Roswell Fanatics

Chapter 10

"So what was up with that old chick at the Dive?" Reggie chuckled as they all hung around the park.

"Just a case of mistaken identity," Cory shrugged, not really wanting to think about the encounter and the weird feelings that accompanied it.

"I guess," he nodded taking another hit of his cigarette, watching his sister and Terry fight over the last swing.

"So what else is there to do around here besides hang out here in the park?" Cory questioned in boredom.

"Dude, this is Roswell. The park's about as exciting as it gets," Terry panted as he plopped down on the bench.

"We can go to The Strip," Misty piped in from her position between Reggie's legs.

"The Strip?" Cory asked in interest.

"It's where everyone goes to race cars, bikes or whatever the hell they can get there hands on," she quickly answered.

"So let’s go," Cory

"Go where?" Regina joined in as she came upon the end of the conversation.

"The Strip," Terry supplied as he jumped up from his spot eagerly.

"Cool." They all climbed into Reggie's car and Cory raised an eyebrow when Regina climbed into the driver’s seat.

"You can drive a stick?" he asked in awe. Every girl he knew was afraid to drive a stick, including his mom and Devon.

"I like to drive sticks." Her eyes roamed over his body, landing on his crotch. She licked her lips and raised heated eyes to his. Cory squirmed under her gaze and couldn't help his body's reaction her. He couldn't deny that she was a very attractive girl, with long ebony hair, sun-kissed skin and a killer body, he couldn't help but notice. He swallowed thickly and tried to shift comfortably. The others in the backseat chuckled at his discomfort as Regina started the engine and headed towards the Old Soap Factory.

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

Liz sighed heavily as she looked up at the clock on the wall. Her quick run into the hospital had already turned into a three hour stay, and from the looks of it, she wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. Apparently there had been an Alien Convention in town and the catering service had served contaminated shrimp. Now she had an ER full of weirdoes with food poison and an under-staffed crew and she still had twenty or more patients to see. She rubbed her neck tiredly and hung up the phone. She had been trying to call Cory all evening, but kept getting his voice mail.

"You look like you could use a break," a voice sounded behind her and she turned around, a smile playing across her lips.

“Hey you,” Liz smiled brightened as she stepped into his open arms. James smiled and wrapped his strong arms around her tiny frame. He closed his eyes and relished the feel of her in his arms. It had been three weeks since he had seen her and he had been counting the days until he was able to see her again.

“When did you get here?” Liz mumbled against his broad chest.

“About an hour ago,” he answered, leading her over to some of the vacant chairs in the hall. “I went by the house and no one was home and I figured you’d be here, working hard.” He smiled warmly, brushing a few strands of her hair behind her ear. Liz blushed guiltily as she lowered her head. Instead of getting on her as usual, he pulled out a bag she hadn’t noticed. “I brought you some dinner,” he said, wiggling it in front of her. He couldn’t stop the small chuckle that escaped his lips as he watched her eagerly attacked the contents inside.

“Oh god, you don’t know how much I needed that,” Liz sighed as she swallowed the last of her stuffed pita sandwich. “I don’t know what I would do without you,” she smiled sincerely as she placed a kiss on his cheek. Before he could reply, the loud speakers overhead roared to life.

"Dr. Daniels, please report to the ER...Dr. Daniels..." Liz stood to her feet, sending him an apologetic smile.

"Duty calls," she shrugged.

"Go, I'll just head over to the house. I still have some unpacking to do. I just wanted to come by and see you, make sure you had a proper dinner," he said affectionately.

"Thank you. I'll see you later?"

"Of course." He leaned over and placed a gentle kiss to her forehead. James watched her as she made a quick exit down the hall, his heart aching to hold her once again.

Running past the nurse's station, Liz grabbed several charts before going to make her rounds.

"I apologize for keeping you waiting," she said as she slid back the curtains and read briefly over the chart, not looking up once.

"Liz?" Liz's head snapped up and she found herself staring into the shocked eyes of her best friend.

"Maria!"

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

The Strip was packed as usual as Regina pulled into a vacant spot amongst the haphazardly parked cars.

"Sweet, it looks like there's some money to be made tonight," Terry clapped his hands gleefully as he stared at all the racers there.

"Man it's packed," Misty observed. Cory climbed out of the car and took in his surroundings.

"What do you think?" Regina smiled, leaning against the car next to him.

"Nice," was his only response.

"Hey Reg," a tall blonde called out to Regina, "how 'bout a race?" Cory could tell he was wasted and tried not to laugh as he watched the guy stumble and fall on his ass as he made his way towards them.

"Now Tom, you know you couldn't beat me...drunk or sober," she laughed, helping him stand to his feet.

"You’re right," he slurred. "Then how's 'bout a kiss," he grinned, wrapping his heavy arms around her and trying to place his wet lips upon her. Regina squirmed and tried to get out of his grasp, but he was much bigger then her. Regina may have talked big, but she was barely 5'1.

"Tom, let go," she warned, looking over at her brother who she could tell was getting upset at the situation as he untangled himself from Misty. Instead of letting go, his grip grew tighter. The next thing Tom knew, he was sitting flat on his butt as Cory stood above him.

"I believe the lady said let go," he stated calmly. Tom managed to climb to his feet, preparing to launch at him, but movement out the corner of his eyes stopped him as Reggie glared at him.

"I think you owe my sister an apology," he growled. Tom quickly apologized and made his way back over to his car.

"Thanks," Regina mumbled, still sending evil glares towards Tom.

"No prob," Cory nodded.

"So who's ready to make some money?" Terry grinned, throwing his arms around their shoulders. So for the next hour or so the group raced car after car. Cory had even gotten his turn to make a name for himself.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" The group turned around to see Danny and his crew standing around as if they owned the place.

"Well if it isn't Danny Panties," Terry laughed, causing the others to join in. Danny flipped him the bird as he turned his attention back to Cory.

"So I see you've managed to turn a few heads," he said, looking him over. Cory shrugged, returning his glare.

"I see you can handle yourself against these 'boys' but how about hitting the asphalt against someone worth racing," he challenged.

"Bring it," Regina piped in. She hated Danny with a passion, every since they were little, he thought everyone should bow down at his feet because his daddy was the town Mayor. Danny sent her a heated look. Unlike her, he rather liked Regina; some would go as far as say he was obsessed with her. Mainly because she was the only girl in Roswell that didn't drop her panties at the sight of his bank account. He made it his mission to make her and Reggie's life a living hell since she wouldn't succumb to him. Seeing the way that she hung all over the new kid, his jealousy was rearing.

"What do you say New York?"

"I say bring it." Reggie grabbed him by the arm, dragging him away from the group.

“What the hell are you doing?” he hissed.

“What?” Cory asked confused.

“No one has beaten Danny…no one,” he stressed.

“Yet,” Cory smiled confidently.

“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Reggie sighed.

“Chill Reg, I got it covered.”

Terry walked over to the duo. “So are we doing this or what?” he asked looking between the two of them. Cory raised an eyebrow at Reggie.

“Whatever,” he sighed.

"Hell yeah," Terry shouted as he ran off to collect some bets. The crowd all gathered around to watch the race. Danny climbed into his Mitsubishi Eclipse, a birthday present from daddy, which he had supped up. Max watched from a distance, feeling a sense of déjà vu as he watched the scene below. Misty stood in front of the two cars, waving her red scarf. They both knew the rules. First one to the Soap Factory won, and earned bragging rights over the other. The two engines roared to life as the waited for Misty to drop her scarf. Cory looked over at Danny and found him staring back at him. A sly smirk crept across his face as he winked at him. Danny flipped him off before looking forward again. The second the scarf left Misty’s hand, the cars took off like lighting.

The crowd cheered them on as they ran after them. For a while, the two cars rode side by side, neither taking the lead long before the other would catch up. Cory could see the Soap Factory in the distance and decided he was tired of playing around. Throwing the gear into fifth, he pressed on the gas. The car jerked forward, pressing him into the seat as it sped off. Danny’s eyes widened in shock as he watched the car beside him speed off towards the Soap Factory. He cursed, hitting the steering wheel when he couldn’t catch up. Cory smiled in triumph when he reached the Factory. Cory jerked the car into a complete 360 before coming to a stop and climbing out. He barely had time to close the door before Regina’s small form slammed into him and her lips came crashing down on his.

“That was fucking awesome,” she beamed as she pulled away. Cory didn’t have time to process what just happened before everyone was coming up to him and congratulating him.

“Man, you should have seen the look on Danny Panties face when you flew by him,” Terry laughed as he collected his winnings. He slapped a hundred in Cory’s hand, “It’ll keep you honest,” he grinned, slapping him on the back and running over to a couple of guys that were trying to get away without paying him.

“I have to hand it to you kid, you got mad skills,” Reggie spoke in awe as he pounded fist. Cory could only smile and soak up the attention all the ladies were showering upon him. Max climbed off the car he had been sitting on and made his way over to the group.

“What, you wanna race?” Cory asked as he noticed Max walking towards him. Max froze in his steps as he looked around him, no one was supposed to see him unless he let them and he hadn’t revealed himself.

“Who are you talking to?’ Reggie asked as he looked in front of them.

Cory nodded, “that kid coming our way.” The others looked where he was pointing, but didn’t see anyone. Max continued to stand there in shock, not understanding what was going on. “You don’t see him standing right there?” Cory asked in confusion.

“Dude, I think it’s time you called it a night. All this excitement is making you a little light-headed,” Reggie chuckled, leading him over to the car. Cory looked over his shoulders as Reggie and Regina pulled him along and found the spot Max was standing in empty.

----

Cory crept silently down the hall, praying that he didn’t wake his mom.

“She’s still at the hospital,” James voice sounded behind him, causing him to jump a foot in the air. Cory turned around surprised to see him.

“Hey,” James smirked before embracing him.

“When did you get here?” he asked returning the hug.

“Earlier this evening.”

“Does mom know?”

“Yeah, I stopped by the hospital earlier. She was worried about you.” He raised an eyebrow and Cory looked away guiltily.

“Meet her half way,” James tried to reason. Cory nodded turning toward his room. “And you’re grounded,” he relayed the message Liz had given him. Cory groaned, but continued to his room. After a quick shower, he pulled on his boxers and was about to climb into bed when his cell rung. He looked at the caller id and saw Devon’s name on the display. He felt a wave of guilt wash over him and it grew even worse when he turned off the ringer and sat down heavily on his bed and reached for the lamp on his nightstand. For the second time that night Cory nearly had a heart-attack and screamed when he switched on his lamp to see Max sitting in his desk chair. Max frowned in confusion and stood up.

“Who ever you are, my dad’s a cop and he’s right in the next room,” Cory said fearfully as he jumped across the room and grabbed his baseball bat.

“You can see me?” Max asked.

“Of course I can see you. Who the hell are you, and why are you following me?”

“You’re not supposed to see me,” Max mumbled to himself, trying to figure out what he did wrong.

“What? Of course I can see you. What are you some type of perv that gets his rocks off by sneaking into peoples room?” Cory questioned, still clutching the bat tightly in his hands.

“I’m not a perv kid…and even if I was, you’re not my type,” Max smirked. Cory raised the bat ready to swing just as his door swung open.

“Are you okay? I heard you scream.” James asked, taking in his son standing in his boxers yielding a baseball bat. Cory looked around the room, checking his closet and bathroom.

“Cory?’

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Obviously whacked out of my mind,” he mumbled under his breath.

“Are you sure?” James asked uncertain as he watched him walk around the room, scratching his ear.

“Yeah, I’m going to hit the sack,” he announced. James eyed him a second longer before closing the door behind him.

After catching his room once again with no sign of his intruder, Cory flopped down on his bed tiredly. “I must be losing my mind,” he mumbled before closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.

Max sat down at the computer table. He eyed the boy lying in the bed a few feet from him. He couldn’t understand what was going on. He had no doubt in his mind now that this was Cory Daniels, his charge, but what he couldn’t wrap his finger around was the fact that somehow Cory could see him even when he was in his angelic form. But the thing that was troubling Max the most was the strong connection he felt towards the boy and the feelings it stirred within him.

So I lnknow it's been awhile and I'm sorry. I promise to try to update more often. For those still reading, thank you for your patience and sticking with me. So enough talk.....


Chapter 11

Liz climbed into bed, exhausted from a long night at the hospital. If she was honest with herself, it wasn’t her shift that had drained her. It was the unexpected run in with her once best friend that had her mind and heart in turmoil.

“Maria,” Liz uttered in shock. Next thing she knew, she was pulled into a suffocating hug.

"Oh my god...where have you been...everyone was so worried about you...we thought you were dead...do you have any idea what you put us through...your parents...oh my god," Maria began rambling off question after question when she finally released her. Recovering from her shock, Liz had to smile. Same ole Maria…she hadn't changed a bit. Well, her hair was a lot longer and red. Liz frowned, never picturing her friend as a red-head.

"Ouch!" Liz winced in pain when Maria pinched her arm, bringing her out of her thoughts.

"Are you even listening to me," Maria huffed, her hands landing on her hips as she glared hard at her friend.

"I'm sorry. What did you say?" still rubbing her smarted arm.

"I said I missed you," Maria mumbled sadly. "How could you just leave me like that?" Liz could see the tears glistening in her friends eyes, and felt the lump of guilt clog her throat.

"Mommy," a small voice sounded behind them and Liz's head snapped around to see a little boy around four-years-old. His face was covered in green paint and he was wearing what looked like a space suit. Maria quickly wiped at her tears and made her way over to the bed he was resting on.

"How are you feeling baby," she cooed, brushing aside his wild, dusty blond hair.

"My tummy doesn’t feel better," he moaned. Liz was all too familiar with the look on his face and rushed over to him with a trash can. No sooner had she placed it under him, he threw up. Maria held back his hair and whispered motherly words in his ear. Liz sat there in awe watching her friend, who had once vowed that she would never have kids, nurture and comfort her son. Again the sadness came over her over all the missed years she had put between them.

“Mommy, why are you crying?” the little boy asked once he was finished. Liz smiled. Even though he just finished puking his guts out, he worried more about his mommy then himself. He reminded her of how Cory use to be before he hit his teenage years and began withdrawing from her.

“Mommy’s okay sweetie, these are happy tears,” Maria assured him. Maria looked up at Liz, who was watching the scene intently. “Sweetie, this is an old friend of mommy’s. Her name’s Liz…Liz this is my son Mickey,” she introduced. Mickey tugged on his mother’s jacket and Maria leaned down so that he could whisper in her ear.

“Sorry, this is Michael,” she reintroduced with a roll of her eyes. Liz’s eyes widened in shock when she made the connection.

“You mean you and Michael?” she asked in disbelief.

“A lot happens in seventeen years Liz,” Maria snapped, the tension in the room returning. Liz was taken back by her friend’s snide remark, but could understand where she was coming from.

“You know my daddy?” Mickey asked with a huge grin. “My daddy is a art...an artetick,” he mispronounced, oblivious to the situation around him.

“An architect sweetie,” Maria chuckled softly.

“That’s what I said mommy,” he huffed, brushing at his unruly bang. The two women laughed as Liz began her examination.

“So what’s going on with you Michael?” she asked as she checked his vitals.

“I was helping Grammy at the fesiable and then my tummy felt bad.” Liz looked up at Maria for a clearer explanation.

“You know how mom always set up booth at the Alien Festival,” Liz nodded and Maria continued, “well this one here wanted to help this year and got a hold of the bad shrimp. I swear he eats just like his father.” Liz smiled, remembering Michael’s huge appetite.

“He should be fine in the morning,” Liz said sometime later as Maria began to button Mickey in his coat.

“I really appreciated it,” Maria said once she was finished. They stood in silence, not sure of what to say. “Well, I better get this one home,” she smiled. Reaching into her purse, she pulled out a business card and handed it to Liz. “My home number’s on the back, whenever you’re ready,” was all she said as she lifted Mickey in her arms.

“Maria,” Liz called to her back. Maria stopped but didn’t turn around. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled. Maria only nodded and walked out of the ER. Afterwards, Liz went through the rest of her shift on automatic.

Sighing heavily, Liz closed her eyes, knowing sleep wouldn’t come easy for her that night.

“Morning,” she yawned as she stumbled into the kitchen bright in early the next morning. She had every intentions of sleeping in, but her traitous body had other ideas and was up at six like clockwork.

“Morning,” James smiled, handing her a cup of coffee and kissing her forehead. Liz grunted in thanks as she sat down at the table.

“I didn’t hear you come in last night,” he stated casually as he scanned the newspaper. Liz raised an eyebrow at him. She knew James well enough and she knew his statement held double meaning.

“I’m not surprised with the way you snore,” she grinned behind her mug, not wanting to get into another unwelcome argument about the long hours she worked. James lowered his paper and sent her a playful scowl.

“I do not snore,” he defended.

“Yeah right,” Cory yawned as he made his way into the kitchen.

“Hey, we men are supposed to stick together,” James glared as he captured Cory in a headlock and tussled his hair. Liz watched the two of them with a bittersweet smile. Their relationship has always been strong. James loved Cory as if he was his own and never treated him otherwise. When she had first met James, she had been six months pregnant and big as a house. She was waiting tables in a small diner a few blocks from the police station. James had been fresh out of the academy and on his beat when he wandered into the diner one day. The moment James had laid eyes on her; he was instantly attracted to her. Of course, Liz didn’t give him the time of day.

“What can I get you?” an exhausted Liz asked when she finally made it to the table full of cops.

“How ‘bout your phone number pretty lady,” one of the older cops grinned widely. Liz ignored him. She was use to being harassed by the uniforms. You would think that men would be turned off by a pregnant woman, but instead she had been getting the opposite effect. After putting up with ten minutes of their cat calls and whistles, she finally got their order and handed it to the cook. She looked at the clock above the door and was glad that she only had another thirty minutes left to her shift. She rubbed her lower back, trying to remove the knot forming there.

“Excuse me, miss,” Liz turned to see one of the officers standing there.

“What do you want?” she snapped, not in the mood for any of his shit.

“Whoa,” James smiled, holding up his hands in surrender. “I just wanted to apologize for my friend’s behavior,” he said softly, before turning and making his way back over to the table. Liz eyed him wearily, and when their order was up some time later, there were no catcalls when she delivered it to their table. She had received a huge tip that day.

From that day forward, he made it his mission to show up at the diner whenever he could, always leaving her a huge tip.

“So when are you due?” he asked one day as he sat at the counter enjoying his dinner. The diner was pretty quite. It was just him and an older couple in the far corner.

“What's it to you?" she snapped. Liz couldn't help but feel a little on the defensive. For the past few weeks, he would come in before or after his shift and would just stare at her. Sometimes he would try to make conversation, but she had already made it clear that she wasn't looking for a relationship or 'friend' as he had once put it.

His only response to her rude remark was a small shrug of his shoulder. "Just asking," he smiled, taking a sip of his soda. Liz rolled her eyes and continued counting her drawer out. Her shift was over and all she wanted to do was go home and take a long hot bath.

"Your husband must be ecstatic," he pondered casually. Liz bit her lip hard to stop the tears form in her eyes as she thought about Max and how he would have felt about the baby.

"I'm sorry," James stood up instantly as he saw the tears slid across her cheeks. He kicked himself mentally as he watched her rush off to the ladies room.

Liz nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard a deep voice behind her.

"I didn't mean to frighten you," James apologized. "And I didn't mean to make you cry earlier."

"You didn’t," she returned coldly. She wrapped her sweater as best as she could around her protruding stomach and resumed her trek to her apartment five blocks over. She had gotten to big to ride Lucille, so she had rented a storage space which she faithfully paid the bill each month. She noticed that he was still behind her.

"What do you want?" she growled.

"I just want to make sure you get home safely. These streets are full of weirdoes"

"Well I guess it would take one to know one," she bit out. James smiled, not the less bit offended by her insult.

"Nevertheless, can I at least make sure you get home safely?"

"Whatever," she mumbled as she continued her walk. They walked in silence, with him stealing glances at her every now and then. Liz could feel his eyes on her, but refused to acknowledge him. When they arrived at her building some time later, he handed her his card and told her to call if she ever needed anything not to hesitate to call.

~~~~~~~

James rolled over from his peaceful sleep at the persistence of the phone ringing. He had just laid down from doing a double shift and only wanted to sleep.

"Hello," he grumbled into the phone.

"Hello," a small voice sounded on the other end. James immediately sat up, knowing her voice anywhere even though it was the first time she had called him since he'd gave her his card three months ago. He had to admit, since then, she hadn't been so cold to him when he was in the diner and would actually talk to him civilly.

"Liz?"

"It hurts," she cried into the phone as another contraction slammed into her. She had been home on her only day off that week when her water broke and her contraction came out of no where. She had been scared and alone and she didn't know what to do. Sure she had read all the books to prepare her for this moment, but now that it was finally happening, all she wanted was Max.

She didn't know why she called James. All she knew was that he lived close by from the many one way conversations he would have with her while he was in the diner.

"I'm on the way," was all he said before hanging up the phone and rushing out the door.

~~~~~~~~~

"It's a boy," the doctor exclaimed happily as he held up the little squirmy bundle. She quickly wrapped him in the blanket and laid him across Liz's chest. Liz stared down at her son with wet eyes. She couldn't believe that her baby was finally in her arms. She had dreamed of this moment, but of course in all her dreams Max was standing beside her with the biggest grin on his face in love in his eyes.

"Dad, do you want to cut the cord?" the nurse asked James.

"He's not the father," Liz bit out, not once looking up from her son's beautiful face. The nurse sent an apologetic look towards James who she could tell wished that he were the father.

~~~~~~~~

"What are you doing here?" Liz asked as she pulled opened the door to reveal James standing on her threshold, his arms loaded with bags.

"I knew you were coming home today, so I took some time off in case you needed some help," he shrugged. "Do you think I could come in, this is kind of heavy?" he panted as he tried to keep from dropping the bags in his arms and a huge teddy bear.

Liz stepped aside hesitantly. She watched as he sat the things down beside the bassinet her son was resting in and stared down at him with a huge smile.

"Why are you doing this?" she couldn't help but ask when he started pulling out all the clothes, diapers and toys he bought. James shifted nervously as he straightens.

"Honestly? I like you Eli and I know you said you weren't looking for a relationship, but there's something about you that I can't shake, and if I can't be your man, I'll settle for just being your friend," he said sincerely.

"So what do you say, friends?" he smiled, holding out his hand. Liz eyed it worriedly before finally accepting his hand.

"Friends."

"Hey, you okay," James asked concerned as he watched her space out. She blinked, trying to shake out of her daydream.

"Yeah," she smiled when she saw the concerned look in his eyes. "Where's Cory?" she asked noticing her son's absence. James looked down at the table guiltily.

“James,” she scolded, knowing that he had let Cory go out and not enforcing his punishment.

“It’s okay Liz,” he tried to calm her down, placing his hand over hers. “He’s just going to register for class at the high school.”

"So he says," she replied dryly as she stood to empty her cup. James came up behind her, seeing how tense she was.

"Hey, what's wrong?" he asked, massaging her shoulders. Liz closed her eyes and sighed. She knew she had to talk, not only to Cory, but James as well. She had kept so much from both of them. It hadn't been intentional, but when it came to talking about her past, it just hurt so much. Turning so that she could face him, she looked up at him with tear filled eyes.

"We need to talk."

~~~~~~~~~

“Hey.”

“Shit, Jesus Christ. Are you trying to give me a heart-attack?” Cory rushed out; dropping the spray can in his hand when he saw Max standing behind him. “Who are you and how the hell did you get in here?” he hissed, still trying to catch his breath. He could have sworn he locked the window when he climbed through. Max shrugged, making his way to stand beside him against the wall.

“My name’s not important,” Max replied. He never gave his charges his name because it made things to personal. “And as far as how I got in here, don’t worry about that.”

“Dude, what is your problem? Why do you keep following me around?” Cory asked, returning back to his painting. For some reason, he felt calm around this guy, but couldn’t figure out why.

“I’m following you because it’s my job,” Max answered simply.

“Your job?”

“Yeah, I’m an angel.” Cory stopped mid stroke and stared at him.

“Maybe you shouldn’t stand to close. I think the paint fumes are cooking your brains,” Cory chuckled.

“You don’t believe me?” Max asked offended.

“Um…no,” Cory laughed.

"Look kid, I really am an angel," Max assured. Cory raised an eyebrow at him, but kept painting.

"If you're an angel, where're your wings?" Max rolled his eyes heavenward. His charges always asked him that.

"I haven't gotten them yet," he retorted bitterly.

Cory chuckled, "So you're not an angel...more like an angel in training," he laughed.

"Ha ha," Max scolded. "So you believe me?"

"I believe you need serious help," Cory laughed, stepping back to admire his work.

"Nice," Max nodded as he took in the mural that now defaced school property. The school gym of West Roswell High was now decorated with a huge dragon that was using his mighty fire to burn down West Roswell High. "But I don't think that security guard would think so," Max smirked. Cory snapped his head towards the gymnasium door where he saw the light from the security guards flashlight shining through the window. He could hear his keys jingling as he searched for the right one. Quickly, he began packing up his stuff. When he turned to his left, he noticed that he was alone.

"Fuck," he mumbled as threw his backpack over his shoulder and ran toward the window. He barely made it through and shut the window behind him as the security guard pushed the door open. He managed to escape unnoticed and continued his journey toward home. He knew his mom was going to be pissed that he snuck out when he was grounded, but he was edgy and needed to get out of the confines of his room.

"That was close," Max said as he reappeared and fell in step with him. Cory turned and glared at him.

"And where the hell did you disappear to? I thought you were supposed to be my 'guardian angel'" he snapped.

"Whoa," Max smiled, holding up his hands in surrender. "I thought you didn't believe me."

"I don't."

"What do I have to do to prove that I'm really an angel," Max sighed in frustration. It was never this hard to convince one of his charges. Then again most of his charges were under the age of ten and hadn't lost their innocence and most were dying and expecting an angel to come for them. He didn't understand this assignment at all; didn't understand why he was forced to babysit a kid who was in serious need of an attitude adjustment or a hug. He was definitely going to have to ask Rag when he sees him again.

Cory thought about his question, and a slow smile spreads across his lips. "If you're an angel, how about hooking me up with some wheels…I'm tried of walking," he smirked.

Max rolled his eyes and sighed heavily. "Look kid, I said I was an angel not a genie here to grant you three wishes," he snapped.

"Whatever," Cory shrugged with a knowing smirk. He turned to step off the curve unaware of the speeding car heading straight towards him.

Max heard the tires screech loudly and looked up in time to see a car heading straight towards the kid. He didn’t think, just reacted. He lunged at Cory. Cory saw the headlights, but was too frozen to move. Just as the car was to hit him, Max wrapped his arms around him and was immediately insulted by images as the two of them blinked out, the car passing right through them.

“Come on…you can do it,” a sweet voice encourages the young toddler as he sways on his chubby legs, a huge grin plastered on his face as he stumbled toward her outreached hands.

“I knew you could do it.” The pride was evident in her voice as he fell into her arms. “Your daddy would be so proud of you,” her voice growing sad.

Max inhaled sharply as the image slammed into him. “What was that?” he thought. He didn’t have time to ponder it any further because the kid was staring straight at him in total shock.

So what did you think?

XOXOXOXO

LS