Listening To Fear [CC, AU, Mature] * Part 19+Epi - 22 Jan*

[FallenMagic]

Title: Listening To Fear

Author: FallenMagic

Rating: Mature

Concept by: Dreamer_Dreaming and FallenMagic

Disclaimer: Roswell and its characters are property of Jason Katims, Melinda Metz and the WB. I am only borrowing them and promise to return them safe and sound and in one piece.

Summary: Liz and Michael have always known they were different. They thought that if they were careful enough they would be safe but nothing turns out the way planned. When Liz is left devastated and hurt by a betrayal, they are forced to leave their home and go in search of their past to the small town of Roswell. There they are not only faced with their past but Liz is also are forced to face the sizzling attraction that erupts between her and a certain dark haired man by the name of Max Evans…

Background: There were six pods, not four. In the crash one of the pods was destroyed. Liz and Michael were the first to come out from the pods and they were taken to Boston after being adopted. Tess, Isabel and Max grew up together in Roswell and the only people they trust with their secret are Kyle, Alex and Maria.

Note: Many thanks to Anniepoo98 for my banner and MaryJane, my beta. Thanks girls! This is a story based on an rpg Dreamer_Dreaming and I started. The first chapter may confuse you guys a bit but treat it like a prolgue. It'll all be revealed. Let me know what you all think :D






<center>Part 1</center>


In the vacant underground parking lot, the sounds of her cries echoed hauntingly. As he knelt down next to her, he felt as if the place would always reverberate with her heartbroken sobs. He knew he’d never forget the sounds, the sound of his best friend’s heart shattering with each sob, each tear.

He gathered her shaking body close to his, hushing her and doing his best to calm her. “Its okay, Liz,” he soothed as he rocked her gently. He stroked her hair repeatedly, smoothening it back from her tear dampened face. “It’ll be okay,” he promised.

But her cries didn’t subside and neither did her anguish. She shook her head as she pulled back a little and looked at him with eyes filled with pain and horror. “It’ll never be okay, Michael,” she whispered with a choked sob. “It’ll never be okay,” she repeated. Her soulful brown eyes searched his amber ones for something, some hint of some semblance of control over the situation but she knew she’d find none. “Tell me how it will ever be okay?” she pleaded, demanded. Her eyes widened in horror as she clutched at Michael. “I-I think I killed him. Oh God, is he dead? Tell me, is he dead?”

“Liz, Liz!” Michael cried, trying to get through her panic. “You didn’t kill him. He’s alive…just unconscious.” Under his breath, so that she wouldn’t hear, he added, “Should have killed him when you could.”

“How could I do that?” Liz asked, her voice shaking along with her body. “How could I hurt someone like that?”

“It was either you or him,” Michael told her, reminding her of the predicament she had been in. “If you hadn’t fought back then you would have been the one hurt or worse!”

But Liz shook her head vehemently, unable to see past the fact that she had hurt someone, that she had enough power in her to knock them unconscious with blood oozing from the head, to almost kill someone. She had hurt someone…someone she had known…someone she had cared for.

Her gaze traveled to where he had stood not a long ago and saw his body sprawled on the floor among the debris of the attack, lying in a pool of blood. His blood. She felt her eyes brim once more with tears as she realized that she was the one who had done that. Her eyes were fixated on the blood and she dimly wondered how anyone could be alive when there was so much blood. She felt a sick feeling twist her stomach as she stared at the dark red liquid seeping into the cracks in the concrete.

“I cared for him, Michael,” she whispered, her eyes still reverted to the blood. “I cared for him so much…”

“Sean lied to you, Liz! He almost killed you!” Michael said sharply, taking a hold of her arms and forcing her to meet his level gaze. “Don’t forget that!”

“Is that supposed to make me feel better?” Liz asked in a broken voice. “Is that supposed to make it okay?”

She met Michael’s gaze and he saw the self-loathing in her eyes. He felt her horror at what she had done and he wished he could make her see that it had had to be done. He had been there when Sean had threatened her life, his eyes glinting with murderous rage. Dimly Michael wondered if the self-disgust he was seeing in her eyes was more for the fact that she had been blindsided by Sean’s true nature, that even with the power she had in her she had done nothing to protect herself because she had simply never suspected anything.

Until now, Michael reminded himself. In Michael’s opinion, the only way to look at this was that they had found out in time, that they had been able to save themselves, especially Liz.

Michael wiped her tears away with his thumbs as he cupped her face. “Listen to me, Liz,” he said, forcing her to look at him. “What you did, you had to do. You had no choice.” When Liz opened her mouth to protest he silenced her by laying a finger on her lips. “Let me finish. We both trusted Sean and he betrayed you…us. He’s been lying to you all this time. You had every right to fight back, every right to do what you did. He was playing with our lives here, Liz! He was planning your death! Tell me how someone like him can deserve being let off easy?”

Tears glimmered in Liz’s eyes as she thought about Sean. She knew she should be angry, furious in fact, at what he had done but right now all she felt was hurt…shattered. She didn’t know what to do, whom to turn to. She felt she couldn’t trust anyone anymore. She ached to shut off her emotions so she could just go numb, to not feel anything. She didn’t want to feel the pain; she didn’t want to feel her heart breaking as she thought about Sean. But she couldn’t do that. Even she didn’t have that kind of power.

Instead, she sought the next best thing. “Let’s go away from here,” she said suddenly, gripping Michael’s arm tightly. Her eyes were wide and desperate. “Let’s just leave. Leave all of this far, far behind…”

Michael looked at her in slight hesitation. “Where will we go?” he asked.

“Anywhere!” Liz cried. “Anywhere that’s far away from this place.”

“Liz, what about everyone here? Your parents?” Michael asked, trying to force reason into her.

“We’re adults, Michael,” Liz pointed out. “We’ll tell them we want to go on a road trip…anything but I have to get out of here. I have to put a distance between this place and myself or I’ll never be able to forget, never be able to move on. It’s the only way to be safe! Safe from Khivar finding us again, safe from Sean…” She looked imploringly at her best friend, seeing the doubt and hesitation on his face. “Please,” she whispered.

Michael looked at her steadily, carefully, trying to decide. The thought of leaving bothered him but it wasn’t something he hadn’t thought about himself before. Having been raised by a foster father who couldn’t care less about him, Michael had contemplated leaving more than once. Truth be told, he had often thought about packing up and leaving in the middle of the night but thoughts of Liz had kept him here so far. He couldn’t take her then and he wasn’t sure he should take her now but then he saw the look in her eyes and knew that if she didn’t leave she’d be haunted by her memories of what had happened tonight and of Sean.

Still unsure if what he was about to do was right, he smiled gently at Liz. “What would we do once we’re on the road?” he asked.

Liz visibly relaxed as she realized that he was coming with her. That he was willing to support her. That he was willing to go with her even with his doubts made her love him more. Even if she wasn’t sure she could trust anyone anymore, she knew that she’d always have Michael.

“We’ll go find our destiny,” Liz answered simply.


TBC . . .

[vecastone]

Wow !! I just found this story Fallen and I have to say this first part was amazing.
It wasn`t confused at all, you mentioned Liz had been betrayed so.. better start with that and then move on to Roswell

I always liked Michael and Liz´s friendship. Great beginning !!

I am in a demanding mood today so .. hurry !! I need a second part soon

[FallenMagic]

AN: Veca!!!! Glad to see you here and so glad you're liking this! I had posted this on the old board till around the 14th par but since the move i've gotten lazy lol



<center>Part 2</center>


~ 3 weeks later ~

Dust and sand…that’s all she could see for miles. No trees, no towns or shops, just endless miles of desert. She sighed wearily, leaning her forehead against the cool windowpane and closed her eyes. Maybe once she would have felt restless while passing through such an area but now she didn’t care. She didn’t care where they were heading, just as long as it was far away from Boston, far away from her memories.

It had taken them almost a week to convince her parents to let her and Michael go off on their own but eventually they had reluctantly agreed. So here she was, sitting in Michael’s car heading who knows where, having already passed through several other towns and cities. They hadn’t stopped at any place for more than a day. Michael kept telling her that this place wasn’t where they ought to be. She didn’t bother to ask what he meant, didn’t bother to ask where they were supposed to be going. She really didn’t care where they were going. She had left it up to Michael to decide. All she wanted to do was shut off her mind and refuse to think, refuse to feel.

She wished it were that easy – to just shut off her mind and heart from her problems. But it couldn’t be done. The pain wouldn’t stop; the heartache wouldn’t end. To her it seemed as if she would never heal and that just made her despair more. It had been three weeks already; shouldn’t it have begun to get better now? Shouldn’t the pain and hurt have reduced? To her it seemed like it only got worse. Each day she woke up to a stronger feeling of heartache and pain. Each day it was a battle just to get out of bed.

When will it ever stop? She wondered dully as a tear slid from her tightly shut eyes and slipped down her cheek. I just want this to stop…

Michael swallowed hard when he saw the tear glistening on Liz’s cheek. For a moment he just stared at her, his throat clogged with angry tears. She didn’t deserve this; she didn’t need to feel this kind of pain. He would have done anything to protect her from it but he knew that there was nothing he could do except be there for her. She needed to fight this by herself. Resigned to the fact that there wasn’t much he could do, he gently laid his hand on her knee in a supportive gesture.

He felt Liz tense under his hand before relaxing. She didn’t open her eyes or move her head away from the window but she silently put her hand on top of his, curling her fingers into his open palm. For a few minutes, there was only silence in the car as they continued on their way. Then Michael spoke softly.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

This made Liz open her eyes and look at him with confusion. “For what?” she asked.

Michael glanced at her before turning his attention back on the road. He shrugged, the guilt visible in his gesture, and replied, “For this; for what you’re going through. I should have taken care of you.”

Liz sat up, staring at him with wide-eyed disbelief. She clutched his hand that was on her knee with both her hands and shook her head earnestly. “You did, Michael!” she replied. “You’ve always been there for me; you have always taken care of me!”

“I should have known that Sean wasn’t to be trusted,” Michael bit out, angry with himself for never having seen who he really was. “I should have been more careful….”

Liz stared at him, startled for a brief moment. Refusing to let him blame himself, Liz’s voice took on a hard tone. “If there is anyone to blame, it’s Sean himself. None of us saw him for who he really was. I liked him…a lot, maybe was even beginning to love him as more that a friend and you – you being the wonderful friend you are – supported me. How is this then your fault?” she asked.

“Being who we are…being what we are…,” Michael trailed off, running a hand through his hair in a frustrated gesture. “I’ve always looked out for you, ever since we were kids. This time shouldn’t have been any different. I should have…I don’t know…. I should have been more aware of things. I should have paid more attention to what he was saying, who he was pretending to be. I can’t believe I was so blind….”

“Michael…,” Liz said softly, sadly. “How were you to know? He never let anything on. Never let anyone see what was really going on. It was my fault, too, I guess. I should have suspected something. Looking back, there seemed to be so many clues I never picked up on.”

“Maybe.” Michael replied. “But Sean…Sean was…he was...,” Michael trailed off and then he suddenly hit his fist on the steering wheel, letting out a curse. “I should have been more careful, I should have done a better job!”

This time it was Liz who laid a calming hand on him. “It shouldn’t have had to be your ‘job’!” she told him, a tinge of angry bitterness creeping into her voice. “Taking care of us, making sure we were safe was our protector’s job.” Liz’s features hardened as she thought about their protector. “But Cal chose to abandon us. He didn’t even think twice about it.”

Cal Langley had been their protector since they were kids. He had just showed up one day and told them that he was their royal protector. He told them about who they were, where they had come from, and why they were here in the first place. The story he had told them about war on another planet, the royal family being dethroned and eventually killed, and then their essence sent to Earth was like some sort of sordid fairy tale and they had no reason to believe any of it. Yet, for some reason, they knew that he wasn’t lying. For some reason they had felt that they could trust this person. And, until a few years ago, he had lived up to the trust they had placed in him.

I’ve placed my trust in the wrong people one too many times. Liz thought. Never again, though.

“I’ve made some mistakes,” Liz whispered softly, staring straight ahead though she could feel Michael’s gaze on her. Shaking her head, she said, “But not again…”

“Not everyone is going to end up hurting you or betraying you, Liz,” Michael told her quietly.

“But they always do…,” Liz replied softly, turning away to look out the window once again, signaling the conversation closed.

Michael continued to drive in silence for a while longer, the road seemingly endless. Occasionally he would look over at Liz who was still sitting with one foot curled under her, staring out the window lost in thought. He smiled to himself thinking about how Liz was the only person he knew who could sit in the car like that and still be comfortable. He turned his attention to the radio, switching stations before settling on one.

They passed a sigh that read 285 south and soon the faint beginnings of a town began to be seen. The traffic also picked up and Liz stirred. She looked at Michael curiously, pulling out the map from the dashboard of the car.

“Where are we heading?” she asked when she realized that she had no idea where they were.

Michael paused, as if hesitating to tell her then replied, “Roswell.”

Liz shot up straight and fixed him with an incredulous look. “You’ve got to be kidding me!” she exclaimed, both horrified and amused. “Roswell? Home of the aliens?”

She waited for Michael to say he was joking, that they were heading somewhere else like Las Cruces or Albuquerque but when Michael just shrugged, Liz choked back a horrified laugh. “Michael, if you’re aiming for irony of the century then you’re doing a damn good job!” she replied.

Michael rolled his eyes, looked at her with amusement. “What’s wrong with Roswell?” he asked. “It’s just a tourist trap.”

“What’s wrong with Roswell?” Liz cried. “What’s wrong? Michael, it’s like we’re walking into a mockery of who we are!”

“I seriously doubt that even though people flock to Roswell to see ‘aliens’, they’ll be expecting two real live ones to walk into town,” Michael scoffed.

“That’s not the point,” Liz argued.

“Then what is the point?” Michael asked. When Liz didn’t answer, he answered for her. “Could it be that you’re scared about going back? Back to where we crashed?”

When Liz averted her gaze biting her lip, Michael knew he had hit upon the reason she sounded so reluctant and horrified at going back.

They had always somehow known that they were special. Not of this Earth, as Cal liked to say. They had powers that others didn’t; powers that had initially terrified them until Cal had shown up, and taught them to harness.

Roswell was where their ship had crashed back in ’47. It was where they had been hidden away until they were ready to come out of their pods many years later. Cal had told him and Liz that there had been six pods. Two belonging to Michael and Liz, and the other four belonging to the other members of the royal family. All, save one, had survived the crash.

Liz and Michael had hatched first and were separated from the others. They had been found wandering on the road and were adopted by the Parkers and the Guerins who had taken them to Boston. Liz had asked once what had happened to the others and Cal had reluctantly admitted that he did not know. He had left to try to shake the government off the idea of aliens when he had found out that the pods would not hatch for a long while. He had only returned once he had sensed Liz and Michael’s awakening. By the time he had returned to Roswell though, not only were Liz and Michael gone but the others, too.

Michael understood Liz’s hesitancy to return to the place they had been born but he felt that maybe it was time to start looking for answers to their past and maybe to find the other as well. If they were still alive.

“I just don’t know if I’m ready to go back, Michael,” Liz replied after a long pause. She looked at him then, her unease showing in her eyes. “We’ve avoided this issue for so long…would it be so bad to just let it go and forget?”

Michael gave her a startled look. “We might have family out here somewhere, Liz,” he told her. “People like us; someone who understands us. How can we not try to find them?”

Liz bit her lip, tucking her hair behind her ear as guilt crept in at wanting to forget about the family she had been separated from. “You’re right,” she said softly. “I can try but I don’t think I can forget about them.”

“It’ll not be easy,” Michael warned her. “We don’t know where they are. For all we know they’re not even in New Mexico, let alone Roswell.”

“But it’s a place to begin,” Liz put in.

Michael nodded. Then he pointed ahead. “There it is,” he replied, gesturing at the sign that announced the town up ahead.

Liz watched the board, and the city limits, get closer and closer with some feeling of apprehension and a feeling of anticipation. A small smile reluctantly spread over her lips as she read the sign aloud.

“Welcome to Roswell, New Mexico…”

<center>*****</center>

After an entire day of driving, both Liz and Michael were exhausted. The first thing they did was to check into a small hotel located not far from the center of town. Liz eyed the place and deemed it satisfactory. It was no five stars, or even three stars for that matter, but it could have been worse.

Dropping her bag on the floor, Liz sank down on the bed with a happy sigh, running her hand over the crisp blue bedspread. Michael took the single bed next to hers, and once dropping his bag on his side, walked over to the phone. He picked up the take-out menus lying near it and glanced over them with some amusement. His eyes caught the one that read ‘Crashdown Café’ and one look at the menu had him grinning.

Still holding the menu card, he came over to Liz. “I don’t know about you but I’m starving,” he said. “Want to go get something to eat?”

Liz nodded, suddenly realizing that the last thing she had was a granola bar a few hours ago. “Sure,” she replied. She looked down at the menu cards he was holding. “Anything interesting?” she asked.

Michael shrugged casually, though there was a small smile on his lips. “A couple of places.” He nodded towards her bags, “Go get changed and we’ll go get something.”

Ordinarily Liz would have asked him just to ask for delivery but then the curiosity got the better of her. She had only seen a little glimpse of the town when they had driven in and she was suddenly eager to know what it was like. Maybe a walk to the nearest food joint would allow her to actually enjoy a few moments and forget about…

No… She thought, refusing to let her mind finish that thought. She was not thinking about him today. For just once day she refused to let anything bother her.

After a fast shower and a change of clothes, they were ready to go. They decided to go to the Crashdown, which was the closest. Even though Michael had been expecting some sort of alien theme at the café he was still startled by the decorations and the uniforms the waitresses were wearing.

Liz and Michael exchanged shocked looks when they walked in the place whose walls were covered with alien-related drawings. The windows were decorated with paper and stuffed aliens, and the waitresses donned antennas and a metallic blue-green uniform.

“This feels kind of weird,” Liz whispered to Michael as she took in the place, caught between laughter and unease.

“Tell me about it,” Michael muttered.

Just then, a short blonde in the patent uniform walked up to them, smiling brightly. “Welcome to the Crashdown,” she said. “Table or booth?”

Michael shook his head. “None. Take out,” he replied.

“Order at the counter then,” Maria – as her nametag read - replied.

“Thank you.” Liz smiled a little and led Michael away.

They quickly ordered, still amused by the names of the food items and the place itself. Though Liz had to admit, it had a certain homey feel to it. It looked like a place you could hang out at for hours on end.

Liz let her eyes travel all over the place while they waited for their food to arrive. She noticed that this place looked to be a popular hangout. Not only were there teenagers here but adults were occupying the tables as well. She saw a group of friends walk in, all laughing about something. Automatically they went and sat down at a back booth and Liz watched them – their familiarity with each other and the place - with a slight pang. She briefly wondered what it would have been like if she had lived here, grown up with the people she and Michael had been sent down to Earth with – her family.

It wasn’t as if her life had been all that bad, few events excluded. Her parents loved her as if she had been their own daughter. She had been a very good student in school; not enough to make her stand out as that could have been dangerous, but enough to make her parents proud of her. She had Michael, the best friend she could have asked for. And with him being like her, she didn’t have to hide from him. But she had still always felt unsatisfied, as if something had always been…missing from her life. It wasn’t something she could explain in words but just something she felt. She knew Michael had felt that as times, too. Though he never mentioned anything; she knew without his needing to tell her.

Michael who was taking his wallet out pulled her from her thoughts. “Food’s here,” he announced. “I’ll go get it. You wait here.”

Nodding Liz watched him walk to the counter to pick up the bags. She heard the bell above the door jingle as someone entered and almost immediately, she felt a tingle sweep through her. Rubbing the back of her neck with a frown, Liz turned inadvertently to look at who had entered. When she saw the guy who had walked in she froze.

For a second she couldn’t move. All she could do was stare at him, at his muscular frame. The guy was holding the door open for an old couple, smiling at them. Liz felt her heart rate pick up at his smile and when he raised his gaze from the old couple, his eyes met hers, and Liz’s mouth went dry. He had the deepest brown eyes she had ever seen. A girl could get lost in them.

For some reason the guy stared back at her, as if startled. Liz felt the tickle at the back of her neck increase as they stared at each other. For a brief moment, Liz thought he was going to approach her when he took a step forward towards her and she felt panicky all of a sudden. Then the moment was broken when she heard Michael behind her.

“Let’s go, Liz,” Michael said, unaware of the staring that had been going on between Liz and the guy.

Shaking her head to clear it, Liz slowly turned to look at Michael. “What did you say?” she asked, feeling slightly unnerved as she could feel the guy’s gaze at the back of her neck.

Michael held up the take out bag. “Food’s here,” Michael told her with a smirk. “Come on, before it gets cold.”

Saying that he headed towards the door, not bothering to see if Liz was following him. It took Liz a second before she could make herself move. She slowly walked after Michael, increasingly aware of the dark haired guy with the brown eyes. He was still standing by the door, watching her with an odd look on his face.

When Liz passed him, he automatically reached out to open the door for her and Liz shot him a small, shy smile. Tucking her hair behind her ear, not certain why she was feeling the things she was, she said shyly, “Thank you.”

He looked a bit taken aback as if he hadn’t really expected her to talk to him, even if it was to say thanks. “Um…y-you’re welcome,” he stammered in his deep, slightly husky voice.

Liz shot him an unreadable look over her shoulder as she walked away before she fell in step with Michael. She wasn’t sure what had just happened back there with that guy and she wasn’t sure she wanted to find out.

<center>*****</center>

Max was still staring after the girl with the long brown hair and doe eyes, his heartbeat having finally returned to normal. He didn’t know what had gotten over him when their eyes had met. For a split second, he had the distinct feeling that he had known her but he knew that wasn’t possible. He had never seen her before in his life. Yet, even then, he couldn’t stop himself from watching her as she walked away with a guy who Max assumed was her boyfriend.

He refused to acknowledge the disappointment and pang he felt at that thought. Fortunately he didn’t have to dwell on it as Maria came bounding up to him, a sly smile on her face.

“She’s gone now, you know,” Maria told him with a laugh twinkling in her eyes.

Max turned to look at his friend, feigning confusion. “Who?” he asked.

But Maria just laughed as she replied, “That girl you were staring at since the moment you walked in.”

Max felt his ears begin to turn red against his will, a tell tale sign that he was blushing. “I was not staring at her. I was just – er – looking…,” Max lied.

But that just caused Maria to laugh more. Patting his cheek lovingly she said, “Max, I wouldn’t have been able to tear your gaze away from her even if I stood naked in front of you.”

Max opened his mouth to argue but then shut it again. She was right. He hadn’t been able to stop staring at her. Shrugging slightly with an embarrassed look he changed the subject quickly, “How about some Alien Smoothie?” he asked.

Maria knew what he was doing but let it pass. With a smile, she walked over to stand behind the counter, letting Max follow her and take a seat on the opposite side.

“Coming right up,” she announced as she got to work. She wasn’t sure what had just happened between Max and that girl but she made a mental note to wheedle it out of him later.

<center>TBC. . .<center>

[vecastone]

Hi Fallen !!!!!!!!!!!

You´ve posted this in the old forum too. Silly me TWICE !!!!
I´ll behave like a good girl and come with good feedback soon.

[Ella1022]

Yay Rida your back! Great fic. I can't wait to read more. I wonder how there destiny will pan out. Love the friendship between Michael/Liz and Max/Maria.

[FallenMagic]

Author's Note: Thanks you two. Just to be nice, I posted two parts together. I hope that doesn't take away from Liz and Max's first meeting! Tell me what you think


<center>Part 3</center>


Liz picked up the crumpled paper bag along with the napkins and other utensils as she cleared away the bed. She had to admit that the food from the Crashdown had been good, better than she had expected. Though her expectations had been pretty low considering the names the food sported.

Something besides the food also turned out to be better than expected.

The thought rushed through her head unexpectedly as soft brown eyes flashed across her inner eye as she dumped the trash in the disposal. She recalled the split second recognition she had seen in them, mirroring her own. She saw the warmth in them, felt the tickle at the base of her neck. She jerked upright, irritated by the direction her thoughts were taking. She plopped down on the bed, unconsciously rubbing the back of her neck where she could still feel the tickle. She couldn’t seem to get that guy out of her mind. He had been on her mind throughout dinner and just when she thought she had managed to push thoughts of him aside, there he was again. Never had such a brief and impersonal encounter with a stranger taken over her thoughts. Never had she had trouble pushing away from her mind what had been, she tried to convince herself, a simple and brief exchange of words with a stranger. A handsome and incredibly good looking stranger.

Irritated and more than a little uneasy by what should have meant nothing to her, she pushed away from the bed, choosing instead to pace the length of the room. She could forget about the guy and his incredible eyes. She could. It was just a matter of mind over matter. Right?

All I have to do is simply refuse to think about him. Liz tried to convince herself as she paced restlessly across the room. Forget about the way his eyes were this brilliant deep shade of brown and the rich timber of his voice…

“Liz, are you feeling alright?” Michael asked when he came out of the bathroom and saw her standing in the middle of the room, looking flushed.

She hadn’t heard Michael come out and so the sound of his voice had her jerking around violently. “Huh?”

“You’re looking a bit flushed,” he observed with a slightly worried frown. “Are you feeling okay?”

“Umm…yeah,” Liz assured him, silently cursing herself for letting a guy cloud her thoughts. Shouldn’t she know better by now? “I’m fine. I-I’m just tired. It’s been a long day.”

Michael nodded in understanding. “Yeah, I guess it has.”

Liz deliberately pushed the guy out of her mind and carefully sat down on the bed, watching as Michael went to his. Her gaze fell on the picture that stood on the table between their beds and she picked it up, a silent longing sweeping through her as she looked at it.

It was a picture of her and Michael taken a year back at their junior prom. They looked so happy in the picture, both smiling brightly. Their smiles spoke volumes about how they believed life couldn’t be any more perfect.

How innocent we look. Liz thought as she ran light fingers over their smiling faces, a sharp pain enveloping her heart. How were we to know just how crazy our lives were about to get.

“Liz…”

Liz looked up at the soft sound in Michael’s voice and found him watching her. His eyes shone with obvious pain as his gaze too fell on the picture she still held in her hands. Averting her eyes from Michael’s, Liz carefully set the picture down willing the pain and sadness to back down. Once she was sure she had her emotions under control, she fixed a small smile on her face.

“I was just remembering,” she told him.

Michael’s gaze flicked to the picture then back to her, a sad look in his eyes. “It seems like so long ago.”

Liz nodded wistfully, her gaze also falling back on the picture. “Yeah, it does.” She looked back up at Michael. “Like maybe it was another life…”

“It’s a part of our lives that we’ve left behind,” Michael reminded her.

“Yeah…,” Liz said softly, sliding down to lie on her bed. She heard Michael getting underneath the covers but she shut off the sounds. She turned sideways, tucking her hand under her head as she looked off into space.

They had left that life behind them now. They had left all the pains, all the struggles, all the betrayals hundreds of miles behind. She wasn’t ever going to go back. She wasn’t ever going to be placed into a situation like the one she had been in before she had left. She was never going to trust so blindly. She couldn’t afford to make such a mistake again.

She closed her eyes tightly for a brief moment as recalled the last few weeks before she had left. The danger, the violence, the lies….

No, I’m never going back. She thought fiercely. It’s behind me now. I’m safe, away from him.

But she hadn’t just left Sean and her bad memories behind. She had also left behind her family, her friends, and her home. In escaping from her torments, she had also had to leave behind the one thing she was truly grateful for in her life: her family. She willed the tears back as she thought about her mom and dad; how she had left them thinking that she’d be back when she had no intention of doing so. But she hadn’t had a choice. She couldn’t tell them that she wasn’t coming back because then they’d never let her leave. And if they tried to stop her then she might have lost all her resolve. She might never have been free of Sean then, never been truly able to get away from Kivar.

She couldn’t have told her parents the truth, either about the situation or about herself. There was always the danger that they would not understand. And even if they did, she would only end up putting their lives in danger too, and no matter what she would never do that. She had sworn to protect them from every problem in her twisted life; sworn to keep them safe from her enemies. They had already come too close. She had already let danger come to their doorstep. She would never allow that to happen again. And that’s why leaving the way she did had been the only solution.

I couldn’t tell them, Liz repeated to herself. I couldn’t take the risk.

Maybe coming to Roswell had been the right thing to do. Maybe searching for her real family, her alien family, would help ease her ache. She had something to look forward to, another sort of family. Maybe that was her destiny. That thought brought her comfort and, for a while, she felt excited at the prospect of finally meeting them. But then that excitement was dashed by another thought. She turned hurriedly to face Michael.

“Michael,” she said. When he turned over to look at her, she blurted out, “How will we find them?”

“Who?” Michael asked, his brow furrowing.

“The others…,” Liz replied. “How do we know where to look? What if they aren’t even here?”

“We follow our instincts, Liz,” Michael replied. “That’s what led me here in the first place. Maybe if we continue to trust in it, it’ll lead us to them.”

“What if it doesn’t?” Liz asked almost fearfully. “What if – God, Michael…what if they’re dead?”

A flash of doubt appeared in Michael’s eyes but that was instantly replaced by dead certainty. “I think that if anything would have happened to them, we would have known. They’re here, Liz. We just have to find them.”

In Michael’s surety, Liz felt her doubts and fear fall away. They would find the others. One way or another, they would. It was just a matter of time.

“You know, for the first time in a long while I feel in control again,” Liz admitted with a soft smile. “Thank you, Michael.”

“For what?”

“For catching me when I fell.”

Michael’s eyes softened. “I’ll always catch you when you fall, Liz. Always.”

“I know,” Liz answered as she gave him another smile before reaching out to switch off the light.

<center>*****</center>

** Flash **

“Sean…,” Liz whispered as she turned her head to look over at him. He was standing nonchalantly, propped up next to his car, but even in the dim light Liz could see the cold look in his eyes. Liz stifled a gasp as everything suddenly came rushing back to her. “Why?”

“Why do you think?” Sean sneered.

“I trusted you!” Liz cried out.

“I know.”

“Michael’s going to come for me, you know,” Liz told Sean, praying fervently that it was true.

“He’ll never find you,” Sean replied with a pleased smile.

She closed her eyes, refusing to let the tears fall. “What do you want?” Liz asked quietly, her voice shaky.

“What I want doesn’t matter,” Sean replied with a careless shrug. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a gun, taking aim at her. “It’s what Kivar wants that does.”

If the gun being aimed at her had not rendered her motionless, then the sound of Kivar’s name would have. With eyes wide with terror she looked at Sean, her heart refusing to believe such betrayal.

** End Flash **


With the scream still tearing at her throat, Liz shot up in bed. Blind with terror and rage, she fought the arms that wound around her. Struggling wildly she gasped, sucking air into her lungs. With the images of her nightmare still flashing before her eyes she opened her mouth to scream again, desperate to fight of the hands that held her captive. She tried to raise her hands to blast whoever was holding her confined but she found them pinned at her sides.

“Liz! Liz, open your eyes!” Michael’s voice came from next to her. “It was just a dream. It’s over now. Open your eyes, Lizzie.”

At the sound of her best friend’s soothing voice Liz stopped struggling and realized that the hands holding her, keeping her arms pinned weren’t those of her captor’s but Michael’s. The hand caressing her hair, smoothing it back from her tear soaked face was Michael’s. With a sob, she allowed herself to collapse against him, for a brief moment taking in his strength and support unashamedly.

Her body shook with sobs as she clung to him, her face buried in his shirt. He held her close, protectively as he shushed her.

“Let it out, Liz,” he advised in a soft voice. “Let it all out.”

“I-It’s all I k-keep seeing…,” Liz sobbed, “Over and over again. It keeps repeating in my head. It never stops. Oh God, I just want it to stop!”

Michael swallowed hard as he felt tears clog the back of his throat. For the millionth time he thought that this should not have been the way for her. She did not deserve to go through such pain and guilt over what had not been her fault.

“Why didn’t I see this happening? Why wasn’t I strong enough to fight him?” Liz asked, still clutching at Michael, her sobs having subsided to just tears. She turned her face up to him and he saw the confusion and devastation in her eyes. “I’m an alien with immense power for God’s sake! Why didn’t I see it? Why didn’t I get some flash or a premonition? How did I let him get so close? What’s the use of having powers like mine when I can’t even use them to save myself, or to be given some warnings?”

“You did save yourself, Liz!” Michael reasoned. “You used your powers to save yourself when it mattered most. You got away. They didn’t get to you.”

“At what cost?” Liz demanded, pushing slightly away from him. “I have nightmares, Michael! Guilt eats away at me and I’m terrified of being caught again.” She shuddered slightly as she remembered her use of power that day. She had never thought herself capable of that much power. “I just wanted to stun him, not hurt him enough to knock him out. God, the power was so intense…”

“First off all, you are not going to get caught again. I’m going to make sure Kivar never finds us again. And second, you have no reason to feel guilty because if you hadn’t managed to knock Sean unconscious then I doubt if I could have gotten to you in time, or that you would have escaped.”

“It’s not that. It’s not only that,” Liz told him. “What terrifies me the most is that I lost control over my powers that day. It seemed like I was no longer in charge of my own self. I didn’t even think twice about hitting him with a blast that powerful or using my mind to throw him across the room like that! I didn’t even know I could do that! Yes, I hate that I didn’t figure out who he truly was before, but I didn’t want to hurt him even when I knew! I had no control over what I was doing and the thought that that might happen again terrifies me. What if I hurt you one day? Or another innocent?”

“You won’t,” Michael replied confidently.

Liz got up from the bed now, agitated and still winded from her dream. “How do you know that? How can you say that for sure?” She challenged, tugging her hair. “I can still feel it…the power surging through me…,” she trailed off, looking momentarily at her hands. “There could have been another way…some way except this…”

“Liz…,” Michael started to say when he saw the tears pool up once more in her eyes but Liz shook her head quickly, wiping at her eyes.

“I need to be alone for a while,” she replied, grabbing her jacket and tugging it on, silently grateful for having fallen asleep in her clothes. “I’m going out for a walk. I’ll be back later.”

Michael nodded, though hesitantly. He knew better than to stop her. She needed some time to herself right now, so he’d give it to her. As the door slammed behind Liz, he wondered if leaving the place where it had all happened would do any good after all.

<center>*****</center>

The carousel lay in darkness; its bright lights and joyful music shut off. Even in an abandoned state the carousel drew Liz to it. The elegantly carved horses, the golden bars stirring fond memories; memories that managed to drive away her dark thoughts for the time being.

Leaning over the railing that ran around the carousel, Liz closed her eyes and imagined it churning to life. She could almost see its lights flashing brightly; hear its music floating in the air. She could almost imagine the horses’ gentle and calming movements as the music weaved a magical spell around the carousel. For some reason, carousels had always calmed her, made her feel secure. Whenever she had been troubled or scared, she would sneak away and sit on the bench facing the carousel in the park near her house, just taking in its magic.

She didn’t know why she was so enraptured by a simple ride. Maybe it was because the first outing she’d had with her adoptive parents had been to go sit on a carousel or maybe it was the magic she felt ensconcing her whenever she sat on the ride that made her feel safe, allowing her to forget the real world for a blissful moment. Whatever the reason, she took comfort in it once more.

Feeling confident and safe amongst the serenity of the ride, Liz allowed her thoughts to catch up with her. Her mind going back to the hotel room, she felt guilt prick at her for the way she had rounded on Michael. He had just been trying to help; he had already done so much for her. She shouldn’t have talked to him like that, shouldn’t have pushed him away like she had.

He didn’t deserve that, she thought as she bit her lip regretfully.

An unexpected tear slipped down from the corner of her eye as she cursed the person who was responsible for making her feel like this. If thoughts of Sean finding her didn’t terrify her so much, if she didn’t have constant nightmares about Kivar catching her and Michael then she wouldn’t feel so cautious and guilty all the time. She wouldn’t hate herself for being so afraid.

I just took out all my anger and frustration out at Michael. I poured out all my worries and fears on him without giving him a chance to understand them, Liz realized remorsefully. I owe him an apology.

Wiping the tear from her cheek, she made a mental note to buy some new Metallica CDs as an apology and thank-you gift. Smiling to herself over the idea, Liz wrapped her arms around herself, trying to warm up in the chilly wind as she mentally went through all the albums Michael already had. Wryly she wondered if she’d actually be able to find something Metallica related that Michael didn’t already have.

An absent smile touched her lips and eyes as she thought hard. She was so engrossed in trying to think of the perfect gift that she didn’t hear the footsteps behind here. She didn’t see or feel the person stop behind her, watching her raptly until he finally spoke.

“It used to be a grand old thing before they closed it down,” a deep voice said.

With a startled gasp, Liz whipped around, her hand rising instinctively before she caught herself and lowered it. Looking up at the person who had spoken, Liz felt her breath catch. She found herself staring into those same warm brown eyes that had captivated her thoughts throughout dinner, found herself being gazed at by the same handsome guy from the café.

When Max had decided to go for a late night run, the last person he expected to see was the beautiful doe-eyed angel he had seen at the Crashdown. But there she had been, like a vision, standing near the carousel with a smile on her lips.

He had watched her unobserved for a moment. He was once more struck by her beauty. The way her dark chocolate brown hair spilled down her back, the way the moon shone down on her creamy skin giving her an ethereal glow. He was enraptured by the sight of her, drinking her in.

He watched her gaze at the carousel with a distant smile on her lips, appearing calm and content but for some reason Max felt the loneliness surrounding her and he felt her grief. He wondered why she seemed so sad, even when she was smiling.

He hesitated going up to her, though he wanted to. Lord knows how badly he wanted to! But it was an insane desire, wasn’t it? He didn’t even know her. He had no right to even be here, watching her.

And yet…yet he was drawn to her. It was something instinctive, something primeval, something…familiar. Before he knew it, he was walking towards her and for a second he had the absurd thought that he was walking towards his destiny.

Shaking such thoughts from his mind he searched for something to say to get her attention. Her back was to him and she appeared too deep in thought to take notice of him. For a moment, he watched the way she seemed to be looking up at the carousel with that distant look on her face. He wondered what she was thinking. Wondered what she was remembering that had her so sad.

Knowing that he had better say something soon, he racked his brain. Stuffing his hands in his jacket’s pocket, he said the first thing that came to his mind. “It used to be a grand old thing before they closed it down.”

With a startled gasp, his angel turned around, clearly not having been aware of his presence.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you,” he said, sounding embarrassed and apologetic.

For a moment the girl stood staring at him, her eyes wide with what Max could only describe as shock and hesitation. He cursed himself mentally when he saw her reaction. What had he been thinking going up to her? She must think he’s some stalking lunatic or something.

Then the most amazing thing happened. A slow, shy smile spread across her face, lighting up her eyes. Max sucked in his breath when he realized how beautiful she looked when she smiled like that. For a moment, he could have sworn that her eyes had lit up with pure pleasure, every trace of lingering sadness gone. But just as quickly as her smile had come the cautiousness once more had clouded her eyes.

Tucking her hair nervously behind her ear, Liz couldn’t believe her luck. “I – uh, I thought I was alone here,” she said.

“Oh. I’m sorry if I invaded your privacy or interrupted whatever you were doing,” the guy said. Liz could have sworn he sounded almost…well, disappointed. “I’ll leave you alone, I guess,” he said as he turned to leave.

Liz was immediately grabbed by irrational panic. Panic over sending him away and never seeing him again. “Wait!” Liz found herself blurting out. When the guy turned to look at her half curiously and half hopefully, Liz tugged a little at her hair in nervousness, struggling to find the words to stop him from leaving without seeming too eager. “I said that I thought I was alone. Not that…not that I wanted to be.”

A slow smile spread across his handsome face and Liz felt something inside her flutter at the sight.

“I’m Max. Max Evans,” he said as he came up to her and offered his hand out to shake.

Liz reached out to shake his hand and the second they touched sparks ignited. She could feel the current run through him and into her; she could almost visualize the sparks erupting between them at just the touch of his skin. With a soft gasp, Liz’s eyes flew to meet Max’s and she saw the nervous confusion written in them, too. He had obviously felt what she had and was just as surprised as she was.

Liz swallowed nervously as she stammered out her name. “L-Liz. Liz Parker.”

They both continued to stare at each other, their hands still clasped before they realized it and hastily dropped them. Clearing his throat, Max assumed an indifferent air and stepped up besides her to lean against the railing as well. Liz took the cue from him and did the same, making sure she wasn’t touching him.

With a small smile, he looked up at the carousel in remembrance. “I used to love coming here with my sister as a kid,” Max spoke. “I was very upset when they closed it down.”

Determined to keep things nonchalant between the stranger and herself, Liz too turned her attention to the carousel. “It’s a shame that magic such as this should go to waste.” Then realizing what she had just said, she shot Max an embarrassed smile. “That must have sounded so stupid.”

To her surprise, Max was smiling gently at her as he answered, “No, not at all. In fact I think so, too.”

“You do?” Liz asked skeptically.

Max nodded. “This place is magic.” He shrugged as he continued. “There is just something about carousels that lets me escape for a moment.”

“Escape from what?” Liz asked, almost in a whisper, feeling his words echoing her own thoughts.

“From whatever is troubling me at the moment. Could be as simple as a fight with my sister to some major problems.” He turned away from his perusal of the carousel to give her a smile, taking in her guarded expression. “It doesn’t matter how big the problem, or how complicated. I know that coming here will help me solve it, or at least I’ll be able to get my mind of the problem.”

“That’s a pretty strong faith you have there,” Liz commented, a teasing smile making its way on her lips.

Max felt an answering grin tug at the corners of his mouth and he countered, “Don’t you?”

“Yeah,” Liz admitted, biting her lip. “I guess I do.”

She moved away from the railing and took a step towards the park’s main path. Max fell in step with her, watching from the corner of his eyes as the wind played with her long locks. His fingers ached to reach out and entangle themselves in her hair but he fisted his hand in his pocket to stop himself from doing so. He wondered once more what had prompted her to come here in the middle of the night; what problem was it that had her seeking relief.

“So, what are you doing out here at this time of night?” Max asked her as they walked side by side.

Liz grabbed an unruly strand of hair and pushed it firmly behind her ear, pausing as she contemplated her answer. Here she was with a perfect stranger in the middle of the night in some strange town she didn’t even know. The last thing she should be doing is talking to him. After everything she had been through, she should know better than to be so careless in dealing with people she didn’t know.

But for some odd reason she felt so safe with Max. So at ease… If he asked the right questions, she was pretty sure that she would have told him, even if only briefly, about Sean and her life. That thought alone should have scared her, made her leave and put some distance between them, but it didn’t. Rather, she threw caution to the wind, determined to enjoy one carefree moment with this enigmatic stranger who she felt an uncanny connection with.

She shrugged slightly as she contemplated his question. “I guess I was trying to forget my problems for a moment. I thought a walk might take things off my mind,” she answered.

Max noticed the flicker of sadness in her eyes and he wisely decided not to ask anything that might cause her to remember what she had obviously come here to forget. So he quickly grabbed on her other words, staying clear of her worries.

“A walk? In the middle of the night?” Max asked with an amused smile.

“Hey! I couldn’t sleep, okay,” Liz replied in a mock-offended tone. She gave him a teasing look. “And what about you?” She looked down purposefully at his running shoes. “What had you out running in the middle of the night?”

Max glanced down at his shoes before looking back up at her. “I happen to like running in the middle of the night,” he answered. At her disbelieving look, he nodded his head insistently. “I’m not kidding! There’s just something about having the street all to myself that attracts me.”

“Well, I guess we all have out little quirks.”

Max raised an eyebrow at her. “Oh? And what might your ‘little quirk’ be?” he asked.

Liz batted her eyes innocently at him. “What makes you think I have one?” she joked.

Instead of answering, Max reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, letting his fingers linger for a second longer than necessary. Liz’s breath caught at the contact and Max’s gaze held hers gently holding her captured.

“That, right there, is your quirk, Liz Parker,” Max whispered softly, his eyes still locked onto hers, making both of their hearts speed up at their closeness.

Max hadn’t intended to allow himself to touch her. He hadn’t wanted to spark that obvious connection but he hadn’t been able to stop himself. Her hair felt silky smooth under his fingers and he was drawn into the depths of her soulful brown eyes. Eyes in which pain, hurt, betrayal, and now desire lurked. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her. He felt familiarity and longing sweep through him, rushing through his veins, making him want to take her in his arms and kiss her.

This was insane; he was insane! He had just met her and already he couldn’t get enough of her. He didn’t know what was wrong with him but Liz Parker seemed to have him under a spell and he wasn’t sure he wanted to break out of it…

Liz was beginning to lose herself in his eyes. She felt something familiar tug at her, something about him calling out to her. She didn’t know what to make of it. She couldn’t deny the instant attraction she had felt towards Max but she had to be cautious. She couldn’t give in to what her body so desperately seemed to want, Max…in her arms.

She forced her thoughts to take a more rational turn and Liz’s mind suddenly registered how closely they were standing. Both had unconsciously taken a step towards each other and were now almost toe-to-toe. She saw his eyes darken and something flash in their depths; something that looked a lot like desire. Abruptly, panic erupted in her.

Taking a step back from Max, her eyes wide with fear she stammered, “I-I’ve got to go…”

She couldn’t, she wouldn’t go there! How could she have let her guard down like that? How could she have let a guy have such an effect on her? One that she had just met at that! Hadn’t her run in with Sean taught her anything?

“Liz…,” Max began, looking confused and apologetic at the same time.

But Liz shook her head quickly, backing away. “No. I can’t…” She bit her lip sorrowfully. “I’m sorry…”

With those words, she turned and ran away from him, leaving him standing there, confused and wondering what just happened.


<center>TBC. . .</center>

[FallenMagic]

<center>Part 4</center>


Michael blinked in surprise when he saw Liz sitting by the window, her chin propped up on her hand as she gazed out at the rising sun. Stifling a yawn, Michael wearily rubbed his eyes.

“Did you even sleep?” he asked as he came to stand beside her.

She turned her head and looked up at him as she shook her head. “No.”

“Liz!” The reprimand was obvious in his tone as he glared at her. “You mean to tell me you’ve been sitting here like this, exactly as I left you when I fell asleep after you came back in?”

Liz shrugged as she returned to watch the sun rise over the horizon. “Pretty much.”

Concern instantly replaced the glaring look as his voice softened. “Hey,” he said. “What happened last night?”

“Nothing.”

Michael narrowed his eyes, having heard the hesitation in her voice. He knew something definitely had happened last night. Liz had come back after she had taken off even more troubled. At first, he thought that her nightmare was still troubling her but one look at her had erased that thought. Something had obviously happened while she was out….


Michael looked up from the map he had been perusing when he heard the door open. He saw Liz come hurrying in, slamming the door behind her. Michael’s gaze snapped up to scrutinize her as she came over to her bed and sat down, burying her face in her hands.

He sensed the confusion and pain rolling of her in waves, and his concern immediately sprang up. Pushing aside the map, he got up from where he had been sitting, and sat down next to her.

“Liz?” he asked. “Is everything okay?”

Liz nodded, pushing back her hair as she looked up at him. “Everything’s fine.” She sighed a little as she forced nonchalance into her voice. “Why wouldn’t it be?”

“I don’t know. You tell me.”

She wasn’t fooling him. He knew her better than anyone did and he knew how to read her. Right now, something had obviously gotten to her. He watched her carefully and saw the conflicting emotions flash in her eyes. Frustration, hurt, longing, pain and fear. It was the fear that had Michael wondering and worrying. Her next words only increased his concern.

“I’ll take care of it,” Liz answered in response to his prodding.

Michael frowned, lost. “Take care of what?”

Biting her lip, Liz shook her head. “Nothing. Forget I said anything.”

“Liz, what’s going on?” Michael asked with worry.

Liz pushed herself off the bed and instead went and sat near the window, briefly gazing out before whispering almost sadly, “Nothing. Nothing’s going on.” Before Michael could say anything else she gave him a brief, distracted half smile. “Just trust me, okay? I’ll take care of it.”

“Take care of what, Liz?” Michael asked again with growing confusion and worry.

“Destiny…”

The words slipped out, barely a whisper. They slipped out without her noticing until it was too late. As soon as she realized what she had said, her back stiffened and she shot Michael a quick look to see if he had heard. By the look on his face he hadn’t and she let out a breath of relief.

Biting her lip and tucking her hair behind her ear Liz wondered why the word had slipped out…and why she imagined Max Evans when she thought about it. She couldn’t deny that she had felt a connection with him, that there was something about him that made her want to open her heart to him. She knew, though she refused to admit it to herself, that if she wasn’t careful Max could end up hurting her more badly than Sean had. She could sense it already. Max Evans had the power to hurt her if she allowed him.

And she was going to make certain that that would never happen. And why would she let him anyway? She barely knew him and though they had a nice time a while ago, one that had ended…well…hurriedly, she was not about to do it again. No matter how much she wanted to.

It had been nice and comfortable talking to him; she had to admit that much. But to say it’ll happen again, to say that she’ll let him get close…that wasn’t happening. Not if she had anything to say about it.

Michael had been watching her as she debated internally with herself. He saw the determination sweep over her features and he wondered about it. Something told him that something aside from her nightmares and memories were bothering her right now. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something had happened while she had been out on her walk. He just wished he knew what.

“Liz, talk to me,” he pleaded.

“There’s nothing to talk about.” She turned to give him a casual shrug. “Really.”

Michael sighed, knowing better than to push her. If she wanted to talk, she would do so. Nothing he was going to say or do was going to make an ounce of a difference if she didn’t want to talk.

Almost as if sensing his thoughts, Liz nodded her head towards his bed. “Go to sleep. It’s been a long day and tomorrow is going to be another one.” When Michael hesitated going, she shot him a mock glare. “I’m fine, Michael. I think it’s safe to leave me awake all by myself in this big hotel room.”

Michael rolled his eyes but a smile tugged at his lips. “Alright, fine. Have it your way. Don’t stay up too late,” he warned.

Rolling her eyes, Liz smiled. “I won’t.”


And she was still awake…That told him that something was not right. Something was truly bothering her to have her up all night thinking. Though he had asked her, prodded her, she had just waved aside his questions telling him it was nothing. And now, the fact that she had been up all night, wrapped up in her thoughts…. Something was definitely going on with Liz. He just wished he knew what it was.

“Liz, would you please tell me what’s going on?” he asked with a sigh. “And don’t tell me it’s nothing. I know you. Something happened while you were out last night. The confusion and worry is there in your eyes. I just wish you’d talk to me about it.”

With a sigh of her own, Liz got up and laid a reassuring hand on Michael’s arm. “Don’t worry about it, Michael,” she replied. “Whatever happened last night…well it’s nothing I can’t handle. I’ll be fine by tomorrow, you’ll see.”

Though even as she said it, Max’s face flashed before her and she felt her stomach tighten. Something told her that this was not going to be solved overnight, or any time soon for that matter.

“Don’t shut me out, Liz,” Michael said in a low, worried tone. His eyes shimmered with uncertainty and pleading. “Whatever you do, don’t shut me out again, okay?”

Liz swallowed the tears forming at the back of her throat, knowing exactly what Michael was referring to. Nodding, she wrapped her arms around him for a quick hug.

“I won’t,” she promised, her voice was a whisper but even then he heard the pain in her voice.

He returned her hug, giving her a reassuring squeeze before letting go. “I just don’t want you having to go through anything alone again.”

“I’m not alone,” she answered. “I have you here with me. Besides, the…situation I encountered last night is nothing more than a blimp on the grand scheme of things.”

Michael looked unconvinced but he nodded, conceding defeat. “Okay. I’ll drop this…for now.”

Sighing with visible relief, Liz said, “Thanks, Michael.”

“But I want you to promise me that if things get out of control or too difficult to handle you’ll come to me,” Michael warned.

Liz nodded quickly, confident that she wouldn’t need to. “I promise,” she replied quickly. Eager to change the topic, Liz diverted Michael’s attention to the reason they were in Roswell.

“So, what’s the plan for today?” she asked.

“Well I thought we could hit the UFO Centre across the street from that café we went to yesterday. Then maybe we could check the library for some newspaper articles or records,” Michael told her. “How does that sound?”

“Sounds good,” Liz commented. “That should give us something to start with.”

“That’s what I thought,” Michael replied. “But first, let’s go get breakfast. I’m starved!”

<center>*****</center>

Max’s eyes roamed restlessly across the café, carefully looking over any dark haired girl he saw sitting. It had been like this all morning. He had constantly been on the lookout for Liz and she had yet to turn up. For a moment he felt panic grip him at the thought that maybe she had just been passing through town and had already left.

But something told him that wasn’t right, that she was still here. So he waited, hoping to catch a glimpse of her and if possible to be able to talk to her again, find out why she had run off like that last night. The fear he had seen in her eyes before she had run had kept Max up all night, wondering constantly what he had done to rouse such emotion in her.

He had a feeling it hadn’t been him at all but something from her past. For a moment, there had been such pain in her eyes that he had ached to reach out to hold her and make her forget whatever had put it there.

With surprised reluctance, Max realized just how much he was letting Liz get to him. He had just met her yesterday and both encounters had been brief to say the least, but already he felt drawn to her. Something about her called out to him, pulled at him. He should be wary of it, he knew. He should be very careful; he had to be.

After all, he wasn’t normal… human. It had been a risk letting Kyle, Maria, and Alex, people he had known ever since he had been a kid, into his life. He shouldn’t allow himself to open up to this beautiful girl he had just met. Not only was it dangerous but utterly absurd! It wouldn’t be just himself that he would be putting in danger, but Tess and Isabel, too. And he had a sworn duty to protect them. Letting Liz Parker into his thoughts was dangerous enough; he couldn’t let her into his life. He knew that it might be presumption to think about anything beyond another meeting but he had a feeling that things between them wouldn’t stop there. He had a feeling that neither one of them would be able to stop themselves from taking it all the way.

With a silent groan, Max dropped his face into his hands. He hadn’t known her for more than a day and already he was determining how far they would go in a relationship. They weren’t even friends at this point! For all he knew, she could pack up and leave Roswell tomorrow! And yet, he still found himself searching for her face in the crowd, hoping to see her smile again.

“She’s still not here, huh?” Maria’s amused voice broke into his thoughts.

Snapping his gaze from the people wandering outside to his friend’s face, he tried to act confused. “Who?”

Maria chuckled, shaking her head, obviously not falling for his act. “That girl you saw yesterday.”

Max felt a blush begin to creep up his neck and he forced it back down. Still feigning confusion, Max shook his head. “I don’t know what you mean,” he replied.

An eyebrow rose and an amused smirk cross Maria’s lips. “Don’t you?” she countered. She glanced purposefully down at the cups of coffee lying on the table. “Do you mean to tell me that the reason you’ve been sitting here since the minute we opened is because you love our coffee so much?”

Max gave her a grin, knowing he had been caught. “Would you believe me if I said yes?” he asked.

“Nope.” Maria chuckled. Then she rolled her eyes, “She’ll be here, lover boy.”

Max couldn’t hold back the blush this time as he protested weakly, “I’m not waiting-”

Maria cut him off abruptly as her gaze traveled to the door and a smile spread across her face. “Well, speak of the devil…”

Max’s eyes followed to where Maria was looking and he sucked in his breath. There she was. Max never knew anyone could look so pretty in a simple shirt and jeans. Although she was with the guy he had seen yesterday, he barely paid any attention to him. He was once more captivated by her.

Maria glanced at him and saw the struck expression on his face. With a smirk, she said, “You were saying…”

Liz had seen him the moment she entered the Crashdown. Her eyes were instantly drawn to his muscular frame, the way his bangs fell softly across his forehead, causing her to pause in mid-stride until she felt Michael nudge her forward.

Max was talking to the waitress that had helped them out yesterday, Maria. For a second she thought that he didn't know she was here and she felt the tiniest flicker of disappointment. Then he looked up at her and she quickly averted her eyes, furious with herself at almost being caught staring when she obviously shouldn't have been.

Determined not to let him affect her, she avoided looking in his direction as she and Michael went and sat down in a booth near the front. Immediately she sat down on the side facing Max, her back to the door. When Michael looked at her curiously, she flashed him a bright smile.

“I - uh - I like the view from this side,” she hastily explained. She tucked her hair behind her ear nervously when Michel looked at her in bafflement.

“What view?” he asked, turning around to look at what had caught Liz's fancy.

When he turned to look at Liz again, she was already engrossed in the menu, her lips pursed in concentration. It had been a lame excuse but it had been better than telling Michael that she just wanted to be able to stare at the hot guy she had met yesterday.

Not that I want to, obviously, she told herself quickly. I mean, didn't I make up my mind to forget all about Max Evans? That it isn't safe? And it’s not like I don’t like the view from where I’m sitting… Her eyes darted up at that moment to look at Max before she fixed her eyes on her menu again. Nope, not a bad view at all…

Across the room, Maria hid a smile behind her order pad as she stood next to Max, pretending to take his order.

“She’s trying her damnedest not to look at you.” Maria giggled as she managed a glance at Liz again.

“Maria!” Max hissed in embarrassment. “Stop staring!”

“I’m not staring!” Maria cried, holding up her hands.

Max raised his eyebrow in obvious disbelief. “Oh, all right!” she huffed. “Maybe I took one little peek…or two…er…okay three…”

“Maria…”

The warning in Max’s tone had her laughing again. “Well, I’m your best friend. If I’m not going to be the one that checks out which girl you like, then who else is?” she countered.

“Get it out of your head. I do not like the girl!” Max lied. “I don’t even know her!”

This time Maria gave him a disbelieving look. “Then why do you have that look on your face?” she asked.

“What look?” he asked cautiously.

Maria’s voice softened as her gaze shifted to look at Liz thoughtfully. “That you’ve seen who she really is…” Maria looked back down at Max’s startled face. “And that you’d do anything to be able to be the one who would protect her from whatever has her so troubled.”

Unnerved by Maria’s words, Max forced an amused smile on his lips. “And you got all that from the way I look at her?” he asked. “Come on, Maria!”

Maria shook her head. “Not just from you, Max, but from her as well.” Maria’s eyes softened along with her voice as she said, “Even I can tell something hurt her…there’s a haunted look in her eyes, even though she tries to hide it. And so much pain. I wonder what happened to her.”

Refusing to let on to Maria that he was wondering that too, he shrugged with disinterest. “So, she’s a girl with a past. We’ve all got something in our past.”

“But Max, there’s something about her…something that makes me wonder if she’s ever been able to move past whatever happened to her,” Maria said.

“That’s none of our concern, Maria,” Max answered.

“Still…,” Maria trailed off as Kyle Valenti and Tess Harding joined Max at the table.

“Hey guys,” Kyle greeted as he and his girlfriend took a seat. “What’s going on?”

“Just your usual morning,” Maria replied, wisely not mentioning anything to Kyle and Tess.

With an internal sigh of relief, Max tried to turn his attention towards Kyle and Tess, grateful that their arrival would make Maria drop the topic. He didn’t want to think about how obvious whatever this thing that seemed to be between him and Liz was. And he didn’t want Maria to make more of it than it obviously was not.

He tried to convince himself that what he was feeling was nothing more than a reaction to a girl who caught his fancy. It was a crush, one that would blow over soon enough. It would be ridiculous to think it was something more. How could it be when the only conversation he’d had with her lasted not more than fifteen minutes and that too was about carousels and personal quirks?

Unwittingly, his gaze once more fell upon her. She was looking over some paper that was spread over the table. He watched her lean over it, a tiny frown marring her perfect face as she ran her finger down it. The guy sitting across from her said something and she nodded, not looking up from her perusal of whatever it was that held her attention.

Max found himself smiling when she unconsciously tucked a strand of silky, chocolate brown hair behind her ear almost impatiently. Regardless of what she thought, he had noticed that was her quirk. He could say that about her already.

There was something about her that attracted him, something innate almost. He had felt it from the moment he had laid eyes on her. It should have shocked him or terrified him but it didn’t. In fact it only made her seem so much more appealing to him. But something else did make him hesitate and made him wary.

What made him hesitate to make a move was the instinctive knowledge that if they begun any sort of relationship, it would not be possible to back out from it without seeing it to its conclusion. There would be no halfway for them. He knew deep inside that they both had the power to hurt each other, to burn each other. He knew that once he had a taste of what they could be like together, there could never be anything better for him. He’d be ruined for anyone else; he would never be satisfied with anyone else.

And that knowledge scared him. The fact that he knew it already, without even knowing her just added to his fear. He didn’t know or understand how he could be so sure about it, how he could be sure of what he could have with her, but he didn’t question it either. He trusted what he felt and what he felt for Liz Parker was as scary as it was exciting.

<center>*****</center>

“This is where we were found, wasn’t it?” Liz asked, pointing to a point on the map that lay spread before her.

Michael leaned closer to see where she was pointing before he nodded. “Yeah, that’s the place,” he confirmed.

Liz pursed her lips in thought as her fingers trailed down the road and to the town. “That’s some miles off from here,” she said, almost to herself.

Her mind was mentally mapping out the area around Roswell and she was trying to plan the next move. All thoughts of Max and anything else were pushed away as she concentrated on what they had come here for.

“My guess is that if anyone of the others were found then it must have been around this area only,” Michael told her.

Liz paused, contemplating the idea before she nodded. “Sounds plausible. We can check old newspapers or maybe adoption papers if there are any signs of children found near Roswell,” She pushed back her hair as she leaned back and sighed. “This is going to be more difficult than I expected.”

Michael moved his hand to cover hers and gave her a small smile. “We’ll find them,” he assured her.

She nodded but didn’t look very convinced. She sat up straight when Michael moved to fold the map abruptly. Looking up, Liz saw that Maria was standing at their table.

“Do you guys want anything else?” she asked.

Michael shook his head, scowling a little. “No, we’re fine.”

“Are you sure?” Maria pressed. “Maybe a coffee refill? You have to try our Blood of Alien Smoothie. It’s the best!”

“Look, if we need anything else we’ll let you know,” Michael snapped. “We’re trying to have a conversation here so if you please…” He made a going away gesture and rudely turned back to Liz.

Maria’s back stiffened as Michael snapped at her and she glared at him a moment before marching off. Liz looked at Michael reproachfully.

“That was unnecessarily rude, Michael,” she told him.

“We were talking,” he retorted.

“She was only doing her job,” Liz pointed out. But when Michael just ignored her comment, she rolled her eyes.

She was used to this. Michael wasn’t very civil to strangers. He liked others to think that he was a rough and tough kind of person, usually to scare them off. But Liz knew there was a caring side to him as well. She knew it because she knew just how far Michael would go to take care of her and keep her safe.

“Look, let’s just get out of here,” Michael said after a moment’s silence. “The faster we get to work, the more ground we’ll cover.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Liz agreed. She got up and pointed towards the back. “Call for the check and I’m going go to the rest room.”

Michael nodded as Liz headed to where the restrooms were. She swung open the door and then locked it behind her. Quickly washing her hands and dabbing her face, Liz looked up in the mirror and inspected herself. She winced a little as she saw the dark circles around her eyes from the lack of sleep and nightmares.

She looked tired and tense. That’s probably because I am, Liz thought in faint amusement. She couldn’t go back out like this. Michael would only worry and make her get some rest. That would mean stopping their search and she didn’t want to do that. The faster they were done, the quicker she could get out of here.

And she wanted to leave this place. She wanted to leave as soon as possible. There was something about this place that pulled at her, unsettled her. Or someone that did it anyway…, a voice whispered in her head.

She shook her head, pushing away that thought and the dark eyes that accompanied it. She wasn’t going to let this – whatever this was – pull her in. She had promised herself after Sean that she was going to tread very carefully; that she wasn’t going to allow herself to be pulled along by what she was feeling. She had to be more careful than that. She didn’t have a choice.

She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the sick feeling pass as she thought about Sean and how she had last seen him.

All that blood…human blood…, she thought as she felt the memory of the smell and feeling wash over her. I spilt it. It was my doing.

She snapped her eyes open, forcing the images to fade. She stared unseeingly at her image, bringing it to focus, reminding herself that it was done. It had happened a long time ago and remembering, feeling, was pointless.

Pulling herself together, she waved her hand in front of her face, erasing the dark circles and the tired lines. She looked at herself in the mirror for a moment, assessing. Finding everything satisfactory, she headed back out. Almost immediately, she bumped into Max.

He had seen her get up and go towards the back, so he had followed her. He knew he shouldn’t but he couldn’t stop himself. Within moments, he had excused himself from the table and had headed towards the back. Now, he stood staring at her, wondering what to say. She took the initiative.

“Max!” she cried out in surprise. “Hi!”

Max thought he saw surprise and pleasure flicker in her eyes but he couldn’t be sure. Swallowing, he found his voice and smiled a little at her. “Hey!” he replied. “I saw you here and thought I’d come ask you how you were.”

“I’m doing fine…,” Liz replied, desperately trying not to feel pleased that he was here but failing miserably.

“I saw you with your boyfriend there and didn’t want to disturb you,” Max told her, pointing towards the front. He watched her reaction carefully as he said the word ‘boyfriend’ and was surprised at her reaction.

Confusion clouded her features as she repeated, “Boyfriend?” Then it struck her that he was referring to Michael and a laugh burst forth from her lips. To Max it was like music to his ear. “Oh, you mean Michael…” She laughed. Still laughing, she shook her head. “He’s not my boyfriend.”

“He’s not?” Max heard the hopefulness in his voice and cringed inwardly, hoping that she hadn’t heard it. But one look at the amusement on her face let him know that she had heard it, too.

“No, he’s not,” Liz replied, this time her smile almost shy. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she darted her gaze before looking back at him. She didn’t know why she felt so shy all of a sudden. Clearing her throat, she forced herself to look at him. “Michael’s my…well you can say brother, I guess.”

“Oh.” The relief in Max’s voice was once again obvious and this time Liz didn’t hide the low laugh that slipped past her lips.

She titled her head and gazed up at him, taking in his blushing face and his nervous stance. His deep brown eyes were avoiding her own as he shuffled from foot to foot, his hands stuck in his pockets. Liz found the image oddly endearing.

“I never got to thank you,” Liz said suddenly, biting her lip nervously.

Max raised his eyes to meet hers and he felt himself drowning in their chocolaty depths. “For what?” he managed to ask.

“For not pushing about what was bothering me last night…,” Liz trailed off with a shrug. “Most people would have either walked past or would have stayed and pressed. Thank you for not doing either.”

Max smiled at her softly, remembering how she had looked standing there in the moonlight. He couldn’t have not stopped to talk to her. And it had taken him a moment to decide that he would try to divert her mind from her troubles, especially after he had seen the broken look in her eyes.

Shrugging lightly, as if it was no big deal, he replied, “You were looking for an escape. I could tell and I didn’t want to bring whatever you were there to forget back up.”

“Thank you anyway,” Liz answered.

Max nodded slightly, accepting it. Then a look of embarrassment passed over his face as he remembered that he had almost kissed her last night. All night he had wondered if that was what had scared her off. It wouldn’t surprise him if it had, since she barely knew him and he had moved in to kiss her! He owed her an apology and even though his face burned at the memory, he cleared his throat, gathering her attention.

“I owe you an apology…,” he began, briefly looking at his feet then back at her. “For…um…trying to kiss you…”

“Oh…” Liz felt her breath catch as an image of Max leaning over her, his eyes lit with hunger, flashed in her head. Even though she had stopped him, she couldn’t stop a pang of regret from erupting in her. Shaking her head to clear thoughts of Max’s lips on hers, she spoke, “You don’t have to apologize…,” she began but Max cut her off.

“I do. I was way out of line and I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have even been thinking about it. I mean we don’t even know each other,” Max told her.

Something that felt suspiciously like regret and disappointment filtered into Liz. She had wanted to kiss him last night. She had wanted to feel his lips on hers, to feel the sparks fly between them as she had a feeling they would. Even now, she didn’t want him apologizing. She didn’t want him to tell her he was sorry. She wanted him to want to kiss her again. Biting her lip in an effort to hold back the desire and disappointment, she listened to him as he went on.

“I’m really sorry I scared you off like that…,” he said to her, his eyes filled with guilt and shame. Liz wanted to reach out and hold him to her, to assure him that it hadn’t been him at all. But instead, she settled for placing a hand on his arm lightly.

“You didn’t, Max,” she told him. Her hand fell away helplessly as she ran her other one through her hair. “I just…panicked. But it wasn’t you. Please believe me, it wasn’t.” It hadn’t been him. Not in the least. It had been Sean, Sean and the repercussions of her relationship with him. But not Max, never Max…

Max looked into her eyes and he believed her. There was truth there and … regret? No, I must have imagined that, he thought. Why would there be regret in her eyes.

He nodded then. “I believe you,” he told her. He was about to say more when he heard Tess’s voice call out.

“Max?”

Turning abruptly, Max found Tess standing behind him, looking at first him and then Liz curiously. After he had taken off, Tess had watched him, watched him talk to the petite brunette with narrowed eyes, barely paying attention to Kyle who was busy eating. Something about the way Max had been looking at her and listening to her had bothered her. It had bothered her a lot.

She wasn’t jealous. At least she didn’t get jealous over him anymore. Max wasn’t her boyfriend. She wasn’t in love with him, didn’t want him anymore. She had given up on the hopes of him falling for her. She had Kyle now and she loved him. But even so, she still felt protective of Max. And right now, seeing him with this stranger had spurred her into coming here to check things out.

Now she stood, glancing at the girl with blatant curiosity and not trying to hide it. She saw the girl shift a bit uncomfortably and Tess hid the pleased smile.

“Max is everything okay?” she asked.

Max nodded and she saw the irritation speckled with embarrassment flicker in his eyes. She found her curiosity even more riled up by it. Obviously something was going on here.

And I’m going to try find out what, Tess decided. She stepped up to them now, shooting Liz another long look. She placed a hand, almost possessively on Max’s arm and watched for the girl’s reaction. She ignored the startled and annoyed look Max shot her, intent instead on the abrupt, distant look the girl got in her eyes.

Liz stepped back a little, her eyes falling on the way the blonde was almost hanging on to Max. It might have been nothing, it should have been nothing, but still she felt oddly hurt. Why should she care if this girl was Max’s girlfriend? She shouldn’t wonder about it, shouldn’t feel hurt by the thought.

Maybe she’s just a friend, Liz thought. Then she saw the way the blonde was still holding on to Max, that possessive, almost warning look in her eyes that girls often get around their boyfriends. Liz also noticed with a sinking heart that Max was making no move to shake her off.

True, he didn’t seem pleased but he wasn’t pulling away from her either. Swallowing the bitter taste in her mouth and carefully avoiding Max’s eyes, she moved past him. She should have known better. Maybe it was for the best. She couldn’t let herself even begin to feel anything for him, for anyone. It wasn’t safe. But even as she reminded herself that, the disappointment and hurt came.

“I-I better get going. Michael is waiting for me,” she said quickly. “Thanks again for your help, Max.” Without bothering to wait for his reply, she dashed back out to where Michael was waiting for her.

Max watched in bafflement as Liz all but ran out to Michael. He didn’t know what had made her run out that way.

That’s the second time she’s left like that, Max thought. Maybe it’s me…

“Who was that girl, Max?” Tess’s voice snapped his attention back to her. Tess was looking at him with her blue eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of pleasure.

He narrowed his eyes at her when he saw the pleased, almost smug look in her eyes, wondering if she had something to do with making Liz run off. But then he shook his head, berating himself for being so suspicious. Why would she do that?

He noticed that Tess’s hand was still on his arm, almost clinging to him. Easing out of her grip, he gave her a quick distracted smile as he once more turned to look at Liz who was just exiting.

“Just someone I was helping out…,” he told her.

He missed the way Tess’s eyes narrowed and faint understanding, along with annoyance, began to fill them.


<center>TBC . . .</center>

[FallenMagic]

<center>Part 5</center>


With her pulse still racing from the encounter with Max, Liz followed Michael out of the Crashdown. She could feel Max’s gaze at the back of her neck but she stiffened her back, refusing to turn around and look. She didn’t understand what was wrong with her. She couldn’t figure out how she had let him weaken her resolve to keep away from him, from any man.

All he had to do was wait outside for me and I’m practically gushing over him! Liz thought in self-disgust. How could she have forgotten all the reasons she had promised herself to keep away from guys like him?

Almost as a reminder as to how she had let her guard down, a tremor shot through her; reminding her of the undeniable spark she felt when around him, the familiar ease. She found her mind wandering over Max again when an odd and startling thought crossed her mind.

Though she had barely spent five minutes with the blonde girl who had been clinging to Max, Liz had an unsettling feeling that she knew her from somewhere. Frowning, Liz racked her brain to recall but she couldn’t remember ever having met any one even remotely like her.

Still puzzling over it, Liz turned her attention over to Michael who was frowning at the town map he held in his hands. One look at his baffled and lost look had her biting back laughter. She knew instantly that Michael was having trouble reading the map.

“How is it that you can find your way from city to city on a road map, yet you look hopelessly lost with a simple city map?” she asked.

Michael scowled at her as he replied shortly, “City maps are more confusing.”

With an amused grin Liz took the map from him and scanned it before asking, “So, where are we going first? Roswell Library, City Hall or the UFO Centre?”

“The public library.”

Liz glanced at the map once more before she nodded to herself and folded the map. “Let’s go,” she announced, taking off down the street confidently.

Michael shot after her, an incredulous look on his face. “You found it already? You know the directions?” he asked.

“Michael, it’s hardly rocket science,” Liz answered, a laugh lacing her voice.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if you were good at that, too,” Michael grumbled but with an affectionate tone to his voice.

“Come on, Michael,” Liz replied, absurdly pleased and flattered by his words. She shot him a mischievous smile as she tugged his hand lightly. “Let’s go do some research. Who knows? I might be good at that, too!”

<center>*****</center>

It was an hour later when Liz wearily rubbed her eyes, strained from reading the minuscule print on the computer. She had been at it for an hour, reading up on all the newspapers dating around the time she and Michael had been found wandering on the roadside. She had hoped to find something that might give her some clue, any lead as to what happened to the others but she hadn’t found anything. Nothing strange or extraordinary had happened; nothing that could possibly point them in the next direction.

Hoping that Michael had better luck than she had, she got up, stretching slightly before walking to Michael’s terminal a few chairs away.

“Anything?” she asked.

Michael looked up at her and shook his head tiredly. “No. Nothing,” he replied. He pushed back from the computer, running a hand through his hair. “I’ve read everything related to the ’47 crash but there seems to be nothing that seems odd. It’s all a bunch of stories and myths.” He got up then, shooting her a wry smile. “I think I can now truly appreciate the effort Cal went to, to keep the truth a secret. He managed to spread some quite wild and believable stories.”

At the mention of Cal’s name, Liz’s eyes hardened and then closed off. “He didn’t go to a lot of effort to keep us safe,” she retorted. “And for all we know, the stories he spread were just to save his own skin!”

Michael instantly regretted having brought up Cal. He knew just how much Liz had been hurt by his sudden disappearance. At first, they both had believed that he would be back but weeks had passed with no word from him. Michael privately feared that he might have been caught. He had kept the thought to himself though. He hadn’t wanted to worry Liz with the possibilities of the government coming after them.

Michael had told himself that he’d tell her about it later, when she wasn’t so distraught by Cal’s disappearance. But then her worry had turned to anger over what she deemed to be desertion, and then finally to bitterness and refusal to even talk about him. In the end, Michael had decided that it was better that she go on thinking that. Better to be angry than scared. It wasn’t as if he had any proof of his own theory anyway.

Now, Michael laid a soothing hand on her shoulder. “It doesn’t matter what his motive,” he reminded her. “What matters is that it kept us safe. It helped us from falling into the clutches of some vile government organization.” When Liz didn’t show any indication of relenting, Michael sighed inwardly. “Let’s just concentrate on what we’re here for, okay?”

Liz hesitated before she nodded. Still silent, she went back to her computer and shut it off. The librarian had told her to leave things as they were so she informed her that they were finished before heading out of the library followed by Michael.

“I was thinking that maybe we could check out the UFO Centre next,” Michael told her as they stood outside on the library steps.

Liz shot him a slightly hesitant look. “Why?” she asked. “What makes you think we can find anything there when we didn’t find anything here?”

Michael shrugged. “Worth a shot, isn’t it?” he asked.

Liz bit her lip, uneasy of the thought of going there. She pushed back a strand of hair from her face, mentally bracing herself before she nodded. “All right. Let’s go.”

Michael, having seen her reaction gave her a scrutinizing look. “You sure?” he asked. “I know it won’t be a very…easy thing to see.”

But Liz quickly shook her head, resigned to the fact that she would have to get used to these things if she wanted to find the others. “I’m sure,” she replied.

Michael gave her another assessing look before he said, “Let’s move then….”

<center>*****</center>

Liz wasn’t sure what she had been expecting to see at the UFO Center. Maybe she had expected alarms to go off the instant she and Michael walked into the place, alerting everyone to the fact that real live aliens had just walked in. Or maybe she had expected to see a bunch of alien fanatics wandering around, fascinated, each with their own story of alien abduction.

So, she was surprised to find that the place attracted not only a large tourist crowd but also local people of every age group. She saw kids not more than five years old, running around with alien masks on their faces. She saw teenagers, the same age as Michael and her, strolling about looking at the exhibits with bored curiosity. She saw several adults; some she knew just by looking were devout alien hunters.

With some amusement, she glanced at the man dressed up in an alien costume. She noticed that the costume was made along the same lines as the popular belief of people that aliens were green, had antennas, and pitch black, emotionless eyes. She eased past the alien as he shook his hands at them, pretending to grab them. She heard Michael stifle a groan and she looked curiously at him.

“How do you think these people would react if we told them that that is not what aliens look like?” he asked.

Liz grinned as she replied, “Probably think we’re just a couple of fanatical alien hunters looking to gain recognition.”

“You know what?” Michael asked with a low laugh. “I think you’re right.”

They stopped in front of some old pictures that claimed to have been taken at the crash site. Below the picture, a brief description ran of how the ship that had been found looked like. Liz looked at the picture silently for a moment, a dull grief twisting at her. Maybe none of the stories about aliens had been real, but the ship had been very real. And it had been captured by the government. Who knew what they had done with it?

Probably tore it apart… She mused sadly.

Her gaze fell on the picture below it. This one showed a grainy picture of an alien autopsy. Though Liz knew that there had been no one captured by the government, her stomach still lurched sickeningly when she saw the picture. Seeing that picture, she fervently thanked whatever deity there was out there that her protectors had managed to get them all out of the ship and hidden safely away before the government had gotten to them. She shuddered to think of what could have happened if she or anyone one of the others had been caught by the government.

It was the only thing she was grateful to Cal to. He, along with their other protector Nasedo, had managed to get them all to safety. With some sadness, she recalled that Nasedo had died while trying to save them. She was glad that his body had turned to ashes to prevent it from being taken into custody.

Michael had been watching her and when he saw the sadness flicker over her face, he gently guided her away, following the crowd that was heading towards a room in the back.

“You okay?” he murmured to her.

She nodded. “Yeah…,” she answered quietly, her tone downcast. She flashed him a quick smile but it didn’t hold much warmth. “I’m fine.”

Michael didn’t tell her he doubted she was fine. It would do no good, especially when they had work to do here. Instead, he wrapped his arm around her waist to give her a quick yet reassuring hug before he pulled away. Liz felt love for him spread through her at the gesture. He might not always be comfortable being affectionate but she knew he really cared about her. It was times like these when she couldn’t have been more glad that he was by her side.

Following the crowd, Michael and Liz found themselves in a room with a projector and slide set up. Someone thrust a leaflet into their hands as they walked past the door. Startled, Liz looked up and saw the guy she had seen at the Crashdown with Max and the blonde girl. He was dressed in a yellow vest, which could only meant he worked here.

Not sure whether to feel sorry for him or just be sympathetic, Liz moved past him giving him a hesitant smile. She didn’t notice Kyle turn around to look at her and Michael curiously. They looked familiar to him but he couldn’t place exactly where he had seen them. Then it struck him that he had seen them at the Crashdown and he had seen Max talking to the girl. He wondered again what Max had been talking about with her. Tess had gone to check it out but she hadn’t said much when she had come back and neither had Max. In fact, Max had left soon after. Kyle didn’t dwell on it much, shrugging the matter aside as he got back to passing the leaflets.

Michael and Liz, both oblivious to the curious look they had gotten from Kyle moved towards the middle of the huge group to get a better look at the projector that was currently showing so-called authentic pictures from the 1947 crash site. The tour guide was telling the audience about the history behind Roswell and the conspiracy of the alien cover up.

Michael rolled his eyes at Liz in silent amusement when the tour guide pointed to an obvious fake picture of an alien, insisting that this creature had been caught by the government and was even now being held in a secret facility. A tourist asked if the government might have tortured the alien to give us their technology.

Nodding sagely, the tour guide fixed him with a somber look. “There are many theories and possibilities.” Then he pointed to a door on the right and said, “Now, if you go that way please, you’ll see a re-creation of the alien autopsy.”

“Do you believe this guy?” Michael muttered under his breath, as the entire group moved towards the other room. “Going on about it as if he has absolute proof.”

“I think he actually believes every word he is saying,” Liz replied. She made a move as if to follow the crowd but Michael shot out his hand and stopped her. “What?” she asked in confusion as Michael stealthily hid them behind a display.

“I want to poke around here,” Michael replied in a hushed voice.

Liz’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What could you possibly find here?” she demanded.

Michael nodded his head towards an area cordoned off and lined with books. “Care to bet how many books there you will actually find in a public library?”

“What could you possibly expect to find in those books?” Liz asked uncertainly eyeing them. “Most, I’ll bet, were written before we came out of the pods.”

“I know. But maybe there is something there that may be of use to us,” Michael replied.

“Like what?”

Michael shrugged as he checked around the room once to see if the coast was clear. “I don’t know. I guess we’ll know when we see it.”

Then, before Liz could talk him out of it, he hurried over to the area and carefully stepped over the low railing. With a sigh Liz followed him, feeling nervous and uneasy at being caught. When she got to Michael, he was already running his fingers over various books, carefully looking at their titles.

Liz picked up the first book that caught her attention and held it up, her eyebrows raised in amusement. “101 Ways to Know You’ve Been Abducted?” She gave Michael a mock serious nod. “Yes, I can see how this is going to be helpful.”

“Shut up, Liz,” Michael growled as he pulled free a book that caught his attention. “Here, look at this…” He thrust the book at her while he turned to the shelf again.

“Among Us.” Liz read the title before flipping to the back page. “Some guy named Atherton. How will this help?” she asked.

Suddenly a voice snapped out at them, freezing them in their place, a guilty expression on their faces. “You there! What do you think you’re doing?”

Michael hastily placed the book back. Liz and Michael turned to find themselves facing the tour guide. “You’re not allowed here,” the tour guide told them angrily. “Can’t you see this place is off limits to the public?”

“We were just looking…,” Michael began but the look on the man’s face had him shutting up fast.

Deciding to try a different approach, Liz stepped closer to the guy and gave him her best innocent expression.

“We’re really sorry, sir,” she told him. “We didn’t know.” She shot a look over her shoulder, as if fearful and then leaned in to whisper, “You see, we just wanted to confirm our suspicions.”

The tour guide’s eyes narrowed, though not suspiciously but rather with interest. “What suspicions?” he asked.

Liz bit her lip as if nervous and looked around once more before she again lowered her voice, letting it tremble a little. “We had an…encounter. I think we’d been abducted.” Letting that dangle for a moment, she waited for the tour guide to take the bait. She knew that someone like him would invariably find this piece of news more than interesting.

Just as she had hoped, the tour guide’s eyes lit up and his face relaxed. “You have, have you?” he said, “Well, there have been lots of cases with people who claim to have been abducted. Some of them are just freaks looking for some attention but some are real. Take me for example,” he said proudly. “I’d been abducted when I was a mere boy. It was that that got me interested in aliens.”

“Really?” Liz asked, her tone and face avid.

“Yep,” the tour guide boasted. “There were signs and things that could not mean anything else.”

Liz nodded quickly. “Oh, I know what you mean.” Bringing the ‘101 Ways to Know If You’ve Been Abducted’ book she had been clutching, she pointed at it. “That’s why I was so eager to have a look at this. I wanted to be sure.”

The guy’s eyes briefly went to the book and a smile spread across his face. “That’s a pretty useful book. And darn true, too!”

Liz rammed her elbow into Michael’s stomach inconspicuously when she heard him snicker before turning her attention back to the tour guide. “It was very useful,” she assured him. She lowered her eyes in embarrassment and shyness. “I hope you don’t take it too personally that we poked around in here. We couldn’t resist ourselves!”

Apparently taking them to be true believers like himself, the tour guide smiled. “Not at all,” he assured them, ignoring the fact that he hadn’t been too pleased with them before. “People like us have a thirst to know more. I understand. By the way, my name’s Milton. I own this place.”

Liz smiled prettily at him. “My name’s Elizabeth and this is my cousin, Michael.”

Milton now turned his curious gaze to encompass Michael as well as he asked, “You were abducted, too?”

Michael was about to make a smart-ass comment but he caught the warning glare Liz sent his way and he immediately nodded. “Yep, with a blue light effect and everything.”

Milton looked so pleased and fascinated by that piece of news that Michael wondered if he was going to ask for further details. Apparently, Liz caught on to his trail of thought too and smoothly cut off any question Milton could have asked them.

“We’re very curious about the story behind the ’47 crash,” she told Milton. “Do you think you could tell us more about it?”

“I’m sure you must know most of what is in the book and the newspapers,” Milton replied with a wink, indicating that it was a given.

“Of course,” Liz replied, nodding as if she really knew all there was to it.

“We were thinking more along the lines of if anything happened after that over here,” Michael prodded. “You know, like any more crashes, anything odd occurring…any event that seems particularly suspicious.”

“Son, if there had been anything the government has it covered up by now,” Milton replied.

“Well, I’d assume that if anyone would know about them then it’s you,” Liz replied, flattering him.

“Well…you can say that,” Milton replied, looking smug.

“Think and tell us if know of anything odd occurring…maybe during the late 70s or early 80s?” Michael gently prodded. Then hastily, he added, “That time period interests us the most because that’s what I’ve read the least about.”

Milton thought briefly before he sighed, shaking his head. “Son, if you’d asked me about the 50s or even the 60s then I’d have boxes full of events to tell you about…” he paused to scratch his head as he sighed again, “But the 70s or 80s…barely a peep was heard, let alone a sighting.”

“Oh…,” Liz said, a bit deflated. “So, nothing…unusual happened around that time here or near here?”

“Not that I recall, and I recall plenty,” Milton told them. “The only thing that attracted a vague attention ‘round here was the time when those kids were found in the desert. But that wasn’t alien related. Just a bunch of kids found wandering on the road side…lost and all alone.”

At this, Liz and Michael’s head snapped up to look at each other with growing excitement. Forcing her voice not to tremble, Liz asked, “W-what kids?”

Milton shrugged, looking disinterested since they weren’t discussing anything alien related. “It was nothing really. Just three kids found all alone wandering a few miles out of Roswell within days of each other. Two girls and a little boy if I recall….”

Liz all but clutched Michael’s hand in a death grip as she asked breathlessly, “What happened to those kids?” she asked.

“I dunno. I know they were put in Roswell’s adoption centre. Last I heard they all got themselves a nice family. I don’t know the details since I wasn’t around here that time. I came to Roswell a few years after that, so it’s only stories that I heard.”

Liz and Michael could tell that Milton’s attention was waning. Desperate to ask one more question before they lost his complete attention, Michael asked, “Do you know who adopted them?”

“Can’t say I do. I don’t really pay much attention to news from town.” Milton pointed around. “This place keeps me busy enough. Speaking of which, I have to get the slide show ready for the next group. So if you kids could move along…”

Liz nodded quickly, grabbing Michael’s hand as she began to lead him away. “Oh, of course. Sorry for taking so much of your time. You’ve been really helpful.”

“You have no idea just how much,” Michael added quietly so only Liz could hear him.

Milton waved at them cheerfully. “Glad to be of help. We true believers have to stick together. Not many of us around now,” he said almost wistfully.

“Uh…yeah…sure….,” Liz replied brightly as she and Michael hurried out.

“Come by any time now if you want to exchange more stories about our abductions,” Milton called out as they disappeared around the corner of the room and into the next.

Liz and Michael walked silently for a moment, away from the throng of people in the other room. It wasn’t until they were outside in the sunshine that Liz let out a triumphant laugh.

Turning to Michael, her eyes bright and hopeful for the first time, she cried out, “Oh my God, Michael! I think we found out first clue!”

Even Michael’s spirit seemed to be raised as he grinned at her. “I think you’re right.” With a smirk, he shook his head, “Who’d have thought that Milton guy would have been able to give us any help?”

“It’s like…fate!” Liz sputtered out giddily as she spun around in a circle. Then she stopped and looked up at Michael abruptly. “Do you think this could mean that they’re here…in Roswell?”

“I think the possibility just grew,” Michael told her. “The only way to confirm is to check the adoption records.”

This brought a small frown to Liz’s face, dousing her optimism. “I don’t think they’ll let us go through them.”

Michael just grinned at her and tugged her arm. “Who says we’re going to ask?” he countered as he lead her down the street.

Liz pulled him to a stop, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. “Michael…you aren’t suggesting what I think you’re suggesting, are you?”

When Michael just grinned, Liz gave him a horrified look. “Michael, no!” she objected fiercely. Lowering her voice to not let anyone overhear them, she hissed. “We are not breaking into the adoption center office!”

“Yes, we are,” Michael replied calmly. “It’s the only way.”

“Maybe we can ask and put our case forward…maybe they’ll help if we feed them a story about lost family or something,” Liz argued.

Michael shot her a dubious look. “Come on, Liz. You’re smarter than that. No one is going to let us see those records.”

“Well, I refuse to break into any office in broad daylight!” Liz snapped, crossing her arms across her chest stubbornly.

“Okay,” Michael replied, pulling her along once more.

Liz blinked, not believing that he was deterred this easily. “Okay? What do you mean ‘okay’?” she demanded.

Michael just gave a casual shrug. “Well since I have no plan to break into the office during the day and you obviously have qualms about it too, then I’m sure you won’t have a problem doing it at night.”

Liz could only gape at him, speechless. If his smug and flippant attitude didn’t irritate and shock her so much, she would have burst out in horrified laughter at what he was suggesting they do.

<center>*****</center>

With a speculative look on her face, Tess watched the two figures cross the street. She saw the satisfied smile on the guy’s face and amused shock on the girl’s. Her eyes traveled back to the UFO Center they had exited.

She wondered what they had been doing there. She didn’t believe for a moment that they had gone there for a tour. She had seen both of their reaction as they had come out. No way could a tour make anyone that happy.

She wasn’t following them. It was just pure coincidence that she had seen them when she had gone to meet Kyle, who was working there today. She didn’t feel the least bit guilty about having spied on them.

It might not have made her as curious as she was if it wasn’t for the fact that she felt an uncomfortable recognition shoot through her when she saw them. She couldn’t place it; couldn’t place the feeling exactly but she knew it was cause for caution, if not alarm. In fact, that had only sparked her curiosity even more.

“Something’s wrong…those two are up to something….,” Tess murmured to herself as she watched them turn the corner.

She was going to find out what.


<center>TBC . . .</center>

[FallenMagic]

<center>Part 6</center>


She’d be here. Tess knew it as certainly as she knew that she would be here waiting when she did. It didn’t occur to her why she was so certain about her coming to the Crashdown; it didn’t occur to Tess to ask herself how she knew that the dark haired girl she had seen around Roswell and especially around Max would be here tonight.

There was something about the girl that bothered Tess. It wasn’t just because Max looked at her as if she was the most wonderful thing to ever grace the planet, nor was it because the girl seemed to look at Max exactly same way when she thought no one was looking. There was more to it than that. No doubt it played a part in the antagonistic feelings Tess had for her but it was not the only thing.

Whenever Tess had seen her and the guy with her – Michael was his name if she remembered correctly – she had the unsettling feeling that they should be familiar to her. There was something about both of them that intrigued her yet, at the same time, made her wary. It shouldn’t have been cause for such hostility nor should it have worried her but it did. She couldn’t explain how she knew instinctively that if she and all her friends weren’t careful, they’d find themselves pulled headlong into whatever trouble these two visitors seemed to be in. And the scariest thing of all was that a part of her actually wanted to be pulled into their lives, yearned for something that seemed so familiar and yet so foreign to her.

What a ridiculous thought! Tess chided herself angrily as tapped her fingers on the tabletop at the Crashdown. How could this girl – or the boy for that matter – be familiar to me if I’ve never met either of them before, and I know I haven’t.

“Do you want to go over to Alex’s place today?” Kyle asked, breaking her out of her thought.

“What?” She whipped her head to look at him in confusion, having no idea what he had been talking about.

“I was asking if you wanted to go over to Alex’s tonight. His parents are out of town so he asked us over.” Kyle gave her a worried look, noting the distracted look on her face. “Are you okay, Tess?”

“Sure,” Tess replied. “Why do you ask?”

“Well you seem a bit distracted today,” Kyle answered.

Tess waved his concern off as she said, “I’ve just got something on my mind. I’m fine.”

Kyle looked uncertain but he nodded. “If you say so. I’m here if you want to talk or anything.”

Tess smiled her thanks at him and then turned her attention back towards the door, because at that moment the hair on the back of her neck stood up and Tess instantly knew that the dark haired girl had just walked in. Swiveling her head to look in the direction of the door, Tess heard the doorbell jingle and the girl stepped inside, alone.

Tess’s eyes narrowed as she noticed the girl look surreptitiously around the café. Any one else would have missed the quick flash of disappointment on her face but Tess had been watching her carefully and she saw it. Tess felt anger churn in her as she watched the girl go up to the counter and look at the menu.

No doubt she was hoping to see Max here, Tess thought snidely. I think it’s time I give her a little warning…

She sat there for a few more minutes, waiting for Liz to leave. When Liz headed back out with the take out bag in her hand Tess quietly slipped out from the booth and followed her.

“Tess?” Kyle called out, startled by her abrupt departure. “Where are you going?”

But Tess didn’t reply, instead she slowly made her way out of the café, her eyes trained on the girl.

</center>*****</center>

Liz forced herself not to look around once more for Max as she pushed open the door to head back out of the café. She hated to admit it but she had been disappointed when she had seen that he was not here upon first entering.

Thinking now about how eagerly she had volunteered to run down to the café for food, Liz blushed furiously. Truth was she had been secretly hoping to run into Max. For what she had seen of him so far, his friend worked here and he hung out here a lot with his other friends.

And his girlfriend. Liz reminded herself chidingly, thinking of the cute blonde she had seen with him. She couldn’t forget that one important fact. Max Evans had a girlfriend.

And what did she care if he did anyway? It wasn’t as if she wanted to have anything to do with him. No, she had learned the lesson the hard way not to trust anyone she didn’t know. She liked Max, he seemed like a nice guy and he was easy on the eyes, no doubt about it…but that was it. That was as close as she could allow herself to get with him. For all she knew, she and Michael could find a clue tonight that might have them heading out of Roswell. It would bring her nothing but more heartache and misery if she allowed herself to hope for anything more than a passing acquaintance with Max.

My life could do without any more pain and sadness. Liz thought, feeling a chill sweep through her at the thought. It wasn’t as bad as it had been previously, it didn’t hurt so badly anymore, but it was still here…dull and aching. A reminder to her to never let her guard down, to never be weak again.

She was so deep in her own thoughts that she didn’t hear the footsteps behind her, nor did she pay attention to a shout. Ignoring it, she continued on her way until she felt a hand jerk her to a stop.

At the touch, a charge went through her, startling a gasp from her. Eyes wide with fear and panic at what she had felt at a mere touch, Liz whirled around and began to raise her hand instantly to defend herself until she saw it was that blond girl she had seen with Max. Automatically, she stiffened as she gazed at the cold blue eyes and the way the girl seemed to be giving her a dirty look.

“Yes?” she snapped out impatiently, wondering what this girl could possibly have to say to her.

Instead of answering, the blonde looked her silently, her eyes hard and her mouth a firm, angry line. Irritated that she was being scrutinized in this way by her, Liz began to turn away.

“If you plan on wasting my time…,” she began but the blonde’s cold voice stopped her yet again.

“Stay away from Max!” she told Liz in a low and menacing voice.

Surprise filled Liz’s eyes as she turned abruptly to look at Tess. Had she really said what she had heard?

“What?” Liz gasped, still startled from the words.

“You heard me!” Tess snapped, feeling her angry bubbling as she regarded the petite brunette. “Stay away from Max or you’ll be very sorry!”

Tess didn’t see what Max saw in the girl before her. There seemed nothing special. But Tess knew that she had to be kept away from Max. She knew Max wouldn’t like her telling him to do something so she decided warning this girl would be the best way to ensure that Max stayed away from her.

The surprise Liz felt gave way to anger as she stared at the girl in front of her. Liz had had every intention of staying away from Max but now, seeing this girl come up to order her to stay away from Max, threatening her, Liz glared at her as she snapped, “I’ll do whatever damn well I please!”

Tess stepped forward as she glared right back. “Whatever you think you have with Max, whatever foolish notion of some romantic fling you have about him…forget it,” Tess hissed. “Walk away and don’t even think about trying to snare him.”

“Who I date or don’t date is none of your concern!” Liz shot back. “Who the hell do you think you are coming up to me and demanding such things of me? I don’t even know you!”

“And if I have things my way, you won’t know Max either!” Tess retorted. “He wants nothing to do with a two bit like you!”

Whatever inclination Liz had about correcting this girl about the extent of her relationship with Max evaporated the second she heard those words. Her anger and pride had her pulling herself up straight and giving her a smirk that would have done Michael proud.

“Really?” Liz drawled with a superior smile. “It didn’t appear so to me when I last saw him.” Ignoring the fact that she was completely lying, Liz’s only thought was to bring this girl down a notch. And when she saw the seething anger in the girl’s eyes, Liz had to hide a pleased smile.

“You listen to me, you little bitch,” Tess hissed. “You keep away from Max, you hear me? Don’t even try to contact Max!”

“What makes you think he won’t try to contact me?” Liz asked heatedly.

“He won’t,” Tess answered confidently. “Trust me, he won’t!”

Even though Liz was livid at the way this girl had demanded that she keep away from Max, something about her intrigued Liz. She didn’t understand why she even thought she was involved with Max when the truth was that she had only met him twice and both times had been brief encounters. Liz didn’t think it was just jealousy but something else. Looking at the girl carefully, Liz could see that she looked almost uneasy around Liz…just like Liz felt around her.

Surprised by what she felt and a bit nervous, Liz asked, “What makes you think that I even like Max?”

Liz could tell that she had caught the blonde off guard by the question but the girl quickly masked her surprise.

“I’m not blind!” Tess replied, taken aback by the question. After all the words exchanged she hadn’t expected to hear curiosity in the brunette’s voice. “The two, three times I’ve seen you in the same vicinity together, you can’t keep your eyes off each other.”

At this, Liz blushed but forced herself to meet the other girl’s eyes. “And you judged by just the looks we exchanged that I’m going to take him away from you?” Liz asked bristling that she had been accused on such a trifle basis.

Tess cocked her eyebrow at her as she replied, “I said you’ll try…not that you’ll succeed.”

Irritation and weariness warred in Liz as she looked at the girl before her, wondering why she was so insecure. Liz wanted to let her think that she had every intention of snatching Max from right under her but Liz wasn’t here to play games. She couldn’t afford to be side tracked by her desire to get back at the girl.

She had resolved to forget about Max, to try to keep her distance from him and this girl was just offering her more incentive to do just that. So why was she hesitating, why did it hurt so much to know that she could never have anything with Max?

Sighing internally, all of a sudden feeling burdened by need to shut herself up in her hotel room, Liz ran a hand through her hair, looking away for a brief moment to let go of her anger. When she turned to look at the blonde before her, she was calm and in control of her emotions.

“You don’t have to worry,” Liz said.

“I don’t?” Tess asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously at her. What game is this girl trying to play? Tess wondered.

Liz shook her head, something close to regret and resignation flickering in her eyes briefly. “I have no intention of sinking my claws into Max.” She shrugged as she played with hair. “Truth is I barely know him. I just happened to meet him when I was…in the park at night,” Liz told her, leaving out the things she didn’t want anyone to be privy to. “And that day you saw us together at the Crashdown…I was just thanking him. That’s all.”

Tess snorted, looking at her in disbelief. “You expect me to believe that?” she asked. “What kind of fool do you think I am?”

“An insecure fool if you don’t believe me!” Liz shot back, annoyed by the hostile manner of the other girl. “Look, I don’t care if you believe me or not but rest assured that I don’t want to have anything to do with Max Evans!”

Without waiting to hear another word, Liz turned around and stalked away, leaving Tess to stare after her in distrust. Liz didn’t care if the girl had believed her or not but one thing had definitely become clear to Liz from the encounter.

She had been right in thinking to keep away from Max. Knowing Max was only asking for trouble.

Tess watched the girl stalk away, still unsure whether her parting shot had been truthful or not. Tess had no intention of trusting her; she still meant to keep an eye on her. Something told her that it wouldn’t be easy for either her or Max to keep away from each other. She didn’t know how she knew it or why it made her so uneasy, all she knew was that she had to make sure those two stayed away from each other.

Tess waited until the girl fell away from sight before turning to head back into the Crashdown. But as she turned, a hand clamped down on her arm, startling a gasp from her. Looking up she saw Kyle and relaxed…until she saw the look of disbelief and fury on his face.

“Kyle…”

But Kyle cut her off before she could say anything. He had followed her when Tess had darted out of the café and he had seen and heard enough of Tess’s conversation with the other girl to know that Tess was up to something. He was still reeling from the cold anger and determination he had heard in her voice on seen on her face.

“What,” he demanded harshly, “was all that about?”

<center>*****</center>

It was dark by the time Michael and Liz made their way over to the adoption center. They had waited until they were sure it would be safe enough to venture a break in. Liz was still uneasy about the whole thing but she knew that even if she refused to help, Michael would still go ahead with his plan alone. And there was no way she was about to let Michael do this by himself. This was about her family, her past, too.

They parked the car two blocks away and made the rest of the journey on foot. They fell in a light jog as they headed towards the center, pretending that they were two fanatical joggers out for a late night run.

As they jogged, Liz let her mind drift over what had happened hours earlier. She had tried not to let it bother her, tried to forget about it but the harder she tried, the more it nagged her. She didn’t understand what had provoked the girl to come up to her and say all those things. She liked Max, she’d admit it, but she had tried not to be obvious. She had no intention of leading Max on into hoping for something she knew very well would never be…. So, why had that girl been convinced Liz had every intention of hooking up with Max?

Michael watched Liz from the corner of his eye as they both jogged down the street. The bag he had slung over his shoulder hit him lightly with every pace but he ignored it, instead watching the slight frown marring Liz’s features. Liz had been quiet all evening today and even on the ride here she hadn’t pointed out how much she hated this idea or even tried to talk him out of it as she had done all morning. Rather she had seemed lost in her own thoughts.

Worried and concerned, Michael realized that Liz seemed a lot more distracted lately than she had ever been. He knew Liz wasn’t one who got distracted easily but here she was, furiously working her lip as some inner problem gnawed at her. He could tell that her mind was not on the job they were about to do but rather on some other problems. For an instant he wondered if whatever had her so troubled was something that could potentially be harmful or dangerous to them but then he waved that thought aside.

He knew that if Liz thought it was dangerous, then she’d tell him about it. He trusted her to tell him. But something was bothering her; it had been bothering her ever since they came to Roswell. He had noticed it before but until now, he had chalked it up to the town itself. Roswell made him nervous and edgy and it was only natural that it made Liz so as well.

But looking at her now, he wondered if that was the case at all, if there wasn’t something else entirely that was bothering her. Berating himself for not noticing it before now and asking her about it, he quickly decided to see if he could get Liz to share her worries with him.

“You seem a bit out of it tonight, Liz,” Michael commented lightly. “Something on your mind?”

Liz turned to look at him, flashing him a quick and unconvincing smile that had Michael’s eyes narrowing at her. “I’m fine. I’m just worried about this plan of yours.” She raised an eyebrow at him as she said, “I don’t need to tell you that this is incredibly stupid and half-assed, right?”

Rolling his eyes, knowing she was right, Michael shook his head. “Right,” he muttered. “You’ve said so about a hundred times already.”

“Not that it has made any difference,” Liz answered with a faintly amused smile. “I shouldn’t be surprised, I suppose. You always were stubborn.”

“You didn’t have to come,” Michael replied a bit defensively.

Liz quirked an eyebrow at him. “And let you get yourself in who knows what kind of trouble?” she asked. She shook her head. “No way! I’d rather be there to keep an eye on you.”

“You sound as if I always mess things up,” Michael remarked, hoping Liz wouldn’t remember the hundreds of times Liz had to bail him out of trouble. But when Liz laughed, he cringed, knowing that she did remember.

He was about to say something to defend himself when he abruptly realized that Liz had very smoothly changed the topic and made him the person being talked about, Michael halted under a street light, pulling Liz to a stop as well.

Liz looked at him with a puzzled frown. “What’s wrong?” she asked. “Why are we stopping?”

“Because,” Michael answered, folding his hands across his chest as he looked down sternly at her, “You’re going to tell me what’s got you so bothered.”

“I told you what it was,” Liz replied defensively. “This plan is what’s bothering me.”

“No, what you did was very smoothly change the topic,” Michael replied. “Now, are you going to tell me what’s been bothering you for the past couple of days?”

“It’s nothing, Michael,” Liz answered dismissively as she began to turn around but Michael’s hand clamped down on her shoulder, stopping her. Sighing, she turned back to face him and gave him an exasperated look. “What?”

“Why are you so hesitant to tell me?” Michael demanded, a bit frustrated by her reluctance to confide in him.

And hurt… Liz realized as she bit her lip in guilt.

“I-I’m not hesitant,” Liz replied carefully. She shrugged. “I just don’t think it’s that big of a deal.”

“The hell it isn’t!” Michael shot out. “You’ve been walking around barely noticing anything around you for the past two days. You haven’t slept and rested…I don’t think it’s not a big deal.”

“Well maybe I’m old enough to handle things myself!” Liz snapped out, irrationally annoyed at him. “Maybe I’ve not told you because it’s nothing that you can do anything about. Put simply, Michael, it’s not your problem. It’s mine and I’ll take care of it!”

Michael looked a bit taken aback by her tone and words and, for a moment, he even looked hurt. Then his eyes closed off and he looked away from her, his jaw clenched tight. The instant Liz saw the look on his face, all her annoyance and anger was replaced by guilt.

She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, feeling remorse wash over her. She’d been unfair and unnecessarily harsh. She knew Michael meant well but she just wished he’d let her figure this out on her own. She was already feeling this thing she felt for Max taking over her thoughts and that girl warning her away from him only crowded her thoughts more. She did not need someone else trying to push her into admitting something that wasn’t even true or trying to tell her what to do with it.

She knew Michael had become more protective of her since Sean and maybe she had let him because she had felt she needed someone to look out for her. It had made her feel safe. But now, with this problem…she wanted to work it out by herself. She couldn’t always run to Michael for help.

Liz sighed and reached out to touch him lightly on the shoulder as a sign of truce. He didn’t pull away as she feared but he stiffened imperceptibly under her hand and that hurt more than he pulling away did.

“Michael…,” she said softly. “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for.”

Michael hesitated before he turned to look back at her. Though she couldn’t read his emotions as he had shut himself off from her, Liz knew instantly that he was more hurt than he was letting on.

“It’s fine,” Michael answered. “I didn’t mean to push.”

Liz bit her lip as she raked a hand through her hair. “You didn’t,” she told him. “I-I’m just a bit overwhelmed by my problem. I let it get to me and I just took out my frustration out on you. I just want to take care of this by myself.”

“I understand,” Michael replied but he moved away, still a bit cool.

“Michael, please…,” Liz whispered, suddenly afraid that she may have turned away her best friend. When Michael paused, she hurried up to him, clutching his arm earnestly. “Don’t be mad.”

“I’m not mad, Liz,” Michael replied and she heard the resignation in his tone. When he looked at her, his eyes were worried – for her. “I’m just afraid that you might get too deep into something before you ask me for help. If you ask at all….”

“I told you I would if I felt the need to,” Liz reminded. Looking into his amber eyes, she promised, “And I will.”

Michael looked uncertain but then he sighed and nodded, pulling her into a hug before saying, “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

“So do I,” Liz replied honestly. Then, she nodded her head in the direction of the adoption center. “Do you think I can talk you out of doing this?”

This time Michael smirked. “No.”

With a defeated sigh, Liz rolled her eyes. “Thought so,” she muttered as she tugged at his hand. “Well, let’s get this over and done with.”

Twenty minutes later, they were stealthily making their way down a darkened corridor towards the rooms at the back, which they knew, were the filing rooms. It had taken just a small dose of alien power to open the window and let themselves in. Now Michael led the way, crouching down to avoid being seen through the windows. Quickly and expertly, Michael waved his hand over the lock of the door and heard it click open.

Once inside, Liz and Michael pulled out the flashlights they had avoided using up until now and shone them around the room.

“You take that end, I’ll take this,” Liz told him as she moved towards the nearest filing cabinet.

Looking at the number of metal cabinets in the room, Liz gave an inward groan. This was going to take forever. Almost as if hearing her thoughts, Michael muttered, “Haven’t these people heard of computers? You know, technology to make things easier for both them and the thieves. While they’re at it, they should get a good security system too, not that simple lock. Something electronic, maybe.”

Smiling in half amusement and half exasperation as she flipped through the files, Liz replied. “I don’t think the people here expect anyone to break in this place. I mean seriously, why would anyone want to. And as for computers, well I’d guess they already have money shortage.”

“Let’s give them a donation to make things easier on us for next time,” Michael muttered as he moved onto the next cabinet.

Liz whipped around to look at him, her face shocked. “You don’t mean to do this again, do you?” she asked.

Michael shot her a look and asked, “Do you think we could cover all of these files in one night?”

“No, but-”

“Look, we’ll argue about this later. We don’t have much time so…get to work,” Michael ordered.

Liz turned back to look through the files and half an hour later they still hadn’t found anything.

“Michael, I don’t think it’s here,” Liz groaned as she shut yet another cabinet shelf.

“Keep looking,” Michael told her distractedly as he shifted through a pile of loose papers.

Liz was about to say something when Michael’s head suddenly snapped up and he motioned for her to be quiet. His eyes were wide as he inclined his head to listen to something. Liz wondered what he heard when she suddenly heard the footsteps, too.

“A guard!” Liz mouthed to Michael, fear at being caught rushing through her.

Michael quickly put the papers back as he walked to the door and pressed his ear against it. He listened closely then motioned Liz over. Liz carefully made her way to Michael and waited anxiously for the guard to leave.

“We have to leave,” Liz whispered to Michael.

Instead of arguing, Michael nodded. After making sure that the guard wasn’t in the hallway, Michael eased open the door and checked the hall. When he saw the coast was clear he and Liz made a run for it. They hurried towards the room from where they had entered through the window. As Michael helped Liz go through the window, they heard the guard walking down the hall towards the room.

Panicking, Liz pushed herself out the window and agilely jumped down.

“Hurry!” she hissed at Michael as he tried to wiggle through.

Liz was so terrified that the guard might come in and spot them that she reached up and tugged at Michael to pull him through faster. Soon, both Liz and Michael were lying sprawled on the grass beneath the window. Picking themselves up, they made a run for it.

They were just a few houses down and were about to turn the corner when someone stepped in front of their path. Michael and Liz screeched to a halt, their breath coming fast as they stared at the guy standing before them, watching them with speculation. Immediately, Michael moved in front of Liz, almost as if shielding her.

It took only an instant for Liz to recognize him as the guy from the UFO Center and the Crashdown. He had been with Max and Max’s girlfriend. Liz had been holding on to Michael’s arm and as she saw the guy’s knowing gaze turn to her and the bag she had in her hand, her grip on Michael tightened.

Kyle looked at the two people standing before him, at the protective way the guy was shielding the girl from him. He recognized both of them, especially the girl. It was the girl Tess had ripped into this evening. He had been on his way home from Alex’s house, having left early since he was still angry at Tess. She hadn’t told him why she had done what she did but he had heard enough to figure out that she was jealous. It had hurt him that she still cared so much for Max when she was dating him. He had thought that she was over Max but apparently that wasn’t so.

He and Tess hadn’t mentioned anything to the others but he could tell from the occasional looks everyone gave the both of them that they all felt the tension between him and Tess. After a while, he had excused himself and left.

Now, on his way home he had just been about to turn down the other street when he had seen these two running away from the adoption center. He could have sworn he saw one of them climb out the window but he couldn’t be certain. Now, looking at the flushed, guilty, and scared look in the girl’s eyes, Kyle wondered if he hadn’t been hallucinating.

For a long, agonizing moment both parties looked at each other, assessing and observing. Then when Michael made a move to walk around him, Kyle’s hand shot out to stop him. When Michael shot a pointed look at the hand, Kyle hastily removed it.

Shoving his hands in his jacket pockets, Kyle asked casually, “Out for a late night run?”

“As a matter of fact, yes,” Michael answered coldly. He didn’t know if the guy had seen anything but he wasn’t about to act guilty. He took Liz’s hand in his and once more made a move to walk away but Kyle’s voice stopped him cold.

“I saw you guys coming out of the adoption center…through the window.” When Michael and Liz both turned to look at him, their faces stark with fear, Kyle asked, “Care to tell me what all that was about?”

Michael stepped up to him, his voice low and menacing. “You didn’t see anything.”

His tone dared Kyle to say otherwise and though the guy intimidated Kyle, he was not backing down. Maybe he was a fool and should call the police but after everything that had happened between the girl and Tess today, Kyle was curious.

“I saw plenty,” Kyle replied. When the guy seemed ready to beat him down, Kyle hastily took a step back. “Why would you guys want to break into a place like the adoption center anyway? There’s barely any money to keep that place going as it is, let alone any to steal.”

“We weren’t stealing,” the girl said but shut up when the guy shot her a sharp look.

Intrigued, Kyle asked, “Then what were you doing there at this time of night?” When both remained silent, Kyle said, “My dad’s the town Sheriff and I would imagine he would just love to know what you guys were doing breaking into that place.”

“Is that a threat?” Michael asked, privately fearing the idea of being put in jail. If this guy told his father, then not only would Michael be in trouble but Liz also and he didn’t want this to be on her head, too.

“Call it an incentive to tell me what you people are up to,” Kyle replied.

Liz was terrified of what could happen if this guy turned them over to the authorities and she placed a pleading hand on Michael’s arm to tell him back down from his aggressive stance.

“Michael…,” she whispered fearfully, pleadingly.

When Michael didn’t reply to her or Kyle, she could tell that Michael wasn’t sure of what to do next. Taking the situation into her own hands, Liz did what she thought was the only thing they could do. She told him the truth.

“We wanted to look at the records,” Liz replied, ignoring the startled and furious look Michael gave her. “We’re trying to look for our family.”

Kyle looked at her dubiously as he asked, “You were adopted in Roswell?”

Liz nodded, biting her lip. “We just want to find our family and since they wouldn’t let us see the records, this was the only way.”

Kyle wasn’t sure if he should believe them or not, but then why else would they be breaking into the center? And looking at the girl biting her lip he doubted she was lying. For some odd reason, he felt the urge to help.

Before he could think twice about it, he found himself saying, “I could help. My dad’s the sheriff as I told you and I could probably get those records for you.”

Michael’s eyes narrowed suspiciously at him, instantly wondering what game he was trying to play with them. “Why should we take your help?” Michael asked.

“Because it’s a better option that breaking into offices,” Kyle shot back.

“What Michael means is,” Liz replied patiently, though nervously, “why do you want to help us? You don’t even know us.”

Kyle shrugged this time, feeling a bit uneasy. He didn’t know why exactly. Maybe it was because he felt guilty about the way Tess had treated this girl before or maybe because he felt there was something about these two that made him want to help.

“Tess doesn’t know you and yet that didn’t stop her from issuing that warning today. She was pretty harsh and rude,” Kyle replied. “I guess…I want to make up for her behavior. It was uncalled for.”

Liz paled at his words and Michael abruptly turned to look at her. “What is he talking about, Liz?” he demanded.

Kyle looked from Michael to Liz curiously then asked, “He doesn’t know?”

Liz shook her head weakly.

“Doesn’t know what?” Michael snapped. “Liz, what happened today?”

“Nothing,” Liz whispered, her voice shaking. “Nothing.”

Michael grabbed her arm and made her look at him. “Liz…” His voice held a warning note in it. “What are you not telling me?”

Kyle shot a nervous look at both of them, wondering if he hadn’t just put his foot in the middle of things. “Hey, look…maybe I misunderstood…,” he began.

“Shut up!” Michael said sharply, without removing his eyes from Liz. “Liz, what is he talking about?”

Liz forced herself to look at Michael. She hadn’t wanted him to know. If he knew then he might make them leave this place. She didn’t want to worry him but now, seeing the anger on his face she knew she would have to tell him.

“I’ll tell you later,” she promised, already dreading it.

Michael looked like he was about to argue but then he nodded once and dropped her arm. He turned back to Kyle, his eyes cold and hard.

“Why should we trust you?” Michael asked.

“Because maybe I’m your best shot at finding your family,” Kyle replied. He still wasn’t sure why he was offering to help. Tess was part of the reason but there was another reason, something that didn’t make sense but he didn’t think about it.

“We don’t even know who you are,” Liz replied.

“I’m Kyle Valenti,” Kyle introduced, as if he had just solved the problem. “I’m guessing this over-protective hulk here is Michael and you are…”

“Liz Parker,” Liz replied, still looking at him unsurely. She nodded her towards Michael. “And yes, that’s Michael. Michael Guerin.”

“Now you know who I am and I know who you are,” Kyle replied. “One problem solved.”

“Why are you helping us?” Michael asked again.

“I told you-” Kyle began but Liz shook her head, watching him carefully.

“No. Why are you really doing this?” she asked.

Kyle sighed as he ran a hand through his hair before letting it drop to his side. “Truthfully…I don’t know,” he replied. He looked at them, trying to convey to them his sincerity. “I really don’t know but what I do know is I want to – need to – help.”

When both Michael and Liz exchanged uneasy looks, Kyle dug into his pocket and pulled out a scrap of paper. Looking at Liz, he asked, “Do you have a pen?”

Puzzled, Liz nodded and pulled one out of the bag she was carrying. Kyle took it and quickly scribbled something down. He then gave her both the pen and paper.

“That’s my number and address,” he told them. “Think about it. I promise I won’t say anything to anyone about this so you don’t have to worry about being caught. When you make up your mind if you need my help or not, just call me and let me know.”

Liz glanced blankly at the number and address, still wondering if they should trust him. He seemed sincere enough but she knew that it meant nothing. Kyle took a step backward, before saying, “I really do want to help.”

Then, without another word, he turned and walked away. Michael and Liz watched him leave before turning to look at each other.

“Well?” Michael asked, still nervous. “What do you think?”

Liz turned to look at Kyle’s retreating back for a moment before she replied softly, her mind already thinking. “I don’t know…”



<center>TBC. . . </center>

[FallenMagic]

<center>Part 6</center>


She’d be here. Tess knew it as certainly as she knew that she would be here waiting when she did. It didn’t occur to her why she was so certain about her coming to the Crashdown; it didn’t occur to Tess to ask herself how she knew that the dark haired girl she had seen around Roswell and especially around Max would be here tonight.

There was something about the girl that bothered Tess. It wasn’t just because Max looked at her as if she was the most wonderful thing to ever grace the planet, nor was it because the girl seemed to look at Max exactly same way when she thought no one was looking. There was more to it than that. No doubt it played a part in the antagonistic feelings Tess had for her but it was not the only thing.

Whenever Tess had seen her and the guy with her – Michael was his name if she remembered correctly – she had the unsettling feeling that they should be familiar to her. There was something about both of them that intrigued her yet, at the same time, made her wary. It shouldn’t have been cause for such hostility nor should it have worried her but it did. She couldn’t explain how she knew instinctively that if she and all her friends weren’t careful, they’d find themselves pulled headlong into whatever trouble these two visitors seemed to be in. And the scariest thing of all was that a part of her actually wanted to be pulled into their lives, yearned for something that seemed so familiar and yet so foreign to her.

What a ridiculous thought! Tess chided herself angrily as tapped her fingers on the tabletop at the Crashdown. How could this girl – or the boy for that matter – be familiar to me if I’ve never met either of them before, and I know I haven’t.

“Do you want to go over to Alex’s place today?” Kyle asked, breaking her out of her thought.

“What?” She whipped her head to look at him in confusion, having no idea what he had been talking about.

“I was asking if you wanted to go over to Alex’s tonight. His parents are out of town so he asked us over.” Kyle gave her a worried look, noting the distracted look on her face. “Are you okay, Tess?”

“Sure,” Tess replied. “Why do you ask?”

“Well you seem a bit distracted today,” Kyle answered.

Tess waved his concern off as she said, “I’ve just got something on my mind. I’m fine.”

Kyle looked uncertain but he nodded. “If you say so. I’m here if you want to talk or anything.”

Tess smiled her thanks at him and then turned her attention back towards the door, because at that moment the hair on the back of her neck stood up and Tess instantly knew that the dark haired girl had just walked in. Swiveling her head to look in the direction of the door, Tess heard the doorbell jingle and the girl stepped inside, alone.

Tess’s eyes narrowed as she noticed the girl look surreptitiously around the café. Any one else would have missed the quick flash of disappointment on her face but Tess had been watching her carefully and she saw it. Tess felt anger churn in her as she watched the girl go up to the counter and look at the menu.

No doubt she was hoping to see Max here, Tess thought snidely. I think it’s time I give her a little warning…

She sat there for a few more minutes, waiting for Liz to leave. When Liz headed back out with the take out bag in her hand Tess quietly slipped out from the booth and followed her.

“Tess?” Kyle called out, startled by her abrupt departure. “Where are you going?”

But Tess didn’t reply, instead she slowly made her way out of the café, her eyes trained on the girl.

</center>*****</center>

Liz forced herself not to look around once more for Max as she pushed open the door to head back out of the café. She hated to admit it but she had been disappointed when she had seen that he was not here upon first entering.

Thinking now about how eagerly she had volunteered to run down to the café for food, Liz blushed furiously. Truth was she had been secretly hoping to run into Max. For what she had seen of him so far, his friend worked here and he hung out here a lot with his other friends.

And his girlfriend. Liz reminded herself chidingly, thinking of the cute blonde she had seen with him. She couldn’t forget that one important fact. Max Evans had a girlfriend.

And what did she care if he did anyway? It wasn’t as if she wanted to have anything to do with him. No, she had learned the lesson the hard way not to trust anyone she didn’t know. She liked Max, he seemed like a nice guy and he was easy on the eyes, no doubt about it…but that was it. That was as close as she could allow herself to get with him. For all she knew, she and Michael could find a clue tonight that might have them heading out of Roswell. It would bring her nothing but more heartache and misery if she allowed herself to hope for anything more than a passing acquaintance with Max.

My life could do without any more pain and sadness. Liz thought, feeling a chill sweep through her at the thought. It wasn’t as bad as it had been previously, it didn’t hurt so badly anymore, but it was still here…dull and aching. A reminder to her to never let her guard down, to never be weak again.

She was so deep in her own thoughts that she didn’t hear the footsteps behind her, nor did she pay attention to a shout. Ignoring it, she continued on her way until she felt a hand jerk her to a stop.

At the touch, a charge went through her, startling a gasp from her. Eyes wide with fear and panic at what she had felt at a mere touch, Liz whirled around and began to raise her hand instantly to defend herself until she saw it was that blond girl she had seen with Max. Automatically, she stiffened as she gazed at the cold blue eyes and the way the girl seemed to be giving her a dirty look.

“Yes?” she snapped out impatiently, wondering what this girl could possibly have to say to her.

Instead of answering, the blonde looked her silently, her eyes hard and her mouth a firm, angry line. Irritated that she was being scrutinized in this way by her, Liz began to turn away.

“If you plan on wasting my time…,” she began but the blonde’s cold voice stopped her yet again.

“Stay away from Max!” she told Liz in a low and menacing voice.

Surprise filled Liz’s eyes as she turned abruptly to look at Tess. Had she really said what she had heard?

“What?” Liz gasped, still startled from the words.

“You heard me!” Tess snapped, feeling her angry bubbling as she regarded the petite brunette. “Stay away from Max or you’ll be very sorry!”

Tess didn’t see what Max saw in the girl before her. There seemed nothing special. But Tess knew that she had to be kept away from Max. She knew Max wouldn’t like her telling him to do something so she decided warning this girl would be the best way to ensure that Max stayed away from her.

The surprise Liz felt gave way to anger as she stared at the girl in front of her. Liz had had every intention of staying away from Max but now, seeing this girl come up to order her to stay away from Max, threatening her, Liz glared at her as she snapped, “I’ll do whatever damn well I please!”

Tess stepped forward as she glared right back. “Whatever you think you have with Max, whatever foolish notion of some romantic fling you have about him…forget it,” Tess hissed. “Walk away and don’t even think about trying to snare him.”

“Who I date or don’t date is none of your concern!” Liz shot back. “Who the hell do you think you are coming up to me and demanding such things of me? I don’t even know you!”

“And if I have things my way, you won’t know Max either!” Tess retorted. “He wants nothing to do with a two bit like you!”

Whatever inclination Liz had about correcting this girl about the extent of her relationship with Max evaporated the second she heard those words. Her anger and pride had her pulling herself up straight and giving her a smirk that would have done Michael proud.

“Really?” Liz drawled with a superior smile. “It didn’t appear so to me when I last saw him.” Ignoring the fact that she was completely lying, Liz’s only thought was to bring this girl down a notch. And when she saw the seething anger in the girl’s eyes, Liz had to hide a pleased smile.

“You listen to me, you little bitch,” Tess hissed. “You keep away from Max, you hear me? Don’t even try to contact Max!”

“What makes you think he won’t try to contact me?” Liz asked heatedly.

“He won’t,” Tess answered confidently. “Trust me, he won’t!”

Even though Liz was livid at the way this girl had demanded that she keep away from Max, something about her intrigued Liz. She didn’t understand why she even thought she was involved with Max when the truth was that she had only met him twice and both times had been brief encounters. Liz didn’t think it was just jealousy but something else. Looking at the girl carefully, Liz could see that she looked almost uneasy around Liz…just like Liz felt around her.

Surprised by what she felt and a bit nervous, Liz asked, “What makes you think that I even like Max?”

Liz could tell that she had caught the blonde off guard by the question but the girl quickly masked her surprise.

“I’m not blind!” Tess replied, taken aback by the question. After all the words exchanged she hadn’t expected to hear curiosity in the brunette’s voice. “The two, three times I’ve seen you in the same vicinity together, you can’t keep your eyes off each other.”

At this, Liz blushed but forced herself to meet the other girl’s eyes. “And you judged by just the looks we exchanged that I’m going to take him away from you?” Liz asked bristling that she had been accused on such a trifle basis.

Tess cocked her eyebrow at her as she replied, “I said you’ll try…not that you’ll succeed.”

Irritation and weariness warred in Liz as she looked at the girl before her, wondering why she was so insecure. Liz wanted to let her think that she had every intention of snatching Max from right under her but Liz wasn’t here to play games. She couldn’t afford to be side tracked by her desire to get back at the girl.

She had resolved to forget about Max, to try to keep her distance from him and this girl was just offering her more incentive to do just that. So why was she hesitating, why did it hurt so much to know that she could never have anything with Max?

Sighing internally, all of a sudden feeling burdened by need to shut herself up in her hotel room, Liz ran a hand through her hair, looking away for a brief moment to let go of her anger. When she turned to look at the blonde before her, she was calm and in control of her emotions.

“You don’t have to worry,” Liz said.

“I don’t?” Tess asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously at her. What game is this girl trying to play? Tess wondered.

Liz shook her head, something close to regret and resignation flickering in her eyes briefly. “I have no intention of sinking my claws into Max.” She shrugged as she played with hair. “Truth is I barely know him. I just happened to meet him when I was…in the park at night,” Liz told her, leaving out the things she didn’t want anyone to be privy to. “And that day you saw us together at the Crashdown…I was just thanking him. That’s all.”

Tess snorted, looking at her in disbelief. “You expect me to believe that?” she asked. “What kind of fool do you think I am?”

“An insecure fool if you don’t believe me!” Liz shot back, annoyed by the hostile manner of the other girl. “Look, I don’t care if you believe me or not but rest assured that I don’t want to have anything to do with Max Evans!”

Without waiting to hear another word, Liz turned around and stalked away, leaving Tess to stare after her in distrust. Liz didn’t care if the girl had believed her or not but one thing had definitely become clear to Liz from the encounter.

She had been right in thinking to keep away from Max. Knowing Max was only asking for trouble.

Tess watched the girl stalk away, still unsure whether her parting shot had been truthful or not. Tess had no intention of trusting her; she still meant to keep an eye on her. Something told her that it wouldn’t be easy for either her or Max to keep away from each other. She didn’t know how she knew it or why it made her so uneasy, all she knew was that she had to make sure those two stayed away from each other.

Tess waited until the girl fell away from sight before turning to head back into the Crashdown. But as she turned, a hand clamped down on her arm, startling a gasp from her. Looking up she saw Kyle and relaxed…until she saw the look of disbelief and fury on his face.

“Kyle…”

But Kyle cut her off before she could say anything. He had followed her when Tess had darted out of the café and he had seen and heard enough of Tess’s conversation with the other girl to know that Tess was up to something. He was still reeling from the cold anger and determination he had heard in her voice on seen on her face.

“What,” he demanded harshly, “was all that about?”

<center>*****</center>

It was dark by the time Michael and Liz made their way over to the adoption center. They had waited until they were sure it would be safe enough to venture a break in. Liz was still uneasy about the whole thing but she knew that even if she refused to help, Michael would still go ahead with his plan alone. And there was no way she was about to let Michael do this by himself. This was about her family, her past, too.

They parked the car two blocks away and made the rest of the journey on foot. They fell in a light jog as they headed towards the center, pretending that they were two fanatical joggers out for a late night run.

As they jogged, Liz let her mind drift over what had happened hours earlier. She had tried not to let it bother her, tried to forget about it but the harder she tried, the more it nagged her. She didn’t understand what had provoked the girl to come up to her and say all those things. She liked Max, she’d admit it, but she had tried not to be obvious. She had no intention of leading Max on into hoping for something she knew very well would never be…. So, why had that girl been convinced Liz had every intention of hooking up with Max?

Michael watched Liz from the corner of his eye as they both jogged down the street. The bag he had slung over his shoulder hit him lightly with every pace but he ignored it, instead watching the slight frown marring Liz’s features. Liz had been quiet all evening today and even on the ride here she hadn’t pointed out how much she hated this idea or even tried to talk him out of it as she had done all morning. Rather she had seemed lost in her own thoughts.

Worried and concerned, Michael realized that Liz seemed a lot more distracted lately than she had ever been. He knew Liz wasn’t one who got distracted easily but here she was, furiously working her lip as some inner problem gnawed at her. He could tell that her mind was not on the job they were about to do but rather on some other problems. For an instant he wondered if whatever had her so troubled was something that could potentially be harmful or dangerous to them but then he waved that thought aside.

He knew that if Liz thought it was dangerous, then she’d tell him about it. He trusted her to tell him. But something was bothering her; it had been bothering her ever since they came to Roswell. He had noticed it before but until now, he had chalked it up to the town itself. Roswell made him nervous and edgy and it was only natural that it made Liz so as well.

But looking at her now, he wondered if that was the case at all, if there wasn’t something else entirely that was bothering her. Berating himself for not noticing it before now and asking her about it, he quickly decided to see if he could get Liz to share her worries with him.

“You seem a bit out of it tonight, Liz,” Michael commented lightly. “Something on your mind?”

Liz turned to look at him, flashing him a quick and unconvincing smile that had Michael’s eyes narrowing at her. “I’m fine. I’m just worried about this plan of yours.” She raised an eyebrow at him as she said, “I don’t need to tell you that this is incredibly stupid and half-assed, right?”

Rolling his eyes, knowing she was right, Michael shook his head. “Right,” he muttered. “You’ve said so about a hundred times already.”

“Not that it has made any difference,” Liz answered with a faintly amused smile. “I shouldn’t be surprised, I suppose. You always were stubborn.”

“You didn’t have to come,” Michael replied a bit defensively.

Liz quirked an eyebrow at him. “And let you get yourself in who knows what kind of trouble?” she asked. She shook her head. “No way! I’d rather be there to keep an eye on you.”

“You sound as if I always mess things up,” Michael remarked, hoping Liz wouldn’t remember the hundreds of times Liz had to bail him out of trouble. But when Liz laughed, he cringed, knowing that she did remember.

He was about to say something to defend himself when he abruptly realized that Liz had very smoothly changed the topic and made him the person being talked about, Michael halted under a street light, pulling Liz to a stop as well.

Liz looked at him with a puzzled frown. “What’s wrong?” she asked. “Why are we stopping?”

“Because,” Michael answered, folding his hands across his chest as he looked down sternly at her, “You’re going to tell me what’s got you so bothered.”

“I told you what it was,” Liz replied defensively. “This plan is what’s bothering me.”

“No, what you did was very smoothly change the topic,” Michael replied. “Now, are you going to tell me what’s been bothering you for the past couple of days?”

“It’s nothing, Michael,” Liz answered dismissively as she began to turn around but Michael’s hand clamped down on her shoulder, stopping her. Sighing, she turned back to face him and gave him an exasperated look. “What?”

“Why are you so hesitant to tell me?” Michael demanded, a bit frustrated by her reluctance to confide in him.

And hurt… Liz realized as she bit her lip in guilt.

“I-I’m not hesitant,” Liz replied carefully. She shrugged. “I just don’t think it’s that big of a deal.”

“The hell it isn’t!” Michael shot out. “You’ve been walking around barely noticing anything around you for the past two days. You haven’t slept and rested…I don’t think it’s not a big deal.”

“Well maybe I’m old enough to handle things myself!” Liz snapped out, irrationally annoyed at him. “Maybe I’ve not told you because it’s nothing that you can do anything about. Put simply, Michael, it’s not your problem. It’s mine and I’ll take care of it!”

Michael looked a bit taken aback by her tone and words and, for a moment, he even looked hurt. Then his eyes closed off and he looked away from her, his jaw clenched tight. The instant Liz saw the look on his face, all her annoyance and anger was replaced by guilt.

She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, feeling remorse wash over her. She’d been unfair and unnecessarily harsh. She knew Michael meant well but she just wished he’d let her figure this out on her own. She was already feeling this thing she felt for Max taking over her thoughts and that girl warning her away from him only crowded her thoughts more. She did not need someone else trying to push her into admitting something that wasn’t even true or trying to tell her what to do with it.

She knew Michael had become more protective of her since Sean and maybe she had let him because she had felt she needed someone to look out for her. It had made her feel safe. But now, with this problem…she wanted to work it out by herself. She couldn’t always run to Michael for help.

Liz sighed and reached out to touch him lightly on the shoulder as a sign of truce. He didn’t pull away as she feared but he stiffened imperceptibly under her hand and that hurt more than he pulling away did.

“Michael…,” she said softly. “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for.”

Michael hesitated before he turned to look back at her. Though she couldn’t read his emotions as he had shut himself off from her, Liz knew instantly that he was more hurt than he was letting on.

“It’s fine,” Michael answered. “I didn’t mean to push.”

Liz bit her lip as she raked a hand through her hair. “You didn’t,” she told him. “I-I’m just a bit overwhelmed by my problem. I let it get to me and I just took out my frustration out on you. I just want to take care of this by myself.”

“I understand,” Michael replied but he moved away, still a bit cool.

“Michael, please…,” Liz whispered, suddenly afraid that she may have turned away her best friend. When Michael paused, she hurried up to him, clutching his arm earnestly. “Don’t be mad.”

“I’m not mad, Liz,” Michael replied and she heard the resignation in his tone. When he looked at her, his eyes were worried – for her. “I’m just afraid that you might get too deep into something before you ask me for help. If you ask at all….”

“I told you I would if I felt the need to,” Liz reminded. Looking into his amber eyes, she promised, “And I will.”

Michael looked uncertain but then he sighed and nodded, pulling her into a hug before saying, “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

“So do I,” Liz replied honestly. Then, she nodded her head in the direction of the adoption center. “Do you think I can talk you out of doing this?”

This time Michael smirked. “No.”

With a defeated sigh, Liz rolled her eyes. “Thought so,” she muttered as she tugged at his hand. “Well, let’s get this over and done with.”

Twenty minutes later, they were stealthily making their way down a darkened corridor towards the rooms at the back, which they knew, were the filing rooms. It had taken just a small dose of alien power to open the window and let themselves in. Now Michael led the way, crouching down to avoid being seen through the windows. Quickly and expertly, Michael waved his hand over the lock of the door and heard it click open.

Once inside, Liz and Michael pulled out the flashlights they had avoided using up until now and shone them around the room.

“You take that end, I’ll take this,” Liz told him as she moved towards the nearest filing cabinet.

Looking at the number of metal cabinets in the room, Liz gave an inward groan. This was going to take forever. Almost as if hearing her thoughts, Michael muttered, “Haven’t these people heard of computers? You know, technology to make things easier for both them and the thieves. While they’re at it, they should get a good security system too, not that simple lock. Something electronic, maybe.”

Smiling in half amusement and half exasperation as she flipped through the files, Liz replied. “I don’t think the people here expect anyone to break in this place. I mean seriously, why would anyone want to. And as for computers, well I’d guess they already have money shortage.”

“Let’s give them a donation to make things easier on us for next time,” Michael muttered as he moved onto the next cabinet.

Liz whipped around to look at him, her face shocked. “You don’t mean to do this again, do you?” she asked.

Michael shot her a look and asked, “Do you think we could cover all of these files in one night?”

“No, but-”

“Look, we’ll argue about this later. We don’t have much time so…get to work,” Michael ordered.

Liz turned back to look through the files and half an hour later they still hadn’t found anything.

“Michael, I don’t think it’s here,” Liz groaned as she shut yet another cabinet shelf.

“Keep looking,” Michael told her distractedly as he shifted through a pile of loose papers.

Liz was about to say something when Michael’s head suddenly snapped up and he motioned for her to be quiet. His eyes were wide as he inclined his head to listen to something. Liz wondered what he heard when she suddenly heard the footsteps, too.

“A guard!” Liz mouthed to Michael, fear at being caught rushing through her.

Michael quickly put the papers back as he walked to the door and pressed his ear against it. He listened closely then motioned Liz over. Liz carefully made her way to Michael and waited anxiously for the guard to leave.

“We have to leave,” Liz whispered to Michael.

Instead of arguing, Michael nodded. After making sure that the guard wasn’t in the hallway, Michael eased open the door and checked the hall. When he saw the coast was clear he and Liz made a run for it. They hurried towards the room from where they had entered through the window. As Michael helped Liz go through the window, they heard the guard walking down the hall towards the room.

Panicking, Liz pushed herself out the window and agilely jumped down.

“Hurry!” she hissed at Michael as he tried to wiggle through.

Liz was so terrified that the guard might come in and spot them that she reached up and tugged at Michael to pull him through faster. Soon, both Liz and Michael were lying sprawled on the grass beneath the window. Picking themselves up, they made a run for it.

They were just a few houses down and were about to turn the corner when someone stepped in front of their path. Michael and Liz screeched to a halt, their breath coming fast as they stared at the guy standing before them, watching them with speculation. Immediately, Michael moved in front of Liz, almost as if shielding her.

It took only an instant for Liz to recognize him as the guy from the UFO Center and the Crashdown. He had been with Max and Max’s girlfriend. Liz had been holding on to Michael’s arm and as she saw the guy’s knowing gaze turn to her and the bag she had in her hand, her grip on Michael tightened.

Kyle looked at the two people standing before him, at the protective way the guy was shielding the girl from him. He recognized both of them, especially the girl. It was the girl Tess had ripped into this evening. He had been on his way home from Alex’s house, having left early since he was still angry at Tess. She hadn’t told him why she had done what she did but he had heard enough to figure out that she was jealous. It had hurt him that she still cared so much for Max when she was dating him. He had thought that she was over Max but apparently that wasn’t so.

He and Tess hadn’t mentioned anything to the others but he could tell from the occasional looks everyone gave the both of them that they all felt the tension between him and Tess. After a while, he had excused himself and left.

Now, on his way home he had just been about to turn down the other street when he had seen these two running away from the adoption center. He could have sworn he saw one of them climb out the window but he couldn’t be certain. Now, looking at the flushed, guilty, and scared look in the girl’s eyes, Kyle wondered if he hadn’t been hallucinating.

For a long, agonizing moment both parties looked at each other, assessing and observing. Then when Michael made a move to walk around him, Kyle’s hand shot out to stop him. When Michael shot a pointed look at the hand, Kyle hastily removed it.

Shoving his hands in his jacket pockets, Kyle asked casually, “Out for a late night run?”

“As a matter of fact, yes,” Michael answered coldly. He didn’t know if the guy had seen anything but he wasn’t about to act guilty. He took Liz’s hand in his and once more made a move to walk away but Kyle’s voice stopped him cold.

“I saw you guys coming out of the adoption center…through the window.” When Michael and Liz both turned to look at him, their faces stark with fear, Kyle asked, “Care to tell me what all that was about?”

Michael stepped up to him, his voice low and menacing. “You didn’t see anything.”

His tone dared Kyle to say otherwise and though the guy intimidated Kyle, he was not backing down. Maybe he was a fool and should call the police but after everything that had happened between the girl and Tess today, Kyle was curious.

“I saw plenty,” Kyle replied. When the guy seemed ready to beat him down, Kyle hastily took a step back. “Why would you guys want to break into a place like the adoption center anyway? There’s barely any money to keep that place going as it is, let alone any to steal.”

“We weren’t stealing,” the girl said but shut up when the guy shot her a sharp look.

Intrigued, Kyle asked, “Then what were you doing there at this time of night?” When both remained silent, Kyle said, “My dad’s the town Sheriff and I would imagine he would just love to know what you guys were doing breaking into that place.”

“Is that a threat?” Michael asked, privately fearing the idea of being put in jail. If this guy told his father, then not only would Michael be in trouble but Liz also and he didn’t want this to be on her head, too.

“Call it an incentive to tell me what you people are up to,” Kyle replied.

Liz was terrified of what could happen if this guy turned them over to the authorities and she placed a pleading hand on Michael’s arm to tell him back down from his aggressive stance.

“Michael…,” she whispered fearfully, pleadingly.

When Michael didn’t reply to her or Kyle, she could tell that Michael wasn’t sure of what to do next. Taking the situation into her own hands, Liz did what she thought was the only thing they could do. She told him the truth.

“We wanted to look at the records,” Liz replied, ignoring the startled and furious look Michael gave her. “We’re trying to look for our family.”

Kyle looked at her dubiously as he asked, “You were adopted in Roswell?”

Liz nodded, biting her lip. “We just want to find our family and since they wouldn’t let us see the records, this was the only way.”

Kyle wasn’t sure if he should believe them or not, but then why else would they be breaking into the center? And looking at the girl biting her lip he doubted she was lying. For some odd reason, he felt the urge to help.

Before he could think twice about it, he found himself saying, “I could help. My dad’s the sheriff as I told you and I could probably get those records for you.”

Michael’s eyes narrowed suspiciously at him, instantly wondering what game he was trying to play with them. “Why should we take your help?” Michael asked.

“Because it’s a better option that breaking into offices,” Kyle shot back.

“What Michael means is,” Liz replied patiently, though nervously, “why do you want to help us? You don’t even know us.”

Kyle shrugged this time, feeling a bit uneasy. He didn’t know why exactly. Maybe it was because he felt guilty about the way Tess had treated this girl before or maybe because he felt there was something about these two that made him want to help.

“Tess doesn’t know you and yet that didn’t stop her from issuing that warning today. She was pretty harsh and rude,” Kyle replied. “I guess…I want to make up for her behavior. It was uncalled for.”

Liz paled at his words and Michael abruptly turned to look at her. “What is he talking about, Liz?” he demanded.

Kyle looked from Michael to Liz curiously then asked, “He doesn’t know?”

Liz shook her head weakly.

“Doesn’t know what?” Michael snapped. “Liz, what happened today?”

“Nothing,” Liz whispered, her voice shaking. “Nothing.”

Michael grabbed her arm and made her look at him. “Liz…” His voice held a warning note in it. “What are you not telling me?”

Kyle shot a nervous look at both of them, wondering if he hadn’t just put his foot in the middle of things. “Hey, look…maybe I misunderstood…,” he began.

“Shut up!” Michael said sharply, without removing his eyes from Liz. “Liz, what is he talking about?”

Liz forced herself to look at Michael. She hadn’t wanted him to know. If he knew then he might make them leave this place. She didn’t want to worry him but now, seeing the anger on his face she knew she would have to tell him.

“I’ll tell you later,” she promised, already dreading it.

Michael looked like he was about to argue but then he nodded once and dropped her arm. He turned back to Kyle, his eyes cold and hard.

“Why should we trust you?” Michael asked.

“Because maybe I’m your best shot at finding your family,” Kyle replied. He still wasn’t sure why he was offering to help. Tess was part of the reason but there was another reason, something that didn’t make sense but he didn’t think about it.

“We don’t even know who you are,” Liz replied.

“I’m Kyle Valenti,” Kyle introduced, as if he had just solved the problem. “I’m guessing this over-protective hulk here is Michael and you are…”

“Liz Parker,” Liz replied, still looking at him unsurely. She nodded her towards Michael. “And yes, that’s Michael. Michael Guerin.”

“Now you know who I am and I know who you are,” Kyle replied. “One problem solved.”

“Why are you helping us?” Michael asked again.

“I told you-” Kyle began but Liz shook her head, watching him carefully.

“No. Why are you really doing this?” she asked.

Kyle sighed as he ran a hand through his hair before letting it drop to his side. “Truthfully…I don’t know,” he replied. He looked at them, trying to convey to them his sincerity. “I really don’t know but what I do know is I want to – need to – help.”

When both Michael and Liz exchanged uneasy looks, Kyle dug into his pocket and pulled out a scrap of paper. Looking at Liz, he asked, “Do you have a pen?”

Puzzled, Liz nodded and pulled one out of the bag she was carrying. Kyle took it and quickly scribbled something down. He then gave her both the pen and paper.

“That’s my number and address,” he told them. “Think about it. I promise I won’t say anything to anyone about this so you don’t have to worry about being caught. When you make up your mind if you need my help or not, just call me and let me know.”

Liz glanced blankly at the number and address, still wondering if they should trust him. He seemed sincere enough but she knew that it meant nothing. Kyle took a step backward, before saying, “I really do want to help.”

Then, without another word, he turned and walked away. Michael and Liz watched him leave before turning to look at each other.

“Well?” Michael asked, still nervous. “What do you think?”

Liz turned to look at Kyle’s retreating back for a moment before she replied softly, her mind already thinking. “I don’t know…”



<center>TBC. . . </center>

[FallenMagic]

Hey guys!

I just want to let you know that I'm doing an Author's chat on Friday from 7.00 PST onwards at Dreaming Among The Stars

I would love it if you guys could be there! :D

Rida

[FallenMagic]

<center>Part 7</center>


There was an uneasy silence between Michael and Liz as they headed back to the hotel. Liz kept glancing over at Michael every occasionally, noting with despair that he didn’t look any less furious than before. Not only was he angry about how she had blurted out everything to Kyle, she knew, but also that she had kept her argument with Tess from him.

She should try to tell him why she had kept it from him. Maybe he would see things her way. But Liz knew that Michael wouldn’t. He’d just think she was keeping things from him. She should talk to him, ease out his anger instead of letting it explode, as she feared it would the second they got back to the hotel. Biting her lip nervously, Liz searched for an opening but one look at Michael’s stormy features made her loose all her courage.

It wasn’t until they were in their hotel room that Liz finally turned to Michael.

“Michael…,” she began but to her surprise, Michael just dropped his bag on the bed and headed into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him without a word or even a glance at her.

Liz winced slightly, confused and worried that he hadn’t said anything as she had expected. Pacing nervously, waiting for Michael to come out, she wondered how she would explain this to him. She figured it was time to tell him about Max.

She was not looking forward to his reaction.

When Michael finally came out of the bathroom, Liz braced herself for the anger or tirade. When there was none, a faint gnawing feeling spread from the pit of her stomach upwards.

“Um…Michael?” she ventured hesitantly. When Michael snapped around to gaze at her piercingly, she backed away slightly. “I-Is everything okay?”

“Sure!” Michael bit out, his voice and eyes icy. “Everything’s fine. Isn’t that what you kept telling me?”

Liz flinched at the sharp and cold tone, biting her lip. “It was. It is,” she began.

Michael rounded on her now, anger pouring from his stance. Liz involuntarily took a step back, rarely having seen Michael like this. “For God’s sakes, Liz! Why won’t you let me help you? Why do you have to do everything by yourself, damn it?” Michael asked in angry frustration. “If you’ve got a problem, you promised you’d come to me!”

“Yes, I did promise,” Liz shot back. “But since I don’t see there to be any problem that I can’t handle, I didn’t think to bother you! I’m not a child, Michael. I’ve had my share of problems. This one is nothing I can’t handle when compared to what I have gone through. To me, there is no problem!”

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Michael demanded. “A guy we don’t know just walked up to us and basically apologized for what some girl said or did to you today! Some guy – a stranger – knew about it before I did! And what girl, Liz? We’ve been in Roswell two days and already you’re getting into fights? If this isn’t a problem then what the hell is?”

At this, Liz’s anger sparked up, firing her eyes. “Already getting into fights?” she repeated in angry disbelief. “Are you implying that I’m the one who is always getting in trouble?” She eyed him angrily, coming up to him and giving him an angry shove. “Or have you forgotten all those little skirmishes of yours back home that I had to bail you out of time and again?!”

“That is not what I meant and you know it!” Michael yelled, though some of his anger having dissipated as he ran an agitated hand through his hair.

“Do I?” Liz countered. “It sure as hell sounded as if you meant it!”

Michael felt frustration boiling in him and he closed his eyes tightly, fisting his hand by his side to control the anger whipping through him. When he opened his eyes, he was a lot calmer than before and when he spoke, his voice was ragged and weary.

“I’m sorry, Liz,” he said. “That came out wrong. I was just thrown by what happened with Kyle Valenti.”

“That’s doesn’t give you an excuse to say such things to me,” Liz replied, still angry. “I wasn’t lying when I said that everything was fine. It was until a while back. I meant to tell you about what happened today, but I didn’t think now was the time.”

“I said I’m sorry, okay?” Michael said, a bit irritably. Then he sighed. “What did happen today?” he asked. “What was that guy – Kyle – talking about?”

Waiting for a moment to let her anger cool off, Liz sank down on the bed. Maybe it was time to tell Michael about her encounter with Max after all. Feeling more scared and hesitant than she wanted to, Liz wearily rubbed a hand over her face.

“It started that night I went out for a walk,” Liz began. She glanced up at him. “You know, that night I had the nightmare.”

“Should have figured as much,” Michael muttered but nodded for her to go on.

“That night while I was out I met someone…” Shooting Michael a quick look before looking down at her hands in order to avoid Michael’s gaze, she added, “A guy…Max Evans.” A smile formed on her lips almost unconsciously as she thought about that night. “I’d seen him before; on that first day we went to the Crashdown. He was coming in as we were leaving but our eyes met and something just…connected.” Liz looked up and flushed slightly when she caught the skeptical look Michael had on his face. “I know this sounds ridiculous but it felt like I knew him, had known him for years, a life time. When I went out to the park, the last person I expected to see there was him, but there he was.” She bit her lip, her eyes dreamy from the memory of it. “Michael, it felt perfect, him being there with me. I didn’t stay long, just a few minutes, because the connection I felt unnerved me. It felt too safe, too secure.” Liz’s voice softened to a whisper as she finished, “It made me want things I don’t want to ever need again. It made me feel as if I’d just found someone I’d been looking for, for a really long time…”

Michael listened to Liz closely and felt a stirring of worry when he saw and heard the dreaminess. Liz wasn’t one to act like this, so taken by someone so quickly but there was no doubting the look in her eyes. He wondered why he hadn’t seen it sooner. Feeling more than a little uncomfortable by it, he cleared his throat. “What does this Max have to do with what happened today?” he asked, unable to see the connection.

“I saw him again the next day at the Crashdown,” Liz replied feeling a bit deflated when she recalled their meeting. “I was just saying thank you when this blonde, Tess, came up to him. I think she’s his girlfriend; it sure looked like it anyway. Well, let’s just say that she came and I made a quick exit.”

“When did all of this happen?” Michael asked. “Where was I?”

“Outside, trying to read the map,” Liz replied with a tiny smile. Then waving her hand, she went on. “Anyway, I tried to put Max out of my mind; I really did. I promised myself that I wouldn’t spend anymore time thinking about him. I mean, why should I? I didn’t even know him!”

Even though she tried to sound flippant and unaffected, Michael saw immediately that this was what had been keeping her distracted. He hated to admit it but he was worried about the effect Max Evans seemed to have on Liz. Liz was wary of strangers, especially men, since Sean. She did her best to keep her distance, but the way she talked about Max had Michael wondering just how much of a distance Liz kept with him.

“Sounds to me like this guy got to you,” Michael commented casually, testing.

“He didn’t!” The denial was vehement and quick.

Much too quick. Michael thought with a feeling of dismay. Leaving it aside for now though, he asked, “Where does what happened today fit into all of this?”

“I’m getting to it,” Liz said, a bit irritably. “I was on my way from the Crashdown this afternoon when I saw that girl, Tess, again. She stopped me outside and told me, very fiercely, to keep away from Max. She warned me that if I didn’t stay away from him, I’d be very sorry.”

Michael looked surprised. “But didn’t you tell her you barely know him?”

At this, Liz shot Michael a sheepish look. “Well…her demand got me a bit irked and…well, let’s say I let her think that I had no intention whatsoever of letting Max get away.” When Michael let out a strangled laugh, she smiled. “It was petty of me but it was so satisfying to see her fume. I told her that who I did or didn’t date was none of her concern and that I’d have Max if I wanted him.”

Michael knew he should be annoyed at Liz’s behavior but he couldn’t help feeling amused…and relived. This was the Liz he knew, the one that had been missing for so long. There was the familiar mischievous sparkle in her eyes as she related what happened.

Thoroughly amused at Liz’s behavior, Michael asked with a grin, “What happened next?”

“Well, she fumed and cursed some more. I would have loved to rile her up some more but…” Here Liz paused and shrugged, some of the humor gone from her eyes. “What would be the point? I had already planned to forget all about Max anyway. So, I told her quite clearly that I didn’t want to have anything to do with him, that I barely knew him.”

“What did she say?”

“She didn’t believe me.” Liz shrugged again and got up from the bed. “That’s her problem. I told her the truth and if she doesn’t want to believe it… well, it’s no skin off my nose. I don’t plan to spend any more time even thinking about Max Evans. Why should I anyway? It’s not as if we are even acquaintances. If she doesn’t want to believe that then fine!”

Michael didn’t comment, rather he watched silently as she ran an irritated hand through her hair. She may have said that she wasn’t going to think about Max but Michael could tell she already was thinking about him. He read it in the irritated and frustrated look she got in her eyes as she tried to focus on the now. It worried him that a guy could get to her, that she wasn’t able to put him aside.

Why can’t I get him out of my head? Liz thought in angry annoyance as she walked restlessly to the window, unaware that Michael was watching her speculatively. Damn you, Max Evans! What is it about you that makes it impossible for me to forget you?

Hadn’t she told Michael just a moment ago that she wasn’t going to think about him? Hadn’t she told Tess that there was nothing between Max and her? Then why couldn’t she get him out of her head? Why did she keep seeing his deep brown eyes, keep hearing his husky voice?

“You can’t stop thinking about him, can you?” Michael asked, breaking into her thoughts. “The more you try the more you can’t seem to push him away.”

Surprised and startled, Liz’s gaze snapped to meet Michael’s knowing one. She bit her lip, considered lying to him, but then she sighed and nodded. “I don’t know what there is about him, Michael,” Liz admitted as she leaned her head against the side of the window. “I feel a pull… I can’t explain it but it’s there. The harder I try to fight it the more it seems to pull me in.”

“He’s just a random guy, Liz,” Michael told her. “You’re just attracted to him.”

“I know that.” Liz paused and shook her head. “At least I try to tell myself that but somehow it feels like so much more…. he feels like so much more!”

Michael got up to go to her. Laying a calming hand on her shoulder, he said gently but firmly, “Liz, you have to forget this guy. It’s nothing more than attraction. You can’t take a chance with people you don’t know. Remember Sean—”

“I know!” Liz snapped, her eyes sparking with anger at the name. She jerked out of Michael’s grasp and stepped a few paces back. Wrapping her arms around herself when she felt a chill run down her spine, Liz bit out, “You don’t need to remind me of anything. Do you think I could forget? How could I?” Shaking her head, Liz glared at a spot on the wall. “It’s more than caution that has me desperate to forget all about Max Evans. It’s fear. Blinding, choking fear.”

Her voice trembled as tears misted her eyes. She fought them back, adamant that they don’t fall but one tear slid past nonetheless and she hated herself for that weakness. “I’m terrified that the next person I grow close to might turn out to be an enemy as well. I didn’t even suspect anything about Sean until it was too late. I’m afraid that I might…,” she trailed off on a choked sob, brushing away the tear.

“Liz…,” Michael whispered, his heart aching for her. He moved to take her in his arms but she shook her head, moving away.

“No, don’t….” She looked at Michael now and he saw the fear in her eyes. A part of him regretted that it was there, that he had inadvertently put it there. He had begun to hope that maybe he wouldn’t have to see it in her eyes every time he looked into them.

It’s still there, Michael realized with pain. She keeps it hidden but it’s not gone. Not yet.

“I don’t know who I can trust anymore,” Liz said softly. “I’m scared that I might let the wrong people get too close again, only this time we might not find out until it’s too late.”

“Khivar won’t find us here, Liz,” Michael told her, knowing that was her greatest fear. “I promise.”

“We can’t be sure of that,” Liz replied.

“No, we can’t,” Michael admitted. “But you can be sure of the fact that I’m going to keep you safe.” When Liz nodded, though a bit hesitantly, Michael took her by her shoulders and made her look at him. “I mean that, Liz. I won’t let anything happen to you, not again.”

This time Liz smiled slightly at him. “I know,” she answered. “But I can’t let anyone get too close. No matter how much I might want to,” she added softly. Then she gave a small shrug. “All the more reason for us to find the others right? If we can’t trust them, who can we trust, right?”

“Right,” Michael agreed. “Which brings us to the records that we couldn’t find tonight.”

“It was a useless effort anyway,” Liz answered.

“We don’t have other options at this point,” Michael reminded her, running a weary hand through his hair. “I don’t know about you but I don’t think going back to adoption center is going to be a good idea.”

Liz dug into her pocket and brought out the piece of paper with Kyle’s number on it. “What about this?” she asked, holding it up.

“No way!” Michael said vehemently. “We aren’t asking him.”

“Why not?” Liz demanded. “At this point, he’s our best shot!”

“Liz, what ever happened to not letting anyone close?” Michael asked pointedly.

“Who says we’re going to let him close?” Liz asked. “Look, all I’m saying is it can’t hurt to see if Kyle could get us in to see those files.”

“His dad’s the sheriff,” Michael reminded.

“All the more reason we should take his help. I mean, the sheriff’s son is helping us out. Who could be a better person to ask for help? We can’t really get in trouble for snooping if the sheriff’s son is willing to help.” When Michael looked unconvinced, Liz sighed. “Come on, Michael. You know this is our only hope.”

“I don’t like that this is our only hope,” Michael sighed.

“Neither do I but what have we got to lose, right?” Liz asked.

“How about everything?” Michael shot back. But when Liz just looked at him patiently, he rolled his eyes. “Fine,” he grumbled. “But we give this another day’s thought.”

“We’ll sleep on it,” Liz decided. “Who knows…this might just lead us to the others.”

“Yeah, who knows…?” Michael muttered when Liz headed off to take a shower. He hoped they weren’t making the wrong move.

<center>*****</center>

Kyle wasn’t sure if what he had done had been wise. Why he would want to help a couple of strangers was puzzling, even to him. It wasn’t just because of Tess as he’d told Liz and Michael but something else. Something in both their eyes had made him want to help.

There was hope and helplessness there. There was a need in their eyes to know the truth about themselves, their family. A hunger that neither probably knew was there. Whatever the reason, he couldn’t go back on his instinctive action. He’d just have to wait for them to contact him. And he had a feeling they might.

Kyle looked up and glanced at his house at the end of the street. The porch light was on, which probably meant his father was home. He was surprised as his father usually came home very late and left very early. Initially Kyle had felt bitter and resentful that he was never around but he had gotten used to it, gotten used to coming home and not having him home. This wasn’t to say that his relationship with his father was nonexistent; it was just strained.

It wasn’t until he was walking up his driveway that he spotted Tess sitting on the porch steps, obviously waiting for him. He halted to a stop and glanced at Tess warily as she slowly got to her feet when she saw him.

“Tess…”

“I was getting worried,” Tess began, biting her lip nervously as she scrutinized him, trying to figure if he was still angry with her. “I’ve been waiting here for over an hour.”

Kyle stuck his hands into his pockets to keep himself from reaching for her when he saw her blue eyes filled with worry. He hated knowing that he had given her a reason to worry about him, hated the fact that it touched him so deeply that she did.

Scowling more at himself that at her, he bit out, “What do you want, Tess?”

“To talk,” she replied, looking contrite.

Kyle considered brushing past her, telling her that there was nothing to talk about. After all, her actions had said everything, hadn’t they? It had been like a punch in the gut for him when he had realized that Tess had been so protective over Max! He had thought Tess was over him. Hadn’t Tess herself told him so when they had begun dating? But there she had been claws out, threatening Liz to keep away from Max.

Just the thought had his jaws clenching so tightly that his teeth hurt. “I think you made yourself pretty clear enough today,” he retorted.

Tess stepped forward towards him, the distress clear on her face. “Kyle…” She lifted her hand to touch his arm lightly but Kyle jerked away from her touch, half-regretting it the moment he saw the hurt filter into her eyes.

But damn if I’m going to let her fool me! He thought, stalking up the porch. I know for certain now just how much Max means to her.

Tess watched him yank open the door while guilt and panic flooded through her. She had hurt him, she hadn’t meant to but she had. Kyle thought that she cared for Max, that she was still in love with him, but she wasn’t. If only he’d listen then she could explain herself to him. She had to make him listen. She didn’t want to lose him.

“Kyle, listen to me, please,” she pleaded.

Kyle stopped, turning to pin her with a cold stare. “Why, Tess?” he asked. “So you can tell me again how Max means nothing to you?” He let the door close behind him as he ran a hand through his hair, letting out a short, dry laugh. “God, you had me fooled. How could I never have wondered how you got over Max so easily? You were half in love with him as it was.” He looked at her then, the anger gone from his eyes but replaced by hurt and confusion. “Was I that easy to dupe, Tess?”

“No, it isn’t like that…,” Tess whispered desperately.

“Isn’t it?” Kyle asked walking to her his gaze locked with hers. He grabbed her arm roughly as he dragged her against him, his eyes flashing with anger once more, hiding the depth of his hurt and his longing for her, even now. “You couldn’t get Max so you thought you’d jump over to me? You knew that I loved you, so you thought I’d be an easy lay.”

“That’s not true,” Tess protested weakly, her eyes brimming with tears as she realized how this all seemed to Kyle. She feared that she might have ruined what she had with him. She wanted to explain things to him but for once she couldn’t think, couldn’t open her mouth to argue her case. All she could think was how badly she had hurt Kyle. How could what she had done led to this? She had never imagined the consequence.

Kyle ignored the tears, the pain he saw in her eyes. If he didn’t, he knew he’d just sweep her into his arms and forgive everything. And if he did, then he’d never forgive himself for being so weak. He loved her but he was not second fiddle to anyone, especially not to Max Evans.

“Get this straight, Tess,” he said in a low, dangerous voice. “I don’t settle for being anyone’s second choice!” Saying that, he dropped her arm and stepped back. Tess stumbled for a second at the abrupt release, watching Kyle take another step back from her.

“Kyle!” she cried out. “I don’t love him! I love you!”

Kyle tensed, a part of him soaring at her words for she had never said that to him before. He had said them to her but never had she said them back. But now her admission only pained him. He didn’t know if he could believe her.

“Did you hear me, Kyle?” Tess asked her voice breaking. “I love you.”

“I might have believed that if you told me that a day earlier but,” he paused, a part of him aching as he realized that he couldn’t trust her words. “But right now I don’t know what to believe.”

Tess felt her heart shattering at his words, realizing just how big of a fool she had been. Only when Kyle had been unable to trust her did she realize that one small act had effectively ruined her relationship with Kyle. She watched him head back into the house without a backward glance at her as the tears spilled down her cheeks.

Her legs felt as if they would give out as the heartache engulfed her. She sank down on to her knees, her hands shaking, her heart lurching painfully in her chest.

“What have I done?” she whispered to herself through her sobs. “Oh God, what have I done?”

<center>*****</center>

It was late when Max came back home that night. As he silently entered the kitchen, switching on a single light, he hoped his parents weren’t awake. He didn’t want to answer any questions about why he was so late or where he had been. He had told them that he and Isabel were heading over to Alex’s house but he was sure that Isabel had come home hours ago. His parents would wonder where he had been.

Rubbing his face, Max sighed. Opening the refrigerator, he pulled out a bottle of cherry coke and twisted it open. He was annoyed with himself. Irritated, angry even. He knew he should have headed home with Isabel from Alex’s but he hadn’t. He had told her to head on home while he walked around for a bit.

He had ended up going to the park in hopes of catching a glimpse of Liz Parker.

He took an angry swig from the bottle, scowling as he set the bottle down. He wasn’t sure what had possessed him to go there. He didn’t want to know why the need to see her again had so overwhelmed his senses. All the way to the park, he’d berated himself for being so weak. He’d kept telling himself that he should turn around and head on home. After all, just because she had been there a night ago didn’t mean she’d be there tonight as well. Rationally he knew that, accepted that, but the sharp punch of disappointment had washed over him anyway when he hadn’t seen her there waiting for him.

He felt foolish for hoping that she had been waiting for him. He felt an even bigger fool when he thought about how long he had sat on the benches near the carousel waiting, desperately hoping for her to show up. What was wrong with him? Why was he acting like this was his first crush or something?

I mean, waiting just to catch a glimpse of her? Max thought with a shake of his head. That wasn’t like him. But then he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her. Not since that day he first saw her at the Crashdown.

Has it only been two days? Max wondered in amazement. Two days and already she was the only one he could think about. Even today at Alex’s he’d barely paid any attention to what was going on around him. He was only wondering what Liz was doing and when he’d see her next. That flash of chocolate colored eyes, the long silky dark hair…it was all he could picture. Even now.

Muffling a groan, he dropped his head on the table. What was it about Liz Parker that had him constantly thinking about her? He barely knew her…and yet he felt as if he did. When he had looked at her, into her deep fathomless eyes, all he saw was her, the person inside, and he knew he’d never met anyone so beautiful in his life. It was like looking down into her soul, just as he had felt that she could see in his.

The thought had him jerking upright. See into her soul? He wondered with amused annoyance. What had gotten into him? Since when did he start thinking stuff like that? He took another quick gulp from the bottle as he tried to shake the thought loose.

“Max?”

At the sound of his sister’s voice, Max swiveled around and saw her standing hesitant just inside the kitchen.

“What are you doing still up?” he asked, sounding sharper than he meant.

He saw Isabel flinch at his tone and he regretted it but he really didn’t want any company at the moment. Apparently, Isabel didn’t get that as, despite his tone, she came and sat down on the other side of the counter, facing him, after having gotten herself an orange drink.

Isabel knew her brother was in no mood for company. She just chose to ignore the looks he was sending her way. Something was bothering him – had been for a couple of days - and she figured that she’d let him stew on it long enough. She watched him for a moment, noticing how he avoided meeting her gaze.

“Is something wrong, Max?” she asked.

Max’s gaze snapped up to meet hers in surprise. “No,” he answered quickly, maybe too quickly.

Isabel narrowed her eyes thoughtfully, watching him as she took a sip from the bottle. There was something bothering him all right. She could tell. It radiated off him like waves.

“You seem to have a lot on your mind these past couple of days. I know you do,” she added when he moved to argue. “Do you want to talk about it?”

The last thing Max wanted was telling Isabel about Liz and getting his sister on his case and telling him to keep away from Liz. He knew he should. It wasn’t safe. He knew that too but it still didn’t stop him from thinking about her. Nothing did. He opened his mouth to deny that anything was bothering him, to play it off but then he hesitated. What was the use in lying? Isabel and Tess both would be able to read his emotions easily.

One of the perks of being an alien hybrid. He thought with a sigh. He shook his head then. “No. I don’t,” he told her. He gave her a small smile. “Thanks though.”

Isabel reached across the counter to grasp his hand in hers. “Are you sure, Max?” she asked worriedly.

Max nodded. “I’m sure.”

“Okay,” Isabel said. “If you say so. But you can come to me with anything. You know that, right?”

Max smiled. “I know.”

Silence settled between them as they both finished their drinks. When Isabel asked if he was coming upstairs, he told her to head on, that he needed a few moments to himself. She nodded in understanding and headed out.

Then, just as she was leaving, she turned around suddenly, as if a thought just occurred to her.

“Max, did you happen to notice anything odd between Tess and Kyle tonight?” Isabel asked.

Max frowned as he thought about the evening and then nodded slowly. “Yeah. I did. Kyle and Tess were awfully cold to one another.”

“What do you think happened?” Isabel asked with concern. “Those two never fight.”

“There’s a first time for everything, Iz,” Max reminded her with a smile.

Isabel rolled her eyes at him. “I know that but things seemed…tensed. Kyle also left quite early,” she replied. “Maybe you should talk to Kyle, ask what’s wrong.”

“Isabel, I’m not going to get in between their arguments,” Max frowned.

“Kyle’s your friend, Max,” Isabel pointed out.

“And so is Tess,” Max reminded. “Yours too, in fact. Besides, for some odd reason I get the feeling Kyle wouldn’t want me asking him about this.”

“I’m just worried. Tess avoided me and Maria today,” Isabel shrugged. “Guess I’ll have to ask Kyle.”

“Isabel, don’t butt in,” Max warned her.

“I won’t,” Isabel told him as she left. “I’m just concerned.”

Max watched her leave, hoping that Isabel didn’t step where she wasn’t wanted.

<center>*****</center>

** Flash **

“Why?”

The word came out on a choked sob as she stared up at Sean. Even though she saw the cold glee in his eyes, her heart refused to believe he could do this. Even though her wrists burned from where the rope bit into them, she refused to accept that he would do this to her.

“Why do you think?” Sean sneered.

“I trusted you!” Liz cried out, her heart shattering, the tears slipping down, unstoppable.

“I know.” The word was said so carelessly, so smugly that to Liz it was like a slap in the face. “Don’t struggle,” Sean said with some amusement as he watched her tug at the ropes binding her hands. “It’ll be no use.”

The scene changed before her, until she found herself struggling in almost blind panic to tug the rope off her feet instead. She could hear her own desperate sobs as her fingers slipped over the knots. Her body ached from the bruises, the blood oozing from the cuts and nicks on her arms only made it harder for her to untie the rope.

Hurry, hurry, hurry! A frantic chant in her head cried out even as the rope finally slid free. Sean was nowhere to be seen but she didn’t know how long he would be away. She had to work fast. I have to get to Michael!

She sprang to her feet, ignoring the pain that shot through her, running as fast as she could to the door that would lead her outside to safety, to Michael. She fumbled with the doorknob, pushing against it, the sobs shaking loose from within her.

Why wasn’t it opening? Why wasn’t the door opening? He’d locked it when he’d left. He’d locked her in. There was no way out. He’d come back and she’d still be locked in, at his mercy.

Get yourself together, Parker! She berated herself, forcing herself to calm down. She was an alien; she had powers. She had avoided using them until now, always had been too scared to, but she would use them now.

Placing her hand over the lock and forcing herself not to tremble, Liz concentrated at pushing the molecules apart, making the lock spring open. It took her precious seconds and the relief swept through her when the door slid open.

“Please, don’t let him be here. Please keep him away for a while longer,” Liz chanted to herself as she dashed up the stairs and outside. All she could think was that she had to get to Michael. He would save her.

But she skidded to a startled halt when she got outside. A desperate cry slid past her lips as she stared at a grinning Sean who stood before her.

“Now, honey,” he said silkily, his eyes gleaming dangerously. “Where do you think you’re going?”

Liz took a step back, ready to turn around and take off running but his hand clamped down on her arm stopping her. She cried out, trying to shake him loose but he held on. Sean whirled her around so that she was only inches from him, the hold on her arm tightening, bruising.

“Don’t be so sure you can get away from me, Liz,” Sean whispered smugly. “You’ll never get away.”

He let go of her arm abruptly and for just a moment Liz stared at him in shock. She didn’t wait though before she took off running. She expected him to follow but she didn’t dare look back to see. As she ran, the scene changed around her once more, this time until she found herself running down the familiar main street of Roswell. The change surprised her and she stumbled, falling.

The rough road scratched her hands and her knees, burning. She wanted to cry but she knew she couldn’t, she had to get up and keep going. She had to put distance between herself and Sean. Some part of her objected, reminding that this wasn’t how it should be, how it had been but she was too terrified to take notice.

She ran blindly, not knowing where she was going, only that she had to be far away from Sean, had to get to Michael. “Please…,” she sobbed as she ran, not knowing what she was asking for. But no matter how fast she ran, no matter which way she ran, Sean’s voice followed her, repeating, reminding, and terrorizing her.

“You’ll never get away, Liz. Not from me. Not from Khivar. Not then and not now….”

** End Flash **


With a gasp that came from fear as much as from shock, Liz bolted up in bed. Her pulse beat frantically as the adrenaline pumped through her blood. Her face and shirt were damp from the cold sweat, her breathing hitched as she fought back the tears.

It had been so real. The dream was almost as if she had been there, reliving that nightmarish night all over again. She could taste the fear in her mouth; feel the blood on her hands. She could feel the rough texture of the rope in her hands as she struggled with it. It had never seemed so real to her before and it frightened her, terrified her.

It was just a dream, she told herself as she ran a shaky hand through her damp hair. It was just a dream. He’s not here. He can’t find me anymore. I’m safe. Michael’s here.

Still she found herself looking left towards Michael’s sleeping form, almost as if she needed confirmation that he really was here. Fumbling, she reached for the clock to check the time and noticed it was 3 A.M. Her heart still raced and she took a moment to steady her jangled nerves.

It took her another moment to notice the wetness on her cheeks and much to her surprise and disgust she found she had been crying. She hated the fact that a mere dream could have shaken her so much, more than it normally did. She hated that fact that she still had tears to cry, tears for herself, tears for what she had left behind, tears for what had happened but most of all she hated it that she still cried for Sean.

He didn’t deserve them, he didn’t deserve a moment of her thought, her tears, and yet she couldn’t stop aching and feeling hurt, betrayed. She might be able to push thoughts of him away throughout the day but during the night, when the dark invaded and seeped into her thoughts, she found herself thinking of him, wondering about him, hurting for him. And she hated that she did so.

Not daring to turn on the lamp for fear of waking Michael, Liz got up from the bed quietly, making her way to the bathroom. Shutting the door, she switched on the light, wincing slightly at the glare. She glanced at her disheveled form in the mirror, and washed up slowly and carefully, being sure not to think about anything but what she was doing.

Once she was done, she sank down to sit on the edge of the tub. Only now did she allow herself to think about the dream, to relive it, playing it image for image, word for word. The clarity with which she remembered startled her, unnerving her. She’d always been able to recall her dream but never like this, never as if she was living it all over again.

It felt almost like a…. But no, it couldn’t be. Could it? She wondered dazedly. A premonition?

She pressed her fingers over her eyes as she felt a dull ache in her head as she tried to figure it out in her mind. What she had felt, what she still felt just thinking about the dream was exactly what a premonition had felt like to her. The clarity, the life-like feeling. It was one of her powers, after all. It wasn’t impossible for her to have a premonition in her dream. She’d had them before.

But it was different this time, she thought. Premonitions usually showed her something about the future or a certain event yet to take place. The dream she had was not about the future. It wasn’t even her past, at least not exactly. It wasn’t even an event. It had been all a dream except for that part of Sean holding her captive. The rest had never happened. She hadn’t managed to escape and she had definitely not run through the streets of Roswell bleeding.

It didn’t show her anything, didn’t point to anything that would be happening soon. Or did it? Liz shivered as Sean’s last words floated through her mind.

“You’ll never get away, Liz. Not from me. Not from Khivar. Not then and not now….”

Was that some sort of sign? Some kind of warning? Then she shook her head, dispelling such thought. She was being ridiculous. Ridiculous and paranoid. This wasn’t a premonition. It may have felt like one but it wasn’t. It couldn’t have been.

We had been talking about Sean tonight. Liz tried to tell herself. It just brought back bad memories and surfaced old fears, is all.

She kept repeating that to herself as she settled back into bed. She had nothing to fear after all, not anymore. Hadn’t Michael promised her that? And as she fell into a restless sleep, she almost believed it.



<center>TBC . . .</center>

[FallenMagic]

<center>Part 7</center>


There was an uneasy silence between Michael and Liz as they headed back to the hotel. Liz kept glancing over at Michael every occasionally, noting with despair that he didn’t look any less furious than before. Not only was he angry about how she had blurted out everything to Kyle, she knew, but also that she had kept her argument with Tess from him.

She should try to tell him why she had kept it from him. Maybe he would see things her way. But Liz knew that Michael wouldn’t. He’d just think she was keeping things from him. She should talk to him, ease out his anger instead of letting it explode, as she feared it would the second they got back to the hotel. Biting her lip nervously, Liz searched for an opening but one look at Michael’s stormy features made her loose all her courage.

It wasn’t until they were in their hotel room that Liz finally turned to Michael.

“Michael…,” she began but to her surprise, Michael just dropped his bag on the bed and headed into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him without a word or even a glance at her.

Liz winced slightly, confused and worried that he hadn’t said anything as she had expected. Pacing nervously, waiting for Michael to come out, she wondered how she would explain this to him. She figured it was time to tell him about Max.

She was not looking forward to his reaction.

When Michael finally came out of the bathroom, Liz braced herself for the anger or tirade. When there was none, a faint gnawing feeling spread from the pit of her stomach upwards.

“Um…Michael?” she ventured hesitantly. When Michael snapped around to gaze at her piercingly, she backed away slightly. “I-Is everything okay?”

“Sure!” Michael bit out, his voice and eyes icy. “Everything’s fine. Isn’t that what you kept telling me?”

Liz flinched at the sharp and cold tone, biting her lip. “It was. It is,” she began.

Michael rounded on her now, anger pouring from his stance. Liz involuntarily took a step back, rarely having seen Michael like this. “For God’s sakes, Liz! Why won’t you let me help you? Why do you have to do everything by yourself, damn it?” Michael asked in angry frustration. “If you’ve got a problem, you promised you’d come to me!”

“Yes, I did promise,” Liz shot back. “But since I don’t see there to be any problem that I can’t handle, I didn’t think to bother you! I’m not a child, Michael. I’ve had my share of problems. This one is nothing I can’t handle when compared to what I have gone through. To me, there is no problem!”

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Michael demanded. “A guy we don’t know just walked up to us and basically apologized for what some girl said or did to you today! Some guy – a stranger – knew about it before I did! And what girl, Liz? We’ve been in Roswell two days and already you’re getting into fights? If this isn’t a problem then what the hell is?”

At this, Liz’s anger sparked up, firing her eyes. “Already getting into fights?” she repeated in angry disbelief. “Are you implying that I’m the one who is always getting in trouble?” She eyed him angrily, coming up to him and giving him an angry shove. “Or have you forgotten all those little skirmishes of yours back home that I had to bail you out of time and again?!”

“That is not what I meant and you know it!” Michael yelled, though some of his anger having dissipated as he ran an agitated hand through his hair.

“Do I?” Liz countered. “It sure as hell sounded as if you meant it!”

Michael felt frustration boiling in him and he closed his eyes tightly, fisting his hand by his side to control the anger whipping through him. When he opened his eyes, he was a lot calmer than before and when he spoke, his voice was ragged and weary.

“I’m sorry, Liz,” he said. “That came out wrong. I was just thrown by what happened with Kyle Valenti.”

“That’s doesn’t give you an excuse to say such things to me,” Liz replied, still angry. “I wasn’t lying when I said that everything was fine. It was until a while back. I meant to tell you about what happened today, but I didn’t think now was the time.”

“I said I’m sorry, okay?” Michael said, a bit irritably. Then he sighed. “What did happen today?” he asked. “What was that guy – Kyle – talking about?”

Waiting for a moment to let her anger cool off, Liz sank down on the bed. Maybe it was time to tell Michael about her encounter with Max after all. Feeling more scared and hesitant than she wanted to, Liz wearily rubbed a hand over her face.

“It started that night I went out for a walk,” Liz began. She glanced up at him. “You know, that night I had the nightmare.”

“Should have figured as much,” Michael muttered but nodded for her to go on.

“That night while I was out I met someone…” Shooting Michael a quick look before looking down at her hands in order to avoid Michael’s gaze, she added, “A guy…Max Evans.” A smile formed on her lips almost unconsciously as she thought about that night. “I’d seen him before; on that first day we went to the Crashdown. He was coming in as we were leaving but our eyes met and something just…connected.” Liz looked up and flushed slightly when she caught the skeptical look Michael had on his face. “I know this sounds ridiculous but it felt like I knew him, had known him for years, a life time. When I went out to the park, the last person I expected to see there was him, but there he was.” She bit her lip, her eyes dreamy from the memory of it. “Michael, it felt perfect, him being there with me. I didn’t stay long, just a few minutes, because the connection I felt unnerved me. It felt too safe, too secure.” Liz’s voice softened to a whisper as she finished, “It made me want things I don’t want to ever need again. It made me feel as if I’d just found someone I’d been looking for, for a really long time…”

Michael listened to Liz closely and felt a stirring of worry when he saw and heard the dreaminess. Liz wasn’t one to act like this, so taken by someone so quickly but there was no doubting the look in her eyes. He wondered why he hadn’t seen it sooner. Feeling more than a little uncomfortable by it, he cleared his throat. “What does this Max have to do with what happened today?” he asked, unable to see the connection.

“I saw him again the next day at the Crashdown,” Liz replied feeling a bit deflated when she recalled their meeting. “I was just saying thank you when this blonde, Tess, came up to him. I think she’s his girlfriend; it sure looked like it anyway. Well, let’s just say that she came and I made a quick exit.”

“When did all of this happen?” Michael asked. “Where was I?”

“Outside, trying to read the map,” Liz replied with a tiny smile. Then waving her hand, she went on. “Anyway, I tried to put Max out of my mind; I really did. I promised myself that I wouldn’t spend anymore time thinking about him. I mean, why should I? I didn’t even know him!”

Even though she tried to sound flippant and unaffected, Michael saw immediately that this was what had been keeping her distracted. He hated to admit it but he was worried about the effect Max Evans seemed to have on Liz. Liz was wary of strangers, especially men, since Sean. She did her best to keep her distance, but the way she talked about Max had Michael wondering just how much of a distance Liz kept with him.

“Sounds to me like this guy got to you,” Michael commented casually, testing.

“He didn’t!” The denial was vehement and quick.

Much too quick. Michael thought with a feeling of dismay. Leaving it aside for now though, he asked, “Where does what happened today fit into all of this?”

“I’m getting to it,” Liz said, a bit irritably. “I was on my way from the Crashdown this afternoon when I saw that girl, Tess, again. She stopped me outside and told me, very fiercely, to keep away from Max. She warned me that if I didn’t stay away from him, I’d be very sorry.”

Michael looked surprised. “But didn’t you tell her you barely know him?”

At this, Liz shot Michael a sheepish look. “Well…her demand got me a bit irked and…well, let’s say I let her think that I had no intention whatsoever of letting Max get away.” When Michael let out a strangled laugh, she smiled. “It was petty of me but it was so satisfying to see her fume. I told her that who I did or didn’t date was none of her concern and that I’d have Max if I wanted him.”

Michael knew he should be annoyed at Liz’s behavior but he couldn’t help feeling amused…and relived. This was the Liz he knew, the one that had been missing for so long. There was the familiar mischievous sparkle in her eyes as she related what happened.

Thoroughly amused at Liz’s behavior, Michael asked with a grin, “What happened next?”

“Well, she fumed and cursed some more. I would have loved to rile her up some more but…” Here Liz paused and shrugged, some of the humor gone from her eyes. “What would be the point? I had already planned to forget all about Max anyway. So, I told her quite clearly that I didn’t want to have anything to do with him, that I barely knew him.”

“What did she say?”

“She didn’t believe me.” Liz shrugged again and got up from the bed. “That’s her problem. I told her the truth and if she doesn’t want to believe it… well, it’s no skin off my nose. I don’t plan to spend any more time even thinking about Max Evans. Why should I anyway? It’s not as if we are even acquaintances. If she doesn’t want to believe that then fine!”

Michael didn’t comment, rather he watched silently as she ran an irritated hand through her hair. She may have said that she wasn’t going to think about Max but Michael could tell she already was thinking about him. He read it in the irritated and frustrated look she got in her eyes as she tried to focus on the now. It worried him that a guy could get to her, that she wasn’t able to put him aside.

Why can’t I get him out of my head? Liz thought in angry annoyance as she walked restlessly to the window, unaware that Michael was watching her speculatively. Damn you, Max Evans! What is it about you that makes it impossible for me to forget you?

Hadn’t she told Michael just a moment ago that she wasn’t going to think about him? Hadn’t she told Tess that there was nothing between Max and her? Then why couldn’t she get him out of her head? Why did she keep seeing his deep brown eyes, keep hearing his husky voice?

“You can’t stop thinking about him, can you?” Michael asked, breaking into her thoughts. “The more you try the more you can’t seem to push him away.”

Surprised and startled, Liz’s gaze snapped to meet Michael’s knowing one. She bit her lip, considered lying to him, but then she sighed and nodded. “I don’t know what there is about him, Michael,” Liz admitted as she leaned her head against the side of the window. “I feel a pull… I can’t explain it but it’s there. The harder I try to fight it the more it seems to pull me in.”

“He’s just a random guy, Liz,” Michael told her. “You’re just attracted to him.”

“I know that.” Liz paused and shook her head. “At least I try to tell myself that but somehow it feels like so much more…. he feels like so much more!”

Michael got up to go to her. Laying a calming hand on her shoulder, he said gently but firmly, “Liz, you have to forget this guy. It’s nothing more than attraction. You can’t take a chance with people you don’t know. Remember Sean—”

“I know!” Liz snapped, her eyes sparking with anger at the name. She jerked out of Michael’s grasp and stepped a few paces back. Wrapping her arms around herself when she felt a chill run down her spine, Liz bit out, “You don’t need to remind me of anything. Do you think I could forget? How could I?” Shaking her head, Liz glared at a spot on the wall. “It’s more than caution that has me desperate to forget all about Max Evans. It’s fear. Blinding, choking fear.”

Her voice trembled as tears misted her eyes. She fought them back, adamant that they don’t fall but one tear slid past nonetheless and she hated herself for that weakness. “I’m terrified that the next person I grow close to might turn out to be an enemy as well. I didn’t even suspect anything about Sean until it was too late. I’m afraid that I might…,” she trailed off on a choked sob, brushing away the tear.

“Liz…,” Michael whispered, his heart aching for her. He moved to take her in his arms but she shook her head, moving away.

“No, don’t….” She looked at Michael now and he saw the fear in her eyes. A part of him regretted that it was there, that he had inadvertently put it there. He had begun to hope that maybe he wouldn’t have to see it in her eyes every time he looked into them.

It’s still there, Michael realized with pain. She keeps it hidden but it’s not gone. Not yet.

“I don’t know who I can trust anymore,” Liz said softly. “I’m scared that I might let the wrong people get too close again, only this time we might not find out until it’s too late.”

“Khivar won’t find us here, Liz,” Michael told her, knowing that was her greatest fear. “I promise.”

“We can’t be sure of that,” Liz replied.

“No, we can’t,” Michael admitted. “But you can be sure of the fact that I’m going to keep you safe.” When Liz nodded, though a bit hesitantly, Michael took her by her shoulders and made her look at him. “I mean that, Liz. I won’t let anything happen to you, not again.”

This time Liz smiled slightly at him. “I know,” she answered. “But I can’t let anyone get too close. No matter how much I might want to,” she added softly. Then she gave a small shrug. “All the more reason for us to find the others right? If we can’t trust them, who can we trust, right?”

“Right,” Michael agreed. “Which brings us to the records that we couldn’t find tonight.”

“It was a useless effort anyway,” Liz answered.

“We don’t have other options at this point,” Michael reminded her, running a weary hand through his hair. “I don’t know about you but I don’t think going back to adoption center is going to be a good idea.”

Liz dug into her pocket and brought out the piece of paper with Kyle’s number on it. “What about this?” she asked, holding it up.

“No way!” Michael said vehemently. “We aren’t asking him.”

“Why not?” Liz demanded. “At this point, he’s our best shot!”

“Liz, what ever happened to not letting anyone close?” Michael asked pointedly.

“Who says we’re going to let him close?” Liz asked. “Look, all I’m saying is it can’t hurt to see if Kyle could get us in to see those files.”

“His dad’s the sheriff,” Michael reminded.

“All the more reason we should take his help. I mean, the sheriff’s son is helping us out. Who could be a better person to ask for help? We can’t really get in trouble for snooping if the sheriff’s son is willing to help.” When Michael looked unconvinced, Liz sighed. “Come on, Michael. You know this is our only hope.”

“I don’t like that this is our only hope,” Michael sighed.

“Neither do I but what have we got to lose, right?” Liz asked.

“How about everything?” Michael shot back. But when Liz just looked at him patiently, he rolled his eyes. “Fine,” he grumbled. “But we give this another day’s thought.”

“We’ll sleep on it,” Liz decided. “Who knows…this might just lead us to the others.”

“Yeah, who knows…?” Michael muttered when Liz headed off to take a shower. He hoped they weren’t making the wrong move.

<center>*****</center>

Kyle wasn’t sure if what he had done had been wise. Why he would want to help a couple of strangers was puzzling, even to him. It wasn’t just because of Tess as he’d told Liz and Michael but something else. Something in both their eyes had made him want to help.

There was hope and helplessness there. There was a need in their eyes to know the truth about themselves, their family. A hunger that neither probably knew was there. Whatever the reason, he couldn’t go back on his instinctive action. He’d just have to wait for them to contact him. And he had a feeling they might.

Kyle looked up and glanced at his house at the end of the street. The porch light was on, which probably meant his father was home. He was surprised as his father usually came home very late and left very early. Initially Kyle had felt bitter and resentful that he was never around but he had gotten used to it, gotten used to coming home and not having him home. This wasn’t to say that his relationship with his father was nonexistent; it was just strained.

It wasn’t until he was walking up his driveway that he spotted Tess sitting on the porch steps, obviously waiting for him. He halted to a stop and glanced at Tess warily as she slowly got to her feet when she saw him.

“Tess…”

“I was getting worried,” Tess began, biting her lip nervously as she scrutinized him, trying to figure if he was still angry with her. “I’ve been waiting here for over an hour.”

Kyle stuck his hands into his pockets to keep himself from reaching for her when he saw her blue eyes filled with worry. He hated knowing that he had given her a reason to worry about him, hated the fact that it touched him so deeply that she did.

Scowling more at himself that at her, he bit out, “What do you want, Tess?”

“To talk,” she replied, looking contrite.

Kyle considered brushing past her, telling her that there was nothing to talk about. After all, her actions had said everything, hadn’t they? It had been like a punch in the gut for him when he had realized that Tess had been so protective over Max! He had thought Tess was over him. Hadn’t Tess herself told him so when they had begun dating? But there she had been claws out, threatening Liz to keep away from Max.

Just the thought had his jaws clenching so tightly that his teeth hurt. “I think you made yourself pretty clear enough today,” he retorted.

Tess stepped forward towards him, the distress clear on her face. “Kyle…” She lifted her hand to touch his arm lightly but Kyle jerked away from her touch, half-regretting it the moment he saw the hurt filter into her eyes.

But damn if I’m going to let her fool me! He thought, stalking up the porch. I know for certain now just how much Max means to her.

Tess watched him yank open the door while guilt and panic flooded through her. She had hurt him, she hadn’t meant to but she had. Kyle thought that she cared for Max, that she was still in love with him, but she wasn’t. If only he’d listen then she could explain herself to him. She had to make him listen. She didn’t want to lose him.

“Kyle, listen to me, please,” she pleaded.

Kyle stopped, turning to pin her with a cold stare. “Why, Tess?” he asked. “So you can tell me again how Max means nothing to you?” He let the door close behind him as he ran a hand through his hair, letting out a short, dry laugh. “God, you had me fooled. How could I never have wondered how you got over Max so easily? You were half in love with him as it was.” He looked at her then, the anger gone from his eyes but replaced by hurt and confusion. “Was I that easy to dupe, Tess?”

“No, it isn’t like that…,” Tess whispered desperately.

“Isn’t it?” Kyle asked walking to her his gaze locked with hers. He grabbed her arm roughly as he dragged her against him, his eyes flashing with anger once more, hiding the depth of his hurt and his longing for her, even now. “You couldn’t get Max so you thought you’d jump over to me? You knew that I loved you, so you thought I’d be an easy lay.”

“That’s not true,” Tess protested weakly, her eyes brimming with tears as she realized how this all seemed to Kyle. She feared that she might have ruined what she had with him. She wanted to explain things to him but for once she couldn’t think, couldn’t open her mouth to argue her case. All she could think was how badly she had hurt Kyle. How could what she had done led to this? She had never imagined the consequence.

Kyle ignored the tears, the pain he saw in her eyes. If he didn’t, he knew he’d just sweep her into his arms and forgive everything. And if he did, then he’d never forgive himself for being so weak. He loved her but he was not second fiddle to anyone, especially not to Max Evans.

“Get this straight, Tess,” he said in a low, dangerous voice. “I don’t settle for being anyone’s second choice!” Saying that, he dropped her arm and stepped back. Tess stumbled for a second at the abrupt release, watching Kyle take another step back from her.

“Kyle!” she cried out. “I don’t love him! I love you!”

Kyle tensed, a part of him soaring at her words for she had never said that to him before. He had said them to her but never had she said them back. But now her admission only pained him. He didn’t know if he could believe her.

“Did you hear me, Kyle?” Tess asked her voice breaking. “I love you.”

“I might have believed that if you told me that a day earlier but,” he paused, a part of him aching as he realized that he couldn’t trust her words. “But right now I don’t know what to believe.”

Tess felt her heart shattering at his words, realizing just how big of a fool she had been. Only when Kyle had been unable to trust her did she realize that one small act had effectively ruined her relationship with Kyle. She watched him head back into the house without a backward glance at her as the tears spilled down her cheeks.

Her legs felt as if they would give out as the heartache engulfed her. She sank down on to her knees, her hands shaking, her heart lurching painfully in her chest.

“What have I done?” she whispered to herself through her sobs. “Oh God, what have I done?”

<center>*****</center>

It was late when Max came back home that night. As he silently entered the kitchen, switching on a single light, he hoped his parents weren’t awake. He didn’t want to answer any questions about why he was so late or where he had been. He had told them that he and Isabel were heading over to Alex’s house but he was sure that Isabel had come home hours ago. His parents would wonder where he had been.

Rubbing his face, Max sighed. Opening the refrigerator, he pulled out a bottle of cherry coke and twisted it open. He was annoyed with himself. Irritated, angry even. He knew he should have headed home with Isabel from Alex’s but he hadn’t. He had told her to head on home while he walked around for a bit.

He had ended up going to the park in hopes of catching a glimpse of Liz Parker.

He took an angry swig from the bottle, scowling as he set the bottle down. He wasn’t sure what had possessed him to go there. He didn’t want to know why the need to see her again had so overwhelmed his senses. All the way to the park, he’d berated himself for being so weak. He’d kept telling himself that he should turn around and head on home. After all, just because she had been there a night ago didn’t mean she’d be there tonight as well. Rationally he knew that, accepted that, but the sharp punch of disappointment had washed over him anyway when he hadn’t seen her there waiting for him.

He felt foolish for hoping that she had been waiting for him. He felt an even bigger fool when he thought about how long he had sat on the benches near the carousel waiting, desperately hoping for her to show up. What was wrong with him? Why was he acting like this was his first crush or something?

I mean, waiting just to catch a glimpse of her? Max thought with a shake of his head. That wasn’t like him. But then he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her. Not since that day he first saw her at the Crashdown.

Has it only been two days? Max wondered in amazement. Two days and already she was the only one he could think about. Even today at Alex’s he’d barely paid any attention to what was going on around him. He was only wondering what Liz was doing and when he’d see her next. That flash of chocolate colored eyes, the long silky dark hair…it was all he could picture. Even now.

Muffling a groan, he dropped his head on the table. What was it about Liz Parker that had him constantly thinking about her? He barely knew her…and yet he felt as if he did. When he had looked at her, into her deep fathomless eyes, all he saw was her, the person inside, and he knew he’d never met anyone so beautiful in his life. It was like looking down into her soul, just as he had felt that she could see in his.

The thought had him jerking upright. See into her soul? He wondered with amused annoyance. What had gotten into him? Since when did he start thinking stuff like that? He took another quick gulp from the bottle as he tried to shake the thought loose.

“Max?”

At the sound of his sister’s voice, Max swiveled around and saw her standing hesitant just inside the kitchen.

“What are you doing still up?” he asked, sounding sharper than he meant.

He saw Isabel flinch at his tone and he regretted it but he really didn’t want any company at the moment. Apparently, Isabel didn’t get that as, despite his tone, she came and sat down on the other side of the counter, facing him, after having gotten herself an orange drink.

Isabel knew her brother was in no mood for company. She just chose to ignore the looks he was sending her way. Something was bothering him – had been for a couple of days - and she figured that she’d let him stew on it long enough. She watched him for a moment, noticing how he avoided meeting her gaze.

“Is something wrong, Max?” she asked.

Max’s gaze snapped up to meet hers in surprise. “No,” he answered quickly, maybe too quickly.

Isabel narrowed her eyes thoughtfully, watching him as she took a sip from the bottle. There was something bothering him all right. She could tell. It radiated off him like waves.

“You seem to have a lot on your mind these past couple of days. I know you do,” she added when he moved to argue. “Do you want to talk about it?”

The last thing Max wanted was telling Isabel about Liz and getting his sister on his case and telling him to keep away from Liz. He knew he should. It wasn’t safe. He knew that too but it still didn’t stop him from thinking about her. Nothing did. He opened his mouth to deny that anything was bothering him, to play it off but then he hesitated. What was the use in lying? Isabel and Tess both would be able to read his emotions easily.

One of the perks of being an alien hybrid. He thought with a sigh. He shook his head then. “No. I don’t,” he told her. He gave her a small smile. “Thanks though.”

Isabel reached across the counter to grasp his hand in hers. “Are you sure, Max?” she asked worriedly.

Max nodded. “I’m sure.”

“Okay,” Isabel said. “If you say so. But you can come to me with anything. You know that, right?”

Max smiled. “I know.”

Silence settled between them as they both finished their drinks. When Isabel asked if he was coming upstairs, he told her to head on, that he needed a few moments to himself. She nodded in understanding and headed out.

Then, just as she was leaving, she turned around suddenly, as if a thought just occurred to her.

“Max, did you happen to notice anything odd between Tess and Kyle tonight?” Isabel asked.

Max frowned as he thought about the evening and then nodded slowly. “Yeah. I did. Kyle and Tess were awfully cold to one another.”

“What do you think happened?” Isabel asked with concern. “Those two never fight.”

“There’s a first time for everything, Iz,” Max reminded her with a smile.

Isabel rolled her eyes at him. “I know that but things seemed…tensed. Kyle also left quite early,” she replied. “Maybe you should talk to Kyle, ask what’s wrong.”

“Isabel, I’m not going to get in between their arguments,” Max frowned.

“Kyle’s your friend, Max,” Isabel pointed out.

“And so is Tess,” Max reminded. “Yours too, in fact. Besides, for some odd reason I get the feeling Kyle wouldn’t want me asking him about this.”

“I’m just worried. Tess avoided me and Maria today,” Isabel shrugged. “Guess I’ll have to ask Kyle.”

“Isabel, don’t butt in,” Max warned her.

“I won’t,” Isabel told him as she left. “I’m just concerned.”

Max watched her leave, hoping that Isabel didn’t step where she wasn’t wanted.

<center>*****</center>

** Flash **

“Why?”

The word came out on a choked sob as she stared up at Sean. Even though she saw the cold glee in his eyes, her heart refused to believe he could do this. Even though her wrists burned from where the rope bit into them, she refused to accept that he would do this to her.

“Why do you think?” Sean sneered.

“I trusted you!” Liz cried out, her heart shattering, the tears slipping down, unstoppable.

“I know.” The word was said so carelessly, so smugly that to Liz it was like a slap in the face. “Don’t struggle,” Sean said with some amusement as he watched her tug at the ropes binding her hands. “It’ll be no use.”

The scene changed before her, until she found herself struggling in almost blind panic to tug the rope off her feet instead. She could hear her own desperate sobs as her fingers slipped over the knots. Her body ached from the bruises, the blood oozing from the cuts and nicks on her arms only made it harder for her to untie the rope.

Hurry, hurry, hurry! A frantic chant in her head cried out even as the rope finally slid free. Sean was nowhere to be seen but she didn’t know how long he would be away. She had to work fast. I have to get to Michael!

She sprang to her feet, ignoring the pain that shot through her, running as fast as she could to the door that would lead her outside to safety, to Michael. She fumbled with the doorknob, pushing against it, the sobs shaking loose from within her.

Why wasn’t it opening? Why wasn’t the door opening? He’d locked it when he’d left. He’d locked her in. There was no way out. He’d come back and she’d still be locked in, at his mercy.

Get yourself together, Parker! She berated herself, forcing herself to calm down. She was an alien; she had powers. She had avoided using them until now, always had been too scared to, but she would use them now.

Placing her hand over the lock and forcing herself not to tremble, Liz concentrated at pushing the molecules apart, making the lock spring open. It took her precious seconds and the relief swept through her when the door slid open.

“Please, don’t let him be here. Please keep him away for a while longer,” Liz chanted to herself as she dashed up the stairs and outside. All she could think was that she had to get to Michael. He would save her.

But she skidded to a startled halt when she got outside. A desperate cry slid past her lips as she stared at a grinning Sean who stood before her.

“Now, honey,” he said silkily, his eyes gleaming dangerously. “Where do you think you’re going?”

Liz took a step back, ready to turn around and take off running but his hand clamped down on her arm stopping her. She cried out, trying to shake him loose but he held on. Sean whirled her around so that she was only inches from him, the hold on her arm tightening, bruising.

“Don’t be so sure you can get away from me, Liz,” Sean whispered smugly. “You’ll never get away.”

He let go of her arm abruptly and for just a moment Liz stared at him in shock. She didn’t wait though before she took off running. She expected him to follow but she didn’t dare look back to see. As she ran, the scene changed around her once more, this time until she found herself running down the familiar main street of Roswell. The change surprised her and she stumbled, falling.

The rough road scratched her hands and her knees, burning. She wanted to cry but she knew she couldn’t, she had to get up and keep going. She had to put distance between herself and Sean. Some part of her objected, reminding that this wasn’t how it should be, how it had been but she was too terrified to take notice.

She ran blindly, not knowing where she was going, only that she had to be far away from Sean, had to get to Michael. “Please…,” she sobbed as she ran, not knowing what she was asking for. But no matter how fast she ran, no matter which way she ran, Sean’s voice followed her, repeating, reminding, and terrorizing her.

“You’ll never get away, Liz. Not from me. Not from Khivar. Not then and not now….”

** End Flash **


With a gasp that came from fear as much as from shock, Liz bolted up in bed. Her pulse beat frantically as the adrenaline pumped through her blood. Her face and shirt were damp from the cold sweat, her breathing hitched as she fought back the tears.

It had been so real. The dream was almost as if she had been there, reliving that nightmarish night all over again. She could taste the fear in her mouth; feel the blood on her hands. She could feel the rough texture of the rope in her hands as she struggled with it. It had never seemed so real to her before and it frightened her, terrified her.

It was just a dream, she told herself as she ran a shaky hand through her damp hair. It was just a dream. He’s not here. He can’t find me anymore. I’m safe. Michael’s here.

Still she found herself looking left towards Michael’s sleeping form, almost as if she needed confirmation that he really was here. Fumbling, she reached for the clock to check the time and noticed it was 3 A.M. Her heart still raced and she took a moment to steady her jangled nerves.

It took her another moment to notice the wetness on her cheeks and much to her surprise and disgust she found she had been crying. She hated the fact that a mere dream could have shaken her so much, more than it normally did. She hated that fact that she still had tears to cry, tears for herself, tears for what she had left behind, tears for what had happened but most of all she hated it that she still cried for Sean.

He didn’t deserve them, he didn’t deserve a moment of her thought, her tears, and yet she couldn’t stop aching and feeling hurt, betrayed. She might be able to push thoughts of him away throughout the day but during the night, when the dark invaded and seeped into her thoughts, she found herself thinking of him, wondering about him, hurting for him. And she hated that she did so.

Not daring to turn on the lamp for fear of waking Michael, Liz got up from the bed quietly, making her way to the bathroom. Shutting the door, she switched on the light, wincing slightly at the glare. She glanced at her disheveled form in the mirror, and washed up slowly and carefully, being sure not to think about anything but what she was doing.

Once she was done, she sank down to sit on the edge of the tub. Only now did she allow herself to think about the dream, to relive it, playing it image for image, word for word. The clarity with which she remembered startled her, unnerving her. She’d always been able to recall her dream but never like this, never as if she was living it all over again.

It felt almost like a…. But no, it couldn’t be. Could it? She wondered dazedly. A premonition?

She pressed her fingers over her eyes as she felt a dull ache in her head as she tried to figure it out in her mind. What she had felt, what she still felt just thinking about the dream was exactly what a premonition had felt like to her. The clarity, the life-like feeling. It was one of her powers, after all. It wasn’t impossible for her to have a premonition in her dream. She’d had them before.

But it was different this time, she thought. Premonitions usually showed her something about the future or a certain event yet to take place. The dream she had was not about the future. It wasn’t even her past, at least not exactly. It wasn’t even an event. It had been all a dream except for that part of Sean holding her captive. The rest had never happened. She hadn’t managed to escape and she had definitely not run through the streets of Roswell bleeding.

It didn’t show her anything, didn’t point to anything that would be happening soon. Or did it? Liz shivered as Sean’s last words floated through her mind.

“You’ll never get away, Liz. Not from me. Not from Khivar. Not then and not now….”

Was that some sort of sign? Some kind of warning? Then she shook her head, dispelling such thought. She was being ridiculous. Ridiculous and paranoid. This wasn’t a premonition. It may have felt like one but it wasn’t. It couldn’t have been.

We had been talking about Sean tonight. Liz tried to tell herself. It just brought back bad memories and surfaced old fears, is all.

She kept repeating that to herself as she settled back into bed. She had nothing to fear after all, not anymore. Hadn’t Michael promised her that? And as she fell into a restless sleep, she almost believed it.



<center>TBC . . .</center>

[FallenMagic]

<center>Part 8</center>


The brisk knock at his front door had Kyle rolling over with a moan. Opening one bleary eye to check the time, Kyle let out a muffled curse. He’d tossed and turned most of the night with Tess’s words going over and over in his head before he had finally fallen asleep at around dawn.

It is just too damn early in the morning for visitors, he thought as he snuggled back under the covers, fully intending to go straight back to sleep. But when the knock came again, this time louder and more insistent, he gave a long, suffering groan and got out of bed.

Shuffling to the door, he wondered who it could be this early in the morning, hoping that it wasn’t some eager salesman. If it was, then things were going to get bloody very soon. But when he swung open the door, he blinked in surprise.

“Isabel!” he cried, seeing the tall, cool eyed blonde standing at his doorstep, looking fresh and wide-awake.

“It’s about time,” Isabel chirped as she brushed past him and into the house. “Do you know how long I’ve been standing outside knocking?”

“You should have gotten the hint,” Kyle grumbled as he shut the door and followed her, still in a sleep-induced daze. “What are you doing here anyway?” he demanded. “Don’t you know it’s eight in the morning on a friggin’ Saturday?! It’s my only day off from work. I should be sleeping right now.”

“I needed to talk to you,” Isabel replied, appearing not to be too bothered that she had woken him.

“Couldn’t it wait for another three hours or so?” Kyle asked, rubbing a hand over his face, trying to get rid of the remains of sleep from his eyes.

“It could have but since I was awake, I thought, why waste time?” She shrugged, her smile one of amusement and just a bit smug.

Kyle growled at her, debating whether to throw her out or just kill her. But knowing Isabel, she wouldn’t leave until she had said what she was here to say. Sighing, Kyle resigned himself to having just lost his Saturday morning sleep.

Picking up the coffee pot and putting it on the hotplate to re-heat it, he turned to Isabel as she sat down on the chair in the kitchen. “Well, whatever it is that you felt you had to wake me at eight in the morning on a Saturday to tell me better be good,” he stated.

“Oh, it is,” she affirmed, watching him pour them both some coffee.

She took a sip from her mug before setting it aside and looking over at Kyle speculatively. He looked tired and troubled. She didn’t doubt that it had something to do with Tess since things last night between them had been strained and now, from the looks of things, may have gotten worse.

Worried and concerned for both her friends, Isabel asked, “What’s going on between you and Tess?”

Kyle nearly choked on his coffee at her question and his gaze flicked up to meet her unwavering one. Carefully setting the mug aside, avoiding Isabel’s eyes, Kyle mumbled, “Nothing.”

“Oh, don’t lie to me, Valenti,” Isabel sighed impatiently. “I know you better than you think. Something happened and from the looks of things, it’s serious. Now, are you going to tell me what happened or do I have to pry it out of you?”

Is it that obvious? Kyle wondered and then admitted to himself that it probably was. He recalled their conversation they had last night after he had come home and he unconsciously rubbed a hand over his heart, almost as if to soothe the pain.

“Why aren’t you at Tess’s, trying to get her to talk?” Kyle grumbled, trying to avoid talking to Isabel. “Why do I get the honor of being woken at such an ungodly hour?”

Isabel rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. “Because, a girl needs her beauty sleep.” Then, she bit her lip and admitted, “And because Tess wouldn’t talk to me about it as yet.”

At this, Kyle grinned. “She refused to open the door?”

Isabel nodded. “Yeah, and I wasn’t about to climb in through her window.” She leaned forward and regarded Kyle eagerly. “So…are you going to tell me or keep stalling?”

It was Kyle’s turn to sigh as he said, “We just had a fight.”

“But you guys never fight,” Isabel replied, confusion marring her features.

“I guess there’s a first time for everything,” Kyle echoed Max’s comment. Then he shook his head. “I dunno, Iz. I’m not sure what to do next.”

“Did you guys try talking it through?” Isabel asked.

Kyle didn’t reply as he grabbed his mug and dumped it into the sink. Taking his time, he ran a hand through his hair, debating how much to tell Isabel. She was, after all, Max’s sister. Finally deciding that the less she knew about the details the better, he shrugged.

“Let’s just say we tried and that it didn’t turn out too well either.”

“Kyle, this sounds serious,” Isabel commented, noting with worry the look in Kyle’s eyes.

“Isabel, I can’t talk about it. Not yet,” Kyle told her. “It’s just…complicated, okay?”

Isabel nodded, though a bit reluctantly. “Okay. But you guys need to work this out. You guys need to talk whatever it is through.”

“Honestly, Iz, I’m not sure that things will work out,” Kyle told her, ignoring the flash of pain he felt at saying it aloud. He’d meant what he’d said to Tess last might. He was no woman’s second choice.

Isabel felt worry gnaw at her when she heard the deep pain in his voice and she wondered what had happened to change things between her two friends so quickly and so drastically. She was sure they were in love with one another. Then what went wrong? she wondered.

She began to ask him what exactly had happened when there came another knock on the front door. Kyle sighed in exasperation and said, “Looks like the world is out to get me, to prevent me from getting any sleep today.”

Isabel smiled in amusement as Kyle hurried to answer the door, grumbling under his breath about sleep deprivation. But when he swung open the door, his words trailed off and he gaped for a moment at the two people standing on his doorstep.

“Michael! Liz!” Kyle cried out in surprise, not expecting them in the least.

<center>*****</center>

He wasn't going to win. Michael knew that and he knew Liz knew that as well. He might as well give in and accept defeat. No one, not even him, could ever change Liz's mind once it was made up.

And on this matter, Michael thought with a weary sigh, Liz's mind is more than made up. She was going to go and see Kyle Valenti.

Already Liz had bullied him into the car and was driving towards the address Kyle had given them last night. He would have dug his feet into the carpet to stay firm if he weren't so sure that she would have used her powers to 'nudge' him along. She hadn't even given him time to have breakfast. And just for that, Michael made it a point to grumble all the way to the Valenti house.

Scowling at her, he crossed his arms over his chest and muttered, "You can be awfully hard headed about some things, Parker."

Liz glanced at him and shot him a sassy grin. "Guess who I learned that from?"

"I'm not hard headed," Michael protested, feeling only slightly insulted.

"Yes, you are," Liz told him with a laugh as she turned the corner. "And I have you wrapped around my little finger."

Because it was true and they both knew it, Michael just scowled deeply. Inside, he couldn't help grinning. He'd not have it any other way. Not that he'd ever admit it.

“Why couldn’t we call him and ask him on the phone?” Michael asked. “Why do we have to show up at his place so early in the morning? He could be sleeping.”

“Because,” Liz replied, “I’d prefer talking to him face-to-face. You know I can judge people better that way. Who knows, I might have a vision or something while we’re here.”

“Doubt that’s going to happen unless he turns out to be one of us,” Michael pointed out.

“Regardless, I prefer doing it this way,” Liz told him. “And early in the morning is the best time to catch him at home without having anyone interrupting us.”

“Let’s just hope he was serious about being able to help us,” Michael sighed, giving in to the fact that they were going to go through with this.

"Guess we’re about to find out,” Liz told him as she pulled the car to a stop. “Because we're here."

Michael looked at it with some trepidation. He wasn't certain this was a good idea but Liz was right. Kyle Valenti, at this moment, was their best bet. He glanced over at Liz and asked, "You sure about this? Because once we agree to let him help us…then there is no turning back from it."

Liz bit her lip as her gaze shifted to look at the house. She knew that after this step, she couldn't go back. Kyle would know about their lives. Not everything, but enough to allow him to help them, enough to have someone trace them should it ever come to it. But it was their only option.

Besides, the sooner we figure this out, the sooner we can leave Roswell, Liz thought, her mind flashing to the dream she had last night. It still bothered her though she tried not to think about it.

"I'm sure," Liz nodded.

They got out of their car and headed up the stone driveway, noting that the house sat apart from the others. The driveway was longer and led to the small house that was nestled amongst the trees and bushes, almost hidden from the view of the other houses and the street.

“If this guy turns out to be some serial killer or something, then he picked a great place to attack,” Michael muttered. “No one nearby to hear, no one close enough to see…”

“Michael!” Liz said sharply as she knocked on the door.

“I’m just saying…”

“Well don’t!” Liz retorted without any real heat. She knew Michael was only trying to dissuade her from doing this. Liz knocked again when no one answered, wondering if everyone was sleeping. But then she heard footsteps inside and when the door swung open, she braced herself. For what she wasn’t sure.

Kyle looked surprised to see them there as he blurted out, “Michael! Liz!”

“Um…hi, Kyle,” Liz smiled. “I’m sorry if we woke you…”

Kyle hastily shook his head. “No, no. That’s fine. I mean, I was up,” He assured them. “I-I just wasn’t expecting to hear from you so soon.”

“Sorry for not calling before hand but we decided that it would be incredibly stupid of us not to accept your help,” Liz told him. “Our research hasn’t gotten us anywhere. We were hoping you could help.”

“I’ll certainly try,” Kyle assured them, still feeling a bit startled.

Liz cast an uncertain glance at his disheveled appearance and said, “If you want, we can come back later…I mean it is awfully early.”

“Way too early,” Kyle muttered under his breath but he gave them both a small smile. “No, this is fine. I’m up anyway.”

Michael, having heard Kyle’s muttered statement smiled to himself. Maybe this guy wasn’t so bad after all. God knew he loved his sleep as well. But Michael wasn’t about to make this very easy for him. After all, someone had to be a bit cautious.

“Can we come in?” Michael asked, looking pointedly inside.

Kyle startled. “Oh, right. Sure,” he said as he moved aside to let them enter. “Sorry about that.”

Liz and Michael had just entered the foyer, when a female voice came from the back of the house.

“Kyle, who is it?”

Before Kyle could answer though, a tall, beautiful blonde appeared. She halted in her place when she saw Michael and Liz, rooted to the spot as she stared at them, almost as if in shock. But just as quickly as the emotions had flickered in her eyes, they were gone. Shaking her head to bring things into focus, she took a tiny step forward.

“I didn’t know you had guests,” her voice trembling just the tiniest bit, barely noticeable.

“Isabel, this is Michael and Liz,” Kyle hastily introduced, not noticing the sudden change in the room.

There had been an electric charge in the air as soon as Isabel stepped into the room. Shock, recognition, confusion and excitement had spread through Liz as she stood rooted to the spot, staring at Isabel. She didn’t have to turn to look at Michael to know that he was feeling the same things she was. By the look on Isabel’s face, Liz assumed she had felt it as well. But just as quickly as that look had come across the blonde’s features, it was replaced by a cool, calm look that made Liz wonder if she had felt anything after all.

After the slightest of hesitations, Isabel walked up to them and looked coolly at them. “I don’t believe I’ve seen you around town,” she said. “Are you new?”

“We’re just passing,” Liz replied, swallowing hard when she felt the same jolt of recognition pass through her as she had when she had first met Max and Tess.

Isabel made a curious sound as she said, “Since when does Kyle entertain tourists?”

“I-I’m just helping them out with something,” Kyle replied, watching the looks that were being exchanged between Michael and Isabel. Isabel didn’t even look at Liz as she continued to look at Michael. Frowning, Liz realized that Michael too was staring right back at Isabel. Shocked unease clearly lined his face as he finally pulled his gaze away from her.

Michael couldn’t explain why he felt as if he’d been punched in the gut when he had seen the tall blonde enter the room. He’d felt the stirring in him even before she had come into the room and when he had finally seen her he had felt a sharp thrill of recognition and lust shoot through him. Though it had been momentary, it had shocked him. Never before had he felt such a pull towards anyone – anyone but Liz. But while the pull he had felt towards Liz had been almost brotherly, there had been nothing brotherly about what he had felt for this blonde.

He barely heard or tried to pay attention to what Liz and Kyle were saying as he stared at Isabel. Her cool gaze was fixed on him too and he could have sworn he saw a flicker of unease and want in her eyes before she shifted her gaze from his.

“Um…Valenti, if you’re busy, we can come back another time,” Michael said, his voice sounding hoarse and unsteady to his own ears. For some reason, he felt an insane need to get away from the house, from what he was feeling, from her.

“No, that’s all right,” Isabel said, “I’m just heading out.” She grabbed her coat and paused to give Kyle a brief smile. “Remember what we talked about.” When Kyle nodded, she hesitated almost nervously before turning back to Liz and Michael. “Nice meeting you guys.”

“Yeah…you too,” Liz murmured in reply as she watched Isabel let herself out. Was it her imagination or did she look eager to get out of the house? Had she felt what Liz herself had felt?

Her musing was cut short by Kyle who took her coat from her hands. “So…shall we begin?” he asked.

Liz turned her attention back towards Kyle, noting distractedly that Michael still looked dazed. “Sure, let’s start,” Liz replied.

<center>*****</center>

Her stomach felt jittery and Isabel had to clench her hands into fists to stop them from shaking. She had managed to get out of the house quickly enough, but she hadn’t been able to put aside the flurry of emotions she had felt when she had laid eyes on Michael and Liz.

The moment she had entered the hallway and had spotted them, it was like a jolt going through her. Something – a distant, foggy memory – tugged at her, screaming at her, reminding her…of what she wasn’t certain. But it was almost as if a connection had erupted between her and the two strangers, a connection that was so familiar that it made her wonder if they hadn’t felt it too.

Isabel tugged her ponytail nervously as she recalled the reaction she had towards the guy, Michael. She still felt a thrill shoot through her as she recalled his amber eyes. They seemed so familiar, like she had once known every shadow, every emotion in them. For the barest of seconds, she had felt lust and want spread through her like fire. Though it had come and gone quickly, it had shaken her. The intensity of the pull she felt towards Michael stunned her. The thrill of pure lust, recognition and relief that had shot through her when she had laid eyes on Michael had been unnerving. The dark haired girl - Liz - hadn't earned a reaction as strong as Michael had from her and it confused and terrified her. The pull she felt towards him scared her, her thoughts had darted in panic towards the reasons why she had felt what she did.

She hated to admit it but in that moment she had wanted to throw her arms around him and pull him to her. If she concentrated enough, she was sure she would know what it would feel like to be in his arms. And she had wanted it. In that second she had wanted it more than anything in the world.

The thought had guilt raging through her and had Isabel halted to a stop. How could she have even thought that? How could she have even felt such need towards another man? She was in love with Alex and nothing else was going to change that.

Not even some stranger I felt a connection with…

But guilt and shame had reared their ugly head and before she knew it she found herself at Alex’s doorstep. She needed to prove to herself that she loved Alex and that whatever she had thought she had felt in Kyle’s house was nothing.

I’m in love with Alex. She repeated to herself as she knocked urgently on the door. There can’t be anything else.

When the door swung open to reveal a bedraggled Alex, Isabel felt her heart swell with love. She took in his appearance and smiled to herself. Yes, this was real. This was what she wanted. He was what she wanted.

“Isabel?” Alex’s confused voice came out sounding husky from sleep. “What’s going on? What are you doing here so early? Is everything okay?”

Instead of answering, Isabel contemplated him, wondering in amazement how she could have thought that anyone else could make her feel what she felt for him. But still…just to prove things irrevocably to herself, she stepped forward and without another word, grabbed Alex’s shirt and pulled him into a long, hot kiss.

Taken by surprise, Alex stumbled but then he held on to her, kissing her back with just as much fervor. Isabel let herself drown in his kiss, taking and giving. But even as she gave, she controlled the kiss. The fire in it burned, making her heart thump loudly in her ears, making her blood rush. She forgot all about Michael, Liz or any other weird feelings she had felt for Michael. This was right, this was love. Alex and her.

When she finally pulled away to get some air, Alex was looking flushed and surprised but also immensely satisfied.

“That’s probably the best morning greeting I’ve ever had,” he grinned.

Isabel, still clutching him smiled even as she murmured, “Shut up and kiss me again, Alex.”

Alex willing obliged, only this time keeping the kiss sweet and gentle but not any less loving. When they pulled apart again, Isabel sighed in relief and pleasure. She glanced up at him and smiled.

“I love you.”

A smile lit Alex’s features as he smoothed back her hair. “I love you, too,” he replied. “Dare I ask what brought this on?”

Isabel just smiled, now convinced that whatever she had felt for Michael had been nothing compared to what she felt for Alex, which was ten times more powerful.

“I just needed that,” she told him.

Alex looked at her carefully before nodding, accepting her explanations though he had a feeling there was more to it. Instead of pushing, he opened the door and asked, “So, you have breakfast yet?”


</center>TBC . . .</center>

[FallenMagic]

<center>Part 9</center>


Maria stood over Max’s bed, staring down at him as he pulled on some socks and struggled with his shoes. Max had called her early in the morning, telling her that he needed her help and wanted her to come over immediately. Worrying over why Max had called her, Maria rushed over only to be dumbfounded by Max’s announcement.

“Max, think about this please,” she pleaded with him.

“I have,” Max answered as he reached for the second shoe.

“Max…” Maria’s voice was exasperated and nervous. “Come on, you can’t be serious about this!”

“I am,” he answered as he got up and headed into his closet to pick out a shirt.

Maria moved in front of him, blocking his way into his closet. “Max, it’s been two—”

“Three,” Max corrected automatically.

“All right, it’s been three days since you’ve met Liz and you’ve not even had a proper conversation with her. Yet, you still decide you want to ask her out!” Maria cried out. “Do you even know where she is staying? What if she has a boyfriend back home?”

“For one, I know she doesn’t have a boyfriend and secondly, I don’t know where she lives but that’s where you come in,” Max replied. “You’re going to help me find her.”

“You’re joking, right?” Maria asked, thinking she heard him wrong. “You want me to help? What makes you think I would want to? Max! For God’s sakes this is crazy! For all you know she might find out about you and call the FBI!”

“Maria, you’re being paranoid.” Max sighed as he moved past her.

“Paranoid?” Maria cried out, shaking her head, staring after him. “I’m not being paranoid, just extremely careful! Max, you know the rules, no one can be trusted, no one can be told!”

“I know the rules, Maria,” Max replied. “I made them remember?”

“So that means you can conveniently change them to suit your own needs?” she asked, her voice rising in anger.

Max came back out of his closet with a shirt in his hand, looked at Maria evenly, and said, “I’m not changing the rules. I know what’s at stake and I won’t do anything stupid or irrational. But I am not going to back down from my decision. My mind is made up whether you back me up on this or not.”

“You’re serious about this, aren’t you?” Maria asked quietly and with surprise as she sat on Max’s bed, watching him pull on a sweatshirt.

“There’s something I have to know,” Max told her honestly. “I have to know what exactly it is that I am feeling…and if it’s even real.”

Maria stared at him for a moment, biting her lip, wondering if she should help him out or not. After all, Isabel and Tess were going to be furious when they found out that Max was pursuing Liz. Then again, Max would do it anyway, regardless if she helped him or not. Finally, sighing, Maria got up.

She gave Max a small, surrendering smile and asked, “So, where do we begin?”

<center>*****</center>

Kyle eyed the two people sitting in his den warily, wondering what he had gotten himself in to. What in the world, he wondered, had possessed him to offer his help to these two? What did he know about finding anyone?

Sighing, he ran a hand through his hair. Well, I’ve offered and they’re here, he thought as he joined them. Guess I have no choice now.

“You guys want anything?” Kyle offered as he sat down opposite them. “Coffee, juice?” He paused, taking a mental inventory of all he had to offer. “Well, that’s about all I can offer. Seems like we forgot to do the grocery shopping this week.” He grinned.

Liz smiled at him and shook her head. “No, that’s all right. We’re fine,” she assured him.

“Look, let’s cut to the chase,” Michael stated briskly. “You offered us help, and as we have no other alternative, we decided to give you a shot. Now, if you’re just playing good Samaritan or the local hero, just say so right now. We don’t want to be wasting our time here when we can actually be off finding our family.”

“Michael!” Liz cried, horrified at his rude manner. But Kyle had been looking at Michael intently during his entire speech and now he gave a slight nod.

“Since we’re being so honest here,” Kyle stated in a slightly dry tone, “I might as well confess right now that frankly I have no idea why I’m doing this. I mean, I’ve never done anything of this sort before and I have no idea how to go about this…” When Michael glared at him angrily and made as if to get up, Kyle held out his hand to stop him. “But…there’s a but…,” he said hastily. “I want to help.”

When Michael and Liz still looked unconvinced, Kyle sighed tiredly. “Look, just give me a chance. I’m your best shot.”

Liz turned her head to look at Michael, biting her lip apprehensively. Kyle was right, he was their best shot and they all knew it. When Michael didn’t say anything, Liz sighed internally in relief. He might not agree or like the arrangement but he wasn’t opposed to it either.

“All right,” she replied for the both of them. Kyle, who had been watching Michael closely, turned to look at her in surprise.

“All right?” he asked. “You mean I can help?”

Liz had to smile at the surprised confusion in his voice. He had clearly not been expecting them to give in. “Yes, Kyle, you can,” Liz affirmed.

“T-that’s great!” he cried, grinning. Then his smile faded and he shot Michael a quick look. “Er…he’s okay with this right?” Kyle asked Liz nervously.

Liz bit back a laugh and nodded. “Yeah, he’s okay with this.” She nudged Michael and gave him a prodding look. “Aren’t you?”

Michael grunted, his arms folded across his chest as he glared at Kyle but then he nodded. “We could use the help….”

Kyle had to roll his eyes at the dejected tone in Michael’s voice. “Okay, first things first,” Liz began, immediately taking charge. “We want to know if there is any way you could get us in to see those files at the orphanage.”

“Well,” Kyle paused, thinking, “I could ask my dad to pull a few strings.”

“No!” Liz and Michael blurted out in unison. Then looking at each other uneasily, Michael went on and said, “We don’t your dad involved.”

“Why?” Kyle asked, now puzzled and more than a little curious as to why these two people were avoiding the law. “His position could be the push you’re looking for.”

“Look, we just don’t trust law enforcement agencies…let’s just say we don’t get along well together,” Michael told Kyle. “We’d rather you keep all of this to yourself. In no way are you to tell your father about this.”

Kyle stared at the two nervous people sitting in front of him and silently asked them, Who are you guys and just exactly what are you hiding? Outwardly he nodded, albeit reluctantly. “All right, if you say so.” Then, with a hesitant pause, “Can I ask why I’m supposed to keep my mouth shut?”

This time it was Liz who shook her head, looking faintly distressed and nervous. “I’m really sorry, Kyle, but you can’t. You’re being wonderful but…but we can’t tell you. It’s for your own good.”

For my own good? Kyle wondered, startled. What does that mean?

“Kyle,” Liz began, seeing the dubious look on Kyle’s face, “We understand if you’re hesitant about this and would like to back out….”

This snapped Kyle out of his daze and he shook his head. “No, no. I still want to help. I’ll just be careful about keeping quiet about this to my dad.”

“That’s good.” Liz sighed in relief. “That’s great.”

Kyle smiled reassuringly at her before asking, “Why don’t you tell me about yourselves? You know, something that might help me in finding out more about your past.” He reached for a paper to write on as they talked.

“Well…there’s not that much to tell,” Liz said, only half lying. “Michael and I were found on a roadside, alone and scared by this man on his way to Roswell. He took us to Roswell Orphanage where we both soon got adopted by the Parkers and Hank Guerin.”

“But aren’t you guys from out of town?” Kyle asked, puzzled.

“Yeah, we are.” Michael replied. “Boston.”

“Then how did you guys end up there? And together at that?”

Michael shrugged. “Coincidence I guess. It wasn’t till a year or two later though that Liz and I met up again. We just happened to end up going to the same school and just knew who the other was.”

Although it wasn’t a lie, it wasn’t exactly the truth either. Liz and Michael both had always known that the other was out there. They had felt each other’s presence long before they actually met. Michael had actually gone in search of Liz, searching for her at playgrounds. Even at such a young age, his every instinct told him that he had to find her and protect her. And eventually he had found her and had convinced Hank to send him to the same school Liz went to.

“One hell of a coincidence,” Kyle muttered under his breath as he carefully observed Michael and Liz. “How old were you when you guys were found? I’d imagine you’d still be little children, two years old maybe?”

“Actually…” Liz paused. “Older.”

“Older?” Kyle frowned. “How many years?”

“Six.”

“Six?” Kyle repeated in surprise. “But then you must remember who your parents were, why they left. At least something!”

“That’s just it,” Michael put in. “We don’t remember anything before being found out in the desert.”

At that Kyle’s head came up sharply and locked with Michael’s gaze. “What do you mean?” he asked, something in his mind stirring.

“Exactly what I said,” Michael answered evenly. “We don’t remember a single thing before that night.”

Kyle’s heart began to thump as a familiar story began to run through his mind. Only this one involved one guy and two girls…one of whom he happened to be dating, sort of. “Um…what year would this be?” he asked, already knowing but wanting to confirm his suspicion.

“1984,” Liz replied. “We were found wandering, lost on a roadside just outside Roswell in the summer of 1984.”

Kyle bolted to his feet, the paper he had been writing on, fluttering down. His heart was beating fast, his mind rushing with the possibility of what this could mean. It couldn’t be though…could it? he wondered, not noticing the startled looks Liz and Michael were giving him.

“Kyle?” Liz asked, getting up and tentatively touching his arm to get his attention. “Is everything all right?”

Kyle snapped out of his daze to nod quickly. “Yeah…everything is fine.” He gathered the paper that had fallen down then hurriedly turned to Liz and Michael. “Listen guys, I have some things I forgot I had to do today. Why don’t I call you when I find something?”

Michael shared a puzzled look with Liz, asking silently why Kyle was acting so weird. Liz just shrugged at him but said to Kyle, “Sure. That’ll be all right.”

“Great,” Kyle enthused as he guided them to the door. “I’ll get on this right away.”

“Thank you for doing this, Kyle,” Liz smiled gently.

“You’re welcome,” Kyle answered, watching both of them walk to their car. He closed the door behind them and then leaned against it, his thoughts swirling.

…Six years old…

…Found in the desert…

…Don’t remember anything…

Was it possible? Could they be…? Kyle shook his head, wondering what to do. He had promised he wouldn’t tell anyone about them, but if they were who he thought they were, then telling Max, Isabel, and Tess wouldn’t be wrong. In fact, they might be who Liz and Michael were looking for in the first place….


<center>TBC...</center>

[FallenMagic]

<center>Part 10</center>


“I’m worried.”

Liz sighed a little, keeping her eyes on the road as she said in a warning tone, “Michael…”

“What?” Michael demanded a little irritably, turning to look at her. “You can’t tell me that you aren’t as well! We have just willingly told the Sheriff’s son an important piece of information that could bring the FBI swooping down at our feet!”

Liz bit her lip, unable to deny that she was nervous too. But she knew that it was done and there was nothing they could do about it now. She had known all the risks that were involved when they had gone to Kyle and she had thought about them carefully before she had forced Michael into going to see him. She believed, or would like to believe, that they could trust Kyle. He just didn’t seem the sort who’d go running to the police. Besides, it wasn’t as if they had said anything that might connect them to aliens.

“For all we know, Kyle Valenti could end up being a liability rather than an asset!” Michael pointed out when Liz remained silent.

“Michael, we’ve been over this more than once,” Liz pointed out, feeling riled up at Michael’s unintended implication that she might have put them in jeopardy. “You’ve always objected but you’ve never said no to it either.”

“Yes, but—”

“Furthermore, when Kyle gave us an opening to step away from this, where were you?” she asked, cutting him off, anger tingeing her voice. She pulled the car to an abrupt halt outside their hotel and turned to glare at him. “If I remember correctly you were sitting there saying nothing until I said yes! I took your silence for a yes and I told him so!”

Without waiting for Michael, who was staring at her agape, to answer, she got out of the car and slammed the door behind her. Michael followed her out quickly, calling her name to stop her before she headed inside.

“Liz! Wait!” he called out.

She whipped around, her long, dark hair falling over one shoulder, her eyes flashing angrily. “What the hell was I supposed to think, Michael?” she demanded, “You should have spoken up then if you were so against this idea. But did you? No! So I think it’s incredibly unfair of you to crib about this now!”

“You’re right,” Michael said, running a hand through his hair. “You’re absolutely right. It is unfair.” He took a step towards her then and looked at her contritely. “I’m sorry Liz, it’s just that I’m scared…scared of being caught, of losing you…”

At this Liz’s anger melted away and she came up to Michael and wrapped her arms around him. “We’ll take care of each other, Michael,” she promised. “We’ll look out for each other. Nothing is going to take me away from you.”

Michael returned her hug, letting his worry slip away. “It’s just hard to trust anyone,” he told her quietly as he let her go. “Especially after…,” he trailed off, looking uncomfortable.

“I know,” Liz replied softly, her eyes remembering and flashing with hurt and uncertainty. “I know.”

“Let me get the stuff from the car,” Michael said gently as he left her to grab his bag.

Liz nodded, not really hearing him. Her eyes fell way to focus on a distant point as she pushed aside thoughts of Sean. She hadn’t thought about him too often lately and she wanted to keep it that way. After all, she couldn’t let fear of him rule her life forever. She was still struggling to forget about Sean when a couple walking towards them caught her eye.

Her heart jumped up to her throat and she felt something warm sweep through her when she realized that the dark haired man coming this way was Max. He was with Maria, the waitress at the café and neither one seemed to have seen her and Michael yet. For a moment Liz watched both of them, especially Max; taking in his dark good looks, the way he looked so comfortable in his own skin.

Even from a distance she could see the quiet determination in his eyes. His walk was sure and confident; his gaze skirting the hotels up ahead as if he was judging them. Liz held her breath as she watched him come closer. It must have been only seconds since she saw him but they felt like long, drawn out moments, minutes, hours. She had to get inside before he saw her.

But do you really want to avoid him? A little voice in her head asked. Don’t you want to see him, talk to him for only a minute?

Liz hesitated, feeling her heart beat increasing with each step he took towards her. She stood there fervently wishing things could be different; that she could be different. She stood there though she told herself to turn and head inside. She stood there until it was too late and he saw her.

Their eyes met across the short distance and he halted to a stop, surprise and then a smile spreading across his face. Maria saw her too and turned to say something to Max, but he didn’t acknowledge her. He was just staring at Liz.

The moment their gazes had met, a sharp thrill of lust and desire had spread through Max. Had Liz felt the sparks he had felt, even as they stood at such a distance from one another? Did she feel the same want and unexplainable tug deep inside his soul as he had? Could either one of them deny what they felt when they saw each other?

He wasn’t aware of closing the distance between them until he was right in front her. He noticed then that Michael had come up to stand next to Liz almost protectively and was eyeing both Maria and him warily.

The moment Michael had seen Maria and Max walking towards them, he had felt his gut clench. He saw the way Liz was looking at Max, and he at her, and he knew that Liz wasn’t as immune to him as she liked to think she was. He had every intention of keeping this guy away from Liz and would have told him to get lost, if it hadn’t been for the girl, Maria, next to him. Michael felt something stir inside him when he saw her coming up to them, the way the sunlight caught her hair and made it shine. Her full, pouty lips were painted a rosy pink that somehow made her appear flushed and vibrant.

Tearing his gaze away from Maria and irritated at himself for thinking in such a way, he snapped at Max, “What do you want?”

Max appeared to snap out of a daze at the tone of Michael’s voice. Turning to look at him, Max asked, “I want to talk to Liz please…alone.”

“No way in hell am I letting you alone with her!” Michael shot at him.

“I just need to talk to her,” Max said, knowing that he had to pass through this guy to get to Liz.

“You can talk to her here,” Michael replied, arching his brow.

Max cleared his throat uncomfortably, but looked straight at Michael as he answered, “It’s…private.”

Michael’s brows furrowed at that and he turned his head sharply to look at first Liz then back at Max. Liz had remained silent in all of this, staring at Max, her eyes a mass of confusion. It was almost as if there was an internal battle going on in her and she was waiting to see which side won.

It was Maria who finally spoke. “Look, he just wants to talk to her,” she said reasonably. “There’s no law against just talking is there?”

Michael turned to look at her, glaring at her for a moment before turning back to look at Liz questioningly. Liz finally nodded slowly, still not taking her eyes off Max.

“It’s all right, Michael,” she said softly.

“Liz…” Michael made as if to argue but before he could say anything more, Maria had grabbed his arm and was pulling him away from Max and Liz. “What the-?” he cried, shaking his grip free from her. Her touch had seemed to burn him, spreading a sharp jab of want through him and he had immediately jumped back.

Maria looked at him oddly, for a moment stunned by the instant spark she had felt when her hand had touched his arm. Shaken by it but determined not show it, she flipped her hair over her shoulders nonchalantly.

“Let’s go, give them some privacy,” Maria told him, smiling at him calmly. “You can drive me to my work place, the Crashdown. My shift starts soon.”

Michael narrowed his eyes at her, unable to believe the gall of the girl. “And why the hell would I drive you?” he demanded. For some reason, the thought of being in the close confines of a car with her excited him and also made him nervous. “You can walk!”

Maria rolled her eyes and replied, “And here I thought you might be a gentleman. Come on, it’s just a ride. Besides, by the time you get back, Max and Liz will have finished talking.”

Michael hesitated, considering but then he sighed. “All right. Get in,” he said, motioning to the car.

Maria smile slightly as she walked to the car. At least this way he’d stay out of the way for Max to ask Liz out.

<center>*****</center>

Max watched Maria drive away with Michael, feeling gratitude at her insistence that Michael drive her to work. As they drove by, Maria gave him a small wink and wiggled her fingers. Max laughed softly at that, shaking his head. He was still laughing when he turned his attention back to Liz.

Liz had watched the entire scene unfold, barely saying a word. She had been conflicted between telling Michael to stay with her and telling him to give Max and her some privacy. In the end, her heart had won over. Now, she too turned her attention from Michael and Maria back to Max. When their eyes met again, her breath caught.

His eyes reflected his amusement and seemed lighter so that she could see the flecks of gold in them. His mouth was still curved into that half-smile that gave his expression a dreamy and endearing look. But within moments his eyes darkened, becoming deeper and penetrating. His eyes roved over her face, pausing briefly on her lips before flicking back up to her eyes. But even that caressing gaze on her lips had seemed to burn, as if it had been his lips that had touched her instead.

“Hi.” Max’s voice was husky, as if he had just woken up.

Liz licked her suddenly dry lips and returned his smile. “Hey.”

Could anyone’s eyes be so deep that one can get lost in them? Max wondered to himself as he gazed at Liz.

Can he hear my heart beating wildly in my chest? Liz wondered. Silence fell between them, though unknown to each, their eyes spoke more than words could have. Does he know just how much I can feel his presence in me?

“What are you doing here, Max?” Liz asked finally, her voice soft and shy. She reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she looked at him through her lowered lashes.

“Looking for you,” Max answered honestly, watching her deft movement and wondering what it would feel like to run his hands through her silky tresses.

Liz’s gaze flew up to meet his and she searched his face and eyes to see whether he was joking. But his eyes were serious, open, and honest. She shifted her feet, unnerved by the intensity in his eyes as he looked at her, as if he could see deep within her and could hear every secret wish.

The fact that he had been looking for her added to her unease. That could only mean that he had felt what she had; that he was as attracted as she. And though she could indulge of fantasies of him and her together, she knew they could never be.

“Does that make you uncomfortable?” Max asked, clearly sensing her unease.

Liz began to shake her head but then nodded. “No…well yes, maybe a little,” she answered.

“Why?”

Liz looked at him in surprise. “Why?” she echoed.

“Yes,” Max asked. “Why does knowing that I was looking for you make you uncomfortable?”

“Because Max,” Liz replied. “We both know why you’re here.”

If Max was surprised by the statement he didn’t let it show. In fact, Liz couldn’t make out what he was thinking at all. It frustrated and annoyed her to know that while he could seemingly read her like a book, he had closed himself off from her.

“Do you now?” he asked, taking a step closer to her. His gaze bore into hers, an easy yet sexy smile on his face. He was surprised by his own boldness but when he saw Liz’s eyes widen, first with surprise and then with pleasure, he was pleased. “For all you know, I might just be here to make sure you’re doing all right.”

“But you aren’t,” Liz replied, knowing deep inside the real reason and secretly taking pleasure in it.

Max shook his head then. “No, I’m not.” He paused for the briefest of seconds before saying, “I’m here to ask you out…on a date.”

The immense joy she felt upon hearing those words evaporated quickly as a voice in her head reminded her of how dangerous this could be. Her heart tugged at her to accept, her head warned her not to. Closing her eyes tightly against the turbulent emotions warring in her, she forced herself to shake her head.

“No, Max…,” she whispered, her voice filled with despair and lament. “I can’t.”

Max stared at her in surprise. “You can’t? But…why?”

Liz looked back up at him, her eyes filled with regret. “Because it’s not what I want,” she lied. What else could she say? How else could she turn him down without telling him that it wasn’t safe? And maybe…just maybe if she refused him, then maybe she could forget him.

“Who are you lying to, Liz?” Max asked quietly. “Me or yourself?” When Liz didn’t answer, he went on. “Liz, I feel something when I’m with you. It’s too powerful for only me to be feeling it. How can you not?”

“What I feel or don’t feel has nothing to do with this, Max,” Liz answered.

“It has everything to do with this!” Max shot back.

“I don’t even know you!” Liz cried out, now feeling angry tears clog the back of her throat. Didn’t he know how much harder he was making this for her?

“Then why does it feel like I’ve known you all my life?” Max questioned.

A heavy silence fell when Liz couldn’t bring herself to lie that she hadn’t felt anything; that she didn’t feel as if they were two old soul companions. “I don’t owe you anything, Max,” Liz’s voice trembled even as she stared at him with resolve.

“Who says there is anything to owe?” Max asked, a dangerous light appearing in his eyes. He was getting angry; not able to understand why she was refusing when he could clearly see how much she wanted to accept the date.

Maybe it was his frustration that caused him to do what he did next, or maybe he just wanted a taste of her. Whatever the reason was, he was unable to deny that he wanted to, had wanted to, kiss her. Max stepped even closer to her, until he was inches away. He grabbed her arm and pulled her flush against him, pausing only for an instant before he captured her lips in a stormy kiss.

Liz heard a small gasp slip past her lips as she tilted her head slightly to look up at Max’s towering figure. She was incredibly aware of him; his strength, the warmth radiating off him and from his eyes. He seemed more in control of the situation than he had been previously. It was as if he had finally surrendered to and accepted the inevitable emotions that swirled openly in his eyes for her.

The moment his lips touched hers though, all thought fled from her mind. She could have struggled, could have pushed him away but she allowed herself to be selfish. She allowed herself to take what he was giving her. Her hands went limp and then moved up to wind their way around his neck, pulling him to her as his lips moved over hers. The kiss was fiery, hot, and demanding. His lips seeked and probed into her very soul, asking why.

She allowed herself to begin to open up to him but before she could do so, he let go of her abruptly and stepped back. Both their breaths were ragged and unsteady. She stared at him in daze; Max himself seemed shaken by the intensity of the kiss. She was flushed; her eyes were bright but then so were his.

“Don’t you want to know what that could mean between us?” Max asked after a moment, his gaze still smoldering. “Wouldn’t you like to know what could be between us?”

Liz unconsciously brought her fingers to her lips, dazed and moved by the kiss. “I know, Max,” she replied softly. “I know exactly what could be between us if we let it happen… and that’s exactly what I’m afraid of.”

Max looked at her for a long moment, trying to read her eyes, her thoughts. Finally he shook his head sadly, with regret and said, “Someday you’re going to have to realize that not every guy is like the bastard who hurt you.”

Liz was shocked speechless by Max’s observation. She didn’t know how Max could have known. Before she could formulate a question or say anything, Max was already pressing a piece of paper in her hand. She looked at it curiously.

“That’s for if you change your mind,” Max replied. This time when he leaned to kiss her, the kiss was soft and brief. “And I sure as hell hope you do….”

Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Liz staring after him.


<center>TBC . . .</center>

[FallenMagic]

<center>Part 11</center>


Michael ground his teeth, clutched the steering wheels with both hands tightly and stared straight ahead, refusing to look at the passenger seated next to him. He was sorely afraid that if he let go of the steering wheel or if he turned to look at Maria, he would surely strangle her. It had barely been five minutes since she had sat in the car and already she was chatting away a mile a minute.

Does she even pause to breathe? Michael wondered as he, with increasing impatience, tapped his fingers on the wheel while he waited for the light to turn green at the crossing. God, how can anyone stand her?

Maria, oblivious to his mood, continued on with her diatribe about her life in Roswell. “I mean, it isn’t as if I intend to spend the rest of my life in Roswell,” she was saying, “But it isn’t easy getting out of small towns. I’d do anything to be able to go to New York and try my hands at a singing career.” She turned ninety degrees in her seat to look at Michael eagerly. “Have you ever been to New York?” she asked.

Sighing with impatience, Michael began to nod but Maria cut him off before he could even speak. “Of course you must have. I doubt any true big city resident has not been to New York,” she stated with a flippant wave of her hand.

“And what makes you think I’m from a big city?” Michael asked, slightly alarmed. Did she know about them? Had Kyle, being Maria’s friend, told her all about Liz and him?

“Oh, honey, it’s written all over you,” Maria laughed. “Usually I can spot a city man a mile away.”

“Just how good friends are you with Max?” Michael asked out of the blue, switching gear in hopes of startling her and steering her away from the direction the conversation could take. And maybe, just maybe, to get a feel of the guy who had Liz so captivated.

Maria just raised an eyebrow at him, giving him a knowing look. She had been expecting it in a way. She had been sure that sooner or later Michael would ask and she had been prepared for it. What she hadn’t been prepared for was the protective and worried look in his eyes as he asked her.

Some part of her felt touched by the depths of his concern for his friend. He didn’t appear the sort who cared easily, if at all but obviously he was very protective of Liz. Without meaning to, she laid a light hand on his arm.

“He won’t hurt her,” she promised him.

Michael glanced down to where her hand was then back up at her, his eyes cold and disapproving. She saw and immediately removed her hand feeling embarrassed and foolish that she had been thrilled by the power she felt in the muscles of his arm.

“Liz doesn’t need any complications in her life right now,” Michael replied, ignoring the warmth that lingered on his arm where her soft hand had been moments before. “She doesn’t need Max. In fact, he’s the last thing she needs.”

“Well, maybe you should let Liz decide that for herself.”

“She’ll just get hurt again,” Michael replied, forcing the anger back. “And I promised her, promised myself, that I wouldn’t let that happen.”

“Have you ever considered that maybe you can’t shield her from everything?” Maria asked, sensing that there was a lot Michael was feeling guilt over.

“Well, this is something I can shield her from!” Michael retorted. “Liz doesn’t have the time or inclination to get into a relationship. Especially one with a virtual stranger she met in a park.” He shot her a sardonic look. “I assume that’s what he wants to talk about right? He wants to have a go at her?”

Maria stiffened, feeling that he had just somehow insulted Max. “If by that you mean does he want to ask her out, then yes.” She looked at him curiously. “Is it that bad that he does?”

“Yes!” Michael automatically shot out, and then he ran his hand through his hair and sighed. “Maybe…”

Maria cocked her brow at him. “Well, is that a yes or a no?”

“I don’t know…,” Michael muttered. He knew that for Liz to get into any kind of relationship right now might not be a good idea, especially since they didn’t know how long they were going to be in Roswell. He hoped she considered that before she did anything rash. But at the same time, he had to admit to himself that the look in Liz’s eyes when she had seen Max had been…disturbing. If he didn’t know better, he could have sworn she was half in love with him already.

What a stupid thought. He shook his head wryly. Of course she couldn’t be. She didn’t even know the guy.

“Max has been my best friend since as far back as kindergarten and I can assure you that he’s the most noble, kind, caring and sweet guy you’ll ever come across,” Maria stated emphatically.

“Sounds like a puppy dog,” Michael muttered.

Maria’s eyes narrowed, anger flushing her skin. “Watch what you say about my friend here,” she snapped. “I wasn’t too happy about the fact that Max wanted to pursue Liz but I backed him up on it because he is my friend. Now if you’re Liz’s friend, you’ll back whatever decision she makes!”

“That sounded more like an order than advice,” Michael seethed, steadily growing angrier. He pulled the car to a halt outside the Crashdown and turned to glare at her. “I don’t take well to orders! Liz and I can take care of ourselves and I know how to be a friend! I’ve been taking care of Liz all this time and I’m going to keep on doing so.”

“You pompous jackass!” Maria nearly yelled, struggling with the seatbelt. “Can’t you see how unhappy she is? Even I could tell when she first came here. But now, when Max is around, her eyes don’t look so haunted. Now I don’t know what the hell happened but I do know this. Max makes her happy, and if not happy then at least he removes that pained look from her eyes! She may try to fight it, to deny it but he does and there’s no backing away from it. He cares for her and if you stop being so pig-headed and over protective, you’d see that she does too! And that maybe he’s what she needs after all!”

With that, she pushed open the door and after getting out, slammed it behind her. Then she strode angrily into the café with Michael staring after her. He stared in the direction she had gone for a long moment before letting out a shaky breath, and started the car again. He refused to think about that fact that Maria had hit a nerve.

“God help whoever dates her!” he muttered to himself as he pulled out of the lot.

<center>*****</center>

She walked about her small, cramped hotel room in somewhat of a daze. She picked up Michael’s clothes that he had carelessly left on the floor and folded them neatly before putting them on his bed. The simple act kept her mind from wandering to places she didn’t want it to. It kept her from thinking about Max, about the proposed date…about the kiss.

You’re not thinking about that, Liz! she told herself sternly when she found her mind wandering to it and remembering. It would do no good to recall this kiss.

But what a kiss it had been! she sighed internally, frozen in place, a dreamy look in her eyes as she felt the warmth tingle her lips and run down to her toes. It had felt like liquid fire had been racing down her spine. She had been so sure that she’d melt in his arms in another moment. Even now she felt her legs go weak beneath her as she thought about it.

No! She shook her head to dispel the thoughts forcibly. I’m not going to think about it!

There was no way she would even consider Max’s request for a date. It was absurd, it was unsafe… it had felt right.

Carefully avoiding looking at the desk where she had kept the piece of paper Max had given her a while back, she crossed the room and got her own clothes out from her bag. Then she headed into the bathroom to take a shower.

But it was only seconds later that she was storming back out, a frustrated look on her face. She shot the piece of paper on the desk a dark, accusing look before grabbing it and staring down at the address written on it.

Max’s address.

Liz bit her lip as she stared at it. She couldn’t deny that she felt something when she was around Max. It was more than a crush, more than attraction. It was a deep set familiarity. She should have been scared of what she felt when she was around him. She should have been wary and cautious but some part of her deep inside just knew that Max was safe, that he was the one.

It can’t hurt to go see him, she thought to herself, curling her hand around the paper tightly. One date, that’s all. How could one date be dangerous; especially when it felt so right?

“So, does this mean you’re actually considering going out on this date with Max?” Michael’s voice came from across the room. He stood leaning against the door, arms crossed, and a frown on his face.

Liz hadn’t heard Michael come in, nor had she felt him yet she wasn’t surprised to find him standing there. She looked at him blankly for a moment, considering his question. Was she considering it? Had she already made up her mind without really knowing it?

Maybe the decision had been made the moment Max had kissed her.

“Don’t you ever feel it, Michael?” Liz asked him, her eyes far away as she recalled the first moment she had seen Max. “Haven’t you ever felt like there’s something in the air when you meet someone for the first time?” She smiled softly as she wrapped her arms around herself. “And the feeling only intensifies the more you see that person again.”

Michael fidgeted slightly, recalling the moment he had met Isabel and Maria. Both had been different moments but both times he had felt something. With Isabel it had been old, forgotten yet familiar, with Maria it had been electric, mind blowing.

“It’s called chemistry, Liz,” Michael replied, not sounding entirely sure of it himself. “It’s volatile and temporary. Over in a flash, leaving one hurt and alone.”

“Maybe…,” Liz agreed, “But I’m telling you with Max it’s more. It’s different. I want to know what it is that I’m feeling. Is it just chemistry, just wild attraction or something more? And I want to know why it’s so familiar, why it stirs up memories that I can’t clearly recall yet….”

“Sometimes what feels the safest can end up causing the most damage.”

“If I don’t at least try things out with Max right now I’m going to probably regret it for the rest of my life,” Liz replied. She shook her head, her eyes pleading with him. “I don’t want to be left wondering about ‘what ifs’, Michael.”

When she saw that Michael remained unconvinced, she walked over to him and took his hands in hers. He wasn’t forcing her to stay but he wasn’t happy about her going as well. She wished he would back her in this one hundred percent but she was also wise enough to know that that was probably never going to happen. She’d just have to settle for convincing Michael that this was something she had to do.

“Michael,” she said, squeezing his hand gently, reassuringly as she looked into his eyes. “Sometimes things happen that you don’t like or approve of but then not everything will go as you want them to. Not everything is gong to stay under your control.”

Michael flinched inwardly, Liz’s words sounding like an echo of Maria’s. There was no fighting it. Liz was going to do what she wanted, regardless of what he said. The best thing for him to do would be to keep his eyes open and his senses alert.

With a sigh, he nodded finally and gave Liz a brotherly hug.

“Be careful,” he whispered.

<center>*****</center>

The sunlight glinted off the drawn windows of the house. The flowers that were planted along the side of the house gave off the sweet smell of spring. Liz bit her lip, tugging at her hair, before pushing it behind her ear.

The place looked normal enough. But then again, looks could be deceiving. She shot a look behind her at the street, tempted to turn and run. There was still time to back out of this. No one would know, especially not Max. He wouldn’t have to….

“Since when did you turn into such a coward, Liz Parker?” she asked herself with a shake of her head. “And such a rude one at that?” She couldn’t leave him hanging like this. If not out of anything more than courtesy, she had to at least tell him her decision face to face.

Pushing back all her nervousness, she shook back her hair and readjusted her skirt. She knew these were just excuses to prolong the moment but she didn’t think there was anything wrong in allowing herself time to calm her fluttering nerves. Finally, after taking a deep breath, she pushed the doorbell.

Would Max answer the door? she wondered nervously as she heard the muted chimes ring through the house, or would someone else?

Before she could think too much about it though, the door flew open to reveal a smiling Max. She startled, surprised by the speed. She hadn’t even heard anyone approach.

“Hi there!” he greeted her with an affable smile.

Liz stood there staring at him for a moment, just taking in how he looked. She didn’t think anyone could look so good in jeans and a shirt. “I-I…,” she began, slightly tongue-tied. “I didn’t think you’d be home,” she said stupidly.

Max grinned as he leaned casually against the door. “I made it a point to stay home today.”

Seeing his almost smug smile Liz’s eyes narrowed and her nervousness evaporated, changing to annoyance. The way he was smiling and talking, it made it appear that he knew she wouldn’t be able to stay away. It made her seem desperate and…unable to resist him.

“You knew I’d come,” she stated, the annoyance in her voice masking the trickle of pleasure she felt. She may be annoyed at his presumptuous attitude but it made her feel special, too. It told her that he had been looking forward to see her again.

“No, but I’d hoped,” Max answered honestly. He held the door wide open then and nodded inside. “Want to come in? Maybe have a drink or something?”

Liz shook her head, nervous once more as she recalled why she was here. “No, I just want to say this quickly before I lose my courage and my coming in would only prolong it.”

Max looked at her curiously, stepping outside to join her. “Okay, it seems like you’ve made up your mind.”

Liz didn’t bother to reply as she bit her lip, looking almost shyly down at her feet before looking back up at him. She gave him a small smile as she pushed back a strand of hair from her face.

“All right,” she replied.

For all the confidence Max had shown a while earlier, he seemed surprised by her answer right now. “All right?” he asked, his voice hopeful. “Does that mean…?”

“All right I’ll go out with you,” Liz rushed to explain, her eyes sparkling and her stomach fluttering even as she told herself it was just one date. “But it’s just one date, Max. I’m only doing this to figure out what this is between us…and maybe to try to get you out of my system. God knows I’m in deeper than I care to be.”

At this Max laughed and reached out to play with her hair while his eyes roamed all over her face, making her blush. “That might be a bit of a problem,” he told her, pulling her closer to him gently. He was thrilled by this. He may have hoped that she’d say yes but until now he hadn’t really believed she would. “Because, Liz Parker, you certainly are imbedded into my system. And I don’t want that changing.”

“Max…,” Liz stammered, unnerved by the intensity of his words and the look in his eyes. She pushed lightly against him, away from the kiss she knew this was leading to. “Rule one: We take this slow.”

“We have rules?” Max asked, amused slightly.

“Yes, yes we do,” Liz replied pulling herself free from his grasp. Taking a small step back, she looked at him seriously. “That was rule one. Rule two is that this date be as normal as possible. No pressure, no expectations for anything more.”

“No pressure,” Max repeated, nodding. “Got it. Do we have rule number three?”

Liz smiled slightly. “I’ll be sure to tell you as I think of them.”

“Do your rules include no kissing on the first date?” Max asked, his tone teasing.

Liz considered his tone, and couldn’t help teasing back. “That’s…under debate.” She smiled.

“Well, while you debate that…” Max stepped closer to her and kissed her softly. He didn’t let it go on for long but it was enough to make Liz’s knees feel weak. Liz knew she should protest but she couldn’t find it in her to say anything. She had enjoyed that brief kiss way too much.

Max let go of her quickly though, putting some distance between them. “If we’re going to do this then we’d better do this right,” he told her. “I’ll pick you up at seven tomorrow. Be ready.”

“Where will we be going?” Liz asked curiously.

Max smiled. “It’s a surprise.”


<center>TBC. . .</center>

[FallenMagic]

Author's Note: This part is dedicated to Cam (Vegas312) and Sharmeen cuz they were the ones constantly pushing me to write the next part. I think I would still have been procrastinating without them so this ones for you girls :D


<center>Part 12</center>


Kyle ran a hand through his already tousled hair as he sat at the computer, waiting for the search he had run to find some results. He sighed with impatience when the search didn’t turn up anything of relevance once again.

He had been searching the net for newspaper articles for the past hour trying to find anything that could make a connection between Liz and Michael with Max, Tess, and Isabel. So far he hadn’t found anything he didn’t already know. The articles he had found were on the crash itself and about the various conspiracy theories. The only article that had been of remote relevance had been a two paragraph long article about three children found lost in the desert. Curiously enough there wasn’t even a mention of the two other kids found only two, three weeks later.

“There has to be something on these two somewhere,” Kyle muttered to himself. “If only I could hit on some old police file recording their being found, maybe even adoption papers stating when exactly they were found…. That would eliminate all doubt!”

Kyle knew that the chances of him finding old police records on Liz and Michael were next to none. There hadn’t been any media coverage, no recollection, as far as he knew, from anyone that two more kids had even been found. Police records would be the most difficult to dig up. That only left him one direction to look at: adoption papers.

Kyle drummed his fingers on the keyboard speculatively. The only place where he could find adoption papers on Liz and Michael would be the Roswell Orphanage and he doubted they’d just hand them over to him if he asked for them. Recalling having caught Liz and Michael sneaking back out of the center, Kyle thought it safe to assume that they had already tried the legal way with no result. Maybe he could use his dad’s influence to gain access to the files at the center. His father would never have to know at all. Everyone knew that Kyle was Jim Valenti’s son and he highly doubted they would ever suspect him of any wrong doing.

But even then…, Kyle thought uneasily, if Dad got even a whisper of this, I’m done for. Not only would Dad ground me till I’m eighty, but I’ll have two aliens out for my blood as well.

No, there had to be some other way. Kyle pushed back from the computer and got up to pace the room. There had to be some way for him to get a peek at those files. Kyle paused in mid-pace as a thought occurred to him. Maybe the files were on a computer database. If they were then maybe, just maybe, he could break into the database to access the files.

But I don’t know the first thing about hacking into computers, Kyle realized with settling gloom. And I’m not even sure the orphanage has computers. “Maybe I should just head to Max with this and let him figure this out. I’m sure he can whammy his way into the adoption center and check out the files…”

Tess would have been able to do this. If only she were here, this would have been so much easier. The thought had come unbridled and without warning, startling him. He shook his head to clear the thought away, not allowing himself to dwell on it but the echo of it remained.

“I don’t love him! I love you! Did you hear me, Kyle? I love you.”

“Stop thinking about that, about her!” Kyle muttered to himself, “Gotta stop thinking about her!”

“Kyle?” Tess’s voice came floating through the house suddenly.

“Great! Now I’m hearing her voice!”

“Kyle?” The voice came again, this time louder, followed by a hesitant knock. “Kyle? Mr. Valenti? Anyone home?”

Kyle turned, surprised, and walked almost cautiously to the front door. He found Tess standing outside, dressed in jeans and a blue tank top, her hair flowing freely about her shoulders. His breath caught when he saw her and he paused a few feet away from the door. Tess saw him in that moment and instantly looked nervous.

Wringing her hands, Tess offered him a hesitant, yet shy, smile. “Hi. I didn’t think anyone was home…”

Kyle stood staring at her for a few moments, a battle of hurt and hope raging in him. Why was she here? What could she possibly want from him now? Was she here to talk to him or to break his heart further? And did she have to look so darn breathtaking while she was at it?

Tess shifted uneasily under his unflinching gaze. He looked so conflicted and uncertain about seeing her here that she took a step forward automatically, her hand reaching out to pull the screen door open and to go to him to touch him, to comfort him. But then, almost instantly she remembered the way he had jerked back from her touch last night. He didn’t want her comfort, her touch. He wouldn’t want her….

With a pang of hurt and remorse she let her hand fall back down to her side. He had yet to say anything to her as he continued to stare at her in that odd, penetrating manner. She knew he was wondering why she was here again and maybe even contemplating brushing her off. And she wouldn’t blame him for it. She deserved it; she knew that.

But I’m not going away this time until I get a chance to explain, to apologize. She thought with determination. All night she had agonized over what had happened, what she had inadvertently done. How could she have been so stupid, so blind to how Kyle would take this?

She had lain awake, rehearsing in her head what she was going to say to him. All night she had gone over her speech again and again but now, standing front of him, seeing the hurt in his eyes, everything flew out of her head. She couldn’t even remember how to begin.

“Do you hate me so much that you won’t even invite me in?” Tess finally asked softly, almost afraid that that was the case.

Kyle waited a second before crossing the distance to the door and pulling it open slowly. Holding it open for her, he replied, “I don’t hate you, Tess.”

Hope and relief soared through her as she stepped inside. Without thinking she reached out to lay a hand on Kyle’s arm. “Kyle…,” she began but she felt him withdraw from her touch. He didn’t step back or recoil but she sensed that he had pulled away.

Swallowing the disappointment Tess let her hand slip away. She turned away from him to head slowly into the den, not letting him see the tears in her eyes. What had she expected? She could not have possibly expected him to receive her back with open arms. But even though she had known that he would receive her coldly, if at all, there was no doubting the fact that Kyle’s withdrawal had hurt.

He watched her back, watching the way she crossed her arms at the waist as she turned around slowly to face him again. He watched the sunlight play across her hair, turning it to shimmery gold, watched the way she seemed to try to pull her courage together. A sharp pang of love shot through him, surprising him. He had lied to her when he had told her that he didn’t hate her. It was ironic how deeply he still loved her despite what she had done.

“Why are you here, Tess?” Kyle asked, his voice turning brusque due to his annoyance with himself. “I thought I had said everything I had to say last night.”

“But I didn’t…”

“We have nothing to say to each other.”

“We do…we have so much…,” Tess stopped herself, pausing for a second before trying again. “Kyle, please…don’t end it this way. Not without knowing why I did what I did.”

Kyle’s eyes shot up to hers, his cold and warning; hers soft and pleading. “Whatever decisions you make at least make it after you know all the facts otherwise you’ll always wonder about this, about me…. I don’t want you remembering our relationship as a lie because it never was.”

“I think I have a fair idea about the ‘facts’, Tess,” Kyle sneered, hurting at just the thought of Tess loving Max. Did it matter that she had denied it? Did it matter if Tess was right in saying that he would always wonder about her and their relationship if he didn’t let her talk?

God damnit! It does! Kyle thought angrily. He ran a hand through his hair impatiently, pacing for a moment as he debated. Finally he turned to her. “You’ve got five minutes to explain yourself, Tess, otherwise you’re out of here,” he stated flatly.

Tess nodded, too glad that he was going to listen to her to worry about the cold, flat tone of his voice. She rung her hands nervously, unsure how or where to begin. She watched as Kyle stood with his arms crossed, looking at her so coldly and emotionlessly that she had to turn away.

“God, this isn’t easy…,” she stammered. She took a deep calming breath before speaking. “You have to understand that this…whatever I’m about to tell you does have everything – or almost everything – to do with Max…” She shot Kyle a quick look and seeing his eyes cloud over with anger and hurt, she hurried to explain. “But not in the way you think.”

“How about you explain that part to me, Tess?” Kyle asked in a silky smooth voice that had chills running down her back. “Because I, for one, cannot see what way this is.”

“You-you know that I’m different…that Max, Isabel and I have shared a special bond ever since we hatched from the pods,” Tess began carefully. “You have to understand, Kyle that my relationship with both of them goes way back, even before we were born here on Earth, back to Antar.” She shrugged slightly, smiling faintly as she spoke, “To me, they’re all the real family I have, my only link to who I once was.”

“As much as I love the emotional history lesson, Tess, how about you get to the point,” Kyle snapped. “I already know all of this. How does this have anything to do with us?”

“It does, Kyle,” Tess replied softly. “It’s because of this bond that I share with Max and Isabel that I did something that pushed you away.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I wonder if I ever told you how Max, Isabel, and I met,” Tess asked suddenly. “We met in kindergarten, in the classroom. I remember sitting in class with Cory Mitchell who was trying to borrow my crayons again…” She laughed, shaking her head at the memory. “Oh God, I was so mad at her because she never got her own and always lost mine…. Anyway, I was in class with the principal came in followed by two little children. He introduced them as Max and Isabel Evans, and told us that they had just come to town and that he was hoping that we’d welcome them.” She looked at Kyle then, her eyes seeing a distant memory, yet shining with warmth and joy. “I took one look at them and I just knew. It was like my eyes had been opened for the first time and a flood gate of memories just rushed at me. Image after image, memory after memory I saw them…I saw us. I was so young but I knew then that I was different and that so were they. I guess they experienced what I had too because they came over and sat down next to me without saying a word. We’ve been together since.”

Tess paused now, tugging at the necklace she wore. Explaining all that she felt, sensed and feared would not be easy, she had no idea how to do so but she knew she had to try or she’d lose Kyle and she wasn’t going to let that happen.

“Over the years my bond with Isabel and Max strengthened, but more so with Max.” Tess went on, “I’m not sure why but we began to connect, without any conscious effort on our part, to each other on a level more…intimate I guess than friendship. Maybe it was because the basic instinct in us to survive, to procreate, was starting to kick in. It wasn’t love or want, or even need and desire, it was just our reaction for survival. Isabel never really felt it because there was no other male for her to connect with on such a level. It was just down to me and Max, or so it felt.”

Tess looked up at Kyle again and saw his jaw clenched tightly, as if he was fighting off anger.

Or hurt… Tess realized. “Kyle,” she began softly, reaching out for him but then letting her hand fall, “Nothing ever happened between us. He never wanted it to. We tried, I won’t lie and say we didn’t but it just felt…wrong, like there was more for us out there.”

“Tess, don’t lie to me,” Kyle shot at her. “You’d always been in love with Max.”

Tess shook her head, her eyes begging him to understand. “No, Kyle. I may have wanted it to work between us but the truth is it never did or would and I knew it. There’s only one person I’ve ever really loved…and that’s you.”

“At this point I don’t believe that matters,” Kyle responded coldly, leaning almost carelessly against the sofa. “Now, before I begin to see the point in all of this, how about you tell me what you came here to tell.”

Tears pricked the back of her eyes at Kyle’s cold, flat tone but he swallowed hard, pushing them back. She was not going to cry, of that she was adamant.

“It started on the day I first saw Max with her…with Liz. I remember that Max was already at the table when we showed up. I felt it almost immediately though I wasn’t certain then what it was that I had felt. I had felt a tremor of it the night before but I had shrugged it off then. But I could sense it now practically radiating off Max, the change, the subtle shift in power,” Tess murmured, caught up in the memory, the feeling of that power.

“What do you mean?” Kyle asked curiously, “What kind of shift?”

“It-it…I don’t know how to explain it. It was just different. I couldn’t place it then and right now I’m not sure what it means but I felt my connection with Max had altered,” Tess told him. “For the better or worse, I wasn’t certain but it worried me.” Tess shrugged, recalling that day, the feelings. It had put her on her toes then but now it captured her in it. It made her wary yet it made her want to let go and feel safe…like she was complete. She could still feel the change in the connection even now but it was more subdued as she had gotten used to it. Somehow it didn’t make her uncomfortable anymore.

“I couldn’t understand why it had happened or what had lead to it. I don’t think Isabel felt it or she would have told me,” Tess went on. “The basic link between us was still there but that connection Max and I had shared, the one that was more…intimate, that had shifted. It wasn’t until I saw Liz walk into the room that I knew why.”

Kyle instantly went alert, straightening abruptly from his position, his attention caught by this piece of information. “Did you know it was because of her? That Max felt some connection with her?”

Tess glanced at Kyle, taken aback by the question. It was a very odd thing to ask but something in Kyle’s expression stopped her from asking why he asked. She ran a hand through her hair, considering the question and imagining the scene at the Crashdown in her mind. Finally she shook her head slowly.

“No, I didn’t,” she replied. She turned her head to look at Kyle, who had now moved slightly closer to her. “But I did feel Max’s connection and energy shift the moment she came in. And when he got up to go talk to her, I followed him, somehow knowing something was up. I saw them together and almost instantly I saw the spark between them. I don’t think even they themselves knew just how obvious their attraction to each other was.” Here she paused to frown and shrugged. “I guess I was worried by what I saw in both their eyes, especially Max’s. He was smitten by her.”

“It’s his life to live, Tess,” Kyle pointed out.

Tess met his gaze frankly and shook her head. “No, Kyle. It isn’t; it never was for anyone of us.” She moved closer to him now and touched his shoulder lightly, almost as if in apology. “When it concerns bringing in someone new into our lives, none of out lives are our own…not even yours.”

Kyle held her gaze with his for a long moment, letting all that she had said shift and settle. It all made sense now, didn’t it? It explained, even though she hadn’t really put it into words, why she had acted like she had. Could he blame her?

“You were scared,” he stated finally. “You thought you were going to lose him to someone who wasn’t a part of all this, of what he is.”

Tess looked away now, the tears that she had been fighting for so long now shimmering in her eyes. She didn’t dare to hope but she could swear that he sounded like he believed her, that he understood.

“Scared, yes,” she agreed. “But also there was something about that girl and the guy that bothered me.” She pressed her fingers against her eyes to stop the tears from falling. “They just…I don’t know, seemed familiar to me.”

Kyle’s gaze shot to her, instantly recalling his theory that Liz and Michael may be from the same crash as Max, Tess, and Isabel. “Have you ever seen them before?” Kyle asked carefully.

Tess shook her head. “That’s just it. I know I never have and yet…for some reason I felt a pull towards them. It was weird.”

“But you don’t know where or how you know them?” Kyle pressed.

Tess looked puzzled as she shook her head. “No, not a clue. Why?”

“I was just asking, that’s all,” he replied. He got up now and went to her, taking her hand in his. Relief was spearing through him now. Tess was here with him, she was his and she loved him. The thought struck him hard now and made him smile. She loved him.

Tess looked up at him in surprise and to her relief she only saw acceptance there. “Kyle…I’m so sorry about all of this,” she began tearfully, gripping his hands tightly in hers, savoring the feel of them. “I never meant—”

Kyle cut her off abruptly by placing a soft kiss on her lips. He grinned at her when he pulled back and reached out to stroke her hair. “It doesn’t matter. It’s behind us,” he told her firmly.

Tess wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close to her. Love swamped her and she tightened her grip on him. She couldn’t believe she was lucky enough to have someone like Kyle in her life. She couldn’t believe that she had almost lost him.

“I guess we had our first major fight.” Her tone was wry and amused, laced through with relief.

“I guess we did,” Kyle agreed, just as amused. He looked down at her, smiling teasingly, and asked, “So, who won?”

“We did,” Tess replied softly. She paused now to look straight at him. “I love you, Kyle.”

All humor evaporated from Kyle’s eyes, replaced by love for her. “I love you too, Tess.”

His arms tightened around her, pulling her against him even as his eyes locked down at her lips. He felt her breath catch and he smiled. Gently, so very gently he leaned down to nip at her lips, teasing her. He skimmed his lips down her cheek, along her jaw before pausing at her mouth. Her eyes fluttered close in anticipation, but instead of stopping, he moved past them to the side of her mouth. He let his lips linger there in soft kisses, feeling her impatience and desire build. He smirked to himself enjoying himself.

Tess knew what he was doing and refused to let him toy with her when she’d waited so long to feel his lips on hers again. Her arms came up to play with his hair at the base of his neck, tugging gently before she pulled his head down into an impatient but searing kiss. Instead of controlling the kiss, Kyle found himself being controlled. He would have laughed if he wasn’t so busy trying to find his balance again.

“Now that we have that out of the way…” Tess laughed as she pushed Kyle lightly down onto the sofa. She straddled him now, wrapping her arms around his neck and looking down at him mischievously. “Let’s get busy…”

She leaned down again and this time let him control the kiss. His lips moved over hers softly, tenderly and lovingly. It pulled at her heartstrings, made her stomach dip and made her feel as if she was floating. Her mind was beginning to cloud when she felt Kyle’s hands run up her side and then to the buttons of her shirt.

“Tess…” Kyle murmured as his lips moved to her throat, pausing over her pulse, feeling it pound. He moved his lips back to hers and pulled her into a deep, drugging kiss even as he unbuttoned her shirt. Tess let herself loose, enjoying the attention. Kyle wrapped his arms around her now, rolling her so that she was lying on the sofa beneath him.

Tess looked up at him and grinned. “Won’t your dad be home soon?” she asked, not worried because she knew there was time yet.

“Not for a few hours,” Kyle replied.

“That’s the best news I’ve heard all day,” Tess answered, grabbing his shirt and pulling him down for another kiss. But just as his lips touched hers, Tess felt the air around her change. She only had time to gasp and whisper Kyle’s name before she felt herself pulled under by intense flashes.

** Flash **

She saw Liz and Michel sitting on the sofa with Kyle across from them.

** Flash**

She saw Liz and Michael traveling through some city in their car, a worried look on their faces.

** Flash **

She saw herself, Isabel, and Max breaking out of their pods as children. She saw Max and Isabel both pause to look at the three pods that were still unhatched. Tess watched as Max put his hand almost sadly on one of them before Isabel did the same with the other. Looking at the third pod Tess felt a pang of remorse go through her younger version but she pulled at Max and Isabel gently, signaling them to head out.

** Flash **

She now saw herself standing in the desert, with the stars out and the V constellation shining overhead. Turning she saw Liz, Michael, Isabel and Max all standing in the distance, each looking up at the sky.

** Flash **

She saw Isabel stand next to Michael and smile at him. Puzzled, she turned around to find Max and Liz standing with their hands intertwined. She again felt a sharp sense of loss as all four of them held out their hands to her, in a way calling her.

** End Flash **

With a gasp Tess pushed away from Kyle, getting to her feet. Sweat trickled down her face as she spun around blindly, the images reeling in her head. Her gaze fell on the sofa where Kyle was now getting to his feet.

“Tess?” he asked with worry. “What’s wrong? What happened?”

They were here, in this room, Tess thought frantically. They were with us from the start…in the pods. Could it…?

“Tess! Tell me what’s going on?” Kyle asked, nearly shouting with worry.

“It’s not possible!” Tess muttered to herself aloud. She ran a hand through her hair even as her eyes wildly searched Kyle’s face. “It can’t be!”

“What? What can’t be?”

“Liz and Michael!” Tess stammered. “I think they might be one of us, of me!”


<center>TBC...</center>

[Ella1022]

Hey Rida I just wanted to say sorry I missed your authors chat I was a day behind thinking that yesterday was the 19th. I also wanted to say love the updates I missed. That car seen with Maria and Michael was great. I also thought that seene with Liz and Max and Liz giving him the rules was cute. I'm glad Kyle and Tess made up and Tess is realizing who Michael and Liz is.

[FallenMagic]

<center>Part 13</center>


Maria hummed along to the song playing in the café as she wiped down the counter. Lunch hour had just ended and now the only customers at the Crashdown were a couple of late lunchers and Maria assumed that Courtney could handle that. Alex and Isabel were also sitting in their favorite booth but she doubted they could be counted as customers as they were there to keep her company.

It had been a busy day but then it usually always was. With the Crashdown being one of the few main eateries in town it tended to attract a huge crowd. She was just glad that her shift was nearly over. Her feet ached and she wanted to rest for a while but more than that she was dying to head over to Max’s place to find out if Liz Parker had agreed to go out with him on a date.

She caught herself glancing out the door once more, hoping to find Max coming over to tell her the good news. Maybe she was being too optimistic in thinking Liz had said yes but she had a gut feeling that she was right. And if Maria knew to trust anything, it was her gut instinct.

Because her fingers were itching to pull off her apron and run for the phone to call Max, Maria deliberately began to wipe the counter more enthusiastically. She had promised that she wouldn’t call him until he gave her the all clear. Though she had no idea why he had said so, she had sighed and agreed.

“I think you’ve made it as clean and shiny as you possibly can, Maria,” Alex’s amused voice came from where he was sitting with Isabel.

Maria stopped abruptly in her work and looked at him in puzzlement. Alex and Isabel both were watching her with thoroughly amused looks on their faces. Alex nodded to the rag in her hand and then the counter.

“The counter,” he explained. “I think you can see your own reflection in it now.”

Maria glanced at the cloth in her hand and then at the counter. As understanding dawned a slight blush spread across her face. Letting out a small, embarrassed laugh, Maria dropped the cloth and moved out from behind the counter to where Isabel and Alex sat.

“Kinda got lost there,” she explained as she sat down next to Alex.

“So it would seem,” Isabel laughed. “Are you done for the day?”

Maria glanced at the wall clock behind her and sighed gustily. “Another hour and then I’m outta here! I thought I might head over to the mall.” While talking, Maria snatched Alex’s spoon from his hand and dug into his ice cream.

“Hey!” Alex protested as Maria went for a second spoonful. “Get your own!”

Ignoring him, Maria popped the ice cream in her mouth. “Do you wanna come with?” Maria asked Isabel, making sure to keep the spoon from Alex’s reach.

Hiding a grin at Alex’s offended expression, Isabel nodded. “Sure. I need to buy myself a pair of shoes anyway.”

“Maybe if I’m lucky no one will turn up and I can beg my mom to let me off early,” Maria mused. But even as she said so, the bell above the door chimed, indicating a new customer. “Great! Just great!” she muttered as she got to her feet. “I spoke too soon. See, this is what happens when I make….” Her voice trailed off and caught in her throat however when she turned around and saw who had just come in.

Michael Guerin had come striding in, his hair all rumpled and his clothes creased and untidy. He looked absolutely mouth watering to Maria. Michael paused in stride to rake a gaze over the empty café, his gaze pausing briefly at their table before he went and plopped down in the nearest booth.

Maria stared at him for a moment, debating whether or not to go over there. She knew very well that Courtney could take his order but for some reason the thought of that peroxide blonde talking to him made her want to clench her teeth. She wasn’t jealous, of course she wasn’t. Knowing Michael he wouldn’t even spare Courtney a second glance and hopefully would only snap at her but even then she wanted to be the one to wait on his table.

“Maria, you can let Courtney get that,” Alex pointed out to her.

“No, that’s all right,” Maria found herself saying hastily. “I got it.”

Grabbing a menu from the counter on her way, Maria had to take a deep breath to calm the butterflies in her stomach. For some reason, this guy unnerved her. He was so rude that it was a ridiculous notion to even go talk to him but she couldn’t deny that she found herself attracted to him. And just as she knew that she also knew that the chances of him brushing her off with some rude comment were very high.

“Guess I’m just a sucker for romance,” she muttered to herself as she stopped at where he sat.

“Did you say something?” Michael asked, looking up at her curiously.

“No. I mean, yes…,” she corrected hastily. “I asked if you would like to look at the menu.”

“I’ll just have some Cherry Coke,” Michael replied.

“Sure, one Cherry Coke coming up.”

As Maria turned to go, Michael watched her for a moment. There were a number of places he could have gone to get some Cherry Coke but for some reason he had walked the extra block and come here. He would have liked to think that he had come here because of its good food but he knew it was just because of Maria. There was something about her that just…pulled at him. She annoyed the hell out of him and yet here he was.

Annoyed with himself for being weak enough to come here for her, he tore his gaze away from Maria, looking anywhere but at her. He looked at the paintings on the wall and felt a faint sort of amusement at them. They were more close to the truth than they knew. Suddenly Michael felt a faint prickle at the back of his neck. It was the same one he had felt for a split second when he had entered the café. But right now it was more pronounced.

He had felt it before, had felt it in an even higher intensity than right now. It came with a feeling of familiarity and the sense that someone was watching him. Michael turned away from his perusal of the paintings and slowly looked around the café. There were only two booths occupied. In one there were a couple of middle aged ladies sitting and chatting away over desert. He felt nothing odd from them but as he turned to look at the other booth, he paused abruptly.

His gaze locked with the gaze of a girl who looked to be around his age. She was staring at him with the faintest trickle of fear and recognition in her eyes. She looked so familiar but Michael had to grasp at where he had seen her before. Then it hit him. He had seen her at Kyle’s.

Isabel! Her name was Isabel! He recalled.

Even then he had felt this strong pull towards her and as he stared at her, he felt that same tug that he had then. Only this time it was different. It wasn’t as strong or as controlling but it was enough to unnerve him. He couldn’t seem to tear his eyes away from her however and for some reason she was staring back at him. She looked just as unsettled as he was feeling.

Isabel couldn’t have turned her gaze away even if she tried. There was something holding her captive, something that made her heart hammer in her chest. There was something about this guy that made her want to go to him, to wrap her arms around him. A wild sort of panic would rise up in her when she would see him, as if something was fighting inside her to tell her something. But what it was she wasn’t sure. She wasn’t even sure if this was dangerous or not. Whatever it was though, she seemed to be pulled in by it every time.

“Iz, you okay?” Alex asked, tugging her hand gently.

“Huh?” Isabel stammered, looking away as Maria walked up to Michael’s table. “Yeah, I’m fine…” With another quick look at Michael, she turned to give Alex a bright smile. “I’m fine, just got lost in thought there.”

“Here’s your Cherry Coke,” Maria said as she came up to his table and plunked the drink in front of him, startling him and twisting his attention away from Isabel.

“Huh?” He glanced at the soft drink and then ran a hand uneasily through his hair. “Right…thanks…”

Maria paused and stared at him for a moment before saying in a surprised tone. “Do you know that’s the first time you’ve said thanks.”

“What do you mean?” Michael asked, his tone irritated. The feeling was still humming through him and though he didn’t dare look, he knew that Isabel wasn’t looking his way anymore.

“I mean that every time you and I have crossed paths, you’ve snapped, shouted or stormed off,” Maria replied with a wry smile. “Looks like since I saw you a couple hours ago, things have looked up for you.” Then, as if a thought just struck her, Maria’s eyes went wide. “Is it because Liz said no to Max?” she asked. “I mean, you couldn’t be in a normal mood if she said yes…”

This had Michael fixing a cold and furious gaze at her. “I don’t see how that’s any of your business,” he snapped.

“And we’re back to the snapping,” Maria sighed. “Look, just tell me already. I’m sure you know.”

“Why don’t you go ask your friend, Max?” Michael asked. “You know if it weren’t for him, we would’ve been well off on our way out of here within two days!”

“Ohhh…,” Maria sang gleefully as she understood. “She said yes, didn’t she? And that’s pissing you off!”

“It’s not pissing me off!” Michael nearly yelled at her, feeling thoroughly pissed off. “And I didn’t say she said yes!” Looking highly irritated, he got up and threw some bills on the table. “Would you just butt out of our life? Why do you have to be such a pain in the ass?”

Maria gaped at him, insulted. “Why you…jerk!” she sputtered angrily. “How can you just go off on someone like that? Don’t you have an ounce of manners in you? I was just being nice and polite!”

“Yeah well it’s bordering on annoying and prying! Quit it!” Michael snapped.

“How could I have thought that you were a nice guy deep inside?” Maria shot back, blinking back tears of insulted fury. “There’s not a nice bone in your body, no matter how deep you go! You can never say anything nice to me or anyone else I’m sure! Ugh! You infuriate me so much, it’s ridiculous! God, I hate you!”

“Ditto!” Michael yelled back, feeling angrier at her than was accounted for. Without another word he stormed out of the café, the door swinging wildly behind him.

Maria wrapped her arms around her waist, forcing herself to take deep calming breaths. God, how could she have misjudged him? How could she have set herself up for that? If this hadn’t taught her a lesson then nothing else would.

Once she felt she was in control enough, she turned around to head back to Alex and Isabel, and found them staring at her in wide-eyed wonder. The two other patrons had also stopped to stare at her.

“Sorry about that,” she apologized to the ladies. “Just…sorry…”

Wearily she pushed back strands of her hair from her face as she walked slowly back to Alex and Isabel. They stared at each other for a long, silent moment before Alex gently pushed his ice cream towards hers.

“Bad day at the office, huh?” he asked quietly, a soft smile on his face.

Maria blinked back the sudden oncoming tears and nodded. Taking the spoon from his hand and silently accepting his offer of not talking about the incident, she dug into the ice cream but didn’t scoop it up. With a last glance towards the door she nodded.

“Yeah…really bad day.”


<center>TBC. . .</center>