Author: Amy
Disclaimer: The characters of "Roswell" belong to Jason Katims, Melinda Metz, WB & UPN. They are not mine and no infringement is intended.
Couple: Zan/Liz
Rating: Mature
Alternate Universe, No Aliens
Intro:
Liz Parker was brutally attacked and her boyfriend murdered right in front of her. Maria DeLuca convinces Liz to come stay with her in Roswell, New Mexico. Liz has no one left but Maria, so she goes to stay with her.
The minute Zan Evans meets Liz Parker he falls in love with her. But there’s something about Liz. Zan can tell that she is broken and he wants nothing more than to help her.
Will Liz be able to let Zan in? Will Zan be able to protect Liz from her past?
Shadows of the Night (UC, AU, Z/L, Mature) [COMPLETE]
Moderators: Anniepoo98, Itzstacie, truelovepooh, Erina, Forum Moderators
-
Skittles1983
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 70
- Joined: Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:55 pm
Shadows of the Night (UC, AU, Z/L, Mature) [COMPLETE]
Last edited by Skittles1983 on Sat Jul 08, 2006 4:09 pm, edited 5 times in total.
"Something in your eyes makes me smile..." David Gray
-
Skittles1983
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 70
- Joined: Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:55 pm
Prologue
Shadows of the Night
Prologue
Maria DeLuca closed her eyes at the sight that lay before her. When she opened them she let out the breath she had been holding. She slowly made her way to the side of the bed. When she sat down the metal chair legs scraped against the floor and the sound resonated throughout the quiet hospital room. Maria stopped and looked up at the woman lying in the bed, waiting to see some sign of life. However, the woman just laid there, so heavily sedated from the meds the doctors had given her. Maria finished pulling her chair right up to the bedside and took the woman's hand in hers.
She looked up at the woman lying serenly on the hospital bed. Dark purple bruises in the shapes of fingers wrapped around the woman's wrists. There were dark bruises marring the perfect skin of the woman's neck. Her face was covered in tiny cuts. She had swollen, split lip and two black eyes.
Maria also knew of the internal damage that the woman had suffered. She had several cracked ribs, a huge gash on her side that ran from the bottom of her breast to the top of her hip bone and held over 100 stitches. Also, there were various bruises and cuts littering her skin.
From the moment that Maria had gotten the phone call she had been holding it together. But now that she saw all the damage she felt her tears make their way down her face. Before she could become hysterical she heard the door open. She looked up and saw her boyfriend hesistate in the doorway. She saw his puffy, red eyes and she could read the heartbreak that he was feeling.
Michael Guerin had just come from the morgue. He had indentified the body of his friend and now he came to see a woman who he considered his little sister. He looked at his girlfriend as she broke down into sobs by the bedside of her best friend. He went to comfort Maria, only to find himself sinking into the chair sobbing with her in his lap. They sobbed together then quietyly comforted one another.
Maria sniffled and whispered, "She'll be fine. I know Liz and she's a fighter."
Michael just nodded then said quietly, "When she wakes up, who's going to tell her about Aiden?"
Maria just shook her head and shrugged helplessly as tears fell down her face again.
Prologue
Maria DeLuca closed her eyes at the sight that lay before her. When she opened them she let out the breath she had been holding. She slowly made her way to the side of the bed. When she sat down the metal chair legs scraped against the floor and the sound resonated throughout the quiet hospital room. Maria stopped and looked up at the woman lying in the bed, waiting to see some sign of life. However, the woman just laid there, so heavily sedated from the meds the doctors had given her. Maria finished pulling her chair right up to the bedside and took the woman's hand in hers.
She looked up at the woman lying serenly on the hospital bed. Dark purple bruises in the shapes of fingers wrapped around the woman's wrists. There were dark bruises marring the perfect skin of the woman's neck. Her face was covered in tiny cuts. She had swollen, split lip and two black eyes.
Maria also knew of the internal damage that the woman had suffered. She had several cracked ribs, a huge gash on her side that ran from the bottom of her breast to the top of her hip bone and held over 100 stitches. Also, there were various bruises and cuts littering her skin.
From the moment that Maria had gotten the phone call she had been holding it together. But now that she saw all the damage she felt her tears make their way down her face. Before she could become hysterical she heard the door open. She looked up and saw her boyfriend hesistate in the doorway. She saw his puffy, red eyes and she could read the heartbreak that he was feeling.
Michael Guerin had just come from the morgue. He had indentified the body of his friend and now he came to see a woman who he considered his little sister. He looked at his girlfriend as she broke down into sobs by the bedside of her best friend. He went to comfort Maria, only to find himself sinking into the chair sobbing with her in his lap. They sobbed together then quietyly comforted one another.
Maria sniffled and whispered, "She'll be fine. I know Liz and she's a fighter."
Michael just nodded then said quietly, "When she wakes up, who's going to tell her about Aiden?"
Maria just shook her head and shrugged helplessly as tears fell down her face again.
"Something in your eyes makes me smile..." David Gray
-
Skittles1983
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 70
- Joined: Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:55 pm
Chapter 1
Shadows of the Night
Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad everyone's liking it so far. Thanks and here is the next update!
Chapter 1
Three Months Later
Liz was finally being released from the hospital today. She had had enough of hospital food and nurses taking care of her. She watched her two best friends, who were more like family, talk to the doctors. Maria and Michael had not left her side for more than a few weeks at a time in the past three months. Liz had had extensive internal damage and the doctors would not release her until she was fully recovered. There was only one reminder on her body of the horrifying event that had happened to her. She had a huge scar than ran from the bottom of her left breast to the tip of her right hip bone.
She was grateful for Michael and Maria. Without them she would be alone. The thought brought tears to her eyes because she wasn’t supposed to be alone. She was supposed to be with Aiden, but she couldn’t think about it right now. She wiped her tears away and smiled towards her friends as they made their way over to her.
Michael said, “All right Lizzie, we’re all set.” She smiled up at him as he shot the orderly a death look, just daring him to try and push the wheel chair. Liz gave a smile and wave to the doctors who had cared for her for the past three months. Michael pushed her out the curb where she stood up and got into the rented car. Maria drove to the airport, where the three boarded a plane and left the cold Boston winter, and headed towards a warm Roswell winter.
On the plane Michael sat in the middle of the two girls and both slept the entire way to Roswell. Michael shook them awake and they made their way to baggage claim. Michael and Maria grabbed all of their belongings and Liz followed them to their car. Once inside they drove off towards Michael and Maria’s house. Liz watched the scenery flying by and was thankful that it was warm. She got lost in her thoughts.
Liz thought about what lie ahead for her. She was going to stay with Michael and Maria until she found a house of her own. She was completely healed and didn’t want to impose on them anymore then she already had. When they were younger, Michael, Maria, Liz and Aiden came up with an elaborate plan to all live in the same neighborhood when they grew up. After they graduated college, Michael and Maria moved to Roswell, New Mexico while Liz and Aiden stayed in Boston. They kept in touch but didn’t visit often. Aiden had gone back to law school while Liz had gone to Medical School. Michael opened his own art studio where he taught classes and Maria opened up an aromatherapy spa and store.
Maria and Liz talked to each other every day. They were always making plans to get together on vacations but something always came up. Aiden became a high profile attorney at one of the best law firms in Boston while Liz was still in Med school. They had made plans to go out to Roswell to see Michael and Maria for Thanksgiving. Both Aiden and Liz’s parents had been killed in a car accident when they were in college and they didn’t want to spend just another Thanksgiving with just the two of them. Before Liz’s thoughts could turn grim she changed them.
She had decided to take Michael and Maria up on their job offers. She didn’t need to work right away, but she wanted to. Aiden had left her with enough life insurance to last her for the rest of her life and he had left her quite an estate and inheritance with his death. But, Liz would have traded it all if she could spend just another moment with him to tell him how much she loved him. As her thoughts turned grim again she once again changed them.
She would work for Maria in the mornings as Maria’s assistant and then in the afternoons and two evenings a week she would teach classes with Michael. Liz had always had a passion for painting and was excited to paint again.
When they reached Michael and Maria’s house, Liz got out and stretched. She immediately fell in love with the quaint suburban neighborhood. Michael and Maria’s house was done in a beige stucco. It was a good size and Liz was happy to take the tour. Michael put her bags in her room, and then gave her the tour, while Maria made them all a late lunch. Michael took Liz through the living room, dining room, Master bedroom and bathroom, his office, Maria’s office, a guest room, a game room, and then her room, which also had a bathroom. He took her outside and showed her his garden and the heated pool. The conversation was kept light. Michael didn’t want to push Liz and Liz didn’t want to talk about anything other than the house and the weather. When they went back inside they found Maria inside with guests.
Liz stopped dead, she really hadn’t talked to anyone other than the hospital staff and Michael and Maria. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to be friendly. She just wanted to go to her room, grab a book, grab a sandwich, and sit out by the pool in the sun. She was happy to be back in the real world, but didn’t want to deal with that just yet. Before she could run, Michael could tell she was debating on what to do, so he took her arm gently and walked her further into the kitchen.
“Liz,” Maria said, “I’d like you to meet our friends. This is Isabelle, Zan, and Max Evans, Alex Whitman, Kyle Valenti, Tess Harding, and Ara Liatos. Zan and Max are the oldest of the group but only by two years. Um, Isabelle and Alex are engaged as are Ara and Max and Tess and Kyle.”
They all smiled warmly at Liz and Liz returned their smiles. She shook all of their hands and was about to excuse herself when Isabelle spoke, “Liz, I know you just got here and we just met but I was wondering if you would like to come shopping with Ara and I. You see, we both need dresses for a ball that we are attending. Tess and Maria already have their dresses. And, of course we want you to come as well, so we thought you could come shopping with us.”
Liz hesitated but Michael spoke before she could, “How about tomorrow? Tomorrow’s Monday, no body will be out on a Monday and it’ll give Liz a chance to settle in.”
They all looked at her for her reaction and she spoke for the first time, “I think that’s a wonderful idea. I haven’t gotten dressed up in a long time. It’ll be nice.” And she smiled her first genuine smile in three months making a decision at that moment that she was going to live her life to the fullest because Aiden would want her to and she was going to do it for herself.
Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad everyone's liking it so far. Thanks and here is the next update!
Chapter 1
Three Months Later
Liz was finally being released from the hospital today. She had had enough of hospital food and nurses taking care of her. She watched her two best friends, who were more like family, talk to the doctors. Maria and Michael had not left her side for more than a few weeks at a time in the past three months. Liz had had extensive internal damage and the doctors would not release her until she was fully recovered. There was only one reminder on her body of the horrifying event that had happened to her. She had a huge scar than ran from the bottom of her left breast to the tip of her right hip bone.
She was grateful for Michael and Maria. Without them she would be alone. The thought brought tears to her eyes because she wasn’t supposed to be alone. She was supposed to be with Aiden, but she couldn’t think about it right now. She wiped her tears away and smiled towards her friends as they made their way over to her.
Michael said, “All right Lizzie, we’re all set.” She smiled up at him as he shot the orderly a death look, just daring him to try and push the wheel chair. Liz gave a smile and wave to the doctors who had cared for her for the past three months. Michael pushed her out the curb where she stood up and got into the rented car. Maria drove to the airport, where the three boarded a plane and left the cold Boston winter, and headed towards a warm Roswell winter.
On the plane Michael sat in the middle of the two girls and both slept the entire way to Roswell. Michael shook them awake and they made their way to baggage claim. Michael and Maria grabbed all of their belongings and Liz followed them to their car. Once inside they drove off towards Michael and Maria’s house. Liz watched the scenery flying by and was thankful that it was warm. She got lost in her thoughts.
Liz thought about what lie ahead for her. She was going to stay with Michael and Maria until she found a house of her own. She was completely healed and didn’t want to impose on them anymore then she already had. When they were younger, Michael, Maria, Liz and Aiden came up with an elaborate plan to all live in the same neighborhood when they grew up. After they graduated college, Michael and Maria moved to Roswell, New Mexico while Liz and Aiden stayed in Boston. They kept in touch but didn’t visit often. Aiden had gone back to law school while Liz had gone to Medical School. Michael opened his own art studio where he taught classes and Maria opened up an aromatherapy spa and store.
Maria and Liz talked to each other every day. They were always making plans to get together on vacations but something always came up. Aiden became a high profile attorney at one of the best law firms in Boston while Liz was still in Med school. They had made plans to go out to Roswell to see Michael and Maria for Thanksgiving. Both Aiden and Liz’s parents had been killed in a car accident when they were in college and they didn’t want to spend just another Thanksgiving with just the two of them. Before Liz’s thoughts could turn grim she changed them.
She had decided to take Michael and Maria up on their job offers. She didn’t need to work right away, but she wanted to. Aiden had left her with enough life insurance to last her for the rest of her life and he had left her quite an estate and inheritance with his death. But, Liz would have traded it all if she could spend just another moment with him to tell him how much she loved him. As her thoughts turned grim again she once again changed them.
She would work for Maria in the mornings as Maria’s assistant and then in the afternoons and two evenings a week she would teach classes with Michael. Liz had always had a passion for painting and was excited to paint again.
When they reached Michael and Maria’s house, Liz got out and stretched. She immediately fell in love with the quaint suburban neighborhood. Michael and Maria’s house was done in a beige stucco. It was a good size and Liz was happy to take the tour. Michael put her bags in her room, and then gave her the tour, while Maria made them all a late lunch. Michael took Liz through the living room, dining room, Master bedroom and bathroom, his office, Maria’s office, a guest room, a game room, and then her room, which also had a bathroom. He took her outside and showed her his garden and the heated pool. The conversation was kept light. Michael didn’t want to push Liz and Liz didn’t want to talk about anything other than the house and the weather. When they went back inside they found Maria inside with guests.
Liz stopped dead, she really hadn’t talked to anyone other than the hospital staff and Michael and Maria. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to be friendly. She just wanted to go to her room, grab a book, grab a sandwich, and sit out by the pool in the sun. She was happy to be back in the real world, but didn’t want to deal with that just yet. Before she could run, Michael could tell she was debating on what to do, so he took her arm gently and walked her further into the kitchen.
“Liz,” Maria said, “I’d like you to meet our friends. This is Isabelle, Zan, and Max Evans, Alex Whitman, Kyle Valenti, Tess Harding, and Ara Liatos. Zan and Max are the oldest of the group but only by two years. Um, Isabelle and Alex are engaged as are Ara and Max and Tess and Kyle.”
They all smiled warmly at Liz and Liz returned their smiles. She shook all of their hands and was about to excuse herself when Isabelle spoke, “Liz, I know you just got here and we just met but I was wondering if you would like to come shopping with Ara and I. You see, we both need dresses for a ball that we are attending. Tess and Maria already have their dresses. And, of course we want you to come as well, so we thought you could come shopping with us.”
Liz hesitated but Michael spoke before she could, “How about tomorrow? Tomorrow’s Monday, no body will be out on a Monday and it’ll give Liz a chance to settle in.”
They all looked at her for her reaction and she spoke for the first time, “I think that’s a wonderful idea. I haven’t gotten dressed up in a long time. It’ll be nice.” And she smiled her first genuine smile in three months making a decision at that moment that she was going to live her life to the fullest because Aiden would want her to and she was going to do it for herself.
"Something in your eyes makes me smile..." David Gray
-
Skittles1983
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 70
- Joined: Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:55 pm
chapter 3
Hi Everyone,
Sorry that this is later than expected. Thanks for all the feedback! Please let me know what you think of this chapter. Thanks, Amy
Chapter 2
Later that night
Liz laid in bed thinking about everyone she met today. She thought that seemed nice enough especially Isabelle. Liz wondered if she was making the right choice in going shopping tomorrow and attending this ball. She knew that she should because she did need to start to live her life again, but she was also scared. She hadn’t really been out in public that much. She knew that everyone she met today knew what had happened to her. She could tell by the looks of sympathy she would catch them giving her but she also knew that they were being genuinely nice and they weren’t pitying her. She fell into a restless sleep.
Across town Zan Evans fell into his bed. He could not believe how beautiful Liz Parker was. Michael had told him about what had happened to her and her boyfriend, but he wasn’t expecting the beautiful angel that stood in front of him today. He could tell that she was nervous around all of the new people and he felt a need to protect her. He didn’t really know where it came from. But, he wanted to know her and be her friend. Zan fell into a sleep filled with dreams of a beautiful dark haired, brown eyed woman.
Liz woke up with a start at 4 a.m. She got up and silently made her way into the kitchen. She made herself some tea and then walked back to her room. She turned on the radio to a low volume and lit several candles throughout the room. They illuminated her room brilliantly. She pulled out a scrapbook and started to go through it. As she sipped her tea she looked through the pages. A sad, haunting love song filled the room as Liz flipped the pages.
I’ll always see your face
The corner of your smile
And all the little things that no one will ever know
Like it was yesterday, won’t ever fade away
Goodbye is just a word that I will never say
The first page of the scrapbook contained an old picture of Aiden, Liz, Maria, and Michael. They were all five years old in the picture and it was their first day of Kindergarten. Liz remembered Maria’s mom taking the picture on that day. As she flipped the page her eyes fell on a picture of her and Aiden in college. Her head was rested on his shoulder as she smiled at the camera. Aiden grinned at the camera. His bright blue eyes were sparkling and his sandy-brown hair was a tousled mess. Liz traced his face with her finger. This one had been taken the day before their graduation. A quick snap shot of the happy couple.
You will never be forgotten
A million days could pass us by
But what is time but just a dream
Oh I still feel you here with me
You’re more than a memory
Oh you will never be forgotten
If Liz closed her eyes she could almost feel his arms wrapped around her. She could hear his voice telling her to be strong and that it would be okay. But her thoughts quickly turned dark as she thought back to the night of the attack. They had been laughing and talking about their trip to visit Michael and Maria. They had been so happy. A light snow had fallen already in November, which meant that winter was going to be brutal. But they were content to walk in the snow and enjoy the beautiful, chilly night. Before her thoughts turned darker she opened her eyes and flipped the page.
I can‘t hold your hand
Or look into your eyes
And when I talk to you
It just echoes in my mind
But If hearts are made of dust
And if we fell from the stars
I look up tonight and know just where you are
A star map was pasted onto one side with a certificate on the other. Liz smiled. Aiden had bought her a star for Valentine’s day last year. He had it named after her. Liz had always loved astrology. She remembered that night perfectly. Aiden had picked her up at school and taken her out to dinner at a cute little bistro. Then, he took her back to their brownstone apartment where he had a telescope set up outside. He gave her the certificate and she found the star. She would give anything to go back to that night.
You will never be forgotten
A million days could pass us by
But what is time but just a dream
Oh I still feel you here with me
You’re more than a memory
Oh you will never be forgotten
As she flipped through the scrap book she looked at all the various pictures. One page in particular caught her eye. It was a picture of Michael and Aiden at their high school graduation. They were high-fiving each other. Below that picture was one of her and Maria grinning at the camera. Another picture captured the four of them talking to each other. Liz thought that they all looked so innocent. She knew that that was the end of their innocence. The following year, Liz and Aiden’s parents had been killed in a car accident on the way home from visiting their children at school. A drunk driver had run a light and killed the two couples instantly.
And the world just keeps on going
It has no way of knowing
That you’re gone
Liz and Aiden had gotten each other through that tough time. Liz still missed her parents so much. Her ache for Aiden grew as tears started to fall from her eyes. She started to feel guilty for wanting to move on with her life. Here she was going to a ball when her lover was dead. But she pushed away her guilt and her tears as she finished her tea and went to put the book away. As she did so, a piece of paper fell from the book.
You will never be forgotten
A million days could pass us by
But what is time but just a dream
Oh I still feel you here with me
You’re more than a memory
Oh you will never be forgotten
Liz reached down and picked it up. It was an article about the attack that Liz had printed from microfiche at the library. Liz had read the article so many times that she had it memorized, but she read it again anyways:
Couple Attacked: One fatality, One critical condition
Aiden Liam O’Connell and Elizabeth Parker were walking in the Boston Garden Park around dinner time last night. They were attacked and Mr. O’Connell was fatally wounded. Ms. Parker was raped and brutally beaten. She in critical condition. The police have no leads in the case. No witnesses have come forward and Ms. Parker lies in a coma at Boston Memorial. Doctors would not comment on her status other than that she is stable in critical condition in a coma.
Mr. O’Connell is a partner at the high profile law offices of Bailey & O’Connell. He has handled many cases and was threatened publicly by reputed mafia crime lord John Santovalli last year. The police said that there was no link between Santovalli and the attack on Mr. O’Connell and Ms. Parker.
Ms. Parker is studying medicine at Boston University. It is not known where the couple was headed to or where they were coming from. No family could be reached for comment.
Liz folded the article back up and placed it in the back of the book. She blew out all the candles and climbed back into bed. Exhaustion took over and she fell into a dreamless sleep.
**Song Credit: Jessica Andrews "Never Be Forgotten"**
Sorry that this is later than expected. Thanks for all the feedback! Please let me know what you think of this chapter. Thanks, Amy
Chapter 2
Later that night
Liz laid in bed thinking about everyone she met today. She thought that seemed nice enough especially Isabelle. Liz wondered if she was making the right choice in going shopping tomorrow and attending this ball. She knew that she should because she did need to start to live her life again, but she was also scared. She hadn’t really been out in public that much. She knew that everyone she met today knew what had happened to her. She could tell by the looks of sympathy she would catch them giving her but she also knew that they were being genuinely nice and they weren’t pitying her. She fell into a restless sleep.
Across town Zan Evans fell into his bed. He could not believe how beautiful Liz Parker was. Michael had told him about what had happened to her and her boyfriend, but he wasn’t expecting the beautiful angel that stood in front of him today. He could tell that she was nervous around all of the new people and he felt a need to protect her. He didn’t really know where it came from. But, he wanted to know her and be her friend. Zan fell into a sleep filled with dreams of a beautiful dark haired, brown eyed woman.
Liz woke up with a start at 4 a.m. She got up and silently made her way into the kitchen. She made herself some tea and then walked back to her room. She turned on the radio to a low volume and lit several candles throughout the room. They illuminated her room brilliantly. She pulled out a scrapbook and started to go through it. As she sipped her tea she looked through the pages. A sad, haunting love song filled the room as Liz flipped the pages.
I’ll always see your face
The corner of your smile
And all the little things that no one will ever know
Like it was yesterday, won’t ever fade away
Goodbye is just a word that I will never say
The first page of the scrapbook contained an old picture of Aiden, Liz, Maria, and Michael. They were all five years old in the picture and it was their first day of Kindergarten. Liz remembered Maria’s mom taking the picture on that day. As she flipped the page her eyes fell on a picture of her and Aiden in college. Her head was rested on his shoulder as she smiled at the camera. Aiden grinned at the camera. His bright blue eyes were sparkling and his sandy-brown hair was a tousled mess. Liz traced his face with her finger. This one had been taken the day before their graduation. A quick snap shot of the happy couple.
You will never be forgotten
A million days could pass us by
But what is time but just a dream
Oh I still feel you here with me
You’re more than a memory
Oh you will never be forgotten
If Liz closed her eyes she could almost feel his arms wrapped around her. She could hear his voice telling her to be strong and that it would be okay. But her thoughts quickly turned dark as she thought back to the night of the attack. They had been laughing and talking about their trip to visit Michael and Maria. They had been so happy. A light snow had fallen already in November, which meant that winter was going to be brutal. But they were content to walk in the snow and enjoy the beautiful, chilly night. Before her thoughts turned darker she opened her eyes and flipped the page.
I can‘t hold your hand
Or look into your eyes
And when I talk to you
It just echoes in my mind
But If hearts are made of dust
And if we fell from the stars
I look up tonight and know just where you are
A star map was pasted onto one side with a certificate on the other. Liz smiled. Aiden had bought her a star for Valentine’s day last year. He had it named after her. Liz had always loved astrology. She remembered that night perfectly. Aiden had picked her up at school and taken her out to dinner at a cute little bistro. Then, he took her back to their brownstone apartment where he had a telescope set up outside. He gave her the certificate and she found the star. She would give anything to go back to that night.
You will never be forgotten
A million days could pass us by
But what is time but just a dream
Oh I still feel you here with me
You’re more than a memory
Oh you will never be forgotten
As she flipped through the scrap book she looked at all the various pictures. One page in particular caught her eye. It was a picture of Michael and Aiden at their high school graduation. They were high-fiving each other. Below that picture was one of her and Maria grinning at the camera. Another picture captured the four of them talking to each other. Liz thought that they all looked so innocent. She knew that that was the end of their innocence. The following year, Liz and Aiden’s parents had been killed in a car accident on the way home from visiting their children at school. A drunk driver had run a light and killed the two couples instantly.
And the world just keeps on going
It has no way of knowing
That you’re gone
Liz and Aiden had gotten each other through that tough time. Liz still missed her parents so much. Her ache for Aiden grew as tears started to fall from her eyes. She started to feel guilty for wanting to move on with her life. Here she was going to a ball when her lover was dead. But she pushed away her guilt and her tears as she finished her tea and went to put the book away. As she did so, a piece of paper fell from the book.
You will never be forgotten
A million days could pass us by
But what is time but just a dream
Oh I still feel you here with me
You’re more than a memory
Oh you will never be forgotten
Liz reached down and picked it up. It was an article about the attack that Liz had printed from microfiche at the library. Liz had read the article so many times that she had it memorized, but she read it again anyways:
Couple Attacked: One fatality, One critical condition
Aiden Liam O’Connell and Elizabeth Parker were walking in the Boston Garden Park around dinner time last night. They were attacked and Mr. O’Connell was fatally wounded. Ms. Parker was raped and brutally beaten. She in critical condition. The police have no leads in the case. No witnesses have come forward and Ms. Parker lies in a coma at Boston Memorial. Doctors would not comment on her status other than that she is stable in critical condition in a coma.
Mr. O’Connell is a partner at the high profile law offices of Bailey & O’Connell. He has handled many cases and was threatened publicly by reputed mafia crime lord John Santovalli last year. The police said that there was no link between Santovalli and the attack on Mr. O’Connell and Ms. Parker.
Ms. Parker is studying medicine at Boston University. It is not known where the couple was headed to or where they were coming from. No family could be reached for comment.
Liz folded the article back up and placed it in the back of the book. She blew out all the candles and climbed back into bed. Exhaustion took over and she fell into a dreamless sleep.
**Song Credit: Jessica Andrews "Never Be Forgotten"**
"Something in your eyes makes me smile..." David Gray
-
Skittles1983
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 70
- Joined: Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:55 pm
Chapter 3-Epilogue
Hello Everyone. I've finished the story! I'm working on finishing Starts With Goodbye and This Love as well. I hope everyone enjoyed this story. Thanks for all the wonderful feedback. Please let me know what you think of the ending. Thanks, Amy
Chapter 3
Two weeks later: The night of the Ball
Liz looked nervously in the mirror. Maria had curled her hair for her and it fell in wavy curls down to her mid back. The dress she had on was a deep red color and fell to the floor. It flowed out slightly at her waist, but the bodice was fitted and strapless. The color completed her bronze complexion, dark hair, and dark eyes. Liz wore matching open toed red stiletto heels.
A knock on her door brought her out of her thoughts and she called, “Come in.”
She turned around and was met with Michael’s intense gaze.
“What do you think?” she asked quietly as she turned around slowly for him to see the entire dress.
Michael gave her a low whistle and a wink. She laughed at his antics and he smiled at her.
“You look stunning. Every guy will be in envy of Zan tonight.” Michael said.
Liz looked up at the mention of Zan’s name. He had asked her the night after she had bought the dress with Isabelle and Ara if she would be his date in a totally platonic way. He didn’t have anyone to go with and she didn’t either, so she said yes. She made sure he understood that nothing would happen, it was strictly platonic and he had eagerly assured her of his agreement.
Maria entered the room and did a little turn for her as well.
Maria nodded her approval and said, “Hot babe, totally hot. Now, come on everyone’s in the living room.”
Liz took a deep breath and followed Maria out into the living room. She smiled when she saw everyone. Liz really liked all of Maria and Michael’s friends. Maria had told Liz that all her friends knew was that Liz had been hurt and had come to stay with them. Maria had promised her that she hadn’t said anything else. Liz had felt an instant connection to Isabelle and Zan. She wasn’t sure why but she got along with the two of them very well. Over the past two weeks she had gotten to know them both very well. She had opened up to Isabelle about what had happened and they had cried together.
A throat clearing brought her out of her thoughts and she looked up to find everyone’s eyes on her. She smiled shyly at them.
“I told you that dress was made for you.” Isabelle said.
“Yeah, it looks as if it was made for you.” Ara agreed.
Everyone agreed with Isabelle and Ara. As they made their way out of the house Zan offered Liz his arm and she graciously accepted it.
He smiled at her and said, “You look beautiful angel.”
Liz smiled and blushed, “Thank you.”
Zan had started to call her angel right after he met her. She didn’t object to it. She kind of liked it.
Once they arrived at the ball everyone took their seats at the table they had bought. Liz sat in between Zan and Michael. She was content to sit around and watch everyone. She liked being a people watcher. Liz ate her dinner in silence, only talking when questions were directed at her or when her opinion was asked. She was comfortable with Isabelle and Zan but she still had to get used to the others. They were all very nice, but Liz just needed time.
After dinner and dessert was served people piled onto the dance floor. Liz watched as everyone at their table got up and made their way onto the dance floor. She turned towards Zan who smiled at her.
He stood up and offered her his hand, “C’mon. What do you say we show them what dancing really is?”
Liz smiled brightly as she put her hand in his and silently accepted his invitation.
They spent the rest of the night dancing with their friends. The DJ put on a slow song for the last dance. Zan wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. Liz placed a hand in his and placed her other hand on his shoulder.
Said there'd be no going back
Promised myself I'd never be that sad
Maybe that's why you've come along
To show me, it's not always bad
She leaned in closely and rested her head on his shoulder. She felt safe for the first time in a long time. She let herself get lost in the song and the dancing.
Coz I can feel it, baby
I feel like I'm falling for you
But I'm scared to, let go
I'm scared coz my heart has been hurt so
Liz couldn’t believe how much of a great time she was having. She wasn’t sure if it was just being out having a good time or if it was Zan. He definitely made her feel safe, but she felt a slight pang of guilt run through her. Being this close to another man made her think of Aiden and she wasn’t sure what she should feel. She felt as if she was cheating on him, but knew that logically it was a crazy idea. She and Zan were just friends but she had seen the way he looked at her tonight. She wasn’t ready for it.
It's true I've become a skeptic
How many couples really love
Just wish I had a crystal ball
To show me, if it's worth it all
Zan pulled her closer and his heart jumped at the feel of her soft breath on his neck. He was in absolute heaven. He hadn’t dated anyone in two years. His last girlfriend had cheated on him and left him bitter and cynical. He wasn’t sure what happened but when he looked at Liz he saw hope. He saw a chance at love. He didn’t know what it was about her, but he found himself just going over to Michael and Maria’s just to be around her. He knew that something had happened to her, and he knew that a close friend of Michael and Maria’s had been killed back east where they were from but he didn’t know any of the circumstances.
Coz I can feel it, baby
I feel like I'm falling for you
But I'm scared to, let go
I'm scared coz my heart has been hurt so
Yeah I can feel it, baby
I feel like I'm falling for you
But I'm scared to, let go
I'm scared coz my heart has been hurt so
Zan had never seen anyone as beautiful as her tonight. He called her angel and she had never questioned him or asked him to stop. He didn’t know what he would say if she did ask him why he called her that. He called her that because she was his angel. He wasn’t sure how she’d take that, but he wouldn’t lie if she asked. Zan was happy she seemed comfortable around him and had opened up to him about her passions and dreams.
And I've got to be sure
Coz it's been so long
And I cannot take the pain again
If it all goes wrong
Liz knew that Zan liked her. She just didn’t want to deal with it. However, the thought didn’t make her uncomfortable. She didn’t want to pull away from him or not be around him. She wanted to get to know him better. She wasn’t sure if or when she’d ever be ready for another relationship but she knew she could not take the pain of losing someone close to her again. She wished so bad that she could go back to a time when life was easier, when Aiden was alive, but the thought wasn’t has appealing as it used to be because then she wouldn’t have met Zan. Guilt filled her and she felt the tears well up in her eyes. She buried her face in Zan’s neck and pulled him tighter.
Coz I can feel it, baby
I feel like I'm falling for you
But I'm scared to, let go
I'm scared coz my heart has been hurt so
Yeah I can feel it, baby
I feel like I'm falling for you
But I'm scared to, let go
I'm scared coz my heart has been hurt so
Zan felt Liz pull him closer but then he felt tears on his skin. He wasn’t sure what to do so he pulled her back slightly to look into her eyes. What he saw broke his heart. He saw her in so much pain, but he wasn’t sure why. She looked like she had just lost her best friend. Zan was determined to make it better for her.
I want you so much
I need you so much
I want you so much
I need you so much
[believe me my love
believe me my love]
He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and nodded towards the others letting him know that they were leaving. He saw their curious looks but ignored them as he ushered Liz out of the building and into his car.
Chapter 4
One Hour Later
Liz stared out the window at the scenery flying by. It was late at night and she had no idea where they were going but she trusted him. After they left the dance floor, Liz had let Zan lead the way. He put her in the passenger side of his car and drove. She didn’t know what he was thinking but she didn’t ask. She liked the comfortable silence enveloping them.
Every now and then Zan would glance at Liz to make sure she was okay. He just left the party with no particular destination in mind, but he knew that they needed to talk or at least Liz needed to talk so he took to the only place that made him feel safe: the desert. He pulled the car over to the side of the road. The moon and stars shined brightly in the beautiful desert sky. He helped Liz out of the car. It dawned on him that she was in heels and he knew that it wouldn’t be safe for her to walk out into the desert at night in heels. So he told her to wait there and he grabbed a flashlight and blanket. He handed them to her and then swooped her up in his arms.
Liz started to protest but Zan said, “No, angel. Don’t say anything. You can’t walk in heels in the desert.”
Liz saw his point, so she kept one arm around his neck and another on the blanket and flashlight that were resting in her lap. She noticed that Zan knew his way around the dark desert and after a few minutes he placed her down motioning for her to stay put once again. He took the blanket from her and placed it on a rock that raised off the ground. He put the flashlight on the ground in front of the rock then came back to her and picked her up. He placed her gently on the blanket then seated himself next to her.
Liz was in awe. The desert was so beautiful. She had never seen anything like it. There were no street lights or building lights to take away from the natural shine and beauty of the moon and stars. Liz felt a slight shiver go through her and then turned to Zan as she felt him slide his jacket on to her bare shoulders. She smiled at him as she slid her arms into the sleeves.
They sat quietly for a long time. Liz was enjoying the view while thinking of what to say to Zan. Zan sat admiring Liz’s beauty in the moonlight. Zan was so lost in his thoughts of Liz that he was startled out of his thoughts by her soft voice.
Her voice was no more than a whisper as she repeated what she had said to him, “I was raped.”
Zan’s mouth fell open in shock.
Liz continued quietly, “Aiden, Maria, Michael and I grew up together. We paired off in high school and went to college together. It was just natural for us. Aiden became a renowned attorney and quickly moved up to partner. I was going to medical school. We were going to visit Michael and Maria for Thanksgiving. It was the night before we were supposed to leave. We had had a light snowfall, so Aiden suggested going for a walk. We were just taking our time strolling through our favorite park. It had gotten dark and Aiden and I were heading back.” Liz closed her eyes picturing everything as it happened.
Zan was still in shock, so he didn’t say anything as he waited for her to continue.
“No one else was out. It was so quiet. It was cold and the snow was still falling. It was beautiful. But, I heard something behind us and when I turned around someone grabbed me from behind. I heard Aiden yell out not to touch me, but it didn’t stop our attackers. There were two of them. They had on ski masks. One held Aiden while the other tore my clothes off. He raped me. I tried to fight but I couldn’t. Then, they switched places and I was raped again. I kept my eyes closed but I could hear Aiden pleading with them to not hurt me. When I opened them, one of the attackers had a gun pointed at Aiden’s head.” Liz paused and took a deep breath.
She continued, “I couldn’t do anything. I screamed as I watched the one holding the gun press it to Aiden’s temple. For a moment everything was quiet. My eyes met Aiden’s and he smiled at me and mouthed ‘I love you’. Then the one holding the gun stepped back. He pointed at Aiden’s chest and pulled the trigger. Aiden slumped to the ground and didn’t move. They proceeded to beat me. Eventually, I blacked out. The next thing I remember is waking up in the hospital and Michael and Maria being there.”
Liz looked into Zan’s eyes and found tears running down his face. She reached out and wiped them away.
He grabbed her hands and said, “Angel, I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”
Liz shook her head, “It’s okay. I wanted you to know what happened. All my life I have been with Aiden. We had the rest of our lives planned out and then it all went horribly wrong. Zan, I see the way you look at me…” Zan started to interrupt but Liz stopped him, “It’s okay. It’s just I feel like I’m cheating on him. I don’t’ know when or if I’ll ever be ready. I don’t want to lead you on. Zan, I’m still in love with Aiden but when I’m with you I feel things that I haven’t felt in a long time. I feel safe and alive. I just, I don’t know anymore.” Liz finished as her tears started.
Zan pulled her close and she buried her face in his neck, “Angel, it’s okay. I am happy to just be your friend. I’m so sorry you went through all of that. You are the strongest person I know and you will be okay. I will be right here with you every step of the way.” Zan pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head.
Epilogue
18 months later
Liz looked at herself in the mirror. Her black dress stopped just above her knees. She wore her hair up in a bun. Her black heels made her legs look even longer. She smiled at herself in the mirror. She was definitely ready for tonight. She heard the doorbell ring and made her way out of her bedroom. She stopped to look at a picture on her counter. It was taken the night of the ball 18 months ago.
Liz had started to heal after that night in the desert. She had bought her own house, next door to Michael and Maria. She, Isabelle, and Maria decorated the entire thing themselves. Liz had had so much fun decorating that she opened up her own interior design company. She still taught with Michael two nights a week and loved both of her jobs.
She and Zan had stared dating six months ago. He was true to his word and stuck by her through everything. Liz had slowly fallen in love with him and eventually agreed to go out with him. By the time they had their one month anniversary she was head over heels for him.
She had opened up to the rest of the group and became close to all of them. She was grateful for their support and didn’t know where she’d be without them.
Shortly after her night in the desert the district attorney from Boston called to tell her that they had caught the two men responsible for the attack and murder. They had committed another crime but hadn’t managed to escape so easily. The district attorney said that when their DNA was scanned into the system her case had come up. Because of Aiden’s status as a high profile lawyer the trial was top priority in Boston and the two men were sentenced to consecutive life sentences for their crimes.
Liz had gone to Boston to face her attackers. After the sentencing she went to Aiden’s grave. She told him that she would always love him but she was letting go.
Another knock at the door brought Liz out of her reverie. She pulled it open and grinned up at Zan. Her eyes slid over his body. He was wearing a pair of khakis and a white button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbow. He winked down at her and Liz felt herself melt.
“Hey angel. You look beautiful.” He smiled.
“Hello to you too. You look hot.” She kissed his cheek and they both laughed.
As he led her outside, she turned around and locked her door. They both called out a hello to Michael and Maria who were getting out of Maria’s car. After they were seated in Zan’s car, Liz leaned over and kissed him thoroughly.
She said, “Happy Anniversary.”
“You too Angel.” Zan smiled at her.
“So, are you going to tell me where we’re going?” She asked as they pulled out of the driveway.
“Nope. It’s a surprise.”
“Oh, I like those.”
“I know.” Zan replied.
Liz broke their comfortable silence, “Zan?”
“Yeah angel?”
“I love you.”
He smiled, “I know angel. I love you too.”
Liz smiled. She would never get tired of hearing him say that. She didn’t know what the future would bring, but she knows that whatever it brings Zan will be with her and that will make it all worthwhile.
**Song Credit: "Falling for You" by Jem**
Chapter 3
Two weeks later: The night of the Ball
Liz looked nervously in the mirror. Maria had curled her hair for her and it fell in wavy curls down to her mid back. The dress she had on was a deep red color and fell to the floor. It flowed out slightly at her waist, but the bodice was fitted and strapless. The color completed her bronze complexion, dark hair, and dark eyes. Liz wore matching open toed red stiletto heels.
A knock on her door brought her out of her thoughts and she called, “Come in.”
She turned around and was met with Michael’s intense gaze.
“What do you think?” she asked quietly as she turned around slowly for him to see the entire dress.
Michael gave her a low whistle and a wink. She laughed at his antics and he smiled at her.
“You look stunning. Every guy will be in envy of Zan tonight.” Michael said.
Liz looked up at the mention of Zan’s name. He had asked her the night after she had bought the dress with Isabelle and Ara if she would be his date in a totally platonic way. He didn’t have anyone to go with and she didn’t either, so she said yes. She made sure he understood that nothing would happen, it was strictly platonic and he had eagerly assured her of his agreement.
Maria entered the room and did a little turn for her as well.
Maria nodded her approval and said, “Hot babe, totally hot. Now, come on everyone’s in the living room.”
Liz took a deep breath and followed Maria out into the living room. She smiled when she saw everyone. Liz really liked all of Maria and Michael’s friends. Maria had told Liz that all her friends knew was that Liz had been hurt and had come to stay with them. Maria had promised her that she hadn’t said anything else. Liz had felt an instant connection to Isabelle and Zan. She wasn’t sure why but she got along with the two of them very well. Over the past two weeks she had gotten to know them both very well. She had opened up to Isabelle about what had happened and they had cried together.
A throat clearing brought her out of her thoughts and she looked up to find everyone’s eyes on her. She smiled shyly at them.
“I told you that dress was made for you.” Isabelle said.
“Yeah, it looks as if it was made for you.” Ara agreed.
Everyone agreed with Isabelle and Ara. As they made their way out of the house Zan offered Liz his arm and she graciously accepted it.
He smiled at her and said, “You look beautiful angel.”
Liz smiled and blushed, “Thank you.”
Zan had started to call her angel right after he met her. She didn’t object to it. She kind of liked it.
Once they arrived at the ball everyone took their seats at the table they had bought. Liz sat in between Zan and Michael. She was content to sit around and watch everyone. She liked being a people watcher. Liz ate her dinner in silence, only talking when questions were directed at her or when her opinion was asked. She was comfortable with Isabelle and Zan but she still had to get used to the others. They were all very nice, but Liz just needed time.
After dinner and dessert was served people piled onto the dance floor. Liz watched as everyone at their table got up and made their way onto the dance floor. She turned towards Zan who smiled at her.
He stood up and offered her his hand, “C’mon. What do you say we show them what dancing really is?”
Liz smiled brightly as she put her hand in his and silently accepted his invitation.
They spent the rest of the night dancing with their friends. The DJ put on a slow song for the last dance. Zan wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. Liz placed a hand in his and placed her other hand on his shoulder.
Said there'd be no going back
Promised myself I'd never be that sad
Maybe that's why you've come along
To show me, it's not always bad
She leaned in closely and rested her head on his shoulder. She felt safe for the first time in a long time. She let herself get lost in the song and the dancing.
Coz I can feel it, baby
I feel like I'm falling for you
But I'm scared to, let go
I'm scared coz my heart has been hurt so
Liz couldn’t believe how much of a great time she was having. She wasn’t sure if it was just being out having a good time or if it was Zan. He definitely made her feel safe, but she felt a slight pang of guilt run through her. Being this close to another man made her think of Aiden and she wasn’t sure what she should feel. She felt as if she was cheating on him, but knew that logically it was a crazy idea. She and Zan were just friends but she had seen the way he looked at her tonight. She wasn’t ready for it.
It's true I've become a skeptic
How many couples really love
Just wish I had a crystal ball
To show me, if it's worth it all
Zan pulled her closer and his heart jumped at the feel of her soft breath on his neck. He was in absolute heaven. He hadn’t dated anyone in two years. His last girlfriend had cheated on him and left him bitter and cynical. He wasn’t sure what happened but when he looked at Liz he saw hope. He saw a chance at love. He didn’t know what it was about her, but he found himself just going over to Michael and Maria’s just to be around her. He knew that something had happened to her, and he knew that a close friend of Michael and Maria’s had been killed back east where they were from but he didn’t know any of the circumstances.
Coz I can feel it, baby
I feel like I'm falling for you
But I'm scared to, let go
I'm scared coz my heart has been hurt so
Yeah I can feel it, baby
I feel like I'm falling for you
But I'm scared to, let go
I'm scared coz my heart has been hurt so
Zan had never seen anyone as beautiful as her tonight. He called her angel and she had never questioned him or asked him to stop. He didn’t know what he would say if she did ask him why he called her that. He called her that because she was his angel. He wasn’t sure how she’d take that, but he wouldn’t lie if she asked. Zan was happy she seemed comfortable around him and had opened up to him about her passions and dreams.
And I've got to be sure
Coz it's been so long
And I cannot take the pain again
If it all goes wrong
Liz knew that Zan liked her. She just didn’t want to deal with it. However, the thought didn’t make her uncomfortable. She didn’t want to pull away from him or not be around him. She wanted to get to know him better. She wasn’t sure if or when she’d ever be ready for another relationship but she knew she could not take the pain of losing someone close to her again. She wished so bad that she could go back to a time when life was easier, when Aiden was alive, but the thought wasn’t has appealing as it used to be because then she wouldn’t have met Zan. Guilt filled her and she felt the tears well up in her eyes. She buried her face in Zan’s neck and pulled him tighter.
Coz I can feel it, baby
I feel like I'm falling for you
But I'm scared to, let go
I'm scared coz my heart has been hurt so
Yeah I can feel it, baby
I feel like I'm falling for you
But I'm scared to, let go
I'm scared coz my heart has been hurt so
Zan felt Liz pull him closer but then he felt tears on his skin. He wasn’t sure what to do so he pulled her back slightly to look into her eyes. What he saw broke his heart. He saw her in so much pain, but he wasn’t sure why. She looked like she had just lost her best friend. Zan was determined to make it better for her.
I want you so much
I need you so much
I want you so much
I need you so much
[believe me my love
believe me my love]
He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and nodded towards the others letting him know that they were leaving. He saw their curious looks but ignored them as he ushered Liz out of the building and into his car.
Chapter 4
One Hour Later
Liz stared out the window at the scenery flying by. It was late at night and she had no idea where they were going but she trusted him. After they left the dance floor, Liz had let Zan lead the way. He put her in the passenger side of his car and drove. She didn’t know what he was thinking but she didn’t ask. She liked the comfortable silence enveloping them.
Every now and then Zan would glance at Liz to make sure she was okay. He just left the party with no particular destination in mind, but he knew that they needed to talk or at least Liz needed to talk so he took to the only place that made him feel safe: the desert. He pulled the car over to the side of the road. The moon and stars shined brightly in the beautiful desert sky. He helped Liz out of the car. It dawned on him that she was in heels and he knew that it wouldn’t be safe for her to walk out into the desert at night in heels. So he told her to wait there and he grabbed a flashlight and blanket. He handed them to her and then swooped her up in his arms.
Liz started to protest but Zan said, “No, angel. Don’t say anything. You can’t walk in heels in the desert.”
Liz saw his point, so she kept one arm around his neck and another on the blanket and flashlight that were resting in her lap. She noticed that Zan knew his way around the dark desert and after a few minutes he placed her down motioning for her to stay put once again. He took the blanket from her and placed it on a rock that raised off the ground. He put the flashlight on the ground in front of the rock then came back to her and picked her up. He placed her gently on the blanket then seated himself next to her.
Liz was in awe. The desert was so beautiful. She had never seen anything like it. There were no street lights or building lights to take away from the natural shine and beauty of the moon and stars. Liz felt a slight shiver go through her and then turned to Zan as she felt him slide his jacket on to her bare shoulders. She smiled at him as she slid her arms into the sleeves.
They sat quietly for a long time. Liz was enjoying the view while thinking of what to say to Zan. Zan sat admiring Liz’s beauty in the moonlight. Zan was so lost in his thoughts of Liz that he was startled out of his thoughts by her soft voice.
Her voice was no more than a whisper as she repeated what she had said to him, “I was raped.”
Zan’s mouth fell open in shock.
Liz continued quietly, “Aiden, Maria, Michael and I grew up together. We paired off in high school and went to college together. It was just natural for us. Aiden became a renowned attorney and quickly moved up to partner. I was going to medical school. We were going to visit Michael and Maria for Thanksgiving. It was the night before we were supposed to leave. We had had a light snowfall, so Aiden suggested going for a walk. We were just taking our time strolling through our favorite park. It had gotten dark and Aiden and I were heading back.” Liz closed her eyes picturing everything as it happened.
Zan was still in shock, so he didn’t say anything as he waited for her to continue.
“No one else was out. It was so quiet. It was cold and the snow was still falling. It was beautiful. But, I heard something behind us and when I turned around someone grabbed me from behind. I heard Aiden yell out not to touch me, but it didn’t stop our attackers. There were two of them. They had on ski masks. One held Aiden while the other tore my clothes off. He raped me. I tried to fight but I couldn’t. Then, they switched places and I was raped again. I kept my eyes closed but I could hear Aiden pleading with them to not hurt me. When I opened them, one of the attackers had a gun pointed at Aiden’s head.” Liz paused and took a deep breath.
She continued, “I couldn’t do anything. I screamed as I watched the one holding the gun press it to Aiden’s temple. For a moment everything was quiet. My eyes met Aiden’s and he smiled at me and mouthed ‘I love you’. Then the one holding the gun stepped back. He pointed at Aiden’s chest and pulled the trigger. Aiden slumped to the ground and didn’t move. They proceeded to beat me. Eventually, I blacked out. The next thing I remember is waking up in the hospital and Michael and Maria being there.”
Liz looked into Zan’s eyes and found tears running down his face. She reached out and wiped them away.
He grabbed her hands and said, “Angel, I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”
Liz shook her head, “It’s okay. I wanted you to know what happened. All my life I have been with Aiden. We had the rest of our lives planned out and then it all went horribly wrong. Zan, I see the way you look at me…” Zan started to interrupt but Liz stopped him, “It’s okay. It’s just I feel like I’m cheating on him. I don’t’ know when or if I’ll ever be ready. I don’t want to lead you on. Zan, I’m still in love with Aiden but when I’m with you I feel things that I haven’t felt in a long time. I feel safe and alive. I just, I don’t know anymore.” Liz finished as her tears started.
Zan pulled her close and she buried her face in his neck, “Angel, it’s okay. I am happy to just be your friend. I’m so sorry you went through all of that. You are the strongest person I know and you will be okay. I will be right here with you every step of the way.” Zan pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head.
Epilogue
18 months later
Liz looked at herself in the mirror. Her black dress stopped just above her knees. She wore her hair up in a bun. Her black heels made her legs look even longer. She smiled at herself in the mirror. She was definitely ready for tonight. She heard the doorbell ring and made her way out of her bedroom. She stopped to look at a picture on her counter. It was taken the night of the ball 18 months ago.
Liz had started to heal after that night in the desert. She had bought her own house, next door to Michael and Maria. She, Isabelle, and Maria decorated the entire thing themselves. Liz had had so much fun decorating that she opened up her own interior design company. She still taught with Michael two nights a week and loved both of her jobs.
She and Zan had stared dating six months ago. He was true to his word and stuck by her through everything. Liz had slowly fallen in love with him and eventually agreed to go out with him. By the time they had their one month anniversary she was head over heels for him.
She had opened up to the rest of the group and became close to all of them. She was grateful for their support and didn’t know where she’d be without them.
Shortly after her night in the desert the district attorney from Boston called to tell her that they had caught the two men responsible for the attack and murder. They had committed another crime but hadn’t managed to escape so easily. The district attorney said that when their DNA was scanned into the system her case had come up. Because of Aiden’s status as a high profile lawyer the trial was top priority in Boston and the two men were sentenced to consecutive life sentences for their crimes.
Liz had gone to Boston to face her attackers. After the sentencing she went to Aiden’s grave. She told him that she would always love him but she was letting go.
Another knock at the door brought Liz out of her reverie. She pulled it open and grinned up at Zan. Her eyes slid over his body. He was wearing a pair of khakis and a white button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbow. He winked down at her and Liz felt herself melt.
“Hey angel. You look beautiful.” He smiled.
“Hello to you too. You look hot.” She kissed his cheek and they both laughed.
As he led her outside, she turned around and locked her door. They both called out a hello to Michael and Maria who were getting out of Maria’s car. After they were seated in Zan’s car, Liz leaned over and kissed him thoroughly.
She said, “Happy Anniversary.”
“You too Angel.” Zan smiled at her.
“So, are you going to tell me where we’re going?” She asked as they pulled out of the driveway.
“Nope. It’s a surprise.”
“Oh, I like those.”
“I know.” Zan replied.
Liz broke their comfortable silence, “Zan?”
“Yeah angel?”
“I love you.”
He smiled, “I know angel. I love you too.”
Liz smiled. She would never get tired of hearing him say that. She didn’t know what the future would bring, but she knows that whatever it brings Zan will be with her and that will make it all worthwhile.
**Song Credit: "Falling for You" by Jem**
"Something in your eyes makes me smile..." David Gray