?”

Mikey walked over next to his mother but didn’t sit down. “Mom, as much as I love you you’re going to have to accept that I don’t want this. Trust me, I’d give anything not to feel this way, but I do. I just wanted to be normal and now that’s something I can never be.”

“Mikey, you can be as normal as you want to be. No one here knows anything about us, and you don’t have to use your powers if you don’t want to. We would never force you to learn how to use them unless we truly felt like you were in danger of not understanding them. It’s been years…we’re safe here.” Liz stood up and faced her son, already a good three inches taller than she was. She raised a hand to his cheek and pulled until he was looking into her eyes. “I love you, sweetheart. I would never force you to do something you weren’t comfortable with. You don’t have to use your gifts, but respect those of us around you that choose to. We do it for our own safety.”

Mikey wanted to reassure his mother that he was all right, but he wasn’t. All these gifts had ever brought them was heartache. “I’m sorry, Mom. It’s just not that simple.” With that he turned and headed towards the stairs.

Liz watched as her son walked away from her. She didn’t know how to deal with this alone, so for the moment it would have to wait. She looked again at Isabel and Maria who were pretending they hadn’t heard a thing. “Come on back in here you two. I know you heard. It’s my problem and I’ll handle it later.”

Isabel looked sadly at Liz. She had no idea her nephew had felt that way about all of them. She just figured he was a normal obnoxious teenager. “I’m sorry, Liz. I know that had to be hard…especially with everything else going on right now.”

“Yeah, but can I really blame him? Haven’t we all felt this way at one point or another? Liz laid back down on the couch and closed her eyes. Her head was pounding.

“Well, it does explain one thing…” Isabel smiled to herself, “at least now I know why he really likes Maria more than me. I mean face it…I’m much more fun.”

“What exactly do you mean by that?” Maria was irritated now.

“Well, you’re the only human. It makes sense. He’s not threatened by you.” Isabel said casually.

Liz could already feel the catfight coming on. Why did they always have to do this? “That’s quite enough, Isabel. Maybe Mikey just likes Maria because she’s funny and hip.”

“If you say so…but I’m starting to think I may be able to help him out. Remember when we were kids? I was the one that wanted to be normal so I totally understand where he’s coming from.” Isabel looked towards the stairs sure that Mikey had retreated to his bedroom. “Maybe I’ll just have a chat with him.” Isabel didn’t wait for a response but just started up the stairs.

“Are you sure Isabel’s a good influence on him?” Maria pointed in the direction Isabel had just headed in.

“No. Well, yes. Maybe. I don’t know…right now she can’t really hurt.” Liz looked at her best friend and realized she hadn’t had the opportunity to ask her about her chat with the sheriff. She smiled. “So, what all did Jim have to say?”

“He married my mother, Liz! My mother! The hippie! Oh gross, he said they have a daughter! Wait that means I have a sister? I’m linked to Kyle forever now?” Maria was in her own world now just babbling along.

Liz had to laugh. It was the only funny thing to come out of tonight. Maria and Kyle as brother and sister? God help us!

~~~~~~~

“What do you mean you didn’t see anything?” Agent Sullivan was screaming at Agent Acquaviva and had been since he’d finally regained consciousness.

“When you’re done screaming at me maybe I’ll talk.” Agent Acquaviva turned his back to Agent Sullivan. He knew it was a childish gesture, but one he knew would work on Agent Sullivan.

“Pete, man. Come on?” Agent Sullivan whined.

“Nope, you want to be an ass and you haven’t even thanked me for saving your life.” If he could change the subject it would be great, but he knew even if it worked it would only be a temporary solution.

“Ok, thank you. Thank you for coming along when you did. Which actually brings me back to why you were even there in the first place? How could you have not seen them?”

Apparently, very temporary. “Look, I already told you…I followed you for back up, but I got a flat. I was at least twenty minutes behind you.” He was glad he’d thought to put on the spare tire while he waited for the Evans to get far enough away.

“That’s just great! Now what? You know we’re both gonna get it for this screw up! I’m not taking all the blame here!”

“Surprise, surprise! You never do.” Agent Acquaviva said as he walked out of the hospital emergency room. He had to find the Evans and get them back home before someone noticed they were missing.

~~~~~~~

“Hey, Mom?” Max called to his mother forcing her to tear herself away from the babies. They had been awake on and off and his mom appeared to be in heaven. When she finally joined him he whispered softly since the babies had once again drifted off to sleep. “I need to go call Liz. It’s almost midnight and I’m willing to bet that Maria and Isabel are probably near hysteria by now.” Max pulled on his coat while he spoke to his mother. “Can you do me a favor?”

“Sure, honey. Anything.”

“Well, I know everyone’s excited but Lily really should get some rest. Do you think you could figure out the sleeping arrangements for everyone and try to get them settled down? Tomorrow’s gonna be a long day.”

“Of course. You’re right. We’re just so happy for you. You’re not only a grandpa, but you have your son back.” Diane smiled at Max and almost began to cry again.

“Yeah, I know. I’m a grandpa! How did that happen?” Max actually let out a laugh finally.

“Well, he’s his father’s son.”

Max laughed again. “Yeah, I guess so. Mom…he called me Dad.” Max couldn’t help it now. He started to cry, but quickly wiped away the tears.

“Max, you are his father…maybe memories really do last?” Diane remembered back to the morning Max had said good-bye to Zan. He’d given him a memory, of what she didn’t know exactly, but it must have worked.

“A memory. But do you think he’ll leave again or come back with me?” It was the question that had been on his mind since Kyle had asked about the babies’ last names. “What if he leaves me again? Mom, I don’t know if I can let him go again.” Max glanced over at Alex. He was surrounded by Max’s family and friends, where he seemed to fit right in.

“Max, whatever does happen…I don’t think he’ll walk away from you again. Not after tonight.” Diane smiled at her son. So proud of the man he had become in her absence.

“I hope not. Do you think I could borrow the keys to your truck? I need to call Liz and it’s still coming down pretty hard out there.”

“Sure. Let me get them from your dad.” Diane walked over and whispered something to Phillip and he nodded and handed her the keys. “Here you go, sweetheart. Give her our love. And your sister…tell her we WILL talk tomorrow.”

Max smiled at his mother and pulled up his hood. He didn’t want to go out into the rain, but he had to hear Liz’s sweet voice.

~~~~~~~

Maria heard the phone ring and tried to stifle a yawn. “Who could that be? It’s so late.”

“Max! I know it’s Max!” Liz ran to the kitchen where she’d left the phone and answered it quickly. “Max!”

He almost cried just at the sound of her voice. “Liz, it’s me! I miss you, baby! I love you so much!”

Liz was already crying. “Max, I was so scared. How’s Lily? The babies? I miss you too!”

“They’re fine, Liz…thanks to you.”

“No, Max. You did it. I just helped a little.”

“Liz, they’re so beautiful! I wish you were here.”

“I’ll meet them soon enough. How’s Zan? I mean Alex. How’s Alex?”

“Great, really great! Liz, he called me Dad.”

Liz could hear it in Max’s voice and she could feel everything he was feeling. “Oh, Max. I know what that means to you.”

“I just wonder if it’ll last? If he even meant it? He said it at a very emotional time.”

“Max…I’m sure he meant it.” She said gently.

“Liz!” Isabel came racing down the stairs and was panting so hard she could barely breath.

“Isabel? What? Max hold on.” Liz placed her hand over the receiver.

“He’s gone!” Isabel tried to catch her breath. “Mikey…he’s gone!”

“What? No, he has to be in his room.”

“I checked…and Beth’s room too. He’s gone!”

“Oh my God! Max, Mikey’s gone!” Liz was becoming hysterical. “He was upset! I tried to talk to him. Max, he’s gone! What should I do?”

Max heard the words come through the phone, but didn’t want to believe them. He’d found one son tonight and lost another.



TBC

You guys totally crack me up! I see my sister has sparked a trend in the usage of colors!!! Hee-hee Onto the chapter...I hope you like it!

CHAPTER 12B


“Lily, do you need anything before we go to bed?” Diane didn’t want to leave her great-grandchildren for a single moment, but she knew Max was right. They all needed rest.

“No. Thank you, Diane. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me…for us.” Lily looked over at Alex who had fallen asleep in the chair next to her bed. He looked so peaceful. She hated that she would have to wake him. He couldn’t sleep in that chair. “Do you think Max will be staying in here with us?” Lily didn’t want to be left alone just yet. Being a mother was a whole new experience for her and she was already exhausted.

“Yes. Max is planning on staying in here with you, Alex, and the twins.” Diane smiled down at the sleeping babies on the bed. “He’ll be here if you need anything. Jim, Kyle, and Michael have settled into their room for the night and Phillip and I were lucky enough to get a room next door. Jeff, Mr. Parker, will be staying in there with us, so if you need anything please don’t hesitate to call me.” Diane bent over and kissed Lily gently on the forehead. “Good night, my sweet girl.” She brushed a finger gently over each of the twins’ cheeks. They were so precious.

Suddenly Lily looked confused. “Where should I put the babies for tonight? I can’t leave Alex in that chair…he’ll regret it tomorrow.”

“Actually, Phillip picked something up for you. I had completely forgot about it until now. I guess my mind isn’t as sharp as it used to be.” Diane smiled and winked at Lily. “I’ll be right back.”

After Diane had left Lily looked around her. This was her family. She couldn’t get over the beauty of her newborns. Lily knew that new mothers most likely felt the same way, but there was just something so amazing about them. Their beauty was almost otherworldly. She giggled to herself…actually they were kind of otherworldly! She couldn’t wait to see if they developed powers and if so what would they be? How soon? The whole situation, which should have frightened her, intrigued her. She couldn’t help but wonder what Alex’s gifts would be once Max trained him to use them. She had already decided that they would be heading home with Max and leaving their former lives behind. She missed her mother. Lily wondered what she would think of her new grandchildren, but she knew they could never go back home. She loved both of her parents, but they had always been extremely close-minded…they would turn Alex over to the authorities for sure. She would never let that happen to the man she planned to marry and spend her life with. Lily was so excited about meeting Liz. Liz had been through everything Lily was now faced with and she had faith that Liz would help her through this. So many different emotions were running through her head right now that she could barely keep them straight. She was still off in her own little world when Diane and Phillip came back into the room.

“Lily?” Phillip was smiling from ear to ear. He had the privilege of giving his great-grandchildren their first gifts.

Lily looked up to see Phillip standing just inside the door smiling widely. In his arms were two small traveling bassinets. One pink and one blue. “Mr. Evans…you shouldn’t have…when did you…how did you?” Lily just couldn’t believe her eyes.

“Well, Lily…I knew you were going to be traveling and the babies would need something to sleep in…so I went shopping.” Phillip was grinning and next to him Diane was crying tears of joy. “The morning after I saw Jeff, Mr. Parker, I decided to do something I’d never had the opportunity to do before…go shopping for babies.” Phillip had always been so proud of Isabel and Max, but he had also missed out on never having a baby around. He’d always hoped for grandchildren, but fate dealt him a painful card there too. “I hope you like them. Unfortunately we don’t really have time to take them back. I…kind of…well…I bought some other things too. I hope you don’t mind.”

Lily’s eyes were moist with tears. How had she been so lucky? To not only find someone like Alex to spend her life with, but to find such a wonderful family. “No…I don’t mind. I hadn’t thought…” Lily just didn’t have the words to say thank you. It didn’t seem like enough anymore.

“Lily, he had so much fun doing this for you. I just wish I could’ve gone with him.” Diane shot Phillip a sarcastic smile. “He didn’t even tell me until earlier this evening on the way here. He’d been hiding all of this stuff in the back of the truck.” Diane smiled, pleased to see Lily so excited.

“There’s more…should I go get it?” Phillip asked waiting for permission.

“Of course…please.” Lily just smiled. She wished Alex were awake to see everything his grandfather had done.

After a few minutes of chatting quietly with Lily Phillip returned to the room with more bags than he could really carry. “My God, Phillip! Did you buy the entire store?” Diane looked through the bags finding clothes, diapers, blankets, towels, washcloths, and pretty much anything else a baby could ever need. He’d picked out many outfits for the twins…different colors, but very much the same. Diane watched from the side as Phillip unloaded everything he had purchased and babbled away to Lily, who was staring in awe at each new thing he pulled from the bags.

“Phillip, I don’t know what to say. I mean thank you. Obviously thank you, but it just doesn’t seem like anywhere near enough for what you’ve done for us…for my family.” Lily was practically whispering trying to fight the emotions that were threatening to take over.

Phillip continued to smile, but knelt down beside the bed where Lily had been lying all evening. “Lily, you’re my family. You may think we’ve helped you, but you’ve done so much more for us. You not only brought our grandson back to us, but our son too. And now we have these beautiful great-grandchildren…” Phillip was starting to get choked up at this point, which was something he seemed to be doing a lot of the past few days.

“You’ll never know what this means to me, but now I know how much it will hurt you when we leave.” Lily didn’t want to spoil the mood, but she knew it was something that needed to be said.

Phillip nodded, but when he looked at Lily didn’t look disappointed. “Lily, sweetheart. I’m not letting my family go again. I don’t know how we can make this work, but I know we will. I need my son, my grandson, and these two beautiful babies right here. And I need my daughter. Our lives have been so empty for so long…I can’t go back to that. Can you?” Phillip looked at Diane smiling and knew instantly that she felt the same. They finally had their family back…one way or another they would make it work.

~~~~~~~

“Liz, you have to calm down and talk to me.” Max was doing his best to stay calm, but he was completely helpless, hundreds of miles away. “What did he say to you? Exactly? You said he was upset…about what? What is the last thing you remember?”

Liz was trying to breath while Maria held Cedar oil beneath her nostrils. Liz hated to admit that sometimes the damn stuff actually worked, however, this was not one of those times. Maria was on the verge of panicking and Isabel was pacing the room like Michael would usually do. Neither one of them were calm enough to help her. She needed Max. “He said we were freaks and he wanted no part of it. He said he wanted normal and couldn’t accept this. Max, do you think he’ll come back? It’s not like I can call the police.”

Max didn’t know what to say to help Liz. Nothing could calm a mother’s fears when her child was missing and right now she needed him and he was gone too. “Liz…I’m leaving. I’ll be on the next possible flight. Don’t call the police. I know it’s hard, but just sit tight…I’ll be home soon.”

“Sit tight! Max, have you lost your mind? Sit tight! My son, an irresponsible thirteen year old with undeveloped, emerging alien powers is missing and you want me to sit tight?” Liz was furious now! How dare he? She handed the phone to Isabel and headed for the stairs. “Tell your brother he’ll be lucky if I don’t kill him when he gets here!” She yelled over her shoulder as she stomped up the stairs to check on her remaining child.

Isabel waited for Liz to disappear before speaking to Max. “Are you an idiot, Max? Sit tight? Do you know what we’ve been through today? I know you’ve dealt with a lot but so have we! What are you going to do, Max? It had better be good!” Max had managed to irritate her past panicking!

“Isabel, I’m gonna be on the next flight home. I want you to try dreamwalking him every ten minutes, if possible, until I get there. Sooner or later he’ll have to sleep. If you get through…look around you. See if you can make out a location. It may not work in his dream, but right now it’s all we can do. I’ll be there soon.” Max hung up the phone without waiting for a response. He was running to his hotel room. Michael and Kyle weren’t going to like what they heard and he wasn’t ready to say good-bye to his parents yet!

~~~~~~~

Maria looked at Isabel, still holding the phone in her hand. “Iz? What now?”

Isabel placed the phone gently on the coffee table and sat down. “I don’t know, Maria. Max is coming home and he wants me to try dreamwalking Mikey until he gets here. What choice do we have? Why would Mikey do this?”

“Because he knew we couldn’t stop him. He knew we couldn’t call the police, so he left. What if we don’t find him, Isabel?” Maria was scared. Mikey had been rebellious for months, but now he had put them all in danger.

“Well?” Liz said from the entrance to the living room. “What does he think we should do?”

“He’s on his way home, Liz. All we can do is wait,” and pray Isabel thought to herself.

~~~~~~~

“Good to see you, Evans!” The kid reached out to smack his hand. “We’ve been wondering where you’ve been.”

“Yeah, Mikey. Where ya been?’ Sarah said between puffs of the cigarette she was smoking.

Mikey knew he shouldn’t be here, but he had no other place to go. Tom and Sarah would let him hang out and keep him from going home. He didn’t want to go home. HE DIDN’T! They were a bunch of freaks and his only chance at being normal was staying away. “Got tired of the parental units and split…need a place to crash, got someplace?” Tom and Sarah had finally dropped out of school not long ago after the principal threatened expulsion. They were ‘the wrong element’ as his father always put it and they were masters at hiding. If he didn’t want to be found…he wouldn’t with them.

Tom smirked and winked at Sarah, “sure, but it’ll cost ya.”

“Like what?” Mikey was a little nervous. Any plan of Tom’s was always illegal.

“Don’t worry. You’re my boy…I’ll hook you up. Here take this.” Tom held a small packet out to Mikey, “it’ll calm your nerves and we’ll get down to business.”

“Come on, Mikey.” Sarah whispered seductively in Mikey’s ear. “Don’t you wanna play?”

Mikey held the small packet between his fingers…after all, his father wasn’t here…what the hell could it hurt. Mikey poured a small amount of the white powder onto his hand like he’d seen Tom do a hundred times. What could it really hurt? Calm my nerves he repeated to himself…calm my nerves and with that he inhaled.

~~~~~~~

Max practically propelled himself through the hotel room door startling everyone inside. He’d even managed to wake Alex with all the commotion. “Mom, Dad! I have to go! I don’t want to but I have to.”

“Max, what are you talking about? Everyone needs to get a good nights rest and you look exhausted yourself, son.” Phillip brushed his hair away from his face like he was still a child.

“No, Dad! Not everyone! Just me! Mikey’s missing…he ran away. Liz is upset…she’s worried. I have to go help her find him. Dad, he’s in more danger than he knows.”

“Max, what are you talking about?” Phillip was angry. He’d waited too many years for this time and he wasn’t ready to give it up!

“Mom, Dad…his powers…they’ve just started coming out. He has no clue what he’s capable of and our powers are intensified by our emotions. Liz said he was upset…he could hurt himself or someone else. I have to go.” Max saw Alex stand up out of the corner of his eye and he didn’t look happy.

“Are you abandoning me again?” He knew it was cold, but it was also straight to the point.

Max hated having to choose between his two sons. No parent should ever be faced with that decision, but right now Mikey was the one in imminent danger. “Alex, I’m not abandoning you. Not now, not ever! But my son, your brother, has run away and we can’t call the police. He’s been hanging out with the wrong crowd…a dangerous crowd and I don’t even want to speculate what could happen to him.” Max walked over and placed a hand on Alex’s shoulder. “You needed me and I came…now he needs me.”

“What about us?” Lily was terrified. They couldn’t protect themselves and now there were two more of them.

“I trust Michael and Kyle with my life and the lives of anyone in my family. They won’t let you down. They’ll bring you safely to me…to your new home.” Max tried to smile hoping to reassure Alex, but he was obviously too angry right now. “I know you don’t understand this, but I have to go. I’ll see you in two days…tops!” Max hugged his son fiercely now and then turned away. “Mom, Dad…I’m sorry, but I have to go. He needs me.”

Diane held onto Max, not wanting to let go. Phillip stood his ground…he didn’t want to watch his son walk away again. He couldn’t, but once again Max wasn’t giving him a choice. “Max? You can’t just leave us like this again. You can’t!”

“Dad…if you were me could you stand here knowing your son was in danger and do nothing?” He watched Phillip shake his head. “I didn’t think so. Mom, I want you to make sure everyone gets a lot of rest before getting on the road…even if it takes an extra day.” Max took out two ten-dollar bills from his wallet and waved his hand over them to make hundreds. “Here, this will cover the rooms…no credit cards. I love you and I promise you we’ll find a way. I’m not just disappearing again. Get my cell phone number from Michael and call when you know a line is secure. Never from home or work…NEVER! And tomorrow call Iz…she misses you so much.” Max kissed his mother and shook his father’s hand. “I love you…I’ll be in touch.” He was gone as quickly as he’d come. He had to find Michael. He knocked on the door and wasn’t surprised when he was greeted with an extremely tired and angry Kyle.

“Evans, what did I ever do to you? Huh? All I want is some sleep…go away.” Kyle started to wave Max away but Max pushed through him.

“We’ve got major problems!” Max announced without hesitation once the door was closed.

“Nice to see you too, Max. So nice of you to drop in with a happy gram!” Kyle collapsed back onto the bed he’d been sleeping in and growled aloud before sitting back up. “What now?”

“Maxwell? What’s wrong?” Michael was standing at attention immediately…the soldier instincts always came out when situations were rough.

There was no easy way to say this and he didn’t have time to be pleasant. “Mikey ran away tonight, the girls are a mess, and I’m flying home. Any questions?”

“Dammit! I was dreaming about a super model too!” Kyle groaned with open disgust. “What about Alex and Lily? The babies?”

“Well…you and Michael are gonna drive them back.” Max waited for the explosion that was coming.

“WHAT! NO! No man! Can’t do it! I don’t do the whole…kid thing.” Kyle was dead set against this plan. Max was the father figure here not him. He was the bachelor in this scenario and he liked it that way.

“Kyle…did I give you the impression I was asking?” Max spoke sarcastically.

Michael spoke up before Kyle could stick another foot in his mouth. “You got it, Maxwell. We’ll handle it. You get home and find Mikey. Hopefully it’s not too late.” Michael and Max shook hands and a shared a manly half hug. “Be careful, Maxwell.”

“You too. And Kyle…don’t screw up my grandchildren.” Max said as he turned to leave.

“Me? What about Spaceboy over here? I’m the responsible one.”

“Definitely an argument for another time, Kyle. Good luck and come home in one piece.” Max winked and left their room with both men standing there bewildered. Max had one more stop. He stood at the door afraid to knock, but he had no time to waste. When Mr. Parker finally answered the door Max could hardly find his own voice. “Mr. Parker? I know it’s late…but I need your help.”

Within a matter of minutes Jeff had borrowed Jim’s keys and they were headed for El Paso. Max only had 50 miles to fill Jeff Parker in on his life with his daughter, but he had to make it worth it. He owed Mr. Parker that much.

~~~~~~~

Isabel had been concentrating and attempting to dreamwalk Mikey for almost an hour, but nothing was working. She knew with each passing minute he could be in more danger, but she didn’t say that to Liz who was sitting a few feet away, obviously worried. “Nothing yet, Liz, but I’ll keep trying.”

Liz just nodded. She couldn’t speak right now. So many things were going through her mind right now…horrible things. Not just about what could be happening to Mikey right now, but also why he was gone in the first place. Max was gone. Off helping his OTHER SON while their son was missing. She couldn’t help but think of Tess right now. For a moment she wondered if Tess was watching down on them from Heaven and smiling, but then she realized Tess was in hell! So many years had passed and yet here she was again. Tess was winning again. Maybe not directly, but if Zan had never been born then Mikey would be at home, safe in his own bed. She knew it was irrational thinking and not fair to blame Zan, but he wasn’t her son. How was she going to feel when he came to live with them? She thought she could accept it, but could she really? Liz felt ashamed just for thinking this way, but right now she didn’t care. What mattered right now was Mikey and nothing else.

Oh my God! Isabel had been momentarily happy when she realized she’d finally gotten in, but now she was horrified by what she saw. Something was wrong with Mikey. It felt just like the time she had dreamwalked Max in the white room…he appeared to be drugged. He wasn’t locked up though…he was stumbling around. He wasn’t alone, but she couldn’t make out the faces of the people around him. Immediately she rushed to his side as he slipped and hit the pavement.

“Mikey? Mikey, it’s me…Isabel. Can you hear me? Mikey?” Isabel looked down and noticed his eyes rolling back in his head. Oh my God, this can’t be happening! “Mikey, please? Please look at me!” After what seemed like forever Mikey finally met her gaze.

“Aunt Iz? What’re ya doin’ here?” His head was rolling back and forth and everything around him was spinning.

“Mikey, what happened? Who did this to you?” Isabel was crying. It brought back the painful memory of the white room and she feared someone had taken Mikey.

“Me…I did this to me.” He slowly rolled over and tried to pick himself up. “I don’t want you here! You’re a freak too! Go away!”

“Mikey, man! Who ya talkin’ too?” Another man stumbled up to her nephew.

Isabel looked at him. He looked way too old to be hanging around with a kid like Mikey. He was only thirteen. He said he’d done this to himself, but how? “Mikey? Mikey, you have to tell me what you did.” Isabel was standing as close to him as she could, but he was attempting to stand on his own and swaying back and forth in the process.

“I calmed my nerves.” Mikey giggled at the thought. He’d certainly calmed his nerves. He felt nothing.

“Calmed your nerves? Mikey, what are you talking about?” Isabel was still pleading with him to tell her what was going on, when she noticed his expression turn dark.

“I said get the hell out of here!” Mikey held up his hand and released all of his energy sending Tom and Sarah, who had been standing close by, flying. They both hit the brick walls of the alley and were immediately knocked unconscious.

“OH NO! Mikey, what did you do?”

“I didn’t mean…I didn’t want to…hurt anybody. I’m a freak! I told you!” And with that, Mikey passed out on the pavement.

“Mikey? Mikey, NO! You have to get up! Mikey, it’s me, Iz! Wake up, Mikey! Please wake up! Don’t do this!” Isabel sat there holding Mikey’s head in her lap and cried. She needed Max!

~~~~~~~

“So, Max…I’m sure there’s a reason you picked me to drive you to the airport. What’s going on?” Jeff liked Max very much and he could tell Max had a heavy heart just now.

“Well…I wanted to tell you about Liz. About our kids, we have two. Mikey, he’s thirteen and Beth, she’s two.”

Jeff smiled. “So, I’m a grandpa? I figured I was by now, but I had no way of knowing. Is Lizzie happy?”

Max sighed out loud. “I know she was happy, but after all this I just don’t know…I’ve been good to her. Just so you know. I’ve loved her with every breath in me.”

“I know, Max. I always knew you would. I never got the chance to tell you how happy I was that Lizzie found you. I guess I really didn’t even fully understand everything until I received her journal. It made sense out of so any things. I wish you would’ve told me sooner, but I understand now why you didn’t.” Jeff gave a smile to Max and made him blush slightly.

Max felt like a kid again sitting here with Mr. Parker, explaining his intentions with his daughter. “There are so many things I would’ve done differently if I could go back.” Max noticed Mr. Parker’s eyebrows rise. “Not saving Liz! I wouldn’t take that back! She brought me to life. She’s so amazing Mr. Parker. She’s funny and kind. She’s so smart and loved life like no one else I’ve ever known. She’s a wonderful mother.” Max saw the tears come to Mr. Parker’s eyes now. “She’s like no one else. She’s perfect, Mr. Parker…you obviously did a great job raising her.”

Jeff was crying, but he didn’t care. He missed Lizzie so much! “Max, there’s something we got to talk about.”

Max gulped waiting for the shoe to drop. “Yes sir?”

“Why don’t you try calling me ‘Dad’…it’s about time.” Jeff smiled through his tears.

“Ok…Dad.” They drove in silence for a few minutes.

~~~~~~~

Maria came back into the living room after checking on the girls. She was completely exhausted and slumped down on the sofa. She looked at Liz, who was eyeing Isabel hopefully. “Liz? You ok, Hun?”

“I think she got in. It’s been a few minutes and she hasn’t said a word. I think she’s going to bring him home to me.” Liz was sure Isabel could do it. All she had needed was to get in and she had.

“Liz, honey…don’t get your hopes up. It’s a lot easier to squash them that way.”

“Maria…she has to make him come home…she’s my last hope.” Liz continued to watch Isabel and prayed Mikey would be home before Max even got here.

“Mikey? Mikey! Wake-up!” Isabel had constantly been trying to make Mikey wake up, but nothing was working. “Mikey, I hope you can hear me…I have to get your mother. Just hold on, Mikey. I’ll be back soon.” She kissed his cheek and the dreamwalk ended.

Isabel looked into Liz’s eyes so full of hope that her baby boy was coming home. How was Isabel supposed to tell Liz what she had seen? This was going to terrify her, but she could tell by the expression on Liz’s face that she already knew she had gotten in. Once again, she had no choice. “Liz…I don’t know how to say this…he’s unconscious.”

“You mean sleeping?” Liz said more positively.

“No, Liz. He’s taken something or someone has drugged him…he’s unconscious.” Isabel saw the terror in Liz’s eyes and wished Max were here to help her.

“NO! NO! NO!” Liz had jumped up off the couch and was screaming. It took all of Isabel and Maria’s strength to keep her from hurting one of them or herself.



TBC

CHAPTER 12C


Looking out the window of the Denver airport I could see the snow flurries placing a beautiful white blanket over everything. There was always something so beautiful about a perfectly white landscape left untouched. It made the world look peaceful and calm. Something I would’ve given anything for at this moment. Why did life always have to be so complicated? This should be a wonderful day for me. Welcoming into the world my grandchildren, but it wasn’t. It wasn’t for so many reasons. Obviously the most important being that they weren’t Liz’s grandchildren and mine. They were Tess’s. The very thought of her made my stomach turn. After fifteen years she was still ruining my life. I know that’s not completely true…I’m thankful to have Zan back and the thought of him not existing at all would be heartbreaking. However, I’d always wished that my first child would be with Liz. Even in the third grade I’d watched her and prayed (although I don’t really believe in God) that someday we would have a life together…a happy life. In many ways that dream had come true, but there had been a high price to pay for it. I love Zan because he’s my son, but he should’ve been Liz’s also. I’ve suffered for my betrayal for years and I’m finally coming to the realization that I always will. Now, because of my betrayal, our son, is missing. I knew before I left that I should make Mikey understand, but there hadn’t been time…everything had happened so quickly and now I was being punished once again for it. I keep replaying my conversation with Liz this morning over and over in my head. Her voice had been so cold, so distant, so accusing. She blamed me for this. There was no connection between us this morning. She’d been completely withdrawn and held her emotions away from me. It had been years since we’d been like this…not since Tess. It always came back to Tess. The words still stung even now, so many hours later.

“How can you do this to me, Max? Mikey, OUR SON, is missing and you’re there with Tess’s son? You left your family to help him…how could you?”

I knew immediately that she didn’t mean it. It wasn’t Liz. She would never blame a child for their parentage. She was frightened and obviously wasn’t handling it very well. I know that logically she understands that I did what I had to do, but when I get home I’ll be dealing with her heart. That’s what has me worried. Even after all of these years, I’ve known that my betrayal with Tess still sat so close to the surface. Liz never brought it up anymore and I know that she had forgiven me long ago, but now things were different. Zan was back in my life and would be coming to live with us in Seattle. Would Liz really be able to handle that? She’d been nothing but helpful with Lily, but would she be able to look into Zan’s eyes, Tess’s eyes, every day and not hate him for being Tess’s son? I thought it could all work…how could I have been so naïve? She would look into his brilliant blue eyes so much like his mother’s and she would see.

“Flight 847 leaving for Seattle now boarding at Gate 4.”

Max looked at his watch. He’d been sitting here for forty-five minutes trying to figure out what he could do, but everything came back to Liz this time. Would she be able to forgive him for this? Would she accept Zan? Max picked up his small carry on bag and walked towards the gate…he had two hours to figure out a way to make this right.

~~~~~~~

“Isabel?” Mikey stumbled over his feet and hit the pavement again. “Isabel!” She’d said she would come back. Where was she? Mikey tried to stand again, but his body would barely move. He felt…wrong. He knew that taking the drugs would make him feel numb, but this was different. He could barely lift his head and a wave of nausea swept over him every few minutes. He needed help, but he’d sent her away. He needed his aunt, his mom, his dad, anybody! “Isabel!” He lay on the pavement crying. He was alone. Tom and Sarah were lying unconscious about twenty feet away. He’d hurt them. His worst nightmares were unfolding around him and all he wanted was to go home. For once, he wished he knew how to use his powers…maybe then he could contact his mom, but he’d pushed everyone away. Called them freaks and look where it left him. What if he had killed Tom or Sarah? How would he ever be able to explain this to them? They couldn’t be trusted with his secret. Please let someone find me.

~~~~~~~

“Liz, I told you! I can’t get back in! I’m trying!” Isabel didn’t mean to scream, but she already felt guilty enough. She hated lying to Liz, but she couldn’t go back in without a plan. The nightmare of the ‘White Room’ kept going through her mind. She’d felt with Mikey, just how she had with Max…it had taken her years to get past what they’d done to Max. Now she felt like she was reliving it all. The overwhelming sense of nausea and dizziness were too much for her to bear. She hadn’t just seen what was happening to Mikey…she’d felt what he felt. That had only happened to her once before…the day she would never forget.

“You’re not trying hard enough! You got in! You have to go back! How could you just leave him alone?” Liz had been hysterical for hours since the moment they’d discovered Mikey was missing. She’d tried Maria’s damn Cedar oil, but it wasn’t going to bring her son back. “You have to keep trying!”

Maria stepped forward and took Liz by the shoulders. She’d been face to face with Isabel screaming and it wasn’t helping anything. “Liz, this isn’t helping. You have to calm down.”

“Calm down! Calm down! How can you say that to me, Maria? Is Eli upstairs? Is she safe? Don’t tell me to calm down!” Liz jerked free of Maria’s grasp and was face to face with Isabel once more. “You have to help him! You had him and you left him!”

“Liz, you still have one child upstairs that needs you. Do you think this is helping her? What if she hears you? You’ll scare the hell out of her!” Maria knew she was grasping at straws now, but if she could find something, anything to distract Liz right now it would be good. She was screaming loud enough to bother the neighbors. They didn’t need cops tonight.

Thinking of Beth, Liz took a step back. “I’m going to check on my daughter and when I come back I want answers.” Liz spoke so coldly it sent chills down Maria’s spine.

Maria waited until she knew Liz was upstairs before attempting to talk to Isabel. “Isabel? What’s going on?”

“Maria…I don’t think I can do this.” Isabel placed her head in her hands and began to sob.

“Are you concentrating enough? Is it Liz? I can keep Liz out if it will help you focus.” Maria leaned over to wipe Isabel’s loose hair away from her tear soaked face.

“No, Maria. I can get in, but I can’t.”

“Iz, Hun…you’re not making any sense.”

Isabel continued to cry while trying to explain to Maria what had happened. “I got in. I got in and I couldn’t handle it. It was just like before.”

Maria was confused. “Before what?”

“Max.” Isabel turned her face all the way up to look at Maria. “The ‘White Room’ with Max.”

Suddenly terror was displayed across Maria’s face. “You mean someone has him? You mean like the FBI?” Maria started to get louder with each spoken word.

Isabel jumped up to silence her before Liz heard her ranting. “Do you really want Liz to hear you?”

Maria shook her head and sat down. “Oh my God, Isabel. Who has him? I thought he just ran away.”

“He did run away, Maria.”

“Then why do you feel like he’s drugged?”

“I know he’s drugged, but I couldn’t see who had him. There’s something else, Maria…right before I came out of the dreamwalk I saw him throw two people against a brick wall.” Isabel had looked back down. She didn’t need to see Maria’s face this time, her gasp was enough.

Maria was holding her Cedar oil attempting to inhale, but she was breathing too fast. She felt like any moment now she was going to hyperventilate. This couldn’t be happening. Max, Michael, and Kyle were still gone. How were they supposed to find Mikey by themselves? “Wait, Isabel?

“What?” Isabel’s head was still hung low.

“Did you say brick wall?” Maria suddenly felt a small glimmer of hope.

“Yeah…why?”

Maria smiled. “Don’t you get it? A brick wall? Not exactly the kind of thing that the FBI would have in an interrogation room! The FBI must not have him!”

“We don’t know that! We don’t know where he is or with who. Besides, I told you he was drugged.”

“Hello! Isabel! He’s a kid! What kinds of dumb things do kids do?”

“You mean drugs? You think he took some drugs?” The thought horrified her. He’s only thirteen. Suddenly their conversation came back to her. He had said ‘I did this’ so it was a good possibility that Maria was right. “Oh God, Maria! You’ve seen what alcohol does to us! I can’t even imagine the damage drugs could do!”

Maria sat across from her. Her small glimmer of hopes fading quickly away. Just when she thought things couldn’t get any worse…they did.

“Did you say drugs?” Liz had just come back into the room and she knew what she had heard. “Answer me! Did you just say drugs?”

Isabel had not wanted to tell Liz until Max came home, but now she’d already heard. “Yes, Liz.” Isabel stood up slowly knowing Liz was about to become more irate. “When I got in I could feel it. He’s under some kind of influence. I thought the FBI might have taken him, but it didn’t fit with his surroundings. He’s somewhere in the city, Liz. And…he’s hurt someone.” There was no easy way to tell a mother her child was not only in trouble, but had hurt others. Isabel knew this would be a rough blow all at once.

Liz just stood there for a moment taking in everything she’d heard. “You lied to me.” She whispered.

“Liz, I..”

“No! You lied to me! You did get in and you knew he was in trouble. How could you just leave him? How could you not tell me?”

“I didn’t want to make things worse.” Isabel was crying again. She knew that she should’ve told her sooner.

“You didn’t want to make things worse? So, your idea of not making matters worse was to let him stay out there in the city? Alone? Hurt? Drugged? That was your brilliant idea?” Liz’s temper had boiled over.

“Liz, I was trying to wait for Max. I figured he might know what to do.”

At the mention of Max’s name Liz felt sick. He had left her, left his family, to be with Tess’s son. There was no justification in that anymore. “To hell with Max and to hell with you! Your brother walked out on his family to help that whore’s son, but you thought he’d come riding in here on a white horse to save the day? My God, Isabel! How stupid can you be? Mikey’s your nephew too…do you care about him at all?”

Her words were so harsh Isabel could barely believe this was Liz standing in front of her. “Of course I care. How can you say that?”

“Because Isabel…we all know how selfish you are. How self centered and egotistical you are. Until you’ve carried a child in your womb and given birth to that child, loved that child, and worked every day to make sure that child is safe…don’t you dare tell me you understand or that you were trying to help. How dare you leave my son alone? If he doesn’t come home…you remember that you had the chance to help him and you let go.” Liz grabbed her coat off the back of the loveseat and was gone before Isabel or Maria could stop her.

Maria sat there stunned by what Liz had just said. In all of the years she’d known Liz, she had never been so cruel. Regardless of the situation. She looked over at Isabel crying. She knew she would never hurt Mikey or anyone intentionally. She was about to speak when Isabel ran towards the back door. When she found her she was on her knees in the backyard. Maria watched as violent sobs rocked her entire body. The forever-strong Isabel was falling apart before her eyes. She started to approach her slowly but Isabel waved her away. “Isabel?”

“Don’t come near me! I should’ve helped him! I left him! I left him!” She collapsed on the ground and curled herself into a fetal position.

Maria didn’t know what to say. Liz was the calm, rational one and Isabel was the cool, calculated one…but here she was watching Isabel fall to pieces and Liz had run out. It was up to her now. She would have to help Isabel calm down enough to find Mikey before Liz did. Remembering the look in Liz’s eyes before she had left terrified Maria. Liz was upset and there was no telling what she would do if she found Mikey harmed. “Iz? Come on, Isabel. We have to find Mikey before Liz does. She could hurt someone right now. Her emotions are running on overload so you have to find him.” Maria watched and waited for a response from Isabel. She had calmed down slightly, but she was still weeping. Maria tried again. “Isabel, can you get back in?” Maria saw Isabel slowly start moving to raise herself up.

“I can try. What if it doesn’t work?”

“We’ll talk what if’s later…right now you have to find Mikey.” Maria took the hand she had placed on Isabel’s shoulder and used it to pull herself up. She was completely exhausted with no end in sight.

“Thank you, Maria.”

“Don’t mention it. I’m going back in the house. You should find a quiet place.” Maria started in the back door then stopped and turned to face Isabel again. “Isabel? I know you’re scared and I know something is wrong with Mikey, but it’s not like the ‘White Room’…just remember that. We’ll get him back, Isabel. I know we will.” She turned and went inside the house leaving Isabel alone in the yard.

~~~~~~~

Max checked his watch again. It was after six now…they should be landing any moment. He’d had two hours to think of a solution but it was useless. Until Mikey was back home and safe there was no solution. They began their descent into Seattle and Max was afraid at what he would be coming home to. His son was missing and Liz blamed him. What if he couldn’t fix it this time? He just hoped for Mikey’s sake that he wasn’t too late.

~~~~~~~

“Isabel?” Mikey thought he was dreaming. He could see her now, but he knew she must be an illusion. He’d sent her away.

“Mikey!” Isabel grabbed him and held him as close as she could. It had worked…she was back in. She already felt the nausea and dizziness return, but this time she couldn’t let it faze her. “I found you! Mikey, you have to tell me where you are.” She watched in horror as his eyes continued to roll back in his head. “Mikey, where are you?”

“Isabel? Is it really you?”

“Yes, Mikey. Where are you?”

“I thought you left me.”

“I’m here, Mikey. Please just tell me where you are.”

“The park behind the high school. Tom and Sarah,” he pointed towards the unconscious bodies of the people he had once thought were his friends.

“It’s ok, Mikey. I’m coming. I need you to hold on…I’m coming.”

“Isabel…something’s wrong.”

“I know, but I’ll be there soon. Just hold on.”

Isabel broke the connection. She was wasting time. She knew where he was and it was time to bring him home. “Maria, I’m leaving.” Isabel was out the door within seconds. She had to prove to Liz that she cared. She would show her. She would save Mikey.

~~~~~~~

“Maria! Could you maybe slow down a little and tell me what’s going on.” Michael had been holding the phone inches away from his ear listening to Maria ramble on for almost five minutes.

“…I can’t be the only calm one, I mean you know me…I’m not the calm one. Liz is…”

“Maria!” Michael shouted into the phone hoping to get her attention.

“Gosh, Spaceboy! Rude much?” How dare he interrupt her?

“Maria, what do you mean drugged? Where’s Liz? Where’s Isabel?”

“If you had been listening you would already know that, but no you just…”

“Maria, God help me I love you, but right now I’m ready to kill you. Could you just please give me the abridged version of the story?” He was losing patience. It was almost seven in the morning and he hadn’t been to sleep yet.

“Fine.” Maria huffed. “Isabel dreamwalked Mikey. She got in and he was drugged or something. It scared her so she let go and then Liz found out. Liz freaked and said some really harsh things to Isabel and then left. Isabel finally calmed down, thanks to me, and was able to find out where Mikey was and then she just left. Now I’m here by myself with the girls, panicking and no one told me anything.” Maria started pouting. Dammit she was at least going to get a little sympathy from her husband.

“I’m sorry, Maria. We didn’t know anything here. Has Max showed up yet?” It was close to seven so he knew his plane should’ve landed by now.

“Nope, not yet. When is he getting in?”

“Sometime after six thirty. He’s not gonna like that Liz and Isabel just took off.”

“I got a better one for you…he’s not gonna like the fact that Liz blames him for all of this.”

“What are you talking about? He’s been here with us.”

“Exactly! He’s been there saving Tess’s son and left Liz alone here to deal with this.”

“It’s not like he could’ve predicted this! Isn’t that more Liz’s specialty? She’s the resident crystal ball.”

“Hey, don’t shoot the messenger. Just telling you what happened.”

Michael realized he hadn’t even asked if she was ok. “Baby…you all right?”

“I’m scared, Michael and I miss you.” Maria began to cry softly.

“You must miss me…you just called me Michael. I love you and I’ll be home as soon as I can.” Michael didn’t like to be emotional, but his eyes were glistening with tears. He wanted his family.

“I love you too. Call me later…Spaceboy.” Maria smiled.

“Got it, Deluca.”

“No, it’s Guerin the last time I checked. Hurry home…be careful.”

“I will. Bye.” When the phone disconnected he sat there and stared at it. He couldn’t help but think about Alex…this kid had better be worth all this.

~~~~~~~

Isabel ran around the park searching everywhere for Mikey, but couldn’t find him anywhere. Then she realized he probably wondered off even if this was where he started. She looked everywhere for a brick wall. She was still looking when she heard footsteps. Turning around quickly she saw Liz about ten feet away.

“Anything?”

Isabel nodded. “Not yet, but he said he was here”

Liz looked surprised. “You saw him again?”

“Yes…I do care. He said he was in the park behind the high school, but in his condition he probably wandered off. How did you know where to come?”

“I feel him. He’s here somewhere. Let’s split up.” Liz waited this time for Isabel to nod and then they each headed in opposite directions. Liz could feel him. She was close. She walked around the corner at the back of the park and saw the brick wall first. Then she saw him. “Mikey! Isabel! He’s over here!” Liz ran to him pulling his head into her lap. A moment later Isabel joined her. “He won’t open his eyes…why? You said you talked to him.”

“Liz, he was unconscious. He IS unconscious.” Isabel put a reassuring hand on Liz’s arm. “We found him, Liz. Let’s get him home.”

Liz pointed at the two kids lying twenty feet away. “What about them?”

“We’ll have to take them in case they’re injured. We don’t have a choice.” Together they put Mikey into the front seat of Liz’s car and then put Tom and Sarah into Isabel’s. “We’ll meet at home. Be careful.”

“You too. Iz?”

“It’s ok, Liz…later.” They both climbed into their vehicles and headed for the house. Isabel could tell that the two kids were breathing, but she knew they were hurt. Hopefully not badly.

~~~~~~~

“Oh my God, Max! I’ve never been so happy to see you!” Maria had practically jumped into his arms the moment he’d walked through the door.

“It’s good to see you too, Maria. Where’s Liz?” Max could tell by Maria’s expression things had gotten worse during his flight home.

“I don’t know, but Max you should know that...” Maria was cut off when Isabel and Liz came through the door carrying Mikey who was still unconscious. “Oh no!” Maria covered her face with her hands. He was so pale.

“Max, he won’t wake up!” Isabel yelled breaking the stare between Max and Liz. “What should we do?”

Max pointed towards the living room. “In there!” Max caught another glimpse of Liz but she refused to meet his eyes. Max ran to his son’s side. “Come on, Mikey.” Max was holding his hand over Mikey’s body trying to sense where he might be hurt. He couldn’t feel anything until he came to Mikey’s head. “Oh my God.”

“What, Max?” Liz was beyond scared now.

“I can’t sense anything.”

“You mean he’s ok?” Liz looked at him.

“I mean I’m not sensing ANYTHING up here.” He pointed at Mikey’s head.

“Is he alive?” Isabel whispered barely audible.

“For now…but it’s bad. I don’t know if I can help him. We need the healing stones.”

“Then we’ll get them!” Maria shouted.

“The problem is…we need everyone to make them work. We need Michael and Kyle…without them…it may not work.” Max looked at Liz. She appeared to be frozen. She wasn’t moving and she hadn’t said a word. “Liz?”

“Heal my son or I’ll see to it yours suffers.” She didn’t take her eyes off Mikey when she spoke to Max.

“Liz?” Max couldn’t believe it had come to this. He reached out to touch her and she jerked away.

“If my son dies…there is no us anymore. If you want your family then I suggest you prove it. This is your last chance, Max. I won’t let you hurt me again.” Liz couldn’t look at him, not now.

Max knew what was at stake. He held both hands around Mikey’s head until they began to glow. Come back to me, Mikey. Come back.


TBC

OK, revising note left earlier! I'm staying! I love this site, I love writing here, I love the readers, and I love the other authors! It has been an emotional time for my family personally, so I let ONE reader that did not like my work upset me. FORGET THAT! Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I can't please everyone! I wish I could, but it's just not possible but luckily there are so many fabulous authors on this board that there is something for everyone! I know everyone got fired up...I did too, but it's just not worth it! Someone made me see how small this is! I reacted like a kid on a playground with a bully pulling my hair...that's not who I am and I'm sorry that I didn't handle it better! I take full responsibilty for that! From now on I want to enjoy my time here and if someone doesn't like my work, SO BE IT! I think I have some wonderful fans and that is who I should be writing for! In the future though...anyone who has a problem should PM me or a board moderator! Kath7 is extremely fair and can answer questions better than I can! So from now on, I'm just the writer and all feedback will be taken in stride! I hope you all enjoy this chapter! I'll be back from a much needed vacation in a week!

CHAPTER 13A


It had been hours, but Liz couldn’t bring herself to leave Mikey’s bedside. She still wasn’t sure how Max had healed him after saying it couldn’t be done, but he had. Mikey had been in and out of consciousness all day, but Liz wouldn’t leave him. If he woke up even for a moment she wanted to be there. Maria had left shortly before noon with both of the girls and Isabel had gone home to get some sleep too. They had left Liz and Max alone in the house with Mikey intentionally knowing how large the gap between them was right now. Liz knew she needed to talk to Max, face what she had said and done, but how? She knew she’d been wrong, but an apology wouldn’t be enough this time. Instead she was hiding in Mikey’s room avoiding Max as much as possible.

Max stood outside the door leaning his head against the wall. He wanted to go in, but he knew what Liz was doing. She didn’t want to face him or couldn’t as the case may be, but running from their problems had never solved anything. He was so hurt by what she’d said. This wasn’t his Liz. Once he had finally worked up the courage to go inside the bedroom he reached for the doorknob, but it opened before he had the chance. There was Liz, standing before him. “I was just…I wanted to check on Mikey.” Max looked down. Now he couldn’t face her. The image of her from this morning was burned into his brain. The harshness of her words were so painful and yet he just kept reliving them. Over and over again. What if this couldn’t be fixed?

Liz stepped aside avoiding his eyes also. The tension between them was obvious. Why wouldn’t it be? She’d destroyed her marriage this morning or at least that’s how it seemed at the moment. “Go ahead…I was just…I’m going to get something to drink. There’s been no change.” Liz started to walk away but stopped at the top of the stairs. “Thank you, Max…for saving his life.” She stood there waiting, praying he would say something to form a small bridge between them, but even when he finally spoke it was distant.

“He’s my son too, Liz. I think you forgot about that.” Max couldn’t help but feel angry. Liz was his life and fighting with her broke him into pieces, but he couldn’t pretend nothing had happened. He walked into the room and shut the door.

Liz stood at the top of the stairs crying. She could feel them slipping away from each other and she was mostly to blame. Max had his part in this, but he never would’ve behaved the way she had. Liz walked slowly down the stairs so exhausted that she felt like she would collapse at any time. She couldn’t sleep no matter how badly she needed it. Until Mikey was awake and completely conscious she would not sleep. She picked up the phone to call Kyle back. He’d called earlier, but she couldn’t bring herself to talk to anyone. The phone only rang once before he picked up.

“Hello.”

Kyle sounded almost cheerful. She needed him right now. She needed his quick whit and sense of humor. She needed him to tell her how badly she had screwed things up…she could always count on Kyle to be brutally honest. “It’s me,” was all she could manage.

“Hey, Liz. How you holding up?” There was genuine concern in his voice.

“How do you think? My son is still unconscious and I’ve destroyed everything that was important in my life.”

Kyle shook his head even if Liz couldn’t see it. “You know that’s not true. You screwed up, Liz. I can’t say that you didn’t. It may even be a really long road back, but if anyone can make it through this it’s you and Max.”

“Kyle…you don’t know the things I said.” Liz could feel her eyes moisten again.

“Oh, actually I do. You’re forgetting that Maria has made gossip a sport, so she’s already filled me in on everything.” Kyle remembered the phone call from Maria. Michael had left the room so Kyle had been the lucky one to hear everything.

“How can you even speak to me?” Liz had never been more ashamed in her life.

“Well, that depends on you.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s simple really…do you want the truth or not?”

“I guess…I guess I want the truth. Oh god, Kyle! What have I done?”

“You screwed up royally! No pun intended. It’s not going to be an easy fix this time, Liz. You managed to alienate everyone who cares about you. You can’t just expect immediate forgiveness for this. I’ve never known you to be so cold, Liz, but man when you set your sights on something, you accomplish it.” Kyle propped his feet up and leaned back in his chair. His first real moment of peace in three days and he got to play the male version of Dr. Ruth.

Liz sighed through her tears. “Kyle, I was horrible. I don’t think Max will forgive me this time. I know it’s not an excuse but I was scared.”

“You’re right, it’s no excuse. None whatsoever. Max has been through hell these past few days…not that you haven’t been, but what you said to him went beyond the boundaries of cruel.” Kyle knew this was hurting Liz, but for once total honestly was the only way to handle this.

At Kyle’s words Liz began to cry harder. “Kyle, help me.”

Kyle felt bad for Liz and he was usually the first one to take her side, but not this time. “Liz, I love you and I always will, but this time you have to clean up your own mess. What you did was wrong on so many levels and only you can make this right.”

“So, you can’t…won’t help me?”

“I can’t, Liz. Not this time. Not to be sexist, but I’ve got Max’s back on this one. He was in an impossible situation and you made it worse. You can’t stay mad about Tess forever. You just can’t. She’s gone, Liz. Dead. Never coming back, and while I know it hurts it’s been fifteen years. It’s over, Liz. In two days I’m going to be home with Alex, Lily, and two innocent babies that didn’t ask for any of this.” Kyle paused for a second debating internally on how far to drive the nail in. What the hell. “Have you even asked Max what he went through? About Lily? Alex? His grandchildren? I’m betting on no. I know you’re hurt and you were scared, but the whole world doesn’t revolve around you, Liz. There’s now four more people that are going to depend on you…can you handle that? They can’t wait to meet you, but what do they have to look forward to? Open hostility or the Liz I know in my heart?”

“You’re right. I know you are, but I don’t think I can fix this.” She felt so hopeless, especially knowing she was to blame for the majority of her current situation.

“Go talk to him, Liz. Beg if you have to. He didn’t abandon you or his family. He came to pick up the final pieces. He had no way of knowing Mikey would leave. Max was trying to save someone else’s life and you made him question that…it’s not right, Liz. It’s up to you now.” Kyle felt that he had said enough. In all the years he’d known Liz he’d never had to speak to her that way.

“Ok, Kyle. I’m going…wish me luck?”

“I hate to tell you kiddo, but you’ll need more than luck this time. Just remember…I do still love you. We all do, but you make us pay for our mistakes…now it’s coming back around. Call me if you need me.”

“All right. Good night, Kyle.” Liz had hated listening to what he had to say because she knew he was right, but she still didn’t want him to go…not yet.

“The sooner, the better, Liz.” Kyle could feel her emotions pouring through him and he felt sorry for what she was up against, but only she could help herself.

“Stop reading my mind, Kyle. I love you too. Good night.”

“Night, Liz.” Kyle hung up the phone regretfully. He had been so hard on her, which he didn’t like. Unfortunately, her actions had consequences and he couldn’t help her this time.

~~~~~~~

“You know I’ve been thinking…when the weather warms up maybe we could go away for a weekend…just the two of us.” Max had been talking to Mikey for almost ten minutes just waiting for some kind of response, but all he’d received was a few grunts in return. It was better than nothing at this point. “I know you’re worried, but I really think you’ll like your brother…he reminds me of myself at his age and since you remind me of myself at your age, he’s kind of a future version of you.” It was a teenager’s logic…he’s hoped Mikey would wake up and argue with him, but nothing. “I know things are bad, Mikey, but we’re a family…we always make it through.”

“Does that include me?” Liz had been standing at the door for about a minute trying to find the words to say. Max wouldn’t even look at her. “Max, please?”

Max stood up and left the room. He knew this was no place to have this conversation. He waited outside the door for Liz to follow him and he walked slowly down the stairs. He sat in his recliner intentionally so that Liz could not sit beside him. He didn’t speak. He just folded his arms and waited.

Liz realized he wasn’t going to give her an inch on this. For once she would have to suck it up and take the blame for it all. “Max…I’m not going to bother apologizing…I think it wouldn’t help at this point. The only thing I can think of is to try and explain.”

“I’m listening.” He was looking at her, but the hard, unfeeling stare was easy to read.

“I was wrong, Max. I was so wrong that nothing I ever say can take back what I said, but I had my reasons.” She saw him start to protest and held up her hand. “Wait. Not excuses…reasons. They may not make sense to you, but it’s the only way I can try to make you see.” Liz paused looking for any sign of sympathy or understanding, but Max was remaining completely emotionless. “Max, I know why you had to go. I understood why and I wasn’t angry…until Mikey ran off. Suddenly emotions I thought I’d dealt with years ago came back to the surface. I’ll admit I keep the Tess card in my pocket where I can use it at any time…and that’s wrong.” Liz couldn’t sit still while attempting to explain this so she began to pace the living room. “I don’t have anything against Zan honestly. I haven’t since the night Tess came back with him, but for some reason when Mikey left and I was here alone I felt betrayed all over again.” Once again she held up a hand before Max could protest. “I know it wasn’t your intention and it was completely irrational, but it’s how I felt. I knew I was almost completely helpless without you here, so I blamed you.” Liz started crying uncontrollably. “I blamed Zan…an innocent boy, for something he had no control over. I want so much for these feelings to go away but it’s not that easy. Do you understand?”

“Keep going.” Was all Max would give her.

“I keep thinking that you betrayed me, but I know deep down you didn’t. Not now…not then.”

Max was in shock. He knew Liz was trying to explain her reactions, but hearing her claim he had not betrayed her was the last thing he had ever expected to hear. “Go on.”

“Max, we weren’t together. No matter what the reasons turned out to be…we weren’t together. You were with Tess and as much as I wish it wasn’t true. As much as I wish your first time had been with me, and as much as I wanted us to have our first child together…it just didn’t happen that way. I pushed you away and straight into her arms. You needed me and I pushed you straight towards the enemy.” Saying the words out loud brought Liz back to a time she’d rather forget, but one she would have to relive to save her family. “I’m not going to take full blame for it…you were in charge of your actions, but it would only have been a betrayal if you had done it behind my back. You didn’t, Max. That’s what’s so hard. I hate myself for this. I’ve tried to blame you, but it was both of us. Me for pushing you away, and you for falling right into Tess’s open arms. We’re both responsible and it’s time for the blame to stop. What I did and said this morning was disgraceful. I have no excuse for it. I was hurt and striking out and I did it with the only leverage I had…Zan.”

Max sat stunned listening to Liz and couldn’t believe his ears. For so many years it had always been between them and now…well he didn’t know what was happening now. “Liz,”

“No, Max. Let me finish. I know what I said was beyond cruel and beyond acceptable, but I’m asking you now…no I’m begging you now to forgive me for being so horrible and for lashing out at the person that I love most in this world. I don’t know how to make this right, but I’ll do anything. I could never regret something more than my behavior today. Just please, Max…see that it wasn’t me? Not the real me.” She was done. There was nothing more she could say. She saw a tear flowing down Max’s cheek and realized her life depended on what it meant.

Max sat there for a long moment. Silent. Taking in everything she had just said. He knew it would be a long time before he could forget what she’d said…if ever, but he realized he believed her to be sincere. In three long strides he was across the living room and holding his wife, the woman he loved with every breath, crying in his arms. “Liz.” He cried into her hair. Part of him was still so hurt, but he realized she was hurting too. If he’d been in her position he couldn’t say he would’ve done anything differently. Their child’s life was at stake and right or wrong, she reacted.

“Max, I love you so much! You have to believe me…I’d never hurt Zan! I’d never hurt you. You’re my soul!” She was crying and holding onto him for dear life. They were so caught up in the moment that they didn’t notice their visitor.

~~~~~~~

Mikey had heard more than he should’ve, but he didn’t want to interrupt them. He’d had no idea that they still had issues lingering from so many years back. He’d just learned about Tess and Zan a few days ago. He was still processing all of that. He always thought of his parents as being perfect, but now he realized they were only human. He chuckled to himself at the thought. He’s come down because he’d been able to hear them from his room as if they were standing right beside him. His gifts were coming in full force now, but this time he would learn to use them. He watched his parents’ embrace tighten as if their lives depended on it and decided he didn’t want to ruin this moment. He felt dizzy anyway and knew he should be in bed. He blew a kiss to his parents in the dark. Tomorrow was another day and it was one he looked forward to. Without both of his parents, today would’ve been his last.

~~~~~~~

Michael walked back into the room with a scowl on his face. “The stupid vending machine just stole my money.” His lip was actually stuck out in a small pout.

Kyle couldn’t help but laugh. “You look so much like Maria right now it’s scary.”

“I do not.” Michael said standing straight up in the most masculine form he could manage.

“Yeah,” Kyle dropped his feet back to the floor. “You do. Do you always pout now when you don’t get your own way?”

“I don’t pout. Shut up, Valenti.” Michael took of his shirt and headed for the shower.

“Why didn’t you just take what you wanted?” Kyle didn’t understand. Michael never hesitated to use his powers.

“Well…because there were two little girls standing there and I didn’t think scarring them for life was an option.” Years ago Michael probably wouldn’t have cared about what two kids thought, but one of them had looked so much like his Eli that it made him back off and walk away.

“Aww! Guerin’s going soft.” Kyle held a hand across his chest and mimicked a heartbeat.

“Watch it, Kyle.” Michael sent him an evil glare across the room. Kyle was so close to being like a brother to him. They even had the typical banter between siblings. “I’m gonna clean up a little. You dad was looking for you. Everyone’s taking turns with the babies…they really are cute. Almost makes me want another one.

“Don’t let Maria hear you say that…I think she threatened to cut something off the next time you impregnated her.” Kyle had been there the night Eli was born. Maria had been pure evil…he’d actually been waiting for her head to start spinning.

“I won’t have to say a word…all I have to do is place one of those babies in her arms and she’ll be begging for another one. I know Maria…it’s exactly what she did when Liz had been pregnant with Beth. If it hadn’t been for the restaurant we’d have one already.” Michael never told Maria that he wanted more kids. He’d hoped for at least two more, but Eli was a real handful so he’d met a little resistance when trying to tempt Maria. Now seeing Max’s beautiful new grandchildren he wanted a baby in the house again.

“Ok, you’re actually scaring me now.” Kyle gave him a nauseous smile.

“Then stop reading my damn mind!” Michael always got irritated when Kyle did that. It was too spooky to think of Kyle messing around in side his thoughts.

“You think I want to know what you’re thinking? Sometimes it’s down right scary. It’s not like I can help it…you’re just like Maria…you project everything! Find control…like Max. I can’t read his mind.” Thank Buddha for that one. He knew what he would see if he could.

“Quit calling me a girl, Valenti, or I’m gonna break your neck.” Michael took the towel he’d been holding and twisted it tightly around making a choking sound with it.

“All right! All right. I’m going to go see everyone. Have you decided when we’re getting on the road?” Kyle wanted to go home, but he didn’t want to leave his dad yet. That’s why it was just easier to let Michael make the decision.

Michael turned just inside the bathroom door to face Kyle. He knew this was hard for him, so for once he didn’t want to be a jackass about it. “Yeah, we kind of need to be on the road by morning. I know it’s not much time…but they need us at home.”

Kyle nodded reluctantly. “I know. I’d just forgotten how much I missed my dad.”

“Believe it or not…me too. He was like the only father I ever knew.” Michael respected Jim more than he respected anyone. He loved Max, but Max’s leadership qualities were part of who he’d been in his past life. They just came naturally. Jim was a human though. One who had never had to help us and yet he’d put himself on the line for us time and time again. “Kyle, he’s gonna have to head out of here soon before someone notices he’s missing. I know Amy’s covering for him with work, but we don’t need the FBI tailing him. He’s been through enough…and he still has a family to worry about.” Jim had showed Michael a recent photo of him with Sidra and Amy. Sidra looked like Maria had the first time he’d ever seen her.

Kyle had seen the picture too, but he couldn’t help but feel replaced. He was glad that his dad had found happiness again, but he’d missed it all. Now he had the daughter he’d always wanted. “Yeah…I know. The Evans are gonna have to go too, but I’ll let you get rid of them.” He smiled at Michael. “I don’t think you’re gonna have much luck getting Diane away from those babies.” Diane had barely left their side for a moment and she was thoroughly enjoying mothering Lily.

Michael sighed. “I’ll take care of it, but I got to get cleaned up. You handle your dad and Mr. Parker…I’ll take care of the Evans.” Michael finally walked into the bathroom and closed the door. He was torn between the family he had and the family he’d left behind. His heart was breaking for Maria knowing how badly she had wanted to come home. One way or another he would have to help her see her mom…she deserved that much. At least she’d have her brother…Michael smiled still thinking about Maria fainting at the news. He couldn’t believe he’d missed that. He stood under the warm spray just letting it pour over him. Hoping it would wash away the sadness he felt leaving again.

~~~~~~~

Max had been holding Liz for several minutes when he finally pulled away. “Liz…I forgive you…I do, but I can’t forget what happened. It’s going to take time. I love you, but you can’t just take back the words. They’re there, hanging over us. We obviously have things to work through if you’re still holding so much resentment towards my son, Zan and me. He’s coming here, Liz. Can you handle that? Can you handle him living here with us with my grandchildren? You’re going to have to accept him for who HE is, not who his mother was.” Max watched her expression and was slightly relieved when she smiled.

“Yes, Max. Yes I can do that for you…for all of us. I’ll do whatever I have to if it will makes things right again.”

“You have to do it for yourself too or it will never work. He seems to be a good kid and he can’t wait to meet you…can you say the same?”

“Yes, Max. He’s part of you and I love you with everything that I am. I’ll love him too, I’m sure of it.” She put her arms back around Max’s neck, which was no easy task since he was much taller than she was. “I forgot to ask you something.” Liz paused for a moment. She couldn’t read Max’s emotions right now and it worried her. What if the damage was too deep?

“What’s that, Mrs. Evans?” Max said placing a kiss on her cheek hoping to reassure her a little. He could feel her insecurity, and while at the moment he was still hurt, he didn’t want her to ever be insecure about the two of them.

“How are our grandchildren?” Liz smiled widely.

Hearing her say ‘our grandchildren’ broke through Max’s shield and he began to sob. “Liz, they’re so perfect and Lily…she’ so much like you.”

“I can’t wait to meet our family.” Liz knew she had a long way to go before she could make things completely right again, but maybe having them here would be a new beginning for them all.

~~~~~~~

“They sure do have healthy appetites don’t they?” Lily smiled as she stopped nursing Cory. Diane had showed her exactly what to do which made her wonder how Diane even knew. After all, she’d never had a baby of her own, but she seemed like a pro.

Diane grinned from ear to ear. “Yes, they do. Especially for newborns.” Then Diane’s expression changed to one of confusion. “Then again I don’t know anything about alien babies. Maybe they advance quickly. Maybe they’ll even walk early?” Diane was talking to herself more than Lily, but Lily could hear her.

“Slow down…they’re not even twenty four hours old…I don’t even want to think about them walking yet.” Lily was still trying to get used to being a mother at all. She wished so much that she could stay with Diane or take her with her. In the week they’d spent together they had formed a life bond.

Diane’s eyes began to glisten with tears. “I’m going to miss it all over again.”

Lily’s heart actually hurt for her. This wasn’t fair. There had to be a way. “Diane…I don’t know what’s going to happen now, but I do know that we’ll all find a way.”

Kyle knocked gently on the door in case the babies were sleeping. He had a key but he waited to hear ‘come in’ before entering the room. His heart leapt from his chest the moment he saw Lily holding the small infant. For a moment, he saw Isabel holding their child. He was losing it. “I don’t mean to interrupt, but you have a phone call, Diane.” Kyle walked slowly towards her with the phone in his out stretched hand. “It’s Isabel.” He almost choked on the words. He knew what this meant to Isabel.

Diane took the phone so gently like it might break into pieces at her touch. She raised it to her ear and listened for her daughter’s voice.

“Mom?” Isabel was already crying.

“Oh, Isabel. My baby girl.” Diane held nothing back now. The tears flowed freely as she spoke to her daughter for the first time in fifteen years. “Honey, I miss you so much.”

“Mom, I miss you too. I wish I could show you how much. I’d give anything to be back in your arms again! Oh, Mom!” Isabel had to struggle to hold the phone.

“Soon, Isabel. Soon. I don’t know how, but I’m not letting my family go again. Whatever it takes…we’ll make it work.”

Diane and Isabel continued to talk for several minutes. Crying and laughing and crying again. They had no idea that backing Roswell Agent Sullivan was busily trying to find the Evans and had vowed not to stop until he had them in custody. He knew they had something to do with the disappearance of those kids and he was even more positive that it had something to do with Max Evan’s.

“I want them found! NOW!” Agent Sullivan had been barking out orders since the moment he’d been released from the hospital with minor injuries. “And find me Agent Acquaviva! We’re the FBI Dammit!” He flipped through the file he had, over a dozen years old. The youthful face of Max Evans stared back at him. He’d seen the boy close enough…he looked just like Max Evans. There had to be a connection!


TBC!!!

Hello to everyone I'm back! Sorry it took so long to post, but I think I fried my brain in the Florida sun I hope you enjoy and I'll be back soon

CHAPTER 13B


Liz had been staring out the front window for what seemed like hours. She’d gone upstairs a few times to check on Mikey, but he was still sleeping peacefully. He’d woken up briefly the night before but he was still very weak from the ordeal he’d been through. Liz couldn’t help but cry at the thought of how close they’d come to losing him. Max had said he couldn’t save him alone, but somehow he had. Max. Thinking of him made her feel more ashamed than she ever had before. The things she had said were just too horrible to recall. Then there was Isabel, her sister. How could she ever make up for the hurtful things she had said? When Isabel left yesterday morning she hadn’t said a word to Liz, good or bad. All night she’d been awake just trying to remember everything that had happened over the last few weeks. Their lives had been turned completely upside down. Liz barely recognized herself right now. She was lost, deep in thought when Max walked into the living room but still she sensed him through all the pain and whirling emotions inside her head. “Is Mikey still sleeping?” She spoke softly and did not turn away from the window. Even after their talk last night she still felt too ashamed to meet his gaze.

“Yeah…he’s still sleeping. His breathing is steady and I think he’s going to be just fine.” Max walked slowly towards Liz and pulled out the ottoman in front of her to sit on. “Liz?” He waited for a moment to see if she would look at him, but she didn’t. He could feel her emotions. They’d poured over him the moment he’d entered the room. “Liz…I know you didn’t mean the things you said…you were scared.” Max decided to get right to the point. The only way they would make it through this was to deal with it head on. “You were scared and you had every right to be…I can’t say I wouldn’t have felt the same way if the tables were turned.” Max looked down at his laced fingers knowing she wasn’t ready to face him. “We’ll make it through this.” He whispered. Finally Liz spun around to face him and buried her face into his strong shoulder.

“Max…how can I ever make this right?” She was sobbing openly by now. There was no point holding back. She knew Max could read her every emotion anyway. “I’m so ashamed and I don’t know if Isabel will ever be able to forgive me. I don’t see how you can even stand to be near me.”

Max could feel the pain she was feeling, but didn’t know how to ease it this time. He’d made his peace with what had happened. She’d been upset and irrational. It was that simple, but whether or not Isabel would forgive her or whether or not she would forgive herself was an entirely different matter. “Liz, I love you and I know you. That wasn’t you. You were scared and had ever right to be.” He thought back to the conversation they’d had last night. Tess had always been the unspeakable gap between them but last night Liz had made her true feelings known. It wasn’t him she blamed any longer, but herself. They’d both made so many mistakes along the way, but they’d also made so many right choices too. He couldn’t dwell on the past anymore. As of today he had a new future and was just thankful he had his family to share it with.

Liz slowly tilted her chin up to meet his eyes. “Do you mean that?”

Max knew immediately that she was reading his thoughts so there was no need to further the discussion. “Every bit of it. You’re my wife and I love you more than you could ever possibly know. Our future starts today, Liz. We have our family and we’re safe…what more could we ask for?”

“I love you. I don’t know how you can forgive me, but I’m sorry, Max. I’ve never been more sorry than I am right now.”

Max smiled. “I’d say after everything we’ve been through, we’re about even. You might want to save your apologies for Isabel. I don’t need them. I woke up this morning and you weren’t lying beside me and it was a horrible feeling.” Max had thought momentarily that she had left, but had seen her purse on the nightstand. “I saw the sun coming up and I realized that we have so many things to be thankful for…I’m not going to let anything spoil the future we have in front of us.”

Liz knew he meant Zan, Lily and the babies, but her anger was gone. She’d spent so much time dwelling on the things that couldn’t be changed that she’d wasted precious time with all the gifts that had been placed before her. “Max…” she couldn’t find words right now. All she wanted was to stay in Max’s embrace for as long as time allowed her.

“I know, Liz. I know.” It was all that needed to be said.

~~~~~~~

“You’re going the wrong way! I told you we have to go north on I-25!” Kyle had the map all bunched up in his lap, but he knew the first turn was onto I-25 north.

“Valenti, would you just shut up and let me drive.” Michael growled. He was hardly awake yet and they had over thirty-five hours to go.

“Well if you would go the right way I wouldn’t be yelling! Let me drive!” Kyle threw the map at his feet.

“Valenti, I know where I’m going. I have to go to the bathroom. Is that ok with you?”

“Why didn’t you go before we left?”

“Well, MOM…I didn’t have to go then!”

Alex and Lily sat in the back seat taking in the scene between Michael and Kyle. They were both only children, but had seen enough siblings to understand what was going on. Luckily the babies were heavy sleepers. Alex glanced over the seat to the back of the van where tiny little snores could be heard. They were so peaceful. It was hard to believe they could sleep through the commotion coming from the front of the vehicle. Alex turned to Lily who was grinning from ear to ear. She thought the two of them were hysterical. She’d never seen grown men behave like this before.

“FINE! Go to the bathroom, but then I’m driving.” Kyle demanded.

Michael pulled into the space in front of the gas station and hopped out dangling the keys in his hand. “Not on your life, Valenti.” Michael smiled at the frustrated look on Kyle’s face and headed inside.

“I’m gonna kill him long before we reach Seattle!” Kyle looked behind him to see the faces laughing at him. “You think this is funny? With him driving we’ll be lucky to make it home in one piece.” Kyle knew part of his frustration was from pure exhaustion. He’d been up most of the night driving to El Paso to change the SUV for a van. They hadn’t been thinking when they had taken the SUV, but at least it had given him some alone time. He’d needed it after saying good-bye to his dad.

“I don’t know how to let you go again, son.” Jim held onto Kyle with a grip so fierce that it was almost choking.

“I know, Dad. If there was a way…there just isn’t. We can’t take the chance of putting our families in danger again.” Kyle pulled away from his father trying to stay strong and not shed a tear.

“It’s been so long, Kyle. I miss you. I want you at home with me.” Jim couldn’t bring himself to walk away.

“Dad, you saw the agent who was following Alex. It’s not over…it’ll never be over.” The realization that the FBI was still watching their families had come as a small surprise. After all, it had been fifteen years…when were they going to give up?

“That’s just not good enough. You all belong at home with your families. We need you.” Jim’s eyes glistened with tears. He didn’t want to let his son leave again, but he knew in his heart he had no choice.

“Dad, if there was a way we would’ve found it by now…there’s just not. You have to go now. They’ll be looking for you if you don’t.” Kyle playfully shoved his dad away, but it was really his only defense mechanism.

“How do I say good bye to my son again?” Jim grabbed Kyle and pulled him back into a tight hug, unwilling to let go.

Kyle had begun to cry. “With Isabel’s help maybe I can visit you in your dreams, Dad. I’ll always be thinking about you. I’m so happy that your life has turned out so well…I just wish I had been there to see it. Kiss Amy for me and tell her I said thank you. Oh, and tell my sister that someday I’ll be back. That’s a promise.”

“Promise me one thing, Kyle. Promise me you’ll start living, not just existing. Grab onto what you have with both hands and never let go. You deserve happiness, son and you deserve a family…don’t let that go.” Jim finally released Kyle and took one last look at his son. “You’re a good man, Kyle and I’m so proud of you. Never forget that.”

“I love you, Dad.” Kyle slowly stepped back to allow his dad to get into his truck. After he had shut the door and rolled down the window Kyle approached the truck. “Be careful, Dad, and don’t take any chances…you have too much to lose now.”

“I always had something to lose, Kyle. I had you. I love you, son.” Jim finally turned the key in the ignition, waved one last time, and pulled away.

Kyle felt like a kid again who wanted nothing more than to go home. He knew it wasn’t a possibility, and even after all these years that didn’t make it any easier.

Michael jumped back into the driver’s side of the van and sighed with relief. “Ok. Now we can go.” He glanced over at Kyle and noticed something wasn’t right. He turned to look at their passengers to make sure everyone was ok, but nothing appeared to be wrong. Looking back at Kyle it took him a minute to find the real reason behind the sadness in his eyes. “Kyle?”

“I must look really bad if you’re using my first name.” Kyle said flatly.

“Hey man…I’m really sorry. I know how hard it must’ve been for you to say good-bye to your dad again, but it won’t be the last time you see him. We’ll find a way…I know Max isn’t going to be able to stay away from his parents and none of the girls got to see their parents. I promise you we’ll find a way.” Michael patted Kyle reassuringly on the shoulder. “We’ll find a way.”

Lily and Alex had both over heard the conversation and couldn’t help but think about the homes they had left behind. Each off in their own world they wondered what they parents might be doing.

~~~~~~~

“My heart is already breaking into pieces being away from them, Phillip.” Diane had been a wreck since the moment they had left Las Cruces.

Phillip tried to stay strong, but her words were beginning to wear on him. He’d hated saying good-bye to Max and hated even more that he hadn’t even spoken to Isabel. “I know, honey, but we had no other choice. Now that we know for sure that the FBI is still keeping tabs on us we’re going to have to be careful.” The thought of never seeing any of them again was breaking his heart too but he had to be strong for Diane right now.

“Philip, my head knows you’re right, but my heart still hurts. What if we just spoke to them for the last time? We don’t even know where they were going.”

“Max said it was better that we didn’t know and he’s been dealing with this a lot longer than either one of us have.” Phillip reached for her hand and gave it a small squeeze. “I know it’s hard, but we’ll get through this. Somehow I have this feeling we’ll see them again soon.” Phillip flashed her one last smile as he turned into their driveway.

Diane had just stepped out of their truck when she was pinned by a man in a dark suit. “Excuse me…who are you?”

“Diane Evans?”

“Yes. Who are you?” Diane knew the answer before she even asked the question and looked over to see Phillip being taken away. “Phillip!” The man had Diane by the arm and was practically dragging her towards the dark sedan they had just put Phillip into. “Where are you taking us? You have no right!” Diane was fighting against him with everything she had but it was no use. Before she could continue her protesting he shoved her in the car. “Phillip? What’s going on?” Diane was terrified.

Phillip leaned towards her to whisper hoping no one would be able to hear their conversation. “Whatever you do, don’t say anything. You know nothing. OK?”

Diane nodded. “Why are they taking us? We didn’t do anything.” Nothing they could prove anyway, Diane thought.

Phillip spoke up. “I demand to know where you’re taking us. I’m an attorney and I know we have rights.” The men in the front seat didn’t even budge. “Where are we going?” Phillip tried again, but there was only silence. Phillip could see out the windows but had no clue where they were going. Finally, after about twenty minutes of driving outside of Roswell they stopped. He didn’t recognize where they had been taken, but Phillip made mental notes on everything they passed.

The agent holding Phillip’s arm came to a halt. “In here, Evans.” Was all he said.

“It didn’t take Phillip long to realize that the agent holding Diane hadn’t stopped. “Diane!” Phillip squirmed and jerked away from the man holding him, but three other large men quickly tackled him. “Diane! Where are you taking my wife? Diane!” Phillip continued to fight until one of the men hit him in the back of the head. Then all he saw was darkness.

Further down the hall Diane was putting up her own fight. “Please stop! Where’s my husband? What have you done with him?” Diane kept screaming, but none of her questions were answered. She began to beg hoping they might show some sympathy, but nothing worked. Her feet had stopped moving so they were dragging her down the hallway. “Please? You’re hurting me…please stop.”

“Put her in there.” Agent Sullivan walked out of the small office he had been using and was pleased to see the Evans had already been brought in. He turned to the rookie agent standing by the door. “It’s about time someone followed my orders. I’ll be right in with her. I want her restrained.” He said coldly.

“But sir…” The young agent tried to speak up.

Agent Sullivan walked over and faced him eye to eye. “Around here I give the orders and you follow them. You never question my orders. Is that understood?”

The young agent nodded. “Understood.”

”Where is Phillip Evans?” Agent Sullivan had come out of his office too late to see where they had taken him.

“Sir, he’s down in Interrogation Room 1…we had some problems with him. He’s making demands…or was…he’s unconscious now.”

Agent Sullivan smiled. “Good. That should keep him quiet for a while.” Agent Sullivan decided to start with Diane Evans first since women tend to break faster than men. He was going to get Max Evans this time…he’d waited long enough. He entered the room and saw Diane weeping in the chair. This was going to be easier than he thought.

~~~~~~~

“Are you sure I can’t get you anything else?” Liz brushed the hair away from Mikey’s face. She’d already forced him to eat something despite the fact that he said he wasn’t hungry, but he’d drawn the line at a sponge bath. “Anything you want?” Liz smiled at her son.

“Anything?” Mikey figured this might turn out to be useful.

“Within reason.” Max had entered the room and was standing by the door with his arms folded across is chest. “You really scared your mother and I so don’t push it.”

Mikey suddenly felt nauseous just thinking about what could’ve happened. “I’m so sorry.” Mikey looked down at his bed. He couldn’t face them, either of them.

“Max. Now’s not the time for this.” Liz looked back to Mikey. “There’s plenty of time for that later. Right now we just want you to get well.”

Mikey glanced at Max and saw the scowl ease away from his face. “Dad, I’m really sorry.”

Max smiled kindly at his son. “I know you are. Let’s just focus on you getting better. No more stunts like this.” Max started to leave the room, but Mikey spoke up.

“Wait! Dad…what happened to Tom and Sarah?” Mikey vaguely remembered what had happened, but couldn’t remember seeing them afterwards.

Max was furious just at the mention of their names. They’d come close to killing his son. Liz saw the anger in Max’s eyes and spoke first. “Your Aunt Isabel took them both home. She convinced them that everything that happened was because of the drugs…so they don’t know anything.” Liz was thankful that Isabel had such strong powers of persuasion.

“You’re never to see them again! Do I make myself clear?” Max’s fury was obvious.

Mikey looked down again. He had known they were trouble, which was part of the appeal. He’d never intended for things to turn out so badly. "Yeah, Dad. I won’t see them again…I never meant for any of this to happen.” He was so ashamed. He was speaking in such a quiet whisper that it was almost impossible to hear him at all.

Max saw the sweat beads forming on Mikey’s forehead and realized Liz was right. “Mikey, this can wait. We’re just glad you’re home.”

Mikey knew he was on thin ice but he had to know what was going on. “Is he on his way? Are they coming here?”

Max didn’t want to answer his question for fear that it might upset him, but he knew Mikey would be able to tell if he was lying. “Yes, Mikey. They left New Mexico earlier this morning, but it will probably take them a few days to get here.” Max wanted so badly to have both of his sons, but he was worried that it might be too much to ask for. “Mikey, I know you don’t approve…not just of your brother, but of who we are…all I ask is that you give him a chance. He’s my son too, Mikey…please don’t make me choose between you.”

“I won’t, Dad. A chance…I promise.” Mikey watched Max nod and start out the door again. “Oh and Dad…I don’t mind who we are so much anymore.” Mikey smiled widely at Max.

Max smiled back with glistening eyes. “Get some rest, son.” Max heard the doorbell and headed down the stairs.

“It’s going to be ok, Mikey. I promise.” Liz kissed him gently on the top of his head and then followed Max.

Liz heard Maria’s voice before she ever touched the steps. She couldn’t help but smile at Maria’s dramatic flare. After everything that had happened she was downstairs telling Max about some crisis with the girls. Luckily it was Maria’s self-imposed drama and not a real crisis. Liz hit the bottom of the stairs and was tackled by an obviously hyper Beth. “Well, hello there little one.” She began kissing Beth’s neck until the small child began to cackle. “Did you have fun with Aunt Maria and Eli?”

“Yep and guess what I found?” Beth’s eyes were the size of marbles.

“What did you find, honey?”

“Uncle Mikey and Aunt Maria have hidden treasures under their bed!” Beth sounded so excited but Max was over in the corner coughing.

Liz shot Maria an evil glance knowing exactly what kind of treasures Maria liked to keep under her bed and Maria tried to slink out of view. “Maria?”

“Hey chica…wasn’t exactly my fault…they were playing hide and seek.” Maria was actually blushing remembering the talk they’d had after the girls had found the ‘treasures’.

“Why you mad, Mommy? She wouldn’t let me keep nothin’ cause she said Uncle Mikey whines without his toys. The big baby.” Beth crossed her arms in a pout.

“Maria!” Max and Liz said in unison.

“That’s my cue to head for the kitchen.” Maria just threw her arms in the air and walked out leaving Max and Liz staring at a very angry three year old.

“Beth…honey…why don’t you and Eli go play in your room for a little while.” Liz could only imagine what her daughter had seen and she could tell Max was ready to kill Michael.

“Fine, but no fair. Come on, Eli.” Beth stomped up the stairs grumbling the whole way.

Maria walked back into the living room munching on some cookies and stared at the dumbfounded expressions on Max and Liz’s faces. “What?”

“Oh, I don’t know, Maria…in the future maybe you could keep the sex education lessons to a minimum.” Max was horrified at the thought of what Beth had seen, but Liz was trying her best to keep a straight face.

“Max…you’re way too tense. Maybe you should take up meditation with Buddha Boy.” Maria said sarcastically.

Liz started laughing at the look on Max’s face just before the flashes begun. It had been a while since she had even had a premonition but the blinding headache that always came with them was immediate.

Phillip lying on the floor unconscious

Diane strapped to a chair crying

“Oh my God, Max!” Liz was now lying on the floor with Max and Maria standing over her. “Max, your parents! I saw them! The FBI has them! They’ve taken them!”



TBC

Thank you to everyone for the amazing feedback! Jade5683, thank you for the kind words! I hope you all enjoy this chapter as much as I did!
:smilecolros:

CHAPTER 13C


Isabel rushed through the front door passing right by Liz. “Oh, Max! Not Mom and Dad! What are we going to do?” Isabel had been resting, and in all actuality avoiding Liz, when Max had called to tell her about Liz’s latest premonition. “We have to go to them, Max! We have to!”

Max understood Isabel’s reaction completely. Inside he was screaming knowing it had been his presence in New Mexico that had somehow put his parents in this position, but outwardly he only showed a calm, collected appearance. “Iz, you know we can’t just run off. We’re in pieces right now. Michael and Kyle are on the road with Alex, Lily, and two newborns, Maria has no powers, and while Liz does have powers I won’t put my family in immediate danger again.” Max hugged Isabel close trying to comfort her, but he knew it was useless. She jerked away from him almost the moment he touched her.

“So you’re willing to just let Mom and Dad suffer? You can’t do that! I’ll go if I have to!” Isabel couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Max, their fearless leader, was willing to let the FBI hold their parents?

“Isabel.” Liz came from behind Max where she had been hiding. She could feel Isabel’s pain and unfortunately the emotions were too strong for her to block out. “I know you’re worried, but we have to all work together.” Liz could feel the heat in Isabel’s eyes boiling over. She was still furious with Liz, which she had every right to be, but she was letting it cloud her judgment. They couldn’t afford to be careless. “Isabel…I’m so sorry for what I did…the things I said…I have no excuses for behaving that way, but I mean it when I say I’m sorry.” Liz felt the shame pour over her again, but through her own emotions running wild she could feel Isabel. Still angry, but more understanding.

Isabel wanted so much to be able to tell Liz everything between them was all right, but she wasn’t there yet. She’d been hurt. Hurt so badly by someone that she cared about like a sister. “I accept your apology, but now isn’t the time.” Isabel didn’t have time to focus on hurt feelings right now…she needed to find a way to help her parents. “Max, what do you plan to do? Don’t you dare tell me nothing.” Isabel said coldly. She new Max’s passive attitude towards everything and right now was no time to be passive. He’d put their parents in danger by helping his son…now it was time to take action to help them.

Max paced the living room…he didn’t have a plan. He didn’t want to admit that the FBI having his parents terrified him. Not only because they might be in danger, but because the FBI had always been his one weakness. The only time they’d successfully escaped from one of the FBI’s facilities they’d had Tess with them to mind warp. Without the capability to mind warp the agents they didn’t stand a chance. Max glanced up at Liz with a puzzled expression on her face. He knew she was trying to read his thoughts, but he’d learned a long time ago how to block her out. She knew that and would know now that he was keeping his feelings hidden from her, but if she knew how afraid he was it would only frighten her more. Max turned away from Liz seeing the hurt in her eyes and back to his sister. “Isabel, I know we have to do something, but it’s not that simple. We’re scattered apart…and we don’t have the ability to mind warp.” Max was aware that he wouldn’t have to expand on that. They would both understand the implication.

Liz had been sitting on the side of the couch for a few minutes when suddenly she jumped up as if to say EUREKA! “Max, I think there might be a way.” Liz looked at Max and then over to Isabel. “Before you say no just hear me out. OK?” Max and Isabel both nodded. “What about Zan? Well, Alex? He’s Tess’s son after all, he may have some of the same abilities.”

“We’ve always thought that the dreamwalking and mind warping were traits only possessed by the females of our race.” Max stated plainly. “I don’t see how it would be possible. Besides, he knows very little about his gifts.”

“I know, Max, but what if we’ve been wrong? Isn’t it worth trying?” Liz pleaded with him knowing it was their only chance. The FBI would never let the Evans go voluntarily as long as they thought it could lead to Max.

“Either way you’re asking me to put my son, an inexperienced child, in harms way.” Max was angry at what she was suggesting. Was she intentionally trying to risk Zan’s life?

Liz walked over to face Max hoping she could reason with him. “No, Max. I would never ask you to do anything that could potentionally harm him…he doesn’t have to be right there just close by.”

“Liz, even Tess couldn’t be far away and she’d had years of practice. He’s young and has no clue how to use his powers, assuming this is even one of them.”

“Max, you’re a good teacher…you could teach anybody.” Max had trained her and Kyle both when they had come into their gifts. She had faith he could do it now.

Max shook his head disapprovingly. “I don’t know.”

Isabel finally spoke up. “Max, Liz is right. We have to try.” Although she had spoken she refused to look up and meet their eyes. She knew what she was asking of Max. No matter how it played out Zan would be put in danger.

“We don’t even know where Zan is right now and Lily and the babies are with him.” He turned to look back at Liz. “What about Mikey? I just came home…how would he react to me leaving again?”

“Max, he’d understand. I have to believe he’s grown up a little these past few days. Maria could stay here with the kids and hopefully we’d only be gone a few days at the most.” Liz stated logically as if this was an experiment.

“We? Who said anything about we?”

“Max, you know you need me. At the very least I can read their thoughts, which might lead you to where they are. It’s a hell of a lot more convenient than a telephone.”

Max smiled at her logic, but he knew she was right. “And Mikey?”

“Let me talk to him. He’ll understand. You just get on the phone and try to track down Michael.” Liz pushed him towards the kitchen where she knew the phone had been left.

Max chuckled before he even opened his mouth. “I thought you said we didn’t need telephones.”

“Max!” Liz could usually handle Max’s playful banter, but it wasn’t the time.

Max smiled again. “Just going by what you said.”

Liz picked up a sofa cushion and heaved it towards him as he ducked out of the room. “Sometimes I really want to kill him.”

Isabel hadn’t said much…she hated to agree with Liz considering the recent events. “What are you going to do about work? It’s not like you can tell them you’re going after the FBI.”

“Already got that part figured out…the flu.” Liz was actually proud of herself.

Isabel smiled despite herself. “You never cease to amaze me.”

“Well thank you. I’ll take that as a compliment. Now I get the wonderful joy of telling Maria that we’re leaving her here with the kids while we all go off and risk our lives.” She said sarcastically while straightening the remaining pillows on the sofa.

Isabel looked confused. “I thought you weren’t worried?”

“Terrified actually, but you didn’t think I’d actually tell Max that did you?” Liz winked at Isabel as she left the room. Maria had gone to lie down in her bedroom after the premonition had sent her into a panic attack. Liz just prayed she had more Cedar Oil with her…she was definitely going to need it.

~~~~~~~

Agent Sullivan stalked Diane Evans like an animal that had just found its prey. “So, tell me, Diane…I can call you Diane right?” He didn’t wait for a response since it was purely a rhetorical question. “Diane, where is your son?” He leaned forward over the table attempting to be intimidating, but unfortunately his gangly figure worked against him.

Diane laughed. She had to be strong and Phillip had told her not to say a word. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. My son left Roswell years ago with his girlfriend, his sister, and a group of friends…no ones has heard from them since.”

Agent Sullivan shook his head in response to her answer. “You know had you told me that a week ago I would’ve believed you, but I know differently now.” He sat down across from Diane and pulled out an envelope from his jacket pocket. He then withdrew several photos and placed them in front of her. “I believe the boy in these photos to be Max’s son.” He took one of the photos from the table and looked at it. “Looks just like his dad, doesn’t he?” Agent Sullivan saw her flinch at his comment. “It’s ok…you don’t have to confirm it for me…I already know.” He stood up and bean to pace the room again. “You see…when I first saw the boy I knew he looked familiar, but I couldn’t quite place it. Then, I did some background checks…it seems a little over 16 years ago your husband, a tax attorney, handled an adoption personally. After further checking I found the adoptive parents and found out the boy was the son of a certain Max Evans and after impregnating his young girlfriend had run away.” Agent Sullivan couldn’t help but gloat…he’d waited his entire career for this. “I saw you and your husband with this young man, which has been identified by his adoptive parents. Now…do you have anything to add?”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about. That boy is the son of an old friend of Phillip’s.” Diane was determined to hold her ground.

Agent Sullivan slammed both hands down on the table in front of her. “Don’t make a fool out of me! You know damn well that I know what you’re up to so you can do this the easy way or the hard way…your choice.” He stood back up and crossed his arms.

“I get the feeling it wouldn’t take a lot to make a fool out of you.” Diane heard the young agent by the door snicker but did not remove her glare from Agent Sullivan. “Now, let me tell you something…you have brought me and my husband here against our will and I’ve already witnessed you hurt him so unless you would like to finish your path to career suicide I suggest you let us go.”

“You’ll pay for this! I may not be willing to hurt a woman…yet, but I guarantee I can make your husband talk.” With those spoken words he turned quickly and left the room. Once the agents were gone Diane began to cry. She remembered vaguely what Max had told her about the FBI holding him and while he had never been very specific she’d heard his screams at night.

~~~~~~~

“Maxwell! Slow down! I can’t hear you when you talk this fast.” Michael was beginning to panic himself. Max’s usually calm nature was shattered and he was rambling to him over the phone.

“Michael, this is no time to joke…we have serious problems! The FBI has my parents!” Saying the words out loud made everything even more real.

“WHAT?” Michael knew what he was hearing couldn’t possibly be true. He’d just left Phillip and Diane a few hours back. “No, Maxwell. We were with them…they were fine.”

“Yeah, Michael. Were. Liz had a premonition about an hour ago, which would be about the time they would’ve arrived back in Roswell.”

“Shit! Maxwell, what are we gonna do?” Michael looked at Kyle who already appeared to be worried.

“Where are you now?” Max was doing his best to stay calm but with each second his fear grew over the fate of his parents.

“I think we’re almost to Rio Rancho.” Michael pointed at the map and gestured for Kyle to get it.

Max thought for a moment. “Michael, exactly how fast are you driving?” Max knew that it was at least three and a half hours to Rio Rancho and he’d spoken to Michael two and a half hours ago leaving Las Cruces.

“Look…everyone was asleep, the road was clear, and I was jamming to the radio! Now can we skip the lecture?” Only Max could be in the middle of a crisis and ask how fast he was driving.

“Fine! I want you to find somewhere to stop. It’s not far from the Albuquerque Airport…we’ll fly in there.”

“I thought you said the feds might be watching that airport? Isn’t that why we flew to El Paso?”

“Michael, could you listen now and argue with yourself after I hang up? Good! Now do what I said. We’ll be out of here as soon as possible, but it’s still gonna take a few hours for us to be there.” Max paused wondering if his next request was a smart one. “Michael, I need you to work with Zan. Figure out his powers and work with him to control them…we’re going to need all the help we can get.”

“You’re serious?” Now Michael knew for sure that Max had lost it.

“We don’t have a choice…they’re my parents.” Max’s voice cracked at the mention of his parents. This was his fault.

Michael heard the tone in Max’s voice and knew he wasn’t far from a breaking point. “You got it, Maxwell. Don’t worry…we’ll get them out.” Michael flipped his cell phone closed and looked at an extremely pale Kyle. “Change of plans, kids.”

~~~~~~~

“NO! NO! NO!” Liz was doing her best to keep Maria calm, but the moment she’d told her what was happening she had freaked out. “You are so not leaving me here to go off on some, some…some suicide mission! Nope! Not happening! Spaceboy? Where’s Michael?” Maria saw Liz look off to the side and didn’t need an answer. “NO! NO! NO!”

Liz was relieved to hear the knock on the door. Maria was walking around the room ranting and Liz was fairly certain she’d forgotten her presence anyway. She opened the door to see Isabel standing there. “Hey, Isabel. What’s up?”

Isabel looked inside the bedroom and then pulled her head back out. “Going well I see.” Even after all these years together Maria’s dramatic routines still made her giggle.

Liz bit down on her bottom lip and shook her head. “Yeah. Well you know Maria…takes a while for the hysteria to wear off.” The two women laughed together. “Look…Isabel…”

“Not now, Liz. We’ll work that out later. My parents have to come first right now and I just wanted to say thank you for backing me up with Max.”

“Isabel…I wasn’t trying to just back you up if that’s what you’re thinking. I could never live with myself if I did anything less than everything possible to help them.”

“Well thanks anyway…you know for coming with us.” Isabel looked down at her over priced shoes unable to meet Liz’s face.

“Your welcome, Isabel. I guess I had better get her calmed down so I can pack us a small bag.” Liz started to turn away but stopped. “You know we’ll get to them, Isabel. Max doesn’t know how to fail.” Liz stood on her tiptoes and kissed Isabel’s cheek before returning to her bedroom with a still hysterical Maria.

Isabel just stood there for a moment…wondering how Liz could be so strong after everything that had happened. There in the silence…Isabel began to pray.

~~~~~~~

“Where’s my wife?” Phillip was barely conscious and felt like he room was spinning. “What have you done with her?”

“Now, Phillip, I don’t think you’re in a position to be asking questions just yet. Let’s play a game, shall we? You answer my questions and I might tell you where your wife is.” Agent Sullivan was having way too much fun with this. He’s had the agents leave him on the floor for the time being. “Now tell me…where is Max Evans?” His tone was stern now…he wanted answers.

“Is that why you brought us here? My son has been gone for years.” Phillip tried to keep his emotions flat. He didn’t want to give them any ammunition against them.

“That’s funny…your wife already told us you’ve seen him recently.” So what if he was bluffing…this card would probably work. “Now I want you to tell me where he went.”

Phillip slowly climbed onto his knees just to be shoved back to the floor. “You’re lying! We’ve been away on a romantic weekend…is that a crime?” Phillip knew damn well that Diane wouldn’t tell them anything.

“Oh really? Do you always take pregnant teenagers along with you on romantic trips with your wife?”

“You sick bastard!” Phillip tried to raise himself up again, but there was a foot on his back holding him down. “Where’s my wife?”

“As I told you before I’ll be asking the questions here.” Agent Sullivan walked back in forth in front of Phillip tapping a pen against his hand. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way…it’s really your choice. Diane chose the hard way. A real shame actually.” Agent Sullivan bent down to look Phillip in the eyes. “You tell me what I want to know and maybe, just maybe I’ll let you go.” He stood back up just in time to see Agent Acquaviva come flying through the door. “Well, Agent Acquaviva so nice of you to join us.”

Pete was furious. John always tended to take things too far, but he had no orders to back him up this time. “I’d like a word with you…outside.”

“Well, as you can see I’m in…”

“OK, I’m not asking. Outside. Now!” Agent Acquaviva grabbed Agent Sullivan by the arm and lead him quickly out of the room. Once in the hallway he let his temper go. “What the hell do you think you’re doing? You have no orders for this!”

“Pete, chill out. I’m gonna get to the bottom of this. I told you that.” Agent Sullivan fixed the sleeve of his blazer where Pete had been holding him. “I just need a little time.”

“Time’s up! You had no right bringing those people here! Who do you think you are?”

“I think I’m an agent trying to serve my country that’s who.” He said coolly.

“You’re done! I want them released immediately! Do you understand?” Pete was eye to eye with him now and had a good thirty pounds on him. He’d waited years to knock him out…maybe now was his chance.

Agent Sullivan actually laughed. “I don’t take orders from you. Just so you know I did have authorization to bring them in. Now if you’ll excuse me…I have something to finish.” He jerked free of Agent Acquaviva’s grip and returned to the room.

Pete watched him return to the interrogation room stunned by the admission that he had orders to bring in the Evans. He turned to the guard a few feet away. “Where is the woman being held?”

“Down the hall, sir. Room three.” The guard nodded then returned to his stance.

Pete didn’t hesitate. God only knows what Agent Sullivan had already done to her. He raced down the hall and opened the door quickly. He could tell he had startled her coming through the door the way he had. Her face had streaks running down it from crying. Her eyes were puffy and she looked frightened. “Diane?” She looked up slowly, but said nothing. “My God. What did he do to you?”

Diane looked down at the restraints on her arms. “You told me I could trust you.”

Pete was shocked by here words. She couldn’t actually believe he had something to do with this, could she? “Diane, I had no idea he was going to bring you in. I was completely in the dark on this one.” He moved to her side and sat down. “I’ll get you out of here, I promise.”

Diane didn’t know whether or not to believe him. He could be setting her up and she couldn’t ignore that possibility. “How am I supposed to trust you?” She looked up to meet the sorrow in his eyes and couldn’t help but believe he was sincere. “Do you really want to help us?”

“Yes. I’ll do whatever it takes. He shouldn’t have brought you here. He has no proof of anything. He’s going on pure hatred.”

“Fine…I’ll trust you. I gave you a number…do you still have it?”

Pete nodded. “Not on me, but yes I do.”

“Call it…tell my son where we are. He can get us out of here.” Diane did not break the connection with his eyes. Her only hope right now lied on whether or not this agent felt more sympathy for her than civic duty.

“He’ll need my help…how can I get him to trust me?” Pete knew the modifications they’d made on the base since the last time Max Evans had escaped. He’d always known it had been Max Evans even if the file only referred to him as a ‘subject’.

Diane thought about Liz and Kyle. Max had told her they both had the ability to read thoughts…she had to trust that they would use those gifts now. “He’ll know. If you really want to help us he’ll know, but God help you if you betray him.”

“I won’t let you down. I know you don’t have any reason to trust me, but I’m nothing like Agent Sullivan…nothing. I’ll be back soon.” Pete reached out and touched her hand gently. He knew he had to get her out of there. He slowly stood, not wanting to leave her alone, but finally turned and left. Agent Sullivan will pay for this was all he could think about as he left the base.

~~~~~~~

“This can’t be happening!” Kyle had been pacing the floor since the moment they’d checked into their hotel room. “It just can’t! NO! NO! NO!”

“You sure there’s no way you and Maria are blood related?” Michael said trying his best to stifle a chuckle.

“No. Why?” Kyle was confused. He’d been paying very little attention to anyone since the call from Max had come in.

“Oh, I don’t know…you just seem to remind me of her right now.”

“You think this is funny? This is in no way funny and I think I’ve earned the right to freak out a little after everything that has happened lately.” He continued to pace the floor never stopping for a moment.

“Dude. You’re making me dizzy. Could you just give it a rest?” Michael was massaging his temples. Max wouldn’t be here for a few more hours and he had to somehow teach Alex how to use his gifts. He couldn’t believe Max was actually thinking of using him to help his parents, but he knew better than to argue with him once his mind had been made up. Michael glanced over at Alex who looked petrified. Michael was sure the poor kid was gonna wet his pants any second. “Alex? You ok?”

Alex nodded and then took of for the bathroom to throw up. He wasn’t ready for this. What was Max thinking? He didn’t even know what his powers were and he certainly didn’t know how to use them. He was still hugging the toilet bowl when Kyle came in.

“He trusts you.” Kyle saw the puzzled expression on the kid’s face and decided to elaborate. “You’re wondering what Max is thinking right? Well, he thinks he can trust you. You are his son after all and that means you probably have some pretty strong powers…you just need to learn how to use them.” He felt sorry for the kid. He looked positively green. Kyle grabbed a washcloth and ran it under some cold water before tossing it to Alex. “Better get ready…first lesson is in five minutes.” Kyle winked at him and left him alone in the room.

~~~~~~~

“I feel so badly leaving him again.” Max couldn’t get over the guilt of leaving Mikey behind again. They had so far to go to patch things up between them and here he was running off again.

“I told you, Max. The moment he heard it was your parents he insisted we both go. He understands. Trust me.” Liz smiled at Max as she handed her carry on bag over to the security guard. “He’ll be fine. I’m more worried about Maria.”

Max had to laugh at the memory of the temper tantrum he’d witnessed before they left. “Yeah, it’s bad when Beth says Aunt Maria needs a nap.” They both laughed together as Isabel approached them.

“What’s so funny?” Isabel asked curiously as she too handed her bag over.

“Maria.” Max and Liz said in unison. Then both began laughing again.

Isabel was worried about her parents, but even she had to admit the scene with Maria was much-needed comic relief. “You think she’ll be all right with the kids? Alone?”

Liz nodded and smiled. “Yeah. I think she’ll be fine. The girls are more than enough to keep Maria completely occupied. And just in case Max told Mikey to call his cell if anything went wrong or if Maria ran out of Cedar Oil.” The three of them stood there laughing so hard they could barely stand anymore when suddenly Max’s cell began to ring. “So soon? I left her with three bottles.” Liz stated.

“Hello.” Max answered trying his best not to laugh into the receiver.

“Max Evans?”

“Who wants to know?” Max had an extremely uneasy feeling. Not many people had his cell phone number.

“I know where your parents are and I want to help you get them back.”

“How do I know you’re telling the truth?” Max couldn’t help but wonder if this was a trap.

“Do you really have a better solution? I can help you. How do you think I got the number? Your mother gave it to me…she trusts me and said you would be able to tell if you could trust me too.”

Max stood there listening to the man on the other end of the line for another ten minutes before hanging up. He turned to face a very worried Isabel and a confused Liz. “Looks like we might have some help…some federal help.” Max tucked his phone back in his pocket and the three of them headed for the plane. What did his mom mean Max would be able to tell if he could trust him? He had a few hours to figure that out.



TBC

OK, I know I'm late but real life just kept getting in the way Everything has just been crazy but I'll try to get the next part posted soon! Hope you enjoy
:smilecolros:

CHAPTER 14A


Agent Acquaviva knew he had to get them out of there. It had been hours and he knew all too well how much worse it was going to get. Agent Sullivan was a sadistic son of a bitch and he wouldn’t stop until he got what he wanted. Pete looked down at his watch and cursed to himself. He still had hours before Max would get here but he knew he couldn’t wait that long. Acting on impulse he left the small office and headed for the interrogation room where Diane was being held. As he entered the room he could see she’d been crying again. Hopefully out of fear and not out of pain he silently prayed to himself. When she looked up he tried to gauge her expression but it was just pure misery. He gestured towards the door and the rookie agent left the room. As he watched him go he thought he saw relief on the young agent’s face. Apparently he wasn’t the only one sickened by this abuse of power. Once he was left alone with Diane he finally spoke, gently. “Diane?”

“We’re never getting out of here, are we?” She cried now even as she spoke. “Where’s my husband?”

Looking at her like this was breaking his heart but if he tried to help her get out of here now the consequences could be deadly. He wouldn’t risk it…he’d have to wait for Max. If she knew Max was coming maybe it would help her hold on. “Diane?” He glanced over her shoulder to the two-way mirror. To the best of his knowledge no one was in there at this time, but could he risk being wrong? He was running out of options too quickly and he knew Agent Sullivan was getting impatient with Phillip Evans. It was only a matter of time before he returned to Diane to drill more information out of her. He wouldn’t let that happen. “Diane…I know you’re scared right now, but we only want to get to the truth. Please look at me.” He paused waiting for her eyes to meet his. “You’ll be out of here in no time.” He winked at her hoping she would notice. It took a moment but her expression changed, almost to one of hope. “Agent Sullivan just wants to know about your son…is there anything you can tell me about Max?” If he could get her talking about something maybe it would keep Agent Sullivan away for the time being.

Diane looked into his eyes and somehow she understood. She wasn’t sure how, but she knew what he was doing. Max was on his way. He’d spoken with Max and he would get them out of here. “Why does he want to know so much about Max? He was just a kid who got framed by some crazy people. He’s been gone for years…why bring all of this back up now?” Diane wondered how much she should tell Agent Acquaviva? How much would endanger them further? “Is it because of Alex?” She immediately saw the surprised look on his face at the mention of Alex’s name. Knowing about Alex at this point couldn’t hurt Max so she decided to play on that. Alex was safe, but if the agent thought he was getting useful information he might be a little more careful with his actions.

Pete wasn’t really sure why she would’ve mentioned the kid’s name at all, but at this point he figured he’d just run with it. “Alex? Who’s Alex? Why don’t you tell me about him?” He sat back in his chair and waited for her response. Pete knew what this family had been through and was fairly certain she knew what she was dealing with.

Diane took in a deep breath hoping she wasn’t making a mistake. Alex was safe now…she just had to keep reminding herself of that. “Agent Sullivan was right,” she watched his reaction and had to force herself not to smile. The situation itself wasn’t at all humorous but she could imagine Agent Sullivan’s reactions thinking he was getting valuable information. He already knew who Alex was and confirming it couldn’t put him in any more danger but it could quite possible keep her and Phillip safe long enough for Max to get there. “Alex is my grandson.” She stated emotionless. “Max gave him up when he was just a baby so he could have a better life but when his life turned down the same path my son’s life had many years before…he decided to find his father, his real father.” Diane watched the confused expression on Agent Acquaviva’s face. She wondered if it was because of the explanation she was providing or because he thought she’d lost her mind completely. Either way she continued her story, praying each second Max would get here in time.

~~~~~~~

“Maria? Maria! I don’t really have time to have this conversation right now.” Michael was holding the phone inches away from his ear. Something he did quite often during Maria’s ranting.

“Excuse me? You don’t have time? Hello…did you just actually say that to me?” Maria was astounded! Had he finally lost his mind? “Michael, I know you did not just tell me you don’t have time for me.”

“Actually, Maria, I said I don’t have time to have this conversation right now and I don’t! I don’t know how much time I have left but I have to teach this kid how to use his powers and it’s not going as smoothly as I’d hoped. So while I understand you’re upset, at this particular moment in time there is someone who needs my help even more. With that said I love you, but I’m hanging up. Kiss Eli for me.” Michael slapped the phone shut aware of the rift he had just caused between himself and Maria, and was now secretly hoping he wouldn’t be going home too soon. He looked back behind him at the pitiful excuse of power this kid was displaying and suddenly felt the urge to kill Max. “Ok, look kid…this just isn’t working. You’re not even trying so you’re wasting my time.”

Alex quickly glared at Michael then back to the rock in the distance he was focusing on. “I AM trying…you’re just being impatient.” Alex kept his focus for several seconds but nothing seemed to happen. He just wasn’t getting it. Dammit! He turned to face Michael. “This is all your fault…you suck as a teacher!”

“I what? Did you just say I suck? You’d better watch it you little shit or I’m gonna teach you a few things.” Michael walked towards him and stopped when they were eye to eye.
“Maybe this is just hopeless. Maybe you’re not half the man your father thinks you are. Maybe you’re just a waste of time.” Michael stood before him with a smirk plastered across his face.

“You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about! This is your fault, not mine. So far you haven’t taught me anything!” Alex was furious! He held his left hand out towards his target in the distance to prove he couldn’t do this, but instead his target exploded. “Whoa! Did you see that?” Alex was shocked by the sudden power rush he’d just experienced.

Michael clapped his hands together and smiled. “Looks like my work here is done.” He turned away and headed for the van but Alex quickly caught up.

“Done? What do you mean done? I finally did it! But wait…how did I do it?” Now he was even more confused.

Michael stopped and turned to face him once again. “Were you pissed at me, kid?”

Alex felt guilty for the things he’d said. He was frustrated with himself and probably overreacted. “Look…I didn’t mean to…”

“I didn’t ask if you were sorry…I asked if you were pissed off.”

“Well yeah, but I didn’t…”

“You found your source.” Michael waited for a moment to see if any ounce of recognition appeared on Alex’s face…some sign of understanding, but unfortunately the kid was clueless. “Ok…our powers are intensified by our emotions. You were pissed off and your anger helped you destroy your target. With time you’ll learn to control your gifts and use them at will, but for starters you’ll most likely melt a lot of things and blow shit up when you don’t mean to.” Michael slapped him on the shoulder. “Congratulations.” He climbed into the van feeling like his work had been done. It was Kyle’s turn to teach him control.

“You mean I could hurt someone?” His thoughts immediately turned to Lily and the babies…could he hurt one of them?

“Don’t worry so much, kid. We’re not exactly turning you lose on the world. It was my job to piss you off enough to bring out your powers, it’s Kyle’s job to teach you to harness them. I suck at that and as you’ve seen I have no patience. Kyle’s the one you want, trust me.”

Michael and Alex drove in complete silence back to the motel. Michael thinking about what he was going to say to Maria to spare his life and Alex still thinking of the possibility that he could hurt someone.

~~~~~~~

The words echoed through his mind.

Promise me one thing, Kyle. Promise me you’ll start living, not just existing. Grab onto what you have with both hands and never let go. You deserve happiness, son and you deserve a family…

A stirring from one of the bassinets pulled Kyle away from his thoughts. He walked slowly across the room trying his best to avoid waking up Lily. She’d been completely exhausted by the time they had checked into their room, so he wanted her to sleep for a little while longer. As he reached the bassinets he realized it was Amberlee that was now awake. He gently scooped her into his arms and returned to the chair he had occupied for the last three hours. Looking into her tiny little face his heart began to melt. He’d held babies before, Maria’s and Liz’s, but somehow this time it felt different. His father’s words had been playing over and over inside of his head for hours reminding him of how much he longed to have a family of his own. He secretly envied the families Max and Michael both had to come home to, but he never dared to say it out loud. He’d been content for years loving Isabel from afar. As he looked into Amberlee’s face again he realized her delicate, yet strong features reminded him of Isabel, so his mind wandered on to think about what their children would look like. Would anyone ever call him dad? He was concentrating so profoundly on Amberlee that he didn’t even notice Lily sit up in the bed.

“I’m sorry, Kyle. Was she bothering you?” Lily yawned and stretched her arms high above her head. She finally felt rested. “I didn’t even hear her cry.”

“Oh no, she wasn’t crying…just awake. I shouldn’t have picked her up. I’m sorry.” Kyle was careful not to drop the tiny infant as he quickly handed her over to her mother. “I just wanted to let you sleep.”

“It’s ok, Kyle. You’re allowed to hold her.” Lily had thought it was adorable to see him holding Amberlee, but even while he looked peaceful there was such a look of sadness in his eyes. “Kyle, is something wrong?”

Kyle shook his head. “No. Nothing’s wrong.”

“Kyle, I know I don’t know you very well,” she noticed Kyle smile at her statement, “or at all really, but I can tell something is wrong. Is it me? Well...us?”

“No, of course not! There’s just so much going on right now…I guess you could say I’m gathering my thoughts.” Kyle shuffled his feet nervously. Lily didn’t really make him feel uncomfortable but the situation itself did.

“But there is something…you know you could talk to me. I may be young, but I’m not totally naïve. Is this about a woman?” She felt like she was stepping over a few boundaries since she hardly knew Kyle, but he really seemed like he needed someone.

“A woman? No. What would make you say that?” Kyle blushed slightly feeling embarrassed that even a kid could read him more clearly than he read himself. He watched as Lily laid Amberlee gently across her chest to nurse the hungry mouth seeking her nipple. Kyle started to leave but Lily stopped him.

“You don’t have to leave…it’s a perfectly natural thing, Kyle. I don’t mind if you stay…I could really use the company.”

Her smile was so genuine and innocent; it reminded him of a girl he’d once known. “You know, I think you and Liz are really gonna hit it off. She’s amazing and you’re so much like she once was…a long time ago.” Kyle thought back to how innocent and easy life had once been. Although he thought of Liz like a sister now there had been a time when he wondered what might’ve happened if the alien chaos hadn’t taken over their lives. Then he thought of a life without Isabel and that was just unimaginable.

“Kyle?”

“Huh? What?” Kyle said snapping back into the moment.

“Kyle, you seem so distracted and sad…I wish you would talk to me…I’m a really good listener.” Lily didn’t know why but she trusted Kyle whole-heartedly and she wanted to help him. She felt that she at least owed him that.

“It’s nothing,” he walked back to the window to watch for any sign of Michael and Alex returning, but the whole world outside appeared to be deserted, “just life.”

“If you don’t want to talk to me I’ll leave it alone. You just seem so…sad.” Lily couldn’t help but feel responsible. If she and Alex hadn’t gone to Roswell then Diane and Phillip would still be safe. She didn’t even want to imagine what the FBI might be putting them through.

“We’ll get them back,” Kyle said returning to Lily’s bedside, “and it’s not your fault…you were right to come. Lily you’re family now and in this family we take that very seriously. There’s nothing we wouldn’t do to protect you, Amberlee, Cory, or Alex…even if it meant risking our own lives.” Kyle’s tone had turned deadly serious now and Lily had noticed immediately.

“Thank you, Kyle.” Lily realized for the first time in a long time she felt safe.

~~~~~~~

“Now what, Max?” Isabel had been cranky most of the flight and was now irritated to have to stand and wait.

“We’ll need to rent a car and head for the motel.” Max set his bag down and dug into his pocket for the directions to where the others were staying. “Liz will have to get it…her alias is the only one new enough not to risk any unnecessary attention.”

“Fine, Max, but after we get out of here we’re going to finish our conversation.” Liz was irritated with Max. He was dead set against letting her help even though she knew he was aware that he needed her. “I’m not kidding, Max and I am not a child asking for permission.” Before he could voice his objections Liz turned on her heels and headed straight for the rental cars counter.

Isabel dropped her bags, tired of holding them. “You know she’s right, Max so for once you’re just going to have to get over yourself. She and Kyle are the only ones who can tell if this agent really intends to help us or trap us.”

Max hated that they were both right. The thought of putting Liz in harms way made him feel physically sick. It had been years since she’d been in that kind of danger and after almost losing Mikey he was still nervous. He knew Liz could handle herself, but it did nothing to ease his worries.

Liz walked back to Isabel and Max dangling a set of keys. “Is everyone ready to go?” Max reached for the keys but Liz snatched them back. “Nope. I’m driving.” Once again she didn’t wait for Max to respond but simply headed for the parking lot.

Max and Isabel followed her out to the car and loaded up their luggage. Max decided he’d use the driving time to convince Liz against meeting with the agent, but Liz already knew what he was thinking and managed to interrupt every time he spoke up.

“Look, Max…you need me and I’m going…end of discussion. You, me, and Kyle will go. We’ll scope it out and if either one of us senses any kind of trouble we’re out of there. No harm done.”

“But, Liz…” Max wasn’t agreeing to this plan. He didn’t want Liz to go so she wouldn’t.

“Max, you’re on really thin ice right now…do you really want to finish that thought?” Liz asked sarcastically. Sometimes her powers were a pain, but when dealing with Max they could be quite helpful. Liz listened to Max huffing in his seat but she chose to ignore it. If Max knew what she was really up to he’d really be panicking. Liz laughed to herself and kept driving.

~~~~~~~

Agent Acquaviva had been in with Diane Evans for what seemed like an eternity when Agent Sullivan entered the room and interrupted them.

“Excuse me, Agent Acquaviva, but I’d like a word with you.” How dare Pete try to interfere with his investigation!

Pete stood up slowly and winked at Diane before moving away from the table. “I’ll be right back.” He said to Diane as he left the room. Once they were out in the hallway he noticed the fiery expression in Agent Sullivan’s eyes. Pete almost laughed knowing that at this moment he was causing this reaction. Knowing that brought him a small amount of joy. “What’s the matter, John? You look a little tense.” Now he did smile openly just to piss him off further. “You sure you don’t need a nap?”

“How dare you?” Agent Sullivan growled at Pete. “This is my investigation and I will not have you undermining my authority. I know you’re probably in there convincing Diane Evans not to talk to me, but I can assure you it would be in her husband’s best interest if she talks.”

Pete couldn’t help but feel slightly nervous at the implication from Agent Sullivan but he’d be damned if he’d show him that. “For your information…she is talking to me.”

“I doubt she’s told you anything that could be of use to me. You’re just wasting time. What’s the matter with you? Don’t you feel a sense of duty?” Agent Sullivan believed Agent Acquaviva to be a disgrace to the office he served. He was forever fighting against their assignments rather than being productive.

“Yes, I do feel a sense of duty.” He didn’t need to express to Agent Sullivan what he felt that duty was. “And right now at least she is talking to me…I know for a fact you’ve gotten nowhere so why don’t you leave me to do my job.”

Agent Sullivan stood up straight and fixed his blazer. “Fine, I’ll give you a few more minutes of play time but I’m warning you…you had better not cross any lines or I’ll see to it personally that you pay for them.” He turned and immediately headed back towards the interrogation room where Phillip Evans was being held.

Pete watched him enter the room and felt uneasy about leaving Philip alone with him for so long, but unfortunately he knew there was nothing he could do for Phillip just yet and Diane already trusted him. He returned to Diane and gave her a brief but sketchy version of what had transpired. He could see Diane was horrified at the thought of what they might be doing to Phillip. He tried to still her nerves but he realized it didn’t matter what he said, deep inside he knew there was nothing he could say to calm her fears.

~~~~~~~

Back in the interrogation room with Phillip, Agent Sullivan was working on a plan. He believed he finally knew how to get the truth out of him even if it was cruel. “You know, Phillip…years ago a unit of the FBI held your son here. I wasn’t here unfortunately, but I have been fortunate enough to see the file.” He opened the folder he held in his hands then laughed and slapped it shut. “Poor kid…the things they did to him. It wouldn’t surprise me for a moment if he was still suffering to this very day. It’s amazing what reactions you get when you push the right buttons.” He walked over to the small cart one of the other agents had brought in and picked up a small headpiece. He loved virtual reality…it was one sure way to get someone to talk. It had worked on his son many years ago and now Agent Sullivan was sure it would work on Phillip Evans. He placed it on his head and began clicking through the images. The first image that popped up was one of Diane smiling, but the second was one of her lying dead in a pool of blood. When Phillip screamed he thought he’d hit the jackpot.

“No! What have you done? Oh my God! No!” Phillip wanted to remove the device from his head but his arms were still restrained. “You’re a monster! What have you done?” Phillip cried at the sight of his wife and he prayed that Max would save them soon. He began shaking his head violently. “I don’t believe it! I know she’s alive! I know it! You’re sick!”

Agent Sullivan stewed with fury for a few minutes angry that the virtual reality had failed to work. He had no other choice at this point. His boss had given him authorization to use whatever means necessary. He reached over to push the button on the wall by the door.

“Yes sir?” A young voice answered.

“Bring me 1000mg sodium pentothal, IV Push…STAT!” He was through playing games.



TBC

Hey everyone! Sorry it took so long to post...I'm finally starting to feel human again A few small parts in this segment were taken from the following episodes of Roswell: Pilot, Departure, & Four Aliens and a Baby. I hope you enjoy! I'm quickly coming to an end but yes I am planning a sequel! Please keep the feedback coming because you're all my inspiration

CHAPTER 14B


Pete had just entered the room adjacent to Phillip Evans’ interrogation room when he heard Agent Sullivan’s order 1000mg sodium pentothal IV Push…STAT! This couldn’t be happening! If he gave that to Phillip Evans then Max and his entire family were as good as dead. He didn’t know how much Phillip Evans knew about their current whereabouts, but he knew enough about their origins to put them in grave danger. He burst into the interrogation room, not thinking for a single moment that it might push Agent Sullivan further. All he knew was that it had to be stopped…NOW! “Agent Sullivan, I need a word with you.” John didn’t even look at him. “Agent Sullivan, I need a word with you now.” After a moment John turned to face him obviously irritated that he was disrupting him again.

“Agent Acquaviva, this isn’t a good time…we’ll speak later.”

He winked at Pete as if they were actually playing on the same side right now and like Pete should be happy about his intentions. “Agent Sullivan, this can’t wait. We need to talk.”

Bastard! Agent Sullivan had finally had enough of Pete’s constant meddling. He had his orders and they were clear. He was going to take out Max Evans once and for all and he’d be damned if Agent Acquaviva was going to interfere. “Agent Acquaviva, as you can see I’m currently occupied. Now you can leave on your own or I can have you escorted from the building…your choice.”

Pete had never wanted to hurt someone so much in is entire life. He wanted so badly to wipe the smirk off of Agent Sullivan’s face but to do so he would be jeopardizing Diane and Phillip’s safety. He wouldn’t do that. He couldn’t. He’d made Diane a promise and he fully intended to keep it. He had to get to Max…time was running out. “I’m leaving…but this is far from over.”

Agent Sullivan laughed as Agent Acquaviva stormed out of the room. He had won and now he was finally going to have all of the answers he needed. “So, Phillip…are you ready?”

~~~~~~~

When they arrived at the motel Max had to remind himself that there wasn’t time to be sentimental. He wanted to dote on his beautiful grandchildren, but every moment his parents’ lives were in more danger so he easily regarded them all with a quick smile before getting down to business. “Ok, how have things been going here? Any luck with the powers?” He asked Michael but was clearly speaking of Alex.

Michael smiled. “Yep, he’s definitely his father’s son. He’s a quick learner.” Michael winked now at Alex who was astonished by the words coming from Michael’s mouth.

“Good. Are we ready?” Max looked around and could tell everyone was more than just a little nervous at the prospect of what they were about to do. “Look, I know you’re all scared, but we have no choice. We go together, we stick together, and we get out together.” Max wasn’t as sure as he seemed but he tried to keep his thoughts level knowing very well that Liz and Kyle both were centering on him.

Liz looked at Max, a little surprised by his confidence, but nothing told her to doubt him. She was nervous but she trusted Max. “So, what’s the plan?”

Max kicked at the dirt outside of the motel room. He didn’t want to leave Lily alone, but he didn’t have a choice. “We have one problem…Lily. I don’t want to leave her alone but I need all of you…at least for now. Liz can always come back and stay with her when we head for the base but right now we need her.” Max hated admitting that. He wanted Liz as far from danger as possible but for once he didn’t even have a decent argument for keeping her away.

“Max, I can stay.” Isabel volunteered quickly. Not only did she adore the idea of playing with her niece and nephew, but also she wanted to stay as far away from this agent as possible. She knew they would need her strength when the time finally came, but she was more than capable of dreamwalking their parents from here.

“Iz? You sure about this?” Michael was the first one to question this time. Isabel wasn’t usually up for babysitting detail.

“Of course. When I need to dreamwalk dad I can do it from here. Max…I don’t want to go and in all actuality you don’t need me. The more of us…the more obvious we appear.”

“Haven’t you ever heard of strength in numbers?” Michael asked angrily. “The more of us, the more intimidated this guy is gonna be.”

“Michael…Isabel is right. We don’t really need her right away and it would probably be much easier to dreamwalk my father here in a quiet room. Besides, we don’t need intimidation with this guy. He’ll already know he’s out numbered, he obviously knows we have certain gifts, and my mother trusts him. I don’t need more than that.”

“You willing to bet your family on that?” Michael was angry. He knew these were Max and Isabel’s parents but they were all on the line here. They had no idea if their mom was even thinking clearly when she gave this agent Max’s number.

“Michael, we’ll be fine. Diane must have really trusted him to give him Max’s number. I don’t think she did it out of duress.” Liz was trying to keep everyone’s tempers at bay. Michael always tended to get heated up quickly when they were in trouble, but right now they all needed cool heads.

“She did trust him. I was there. He let us go.” It was the first time Alex had really spoken up since the remainder of the group had arrived.

“What do you mean he let you go?” Max was confused. Had this agent already seen his son?

“I mean he let us go. Another agent ran us off the road and he came along just after the accident. I don’t know what he said to your mother but she really believed she could trust him. She gave him your number openly. I may not know her that well yet, but she hardly seems like the careless type.” Alex knew Diane had trusted the agent and since she was more familiar to him than anyone else he had to believe she’d made the right choice.

Liz stood there, reading his thoughts and realized he was already so much like Max. She couldn’t believe that growing up so far away from Max, he’d still turned out exactly like him. Finally she realized they had yet to be introduced so she made the first gesture. She extended her hand gently and smiled. “Alex, it’s so nice to finally see you again.”

Alex looked down at her outstretched hand for a moment before finally taking it into his own. The flashes were immediate.

“So when you healed me you risked all of this getting out didn’t you?” Max eyed her awkwardly. “Yea.” Liz looked startled. “Why?” Max didn’t hesitate for a moment. “It was you.”

Max pulls Liz close. “I’ve been really wrong about a lot. But I was right about one thing: To get you into my life, to be around you, to love you.”

“Max loves you. Every time we kissed. He was thinking of you. He had these flashes…that I saw…and…they were always of you.” Tess’s admission surprised her. “Why are you telling me this?” Liz questioned. “Because I know how much it must’ve hurt you.” Liz was shocked, completely caught off guard. “So you’re really gonna go do this, huh?” Liz asks not knowing what else to say. “At least I can do one good thing with my life.” Liz watches as she turns to get out of the car. “You just did.” Liz suddenly realizes her hatred is finally gone. “Hey, Tess. You’re not gonna let them throw you in the White Room, are you?” Liz couldn’t imagine the torture they would put her through. “No.” Was all Tess said before getting out of the car. Moments later the base explodes.

Liz just holds Max’s hand as his parents prepare to drive off. Her heart is breaking for Max. He stands next to her at the curb, grief-stricken and heartbroken. “I’m here. I’ll always be here.” Liz holds Max’s hand reassuringly knowing he’s dying on the inside.

When Alex finally lets go the flashes stop. He’s shocked and confused by what he’s just seen and wonders if it’s true.

Liz, knowing exactly where his thoughts are, answers him. “Yes, it’s true.”

Alex can feel the tears coming to the surface so all he can manage is a simple. “Thank you.” He speaks barely above a whisper, not wanting anyone else to know what Liz had just given him.

Liz nodded but she could also feel the tears rising to the surface. The flashes had actually come unexpectedly. She hadn’t brought them on intentionally, which made her realize that they were moments she had needed to remember too.

Max eyed them both curiously. He had completely forgotten that Alex had no clue as to who Liz was making him realize neither did Isabel. “Iz…this is my son…Alex.”

Tears filled Isabel’s eyes at the memory of baby Zan. He wasn’t a baby anymore. “Hi, Alex.” Her heart was lodged in her throat just saying his name. Would he ever really know the power of his name? “I’m your aunt…Isabel…I haven’t seen you since you were just a baby.”

Max knew that everyone wanted the time to get to know each other but at the moment there were more important matters to be discussed. “All right, so Isabel’s gonna stay here but the rest of us have to go. The FBI has already had them too long…I just hope they’re still safe.” Max hadn’t meant to say the last part out loud but his thoughts were just pouring over him. He faced Alex once again. “How’s the mindwarping going? Anything yet?” Max was hopeful but he knew they were running out of time.

“He’s doing ok.” Everyone turned to look at Kyle when he responded instead of Alex. “We’ve been working on it and I think he can do it.”

“Is there someway we can prove that?” Michael wasn’t so quick to believe that everything was going to be so easy.

“Alex? It’s up to you man. You ready?” Kyle knew the kid was scared but he had yet to tell Max the amount of power he sensed coming from his son. It was awesome. He was untrained, but appeared to have just as many powers as Max.

Alex was petrified. He wasn’t completely sure of what he was doing and now he had an audience. “I can try.”

His voice was shaky instantly making everyone feel sorry for what this kid was being forced to go through. “If you’re not sure…it’s ok.” Max didn’t want to risk his life by throwing him into something he wasn’t nearly ready for. If Alex couldn’t do it then they would have to find another way.

Alex could sense the doubt in his abilities making him want to prove himself that much more. He closed his eyes and immediately the restaurant across the street from their motel blew up. Everyone hit the ground including himself since Max had grabbed him as he went down. “It’s ok!” Alex said trying to reassure everyone. It had worked. He watched everyone come back to their feet with shocked expressions except for Max. His was pure pride and Alex could see that.

“Whoa!” Michael jumped in the air. “You did it! You really did it!”

Max smiled proudly while the others contemplated what they had just witnessed. Liz knew from conversations with her that it had taken Tess years for that kind of control. Alex had learned in one afternoon. “Oh my God, Max.” She whispered astonished.

Max looked around at everyone and for the first time really felt like they had a chance. “The FBI is finally gonna be sorry they messed with us again. We’re five strong.”

“Excuse me…you mean six don’t you?” Liz already knew what Max was trying to do. “Forget it, Max. You’re not cutting me out of this.” She was furious.

“Liz, if there’s no reason to put your life in danger I’m not going to. Period.” Max’s tone was firm. He wasn’t backing down from this one. He’d almost lost Liz years ago when they’d gone up against the FBI. He’d be damned if he was going to take that chance again.

“Max! I’m not a child and I make my own choices! Stop shutting me out! You’re willing to risk Alex’s life along with everyone else, but with me you pat me on the head like a puppy? Forget it!”

“Liz, someone has to stay here with Lily while we’re gone. I’m not trying to exclude you, but she needs you.” Max was hoping Liz’s motherly instincts would make her back off.

Liz was fired up inside. She had to go to Roswell. She hadn’t seen her parents in fifteen years and this could be her only chance. She knew Max wouldn’t approve, but for once she had to put her needs on the list of priorities. She needed to see her parents. “Max, I’m going.” She stated coolly. He wasn’t keeping her away this time.

“But what about Lily and…” Liz interrupted before he could even finish his sentence.

“Isabel can stay. My powers are just as strong now and I want to go. I need to go.”

Suddenly everything was clear to Max. Why hadn’t he thought of it before? “No, Liz. It’s too dangerous and you know it! Not just for you, but for them! You’re not thinking clearly or you’d see that I’m right.” Max could tell Liz was about to object when his cell phone began to ring. “Hello?”

“Max Evans?”

“Maybe.” Max held his hand over the receiver and whispered to the others. “I think it’s that agent.” He removed his hand. “Who’s this?”

“It’s Pete Acquaviva. Agent Acquaviva actually. Look, Max…I know you’re not sure if you can trust me, but we’re running out of time. The things they’re doing to your father…we just really need to get them out of there now.” Pete hoped that against his better judgment Max would take a leap of faith. His parents’ lives depended on it.

“Fine…where do we meet?”

~~~~~~~

Max couldn’t help but think this had been a foolish plan. To bring this agent out here to the dessert by the ruins of the pod chamber was a mistake. What if he found something? No, there wasn’t really anything left. The thought hurt Max more than he thought it would. To know the place where he, Michael, and Isabel were born was in complete ruins made his heart ache. He’d known it long before they had even left Roswell, but it didn’t make the pain go away. It was the only place he’d ever seen anything from the world he once called home. His mother. His real mother. He could feel her eyes on him even before he turned to face her. He was terrified that something might happen to her. Why had he let her come? He watched her expression turn from one of sympathy to one of anger almost immediately. “Liz?”

“Max, you didn’t let me come…I insisted on it and I had ever right to do so. You’ve seen your parents…you have no idea what it’s like for me.” Her lip quivered as she spoke. Why couldn’t he understand? “Do you really think I would risk putting them in danger? I know there’s a good chance I still won’t see them, but I have to try, Max.” Liz took his hand hoping she could make him see for a moment what she was feeling, but he had closed himself away from the connection. “I’m sorry you feel this way, Max, but it’s something I have to do. Once your parents are safe I intend to see my own.” She turned to walk away from him, but his angry voice stopped her.

“You just don’t get it, do you? We have a family, Liz. A family at home that needs at least one of us…what if something happens to both of us?”

Finally Liz could understand his anger. She didn’t agree with it, but she understood. “Max, I promise you that I would never take a chance that could end my life and I honestly feel like there is a way to see my parents. If it turns out to be too dangerous then I would never risk it, but you of all people should understand why I have to try.” She looked into his eyes and still saw his anger. “Max, I don’t want to fight with you…especially not now, but when it was your son and your family you didn’t hesitate for a moment. That family back home is yours too…so why is it ok for you to take chances but you try to prevent me from doing the one thing I have to do? It’s not right, Max.”

Max felt the blow like she had physically hit him. He hated to admit that she was right. Why couldn’t she see that all he’d ever wanted was to protect her?

Liz stood on her tiptoes and kissed Max gently across the lips. “I know you want to protect me, Max but you also have to let me live.” She kept one hand on his cheek praying he would understand because with or without his permission she was doing this. She had to.

Max sighed and shook his head…he knew he’d lost this battle. “Fine, but I go with you. No arguments…I go with you and at the first sign of trouble we’re gone. Ok?” He knew she could be stubborn, but he had to have some boundaries.

Liz bit her bottom lip and shuffled her feet nervously. How could she tell him she’d already arranged everything? She’d spoken with her father from the airport and had already made her plans to meet with them. Max was going to be furious and now was not the time for this. “Agreed.” They would talk about this more later when his parents were safe.

Max pulled Liz close for an embrace but it was interrupted by the sound of a car. Michael, Kyle, and Alex had been standing close by but immediately they all came together in a protective stance. Their emotions were running wild not knowing if this man was a friend or the enemy but for once they’d had no choice but to take that chance.

Agent Acquaviva had to take in a deep breath before leaving the safety of his automobile. He knew this moment would come, but now he was afraid. Diane. He had to remember why he was doing this. He forced himself out of his vehicle and approached the strangers slowly. It took him a moment to find his voice but it was obvious they were not going to make this easy by speaking first. “Max Evans?”

Max stepped forward with his hand held low but ready at the first sign of trouble. “I’m Max Evans. What do I call you…agent?”

Realizing exactly how much they must hate the FBI at this point Pete opted for his first name. “I’m Pete.”

“Agent Pete?” Max asked sarcastically.

Pete understood Max’s hesitation in trusting him so he decided to explain himself. “I may wear a badge and I may have been proud of it at one time but I’m not anymore. The things I’ve seen lately have made me doubt just about everything I thought I knew to be truth. I know you don’t trust me…I can live with that, but I have to do this. I only hope you’ll let me.”

Liz stepped forward along with Kyle before Max could say a word. “We believe you.” They said in unison. They’d both felt his fear but they’d also felt his sincerity. Liz turned her head to face Max. “He really wants to help.” She said reassuringly and smiled. They finally had an ally.

Max walked several steps forward to face the agent and held out his hand. “Thank you.”

Pete stared at his hand for a moment knowing what this man was capable of but he had to believe this was a sign of trust. He shook Max’s hand and smiled awkwardly. “We don’t have them yet.”

The next twenty minutes were spent figuring out a way to get Diane and Phillip out. Pete had brought a sketch of the base he had made to assist them with finding their way around once inside. He noticed a few times that Max seemed impressed by the information he had gathered, which reinforced his decision to help them. After several arguments between Max and Michael, and Liz threatening the both of them…they had a plan.

"There’s still one problem.” Pete was nervous that they would feel like they were being trapped so he had tried to avoid one major issue. “Now you know your way in and you know where they’re being held but exactly how do you suggest we distract the other agents? It’s not like they’re going to let you walk right in.”

Max smiled proudly. “We have that covered. My son is going to take care of that part.” He smiled at Alex who was currently as white as a ghost. “It’s ok, Alex.” Max patted him gently on the shoulder.

Pete was confused. How was a kid going to distract the FBI?

Liz giggled knowing the truth was going to be enough to turn his hair white. “Well…you see…Alex has a gift that will pretty much take care of the other agents.”

“You’re not going to kill anyone, are you? I mean I can’t…”

They all smiled now. “No. No one will be hurt…it’s just…well a distraction technique.” Max couldn’t think of a better way to explain it.

“A distraction? You do realize this is the FBI right? It would have to be a major distraction.” Pete was starting to think they were all suicidal. Putting all of their hopes in the hand of a kid was more than just a little risky…it was insane.

Liz put a hand on Pete’s shoulders. “It’s not…just trust us.”

Pete was starting to realize he hadn’t even voiced his opinion completely so how was she…then it hit him and suddenly he felt like he was going to hyperventilate. “You’re…you…you’re um…”

Liz shook her head and smiled. “Don’t worry,” she whispered, “you’re secrets are safe with me.” She winked and turned back to the others. “Well, I guess we’re ready…it’s time to go.”

Together the six of them left in separate vehicles all headed for the same place. A place where anything could happen and a place Max Evans had prayed for years that he would never see again. The sun was beginning to set in the dessert and the FBI’s time of torturing the Evans was setting with it.


TBC