Author: Kesha
Rating:
PG 13
Disclaimer
I do not own Roswell. (Will you please remove the gun from my head now Mr.
Katims?)
Distribution:
All GZ sites can have them. Also I’m going to post them on dreamer and candy
sites just to piss them off. (hee hee)
Author’s Note:
Hmm can’t really think of anything to say but please please please enjoy my
story and send lots and lots of feedback. (Was that enough begging for you?)
REALIZATIONS IN LOVE
Love
So many things I've got to tell you
But I'm afraid I don't know how
Cause there's a possibility
You'll look at me differently
Love
Ever since the first moment I spoke your name
From then on I knew that by you being in my life
Things were destined to change cause...
Love
So many people use your name in vain
Love
Those who faith in you sometimes go astray
Love
Through all the ups and downs the joy and hurt
Love
For better or worse I still will choose you first
Many days I've longed for you
Wanting you
Hoping for the chance to get to know you
Longing for your kiss
For your kiss, for your touch, for your essence (your beautiful essence)
Many nights I've cried from the things you do
Felt like I could die from the thought of losing you
I know that you're real
With no doubt or no fears
Or no questions
At first you didn't mean that much tome
But now I know that you're all I need
The world looks so brand new to me
Now that I found love
Everyday I live for you
And everything that I do I do it for you
What I say is how I feel so believe it's true
You got to know I'm true, love
Song by Musiq
LIZ
{Chapter 1}
I kept on walking, even though I could hear Max calling my name. Everything I
said to him I meant it. I was not about to stand in the way of his destiny with
Tess, no matter how much it broke my heart to walk away. I knew that if I was to
stay then eventually his love for me would sour.
He didn’t notice the tears that later streamed down my face. In front of him I
stayed strong. I kept on walking. Keeping my pace steady so as not to appear
weak. For him I had to be strong.
I kept on walking on and on through the vast desert. On and on I walked, until I
reached the road that went in and out of Roswell. I stood on the side of that
road lost deep in thought. My mind was distant from my heart and body.
My heart and body yearned for Max. His kiss… his touch… his love. However,
my mind knew I had a choice to make. My mind was debating heavily with the rest
of me. Then my thoughts were interrupted by what seemed like an angelic voice at
the time.
“Do you need a ride?”
Suddenly my decision was made. “Yes, please. Where are you headed?”
“Albuquerque.” Answered the kindly old lady in the truck.
“That’s where I’m headed also.” I reply as I hop into the passenger side
of the 1950 Ford pick up.
We had been driving for twenty minutes before the old woman spoke again.
“What’s your name Sweetie?”
I hesitated before blurting out. “Angel.”
“Angel?”
“Yes. Angel. Angel Martinez.”
“Well Angel, my name is Gerdie.” She flashed me a gapped toothed grin.
“Gerdie Powers. Been living in Albuquerque all my life. Just been visiting my
daughter and her family in Roswell.”
She went on and on telling me her whole life story. Eventually I just tuned her
out. A few minutes later I fell asleep watching the scenery go by. I woke a few
hours later when we arrived in the city.
“Do you have somewhere to go?” She asked me.
“Yes ma’am.” I said. My goal was to get as far away from Roswell as
possible.
I asked her to drop me off at the closest bank. There we said our goodbyes and I
went inside. I withdrew all the money I had saved up, which was a total of
$4,350. I had been saving that money for a long time. I was pretty familiar with
the city so I hopped the city transit to the Greyhound bus station.
There I bought an one way ticket toJacksonville, Fl. I knew no one would think
to look for me there. Soon I was on my way. I was setting off to some place new.
I needed to get away from all the heart aches and troubles that followed me
around in Roswell. I needed to find myself. Find out who the real Elizabeth
Parker was.
Yes, I was on my way.
REALIZATIONS IN LOVE
Love
So many things I've got to tell you
But I'm afraid I don't know how
Cause there's a possibility
You'll look at me differently
Love
Ever since the first moment I spoke your name
From then on I knew that by you being in my life
Things were destined to change cause...
Love
So many people use your name in vain
Love
Those who faith in you sometimes go astray
Love
Through all the ups and downs the joy and hurt
Love
For better or worse I still will choose you first
Many days I've longed for you
Wanting you
Hoping for the chance to get to know you
Longing for your kiss
For your kiss, for your touch, for your essence (your beautiful essence)
Many nights I've cried from the things you do
Felt like I could die from the thought of losing you
I know that you're real
With no doubt or no fears
Or no questions
At first you didn't mean that much tome
But now I know that you're all I need
The world looks so brand new to me
Now that I found love
Everyday I live for you
And everything that I do I do it for you
What I say is how I feel so believe it's true
You got to know I'm true, love
SONG BY MUSIQ
ALEX
{CHAPTER 2}
NOTE:
Some time has passed. This is set after the episode w/ Isabel's birthday. Just
imagine that Liz hasn't came back yet. Max and Maria still became friends. And
yes Nacedo is dead.
"Damn Alex. What happened to your hair?" Maria just had to be nosy and
yank the scarf off that I was wearing on my head. Now she was trying her hardest
to hold in her laugh but she was failing miserabley. I know I would be doing the
same if I was in her place. I know that I look like a complete ass.
You see yesterday I got it into my head that the best way to catch Isabel's
attention was by high lighting my hair. Boy what a disaster that was. Instead of
using shampoo to wash out my hair, I grabbed a bottle of peroxide. Now I look
like a cross between a carrot and Albert Einstein.
"Oh man Maria, you're totally not helping the situation here." I said
to her.
She only laughed harder. "I'm so sorry Alex but this is so much worse then
stripping in front of Isabel's mom."
I'm sure you've heard by now about that fiasco. Let me tell you that that was
the most embarrassing and damaging thing I have ever done in my life. I mean, at
the time of making the decision to do it, it had seemed so cool. Now I wish that
someone had talked me out of doing it. I guess being in love will make you do a
lot of idiotic things.
"Maria can you do anything for this? Do you have any girl tips?" I
asked in desperation.
"I'm sorry Alex but I don't have any idea how to correct that." A few
more giggles.
"Thanks a lot. You're a really great friend." I said sarcastically.
"Well Alex I try to be." She helps me tie the scarf back on my head
gangster style. Then she placed my baseball cap back over it. "Maybe you
should go to Isabel and have her do her alien thingy."
"That's the last person I want to see right now. She's the whole reason I'm
in this mess."
"Alex you know Isabel likes you just the way you are. I don't know why you
always go through these changes for her."
"How can you be sure she likes me still. I mean the last conversation we
had she was claiming that she only wanted to be friends." I was in agony.
"I don't want to be just friends with her. I love her Maria. You know
that."
"I know Alex. But she's going through somethings right now. She has a lot
to sort out." Maria stood up and went out to the restaurant area to get us
something to drink. We were in the employee room in the Crashdown. Maria was
just getting off work. She came back carrying two glasses.
"Here you need a stiff drink Alex." She smiled
We both laugh at her words. "Yes I need my daily dose of Coke 45."
"Anyway Alex you've accepted Izzy for what she is. Why don't you give her
credit for doing the same for you?"
That was a very good question. One I couldn't answer at all. All my life I've
been seen as some kind of nerd. The only best friends I've ever had have been
two girls. I was just used to being put down and not seemed as worthy. Isabel
Evans was the most beautiful, popular girl in the world. How could she be
interested in me? That's how I felt. I don't know why.
Just then Max came in from the front of the Crashdown. I sighed with
displeasure. I don't know why I suddenly have a problem against Max. Lately him
and Maria have been thick as thieves, ever since Liz left at the beginning of
the summer and has yet to return. I guess I was just jealous at the fact that he
took both my girls away from me. First Liz and now Maria. He and Maria aren't
dating. They've just became really great friends. I envy that because she's more
close to him then she had ever been with me.
"Hey Girlfriend." Maria stood up and gave him a big hug as if she
hadn't him seen him just yesterday.
Max laughed and gave her a quick hug and peck on the cheek in return. Then he
turned to me. "What's with the gangster look Alex? Auditioning for a part
in a rap video?"
I roll my eyes and just turn to walk off. I can hear him in the background
asking Maria what was wrong with me. I was out the door before I heard her
answer. Yeah, yeah, I know I should have held in my pride and asked him to fix
my hair problem but I didn't want to.
God the things I went through for that girl. I sighed and got in my car for the
short ride to Michael's. For some reason I rather go to Michael instead of Max.
Maybe because I know we both don't like the fact that Max and Maria were all
friendly friendly with each other.
As I pulled up I saw Tess pulling out. I didn'tthink anything of it and went up
to his door and rung the doorbell. He answered on the third ring. I could tell
he had just come out of the shower. His hair was all wet and I could smell fresh
soap in the air.
"Hey Alex. What's up?" He asked.
I pull off the cap and scarf. Then I wait for him to finish laughing. "Can
you fix this?"
He manages to invite me into the house through his laughs. "Oh man, what
were you thinking?"
"Isabel! Always Isabel." I say simply.
"What made you come to me?" He wanted to know.
"I don't want Max all up in my problems and I don't want to look like a
fool in front of Iz again. Not after that birthday fiasco."
He nodded in sympathy. Then he waives his hand over my hair changing it back to
it's dark brown coloring. "Man you need to seriously stop trying to change
for Iz. She loves you the way that you are. Besides your plans always turn out
bad man."
"Yeah I know what you mean. Next time..."
"Hopefully there won't be a next time."
"Yeah, but knowing me, there will be."
Michael just laughed. I stayed for a little while and we talked, watched TV, and
ate some concoction he made. I left about two hours later. Michael is really
okay once you take the time to get to know him. He doesn't bother with trying to
give me stupid advice and I show him the same respect.
Anyway that night when I went home I lied in my bed going over my situation with
Isabel. I wonder if she would ever love me as much as I loved her. At one point
I thought she was. When she was having those dreams. But then I realized that
the only reason she wanted to get close was because she wanted to deny what
those dreams were showing her.
I sighed and turned on my side. When I looked out my bedroom window my mouth
dropped open. Standing there looking as beautiful as ever was Isabel. She smile
and motioned for me to open the window.
So I did.
MARIA
{Chapter3}
`I miss Liz.'
There, I said it. Now all I have to do is say it a few more times and maybe I'll
actually mean it.
It's been months since she left without telling anyone where she was going. Sure
I was concerned for her at first. She was my best friend after all. But her
leaving like that really hurt. She was supposed to be able to tell me anything.
She didn't have the sense to tell me that she was leaving.
I understood the fact that she was pissed off about the situation with Max and
his destiny. But, what she failed to realize was that I was pissed off to. The
boy that I was in love with for so long was meant to be with another person
also.
She walked out, not only on Max, but Alex and I as well. I felt abandoned all
over again at a time when we needed each other the most. She should have taken
our feelings into consideration before leaving town. She didn't. I guess we
didn't mean as much to her as we thought we did.
After Liz left, Max came into the Crashdown one day looking for her. He looked
so down and pitiful when I told him that she never came home. Everyday for two
straight weeks he would come to the Crashdown to see if she returned.
Eventually, I told him that we needed to get over it and get on with our lives.
I wasn't trying to make him forget about Liz, nor was I trying to forget her
myself, but I felt that the way she acted was very selfish. To me she was
behaving just like Michael. You know how he pushes people away when he needs
them the most? Anyway, we started hanging out and eventually we became really
close friends. I hung out with him more than anybody. He had been there for me
and I returned the favor.
I was suddenly broken out of my thoughts at the sound of someone tapping on my
window. I knew that is was Max because Michael stopped speaking to me a long
time ago. I went and unlocked the window then I motioned for him to come in.
"Maria, you're not dressed. Did you forget we had plans today?"
"It won't take me long to get some clothes on Max. I was just
thinking." I walked to my closet and pulled out the outfit that I had
planned to wear that day. Then I went to my dresser and pulled out some
underclothes and a towel.
"What had you so deep in thought RiRi?" He stretched out across my
bed, making himself comfortable amongst my pillows.
I sighed and said, "I was just wondering about Liz. Where she is? Is she
safe? When she'll be coming back home?"
"Really?" He asked.
He was shocked because whenever he tried to bring up Liz in a conversation I
would always change the subject. We hardly ever talk about our feelings on why
Liz left, and if she was ever coming back. Liz really hurt me and I didn't want
to rehash my feelings about it before.
"Yeah really." I set my clothes down on my lounge chair next to the
bed, then I got in the bed next to Max. "Max do you mind if we stay in
today? I really need to talk to you."
"Sure no problem." He sat up against the headboard and pulled me up
next to him. Then he put his arms around me as I lied my head on his shoulder.
"What do you want to talk about?"
"Liz!" I reply simply. Then I proceeded to poor out my feelings to him
about how betrayed and abandoned I felt by her. When I finished he didn't say
anything at first.
He just rubbed my shoulder for awhile then he gently kissed me on the forehead.
"Why didn't you tell me any of this before?"
"Because Liz was your girlfriend. I didn't want to bitch to you about her.
Besides we don't even know if she's dead or alive." I pulled away from him.
"I mean what if she's dead. She was prevented from returning home. I would
feel so guilty because instead of believing in her friendship I bitched about
her instead."
"She's not dead." He said quietly.
"How can you be so sure?" I asked.
"I just know that she's not."
"Is it because you're connected to her by love?"
"No. That's not it. To tell you the truth I don't know whether or not I
still love her." He stood up and began to pace the room. "I think it's
the connection I have with her when I healed her. It's the same with Kyle. I can
feel them with me. That connection can only be broken by death. So if I can
still feel her then that means she's alive. Get it?"
"Yeah I get it." I say listlessly. "I get that my best friend has
really abandoned me. Just like my father and just like Michael."
Max got back in the bed and pulled me into his arms. "Maria don't let their
mistakes bring you down. You still have people who love you and would never
abandon you."
"Oh yeah like who?" I asked through the tears that had fallen from my
eyes.
"Well there's your mother, she loves you. Then there's Alex...and... and...
there's me. I love you very much."
At his words my tears suddenly stopped. "You love me, Max?"
"Well yeah. You've been a really wonderful friend to me this past summer to
this day." He smiled at me. "I think God sent you to me to bring me
out of my pain."
I blushed. "Oh Max you really know how to make some one feel good. Thanks.
You're a really great friend. I love you too."
Max smiled at me again then he stood up and held his hands out to me. "We
could make this a blockbuster day since you don't feel like going
anywhere."
I took his hands in mine and stood up. "We could order pizza and you could
go pick up the videos."
"Okay sounds like a plan. Order my pizza with lots of pepperonis. I'll be
back in a jiffy with the videos."
He left out the window. I smiled while saying to myself `One day I'll teach that
boy how to use my front door.'
MICHAEL
{Chapter4}
Maria thinks that I'm avoiding her because I'm afraid of commitment.
That's not it. The truth is, I don't know if Icould ever love her the way that
she wants me to. No! Let me rephrase that. I know I that I could never love her
in the way that she needs.
I never meant to hurt her. I never meant for her to fall for me. Sure she's been
there for me in my times of greatest need. She's even broken down a few of my
stone walls, but the fact still remains; I can never love her like she wants.
I think of her more as a friend... a really great friend. I've noticed her and
Max getting close these past months and I do envy their relationship. I can tell
that she feels very free and open around him. I envy that I could never make her
feel that way with me. Though I must admit I never really tried very hard.
Eventually, I know that Maria will get over me. I hope it's soon though. I don't
want her spending any more nights crying over me. I don't mean to be an @#%$ to
her, but I can't help the way I feel.
When I told Maria that I loved her, I really meant it, but not the way that she
thought. I love her like a friend. Like a brother loves his little annoying
sister. I don't love her as a man loves his future mate. Sure we shared kisses
before but once the newness and passion wore off I always ended up feeling
empty.
If she doesn't get over me soon then my actions will eventually make her start
hating me. (If she doesn't already.) I don't want that to happen, but I can't
change the things that I've done. Nor can I stop the things that I'll end up
doing in the future.
Man, this is all so hopeless. There's no avoiding the pain I'm about to cause
her. I can't live a lie any longer. Love is not a conscious thing that allows
you to make many choices. You either accept it or you die a lonely frustrated
person. I don't want to end up that way. I don't want her to end up that way
either.
I shook my head in frustration as I turned on my side. I smiled when I looked
upon the beautiful woman I held in my arms. She is my everything. She's my sun
in the morning and my moon at night. I love everything about her, everything she
represents. She is my one and only love.
I love the way her eyes light up when ever she smiles at me. I love the other
worldly way she has of moving. I love the way she calls my name whenever we make
love. I can't help being in love with her.
I sighed in pleasure when I felt her moving in my arms. I leaned over and kissed
her on her bare shoulder. "Baby are you awake?"
"Yes I have been for awhile. I love just lying her in your arms." She
turned to face me and we shared a very strong and passionate kiss. After what
seemed like forever she pulled back and flashed me another of her beautiful
smiles. "How long have you been up?"
"For awhile. I've just been thinking about things."
"Maria?" She asked with a sad smile.
"Yeah, but let's not get into that right now." I pulled her back into
my arms and buried my face in her hair. "God I love the smell of your hair.
You smell like apples and cinnamon."
She smiled as she pushed me onto my back. She began to shower kisses all over my
face and then on to my chest. "I love you so very much, Michael."
I stare up at her in awe wondering how I got to be so lucky. Then I reply,
"I love you too."
MAX
{Chapter5}
"Max you're still coming over to help me with my chemistry homework?"
Asked Maria after the bell signaled the end of third period.
"Yeah," I reply, "we'll meet up at your house after school."
"Okay. Don't forget." She smiled at me and then walked off.
I stared after her for a few seconds before turning to head to my next class,
English. Over the past summer Maria and I came to be really great friends. She's
really helped me a lot in getting over my hurt about Liz. She's a really great
girl and I can't understand how Michael could treat her the way that he does.
Ever since last Saturday when I told her that I loved her we've been even
closer. She told me that she loved me also, but I know that she only meant it in
a friendly way. She loves me like she loves Alex or Liz. She doesn't love me
like she loves Michael. That's okay with me fornow. I know that she
misunderstood what I was trying to tell her when I said those three little words
to her. It's much to soon for us anyway. My feelings for Liz are still fresh in
both our minds. So are her feelings for Michael.
I went up to my locker and there was Kyle standing at his locker, which was next
to mine. "Hey Kyle." I say. We stood there and talked for a while. We
had the same fourth period class and neither one of us were in a rush to get
there. The teacher, Mrs.Wilkins, is a real dragon.
All of a sudden in the middle of a sentence Kyle stopped and frowned. Then he
said, "What is Michael doing going into the Eraser Room?"
"What?" I quickly turned around to see what he was seeing. I knew
Michael couldn't possibly be in there with Maria. I was really curious.
"Let's investigate." I knew Kyle was going to say that. Maria doesn't
call him stalker boy for nothing.
We walked over to the room and Kyle pressed his ears to the door trying to
listen. The door was too thick. I turned the knob and it was locked. So I used
my powers to unlock it. When I looked inside the room all I could think about
was `Maria is going to be so crushed.'
Why does Michael have to be such an insensitive jerk? I looked at Kyle and he
looked like he was about to cry. He looked as if his best friend had died. I
could sympathize with him though. The love of his life was in the Eraser Room
kissing a guy he really couldn't stand.
"Max! Kyle! Don't tell Maria." Was the first thing out of Michael's
mouth. I could only stand there and look at him like he was stupid. Which he
was.
"Not tell Maria?" Kyle asked sarcastically. "Oh you bet you're
ass we're not telling Maria. This would kill her. How could you Tess?"
Tess looked like she was about to do some crying herself. "Kyle I can
explain."
"No need to explain Tess. It's very easy to understand. Once again you were
just using me." He spat out. "First to get next to Max and now to hide
your relationship with Michael. All I want to know is how long has this been
going on?"
I jumped in at that moment. "What I want to know is how could you do this
to Maria, Miachael? Hasn't she been there for you? I thought you loved
her?"
"Max I do love her, but only as a friend." Michael said hotly.
"As a friend?" I sputtered. "Michael the poor girl is so in love
with you she can barely see straight unless you're in the room. Now you're
cheating on her with Tess. And Tess I thought you liked Maria. She took the time
to befriend you when none of us was giving you the time of day. Is this how you
pay friends back?"
"Max, it's not even like that. We can't help the way that we feel."
Michael stated. "I love Tess, and she loves me. It's as simple as
that."
"Michael, it's not that simple. Maria's feelings can't bee cast off
lightly." Kyle practically shouts. "And neither can mine Tess."
"I told her not to fall for me. I tried to push her away Max." argued
Michael.
"You didn't stop kissing her Michael. For God's sake you told her you loved
her." I stop suddenly realizing that I'm getting very close to vaporizing
the both of them. "You know what I don't care what the two of you do to
each other. You had just better make sure that Maria doesn't get hurt in all
this. Though I don't see how you can make that happen. I have to go. It would be
best if I don't see you two for awhile."
I turn to walk off then I stop and turn back around. "If y'all see me
coming in the halls or anywhere it would be best if y'all turn the other way.
During group activities that can't be avoided y'all should stay as far away from
me as possible. The same goes for Maria too." I walk off unaware that Kyle
is following behind me.
"Can you believe those two?" He asks.
I don't comment at first then I say. "Kyle let's ditch school. I need some
time to think and I don't want to run into Maria. I might spill everything if I
do."
"Okay man, I'm the king of ditching we can go to the desert and just get
drunk."
At the desert Kyle pulls out his ever ready flask of illegal beverage and hands
it to me first. I hesitate knowing that I shouldn't drink it at all, but I
really needed to numb my thoughts and this was the only way I knew how. So I
reached out and took the flask. I held it in my hands and stared at it for what
seemed like forever.
Finally Kyle said, "Come on man don't be scared. Take a sip."
So I did.
ISABEL
{Chapter 6}
Life is wonderful.
Love is wonderful.
Alex is wonderful.
Last Friday night I received a call from Michael. He told me that I needed to
put Alex out of his misery. He explained to me about how Alex felt that I didn't
love him.
I felt really bad, because I knew that I had been hurting Alex by distancing
myself from him. During this summer we had spent so much time together, then as
soon as trouble hit at the start of the school term I dropped him. I don't know
why I did that because I really do love him.
So after I got off the phone with Michael that night I went to go see Alex. I
bypassed the front door and headed straight to his window. His curtain was
partially open. I stared at his lovely sleeping figure for a few minutes before
knocking on his window.
At first I didn't think he would let me in. Then he slowly got up and pushed the
window open. Being the gentleman that he is he helped me in.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
I just smiled, pushed past him, and took a seat on his bed. "I came to
talk." I patted the spot next to me. "We haven't spoken in
awhile."
He sat down and replied. "That's not my fault."
"I know. I'm trying to correct things."
"What do you want to talk about?"
Again I smiled. "I want to talk about us."
"Us?" He gulped visibly.
I laughed. "Alex don't get so scared Sweetie." I turned to face him
and he did the same. "I know that before I said we should be friends, but I
was wrong."
"You were?"
"Yes I was." I said simply. "Alex I know I act like a snobbish
princess at times. I don't mean to. It's just a defense."
"I know that Izzy. You know I see past all of that." He smiled at me
as he brushed a lock of hair out of my face.
"Thank you." I leaned forward and kissed him softly on the lips. He
deepened the kiss. Finally, he ended the kiss. I groaned with displeasure.
"Izzy, I had to breathe." He laughed.
"Oh!" I giggled. Then, "Are you done breathing?"
Again he laughed and then he pulled me closer for more kisses. We spent the rest
of the night just talking and kissing. I fell asleep while being comforted in
his arms. The feeling was heaven. We both woke up just before the break of dawn.
"I have to go now." I said with a pout.
"But not for long?" He asked with a smile.
"No, not for long." I repeated. We kissed once more. "I love you
Alex."
"Good, because I love you too, Isabel."
I left with a great big goofy grin on my face.
I was in seventh heaven through out the days following. In fourth period that
Monday Maria was staring at me curiously. "Izzy are you okay?"
I could only laugh at the concerned look on her face. "I'm more than okay.
Alex loves me and I love him."
Maria started to beam. "Oh, Izzy, that's fantastic. I'm glad you two are
finally getting back together. What bought this on?"
I told her about the call I received from Michael and everything that happened
afterwards. I noticed that at the mention of Michael's name Maria grew sad, but
then she perked back up when I told her the rest. I grew thoughtful for a few
minutes. Just then Tess slipped into the classroom. She was fifteen minutes
late.
"Nice of you to finally join us Ms. Harding. You'll be glad to join me
detention after school today too."
As soon as the teacher turned back to the board Maria leaned over and asked Tess
why she was so late. She gave an evasive answer and turned back around in her
desk. Maria looked at me and I just shrugged.
After class the three of us headed for lunch. There we met up with Alex and
Michael. After ten minutes when Max and Kyle didn't show I finally asked if
anyone had seen them.
"Max and I shared third period. That's the last time I saw him."
Replied Maria.
"Yeah same with Kyle. I saw him last during third." Replied Alex.
Everyone turned to Michael and Tess. Neither answered. "Well anyway, maybe
something important came up. They do share fourth period." Maria inserted.
"Yeah maybe that's it." I said.
"Listen y'all I have to go. There's a project I need to finish up from art
class." Michael stood up and left. About five minutes later Tess followed
saying that she needed to go to the library.
"So, Maria, Alex and I are going to the movies after school. Do you want to
go?" I asked her.
"No I'd just be a third wheel. Besides Max is supposed to be helping me
with my chemistry assignment after school."
"Well okay then. I'll call you later tonight. Kay?" I said.
"Kay." Lunch ended and we went our separate ways.
KYLE
{Chapter 7}
I can't believe that she played me again. I don't know what it is about her that
makes me blind whenever I'm around her. I felt like such a dud when Max opened
that door and I saw her wrapped in Michael's arms. I wanted to die then and
there.
That image was not only a blow to my ego but a blow to my heart also. I was and
still am in love with that girl. I thought we had something. Now I realize that
once again I was just dreaming. This however was worst then when Liz dumped me
for Max. I at least knew that Max would have been good for Liz. He would treat
her with respect. But Michael. He treated his last girlfriend like dirt and he's
still doing it.
I thought about Maria. Like I told Michael finding out about the two of them
would kill her. I don't see how he could live with himself. What a bastard.
Max was taking this really hard also. Not because Tess was meant to be his
bride. He could care less about that. He was mad because he and Maria are really
close friends and he knew what this would do to her.
We ditched class and headed out to the desert. I pulled out my ever ready flask
of gin. I always keep some on hand in my car. I handed it to Max. He hesitated
before taking it.
"Come on man don't be scared. Take a sip." I encouraged when he just
looked at it."
He did. Hours later we were both drunk out of our minds laughing about nothing.
Then Max jumped up and said with a slur. "Oh Shoot. I have to go meet up
with Maria at the Crashdown."
I found that funny for some reason. "Man I'm to wasted to drive. What about
you?"
"I think I can manage." He said. So we left after he made three
attempts to put the key in the ignition.
He drove really slow but to the two of us it seemed really fast. Somehow we made
it to the Crashdown in one peace. Maria was standing outside next to her Jetta
with a really pissed off look on her face.
"Max where were you? I've been waiting here for over a hour." She
fussed at him for 10 minutes before she realized our drunken state. "Oh my,
you two are totally drunk. What the heck?"
"Maria you know you're really really pretty when you're mad." Max said
with a goofy laugh. "Your eyes get all ferocious looking."
"Yeah and face gets all scrunchy." I inputted. "You look like a
cute little puppy."
Maria just rolled her eyes. "You guys are in no shape to be driving. Get
out the jeep and get in the Jetta." We hesitated. "Now!" she
shouted.
We jumped out the jeep and headed over to her car quickly, stumbling all over
one another. "You know I'm really not that drunk." I said. I opened
the door to the Jetta and climbed in the driver's side.
"Kyle get your but out of my seat and get in the back." I ignored her
and turned the car on. "Kyle you hear me? Do what I say." She stomped
her feet in fury.
Max and I only laughed. Then Max grabbed Maria around the waste and pulled her
in the car. He wouldn't let her up. I think he liked having her in his arms.
Anyway, I drove off. I didn't go slow.
I don't remember quite how it happened but I lost control of the car. We were
five blocks away from the Crashdown. On a empty road. I lost control. My mind we
blank and I could hear Maria screaming in the background.
Then nothing. Silence.
I awoke later to the sound of Max crying Maria's name.
"Maria Sweetie, wake up baby. Don't die on me." He was saying over and
over. "Oh God. Please baby don't die."
I felt a liquid substance streaming down my face. I knew it was blood so I
didn't even bother to check. I looked around and noticed we had hit a tree. We
weren't in a neighborhood or anything like that. Just open road. I turned to
look at Max and Maria in the back seat.
"Max, can you heal her?" I asked with worry. I don't even think he
heard me. I never saw Max cry before. I shouted his name twice before he finally
snapped out of the shock he was in. "Try to heal her Max."
He nodded and placed his hands over the wound on her forehead. A few minutes
later it healed completely. "I'm going to do a full check to make sure
she's not bleeding internally." He said.
Afterwards her eyes opened. "What happened?"
"We got into an accident." Max said.
Maria reached up and wiped the tears from Max's eyes. "How could you two be
so stupid?"
We both held our heads down in shame. I felt really bad. We did to Maria what we
tried to prevent Michael from doing. We hurt her. "Maria, we're so sorry.
We didn't mean to be such jerks."
Max was still crying. I could tell a little of it was from relief though.
"I am a jerk Maria. I should never have taken a drink of that alcohol,
knowing how it makes us. Can you ever forgive me?"
She smiled through her tears. "Yeah I forgive you. The Jetta's wrecked now
I can get a new car."
We all laughed with relief. Maria's cell phone made it through the wreck so we
called my dad. I really didn't want to but how else were we going to explain the
Jetta being wrecked and us with no injuries.
When my dad got there he was really pissed at Max and I. He lectured us really
hard about the price of drinking and driving. He told us we were really stupid
for jeopardizing Maria's life like we did. We just both hung our heads in shame
because we knew he was right.
My dad drove us all home dropping off Maria first. He followed her inside so he
could explain to her what happened to the car. She chewed us out worst then my
dad. She smacked us both upside the head and threatened to kill us if we ever
put Maria in a situation like that again.
We then took Max home. No one was at his house so his lecture was delayed for
that time being. When we arrived home Tess was already there. She was lounging
on the sofa reading a magazine. She looked upat me and jumped up in concern.
"Kyle what happened?" She reached up to touch my face. I jerked away
from her and said. "Don't touch me."
She backed up and I walked off to my room. I plopped down in my bed and stared
at the ceiling. I knew that it would be hard for me to get over Tess. Alcohol
didn'thelp at all. It only succeeded in making me hurt a really good friend. God
life was so frustrating. Just when you thought you had a handle on things,
something comes along and sweeps it all away.
I ranted inside my head about my pain for hours before I finally fell asleep.
TESS
{CHAPTER 8}
I knew people would eventually find out. I just didn't expect it to happen
so soon.
Max and Kyle were right about one thing, Maria was the first to befriend me
when no one else would. I never meant to hurt her, but I couldn't stop the
feelings I had for Michael. I've loved him from the beginning.
It's true. I never wanted to fulfill my so called destiny with Max. I just
did all those things because it was what Nacedo wanted me to do. He used to
show me pictures of the three of them, telling me over and over again that
Max was meant for me and Michael for Isabel.
Whenever I looked at those pictures I was always drawn to the tall solemn boy
with the hair that defied gravity. When I finally met him in person I knew
that I had found my one true love. To me he was my destiny.
I fought my attraction to him for as long as I cold. I didn't want to
disappoint Nacedo. However, as soon as the summer began Nacedo left to go
impersonate agent Pierce. With him gone I dropped all plans to make Max fall
in line with destiny. They thought I did it because of Liz. That wasn't the
case. Maria befriended me and made everyone else aware of my good
qualities. Michael started to notice that I existed.
It started one day when I was sitting in a booth at theCrashdown. I was
writing down in my journal my inner most thoughts and fantasies regarding
Michael. I quickly closed the journal when I saw Kyle walking in and in my
haste to leave I accidentally left my journal on the table. Maybe it wasn't
an accident at all. Maybe it was fate. I really don't know.
Michael found my journal. When I went back later to get it, he admitted to
reading it. I was mad at first. He had invaded my privacy. Then I grew
embarrassed. I grabbed my journal and started to walk off. He stopped me
and turned me around to face him.
"I'm flattered." He said simply. Then he pulled me into his arms and
kissed
me hard. That kiss was like no kiss I had ever received. Kyle's fumbling
kisses paled in comparison. That brief kiss I shared with Max was no equal
either. Michael's kiss filled us both with so much passion. I didn't want
to let go and neither did he.
We finally parted. "WOW!" Was all we could say.
We stared at one another for minutes then I turned once again to run off.
"Wait Tess. Don't go. That kiss meant something."
I tried to protest. I brought up Maria and what this would do to her, but
neither of us could deny the feelings that we had. We went back to his place
and spent the whole night talking things over. At the break of dawn we made
love. It was the first time for both of us.
The moment was right. We knew then and there that we were meant to be
together. There was no denying our love.
Kyle and Jim walked in snapping me out of my thoughts. I looked up at Kyle
with sadness then I noticed the cut above his left eyebrow. "Kyle what
happened?"
He jerked away from me saying, "Don't touch me." Then he stomped off
to his
room slamming the door behind him.
I tried to question Jim but all he would say is that Kyle and Max had gotten
into a little accident. He didn't explain anymore. He just asked what I
wanted for dinner. When he left the room I just slumped back down on the sofa.
Kyle hated me. Max hated me. When Maria finds out she'll hate me to. Alex
and Isabel will be on their side because I'm just an interloper to them.
Before I came their world was peaceful. Well as peaceful as it could be with
FBI agents breathing down your neck.
"Man! Why does life have to be so difficult?" I asked myself aloud.
"Why
does love have to be so difficult?"
All I can say is that love is love and you can't help whom love chooses for
you. Right?
"Right!"
Liz/Angel
{Chapter9}
Florida was vastly different from Roswell. I liked that.
In Florida I could separate myself from the everyday problems I faced in
Roswell. I didn’t plan on staying in Florida as long as I did. The plan was to
spend the summer there, get over Max, then return home. As they say ‘Things
never go according to plans.’ The first thing I did was find a place to stay.
I found a really cheap boarding house close to the down town area. Then I went
looking for a job. Even though I had a little money, I knew it would only take
me so far. It was easy to get fake identification in Albuquerque.
So I was able to get a job at the Body Shop located in the Jacksonville,
Landing. It was there at the Jacksonville, Landing (a mall located on the river
) that my plans change. I met Jake Rockwell. Jake changed my life. He was
shopping with his daughter and they came into the store. He was an older man,
about forty years old. He kept staring at me. I was kind of nervous at first,
thinking maybe the alien issues had tracked me down, but then he started to walk
towards me.
“Hi, you’re probably thinking I’m an old pervert or something staring at
you the way that I am. I assure you that I’m not. I’m a modeling agent and
my company is looking for a fresh new face for our newest client. I think that
you have the look that we need.”
I didn’t believe him at first. I thought he was pulling my chain. He went on
to tell me a little bit more about his agency. He then told me that the girl he
was with was his daughter Sabrina, she was also a model. He handed me his card
and told me to give him a call at is office tomorrow morning. I went home that
night and debated the issue in my head until I feel asleep.
When I woke the next morning my mind was set. I was going to go for it. I’m
actually glad that I went for it. My life has been filled with so much fun and
hard work since. The contract took us to France. Sabrina and I were doing a
series of commercials to model clothing. The two of us became really good
friends and I absolutely adored Jake. He became like a second father to me.
Don’t get me wrong, I thought about my old life at home but that life didn’t
seem as important to me any longer. I found something better. I know I should
have called my parents to let them know where I was, to let them know that I was
okay. But I didn’t, call me selfish or whatever. I just didn’t want to give
up the lifestyle that I was now living. Besides I went to Florida to get away
from it all now I’m in France and my bank account was fat.
One night Sabrina and I decided to have a sleepover. So we did the hold best
friend bonding that I used to do with Maria. We made crank calls, talked about
guys we had met, and junked out on ice cream (a big no no in the modeling
world). I don’t know what came over me but all of a sudden I felt home sick.
So I told Sabrina my whole life story. Leaving out the alien portion ofcourse.
When I finished my tale she just sat there staring at me.
Finally she spoke. “You should go home.”
That’s all she said. I waited for her to say more but she didn’t. So I just
asked her what she meant by that.
“I meant just what I said. You should go home.” She frowned at me. “You
know your parents are worried sick about you. And your friends are to. I think
that you leaving like you did was a very selfish act.”
“But Sabrina you don’t understand. I had to leave.” I cried.
“I understand that you felt betrayed or whatever by Max, but what about your
friend Maria. She’s probably feeling the same way about that Michael fellow.
You left her behind to deal with all of that alone. Isn’t she supposed to be
your best friend?”
“Well yes. Maria and I have been friends for years. She would understand the
choice I made.” I replied.
“Are you so sure? If my best friend left like you did, I wouldn’t be so
understanding. Anyway, I don’t want to fight about that. All I’m saying is
that you should go home. You don’t have to give up modeling. My dad can work
it so you can model and finish school at the same time.” She stood up and
walked over to her bed. “You don’t have to decide everything tonight, but
you do need to think things over. It’s getting late we have an early morning
shoot. Let’s get some shut eye.”
I thought about what she said. It stuck with me all night long and all through
out the next day. Finally I made my decision. I asked Jake if he could meet me
in his office. I sat on the edge of his desk waiting for him.
He walked in. “What’s up Angel? What did you need to see me about?” He
looked very concerned so I knew that Sabrina hadn’t told him anything.
“Jake I have to be honest with you. My name isn’t Angel Martinez. I’m Liz,
Elizabeth Parker. I’m not twenty years old I’m only seventeen.I’m a
runaway.” I said all in one breath.
“WOW! I knew there was something mysterious about you. Just never figured on
anything like this. So I take it you made the decision to go home?” He said.
“Yeah, but I don’t want to give up the modeling. I really enjoy it.” I
stated.
“You don’t have to. We can work things out. The really important thing is
that you call you parents right away and let them know that you are okay.”
“Okay I will.” I waited until he left the room. Then picked up the phone. It
was only 8 p.m. in Roswell so my folks would be up and about. No one answered in
the house part so I called the café.
Mom answered. “Crashdown Café. How may I help you?”
“Mom, it’s me Liz.” She started to cry and so did I.
“Liz baby where are you?”
“Mom I’m in France.”
“France? Honey, how did you get way over there?” I explained everything her.
After talking to her for awhile she put me on the phone with Dad. They lectured
me as well as begged me to come home. I told them that I was but that there were
some things I had to work out first. I also made them promise not to tell anyone
that I was coming home.
When I hung up the phone I turned around and there was Sabrina and Jake standing
behind me. “Well?” They both asked at the same time.
“Well they really missed me. Dad was actually in tears. I’m going home.” I
gave a small smile.
“Dad can we go to Roswell with Liz?” Sabrina asked eagerly.
“Sure we can. Besides I have some things I need to clear up with her parents
anyway.”
“Well it’s set then we’re heading to Roswell.” I left them and headed
back to my hotel room.
I was finally going home after six months offreedom. I would be home just in
timefor Christmas. I’m very nervous about returning. I know some of them will
not appreciate my return home, but I’m not doing it for them. I’m doing it
for my parents. They deserve better than the way I’ve been treating them.
MARIA
{Chapter10}
Liz is coming back. My best friend is returning home after months of absence.
So, why am I not at all excited?
I overheard Mrs. Parker’s conversation with Liz when she first called. Mrs.
Parker picked up the phone in the back the same time that I picked up the one in
front. She spoke before I did. I was going to hang up the phone but then I heard
Liz’s voice. So I listened. Call me bad but I just had to.
So I heard the whole thing. Liz living in the lap of luxury in France while her
parents and friends suffered thinking maybe she was somewhere lying in a ditch.
God how could she be so selfish. I waited until they both hung up the phone then
I gently set it down.
I turned away from the counter and walked to the back of the restaurant. Michael
was back there on his break. He was lounging on the couch drawing in his
notebook as usual.
“Hey Spaceboy.” I said flashing him a smile. “What are your plans after
work? Wanna go check out a movie with me?”
Michael and I have barely been on speaking terms since last year when he told me
he loved me then broke up with me. I still loved him even though he broke my
heart really bad. I don’t know what it is about him that makes me want to be
with him even when he’s being such a jerk to me. So I asked him out knowing he
was going to turn me down as usual.
He looked up at me and closed the book he was working in. He seemed to be deep
in thought. Finally he spoke. “Sure. It’s finally time we talked anyway. So
we can go to dinner after the movie.”
“Okay. Sounds like a plan. Pick you up at six?” I was really shocked but
also very glad that he agreed.
“Okay. That’s fine.” He put his notebook back in his backpack and stood
up. “I have to get back to work I’ll see you later.”
“Okay.” When he left I let out a soft shout of pleasure. Maybe he was going
to tell me he wanted to get back together with me. That would be so great. God,
I love that boy.
I changed into my regular clothes, grabbed my purse, and then left. I decided to
stop by the Evan’s house and update Max on my life. I don’t know what I
would have done with out Max. Even though he and Kyle caused me to get in a
senseless accident that could have been avoided, I still love the guy. He was my
new best friend. Way better than the one named Liz Parker.
I hope she doesn’t come back to Roswell wanting to inch her way back into
Max’s life because I refuse to allow that to happen. Max was slowly but surely
getting over her and I refused to let all my hard work go to waste.
I’m glad she’s not dead or hurt but I refuse to pretend that her leaving
didn’t hurt me. I know what her leaving did to Max. It was not a pretty sight.
Now he claims that he’s no longer in love with her. I know it’s just an act,
because it the same one I try to pull with him about Michael.
Anyway, as you can tell I’m not at all happy about Liz’sreturn. Though I
really am happy about my date tonight with Michael. I pulled up in front of the
Evan’s drive. There was Isabel and Alex playing basketball in the driveway.
Isabel was beating him as usual. The thing about that was Alex was playing his
hardest, not even trying to let her when. I laughed at the picture of inadequacy
he made.
“Hey you two.” I said.
“Hey Maria.” Isabel threw the ball to Alex then walked over to me. “Just
getting off work?”
“Yeah, another hard day in Alienville.” I smiled. “So is Space King in the
house?”
“Yeah he’s in there watching Christina Aguilera videos. You know how much
he’s obsessed with her.” Isabel complained.
“Hey I’m just glad he’s not into Britney Spears. Can you stand listening
to her bad singing all day?”
“Yeah I know what you mean.” Alex said laughingly. “At least Christina can
sing.”
“Hey let’s not get into this debate again.” Isabel said. “Max is in his
room Maria. Alex the game’s not over yet. Come on and let me whoop your butt
some more.”
I went into the house and just followed the sound of ‘Genie in a Bottle’ to
Max’s room. I stood in the doorway, unnoticed by Max, laughing at his crazy
antics. He was dancing around the room with his poster of Christina.
“Oh Max you’re such a wonderful dancer.” I said imitating Christina as
much as I could. I laughed again when he spun around falling on his butt in the
process.
“Man, Maria you scared the heck out of me.” I helped him up. He walked over
to the radio and turned it off.
“What brings you over here? I thought our plan was to meet up later tonight to
go to the movies?”
I sat down on his bed andstarted to play with his pillow. “Well plans change.
I have the best news.”
“What?” He crawled past me on the bed and sat down behind me. “He started
massaging my back.
“Ah man that feels so good.” I closed my eyes in pure ecstasy. Max gave such
wonderful massages. “Anyway I actually have good and bad news.”
“Well give me the bad first, that way the good can overshadow.”
“I doubt that would happen. Anyway the bad news is that Lizis coming home?”
“Umm, Ria…Sweetie…how is that bad?” He asked in confusion.
I explained to him everything that I overheard on the phone. I left nothing out.
When I finished I turned around to look at his face. “Well…are you going to
say anything?”
“No!” He said simply.
“No? Nothing? Are you happy, sad, angry…what?”
“I’m neither of those. I just really don’t care right now. Maybe when she
gets here it might hit me. For now I just don’t care.” He turned me back
around and went right back to giving me a massage. “Now what was the good
news?”
I jumped up in excitement and started to bounce around his room. “I have a
date with Michael tonight. Isn’t that great. I was just inviting him out like
I always do, ya know?; assuming he was going to say no. He said yes. Oh Max
I’m so happy. Aren’tyou happy for me Max?”
MICHAEL
{Chapter11}
I know that Maria completely misinterpreted my agreement to go out with her
tonight. I know she thinks it’s a date. I feel bad about misleading her, but
the time has come for me to come clean with her. I can’t go on misleading her
anymore.
Max told me to stay away from her and I really tried. Despite what they think
I’m not out to constantly hurt Maria. Things just happen that aren’t in my
control. I can’t help falling in love with Tess. She’s come to mean so much
to me. I don’t know how I survived all this time with out her.
I had felt drawn to her ever since she first came to Roswell. I was very good at
hiding my emotions because no one suspected a thing. I guess it helped that it
was also around the same time I was experiencing those dreams about Isabel and
me. Also, I thought she was totally in love with Max, then with Kyle. When I
found her journal in the booth at the Crashdown I was ecstatic when I realized
that she had the same feelings that I did. I couldn’t resist kissing her.
I don’t regret a second of my actions. I loved her. She loved me. It was
simple as that. I’m sorry that Maria is the one who is going to suffer for my
actions but I don’t regret them at all.
When she asked me out to the movies tonight I was going to turn her down as
usual, but then I decided to accept. It’s now confession time. I can’t lie
to her any longer. Max can get mad all he wants. It doesn’t matter. I have to
do this.
“Michael?” I looked up with a smile for my sweet Tess. “Hey baby! Just
getting off from work?”
“Yeah.” She sat down at the counter. “Are we still on for tonight?”
“I had to make a plan change. Maria asked me on another date. I accepted.”
She just nodded. “You’re going to tell her about us?”
“Yeah. Despite what Max says I think it’s time.” I took my apron off and
headed for the back room.
She followed. “She’s going to be really pissed Michael. She’s going to
hate me forever.” Tess said sadly.
“Maybe not! Maria’s pretty reasonable.” I lied trying to make Tess feel
better.
“Michael you’re a terrible liar.” I only smiled.
I changed out of my work clothes while Tess gathered up my book bag. “Are you
coming back to my place with me?”
“Yeah I don’t feel like going home and being ignored by Kyle.” She rolled
her eyes.
When we got to my apartment Tess settled onto my sofa and flipped on the TV. I
went into the kitchen to fix us a snack that would hold me over until dinner
with Maria tonight. “Tess are you going to try to be here when I get home
tonight?”
“I can’t tonight. Both Jim and Kyle will be home tonight.” I pouted. She
cradled my face in her hands. “Ah baby. Mommy’s gonna kiss you and make you
feel much better.”
I laughed as she nibbled on my nose and then moved on to my cheek and ears.
“Enough. I want pout any more.” We spent the rest of the afternoon watching
TV and making out.
Tess left at 5:15 and I set out to get dressed for my confession to Maria. At
6:15 the doorbell rung. I took a breath of fortification and opened the door.
There stood Maria. Pretty as ever. She was a vision of pixie loveliness. My
heart ached at the pain that I was about to cause her.
“You look really nice Maria.” I said.
“You don’t look to bad yourself Space Boy.” I gave a sad smile at her
nickname for me. I knew that later she would call me much worse.
“We’re going to see the Mummy II. Do you mind?” She said with an excited
bounce. “I really loved the first one and I heard the second is even
better.”
“No I don’t mind. I liked the first one too?” As we walked to the car I
stared longingly at my motorcycle, thinking that maybe I should follow her on
it. I knew that after the movies I would really need a ride home.
The movie was really great. It got my mind off of the issues that I would face
later on at dinner. At one point during the movie I happened to look over to my
left and I saw Max and Kyle. At first I thought they had followed us but when
the movie was over they left without even looking our way. So I shrugged it off
as coincidence.
At the restaurant I requested a table way in the back, away from too many prying
eyes. I didn’t know how to start with the confessing so I just sat there as
Maria rambled on and on. Occasionally I answered her questions with one words or
small grunts. She didn’t say anything about that though because she was pretty
much used to it.
“Michael I had a really great time at the movies tonight.” She was saying.
“I’m really glad you accepted my offer tonight. Maybe we can do this again
some time?”
What she was really asking was ‘Could we maybe get back together?’ I knew
that that was my cue to get to confessing. I gave myself a mental shove of
courage and interrupted her in mid sentence. “Maria I have something really
important to tell you.”
She noticed my serious look so she set her fork down, intertwined her fingers
and rested her chin on them. “What is it Michael?”
“It’s about us?” I paused to gather my thoughts.
“Go on!” She prompted.
“This is really hard for me.” I took a drink of water. My mouth suddenly
felt dry. “You and I have been through a lot last year. I know that you’ve
been there for me even when I’ve been such and ass too you.”
She nodded her head in agreement. “Yeah that’s true.”
“You know how after we rescued Max I told you that I loved you?” She nodded
again. “I really did mean it Maria. I loved you. I still love you.” I rushed
on quickly as she started to smile knowing that that smile would soon be wiped
away completely. “Just not the way that you think.”
“I know we shared a lot ever since you found out about my origins. I know that
I pursued you and made you fall in love with me. I’m sorry for that Maria. I
just don’t love you in that way.”
“What are you saying Michael?” She looked like she had just been kicked in
the stomach. I was sorry I was making her feel that way but I had to continue.
“Maria, what I’m saying is that I love you like I love Isabel, as a sister.
I love you but I’m not in love with you.” I felt sick at the sight of the
tears that were starting to stream down her face. “Maria I don’t mean to
make you cry.”
“Well goody for you Michael. How can you expect me not to cry. You tell me
that our relationship didn’t hold the same meaning for you as it did for me
and you expect me not to cry. What a selfish jackass you are Michael.” I was a
little frightened of her at tha moment.
She wasn't yelling. Everything she said to me was in a soft voice. She didn’t
get loud at all. “Why?”
“Why what Maria? Why don’t I love you?” I asked in confusion.
“No. That’s not what I’m asking. I do want to know that but not now. What
I want to know is why you accepted my invitation today? Why did you have to give
me hope only to dash it all? Why couldn’t you just tell me this earlier?”
“I don’t know Maria. This just seemed like a good way to tell you.” I
answered as honestly as I could.
“Really? What, you decided to have one last pity date for Maria? Go out with
her one last time let her down easy.” Her voice was still at that low level.
“No, Maria. That’s not it at all. I truly thought this would be the best
way.”
“So what made you decide you were no longer in love with me?” She asked.
I didn’t want to tell her about my love for Tess knowing that she was really
going to fly off the deep end, but I knew I had to finish this. “I’m in love
with someone else.”
“What? Who? When this happen?” She demanded. “Is it Isabel? Have I lost
you to her? No it can’t be her. She’s head over heels for Alex. So who is
she Michael?”
“Tess. Tess and I fell in love over the summer.” I stammered
“Tess?” She stood up then. She stood up and gathered up her purse and
jacket. “I can’t believe this. You and Tess? I thought she was my friend. I
guess this goes to show that Liz was right in not trusting the little slut at
all.”
“Maria wait. Let me explain things. It’s not what you’re thinking at
all.”
“Michael you can’t possibly know what I’m thinking.” She stopped and
turned around to face me. “But if you really want to know what I’m thinking
let me tell you. I’m thinking that I’m really stupid for getting messed up
in your stupid life. I’m thinking that I must have a sign on my forehead
proclaiming me a doormat, because lately it seems as if all a lot of people have
been doing is walking all over me. First my father, then you, then Liz, and now
you and Tess again.”
She paused to hold back a sob of pain. “I can’t believe the two of you could
do this to me. Did I not do enough for you? I saved your life. I came to your
defense when no one else would. I befriended Tess when y’all looked down on
her. What a way to repay some one you claimed to love. You don’teven know the
meaning of that word Michael. I feel sorry for Tess. She doesn’t know what
she’s getting herself into. Good bye Michael.”
I reached out and grabbed her arm to keep her from walking away. “Please Maria
don’t leave like this. I really think we can work things out.”
She looked down at my hand gripping her arm. “Let go of my arm Michael.”
“No.” I said. “Not until you hear me out.”
“I think you need to let go of her arm right now Michael.” Said Max. He came
from out of nowhere with Kyle standing right behind him.
“Stay out of this Max. This is between Maria and me.” I shouted at him
angrily.
“No Michael. I told you to stay away from her.” He pulled Maria away from me
but I refused to let her go. Before I knew it I was all of sudden knocked flat
on my back. I looked up and there was Alex rubbing his sore knuckles.
“Damn that hurt but you deserved it you jerk. How could you do that to
Maria?” He looked down at me with anger in his eyes. “Isabel and I were at
the table over there we saw the whole thing. You and Tess? I can’t believe
you.”
“Come on Maria, Max and I will take you home.” Kyle pulled Maria in his arms
while Max, Alex, and Isabel continued to send me evil looks.
“You’re an ass Michael.” Isabel spat. “And I hope things turn on you and
bite you on the ass.”
They left me laying there on the floor. I stood up and through all the stares I
paid the check and asked the waiter for a phone. I called Tess and asked if she
could pick me up. I explained everything that happened and she said she was on
her way. I knew that I really screwed things up really bad and it was going to
take a lot before everyone could get past this. I really didn’t want to hurt
her feelings but I had no other choice.
TBC
MAX
{Chapter12}
When Maria told me she had a date with Michael I wanted to kill him. I could
believe he could be such an insensitive jerk, raising her hopes up like that. I
also vaguely recalled telling him to stay away from her. So yeah, thoughts of
murder were running through my head.
I couldn’t let her get her hopes up over that loser. So I told her about him
and Tess. When I finished she just sat there stunned. I could tell that at first
she didn’t believe me but when she thought about how Kyle and I got drunk that
day that made her believe. Why else would I be so irresponsible?
However, I couldn’t deter her from going on the date with him. She still
wanted to go. She wanted to hear everything from his mouth. She wanted him to be
the one to tell her about Tess.
I held her in my arms while she cried her heart out. She was very angry but more
hurt than anything. Over and over she asked me ‘Why?’ I couldn’t provide
an answer. I don’t know why Michael does the stupid things that he does. As I
held her and comforted her by rubbing her back, I made plans to follow her and
Michael. I knew I could get Kyle’s help. I was not about to allow Michael to
hurt her more than he already did.
It was really easy. I knew what time the movie started so Kyle and I went
straight to the movies. We waited in the shadows until they came in the theatre.
When the lights went down we found a seat across from them. At one point I know
Michael saw us but we didn’t acknowledge his presence and he just figured we
didn’t see them.
During the movie Kyle suggested throwing popcorn at him but I reminded him that
we were trying to be inconspicuous. After the movie we left right before they
did. We knew what restaurant they were going to (There aren’t that many in
Roswell) so we went there and found a seat deep in the shadows. We spotted Alex
and Isabel having a romantic dinner but we didn’t speak.
As we watched the going on I silently congratulated Maria on her fine acting.
When he laid his hands on her though I had to react. I could have kissed Alex
then and there when he punched the hell out of Michael. I would have done it
first but Alex took it out of my hands.
The ride to Maria’s house was a silent one. Kyle and I had been driving in his
car. So he drove home by himself and I took Maria’s keys from her and drove
her home. Alex and Isabel continued on with their date after making sure Maria
was okay.
When we arrived at the Delucca residence I put the car in park then I looked
over at the beautibul pixie sitting next to me and realized that she had fallen
asleep. I could see traces of tears that had fallen down her cheeks and I again
plotted Michael’s demise in my head. I didn’t want to wake her so I got out
the car and walked over to the passenger side. I opened up the door and took her
purse, slinging it over my arms. I decided to leave her jacket. I gently lifted
her in my arms. I kicked the door shut behind me and carried her up the steps to
her house.
I knew Amy wasn’t home. Earlier Maria had told me that she was going to have
dinner at the sheriff’s house. So I balanced Maria in my arms while I opened
the front door. Then I carried her upstairs to her room. She woke up as soon as
I placed her in her bed.
“Max? You carried me from the car?” She gave me a sleepy smile.
“Yeah. You’re light as a feather.” I returned her smile.
“Thanks. You’re so wonderful to me. I’m glad you and I became friends.”
She wrapped her arms around my neck and gave me a really big hug.
“Me too Ria. Me too.” I placed a kiss on the top of her head. “How are you
feeling?”
“Okay.” She sighed. “I could be better, but life is not easy.”
“Yeah and it doesn’t help that some people are born to be idiots.” I said
sourly.
“Yeah that doesn’t help at all.” She laughed. “Max I’m not going to
let him get the best of me. I’m not going to let him win.”
“If you want I can go back and break his knees for you?” I teased.
Seriously she asked. “Would you?”
I frowned. “Maria I was just teasing.”
She laughed again. “Yeah and so was I.”
“Thank God. For a minute there you had me worrying.” I watched as she stood
upand went over to her dresser.
“I’m going to take a shower Max. Why don’t you go downstairs and start a
movie. I’m not at all sleepy anymore. And I’m still hungry.”
“Do you want some ice-cream?” I asked.
“Yeah that would be great. We have a gallon of Fudge Royale in the freezer and
I know you like Orange Sherbert. We have that too. Why don’t you fix us some
and I’ll be down in a jiffy.”
“Yes Master. Any other orders while you’re at it?” I asked with a
sarcastic smile.
“Well I might want a massage later but for now just get my first orders
right.” She replied regally. I laughed and headed out the room.
She came downstairs twenty minutes later dressed in her jammies and carrying a
blanket and pillow. We both curled up on opposite ends of the sofa eating our
ice cream and watching the Little Mermaid. When we finished eating I took up our
bowls and carried them to the kitchen.
When I got back to the livingroom I found her stretched out on the sofa wrapped
up in the blanket. “Are you going to make any room for me or do I have to
sleep on the floor?”
“I’m pretty sure the floor will feel nice.” She said teasingly.
“Whatever scoot over and make room for the King.” We both stretched out on
the sofa spoon fashion. I enveloped her in my arms and our legs entwined. To me
it was a vaguely erotic position but I was sure she didn’t see it as such. I
knew she still only saw me as a friend.
I pulled the cover over the both of us and we laid in that position for the rest
of the movie. She was the first to fall asleep. I stayed up just to admire her
beautiful face in the small patch of moonlight that streamed through the
curtains.
A few ours later I fell asleep thinking about how much I loved her and how I
wanted to beat Michael to a bloody pulp for daring to cause her pain.
TBC
ISABEL
{Chapter13}
Alex and had had the most amazingly romantic time last night. Well after all
the excitement with Michael and Maria. After checking to make sure Maria was
alright we left the restaurant and headed for the desert.
Alex grabbed two sleeping bags, a blanket, and his backpack filled with supplies
while I grabbed the picnic basket packed with fruit, cheese, and wine. We
climbed up to the top of the quarry and Alex found a perfect spot in between
four large boulders.
Alex leafed through the backpack and then let out a mild curse. “Oh man Izzy!
I forgot the radio. I’ll go back and get it.”
“No, that’s okay Hun. We don’t need it.” I reminded him of my little CD
trick.
I watched as Alex set laid out the sleeping bags. “Alex you’re so my hero. I
was really proud of you when you knocked Michael flat. I feel like doing the
same to that hussy Tess.”
“No. You don’t need to scar those pretty knuckles of yours.” He took my
hands in his and gently kissed the back of each of my fingers. I melted in
pleasure.
“Oh Alex I love you so much.” I gushed.
He gave me a crooked smile. “I love you too Sweetie.”
We curled up on the sleeping bags and Alex wrapped us both in the blanket.
“I’m glad you suggested we come out here tonight. This whole night has been
so wonderful.”
“Hey you know I had to go all out for our anniversary. We’ve been officially
dating one month today. That’s a major accomplishment that should be
celebrated in style.”
“You’re just to good to meAlex.” I wrapped my arms around his neck and
kissed him softly on the lips. I was about to pull away when he deepened the
kiss. We spent the next for moments in pure bliss. I loved the way he nibbled on
my bottom lip. It was a very erotic move that always had me begging for more.
“Izzy baby we have to stop now or else we’re going to miss the meteor
shower.”
I separated from him reluctantly. “Did you bring the binoculars?”
He reached for his backpack. “Yeah they're in here some where.”
While he looked for the binoculars I thumbed through the CD’s that he brought.
“Oh Alex I can’t believe you have this CD. I totally love this song.” I
set a cloth down on one of the rocks and placed the CD on it. I placed my hand
over it and a few seconds later Love by Musiq began to play.
Alex turned to face me with the binoculars in his hands. He set them down next
to me and reached for the picnic basket. He pulled out a container filled with
strawberries and another container filled with melted chocolate.
“May I feed you Milady?” He asked with a smile.
“Yes you may Milord.” He dipped one of the strawberries into the chocolate
and then he began to slowly feed me the wonderful fruit. “Mmm, so sweet.”
I took up a strawberry and dipped it in the chocolate and then I fed him. It was
pure heaven. Every time I put it close to his mouth he would always take the
time to lick my fingers first. “Do you want some wine? It’s nonalcoholic.”
He pulled out two champagne flutes and filled them half way with white grape
wine. “I would like to make a toast.” I said holding up my glass.
“Go on.” He urged.
“To you, Alex Whitmann, The most wonderfully sweet and very sexy man I’ve
ever known. You’re my first and possibly only love that I’llever have.” We
interlocked our arms and drank deeply from our glasses.
The song stopped and I started it back up. Alex stood up and held his hands out
to me. “May I have this dance?”
I took his hands in mine and he pulled me up into his arms. I wrapped my arms
once again around his neck and laid my head upon his shoulder. He wrapped his
around my waist and we proceeded to dip and sway to the beat of the song. As we
danced he began to sing softly along with the music. He had a beautifully deep
voice that I never tired of hearing.
I lifted my head and stared deeply into his eyes. “Alex?”
He looked down at me. “Yes baby?”
“Will you love me forever and ever?” I asked insecurely. I didn’t want
what happened to Maria to ever happen to me. I know that Alex is nothing like
Michael but a girl can’t help but feel insecure.
He smiled and pulled me closer. We were practically one person. “I will always
love you Isabel. Nothing will make me stop loving you.”
We kissed again. I felt the earth tremble and shake. That’s how being in his
arms made me feel. I never wanted to be separated from him ever again. I know we
were too young to be feeling this way but fate wasn’t caring at all about age.
Besides technically I was over fifty anyway.
Alex lowered me to the ground and in a moment of true passion we ended up
consummating our relationship right there. At one point during our moment of
passion I happened to look up and noticed what seemed like stars shooting across
the sky. I pointed it out toAlex and we paused entwined together and enjoyed the
show that nature was giving us.
“It’s so beautiful Alex.” I said in awe.
He turned back to me and held me tighter. “Not as eautiful as you my love.”
MARIA
{Chapter14}
The next morning I woke up feeling safe and secure in Max's arms. It felt so
good being held in his arms. I didn't want to get up but I had to do something
about that phone that refused to stop ringing.
"Are you going to answer that?" He asked while smiling down at me.
I let out a reluctant sigh and sat up to pick up the phone resting on the end
table. "Hello?"
"Maria, Honey, it's me?"
"Morning mom. Are you still at the Valenti's?" I asked.
"No, I'm not. We're in Las Vegas, Jim and I." She paused and took an
excited breath. "We got married last night."
I let out a shocked yell. "What? You got married? How could you?"
"Sweetie, we're in love. He asked me last night and we decided to take the
plunge."
"But mom..."
"No buts. Just be happy for me baby." She begged.
All I could think about was I would have to be in the same house as Tess day in
and day out. I would have to deal with Michael's relationship with her on a
daily basis. How could mom do this to me? "I'm happy for you mom. So how
long will y'all be staying in Las Vegas?"
"We'll be home tomorrow night." We talked for a few more minutes then
she said she had to go. I slowly hung up the phone deep in thought.
Liz would be home tomorrow also. First I had to deal with the news of Liz, then
the stuff between Michael and Tess, now this. Could my life get any worse? Max
started to rub my shoulders trying to comfort me.
"Ria? Sweetie, what's wrong?" I turned around in his arms and buried
my face in his chest.
"Everything!" I moaned. "Mom and Valenti got married. Now I'll
have to live with Tess. Why are all these bad things happening to me?"
He gently raised my face so that we could be eye to eye. "It's not all bad.
Your mom is really happy now. Kyle will be there to keep things level between
you and Tess. You always said you wanted a brother. Now you have Kyle. I'm here
for you whenever you need me. I also believe that things will work out between
you and Liz."
"You think so?" I asked with a teary voice.
"I know so." He said firmly. He then kissed my forehead and pulled me
back into his arms. "We don't have to go anywhere today we can just lounge
around here. What do you say?"
"Sure, that's fine by me." I stopped to think. "No I take that
back. Let's go shopping. Christmas is just around the corner and I'm in a
shopping mood."
"Okay by me. Let's get some breakfast first." He stood up and made his
way to the guest restroom.
I went upstairs to my room and pulled out some clothes to wear that day. I
decided to wear something cheery. So I pulled out a pink cotton halter and a
pair of pale blue Capri jeans with a matching jacket. I pulled out my favorite
pink and blue Nikes. I laid my clothes out on the bed and went into the
bathroom.
As I walked back downstairs I could smell the scent of bacon and eggs wafting in
the air. "Mmm, Max that smells really good. Did we have any orange
juice?"
"Yeah it's on the table." I poured myself some o.j. as Max placed
aplate of food in front of me.
He then sat down and proceeded to cover his food completely in Tabasco sauce. I
didn't even bat a lash at the sight. It no longer shocked me. "So are you
going to confront Tess?"
I paused and took the time to think about it. I really didn't know what I wanted
to do regarding her. I mean Michael and I weren't dating but he still lead me
on. He gave me hope that there could be a chance between us, but Tess... She
really didn't do anything wrong, except maybe fall in love my guy. Even that
wasn't wrong though. Why did it have to be with Michael?
"I honestly don't know Max. I'm not going to go out my way to avoid her but
at the same time I'm not going to pretend that we're great friends either. I
can't be mean or nasty to either her or Michael because in the long run we're
going to all need one another. There's the fact that we're trying to save your
planet from evil aliens that's holding us all together."
He seemed to take it all in for a while. "Yeah I see what you mean. We
can't be at war with one another because it will distract us from the bigger
picture."
"Yeah..." I finished up my breakfast and stood up to put the dishes in
the sink. He did the same.
"I'm still mad at him though." He commented.
"I am too. I'm mad at them both." We walked into the living room.
"We need to stop at my house so I can shower and change." He said
while straightening up the mess we made on the sofa.
"Okay."
When we pulled up at the Evans we noticed Isabel and Alex pulling up at the same
time. "You two are just getting here?" I asked.
I never saw Isabel blush before but she did at that moment. She even made
blushing look beautiful. "Alex and I were celebrating our anniversary. We
lost track of time."
"Hey I'm not interrogating you. I'll save that for your parents." I
said with a laugh. We all went into the house.
"Where are you two headed?" Alex asked.
"We're going Christmas shopping. Do y'all want to come?" I replied.
"Sure that would begreat. I'm going upstairs to change I'll be down in a
few." Isabel said. She followed Max upstairs.
I turned to Alex. "Guess what Alex."
"What?"
"My mom and Valenti got married in Vegas last night and Liz will be coming
home tomorrow night."
"What?"
KYLE
{Chapter18}
It was the first day of Christmas vacation and here I sit in the house bored out
of my mind. There was really nothing for me to do that I hadn't done already.
Amy and my dad weren't home yet and Tess left early this morning, some where
with Michael probably.
The only thing I could thinkof doing was going to Maria's and hanging out with
her and Max. Hanging out with Isabel and Alex was definitely out of the
question. Those two were in lovey dovey heaven and I certainly didn't want to be
a part of that.
When I arrived at Maria's house the first thing I noticed was Max sitting on the
front porch rocking two and fro on the porch swing. "Hey Max! Whatcha doing
out here? Where's Maria?"
"Liz is back!" He said simply.
"Really? She's in there now?"
"Yeah she's talking to Maria. I don't hear any yelling yet soI assume Maria
is behaving well."
I laughed. "She's not going to throw away years of friendship."
"I don't know. Maria's changed a lot lately."
"She's still bubbly Maria. The one who we all love and cherish."
"Yeah that's true, but she no longer takes crap from anyone including Liz,
her one time best friend."
"Do you thing she'll ever forgive Tess and Michael?" I seriously
wanted to know. It was really hard for me to forgive Tess but I knew that
eventually I would. Michael and I were never friends to begin with so I really
didn't think of him one way or the other.
"Eventually she will. She kind of already does. It's Liz she's mostly
focused on now."
We both sat on the porch deep in our own thoughts. Time passed and we didn't
even noticed until the door opened and Liz walked out. "Hi Liz! Welcome
back! I missed you like crazy."
"Hi Kyle. How are you?" She smile softly at me. However I could tell
by the look in her eyes that things between her and Maria did not progress the
way that she wanted it to.
"I'm doing fine. I heard you've been living in France. How was it?"
While we talked Max stood up and went back into the house. I knew he went to go
comfort Maria so I took my time talking to Liz to allow them some time alone.
Finally Liz ran out of things to say about France. "Sounds like you had a
great time."
"Yeah I did." She smiled again. Then paused. "Kyle? Do you think
I was wrong for leaving the way that I did?"
I didn't know how to answer without hurting her feelings but I tried anyway.
"I don't think you were wrong for leaving. I do think that you should have
told us that that was what you had decided on doing. You had everyone worried
about you."
"But a lot of positive things have come out of my leaving Kyle." She
stated. "Isabel and Alex are together. You, Maria, and Max are close
friends now."
"That's true but Maria could have used your input while her relationship
with Michael was falling apart. She needed you then more than she ever needed
you. So did Alex."
She hung her head down. "I know. I didn't handle things right. You aren't
the first to tell me this."
"I'm not trying to make you feel bad. Unlike the others I'm not going to
jump all over you for leaving. I just want things to work out for the
best."
"I heard about Michael and Tess. I'm really sorry Kyle, I could tell last
year that you were really starting to like her."
"I thought I loved her. I guess it wasn't meant to be." I shrugged.
"Oh Kyle. You'll find the one for you."
"I know I will. Just taking longer than I like."
We both laughed. "Well I have to go. My mom is expecting me. I'll talk to
you later Kyle."
"Okay bye." She left and I went into the house. I smiled at the sight
of Maria was curled upin Max's arms asleep. "How long has she been
out?"
"About five minutes." He spread her out on the sofa and stood up.
"What are our plans for today?"
"I don't know man. Thought you might have some ideas."
"How about we go get decorations and a tree and decorate the house?"
Said a sleepy Maria.
"Great idea." Max and I echoed.
TBC
MARIA
{Chapter 19}
"What are y'all yapping about?" I walked out of the kitchen carrying a
tray filled with snacks and three glasses of juice.
"Nothing. I was just telling Liz about your mom and Valenti." Max took
the tray from me and set it on the table. "You two need to talk. I'm going
up to your room Maria to give y'all some privacy."
He left and I stared after him for a minute and then turned back to Liz.
"So..." I started with a smirk on my face, "How was France?"
I couldn't wait to hear what lies she would try to come up with to appease me. I
couldn't believe she had the audacity to come here and spout off about missing
me, missing all of us.
Hah!
Whatever!
"Maria I can explain everything." She started.
I rolled my eyes and sat down on the couch. "This had better be good."
She sighed and sat down across from me. "When I walked out of the desert
that day I was so hurt and confused. I had just found out that Tess and Max were
married in their former life. The person that I loved so very much could never
possibly be mine. I couldn't stay in Roswell and have to face that day in and
day out. I just couldn't."
"I can understand that Liz. What I can't understand is why you didn't call?
No word from you at all. I thought you were dead until I spoke with Max and he
said you couldn't possibly be. How do you think that made us all feel Liz?"
"Your parents were worried sick. They had everyone looking for you."
"I know. I wanted to call but I just couldn't. I didn't want to have to
face anyone just yet. Then I met this guy named Jake and his daughter Sabrina
and he introduced me to the modeling scene. I'm afraid thoughts of Roswell just
left my mind. I'm so sorry."
I stood up. "Sorry just doesn't cut it Liz. I don't think I can forgive you
just now."
"Maria please. I don't want to lose our friendship."
"I can't help that Liz. I'm not the one who put our friendship in jeopardy.
You are." I walked over to the front door and opened it up. "I'm going
to ask you to leave now. I really don't have anything else to say to you right
now. I need sometime."
"Okay. I understand. Maybe we can talk later?" She asked hopefully.
"Yeah maybe." I shut the door behind her. A few minutes later Max
walked in.
"Maria, are you alright Hun?" He sat down next to me on the sofa. I
curled up in his arms.
"Yeah I'm alright. I'm going to forgive her eventually. Just didn't want to
make it to easy for her."
"That's good." He squeezed me closer to him and smiled at me. I buried
my face in his chest and started to fall asleep. I guess Max thought I was
completely asleep because he softly stroke my head and said, "I truly love
you Maria. More than you'll ever know."
Kyle chose that moment to come in. "How long has she been out?"
"About five minutes." He spread me out on the sofa and stood up.
"What are our plans for today?"
"I don't know man. Thought you might have some ideas."
"How about we go get decorations and a tree and decorate the house?" I
said sleepily
"Great idea." Max and Kyle echoed.
I went upstairs to change. While changing I thought about what Max had whispered
in my ear. What did he mean by saying he loved me more than I'd ever know. Was
Max Evans in love with me? Me? Maria Delucca? I was totally confused.
When did this happen. I made up in my mind to question him about it later. Right
now I was going to have a great time with my new brother and new best friend.
MAX
{Chapter20}
She didn’t hear me.
Well, at least I think she didn’t hear me.
I assumed she was asleep, but she woke up so quickly when Kyle asked what our
plans were for the day. She might have just woken up when he came in. She
didn’t say anything or do anything to respond to what I said, so I’ll just
assume that she didn’t hear.
God I love her so much. All that day I was debating on the moment that I would
feel free to tell her. Maybe some day soon. God, I hope some day soon.
I don’t know how much longer I can go without kissing her senseless. I find
myself touching her as much as I can. I no some one as to notice that I’m
always holding her in my arms or kissing her forehead or running my hands across
her cheek. God I love touching her.
We spent the day buying Christmas decorations for her house and Kyle’s. I
loved the way she would bounce around the store from item to item in perfect
excitement. She bought the Christmas spirit out in me also and I’m not one who
usually celebrates Christmas with much enthusiasm.
I think Kyle knows how I feel about her because every time I looked up at him I
would see a look of amusement upon his face. I know he was silently laughing at
me but I didn’t care. All I cared about was being close to my Maria.
I don’t know what it is but when love hits me it really hits me. However, this
was nothing like being in love with Liz. My love for Maria is so much different.
Maybe it’s because we started out as just friends. It wasn’t love at first
sight. It started out so small and just seemed to grow to where I can’t
contain it inside me any longer. I have to let it out.
I know it sounds crazy but that’s how I feel.
“Yo Max! Snap out of it. Tell me what you think of this tree. Is it to big?”
Asked Maria.
Not looking at the tree I replied, “Perfect! Just Perfect!”
“Max! You’re not even looking at the tree!” She complained.
Kyle laughed and inputted, “But he’s looking at something or should I say
someone that's perfect all the same.”
Maria blushed and flounced off to another tree. “Oh shut up Kyle.” She said
as she walked off.
“Max, man, you have it bad. Why don’t you just put yourself out of misery
and tell her how you feel.”
“It’s to soon. She’s just getting over Michael.” I stated. I did not
want to be a rebound person.
“I think now is the perfect time Max.” He urged.
I just shrugged and slowly followed behind Maria. “I don’t know Kyle. I
don’t want to get hurt and I’m sure she doesn’t either.”
“I’m not so sure you’d wind up getting hurt. Besides you’ll never know
for sure until you try.”
“You’re right. I know you are. I just have to work up the nerves. Okay?”
“Hey you two, what about this one?”
After we got the tree we headed back to the Delucca residence. When we got there
we noticed Valenti’s truck in the driveway.
“They’re back!” Maria sang out. “Hi mom, Jim. Congratulations on the
elopement.”
“Hiya Sweetie. Are you mad that I got married without you?”Amy asked with a
big grin on her face.
“At first we were but not anymore.” Replied Kyle. “Dad are you going back
to the house?”
“Yeah in a bit. We were hoping that you kids could all stay here while me and
Amy stayed at our house tonight.” Jim commented.
“Sure dad. We know y’all need privacy and all. When will we start looking
for a bigger house?”
“Amy already has one in mind.”
About an hour later the newlywed couple left us alone. Maria started popping
popcorn for the tree while Kyle and I set the tree up. We told amusing stories
about past Christmas and had an all around good time.
That night home alone in my room I thought heavily on my feelings for Maria and
the advice the Kyle had given me. I didn’t want to lose the friendship that me
and Maria had but at the same time I’m so desperately in love with her and and
if I don't tell her I will burst into a million tiny pieces.
A plan began to form in my head. I now knew the perfect way to show Maria my
love for her.
God I couldn’t wait to play itout.
MICHAEL
{Chapter 21}
It was a complete shock seeing Liz in the back of the Crashdown. I never thought
she was dead or in any serious trouble, I just figured she wouldn’t come back
to Roswell for a while. It was really selfish of her to leave like she did but I
understood what she was going through. Besides who am I to call anyone else
selfish. I’ve performed more than a few selfish acts myself in my brief
lifetime. And like Liz’s my acts also hurt the people I cared the most about.
Thanks to Tess all that has started to change.
She’s made me realize that my acts don’t just affect me but everyone else
that is around me. This thing with Maria could have been handled a little better
and we both saw the selfishness in the steps we took. We could have done things
differently. We can’t go back and change things but we can.
Anyway I know I’m starting to ramble. I started talking about Liz and ended up
talking about Tess. Being in love has seriously touched my mental state. Okay
back to the topic. So there we were, Tess and I talking about our plans for the
day. I was on my break and trying to get in a few minutes of alone time with my
girl. Just as I was about to kiss her Liz walks up. So as I said earlier I was
shocked.
We exchanged pleasantries and then I had to go. Work was calling me. All I could
think about on my way to the grill was that Liz was back, now that would take
some of the heat away from me. Selfish, I know, but hey I hate being Mr. Bad Guy
in a situation that was far beyond my control. I love Tess not Maria. It’s as
simple as that.
My shift ended at five o’clock that day. I went home to take a quick shower,
and then I went to get Tess from the Valenti’s house. When I got there I
noticed the sheriff’s truck in the yard. I knocked on the door.
Amy answered. “Hey Michael. How are you?”
“Hi Mrs. Deluca. I mean Mrs. Valenti. I’m doing okay.”
She laughed and told me to come in. “If you’re looking for Kyle he’s at my
house.”
“Actually I came for Tess. We have a date.” I cringed at the swift scowl on
her face. ‘Stupid move Michael.’ I said to myself.
“You’re dating Tess? When did this occur? I thought you were dating my
Maria?” She didn’t give me an opportunity to answer before saying. “If you
hurt my daughter I’m going to see to it that you’ll never be able to walk
again. Now did you hurt my daughter?”
“Umm…uhh…umm…!” I found myself stuttering. “It’s really
complicated Mrs. Valenti. I didn’t purposely hurt Maria.”
She would have whacked me over the head with a broom if she had one in her hand.
She would have gone to find one if the sheriff hadn’t chose that exact moment
to appear. “Hey Michael. What’s going on?”
“Hello Sheriff. Nothing much. Congratulations on your marriage.”
“Are you here for Kyle? He’s at Amy’s.”
“Actually Jim, he’s here for Tess.” Amy said in anger. “They’re
dating.”
The Sheriff picked up on the source of Amy’s anger. He sighed and gave me a
look of disapproval. “I’ll go call down Tess Michael. Amy, Sweetie, come
with me. I don’t want you doing anything to Michael while I’m gone.”
Tess came down a few minutes later. “Amy totally ignored me a few minutes ago.
I take it you told her we were dating because she was really nice to me
earlier.”
I hung my head down in shame. “Yeah I did. They thought I was here for
Kyle.”
“Oh well. They were bound to find out sooner or later. Have you decided where
we’re going?”
“Yeah. Are you ready?” At her nod I took her hand and guided her outside to
my motorcycle.
For the next few hours we would ignore our problems and just enjoy one another.
For now it was the perfect solution.
“Max is getting married.” The phone dropped out of my hand, crashing to the
floor. I was devastated. I reached down and picked it back up putting it to my
ear quickly.
“What? That can’t be true. I just talked to Max a week ago. He didn’t say
anything about getting married. Tell me you’re just joking Isabel.”
“No joke Maria.” Isabel sighed. I knew that Isabel was feeling sad for me.
She knew that I had been in love with Max ever since junior year in high school.
She thought that we would end up together I was to scared to admit my feelings
for him. “I’m sorry Maria.”
“Don’t be. If it weren’t for my own stupidity Max and I would be together
right now. Not him and some bimbo.” God I don’t even know the girl and I’m
already calling her a bimbo.
“So do you know who it is?” I asked. That’s all I could think to say. I
wasn’t going to cry. Not while I was on the phone with Isabel. I’ll reserve
that right for later when I was all alone in my cozy little apartment.
“He said he’s known her for a while.”
“Was it someone he met in school?”
When we graduated everyone pretty much split up. The war on their home planet
had pretty much dispersed without them even having to lift a finger. It seems
the scientist on their planet had made two sets of the pods. The other podsters
were more like the originals and they found the way home to defeat their
enemies. Max, Isabel, Michael, and Tess had a choice whether or not they wanted
to leave or stay. They chose to stay.
Michael received a scholarship for his art to NYU. Tess was accepted into
Julliard for her dancing. So they went to New York together. They shared an
apartment not two far away from both colleges. Isabel and Alex went to college
in California. Isabel was studying fashion and Alex was majoring in computer
technology. Liz went to UNM and still modeled occasionally. Max and Kyle went to
Florida State University. Surprisingly Kyle was actually studying medicine
(didn’t know he had it in him) as well as Max.
“I don’t know I think so. I haven’t met her yet.” Isabel stated. “Are
you going to come to the wedding?”
“Yes if he invites me.” I could never let Max down. We’ve been there for
one another through a lot.
“Listen Isabel I have to go. I’m going to be late for my next class. Talk to
you later. Okay?” At her confirmation I hung up the phone. I stared at the
phone for what seemed like hours my hand was still on the receiver.
Max was getting married and it wasn’t to me.
MAX
{Chapter 23}
When I was 17 I had a plan to make Maria, the best friend I ever had, realize
that I was in love her. I never acted out on that plan. Fear held me back.
I feared that she wouldn’t share my feelings. She would probably think it was
a rebound thing. At the time she was just getting over a major break up with one
of our closest friends Michael Guerrin and I was just getting over a break up
with her best friend Liz Parker. So I feared that she would just use that as an
excuse for my feelings. She would just say I was trying to get close to Liz by
being with her.
I had a lot of stupid fear holding me back. I didn’t see it as stupid at the
time, but now that I’m older I realize that it was just senseless. I should
have settled things back then. I could have saved myself so much loneliness and
pain.
I had to sit back and watch in silence as she paraded boyfriend after boyfriend
before me. I had to wipe away her tears and soothe her hurt each time one of
those jerks broke her heart. I had to be the one she could lean on when she was
away from her mom and she just needed someone to talk to. Sure she had other
friends, but I made myself available. I wanted to be the one she could run into
in her greatest needs.
She thinks that I came to Florida just because FSU had a great medicine
department and the campus was spectacular but the truth is I came to Florida
because that’s where she was going. I wanted to be as close to her as
possible. It’s been almost four years since that first moment I realized that
I was in love with her. Four years of holding back my feelings and just
accepting what she gave me. What I allowed her to give me. Four years to finally
realize that I would never get what I want unless I stop being a complete and
utter dumb ass.
I still want Maria as my friend but that is no longer enough. I want her as my
wife and lover. (not necessarily in that order J) Four years ago I made a plan
to make Maria Deluca fall in love with me. It’s taken me four years but that
plan has finally been put into action.
I watched as Isabel hung up the phone. She turned to me with a sad smile. “I
hope you know what you’re doing Max because she just sounded completely
heartbroken.”
I smiled back at her. “This is going to work out in the end Isabel. We’re
going to be together as man and wife for the rest of our lives.”
She just continued to look at me with that same sad smile. I knew that my words
were bold and sure but the truth is I’m shaking in my boots. I want this plan
to work so bad that I can’t sleep at night.
‘It’s going to work out. It’s going to work.’ Now if I just keep saying
it over and over again then maybe I’ll actually start believing it myself.
Phase two is now in motion.
MULTIPLE POV
{Chapter 24}
** The Invitation **
You have been cordially invited
To attend the Wedding of
Maxwell Evans of Roswell
To Maria Delucca also of Roswell.
When: July 8, 2004
Where: First Baptist Church of Roswell
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Please come out and join us
on this momentous occasion.
Thanks in Advance
Amy Valenti & Dianne Evans.
* * Michael * *
I was a little surprised on receiving mail from Amy Valenti. Though she had
forgiven me for hurting Maria back in high school we had never gained back that
relationship that we were so close to forging.
I walked into the house while staring at the envelope in confusion. I shut the
door behind me and called out Tess’ name. “Sweetie are you home?”
No answer. I set my supplies on the kitchen counter and sat down at the table. I
could stare at the paper all day but that wasn’t going to make the words jump
out at me so I opened up the envelope. What I read next bought me to a complete
standstill. Max and Maria were getting married.
When did this happen? I never even knew they were dating. I guess a lot could
happen in four years. And it’s not like we’ve been the best of friends since
Maria and I broke up.
Maria and Max. I always knew they were getting close but I assumed that it was a
really close friendship like Maria and Alex. I guess I was happy for Maria. I
really hurt her years ago by dating Tess. It’s good to see that she finally
found happiness.
Man, Maria and Max? Who would have thought?
* * Tess * *
When I got home I found Michael sitting at the kitchen table looking spaced out
while holding on to what looked like a invitation of some sorts. “Michael
sweetie are you alright?”
He looked up at me with a confused look on his face. Then he just handed the
piece of paper out to me. “What is it baby?”
He just thrust the paper at me. “Read it for yourself.” So I did. Wow! I
knew this was going to eventually happen. Finally, common sense was knocked into
those two. They had been prancing around one another for years and frankly I was
just getting plain tired of it.
Max had been in love with Maria for ages. He just never realized it. I saw it
when I first came to Roswell. It was never Liz. Sure Max liked Liz but he made
his feelings to be much more than what they actually were. I think it’s
because of the connection he forged with her when he healed her. Anyways I’m
starting to ramble.
Max and Maria were finally getting married. Thank God. Now we can try to
recreate those bonds we started to form before everyone found out about Michael
and me. Maybe this marriage could bring everyone closer together again. Just
like in the old days.
* * Liz * *
“Kyle, honey, did you know anything about this?” I held up the invitation to
him that he just received in his mailbox.
“No I didn’t. Wow so they’re finally getting married. Man I thought I’d
never see that day.”
“Yeah me either.” I said a little nostalgically. Max and Maria, were finally
getting married. I always thought it would be me and Max. That is until I went
back to Roswell after touring in France. I came home only to find out that my ex
boyfriend had fallen in love with my best friend.
“Liz baby, I thought you were over Max.” He walked up to me and pulled me
into his arms.
“I am Kyle. I love you. I was just remembering the old times.” I really did
love Kyle. I fell in love with him two years ago when I returned to Roswell for
Spring Break. He was there and but hardly anyone else was. He came to the
Crashdown one morning and we got to talking then everything just went from
there. I’m transferring to FSU to be with him.
“I love you too Liz. Now let’s get back to Max and Maria. I think Max will
ask me to be his best Man. I can’t wait. This wedding is going to be great.”
“Yeah great.” I echoed softly. Who was Maria going to ask to be her Maid of
Honor. Would it be Isabel or some new friend that she found in college.
I doubt greatly that it would be me.
I sighed and gave Kyle a kiss on his cheek.
I wish she would ask me because I sure do miss my best friend.
* * MARIA * *
{Chapter 25}
“Maria, I have something very important to ask you.” I watched as Max got
down on one knee before me. I must admit I got a really excited but stupid
looking grin on my face. I was in heaven.
My smile got even bigger when he held out a small jewelry box to me. “What is
it Max?”
“We’ve known one another for years and we’ve grown really really close.
You know that I love you right? You’re the truest best friend I’ve ever
had.”
“Why are you telling me all of this Max?” I was about to jump out of my
skin. I just knew he was getting ready to ask me to marry him. I was so giddy.
“Well I just wanted to ask if you would do me the honor of being my Best
Man?”
“Huh?” That’s the point when I would wake up.
It’s been three weeks since Isabel told me about Max’s upcoming wedding, two
weeks since I received the invitation in the mail without the bride’s name,
and one week since I received a visit from Max where he asked me to be his Best
Man. The dream started that night. The same dream every night. I could just
scream.
Max wants me to be his Best Man. How sick is that? Lord why are you punishing
me? What’d I ever do to deserve this? Did I say yes? Well of course I did. I
mean Max is my best friend after all. I would do anything for him.
I looked at my bedside clock and realized that I has to get moving or I would be
late. Isabel was picking me up in about an hour. We had to go shopping for the
dresses for the wedding. Yes I was wearing a dress. I refuse to wear a tuxedo.
I climbed out of bed and went straight to the bathroom. Forty-five minutes later
I was fresh, clean, and dressed. I fixed me something quick to eat and sat in
the living room until Isabel came.
“Maria are you ready to go?” Isabel asked ten minutes later when I answered
the door.
“Yeah just let me go get my purse.”
When we arrived to the bridal shop I asked Isabel a question that had been on my
mind for a while. “Isabel who is she?”
“What?” She hadn’t been paying attention to me she was too busy trying to
find a parking spot.
“The bride. What is her name? It wasn’t on my invitation.”
“Must have been a typo. Ah I found one. Just in time we’re almost late.”
She threw the car in park and quickly got out. “Come on Maria we can’t be
late.”
“Izzy you haven’t answered my question.” She just walked off hurriedly so
I rushed off behind her. When we got in the bridal shop my question soon slipped
my mind as I went into full shopping mode.
Later on that night the question came up again. Who was Max’s bride? And why
was Isabel trying to keep it a secret?
* * MULTIPLE POV * *
{Chapter 26}
[/b]* * Isabel * *[/b]
I must admit Max’s plan was falling along nicely. I hated having to deceive
Maria but hopefully in the end she will thank me for my part in the plan. Maybe
she’d be so happy to finally be with Max that she would just forgive me for
all the deceit.
Maybe not! After all this is Maria we’re talking about. That girl can give
pure hell when she’s mad. Man I hope Max knows what he is doing.
Today when we went shopping I managed to dodge the questions that she asked
about Max’s bride. It wasn’t easy because Maria can be pretty persistent but
once we got into the store and started looking at dresses things went smoothly
from that point on. Shopping will make a woman forget her own name.
Anyway we picked out the bridesmaid dresses and her dress for the best man. Then
we looked at bridal gowns. There was this one gown that was completely gorgeous.
Maria fell in love with it at first sight. The dress could be described in one
word; fantabulous.
It had a high waist and it fell slightly off the shoulders. The cleavage portion
was heart shaped and the train was really long. The bottom flared out from the
waist. Maria would stop every now and then to admire the dress.
“Why don’t you try it on?” I urged her. “You’re about the same size as
Max’s fiancé.”
“Do you honestly think she would want us to pick out her dress for her?”
Maria asked curiously.
“We’re planning this whole wedding for her. She’s overseas attending her
sick mother. She want be able to come here until two days before the wedding.
She wants me to do everything for her including picking out a dress. She trusts
my judgment.” I explained.
“So you’ve met her? What is she like?” Maria probed.
“She’s okay. Now go try on this dress.” I handed her the dress and pushed
her into the dressing room. “If you need any help just call.”
Twenty minutes later she came out. She looked amazing. If Max had seen her then
he would have lost his tongue and his mind. I can’t wait to see the look on
his face during the wedding. “Wow Maria, you look fabulous.”
She gave me a sad smile. “Do you think it would look good on Max’s fiancé?”
“Yeah she has your same coloring.” She went back into the dressing room and
took the dress off.
“Hand me my dress will you?” I gave her the dress that she thought she would
be wearing. Then I went to the counter to have the bridal gown packed up.
We left the bridal shop forty minutes later. From there we went to get shoes and
then decorations for the church and reception hall. All in all it was a pretty
okay day. Max would be proud at all that I’ve accomplished. I still felt bad
about the deception but as I said earlier hopefully it would be all worth it in
the end.
* * Kyle * *
Can you believe that crazy Max is planning a wedding without actually telling
the bride that she was getting married? Man is he loco or what?
I should have realized something was a little fishy when I got that invitation
in the mail. I found out about that same night I received the invitation. Max
came over to my apartment for dinner. It was a routine thing. The three of us;
Max, Maria and I eat out every Friday night at the Pizza Palace two blocks from
our campus. Anyway Maria couldn’t make it that night. She had to work so it
was just Max, Liz, and I. That’s when Max spilled the news.
Well we were sitting at our usual table waiting on the waitress to deliver our
pizza. “So Max you and Maria are getting married. When did you propose?”
“I didn’t. This is a surprise wedding.”
I was taking a drink of my soda then and when I heard that I shamefully admit
that I spewed my drink over Liz. She shot me a dirty look and then wiped her
face. Then she turned to Max and smacked him upside his head. “Are you out of
your freaking mind? What do you mean this is a surprise wedding? You mean you
haven’t even told the bride that she was going to be a bride?”
“I haven’t even told the bride that she was a girlfriend. Hell I haven’t
even told the bride that she was loved romantically by me.” He grinned. “On
July 8 she’ll find out then.”
“Man Max you’re sick.” I told him with a laugh and shake of my head.
“Maria is so going to kill you.”
“How do you plan on keeping things from her?” Liz asked. She was still
pissed off but decided to refrain from killing Max.
“Well I told everyone after they received the invitations that it was a secret
and that they shouldn’t mention anything to Maria. Also I sent Maria an
invitation without the bride’s name.” He paused for a minute to take a sip
of water. “Then I asked Maria to be my best man. Isabel is taking her shopping
for a dress but really it’s going to be for a bridal gown. Isabel will also
tell her that the reason my bride isn’t planning the wedding is because
she’s over seas attending to her sick mum.”
I laughed again. “You have it all figured out don’t ya?”
He frowned. “I think I do. Am I missing something?”
“Your brain!” Liz murmured under her breath.
We both ignored her and continued our discussion. This plan could actually work.
All we had to do was just dissect every little detail. With the corporation of
everyone else this would be the best dang surprise wedding ever. Boy Max sure
did have some guts though. If this doesn’t work he’s going to have to deal
with Hurricane Delucca in the flesh.
Man I sure do feel sorry for the poor lovesick fool.
[/b]* * Michael * *[/b]
Max asked me to be one of his groomsmen. I was kind of shocked. I didn’t think
that Max even considered me a friend any longer. I mean sure we’re of the same
species and that does give us some kind of bond. But I just assumed that even
that bond wasn’t strong enough to hold us together after that fiasco between
Maria and I.
I received a call from Max that Saturday after we received the invitations. I
had just rolled out of bed and was about to go into the shower when Tess called
my name and told me that Max was on the phone.
“Hello Max! I heard about your wedding. How are you handling things?”
“Everything is great. As a matter of fact that’s why I called you. I wanted
to ask a favor of you.”
“Sure ask away.” I said.
“I wanted to know if you would like to be one of my groomsmen?” I was
stunned. Max wanted me to be his groomsman. It wasn’t Best Man but hey I’d
take what I could get. I long ago gave up my right to be called best anything by
Max (unless it was best @#%$ or best jerk).
“I’d be happy to be a groomsman Max. I’d be more than honored.” I
replied.
He left out a sigh of relief. “Thanks Michael. This means a lot to me. I
didn’t think you would want to have anything to do with this marriage or
me.”
“Max I don’t hold any grudges. You had every right to treat me like you did
that year. I treated Maria like crap and I deserved everything I got.” I spoke
the truth I did treat her like crap. I know that I could have handled thing
totally different.
“Thank you Michael.” We both were silent for a few minutes giving one
another time to think. “Michael I have something else to ask you.”
“What is it?”
“I want to ask that you not say anything to Maria about this wedding. She
doesn’t know that she is the bride.”
I laughed. He had to be pulling my leg. “Umm, Max? How could Maria n