Roswell Fanatics

Hey guy’s,

A big thanks for all the feedback:) And now here’s Ch.30, which btw, is like the longest Chapter I’ve ever written in my whole entire life, lol.

Enjoy the next Part:)

Steph


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Free

Ch.Thirty


“Brendan?” Liz stepped inside the hotel room, dropping the car key’s and her purse on the table. “Bren-”

Before she had a chance to finish, Brendan stepped out of the bathroom shirtless, a single white towel was thrown carelessly across his shoulder.

“Liz,” He said as their eye’s met from across the room. “God, Liz, I’ve been so worried! Where have you been!?”

“Brendan, I’m so sorry,” Liz said, taking a few steps towards him. “I thought you would need a little space so I to the car and came back here. I...went to put Xander to bed and I sort of fell asleep there with him.”

“Oh,” Brendan said, a small frown coming over his feature’s. “Right, Xander. That would be the kid you never said anything to me about, right?”

“Brendan,” Liz started. “I’m so sorry. I should of told you before.” Well it’s not like she could tell him the truth! She couldn’t tell him all about Tess and her mindwarping abilities. She had to lie to him. “I got pregnant back in Roswell when I was only seventeen. When he was born...I got scared and I took off. I never told anybody that I had had a child, I never even told Rachel and Serena. I just...I couldn’t.”

“But you still should of told me about him!” Brendan said. “Liz, if we’re going to be getting married, I need to know <i>everything</I> about you.” He walked to across the room, stopping in front of her. “I don’t want you keeping anything from me, baby.” He reached out, cupping the sides of her face. “We are still getting married, right? I mean, you don’t have...feeling’s for that Max guy, do you?”

“I-” Liz started. She couldn’t lie to him about this. She had to tell him the truth. “Thing’s are just really complicated right now, Brendan. Back in Roswell, I was really in love with him. And now he’s back in my life with Xander and I...just sort of feel as though I should be getting to know my son and I should be getting to know Max, again.”

Brendan let go of her face, taking a small step back. “So you’re still in love with him?” He said in barely more than a whisper.

“It’s...complicated.” She answered. “I don’t know what I feel right now, Brendan. I just- maybe you and I need a small break, you know? To let thing’s calm down a little.”

“So you don’t want to get married?” He asked. Liz could see the hurt in his eye’s and she hated it. She hated seeing him like this, it was killing her inside. But it would hurt even more if she didn’t let Xander and Max back into her life.

“I just think that maybe it would be best for you and me to take thing’s really slow.” Liz said. “Like putting the wedding on hold for awhile.”

Brendan let out a small sigh, running his hand through his hair before sitting on the edge of the bed. “I...I understand. I think.”

Liz went to sit down on the bed next to him, placing her arm around his shoulder’s and placing a small kiss on his cheek. “Thank you.” She said, giving him a small smile. “You have no idea how much this mean’s to me.”

“I just want you to be happy.” Brendan said, turning to look at her.”That’s all that matters to me.”

“You are the most amazing guy I’ve ever met,” Liz said, smiling up at him. “You really are.”

“So...you are coming back to San Francisco with me, right?” Brendan asked her. “I mean you have you’re job and Rachel and Serena.”

“Of course,” Liz said. “I’m coming back to San Francisco. But, I thought that maybe I could bring Xander back with me for a couple of week’s. So that I can get to know him better.”

“Oh,” Brendan said. “I- I guess that’s a good idea.”

“But the thing is,” Liz said. “I don’t think Xander wants to come to San Francisco without his father being there with him. So I-”

“You’re bringing Max back to San Francisco with you!?” Brendan asked, his eye’s flashing with anger as he quickly got up from the bed. “Your kidding me, right?”

“I knew you wouldn’t like the idea,” Liz said, swallowing hard. “I just thought-”

“No!” Brendan said, glaring down at her. “For God’s sakes Liz I just found out that you have a kid, that you’ve been lying to me for the past two year’s and now you’re telling me that you want Max Evans to move in with you!?”

“It’s just for a couple of week’s!” Liz said, trying desperately trying to reassure him. “It’s either that or I go back to Roswell and I can’t do that because of my job!”

“I can’t believe this!” Brendan exploded, causing Liz flinch. She rarely ever saw Brendan all worked up like this. Heck, she had <i>never</I> seen him like this before. “Liz, you simply cannot bring him back to San Francisco with you!”

“Why are you acting like this?” Liz said, standing up from the bed. She hated being sat down with him glaring down at her like that. “This isn’t like you, Brendan. You’re usually all calm when I tell you life-altering news.”

“You’re talking about having you’re ex-boyfriend move back in with you in you’re apartment with <i>your</i> son!” Brendan said. “So excuse me if that makes me a little uneasy.”

“There will be a <i>child</i> living with me in the same apartment.” Liz answered. “Nothing’s going to be happening between me and Max!”

“Right,” Brendan sneered. “For God’s sake’s, Liz, he’s you’re ex-boyfriend and the father of your child! Of course something will happen between the two of you!”

“No, you’re wrong.” Liz said. “Nothing’s going to happen between us.”

There was a small moment of silence as the two remained standing, looking at each other. Finally Brendan let out a small sigh and ran a free hand through his hair.

“Well, I can’t do anything to stop you now can I?” He said in a small voice. “It’s you’re decision and I have to go along with it even though I don’t like it one bit.”

“I’m sorry,” Liz said, swallowing hard. “I know how hard this must me for you. I’m so sorry for everything that I’m putting you through right now. I’ve been a real idiot keeping all this stuff from you for the past couple of year’s. I should of just told you everything.”

“Yeah,” Brendan said. “Kind of. But I...I understand, you know, why you didn’t tell me before. I just wish...I wish that I hadn’t found out the way I did tonight at the restaurant. I wish you could of just sat me down and told me.”

“Yeah, I understand,” Liz said. <i>Damn you Max Evans!</I> She thought angrily. Why did he have to choose to show up at the restaurant like that!? “It was wrong. And it shouldn’t of happened that way.”

“Yeah,” Brendan said, managing a small sad smile. “Anyway’s, can’t go back and fix it can we? All we can do now is move forward.”

“I guess,” Liz said, mustering a feeble smile. She looked down at the engagement ring on her index finger and slowly slid it off of her finger. “Here,” She said, looking up into Brendan’s eye’s. “You should take this back. Just for a little while anyway’s.”

“God, no.” He said quickly, shaking his head. “Liz, I want you to keep it. I know thing’s might get a little rough right now, but I love you and I still plan on marrying you some day. I don’t care if it’s in 2 months from now or three year’s from now, but I really want you to keep this ring.”

“I-” Liz said. “God, I don’t know what to say, Brendan.”

“Say you’ll keep this ring.” Brendan said, sliding the ring back on her finger.

“I-” Liz started. What was she supposed to say? He was such a sweet guy and he seemed to be really in love with her. She just couldn’t break his heart. “Of course I’ll keep it.”

He smiled, leaning in to give her a kiss on the lips. “Thank you.” He said, slipping his arm’s around her, pulling her into a hug. Liz was slightly taken aback. He was taking this way better than she had expected. How could he be so calm about all of this? Sure he had blown up for a couple of minutes there, but now he seemed so calm about everything.

“When are we leaving then?” Brendan asked. “I’m guessing that you’ll be taking them back to San Francisco with us?”

“Well, yeah.” Liz said. “Only...I’ve been thinking a little and I think I’d really like to head back to Roswell to see my parent’s for a couple of day’s. I don’t know if Lois will be okay with it though. I have so much work to catch up on right now. Although I could just head back to San Francisco and get my parent’s to fly to San Francisco to come and visit me.”

“Whatever you want to do Liz.” Brendan said. “It’s all up to you. If you want to head to Roswell I can just lend you the jet and I’ll just fly home with my parent’s or something.”

“Oh, Brendan, you don’t have to do that,” Liz said. “Why don’t you just come to Roswell with us? You’ll get to see my parent’s face when they see me for the first time in seven year’s when they go off on me.”

“It sounds tempting,” Brendan said with a small smirk. “But, I really need to get back to San Francisco. I just have so much work to get back to.”

“Yeah.” Liz said with a small sigh. “I know exactly what you mean.”

“So,” Brendan said, walking over to the phone and taking it in his hand’s. “I’m gonna give my father a call, they should be heading back home in about an hour or so, it’ll give me just enough time to pack and to meet them at the airport. I’ll take a cab to the airport, I’ll leave you the key’s to the car and my jet will be at you’re disposition for as long as you need it. It should be waiting for you at the airport by now so whenever you want to leave for Roswell, you’re free to head on and use it.”

Liz could feel tear’s slowly forming in his eye’s and Brendan’s face immediately turned to worry. “Oh, God.” He said. “Did I say something wrong?”

“No,” Liz said with a smile. “It’s just- you’re being so nice and I don’t deserve that from you. I mean, you’re so amazing.”

“Hey,” Brendan said, quickly walking over to her and wrapping his arm’s around her. “You didn’t do anything wrong okay? You just...kept a little something from me. But that doesn’t mean that I’m going to start acting like an idiot towards you. I love you and nothing’s going to change that. Ever.”

“Ugh,” Liz said, wiping away a tear. “I have to stop getting all emotional on people. It’s just not very pretty.”

Brendan let out a small laugh before placing a small kiss on her forehead. “Come on, you better start packing now or you’ll never make it back to Roswell.”

“Your right,” Liz said as she headed towards the closet where her duffel bag was in. She quickly took it out of the closet and started throwing in clothes from the dressers.

“Do you want me to drop by you’re office and tell Lois where you’ll be staying for the next couple of day’s?” Brendan asked from across the room as he started packing his own bag’s.

“Um, no.” Liz said. “I’ll give Lois a couple from the plane. I just hope she won’t bite my ass off, my next column has to be in by this Friday. I’ll probably just type it up and e-mail it to her or something.”

“That’s probably a good idea,” Brendan said, grabbing the phone once more. “I’m gonna give my parent’s a call. Let them know that I’ll be heading back home with them.” He quickly dialed the number and started talking on the phone to, who Liz thought was his father.

Liz threw in another shirt inside the duffel bag. She was nervous at the thought of returning home to Roswell. Hell, she hadn’t been back to Roswell in the past seven year’s. She was really scared of her parent’s reaction. Would they be mad? Would they even want to speak to her? She didn’t know how long she would be able to in Roswell. Three day’s would probably be the max. She knew she would have to get back home as soon as she could, her career was definitely one of the most important thing’s in her life for her right now and she wasn’t about to let it slide, especially now that she had just signed her contract.

“My parent’s decided to pick me up,” Brendan said once he had gotten off the phone. “They’re picking me up in five minute’s so I really have to hurry up and get downstair’s.” He zipped the duffel bag shut, looking around to make sure he hadn’t forgotten anything. “How long do you think you’ll be staying in Roswell, anyway’s?”

“Three day’s tops.” Liz answered. “But I’d definitely like to be back to San Francisco after tommorow,”

“Alright then,” He said, picking up the duffel bag in one hand. He walked over to her, placing a small kiss on her lips. “I’ll see you back home in a couple of day’s. And I’m expecting a phone call from you at least two time’s a day to let me know how thing’s are going, okay?”

Liz nodded, “Of course,”

“Alright, baby.” He said, flashing her a smile as he opened the door to the room. “I’ll see you in a couple of day’s, okay? I love you, don’t you forget that.”

Liz smiled. “I won’t.” She said. “Bye, Brendan.”

“Bye,” He answered as he stepped outside of the room, closing the door behind him.

Once he was gone, Liz let out a small sigh as she turned to stare out the window of the hotel room. It was time for her to head back to Roswell and face her parent’s.


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“Grandpa!” Xander said excitedly as he quickly spotted his grandfather sitting across the café at one of the table’s.

“Hey, there, little guy” Philip said as he saw his grandchild running across the café towards him. He quickly put down the newspaper he had been reading. Xander jumped into his arm’s and gave him a hug.

“I haven’t seen you in a while!” Xander said. “Where have you been hiding, grandpa?”

Philip laughed loudly just as Max took a seat in the empty chair in front of him.

“I haven’t been hiding,” Philip explained to his grandchild. “I’ve just been kind of busy with work and meeting’s. But all that’s over with now. Now we can finally go back to Roswell.”

“Oh, but daddy and me aren’t going back to Roswell.” Xander said, grinning widely at Philip. Philip quickly shot Max a confused look. “We’re going back to San Francisco with-”

“Liz,” Max said quickly, cutting his son off. “She offered to show us around San Francisco for a couple of day’s and I thought it would be a good idea for me and Xander to head over there and check the city out.”

Xander immediately started pouting as he looked up at his father. Max hated having to lie to his father like that but he didn’t really have a choice for now. He couldn’t tell his father that Liz was Xander’s biological mother. Because if he did, then he would have to tell his father about him being an alien. And he just didn’t want to drag his father and mother into this whole alien abyss. It was just to dangerous for now.

“Well, I think that’s a great idea.” Philip said. “So you and Liz have started speaking to one another, huh?” He asked Max.

“Well, yeah.” Max answered.

“There’s...nothing going on between the two of you though is there?” Philip asked his son curiously. “Because she does have a boyfriend you know.”


“I know,” Max said. “And, no, dad, nothing’s going on between Liz and I.” <i>Even though I sure as hell wish there was,</I> Max thought to himself.

“Hey, there she is now.” Philip said, looking up past Max’s shoulder. Max quickly turned around in his seat and sure enough, Liz was heading straight for their table.

“MO-” Xander started but Max quickly cut him off before he had a chance to finish what he was about to say.

“Liz!” Max quickly exclaimed out loud. He had shouted out the name so loud that people all around him we’re turning in their seat’s to take a good look at him.

“Uh, hi.” Liz said, a small confused look on her face as she looked down at Max. She then smiled widely at Xander. “Hey, Xander. Hi, Mr. Evans.”

“Oh, please call me Philip.” Philip said, shaking her hand. “Please have a seat with us.”

Liz nodded as she took a seat next to Max at the table.

“So, Liz, I heard you we’re taking my son and grandchild with you back to San Francisco.”

“Um,” Liz said, glancing at Max, unsure of what to answer him. What exactly did Mr. Evans know? Did he know about her being Xander’s real mother? Did he know about Max, Isabel, and Michael’s secret? “Yeah,” She answered him finally. “Although I actually decided to drop by Roswell for a couple of day’s to see my parent’s.”

“Good idea.” Philip said, agreeing. “I’m sure they’ll be extremely happy to see you.”

“Well, I hope so.” Liz said with a small sad smile. Just then Xander decided to hop off of his grandfather’s lap’s and onto Liz’s. Once he was seated comfortably on her lap he rested his head on her shoulder.

“So you’ll be taking the plane back to Roswell with us then?” Philip asked, watching Xander and Liz closely. Noting how they seemed so comfortable with each other even though they’d only met a few day’s ago.

“Well, actually.” Liz said. “Brendan sort of decided to lend me his jet for the week.” She exclaimed. “So I’ll be flying back to Roswell with it and then back to San Francisco in a few day’s.”

“Daddy, we’re going to be flying a jet plane back to Roswell!” Xander burst out excitedly, looking at his father with wide eye’s.

Liz let out a small laugh as both Max and Philip smiled at Xander’s reaction.

“So, is Brendan heading back to Roswell with you?” Philip asked, taking a sip of his coffee.


“No, actually.” Liz said. “He decided to head back to San Francisco. He’s got a lot of work waiting for him so he had to head back today.”

She could feel Max’ eye’s boring into her as she looked at Philip. She knew what he was thinking. How had Brendan reacted to everything he had learned about her?

“And that’s why I won’t be staying in Roswell very long either,” Liz continued. “Even though I wish I could stay a little longer to see my family. But I just can’t. I have so much work to get back to.”

“Wait,” Philip said. “You’re not a lawyer, too, are you?” He asked curiously.

“Oh, no.” Liz said, smiling. “I’m actually an advice columnist.”

“Wow,” Philip said, visibly impressed. “That’s- amazing.”

Liz grinned. “Yeah, I love my job.”

“An advice columnist?” Max said, “Liz, that really is amazing.”

“What’s an advice columnist?” Xander asked, looking up at Liz with a grin.

“It’s a person who works for a newspaper and who gives advice to people who need it.” Liz explained, looking down at her son.

“Oh!” Xander said. “Wow. That really does sounds amazing!”

Liz laughed. “Yeah, it really is.” She answered.

“Will I get to see where you work when I go to San Francisco?” Xander asked.

“Sure, of course.” Liz said with a smile. “I’ll take you to work with me one day if you want. Although I’m pretty sure you’re going to find it extremely boring.”

“No!” Xander said, making a face. “Of course I won’t find it boring!<i>You’ll</I> be there!”

“It’ll still be very boring,” Liz said with a smile.

“Well, then, Max I think you should better go and get packing.” Philip said to his son.

“Oh, by the way, Mr.- Philip.” Liz said. “Would you like to use my Jet? I mean, you’re more than welcome to since we’re pretty much heading in the same direction.”

“Thank you for the proposal.” Philip said with a smile. “But I’m going to have to pass. My flight leaves tonight at 4 and I sort of intend on doing a little shopping before heading back home. I sort of promised my wife I’d bring her back a little something and I haven’t had the chance to do so since I’ve been so busy this weekend.”

Max turned to Liz. “So, when are we heading back to Roswell?” He asked her.

“Whenever you’re ready.” Liz answered as Xander remained in her arm’s. “The jet’s waiting at the airport and Brendan let me keep the car.”

“Then I better get going.” Max said. “I have some packing to do.” He turned towards his son, taking the little boy’s hand in his. “Come on, Xan.”

“I don’t want to go!” Xander said, turning and burying his face in Liz’s shoulder. “I wanna stay with Liz!”

“Well, Liz can come with us.” Max said, looking at Liz. “If that’s okay with you.”

“Of course,” Liz answered. “I don’t mind at all. My stuff’s already all packed, I’m pretty much all ready to go.”

“Oh, hey, there’s your sister.” Philip said, looking up. Isabel, followed closely by Kyle, Maria, and Michael.

“Liz!” Maria said as she spotted her. Liz couldn’t help but smile as Maria quickly pulled her into a warm hug.

“Hey,” Liz said, smiling.

“Hey, Liz!” Kyle said, as Maria let go of her. This time it was Kyle’s turn to pull her into a hug. Liz couldn’t help but notice the small look of...what seemed to be...jealousy on Max. And that’s when it hit her, he still didn’t know anything about Future Max. He still thought that she and Kyle had actually had sex!

“Hey, Liz.” Michael said from his spot next to Maria. “It’s been awhile, huh?”

“Yeah,” Liz said, mustering a feeble smile. “It has.”

Isabel smiled at her. “Liz, hey.” She said. “Do you think- do you think we could go somewhere for a minute and talk?”

Liz nodded slowly. “Sure, of course.” She answered, slightly unsure of what it is that she wanted to talk about. Hopefully it wouldn’t involve any yelling.

“No!” Xander pouted from his seat next to Max. “Liz is supposed to come upstairs with me and daddy because we’re packing!”

“Honey, I’ll only be a few seconds.” Liz said, smiling at her son. “Okay? I’ll meet you upstairs as soon as I’m done talking with your Aunt Isabel.”

“But- but,” Xander said, looking up at his father for what seemed to be backup.

Max laughed, “Come on, sweety,” He said standing up and picking up his son into his arm’s. ‘Let’s go upstairs. Liz will meet us there after, okay?”

“I promise.” Liz told him, placing a small kiss on his small cheek in reassurance.

“Okay,” Xander said finally. “Meet us up there in five minutes!”

“Okay,” Liz said. “I’ll be there.” She watched as Max and Xander walked off, Xander continued to look at her over Max’s shoulder.

“Come on,” Isabel said, “Let’s go sit over there.” She pointed towards one of the empty table’s and Liz followed Isabel, sitting down opposite from Max’s sister.

“So, what exactly did you want to talk to me about?” Liz asking, fearing the worst. She wasn’t going to get yelled at, was she?

“I wanted to apologize.” Isabel said. “I’ve been acting like the biggest bitch ever and I’m so sorry. I just got really, really pissed off when I first saw you again because I know how much my brother’s been going through since you left Roswell. He’s been in hell ever since you left, and for some stupid reason I’ve been blaming you for all the hell he’s been through in the past couple of year’s.”

“It’s okay.” Liz said. “You don’t have to apologize, Isabel. Really, I deserved it all. I shouldn’t of left Roswell like that. I should of..stayed and tried to fix thing’s. But instead of facing everything I ran away. It wasn’t right.”

“Hey, you know what?” Isabel said. “I understand what you we’re going through. You had just lost you’re best friend and all of us had turned against you because we thought you we’re wrong about Alex having been murdered by an alien. And to top it off for you, Max and Tess had gotten closer together. Sure you put a lot of people through hell, you’re parent’s, Maria, and, well, Max. But I can sort of understand <i>why</I> you ran away, you know, what with all the crap that was going on in you’re life.”

“Well I’m glad someone understands.” Liz said with a small sigh. “I just hope my parent’s will be able to understand.”

“I’m sure they will,” Isabel said, trying to reassure the petite brunette who sat in front of her.

“Isabel,” Liz asked after a small pause. She didn’t know if she wanted to know the answer to this question, but she knew she had to ask. “How did my parent’s take it when I left Roswell? I mean, how did they react to the new’s?”

Isabel let out a small sigh. “Well, obviously the Parker’s we’re the first to find out. Something about a letter that you had left them... Maria was next and then it was everybody else...”


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Roswell, New Mexico- 2000


“So,” Tess said, leaning against Max’s locker. “What do you say we go see a movie tonight at the Revival theater or something?”

Max was too lost in his thought’s to answer. For some reason all he could think about was Liz. God, how much he missed her and for some reason he missed her now more than he had ever missed her before even though he knew he had treated her like crap the night before. He had been way out of line talking to her the way he had over at the Valenti’s and he knew it.

“Max!” Tess said, a little more loudly this time. He blinked, seeing Tess standing there, he hand over her stomach.

“Oh,” Max said quickly. “Um, what did you say?”

“I asked if you wanted to go see a movie tonight at the Revival theater.” Tess repeated.

“Oh, I don’t know.” Max answered. “I’m just- with everything that’s going on in our lives right now, don’t you think going to see a movie should be the last thing to do on our list?”

“Look,” Tess said with a small sigh. “I know what’s happening to me- to us- is really big.” She said. “And I know that you’re really busy right now and extremely preoccupied. But don’t you think you could pencil in a date with you girlfriend sometime soon?”

<i>Girlfriend?</I> Max thought with disgust. Is that what she thought she was to him now? His girlfriend? Because to him she was just some girl whom he had absolutely no connection with. A girl with who he had made the big mistake of sleeping with and getting her pregnant. He <i>still</I> couldn’t believe that Tess was pregnant. None of it seemed real. It just seemed like one big nightmare that he wasn’t waking up to. And, God, how could she be acting so calm about this? She had <i>just</I> found out that she was pregnant and all she was worried about was going out to see a movie with him?

“Um, Tess.” Max said with a small sigh. “Listen, a movie right now just doesn’t sound very appealing to me, okay? Maybe another day.” He quickly pulled out his History notebook from his locker.

“Max,” Tess said in a sort of warning tone. “You’re not- as I said the other night- you’re not pulling away from me, are you? Because, you can’t do that to me. I’m <i>pregnant</I> Max and I’m really scared about everything that’s happening to right now.”

“I’m not pulling away Tess.” Max said, swallowing hard. “It’s just that this is really hard for me right now, okay? And I’m trying to deal with it the best way I can but this is extremely hard on me.”

“God, Max,” Tess snapped angrily. “Don’t you think this is hard on my too!? And <i>I’m</I> the one who’s pregnant here, not you.”

“I know,” Max said, unsure of what to do or say. “I’m sorry,” He said, deciding to take her small hand in his and giving it a little squeeze. “I’m sorry.”

“I know,” Tess said, wrapping her small arm’s around him and pulling him into a hug. “But it’ll be okay. I know it will. As long as we stick together everything will be fine. I love you, Max.”

Max froze. Had she just said what he thought she had just said? She <i>loved</I> him?

Although before Max had a chance to reply to that, someone came rushing at him from the other side of the hallway.

Maria, Max thought as she hurried towards him. As she got closer and closer, Max could see that she was crying. Actually sobbing was more like it.

“Maria, what’s wrong?” Max asked as he quickly pulled away from Tess, who stood beside him looking more annoyed than ever as Maria started crying even harder. She stood in front of Max as angry tear’s rolled down her cheek’s.

“I hate you, Max!” She exploded angrily. “I fuckin’ hate you!”

Max felt like he had been slapped in the face. What the hell was going on?

“Maria, calm down!” Michael said as he gently grabbed her arm, pulling her back only she wouldn’t budge.

“It’s all you’re fault!” She continued as the halls suddenly became very quiet. Everybody had stopped in their tracks looking at Maria and Max to see what would happen next. “You’re the reason she’s gone! You’re the reason my best friend left town!”

“Maria, what are you-” Max started, but stopped dead in his tracks. He felt as though someone had punched him in the stomach. He suddenly felt as though he couldn’t breathe. “Liz.” He managed to choke out. “What happened?”

“She’s gone!” Maria cried out. “She left Roswell! She left some stupid note telling her parent’s that she had to leave town. She didn’t say why but I know that you’re the fuckin’ reason why she left! WHAT DID YOU SAY TO HER TO MAKE HER LEAVE LIKE THAT!?!”

“Maria,” Michael said her name. “Come on, people are staring. Come on, I’ll take you home, okay?”

“NO!” Maria said, pulling away from Michael’s grip.

“I didn’t-” Max said. “I didn’t say anything. I just sort of- I-”

“Just stay away from me,” Maria said angrily, taking a step back. “The two of you,” She said, looking from Max to Tess. “Just stay the fuck away.”

And with that she turned on her heels, rushing down the hall towards the exit.

“I’m gonna-” Michael started. “I’m gonna go after her, Maxwell. As you can see she’s not doing to good.”

Max watched as Michael quickly went after her.

“Max, are you okay?” Tess asked, placing a small hand on his forearm. Max quickly pulled away from her touch, immediately feeling dirty.

“Don’t.” He said, taking a step away from her. “I- I have to go.” He turned around, heading for the exit. He had to get out of here. He had to find Liz. She couldn’t be gone. She just couldn’t be. He needed her, he couldn’t live without her. How could she do this to him? Didn’t she know that doing this would kill him?

“Max!” He heard Tess yelling after him. “Max, don’t you walk away from me! Come back! MAX!”

He didn’t stop. He didn’t even look back. He pushed the door’s open and stepped outside, quickly heading for the Jeep. Once inside, he quickly started the engine and peeled out of the parking lot, racing through the streets of Roswell, and going <i>way</I> over the speed limit. But he didn’t care. He had to get to Liz. This had to be one very sick joke. Liz couldn’t be gone. She just <i>couldn’t</I> be.

He quickly stopped the jeep in front of the Crashdown, only instead of heading inside he quickly ran towards the alley, climbing the latter up that led to Liz’s room. God, he hadn’t been up here in ages.

“Liz!?” He called out like an idiot once he had finally climbed onto her balcony. He rushed to her windows, using his power’s to unlock it. He quickly opened in and stepped inside. He was immediately hit by something strange. He didn’t know <i>what</I> it was only that something wasn’t right.

He looked around the empty room. He quickly opened her closets and drawer’s. Everything was empty.

His eye’s widened in horror. This wasn’t a nightmare. This was <i>real</i>. Liz was gone. His angel was gone.

He collapsed on the bed, sobs racking his body as he curled up on her bed. How could she have done this to him? How could she have left him!? He needed her!

He continued to cry, he cried everything he had until he slowly began drifting off to sleep.


**************************************************************************************


“My brother literally shut himself off from everybody for an entire two week’s,” Isabel explained, her eye’s sad with emotion. “He wouldn’t come out of his room. And Maria was still pissed off at him, thinking that it was all his fault. She didn’t talk to him for a good two month’s during which she and Michael decided to finish that investigation you had started on Alex’s killer.” She paused. “And as for you’re parent’s, well, I have no idea how they made it through this. You’re mom cried a lot the first couple of months. Actually more like for the first couple of year’s. It was so hard for all of us, me, Max, Maria, Kyle, and Michael to even go inside the Crashdown because it was always such a painful reminder that both and you and Alex we’re gone.”

“I never meant to hurt any of you even though I know I did,” Liz said. “I just- I <i>had</I> to get away. I just couldn’t take it anymore, Isabel, I was suffocating in Roswell.”

“Yeah, I know the feeling,” Isabel said. “I couldn’t take it anymore either and I had just gotten the new’s that I was graduating early. So I was planning on going to San Francisco to study but my brother threatened me. He told me he’s tell my parent’s that I was into drug’s and that he would tell my teacher’s that I had cheated one very single test for the passed three year’s if I went along and didn’t listen to him. He was a real jerk then. But he’s different now.”

“So you didn’t get to go to San Francisco, did you?” Liz asked.

“No,” Isabel said. “I wish I had. But I didn’t go. I landed up going to UNM so that I could be close to home incase anything alien related ever popped up again.”

“That must of sucked on some level,” Liz said. “You never really got to do what you really wanted to do.”

“It’s okay,” Isabel said with a little shrug. “I turned out okay, didn’t I?”

Liz smiled. “Yeah, you did. All of you did.”

“And so did you,” Isabel said. “Maria told me about you’re career as an Advice columnist. I gotta say I’m pretty damn impressed. Although I always sort of thought that you’d become like a scientist or something like that.”

“Actually, so did I.” Liz said with a small laugh. “It’s just, this amazing opportunity sort of came up and I took it and landed up working as an Advice Columnist. And now I really do love my job and I don’t think I’d trade it for anything else in the world.”

“Well, I’m glad.” Isabel said, smiling, pausing a little. “And, I wanted to tell you, about Xander and about you being his real mom and all..”

“Yeah,” Liz said. “Came out as a big shock to me too.”

“How are you doing about that?” Isabel asked. “It must be hell for you. I just can’t believe that bitch would screw us over so much like that.”

Liz let out a small sigh. “Yeah, I know.” She said. “She’s definitely twisted and she’s a very sick person. And I swear if I ever see that bitch, there’s going to be hell to pay for everything she did.”

“And I’ll be right there backing you up,” Isabel said. “I won’t be letting her get away this time, trust me.”

“Do you think she’ll come back?” Liz asked.

“I have a bad feeling that she will,” Isabel said. “I mean, Michael said he spotted her a couple of day’s ago back in Roswell. That’s basically the reason why I dragged Max and Xander here with me to New York.”

“You don’t think she’s after Xander, do you?” Liz asked worriedly.

“I don’t know,” Isabel answered truthfully. “I really don’t. She could be, I guess. But she could also be after Max, Michael and I or even after Maria and Kyle. I don’t know yet what her twisted plan is, but If Michael said he spotted her in town, then my guess is that we’ll be finding out pretty soon.”

“Well, I don’t know if Max told you, but Max I sort of invited Max and Xander to come back to San Francisco,” Liz said. “Or at least for a couple of day’s so that I can get to know Xander a little better, you know? But before I do, I’m going to head back to Roswell to see my parent’s.”

“I’m glad you’re doing that,” Isabel said with a smile. “They’ll be really happy, trust me. And I think that taking Xan and Max with you to San Francisco isn’t a bad idea either. It’s actually a very good idea.”

Liz smiled. “I’m glad you think so. And speaking of which, I better get back upstair’s to check up on Xander.”

“You really love that little guy, don’t you?” Isabel asked, grinning.

“Yeah,” Liz admitted. “He’s so cute, and yeah, I really do love him.”

“Well, then you better get out of here before Xander come’s running down here looking for his mother.” Isabel said.

“I will do that,” Liz said, getting up from her seat. "And thanks, for apologizing to me. Even though you didn't have to do it."

"Oh, I think I did." Isabel answered with a small smile. "And, by the way, I just wanted to let you know that I'd like for you and I to maybe start being friend's again. I know that we weren't really that close in the past and I'm sorry that I didn't get to know you more. So what do you say to a fresh start between you and me?"

"I like the idea." Liz said, smiling.

"Alright, then," Isabel said. "I'll see you later, right?"

"Yeah," Liz answered. "Later." Before turning around. She waved at Maria and the rest of the group before making her way past them and towards the elevator. She was glad that she had gotten the chance to settle thing's between her and Isabel. She hadn't been sure at first what it was that Isabel had wanted to to discuss with her, she had been a little scared of Isabel yelling at her some more for some reason. She was happy that they had worked thing's and out and, maybe now, the two of them could become really good friends together.



************************************************************

TBC

Hey,

Sorry it took a while for me to post a new Part. It took me a while to write this one, I sort of had a little trouble. I wasn't too happy about having Brendan being evil so I sort of made a couple of changes, you'll see what I mean when you read this next Chapter. I know some thing's might be a little confusing, but everything will be explained in the next couple of Chapters to come.

Also, a big thank for all those of you who left feedback, I alway's enjoy reading it immensily.

And now here's Chapter Thirty-One Enjoy.

Steph


*************************************************************


Free

Chapter Thirty One - Alburquerque Airport


“We’re here!” Maria said, smiling as the Brendan’s plane touched down on the runway. as she spotted the plane, Brendan’s plane to be exact. “Hello sunny Roswell’ New Mexico. God, I can’t believe your boyfriend as a kicker jet like this, Liz!”

“Boyfriend?” Xander said, wrinkling his small nose in disgust as he heard the word. “That guy Liz is with is only her friend. He’s not her boyfriend. Daddy is mommy’s new boyfriend. And they’re going to get married some day I’m sure of it. Even though they don’t say anything to me.”

Liz blushed yet another twelve shades of red at the little boy’s words. Before anybody had a chance to respond, her cell phone rang. She quickly reached inside her purse and pulled it out, pressing the talk button and holding the phone up to her ear.

“Hello?” She said into the phone.

<i>“Hey,”</I> The voice on the other voice said. Rachel.

“Hey,” Liz said, “I’m sorry I haven’t called you before, I really am. I’ve just been really busy...with stuff.”

<i>“What kind of stuff?”</I>

“Stuff.” Liz answered, glancing at Max and Xander. “Nothing I can tell you over the phone. Although I should be home in a couple of day’s so I’ll tell you everything then.”

<i>“Wait, what?”</I> Rachel asked, confused. “Aren’t you supposed to be coming home today?”

“Yeah,” Liz said. “There’s been a slight change of plans. Brendan’s going home to San Francisco but I’m heading to Roswell.”

<i>“Roswell? Are you freagin’ serious?”</I>

“Yeah,” Liz said, “I know, it’s complicated, Rach. I swear I’ll tell you everything when I get home though.”

<i>“Hell, you better.”</I> Rachel said. <i>“Although, before we hang up, I need to ask you something. Have you talked to Serena lately? I mean, as she called you or something? Because I’ve haven’t talked to her for the past two day’s, ever since she left that club we went to downtown together. I’ve tried her home phone and her cell but she’s not picking up. I tried her work phone number and her boss keeps telling me that she hasn’t come in. And I also went to her apartment and she’s not there and it doesn’t look like she’s been there in a while. I’m just getting kind of worried, you know. It’s not like Serena not to call.”</I>

The first thought that sprung to Liz’s mind was Tess. Was if she had done something to Serena to get back at Liz? To taunt her? What if she had hurt Serena badly or worse, what if she had killed her?

<i>“Liz?”</I> Rachel asked after a few seconds. <i>“Did you hear what I said?”</I>

“Oh, yeah.” Liz said, clearing her throat. “Sorry about that. Look, she’s probably with that guy of her’s, Steve, have you tried his phone? Or why don’t you try some more of her friends? Maybe she spend the night over at that friend of her’s, Cynthia’s.”

<i>“Okay,”</I> Rachel said. <i>“I guess It’s worth a try. I’ll give them a call and see if I can find her.”</I> Liz could hear the doubt in Rachel’s voice.

“Okay,” Liz said. “Look, I’ll be home as soon as I can, okay? I promise.”

<I>“Okay”</I> Serena said with a little sigh. <i>“I’ll talk to you later then.”</I>

“Bye,” Liz said, hanging up the phone. A sense of dread had come over her by now. She knew Serena was probably fine. She was probably with one of her ex’s or something. Right?

“Is everything okay?” Isabel asked as Liz turned back around to face the group.

“Oh, yeah.” Liz said, attempting a small smile. “Everything’s fine. We better get off the plane. We have a short drive from here to Roswell to do, don’t we?”

“You’re right,” Isabel said, turning back around and following Kyle, Michael, and Maria down the long stair’s that led outside into the warm New Mexico air. Both Max and Xander stayed behind to wait for Liz.

“Something’s wrong, isn’t it?” Max asked her as he held Xander in his arm’s.

Liz glanced up at Max, not looking him quite in the eye. “Everything’s fine, Max. Why would you think that?”

“I don’t know,” Max said, shrugging. “I just- you seem disturbed by something. Something’s telling me that you’re upset. You can tell me about it, you know. If you want.”

“It’s just this friend of mine,” Liz answered with a small sigh. She didn’t want to worry him or anything. But she didn’t want to keep this from him either. “Her name is Rachel. She called me up to tell me that she hasn’t been able to get into contact with another good friend of mine, Serena, for the past couple of day’s. She said she tried everything and she still can’t seem to find her. It’s like she just disappeared or something.”

“Oh,” Max said, frowning slightly.

“I’m sure she’ll be fine.” Liz said, trying more to reassure herself than Max. “I’m sure it’s just some sort of misunderstanding.”

“It probably is.” Max answered as he started down the stairs towards the car that was waiting for them . “Try not to worry about it to much, Liz.”

“I know,” Liz said. “It’s just kind of hard <i>not</I> to think about it.”

“You don’t think...” Max said, trailing off. “You don’t think that Tess has anything to do with her disappearing, do you?”

“I don’t so,” Liz said, swallowing hard. “I mean, why would she do something to Serena?”


**************************************************************************************

San Francisco



“Ouch you big jerk!” Serena cried out angrily as Kholer tightened the ropes around her hand’s. “You’re hurting me! Take it easy, will you?”

“Shut up,” Kholer said angrily. “Do you have any idea how annoying you are? You’ve been yapping your ass off ever since I took you yesterday.”

“Well,” Serena said. “Maybe if you’d be kind enough to let me leave, you wouldn’t have to endure my yapping any more.”

“As tempting as that sounds.” He said, “I can’t do that. The King would kill me if I let you go now. And trust me, I don’t want to get killed by The King.”

“Are we talking about Elvis here?” Serena said, trying to wriggle out of the rope’s that we’re binding her hand’s together. Because I swear to God you have compl-”

“Do you ever shut up!?” Kholer snapped angrily. “For God’s sake’s women, you’re driving me insane here, shut your yap, will you!?”

“You know, I really think you’re nuts.” Serena went on. “All this talk about some King coming here from another planet.”

“It’s real.” Kholer said. “It’s all real. I’m not nuts.”

“Yes you are.” Serena said. “You have me tied to a chair and we’re waiting for an alien King to meet us here.” She paused. “I hate you!”

Kholer chuckled.

“This isn’t funny, okay!?” Serena said, anger building inside of her as she watched him laugh. “You know, I have a friend who’s a very powerful lawyer. Once this is all over I’m gonna have him bring you and you imaginary alien King down!”

Her words only served to make him laugh even harder, which made Serena more angry.

“Could you at least tell me where the hell we are?” She asked.

“Some run down apartment downtown San Francisco.” He answered. “ That’s all you need to know.”

“Ugh!” Serena said. “I hope you do know that my friend’s will figure out that I’m missing at one point. And that they <i>will</I> come looking for me. They’ll call the police and the police will have you arrested!”

“I’m sure of that.”

Serena’s snapped up to where the voice had come from. A man- no, a boy, stood in the doorway of the cheap apartment. He couldn’t of been more than 14 or 15 that was for sure.

“<I>You</I>” Kholer sneered angrily, turning towards the boy. “The King said he would meet me here in person! He said nothing about sending <i>you</I> here.”

“Don’t worry,” Another voice said. This time a man entered the apartment, quietly closing the door behind him. “I’m right here Kholer. Surely you didn’t really think that I’d let such an arrogant and useless boy come here all by himself, did you?”

“Of course not.” Kholer said, relief sounding in his voice. “I never doubted you my King.”

“I hope not.” The man said, stepping out of the shadows to reveal his face.

“Oh my, God!” She gasped as soon as she saw his face. “Brendan! You asshole! I alway’s knew there was something wrong with you!”

Brendan chuckled. “You’re a feisty little thing, aren’t you?” He turned to face Kholer. “Nice work, Kholer. I’m glad I sent you to do my work for me instead of this idiot over her,” He jerked his head in Nicholas’s direction. He turned his head back towards Serena, who was staring wide-eyed at Brendan, not believing her eye’s.

“So you must be the infamous Serena, right?” He asked, taking a few more steps towards her, his eye’s boring into her.

“Duh!” Serena snapped. “God, does Liz know that you’re a disgusting jerk who has fun kidnaping people like me? Because if she knew I’m sure she would dump you very quickly mister!”

Brendan only laughed. “I’m not who you think I am, honey.” He said with a small smile as he continued to stare at her. “I’m not really Brendan.”

“Then who the hell are you?” She asked, a confused look coming over her face.

“My real name is Khivar.” He answered. “King of Antar.”

“So...wait, I don’t get it,” Serena said, shaking her head.

Khivar rolled his eye’s. “Of course you don’t.” He said with a sighed. “So let’s try again, shall we? I am not Brendan. I am Khivar. I am presently possessing you’re friend Brendan. Was that clear enough for you?”

“I don’t understand.” Serena said. “How could this be?”

“So, Brendan isn’t an evil maniac from hell?” Serena asked.

Khivar shook his head.

“Good,” Serena said. “Liz will be happy to know that her boyfriend isn’t a psycho. Now why don’t you tell me what the hell it is that you’re doing in my friend’s body? And how the hell is it that you possessing him? And how long have you been doing this to him?”

“About two day’s.” He replied smoothly, gazing out the small window that overlooked the rest of the city.

“And what the hell do you want from me?” She asked.

“Well,” He started. “I want to kill a couple of people. Liz included. And, you, obviously. But I kind of need you to help me do that.”

“You’re sick, you know that?” Serena said in barely a whisper. “You need help.”

“I know,” Khivar said, “A lot of people tell me that.”

“I’m not going to help you kill my best friend.” She said. “You can just forget about it.”

“You won’t have much of a choice.” He said with a little shrug.

“I don’t understand any of this,” Serena said. “Why would you want to kill Liz? And who else are you working with you disgusting slimeball?"

“I don’t work with or for anyone my dear,” He answered. “I work alone. Trust me, I have fooled <i>alot</I> of people to get where I am today. And a lot more people will find out that they have been fooled by me when I am done my mission here on earth.”

“You’re mission?” Serena asked, making a face.

“I am here to take out the Royal Four once and for all,” He explained as Serena stared at him with a confused look on her face. “That among other thing’s.”

“The <i>Royal Four</I>?” Serena asked. “What the hell is that?”

“Zan, Vilandra, Rath,” He explained. “And my dear Ava. She’s been such a sweetheart to me lately it’s a darn shame I’m going to have to kill her." He paused slightly. "Once I’m done using her that is. I still need her for my plan to work though. The poor child, I actually managed to fool her into thinking that I was really her long lost brother from Antar. The women has no idea who I really am. She thinks she can fool Rath and Lonnie into helping her on her little vendetta to kill Max, Liz, and that heir of Max’s.” He paused, chuckling. “Silly little girl is she in for a surprise. or what? All of them are. Oh, I'm just going to have so much fun here on earth I can just feel it!”

Serena looked away from him in disgust. She had no idea what the hell this guy was on, but one thing was for sure, she had to get out of here and now.



*************************************************************

New York

“What’s the plan now?” Rath asked, staring down at Tess.

“We’re heading to Roswell,” Tess answered, glancing briefly at Rath and then Lonnie who stood by his side.

“That’s where Brendan said to go.” Tess answered with a sigh. “Apparently Max, Liz, and the kid are on they’re way back over there. It’s not exactly what I had planned but it’ll have to do. We have to go there and take care of them once and for all.”

“Come on,” Lonnie said, speaking to Rath, who seemed unsure. “You heard what she said. All we have to do is take those three idiots out and we finally get to go home, Rath. This is what we’ve been waiting for our entire life. To go home.”

“I have a bad feeling about this.” Rath said, his eye’s boring into Tess. "I have a feeling she's not telling us everything. What if she's not working with Khivar?"

Tess rolled her eye's. "I'm not lying to you."

“Let’s just do this shit.” Lonnie said to Rath, ignoring Tess as she started to lead the way out of the sewer’s. “I want to go home, Rath. And I know you do too. Look if this bitch is lying, we'll just kill her ourselves."

"Fine," Rath said. "Whatever. Let's just get this over with."

"Right." Lonnie said, "Now, how exactly are we supposed to get to Roswell? Shall we steal yet another car? Or maybe we could fly there, it's faster."

"I have a ride." Tess said. "it's parked outside somewhere, let's just go."



**************************************************************************************

TBC

Hey guy’s,

Sorry it took me so long to update, I’ve just been gone on vacation and I came back on Sunday and then I had to study my ass off for this Science exam I had to take yesterday, which I hopefully past, I will be crossing my finger’s. Anyway’s, I finally managed to sit my ass down and finish this Chapter right here and I’ll definitely be posting more regularly now that I’m back from vacation and that I have no more exams to take, that is, until schools starts back up in September. Also a big thank you to everyone for the feedback, as I always say, it’s always very much appreciated, I love to know what you guy’s think.

Thanks,
Steph

*************************************************************


Free

Chapter Thirty- Two

San Francisco


Rachel continued pacing the living room impatiently, throwing the phone down on the couch before running a nervous hand through her long dark hair. She had no idea what to do next. She had called every single one of Serena’s friend’s and every single one of her ex-boyfriends and her potential boyfriends, but none of them had seen her in the last two day’s. She was getting nervous and she didn’t know who else to call. Should she call the police? Or should she go out looking for her herself? God, she wasn’t good with stuff like this. She had to call Liz again even if she had just gotten off the phone with her about half an hour ago. She didn’t want to worry the girl anyway’s, it had sounded like Liz was going through a though time herself last time she had talked to her on the phone.

<i>Okay,</I> She thought to herself as she managed to stop pacing and sat herself down on the couch, grabbing the remote and clicking the tv open. <i>I’ll just sit here and wait another couple of hour’s. Maybe she’ll call me and tell me that she eloped somewhere and that she’s coming back soon. That must be it.</I>

Rachel promised herself that she would give Serena three hour’s. If Serena didn’t call her or Liz in the next three hour’s, she would call the police.


*************************************************************

Roswell, New Mexico


“Daddy, look!” Xander exclaimed as he continued to look outside. “It’s the Crashdown! And the UFO center,” He paused. “You know, you never took me there to the UFO center. Why haven’t you brought me there?”

“Because you’re dad doesn’t want to scar you.” Michael said from the backseat. “That’s why.”

Xander made a face as the driver of the black limo, who was one of the men who worked for Brendan and his family, pulled up in front of the Crashdown café.

Liz thought she would implode any second now. She couldn’t do this. Her parent’s would kill her, they wouldn’t want to see her after all those year’s of putting them through hell.

Liz cleared her throat. “Um, so, my parent’s...they know that you guy’s saw me in New York, right?”

“Yeah,” Isabel said quietly. “I sort of gave them a call. I thought I was the doing the right thing, I mean they’ve been worried about you, Liz.”
“But, uh.” Liz said. “They don’t know that I’m coming here right now, right?”

Isabel shook her head. “No. Unless dad called mom and mom somehow managed to tell your parents. Although I doubt it.”

Liz ran a shaky hand through her hair. She wanted to stay in the car, she didn’t want to get out.

“Okay, then.” She said, reaching for the door handle. “I gotta get out of this car at one point right?”

Before she had a chance to open the door, Max reached out and placed his hand lightly on her arm.

“It’s going to be okay,” He reassured her, looking into her eye’s.

Liz swallowed hard. “I hope so.” She said before opening the door and stepping out into the humid New Mexico air. Max climbed out after her, followed by Xander, Isabel, Maria, Michael, and Kyle.

“God, who am I kidding I can’t do this!” Liz said, turning around to face the other’s. Max gently reached out once more, placing both hands on her shoulder’s.

“Liz, you can do this.” He said. “I <i>know</i> you can.”

“They’re going to kill me.” Liz said, “I abandoned them.”

“They love you.” He said. “They’ll understand. Just go in there, Liz.”

“Okay,” Liz said, straightening out her skirt. “I can do this. I can totally do this.”

She took another deep breath and turned back around to face the Crashdown Café. That’s when she felt a small hand envelop itself around her own hand. Liz looked down and smiled at Xander, who smiled right back up at her.

“Come on,” Liz said as she started walking towards the front door. She pulled it open and took a step inside.

“Jeez, the place hasn’t changed a bit.” Liz said, looking around the Crashdown. The waitresses, Liz saw, we’re still wearing the same cheesy lime-green uniforms with the alien head-shaped apron’s around their waist’s.

She continued to look around the restaurant for her parent’s, but they we’re no where to be seen.

“Oh, I need a Cherry Coke and <i>now</i>,” Michael said as he quickly went passed her and towards the counter. Kyle shot her a small look and headed towards the counter where Michael was now seated at one of the stool’s.

“You’re parents are probably in the back room,” Maria pointed out, giving Liz’s shoulder a small reassuring squeeze. “Come on,”

Liz swallowed hard. <I>Come on, Liz</I>, She thought to herself. <i>Just get this over with.</i>

She let out a nervous sigh and started walking towards the back door of the Crashdown which led to the kitchen. But before she had a chance to reach the door, it swung open, revealing none other than...Jose.

“Liz!” He exclaimed when he saw her. “Jesus, is it really you?”

“You still work here?” Liz couldn’t help but blurt out at her ex-working partner.

“Yeah,” He said, taken aback at having her standing there before her. “I’ve been working for your dad for, well, for many year’s now.”

“Wow, that’s...” She trailed off when she saw her father come through the swinging door’s.

“Jose, do you know where I left my-” He stopped mid-sentence when he spotted her. His eye’s quickly widened in shock as he stood rooted to the spot. “I- Liz?” He asked, still frozen in place as he continued to stare at her, not really believing what was happening.

“Dad,” Liz choked out before taking a step towards the man that was her father. She quickly threw her arm’s around his neck. “I’m so sorry.” She said as tear’s begun to spill down her cheek’s. “I’m so sorry, daddy.”

“Liz,” He said again, “I can’t believe it’s really you. It’s been year’s...”

“I know,” She said, crying. “I know. I missed you and mom so much, and you can’t imagine how sorry I am.”

“Why?” He said, wrapping his arm’s around her and burying his face in her hair. “Why did you leave, Liz?”

“So many reasons,” She answered. “I was an idiot. I never should of left you or mom, should of called you or written to you. I was just so scared, scared that you...would hate me for leaving.”

“We we’re so worried.” He said, tear’s stinging his own eye’s. “We didn’t know what had happened to you, we didn’t know if you we’re dead or...”

“I know,” Liz said. “I know you worried about me. And I feel so bad, dad.”

“But you’re here now.” He whispered. “Promise me you won’t leave us again. Promise me you won’t just take off and we won’t hear from you for another seven year’s or so.”

“I promise.” Liz said. “I promise you, dad.”

He finally let go of her, taking a small step back. “Where have you been all these year’s, Liz?”

“San Francisco.” She answered, wiping away a tear from her eye. “I’ve been in living San Francisco. I finished school there, a friend of mine helped me out. And now I have a wonderful job as an advice columnist for the San Francisco paper.”

“An Advice Columnist?” Jeff said. “Lizzie, that’s awesome. Not something I pictured you doing, I always thought you would land up being some sort of scientist, but, nevertheless, it sounds great Liz.” He paused as he continued to look at her. “Look at you, Liz.” He said, a small smile on his face. “You’ve grown up so much.”

Liz mustered a small smile. “Yeah,” She answered, before wrapping her arm’s around her father once more. “I’m so happy I came back. I love you so much, dad.”

“I love you too, Liz.” Jeff said. “I’m so happy you’re finally home. I had given up hope, Liz. I really had.”

“I’m sorry.” She said, holding on to him tightly. “I’m so sorry.”

“I know you are, honey.” He said. “I know you are.”

Suddenly the swinging door swung open once more and this time, Nancy came through. She soon spotted Liz, and like Jeff had, stood transfixed in her spot.

“Mom?” Liz said, staring at her mother, who was now holding a hand up to her mouth.

“How could you?” She finally spoke, her voice ice cold. Liz froze. “How could you do this to your father and I? Do you have <i>any</i> idea what the hell you put him and I through for the past seven years!?”

“Nancy,” Jeff warned. “Don’t. She’s home now, that’s all that matter’s.”

“SHE LEFT US!” Nancy exploded angrily, turning to face her husband, her eye’s filled with pain and anger. “She left us with no note! No explanation! Nothing! She just <i>left</i>!!”

“Daddy?” Xander asked, tugging on Max’s pants. “Daddy, the lady’s angry at mommy. She’s yelling at mommy. Daddy, please do something to make her stop.”

The entire restaurant had now grown quiet, everybody was turned towards Liz, Jeff, and Nancy. Michael remained glued to the stool, holding on to his Cherry Coke. Isabel, Kyle, Maria, Max, and Xander stood not too far from Liz.

Max gently picked his son up in his arm’s, running a soothing hand through the small boy’s hair, trying to calm him down. There was nothing he could do at this point, Nancy looked pissed up as hell.

“I know,” Liz said softly. “And I’m sorry. I really and truly am. And I know that saying sorry doesn’t cut it but-”

“You could of phone us.” Nancy said, cutting her off. “You could of sent us a letter or an e-mail, whatever you want! YOU COULD OF LET US KNOWN THAT YOU WE’RE SAFE!”

“Mom-” Liz said, her eye’s filling with tear’s again. “I know that. I know what I did was really wrong. I <i>should</i> of let you known that I was safe. That I was okay.”

“Why <i>did</i> you leave?” Nancy rushed on. “Did you get pregnant!? What could of been so terrible that you had to leave Roswell and put your father and I through this kind of hell? Was it that? Did you get pregnant!?”

“No!” Liz said quickly, folding her arm’s across her chest. “That’s not it all. I wasn’t pregnant. It was just so many thing’s, Alex had just died, my best friend. I was losing control of my life, mom. I had to leave. I just had to.”

“I-” Nancy started, swallowing hard. “It’s not that I’m not glad to have you back home. I am, Liz. I’m glad your safe. I just- I need some time. I need some time to think.”

And with that, she turned and headed back through the swinging door’s, quickly disappearing from sight.

As soon as she was gone, Jeff let out a small sighed. “I’m sorry, Liz. She just, like she just said, she needs time, okay? I’m sure you can understand.”

“Of course,” Liz answered. “I understand.”

“Why don’t you and I have a seat over there and you can fill me up with everything that you’ve been up to since you left Roswell?” Jeff suggested, pointing towards one of the empty booths. “We have a lot of catching up to do.”

Liz tried to smile. “Yeah,” She said, “We really do.” She paused. “I just, if you don’t mind, I need to make a quick phone call.”

“Of course,” He said.

She smiled and reached inside her pursed to take out her cell phone. Jeff’s eye’s immediately zeroed in on the engagement ring on her finger.

“Oh, Lizzie.” He exclaimed. “You’re engaged!”

“Oh,” Liz said, taken aback for a second. “Well, yeah, kind of.” She glanced shortly at Max, who had heard everything, she could tell that he was slightly hurt even though he was trying really hard not to show it. “It’s complicated, dad. My boyfriend and I sort of put it off for a little while though.”

“So who is this boyfriend, anyway’s?” He asked curiously. “What’s his name?”

“Brendan.” Liz answered. “He’s a lawyer.”

“Wow,” Jeff said. “And you love this guy? And he’s treating you right?”

Liz couldn’t help but blush a little at his questions, she could feel Max’s eye’s boring into her skull. “Yeah, daddy. He treats me really well. He’s an amazing and caring guy.” She paused. “And now if you’ll excuse me, I just need to make this quick call. It won’t take long, I promise.”

She quickly punched in Brendan’s phone number as she walked up to the counter, making sure she was out of ear shot from everybody. She was just going to call him up and tell him that she had finally made it to Roswell. That, and, she also wanted to make sure that he was alright. What with everything that he had learnt about her in the past couple of day’s.

She held the small phone to her ear and let it ring. Finally he picked up.


**************************************************************************************


San Francisco

“Are you going to pick up the damn thing or not?” Serena asked angrily. “Your phone is ringing. It’s annoying. Do something about it.”

Khivar shot Serena a menacing look before he reached into his pants, pulling out the phone.

“Liz,” He read from the caller i.d. A small smile slowly formed on his face. “Say one word and I swear I will kill you on the spot.” He threatened, looking up at Serena. He then hit the talk button on the phone.

“Hello?” He said cheerfully into the phone. “Baby, where are you? I miss you.”

“<i>I made it to Roswell,”</i> Liz answered from the other end of the phone. <i>I talked to my parents. My dad was happy to see me, but my mom, she didn’t take it very well.”</i>


“Honey, you know she’ll come around.” Khivar said. “She just needs some time. After all, you <i>did</i> leave her all those year’s ago. She kind of has a right to be mad, am I right?”

<i>“Yeah, I know.”</i> She said with a small sighed. <i>“Your right. Actually, your always right. You know I seriously don’t know what I would do without you.”</i>

“I don’t know what I would do without <i>you</i>” He said, “Just, take care of thing’s down there and then come back home to me, okay? I miss you.”

<i>“I miss you too, Brendan.”</i> Liz said. <i>“I’ll see you in a couple of day’s.”</i>

“Alright, take care alright?” He said. “I love you, Liz Parker.”

There was a small pause on the other end of the line. Finally Liz spoke up, <i>“I love you, too.”</i>

Khivar hit the end button and slid the phone back into his pocket. He smiled at Serena, who looked back at him with disgust etched on her face. “Let’s talk about what you can do for me.”


*************************************************************

TBC

Free

Chapter Thirty- Three


Roswell, New Mexico


“So, where’s your dad gone?” Max asked, taking a sip of his cherry coke.

“He just went to check on my mom,” Liz answered, sitting down across from him. She had spent the an entire hour and a half talking with her father. She had told him everything that had happened to her after she had left Roswell, and he had wanted to know every single little detail. From her career to school, from her friends and her boyfriend.

Isabel had taken Xander to see his grandmother along with Kyle who had decided to tag along, while Maria and Michael had decided to head back to their apartment and rest for a little while. Only Max had wanted to stay behind and wait for her even though she had urged him to go home and see his mother along with Xander. But he had refused and told her that he would stay right there and wait for her until she was done with her father.

“I just hope she’s going to be okay,” Liz said with a small sigh as she ran a nervous hand through her long dark hair. “She was really mad.”

“Of course she’ll be okay,” Max said, trying to reassure her. “Like she said, she just needs a little time.”

“Yeah,” Liz said. “I know, and I can understand that.” She paused and looked up at Max. “I’m gonna stay here for awhile and wait for my mom. I know she’s going want me to do some explaining so I know it might take a while. But you shouldn’t stay here for me. You really should go see your parent’s and your son. I mean, you know, our son. God, it sounds so weird!” She paused again, shaking her head slightly. “ I just...I have trouble believing it, you know? There’s still so many unanswered questions. I really wish I could get my hands on Tess right now, to make her pay for all the hell she put us through, and to have kept the fact that Xander is my <i>son</I>. I can’t believe she would do something so...evil.”

“I know,” Max said with a little sigh of his own. “Trust me I will make her pay if I do get my hands on her. And I have a feeling that we will be seeing her again very soon, that it’s just a matter of time before she show’s up. And, well, I can’t help but feel a little scared. I’m scared that she might get her hands on Xander and hurt him. It’s not like he’s really her son anyway’s. And I’m also scared that she might...do something to you. And, I would die if something ever happened to either you or Xander.”

“Nothing’s going to happen to me or Xander, Max.” Liz said, trying to reassure him but at the same time trying to reassure herself. “Try not to worry to much.”


“I can’t help it.” He answered. “I...I love you, Liz. I never stopped loving you. And I know it might be wrong, because I know that you have a boyfriend. But I can’t help what I feel, can I? I’m in love with you, Liz Parker.”

Liz felt as though her heart would burst. She wasn’t sure how she felt right now. It wasn’t because she didn’t love Max back, of course she loved Max. She alway’s had and she alway’s would. But there was Brendan. She knew he loved her. A lot.

Liz just sat there, looking up at Max. She could see pain and hurt evident in his eye’s.

“I get it,” He said, giving her a sad smile. “You don’t feel the same way that I do, I know that, I’m not a complete idiot. And I know that you and I can’t be together again because you have Brendan in your life now. Because you love him and I know that he loves you just by the way he looks at you and the way he is around you.” He paused. "And he seem's like a really great guy that's going to treat you well and you should be with him Liz, if he make's you happy and if that's what you really want. And don’t worry about me and Xander, we’ll be fine, Liz, whatever you decide, Xan and are going to be okay.”

“Max,” Liz said, her voice cracking. “I don’t want to leave you and Xander. He’s my son and I want to get to know him more. And, no, I don’t know what I’m going to do about Brendan yet. I know that he love’s me but, I have a son now, my priority’s have changed and I get that.”

But before Max had a chance to reply, the Crashdown door’s opened and Xander came racing in, his eye’s looking around the restaurant for his father and mother.

“Daddy!” He said when he finally spotted his father in one of the booths near the back of the restaurant. He rushed over to the booth, quickly climbing up in the booth next to Liz and wrapping his arm’s around her. Liz smiled, hugging him back tightly.

“Hey,” She said, holding on to him.

“Xan,” Max said, a smile on his face. “I thought Aunt Izzy and Kyle we’re supposed to take you to see Grandma?”

“They did.” Xander said, still hugging Liz like there was no tommorow.

“The little guy missed his mom too much.” Kyle said as he slid into the booth next to Max. “We got to your mom’s house and not much than ten minute’s later he wanted to come back here to see Liz. I think he was scared that she was going to leave or something. He kept saying thing’s like, <i>If I don’t go back she’s going to leave me and daddy again</I>.”

Liz felt her heart break for what seemed to have been the 100th time this weekend. Xander really was scared that she was going to leave him again, and it seemed as though no matter how many time’s she tried to reassure him that she and him would never be apart again, he just didn’t seem to believe her words.

“Oh, sweety.” Liz said, looking down at Xander. She gently reached out and ran a hand through his hair soothingly.

“Yeah,” Kyle said, sliding out of the booth. “He started crying and all. You know, the little guy really likes you.”

“Wait, you’re leaving?” Liz asked, looking up at Kyle.

“Yeah,” Kyle said. “I’m gonna leave you three to have some bonding time to yourselves. I’m gonna head home, see my dad, tell him that you’re okay.”

“Oh, alright.” Liz said, still running a soothing hand through Xander’s hair, who was still clinging to her.

“But before I go,” He said, looking down at her. “Isabel, Maria, Michael, and I decided that we should all go out to dinner tonight. You know, what with you being back in Roswell and all. We wanted to give you a sort of <i>welcome back dinner</I> or something like that anyway’s.”

“Oh, Kyle, that’s really sweet.” Liz said, with a sad smile on her face. “But trust me I don’t deserve a welcome back to Roswell dinner.”

“Of course you do!” Kyle said. “Besides, it’s all been planned out. We’re taking you out to dinner tonight and everybody’s going to be there including my dad, Maria’s mom, the Evan’s, and we’re hoping that you’re parents will want to come to.”

“Where is this dinner anyway’s?” Liz asked curiously.

“This little restaurant that just opened up a couple of week’s ago,” Kyle explained. “We’ve all been wanting to try it, I guess now we have a reason to try it out. Anyway’s, Max know’s where it, right?” He asked, looking down at Max who nodded his head in return. “He’ll take you there then. We’ll meet at the restaurant for 7:00, does that sound good to you guy’s,”

“7:00 sounds good.” Liz said.

“Yeah, it’s perfect.” Max agreed, looking worriedly across the booth at his son, who didn’t seem to want to let go of Liz.

“Okay then,” He said with a smile. “7:00 it is. I’ll see you guy’s there.”

And with that he turned and walked out of the restaurant, leaving Max, Liz, and Xander alone.

“Honey, are you okay?” Liz asked, worriedly, glancing down at Xander. He looked up at her, tear’s filling his eye’s.

“I’m sorry I’m crying.” He said, sniffling. “I’m just really scared that you’re going to leave me and daddy again. I saw that your mom was yelling at you lots before and I thought she was going to scae you into leaving me. I don’t want you to leave!”

“I’m not,” Liz said, bringing him closer to her. “Sweety, I’m not going to leave you again, okay? I know I made a big mistake by leaving last time but I promise you that I’m not going to leave you again. I promise.”

“I’m sorry for crying,” He mumbled. “I know you won’t leave me and daddy again, but I’m still worried.”

“I know,” Liz said with a small sigh. “And that’s my fault for leaving you all those year’s ago, and I’m sorry Xander.”

“It’s okay.” Xander said, reaching up and placing a kiss on her cheek. “Just don’t do it again!”

“I promise.” Liz said, glancing at Max and giving him a smile. “So what did you two have planned out for the afternoon?”

“We wanna do whatever you want to do.” Xander said, giving her a small smile.

“Well, why I was planning on staying here until my mom decided to come out and do some talking,” Liz said. “But it doesn’t seem like she’s ready to talk to me just yet so I think I might want to go get myself something to wear for tonight.” She looked down at Xander. “What do you say? You wanna tag along?”

“Yes!” He said excitedly. “But daddy can’t come or else he’s going to know what you’re going to be wearing tonight!”

Liz laughed and Max made a face. “Okay, I guess it’s just you and me then, Xan.”

“Okay,” Xander said. “Can we go right now?”

Liz let out a small chuckle. ‘Of course, why not?” She turned to Max. “You don’t mind if I take him for the day, do you?”

“Of course I don’t mind.” Max said, “Besides, he his your son, isn’t he?”

“Yeah,” Liz said. “He is.”

There was a small moment of silence before Xander took hold of Liz’s hand and started pulling. “Come on, we have to go get you something really nice for you to wear tonight.”

“Okay,” Liz said with another small laugh. “But before we go I have to go tell my dad that we’re leaving okay? You can come with me.” She got up from the booth and turned to face Max. “By the way, I want to continue that conversation you and I we’re having before Xander came in here before, okay?”

He nodded. “Sure, of course. We can talk later.”

“Alright.” She said. “Come on, sweety, let’s get out of here.” She turned and led the way towards the swinging door’s where she hoped she would find her dad.

“Dad?” She called out from the back room of the Crashdown. She quickly poked her head inside the kitchen but her father wasn’t there.

“I’m here, honey.” He called from upstairs. Seconds later he was coming down the stairs. He looked from Liz to Xander. “Hey, there.” He said, smiling down at Xander.

“Hi.” Xander said, grinning.

Jeff smiled up at Liz. “I didn’t know you and Max’s son got along so well.”

“Uh, yeah, we do.” Liz said nervously. “He’s a real sweetheart. Anyway’s, he and I are going to go shopping for something to wear for me tonight. Kyle’s inviting everyone to go to this new restaurant that just opened or something and I don’t have anything to wear. And, also, Kyle says that you and mom are invited to come along too. Everyone’s going to be there including Mr. Valenti, Maria’s mom, and the Evan’s.”

“Of course,” Jeff said. “Well, I’ll see how your mom’s doing. Hopefully she’ll be feeling a little better.”

“God, dad, I feel so bad.” Liz said. “I’m so sorry. I wish-”

“Liz, don’t.” Jeff said. “Really everything’s going to be fine, she’s going to be okay, she’s just a little upset right now. You and Xander better go along and go do a little shopping before tonight.”

“Okay,” Liz said, giving him a small sad smile before looking down at Xander. “You ready to go?”

“Yup,” Xander said, smiling. “I’m all ready to go!”

Jeff let out a small laugh. “Well he sure seem’s excited to go shopping with his friend here, huh?”

“Friend?” Xander asked curiously. “Liz isn’t my friend.”

Jeff frowned slightly while Liz’s eye’s widened. She had tp get Xander out of here before he told her dad the truth.

“Okay! Let’s go shopping!” She said, turning around to get out of here.

“Mommy, wait.” Xander said. “Maybe you should ask your daddy to come with us!”

Liz froze in her tracks, facing the swinging door’s. Oh, God, she was so screwed.


*************************************************************

TBC

<b>Free</b>

<b>Chapter Twenty-Four</b>


“Liz?” Jeff asked. “Did he just call you mommy?”

“Uhh..I guess he did.” Liz said, letting out a nervous laugh. “But, you know, it’s because he and I are so tight, I guess he just feels like he can call me that.” She looked down at Xander and immediately wanted to kick himself. She could see the hurt and confusion etched on his face and she felt her heart break at the sight. “Oh, dad.” She said finally, letting out a small sigh. “I’m a lousy liar. Yes, Xander’s right. He’s my son.”

“What!?” Jeff said. “But- how is that possible? Tess is the mother! Are you saying that Max Evans lied to me!?”

“Well, no, not really.” Liz said. “I mean-”

“I’m going to kill him.” Jeff growled angrily. Before Liz had a chance to stop him, he passed her and entered the restaurant.

“Oh, God.” Liz said, turning to Xander. “Honey, stay here, okay? Don’t go anywhere.”

“But why?” Xander asked worriedly. “Is your daddy going to hurt daddy?”

“No, of course not.” Liz said quickly. “Just, please, stay here.” She didn’t want him to have to see what might happen next.

She quickly made it passed the swinging door’s and headed straight for her dad and Max. Max, who looked confused, and her dad who looked like he was about to kill someone.

“You lied to me!” Jeff said angrily. “Why didn’t you every tell me that Xander was Liz’s son!?! Why!?”

“I-” Max said, swallowing hard. He turned to look at Liz.

“Dad, stop.” Liz said, getting in between the two so that her dad wouldn’t do anything stupid like hurt Max. “Don’t yell at Max, it’s not his fault okay? I...asked him to keep it a secret. I didn’t want you or mom to find out. I’m sorry.”

“I can’t believe this,” Jeff said angrily. “You’re mom is going to freak out even more when she finds out about this!”

“Don’t tell her, please!” Liz begged. “I want to tell her.”

“So, if Xander hadn’t said anything back there, would you have told me at one point!?” Jeff asked angrily. “ Or would you have continued to hide from us!? Do your parent’s know about this?” He asked, looking directly at Max.

“No.” He answered. “They don’t. I am going to tell them..I’m just waiting for the right moment to tell them.”

“This is unbelievable!” Jeff said. “And I don’t even see how this could even <i>be</I> possible. I thought Tess was the pregnant one! I don’t understand and someone better start doing some major explaining right now before I explode.”

“Alright, dad.” Liz said. “Just calm down, okay? Let’s go to the back room, Xander’s waiting for us there.”

“Fine,” Jeff said. The three turned and headed towards the back room. Liz nervously shot Max a look, unsure of what exactly it is that they we’re going to tell her father.

“Don’t worry, everything’s going to be alright, Liz.” Max whispered as they both pushed the swinging door’s and entered the back room. Liz immediately saw Xander quietly sitting down on the small couch.

“Daddy!” He said as soon as he spotted his father. He got off the couch and ran straight into his father’s arm’s. “I think I might of said something wrong because Liz’s daddy said he was going to kill you.”

“It’s okay, Xander.” Max said. “It’s not your fault, you didn’t do anything wrong.”

“So?” Jeff said. “Care to explain to me what’s going on?”

Liz looked up at Max, unsure of what to say next.

“Mr. Parker,” Max started, shooting Liz a reassuring look before looking down at Xander who was looking back up at him with big eye’s. “Xander shouldn’t be here to hear this.”

Jeff let out a small sigh. “Your right. Max, would you take him upstairs to Nancy? She’s in her bedroom. Just tell her to keep an eye on him for a little while, okay?”

“Alright.” Max said. He walked past Liz. Xander gave her a small smile and waved at her before disappearing up the stairs.

“Liz,” Jeff said, shaking his head. “You should of told me earlier.”

“I’m sorry dad.” Liz said. “But I was waiting for the right moment to tell you.”

“So what happened?” He asked. “Max got you pregnant and you took off from Roswell? Why Liz? You could of stayed here, your mother and I would of helped you out.”

“I know,” Liz said. She knew she would have to do some more lying here. She would have to tell her father that she had become pregnant and had left Roswell afterwards. She couldn’t tell him the real truth, she didn’t want to put her parent’s in that kind of danger.

Before she could answer him, Max walked back down the stairs.

“Mr. Parker.” He started. “I did get your daughter pregnant seven year’s ago. Xander is our son.”

“But I couldn’t handle staying here in Roswell.” Liz continued. “I knew how much you and mom would be disappointed, I just couldn’t stay. I took off one night and I didn’t tell anybody.”

“I was devastated,” Max said. “I knew she was pregnant at the time, she had told me a day before she left.”

“I headed for San Francisco, I had Xander there and then I decided to come back and give the child back to Max. I couldn’t handle keeping him, I was so young, dad.” Liz lied.

“Wait,” Jeff said, turning to Max angrily. “So, Liz came back to Roswell to give Xander up to you and you didn’t tell me that she had come back!?”

“I told him not to tell anybody.” Liz explained. She silently prayed that her father would think that both she and Max we’re telling him the truth.

“And I respected her decision.” Max said. “I’m sorry, Mr. Parker.”

“I-” Jeff said. “This is a lot to take in.”

“I know,” Liz said.

“But what about Tess?” He asked suddenly. “She was pregnant, Max. And all of you told me that the baby was Max’s. Did you get <i>her</I> pregnant too?”

“No.” Max said quickly. “I didn’t get her pregnant. She <i>was</I> pregnant but I wasn’t the father.”

“Then why did you make me think that the baby was your’s?” Jeff asked.

“Because she asked me to lie,” Max said. “She didn’t want anybody knowing who the real father was so I decided to help her out and lie for her.”

“I need to go talk to your mother.” Jeff said suddenly after a moment of silence.

“Are you going to tell her?” Liz practically whispered.

“Unless you want to tell her.” Jeff said.

“No.” Liz said. “You should tell her. Maybe she’ll take it a little better if it’s coming from you.”

“Okay,” Jeff said.

“Dad, I’m sorry.” Liz said, tear’s filling her eye’s. “I’m so sorry.”

“I know.” Jeff said, giving her a sad smile before turning around and heading up the stairs. “I’ll send Xander down.” He said before disappearing up the stairs.

As soon as he was gone, Liz couldn’t keep the tear’s back. Tear’s began to spill down her cheek’s. Max immediately wrapped his arm’s around her.

“I’m hurting my parent’s so much.” She cried against his chest.

“We should just tell them the truth,” Max said, running a soothing hand through Liz’s hair.

“No, we can’t.” Liz said, tear’s running down her cheeks. “I don’t want to put them in any danger. It’s too risky, Max. We can’t take that chance, you know it.”

“It’s better for them to know the real truth then for them to think that you left Roswell, had Xander, and then abandoned your child.”

“I know,” Liz cried even harder. “I know. But I want them to be safe, I don’t want to put them in danger. And that’s exactly what will happen if I tell them that you’re an alien.”

“Mommy?” A small scared voice called from up the stairs. Liz turned around and saw Xander looking at her from the stairs with fear in his eye’s. Obviously she was scaring him what with all the crying she was doing.

“Xander,” Max said, “Don’t worry, everything’s okay.”

Xander quickly made it down the stairs. Liz let go of Max and as Xander ran into her arm’s, hugging her tightly. “Mommy, why are you crying? Your scaring me.”

“It’s okay, honey.” Liz said trying to sound reassuring even though she knew she wasn’t doing a very good job. “I’m okay, don’t worry about me.”

“But your crying,” he said in a small quivering voice. “That usually means that there’s something wrong.”

“Well there was something wrong.” Liz said truthfully. “But I’m feeling lots better now that you’re here with me.” She hugged him more tightly. “Come on,” She said. “Let’s go somewhere, okay?” She looked up at Max. “Can you take me somewhere? I don’t care where, I just want to get out of here.”

“Of course,” Max said softly. “Come on, let’s go.”

Liz stood up, taking hold of Xander’s hand and following Max outside into the restaurant. They walked across the restaurant and outside in the very hot and humid Roswell air.

“Ugh, Liz I’m sorry,” Max said. “We had a car drop us off here at the Crashdown from the airport, my car’s back at my appartment.” He paused. “But my place isn’t very far from here, so we can walk there if you want. But if you don’t want to I can run over there and get the-”

Liz smiled. “Max, it’s okay.” She said, wiping the remaining tear’s out of her eye’s. “I can walk there, it’s no big deal.”

“Mommy, are you sure you’re okay?” Xander asked worriedly as he looked up at Liz. “You still have tears in your eye’s.”

“I’m fine, sweety.” Liz said reassuringly.

“Are you sure?” Max asked, looking at her with worry in his eye’s.

“Yes,” Liz said. “I’m fine, Max. Thank you for worrying about me, but I’m fine, really.”

“Okay, then.” Max said as the three started walking away from the Crashdown. Xander was walking the middle of both Max and Liz, holding both their hands as they walked on when all of a sudden Liz’s phone started to ring. Liz quickly stopped along with both Max and Xander and reached inside her purse to retrieve her phone. Once it was out she quickly hit the talk button and held the phone up to her ear.

“Hello?” She said into the phone.

<i>“Liz, it’s me, Rach.”</i> Rachel said, her voice sounding panicked. <i>“Liz, I can’t get hold of Serena! Liz, I’m really worried, I’ve tried everything and I’ve also contacted the police.”</i>

“Oh my, God.” Liz said. When Rachel had contacted her earlier and had told her about the Serena situation, she hadn’t thought much of it. But now she could hear the panic in Rachel’s voice and she knew that this was serious. She knew she couldn’t stay in Roswell, she had to get home.

“Honey, I’m getting on Brendan’s plane and I’m flying home right now, okay?” She said into the phone, trying to keep her voice calm for Rachel’s sake and also for Xander’s. “I can be home in about 5 hours okay? I’ll go home right now, pick up my bag’s and get a ride to the airport.”

<i>“I’m so sorry to cut your trip short like this,</I> Rachel said. <i>I’m just so worried!</I>

“I know,” Liz said. “I understand and I’m flying home, okay? I’ll call you as soon as I get to the airport in San Francisco.”

<i>“Alright,”</I> Rachel said. <i>“Thank you,”</I>

“It’s not big deal.” Liz answered. “I’ll see you soon, okay?”

<i>“Alright,”</I> Rachel said before hanging up the phone.

“Liz, what’s wrong?” Max asked, looking at her worriedly.

“Mommy, your leaving!?” Xander said, his face falling. “Why!?”

“It’s my friend, Serena.” Liz explained. “She’s been missing for the past two say’s. My other friend Rachel’s been trying everything get into contact with her, but she’s really missing.” She paused, “I don’t want to go back right now but I don’t have a choice,” She choked out.

“I understand.” Max said softly.

“Mommy, Daddy and I are going with you.” He said, tugging on her hand. “We’re going to help you find your friend.”

“Max?” Liz asked, looking up at him.

“Do you mind?” He asked. “If he and I tag along?”

“No, of course not.” Liz said. “I want you two to come along. You two go ahead and get your clothes all packed up and I’m going to go back home, get my stuff, and tell my parents that I have to go.”

“Daddy, you go home and get yours and my stuff, and I’ll go with mommy to get her’s.” Xander said, gripping Liz’s hand tightly. He was obviously still afraid that she was going to leave them here.

“Alright.” Max said, noticing the same thing. “I’ll pick you two up in fifteen minute’s in front of the Crashdown, alright?”

“Alright.” Liz said. “Fifteen minutes.”

She and Xander turned back around and started walking back towards the Crashdown. She was nervous about having to tell her parent’s that she had to leave, she knew that they wouldn’t take it very well, that they would probably get mad at her. But at this point she simply didn’t have a choice. She had to get back home for Rachel’s sake. And she prayed that there was nothing wrong with Serena, that she was okay.


**************************************************************************************


TBC

<b>Free</b>

<b>Chapter Thirty- Five</b>


“Mom?” Liz called out as she stepped inside the back room, still holding Xander’s hand in her own. “Dad?” She made her way up the stairs. She walked down the hallway and knocked on her parent’s bedroom door.

“Come in,” Her father called out. She slowly turned the doorknob and stepped inside. She could tell that Xander was quite hesitant and seemed kind of nervous but he stepped inside the room with her. Liz saw both her parents standing up in the room. She guessed that the two had been having a talk right before she had stepped inside the room.

“Liz,” Her mother said, glancing from her to Xander. Liz immediately guessed that her father had told her about Xander being her son because her mother couldn’t seem to take her eye’s off of Xander all of a sudden. “Hi, honey.” She said to Xander.

“Hi,” He said shyly.

“So I’m guessing that dad told you?” Liz asked her mom.

“Yes,” Nancy said quietly. “Honey, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t of reacted the way I did downtair’s in the Crashdown earlier. I was just really upset.”

“I know and I understand completely.” Liz said. “You had every right to react the way you did, mom, trust me I don’t blame you.”

Instead of saying anything, Nancy walked across the room and wrapped her arm’s around Liz, who hugged her back. “I love you, Liz. Even though I acted the way I did earlier, I need you to know that I still love you.”

“I love you, too, mom.” Liz said.

“And Xander,” Nancy said, pulling away from Liz and looking down at Xander with tear’s in her eye’s. “I can’t believe he’s my grandchild. All these year’s and I never suspected that he was. Honey, come here.” She said, wrapping her arm’s around Xander, who gave her a big hug at his turn.

“Mom, dad,” Liz started. She had to tell them that she had to leave and she had to do it now. “I have some bad news to tell you.”

“What is it?” Jeff asked. Poor him, Liz didn’t think that he could handle another bad news today after everything she had told him.

“My friend just called me from San Francisco.” Liz explained. “Her name is Rachel. Anyway’s, she called to tell me that my other best friend, Serena, had been missing for two day’s. Nobody can find her anywhere.”

“Oh my, God.” Nancy said. “That’s horrible.”

“I know,” Liz said. “I’m worried sick here. I was supposed to be staying here in Roswell for a couple of day’s, but Rachel just called me, and, well, I have to go back home.”

“We understand.” Jeff said. “Of course you should go back home and try to find your friend.”

“Well, what about him?” Nancy asked, looking down at Xander.

“Max and him are coming with me to San Francisco until we can figure out exactly what I’m going to do with my life.” Liz explained. “One thing is for sure, I want Xander to be a part of my life and I’m going to do anything in my power to be with him, even if it means leaving my job an my friends back home to come back here to Roswell so that I can be closer to him.”

“Or me and Daddy can come live with you,” Xander suggested, wrapping his small arm’s around Liz’s legs. “It doesn’t matter where we are as long as we’re all together.”

“Oh, honey,” Liz said, smiling down at him. “That’s very sweet of you.”

“Yup.” Xander said, smiling back shyly at her.

“Does your boyfriend know about this?” Jeff asked curiously. “About Xander being your child and all? And does he know Max is the father.”

“Yes,” Liz answered. “He actually just found out this weekend.”

“Oh, my.” Nancy said.

“I know.” Liz said with a small sigh.

“Well, how did he take it?” Jeff asked. “Was he mad?”

“No, he, well, he actually took it pretty well.” Liz admitted. “He’s a very understanding a guy and I really love that about him.”

“Well, I sure hope I’ll get to meet this Brendan some day.” Jeff said with a smile. “He sounds like a really great guy.”

“He really is, dad.” Liz said. “And, of course you’ll be able to meet him. Next time I come back I’ll bring him along.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Jeff said.”So, do you want me to drive you guy’s to the airport?”

“Oh, no, that’s okay.” Liz said. “Max is suppose to be picking me up-”

“Liz?” A voice called out from down the stairs. Max’s voice.

“Daddy’s here!” Xander said excitedly, rushing out the door of the room. He hurried down the stairs and quickly jumped into his father’s arm’s. “Daddy, we’re upstairs. Mommy’s saying goodbye to her mommy and daddy.”

“Oh, alright.” Max said. “Then what do you say you and I leave mommy to talk alone with her parents while you and I go grab ourselves a Cherry Coke.”

“Or a milkshake?” Xander suggested.

“Or a milkshake.” Max said. “It’s your choice.”

“Sounds like a good idea guy’s but I don’t think that’ll be necessary.” Liz said, suitcase in hand as she came down the stairs, her parent’s following closely behind her. “I’m all ready to go.”

“Hey there, Max.” Nancy said, mustering up a small smile for him as reached the bottom of the stairs.

“Hi, Mrs. Parker.” He said, smiling back at her. He turned to Mr. Parker and nodded his head slightly. “Mr. Parker.” He was scared that Jeff would jump at his throat by the look on his face.

“Max,” He answered. “Look, I’m sorry for before. I didn’t mean to shout at you the way I did, even though I really think you deserved it.”

“Yeah, I did.” Max said swallowing hard.

“No, he didn’t.” Liz said, giving Max a look. “He didn’t deserve to be yelled at, trust me. He’s more innocent in this whole thing than you think.”

“No, you’re wrong.” Max said, shaking his head. “Part of what happened all those year’s ago is also my fault. I should of gone after you. I should of done everything in my power to get you to come back home. I made a mistake and I regret it now.”

“I was the idiot.” Liz said, “I never should of left in the first place. I ruined everything, I had everybody worried sick. I left my child, something I never should of done.”

“But if I hadn’t acted the way I did towards you,” Max started up again. The two seemed to have forgotten that they we’re in a room along with Xander, Jeff, and Nancy. “If I hadn’t acted like a real basturd, then maybe-”

All of a sudden Jeff cleared his throat.

“Right,” Liz said, sheepishly. “Sorry about that. We better get going anyway’s.”

“Right.” Nancy said. “Well, I sure hope you’ll come back soon. We have a lot of more talking to do.”

“I know,” Liz said with a small sigh. “I promise I’ll be back as soon as possible.”

“And you’ll bring this Brendan along with you, won’t you?” Jeff asked. “I’d really like to meet him.”

“Sure, of course.” Liz said, she could feel Xander tugging at her leg. “I’ll bring Brendan along with me.”

“Have a safe trip guy’s.” Jeff said, hugging his daughter one last time. “I love you, Lizzie.”

“I love you, too, honey.” Nancy said, hugging her.

At that moment Liz’s cell went off and she quickly reached inside her purse to get it out. She hit the talk button and held the phone up to her ear.

“Hello?” She said into the phone.

“Liz?” The voice on the other end said. “It’s me, Lois. We really need to talk.”

Great, Liz thought with a sigh. Her boss. Just what she needed right now.

“Lois, can I call you back in about five minute’s?” Liz said into the phone. “I’m saying good-bye to my parents right now. I’m on my way back to San Francisco and I should be home in a couple of hours.”

“Alright, say you’re good-bye’s but call me back as soon as you can.” Lois said. “It’s very important.” She paused. “By the way, I’m glad you went to see you’re parents. Even though you’re ass should be right here working for me at this moment. But I’m really proud of what you did.”

“Thanks,” Liz said. She said her good-bye’s and hung up the phone.

“My boss.” Liz explained. “I’ll call her back in the car.” She smiled at her parents. “Bye mom, dad.”

“Bye guy’s.” Jeff said. He glanced down at Xander. “Bye little guy.”

“Bye bye grandpa Parker.” He said, grinning up at the man before him. He reached out, and gave Jeff a small hug before turning to Nancy. “Bye bye grandma Parker.”

“Oh,” Nancy said, a smile gracing her feature’s. She bent down, giving Xander a big hug. “Bye, honey. We’ll see you when you come back!”

Liz smiled, delighted that Xander had just called her parent’s grandma and grandpa. She shot Max a smile and he smiled right back at her before bending down and scooping up his son on his arm’s. “Come on, kiddo.” He said, walking out through the swinging door’s. Liz followed him, looking back at her parents one last time before heading out.

Liz followed Max and her son out through the restaurant and out. She quickly got into Max’s car, and not the Chevelle she remembered him having either. He had apparently changed the Chevelle for a Cherokee.

“Nice car.” Liz said, opening the passenger door and climbing inside as Max helped Xander in the back seat and then climbed into the driver’s seat next to her’s.

“Thanks.” Max said. “I just bought it a couple of months ago.”

“I can see that.” Liz said. She pulled out her cell phone. “You don’t mind if I make a couple of phone calls, do you? I just have to contact the airport and let them know we’ll be there in about half an hour. Then I got to call my boss back and I also want to let Maria know that we’re leaving. She’s not going to be really happy, but, I have to do this.”

“Well, I called Isabel and told her I was leaving,” Max said, slipping the key inside the ignition. “But, I-”

“Oh, my God!” Liz practically cried out from beside him.

“Mommy?” Xander asked worriedly. Max turned to her. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

“That’s,” Liz said, staring at the man who was about to pull open the door to the Crashdown. “That’s Brendan!”

*************************************************************


TBC

Okay guy's, I’m a bitch. I’m sorry I didn’t update when I said I was going to two day’s ago, it’s just that some stuff sort of came up and I couldn’t update when I had promised you guy’s I would. Anyway’s, here’s the new part. A big thanks to everyone for the feedback:) It’s alway’s appreciated.

Thanks,

Steph


****************************************************************************


<b>Free</b>

<b>Chapter Thirty-Six</b>



“Brendan,” Liz repeated numbly as she opened the car door and stepped out of the vehicle. What one earth was Brendan doing here? And how the hell had he gotten here so fast?

“Liz!” He exclaimed when he spotted her walking towards him. “Surprise!”

“Yeah,” Liz said. “That is one hell of a surprise. Brendan, how- when did get here?”

“Aren’t you happy to see me?” He asked with a huge smile on his face. He wrapped his arm’s around her, pulling her into a hug.

“I am happy to see you.” Liz said, hugging him back. “When did you get here? And, how? And also, why?”

“Well, I home from New York,” Brendan started. “Or, well, I got to the San Francisco airport and then I decided to surprise you here. So I took the next flight out to Albuquerque and now here I am. You know, it really isn’t that far from California to here.” He paused, looking up at both Max and Xander who had now gotten out of the car and we’re walking slowly towards them.

“Hey, there.” Brendan said, smiling. “It’s Max right?” He looked down at Xander. “And you’re Xander?”

“Yup.” Xander said, clutching his father’s leg.

“We we’re just about to head to the airport.” Liz said. “Rachel called and she said that Serena’s gone missing.”

“Serena?” Brendan said. “Missing? No way. I just talked to her back in San Francisco and she sounded fine to me. I don’t understand why Rachel would tell you something like that.”

“But,” Liz said, baffled. “Rachel said that she hadn’t heard from Serena in almost three day’s. She even called the police and their working on looking for her right as we speak.”

“But, that’s ridiculous.” Brendan said, a serious expression suddenly coming over him. “Why don’t you try her cell phone again right now? I’m sure she’ll pick it up.”

Liz quickly pulled out her cell phone and dialed Serena’s phone cell phone number. After several seconds, she picked up.

“Hello?” Came the voice from the other end. “Liz, is that you?”

“Serena?” Liz said, her eye’s widening in shock. “Oh my, God, Serena where have you been!? Rachel and I have been worried sick about you! Where are you, are you okay!?”

“Liz, I’m fine.” Serena answered. Although Liz noticed that she didn’t seem quite as fine as she said she sounded. “I was at a meeting. All day yesterday and all day today, I’m sorry I didn’t call, my boss didn’t exactly gave me any spare time, he’s been keeping me busy for the past two day’s, it’s been crazy, Liz.”

“But,” Liz said, “Serena, Rachel called the police! She thinks you’ve gone missing!”

“Oh, no.” Serena said, not sounding sorry at all. “Crap, that sucks. Well, I’m going to be stuck here for the next couple of day’s, do you think you could give Rachel a call and let her know what I’m up to?”

“Uh,” Liz said, glancing briefly at Max. “Well, why don’t you call her yourself? I know she’d be really happy and relieved if you gave her a call.”

“I can’t.” Serena answered painfully. “I’m <i>really</I> busy. I really don’t have time to make another phone call.”

“But-” Liz started, but Serena cut her off.

“Look, Liz, I’m sorry.” She said. “But I got to go. I have another meeting starting in a little less than five minutes. I’ll talk to you later, okay? And please call Rachel and let her know that I’m fine. I’ll see you in a couple of day’s!”

Liz opened her mouth to speak but before she could say anything, Serena had hung up on her.

“She hung up on me!” Liz said standing there with a stunned expression on her face. “I can’t believe it!”

“Is she okay?” Max asked worriedly.

“Well, she said she was fine.” Liz said, still stunned at her friends behavior. “She said something about a meeting and her boss keeping her busy for the past couple of day’s. She didn’t even tell me where this meeting of her’s was!”

“Well, if she says she’s fine.” Brendan said with a shrug. “Then she’s probably fine.”

“I guess so.” Liz said slowly. “But- It’s just weird. That didn’t sound like Serena at all.”

“What do you mean?” Brendan asked quickly.

“Well, Serena would take the time to tell me what’s going on.” Liz said. “And, hell, she would take the time to give her best friend a call back in San Francisco who’s been worried sick about her for the past two day’s!”

“I guess,” Brendan said with a little shrug. “Don’t make such a big deal out of this, Liz. She said she was fine, she’s just busy with work and all. You’ll be able to see her in a couple of day’s, baby.” He said, wrapping his arm around her waist. “Now, why don’t you call Rachel, tell her that Serena’s okay and tell her to get those cops to stop looking for her.”

“You’re right.” Liz said with a small sigh. “I’ll be right back, I’m just going to go call Rachel.”

“Coming with you,” Xander said in a small voice, still not looking up at Brendan. He reached out and took her mother’s hand, following her inside the restaurant and looking back at his father one last time before disappearing inside, leaving both Max and Brendan behind together.

“I don’t like that man,” Xander said quietly once they we’re inside the Crashdown.

“Why not?” Liz asked, taking her cell phone out.

“Because there’s something weird about him.” Xander answered. “You have to make him go away. I have a bad feeling that he’s going to try to hurt you, daddy, and me.”

“Oh, honey.” Liz said, smiling down at him. “That’s not going to happen, trust me. Brendan’s a really sweet guy he wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

“There’s something evil about him,” Xander pressed on. “You have to make him go away. I just <i>know</I> he’s going to hurt you and daddy and I don’t want that to happen!”

“Xander,” Liz said worriedly, she took his hand and led him towards the back of the restaurant to make sure that they wouldn’t be overheard by anybody. “What make’s you think that Brendan is evil?”

“His aura.” Xander replied immediately. “It’s black.”

“His aura?” Liz asked, clearly confused. “What do you mean by that?”

“The color around him,” Xander explained. “It’s black. Black is evil.”

“Wait,” Liz said, frowning. “You’re telling me you can actually see color around him? You can see actual color around people?”

“Yup.” Xander said.

“Oh my, God, Xander.” Liz said, shocked at the discovery that Xander actually had power’s. “Does you’re dad know? That you can see...people’s aura’s like that?”

“No.” Xander said, sheepishly. “I never told him. I was scared that he would...think I was weird. That he wouldn’t like me anymore because of the thing’s I can see. I never told anybody.” He paused, looking up at her with worried eye’s. “Are you scared? Do you hate me? Because of what I just told you about myself.”

“Of course not,” Liz said, bending down so that she was eye to eye with him. “And your dad would want to know that you’ve developed this power. How long have you had it?”

“A couple of wants.” Xander said, looking down at the ground. “I don’t like it very much.”

“Come here,” Liz said, letting out a small sigh. She wrapped her arm’s around him. “It’s going to be okay, Xander. I know you might not think so right now, but it will be. You’ll get use to having this new power of your’s. And, honey, you’re not the only one with powers. Your dad also has power’s. Not like your, but he can heal people.”

“Really!?” Xander said, pulling away and looking at Liz with a smile on his face. “My daddy has power’s too?”

“Yeah,” Liz said. “He never told, most probably because he wanted to protect you.”

“What about you?” Xander asked. “Do you have any power’s like daddy? Can you heal? Or see people aura’s?”

Liz shook her head. “No.” She answered. “I mean, sometime’s when I get really mad or sad, I’ll land up blasting thing’s. But other than that, no, I don’t have any power’s.”

“You blast thing’s when your angry or sad?” Xander said. “That’s not very fun, is it?”

“No.” Liz answered, giving him a small smile. “It isn’t.”

“But why do daddy and I have power’s?” Xander asked, confused.

“Uh,” Liz said. There was no way she was going to tell him all about his father being from another planet. “That’s something your daddy’s going to have to tell you all about.”

“Okay.” Xander said. “I’ll ask my daddy later.”

“And you’ll tell him all about your power’s, right?” Liz asked. “Promise me your going to tell him about your power’s.”

“I promise,” Xander answered truthfully.

“Is there anything else you can do?” Liz asked curiously. “Other than see people aura’s and stuff.”

“I don’t know.” Xander answered. “I’ve never really tried anything else.”

“Understandable.” Liz said, smiling. But her smile faded quickly when she realized what it is that they had been talking about before Xander had admitted to her that he had power’s. Brendan.

“So, you we’re telling me something about Brendan.” Liz forced out. “About his aura?”

“Yes,” Xander said quickly. “He has a black aura. Which usually means evil...but it could also mean death, I’m not really sure.”

“So either he’s evil..” Liz began slowly.

“Or he’s going to die.” Xander said. “But I don’t think he’s going to die. I think he’s evil.”

“But...how is that possible?” Liz practically whispered. “How could he be..evil? He sounds completely normal to me.”

“I don’t want to leave you alone with him.” Xander piped up.

“Don’t worry about me, honey.” Liz said, realizing for the umpteenth time how much he and his father we’re alike. “I’m going to be fine. Come on, let’s just go back outside. If something <i>is</I> up with Brendan, I don’t want to leave your dad alone with him.”

“You’re right.” Xander said, “I’ll go check up on daddy and you can stay here and make your phone calls.”

“Uhh,” Liz said, unsure of she wanted to leave her son and Max alone with a potentially evil Brendan. “I don’t know about that. I think it’s better if I went back outside with you and your dad. I’ll call Rachel and my boss back later, right now I have to stay with you and your dad, okay? Let’s go.”

“Honey!” A voice called from behind her. She turned around to find herself looking at both her mother and father. “What are you still doing here?”

“Oh,” Liz said. “Well, we we’re just about to drive off when-”

“Hey there.” Brendan said from behind her. “You must be Mr. And Mrs. Parker! I’m Brendan, Liz’s boyfriend.” He reached out and shook Jeff Parker’s hand, followed by Nancy’s.

“It’s nice to meet you, Brendan.” Jeff said. “I’ve heard some great thing’s from my daughter about you.”

“Yeah?” Brendan said, turning to look at Liz.

“Well, yeah.” Liz said. “Um, why don’t you can my parents get to know each other better while I have a word with Max over here.”

Max looked at her worriedly as Liz quickly took him by the arm and led him towards the door. “We can talk outside,” She turned to Xander. “Come on, honey.”

Once they we’re safely outside, Liz turned to Max. “We have a problem.” She said. “It’s Brendan.”

“What about him?” Max asked, his voice strained.

Liz turned and looked down at Xander, urging him with her eye’s to tell him to tell his father everything.

“Daddy,” Xander said. “There’s something I have to tell you.”

“What is it?” Max asked worriedly as tear’s slowly began to form in Xander’s eye’s.

“I have...” He sniffled. “Power’s.”

“What??” Max said, his eye’s widening as he glanced at Liz. “How?? Since when? And what kind of power’s.”

Liz rested a reassuring hand on the small boy’s shoulder as he begun to cry. He obviously didn’t like the idea of his new power.

“He can see..people’s aura’s.” Liz explained. “He say’s that Brendan’s aura is black, which means that he’s potentially evil.”

“How long has he been able to...see people’s aura’s like that?” Max asked, looking at Liz.

“Couple of months.” Liz said sadly. “But he was afraid to tell you because he was afraid that you we’re going to like him anymore.”

“That’s crazy.” Max said, bending down to look at Xander, who hadn’t stopped crying. “Xander, look at me.” He reached out and touched his son’s face. “I love you. And I’m sorry that you developed those power’s. I alway’s wished that you could of..grown up power-free. But I guess that’s not going to be happening.”

“I told him that you had power’s too.” Liz explained, glancing down at Max and Xander. “I told him about your healing power’s.”

“Xander,” Max said. “Please don’t cry, everything’s going to be okay. Like mom told you, I have power’s too, you know. I can heal people, and I can also do all sorts of other thing’s.”

“Mommy said she can also blast thing’s when she’s mad or sad,” Xander said, wiping his tear’s away.

Max looked up at Liz, surprised. “Really?”

“Yeah,” Liz answered. “What Ava told me all those year’s ago was true. You changed me when you healed me that day in the Crashdown.”

“I’m so sorry.” He whispered. “I never-”

“Don’t apologize.” Liz said, shaking her head. “You have nothing to apologize for, Max. You saved me life all those year’s ago at the Crashdown, you gave me a chance to live again, to have a son as amazing as Xander.” She gave Xander’s shoulder a small squeeze. “I can’t thank you enough for that.” She paused, looking back at the window of the Crashdown café. “I better get back inside and keep and eye on Brendan. I’m not exactly sure what’s up with him, but I guess if Xander said that he thinks something’s up with Brendan, I better keep an eye on him. I think you two have should talk a little.”

“Yeah, I think you’re right.” Max said with a little sigh as he took his son and lifted him up in his arm’s. “But, wait, what about Brendan? You said something about Xander using his power’s to find out that he’s...evil?”

“Oh, yeah.” Liz said. “Well, Xander said that Xander’s aura was black. I don’t really know exactly what it means but Xander said that when a person’s aura is black it mean’s that he’s evil.”

“So..” Max said, trailing off.

“I don’t know what to think.” Liz admitted truthfully. “Brendan seem’s completely normal to me. I mean, do you think that maybe...he could be possessed or something? Because there’s no way in hell that Brendan himself is evil, okay? That is just not an option.” She placed a small kiss on Xander’s cheek. “I’m gonna go back inside, keep an eye on him, see if I an find anything weird about him.”

“No, wait.” Max said, placing a hand on her small shoulder. “I’m not leaving you alone with him. If he really is evil, or being possessed by someone evil, I’m just not leaving you alone with him.”

“Max, don’t worry about it.” Liz said. “I’m just going to go back inside, and it’s just for a couple of minute’s only, okay? Nothing’s going to happen to me. I mean, what can happen in the span of a couple of minute’s?”


**************************************************************************************


TBC

Hey guy's,

Sorry it took me so long to update! A big thanks to everyone for the feedback, it's alway's appreciated.

Steph


*************************************************************


<b>Free</b>

<u><b>Chapter Thirty- Seven</b></u>


<i>“Max, don’t worry about it, I’m just going to go back inside, and it’s just for a couple of minute’s only, okay? Nothing’s going to happen to me. I mean, what can happen in the span of a couple of minute’s?”</I>


“<i>Alot</I> can happen,” Max said, reaching out and touching Liz’s arm lightly. “That’s why I think we should-”

“Hey,” Brendan’s voice interrupted them. Max quickly withdrew his hand away from Liz while Liz’s eye’s snapped up to meet Brendan’s worried one’s.

“Everything okay?” He asked, his voice strained. There was no doubt that he had seen Max’s hand on her shoulder.

“We we’re just talking,” Liz said quickly.

“Really?” Brendan scoffed, he looked up at Max. “Max, if you don’t mind I’d like to have a quick word with my girl- my fiancé.”

Xander, who’s face had been buried in Max’s chest quickly looked up at Liz, and then at Brendan.

“Mommy, you can’t be getting married!” He burst out.

“Look, I know this must be hard for you to get or something,” Brendan started with a small sigh. “But you’re mother and I will be getting married so you’re just going to have to deal with it.”

“Brendan!” Liz gasped, her eye’s snapping up to his in anger. “I can’t believe you just said that!”

“Well, what!?” Brendan asked, turning angrily to face Liz. “I’m just telling him the truth! God, Liz, what’s going on with you? Don’t you want to be with me anymore, is that it? I mean, all of a sudden you get your son back in your life and now you don’t want to be with me anymore?”

“Brendan, of course I still want to be with you!” Liz snapped. “But I have a son now, okay? And your just going to have to accept it.”

“I need to get some fresh air,” He bit out angrily. “I’m going for a walk.” And without another word he turned and headed off down the street, shaking his head and shoving his hands deep in his pockets.

Liz took a deep breath, trying to get herself under control as she watched Brendan walk away. She then turned towards Max and Xander. “I am so sorry.” She said. “I don’t know <i>why</I> he said that, I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Max said quietly.

“Xander?” Liz asked, looking into the little boy’s eye’s. “Your not upset with me, are you?”

“Are you gonna marry him?” Xander asked, looking right back at her.

“Xander, thing’s are <i>really</I> complicated for me right now.” Liz explained. “I put this whole engagement thing on hold an I don’t understand why Brendan said all those thing’s.”

“So your not going to marry him?” Xander asked.

“Not for now, no.” Liz replied.

“But what about later?” Xander said, making a face.

“I don’t know what will happen in the future, honey.” Liz said. “I can’t predict what’s going to happen.”

Xander looked away from her, but Liz reached out and gently touched his cheek, making him turn around to face her once more.

“Xander, I know your upset over this whole thing.” Liz explained. “But, I love you and I just want you to be happy, okay? I promise you that everything will be okay.”

“You promise?” He asked.

“I promise.” Liz said, smiling at him.

“I believe you.” Xander said, mustering up a small smile at her.

“Good.” Liz answered. “Now why don’t you go inside and ask my mom to make you a sundae?? If I remember right, she make’s completely amazing sundae’s.”

“Okay!” Xander said as he wriggled out of Max’s grasp. Max chuckled and quickly put him down. He wrapped his arm’s around Liz’s legs before quickly sprinting inside the Crashdown.

Liz watched him go before sitting down in one of the chair’s at one of the table’s outside the restaurant on the patio. “Max,” She said, letting out a sigh. “What am I going to do?”

“Liz, everything’s going to be alright between you and Brendan.” Max said, his voice slightly strained.

“No, not about that.” Liz said. “About Xander.”

“Oh, Liz.” Max said. “Everything’s going to be okay, you said it yourself. I mean, It has got to be so hard on him, not having both parents together. And he <i>just</I> found out that he has a mother and now both his parents aren’t even living together.” She paused, shaking her head. “I don’t want that to screw him up, Max. I want him to have both parents in his life living togther. A child needs that more than anything.”

“I know.” Max said softly. “Liz, there’s nothing that I would want more in this world than for you, me, and Xander to be a family together.”

Liz looked up at him, tear’s stinging her eye’s. “Max, you have no idea how guilty I feel.” She said finally. “About everything. I hurt you so much, and you never did anything more than love me.”

“Liz, don’t.” Max started, but Liz shook her head.

“No, Max.” Liz said. “I’m a horrible person. I left you at the Pod Chamber that day you’re mother sent you that message, I walked away from you and ran off to Florida for the summer. I don’t know what the hell I had been thinking, especially after everything you had gone trough in the White room.” She paused as she watch Max lower his head to the ground “And then when I came back you did everything to get me back, and what did I do? I pretended to sleep with Kyle so that I could so heroically ‘save the world.’”

“But I asked you to do that,” Max choked out. “I came back from the future.”

“That doesn’t matter.” Liz said. “I should of gone to you, I should have trusted <i>you</I>.” She paused. “And then, I ruined thing’s for us again at Prom. I pushed you right to Tess, and you didn’t even <i>sleep</I> with her! <i>We</I> slept together. And I left Roswell! I didn’t get to see my son grow up! And I never got the chance to hold him in my arm’s when he was first born. I missed out on so much, just because I was stupid.”

“Liz, not all of it is your fault.” Max said. “I didn’t believe you when you told us that Alex had been killed by an alien. I should of trusted you, I should of been more supportive. But I wasn’t.”

Liz was silent for a moment, thought’s running through her mind. Finally she let out a small sigh, running a hand through her dark hair. “Max,” She said, looking up at him. “Do you...do you remember? That night that you and I...in the observatory? I mean, I know Tess fooled us pretty good and all but...”

“I don’t.” Max said sadly, shaking his head. “I don’t remember the night that you and I...made love. I wish I could.”

Suddenly, Liz’s phone began to ring. Liz looked down at the caller i.d. “It’s my boss,” She said softly, looking back up at Max.

“You should take it,” Max said, quickly blinking away the tears that had formed in his eye’s. “It’s important.”

“But-“

“We can talk later,” Max reassured her. “And you should try to fix thing’s with your boyfriend too while you’re at it.” He added. “I’ll be inside with Xander if you need me.” And with that he turned and headed inside the restaurant. Liz watched him go sadly before reaching out and answering her phone, which hadn’t stopped ringing.

“Hello?” She said into the phone.

“Liz?” Lois said. “You didn’t call me back!”

“I’m sorry.” Liz said, running a hand through her hair. “I have a lot of crap going on right now.”

“Well,” Lois said. “I have something that will cheer you up!”

“At this point I don’t know if there’s anything that could cheer my up.” Liz said with a sigh. “But, anyway’s, I guess it’s worth a shot. What do you think will cheer me up, Lois?”

“You’re being promoted!” Lois exclaimed from the other line. Liz could clearly hear the excitement that was coming from her boss.

“What?” Liz said. “Promoted??”

“Yeah,” Lois said. “And it wasn’t my idea either. See, someone just bought the paper, a certain Seth Foreman. He bought the paper two day’s ago and he moved here from Arizona and he loves you’re stuff. He wanted you promoted a.s.a.p and we’re talking a pretty big promotion. A <i>huge</I> sum of money involved, a new, bigger office, billboards, talk shows, and -”

“Oh my, God.” Liz said, suddenly feeling excited. “Really?”

“Yes!” Lois said, smiling through the phone. “That’s why you have to get your butt back here as soon as you can! We have <i>alot</I> to discuss. And, also, Mr. Seth Foreman would like to meet you in person.”

“Lois, I promise you I’m going to try my best to come back home as soon as I can, okay?” Liz said. “I’m going to try real hard.”

“I know you will.” Lois said. “I’ll talk to you as soon as you get back, alright?”

“Alright,” Liz said, smiling like an idiot. She couldn’t believe it! She was being promoted!

At that moment, she saw Brendan walking towards her, hands buried deep inside his pockets. At that moment, she didn’t give a crap that he was pissed at her, she was just happy about the promotion.

“Brendan!” She exclaimed, loud enough for just about anyone to here. She grinned and ran towards him, “I got promoted!” She said, running straight into his arms. At first, she was pressed up against him, his body stiff and not responding. After a few seconds, he seemed to react to her news and her his arms wrapped themselves around her.

“Congratulations,” He choked out, “And, I’m sorry about before, I shouldn’t of stormed off like that. It’s just that I freaked out and I shouldn’t have.”

“It’s okay,” Liz responded. “Really just forget it ever happened, okay? I mean, yeah, you reacted, well, kind of strongly, but none of that matters right now because I got promoted!”

“How did that happen anyway’s?” He asked.

“I just got the call from Lois,” Liz explained excitedly. “She said this new guy was in town and he bought the paper. Apparently he liked my stuff so much that he promoted me! I couldn’t believe! She said that apparently we’re talking talk shows, and billboards.”

“Liz, that’s amazing!” Brendan said, sounding excited for her. “So does that mean that we’re going back to San Francisco?”

“Well, yeah!” Liz said. “I mean, I guess we are. Lois is expecting me, and I want to meet this new guy who bought the paper.”

Brendan reached out, giving her a small kiss on the cheek.

“Come on,” Liz said, taking his hand. “I want to go tell my parent’s.”

“Wait,” Brendan said. “Listen, if we’re going back to San Francisco, are you still bringing Max and your son with you?”

“Brendan-” Liz started. She knew he wasn’t thrilled at the idea but she wasn’t going to turn her own son down. She wanted to spend some time with him and she knew that bringing both him and Max back to San Francisco for a couple of day’s or a couple of week’s was the thing to do. She would of stayed here if she could of have, but there was her job that she had to get back to in San Francisco.

“No, wait.” He said. “I’m not going to yell. I just wanted to let you know that I’ve thought about it, and I’m fine with the idea. I trust you, and I love you, and I’m fine with the entire thing. And I’m going to take a small step back and let you fix thing’s with your son and...Max.”

“What made you change your mind all of a sudden?” Liz asked curiously.

“I just love you, that’s all.” Brendan said. “Now, let’s go. Don’t you have to go tell you’re parents the big news?”

“Yeah, you’re right.” Liz said, smiling. “Come on,” She took his hand in her own and led him towards the front door’s or the Crashdown.

Inside the Crashdown, Max watched Liz and Brendan together and he knew, deep down, that she belonged with him. He was good for her, he would be there for her. On the other hand, <i>he</i> was just a boy from another planet who was still living in the small town that he had grown up in. She was better off without him.

“Daddy, are you okay?” Xander asked worriedly, looking up at his father. He saw that his father was looking out where his mom and that other man we’re holding hands and smiling.

“I’m fine.” Max answered, giving his son a small sad smile. “Daddy’s going to be okay.”


**************************************************************************************


“Where is he?” Serena asked angrily. “Where did Brendan- Khivar, whatever that thing is go?”

“He’ll be back soon,” Nicholas said. “He’s just gone to run...an errand.”

“You don’t need me,” Serena pleaded. “Why don’t you just let me go?”

“We do need you,” Nicholas said, his voice sounding slightly irritated. “Maybe not right now, but the time will come.”

“Ugh,” Serena said, pulling on the ropes that binded her hands together. “Well, can’t you at least untie me? It’s not like if I try to run you won’t get me. You’re faster then me, plus you have those powers.”

“I can’t.” Nicholas said. “Khivar-”

“Isn’t here right now.” Serena said, finishing his sentence. “I’m going crazy here, the least you can do is untie for just for a little while at least. I have, like, no more circulations in my hands.”

Nicholas let out an annoyed sighed. “Will you shut up if I untie you?”

“I promise.” Serena said, nodding her head in agreement.

“Fine,” Nicholas huffed, approaching her. He reached down, using his powers to untie the ropes that bound her hands together.

“Thanks,” Serena said, standing up on her two feet and stretching her arms. She then proceeded to grab the lamp from the small table next to her and smash as hard as she could over Nicholas’s head, who, at the impact of the hit, crumbled to the floor with a thud.

“It’s as easy as saying 1,2,3.” Serena said with a small grin.

She didn’t waste any more time. She quickly hurried across the dark room towards the door that would hopefully lead her to freedom. She had no idea <i>where</I> she was. The only thing she did know was that she was still in San Francisco.

She quickly turned the doorknob to open the door, praying that there was no one behind it although she didn’t think so. Khivar had gone a long time ago and had still not come back. As for that other man, he had left along with Khivar, leaving Nicholas alone to guard her.

She pulled open the door. Her fist raised, ready to punch the crap out of anybody who was standing guard behind the door. But, luckily for her, she didn’t have to. There was no one behind that door.

She sighed with relief before quickly proceeding to head down the dark and narrow hallway. She guessed, by the way the building seemed to be falling apart, that she was in some sort of abandoned apartment building. She tried to remain calm, even though she was screaming inside. The place was creeping her out and scaring the crap out of her, but she knew she couldn’t afford to breakdown right now. She had to keep going if she wanted to make it out of here alive.

She quickly ran down the flight of stairs and burst through the exit door that awaited her at the bottom of the stairs.

Sunshine! She thought. She blinked several time’s, trying to get used to the bright light. It took her several minute’s to realize where she was. She turned to take one last look at the apartment building that was clearly in bad condition before she started sprinting down the street to get help.



*************************************************************

TBC

Free
Chapter Thirty-Eight


San Francisco, California


Serena burst into the first restaurant that she had spotted, not even looking at what the restaurant’s name was. Her only priority was to get into contact with Liz, she <i>had</I> to warn her about Brendan. And, obviously, she didn’t have her cell phone. Nicholas had taken if from her as soon as he had laid hands on her. Therefore she had to find a pay phone.

She ignored the stare’s that came from the customer’s as she bolted to the reception area of the restaurant.

“Excuse me!” She called out to one of the waitresses.

“Someone will be with you in a woman, ma’am.” The waitress replied.

“I just need to no where-” Serena tried to tell the waitress but the woman ignored her, walking past her and towards the back of the restaurant to where the kitchen was located.

“God dammit!” Serena snapped. She needed a pay phone and she needed one now. “I NEED SOMEONE TO TELL ME WHERE I CAN FIND A DAMN PAY PHONE!”

The entire restaurant grew quiet. Everybody looked up at her. Finally one of the waitresses’s spoke up.

“There’s one about half a block down the street.” The tall blonde waitress said. “Just take a left when you get out of the restaurant and then take another left.”

“Thank you!” Serena said, turning quickly on her heels and running out of the restaurant. She followed the waitresses’s direction’s and, sure enough, she came upon the pay phone. She just hoped that she wasn’t too late. She hoped that Liz was okay.

“Come on,” Serena hissed to herself, looking inside her pockets. “Tell me that I have a fucking quarter on me, I have to have a fucking quarter on me.” She looked through her pockets. “Nice!” She exclaimed as she finally found one and pulled one out of her jean pocket. “Thank God!” She quickly inserted the quarter into the pay phone. She punched in Liz’s cell number.

Come on, Liz. Pick up the phone.



**************************************************************************************

Roswell, New Mexico


“Honey, that’s fantastic!” Liz’s father exclaimed, pulling his daughter into a hug. “I’m so proud of you! I can’t believe my little girl got promoted!”

Liz laughed. “I ain’t little anymore. I mean height wise, yes, but.”

“Ah, I know what you mean.” Her father replied. “I you’re not a little girl anymore. I mean, look at you, you have a son, an amazing job, and you’re engaged to a really good guy.” He looked up at Brendan, who was sitting beside Liz at one of the booth’s in the Crashdown. “I just hope you take good care of my daughter.”

“Alway’s.” Brendan answered, putting an arm around Liz. “I wouldn’t let anything happen to her, Mr. Parker.”

Liz rolled her eye’s. She hated it when guy’s we’re like that. It’s not like she couldn’t defend herself of take care of herself. Really.

“You know, guy’s.” Liz said, shrugging Brendan’s arm off of herself. “I can take care of myself, I’m a big girl.” She looked up at Max, who was holding a now sleeping Xander in his arm’s as he talked to Michael in the back of the restaurant. He was truly good looking. Like, way to good looking. She loved that his hair was slightly longer than it had been the last time she had seen him all those year’s ago. And his arm’s we’re definitely more defined now. He had been working out for sure. And no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t keep her eye’s off of him. He was just so damn...well, hot.

“I’m so sorry, dad.” Liz said, snapping out of her daze. “But we really need to get going. I really have to get back home to San Francisco. I wish I could stay longer but-”

“Honey, I understand perfectly.” Jeff said. “Really. Just promise that you’ll come back and see us in a couple of week’s.”

Liz reached out to hug her father. “I promise, dad.”

That’s when her cell phone rang.

“Who is it?” Brendan asked immediately, looking down at her phone.

“I don’t know,” Liz shrugged, looking down at caller i.d. “It’s an unknown number. Could be my boss, I don’t know.” She hit the small green button on her phone and held it up to her ear. “Hello?”

“Liz!?” Serena exclaimed from the other line. “Thank God you’re okay! Liz, listen to me. You HAVE to stay away from Brendan.”

“What? Serena, why?” Liz asked, looking up at Brendan.

“He’s evil!” Serena answered. “He’s not really Brendan, he’s actually some dude called K-”

The line went dead.

"Serena!?" Liz said loudly into the phone. "Serena??" But there was no answer.

“What’s going on?” Brendan asked worriedly.

“N-nothing.” Liz answered. “The line went dead. Bad connection I guess.” She stood up from the booth. “I’ll be right back, I just have to go to the bathroom.”

“Alright,” Brendan said a little warily. “If you don’t mind, I have to make a quick phone call. I’ll be right back.” He stood up, taking his phone out of his pocket as he headed outside.

Liz wasted no time. She headed straight to Max, who was still busy talking to Michael. “Max,” She said. “We need to talk.”

“Liz, are you okay? You look shaken up, did something happen?” Max asked worriedly. “Come on, let’s go to the back room.” He glanced at Michael. “We’ll be right back, Michael”

“Michael, could you keep an eye on Brendan, please?” Liz asked. “Just, don’t let him near my father.”

Michael tensed. “Why not?”

“I think something’s up with Brendan.” Liz replied. “Something alien. I’m just not sure what.”

“I’ll keep an eye on him.” Michael answered, his eye’s moving to the front of the Crashdown where he could clearly see Brendan talking in the phone to someone.

“Thanks,” Liz said, following Max to the backroom of the Crashdown.

“You should put Xander down on the couch.” Liz said softly. Max nodded and slowly placed a still sleeping Xander down on the couch.

“Tell me what’s going on.” Max asked.

“My friend Serena called me.” Liz whispered, closing her eye’s for a brief moment. “She said something about Brendan being evil. She said something like “He’s actually K-” but then the line went dead. I think she meant to say Khivar but she just didn’t get the chance too.”

Max closed his eye’s for a brief moment before sitting on the couch next to their sleeping son.

“Also, I think Serena’s in big trouble. She sounded completely panicked. It doesn’t make any sense because Serena’s doesn’t even know anything about Khivar. I never told either Rachel or Serena about you being an alien, so she shouldn’t know any of this. That’s why I think something really bad must of happened to her.” She paused, tear’s building in her eye’s. “Max, I’m really, <i>really</I> scared. I don’t know what to do and I’m really worried for Serena.”

“I’ll take care of this, Liz.” Max said, getting up from the couch. “I won’t let anything happen to you’re friend, or <i>you</I> for that matter. If Brendan really is Khivar you need to stay away.”

“He’s probably possessing Brendan.” Liz whispered softly. “Oh my, God, I can’t believe I didn’t see it before this. What do you think he want's?”

“Me, obviously. Me, Michael, Isabel, and possibly even Xander.” Max answered angrily.

“No, he can’t have Xander.” Liz whispered. “He’s just a child.”

“He’s much more than that to Khivar.” Max whispered.

Liz reached out to Max, unconsciously wrapping her arm’s around him and burying her face into his shirt. “We can’t let him hurt our son.” She said. “We just can’t.”

“I promise nothing will happen to him.” Max promised.

“And I don’t want anything happening to you either, Max.” Liz said, looking up at him. “I...I need you in my life. I would die if anything happened to you. I love-”

Max’s heart stopped as she uttered that one word. But he didn’t get a chance to hear her say it because Xander’s cries pierced the air, stopping from speaking.

“Mommy!” He cried out from the couch, tear’s streaming down his small face.

“Xander what is it!?” Liz said, rushing over to his side. She picked him up in her arm’s. “Honey, I’m right here by you’re side. What’s wrong? Did you have a bad dream?”

“I saw that bad man hurt you!” He cried harder. “And he hurt daddy and he wasn’t moving anymore! And then he hurt you really bad!”

“Is the bad man that was in you’re dream Brendan?” Liz answer, running a hand through Xander’s hair, trying to soothe him.

“Yes!” Xander continued to cry hard. “I don’t want you and daddy to die!”

“We’re not going to die, Xander.” Max said, running a gently hand down his back. “Daddy’s not going to let anything happen to you or mommy, you got that?”

“Daddy, I’m scared.” Xander cried.

“I know you are, baby, but everything’s going to be okay.” Liz said, giving him a small kiss on the top of his head.

At that precise moment there was a loud yell from the Crashdown. Scream’s pierced the air, making Liz freeze up in panic. “Max!” She said. “What’s going on?”

“I don’t know.” Max said, getting up. “Take Xander and go upstair’s, now. I’m going in to see what that was.”

“I’m <i>not</I> leaving you alone.” Liz said, scared out of her mind. “You don’t know what’s out there!”

“You need to stay with Xander!” Max said, putting both hands on Liz’s shoulder’s. Listen to me, you have to save Xander. Go upstair’s and call Isabel, then go and hide.”

“Daddy!” Xander was crying even harder.

“I’ll be right back, Xander.” Max said, kissing his son on the head. “Go with mommy and be a good boy, okay? Can you do that for me?”

Xander only sobbed louder.

“Be careful.” Liz said, looking at Max. “Come back to me and Xander, don’t you dare die!”

“I’ll be careful.” Max answered. “Now, hurry up, and go!”

Liz nodded. But before she could bring herself to take Xander and run, she turned to Max, grabbed him hurriedly by the shirt, and kiss him on the mouth.

“I love you.” She said. “I never stopped loving you and I never will.”

“I-” Max said, shocked.

“Just, please, be careful.” She said. And before he could say anything else she hurried up the stair’s to her bedroom, shooting him one last look of desperation as she left.

Max stood there for a second, mesmerized by the words that she had said to him. But he was quickly brought back down to reality when he heard yet another series of screams from the Crashdown.

He quickly burst out into the diner, hand outstretched, ready to take on anything that came his way. But no way in hell was he prepared to take on what he saw when he entered that diner.

Blood. Bodies. Everywhere. Blood was splattered across the wall’s.

Brendan stood there by the entrance, a smile on his face as she simply took in Max’s reaction.

Max’s eye’s we’re wide with horror as he stared around the Crashdown. Michael’s body lay motionless on the floor, Liz’s mother and father we’re dead, along with every other human that had been in the Crashdown enjoying a simple meal. Father’s, mother’s, children lay motionless on the floor.

“What the fuck did you do?” Max managed to choke out as he stared at the horror surrounding him. Everything was surreal. It couldn’t be happening.

“You asked for it.” Brendan said, his arm’s we’re crossed across his chest as he continued to smirk. “Wow, the look on you’re face right now. It’s just priceless. Are you sad that I killed all these people?”

“THEY WE’RE INNOCENT PEOPLE!” Max screamed. “How could you just kill like that!?” He hurried by Michael’s side, trying to find a pulse but he couldn’t find one. Tear’s spilled down his face.

“I don’t give a fuck if they’re innocent or not.” Brendan spat out. I have one goal and one goal only and that’s to kill you, Rath, Lonnie, you’re son and that Liz Parker girl. You’re a threat to me. Especially that son of yours.”

“You’re not going to lay a hand on my son.” Max sneered, anger building up inside of him. Anger he never knew that he had. “Nor are you going to lay a hand on Liz.”

“Well, you can try to stop me but I highly doubt you’ll succeed.” Brendan said. “I mean, come on, you we’re so busy sucking face with you’re girlfriend back there that you couldn’t even stop me from killing you’re second in command, along with you’re girlfriend’s mother, father, and oh, all those poor other human’s that I killed.” He looked around, his eye’s landing on a small child that couldn’t of been more than six year’s old. “Look at that, he’s just a small boy and you couldn’t even stop me from killing him. Say, he can’t be much older than you’re son, huh?”

“SHUT UP!” Max screamed in anger, power building up inside of him. “I’m about to make you pay for this.”

“Go ahead and try to stop me.” Brendan said. “Just remember, I’m not Brendan, I’m just possessing him. Lizzie won’t be too happy when you kill him. You can try to kill me but all you’ll manage to do is kill Brendan. I’ll just go and get another body and I’ll come back to finish you, you’re son, and Liz off. Oh and don’t worry, I’ll make sure that you see me kill you’re son and you’re girlfriend before I kill you.” And with a wave of his hand he blasted Max backwards, making him crash into the wall behind him with a loud thud.

Brendan grinned as Max slumped to the floor. Now all he had to do was go find Liz Parker and her son upstair's and he could have his little fun with the three of them.




*************************************************************


P.S- I'll be updating a new part real soon. Either tommorow or Wednesday.

Free
Chapter Thirty-Nine

San Francisco, California


Serena screamed as someone grabbed her from behind. The phone slipped out of her grasped as someone put hand over her mouth.

“Hmmph!” Serena tried to scream.

“Stupid bitch!” Someone hissed into her ear. “You did a very bad thing there, you bad girl. Did you really think you could escape me?”

Serena bit his hand and Nicholas let out a loud yelp. She then turned around to face him and kicked him as hard as she could in both shins. There was a loud crack as he fell the ground. She then proceeded to kick him in the stomach repeatedly. Unfortunately for her, he managed to grab her ankle and she tripped. He then used his power’s to knock her out.

“Stupid Bitch,” He spat out as he managed to sit up.

“Hey, what the hell did you just do to that woman!?” A man exclaimed, “What the fuck did you do to her?”

“Shut up,” Nicholas said, using his power’s to blast the man. The man flew in the air, crashing into the windshield of a car not too far behind him. The man went right through the windshield, causing the car alarm to go off. The man lay there, blood pooling around him and the car.

‘Let’s go, bitch.” He spat, grabbing Serena by the hair. “Wake up, and get you’re fucking ass up. You’re about to pay big time for all the shit that you’ve caused me today.”


**************************************************************************************

Roswell, New Mexico


“Shhh, baby, you have to stop crying, okay?” Liz whispered into her son’s ear. “You have to be a good boy and stop crying so that we can get out of here, okay?

“I want daddy!” Xander cried. “I’m scared.”

“I know you are, but I promise you that daddy’s going to be okay.” Liz said, as she hugged him closer to her body.

She had just gotten off the phone with Isabel, begging her to hurry up and get here, letting her know that Khivar was here. So Isabel was on her way. Now all Liz had to do was to find someone to give Xander too so that she could go and help Max downstairs. A part of her was screaming that it was a bad idea, that she should stay with her son to protect him. But another part of her was screaming that she had to go and help Max because she feared that he was in trouble.


Finally, she knew what she had to do.

“Come on,” Liz said, “We have to get out of here, honey.”

“Where are we gonna go?” Xander asked.

“We’re going to go to Auntie Maria’s house, okay?” Liz said. “How does that sound?”

“I like Auntie Maria.” Xander said, calming down a little bit.

“I know you do,” Liz said. “So let’s go see her.”

“Okie.” Xander said.

“But we have to be very quiet, okay?” Liz said. “We’re going to go out by the back door so we need to be very, very quiet.”

“So that the bad man doesn’t here us?” Xander asked, looking up at Liz with those really big brown eye’s of his.

“Exactly.” Liz answered him. She got up from the floor, holding on to her son as tightly as she could. “Come on, sweetheart. We’re going out by the back door. Just don’t make a sound and everything’s going to be okay.”

Liz made her way towards the back of her house, making sure to walk as slowly as she could. She grabbed her mother’s car key’s on her way to the door. Finally she reached the other side and grabbed the door handle, opening it slowly as to not make any noise. She opened the door and stepped outside into the cold night air, not even bothering to close the door behind her in case it caused to much racket.

She walked as rapidly as she could toward’s her mom’s Ford Focus.

“Here,” Liz said, opening the back door. “Get in, honey. Hurry.”

“Okie.” Xander said, climbing into the back seat. Liz put his seatbelt on for him. “Alright, let’s go to Auntie Maria’s house.”

“Okie!” Xander said.

She glanced back one last time at the Crashdown and at her parent’s home before pulling away from the curb. She felt guilty and disgusting for leaving Max behind to face Khivar. What if something horrible had happened to him? What if he was dead? No way would she be able to live with herself if something had happened to him. She pressed down on the accelerator, eager to get to Maria’s house so that she could drop Xander off there and come back to the Crashdown to make sure that Max was alright.


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“Why aren’t you picking up the phone, Spaceboy?” Maria muttered to herself as she threw the phone on the couch.

“He’s still not picking up?” Kyle asked from his place on the couch. His eye’s we’re glued to the television, watching the NFL match. “Come on, dude, run faster, you can do it!”

“No, he’s not picking up.” Maria snapped. “He should of been here over half an hour ago and he’s not. I tried calling Max too but he’s not picking up.”

“He’s probably on his way home.” Kyle answered. “Just relax, will you? He’ll probably be here any minute now.”

The doorbell rang.

“See, that’s probably him right there.” Kyle said, not looking up from the tv screen.

“If it’s him then why the hell would he even bother to ring the doorbell?” Maria asked, rolling her eye’s as she made her way to the door. She opened it.

“Liz!” Maria exclaimed. “Oh my, God, I’m so happy that you’re here. I was just waiting for-”

“Maria, I need you to keep an eye on Xander for a while.” Liz said. “It’s an emergency.”

“What’s wrong?” Maria asked, seeing the worry and exasperation on her friend’s face. “You look really freaked out.”

“It’s Khivar.” She answered. “He’s taken over Brendan’s body. He’s at the Crashdown. Max is there but I have to go help him, I don’t know if he’s okay.”

“What??” Kyle asked. He had heard Liz and had gotten off the couch. “Liz, I’m going with you.”

“I can’t believe this is happening!” Maria said, her face falling. “Oh my, God, Michael was at the Crashdown! That’s why he hasn’t been answering his phone, oh my, God, what if something bad happened to him, Liz what are we going to do!?!”

“We just have to stay calm.” Liz said, handing over Xander to Maria. “I called Isabel, she was going straight to the Crashdown. I need you two to stay here and keep an eye on Xander.”

“Liz, I told you I’m going with you.” Kyle said. “No way in hell am I letting you go there alone.”

“Kyle, you can’t come it’s too dangerous.” Liz said.

“What the hell, what about you!? You’ll get killed!” Kyle said, his voice rising, causing Xander to start crying.

“Mommy, I don’t want you to leave me!” He sobbed. “I thought you we’re going to stay here with me and Maria! You can’t leave!”

“Nice job, Kyle.” Liz hissed, taking Xander back into her own arm’s. “Come on, baby, I’m going to be fine. I’m only going to go check up on you’re daddy to make sure that he’s okay, which I’m sure he is. Maria will take good care of you right here.”

“Let’s go.” Kyle said, grabbing his jacket.

“Here,” Liz said softly, handing Xander back once again in Maria’s arm’s. “You’re going to be fine, honey. Once all this is over you and daddy are going to come spend some time with me in San Francisco, okay? And the three of us are going to have lots of fun.”

“You promise?” Xander asked as the sobs subsided slightly.

“I promise.” Liz answered, kissing him one last time on the cheek. “Be good for Maria, okay?”

“Always.” Xander replied. “Be back quickly.”

“I will, baby.” Liz said. She looked up at Maria. “We’ll be right back.”

“Please be careful!” Maria said. “And bring my space boy back to me.”

“We will.” Kyle answered, ushering Liz outside. Maria watched the two of them get into Kyle’s pickup, with Xander in her arm’s.

“It’s going to be okay, you know.” Maria tried to reassure the small boy. “You’re daddy deal’s with stuff like this all the time. It’s going to be okay.”

“I’m still scared.” He said in a small voice. “I don’t want my mommy or daddy to die.”

“They won’t die, sweetheart.” Maria said, closing the door front and locking it tightly. The first thing she had to do was go around and lock the door’s. Even though she knew that if Khivar really wanted to get in, a locked door wouldn’t be the thing that stopped him from getting in. Still, it reassured her in some way to know that all the door’s and window’s we’re locked.

“How about we make some hot chocolate, huh, buddy?” Maria asked, heading to the kitchen. “That’ll make us both feel better I’m sure.”

“Okie.” Xander said. “I like hot chocolate.”

“Funny, I never liked hot chocolate.” A male voice said from the kitchen. “Never even gave a shit for coffee, so.”

Maria froze in the entree way of the kitchen. “Who- how..”

“You remember me, don’t you?” The male said. “We met a long time go.”

“Rath?” Maria said, “What are you doing here?”

“Oh,” Rath said, shrugging. “I’m here to kill that little guy. Including Zan but he doesn’t seem to be around right now. Guess I’ll just have to settle for killing you and the prince now, won’t I?”

Maria remained unmoving. She knew that she had no hope. She had no power’s whatsoever and Rath on the other hand had lots. Even if she tried to run he would kill both her and Xander in less than a fraction of a second.

“Why?” Maria asked. “Why kill him, he’s just a boy.”

“Yeh, but he bug’s my ass.” Rath answered. “He’s the King’s heir. He’s valuable to our planet and not in a good way. Beside’s I have order’s from Ava to wipe him out. If I kill him, I get to go home.”

“Tess.” Maria spat out, teeth clenched. “That bitch.”

“I’m sorry.” Rath said. “To tell you the truth, I probably wouldn’t be doing this if Tess hadn’t promised to get me back home.”

“She’s probably lying to you,” Maria snapped. “Don’t you get it? You’re going to kill us for nothing! She’s probably lying and there probably isn’t a way for you to get back home. She’s using you.”

Rath shrugged. “I have nothing to lose.”

“You can’t do this, Rath.” Maria pleaded with him. “You just can’t killed a six year old child. He’s human for God’s sake’s and he’s a good boy. He hasn’t done anything wrong.”

“Whatever.” Rath said, reaching out his hand. “I don’t really give a shit. But don’t worry, it won’t hurt I promise.”

There was a sudden huge blast. Both Xander and Maria let out a piercing scream.



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“Don’t you dare take another fucking step forward.” Max growled angrily as he got up from the floor. “You are <i>not</I> going hurt my son <i>or</i> my Liz.” Max was so furious that he didn’t even notice the red sparks that we’re traveling down the length of his arms.

Khivar stopped in his tracks.

Max grabbed Khivar and slammed his fist in his mouth, causing Khivar to fall to the ground. “You fucking bastard you’re going to pay for all that you’ve done.”

“If you kill me,” Khivar said. “You kill Brendan, just remember that.” He laughed, wiping the blood from his mouth.

Max grabbed him by the shirt and then proceeded to blast him as hard as he could, sending Khivar flying across the restaurant.


**************************************************************************************


“You stay the fuck away from <i>my</I> son,” Liz stood in the kitchen, hand outstretched. She had just sent Rath flying across the room, crashing into the dinner table.

“Where the hell did you just come from?!” Maria exclaimed.

Liz didn’t answer, she only blasted Rath one more time, sending him crashing into the window of the apartment.

“Damn,” Rath said, blood sporting from his mouth. “You’re one fine looking woman when you get pissed.”

“Shut up.” Liz said. She was about to blast him but this time he beat her to it, sending her flying into the fridge behind her. She let out a yelp as she slid to the floor, pain shooting up her left leg.

“Mommy!” Xander screamed from the kitchen doorway.

“Xander, run!” Liz screamed in his direction. “Maria, go with him!”

Maria looked back at her one last time before grabbing a crying Xander and running off.

“I’ll kill you before you lay a hand on my son.” Liz spat out, getting up from the floor and sending another blast in Rath’s direction. This one was powerful enough to send him crashing through the wall, injuring him seriously.

“Stupid bitch.” Rath said, from the floor. He was badly beaten, his face covered in blood. “Do you have any idea what you’re doing?”

“I think I do.” Liz answered. I’m stopping you from hurting my son.”

“Even if you kill me, they’ll be other’s.” He said.

“What do you mean by other’s?” Liz asked.

“Skins, Khivar, Tess,” Rath said in a raspy voice. “They’ll stop at nothing to wipe you, Zan, and the prince out. Khivar and Tess will continue to send skins after you until you die, and eventually you will. You just can’t win.”

Liz swallowed hard. She knew that he was probably right. Khivar won’t stop until he wins.

“You see now that you can’t win?” Rath said.

“That doesn’t meant that I still can’t try to win.” Liz answered. “Go to hell.” She said as yellow sparks shot out of her hand. Rath screamed and screamed until finally he rolled over to his side motionless.

Liz sunk to the floor shakily. What the hell was going on with her power’s? She suddenly had all theses power’s that she never knew she had. The moment she had stepped out of Maria’s house earlier, it’s like something had possessed her. She knew that her son and Maria we’re in danger. Something had pushed her to go back inside the house to protect them both. And then these weird power’s had just surged out of nowhere.

“Damn, Liz.” Kyle said. “What the fuck is going on with you’re power’s?”

“I was just wondering the same thing.” Liz answered softly.

Kyle looked down at Rath. “Is he...?”

“Yeah,” Liz replied. “I’m pretty sure he’s dead.”

“Holy shit.” Kyle said, staring at amazement at Liz and her hand’s, taken aback a her use of powers.

“He was right though about one thing.” Liz said with a frown. “Khivar will just keep sending people to kill us all. He won’t stop until he win’s.”

“He will.” Kyle agreed. “I don’t know what to do, Liz. I don’t even know what to tell you. All I know is that we’re in some serious deep shit.”

Liz turned to look at the hallway that led to Maria’s bedroom where she figured that Maria had taken Xander to hide in. “Let’s go get Maria and Xander and let them know that we’re safe.”

“For now anyway’s.” Kyle said, leading the way to the bedroom.

“Maria?” Liz called out, entering Maria’s bedroom.

“Oh, thank GOD!” Maria said, bursting from the closet as she held Xander in her arm’s. “Liz, I was so scared!”

“Me too!” Xander said, holding his arm’s out for Liz to hold him. Liz quickly took him in her arm’s, holding him tightly against her.

“I still have to get to Max.” Liz said, looking at both Maria and Kyle. “I don’t think he’s doing to good.”

“Liz, I’m freaking out here.” Maria said. “What the hell is going on? Why is Khivar here and why the hell was Rath doing here?”

“I think,” Liz started, but took a small pause. “I think that this, my friend’s, could be the end of the world that future Max came back to warn me about.”



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TBC