(Third Part in the Coming Home Trilogy)

Author: Susan
E-mail: susanandtad@cs.com
Distribution: Anyone can have it if they want it. Just e-mail me and let me know.

Category: AU, FF, CC/UC, M&M centered, A/J, M/L and I/K, Maria's POV
Rating: PG - R
Disclaimer: The characters and story all belong to 20th century Fox and the writers and creators of Roswell.
Summary: What happens when Maria’s father comes after the Pod Squad.

Part 1

It is going to happen today. Riley called me to let me know that Father was on the move. I really hadn’t expected that from him but I was grateful. When the call came we were all having dinner at my Mom’s house. I could feel the color drain from my face when I he told me. Michael was instantly at my side. When I got off the phone and turned to my family I literally wanted to burst out into tears. The moment we were all dreading was coming. They had made a plan of action and now it was time to implement it. It was decided that Liz and my mom would get to Max’s parents and go someplace safe while Kyle, Jim, Michael, Max and Isabel would stay and fight. I was supposed to go with Liz and my mom also but that isn’t going to happen. I plan on staying with the others. It is my responsibility to take care of my father.

“Maria you are going with your mother and Liz.” Michael shouts at me.

“No Michael I am not. I am staying here with the rest of you.” I shout back at him.

“Maria, Michael is right, you need to go with Mom.” Kyle tries to persuade me.

“No. End of Story. I suggest we stop wasting our energy and time arguing and prepare for what is to come.”

“Michael, Kyle, Maria is right. She has obviously made up her mind and if I have learned anything about a Deluca woman it is that they are extremely stubborn when they put their minds to something.” Jim, ever the diplomat, calms Michael and Kyle down and we now sit and wait.

Liz and my mom left about an hour ago. They will call Jim’s cell phone when they are safe. Isabel is worried about Kyle. She wishes that he had left with Liz and my mom but he insists that he will be fine. If I have anything to say about it he will.

Two hours later at about midnight my father’s men moved in. We were ready for them but it seems that they were also ready for us. It was like they knew that we were prepared. I figure that either Riley betrayed us or Father found out that he had called us. It was the only explanation for why they were so prepared. They over came us easily, to damn easily. I mean we have three aliens on our side we should have at least been able to put up a good fight. But Father was prepared. He had sharp shooters shoot darts into Max, Michael and Isabel before they even had a chance to defend themselves. With them down it took no time for the team to sweep in and disarm Jim, Kyle and myself. They drugged us immediately and now we are here in this White Room. They put us all in the same room together. I was the first to wake up. My system was used to the drugs that Father had used of us as he had used them on me before. He wanted me to know what it was that we would do to the aliens once we were able to identify them. So the drugs wore off a little quicker on me then the others. I got up as soon as I could stand and went and checked the others. Everyone was still breathing and they didn’t seem to have any marks on them. It didn’t even look like Father had taken any blood from the aliens yet. That would come soon.

It was another hour before anyone else stirred. Max, Michael and Isabel woke up next. The fear in Isabel’s eyes tore into my soul. I couldn’t help feel responsible for them being here. I had trusted Riley. I should have known that him calling was just too easy. Isabel rushed over to Kyle frantic that he was hurt. Max convinced her that her husband was fine he was just drugged. Jim and Kyle woke about a half an hour later much to the relief of Isabel. Max and Michael soon found out that there powers were useless in here. Obviously they had been given the same drug that Pierce had given Max three years ago in this very room. Max has a haunted look on his face. I think he is remembering what happened to him in this room the last time. I can only imagine the horror he must have endured. I read what was done to the alien from the crash and I know how Daniel was. It must have been horrible for him. Through this whole time, while the others are frantically trying to find a way out, I remain calm and routed to my spot on the floor. I have barely moved a muscle. I am saving my energy for what is to come next.

After a while everyone else settles down and joins me on the floor, Michael seated on one side of me, and Kyle on the other. I would have smiled if I could have because my two protectors were guarding me the best they could for the moment. It was comforting; albeit unnecessary, Father would not harm me, At least not this time.

We had been in the White Room for hours when suddenly my father’s voice came over the speakers.

“Well look who we have here. Three little aliens, two human allies and my traitor of a daughter.”

“You son of a bitch. Why don’t you came face us instead of being a coward and talking over a speaker.” Michael yells out.

Michael is answered by silence. A few minutes later the door to our room clicks open. Four heavily armed men walk in with my father following close behind.

“Don’t even think about doing anything foolish. I have instructed the men to shoot to kill. That is I have told them if you three try anything they are to shoot one of the humans. That includes you to my dear.” Father says looking at me.

“I would expect nothing less Father.” He comes and stands in front of me.

“Just so you know girl, your buddy Riley won’t be coming to your rescue. I found out about the call you made to him a few weeks ago. I had him call you and tell you that we were coming right before I had him killed for being a traitor.” I don’t react at all, not even to blink. I had expected this. “You don’t seem to surprised.”

“Of course not Father, it didn’t take me long to figure out that you knew that we would be waiting for you. You did teach me well of course.”

“Well I did try to teach you but you never were much of a student, for either myself or Daniel.” With that he turns away from me and addresses Max, Isabel and Michael.

“Well children I am glad you could join us. First of all let me say I have been looking forward to this day for a long time and I plan on making the best of it. Let’s see who should we take first.” He points to each of them. “Since Max has been through this all before I think I will take his sister this time.”

All the men in the room shout “No” at the same time. Michael and Max move in front of Isabel and Kyle pulls her to his side. Michael stands in front of my father. “Take me instead.”

Father seems to think about it for a moment.

“If you insist but you are only delaying the inevitable. You will all be tested and I mean all of you, including the humans. I want to see if being around you aliens has effected them physically in anyway.”

“You can’t do this, it isn’t right.” Isabel shouts out to him.

“Yes, I can and that is exactly what I am going to do. As for it being right, it is my human right to protect this planet from the likes of you. I am doing my duty.”

He turns around and faces me again. “I think I will take you as well Maria. Lets see just how close you have become to these aliens.”

Michael and I are grabbed by the armed men and pulled out of the room. We can hear the others shouting behind us. They take us to another room down the hall. This room is almost identical to the one we just left only this one has a cot in it. They throw us into the room and shut the door behind them. Again my fathers voice is heard over the speakers.

“Get comfortable children. I think I am going to keep you two together in here for a while before we proceed with the testing. I want the others to gets anxious waiting for their turn.”

“God he is a sick bastard.” Michael says after we hear the speaker click off.

“You have no idea Michael. You have no idea.” I say barely above a whisper. I go and sit down on the cot.

Michael comes and sits down beside me. After a while he turns to me. “Can you tell me what he has done to you Maria?”

I look into his eyes and I know that he really want me to open up and tell him. I hesitate for a moment and then I start to speak.

“It is a very long story.”

“Well I think we have a lot of time to kill.” Michael smirks at me.

I take a deep breath and begin to tell my story.

Part 2

“Father came and got me when I was ten. It was the middle of the night when he woke me and told me we were going for a trip. I asked him if my mom was coming to but he said she had to stay and settle things and then she would follow. It took me almost two months to realize she wasn’t coming. He told me that she had decided not to come with us. She had met someone, who had a child of his own, and decided that she didn’t want us anymore, that she wanted her new family. I believed him, I always believed everything he told me.”

Michael took my hand and held it giving me strength to continue with my story.

“The first year was really difficult. I missed my mom very much and I was so angry that she had abandoned me. Father told me that I had no one except him. If I was bad he would tell me I need to be a good girl or he might go away to. I did everything he told me to but it always seemed like I was never good enough. For years I tried to please him but he was always unhappy with me. Then he met Daniel Pierce. He was the son my father always wanted. He was perfect in Father’s eyes. I never knew anything about what my father did for a living. He always sent me out of the room when he got a call and he never brought anyone home from work until Daniel. He was young, handsome and charming but he gave me the creeps. Whenever he looked at me my skin would crawl.”

I couldn’t continue. Just thinking about Daniel brought bile to my throat. I didn’t want to relive those days again. It was too hard.

“I can’t Michael.”

He touches my cheek and wipes away my tears, tears that I hadn’t even realized I had shed. “It’s ok Maria. You don’t have to tell me anymore today.”

I nod my head and reach for his hand. I bring it to my lips placing a small kiss on it. “Thank you.”

When my lips touch his hand I feel an electric shock run throughout my body. Michael gives me the most intense look I have ever seen. His face gets closer to mine and he kisses me. I have never felt anything like this before. The kiss that had started out gentle now turned passionate. He pulls me closer to him. Being in his arms feels perfect. I touch his face and look into his arms and pull back a bit.

Michael misinterprets my action and pulls himself away from me, standing up and walking to the other side of the room. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

I get up and stand in front of him. I touch his cheek once again but he avoids my eyes.

“Michael, look at me.”

He hesitantly obeys. “I’m not sorry.” I give him a gently kiss on his lips.

Michael pulls me into his arms and gives me a hug. He then kisses my forehead. “Come on. Lets try to get some sleep. I think we are going to need it.” He takes my hand and leads me to the cot. He lies down and pulls me down beside him. Feelings his arm around me, as he spoons me, feels so right. I close my eyes as I feel his breath on my neck. As I fall asleep I know tonight I will not have any nightmares, not while Michael is protecting me.

In the next room Maria’s father had been watching everything through the double-sided mirror.

“Hmmm, this could be very interesting.”

Part 3

I awoke feeling very warm and extremely safe. I was still wrapped in Michael’s arms only now I was facing him. I must have rolled over in the night. I moved my head so that I could look at Michael. I was surprised to see that he was already awake and had obviously been watching me sleep for quite awhile.

“Hey. How long you been awake?”

“Awhile.” Michael said.

I know that I should move out of his arms but it feels so good that I just want to stay like this for a long time. Of course, then it hits me where we were and why.

“Michael do you think the others are ok?”

“I don’t know Maria. I hope so. What do you think your father will do next?”

“I honestly don’t know Michael. I don’t understand why he separated us from them. The only thing I can think of it is just to scare us. Eventually they will begin the testing but I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes us sit here for awhile so that we will nice and anxious when they do begin.”

“I think your right. Your father is one sick man Maria.”

“Yes he is.” I hesitate for a moment. “Do you want to hear the rest of my story Michael?” I sit up and pull away from him a bit.

Michael lifts my chin up so that I am looking at him. “Only if you want to.”

“I do Michael.”

I can’t sit down for the rest of the story. I start to pace around the room getting myself prepared to tell Michael everything else.

“On the morning of my 16^th birthday Father told me his plan for Daniel and me. He wanted Daniel as a son-in-law and he wanted to make sure that I allowed that to happen. Basically he told me I would be marrying Daniel. Daniel came over for dinner that night to celebrate my birthday. After dinner Father left, he said he had business but it was obvious that he left knowing what would happen. Daniel and I… I didn’t want to but I had no choice. Father practically demanded it and Daniel expected it.”

I stopped pacing when Michael’s hand touched my shoulder. I looked into his eyes. I saw compassion and something else, something I couldn’t quite recognize.

“Did he hurt you?”

“Yes. Daniel was a horrible, horrible man.”

“Is that what you were dreaming about the night at my apartment?”

“Yes.”

Michael pulls me into his arms and hugs me tight. He whispers in my ear. “No one will ever hurt you again Maria. I swear.”

I really do want to believe him but I know that it isn’t true because of where we are. Father will make sure that none us are left unharmed. He as much told us so himself.

“I was so glad when he left on Business and I was even happier when he never came back. Of course, that is when I was brought into the business. I’m glad I was though. I’m glad that I was able to come to Roswell and to meet all of you. I’m just so sorry that my Father is responsible for this.” I can’t hide the guilt in my voice. I feel responsible for all of this including my Father’s actions.

“Maria, look at me.” Michael pulls my chin up so I would look at him. “None of this is your fault. Oh and just so you know I am glad that you came to Roswell, very glad.”

He leans down and gives me a gentle kiss on my lips. Like yesterday, the gentle kiss soon turns passionate. This thing between Michael and myself had been working to this point for quite awhile. At the time I didn’t know what it was that was always there between us but now I recognize it as sexual tension. This had been inevitable. I wonder if our friends were able to see this going on. I think that they had. I would get looks from Isabel and my mom once in awhile when we were in the room together. Michael was always able to bring out something in me that no one else could; passion, an emotion that I didn’t even know existed anymore in me.

It isn’t long before we are once again on the cot that we had shared last night only this time our clothes had somehow seemed to disappear. I don’t even remember us removing them as I was so swept up in all the emotions flowing through my body. I looked into Michael’s eyes as we joined. This time I was able to recognize what I was seeing in his eyes. It was love. I knew that Michael loved me. Knowing this made what was happening between us even more special.

We lay in each other’s arms for a long time afterwards neither wanting to move.

“Maria. I…” I put my finger over his mouth. I don’t want him to say it. Not yet.

“Shh, You don’t have to say anything. Not here.”

“I do you know.” Michael says and kisses me on the forehead.

“I do to.” I say and snuggle back against his chest.

After a little while I sit up knowing we have to get dressed before my father finds us but knowing him he was probably watching us the whole time through some camera. It wouldn’t be the first time. I shudder remembering the time I found the tape of Daniel and myself in my fathers study.

“What’s wrong?” Michael asks he must have felt me shudder.

“Nothing. Just remembering something I wish I could forget.”

“Do you want to tell me?”

“Not now Michael. Someday. Someday I will tell you everything. I promise.”

Michael kisses me. “When you are ready I will be here. I will always be here.”

“I know.” And I do, I know that Michael will always be there for me. I have no doubt at all.

We get up and get dressed and then sit back on the cot together again. I have to tell him that my father probably saw us but I don’t want to cheapen anything that happened between us.

“Michael. My father…”

Michael cuts me off. “I know Maria, he probably saw us. I don’t care. We needed each other. I needed you. If he saw, he saw.”

I realize that I really do love this man. I don’t know exactly when it happened but I think that a part of me has always loved him. It is like I have been waiting for him my whole life and once he was in it I was complete. This time I have to say it.

“I love you Michael.”

“I love you too.” Michael says right before he kisses me.

Suddenly the door comes open and my father walks in clapping.

“Oh how touching. Well, I have to thank you children for giving me an even better idea. I was just planning on experimenting and finally dissecting you aliens but now I have decided to do something else as well. Wonder what a human/alien hybrid would look like. Can’t wait to find out.” Father walks out the room before either of us can say a word.

Michael jumps off the bed, his fury evident. “That bastard.”

I just sit in shock. I hadn’t even thought of this possibility. “My god Michael what have we done.”

Part 4

Three weeks have gone by and my father still hasn’t done any testing on either one of us nor had we seen the others. Michael is getting more and more upset as the days go by. You can practically see the anger rolling off of him. I am literally terrified, not so much for myself, but for our friends and family and for the possibility of what could come from Michael and I making love. I have prayed every night that I am not pregnant but I am afraid there is a strong possibility that I am. Just the thought of what my father would do to our baby makes me sick. We don’t speak of these things for a matter of fact we have barely spoken at all. Michael holds me close at night but other than that there has not been any physical contact between the two of us. We can’t risk it.

Michael is pacing once again. He spends hours walking back and forth and every once and awhile he glances in my direction with a worried look on his face. I think he is trying to figure a way out of this place and a way to keep me safe. He will not believe that it is impossible. They got Max out of here three years before so he believes that they will do it once again. The only problem is this time they don’t have anybody on the outside to help them. There is just my mom and Liz and they can’t do anything. 

“Michael will you please come and sit down. I can’t take the pacing any longer.” I finally have had enough. He is driving me insane.

“Maria I can’t just sit here and do nothing. Especially if your…”

I cut him of before he can finish his sentence. “No, don’t say it Michael don’t even think it.”

“But Maria.”

“No Michael, we are not going to go there.”

Michael sits down on the cot with me, his shoulders slumping like the weight of the world is on them. I take his hand and place a gentle kiss on it.

I can’t say the words out loud because I know my father is listening but I will die before I let him use our baby. I want to tell Michael my suspicions but I know that will make him even more upset, if that is possible.

My father walks in a few minutes later accompanied by several men in medical gear.

“Well children are we ready for a little testing? Daughter I think it is time to find out whether you have a little alien in the old oven.”

The men come to get me but I back away and Michael tries to fight them off. They are armed with stun guns and use them on him but still he continues to fight.

“Tell him to stop Maria or I will be forced to kill him.” Father says to me.

“Michael, stop please. It is ok. I will be ok. Stop.” The men let me go to Michael and I place my hands on each side of his face and make him look at me. “It will be ok. Please just let them take me.”

“Maria.” He whispers a painful plea.

I kiss him on the lips and turn and go with the men. My father stays behind and says something to Michael, which I cant hear.

I was given a routine gynecological exam and they took a blood test. For the most part I was treated gently and with consideration. On the way back to the room that they were holding Michael and myself I got a glance of the others through an open room. There were more men in there with medical gear on. I guess they were going to start testing on them. Kyle saw me and shouted my name. I shouted back that we were ok but I don’t think he heard me as they had shut the door.

When I got back to the room Michael met me as soon as the door opened. He pulled me close, touching my face.

“Are you ok?”

I smile at him. “Yes. They just did a routine exam. Michael, I saw the others on the way back here. The medical people were in their room. I think they were going to take Isabel.”

Michael’s face lit up when I said I saw the others but soon he had that worried look again.

“I’m sure she will be fine. They are probably doing the same exam on her. I mean she is married to Kyle.” I try to reassure him.

Michael nods his head and pulls me over to the cot. We sit down and he pulls me against him. He whispers in my ear. “Did they tell you anything?”

I shake my head no but I can’t look him in the eye. I just know what they will find out.

“Are you sure your ok.” He asks.

I look at him and smile. “Yeah.”

Inside I am anything but ok. I am scared of what is going to happen now. It wont take them long to found out whether I am pregnant or not and I really don’t know what my father will do next. I also don’t know what he will do with Michael and the others once he has his hybrid.

My father walks in with a sadistic smile on his face. I shudder knowing what he is going to say.

“Good news. Looks like little Maria is pregnant with the first human/alien hybrid.”

I look over to Michael to see his reaction. He has the stonewall look on his face. He doesn’t want to give anything away to my father.

“Now what to do with you two. I will have to think about that for a bit. I just wanted to share the happy news with you both.”

He laughs as he leaves the room. Before he shuts the door he turns back and looks at me. The look on his face brings a chill right to my bones. Michael saw me shudder and moves to stand beside me. His hand touches mine.

As soon as my father leaves the room I fall to the floor. Michael wraps his arms around me holding me tight whispering loving words in my ear. For the first time since we got here I breakdown and nothing Michael does can soothe me. Exhaustion is the only thing that finally calms me down. I fall asleep hearing Michael whispering in my ears.

“I love you Maria, you and our baby. I promise we will get out of here.”

Part 5 

When I awake I was still in Michael’s arms, one of his hands lying protectively over my stomach. I look up into Michael’s eyes and find that he is awake.

“Hi.” I whisper

“You feel better?” 

I pull myself closer to him hiding my face against his chest. “What are we going to do Michael?” I ask not answering his question. I don’t think I will ever feel better until we can find a way out of here. 

“I’m not sure Maria. But I swear to you I wont let them hurt you or our baby” He whispers in my ear. 

I reach up and kiss him. Our kiss begins to become passionate when suddenly the door opens and my father walks in. 

“Ok enough of that. Don’t want to do anything to harm that little one you are caring dear daughter.” 

Michael pulls me closer to him. 

“Well I have made my decision. I think I am going to let Michael go back to his friends while you Maria stay here.” 

“No.” Michael and I both say together. 

“This isn’t up for discussion. Now come along Michael.” The armed guards are back once again and they pull Michael from me. He tries to fight them but one of the men hits Michael on the head with his gun, knocking him out. 

“You didn’t have to do that.” I rush over to Michael checking to make sure that he is ok. 

“I think I did. He was just going to hurt himself. The other one, Isabel, unfortunately is not a fertile as you so it looks like you are the only expectant mother.” 

“You are a sick bastard.” I shout at him.

“I am just doing my job Maria.” He says with an evil smile on his face as he leaves the room.

Fourmonths later… 

I am still in the same room that Michael and I shared. I haven’t seen my father since Michael was taken away nor have I talked to anyone. I see a doctor everyday. He tells me how my pregnancy is progressing. Evidently human/alien pregnancies advance much quicker then human pregnancies. According to the doctor I am almost ready to deliver. The fear I am feeling for my baby is almost too much for me to stand. I can’t let them take her. The doctor told me on my last ultrasound that it was a girl and a far as he could tell she seemed like aperfectly healthy and normal human baby. I am glad to hear that she is healthy but I know that will change if my father gets his hands on her. 

I thinkof Michael and the others everyday. I wonder what my father is doing to them,if they have begun experimenting on them. I hope they are all ok, or at least as ok as they can be in this place. I especially hope that Michael hasn’t been hurt. I know he has probably tried everything possible to get back to me and the baby so that he can protect us and it scares me. 

Last night when I was asleep I could swear that Michael was in my dream but I know that is impossible. I know that Isabel is the only one who can dreamwalk andeven if he was able to I am sure they are giving them the drug that blocks the part of the brain that there powers are located. We were together in my dream, making love, and he was telling me how much he loved me and the baby. It just felt so real not like it was a dream at all. I want to go back to that placeagain. I want to be with him and feel his arms around me, to feel loved. I think the isolation of this room is starting to get to me. 

The doctor is starting to worry about me. He mentioned once again to me today that I haven’t spoken a word since Michael was taken away. He asked me if I would feel better if I was with my friends. I didn’t answer him and I know that he couldn’t read anything from my face. I have once again reverted back to the old Maria, the one that is completely in control of her feelings, the one my father taught me to be. I am not going to give anything away to these people. The night I broke down after finding out for sure about the baby was the last time I will ever cry or show any emotion what so ever in this place. I won’t let him break me, not again. I have to stay strong for my baby girl. I will protect her, with my life if necessary. 

I was about to fall asleep once again when suddenly the door opens. I am surprised to see my father walk through the door.

“Well my girl. The doctor says that it is almost time. He is however, concerned for your health. He says the strain of this situation is not good for either you or the baby. To be honest, I could care less, but I do need to protect the little alien in side of you, at least until it is born. So I have decided to let you go back into the room with the others.” 

Inside I am shouting for joy because I will be able to see Michael and the others. I have missed them all so much. But on the outside I don’t let anything betray my true feelings. He escorts me out of the room along side of two men in medical gear. When we get to the room, I am assuming the others are in, he stops me before we enter.

“I’m going to get rid of them all Maria so don’t get to attached. I have only kept them alive this long for you. After that baby is born I wont need them anymore,at least not alive.” 

The bastard. He is a sick, sick man. I can’t stop the tears from rolling down my cheeks. So much for the control on my emotions. 

As he was talking several more men came up to the door to join us. I guess to prevent the others from attacking my father. We walk into the room and I quickly wipe the tears away. I don’t want Michael and the others to see them.

“Maria.” It is Kyle who sees me first and shouts my name. He runs to me and throws his arms around me. I don’t respond back. I want to so very much but I can’t or Iwill truly loose all control. I will breakdown once again. He pulls back from me and looks at my face. “Maria?” 

I can’t even smile to reassure him that everything is ok. The others are now crowded around me. I look around for Michael but I don’t see him. I turn to my father and give him a questioning look.

“Oh loverboy will be back. We are just doing a bit of testing on him. He should bedone soon.” 

He leaves the room. Max, Isabel, Jim and Kyle all start asking me questions all at once. I go and sit on one of the cots. I don’t answer their questions. 

“Maria.Are you ok?” Isabel sits down beside me and holds my hand. I just shake my head. 

I can hear Kyle asking Max why I’m not talking, and if he thinks I’m ok. I keep my eye on the door. I am waiting for Michael. I need to see him to make sure he isok before I can let go of my tightly held in emotions. It will do none of usany good for me to lose it at this point. The door opens and I stand up anticipating Michael’s arrive but I am disappointed to seeit is only the doctor.

“I am just checking on my patient. I will only be a moment.” He tells the others. 

He comes over to me and checks my pulse and blood pressure. I can tell by the look on his face that he isn’t pleased. “Now Maria. I thought being with your friends would help your vitals but I am not seeing any improvement. We need to get that blood pressure down.” 

He turns to the others. “For Maria’s sake I suggest you try to help her calm down and make her happy.” 

Max stops the doctor before he can leave the room. “What is wrong with her? Why wont she speak?” 

“Physically,besides her blood pressure, she is fine. However, mentally, I am not sure. She hasn’t spoken a word in four months and has generally been the way she is now since then also.”

“My god Max. Four months.” Isabel gasps and looks at me. 

If I could I would roll my eyes at her. I love how they talk about me as if I’m noteven in the room. 

The doctor turns to me as he is leaving the room. “Maria, please, for the baby’s sake, as well as your own, calm down.” 

Again I sit down. Isabel, Jim and Max huddle in the corner obviously talking about me, Isabel jesters in my direction every once in awhile. I turn my head and noticeKyle staring at me. He comes and sits beside me. He takes my hand and squeezes it. 

“It’s ok Maria. Michael will be back soon.” I smile at him and squeeze his hand back. He seems pleased that I responded to him.

Hours, go by and still no Michael, I can feel my heart racing a mile a minute. If Ihad the energy I know I would be pacing the room. I am so scared for him I canbarely see straight. The others continue to talk about me and even sometime tome. Of course, I can’t concentrate enough to hear any of what they are saying. My only thoughts are on Michael and my need to see him. 

Finally the door opens and Michael comes walking in the door. He sees me sitting on the other side of the room and stops. Our eyes meet and he comes running over to me falling to his knees in front of me. He puts his hands on either side of myface. “Maria.”He whispers.

I throw my arms around him and pull him as close to me as I can. “Michael. God I have missed you.” I whisper to him, my voice cracking from nonuse. 

He kisses me. To me the world stands still and everyone in the room fades away. He pulls away from me slightly and looks into my eyes, his 
hand coming to rest on my swelling abdomen. “Are you ok, both of you?”

I shake my head. “We are fine, now.” I place my hand on top of his, our fingers interlace.

Max clears his throat. “Michael how was it today?” he asks. 

Michael looks at Max and then back to me. I smile to him letting him know it is ok.“The same as usual.” 

Max nodshis head, clearly understanding what Michael is talking about. 

Michael looks at Isabel and Kyle and sees the look on their faces. “What?” he asks.

“Well she hasn’t said a word since she got here. The doctor said she hasn’t spoken in four months and you walk in the room and she speaks.” Kyle explains. 

Michael looks at me. “Is this true?” 

I nod my head and yawn. I suddenly feel so tired. I guess the strain of worrying about Michael is catching up to me. Michael sees my yawn and can tell how truly exhausted I am. “Come on.” 

He pulls me over to the cot across the room. He sits me down on the bed. “Get some rest.” He kisses me on the forehead as I struggle to keep my eyes open. I can feel him leaving the bed. I pull at his arm.

“Don’t go.” 

“I’ll be back in a minute. I need to talk to Max.” I am too tired to protest. As I am falling asleep I can hear Max telling Michael what the doctor had said.

When I wake up Michael is lying behind me holding me close. I turn around in his armsso that I can look into his face, my fingers tracing the outline of his eyebrows and then his mouth. I wonder if our baby girl will be as beautiful asher father. Will she have his eyes or mine? I hoped she had my nose but not my lips. Michael’s were definitely better. As I touching his lips Michael wakes up and kisses my fingers. 

“You ok?” he asks. 

“I was just wondering if our baby girl will look like you.” 

“Girl?”Michael asks.

“Yeah the doctor says she looks to be a perfectly healthy human baby girl.” 

Michael closes his eyes for a moment. When he opens them I can see tears brimming inhis eyes. I touch his cheek and rub away a tear that has fallen.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

“All my life I have always wanted a family of my own. Your mom and Jim have been greatto me these past few years but it just isn’t the same thing. I can’t believe that now my dream is coming true and it is in here.”

I move closer to Michael placing my head in the crook of his neck. “I love you Michael.” 

“I love you to. Both of you.”

“We know.” I pull away from him wondering if he knew just how close I was to giving birth. “Michael have they told you anything about me?” 


“No,why? Everything is ok right?” He looks worried.

“Everything is fine Michael. It is just that the doctor told me that this pregnancy is advancing much quicker then a normal human pregnancy. He says I should give birth any day now.” 

“What?” Michael shouts sitting up in bed. He wakes the others. 

“Michael, Jesus. What are you shouting about?” Isabel asks obviously not happy to be awoken so abruptly. 

He just keeps looking at me with this caught in the headlights look in his eyes. 

“Michael it will be ok.” I try to reassure him.

He jumps out of bed and starts pacing. 

“Michael?” Max comes over to him putting his hand on Michael’s shoulder. 

“Not now Maxwell.” He brushes Max’s hand away. “We have got to think of something fast she is about ready to pop.” He says pointing towards me.

“Excuse me?” It is Isabels turn to shout.

“Tell them Maria.” 

“The doctor says that I could give birth any day now. It seems that human/alien pregnancy advance much quicker then humans.” I get up off the bed and stop Michael from pacing.

“Michael, stop. We will be fine.” I wish I were as sure as I sounded.

“God Maria. This isn’t happening. Not here. We need to get you away from this place.” 

“We need to get us all out of here and quickly.” I say and sit back down on the cot.

“What? What do you know Maria?” Michael kneels down in front of me.

“He is going to kill you all as soon as the baby is born.” I tell them. 

Part 6

They all share the same horrified look. I think it is something they expected but to hear it voiced and knowing that their time was coming near was more than any of them could quite grasp.  Kyle holds Isabel in his arms as she cries. Jim has one hand on Kyle’s shoulder and another on Max’s. And Michael just holds me close as he looks on at his family.

“What do we do now Max?” Isabel finally able to speak asks.

Max looks at his sister and the rest of his family and shakes his head. “I honestly don’t know.”

Suddenly I feel totally exhausted. Months of worrying about Michael, the baby and the others finally catch up to me. I nod my head towards the cot to Michael indicating that I need to lie down. He settles me on the cot to sleep and once again moves to leave me to go talk with the others. I stop him.

“No. Stay with me. Tomorrow we will deal with this. Ok?”

Michael nods his head and kisses me on the forehead. He settles in behind me once again pulling me close. I see the others follow our lead and go to their own cots to sleep.

I am sound asleep having a wonderful dream about Michael and I with the baby playing at the beach when suddenly I see Liz standing in the background. Suddenly it doesn’t seem like a dream anymore and then everything fades away except for Liz and myself.

“Maria. Thank God.”

“Liz?” I ask. I can’t believe that it is really her.

“We have been trying for days to reach at least on of you.”

“Liz? Is it really you? How?” I voice the questions flowing through my head.

Liz reaches for me and envelops me in a hug as if to show me that it really is her and that this isn’t a dream.

“It is a long story. With a little help from a friend I was able to get to you. Basically when Max healed me he changed something in me. I was able to reach Max once before with Isabel’s help and it saved his life. We didn’t know if it would work this time. Ava doesn’t have the same powers as Isabel but we thought it was worth a shot.”

“Ava?”

“Another long story but to make it simple she is Tess’s Dupe.”

I shake my head and give Liz a confused stare. For the life of me I can’t remember who Tess is.

“Tess is the one who betrayed us. Who killed Alex?” she whispers a tear running down her face. She wipes it away quickly and then looks up at me again. “But Ava isn’t like that. She is our friend. Thank God we were able to find her.”

“How?” I have so many questions rolling through my head. Kyle told me a lot of stories about what happened years before but there is still so much I don’t know. Father really wasn’t as smart as he thought he was. He really knew nothing.

“With Laurie Dupree’s money and Sean’s umm… connections, we were able to locate Ava.” More names that I know I should know but seem to just bounce around in my head. Maybe it is the blond thing finally catching up with me. It suddenly hits me who Laurie is.

“Michael’s sister right?” Liz nods her head enthusiastically.

“And Sean. Sean Deluca your cousin.” Liz adds

Cousin. Sean. Not the curly head kid who was constantly in trouble and always picking on me when I was a little girl. The fog of my brain starts to clear up and I remember my mom telling me about him.

“Sean… wait a minute isn’t he is jail?” I ask remembering that my Mom said he got into trouble years ago and just never seemed to get straightened out.

Liz shakes her head. “No he got out awhile ago. He is really trying to turn his life around but thank god he still has some of his contacts.”

I start to get dizzy. I think I am going through information overload. I really didn’t think that was possible after all I have lived through. Liz notices my unsteadiness and puts her arms around me.

“Are you ok Maria? Are you all ok?” Liz asks after a few minutes.

I pull away from Liz and look at myself. Here, in this plane or whatever you want to call it, I am not pregnant. It hits me that Liz has no idea what is going on.

“Liz we have to get out of here. Fast. My father is going to kill everyone. Soon.”

Liz gasps and her hands flies up to her mouth. After a second she asks. “Max?”

“He is ok for now Liz but not for long. Can your friends get us out?”

Liz starts to pace. It actually surprises me to see Liz so agitated. She was always the calm one of the two of us. Even when I came back she was always the one who seemed in control. “Ava found someone who can help us. He was resistant at first but Ava convinced him. We know where you are. We just needed to find out if any of you were hurt and if you would be able to help.”

“Father drugged them. They don’t have any powers but they are all healthy and strong enough to fight if necessary.”

“Thank God. “ Liz whispers closing her eyes for a second. I can only imagine the relief she was be feeling for at least that.

“Liz there is something that you should know.”

She looks at me with fear in her eyes. I know she can tell that what I have to say is major.

I try to come up with the words to tell her. It isn’t exactly the easiest thing to say. “Well you see. Things happened. Emotions got out of control. We didn’t think.” I know I am starting to ramble.

“Maria what?”

“Michael and I well we… and now…” I hesitate.

“What?” Liz asks more forcefully.

“I’m pregnant Liz. Really pregnant. Ready to deliver pregnant and as soon as the baby is born Father plans to kill everyone.”

Liz just sits there staring at me for a moment and then it hits her what I said. “What? But it has only been a little over four months!” Liz starts pacing again.

“The doctor says that the development seems to be a lot quicker.” I tell her. Liz continues to pace looking at me with concern in her eyes. “Isn’t it typical that a child of Michael’s would be impatient to be born.” I say trying to lighten up the mood a bit.

Liz has to smile at that but then reality rears its ugly head again and the seriousness of the situation weighs down on us both.

“I will tell them Maria. We will get you out today. I promise that by tomorrow night all of you will be safe.”

I nod my head at her. “We will be prepared.”

Liz starts to walk away but then turns around. “Maria, Tell Max that I love him. Amy and I love you all so much.” She whispers and turns away again.

“Liz wait. We love you to. Please be safe. If anything happens to you or my mom because of me… God Liz I should never have come home.”

Liz rushes back to me and envelops me in a hug. “Don’t say that Maria. Don’t ever say that. You have no idea how much you coming home has meant to all of us. And Michael… Maria, Michael has never opened up to anyone as much as you. Can you really say that you wish you hadn’t come home now that you have found him?”

I shake my head. “No. I love him Liz. God I love him so much. And now we have our baby… But…”

“But nothing Maria.” Liz says vehemently. “Just think about the baby Maria. Think about your future with Michael. I promise you that we will all come out of this ok. We will all be safe. Our friends will make sure of it.”

I look into Liz’s eyes. Whoever is on our side must be extremely powerful for Liz to be so confidant.

“Ok. I will trust you Liz. Tell my mom I love her.” She hugs me one last time and then walks away this time fading away with each step she takes.

I wake from my dream feeling something I haven’t felt in a long time. Hope. I turn around in Michael’s arms and hug him tightly careful not to wake him up. He needs his rest because today is going to be a big day for us all.

Part 7

I have been awake for hours to afraid to go back to sleep. I left the bed that I was sharing with Michael to sit on the floor in the corner where I watch over the people I love, my family. Today we get our freedom back. Today Michael and my baby will get a fighting chance. I rest my hand on my stomach protectively. I am so submersed in my thoughts of what will happen today that I don’t hear Kyle awaken and come sit beside me. He puts his hand on top of mine on my stomach. I jump from the sudden contact.

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you.” Kyle whispers apologetically.

I place my other hand on top of Kyle’s and squeeze his fingers. “You should still be sleeping.”

“I could say the same thing to you, Mama.”

I can’t help smiling at Kyle. I have missed him so much the last four months. “Hope you didn’t go to big brother on him.” I nod towards the still sleeping Michael.

“Only momentarily then I remembered that our mom will take care of him as soon as we get out. Felt sorry for the poor bastard. He was the favorite son until this. I don’t think he will know what hit him.”

I laugh quietly. Kyle may be right. Michael was the apple of Amy Deluca’s eye but that was before he knocked up her only daughter.

“She may be a little upset at first but as soon as she takes a look at her granddaughter I think she will forgive him soon enough.”

I smile at the thought of my mom seeing the baby for the very first time. Then I remember what is going to happen today.

“Kyle, we are getting out of here today.”

Kyle looks like he is about to shout but I put my fingers over his mouth. “Shhh, remember the walls have ears.” I whisper to him. I then explain to him about Liz’s visit and everything she told me. I think at first he wonders about my sanity but then soon realizes that I couldn’t have known the things or people that Liz talked to me about. It had to be real.

“When?” he asks

“Today. Just be prepared. Tell Isabel and your dad. I will tell Michael. Either Jim or Isabel can tell Max. We have to remember to remain calm and not give anything away.”

Kyle nods, kisses me on the cheek and walks over to his wife. I watch as he hugs Isabel tightly and gently wakes her up whispering in her ear. I can tell by her body language the moment he tells her the news. After a few moments she glances over to me and smiles.

The others gradually wake up. I haven’t moved from my spot on the floor. Partially because I am afraid that my legs wont hold me if I try to stand as I am so scared and partially because in my condition it is nearly impossible for me to get up on my own. It was actually quite a feat I was able to get down here in the first place.

Michael is the last to wake. He reaches for me in his sleep and when he doesn’t find me he sits up straight his eyes searching the room for me. I can see him expel a breath in relief when he sees I am still here and in good condition. He comes to sit beside me pulling me tight against him. The others join us on the floor. Jim had told Max only a few minutes earlier so that left me to tell Michael. I pull his hand into mine and place it on top of my stomach. He smiles and looks into my eyes.

“Our baby will be free soon.” I whisper.

Michael knows better than to give anything away. He closes his eyes for a moment then asks “When?”

“Today.”

Michael nods. He doesn’t ask who or how. I don’t think it really matter to him. All that is important is that we are getting out.

Hours pass in silence. The doctor comes in to check on me and is pleased to find my blood pressure down. We are fed and for the most part left alone. I know I am not the only one grateful that Father did not take anyone for testing. Maybe the doctor suggested since my blood pressure was doing so well that it would be best to leave us alone. If so than I am grateful. I just want this day to end.

I don’t know how long we wait but then suddenly the door opens. We expect to see a guard, a doctor or even my father but instead a nappy haired blond headed guy walks in. I know immediately who he is. None of my fathers men ever looked that unkept or out of place. I have to smile. It may have been a long time but Sean Deluca still looks the same. I glance over at Jim and Kyle and see that they have recognized our visitor as well.

“Well what ya waiting on, an invitation? Let’s book.” Sean says with a smirk on his face.

I walk by him and I just can’t resist I slap him on the back of the head.

“Ow M. That hurt and It’s nice to see you to.”

It is surprisingly easy to get out of the facility we are in. When we step out into the fresh air I am hit with the reality that we are free. It is overwhelming and I nearly loose my footing but Michael and Kyle are both there to help me move along.

I glance at the people waiting for us at the cars. Liz and my mom are behind the wheels of the two vehicles. Off to the side is a tattooed, pierced girl who I think may be blond but it is hard to tell with the other colors running through her hair. She has her eyes closed in seemingly intense concentration. I figure that she must be Ava.

As we get into the cars I see a balding man in his forties run from the building. He is shouting for us to move. We barely drive a few 100 feet before our vehicles rock from the force of an intense explosion. I glance back at the building and see that it has been comp