Roswell Fanatics

Big 'THANK YOU' to the wonderfully talented max and liz believer for the beautiful banner. You're awesome Jo!



Title: A Divorce of Convenience
Category: A/U, M/L and all C/C
Rating: ADULT (just to be safe)
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters. Just borrowing.
Summary: Max Evans is having the worst day of his life. That night he runs into Liz Parker whom knew a long time ago. Then a series of events throws them together, will they be brave enough to face their past? (I know, it's horrible. I apologize...I hate writing these things.)
Author's Note: I just have a slight warning...There are references to U/C, but they are only referred to in the past tense. I assure you that this is a C/C story (I wouldn't write it any other way). So, if that frightens you....Please give it a chance.

Enjoy!





Chapter 1

Max Evans felt like shit. Not only had the day turned out to be the worst of his life, but he also had one bitch of a headache. It had started in the back of his skull, that throbbing ache, and he knew that soon it would embrace the rest of his already sore head.

He leaned forward in the hard wooden chair and rested his elbows on the equally hard round wooden table. Slowly, he massaged his temples while silently thanking God that the bar he was sitting in was relatively quiet. He glanced around to see only about ten people; well men as there weren’t any females in the bar except for the one working. They were either talking amongst themselves or watching the football game on the television located above the bar. It was nice in the bar, not too noisy and he was alone, there was no one there to bug him. It was also dark which really helped with the headache. He glanced towards the door and noticed a sign announcing Karaoke on Tuesday and Friday nights. Max figured he must have some luck on his side on this shitty day considering it was Wednesday.

He glanced down at the table and stared at the dark liquid sitting in the glass. Scotch on the rocks. That was his drink; for tonight at least, it was his eighth one in less than an hour. He stared at the glass and wondered if maybe he should just leave it on the table untouched.

“Fuck it.” He muttered aloud shaking his head as he grabbed the glass and swallowed it in one mouthful.

A smile touched his face as he placed the glass back on the table and savoured the burning sensation that was travelling down his throat and settling in his stomach. He quickly ran his tongue over his lips, feeling the sting of the alcohol. It felt good.

He glanced at the door again and then back to the table where his eyes landed on an unopened package of cigarettes. He sighed heavily as he picked the package up and lightly banged it on the top of the table. He had a decision to make.

Max had quit smoking nearly a year before. It had been extremely hard for him to quit the habit he had developed as a teenager. Although, once he had done it he had been proud of himself. She had been proud too.

At the thought of her, a frown came over his face.

“Fuck it.” He muttered again and tore the wrapping of the package. He slowly pulled one of the sticks out and twirled it between his fingers.

He hesitated for only a brief second before grabbing the lighter he had purchased along with the cigarettes at the store next to the bar. He brought the cigarette to his lips and flicked the lighter. As the cigarette came to life he inhaled deeply and smiled as the smoke filled up inside of him.

It felt so good and he realized how much he missed it. In the back of his mind he knew that it was a mistake and he was once again only endangering his own health. But, with another look around the bar it didn’t matter, more than half of the other guys were smoking. He might as well indulge in first-hand smoke since he was already being subjected to it second-hand.

Max leaned back in the hard chair, his head still throbbing and closed his eyes. He enjoyed several drags off the cigarette with his eyes closed and then snapped them open with a wince as laughter reached his ears.

He glanced over to the source to see that it was the new bartender joking around with two of the guys sitting at the bar. Max had only been in the bar twice before and the only reason that he knew that the bartender was new was because she had talked his ear off the first fifteen minutes he had come in. She had brought him over his first scotch and proceeded to tell him what seemed to be her life story. Only he had been barely listening to a word she said. He just smiled and nodded hoping she would go away. He felt bad; he wasn’t a rude guy it was just that her perkiness did not mix well with his headache. She had finally left him alone when more people had shown up. It wasn’t busy, but she was the only one working. The owner was somewhere in the back.

He watched her as she talked with the two men. It was obvious that they were hitting on her and she was doing her best to be polite from what Max could see. He then felt bad that he hadn’t listened to her earlier, she seemed like a nice girl. All he could remember was that fact that she was new in town and it was her third day on the job. He couldn’t remember her name.

While still looking at her he brought the cigarette to his lips and inhaled deeply. As if she sensed him looking at her, she turned and smiled at him while giving him a look. It was one of those looks that said ‘Do you believe these guys?’ He smiled back at her as he saw the door open out of the corner of his eye.

He turned to see the two people that he had been waiting for. Michael Guerin, his best friend and partner of their law firm and his brother-in-law, Alex Whitman. They spotted him and Max nodded in acknowledgement. Alex walked over to the bar and Michael made his way over to the table and took a seat next to him.

“Hey,” Michael greeted as he leaned back in the chair and loosened his tie.

“You got my message?” Max inquired and was slightly surprised to hear that he was slurring a little. He had left a message on Michael’s cell phone asking him and Alex to meet him at the bar.

“Yeah. I checked my messages on the way back.” Michael replied nodding. Michael had been in Las Cruces for the day for a case.

“He stopped by my place to pick me up and we came right over.” Alex said catching the last of their conversation. He sat down across from Max and placed a beer in front of Michael and then opened one for himself.

Max nodded silently.

“You look like shit.” Michael commented after taking a drink from his beer.

Max was about to protest, but he looked down at himself and thought better of it. His tie was loosened and hanging off his white dress shirt that was forming wrinkles before his eyes. His black dress pants had ashes sprinkled all over the crotch and legs. He tried to wipe them off but only managed to smudge them so they spread even more.

He looked up to see the two of them looking at him expectantly.

“I feel like shit.” He said honestly.

“And you’re smoking again.” Alex pointed out matter-of-factly.

“Yep.” Max sighed taking another drag while nodding his head.

“I can’t even leave you alone for one day.” Michael joked. “You look like you’re eighty years old.”

Alex laughed. “It’s a shame. Only twenty-seven and I can spot the grey hair already.”

Max just smiled sadly as he took his last drag and then put the cigarette out in the ashtray. He didn’t feel like joking around, but he wasn’t mad at them for making fun of him. They still didn’t know what had happened that morning.

“All right.” Michael said putting his beer down on the table and crossing his arms. “What the hell is the matter with you?”

Max glanced at him and then looked at Alex who was leaning forward looking concerned. Max sighed and slumped down in the chair. He had to tell them what happened. They had to know what she had done that morning.

He closed his eyes and it all flooded back as if it were happening right then.

‘Max, we need to talk.’

Max rolled over in his bed to look at her. She was standing just in her panties in their bedroom with her back to him. The sunlight was streaming through the white lace curtains over the windows and hit the place where she was standing. He thought that she looked like an angel right then.

‘About what?’ He asked rubbing his eyes as she grabbed a bra out of the dresser.

‘We need to talk about us.’ She said and clasped the bra together.

‘What about us?’ He asked still half-asleep. He shifted his head on the pillow so he could see her better.

‘This isn’t working anymore.’ She said so softly he almost didn’t hear her.

‘What?’ He asked not sure if he heard her correctly and he sat up in the bed.

She slowly turned around in her pink bra and panties to face him and there were tears welled up in her eyes.

‘I want to get a divorce.’

“Maxwell.” Michael said waving his hand in front of Max’s face. “What’s up with you?”

Max shook his head slightly trying to clear his mind and leaned even further back in the chair.

“My marriage is over.” He said so bluntly that it didn’t even sound like it was him actually saying it and they stared at him suspiciously.

A smile began to form on Alex’s face. “Yeah right. Like you would actually leave Tess.”

Max shook his head and rubbed his forehead. “She left me.”

‘A divorce?’ Max questioned confused as he unconsciously pulled the sheet up to cover his naked body.

Tess nodded sadly; her soft blonde curls framing her grief-stricken face.

‘I’ve been thinking about it for awhile.’ She told him grabbing a black skirt and stepping into it.

‘I don’t understand.’ Max said slowly feeling as if he were in a dream. He sat up straight and swung his legs over the edge of the bed so his feet were touching the carpet.

‘Don’t give me that Max.’ She whispered as she zipped up the skirt and pulled on a red tank top. She looked down at him biting her lip like she always did when she was nervous.

‘Tess…’ He trailed off looking at her and she sat down on their bed beside him.

“You’re serious?” Alex said wide-eyed and then slapped his own forehead. “Of course you are. I mean, why would you lie about something like that? I just can’t believe it. I’m shocked.”

“Tell me about it.” Max muttered and lit another cigarette.

“Okay.” Michael said holding up his hand. “What the hell happened? What did she say exactly?”

Max rubbed the back of his neck and began to tell them the events of that morning.

‘I’m not happy.’ Tess told him and he turned to look at her.

‘Jesus, Tess. I don’t even know what to say.’ He told her feeling like he had to throw-up.

She smiled but it was a sad smile and then she took his hand in her own. ‘Don’t tell me you’re surprised. We both saw this coming. You’re not happy either.’

He glanced down at her hand on his and a thought entered his mind. ‘Is there someone else?’

‘Max, we got married too young. We were only nineteen…’

‘Is there someone else?’ He repeated, interrupting her.

She stared at him for a long moment and he almost told her not to tell him. He didn’t want to know. He didn’t think that his heart could take it. He started to shake his head at the same moment she nodded hers.

He froze and stared at her staring at him. Stared at the face he thought he knew and watched as she began to cry. He pulled his hand away and leaned forward to stare at his feet.

‘I’m so sorry Max.’ She sobbed and he felt her place her hand on his back

He straightened up and turned to look at the woman that no longer wanted to be his wife and had only one concern right then. ‘What about Madison?’

‘I’m picking her up from my mother’s tomorrow.’

‘How are we supposed to explain this to her?’

Tess bit her lip again and shook her head. ‘I’m not sure, but I think that we should do it as soon as possible.’

Max nodded as his mind raced. It was all too much to take in all at once. ‘I just can’t believe that this is happening.’

‘Yes you can, Max. If you look deep down you knew it was coming.’

He said nothing.

She wiped at her face and took a deep breath. ‘I think that I better go. We both need to get to work.’

He nodded.

‘I’m going to come back during the day though and grab my clothes and things. I think it’s best if I leave today.’

He nodded again and desperately tried to let it all sink in. He couldn’t say anything, he had no idea what the hell had happened. It was all just surreal and it felt like it was happening to someone else.

‘I’ll call you tomorrow and we’ll go pick up Madison and we’ll tell her together.’ She said and patted his leg to get up off the bed but he grabbed her arm to keep her seated next to him.

‘I love you.’ He told her staring into her bright eyes.

‘I love you too.’ She said and he looked at her confused. ‘I’m just not in love with you.’

He winced and she patted his hand. ‘You’ll realize that you feel the same Max; you just don’t know it yet. It’s not our destiny to be together.’

He shook his head and began to feel sad for the first time.

‘Goodbye Max.’ She said softly and kissed him gently on the lips and then got up to leave.

‘Wait.’ Max said and she stopped at the bedroom to door. ‘Who is it? Who is this guy?’

She hesitated and then shook her head. ‘Not now Max. I’ll call you tomorrow.’

He sat on the bed staring after her as she walked out the room.

‘Goodbye Tess.’ He whispered to the empty bedroom.

“I can’t believe that bitch.” Michael exclaimed when Max had finished telling them everything.

“Michael!” Alex said shocked.

“What?” Michael snapped putting his empty beer on the table. “After eight years of marriage, she just walks out like that? I love you, but I’m not in love with you. It’s not our destiny to be together. Blah, blah, blah. What a crock of shit. That’s a bitch if I’ve ever seen one.”

“She’s not a bitch Michael.” Max said shaking his head.

Michael opened his mouth to protest but Max cut him off. “I’d rather her leave then stay with me and be miserable”

“How noble of you.” Michael sneered and continued before Max could say anything. “You’re my best friend Max. You don’t deserve this shit and that what is, shit. Only you can’t see that because you’re in love with her. And it’s okay if you want to act like it’s alright and you’re not mad, but don’t expect me too. She really screwed you over man and I’m not going to act like I still feel the same about her.”

Max could only nod. He had known that Michael was going to act like this. He knew him too well and for too long. It wasn’t hard to predict Michael Guerin’s actions and Max could see where he was coming from.

Now Alex, he was the calm one and didn’t disappoint. “So what’s going to happen?”

“I have no idea. It all just happened so fast, I didn’t know what to think or say. I’ll just have to wait and see what tomorrow brings.” Max told him glancing at his empty glass and wished it were full.

“How many have you had?” Michael asked following his gaze.

“A few.” Max replied shrugging.

“Are you okay?” Alex asked staring at him.

“I don’t know.” He told them honestly.

“Well, we’re here for you.” Alex told him and smiled gently.

Michael nodded. “Well, except if you want some pity sex.”

Max glared at him and then burst out laughing for the first time that day. He was glad that Michael had calmed down.

“Have you told anyone else?” Alex asked pushing his empty beer away and Max knew that he was referring to Isabel.

“Not yet. You two are the first. I hope you feel privileged.”

“Well, I bet Tess told Isabel.” Michael commented.

“Probably. She never said anything to me though.” Alex said.

“How is she feeling?” Max asked changing the subject.

“She’s still feeling sick a lot. This pregnancy has been really hard on her.” Alex sighed.

“Only five more months to go.” Michael told him and patted him on the shoulder.

“Don’t remind me.” Alex groaned but couldn’t help but smile.

Just then the new bartender approached the table. “Hey Max. Another drink?”

“Yeah, thanks.” He told her as she grabbed their empties.

“You two want another beer?” She asked looking at Alex and Michael.

“Thanks.” Alex said and Michael nodded.

“Be right back.” She told them and went over to the bar. Max watched her and noticed that she was wearing a black skirt and a red top. That was what Tess had been wearing. He shook his head frustrated.

“Who is that?” Michael asked staring after her.

“New bartender.” Max replied and noticed a glint in Michael’s eyes.

“I wouldn’t try it.” Max warned knowing what Michael was thinking.

“Why, is she a lesbian?” Michael asked looking at Max.

“Why would you assume that?” Alex said narrowing his eyes.

“Well, why else wouldn’t she want me?” He replied looking at Alex as if he were an idiot. Then he turned back to Max. “Is she? Because that could also be very interesting.”

“You’re a pig.” Max told him but smiled in spite of himself. “Besides, how the hell would I know? I was just trying to warn you that she doesn’t shut up.”

“I like girls that talk a lot.” Michael replied and grinned wickedly. “Especially in bed.”

The waitress came back to the table and set down their drinks.

“There you go guys. Have a good one.”

They thanked her and she went back to the bar and began to wipe it down.

“Time to go in for the kill.” Michael told them cracking open his beer and left them to go over to the bar.

“Maria.” Max said softly remembering her name.

“What?” Alex asked.

Max turned to him and took a sip of his scotch. “I just remembered her name. She talked my ear off earlier.”

Alex grinned and looked behind Max at the bar. “She’s pretty.”

Max glanced over his shoulder to see her smiling up at Michael. “Yeah, she is.”

“The life of a bachelor.” Alex sighed and let out a laugh. “Hey, now you’re one.”

Max dropped his eyes down to the table.

“Hey, I’m sorry man. I didn’t mean it. I have a big mouth and I never think before I use it.” Alex said apologizing.

“It’s okay.” Max said and forced a smile.

“No it’s not. I’m horrible.”

“It’s okay, Alex.” Max repeated and then smiled. “It just pains me to know that my lifestyle is now in the same category as Michael Guerin’s.”

Alex smiled as Max pretended to wipe a tear from his eye. “It’s good to see that you still have your sense of humour.”

Max looked at him and saw that something was on his mind.

“What is it?” Max asked.

Alex hesitated for a moment. “I just don’t know what I would do if Isabel ever left me.”

“No need to worry about that. Tess always said that you two were destined to be together.” Max told him and quickly swallowed some more scotch.

Before Alex could reply Michael sat back down at the table.

“Her name’s Maria.” Michael stated bringing his beer to his lips.

“And…” Alex pressed.

“She wants me.”

“Doesn’t look that way to me.” Alex said laughing.

Max glanced back at the bar to see that Maria wasn’t smiling anymore. She was glaring at Michael and if looks could kill Michael would’ve been a dead man.

“What the hell did you say to her?” Max demanded turning his attention back to Michael.

Michael shrugged. “She told me that she was new in town and I told her that I'd be more than happy to give her a tour.”

Max narrowed his eyes. “That’s it?”

“Well the tour I offered wasn’t one of town." Michael said grinning. "It was of my bedroom.”

“You’re a dick.” Alex said and punched him on the shoulder.

“The life of a bachelor.” Max muttered and they stared at each other.

“Amen to that.” Michael said and held up his beer as the three of them shared a laugh.

“So, I guess that’s the one woman who resisted the ‘oh-so-charming’ Michael Guerin.” Alex joked putting down his beer.

“Oh, she wants me.” Michael said nodding his head confidently.

Max turned to look back at Maria and saw her smiling and talking to a woman. Max couldn’t see who it was because she had her back to them, but Maria seemed happy to see her.

“Yeah, she looks real interested.” Max said turning back to his friend.

Michael glanced over to the bar. “Maybe she is into chicks.”

Alex squinted in the same direction. “Isn’t that Liz?”

“Yeah, I think it is.” Michael said turning his chair.

Max leaned over and grabbed another cigarette while staring at his empty glass.

“PARKER!” Michael yelled and Max glanced over to see him wave her over.[/b]

Hey Everyone.

Thanks for all the feedback. I know that there are some questions...but all will be answered in due time. (I know...I'm evil!) lol.

Thanks again. Hope you enjoy.



Chapter 2

Max pulled his lighter from his pocket and lit his cigarette as Liz approached their table.

“There’s my girl.” Michael said to her and kicked out the empty chair between Max and himself.

“Everybody’s your girl.” Liz said smiling and sat down between them.

“Not everyone.” Alex pointed out and he and Max laughed.

“What’d you do to your hair?” Michael asked her trying to pull on it but she moved out of his reach.

“I went to the salon today and Isabel cut it for me. Too short?” She asked running a hand through it.

Max looked over at her to see that her hair was almost to her shoulders, but had several different layers throughout it. From what Max could recall, her hair had been very long before almost halfway down her back.

“It looks good.” Max told her and took a drag from his cigarette.

“Thanks.” She said and smiled. “You’re sister is a genius.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.” Max said laughing and looking at Alex who looked like he was about to say something but just nodded his head.

“So, you two know each other?” Michael asked pointing between Max and Liz.

“Well, didn’t we all go to high school together?” Liz said rolling her eyes.

“Yeah, but you were a loser. We didn’t hang with you.”

“You asshole.” Liz said and punched him playfully.

“Roswell’s a small town.” Max said. “Everyone knows everyone. But, I think that this is the longest conversation Liz and I have had.”

“And it’s been a pleasure.” She said laughing. “You complimented my hair, so now we’re friends for life.”

“Oh no.” Michael said shaking his head. “You two are my separate friends; no mingling is allowed.”

“Oh, so I’m your friend now am I? I thought I was a loser.” Liz said to him crossing her arms.

“That was before. Now you’re my favourite lunch lady.”

“I hate when you call me that.”

“I know.” He said and they grinned at each other.

“So, Max.” Liz said turning to him. “Michael comes into the Crashdown practically everyday for lunch. How come you never join him?”

“Max doesn’t eat fast food.” Alex chimed in. “The wife won’t let him.”

Max glanced over at Alex, who realized what he had said and looked down at the table.

“I also didn’t want to interrupt your lunches with Michael. He looks forward to them, you must make pleasant company.” Max replied ignoring what Alex had said.

“Oh, he doesn’t come for me. He comes for the food.” Liz said and patted Michael’s knee.

“You got the best damn diner in the country, sweetie.” Michael replied and finished off his beer.

“And I may have to ban you from it.” Liz told him and they all looked at her.

“What? Why?” Michael asked shocked.

“Because you upset my friend.”

“What friend?” Michael asked and she looked at him pointedly. Suddenly realization dawned on his face. “Maria is your friend?”

“Best friend.” Liz said nodding her head. “She just moved here from New York. She’s staying at my place until she’s settled. I helped get her the job here.”

Michael shook his head in exasperation as Max and Alex laughed at him.

“It’s a small world isn’t it?” Liz asked him and he sneered at her.

“The world isn’t small, just Roswell.” He muttered and then turned to Liz with a smile on his face. “Do you think that she’ll sleep with me?”

“Michael!” Liz exclaimed and slapped him in the back of the head.

“Just ignore him.” Max said laughing as Alex nodded in agreement.

“It was just a question.” Michael said defensively.

Max laughed again as Liz glared at Michael, but it was obvious that she wasn’t really upset. Max began to actually feel good for the first time that day. It felt nice to forget everything and just laugh. He just needed another drink. He was about to excuse himself when Maria approached the table with her jacket on.

“Hey.” She said smiling and Max noticed she was careful not to look at Michael.

Max and Alex smiled back as Michael stared at her smugly.

“Hey Maria.” Liz said and stood up. “Let me introduce you. This is Alex, he’s Isabel’s husband. You know the girl who cut my hair today?”

Maria nodded and smiled at Alex. “It’s nice to meet you and congratulations on the pregnancy.”

“Thank you.” Alex said smiling back at her. “It’s nice to meet you too.”

“And this is Max, he’s Isabel’s brother.” Liz said pointing at him.

“We met earlier.” Maria said and they smiled at each other.

Liz nodded and turned to Michael. “And you’ve already met Michael.”

“Unfortunately.” Maria said eyeing him coolly.

Liz stifled a laugh. “Okay, so are you ready to go?”

“Yeah.” Maria replied and threw her purse over her shoulder.

“All right guys. Have a good time.” Liz told them.

“It was nice meeting you Max.” Maria told him sweetly and then turned to Alex. “You too Alex.”

Max watched with amusement as Maria glared at Michael and then took Liz’s arm and led her out of the bar with Liz laughing.

“Man, she really hates you.” Alex told Michael.

“Give her time. She’ll come around.” Michael replied confidently.

“If she doesn’t kill you first.” Max said and then pushed out his chair. “I’m going to grab another drink.”

He went to stand up and the world swayed and he fell back in the chair.

“I think you’ve had enough.” Michael said. “You better get home if you want to make it to work tomorrow.”

“Yeah,” Alex said and swallowed the rest of his beer. “I’ll drive you.”

Max didn’t protest. He reached into his pocket and threw Alex his keys. Michael went to pay their tab and Alex moved around the table and grabbed Max’s arm. Max let him and then Michael, who met them at the door; help him out of the bar and into his car.

He sat silently in the passenger seat and Alex drove his car and Michael followed behind them in his jeep. All of a sudden the thought of going home to an empty house was almost too much to bear.

The drive seemed to last only five seconds, though Max knew it was more like fifteen minutes. Before he knew it, Alex pulled up in his driveway.

Max got out and leaned against the car as Alex came around and handed him his keys and Michael pulled up on the street and met them in the driveway.

“You going to be alright?” Michael asked.

“I’ll be fine.” Max said scratching the back of his head.

His two friends stared at him.

“I will.” Max protested even though he wasn’t really sure.

“If you need anything give me a call.” Michael told him looking serious and that unnerved Max even more.

“Same goes for me.” Alex said nodding his head.

Max nodded. “Thanks guys.”

Michael nodded and Alex patted his shoulder and then they made their way down the driveway. Max watched Michael get in the drivers side and Alex hop in the passenger side so Michael could now drive him home.

They waved at him and he held up his hand and watched them drive away. He stood there for a moment and then staggered up the front walk and into his house.

The silence hit him like blow to the stomach. He kicked off his shoes, threw his jacket on the floor somewhere and stumbled through the dark to the stairs. He walked up the stairs and for the first time noticed that they creaked underneath his weight. The sounds seemed to boom in his ears, almost like thunder.

He reached the top and out of nowhere his headache returned and wrapped it’s painful fingers around his skull. He slowly made his way down the hall to the bedroom and tentatively stepped inside.

He turned on the light and it didn’t look that different at first. He walked across the room and that’s when he noticed none of Tess’ jewellery was on her dresser. He opened the drawers and they were all empty. He held his head in his hands and walked over to the closet. He opened it and all of her clothes were gone from there as well.

He slammed the closet door closed and entered the adjoining bathroom. He needed aspirin. Desperately.

He opened the mirrored cabinet and grabbed the aspirin bottle while noting that Tess’ things from in there were also gone. He slammed that door closed as well and opened the aspirin bottle with shaky hands. He popped four into his mouth and swallowed them dry. He put the bottle on the edge of the sink and then looked up into the mirror.

He barely recognized his own face. He looked as if he had aged fifty years in one day. His eyes were bloodshot and barely open and there were heavy bags under them. He frowned and closed his eyes for a moment.

After composing himself as best as he could he decided that he really needed to get to sleep. He went back into the bedroom and stared at his empty bed. He immediately realized that he couldn’t sleep in there.

He shook his head, walked over to the door and turned off the light. He decided he would sleep on the couch downstairs and made his way down the hall. He stopped at the other bedroom closest to the stairs and stood in the doorway for a moment.

Before he even realized it, he had walked into Madison’s bedroom and was sitting on her empty bed. He glanced around and his eyes landed on a picture that was framed on her nightstand. He picked it up and looked at it. Even though it was dark, he knew what it was. It was picture of himself sitting on a patio chair next to Tess, and Madison was sitting in his lap. They were all smiling. It had been taken at a barbeque at Alex and Isabel’s the summer before. He remembered Michael had taken it.

He touched the picture gently and then narrowed his eyes because he saw a drop of water on it. He reached up and touched his cheek to find that he had started to cry softly. He brought the picture to his chest protectively as sobs racked through his body.

He fell back on the bed and curled up in the fetal position, still holding the picture. He hadn’t cried since hearing the news, but then, in his daughter’s bedroom he did. He fell asleep with tears still on his cheeks.

Tears for a family he no longer had.
***********************************************************************
“You still look like shit.” Michael informed Max the next morning as he approached him at the coffee machine in their office.

“I’m so glad that your chosen field of work was not motivational speaking.” Max grumbled grabbing a mug and filling it with coffee.

“So are a lot of people.” Michael replied and grinned. “So how are you feeling?”

“Like I was hit by a truck.” He told him and sipped the coffee. Max drank his coffee black, it was the best way to take it and it made him feel a little better.

“I figured as much. You could’ve stayed home.”

“I would go nuts. The house is too quiet.” Max told him shaking his head. “Besides, I have the Jarney case to finish up and figured that I could use the distraction.”

“Yeah, Jarney called a few minutes ago and wants the paperwork by tomorrow.”

Max nodded. The Jarney was a big insurance settlement case that he had won a few weeks ago. Max loved being a lawyer; the only downfall was all the paperwork.

“I’ll finish it up by lunch and then get Megan to fax it over to him. By the way, where is she? I didn’t see her at her desk when I came in.”

Michael put down his mug and a scowl came over his face. “Are you ready for some more bad news?”

“Please, do not tell me that she took off.” Max said desperately.

Michael nodded. “I came in and she wasn’t here yet. I check my messages and there’s one from her. Her and her boyfriend took off. They’re eloping in Vegas and are probably going to end up staying there.”

Max shook his head in frustration.

“But,” Michael continued and put a forced smile on his face. “She said that she had a lot of fun working here and she’s really sorry.”

“I don’t fucking believe this.” Max said and walked down the hall to his office.

“I told you that we should have fired her and found someone new. She was a moron.” Michael said following him into the office.

“Whatever, Michael.” Max sighed and threw himself into the chair behind his desk. “It’s too late to do anything about it now and if I think about it my head will explode.”

“Well, we have to start looking for someone.” Michael insisted.

“We’ll worry about that later. Right now I have to finish up the paperwork.” He told him and switched on his computer.

“Yeah, alright. I’ve got some crap to do.” Michael said and then made his way out of the office mumbling about you can never trust women.

As Max waited for the computer to start up he looked at the phone to see there were three messages.

The first one was from Megan, saying exactly what Michael had told him. Max took deep breaths and deleted it. The second was from Jarney asking about the paperwork; he must have left it before he got a hold of Michael. The last one was from Tess. She just wanted to let him know that she would be at her mother’s house at around four o’clock and would wait for him so they could talk to Madison together. Max reached over and deleted the message at the same time the phone rang.

“Max Evans.”

“Why haven’t you called me?”

“Hey, Isabel.” He said and groaned inwardly. He really didn’t want to have this conversation. “It’s been a little hectic around here.”

“I know what happened.” She said softly. “I thought you would have at least called me. I’m your sister, I can help you through this.”

“I’m fine. She wasn’t really my type anyways.” He told her and leaned back in his chair.

“That’s not funny.” She snapped. “I was really worried about you. I knew Alex was going out to meet you, so I knew that you were going to tell him. After he got home, I figured that you’d call me.”

“Well I was in no shape to call anyone when I got home. I had a little too much to drink.”

“That doesn’t matter Max. I really wanted to talk to you, but I didn’t want to call you and seem like I was prying into your life or anything, but I just wanted to let you know…”

“What?” Max asked her as she trailed off.

“I swear, Max.” She said and Max could picture her holding up her right hand. “I had no idea that she was going to do this. I know that she’s my best friend and all, but I had no clue. She came into the salon yesterday morning, I’m assuming as soon as she left you and told me what had happened. I was in shock; I couldn’t believe it. Then, she was telling me that she’d understand if I never wanted to see her or talk to her again. I didn’t know what to say. Then she asked if I wanted her to leave. So, I mean, what could I do? I told her that I thought it would be best if she left, so she apologized and then took off. I was in shock. I wanted to call you, but I didn’t know what to say. And then all these customers began to come in and I had to handle them all by myself. I just can’t believe that this is all happening and I-”

“Isabel!” Max said sharply into the phone. “Oxygen. Brain. You need it.”

He waited quietly while she caught her breath.

“I just wanted you to understand that I didn’t know anything about this.” She said finally.

“I believe you and it’s not your fault, so don’t worry about it.”

“Yeah, that’s not likely.” She muttered. “You’re my brother. She’s my best friend. And then there’s Madison. What are you guys going to do?”

“I’m not entirely sure, but I’m meeting Tess at her mother’s so we can talk to her.”

“Poor Madison.” Isabel choked out and Max could hear her sniffing.

“Isabel,” He warned. “Stop crying.”

“It’s just that….I’m just….so….so emotional now…all the time.” She said through her sobs.

“I know.” He told her patiently. “But you crying is not going to help anything.”

“I just wish that there was something I could do.” She muttered and then gasped. “I know, come for dinner tonight. You and Madison, if you can.”

“You’re just like Mom, always thinking that food can fix anything.” Max said with a smile on his face.

“Please, let me do this for you.”

“Will you stop crying?” He teased and she laughed.

“I promise.”

“Okay, I’ll try.” He agreed and sat up in his chair. “How are you feeling?”

“It’s been a good day so far, usually if it’s a bad one I know by now.” She said but Max thought she sounded tired.

“Well, I’ll see for myself soon. But, I have some paper work to finish up right now.”

“Okay, please try to come.”

Max promised and then hung up the phone. He stared at it for a moment thinking about everything that had happened, but there was too much. He was going to get a headache. So, he turned to his computer and concentrated on the Jarney file and let the work take over him.

Max finished up the paperwork a little after noon and met Michael out in the hall at the fax machine.

"You wanna go for lunch?" Michael asked him pulling on the jacket to his suit.

Max shook his head. "No, thanks."

"C'mon Maxwell, when's the last time you ever went out to eat somewhere. Now that you're not with what's-her-face, you can do what you want."

"Her name is Tess." Max sighed. "Don't pretend that you don't know her name, you've known her as long as I have."

"Whatever," Michael replied shrugging. "She was a health freak and totally fucked you up man. What you need right now if a big fat burger with lot's of bacon."

"Are you trying to kill me?" Max asked laughing.

"No, I'm trying to give you a life. You're free now, do whatever the hell you want."

Max finished faxing the papers and turned to his friend. Michael was right. He could go and eat whatever he wanted. It wasn't as if Tess had forced him not to eat out, but she didn't so he had done the same.

"I am kind of hungry." Max said finally and Michael grinned.

"That's more like it." Michael said slapping him on the back. "Let's go clog up all your arteries."

Max laughed at him and they made their way out of the office. Michael flipped the 'Be back in an hour' sign over and Max waited on the sidewalk while he locked the door.

"We're really going to have to find a new secretary." Max said while lighting up a cigarette.

"Yeah, I know. And you've got to stop smoking that shit." Michael told him as he put the keys in his pocket and they began to walk up the street.

"Where are we going?" Max asked ignoring his comment.

"The Crashdown."

Hey everyone!

Thanks for all the wonderful feedback. I wanted to respond to all of you, but I'm on my way out for the night and really wanted to post the next chapter. But, I'll come back and try to answer some of your questions. I'm glad that you are all liking it!

So, here's the next part for now. I'm thinking of trying to update twice a week, so we'll see how that goes.

Enjoy.


Chapter 3.

An immensely strong feeling of nostalgia washed over Max's entire body as soon as he walked into The Crashdown with Michael.

Max hadn't been in the restaurant for at least eight or nine years and everything was the same as it had been in high school. The counter was the same, the booths and tables, the silly paintings of aliens and flying saucers were the same, and even the uniforms were the same ridiculous turquoise dresses with alien-face aprons and antenna headgear.

"Christ." Max muttered following Michael to a booth. "I feel like I'm seventeen again."

"So does my libido." Michael smirked as the sat down across from each other.

"Does everything have to about sex with you?" Max asked taking off his jacket.

"Yes." Michael replied staring at Max seriously. "Yes, it does."

Max grinned at Michael and realized how lucky he was to have him to keep his mind off other things.

"The menu's haven't changed either." Michael informed him as he slide one across.

"You're kidding." Max exclaimed and opened up the menu to see that Michael was dead serious. Max glanced over the menu to see the names of food that had been a huge part of his teenage years.

"I can't even remember how many times I ate in here when we were in school." Max said closing the menu, knowing exactly what he wanted.

"Too many to count. We were here almost every day." Michael replied as a waitress came up to their booth.

"Hi, I'm Ashley." She said smiling at them. "What can I get for you?"

"Men in Black burger with fries and a cherry coke." Michael told her and glanced over to Max with a smirk.

"I'll have the same." Max told the young girl politely and she smiled and walked away. Max leaned back in the booth smiling. He and Michael had almost always ended up ordering the Men in Black burger with fries and a cherry coke every time they had come in there.

"It's good to see that some things never change." Max said quietly.

"Sometimes change is good." Michael said seriously while slipping his jacket off and loosening his tie.

Max just shook his head softly. There was no way that Michael could understand. He wasn’t married. His longest relationship had been six months.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Max told him and Michael nodded.

“When you do feel like talking, I’ll listen.” Michael told him seriously.

“I know.”

The waitress came to the table then with the drinks. “I’ll be back in a few minutes with your food.”

“So, I didn’t get a chance to ask you how it went in Las Cruces yesterday.” Max said and Michael told him about the events of the day before. The waitress arrived a few minutes after and placed their food in front of them. They thanked her and Max turned to the plate in front of him.

“Just eat it.” Michael told him as he dug into his own food.

Max pushed away the thoughts of what the food would do to his body and took a bite out the burger. He nearly had to fight the urge to sigh. “I missed this so much.”

Michael laughed. “Eat up my friend. You’ve deprived yourself for way too long.”

They ate in a comfortable silence. It was the kind of silence that you only achieved with years of friendship.

Max was half-way through his burger and looking around the restaurant when he spotted Maria coming out of the swinging doors that lead into the backroom and kitchen. She looked tired and was dressed as if she had just rolled out of bed. He caught her eye and she smiled and walked towards him in a pair of black shorts and a white t-shirt.

"Hey, Max. Fancy seeing you here." She said cheerfully but then frowned when she noticed Michael sitting across from him.

"Oh. It's you." She muttered glaring at him.

“Nice outfit.” He smirked.

“I just woke up.” She said defensively.

“Must be nice to sleep all day.”

“Hey, I had a late night last night. Liz and I were catching up.” She replied and then frowned. “Why am I even explaining this to you?”

“Because you want me.” He said confidently.

She looked like she was going to hit him with a comeback, but instead turned to Max. “Do you mind if I join you?”

“Not at all.” He told her and moved over so she could sit next to him. “I’m enjoying the show.”

"What if I mind?" Michael asked leaning forward.

Max watched as Maria leaned forward across the table as well so that their faces were only inches apart.

"I don't really give a shit." She whispered then leaned back and grabbed a fry off Max’s plate.

“So, how are you?” Max asked trying not to laugh at the exchange between the two of them.

“Good. Just a little tired.” She said and the waitress came back over to their table.

“Would you like anything, Miss. DeLuca?" The girl asked her.

"It's Maria, sweetie." She told her smiling. "I’d just like a coffee."

"Be back in a minute." She said and walked away.

"Aren't the uniforms so cute?" Maria asked looking after the girl.

"Yeah, I wish they had them in my size." Michael joked.

"Oh, shut up." She told him and then turned to Max. "What are you smiling at?"

"You two. I've never met anyone that could resist Michael's charm." He told her.

"Charm?" She exclaimed wide-eyed. "That's the last thing that I would call it."

"As a matter of fact, a lot of women find me very attractive." Michael informed her, talking around the straw that was in his mouth.

"I assume that you hang around some centre for the blind and deaf, then?"

"Okay children. That's enough."

Max looked up to see Liz standing at the booth with a cup of coffee.

"Sorry, Mom." Michael muttered and slid over so Liz could sit down next to him. She put the coffee in front of Maria who thanked her.

"So, I see we're all getting along." She said raising her eyebrows.

"Your friend is a pig." Maria stated bluntly as she drank the coffee black.

"Can't deny that." Liz said holding up her hands smiling.

"No tip for you." Michael mumbled through a mouthful of his burger.

"And that does nothing to help your case." Liz said pushing him lightly and he shrugged.

"So, how are you Max?" Liz asked turning to him.

"Good. A little overwhelmed, this place hasn't changed a bit since high school." He told her honestly and then bit into his burger. "You own this place now, don't you?"

"Yep." She said nodding. "I took over when my parents moved to Florida a few years ago and I didn't have the heart to change anything. I've had some good memories here."

"I love it." Maria said grabbing a French fry off Max's plate. "I think it's neat."

"You would." Michael muttered.

Maria stuck her tongue out at him causing Max and Liz to laugh and then she got up and went to the counter.

"That is one messed up chick." Michael said watching her.

"I think you like her." Max said and Liz nodded.

"I think you're a moron." Michael replied shaking his head. "She's way too high maintenance."

"Give her a break Michael." Liz said softly. "She's having a rough time right now."

"Who isn't? I haven't been laid in almost a month."

Max and Liz looked at each other and rolled their eyes.

“You’re a pig.” Liz said turning to Michael who didn’t get a chance to reply because Maria had returned.

“I told you.” She said to Liz and then sat back down next to Max with a newspaper.

“So, how’s work?” Liz asked turning to Max.

“Tiring. The paperwork is a pain in the ass, but other than that things are good.” He told her honestly and finished his burger.

“What do you do?” Maria asked not looking up from the paper.

“I’m a lawyer.” He told her and she looked up to smile at him.

“That’s awesome. Do you have your own firm?”

“Yeah, it was my dad’s but we took over two years ago when he retired.”

“We?” She questioned and looked back to the paper. “You have a partner?”

“Yeah.” Michael said and she looked up at him. “Me.”

“You’re a lawyer?” She questioned, her eyes wide.

“Is it that hard to believe?”

“Yes.” The rest of them said all at the same time. Michael pretended to look offended, but then just smiled and shook his head.

“I wish I was lawyer.” Maria said looking back to the newspaper. “There are like no jobs in this town.”

"Roswell's not exactly the employment capital of the world." Max agreed.

"Look's like I chose the wrong town to move to." Maria said still looking through the paper. "I really need a job."

"You got fired from that bar already?" Michael asked as he finished off the last of his fries.

"No." Maria sighed. "I need another job for during the day. I really need the money so I can get back up on my feet and find a place of my own."

"There's no rush Maria." Liz told her. "You can stay with me as long as you want."

"What kind of job are you looking for?" Max asked curious.

"It really doesn't matter. I'm desperate."

"So, you're saying that you'd do anything?" Michael inquired slyly and Liz slapped him on the shoulder.

"You wish."

"Well, what are your qualifications?" Max asked. "What did you do in New York?"

"Before I left to come here I was singing at my boyfriend's nightclub."

"I don't think that there are a lot of jobs like that around here." Liz said gently.

"Tell me about it." Maria muttered and flipped another page of the newspaper.

"So, that's your only job experience? Singing?" Michael questioned leaning back in the booth.

"No," She told him narrowing her eyes. "I worked at my uncle's insurance company as a receptionist for almost four years."

"Really?" Max asked interested and turned towards her.

"Max." Michael warned leaning forward.

Max smiled and glanced at his friend's panicked face out of the corner of his eye.

"What?" Maria said cautiously as she grabbed another fry off Max's plate.

"It's just really interesting because our secretary quit this morning and we could use someone to help out over at the firm." Max told her and Michael groaned.

"You're kidding." Maria exclaimed turning towards him.

"No, I'm actually very serious. Are you interested?"

"Hell yeah. Just tell me when and where."

“Monday morning. Nine o’clock.” Max told her. There was no point in getting her to come in the next day, Friday. Might as well start fresh with a new week.

"I'll be there." Maria said and hugged him excitedly.

"Hey." Michael said. "Shouldn't we do a reference check or something?"

"Michael." Liz sighed.

"I can't believe this." Michael muttered.

"Believe it buddy." Maria said laughing and Max couldn't help but smile.

"Okay, so it's all set then." Max said and turned to Michael. "We better get going."

Michael grunted as Maria and Liz stood up to let the two of them up.

"I'll go pay." Michael said and walked to the front cash.

Max stopped to give Maria directions to the office and told her what the pay was.

“Great. I can’t thank you enough.” She said and hugged him again. “I’ll see you Monday.”

He turned to where Liz was still standing beside him. “She’s real…”

“Spunky?” Liz offered and he smiled in agreement. He felt good about the decision. He really like Maria and was glad to know that she would be able to handle Michael. Max was beginning to think that his friend had met his match.

“Hey!” Michael called from the front door. “Let’s go!”

Max said goodbye to Liz and was about to walk away when she grabbed his arm lightly.

“I just wanted to thank you for giving her that job.” Liz told him softly. “She’s been having a real rough time with the move and everything.”

“It’s not a problem. I’m sure that she’ll do a great job.”

“She will.” Liz said quickly. “And thanks again.”

“No, problem.” He said smiling. “You’ve done a great job with the place.”

She shook her head. “I haven’t done anything. Everything’s the same.”

“I know.” He nodded. “Brings back good memories.”

She nodded in agreement. “Well, don’t be a stranger.”

He nodded and then walked out to meet Michael on the sidewalk.

"What the fuck was that?" Michael demanded as soon as they began walking back to the office.

"What?"

"You hiring that crazy bitch. She'll probably burn the place to the ground."

“We needed a receptionist. She needed a job. Do the math.”

“But you don’t know her.” Michael insisted. “What if she’s a serial killer or something?”

“Please.” Max sighed. “She is Liz’s best friend. You’re friends with Liz and you trust Liz don’t you? She thinks that it’s a good idea.

Michael didn’t reply.

"I think it will work out well too. I like Maria."

"You are insane. She's a wacko." Michael exclaimed.

"Man, you've got it bad for her." Max said lighting a cigarette.

Michael glared at him and began to walk faster.

Max laughed because he had a feeling that things would get interesting at the office. Max realized that Michael Guerin had, in fact, met his match.

Okay. I'm back a day earlier than I expected...

icequeen: Thank you. I'm glad that you like Michael and Maria. Read on for Max and Tess telling Madison about the divorce.

g7silvers: Thanks for the feedback. Oh, Max and Liz are definately going to develop a friendship.

rigel: Thank you. I'm glad that you like the story. I know the whole Max/Michael/Liz thing is confusing...Max and Michael are best friend. Michael and Liz are more like aquaintances (sp?). Anyways, they don't really hang out or anything. He just goes over to the Crashdown for lunch a lot.

roswellluver: Yes, Michael is definately in for some surprises. lol. Thanks for reading.

purpleant: I'm glad that you are enjoying Michael and Maria. Thanks so much for the feedback.

begonia9508: Thanks for the response. Yeah, I always got a kick out of Michael and Maria as well. Max and Liz's relationship in high school is slightly more complicated than that, but I can't give too much away, can I?

Emz80m: I'm glad you like the story and thanks for the feedback. I assure you that Maria is not interested in Max. There is a reason that their is no real spark between Max and Liz, but that will all come out later on. I promise.

frenchkiss70: Thanks for the feedback. Look above for the 'semi' explanation about Max and Liz's lack of sparks. Also, their high school situation will be explained later on. Now, about Max and Tess. Keep in mind that they have been together since high school and have a child together. They do care for each other (I know it's hard to take, but it's true. lol)

linliz68: Thanks so much!

Now, I hope that I cleared some things up a bit for all of you...If not apologize. So, here is the new part under it's new found title.

Also, I'm interested in haveing a beta for this story so if anyone is interested please PM me and let me know. Thanks.

Enjoy.

Chapter 4

Meredith Harding was a good-natured, happy-go-lucky woman. She always had smile on her face and loved to laugh. Max had never heard her swear or say a bad word about anyone the entire time that he had known her. He had also never been scared of her before, until right now.

She opened the front door of her house and stood there looking at him. She was a petite woman, shorter than her daughter, but had the same blonde curls and big blue eyes. She stared at him and he stood waiting to hear Meredith Harding swear in front of him for the very first time. He was actually waiting for her to swear at him.

“Max,” She sighed and then grabbed him and held him tightly. “I’m so sorry.”

Max slowly wrapped his arms around her in bewilderment, this was definitely not the reaction that he had been expecting.

“Thank you, Meredith.” He said softly and she stepped back to smile up at him.

“How are you holding up?”

“Fine. I guess. Everything is just happening so fast.” He admitted and she nodded silently. “I guess I’m still in shock.”

“Believe me, you’re not the only one.” She exclaimed. “When Tess told me I thought that she had lost her mind. I don’t know what to think.”

Max could only nod.

“Oh, please dear, come inside.” She said waving her hands and led him into the front hall.

“Are you hungry? Can I make you anything?”

He shook his head smiling. It seemed as if all the women in his life thought that food solved everything. It was a wonder he wasn’t five hundred pounds.

“How was Madison? Did she drive you up the wall?” He asked her grinning. It was a ritual for Madison to spend a full week with her grandmother in the summer just before she had to go back to school.

“Heaven’s no! My granddaughter is an angel. We had a wonderful time.” Meredith replied smiling genuinely. “I always look forward to her visits.”

“She looks forward to them too.” He told her and glanced around the empty hall.

“Tess is already here you know.” She informed him and he nodded. He had seen her car out front. “Madison is upstairs packing her things.”

Max shifted his weight uncomfortably. It suddenly all seemed too real. In a few minutes he was going to have to tell his daughter that her family was breaking up. He took a deep breath to try and calm down, but it didn’t help.

“How are we going to do this?” He blurted out. “How am I supposed to tell her that we’re getting a divorce? She’s seven years old for Christ’s sake.”

“Listen to me, Max.” She whispered and grabbed his hand. “You are a wonderful father. This does not change that in anyway. You are both wonderful parents otherwise that little girl up there would not be the smart, funny, charming, beautiful little girl that we all love. She is going to be upset, but she will survive. All of you will. It will just take some time.”

Max nodded his head vigorously and took some more deep breaths. “I don’t know what I’d do without you Meredith.”

She smiled and slapped him playfully on the arm. “Since when did you stop calling me Mom?”

“Thanks, Mom.” He said smiling and looked behind her to see Tess coming down the hall from the kitchen.

“Are you ready?” Meredith asked him softly.

“I don’t think anyone’s ever ready for something like this.” He said but smiled softly.

He walked over to the bottom of the stairs and called out his daughter’s name.

“Daddy!” He heard her yell and then watched as she raced down the stairs and threw herself into his arms. He squeezed her tightly and thought for a moment that maybe if he just held her long enough everything would the stay the same. Knowing that wishful thinking wouldn’t help him in any way, he let her go and tried to prepare himself for what was next.

“So, are you getting a divorce?”

Max smiled softly at his daughter who was sitting across from him on the couch beside Tess.

“Yeah, Sweetie.” Tess replied softly from beside her and Max watched as she ran her fingers through Madison’s hair.

Max sighed heavily and looked back to his daughter, sitting there in her blue cover-alls and pink tank top. She shouldn’t have to be going through this. She was only a little girl. No child should have to be told that their parents were breaking up and have their world fall apart. Max was proud of her though; she had sat quietly and patiently as they had tried to explain as gently as possible what was happening. She looked so small sitting there in front of him and for the first time be began to feel genuine anger towards Tess. This was her fault, she was the reason that all of this was happening. Max swallowed his anger as best as he could though. This was neither the time nor the place.

“Do you know what a divorce is?” Max asked her gently.

Madison nodded her head; her dark curls bouncing up and down. “Allison’s parents are divorced.”

“Who is Allison?” Tess asked and Max wondered the same thing.

“She’s the girl who moved next door to Grandma at the beginning of the summer. She’s my new best friend.” She told them nodding her head. “She told me that her parents got divorced when she was six. Her parents weren’t happy anymore so they stopped talking and then her dad had to find a new house. But now her parent’s are married, not to each other, but different people so she has lots of parents now. But she says that they are all more happy now.”

Max looked at Tess silently, who looked away quickly down to Madison. “So, how do you feel about all of this?”

“I don’t want lots of parents. I want you to be my only parents.” She whispered and Max saw her eyes glisten.

“Don’t cry, Sweetie.” Tess said gently and kissed the top of her head.

“I’m not going to cry.” Madison insisted crossing her arms, but Max could see that she was trying to hold it in. “I’m not a baby.”

“No, you’re not.” Max said and winked at her. “You’re a young lady now and a very pretty one.”

“You’re a pretty one too.” She told him and then giggled, which made Max and Tess both smile.

“Are you okay?” Max asked her seriously knowing that the question was a stupid one. It was all too much for her to comprehend right then.

“I want to go home.” She whispered and looked like lost little girl.

Max looked up sharply at Tess who wouldn’t meet his eye.

“Okay, go find Grandma and ask her to help you bring down your bags.” Tess told her and Madison nodded.

Max watched as she walked quickly from the room and wiped at her eyes.

The two of them sat silently as they heard Meredith and Madison make their way upstairs. Max finally looked at Tess to see her staring at the floor.

This was it. It was time to face the thing that he had been avoiding from the first moment she had told him she wanted a divorce. It was the first question that had popped into his mind, but it was too horrible that he had forced it down. He had been avoiding it the whole time and anytime it had tried to creep it’s way inside his head he forced it back down and concentrated on something else. He had also noticed that no one else had brought it up around him, but he was more than sure that they talked about it behind his back.

Tess looked up at him finally and shifted her weight uncomfortably. She knew.

“What are we going to do about Madison?” He finally blurted out and was surprised at the anger in his voice. There was no way that he was going to give up his daughter.

She hesitated for a moment and then looked up at him. “I’ve given this a lot of thought, Max. I know that this is going to seem horrible and you know that I’m not that kind of person, but I think that this will be the best for everyone. I’m her mother, Max…”

“Tess.” He said defensively.

“She should stay with you.” She blurted out before he could utter another word.

He stared at her in shock. He couldn’t wrap his mind around what she had just said. It was even more unbelievable than when she had told him that she was leaving him.

“Max, I’m her mother and I only want what’s best for her. I’m the one leaving and as much as it kills me to let her go I can’t stand the thought of ripping her out of her home and away from you. I just can’t do it.”

He sat silently as she began to sob.

“It’s not that I don’t want her, because I do. I love her more than anything in this world. But, what kind of mother would I be if I did that to her?” She began to choke out the words. “I know…in…my heart…that this…is…the right thing to do…I still want to see her though, Max. I…still want to be her mo…mother…”

She trailed off and held her head in her hands. Max got up and sat beside her on the couch. She looked so small right then, she looked like Madison had a few moments ago. He reached over and turned her towards him so that they were facing each other.

“I would never keep her from you.” He told her firmly. “Never.”

She smiled up at him through her tears.

“What you are doing is very self-less and I know that you are doing it because you think that it is best for her. As hard as it is, you don’t have to feel guilty for something like that.”

“I’m so sorry.” She whispered and wiped at the tears on her cheeks.

“I know.” He replied as Meredith walked into the room.

“Madison is putting her shoes on.” She told them and then walked out.

“C’mon.” He told her and helped her up. She wiped at her eyes again and then they went to the front door.

Madison was hugging her grandmother and Tess went over and opened the front door. When they were done saying their goodbyes Tess asked Madison to come outside and she told her mother that she would call her later. The door closed and Max was alone with the older woman.

“She’s a good girl.” Meredith told him and he knew that she was referring to Tess.

“I know.” He replied nodding. “Thank you for everything.”

“It’s no trouble at all.” She said and looked up at him. “She had a real hard time deciding to leave that little girl. She loves her very much.”

“I know.” He repeated. “I love her too.”

She nodded her head. “I don’t doubt that in the very least. I know you’ll take good care of my granddaughter. And make sure that you aren’t a stranger around here. You can come and visit any time you want, even if you’re alone. You’re still a son to me Max. You always will be.”

He nodded and then embraced her warmly. They said their goodbyes and then went outside to see Tess and Madison on the driveway. Tess was on her knees hugging Madison. Max walked over and stood next to his car. He was out of earshot and watched as Tess pulled back from their daughter and talked to her. Madison nodded her head to every word and he saw that her lower lip was trembling. She still hadn’t started crying though. She was tough little cookie.

A moment later Tess kissed her and stood up. She turned to Max and called out that she would call him later. He watched, along with his daughter, as Tess walked down to the street where she had parked so he could pull into the drive and got into the car. She pulled out and waved to Madison. Even from the distance Max could see that she was crying. He watched as Madison watched the car until it was out of sight and then she turned and walked over to him.

He opened the passenger door for her in silence and she climbed in.

“You okay?” He asked once he had gotten into the driver’s side.

“I don’t want her to leave.” She whispered without looking at him. “I want her to come home with us.”

“I know, Kiddo.” He said starting the car and they headed home in silence.

“Are you hungry? Do you want to go home and eat?” He asked her trying to do anything to get her mind off what had happened even though he knew that was virtually impossible.

She looked over at him and smiled. “Are you going to cook?”

“Why?”

“Because you don’t really know how to.” She told him and smiled even more.

“Ahh.” He moaned and held his hand over his heart. “That hurts. It really hurts.”

“Dad!” She said rolling her eyes.

“Okay. It’s true.” He admitted and she laughed as he remembered something. “Have no fear. I just remembered Auntie Isabel invited us for dinner.”

“She would have killed you if you forgot that and we didn’t go.” She warned looking up at him and he nodded seriously. “I haven’t seen her in so long. I miss her.”

“You saw her the day before you went to Grandma’s.”

“That was long time ago. Is her belly any bigger?”

“I don’t know, the last time I saw her it looked like she had three babies in her tummy.” He said glancing down to see her shaking her head at him.

“I’m going to tell her you said that.” She threatened and then laughed as he looked at her in terror. “You are very strange.”

“Thank you.” He said and could see in the reflection of the glass that she was smiling.

“So, how come you never learned to cook really good like Auntie Isabel?” Madison asked as he turned the car in the direction of Isabel’s house.

“You’re killin’ me!” He exclaimed dramatically and the laughter that came from her made his heart begin to feel whole again.

Wow. Well, let me just say thanks for all the wonderful feedback. You guys are totally awesome. I’m going to leave individual feedback because I feel that you all take the time to write to me and I think it’s only fair that I do the same.

But, I have a little announcement. I’m going home for Christmas tomorrow, but I’m stopping at a few friends’ places on the way. I wasn’t planning on updating tonight, but I may not get access to a computer until the beginning of next week. So, here it is and I hope that you all enjoy. (Side-Note: Please forgive spelling errors and whatnot...I had no time to send this to my beta.)

And now, to you all:

cocopucks: Thank you for responding. Here’s some more for ya. lol.

Earth2Mama: Thanks. I’m glad you’re enjoying. Ah, Tess’ mystery man…He will be revealed soon.

begonia9508: Thank you. So, it’s sad? I’m taking it your parents got divorced? Mine did and it was an awful experience. But, I had a friend whose parents divorced and her parents still got along and everything. So, they were sort of my inspiration for Max and Tess.

linliz68: Thank you very much.

kittens: WHOO! M/L!!!! lol. Thanks for replying so enthusiastically.

icequeen: Thanks. I’m glad you like Madison. I have never written anything with a child in it before, so I’m trying my best. Oh, Max and Liz will meet again soon! I’m trying for everyone not to hate Tess…(I see I’ve almost got one.) lol. (Thanks for the recommendation)

Emz80m: Thank you. Yes, Tess left Max for someone else.

MilesToGo99: Thanks so much. I’m glad that you are enjoying it. Oh, Maria’s situation is going to be an interesting one…

Purpleant: Thank you. I love Meredith too…She’s based on my grandma and what she was like during my parents divorce.

sunrise102: Thanks for the feedback. The original title was “Running From The Past”. You still don’t like Tess? I’m going to have to work hard on you (I’m trying for people not to hate her!). lol. Now, Max and Liz have seen each other around Roswell. But, they don’t hang out. Just see each other in passing and stuff like that.

SmileeUk: Thank you. Yeah, I’m trying to have everyone be really nice and understanding about the situation, but it may not stay like that for long!

rigel: Thank you responding. I’m so happy that you like Madison and Meredith. Respect for Tess…thank you! I’m glad you see it that way.

LovinGuerin2much: Well, thank you so much for the feedback. I’ll have to thank icequeen for the recommendation. So happy that you are enjoying Michael and Maria, I’m having a lot of fun writing them. Yes, they all went to school together (except Maria) but Liz didn’t hang out with them. Different crowd kinda-thing.

frenchkiss70: Thanks for the feedback and pointing this out. The whole ‘second-best’ thing was a concern of mine also…So, believe me that I have taken it into consideration and think that I have successfully made it work. Of course, you’ll have to trust me and wait to find out.

roswellluver: Thanks so much for the feedback. I think it will become interesting with Max raising his daughter on his own.

OmegaRam1: Thank you for the feedback. I think Tess is a doll as well, this was my whole intention. Max and Liz will definitely be getting to know each other better. I’m glad you are enjoying Michael and Maria. I’m having too much fun writing them! lol.

Alien614: Thanks so much. I’m glad that you are enjoying Max. It’s hard to try and get inside a man’s head! lol.

CherryFlavoredChica: Is this soon enough? lol. Thanks for responding.

Earth Angel: I’m back and I hurried Thanks.

g7silvers: Thanks for the comments. I understand where you’re coming from and addressed the issue in frenchkiss70’s response.

mmcherron: Thanks so much for your feedback. I’m glad that you are enjoying everything.

Blink1lit: Thank you for the feedback.

Wow. That took longer than I thought. Lol. Okay, here’s the next chapter. I’ll be back as soon as I can.

Enjoy.

Chapter 5

“So, how did it go?” Isabel asked Max when they were finally alone. They were sitting on the couch beside each other and Isabel had her feet propped up on the coffee table that was in front of them.

Max and Madison had arrived about ten minutes before. Madison had gone straight over to Isabel and rubbed her stomach while telling her that Max had said she looked like she was having triplets. She didn’t really, her stomach had only just begun to show, but he had received one of her infamous ‘death-stares’ anyways. Madison had just gone into the kitchen to help Alex with dinner. Isabel had taken the night off; she informed them because she wasn’t feeling too well.

“Better than I thought it would have.” Max answered. “I thought she would have cried, but she didn’t. She came close though. Maybe she’s in shock or something. I don’t know, she wasn’t even angry. I don’t really know what she is thinking. I have no idea what is going on anymore.”

“It’s okay, Max.” Isabel told him patting his hand. “I know it’s really difficult right now, but it will get better. I promise.”

Max smiled and kissed her forehead. “I don’t know what I ever did to deserve a sister like you. You always know how to make me feel better.”

“That’s because we shared a womb. I know you Max and I know that you will get through this. You are a wonderful man, you’ll survive this and you’ll help Madison survive this too.” She said and blinked back tears.

“Aww.” Max groaned. “Please don’t tell me that you are going to cry.”

“I can’t help it.” She protested. “I’m just so…”

“Emotional.” Max finished and they smiled at each other. Then she asked him if he had and Tess had discussed who was going to get custody of Madison. Max told her what Tess had said.

“I can’t believe it.” She said when he was done. “No offence to you, but I just didn’t think that she was going to do that.”

“Neither did I.” He admitted. “So, what are you two going to do about the salon?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. I have to call her though so we can talk about it. What do you think?”

“Look, Izzy.” He said and turned towards her. “You and Tess started that business up yourselves and made it a success. You’re best friends. I don’t expect that to change on account of what is happening. She didn’t divorce you. Besides, you can’t run the place on your own now that you’re having a baby.”

She just nodded and Max saw tears in her eyes again.

“If you cry, I swear I’ll go home.”

“Leave her alone. She’s having a baby.” Max heard Madison say and he turned to see her coming out of the swinging doors that lead into the kitchen.

“Thank you, Baby.” Isabel told her and punched Max in the shoulder.

“Uncle Alex wants to know if you want a beer.” Madison said.

“Yeah, I’ll get it.” He said standing up and walked over to her and ruffled her hair. “Keep your Aunt company. And don’t make her cry.”

“Men!” Madison exclaimed making him and Isabel laugh as she joined her Aunt on the couch.

Max walked into the kitchen to find Alex standing at the stove throwing spaghetti into a pot of boiling water.

“The estrogen level in there is frightening.” Max commented grabbing a beer and sitting at the small dinette table.

“Tell me about it.” Alex said covering the pot and grabbed his beer off the counter.

“Well, what are you going to do if you guys have a baby girl?”

“You and Michael are going to have to move in.” He joked and sat down across from Max.

“Yeah, like that would go over well with Isabel.” Max said laughing.

“So how are you?” Alex asked looking concerned.

Max slumped down in the chair. “It really is pathetic how many times I’ve been asked that today.”

“It’s not pathetic.” Alex replied narrowing his eyebrows. “This is a rough time for you.”

“Yeah, and people just have to keep rubbing it in.” As soon as the words left his mouth Max regretted them. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t take it out on you. None of this is your fault.”

“No problem. You’ve been really calm about the whole thing. I’m surprised you haven’t flipped out yet.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” Max muttered and put his head on the table.

“No problem.” Alex repeated and went over to the stove to stir the spaghetti. “And that wasn’t what I meant.”

“I know.” He said and looked up at Alex who had his back to him. “Thanks for everything Alex. Really.”

“Don’t mention it.” He told him and began to move around the kitchen to prepare dinner.

“Do you need any help?” Max asked watching him as a sinking feeling began to form in his gut.

“Nope.”

Max watched him move around effortlessly. He stood up suddenly and walked back into the living room. Isabel and Madison were still on the couch and Madison had her hands on Isabel’s stomach.

“I’m waiting for the baby to kick.” She informed him.

He smiled at her and walked over to the couch. “Let me take over. You go and see if Alex needs any help and I’ll call you if the baby kicks. Okay?”

“Okay.” She said and skipped off into the kitchen.

“What’s wrong?” Isabel asked as soon as Madison was out of earshot. Max knew that she would no something was wrong. She always knew.

“I just realized something.” He said sitting next to her.

“What?”

“I’m a horrible father.”

“Oh God, Max.” Isabel sighed. “No you are not. Why would you even think that?”

“I was in the kitchen watching Alex get dinner ready and I realized that I can’t cook. I don’t think I’ve ever cooked anything that didn’t require microwaving. How am I going to feed Madison? She’ll starve to death. Or die from the fat content and cholesterol of fast food. But, she’s never really had fast food. What if she doesn’t like it?”

“Max!” Isabel said sharply and he realized that he was raving like a lunatic.

“What kind of father am I?” He whispered and began to feel like everything around him was moving forward so fast that he couldn’t keep up.

“A spoiled one.” She said grabbing his hands, which he was wringing together.

“What?” He said confused.

“You are spoiled. You have never had to do anything for yourself. Mom spoiled you rotten. Then you married Tess right out of high school and she spoiled you too. I’m amazed you can dress yourself.”

He glared at her for a moment and then a grin broke out across his face.

“What am I going to do?”

“I’ll whip you into shape.” She assured him with a smile to match his own. “You’ll put Martha Stuart to shame when I’m done with you. Look at Alex if you need proof.”

“What? He was spoiled like me or something?”

“Sadly, I think that he may have been worse than you when I first married him.”

“Thanks. Izzy.” He said and began to feel embarrassed about his reaction.

“Everything okay?” Alex asked appearing at the door.

Max nodded. “I think I just had my first flip-out.”

“It’s about time.” Alex joked. “Now, c’mon. Dinner’s ready.”

“Soon that will be your line.” Isabel told Max as Alex ducked back into the kitchen.

“Shut up.” Max said joking. “Let’s go. I’m starving.”

“Ahem.” Isabel choked as Max stood up and she stayed seated. “A little help would be nice.”

“How much bigger are you going to get?” He laughed pulling her to her feet.


*****************************************************************************
“Don’t forget to-“

“Brush my teeth.” Madison yelled back finishing Max’s sentence. “I already did.”

“Okay.” Max called back from his room smiling. “I’ll be there in a minute.”

The two of them had gotten home a half-an-hour earlier. They had ate dinner and ended up staying a lot later at Alex and Isabel’s than Max had intended. After dinner, Isabel put a movie on for Madison and the three of them had sat in the kitchen just talking. No one brought up the divorce. Max was feeling the best he had felt since Tess had left.

Max glanced around his bedroom from where he was sitting at the end of the bed and was amazed at how empty the room seemed. It was as if the room was twice as big without Tess’ stuff inside of it. The room made him suddenly feel very alone.

But you aren’t alone. He reminded himself. You have Madison. She is here with you and she’s not going anywhere.

He smiled and then grabbed the phone. On the drive home he realized that he hadn’t really given much though of what he was going to do with Madison while he was at work during the day. He would have to find a babysitter, at least until she went back to school in a couple of weeks.

He looked through the little phone book to find the number of a young girl who had watched Madison a few times before when he and Tess had gone out for the evening. He found the number and silently prayed that she would be available.

“Hello?” A voice said picking up after a few rings.

“Hi, Danielle? It’s Max Evans.”

“Hi Mr. Evans. How are you?”

“Fine, thanks.” He replied. “I’m sorry for bothering you but I was just wondering if you would be interested in watching Madison again?”

“That’s not a problem. When do you need me?”

“Well, my wife and I are in the middle of a separation and I’m looking for something permanent.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” She said politely into the phone.

“Thank you. So, I need someone as soon as possible for during the day when I’m at work. Of course, summer’s almost over and I know that you have school, but I’d also like someone for Madison for after school as well.”

“That sounds fine. I was in the middle of looking for a job. There’s only one problem.”

“What’s that?”

“My cousin is getting married tomorrow and I’m her Maid of Honour. But, I’d be happy to start the day after that if you still want me.”

“That’s not a problem.” Max told her feeling relieved that she wanted the job. “I’ll see you then, around eight-thirty?”

“Sound’s good.”

“Thanks, Danielle.”

“I’m happy to do it.” She said and hung up.

Max placed the phone down and feeling relieved that he had that taken care of. He’d just have to bring her to the office tomorrow, which wasn’t a big deal. It was only one day.

He got up and walked down the hall to her bedroom and found her lying in bed looking at the picture of the three of them that he had fallen asleep with the night before. He stood quietly in the doorway and just looked at her. She was under the covers and her dark curls were spread out around her pillow. She looked so fragile lying there in the big bed and all Max wanted to do right then was protect her from what was happening, only he didn’t know how.

“Hi Daddy.”

“Hey.” He said pulling himself out of the clouds. He walked over and sat down on the bed next to her.

“Is it weird that I miss Mommy even though I just saw her?” She asked looking up at him with big blue eyes, her mother’s eyes.

“No, Honey. It’s very normal to miss her. She’s your mom and she loves you very much. I know that she misses you too.”

“Do you miss her?” She asked putting the picture back on the nightstand.

“Yes.” He whispered and tried to swallow the lump in his throat. “I miss her very much.”

“Do you think that maybe she will come back home?”

He thought about what he should tell her. Whether or not he should lie to her. He decided against it almost immediately. He knew that Tess wasn’t going to come back and it wasn’t right to fill Madison up with false hope.

“No, I don’t think so.”

“Is it wrong to want her to come back home anyways?” She whispered and her lower lip began to tremble.

“No.” He replied just as softly and placed his hand over hers.

“You know what Uncle Mike told me once?”

“What?”

“He said that when something makes you sad you can cry or you can try to think of something that will make you happy. Then you won’t cry and feel bad anymore. Is that true?”

“Yes. When you are sad you can try and think of happy things.”

“But, is it bad if you cry?”

“No.” He said shaking his head. “Everybody cries.”

“Can I ask you one more question?”

“You just did.” He told her and she smiled weakly.

“Is it okay if I cry?” She asked and sat up in her bed.

“Of course it is.” He told her nodding his head reassuringly.

“Good.” She said and almost immediately began to sob. “Because I really want to.”

Max just nodded and pulled her into his arms. He sat there hugging her and now it was his turn to hold in the tears. He didn’t want her to see him cry; to see him fall apart. So, he just held onto her and rocked her until she cried herself to sleep.

***********************************************************************************
Across town in a little apartment above the Crashdown Café, Liz Parker was walking down the hallway to say goodnight to her best friend Maria DeLuca. When Maria had moved in five days before, Liz had let her stay in the guest room that had once been her parent’s bedroom.

She walked up to the door to see that it was open and the light was on. When she spotted Maria she froze in her tracks and felt sick to her stomach. Maria was standing with her back to her; she had her pyjama bottoms on and was in the process of picking up the top off the bed to put that on as well. With only her bra covering the top of her body, all of the skin of Maria’s back was visible. Liz stared at the skin, which had several red circular scars where lit cigarettes had been put out. The same scars were scattered over both her shoulders. There was another jagged scar that ran across her back from shoulder to shoulder where a broken beer bottle had dragged across her skin. It wasn’t the first time she had seen the scars. Maria had finally presented them to her two nights before. It didn’t matter though; Liz still choked back tears.

As if sensing her there Maria turned around so that Liz could see one scar on the front of her. It was from the same broken bottle that had left the scar on her back, so a nearly similar one ran across the skin underneath Maria’s navel.

“You get used to them after awhile.” Maria said quietly and pulled the shirt over her head.

Liz shook her head so hard that it hurt. “I’ll never get used to them.”

“Yeah, well time heals all wounds.” She replied and sat on the edge of the bed.

Liz bit her lip and walked over to sit beside her. “I just can’t believe that you never told me. I can’t believe that I didn’t figure it out.”

“How could you?” Maria replied and smiled gently.

“Three years, Maria. I should have caught on.” Liz said and began to feel angry with herself and angry with Maria for not telling her.

“I wouldn’t have let you. I didn’t let anyone else, no one knew.” She replied patting Liz’s hand.

“I’ll fucking kill Billy if I ever see him again.” Liz spat out staring at the ground in anger.

“Don’t talk like that. It doesn’t suit you. Besides, I wouldn’t bet any money on that. After one round with him I thought I was going to die.” Maria said and Liz saw tears glistening in her eyes.

“I’m just so happy that you left and came here.” Liz told her and pulled her into her arms.

“Me too.” Maria said; her voice muffled by Liz’s shoulder.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Liz asked genuinely as she pulled away from her friend.

She shook her head. “That’s all we’ve talked about the last two days. I’m starting to feel self-absorbed. Besides, you have your own crisis at hand.”

“Kyle and I breaking up does not even come close to what you’ve been through.” Liz said rolling her eyes. “It just seems so trivial.”

“Don’t say that. You and Kyle were together since high school.”

“On and off.”

“Doesn’t matter, you still loved each other.”

Liz laughed abruptly. “Apparently he doesn’t seem to feel that way anymore.”

“So, I guess that we’ve reached the conclusion that men are assholes.” Maria said trying to lighten the mood. “Maybe we should hook up, fuck men, we’ll be lesbians.”

Liz laughed. “That would just make them want us more.”

Maria thought about it for a moment and then nodded in agreement.

“Especially one that I know.” Liz said laughing harder as she remembered the other night at the bar.

“Let me take a wild guess.” Maria said and pretended to think. “That sleaze ball from the bar. Marvin or something like that.”

“Michael.” Liz offered knowing that Maria knew his name. “You should try not to think of him like that. You’re going to be working for him.”

“Don’t remind me, maybe I can get him fired.”

“I wouldn’t count on it. From what I understand he and Max are like brothers.”

“Unfortunately. Please, I don’t want to talk about Marvin anymore. Besides, I’ve got to get some sleep.”

“Yeah, me too.” Liz said standing up and walking to the door and then stopped looked back into the room. “I know that you don’t think so, but you are really brave for leaving and coming here.”

Maria just nodded silently and they said goodnight.

Liz turned and walked down to her room trying to suppress the anger that was inside of her. She crawled into bed thinking of all the horrible things that Maria had told her she had been through the past few years and that didn’t help any. She closed her eyes trying to calm down. She couldn’t let Maria see how much it bothered it her. Maria had cried a few times when she related the events to Liz. But for the most part she was calm and didn’t even get angry. That was just the way Maria was and Liz wondered when it would finally all come crashing down on her friend.

Hey Everyone.

Well, I finally made it to a computer. It took longer than I thought, but I made it. I really wanted to post this part now because it doesn't look like I will have any time to post another part before Christmas (I'm hoping though).

I really want to respond to all the feedback, because I really appreciate you all taking the time to write it. But RL sucks and I virutally have no time...So I apologize.

But I would like to say: You all are so sweet. Thank you so much for all the amazing feedback. I really enjoy reading all of it and all your wonderful comments. I apologize again for not being able to respond to it. Please forgive me...

Enjoy.



Chapter 6

“Michael!” Max warned for what seemed to be the hundredth time. He was sitting behind his desk at the office and looking at the doorway leading out into the hall. He waited as he heard the sounds of a chair wheeling itself across the floor and his daughter giggling.

A moment later the chair rolled into view with Michael sitting in it and Madison on his lap. They had been swinging themselves up and down the hall for the last ten minutes.

“Have you gotten any work done?” Max asked him.

“Barely. I prefer to spend my time with my adorable niece.” He replied and Madison smiled brightly up at her father.

“Well, you can spend a lot more time with her once you’re out of a job.” Max said smiling at the two of them.

“C’mon, Dad.” Madison sighed. “We’re waiting for you. I’m starving and Uncle Mike said we could go have some lunch.”

“Oh, did he?” Max questioned raising his eyebrows.

“Yes, I did.” Michael said nodding his head. “I told her that we would go out on the town and show off her beautiful dress.”

Max shook his head softly and stared at the two of them. Michael sitting in the chair, his tie wrapped around his forehead and Madison sitting his lap with her dark hair pulled up into a messy ponytail, thanks to Max’s attempt to do her hair, and she was wearing a pink dress with daises scattered all over it. He wondered silently who was the more mature out of the two of them.

He sighed and decided that this was a war he would never win. “Fine. Let’s go eat.”

Madison clapped her hands and jumped off the chair. “I’ll go get my jacket.”

“She seems like she’s doing okay.” Michael said still sitting in the chair after she had run off down the hallway.

“Yeah,” Max said and walked over to stand at the door. “That’s for keeping her occupied all morning. It helps keep her mind off everything.”

“Not a problem.” Michael told him and began to wheel himself down the hall to his own office. “Don’t forget I charge eight dollars an hour.”

Max smiled to himself and then turned to see Madison coming back up the hall with a light jean jacket on.

“So, where are we going for lunch?” She asked excitedly. Max looked down at her with a smirk. They had never really taken Madison out to eat at any fast-food restaurants before.

“I’m not sure. There’s a great Italian restaurant down the street.” He offered and she scrunched up her nose.

“That’s not any fun. Uncle Mike said that we were going to go somewhere really cool.”

“That’s right.” Michael said coming down the hall, his tie now thrown around his neck but still not tied.

“And what exactly did you have in mind?” Max asked as the three of them walked down the hall.

“The Crashdown. Where else would we go?” Michael told him narrowing his eyes.

“Yes.” Madison yelled. “I’ve always wanted to go in there. That is the one with all the alien stuff. It looks so cool.”

“No, we’re not going there. You don’t like fast food, it upsets your stomach.”

“No it doesn’t.” She said firmly once they had reached the front door. “Besides, Grandma takes me to McDonald’s all the time.”

Max looked over at Michael who was laughing and Madison walked out to stand on the sidewalk.

“It’s not funny.” Max insisted. “Tess would kill her mother if she knew that she was taking Madison to McDonald’s. That’s the one place that she hates the most.”

“Lighten up Maxwell.” Michael told him and put his hand on his shoulder. “It’s just food for fucksake and it hasn’t killed her. Besides, Tess isn’t here; who the hell cares what she has to say. Let the kid eat. And you know you want to go back there, you can’t resist it.”

Max shook his head at the absurdity of the conversation. Michael was right. He looked out to see Madison standing there with her hands on her hips. Max nodded to Michael and then they went outside.

“All right. Let’s go to the Crashdown.” Max told her as Michael locked up the office.

Madison smiled and walked between them so she could hold each of their hands. The whole way there she talked about aliens and how she wanted to try one of each on the menu.

***********************************************************************
Liz was wiping down the counter in the Crashdown; the lunch rush had just ended. One of her waitresses had called in sick, so she was forced to take orders. It didn’t bother her though; she had done it all through high school and didn’t mind it much. It was kind of fun back then and even more so now that she owned the place.

Maria had offered to help her out, but Liz had refused. Maria had already made plans to go shopping and Liz insisted that she’d go. Maria had asked if Liz was sure and if she would be mad at her if she went and left her alone. That had angered Liz, but not towards Maria. It was that goddamn Billy; he had taken away Maria’s independence and made her feel guilty for everything. Liz knew that Maria tried to hide that from Liz as best as she could, but sometimes it slipped.

Liz shook her head and realized that she was scrubbing the counter as hard as she could. She sighed and threw the cloth down, trying to will herself not to think about it. Every time she did, it made her blood boil. She glanced around the restaurant to see it was only one-third full and then she spotted the door open. She smiled as Michael walked in, not noticing her. She turned to Danielle, the one waitress who had shown up and told her that she’d take care of him. She loved it when Michael came into the restaurant, he could be a pig sometimes, but they had a good time. She also knew that talking with him would take her mind off Maria and Billy. She grabbed a pad of paper and a pen off the counter and then turned back to see that Michael wasn’t alone. Max was with him as well a little girl. Liz recognized her, as his daughter; she had never met her, but had seen them around town. Roswell was small enough that you saw everyone at least once.

She walked over to the booth that the three of them were sitting in. Max was sitting on one side of the booth and Michael was sitting next to the little girl, who was between him and the wall. She was sitting up on her knees looking up at the wall at the mural of a U.F.O and several aliens.

“Hey guys.” Liz said cheerfully.

“Hello, Beautiful.” Michael said smiling up at her.

“You’re not getting a free meal, so don’t bother.” She told him with a crooked smile.

“Does he do that often?” Max asked her looking up from the menu.

“Couple times a week.” She said laughing as Michael shook his head in denial.

“Excuse me.”

They all looked over to Madison who was looking up at Liz. “Did you paint this?”

Liz smiled at her. “No, why do you like it?”

Madison nodded her head. “I’d like to have my room painted like that.”

“That’s because you’re really an alien.” Michael said and poked her in the side making her giggle.

“Liz,” Max said turning to her. “This is my daughter Madison. Madison this is Liz, she owns the Crashdown.”

Madison smiled shyly up at her and Liz smiled back the biggest smile that had reached her face in days. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Madison nodded. “You’re so lucky you are the boss here. You can have whatever you want.”

Liz laughed. “Well, since I’m the boss I can tell you that you can have whatever you want too.”

Madison clapped her hands and stuck her tongue out at Max. “You heard her dad. I want the biggest burger and fries with lots of ketchup.”

Liz looked over to Max who was rolling his eyes. He looked up to Liz and shrugged.

“You heard the lady.”

She nodded and wrote it down and then looked to Michael. “The usual?”

He nodded and Max told her he’d have the same. He then ordered two cherry chokes and Madison informed him that she wanted a chocolate milkshake.

When Liz had returned with their drinks a few minutes later Michael told her to join them and Max slid over to make room.

“Is it good?” Liz asked Madison referring to the milkshake.

Madison looked up at her and nodded with wide eyes without taking her lips from the straw.

“So, where’s your friend Martha?” Michael asked while shifting his eyes.

Liz sighed remembering that Maria had done the same I’ll-pretend-I-don’t-remember-their-name thing last night.

“Her name is Maria and you know it.” Liz said rolling her eyes while Max laughed from beside her. “She went shopping. I think she’s picking up some new clothes for her new job.”

“Don’t remind me.” Michael groaned.

She turned to Max. “You’re going to have a field day with the two of them.”

“I know.” Max said grinning at her and she smiled back softly.

“Your hair is beautiful, Liz.”

Liz turned her gaze away from Max and looked at Madison who finished nearly half of the milkshake.

“Thank you.” She replied genuinely and smiled back. “I wish it was more like yours though.”

Madison shook her head. “Mine’s too curly. I want it straight.”

Michael groaned. “Girl talk. I’m going to the can.”

“He’s really gross.” Madison whispered to Liz but laughed at him as he glared at her while he walked away. Then she turned back to her milkshake.

“So, how’s business?” Max asked and she turned to face him.

“Wonderful. There are still a lot of tourists around so it’s been pretty hectic around here. It’ll die down though once summer’s over.”

Max laughed. “Do you still get a lot of crazies in here for the U.F.O conventions?”

“You remember them, huh?”

“How could I forget? Michael and I used to make up stories and tell them how we’d had alien encounters.”

Liz nodded. “I used to do that too. My father would get so mad at me and tell me that some day they’d want to experiment on me.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if some of them had wanted to. There were a lot who took the whole alien-thing way too seriously.”

“I think they get crazier every year. The last one I talked to wanted me to tell him everything I knew about anal probing.” She told him and they laughed.

“What does that mean?”

They both turned to see Madison looking at them.

“Ask me in twenty years.” Max told her.

“You say that about everything.” She replied narrowing her eyebrows and then turned back to her milkshake.

Liz turned back to Max. “Sorry.”

“It’s all right. She loves to ask questions.”

“She’s so cute; all that curly hair like Tess.”

“Yeah, she looks just like her mother.” Max said clearing his throat.

“No not really,” Liz said looking at him. “Her hair is dark like yours and she has your eyes.”

“Yeah, but the rest is all her mother.”

“How is Tess?” Liz asked politely and began to regret it when Max looked away uncomfortably.

“She’s not good.” Madison piped up and Liz looked over to see her staring up at her father. “Mom and Dad are having a divorce.”

Liz opened her mouth in shock and embarrassment. She turned to Max who was looking back down at his daughter and she saw him swallow.

“I’m sorry.” She whispered. “I had no idea.”

Michael returned to the table at that very moment and sat back down.

“What?” He asked confused and Liz heard David, the cook, ring the bell.

“That’s your stuff.” She said quickly and got up. She grabbed the food, silently kicking herself for opening her big mouth. She brought them their food and then went into the back room. Usually when Michael came in she kept him company while he ate, but today he already had company and she felt like a complete jackass.

She sat down on the couch and wondered what the hell was going on. First, she and Kyle had broken up, then Maria had shown up and told her about Billy and now she had just found out about Max and Tess. Sure, she didn’t know them that well but that wasn’t the point. She had known Max and Tess from when they all went to high school together. They had been the most popular couple in the whole school. Everyone had known who they were; he had been the quarterback of the football team and she had been the captain of the cheerleading squad. It had been the classic high school romance, they had even gotten married. But, Liz knew that those things didn’t last. She and Kyle were a perfect example of that.

She sighed and sat alone trying to clear her mind of all thoughts whatsoever, especially high school. Her head was beginning to hurt. She hadn’t gotten much sleep the night before. She didn’t want to go back out there and face Max though, so she grabbed the inventory notes and began to look them over.

It didn’t really help much because she was still on the first page when she heard someone come into the back awhile later and looked up to see Danielle grab a tray of clean glasses.

“I think your table’s getting ready to leave, do you want me to ring them up?” Danielle asked her.

Liz shook her head. She couldn’t hide in the back forever; she’d see Max again sometime. It was Roswell after all. “I’ll get it.”

She followed Danielle out into the front and saw Max and Michael standing while Madison was sliding out of the booth. She walked over and met them at the cash.

“Was everything okay?” She asked ringing up their bill.

“Wonderful as always, Sweetcheeks.” Michael told her leaning against the counter.

“Get your wallet out buddy.” She replied sweetly and told him the total.

“That was the best food in the entire world.” Madison told her as she was handing Michael his change.

“Thank you.” She said walking around and kneeled down to the little girl. “You come back any time you want.”

Madison nodded and then walked outside.

“You’ll regret that.” Michael joked and followed her out the door.

Liz stood up and looked at Max who was still standing there. He opened his mouth to say something but she held up her hand.

“Don’t say anything.” She said quickly. “I am so sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything; it was none of my business.”

“You didn’t know. It’s not your fault.” He said sincerely.

“I just feel horrible. I’m sorry. Did I upset Madison?”

Max shook his head. “She knows what’s going on. She can’t be hidden from it.”

“I’m just really sorry, Max. I honestly didn’t mean anything by it, but if you’re mad I completely understand.” Liz said still feeling guilty besides what he was telling her.

“I’m not mad.” He said and then smiled. “But, I’m going to be if you apologize one more time.”

Liz stopped and smiled back at him sheepishly. “Okay. I won’t do it again. Sorr-”

Max raised his eyebrows and she blushed.

“You better get out of here before I do it again.” She told him laughing.

“I’ll see you around.” He said and she nodded as he walked to the door and left.

Liz sighed as she turned around and walked over to clear off their table.

“You are such an idiot.” She whispered to herself shaking her head.

Okay. So, I'm finally back. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!

Some thank you's:

purpleant: Thanks. I'm glad you liked their meeting. I really wanted Michael to be like a big kid around Madison. (Show his softer side, you know?).

LysCat: I like to see the relationship between two people grow as well. It's so new and fresh, it's like you're there from the beginning. Thank you.

begonia9508: Max and Tess were definately in an awkward position in high school. That will be revealed later on. About everyone's background at school, I hope that this part will answer that to some degree (although it's not the best explanation, but keep in mind who it's coming from). Thanks for your feedback.

Emz80m: Put two and two together? Whatever could you be talking about? lol. We'll see what happens. Thanks.

rigel: Yeah, I was hoping that it would come off as something different. I'm glad you like Madison, it's so hard to write for a child! lol. Thanks.

icequeen: Thank you. I'm glad that you're enjoying it. Sorry I couldn't deliver that present. I hope you forgive me!

WildSphinx: Thank you. It wasn't soon, but here it is.

SmileeUk:Thank you. Again, it was as soon as I could.

g7silvers: I'm glad that you are enjoying all of the characters and their different dynamics. Thanks.

frenchkiss70: Thanks for reading. Yeah, Max and Tess have a little story of their own, but that's for later. Hope this part clears some of the background stuff up a little.

roswellluver: Thank you. Glad you liked it.

OmegaRam1: Thank you so much. I'm glad that you caught up and that you are enjoying the story.

behrlyliz: Thank you. Yeah, I'm happy that everyone is liking the whole scenerio of them not really knowing each other. Glad you like it.

Earth2Mama: So happy to hear that you like Madison. Writing for a child has proven to be more difficult than I thought it would be. Thanks.

tequathisy: lol. I was laughing at your first two lines there about Max declairing his undying love in three seconds. That's what I wanted to avoid. Thanks.

LovinGuerin2much: Thanks. The Michael/Madison relationship is probably my favourite so far. lol. Even though it was only a couple of paragraphs.

CherryFlavoredChica: Thank you. I'm glad you like it.

Alien614: Thanks so much for your feedback and for 'checking in'!

ERIN!: *kicks back* Me? I thought you dropped off the face of the world. Where the hell have you been??? lol. All I have to say is that your feedback left the biggest smile on my face. You rock. But, I have given it a lot of thought and I may have to take this fic hostage until I get some 'Goonie' lovin'! I'm missing it. UPDATE! *kiss*

cherie: Thanks so much!


Okay, so it's 2:30 a.m. here and my contacts are drying up so bad I can barely see the screen. But, here is the new part. I am not entirely happy with it, but if I don't post this I don't think I will ever have a Chapter 7 for you. So, here it is...Forgive any mistakes...(keep in mind 2:30. Contacts=Cardboard.

Oh, and I re-wrote this so many times, I cannot even count. But, I found it best with this part having a section told from Maria's perspective. She and Michael have taken on a lot more meaning to me than I intended. I hope that this does not discourage any of you from reading, but I would like to have more parts exploring the Micahel/Maria situation more closely. Let me know what you think.

I'm off to bed.

Enjoy.

Chapter 7

“Good morning.”

Max looked up to the cheerful face that matched the cheerful voice. It was Monday morning and he had just left Madison with Danielle and came in to find Maria sitting behind the reception desk.

“Morning, Maria.” He said and couldn’t help but smile back at her. “What time did you get here?”

“Quarter-to-eight.” She said and then blushed slightly. “I was here a little early and had to wait outside.”

“I take it Michael let you in?” He asked knowing that Michael was always there at eight on the dot.

She rolled her eyes and nodded. “He grunted something while he opened the door and then went down the hall. I haven’t seen him since.”

“Don’t take offence. He’s not really a morning person.”

“Not a problem.” She said shaking her head. “He doesn’t get to me.”

“And that is why you are going to do wonderful things here.” He said and then gestured with his hand for her to follow him. “Why don’t you come down to my office and we can go over what you need to do.”

She nodded and followed him. Ten minutes later they were sitting across from each other at his desk.

“Do you have any questions?” Max asked her after explaining everything.

She shook her head and stood up. “Everything is pretty much the same as when I worked for my uncle. But, I’m going to go and rearrange the file drawers. No offence, but the last girl you had here had no organizational skills. There are files and boxes of folders all over the place.”

Max laughed. “Yeah, I guess it was a good thing she left. Thanks for doing this.”

“Not a problem.” She said walking to the door. “I enjoy a challenge.”

As if on cue Michael appeared in the doorway. Max watched amused as he backed up so she could walk out, and then he entered the office but turned towards her suddenly.

“Maria?”

Max watched as she stopped in mid-step and turned back to look into the office.

“Yes?” She inquired, quite politely Max noted.

“Could you be a sweetheart and get me a coffee?” Michael asked her with a smile on his face.

Maria glanced over to Max, who was smiling sympathetically at her and then looked back to Michael. “Actually, Max and I were just discussing my job requirements and I don’t believe that that was one of them, was it Max?”

Michael turned to look at Max, who now smiled at him.

Max shook his head. “No, Maria. I don’t believe it was.”

Michael glared at him and then turned back to Maria. “What’s your point?”

“The point is that you’ll just have to get it yourself. And don’t ever ask me again.” She told him and then walked away.

Michael turned and walked over to Max’s desk. “Way to go Maxwell.”

“What?” He replied as Michael dropped a folder on his desk.

“You just hired the devil incarnate.” Michael told him making Max laugh.

“Just because she won’t make you a coffee doesn’t necessarily mean that she is Satan.” Max informed him with a smirk.

“Whatever.” Michael replied bluntly and sat in the chair across from him. “So, did you call Mom and Dad last night?”

Max nodded and rolled his eyes. Max had called his parents Sunday night to tell them that he and Tess were getting a divorce. It hadn’t been a pleasant conversation.

“Dad pretty much had to tie Mom down to keep her from hopping on the next plane.” Max sighed and shook his head.

Michael nodded. Michael knew his parents as well as Max did. They were his family too, not biologically of course, but in every other way that mattered. Max’s parents had taken Michael in when he was fifteen and his foster father had put him in the hospital with a broken arm and a concussion.

“So, she took it pretty hard?” Michael said laughing softly.

“It’s like she thinks I’m going to drown Madison in the bathtub or something.” Max replied with wide eyes. “She cried for like an hour, I don’t even want to know what my phone bill is going to look like.”

“Ah, Mom will be fine. Just don’t be surprised if she shows up on your doorstep tonight.”

“Dad promised me he’d give me plenty of warning if she tried to make a break for it.” Max told him smiling. “But, so far everything’s okay. She has nothing to worry about.”
Michael nodded. “You survived your first weekend as an only parent. I thought you’d be popping pills by now.”

“Very funny.” Max told him narrowing his eyebrows. “It was a good weekend. We didn’t really talk about what happened. We just hung out. But, a couple times I caught her looking around for Tess.”

“Yeah, I noticed that when we were at Alex and Isabel’s on Saturday.” Michael agreed.

“It just breaks my heart to see her face when she realizes that her mom isn’t there.”

“Did you talk to Tess?”

Max nodded. “She came by on Sunday and took Madison out shopping and to a movie. It was good for them to spend time together.”

“Yeah.” Michael said and rolled his eyes.

“Don’t start Michael.” Max sighed and leaned back in his chair. “She’s still her mother.”

Michael opened his mouth to say something, but stood up instead. “Well, I better leave before I say something that I won’t regret.”

He walked to the door and then turned back. “Don’t forget about that meeting you have.”

“I know. I have to leave at noon.” Max said nodding and then gave Michael a stern look. “Don’t give Maria a hard time while I’m gone or you’ll be the new secretary around here.”

Michael just smiled at him wickedly and walked out the door.

*******************************************************************************
Maria stared at the wicked grin in front of her and silently cursed Max for leaving to meet his clients.

“Yes?” She inquired from down on the floor where she had folders spread out everywhere.

“Nothing.” Michael replied looking down at her smugly.

“So, why are you standing there staring at me?” She asked looking up at him.

“I can see down your top.”

Maria looked down and then stood up immediately. “You are such a pig.”

“So you’ve told me.” He replied unfazed.

Maria just shook her head. She knew that he was just trying to get under her skin and she also knew that she didn’t have to let him. She had had plenty of practice with putting on a façade from living with Billy. She had fooled everyone into thinking that nothing was wrong between the two of them. That’s not something she was very proud of but she could do it nonetheless.

“Look. I have a lot of work to do.” She said composing herself. “Don’t you want to go and have lunch or something right now?”

He stared at her for a moment and it unnerved her. He was looking into her eyes and then all of a sudden his whole demeanour changed. The smile faded and the gleam left his eye. She looked down at the floor. He was staring at her too hard.

“Actually.” He said and then cleared his throat. “I came out here to see if you needed any help.”

She looked up at him suspiciously. “Really?”

“Yeah. I though maybe I’d skip lunch and help you with all these folders.”

It was now her turn to stare at him. He seemed sincere, but she was obviously not the best judge of character. “Why are you being nice to me all of a sudden?”

“The truth?” He inquired crossing his arms.

“Yes. I think I’d prefer that over bullshit.” She smirked.

“Max threatened me. He told me to be nice to you.” He said leaning against the wall.

“And you are listening to him?” She question raising her eyebrows. “What, are you afraid of him or something?”

“Have you seen the size of his fucking arms? Damn right, I’m afraid of him.”

Maria couldn’t help but burst out laughing at the mock terror in his eyes. “Fine. If you want to help, be my guest. This place is a disaster.”

Ten minutes later they were both sitting on the floor looking through all the folders and placing them in designated piles.

“So, you knew Liz in high school?” Maria asked while flipping through a folder.

“Kind of. We were in some of the same classes and stuff, but we didn’t really hang out or anything.” He replied throwing a folder in a pile beside him.

“Why not?” Maria asked looking at him. “I mean, you talk to her now.”

“I dunno.” He shrugged. “It was high school. Everyone had their own group of friends, she had hers and I had mine.”

“I see.” She replied biting her lip.

“What?” He said throwing up his hands. “I didn’t make fun of her or anything. We just didn’t hang out.”

“I didn’t say anything.” She said raising her own hands in defence.

“We just had different cliques. That’s all.”

“And what clique were you in?” Maria asked grabbing another folder.

“The cool kids.” He replied winking at her.

“And now you’re just a big dork.”

“No, that was Liz’s clique.” He said grinning.

Maria glared at him. “Watch it buddy. That’s my best friend you’re talking about.”

“Yeah, so how did all that happen? How did you two meet?”

“When I was thirteen my mother and I moved to New York.” She said stretching out her legs next to his. “Liz’s aunt Susan lived in the apartment next to us. Liz would come down every summer to visit Susan and I meet her that summer I moved in.”

“And you two stayed in touch this whole time?”

“Yeah, it was weird. We just really hit it off and we would hang out whenever we could. During the school year we would talk on the phone so much that we’d be grounded because of the phone bills.”

“I know what you mean, its like Max and I. Well, without the long distance thing.”

“How long have you known him?” She asked looking around the floor.

“Since I moved to Roswell. I was like five or six.”

“Wow. That’s a really long time.” She said standing up.

“What are you looking for?” He asked still on the floor.

“I just have to grab that box.” She said pointing up at the shelf above them. “It’s the last of the files.”
“I’ll get it.” He said removing the papers from his lap.

“It’s okay.” She said and reached up to grab it. She stood up on her tiptoes and stretched until her fingers reached the box. “See, women are capable of grabbing boxes too.”

She looked back down to smirk at him and saw him staring at her. Only, he wasn’t staring at her face, he was staring at her midriff. She suddenly became aware that her shirt was riding up and her stomach was visible. That meant that her scar was visible as well. She turned suddenly and pulled the box off the shelf, almost dropping it and spilling the files everywhere.

She placed the box in front of her protectively and then turned to where he was looking up at her. Her was looking at her face now, with questions in his eyes.

She opened her mouth to lie once again about the marks on her body but was saved by someone walking down the hall.

“Hey.”

She turned to see the third man who had been with Michael and Max the night she met them at the bar.

“What are you doing here?” Michael asked him getting up off the floor.

“Thought I’d come and see what you guys are doing for lunch?”

Maria took this opportunity to put the box on the floor and make sure her shirt was in place.

“Maria,” Michael said turning to her. “You remember Alex Whitman.”

She nodded and smiled. “Yes, I do.”

“It’s nice to see you again, Maria.” Alex told her smiling warmly. “Although, I have no clue why anyone in their right mind would want to work for Michael Guerin.”

Maria laughed with Alex. “I prefer to think of Max as my boss.”

Michael rolled his eyes at the two of them.

“Where is Max?” Alex asked.

“He had a meeting to go to.” She told him. “We were just cleaning up some things.”

“Alright,” He said gesturing towards the brown bag in his hand. “I brought Chinese if you guys are interested.”

“I’m starving. She wouldn’t let me take a lunch.” Michael said grabbing the bag and looking through it.

“Are you on your lunch break as well?” Maria asked Alex.

He shook his head. “I’m a teacher at Roswell Elementary. Best job in the world, summer’s off.”

“Best job in the world!” Michael scoffed. “Two more weeks and you’ll be back to ‘Mr. Whitman, I peed in my pants’ and ‘Mr. Whitman, I ate all my glue’.”

A thought occurred to Maria and she turned to Alex excitedly. “Oh my God! You’re Alex Whitman?”

“Did I not just introduce you two?” Michael asked and then narrowed his eyes. “In fact, were you not just introduced for the second time?”

Maria ignored him. “You were in a band right? The Whits?”

“Yeah, I still am.” Alex said smiling incredulously. “How did you know that?”

“I have your CD and I saw you live.”

“When?” Alex asked.

“Where?” Michael questioned at the same time.

“Here in Roswell.” Maria said laughing. “I guess it was your senior year. I came to visit Liz and she took me to the concert you guys had in the park.”

“You’ve been to Roswell before?” Michael asked sceptically.

“Of course, I would come and visit Liz.” She told him and then waved him off and turned back to Alex. “You guys were awesome. I listened to your CD over and over again. I’m a singer, you know.”

Michael rolled his eyes and held up the bag. “Let’s all go in my office and eat lunch. The two of you can talk about your upcoming tour in there.”

Maria glared at him, but followed him down the hall talking with Alex who was smiling back at her like a worshipped star.

*******************************************************************************
Liz walked down the stairs from her apartment into the back room of the Crashdown wondering if Maria had killed Michael. She had waited for him to come in for lunch, but he had never shown up. She only hoped that they were getting along and this job would work out for Maria, she deserved a break.

Liz walked out into the restaurant to find it wasn’t very busy for that time of day. The lunch rush was already out and it was still two hours before the dinner rush. She was about to turn around and go into the back to check on the dishwasher, which had been acting funny lately, when she spotted someone familiar.

Sitting alone on a stool at the opposite end of the counter was a little girl with dark curly hair reading a menu. Liz looked over to see that the bathroom was occupied and then smiled. She went behind the counter and walked down to stand in front of the little girl.

“Hello.” Liz said smiling at Madison, whose face was now hidden behind the menu.

“Hi Liz.” Madison replied brightly putting down the menu and smiling back. “I’m just trying to decided what I would like.”

“I see.” Liz said pretending to study the menu. “What do you feel like?”

“Can I get anything I want?” Madison asked excitedly. “I don’t have any money.”

Liz glanced over to the closed bathroom door and then back to Madison. “Anything you want.”

The little girl laughed. “Umm, I think that I will have the same one as last time. That was really good.”

“Sure thing.” Liz said remembering the order. “Are you ready for school?”

“Not yet. My dad is going to take me shopping for school stuff soon though. My mom took me shopping yesterday for new clothes for school.”

“She did?” Liz said still feeling guilty about what she had said the last time she had seen Madison.

“Yeah, she bought me this.” She told Liz pointing down to her pink shorts and white tank top. “It was supposed to be for school but my dad let me wear it because he didn’t know, so don’t tell him.”

“I promise.” Liz said holding her hand over her heart. “I’m just going to wait for your dad before I order your food okay?”

“My dad is coming here?” She asked looking confused.

“What do you mean, sweetie?” Liz asked her looking equally confused.

“I didn’t know that my dad was coming here.”

“He’s not here?”

“No.” Madison said shaking her head giggling. “He had to work today. It’s Monday.”

“So, who is in the bathroom?” Liz asked looking over to the closed door.

“Someone who had to pee?” Madison guessed as Liz saw one of her regular customers come out of the bathroom and wave at her.

Liz smiled back weakly at him and then turned back to Madison.

“Who are you here with?” Liz asked her suddenly not feeling so good.

“No one. I came by myself.” Madison said proudly.

“But, you can’t come here by yourself.” Liz insisted shaking her head.

“I told you that I had no money. I don’t have a job.”

“I know, Madison.” Liz said looking down at her with worry. “But you aren’t supposed to be here.”

Liz felt her stomach drop as Madison looked up at her with big innocent eyes.

“But you said that I could come back any time I wanted.”

********************

Hey Everyone.

Thanks for all the wonderful feedback. You are all so awesome...Once again it's like 3 a.m. here, but I really wanted to get this out because I'm falling behind. So, I'm not going to post individual responses this time...but I do appreciate all your kind words. Thank you so much. I love you all. You're the best.

So, here is the next chapter and I will just say one thing...most of you may be disappointed with Max's reaction, but it will be explained in the following chapter.

Enjoy.


Chapter 8

As Madison stared up at Liz in utter confusion, Liz was taking deep breaths and looking around the Crashdown frantically. She suddenly had the feeling that she was doing something illegal and in a moment’s time Jim Valenti would come barging in to arrest her.

She looked back down to Madison and tried to remain clam so that she could figure out what the hell was going on.

“Okay, Madison.” Liz said smiling as best as she could. “Where is your mom?”

“At work.” Madison replied bouncing on the stool.

“And your dad is at work too?”
Madison nodded. “I’m really hungry. Can you order my food now? My dad will pay you back later.”

“This is very important.” Liz told her. She knew that Madison didn’t realize how serious the situation was, but it was frustrating all the same. Liz decided that the direct approach would be the best since she wasn’t getting anywhere.

“Where are you supposed to be right now?” Liz asked walking around the counter and taking a seat on the stool next to Madison.

Madison slowly turned to face her. “Umm…The park I guess…”

“That’s where you came from? The park?”

Madison nodded. “I walked from the park to here. It’s hot outside.”

Liz smiled, thankful for a direct answer. “Okay, good. Who were you at the park with?”

“Danielle brought me.”

“Who is Danielle?” Liz asked confused.

“My babysitter.”

Liz groaned. Of course Madison had a babysitter, why hadn’t she thought of that?

“She let you come here by yourself?” Liz asked suddenly more confused than before.

Madison shrugged.

A thought occurred to Liz and she opened her eyes wide in terror. “Does she know that you are here?”

Madison shrugged again.

“Did you tell her that you were coming here?”

“No. I was just hungry and I remembered what you told me, so I decided to walk over here and eat.”

Liz felt her stomach drop. The babysitter didn’t know that Madison was here. She didn’t know. Liz stood up suddenly.

“We have to go.” She told Madison and took her by the hand.

“But you never ordered my food yet!” The little exclaimed as Liz practically dragged her out of the restaurant thinking that she was for sure going to be arrested for this.

* * * *

Liz rushed down the sidewalk with Madison’s had tightly gripped in her own. She was walking as fast as she could and considering Madison’s legs were a lot shorter than her own, Madison was practically running to keep up with her.

“Where are we going?” Madison asked looking up at her. “I don’t want to go somewhere else to eat. I want to go to your restaurant. It’s my favourite.”

“We’re not going to eat.” Liz told her. “We have to get back to the park.”

“Why?”

Liz shook her head. Why? Because this babysitter, Danielle, had no idea where Madison was. Why? Because the park was five blocks from the Crashdown and Madison had been inside the Crashdown for ten or fifteen minutes. That meant she had been gone from the park for at least half-an-hour. Why? Because the babysitter would have called the police by now and when she showed up at the park there would be a search party forming. Why? Because she would show up at the park with a missing little girl who would tell the police that she, Liz Parker, had told her that she could come to the Crashdown any time she wanted. Why? Because her ex-boyfriend’s father would place her under arrest and then Max Evans would come down to the station to press charges for endangering his daughter’s life.

That’s why.

Liz glanced down to Madison. “Because Danielle is going to be very worried about you.”

“Okay.” Madison said satisfied.

Liz smiled weakly and picked up the pace slightly.

A few moments later, which felt more like hours to Liz, they rounded the corner and the park was across the street. No flashing lights. No men in uniform. Just several kids playing and several adults supervising.

As they crossed the street Liz looked to Madison. “Where is Danielle? Do you see her?”

Madison nodded and pointed. “She’s right there.”

Liz looked at the bench the little girl was pointing at and felt as though she couldn’t breathe.

“Are you sure that’s her?” Liz asked looking down at Madison in horror.
“Duh!” She sighed rolling her eyes. “I know my own babysitter. She’s right where she was when I left.”

Liz looked up and stared at the bench feeling anger begin to well up inside of her. In the back of her mind she was sure there was a little voice telling her to calm down, but she ignored it.

“C’mon.” Liz said and began to walk across the grass towards the bench. It was a few feet from the playground and beside a tree, which Liz took no notice of since her eyes were focused on the bench. She was also faintly aware that Madison was now running to keep up with her, Liz hadn’t let go of her hand.

“Why are you going so fast?” Madison asked but Liz chose to ignore it for fear of yelling at the little girl. She took a deep breath and stopped in front of the bench staring down in fury.

The girl, Danielle, was no more than seventeen and Liz faintly recognized her from around town. Danielle, the babysitter, didn’t notice Liz standing in front of her. She was too preoccupied with the boy who was sitting beside her on the bench and whom she was currently swapping spit with.

Liz cleared her throat loudly and watched as the two teenagers pulled away from each other. At first Danielle looked up at Liz annoyed, but then she suddenly looked scared once she looked Liz in the eye. The boy was just looking up confused.

“Having a good time?” Liz asked not hiding the anger from her voice.

“What?” Danielle asked narrowing her eyes. She then looked down and noticed Madison who was standing beside Liz and still had her hand tightly gripped in Liz’s hand.

“Do I really need to repeat the question?” Liz hissed.

“Look, I don’t know who you are or what you’re talking about.” Danielle told her and then looked down at Madison. “What are you doing with her?”

Liz laughed abruptly and Danielle’s head moved back as if she were slapped. Danielle looked down to Madison and held out her hand. “Come here, sweetie.”

“No.” Liz said even though Madison had made no attempt to move.

“Look lady,” Danielle said and began to look scared again. “I’m her babysitter, so you better let her go right now.”

“You’re her babysitter?”

Danielle nodded. “Yes. So let her go or I’ll call the police.”
Liz smiled with fury in her eyes. She took a deep breath to keep from screaming at the girl. “Maybe you should call the police so I can inform them what a wonderful babysitter you are.”

“What are you talking about?”

“This girl right here,” Liz yelled pointing down to Madison who was looking up at Liz with wide eyes. “She left this park at least half-an-hour ago and walked five blocks to my restaurant. She walked all the way there alone and anyone could have taken her and you’d still be sitting here making out with your boyfriend.”

Liz glared at her and then turned her stare to the boy who had remained silent and looked as if he were going to remain that way.

“That’s impossible.” Danielle said shaking her head. “I’ve been keeping an eye on her.”

“Really, so where has she been for the last thirty minutes?” Liz demanded.

“Right over there with those other kids.” Danielle told her and pointed towards the playground.

Liz turned to see several children playing in the sand with shovels and buckets. One of the little girls had dark curly hair.

Liz shook her head in disgust and then turned back to Danielle who was looking back and forth between Madison and the other little girl.

“That’s some eye you’ve got.” Liz said matter-of-factly.

“But…”

Liz held up her hand and then looked down to Madison. “Why don’t you go and play over there with those kids for a few minutes?”

Madison stared at her for a moment and then nodded. Liz watched as she walked over and sat down with the children.

“You have got some nerve.” Liz spat out when she knew that Madison was out of earshot.

“I thought she was right there.” Danielle protested.

“That’s your excuse?” Liz yelled. “That’s just not good enough. That little girl could have been kidnapped! She could have been raped! What if someone had killed her?”

“But, I swear that was her!”

“They have the same curly hair and that is it. You were trusted to be responsible for this little girl and instead you chose to screw around with your boyfriend.”

“I’m sorry.” Danielle said softly looking down at the ground.

Liz took a deep breath to calm down. She hadn’t meant to yell at the girl, but it wasn’t an easy thing to control.

“I’m not the one you should be apologizing too.” Liz told her. “You should be ashamed of yourself.”

Danielle looked back up at her with her eyes wide. “What are you going to do?”

“I’m taking her to her father.” Liz said without hesitation. “I suggest you go home.”

“My mother is going to wonder why I’m home so early.”

Liz shook her head. All the girl was concerned about was that she was going to get in trouble.

“Then maybe you should tell her what happened because I’m sure she’s going to find out from Max.”

Danielle stared up at her and that’s when Liz realized that she had thought Liz wasn’t going to say anything to Max.

“You are unbelievable.” Liz said glaring at her. “You fucked up. Not me, so don’t look at me like that.”

Danielle stood up and then looked down at the boy. “Let’s go.”

Liz watched as the two of them slid past her and quickly began to walk away from the park.

Liz turned and looked to where Madison was sitting beside the little girl with the curly dark hair. There was no excuse for what had happened. Madison was wearing a white tank top and pink shorts, while the other little girl had on a red t-shirt and blue jeans. Their faces were not even remotely similar; the only thing was the hair. All Danielle had done was look up for curly dark hair every once in awhile from her cozy spot with her boyfriend.

She took another deep breath and began to calm down slightly. She felt guilty for acting that way in front of Madison and hoped that she hadn’t traumatized the little girl. She also had to take her to her father. Liz knew where his office was and decided that she better get there as soon as possible.

“Madison!” Liz called and waved her over.

“Are we leaving now?” Madison asked after running over to her.

Liz nodded. “I’m going to take you to see your dad at work.”

“Okay.”

Liz smiled down at her as Madison held out her hand for Liz to take.

“I’m really sorry for acting so mad back there.” Liz told her once they were walking at a normal pace hand-in-hand.

“It’s okay.” She replied casually.

“I didn’t mean to yell at Danielle.” Liz said looking down at Madison. “I hope that I didn’t scare you.”

“I wasn’t scared.” Madison replied and looked up at smiling. “It was so cool. She was really scared of you.”

“Aren’t you upset?” Liz inquired confused.

Madison shook her head. “I didn’t really like her. She never wanted to talk to me. She only wanted to talk to her boyfriend.”

Liz laughed as Madison said the last word while rolling her eyes.

“So, you’re okay?” Liz asked.

She nodded. “Yeah, but I’m still hungry though.”

Liz laughed again. “I know, but we have to go and talk to your dad. Then you can eat. Can you wait until then?”

“I can wait until then, but I don’t think my tummy will.” Madison said seriously. “It’s making noises and they aren’t happy ones.”

* * * *

Liz walked into the office with Madison chattering away about the upcoming school year and found Maria sitting behind the reception desk. Well, Liz could barely see her because of the stacks of papers and folders all over the desk.

Maria looked up and Liz smiled. “Hey.”

“Liz! What are you doing here?” Maria asked standing up and walking out from behind the desk. It was then that she noticed Madison still holding onto Liz’s hand.

Maria looked at her confused. “Okay. How long have I been here?”

Liz laughed. “Maria. This is Madison, she’s Max’s daughter.”

“Oh, still not making sense though.” Maria said and then walked over to her. “Hi, I’m Maria. I’m the new secretary.”

“Hello.” Madison said smiling brightly at her. “You are so much prettier than the last one.”

Liz laughed as Maria’s whole face lit up and she bent down on one knee. “Thank you. You’re a knock-out yourself.”

“I love this kid.” Maria said looking at Liz. “Where did you find her?”

“Long story.”

“I see.” Maria said standing up. “Well, I’m totally confused right now. But, I assume that you are not here for me. And if you’re looking for Michael, he left an hour ago to meet with a client. And if you’re looking for Max, which would make the most sense, he’s in his office.”

“Max would be the one I’m looking for.”

“Okay, well follow me.” Maria said still looking confused.

Liz and Madison followed her down the hall towards Max’s office. The door was open and Maria knocked on it softly.

“Yeah?” Max inquired not looking up from his paper work.

“You have visitors.” Maria announced as Madison let go of Liz’s hand and ran past them into the office. Liz stood behind Maria out in the hallway.

“Hi Dad.” Madison said running behind his desk and throwing her arms around his waist.

“Hey Kiddo. What are you doing here?” Max asked kissing the top of her head.

“Liz brought me.”

“What?” He questioned and looked up at doorway. Liz smiled and waved at him.

“Liz brought me here. You shoulda saw what happened at the park.” Madison said giggling.

Max looked back and forth between the two of them. “Where’s Danielle?”

Liz tentatively stepped into the office. “There was sort of an incident.”

“Is Danielle okay?” Max asked her looking very concerned and that just made her feel angry again. Angry that he was concerned for her well being while she had neglected his daughter.

“Yeah, I guess so.” Liz said uncertainly shifting her weight.

“Hey.” Maria said. “Maybe you two should talk alone. Madison, why don’t you come with me and I’ll get you something to drink?”

“Okay.” Madison said skipping out from behind the desk to Maria.

Maria glanced between Max and Liz. “We’ll be at my desk.”

“Thanks.” Max told her while Liz nodded.

“Do you mind if I sit down?” Liz asked once Maria had left with Madison.

“Please.” He replied nodding to the chair across from him.

“What happened?” He asked her once she had taken a seat.

Liz shifted in her seat, not knowing exactly what to tell him. “Well, Madison showed up at the Crashdown a little while ago.”

“She did?” Max asked and Liz nodded. “Well, where is Danielle?”

“At home?” Liz guessed thinking of the girl practically running off.

“I don’t understand.” He stated shaking his head.

“Here’s the thing, Max.” She said deciding that she should just always get straight to the point. She had done enough beating around the bush today. “Madison showed up at the Crashdown a little while ago and I thought that you were with her. See, someone was in the bathroom and I assumed it was you. I know, it was stupid of me, and I apologize for that. So, I was talking to her for a little bit and then the person came out of the bathroom and it wasn’t you. That was when I realized that she was alone.”

Liz paused and watched as his eyes narrowed. “What do you mean she was alone?”

“I mean she was alone Max.” Liz blurted out and began to talk in a panic. “Danielle had taken her to the park and then Madison had left. She left and came to the Crashdown because the other day I had told her that she could come anytime that she wanted. But, I didn’t mean that she could just up and come to the restaurant alone. I swear, that’s not what I meant. I think that she just misunderstood. Anyways, she said she really liked the food and was hungry. So, she just walked over by herself. I didn’t know that she would do that. If I did, I would have never told her that. When I realized that she had left and came there all alone I took her back to the park. We walked really fast, I promise. I brought her back as soon as I realized what was happening. I thought that for sure I was going to be arrested, I could picture the whole thing in my head. I felt so horrible and I didn’t know what to do. I was panicking…”

Liz trailed off and took a deep breath because the whole explanation just rushed out of her.

Max stared at her for a moment and she thought for sure he was going to start screaming at her. Instead he shook his head and leaned forward in his chair. “She just left Danielle and decided to go off on her own?”

Liz shrugged and nodded at the same time.

“And you brought her back to the park?”

She nodded again.

“I still don’t get it Liz.” He said staring at her. “What happened when you got to the park? Was Danielle looking for her? Had she gone off to find her?”

“She was still at the park.” Liz said softly. “But, she wasn’t looking for her.”

Max paused and stared at her harder. She looked into his eyes and could practically see his mind trying to make sense out of what she was telling him.

“Okay.” She said forcing herself to look away. “I’ll tell you. Just let me get it out, okay?”

She glanced over to see him nod softly.

“When we got to the park, Danielle was there with her boyfriend. They were making out on a bench. She didn’t even know that Madison had left.”

Liz sat staring at the floor and waited for him to say something. When he didn’t she looked up to see him looking right through her as if in shock.

“I don’t fucking believe this.” He whispered shaking his head.

“It’s true. I’m sorry, but it is.” She said and then told him the rest.
By the time she was done, she knew what she must have looked like to Danielle earlier. The fury in his eye was enough to make her squirm.

“I’m really sorry.” She repeated, not sure what else to say.

He looked down at the desk and she could hear him trying to control his breathing. She sat in silence, not sure whether to get up and leave or if he would have more questions for her. She decided to wait and see if he would kick her out. She sat patiently staring at her hands.

A few moments later she heard his voice and looked up to see that he appeared to be a little calmer.

“You really said all that stuff to her?” He asked softly.

Liz bit her lip and nodded. “I kind of lost control. I know I had no right, I’m sorry.”

He smiled at her slightly. “Stop apologizing. Every time I see you, you apologize.”

She nodded and decided to keep her mouth shut because she knew another ‘sorry’ was coming.

“Now,” He said slowly. “I am trying to remain calm about all of this. Frankly, I would like to smash that window but I will refrain.”

“That’s a good idea.” Liz said stupidly. “You’d probably cut yourself.”

He laughed and she blushed. “I don’t know what I am going to do, but I know that freaking out is not going to help. Besides, you seem to have taken care of that.”

She nodded biting her lip so that she would not apologize again.

“Thank you.” He said and she looked at him surprised at the sincerity in his voice.

“But, I didn’t do anything.”

“Yes, you did. You took care of my daughter.”

“What are you going to do?” She asked him.

“I’m not quite sure right now. I’m just glad that she’s okay.”

“Me too.”

Just then the door opened and Madison came in.

“Did Liz tell you what happened?” She asked coming over to the desk.

Max nodded and grabbed her and hugged her. “I’m so glad that you are alright.”

She smiled up at him and kissed him on the nose. “I’m always alright.”

“Yes, you are.” He said and Liz smiled at the two of them.

“Well, I better get going.” Liz said standing up. “I have to get back to the Crashdown. The dinner rush will be in soon.”

“I’m going too.” Madison told her father who looked down at her with wide eyes.

“Who said?” He asked.

“Liz. She wrote my order down earlier but never got to give it to the man who cooks everything.”

“Well, I think that Liz has done enough for you today.” Max said poking Madison’s belly. “We can go and have some dinner when I’m finished up here.”

“How long is that going to take?”

“I’m not sure, but I have to finish this before I leave. It’s very important.”

Liz watched the two of them and saw that Max was trying to keep everything under control. It was turning out to be a tough day for him.

“Look,” Liz said and the two of them looked at her. “I can take her to the Crashdown and give her some dinner. You can come and pick her up when you’re done if you want.”

Madison smiled at her brightly while Max looked at her in silence.

A thought occurred to her then. “Of course, I understand under the current situation if you don’t trust me. It was just a suggestion.”

“Please Dad?” Madison said turning to him.

“Are you sure?” Max asked turning to Liz. “I mean, you’ve really gone out of your way today.”

“I’m sure. It’s no problem.” She told him honestly.

He turned to Madison and asked her to wait outside with Maria.

“You don’t have to do this. She can wait to eat.” He told her once Madison had left.
“I want to do it.”

He paused for a moment and glanced down at his desk covered with papers. “I do really have to get this stuff done.”

She smiled. “There’s no need to explain. It’s just dinner, you don’t have to feel guilty about having to work.”

She grinned at him and he laughed. “Okay, but just remember that you wanted to do this. She’s an earful.”

“Thank you.” She told him feeling like this was the way she could make up for the stupid things she had done to him and Madison.

“Don’t thank me.” He said holding up his hands. “I can never thank you enough for what you did today.”

Liz just nodded knowing that saying ‘you’re welcome’ wouldn’t suffice.

“Well, I guess we better take off so you can get some work done.” She said walking backwards toward the door.

He nodded and followed her. “I shouldn’t be too much longer.”

They walked out to find Madison playing with Maria’s hair.

“Alright Kiddo. Go have some dinner.” Max announced and Madison jumped up and down smiling.

“Yes!” She exclaimed happily and rubbed her tummy. “I’m starving.”

They said goodbye and Max warned Madison to behave and then they left.

“Liz?” Madison asked once they were walking to the Crashdown.

“Yes?”

“You’re much more better than Danielle.” Madison told her and took her hand.


* * * *

Hey Everyone! I'm back. Sorry it took so long.

Okay, so I just realized that I am an idiot and really screwed up in the fic. I know that I wrote that Danielle was a new babysitter that Max and Tess only used a few times before, but I didn't factor in that they had to have had a fulltime babysitter because they both work. So, we'll just presume that Danielle was Madison's regular babysitter. That's totally an error on my part. So, I'm hoping you all can forgive me and pretend it never happened. lol.

Also, I'd really like a banner for this fic...So if any of you are interested, please PM me and let me know.

Okay, some thank you's:

purpleant: Yeah, Danielle isn’t much of a babysitter. lol. Thanks for the feedback.

Emz80m: Thank you. I know, I just keep making this worse for Max. It’ll get better soon though . The thing about Tess not helping out, she works too so they need a babysitter for during the day.

frenchkiss70: Thanks for that feedback. I hadn’t realized that I made it seem like Max was making Liz feel guilty. She was supposed to feel guilty, but not by him, she was making herself feel guilty. I’m glad you pointed that out though, hopefully I can correct that in this part.

mmcherron: Liz as Madison’s new babysitter? Hmm…I wonder?? lol. Thanks.

Bixie: Thanks so much for the feedback. Yes, Max wasn’t supposed to make Liz feel bad or anything.

Blink1lit: Thank you. That means so much because I’m still having a difficult time with that character.

Behrlyliz: Thank you.

IluvMaxEvans: Thanks for reading and the feedback.

icequeen: Tess is also working during the day. More will be explained in this part. Thank you.

Coley452: Thank you. I’m glad you are enjoying it.

CherryFlavoredChica: Thanks!

begonia9508: Thank you.

roswellluver: Thanks for reading and responding.

SmileeUk: Hmm…Max needs a new babysitter, indeed! I wonder who that will be? *scratches chin* lol. Thank you for the feedback.

ERIN: Hey! Glad you’re liking Liz. Ah, the boyfriend…don’t they always get us in trouble? lol. Liz as a babysitter? Nah… . And I’m liking your icon there too…Back Room is always good! That sucks about missing season 4. That’s all they’re showing over here, so I’ve seen them like 4 times now. (seriously don’t mean to rub it in! I don’t know what I’d do if I had to wait.) But, season 1 is always good. Ah, the prom. I cry like a little bitch every time! lol. BRIAN AND JUSTIN ROCK MY SOCKS (among other things). lol. Miss you and you-know-what. (I’m not nagging, just letting you know.) *kisses*

rigel: Thank you so much! I love that you love it! lol.

VeronicB: Thank you. That really means a lot. I’ve never done a kiddie fic before, so I’m glad you like her!

cherie: Thank you sooo much! Again, so happy that people are likin’ Madison…really means more than you all know. I see that you another that suspects Liz will be the new babysitter…Interesting idea…;)

linliz68: Thank you. Ah, don’t worry about not catching up…I can’t believe you think that I would hurt. Although, if you miss another one I may have to break your legs! lmao. I’m just kidding! I’m just happy that you are liking it.

Eliz: Thank you so so much! Glad you like Madison.

g7silvers: Thanks for the feedback. Oh, Max and Liz will definitely be talking more! J

snoopie13: Thanks! Glad you are enjoying Liz and Madison’s time together.

Earth2Mama: Thank you! Your feedback is too cute to miss! Totally love the whole reference thing…I didn’t even think of it. (Although, she had babysat Madison before).

Alien614: Do you? Well, we’ll just have to wait and see about that. Won’t we??? J Thanks for the feedback.


Okay, so here is the new chapter. It's kind of like a transitional chapter, so I hope that it's not too boring for all of you.

Enjoy!

Chapter 9

Max walked into the Crashdown alongside Maria and saw Liz sitting across from Madison in one of the booths. The two of them were laughing, which caused him to smile.

“Hey Dad!” Madison called noticing him and waving them over.

“Hi honey.” Max said walking over and kissing her on the forehead. “Were you good?”

“Of course I was.” She replied and rolled her eyes. Then she turned to Maria. “Oh! Maria, me and Liz made you some dinner. Well, I helped her. A little. Well, mostly I watched but we saved it for you.”

Maria laughed. “Well thank you very much.”

Liz stood up. “I’ll go get it.”

“Thanks.” Maria told her and then sat down where Liz had been sitting to face Madison. “So, did you have a good time with Liz?”

Max watched as Madison smiled brightly and nodded.

“She is so much fun. You must have so much fun all the time. I want to move in with my friend one day. That will be so cool.”

Maria laughed and Max sat next to Madison. “I think you’ll have to wait a few more years for that.”

“I know.” Madison said looking up at him. “When I’m sixteen. That’s when I want to move in with my friend. We will get jobs so you don’t have to pay for my stuff.”

Max smirked and looked over to Maria who was laughing even harder. She looked at Madison. “That’s what we all said. Plans have a way of changing.”

Madison shook her head. “My plan will work.”

“What plan?” Liz asked returning and placing a plate of fries and a burger in front of Maria.

“I’m moving out when I’m sixteen.” Madison told her proudly.

“Yeah.” Liz said nodding. “I said that too and I still haven’t left.”

Maria looked at Madison while pointing at Liz. “See?”

The three adults laughed while Madison gave a look that said, ‘just wait and see’.

“Can I talk to you?” Max asked Liz and she nodded.

“Go ahead.” Maria said throwing a fry in her mouth. “Madison and I will just enjoy these carbs that Liz keeps forcing on me.”

Max smiled and then followed Liz into the back room.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out some money. “Here.”

Liz looked down at his hand. “What’s this for?”

“Watching Madison.”

She shook her head and looked up him with wide eyes. “I didn’t do it for the money. I can’t accept that.”

“Please…” He said holding out his hand.

“No.” She said and shook her head again. “I won’t take it. I offered to watch her and didn’t expect compensation for it. You needed help. Besides, it wasn’t even two hours.”

Max looked at her and the stubborn expression on her face. He sighed knowing that she wasn’t going to take the money. He put it back in his pocket and she nodded.

“Look Liz,” He said suddenly feeling too warm. “I want to apologize for the way that I acted earlier. I didn’t mean to put you on the spot or anything.”

“You don’t need to apologize.” She said brushing her hair back. “You didn’t do anything wrong. You shouldn’t feel bad for caring about your daughter. I’m just glad that she’s okay.”

He nodded. “Thanks to you. I really can’t thank you enough for today.”

She smiled. “I think that we’ve exchanged enough apologies and thank you’s for one day. Okay?”

He smiled back and nodded again.

“So, have you figured out what you’re going to do about no longer having a babysitter?”

“Not really. But, I have to figure something out by tonight.”

Liz took a step closer to him. “Well you can bring her back here tomorrow and I’ll watch her.”

“No.” He said shaking his head. “I can’t ask you to do that. You’ve done enough.”

“I’m offering. Besides, it’s not a big deal. She’s a great kid. I just hang around here anyways, it’s not like she’ll be getting in the way or anything.”

“Thanks for the offer.” He said and she narrowed her eyes at him making him laugh. “But, I’ll figure something out.”

He was lying because he had no idea what the hell he was going to do. But, he couldn’t help but feel that he would be taking advantage of her.

“Okay, Max.” She said. “But, if you change your mind just let me know.”

He was about to say thanks, but decided against it. “I better get going. Madison’s probably driving Maria nuts.”

Liz laughed. “I doubt that. They are probably trying to out-talk each other.”

She started for the door and he grabbed her hand. She turned back and looked up at him.
He opened her hand and placed a ten dollar bill in it.

She looked at her hand and then back at him questioningly.

“It’s for Madison’s dinner. You have to at least let me pay you for that.”

“It’s too much.”

“Keep the change. Consider it a tip.”

She looked up at him and he stared back down at her and then let go of her hand.

“You know Max, for a lawyer you give lousy tips.” She told him and then walked back out into the restaurant.

He stood there for a moment and then shook his head and laughed.

* * * * *
“Well, should we call the police and press charges or something? My God, Max. Think of what could have happened to Madison! That girl should be in jail for what she did.”

Max took a drag off his cigarette and blew the smoke away from the phone. He was sitting outside on the porch. He had put Madison to bed an hour ago, but he didn’t smoke in the house.

“I called her mother, Tess.” He said rubbing his forehead because he was beginning to get a headache. “She assured me that Danielle was going to be punished. Besides, I really just want to forget about this. I just can’t handle it right now. Everything is happening so fast and it just feels like everything is spinning out of control.”

He had finally gotten a hold of Tess. He had been calling her cell phone all night and she just returned his call, so he was finally able to tell her about what had happened that day.

He heard her sigh on the other end of the line. “I’m sorry. I can’t imagine how difficult this is for you. I know it’s all my fault.”

“Stop.” He said cutting her off. “I really don’t want to do this right now. I just need to figure out what I’m going to do tomorrow. I can’t miss work. As much as I would like to stay home with her, I have to make money.”

“I know.” She replied. “Maybe I can miss work tomorrow, that way we will have more time to find a new babysitter. Although, I’m not sure I want her left alone without anyone but you or me.”

He shook his head even though she couldn’t see him. “No. You can’t miss work either.”

“I can just call Isabel and tell her what happened. I’m sure she’ll understand. She can look after the salon for a day.”

“I already called her and she offered to work alone.” He told her and took another drag. “But, with her having a really hard time with the pregnancy, it’s just not a good idea. She can’t take care of all your clients on her own.”

She paused for a moment thinking. “You’re right. Shit! What are we going to do? Wait! What about Alex? He’s a teacher. He has the summer off.”

“I already thought of that. He said that he would love to, but it’s the week before school and he has meetings all week.”

“Michael can’t miss a day?” She muttered. He knew that she knew that she was grasping at straws. They both knew that he couldn’t miss work either.

“He was actually my first consideration. You know how much she loves him.” Max said inhaling again and wishing that the smoke could just vaporize all his problems.

“That’s because he let’s her get away with murder.” She replied and Max could hear the smile on her face. “I know, you guys have a shitload of work over at the office.”

They sat in silence and Max sucked back the cigarette thinking of Liz’s offer.

“Are you smoking?” He heard Tess ask from the other end.

“Look, I think I know of someone.” He said quickly trying to change the subject.

“Who?” She asked and Max told her what Liz had said. “Well, she did rescue Madison from that monster babysitter. Do you think that she was serious?”

Max nodded. “Yeah. And Madison really had fun with her today.”

“I don’t know, Max.” Tess said into the phone and Max could now hear the frown on her face. “It’s not that I have anything against Liz, but we don’t really know her. I mean, I’m really worried now because of what happened with this babysitter.”

“I know.” He said nodding his head. “I know that you’re worried, but she did take really good care of her today. And Madison went to her, so that has to mean something.”

He waited while Tess was silent for a few moments trying to decide. “Do you trust her Max?”

“Yes.” He replied without hesitation and put his cigarette out.

“Okay. You trust her and I trust you.” She said sounding more convinced. “Call her and ask her. Then call my cell and let me know. Okay?”

He agreed and hung up the phone. He stared out into the empty street for a moment and then glanced at the table beside the ashtray. There was a slip of paper beside it with Liz’s phone number on it. He had copied it out of the phonebook just before Tess had called. He really didn’t want to call her. Not because he didn’t trust her, but because he felt horrible for asking her to do this. They barely knew each other and now he wanted to dump his kid on her all day. But, she had said that she was offering. That wasn’t the main reason though. He really did trust that Madison would be safe with her and that was all that mattered.

He picked up the phone before he could change his mind. He dialled her number and quickly lit another smoke as it began to ring.

“Hello?” He heard her voice on the other end after the third ring.

“Hi Liz. It’s Max.” He said and then cleared his throat. “Max Evans.”

“Well, hello Max Evans.” She replied in a tone in which he had the feeling that she was teasing him for saying his last name. “And what can I do for you?”

“Well, I was just wondering if I could take you up on your offer?” He said and took a quick drag off of his cigarette.

“What offer?” She asked innocently and he knew the she knew what he was talking about.

He smiled. “Your offer to watch Madison. If it still stands?”

“Couldn’t find anyone else could you?”

“No.” He said quickly and then mentally kicked himself. “No! That’s not what I meant. I mean, I didn’t mean that I couldn’t find anyone else…I just meant that…Well, you know what I mean…”

“Max!” She laughed. “I’m just teasing you. Of course I know what you meant. And, yes, my offer still stands. I would love to watch Madison for you.”

“Just until I find someone else.” He said quickly. “I know that you have a life of your own and you don’t want to hang around an eight year old all day.”

“It’s fine, Max. Really.” She insisted. “What time do you want to drop her off?”

“Is quarter to eight okay?” He asked uneasily.

“Quarter to eight is fine.” She told him and he could hear Maria yell something in the background. “Maria said she’ll be ready so you can give her a lift to work.”

Max laughed. “Okay. Tell her I’ll pick her up.”

“She’s so lazy.” Liz said laughing as well. “So, I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Yeah.” He said nodding to himself. “Thanks, Liz.”

“Thank me again and I’ll take back my offer.” She threatened jokingly. “Bye.”

“Bye.” He said but she had already hung up. He took the phone away from his ear and put out his cigarette.

He grabbed the ashtray and walked back into the house with a smile on his face.

* * * * *
Liz hung up the phone and turned to Maria with a smile on her face.

“It killed him to ask me to watch Madison.” Liz stated shaking her head but the smile remained.

“But why?” Maria questioned using a knife to slice off a piece of the apple she was holding. “I don’t get that. What’s the big deal?”

“I think that it literally almost kills men to ask for help.”

“Guys are nuts.” Maria said through a mouthful of apple. “I mean, you offered. It’s not like he held a gun to your head and forced you to watch her.”

“I know.” She nodded. She knew that it had been hard for him to ask her for help, but she just couldn’t understand why. She wanted to watch Madison. She had had fun with her and it got pretty boring around the restaurant when it wasn’t busy. Plus, she was just glad that she could help out. She couldn’t even imagine what he was going through, trying to raise that little girl on his own. That could be the reason he had trouble asking her for help. Maybe he felt like he had to do it on his own or else he wouldn’t be a good father.

Liz shook her head. Whatever his reason, she was just glad that he had called.

“So, what’s your big news?” She asked Maria sitting down next to her on the couch.

They hadn’t had a chance to talk because right after Max had left with Madison, the dinner rush had started. It had been extremely busy, so Liz had stayed downstairs to help out. Maria had offered, but Liz had refused because Maria had just gotten off work. It had been so busy that Liz had just gotten up to the apartment and Maria said she had big news at the same moment Max had called.

Maria’s eyes widened. “Oh yeah! So, remember the first night that I met Max and Michael at the bar?”

Liz nodded. “How could I forget? Michael nearly swept you of your feet.”

Maria rolled her eyes. “Please! Anyways, Alex was there too. Only I didn’t realize that he was Alex Whitman.”

Liz narrowed her eyes. She had no idea where this was going. “I’m not following.”

“Alex Whitman! I didn’t realize that he was the Alex Whitman from The Whits. Do not even tell me you forgot?”

She laughed, now catching on. “Oh yes. Your obsession with The Whits. I remember it clearly. You wanted to move here and become a member.”

Maria nodded excitedly. “Exactly!”

“So, what’s the big news? You got his autograph or something? Are they even still together?”

Maria ignored all her questions. “So, Alex came into the office today for lunch and that’s when I realized it was him. So, I was telling him about how you brought me to see The Whits that time and I bought a copy of their CD. And I told him how much I loved them and still listened to it every now and then, even though most of the tracks skip and stuff. I mean, it was just a cheap little CD, but he couldn’t believe that I had still had it. So, I told him how I am singer…”

Maria trailed off to build suspense.

“And?” Liz questioned with wide eyes to amuse her.

Maria grinned and pointed the knife at Liz, not threateningly just in general. “And! And we’re going to try to put something together for Friday night because the bar is having an Open Mic night.”

“Are you serious?” Liz asked surprised. “How did that happen?”

“Well, Michael left to use the washroom and Alex asked if I would mind singing something for him. So, I did and he really liked it. He told me that him and the guys usually just fool around on the weekends and stuff. You know, just playing for fun, but they were considering starting up again and playing gigs. They were going to audition for a singer soon because they want something new.”

“I don’t believe it.” She replied honestly. She was happy though, she knew how much Maria loved singing.

“I know.” Maria replied nodding. “So, he wants me to go over to the drummer’s house after work and sing for the other guys. It’s not definite yet, but if the other guys like me, Alex said I’m in.”

“That’s great.” Liz told her smiling. “But, how can you be ready for Friday?”

“He said we could pull something simple together. He wants me to bring over some of my songs. They only do Open Mic once a month, so we want to try and do it this week.”

“But, don’t you have to work Friday night?” Liz questioned.

“Yeah, that’s the only problem.” Maria said frowning. “Do you think Gary would mind?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“I’ll think of something.”

Liz shifted on the couch and crossed her legs. “Are you going to be able to handle both of these jobs?”

Maria nodded. “Yeah, today was fine.”

Liz smirked. “You had the night off from the bar. What about tomorrow? You’ll have to work all day at the office and then go over there.”

“It won’t be too bad. The night shift’s only nine until two. I’ll be able to sleep a couple of hours.”

“It just seems like a lot.” She told her honestly.

“I like it that way.” Maria told her suddenly losing her enthusiasm. “I like keeping busy. Being occupied keeps my mind off other things.”

“Like Billy?” Liz questioned softly. She knew that Maria didn’t like to talk about it, but she couldn’t help herself.

“Exactly. I don’t need all that negativity.” Maria told her shaking her head, but there was a look in her eyes that Liz didn’t like.

“But, you can’t just keep it all bottled up and pretend that it didn’t happen.” She told her flatly. “It’s not good. You have to let it out.”

Maria shook her head. “I’m fine. It’s over and done with. I don’t see the need in talking about it anymore.”

“It’s not over because you still haven’t dealt with it!” Liz said suddenly feeling upset. “You shouldn’t be ashamed or embarrassed.”

Maria looked up suddenly. “That’s easy for you to say. You weren’t the idiot Liz. It didn’t happen to you.”

“You’re right. It didn’t happen to me. It happened to you and you’re my best friend, so it does affect me on some level. Stop pretending that everything is fine.”

Maria took a deep breath and stood up. “Everything is fine.”

“Where are you going?” Liz asked lowering her voice.

“To bed. I need my rest, I have two jobs to go to tomorrow.” Maria told her and leaned down to kiss the top of her head. “Goodnight.”

“’Night.” Liz said letting her walk away, not wanting to get into an argument.

She sat back on the couch and pulled her legs up to rest her chin on her knees. She was so frustrated that Maria didn’t want to talk about what had happened. It was clear to Liz that she hadn’t gotten over what Billy had done to her. Maria could pretend to the rest of the world that everything was okay, but Liz knew better. She just didn’t know what she could do. It made her feel helpless.

She sat there for a few more moments staring at the floor and then stood up. She should be in bed as well. She also had to get up early.

And despite the conversation with Maria, Liz smiled as she thought of Max arriving with Madison the next morning.


* * *

Hey Everyone!

So, it’s after midnight here…Which means the weekend has passed and I apologize. I do have a new part for you written on the bus during my trips to and from school, so it isn’t my best work. I have more, but I divided it up and I am posting this one part now because I feel bad for not posting in so long. I hope that you all like it and forgive me.

I did start to post before midnight, but I replied to all your feedback (which always takes longer than I expect) But, don’t get me wrong…I love to read it and reply to it. So thank you all. Some of it is longer than others, but don’t take offence to that. I love it all equally. You guys are awesome.

So here they are:

icequeen: Thanks for your feedback. I’m glad you are enjoying it.

Liz86000: I’m sorry that I’m putting your Dreamer heart in turmoil, but I guarantee it’s coming up soon. Thanks for reading!

IluvMaxEvans: Thanks for reading and the feedback!

begonia9508:Glad you like Liz. And yes, didn’t we all want to move out at sixteen? lol. Thanks for the feedback.

behrlyliz: Thanks. Do you smell it? You seem to be the only one! lol.

linliz68: Thanks for the feedback. Okay. I’ll let you keep your legs…for now. I think that you suffered a blonde moment (and I can say that because I am a new blonde…so I don’t want any complaints from anyone! ) Maria and Billy were in an abusive relationship and he hit would beat her up…that’s why she left.

Erin: Hey, it’s okay about you-know-what. Writer’s block sucks…but I hope that you can overcome it. Just give the old Muse a kick in the ass But whenever you’re ready, you know I love you! And I’m glad I brought out the Candy in you. They are growing on me and are a lot easier to write for some reason. Go to the QaF thread…I left you a message. And thankies for the BUMP! Love ya.

Earth2Mama: Yes. Maria is going to have her hands full with these jobs. Thanks for reading!

Alien614: Thanks for the feedback. Liz and Madison are going to have some interesting time together J

roswellluver: Thank you for reading and the feedback.

maxnlizforever: Well, I’m glad that you found this and are liking it. Thank you so much for leaving feedback. Do I make it obvious that I LOVE Queer as Folk? Is it that bad? lol. Well, I don’t care because it’s just wonderful wonderful stuff. I’m glad to see someone who likes it as well. There are not a lot of us here …As far as I know.

cherie: Thank you. Madison, Max and Liz are definitely going to have an interesting relationship.

frenchkiss70: First of all, I just want to say thank you so much for your feedback. I really appreciate it. I completely understand your reservations and I realized that I haven’t really explored what Max is really thinking, or anyone for that matter. But, that is all going to change within the upcoming parts. I hope that you will bear with me. But, I really do appreciate the feedback that you posted. I hope that you will continue reading and it will make sense to you soon. J

SmileeUk: Thank you.

rigel: Thank you for reading and your feedback.

g7silvers: Thanks. I’m glad that you are enjoying it.

OmegaRam1: Well, I’m glad you caught up! J And you like the direction that this is going. Thanks for your feedback.

Behrsgirl77: Thank you so much. I’m glad that you like it.

Bixie: Thank you.

Jason's Lover: You’re forgiven. Thank you for the feedback.

LovinGuerin2much: Well, thank you for letting me know. That was awfully nice of you. I hope that you are feeing better. Glad I could make you laugh.


And I just want to say that I’m happy you all like the banner. I knew you would.

JO: Thank you again. See, everyone loves it! And, yes, the internet and my computer have been working against us, but we triumphed! Thank you so so so so much. You are awesome.

Okay, so here it is.

Enjoy.

Chapter 10

Michael sat leaning back in his chair with his feet propped up on his desk. He stared at the open door of his office that gave a view of the long hallway leading out into the waiting area. The waiting area and Maria’s desk. All morning he had been glancing up to see her walking by with files in her hands, or running to answer the phone, or coming down to Max’s office which was next to his own to give Max a message. She didn’t even look in his general direction.

That was fine by him though. She didn’t have to talk to him. Hell, he barely knew her.

Michael sighed as he went to loosen his tie more and just ended up undoing it all together. He was beginning to think that he was wrong. He was beginning to think that he knew Maria DeLuca too well. He was thinking that she was just like him. Or at least who he used to be.

The first night that he met her, he had gone up to hit on her. He won’t deny it. She was hot and when she turned him down it just turned him on even more. And then he looked into her eyes before he went back over to the table where Max and Alex were sitting. Looking into her eyes, he didn’t feel so turned on anymore. There was something in her eyes that was familiar; something that he recognized. But, he had pushed it out of his mind because it was none of his business.

Then Max had to be a complete asshole and hired her. By the time she came to work for them that first day, he was pretty sure that he knew. And then when he had seen the scar on her stomach yesterday he was almost convinced that he knew. Not completely convinced though. He wanted to talk to her. He wanted to ask her. But, it wasn’t his place. And if someone had done it to him, he would have told them to fuck off.

So, he sat and did nothing. And that turned out to be a problem because it began to consume his mind and he couldn’t concentrate on his work.

He glanced at the clock and decided that it was time for lunch. He felt like going to the Crashdown. He felt like seeing Liz, who just happened to be Maria DeLuca’s best friend.

He stopped in front of Max’s door on his way out thinking that Max would probably want to come. Especially since Madison would be there. Max was on the phone.

Michael mouthed the word lunch and gestured with his hand that he was going and if Max wanted to come.

Max shook his head while still talking on the phone and held up some papers while rolling his eyes.

Michael left and walked down the hall to where Maria was sitting at her desk. She was writing something down and didn’t even look up.

“I’m going for lunch.” He announced.

She didn’t even look up. “See you later.”

He stared a moment and then left. She knew that he had seen her scar.

* * *

Michael walked into the restaurant and saw Liz and Madison sitting at booth. Liz was laughing at something Madison was saying and Madison had her head down talking a mile a minute as she drew something on a piece of paper.

“Well, hello beautiful ladies.” He said sliding into the booth beside Madison.

“Hey Uncle Mike.” Madison said smiling at him and he kissed her forehead.

“Hey.” Liz said to him and waved a waitress over and told she ordered his usual.

“Is Daddy coming?” Madison asked when the girl had left with his order.

Michael shook his head. “He’s got a lot of work to do.”

“You never seem to have any.” Liz teased kicking his foot under the table.

“That’s cause I’m the best. I always get the job done fast.”

Madison rolled her eyes at him and turned back to the piece of paper.

“What are you drawing?” He asked leaning over to look.

“It’s Liz.” Madison said turning the picture so he could the outline of a head, a very big head and lots of hair.

“Her head isn’t that big. She looks like an alien.” He said holding the paper up beside Liz’s face as she laughed.

Madison snapped the paper out of his hand. “I’m not done yet. It will be as pretty as her when I’m done.”

“She thinks your pretty.” Michael smirked.

“She’s a very smart girl.” Liz smirked back.

“Liz,” Madison moaned and they both looked at her. “You have to look at me. I can’t draw you if you aren’t looking.”

“Sorry.” Liz said brushing her hair out of her face and looking directly at Madison.

“How come you never draw me?” Michael asked the little girl. “I’m pretty.”

“I did one time.” She said not looking at him, but drawing two circles for eyes on the paper.

“I never saw it.”

Madison nodded still not looking up. “It was really good. I showed it to Auntie Isabel and told her that I made you look very handsome. She laughed.”

“She did?” Michael questioned confused.

“Yeah, she said if I told you you’re head would get bigger than it already is.” She shrugged. “I don’t want your head to get that big. You would fall over.”

Michael burst out laughing along with Liz.

“I’m gonna have to talk with your Auntie.” He said rubbing his chin.

Madison looked up at Liz to continue her drawing. “Why do you have a mark on top of your eye?”

Michael glanced at Liz to see her touching the scar above her eye.

“Madison.” He said quickly looking at her. “That’s rude. You shouldn’t ask people things like that.”

“It’s okay.” Liz interjected and Michael looked at her. “Really. It’s fine.”

Madison seemed satisfied. “So what happened to you.”

“Well, when I was about your age I was at my friends house playing with her dog and it bit me. I had to go and get stitches and the scar never went away.”

“Did it hurt?” Madison asked concerned.

“A little bit. I can’t really remember now. But I am afraid of dogs now. I have been ever since it happened.”

Michael watched the exchange between the two of them silently.

“That’s sad.” Madison told her. “Not all dogs are bad.”

“I know. It’s just hard because it scared me so much when I was little.” Liz said smiling down at her.

Madison stared back at her for a moment and looked like she was going to say something, but turned back to her drawing instead.

“This one’s just full of questions.” Michael stated feeling slightly embarrassed.

“She’s a kid. We were all like that.” Liz replied.

Michael nodded. He was glad that Liz was watching Madison. She was really great with her. When he had heard what Danielle had done he had wanted to rip the bitch’s head off.

The waitress came over with his food and he remembered that he had wanted to talk to Liz about Maria.

“Hey Madison. Can I talk to Liz alone for a minute?” He asked getting up.

“Okay. I’ll go show Carlos my picture.” She said sliding out of the booth. Michael watched her walk into the back room and wondered if the cook liked kids. He heard him laughing a moment later. Madison certainly had her way with people.

He looked over to Liz who was looking at him expectantly. The two of them had become quite close after having lunch with each other for such a long time. He really liked Liz, she was a great girl and he had a lot of fun with her. He just wasn’t sure if she would like him asking questions about her friend. But, he had to try at least. He had to know for sure.

“Are you okay?” She asked him quietly.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I just needed to talk to you about something.” He reassured her and shoved a fry in his mouth.

“What about?”

“Well. I think that I know what is going on.” He said trying to ease into it. “I’m not entirely sure, but I know that look. At least I think I do. I know it’s none of my business. But I can tell by the looks. I see the way that you and Maria look at each other, like you’re hiding this big secret. But, I just want you to know that it’s not worth it. You move past these things. Sometimes it takes awhile, but it happens eventually.”

Liz sighed. “So, you know about Kyle?”

“Kyle?” He questioned confused.

“That we broke up. I mean, it’s not like I’m trying to hide it or anything. I just didn’t feel like bringing it up. Maria said that I should talk about it. Sometimes she’d want to bring it up in front of other people to force me to talk about it. But, I just don’t feel like it you know?”

He nodded completely taken aback.

“I just didn’t think that you were that perceptive, no offence. I know that you don’t like him and didn’t like it when he’d be here at lunchtime and would join us. But, I knew that you would notice he hasn’t been around much lately.”

Michael sat back trying to look normal. Now that he thought about it, he hadn’t seen Kyle in awhile. He probably hadn’t noticed because he didn’t really care. He kicked himself mentally for not noticing.

“Are you okay?” He asked knowing they had been together a long time.

She shrugged. “It’s like you said I’ll get past it. It’ll just take some time.”

“I’m sorry.” He offered.

She laughed. “No you’re not. You hated him.”

He couldn’t argue with that. “He just acted like he was waiting for someone else.”

“Well, his wait is over.”

“What happened?” Michael asked her.

“He found whoever he was waiting for.” She told him leaning back in the booth. “He said that he wanted to break up because he didn’t think that we were right for each other. He had found someone that he was meant to be with. Basically, some bullshit story.”

Michael sat silently. He suddenly had a very bad feeling.

“When did it happen?”

“Last Tuesday when Maria was working at the bar. He came in after closing. I think the worst thing is is that there is someone else.”

Michael nodded. Liz and Kyle had broken up Tuesday. Max and Tess on Thursday.

“Couldn’t be.” He whispered.

“Pardon?”

“Nothing.” He said quickly, shaking the thought from his head. There was no fucking way…

“Thanks for the advice though.” She said and smiled at him genuinely.

He smiled back weakly, feeling guilty. He hadn’t known what was going on. He had come to ask her questions about Maria. He put that thought out of his head as well. He sure as hell wasn’t going to ask her now. He wasn’t that much of an asshole.

“Do you want to talk about it? I was planning on being a psychiatrist.”

“Really?” Liz asked amused. “What happened?”

“I failed Intro to Psych.”

She laughed. “Thanks for the offer. I just have to get it all sorted out in my head before I talk about it.”

“Sure. You wanna have some sympathy sex? I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

She laughed again and hit him on the shoulder. “You sure are a piece of work.”

He shrugged, glad that he could make her smile. He felt bad that he hadn’t gotten to know her in high school. It was a shame that their inner circles didn’t cross paths somehow. They all would have had a blast back then. But, he was glad that he knew her now. She was the only female friend he had ever really had. There was Isabel, of course, but she didn’t really count. He had lived with her since he was fifteen up until the time they had all graduated, she was his sister. He was thankful that he had Liz, even if it was just at lunchtime. So, he ate lunch with her and didn’t bring up Kyle or Maria. He just talked to her about anything that would keep her mind off her break up. He didn’t want to think about it either because if all the pieces fit, it would be too much for him to take in. Madison joined them soon after and the three of them just joked around.

When he was leaving Madison followed him to the door.

He bent down to give her a hug and a kiss and she whispered in his ear. “I didn’t mean to be rude to Liz.”

“I know.” He told her pinching her nose. “You be good, Maddie.”

She nodded and he walked out the door toward the office thinking about what Madison had said. He had told her that asking Liz about her scar was rude and she shouldn’t have said it. He knew she was only a little girl and they didn’t know any better. But, he was an adult and had wanted to ask about Maria’s scar. He should know better. It was none of his business.

Yet, he still wanted to know. But, he wouldn’t ask. It was rude.

* * *

Liz was wiping down the counter and trying not to think about Kyle. It had been in her mind since her conversation with Michael earlier that day. Only, she hadn’t really had the time to think about it because Madison had kept her busy.

Liz smiled to herself. She had had a lot of fun with Madison and was sorry when Max had come to pick her up a few hours ago. Madison was just so full of life it made Liz wonder if she had been like that when she was younger. The two of them had just hung around the restaurant all day talking and then going up to watch some television after the lunch crowd had left. Madison had given her the picture she drew of her and Liz had put it on the fridge. Maria had laughed when she had come home and seen it there, Liz’s head still looked gigantic.

Then Max had come to pick her up but she didn’t really get a chance to speak to him because he was in a rush to get to Isabel’s. He apologized a hundred times for not being able to stay and then thanked her even more for watching Madison. They agreed that Liz would continue watching her until the end of the week. Madison started school the following Monday, since further arrangements weren’t quite established yet. Liz already decided that she would watch Madison for as long as she could. She had really taken to the little girl.

Maria had come home from work with Max, so Liz had been occupied as the two of them shared their day with each other. Then Maria had gone to take a quick nap because she had to work at the bar tonight, so Liz was left alone in the apartment living room.

She wandered downstairs and hung around with the employees. It hadn’t been busy, so they had cleaned up early and she sent them home ten minutes ago.

Now, she was alone again and the thoughts of Kyle she had been avoiding were creeping up on her. She tried not to be angry with him, but it was hard. He had just left her. All the years they had been together seemed to mean nothing to him. All the time they spent together was like it never happened. It made her angry because it just seemed like a complete waste of time. She had been with him since high school and now he was just gone. It made her feel like an idiot. It made her feel like she could have done something better with her life if it hadn’t been for him. It made her angry because he had someone and she didn’t. He had someone that he wanted.

Liz threw the rag on the counter and refused to let it consume her. She refused to let their whole relationship run through her mind. If she thought about it too much, she was afraid it would do something to her. Damage her in some way.

She shook her head and kneeled down to grab some dirty glasses that had been left behind when she heard the bell above the door ring announcing someone was there. She hadn’t locked the door yet.

“Sorry, we’re closed.” She said as she stood up from behind the counter and almost dropped the glass as she saw the last person she ever thought would come in there. She put the glasses on the counter and smiled as best as she could.

“We need to talk.” Tess told her and made her way over to the counter.


* * * *