Title: Fighting to be Normal
Rating: Adult
Pairs: Max/Liz, Michael/Maria, Alex/Isabel
Author: flyawayraven AKA Jessica L (JL)
Disclaimer: I don't own any of Roswell, or well nothing...kinda makes me sad.
Summary: Liz fights to escape from a hard past, only to find her in more trouble when she meets Max, a charming lawyer who befriends her. He knows something’s up with the new people in town and is curious to find out. Liz on the other hand doesn’t want to pull him into her troubles, but will she have a choice when her past comes back to haunt her?
Author’s notes: I haven’t written an AU ever, and I don’t know how this is going to turn out. But PLEASE feed back is important to me, so give me all you got. I have the story in my head, but putting it on paper is gonna be kinda hard, so behr with me…
Fighting to be Normal
Part 1
Elizabeth Claudia Parker sighed as she leaned back against the head rest in the passenger’s seat of the car. The window was down and the cool wind soothed her burning flesh. She closed her eyes, only to open them quickly as images poured into her mind. With a groan she sat up, pushing her sunglasses further up her nose as she glanced behind her. Corey, he two year old son was sleeping peacefully in the back seat of the SUV. His cheeks flushed from the New Mexico heat. His blond hair feel across his closed eyes and drool dribbled down his chin, causing bubbles as he breathed in and out. Satisfied that he was fine, she faced forward, only to aware of the eyes that glanced in her direction.
“You Ok?” Her brother Alex asked as he studied her with worry.
“Yeah, I’m fine, just tired.” She replied, not looking him in the eye. Alex just nodded. He knew she was just saying that to keep him off her back, but he would let it rest for now. Sooner or later she would have to talk.
“We’ll be there in a few minuets. I think you’ll like the house. Maria personally decorated it.” He told her with a smile.
Liz couldn’t help but smile back at the image of her cousin running around frantically cursing everyone who got in her way. Maria, Liz’s cousin had been her best friend since the day she was born. Inseparable growing up, they had gotten into a fair amount of trouble. Alex had joined them when Liz’s mother had remarried Alex’s father, bringing the two families together. They were the three musketeers, and no one messed with their little group. Although two years older then Liz and Maria, he had allowed the two girls to take him under their wing and make him an honorary girlfriend. When Alex went off to college, Liz and Maria made sure to visit him often, and joined him after they graduated, sharing an apartment right off of the Harvard campus.
Liz turned to Alex, “Why in God’s name did you choose Roswell?” she asked. “There isn’t anything out here but sand and I’m not even going to mention the heat! I mean come on!”
Alex chuckled at his sister. “Common Lizzie, it’s not that bad, and besides…” he trailed off only to push forward. “You needed somewhere where Jake wouldn’t look for you, and an alien themed tourist town seemed like the perfect place.”
Liz paled at the name of her ex-boyfriend. “Did you have to say his name?” she asked quietly.
Alex sighed. “I’m sorry Liz, I didn’t mean to. Look, we’ve hit the town; we’ll be there in five minuets. Just relax.”
Liz groaned. “How the hell do you expect me to relax?” Alex cracked a small grin. “I think it pertains to leaning back and taking a deep breath. I haven’t seen the house yet, but Maria tells me it’s a beauty. Plus, with me opening my own business, I won’t be far away.”
Liz nodded her head. “You know…I still don’t understand why you would want to start your business here…I mean, and the fact that Maria moved her company out here. Its ridicules, you two shouldn’t have to drop your lives for me. It’s not fair to you.”
Alex frowned at her. “I think that would be obvious. We let you run away from the three musketeers once when you left for Detroit with him, we aren’t about to let you deal with this on your own. We missed you, we wanted the group back…it’s our decision to do this and nothing your going to say is going to change that….sorry, but it’s true.” He finished his speech as he pulled onto a street with large beautiful houses. He slowed the car as he approached a large white house that sat nestled behind a fence. Stopping before the gate, he rang the buzzer and waited for Maria to open the gates.
“Looks like you went all out on security.” Liz mumbled. Alex smiled at her. “Nothing is too good for my Lizzie. I sent Andrew out last week to set it up…Maria wasn’t too happy with having him under her feet.”
Liz could only stare at the sight in front of her. The large house stood three stories high, double French doors served as the front doors and above a large balcony hovered over the circle drive way, causing an awning in which Alex pulled under, right at the front doors.
Liz gingerly stepped out of the SUV and spun around. Before she could utter a word the French doors were thrown open and Maria hurled herself at her cousin.
“Liz! God you’re finally here!” She squealed, pulling Liz into a tight hug, causing Liz to yelp in pain. Maria quickly pulled back and stared at Liz. “What did he do to you?” she asked as tears pooled in her emerald green eyes. Liz gave her a small smile. “It’s not as bad as it looks Ria.” Maria shook her head as she pulled off Liz sun glasses and hat, letting Liz’s chocolate brown hair flow to her shoulders. She studied Liz’s battered face, lightly tracing the stitched up gash above her left eye. Bruises covered a good portion of the right side of her face and her lip was still fat from the repeated blows.
Liz lowered her eyes to the ground, embarrassed under her best friends’ scrutiny. Alex walked up to them, a sleepy Corey rubbing his eyes fretfully. Alex wrapped her arms around Liz’s shoulders, careful about her broken collar bone. “You don’t have to be embarrassed Liz.” Liz raised her eyes to Maria.
“He deserves to die for what he did to you!” She whispered angrily. Liz shook her head. “It’s done Ria…he can’t hurt me anymore…” With that said, she walked into the house leaving her family standing there staring after her.
TBC…or not? What do ya’ll think?,,,,,
Fighting to be Normal(AU,Adult,CC) Pt 5 AN 6.11.05 [WIP]
Moderators: Anniepoo98, ISLANDGIRL5, truelovepooh, Forum Moderators
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flyawayraven
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 91
- Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2005 1:40 am
- Location: Madison Wi
Fighting to be Normal(AU,Adult,CC) Pt 5 AN 6.11.05 [WIP]
Last edited by flyawayraven on Sat Jun 11, 2005 9:58 pm, edited 4 times in total.
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flyawayraven
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 91
- Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2005 1:40 am
- Location: Madison Wi
Part 2
Liz walked around the house, admiring the beautiful decorating Maria had done for her. Maria knew what she would like, and each room radiated with Liz’s own personality. Liz chuckled, she couldn’t have done a better job herself, but then again that’s why Maria was the interior decorator and Liz wasn’t. She stopped her tour when she heard Corey’s little voice calling for her. Following it, she found her son standing in the middle of the large living room looking lost.
“Core I’m right here.” She said softly. Corey bolted for her and attached himself onto her leg. “I couldn’t find yous mama…” Liz chuckled as Alex and Maria made their way into the house.
“Hey Core” Maria called out. The little boy poked his head between his mother’s legs. “Yeah Auntie Ria?” He replied shyly. Maria could only smile at him. “Do you want to see your room?” She asked excitedly. Corey couldn’t help the smile that lit up his face, but he still held fast onto his mothers’ legs.
“Go on…” Liz encouraged. Corey reluctantly let go of Liz and headed for Maria’s out stretched hand. Liz watched sadly as they made their way up the large staircase in the foyer. “Give him some time.” Alex said softly making his way toward his sister. “It’s going to be a big adjustment for him.”
Liz smiled at him. “I know all this Alex, but ever since….well lets just say he’s having a hard time letting me out of his sight these days.” Alex nodded knowingly. “Well, Ria and I are here now, we never did get to see enough of him since he was born.”
Alex watched as Liz’s face fell. “I know Alex, and I’m really sorry about that.” Alex shook his head. “Lizzie, you have nothing to apologize for. It’s all that Jack Asses fault for keeping you two away from us…” Liz sighed as she lowered herself onto the couch. She couldn’t help but smile as she felt the plush cushions sinking under her weight. “Well were here now, that’s all that matter…it’s over Alex, drop it.”
Alex shook his head as he sat down next to her. “I won’t drop it until you talk about it.” Liz’s smile left her face. “Well then I’ll just have to learn to tune you out, because I am not going to talk about it…not now not ever.”
Just then Corey came bounding into the living room. “Mama! Mama! Yous gotta see my room…It’s got puppies!” Liz smiled at Maria as she followed her small cousin in. “So, Auntie Maria remember you love puppies…did you say thank you?” Corey nodded his head enthusiastically. “Well Core…if I remember correctly, I think there’s a play room down here for you also…why don’t you go find it…” Liz didn’t get to finish as Corey bounded out of the room. Seconds later a squeal was heard as Corey slammed the door to the room. “Well, I don’t think he’s coming out of there any time soon.” Maria said with a smile as she joined her friends of the couch.
Liz nodded her head. “It was really sweet of you to think about him like that. God knows he needs his own space.” No one said anything for awhile. Finally Maria spoke up. “Speaking of puppies Liz, when are Galaxy and Cosmo arriving?” Liz didn’t say anything as she looked at Alex.
“Oh, um….the truck should be here in about an hour….I guess that means I should go check the perimeter to make sure there’s no way out.” Alex replied. Liz smirked at him as he lifted himself up and made his way out. “Heaven forbid they should run away!” Liz called after him. Alex threw a smirk over his shoulder as he made his way toward the kitchen and out the patio doors.
When Alex was gone Liz turned to her best friend. “Thanks for doing all of this Maria. It really means a lot.” Maria just shrugged her shoulders. “Don’t mention it. It’s not every day that you inherit 20 million dollars and a house like this.” Liz nodded her head sadly. “I’m really going to miss Grandma Claudia. She always knew I was better then what I was living. She was the world…” Liz chuckled softly. “I’m really going to miss her.” Maria nodded.
“You know, your father does live here also.” Liz shook her head. “Don’t Maria…don’t push please.” She begged. Maria didn’t let it drop thought. “I’m just saying Liz; he’d probably like to see you. You know. You haven’t seen him since the divorce…” Liz shook her head angrily. “That was his choice not mine! He’s the one who stayed away!” Maria shrugged her shoulders. “I know Lizzie, but maybe it’s time to bury the hatchet. It’s a small town; you’re bound to run into him some time. I have already.”
Liz eyes snapped up to her friends face. “Did he say he missed me?” she asked quietly. Maria gave her a small smile. “He asked about you. Wanted to know why I was in town. Lizzie he knows you’re here, he knows his mother left you with everything. I could tell he misses you, I mean come on…You were his baby girl and then your mother had to go and take you away from him, his only daughter…just to spite him.”
Liz nodded. “Yeah, Ok…” Maria gave her a big smile. “Why don’t we go to the restaurant he owns for dinner?” Liz shook her head. “No…no way, not when I’m like this.” Maria stopped. “Oh, I can fix that with some make up. We’ll just say you um….well we’ll make up something. He owns the Crashdown Café on Main Street.” Liz chuckled. “Let me guess, alien themed?” Maria nodded her head. “Of course, we do live in an alien themed town now don’t ya know!”
Their conversation was cut short by the buzzer for the gate. Maria jumped up. “That must be Galaxy and Cosmo!” she exclaimed excitedly. Liz shook her head as she slowly lifted herself off the couch and headed toward the door. “Core!” She yelled. “The pups are here!” Corey hopped toward the front door and took his mothers hand as they watched the truck pull up the drive way. The delivery man jumped from the truck and walked over. “You Elizabeth Parker?” he asked. Liz nodded her head. “Sign here” she asked. Liz signed as best as she could with her good arm and handed the pen back to him.
The delivery man walked to the back of the truck and gently lifted down two crates with the words ‘live animal’ across the boards in big red letter. “If you don’t mind me asking” the delivery man asked “what is it you have in there? They haven’t made a sound the whole trip…kinda perked my interest. Usually when I tote large animals they make a racket the whole trip.” Liz smiled gently at him. “Well, why don’t you stick around for a moment and I’ll let them out.” She said with a mischievous glint in her eyes. Alex and Maria noticed and couldn’t help but chuckle. They man agreed excitedly as Liz make her way to the crates.
Slowly, she unlocked the first one and opened the door, laughing when the delivery man swore loudly and jumped into his truck. Then Liz opened the second one. Galaxy and Cosmo stood there for a moment and then slowly made their way out of the cages. Liz painfully knelt beside them and rubbed them down one by one. “Hey guys” she whispered placing kisses on their muzzles.
“Are you even allowed to own them?” the delivery man asked as he watched Liz. Liz nodded her head. “I work with exotic animals as a living, so these two aren’t pets, their companions.” The delivery man nodded in understanding as he watched the two animals.
Galaxy stood well above Liz waist. His black coat gleamed in the sun light and you could easily see his muscles rippling underneath his skin. His golden eyes captivated you as he glanced around taking in his new surrounding. Cosmo was only a little bit smaller, but just as powerful looking. Her grey coat held a splash of black around her neck with held with the tradition of her species. Her different colored eyes held tenderness in them as she made her way over to the little boy who she considered one of her own pups. Corey bumped foreheads with her as he wrapped her arms around her neck and held her. Corey’s own big brown eyes stared back into the one golden and one brown of the animal.
Liz tuned from the tender scene back to the man cowering in the truck. “Any more question sir?” she asked. The man nodded his head. “Are those what I think they are, cause I don’t think dogs get that big.” He chuckled nervously. Liz nodded her head. “Yeah, their wolves” The delivery man just nodded before starting his truck and driving off down the long drive.
As soon as the truck was out of sight, Alex and Maria burst out laughing. “Liz you are so wrong!” Alex howled. Liz smiled at them. “Well it’s not my fault people are curious. They shouldn’t be if they don’t expect two see to large Timber wolves enter into the picture. Hasn’t anyone heard the saying curiosity killed the cat?” Liz asked.
Maria held her stomach as she laughed. “What’s with the companion thing Liz; These two are so spoiled…they even have their own room?!” Liz couldn’t help but smile at that as Galaxy wandered over and sat on her feet. Liz frowned. “Call two wolves’ pets to the wrong people and you’ll have the closest Zoo trying to pry them away from you. It’s a good thing I have permits for my babies…anyway, let’s go eat!” Liz announced as she took Corey’s hand and walked inside, the two wolves following close behind.
Liz walked around the house, admiring the beautiful decorating Maria had done for her. Maria knew what she would like, and each room radiated with Liz’s own personality. Liz chuckled, she couldn’t have done a better job herself, but then again that’s why Maria was the interior decorator and Liz wasn’t. She stopped her tour when she heard Corey’s little voice calling for her. Following it, she found her son standing in the middle of the large living room looking lost.
“Core I’m right here.” She said softly. Corey bolted for her and attached himself onto her leg. “I couldn’t find yous mama…” Liz chuckled as Alex and Maria made their way into the house.
“Hey Core” Maria called out. The little boy poked his head between his mother’s legs. “Yeah Auntie Ria?” He replied shyly. Maria could only smile at him. “Do you want to see your room?” She asked excitedly. Corey couldn’t help the smile that lit up his face, but he still held fast onto his mothers’ legs.
“Go on…” Liz encouraged. Corey reluctantly let go of Liz and headed for Maria’s out stretched hand. Liz watched sadly as they made their way up the large staircase in the foyer. “Give him some time.” Alex said softly making his way toward his sister. “It’s going to be a big adjustment for him.”
Liz smiled at him. “I know all this Alex, but ever since….well lets just say he’s having a hard time letting me out of his sight these days.” Alex nodded knowingly. “Well, Ria and I are here now, we never did get to see enough of him since he was born.”
Alex watched as Liz’s face fell. “I know Alex, and I’m really sorry about that.” Alex shook his head. “Lizzie, you have nothing to apologize for. It’s all that Jack Asses fault for keeping you two away from us…” Liz sighed as she lowered herself onto the couch. She couldn’t help but smile as she felt the plush cushions sinking under her weight. “Well were here now, that’s all that matter…it’s over Alex, drop it.”
Alex shook his head as he sat down next to her. “I won’t drop it until you talk about it.” Liz’s smile left her face. “Well then I’ll just have to learn to tune you out, because I am not going to talk about it…not now not ever.”
Just then Corey came bounding into the living room. “Mama! Mama! Yous gotta see my room…It’s got puppies!” Liz smiled at Maria as she followed her small cousin in. “So, Auntie Maria remember you love puppies…did you say thank you?” Corey nodded his head enthusiastically. “Well Core…if I remember correctly, I think there’s a play room down here for you also…why don’t you go find it…” Liz didn’t get to finish as Corey bounded out of the room. Seconds later a squeal was heard as Corey slammed the door to the room. “Well, I don’t think he’s coming out of there any time soon.” Maria said with a smile as she joined her friends of the couch.
Liz nodded her head. “It was really sweet of you to think about him like that. God knows he needs his own space.” No one said anything for awhile. Finally Maria spoke up. “Speaking of puppies Liz, when are Galaxy and Cosmo arriving?” Liz didn’t say anything as she looked at Alex.
“Oh, um….the truck should be here in about an hour….I guess that means I should go check the perimeter to make sure there’s no way out.” Alex replied. Liz smirked at him as he lifted himself up and made his way out. “Heaven forbid they should run away!” Liz called after him. Alex threw a smirk over his shoulder as he made his way toward the kitchen and out the patio doors.
When Alex was gone Liz turned to her best friend. “Thanks for doing all of this Maria. It really means a lot.” Maria just shrugged her shoulders. “Don’t mention it. It’s not every day that you inherit 20 million dollars and a house like this.” Liz nodded her head sadly. “I’m really going to miss Grandma Claudia. She always knew I was better then what I was living. She was the world…” Liz chuckled softly. “I’m really going to miss her.” Maria nodded.
“You know, your father does live here also.” Liz shook her head. “Don’t Maria…don’t push please.” She begged. Maria didn’t let it drop thought. “I’m just saying Liz; he’d probably like to see you. You know. You haven’t seen him since the divorce…” Liz shook her head angrily. “That was his choice not mine! He’s the one who stayed away!” Maria shrugged her shoulders. “I know Lizzie, but maybe it’s time to bury the hatchet. It’s a small town; you’re bound to run into him some time. I have already.”
Liz eyes snapped up to her friends face. “Did he say he missed me?” she asked quietly. Maria gave her a small smile. “He asked about you. Wanted to know why I was in town. Lizzie he knows you’re here, he knows his mother left you with everything. I could tell he misses you, I mean come on…You were his baby girl and then your mother had to go and take you away from him, his only daughter…just to spite him.”
Liz nodded. “Yeah, Ok…” Maria gave her a big smile. “Why don’t we go to the restaurant he owns for dinner?” Liz shook her head. “No…no way, not when I’m like this.” Maria stopped. “Oh, I can fix that with some make up. We’ll just say you um….well we’ll make up something. He owns the Crashdown Café on Main Street.” Liz chuckled. “Let me guess, alien themed?” Maria nodded her head. “Of course, we do live in an alien themed town now don’t ya know!”
Their conversation was cut short by the buzzer for the gate. Maria jumped up. “That must be Galaxy and Cosmo!” she exclaimed excitedly. Liz shook her head as she slowly lifted herself off the couch and headed toward the door. “Core!” She yelled. “The pups are here!” Corey hopped toward the front door and took his mothers hand as they watched the truck pull up the drive way. The delivery man jumped from the truck and walked over. “You Elizabeth Parker?” he asked. Liz nodded her head. “Sign here” she asked. Liz signed as best as she could with her good arm and handed the pen back to him.
The delivery man walked to the back of the truck and gently lifted down two crates with the words ‘live animal’ across the boards in big red letter. “If you don’t mind me asking” the delivery man asked “what is it you have in there? They haven’t made a sound the whole trip…kinda perked my interest. Usually when I tote large animals they make a racket the whole trip.” Liz smiled gently at him. “Well, why don’t you stick around for a moment and I’ll let them out.” She said with a mischievous glint in her eyes. Alex and Maria noticed and couldn’t help but chuckle. They man agreed excitedly as Liz make her way to the crates.
Slowly, she unlocked the first one and opened the door, laughing when the delivery man swore loudly and jumped into his truck. Then Liz opened the second one. Galaxy and Cosmo stood there for a moment and then slowly made their way out of the cages. Liz painfully knelt beside them and rubbed them down one by one. “Hey guys” she whispered placing kisses on their muzzles.
“Are you even allowed to own them?” the delivery man asked as he watched Liz. Liz nodded her head. “I work with exotic animals as a living, so these two aren’t pets, their companions.” The delivery man nodded in understanding as he watched the two animals.
Galaxy stood well above Liz waist. His black coat gleamed in the sun light and you could easily see his muscles rippling underneath his skin. His golden eyes captivated you as he glanced around taking in his new surrounding. Cosmo was only a little bit smaller, but just as powerful looking. Her grey coat held a splash of black around her neck with held with the tradition of her species. Her different colored eyes held tenderness in them as she made her way over to the little boy who she considered one of her own pups. Corey bumped foreheads with her as he wrapped her arms around her neck and held her. Corey’s own big brown eyes stared back into the one golden and one brown of the animal.
Liz tuned from the tender scene back to the man cowering in the truck. “Any more question sir?” she asked. The man nodded his head. “Are those what I think they are, cause I don’t think dogs get that big.” He chuckled nervously. Liz nodded her head. “Yeah, their wolves” The delivery man just nodded before starting his truck and driving off down the long drive.
As soon as the truck was out of sight, Alex and Maria burst out laughing. “Liz you are so wrong!” Alex howled. Liz smiled at them. “Well it’s not my fault people are curious. They shouldn’t be if they don’t expect two see to large Timber wolves enter into the picture. Hasn’t anyone heard the saying curiosity killed the cat?” Liz asked.
Maria held her stomach as she laughed. “What’s with the companion thing Liz; These two are so spoiled…they even have their own room?!” Liz couldn’t help but smile at that as Galaxy wandered over and sat on her feet. Liz frowned. “Call two wolves’ pets to the wrong people and you’ll have the closest Zoo trying to pry them away from you. It’s a good thing I have permits for my babies…anyway, let’s go eat!” Liz announced as she took Corey’s hand and walked inside, the two wolves following close behind.
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Sternbetrachter
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flyawayraven
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
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hey everyone...thanks for all the FB. Sorry this next part is really boreing and short, I promise that the next one will be alot more exciting and longer. With all of that said.
Part 3
Jeff Parker handed the customer his change with a small smile. “Have a nice day.” He called after them. With that done he turned and watched the activities going on in his restaurant, the Crashdown Café. He had worked hard to get it up and running and he was proud of it. He headed back into the back room where his office was located. Sitting at his desk he put his feet up and listened to the hustle and bustle through the door. He picked up the picture of his daughter that was framed on his desk. He thought about her every day and wished he could see her. With a shake of his head, he cleared his head of the impossibility. He had to admit, with his mother gone, he had hoped that she would come to Roswell, but it had been months, and she still hadn’t shown. Not that he blamed her; his mother had left her with three or four properties. She had her choice and Roswell obviously wasn’t it. He turned his head when there was a small knock on his door.
“Yeah” he called. Courtney, one of his waitresses opened the door a crack.
“Sorry to bother you Mr. Parker. But there is a table that is asking to see you.” Jeff nodded his head and waved her off. Some days’ he thought he was getting to be to old to deal with this business anymore, but to give it up…not gonna happen. He walked out into the restaurant and Courtney pointed out the table. He recognized the blond, she had often come in the past few months, but the brunette male he didn’t know, nor could he see the face of the small long haired brunette that was fussing over the little boy.
“Can I help you?” he asked. He couldn’t help the smile that lit his face as the small girl in front of him turned to face him. “Hi daddy” Liz spoke quietly. “Elizabeth?” Liz nodded her head. “It’s been a long time hasn’t it?” she asked. Jeff’s smile faltered. “Yeah, it has.” Liz shook her head. “I don’t blame you daddy…why don’t you sit?” Jeff nodded his head in answer and slid into the booth next to his daughter. “You know Liz, I was just thinking about you.” Liz smiled. “You were?” Jeff nodded with a smile. “So what are you doing here?” he asked even though he already knew. “I decided to live in Grandma’s house for awhile. I need a change.” Liz answered nervously glancing at Alex and Maria. Jeff noticed this as he studied his daughters face. He noticed the slight discoloration of her cheek and her slit lip and stitched eyebrow couldn’t be covered. He also noticed that she heavily favored her left shoulder as she helped the little boy. Liz noticed his scrutiny and flushed. Clearing her throat she thrust her chin at Alex and Maria. “Dad, this is Alex and Maria…Maria’s been here decorating that house.” Jeff nodded at them politely before turning back to Liz.
“And this, dad, this is Corey. He’s my son.” Jeff smiled at the little boy. “So I’m a grandfather!” He said proudly. He smiled at Corey who shyly smiled back at him. “Corey” Liz told her son. “Remember how I told you about Grandpa Parker?” Corey nodded his head. “Is this gampa?” he asked. Liz nodded. “Yup” Corey nodded wisely. “He makes the best Sunday’s right?” Corey asked his mother. Jeff couldn’t help but chuckle. “Kiddo, you can have anything you want, and that means I will make you as many Sunday’s as you want.” Corey just nodded before turning his attention back to his dinner. Jeff studied him for another moment before swinging his gaze to Alex.
“Are you the father?” Jeff asked. Alex chocked on his dinner staring at Liz surprised. “NO!” Liz said with a chuckle. “Um…Alex is my step-brother.” Jeff nodded “Ok…fine but that still doesn’t give me any answers to where the boy’s father is.” Liz tuned to Corey. “Corey’s father isn’t in the picture anymore…it’s just us.” Jeff stared at her for a moment then nodded in acceptance. “Ok, fine…is there anything you need to get settled then?” He asked. Liz shook her head “Um…no…but could you suggest a lawyer her in town? I have to settle some of Grandma’s inheritance.”
Jeff nodded. “Let me go get my lawyer’s card, he’s the best in Roswell…family owned if I’m not mistaken. His daughter works for his office here and his son works out of his LA office. Anyway…here it is.” Jeff handed it over to Liz. Liz read it out loud. “Phillip Evans, Attorney at Law…Ok, thanks dad. I’ll make sure to call him.”
With that said they finished their dinner with small talk while Liz caught up with her father. Maria and Alex glanced at each other with a smile. Yup, everything was going to work out for them here in Roswell New Mexico.
Part 3
Jeff Parker handed the customer his change with a small smile. “Have a nice day.” He called after them. With that done he turned and watched the activities going on in his restaurant, the Crashdown Café. He had worked hard to get it up and running and he was proud of it. He headed back into the back room where his office was located. Sitting at his desk he put his feet up and listened to the hustle and bustle through the door. He picked up the picture of his daughter that was framed on his desk. He thought about her every day and wished he could see her. With a shake of his head, he cleared his head of the impossibility. He had to admit, with his mother gone, he had hoped that she would come to Roswell, but it had been months, and she still hadn’t shown. Not that he blamed her; his mother had left her with three or four properties. She had her choice and Roswell obviously wasn’t it. He turned his head when there was a small knock on his door.
“Yeah” he called. Courtney, one of his waitresses opened the door a crack.
“Sorry to bother you Mr. Parker. But there is a table that is asking to see you.” Jeff nodded his head and waved her off. Some days’ he thought he was getting to be to old to deal with this business anymore, but to give it up…not gonna happen. He walked out into the restaurant and Courtney pointed out the table. He recognized the blond, she had often come in the past few months, but the brunette male he didn’t know, nor could he see the face of the small long haired brunette that was fussing over the little boy.
“Can I help you?” he asked. He couldn’t help the smile that lit his face as the small girl in front of him turned to face him. “Hi daddy” Liz spoke quietly. “Elizabeth?” Liz nodded her head. “It’s been a long time hasn’t it?” she asked. Jeff’s smile faltered. “Yeah, it has.” Liz shook her head. “I don’t blame you daddy…why don’t you sit?” Jeff nodded his head in answer and slid into the booth next to his daughter. “You know Liz, I was just thinking about you.” Liz smiled. “You were?” Jeff nodded with a smile. “So what are you doing here?” he asked even though he already knew. “I decided to live in Grandma’s house for awhile. I need a change.” Liz answered nervously glancing at Alex and Maria. Jeff noticed this as he studied his daughters face. He noticed the slight discoloration of her cheek and her slit lip and stitched eyebrow couldn’t be covered. He also noticed that she heavily favored her left shoulder as she helped the little boy. Liz noticed his scrutiny and flushed. Clearing her throat she thrust her chin at Alex and Maria. “Dad, this is Alex and Maria…Maria’s been here decorating that house.” Jeff nodded at them politely before turning back to Liz.
“And this, dad, this is Corey. He’s my son.” Jeff smiled at the little boy. “So I’m a grandfather!” He said proudly. He smiled at Corey who shyly smiled back at him. “Corey” Liz told her son. “Remember how I told you about Grandpa Parker?” Corey nodded his head. “Is this gampa?” he asked. Liz nodded. “Yup” Corey nodded wisely. “He makes the best Sunday’s right?” Corey asked his mother. Jeff couldn’t help but chuckle. “Kiddo, you can have anything you want, and that means I will make you as many Sunday’s as you want.” Corey just nodded before turning his attention back to his dinner. Jeff studied him for another moment before swinging his gaze to Alex.
“Are you the father?” Jeff asked. Alex chocked on his dinner staring at Liz surprised. “NO!” Liz said with a chuckle. “Um…Alex is my step-brother.” Jeff nodded “Ok…fine but that still doesn’t give me any answers to where the boy’s father is.” Liz tuned to Corey. “Corey’s father isn’t in the picture anymore…it’s just us.” Jeff stared at her for a moment then nodded in acceptance. “Ok, fine…is there anything you need to get settled then?” He asked. Liz shook her head “Um…no…but could you suggest a lawyer her in town? I have to settle some of Grandma’s inheritance.”
Jeff nodded. “Let me go get my lawyer’s card, he’s the best in Roswell…family owned if I’m not mistaken. His daughter works for his office here and his son works out of his LA office. Anyway…here it is.” Jeff handed it over to Liz. Liz read it out loud. “Phillip Evans, Attorney at Law…Ok, thanks dad. I’ll make sure to call him.”
With that said they finished their dinner with small talk while Liz caught up with her father. Maria and Alex glanced at each other with a smile. Yup, everything was going to work out for them here in Roswell New Mexico.
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flyawayraven
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 91
- Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2005 1:40 am
- Location: Madison Wi
Thanks for all the feed back guy! But PLEASE send more!!! The more you send the happier I am!!! Anyway, I know you've all been wanting to know about Liz's past...I wasn't going to post this next part so soon, but I thought it would fit...so here it goes!
Part 4
Liz sighed as she climbed into bed that night. Her body aced as she eased back against the pillows. She craved sleep, her body screamed with exhaustion, and yet she feared the dreams that haunted her. What had she ever done to deserve this? She asked herself, it was the same question she had asked herself since he first time Jake had laid his fist on her. Jake…it wasn’t that she missed him. Hell could freeze over before she missed him, but she felt so alone. Sure Alex and Maria had been there for her with their silly tactics and jokes, and at first she easily put on the façade making them believe that she would be fine. Now, as she lay in her bed, tears formed in her eyes. She thought leaving him would make things better. But her heart aced, she was so broken and didn’t know how much longer she could continue with the smiles and the laughs, at least enough to make it believable to those who mattered.
Those who mattered. Liz smiled as the image of Corey came to her. He was her savior, the one thing in her life that was right. His big brown eyes showed enough emotion in them to steal your heart in thirty seconds flat. The way his blond hair fell into his eyes. God she loved him, more then anything in this world, he was perfect and with him around…everything would be fine. Sleep slowly claimed her as she relaxed, closing her eyes she craved the few hours of rest she would get before the nightmares returned to haunt her.
Hours later Liz sat straight up in bed, a scream chocking her like his fist. She shuddered as the cool breeze grazed her sweaty skin. His green eyes blazed angrily behind her eyes. She shook her head willing the image to fade away. She felt the wetness on her cheeks and gave a sad chuckle as she realized she was crying once again. She had shed enough tears for him to last four life times.
She needed something to get her mind off of Him, something to distract her. Swinging her legs over the side of her bed and grabbed her robe. Padding softly down the hall she quietly checked on Corey and smiled at the image he presented. His small body was curled up on his toddler bed. His over sized Pooh characters surrounded him protectively. He looked like a small bird huddled deep within it’s nest. Silently she grabbed his blanket off the end of the bed and covered him, knowing all to well that it wouldn’t stay on him for more then five minuets. Making her way down stairs she glanced around.
Maria had done a fabulous job redecorating her grandmothers home. The large house held a lot of memories from when her life was good, before her mother had left her father. When things were normal in her life. Normal…she chuckled at the word. What’s so great about normal? She thought to herself. Normal was boring and uneventful…you knew what to expect from normal. Liz had lived her whole life trying not to be normal and yet as she stood in the kitchen staring out of the large window over the sink, she craved it. She wished for routine and structure. Spontaneous adventures didn’t sound so fun to her anymore. But how do you go about archiving normal when you lived your whole life avoiding it? It was a question that plagued her as she turned to the boxes Maria hadn’t wanted to unpack, thinking it was better if she did it herself. Her mind wandered as she pulled items from box after box. Soon she was surrounded by framed pictures of Corey growing up, her graduation…pictures of herself with Alex and Maria’s arms wrapped around her. Tears stung her eyes as she thought about the times when her life seemed so easy, so simple and so innocent. She longed to go back to those years when she knew how to live carefree, where their was no pain waiting right around the corner.
Liz sighed as she picked up the closest photo album near her. She fingered the blue cloth gently before easing it open. There staring back at her was a younger version of herself, a large smile gracing her face as she stared adoringly up at the man who’s arms were around her waist. It was taken only a few weeks after she had met Jake her first year of college.
He had come up to her as she made her way across campus heading to her next class when he had approached her, asking her out for coffee. How naive she had been back then, but she had instantly fallen for his boyish good looks. His black hair, brilliant green eyes and perfect smile made her the envy of a lot of girls on campus. She had felt like a princess on his arm, easily falling into his spontaneous way of life. Thinking about it now, it still amazed her that she had graduated at all. With all the late nights at the clubs and parties…Liz shook her head. It was all a joke…none of it had been real, what Liz thought was a dream come true had easily turned into her own living nightmare.
As she flipped though the pages of the album, the memories flowed through her. It had all started out harmless enough…or so she thought. He’d come home from a long day of work and classes and be upset because she hadn’t done the dishes. He’d yell at her and storm out of the apartment, yelling he was going out. Only to come back in the wee hours of the morning drunk, expecting her to be awake and waiting for him to perform what he called ‘her duties’. At first he’d instantly apologize for yelling at her, wrapping her in his arms and kissing her. She wanted to stay mad at him, but he knew how to stop the anger. Thinking about it now…she cursed herself for allowing it to continue. Soon Jake wouldn’t even bother coming home after work, he’d go straight to the parties…getting plastered, not thinking about her as he would stumble home…if he even bothered to do that. Liz had often woken up in the morning worried sick because he wasn’t home. The more she called worried about him, the more he’d direct his anger out on her. Wither it was classes or work…he didn’t care. Nothing she did was good enough and the smallest mistake she made was enough to set him off…cursing at her and calling her worthless. It didn’t take long for Liz to believe it. She was worthless , she would never be good enough, he had made her believe.
By the time she found out she was pregnant, she was terrified to tell him. He eventually found out through his friends gossip and had confronted her about it. He had asked why she hadn’t told him, and she lied…saying she wasn’t positive…even though she had known for weeks. He had insisted he take her to the doctor and he kept up on his word. The next day she found herself in the sterile doctors office staring wide eyed as he conformed what she already knew…she was four months along. Jake didn’t show any emotion until they left that day and his reaction surprised her. He was ecstatic about the news, he even shed a few tears saying he couldn’t believe how fortunate he was. He was going to be a father. He’d gone out that night, leaving her at home once again. He told her he was going out to celebrate his good news. Bit Liz knew him better then that. He only wanted to lose himself from reality. Drown in the high that the alcohol and weed provided for him, but he backed off from her and cut her a little slack.
As Liz progressed in her pregnancy, she found herself happy for the first time in a long time. Jake was sweet to her, bringing her little gifts and staying home more. Liz had asked him why he did it and he had simply smiled at her and responded that he wanted to spend some time with him ‘family’. What a joke that had been. Two weeks after Corey was born Jake went back to his old routine, saying he couldn’t deal with the late night feedings and all of the crying. He pretty much stayed out of the way and at the time it had sent Liz into a whirlwind of depression. She needed a break, something to cut of the routine of changing diapers, work and school. But he wasn’t there to help…his excuse was that she was the mother and had more instinct as to how to help their son.
She had been surprised the fist time he had hit her. He had come home from work and she was feeding Corey his dinner. He sat in his high chair with his baby food all over his face. She didn’t even look at Jake as she asked him if he wouldn’t mind taking out the garbage. When he didn’t respond she had turned her head to look at him only to have a fist connect with her face. She had fallen off of her chair lifting her hand to her split lip. She looked at him appalled. It took a couple of minutes to register what had just happened and when she came back from her shock he was yelling at her because his dinner wasn’t ready. She had stood countering that she was busy feeding Corey when he had backhanded her sending her flying against the wall of the dining room. After that, she leaned quickly learned not to defend herself, it only brought more blows.
With a frustrated scream Liz threw the album across the room hearing it hit the far wall with a satisfying thud. Her shoulders shook with frustrated sobs. She had been so stupid to think that he loved her, that he cared.
She didn’t hear him as he made his way into the house and by the time she knew he was there he was kneeling beside her wrapping his arms around her protectively. She startled at first but relaxed against his solid chest.
“God Alex!” she sobbed against him. “How could I have been so stupid?” Alex didn’t say anything, all he did was sit and hold her as she cried herself to sleep.
Part 4
Liz sighed as she climbed into bed that night. Her body aced as she eased back against the pillows. She craved sleep, her body screamed with exhaustion, and yet she feared the dreams that haunted her. What had she ever done to deserve this? She asked herself, it was the same question she had asked herself since he first time Jake had laid his fist on her. Jake…it wasn’t that she missed him. Hell could freeze over before she missed him, but she felt so alone. Sure Alex and Maria had been there for her with their silly tactics and jokes, and at first she easily put on the façade making them believe that she would be fine. Now, as she lay in her bed, tears formed in her eyes. She thought leaving him would make things better. But her heart aced, she was so broken and didn’t know how much longer she could continue with the smiles and the laughs, at least enough to make it believable to those who mattered.
Those who mattered. Liz smiled as the image of Corey came to her. He was her savior, the one thing in her life that was right. His big brown eyes showed enough emotion in them to steal your heart in thirty seconds flat. The way his blond hair fell into his eyes. God she loved him, more then anything in this world, he was perfect and with him around…everything would be fine. Sleep slowly claimed her as she relaxed, closing her eyes she craved the few hours of rest she would get before the nightmares returned to haunt her.
Hours later Liz sat straight up in bed, a scream chocking her like his fist. She shuddered as the cool breeze grazed her sweaty skin. His green eyes blazed angrily behind her eyes. She shook her head willing the image to fade away. She felt the wetness on her cheeks and gave a sad chuckle as she realized she was crying once again. She had shed enough tears for him to last four life times.
She needed something to get her mind off of Him, something to distract her. Swinging her legs over the side of her bed and grabbed her robe. Padding softly down the hall she quietly checked on Corey and smiled at the image he presented. His small body was curled up on his toddler bed. His over sized Pooh characters surrounded him protectively. He looked like a small bird huddled deep within it’s nest. Silently she grabbed his blanket off the end of the bed and covered him, knowing all to well that it wouldn’t stay on him for more then five minuets. Making her way down stairs she glanced around.
Maria had done a fabulous job redecorating her grandmothers home. The large house held a lot of memories from when her life was good, before her mother had left her father. When things were normal in her life. Normal…she chuckled at the word. What’s so great about normal? She thought to herself. Normal was boring and uneventful…you knew what to expect from normal. Liz had lived her whole life trying not to be normal and yet as she stood in the kitchen staring out of the large window over the sink, she craved it. She wished for routine and structure. Spontaneous adventures didn’t sound so fun to her anymore. But how do you go about archiving normal when you lived your whole life avoiding it? It was a question that plagued her as she turned to the boxes Maria hadn’t wanted to unpack, thinking it was better if she did it herself. Her mind wandered as she pulled items from box after box. Soon she was surrounded by framed pictures of Corey growing up, her graduation…pictures of herself with Alex and Maria’s arms wrapped around her. Tears stung her eyes as she thought about the times when her life seemed so easy, so simple and so innocent. She longed to go back to those years when she knew how to live carefree, where their was no pain waiting right around the corner.
Liz sighed as she picked up the closest photo album near her. She fingered the blue cloth gently before easing it open. There staring back at her was a younger version of herself, a large smile gracing her face as she stared adoringly up at the man who’s arms were around her waist. It was taken only a few weeks after she had met Jake her first year of college.
He had come up to her as she made her way across campus heading to her next class when he had approached her, asking her out for coffee. How naive she had been back then, but she had instantly fallen for his boyish good looks. His black hair, brilliant green eyes and perfect smile made her the envy of a lot of girls on campus. She had felt like a princess on his arm, easily falling into his spontaneous way of life. Thinking about it now, it still amazed her that she had graduated at all. With all the late nights at the clubs and parties…Liz shook her head. It was all a joke…none of it had been real, what Liz thought was a dream come true had easily turned into her own living nightmare.
As she flipped though the pages of the album, the memories flowed through her. It had all started out harmless enough…or so she thought. He’d come home from a long day of work and classes and be upset because she hadn’t done the dishes. He’d yell at her and storm out of the apartment, yelling he was going out. Only to come back in the wee hours of the morning drunk, expecting her to be awake and waiting for him to perform what he called ‘her duties’. At first he’d instantly apologize for yelling at her, wrapping her in his arms and kissing her. She wanted to stay mad at him, but he knew how to stop the anger. Thinking about it now…she cursed herself for allowing it to continue. Soon Jake wouldn’t even bother coming home after work, he’d go straight to the parties…getting plastered, not thinking about her as he would stumble home…if he even bothered to do that. Liz had often woken up in the morning worried sick because he wasn’t home. The more she called worried about him, the more he’d direct his anger out on her. Wither it was classes or work…he didn’t care. Nothing she did was good enough and the smallest mistake she made was enough to set him off…cursing at her and calling her worthless. It didn’t take long for Liz to believe it. She was worthless , she would never be good enough, he had made her believe.
By the time she found out she was pregnant, she was terrified to tell him. He eventually found out through his friends gossip and had confronted her about it. He had asked why she hadn’t told him, and she lied…saying she wasn’t positive…even though she had known for weeks. He had insisted he take her to the doctor and he kept up on his word. The next day she found herself in the sterile doctors office staring wide eyed as he conformed what she already knew…she was four months along. Jake didn’t show any emotion until they left that day and his reaction surprised her. He was ecstatic about the news, he even shed a few tears saying he couldn’t believe how fortunate he was. He was going to be a father. He’d gone out that night, leaving her at home once again. He told her he was going out to celebrate his good news. Bit Liz knew him better then that. He only wanted to lose himself from reality. Drown in the high that the alcohol and weed provided for him, but he backed off from her and cut her a little slack.
As Liz progressed in her pregnancy, she found herself happy for the first time in a long time. Jake was sweet to her, bringing her little gifts and staying home more. Liz had asked him why he did it and he had simply smiled at her and responded that he wanted to spend some time with him ‘family’. What a joke that had been. Two weeks after Corey was born Jake went back to his old routine, saying he couldn’t deal with the late night feedings and all of the crying. He pretty much stayed out of the way and at the time it had sent Liz into a whirlwind of depression. She needed a break, something to cut of the routine of changing diapers, work and school. But he wasn’t there to help…his excuse was that she was the mother and had more instinct as to how to help their son.
She had been surprised the fist time he had hit her. He had come home from work and she was feeding Corey his dinner. He sat in his high chair with his baby food all over his face. She didn’t even look at Jake as she asked him if he wouldn’t mind taking out the garbage. When he didn’t respond she had turned her head to look at him only to have a fist connect with her face. She had fallen off of her chair lifting her hand to her split lip. She looked at him appalled. It took a couple of minutes to register what had just happened and when she came back from her shock he was yelling at her because his dinner wasn’t ready. She had stood countering that she was busy feeding Corey when he had backhanded her sending her flying against the wall of the dining room. After that, she leaned quickly learned not to defend herself, it only brought more blows.
With a frustrated scream Liz threw the album across the room hearing it hit the far wall with a satisfying thud. Her shoulders shook with frustrated sobs. She had been so stupid to think that he loved her, that he cared.
She didn’t hear him as he made his way into the house and by the time she knew he was there he was kneeling beside her wrapping his arms around her protectively. She startled at first but relaxed against his solid chest.
“God Alex!” she sobbed against him. “How could I have been so stupid?” Alex didn’t say anything, all he did was sit and hold her as she cried herself to sleep.
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flyawayraven
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 91
- Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2005 1:40 am
- Location: Madison Wi
Thanks for all the feed back everyone! Here's the next part!
Part 5
The sun shone threw the windows of Liz’s room the next morning, bathing her in it’s harsh heat. Groaning she attempted to open her eyes, only to shut then once again. They felt like ruff sandpaper. Her eyelids seemingly glued shut. With a sigh she relaxed against the pillows that surrounded her. The events of last night filtered through her mind, she hated it when she broke down because of him. He wasn’t here anymore…there was no reason. Yet, somewhere in the back of her mind she knew it wasn’t true. Even now, she knew he was out looking for her, skewering every possible nook and cranny that she could be hiding. For once in her life, she was glad that she had kept her inheritance from her grandmother a secret. He had no clue that she was able to make it with out him. She had no doubt that he thought she would come running back to him, scared and needy. But she was determined to show him different.
Laughter floated up the stair and reached her ears. Glancing at her alarm clock she swore. It was ten O’clock. She never slept this late. Corey would be starving and she still had a lot of unpacking to do. Swinging her legs over the side of her bed she quickly changed into a pain of jean shorts and a black tank top. Throwing her long chocolate tresses into a messy bun on the top of her head she padded down the stairs bare foot and made her way into the kitchen.
Galaxy and Cosmo were laying beside Corey’s high chair greedily gobbling up the morsels he deliberately threw on the floor for them. Each time their pink tongues would flick out to lap up the food Corey would throw his head back and giggle as if it was the funniest thing in the world. She smiled gently at the picture they made and planted a kiss on her sons forehead before scolding him. “Little man, your food is for eating yourself, not feeding it to the pups!”
Corey may have only been two but he was incredibly intelligent for his age. She shook his head no before giggling and deliberately threw the rest of his breakfast on the floor, making the two wolves jump to their feet. Liz just shook her head before turning to Alex who held a cup of coffee out to her.
“Thank you Alex.” She told him softly. Both knew that Liz was thanking him for more then just the coffee, but even with that understanding they knew that the conversation that was inevitable would have to wait. Liz refused to talk about Jake in front of Corey. The small boy was just to in tune with her emotions and at the fist sign of tears would be in hysterics. Knowing this Alex nodded his head at her before giving her a bear hug. Liz couldn’t help but laugh as she sat down and began picking at the bowl of fruit that Alex offered her. Rubbing her eyes, she startled when Galaxy nudged her with his wet nose, staring at her out of golden eyes. Galaxy glanced back and forth between Corey and the door and Liz could swear she often had normal conversations with the large animal. With a small smile she nodded and stood, letting Corey out of his high chair and out the door into the large back yard. The immediate patio had a large swimming pool along with a garden off to the left. Roses and other beautiful flowers were in bloom and their delicate fragrance floated along the air. Alex settled himself next to her on a patio chair and didn’t say anything, just waited for her to talk.
Finally with a sigh, Liz started the inevitable. “Don’t you have to work today?” she asked. Alex didn’t answer her and when she raised her eyes she groaned at the smirk he was giving her.
“You know Liz, this conversation can’t be avoided. So spill.” He told her softly. Liz nodded, admitting defeat.
“Thank you for being here” he nodded. “I don’t need you to thank me Liz. You know I will always be here for you.” Liz nodded her head. “I’m not just talking about me though. It was great of you to get up with Corey this morning. You could have woken me you know.” Alex stared at her.
“Liz, I know you most likely haven’t gotten a good nights sleep in ages. When I checked on you this morning, I couldn’t bring myself to wake you.” Liz sighed. “Yeah, your right. I haven’t been sleeping. But it’s not that I don’t want to….” She trailed off. Alex knew about her night mares. He just hadn’t understood how bad they were until last night. Many times after he had tucked her sleeping form into bed and settled himself into a guest room near hers he had been startled out of his slumber more then once by her terrified cries. “You want to talk about them?” He asked gently.
Liz shook her head. “I know you mean well Alex…but I’m just not ready to talk about them yet.” Alex sighed unhappily. He knew he couldn’t push her on the subject, but he worried about her. The fatigue and stress clearly showed around the gashed an bruises on her face. He didn’t want her keeping all of it bottled up. He worried just as much as she did about what could happen if Jake ever did find her and Corey. It was his own personal night mare, one he desperately wished he could shield his sister from. Instead of pushing more on the subject he changed it.
“What are you going to do with all the pictures?” he asked then. After putting her to bed last night he had cleaned up the mess she had made while shuffling through the boxes. That included the torn up album that had been hurled across the room. It had taken every bit of will power not to take all the pictures Liz had of Jake and throw them in the fire place, seemingly burning them from her existence. He knew though that even if the pictures were gone, he had no power to take away her memories.
Liz watched the emotion skitter across her step-brothers face. He had always been her rock. Even before their parents had gotten married, he had been a close friend. She shook her head in indifference. “At this point, I don’t know. Probably put them in the office. I want a few of Corey so I can put them up around the house. Maybe a few of him and me. But I can’t face his face staring back at me.” Alex nodded his head in understanding. “Would you like Maria and I to go through them and pick some out?” He asked. Liz grinned at him. “You don’t know how much that would help me.” She told him softly lowering her gaze and losing the smile that had lit up her face from a brief moment. Alex nodded his head, but before he could utter a word, the gate buzzer sounded, sending Galaxy and Cosmo flying for the front gate. Corey running as fast as his short legs could carry him. Alex didn’t miss the flicker of fear that crossed Liz’s face before she stood and walked down the drive way. He really wished he knew what to do to help her. But he also knew that he couldn’t help her unless she let him in, and it was evident that it would take awhile for that to even happen. On the other hand, the event of last night gave him hope. Hope that the healing had begun, hope that things could one day be normal for her.
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Liz smiled at the women on the other side of the gate. Corey was draping himself over Cosmos’s back as he repeatedly said hello to the women. Smiling at her, she sternly asked the pups to back off and opened the walk in gate to the side of the drive way. The women looked worriedly at the animals before stepping inside.
“Hi!” She said tuning her attention back to Liz. “I’m Diane Evans. I live across the street. I couldn’t help but notice that you bought Claudia’s house. I wasn’t even aware that it was up for sale?” Diane studied the petite women in front of her. It was obvious she had seen better day’s. She couldn’t help but stare at the large gash and bruises that mirrored her face. It was evident that underneath it all the women was very beautiful.
Liz squirmed under Diane’s scrutiny and was almost giddy with relief when Alex showed up at her elbow. Being the gentlemen he was, he offered his hand. “It’s nice to meet you Diane. But I am afraid to say that we didn’t buy the house. It was left to Liz in Claudia’s will.” Liz noticed how Diane’s eyes widened in recognition. “Oh my! So you are the famous Liz! Why your grandmother couldn’t stop talking about you! I am so sorry to hear about your loss!” Liz smiled gently at her. “Thank you…but we’re dealing fine. This is my brother Alex Whitman” Liz told Diane noticing how Alex had forgotten to introduce himself. Alex smiled sheepishly at Diane. Diane studied them and watched as Liz went to scold Corey who was now trying to pin Galaxy to the ground. Although the wolf was twice as big as the child, it didn’t stop Corey from trying.
Diane smiled at the boy before kneeling down to his level, making a obvious effort to avoid the large animals. “What’s your name sweetie?” She asked. Corey’s eyes became large as sawsous at the attention. Their large doe depths turned to his mother before hiding behind her leg, leaving Galaxy to escape his clutches. Liz smiled at her son. “This is my son Corey…he’s a little shy until he get to know you.”
Diane smiled in understanding before straightening up. “Well” she started. “I just wanted to come and welcome you to the neighborhood, and invite you to a barbeque my family is having this weekend. My son is coming home from LA, but it would be the perfect time for you to meet some of the neighbors.” She smiled at Liz until Alex realized she was waiting for an answer. Clearing his throat he answered for her. “It would be our pleasure!” He smiled at the older lady. “Great!” Diane exclaimed excitedly. “It’s this Saturday at 1:00, bring your suits!” With that she made her way out the gate with a parting wave.
When Diane made it across the street Liz turned to Alex with a groan. “Alex!” she whined. Alex shook his head, heading back for the house. “Don’t even Lizzie. Your going!” Liz grumbled as she followed him. Corey’s little hand clutched in her own. “You know we could make up an excuse about Corey being sick!” She said hopefully. Alex tuned to her with a glare. “Not gonna happen Lizzie, this will be good for you…so just accept it!” Liz stuck her tongue out at him and followed him into the house.
TBC….if you want. Please continue with the feedback…good back or anything! I DON’T CARE! Just so you all know, there will me M/L action commin up sooner then you think!
Part 5
The sun shone threw the windows of Liz’s room the next morning, bathing her in it’s harsh heat. Groaning she attempted to open her eyes, only to shut then once again. They felt like ruff sandpaper. Her eyelids seemingly glued shut. With a sigh she relaxed against the pillows that surrounded her. The events of last night filtered through her mind, she hated it when she broke down because of him. He wasn’t here anymore…there was no reason. Yet, somewhere in the back of her mind she knew it wasn’t true. Even now, she knew he was out looking for her, skewering every possible nook and cranny that she could be hiding. For once in her life, she was glad that she had kept her inheritance from her grandmother a secret. He had no clue that she was able to make it with out him. She had no doubt that he thought she would come running back to him, scared and needy. But she was determined to show him different.
Laughter floated up the stair and reached her ears. Glancing at her alarm clock she swore. It was ten O’clock. She never slept this late. Corey would be starving and she still had a lot of unpacking to do. Swinging her legs over the side of her bed she quickly changed into a pain of jean shorts and a black tank top. Throwing her long chocolate tresses into a messy bun on the top of her head she padded down the stairs bare foot and made her way into the kitchen.
Galaxy and Cosmo were laying beside Corey’s high chair greedily gobbling up the morsels he deliberately threw on the floor for them. Each time their pink tongues would flick out to lap up the food Corey would throw his head back and giggle as if it was the funniest thing in the world. She smiled gently at the picture they made and planted a kiss on her sons forehead before scolding him. “Little man, your food is for eating yourself, not feeding it to the pups!”
Corey may have only been two but he was incredibly intelligent for his age. She shook his head no before giggling and deliberately threw the rest of his breakfast on the floor, making the two wolves jump to their feet. Liz just shook her head before turning to Alex who held a cup of coffee out to her.
“Thank you Alex.” She told him softly. Both knew that Liz was thanking him for more then just the coffee, but even with that understanding they knew that the conversation that was inevitable would have to wait. Liz refused to talk about Jake in front of Corey. The small boy was just to in tune with her emotions and at the fist sign of tears would be in hysterics. Knowing this Alex nodded his head at her before giving her a bear hug. Liz couldn’t help but laugh as she sat down and began picking at the bowl of fruit that Alex offered her. Rubbing her eyes, she startled when Galaxy nudged her with his wet nose, staring at her out of golden eyes. Galaxy glanced back and forth between Corey and the door and Liz could swear she often had normal conversations with the large animal. With a small smile she nodded and stood, letting Corey out of his high chair and out the door into the large back yard. The immediate patio had a large swimming pool along with a garden off to the left. Roses and other beautiful flowers were in bloom and their delicate fragrance floated along the air. Alex settled himself next to her on a patio chair and didn’t say anything, just waited for her to talk.
Finally with a sigh, Liz started the inevitable. “Don’t you have to work today?” she asked. Alex didn’t answer her and when she raised her eyes she groaned at the smirk he was giving her.
“You know Liz, this conversation can’t be avoided. So spill.” He told her softly. Liz nodded, admitting defeat.
“Thank you for being here” he nodded. “I don’t need you to thank me Liz. You know I will always be here for you.” Liz nodded her head. “I’m not just talking about me though. It was great of you to get up with Corey this morning. You could have woken me you know.” Alex stared at her.
“Liz, I know you most likely haven’t gotten a good nights sleep in ages. When I checked on you this morning, I couldn’t bring myself to wake you.” Liz sighed. “Yeah, your right. I haven’t been sleeping. But it’s not that I don’t want to….” She trailed off. Alex knew about her night mares. He just hadn’t understood how bad they were until last night. Many times after he had tucked her sleeping form into bed and settled himself into a guest room near hers he had been startled out of his slumber more then once by her terrified cries. “You want to talk about them?” He asked gently.
Liz shook her head. “I know you mean well Alex…but I’m just not ready to talk about them yet.” Alex sighed unhappily. He knew he couldn’t push her on the subject, but he worried about her. The fatigue and stress clearly showed around the gashed an bruises on her face. He didn’t want her keeping all of it bottled up. He worried just as much as she did about what could happen if Jake ever did find her and Corey. It was his own personal night mare, one he desperately wished he could shield his sister from. Instead of pushing more on the subject he changed it.
“What are you going to do with all the pictures?” he asked then. After putting her to bed last night he had cleaned up the mess she had made while shuffling through the boxes. That included the torn up album that had been hurled across the room. It had taken every bit of will power not to take all the pictures Liz had of Jake and throw them in the fire place, seemingly burning them from her existence. He knew though that even if the pictures were gone, he had no power to take away her memories.
Liz watched the emotion skitter across her step-brothers face. He had always been her rock. Even before their parents had gotten married, he had been a close friend. She shook her head in indifference. “At this point, I don’t know. Probably put them in the office. I want a few of Corey so I can put them up around the house. Maybe a few of him and me. But I can’t face his face staring back at me.” Alex nodded his head in understanding. “Would you like Maria and I to go through them and pick some out?” He asked. Liz grinned at him. “You don’t know how much that would help me.” She told him softly lowering her gaze and losing the smile that had lit up her face from a brief moment. Alex nodded his head, but before he could utter a word, the gate buzzer sounded, sending Galaxy and Cosmo flying for the front gate. Corey running as fast as his short legs could carry him. Alex didn’t miss the flicker of fear that crossed Liz’s face before she stood and walked down the drive way. He really wished he knew what to do to help her. But he also knew that he couldn’t help her unless she let him in, and it was evident that it would take awhile for that to even happen. On the other hand, the event of last night gave him hope. Hope that the healing had begun, hope that things could one day be normal for her.
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Liz smiled at the women on the other side of the gate. Corey was draping himself over Cosmos’s back as he repeatedly said hello to the women. Smiling at her, she sternly asked the pups to back off and opened the walk in gate to the side of the drive way. The women looked worriedly at the animals before stepping inside.
“Hi!” She said tuning her attention back to Liz. “I’m Diane Evans. I live across the street. I couldn’t help but notice that you bought Claudia’s house. I wasn’t even aware that it was up for sale?” Diane studied the petite women in front of her. It was obvious she had seen better day’s. She couldn’t help but stare at the large gash and bruises that mirrored her face. It was evident that underneath it all the women was very beautiful.
Liz squirmed under Diane’s scrutiny and was almost giddy with relief when Alex showed up at her elbow. Being the gentlemen he was, he offered his hand. “It’s nice to meet you Diane. But I am afraid to say that we didn’t buy the house. It was left to Liz in Claudia’s will.” Liz noticed how Diane’s eyes widened in recognition. “Oh my! So you are the famous Liz! Why your grandmother couldn’t stop talking about you! I am so sorry to hear about your loss!” Liz smiled gently at her. “Thank you…but we’re dealing fine. This is my brother Alex Whitman” Liz told Diane noticing how Alex had forgotten to introduce himself. Alex smiled sheepishly at Diane. Diane studied them and watched as Liz went to scold Corey who was now trying to pin Galaxy to the ground. Although the wolf was twice as big as the child, it didn’t stop Corey from trying.
Diane smiled at the boy before kneeling down to his level, making a obvious effort to avoid the large animals. “What’s your name sweetie?” She asked. Corey’s eyes became large as sawsous at the attention. Their large doe depths turned to his mother before hiding behind her leg, leaving Galaxy to escape his clutches. Liz smiled at her son. “This is my son Corey…he’s a little shy until he get to know you.”
Diane smiled in understanding before straightening up. “Well” she started. “I just wanted to come and welcome you to the neighborhood, and invite you to a barbeque my family is having this weekend. My son is coming home from LA, but it would be the perfect time for you to meet some of the neighbors.” She smiled at Liz until Alex realized she was waiting for an answer. Clearing his throat he answered for her. “It would be our pleasure!” He smiled at the older lady. “Great!” Diane exclaimed excitedly. “It’s this Saturday at 1:00, bring your suits!” With that she made her way out the gate with a parting wave.
When Diane made it across the street Liz turned to Alex with a groan. “Alex!” she whined. Alex shook his head, heading back for the house. “Don’t even Lizzie. Your going!” Liz grumbled as she followed him. Corey’s little hand clutched in her own. “You know we could make up an excuse about Corey being sick!” She said hopefully. Alex tuned to her with a glare. “Not gonna happen Lizzie, this will be good for you…so just accept it!” Liz stuck her tongue out at him and followed him into the house.
TBC….if you want. Please continue with the feedback…good back or anything! I DON’T CARE! Just so you all know, there will me M/L action commin up sooner then you think!