Who You Least Expect (CC,M/L,MATURE) [COMPLETE]

[Jason's Lover]

~Max~

The Crashdown. She's gotta to be there. It's the only place I could think of that she'd go right now. Earlier tonite when I told her no, I knew she wouldn't take it lightly, but completely going there by herself and putting herself in danger isn't exactly a better idea either.

God, I hope she's alright. As angry as I am that she'd disregard what I told her for her own safety, she's still my wife and she's my number one priority. In some strange way, I understand why she did what she did. She needed the closure. She needed to hear for herself of his betrayal. It's Liz all too familiar, she needed the proof.

I don't have long to dwell on that though. I'm almost there. I can't run fast enough. Just as I reach the doors, I think to call Micheal and tell him to get over here as soon as he can without informing anyone else as yet. It's then that I hear the screams from the one person I never wish to hear utter a sound like that again.

Running up to the doors, I see Mr. Parker with his hands around her throat with her struggling to get out from underneath him and I see red. I'm gonna kill him.

"NO!....Let go of her!" I scream while unlocking the doors with my powers.

He abruptly let goes when he sees me and the moment he does, I blast him across the counter behind the kitchen.

I leap my way over to Liz and the sight I see before me brings tears to my eyes.

Her face is pale and there's red finger marks around her neck. Feeling for her pulse, I feel it's there but faint. She's unconscious, but alive.

Lifting her in my arms, I try to slip out the back door when I hear a noise behind me. Placing her down gently on the floor, I turn back around to see Mr. Parker with a gun in his hand pointing it at me. Blocking Liz with my body, I stretch out my hand prepared to throw up my shield if he should shoot.

"Nice to see you Max. Can't say I'm surprised your here. I expected it with Liz back in town. How was your trip?" He says almost to calmly.

"What do you want?" I retort back angrily. I'm barely controlling myself.

"It's what I've always wanted Max..... my daughter."

"Your daughter? The one you just tried to murder? What kind of person are you?" I snare at him with rage.

"Don't pretend you have me figured out Max. None of you ever had."

"How could you do this to her you fucking bastard? She's the most self less person I've ever known. She'd give up anything, go anywhere.....and this is how you repay her. I should kill you right now." I mutter gravely.

"You know Max, that seems to be the popular theme for tonight don't you think?" He grins evily. "Come on Max, let's not bullshit here. We both know the only person Liz ever risked anything for was you Max. I can't imagine why after all you'd done to her."

"What the fuck do you know about Liz and I? You don't know what the hell your talking about!"

"Oh, but I do Max. I know all about Tess and how you fucked her and got her pregnant. I know about your little departure to leave earth when you thought the baby couldn't survive here....I even knew about how the bitch returned with the kid and basically mindwarped you all this time. How stupid could you have possibly been? If I didn't know any better, I'd say you enjoyed every bit of it. Especially how my ass of a daughter came crawling back to you like the dog that she is. Tell me Max, what's your secret at getting all the ladies you want?" He says smugly noticing his words taking affect on me.

"You don't know a god damn thing about me or my life. What makes you so much better than me? You try to ruin our lives....kill your own daughter. Does that make you feel like a man? To cowardly attack an innocent woman? Well attack me! I'm dying for you to do it." I scream at him with all the anger I'm feeling at that very moment.

"Easier said than done." He shrugs and then pulls the trigger.

Putting up my shield, I block the bullets from coming anywhere near Liz and I and effectively dropping them all to the floor after he's emptied out the gun.

Dropping my shield, he doesn't notice and I blast him again, this time holding him up in the air watching as he writhes in pain.

"Kill me Max. Go ahead and do it. I have nothing left to live for anyway. They're already after you." He mutters after deep breaths.

After everything that he's done and said, I can't kill him. I want to but I can't. He's Liz's father. I can't take another man's life....especially the father of the woman I love. I can't do it.

Gritting my teeth against the energy it's taking for me to hold him out with my powers, I scream out in agony with the knowledge of what I'm about to do.

Dropping him down to the floor, I fall on my knees trying to catch my breath. Mr. Parker sits up after a while and looks at me closely before grinning widely.

"You can't kill me can you?" He laughs out. "You want to, but you won't."

Looking at him with dead hate in my eyes, I start to stand in case he attacks me again when I realize it's too late.

My powers are momentarily gone due to the amount of energy I used up and now he's reloaded the gun with it aimed right at my head.

"I can kill you though." He says smugly.

"Not if I kill you first." Hearing the voice behind me, I know it's Liz.

Right when he pulls the trigger, she twists the gun with her powers to face him and the bullet goes off landing right into his head.

His lifeless body collapses right onto the floor with the gun landing right near his side.

Turning around to face Liz, I see her staring at his body with complete malice in her eyes and I grab her into my arms to check her over for damages.

"Are you alright?" I ask her frantically. She nods into my chest and I pull her tighter to me. Somehow I know she gets the double meaning to the question I just asked. Are you okay with what you did?

Hearing the chevelle pull up outside, Micheal runs in taking in the carnage he sees as he enters. Looking at us, he swallows thickly before speaking.

"Max, what the hell happened?" He asks with his eyes wide open staring at Mr. Parker's dead body.

"I killed him." Liz answers for me, stepping out from my arms to look into my eyes linking our hands together. "We're free now."

Micheal looks at me for confirmation and I slightly nod my head. Taking precedence, he quickly tries to assemble the situation to get us outta there.

"Maxwell, we gotta go now. I'm sure the neighboors heard the shot go off. It's only a matter of time before the cops get here." He says looking around quickly.

Nodding my head at him, I grab Liz and we run out of there hopping into the car with the sounds of sirens behind us.

Somehow I know it's far from being over.



TBC.....


Crystal

[Jason's Lover]

~Liz~

He hasn't said a word since we've been home. He's attentive and hovering over me like I'm about to disappear, but he hasn't uttered a single word. I know that he's hurt and angry that I basically ignored what he told me, but more than that, he feels even more responsible for what I did. It's exactly what I didn't want. I didn't want him to harbor any more guilt than he's already shouldering and I seem to have achieved the very opposite of that.

He's currently healing the bruises on my throat, being extremely careful not to aggravate the angry marks formed by the hands of my father. Well, my dead father. He's no longer alive and I can't help but be relieved. I know i'm supposed to have some type of remorse but I really and truly don't feel any. He tried to kill me....he tried to kill Max and I couldn't let that happen. The decision was simple. I'll always choose Max.

"Your quiet. You haven't said anything since coming home." I tell him breaking the silence.

He looks up at me briefly before returning to his tasks. "There's nothing to say Liz."

He's angry. It's written all over his face. The weird thing is, I don't think it's all directed towards me. I ask him just to be certain.

"Max, are you angry with me?" I mutter hesistantly.

He rolls up his sleeves, rising from the bed with his back facing me. He turns back around after a while and I know he's about to tell me it all.

"Yeah I am a little." He says looking down on me on the bed. I nod slowly and he continues.

"I told you Liz. I warned you and you went anyway. What did you think? That I was saying all of that just to deny you of what you want to do....that i want to control you? Please, tell me.....cause you put yourself in danger tonite and you might not have been here right now. I could've lost you." He finishes quietly.

"Max, I'm so sorry that I didn't listen but I had to do this. I wouldn't have been able to cope and move on if i didn't go there tonite. I know what you all told me and I knew you wouldn't make it all up but i wanted to hear it from him. Can you understand that?" I say with desperateness.

He's looking at me so intently and I can see what's got him so upset.

"I can Liz. I do understand, but for what purpose?" He says remorsely.

"What do you mean?" I ask confused. He sits back down on the bed with me and takes my hand in his.

"Liz, you killed your father tonite. I can't imagine what that must feel like and I'm sorry you had to do it." He says sadly.

"Max please, don't turn this into a pity party okay? I'm not have conflicting feelings about it and I don't regret it. He was going to kill you. I had to do it. It was him or you and I choose...."

"I know who you choose Liz." He interrupts me and I look up to his face clearly seeing the problem. "You choose me and that's just it Liz, you shouldn't have to all the time."

Looking at him closely, I'm trying to decipher his words. "What are you saying Max?"

Standing from the bed once more, he begins pacing the room and I just know that he's about to say something I don't wanna hear.

"For as long as I could remember, all I ever wanted was for you to love me just as much as I loved you. And now that you have, I'm beginning to see all the wrong things about it." He says on a tired sigh.

"I can't possibly express to you how much it means to me to be able to wake up next to you everyday and to call you my wife and to make love to you anytime I want. It means everything Liz. It's what I live for. But I'm terrified that one day you'll risk the ultimate price for me and I'll end up losing you forever."

I can't stop the tears that come to my eyes at his confession and I really don't know what to say.

"Max....." I whisper.

"I can handle just about anything Liz. I have been handling it....all the times we were in danger. All the times we had to run for our lives and the numerous amount of times the FBI has been after us, including now. But what I can't handle, is a life without you in it." He finally finishes.

Rising from the bed, I walk swiftly into his arms and wrap my arms around him tightly. He does the same.

"Max, I'm not going anywhere. And I love you too much to not wanna try. I have to risk my life for you Max. I wouldn't even have one if it weren't for you." I whisper into his chest.

"Your not obligated Liz. I would never even ask that of you. You've been through too much. I've hurt you too much and I feel like I should be paying for it." He whispers back while running his hands through my hair.

Pulling away I look into his eyes and voice exactly what it is he's getting at. " So what Max, you could risk everything for me and I can't do the same for you? Is that what you're saying?" I ask incredulously.

"Liz...."

"No Max, I'm sorry but that's unacceptable. We're married okay. Your my husband and I'm your wife. Anything you do for me will be reciprocated. That's just the way it's gonna be."

"Are you making all the decisions in this marriage now Liz?" He says with a small smirk. "Cause if I remember correctly, I'm the king."

"Not on this planet you aren't." I say laughing out loud at his expression.

Sobering up, we get into bed and turn off the lights. Holding me close to his side with his hand curved around my stomach and my head on his chest, I can't help but revel in the steady beat of his heart. It's beyond relaxing. It's reassurance that he's really here with me, that he isn't a dream.

"Liz, we have to talk about tonite. We have to deal with what happened." He says quietly while stroking my back.

Kissing his chest, I reply, "Tomorrow Max....tomorrow we'll deal with the consequences and everyone's questions. Right now I just want you to hold me." I whisper.

Placing a gentle kiss on my forehead, he says, "Forever."

And I believe him.


TBC......


Crystal

[Jason's Lover]

*Thanks for all the f/b guys, it's much appreciated!


~Max~

"So let me get this straight, he knew who we were the whole time?"

"Yes Micheal. He knew everything....all that there was to know." I say quietly.

"But I don't understand." Maria says. "How did he get all this information? From what source?"

I look to Liz for help cause it's really her that knows the entire truth. She sees the suggestion in my eyes and steps up to explain.

"Apparently, he was also taken by the FBI around the same time that Jesse was. Agent Burns told him everything at that point. About me getting shot, the deaths of Atherton, Whitaker, Pierce, and Hubble's wife. What Max and I were really doing in Utah that night and he even told him what the Special Unit really is. I don't know if he believed him or not but after Agent Burns was killed so unexpectedly, that pretty much convinced him. Since then he's had all of this planned....to give my journal to whoever would take it and you know the rest." She finishes on a deep breathe.

"So you killed him Liz?" Maria says with a hint of disbelief.

"Yeah I did. I....um, it was detrimental....to all of us. Things would've gotten really horrible if I didn't."

"As opposed to how screwed it's about to get?" Micheal says with a raised eyebrow.

"Micheal, this isn't about what Liz did or didn't do." I say with irritation. "We're trying to decide what our next step is gonna be. Not to judge one another."

"Maxwell, when will you fucking wake up and see what's infront of your eyes for once?" He says angrily. "Incase you didn't notice, Jeff Parker is dead. The most recent plant in trying to expose us has just been killed and you think it'll go unnoticed? It's even more ammunition for them to come get us." He yells.

"You don't think I know that?" I yell back.

"Guys, all the screaming is getting us no here." Maria interrupts. "It's not solving the problem. And to make matters worse, we've got a group of parents up there that doesn't know what the hell is going on." She reminds us.

"She's right Max." Liz says guiltily. "What are we going to tell them?"

Looking at her now, I see she's starting to feel the heaviness of what she's done. I feel it too. I'm the reason she did what she did in the first place.

"As far as it looks right now, Jeff Parker committed suicide. No one has to know any different."

"You think they'll buy it?" Kyle asks skeptically.

"They have no choice. There's no other alternative at this point." I say reluctantly.

"Except the truth Max." Maria says appalled. "After all that they know now, do you think it's really wise to start lying to them all over again? They could help us." She insists.

"No, they can't. Getting them involved was a bad enough idea. The longer we remain here, the more danger they're in. I can't let that happen."

"We're running out of options Max. I really think you should consider what I'm saying." Maria speaks up again.

"Maria, your plan makes no sense." Micheal says irritated. "What are we gonna walk up and tell them huh? 'Jeff Parker's dead, can you cover the funeral arrangements? And by the way, Liz killed him'. It's hopeless either way."

Everyone heard much less than saw the sobbing coming from Liz. Her retreating figure to the backyard was our only clue as to how deeply Micheal's words affected her.

"Liz...." I say getting ready to go after her. Maria's hand on my shoulder stopped me.

"I'll go to her Max." She says walking away giving Micheal a hard glare.

I feel my own anger rise at his insensitive remarks. "Damn you Micheal! When are you gonna realize that the things you say hurt people. God, she's dealing with enough already. You don't have to add to it."

"I didn't mean it like that okay. It came out wrong." He says on a sigh.

Trying to get my control in check, I proceed to carry on with the discussion.

"This is our last night here." I say authoratively. "Tomorrow morning we ship out and we never return. It's only a matter of time before the FBI connects the dots. We can't be around when they do."

"And what about our families?" Kyle speaks up. "Do we leave them behind knowing all that they do?"

"It's the best thing right now. The FBI doesn't know that our parents are involved in anything. If they keep up that pretense, they'll be safe. Say your goodbyes." I say dismissively.

"Yeah, but we gotta wait until Isabel comes back." Kyle informs us.

This is definitely new to me. I wasn't even aware that she went anywhere.

"Where did she go?" I ask.

Shrugging his shoulders, he says, "She didn't really say, but I'm guessing she went to see Jesse."

"Alone?" Micheals speaks up.

"She didn't want the company. I offered to go with her and she refused. It's obviously something she wants to do on her own." He says matter of factly.

"Max, I don't like this. She can't do things like this without letting everyone know." Micheals says annoyed.

"I don't either but giving her a lecture about it won't make her realize it. She needs her space and we have to give it to her. We have to trust her. It's the only thing we can do. We'll pick her up in the morning. I'm assuming she's staying the night?" I say looking at Kyle.

"I suppose. She did carry some things in a bag with her."

Nodding my head at the knowledge, I decide I'm going to go check on Liz.

"I suggest you start packing. We've got a lot to do tonight." I say before walking away. I hear Kyle sigh and say, "Great, another road trip. You'd think for aliens, you could settle down and land somewhere."

I wish.

~~~~~~~

"The subject is dead Sir. No witnesses or any clues to what happened. It's being slated a suicide."

"A suicide?"

"Yes Sir. The only thing that detest that are the four other bullets found in the perimeter. They were fired at something, or rather someone. A confrontation had to have occured."

"What is the Sheriff of the town doing to rectify that?"

"Nothing Sir. They're leaving it as unexplained."

"Unexplained huh? Not when the Special Unit gets a hold of this."

"It doesn't add up Sir. No one knew of our requested meetings with the subject."

"Oh, someone knew alright. Several of them knew. That's why he's dead. They found out."

"They covered up their tracks Sir. There's no fingerprints or proof of a homicide. The entire town thinks he murdered himself."

"Of course there's no evidence. They're aliens for gods sake.....that's the least of their concerns. Damn it! I tried to prevent this from happening."

"What will you have me do Agent Stevens?"

"Bring me those bullets. For research of course. They won't object. It's time for this to be over. They're here in Roswell. The problem is where exactly. Now we don't have a snitch."

"What about that Jesse Ramirez Sir? Agent Burns requested him the last time. I'm sure he could be pursuaded once more."

"We'll pay him a visit. This time, we win. Those aliens won't escape us again. Understood?"

"Yes Sir."



TBC......

Crystal

[Jason's Lover]

~Liz~

"Liz...Liz would you just stop. Come on....just stop and talk to me." I hear Maria say as I walk to the backyard after Micheal's comment.

I didn't know I'd feel like this. I didn't anticipate that I'd feel like the lowest piece of scum on the earth. God, I killed my father last night. I murdered my own flesh and blood. I mean, I know what he did and it deserves no forgiveness but I can't help it. I never thought of myself to be a killer but now I am one. The guilt is slowly consuming me.

Turning around abruptly to face her, I let all my frustration out.

"What Maria? What could you possibly wanna talk to me about? Are you hear to yell at me and call me a murderer? Do you wanna tell me how digusted you are that I did what I did? Do you want me to see the repulsion in your eyes when you look at me? Go ahead Maria! Tell me!" I scream with tears running down my face.

Pulling me into a fierce hug while I sob my heart out, she whispers the opposite of what I expected to hear.

"No Liz....that's not what I wanted to say at all. I'm so sorry that you were placed in the position that you were. I don't know what I would have done if I were in your situation and I won't stand her and pretend that I do. I just wanna help you." She says smoothing back my wet hair from my face.

"I don't know if you can." I say pulling away from her.

"Liz....."

"It's over Maria. I did what I did and we have to move on. I wish it hadn't come to that point, but it did. I can't regret it.....and, it doesn't make it any more easier to cope with but it's there. It'll be with me for the rest of my life whether I want it to or not. Don't you see? There's nothing anyone can do now." I say sadly.

Walking over to me, I see the tears in her eyes and it breaks my heart even more.

"Liz, I don't wanna see you like this. I can't and I know Max won't either. You have to try Liz. For the both of us. I'm begging you." She says tearily.

"I don't know Maria. I don't know what to do anymore. I'm so sorry to be putting you through this. And Max, he feels even more responsible for what happened. For something I did. He's so miserable and I can't....I can't bear to see him like that. It's killing me. I love him so much....so fucking much and I can't do this one thing for him. I thought I would be helping us you know....I thought we'd finally be able to leave the past where it is and move forward. Now all I've done is fuck everything up. I've fucked myself up and now he has to deal with it...he has to deal with me now on top of all this shit that's happening. God Maria, what am I gonna do?" I break down again finally telling her what's been plaguing me.

"It's not just you Liz. We're all here. We're all here and as long as that doesn't change, you never have to do anything on your own. Your the strongest person I know Liz. You'll get through this. I know you will. We'll figure something out. I promise you." She says embracing me in her arms.

Nodding my head, I thank god that she's in my life. I don't know what I'd do without her.

From the corner of my eye, I see Max standing there watching me with a heartbroken expression on his face. He doesn't wanna interrupt, but he needs to be with me right now. I know cause I feel the same way.

Clearing his throat, he alerts Maria to his presence. "I um....I don't wanna interrupt but can I....I need to speak with my wife." He says quietly.

Giving me a small smile, she kisses my cheek and walks towards the living room. "She's all yours."

Waiting untill she's absolutely gone, he walks towards me and wraps me protectively in his arms. I wish I could stay here forever.

"I heard everything Liz. All that you said." He whispers into my hair. "I didn't mean to listen, but when I heard your voice, I couldn't find it in myself to turn away."

Releasing me slightly so he could look into my eyes, he wipes the rest of the tears falling down my face. Framing my face in the palms of his hands, he kisses me so gently. I could feel his breathe on my face....calming me down like he always does.

"I don't ever want you to feel like you have to weigh yourself down with my insecurities and past mistakes. It doesn't make me love you any less. Just being here with me and feeling your love is enough. I love you Liz...more than anything in this entire world and any other. That's all that matters. It's all that counts." He says resting his forehead on mine.

"I know Max....I love you too. It's the only thing that's keeping me sane right now. Without you, I don't know what would happen to me." I say claiming his lips again.

He returns it and breaks away to speak. "You don't ever have to worry about that. I'm not going anywhere." He says fiercely.

Smiling at him, I smooth my hands down his chest and tip toe to place a kiss on his cheek.

"So what's the plan?" I say changing the subject."What do we do about our predicament?"

Our little moment away from the real world always seem to end long before we want it too. I can tell he knows it too.

"We leave tonight and never come back. This is the final time we'll be here again." He says regretfully.

"Max...." He doesn't want to go. There must be some other alternative.

"We have no choice Liz. The longer we remain here, the worse things'll get. We have to go."

"What about Valenti and Amy and your parents Max?"

"They stay. The farther we are from them, the safer they'll be."

Nodding my head, I fully understand his reasons. "When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow, just after dawn."

"Okay. I'll go pack our things." I say getting ready to go back inside the house. Max's grip on my wrist stops my movement.

"Wait Liz...I don't...I don't wanna let you out of my sight just yet. We haven't had a moment together in so long." He whispers as I go willingly back into his arms.

I know exactly what he means. We haven't made love in almost two weeks now. It's painfully obvious to us both.

"I know." I breathe out as he kisses a path down the arch of my neck. Tangling my hands at the back of his head, I bring his mouth to mine and kiss him with all the pent up desire I've been holding back.

Crushing my body to his, he opens his mouth wider to recieve my tongue. Sliding one hand in between us, he slowly inches it up my ribcage until he's cupping my breast.

Pulling away from his mouth to moan at the contact, he attaches his mouth to my neck again with his hand still caressing my breast.

"Max!...." I moan out his name. God I need him so much right.....

"You bastards!.....You said you wouldn't hurt her...you said you wouldn't!" Jesse cries out cradling Isabel's limp form in his arms.

"She has to die Mr. Ramirez. It's imperative to the survival of this planet. The others like her will too." Agent Stevens says.

"Isabel! Oh My God.....Isabel please. Don't die on me! Please....Isabal keep your eyes open...."

"I love you Jesse. I always will." She gasps out with her eyes shutting down.

"Isabel! No! Oh god....somebody help me....please!"

"And now it's time for you to join her." Agent Stevens mutters before firing a shot into Jesse's back. His body falling onto Isabel's.

"Let's go. We have to find the others."

Gasping loudly, I pull away from Max trying to sort through what I just saw.

"What happened?" Max asks worriedly seeing the frightened look on my face. "Did you have a premonition?"

Nodding my answer I shake my head trying to think clearly. "Where's Isabel?" I ask frantically.

"She went out. We assume she went to see Jesse. Why? What did you see Liz?" He asks starting to panic.

"I saw her die. She died in his arms. And then he's murdered too." I say remembering everything that I could.

"They're coming for us next Max. We have to get there before it's too late."


TBC......

Crystal

[Jason's Lover]

*Thanks all of you for the feedback. And I'm just crossing my fingers hoping this fic doesn't get pruned like my other fic did on the AU board...i love re reading all the things you guys post...it makes me smile.


~Max~

Things are just getting from bad to worse. But what else could I expect? It's because of who we are. Danger will just always be apart of our existence no matter where we go. It's inevitable. Sometimes I wonder why Liz, Maria and even Kyle stick around. They'll always be tied to whatever happens to us. I'm grateful but worried all the same.

And now Jesse. He's never really been fond of me since day one and vice versa. I wasn't sure if we could trust him. He did kill Agent Burns, but that wasn't for us. He did it for Isabel. He wanted to protect her, no one else. But this time, he fails and gets her killed. I can't let that happen.

"Do you think we're too late?" Maria asks Micheal sullenly while I bang down Jesse and Isabel's door.

"No Maria, we can't even think like that." Liz whispers.

Resuming my banging, Micheal catches my hand before I can continue.

"This is a waste of time Max. If something's really happening in there, no one's gonna answer. You might as well just open the damn door yourself." Micheal suggests.

"But what if nothing's going on right now and we just bust in there like the ghost busters for no apparent reason? We could possibly just place ourselves in the midst of what's about to happen and we all get killed." Kyle considers.

"We're all supposed to die if Liz's premonition is right. They were coming for us next. It's a no win situation. We either go in there and get Isabel out, or stay here and wait for the FBI to get us all." Micheal retorts.

"He's right Max." Liz whispers beside me. "Just open it. We can't take the chance."

Placing my hand on the door, I unlock it and push it open. Taking a deep breath, I switch a light on afraid that I'll see something I'll regret for the rest of my life.

The house looks untouched. Almost like no one's being occupying it for a while. With everyone behind me, I motion for them to be quiet and step aside so they could come in.

"Max, maybe we should split up and search everywhere." Liz says with her hand tucked in mine. "It'll be easier to find her."

Shaking my head, I grab her hand tighter. "No Liz. It's too dangerous. We need to stay together."

"Maxwell she's right." Micheal walks up next to us. "Staying in one place isn't the wisest thing. We have to scatter around. We're on a time table here, remember?"

Looking at Liz, I won't take the initiative and have everyone going alone. She stays with me. No matter what.

"Fine." I relent. "Micheal, you, Maria and Kyle check upstairs. Liz and I'll search down here." I whisper.

As they make their way up the stairs, Liz and I search the entire perimeter.

"Max, there's no one here. Infact, it looks like no one's been here for a real long time." She says worriedly.

"I know." I say. "But the question is why."

The others return from upstairs with the same results.

"Nothing Max. She isn't here and neither is Jesse. Her premonition was wrong." Micheal says definitely.

"It wasn't Micheal." Liz protests." I know what I saw. It's gonna happen if we don't stop it."

"Take a look around." Micheal says matter of factly. "Jesse hasn't been living here. It's the only explanation."

"She's not wrong Micheal." I say to his ridiculing of Liz's vision. "If she said she saw it then I believe her. Judging the credibility of that even isn't the issue...we need to find Isabel."

"But how Max?" Maria says. "It's obvious this place is empty. If she's with Jesse and he isn't here, then where do we look?"

"I don't know. None of this makes sense." I say with frustration.

"Liz, I don't doubt that what you saw is real, but are you sure it happens here?" Kyle says.

"I didn't get a clear view of where it happened so much as what occured. That's all I seem to remember clearly. The surrounding wasn't as definite. I just figured we'd check here. It is where Jesse is supposed to be living." She says looking troubled. Walking over to her, I entwine our hands together.

"So we could possibly be in the wrong place?" Micheal says with rising annoyance in his tone. "This is just perfect." He mutters.

"Wait a minute." Maria says like she remembered something. "Wasn't Jesse supposed to go to Boston after we left?"

"Yeah, but it's not certain that he's there." I say with tredipation. He can't be, can he?

"Of course he's there Max." Kyle says gesturing with his hands to the rest of the house. "He's definitely not here."

"Oh God, Boston? Do you think Isabel went after him?" Liz says with worry.

"She did carry a bag with her when she left this morning. Could be traveling light." Kyle says.

"This is fucking unbelievable." Micheal explodes. "How could she do that? We have the frekin' van."

"A vehicle isn't the only means of transportation Micheal." Maria speaks out. "You of all people should know that."

Not missing the double meaning behind her words, Micheal glares at her and rolls his eyes.

"That could be why she left so early this morning without any of us knowing. She knew we'd object to it." Liz connects the dots.

I can't believe Isabel would do this. To leave without us knowing and putting herself in potential danger is just unacceptable. I knew she was having a hard time with this, but picking up and leaving without so much of an explanation wasn't the answer either.

"Why would she do something like this? Doesn't she know how dangerous that is? Doesn't she even care that we'd worry?" I say angrily.

"When you're in love Max, sometimes that doesn't even register. You don't think about the consequences. You act on your heart." She says quietly.

Looking down at her, I know exactly what she means. Her words more than describe the basis of our relationship. We know what it means all too well.

"So what do we do Max? Boston is a big frekin' city." Micheal says pointedly.

Trying to think of our next step, I turn to Liz to suggest something.

"Liz, try to touch something in here. Try to get a feeling of anything and maybe it'll spark a vision. Something to tell you where they are. Will you do it?" I say looking at her intensely.

She's scared, but she'll do what she can to help. She always does. Nodding her head, she turns to the counter and touches it lightly. Taking a deep breathe, she closes her eyes and concentrates.

It's her loud gasp five minutes later that tells us it worked. She saw something.

"What did you see?" I say gently taking her face in my hands so she could focus on me.

"She was here Max." She says breathing heavily. "She was here and she came to the same conclusion that we did. She knew he was gone. She called him....she called him and he told her where he is. So she went." She finishes.

"What about an address or something? Did you see the place or anything else?" Micheal says.

"Yeah...it's a white house with green triming. And there's a white fence and a backyard. There was a street sign too...it said Newbury and I think the house number was 905." She says saying everything in a rush before she forgets. She looks as if there's still something else for her to say. Something important.

"What is it? What else did you see? I whisper.

"It's not what I saw Max...it's what I felt. I don't think Jesse's out to get us. I don't have evidence or anything but based on my vision, it felt like he was trying to help Isabel in some way....to help us too." She says looking at me closely.

"We'll see how true that is when we get there. Right now, we've gotta a plane to catch." Micheals says urgently.

Boston here we come.



TBC....

Crystal

[Jason's Lover]

~Liz~

"Flight 105 to Boston, Massachusetts will be delayed for a total of one hour....I repeat, Flight 105 to Boston, Massachusetts will be delayed for a total of one hour....We apologize for the inconvenience and encourage you to keep occupied, thank you."

The airport attendant's message just made everything that much more unbearable. A lot can happen in an hour.....things that no one here would ever imagine. Don't they realize that we have people to save? Don't they know that the FBI wants to kill us and if we don't get to Boston in time, one of our own will be murdered? Don't they care?

They can't know of course....I wish someone did. Sometimes I wonder if the entire public knew about our situation, would they help us. Would they unite with us to fight for our freedom? Something they have so carelessly....would another man kill his own for the right reasons? My judgement on them might be slightly impaired...afterall, it is the FBI that's hunting us....perfect citizens of planet earth...it's us against them. I guess it always will be.

"This is bad....this is really, really bad." Maria mutters pacing up and down the length of the airport.

"I know." I whisper back with Max next to me holding onto my hand for dear life. He's terrified of what may happen, but he's outwardly trying to be calm for everyone else's sake and mine. But I know the truth.

"I mean an hour?" Micheal says sighing frustratingly. "It's giving them a fucking head start."

"We could be too late." Kyle says sullenly.

"No." Max says standing up finally. "I won't believe that." He says shaking his head.

"It doesn't matter what you believe Maxwell. The odds aren't exactly in our favor right now." Micheal says pointedly.

"So what do you expect me to believe?" Max whispers angrily. "You want me to stand here and convince myself that my sister is possibly dead? That I failed to rescue her? I won't do that." He says fiercely.

"Hey, take it easy alright?" Micheal says with a calmer tone. "Nobody here wants to believe it either but we're just looking at the possibilities. You can't deny that we're seriously fucked right now. It's a given." He says matter of factly.

Max finally loses his ire and sits back down beside me. I grab his hand immediately and throw my other arm around his neck. I'll give him all the support he needs....just like how he does for me.

"I know...I'm sorry. I just...I can't imagine that happening." He says brokenly.

"There's gotta be some way that we could warn her." I say with worry evident in my voice...not just for Isabel, but for Max too. If my premonition really happens, he won't ever forgive himself. I can't let that happen.

"How Liz?" Kyle says with a raised eyebrow. "Isabel is the only one that could dream walk. None of you have that ability."

"I do." I say with emphasis.

"What? Liz, what do you mean you have that ability?" Maria says confused.

Max answers for me instead. "She can't exactly dream walk, but she can project herself into the person's environment....make them see her while the people around her can't."

"That's one of your powers?" Maria says astonished. "I mean, I know Max changed you, but I had no idea that you could do that."

Nodding my head, I say, "I've only done it once....to Max when he was in New York. I haven't tried it since then."

"Does the person have to be alseep for it to work?" Kyle says with interest.

"No. It can work both ways." I say quietly.

"Then if that's true, maybe you could reach Isabel." He continues with hope in his tone.

"He's right Liz." Maria speaks up. "It's worth a try."

"I'm not disagreeing with the notion, but giving all these people a free magic show can't work either." Micheal says glancing around at all the strangers in the airport.

"She can't do it here." Max says firmly looking down at me with concern in his gaze. "Using her powers like that, it takes up too much energy. If she does agree to it, it'll have to be someplace where no one will notice and she'll have the time to recuperate. The airport is hardly a suggestion."

"So what do we do?" Kyle says defeated.

Glancing at us all, Max says quietly, "We wait."

The prospect of that is what's slowly driving us insane.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Jesse, who was that?" Isabel says with fear in her voice. "No one knows were here."

Looking at her with somber eyes, he says, "It was the FBI. They want to ask me some questions."

"Questions? About what? About who?" She says frantically.

"I'm guessing they figured out you guys are back." He says sullenly.

"What?! How?" She says with shocked eyes. "Oh God, something must've happened in Roswell....Something with Max and the others... We have to go back Jesse...we have to." She says quickly re packing all their things.

"Isabel, we can't go back. They know we're here now. Going back will only give them what they're looking for." He says reasonably.

"I left them Jesse... without a word or an explanation. And my brother...God, my brother.....he needs me." She says with tears streaming down her face.

"Isabel don't worry. I'll take care of this. They won't ever bother you or your family again when I'm through." He says taking her sobbing form into his arms.

"What did you tell them?" She pulls away looking into his eyes.

"I told them to come. They should be here by tomorrow morning."

"Are you insane? You told them to come? Do you have any idea what they'll do when they see me here? We have to leave Jesse." She says resuming packing their things.

"We're not leaving." Jesse says soothingly. "When they come, I'll play the dumb, innocent role they're waiting to see. You don't have to be here. After that, I'll put my plan into action."

"What plan Jesse? This isn't time for games!" Isabel says admonishingly.

"Trust me Isabel. I'll protect you." He says wrapping her in his arms. "I promise."

~~~~~~~~~~

"Mr. Ramirez says to come Sir."

"He did, did he? I wonder why that is."

"What are you thinking Agent Stevens?"

"I'm thinking he's helping them now. He's apart of it."

"If he were, why would he agree to our procedure Sir?"

"Because that's the tactic...If he told us no, we'd immediately know he has something to hide, something to protect. But he said yes Agent. It's the same message, but he figured it would throw us off. He's a smart man...a Yale graduate after all. I'd expect nothing less."

"Do you think he killed Agent Burns then Sir? He was the only subject admitted at that time. It would make perfect sense."

"He did kill him. The entire Special Unit knows that....and now you. He won't get away with it."

"What will we do Sir?"

"We call for back up. We'll be there in Boston, but we won't be going alone."

"Yes Agent Stevens...I'm on top if it."



TBC.....

Crystal

[Jason's Lover]

*Hey guys, thankz again for the amazing responses...this'll be the last part I post until monday or tuesday... I'm leaving tonight for Atlanta for the weekend and I'll be back anytime before wednesday so hold tight and enjoy!


~Max~

Boston, Massachusetts. I've never been here before so it's a bit of an experience for me...for all of us. However, there's no time to sight see...we've got lives to save.

We're currently looking for anywhere safe or private where Liz can try to contact Isabel. In Roswell, there's so many abondoned locations and deserts for miles that it would be so much easier to find some place unused. We aren't exactly in Kansas anymore.

"This is useless." Micheal says swiftly getting agigated with our searching. "We've been walking for about an hour now and still haven't found a freakin' spot to do this in. Boston officially sucks."

"Would you quit your bitching and just walk." Maria says. "God, your like an infant."

"This is taking longer than expected." Micheal says turning to me, completely ignoring her comment. "We're wasting time Maxwell. We got held up for an hour at the airport, the flight took us about another hour to get here and now we're strolling down some road like the fucking scooby doo gang. It's ridiculous." He says trying to keep in pace with me.

I hear him, but I choose to ignore him at this point. He's not helping the situation. Liz can warn her and it's the best option we've had so far. We need to take it.

"Max...Hey, Maxwell are you ignoring to me?" Micheal says grabbing my shoulder to halt my steps.

"Yeah, I hear you Micheal, but I'm not listening." I say removing his hand from it's grip on my shoulder. "This our possible chance of stopping something from taking place and all you've been doing is critizing the idea. So yeah Micheal, I'm ignoring you."

"Uh guys, people are starting to watch." Kyle says looking around at all the pedestrians suddenly interested in our conversaion.

Staring me down, Micheal shakes his head and says,"Typical." Walking ahead of us, we follow behind him continuing to look.

It's Liz's slight squeeze to my hand that gets my attention. Looking down at her, she looks hesistant.

"What if he's right Max?" She whispers for only me to hear. "I mean, I'm not even sure it'll work again...what if we try it and nothing happens? I couldn't bear knowing we wasted all this time knowing what we know and not use it to save Isabel." She finishes looking fearfully into my eyes.

"It's worth a shot Liz. What other option do we have? Just have faith...it's what I always told you." I say kissing her knuckles lightly. Nodding her head, I feel some of her worry abate.

"Max, Liz..." Maria calls out gaining our focus."Kyle found a place. Over there." She says pointing across the street to this boarded up building with a closed business sign on the outside.

Looking at Liz, I nod my head at her for reassurance and follow Maria across the street. This has to work. Everything depends on it.

~~~~~~~~~

"They're gone? But where? And why didn't they tell us anything?" Amy says over a cup of coffee.

"They don't want us involved." Jim says sitting down. "It's the only explanation."

"But we are involved." Diane says. "This doesn't make any sense."

"Diane, Max never wanted to tell you guys the truth. Not spitefully or to keep lying to you, but for your safety. He always took everything that happened to anyone upon his own shoulders. It became his burden. And if he can, I think he'll do everything in his power to make sure your not added to that list." Jim says seriously.

"Seems like you know more about our son than we ever did." Philip says quietly.

"That wasn't my intention, but it seems like the case. I owe Max my life Philip. He saved Kyle...and me. I need to be there for him...for all of them."

Nodding his head in understanding, he sips from his cup before speaking again. "That's why I need to thank you Jim. When we we're in the dark and had no clue about what was going on, you were there for them and you protected them. You risked so much of your life when you didn't need to and I just....thank you, for looking after my kids."

"There's no need to. I was just doing my job." Jim says with a slight smile.

"Do you think they're gone for good?" Amy says after a brief silence.

"I don't know. I mean their things are still here." Diane says with a shrug.

"So what do we do?"

"We grant their wishes. We stay out of it and just trust them. They've been dealing with this a lot longer than we have. It would be foolish to judge their credibilty now after all that's happened." Philip says.

'Ring, Ring'

"The phone Philip...." Diane says with wide eyes. "It could be them."

"I'll get it...just relax." Philip says walking to the phone. "Hello?....yes...who is this?....Nancy?"

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Did it work? Did she see you?" I say immediately after Liz opens her eyes.

Nodding her head and breathing deep, she says, "Yeah, she saw me."

"And?" Micheal says motioning with his hands for more information.

"She already knew. I don't know how, but she does." Liz says running her fingers through her hair.

Gently helping her to sit up, I sit beside her and take her face into my hands. "Are you okay?" I say scanning her face for the truth.

Nodding her head and placing her hands on top of mine, she says, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little tired."

Placing a kiss on her forehead, I remove my hands from her face and take her fingers in mine.

"How could she know?" Micheal says breaking up our private moment. "We're under the impression that she's been walking blind all this time and we're here to save her, only to find out she knew of the potential danger she placed herself in? That doesn't sound too brilliant." He says with a confused look.

"Did she tell you anything or give you any other clue to how she knew?" Maria says.

"We didn't exactly speak." Liz says quietly. "We communicated with impressions I guess. I'd show her something, like the FBI by thinking it and she'd see it and vice versa. That's how I knew."

"Well what did she show you?" Kyle says with suspicion.

"I saw Jesse. She showed me him and I automatically knew what she was trying to tell me. She knew through him. I couldn't keep the connection long enough to know why that was." She finishes on a sigh.

Hearing her words, a feeling of complete dread washed over me. I wanted to be wrong. I didn't want to think that Jesse would betray us....but it seems like he did.

"You know what this means Max?" Micheal says rasing his voice. "Jesse's working against us and Isabel knows. She can't do anything about it...she's in trouble." He says pointedly.

"She's in more danger than we thought." Maria whispers.

Frantically racking my brain with all the possible scenarios Isabel could be in, I turn to Liz and ask her, "You remember the house right...what it looked like, the address?" I say in a rush.

"Yes, everything." She says nodding her head.

"Good. Let's go." I say walking towards the entrance with Liz at my side.

"Where are we going?" Kyle asks following behind us.

"We're going to get her and finish this once and for all." I say with determination.

There's no more running now. This is gonna end tonight.

~~~~~~~~

"I want you and Agent Johnson with me....the rest of you will surround the perimeter and keep watch for anything we should take under immediate notice. Understood?"

"Yes Sir, but what shall we do about the civilians Agent Stevens?"

"Keep them away. If there's casualties, we can't stop. It's the price we pay to protect our country."

"How far away are we from the town Sir?"

"Not as far as you think. This jet will land us there in the next three hours. Sit tight men. It's time to move out."

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

"Hey Eric, yeah it's Jesse. I know we didn't exactly part on good terms, but I need your help man, it's serious." Jesse says over the phone.

Listening on the conversation, Isabel sits near Jesse to hear more clearly what he says.

"I can't really tell you what that is, but if you come, I guarantee you'll get your story. I'll make sure of it."

"Yeah Eric....ok...no, just get here as soon as you can. Isabel and I'll be here waiting....Thanks man." He says before returning the phone to it's cradle.

Looking at him expectantly, Isabel asks, "Is he coming?"

"Yeah, he is." He says quietly.

Looking at him guiltily, Isabel places her hand on top of his resting on the table. "I'm sorry Jesse. I know how hard it was for you to call him." She whispers.

"Don't worry about. I'll risk and do anything if it means protecting you Isabel. I meant that." He says entwining her fingers with his. "Are you ready for this?"

Nodding her head, she squares her shoulders and says, "Let's do this."


TBC....

Crystal

[Jason's Lover]

~Liz~

I can't believe Jesse would betray us. He's proven himself countless times and he always came through. I felt that he was innocent from my vision, but during me contacting Isabel, I can't deny what she showed me. He has a part to play in this. A huge part that I don't think any of us ever anticipated.

"This is it." I say stopping infront of a house. The same house from my vision with the green triming and white fence. It's where Isabel is. I can feel it.

"Are you sure?" Micheal says looking it up and down.

Nodding my head, I say, "I'm positive."

Turning my gaze to Max, his vision is riveted to the front door. Squeezing his hand to get his attention, I say, "What do you wanna do Max?"

Looking down at me briefly, he says, "We go inside and get Isabel."

"And Jesse?" Kyle asks from beside me.

"I'll deal with him." He says a little too calmly.

Looking up at his face, I see the resolve that's there. I know what he's planning on doing.

"Max, you can't." I say shaking my head.

Not even bothering to deny it, he looks down at me and confirms it. "I have to Liz. Who knows what he's done to her. I can't let him get away with it."

"You can't do this Max. We don't even know how true this is. He could be...."

"He could be what Liz?" Micheal says interrupting me. "You saw him. There's only one way to deal with this. Jesse's a dead man." He says with determination.

"Your gonna kill him?" Maria says shocked.

"It's the only alternative. He brought this on himself." Micheal says pointedly.

"Would you listen to yourself?" I say getting angry. "When have we ever done anything so drastic? The least we could do is hear him out...hear what he has to say."

"Hey, he had that option." Micheal yells at me. "He sold us out and now he's gotta pay for it."

"Taking a life Micheal...it's the most difficult thing to ever have to live with. Especially when it's done wrongfully." I say quietly.

"What has you killing your dad got to do with this? He was a maniac...he tried to expose us. You did what you had to."

"Micheal...." Max says warningly.

"I'm not saying your wrong but it still isn't easy. Just think about it." I say looking at Micheal intently. He has to understand.

"Are we going in or not?" Kyle says a little impatiently.

"We're going in." Max says walking to the door with my hand tightly grasped in his.

I hope to God that we're all wrong.

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

"Come on in Nancy." Philip says moving aside to let her in. Walking into the living room she sits down without uttering a word.
"There's no need for pleasantries Philip." She says breaking the silence. "I'm here for two things."

"Which would be?"

"To find out where my daughter is, and why my husband's dead." She says looking at him for confirmation.

"Dead? Jeff is dead? How?" He says sitting up straight.

"I was hoping you would tell me. I haven't been here in a month." She says trying to hold in her tears.

"Nancy, I'm deeply sorry for your loss, but I don't know anything about it. I'm just as surprised as you are." He says quietly.

"Why don't I believe you?" She says looking closely at him.

"I'm perplexed as to why you wouldn't. I have no reason to lie to you."

"I beg to differ. I'm sure lying is a must when concerning that son of yours."

"Max? What has he got to do with this?" He says confused.

"I recieved a call from the FBI. Told me my husband was murdered. A witness saw Max entering the restaurant. He killed him." She says on a whisper.

"Now wait a minute here. Max has been no where near the Crashdown in weeks. And he isn't a killer. Far from it."

"Then how do you explain it Philip? Why is my husband dead and where the hell is Liz?" She says raising her voice.

"I don't know where Liz is. I haven't seen her in a while."

"Then where's Max? Wherever he is she's bound to be with him."

"I don't know where he is either. After graduation, he and Isabel both disappeared from town. Infact, so did Maria and Kyle. I'm guessing Liz is with them." He says giving her a slight stem of the truth without revealing too much.

"Doing what?" She says loudly. "Where did they go?"

"I haven't got a clue."

"Yes you do Philip. No parent would sit back and allow their child to go off on their own and not be concerned or worried. Your neither of those things. That means you know something and I wanna know what it is."

"Look Nancy, I don't know what you want me to say. Their teenagers...kids at that age do all sorts of unreasonable things. It's hard to have explanations at the end of the day."

"No! That's unacceptable." She cries. "I've been gone one month....one month and my husband is dead and my daughter's missing. How did this happen?"

"I'm sorry Nancy. I really am." He says sympathetically.

"I don't want your pity. I want answers." She says, her voice hardening with each word.

Sighing and standing up from the sofa, he says, "I don't have any."

Nodding her head and standing up as well, she says, "Well, I'm sure the FBI does. I'll talk to them."

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

"You want me to expose the FBI? Are you high or something?" Eric says sitting at the dinner table with Jesse and Isabel.

"Eric this is really important. These guys aren't who you think they are. They have an elite group within their branch and they kill people. More lives are at stake even as we speak." He says persistently.

"Jesus Jesse... What the hell are you talking about? The FBI is here to protect the people man. What elite group within the government could be so dangerous that your willing to do this?" He says shaking his head.

Looking across at Isabel, he turns his gaze back to Eric and says, "I can't say. Just trust me."

Not missing the look exchanged between the two, he says, "What are you guys mixed up in?"

"Eric...." Jesse says on a sigh.

"No Jesse. The last time I was here, trying to get a simple story out of you two were like pulling teeth. You kicked me out of your home and told me to never come back. Yet here I am again, requested by you and I came without question because your my friend. Now what your asking me to do is not only highly suspicious, but it's incredibly dangerous. I'm going out on a limb here for you and the least you could do is tell me the truth."

"It's not that simple Eric. It's not my secret to tell. I can't tell you what you wanna know."

"Can't, or won't?" He says looking at him closely.

"I'm sorry Eric." Jesse says with his head down.

"This is unbelievable. This isn't you Jesse. Your mixed up in something and I don't like the sound of it. Your protecting someone aren't you?" He says with slow realization. "Isabel...your protecting Isabel. Why would she need protection?" He says with confusion.

"Eric, I told you....."

"Tell him Jesse." Isabel interrupts him.

"What? Isabel, what are you saying?" Jesse says worriedly.

"I'm giving you permission to tell him the truth. He's right Jesse. We're asking him for a favor. We're the ones that need the help. He deserves to know the truth." She says with resignation.

"Isabel, you don't have to do this."

"I need to. We all do. It's out of our hands at this point. It has been for a while." She says quietly.

"Are you sure?" He says one last time.

Nodding her head, she says, "Yes, I'm sure. Tell him."

Watching the entire exchange with wary eyes, Eric says, "Tell me what?"

"The truth." She says. "The truth about everything. I hope your ready for this."

"Go ahead. I'm here aren't I?"

"What were about to tell you might change all of that." Jesse says wearily.

"What do you mean?" Eric says cautiously.

Ding Dong, Ding Dong

"Oh God Jesse..." Isabel says jumping up from her seat. "It's them."

"It's who?" Eric says standing up as well seeing the frightened look on her face. "What's going on?"

"Take Isabel and go into the study room and lock the door behind you. In the closet, there's a forty five magnum....use it if you have to." Jesse says quickly.

"What? Why? What the hell's going on?" Eric repeats more forcefully.

"Just go Eric." Jesse yells.

Waiting until Isabel and Eric are completely gone from sight, he opens the door slowly and is left shocked at who's on the other side.

"Max, Liz....what are all of you doing here?"


TBC....

Crystal

[Jason's Lover]

~Max~

My heart is thumping with anticipation waiting for someone to answer the door. A part of me hope it's Isabel so we could just grab her and get outta here but we need answers. Answers that only Jesse can give us. I wanna know why...why he'd do this to her, to us. After everything he knows...it doesn't make sense.

Looking down at Liz to see the same anticipation on her face, I hold her hand tighter and the door swings open to reveal Jesse. Seeing his face, I feel all the betrayal and anger hit me full fledged. He looks genuinely surprised to see us here and it angers me more. Remembering Liz's words, I manage to control myself and hear what he has to say first.

"Max, Liz...what are all you doing here?"

"We're here because of you...because of what you've done." I say with a dead calm.

"What I've done? What are you talking about?" Jesse says bewildered.

"Look, move aside Jesse. We didn't come here to chat. Where's Isabel?" Micheal says pushing past Jesse into the house.

"Isabel." Micheal yells.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Jesse yells following us as we roam about the house.

"Where is she?" I say stopping to face him.

"Max?" I hear her voice as she comes out of a room with some guy by her side. He looks very familiar.

"Isabel." I say as she runs over to me. Grabbing her in my arms I hold her tightly.

"What are you doing here?" She says releasing herself from my arms to go over to Micheal.

"We came to get you." Kyle says stepping up. "You are in danger aren't you?"

"We all are." She whispers stepping away from us.

"Yeah we know." Liz says beside me. "We know about Jesse too."

"What about Jesse?" Isabel says confused.

"He betrayed us. He's working with the FBI." Maria says.

"No, I'm not." Jesse defends himself. "I don't know what the hell your talking about." He says frustrated.

"Then what's he doing here?" Micheal says pointing over to the guy that came out of the room with Isabel.

"Who is he?" I say with my gaze locked on him trying to remember his face.

"He's Jesse's reporter friend that wanted to expose us with his stupid story." Micheal says matter of factly. "If you aren't working against us, then why is he here?"

"That's none of your damn business." Jesse yells.

"Really? How about we kill you then?" Micheal yells back.

"No one's killing anybody here." Isabel says breaking in between them. "You guys are wrong. Jesse isn't the enemy."

"What do you mean Isabel?" Liz says "I saw him. You showed me him when I came to you."

"Yes, I did but it wasn't what you thought it was." She says with a sigh.

"What are you talking about Isabel?" I say in a confused tone.

"When Liz came to me, we communicated with images. She showed me the FBI and I showed her Jesse. I projected her to him because I was trying to tell her that he knows and that he's helping us. He's not a traitor." She says with emphasis.

"Helping us how?" Micheal says still skeptic.

"He's going to expose the Special Unit."

"What?" Maria says with disbelief in her tone. "How in hell is he going to manage that?"

"That's where Eric comes in." Isabel finishes.

"Eric?" I say still not satisfied.

"That would be me." He says stepping out behind Jesse.

With our eyes all riveted to him, Jesse says, "I called him here. I didn't know what else to do. After the FBI contacted me, I had to think of something to protect Isabel."

"Tell me you guys don't believe this bullshit?" Micheal says after Jesse's declaration. "He's fuckin lying."

"No he's not Micheal." Isabel defends him. "He's trying to help us. The least you could is trust him."

"So let me understand this, the FBI contacted you and you called him here to expose the most dangerous unit in all of the government?" Kyle repeats. "Sounds simple enough, what are we waiting for?" He says sarcastically.

"Kyle..." Isabel warns.

"Forgive me if I don't exactly have the biggest trust in this plan. Am I the only one here that finds this impossible?" He says looking around.

"I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I agree with him." I say shaking my head. "Isabel, this doesn't sound feasible. Furthermore, how is he supposed to do this without knowing the truth?"

Isabel looks down then and I realize what she was going to do. She was going to tell him.

"You were going to tell him?" I say with my gaze penetrating her.

"I have to Max. He needs to know." She insist.

"He doesn't need to know anything." Micheal speaks up. "We tell no one. You screwed it up by telling Jesse about us and now look where we are."

"Don't you even go there." Isabel yells.

"Look, what's done is done." I say trying to diffuse the situation. "What we need to do now is figure out how we handle this."

"We are not telling him Maxwell." Micheal says again.

"We don't have a choice Micheal. He's here to help us. If we don't tell him the truth, then it's all for nothing. He'll have all these questions that we refuse to answer. It's unfair." Isabel retorts.

"I'm not here to cause any disagreements between anyone. My friend called me and I'm here. I swear that whatever it is, I won't say a word." Eric says quietly. "I just wanna know the truth."

I'm torn now. He seems genuine enough but I still have a responsibilty to everyone here. I can't risk that.

"I don't know." I say wearily. "I just don't know."

"Please Max." Isabel pleads. "I promise you this won't end the way you're all thinking. Trust me."

Turning to Liz for some form of assistance, she conveys with her eyes her confirmation. She agrees with Isabel. That's all I needed to know. I'll always go with her insticts when mine aren't clear. She's always right.

"I can't believe this." Micheals bellows. "You're going along with this?"

"We're in a bad place Micheal. We need all the help we can get. If telling him the truth can guarantee that, then we will." I say looking at him.

"We're more than capable of handling this ourselves Max." Micheal replies. "We have been for years now."

"And look where we are." I say trying to reason with him. "We're still running...still living in fear of what the next day may bring. I'm tired of living that way." I retort looking into Liz's big brown eyes as I utter the next words. "I won't do it anymore."

It's because of Liz...my wife. I wanna be able to give her everything she's ever wanted. She deserves it. From now on, I vow to make sure it happens.

"When we tell him, his life is permanently screwed. Is that what you wanna do?" Micheal says persistently.

Looking over to Eric, I already see the resolve in his eyes. He wants to know. He's already included.

"It's his choice." I say. "I hope he picks the right one."

Nodding his head, Eric says, "Go ahead. Tell me everything."

And so it begins. Another victim sucked into our group. When will it stop....


TBC...

Crystal

[Jason's Lover]

~Liz~

"The Royal Four?" Eric says with an arched eyebrow. "Are you serious?"

"I knew we shouldn't have told him." Micheal says shaking his head. "He'd never understand."

"No, it's not that." Eric insists. "It's just that...this is all so weird and it sounds like an untold star wars tale but I think I get it. Or atleast I hope so." He murmurs with a confused look on his face.

"What don't you understand?" I ask calmly.

"Well for starters, if there was originally four of you in those pod thingy's, then why are their only three of you here now?"

The silence after that question was immediate. We've never broached that subject in so long. After Tess' death, no one spoke of her or anything relative to her being. It's just an unspoken agreement between us all.

Taking the initiative, Max prepares to answer the question but not before stealing a glance in my direction. He's probably wondering if hearing about her will upset me. The truth is, it doesn't. She doesn't exist to me anymore and I don't think she ever will. She can't harm me or anyone I love again. And most importantly, she can't take him away from me. He's mine now, and that fills me with a sense of peace I haven't felt in long time.

Giving him a small smile and a jerk of my head to continue, he understands the notion and nods his head.

"Tess is dead." Max says without remorse.

"Tess?" Eric says unfamiliar with the name.

"She was the fourth alien. The last one to seal this Royal Group that we were. Micheal, Isabel and I emerged from our pods all at the same time when she didn't. It was always the three of us...until she came along and changed that. As it goes, when we were all together in a unite, it amplified our gifts...made us stronger."

Nodding his head in understanding, Eric asks, "What happened when she was around? I kinda get the feeling that she wasn't liked." He observes.

"That's because she wasn't." Maria says bluntly. Elbowing her side, I give her a warning glare before elaborating on her comment.

"Tess caused a lot of things to happen Eric. She came to town with this...this message for them and just completely turned everyone's world upside down." I say with remembrance. "She always had a purpose for everything that she did. It turns out, her intentions weren't exactly for the better. She betrayed us all."

"What did she do?" Eric asks curiously.

"She killed someone that was very special to us." Isabel answers solemnly. "She just...she murdered him in cold blood and covered it up. Tried to make it look like he killed himself."

"And now she's dead." Eric states. "Did you guys...kill her?"

"We should've." Micheal replies. "But fortunately, she took care of that herself."

"How?"

"She blew up the Air Force base with herself in it. You know, a tried to kill two birds with one stone kind of thing. Thought that if she sacrificed herself she'd be redeemed somehow, also aiding in killing a bunch of these soldiers that were there." Maria explains.

"Thus the reason we're more than exposed now. They know who we are. That's why we ran." Max finishes.

"And now they're after you? I mean, they're after all of you?"

"Yup. And anyone that they think knows is a target. That means everyone in this room...and now you." Kyle says seriously.

Swallowing with the implication, Eric nods and says, "What do we have to do to stop them?"

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

"Nancy... Jim, Amy, Diane and I would um...we'd like to tell you the truth." Philip says.

"The truth?"

"Yes. But there's one thing we need you to promise us. This information that we're about to tell you, it could be very harmful if it's exposed to the wrong people and believe me, none of us here would like to be subjected to that."

"Philip, I don't want to cause anyone any trouble at all. That isn't my intentions. I just want to know what happened to my family. I just...where did they go?" She whispers with tears clogging her throat.

"Were you aware that Liz kept a journal?" Philip begins.

"I was." Nancy answered with a nod. "Her grandmother sent her one for christmas three years ago. Liz loved it of course." She says with a reminiscent smile on her face. "I remember her constantly writing in it day in and day out. She was always so secretive about it though. I never understood why."

"We do Nancy. We know the reason for that." Jim speaks up.

"You do?" She says with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes."

"Then tell me."

"Do you remember the shooting at the Crashdown? The shooting three years ago?" Jim asks.

"The shooting where there was all that speculation about if Liz was shot or not...sure I remember it. My daughter was there. I'd never forget it."

"Well, Liz was shot Nancy. She was hit with that bullet."

"What?" She says with confusion marred on her faetures. "Liz wasn't shot. She was fine. I saw her. I think your mistaken."

"I wish I were but it's true Nancy. Liz was shot and she was dying. She was dying until someone brought her back." Philip says pointedly.

"Who? Who could do something like that?" She asks in disbelief.

"Do you believe in aliens Nancy?"

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

"So they'll be talking to Jesse while I record everything their saying, except the things about you guys and then what?" Eric asks turning to Max.

"Micheal, Isabel, Liz and I will be posted up into different rooms of the house. After your done recording what you need to, you'll take Maria and Kyle someplace safe." Max says directly.

"What? We don't get to be here?" Kyle says unsatisfied.

"You can't." Max says regrettably. "It'll be too dangerous and you guys aren't equipped to protect yourselves. It's the safest thing for you to do right now."

"If I wanted a father, I'd ring my Dad." Kyle says with his ire raising. "You can't make all the decisions this way."

"Kyle...." I say attempting to make him understand.

"No Liz. I've been on this run away aliens only themed vacation for a while now and I've been pretty damn content with my role so far. But now that we're all getting ready for the showdown that determines how safe our existences might be, I don't get to be apart of it? After everything that I've put up with, this is what it boils down to?" Kyle says indignantly.

"Kyle I'm not trying to degrade your part in this group or lessen your effort. I'm trying to keep you safe. Besides, I don't see Maria complaining." Max points out.

"Maria's different alright. She isn't as passionate about this as I am." Kyle says undeterred.

"Hey!" Maria cries out as if she's offended. "I'm passionate alright...I just wanna stay alive too."

"I didn't mean it like that." Kyle tries to apologize.

"I know. But it was so funny to see your face when you thought I actually cared." Maria chuckles.

Rolling his eyes, Micheal firmly says, "Look Valenti, we've got a lot on our plates right now. One of your temper tantrums isn't something we wanna deal with. What we wanna do, is keep you alive. So can it and follow the orders."

"Micheal...." I say reprimandingly.

"I don't follow orders." Kyle says angrily before walking away.

"Thank you Micheal. You made the situation so much better." Isabel says sarcastically.

"He was acting like a fucking baby. What else was I supposed to say?" He shrugs.

"Saying nothing would've been a better preference." I say glaring at him.

"Can we get back on topic now?" Micheal retorts annoyed.

"So everyone knows what they have to do?" Max says looking around at us all.

"Yeah but I...I'm a little wired I guess." Eric says. "This feels like armageddon in a way."

"Can you do this? Can you handle it?" Jesse asks him worriedly.

"I've got a better question." Micheal interrupts staring him down since his confession. "Can we trust you?"

"Don't you ever quit?" Maria sighs with annoyance.

"You see, we've been planning and planning and forgetting to ask the important questions here." Micheal says. "I mean, how do we know we could trust you? You tried to expose before. Whose to know that you won't try to again?"

"Micheal, he's not like that. It's different." Isabel says to his defense.

"No I...I understand where you all are coming from. I can't imagine what it would be like to have this huge life altering secret amongst yourselves and then having to share it with an outsider." Eric exclaims quietly.

"Exactly." Max whispers.

"What I was trying to do when I was last here, I didn't even fully understand the magnitude of it. I don't think I cared then....I was just looking for a big story. Something the media would buy into. But now, after all that I know, it's much more than I could've ever imagined. There's more to it and there's people involved and I...I couldn't do that. The ramifications are too great and I guess what I'm saying is that yeah...yeah Micheal, you can trust me. All of you can. And I want to help." He finishes sincerely.

"You already are." I say genuinely. Nodding his head, I know he understands our acceptance of him into our secret.

"So what do we do in the meantime?" Jesse asks.

"Revel in the peace that we have right now. Cause in a while, it's about to change." Max says grasping my hands with his.

Looking into his eyes, I see what he wants.....what he needs. He needs comfort and reassurance. But most importantly, he needs me. I'll never tire of giving him that.

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

"Aliens?" Nancy shrieks. "What do aliens have to do with this?"

"That's what Max, Isabel and Micheal are. They're from another planet. And they...."

"What?" She interrupts Jim with a wave of her hand. "Do you realize how ridiculous that sounds?

"I do, but it's the truth. Max healed Liz that day when she was shot. He dissolved the bullet and brought her back. It's what started everything."

"Don't tell me you actually believe this nonsense?" Nancy says unbelievingly. "There's no such thing as aliens. They don't exist."

"They do Nancy. That crash in 1947 was real. Micheal, Max and Isabel were in there." Diane insists.

"So what are you trying to say?" Nancy argues. "They're walking among us? They're here to take over our planet?"

"No, that's far from it. They don't want to harm anyone. I'm telling you Nancy, Isabel and Max....my kids, they've been through so much hiding this secret from everyone. Even Micheal. They're the most docile group of kids you'll ever meet. They aren't what you think." Diane says close to tears.

"So let's say that I believe you....what does this have to do with Liz?" Nancy ask curiously.

"She's the first person to know about their secret. Max told her." Jim says.

"Why?"

"Because he loves her. He always did. It's why he saved her." Philip explains.

Nodding her head with realization, she says, "So they all knew? Maria and Kyle?"

"Yeah." Amy says quietly. "Even I recently just found out."

"God, it all makes sense now. All the secrets and hiding. All the times things would be left so unexplained and bizarre...she was trying to protect him. To protect all of them." Nancy exclaims.

"She was." Diane nods. "And that journal she kept, she wrote everything in there."

"Everything?"

"Everything relevant to Max and the shooting. All of it." Jim says.

"It's why she was so secretive about it." Nancy concludes. "So where is she and the journal? I'd like to read it."

"Liz is with him and so are the others. They left Roswell recently." Philip explains.

"Left? To go where?"

"We don't know. But all we can tell you is that if there's anything we're sure of, it's that Max will lay his life on the line to protect your daughter. He'll do anything for her."

Sniffling her tears, she says, "I know that now."

"Do you understand all that we've told you?" Jim asks hesitantly.

"I do. But I just feel like I've missed out on so much of her life. She's my daughter and I don't even know her." She cries. "I'd love to read that journal she has. Is it here?"

"Uh Nancy, the story isn't over...."


~~~~~~~~~~~

"Are you okay?" I ask Max once we're alone.

"I am." He whispers. "I'm just...I'm a little worried about the outcome of all of this. If it'll be for the better or for absolutely nothing at all."

Nodding my head, I ask, "Well, what does your heart tell you?"

Looking down at me he says, "It says that the only constant and untouchable thing no matter what happens in this world, is how much I love you."

My heart totally melting at his words, I reach up to palm his face in my hands and kiss him gently.

"I love you too Max. And you have nothing to worry about." I whisper rubbing the tips of my fingers against his mouth. "We're going into this together and coming out with the same result. I won't accept anything less."

Resting his forehead on mine, he says, "Liz, what we're about to do, may make us or break us all together. When I asked you to be my wife, I knew before hand the consequences of that and I didn't care. I want to be with you...I need to be with you, forever. Now I'm starting to wonder if that was foolish of me to even promise you something like that. To promise you something that I may not be able to keep." He finishes with his despair clearly visible in his gaze.

"Max, the only promise I need from you, is that you'll love me forever. Whether it's physical or spiritual...all I need is you Max. It's all that ever mattered to me." I say kissing his forehead.

"I will Liz. Nothing in this world means more to me than you do. I can't stop loving you. It's impossible." He whispers crushing my body to his in a fierce hug. "I'm never leaving you Liz."

Wrapping my arms tightly around his neck, I whisper back, "I know Max. And right back at you." I smile when I feel him chuckle.

"Max, Liz...." Isabel calls out to us interrupting our private moment. "They're here."



TBC....

Crystal