Roswell Fanatics

Author: Mel1016
Title: Truth or Dare
Category: M/L
Rating: Mature
Disclaimer: The characters of "Roswell" will be used in this story, but the story is all mine....


Summary:

It started like a regular Friday night drunkfest, but by the morning, ten lives would never be the same.


****Okay, I've decided to write without aliens for this one. If anyone is interested, I just completed my first fic, The Fight That Changed the World, over in the CC Forum. *****


<u> Chapter 1 </u>

<i> Liz and Maria </i>

“When are you going to be ready? I’m ready to go, girl!” Maria Deluca stomps around a small, two-bedroom house in Athens, Georgia. Maria is a small girl, thin and blonde, with large, exaggerated features that alone would be unattractive but mix perfectly to create a uniquely beautiful face. She tosses her head back in a huff, and storms into her roommate’s bedroom. Maria has crimped her long hair and is wearing a long, emerald green crinkled skirt and black top cinched with an oversized belt. She’s added knee-high black boots and black chandelier earrings. All fashionably bohemian, and totally her style.

“I’ll be ready when I’m ready, Maria!” Liz’s annoyed voice can be heard from the bathroom located through a second door to Liz’s bedroom.

Liz Parker, Maria’s roommate and best friend, has more classic features. Her straight brown hair, usually in a ponytail, was currently cascading around her shoulders in soft waves. When Liz walks back into her bedroom, Maria notices Liz is still in her robe.

“Damn it, Liz! It’s 9 o’clock already. I want a drink, and I want it now!”

Liz and Maria are both in their second year at the University of Georgia. Maria, always the free spirit, has left her major “undeclared,” with no current plans to change it.

Liz, on the other hand, came to UGA with a plan…a plan that involved graduating with a degree in Veterinary Medicine.

Liz looks at her roommate and rolls her eyes. “Oh, please. There’s enough booze in this house to intoxicate a large fraternity! Go have a drink. I can’t help that I had to stay late at the clinic. Dr. Thomas needed my help with a Labrador that got hit by a car. He almost died. I couldn’t just leave because I needed to get to Isabel’s party. Give me a break, okay?”

On that note, Liz turns around and goes back in the bathroom. Maria throws up her hands and walks back to the kitchen. The girls’ kitchen is small, but has a lot of cabinets. The house itself is at least seventy-five years old, and has housed college students for at least fifty of those years. The peeling paint and scratched hardwood floors could never take away from the beauty of high ceilings, intricate molding, and antique fixtures. The white tile countertops and glass-front white cabinets give the kitchen a clean look, and Liz and Maria have each added colorful paintings and knick-knacks to make the kitchen a warm and inviting space.

Still fuming, Maria opens a cabinet to the right of the white refrigerator and retrieves a red, plastic, thirty-two ounce cup. She then squats to the floor, and opens the lower cabinet. Inside, dozens of liquor bottles of all types sit in various stages of completion. After surveying the bottles, she removes a half-empty bottle of Grey Goose L’Orange Vodka and a new bottle of Captain Morgan’s spiced rum. After standing and putting the drinks on the counter, she opens the fridge and removes a carton of orange juice. Once she has her ingredients, she fills the cup partway with ice and pours equal parts of each drink into the cup, stirring as she mixes. Tasting her invention, she grimaces before adding a bit more rum. Satisfied, she puts the bottles and carton back in their respective places, and goes to the living room and turns on the television.

Liz puts the finishing touches on her makeup, carefully lining her lips with a soft pink pencil and matching gloss. She has already slid into jeans and a fitted blue button-down shirt. As she exits her bathroom, she thinks back on her week. She really needs a break from the studying and hectic work at the veterinary clinic. A party might be just what she needs.

As she slides on her heeled black ankle boots, she closes her eyes and thinks about the last time she went to one of Izzie’s parties.

*****
<i>Three months before…

“What’s the matter, Liz?” Alex Whitman, senior and Liz’s good friend, asks with concern as he watches Liz retrieve her coat from the pile of jackets on the guest bed of Isabel’s home. He’s holding a beer, and looks comfortable in a Bulldog sweatshirt and jeans. Even though it’s Isabel’s house, as her boyfriend, Alex has taken on the responsibility of co-host as well.

“I just want to get home, Alex. I need some sleep.” She pauses as she relives the past few minutes. “Coming here was a mistake.” She puts on her black pea coat in a hurry, sliding her hand underneath her hair and pulling it out so that is falls on the outside of the coat.

“Don’t say that. Everyone wants you here. Don’t let a few jerks spoil our good time.” He smiles shyly at Liz and touches her shoulder.

“You may want me here, but it’s too uncomfortable. There’s too much history. I’ve made a decision not to be involved in his life, and seeing him here, with her, just makes me think about it all over again. I don’t want to do that. I want to go to school, see my friends, and forget he exists. It’s that simple, Alex.”

Alex pulls Liz into a hug. “I know, sweetheart. If he wasn’t her brother, I would tell him to leave. But that doesn’t mean you should go. We could go to a different part of the house and hang out. God knows there’s plenty of room.” They both laugh, and pull away.

“It’s for the best, Alex. You know I love you both. You don’t need to be worried about me. I’ll see you tomorrow at school, okay?”

Alex sighs, “Okay. See you tomorrow. Be careful walking home. It’s late.”

Alex watches as Liz quickly exits the room and heads straight for the front door. As she leaves, he shakes his head and goes back to the party.

</i>

*****
“Liz! Let’s go!” Liz is shaken from her thoughts, now realizing she has yet to put on her other boot. She zips it up and stands. <i> Three months….I hope it’s been enough time…</i>

As she leaves the room, a knot of anxiety plants itself in her chest. <i> Suck it up, Liz. He’s just a guy. He may not even be there. How bad could it be? </i> Taking a glance around her room, she turns off her light and goes to meet Maria.

TBC

Any thoughts?

***Here’s chapter two. Thanks for the feedback!***

BehrObsession
Smac: Thanks! Good questions…and the answers will come. Since you read “The Fight,” you know I like people getting their feelings out, so it’s coming.
Candycane14: ha! Maria does like her alcohol!
Pandas2001
Frenchkiss70: Thanks! All will be revealed…

<u>Chapter Two</u>

The house is Victorian and at least one hundred years old. Every house on this block is of the same style and age. The ancient oaks that line the street partially cover the sidewalk where Maria and Liz are walking.

Maria is carrying her red cup, the contents almost gone. Looking up at the house, Liz is just as awed at its size and beauty as she was the first time she came here last year.

Things were so different then.

Currently, all the lights in the house seemed to be on, lighting up the front yard all the way to the sidewalk. Music could be heard from the street, but not so loud that the neighbors would complain.

As they approach the walkway leading up to the house, Liz swallows hard and slows down. She looks at the lit windows, trying to make out who’s at the party by the silhouettes she can see through the curtains. It looks like the house is packed.

“What are you doing, slowpoke? Come on!” Maria grabs Liz’s arm and links her arm through Liz’s. They climb the steps to the front door, pausing on the massive wrap-around front porch. Maria absently unlinks her arm from Liz’s, giving Liz the chance to stop a few feet from the front door.

“Maria?”

“Yeah?” Maria utters distractedly as she adjusts her clothes. Liz watches her, deciding at that moment to be stop hiding and just get it over with.

“Nothing. Let’s do this.”

Maria turns and smiles at Liz and opens the door. Immediately, the sounds of 80’s music overtakes them. The familiar upbeat Adam Ant tune, one of Alex’s favorites, comes on the stereo.

“I love this song!” Maria bounds into the house, bouncing through the doorway, raising her hands above her head.

With the heartbreak open
So much you can’t hide
Put on a little makeup makeup
Make sure they get your good side good side

If the words unspoken
Get stuck in your throat
Send a treasure token token
Write it on a pound note pound note

Liz smiles at Maria’s high energy. She loves Maria, and counts on her to make her feel better. She always does.

Don’t drink don’t smoke - what do you do?
Dont drink don’t smoke - what do you do?
Subtle innuendos follow
There must be something inside

We don’t follow fashion
That would be a joke
You know we’re going to set them set them
So everyone can take note take note

When they saw you kneeling
Crying words that you mean
Opening their eyeballs eyeballs
Pretending that you’re al green al green

Liz turns from Maria, who has entered the front parlor and started hugging some of the girls from school, and walks toward the kitchen, bobbing her head slightly to the music.

No one’s gonna tell me
What’s wrong or what’s right
Or tell me who to eat with sleep with
Or that I’ve won the big fight big fight

Look out or they’ll tell you
You’re a superstar
Two weeks and you’re an all time legend
I think the games have gone much too far

If the words unspoken
Get stuck in your throat
Send a treasure token token
Write it on a pound note pound note

Don't drink don't smoke - what do you do?
Don't drink don't smoke - what do you do?
Subtle innuendos follow
There must be something inside

When she reaches the swinging kitchen door, she can hear Isabel’s laughter.

“Alex! You are so not funny!”

“Aw, come on, Iz. You know I am. It’s why you love me.” Liz pushes the kitchen door and sees Alex lean over and kiss Isabel on the cheek.

Isabel Evans stood there, a tall blonde junior, a vision of confidence. She’s from a wealthy family (thus the large Victorian house), and looks like a Victoria’s Secret model. Alex, a lanky, middle-class senior, is cute but not sexy in the way a person might think Isabel would find attractive.

They are totally hot for each other.

Alex looks over and sees Liz in the doorway.

“Liz! You made it! Welcome!” Alex steps away from Isabel and slides over to Liz, embracing her. “You know what you need, my dear?”

“What?” Liz says he pulls away.

“Booze. And I have just the thing. I made my special, super secret, Alex Margaritas. Come…let me fix you one.”

“Don’t do it, Liz. ‘Super Secret’ just means twice the tequila. He’s totally nuts.” Isabel laughs as she comes over to Liz and hugs her. “You will be drunk before you can start on a second one.”

“I think that’s just what I need, Isabel. I’ve had a long week.”

Alex pours Liz a margarita and brings it over to her.

“Here you go. So…school or work?”

“Huh?”

“What’s got you down? School or work? You look great, by the way.”

Liz smiles at her friend and takes a sip of the margarita. She winces at the taste of tequila.

“Wow, you weren’t kidding Iz. This is very strong.”

“Told ya! I’m so glad you came, Liz. It’s great to see you.” Isabel grins and walks off to talk to a group of students hanging out at the kitchen table.

“Well?” Alex says, crossing his arms and waiting for her response to his early question.

“Both, actually. There have been a lot of emergencies at work, and exams are almost here, so it’s a little overwhelming.”

“Ah. Well, blow it off tonight; enjoy yourself, and drink, woman! Do you want to hang with us?”

“Of course! But I need to go mingle a bit. I saw Kyle when I came in, and I haven’t talked to him in weeks. And I should check on Maria. She started drinking before we got here, so she’s already buzzed.”

“Okay. Have fun.” Alex squeezes Liz’s arm and goes to join Isabel. Drink in hand, Liz leaves the kitchen through the same swinging door that she used to enter.

Liz looks around as she reentered the front hallway. The house was massive, and tastefully decorated. Students were everywhere, drinking and talking in small groups. Liz spotted Maria in the dining room, engrossed in a conversation with Kyle Valenti.

Liz smiled as she watched her two friends. Kyle entered UGA as a freshman at the same time Liz and Maria did. Liz and Maria met as freshmen when they were assigned as roommates in Lee Hall. Liz had come from Roswell, New Mexico, excited at the thought of attending a traditional large university. Maria was from New York, and had followed her then boyfriend Michael Guerin to Georgia when he was accepted on a football scholarship. Even though they had little in common, Liz and Maria became fast friends.

They signed up for several freshman classes together. In their first, American History, they sat next to a handsome freshman named Kyle Valenti. Kyle was on the football team, too, and knew Michael. After class, they went to lunch together, and did so after American History twice a week for the entire first semester. Kyle was laid back and a cut up, and always managed to put the girls in a great mood. His soft Texas twang and “country boy” vocabulary made every story he told hilarious. The three shared a friendship that made the first year of college bearable, and have been friends ever since.

“Liz! Look who I found!” Maria waved her friend over to the buffet where she and Kyle were standing. Liz smiled and joined them.

“Hey Kyle! How’s it going?” Kyle grabs Liz around the waist and pulls her close, almost causing her to spill her drink in the process.

“Hey babe. It’s going great now. Whatcha drinking?” Kyle takes Liz’s drink and takes a large gulp. He gags as he swallows. “Damn! Want a little lime with that tequila?”

“It’s one of Alex’s special margaritas. And the more I drink it, the better I like it.” Liz giggles and takes an equally big gulp, emptying her glass. “Oops! I’m out.” Liz looks into the bottom of her glass, suddenly a bit light-headed.

“Whoa, girl. That’s only one? Maybe you should pace yourself,” Maria says as she downs the rest of her drink.

“Yeah, you’re one to talk. Kyle, I want to catch up, I do, but I’m going to get another drink first.”

“Could you get me one of those?” Kyle asks, raising his eyebrows at her.

“Sure thing. Back in a sec.”

Liz turns and walks back to the kitchen. She passes several students she knows from school, and stops to say hello briefly before continuing on. Looking at her watch, she sees it’s now 10:45. <i> Maybe this won’t be so bad. It’s getting late, so maybe he really won’t come. </i>

Maria and Kyle continue with their conversation, completely engrossed in the matter at hand.

“So it took all my persuading to get her to come tonight. I know she’s still hurting, but it’s been….six months? She must get out and have a good time. It’s not healthy to do all that studying and working. She has to deal with her problems and stop letting him get the better of her.”

Kyle laughs, thinking about how his life has become nothing but studying and practicing since he made first string on the football team this year.

“Maria, she’s fine. We’ll have a good time tonight, I swear. Most of these people will be gone by one, and we can just hang….like we used to.”

“Yeah, but that will only happen if he doesn’t show. I swear, you’d think they were married. I followed Michael from another state, I made my plans for college for HIM, and we’re not together anymore. You’d think I would still be upset, too. But no….I’ve moved on.”

“Uh huh. Didn’t you tell me you left Michael a bunch of messages last week?”

Maria shakes her head, using her drink to make her point. “Not the same thing. I needed some stuff back. That’s all. I’m totally over his cheating ass.”

“If you say so.”

“And let’s stay on subject, buddy. We must make sure Liz has a great time, and keep him away from her if he shows up here.”

“Well, it is his sister’s house, Maria. He practically lives here.”

“I just hope he has enough class to stay away. Maybe he can stay with that whore and leave us in peace.”

Kyle just smirks and shakes his head. “Maybe.”


Lyrics for “Goody Two Shoes” are from Adam Ant, <u> Friend or Foe </u>(1982)

TBC

***Hi Everyone! Thanks for the feedback. It means a lot. Keep it coming! And yes, there will be a "Truth or Dare" game. That's the only hint you'll get. ***

<u>Chapter Three</u>

<i> Max </i>

9:00 p.m.

<i>If I’m late, she’s going to whine….</i>Max Evans thought to himself as he hurriedly walked toward the Alpha Gamma Alpha Sorority house. <i> That’s all I need right now.</i>

He was dressed for the night ahead: dinner at Chez Pierre, then back to his house to meet her friends for drinking. He wore a pair of black slacks and buttoned down white dress shirt. His dark brown hair had grown out a little, curling over his collar and ears.

Max knew his sister was having a party tonight at her house, the house they both owned but only Isabel lived in. Max had moved in with a few friends six months ago when he and his sister had a falling out. He and Iz had made up, but he liked living in the old farmhouse with his buddies. Drinking helped numb him to everything that was going on in his life…and the boys did a lot of drinking. The only positive in his life was his upcoming graduation. He had yet to decide if he planned to pursue a Masters in Finance, but was grateful one chapter in his life was over.

Max missed his sister and his former friends. Unfortunately, Max knew it would be a bad idea to show up at Isabel’s party. Iz subtly mentioned that she was having people over, but that he shouldn’t change his plans to be there. Deep down, he thought it was best that he stayed away. He caused the people he loved pain, so it was probably best he stayed with his “new” crowd: people to party with, people who he couldn’t hurt.

He assumed “she” would be at Isabel’s. At the last party Liz attended, Max was there with Tess. They had been drinking, and Tess made a few comments to Liz, and then Liz left. He knew he should have stopped her from insulting Liz, but he was too far gone to do it. And a part of him wanted Liz to hurt like he was hurting.

So he let it happen.

~~<i>Three Months Before, Isabel’s Party</i>~~

<i>His breath caught at the sight of her. It had been three months since they broke up, but he still got butterflies in his stomach when she entered the room. She was wearing a red turtleneck and black low-cut slacks, and seemed oblivious to the effect she was having on most of the men in the room.

Tess was busy talking to one of her sorority sisters, Lauren. Lauren was as dark-haired as Tess was fair, but both girls had that similar look that came from too many hours in front of a mirror. Lauren and Tess were always attached at the hip, and his attention was rarely an issue when she was around. Max drank two cups of the “punch” when he arrived, mostly to brace himself for a possible run-in with Liz. He knew Liz and Alex were close, and that she might make an appearance. As much as he wanted to see her, he didn’t want a confrontation. Things had gotten really bad between them before they parted ways, and he didn’t want to relive it or be the topic of conversation for all the gossip hounds currently at the party.

Taking a sip of his third drink, he slipped back towards the wall, trying desperately to avoid Liz’s eyes. She was laughing at something Maria was saying, and she ran her fingers through her hair, slowly, almost as if she was in slow motion. </i>Or maybe it’s just in my head, <i> Max thought.

</i> Get a grip, Max. You aren’t together. You don’t even like her anymore. She lied to you! <i> Suddenly, Max was angry at Liz all over again. He gripped his cup and took a large gulp. </i> It’s over! <i> He reminded himself.

Tess is giggling with Lauren about a couple of freshman girls who had just arrived. Neither girl was very attractive, at least to girls like Lauren and Tess, and they both look nervous to be at the upperclassmen party.

“Oh my GOD, Lauren, would you look at those two? I mean, who taught them how to dress, Ms. Wal-Mart?” Tess and Lauren laugh at their cleverness, while Max rolls his eyes.

“Ladies? Excuse me, ladies?” Lauren steps forward toward the two frightened girls and gesture at them with the hand holding her drink.

“Yes?” The braver of the two, a mousy brunette with the oversized college red UGA t-shirt answered. She looks hopefully at Lauren, as if she might have found a new friend.

“What are your names?” Lauren asks with a large, plastic smile. Tess has her hand over her mouth, covering her giggles. Max stares at the conversation warily, knowing what is coming next. Lauren is nothing if not predictable.

“I’m Angel and my friend” she gestures to her blonde companion, “is Tara.” Tara smiles shyly at Lauren. Tara is a small girl, maybe five feet tall, and has wire-rimmed glasses and long brown shaggy hair she has pulled back with a clip. She is wearing a pair of jeans and white button-down shirt that would have been acceptable, Max thought, if it hadn’t have been covered in small cherries.

“Well, Angel and Tara, welcome to the party!” Lauren opens her arms wide and makes a slight bow. The girls smile at her and step closer to her. Most of the guests in earshot (and Lauren was speaking loudly, so that included most of the people on the first floor) had stopped talking and were watching the scene unfold.

“I must say, my friends and I were just saying how interesting your choice in party clothes was. However did you decide what to wear?” Lauren looked at them with wide-eyed sincerity. Angel looked a bit confused, the smile on her face wavering slightly. Tara was no longer smiling, but looked like a deer caught in headlights. She looked around at everyone staring at them; some of the guests were snickering quietly.

“I-I-I…what do you mean?” Angel asks softly. Tara was backing toward the door, pulling Angel with her.

“Well, it just seems to me that you should have thought a little more carefully about what to wear to a party in THIS house. I mean, look around ladies. Don’t we look good? Isn’t this a fashionable group? I was just wondering, girls, what your motivation was? Are you trying to repel the opposite sex?” At this, Tess burst into laughter.

“Tess…stop her.” Max hissed under his breath. If Tess heard him, she didn’t respond.

“Excuse me, what are you doing?” An angry voice said from the adjoining dining room. Max would know that voice anywhere. Liz and Maria, obviously angry, walked into the living room.

Max braced himself, thinking she might look at him, but she kept her eyes on Lauren.

Lauren turned from the girls to Liz, obviously sensing larger prey. “Well, if it isn’t Liz Parker. Look, Liz, these girls are following in your footsteps. No taste, no class, no friends.” Lauren looked at Tess, and they both broke out into loud gales of laughter.

“I mean really, do you know these girls, Liz? Did you invite people who are bigger losers than you to make yourself feel better?” Tess added, still laughing.

At that moment, Liz noticed Max standing next to Tess, not saying a word. Max was uncomfortable, but he kept his mouth shut. He had no idea what to say. Inside, Max was mortified that he was considered a part of this display of snobbery. But Tess was his girlfriend now, and his loyalty was to her, right?

When her eyes locked with Max’s, Liz’s narrowed. She waited for him to say something, anything, to his girlfriend and her friend. But he just stood there.

“These girls have done nothing to you, Lauren. They were obviously invited, and since this isn’t your house, why don’t you just mind your own business and leave them alone?”

Angel and Tara had backed all the way to the door. Alex and Isabel had emerged from the kitchen, and just watched, shocked that the lively party had taken such a downward turn.

“Yeah, Lauren, did you have a bad day? Did you sleep with someone last night who won’t call you back because you are a dirty ‘ho? Would none of your professors sleep with you and give you a passing grade? Or are you just bloated?” Maria feigned concern and tilted her head to the side. “Yep, looking at you, I can see that’s it.

“There’s no need to take it out on someone else, I promise you. I’m sure your therapist would agree. Get back on your meds, Lauren, and leave these girls alone. I guarantee they have more class than you could ever have.”

Lauren and Tess had stopped laughing. Angel and Tara’s eyes were shifting back and forth between Maria and Lauren.

“Shut the fuck up, Deluca. At least I’m not so pathetic as to follow a guy to another state who just wanted to get away from me.”

“No, Lauren, you’re right about that. You’d have to detach yourself from Tweedledum first.” Maria nodded towards Tess.

Several people laughed at this. Tess, trying to divert attention from her friend, turned back to Liz.

“You are the most pathetic of all, Liz. Take a hint. Max doesn’t want you. Why don’t you find some new friends?” Tess links her arm with Max’s and steps close to him, while he just clenches his jaw.

Max opens his mouth to speak, but Isabel beats him to it. “Tess, that’s enough. This is my house, and I won’t have it. Liz is my friend. You may be Max’s girlfriend, but that will not stop me from throwing you out on your ass.” Isabel warns from her post near the kitchen door. “Max, control her or I will, I swear.”

“Tess, let it go.” Max says without any real conviction, never taking his eyes off of Liz.

Tess rolls her eyes. “Whatever.”

Liz takes one last look at Max and turns on her heels toward the guestroom. Alex follows her.

Max’s chest tightens as he watches her leave, and he’s not sure why. Tess has released his arm and is whispering furiously with Lauren. Angel and Tara, both on the verge of tears, quietly open the front door and leave. The guests, deciding the crisis was over, go back to talking to each other.

</i> What could I do? She’s a grown woman. She can take care of herself. <i> But deep down, Max feels his heart ache. </i>

~~Present~~

Max reaches the front door of Tess’ house. He hesitates before ringing the doorbell.

He knows he doesn’t love Tess. Hell, he really doesn’t like her very much. But she’s with him, and he just can’t take another breakup. He can’t be alone right now.

TBC

So here's the next chapter. The last of the introductions. We now have all our players. Thanks for your patience! I will try and go back to my twice-per-week schedule, if I can.

<u>Chapter Four</u>

~ The Party – Brad and Michael ~

<i>11:05 p.m.</i>

Michael Guerin enters Isabel Evan’s house like he owns the place. His best pal, Brad Stevens, saunters in behind him. Michael and Brad are both sophomores on the Bulldog football team, and both are roommates of Isabel’s brother, Max.

Michael and Brad share the confidence of men who know they look good, know they’re popular, and know they can have any girl they want. At 6’2”, Michael towers above Brad by several inches, but Brad is stocky and muscular, with blonde hair and blue eyes.

“Wanna drink?” Michael asked Brad as they made their way through the dozen or so men and women in the front hall.

“Yep. Tequila?” Brad grinned at Michael and raised his eyebrows. Both knew they would hurt tomorrow, but it wasn’t football season, and they wanted to get wasted.

“I’ll get it. I need to say hey to Isabel anyway.”

Michael entered the kitchen, completely oblivious to the death glare he was receiving from a certain blonde in the dining room.

~ Maria and Kyle ~

“I can’t believe he’s here! He knows I come to Isabel’s parties. The nerve of that asshole!” Maria hisses at Kyle. Kyle turns to look in the direction of the front hall, and sees Michael enter the kitchen without a glance in their direction.

“Just stay out of his way. He’s probably here because Iz throws a mean party. You had to know he would come, Maria.” Kyle looks at his friend without sympathy. “Just be civil. Don’t let him know you give a crap if he’s here or not.”

“I know that! And I don’t give a crap, for the record. I just don’t want to see him at all!” Maria says in a huff.

“I always wondered about that.” Kyle said, trying to change the subject.

“Wondered about what?”

“What the saying “for the record” means. I mean, there’s no one here making a record. So there’s really no record, per se.” Kyle shrugged and looked around.

“Fine, smartass. How about, for the non-record record, I don’t give a crap.” Maria laughs as she punches Kyle in the shoulder lightly, Michael forgotten for the moment.

“Better. Let’s go outside on the porch. I think the crowd is thinning, but I like these parties better when there’s just a few of us.”

“Okay. I’ll grab Liz and we’ll go sit outside. It’s nice out, anyway. I’ll grab you a beer, yeah?”

“No, Liz is getting me a margarita, remember? But she may need help with that. Just grab her and ignore Michael. Do not get into it with him! I’ll see you outside.”

Kyle heads to the front door while Maria heads to the kitchen to get Liz. She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes before pushing the white door open. By the time she enters the room, she’s all business.

Looking around the room, Maria tells herself she’s just looking for Liz. She just wants to grab Liz and join Kyle on the front porch. But her heart seeks him out. Michael. The boy…eh, man…for whom she’d left her home in New York City to follow south to Georgia. She had no family here, no friends, when she arrived: just Michael. And she was so in love with him. He, however, was in love with another.

~ 10 months earlier ~
<i>
“I’m so glad I came here with you! I can’t imagine what college would have been like if I had stayed in New York or gone somewhere else. I can pursue my singing here, Michael! There are lots of folksy artists who got their start in Athens. Just think of it! I can write and get my degree at the same time. I can sing at bars for money! I can be famous! And my boyfriend, the big football star, will be there watching me with adoring eyes!”

“umm hmmm….” Michael uttered distractedly, his sock-covered feet on his dorm room coffee table. He was watching tapes of previous football games and studying them, hoping to make an impression on the coach next week. Maria was curled up with her head in his lap, oblivious to the game.

“Michael? Michael! Are you even listening to me?”

“Yep.”

“Should I be a singer?”

“Yep.”

“Should I throw this remote through the t.v.?”

“Yep.”

“Michael!!” Maria sits up and puts her face in front of Michael’s. “Could you stop that stupid game for a second and listen to me please?”

“What, Maria? You knew when you came over here I was going to be studying the game. I told you. I will talk to you after it’s over!” With that, Michael turned his attention back to the television.

“Fine! I’ll just go home. Call me when you have time to spend with me!”

With a huff, Maria stood, gathered her purse and cell phone, and left the apartment, slamming the door in the process.

“Men!” She muttered as she exited the building. “Football!” She added. </i>

~ Present Day ~

As she entered the kitchen, Maria immediately spots Liz talking to Alex as he makes her another drink. Without thinking, she scans the room. Her eyes fall on the tall, brown-haired slacker she used to call her boyfriend, talking it up with his new best friend, Brad. Brad was one the main reasons she and Michael broke up. After football season started, Michael couldn’t go anywhere without Brad. They were inseparable. It was almost as if they were dating. Want to go to the movies? Brad wants to go, too! Want to go get some pizza? Brad’s hungry! It was sickening.

And Brad liked to chase women. He was always bringing girls along on dates with her and Michael. Different girls every time.

Maria’s eyes narrowed as she watched Brad and Michael talking to a couple of girls.

“Maria!” Liz, unaware of how loud she was, called Maria from the other side of the kitchen. Maria was still watching Michael when his head snapped her way. For a second, she could almost swear he looked happy to see her. Then his face emptied of emotion, and he turned his back to her.

“Bastard.” Maria said under her breath as she made her way over to Liz. Liz, happier now than she had been an hour ago, waved Maria over with hurried hands.

“Could ya yell any louder, Liz? Maria sighed as she took Kyle’s drink from Liz. “Hey Alex! Could I make myself another drink before I steal Liz from you? We’re going to go outside for a little while.”

“Sure. Help yourself. Maybe we’ll join you guys in a few. It’s after 11:00 now. Some of these people will start heading to other parties soon. I know some of the frats are having parties tonight. Maybe it will become a nice quiet group and we can hang out.”

“Now that sounds good, my friend!” Maria hugs Alex and grabs Liz’s hand. “Let’s go. I want to sit outside and enjoy the spring weather for a few. It’s a little crowded in here,” she says as she looks at Michael over her shoulder.

Liz follows her gaze and the smile on her face turns into a frown. “I’m sorry Maria. I didn’t see him in here. Want me to tell him off for you?” Liz starts to walk toward Michael.

“Uh, that’s ok Liz. Let’s not.”

“But you’re my friend! I want to take up for you!”

“I know you do. But I don’t want to give him the satisfaction. And neither would you, without the liquid courage.” Maria nods at Liz’s margarita.

“Just remember, I got your back!” Liz hugs Maria and heads out of the kitchen, forgetting Michael was even there.

Maria mixes a new drink with the liquor left out on the cabinet, and adds some orange juice. She steals a short glance at Michael, pulls back her shoulders, lifts her head high, and strolls out of the kitchen behind Liz.

She never looks back.

She misses the long stare Michael gives her before Brad gets his attention and he turns back and gives a tired smile to the girls smiling at him with adoring eyes.

TBC

*****I'm having an author's chat on October 23rd at 8 pm EST at http://p072.ezboard.com/broswellheaven. I would be honored if you all would attend!*****

Hi Everyone. I finished this faster than I thought. To answer a few questions, let me just say that the Truth or Dare game is coming, but it'll be a few more chapters before we get there.

I have outlined the next several chapters, and my plan is to have another chapter up by the weekend. I can't promise it, but I'm going to try my hardest.

<u>Chapter 5</u>

9:10 p.m. Tess’ Sorority House

Max rang the doorbell and waited for an answer. After about 30 seconds, a small brunette opens the door, staring Max up and down.

“Max? You, um, look really good.” She gives a shy smile.

“Thanks.” Max says to her, looking around her into the house. “Is Tess ready? We have dinner reservations in about 20 minutes.”

“I don’t know. Come on in. I’ll go check.” The girl leads Max into the house, and quickly walks up the stairs. Max sits on a chair in the front hallway. He looks around at the pictures on the wall. Everything is white and pastels. Pictures of past sorority members line the hallway, along with cheerleading uniforms housed in Plexiglas and a glass cabinet full of cheer memorabilia dating back almost a hundred years.

After about 15 minutes, Tess slowly descends the staircase. She can see Max sitting in the hallway, looking the other way. She can tell by his posture he’s angry. She smiles slightly. <i> Always make ‘em wait, that’s what I always say. </i>

Max turns and sees her standing on the stairs. She’s in a short gray A-lined skirt and light blue spaghetti-strapped tank top, leaving little to the imagination.

“Where the hell were you? I’ve been waiting 15 minutes! We have reservations in five! You knew what time I’d be here. I swear, Tess, you don’t care about anyone but yourself.” Max stands, completely irritated. Knowing Tess, she’s been just sitting on her bed, talking to Lauren. While he’s been waiting!

“Sorry Max. It takes a little time to look this good.” She looks down at herself and then back at Max, clearly expecting a compliment.

Max just snorts at her. “Whatever, Tess. Let’s go!” He grabs her arm and pulls her toward the door. Tess’ smile falters, but she lets him lead her out the door.

~ Chez Pierre 9:40 p.m. ~

“See? They held our table. No problem!” Tess and Max are now sitting in the candlelit dining room of Chez Pierre. Max is still irritated with Tess, but he can’t figure out why. He should be over it by now, but God, she annoys him. Has she always annoyed him?

<i> Liz never annoyed you like that, </i> Max’s inner voice told him.

~ One year before ~<i>

What if I don’t want to go out, Michael? You know how blind dates can go. Maria seems like a nice girl, but spending a night with her roommate? Is she ugly? Or worse, what if she’s an airhead? I don’t really want to spend my evening explaining jokes to some bimbo, Michael. I’m too tired.” Max had just come from the shower, relaxing on the couch in a pair of black shorts. Max and Michael were both exhausted after a full day of football practice.

Michael and Max met during the first practice of the season. Max was about to be a junior, and Michael was the new recruit freshman. Their coach had teamed them up, with Max selected as Michael’s mentor, and they had become friends.

Currently, Michael was over at Max and his twin sister Isabel’s house, begging Max to go on a double date with Maria and Liz. Maria insisted that Liz come along, so he had to find her a date, or Maria would be furious.

And Michael hated it when Maria was furious with him. A little mad was sexy, a lot mad was trouble.

“Max, I already told you. I met this girl. She’s going to be a vet. That means she’s smart, right? And she’s pretty hot. She’s no Maria or anything, but hot.”

Max’s interest was piqued when Michael said she was going to be a vet. Max wanted to follow his dad into the family business, but he had a soft spot for medicine.

“A vet, huh? Well, that’s pretty cool. Alright, Michael. I’ll go. What time should I pick you up?”

“Seven forty-five. Then we’ll get the girls.”

“Ok. Now get out of here. You still smell from practice.” Max wrinkled his nose at Michael before focusing on the television.

~ Eight p.m. ~

As Max and Michael pulled up in front of Maria’s dorm, Max felt a slight twinge of anticipation. He hadn’t been on a date in several months. He usually had his hands full with school, football, and getting his feet wet with his dad’s business.

As he watched, two figures approached the car where he and Michael were waiting, standing up against the car.

As they became clearer, he could make out Maria, whom he had met several times. He liked Maria, thought she was a firecracker, and saw how she kept Michael on his toes.

He then focused on his date. Liz? She was a small girl, with long dark hair. In the darkness, that was all he could make out.

Then she became illuminated by the streetlamps.

She was beautiful in a simple, unadorned way. She looked a bit shy, smiling at him just slightly as they came closer.

He felt his stomach tighten as she and Maria came within a few feet of them.

“Max? This is Liz. Liz, this is Max.” Michael stated as he pulled Maria in for a kiss.

Liz put out her hand and Max shook it.

“Nice to meet you, Max.”

“You, too.” With the slight breeze of the autumn night, Max caught a sniff of Liz’s perfume. It was soft and clean, and made him smile.

“Shall we?” Max gestured toward his car, where he opened the passenger door for Liz. Michael and Maria, happily entranced with each other, jumped into the backseat. Michael smirked at Max, and then ducked his head into the car.

~The Restaurant ~

“So, Liz and I were talking to Kyle, and he said you guys had some time off coming up soon. Is that true, Michael? Can we go away or something? Oh! I heard there was an Octoberfest celebration around here somewhere. That would be fun!”

Maria was rapidly talking to Michael, who was in turn trying to get the waiter’s attention for their check.

Max and Liz had been involved in a long conversation about science courses and which professors Max recommended. All four had spent the last 2 hours laughing and talking, either as a full group or in pairs.

And to his relief, Max never once had to explain anything to Liz.

After they left and drove back to the dorm, Max was busy trying to come up with a way to ask Liz out on another date. He wanted to get to know her better, and wanted to do it without Michael and Maria.

Michael and Maria were arguing back and forth about a long weekend away.

“I don’t know, Maria! I will try and see if we can go somewhere, but I’m not made of money! And I have classes to study for and I still have practice! Get off my back!”

Maria’s eyes got bigger as she took in his every word.

“Are you kidding? We’ve been here two months, and I never see you! I’ve been a great girlfriend. I understand when you have to spend time with your football buddies. I understand when you have to be home early to practice. We never talk anymore. You don’t listen to me! You take me for granted, Michael. I just want one weekend with my boyfriend! Is that too much to ask?”

“Guys! Come on. We’ve had a great night. We’ll figure something out.” Liz turned around to quiet them, as she’s had to do more than a few times since she met them both.

“Hey. How about we rent a cabin near Helen and just go up there? If we all pitch in, maybe it won’t be too expensive. We could get another coup…a few more people, and it would probably be really cheap.”

Max didn’t know where his sudden urge to join Maria’s plea to Michael came from, but as he said it, it made sense. If they rented a cabin, he’d get several days with Liz, and maybe get a little alone time as well. It’d be perfect.

All three passengers stared at Max silently. Michael couldn’t believe Max the loner was suggesting such a thing. Maria was happy that he was on her side.

Liz couldn’t believe he wanted to see her again.

“That’s a great idea, Max. Give me the weekend you’re free, and I’ll get it booked. We can invite Kyle and whoever he’s dating, and maybe one or two others, depending on the size cabin I can get.” Maria was again off and planning, happily involving Liz in the discussion. Max and Michael rode in silence.

As they reached the dorm, Michael and Maria jumped out.

“I’ll catch you later, Max. I’m gonna hang with Maria for a few, then walk back to my dorm.” Michael grabbed Maria’s hand and pulled her down the street towards a bench.

Max and Liz got out and awkwardly walked toward her front door. Neither said a word until they got there.

“So, Liz…I’m sorry if I got us involved with Maria’s weekend plans. I just wanted to make them happy. And…”

“Yeah?” Liz looked up and Max expectantly, waiting for him to continue.

“I thought it would be a great way to get to know you better. I had a great time tonight.”

“Me too, Max. And I think a weekend away would be a lot of fun. I’ve been working really hard trying to adjust to college life.”

“I remember how it was. Could I call you? Maybe we can go out by ourselves one night. Maybe a movie?”

“That sounds great. Here’s my number.” Liz took a sheet of paper out of her purse and wrote down her phone number. When she finished writing, she folded the paper and handed it to Max.

“Well, I guess I’ll go. Goodnight Liz.” Max and Liz stood facing each other in the bright light of the front doorstep. His eyes roamed her face, taking it all in, so he could remember what she looked like. She was doing the same.

His left hand came up slowly and brushed her hair off her shoulder.

“Goodnight, Max.” Liz said softly, waiting to see what he would do. Would he kiss her? Did she want him to? His head came closer to hers, and she moved closer to him.

Then the door opened. Another young girl came running out of the door, books in hand.

“Excuse me!” she said as she passed between them.

Max and Liz broke out of their trance, and the moment passed.

“I guess I’ll be going.”

Max took a last look at Liz, and walked back to his car. Liz watched him from her spot at the front door.

</i>
~Present – Chez Pierre ~

“MAX!”

Max blinked and looked over at Tess.

“What?”

“I was talking to you. And you weren’t paying attention. God, Max, what’s wrong with you lately?” Tess looks at Max with disgust as she finishes her wine.

“Let’s just eat and get the check, Tess. I’m ready to go.” Max signals the waiter, who comes to take their order.

TBC

Thanks for all the great feedback! It's great motivation! I will try and answer you all personally next time. Let me just say that there are definitely skeletons in Max's closet. Can he be redeemed? You'll have to wait and see.

For now, here's the next part.

<u>Chapter 6</u>

11:07 p.m.

~ Max’s House ~

Max and Tess arrive at Max’s townhouse, which he shares with Michael and Brad. They spent the rest of dinner and the car ride to Max’s in silence: Tess believing she was giving Max the silent treatment, Max just hoping the quiet would last.

Upon arriving, Tess, jumps out of Max’s car, and immediately gets on her cellphone as she approaches the door.

“Lauren? Hey! Dinner was wonderful, as usual. Max is just a sweetheart.”

Max rolls his eyes as he unlocks the front door and holds it open for Tess. The house is dark and quiet, an obvious indication that the boys have gone out. As she enters, she starts turning on every light she passes.

As Max surveys the living room, he sees the note left on the front table. Tess walked into the kitchen, so Max drops his keys on the front table and reads the note.

<i>Max,

We’ve decided to go to Isabel’s. More fun than drinking at home. Come if you want.

Michael.</i>

Max crumples the note in his hand and throws it in the garbage can. <i> I can’t go over there. I just want to open a beer and stay here. </i> Max walks into the kitchen and opens the refrigerator.

“Lauren’s on her way.” Max opens his beer and sits down at the kitchen table. Tess walks over and sits on his lap, wrapping her thin arms around his neck.

“I thought we could invite a few people over and hang out. Lauren’s on her way. Where are your disgusting roommates?” Tess wrinkled her nose as she thought of Michael and Brad, whom she’d gotten to know over the past several months.

Well, Michael she’d gotten to know a little. He didn’t say much. Brad she kind of knew already. Lauren had been in love with Brad since she came to UGA two years ago. Lauren had set her sights on Brad, and Tess had chosen Max.

<i> And I always get what I want, </i> Tess thought as she plants a kiss on Max’s cheek.

“Michael and Brad went to Isabel’s.”

“Isabel is having a party? Why didn’t you say so? We totally should go! There are several parties on campus tonight, but I would only be seen at hers! She is your sister, after all!” Tess cheerily jumps off Max’s lap and grabs her purse. “I’ll just go freshen up. Lauren should be here soon, and then we’ll go.”

“Um, wait a sec, Tess. I didn’t say we were going.”

Tess stops mid-stride on her way to Max’s bathroom and spins around to stare wide-eyed at Max. “Why wouldn’t we? It’s always a good time. It’s certainly better than you, me, and Lauren staring at each other all night.” Tess snickers and continues on her way to the bathroom. Max just sits in his seat, staring at his beer. In one swift movement, he tips his head back and finishes it, and then reaches into the fridge for another.

<i> She’s definitely in for a surprise if she thinks I’m going to that party, </i> Max thinks sullenly.

“Maybe you and Lauren should just go, Tess. I don’t really care to.”

Max could hear stomping feet returning from the direction of his bedroom. Seconds later, a blonde head peers around the side. “What is that supposed to mean? We’re on a date, right? If I go, you have to go, too. People will talk.”

Now it was Max’s turn to snicker. “As if I care.”

“What?! Look, Max. You’ve been acting weird for weeks. And I’m getting tired of it. What’s your problem?”

“Well, Tess, since you asked….I guess I really just don’t feel like seeing you anymore.” With that, Max stands and faces Tess, who has her hands on her hips. For a moment, she’s angry, her face hardening to show her displeasure. <i> Try another tactic. He’s just a guy. Sugar and spice, sugar and spice…</i> Tess relaxes her face and paints on a bright, if not exactly genuine, smile.

“That’s ridiculous, Max. You’re just tired, with graduation and all. And living here can’t be a picnic, with all the late nights and drinking. Let’s go out, have a good time, and talk about this tomorrow, ok?” Tess bats her eyelashes at Max and steps closer, reaching out and touching his arm.

Max doesn’t feel anything: he’s totally numb to her touch. But he doesn’t care enough one way or the other to fight with her. <i> What the hell? Why should I care if we break up? I’ve only got a little longer before graduation, and I’ll break it off. I’ll quit drinking, I’ll get some sleep, and get my life back on track. Tonight, I just don’t feel like arguing. </i>

“Whatever, Tess. But I really don’t want to go. We can hang out here. Or you can take Lauren to the party. I’m just not up for it.” Max turns away from Tess and walks into the living room, turning on the television as he goes. Hi shoulders are slumped, his expression blank as he channel surfs.

Tess turns away from his retreating form and dials her cell as she walks back into Max’s room. <i> Fine! I’ll go without him. But maybe I can make him jealous…Make him remember why he loves me.</i> “Lauren? Hey. Are you almost here? Good. Yeah, we’re going to Isabel’s. Think they’ll be any cute guys there? No, Max isn’t going. He’s tired…” Tess sounds sympathetic as she closes the bathroom door to touch up her makeup.

Max had started off the evening in a decent mood. He spent the day with his dad learning the family business and the day had gone really well. He felt like he was accomplishing something, moving forward, becoming a success.

When he left work, for the first time in six months, he didn’t feel like getting a beer and watching television. He was looking forward to getting out and enjoying life a little.

But thinking of <i>her</i>, always comparing Tess to her, thinking of the past, brought him right back to where he was: totally depressed.

How did things get so out of hand?

~ 10 Months Before ~

<i>
“Max! Oh my God! This is beautiful!” Liz squealed with delight as she and Max pulled into the mountainside café. The rustic barn was redesigned into an upscale restaurant, and it overlooked the beautiful rolling hills that gave way to mountains, where trees were turning the most beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and red.

“I’m glad you approve, Ms. Parker. It’s one of my favorite discoveries in my three years here.” Max smiled at Liz, who was looking over the deck at the mountains.

Max had called Liz the day after their first date with Michael and Maria, and they had moved from coffee to lunch over the next several weeks. This would be their first dinner date, and Max planned to end the evening by finally kissing Liz. The opportunity hadn’t come up since their first date, and he wanted it to be special.

Liz was special.

Max, who had been spending more time working than socializing before meeting Liz, was enamored with the young brunette, and spent every free moment thinking of new ways to make her smile. He felt like he was truly living, and for the first time, could imagine having a family of his own.

“Thank you, Max. This is great!” Liz pulled her jacket closer to her body, trying to keep out the late autumn chill. Max noticed her shiver.

“Should we go inside now?” Max offered his arm to Liz, who gladly accepted it.

“Let’s go.”

After dinner, Max and Liz drove back to his house. Isabel was out with Alex, the guy she’d been seeing for several months. They had the house to themselves.

“I just wanted you to see where I lived. You are welcome here anytime, Ms. Parker.” Max held Liz’s hand as he gave her a tour of the house.

“Thank you very much, Mr. Evans.” As they walked out the back and onto the screened porch, Liz shivered again.

“Cold? We can go back inside.”

“No! This is great! I love screened porches. They’re so romantic.” In the soft light, Max could see Liz blush. He turned to face her. “Yeah, they are.” Placing a hand under her chin, he lifted it as he lowered his lips to hers. The soft kiss, tentative at first, grew into something more passionate. Max, unsure of Liz’s experience, slowly guided his tongue into her mouth. Liz, having forgotten for the moment that she was cold, raised her arms around his neck as he brought his hands around her waist.

After several minutes, Max reluctantly broke away, aware that he would go too far if he kept kissing her that way. Liz, looking slightly disappointed at the retreat, reached up and touched Max’s cheek.

“Now we can go back inside.” Liz giggled and pulled Max back into the house.</i>

~Max’s house - Present ~

The phone ringing snapped Max out of his thoughts of Liz. Without taking his eyes off the screen, he grabbed the phone and answered.

“Yeah?”

“Max! I’m glad you’re still there, man.” Michael, his voice slightly slurred, sounds agitated.

“Hey, Mike. Just watching t.v.”

“Ok, good. Listen, forget my note. Don’t come over here.”

“I hadn’t planned on it.”

The phone is silent for a minute. Max can hear talking in the background.

“Anything else, Mike?”

“Uh, no.” Max hears Michael wrestling with the phone….”No, Brad. Stop it!”

Then Brad comes on the line. “Max? She’s here, man.”

“Who’s there?” As if he didn’t know. Max’s stomach tightens at the thought of knowing exactly where she was.

“Liz! And she’s been drinking! A lot, from what I can tell.” Max’s heart drops.

“Damn it, Brad! Gimme the phone!” The sound of a struggle could be heard. Michael must have won the battle, because the next voice is Michael’s.

“Don’t even give it a thought, man. She’s fine, she’s just hanging out, and that’s it. Brad’s an ass.”

Max rubs his hand across his face as he contemplates what to do. For the first time in months, he feels something. He doesn’t know if it is really concern for Liz or just residual feelings for her after thinking about her all day, but he puts his beer down.

“Look, Mike. Just keep an eye on her. I…I’ve gotta go.” Max says as the doorbell rings and Tess comes into the living room.

“Who were you talking to?” Tess asks Max as she crosses the room to open the door. Lauren, dressed in her shortest jean skirt and a shimmery low-cut silver top, is at the door. The girls squeal and hug each other as if they hadn’t seen one another in years, Tess’ question to Max all but forgotten.

“Michael.”

“What?” Tess lets go of Lauren and turns back to Max.

“I was talking to Michael.” In that moment, after observing Tess and Lauren, it all clicked for him. <i> Right or wrong, this ends tonight. I’ve got to talk to her. </i>

“I’ve changed my mind.” Max stands and runs his hand through his hair. “I’m going to Isabel’s, too.”

TBC

***Ok, so it's Sunday. But I do have an update!****


<u>Chapter 7</u>

11:15 p.m. - Isabel’s House

“Where are you guys going? The party’s just getting started!” Liz stands and yells at the three people leaving Isabel’s house, passing her on the porch as they go.

“Sorry, Liz. We have to get to a party at the Alpha house. I promised we’d stop by. But you guys have fun.” Mark, another Sophomore, regretfully tells Liz as he walks backwards down Isabel’s front steps.

“Party pooper.” Liz mumbles as she sits back down in the sliding wicker chair in the corner of the porch. She reenters the conversation Maria and Kyle are having. “Everyone’s leaving! I really wanted to talk to Mark, too. He’s such a nice guy,” Liz giggles as she takes a gulp of her margarita.

“Liz, it will be ok. I promise.” Maria says to Liz, never taking her eyes off of Kyle. “As for you, I can’t believe you don’t like Napoleon Dynamite! It’s only the funniest movie ever. I mean really, Kyle. Why does every joke have to be obvious? Or about sex? I like 40 Year Old Virgin as much as the next person, but you can’t compare it to Napoleon! At least it’s original!”

“Sorry, Maria, but Napoleon Dynamite was boring. And stupid. It served no purpose. Now Virgin was great. A real masterpiece. And you’re right. You can’t compare the two. Only a culture snob would like a boring movie like Napoleon Dynamite. You just can’t handle the man jokes. Face it, girlie.”

“UGH! You are hopeless. I don’t know why I bother.” Maria stands up and shakes her drink at Kyle. “You, my friend, need a little culture.”

“Having a cult following does not make it culture, Maria.” Kyle stands up and faces Maria, the two of them almost nose to nose.

“Um, guys? Can I ask you both something?” Liz loudly asks, breaking Maria and Kyle out of their intense stare-down.

“What?!!” They both ask Liz at the same time.

“Can we talk about something, um, interesting?” She looks at them both with her held slightly tilted to the side. They just look back at her. The three remain like that, silent, for about half a minute, then Maria and Kyle burst out laughing.

“Sure, Liz. Whatever you want, baby.” Kyle pats Liz on the shoulder before turning back to Maria. “We’ll just agree to disagree tonight.”

“Fine. So, Liz…what do you want to talk about?”

“I’m bored! Why does everyone keep leaving? Why are we out here while the party is going on in there?” Liz asks rapidly, slightly slurring her speech.

Maria takes a deep breath and answers, “They are leaving because it’s the spring and everyone is having a party. Everyone wants to get around and see people before they leave for the summer. We are basically with our friends here, so we don’t have to leave. Get it? And we’re out here so we can avoid certain people. It’s a way to stay at the party without killing someone…” Maria trails off and sits down.

“Ok. So everyone is leaving. But Isabel and Alex are here. And about twenty other people. I want to do something!”

About that time, the door opens and Alex comes out.

“Alex!” Liz jumps up and greets her friend, hugging him to her. Alex accepts this greeting in shocked amusement.

“Hey, Liz. Glad to see you like my margaritas. What are you guys doing?” He says as Liz lets him go.

“We’re just talking. What’s going on in there? Any hot girls dancing on the tables yet?” Kyle wiggles his eyebrows as he leans against the porch railing.

“Not yet, but the night is young,” Alex laughs and sticks his head back in the door. “Isabel was coming out, too. I guess she got sidetracked.”

“Probably by my cretin ex-boyfriend.”

“Come on, Maria. He’s not so bad.” Kyle says with a mischievous grin on his face. Kyle knows that Maria still loves Michael as much as Michael loves her. They just couldn’t seem to get it together.

<i>~ Six Months Before ~

“Michael! Hey, man. What’s going on?” Kyle, sweaty from practice, runs into Michael in the locker room. Between practice and school, the two have barely had time to speak since school started back.

“Not much. Just tired, you know?” Michael removes his practice gear and hangs it in his locker before pulling out a fresh change of clothes.

“I understand that, my friend. So are you ready for the big weekend? I hear it has been well planned.” He snickers as he recalls his conversation with Maria and Liz, who have written out a dozen lists, leaving no details undiscussed or undecided.

Michael snorts. “Yeah, I’ve been told my main job will be to just show up. You’re still going, right?”

“Yep. Wouldn’t miss it.” Maria rented a large cabin for the following weekend, and when she found out it could sleep up to twelve people, decided to invite Isabel and Alex and Kyle.

“Did you find a hottie to take with you?”

Maria also told Kyle to invite someone if he wanted to. He really didn’t want to go on the trip alone, and the rest of the group was paired into couples. Since he wasn’t seriously dating anyone, it had taken him several weeks to come up with a solution.

“Of course. I combed the cheerleading squad, and found a suitable candidate.”

“Oh yeah? And whom might that be?”

“The blonde girl.”

Michael openly laughs at Kyle. “You’re going to have to be more specific. Most of the cheerleaders are blonde.”

“Her name is Tess. She actually came up to me when I was out with Brad. We seemed to get along, so I asked her out. She couldn’t go, but she said she’d heard we were having a party at a cabin this weekend. So I thought, ‘What the hell?’ and invited her.”

Michael sat there for a second, his head turned so he could see Kyle. <i> Isn’t that the girl who’s been bugging Max all year? </i>

“I think I know her. Does she have curly hair? Kind of short, but with a great body?”

“Yeah, that’s her. I kind of like her, and she seems to like me. She’s bringing her friend Lauren, though. You know, because she doesn’t know me that well.”

<i> That is her! </i>

“Well, we should have a fun weekend. Just be careful.”

“What do you mean?”

Michael winces. He hadn’t meant to say that out loud. He didn’t want to ruin it for Kyle if Tess really liked him.

“Nothing, really. It’s just that you’re my friend, and I don’t know her that well. I’m sure she’s great.” Michael said weakly.

“Ok, well, I appreciate the concern, man.”

Kyle, having finished loading his duffle bag, slapped his friend on the back.

“So are you going to see Maria tonight? She was excited that we were getting an early practice. She said she was going to rock your world, make you forget all about football for a night.”

Michael’s eyes got big. “She said that to you?”

Kyle laughed and walked towards the door. “Yeah, we’re BFF’s. Don’t sweat it.”

Michael shakes his head, his face red with embarrassment.

“Come on, Michael. She just really gets excited about getting to see you. She wants to be supportive, but I think it’s hard on her this time of year. You do nothing but practice and go to class. Oh, and go to parties where there are lots of young chicks vying for the attention of a football star.” Kyle teases Michael.

“Ugh. Don’t remind me. I wish I could be there more, you know? And even when we’re together, I’ve got so much on my mind, I don’t know how to relax and just be with her, like we were before. I just want to do well so we can have fun later, you know?”

“Whoa, you are serious about her. Don’t worry, I won’t tell her.” Kyle walks out the door and turns back to Michael.

“See you later, Mike.”

“See ya.” </i>

~ Present ~

“Not so bad? Kyle, don’t be funny. It doesn’t become you.” Maria snaps, knowing in her heart that Kyle’s right. Michael isn’t so bad. He just can’t prioritize. She put him first to move here, and he couldn’t do the same.

“Hey everyone!” Isabel walks out onto the porch. “How’s it going out here? Liz, are you having fun?” She looks to her friend with concern. Since the breakup, Liz and Isabel had spoken on the phone, and Alex kept up with Liz, but they hadn’t had the chance to see each other much over the past six months.


“I’m great, Iz. Thanks for inviting me. I know it’s not easy for you.” Liz’s smile disappearing as she thought back on the last party, and how Isabel had always taken up for her with Max.

“It’s fine, Liz,” Isabel says firmly, truly believing that her brother was an idiot. “We love having you here with us. Can I get you something else to drink?”

Kyle leans forward and puts his hand up. “Maybe you should pace yourself, Liz.”

“I’m fine, Kyle. I am a grownup, and I can do what I want.”

“All the same, Liz. I make a strong margarita. Give it a little while, then I’ll make you another,” Alex says diplomatically. If he could make it for her, he could limit the alcohol in it.

“Fine!” Liz sits back down. “You guys are great, but I came to party. I came to drink.”

“Looks like little Lizzie can’t hold her liquor!” A high pitched voice says from the yard, followed by a series of giggles.

Everyone on the porch turn toward the darkened yard.

“Shut up, Tess, or go home.” A deep voice, coming from the same direction, scolds.

As Tess, Lauren, and Max come into view, Maria tenses. “Oh shit.”


Liz, however, freezes with the last of her drink on its way to her mouth. Slowly, she brings the drink down. In her buzzing view of the world, she wasn’t sure she heard the voice she hears every night when she goes to sleep. The voice that she swore she could listen to for the rest of her life.

“Max?” She says softly.

“Hey, Liz. We need to talk.”

TBC


***Be sure to come and talk with me at Roswell Heaven tomorrow night, October 23, at 8pm EST. I would really appreciate the company! ***

***Okay, this chapter is a bit short, but the good news is that I have almost finished the next two chapters, which are big ones.****
<u>Chapter 8</u>

<b>Isabel’s House </b>

11:30 p.m.

“Max, what are you doing here?” Isabel asked as she stepped toward her brother, who was walking purposefully up the porch stairs. “This isn’t a good time.”

Max barely glances at his sister as he reaches the porch landing. Tess and Lauren follow, making their way in silence up the stairs. Neither had made a sound since Max asked to speak with Liz.

“I’m really not in the mood, Max,” Liz says irritably as she shifts in her seat, pulling her legs up into the chair.

“I just want to talk. That’s all. We need to clear the air.” Max stops and crosses his arms.

“There’s nothing left to say.”

“I think there is. Will you hear me out?”

“Alex, Isabel…thank you for inviting me. I think it’s time that I left.” Liz uncurls her body from the chair and stood, the alcohol making her unsteady on her feet.

“Will you just wait a minute?” Max’s calm demeanor breaks, and his voice becomes loud and desperate. “Just give me a minute. You owe me that.”

Liz’s head shoots around to look at him. “I owe you? Have you lost your mind? I don’t owe you anything, Evans.” She steps forward, anger enveloping her already fuzzy senses. “Can’t you just leave me alone? Haven’t you done enough?” She looks at Tess with disgust before shifting her eyes back to Max.

“Max, I think you should go. We’re just hanging out, and I really want Liz to be here.” Isabel steps between her brother and Liz, placing her arm around Liz. “You can talk some other time.”

“Max? What are you doing? Why do you want to talk to her? There’s nothing to say to that…that…”

“Watch it, Sister.” Maria grumbles as she steps between Liz and Tess. “You are not in friendly territory.”

“It’s fine, Maria. She’s Max’s girlfriend. The perfect girl for him.” Liz said softly, looking pointedly at Max.

Max winces at her words, but changes the subject. “Liz, please. We need to talk. It’ll take just a few minutes, and then I’ll go. I’m graduating in a few weeks, and I promise I’ll stay as far away from you as I can.”

Liz looks at Max, emboldened by the booze running in her system. The only sound is the stereo system, still playing 80’s music, blasting in the house.

Liz makes up her mind. “Fine. But keep that blonde cheerleader away from me.”

Liz turns from the group and opens the front door to the house, not caring if Max follows her. She retreats into the front bedroom where the guest coats are normally kept.

Back on the porch, Max watches her go. He’s outside himself now, not sure why he’s here or why he wants to talk to Liz, but he pushes himself forward and grabs the front door. Automatically, Tess looks fearful. She glances at Lauren, then quickly steps behind Max.

Looking back over his shoulder, he cautions his new girlfriend, the girl he no longer feels any connection with, to remain outside. “Tess…leave, or stay…I don’t care right now….but I need a few minutes to talk to Liz. If you are staying, stay on the porch.”

Tess opens her mouth as if to say something, but shuts it again. She steps back, aware that several sets of eyes are on her….all, except Lauren, who hate her.

Max enters the house, scanning the open rooms for Liz. He sees the front guest room, and walks purposefully towards it. Opening the door, he can see the room is dark, but knows, like he knows himself, that she is in there.

“Shut the door if you’re coming in.”

Max enters and quietly shuts the door. Now that he’s gotten himself into this situation, he’s not quite sure what to do.

“Well? What do you just have to say to me, Max?”

<i> 6 Months Before – Weekend in the Cabin

Max looks over at Liz, her hair catching the late autumn sun, watching her smile as they rounded the mountains toward the cabin Maria had rented for them. The trees are all brilliant shades or red, orange, and yellow, and create a canopy over the road. The sun peeks through where it can, leaving shadows and shade along their path.

Liz catches Max watching her. She giggles. “What is it, Max? Shouldn’t you be watching the road? We could drive right off one of these mountains!”

Max grins at her, and turns back to the road. “I’m watching the road, I promise. I’ve got precious cargo in my car.”

Liz snorts with laughter. “You can be so cheesy, Evans. Do you know that? Does your coach know that? Your friends?”

Max glances at her before returning his eyes to the road. “No, they don’t, and I would appreciate it if you kept it to yourself. Besides, I was talking about the beer.” Max winks at her and they fall back into a comfortable silence.

“This is going to be a perfect weekend. I can just feel it.” Liz looks out the window and daydreams. She knows she will probably make love with Max this weekend. They’ve been dating for months, and she was finally ready to have sex. She had found the right person, and had fallen in love with him. It was perfect. </i>

TBC