Roswell Fanatics

Hey kiddies, this is my new fic let me know what you think, and please refrain from throwing rotten fruit until at least the third chapter. Thank you.

Keep on Truckin'
Syke


Thanks to Dreamer<3 for the rockin' banner!

With Heavy Heart
Disclaimer: You know I don't own 'em so don't even ask.

Summary: Set after ITLITB, but Max and Tess never slept together...ewwww is all I can say to that. The gang has to deal with another loss, will the truth come out?
Rating: Mature

WARNING: character death, read at your own risk.

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Prologue

“Amy, Hi, it’s Nancy…is Maria there?”

“Yeah, let me grab her. How’s Liz doing?” The door creaked open slowly as Amy DeLuca slipped inside her daughter’s room.

~~~~~~~

A cold wind whipped through the trees at the riverbed. Birds called out signaling the coming day as an orange glow started to gain on the horizon. An eerie stillness settled over the sparsely wooded area, allowing the sound of soft waves washing up the shore to fill the air.

~~~~~~

“Uh, not so good,” Nancy shouldered the phone running a free hand through her thick, red hair. “I think she’s still in denial.”

“I’m sorry Nancy, oh, here’s Maria,” the sound of shuffling filled the line before Maria’s voice was heard.

“Mrs. Parker…is everything okay?”

Nancy wrung her hands together causing them to redden with the friction, “Is Liz with you? I haven’t seen her for a couple days, I figured she was with her friends but she won’t answer her cell phone.”

~~~~~

“Jim,” the sheriff offered a shaky hand. “Thanks for coming, I…I really didn’t know who else to call. Uh…Excuse me for a moment Jim, I have to take this call.”

A shiver ran through Valenti despite his thick winter coat. While he waited for Hanson to come back he surveyed the area. There were five or six cops plus a few agents from the base milling around the area. Movements were calculated as they searched for trace of reason.

“Sorry about that Jim,” Hanson placed his hand on Valenti’s back, a silent apology for startling his former boss.

Jim shook his head, “It’s fine Hanson, are you going to tell me what’s going on here?”

The younger man pulled the hat from his head slowly as he turned away from Valenti, “She’s this way…”

~~~~~

7:10 am, Maria groaned, “I’m sorry Mrs. Parker. Liz isn’t here…she’s been staying to herself lately. Have you tried the Evans?”

“No, no I haven’t. I’m sure she’s around, right?”

“Yeah, Mrs. Parker. I’ll call you if I see her,” the blonde pixie smiled hoping to give some reassurance in her voice.

“Thanks Maria.”

“No problem.”

~~~~~~

A damp white sheet covered the fragile form nestled in the earth. Leaves rustled as two figures approached and crouched over the scene. Hanson reached out gripping the side of the sheet but stilled as he spoke, “I…I’m so sorry Jim.”

He pulled the cover down slowly as if he was exposing a precious treasure. Valenti closed his eyes at the sight while taking in a sharp breath. He could feel Hanson’s hand grip his shoulder offering strength for a moment. Bile began to rise but Jim choked it back before hesitantly opening his eyes.

The birds and wind stilled as Jim looked upon a fallen angel, her slick black hair clung to her cheeks and forehead; he reached out softly pushing it back from her lifeless face. A large thumb stroked her cheek as he mumbled for her to please wake up. Despite Valenti’s pleas her eyes stubbornly remained closed. Her sweet lips were slightly parted but no air passed between them.

“Two fisherman found her just after dawn.” Hanson’s voice cut through the haze of misery threatening to overtake Jim Valenti. “The coroner judged she’s been out here at least a couple days, the cold water kept her in good condition.”

Jim swallowed hard, “You want me to inform the Parkers.” His voice sounded like it was miles away.

Hanson solemnly nodded, “Better you than me, right?” Jim let out a soft sigh reaching out for her hand. He rubbed the cold skin wishing a hint of color would return it was then that her noticed her tiny fingers gripping something. An apology was whispered as Jim broke the hold she had over the object and slipped it into an evidence bag before depositing it in his jacket pocket.

~~~~~~~

“God I hate when it gets busy in here,” the sound of Maria’s springy antennae hitting the counter could be heard throughout the café. “Hey Max, have you seen Liz lately?”

A sigh came in response with a sidelong glance. “I’ll take that as a big fat ‘No,’ do you think she’s okay?”

“She’s probably being probed by evil aliens right now,” a resentful voice snorted.

“Isabel!” Kyle warned.

The ice queen rolled her eyes, “Sorry.” The apology was dripping with sarcasm causing Maria’s eyes to glisten.

“Will you guys just stop it already…” her voice caught before she could continue and Michael pulled her into a tight hug. Her next words came out muffled against her boyfriends chest, “We shouldn’t be pulling apart right now, not after Alex.”

Isabel dropped her eyes at the mention of his name. So much hurt flooded her body each time she remembered the way he looked at her. Why did she have to ask him to come to the Crashdown that night? Why didn’t she listen to him?

“Maria?” Six heads swiveled towards the voce behind them.

“Mr. Parker, hey, what’s up?”

Jeff ran a trembling hand through his disheveled hair, “Can I speak to you for a moment?”

Maria slid out of Michaels grasp following Mr. Parker through the backroom door. She paused for a moment as he climbed the stairs. With a final glance at the group she just left Maria bounded up the stairs behind her best friends father.

~~~~~

“Mom, what are you doing here?” her green eyes searched the room frantically. Nancy was curled up on the sofa staring into nothing, Mr. Parker appeared drained, her mother was shaking her head softly, and Valenti was…wait, Valenti… “Where’s Liz?” she asked hesitantly.

“I’m sorry Maria.” A sob escaped Nancy as her husband spoke.

“No, no I don’t believe you,” Maria looked around her eyes pleading to have it be a lie. “She’s fine, she’s fine, she’s…fine.” The floor came fast and hard as she fell against it letting out heart wrenching sobs.

Hey kiddies, I want to thank Dreamer<3 for the fab banner! Here's Ch 1, sorry it's a little short. Enjoy

Keep on Truckin
Syke

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Ch 1

“Huh, I wonder what that was all about?” Isabel frowned.

Suddenly Kyle perked up; “Maybe he’s filling Maria in on new pie flavors.” His smile fell at the glares he was receiving from the rest of the group, “What can’t a guy look on the bright side for once?”

“Whatever,” Tess glanced over at Max sitting at the counter fully engrossed in ‘Grapes of Wrath.’ A sigh escaped her full pink lips before she slumped back against the wall wishing everyone would stop being so dismal. Ever since Alex died a deep funk had settled over the group, at least they’d finally persuaded Maria and Kyle to cross the Alien/Human picket line. Liz was the only holdout she just wouldn’t let her suspicions go.

“Hey kids,” Valenti’s greeting interrupted the gloomy silence. He stood uncomfortably by the backroom door as the six teens glanced his way.

Kyle gave a nervous laugh at his father’s weary expression, “Hey Dad…who died?”

Jim replied with a smirk, “Kyle, I think it’s time you and Tess got home.” Tess cocked her head to the side as she inspected her “father,” for once he really looked old.

“Uh, yeah sure Dad. Tess?” The blonde only nodded as she grabbed her bag moving out of the booth.

“We’ll see you guys tomorrow.” Max didn’t even bother to look up at Tess’ words.

“Yeah. Later,” Michael muttered to the three forms retreating out the back. Suddenly the chimes above the café door sounded.

“Mom! Dad!” Isabel jumped up from her spot at the counter. “What are you guys doing here?” Phillip and Diane gave each other a cautious glance before offering up smiles to their children.

“We actually came to find you kids,” Diane wrapped her arms around Isabel’s shoulder giving her a light squeeze.

“You know, with everything that’s been going on,” Phillip stilled when he saw the children tense.

“What your Dad is trying to say is that we were hoping you’d come home and spend some time with your old parents.” Iz forced a small smile while Max’s features remained carefully neutral, “And we were hoping Michael would join us as well.”

Guerin’s eyebrows shot up, “That’s a great offer and all but I should really-“

“Please, Michael.” The desperation in Diane’s voice unnerved Michael causing him to nod in agreement.

Phillip clasped his hand together awkwardly, “That’s great…we’ll see you kids at home in a few minutes.” With that the two slipped back out of the Crashdown doors. None of the aliens said a word as they gathered their class work and followed the Evans’ lead.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Valenti halted when they reached his son’s Mustang, “Kyle, make sure you and Tess get home safe, okay?” Kyle crinkled his nose a bit as he asked his father if everything was okay. Jim gave him a short hug saying he had something to take care of before heading to his own car.

Everyone was just sitting down inside the Evans house as Jim pulled up. He made his way inside following the soft voices in the living room. As he entered the room he could see the confusion on the children’s faces.

“Mom?” Isabel was the first to speak as she glanced between her mother and Jim. Diane just looked towards the ex-sheriff waiting for him to start. ‘Liz is dead’ She just didn’t have it in her to say the words allowed. Valenti cleared his throat as he took a seat on the sofa.

“I just came to…I have something I need to discuss,” Jim looked over at Max and lost his focus for a moment. How do you tell someone that the love of their life is dead? Why did he have to be the one to break the boy in front of him? Why did she have to die?

“What is it Valenti?” Michael questioned, he didn’t like the silence that engulfed the room.

Jim took in a deep breath…he’d start off slow, “Well, I…Liz came to me with some information the other day, it was about Alex-“

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Max’s outburst stunned the rest of the room. The others could only watch as he jumped up and began pacing the room like a caged animal. “This is fuckin’ ridiculous-“

“Max…” Diane breathed.

“No, NO! Alex’s death was an accident. An accident okay? Why won’t she just let it go! Jesus…I have to go.” Max grabbed his jacket and was out the door before anyone could move. He left so fast that he never heard the vase smash against the mantle or Isabel’s anguished cries.

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He was pissed. Max couldn’t believe that Liz would go to Valenti with her crazy accusations. It was bad enough that she blamed them at Alex’s wake but to bring this up to Valenti, she crossed the line. Max was fuming by the time he pulled up to the Crashdown. A cold wind whipped past while Max peered into the darkened restaurant. He moved towards the fire escape and quickly made his way up to Liz’s balcony. He couldn’t stop the deep breath he inhaled at the top. She was all around him, from the candles waiting to be lit to the deck chair where she chronicled their broken fairytale. Something was off though, there was something wrong, Max just couldn’t put his finger on it.

“Where are you Liz?” He whispered harshly as he opened her window to climb inside. With a sigh he began to inspect the maps, e-mails, phone numbers, and god knows what else Liz had pinned up around her room. Max’s attention shifted though when he saw her journal sitting on the desk beside him. There was a strip of paper book marking her last entry. Hands shaking, he cautiously opened Liz’s journal. Max intended to read the entry but was sidetracked by the bookmark; it was their photo strip from the mall. The picture was dog-eared, creased, and obviously over handled making the ghost of a smile appear on Max’s lips. His inquiry into Liz’s things was cut short by a commotion downstairs.

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Michael and Maria were in a tight embrace as Max pushed through the backroom door. He noticed the worried expression on his best friends face and all of his anger came back full force. Michael looked up meeting Max’s gaze.

“Max,” his voice was rough and broken but his brother didn’t seem to notice. Max’s eyes were still blazing with Liz’s betrayal. Maria pulled away from Michel just enough to face their friend.

Max stalked over to the end of the counter and slumped into the stool, “I can’t believe she would do this!” Max spat oblivious to the horrified looks on his friends faces. “I mean it was on thing to accuse us at Alex’s wake but going to Valenti just because I wouldn’t listen to her ravings the other night-“

“Wait,” Maria stepped towards Max with her brow furrowed. “Y-you talked to Liz? When?”

Max innocently raised his eyebrows, “I dunno, like two, three nights ago.”

“What…what did she say?” her green eyes sparkling with unshed tears.

“Uh, something about Alex and Sweden,” Max roughly ran a hand through his hair. “She was babbling saying something about a building…I can’t remember.”

Her coral painted lips were quivering with sorrow…or maybe anger, she wasn’t sure which. “What did you say to her?!”

Max could sense the shift in Maria’s attitude, “I was pissed off okay? I told her to leave it alone and get the hell out of my life!” he ended angrily. At this confession the fiery blonde snapped.
“You…you…how could you say that to her? God, I just…” Maria’s anger turned to tears as she placed a shaking hand over her mouth. “Oh God Michael, those…those were the last words she heard-“

Max swallowed hard at her words. “What?” his utterance was barely audible.

“-you bastard. She was looking for your help and you just…abandoned her…you left her to die cold and alone-“ Maria’s knees buckled but Michaels arms were around her in an instant.

Max was standing now shaking his head in disbelief. “No, no way. It’s not possible. Liz is fine okay? She’s alive and she’s…she’s…” the conviction in his voice left as his amber eyes met Valenti’s blue ones watching him through the Crashdown doors.

It was in that moment that Max realized the truth about what he’d been feeling for the last two days…Liz was dead.

And with that truth the boy king was brought to his knees.

Here's the new part, hope to have another by next week. Thanks again for the great feedback.

Keep on Truckin'
Syke

Chapter 2

Valenti rushed through the doors kneeling beside Max’s prone form. Max had pulled his knees up to his chest and was staring into nothingness but Maria was seething.

“I can’t believe you Max!” She struggled against Michaels firm grip. “I fucking hate you! I HATE YOU MAX!”

“Get her out of here Guerin,” Jim sighed looking at the boy in front of him, Max sat unfazed by Maria’s outburst. He pulled in a deep breath before leaning back against the counter beside Max.

“How did it happen?” Max’s voice was hoarse; it sounded like he hadn’t used it in years.

“She was found a ways down river, the coroner says she drowned…” Jim swallowed. “He says it happened quickly, Liz didn’t suffer.”

Max idly played with the laces of his converse, “Who did it?”

“There were no signs of foul play Max, the only shoe prints on the bridge were hers,” Jim noticed Max tense beside him.

Max’s brow furrowed as he spat, “There’s no fucking way! Liz did not kill herself!” Max was on his feet in a second towering over Valenti who slowly stood up.

“Max, all of the evidence points to suicide…just like with Alex.” The younger man let out a shuddering breath as his features crumbled, with glistening eyes he met Jim’s gaze.

“Don’t say that,” Max whimpered as he slumped down into a near by booth. “She couldn’t, wouldn’t do that. Liz,” he painfully paused at her name. “She wasn’t that type of person-“

“Neither was Alex. But it happens Max,” Jim sat across from his broken friend. “With everything that’s been going on…she lost one of her best friends and the rest of them turned their back on her,” Max winced at his words. “I’m not trying to hurt you Max, or blame you, but I did see the way all of you were treating her. I…I don’t know if I should give you this now but…” Valenti reached into his jacket pocket pulling out an evidence bag, “She was holding onto this when we found her. I thought you should have it.”

Max ran his fingers over the manila envelope slowly before carefully picking it up and emptying the contents into his hand. ‘MAX AND LIZ 4 EVER’ stared back at him as he was thrown into the abyss.

The wind whipped mercilessly around Liz as she sat on the ledge. Her fingers ran over Alex’s face as it stared back at her through the camera…but there had been no camera, no Leanna, no Sweden. Something had happened to her friend but she still didn’t have all the pieces to this puzzle. Liz was sure of one thing though; Alex had been involved in something. What it was? She could only speculate.

Liz slipped the picture back into her pocket and pulled out another object. It was cold against her palm as she ran a finger over the inscription ‘MAX AND LIZ 4 EVER’ she smiled sweetly as she remembered the way his eyes lit up as he took the pocketknife out of its gift box. Max had said it was perfect, promised that he’d keep it with him always. Another broken promise, Liz grimaced, just like when he said he’d always be my friend. She brought it to her lips and kissed it softly, she hated the loneliness that bubbled up inside of her. She silently pondered if that was the way Alex felt as he climbed into the car. She wondered if he had felt that deep, penetrating isolation that touched every corner of her soul. She prayed that he hadn’t and…she prayed that he was happy now, wherever he was.

“I wonder what he’s doing right now,” Liz mused to herself as she stood on the edge of the bridge preparing to make her way back to her awaiting car. Suddenly she stilled staring down at the water below as it glistened in the moonlight. A year ago that water had been salvation for her and Max as they ran from the FBI, tonight it would be her salvation again…”Maybe I should go see for myself.”

Max was shaking as he came back to the café. Valenti was staring at him obviously concerned. “Are you okay Max?”

“Yeah, I just, I…yeah.”

“Did you see something?”

Max shook his head, “No…it’s just painful to see this again,” he said motioning to the pocketknife in his hand. “I never should have given it back.”

“It’s not your fault Max,” Jim gripped the boy’s hand firmly. “Come on, I’ll drive you home.”

“I can’t go home, not yet…I’m just gonna sit here for a little while.”

“Max-“ Valenti began to protest but the look in Max’s eyes took all the fight out of him. “Just be careful okay, if you need anything just call.” Max could only nod weakly in response.

As soon as Valenti was gone Max made his way back up to Liz’s room. He could barely breathe; her presence was suffocating as he stood alone in the darkness. But he had work to do, things her parents and the police couldn’t see. Max quietly pulled down the maps and pictures and grabbed her journal stuffing them all into her bag. Amber eyes darted around the darkened room looking for any more evidence. His fingers danced along her bedspread before he reached out and grabbed her pillow tucking it under his arm. Max knew he shouldn’t take it but he couldn’t help himself. He needed that one last piece of her. The window creaked softly as he opened it and stepped out into the cold, uncaring night.

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“What’s taking him so long to get home,” Kyle whined tossing another piece of popcorn into his mouth. “He knew it was Bruce Lee Marathon night.”

Tess looked over at Kyle less than amused, “I don’t see why you two are so obsessed with that Kung Fu crap.”

“Woah, Tess it is not crap. Bruce Lee was a martial arts master. He was wicked.” Kyle finished glaring at the alien next to him.

“Riiiiight. I don’t see why he’d take all that time to beat them up-“

“Not all of us have powers like you Tess,” Kyle teased poking the blonde in the ribs.

“Well, they do make it easier to get rid of your enemies,” she giggled as Kyle nodded approvingly at her.

“See, movies equal hand to hand combat, in real life we get to use superpowers…wait…that just seems wrong,” Kyle faked confusion making Tess giggle again. “I’m glad we’re friends again, it sucked not talking to you.”

Tess sobered instantly as she glanced at the boy beside her, “I’m glad too Kyle.”

“I just wish Liz could let it go, it’s just not the same without her.” The blonde shook her head, curls bouncing as she did.

“Liz is a big girl Kyle, she made her decision and now she’s got to deal with the consequences.”

Kyle stared mouth agape, “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“Hey guys, sorry I’m late but I had to take care of a few things,” Jim offered as he closed the door.

“Don’t worry about it, you just missed the first fight scene…grab some couch,” Kyle motioned to the seat beside him.

Valenti took a deep breath; it was definitely not getting easier. “Kyle, turn the TV off. We need to talk…”

Hey there kiddies, I know this part is short but I just wanted to give it to y'all. I've been way busy but the next part is coming, I promise.

Keep on truckin
Syke

P.S. Any lines you recognize obviously aren't mine

Ch 3



A deathly silence fell over the small New Mexico town. The moon was full, casting a sickly glow upon the arriving mourners. Soft bells rang above as choirboys lit candles along the walkway. Footsteps and soft murmurs of condolence were the only sounds filling the small church. The Parkers were standing near the doorway greeting those who appeared for their daughter’s visitation. The mourners entered a small room filled with blood red candles and white roses. The small flames flickered, illuminating the mahogany casket in the center of the room. Form after form walked solemnly up to the girl before them, taking a moment to pay their respects, then moving back out into the chapel, faces drawn into painful and sad expressions.

It looked like the scene out of a movie, but there were no cameras, no actors, no one would yell “cut!” allowing the sleeping beauty to pull herself from the coffin and stretch her aching limbs, laughing softly as she twirled in her burial gown asking how she looked. No, none of those things would happen, there would only be darkness… death…and a cold grave awaiting the small girl resting in that coffin.

Max stood under a burnt out streetlamp across from the small church that held his love. He numbly watched as the visitors came and went from the holy building, some shaking their heads, some crying, all looking pained and distraught. Max gave a disbelieving snort as Pam Troy and her followers stumbled out of the church, arm in arm, sobbing. Most of those he’d seen tonight had never said more than two words to Liz her whole life.

Maxwell waited until the last of the mourners disbursed, until Jeff and Nancy drove away, until a blonde choirboy chained the doors. It was then that Max slowly made his way across the darkened street. Running a trembling hand over the lock the chains fell away; the heavy wooden door gave a loud groan as Max pushed it open. He stopped briefly at the guest book, hesitating for a moment before grabbing the silver pen and scribbling ‘M.E. + L.P.’ with a small heart and arrow. His worn-out Converse moved him quickly to where she lay. Max walked the edge of the room, relighting the candles one by one, eyes darting anywhere but the center of the room. Finally, Max unsteadily made his way to her casket, falling to his knees before her. He couldn’t restrain the sob that escaped as he looked upon her ashen features.

“Liz,” her name was torn from his lips with such sorrow, pain, and love that some would swear the cherub statues began to weep.

Max reached out pulling her tiny porcelain hand to his lips, kissing the cold flesh beneath. His rough thumb ran along her painted cheek ripping another sob from his chest. She was so still, so peaceful, she could have easily been sleeping…but fast asleep she was not, death had found her and claimed her for his own.

“I’m so sorry, so sorry,” the whispered words barely made it past his quivering lips as the tears engulfing his honey eyes finally spilled over, streaking his solemn face. The guilt radiated from him, so thick it was almost tangible. “I should have been there, I should have said something…I…I should of…I,” Max leaned in brushing his warm lips across hers shivering at the cold they contained. He drew in a shuddering breath leaning his forehead against her mahogany casket.

A tiny hand softly caressed his slumped shoulder, “It wasn’t your fault Max.” The voice, so soft, so calming, so feminine speaking the words he so desperately wished were true. He shrugged away from her touch drowning in his guilt. Fleeing the comfort she offered. He sighed softly; she shouldn’t see him like this.

“Max…look at me,” her small fingers tugged at the soft black cotton of his shirt her voice caught for a moment before her pained whisper. “Please.”

Max raised his head slowly, blinking away the coming tears before shifting towards her. His chest tightened as their eyes met, his pain filled gaze meeting her loving one. She smiled brightly at him, which Max automatically returned.

“It’s good to see you smile again,” she whispered moving closer. His smile fell as he shook his head, tears blurring his vision yet again.

“God, I-“

Max was silenced by her soft fingertips, he swallowed hard staring into her big brown eyes. She smiled sadly reaching up to brush he bangs off his forehead, “It. Wasn’t. Your. Fault.”

He reached out pulling Liz into his strong arms, burying his face in her strawberry scented hair. Liz sighed snuggling deeper into his embrace. Max’s amber eyes slowly opened staring at Liz’s cold,prone form before squeezing them shut tightly, shutting out that image to focus on the warm girl he held. “I love you,” his voice was gruff and laced with need, for her love, her body, her soul.

Liz pulled back cupping his cheeks and placing a soft kiss on his lips, “I love you.”

“I miss you, I never should have pushed you away,” he whispered dropping his gaze to the marble floor. “I was just so hurt, angry…I thought that you would never judge me and suddenly there you were blaming me for Alex’s death.”

“I never blamed you, I never blamed any of you,” Liz confessed. “I never wanted to lose you.”

“You never did…God, Liz…I never stopped loving you, never.” Max’s broad shoulders began to shake slightly, “You mean everything to me.”

Liz reached out pulling his head into her lap, Max curled on his side burying his face in her thigh and sobbed.

And the cherubs stood guard, watching as a broken king mourned his fallen angel.

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Ch 4

“I don’t know if I can do this Dad,” the younger Valenti’s blue eyes were swimming with tears, as he looked himself over in the mirror. “I mean it was one thing for Alex but…Liz?” He turned slightly staring helplessly at his father.

Jim sighed fixing Kyle’s black silk tie, “I know, son, I know.”

“Sometimes I just wish, god I don’t know,” Kyle blew out a frustrated breath. “I wish the Max had just…”

“Left her to die?” Jim asked doubtfully.

“NO! No,” He checked the mirror again. “I just wish Max hadn’t told her the truth. Maybe Liz’d still be alive”

Jim shook his head, “You can’t blame him, son, Max was just trying to save her. If I hadn’t kept snooping around-“

“Dad, Dad, I’m not trying to blame anyone…especially not Max, spend a second around those two and you can see that they’re in love…were in love,” Kyle blanched at his mistake. “I guess I just wonder if Liz would still be alive if they weren’t here.”

“Kyle, where’s all this coming from?” Jim asked.

“Tess said something to me the night we found out…and I can’t get it out of my head,” Kyle began taking a seat on his father’s bed. “She said that Liz was a big girl and she had to deal with the consequences of her decisions.”

“She said that?” Jim asked scratching his head.

“I mean, I care about Tess as a part of this family and I know she would never….but,” Kyle closed is eyes briefly, “Do you think she had something to do with Liz?”

Tess had weaved herself into their hearts, earned their trust, but something about this situation seemed wrong. One Valenti sat staring at the other, neither wanting to contemplate the evils this line of questioning could conjure.

“Let’s get to the funeral,” Jim whispered gathering his suit jacket.

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A sullen, tawny-eyed alien stood alone with a grim, black hearse, both waiting on the girl inside although neither seemed happy about the it. Max smoothed his black suit jacket and absently played with his red, silk tie…it had been Liz’s favorite. He looked up at the darkened sky; thunderclouds were rolling in and rain softly began to fall. Max shivered slightly at the cold that overtook him…

Maybe I should go see for myself.

“Max?”

Pulled from the abyss he looked up slowly to find Maria approaching, “Hey.”

“Hey, yourself.”

Max noticed that his usually vibrant friend looked dispirited, almost lifeless and he was once again he was flooded with guilt.

“Look I’m sorry about what I said at the Crash-“

“Don’t. You had every right to feel that way,” Max looked everywhere but her eyes.

Maria’s big green eyes filled with tears, "I don’t blame you for what happened.”

“You should. I screwed up, the things I said…” His voice cracked and Maria’s arms were immediately around him.

“I can’t lose another friend right now Max, please don’t do this,” she whispered.

Together they stood, broken and alone, trying to offer each other strength neither possessed.

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The church was filling quickly even though the service had been restricted to friends and family. The funeral service set up was like the visitation, the same red candles and white roses just more of them. The large, framed photo of Liz near the pulpit was currently the object of Max Evans idolatry.

“God she was beautiful.”

Max turned, slightly startled at the sound of Jeff Parker’s voice. The younger man offered a small smile that didn’t reach his eyes, “Yeah, she really was Mr. Parker.”

“You can call me Jeff, Max,” he returned with an equally sad smile. “You know, anymore I don’t think she has one photo that doesn’t have you in it…I know that everything between you two wasn’t always perfect, we know a lot more than you realize,” Jeff answered the silent question with a chuckle. “I just wanted to say…thank you for loving her.”

Max could feel the bile rising up in his throat. He didn’t deserve Jeff Parker’s gratitude; if it weren’t for him this man would still be able to kiss his daughter goodnight. But how do you tell that to her father he would never understand and he would never forgive. “She deserved so much more,” Max replied softly.

Jeff flashed the boy a sympathetic smile and scoffed lightly. “All you need is love,” he said handing Max a single white rose. With that Mr. Parker walked back over to his grieving wife.

“All you need is love,” Max whispered to himself making his way over to the familiar mahogany casket. She was wearing a different dress, her plain black sweater had been replaced by a black, strapless satin gown with red trim along the corset. Max couldn’t help but notice that he and Liz now matched…

“A little macabre don’t you think? Couples should never be too matchy, ya know? Oooh, I love that dress though, where was that during prom?”

“Not a good time to joke,” Max turned to fix the petite brunette with a glare but it dissipated as he came face to face with crossed eyes and a protruding tongue. The corners of his mouth turned up in a grin while a small chuckle escaped from his throat.

“I knew I could get you to laugh Evans,” Liz whispered victoriously flashing him a grin of her own.

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Kyle and Maria sat together in an empty pew watching the ‘exchange’ in front of Liz’s coffin.

Kyle poked the girl beside him and reported in a whisper, “Maria, he’s talking to himself…he needs help.”

“Just lay off him, okay, Kyle. I’d probably be talking to myself too if it weren't for Michael.”

“You talk to yourself anyway DeLuca. He’s barley said a word to any of us since it happened,” he accused. “I know he’s hurting but this isn’t a time to be questioning the sanity of any members in this little group of ours.”

Maria tossed the persistent jock a glare before standing up and making her way over to Michael. The younger Valenti watched her leave then turned a perplexed eye back to Max, “Is he laughing?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“What are you doing here?” Max questioned staring at the prone girl before him but addressing the one beside him.

“You tell me. I’m just a figment of your overactive imagination Max,” Liz answered peering over his shoulder staring sadly at herself. “Aren’t you glad to see me?”

He couldn’t help but smirk at the pout she offered, “Always.”

"You don't believe me do you? About this not being your fault," she whispered softly while fixing his tousled tie.

Max met her gaze full on, "If the situation were reversed, would you?"

Liz didn't reply, instead she placed a soft kiss on Max’s shoulder, “I do like that dress though.”

Max nodded, “You look beautiful.”

“There’s something missing,” Liz stated, head cocked to the side in concentration. She reached out slowly slipping the white rose from Max’s fingers, lingering for a moment. The young alien looked on as Liz slid the rose in-between her body’s clasped hands, “Perfect.”

“Excuse me son,” the preacher interrupted squeezing Max’s shoulder. “We’re about to start.” Max nodded numbly taking one last glance at the casket before turning away. He grasped Liz’s hand leading her towards an open pew. There was just enough room between himself and Kyle for Liz to occupy, she gripped Max’s hand tightly and laid her head on his shoulder humming along softly with the Gomez song beginning her service.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Maria suddenly stiffened beside the Parkers; she could’ve sworn she heard Liz’s soft humming behind her. But that was crazy, Liz was dead, dead people didn’t hum. The tears came quickly catching Maria off guard. Her best friend was gone and with it her world. Alex had been hard to lose but with Liz it seemed almost impossible just to get out of bed and put one foot in front of the other everyday…and some days she wouldn’t. Maria had spent the entire day before curled up in bed dreaming that Liz and Alex were still alive and all was right with the world. Then she had awoken to the harsh reality in which she now lived where her two best friends were dead and all she had left were the members of the pod squad. And they would eventually leave her too.

Maria began to shake with silent sobs and soon found herself tucked safely in her mother’s arms, curling into the one place where death and heartbreak could no longer touch her.

Well I'm a day late but surprisingly not a dollar short thanks to generous friends...ow that was lame! Anywho, here's ch. 5 enjoy. I'll try to get out the next part a little sooner than this one.

Keep on truckin
Syke

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It had been a week since Elizabeth Parker’s funeral but the town was still sullen, mourning. Maybe it was the fact that Liz had gone so quickly after Alex, maybe it was because she had been such a constant in the small town, or maybe it was the boy who kept vigil in a booth at the Crashdown with haunted eyes and a broken heart.

As soon as school let out Max made his way to the alien themed café where he sat until Maria finished her shift and Michael took her home. Sometimes he would eat, sometimes he would do homework but most of the time he’d just wait…for her but she never came.

“Max, I’m closing up. Do you need anything else?” Jeff Parker’s soft voice broke through the haze surrounding the young man.

“No…no, I’m good. Thanks Mr. Parker…Jeff,” Max whispered gathering his books from the table. He wavered a bit as he stood up causing Jeff to steady him with a comforting hand.

“Max, it’s late. Why don’t you just stay here tonight?” Max shook his head slightly but couldn’t stifle the yawn that escaped. “You can have a spot on the couch…or,” Mr. Parker paused unsure of the offer he was about to make. “Or you can sleep in Liz’s room.”

The younger man could only blink in response.

“Just head upstairs. I’ll call your parents,” Jeff said giving Max a gentle shove towards the backroom doors. He knew the boy needed sleep as much as comfort and maybe his daughter’s presence could give him both.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Tess, you awake?” Kyle whispered as he pushed her door open slowly.

Thick, blonde curls stuck out in all directions as Tess lifted her head to stare down the intruder. “I am now,” she huffed sitting up.

Kyle ignored the comment and made his way into the room sinking down beside her. “Do you even notice that she’s gone?”

“Who?” Tess yawned.

“Question answered,” he grumbled getting up from the bed.

Tess was wide-awake now gripping Kyle’s arm, “What the hell are you talking about?”

“You tell me Tess!” She recoiled slightly. Kyle lowered his voice but the venom remained, “She gave him up, she gave up everything for you, she tried to be your friend even after you treated her like scum, she helped you when you needed it…and you couldn’t even go to her funeral.”

“I,” Tess drew in a sharp breath as she looked away.

“You what Tess? Huh, was it about the ‘consequences’ you mentioned? Or did you just need that one last stab at Liz Parker before she was buried?” The anger burned in his blue eyes as he looked upon the small blonde alien.

“You know that wasn’t why Kyle,” Tess spat.

“Or was it because you didn’t want to see the results of what you’d done?” Her eyes snapped up to meet his.

“You think I killed her?” Tess’s voice sounded strange, strangled.

“I…I don’t know what to think anymore,” Kyle sighed rubbing a weary hand over his face. Tess flicked on the lamp beside her bed and winced at the pain reflected in this Valenti’s eyes.

Tears streaked her porcelain cheeks as she spoke, “I didn’t go because I didn’t think she’d want me there. After everything I’ve said, everything I’ve done, I just thought…” she trailed off before giving a tiny shrug.

Kyle stared at the girl before him wanting so badly to believe her. In that moment he chose to, if only for one untormented night.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Across town Max stood in front of Liz’s door hand raised but he didn’t knock, it would be useless, she wasn’t in there to answer. Liz was dead along with every dream he had for the future. The doorknob squeaked as he turned it and pushed the door open. He reached unsteadily for the light switch and gave a silent sob as the room was illuminated.

Nothing had been moved since he was last here; it was as if the room was awaiting her return as he did. There he stood in the doorway unable to move forward and unwilling to turn back.

“Max?” The boy jumped slightly as he turned around, “I brought you some sweats and a t-shirt. Your parents are fine with you staying here tonight.”

“Thanks Jeff,” Max answered giving the older man a shaky smile.

“No problem, if you need anything just holler.” And with that Max was left alone in the doorway.

He moved slowly into her room softly closing the door behind him. The scent of strawberries filled the air; Max closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. He let out a deep sigh before opening his eyes and throwing on the clothes Jeff had brought him. The covers were cold as Max slipped under them, no one had slept here for weeks he thought before feeling the tears stinging his eyes again. “Just let Liz be here,” Max whispered into the empty room clutching the covers tightly as he tried to keep his emotions in check.

“I think you’re on my side buster,” her voice was like honey, smooth and rich with love and laughter. Max couldn’t help but grin as she stood at the side of the bed, hands on hips, trying to look menacing but failing miserably. She looked adorable in a plain black tank and pin striped pajama pants.

“Where have you been?” he asked while scooting over to the other side of the bed.

Liz cocked her brow, “Roswell cemetery? But that’s just a guess.” Her tone was playful but he still flinched causing her to quickly climb in beside him. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“It’s just hard…ya know?” Max whispered looking up at the ceiling hoping to change the subject. “Are those glow-in-the-dark stars?”

“Wanna see ‘em light up?” Liz giggled jumping up and turning off the lights before joining him again. “I tried to match the constellations…the ones I saw in your flashes.”

The moonlight illuminated Liz’s face as Max stared at her in awe, “You made my galaxy?”

“I know it’s nerdy but-“

Max kissed her hard before pulling back slightly out of breath, “It’s amazing.”

She reached out a tiny hand, trembling slightly, and gripped the collar of his shirt. Max could see the need in her eyes and knew it was reflected in his own. “I love you,” she whispered before capturing his lips.

Max was lost in the feel of her skin against his. At some point in the activities they’d both lost their clothing. His body was trembling as he hovered above her needing more with each impassioned kiss. “Liz?” he swallowed hard looking into her deep brown eyes.

Liz smiled up at him before reaching up and kissing him again answering his unspoken question. Max steadied himself before cautiously pushing inside his love, she was so tight, so perfect, and he’d never felt anything like it. They both stilled for a moment gazing at one another, Max finally knew what it felt like to be complete, to feel truly loved, to feel human…even if it was only in his own mind.

They made love for hours before both were too exhausted to continue. Liz lay curled into his side idly tracing images on Max’s chest. She giggled as a huge yawn escaped from him causing her to rise up.

“You need to get some sleep Max,” she said poking him in the chest.

“Ah, they’ll be plenty of time to sleep when I’m dead,” the joke died on his lips as they both fell silent.

“Promise me that won’t be any time soon,” Liz plead clutching the sheet to her chest and looking at him with tears welling.

Max stroked her cheek softly, “I promise.”

Liz placed a kiss on his chiseled torso, “I love you.”

“I love you,” Max whispered back before giving into the sleep that’d been tugging at him for hours.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A large, warm hand reached over feeling for her soft skin but only finding cold cotton. Max slowly opened his eyes gazing at the empty spot beside him. She wasn’t there, she never was. The amber-eyed alien rolled over and stared disbelievingly at the glaring red numbers, 2:27…PM. A groan escaped Max’s lips as he pulled the covers up over his head blocking out the afternoon sun. Why hadn’t Mr. Parker woken him up, he doubted Jeff forgot he was there…asleep in his dead daughter’s room.

“Finally awake?” Jeff’s voice broke in slightly dulled by the comforter.

Max drew the covers down and looked up at Liz’s father, “Yeah, I guess I was more tired than I thought. I missed school.”

The older man chuckled, “Well, when I came in you just looked so…painless curled up around Liz’s pillow I just couldn’t wake you up. I had your parents call in and excuse you.”

“Thanks,” Max said giving Jeff a small grin.

“Anyway, Michael’s on the grill if you want me to drop in an order while you’re getting ready,” he offered turning towards the door.

Max thought for a moment, “Could I get a Will Smith burger with a cherry cola?”

“Coming right up,” Mr. Parker grinned. “Oh, I put fresh towels in the bathroom if you want to shower.”

Max watched him retreat and slipped out from between the sheets. The tile floor was cold as Max stepped into the bathroom and stripped off his borrowed pajamas. When he pulled the t-shirt over his head he could still smell Liz’s sweet scent on his body, a mix of strawberries and sweat. Suddenly the memories of Liz moving above him assaulted Max’s senses but he shook them out of his head. It was only a dream, a very vivid dream, but still just a dream. With a heavy sigh he stepped under the steady spray and let the warm water wash away his pain, frustration, guilt, and tears if only for a few moments.

Well kiddies, here's the next part. Enjoy.

Keep on truckin'
Syke
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

The lunch crowd was almost gone when Max made his way into the dining area. An aroma of greasy food filled the air causing Max’s stomach to grumble. He hadn’t realized how hungry he really was.

“Max your booth is open,” Jeff Parker said clapping Max on the back as he went towards the grill.

“Thanks,” Max smiled. “But I think I’ll sit at the counter today…if that’s alright.”

Jeff looked over at the younger man, Max actually looked refreshed and possibly glowing a little. Max’s smile actually reached his eyes. It seemed that letting him spend the night in Liz’s room turned out to be a pretty good idea.

“Yeah, yeah. That’s fine, I’ll grab your burger.”

The backroom doors burst open as Maria rushed through quickly trying to tie her alien-head apron around her waist. Her meeting with the school councilor had run long making Maria late for her shift.

“Geez, Mr. Parker I’m so sorry I’m late,” Maria apologized slipping behind the counter.

“It’s not a problem hon, we weren’t that busy,” Jeff was lying but he didn’t want to give Maria anything else to worry about. The teen’s parents had all gotten together to discuss how to handle what had happened, Jeff knew that Maria was taking sleeping pills to get through the night and her grades had been steadily dropping. Mr. Parker had tried to get Maria to take some time off but the blonde girl was stubborn and refused to leave the Parkers understaffed…but he knew that wasn’t the only reason. He knew that she needed to be near Liz, just like Max did, just like he did.

“Can I get you another cola sir,” Maria asked the customer at the counter but when he looked up she gasped. “Max! What are you doing at the counter?”

He offered her a crooked mile, “Just thought I’d shake things up a little bit.”

The pretty blonde smiled back. They’d seen each other everyday but this was the first time Max had talked to her in almost a week. Hell, it was the first time he’d talked to anyone besides Jeff Parker since the funeral.

“So,” she started unsteadily. “How goes it?”

Max smiled again, “Um…good, I guess. You?”

Maria wanted to tell him the truth. She wanted to let him know that she could barely eat, sleep, or breathe without thinking of her two lost friends. She wanted to say that she cried every night and had to see the school councilor every day and still barely functioned. But she didn’t.

“Good, I’m doing good too.”

The boy smiled briefly and Michael stood watching his best friend and his girlfriend from the grill. Maybe things were getting better after all. He worried about Maria constantly; she had gone from his fiery blonde pixie to a walking zombie. She acted fine for the sake of everyone else but he knew the truth, Michael knew because she stopped letting him see her when they kissed. Maria was hiding from him and he hated it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The hours passed and Max stayed, but this time he had been talking and joking with Maria and Michael instead of staring into nothingness. He had even gotten Nancy to smile once, which was one more time than she had since talking to Jim Valenti that fateful night. The dinner crowd began to arrive so Max pulled out his homework to keep himself occupied. Jeff glanced over and noticed that this time Max was actually writing instead of staring blankly at the pages in front of him.

“You seem to be in a pretty good mood today Mr. Evans,” a soft voice giggled beside him.

“What can I say, I kinda got laid last night,” Max replied with a sly grin.

“Kind of?!?!” She whispered in a slightly offended tone, “I thought it was pretty clear-cut.”

Max finally looked over at the petit brunette seated beside him. Liz was glaring at him and he couldn’t help but think of how gorgeous she looked. When she realized the glare wasn’t working she quickly switched tactics and fixed him with a pout, even threw in a quivering lip for good measure. Max smirked and leaned in giving Liz a quick kiss.

“It was amazing,” he whispered earning a brilliant smile from Liz.

“Eh, it was OK.”

It was Max’s turn to glare before she giggled again but she soon sobered, “You can’t keep doing this Max.”

“What?” he asked, but he already knew.

“This Max,” Liz said motioning to herself. “They’re gonna think you’re going nuts if you keep talking to me out in public.”

A deep sigh left Max’s chest as he looked around the café, Michael was looking at him strangely. He offered his best friend a small smile, which Michael returned and went back to the grill. “Maybe I am losing it, Liz.”

“Max,” she whined. “You were fine earlier, even had Maria laughing, you don’t need me Max.”

“I’ll always need you!” Max whispered harshly before his face softened, “I just…seeing you, this you, it’s just easier to cope.”

Liz inhaled sharply before smiling at the alien next to her, “Just try to keep it out of public babe.”

Max smiled back, “I’m a rebel Liz Parker. I make no promises.”

She cocked an eyebrow and smirked, “You better not forget the one you made last night.”

“Never.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Closing time came quickly for the staff at the Crashdown Café and it didn’t take long for the three teens to get everything cleaned up.

“Thanks for your help guys, I’ll see you tomorrow,” Jeff smiled as he walked toward the backroom.

Michael, Maria, and Max stepped out into the night as a cool breeze kicked up around them.

“Where’s the Jeep Maxwell?” Michael asked looking around the empty streets.

Max shrugged, “Isabel has it, I’m just gonna walk home.”

“Are you sure cuz I can drop Maria off and come back?”

Maria stepped up glancing at Max, “Actually I could use some fresh air after that shift…do you mind some company?”

“Maria, I have a bike-oof,” she effectively cut off his sentence with a smack to the gut.

Max adjusted the strap of his backpack and looked between his two friends, “I don’t mind.”

Michael didn’t argue, he just kissed Maria on the cheek and said he’d see them both tomorrow.

The first few blocks were walked in comfortable silence but since Maria was involved it didn’t last long.

“You see her don’t you?” the blonde asked eyeing Max beside her.

Max scratched behind his ear, he seemed unsure of how to answer her question. When he finally did it was barely more than a whisper, “Yes.”

Maria nodded, “Does it make it easier?”

“Sometimes…but sometimes it makes it worse, seeing her but knowing she’s not really there,” he conceded glancing towards Liz’s best friend.

“I miss her so much,” Maria cried the tears in her voice evident. “Why didn’t she come to me, I thought I was her best friend.”

Max quickly pulled Maria into his arms trying to sooth her, “She loved you Maria, so much, so much. This wasn’t your fault and neither was Alex.”

Suddenly Maria stiffened and pulled back, “What if Liz was right, what if this was some alien thing and she got in the way.”

Max swallowed, staring into Maria’s big green eyes. “I’m not blaming you, any of you. I love Michael and Isabel and you…but what if something else is here.”

“Maria,” Max was shaking his head.

“Max please just listen to me,” the small girl pleaded. “You know Liz wouldn’t, wouldn’t…kill herself. Alex wouldn’t either. Will you please just look through Liz’s things? Maybe she found something.”

His face was unreadable so Maria gave him a pout, “Fine, Maria, fine. I’ll take a look.”

Maria flashed him a smile and leaned up to give Max a quick kiss on the cheek, “Thanks.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was after eleven when Max finally made it home, he had stopped at Maria’s to let her get some of it out in the open. They’d sat in Maria’s living room sharing stories about Liz and talking about how much they missed her. Max thought that it might have actually helped him as much as it had Maria. When he finally left she was sound asleep on the couch, no sleeping pills needed. Max made his was quietly into the house only to find Isabel watching TV in the living room.

“Hey, you’re home.”

He offered his sister a small smile, “Yeah, had to break in my new walking shoes.”

Isabel sat up frowning, “You walked. Why didn’t you call for a ride?”

“It was fine, I walked Maria home,” he said brushing off her guilt.

“You talked to Maria?” Isabel couldn’t help but feel a little jealous, Max had barely spoken to her since Liz’s funeral but at least her was talking to someone.

Her brother shrugged, “How’ve you been?”

Isabel blinked a few times before answering, “Just taking it day by day. Mom and Dad are worried about you…so am I.”

“I’ll be OK Izzy. It’s just gonna take some time,” he offered her another smile. “Night Iz.”

“Night Max,” she whispered but he was already out of the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Max sank down into his computer chair with a heavy sigh. Going through Liz’s research was the last thing he wanted to do but he’d promised Maria he would. He decided to start with Liz’s journal but instead of turning to her latest entries Max opened to her first one.

September 23rd, Journal entry One.
I’m Liz Parker and five days ago I died. After that things got really weird.

Max had been reading her journal for almost an hour and it was killing him. Knowing what Liz Parker really thought of him, the way she loved him was incomprehensible. The only thing she wanted in life was for him to be happy, she wanted what was best for him that’s why she had gone to Florida last summer. Liz had loved him completely and he again wondered what had changed. When she came back she’d written about his advances and how desperately she wanted to be back in his arms. Then why had she invited Kyle into her bed? Why had she betrayed him as completely as she’d loved him?
The next entry was tear stained and many of the words were smudged.

I’m Liz Parker and tonight I lost my future-

“Whatcha readin’ Max?”

Max snapped the journal shut and guiltily looked up at Liz. Even though he knew it wasn’t really her he still felt like he was invading her privacy. “I just, um, I promised Maria I’d go through your notes about Alex.”

Liz raised her brows, “Are you getting a lot of information from last years journal entries?”

“Sorry,” he whispered setting her journal on his desk.

“You don’t need to be sorry Max. I just don’t think it’s a good idea to be drudging up all of those memories…and feelings,” Liz moved forward straddling his lap. “It’s not going to help you move on.”

“And what if I don’t want to,” Max’s voice was strained and filled with hurt, longing.

A tear slipped down her pink cheek and was soon followed by many more. Max couldn’t help himself as he leaned forward and kissed her tears away. Liz was warm and soft and he once again forgot that she was nothing but air. She moaned softly pushing herself against him.

“Liz,” it was a growl and she knew what was coming. He swiftly picked her up and moved them onto his bed.

“Max, we shouldn’t.” Her plea was soft and he stilled for a moment. There was a definite smirk on Max’s face as he answered.

“Hey, at least I’m keeping it out of public.”

She couldn’t help the smile that came at his words even as she shook her head, “Maxwell.”

It was his turn to pout and she couldn’t deny him any more than he could her. Liz tugged at the hem of his shirt and he complied by sitting up and pulling it off. They shed their remaining clothes quickly but made love slowly. Afterward, Max lay with his head cushioned on Liz’s soft stomach while his eyes began to drift shut. Though he couldn’t help the pang of hurt that shot through him as his mind once again drifted to a night months ago where his saw this very girl in a similar position with her former flame.

“I always hoped we’d share our first times together,” he felt Liz pull in a shuddering breath beneath him. “Why’d you do it Liz? I…he…why did you sleep with Kyle?”

She stayed silent and Max began to give into to his physical and emotional exhaustion. The thought came to him that she couldn’t answer because he didn’t know; there was not a single scenario that had gone through his mind that he could accept as the truth. Max could feel himself slipping into the blackness so he couldn’t even respond to the teary whisper he wasn’t even sure he heard.

“Because you asked me to. You asked me to save them by destroying us.”

Here you go, enjoy. THanks for all the feedback.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Max woke up alone once again. A deep sigh emerged from Max as he snuggled deeper into Liz’s pillow, he had meant to take it back to her room but never got around to it. Plus, he’d gotten used to waking up to her unique scent every morning.

“Maybe I am losing it,” Max said to an empty room before dragging himself out of bed. She had felt so real last night; he could still imagine her soft, supple lips on his body. Max shivered involuntarily. Why was he torturing himself like this?

The spray of water he stepped beneath was ice cold as he tried to shock his system out of her haunting memory. It didn’t work. Her soulful brown depths, so full of love and need, stared back at Max each time he closed his eyes. The cold water stung his back reminding him of the way Liz’s nails dug into his flesh as she cried out in pleasure beneath him. Max let out a frustrated growl before slamming a fist into the wall shattering some of the tiles. He suddenly wondered if Kyle had scratch marks on his back the next day.

You asked me to. You asked me to save them by destroying us.

His amber eyes snapped open but Max couldn’t recall when or where he’d heard those words. The tile floor was slippery as his feet touched down and a towel clad Max ran back into his room. Where the hell did he put her journal last night? He couldn’t remember where he’d been reading it last.

“Damn it,” he growled. “Maria.”

Max quickly dried himself off and threw on whatever was within reach before sprinting out to the Jeep. It only took Max a few minutes to arrive at the café and crash through the doors. He glanced around frantically and found Maria pouring coffee for an older couple. She squeaked in protest as Max grabbed her arm and began to drag her towards the backroom.

“Max! What the hell is your probl-“

“Why did Liz sleep with Kyle?” He had let her go and was now pacing the floor like a caged animal.

“um…what?” Maria was staring at the boy like he’d completely lost it.

“You heard me. Why?” Max stopped in front of her pleading with those beautiful eyes.

She sighed and offered him a small smile, “She didn’t.”

It was Max’s turn to look baffled at her word. His voice came out soft and disbelieving, “What?”

“I guess it doesn’t matter if I tell you now since Liz is…” the green eyed girl pulled in a deep breath before continuing, “Last fall a future version of you came to visit her. Yeah, I know it’s a little hard to believe but definitely more plausible than her sleeping with Kyle. Anyway, this ‘Future Max’ told her that she needed to get you to fall out of love with her and get with Tess so the world won’t end. You wouldn’t listen to her when she tried to get you to stay away, so Liz did the only thing she could think of to make you turn away from her.”

“Pretend to sleep with Kyle,” Max’s face softened as the truth hit him.

“That’s right sistah,” Maria placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “She wanted to tell you so many times but she was afraid to screw everything up again.”

“God, the way I treated her.” Max shook his head in sorrow, then suddenly his eyes snapped up to meet hers, “Maria, this future version of me…how did he come back?”

“Um, I don’t know. Liz didn’t say. Why does it-,” the realization dawned on her as Maria clapped her hand over her mouth. “You think you could go back.”

The lean alien gave her a tiny smirk, “It’s worth a try right?”

“Max it could be,” Maria yelled but Max was already out the door. “Dangerous.” She finished in a whisper trying to fight of that tinge of hope attempting to invade her heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Max stepped into his room and ran a tired hand through his already messy hair. When Max raised his head intending to start the search he was surprised to see a tiny form curled up in his bed. Liz’s long hair was splayed out around her head and her breathing was even. He hated what he was about to do.

She let out a small gasp as Max pounced on top of her, effectively pining her small body beneath him.

“Max,” Liz said his name in a breathless whisper that almost had him forgetting why he had woken her in the first place.

“Where’s the journal?”

“Um…under you pillow, you fell asleep reading it last night,” Liz answered cocking a brow at the boy above her.

Max climbed off her quickly reaching underneath his pillow and pulling out her open journal. “Oh,” his whisper was pain filled and hopeless.

Liz took the journal from Max and climbed into his lap, “Max, your inner control freak is showing…I know you want to believe that you can change what happened but you can’t. Even if that journal told you how to go back you know that it wouldn’t be the right thing to do. I mean look how well changing the future worked out this time.” Liz said trying to lighten the mood but Max was less than impressed.

She gave a heavy sigh and continued, “I knew how much you loved me Max, but I wasn’t supposed to live that day…you gave me a second chance but it wasn’t meant to be. You went through everything I had and didn’t find anything alien related. Baby, you had your little psychotic break and confirmed everything with Maria about Kyle and future Max, now it’s time to let me go.”

Max pulled her tight against him, “I don’t know if I can…I can’t forget you.”

“You don’t need to forget me,” she whispered pulling back enough to look into his teary eyes. “But you need to forgive me Max.”

He swallowed thickly, “I…I never-“

“Max,” she interrupted softly. “I know you’re angry that I chose that path but it seemed like the only option. I’m not saying that it was right but it happened, I don’t want you to hate me.”

“I don’t hate you, Liz.” Max whispered absently playing with her hair. “I wasn’t angry with you, I was mad at myself for letting it happen. For not being there for you when you needed me.”

Liz stroked his cheek with her tiny hand, “Then don’t make that mistake again Max. Isabel, Michael, Tess, Kyle, Maria…they’re all hurting right now just as much as you. Don’t let them down by closing them out. If you all lean on each other, no one can fall.”

Max drew in a shuddering breath before kissing Liz with a primal need. There was something finite about this time making Max move slowly, meticulously searing each movement, each sound and each image into his memory so years later he could still remember the feel of Liz’s sweet lips on his body and the sound of her soft moans filling the air around him. As their bodies began to cool and their breathing slowed Max pulled her against him. Liz wrapped her small arm around his waist and tucked her head underneath Max’s chin. His long fingers danced along her spine as she let out a contented sigh. Max fought the sleep that threatened to overtake him but he was exhausted and Liz’s steady heartbeat was pulling him deeper.

“No matter where I go or what I do in this life I will always love you Liz Parker,” he whispered, softly kissing the top of her head. “Always.”

Here's the next part kiddies...Please put away any rotten fruit and don't give up on me yet, there's a lot more to come.

Keep on truckin'
Syke
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunlight streamed through the window casting a bright glare over Max’s prone form. He groaned slightly before rolling over and burying his warm face in Liz’s pillow. It smelled of strawberries and, well, Liz. Max sat up slowly running a hand through his sleep-tousled hair. There was a slight smile on his face as he glanced around the room as if he were seeing it for the first time. The floor creaked as he stood up from the bed and made his way towards the bathroom. Today was a new day, in a different life, one that he would have to live without her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Crashdown was emptying as Max walked in looking for her. Maria glanced up to find the tawny-eyed alien watching her. She walked over to him quickly with questions burning in her eyes but she didn’t need to ask, the answers were written on his face. Max hadn’t found his future self’s secrets. Liz wasn’t coming back. He quickly pulled Maria into a hug when he saw the tears forming in her eyes.

“Everything is going to be okay,” he softly whispered in her ear. “We’re all going to get through this together.”

Maria held onto Max tightly drawing comfort from his words, “She didn’t write it down.”

“It wouldn’t have been right, Maria. We don’t know what we would have changed,” Max said pulling back to look into her smirking face.

“Words of wisdom from Liz?”

Max just gave her a sheepish grin, “Maybe.”

“Our girl always was the smart one,” Maria laughed wiping a stray tear from her cheek. “How do you feel about a movie tonight?”

“Only if I get to pick it,” he smiled.

Maria just laughed, “Well I’m sure it’d be better than anything Michael makes me watch…just not that Crapping Tiger movie.”

Max blanched, “You two have no taste, I’ll come by Michael’s around seven.”

“It’s a date,” Maria hugged Max one last time before watching him jog away from the Crashdown.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Hey Kyle.”

“Max. What are you doing here?” the younger Valenti asked from his doorway.

“Can I come in?” Max said motioning towards the house.
Kyle moved out of the way, “Uh, yeah, of course. Do you want a drink or something?”

“Naw,” Max ran a hand through his hair. “I just came over because I wanted to thank you.”

“For what?” Kyle asked genuinely confused.

The taller boy sighed sinking down into the couch, “For helping Liz when she needed it. I know that you didn’t…sleep together. I’m sorry I treated you the way that I did, I just-“

“I know what you mean Max. I woulda felt the same way,” Valenti whispered before taking a sip of his coke. “Did you find out why?”

Max’s head snapped up as he met Kyle’s gaze, “You didn’t know?”

Kyle shrugged, “Liz told me that she didn’t want to talk about it so I didn’t push. I figured it must have been something big.”

“Stopped the end of the world,” Max sighed. “Um…Maria and I are trying to get everybody together tonight at Michael’s. I was hoping you and…Tess would come too.”

“Yeah,” Kyle nodded. “We’ll be there.”

Max got up and headed towards the door with Kyle on his heels, “See you guys at seven.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The house was quiet as Max stepped inside looking for the one person her really needed to talk to. He found her sitting by the window staring out into the back yard. Isabel watched as the leaves danced on their branches in the light breeze. It was days like this that she missed him the most. Alex would have been outside her door begging her to take a walk through the park or grab some lunch. He wasn’t there though he never would be again.

“Isabel?” Max’s voce broke her from the reverie.

She didn’t look at him though, just kept staring out the window as she answered, “I shouldn’t have been so scared to let him in.”

Max felt his heart sink at the frown marring his sisters beautiful face. The exuberance that usually flowed from her was gone. Isabel’s heart was as shattered as his but he’d been ignoring that fact. Max had cared more about retrieving memories and protecting their alien destinies than his own sister’s pain.

“Alex understood why you were so cautious,” Max whispered taking a seat next to Isabel. “He knew how much you had to lose.”

“The only thing I lost was him,” her voice was soft and filled with tears.

A tiny smile played on Max’s lips for so many years he’d wished that Isabel would stop being so guarded. He just wished it hadn’t taken Alex’s death to break down her walls.

“I want you to go to San Francisco.”

Isabel’s eyes snapped to meet his, “Wh-what?”

Her brother offered a warm smile, “I’m sorry that I tried to control your life. You deserve to be happy Iz and if that means going to California then…I’ll support you all the way.”

“Are you serious?” There was a mix of apprehension and hope on her features. Max couldn’t be serious; he wouldn’t just let her go. Would he?

The tawny-eyed alien nodded, “I don’t want to hold you back anymore.”

“And what about the group? What about sticking together?” She questioned.

“Isabel,” Max sighed taking her hand in his. “All of us, we’ll always be connected. You’re my sister and whether we live in the same house or two thousand miles apart you’ll always be my home and I will always be there for you.”

“Oh, Max.” Isabel buried her tear-streaked face in Max’s shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her tightly.

“Plus this way I’ll have somewhere to escape to when Mom and Dad get too nosy,” he felt her laugh against his chest. “Just don’t forget to keep in touch.”

“Always little brother, you’re my home too.”

The two siblings sat in silence staring out into the back yard. Watching as the leaves danced along their branches in the light breeze. Both lost in memories of the past and thoughts of the future.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was five till seven when Max pulled up outside Michael’s apartment. He jumped out of the jeep and made his way up to the door taking in a sharp breath before walking inside. The corners of his mouth turned up in a slight smile as Max saw the sight before him. Michael and Maria were curled up together on the couch each with a Snapple in hand while Tess and Isabel sat giggling together on the floor as they all watched Kyle telling a very animated story about a certain locker room incident. Max’s heart clenched when he thought of the two voices missing from the conversation but he tried to push the pain out of his thoughts. Tonight was about healing and moving on, tonight was about taking back the lives they’d all strayed from, the dreams they used to have. But for Max it was about making new dreams since every one he’d had since stepping off that bus involved a beautiful brunette.

“Max!” Maria’s shriek startled Max out of his thoughts just in time for him to catch her as she hurdled into his arms. “What movie did you bring?”

Maria pulled back from the taller boy trying to peer into the bag he held. Max chuckled and reached into the bag pulling out the case.

“Animal House?” Isabel queried scrunching her nose.

Max gave a sheepish smile, “I thought a comedy was the best way to go, ya know?”

“Good flick,” Michael said going into the kitchen. “Who wants popcorn and Snapple?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the ending credits began to roll Max looked around at is friends. Isabel and Kyle were snuggled up together under a blanket both snoring softly, though she’d never admit to it. Maria and Michael were fast asleep on the floor wrapped in each other’s arms. Then amber eyes met blue as he realized Tess was still awake. They just gazed at each other for a moment before Tess spoke.

“Are you ever gonna talk to me?” Max winced at the hurt in her voice but he couldn’t help the way he felt, he couldn’t help blaming her for losing Liz. If she hadn’t come here with Nasedo talking about destiny…if she hadn’t been so selfish and left Roswell he’d never have come back and made Liz choose between the end of the world and their relationship.

“Max? Please talk to me,” the petite blonde pleaded.

Max got up making his way towards the door, “Do you want a ride home?”

“Sure,” Tess smiled but Max didn’t return it.

The ride to the Valenti’s was driven in total silence. Max kept his eyes straight ahead on the road while Tess snuck glances at the boy beside her. They hadn’t talked since that night at the observatory. That night she thought Max had finally seen the light, finally realized that they were meant to be together. That was before Liz called, before Max shut her out again…before Liz was found in that riverbed.

“We’re here,” Tess jumped a little at Max’s voice.

She looked over only to see Max still staring straight ahead, “I’m sorry about what happened to Liz.”

His jaw clenched and Tess suddenly regretted saying her name, “Why didn’t you go to her funeral?”

She looked at him in surprise, “I…I didn’t think she’d want me there.”

“Bullshit Tess,” Max spat. “You know that Liz wasn’t that type of person. Why didn’t you go to her funeral?”

It was Tess’ turn to stare straight ahead with jaw clenched, “I didn’t want to see that look on your face. I didn’t want to see how much you loved her and how much you’re hurting without her.”

“You didn’t go to her funeral because you were jealous,” his voice was calm but Tess could hear the fury behind his words. “Why do you hate her so much?”

“I didn’t have anything to do with her death Max, she did that all on her own,” Tess spat back.

“Don’t Tess,” there was so much venom in his voice that she nearly shuddered.

“There’s a bigger picture here Max,” Tess turned to face him. “We have another life, we have another home. You’ve gotten back some of your memories Max, you’ve seen the life we had-“

“You’re right Tess, had, the life we had. But we died and I am not a king anymore,” He ran a weary hand through his hair.

“Yes, you are Max…Nasedo said-“

Max gripped her arm tightly, “Nasedo’s dead! I don’t care anymore Tess, I don’t want that destiny I don’t want that life. I want my life back…I want Liz back. But, right now I’ll settle for just getting normal back.”

Tess’ head dropped and her blonde curls hid the tears in her eyes, “So that’s it. You’re just walking away from your destiny.”

Max thought back to what he had told Liz the morning after they'd found the orb and the words his future self had spoken to her on the balcony that fateful night.

“We create our own destinies Tess,” as Max looked at the girl beside him his amber eyes were shining in the moonlight. “And you aren’t mine.”

Okay, um...I'm really not sure how to post this part. I love you uys and I love all of your feedback. So, I need you to bear with me and not run away after reading this...there's a lot of story left. I refuse to give any hints on the direction it's going to go so don't ask.

It may end with everyone being very happy or... you all may stone me. I guess you'll just have to wait and see.

M'kay, on to the story.

Syke

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It had been four years since they’d lost Liz and Alex. Four years in a life none of them ever thought they’d be living. Isabel had graduated early and enrolled in school up in San Francisco. Life was going well for the beautiful blonde; she was getting ready to graduate with a degree in fashion design and had opened herself up more than anyone ever thought possible. Kyle had moved to Boulder, Colorado where he was attending CU as a PoliSci major. To everyone’s surprise he and Isabel had been giving a long distance relationship a shot for over a year. Once Michael decided to grow up he took a job as a Roswell deputy sheriff under the reinstated Jim Valenti right out of high school. Maria stuck around Rowell with Michael until she’d gotten a chance to go to New York for a record contract. The two were no longer exclusively dating but they continued to talk everyday. Tess, well, Tess had stayed in Roswell and taken secretary job at Evans and assoc. For the first time in her life she actually seemed happy, they all did. Then there was Max who found himself attending Harvard working towards a pre-law degree, living near campus with Jon, a friendly jock he’d met during the first week of school but…

Liz still haunted his dreams. Late at night he lived another life, at night Liz moved to Boston with him. When the moon was bright in the sky instead of living in that tiny two-bedroom apartment, he shared a spacious 17th-century Victorian home offering a white picket fence and a hidden garden with the love of his life. It was the same house he’d seen while driving to class the first day of his freshman year. Max used to hate those dreams. He always woke up sobbing. But now, as his life gets busier and Liz no longer fills his waking thoughts, he revels in them. In the winter when the snow piles on the lawn and the freezing wind whips through the trees Max and Liz curl up together in front of the fireplace. Huddled under the blanket he gave her their senior year for Christmas drinking hot chocolate and watching the crackling fire. When spring finally thaws the winter hardened ground they can be found tucked together on their porch swing giggling as they whisper sweet nothings in each other’s ears. At night Max was happy.

During the day…he was happy too. It may not have been that “I’m living out my life’s dream with the woman I love” style happy, but it was happy nonetheless. He’d stepped out from behind the tree. There were books and internships, friends and bars…and none of it involved anything alien related. Max Evans was just another college student. The raven-haired boy forced himself to date now and then; at the moment he was even in a quasi-relationship with a petite, redhead named Nikki. She may have been a little frustrated with how slow Max way taking their relationship but she didn’t push.

There was a slight breeze on the air as the sun filtered down through the branches of their apple trees.

“Max!” Liz squealed as she tried to escape his grasp. The amber-eyed alien chased after her across the lawn. He was dripping wet thanks to a “slip up” from that beautiful brunette while they were washing the jeep. She shrieked as Max’s arms closed around her and he tackled her to the ground.

“You’re getting me all wet,” Liz pouted while struggling against him.

“And whose fault is that, babe?” Max laughed giving his head a shake, sprinkling her with water.

She stopped struggling and was just laughing under him. Max loved the sound of her laugh it was like tinkling bells. As her laughter died they lay gazing at each other just listening to the others ragged breathing. Max couldn’t help himself as his lips crashed onto hers. Liz moaned into his mouth and automatically bowed against him tearing a soft growl from Max’s throat. He pulled back looking down at her flushed face and smiling lips.

“Ready to head inside, Loverboy?” Liz’s voice was low, husky.

Max opened his mouth to reply-

RIIIINGGG!!!!

“Fuckin’ A,” came the soft groan muffled by a strawberry scented pillow. Max fumbled around until he found the offending object. “Hello.”

“Hey Hun,”

Shit, “Uh, hey Nikki. What’s up?” Part of him still felt bad like he was cheating, he just didn’t know on whom.

“I just wanted to make sure you didn’t need a ride to the airport,” Max could tell she was pouting a little since he hadn’t asked her for the favor.

“Nik, you still have classes today and Jon’s flight is at the same time,” He grumbled running a hand through his dark hair. “I’ll only be in Roswell for a week.”

“I know. I’ll miss you though.”

Max sighed, “I’ll miss you too, now get to class before I stay gone an extra week.”

“Whatever, bye hun.” He could hear the smile in her voice and it made him smile too.

“Bye Nikki.” With another sigh he buried his face back into that worn out pillow that never seemed to lose her scent.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After finally waking up Max was showered and riding down the turnpike in Jon’s F1-50. The scenery flew by with each mile closer to the airport they got. Within a few hours the plane touched down in New Mexico and Max’s rental was barreling down 285 towards Roswell. It’s funny how the years fly by and everything changes, everything but home that is. It was almost dark when Max walked through the doors and was greeted with the familiar sights and sounds that were uniquely ‘Crashdown.’

“And The Prodigal Son returns.”

Max gave a bright smile before engulfing the older man in a tight hug, “Hey Jeff.”

“It’s good to have you home, Max,” Mr. Parker laughed embracing the boy back. “What can I get you to eat, oh and how’s life in Boston?”

“Will Smith Burger and a cherry cola,” the Amber-eyed alien just shook his head slightly, “Well a lot has happened since I talked to you yesterday…”

“Never mock the cook Max. You never know what’ll end up in your burger,” Jeff winked making his way to the grill. The two men had bonded after Liz’s ‘accident’ giving Max another set of parents. Not that he was complaining he loved the Parkers as much as his own parents. Max slipped into his favorite booth moments before the commotion started. The Crashdown doors burst open as four figures walked in arguing loudly.

“No way, that movie was about as scary as Isabel without make-up.”

“Yeah, like I said Michael it was terrifying!”

“Hey, I’m offended here.” Isabel stopped behind them, hands on hips but her frown quickly turned into a smile when she saw her brother, “Max!”

Michael pushed Kyle out of the way and moved to slide into the booth beside him, “Maxwell, long time no see.”

Max smirked, “Yeah, ‘cause Christmas was soooo long ago.”

“Whatever,” Michael laughed as Isabel and Tess joined them in the booth. Kyle grabbed a chair and sat astride it on the end.

“So what’s as scary as Isabel without make-up? Or do I not want to kn---OW!” Suddenly Max felt a stiletto dig into his shin as Iz gave him a beaming smile.

Kyle clapped his hands together, “We just saw ‘The Grudge’ it was awesome!”

“It wasn’t that great,” Tess chimed in.

Michael laughed, “And what was with that actor playing Buffy’s boyfriend…God, he sucked.”

“I’ve seen that movie,” Max said sullenly. “He wasn’t that bad.”

“Uh huh,” Isabel said rolling her eyes. “Have you gone to see Mom and Dad yet?”

Max shook his head, “Nope stopped in to see set number two first since they make edible food.”

“Touche, little brother.”

Kyle excitedly grabbed the back of his chair, “So, what are we doing during this fine Spring Break?”


“We kind of already have plans,” Michael whispered refusing to meet the gaze of anyone in the group.

“Who has plans?” Kyle questioned raising his brows

Michael finally looked up smiling nervously. “We,” he said motioning around the booth, “have plans.”

“Geez Michael, slow down. I’m getting information overload,” Isabel sighed dramatically grabbing both of Michael’s hands.

Deputy Guerin rolled his eyes, “Maria called me yesterday-“

“Doesn’t she call you every day?”

“Tess! Do I need to get the pepper spray?” The bubbly blonde could only giggle at her friend’s sudden frustration. “Anyway,” he continued when Tess nodded his way, “Maria said that she’s doing some recording in California and her producer is offering the use of his beach house for her and her friends, that being us.”

Max shook his head, “Michael whatabout-“

“She already bought the tickets Maxwell,” Michel swallowed glancing around. “You know how excited she gets to see us and we’ll have to face the wrath of Maria if we tell her ‘no’.”

“So, beach house vacation it is,” Kyle cheered pumping a fist in the air. “When do we leave?”

“Tomorrow at noon.”

Isabel simply rolled her eyes, “Let’s eat.”

“Yeah,” Max agreed running a hand through his shaggy black hair. He loved Maria like a sister but seeing her was a different matter, seeing her brought up those haunting memories from his past during his waking hours. Seeing her meant missing Liz for more than just eight hours a night.