Roswell Fanatics

great part Ruby

ALEX

I slowly walk along the hall, maybe Isabel won't be ready anyway, after all, she's only been gone for a few minutes. She can't possibly… damn, she IS ready! I better approach quietly as to not scare her or anything.

She seems to be searching for something. God, I hope it's not a condom! Or worse, I hope they don't want me to stop later so they can buy some! Even though I'm sure Michael has some with him, I mean, even I have brought some into the house.

Suddenly Isabel gets a bit more frantic in her search for whatever and hits me in the stomach with her elbow. At least I hope she was searching for something and didn't hear me and decided to inflict some pain upon poor little me.

And does she apologize? Of course not - that's beneath princess Isabel. It's good that I met her, so I can finally clear some things up.

“We really should stop meeting like this” I say, trying to appear peaceful and to let her know I'm not mad.

“Maybe if you stop lurking around the hall we would! Unless of course you want me to cause you some real damage” is the unfriendly answer I get and I really didn't expect that even though I should have known better.

“How about we play a game Isabel?” I question. I guess she thinks I'm talking about something sexual the way her eyes narrow. “How about every time we happen to meet, you don’t threaten me with some form of bodily harm? How does that sound?”

“Its sounds boring.” Isabel finally says.

"Boring is better than dead." I quip back.

Running a hand through my hair (no matter what Tess says, I don't need a new hair style), I say, "I wanted to talk with you before we head to beach anyway. Should I take a step back or is it safe for me now?" Not that I'm standing close to her anyway, there are surely 4 feet between us.

"Just say what you want to say, Alex."

ALEX! Not Whitman, Alex! That's good I think.

With a small sigh, I start, still unsure if that's such a good idea or if Tess will kill me for it later. "Well, it's pretty obvious that you have a problem … well, problems with me, Isabel. And … I'd like to know what it is so maybe we can find a solution or the next couple of months might be rather long for us."

She's not yelling back at me immediately which makes me a bit nervous. I really expected her to start listing things up immediately. And I don't mean baby stuff like my dressing sense, but I'm sure she has a lot of things to say and is only trying to organize her list of "Problems with Alex".

*MAX*

Max stood still, watching Alex go upstairs. He was a bit confused by Alex's whispered comment. Michael didn't like him? Sure, he and Michael hadn't spent a lot of time together and he didn't exactly consider the man to be a close friend yet, but I wouldn't have thought that there was anything negative happening there.

Of course, I did have Alex hitting me because of the girls. That's working out, but what am I supposed to do about Michael if he's feeling the same way? Do I have to worry about Kyle, too? I wasn't trying to be the focus of everyone's attention that night. Or three of the girls, rather. Not 'everyone.'

I turn back to Jake, not wanting to ignore him. Maybe I can take some time to think this through later. Or to talk to Alex for more details, if he has a chance.

"So, Jake. I'm glad you're able to come along with us to this cook-out. I hope you don't mind doing all your dating on camera," I say with a smile.

"If you don't mind, why should I?" he counters.

"Touche," I nod. "Point taken."

Mean Max for ignoring Maria, alas oh well

Maria

When Max doesn't reply I figure he either is too busy with Jake or just wasn't paying attention to me, rolling my eye, guys are all the same, they don't hear anyone. I start back up the stairs but when I hear Alex and Isabel's voice I stop, I'd rather not "Interupt" whatever they're talking about. I move back downstairs and head towards the door, figuring I might as well go wait in my car.

No one asked to ride with me, so I'm not sure if I'll be taking anyone to the beach or not. I don't even know if the others know how to get there, I can't assume that they do, seeing as how they don't seem to know their way around here, but it's not that hard to find.

Sitting in my car, as I can't leave, seeing as how I don't know whether they know their way around or not, I pull open my cell, dialing Lilly's number, it only takes her a few seconds before she answer.

"What's up?" She asks.

"You coming?"

"No," She tells me, " I was going to, but then I made plans."

"Oh," I say shrugging it off, this is typical for us.

"Sorry,"

"Don't worry about it, you might have felt awkward anyway."

"Me? Awkward? Girl, I don't get awkward."

"Right..." I say with a roll of my eyes, even though what she's saying is true, the girl could be anywhere and she'd never feel out of place, not even dressed in her hooker heels standing in the middle of a group in tennis.

"Want me to call you later?"

"Whatever,"

"You okay?"

"I'm great." I say, because I am, just a bit disappointed that she won't be going, I'd have someone to talk to at least, but whatever, it ain't a big deal.

yay and part from me lolz

*MAX*

Maria breezes through and heads outside before I think to respond to her hello. I'm torn between Jake and the door. Should I follow her? Surely it wouldn't be polite to leave Jake alone here in the parlor. But I need to talk to Maria, too. Make sure she has room for Michael in her car, 'cause I don't think I want to squeeze all three in my jeep with Tess, although I guess I could. I guess Michael could ride with Alex and Isabel and Jake, if she has other plans. Gawd, I can't believe we're still trying to make car arrangements based on who doesn't like who. Yesterday it was Alex and me, now Michael. It's unbelievable. How did I manage to become so unpopular with the other guys?

Also, I still need directions to this place. I don't know if anyone else has them.

Just then, Tess and Liz come down the stairs together. It's about time, I think. They still look as completely stunning as they did a moment ago, but I manage to keep my cool.

I smile at them both. "Hello, ladies. We were just talking about travel arrangements. Jake and Isabel are riding with Alex," I note the shocked look in their eyes but I certainly can't say anything about it with Jake still at my elbow. "If it's okay with you, I thought Liz and Kyle could ride with us, Tess."

"Sure, that would be okay," Tess says. Her voice doesn't betray any confusion, but I'm sure she's going to have some questions for me when we're alone. Liz also nods her acceptance of this suggestion.

"Super. Why don't you two keep Jake company for a few moments while I go make sure I have directions from Maria, okay?"

"Oh, I think we can manage that," Tess laughs with a twinkle in her eye. I can almost see her turning on the charm as she directs her attention to Isabel's date. "We should be able to pass the time."

"I'm sorry, Jake," I apologise. "I have to make sure I know where we're all going. Be back in a minute." I step outside, hoping Maria's still in sight. After a moment, I realize she's in her car. I wave as I step towards her. She rolls down a window and leans out, resting her crossed arms on the doorframe.

"Hey, Maria," I say. "We were just trying to figure out travel arrangements inside. Will Michael be riding with you?"

Maria


Max catches my attention with all his waving, I smile at him as he comes closers, rolling down the window I cross my arms and lean forward against the door, wondering if Max has finally come to his senses and decided to speak to me. Seeing as how he's already ignored me like twice while we were inside the house.

Believe it or not, this isn't just about my attraction, at least not all of it is. I'd like to get to know him, because I'm not one of those girls who are completely about looks, they're the first thing that catches my eye, but I'd like to get to know them, know whether theres a reason to spend my time thinking about him, because even though he's gorgoues that doesn't mean he's worth my time, and the way things are going, it seems like I already have my answer.

Because as he comes nearer, he asks if I'm going to be taking Michael with me, so much for talking, my smile fades slightly and I shrug, I don't know, am I meant to be taking him? Michael never asked for a ride, but he is I guess my .... friend? So if he need a ride I'll definately take him, but why is Max taking it upon himself to ask me instead? What is wrong with the males in this house? Maybe I should spend some more time getting to know Kyle, he seems like the only level headed guy in this whole joint.

"If he needs a ride, I'll take him." I say shortly, figuring he has better things to do then stand around talking all day.

*MAX*

I see a slight frown cross Maria's face as I talk to her. Did I do something to upset her? What have I said wrong? Still, she did agree.

"Thanks, Maria," I tell her, giving her a warm smile. "Alex is driving Isabel and Jake. And Tess and I are taking Liz and Kyle. But Michael could squeeze in with Alex, if you'd rather drive alone. Or if you want to ride with someone-else...." I trail off, not sure what the right answer is.

Maria

I am trying, really I am, to keep a straight face and to not glare at Max. I mean, he's nice and all, I suppose. But doesn't he know that it kind of hurts my little feelings that the only time he's paid any attention to me is to ask if I would be willing to take Michael to the beach? I'm not saying I have the right to make him have a conversation with me, because though he is talking to me it's not exactly a get know you type thing.

Maybe I'm jealous because he's talked nicely to other people in the house and the times I've tried to talk to him he blew me off, whether it was intentional or not, that's not the point.

"It's fine, I'll take whoever." I tell him with a shrug.

*MAX*

"That'd be great," I tell Maria. I hadn't expected her to be so reluctant, but I'm not quite sure if I should share what Alex said about Michael not liking me. He does seem rather brash on first sight, but I thought there was a bit more to him than that. If Alex and I are friends again, maybe I can figure out what's up with him, too.

"We didn't really get a chance to talk at work," I say, hoping I'm not prying. "How did your evening go with Michael last night?"

Welcome Crystalbehr.

And hey to everyone else, sorry that I haven't been around in the last week or so but I've been busy with RL.

But anyway better late then never

Isabel

"Well, it's pretty obvious that you have a problem … well, problems with me, Isabel. And … I'd like to know what it is so maybe we can find a solution or the next couple of months might be rather long for us." Alex says much to my shock. I hadn’t expected him to come out and just ask what my problem is with him. In fact I just figured that it would be pretty much one of those things that are never talked about.

“Look Alex, I’m not going to lie to you and I’m not going to sugar-coat it either.” I state honestly. I see no point in lying and I never have cause you just know what starts of as a tiny little white lie is going to turn out to be this huge big deal. “There’s just something about you that rubs me up the wrong way,”

“Oh,” Alex frowns “Do you want to be more specific?”

“Eh” I shrug vaguely “Not really.”

“But how can we solve this problem if you won’t tell me all the details?” Alex asks

“Maybe I could memo it to you like some other time when I’m not meant to be on a date with a extremely hot guy,” I say rolling my eyes. God does Whitman really think that I don’t have anything better to do but stand around here and listen to him whine, as if it wasn’t bad enough listening to him last night. I frown, “Didn’t I tell you what was wrong with you yesterday night?”

great to have you back, Ruby and verrry nice part


ALEX


“Look Alex, I’m not going to lie to you and I’m not going to sugar-coat it either. There’s just something about you that rubs me up the wrong way.” Isabel states in matter of fact voice.

She didn't say that she hates me or finds me disgusting - which she surely would have if that's the case, I'm sure - so it can't be that bad, can it? God, I hope so!

"Oh." I say after a moment, I'm unsure what to say but I feel like I should say something, after all, I started this conversation.

But ... "rubs me the wrong way"? Not really helping unless this is some girly code-phrase and Tess and Liz know about it.

"Do you want to be more specific?" I ask, cause this is not making too much sense to me, I add silently, hoping for a more detailed and uncruel list.

“Maybe I could memo it to you like some other time when I’m not meant to be on a date with a extremely hot guy.”

Ouch! I totally forgot about the supposedly hot guy for a moment. Wow, that was a pretty blissful moment, I have to admit.

“Didn’t I tell you what was wrong with you yesterday night?” Isabel adds after a moment.

I look confused for a second before replying with a smirk (couldn't help myself), "You mean when you told me that my dressing sense sucks?" I wait for a moment to see if she has something to say but since she remains quiet, I just continue. "I admit that I don't know you, Isabel, but I'd like to think that me 'rubbing you the wrong way'," God, that has a sexual meaning too, I just realize!, "well, I'd like to believe that you aren't so superficial to only judge people by their clothes. Therefore, I'm thinking that it must be something else other than my outfits."

"Besides, I remember interrupting you after you made clear that you have a problem with my clothes, so" I look directly into her eyes, trying to concentrate on what I'm saying and not getting lost in them - not easy, believe me! "... you didn't really tell me." Seeing her mouth drop in shock at my blunt words (I think it's shock), I brace myself for what's to come cause honestly, I have a feeling that it will be bad. I mean, yesterday she was too tired to hit me or something for just putting her out of my way.