*Max*
“Sounds fantastic,” I say when Alex tells us that he’s found a 3-bedroom place and we can move in tomorrow. “I can’t wait to see it.” A townhouse sounds ideal. Isabel should be happy with that. She’s complained a bit in the past when we’ve had less-than-modern accommodations but this one sounds lovely. Especially as we’re really going to be here for the long haul. At least, that’s my expectation. Liz may decide quite quickly that she wants nothing to do with us, but I’m guessing she’ll give us at least a little time.
It nice to know that we’ll actually be here long enough to need to pay more than one month’s rent. There have been a few times when we’ve been on our way long before that... Maybe this city will actually be a ‘home’ for a while. I think I could really get to like it. And to like Liz, too. She seems like a very nice person. And very strong, too, considering all I’ve thrown at her these last 28 hours or so…
I’m sure we’ll be able to swing the rent. Usually just two of us working, beyond Alex have been enough, although more is always helpful. Now it’s just a bit more urgent. Still there are four more of us. If we all get jobs we’ll be in terrific shape to be able to get the things we need and still contribute to our savings if for any additional expenses.
Actually, if this works out, we might not need the savings. We’ll be heading straight out to Antar whenever we end our lease. Earth money won’t be much use to us then. Still, there’s no need to change our habits. Things might not work out. And in the end, Alex and Maria will probably want to send the remainder to their families – assuming they’re coming with us, of course.
I nod to Alex with a smile. “I’m sure we’ll manage the expenses, Alex,” I promise him. “I’ve already interviewed in a few places. I’m sure I’ll get at least one of them, but I probably won’t know until Friday….” I say with a shrug as I look around at the faces of my sister and friends. “I’m sure we’ll all find something soon.”
The Missing Piece (CC, MATURE/ADULT accepted)
Moderators: Anniepoo98, ISLANDGIRL5, Forum Moderators
-
KatnotKath
- Roswell Fanatic
- Posts: 1130
- Joined: Wed May 21, 2003 5:54 am
- Location: UK
- Contact:
~Liz~
The conversation is continuing nicely, focusing on normal things, accommodation, hobbies… We could almost be a group of normal friends…
I say almost… There’s still the fact it would look a little strange for a sixteen year old to be hanging with five twenty year olds…
Anyway, it doesn’t matter that it almost appears normal does it… Because we all know this is far from normal…
I’ve been doing my best, trying to join in and keep a smile on my face, but I have to admit I’m getting to the point where I’m not too sure how much longer I’ll be able to keep it up…
Looking round, I can see that everyone appears to have finished eating and I realise that maybe it’s time to see if Max was serious when he said if I wanted them to go, they would…
It’s not that I’m trying to be awkward, or anything like that… Just that there’s a lot that’s been said today, over the last few hours, and there’s been a lot to take in… I need a little time to go over it in my head, to try and get to grips with it, and I think that time is now…
I might be able to keep smiling and chatting, but that won’t really be me, that will be a front I put on to hide my true feelings…
I wanted to meet them all, I did… And I’m glad they came… But I think it’s time to wrap this up for tonight…
*Max…?* I concentrate, following his earlier instructions and sending the single word towards him, just hoping that it’ll work…
He looks over at me. *Ready to call it quits…?*
I swallow. Am I that obvious…? I feel really guilty because I know all this is important, but I just don’t think I can handle much more… Taking a deep breath, I give the slightest nod. *I’m sorry…*
The conversation is continuing nicely, focusing on normal things, accommodation, hobbies… We could almost be a group of normal friends…
I say almost… There’s still the fact it would look a little strange for a sixteen year old to be hanging with five twenty year olds…
Anyway, it doesn’t matter that it almost appears normal does it… Because we all know this is far from normal…
I’ve been doing my best, trying to join in and keep a smile on my face, but I have to admit I’m getting to the point where I’m not too sure how much longer I’ll be able to keep it up…
Looking round, I can see that everyone appears to have finished eating and I realise that maybe it’s time to see if Max was serious when he said if I wanted them to go, they would…
It’s not that I’m trying to be awkward, or anything like that… Just that there’s a lot that’s been said today, over the last few hours, and there’s been a lot to take in… I need a little time to go over it in my head, to try and get to grips with it, and I think that time is now…
I might be able to keep smiling and chatting, but that won’t really be me, that will be a front I put on to hide my true feelings…
I wanted to meet them all, I did… And I’m glad they came… But I think it’s time to wrap this up for tonight…
*Max…?* I concentrate, following his earlier instructions and sending the single word towards him, just hoping that it’ll work…
He looks over at me. *Ready to call it quits…?*
I swallow. Am I that obvious…? I feel really guilty because I know all this is important, but I just don’t think I can handle much more… Taking a deep breath, I give the slightest nod. *I’m sorry…*
My fics:
Dreams and Reality
Reality Revealed
Family Connections
When Love and Loss Collide
When Friendship and Love Combine - New!
If Only...
The Important Thing
Home for Christmas
I Knew Him Before (PB fic)
Love Always...
The First Time Around - New!
Dreams and Reality
Reality Revealed
Family Connections
When Love and Loss Collide
When Friendship and Love Combine - New!
If Only...
The Important Thing
Home for Christmas
I Knew Him Before (PB fic)
Love Always...
The First Time Around - New!
*Max*
I'm pretty pleased at the way the conversation is finally moving along. Michael didn't say much, but at least he spoke. Alex seems real excited about our new place and so am I. It'll be nice to spend some time here in Roswell and really get to know Liz.
At the thought, I turn to Liz and see that she's glancing around the room, although her expression doesn't dim in any way. She smiles at Alex and then me.
*Max?* I hear in my mind. It's Liz's voice. I haven't heard her mindtouch before today, but I'll always know it. She sounds a bit shakey and I can see the un-ease in her eyes.
*Ready to call it quits?* I guess, as I meet her eyes, smiling at her gently. Her mouth tightens and she nods once. I can see she's unhappy about it, but she obviously is done. *I'm sorry,* she says.
*No, don't be. It's fine.* I tell her, tapping her knee lightly before I get to my feet. She's been through quite a lot these last two days. She'd had to deal with an unbelieveable amount of new information and new feelings and new ideas. A whole new future. Anyone would need some time alone with that....
"Okay, everyone. I think it's time to go," I say aloud as I get to my feet and put my empty plate on the table.
"Maxwell, we just got here!" Michael complains. He looks at me with disbelieving eyes and I wait for him to continue his protest mentally, but it doesn't come. Not yet, anyway. I'm quite sure I'll get an earful later...
I shake my head. "Just the same, it's time to go," I say. "It's been enough for one day. We'll have plenty of time to meet up again now that we've found each other."
Isabel untangles herself from Alex and the two of them get to their feet. "Sure, Max," Isabel agrees. Her voice is light and pleasant. Alex gets up promptly, taking Isabel's plate and his and putting them on top of mine.
"Maybe some time soon you can come see our new place," I suggest, lightly. "I'm still looking forward to seeing it myself."
In a few moments, the five of us are moving towards the door. "Maybe Liz and I could go shopping together sometime this week?" Isabel asks, tilting her head as she looks at Liz.
I'm pretty pleased at the way the conversation is finally moving along. Michael didn't say much, but at least he spoke. Alex seems real excited about our new place and so am I. It'll be nice to spend some time here in Roswell and really get to know Liz.
At the thought, I turn to Liz and see that she's glancing around the room, although her expression doesn't dim in any way. She smiles at Alex and then me.
*Max?* I hear in my mind. It's Liz's voice. I haven't heard her mindtouch before today, but I'll always know it. She sounds a bit shakey and I can see the un-ease in her eyes.
*Ready to call it quits?* I guess, as I meet her eyes, smiling at her gently. Her mouth tightens and she nods once. I can see she's unhappy about it, but she obviously is done. *I'm sorry,* she says.
*No, don't be. It's fine.* I tell her, tapping her knee lightly before I get to my feet. She's been through quite a lot these last two days. She'd had to deal with an unbelieveable amount of new information and new feelings and new ideas. A whole new future. Anyone would need some time alone with that....
"Okay, everyone. I think it's time to go," I say aloud as I get to my feet and put my empty plate on the table.
"Maxwell, we just got here!" Michael complains. He looks at me with disbelieving eyes and I wait for him to continue his protest mentally, but it doesn't come. Not yet, anyway. I'm quite sure I'll get an earful later...
I shake my head. "Just the same, it's time to go," I say. "It's been enough for one day. We'll have plenty of time to meet up again now that we've found each other."
Isabel untangles herself from Alex and the two of them get to their feet. "Sure, Max," Isabel agrees. Her voice is light and pleasant. Alex gets up promptly, taking Isabel's plate and his and putting them on top of mine.
"Maybe some time soon you can come see our new place," I suggest, lightly. "I'm still looking forward to seeing it myself."
In a few moments, the five of us are moving towards the door. "Maybe Liz and I could go shopping together sometime this week?" Isabel asks, tilting her head as she looks at Liz.
-
KatnotKath
- Roswell Fanatic
- Posts: 1130
- Joined: Wed May 21, 2003 5:54 am
- Location: UK
- Contact:
OOC: hope these work
~Alex~
I have to say that I’m amazed how smoothly things seem to be going… To my way of thinking, Liz is coping with this all incredibly well…
I nod in response to Max as he says about already having had some interviews… I might have known he wouldn’t waste any time… Isabel too, I remember her filling out an application form at the pizza place. It wouldn’t be the most glamorous, and I’m certain she’ll be able to find something better, but she’s already trying…
Waitressing is a fairly normal job for one of the girls to pick up… But that’s because it makes sense as a short term thing… Given that we could be here a while, I’m guessing both are going to want to look at other stuff…
However it turns out though, I’m certain Max is right. I wasn’t trying to suggest that we would struggle, just I thought I’d better mention it…
The important thing is that he seems happy enough with the sound of the place though. I have to admit it’s going to be nice to be able to get out of the hotel… Not that we’ve been in this one very long of course, but it’s been a pretty long journey this time. What with long hours in the car, followed by evenings in the hotel, it’ll be great to have somewhere we can call our own again, at least for a while…
Of course this could be the last place… Wow that sounds weird… I know we’ve been searching for Liz for two years now, and since we got that message about a year ago we’ve known what this could mean, but still… If everything goes to plan, when we leave here, we’re not just going to be leaving Roswell, we’re going to be leaving earth…
Not that I’ll ever change my mind… Isabel told me once over that she couldn’t ask me to go with her, but the fact is she doesn’t have to ask me… I made my decision the moment I said I’d come with her on this search… Sure we didn’t know it would be so soon, but I always knew it was a possibility… The important thing is that I love her… I love Isabel Evans with all my heart, and wherever she is, I want to be too…
She’s going to be my wife one day…or at least I dearly hope she is… I’ve wanted to ask her a question for some time, but the time needs to be right…
I smile slightly at the thought and then look up as Max suddenly announces it’s time to go.
Michael immediately objects of course, but Max remains firm… I notice him touch Liz’s knee as he gets up and my eyes are drawn to hers. Maybe she looks to be coping so well, but when you look into her eyes it’s clear she’s struggling.
As he insists that it’s been enough, and we’ll have plenty of time to meet again, I nod slightly, releasing Isabel from my arms and standing up with her and collecting our plates. I’m about to take them through to the kitchen area, but Liz shakes her head, taking them from me and setting them down on the table for now.
“I’ll sort them later…” She tells me in a soft voice.
Despite a few grumbles, Michael does accept what’s been said – for now at least… I have no doubt that Max is going to get an earful later, but that’s later... The important thing is that he’s moving towards the door now, and with an arm around her waist, Isabel and I follow.
“It was nice to meet you Liz…” I tell her smiling as we stop at the door.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~Liz~
*No, don’t be. It’s fine.* Max tells me, his soft, warm voice coming through in my head. He taps my knee lightly, something which I’m surprised to find doesn’t make me feel at all uncomfortable… It’s a pretty simple gesture, but it’s the sort of thing Kyle would do…someone that I’m more use to and comfortable with…
He gets up now, telling the others it’s time to go. Michael is the one to respond first, and he certainly doesn’t like what he’s hearing. He says that they just got there, and I look down awkwardly for a moment. I know they haven’t been here long, just I need some time…
Max is unmoved by his protests, simply insisting that it’s time to go and telling him it’s enough for today. I give him a small smile. *Thanks…*
Alex and Isabel get up without any objections, Isabel simply accepting what her brother is saying. Alex collects their plates and moves as though to take them through to the kitchenette. I shake my head, reaching and taking them from his hands, setting them back down on the table. “I’ll sort them later…” I tell him softly.
A few more grumbles come from Michael, but soon the five of them are heading for the door.
“It was nice to meet you Liz…”
I smile genuinely at Alex. “Yeah, you too…”
“Maybe sometime soon you an come see our new place…” Max suggests smiling “I’m still looking forward to seeing it myself."
I nod. “Sure…I’d like that…”
Isabel looks over. “Maybe Liz and I could go shopping together sometime this week?” She asks.
It’s a nice idea, but there are two major problems… One is time, and the other is money… I generally don’t go shopping much, mainly for the reason that I just don’t have the money to spend… I can look, but I’m not much for window shopping… I’d rather spend my time with Kyle…
Kyle… I suddenly reaslise that there’s something I still need to say.
“I’d like to, but I’m afraid I’m going to be pretty busy the rest of the week… I have a ton of school work, and there’s my shifts at the Crashdown…” I respond after a moment, deciding to deal with Isabel’s question first. It’s completely true, I have a few heavy days for work the next couple of days, and I’d rather give that reason than admit I’m tight on cash. They’re not stupid, they probably realise I’m not that well off, but I do have some pride, I’d rather not have to explain that out loud…
Now I have one more thing that I have to say… I didn’t tell Max about Kyle knowing earlier, but they should… Besides, I’m thinking I’m probably going to ask him to be here next time, so it’s probably best to explain now, rather than having to do it later… Today it was right to do this alone, but next time…
Isabel nods. “Ok, well maybe another time…”
Max smiles at me again and I see him reach for the door. I take a breath. “Wait…” I look round at them. “T-there’s something you guys need to know…” I chew my lip nervously, taking a moment before continuing. “K-Kyle… Max, he knows about me, and I told him about what you said last night…” I look up at him. “He won’t tell anyone though, I know he won’t…I trust him…”
The look on Michael’s face tells me that it wouldn’t be a good idea to also mention that I’m going to call Kyle now, but at the same time, I don’t want to lie… Then again, Max was there when I mentioned Kyle coming over when we were done, so I guess he already knows… I nod mentally, deciding that it’s probably sufficient…
“So…It was nice to meet you all, and I guess I’ll see you guys later…” I say a little awkwardly after a moment
~Alex~
I have to say that I’m amazed how smoothly things seem to be going… To my way of thinking, Liz is coping with this all incredibly well…
I nod in response to Max as he says about already having had some interviews… I might have known he wouldn’t waste any time… Isabel too, I remember her filling out an application form at the pizza place. It wouldn’t be the most glamorous, and I’m certain she’ll be able to find something better, but she’s already trying…
Waitressing is a fairly normal job for one of the girls to pick up… But that’s because it makes sense as a short term thing… Given that we could be here a while, I’m guessing both are going to want to look at other stuff…
However it turns out though, I’m certain Max is right. I wasn’t trying to suggest that we would struggle, just I thought I’d better mention it…
The important thing is that he seems happy enough with the sound of the place though. I have to admit it’s going to be nice to be able to get out of the hotel… Not that we’ve been in this one very long of course, but it’s been a pretty long journey this time. What with long hours in the car, followed by evenings in the hotel, it’ll be great to have somewhere we can call our own again, at least for a while…
Of course this could be the last place… Wow that sounds weird… I know we’ve been searching for Liz for two years now, and since we got that message about a year ago we’ve known what this could mean, but still… If everything goes to plan, when we leave here, we’re not just going to be leaving Roswell, we’re going to be leaving earth…
Not that I’ll ever change my mind… Isabel told me once over that she couldn’t ask me to go with her, but the fact is she doesn’t have to ask me… I made my decision the moment I said I’d come with her on this search… Sure we didn’t know it would be so soon, but I always knew it was a possibility… The important thing is that I love her… I love Isabel Evans with all my heart, and wherever she is, I want to be too…
She’s going to be my wife one day…or at least I dearly hope she is… I’ve wanted to ask her a question for some time, but the time needs to be right…
I smile slightly at the thought and then look up as Max suddenly announces it’s time to go.
Michael immediately objects of course, but Max remains firm… I notice him touch Liz’s knee as he gets up and my eyes are drawn to hers. Maybe she looks to be coping so well, but when you look into her eyes it’s clear she’s struggling.
As he insists that it’s been enough, and we’ll have plenty of time to meet again, I nod slightly, releasing Isabel from my arms and standing up with her and collecting our plates. I’m about to take them through to the kitchen area, but Liz shakes her head, taking them from me and setting them down on the table for now.
“I’ll sort them later…” She tells me in a soft voice.
Despite a few grumbles, Michael does accept what’s been said – for now at least… I have no doubt that Max is going to get an earful later, but that’s later... The important thing is that he’s moving towards the door now, and with an arm around her waist, Isabel and I follow.
“It was nice to meet you Liz…” I tell her smiling as we stop at the door.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~Liz~
*No, don’t be. It’s fine.* Max tells me, his soft, warm voice coming through in my head. He taps my knee lightly, something which I’m surprised to find doesn’t make me feel at all uncomfortable… It’s a pretty simple gesture, but it’s the sort of thing Kyle would do…someone that I’m more use to and comfortable with…
He gets up now, telling the others it’s time to go. Michael is the one to respond first, and he certainly doesn’t like what he’s hearing. He says that they just got there, and I look down awkwardly for a moment. I know they haven’t been here long, just I need some time…
Max is unmoved by his protests, simply insisting that it’s time to go and telling him it’s enough for today. I give him a small smile. *Thanks…*
Alex and Isabel get up without any objections, Isabel simply accepting what her brother is saying. Alex collects their plates and moves as though to take them through to the kitchenette. I shake my head, reaching and taking them from his hands, setting them back down on the table. “I’ll sort them later…” I tell him softly.
A few more grumbles come from Michael, but soon the five of them are heading for the door.
“It was nice to meet you Liz…”
I smile genuinely at Alex. “Yeah, you too…”
“Maybe sometime soon you an come see our new place…” Max suggests smiling “I’m still looking forward to seeing it myself."
I nod. “Sure…I’d like that…”
Isabel looks over. “Maybe Liz and I could go shopping together sometime this week?” She asks.
It’s a nice idea, but there are two major problems… One is time, and the other is money… I generally don’t go shopping much, mainly for the reason that I just don’t have the money to spend… I can look, but I’m not much for window shopping… I’d rather spend my time with Kyle…
Kyle… I suddenly reaslise that there’s something I still need to say.
“I’d like to, but I’m afraid I’m going to be pretty busy the rest of the week… I have a ton of school work, and there’s my shifts at the Crashdown…” I respond after a moment, deciding to deal with Isabel’s question first. It’s completely true, I have a few heavy days for work the next couple of days, and I’d rather give that reason than admit I’m tight on cash. They’re not stupid, they probably realise I’m not that well off, but I do have some pride, I’d rather not have to explain that out loud…
Now I have one more thing that I have to say… I didn’t tell Max about Kyle knowing earlier, but they should… Besides, I’m thinking I’m probably going to ask him to be here next time, so it’s probably best to explain now, rather than having to do it later… Today it was right to do this alone, but next time…
Isabel nods. “Ok, well maybe another time…”
Max smiles at me again and I see him reach for the door. I take a breath. “Wait…” I look round at them. “T-there’s something you guys need to know…” I chew my lip nervously, taking a moment before continuing. “K-Kyle… Max, he knows about me, and I told him about what you said last night…” I look up at him. “He won’t tell anyone though, I know he won’t…I trust him…”
The look on Michael’s face tells me that it wouldn’t be a good idea to also mention that I’m going to call Kyle now, but at the same time, I don’t want to lie… Then again, Max was there when I mentioned Kyle coming over when we were done, so I guess he already knows… I nod mentally, deciding that it’s probably sufficient…
“So…It was nice to meet you all, and I guess I’ll see you guys later…” I say a little awkwardly after a moment
My fics:
Dreams and Reality
Reality Revealed
Family Connections
When Love and Loss Collide
When Friendship and Love Combine - New!
If Only...
The Important Thing
Home for Christmas
I Knew Him Before (PB fic)
Love Always...
The First Time Around - New!
Dreams and Reality
Reality Revealed
Family Connections
When Love and Loss Collide
When Friendship and Love Combine - New!
If Only...
The Important Thing
Home for Christmas
I Knew Him Before (PB fic)
Love Always...
The First Time Around - New!
*Max*
I'm a bit surprised when Liz mentions Kyle and says that he 'knows.' I probably shouldn't be. I had already wondered how much she'd confided in him, but it's still surprising to hear it. He knows 'everything.' Even what I'd told her last night...
*Everything?* I ask her silently, although it's completely un-necessary. She'd already told us all the answer to that. Suddenly, I remember how we left him this afternoon and her promise to contact him after the meeting. She looks like she should get some rest, rather than another guest, but I have a feeling she'll be calling him, anyway...
She nods, looking slightly embarassed. *Yes.*
I can tell she's afraid she's upset me, so I quickly act to re-assure her. *That's okay. We all need someone to confide in. After all, Michael and Isabel have Maria and Alex. I know they can be trusted. I'm sure you were just as careful before you told Kyle.*
As Liz meets my eyes, I can see the distress there has decreased a little. “So…It was nice to meet you all, and I guess I’ll see you guys later…” she says, trailing off.
"Absolutely, Liz. It was great. I'm so looking forward to knowing you," Liz gushes smoothly. She's so naturally poised and gracious. A perfect princess in many ways. It makes me smile.
"Yeah," Michael says shortly, taking Maria by the shoulder. I'm not exactly sure what he's thinking, but he's not being rude, so that's fine by me.
I hold back slightly as my sister and friends file out of the apartment. I write something on a small piece of paper as she says good-bye to everyone.
When they've all stepped outside, I'm left alone with Liz for one last moment. As I take a look at her and see how tenderly she's holding onto her composure, I'm filled with sympathy for her. Once again I'm confounded by the fact that Nacedo never told her anything. This all would have complicated enough if she were properly prepared. With her knowing nothing anything, it's incredible. I can't imagine what Nacedo was thinking. I only hope he'd been planning to inform her at some time prior to our arrival, although I suppose that hardly matters now.
"Liz," I tell her softly. "I'm really sorry to have laid all this on you at once. Maybe we should have done it gradually - gotten to know you first and then told you about everything a little at a time," I tighten my lips, shaking my head. "I just didn't want to be keeping any secrets from you. I hope it was the right choice. I want you to know I'll be here for you, if you want to talk. We all will." I hand her the paper. "This is my cell phone number. Or you can always reach me telepathically. Distance isn't a barrier for that."
"N-no...you're right, I guess I needed to know the truth..." She says, taking the paper and nodding as she looks at it.
"Good-night then, Liz. I hope I'll see you again soon," I tell her. I feel an urge to give her a hug or even kiss her on the top of her head like a little sister, but I hold back. I've given her enough to think about and probably she'll be seeing Kyle in just a little while. "See ya," I tell her, suddenly feeling awkward.
"Yeah...I'll guess I'll see you later..." She says, biting her lip slightly.
"Okay," I say, stepping through the door. "Bye, Liz." She softly shuts the door behind me with a whispered 'Bye,' of her own. I stand there for another few seconds before turning to walk to my jeep. Isabel and the others are waiting for me. "Back to the hotel then," I tell them. I have a feeling it's going to be a long night...
I'm a bit surprised when Liz mentions Kyle and says that he 'knows.' I probably shouldn't be. I had already wondered how much she'd confided in him, but it's still surprising to hear it. He knows 'everything.' Even what I'd told her last night...
*Everything?* I ask her silently, although it's completely un-necessary. She'd already told us all the answer to that. Suddenly, I remember how we left him this afternoon and her promise to contact him after the meeting. She looks like she should get some rest, rather than another guest, but I have a feeling she'll be calling him, anyway...
She nods, looking slightly embarassed. *Yes.*
I can tell she's afraid she's upset me, so I quickly act to re-assure her. *That's okay. We all need someone to confide in. After all, Michael and Isabel have Maria and Alex. I know they can be trusted. I'm sure you were just as careful before you told Kyle.*
As Liz meets my eyes, I can see the distress there has decreased a little. “So…It was nice to meet you all, and I guess I’ll see you guys later…” she says, trailing off.
"Absolutely, Liz. It was great. I'm so looking forward to knowing you," Liz gushes smoothly. She's so naturally poised and gracious. A perfect princess in many ways. It makes me smile.
"Yeah," Michael says shortly, taking Maria by the shoulder. I'm not exactly sure what he's thinking, but he's not being rude, so that's fine by me.
I hold back slightly as my sister and friends file out of the apartment. I write something on a small piece of paper as she says good-bye to everyone.
When they've all stepped outside, I'm left alone with Liz for one last moment. As I take a look at her and see how tenderly she's holding onto her composure, I'm filled with sympathy for her. Once again I'm confounded by the fact that Nacedo never told her anything. This all would have complicated enough if she were properly prepared. With her knowing nothing anything, it's incredible. I can't imagine what Nacedo was thinking. I only hope he'd been planning to inform her at some time prior to our arrival, although I suppose that hardly matters now.
"Liz," I tell her softly. "I'm really sorry to have laid all this on you at once. Maybe we should have done it gradually - gotten to know you first and then told you about everything a little at a time," I tighten my lips, shaking my head. "I just didn't want to be keeping any secrets from you. I hope it was the right choice. I want you to know I'll be here for you, if you want to talk. We all will." I hand her the paper. "This is my cell phone number. Or you can always reach me telepathically. Distance isn't a barrier for that."
"N-no...you're right, I guess I needed to know the truth..." She says, taking the paper and nodding as she looks at it.
"Good-night then, Liz. I hope I'll see you again soon," I tell her. I feel an urge to give her a hug or even kiss her on the top of her head like a little sister, but I hold back. I've given her enough to think about and probably she'll be seeing Kyle in just a little while. "See ya," I tell her, suddenly feeling awkward.
"Yeah...I'll guess I'll see you later..." She says, biting her lip slightly.
"Okay," I say, stepping through the door. "Bye, Liz." She softly shuts the door behind me with a whispered 'Bye,' of her own. I stand there for another few seconds before turning to walk to my jeep. Isabel and the others are waiting for me. "Back to the hotel then," I tell them. I have a feeling it's going to be a long night...
JP with KatnotKath and Isabelle
~Liz~
It's getting a little chilly... One of the characteristics of a desert location... Warm days, but often cold nights...
Shivering a little, I head into my bedroom to get changed into something a little warmer while I wait for Kyle to arrive...
I called him right after Max the others left, and from the speed at which he picked up, I really wouldn't be surprised if he had been camped out by the phone all evening since he got home...
Anyway, I didn't say much, but I guess the tone of my voice gave away just how much I needed to talk to him. He didn't bother asking any questions, just told me he'd be right over...after picking up some more sodas of
course...
Well that was a little over half an hour ago, so he should be due anytime...
Opening my closet, I root around for a moment before pulling out a pair of warm black pants. Pulling them on, I pair them with a nice cozy red sweatshirt and shove my feet back into my trainers.
Checking myself in the mirror, I pull my hair, that's been trapped beneath the sweater allowing it to fall back over my shoulders and running a comb through it quickly. Not bad... Just at that moment in time, I hear a knock on the door and head to go and answer it.
Taught by experience yesterday, I stick my eye to the peek hole, checking who it is and smiling as I see the familiar figure outside. "Just a minute..." I call to him lightly, moving to open the door quickly and unable to keep from throwing myself into his waiting arms. "Thanks for coming..." I murmur softly, my head buried in his chest before I pull away and close the door behind us as we step back inside.
My hand slips into his automatically and I smile. There's nothing romantic about our relationship as I told Max, but I'm soooo glad he's here...
After a moment, I motion to my sofa as I reach for the pack of sodas in his hands. "Sit down...I'll put these in the fridge... Do you want some crisps or something while I'm there...?"
*Kyle*
Worried isn’t quite strong enough a word to describe how I feel as Liz immediately throws herself into my arms as soon as I open the door. I stroke her back as she thanks me. “It’s okay,” I tell her. “It’s going to be okay…” I wish I knew what it was that’s upsetting her. She sounded urgent when she called, but of course she couldn’t explain why over the phone. At least she seems to be all right physically, but that doesn’t mean she’s okay. I don’t care if he does have powers, if Max had done anything to hurt her, I’ll…
Liz pulls away, sliding her hand into mine. Her smile seems sincere as she takes the soda and puts it in the fridge, but I can still hear something in her voice. Something that’s not as calm as she’s trying to sound.
“No, I’m fine,” I tell her as she offers to bring a snack. I pat the seat next to me as I watch her carefully. “Come here. Sit down. Tell me what happened…”
~Liz~
"Come here. Sit down. Tell me what happened...?"
Kyle pats the seat next to him and I wonder if he realizes just how much I'm trying to hold it together...
Tell him what happened... How exactly do I answer that...? Max told me I'm an alien Princess and he's a King... I shake my head, swallowing and chewing my lip as I go over, dropping down onto the sofa next to him, and leaning my head against his shoulder. I reach up and run a hand through my hair. Where do I start...?
Looking down, I see that my hands are shaking a little. I'm trying desperately to stay composed, and apparently failing terribly. I shake my head, looking up at him through the hair that's fallen over one side of my face. "H-e...Max, I mean...he...wanted to talk to me before the others came..." I begin in a stilted fashion.
"He said he wanted to tell me about who we were..." I close my eyes, running over what was said in that conversation. It wasn't anything about the way he told me that scared me...I know he means what he says...he won't force me... But still, the whole idea is freaky... It's crazy in a way that I can't even begin to explain...
Kyle looks at me, nodding as though indicating for me to continue. "He-he told me we weren't just anyone on our p-planet..." Planet...G** saying this just still sounds so crazy... If you had told me this a couple of weeks ago, or yesterday before I met Max, I would have said you were crazy...
Part of me still doesn't know why I believe him...but I do... I believe him in a way I can't explain. There's just something about Max, about the way he speaks... Maybe it's a sign of the fact he's the leader, I don't know...there's just something...
Still, none of this is explaining to Kyle, and that's what I need to do... I swallow nervously, looking down for a moment as I pluck up the courage to continue. "H-e told me I was a Princess...and that he was the K-king..."
That's not all of it, but it's a start, and I wait to see how Kyle will respond before continuing.
*Kyle*
I gently rub Liz’s back as she talks. I can see she’s upset by what happened. She’s scared and confused but she doesn’t seem to be hurt. I’m sure meeting your long-lost ‘family’ would be difficult under any circumstances, but to be told one is an alien on top of that, it’s easy to understand why it might be a bit much. She’s curled up under my arm like a small child looking for comfort and I do my best to give that to her while encouraging her to talk.
I’m definitely not going to let her go alone next time. I don’t care what she says. She shouldn’t be facing this sort of thing on her own…
"H-e told me I was a Princess...and that he was the K-king..." Liz chokes out at last.
I look down at her for some sign that she’s joking, although I know full well that she wasn’t in any mood to joke. “A princess?” I repeat. An alien princess in my arms. I want to tell her she’s always been a princess to me. Aren’t all girls princesses? But I know it’s more than just that. This is ‘we weren’t just anyone on our planet’
“And he’s a King?” This is a lot harder to believe. He’s just a guy. He wasn’t anything much. That would make him, what? Liz’s dad? He can’t be that much older than her… besides, she said they weren’t related by blood. I guess that leaves out sister, too… “Do you believe him?” I ask.
~Liz~
"A princess...?"
Kyle sounds amazed and I can't say I blame him... This all sounds completely crazy... Maybe most little girls would dream of being told what Max did me earlier today, but when it comes to it, when it really becomes a reality, it's so not that simple...
A princess... It sounds so glamorous and fun... Of course that's without all the rest... The King...Max...the guy I'm supposed to 'bond' with... G** I can't think about that right now...
I have to though don't I...? We kept the conversation away from this topic today, but it's not like we can continue to do that... We're going to have to talk about this...it's inevitable... There are questions, which need answering...
I bite my lip and bury my head back in Kyle's chest. I can't explain it, but I just feel safe with him there...
"And he's a King...?"
his tone gives me the impression Kyle's not really sure whether to believe or not... He's probably more skeptical about that little touch than he is about the whole alien thing, or an alien princess... I can see in his eyes he's thinking about it though...trying to make some sense out of what I'm saying...
I nod slightly, not really knowing what else to do. I know that I should go further to tell him more of what was said, to explain, but at the same time I don't know that I actually want to voice these things...
Max seemed nervous about telling me, well try multiplying that by about a hundred times... Speaking about this makes it so much more real, and I'm not sure I'm ready for that...
"Do you believe him...?"
I look up at Kyle as he asks this, pulling back and chewing my lip as I think it over. Do I believe him... at first I didn't... When Max first started talking about aliens, I was simply humoring him... But then as I listened to what he had to say, saw what he could do...
Last week if you had asked me if I believed in aliens, I would have said no without any hesitation at all... Now though...I'm basically saying that I believe, and more than that, I guess I believe what he said about us...
I mean it's not like he wants this anymore than I do, and he is saying I have a choice...
Swallowing nervously as all these thoughts I've been trying to suppress come rising to the surface, I look up at Kyle and nod slightly. "I do...I do believe him..."
I believe him about the aliens, about Kings and Queens, about incubation pods...I can't explain it, I just know that Max is telling the truth... That's not to say I'm comfortable with some of the things he's said of course, but I believe him none-the-less...
I shake my head. "You don't have to tell me that it's crazy Kyle, I know it is... I know that I shouldn't believe a word of what he's saying, and yet I do..."
*Kyle*
I bite my tongue on the things I feel like saying. As Liz said, I don’t have to tell her that it’s crazy. She knows better than I do how outrageous all this is. Still, if Liz believes it, then I do, too. She’s heard the whole story by now, or most of it, I would imagine…
“Okay, so it’s true,” I say, nodding thoughtfully. “Explain it to me then. He’s a king and you’re a princess, but you’re not related? Different countries or something?” I ask, even as my mind is racing through other possibilities.
“And I thought you said Max was in the crash with you – in a pod and all that. If he grew up here on Earth, how could he be a King of some other planet?”
Even as I say it, I change my mind. If Liz could be a princess without ever stepping on that other world, then why couldn’t someone-else be a King? (I’m still not picturing Max as that king, but it does seem vaguely possible.) I guess all it would require is that the other King/Queen had died, -- assuming their definition of royalty was anything like ours. Maybe a ‘princess’ is something different there? Like – anyone with powers is a princess? But how would that explain this Evans guy claiming to be a King?
Maybe I should just slow down and wait to hear what Liz has to say…
“Nevermind about that last bit. But tell me how it all works. How are you both royalty if you’re not related? How do the other two fit in? They’re all royal, too?”
~Liz~
To give him credit, Kyle nods, accepting what I say. That's why he's such a good friend...he's willing to listen to me, regardless of how crazy it might sound to him...
“Okay, so it’s true...Explain it to me then. He’s a king and you’re a princess, but you’re not related? Different countries or something?”
Of course i had to know these questions were coming, but that doesn't mean I hadn't been hoping that they weren't... I want to talk to Kyle, to get his input, yet at the same time, I don't want to have to talk about this at all... Talking about it makes it all so much more real, and right at this moment in time, I don't want it to be real...
I want to be able to go back to my nice quiet life, waiting tables and going to school... I want to be telling Kyle that I appreciate his attempts to set me up with someone from the team, but I'm fine on my own...
Instead though, I'm finding myself thinking, perhaps inevitably about everything that Max said... He told me I had a choice, and he wasn't going to force me, but then if everything he says is true, can I honestly say I don't feel a 'duty'...
Until yesterday I never even knew this planet existed, yet now I do... I find myself thinking about it more and more, and considering the people there...
I want to believe that I have a choice...although thinking about that choice right now is scary enough in itself...but then there's a little voice in my head which is asking do I really...
Suddenly, I realize I must have zoned for a bit and look up at Kyle as he continues.
“And I thought you said Max was in the crash with you – in a pod and all that. If he grew up here on Earth, how could he be a King of some other planet?”
Well that question is slightly easier to answer than the other I guess... Unfortunately, Kyle asking that isn't going to mean he'll forget his first... I decide to answer much in the same way that Max did for me.
“Nevermind about that last bit. But tell me how it all works. How are you both royalty if you’re not related? How do the other two fit in? They’re all royal, too?”
Before I can answer, Kyle begins to concrete what he wants to know and I chew my lip nervously. He's hitting on the exact things which crack this all open...
Closing my eyes a moment, I bite my lip and take a breath before looking back up at Kyle. I know if I look down, I'll see that my hands are shaking. I just can't stop them... I shake my head slightly, deciding to work back from his last question. "M-Michael's a Duke or something...not quite royalty...I-Isabel's a Princess though...l-like m-me..."
Even my voice is shaking now, and part of me can't really believe I'm saying all this. I'm a Princess... That sounds so weird...
Trying to push these thoughts to the back of my head, I try to concentrate on relating some more of the explanation Max gave me to Kyle. I set to, trying to explain about the idea that Princes, and Princess', are something like Presidents or Prime Ministers on earth... That bit I guess is at least reasonably straight forward...
Now comes the hard bit though... Although Kyle hasn't asked specifically, in the same way as he wants to know how Isabel and Michael fit in, before long he's going to be asking about me, and perhaps it's better that I volunteer the information first...
I take another feel breath, looking down and fiddling with my hands. Slowly, I begin to try and explain what I know about the political troubles Max told me about. He looks a little confused, probably wondering why I'm telling him this, what it could have to do with anything else we've been talking about... he's not stupid though...there's a look in his eyes that tells me he knows there's something more than I'm saying...some explanation for why I would be talking about this...
He opens his mouth, probably about to ask again but I hold up my finger to his mouth. I need to get this out now, otherwise I'm going to break down... "Can y-you wait a moment...please...?"
He nods silently and I try work out how the heck to say this next. "The area of the planet that my mother governed was one of those that was beginning to demand independence... She and the King at that time, Max's father, had come to an agreement though... They had come up with a way to strengthen their ties...using Max and I..."
*Kyle*
My eyes narrow as I hear Liz trail off without furthering her explanation. “What do you mean? You weren’t even born yet. What were they gonna do?” I ask, not sure I want to know the answer. The whole thing sounds so medieval. Kings and princesses and treaties. I can only think of two possibilities that might apply from here on Earth, although there’s little guessing what other options aliens might devise. Either the kids would be fostered in the other’s land as a ‘hostage,’ or they’d be married. The second just doesn’t seem likely under the circumstances, and the first – just didn’t happen. They were both sent here, not to the other realm…
Liz starts to stutter again and I get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. I know just what she’s going to say. “You were supposed to be married? That’s sick!” I tell her. The look in her eyes tells me I’ve hit the answer spot on. It’s incredible. It’s barbaric! It’s –
Before I can start even my mental rant about the situation, I see Liz’s lip start to quiver and I know she’s about to cry. “Hey, it’s okay,” I say, my tone suddenly softening as I take her in my arms again. “I’m not gonna let him do it. Okay? He can’t force you to marry him. It’s not right.” I say, rubbing her back. I wanna tell her that it’s illegal. That she has rights. She’s an American now, afterall. I haven’t the faintest idea what the law would be on her planet, – if there are any limitations on the King’s desires – it may actually be considered legal there, but I really don’t care. On this world, you can’t treat people that way. I’m not going to let him hurt my friend. I won’t.
~Liz~
"What do you mean? You weren't even born yet. What were they gonna do?"
I can see his mind working, probably much in the same mine did earlier with Max. The look of puzzlement, then disbelief which spreads over his face. I swallow, taking a breath and trying to find the words to explain...
How do you explain something like this though...? I can't find my voice, never mind the words I need to use... My mouth and throat is dry, and I feel as though there's a lump completely blocking my throat. I open my mouth, and yet no sound comes out. I run a hand through my hair, taking another breath before trying once more. "I-I...w-"
In the end I don't need to finish though... Kyle shakes his head as he realizes exactly what I mean. "You were supposed to be married? That's sick!"
He got it...he worked it out... I close my eyes, holding my breath for a moment. This situation is so crazy...and yet it's real... The message was clear enough, and as much as I don't want it to be, this is real...
It's just too much, thoughts of 'bonding' as well...
As much as I try not to, I can feel myself beginning to lose it. I managed to keep up a strong face for Max and the others, but now it's just Kyle and me... He's seen me cry plenty of times before, and I'm afraid maybe now is going to be another...
I'm scared...much as I don't want to be, much as I want to be this strong person that can take whatever comes, I'm scared... I'm sixteen, and this guy is talking about marriage and 'bonding'...I'm so not ready to even think about any of that...
"Hey, it's okay..."
I guess it's obvious how close I am to breaking down since Kyle pulls me back into his arms, rubbing my back.
I huddle closer, drawing strength from his presence and trying to believe what he's saying. He's telling me that he's not going to let him, that Max can't force me. I try to nod slightly, biting down hard on my lip and burying my head in his chest. "H-he says he won't f-force me, that I d-do have a choice, but I'm just scared Kyle..." I shake my head, taking in a ragged breath before looking up at him. "All I ever wanted was a family..." I murmur softly. "But I'm n-not ready for this...I-I don't know if I ever will b-be..."
I don't want to have to deal with this... I want my nice simple life that I had before Max ever appeared back. I want to worry about silly things like school, and panic over a piece of work I'm on the last minute for... I want to laugh with Kyle about the UFO freaks that frequent the Crashdown... I want my life back...the life I've worked so hard to build up, to create...
Deep down inside though, I know that's not going to happen... Whatever happens, things are never going to be the same again... If one thing's for certain, it's that this has to change things...
I begin to shake, pressing myself further into Kyle's arms and leaning against his chest as slowly, the tears that I've been holding back, begin to slip down my cheeks. I can't hide it anymore, I can't hold it in...
*Kyle*
“There, there,” I tell Liz, gently patting her on the back, waiting for her to calm down. When she keeps on shaking, I rub her back slowly, holding her close. Eventually she straightens out again, wiping her eyes and apologizing. I assure her that such things are necessary. She has every reason to be upset. The guy claims he’s offering her a choice, but he’s also putting a lot of pressure on Liz. She’s my friend. I wanna help her…
“You can tell him you need time. Tell him to get lost, if you like. Don’t let him do this to you,” I tell her. I swear, King or no King, I’ll seriously hurt that Evans if he tries to do anything to her…
“No,” she insists. “I need him, Kyle. He knows things that I need to know. I don’t want to lose that… I just don’t know about … about being … with him.”
“Then don’t be,” I tell her again. “Let him be your friend. We’ll find out whatever he knows about you. But you don’t have to marry him. I promise.” Right now, I wish I could tell her that she could marry me, not some stranger, but we already know we’re not a good match that way. I’m just a friend. The best friend she has in the world.
“So how did he explain it all?” I ask. “If you were both babies, why is he four years older? If you’re such an important princess, why were you left alone? What about your powers?” I start down the list of things I would want to know, but Liz only shakes her head.
“I didn’t ask,” she said. I stare at her, my mind boggling at the fact that she didn’t even ask. I’ll ask for her, the next time she meets with them. She deserves to know. Before I can tell her all this, she interrupts my thoughts, explaining. “It was just too much extra-terrestrial talk. I needed something normal. I just needed to get to know them all…”
I nod, although I haven’t changed my resolve to be sure that Max answers these things. Looking in her eyes, I ask, “Okay, then what did you think of them? You met the others too? What did they seem like? Can you trust them?”
It's getting a little chilly... One of the characteristics of a desert location... Warm days, but often cold nights...
Shivering a little, I head into my bedroom to get changed into something a little warmer while I wait for Kyle to arrive...
I called him right after Max the others left, and from the speed at which he picked up, I really wouldn't be surprised if he had been camped out by the phone all evening since he got home...
Anyway, I didn't say much, but I guess the tone of my voice gave away just how much I needed to talk to him. He didn't bother asking any questions, just told me he'd be right over...after picking up some more sodas of
course...
Well that was a little over half an hour ago, so he should be due anytime...
Opening my closet, I root around for a moment before pulling out a pair of warm black pants. Pulling them on, I pair them with a nice cozy red sweatshirt and shove my feet back into my trainers.
Checking myself in the mirror, I pull my hair, that's been trapped beneath the sweater allowing it to fall back over my shoulders and running a comb through it quickly. Not bad... Just at that moment in time, I hear a knock on the door and head to go and answer it.
Taught by experience yesterday, I stick my eye to the peek hole, checking who it is and smiling as I see the familiar figure outside. "Just a minute..." I call to him lightly, moving to open the door quickly and unable to keep from throwing myself into his waiting arms. "Thanks for coming..." I murmur softly, my head buried in his chest before I pull away and close the door behind us as we step back inside.
My hand slips into his automatically and I smile. There's nothing romantic about our relationship as I told Max, but I'm soooo glad he's here...
After a moment, I motion to my sofa as I reach for the pack of sodas in his hands. "Sit down...I'll put these in the fridge... Do you want some crisps or something while I'm there...?"
*Kyle*
Worried isn’t quite strong enough a word to describe how I feel as Liz immediately throws herself into my arms as soon as I open the door. I stroke her back as she thanks me. “It’s okay,” I tell her. “It’s going to be okay…” I wish I knew what it was that’s upsetting her. She sounded urgent when she called, but of course she couldn’t explain why over the phone. At least she seems to be all right physically, but that doesn’t mean she’s okay. I don’t care if he does have powers, if Max had done anything to hurt her, I’ll…
Liz pulls away, sliding her hand into mine. Her smile seems sincere as she takes the soda and puts it in the fridge, but I can still hear something in her voice. Something that’s not as calm as she’s trying to sound.
“No, I’m fine,” I tell her as she offers to bring a snack. I pat the seat next to me as I watch her carefully. “Come here. Sit down. Tell me what happened…”
~Liz~
"Come here. Sit down. Tell me what happened...?"
Kyle pats the seat next to him and I wonder if he realizes just how much I'm trying to hold it together...
Tell him what happened... How exactly do I answer that...? Max told me I'm an alien Princess and he's a King... I shake my head, swallowing and chewing my lip as I go over, dropping down onto the sofa next to him, and leaning my head against his shoulder. I reach up and run a hand through my hair. Where do I start...?
Looking down, I see that my hands are shaking a little. I'm trying desperately to stay composed, and apparently failing terribly. I shake my head, looking up at him through the hair that's fallen over one side of my face. "H-e...Max, I mean...he...wanted to talk to me before the others came..." I begin in a stilted fashion.
"He said he wanted to tell me about who we were..." I close my eyes, running over what was said in that conversation. It wasn't anything about the way he told me that scared me...I know he means what he says...he won't force me... But still, the whole idea is freaky... It's crazy in a way that I can't even begin to explain...
Kyle looks at me, nodding as though indicating for me to continue. "He-he told me we weren't just anyone on our p-planet..." Planet...G** saying this just still sounds so crazy... If you had told me this a couple of weeks ago, or yesterday before I met Max, I would have said you were crazy...
Part of me still doesn't know why I believe him...but I do... I believe him in a way I can't explain. There's just something about Max, about the way he speaks... Maybe it's a sign of the fact he's the leader, I don't know...there's just something...
Still, none of this is explaining to Kyle, and that's what I need to do... I swallow nervously, looking down for a moment as I pluck up the courage to continue. "H-e told me I was a Princess...and that he was the K-king..."
That's not all of it, but it's a start, and I wait to see how Kyle will respond before continuing.
*Kyle*
I gently rub Liz’s back as she talks. I can see she’s upset by what happened. She’s scared and confused but she doesn’t seem to be hurt. I’m sure meeting your long-lost ‘family’ would be difficult under any circumstances, but to be told one is an alien on top of that, it’s easy to understand why it might be a bit much. She’s curled up under my arm like a small child looking for comfort and I do my best to give that to her while encouraging her to talk.
I’m definitely not going to let her go alone next time. I don’t care what she says. She shouldn’t be facing this sort of thing on her own…
"H-e told me I was a Princess...and that he was the K-king..." Liz chokes out at last.
I look down at her for some sign that she’s joking, although I know full well that she wasn’t in any mood to joke. “A princess?” I repeat. An alien princess in my arms. I want to tell her she’s always been a princess to me. Aren’t all girls princesses? But I know it’s more than just that. This is ‘we weren’t just anyone on our planet’
“And he’s a King?” This is a lot harder to believe. He’s just a guy. He wasn’t anything much. That would make him, what? Liz’s dad? He can’t be that much older than her… besides, she said they weren’t related by blood. I guess that leaves out sister, too… “Do you believe him?” I ask.
~Liz~
"A princess...?"
Kyle sounds amazed and I can't say I blame him... This all sounds completely crazy... Maybe most little girls would dream of being told what Max did me earlier today, but when it comes to it, when it really becomes a reality, it's so not that simple...
A princess... It sounds so glamorous and fun... Of course that's without all the rest... The King...Max...the guy I'm supposed to 'bond' with... G** I can't think about that right now...
I have to though don't I...? We kept the conversation away from this topic today, but it's not like we can continue to do that... We're going to have to talk about this...it's inevitable... There are questions, which need answering...
I bite my lip and bury my head back in Kyle's chest. I can't explain it, but I just feel safe with him there...
"And he's a King...?"
his tone gives me the impression Kyle's not really sure whether to believe or not... He's probably more skeptical about that little touch than he is about the whole alien thing, or an alien princess... I can see in his eyes he's thinking about it though...trying to make some sense out of what I'm saying...
I nod slightly, not really knowing what else to do. I know that I should go further to tell him more of what was said, to explain, but at the same time I don't know that I actually want to voice these things...
Max seemed nervous about telling me, well try multiplying that by about a hundred times... Speaking about this makes it so much more real, and I'm not sure I'm ready for that...
"Do you believe him...?"
I look up at Kyle as he asks this, pulling back and chewing my lip as I think it over. Do I believe him... at first I didn't... When Max first started talking about aliens, I was simply humoring him... But then as I listened to what he had to say, saw what he could do...
Last week if you had asked me if I believed in aliens, I would have said no without any hesitation at all... Now though...I'm basically saying that I believe, and more than that, I guess I believe what he said about us...
I mean it's not like he wants this anymore than I do, and he is saying I have a choice...
Swallowing nervously as all these thoughts I've been trying to suppress come rising to the surface, I look up at Kyle and nod slightly. "I do...I do believe him..."
I believe him about the aliens, about Kings and Queens, about incubation pods...I can't explain it, I just know that Max is telling the truth... That's not to say I'm comfortable with some of the things he's said of course, but I believe him none-the-less...
I shake my head. "You don't have to tell me that it's crazy Kyle, I know it is... I know that I shouldn't believe a word of what he's saying, and yet I do..."
*Kyle*
I bite my tongue on the things I feel like saying. As Liz said, I don’t have to tell her that it’s crazy. She knows better than I do how outrageous all this is. Still, if Liz believes it, then I do, too. She’s heard the whole story by now, or most of it, I would imagine…
“Okay, so it’s true,” I say, nodding thoughtfully. “Explain it to me then. He’s a king and you’re a princess, but you’re not related? Different countries or something?” I ask, even as my mind is racing through other possibilities.
“And I thought you said Max was in the crash with you – in a pod and all that. If he grew up here on Earth, how could he be a King of some other planet?”
Even as I say it, I change my mind. If Liz could be a princess without ever stepping on that other world, then why couldn’t someone-else be a King? (I’m still not picturing Max as that king, but it does seem vaguely possible.) I guess all it would require is that the other King/Queen had died, -- assuming their definition of royalty was anything like ours. Maybe a ‘princess’ is something different there? Like – anyone with powers is a princess? But how would that explain this Evans guy claiming to be a King?
Maybe I should just slow down and wait to hear what Liz has to say…
“Nevermind about that last bit. But tell me how it all works. How are you both royalty if you’re not related? How do the other two fit in? They’re all royal, too?”
~Liz~
To give him credit, Kyle nods, accepting what I say. That's why he's such a good friend...he's willing to listen to me, regardless of how crazy it might sound to him...
“Okay, so it’s true...Explain it to me then. He’s a king and you’re a princess, but you’re not related? Different countries or something?”
Of course i had to know these questions were coming, but that doesn't mean I hadn't been hoping that they weren't... I want to talk to Kyle, to get his input, yet at the same time, I don't want to have to talk about this at all... Talking about it makes it all so much more real, and right at this moment in time, I don't want it to be real...
I want to be able to go back to my nice quiet life, waiting tables and going to school... I want to be telling Kyle that I appreciate his attempts to set me up with someone from the team, but I'm fine on my own...
Instead though, I'm finding myself thinking, perhaps inevitably about everything that Max said... He told me I had a choice, and he wasn't going to force me, but then if everything he says is true, can I honestly say I don't feel a 'duty'...
Until yesterday I never even knew this planet existed, yet now I do... I find myself thinking about it more and more, and considering the people there...
I want to believe that I have a choice...although thinking about that choice right now is scary enough in itself...but then there's a little voice in my head which is asking do I really...
Suddenly, I realize I must have zoned for a bit and look up at Kyle as he continues.
“And I thought you said Max was in the crash with you – in a pod and all that. If he grew up here on Earth, how could he be a King of some other planet?”
Well that question is slightly easier to answer than the other I guess... Unfortunately, Kyle asking that isn't going to mean he'll forget his first... I decide to answer much in the same way that Max did for me.
“Nevermind about that last bit. But tell me how it all works. How are you both royalty if you’re not related? How do the other two fit in? They’re all royal, too?”
Before I can answer, Kyle begins to concrete what he wants to know and I chew my lip nervously. He's hitting on the exact things which crack this all open...
Closing my eyes a moment, I bite my lip and take a breath before looking back up at Kyle. I know if I look down, I'll see that my hands are shaking. I just can't stop them... I shake my head slightly, deciding to work back from his last question. "M-Michael's a Duke or something...not quite royalty...I-Isabel's a Princess though...l-like m-me..."
Even my voice is shaking now, and part of me can't really believe I'm saying all this. I'm a Princess... That sounds so weird...
Trying to push these thoughts to the back of my head, I try to concentrate on relating some more of the explanation Max gave me to Kyle. I set to, trying to explain about the idea that Princes, and Princess', are something like Presidents or Prime Ministers on earth... That bit I guess is at least reasonably straight forward...
Now comes the hard bit though... Although Kyle hasn't asked specifically, in the same way as he wants to know how Isabel and Michael fit in, before long he's going to be asking about me, and perhaps it's better that I volunteer the information first...
I take another feel breath, looking down and fiddling with my hands. Slowly, I begin to try and explain what I know about the political troubles Max told me about. He looks a little confused, probably wondering why I'm telling him this, what it could have to do with anything else we've been talking about... he's not stupid though...there's a look in his eyes that tells me he knows there's something more than I'm saying...some explanation for why I would be talking about this...
He opens his mouth, probably about to ask again but I hold up my finger to his mouth. I need to get this out now, otherwise I'm going to break down... "Can y-you wait a moment...please...?"
He nods silently and I try work out how the heck to say this next. "The area of the planet that my mother governed was one of those that was beginning to demand independence... She and the King at that time, Max's father, had come to an agreement though... They had come up with a way to strengthen their ties...using Max and I..."
*Kyle*
My eyes narrow as I hear Liz trail off without furthering her explanation. “What do you mean? You weren’t even born yet. What were they gonna do?” I ask, not sure I want to know the answer. The whole thing sounds so medieval. Kings and princesses and treaties. I can only think of two possibilities that might apply from here on Earth, although there’s little guessing what other options aliens might devise. Either the kids would be fostered in the other’s land as a ‘hostage,’ or they’d be married. The second just doesn’t seem likely under the circumstances, and the first – just didn’t happen. They were both sent here, not to the other realm…
Liz starts to stutter again and I get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. I know just what she’s going to say. “You were supposed to be married? That’s sick!” I tell her. The look in her eyes tells me I’ve hit the answer spot on. It’s incredible. It’s barbaric! It’s –
Before I can start even my mental rant about the situation, I see Liz’s lip start to quiver and I know she’s about to cry. “Hey, it’s okay,” I say, my tone suddenly softening as I take her in my arms again. “I’m not gonna let him do it. Okay? He can’t force you to marry him. It’s not right.” I say, rubbing her back. I wanna tell her that it’s illegal. That she has rights. She’s an American now, afterall. I haven’t the faintest idea what the law would be on her planet, – if there are any limitations on the King’s desires – it may actually be considered legal there, but I really don’t care. On this world, you can’t treat people that way. I’m not going to let him hurt my friend. I won’t.
~Liz~
"What do you mean? You weren't even born yet. What were they gonna do?"
I can see his mind working, probably much in the same mine did earlier with Max. The look of puzzlement, then disbelief which spreads over his face. I swallow, taking a breath and trying to find the words to explain...
How do you explain something like this though...? I can't find my voice, never mind the words I need to use... My mouth and throat is dry, and I feel as though there's a lump completely blocking my throat. I open my mouth, and yet no sound comes out. I run a hand through my hair, taking another breath before trying once more. "I-I...w-"
In the end I don't need to finish though... Kyle shakes his head as he realizes exactly what I mean. "You were supposed to be married? That's sick!"
He got it...he worked it out... I close my eyes, holding my breath for a moment. This situation is so crazy...and yet it's real... The message was clear enough, and as much as I don't want it to be, this is real...
It's just too much, thoughts of 'bonding' as well...
As much as I try not to, I can feel myself beginning to lose it. I managed to keep up a strong face for Max and the others, but now it's just Kyle and me... He's seen me cry plenty of times before, and I'm afraid maybe now is going to be another...
I'm scared...much as I don't want to be, much as I want to be this strong person that can take whatever comes, I'm scared... I'm sixteen, and this guy is talking about marriage and 'bonding'...I'm so not ready to even think about any of that...
"Hey, it's okay..."
I guess it's obvious how close I am to breaking down since Kyle pulls me back into his arms, rubbing my back.
I huddle closer, drawing strength from his presence and trying to believe what he's saying. He's telling me that he's not going to let him, that Max can't force me. I try to nod slightly, biting down hard on my lip and burying my head in his chest. "H-he says he won't f-force me, that I d-do have a choice, but I'm just scared Kyle..." I shake my head, taking in a ragged breath before looking up at him. "All I ever wanted was a family..." I murmur softly. "But I'm n-not ready for this...I-I don't know if I ever will b-be..."
I don't want to have to deal with this... I want my nice simple life that I had before Max ever appeared back. I want to worry about silly things like school, and panic over a piece of work I'm on the last minute for... I want to laugh with Kyle about the UFO freaks that frequent the Crashdown... I want my life back...the life I've worked so hard to build up, to create...
Deep down inside though, I know that's not going to happen... Whatever happens, things are never going to be the same again... If one thing's for certain, it's that this has to change things...
I begin to shake, pressing myself further into Kyle's arms and leaning against his chest as slowly, the tears that I've been holding back, begin to slip down my cheeks. I can't hide it anymore, I can't hold it in...
*Kyle*
“There, there,” I tell Liz, gently patting her on the back, waiting for her to calm down. When she keeps on shaking, I rub her back slowly, holding her close. Eventually she straightens out again, wiping her eyes and apologizing. I assure her that such things are necessary. She has every reason to be upset. The guy claims he’s offering her a choice, but he’s also putting a lot of pressure on Liz. She’s my friend. I wanna help her…
“You can tell him you need time. Tell him to get lost, if you like. Don’t let him do this to you,” I tell her. I swear, King or no King, I’ll seriously hurt that Evans if he tries to do anything to her…
“No,” she insists. “I need him, Kyle. He knows things that I need to know. I don’t want to lose that… I just don’t know about … about being … with him.”
“Then don’t be,” I tell her again. “Let him be your friend. We’ll find out whatever he knows about you. But you don’t have to marry him. I promise.” Right now, I wish I could tell her that she could marry me, not some stranger, but we already know we’re not a good match that way. I’m just a friend. The best friend she has in the world.
“So how did he explain it all?” I ask. “If you were both babies, why is he four years older? If you’re such an important princess, why were you left alone? What about your powers?” I start down the list of things I would want to know, but Liz only shakes her head.
“I didn’t ask,” she said. I stare at her, my mind boggling at the fact that she didn’t even ask. I’ll ask for her, the next time she meets with them. She deserves to know. Before I can tell her all this, she interrupts my thoughts, explaining. “It was just too much extra-terrestrial talk. I needed something normal. I just needed to get to know them all…”
I nod, although I haven’t changed my resolve to be sure that Max answers these things. Looking in her eyes, I ask, “Okay, then what did you think of them? You met the others too? What did they seem like? Can you trust them?”
-
KatnotKath
- Roswell Fanatic
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OOC: I know this is encroaching into the new timeslot, but I just thought the Kyle/Liz needed one last Liz to finish it off. Anything after this post should be set the following day though.
~Liz~
“There there…” Kyle holds me close, rubbing my back gently. To anyone who doesn’t know us, the way he’s holding me could well be interpreted as something much more than it is, but what I told Max earlier was the truth… I love Kyle, but not in that way… I love him as a wonderful friend, my best friend… The only person aside from Max and the others who knows the truth about me… The person I trust most in the whole world…
I don’t want to, but I can’t help crying… This is all way too much… My hands, my whole body is still shaking…
I don’t know how long we stay like that, how long I stay held in his arms, but eventually I begin to get a hold of myself again, swallowing and biting my lip as I pull back. I use the back of my hand to wipe away the tears which still hang in the corner of my eyes. “I’m sorry Kyle…I’m so sorry…”
“Hey…hush…” He takes my hands in his, shaking his head. “You don’t have anything to be sorry for Liz…” He tells me softly. “You can tell him you need time. Tell him to get lost, if you like. Don’t let him do this to you…”
I turn my gaze upwards to meet his eyes and chew the inside of my lip as I shake my head. “No…I can’t do that Kyle… I need him Kyle. He knows things I need to know…” He can explain to me about my powers, and maybe even show me how to control them… I The things I know I can do thus far could be the tip for all I know, and Max is one of the only people who can tell me… I shake my head again. “I don’t want to lose that…I just don’t know about…” I swallow, I really don’t want to be thinking about this. “…about being…with him…”
Kyle nods, looking down at me, his warm, caring eyes locked on me, his thumb rubbing the back of my hand. “Then don’t be…” He tells me in a calm, soft voice. “Let him be your friend. We’ll find out whatever he knows about you. But you don’t have to marry him. I promise…”
Swallowing, I manage something of a weak smile for him. “Thanks…” For a second, I wonder what it would be like to be married to Kyle…a long way in the future I hasten to add… As soon as the thought occurs to me though, I quickly dismiss it. It’s a silly idea, it would never work, because we just don’t feel like that about each other… Still, that idea feels a whole lot less scary than the pressing alternative at the moment…
No…I’m not going to think about that…I can’t, not now… I turn my attention back to Kyle as he asks more questions. “So how did he explain it all?” He asks. “If you were both babies, why is he four years older? If you’re such an important princess, why were you left alone? What about your powers?”
As he starts to reel off a list of questions, I shake my head. They’re all things that I need to know yes, but I don’t, not yet… I look up at Kyle. “I didn’t ask…” I respond softly.
His eyes are wide and I can see he’s amazed. Probably he doesn’t understand how I could spend all that time, and not ask, but the fact is I don’t think I could have faced learning anymore… I shake my head and run my fingers through my hair lean against the back of the sofa. “It was just too much extra-terrestiral talk… I needed something normal. I just needed to get to know them all…” I try to explain my thinking.
Kyle nods looking down at me. “Okay, then what did you think of them? You met the others too? What did they seem like? Can you trust them…?”
I wait a moment, working out what to address first, and suddenly I remember the paper that’s still lying on the counter. “Yeah, I met them all…” Standing up, I walk over and pick it up before returning to the sofa, tucking my legs up under me and curling up next to Kyle. I lay the paper out in front of us both and point to each in turn. “There’s Isabel, Maria, Alex and Michael…” I point to each in turn. “Michael I didn’t really get to speak to, but the others seem pretty nice…”
My description is completely inadequate I know, but I don’t really know what else to say. “T-they didn’t stay that long really… I’d had enough…”
I take a breath and shake my head. “As for whether I can trust them…I guess… I mean what choice do I have…?” I sigh and rest my head against his chest, leaning into his open arms. “Thank you…thank you for being here…” I tell him softly before lapsing into silence.
~Liz~
“There there…” Kyle holds me close, rubbing my back gently. To anyone who doesn’t know us, the way he’s holding me could well be interpreted as something much more than it is, but what I told Max earlier was the truth… I love Kyle, but not in that way… I love him as a wonderful friend, my best friend… The only person aside from Max and the others who knows the truth about me… The person I trust most in the whole world…
I don’t want to, but I can’t help crying… This is all way too much… My hands, my whole body is still shaking…
I don’t know how long we stay like that, how long I stay held in his arms, but eventually I begin to get a hold of myself again, swallowing and biting my lip as I pull back. I use the back of my hand to wipe away the tears which still hang in the corner of my eyes. “I’m sorry Kyle…I’m so sorry…”
“Hey…hush…” He takes my hands in his, shaking his head. “You don’t have anything to be sorry for Liz…” He tells me softly. “You can tell him you need time. Tell him to get lost, if you like. Don’t let him do this to you…”
I turn my gaze upwards to meet his eyes and chew the inside of my lip as I shake my head. “No…I can’t do that Kyle… I need him Kyle. He knows things I need to know…” He can explain to me about my powers, and maybe even show me how to control them… I The things I know I can do thus far could be the tip for all I know, and Max is one of the only people who can tell me… I shake my head again. “I don’t want to lose that…I just don’t know about…” I swallow, I really don’t want to be thinking about this. “…about being…with him…”
Kyle nods, looking down at me, his warm, caring eyes locked on me, his thumb rubbing the back of my hand. “Then don’t be…” He tells me in a calm, soft voice. “Let him be your friend. We’ll find out whatever he knows about you. But you don’t have to marry him. I promise…”
Swallowing, I manage something of a weak smile for him. “Thanks…” For a second, I wonder what it would be like to be married to Kyle…a long way in the future I hasten to add… As soon as the thought occurs to me though, I quickly dismiss it. It’s a silly idea, it would never work, because we just don’t feel like that about each other… Still, that idea feels a whole lot less scary than the pressing alternative at the moment…
No…I’m not going to think about that…I can’t, not now… I turn my attention back to Kyle as he asks more questions. “So how did he explain it all?” He asks. “If you were both babies, why is he four years older? If you’re such an important princess, why were you left alone? What about your powers?”
As he starts to reel off a list of questions, I shake my head. They’re all things that I need to know yes, but I don’t, not yet… I look up at Kyle. “I didn’t ask…” I respond softly.
His eyes are wide and I can see he’s amazed. Probably he doesn’t understand how I could spend all that time, and not ask, but the fact is I don’t think I could have faced learning anymore… I shake my head and run my fingers through my hair lean against the back of the sofa. “It was just too much extra-terrestiral talk… I needed something normal. I just needed to get to know them all…” I try to explain my thinking.
Kyle nods looking down at me. “Okay, then what did you think of them? You met the others too? What did they seem like? Can you trust them…?”
I wait a moment, working out what to address first, and suddenly I remember the paper that’s still lying on the counter. “Yeah, I met them all…” Standing up, I walk over and pick it up before returning to the sofa, tucking my legs up under me and curling up next to Kyle. I lay the paper out in front of us both and point to each in turn. “There’s Isabel, Maria, Alex and Michael…” I point to each in turn. “Michael I didn’t really get to speak to, but the others seem pretty nice…”
My description is completely inadequate I know, but I don’t really know what else to say. “T-they didn’t stay that long really… I’d had enough…”
I take a breath and shake my head. “As for whether I can trust them…I guess… I mean what choice do I have…?” I sigh and rest my head against his chest, leaning into his open arms. “Thank you…thank you for being here…” I tell him softly before lapsing into silence.
My fics:
Dreams and Reality
Reality Revealed
Family Connections
When Love and Loss Collide
When Friendship and Love Combine - New!
If Only...
The Important Thing
Home for Christmas
I Knew Him Before (PB fic)
Love Always...
The First Time Around - New!
Dreams and Reality
Reality Revealed
Family Connections
When Love and Loss Collide
When Friendship and Love Combine - New!
If Only...
The Important Thing
Home for Christmas
I Knew Him Before (PB fic)
Love Always...
The First Time Around - New!
*Kyle*
I've been watching Liz all day - whenever we share a class or I see her in the hall. Unfortunately, it's not all that often. She's in all those honor classes and I'm ... well, I'm not really that strong in the academics. We spent some time together at lunch and she seemed okay, but I had a distinct impression it was a facade. That underneath, she was anything but calm. I just wish I knew exactly what it is that she's hiding.
I'm sure she's afraid, and excited, worried and curious - but how afraid? How excited? Which is stronger right now? What is she worried most about? I'm feeling the same sort of things. I'd love to have the answers about some alien culture but my biggest concern is Liz. Is she getting through this okay? Is she gonna crack-up or is this something that's going to be really good for her?
I guess only time will tell...
Finally it's last period study hall and I'm struggling through my algebra. I don't know why it has to be so complicated. I look up and see that Liz has finished her work already. Figures. She's always been so smart. Is that because she's an alien, I wonder?
"Hey," I whisper to her quietly before asking the same thing I've probably asked her ten times today. "You doing okay?"
~Liz~
I don't honestly know what time it was when Kyle left last night… I know it wasn't until after he had insisted on seeing me to bed. We talked through most of the stuff Max told me yesterday, not in a lot of detail, but it was a start…
When it came to the what exactly 'marriage' meant, or explaining the 'bonding', I had just about reached my limit though… I tried to explain, I honestly did, but I couldn't get more than two words out before dissolving into tears again…
I guess I was tired, as well as stressed and confused. Kyle could obviously see I was in no fit state to continue and simply told me we'd talk more tomorrow - which is now today of course… He told me to get some sleep, and even insisted on tucking me in like a little sister…
I can't thank him enough for having been there… I'm not sure I would have been able to get through last night if it wasn't for him. He keeps telling me I don't have to thank him, but still…
I was a little more together this morning when he came to pick me up. I was just trying to concentrate on school - something nice and normal… At least I'm not going to have to meet with them again today… My time is all booked up. School, then work, then an hour on an essay I have due next week and bed.
I don't know whether Kyle realised that I was trying not to think about it, but for whatever reason, he didn't ask much when he picked me up, just a quick 'how are you doing' as he does every morning.
Throughout the day, I've kept noticing him watching me - not in a bad way - when I'm in the corridor and such, but given that we don't have that many lessons together, school isn't exactly a place we get to spend much time together…
We generally spend lunch together though, and today was no different. We sat with a couple of the guys from the team, and their girls… It seems to be an accepted fact that I'm there. The conversation was the usual, and I tried to keep a smile on my face, but if I'm completely honest, I was already beginning to feel like a complete wreck…
See silly as it sounds, normal as school is, it also has a factor which makes me think more and more about everything that Max told me… Each time I see a couple in the hall, or in class, sat at the lunch table or in the yard, I begin to think about this whole 'bonding' issue…
I'm trying really hard to ignore it at the moment, but it's not easy… Despite what Max has said, I can't help asking myself over and over; do I really have a choice…?
Could Max and I really be a couple…? The age gap is… And any feelings… I mean I just don't know the guy…
Just trying to make it through the day, I focus all my attentions on the teacher, or whatever work we have each lesson, and little by little, it gets closer to the end of school…
Next of course I have work, but at least it'll keep me busy…and Kyle will be there too…
English, Bio…and now finally study hall…the last period of the day, and the only one I actually share with Kyle…
I offer his a weak smile at the beginning, making my way over and taking a free seat that's next to him. We exchange a quick 'hey', but then both set to, to concentrate on our work. Both having a shift at the Crashdown tonight makes it pretty important we actually get 'work' done in this period…
As it nears the end of the period however, I'm just finishing my bio questions and I look up to check the time. As I do so, I notice Kyle looking over at me.
I give him a weak smile, which he returns, but then he reaches out, crossing the distance between our desks and grazing his hand against mine before setting it back down on his desk. "You okay…?" He asks me softly.
It's a question we've been through so many times today, and each time, the answer is the same. "Yeah…I guess…" I swallow and bite my lip a moment, fighting to keep as even a tone as I can manage. "I just have a lot to think about…you know…?"
*Kyle*
"Yeah, I know," I nod at Liz's words. "If you want to talk about it, you know I'm always here," I promise her. I think she really needs to talk about it. Not that we didn't discuss it last night, but I know there's more to it. Not that she's keeping anything from me, but there's stuff we both know that she doesn't know yet. Things that these strangers have known all their lives. Things that have been kept from her.
I don't understand why that protector didn't tell her. Didn't help her. All those questions she's had all her life that he could have helped her with. It seems cruel to have denied her. Already Max has taught her telepathy. I know there's going to be a lot of changes for my Liz to deal with. And I'm not going to let her go through it alone.
I reach across the aisle and touch her hand briefly. "We'll figure it out together," I promise. There was time and place set for the next meeting, although I know they're not going to wait around long. They'll be contacting her soon, I'm sure. "Don't worry."
~Liz~
"Yeah, I know," Kyle nods. "If you want to talk about it, you know I'm always here,"
I give a small nod, offering as much of a smile as I can muster. "Thanks…" It's a completely inadequate response. The way that he supports me, the way that he's always there for me…
Right now though, I don't know that I want to talk, I'd rather forget that all of this ever happened.
If I'm honest though, I also know that's not possible. I can't go back in time to when I didn't know this, and knowing what I do, I can't just go back to my simple life. I have to deal with this stuff, and work out how where to go from here…
And at the same time, I also have to keep up with all the normal stuff too… I have to go to work, keep up at school. I have to keep it together…
So much time to have spent in ignorance. So much time to have been in the dark… One of the biggest questions is one which we're never going to get the answer to I guess… Why didn't Mr Willis tell me who he was…? Why didn't he tell me who I was, what I was… I thought I knew him, well as well as any kid knows her social worker…
Settling my elbow on the desk, I rest my head in my hand and shake my head. There's so much stuff…
Kyle reaches across the aisle, touching my hand again. "We'll figure it out together…" He tells me and I swallow, nodding. "Don't worry…"
"Thanks…" I chew my lower lip, looking over at him.
I sit there in silence for another few minutes, and before I know it, Mr Freed is telling us to pack away as the bell rings.
Another day over… I sigh with relief and close my file, sliding it into my book bag with my pencil case and standing up, waiting for Kyle. "You ready to go…?" I ask softly.
Mr Brook might be a pretty good boss, but if we're late it still doesn't go down too well…
I've been watching Liz all day - whenever we share a class or I see her in the hall. Unfortunately, it's not all that often. She's in all those honor classes and I'm ... well, I'm not really that strong in the academics. We spent some time together at lunch and she seemed okay, but I had a distinct impression it was a facade. That underneath, she was anything but calm. I just wish I knew exactly what it is that she's hiding.
I'm sure she's afraid, and excited, worried and curious - but how afraid? How excited? Which is stronger right now? What is she worried most about? I'm feeling the same sort of things. I'd love to have the answers about some alien culture but my biggest concern is Liz. Is she getting through this okay? Is she gonna crack-up or is this something that's going to be really good for her?
I guess only time will tell...
Finally it's last period study hall and I'm struggling through my algebra. I don't know why it has to be so complicated. I look up and see that Liz has finished her work already. Figures. She's always been so smart. Is that because she's an alien, I wonder?
"Hey," I whisper to her quietly before asking the same thing I've probably asked her ten times today. "You doing okay?"
~Liz~
I don't honestly know what time it was when Kyle left last night… I know it wasn't until after he had insisted on seeing me to bed. We talked through most of the stuff Max told me yesterday, not in a lot of detail, but it was a start…
When it came to the what exactly 'marriage' meant, or explaining the 'bonding', I had just about reached my limit though… I tried to explain, I honestly did, but I couldn't get more than two words out before dissolving into tears again…
I guess I was tired, as well as stressed and confused. Kyle could obviously see I was in no fit state to continue and simply told me we'd talk more tomorrow - which is now today of course… He told me to get some sleep, and even insisted on tucking me in like a little sister…
I can't thank him enough for having been there… I'm not sure I would have been able to get through last night if it wasn't for him. He keeps telling me I don't have to thank him, but still…
I was a little more together this morning when he came to pick me up. I was just trying to concentrate on school - something nice and normal… At least I'm not going to have to meet with them again today… My time is all booked up. School, then work, then an hour on an essay I have due next week and bed.
I don't know whether Kyle realised that I was trying not to think about it, but for whatever reason, he didn't ask much when he picked me up, just a quick 'how are you doing' as he does every morning.
Throughout the day, I've kept noticing him watching me - not in a bad way - when I'm in the corridor and such, but given that we don't have that many lessons together, school isn't exactly a place we get to spend much time together…
We generally spend lunch together though, and today was no different. We sat with a couple of the guys from the team, and their girls… It seems to be an accepted fact that I'm there. The conversation was the usual, and I tried to keep a smile on my face, but if I'm completely honest, I was already beginning to feel like a complete wreck…
See silly as it sounds, normal as school is, it also has a factor which makes me think more and more about everything that Max told me… Each time I see a couple in the hall, or in class, sat at the lunch table or in the yard, I begin to think about this whole 'bonding' issue…
I'm trying really hard to ignore it at the moment, but it's not easy… Despite what Max has said, I can't help asking myself over and over; do I really have a choice…?
Could Max and I really be a couple…? The age gap is… And any feelings… I mean I just don't know the guy…
Just trying to make it through the day, I focus all my attentions on the teacher, or whatever work we have each lesson, and little by little, it gets closer to the end of school…
Next of course I have work, but at least it'll keep me busy…and Kyle will be there too…
English, Bio…and now finally study hall…the last period of the day, and the only one I actually share with Kyle…
I offer his a weak smile at the beginning, making my way over and taking a free seat that's next to him. We exchange a quick 'hey', but then both set to, to concentrate on our work. Both having a shift at the Crashdown tonight makes it pretty important we actually get 'work' done in this period…
As it nears the end of the period however, I'm just finishing my bio questions and I look up to check the time. As I do so, I notice Kyle looking over at me.
I give him a weak smile, which he returns, but then he reaches out, crossing the distance between our desks and grazing his hand against mine before setting it back down on his desk. "You okay…?" He asks me softly.
It's a question we've been through so many times today, and each time, the answer is the same. "Yeah…I guess…" I swallow and bite my lip a moment, fighting to keep as even a tone as I can manage. "I just have a lot to think about…you know…?"
*Kyle*
"Yeah, I know," I nod at Liz's words. "If you want to talk about it, you know I'm always here," I promise her. I think she really needs to talk about it. Not that we didn't discuss it last night, but I know there's more to it. Not that she's keeping anything from me, but there's stuff we both know that she doesn't know yet. Things that these strangers have known all their lives. Things that have been kept from her.
I don't understand why that protector didn't tell her. Didn't help her. All those questions she's had all her life that he could have helped her with. It seems cruel to have denied her. Already Max has taught her telepathy. I know there's going to be a lot of changes for my Liz to deal with. And I'm not going to let her go through it alone.
I reach across the aisle and touch her hand briefly. "We'll figure it out together," I promise. There was time and place set for the next meeting, although I know they're not going to wait around long. They'll be contacting her soon, I'm sure. "Don't worry."
~Liz~
"Yeah, I know," Kyle nods. "If you want to talk about it, you know I'm always here,"
I give a small nod, offering as much of a smile as I can muster. "Thanks…" It's a completely inadequate response. The way that he supports me, the way that he's always there for me…
Right now though, I don't know that I want to talk, I'd rather forget that all of this ever happened.
If I'm honest though, I also know that's not possible. I can't go back in time to when I didn't know this, and knowing what I do, I can't just go back to my simple life. I have to deal with this stuff, and work out how where to go from here…
And at the same time, I also have to keep up with all the normal stuff too… I have to go to work, keep up at school. I have to keep it together…
So much time to have spent in ignorance. So much time to have been in the dark… One of the biggest questions is one which we're never going to get the answer to I guess… Why didn't Mr Willis tell me who he was…? Why didn't he tell me who I was, what I was… I thought I knew him, well as well as any kid knows her social worker…
Settling my elbow on the desk, I rest my head in my hand and shake my head. There's so much stuff…
Kyle reaches across the aisle, touching my hand again. "We'll figure it out together…" He tells me and I swallow, nodding. "Don't worry…"
"Thanks…" I chew my lower lip, looking over at him.
I sit there in silence for another few minutes, and before I know it, Mr Freed is telling us to pack away as the bell rings.
Another day over… I sigh with relief and close my file, sliding it into my book bag with my pencil case and standing up, waiting for Kyle. "You ready to go…?" I ask softly.
Mr Brook might be a pretty good boss, but if we're late it still doesn't go down too well…
JP with KatnotKath and Isabelle
*Kyle*
"Sure," I tell Liz. I stack up my books and head out of study hall with her. I find myself walking next to Liz, much closer than usual. Almost as close as I would if I were with a girl-friend. This isn't like that, but it's similar in a lot of ways. I care for her very deeply. I want to protect her.
As we step ouf of the building, I find myself immediately scanning the street for Max's jeep or for Max himself near the gate. Thankfully, I don't see any sight of him.
"Okay. My car's over there," I remind Liz. The Crashdown is within walking distance of the school, but it's good if we employees get there before the school crowd does. Besides, we still have to drive home afterwards and this saves a walk back to the school.
~Liz~
As we walk down the corridor, I can't help thinking that Kyle seems to be walking a lot closer than usual. As we stop at my locker, he insists on taking the books I remove and as we continue outside, he even slips an arm around my waist.
It's not that this is unheard of, we are very close, and there have definitely been times when people new to the school have got the wrong idea… Much like Max did I guess…
Max… As much as I'm trying not to think about him, it seems I can't help it. Heading towards the gates, I notice Kyle looking round, and I find myself doing the same. Not that I actually imagine I'm going to see anyone… I did try and make it clear I was going to be busy tonight, but then yesterday I definitely didn't expect to find him waiting at the gates…
I find myself stiffening for a moment, then relaxing again when I find there's no one about.
As Kyle motions in the direction of the car, I nod, walking with him quickly in that direction and waiting as he unlocks it before climbing in.
Fastening my seatbelt as he pulls away from the kerb, I give him a small smile and turn to look out of the window as we pass through the familiar streets, following the route we travel at least three times a week.
"Sure," I tell Liz. I stack up my books and head out of study hall with her. I find myself walking next to Liz, much closer than usual. Almost as close as I would if I were with a girl-friend. This isn't like that, but it's similar in a lot of ways. I care for her very deeply. I want to protect her.
As we step ouf of the building, I find myself immediately scanning the street for Max's jeep or for Max himself near the gate. Thankfully, I don't see any sight of him.
"Okay. My car's over there," I remind Liz. The Crashdown is within walking distance of the school, but it's good if we employees get there before the school crowd does. Besides, we still have to drive home afterwards and this saves a walk back to the school.
~Liz~
As we walk down the corridor, I can't help thinking that Kyle seems to be walking a lot closer than usual. As we stop at my locker, he insists on taking the books I remove and as we continue outside, he even slips an arm around my waist.
It's not that this is unheard of, we are very close, and there have definitely been times when people new to the school have got the wrong idea… Much like Max did I guess…
Max… As much as I'm trying not to think about him, it seems I can't help it. Heading towards the gates, I notice Kyle looking round, and I find myself doing the same. Not that I actually imagine I'm going to see anyone… I did try and make it clear I was going to be busy tonight, but then yesterday I definitely didn't expect to find him waiting at the gates…
I find myself stiffening for a moment, then relaxing again when I find there's no one about.
As Kyle motions in the direction of the car, I nod, walking with him quickly in that direction and waiting as he unlocks it before climbing in.
Fastening my seatbelt as he pulls away from the kerb, I give him a small smile and turn to look out of the window as we pass through the familiar streets, following the route we travel at least three times a week.
BrokenAngel, I'll edit if you prefer that Maria be at the house... or you can just post that she and Isabel are returning... whatever you like.
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*Max*
I carry my suitcase up to the second floor to unpack in the new townhouse that Alex and Isabel had picked out. It’s really a nice place. In some ways it’s a lot better than the other places we’ve stayed at, which is probably why it costs a bit more, too. Of course, this time we know we’re at the right place. We know we’re going to be here for a while. So it makes sense for us have a place that’ll be comfortable.
I head for the smallest bedroom, allowing Isabel and Alex to take the master bedroom while Maria and Michael get the second one. The second is really only slightly smaller than the master bedroom but it doesn’t have the private bath. The smallest bedroom isn’t that small. There’s a full-sized bed here, rather than the queen-sized in the other two rooms, but that’s plenty big enough for just me.
I put the suitcase on the bed and start unpacking my clothing and my alarm-clock while I wonder about whether to change the color of the paint. It’s all Navaho white, which can get a bit old, but at least it’s not that horrible mustard color in the living room. I know Isabel is going to change that as soon as she gets back from whatever errand she and Maria are on. Maybe they’re job-hunting. I hope they’re going to be able to find something better than waitressing this time…
I’m just finishing up and about to go get the radio and CDs from the car to put in the living room when Alex comes in. He’s got a bit of a swagger to his step, seeming happy and pleased with himself and I think he has every right to be.
“Nice job. I love the place,” I tell him. It’s really nice, with a fire place and two and a half bathrooms I think it’s fantastic. “I saw there’s a community pool and a fitness center, too. I take it they come with the house, too?”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
*Max*
I carry my suitcase up to the second floor to unpack in the new townhouse that Alex and Isabel had picked out. It’s really a nice place. In some ways it’s a lot better than the other places we’ve stayed at, which is probably why it costs a bit more, too. Of course, this time we know we’re at the right place. We know we’re going to be here for a while. So it makes sense for us have a place that’ll be comfortable.
I head for the smallest bedroom, allowing Isabel and Alex to take the master bedroom while Maria and Michael get the second one. The second is really only slightly smaller than the master bedroom but it doesn’t have the private bath. The smallest bedroom isn’t that small. There’s a full-sized bed here, rather than the queen-sized in the other two rooms, but that’s plenty big enough for just me.
I put the suitcase on the bed and start unpacking my clothing and my alarm-clock while I wonder about whether to change the color of the paint. It’s all Navaho white, which can get a bit old, but at least it’s not that horrible mustard color in the living room. I know Isabel is going to change that as soon as she gets back from whatever errand she and Maria are on. Maybe they’re job-hunting. I hope they’re going to be able to find something better than waitressing this time…
I’m just finishing up and about to go get the radio and CDs from the car to put in the living room when Alex comes in. He’s got a bit of a swagger to his step, seeming happy and pleased with himself and I think he has every right to be.
“Nice job. I love the place,” I tell him. It’s really nice, with a fire place and two and a half bathrooms I think it’s fantastic. “I saw there’s a community pool and a fitness center, too. I take it they come with the house, too?”