Chapter Nineteen

We got in the Mustang and Michael drove. I swear, give a man a pretty car and he thinks he's Mario Andretti. The little bar that Alex's band was playing in was not much better than a dive. But that was okay, I didn't mind dives. We parked next to Kyle's car and went inside, although I still would have rather been in bed with Michael, I put on a happy face with thoughts of getting back home.

We found their table easily and I introduced Michael to everyone. They were all there and just as anticipated; Max Evans couldn't take his eyes off my chest. I guess it didn't help that the bar temperature was so damn cold I thought they might actually freeze and fall off!

I introduced Michael to the group and was not all that happy with the way Isabel looked at him. We took our seats and some how I got stuck in-between Kyle and that Liz with Max on her other side and Michael was sandwiched between Isabel and Tess with Isabel next to Kyle. This was not exactly what I had been hoping for; it also meant no hand holding underneath the table. But that would look very wrong, unless I go back to my American Gothic town theory…

Before I could protest seating arrangements, the band came on stage. Isabel was right, they were good. I felt the urge to jump up and bang my head a few times, but I didn't. I do have some self-control. I tried to keep my attention on the band and not on Michael which was no easy feat. I physically cringed when I saw Tess whispering in his ear and him laughing. Okay, it really was going to take a freaking miracle for me to get through this night!

Kyle and I split a pitcher of beer and I was drinking two to his one. No one else was drinking but I thought I might buy Liz one to see if that stick would work it's way out of her butt. The constant silent disapproval of me was going to make me get mean. I hoped I wouldn't have to ask Max to dance later just for fun.

I can handle a lot of things. I have handled a lot of things; but seeing Tess with her arm looped through Michael's was almost enough to push me right over the edge. All concentration on the band was shot and I prayed that I might come down with sudden food poisoning and we, as in Michael and I, could leave and get back home to nakedness.

The band took a break and Alex joined us. Isabel introduced him to Michael and I'll be damned but she was blushing. Even in the darkened bar I could see her freaking blush! Okay, between all the women at the table right now, that Liz was looking pretty good. Excuse my while I dry heave for a minute. Alex helped himself to the last half glass of our pitcher and I jumped up to get another one. It's a damn good thing Michael followed me to the bar because I was going crazy.

I pushed the empty pitcher to the bartender and felt Michael's breath on my neck. "Why are you acting so-"

"So what Michael?" I snapped. "Like a jealous girlfriend? Because that's how I'm feeling watching the shit that's going on! How can you act like that? You do realize I'm sitting right there, don't you?" Oh God, I was ashamed. I didn't sound like a jealous girlfriend; I sounded like a wife! Shit! "Hold on. I'm sorry."

"It's an act Maria, remember that." He raised an eyebrow and I think he tried to look down my shirt. "We're acting. We're not really related and I'm not really flirting with anyone. What is real is that tonight, I'll hold you in my arms and make love to you and tell you the things you want and need to hear and they'll all be true. This is just part of the job."

"I don't like this part of the job," I pouted.

"I know," he reached to brush the hair out of my face and then stopped and shook his head. "Not very brotherly. Let Kyle do it."

"I'm not letting Kyle do anything," I fought the smile. "So, how long do we have to stay? Did you find out anything from the 'Roswell 88201' class of importance or can we go?"

"You're going to get angry."

Shit. "What?"

"Have Kyle drive you home, I'm taking the car." He ran a hand through his hair. "I told Tess I'd drive her home."

"You've got to be fucking kidding me!" I nearly shouted. "There is no fucking way in hell-"

"You don't have a choice." Michael's eyes were stern. He was pulling rank on me. Damn! "This is part of the job. She seems like she wants to talk."

"No, she seems like she wants to…" I couldn't even say it.

"Sweet Maria," he met my sad eyes. "Do you really think I would throw away everything we have together for Tess? She's just part of the job."

I nodded and wanted to kiss him so bad it hurt. The bartender returned with my pitcher and I thought about drinking out of it. No, must show manners. We walked back to the table as Alex was leaving to go back on stage. I couldn't even look at Michael.

I looked next to me to that Liz and really wanted to choke her. She held onto Max's hand like it was a freaking lifeline. Sure, I'd seen him cast the occasional glance to the goods all night, but once Liz had caught him, it was all down hill for him. Now he either looked at Liz or the stage. Poor guy…

I chanced a peek at Michael and wanted to throw up. He actually had his arms around both Tess and Isabel! Oh. My. God. This was so not happening. I looked at Kyle and felt absolutely nothing but friendship, so how could…? I swear, if that is Michael acting I'll give him a fucking Oscar. If not, I'll give him the ass kicking of a lifetime. Damn! He caught me looking and he winked. Aww…Okay. I'm good.

The band really did rock and I was sad when it was over. I asked Kyle to drive me home and explained that Michael was taking my car and driving Tess home. Kyle grinned and extended his hand to me. I took it and he bowed. I really liked Kyle. I hugged Isabel good-bye and felt very strange about it. A female friend, one who didn't butcher her husband. Cool. I took a deep breath and went around the table to Max and leaned over hugging him from behind crushing my breasts into his neck. I couldn't help it. I had to.

I caught the half smile from Michael and the glare of hate from Liz and everything was worth it. Kyle and I left and drove home. We parted our ways at the top of the steps and I hoped I was wrong about him being one of 'them'. I didn't ever want to see anything happen to Kyle.

I walked in my apartment and double checked the cabinet for chocolate syrup. Yeah! It was there and I wasn't hallucinating. I walked into the bedroom I now shared with Michael and smiled. So this was what life was about, huh? I took off the sandals and shorts and put on a pair of pink panties; I really was growing up. I undid my knotted shirt and let it hang open except for that one little button. I looked in the closet at all of his black clothes hanging up and felt a sense of belonging in a normal world. Well, normal for alien hunters, but normal none the less. I saw his suitcase tilted against the back wall and out of concern; I straightened it and heard a clunk from inside.

Damn curiosity and that stupid cat! I knelt down and unzipped it. Two things were inside. A videotape and a folder. Hmm...Not too exciting. I started to zip the suitcase back up then I noticed my name on the folder. Maria DeLuca, clear as day and right on front. Damn! I looked over my shoulder and snatched the folder out. I sat on the floor and opened the Maria folder.

Holy shit. This was my life and it was sad. Everything that had ever happened to me seemed to be in the file. I never saw my booking picture before, thank God, that would have given me nightmares for sure! Interesting reading though. Section really does rule the world. There wasn't any mention of my father except for when he died. Michael had known so much more than that. I found my lovely prison days and got goosebumps. It wasn't all in there. Thank God. Dossier? If I can remember correctly I think this is what the folder was. Wow. I had a dossier.

I flipped through the remainder and saw a review form Rena. Oh, this ought to be good. I skimmed it and found out I was: disobedient, a social outcast, unreliable, had below average intelligence and physically and mentally unfit for challenge. Wow! Don't hold back Rena.

If I cared what she thought I might be upset, but for now, she was all but a memory. I'd deal with her again when the time came. I closed the folder but was curious why there were no personal notations about me from Michael. I mean I wasn't expecting to see my name with a heart around it, but still. I felt a little bit of anger rise up in me. I didn't understand why Michael would bring this here; there was no reason to. Michael knew everything about me and I still knew next to nothing about him. All I knew for sure was that I loved him.

I put the folder back and pulled out the videotape. No markings on it and so naturally I thought it was porn.

I shrugged and took it in the other room. I put some popcorn in the microwave and got a soda. Something to amuse myself until Michael got home and could share about his big night with Tess. With a bowl of popcorn on my lap, tape in VCR, I hit play.

The focus was bad at first; I tried to adjust my eyes to see through the grainy picture. Okay, not porn. My head began to swim as I watched an image of myself. Oh God, no…I dropped the popcorn and covered my eyes with my hands, thank God there was no sound. I knew the sounds all to well. I slid to the floor and curled up into a ball. I know I began rocking back and forth and I couldn't stop. Why? Why did he have this? Where did it come from? This replaced any anger I had about the dossier. This was… Unspeakable. My worst time and it was taped.

I didn't hear him open up the door; I didn't even know he was back until I felt those hands on my arms. "Maria?" I heard the alarm in his voice but I couldn't face him. This was the awake version of my nightmares and it was scary as hell. Knowing he'd seen this, I didn't know if I ever wanted to face him. "Maria."

I know he moved away from me and I heard him clicking the TV off, thank God. He sat on the floor next to me and pulled me into him. I was still pissed and the fear on top of it wasn't making it any easier. I didn't want him to hold me. No, I did. Actually I think I needed him to hold me.

"Maria, why…?" He let the answer hang. I guess he realized the question should be coming from me.

I fought to stand up and move away from him. He let me stand but not get away. He kept his arms tight around me. I felt the tears and knew his shirt was soaking them up. "Why Michael? Why did you have that?"

He didn't answer at first but kissed the top of my head. "I told you I searched for you-"

"You searched and came up with that? With a scared girl who tried to slit her wrists on the fucking floor? Did you see the blood on my hands? Can you see that in the fucking movie?" I yelled at him and saw the surprise in his eyes. He shook his head slowly. "Why me Michael?" I demanded as I broke away from him. "Tell me right fucking now! What the fuck did you see in that tape that made you want me for this?"

"I saw a survivor," he whispered. "I saw the one I needed. The one I belonged with. I saw the real Maria DeLuca."

"I was as stupid girl back then!" I shouted.

"You were a beautiful girl," he took a step towards me and I took a step back. "You're a beautiful woman." He tilted his head towards the TV. "That's where the nightmares come from."

Was he asking or stating? Right then I didn't think I owed him an answer. "Why is it here? Why did you bring that and the folder here?"

"So they could never be used against you." He lowered his eyes and I went to him. He wrapped his arms around me and held me. Safe.

We stumbled as one back tot he bedroom and he tucked me in bed. I watched him undress down to those skintight black boxers and then he slid in next to me. He spooned my body and his warmth sent me reeling. No one should ever be that warm, he was like my own personal electric blanket.

All the pain that had flooded me watching the few seconds of that tape was fading. I don't know where it was going and I didn't care. Michael was there and he'd keep me safe from the nightmares. I closed my eyes as he draped an arm over me and kissed my neck. I felt his lips moving against my neck but I didn't hear him say anything. I squeezed my eyes shut and again, mouthed the words I longed to say and hear: I love you. I wonder if he was doing the same?

Morning light took away my anxieties. I was still a little bitter about the videotape, no wait, I was pissed! I rolled over and looked at my sleeping Michael. He opened his eyes and I let out a yelp.

"Why'd you do that?" I snapped and then smiled. Never start your morning in a foul mood, ruins your day. "How long have you been up?"

He rolled on his side and faced me. "Since you were humming in your sleep, about an hour ago." He reached to me and I went to him as I always do. "Are you better today?"

I shrugged. "I don't want to talk about it right now, okay?"

"Anything you want Maria," he kissed my neck.

"So, are you going to tell me what happened with Tess?" I wanted to say something mean about her, but I couldn't. Damn! Technically she hasn't done anything purposely mean to me.

"I drove her home." He nodded and I knew there was more. Damn it! Why is there always more? "And she invited to me out to lunch today."

I rolled my eyes. "Why? I mean not why did she invite you, God, look at you, but why are you going?"

"Because Tess is very lonely and she has secrets." He cocked his head to the side. "She wants to talk and I think I can edge her along. I think you may have latched on to a talkative bunch Maria. They view you as a friend thus making me one. I can get them to talk to me. That plus, Isabel asked me to go to lunch today too, but we had to settle on dinner."

"Okay," I ran my hands through my hair and laughed not a nice laugh either. "You are turning into the Slutman of Roswell. Its like you're a porn superhero! I don't know if I like all this covert brother shit anymore. Huh! I don't think I ever did actually."

"I'm not a 'slutman'." The corners of his mouth turned up into a lazy smile. "I'm here to find facts. I have to have facts before I can do anything. If it means hanging out with a couple of women, then I'll do it."

"But-"

"And every night, I will be in your bed." Okay, magic words.

Chapter Twenty

He better be in my bed every night. That is the only option. I don't like anything that's going on around here right now, but hearing him say he'll be home with me every night might make this a little easier. Yeah, right.

I think I might actually have the upper hand here and I might as well use it. What have I got to lose, right? "Okay, so how is it possible you were a virgin?"

He blushed. Woo-hoo! I actually made Michael Guerin blush! He licked his lips and I wanted to pounce on him; plenty of time for that later. I hope. "I never met anyone that I felt I could give myself to. I've dated before Maria, I just didn't feel it was right until you."

Thank God it was me and not Rena. That would have been bad. "But why me? I saw the dossier on me, you know what I was like before, why?"

"What I saw in you was beyond what lay on paper," he ran his hands through his hair and I had visions of an oily body with sand coating him on a beach. God, I wanted him on the beach now. I swear these Michael enhanced daydreams were going to get me in trouble some day.

"Did you ever live outside of Section?" I asked tentatively.

"I have an apartment not far from Section," he grinned and pulled me closer. He undid the one button holding my shirt together. "But otherwise, no, I was raised there." He took a deep breath. "My father brought me to Section when I was about four. He wasn't my real father, he said he was a second cousin of mine, I never knew my real parents."

"Oh…" I felt a sudden new bond with him. His hands moved over my breasts as I lay back against his stomach.

"My father was okay. I mean, he was really great, he taught me everything I know and I was sad to see him die." Michael shook his head. "It could have been my fault…"

Say what? "What do you mean?"

"We were on a mission together, he didn't usually do that anymore. I was in charge, as always," he laughed bitterly. "Something went wrong. We lost communication and then I…I relayed the wrong coordinates back to Section." He inhaled sharply. "I don't know how, I'm never wrong, not on a mission."

"Michael."

"My dad went by those coordinates and it put him in the line of fire." His hands still moved over my breasts but now so lightly it was like soft callousy feathers. "My dad was gunned down because I gave the wrong information to Section."

I turned and curled up on him holding him. Finally I was the one to comfort. I kissed his face and hair. My Michael…So much guilt. "How long ago?"

"A year," he kissed my neck and held me tight. Maybe I had been wrong all along; maybe he really did need me just as much as I needed him. "Maria, I don't make mistakes like that."

I saw where it was going and it scared me. "You think it was planned?"

He met my eyes and I saw the truth. Damn! "My father, who hadn't been on a mission in years, decides he wants to work with his son and I end up getting him killed because of Section's mechanics? After the reality of it set it, I thought it was planned. I knew he never assigned a successor, he just never got around to it, so Section fell into the hands of Mr. Smith and Mr. Smythe."

"Smith and Smythe?" I raised my eyebrows. "Sounds like cartoon characters."

"They're anything but funny, they're the ones backing Rena. They're not your friends." He kissed my lips. "When this is over, I don't know…I don't know if I'll ever go back to Section. It's not what it used to be when my father ran it. "

No Section? Man, what about all the hunt you down and kill you? "I thought that wasn't an option."

"I don't know anything yet Maria," he sighed and signaled the end of the conversation.
His hands were back on my breasts but now they were sliding downward. A little playtime in the A.M.? Always a good. All the badness of our worlds seemed to glide away as I felt my panties being infiltrated.

I slid my shirt off and as he worked my pink underwear down I positioned myself on top of him and got my hands inside of those black boxers. His mouth met my already hard nipples and I relaxed. Oh God, was I relaxed. Maybe everything would be okay while we were here. As long as he came home to me I could handle it. I think.

I slipped him inside of me and my worries dissolved. Just the feeling of having him this close was amazing. I'd never felt more connected to another person in my life. I think he loves me, I smiled at the thought. I rocked on his hips while he held my ass, his lips meeting my nipples every few rocks. This was amazing.

I don't know how long we stayed like that and gently rocking back and forth, it seemed like an eternity. I guess it wasn't really all that long, but time seemed to be standing still for us. I didn't care if I ever moved. I didn't care about anything else in the world right then. Fuck the aliens.

A look on his face and I knew what we forgot. Damn! I shook my head; I didn't want to let him go yet. His expression grew serious as I felt him push me away and then come on my thigh. Damn! This was not part of the fantasy.

"Michael," I said his name softly. "Why…?"

He shook his head and got off the bed, embarrassed? He left the room and returned with a towel. He cleaned me up and kissed the top of my head. "Sorry." He walked away and I heard the shower running.

Okay. I looked around and wondered exactly what was going on. Michael went from Passionman to Distantman in like two seconds flat. All because of a condom? I promised myself I was going to start taking the pill today. I'm sure Section could arrange that without a doctor's visit, right? Maybe I'll drop a line to Rena and see if she could help me out. I'm sure that would make her day. I waited on the bed naked and when Michael came back in the bedroom with a towel around his waist I wanted to jump him again. He smiled that little smile of his and went to the closet. Damn! He was getting dressed for his big date with Tess. Damn!

I watched him dress in jeans, wait, blue jeans? Oh my God, he really was undercover wasn't he? The jeans slid on over that damp skin, and, no boxers. He was going commando for Tess? Things were not looking up for me. One of those tailor-fitted black T-shirts was next and then he slipped on black loafers. Damn! He looked good and here I was in all my nude glory siting on the bed watching him. He ran a hand through his wet hair and I sighed.

"I'm taking your car, do you mind?"

I shook my head. "No, I don't have a big date today." I crossed my arms over my chest but I did make sure I let a little nipple peek through, I didn't want him forgetting about me.

"Maria," he sighed and sat next to me. "This is a job."

"I know but you keep changing the fucking rules!" I pouted. Damn! "You tell me a tiny bit of information about anything and then a whole lot of nothing follows! What are we doing here Michael? Why are we in Roswell?"

"You are an alien hunter." He stated. "You were trained for this. You know what to look for and so far I think you're doing a hell of a job. You might have narrowed things down a bit, now it's just some fine tuning."

"So you think it is Kyle, huh?"

"I don't know. I've only been around him twice. There's a lot of unexplainable things that happen in Roswell, we just have to zero in on aliens and-"

"Then what?" I snapped. "That's what I want to know. Why are we doing this at all? Why isn't there some big bad alien hunter squad if it's so damn important? This is just you and me and I don't have a clue in hell what I'm doing! Why would Section throw me into this and expect me to be able to do it?"

"This was my project," he glanced and the clock and I wanted to punch him. "I asked for it and out of honor for my father it was granted."

"Your father?"

"He knew aliens existed and he always wanted to prove it. It was almost an obsession for him, but he was smart about it. He kept clean and accurate files for years but never got around to doing anything abut it. That's why we're here. To finish what my father started a long time ago." He stood up. "I have to go, but I'll be back soon."

"Before your date with 'I'm engaged Isabel.' Right?"

"It's not a date. We're going to meet Alex later I believe. Will you be here?"

I shrugged. "I don't know."

His eyes smiled at my bluff. Maybe I wasn't bluffing at all, maybe I would call up neighbor Kyle and see if he wanted to go out and play with me. Would serve Michael right…

"I'll be back later," he leaned down and hugged me and I mouthed those words over his shoulder again. Damn! Would I ever get the courage to say them out loud?

After Michael left I took a shower and dressed in cutoff jean shorts, the ones I butchered at Section, and a little thin T-shirt. I walked by the TV and remembered the tape. My hands shook as I reached for the VCR, I didn't even want to think about it let alone touch it.

Five months. I was in there for five months and I wanted to die. When I told Michael about trying to slit my wrist on the floor, I was serious. I would have done anything to get out of there. I had found a semi-sharp piece of flooring and rubbed my wrist until it was raw. It wasn't sharp enough to do any real damage; my wrist never even scared. I hated when I stumbled back to the nightmares and I hated the part of Michael that had watched them. He didn't know everything, which was obvious, that was for the best.

I shook the images and walked to the front door as the knock came. Okay, either Roswell freakiness is soaking into my pores or I heard footsteps. Not sure. I opened the door and it was Kyle. I let him in and at first was offended he didn't stare at my tits, then relived. I didn't need that anymore. I liked it, but I didn't need it.

"Isabel's acting strange," he sat on the couch and I sat on the other end cross-legged looking at him. "I know I barely know you, but I can't go to anyone else with this."

"Strange, how?" Curiosity piqued? Big time.

"She was over early this morning to go running with me and she couldn't stop talking about your brother," he smiled. "I mean, it's strange. She's totally devoted to Alex, once Isabel is involved with something or someone she gives them herself entirely. No room for discussion. But this obsession with your brother is completely out of character for her."

"Obsession?" Man, not Isabel! I really like her!

"This morning she kept talking like she was drawn to him. She said she felt she had known him, like, always. It's strange." He looked at me and I smiled, a fake one, but a smile. "I don't want her to do anything stupid and mess up what she has with Alex."

"Do you think she would?"

"I don't know. I mean Isabel and I are really tight and we can usually talk about anything. Men hit on her all the time, she's a freaking Goddess, but the way she looks when she talks about Michael is…Strange."

"They're having dinner tonight." I glanced out the window. "He said they were meeting Alex later."

When I looked back to Kyle he was shaking his head. "No, Alex went to his friend's house for a couple of days in Ruidoso. Do you know where they're going? Maybe we should meet them. I have to try to talk to her and get her out of this Michael induced haze. Does he have this effect on a lot of people?"

I shrugged knowing all too well about those specific hazes. "He's out to lunch with Tess right now. Is she okay?"

He laughed. "She's harmless. I mean, really. She gets a little lonely sometimes but when you hold out for the…Hold out for Mr. Right, you tend to get that way."

Okay, hold out for 'the'…'The' what? Mr. Right was not what he was going to say, 'the' what? I wanted to shake him until he told me. "She's a hold out, huh?"

"She's had this thing for Max since her and her father moved here in high school. She says she's over him, but…" He ran his hands through his hair in a gesture so similar to Michael. "I don't think she ever got over him. They have some kind of weird bond and I think she's still waiting around for him to leave Liz." He laughed and made the whipping motion. "Like that would ever happen!"

We talked for a while longer and I learned nothing new except Kyle and I had a date tonight to make sure Isabel didn't get too aggressive with my brother. Good God. We agreed for me not to mention it to Michael, but if I could get the place of where they were going it would help.

Great. Wonderful. I sulked around the apartment the rest of the afternoon until Michael came home. I flew into his arms and forced myself to ask about his lunch date.

"She's lonely," he smiled sadly. "I mean, really lonely. I don't think I made any progress except I know most of life and her history of high school romance with Max."

"And now you're going to get ready for the big Isabel date," I let go of him. "So where are you going anyway?"

*         *            *
Chapter Twenty-one

Once again, I watched as Michael got dressed for his 'date', this time with Isabel. He changed out of the jeans into black pants and put on a long sleeve button down black shirt. He slicked his hair back I was trying not to act like the disgruntled girlfriend. But damn, he looked hot! And it was for beautiful Isabel, who happened to have a major crush on him. Not good.

I wished he'd hurry up and go now, so I could get ready for Kyle's and mine date crashing. He kissed me good-bye and promised he'd be back soon and not to worry. I really wasn't worried because I was going to be there. I dressed in a short black number with strappies crossing my bare back that I had bought when I was Isabel. Actually, she had talked me into it. The dress was tight and I'll admit, I looked great in it. I let my hair hang loose and even tried to add a little curl to it. Maybe a curling iron should be put on the list of things I need. A pair of black heels topped it off. I walked across the hall and was met by a very dapper Kyle Valenti dressed to the nines in a dark suit with a tie. Very nice.

"You look beautiful," he extended his arm and I took it.

"You look very nice yourself Mr. Kyle." I smiled and I knew the effect of the red lipstick against my white teeth; I had practiced it many times in the mirror before I left.

He walked me to his car and looked embarrassed. "I guess Michael took yours?" I nodded and he sighed. He opened up the door for me and then got in the other side. "So, where to? I hope we won't be overdressed."

"Saturn something." Damn if I couldn't remember the name.

"Saturn's Moon," he smiled and pulled out of the parking lot. "Nice place. Isabel loves it there."

We drove in silence for a few minutes until I noticed we were coming up on the park and the disappearing-reappearing big fucking dip. Kyle slowed down and I looked at him with my eyes wide. "We're stopping here, why?"

"Isabel mentioned something to me this morning when we were running about you thinking there was a dip. Since we're here, I thought I'd show you were you fell."

I nodded and looked like I accepted his answer. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe I was right. He parked the car and led me by the arm to a place about twenty feet away from where I was the other day.  I looked around and thought the two spots were nearly identical. But Kyle was lying to me and I didn't like it. I knew damn well where I fell and there was a fucking dip. No dip here and no Maria ass-print in the ground.

"You see, nothing." He pointed to the ground and I saw a glimmer of uncertainty. "No dip."

Did he really not know or was he feeling bad for lying to me? Hmm. "Oh yeah, I can see where I got confused. Everything around here looks the same. So what kind of snake was it?"

"What?" A-ha! Same reaction as from Isabel. Those two were definitely hiding something.

"Snake? Type?" I asked as we walked back to the car.

"I don't know," he let me in first. "I didn't get a good look at it, I just saw a snake."

"Max said there were like six different kinds of rattlesnakes in New Mexico," I looked out the window as we pulled away from the park. "I guess I better be careful around here, huh?"

"Yeah," he nodded. "It's always good to be careful in Roswell." I no longer knew if we were still talking about snakes or not. I was thinking not.

By the time we got to Saturn's Moon my stomach was growling. I bet if Kyle had heard it he would have said something, so I guess it wasn't that loud this time. We parked next to my Mustang and Kyle escorted me inside. I put on my Michael-radar and pointed across the restaurant. We asked the hostess to seat us in that area or at least to walk by their table so we could invite ourselves to join them.

The hostess stared at us with one of those 'whatever, freak' looks but did what we asked. I guess Michael may have had his Maria-radar on because were still a good fifteen feet away when he turned and looked at us. Well, at me and it was not a happy look. Shit.

"Hey!" Kyle laughed as we reached the table. "I didn't know you guys were coming here!"

"Are you two on a date?" Isabel smiled and I decided I just couldn't not like her.

"Yes," I answered earning the surprised look from Michael. Jealous? I couldn't tell. Damn!

"Would you care to join us?" Michael met my eyes and I think he was willing me to say 'no'.

"Sure!" Kyle told the hostess. "We're going to join them." The hostess raised her eyebrows and walked away obviously glad to get away from us. Kyle pulled my chair out for me and I sat in between him and Michael, across from Isabel. "So, what're you talking about?"

"Maria, actually." Isabel smiled at Michael then at me. "We were talking about you."

Oh shit. "Me?"

"Isabel was just saying how much she liked having another woman to hang out with," Michael rested his elbows on the table and his chin on his clasped hands.

"Really?" I smiled. "That's so sweet."

"I mean it Maria," Isabel nodded. "You have no idea what it's like never hanging out with anyone except for Tess and that…That Liz!"

I laughed out loud and couldn't stop. Using my pet name for Liz was freaking classic! Once I regained my composure I took a sip from Michael's water glass. "Sorry."

Isabel laughed. "See! This is what I mean! I'm so glad you moved here, you're fun!" She looked at Kyle. "I told you, you guys should hook up."

"Hook up we did." Kyle grinned and squeezed my hand. If either of us had the slightest bit of more than friend interest in the other, now would have been the time it sprang to life. Luckily, it didn't.  

We ordered and our waiter promised our meals would come at the same time. Very nice. I hoped someone tipped him well. The four of us talked about inconsequential subjects until dinner arrived. I picked up on the looks Isabel was sending Michael, but I always picked up on her apprehension too.

"So where are you meeting Alex?" I asked and looked pointedly at Michael. I had to know if he was lying to me earlier of if he really didn't know the fiancé in question was out of town.

"Oh!" Isabel bit her lower lip. "I forgot to tell you Michael, Alex is visiting a couple of friends in Ruidoso."

Michael raised his eyebrows and I know he was getting pissed, at me no less! He had to know that I already knew that tidbit of information. Ha! Serves secret agent man right. A taste of his own medicine. I caught the next glance and it wasn't pretty. Well, I guess it didn't matter that I wasn't on the pill yet now anyway, right?

"So, where are you guys going afterwards?" Kyle baited.

"I don't know, I guess we could go back to my place for awhile," Isabel took the bait and looked at Michael.

What was in that look? It wasn't a predatory look at all. It was almost the kind of look that you'd give an old friend. Isabel Evans seemed to be torn on what to do. What did that mean?

"I better not," Michael smiled coyly. "I wouldn't to get anyone's feathers ruffled."

Feathers ruffled? I don't know if I liked this undercover Michael, I mean sure he was amusing, but…

"Right," she nodded and seemed to fully accept and even seemed relieved at the answer. "You're totally right, Michael." She looked at him as if seeing him for the first time. "I don't know what I was thinking. God…I'm sorry."

"No harm done," Kyle clapped his hands together in a not so smooth attempt to clear the tension. "So, Maria, Michael, do you think you two are going to stay in Roswell?"

"I'll go wherever Maria goes," Michael finally looked at me and I read what he wanted me to out of the sentence. He belonged to me. Even though he was pissed, he was mine. Woo-hoo!

The rest of the dinner conversation was probably somewhat more stifled with Kyle and me lurking there. Oh well, sometimes you have to do whatever's necessary. Michael picked up the tab for dinner and as we made our way to the parking lot I noticed Isabel was walking entirely too close to me.

"What's wrong?" I finally asked.

"Can you drive me home?" She asked quietly. "Do you mind?"

I shook my head. "I don't mind. Is everything okay?"

She shrugged and we met up with Michael and Kyle. I stepped in between them and outstretched my hand to Michael. "I'm going to drive Isabel home, okay?" He handed me the keys without incident. Yeah for Michael!

Isabel and I got into the Mustang after Kyle kissed my cheek. Aww…Sweet. We waited until the men were out of the parking lot before I started the pony.

"Thank you," Isabel sighed and I looked at her. Gone was the self-confidence and aura of beauty queen. She was just a woman now. My friend. "I don't know what I was thinking. I mean, going on a date with your brother?"

"I wondered…" Hell yes! No we're getting somewhere.

"There was just something about him, I don't know what. I was drawn to him and I'm never drawn to anyone like that. I'm getting married to Alex who I truly adore and what was I thinking?"

I listened to her berate herself for a few more minutes before talking. "Are you and Alex having problems?"

"God, no. Not at all. I don't know what to do Maria! Maybe it's just because he's new or I don't know. Tess was hitting on him, but she's pathetic. It's weird. I'd never cheat on Alex, but I feel so drawn to your brother but I don't think it's sexual. It's like we've known each other forever."

Not sexual? Perfect. I guess she didn't have visions of chocolate dipped or candy coated Michael's. I eased into getting directions to the little house she shared with Alex and drove, letting her talk. It was refreshing to hear someone else's problems for a change; even if they were mostly about my boyfriend. Boyfriend? I felt the urge to giggle.

When I pulled up in front of her house the first thing I noticed was the meticulous landscaping. Not a blade of grass was out of place. It almost looked too perfect. "You have a great yard."

"Thanks," she smiled weakly at me. "It's a hobby. I probably spend at least two hours a day in the yard."

I nodded. "You feel any better?"

"I don't know," she leaned across the console and hugged me. "I am really glad you're here, Maria. I think we're going to become great friends. Thanks for listening to me."

I blushed, but it was dark so it was okay. I watched her walk inside her house and then drove back to the flat. I parked next to Kyle and made my descent upstairs. Anxious but not too anxious. I knew I was in trouble, but I wanted to see Michael so bad I could taste him.

I opened the door to the apartment and there he was, sitting on the couch with a scowl on his face. Shit. I set my purse down and kicked off my heels before approaching him. I jumped on the couch and knelt next to him.

"Hi!" I smiled but I didn't get one back. Shit, again. He licked his lips and I wanted to kiss him. That was probably the wrong thing to do right now though.

"Why? Why did you do that tonight? Did you not trust me?" Oh God. He was hurt, didn't see that one coming. "I've shared more with you than I have anyone, ever, and I told you this was just a job. I would always be home to share your bed at night."

"No, it wasn't like that Michael."

"Then how was it? How did it come about that you and Kyle 'hooked up' and conveniently go to dinner the same place you know I'm at with Isabel?"

His feelings were hurt and I wanted to cry. "I do trust you Michael, you're the only one I trust. This was Kyle's idea, not mine."

"Kyle?"

"He thought Isabel was acting a little strange talking about you and shit like that. He wanted to be there so she didn't do anything stupid." I talked with my hands. "That was all. I swear Michael."

He looked in my eyes and he had to see the truth. I watched as the tension leaked out of him. "Why didn't you tell me?"

I shrugged. Damn good question. "I guess I should have, but I don't know why. It seemed like the element of surprise would have a better look."

Michael fought a smile. "I knew my life with you would be full of surprises."

Life with me? That was a big good in the book of DeLuca. "I'm sorry."

He nodded and leaned into me and kissed my bare neck. "You looked amazing tonight."

"Thanks," I grinned as I felt the zipper of my dress go down in back. "Isabel has some feelings towards you." Damn. Why do I bring these things up at the most inopportune time? His hands paused on my back.

"What kind of feelings?" He leaned back and looked at me. "I barely know her."

"She said she's like drawn to you. Like she's known you for a really long time. Does that make sense?"

"I don't think so," he sighed and ran his hands over his face. "Nothing in this town makes sense."

I relayed the episode of Kyle making a point to show me I had the wrong place at the park. "That was strange so I asked him about the snake and got pretty much the same response as I had from Isabel. Neither of them knew anything about the snake because there was no snake!"

"You still think it's Kyle?" He asked.

Whoa. This would be the first time Michael has really questioned me about my suspicions. Does this mean our ride is slowly coming to an end? "I don't know anything except there is definite weirdness and we're in the middle of it. You know, Max did mention to me that him and Isabel were adopted." A spark in his eye. Good or bad? I didn't know yet.

"Really?" Spark gone.

"Yeah." Alrighty, now I know Michael knows a hell of a lot more that what he's telling me, but that's okay; I trust him. Always. "Is everything going to be okay, Michael? I mean with Section, I've been kind of worried about it."

"So worried you actually wrote a letter to Rena requesting birth control pills?" He smiled. "Were you actually planning on sending that?"

"You snooped!" I laughed. "And yes, I was going to send it. Should I not?"

He shook his head and laughed. Then he grew serious. "I don't know what to expect from Section, I'll be honest. Right now I'm not on the top of their list and neither are you. They're not giving us much time to get this done. Remember that this was in honor of my father. Not exactly high priority. Smythe e-mailed me tonight to make sure I was aware of this and that my expertise was needed in others areas."

"Are you leaving?" No! No, please, no!

"Let's go for a walk."

A walk? I was sitting here with my dress unzipped and he wanted to go for a walk? Holy shit! Did he think the apartment was bugged? I stood and turned around so he could zip me back up, then I slipped my heels back on and followed him out of the building. He held my hand then dropped it, I forgot, we're siblings.

"Why are we outside?" I asked.

"I don't know if it's safe to talk anymore in the apartment. I saw someone tonight and I think Section sent them. I didn't get a good look, but to be on the safe side I'll have the apartment debugged tomorrow."

I nodded and thought about Section, Rena in particular, listening to us making love. Sweet justice.

"My father was killed on a fact-finding mission; there should have never been any gunplay at all. I didn't expect it. I know he had things to tell me and that's why he wanted to go. We had to talk far away from Section. When the mission was over we were supposed to make a detour to an undisclosed location for a few days."

"He was killed for what he was going to tell you?" I was intrigued.

"I don't think it was that exactly. I think it was because he did tell me that what he needed to discuss with me might make me want to leave Section for good."

"Do you know what it was? Did he ever give you a clue?"

He shook his head but I didn't believe him all the way. I thought about the tape still sitting in the VCR in the apartment. Damn, it's strange when things like that pop in your head. Did he really bring everything he had on me to protect me? Or was it so no one would find me again? I got chills as I looked at him. Did I still trust him? Yeah, I still trusted him but now I was wondering exactly what Michael Guerin had gotten us both into. This was a hell of a lot bigger than any mission for Section. This really was life or death.

He caught my faraway stare and then looked down the deserted street before he took me in his arms and kissed me. In between kisses he managed to get out a few mind-reading words. Words I'll take to the grave with me. "Sweet Maria, you've become my entire life and I'll die to protect you."

*        *         *

"Damn!" He slammed his hand against the steering wheel. "They're not who they say they are." They sat in a darkened car down the street watching Maria and Michael kiss.

"I told you so," she sat back in her seat with her arms crossed over her chest. A smug smile on her thin lips.

*          *           *
Chapter Twenty-Two


I got chills and broke away from Michael. Something was wrong, I could tell he sensed it too. He ran his hand over his slicked back hair and looked down the street.

"What was I thinking? Damn it! See what happens when I'm around you Maria?" He shook his head and looked towards the flat. "Let's go back inside."

"What's wrong?" I asked, now I was getting scared.

He shook his head and nodded towards the flat. "I don't know but I never should have kissed you out here." He started walking towards the flat and I followed him like an obedient puppy.

I had the chills and all I wanted was to get back inside and have him hold me. Michael opened the door for me and I walked inside immediately turning around to face him. I went to him and he embraced me, always. He walked me to the couch and held me. That's where I fell asleep; in my little black dress with my pretty hair, I fell asleep while Michael held me on the couch. Damn.

"Maria?" I heard the voice but I couldn't quite recognize it. "Maria?"

"Daddy?" I opened my eyes and saw Michael and all his prettiness. Daddy? God, what was happening to me? "Michael."

"Sweet Maria," he kissed my forehead and I felt the strappies on the dress digging into my back. I knew there were going to be very attractive red welts. Nice. No halters for Maria today.

"What now Michael?" Oh God, how could I think about making sense this freaking early in the morning? I looked at the clock on the VCR; it was almost noon. Never mind.

He put his finger to his lips and I remembered that we might be bugged. "Are you hungry? We could eat."

"I'm always hungry." I sighed and stood up. "I need a shower first." I stumbled to the bathroom and struggled with the zipper on the back of my dress. I let it slide to the ground and turned on the shower.

I faced the vanity and looked in the mirror. What I saw was scary, besides the dark circles and bed-head. I was someone new. I mean, I knew I was going through this transformation since I woke up in Section, but now…Now I could see it in my eyes. The newness of me was scary. I still recognized myself and all of my brashness, but my edges had been smoothed down. I had responsibility. I had the chance to make things right. I had someone I loved and I thought he loved me back and I had friends. Real friends that I genuinely liked to be around. Friends that I trusted and who seemed to trust me back. I hoped I'd never have to turn on them. I hoped I was wrong about Kyle. I hoped the alien around here was that Liz. I could do that dissection all on my own.

I felt hands on my bare shoulders as I saw Michael's reflection in the mirror; at least he wasn't a vampire, right? I smiled at my own wit and watched him kiss my neck. He led me by the hand into the steamy shower and lathered me. He washed my hair and I sank against him. Nothing in this life could be more perfect. It was my turn and I lathered the hell out of him with the raspberry gel. So we were both going to smell like fruit, so what? We rinsed and Michael gave me a few minutes of no touching so I could shave my legs. Very considerate of him. See, no one ever thinks about those things when a man and a woman shower together. It can't be all cuddle and lather, there's some serious work that has to be done too!

Michael turned off the water and the cool air hit my nipples. He grinned and reached for my bathrobe. He brought it in the shower and draped it over my shoulders. He stepped dripping wet out of the shower and I stared. I couldn't help it. The water beading on his skin was almost as good as chocolate. Almost. I swear, if it's the last thing I do…

He handed me a towel and I wrapped my hair up in it then my shoulders sank when he wrapped a towel around his waist. Oh well, wet naked Michael chest was a pretty good second prize.

We walked into the bedroom and dressed acting like a normal everyday couple. I wish it were that easy.

"I have someone coming over to look at the cable while we're at lunch." He looked over his shoulder at me as I tried to slide jeans over damp skin. He winked and I knew he meant someone to debug.

"Are they reliable or are they going to rob me?"

"Very reliable. He works for himself."

A-ha! No Section involvement here. Hey, I was getting pretty good at this whole secret-mission type lingo. Maybe Michael had been right and I was the only one who could do this. I put on the T-shirt Isabel bought me, tucked it in and looked at Michael. He wore those crazy blue jeans again and a black shirt. I swear that man has a never-ending supply of black shirts. Maybe for Christmas I'd get him a red one. Christmas? Okay, let's just take one step at a time DeLuca. He put on that Braves hat and I fell in love with him all over again. I didn't want to tell him how silly he looked in the hat because I knew he was only wearing it for me. Maybe silly wasn't the right word; no, I think I was really looking for hot!

I blow dried my hair and put on lipstick. "Ready?"

He nodded and we walked out of the building. Kyle's car was gone, I don't know why that bothered me; it didn't seem to phase Michael at all. I wish Kyle were at home, safe in his little human home. Damn! I hope I'm wrong about him. Please let it be Liz. Please let it be Liz!

Michael drove and I wanted to scream obscenities when he pulled up in front of the Crashdown Café.

"Here? You really want to eat here?"

He nodded and smirked getting out of the car. I shook my head and followed his lead. I hung my head as we went inside and that stupid bell above the door let everyone know we were there. I finally looked up and saw the one person I didn't want to. Oh yeah, it was that Liz. She watched us with narrowed eyes find a table and I wanted to either flip her the bird or stick my tongue out at her, but I didn't. Maria, one. That Liz, zero.

We sat in a booth and ordered. I watched Michael look around the theme restaurant; his eyes were wide with amusement. Oh God, he liked it here.

"So, what brings the two of you in here?" It was that Liz and she was at the end of our table. Damn!

"Lunch," I quipped and gave her one of those toothy smiles.

"Great," her eyebrows scrunched together as she looked from me to Michael. "So, have you guys decided to stay in Roswell?"

"I don't know, maybe." Michael gave her an award-winning smile and if she had been normal she would have melted. Hmmm…I know I did. "I like it here and so does my sister, so who knows. Why? Got a better place for us to go?"

I swear I could read her mind on that one. "This is a great place to live," she smiled back at him. "I'll never leave." She met my eyes and I saw the hate, fear and worry all swirled together. "This a good town full of good people. When strangers move in, I tend not to trust them."

Okay. I nodded and knew I was going to have to think about this one for awhile. That Liz was trying to tell me something and I don't know what or why. What the hell was she talking about? Was I going to luck out and get to turn in that Liz to Section? Ahh…I know I smiled at her, but I really smiling for myself.

I looked to Michael and saw him watching her speak. Was he reading more into it that I was? Was it that Liz and Kyle? I looked at that Liz again and saw all the anger had been replaced with…No, it looked like submission. Could that be possible? Could our covers have been blown? Shit!

"Okay, Liz." Michael looked at her and she must have seen something in his eyes because she backed away. "Thanks you for your candor."

She nodded and walked back to wherever she came from. I looked at Michael who was still looking at where she had stood. "Michael? What the hell was that about?"

"I don't know," he met my eyes and I was scared. Something flickered behind those beautiful spheres that said he knew exactly what was going on. "We don't have much time. Section has put a time cap on us. Either we deliver or we're history."

"When you say history, do you mean they'll write about us because we're so cool? Or do you mean we'll be sleeping with the fishes?" I knew what he meant but I was keeping my fingers crossed. "Okay, how long?"

He shook his head. "Not long, leave it at that." He took a deep breath. "Is Kyle still the best bet?"

Damn! I nodded and hated my job. I make a friend, a real friend, and I have to turn him over. I thought being an alien hunter was going to be cool. Right now it did nothing but suck.

"Okay."

Apparently there was more going on in his head than he wanted to share. Fine by me. I didn't want to hear about Kyle's demise or prodding or anything else that was going to happen to him at Section. I wonder if it was against the rules if I warned him to get the fuck out of Dodge before Section rode into town? Yeah, probably against the rules. But hell, I never followed rules very good. That's why Michael chose me, right?

We ate in near silence. I didn't have anything to say and Michael seemed to be so deep in thought I didn't want to interrupt him. I wonder what the hell he was thinking about. My food was good, stupid theme food, but it didn't matter, I was hungry.
I tried to think about anything besides Kyle Valenti. Which was not so easy when he appeared before me with Tess. She looked as cheery as ever as she said hi to Michael first then me. I noticed Michael was taking a bigger interest in Kyle than Tess and for once, I wish he wasn't.

"Michael," Tess chirped and slid in the booth next to Michael. "I'm glad you're here." She looked to Kyle who nodded. "I was wondering if you might want to go out tonight. Like on a date? Like maybe a movie?"

I looked at Kyle. Oh God, he was trying to keep Isabel and Michael apart. This was a good and a bad. Hell, I didn't know anymore. All the lies and theories were making my head hurt. I would have paid dearly for some aspirin right then.

"Sure," Michael smiled at her and I felt sick. She looped her arm through his and smiled a great big pretty one. So she was still stuck on that Liz's fiancé? You'd never know by the way she was hanging on my…Brother. God, I hated to think that.

"Great! Do you want to pick me up around seven?" She looked to Kyle who offered her nothing but encouragement. Michael nodded and she smiled even wider.

"What do you say Maria? Wanna rent a movie?" Kyle raised his eyebrows at me and I remembered we were 'dating'.

"Sure. I'll let you pick it out. I really haven't rented a movie in years." Finally, the truth!
Kyle and Tess left us and got their own table. I tried to ignore the longing glances from the little blond number to Michael for the rest of lunch. We left as soon as we were done eating.

I didn't have anything to say on the way home. My mind was racing with the subtle innuendoes from that Liz and the upcoming night of dates. Michael was still consumed in his own world and that was for the best. We got inside the apartment and there was a note on the couch:

M. Nothing here, completely clean. You're not losing your edge are you? Ha! Ha! It's all clear and it's good to have you back in NM. Later. V.

Michael read it and smiled while I read over his arm. V? "He's a friend of yours?"

"Something like that," Michael sighed. "I'm not losing my edge."

"Who is V?"

"Let's just say he used to work with Section on some outside consulting. He's trustworthy."

I nodded and had to believe him. I didn't have anything else to go on anymore. We lounged about the rest of the afternoon, apparently we were both lost in our own thoughts. I didn't watch Michael get ready for his date tonight. I didn't even ask any questions. I did however fold up a blanket and pillow and put it on the end of the couch. Didn't want to make it look like I was sleeping with my brother when Kyle came over.

Michael kissed me good-bye and I hugged him telling him silently that I loved him over his shoulder.

Kyle arrived a few minutes after Michael left bearing videos, microwave popcorn and a twelve-pack of beer. Woo-hoo! My kind of date. We settled on a cheesy horror flick that had us laughing more than shaking. With two bowls of popcorn and the twelve-pack gone, we were giddy. Kyle skipped back across the hall to his apartment and returned with another twelve-pack.

"You are a fun girl Maria," he laughed as we clinked bottles. "I know why Isabel likes you so much."

"I like her too. I haven't had a real female friend in a long time," I smiled and thought I hadn't had a real any kind of friend in a long time.

"You've had a lonely life haven't you?"

I wasn't expecting anything like that and it bothered me. I thought about the tape that I removed from the VCR before Kyle got there. That was loneliness. Five months of loneliness. I hated thinking about it, but I think the alcohol was infiltrating my brain. Alcohol really was a depressant. I nodded an answer. "Everyone's been lonely before, Kyle."

"Yeah, but some are more alone," he shrugged. "I don't know why you came to Roswell. I know that there is land owned by a Julia DeLuca just outside town, but it still doesn't make sense."

Julia DeLuca, must be my aunt. "You snooping around about me?"

"I had my dad check out your story when you got here." He drained his beer and reached for another from the cooler sitting in between us on the floor. "You can never be too careful of strangers in Roswell."

I looked at him and realized he had secrets. So many secrets that he was nearly full. I wondered if any of those secrets might spill tonight.  "What doesn't make sense?"

"You." He pointed his bottle at me. "I mean, you mysteriously show up and drop into our lives. Then your brother shows up, one you never mentioned you had before, and everything gets turned upside down." He was beginning to slur his words. "Isabel's acting totally strange towards your brother, Tess is drooling over him, I think he's cool as shit. Liz hates you, I think Max wants to do you and I love you." He blushed. "You know what I mean."

"Yeah, I do." I squeezed his hand. Would he feel different if he were an alien? Would I know by touching him? He felt human. "What did you mean about strangers in Roswell? Do you get a lot of them here?"

"It's the freaking alien capital of the world!" He laughed. "We get every sci-fi trekkie freak in the world coming here. Most of them are totally harmless, but then some…" He shuddered as if recalling a bad memory. "I just wanted to let you know, I think you and your brother will fit in here if you decide to stay." He met my eyes and I could tell he wanted to tell me more. "You two, you're good people."
R>Good people? The guilt washed over me like a typhoon. Not Kyle. Anyone but Kyle. He trusted me and I was going to turn him over. A warning. I had to give him a warning. I didn't want to see him get hurt, or worse. "Kyle, is there anything you want to tell me?"

"Oh God!" He laughed. "You have no idea of everything I want to tell you!"

Once again, not expected. "Okay. So, tell me."

"I can't Maria," he sank into the couch. "I want to so bad, but I can't." He looked at me and I saw the same thing I had in that Liz's eyes. Man, I really fell into the right fucking clique, didn't I? "C'mere." He outstretched his arm and I curled up next to him. "Everything's going to be okay, right Maria?"

I nodded and felt like a traitor.

"Good," he ran his hand through my hair and I absorbed some of his tension. Michael better figure out what the fuck to do and soon. The old Maria wouldn't have cared less about any of these people. This Maria did.

*           *      *



Chapter Twenty-Three

Michael came home sometime after midnight. Kyle and I were still on the couch, and Kyle was asleep. I had been asleep too, but the door opening woke me up. Michael accidentally kicked over a couple of beer bottles and I jumped up with my finger pressed to my lips.

I didn't like the look I was getting from Mr. Guerin. Oh well. I tried to keep my balance as I walked towards him. I wasn't drunk, just buzzed. I think I was drunk before I fell asleep next to Kyle, though. He took me by the arm and led me to the bedroom. He shut the door behind us and I really didn't like the look I was getting now.

"What are you doing?" He demanded.

"Standing. What are you doing?" That's it DeLuca, piss him off a little bit more.

"Damn it Maria!"

I really liked 'Sweet Maria' much better but I didn't think now was the time to tell him that. "It wasn't like that Michael."

"You can't be getting loaded with our prime suspect, okay?"

"He's my friend." I looked down and fought back those stupid tears.

"We still have a job to do and you're compromising things."

I shook my head, no I wasn't. "I'm not compromising anything anymore than you are! Here you are gallivanting around town with these girlie-girls and... And what the fuck are smiling at?"

"You made the word 'gallivanting' sound extremely sexy," he kissed the corner of my non-smiling mouth. "I'm sorry."

"For what?" I snapped.

"For tonight, for just now." He sighed and sat on the bed. "Time is running out Maria and I'm nervous. I don't know what to expect from the next few days. And I really hated coming in here and seeing you with Kyle."

"Kyle-"

"I know, but that doesn't make it any easier." He ran his hands through his hair. "If Kyle is an alien, then we have to be one hundred percent sure. Are you?"

I shrugged. I wasn't one hundred percent sure about anything anymore. "I don't know. He could be. Him and Isabel act awfully strange around each other. And then there's that Liz and her cryptic message today. It could be any of them or it could be none of them. Maybe I was way off base and it's someone else completely. Are you even sure that there are aliens in Roswell?"

He nodded slowly. "I'm positive."

"Okay, well…" I stood trying not to sway from the incredible headache I was getting. "What now? What the hell do we do now? I've told you everything. Kyle and Isabel act strange together around me."

"I know you have it narrowed down," he took my hand. "I'll go by your impressions, Maria. We don't have time to do anything else."

"Damn!"

"I'll have to go with Kyle and Isabel," Michael closed his eyes, "and pray you are right."

"Oh God," I sat next to him. "I don't know anything for sure. Did you hear that part? Maybe it's that Liz?"

"I think you just want it to be Liz," he tried not to smile.

I cocked my head to one side, he was right. I did want it to be that Liz. "Let me sleep on it, okay? Hey, how was your date with Tess? Find out anything new?"

"She's just a very lonely girl. I actually felt kind of sorry for her," he laid back on the bed. "She just wants someone to talk to, I think. I don't know if she really feels like part of the 'group'. I got the feeling she feels more like an outsider. You must have made a good impression on her though. She really likes you. Everyone really likes you."

"I'm a likable person." I rolled my eyes.

"Tonight actually seemed more like a therapy session than a date. I don't think she has anyone she can talk to besides Kyle. She said her and Max dated for like twelve seconds in high school and she never really got over him; she couldn't explain it. She also said I reminded her of Max. I don't know if that's a compliment or an insult, though."

I laughed and my head ached. "Consider the source."

"True." He pulled me down next to him. "I wish we had more time here, I don't want to make any mistakes about this. I can't afford to make any."

I nodded but I didn't exactly know what he was talking about. That seemed to be a growing trend and I didn't care for it too much. Either that or the fact that I had about ten beers before this in-depth talk began. Either way, I knew we were in trouble.

"Kyle or Isabel. Which one?"

I took a deep breath and damned myself. "Kyle." Damn!

"Okay. Why don't you go back out there and see if you can wake him up and send him home so I can sleep in here with you tonight. I wouldn't want to break my promise of being in your bed every night."

I got up and went back out to wake Kyle up. He was almost awake and when I told him he had to go home, he did so compliantly. I made sure he got across the hall okay and inside before I went back to the bedroom. Michael was undressed and laying on top of the blankets. Mmmm…I stripped down and curled up next to him. I knew we wouldn't have sex tonight. Neither of us needed that. We needed to feel safe and the only way I felt safe was in his arms.

"I cut her throat." I said it out loud and then wished I hadn't. Why? Once again, Maria's mouth spoke without consulting with the brain.

"What?" He sat up and looked at me.

"I was in solitary confinement for five months, you know that." I sat up and tucked my knees under my chin. "You don't know why."

"I could never access…"

"I was only there for a month before it happened," I felt warm tears roll down my cheeks. My single worse moment in an already bad world and I was going to share it with the man I loved with my fingers crossed. "When I got to prison I was a loud mouthed little bitch." I met his eyes and saw he was paying complete attention. "I didn't follow the rules, I didn't listen and I fought. I'd fight with anybody that messed with me or even looked at me. There are some real bad women in prison."

"I know," he outstretched his hand to me and I took it.

"One day I tried to take on the wrong people," I used my free hand to wipe away the tears. "They were mean, God, they were mean. I thought my big mouth would keep me out of trouble…" He pulled me closer to him and I curled against his chest. "They grabbed me and took me in the showers." I began to sob. I couldn't help it. "They did things to me…They ripped my clothes off and did things to me. They…They put things inside of me."

"I'm so sorry, baby, so sorry." He kissed my hair.

"I fought them, I fought so hard, but there were three of them and I couldn't get away." My body started to tremble with the images of a horrendous episode. "I struggled and one of them slipped. I grabbed what they were trying to put in me; it was a fucking knife from the cafeteria. I didn't know what I was doing anymore…I was terrified, I hurt and I wanted to kill.

"The one that was closest to me, the one who was sticking things in me, I grabbed her hair and slammed her into the shower wall with one hand. I was like fucking superman. The other two didn't know what to do, they just watched. I got this stupid knife in my hand and I didn't think, I just reacted. I stabbed her in her neck and I tried to slide it across. It was dull so it didn't get very far, but it was enough." I had no idea what he was thinking about me now. Could he still think of me as his after hearing all this ugliness? He smoothed my hair and kissed the tip of my ear.

"She fell and the knife went in further. The other girls ran away and I fell to the shower floor. I don't know if I blacked out or not, but then there was a guard in there. Her name was Sammie and she always seemed like the nice one. She called for medical and I watched as the other woman was taken away. I had blood between my legs and I was scared. I didn't know if I had just killed someone or not."

"Maria," he whispered and held me closer. "Sweet Maria."

I had to go on, I couldn't stop now. "I told Sammie what happened and she reworked my story to make it just a fight. I still got solitary, but I didn't get worse, and yeah, it could have been worse. The woman lived, but she had a nasty scar on her neck, so I heard. She was transferred out before I got out of solitary. That's why I was there, on the tape, in my own personal hell."

"I can't believe…The files didn't go further than a fight that resulted in injury."

"Thanks to Sammie," I smiled thinking about the young guard who saved me a part of myself. She was gone when I got out of solitary too; I never knew what happened to her. "I'm sorry…"

He kissed my lips. "Don't ever be sorry, I just can't believe…The nightmares?"

"Point of origin," I tried to smile and found it easier than expected. "Sometimes they're from solitary and sometimes they're from what caused me to go there. I don't know how, but you take them away." I finally met his eyes and I think I could actually see the way loved me in them. I snuggled in closer and felt an immense weight being lifted. Now I really didn't have anything to hide. Michael Guerin now knew about and owned every bit of me. And he accepted me.

"No one messed with me when I got out. I played by the rules, but rumors of the fight hung over my head. They made me sound like a horrible person, but they also kept me safe. All of the alone time made me weaker and stronger at the same time, if that makes sense."

"It does," he nodded and I knew had he felt a similar reaction to a different set of words.

He held me next to him for the rest of the night and I didn't wake up once. There were no nightmares. Not anymore. Maybe they were banished for good.

When I woke up the next morning I smelled something burning. I jumped out of bed and slipped a T-shirt on before bolting into the living room. There was nothing but the smell coming in from an open window. I looked outside and saw Michael standing over a small barbecue grill. I knew he wasn't cooking anything and I had a funny feeling I knew what he was burning. I went back in the bedroom and looked for the tape. Gone. My dossier? Gone. Michael was burning my past and I felt a sudden release. I sighed and waited for him to come back upstairs. I knew we would never talk about what I had told him last night. I didn't think there was a reason to ever again.

I put on some skimpy bikini underwear and sat on the couch smelling the burning of my history. When I heard a noise outside the door I assumed it was Michael and jumped up to open it. Of course it wasn't him, it was Kyle and he looked like shit.
I let him in and he went to the couch. I sat down about a foot away from him facing him; I tucked my knees under my chin and pulled my T-shirt over them as far as I could. I knew I was still exposed, but it was Kyle and Kyle wasn't a threat.

"I feel like shit."

"I can tell," I smiled. "What's up?"

"I'm a little fuzzy on last night. I didn't say anything completely off the wall, did I?"

I shook my head slowly. "No."

"Okay," he sighed. "Good. Sometimes when I drink I tend to talk a lot and then I have no idea what I said. I just wanted to make sure everything was cool."

"Very cool." Part of me wanted to tell him to run away and take Isabel if she was one too, but I couldn't. I owed more to Michael than anyone else and I had made a promise a while back that I would not let him down.

"Great," he smiled although it was not an entirely convincing one at all. He stood and I followed. He walked to me and hugged me. I could feel his heart pound. "Be careful around here Maria. Tell your brother, too. Things are not always what they appear to be."

I watched him leave the apartment and didn't know what the fuck he was talking about. I looked back outside at Michael who was standing in front of the blazing fire. I had to talk to Kyle again; I couldn't leave it like that. I opened the door and was surprised to see Max there with Kyle. I looked around for that Liz but she wasn't there.

"Max, hi." I smiled totally aware of the thinness of my shirt and the almost non-existence of my underwear. My shirt hit barely below my waist and the way Max stared at me was almost unnerving. If I had cared, it would have freaked me out. I looked at Kyle and saw the grin he had from watching Max leer at me. "What's going on?"

"Nothing at all," Max talked to my nipples. "I was just visiting Kyle."

"Yeah, so come in." Kyle took him by the arm and led him inside the apartment.

I lingered stretching my arm along the doorframe until Kyle shook his head at me and closed the door. I waited in the hallway a few more minutes for Michael, and then I heard shouting from Kyle's. Shit! I couldn't make out the words, but they were definitely in an argument. I stepped back in my apartment and closed the door almost all the way.

I listened and thought I heard my name, but I couldn't tell for sure. Either way, this was not looking good. They must have realized their voices were getting too loud because then there was silence. I waited for at least fifteen minutes until I heard Kyle's door open again. I stepped away from my door and heard Max talking to himself in the hall as he walked down the steps. I shut my door and went in to the bedroom to get dressed.

Once again, some things were going on and I was in the dark. At least I wasn't afraid of the dark anymore.
*   ;      *          *

Chapter Twenty Four


Michael never mentioned what he was burning outside and I'm glad. That part of my life was officially history. I wasn't that stupid girl anymore and I would never go back there again.

We didn't talk for much of the afternoon; we were content in silence. Michael sat in front of the computer for hours and every time I leaned over his shoulder to see what the hell he was doing he shooed my away. Alrighty, a little annoyed but I could deal. I flipped channels on the TV until I got the glare, so I settled on a cheesy movie about high school.

We ate a spaghetti dinner in the kitchen and I could tell something was seriously bothering him. "What's up?"

"Nothing. Everything. The jig?" His attempt at humor was just that, an attempt. I smiled in spite of myself.

"Section?"

"It's time Maria," he rested his elbows on the table and tented his fingers. "It's time to start wrapping this up."

"Wrap it up?" I nearly shouted. "Are you high? We can't wrap up what we don't know!" I looked at him and realized he did know. He was right, the jig was up. Shit!

"I want you to pack tonight," he held up his hand to me before I could question. I hated it when he did that. "Pack what you need, but don't pack up the whole apartment."

"Are we running away?" I heard the trepidation in my voice and it annoyed me.

He shrugged. Thank you for the explanations, Michael! I waited and watched him but he didn't say anything else. Great.

"Are we leaving tonight?"

"No, I just want to be ready because when we go, it might be fast."

We were running away. Damn! "Will we have the alien turned over to Section by then?"

He met my eyes and I wasn't sure if the alien in question would ever be turned over to Section at all. This seemed more and more un-Section like with every passing minute. I didn't understand anything that was going on and I was beginning to resent it. I wasn't stupid and Michael knew he could trust me so why the fuck wasn't he telling me everything? What did he know? Was Kyle already gone? Oh God. I looked to the front door and took a deep breath. "Kyle?"

"Is still next door." He said with absolutely zero emotion.

"What now?"

"We wait. I'll know the time to react."

React? "React to what?"

"Maria, you don't need to know everything, okay? It's safer for you if you don't."

Wonderful.

*        *         *

"You can't be sure!" She yelled in his face. "You don't know anything about them!"

"I saw them." He spoke calmly in the face of irrational.

"This is bullshit!" She shouted and wiped her eyes. "Does everyone believe this crap?" He nodded and she collapsed on the couch shaking her head in disbelief. "Well, I don't think you're right. I know you're not! You've been wrong before, you know!"

"Listen-"

"I'm not listening to another word out of your mouth, got it?"

*        *         *

The phone rang shortly after ten and I almost jumped out of my skin. I lunged for it and answered out of breath. It was Tess and it was for Michael. Damn. I handed him the phone and listened to his one sided conversation.

"Sure…I think that sounds great…You're right, they were very good…At nine…Perfect…We'll see you Friday then. Bye Tess." He hung up the phone and looked at me. "We're going to see Alex's band Friday night, same place as before."

"Okay, the mission is seconds away from being totally over or totally fucked up and you make plans to go watch a band in two days?" I laughed and began to pace. I ran my hands through my hair and felt like Michael must have when he first met me in Section. "Are you insane? Seriously? How much time do we have left before we get hunted down?"

"Less than seventy-two hours." He met my eyes and I wanted to faint.

Seventy-two hours. Not a lot of time. I didn't want to go back to Section a failure. Hell, I doubt I'd ever make it back there anyway. I laughed bitterly, oh yeah, the jig was up and I think I knew less now than I did when I got here. My fears were with Kyle now. I could be wrong. Please let me wrong! Please let me be wrong!

Michael turned the computer off shortly after midnight and went into the bedroom. I followed as I normally did and watched him undress. I swear if this is the last night of me watching him while we played house…Wait a second. I smiled and bolted back into the kitchen. I strolled into the bedroom as Michael laid down on the bed.

"What's behind your back?" He gave me that little smile he had.

I smiled and showed him the bottle of chocolate syrup. He smiled again but this time he wasn't quite as sure as before. I slid my shirt over my head while holding the bottle in-between my knees and then took off my shorts with it in the crook of my arm. I crawled over the foot of the bed and I know the smile on my face was nothing but lascivious. If this really could be one of our last nights here, then by God, I was going to make the most of it.

All those fantasies about chocolate dipped Michael were getting ready to become reality and I was giddy with the thought of it. He watched me as I tossed the cap aside and unsnapped the pour spout.

"Maria?" His brows were knitting together. "What are you doing?"

"Let's just say you're going to be Sweet Michael…" I held that dream in a bottle above him and squeezed. I watched as his nipples got hard from the coolness of the thick syrup.

I set the bottle next to him and smeared the syrup all over his chest, right down to that fine line of hair that led down from his navel. He laughed as I started to lick his chest. Oh God. I was so right. There was nothing better on this planet than chocolate Michael. I squeezed out more syrup and covered his entire body except that pretty face.

My tongue made a path from his ankles to his neck and I watched him clench the blankets in his fists. He was loving this as much as I was, almost! He grabbed my arms and rolled me on to my back with that bottle in his hand and I became his canvas. He was much more elegant about the placement of syrup than I had been, but hey, it was my fantasy right? He covered my breasts first then kissed off my coated nipples. I tensed in anticipation.

He drew designs on my flat belly and down my thighs and from where I was, it looked beautiful. I leaned up a little more and saw the outline of a heart on my thigh. God, I loved him so much.

He dropped the bottle on the floor and his slippery body molded to mine. He cupped my face with those wonderfully soft callousy coated hands and kissed me. I could taste him through the chocolate and it was complete ecstasy. I don't think I was ever so happy before as I was right now. All this time of dreaming about this and here it was in all it's chocolately goodness.

"I love you." Oh. My. God. Did I actually just say that out loud? Oh God. Maybe he didn't hear me. I opened my eyes and he was looking at me. It should have been a ridiculous sight, him staring down at me with chocolate all over his face. But it wasn't; it was perfect. I can't believe I actually said it to him. All those times of saying it over his shoulder and I thought that was brave. Damn!

He smiled down at me and licked those full lips. "I know."

Okay. That was not exactly the response I was looking for but I guess it could have been worse. 'I know' was not all that bad and along with the smile I was good. Even if he didn't say it back to me, I knew he loved me. I could just tell; besides, I was so damn lovable. Riiiight.

He reached for the nightstand drawer and I really thought about what my plan for birth control was going to be from now on. It was only seconds before he was back on top of me. He slid into me when I didn't expect it and I felt his whole body tense. I know he was a novice at the whole sex thing, but damn, he really did things right. I couldn't wait until he had some more Maria experience under his belt, so to speak.

"You feel so…" he thrust into me again and again. "Good. Everything is so good. I'm never letting you go, you know that, right?"

I nodded and reached my head up to meet his neck. I licked syrup off of his skin and felt a ripple roil through my body. God, I could never ever get enough of this!

He ran his hand through my sticky hair. "My Sweet Maria."

He came moments before I did and we lay there together in the mess we made on my pretty bed. We were covered in chocolate syrup and sweat. I rolled on my side and looked at him. "That was amazing."

He nodded. "I have to agree. Whatever made you come up with the chocolate?"

I thought about telling him how long I've been dreaming about it, but changed my mind. I could keep a few secrets too. We eventually made our way to the shower and took turns scrubbing each other's back. And front and sides… He washed my hair for me again and I thought that this may be the most sensual feeling in the world. To feel those lithe fingers working shampoo through my hair was almost enough to make me orgasm. Again.

We stripped the bedcovers together and I had visions of us doing this kind of thing together all the time. Was I setting myself up for a fall? I didn't know. I guess it didn't really matter. I was living for today and hoping for tomorrow. Carpe diem, I was seizing the day. I was seizing the hell out of it.

By the time we put new blankets on the bed my mind had drifted from Michael to the problem at hand. The aliens. Was it really Kyle? That was beginning to make less and less sense to me. I remembered the photo album and I had met his dad, I don't think his dad was an alien. Maybe Kyle was a crossbreed…God, I was beginning to think like one of those sci-fi movies I hated.  There was more than one, though. I think. Maybe it was Kyle and Isabel and they were setting me up. What was it that Kyle had told me? 'Things are not always as they appear to be'? Something like that. What was he trying to tell me? Was I the wrong track and Kyle knew it? Damn! I wish I were a fucking mind reader, that would make everything so much easier.

I thought about that Liz and her obscure sentences. Town full of good people? She didn't trust strangers? I guess we were the strangers and that was her not so subtle way of saying she didn't trust us. Why? Why would she say that? What did I ever do to that Liz? Was it the looks from Max? No, that would be childish. Was it Michael going out with Tess and Isabel? Nothing was making sense and Michael had looked at her like he saw the exact meaning of her words. What did that Liz really say to Michael? Maybe it's Max. Ahh…A new thought. Plausible no less, with Isabel being his sister. But then… No, I didn't see Mr. That Liz being an alien, I think he was just whipped. Tess? The lonely Tess who only wants to talk. Okay, that made more sense. What about Kyle? Tess and Kyle?

'It's good to have you back in NM.' That's what the note from the mysterious debugger V had said. But Michael said he had never been here before. He had been lying to me and now I was pissed. I looked at him as he lay next to me somewhere in that limbo land between sleep and awake and doubted him.

Did I really doubt him? I think I did. He knew so much more than he was telling and now it was making me crazy. He didn't tell me what he learned from his father, he lied about being here before, he knew what the fuck was going on where I was in the dark. As usual. I hoped he had a hell of a plan and was going to tell me about it before I started having hallucinations of Rena with the can of Raid again.

His breathing shifted from normal to shallow and I kissed the corner of his mouth. I couldn't doubt him. I had to believe him and trust him; he didn't leave me with any other choice. He was my salvation. I'd do exactly what he told me to. Well, except for packing tonight; but we had other things on our minds.

"I really do love you Michael." I whispered against his cheek before I kissed the corner of his mouth and rolled over. I heard him murmur and he spooned my body. Ahh…Just like it was meant to be. I drifted off to sleep and I don't think I'm going to have any nightmares
*         *           *

Chapter Twenty Five


When I woke up Michael's arm was around me and I felt safe. There were no nightmares last night. Nothing bad or evil entered my subconscious at all; I actually think I dreamt about bunnies. Bunnies were nice. I rolled over and curled up against naked Michael chest. He was still sleeping and it gave me a moment to look at him. I mean really look at him.

I studied his eyelashes as they lay motionless and meeting. The smooth skin that lead from his ear down his jaw line. His lips, oh God, those lips. They were so kissable and pouty and I wanted to lick them. Instead I just looked at them and licked my own. It wasn't the same.

He was holding so much back from me and after I had slept on my new theories, I wanted to know. He said I was safer not knowing, though. Did it really matter if I was safe and he wasn't? He'd become my everything; my nourishment, my air and my soul. I could feed off him to sustain my life. I reached a hand towards him and touched those lips. The same lips that told me he knew when I told him I loved him. Those same lips that kept secrets. Damn! Way to ruin a perfectly beautiful moment DeLuca.

I rolled away from him and to the edge of the bed. I felt him reach for me, but I stayed out his grasp. I had given everything I had to this man and he couldn't tell me the fucking truth? I trusted him and I loved him, but the more I thought about it, I didn't like him very much right now. If he was keeping secrets from me to protect me, then damn it! I didn't want his protection. I was so close to the edge of the bed if I took a deep breath I'd probably fall off.

Maybe it was time to put some distance between me and Mr. Guerin. I got out of bed and stepped on the chocolate syrup bottle. The memories of one of my fantasies were fantastic. I looked to the sleeping form of my lover and got a knot in my stomach. Not a good. All the things I thought about before falling asleep last night were weighing me down. I think I knew who the true aliens were and I hated it. Kyle and Tess. I didn't really care either way about Tess, but not Kyle! I hated the fact that Michael wouldn't even tell me what was going to happen to him.

I fought the urge to run across the hall and tell him to get out of town again. I had to keep my trust in Michael; it was the only way. I tiptoed out of the bedroom after snatching up clothes from the floor and made my way to the kitchen where I got dressed. I put on jeans and one of Michael's button-down black shirts and slipped on a pair of black leather mules. I pulled my hair up into a ponytail and put on a pot of coffee.

I was never a big coffee drinker, but I liked the smell and I needed to be awake like ten minutes ago. I watched the coffee brew and when it was ready I dumped sugar and cream in my cup and sipped. I added an ice cube and waited for Michael to get up. I didn't know what he had planned for the day, but I hoped part of it was letting me in on some fucking information! I wanted to know why Michael lied about not being in New Mexico before. If anything, the fact that he lied to me was the worse. That made me think he had lied to me about other things as well. Damn! I slammed the cup down on the kitchen table spilling coffee.

"What'd the cup do to you?"

I spun around and saw Michael and I caught myself before falling back under his spell. He had on those black tight boxers and he was entirely too happy to see me this morning.

"The cup lied to me," I turned back around and crossed my arms over my chest like any self-respecting six-year-old would. He walked around the table and sat across from me.

"I don't think the cup wanted to hurt you," he sighed and rested his elbows on the tabled before running his hands through his hair.

"Well, I think it's time the fucking cup starts spilling more than coffee before it gets tossed on the floor and breaks."

A smile played on his lips, but I wasn't biting. I wasn't in the mood to deal with the subtlety of Mr. Guerin today. "I didn't lie to you, Maria."

"Bullshit." Nice comeback, DeLuca.

"When did I lie?"

"You said you'd never been here before-"

"Roswell. I'd never been to Roswell before. Yes, I have been in New Mexico before though."

I narrowed my eyes at him. Damn! "What about Section?"

"Did I lie about them?"

Okay, this was not going the way I wanted it to, at all. I was supposed to be the demanding one and he was skating around me. It was really beginning to piss me off. "Tell me Michael. And none of this I'll be safer if I don't know shit, either. Tell me what the fuck is going on!"

He was shaking his head and I wanted to hurt him. Okay, not really hurt him but maybe give him a good tongue-lashing. I grinned at my musings and unfortunately he thought I was grinning at him.

"Maria, please. Do you trust me?"

"Of course." I stifled the rest of what I was thinking right then about the doubt that seemed to attack me at the oddest moments. Truly, before anything else, I did trust him.

"Then do just that. Trust me." He reached across the table and took my hand. "I told you before I'd die to protect you…"

Damn! That made everything sound so much worse. I think. Hell, I didn't know anymore.

"What did your father tell you?" I let go of his hand and went back to crossing my arms over my chest.

"Maria. I promise you I'll explain everything when it's over. Okay?" He seemed to look through me and I melted. Damn. How could he keep doing this to me? "Soon. Very soon. I told you, we're running out of time. Everything will be clearer soon."

I glanced at the clock, almost noon. Damn! All this sleeping in was great, but I feel like I missed half a day. Half a day to investigate and figure out what the hell was going on in Roswell. I stood and buttoned a couple more buttons on the shirt. "I'm going out."

"Where?" He stood and looked nervous as hell. "With who?"

"I don't know and by myself."

He shook his head. "Let me come with you."

"Oh no my dear brother, you stay here. Maybe one of your girlfriends will call and invite you over for lunch."

With that the phone rang and wild horses couldn't have kept me from answering it. It was Isabel and she wanted to talk to me. Yeah! I liked Isabel. I watched Michael out of the corner of my eye as I listened to my friend. I hung up and grinned.

"We just got invited to a party tonight at Isabel and Alex's house." I smiled. When he didn't smile back I got concerned. Damn. Nothing is ever good. "What"

"A party? For no reason?"

"No," I sighed. Michael the suspicious. "Something about Tess graduating from somewhere…?" I knew I should have paid more attention.

"Right," Michael nodded. "I forgot. She graduated from cosmetology school. She said something about having a party but she didn't know when."

"Great." I nodded. "Wanna go?"

"Of course." He grinned wickedly at me and now I was sure I had no clue what was going on. All I knew was that I was going to a party and there would be beer, hopefully. I reminded myself to see if ALF next door was going to go.

I left and went shopping. Not exactly investigating, but close enough to make me happy. Okay, it wasn't real shopping, but I did need a few things. I went to the grocery store and the drug store. I bought a plethora of different condoms, which earned me a blush from the teenage boy checking me out. I did stop at a little clothing store and bought a strappy, revealing halter thingy in pink. With jeans, I would look awesome. I bet Michael wouldn't be able to take his eyes off me tonight.

I went back tot he apartment and changed into the new halter and the tightest jeans Michael had brought me when I was still at Section. I strolled past him in the living room as he sat at the computer. I saw him raise his eyebrows and stare.

"You're going like that?" He asked and I could see the approval in his eyes. "Tonight?"

I nodded. "Yeah, why? Is there a problem?"

His turn to nod. "There is a big problem. I think I can see through that." He pointed to the new pink thingy. "Do you still have those bras?" I laughed and he grimaced. "Honey, why don't you put on something else? I don't want all these men staring at you. And I don't want to be distracted…"

I relented and admitted to myself it was a tad revealing. I'll save to for some other time when we're alone…I put Michael's shirt back on and tied the shirttails under my breasts and walked back in the living room. "Better?"

Michael dressed in those leather pants and black T-shirt while I was next door talking to Kyle.

"Isn't this kind of sudden? I mean this party?"

Kyle nodded and he looked nervous. This was not a good sign. "Yeah, I guess."

Shit. "Something wrong?"

He shook his head and then met my eyes. "Is there?"

Oh fuck. How was I supposed to answer this one? There was a big bad something wrong. "Is there something you want to tell me Kyle?" I put my hands on my hips and gave him my stern, yet gentle, face.

"No." He shook his head. "There's nothing I can tell you."

Hmm…Nice change from 'want' to 'can'. Almost missed it. "Are you okay?"

"It's not me I'm worried about." He sighed. "Listen, just be careful. Remember what I said about things being different than they appear okay?" He walked away from me so I assumed our conversation was over.

I went back to Michael and didn't tell him what happened. I would protect Kyle for as long as I could. We heard him leave a few minutes later and after some intense smooching, we followed. Okay, I was still pissed Michael wasn't telling me anything; but I had to believe in him the same way he had believed in me at Section. I owed him that much. I drove and we parked in back of Kyle's car on the street. We walked in the living room and seemed to be greeted almost too friendly. Too much.

Something was off and I couldn't place it. Michael must have sensed it to because I saw the way his eyes scanned the room.

"I'm glad you could come." Isabel was in front of me and I saw the panic in her eyes. She was afraid of something. What? Us? Or afraid for us? I get it; it was Tess and that Liz. Maybe? Damn, it was like working a puzzle but never finding the corner pieces. Isabel hugged me and then I saw her brother's eyes on me. Damn. What a perv.

I looked around for Kyle and instead saw a few other people I didn't know. I helped myself to a beer while I watched Michael help himself to an armful of Tess. I watched as music began playing and Michael and Tess danced. Seriously, I was going to have to give the man an Oscar. The way he held her against him and brushed back her curly hair. Wait, did he just kiss her ear? I was standing and staring when I felt breath on my neck. I smiled thinking it was Kyle. Oh. Hell no, it was Max and he was about two inches away from me.

"Maria, hi." He smiled and he really did have a nice smile. "Having fun?"

"Sure," I took a sip of beer. "Real nice. Lot's of people, huh?"

He nodded and looked around. "Yeah, I don't know everyone here. There's some friends from school of Tess's and some people Isabel knows." He looked around the room settling his eyes on Michael and Tess. I followed but I couldn't watch. "It looks like your brother and Tess are hitting it off. That's nice; Tess needs a boyfriend."

He looked at me quickly, I think he was trying to gauge my reaction. Damn! Did he know Michael was not my brother? I acted accordingly and smiled. "Yeah, I think it's great. My brother has a hard time finding nice girls. I think they look cute together."

I met his eyes and I hoped I conveyed the right message. Two can play at this game Max and I hope I'm a better player. "Yeah, they do. So, you want to dance?"

You have got to be kidding me. I shrugged and looked around the room. "Where's th…Liz? Is she here?"

He shook his head. "Working late, but she'll be here soon." He took my hand and led me closer to Michael and Tess, but not too close.

I caught Michael's gaze and he raised an eyebrow at me. I let Max slide his hands around my bare waist and realized Michael had much better hands. Much bigger, too. I rested my arms on his shoulders and swayed along until I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around, it was Kyle. "Hi."

"May I?" He looked to Max and the tension got so thick I almost choked on it.
Max nodded and let go of me. Kyle took his place and I felt better. He leaned in close and I felt his breath on my ear. It gave me goosebumps and not the good kind. "Stay away from him."

I leaned back and met his eyes and I saw the warning. He was telling me to be careful of Max. Shit! We finished the dance and I followed him through the house to the kitchen. He got me a new beer but we didn't speak. Honestly, I don't think either of us knew what to say. I don't think this was a good. We stayed in the kitchen for a long time watching the various people amble through. Isabel stopped to talk to us as did Alex, both of which seemed to have other things on their minds.

I thought about the seventy-two hour time limit Michael had told me about and cringed; what were we down to now? Two days? For some reason I believed we were going to need every second until the buzzer went off. I drifted back to the main room and found Michael still with Tess. They were huddled together on the couch holding hands. I could almost see the stars in her eyes as she talked.  I didn't like anything about this night and then that Liz was in front of me. Shit!

"Maria," she looked me over and I could tell that smile was forced. "I'm glad you could make it. I see your brother over there is getting pretty cozy with Tess, isn't he?" I nodded. "That's nice. They look good together. Don't you think?"

Okay, hearing this shit from Max was one thing, but from Liz too? It was too much. They knew. I knew they knew and from the look I gave Liz, she knew I knew they knew. Oh God, my brain sounded like an episode of 'Three's Company'.

Liz smiled and walked away. Kyle took my hand and led me outside and away from the smokers huddled against the house. "I don't know why you're here Maria, but please, be careful."

"At the party?" I baited.

"You know what I'm talking about," he shook his head. "Be careful. I like you and I'm getting nervous. We all are."

All? Holy shit! They're all aliens. That's it. I'm in the middle of a clique of aliens and they were going to eat Michael and me for dinner, well, except Kyle, I don't think he would. "Tell me Kyle."

He ran his hands through his hair. "I can't tell you anything! Just believe me."

I nodded as I saw Michael in the doorway. I knew he was staring at us even from the distance and I didn't like that either. I was really beginning to not like much in Roswell. I couldn't wait to leave now, unless of course it was to meet a sudden and violent death. "I have to go, Kyle. Are you okay?"

"I'm not the one you have to worry about," he hugged me and looked at Michael. "Make sure he takes of you."

I nodded and knew our covers had been officially blown. I jogged through the yard as Michael walked down the back steps.  "Let's go." I started walking around the side of the house with Michael following.

"What happened?"

"Our cover's are blown."

"I know." Michael nodded without any surprise at all. Damn! See, he already knew this and didn't tell me. "Not with everyone though."

"We have two fucking days until Section turns us into fuzzy bunny targets and I need some answers from you Michael. I don't like being left in the dark all the fucking time and you are the only one who can tell me anything!" I snapped as we got to the car. "Why can't you tell me?"

"Tess. It's Tess." He said as she slid behind the wheel. "Tess is an alien."

Holy shit. I was right about her? Cool, but how did he know? "But she loves you, how can you turn her in?"

I looked at him and he didn't answer or look at me. Oh God, he wasn't going to turn her in was he? What was he going to do to her? "What else?"

"There's others." He stated and I knew he wasn't going further than that. That means more than Tess and Kyle? Oh man… "Do you trust me Maria?"

"With my life," I took his hand and squeezed. Well, as long as it didn't get me incinerated by a ray-gun or anything.

We drove the rest of the way to the apartment in a halted silence. Our time was almost up and I'd know everything soon. I just hoped I could live with myself, and Michael, when this was all over. I didn't want any more blood on my hands; I already had enough. Even if it was green…

I went to bed and Michael went to the computer. I lay there thinking about a giant countdown clock in front of us.

Chapter Twenty Six


I don't know when Michael came to bed last night, or if he did at all. When I got up he was lounging on the couch in those boxers with his laptop on his lap. I was wearing that pretty nightgown and I sat next to him. His eyes were red and the dark circles underneath were not that attractive. I touched his forehead and he looked at me. Too much was going on behind those eyes.

"Are you …Okay?" I leaned over and kissed the corner of his mouth.

He shook his head. "I don't know." Was he sweating? "I can't find the last piece. It doesn't make sense."

Piece? "Can I help?"

He shook his head again. "I'll find it, but I need to work." His fingers flew over the keyboard. He turned his full attention to the screen in front of him and I watched as he bit his lower lip.

I got up and walked around the apartment not knowing what to do. I wanted to go next door and see if Kyle could come out and play, but that didn't seem like a good idea. I sat at the kitchen table and thought about Tess. Michael had said she was one of them. He had been right all along. They did look human. I mean, really freaking human. There was nothing to give her away physically. A fear of being set up crossed my mind, but why would Michael set me up? And for what? I rolled my eyes at myself. I had to hold true to Michael. He was all I had.

He said Tess was an alien, then so help me God, Tess was one. I couldn't worry about her now; there were other things I had to consider. I got a soda and sat back down. Time to think, you're not stupid DeLuca. Get it together.

Michael's been in New Mexico before and apparently has a friend here. His father was going to tell him something that might make him want to leave Section, except there is no way to 'just' leave. His father was an alien-enthusiast who was targeted by Section so the cartoon characters could take over. Hmm…Seemed irrelevant to this situation. Michael was raised at Section, his real parents were no where to be found. He was a virgin. Okay I don't know if that really had anything to do with it or not either.

He burned my past to protect me. He'd die to protect me. He chose me from a sea of people to help him. He saw something in me no one else did. I fell into the right crowd almost too easily. He could have never predicted that Kyle and I would get along, though. I mean I didn't like Isabel, Max or that Liz at all when I first met them. Still didn't like that Liz and Max, well, he was just a perv. But I think Isabel and I have become real friends. Michael couldn't have known any of this would happen. And Tess, the true alien, I've not bonded with her at all. Damn!

I looked at the wall clock, almost ten. Better than noon. I sauntered back into the living room. "What are we doing today? We don't have much time left."

"I know!" He snapped then relaxed a bit. "I'm working on it." He tapped the computer screen. "I'm sorry. Let's just hang out here today, okay? There's nothing left to do out there."

Nothing left to do? "So it's Tess and Kyle and our covers are blown and we're going to leave town with the aliens and go back to Section?"

He met my eyes but didn't answer. Damn! I knew that plan sounded entirely too easy. He went back to work and I went back to bed. I dozed off and on the rest of the afternoon and settled on watching TV in bed. Michael came in the bedroom sometime after dusk and told me he had ordered a pizza. Had he heard my stomach growling all the way in the other room? I wrapped a sheet around me over my pretty nightgown and went into the living room.

"Make any progress?" I asked trying to sound nonchalantly; but I doubt it worked.

He nodded and grinned. Holy shit! A really big happy grin! I guess everything was good again. The light dancing in his eyes warmed me. Everything really was going to be okay. I could feel it deep inside and it was warm. All the doubts I had in Michael were fading like yesterday's news. I felt a new sense of hope looking at him.

"I need you to pack, okay?" He drew me into him and hugged me. "I promise you that everything's going exactly how it should. I'll tell you everything as soon as I can, you still trust me?"

"Always," I lifted my head towards his and met those full lips for a kiss. A kiss of new beginnings and happy endings.

The pizza arrived and we ate in front of the TV, just like a normal couple. He had slipped on jeans and that Braves hat to answer the door and I found him looking even sexier. I know, I didn't think it was possible either. I on the other hand looked like I was going to a toga party. My ears perked up when I heard noise in the hall. I heard Kyle swear and a thud and I smiled. Michael watched me but I didn't like the undercurrent of his gaze. Damn! Kyle. Michael didn't say anything and I didn't ask. I don't think I wanted to know.

After dinner I put on clothes and began to pack. Michael had stashed some suitcases in the closet at some point and I filled them, leaving out just enough clothes for tomorrow. I wanted to take everything in the apartment with me but I knew I couldn't. I thought about it and hoped I wasn't going to have to live my life on the run. Maybe staying at Section wouldn't be too bad…Riiiight.

It was after midnight when Michael and I went to bed. He held me tight against his nakedness, but there was nothing sexual about tonight. I mean, there was always something sexual going on when we were together, but it wasn't overt tonight. Tonight we snuggled with the promises of ending this thing.

Did I feel like an alien hunter? No, I felt like a woman in love with a man. Aliens? I still didn't know that much about them and I don't know if I wanted to. If they lived happy normal lives like Tess and Kyle, then why hunt them? Neither of them seemed to be a big threat to the world. Hell, what was Kyle going to do? Have a drink and laugh people to death? Or Tess, over-color everyone's hair? Maybe alien hunter wasn't the correct term for me. Maybe I was more like an alien finder and letter-goer. Kind of like catch and release?

I slept soundly and when I woke up in the morning Michael was already awake and packing. I watched him pack and wanted to yell 'I love you' at him. I had told him once and he had not said it back. The more I thought about it, the more it hurt, but I could see it in his eyes. He'd never been in love before either; this was a new for both of us. He caught me watching and ambled back to the bed. He slid under the covers next to me and kissed me.

"Sweet Maria," he mumbled behind my ear.

Deep down I knew we were never going to stay in this bed together again. Another bed? I didn't know, but I hoped. Hoped? Hell I was praying. I couldn't see myself without Michael anymore.

"What now?"

"Today we clean up around here, pack and then tonight we go see the band."

You have got to be kidding me? All this cloak and dagger bullshit and his big plans were to see a fucking band? Oh God. Maybe Michael was a freaking alien, because he wasn't making a bit of human sense. "Are you crazy?"

"No," he said slowly.

"Our cover's been all but blown in our faces. Max and that Liz know we're not siblings, I think Kyle does too." I sat up and pulled the sheet tight across my chest. "I don't know what Isabel and Tess know, but you're sure Tess is a fucking alien and now you want to hang out with these people?" I thought about telling Michael what Kyle had said to me. Stay away from Max. Have Michael take care of me. It had to be that Liz and Max was protecting her. Somehow Isabel and Alex must be caught in the crossfire. It was Tess, Kyle and that Liz. I knew who the aliens were. It made sense now.

Kyle telling me stay away from Max. Of course, he's going to marry one of them; he'd protect her. And Tess, well, that's what Michael said. And Kyle, from the beginning I always thought everything pointed at Kyle. Damn. I was an alien tracker. Yeah, I liked that better. I think I could spot an alien a hundred yards away now.

"We need to go tonight, Maria." I heard the urgency in his voice and knew this was about a lot more than seeing a band play. We were back to life or death and I was scared.

We cuddled and played, but nothing serious, for the rest of the morning. By late afternoon Michael was showered, shaved and looked hotter than hell in black pants and a white T-shirt. I slipped into the bathroom to take a shower for the big night watching the band. Woo-hoo. I wondered if I'd ever understand what the hell was going on around here.

*        *         *

"Are you one?" Michael was holding the barrel of the gun to Kyle Valenti's temple. Kyle was sweating and on his knees in his apartment. "Tell me."

"I don't know what you're talking about." He managed to get out the words painstakingly. "Asshole."

"Answer me Kyle," Michael cocked the gun and dug the barrel deeper into Kyle's skin. "I have to know. Are you one of them?"

Kyle shook his head. "Fuck you."

Michael took a deep breath. "Maria really likes you and I don't want to hurt you. I can't tell Kyle, is it you?"

Kyle squeezed his eyes shut. "Fuck you."

"Damn it!" Michael pulled the gun back and slammed it into the base of Kyle's skull.
He stood and let out the breath he didn't know he had been holding. He looked to Kyle's motionless figure on the floor and felt a surge of guilt.

*        *         *

Michael looked different when I got out of the shower. Something dark was looming over him and I didn't like it. He didn't want to meet my eyes and that bothered the hell out of me.

I dressed in jeans and pink baby tee. I thought about wearing a bra but then decided against it. If this was our last night hanging out with the freaky alien gang, then I might as well be myself. I didn't like playing someone else.

"Ready?" I asked and straddled Michael as he sat in a chair. His hands flew to my breasts and within seconds were underneath the fabric. My nipples said hello to him as they always did and I wanted to grind into him.

He raised my shirt and his mouth went to my flesh. I could feel the heat from him and now I was hot. I arched my back and he followed, supporting me up with his hands while his mouth wreaked havoc on my sex drive. I wanted to strip down and ride him right there on the chair until we were both screaming.

He pulled me closer to him and met my mouth; one hand went back to my breast and kneaded and then pinched my nipple. He ran his finger over and over that hard nub until I thought you could hang something from it. He pinched and pulled some more then went to work on the other one while his mouth stayed with mine.

I felt him unbutton my jeans and his hand slid inside. I felt those agile fingers working their way inside of me and I knew I couldn't take it. I wanted out of those jeans and now! I pushed myself down on his hand and I felt like I was on top of the world. I couldn't take his magic and I had to move away. I knew if I didn't move away now, my clothes and his were coming off and we'd never leave.

I smiled as I felt the blush creep up my neck. Damn! "We better go or I'm going to attack you." I pulled my shirt back down.

He stood and looked at my face, then my breasts. "You are the most incredible and the sexiest woman in the entire world. Remember what I said about wearing bras? Please, disregard. Something's were not meant to be harnessed." He tweaked a nipple through the shirt and I laughed. I can not believe he actually tweaked me!

I grabbed his hand and we walked out of the apartment. I started across the hall to Kyle's but Michael pulled me back. "He's already gone. I heard him leave earlier."

I frowned and he walked me to the car and I noticed Kyle's car was still there. Michael opened my door for me and let me in, who said chivalry was dead? We drove to the bar and parked in back. It was dark with only a small light above the receiving door. I got the creeps back there and held on tightly to his hand. I dropped his hand before we walked inside.

We spotted the table right away and made our way over there. Michael sat next to Tess and I sat next to Isabel. Max leered at my chest, but what was new? That Liz rolled her eyes at me and I wanted to slap her. I looked at Max and he was now looking at my face. I didn't like the look and wish his attention was back on my tits.

I turned to Isabel and she looked strange. She was acting guarded and I didn't like that either. Oh shit. This was it. This was the final showdown, wasn't it? Human versus alien? Whoever's left standing wins? Isabel offered me a weak smile and I took it. She glanced at Michael then back to me; our eyes locked. What I saw in her eyes was frightening. Every inch of my skin erupted in gooseflesh. I looked around for Kyle. "Where's Kyle?"

"Not here yet." That Liz answered and looped her arm through Max's. "He said he was coming with you guys."

I looked at Michael and felt sick. Kyle's car had been in the parking lot at the flat and he wasn't here with anyone so where the fuck was he? Was Kyle already gone? Shit!

*           *            *

Chapter Twenty Seven

Michael didn't meet my eyes and I guess that was a good thing otherwise he might have seen the worry and contempt. I didn't like what was going down around here. Not at all. With Michael determined to be here and now this…Awkwardness. This party was going to have an explosive end and I really hoped no one got hurt. Well, except maybe that Liz…

"So, you two left the party pretty early last night." Max smiled and suddenly I didn't like that smile all that much.

"I didn't even get a chance to say good-bye," Tess pouted. But I caught, and I know Michael caught, that split second glance to Max. Approval. Shit! They were playing games and I think they were winning. Hopefully we'd be able to pull out the trump card.

"I got sick." I blurted out and got the approval glance from Michael. Good Maria.

"Felling better, I take it?" That was Max. Man, he was really pissing me off.

"Much." I think my voice wavered on that part. I mean we were outnumbered four to two; but we had experience and training on our side. We could take them; unless Tess and that Liz whipped out some alien mojo on us.

"I wonder where Kyle is…?" Isabel looked longingly towards the door. Her sweet sad voice changed the tone at the table. "He promised…"

Shit! I knew something was seriously wrong with Kyle now. Damn it! Where the hell is he? God, I hope Michael--No, I can't think that way. Michael would have told me if he was sent to Section, right? Even though he knows how much I like him, even if he is an alien, I don't care about that anymore. Damn, I needed to talk to Michael alone and I saw no opportunity of that coming up anytime soon without being totally obvious. I offered Isabel a shrug and her smile back to me was weak. Man, if having friends means having to hurt them, maybe I was better off alone.

Alex's band took the stage and thankfully all attention was turned to them. I checked everyone's face as they watched and smiled at the stage. That Liz, doesn't she ever smile? Max had a dazed look, like he was watching the band but his mind was a million miles away from here. He started to turn his head and I shifted my eyes to my lap. Score one for DeLuca.

When I thought it was safe to look up, my eyes went to Tess. She was clapping along with the music and now I found it hard to believe that she was an alien at all. She acted more like a pre-school teacher. But Michael was so sure, damn! I met Michael's eyes and couldn't see what he wasn't trying to say. I know there was something in that look, but I didn't get it. I was hoping it was either a 'everything's okay' look or 'I love you so much and I'd die without you' look. Wishful thinking on my part. I looked at Isabel next to me, her adoring eyes on her beloved. I could see how much she loved him and it made me all warm and fuzzy inside. I really liked Isabel; I hoped she wouldn't hold it against me when we turned her friends in. Right, like we'll still be buds after this is over. I rolled my eyes at my stupidity.

I sipped my club soda and did an inventory around the table. No one was drinking anything stronger. Preparing to fight? Man, not having a good feeling about this at all. I tried to catch Michael's attention, but he was in the process of lowering his head to Tess. I watched as she cupped her hand over his ear and talked in to it. I would have given my left lung to know what she was saying.

I wasn't even paying attention to the band anymore. I didn't even hear the music. My mind was replaying too much history and trying to capture every suspicious nuance of the people sitting with me.

I clapped when I noticed everyone else was. A sweat had broken out on my forehead and between my breasts. I hoped no one noticed. Okay, I hoped Max didn't notice because he's the only one who had his eyes permanently fixed on my tits.

Alex joined our table minutes after the applause had stopped and it was nice. His good-natured attitude seemed to put me, and the others, back into a neutral state. I don't know exactly what it was about him, but having him around was kind of like carrying around a little bit of sunshine in a cup. I knew why Isabel adored him. He kissed Isabel and then greeted each of us at the table. His lightheartedness seemed to blanket us all; well, except for Michael. He sat there with his arm around the back of Tess's chair with a severe look in his eyes. I guess no one else caught that subtlety, but the others hadn't been studying Michael as much as I have been. Or had they? Argh!

I managed to ignore Max and that Liz as much as possible. I looked everywhere except at them. Which was actually hard when those were the two people who were constantly staring at me. I finally met Liz's eyes. I didn't see the contempt anymore, or the fear. I saw a woman who was getting married to the man she loved. Oh God, what was I turning into? I think I now hit all all-time 'Lifetime Movie' low. I willed my eyes shut before I could go on. When I opened them back up that Liz was still looking at me, but the contempt was back now. Okay, I still didn't like her. I think I'm going to disregard everything else I thought about her in the last minute as well. Momentary slip.

Alex left the table and went backstage and I looked at Isabel. The smile she had on her face a few minutes ago was gone. The melancholia was back and I wanted to cry. She looked so sad and worried. This was not going to end well. If I thought I had a chance in hell, I'd jump up and run like the wind out of the bar and out of Roswell. Well, I might take a second out to grab Michael by the hand first and maybe on the way out of town make him tell me he loved me. I shuddered and my attention went to Max. He wasn't leering at my tits; he was actually watching Tess with my Michael. Jealousy? Nope, not a chance. He was making sure she was doing everything right, I think. That hardly made any sense though; I mean she was hanging on Michael now, and I swear if those pink pouty lips of hers came anywhere near Michael, I was going to have to bitch slap her back to whatever planet she came from. Whoa, those pink pouty lips were nearing their way to Michael's now, damn! I watched as Michael deflected smoothly and I wanted to jump up and do the wave. I guess Michael knew better. Either that or he didn't feel like listening to me bitch for the next two weeks. I had put my claim on Michael and come hell or high aliens, I wasn't letting him go without a fight. Even with a fight, he was mine.

The band began to play again and I was sucked back into oblivion. I couldn't keep my eyes on any one person. They flicked from Michael to that Liz and then Max and then back to Michael. I looked at the stage and smiled as Alex seemed to play only to Isabel. That was true love. Isabel didn't take her eyes off of him and I wanted to reach over and hug her and tell her I was sorry. Was I sorry I met her? God, no. Her and Kyle were great and they were good friends and I was going to take Kyle away. Damn! Being an alien tracker was entirely no fun at all.

I tried to concentrate on the band and found that I could actually do it. They covered a few songs from the eighties and I noticed I was bopping my head. I had to pry myself away from a fantastic rendition of 'Send Me an Angel' back to the problem at hand. I slyly cast my attention to Michael; he was staring back directly at me. He gave me a small nod. Okay, I must have missed what the fuck that nod was supposed to mean in training because all I could do was raise my eyebrows in confusion back at him. He licked his bottom lip and gave me a slight smile.

I went back to watching Alex and thought about how lucky Isabel was. They'd been sweethearts since high school and one could almost feel the love between them. I tried to think Michael and I might be like that one day. When the band stopped playing I might have been the one who was clapping the loudest.

Alex rejoined us and slammed down a beer he had brought with him. He got absorbed in Isabel and they left the rest of us to fend for ourselves. Alex's band was done for the night; I realized that when I caught the time across the table from Max's Indiglo watch. It was after one and the bar was closing soon. I couldn't believe that we'd been there for so long and still no Kyle. I noticed Isabel had gotten up a couple of times and I wondered if she had tried to call him. I guess she would have said something if she had gotten a hold of him. Shit!

Max stretched and stood up followed by his lap dog, I mean, followed by that Liz. They said their goodnights and left. Tess was right behind them, which seemed incredibly odd to me. Why hang on Michael all night when you're just going to get up and leave with that Liz and Max? Isabel and Alex said their goodnights to us and Isabel hugged me. Her body was tense and the look on her face when she backed away from me told me I should run. Not because I was scared of Isabel, I was scared in general.

I slid over into Tess's vacated chair and looked at Michael. "What the fuck is going on here tonight?"

"I don't know," he shrugged and ran his tongue over his lips. Damn! Why does he do those kinds of things in public? That is so not fair. "You about ready to go?"

"What?" I stared at him and I know my eyes were as wide as flying saucers. "That's it? We pack, we're ready to bolt outta town and you have this hard-on to come see this band tonight and now we're just going to go home?"

"Maria." If he thought just by saying my name I was going to give in, he had another thing coming.

"No. This is crap!" I kept my voice low, but the whisper was harsh. "You have to tell me what the fuck is going on now. Seriously. I can't take it. Plain and simple, all this mystery around you and your reasoning is driving me up a fucking wall. We know it's Tess and Kyle and I think it's that Liz, too. Kyle. Where is Kyle tonight? Do you know?" I got pissed at myself for not asking that first. He really was important to me.

"I'm sure Kyle is fine." Was that a flicker of something strange going on in those pools of mystery?

"Where the fuck is he?" I demanded, my whisper becoming harsher. I didn't care that people were beginning to stare at us. I had to know if Kyle was really okay. He wrapped his hand around my forearm and I got 'the look'. "I will make the biggest fucking scene in the history of making scenes in public if you-"

"He's okay." He said it quietly and quickly shaking his head. He let go of my arm and I got the feeling that I won this round. "Maria, he's okay."

"Really?"

He nodded. "Kyle is fine." He looked over his shoulder. "Now seriously, are you ready to go?"

"This is still not an explainable night," I shook my head. I had butterflies in my stomach, and not the good kind. "Do you promise me Kyle's okay?"

He nodded. "It's almost over Maria. Tonight didn't quite work out the way I planned, I'm sorry I dragged you here." He sighed and took a long drink of club soda. "I thought…Never mind what I thought. They were all playing games tonight. I didn't think…Damn!" He slammed his palm down on the tabletop and about scared the crap out of me. "Out time's almost up and we're going to have to go. I don't want to go without knowing--Without finding out. I can't, Maria."

I saw the urgency in his eyes and heard it in his voice. This was so much deeper than a stupid mission for Section; this was also a quest to tribute a beloved and missed father. I could understand that, hell, I even admired that. But now time was up, the fat lady was getting ready to sing and I didn't think I was going to like her song. Disappointment flooded those urgent eyes; God, please don't let that be defeat. I hated defeat!  "It's not over yet Michael." I shook my head vehemently. "I'm not done here. I told you I'd be the best damn alien hunter ever, and I will. Tell me what to do and I'll do it. I'll bring them in for you bare-fucking-handed if I have to. Tell me Michael. Tell me what to do."

He reached to me and took my hand. He brought it to his lips and apparently we didn't care if anyone was watching. "I knew when I first laid eyes on you that you'd be the one."

I wanted to cringe thinking that he was going to go into that I was 'the one' spiel again.

"You'd accept me for who I was and you'd do everything you could to make this mission a success. You didn't fail Maria, if anyone did, it was me."

Uh-oh. "What do you mean? It's not over yet."

He nodded. "Almost." He ran his hands through his hair in that sexy way he does. "Looking back, maybe I should have told you everything up front."

Double uh-oh. "Michael…"

"You know what they say about hindsight." He laughed and it fell somewhere between bitter and pathetic. "I did what I thought I had to and now…?"

"Now what? What happens now, Michael?" I snapped. "You give up? That's not the Michael I know and love." Damn, I did it again. "You know it's Tess and Kyle and I think it's that Liz. Why else would Max act so strange if it wasn't to protect her?" He only looked at me. "They all just left, and Kyle isn't around, right? Let's go get them and take them in to Section. Then we can call it a wrap and be done with this. We can move on to something else." He met my eyes and I didn't like this look. We weren't moving onto something else. This was it, the end. "Oh shit."

He took my hand again and stood up. He draped his arm over my shoulders and kissed my cheek. "Let's go Maria." He kissed my ear and sighed. "My Sweet Maria."

The dizziness I normally got when he called me that was no where to be found. He hadn't said it the way he normally did, or maybe I just hadn't heard it that way. I heard a big fat defeat imbedded in there. "It's not over Michael. We can still win."

He nodded halfheartedly as we walked from the bar. The parking lot was almost empty as we rounded the side of the building. I looked towards where our car was parked all by itself now with that stupid pale light from the back of the building casting a sickly glow over the shadows. I got the goosebumps before I felt my blood run cold. I stopped walking as did Michael, our attention in front of us.

There were five figures around our car and I could identify them even in the dark. Isabel, Alex, Tess, Max and that Liz. Shit! There were waiting for us. I hoped Michael was armed. I slid my arm around his waist and knew there was no way he could be concealing anything anywhere. We paused and broke free from each other. Michael stepped about five feet away from me. I'm sure that was some kind of tactical movement, but I wanted him closer.

"Incest is best?" Max laughed and looked at Michael. "Put your sister to the test?"

Oh shit. I looked at Michael and was surprised to see him smile. Man, what the hell was going on? I looked to that Liz and Tess and both of them looked kind of nervous. My eyes flew to Isabel and Alex and I saw fear in her eyes. Alex stood close in back of her with his arms wrapped around her waist. I stared at her until she met my eyes and I tried to convey we were friends. She nodded, although I wasn't convinced.

"What are you doing here?" Max called switching his attention back and forth between Michael and me. "Where's Kyle?"

I stared blankly at him. I didn't want to tell him we were here for the aliens and I really didn't know where Kyle was.

"Maria, is he okay?" That was Isabel and my heart broke. I wanted to tell her everything was okay and to make plans to go shopping the next day; but I couldn't do any of that. Not anymore. I had an obligation and I to fulfill it.

"Isabel…" God, I couldn't even get further than that.

"Please," she wiped her eyes. "Is Kyle okay?"

I nodded and prayed that Michael hadn't been lying to me about that. If he was, he was going to get to know my fist extremely intimately. I watched as Isabel's body sagged against Alex in relief. I took a deep breath and caught movement from Tess who was standing on the other side of the car, closer to Michael. Max had moved to in front of the pony resting his ass on the hood.

"I thought we might have had something," Tess said and I felt sorry for her. I actually heard the hurt in her voice. She looked to Michael and, oh shit, please don't tell me that was a tear?

"Shut up Tess." Max spoke without looking at her.
<BR>I stood with my hands on my hips and my legs spread looking at Max. "Don't tell her to shut up." I said it before I thought, what's new DeLuca? I looked at Michael with his raised eyebrows and questioning smile.

"Well, let's see what else she says and how many more lies these two can come up with." Max stood straight and faced me. Man, I hoped this wasn't going to turn into a Roswell version of Smackdown. "Tell me, what are you doing here and what you want."

I looked at Michael but he was looking at Max. Shit. I didn't have a reasonable answer to give him. If I had a gun, I think my trigger finger would be itchy. I had thought the tension inside had been thick, it was nothing compared to what was going on out here. This was going down like an old western; all that we needed now was a horse and a hooker…

"Maria!" That was Kyle's voice and it was coming from the side of the building. "Look out!"

Oh God. We all turned in the direction of his voice and then saw what very well could have been my very own personal nightmare. Standing in the shadows of the sickly light against the building was that red-haired bitch Rena. It was bad enough that she was there, but she was holding a gun and it was pointed only at me.  I froze. I don't know what anyone else did, I don't think I cared. She was gunning for me and me alone.

"Operative DeLuca." She called to me. "You're time's up and I offered to personally come down here and remove you from our payroll."

I really thought I was going to wet myself. I was shaking because I knew this really was the end of the line. No more aliens and no more Maria.

"What are you doing Rena?" Michael asked and stepped towards her.

"Don't move a fucking muscle Guerin," she trained the gun on him for a second, probably for effect. She wanted to make sure we all knew who was in charge. "I have orders, you come with me or you're history."

"What's going on?" I heard Max ask from in back of me. I didn't dare turn around to offer an answer. No one else answered him either.

I saw Kyle walking towards us and my heart leapt. He really was okay and he might have saved my life! No. No way in hell was he getting turned over to anyone. They'd have to go over my dead body. Wait, let me rephrase that…

"So," Rena waved the gun to the crowd in back of us. "This is what you came up with? A bunch of yuppies. Glad to see Section's money hard at work. I'm surprised at you Michael. Section was your life and you blew this ludicrous mission and your future with Section all for a slut like her?"

A slut? Now I was pissed. I looked to Michael, but his eyes were cemented on Rena. I glanced in back of me and saw Isabel, Alex and Kyle. Isabel was holding his hand. I met each of their eyes and knew they were scared. Probably not as much as I was, but scared either way. I looked over to the other side and saw Max, Tess and that Liz had stepped closer together. I wonder whose side they were going to be on.

"Stand down Rena," it was Michael's authoritative voice. "I'm still your superior."

"A few things have changed since you've been down here playing house," she laughed. "I'm now your superior and you stand down!"

She pointed the gun back at me and I looked down to my chest. Oh God, there was a red laser light on my shirt right over my heart. My body began to tremble and I looked at Michael and whispered, "I love you."

"I told you what I'd do to you if you ever came near her again," Michael's fists were balled up.

I don't know exactly what happened. I saw Rena tense as she fired the gun. Michael was in front of me and there was bright flash of light that came from where he was, I think. He lunged with his arms outstretched towards Rena and hit the ground at my feet. I looked to Rena and she was slumped against the building, the gun a few feet away. What the fuck was going on? I saw Max run towards her and pick up the gun. Then I looked down to Michael and I screamed.

His tailored white T-shirt was blossoming with bright red blood over his chest. He had been shot. Oh god, no! I fell to my knees and cradled his head in my lap, tears rolled down my face.

His eyes were partly open, but they closed as he spoke. "I love you Sweet…"

I screamed as I held his motionless body.
*       *        *

Chapter Twenty Eight


I knelt over Michael, my cheek on his bloodstained chest. I was hysterical. I couldn't control the sobbing, I didn't want to. If Michael was dead, then I hoped someone one would shoot me in the head and end it all right now. I didn't want to live without him. I wouldn't live without him.

Everything was moving in slow motion. I rubbed my hands on his face and touched his lips. The lips that said…No! I couldn't handle this. It wasn't fair! I became slightly aware of the others still around, but they didn't matter to me. The only thing that mattered was bleeding. I ran my hand over his chest and felt the small hole in the T-shirt. It couldn't end like this. It wasn't meant to end like this! I felt people moving closer to me and I wanted to scream at them to leave us alone. Maybe I did, I didn't know what the fuck I was doing.

I felt hands on my arms pulling me off of him. I looked through tears to my left and it was that Liz. I turned to my right and it was Isabel. They were both talking at me or to me but I couldn't hear them over my own sobs. I felt hands on my shoulders and I knew that was Kyle. He knelt in back of me and pulled me into him away from Michael. Isabel was yelling at me and I couldn't hear her. All I could hear were those words I had longed to hear. 'I love you,' he really did love me and now it was too late.

I felt the sting across my face and didn't know or care what it was. Isabel's face came into focus and I felt the stinging again. She had slapped me. Isabel had slapped me. Twice.

"Maria!" She yelled. She took my face between her hands and forced me to look at her. I couldn't turn away from Michael; but with enough force I did. "Are you here to hurt us?"

I only stared at her. What was she talking about? I didn't want…Us? I couldn't even form a complete sentence and people were asking me inane questions. Michael was bleeding, he was dying, maybe he was already dead; I couldn't tell and she was asking me questions.

"Maria," Kyle's voice was in my ear. "Help us help Michael. Talk to her." He squeezed my shoulders and kissed the top of my head. "Please Maria, tell her."

I looked to Isabel and shook my head. "Michael…"

"Are you here to hurt us?" Isabel screamed at me and I saw that she was crying too. Those big fat tears were streaming down her face. "Damn it! Answer me!"

"Maria!" Kyle rubbed my shoulders and I must have heard the urgency in his voice.

"No," I sobbed. "I'll never hurt anyone."

Isabel took a deep breath and looked in my eyes. She saw the truth in them and physically pushed me away. They pulled me away from him a few feet. I fought as Kyle and that Liz held me away from my fallen lover. I kicked and screamed and bit at them; but they didn't let go. I watched as Tess came over to me and kneeled at my side and held my hand. Through the tears I saw Max standing close to where Rena was, that gun was still in his hand. That horrible gun that had shot my Michael. Maybe he was with Rena and was going to turn the gun on me next; frankly, I welcomed it.

The rationality of this whole thing was eluding me. I couldn't get past blood-soaked Michael on the ground. His perfectly fit T-shirt was ruined; his hair was out of place. His expression wasn't normal. Nothing was normal! I tried to fight my way up again and felt the force of Kyle holding me back. I was strong and I was crazy and I knew it was going to take a hell of a lot more than a couple people to hold me back from getting to Michael. I turned and bit at the hand holding my arm, I tasted the coppery flavor of blood and met that Liz's eyes while my teeth sank deeper in her skin. I let go of her and thought for sure she'd hit me or something, anything! But she kept her grip on me and didn't let go, her blood trickling down on to my T-shirt. I tried to pry my hand out of Tess's but her tiny grip was astronomically strong. I started to swing with my other hand then felt it being held away from me, it was Alex. Hell, this was beginning to look like a group hug. A group hug in the eye of my nightmare. I turned my attention back to Isabel and watched her as she knelt next to Michael. Her knees against his side.

I didn't know what the fuck was going on. Unless she had a handy set of forceps in her pocket, I had no fucking clue what she was going to do. I didn't think she had ever mentioned she'd had medical training before, but I couldn't put whole thoughts together either right now. All I knew was I had to get to Michael. I had to hold him and stroke his pretty face. I had to tell him he's the only one who knew all my secrets and I couldn't lose him. I had to tell him these things. I had to tell him I loved him. I heard words reverberate in my head; 'I'll die to protect you'. Michael had told me that and now he was proving it. That bullet was meant for me. Damn it!

"Let me go," I said it as calmly as I could through clenched teeth. Maybe if I kept my cool they'd let me go to him. Damn! Why wouldn't they let me be with him? He needed me!

"No." It was Kyle in my ear. "Stay here Maria, you can't help."

"Like fuck I can't," I strained my neck up to see him. "Did you call an ambulance? Did anyone fucking call for help?" I heard my voice raise as some slight coherency sank in. Michael was lying there either dead or dying with a fucking bullet in him and no one was doing anything. I hated each and every one of them. To let him die here in the back of a bar parking lot; no one calling for help, no one caring. "Call someone! Please!"

"Wait Maria." It was Tess this time. "Trust us."

Trust? I couldn't trust anyone but Michael and Michael…Damn! I looked at her blue eyes and saw her tears. I begged to her, "call. Please." I was sobbing again. My body sagged as I watched Isabel. I suddenly sat up straighter as I felt an electrical current inhabit my body, my soul. I gasped and then sat up as far as they'd let me. I felt my now stringy hair being pushed out of my face. It was that Liz doing it with her non-bleeding hand. Oh God…

I turned my attention on Isabel, from where I was I could see her profile and the soles of Michael's black loafers. I sat up straighter until I felt the crush of Kyle holding me down; but I could see more. It was actually more than I needed to see. I saw Michael's face. His beautiful face. So still, so lifeless. Isabel raised his shirt and the blood, oh God, the blood on his perfect chest. The way I used to look at it, I'd never be able to again. All I'd remember about his chest was the blood.

Isabel was running her hands over his skin; her fingers were coated with his blood. Her eyes were shut and I wanted to scream at her. She had no right to touch him like that. That was for me and me only. What the fuck was she doing touching him like that?

"Iz," Max was standing next to her, I didn't even know how long he'd been there. She looked up at him but kept her hands on Michael's chest, slow circles. "I don't know…"

"I do," She turned away from her brother and I was confused. She closed her eyes again and lowered her head. She kissed Michael's forehead and slammed her hands down on him. She looked towards the sky with her eyes wide, her hands perfectly still over his heart.

"Stop!" I screamed and fought to get away. The four people holding me down were now too strong for me. My adrenaline rush was almost over and the shock was taking over. "You're hurting him!" She was hurting Michael even more and I couldn't understand it. Not Isabel! No! Nothing was working out right. Nothing. All I could hear over and over in my head was 'I love you Sweet…" He never even got to say my name again. I'd never hear him say my name again. I begged God to take me there with him. Let me be happy in the next life because without Michael in this one, I had nothing worth living for. "Stop!"

Either Isabel didn't hear me, ignored me or just didn't care. Isabel didn't look at me and she didn't stop what ever the fuck she was doing. What I saw now was the movement underneath her hands. I saw the rise and fall of Michael's chest. Isabel lifted her hands from him and sat back on her butt. She tucked her knees under her chin and clamped her arms around them. Alex let go of my hand and went to her. I watched in amazement as Michael struggled to sit up with his bloody chest exposed.

I felt Tess drop my hand and that Liz let go of my arm. Kyle released his grip on me. I took a deep breath and then scrambled over to Michael on my hands and knees.

"Michael…?" I cautioned as I neared him. He looked dazed and then saw the blood on his chest. He looked to me and I fell into his arms. "I thought you were dead!" I sobbed against his face. "I love you, God, I love you so much!"

"Maria," he wrapped his arms around me and I felt his breath on my cheek. "I love you."

I didn't know what the others were doing; probably watching. I didn't know what the fuck had happened but now I knew we had to get him to a hospital. I ran my hand over his bloody chest looking for the wound, but there wasn't one. Whatever had made Michael bleed was gone. There was no bullet hole there. There was nothing but the smooth expanse of his perfect chest. But I saw the way he fell when the bullet hit him; I saw the blood… I pulled his shirt down and sure as shit, there was a hole in it. I met his eyes and I think I might have actually been starting to put two and two together and not get seven.

I looked over my shoulder at Isabel. She met my eyes and smiled through her tears. She held her hand out to me and I clasped it feeling Michael's blood in-between our palms. Isabel had saved him. It was Isabel; she was an alien and she had saved Michael's life. I looked up to Max and knew it was him, too. I didn't care anymore; human or alien, these people were my friends, guardian angels and heroes.

I let go of Isabel's hand and went back to Michael. "Are you okay?" I asked through new tears.

He nodded and looked past me to Isabel. "Thank you."

She nodded at him and reached for his hand the same way she had mine. I could feel the energy coursing through Michael when they touched. Wait. The light that had knocked Rena on her ass. It had come from where Michael and Michael alone was. What kind of light was it? And what about Rena? There was more strangeness floating around now, but none of that mattered anymore because I had Michael back.

"Rena," Michael looked over his shoulder towards the dropped Rena. "Is she alive?"

Max nodded with cautious eyes. "She's still breathing if that's what you're asking. But I don't think she's going to wake up. Ever."

"What happened to her?" I asked and looked back and forth between Max and Michael. I felt a familiar hand on my shoulder and knew it was Kyle. "Are you okay?" I asked him looking up totally forgetting about Rena.

He nodded and motioned towards Michael. "Nothing a few aspirins can't fix." Michael smiled in return and I was as lost as ever.

"What do you want me to do with her?" Max asked motioning to Rena. Was he asking Michael?

Isabel answered instead. Okay, maybe he had been talking to her. "Wait, Max."

Wait? Wait for what? They didn't know what was going on with Rena, they didn't know about Section. We just couldn't call and have her body picked up. I felt Michael wrap his arms around me and I sunk into his embrace. He kissed my lips and wiped what I presumed was his blood from my face. His blood…Oh God.

I was slowly becoming aware of what may be happening. I don't think my brain was able to make the connection. Turning around I looked at Tess, Max and Isabel. The true aliens. Then I looked at Michael and saw the same. Oh shit, I think my boyfriend is an alien. That's when I passed out.

*            *            *

Chapter Twenty Nine


When I opened my eyes I saw entirely too many faces around me, staring at me. I centered my attention on the one that mattered. Michael. I took a deep breath and thought about what a fantastically horrible dream I'd had. Holy shit! I sat up fast and got an instant head rush. That wasn't a dream I had. That was fucking real!

Isabel, Max and Tess were the aliens. I looked at Michael, and so was…I felt faint again and laid back down on an unfamiliar couch. I put my arm over my eyes and tried to collect my thoughts before I met the crowd again. Fuck it. I sat up and looked directly at Michael. "What the fuck is going on?"

Michael sat next to me on the edge of the couch. "Maria."

"Yeah," I felt like I was on stage. I looked around the room and recognized Isabel and Alex's place. Okay. Now I knew where I was but I still didn't know what was going on. "Why are we here?" I looked at Michael and noticed he was wearing a different shirt. One of those black tailored cut ones, no bullet holes and no blood. He looked like he'd showered too. Damn! How long was I out?

"We brought you here when you passed out," Isabel smiled at me and took my hand as she knelt next to the couch. "We were worried about you."

Passed out? I did pass out. I passed out right after I came to the conclusion that Michael was an…Shit! My mind reeled and I wanted to throw up. I stood and on shaky legs made my way down the hall to the bathroom. I got on the floor and did throw up in the bowl. But it wasn't like a drunk hurl, I did not feel better afterwards. I stood and stumbled the few feet to the sink and leaned on it. I looked in the mirror and realized I looked like shit. My hair was a mess, my eyes were bloodshot and my skin looked unnaturally pale. I was wearing a different shirt too, it was mine, but I didn't know where it came from. My face was clean when I knew there should have been blood on it. Someone had cleaned me up.

I turned on the tap and splashed my face with lukewarm water. I found the toothpaste and brushed my teeth with my finger. Not glamorous but necessary. After taking a few deep breaths I opened the bathroom door and walked back into the living room. I tried to put on an air of confidence, but I'm sure that came up short. Considering everything, I'm positive it came up way short. I sat back on the couch in-between Michael and Isabel. Alex and Tess were in chairs in front of the couch and Kyle, Max and that Liz were on the floor. Instinctively I glanced at that Liz's hand where I had bit her. Nothing. I felt woozy again.

"I'm sorry I bit you." I didn't meet her eyes. I was sorry I bit her, but I had other things on my mind when I did it.

"It's okay," that Liz said and if I would have been looking at her I think I would have seen her smile.

I nodded and took deep breaths. There was going to be a lot to digest and I didn't know if I was up for it or not. I didn't look at Michael now and when he tried to take my hand, I pulled away. I didn't meet his eyes. I couldn't. Not now.

"Rena?" I asked absently directed at Max. Why I picked him? I don't know, but I didn't want to look at Michael. Why'd I ask about her first? Because that was something I could deal with.

"She's gone," Max met my eyes and there was no perversion. Bonus.

"Gone where?"

"Let's just say she's gone for good." Max smiled at me I think I might have liked that smile a little again. Just a little, though. "She won't be back."

I nodded and accepted it. I figured I was going to have to do a lot of accepting here pretty soon so I might as well start with the easy stuff. The big stuff I wasn't sure about yet.

"Okay," I nodded. "So." I didn't even know where to start. I raised my head and looked at Kyle. I saw Michael looking at me out of the corner of my eye but I just couldn't. "Kyle, Are you okay?" I know I asked him that before at the parking lot, but I had to hear it again. He was my friend and I cared.

"I'm fine," he smiled and I wanted to cry. "I'm really fine."

I nodded and waited for someone to say something. Anyone. It was becoming obvious that this was going to have to be a Maria generated conversation. I pulled at the hem of my shirt. "This is my shirt. Where did it come from?"

"Our suitcases," Michael said softly.

Oh. I could hear the hurt in his voice, but I couldn't deal with that yet. I didn't know quite how I felt. Given the circumstances I think it was pretty damn good that I wasn't running out of the room screaming. I didn't understand everything and part of me really did want to bolt. I began to reevaluate my situation as I slid back into this new reality. I looked to the corner of the room and sure as hell, our suitcases were there. "Why are they here?"

"I brought them." Kyle said slowly his eyes flickering between Michael and me. He paused long enough to probably get the approval nod from Michael. "Michael asked me to…in…the…note..."

Oh. Yeah, this was making less and less sense. I'm sure the others all had a fine time catching up and filling in facts while I was blissfully passed out. Nice.

"Maria," Isabel took my hand in hers and it was warm. "I know you have a lot of questions, trust me, so do we."

Say what? "Really?"

She nodded. "We haven't been here all that long." She must have caught on to my annoyance. At least someone did. "We haven't had a lot of time to talk. We were all pretty worried about you. Michael took a shower to…" Oh yeah, she didn't have to finish that sentence. "I cleaned you up and we were all just waiting around for you so we could figure everything out."

"What's to figure out? I thought everybody here already knew what the fuck was going on except for me." I didn't mean to snap at her, but I had to at someone. Right now Isabel was one of the last ones I wanted to snap at. "I don't know if I can even believe any of you." I wanted to look at Michael for the last bit, but that would be giving in and Maria DeLuca did not give in.

"Maria," Michael said my name softly and my brain fought with my heart not to face him. My brain won. "I'm sorry."

Sorry? I wanted to laugh but knew that would totally not help anything whatsoever. Instead I ignored him and actually scooted closer to Isabel. I needed some space right now. "Thank you for cleaning me up." She nodded and I think she felt sorry for me. I know I did. "So Max, when you say Rena is gone for good. Do you mean she's dead?"

Max nodded. "She's been taken care of. That's really all you need to know." He shrugged. "For now, I guess."

"Okay," I nodded. "How are you going to convey this to…You know?" I directed that question to Michael but I still didn't face him.

"I'm working on it. I should be able to hold them off for a few days," he sounded so sad. Damn! "We have her laptop here and I can hold them off for a few days using her passwords."

He knew her passwords? Nothing like being kicked when you're already down, huh? I nodded and felt like throwing up again. This was not the way I pictured this ending. I wanted answers; at least I think I did. But those answers might not be the ones I want to hear. Michael…I didn't know what to feel about Michael. A couple of hours ago I would have died for him, hell, I was willing to die because I thought he did. Now, I didn't even want him to hold my hand. Was I scared of him? No, I don't think fear was exactly it. I was more like really fucking pissed off. I felt lied to and used and I couldn't even get into the whole 'I had sex with an alien' concept. I shuddered involuntarily.

"Maria," Isabel's voice had an almost calming effect on me. It was nice. "I guess you know what we, meaning me, Max and Tess are. Right?"

"Yeah. Don't forget him," I pointed to my lover beside me and I think that came out very bitter. I had a right to be bitter. "I know, I saw what you can do and Max is your brother, so.... Tess? That's what he told me." I motioned to Michael again and shrugged.

"I could feel it in Tess and Isabel," he sighed and I know the expression on his face was pained. My heart broke but I didn't cave. "I knew it was Isabel when I first met her. Tess when I got to know her. I couldn't tell about Max, I thought you had been right about Kyle. You told me they were adopted, that didn't mean they really were brother and sister."

"You thought I was a freakin' alien?" Kyle laughed but was ignored by everyone. Well, everyone except me; I had to smile.

"True siblings," Isabel smiled past me at Michael. I didn't want anyone smiling at Michael right now. I know I sure as hell wasn't going to. "Why are you here? What's Section? I heard the dead woman say something about it in the parking lot. Is that who you work for?"

Uh-oh. I didn't answer her, but I don't think it was my place. This was Michael's game, let him play.

"We did," Michael said and the bile in my stomach was on its way back up. "I can't tell you much more about it, it's classified."

"Who'd you lead here to us?" Max asked sitting up straighter.

"Just Maria and myself. And Rena, but she's not a problem anymore." Michael answered. "This was my show, I ran it the way I wanted to. That's why there's only the two of us."

"I don't think I understand." It was that Liz and for once I agreed with her. "Why did you come here for some organization if you are…One of them." She nodded towards her fiancé.

Oh God. I jumped up from the couch and high-tailed it back into the bathroom. Once again, still not feeling better after throwing up. I ambled from the bathroom to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator door.

"Looking for something?" Isabel leaned over the open door. I looked up and tried to smile. "Something to settle your stomach?"

I nodded and let her pour me a glass of lemon-lime soda. I sipped it and leaned against the counter. "Thank you. For everything." I buried so much into that thank you the real reason was almost obliterated.

"He's just like you are, pretty much." She smiled. "We all are."

I had to look at her again. I mean really look at her. She was an alien. I was standing in her kitchen talking to her and she was from outer space. "I didn't believe him when he told me I was going to be an alien hunter…" Bad choice of words; I cringed as she paled. "That's not true, though. I'm not Isabel. I promise."

"That's why you came here?" She smiled bitterly. "To hunt us?"

I nodded slowly. "That's why I was told to come here. But that's all wrong now. Michael is…He's one of you. I guess this was the only way he could find you…Fuck! I don't know Isabel. I don't know anything." I felt those stupid tears sliding down my cheeks. I turned away from and set my glass down. I felt her behind me and I turned back to face her. Her sweet smile and open arms I stepped into and hugged her. "I'm sorry…"

She stroked my hair. My nasty hair. "You have nothing to be sorry for. If you're not here to hurt us, which I know you're not, then there's nothing to be sorry for."

"I lied to you, I lied to all of you!" I cried. I hated having friends that I cared about.

"Maria," she forced me to look at her. "I've been lying to everyone my entire life. You do what you have to do to survive."

She was right. Oh God, was she ever right. "Thank you." I let out a deep breath and tried to get myself back together. "Did you know about Michael?"

She shook her head and smiled slyly. "No. I mean there was something about him that made me crazy, I mean, I was just drawn to him. Kyle already told me you know about that." She laughed. "I just thought it was good pheromones or something. I never imagined in a million years he was the other one!"

The other one? I raised my eyebrows at her in question. "Other one?"

She bit her lip. "I should wait and tell Michael first. Maria, I know you're mad and confused. I think we all are. Can you come back in the living room and we'll get this straightened out?"

I thought it over for a minute and then asked for a favor before we went back. I followed Isabel and watched as she whispered in Alex's ear. He nodded and took Isabel's place on the couch while Isabel took mine next to Michael. I sat where Alex had been. I didn't want to be so close to Michael.  Isabel was right. I was mad and confused; but most of all I was hurt.

*        *          *

TBC & thanks for all the great feedback from everyone *blushes* happy that you guys are happy :)  

Becky

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