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By: Dia
Category: M/L and all CC ///// Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, etc etc ... I wish I did though!
Prologue / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / Conclusion
Prologue
A muffled cry was heard through the wood of Liz's door accompanied by rustling sounds, as if she was destroying the whole of her room. Inside she was stuffing everything into a small black backpack. She was leaving... for good. Nobody believed her on Alex's death, she'd lost basically her two best friends. Alex and Max. Every time she saw him it was like the angry words flew out of her mouth. He was with Tess now, they were drifting further and further apart. And nowadays Maria was too involved with Michael to notice her. Liz thought that no one cared for her anymore, and that she needed a new start. What she didn't know that history would soon catch up with her.
Prologue / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / Conclusion
PART 1
"Liz! Liz?" Maria called as she climbed up the steps leading to Liz's room. Her footsteps echoed through the hall, as she swung open the heavy, wooden door to reveal an incredibly, untidy room. Maria carefully made her way through the room, trying to not tread on any of Liz's clothes that had been discarded onto the floor. A puzzled look came across Maria's face, thinking to herself * This isn't like Liz. It looks like someone's been looking for something. Oh my god! What if someone's taken her, and she was right about Alex? * Her hand flew to her mouth, to conceal a worried gasp. "I have to tell Max now" She hurried out of the room in a fluster, tears streaming down her face and ran down the stairs.
The door leading from the back room, to the front of the Crashdown restaurant swung open as Maria ran through it with force. It slammed against the back room, and normally Maria would have stopped and apologized to the staring customers, but there wasn't time. Maria ran over to the booth where five anxious faces appeared as she halted just in front of Michael. He was sitting with Max, Tess, Isabel and Kyle who looked like they were discussing something very important.
"Maria what's wrong?" Michael asked his girlfriend worriedly, as she sat down on his lap and sobbed into his shoulder. He rubbed her back sympathetically, thinking she was upset again about Alex.
" It's... It's Liz" Maria said as she continued weep. A face shot up at the mention of her name and Max shook Maria hard with a determined look on his face. The hard grip on her arm, made Maria look up from her slumped position.
"Her... Her room. Look" Maria pointed up to Liz's room, as the gang emptied from the booth, rushed through the back room with Max charging ahead of them. He was the first one to step into her room, and he came to an abrupt stop when he saw the state of her room.
"Liz? Liz where are you?" Max called, as the others cautiously tiptoed into the room. Maria entered clinging onto Michael's shirt, as he held her protectively.
"Max you know Liz isn't like this. She's like you. Has to have everything tidy." The others nodded in agreement to Maria's comment. Max wondered around the room, lightly placing his hands on her chest of drawers, where the drawers where open revealing her underwear. Max shaded a beetroot red colour before he was struck with an overpowering surge of emotions. Flash after flash hit him of Liz's previous actions, while he staggered round the room. FLASH Liz crying FLASH Liz screaming at herself FLASH Her rummaging around her room, packing a small backpack FLASH Liz slamming her door behind her as she ran out of her bedroom. The flashes ended as Max collapsed onto the pale cream carpet.
"Max! Max are you alright?" Isabel asked worriedly. Max was heaving trying desperately to obtain the air he needed. The realization sank into him as he realized she had left. Because of him and the way everyone had been arguing. *How could she leave? And Maria how will she cope... How will I cope? * He thought to himself. A sob tried to escape his mouth, but instead a chocking sound came out.
"Max!" Tess said as she tried to comfort him, with a welcoming arm around his broad shoulders. He leaned into her shoulder shuddering, making Tess obtain a look of absolute satisfaction and contentment.
" For god's sake Max. What did you see? And will you please get your body off of Tess'. Maria plainly stated at Max. The sight of the two disturbed her, and she knew how herself and Liz felt about her. She felt as if Liz had left her the protection of Max, and not to let him go to her, but it looked like she had failed.
"Maria before I tell you anything, there's something you all need to know." He paused slightly, taking in the expressions on each of his friend's faces. He turned to look at Tess last, and a small smile played across her face as she realized that Max was going to tell them about the baby.
"Tess and I... Well Tess is pregnant... with my child... and the only way for it to survive is if... if we go home to our planet." Max smiled sheepishly at everyone as pure anger crossed everyone's composure.
Prologue / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / Conclusion
PART 2
"Max you idiot! What did you do that for? I don't want to leave... why did you have to go and ruin everything" Isabel started crying, heaving and sobbing, and Kyle being the kind soul that he is went to comfort her, as Michael was busy with Maria, who was desperately trying to get out of his grip, to run screaming at Max and Tess.
Kyle looked coldly upon the guy who his friends hated at this particular moment. Liz had given up everything for him, and there he was, smiling at the fact that he was ruining everyone's lives, and not to mention the fact that he had gotten Tess pregnant.
"Max I am a rational guy, but this is way below the belt. First of all you're bringing this up at the wrong time, then your corrupting everyone's lives, including Maria's and Liz's, and then you go and get Tess pregnant! Is his because of what happened with Liz? Is it? I mean I knew you loved her but how could you do this? You know how much I care about Tess. She's so young. You all are" Kyle was approaching Max steadily, with an angry glare. Max cowered back as Kyle leaned into him.
"You know Max, I never liked you. I respected you because you were a great leader, and plus Liz loved you, and she means so much to me, but I never liked you. It is because of what happened between Liz and I isn't it. Well I'll tell you something, as you seem completely oblivious to anything. Haven't you noticed Liz at all? The way she follows you with her eyes, with longing looks? The way she drapes herself over you, and how she absolutely will do anything for you? It was just like this when we were dating, and you suddenly appeared into our lives. All she wanted was you, and the rest of us were second best. No..." Just as Kyle was going to splutter out the truth, a cold and empty voice filled the room, but the scream "Don't do it Kyle. Liz didn't want you to" wasn't in time.
"Nothing happened you jerk! It was a set up. We had our underwear on, and we didn't touch. At all. Liz wouldn't tell me why, and I didn't push her. You would of been able to ask her, but now it seems as if she's disappeared because of you and Alex doesn't it? God Max! You are so stupid! How could you throw away such a great person? You really are the most self-centered person, or should I say...'ALIEN' " Kyle emphasized the last word with anger, as he pushed past Michael and ran out the door, leaving five stunned people.
Maria silently crept out of the room, knowing that if she stayed flying questions would hit her. She was still in shock from the fact her best friend had gone, that Max and Tess were having a baby and that her boyfriend was going to leave her to go home. Drops of salty tears ran down her face, leaving a transparent trail along her ashen cheek.
"Maria..." Max quietly spoke to her, and in one word he didn't need to ask anything. She turned to look at her best friends former love, searching for a glimpse of hope that he might want her back. But as her eyes left his, and faced Tess' she realized that it wasn't possible, and that Liz wouldn't want him to know this way.
"I'm sorry Max. I can't tell you anything. If Liz would of wanted you to know, she would of told you. I mean she only told me after I'd got upset that she hadn't told me about her and Kyle. You didn't need to know and you still don't. She did it for you, and that is all I am going to tell you. She risked everything for you, and you went to her" Maria said disgustedly, looking directly at Tess.
Max's face fell, understanding that she wasn't going to him. She hated him for what he had done to Liz and all of them.
" Maria I know that you would never betray the trust of Liz, but..." Maria finished his sentence before he had a chance to.
"But why can't you tell me? I'm not going to tell you Max. It's not my secret. Why can't you just trust Liz? I don't blame her for leaving, but now I'm going to be on my own aren't I?" Max dropped his head ashamedly. Maria turned to look at Michael, and she stared into his big brown eyes.
" You're going to leave. All of you. And Kyle and me will be left in Roswell, and who knows where Liz is. All I ask, and I hope that you'll do this for me, because we deserve it. Don't dream walk Liz. If she wanted to be found she would of left a note. Leave her be. You've hurt her enough. And all of us." Maria said.
Michael took her left hand and lifted it to his lips. He placed a soft kiss upon it, and she took control of her own hand and stroked his face lightly. It was almost as if she was memorizing his face.
"Maria, I don't need to leave. I don't want to leave. There was a time when I would have jumped at the chance to leave, to discover my home, but I've realized I am home. I'm home with you. I wasn't with Hank, but you have changed me so much. I love you Maria, and I'm not going to leave without you."
Normally a speech like that from Michael would have lit a smile up onto her face, but it seemed to make her sadder. Her green eyes set on his, and she shook her head slightly.
"No Michael. All you've ever wanted is to find out about your home, and I'm not going to let you do something that you're going to regret later. If you stay and Max, Isabel and Tess leave you'll end up hating the fact that you didn't go. Go. I want you to go because I love you."
Before the words had left her mouth, Michael scooped her up into his arms, and breathed in her scent. She smelled of her cedar oils that she always used. He smiled a sad smile as he began to take in that he would never smell her again, touch her again. Be with her again. Silent tears rolled down his face, as they cried together Max couldn't help but feel guilty. He was sacrificing everyone's lives because of his stupid mistake. *But was it a mistake? * Max asked himself. Liz had gone, and Tess was here. He was meant to be with Tess, and maybe he was realizing his destiny by Tess' side.
Michael's voice disturbed the silent room, as he decided he was going to do what Maria had requested of him.
"Maria, I'll go, but not because I want to, but because you want me to. I promise I'll come back to you. I promise." Michael spoke quietly to her.
Maria felt her whole body collapse in Michael strong embrace. He never wanted to let her go, but they were soon going to have to. All of them had a sacrifice to make, and the time was drawing near. Two of the group had left them, three more were returning home, leaving two lonesome people alone in the world.
Prologue / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / Conclusion
PART 3 (5 Years later, Los Angeles)
Isabel had kept her promise to Maria and had never dream-walked Liz, even after the whole business with Tess. Alex had been working secretly on the Alien Book when he said he went to Sweden. He left the software to Maria, discovering the truth about Tess and everything else. It was all a mind warp by Tess. The baby, the relationship. It was all fake. She wanted Max and to go home. Her plan had almost worked had it not been for Maria. Tess admitted on the night they were going to leave after Maria had challenged her, that not only could she manipulate what a person sees but also that she could change people's emotions. She had been controlling Max and everyone else. But for some reason not Liz. Tess had found that she had no control over her much to her dismay. So instead she had made Max be bitter to Liz, knowing how wound up she would get. Her plan had worked and Liz had left Roswell. They also discovered thanks to Alex, that any baby conceived by two aliens would not survive. Only a baby with a human and alien parent would live. No one knew why, and there was still a part of the book they did not understand. The key. A matter, which connects the outer world with Earth. No one knew what is was, or what it did. They only knew of its existence.
The whole "Tess Problem" was over now, for over 5 years. It had left Max really screwed up. Not only had he lost Tess, but he had lost Liz. He hadn't dated anybody since the day that Tess had died after the granolith had exploded, and really depended on his friends. He still lived in Roswell, but very often visited his sister and his friends in the city. It was back to the three aliens once again. Life for the others though, went exceptionally well.
After a while Isabel and Kyle had formed a close friendship, which had developed more when they had gone to college together. They had been married for 2 years in San Francisco, and Isabel was pregnant with their first child. Michael had returned to Maria as he had promised, and soon after Maria had become pregnant much to her mother's dismay. Michael had proposed on the night their baby boy; Brendan Max Guerin had been born. They had bought an apartment also in San Francisco where Maria owned a shop called "Aura". It was very successful, containing cedar oils, palm reads, tarot cards, incense sticks e.t.c. Her occupation was ideal for her, as was Michael's. He had become a very sought after interior designer. But because he loved his wife and child so much, he was part time and never left the city.
Liz had not been seen or heard from since the day she left, just over 5 years ago. She went to San Francisco, where the following summer she got enrolled at The San Francisco Teacher Training College. After a 3-year course, specializing in Biology, she had become a biology teacher at the local high school. She never socialized and absolutely refused every date she was offered. She shared a flat with a younger girl named Sarah Ford, who was a student at the same college that Liz had gone to. But as Liz didn't want to be recognized she went by the name Katy Evans, known to her pupils Professor Evans. The only friend Liz really had was of course her flat mate, and a fellow teacher at the school called Mai Wong. Her parents were Chinese and they had moved to America when she was 2. She was a lot like Maria, bubbly and energetic and kept the small glimpse of hope that Liz would see her best friend again.
She had never found out about the Tess situation. All she thought was that Max was with Tess, Michael and Maria together and she didn't know very much about Isabel. She had been quite surprised that Isabel had never tried to dream walk her; she smiled as she appreciated that Maria had probably told them not to contact her. *God I miss her* she thought to herself as she prepared herself for another normal day in her life. How wrong she was.
Prologue / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / Conclusion
PART 4
Liz's hair was slung back into a messy ponytail, to keep her hair out of her face as she walked along the pavement. Dressed in gray trousers and a white halter neck top, she looked like you definition of a young working girl. Her walking pace slowed, as she reached the bookstore that she visited every day. The glass door swung open before she had a change to get through, but before she stepped inside she remembered she needed milk. She muttered her apologies to the young boy who was holding the door open for her, and rushed across the street to her usual corner shop. But what we are sure of that if Liz had looked inside, she would have surely gone inside. For there at the fiction counter stood a very pregnant, stunning, blonde woman. It was Isabel flicking through the latest novels on the top of the pile, but it was very unusual for Isabel to be out without Kyle. But she wasn't. They were visiting an area of the city that was unknown to them, so Kyle wouldn't leave her side. He was across the road, buying a newspaper from a small corner shop. The very same one, which Liz was just about to step into.
"Hi Katy" The small, bald man standing behind the counter said, while smiled at his favourite customer who had made her daily stop at his grocery store.
A tall, well built man was looking at the newspaper stand, as Liz replied to the man who had made her first few months in the city, livable.
"Hey Jerry. How are you today?" Jerry nodded in appreciation, as he did everyday to the question he got asked daily. What Liz didn't notice that the man also in the small store, was staring at her with a look of unbelief in his eyes.
"Liz? Oh my god it is you." Liz turned in surprise at the use of her name that she hadn't heard for 5 years. Her face lit up at the sight of her friend Kyle Valenti. She started laughing, something she hadn't done for a while as she ran into his outstretched arms. She held onto him like he would leave if she let go, and before she knew it tears of joy were pouring down her face. Kyle smiled into her, as she released her pain that she had been hiding for 5 years. She sobbed and sobbed, as Jerry stared in wonder at the scene before his eyes. Liz pulled back, and wiped his shirt and smiled up at him.
"I'm sorry I got your shirt all wet." She placed her palm onto the wet patch that she had made, unsure of what to say next. Her dreams about moments like this flashed past her eyes, but the real thing was so much better.
"Kyle... How are you? I've missed you so much." A lump formed in Liz's throat as she chocked back the tears. Kyle looked at her lovingly, and enveloped her in a hug.
"So Liz. You're going by the name Katy now huh? How have you been? We've all missed you so much. Wait I need to get Iz. She'll be delighted to see you." Liz smiled at the mention of her old friend, and nodded her head in agreement.
"Um Jerry... I'll leave the milk today, and I'll pay for the newspaper. I'll explain everything later I promise." Jerry was world famous for sticking his nose in privet matters, but she loved him to bits no matter what. He squeezed her hand in the familiar gesture as she handed over the 50 cence for the paper.
"So do you want to get a coffee? Isabel is just over the street getting a book. "Kyle asked.
"Sure I'd love to. I just need to do one thing. I'll need to call in sick to work. And before you say anything it's fine. I mean that's why we have substitute teachers isn't it?" Liz replied to Kyle's kind gesture. Before he could say another word Liz had pulled a small mobile phone from her bag, and dialed a number. She held up one of her fingers to her mouth, instructing Kyle to remain quiet while with the other she covered her nose, and breathed deeply.
"Hi Susan! It's uh Katy Evans here. I'm really not feeling too good today; I think I'm coming down with a cold. I won't be coming in today, can you get someone to cover me?" There was a small rustling sound from the other end of the phone, and a small voice could be heard replying to Liz's question.
"Sure that's great thanks a lot. Bye. Maybe I'll see you tomorrow" Liz pushed the 'end call' button and turned to Kyle who was looking at her quizzically.
"What? Why are you staring at me like that?" Liz asked already knowing the question.
"So you're married and a teacher. Wow that's a big change from when I last saw you." Liz playfully slapped him on his muscular arm, as they looked both ways to cross the street.
"Kyle! I'm not married. I changed my name to Katy and I thought I might as well change my surname, so I just picked Evans because... well you know. And yes I'm a biology teacher at the local high school." Liz looked down sheepishly, hiding her blush from an already grinning Kyle.
But before Kyle could reply, they found themselves inside the bookstore. Liz grinned at Isabel, who when she saw Liz dropped the book she was looking at and ran screaming at them.
"Liz... Oh my god... oh my god!" Isabel leaned in for a hug, but had a bit of difficulty letting Liz wrap her up into an embrace because of the baby. Cries were heard from underneath Liz, as Isabel just like Liz did cried and cried and cried.
"Liz it's so good to see you again. How long have you been here?" After all the questions that Liz had been pounded with she decided she was going treat them with a foamy coffee at her house and explain everything to them.
"Ohhh Izzie Liz no longer goes by the name Liz Parker, but as Katy Evans!" Isabel smiled at her brother's one true love that was now blushing.
"So uh why don't we go back to my place and I'll tell you everything. I've got the day off work so we can catch up. And by the looks of it we've got a lot to talk about. You know you and Kyle... a baby." Isabel smiled coyly as Kyle draped his arms around her slender shoulders, and patted her stomach.
"Well we've got plenty of time for everything Liz haven't we? A long time. Together again. Does anyone else know you're here? Maria? Michael? Max?" Liz looked up sharply at the sound of the name she had tried to forget.
"Um... no. I haven't seen anyone since I left Roswell, but I missed you all so much. Where does Maria live?" Isabel couldn't wait to tell her the news but as Liz said, a bookstore wasn't the best of places to catch up on old times, so she pushed her out the door, and made Liz lead them to her flat.
A small silver key turned in the lock, as Liz led Isabel and Kyle through the door. As soon as you walk in, you enter the hall/dining room with a kitchen off to the side. There were 3 other doors, one of them directing into her room, another into Sarah's bedroom and finally the last showing a small bathroom. In the hall the table was littered with papers and books that the two shared, and if you glanced over to the bookcase there wasn't one fiction book as they were all to do with schools, teaching and biology.
"So uh... Do you want a drink? Please sit down as well." Liz asked her newfound friends. Isabel walked over to the blue sofa, and anchored herself into it with help from Kyle, who sat down beside her.
"Uh we'll both have a decaf coffee please Liz. Milk no sugar." Isabel smiled up at Liz who was scurrying around in the kitchen. It was so unusual to have people in her flat apart from Mai that she wasn't very good at hosting.
After 5 minutes of silence, Liz emerged with three cups of coffee on a tray. She handed Kyle and Isabel a mug, and planted herself into the other matching blue armchair.
"So uh... I guess you have a few questions. Just go ahead, you deserve answers." Liz asked quietly. Isabel and Kyle looked at each other, and Kyle nodded allowing Isabel to ask the questions. She took a deep breath ready to ask the questions that were going to unravel the untold mystery of Liz's life for the past 5 years.
Prologue / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / Conclusion
PART 5
"Liz why did you leave?" This was the very obvious question to them all, which Liz had been preparing for. She tucked a stray lock of hair from her face, to behind her ear.
"I left because it was all getting too much for me. I've always wanted to travel and it seemed the perfect time. After Alex died, and no one believed me that it was alien inflicted I knew everyone had kinda turned against me. Maria was there for me, but she was so busy with Michael and I guess I was just envious that I didn't have that anymore. She was sympathetic but I knew I was upsetting her more with my talk of Alex. And then there was Max. And Tess. I am sure Kyle has told you what happened Isabel?" Isabel nodded not wanting to speak and disturb Liz's careful words.
"I asked Maria not to tell anybody what happened and I hope she kept her promise." The look of confusion never once left their faces, implying that they did not know about her visit from Future Max.
"I'll tell you since Max doesn't have anything to do with me now. I was visited from Max from the future. 14 years to be exact. He came using the granolith, and that's why I knew a little bit about it. The reason that he came was to make sure Max and I never got back together. He asked me to help him make present day Max fall out of love with me, and get together with Tess. Well I guess it worked. I did all this stuff I didn't mean, but Max never once turned away from me. So it came to extremes. I came up with an idea to make Max think I had betrayed him, and that's where Kyle comes in. Max saw us, and he's never once wanted me back after that, and that's the way it should be. I guess that was the main reason that I left. I couldn't bear seeing Max, but not being able to be with him." The two of her friends sat on the sofa, with wondrous looks on their faces.
"Liz but why did the two of you have to not be together. What was so important about it that he came back from the future?" Kyle asked interrupting the exact same thoughts from Isabel.
"On the night of the Gomez concert Max and I were meant to get back together. We would have slept together, and nothing would have come between us again. The problem was Tess. Max was quite nasty to her when we got together, and when we got married at 19 it was the final straw. She left Roswell for good. But what you didn't know was that the four of you are weaker without one, so the Skins came and won the war. Everyone died so that is why we couldn't be together. The end of the world. Next question." Liz requested. She didn't want to go over the details that had cause her heart to break.
"Well that was pretty much the only question I had. I mean I know you're a teacher, you live with a student and you've been in San Francisco since that day you left. Do you have any questions? I mean you missed so much!" Liz smiled kindly at Isabel, wanting to know about all of her friends. She put her empty mug of coffee on the table beside her chair, and turned back to look at them.
"So what's up with the two of you? When's the baby due?" Liz asked smiling at the reaction she got from the two.
"We've been married for two years, and the baby's due in four days. Kyle and I formed a tight friendship after Alex died, and the whole Tess thing. We went to the same college and one thing led to another, and every since then we've been together." Isabel said to her curious friend.
"Wow. I'm sorry I wasn't there. So where's Maria? Michael?" Kyle and Isabel shared a secret look with a happy glint in their eyes.
" Maria and Michael both live here together. Maria owns a shop called 'Aura' and Michael's a very successful interior designer. They got married after the first child was born. Brendan Max Guerin. Ha Amy wasn't too pleased when Maria told her she was pregnant at the age of 19." Liz laughed along with her friends, thinking *I'm so glad that Michael and Maria stayed together*
"So uh... do you want to hear about Max... or not?" Liz sharply inhaled at the mention of his name but realized that she might as well hear the truth.
"Sure. So where do he and Tess live then?" Liz asked casually hoping that the answer wouldn't cause her too much stress.
"Uh Tess and Max aren't together. Max still lives in Roswell and guess what? He's a biology teacher too! Tess died shortly after you left. It turned out that Tess was mind-warping us all and controlling our emotions, which we didn't know she could do. She had made Max believe that they had sex and that she was pregnant with his child. She wanted to go home as well as having Max by her side, so she pretended that the baby couldn't survive here and that we all had to go home. We were going to go, but Maria saved us.
Alex apparently had been secretly been working on our alien book while he said he was in Sweden. He left all of his software to Maria and she figured it out. No baby born of two aliens would survive. Only a baby with a human and alien parent would survive. So the three of us stayed in Roswell, and Michael and I got together with two humans. But Max... He was really screwed up after you left, and the whole Tess thing just destroyed him. He hasn't had a date since she left, and he really depends on us and Maria and Michael. We've already asked him to be our child's god father and we would be really honoured if you would be our baby's god mother." Liz hung on to every single word released from Isabel's mouth. She stared at Isabel when tears formed in her eyes.
"You mean that Max... he's not with Tess. Oh thank god. Do you know how much I've missed everyone? I'm so glad to see you again!" Isabel joined in with Liz's tears, her hormones kicking in, when she felt a hard cramp in her stomach. She stood up suddenly and placed her hand on her stomach. She connected with her baby, who at that time was trying to get out.
"Oh my god Kyle! The baby's coming! And you know how long Maria took for Brendan to be born. We've got to get to the hospital now!" Kyle jumped up, and pulled her into a hug, while Liz stood in the background.
"I'm going to be a father! I love you Izzie... I love you. " Kyle stared across Isabel's shoulder, and saw Liz standing there helpless.
"Liz. We don't have a car, and we need to get to the hospital now. Maria was in labour for an hour before Brendan was born. The doctors said it was a miracle, but we know what it was. Alien pregnancy. Have you got any blankets? Baby clothes?" As Liz understood that she was needed she nodded in understanding, glad that she could help.
"Yeah I took all my baby stuff when I left Roswell. I wanted some memories. I'll get them and a blanket, and you get Iz ready. I'll be ready in a minute, and we can go. Why don't you phone Maria and Michael? And Max?" She added wanting to see them all again.
Liz rushed round her flat, digging at the back of her wardrobe and managed to pull out a small blue, cotton bag which was overflowing with baby clothes, blankets, toys, bottles. Anything that she found on the day she left. She took her white, fluffy dressing gown off the back of her door, and stuffed it in as well, knowing that Iz would need something to wear. *Wow. I'm going to see everyone again. I'm going to see Max* Liz nearly fainted at the last thought in her mind, but pushed the nauseating feeling to the back of her mind. Her friends needed her and she was going to be there.
"I'm coming" Liz yelled through the hall as Kyle replaced her phone on the stand.
"I just phoned Maria and Michael, our parents and Max. They'll all be here soon. Just to let you know Liz, I phoned your parents as well. There are all coming, but none of them know you are here. I hope that's okay? I thought you might to see them first without an introduction." He squeezed her hand in a strengthening sort of way. He knew how hard it would be to see all the people she had run away from. *Maria won't be a problem, as will Michael and her parents. Its just Max. He might not be too glad to see her. * He smiled at her reassuringly, despite his own thoughts.
"Thanks Kyle. But enough about me, we've got to get you to the hospital." The two of them stepped over Isabel and hauled her off the sofa. She was breathing heavily, trying to control the pain.
"Come on Iz. Good luck. I know you can do it." Liz let Kyle lead Isabel through the door, as Liz slammed the door shut and locked her house up once again, never to return alone.
Prologue / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / Conclusion
PART 6
The journey in the car was a short but tense filled moment. There were the worries of the about to be parents, and the worries of Liz about seeing everyone again after 5 years. She was glad she was going to see everyone again, but anxious about their reactions. *I hope they are glad to see me* Liz thought quietly to herself. They were all pleased when Liz pulled up at A&E, and rushed to get the door for her pregnant friend, while Kyle hurried in a got a wheelchair for his young wife. By now Isabel was pretty dilated due to the fast labour they received, and was huffing and puffing trying to control the pain. Kyle wheeled her in before they knew it, and were on the way to a side room to wait for the birth.
"Liz... Liz, Maria and Michael will be here first. Luckily Max and our parents were already on their way over here for the birth when I called them. They should be here in about 2 hours, and the other two should be here anytime soon." Liz's stomach rumbled in anxiety to Kyle's words, and she quickly covered it up with a cough.
"I just need to go to the bathroom. I'll be back soon. I'll know if you're gone where you are. Good luck if I miss it." Liz said to the couple while she leaned over to Isabel and kissed her cheek. She retreated out of the room, but before she could get out of earshot she heard Isabel whisper to Kyle.
"Remember Kyle no one knows that Liz is here, and she already very nervous. When I go into labour she'll be on her own. I want you to promise me that you'll take care of her and any problems that might arise." Liz turned in the doorway to see Kyle lean in and kiss Isabel on her forehead and mouth the words 'I promise'.
Liz smiled as she walked along the corridor, already feeling better at Isabel's caring words. She swung open the door of the bathroom and stepped inside. There was a large mirror in the room, which highlighted every aspect of her face. Since they had last seen her she had lost quite a bit of weight, accentuating her high cheekbones. Her long, dark brown hair was still in a messy ponytail that she always wore for work. Her hand reached for her hair band and released it from it's position allowing her to cascade over her shoulders. Her hair was longer now, with waves that gave it volume.
Liz leaned over the sink and breathed in and out, staring at herself in the mirror.
"You can do this Liz. You can. You've prepared yourself for this moment for years and now it's happening. Get control of yourself girl, you're shaking." It was like she was giving herself a pep talk, as she steadied her hands on the side of the sink. At the other end of the bathroom was an ice machine, so deciding to be helpful she went and poured a load of ice into a cup for Isabel. The ice dropped in, and Liz turned to go out of the bathroom, and back to see her friends.
"Hey Iz I got you some ice. I thought you might lik..." Liz stopped short of her sentence as she found herself face to face with Maria and Michael and no Isabel or Kyle to help her. The two of them stared at her in disbelief, as Liz eyes landed frantically everywhere in the room, apart from the two people that she cared about. Her sorrow filled as she realized all she wanted to do now was to hug Maria. But she wasn't too sure how well that would go down, so she stayed rooted to the spot.
"Um..." Liz couldn't find the words, as she watched her best friend's eyes fill with salty tears. A single tear escaped from the side of her brown eyes, as a somewhat stunned Michael pulled Liz in for a hug.
"Oh my god Liz. It's so good to see you. I mean how long have you been here? How long ago did you meet Iz and Kyle?" Liz looked up helplessly at the firing questions and took a deep breath in. Michael unbound Liz from his hug, to stand back and take a good look at her.
"Um...I actually only met them a couple of hours ago. Kyle and I bumped into each other in a corner shop and they came back to my apartment and we talked. Then Iz went into labour and they had no car, so I brought them in. It's really great to see you too Michael... and Maria." Liz tore her eyes away from Michael's eyes, to meet Maria's long continual stare.
Liz wasn't sure what to say, but Maria did what both of them wanted. She was pulled into the tightest hug of her life as Maria whispered into her left ear.
"I've missed you so much Lizzie. I love you." Liz chocked back the tears, as Liz reply was similar to Maria's.
"Thank you Maria, for not telling anyone about um what happened with the future, and making sure that everyone left me alone. I needed time, but I'm so sorry I left. It was a spur of the moment thing, but I missed you all so much. I love you too. So where's Brendan? I want to meet him." Maria smiled at the familiar face and personality before and said
"He's with a baby-sitter. We didn't want him getting in the way. But he missed the chance to see Aunt Lizzie! I hope you don't mind but I told Michael about Future Max, but we've never told anyone else. So what are you doing now?" Liz pulled Michael and Maria down onto seat, but there were only two chairs so Maria sat on Michael's lap.
"Well I've lived here since I left Roswell. I'm a biology teacher at the local high school, and I share a flat with a student at the same college I went to. Her name is Sarah Ford. She's basically my only friend apart from Mai, who's another teacher at the school. And before you ask I'm not married and I haven't dated anyone since I came here." Liz's head bowed trying to avoid the subject of Max, but nothing stopped Maria from talking about the one thing that Liz was really loathing to talk about.
"Wow what a coincidence! Neither has Max, and he's a biology teacher too. I've always said that soul mates share things in common." Maria knew the reaction she was going to get from Liz, like she used to when they had their girly chats about the 'Czechoslovakian boys'
"Maria! Max and I are not soul mates. Maybe I wasn't too sure before, but I am now. If that whole situation with Tess hasn't shown you that, I don't know what will. I mean sure I have loving feelings for Max, but I don't want to be with him, not in a loving way, I mean loving feelings don't equal love, I mean yeah! I do not love him in that way, sure I love him but I do still love him." As Liz rambled on she finished with the thing that had been at the back of her mind since she left him to his destiny. Maria and Michael exchanged glances, when Maria got up and started jumping up and down with Liz like a schoolgirl.
"I knew you still did. Thank god! Just wait till Max gets here. We need to make you up girl. This is your chance. He's been pining for you for ages, and I'm sure the feelings are mutual. Am I right?" Maria immediately took Liz's silence as a yes, so she grabbed her bag from the behind the door, and started throwing clothes all over the place.
"I'm sorry about this Liz. She gets worked up sometimes. She brought all of those clothes for a one night stay, even though we live just 15 minutes away." Michael said quietly to her.
*Wow Michael really has changed a lot hasn't he? He's caring now. Not the blocked of jerk that used to break Maria's heart every 5 seconds. * Liz thought.
Maria broke her train of thoughts saying, "You're a size 10 still aren't you? If you're not your just gonna have to wear baggy clothes.
"Yes Maria, I'm still a size 10. So what have you got for me today then?" Maria pulled out a pair of tight, black trousers, a floor length black cardigan and a tightly fitted lilac shirt.
"And to finish off the effect... black strapped wedges!" Maria dangled the shoes off her forefinger, waving them in front of Liz.
"Oh my god you still have them! I love them. Thank you Maria. I don't know how I possibly lived without you." The shoes were placed in her hands along with the rest of the clothes, as Maria rummaged around in her shoulder bag and dragged out a make up bag, hairbrush and mouse.
"Come on Liz, we have to make you beautiful. And Michael if you hear anything come and get us, and give our love to them all! Thanks spaceboy!" Liz laughed at the so familiar nickname for Michael, while Maria dragged her down the corridor and into the ladies toilets.
Prologue / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / Conclusion
PART 7
"Maria I look like I'm going to a party" Liz wailed through the toilet door. "Not like I'm here for my friends birth. Its only Max. I don't want to try and impress him" Liz unlocked the door and stepped into the light. She looked fabulous.
The tight shirt accentuated her upper half, while the tight trousers showed off her slender legs and feminine curves. The cardigan finished off the look as it slightly dragged along the floor, reminding Liz of the fact that Maria was slightly taller than herself.
"Liz you look beautiful. You are going to knock him over! Now we need to do your hair and make up." Maria whipped out her foundation and started applying it evenly across Liz's face, but Liz was trying to say something so she had to stop as the movement was jogging her hand.
"Liz. Are you trying to make this difficult? Just tell him you were going out with some friends when you ran into Kyle and Isabel, and you never managed to get changed." Maria said impatiently. Liz nodded in agreement and allowed Maria to complete her task. She brought up the pale sponge and continued to place the foundation over Liz's smooth skin.
Once the make up had been put on, Maria sprayed Liz's hair with a styling cream and grabbed her hairbrush and went to work. The style she had done suited Liz perfectly. She had used the spray to add volume to the natural waves in her hair, and held a side of her hair back with a glistening clip. Small tendrils of the hair escaped across Liz's face, and she blew them away so they weren't in her eyes.
"Liz... Come on we have to go before I start crying, and then you cry and we ruin everything." Maria pulled open the wooden door for Liz mimicking a guard holding the door for a superior, and started to laugh as Liz tripped over her heels. She landed in Maria's arms, and they stayed that way until the reached Isabel's room.
When they reached the door that was closed they both paused. Neither one knew what lay behind the door. Liz took in deep breaths before she swung open the door, to uncover Isabel lying in bed with Kyle behind her holding a small baby, wrapped in a pink cloth.
"Iz... Congratulations to you both." Liz quietly leaned over the sleeping baby, and planted a tender kiss on Isabel and Kyle's cheeks, as did Maria.
"I'm a dad." Kyle said stunned. Maria and Liz laughed softly, while Isabel smiled up at her husband. Maria sat down once again on Michael's lap and rested her head on his rising chest. Liz sat beside Isabel, and stroked the baby's face delicately.
"Do you want to know what her name is?" Isabel asked tentively. She glanced up at Kyle and smiled. They had come up for a name straight after Liz had left for the bathroom.
"Her name is Elizabeth Maria Alexandra Valenti. But we're going to call her... Liz for short." Liz gasped in surprise of the kind gesture that made her feel like she was finally home.
"Thank you Isabel... Kyle. I'm so glad I found you." And at that point every single on of them started crying (the women that is). Elizabeth made a small gurgle from the back of her throat, and the girl all cooed at her.
"Ohhh she's so sweet! Brendan used to do that. Do you remember Michael? He was so cute, he still is now but he's such a little terror! But I suppose most 3 year olds are" Michael pulled Maria's face to his, and gave her a long passionate kiss, and Kyle at the same time leaned over the top of Isabel and fixed a kiss on her lips, and gazed lovingly at his daughter.
At the show of all this love, Liz got very jealous and uncomfortable. She got up from her position and went into the corner of the room, and crossed her arms. The cup of ice lay on a table beside her, and it seemed the perfect opportunity to leave the room.
"Hey Iz would you like some ice, tea, water, anything?" Isabel smiled up at Liz, oblivious to her intentions and said,
"I'd love some water thanks Liz. Oh and thanks for the dressing gown it's really comfy." Isabel gave her an appreciative smile, and Liz walked out the door down to the snack shop.
"Okay. I've got 3 bottles of water and a packet of Oreos. I thought you might all be getting hungry." Liz said as she re-entered the room. She handed over a bottle of water to Kyle and Isabel and one to Michael and Maria. She kept the last bottle for herself, and opened the biscuits.
"Any biscuits anyone?" Liz asked. All four adults in the room nodded, and she handed them all two each. They sat and munched away at the biscuits and before they knew it they had all gone. Baby Liz had been put in a cot to the side of Isabel's bed and was gently lying there quite content.
Liz got up to visit the enfant named after her, and grinned at her. Her left arm was held up in the air, while she worked out how to use her fingers. Liz put her hand to Elizabeth's, and small laugh escaped as the baby's small fingers wrapped around Liz's little finger. The baby gurgled with delight, and her soft blonde hair flew up as a gust of air came into the room, via the window. Liz turned to see where the gust had come from, and noticed that the window had been partially left open, and that it was quite chilly.
"I'll just go and shut the window. I'm quite cold." The others moved their heads up and down to signify that it was all right. Liz's small feet placed one after another made their way to the window in the far corner of the room, and she gently slid the window down. As soon as she did the cold air stopped coming in, and the room was left at a quite adequate temperature.
The window was on the wall that interlocked with the wall where the door was. The room was a large square shape, and the door was opposite Isabel's bed. Maria and Michael were sitting on the right side of Isabel, where the other adjoining wall came into contact with their chair. And Liz was standing in the far left corner, admiring the view of her four friends together. She was hidden to anyone who came straight in the room, and didn't turn around, but was in full aspect of the other's who were at the back of the room.
Liz found that she couldn't move from her spot. The picture of her friends was so emotional for her. Before this day it was in her wildest dreams to see one of her friends. But to be able to see them all together, along with her parents was a dream. There were just three more people able to make this a perfect say, but sadly only one of them would see her today, and the rest tomorrow. Max and her parents.
*I am going to see Max in a few minutes. What will I say? I wonder if he'll forgive me. I would have come back if I had heard the news about Tess, but I didn't. Oh dear. * The thought hit her hard, and she received another bought of nerves. She tried to cover her noises up with her hand, but it was no use. All of them heard her, and understood straight away what the problem was.
"Liz? Are you all right? Don't worry we'll be here for you. They'll all be thrilled to see you, I don't know what you're worrying about." Liz gave Michael a friendly smile and sighed. Maria shook her head at Michael knowing perfectly well the real reason for her being nervous.
"Liz, Max will be happy to see you. Ecstatic probably. He's loved you since the third grade. Max'll..." Maria had no chance to continue her sentence, as the door swung open the Diane and Philip Evans, Jim Valenti and his wife Amy Deluca and at the back, Max.
"So who's talking about me then?" Max smiled as he entered the room. He didn't notice Liz standing in the corner, and walked straight up to his sister, and brother in law. As did his parents and Maria and Kyle's.
Liz couldn't take her eyes of him. He was so much more gorgeous than she remembered. He had been working out a lot lately, and his muscles bulged out of his thin, green T-Shirt. He was wearing khaki trousers, and boots and looked great. She hadn't seen his face, but she was dreading the time when he would turn around to face her, for the first time in 5 years.
"No one Max. Thanks." Isabel replied as Max gave her a sweet kiss on the side of her face. He shook Kyle's hand, and he turned to look at his new niece.
"Congratulations you two. Can I take her out?" Max asked his sister. Her eyes gazed over to Liz, who was transfixed on Max, but she didn't dare hold her gaze as Max might see her.
"Sure, go ahead. But be careful." Max picked up the small bundles of blankets, and lifted her out of her cot. He sat down on Isabel's bed, with his back facing Liz.
"So what's her name then?" Liz knew this time was coming. She wanted to see how he would react to hearing her name, for she was sure they didn't mention her that much when Max was around.
"Her name is... Elizabeth Maria Alexandra Valenti." Isabel paused slightly on the name Elizabeth, as Max quickly inhaled.
"But we're going to call her... Liz for short." Kyle finished off his sentence, and Max looked down at the sleeping baby in his arms.
"Liz..." Max whispered down to the baby. He may of said it to the baby, but for Liz , to hear Max say her name so gently and sweetly again she nearly fainted.
"Iz... Thank you. I know you know how much that means to me." Max brought his head up to eye level with his sister, who smiled secretly at Liz in the corner.
"Well we just hope you'll love baby Liz, just as much you did our old Liz." Isabel had the intent of making sure Max still had feelings for Liz, and then show him the hidden figure in the background. Everyone was standing around Max and the baby, but they all looked up at Isabel's comment. They all knew how much it hurt Max talking about his lost love. They fell silent as Max spoke.
"Isabel..." He said gravely. "I will love my niece as much as I love... Liz. But I hope that one day that she'll come and see your baby, and be glad at the fact that she's called after her. We all miss her, and I hope she will one day return to us." Isabel squeezed his hand apologetically, and looked at Liz. She never once took her eyes off Liz, even when Max looked at her strangely. All the others turned to look at Liz, standing scared in the corner, who was still staring at Max's back. Everyone gasped in surprise at the person they saw before their eyes, who looked so much mature and elegant than the last time they saw her.
"Hey what's wrong? I know I never talk about Liz, but I can although it hurts me. You don't need to be so shocked. Iz?" Max said. She still never tore her eyes away from Liz's, and didn't answer any of Max's questions. Finally he started to slowly turn around to see what Isabel was looking at.
Prologue / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / Conclusion
PART 8
Max's head spun around to face a shaking figure of Liz in the corner. His eyes met hers and she never once broke eye contact with him. Her whole body was visibly shaking, as the look in Max's eyes blew her away. His soft brown eyes filled with tears, as he levered himself of the bed. She brought herself out of the darkness of the corner into a lighted area, which brought her closer to Max. It was all in slow motion, as one foot after another made it's way to Liz, the footsteps echoing in the silent room. The daze was broken as Maria, Michael, Jim, Amy, Diane and Philip all exited the room. As Maria passed she took her hand, letting Liz know that everything was going to be okay. The others all smiled at her, and left the two young adults staring at one another.
"Hey Iz. Do you and baby Liz want to go for a walk? I think yes, it'll do you good." Kyle didn't even wait for an answer from Isabel as he wheeled round the wheelchair for her, and went over to Max's side. He gently took the baby from his arms, and walked back over to Isabel. He gave her the baby, and she gently rocked her to and fro in her arms. Kyle went round the back of the chair, and pushed them out of the room, and closed the door behind him.
Liz just stood there, unsure of what to do next. Should she hug him, kiss him, do nothing? All these questions spun in her head, as she found herself getting dizzy. The world started spinning, and dark shadows crossed her eyes. Before she knew what was happening she was falling to the floor, watching Max's face fall, as her head hit the ground and everything went black.
"Liz? Liz? Are you okay?" Max questions brought Liz round from the darkness, and when she fluttered her brown eyes open, she found herself face to face with Max, his lips inches away from hers. He pulled away, at her look of surprise, and held out his hand for her to take. She placed her small hand, in his outstretched one and he pulled her up from the floor. When she let go, she found herself still dizzy, and reached out for the nearest thing for support. She wrapped her arms around his chest, as she calmed her breathing, and adjusted herself to her standing position. Once she had got accounted to herself, she realized how comfortable it was to be in Max's arms. He had done the exact same thing, and wrapped his arms around her waist, when he felt her collapsing again.
"Um... hi" Liz mentally kicked herself for saying the first thing that came into her mind, and smiled coyly up at him. He released his grip on her, as she attempted to pull back. She inched away from him, staring at the ground. Max chuckled to himself at Liz's first words to him, but tried to remain focused.
"So... um how have you been?" Max asked her, trying to remain in control and not go running to her, and to hold her again. Liz smiled, but just wanted the uncomfortable feeling to go away.
"Uh... yeah I've been great. I hear you're a biology teacher, and guess what? So am I! Uh listen I just found out about the whole 'Tess Thing', I'm sorry. I would of come back if I'd of known." Max stared at this young woman in wonder. He couldn't believe that she was a biology teacher as well.
"It's alright Liz, but why did you leave? Have you been here all this time? I mean I don't blame you for leaving, but we've all missed you so much. I've missed you so much." Liz felt so guilty for destroying the hope of the man in front of her. She loved him so much, but all the pain he felt had come from her.
"I missed you too. I've lived in San Francisco for 5 years. Straight after I left Roswell. The reason I left was just so complicated. I know you won't understand if I tell you. But it had a lot to do with Alex and... you. Not that I'm blaming you for anything. I blame myself for everything. I caused all the damage. I just couldn't be around you, without being with you." Max looked confused at Liz's words, but there was the one question that he was begging to ask her.
"Liz... Kyle told me about what happened between the two of you. Why did you do it? Why did you feel that great urge to push me away from you?" Max asked. Liz looked at his torn face, and decided due to the facts that everyone already knew anyway, Tess was gone and that there was a chance that they could be together after all those years she was going to tell him the truth, the absolute truth.
"Max I want to tell you, but I'd prefer to show you" Liz timidly smiled up at Max, hoping he would know what she was implying.
"You mean you want to make a connection?" Liz smiled up at Max, who was grinning like a Cheshire cat. She grabbed his hand and pulled him towards her, breathing in the scent she loved so much.
"I've missed you so much Max. I want to show you. Kiss me" Liz needed of not to ask him, because before she knew it, Max's lips were on top of hers. The soft taste of Max made her groan in delight. *God I longed for this* Flashes hit him one after another, as he moaned with the strain of holding the connection.
FLASH *Max healing Liz in the Crashdown * FLASH Liz talking to her Grandma Claudia about Max * FLASH *The party in the unusual heat wave, where they tried to have a quiet moment but never got it * FLASH *Their first kiss on Liz's balcony* FLASH *Their first date at Senor Chows * FLASH *Max saying that they needed to take a step back * FLASH *The meaningful stares they shared when they were apart * FLASH * The day that Max came to the Crashdown and they kissed* FLASH * Being together in Michael's apartment *FLASH * The night they found the orb * FLASH *When Liz saw Max kiss Tess * FLASH *When Liz was taken by Nasedo in the form of Max * FALSH * Her despair when she realized she couldn't help Max in the White Room * FLASH *Max telling her that he loved her, despite destiny * FLASH *The night the aliens were told of their destinies * FLASH *Liz walking away from Max *
Max pulled away from Liz suddenly, when he felt her energy reserves going down. Liz looked up at Max and said quietly "You need to see the rest. You've seen all of that stuff before. Don't worry I feel fine." She smiled up at him before she pulled his head down to her level, and kissed him lightly. Liz pulled back slightly to see his reaction, but Max couldn't bear being apart from her again, and he hungrily kissed her. The flashes started up again, as they felt their bodies joining together, and their thoughts, memories and feelings being released.
FLASH * The flash Liz got when she saw Max for the one of the first times when she got back, that she didn't tell him about. * FLASH * Liz's visit with Alex and Maria to the fortune teller * FLASH * Future Max coming to Liz's room *Liz watching Max sing to her * FLASH * Future Max telling her why he was there * FLASH * Liz setting up Tess and Max * FLASH * Future Max telling her about their wedding * FLASH * Max kissing her, telling her that he can't stop wanting her * FLASH * Liz telling Max all the lies in his room * FLASH *Liz crying on her balcony * Liz asking Kyle for his help * FLASH *When she and Future Max were in the bathroom * FLASH *When she saw Max standing outside her window * FLASH * Liz telling Future Max how much he meant to her * FLASH * Them dancing on Liz's balcony *
The flashes ended as Liz collapsed to the floor sobbing, after the trauma of re-living the past that she tried to forget. Max came over to her and pulled her up into a tight embrace, as he realized he never wanted to let go. That she was his history, and his future. Forever. Together.
Prologue / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / Conclusion
Conclusion (2 years later, San Francisco)
Liz and Max now live together in a small house in San Francisco, along with their newborn baby boy Alex Evans, and baby girl Claudia Evans. They were married 6 months after they were reunited, and shortly after they were blessed with the news that Liz was carrying twins. They both work together in the local high school as part time biology teachers, sharing their classes during the week.
Maria and Michael also had another child called Olivia Guerin, and Brendan had a wonderful time tormenting his mother at home. Both Michael and Maria were successful in their jobs, although Maria handed management over to a woman named Charlotte Blackman, as she wished to spend some more time with her children.
And finally Isabel and Kyle had just found out that Isabel was pregnant once again, and was due on the 30th September. Kyle remained in the police force, and Isabel retired from being a model after baby Liz was born. All the couples are happy and content, in the their loving relationships.
THE END