Roswell Fanatics

Hey there kiddies, here's my newest fic. Enjoy! Oh and a big thanks to Lorastar for the fantastic banner!

Title:A Little Less Sixteen Candles...
Author:Syke
Disclaimer: You know I don't own 'em so don't even ask. The title comes from 'A little less sixteen candles, a little more touch me' by Fallout Boy.
Category: Might possibly end up Dreamer oriented
Rating: Teen-Mature
Summary: you know I suck at these so just read on to find out.
Genre: AU without Aliens

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Ch.1

“Oh, my god Maria…look at your hair,” a soft female voice laughed.

The fiery blonde crossed her arms over her chest defensively, “Well at least I was willing to try new looks Miss I-had-the-same-hairstyle-from-kindergarten-to-graduation.”

Liz just shrugged flashing Maria a cocky smile, “You know what they say…if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

A slight breeze slipped through the open widow rustling the pages of the photo album. Liz quickly slammed her hand down trying to keep their place. When her tiny hand was lifted, there underneath, was a picture of elegantly dressed teens all smiles and laughter. Maria reached over slowly tracing her finger over the faces that grinned up at her now, years later.

“I still remember that night like it was yesterday,” the green eyed girl whispered with a low chuckle. “Do you?”

Liz turned wide-eyed to her best friend, “Sugar, we spent the night in jail after the goat incident…it’s kinda hard to forget.”

“Meheee meheee,” Maria mimicked, well her version of goat noises causing Liz to burst into a fit of giggles. “I thought your dad was going to strangle you.”

The petite brunette wiped the tears from her eyes. “That next morning when he had Max pinned against the wall cussing like a sailor…Max just looked terrified,” Liz said with another giggle.

“I still believe that’s the funniest thing I’ve ever seen,” Maria stated matter-of-factly. “When was the last time you talked to him?”

Liz’s eyebrows drew together deep in thought, “Must have been, what, eight or nine years ago now?”

Both girls stared intently at the picture almost as if they were expecting it to come to life. Their eyes moved over every detail from the elaborate gowns to smiling dimples trying to recreate the sounds and feeling in their minds. Time had flown by quickly without their consent and their lives had far overshadowed any expectations they’d had while posing for that faded photograph.

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

A warm breeze wrapped around Liz as she sat outside her parents’ café. It’d been years since she been able to wrangle the much-coveted ‘vacation’ from her boss. 3 weeks…21 days…504 hours…30240 minutes…1814400 seconds. Seconds, that was what her life boiled down to now, each tick and tock of the clock. She was hoping that maybe just for these three weeks she could go back to living life by the day instead.

“Hey girl,” Maria sighed dropping her various shopping bags. “Sorry I’m late. I just couldn’t seem to find the right outfit for this fuckin’ thing…”

Liz chuckled before taking another sip of her coffee as the blonde rambled on. Maria hadn’t changed a bit since they were five years old. She could still remember the first encounter with her pixiesque friend. Picture this.

Little Lizzie Parker sitting at the lunch table in her red dress…you know, the one with the cupcakes…her Mary Jane clad feet dangling carelessly above the white tile floor.

Just as she was about to take a bite of her PB&J a tiny blonde tornado hit. All books dropped to the floor beside the table, lunch bag tossed in front of her, rambled like a lunatic…for the entire lunch period.

The bell rang. Green eyes finally looked over only to find Lizzie Parker staring wide-eyed, sandwich still in mouth, halfway through the first bite. The tornados eyebrows rose questioningly. She reached over pulling the sandwich away from the tiny brunette. Then glancing over again she put one finger under Liz’s chin and pushed her mouth firmly shut.

“Much better,” the girl grinned. “I’m Maria…Maria DeLuca.”

“Lizzie Parker, can I have my sandwich back?”

Maria cocked her head to the side and handed the food over. “Wanna hang out again tomorrow?”

“Will I actually get to talk this time?” Liz giggled.

Maria flashed her a sheepishly but indignant smile, “Eh, we’ll see.”

Liz tuned back in just in time to catch Maria’s urgent question. “What are you gonna wear?!?!” The note of panic over fashion choices made Liz smirk.

“Okay Ria, let’s take a deep, calming breath-“

“Liz! Stop patronizing me…this is a big deal,” Maria pouted stealing her best friends coffee.

The brunette shrugged, “I was just going to go with one of my black suits…and maybe bring Jim a goat or two.”

“I still can’t believe my mother married the man that threw me in jail,” Maria huffed in mock seriousness.

Liz laughed, “Hey at least it stopped Kyle from continuing his quest to your ‘Holy Grail.’”

Liz’s ‘Holy’ was dripping with sarcasm which Maria graciously chose to ignore, “Soooo true. Good point Parker.”

“What are we supposed to get them for a ten year anyway?” Liz asked trying to snatch her cup back but her efforts remained futile.

Maria cocked her brow, “Whaddya mean?”

“Aren’t there like different gifts for different anniversaries?” Liz said unconfidently. “Like silver, gold, paper…or something…I think.”

“Well, we'll just make a run out to old McAllister's ranch and tell everyone that at ten years you get farm animals,” Maria whispered as her green eyes sparkled with mischief.

“Ooooh, you know I would Maria,” Liz drawled out. “But I’m not really in the mood to go to jail…maybe next week.”

Maria just laughed sipping on Liz’s coffee. Neither could believe that Jim and Amy, the Sherriff and the Hippie, had been happily married for ten years. Hell, Kyle already had two kids of his own…needless to say Vikki Delany didn’t have the body she used to.

“Did you hear that Vikki’s knocked up again?” Maria asked as if reading Liz’s thoughts.

“No way!” Liz chuckled. “Talk about super sperm. What is he a human rabbit hybrid?”

Maria scrunched her nose disgustedly, “You are never allowed to mention my step brother’s sperm ever again.”

Liz held up her hands in surrender, “Okay, okay…I’ll just have to talk about his engorged and throbbing member.”

Little droplets of coffee splattered over the table and Liz as Maria sputtered incoherently. “Liz Parker…you are one sick fuck.”

As Liz opened her mouth to reply but was cut off, “Lizzie I know I promised I wouldn’t ask you but…”

Liz rolled her eyes, “Pull out a uniform and I’ll be in as soon as I say goodbye to Maria.”

Jeff gave his daughter a beaming smile, “Thanks sweetie, Agnes called in sick again so we’re short. Hi Maria.”

“Hey Mr. P, if you’ve got an extra uniform I’ve got a couple hours,” the blonde offered with a grin.

Jeff Parker grabbed his chest dramatically, “You girls are angels…I’ll see you inside.”

As the doors to the Crashdown creaked shut Liz turned to her best friend baffled, “I can’t believe you volunteered.”

Maria shrugged, “We can make it just like old times.”

Liz laughed, “What? Blowing off work while we talk to our friends-“

“And you make out with Max in the back room?” Maria finished with a laugh.

Liz at least had the decency to blush. She stood up, shouldering her purse, “Eh I don’t think Doug would approve.” At Maria’s pout Liz amended her statement, “Fine. If we see any tall, dark, and handsome high schoolers I’ll flirt like mad.”

DeLuca scrambled up engulfing Liz in a tight hug, “You’re the best.”

The two friends giggled their way back into the restaurant. Liz glanced around at the packed dining room and her eyes settled on booth after booth filled with high school jocks. It was going to be a long afternoon.

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Eight hours and thirty-eight minutes, that’s how long the shift was. Eight hours and thirty-eight minutes of pure hell. Two petite girls sat completely exhausted, their tanned limbs hanging limply from grease splattered, aqua uniforms.

“How did we ever do this everyday?” Liz asked swiveling her stool towards Maria.

The blonde shook her head slightly, “I have no idea…so, how is Dougie Poo anyway? I haven’t seen him in so long.”

“He’s good, really good. Just got a promotion actually,” Liz answered picking at the alien head around her waist. “We set a date,” she added, a bright smile suddenly lighting up her face.

“Oh yeah,” Maria giggled at her friends enthusiasm. “When is the big day?”

Liz suddenly got that dreamy, far off look. “December 17th…two years from the day we met. It’s going to be in the most beautiful old church Maria.”

Maria sighed dreamily, “I hope it snows. That’d be so romantic.”

“I’m glad my Maid of Honor approves,” Liz threw out with a sidelong glance towards her best friend.

A loud, girlish squeal resounded in the tiny café as Maria jumped up pulling Liz into a tight hug, their exhaustion forgotten for the moment. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world…as long as the dresses don’t involve ruffles, sequins, or puffy sleeves.”

Liz nodded her head with a sly grin, “I think I can manage without ruffles and puffy sleeves…but I make no promises when to comes to sequins.”

The brunette was met with a sound smack to the shoulder as the two girls collapsed in a fit of giggles. “I’m so happy for you Pumpkin.”

“Thanks Sugar,” Liz grinned before grabbing a rag off the counter. “Now, let’s finish up and get the hell out of here.”[/img]

Thanks to everyone who left a little lovin' for me a.k.a Feedback.

Here's part 2, enjoy. Oh yeah, the colored italics are song lyrics (both from Fallout Boy "of all the gin joints in all the world" and "Our lawyers made us change the name of this song so we wouldn't get sued". Therefore, song lyrics = not mine. And I threw in a couple of little surprises for y'all...if you can find them

Keep on truckin'
Syke

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Pt. 2

You only hold me up like this
‘Cause you don’t know who I really am
Sometimes I just want to know what it’s like to be you

We’re making out inside crashed cars
We’re sleeping through all our memories
I used to waste my time dreaming of being alive
(Now I only waste it dreaming of you)

“Hello?” Liz answered cradling her cell phone against her shoulder and turning down her stereo.

“Hey Sweetie, how’s home?”

A bright smile lit up her face, “It’s going fine hun. How’s work?”

She heard Doug sigh on the other end and pictured him flopping down on the couch, “It’s work. I really miss you…I don’t know if I’ll last two and a half more weeks.”

Liz laughed softly as she held up another outfit in front of the mirror, “Aw…you lasted twenty-seven years without me, I think you can make it three weeks.”

“Says you,” he huffed playfully. “What time is the thing tonight?”

“Hold on a sec, Maria’s here.” Liz dropped her dress on the bed and opened her bedroom door, “What up Sugar!?!?”

“Nada mucho Pumpkin,” the fiery blonde squeaked dumping her bags into the room. “I still have no idea what to wear”

“I know, I forgot to pack the suit I wanted,” Liz laughed hugging her best friend. “Sometimes I wonder how I lived to be twenty-seven.”

“Same here,” Maria giggled. “Doug?” She asked in a stage whisper pointing towards the phone on Liz’s shoulder.

“Oh, yeah (I almost forgot),” Liz chuckled bringing the cell back to her mouth. “Sorry hun, we’ve got to get ready but I’ll call you later, ‘k?”

Doug laughed and she imagined the smile on his face as he shook his head slightly, “Yeah, yeah. Tell Maria I said ‘Hi’ and you two have fun tonight.”

“For sure. Love you.”

“Love you too, night Liz.”

“Night Doug,” Liz smiled closing her phone.

Maria started sifting through her bags pulling out dress after dress. The bed squeaked slightly as Liz sat down watching the blonde with an amused smile. It felt great to finally have her best friend back. The seconds were lengthening.

“Doug says ‘Hi,’” Liz said smoothing out one of Maria’s choices.

The green-eyed girl looked up smiling, “How sweet. Has he found any hot friends for me yet?”

“Have you seen the guys at his office?” Liz groaned scrunching her nose, “I wouldn’t wish those guys on my worst enemy.”

Maria mirrored her friend’s expression, “Even Tess?”

Liz laughed, “Even Tess.”

“Okay then…maybe I’ll get lucky tonight,” Maria smirked.

“You’ll have to pick an outfit first,” the petite brunette chuckled earning herself a shoe in the shoulder. “Hey, that was pretty damn close to my head!” She shouted in mock irritation.

“Serves you right,” Maria snickered. “Now about those outfits…”

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After another hour of trying on outfits the two friends were finally on their way to the hotel ballroom. Liz giggled in the passengers seat as Maria revved her engine at the light.

“Sugar, there’s no one around to race,” Liz laughed looking up and down the empty street.

“Gotta keep her in tip top no matter what Pumpkin.” Maria said and tossed her best friend a wry smile as she stroked the dashboard lovingly.

The giggling brunette shook her head and started to roll the window down, “I can’t believe you still have this Camaro.”

“And she’s still a beaut,” Maria chuckled as she watched the lights of the cross section closely.

The lighter sparked as Liz lit her cigarette and inhaled deeply. She glanced over at her best friend as another memory flooded back.

“There no way you can beat Jimmy Dolan’s Corvette Maria!” Liz shouted over the Camaro’s revving engine.

Maria laughed taking another swig from her flask, “Fuck you Liz! My baby is gonna kick his ass.”

Liz pulled down her converse clad feet that were propped up on the dash. The lighter sparked as Liz lit up her cigarette and inhaled deeply. She glanced at Jimmy as he blew a few kisses before flipping them off. The two friends turned and looked at each other exchanging wry smirks. Liz just shook her head and shrugged off her leather jacket before throwing it into the back seat. Maria cocked her brow.

“If we’re gonna do this I’d rather not get my blood all over Max’s jacket,” Liz laughed. “You know how much he loves that thing.”

Maria smiled and took another swig before glancing over at Jimmy. The two drivers watched the lights of the cross section closely.

Green…

Yellow…

Red…

“Go, Sugar! Gun it!”

Being with Maria always brought back memories of a time when Liz thought she’d never grow up. Liz took another drag as the light turned green and the Camaro lunged forward. Her tiny hand reached out to feel the wind rushing past her skin as a nostalgic smile lit up her face.

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“Do we have to do this?” Maria whined as she ran a perfectly manicured hand through her hair. She reached over turning up the car stereo before pulling herself from the driver’s seat.

Brothers and Sisters-put this record down
Take my advice ‘cause we are bad news
We will leave you high and dry
It’s not worth the hearing you’ll lose

It’s just past 8:00 and
I’m feeling young and reckless
The ribbon on my wrist says
“Do not open before Christmas”

Liz pulled her knees up to her chest as she sat on the hood of the Camaro. Her eyes were locked on the end of her cigarette watching the orange glow. She finally tore her gaze away and glanced over at Maria.

“We don’t have to, but it’d be highly frowned upon if we didn’t.”

Maria gave a heavy sigh as she laid down slipping her arms behind her head on the windshield. Liz brought the cig up to her lips and took a deep drag. The brown-eyed girl closed her them slightly and took a moment to revel in the tiniest nicotine high.

“You wanna nip?”

Liz’s eyes snapped open to find Maria’s outstretched hand in front of her face. Maria gave the flask a little shake trying to entice her friend. Liz sighed in mock exasperation before flicking her spent cigarette out into the lot and grabbing the flask. A sharp burning sensation crawled down Liz’s throat right behind the liquid.

Jack Daniels.

It was the only liquor Maria ever drank. After a good chug she handed the slim, silver container back to Maria and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. The vivacious blonde laughed and took a sip herself.

Brothers and Sisters-put these words down
Into your notebook, spit lines like these:
“We’re good friends only when you’re on your knees”
Make them dance like we were shooting their feet

It’s just past 8:00 and
I’m feeling young and reckless
The ribbon on my wrist says
“Do not open before Christmas”

“I think it’s time Sugar.”

Maria gave her a quivering pout, “Just ten more minutes? Please.”

“We’re already forty-five minutes late,” Liz said shaking her head.

“Then what’s ten more Pumpkin?”

Liz gave a defeated sigh. The lighter sparked as she lit up another cigarette and inhaled deeply. Maria reached over digging through Liz’s purse and pulled out one of her own, tucking it between her plump, pink lips.

“Does Doug know you smoke?”

Liz sparked her lighter and lit up Maria’s cig, “He knows I smoke with you.”

Maria nodded and the two girls stared off into the distance. Liz leaned over nudging Maria with her shoulder a move that Maria instantly copied. They exchanged mischievous smiles before finally slipping from the hood. Whoever said ‘you can never go home’ had no idea what they were talking about Liz mused as she linked arms with Maria and made her way towards the hotel entrance.

I know I'm spoiling all you kids by posting this so often...but what can I say must be the Christmas spirit flowing through me.

Just keep in mind that this is just the beginning, there are many more chapters to come Mwahaha.

Keep on truckin'
Syke

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Ch. 3

The ballroom was already packed by the time Liz and Maria finally made their way inside. It only took two more cigarettes and half of Maria’s flask. They both let out identical sighs while looking over the throngs of familiar faces.

“I suddenly wish we’d brought the goats,” Liz whispered before running a hand through her long, brown hair.

Maria laughed and moved in front of Liz. She reached out smoothing the lapels of Liz’s body hugging suit jacket then pushed at her chest trying to create more cleavage.

“Much better,” the blonde smiled as she smoothed her own burgundy dress.

Liz nodded her head with an appreciative expression, “I suddenly realize why everyone thought we were lesbians in high school.”

“You’re just figuring this out now,” Maria said shaking her head. “What kind of edu-macation did they give you out east?”

“Ha Ha,” Liz deadpanned. “Let’s go find the happy couple.”

Maria sighed then grabbed her best friends hand and started moving through the crowd. Maria stopped off at the bar grabbing an Apple-tini and a Jack n’ Coke. She handed one to Liz and sipped the other herself. It didn’t take them long to find Jim and Amy hobnobbing it with a few other couples near the stage.

“Maria honey, you look beautiful,” Amy squealed while pulling her daughter into a tight embrace.

Jim smiled at the two women then turned to the third, “Why if it isn’t Liz Parker. We’ve missed you down at the station.”

Liz just laughed and hugged Valenti, “I had some of the best naps of my life on those cots.”

“How’s life in Baltimore?”

The brunette sighed, “Let’s just say you boys have got it easy here in Roswell.”

“Because it’s a bigger city or because you’re not here to cause trouble anymore,” Jim laughed getting an indignant smirk out of Liz.

Maria chuckled throwing an arm around her friend, “Jesus Liz. It’s been nine years and you’re still a legend in this little town.”

With a small shove Liz moved away from Maria.

“It’s not like I got that reputation all by myself,” she huffed playfully.

Amy cleared her throat loudly, “All right, let’s leave the girl alone.”

“Why thank you Mrs. Valenti-“

“We wouldn’t want her harming any farm animals over this,” the older woman laughed.

Liz’s mouth dropped open as she gawked at Maria’s mom. It was hard to keep the offended look though while the corners of her mouth twitched as she tried to fight back a smile. She’d missed this, her friends and family, it’d been way too long since Liz had been home.

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

The girls spent a good hour working the room, talking to every old friend and acquaintance they could find. Maria dropped onto one of the bar stools and tapped the bar for another drink.

“Drink much?” Liz chuckled motioning for another one herself.

Maria shook her head softly, “Only with you Pumpkin. Have you ever noticed that we seem to revert back to our old selves whenever we get together?”

The petite brunette shrugged. It was true, what Maria was saying. In Maryland Liz wasn’t a smoker and she barely drank except for the rare ‘Girls Nights.’ But here, in Roswell, she slipped into the role like a second skin. And Liz knew it was the same for her best friend. She had been out to visit Maria in Florida a few times. It was funny; the Maria DeLuca that her friends described was a far cry from the one she grew up with. But Liz figured Maria said the same thing about her. She used to wonder which personality was the real Liz Parker. In the end she came to the conclusion that they both were because Liz was happy with the person she’d become while she could still appreciate the girl she used to be.

“I can’t believe we’re not even going to be in the same state anymore,” Maria cried kicking a rock out into the sand.

Her best friend frowned slightly before taking a drag of her cigarette. Tomorrow was the Day of Reckoning; Liz was heading off to college in New York thousands of miles from Maria and the life she used to know.

“Have you decided what you’re gonna do Sugar?”

Maria sank down next to Liz on the hood of her dusty Camaro. Her hand was shaking slightly as she ran it through her wavy, blonde locks. A sigh went out into the night.

“I really like it here Liz,” Maria whispered. “There’s so much more for me than there is back home.”

Liz nodded in complete understanding, “You know my aunt loves you Maria. She already said you could stay for as long as you want.”

“I know. I’m just…” Maria trailed off taking a sip from her scuffed, silver flask.

“Scared?”

Maria swallowed thickly, “To death.”

Liz didn’t try to soothe Maria’s fears because honestly she was just as scared herself. This was a new world for them, a different road than either had planned to take. The two friends sat there, knees pulled to their chests, wondering what the future would bring. How had their lives changed so drastically in such a short amount of time?

“Just promise me one thing,” Maria pleaded. “Promise me that no matter where we end up or who we become…this, you and me, promise me it’ll never change.”

Liz dropped her cigarette to the ground and reached over to thread her fingers through Maria’s.

“Sugar, I swear that whatever happens this’ll never change.”

“Where’d you go Pumpkin?” Maria asked a worried expression marred her pretty features.

She shook her head smiling, “I was…I was just thinking about our last night together in Florida.”

Liz watched as the understanding dawned on Maria. Her look went from worried to reminiscent in a flash.

“Thanks for keeping your promise,” Maria grinned squeezing Liz’s hand.

Liz smiled brightly before finishing her drink, “I always keep my promises to you Shug.”

“Ooooh, there’s Jimmy Dolan. I wonder if he’s still single?” Maria wondered as she stared at the blue-eyed boy hungrily.

“Why don’t you wipe the drool and go find out,” Liz smirked. “I’m gonna go have a smoke.”

The fiery blonde was already half way there before Liz even finished her sentence.

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

There was a slight breeze as Liz stepped out into the night, away from the noise of the crowd. She reached up pinching the bridge of her nose for a moment and then ran a thin hand through her dark hair. While Liz loved being back home she needed a bit of a break from the chaos. She groped around in her purse for a moment then smiled in relief as she pulled out a cigarette and her lighter. The lighter sparked as Liz lit up her cigarette and inhaled deeply.

“You wouldn’t happen to have an extra?”

Liz’s eyes snapped open. She didn’t turn around only pulled out another cigarette and handed it over along with her lighter. She listened intently as the figure lit it and inhaled deeply. They handed the lighter back and gave a small sigh of pleasure.

“Thanks, I forgot to stop and pick some up on my way here.”

Liz nodded, “I didn’t see you inside.”

The figure chuckled, soft and deep, “Yeah, well I spent most of the night in hiding after Mrs. Hanson cornered me and tried to teach me some extra-curricular anatomy.”

Liz finally looked over taking in the appearance of the person beside her. The top three buttons of his white dress shirt were open and a silver, satin tie hung loosely around his neck. His shaggy, black hair was ruffled giving the impression that he’d just woken up.

“You weren’t kidding,” she smirked.

He flashed Liz a lopsided grin then took a few steps past her and dropped down onto the concrete bench against the building. Liz watched him stare off into the parking lot for a moment before moving towards him.

“Do you mind?” She asked motioning towards the seat beside him.

He shook his head slightly. She took another drag before sinking down next to him. They sat in silence for a moment before he put his cigarette to his lips and drew in another breath. Liz couldn’t help but notice that he still held his cigarettes with his thumb and middle finger while curling the others slightly, it had always reminded her of James Dean.

“I never wanted to hurt you,” he breathed out, his voice shaking slightly. “I was just scared, I should have talked to you about it instead of…I never should have…I’m so sorry.”

Liz swallowed thickly as his words sunk in and a long forgotten memory surfaced.

It was almost nine; they were going to be late. Liz hopped out of the Camaro and ran up the steps dashing through the empty house. She stopped at his door pushing it open.

“Hey, are you still sleeping? We’re gonna be…” she trailed off as warm brown eyes locked with icy blue. He sat up beside the girl obviously startled but all Liz could see were tousled golden curls, swollen pink lips…and lots of skin.

Liz just shook her head offering him a sincere smile, “Thank you for apologizing but…I forgave you a long time ago Max. I think what happened was the best thing for both of us.”

“For you maybe,” Max snorted. “That hussy gave me crabs.”

Liz couldn’t help the laughter that spilled from her lips. After a few moments she was finally able to compose herself. Her tiny hand reached up and wiped away a few stray tears as she took another drag.

“I’m sorry,” Liz stated as she exhaled the smoke. “But that is just horribly…funny.”

He caught her eye as she offered him a small grin, which Max quickly returned.

“I think you’re right though,” he whispered with a curt nod.

Liz mimicked the action, “I mean we were so young and just caught in the throws of puppy love-“

“And puppy lust,” Max reminded her playfully.

She smirked, “That too. Jesus, our big life plan was to get married, move to California and become beach bums for fuck’s sake. What kind of screwed up idea was that?”

“Yeah, we probably would have been divorced within a year…or dead on some beach, somewhere. We weren’t the most innocent kids. I mean our relationship was…was…”

“A little less Sixteen Candles, a little more ‘touch me,’” Liz snickered with a sidelong glance.

“Exactly.”

They both chuckled softly to themselves before leaning their heads back against the building, closing their eyes and taking a deep drag of their cigarettes. Max slowly opened one eye and looked over at Liz smirking as he realized they were sitting in the same position.

“So, what are you doing now Liz Parker?” Max asked watching the girl beside him.

Liz didn’t move, didn’t even open her eyes, “I’m a bomb tech.”

Max nearly choked on his cigarette. “Excuse me?”

The sly brunette lifted her head from the wall giving him a bright smile, “I work for the Baltimore PD Bomb Squad. I get to wear the cool suit and snip wires.”

“Wow,” Max said raising his eyebrows in surprise. “So, I guess you literally live your life by the second huh? Each tick and tock of a clock.”

Liz nodded with an appreciative smile, “Exactly…what about you Mr. Evans? What did you become?”

“I’m a beach bum in California.”

Liz’s eyes widened as her mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water.

The man next to her just laughed at her baffled expression, “Only on the weekends though. The other five days a week I’m in advertising.”

His confession was met with a sound smack to the shoulder, “You jerk. You almost made me feel bad…Do you come back here often?”

“Naw, I usually can’t get time off work but the fam said there was no way in hell I could miss this gala.” Max dropped his spent cigarette to the ground and ran a hand through his ruffled hair, “Bomb Squad eh? So, is there a Mr. Parker that worries about you getting blown to bits?”

Liz laughed and smacked him again, “Actually there will be in December. His name’s Doug Shellow.”

“Shellow?” Max snorted. “You’re going to be Elizabeth Shellow…actually that doesn’t sound too bad," he ended thoughtfully.

She smiled beside him, “Thanks. You ever find another girl to fall for those Evans charms?”

“Oh yeah,” he laughed. “But Mrs. Evans eventually grew to love my checkbook me than she loved me…so we parted ways a few years ago.”

“I’m sorry,” Liz whispered scrunching her nose.

He waved her off, “Don’t be. It was good in the beginning but I was still young and trying to make a name for myself by working way to many hours.”

“Oh. My. God. Max Evans, working…that’s a first.”

Max glared at her in mock annoyance, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly, “And speaking of significant others…I need to get back to the house and call my girlfriend before she starts to think I’m banging some harlot.”

“Then it’s a good thing Maria already latched onto Jimmy Dolan,” Liz giggled earning a grin from Max.

The two former flames got up from the bench and smoothed their wrinkled clothing.

“Do you need a dart for the walk?” Liz asked as she reached into her purse.

Max smiled, “I’d be eternally grateful.”

She pulled out two cigarettes and tucked one in her own mouth before throwing the other one his way, “Need a light?”

Max caught it and brought it up to his lips.

“I think I got one,” he said reaching into his pockets and producing a silver Zippo. As it gleamed in the hotel lights Liz noticed the engraving that adorned the side.

“You still have that thing?” Liz questioned with a cocked brow.

Max glanced down at the object in his hand, “Wouldn’t throw away a perfectly good lighter.”

“Why not? You threw away a perfectly good fiancée,” she smirked.

Max scrunched up his nose and smiled slightly, “Ouch.”

Liz giggled, “I’m sorry that was low. It’s my only one, I promise…no, wait I’ve got one more: You should run by Lowe’s I hear their having a special on crabs.”

“Ha ha,” Max deadpanned. “Are you done?”

She was barely stifling her laughter, “Yeah, I think…no, yeah. That’s it.”

Max gave her a bright smile, “We’re…we’re good.”

“As gold,” Liz grinned. “Really Max, I forgave you years ago. I had to or else I never would have been able to move on and make the life that I have.”

He nodded and threw her a smile, “I’m glad you’re happy.”

“Ditto kiddo,” Liz giggled. “I’ll see you around Maxwell.”

Max gave a tiny wave before walking off towards the parking lot. The lighter sparked as Liz lit her cigarette and inhaled deeply. What a weird night.

I feel like Santa bringing new chapters to three stories all in one night...

Thanks for all the wonderful feedback, enjoy!

P.S. the song used is Fall Out Boy's "I slept with someone in Fall Out Boy and all I got was this stupid song written about me."

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

Ch. 4

Liz stubbed out the last of her cigarette with a delicate black pump. The party was still going strong as she stepped back inside. Max Evans. She smiled slightly at the thought of the man that fast-talking, rebellious boy had become. Liz hadn’t lied when she said that she’d forgiven him. Max hadn’t even entered her thoughts for years and suddenly he shows up spouting apologies. Words Liz had resigned herself never to hear. But he hadn’t changed as drastically as she’d once imagined he would or maybe, like with Maria and herself, he was able to slip back into the role. Liz sighed softly, shaking her head with a smile. A drink; that was definitely what she needed.

“Liz!” Maria panted out as she ran up to the bar. “I just talked to the Evanses…Max is here.”

The petite brunette lifted her martini glass partially to take a sip and partially to hide her smirk as she spoke.

“I know, I ran into him outside.”

Her best friends eyes widened, “Y-you ran into him? You mean, you saw him or you talked to him?”

“He needed a smoke,” Liz drawled out taking a long sip of her drink. She knew this was pure torture for a gossip like Maria but she just couldn’t help herself.

Maria grabbed the glass from Liz’s hand and threw it on the bar, “Liz…I am going to speak very slowly so that you can understand me…did you tell him that you forgave him or did he say something stupid…and we need to hide his body in the desert?”

Liz finally allowed herself a full smile as she waived the bartender down.

“Sugar,” she laughed. “He apologized. I said thanks but not necessary. We chatted. Nothing big. He had to go home and call his girlfriend.”

Maria let out the breath from her puffed cheeks, “So you two are good?”

“We’re fantastic.”

The following squeal almost deafened Liz. Maria quickly snatched up her drink holding it up in front of Liz.

“Cheeears Pumpkin,” the blonde giggled clinking their glasses together. “Here’s to the last of the shadows gone from our Roswell.”

Liz smiled brightly, “And here’s to the Sheriff and his lovely bride.”

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

“Yeah babe, I’ll be home tomorrow night…no I didn’t meet any hot girls at the party…yes Berlin, I have hooker on the bed right now, do you want to say ‘Hi’?” Max laughed softly as he finished up the conversation with his girlfriend. “I’ll call you when I get in…’night Berlin.”

He flipped his phone shut before throwing it down on the bed and turning on his CD player.

I found the cure to growing older
And you’re the only place that
Feels like home

Just so you know, you’ll never know
Some secrets weren’t meant to be told
I found the cure to growing older-

Slim fingers moved quickly unbuttoning the wrinkled dress shirt that adorned his body. He climbed out of his suit and slipped into a threadbare olive t-shirt and a pair of gray baggy sweats.

I’m the first kid to write of hearts, lies, and friends
And I am sorry my conscious called in sick again
And I’ve got arrogance down to a science
And I’m the first kid to write of hearts, lies, and friends
Now

The window creaked open as Max situated himself on the pane. There was a pale glow over the lawn as he stared up at the moon above. With a soft sigh Max placed the cigarette Liz had given him between his lips. The lighter sparked as he lit the cigarette and inhaled deeply. Liz Parker. What a trip, he hadn’t seen her since that morning…when she’d found him in bed with Tess. Tonight it’d seemed like nothing had happened. They were still the same best friends they’d always been. But it didn’t surprise him, Liz was Liz, she always bounced back and she always forgave…even when someone might not deserve it. She had done well for herself, they both had, and it was a much brighter life than the future they were heading towards at eighteen. In the end it had been the best thing for both of them.

Max took a deep drag as he looked down at the silver Zippo glinting in the moonlight…

He glanced over and saw a sixteen-year-old version of himself flopped on the bed staring at the ceiling. There was a quick rustling as Liz pushed past him through the window. She rushed over straddling the boys lap, kissing him fervently. As they broke apart struggling to breathe his hands cupped her flushed cheeks…

“Liz,” he panted out. “After yesterday…if you’re parents find out…”

She silenced him with a kiss, “They won’t. I’ve got ten minutes to make it to Maria’s.”

Max pressed his lips to hers but groaned as she pulled away. Liz hurried back to the window stopping half way over the sill.

“I love you Max,” she laughed tossing a small box towards him. “Even if we end up in the slammer.”

“Ditto kiddo,” he whispered back but she was already gone. Max tentatively pulled the lid from the box. Inside was a shiny silver Zippo engraved just for him...

Max shook his head, thoughts of Liz slipping out into the night. It wasn’t meant to be but it was one hell of a ride Max chuckled to himself. With one last drag he threw out the last of his cigarette and closed the window behind him. It was time to get some much-needed sleep.

They call kids like us vicious and carved out of stone
But for what we’ve become, we just feel more alone
Always weigh what I got against what I left
Progress Report: I am missin’ you to death

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

Jeff Parker was an evil, evil man. There must have been someone in that Godforsaken town to work besides the two hung over girls sporting his uniforms. But in the end it had been their fatal mistake, instead of getting a hotel room or sleeping in the gutter Liz and Maria had foolishly passed out in Liz’s old room. Jeff was more than happy to wake them for the breakfast rush at six…to work, not to eat. Liz was already on her sixth cup of coffee and eighth cigarette and it wasn’t even 9 am.

“Liz,” Maria chirped happily. “Table six needs more hash browns.”

The petite brunette glared at her best friend; next time Maria came by she was stealing that flask. She moved as quickly as she could serving the very loud customers and trying not to throw up.

“I knew you were lying about the whole Baltimore thing.”

“Listen buddy, my father makes Hitler look like Gandhi when he’s short handed. So you can just Kiss. My. Ass!” Liz grated out poking the smug intruder in his muscled chest for emphasis.

“Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the toilet this morning,” Max pouted. “I don’t even get a hello.”

Liz just smiled and shook her head, “Go sit down and I’ll bring you a cherry coke.”

Max made his way over to the counter and slid into an open stool. He spun around whistling softly but the next tone died on his lips as he met Jeff Parker’s gaze.

“Mr. P,” he croaked smiling nervously.

Jeff walked behind the counter placing his hands palm down in front of the younger man, “Maxwell.”

“Listen Mr. P. I already talked to Liz last night and apologized,” Max said scratching behind his ear. “I’m really sorry for any trouble I caused your family-“

“Your parents tell me you’ve done alright for yourself,” Jeff interrupted.

Max furrowed his brow, “Yeah…I mean, I’m happy.”

“So is Liz,” Jeff smirked. “I always liked you Max, you were like a son to me for a long time…but you were just to young to be making those decisions for you and Lizzie.”

“I know Mr. P, I just-“

“Max, I’m proud of you. In the end everything turned out right, you and Liz both got to grow up outside of the prison walls,” Mr. Parker laughed softly. “You’re no longer banned from the Crashdown…and the cherry coke’s on the house.”

With that Jeff moved into the backroom leaving a stunned Max Evans in his wake. Two down, one to go Max thought as he saw Maria stalking over.

“I had to find out you were in town from your mother,” Maria growled. “Your mother Max!”

His hands went up in surrender immediately, “I’m sorry Maria. I just…god you look good.”

Maria fought back her smile, “Don’t you dare try and change the subject on me buddy. We were best friends for years Max. Your mother!”

“Your right, I should have called, I’m sorry Maria. It will never happen again.”

Maria smiled triumphantly, “You’re damn right it won’t.”

Max patted the stool next to him and the fiery blonde quickly sat down.

“I really am sorry Mara, not just for last night but for everything…I know it affected you too and I’m just really sorry,” Max ended with a tiny pout.

Maria cocked her brow, “What’s going on Max? First Liz then Mr. P and now me…what is this like some kind of Twelve Step program…oh my god that’s what it is…you’re in AA aren’t you?” Maria rambled shaking her head sadly.

“Ria…there’s a flask in his eye!” Max whispered pointing at the alien head around her waist.

“So, what’s your point?”

He ran a hand over his face trying not to laugh, “My point is that…one: of the two of us I wouldn’t be in AA and two: I’ve really missed you.”

“Awww,” Maria squealed pulling Max into a tight hug. “I’ve missed you too. And I’m sorry about ditching you but…it was a war…I had to pick a side and I-“

“Couldn’t lose Liz,” he finished for her. “I know. Trust me I never blamed anyone but myself for losing my girls.”

“What would Jimmy say?”

Maria pushed away from Max and they both grinned sheepishly at the brunette in front of them.

“Liz can I get an order of Hevanly Harsh and an OJ?” Maria asked with a bright smile. “I’m gonna take my break and eat breakfast with Maxie Boy.”

Liz rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress her smile, “Right away Ma’am…and ‘the usual’ for you sir?”

Max scrunched his nose and furrowed his brow, “You remember what I used to order for breakfast?”

“Max, you ate here every morning until my dad banned you,” Liz chuckled. “I’m pretty sure I remember.”

“Then the usual it is.”

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

The three once and future friends chatted while Max finished his food. The two girls worked stopping by the counter every few minutes to talk to him. Midway through one of Maria’s stories his phone alarm went off.

“Shit, I gotta leave for the airport,” he said standing up suddenly and pulling out his wallet.

Liz just waved him off, “Don’t worry about it. I think Jose spit in your omlette so it’s on the house.”

“Well then tell Jose 'thanks' for me,” Max laughed. “I’m really glad we got a chance to talk.”

“Me too,” Liz said with a slight smile. “Listen…don’t be a stranger okay. Give me a call sometime.”

She grabbed a napkin from behind the counter and scribbled down her digits. With a nod he accepted the number and stuffed it in his wallet.

“Will do Parker,” Max leaned over giving Maria a tight hug before holding out his fist for Liz. She promptly knocked knuckles with the boy before he slipped out of their lives yet again.

“At least this time you not crying and your dads not trying to buy a shotgun,” Maria said with a shrug once again reading Liz’s thoughts.

“Sooooo true,” Liz whispered before moving to help the next costumer.

Hey my little readers. Thanks for the feedback, you're all my heroes.

Sorry it's taken so long but I'll try to keep the updates on a regular basis from now on.

Keep on truckin'
Syke

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

“Do you have to go back?” Maria asked twirling a strand of hair between her fingers.

“Yes,” Liz laughed taking another drag of her cigarette. “And so do you.”

The wind danced along the trees causing their leaves to shiver. Liz looked over watching as her best friend stared at the scene, her green eyes sparkling with unshed tears. A frown marred her pretty pink lips as the petite brunette wrapped her arms around Maria.

“You should come out to Baltimore. Doug’s been dying to see you.”

Maria sighed, “Sorry Pumpkin, I won’t get another break from work for at least a couple months.”

“It’ll go fast,” Liz whispered with a soft chuckle. “Especially if you keep that flask on hand at all times.”

Maria playfully slapped Liz on the arm trying to keep her indignant expression. Both girls burst into a fit of giggles. As the laughter died down Liz wiped her cheeks and pulled out another cigarette. The lighter sparked as Liz lit her cigarette and inhaled deeply.

“Well Sugar,” she said taking a drag. “Let’s get me to the airport before I miss my flight.”

“Would that be such a bad thing?” Maria laughed climbing off the hood of her Camaro. “I mean really…”

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

The wind danced along the trees causing their palm leaves to shiver. Max stopped for a moment to watch the scene as the salty water ran down his cheeks. A soft smile played on his lips as Max ran a hand through his black hair and walked towards his spot on the sand. It had been a long week and a day at the beach was exactly what he needed. He looked out into the water and thought back to the first time he’d ever seen the beach…

A cool breeze whipped across the sand and she shivered in his arms. Max pulled her tightly against him and nuzzled her strawberry scented hair.

“Max,” she whispered looking off into the setting sun. “It’s beautiful.”

“Not as beautiful as you,” he whispered in her ear causing Liz to giggle.

Liz turned her head catching his amber gaze, “Such a smooth talker Evans.”

He captured those supple, pink lips in a searing kiss. She pulled back with a bright smile and turned back towards the beach snuggling deeper into his embrace. Max knew their parents were going ballistic but Liz had always wanted to see the ocean. He’d made her a promise…he always kept his promises to Liz. Always.

Max snapped out of his thoughts and lowered himself onto the beach towel when his cell phone started to ring.

“Evans,” he answered throwing on a pair of aviators. “Yes sir…they liked it that much…really…”

The lighter sparked as Max lit his cigarette and took a deep drag.

“So, does that mean I get a raise…wait…can you say that again?”

The cigarette dropped from between his lips into the sand, “You want me to what?”

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

“Doug! I’m home!” Liz shouted as she struggled to get her luggage through the door. “Doug?”

With a quizzical look Liz dropped her bags to the floor and kicked the door shut. In the kitchen she found a scribbled note attached to the fridge.

Hey baby,

The office called. Had to go in. See you for dinner at 7.

Love ya,
Doug

The clock read four pm. Liz smiled; at least she’d have time for a long bath before Doug got home. The freezer door squeaked as Liz pulled out a few cubes of ice and tossed them in a glass followed by a long pour of bourbon. She hated flying it always left her jittery even after she landed. After a long sip of her drink Liz grabbed her robe off the couch and moved into the bathroom. The pipes groaned as she started to fill the bath. She reached over flicking on the radio as she started to strip off her wrinkled clothes.

I comb the crowd and pick you out
My mouth moves too fast for you to figure it out
It starts eyes closed to fingers crossed
"To I swear, I say"
"To I swear, I say"

To hands between legs, to "whatever it takes"
To drinks at the club to the bar
To the keys to your car
To hotel stairs to the emergency exit door

Liz sank down into the warm water with a heavy sigh. It had been a long week, a hot bath and a cold drink was exactly what she needed.

To the love, I left my conscience pressed
Between the pages of the Bible in the drawer
"What did it ever do for me" I say (I say, I say, I say)
It never calls me when I'm down
Love never wanted me
But I took it anyway
Put your ear to the speaker
And choose love or sympathy
But never both
Love never wanted me

She loved spending time with Maria; it took her back to those carefree days she used to live for. Seeing Max, what a trip. Liz used to wonder what it’d be like to see him again.
For some time she’d thought about what she’d say…she used to hope that she’d be able to hurt him like he’d hurt her, showing off a wonderful life with an amazing man, making Max see what he’d lost.

"I hoped you choked
And crashed your car"
Hey "tear catcher", that's all that you are
And ever were
From the start
I swear, I say
I swear, I say

To hands between legs, to "whatever it takes"
To drinks at the club to the bar
To the keys to your car
To hotel stairs to the emergency exit door

Ironically that’s exactly what she had now. The life she wanted with a man she loved more than anything but she didn’t want Max to be hurt by it, she now hoped that it would take away his guilt, heal him as much as it had her. Funny how life turns out.

thanks for all the FB you fantabulous people!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So, Parker. How was Roswell? See any aliens?”

“Can’t say that I did Edwards but there is an Unidentified Fat Object standing in front of my desk,” Liz smirked scribbling another word on the paper in front of her.

Edwards clutched his chest feigning a deep hurt at her words.

“You shouldn’t do that…someone might think your arteries have finally given up,” Liz scolded still not looking up from her paperwork.

Her fellow officer shook his head in mock disgust, “How can something so evil live in such a pretty package?”

Suddenly a tall, good looking black man walked through the door tossing his jacket on the desk next to Liz’s. He gave Edwards a scolding grin and held out a box of doughnuts.

“Evil? My Partner? No way, man. This girl should be in a convent.”

Liz rolled her eyes finally tearing her gaze away from her work, “Last time I checked here weren’t many bombs to diffuse at a nunnery, Tony.”

“She just called me fat,” Edwards pouted taking a big bite of his powdered doughnut.

Her partner shook his head, “You must’ve misheard her. Parker never does anything that could be construed as mean or immoral.”

“I do too,” Liz argued snagging a doughnut from the box Tony set down in front of her.

Tony just laughed, “Come on Parker, you live by the book. Don’t drink, don’t smoke, you’ve never even gotten a parking ticket…you at least have sex, right?”

“First off buddy, my sex life is none of your business and second of all…you couldn’t handle me if it was,” Liz chuckled at the shocked expression that now colored her partner’s face.

Tony turned towards Edwards rotund frame, “Did my partner just say what I think she said?”

Edwards could only nod, “Maybe she got a good knock on the head after that one went off yesterday.”

Tony glanced at Liz who was once again engrossed in her paperwork, “Maybe.”

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

It had been a long day at the office for Liz, for some reason bomb threats always seemed to increase at the start of the school year. Liz tossed her purse onto the coffee table and flopped down onto the couch.

“Liz? You’re home late.”

Doug walked out of the bedroom dressed in a pair of gym shorts and a white t-shirt. Liz couldn’t help but notice how cute he looked when he was pretending that he knew how to play basketball.

“Going somewhere,” Liz tried to suppress her giggle…she knew exactly where he was going.

Doug was unaware of the humor Liz found in the situation, “Me and the guys are gonna go shoot some hoops. Maybe you could ask Tony if he wants to play on that adult league with us, I think we’ve got a good chance at the championship this year.”

“Sure, I’ll ask him sweetheart.”

Doug raced over sweeping Liz into a tight hug, “You’re the best babe. Are you sure you don’t want to come play?”

“Nope, you know I don’t play. So, just go have your fun with the boys.”

He quickly kissed her cheek and headed to the door, “I’ll be home in a couple hours, love you.”

“Love you too Doug,” Liz yelled after his retreating form.

Doug had been playing basketball with his co-workers for years and they, for lack of a better term, royally sucked. Liz loved Doug more than she ever thought possible but that boy didn’t have an athletic bone in his body. Neither did any of his teammates and it seemed that everyone realized it but them. The wives and girlfriends while publicly supporting their men had started a betting pool on which one would get hurt and how many points they’d lose by. Once Doug found out that her partner was black he’d been pushing to get Tony on the team, but Liz had played with Tony he was good and she knew in the end it would just destroy all their little accountant egos so she always said Tony was too busy. She didn’t want anything to discourage Doug from playing, he may have been horrible but he played because he loved the game and she loved him for the effort.

Well my little feebackers here you go. I hope you like it.

Oh, and by the by just wanted to let anyone who cares know that Fall Out Boy's video for "A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More Touch Me" just came out on MTV today. Gave me a little inspiration to post...the vid is about vampires, why? I do not know but it's pretty funny.

Anywho, I'll stop rambling and start posting.

Cheers.

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

“Maria, stop it okay…I’m not having tie dyed bridesmaid dresses so just drop it,” Liz laughed kicking the front door shut behind her. “Oh…uh huh…why do I not believe you?…just call me later…bye Sugar.”

Liz’s sigh went out into the silent apartment. It was Thursday, poker night for Doug. The apartment was hers for the next few hours and Liz didn't know what to do with herself. She hadn’t had a call at work for the last five days and she was beginning to get antsy.

“I’m probably the only person on the planet that can’t wait for a bomb threat,” Liz chuckled to herself after tossing her bag in the bedroom. Liz made her way back into the living room when her cell phone went off again. The number on the call screen wasn’t familiar.

“Hello?”

There was a short silence, “Ms. Parker, your test results are in.”

Liz’s face scrunched in confusion before she checked the caller I.D. again…619…San Diego.

“Finally, this rash on my ass is getting really uncomfortable,” she said with complete seriousness. “And I think it’s spreading…I mean, it pusses when I have sex.”

There was another silence, “That’s really gross Parker.”

Liz giggled before walking into the kitchen, “That’s what you get for tryin’ to prank me you little shit.”

“Touché,” Max’s smile could be heard on the other end. “So, Lizzie…whatcha up to?”

Liz sighed, “Just pourin’ myself a glass of Burbon, today was not so much fun.”

“I know what you mean. I hope it’s okay that I’m calling.”

There was a slight grin gracing her mouth. It was cute how nervous he still was about her…

“Evans, I gave you my number for a reason…so you could call me…I’m happy to hear from you,” Liz said taking a small sip of her drink.

“That’s good to hear Parker,” Max laughed when she heard a knock. “I really needed someone to talk to.”

“Why’s that Evans,” she asked moving to answer the door.

“Well, I have a bit of a problem,” he started as she gripped the doorknob and opened the front door. Liz stilled as she stared at the man before her with a quizzical expression. “I got transferred.”

Max moved passed the petite brunette into the living room stealing the glass of Bourbon from her tiny hand as he did. There was a brief moment where Liz could only stare down at her now empty hand. She quickly snapped back to reality and spun around to watch Max sink dejectedly onto her couch taking a long sip of the drink.

“Transferred?”

“It seems that I did such a great job on my last project, that the higher ups decided to move me from the beaches of California to here,” Max ended motioning sadly around himself. “Oh, and to top it off my girlfriend is making me bribe her to move out here.”

Liz couldn’t help but laugh, “What?”

“Yeah, she says I have to buy her a new Mercedes.”

There was only silence as Liz went to the kitchen to pour herself another drink.

“You sure know how to pick ‘em Maxwell.”

He glared at her in mock annoyance, “Hey…I had taste when I was younger.”

Liz shook her head and changed the subject, “So why Baltimore?”

“This is where the company was started hundred years ago, blah, blah, blah, so this is where they send their best employees,” Max dropped his head against the back of the couch. “I want my beach back Lizzie.”

“You know whining isn’t your most attractive quality,” Liz stated as she moved to stand behind Max absently running her free hand through his ruffled hair. When she finally spoke her tone was that of a mother talking to a pouting child, “You wanna go to the bar, huh, would that make you feel better?”

Max’s eyes snapped open as he nodded emphatically, “Yes please.”

Liz laughed softly, “Fine I’ll throw on some clothes and we can go.”

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

In a smoke filled room across town six men sat chewin’ on stogies and suckin’ down beers. It was a weekly ritual for the men trying to get their mind off clicking calculators and beeping computers. There was nothing like a night of male bonding and harmless debauchery to do the trick.

“These are some mighty fine cigars Dougie,” Winston breathed out after a puff of smoke.

Eddy laughed, “Speaking of fine…when are you gonna bring that fiancée of yours over for a game?”

A round of consensus followed the statement. But Doug just shook his head.

“Seriously guys, you know this isn’t Liz’s sort of thing. She would much rather curl up on the couch with a cup of coffee and watch Desperate Housewives than sit in a room full of smoke and drink beer.”

The boys nodded in agreement and turned their attention back to the game at hand.

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

Meanwhile, at the bar…

Here's another part.

Thanks for all of the FB I just love you guys.

Keep on truckin
Syke

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

Meanwhile, at the bar…

“You’re goin’ down Parker,” Max huffed grabbing another shot of Tequila before turning back to the pool table.

Liz had dragged Max to her favorite bar…it was small, smoke filled, dimly lit and just her kind of place. She hardly ever went out anymore but when she did it was straight to O’Hara’s. There was something comforting about the atmosphere that surrounded them, something that reminded her of home. The two former flames sat at the bar drinking Morgan cokes talking about life for the first hour but had moved on to the pool table and tequila shots and hefty bets for the last.

“I’m sure,” Liz responded with a roll of her eyes. “How many cues are you holding?”

Max gave a soft chuckle, “Feels like one, looks like two.”

Liz laughed taking another shot herself. She watched Max round the table, he looked as if he was stalking his next pool shot. Even drunk there was a grace in his stride, his lithe body exuded power. Liz chuckled again wondering where the boy she once knew had gone.

Max looked up from his shot as he heard Liz’s laugh, “Can I help you Parker?”

“N-no,” she giggled again and suddenly Max didn’t care what she was laughing about…hell it was probably him…as long as she was laughing. It was one sound he missed more than anything. There eyes met and the two exchanged a small smile as the jukebox crackled out another song.

I confess I messed up
Droppin’ I’m sorry like you’re still around
And I know you dressed up
Hey kid you’ll never live this down

Cuz you’re just the girl all the boys wanna dance with
And I’m just the boy usin’ too many chances
I’m sleeping on your folks’ porch again
Dreamin’ she said, she said, she said,
“Why don’t you just drop dead?”

After watching Max’s second shot miss it’s mark Liz slid off her stool and headed towards the table. She knew he was listening to the lyrics as well when he spoke.

“I know that we skimmed the subject in Roswell but I have to say it again Parker,” Max said absently playing with an empty shot glass. “I’m sorry about Tess.”

The striped ball sank deep into the pocket and Liz slowly straightened back up. She stared at the table sizing up her next shot.

I don’t blame you for being you
But you can’t blame me for hating it
So say what are you waiting for kiss her, kiss her
I set my clocks early cuz I know I’m always late

“But if I could take it back…”

Liz sank another shot and finally met Max’s gaze.

“I wouldn’t change a thing.”

A look of shock played over Liz’s features as his words sank into her tequila-hazed mind. She had always thought that Max would’ve wished he could change things; give them back all that was lost, even though she had told him in Roswell that what happened was for the best…part of her still wanted him to regret losing her. Even if she didn’t.

Write me off, give up on me
Cuz darlin’ what did you expect
I’m distraught, a lost cause
A long shot, don’t even take this bet

Max noticed the look in her eyes, “I’m not saying that I wanted you to hurt Liz. It’s just that I know the kind of guy I was…hell the guy I still am…and you’ve always deserved more than that…so much more.”

You can make all the moves
you can aim all the spotlights
Get all the sighs and the moans just right
I’m sleepin’ on your folks porch again
Dreamin’ she said, she said, she said,
“Why don’t you just drop dead?”

Liz shook her head slowly coming to a stop in front of Max’s stool, “It wasn’t all you, I wasn’t an angel either Max.”

A shot was handed to the petite brunette as she looked into Max’s eyes.

“Yeah you were Parker,” Max said slamming the shot back. “You were my angel…you were mine.”

The liquid no longer burned her throat after so many shots. She thought about Doug and the life they shared, how happy Shellow made her. The job that made her life exciting and catered to the girl she used to be. She though about Berlin, that’s what he said her name was, but there was no nagging jealousy, just a happiness for her old friend. No matter how much Max complained about his current girlfriend Liz still saw the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, he cared about her much more than he let on.

Liz smiled over at Max seeing the dopey look on his face as he ordered more drinks from the waitress. Maria was gonna get a kick out of this story.

I don’t blame you for being you
But you can’t blame me for hating it
So say what are you waiting for
Kiss her, kiss her
I set my clocks early
cuz I know I’m always late

Always, Always on
You said you’d keep me honest
Always, always on
But I won’t call you on it
Always, always on

~```````````````````````````````````````````````````

The cabbie had found the two quite amusing as the giggled and fought in the back seat of the cab. The ride back to Liz’s was short but entertaining as Liz fulfilled her end of a lost bet and flashed a bike cop. Once outside her apartment building Max asked to cabbie to wait for him as he stumbled with Liz up to her apartment. They were still giggling as Liz finally got her key in the lock and opened the door.

Liz stumbled into the room, “What’d I trip on?” She laughed looking around the empty space.

“Your feet,” Max offered giving Liz a shove into the room. The two cracked up again but stopped as soon as they heard a voice.

“Liz?”

The drunk brunette looked up at her fiancée, his hair was ruffled and he had obviously been dead asleep, since his eyes were still half closed in the dim light.

“Hey Dougie,” she said trying to keep a straight face but Max’s muffled giggles behind her were making it hard.

‘Liz where have you been?” Doug asked walking towards the two, “I’ve left you like, three messages…are you drunk?”

Liz seemed to take a minute to contemplate his question, “I dunno, Max are we drunk?”

Doug’s eyes snapped open as he flicked on the overhead light. There behind his fiancée was another man. He was tall and intimidating, even in his obviously drunken state. The black Metallica t-shirt he wore stretched across his muscled chest and showcased his thick biceps. Adding that to his shaggy black hair and stubbled face Doug was pretty sure any woman would find him extremely attractive. So, why was this man in his apartment? Anger started to seep thought Doug’s sleep tattered mind.

Liz and Max were giggling again before she seemed to notice Doug in the room, “Oh Dougie! Come here, you’ve got to meet Max…we went to high school together and he just got transferred here to Baltimore…his girlfriend shoud be coming out in the next few weeks, she sounds fantastic, I just can’t wait to meet her…”

As Liz rambled on Max took a few steps forward to shake Shellow’s hand, “Good to meet you man…Liz talks about you nonstop. Congrats on the wedding.”

“Thanks,” Doug answered hesitantly.

Max smiled then glanced down at his watch but Doug figured it was just habit since there was no way Max was sober enough to read the watch face.

“I need to get back down to the cab,” Max suddenly remembered. He glanced to Doug and offered another smile before turning towards Liz. The petite brunette held out a fist which Max promptly knocked before heading towards the door.

“Call me about lunch tomorrow Parker,” Max threw over his shoulder with one last glance at his former flame. “I had fun tonight.”

“Ditto kiddo,” Liz said before he closed the door behind him.

Doug wrapped his arms around Liz’s waist, “When did he come into town?”

Liz shrugged, “He just got in today so I figured I’d show him around.”

“Show him around the bar?” Doug asked with a raised eyebrow.

Another shrug was all Doug received as Liz yawned and pulled herself from his embrace.

“Let’s go to bed honey, I’m exhausted,” Liz whispered tugging on his hand.

Doug flicked the light switch as he followed the faint scent of cigarettes into their bedroom.