Posted: Sun Nov 21, 2004 9:02 pm
A/N This fic is winding down to the end. Only one more part which will be posted on Wednesday and the Epilogue which should be posted on Friday. I'm sad to see it go, it was definetly a challenge for me to write this in the beginning. So thanks for putting up with my lack of grammatical corrections and many, many errors I'm sure there have been. Most importantly thanks for sticking with me and for leaving such great feedback! One last thing *big hello* to the new readers!
Chapter 30
“Liz what’s wrong?” Max turned when he heard her footsteps running up the stairs.
“They…they just won’t listen to me. They don’t even care about my feelings.” Liz ran into Max’s arms and he quickly wrapped them around her tiny form and held her tightly.
“I’m so sorry baby. I shouldn’t have had them come.” Max dropped a kiss on top of her head. Liz waited until her sobs subsided before speaking again.
“No Max I’m glad you did, I was avoiding them, avoiding this whole situation and you made me face it. It’s just that they don’t see how much I love you Max, how much I want and need to be with you.” She cried in his arms again.
“I know baby but you have to give them time. The only thing they know about me is that I’m a cheater, who broke your heart and now has a daughter.”
“But that’s not you Max!”
“I know not anymore Liz but if that’s all they know how can they feel comfortable having you be with me?”
“I don’t care, I am not giving you up! They can hate me forever I don’t…”
“Yes you do care Liz. You’re just upset. They love you and they know you better than that, just let them get used to the idea.” Max hoped that was the case that Jeff and Nancy just had to get used to the idea of him being back in their daughter’s life with a child.
“Just hold me Max, hold me and don’t let go.” Liz cried into his chest and he held her.
“I’ll never let you go Liz…never.” And he meant it with every fiber of his being. They both stayed that way for a few minutes in their own world. What they didn’t know was that not only had Diane witnessed their moment, but Jeff and Nancy had as well. If they had any doubts they were washed away with their daughters’ tears and from the confession from the man who now held her heart.
“Liz.” Both Max and Liz’s heads snapped towards Max’s open bedroom door to find Liz’s parents standing in the doorway.
“Yeah?” Liz turned but never let go of Max’s hand. Both Jeff and Nancy looked at one another then at their daughter and her future husband.
“Congratulations baby.” They both said with genuine smiles on their faces. Liz looked up at Max who simply nodded at her and let her hand go.
“Thank you!” Liz ran up to her parents who threw their arms around her.
Max stood back and watched Liz with her parents thinking that if he had any doubts whatsoever that he shouldn’t be with her; they were swept away from what they’d just been through. He now knew that no matter what their love was enough to take on anything and come out on the other side happier, together and more in love than before.
Jeff and Nancy welcomed Max to their family and apologized for their behavior earlier. Max simply thanked them for giving him a chance and invited them to dinner to celebrate not only Liz’s birthday but their engagement as well. To which Jeff and Nancy happily accepted.
“This was by far the best birthday ever Max, thank you.” Liz turned from looking out his bedroom window to him lying on the bed later that evening. Her parents had gone to a hotel for the night and would be having lunch with Liz before their departure tomorrow.
“Your welcome.” Liz skipped over to the bed and lay down on top of Max and kissed him deeply. He raised his hands to her hair and ran them through her silky locks thoroughly kissing her.
“I hope I can make your birthday just as special.” Liz finished in a breathy whisper.
“Trust me all you have to do is be there and it will be special.” Max smiled at her before raising his head and capturing her lips once again. They spent the night in each other’s arms, loving one another until the sun came up.
The next morning Max was up early helping Michael move his stuff out of his apartment.
“That’s it Maxwell.”
“Yeah.” Max wasn’t glad that Michael was leaving but knew that they would continue to keep in touch.
“Hey maybe I’ll come see you guys for Christmas? That is if I haven’t managed to find my way to Boston before then.”
“Really?”
“Yeah I’ve been thinking about it. And Maxwell, you Kylei, your Mom and now Liz are my family I don’t think I could stay away that long. I just need to have some time on my own.”
“I understand Michael. Well I know Liz should be here in a few minutes she was leaving with Kylei from lunch with her parents at 3. And my Mom, Serena and Kyle will be here any minute.”
Shortly thereafter everyone arrived to bid farewell to Michael. Diane was in tears, Michael was like her son and she was very glad to hear that he would probably be making an appearance in Boston.
“Take care and if you need anything don’t hesitate to call.” Diane said pulling Michael into a hug.
“Thank you.”
“Michael.”
“Liz.” They both smiled at each other then Michael leaned down and hugged Liz tightly. After that Max and Michael said their goodbyes as well as everyone else. It was hard for Michael to walk away but he knew it wouldn’t be the last time he saw them. They were his family forever after all.
It was a bitter farewell, one that they all knew had to come eventually but that didn’t make it any easier. Max was beyond emotional because he knew in just a few short days that both his mother and Serena would be leaving.
“It’s okay Max.” Liz leaned up on her tiptoes and hugged him when they were alone in his room later that night. She knew how hard it was for him to let go but she would be there for him.
“I love you Max and we’re going to make it through this together because I’m not going anywhere.” Max pulled her up in his arms and kissed her lips softly.
“I can’t wait to make you my wife.” Liz smiled brightly at Max’s words, “Me either.”
****
A few days later they all found themselves facing another goodbye. “I’m going to miss you, I don’t know how to thank you for helping me. I don’t think I would be where I am with Liz if it wasn’t for you.” Max stood in front of his cousin who was already crying and she didn’t care that everyone was watching.
“Max have faith in yourself. You would be right where you are now because of the person you are, so don’t sell yourself short. All you needed was a swift kick in the ass to jumpstart the process.” Serena joked letting out a sad laugh. She had learned so much about herself that summer, her strengths, her weaknesses and for the first time she found out that she is capable of finding love…true love.
Kyle and Serena had their goodbye the day before; it would be too hard for them to have done it the day of her departure. After they all had dinner together, Kyle and Serena stayed up all night and only when she had to head back to grab her bags did she leave him.
“Liz Parker what can I say other than it was a pleasure getting to know you.” Serena said pulling Liz into a hug.
“Serena Evans what can I say other than it was an experience getting to know you but I can never thank you enough for being there when I needed you and always having my back.”
“Thank you Liz, for making my cousin smile and filling his heart again. He may have Kylei but he’s not complete without you by his side, and just remember that when he pisses you off.” Serena tried to make light of the situation; she didn’t think it would be that hard to leave.
“I’ll try to remember.”
“Hey I’m still standing here.” They all shared a small laugh, a few minutes later the car arrived to take Serena to the airport.
“I love you.”
“I love you too Max, take care of her.” Serena whispered in her cousin’s ear before getting in the car.
“I will.” Max mouthed to her as she pulled away.
****
After having dinner Max decided he needed to take a walk. Tomorrow was going to be the hardest part his mother was leaving. Although it was only for a week, since his father’s death he had not been without her for a single day.
“Max.” Diane had left the house shortly after Max knowing exactly where he was going. She left Kylei with Liz and followed the path of her son…to her husband.
“Mom what are you doing here?”
“I wanted to talk to you.” Max simply nodded and held out a hand to his mother helping her to the ground to kneel next to him.
“I miss him Mom so much.” Max couldn’t hold his tears back, not only was his mother leaving but he would be leaving his father.
“I know baby so do I. I miss him everyday, every minute of the day and I wish I could let go because it would be easier but I can’t. I love him more everyday.” Diane let her tears run freely down her cheeks and reached out a hand to her son who held onto it tightly.
“You know I remember the day he came home with that new bicycle and I was too scared to get on it, but he told me that he knew that I could do it, that I could do anything I wanted I just had to believe it in here.” Max pointed to his heart.
“That’s right Max, nothing has changed. You are your father’s son without a doubt. He had insecurities just like you but the one thing you got from him, which you should be so proud of, is his heart. Max you’re not perfect, neither am I or anyone for that matter, but your heart is who you are and without it you’re nothing. You know who taught me that?” Max swiped the tears from his eyes and shook his head.
“Your father. Max your father had so much faith that you would find your way again. He was so proud to call you his son and he wouldn’t trade one second with you for anything; you meant the world to him. The one thing he would tell me when I would tell him how worried I was about you was so true, I don’t think I saw it then but now I know he was right all along.” Diane wiped the tears from her son’s eyes and waited until he looked at her.
“What d-did he say?” Max was eager to know.
“That you needed to find your way and once you did you would become a great man and an even better father when the time came, and you are Max. I know your father is looking down on you right now and smiling because he’s so proud of you.”
“T-thank you Mom.” Diane held her son tightly until he let go of all the pain he was holding in. All the worry he held onto that he was letting his father down he was finally letting go.
“You okay?” Liz asked as Max climbed into bed several hours later. She wrapped her arms around him.
“Yes, I am now. I love you.” Max kissed her lips softly before closing his eyes.
“I love you too.” Liz kissed to top of his head and held him all night knowing that tomorrow was going to be tough for him. She thought about their departure the following week and she knew there was something she needed to do before they left, she just hoped that she had enough time to get it done and surprise Max.
****
The next morning Max was holding himself together a lot better after his conversation with his mother the night before. He finally decided to let go and realize that his father would be happy that he and his mother were moving on, but he would never forget.
“Bye Mom.”
“Bye honey, I’ll call you as soon as I get to the hotel.” Diane kissed her son’s cheek then held her granddaughter.
“Bye sweetheart, grandma will see you in a week and I’ll be sure to have a present for you.”
“Mom you spoil her.” Max whined playfully.
“Like you’re one to talk, you spoil this little girl more than anyone.” Diane winked at her son knowingly.
“Oh no I think I’ve been coming in second to Liz.”
“Did someone mention my name?” Liz stepped onto the sidewalk outside the diner just in time to hear her name.
“Yes Max here was saying that you were now number one in spoiling Kylei.” Liz smiled proudly.
“I’m not number one, her daddy will always be number one but I’m a close second.” Liz leaned up and kissed Max’s cheek softly.
“Okay well it’s time to go.” Diane smiled and handed Kylei to Liz and gave Liz a hug goodbye, then turned to her son and kissed his cheek and told him she’ll talk to him in a few hours.
After she drove away Max held Liz’s hand tightly when it was time to head back inside he did so willingly. He had made peace with himself. It was time to start living in the now with his soon to be bride.
“You want something to snack on?” Liz asks.
“Are you offering?”
“Max Evans!” Liz slapped his arm.
“How about a piece of apple pie?”
“Apple pie coming up!” Liz got up from the couch only to be pulled back down onto his lap for a kiss. Their tongues mingled and their breathing hitched but they were interrupted by a little girl at her daddy’s feet.
“Oh looks like someone wants some attention.”
“Hey pumpkin, you tired yet?”
“Yeah right Max, she’s not tired.”
“I know but I can wish can’t I?” Max wiggled his eyebrows at her.
“You are so bad! I’m going to get the pie.”
“I’m only bad around you baby.” Max smiled and lifted his daughter in the air blowing raspberries on her belly.
“You like that don’t you?”
“Dada!”
“I don’t think I will ever get tired of hearing you say that, now all I need to do is teach you how to say Mama.” Max whispered in his daughter’s ear before Liz made her way back into the living room.
“Here you go.” Liz walked back in with a piece of apple pie for both her and Max. She noticed how quite Max had grown.
“Are you okay?”
“I am now.” Max kissed her hand and settled Kylei between them.
Yes Max thought. He was great with Liz by his side; he just couldn’t wait to start his life with her as his wife.
TBC…
Chapter 30
“Liz what’s wrong?” Max turned when he heard her footsteps running up the stairs.
“They…they just won’t listen to me. They don’t even care about my feelings.” Liz ran into Max’s arms and he quickly wrapped them around her tiny form and held her tightly.
“I’m so sorry baby. I shouldn’t have had them come.” Max dropped a kiss on top of her head. Liz waited until her sobs subsided before speaking again.
“No Max I’m glad you did, I was avoiding them, avoiding this whole situation and you made me face it. It’s just that they don’t see how much I love you Max, how much I want and need to be with you.” She cried in his arms again.
“I know baby but you have to give them time. The only thing they know about me is that I’m a cheater, who broke your heart and now has a daughter.”
“But that’s not you Max!”
“I know not anymore Liz but if that’s all they know how can they feel comfortable having you be with me?”
“I don’t care, I am not giving you up! They can hate me forever I don’t…”
“Yes you do care Liz. You’re just upset. They love you and they know you better than that, just let them get used to the idea.” Max hoped that was the case that Jeff and Nancy just had to get used to the idea of him being back in their daughter’s life with a child.
“Just hold me Max, hold me and don’t let go.” Liz cried into his chest and he held her.
“I’ll never let you go Liz…never.” And he meant it with every fiber of his being. They both stayed that way for a few minutes in their own world. What they didn’t know was that not only had Diane witnessed their moment, but Jeff and Nancy had as well. If they had any doubts they were washed away with their daughters’ tears and from the confession from the man who now held her heart.
“Liz.” Both Max and Liz’s heads snapped towards Max’s open bedroom door to find Liz’s parents standing in the doorway.
“Yeah?” Liz turned but never let go of Max’s hand. Both Jeff and Nancy looked at one another then at their daughter and her future husband.
“Congratulations baby.” They both said with genuine smiles on their faces. Liz looked up at Max who simply nodded at her and let her hand go.
“Thank you!” Liz ran up to her parents who threw their arms around her.
Max stood back and watched Liz with her parents thinking that if he had any doubts whatsoever that he shouldn’t be with her; they were swept away from what they’d just been through. He now knew that no matter what their love was enough to take on anything and come out on the other side happier, together and more in love than before.
Jeff and Nancy welcomed Max to their family and apologized for their behavior earlier. Max simply thanked them for giving him a chance and invited them to dinner to celebrate not only Liz’s birthday but their engagement as well. To which Jeff and Nancy happily accepted.
“This was by far the best birthday ever Max, thank you.” Liz turned from looking out his bedroom window to him lying on the bed later that evening. Her parents had gone to a hotel for the night and would be having lunch with Liz before their departure tomorrow.
“Your welcome.” Liz skipped over to the bed and lay down on top of Max and kissed him deeply. He raised his hands to her hair and ran them through her silky locks thoroughly kissing her.
“I hope I can make your birthday just as special.” Liz finished in a breathy whisper.
“Trust me all you have to do is be there and it will be special.” Max smiled at her before raising his head and capturing her lips once again. They spent the night in each other’s arms, loving one another until the sun came up.
The next morning Max was up early helping Michael move his stuff out of his apartment.
“That’s it Maxwell.”
“Yeah.” Max wasn’t glad that Michael was leaving but knew that they would continue to keep in touch.
“Hey maybe I’ll come see you guys for Christmas? That is if I haven’t managed to find my way to Boston before then.”
“Really?”
“Yeah I’ve been thinking about it. And Maxwell, you Kylei, your Mom and now Liz are my family I don’t think I could stay away that long. I just need to have some time on my own.”
“I understand Michael. Well I know Liz should be here in a few minutes she was leaving with Kylei from lunch with her parents at 3. And my Mom, Serena and Kyle will be here any minute.”
Shortly thereafter everyone arrived to bid farewell to Michael. Diane was in tears, Michael was like her son and she was very glad to hear that he would probably be making an appearance in Boston.
“Take care and if you need anything don’t hesitate to call.” Diane said pulling Michael into a hug.
“Thank you.”
“Michael.”
“Liz.” They both smiled at each other then Michael leaned down and hugged Liz tightly. After that Max and Michael said their goodbyes as well as everyone else. It was hard for Michael to walk away but he knew it wouldn’t be the last time he saw them. They were his family forever after all.
It was a bitter farewell, one that they all knew had to come eventually but that didn’t make it any easier. Max was beyond emotional because he knew in just a few short days that both his mother and Serena would be leaving.
“It’s okay Max.” Liz leaned up on her tiptoes and hugged him when they were alone in his room later that night. She knew how hard it was for him to let go but she would be there for him.
“I love you Max and we’re going to make it through this together because I’m not going anywhere.” Max pulled her up in his arms and kissed her lips softly.
“I can’t wait to make you my wife.” Liz smiled brightly at Max’s words, “Me either.”
****
A few days later they all found themselves facing another goodbye. “I’m going to miss you, I don’t know how to thank you for helping me. I don’t think I would be where I am with Liz if it wasn’t for you.” Max stood in front of his cousin who was already crying and she didn’t care that everyone was watching.
“Max have faith in yourself. You would be right where you are now because of the person you are, so don’t sell yourself short. All you needed was a swift kick in the ass to jumpstart the process.” Serena joked letting out a sad laugh. She had learned so much about herself that summer, her strengths, her weaknesses and for the first time she found out that she is capable of finding love…true love.
Kyle and Serena had their goodbye the day before; it would be too hard for them to have done it the day of her departure. After they all had dinner together, Kyle and Serena stayed up all night and only when she had to head back to grab her bags did she leave him.
“Liz Parker what can I say other than it was a pleasure getting to know you.” Serena said pulling Liz into a hug.
“Serena Evans what can I say other than it was an experience getting to know you but I can never thank you enough for being there when I needed you and always having my back.”
“Thank you Liz, for making my cousin smile and filling his heart again. He may have Kylei but he’s not complete without you by his side, and just remember that when he pisses you off.” Serena tried to make light of the situation; she didn’t think it would be that hard to leave.
“I’ll try to remember.”
“Hey I’m still standing here.” They all shared a small laugh, a few minutes later the car arrived to take Serena to the airport.
“I love you.”
“I love you too Max, take care of her.” Serena whispered in her cousin’s ear before getting in the car.
“I will.” Max mouthed to her as she pulled away.
****
After having dinner Max decided he needed to take a walk. Tomorrow was going to be the hardest part his mother was leaving. Although it was only for a week, since his father’s death he had not been without her for a single day.
“Max.” Diane had left the house shortly after Max knowing exactly where he was going. She left Kylei with Liz and followed the path of her son…to her husband.
“Mom what are you doing here?”
“I wanted to talk to you.” Max simply nodded and held out a hand to his mother helping her to the ground to kneel next to him.
“I miss him Mom so much.” Max couldn’t hold his tears back, not only was his mother leaving but he would be leaving his father.
“I know baby so do I. I miss him everyday, every minute of the day and I wish I could let go because it would be easier but I can’t. I love him more everyday.” Diane let her tears run freely down her cheeks and reached out a hand to her son who held onto it tightly.
“You know I remember the day he came home with that new bicycle and I was too scared to get on it, but he told me that he knew that I could do it, that I could do anything I wanted I just had to believe it in here.” Max pointed to his heart.
“That’s right Max, nothing has changed. You are your father’s son without a doubt. He had insecurities just like you but the one thing you got from him, which you should be so proud of, is his heart. Max you’re not perfect, neither am I or anyone for that matter, but your heart is who you are and without it you’re nothing. You know who taught me that?” Max swiped the tears from his eyes and shook his head.
“Your father. Max your father had so much faith that you would find your way again. He was so proud to call you his son and he wouldn’t trade one second with you for anything; you meant the world to him. The one thing he would tell me when I would tell him how worried I was about you was so true, I don’t think I saw it then but now I know he was right all along.” Diane wiped the tears from her son’s eyes and waited until he looked at her.
“What d-did he say?” Max was eager to know.
“That you needed to find your way and once you did you would become a great man and an even better father when the time came, and you are Max. I know your father is looking down on you right now and smiling because he’s so proud of you.”
“T-thank you Mom.” Diane held her son tightly until he let go of all the pain he was holding in. All the worry he held onto that he was letting his father down he was finally letting go.
“You okay?” Liz asked as Max climbed into bed several hours later. She wrapped her arms around him.
“Yes, I am now. I love you.” Max kissed her lips softly before closing his eyes.
“I love you too.” Liz kissed to top of his head and held him all night knowing that tomorrow was going to be tough for him. She thought about their departure the following week and she knew there was something she needed to do before they left, she just hoped that she had enough time to get it done and surprise Max.
****
The next morning Max was holding himself together a lot better after his conversation with his mother the night before. He finally decided to let go and realize that his father would be happy that he and his mother were moving on, but he would never forget.
“Bye Mom.”
“Bye honey, I’ll call you as soon as I get to the hotel.” Diane kissed her son’s cheek then held her granddaughter.
“Bye sweetheart, grandma will see you in a week and I’ll be sure to have a present for you.”
“Mom you spoil her.” Max whined playfully.
“Like you’re one to talk, you spoil this little girl more than anyone.” Diane winked at her son knowingly.
“Oh no I think I’ve been coming in second to Liz.”
“Did someone mention my name?” Liz stepped onto the sidewalk outside the diner just in time to hear her name.
“Yes Max here was saying that you were now number one in spoiling Kylei.” Liz smiled proudly.
“I’m not number one, her daddy will always be number one but I’m a close second.” Liz leaned up and kissed Max’s cheek softly.
“Okay well it’s time to go.” Diane smiled and handed Kylei to Liz and gave Liz a hug goodbye, then turned to her son and kissed his cheek and told him she’ll talk to him in a few hours.
After she drove away Max held Liz’s hand tightly when it was time to head back inside he did so willingly. He had made peace with himself. It was time to start living in the now with his soon to be bride.
“You want something to snack on?” Liz asks.
“Are you offering?”
“Max Evans!” Liz slapped his arm.
“How about a piece of apple pie?”
“Apple pie coming up!” Liz got up from the couch only to be pulled back down onto his lap for a kiss. Their tongues mingled and their breathing hitched but they were interrupted by a little girl at her daddy’s feet.
“Oh looks like someone wants some attention.”
“Hey pumpkin, you tired yet?”
“Yeah right Max, she’s not tired.”
“I know but I can wish can’t I?” Max wiggled his eyebrows at her.
“You are so bad! I’m going to get the pie.”
“I’m only bad around you baby.” Max smiled and lifted his daughter in the air blowing raspberries on her belly.
“You like that don’t you?”
“Dada!”
“I don’t think I will ever get tired of hearing you say that, now all I need to do is teach you how to say Mama.” Max whispered in his daughter’s ear before Liz made her way back into the living room.
“Here you go.” Liz walked back in with a piece of apple pie for both her and Max. She noticed how quite Max had grown.
“Are you okay?”
“I am now.” Max kissed her hand and settled Kylei between them.
Yes Max thought. He was great with Liz by his side; he just couldn’t wait to start his life with her as his wife.
TBC…