Fate Not Destiny

Author: Susan

Distribution: Anyone can have it if they want it. Just e-mail me and let me know.

Category: AU, CC, M&M centered, although there are a few UC feelings in the beginning.

Rating: PG – R

Summary: Max and Isabel came out the pods together and were adopted by the Evans and Michael and Tess came out of the pods together and were raised by Naseado. Without Michael, Max and Isabel never went on the search for their origins, however, Max still saved Liz’s life. This story begins after Destiny. Liz stills takes off for Florida leaving Max to his Destiny. Isabel and Alex are only friends and Isabel is getting to know Michael. Kyle becomes friends with Tess and Michael after he was shot. Maria knows about the aliens but was kept on the outside through most of the past year. Her and Max have become close since Liz left town. Maria thinks she is falling in love with Max.

Part 1

“So girlfriend, what are our plans tonight?” Maria asks her friend Max.

“Movie night. Isabel has invited Michael and Tess over as well as Kyle and Alex.”

Maria scrunches up her nose in distaste. “Do we have to Max?”

“Well Isabel thinks it is a good idea for us all to try to get along. It is up to you if you want to come but I think I should be there.”

“Ok. I guess it won’t kill me this one time.” Maria says but still doesn’t look too happy.

Max watches his friend go into the back to change. He knows that Maria really doesn’t like hanging out with the “new” aliens. She doesn’t trust them whatsoever. She sees Tess as the route-of-all-evil and her and Michael have never even spoken two words to each other. Max knows that she also doesn’t like Isabel getting all chummy with Michael. She still has hopes that Isabel will realize that Alex is a great catch. And he won’t even go into the many reasons why Maria does not get along with Kyle. The fact that her mom is dating the Sheriff is definitely a sore subject. Well tonight should be at the very least interesting.

In the back room Maria was getting herself all worked up over going to watch movies with “them”. Not only does she have the Harding duo to deal with but Kyle Valenti to. Yuck. This was going to be a horrible night. Why couldn’t she and Max just do something alone like they always do, why do they have to hang out with “them?” Maria is very frustrated. And to top it off she thinks she is falling in love with her best friends boyfriend. Ok so Max was technically not Liz’s boyfriend anymore but he is still the love of Liz’s life. Maria knows that Max still feels that same way he always has about Liz but that still hasn’t stopped her from having feelings for him. Feelings that were rapidly getting out of control. She had to do something, and fast, to change the way she was feeling. Maybe tonight was a good idea after all. She wouldn’t be able to sit and moon over Max while she was busy giving death glares to at least two of the other people in the room.

“Ok Maxie, I’m ready.”

“Everything will be fine Maria. Please try and get along with them, ok?”

“I will be civil Max beyond that I can’t promise you anything.”

“Good enough.”

Maria looped her arm in Max’s and they left the Crashdown to go to Max’s house where the others were waiting.

“So what are we waiting on Isabel?” Michael asks.

“Max will be here in a few minutes. Oh and by the way Maria is coming to.” Three of the people in the living room groaned out loud with the mention of Maria.

“Maria actually agreed to come?” Alex asks surprised.

“That’s what Max said when he called a few minutes ago.” Isabel was equally surprised that Maria was coming. She did not hide the fact that she couldn’t stand Tess and Michael. And of course Kyle was not her favorite person either.

“So my soon to be stepsister has decided to grace us with her presence.” Kyle stated

“Kyle, don’t start. I want us all to get along. I think it is vital that we all act as a team and we can’t do that if part of the team can’t stand to be in the same room with each other.”

“Fine I will behave as long as Maria does.”

Isabel crossed her fingers that everyone would get along. One night was not too much to ask for.

Max and Maria enter the room and it suddenly gets very quiet. Maria goes and sits by Alex whispering something in his ear. Alex laughs at whatever she said and then looks over to Isabel with a guilty look on his face.

Isabel gives Max a look. He shrugs his shoulders and goes and sits on the floor in front of Maria.

“So what are we watching?”

“The Matrix and Saving Private Ryan.” Isabel says hoping that Maria will not comment of the movie selection. It was Michael and Kyle’s choice.

“Oh Yippee. War and senseless violence, great entertainment value in those choices.” Maria states sarcastically.

Max, Isabel and Alex all grimace and shake their heads.

Michael looks over at Maria giving her one of his smirks. “Ok Blondie and what would you say is worth entertainment value, some sap movie like “Where the Heart Is?” or “Return to Me?”

“Well Duh they are good movies.”

“Oh and The Matrix and Saving Private Ryan aren’t?”

“Sure if you like senseless violence and blood and guts.”

The argument continued for almost 15 minutes before Max stood up and told them both to shut up. Max usually doesn’t raise his voice so when he does people listen. Maria gave Max a look and stormed out of the room. She went to Max’s room and slammed the door.

“Oh no Maxwell. Looks like you made the Princess mad.”

“Shut up Michael. Maria is our friend you could try to get along with her.”

“I am. Isabel complained that I don’t talk to her so I talked.”

“Talk not argue Michael.” Isabel said.

“Same thing.” Michael turned away from Isabel and Max. “So are we watching a movie or what.”

“Yeah go ahead and put one in.”

“What about Maria?” Alex asked.

Max shook his head. “I’ll go talk to her. You guys just begin without us.”

As Max walked to his room he thought about the last couple of months and the time he has spent with Maria. She had become a good friend, his best friend, in such a short time. Last year he hadn’t really noticed her much but since Liz left she had become a necessary part of his life. He really wanted her to get along with Tess and Michael. They were part of his family now and he needed for everyone to accept each other. Maria had been acting a little strange around him the last couple of weeks. He had been spending more time with Tess and Michael and he thought that may be the reason why. So tonight he was hoping that everyone would get along so that Maria would stop acting weird and start being the same bubbly girl that he became friends with several months ago.

Max knocked on his door as he opened it. He saw Maria sitting on his bed her back against the wall. She had tears in her eyes.

“Hey.”

“Look Maria I’m sorry for yelling. I just want us all to get along.”

“I know Max. He just made me so mad. God he is go aggravating. How can you stand to be around him? Doesn’t he annoy you?”

“Michael is just different Maria. Tess and him were raised by Naseado. Not exactly father of the year if you know what I mean. Just think about where he is coming from when you start to get upset.”

Max pulled her into his arms and gives her a huge.

“We ok now?”

“Of course Maxie. Let’s go watch the blood and guts movies.”

“Maria.” Max warns.

“What?” Maria asks with an “I’m innocent” look on her face.

Max and Maria go back into the living room and take their previous seats. Maria’s seat is almost diagonal to Michael’s. The way they are seated Michael has to look her way to see the TV and Maria can see him out of the corner of her eye. She notices him looking at her. She turns and glares at him. They continue to look at each other throughout the whole movie. No one in the room notices the exchange, except Isabel. The only reason why she noticed them at all was because she had been glancing over at Alex. She saw that Maria was not watching the movie but was watching something intensely. She followed her eyes and saw that Michael and her were looking at each other. Throughout the movie she saw the change in they way they were staring. At first it seemed as though they were trying to burn a hole through each other with their angry glares but gradually the looks became much more intense and less angry. If she wasn’t mistaken she saw desire in both their eyes. So much for destiny Isabel thought. A feeling of relief went through her as she once again glanced at Alex. Maybe they could have a chance after all.

Part 2

It is had been several weeks since the movie night at the Evans and since then the seven of them had spent a lot of time together. Liz would be coming home any day now and school was about to begin.

The Crashdown had closed about an hour earlier but the seven teens were still sitting around. Maria was trying to clean up from the very busy Friday night. Max and Michael were discussing Michael's favorite movie Braveheart. Max was saying how it was a story of love, honor and loyalty but Michael was only interested in keeping a total of the death count. At present he had gotten to 256 before he lost count. Every once in awhile he would glance over at Maria who was clearing off tables. Tess, Alex, Isabel and Kyle were sitting at a booth discussing what movie they were going to see.

"How long you going to be Maria? If you hurry up we can see the 10:30 movie." Kyle yells.

"That is 20 minutes from now. There is no way I am going to be done by then. Why don't you guys just go ahead without me. I am completely wiped out anyway."

Max goes over to Maria. "Are you sure?"

"Yep. Honestly Max. I really just want to go home and take a long bath and go to bed. I've got to work tomorrow anyway." Max puts his hand on her shoulder and follows the rest of their friends out the door. Michael turns around and looks at Maria one last time before walking out behind Max.

Maria breathes out a sigh of relief. Michael had been watching her all night long and it was really starting to get to her. She didn't know how long she would be able to put up with his looks. One look from him and she feels like her skin is on fire. Mr. Parker told her today that Michael would be starting work there tomorrow as a cook and she didn't know how she was going to handle working with him for hours on end. It was bad enough that she was forced into his presence whenever she hung out with Max but now she will have to deal with him at work and soon at school to. Would this torture ever end? The only good thing she can find from spending time the "group" so much is that her minor infatuation with Max seems to have disappeared. It is such a relief to her. She was so uncomfortable around him for a few weeks because she was afraid she would do or say something that would reveal her budding feelings for him. After a few weeks of non one-on-one time with Max she realized it was just a small crush that soon went away. Unfortunately, she has moved on to a bigger and more intense infatuation, Michael Harding. She was afraid this infatuation was not going to go away so quickly especially when he seems to be throwing certain vibes her way.

As if her mind called him she feels his presence before she sees him. Michael is standing on the other side of the door watching her as she sweeps the floor. She looks at him for a moment and then leans the broom up against the counter and opens the door to let him in. Maria makes the first move and puts her hand on his chest. Michael leans down and meets her lips in a gentle yet passionate kiss. Their passion escalates and Michael pulls her up close to his body. Maria feels like electricity is flowing through her body. She wraps her legs around his waist and he carries her behind the counter.

As they lay on the floor totally engrossed in each other they don't see a very stunned Liz Parker, who is wondering what the hell happened while she was away, looking through the order window at them.

Additional disclaimer:

I know I ripped off the last bit from Heat Wave. Not an original idea, the credit for that belongs to the Roswell writers.

Part 3

"So Maria what is up with you and Michael?" Liz asks

"I don't know what you are talking about Liz" Maria turns away from Liz not looking her in the eye

"I saw you two last night. I came downstairs for some milk and I saw you and Michael."

"It's nothing Liz. It was just a kiss."

"Maria"

"Ok it is a little more than a kiss but lets not make a big deal about it."

"Whatever you say. So how is every thing else?"

"Max is fine Liz. I know you didn't ask about him but he misses you a lot. And him and Tess aren't fulfilling their Destiny."

"It doesn't matter to me Maria."

"Whatever you say Liz. Oh by the way I think Isabel is finally warming up to Alex. I have caught her giving him the eye and they have been hanging out a lot together lately."

"Well that is good news but I thought you said earlier this summer that her and Michael were getting friendly."

"Well they were until about a month ago. Don't know what happened."

Again Maria didn't look Liz in the eye. Liz had an idea what changed about a month ago but didn't say anything. She suspected their was a lot more to what she witnessed last night then Maria was saying but she didn't have time to confront her about it as the Pod squad entered The Crashdown.

Maria headed over to her friends to take their order. Max saw Liz sitting at the counter and got up and walked over to her.

"Hi Liz."

"Max"

"When did you get back?"

"Last night. Look Max I don't have time to talk I have to go. I have a job interview."

"An interview? What about your job here?"

"Well and amazing opportunity kind of came out of the blue. I'll see you later."

"Liz wait a minute. Before you go I just want you to know, for the record, that Tess and I are not together and we aren't going to be. We talked it over and it is agreed."

"It really isn't my business Max. I really just want to get a fresh start this year." Liz turns and walks away but not before she takes a long look at Max. His love and yearning for her is written all over his face.

At the booth Maria is taking her friends order trying desperately not to meet Michael's eyes, which have not left her face since he walked into the restaurant. She was relieved when Max came back to the table. She gave him a questioning look and he returned it with a sad smile. She supposed things didn't going as well as Max had hoped. She would have to spend some time working on Liz. Those two belonged together and it was just craziness that Liz walked about from him because of a 50 year old message. Just because Max was married to Tess in a previous life does not mean they are meant to be together in this life. They are completely different people having lived completely different lives. She just doesn't buy into this whole destiny crap. Liz and Max are meant for each other. Maria believes that fate brought them together that day last year. If Liz hadn't been shot or worse if Max hadn't been here that day to heal her then they would never have been part of each others lives. And she certainly wouldn't be standing here today wondering what the hell is going on between her and Michael, who is still staring at her.

"So what can I get you Max?"

"Just an Alien Blast."

"Ok be back in a few."

Maria starts to walk away but suddenly turns around and finally looks at Michael.

"Mr. Parker said you were going to be working here today. When do you start?"

"3:00"

"I'll still be here. I'm working a double."

Michael nodded his head and Maria turned and walked away to place their order.

Tess looked at her brother for a minute. Something was definitely up with him and Maria. She would have to ask him about it tonight. He bailed out of the movie last night and then didn't get home till after she did she wonders what he was doing. As Michael is talking with Isabel his eyes don't stray far from the blonde waitress, this on top of the way they are acting around each other gives Tess an idea exactly what he was doing last night and with who. The stupid boy still hasn't got it into his head that he is supposed to be with Isabel. Of course she isn't any better. Her mind hasn't been on Max, her destiny, instead she has been thinking more and more about Kyle Valenti.

Michael looks over at his sister and she has a far off look on her face. He bets that she is thinking about this whole Destiny thing again. Naseado had been telling them since they came out of the pods that they belonged with the other two aliens and as soon as they found them they would be complete and would be able to fulfill their destinies. Then they hear the message from Max and Isabel's mother which told them who they were and where they came from. Naseado had always said it wasn't his place to tell them why they were here his job was to protect them. He had been having those dreams about Isabel since he got to Roswell and then he finds out that they had been betrothed in the other life. It was just damn confusing. Here was this girl that he didn't know and he was having these whacked out dreams about and come to find out they were going to be married in another life and he was second in command to her brother the King. All four of them had a lot to deal with. None of them really wanted to pair up with each other. It just didn't feel natural. Last night felt natural. It felt like he had come home only to no home he had ever known. He had never felt more alive and more complete then he did last night in the arms of Maria Deluca. Max says we choose our own Destiny. Michael isn't so sure about that. He doesn't know about Destiny or Fate or any of that stuff but it sure seemed like something brought him here, to Maria, last night. He can't stop watching her as she moves around the restaurant. He wonders if she is confused as he is but she won't look at him so that he can find out. They say a person's eyes are the windows to the soul, well Maria's are definitely something. When he looks into her eyes he can sometimes see what she is feeling and thinking. Today, however, she wont let him see her and it is driving him crazy. He will have to corner her tonight when they were working. He had to find out what was going on with them.

Disclaimer:

"…home only to no home he had ever known." A line from Sleepless in Seattle. I love that movie.

Part 4

The night had been pretty slow and uneventful. Jose was showing Michael the ropes on the grill and he was picking it all up pretty quickly. Maria spent a good part of the night watching Michael when she knew he wasn't looking. The boy confused her so much. She knew she was drawn to him. Ever since that night at the Evans when they had that fight over the movies she had felt a connection. She could feel him before he even walked into a room. There was such electricity that passed between them. Last night they had spent hours making out first behind the counter then in the back room and finally in her car. She had told Liz it was just a kiss. Boy was it a lot more than just a kiss. Physically it didn't go beyond kissing and some minor groping but mentally and emotionally it was so much more. She has a feeling he is going to want to talk about what is going on with them but this she is not ready for so she will continue to try to avoid him which with him working here is not going to be easy.

Michael was done for the night. Jose had showed him everything he needed to do to close and get the kitchen ready for tomorrow. It was simple enough. He had been noticeably distracted the last half an hour as he watched Maria clearing off the tables and washing them off. It looked as if she was almost ready to go. He had seen her close enough times, as their group of friends would meet here often and wait until she was ready to go out, to know her routine. He decided to wait for her in the back room.

Finally it was time to go. They really needed to hire a new waitress now that Liz was taking a job with Congresswoman Whittaker. A girl named Courtney came in earlier and filled out an application she really hoped Mr. Parker hired her. These doubles she was pulling were starting to get to her. Maria walked into the back room ready to get out of her uniform when she sees Michael sitting on the couch obviously waiting for her.

"What do you want Michael?"

"We need to talk."

"Not right now ok. I am tired. It has been a long day and all I really want to do is go home, take a long bath and go to bed."

Michael took a good look at Maria and could tell that she really was tired. He guessed that this conversation could wait until later.

"Ok, but later."

Maria nodded her head.

"Can you give me a ride home?"

Maria looked like she was going to refuse but instead she nodded her head yes.

"Just let me change first. I'll just be a minute."

Maria changed out of her uniform in record time and they headed to the Harding residence in silence. When they got there Michael remained in the car.

"What Michael?"

"Nothing. Just…" He didn't finish his sentence. Instead he leaned forward and kissed Maria. Maria hesitated for only a second and then returned the kiss back. Michael pulled away from her after a few minutes. They both were out of breath.

"I guess I better go. See you tomorrow Maria."

Maria was only able to say Bye to Michael. She was still a little dazed from their kiss.

Michael closed the door to Maria's car and watched her pull away a small smile on his lips. Whatever was going on between them was certainly getting more and more interesting. He headed towards his door when someone placed a hand on his shoulder.

He jumped, his hand came up out of reflex as he turned around to face the person who had came up behind him. His hand fell down when he recognized the man.

"Naseado."

Part 5

“So Michael are we diddling the humans now?”

“You should talk. How is Congresswoman Whittaker by the way?”

“I am actually growing quite fond of the foul temptress.”

“That will be the day.”

“Enough of the small talk. Any progress with the King and your betrothed?”

Michael walks into the house with Naseado following him. He shakes his head. Naseado will never back off.

“We already told you that none of us want to follow our damn destiny.”

“You can fight it all you want but in the end you will always come back to it.”

“We will see about that.”

Michael decides to leave the house. He is not in the mood to listen to Naseado ramble on about what was before and what is meant to be. He has other things on his mind, some one else, that he can’t seem to forget about. He walks to the object of his obsessions house. He sees her sitting at her window looking out. She sees him and for a moment he thinks that she is not going to let him in but then she opens her window and allows him to crawl through it.

“Naseado is back. I didn’t want to listen to him tonight can I crash here for a bit?”

Maria doesn’t say anything. She turns her back to him and crawls into bed. Michael doesn’t know what to do so he just stands there. Then Maria moves over and pats her hand on the space beside her. Michael kicks off his shoes and lays beside her. He remains on his back not daring to move a muscle. Maria, who had also stayed still on her side of the bed, turns over and faces Michael. A few minutes later she leans over and places her hand on his face and pulls his head over to hers. Michael had been waiting for her to make the first move and kisses Maria with all the passion he had been holding in since he crawled through her window.

On the other side of town Naseado leaves Tess, who is as surprisingly unresponsive to his talks of destiny as Michael was. As he goes to his door he notices something on the hood of his car. He picks it up. It looks something like a shed snakes skin. He looks around him.

“They’re here.”

Part 6

As the sun comes through Maria’s window we see her and Michael laying in the bed together, his arms holding her tight to his body; his mostly unclothed body. Amy Deluca comes into Maria’s room to wake her for work and finds the couple in this very compromising position.

“Oh my God. Get out of my daughters bed. Get out of my house.” Amy shouts hitting Michael over the head with the newspaper she had been carrying.

“Ow. Take it easy.”

“Mom stop. Mom.”

Michael, who thank goodness had put his boxers back on last night, stumbles out of bed grabs his clothes and runs out the door.

“Get dressed and come into the kitchen now.” Amy stormed out.

Maria sat for a moment with her head in her hands. She can’t believe her mother caught her in bed with Michael. What is even harder to believe is she and Michael actually slept together, in every sense of the word. He had come to her last night, obviously a little frustrated, and asked if he could crash here. At first she wasn’t going to let him but she couldn’t say no to him, so she had crawled into bed and motioned for him to join her. It was Maria who made the first move. She knew somehow that Michael would not. It had to be her decision. In their other encounters he had been the one to initiate the contact. He had come to the Crashdown the other night looking for her and he was the one who had kissed her in the car after she had given him a ride home. So as they lay in bed together not moving a muscle, the tension rolling off both of them, she knew that it was up to her this time. So she had leaned over and kissed him. The kiss soon became very passionate; as it had the other two times they kissed, however, this time it went beyond mere kisses. Their hands explored each other’s bodies and clothes were rapidly discarded. As their bodies joined Michael looked into Maria’s eyes and a connection was formed. Maria saw visions of Michael’s life before he came to Roswell. She felt the loneliness and constant fear that followed Michael and Tess as they moved from city to city escaping the special unit. Maria felt how much Michael wanted to find a place he could call home and a real family that would love him unconditionally. She also felt how at peace Michael felt now that they had found Max and Isabel yet his confusion for the lack of desire he felt for his destined mate. Maria also could feel the attraction and desire that he felt for her, the undeniable pull he had towards her. A permanent bond between Michael and Maria had formed the first night they kissed and what was happening between them now was inevitable. Michael held Maria for hours afterwards. Words between them were no longer necessary. They both knew in their hearts that whatever happened next that they would be together. The bond could not be broken: not by destiny, Naseado, friends or even a very mad Amy Deluca.

Maria got dressed quickly and walked into the kitchen where her mother was pacing back and forth.

“My baby girl is having sex.”

“Mom” Maria tries to say something but her mother doesn’t let her

“No 17-year-old daughter of mine is going to have sleepovers with boys, got that?” Amy continues to shout at Maria

“My history with men has pretty much been a train wreck. And I don't want you to make the same mistakes. Now, I can't go back and change my life, but I will be damned if I watch yours go down the same way. I love you too much.”

“Mom things will be ok.”

“Yeah Maria that is what I said. You think I don’t remember what it is like to be 17 and running around with a bad boy.”

“Mom, I know. Dad. But Michael is not Dad. You have just got to trust me.”

“You are still a baby Maria.”

“No mom I’m not.”

“Well you are still my baby and I don’t want you hanging out with that boy anymore. You are grounded until further notice. You go to school and to work and that is it until further notice. Do you understand me?”

“Yes ma’am. I have to be at work in 20 minutes.”

“Go and come right home afterwards. I will be calling Mr. Parker later on and getting your schedule from him so don’t even think about lying to me.”

Maria left the house thanking god that her mother didn’t know that Michael just started working at the Crashdown with her otherwise she probably wouldn’t have been allowed to go to work either.

Michael is waiting for her in the back room of the Crashdown when she gets there. She goes into his arms. He hugs her and kisses her on the forehead.

“Hey”

“So how bad did your mom freak?”

“I am basically grounded for the rest of my life, work and school only.”

“Sorry.”

“I’m not. It was worth it.”

Michael gives Maria one of his smirks and kisses Maria again, this time with more passion.

Once again their kiss is witnessed by Liz. She had been coming down the stairs but when she sees the couple making out she decides to go back upstairs.

The remainder of the day was uneventful. They worked and during their breaks found time to spend time together. Their friends, other than Liz, had yet to discover their newly found relationship.

At closing time Mr. Parker goes over to Maria who is cleaning off some tables.

“I told you mom that you would be closing tonight so she should be expecting you home in an hour.”

“Thanks Mr. Parker.”

The Pod Squad, and Alex are sitting at their usual booths as Maria and Michael clean up for the night. Michael finishes up with the kitchen and goes to the back to throw his apron and doo rag in his locker when the back door suddenly flies open. Michael stands ready to fight as a badly hurt Naseado crashes through the doorway. He shouts for Max who comes running.

Naseado puts his bloody hand on Max’s chest. “They are among you.”

“Who is? Who’s among us?” Max asks.

“The Skins.” Naseado is able to say before he takes his last breath.

Max puts his hand on Naseado’s chest to heal him but nothing happens.

Part 7

“We need to get him to the Cave now.” Michael shouts.

Isabel and Tess run out the door to pull the jeep up to the back door. Max seems to be in a daze.

“Come on Maxwell.”

Max and Michael pick Naseado up and head for the door.

“Michael?” Maria shouts after him.

“Go home Maria, everything will be ok, I promise. I will come by later.” Michael says as he walks out the door carrying Naseado’s body with Max.

Max gives Michael and Maria a questioning glance as he leaves. He wonders what he missed. Since when are they friendly and since when does Michael go to Maria’s house in the middle of the night?

The Pod Squad stand around Naseado’s lifeless body each holding one of the healing stones, Tess and Isabel on one side and Max and Michael on the other. The stones glow faintly for a minute and then return to normal. They all look at each other wondering what went wrong.

“Max look” Isabel says

Naseado’s body decomposes in front of him and then turns to dust.

“Why didn’t it work?” Michael asks.

“I guess whatever was done to him was something we couldn’t reverse.” Max answers.

“What do we do now Max?” Tess asks.

Max looks at his family but does not have an answer for them. They all leave the cave and head back to Roswell. Michael asks Max to drop him off near Maria’s house. The others give Michael a questioning glance but don’t say anything.

Michael knocks on Maria’s window gently, worried that her mother may hear him. Maria hurries and opens up the window and he crawls in. He pulls Maria close and gives her a hug.

“What happened Michael?” Maria asks.

“He is gone. We couldn’t bring him back. He just turned to dust.”

“I’m sorry Michael.” Maria hugs Michael again.

“It isn’t like he was my father or anything. It is just he was all I had.” Michael hugs Maria closer. She reaches up and places her hand on his cheek and then kisses him gently. Michael kisses her back. It isn’t long before their gentle kiss turns passionate.

Maria pulls out of his arms and takes Michael’s hand and pulls him over to the bed. Maria knows that Michael needs her tonight. She doesn’t care if her mother finds out all she cares about is Michael. He just lost his only parent, not that Naseado was much of one, but as he said it was the only one he had. He needs to know that someone is here for him. She feels the pain that he is in and she just wants to make it go away. She also feels his fear. Naseado was killed by their enemies, enemies that are also after him. This also frightens her because she doesn’t want to loose him, especially now that she finally has found him. So tonight no matter the consequences her and Michael would be together.

Michael lays awake with his arms around Maria for along time. So much has happened the last few days. Naseado dying, finding out that their enemies are here and then of course is this whole thing with Maria. If someone had told him at the beginning of summer that he would be laying in bed with Maria Deluca he would have called them crazy. He wanted her for a while but he never expected to feel the things he was feeling now. He feels at home for the first time in her arms and he never wants to leave this spot. But he knew he better leave now before Maria’s mom found them and she would be in even more trouble then she already is.

“Maria.” Michael shakes her awake.

“Hmmm?”

“I better go before your mom finds us again.” He kisses her on the forehead and gets up and starts to get dressed.

“I wish you didn’t have to go.”

“I know.”

“Michael, be careful please.”

“I will. I am going to go to Max’s. Tess is staying over there too.”

“Call me on my cell phone when you get there. Please.”

“Ok.”

Michael leans down and kisses Maria one last time and crawls out her window. As he is walking away from Maria’s Michael sees something on the bush outside of her window. He picks it up. It is a shed skin in the shape of a hand. Michael looks around frantically and walks back to Maria’s window. He sees that Maria has already fallen back to sleep. He places his hand on her window and seals it shut hoping that she will be safe for the night.

Part 8

The next morning the Pod Squad and their friends met at the Quarry to discuss what happened with Naseado.

“So he just turned to dust?” Kyle asks

“Yeah” Tess says sadly. Naseado wasn’t a father to her but he had always been there for her and Michael since they had come out of the pods. It felt strange that he was now gone. They were really all alone now. At least the four of them had found each other and they also had great friends, even if they were just humans.

“Maxwell what was it Naseado said before he died?” Michael asks.

“That they were among us. He called them the Skins. Why?”

“Nothing. Just wondering.” Michael turns his head away from Max.

“Come on Michael. What?”

“It may be nothing but last night I found this shed skin, like a snake skin, in the shape of a hand.”

“What? Where?” Several people said at the same time.

Michael really didn’t want to tell them. He didn’t want a bunch of questions about why he was at Maria’s and most importantly he didn’t want to frighten Maria. But he knew they wouldn’t let it go.

“On a bush outside of Maria’s window.”

The group gasped in surprise. Maria’s face drained of all color. Michael went over to her and hugged her. He leaned down and whispered in her ear. “Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Maria nodded and laid her head against his shoulder.

“They must have been watching you Michael. Did you see anything or anyone else around?” Max asks.

“No, nothing. I sealed Maria’s window shut and headed to your place. I never saw anyone.”

“Well we need to be careful. No one goes anyplace alone. Ok?” Everyone shakes their heads in agreement. “I’m going to talk to Valenti and see if you two can stay with him. I don’t want you staying alone.” Max tells Michael and Tess.

Neither one of them is particularly thrilled about it but they know Max is right.

Michael is more concerned about Maria then he is himself. He doesn’t like that the Skin was outside of her window especially if the Skin saw them together. He doesn’t want to loose her but he is afraid that he may have to push her away to keep her safe.

In the meanwhile, the fact that Michael was outside of Maria’s window in the middle of the night finally dawned on Alex, Liz and Kyle. Liz was not surprised because of the things she had witnessed between them but to say Alex and Kyle were shocked would be an understatement.

“What exactly were you doing outside of Maria’s window in the middle of the night?” Kyle asks stepping closer to Michael and Maria.

“That is none of your business.” Michael pushed Maria behind him and steps closer to Kyle.

“The hell it isn’t. She is practically my sister.” Kyle says as he pushed Michael slightly.

“Stop it.” Max hollers as he steps in between them. “Now is not the time for this”

Maria pulls Kyle off to the side.

“What the hell was that?”

“I just asked him a question”

“And he gave you an answer. It is none of your business.”

“But Maria…”

Maria interrupts. “Look Kyle. I appreciate this whole protective brother thing you have going but stay out of this. Ok?”

“Ok but Maria I hope you know what you are getting into, especially now.”

Maria nods her head in understanding and gives Kyle a small hug. She looks over at Liz and Alex. They give her a look that clearly says they will be talking later. Maria grimaces. She isn’t sure she is ready to talk to them about her relationship with Michael especially since she doesn’t know what is going on between them herself. Maria knows with Naseado’s death and finding the skin outside her window that Michael will most likely try to push her away to protect her. If the skin saw them together last night then she can be used against him. Michael isn’t the type to let anyone close in the first place and knowing that having her close could be dangerous just forces him to do whatever is necessary to protect them both. Of course she isn’t going to let him. Whether or not he will admit it they need each other.

“We better go to school. We are already late.” Max tells everyone.

“Yeah. I hope my mom doesn’t call the school checking up on me or my butt is so in trouble.” Maria says.

“Why would your mom call?” Liz asks.

Maria looks over at Michael who is now shaking his head. She really messed up big this time. Liz is not going to let this go.

“I am grounded.”

“Why?” Alex and Liz ask at the same time.

Maria again looks over at Michael. He shrugs his shoulder to let her know he doesn’t care if she tells him.

“Well you see… she kind of caught me inbedwithMichael yesterday morning.” Maria says so fast that a few of the words get scrunched up together.

“What? Say that again.” Kyle shouts.

“She caught Michael and I in bed together yesterday morning. There are you happy?”

Isabel and Tess give Michael a shocked look. Max also looks surprised. He had figured that something was going on between the two of them but he had no idea it had gone that far.

“And were you dressed at the time.” Isabel asks trying to suppress a smile. After the initial shock she became amused especially after seeing how uncomfortable Michael had become.

“Not exactly.” Maria mumbles.

Kyle is looking angrier by the second and is about to say something but Maria cuts him off.

“Come on we need to get to school.”

She walks over to the Jetta and gets in. Michael follows. As soon as he gets in the car she pulls away and drives off towards school.

“I’m glad your family thinks this is so funny.” Maria is fuming. She was embarrassed and uncomfortable until Isabel started smirking. The she got mad. Why did Isabel think it was so funny? Was it because her mom caught them or because they had slept together?

“They will get over it. Anyway it is no big deal. It was just sex.”

Maria looks over at Michael. He won’t look at her. She realizes that it has begun. He is beginning to push her away.

“Just so you know Michael it isn’t going to work. I’m not going anywhere even if you do think it will protect me. You are stuck with me whether you like it or not.” Maria says as they pull up in front of the school. She doesn’t give Michael a chance to say anything back to her. She grabs her books and walks away.

Michael sits in the Jetta for a moment watching Maria as she enters the school. She had figured him out already. She really was a sight to see when she is being stubborn. Looks like he has his work ahead of him. The Skins are nothing compared to Hurricane Deluca.

Part 9

Michael is still sitting in the Jetta when the others pull up. He gets out of the car to join them.

“Where’s Maria?” Liz asks.

Michael points towards the school.

“Guess there is trouble in paradise.” Isabel says with a smile on her face.

“Whatever.” Michael says and storms off towards the school looking quiet upset.

“I think that is enough Iz.” Max tells her.

“I was just giving him a hard time.”

“I don’t think now is a good time for that.” Tess adds.

Tess can tell her brother is really upset and it isn’t because of Isabel. She thinks he is actually scared and not for himself either but for Maria. She is going to have to talk with him later. They both have History next period so she will have to pin him down then. Of course, Maria is also in the class so Michael may be slightly distracted throughout class. The bell rings as they enter the school and everyone heads for their next class.

Tess sits down behind Michael who has sat near the back of the class. Maria is sitting near the front. She seems to be mad. Tess wonders what Michael did now. She passes him a note.

We need to talk

He looks at the note and answers her back.

Later!

When?

Michael lets out a long breath. He really doesn’t want to deal with this now.

At lunch. Meet me at the bleachers.

Ok.

At lunch Michael goes to the bleachers to see Tess waiting for him.

“Alright. I’m here. What?”

“When were you going to tell me about you and Maria? I am your sister.”

Michael just shrugs. “Not much to tell.”

“Oh really, I think being naked in bed with Maria Deluca may be something. Besides that, What about Isabel?”

“What about her? Come on Tess you know this whole Destiny stuff is crap. There is no reason why we have to be together.”

“What about the message and the book?”

“That was a past life not this one. Isabel and I just don’t work. It doesn’t feel right.”

“And it does with Maria?”

“Yes. I mean no. I don’t know Tess.” Michael sits down frustrated. He is absolutely unsure of what he feels right now. He knows that Maria has become essential to him but he it utterly terrified that she is going to be hurt because of who he is.

“I’m scared Tess. What if the Skin saw us together? What if it goes after Maria to get to me?”

Tess considers what Michael is saying. She can tell he really does care about Maria and she also knows the he is right about the Destiny thing. Max and her don’t feel right either.

“Well I am guessing you did something to push her away.”

“I tried but she said it wasn’t going to work, that I am stuck with her. She walked off and hasn’t talked to me since. She won’t even look at me.”

Tess smiles. Looks like Maria Deluca figured him out. Maybe she is better for Michael then Tess originally thought. She certainly has got him upset enough. He is scared for Maria but at the same time he is upset because she won’t talk to him or look at him.

“Well Michael the way I see it you have only one thing you can do. Apologize to her.”

“What?” What about the Skins?”

“Michael the best way to protect Maria is to stay close to her especially if she isn’t going to let you go anyway.” Tess wants to add the he obviously cares about her a great deal but she isn’t going to push her luck.

Michael’s shoulders sink in defeat. He knows that Tess is right. And to be honest he doesn’t want to let her go. She has become too important to him.

“Ok. I give.” Michael gives her a small smile.

“Well then I suggest you go find the girl and let her know. Oh, and do it quick because a quiet Maria Deluca scares me.”

Michael smirks at Tess’s comment and goes to find Maria. He locates her at her locker, which is conveniently close to the Eraser Room. Before Maria has a chance to protest he pulls her into the nearby room. He makes sure to lock the door on his way in.

“What Michael?” Maria looks at Michael obviously upset at him.

“I’m sorry…”

Maria cuts him off. “Shhh. I understand. You know it actually took you less time then I thought to come to your senses.”

Maria doesn’t give him time to argue as she pulls his head down to hers and kisses him passionately. Michael forgets what he is about to say and returns her kiss with equal passion.

A little while later they pull away from each other slightly as they are in desperate need of some air.

“So what made you change your mind?” Maria asks.

“Actually it was who. I had a talk with Tess. She made me realize that I really didn’t stand a chance of pushing you away when you are determined otherwise.”

Maria is surprised. “Really? Tess? I thought she is still stuck on Destiny.”

Michael shakes his head. “Not really. I think she is beginning to see that what happened in another life, on another planet, isn’t going to happen now, nor does it have to.”

“Good. It is about time. So what are we going to do about the skins?”

“You let me worry about the Skins. I think we have other things to worry about at the moment.”

Michael leans in once again and kisses Maria. Michael decides he may have to distract Maria quite a bit to keep her out of trouble. That may not be such a bad thing at all.

Much later…

Michael and Maria exit the Eraser Room. Someone is watching them walk away. Michael feels a chill run down his spine and turns around but he isn’t fast enough to see the figure slip into the empty classroom.

“What?” Maria asks.

“Nothing. We better get to class. We don’t need your mom storming in here because you got detention.”

Michael glances over his shoulder once again. For a moment he could have sworn there was someone watching them. He guesses it is just his nerves. They are on edge because of the whole Skins thing.

As they walk away the figure comes out from the classroom and watches them once again.

Part 10

It had been a few weeks since Naseado’s death and all has been quiet. Everyone was still on edge and being extremely careful. No one was ever alone. Tonight Maria and Michael are working at the Crashdown. Max, Isabel and Tess are sitting in their usual booth. Kyle and Alex had just left to go walk Liz from across the street at Congresswoman Whittaker’s office where she was working.

“So Mikey G. how’s that Men in Black burger coming?” Courtney tries to flirt with Michael but he chooses to ignore her.

“Depends on how they feel about the burger being cooked.” Michael says going back to getting the Worf wrap ready for Maria’s table.

Courtney is about to say something but Maria interrupts her and tells her that table 2 is looking for their check.

“So Mikey G…”

“Don’t start Maria.”

“Ok Spaceboy. So are you coming over later?”

“Your mom home?” Michael asks.

“No, she is out with Valenti.”

“Ok but I am out of there before she gets home. I don’t want to be chased out of the house with a newspaper again.” Michael smirks.

Maria goes and takes the order Michael puts up and takes it over to her table. She then stops by and talks to the aliens for a bit. The whole time she is talking to Max and the others she watches the new waitress Courtney flirt with Michael. Michael isn’t really paying any attention to her but it still makes Maria’s blood boil. She is going to have a little talk with the bottle job before the night is out.

“Maria. Maria.” Max tries to get her attention.

“What?”

“I called your name like 6 times.”

“Oh sorry Max. Just a little preoccupied I guess.”

“More likely a little pissed.” Tess says. She has noticed the new waitress hitting on her brother also.

“Well yeah that to. I think it is time for Miss bottle job and I to have a little talk. Be back.”

“Maria.” Max tries to stop her but she has already gone off to confront Courtney.

Maria steps up behind Courtney who is at the order window once again.

“Courtney lets have a talk in the back.”

“Maria.” Michael tries to warn her off but she will have none of it.

“Stay out of this Michael.”

Michael just shakes his head. He looks over to the others and sees that they have been watching Maria. They must know what Maria is up to.

“Courtney, in case you haven’t noticed Michael is very much off the market. That means keep away from him.”

“I don’t see your name tattooed to his backside.”

“Well it is. So just stay away from him.”

“Whatever. I haven’t heard Michael say he is unavailable.”

“Now you have.” Michael says as he comes out of the kitchen and stands beside Maria.

“Fine. Message received. That was all you had to say in the first place.” Courtney walks out of the room and back to the dining room where the others have been sitting anxiously waiting to see if Maria needed any help.

Kyle, Alex and Liz arrive just as Courtney comes out of from the back looking really mad.

“What’s going on?” Kyle asks.

“Well Bottle job there has been hitting on Michael all night. Maria had enough of it and just had a little talk with her.”

Alex, Liz and Kyle smile. They know how Maria can get. She isn’t the type to stand by and watch anyone mess with her guy. And Michael is most definitely her guy. They have been inseparable the last couple of weeks.

“Speaking of Michael where is he? I don’t see him in the kitchen.” Liz asks.

“He was just there. He must have left to talk with Maria.”

“Great. That means they will be gone for awhile.” Liz says knowing that Michael and Maria are probably off making out once again.

In the backroom…

“Thank you.” Maria says

“For what?”

“For saying that to Courtney.”

“Come here.” Michael pulls Maria into his arms and kisses her forehead. He isn’t good at saying what he feels but he hopes that by his actions that Maria will know how much he does care for her.

Maria pulls away after a few moments. She touches his cheek with her hand and then gives him a gentle kiss on the lips.

“We better get back to work.” Maria says after a few minutes.

The rest of the evening was rather uneventful. Courtney left early at Maria’s insistence. Maria was in no mood to deal with her anymore. After they closed Michael and Maria went out to her car.

“Michael look.” On the handle of the Jetta is a shed skin similar to the one Michael found outside of Maria’s window.

Michael looks around the parking lot but there is no one there. He pushes Maria into the car.

“Come on lets get you home. Looks like I’m not going anywhere tonight after all.”

“Michael…” Maria starts to argue.

“I am not going to let anything happen to you. I promise.”

Michael is getting angry. Why is it that the only evidence found of the Skins always involves Maria? He is not going to let them hurt her. He will die protecting her if necessary. She is too important to him.

As the Jetta pulls out of the parking lot a figure comes out of the shadows. It is Courtney and she has an evil smile on her face.

“Your time will come Blondie.”

She scratches her neck and pulls off a piece of skin, drops it to the ground and walks away.

Part 11

The next few weeks are full of action for the Pod Squad and their human friends. Congresswoman Whittaker, who turns out to be a Skin, kidnaps Tess and Isabel is forced to kill her. Whittaker, before she dies, lets Isabel know that she is not alone and that the others will come for them. Now everyone is in crisis mode. Michael is even more afraid for Maria and once again tries to push her away.

“Maria I think we should end this.” Michael tells Maria.

“Not this again Michael.” Maria knows that Michael is once again trying to push her away.

“Maria this has nothing to do with me trying to protect you. This has to do with me wanting to see other people.” Michael says to Maria but he can’t look her in the eye.

“Ok Michael whatever you say.” Maria turns away from Michael and goes to wait on a table before she says something that she will regret later.

The remainder of the night she watches Michael as he openly flirts with Courtney. She knows he is doing this to make her believe that he really wants to see other people and even though deep down she knows this is what he is doing it still makes her furious. She decides to not let this get to her and goes over to the gang who are sitting at their usual booth. Max notices that Maria is upset and surmises that Michael is to blame. He follows her eyes as she continues to watch Michael and Courtney at the pick up window.

“What is that about Maria?” Max asks

“Oh you know, the usual. Michael is trying to push me away because he is afraid I ‘m going to get hurt and is using Miss Bottle job over there to do it.” Maria tries to sound like the whole scene isn’t bothering her but it is evident to all at the table that she is really upset about it all.

“Maria, you know my brother, he may be stupid at times but he obviously cares about you a lot.” Tess tries to reassure her.

“I know Tess and I understand his need to protect me but does he have to use Bottle job to do it.” Maria sits down next to Max looking miserable.

A few minutes later Courtney comes up to them with a huge smile on her face.

“Mikey G. is taking me home. See ya.” She walks away from them but not before she gives Maria triumphant look.

“You know I really do hate that bitch.” Maria couldn’t help herself from saying it.

“Maria.” Max looks at her shocked.

“Well I do Max and right now Mikey G. is not to far down the list from her.” Maria says as she storms off.

Maria walks into the backroom just in time to see Courtney and Michael leave together. She really does try to not show her feelings but when she sees Michael hold out his hand to help Courtney on his bike she can’t help but show the extreme hurt she is feeling at the moment. It is one thing for Michael to flirt with Courtney but for him to show any form of respect for her, like helping her on his bike, is just too much. She looks away from the scene quickly but not before Michael sees the look on her face.

Michael knows that he has just hurt Maria very deeply and it tears him to pieces. He knew that Maria wasn’t going to give up on him unless he did something drastic and he couldn’t think of anything more drastic then to go off with Courtney. The thought of being with Courtney actually revolts him but he would do anything to protect Maria. He loves her that much. Plus there is also something very off about the girl. She has been hanging on him since she started at the Crashdown even when she knew that he and Maria was together. And he can’t help but notice how she constantly watches him. Actually gives him the creeps sometimes. So he plans to use this time with Courtney to try to see if he can find out more about her.

Once they get back to her place he starts asking her questions about herself. Like why she came to Roswell because lets face it no one in their right mind every really wants to live in Roswell or at least they shouldn’t.

“So what brought you to Roswell?”

“I've always been into the whole alien thing, I guess, but I have to admit, the sightseeing has exceeded my expectations.” Courtney who had been giving Michael a back rub leans down and kisses Michael on the neck. “So what now Mikey G.”

“Um. Why don’t you change into something more comfortable and I will put on some music.”

“Ok sounds like a plan.” Courtney walks away and starts pulling her clothes off and gives Michael a view.

As soon as Courtney leaves the room Michael starts looking around her place. He doesn’t find anything unusual except for a cabinet completely full of hand lotion. The girl must have a fetish. He has seen all he needs to see and decides he better get out of here.

“Um. Courtney. I think I may have made a mistake. I better head on home.” He doesn’t give Courtney a chance to answer him as he heads right out the door. Courtney comes out of her room wearing a towel. She is obviously furious. She starts to scratch her arm and pulls a piece of skin off. She leans down into the cabinet and pulls out a bottle of lotion and slams the door shut and sits down on the coach rubbing her arms with the lotion. After a few moments she looks up and smiles.

“I think it is time for Mikey G. to find out exactly who I am.”

Part 12

After leaving Courtney’s Michael heads straight for Maria’s house. He has to see that she is ok. He goes to her window. He had planned on just looking in to see if she was ok but as soon as he gets there the window opens and she is grabbing him by the shoulders and pulling him into her room.

“Damn Maria you didn’t have to use your claws.” Michael says examining the scratch marks on his arms and shoulders.

“Well that is what you get for sneaking around my window in the middle of the night.”

“You were supposed to be asleep anyway I was just checking to see if you were alright.” Michael shouts.

“What’s it to you? We are over with. Remember?” Maria shouts back at him.

“Dammit Maria you know I still care about you.” He says as he shoves his hands through his already unruly hair.

“Yes I do know that Michael that is why it hurts so much that you are just pushing me away.” Maria sits down on the bed a lone tear falls down her face.

Michael comes and sits down beside her. He turns her face towards him and wipes the tear off her cheek.

“I’m sorry. I just don’t want anything to happen to you.” Michael leans his forehead against Maria’s. He knows it is pointless to try to push her away because in his heart he doesn’t want her to go anywhere. He needs her as much as she needs him.

Maria pulls back from Michael and looks into his eyes. “Nothing is going to happen to me as long as we stick together Michael.” She kisses him gently on the lips but then pulls back from him again. This time she has a glint in her eyes. “And as long as I don’t kill you for going off with Bottle Job.” She smacks him on side the head.

“Ow. That hurt Maria.”

“Good you dog. Have fun giving Courtney a ride home?” Maria has that hurricane Deluca look in her eyes, which Michael knows all to well.

“Maria you know why I gave her a ride home. Besides that I wanted to do a little investigating. Something is not right with that girl.”

“You go that right. She wants in your pants.”

“Maria.”

“Don’t Maria me Michael she does…” Maria is cut of by Michael as he pulls her into his arms and shuts her up with a kiss that soon becomes very passionate.

After a few moments Michael and Maria part so they can breathe. “It doesn’t matter what she wants Maria. I am yours and you know it.”

Maria doesn’t say anything for a moment. He can tell she is calming down and sees the change in her eyes go from anger to desire very quickly. “Yes you are mine. So I think we need to stop talking now.” She says as her lips attach themselves to his.

It is much, much later before either of them try to talk again.

“Maria, you asleep?” Michael asks.

“Umm. Not yet.” A very sleepy Maria answers.

“I’m sorry about hurting you at the Crashdown. I didn’t want to.” Maria places her finger on his lips to quiet him.

“I know Michael.” She kisses him again. “Now shut up and go to sleep. You wore me out.”

Maria can feel Michael laugh as she lays her head back on his chest. Just as she is about to fall asleep she hears him whisper. “I love you Maria.” She smiles but doesn’t answer him. She knows he thought she was already asleep and that was why he said it. He isn’t ready to tell her openly yet how he feels and that is ok because she does know that he loves her and she loves him, more than she could have ever imagined.

Michael leaves the next morning at sunrise. He wants to make sure that Amy doesn’t catch them in bed together again. Being chased out of the house with a newspaper once was enough for him. He heads on over to Max’s and climbs in his window and rolls out his sleeping bag and goes to sleep.

“You and Maria make up?” Max turns over and asks.

“Yeah.”

“Good”

Max doesn’t say anything else he just rolls back over and goes to sleep.

That evening the Sheriff insisted that Michael come right home after work so he wasn’t able to take Maria home but he made sure that Max stayed and saw that she got to her car ok.

“Max, I’m a big girl you don’t have to follow me. My car is right over there. Ok?”

“I am standing here until you get in your car and lock the door Maria. Michael will skin me alive if I don’t.”

“Uh huh and since when does Michael worry you?” Maria asks giving Max a hard time.

“Since he fell in love with you. I mean, we both know just how bad of an influence you can be. I don’t know how much of Hurricane Deluca has rubbed off on him.”

“Ha, Ha, very funny Max. Well goodnight girlfriend. Talk to you tomorrow.” Maria gives him a hug and walks to her car. She opens the door and points to the lock to let Max know that she has locked the door. Maria drives off and waves goodbye to Max.

Max watches as she pulls out of the driveway and goes back inside. He promised he would call Michael as soon as Maria left and he knew better than to not call. He was only half joking when he told Maria that she was rubbing off on Michael. He had become quite fierce when it came to Maria.

Maria turns up the music in the Jetta. She needs to unwind a bit after tonight’s shift. She had a very busy night and Michael left way to early so she didn’t even get to spend anytime with him. Just as she is about to turn onto her street she sees something out of the corner of her eye. She turns her head and screams.

An hour later Michael comes storming in Max’s window.

“Michael, don’t do that.” Max sits up in bed obviously startled by Michael’s sudden entrance.

“Maria isn’t home yet.”

“What?”

“She isn’t home. I waited for her to call for a half an hour and when she didn’t call I called the house. Nobody answered the phone so I went over there. The Jetta isn’t there and neither is Maria. I called her cell phone but it is turned off. Max she never turns the phone off. Where is she?”

“Where is her mom?”

“She is out with the Sheriff. He hadn’t come home yet when I left. Jesus Max, I knew something was going to happen to her because of me.”

“Michael you don’t know that. Just calm down. Let me get Isabel and we will head over to the Sheriff’s.”

Michael waits patiently for Max to return as he says a prayer.

“If there is a God, Please help us now.”

On the other side of town…

Maria wakes up to find herself tied to the bed she is laying on, her head is aching and she can feel blood running down her face.

“About time you woke up Blondie. Time for the fun to begin.”

“Courtney?” Maria who had been fighting to stay conscious lost her battle and once again passed out.

Part 13

Max, Michael and Isabel arrive at Valenti’s just as he is coming home.

“What’s wrong?” The Sheriff asks after getting a look at Michael’s face.

“Maria is missing. She left the Crashdown almost two hours ago but she isn’t home yet. Michael tried her cell phone but it is turned off.” Max answers for them

“Has anyone called Liz or Alex to see if Maria has called either of them?”

“We did on the way over here. They haven’t heard anything either.” Isabel answers this time.

Michael stands to the side quietly. He is too worried about Maria to speak even to voice his biggest fear, that the Skins have her. From the moment he found that skin outside of her window he was afraid of something like this happening that they would use his relationship with her to get to him. This was why he wanted to push her away in the first place and now because he was too weak to do so her life it at risk and he has no idea where she is.

“Michael?” Tess touches his arm. He hadn’t even realized that they had moved inside. His body moved automatically without his mind even registering it.

“It is my fault Tess.” Michael says to his sister.

“No Michael. We don’t know anything yet. Don’t jump to conclusions.”

“Tess, she is missing. We know that the Skins have been watching us because we found the skins outside her window and on her car. What else do we need to know? They have her Tess and it is because of me, because we were involved.”

Tess hugs her brother. She knows there is no use arguing with him when he is like this and she hates to admit it but he is probably right, at least about the Skins having Maria. She, however, doesn’t think it is Michael’s fault. Maria knew as well as anyone the danger of being involved with Michael and she didn’t care because she loved him.

“I have called the station and put out an APB on the Jetta. It is to early to put in a missing persons report but we can at least keep an eye out for her car. In the meanwhile, we can drive around looking for the Jetta on our own.” Jim tells everyone.

“I’ll take the jeep with Isabel and Michael and Tess and Kyle can take his car. We should call every 30 minutes. I want to make sure we don’t loose anyone else.” Max says.

Everyone leaves Valenti’s hoping that they will find Maria or at least find the Jetta because maybe that will give them a better idea where she may be.

An hour later Jim gets a call from the station the Jetta has been found on it’s way out of Roswell towards Hondo. He calls the others.

“Oh my god Max, look at the car.” Isabel shouts.

They pull the jeep off to the side of the Jetta, which had evidently crashed and flipped over. The Sheriff, Tess and Kyle were already at the scene.

Michael rushes out of the jeep and looks in the Jetta for signs of Maria.

“She isn’t in there Michael?” The Sheriff shouts to Michael before he even gets in the car. “Her purse was still in the car and there is blood on the steering wheel but there is no sign of Maria.” The Sheriff tells Max and Isabel as they walk over to him.

“I have a team coming to dust for fingerprints and to take a sample of the blood on the steering wheel. They should be here soon so you kids will have to leave. I am going to leave as soon as they get here to tell Amy. With this evidence I will be able to put out a report for her.” He tells the stunned kids.

“Maxwell, she is hurt.” Michael says barely above a whisper.

“We don’t know anything yet Michael. Isabel I think it is time for you to try and dreamwalk her. ”

“We should go back to my place.” Kyle tells the others.

They get into their vehicles silently. Before they were afraid for their friend but now they are absolutely terrified that something horrible has happened to her.

They arrive back at the Valenti’s rather quickly because they are anxious for Isabel to try to dreamwalk Maria.

“I need a picture of her.” Isabel tells them.

“Here.” Michael pulls out a picture of Maria from his wallet. No one in the room seems especially surprised that he has one.

Isabel goes into Kyle’s room, lies on the bed and touches the photo of Maria, a connection in immediately formed. Isabel can see Maria laying on a cot, her arms and legs tied to it. She has a bloody gash on her forehead and blood has dried down the side of her face.

“Maria.” Isabel shouts to her.

“Isabel.” Maria says very weakly.

“Where are you?”

“I don’t know.”

“What happened Maria?”

Maria doesn’t answer Isabel so she shouts at her again. “Maria. What happened to you?”

“I was in my car. I turned my head and saw someone there that is all I remember. When I woke up I was here. My head hurts so bad Isabel.”

“I know Maria. Who was in your car? Who took you?” Isabel asks a barely cognitive Maria.

“Bottle Job.”

Isabel then looses her connection with Maria. She sits up taking a deep breath.

“What did you see? Is she ok?” Michael and Kyle rush over to her asking at the same time.

“She is hurt. Her head has a large gash on it. She is tied to a cot. I don’t know where. The room was dark and dirty.”

“Who has her Isabel?” Max asks her.

“When I asked Maria all she said was Bottle Job.”

“Courtney” Michael and Tess shout at the same time.

“ I knew there was something off about her.” Michael says beating himself up inside because he could have prevented this. If only he had investigated her more, tried to find out more information, he may have stopped this. He storms out of the room but Max catches up to him quickly stopping him before he reaches the door.

“Michael. Where are you going?”

“What do you mean, Where am I going Maxwell? I am going to Courtney’s.” Michael shouts.