CHOICES AND CHANGES

By Kobe

Summary: Brian de Luca is the Protector. He met Amy and fall in love, and when the time came for the Royal Four to come out of the pods, Amy proved her love to him by staying and helping him protect the Royal Four. Max and Isabel were adopted by the Evans, Tess was adopted by the Sheriff and Michael stayed with the de Luca couple. Maria was the daughter of Amy’s sister, whose death brought Maria to live in Roswell.    

Author’s Note: For its own purpose, the Royal Four came out of the pods as babies. This is my third attempt of writing a fanfic and my first in making it alien-related.

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Part 1

Maria observed the surrounding as they were passing by. This was a new place…a new life. She sneaked a glance at the family that picked her up from the airport. Amy…her mother’s sister…Brian…Amy’s husband…and Michael…their son. Amy embraced her when she first saw her. She was so saddened by her sister’s death. Being the responsible relative, she decided to send for her to Roswell to be with them.

“Would you like to eat first before we head home, Maria?” Amy broke into her thoughts.

“No…I’m fine.” She managed to answer her. Why couldn’t she notice that she didn’t want to talk? All she wanted to do was lie down and blocked everything out. Would she really have to spend the next two years of her life with these people? She couldn’t wait to leave them.

“It would be nice for you to meet Michael’s friend. They usually hang out in this alien-themed cafe.” Amy tried once again.

Maria didn’t respond. Amy wouldn’t listen to her anyway. She already expected that Amy would be annoying…would make her do things that she wouldn’t want to do. Abby, her mother, even though they were not close, knew when and how to talk to her. That was the closest she had been with a person. No…there was another time…but she had long forgotten it. It was a mishap on her part…although she didn’t regret what she had done. But she had to maintain her closed off attitude. That was because deep inside her, Maria knew that she couldn’t let anyone close. No one will know who the real Maria was. She almost laughed at the thought. The truth was…even she herself may never know who she really was.

Amy sighed in defeat. Maria wouldn’t let anyone near her. She knew it would be hard to break through her. She met Michael’s eyes in the rearview mirror and gestured for him to just go straight home.

Brian was just observing. He didn’t want to go all through the getting to know you stuff. He was on Earth for a purpose. And that’s just it.

Michael stole glances to Maria, being careful not to be caught. He could only imagine what she was feeling right now…confused, indifferent and all alone. Maybe he could play the concerned cousin…after all he owed so much from Amy. She was a good mother and really took care of him and Max, Isabel and Tess. He couldn’t imagine a life without Amy. He would be good and considerate of Maria because she was Amy’s niece. They have to make her feel comfortable and loved.

Rounding a curve, Michael didn’t immediately see the car poised perpendicular to their way. On impulse, he swerved to the left and put up the hand break. They skidded not far away. He heard Amy scream and Brian swearing. He saw Maria trying to cover Amy with her body as if she was protecting her.

“Get out of the car, now!” Brian shouted.

Michael bolted out and helped Maria and Amy. They could hear heavy footsteps approaching.

“Michael…go that way…I’ll try to distract them. Bring them where you think was safe. We’ll find each other later.” He looked at Amy and nodded.

“Take care, Brian.” Amy told her husband.

Michael led Amy and Maria away. They ran as far as they could go. He knew some were following them but he couldn’t risk looking over his shoulders. One wrong move and they would be captured. Why of all time, does this have to happen? Now, when someone like Maria would probably ask questions?

They continue running and avoiding those who were behind them. He could hear Amy and Maria breathing heavily. But they shouldn’t stop. Just when he thought they were making a safe distance, Amy tripped on her own feet and landed face down and bawled out in pain. Maria was already down helping her but Amy couldn’t stand on her feet anymore. Her ankle was twisted and she got a bruise on her face due to falling.

“Go…Michael…bring Maria to safety.” Amy commanded.

“No!” Maria was quick to protest.

Michael was puzzled by Maria’s behavior. During the whole time they were running, she never even posed a question. Not that they would answer her anyway. But still, her composure in times of danger was remarkable. She didn’t even panic.

“Just go…Michael, you know what to do.” Amy pleaded.

“We couldn’t leave you here, Amy. Here, let me carry you.” Michael tried to carry Amy but she yanked her hands away.

“You know better than that, Michael. You know the drill, in times like these, it was important for you to be safe.” Amy tried to talk some sense into him.

“There were thick bushes over there…we could hide there.” Maria suggested at the same time helping Michael carried Amy.

“Michael…there’s no use of those bushes. They would surely get us.” Amy was still protesting but let out a small whimper when her ankle was moved. The pain was too much and she felt like fainting. And she felt herself falling into darkness.

Michael placed Amy down gently and let Maria crouched beside her. They huddled together so as to really hide themselves from those who were chasing them. Michael knew how futile it was. He took a glance at Maria and saw the way she placed Amy’s head on her lap and placed her other hand on Amy’s ankle. What was she doing? Touching her ankle might give her more pain, thank God she fainted. She wouldn’t feel anything for now. Maria’s eyes were closed as if in supplication. Sweats were trickling down her forehead. He took note again of how her hand hovered on Amy’s ankle and as he was about to take her hand away, he noticed a faint glow.

He was about to inspect closer when he heard the rustling of leaves and knew that they had caught up with them. He put his arms around Maria and Amy and waited for them to be discovered. Maria didn’t even flinch with his touch. Her eyes were still closed but her other hand was not in Amy’s ankle anymore. Did he just imagine the faint glow before?

As suddenly as they had appeared close, Michael noticed that the footsteps and voices were now fading. They didn’t see them. They were not discovered. He heaved a sigh of relief.

That was when he realized how close he was with Maria. He could smell her hair…his lips almost touching her ear. His arms were around her with her back pressing onto his chest. Michael closed his eyes and felt a sense of familiarity. How could that be? This was the first time he met her.

“Were they gone already?” He heard her soft voice.

“I think so.” He slowly pulled back. In as much as his body wanted to stay close to her, his mind was telling him the opposite. He eased her out of his arms and concentrated on checking Amy over.

“I guess she passed out from exhaustion and shock.” Maria offered her observation.

“No…I think it’s from the pain from her twisted ankle.” Michael said expecting Amy’s ankle to be swollen. He was surprised to see it was not. Maybe it was not as severe as he thought it was.

“Who were those men, Michael? And why did it seem that you were all ready for this kind of thing?” Maria asked him rather straightforward.

“Brian had been on his business for so long and he made some unfriendly negotiations…this may be one of them.” Michael answered without batting an eyelash.

Maria was not easily fazed. “And what kind of business was that?”

“You could ask him yourself…if you really wanted to know.” Michael snapped at her.

“You need not be defensive. I was merely asking…this almost gave me a heart attack…the least you can do was enlighten me with what has happened.” She snapped back.

“Gave you a heart attack? Come on, Maria…you didn’t even panic while we were running for our life…”

Maria cut Michael off. “See…you said so yourself, we were running for our life! What kind of business would make people almost kill other people just because they had an unfriendly negotiation?”

“Look…I don’t have time to argue with you…we need to find our way back so Amy’s ankle could be treated. I hope you could wait until we’ve done that?” As if she could have her answers with Brian, Michael thought.

“Fine. But don’t ever think that we’re finished…you still have some more explaining to do. And I mean you…not Brian or Amy…but you!” Maria said with finality.

Michael was about to retort but thought better of it. Maybe it would not be so bad…spending some more time with his so-called cousin. Hah…they were not cousins…they didn’t have any family relation, whatsoever…but why was his heart rejoicing about that?

Part 2

Michael came out of his bathroom freshly showered. It was a good thing he already had his shirt on. He never expected someone waiting for him, specifically on his bed.

“Maria…what were you doing here?” He sat on his bed facing her, noticing that she was also freshly out of her shower, with her wet curls flowing down her back. Looking at her face, he was trying to see some resemblance from Amy but couldn’t decide which feature. Maybe she took after her father. Or maybe from Abby, he never really knew or seen Amy’s sister, not even in pictures. Abby and Maria were a secret revealed only to them a few days ago.

“I told you we’re not yet finished. I need answers.” Maria said this as she made herself comfortable in his bed by fluffing the pillows up and leaning back on them.

Michael swallowed hard. He had never experienced such tightening in his muscles like he was feeling at the moment. Maria, on his bed, was the epitome of a fantasy coming true. He had never felt anything like this before…not with any woman…not even with Isabel, his destiny. And the strange thing was that…it felt very familiar, as if they had done this before. If this was Isabel, he could easily come up with the answer. Of course, as Brian had told them, they were engaged to be married in their past life. It was possible that they may have been together intimately. But with Maria…he just met her.

“Why didn’t you ask Brian?” He tried not to look at her lips, which at present was very inviting. Cousins…they were cousins…he thought over and over again. Damn it…they were not cousins…they were not!

“Uggh…have you really looked at your Dad? The most he would give me was a stony look that says `go back to bed and sleep it off`…besides, I guess you’ll be more accommodating.” Maria smiled at him that almost took his breath away. This girl was an enchantress.

“What’s with you? You were sullen and barely looked at me since we fetch you from the airport…and now you were here acting as if…as if…”

“We’re friends? Come on…Michael…I’m trying here. OK…I’m sorry I acted like…”

“Why do I have the feeling that you’re not sorry?” Michael voiced out his opinion.

Maria sighed in exasperation. “Fine…I’m not sorry for the way I behaved earlier. But think about it…I just lost my Mom…I have to stay with your family for the next two years…a family which I only heard about after my Mom died. How would you feel if you were in my shoes? No…don’t bother to answer! You’ll never know…”

“So…why the sudden change?” Michael felt her pain…how come? But he could never tell her that.

“Well…if I have to stay with you, guys, I might as well learn to adjust. I have no idea what happened out there. Should I expect something like that to happen again while I was staying here with you? Or should I just stay quiet and run for my life if ever that happened again?”

“Nothing bad would ever happen to you…I promise.” Michael reached for her hands and was surprised when he felt a sudden burst of energy that started from their joined hands up to his body making him feel light and happy. As he looked into her eyes, he saw the same response and they remained in that position, savoring the peace they were experiencing just by holding each other’s hands.

After some time, Maria pulled back her hands in Michael’s dismay. “So…do I get answers or not?”

“Brian used to work in a special project in the FBI. When he decided to quit, they thought he was onto something but he was able to prove that he had nothing to hide. Some of his colleagues in the special project didn’t entirely believe him, and once in a while, they gave him a fright or something, to see if he would spill something relevant to them.” Michael explained. So far, that was the truth. He just had to keep out of the alien aspect of the story.

“What’s the project about?” Her interest was really perked up.

“That I didn’t know anything about. It was confidential and Brian wouldn’t talk about it. Satisfied?”

“Why don’t you call them Mom and Dad?” She stretched out on his bed, making him more uncomfortable.

“I just don’t.”

“Did you have other cousins aside from me?” The question took Michael by surprise.

“None that I know of. I didn’t even know about you until a few days ago.” Michael wanted to tell her about him being adopted but he was not sure if he could answer her other inquisitive questions. Maybe keeping her in the dark for a while would help matters with her.

“You know…I don’t know anything about having relatives. But since I’ll be staying with you guys for a while, I think I wanted to try to be a nice cousin. How’s that for a start?”

“Amy would be delighted. And I think I would also try to be a nice cousin.” Michael groaned inwardly. He only hoped he could really do that.

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Amy de Luca was lying on the bed contemplating on what happened that day. When would the hunting stop? Was it still possible to lead a normal life? Her thoughts turned back to Maria. She was sure she was the one who healed her. Michael couldn’t do that kind of thing. It was a good thing she passed out…but it was still possible that she might have seen something in her mind.

“How are you?”

Startled by her husband’s voice, she automatically sat up.

“Sorry…I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“She healed me.” Her voice was flat.

Brian was surprised. “Are you sure?”

“My ankle was twisted and it was severely painful. Michael couldn’t heal, you know that.” She showed her ankle to Brian.

“She might have been using her powers since she discovered them. And knowing how to heal…it might have been earlier than we expected.” Brian explained to Amy.

“She was so alone and detached. I hope she finds some happiness here with us.” Amy choked on her words.

“Don’t get too close, Amy. You know what it entailed…she was still expendable.”

“I know…”

“You’ve made your choice a long time ago. I was still not in favor of her being here. She could distract you…she would make you vulnerable…may force you to make some stupid decisions.” Brian’s face was stern.

Amy looked at her husband. He would never understand what she had gone through. He would never know how she had gone through with it. Sixteen years of keeping the secret to herself…it made someone’s life miserable.

********************

Maria tossed and turned on her bed. What was it with Michael that made her knees weak and her heart beat faster? He was her cousin for God’s sake. If she was doubtful when she first met him, the flashes from Amy when she healed her confirmed it.

She saw Amy holding her when she was a baby with Abby looking on. That would only mean that she was really a part of their family. Abby was really her mother. But why there was a feeling of guilt from Amy? Why was she holding her as if she didn’t want to let her go? Why was she feeling guilty?

If she was really part of the family, that would mean they would know about powers. Maybe Michael has some powers too? She really had to hang out with him if she wanted to get some more information. Brian was not a good source though. He was so strange…he doesn’t even acknowledge her presence. Amy…she would try to be close to her. Maybe she could tell her something.

Michael. Why couldn’t she put him out of her mind? It would be very hard treating him like a cousin when all she wanted to do was kiss him. She better get hold of herself when in his company. For all she knew, he might even have a girlfriend already.

She tried to think of anything other than Michael. She focused on the days ahead. There was a possibility now that she might know who she really was. She might know now why she and Abby were always on danger zone. It seemed to be the same way with this family. Maybe that was why they were far apart and never once mentioned their existence to each other? She cringed on the idea that it was her Mom’s death that brought her closer to her goal in life: to know who she really was.

Did Abby know about her special powers? Maybe…but why didn’t she guide her? If Michael has powers too, does he know how to use them? Did he also practice a lot when he discovered them? Maybe they can practice together?

Ugghh…Michael again. For the first time in her life, Maria felt safe. Holding Michael’s hand gave her a sense of peace. But she had to always remind herself that he was her cousin. They were cousins. Yeah…they were. So why did it hurt to think about it?

Part 3

Maria looked at each and every friend Michael introduced to her. Max Evans…he said he was his best friend. He was quite alright except for the fact that he hasn’t taken his gaze away from her ever since they arrived. What was wrong with this guy? If she was not mistaken, Max seemed to be trying to work his charm on her? Oh no…it didn’t seem quite right now. Was that lust she was seeing from his eyes? If looks could melt, she would be like an ice cream left in the sun by now. She tried to focus her attention to the others.

Isabel Evans…she was Michael’s girlfriend and Max’s sister too. What could she say except that she was so gorgeous? No wonder he was so eager in coming here right after they had their lunch. Who would have not if he had a beautiful girlfriend waiting for him? She felt a little tug at her heart but looking straight at Isabel, she couldn’t help but like the girl. It seemed that there was some strong force inside her making her like this particular girl. After all, she was Michael’s girlfriend and most likely, she’d be at the house more often than not.

Now Tess Valenti…was a different story. This girl seemed to resent her. As soon as Michael uttered her name, she did nothing but glared at her. Why would this girl hate her? It was the first time they met so what could possibly cause this? Ohh…maybe because of Max. It was obvious that she was pining for Max and that particular guy was still gawking at her. She had to ask Michael about Max’s behavior.

Or maybe not. She guessed Michael would take care of it himself because at the moment, he was giving Max the death glare. Oh…Oh…the over-protective cousin. How she wished it wasn’t like that.

Kyle, Tess’  brother, was nice and looked athletic. He was the opposite of his sister. His happy demeanor was contagious. Was he always like that or was it just because his girlfriend, Liz Parker, was there to make his day? They looked perfect together.

She could say that Michael’s choice of friends was quite good. Maybe Tess and Max were not bad at all. They just needed to make some readjustments on their character. Maria smiled inwardly at that. When did she become good at knowing anything about friends? She didn’t have one. Actually, she had one…a long time ago…she just didn’t want to endanger his life so she decided not to have anything to do with him anymore.

The group is on one of their happy chatter together. Maria could tell they do that most of the time. Glancing back at Max, she saw that he was still staring at her. But this time, she has had enough. The guy was practically undressing her with his eyes.

“Don’t you have anything to do than stare at me?” She snapped at him.

Everybody stopped their chatter and looked at Maria in shock.

“Why were you so rude? Weren’t you being conceited? Max was not staring at you. You’re not that special! You’re not even beautiful!” Tess said without any hesitation.

“The hell he wasn’t. And if we’re talking about rudeness here, he was the one being rude.” Turning her attention back to Max, she repeated. “Stop staring at me…you’re creeping me out.”

“I’m really sorry. I couldn’t help myself…it’s like I have known you before. And Tess was wrong…you were very attractive, very beautiful. I am sorry.” Max was so ashamed and looked down at his hands.

“Max! What were you saying?” Tess was very angry. She knew…she knew that the moment Amy told her about this Maria girl, that she would be trouble…to her, specifically. But how could she have known that? She had no idea.

“Maria…” Michael took hold of her arm. She felt calm all at once.

“I think I’ll go ahead, Michael. You stay with your friends. I could find my way back.” Maria started to pass through Michael since she was sitting inside the booth.

Michael stopped her by holding her hips. Both pulled back as they sensed a spark from that intimate hold.

“I’ll be OK Michael. Please just let me pass.” Still feeling the tingling on her hips and hoping that Isabel didn’t notice anything, she waited for Michael to stand up and let her pass.

Michael hesitantly stood up and let her out of the booth. “I’ll see you later at home.”

Maria stood awkwardly in front of everybody having a self-argument. She wanted to stay with Michael but she didn’t want to be with his friends especially Max and Tess. As she was about to make her exit, she heard a gasp from her far left side.

“Maria??” A disbelieving voice uttered.

Maria turned towards the voice and her eyes widened in disbelief. Without hesitation, she almost ran and threw herself at the young man who had just entered the cafe.

“Alex! Oh my God…I couldn’t believe this!” Maria and Alex both embraced each other never wanting to let go as the rest of the group looked on with their mouths opened in surprise at the obvious show of affection.

“God…what were you doing here? I never thought I would see you again.” Alex asked Maria as he pulled back a little to look into her face as if she would suddenly disappear if he wouldn’t do that.

“Me too, Alex. I couldn’t believe you were really here.” Urged by her happiness, she planted a quick kiss on his lips and threw her arms around his neck again and placed her head on his chest. She was so glad to be with her one and only friend again. Before she became aware of it, tears were already spilling from her eyes. She was so happy she wanted to jump with joy.

“Oh…Maria…don’t cry.” Alex said noticing the flow of tears soaking his shirt and the sobs that racked her body.

“I was just so happy, Alex. I am so very happy.” Maria tightened her hold on him.

Max looked on enviously. He would give anything to be on Alex’s place. He could do anything just to have a taste of Maria’s arms around him and his arms around her. Why did she have that pull on him? He couldn’t control himself. It was as if she was someone he had been waiting for all his life.

Isabel had a wistful look on her eyes. She wanted to hate Maria, not because she had noticed the way Michael looked at her, but because she was in Alex’s arms right now. Maria was someone whom Alex cared for very much. They shared a special bond that only the two of them knew. But she couldn’t…for the life of her she couldn’t hate the new girl. She knew she was trouble for Tess…but she also knew she was a salvation for her, Max and Michael. She just had no idea why she knew and felt that.

Tess was just observing. At least she knew that Maria was not the least bit interested in Max. But why was Max acting like that? She was his destiny…why couldn’t he look at her like he stared at Maria the whole time she was sitting there? Even Michael, who was the pure advocate of the destiny thing, was somewhat charmed by this girl. What was in her that drove them all towards her? Even Isabel was so obvious…she had taken a liking to this girl. Deep in her heart, Tess knew that she was jealous.

Liz and Kyle looked on in awe. So…Maria was the girl Alex had met that summer in music camp he attended 2 years ago. It’s good to see that she really existed. Kyle was so fascinated with the way Alex described her. Having just met Maria, Kyle knew Alex was telling the truth. She was one hell of a girl. The snap at Max topped it all off. He smirked and winced when he felt Liz pinched his arm.

Walking over to Alex and Maria, before Michael did, which seemed he would do anytime now, Liz tapped Alex on the shoulder. “Weren’t you going to say Hi to us, Alex?”

“Oh…sorry…Hi everybody!” Alex slowly pushed back Maria but let one of his arms remained on her waist holding her close to his body.

Maria had composed herself and was now wiping away her tears. She wanted to get away from here and be with Alex. She had so many things to tell him but not in the presence of all his friends.

“Uhmmm…maybe you’re wondering why we knew each other. I met Maria in that music camp I attended 2 years ago…we became really good friends then. We really thought we wouldn’t see each other again.” He threw a sideway glance at Maria and smiled at her. “And in as much as I would like to hang out with you guys now, I’m sure you would understand if I pass, since Maria and I had a lot of catching up to do.”

Maria smiled at him gratefully. They still had that connection. He could still feel what she needed.

“Michael…could you please tell Aunt Amy I’m with Alex? I’ll probably come home pretty late.” Maria asked Michael.

Michael couldn’t understand what he was feeling at the moment. He just nodded since no words would come out of his mouth. He didn’t want her to be with Alex but what right does he have to prevent her from doing so? Deep in his heart and in his mind, he knew he had the right. He just had no idea how and why he knew. But at that very moment, he was throwing away the idea of destiny he had embraced since he was 10 years old. For him, Maria and Maria alone was his own destiny.

Part 4

“Uhhmm…this was so good, Alex!” Maria said as she emptied the cup of ice cream Alex served her. She then put it down on the side table and made herself comfortable on his bed, leaning on the headboard. “You’re sure your parents didn’t mind having me here in your bedroom?”

“No…don’t worry about them.” Alex reassured her. “So…you think you might actually find something here in Roswell, about yourself?”

“I’m not yet sure but maybe. How long have you known Michael and his friends?”

“We all grew up together. We were really one little group and we have this special bond although I was more friends with Kyle and Isabel. The summer before our fourth grade, the four of them, Michael, Max, Tess and Isabel started hanging out without me, Kyle and Liz. I think they became inseparable. We remained friends since Tess is Kyle’s sister and we still have our meetings at the Crashdown. But something changed that summer we don’t know about. Even Isabel and I seemed to drift apart…we’re still friends but when she and Michael got together when we were thirteen…we just sort of lose the tie. Max and Tess were not together, though, but I guess they would be eventually.” Alex paused looking at Maria. “What were you thinking?”

“I don’t know. I don’t want to hold my hopes high but if I could only find a proof that Michael is like me…maybe…maybe that’s something, right?” She asked him hopefully.

“What made you think that? You may have gotten your special side from your father.”

Maria smiled at Alex. “Thanks, Alex…with you around, I feel like I’m not a freak.”

“Of course, you were not! You are very special, Maria.” Alex reached for her hands. “Don’t ever think otherwise. If it weren’t for you…I would no longer be here, remember?”

She smiled again. “If we ever get into the same situation, I would still do what I had done that day. I couldn’t let you die, Alex. You’re the only person who made the effort to know me. And I would always be grateful for your friendship. You were my friend even before I healed you. That was something I would always treasure…knowing that you liked me as a person and as a friend…not because I saved your life.”

“And I would always be your friend, Maria. I don’t care about the dangers you were talking about…I wanted to be there for you. I finally tracked you down last year, but when I get to show up, you and your Mom were not there anymore.”

“You did?” Maria was shocked to know that Alex went out of his way to see her again. “I’m sorry…Mom and I…we moved a lot. It seems that we’re avoiding something or someone. But it finally caught up with us…” her voice trailed away.

“I am so sorry about your Mom.” Alex said sincerely.

“I should have asked her. I should have been more open wi