Chapter One

"Why did you decide to move in with Michael all of a sudden?" Amy DeLuca was following her daughter around. "I thought you were going to wait until you were more comfortable taking care of Leia by yourself!"

"I was, I am." Maria began packing more clothes in a suitcase. "It’s just time, you know. We’re ready."

"Do you plan on getting married to Michael any time in the near future?"

"Oh my God!" Maria pivoted around to meet her mother. "Do we have to talk about that now? Can’t you see I’m a little busy?"

"I see you’re packing like a crazy person. Why do you have to do this tonight?"

"Because it’s the right time," Maria silently added and because my baby can make things fly through the air. "It’s just the right time. We’re ready."

"Has Michael even been alone with the baby, yet?"

"Yeah, he’s great with her." Maria took a deep breath. "We’re her parents and I just think it’s time we start acting like a family. That’s it."

"Yesterday everything was fine." Amy put her hands on her hips. "Did something happen? Oh God, you’re not pregnant again are you?"

"Chill Mamasita, Leia is more than enough. I’m on the pill now, no more babies."

"You really have to do this tonight?" Amy looked towards a sleeping Leia in her carrier. "It’s just that I’m so used to having her around. I’m going to miss her." She sat down on the bed, folding her hands in her lap.

Maria took a deep breath and sat next to her mother. "I know, I’m sorry. You knew this day was going to come sometime, right? That shouldn’t be a surprise."

"The abruptness of it is."

"Its just time. Michael’s only got a couple more months at the Academy and then he’s done. His job is so secure, you know that. I’m good with Leia, really good. Michael’s good with her, he would die for her. We’d never let anything happen to her."

"I know. Michael has turned out to be something I never expected. He’s taken responsibility for everything. I’m happy for you, I mean, for you to be with him."

"Really?"

"Yes. I’ve been giving him credit for a lot of things and I think you two are going to live a long, happy life together."

"Thanks, mom." Maria hugged her.

"I think you should get married and be legitimate, but that’s a whole other story."

"Someday."

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

Michael was pacing in his apartment; Max and Liz were there with him. Liz was cleaning. She had rubber gloves on and a mop in her hands.

"Do you have any floor cleaner?" She asked Michael for the second time after getting no response the first. "Michael!"

"What?" he looked at her running his hands through his hair.

"Floor cleaner?"

"I don’t know." He shook his head and went back to pacing.

"Michael," Max placed his hand on Michael’s shoulder. "You have to calm down."

"Calm down?" He laughed. "How can I calm down? My baby made her bottle fly across the room a few hours ago. Do you know what that means?"

"She’s got a little something extra," Max cocked his head to the side and suppressed a smile.

"It’s not funny. Do you know how bad this could be?"

"I know. I was just thinking about your expression when it happened."

"Great. How are we suppose to keep this quiet?"

"I don’t know. Moving her and Maria in with you is a start. At least you can keep tabs on her."

"We won’t always be around her. When I start my new job, there’s going to be a lot of nights that Maria and I both are working and Ms. DeLuca is going to baby-sit. What happens when Leia calls something else to her?"

"We’ll figure it out, we always do."

"Speaking of them moving in, I could use a little help." Liz tapped her foot impatiently on the floor. "This place is a dump. You can’t have a baby living in a dump."

Michael looked at her and nodded. He breezed past Max and went into the bedroom. He began picking clothes up off the floor and then stripped the bed throwing the bedding on the floor. Max and Liz watched from the threshold.

"When is Maria coming over?" Max asked.

"I don’t know, soon, I guess. Kyle and Isabel went to his house for boxes then they’re going to help her pack."

"Ms. DeLuca is going to have a fit." Liz said softly. "I don’t know if she’ll let Maria go."

"She’s not a little girl, Maria can do what she wants." Michael said as he lay down on the floor pulling things from underneath the bed. "This place is dangerous." He held a saw blade in his hand. "I can’t let them move in here until it’s baby-proofed."

"They can stay with us." Liz offered ignoring the pained look from Max. "I mean, until you have time to fix this place up."

"Seriously?" Michael sighed. "That would be great. I need a day or two to get it done. Kyle can help, he’s handy."

"Are you sure you just don’t want to zap everything?" Liz asked raising her eyebrows. "You know…"

"No. I want to do it." Michael stood and dropped the saw blade on the bed. "I want it to be from me."

Max looked to Liz and shrugged. "So, I guess we’re going to have our first houseguests, huh?"

"Yeah," Liz smiled innocently. "I better call Maria and tell her." She backed out of the doorway and went into the kitchen. She dialed the DeLuca’s and was relieved when Maria answered. "How’s it going over there?"

"I’m pretty sure that this house sits on top of a Hellmouth."

"Okay, Buffy. Anyway, Michael’s place is a dangerous dump. You and Leia are staying with us for a few days until sanitation and order can be restored here."

"Thank you," she let out a deep breath. "Kyle and Isabel just got here and now my mom is quizzing Kyle. Poor me."

"How long until you’ve got enough for a few days?"

"Really freakin’ soon." She called something to Isabel then went back to Liz. "I want almost all of Leia’s stuff out tonight and a lot of mine. The sooner I get this done, the better."

"You really are in a rush," Liz laughed.

"Trying to keep it together, don’t want a freak out in front of Amy. When will you be back home?"

"Soon," Liz looked over her shoulder at Max. He was smiling at her. She smiled back. "Real soon. Just come on over."

"Is Michael going to be there?"

"I don’t think so, do you want to talk to him?"

"No. He’s freaking out isn’t he?"

"Yeah."

Liz hung up and went back in the bedroom. Michael was sitting on the bed, the saw blade back in his hand. "Do you have any idea what could have happened if Leia had gotten a hold of this? She could have killed or maimed herself."

"But she didn’t." Max reminded him.

"She could have." Michael shook his head. "I have no business bringing her here."

"You’ll get it together Michael, give it a couple of days."

"She’s not human, Max." Michael finally looked up at his friend through red rimmed eyes. Liz exited the room.

"Yes, she is." Max held his hands out to him. "She’s very human."

"She can move things, she’s got powers and apparently knows how to use them. Fuck! I knew everything was going too good. Nothing ever went this smooth for Michael Guerin."

"Quit feeling sorry for yourself." Max looked at him. "Everything is going smooth and it will continue to. You should be counting your blessings that Leia was born healthy. So she’s got a little power. So what?"

"We could be found out."

"We won’t be. We’ll all keep an eye on things. You know Liz and I will baby-sit as much as we can for you when you’re out pulling over speeding teen-agers." Max sat down next to him placing his hand on his shoulder. "We’re all family here Michael. We look out for each other. It’s not like you’re going to go through this alone."

Michael pursed his lips and nodded. "You promise you’ll help?"

"As much as I can."

"Thanks, brother."

* * * * *

"Jim! Thank goodness you’re here!" Amy welcomed him in her home with a hug. "Can you try to talk some sense into my daughter?"

"What’s going on?" He motioned to the few boxes in the living room.

"Maria is moving in with Michael. Now."

"Right now? Like tonight?" He raised his eyebrows. "I guess Kyle is probably helping, isn’t he? I saw his car out front."

"He brought her the boxes!" Amy exclaimed. "I just wish someone could explain why she feels the need to move out at midnight!"

Jim Valenti looked past Amy at Kyle who was walking back in the living room carrying a box in one hand, an armful of clothes in the other. He stopped when he saw his dad. "Hi dad."

"Kyle." Jim nodded at him. "So, what’s with the moving in the middle of the night?"

"Maria wanted to move and Isabel and I are helping. That’s it." He looked nervously from his dad to Amy.

Amy rolled her eyes. "I’m going to try to talk to her again." She walked from the room.

Kyle set the box down and laid the clothes over the back of the couch before approaching his father.

"Kyle, what the hell is going on?"

"Someone’s got special powers," he said in a sing song voice and smiled.

"The baby?"

Kyle nodded then cringed when he heard Maria start yelling. Isabel suddenly appeared in the doorway to the living room, she was carrying Leia.

"There she is!" Jim went to the baby and coaxed her out of Isabel’s arms. "You are such a pretty baby!"

"What are you doing here?" Isabel asked raising her eyebrows. "Kind of late for a date, isn’t it?"

"I just stopped by because I saw my son’s car out front." Jim answered while not taking his eyes off Leia. "What’s going on in there?"

"Ms. DeLuca begging Maria not to leave and Maria saying something about living on a Hellmouth."

"Huh. Are you almost done?"

"Just waiting for Maria, really." Isabel looked to Kyle who nodded in agreement.

"Okay, get the stuff to the car and wait for Maria. I’ll handle Amy."

"Did Kyle tell you…?" She motioned to the baby as he finally looked up at her.

"We’ll talk about it later, now go!"

* * * * *

Chapter two

Maria had bags and boxes all over the Evans/Parker apartment by two in the morning. Clothes were draped over the lawn chairs, a baby swing in pieces on the floor, a bassinet pushed against the wall. Max shook his head at the disorder; then he saw Leia sleeping peacefully in her mother’s arms and smiled.

"You know I can’t thank you enough for letting us stay here," Maria looked at him. "It’ll only be for a couple of day’s and our mess will be gone."

"You can stay as long as you want," Max relented. "It might take Michael more than a few days to clean up. It’s really scary at his place."

"I know," she sighed. "Could you do me a favor? Or should I say, yet another favor?" Max nodded. "I really, really want to take a shower. Would you mind holding her for me? She likes to be held when she’s sleeping. She doesn’t usually wake up too much then." She gazed down at her beautiful daughter.

"Uh…" He hesitated. "Sure, I guess."

"If it makes you uncomfortable I can wait until Liz gets back. She’s been gone for awhile, she should be back soon."

"She’s at Wal-Mart, she might not ever come back." He smiled and sat next to her on the couch. "Show me what to do."

Maria handed him Leia and adjusted his arms around her. Leia made a slight noise but her eyes never opened. Max’s hands were shaking. "Don’t be nervous, she won’t bite. At least I don’t think so."

Max took a deep cleansing breath and the shaking ceased. "You’re not going to take a long shower, are you?"

"Twenty minutes, tops. I promise." She stood and rummaged through a box gathering some clothes and walked down the hall. She turned back to see Max cuddling Leia, he was talking to her but Maria couldn’t hear what he was saying.

Liz walked through the front door loaded down with bags. She dropped them on the floor and flinched when she saw Max and Leia. "Sorry."

"She’s asleep," Max looked back to the baby. Liz sat next to him and kissed his cheek. "I’ve never held a baby before."

"Really?"

"Not like this." Max’s smile was full of anguish. The thought’s he had pushed into the deep crevices of his mind of his son were surfacing. Lantham, his son had a name and it was Lantham.

"Isn’t she precious?" Liz avoided Max’s eyes, she already knew about the sorrow that lurked there. She was beginning to wonder if having Maria and Leia stay there was such a good idea after all.

"I can’t wait until we have children," he said softly and turned to look at Liz. "I mean, you do want to have children, don’t you?"

"Of course I do, just much, much later."

"Right." He nodded giving the impression that her answer was not exactly what he was looking for.

"What’s with the look?" Liz asked. "Were you expecting a different answer? Did you think we were going to start having kids right off the bat?"

"I don’t know…"

"I would like to be married first and done with school." Liz looked around. "We can’t even afford real furniture yet."

"I know," he shrugged.

"We’re going to have a family Max, just not tomorrow," she kissed his cheek as the water turned off in the bathroom. "I bought towels and sheets, a blanket, a couple of pillows and some other odds and ends. At least Maria will be comfortable out here."

He nodded as Maria walked back in the room, her hair up in a towel, a bathrobe wrapped tightly around her. She peered into Leia’s face and smiled. "Was she good?"

"She slept."

"Do you want me to take her back?"

"Nah," Max shook his head. "She’s fine here for awhile."

"Cool," Maria sank into the couch on the other side of Liz. "So. How about that bottle flying through the air?"

"She’s got some powers," Max said and looked to Maria noticing the worry lines on her forehead. "She’s fine."

"Could you do things when you were a baby?"

"I don’t know. I don’t remember it and no one ever said anything about it. She is human, Maria. Like I told Michael, she’s just got some little extras."

"I don’t want her to have extras."

"You don’t have a choice."

"How is Michael? I feel bad leaving him alone." Maria frowned.

"Michael is a slob," Liz shook her head. "That place is an actual dump."

"I know, but how is he otherwise. Like brain wise. Does he still have one and is he using it?" Maria widened her eyes and looked to Max.

"He’s off a little. He’s worried. He’s panicking about the bottle thing, about your mom baby-sitting."

"That’s the reason I had to bolt out of there tonight. Do you have any idea what my mom would do if she saw a bottle flying through the house? She would lose it. I would have to commit her because she would lose her mind. Amy doesn’t take real well to things like that."

"What about when she watches Leia?"

"I don’t know," she sighed. "We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it, I guess. Arg! Things are never normal with you Czechoslovakians, are they?"

"Not really." Max shrugged. "That’s what makes life so interesting."

"I’m going to bed," Liz stood, stretched and yawned. "Max?"

"Yeah, I’ll be there in a minute. I’ll get the couch ready for Maria. Everything’s in the bags, right?"

"Yup," she bent over and kissed his lips. "Good night guys."

"Thanks again, Liz." Maria called after her. "Liz seems a little miffed, doesn’t she?"

"She’s just tired."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. She’s not mad at you," Max smiled. "You’re like the one person in the world that she never gets mad at. Wait, I have an idea. She has class tomorrow morning, same as me, but she gets out at like ten. Why don’t you and her spend some time together? Go shopping, do girly things? I can totally watch Leia if you need me too."

"Really?" Her eyes lit up. "Michael’s going to be in school and that would be so cool! We haven’t been able to hang out, just us chicks for months! Max, thank you! When do you get out of class?"

"Oh, I only have one tomorrow. I’ll be home at nine." Max shifted uncomfortably. He handed Leia to her and stood. "Are you going to be okay out here? Is Leia?"

"We’ll be fine." She looked over at a rolling bassinet. "She’ll be fine in there and this couch is comfy as hell."

Max grinned and got out the new bedding and made her a bed on the couch.

"Thank you Max, thanks for everything."

He nodded and made his descent down the hall. He pushed open the bedroom door and saw Liz with the covers pulled up to her nose. He stripped down to boxers and climbed under the blankets next to her. "Hi."

"Hi." She said back feeling his hands on her over her nightgown. "Is everything okay out there?"

"Peachy. I mentioned to Maria that maybe you two can do something tomorrow when you get out of class. I can watch Leia and you can hang out or go shopping or something. She really liked the idea."

"Don’t you have class, too?"

"Only until nine, the others got cancelled."

"Are you working tomorrow?"

"Not until late afternoon." Max had managed to snag a job a little over a month ago with an insurance company. He was making good money and the hours he worked left plenty of time to spend with Liz and for school. "Cool?"

"Sure." Liz smiled and closed her eyes.

Max waited for her to tell him she loved him, but she didn’t.

"Liz?" He said softly; her eyes opened. "Are you mad at me?"

"No, why?"

"Because you’re acting mad."

"Being around Leia so much is bringing back everything about your son, isn’t it?"

"Yeah, I guess it is. I know his name now and that makes him more real." Max admitted. "I know you don’t like to talk about it, but he’s been on my mind lately. I can’t help it."

"Is that why you’re asking about us having children?"

"Yes and no. I’m spending the rest of my life with you and I want to have a big family, I want kids running around everywhere. At the same time, I’ll always wonder what happened to him."

"He’s been corrupted, you know that."

"I know, yeah.

"It’s our turn now Max, don’t forget that. There will always be void in your heart where he should be and no matter how hard you try, you’ll never fill that little hole. Don’t try to with us having kids. It doesn’t work like that. It’s not fair to anyone."

"I would never try to replace him. All I want is a nice happy future with you and our children, if we have any. That’s it. With you in my life, as my wife, there’s nothing else I want."

"Thank you," she reached out to him and he pulled her close.

"However, we do need to talk about picking a date. I don’t want to be one of those couples that are engaged for years." Max kissed the top of her head.

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

"You do realize it’s like almost four in the morning, right?" Kyle looked at his watch. "The hardware store’s aren’t open yet. Nothing is open yet except for Wal-Mart."

Michael sighed and sat at the kitchen table running his hands through his hair. "I just want to get this place fixed up so Maria and Leia can come home."

"I know. If it was for anyone else, I doubt I would be here all night. We got a lot done. Look at all the trash bags." He pointed to the nine black bags by the front door. "That’s a lot of garbage."

"Some of that was cool stuff."

"Okay, no. That was garbage."

Michael nodded. "I guess we can pick this up tomorrow night? I have Academy in the day."

"Yeah, but we have to finish it too. Isabel and I go back to school the next morning."

"Shit!" He slapped his hand on the wood tabletop.

"We’ll get done Guerin, I promise. If it looks like we’re running out of time, my dad will totally help. You know that."

Michael nodded and said goodnight. After Kyle left he paced. He walked from room to room. Kyle was right; they had gotten rid of a lot of trash. His plans were calling for a wall to be built in the back room dividing it into two rooms, one for Leia. Baby locks were going to be installed on all the cabinets and drawers. The chipped and cracked linoleum in the kitchen was going to be replaced. So much to do, so little time. He wanted them to be there now, not at Max’s. He wanted to be spending time with them.

He looked around for his uniform for the next day and discovered it hanging in the closet, ironed. A note from Isabel was attached.

Michael:

You are a slob. I couldn’t take it. I didn’t want you to be the only slob in police school, then the other pre-cops might not let you play with them.

Love, Iz

He smiled and lay down on the still stripped bed; within minutes he was asleep. When the alarm went off two hours later, Michael felt like he had been hit by a freight train. Dragging himself into the shower and getting dressed for school he hoped were the hardest things he was going to have to do that day.

* * * * *

Maria woke up early; after taking care of Leia and getting her fed and changed she went to the kitchen and started fixing a light breakfast for her hosts. She heard the shower running, turning off and going again. As the last pieces of toast were set on the table Max walked in the kitchen, his hair still wet.

"You made breakfast?" He looked at the spread of toast, fruit and scrambled eggs. "This is great!"

"It’s the least I could do," she pulled a lawn chair in from the living room and sat in at the bistro table. "And you’re sure you don’t mind watching Leia today?"

"Not at all. I’ll be home a few minutes after nine and you can fill me in on everything I have to know."

"My mom should be home today too, I mean, if you get stuck or need help with anything." She glanced at the phone. "I probably should have called Michael last night."

"He’ll be fine. He just wants everything done yesterday."

She nodded and rested her elbows on the table. "Can I ask you something and get an honest answer from you?"

"Sure," he splattered Tabasco sauce on slices of honeydew melon.

"Is Leia…Human?"

"Of course she is. You’re not going to get weird like Michael now, are you?"

"Not really. I mean until yesterday I thought everything was normal. We had a perfect, normal human baby. Now I’m not so sure about the human part."

"I’ll say it again, she’s a got a few extra’s. It’s fine. Once she gets older we’ll teach her how to use her powers, if she still has them then. Until that time, we just have to watch her and make sure nothing happens in public."

"And how hard is that going to be?"

"We don’t know anything yet. Maybe it was a one time thing."

"Yeah, maybe." Maria rolled her eyes as Liz came in the kitchen. "Buenos Dias, Chica. Did you sleep good?"

"Not bad, thanks for breakfast." She sat across from Max. "So what do you want to do today?"

"I want to go out to lunch and go shopping and talk." Maria nodded. "That okay with you?"

"Perfect."

They finished breakfast and Max and Liz left together. Max escorted her to class, kissed her at the door and then walked into the next building. He waited a few minutes for the top of the hour and after the hallways were nearly deserted he left the campus. He drove around aimlessly for almost an hour, then went home. Maria was sitting on the couch, Leia in her arms, watching a morning talk show.

"Why don’t you just wait for Liz so she doesn’t have to take the bus home?"

"She gets a ride with some girl in her last class. She lives a few blocks over." He sat next to her. "Okay, so prep me. What do I have to do to become Super Baby-Sitter?"

Maria laughed and went through the whole spiel about taking care of Leia. She was confident that Max would do a good job. She hasn’t always liked Max, but she knew he’d take care of her baby. After all, he was like family. Liz came in a few minutes after ten and dropped her backpack to the floor.

"I swear, if I didn’t love school it would really suck."

"Bad day?" Maria asked.

"Two classes, that’s all I had and I have like eight hours of homework." She looked at Max who had Leia in his arms. "Don’t you ever have homework? I hardly ever see you doing any."

"I get it done at work," Max looked at her. "Lot’s of down time."

"We can cancel…" Maria looked crest fallen. "The homework…"

"Forget it. Max knows what to do for a few hours?"

"He’s good." Maria stood and grabbed her purse. "Let’s go." She met Liz at the door and they were gone.

Max stood up and watched out the window as his fiancé and her friend walked to Maria’s car in the lot. He waved but they didn’t see him. He returned his attention to Leia and smiled. Holding her felt so good. He felt so at peace holding this little life in his hands. She looked up at him and seemed to look in his eyes.

"Leia," he whispered and kissed her forehead. "You are so lucky. You have the best parents in the world. They love you so much. Your dad’s a little strange sometimes. He’s a good guy though; he can’t wait for you and your mommy to come live with him. Your moms a little strange, too. But I just want you to know, no matter what happens I’ll always be here for you. When you’re older and just want to talk, I’ll be here. Me and Liz both. Hopefully soon you’ll have some little friends to play with. We’ll have to work together on making that happen."

He smiled as her eyes closed. He carried her to the bassinet and laid her down on her belly. He didn’t venture far away from her the rest of the day.

* * * * *

"So what’s the rush to get married and have kids?" Maria asked dunking fries into ketchup after Liz had told her what Max has been talking about. "I mean, it’s not like you’re forty."

"I think it’s because of Leia."

"Ohh…" Maria looked questionably at her. "Oh! I see. The whole son thing."

"Lantham." Liz could barely spit out his name. "I mean, I doubt that Max will ever even meet him and if he does it’ll be too late. Khivar and Tess are raising Lantham. Do they seem like parents of the year to you?"

"Hardly. How would he meet him anyway? Does you think Tess is going to shoot him back down every other weekend for visitation? They’re not going back to their home planet. It’s like a moot point."

"Moot?" Liz raised her eyebrows. "You are only the second person I’ve ever heard say ‘moot’ and not have it sound stupid."

"Who was the first?"

"Rick Springfield."

"Oh God," Maria laughed. "It feels good to just hang out with you again. I feel like we haven’t spent anytime together in ages. Michael and Max are always there and Leia. I miss you, sister."

"I know, I miss you too. I guess this is a part of growing up." Liz shrugged, an overwhelming sadness rushing over her. "I don’t know if I want to grow up."

"I thought that way to until Leia. She’s changed my view on everything, Michael’s too, I think."

"Definitely Michael’s." Liz agreed. "He’s like all grown up parent guy now. I have to tell you though; it’s so strange to see him in that uniform. I thought the only uniform Michael Guerin would ever put on would be a McDonalds one."

"Me too. I don’t know what we wouldn’t have done without the Sheriff. He saved us." Maria laughed. "Can you imagine, Space Boy walking around town with a gun?"

"Scary thought Maria. Scary thought."

* * * * *

"It’s my day off Kyle, why are you here?" Jim rolled over in bed and looked at the bedside clock. "It’s only eight."

"I know dad, I’m sorry. If it makes you feel any better I only got three hours sleep."

"It doesn’t make me feel better. What do you want?"

"You know Maria and Leia are moving in with Michael."

"Oh yes, remember, I was the calm one last night."

"Right," Kyle nodded. "Anyway, Michael’s place is scary. I was over there until four just clearing out trash. So, he has these plans we’re suppose to do when he gets home."

"Uh-oh."

"Yeah, like build a wall, lay linoleum, paint and baby proof."

"Let me guess, you think you’re going to get this done in like a few hours?"

"I want to start and finish but I’m going back to school in the morning."

"Why doesn’t he just…You know, fix it?"

"He said he wants it to be true. He wants it to be real for his new family."

"You have to admire that."

"Exactly. So I was thinking-"

"Stop right there," Jim sat up. "You were thinking that you and I would go over there today and get everything started, right?"

"Well you know how handy Michael is."

"If it wasn’t for that baby." Jim laughed. "She has got me so suckered. I’ll do anything to make her comfortable. Let me take a shower and get something to eat."

* * * * *

Chapter Three

When Michael arrived back home he was surprised to see both Valenti cars there. He got out of the Tempo and walked nervously to the front door. He heard hammering and swearing. He pushed the door open and looked straight back into the back room. There were a few studs up and Jim was hammering on another. Michael swallowed hard and turned towards the kitchen, a new floor had taken the place of the cracked one.

"Oh my God." He said and walked into the back room. "I can’t believe you did this."

Jim stopped hammering and looked at Michael wiping the sweat from his brow. "Well, what do you think so far?"

"I um…Wow," Michael smiled. "I didn’t expect…Thank you."

"It was Kyle’s idea." Jim shrugged. "But you know Leia has me wrapped around her little finger. I’ll do anything for her."

"I can’t believe it, it looks great in here. Have you been here all day?"

"Pretty much so." Kyle answered from behind him. "We picked out the floor, hope you like it."

"It’s great."

"Everything has been baby-proofed. All cabinets and drawers and everything else we could think of." Kyle smiled. "I felt bad about leaving you with all this work."

"You didn’t have to do this."

"I know. We wanted to," Kyle shook his hand. "Don’t think you’re off the hook though. As soon as you get changed you’re helping screw in the dry wall. You’ll have to wait a day or so to paint, but you can handle that. Right?"

"Of course." Michael was still flabbergasted. "I’ll go change now. Can I call Maria first?"

Jim nodded and went back to hammering. Michael walked into his bedroom and changed. He closed the door and called Max’s. Liz answered.

"Is Maria there?" Michael asked. He heard the phone being set down and picked back up.

"Hi Honey, how was your day?" Maria asked sweetly.

"Good. Listen, Kyle and Valenti have been here all day fixing this place up, can you believe it?"

"Are you serious?"

"Yeah, I have to help now. Do you think you could come by later?"

"I can bring you all dinner in about an hour, how’s that?"

"Perfect, but Leia should stay there. It’s really dusty and stuff."

"I’ll see if Liz can watch her and I’ll see you soon. I love you Michael."

"I know," he could feel her smile through the phone. "I love you. I miss you."

"I won’t be gone long. I just want to see what’s going on over there and feed the boys." Maria said from the doorway. "Call me if anything come up, okay?"

"We’ll be fine." Liz said from the computer.

"Thank you!" Maria left.

"Won’t we be fine Leia?" Liz looked over to the happy baby in her bouncy chair. Maria had set it on top of the card table facing the computer. "You are so cute!" Liz went back to work looking at the monitor and was startled when a stuffed monkey whacked her in the back of the head. "Oh boy, you want the monkey?" She picked the animal up off the floor and set it next to Leia. "You are going to get everyone in so much trouble if you keep doing that."

Leia looked content and eventually drifted off to sleep. Liz laid her head on the desk next to the keyboard and closed her eyes. Without realizing she was tired, she fell asleep.

It was two hours that she woke up, sweat dripped from her face in the cool room. She sat up straight and looked at Leia; she was sleeping in her bouncy chair.

Liz took a deep breath and tried to regain her composure. It was the dream, the same dream she’d been having a couple of nights a week for the last month or so. It was always the same. Her and Max were older and they were clinging to each other, scared. They were in a house, their house, she assumed and there was noise outside. So much noise. She couldn’t ever hear what Max was saying to her. She was agreeing with him and nodding and motioning to the door leading outside. She always looked around and saw two pictures on the mantle. One of a young boy and one of an older girl. The girl was stunning with long dark hair and a brilliant smile, it looked like a graduation picture, she seemed so happy. The picture of the boy was morose, his smile seemingly forced. His arms hanging limp at his side. Max always pointed the picture of the girl and smiled.

Liz wondered who the people in the pictures were and why Max was pointing to them. Part of her knew they were their children while the other part fought the idea. The dream seemed too real, too scary. She didn’t want to know what her children could look like, not now. She didn’t even want to know what they were going to be if she had any at all. "Warrior". That was the only word Liz ever heard Max say in the dream. She didn’t know who the warrior was or what they were at war against.

Liz stood up and stretched, it was almost eight and Max would be home soon. She didn’t want to tell him about the dream. She knew if she told him he’d find some way to rationalize it and maybe even ask Iz to dream walk her. She didn’t want to deal with either. She looked at Leia again and then went to the kitchen to try to find something to make for dinner. Spaghetti was the answer. Fast, easy and she didn’t have to go to the store for anything.

She heard the front door open and went to the living room to greet Max. She loved when he got home from work; he always looked so professional in his dress pants and white button down shirts with colorful ties.

"Hi," he smiled at her and went to Leia. "Baby-sitting?"

"Uh-huh," Liz walked to him and clasped her hands around his waist. "How was your day?"

"Typical. Everyone needs insurance, right?" He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her lips. "I missed you. I always miss you."

"Maybe we should drop out of school, quit our jobs and never leave the apartment?" Liz suggested as she felt his hands travel under her shirt. "What do you think?"

"Personally? I think it sounds perfect. Unless we win the lottery, though, we’ll be kicked out and forced to live in a cardboard box on the street." His hands roamed over her breasts.

"That’s depressing." She stepped away from him. "Not in front of the child!"

"It’s not our child."

"That makes it even worse!" Liz laughed and went to the kitchen to prepare dinner. "The Valenti’s have been at Michael’s all day fixing it up. Maria should be able to move in a few days."

"I’ll kind of miss having Leia around." Max said sullenly.

"Me too." Liz admitted. "Hey, Leia whacked me in the head with a stuffed animal today."

"So I guess the power thing didn’t go away, huh?"

"Doesn’t look like it."

"Is Maria going to be gone long?" Max loosened his tie.

"She took dinner over there, so I don’t know. Why?" She turned around to face him; he was unbuttoning the last button on his shirt. "Mr. Evans, are you trying to seduce me?"

"Well, yeah."

"Not in front of the baby!" Liz put her hands on her hips. As if on cue, Leia began to cry in the other room. "There you go, see! Why don’t you go see if she needs to be changed while I start dinner?"

Max nodded and retreated from the room.

* * * * *

Maria ordered dinner at the Crashdown and talked to Morgan while she was waiting for it.

"Are you going to be able to see Kyle tonight?" Maria asked.

"Yeah, I’m going to Michael’s after work to see if I can help then we’re going to have some alone time later." Morgan smiled. "I wish he didn’t have to go back to school."

"You’ll see him soon, he plans on coming home a lot, right?"

"Yeah and I’m going to visit down there next week-end."

"Really?" Maria was surprised. "They let females stay over in the boys dorms?"

"Hardly. Actually, Isabel invited me to stay with her."

"Really?" Maria was even more surprised. "That doesn’t sound like Isabel."

"Why do you say that?"

"Oh, I mean, she’s just a private person." Maria nodded.

"Yeah, I know what you mean. Especially after that whole Bret thing, he really broke her heart."

"He sure did." Two bags were set down in front of her. "Well, better get dinner to the men. I’ll see you later."

Morgan waved good-bye and went back to waiting tables.

* * * * *

The bar was close to the Mississippi River; a lot of bars were close to the water. The section was called The Landing and it was in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. Two men were sitting at the bar talking about the baseball Cardinals and how much they sucked. Sometimes their voices got louder if the live band in the other part of the bar got louder.

"We have a crappy team," the one in the Dockers and blue Polo shirt said. "Why do we even bother showing up for games?"

His friend laughed and nodded in agreement. "We should move to Atlanta, they have a good team."

"Atlanta? Ha!" Dockers motioned for a couple more beers. "They suck, too."

"Doesn’t anything make you happy?" A voice came from behind them.

Dockers spun around and checked the eavesdropper out from top to bottom before laughing in his face. "Who the fuck are you suppose to be?" The friend laughed along with him. "Is it Halloween already?"

"Yo," the stranger set down his beer bottle in front of Dockers. "I’m just trying to join your conversation, that’s not against the law, is it?"

"We’re not interested, asshole." Dockers turned back around.

The stranger took the empty seat next to Dockers and looked in his face. "So, what do you think of the Yankees? They suck, too?"

"Yeah. They suck too." Dockers turned to his friend and rolled his eyes.

"Yo, I’m over here." The stranger placed a hand on Dockers arm. Dockers looked down to the spiked bracelet and laughed.

"Hey man, didn’t you know punk went out in the eighties?"

"I thought the collar up did, too." The stranger laughed.

"You’re a dick, why don’t you go find somewhere else to play?"

The stranger cocked his head to one side and walked into the crowd.

"What a fuckin’ idiot," Dockers reached for his wallet and discovered it gone. "That mother fucker stole my wallet!" He jumped off the barstool and ran in the same direction as the stranger had. He caught sight of his spiked hair walking out the door. He followed him outside and saw him turn the corner of the brick building. "Hey! You stole my fucking wallet!" He ran around the corner and felt a hand on his chest. He looked into the glassy eyes of the stranger and fell to the ground. He was dead.

The stranger whistled as he walked away into the darkness.

Dockers’ friend got worried and went to look for him. Not finding him in the bar he went outside. He turned the corner and tripped on something, it was Dockers. He knelt down next to him and felt for a pulse. Nothing. He saw something behind the fabric and pulled his un-tucked shirt up. It was a silver handprint.

* * * * *

Chapter Four

Maria and Leia had been living at Michael’s for almost three months and his graduation from the Police Academy was in two days. Maria loved that he was so excited about starting his new job. He had also confessed to her that he was a little scared, too. Something he didn’t mention to too many people. He had the next two days off; Saturday was the Graduation ceremony and Monday morning he was officially a Roswell Deputy.

"You are going to look so hot with that little gold star on," Maria curled up next to him on the couch. "Still nervous?"

"Yeah, a little." He nodded. "I mean, I think about what people are going to say. ‘Well, never thought we’d see you on this side of the bars, Guerin.’ Or ‘They sent you to help me?’ "

"Are you serious?" Maria laughed and covered her mouth. "That’s what you’re afraid of?" He nodded and rested his head on her shoulder.

"You know as well as I do if it wasn’t for Valenti I would still be at the Crashdown and we would be broke. I don’t want to let him down."

"You won’t, baby." She smoothed down his hair and kissed his forehead. "I just put Leia down for a nap."

"What are you implying DeLuca?"

"I think you know. I was just wondering if Mr. Happy would like to come out and play?" She unzipped his jeans. She bent her head down and spoke into the unzipped zipper. "Want to come out?" She stroked the outside of his jeans and felt him get hard beneath her touch.

"Will you take that as a yes?" Michael whispered.

"Oh, yeah. Big time!" She worked him out of his jeans and then eased them down over his hips. She pulled them off and dropped them to the floor.

She stood up and stripped for him, first sliding her skirt down, then her panties. She teased him by taking her bra off under her shirt. She flipped her shirt up and flashed him. He laughed and reached for her. She flashed him again and moved closer. He grabbed the hem of her shirt and pulled it over her head. "You cheated."

He shook his head and took off his own shirt before pulling her down, straddling him. He locked his arms around her and kissed her hard. She settled down on top of him, helping him inside her. She came down fast and Michael moaned.

"A lot of people say once you have kids the sex life goes away." Maria said in between pants. "Do you agree with that?"

Michael shook his head, his hands on her hips. He licked his lips and closed his eyes. He knew she was smiling at him; she was always smiling at him. He opened his eyes to her smile and craned his neck forward wanting to meet her lips. She complied. Her wet mouth moved over his, down to his chin then to his neck. His hands clenched her ass, rhythmically pulling her to him, harder and harder. Her back arched as a small cry escaped her lips. It was only moments later he was physically forced to release himself in her. She collapsed on his chest and licked the sweat off his nipples.

Michael held on to her, kissing her hair, running his hands along her slick back. Time seemed to stand still for him; this was where he was happiest. These were the times he wished would never end.

"I don’t want to move," Maria spoke into his chest. "Like, ever."

"Me either," he murmured truly meaning his words.

"But we better," Maria slid off his and curled up in the crook of his arm. "What time are we going to Liz’s?"

"I told Max we’d be there around seven, is that okay?"

"Perfect. We’re dropping Leia off at my moms at six-thirty," she saw the look in Michael’s eyes. "Don’t worry, the Sheriff is going to be there, too."

"Are you ever going to call him anything but the Sheriff?"

"Maybe. I was talking to him the other day and he said he was getting tired off taking all the heat when Leia flings things across the room." She grinned. "He said my mom’s starting to think he’s gone a little loopy."

Michael laughed out loud. "I can see it."

* * * * *

"When’s Isabel coming with the cake?" Liz looked at the wall clock. "It’s getting late."

"She said she’ll be here at six-thirty, that means she’ll be here no later than six-twenty. You know Iz, if anything, she’s anal." Max smiled and opened up a couple more lawn chairs. "You sure Maria didn’t let anything slip?"

"She promised. Ms. DeLuca is watching Leia and they’ll be here around seven." She glanced at the clock again. "And where the hell are Kyle and Morgan with the balloons?"

"Balloons? He’s not turning seven."

"Shut up, I like balloons." She scowled. She pointed to the banner on the wall. "I think it’s still crooked."

"It’s not crooked, will you just chill out?" Max walked over to her and hugged her. "It’s all good. You got all the bases covered and everyone will have a good time. Okay?"

Liz nodded. "I can’t believe Michael’s going to be a Deputy, this is so cool."

"I’m glad Isabel and Kyle are home to see it," Max said. "They get so much time off for the Holidays. How long do we get, like a minute?"

"A couple of weeks, quit bitching." A knock at the door and she sighed with relief. "Cake or balloons?"

"Cake."

Liz opened the door to a dozen multi-colored balloons. "You lose." She called over her shoulder. "It’s Kyle and Morgan." She opened the door wider and let them in. "Thank you so much for getting them!"

"No problemo," Kyle handed the strings to her and fought his way through the balloons. "Okay, now that was a problem."

"You are such a baby," Morgan slapped his arm and he feigned pain. "Stop it. Anyway Liz, is there anything I can do to help?"

"Actually, yes. Come with me." She handed the balloons to Max and walked into the kitchen with Morgan at her heels.

"Stupid balloons," Max handed half back to Kyle and they proceeded to tie them on all the furniture.

" ‘Congratulations Deputy Guerin’." Kyle read the banner and shook his head. "I can’t believe he’s going to be working with my dad. This is bizarre. It’s like he went out and grew up and didn’t tell anyone."

"Tell me about it."

"So, where’s Isabel? I though she’d be here by now."

"She’ll be here soon. Before she gets here, tell me how she is." Max tied the last of his balloons to a chair leg. "When I talk to her she says everything’s great and good. You see her all the time, how is she really?"

"She’s dealing." Kyle looked to the kitchen. "She actually is doing better that I thought she would, better than I would be if I had killed…"

"She mention him at all?"

"Rarely. She just needs time to get past it. She will, you know that."

"Yeah, but I worry about her."

"She’ll be fine," Kyle smiled as Morgan came back in the room with a veggie tray.

"I wait tables everyday for Liz’s parents and now on my day off I’m waiting tables for Liz," she set the tray on the card table. "Hmm, what’s wrong with this scenario?"

"You’re not getting paid for this?" Kyle raised his eyebrows.

"Funny. How about this scenario, you go in there and help too! You can restore the balance."

Kyle rolled his eyes and walked into the kitchen to get his orders from Liz.

"I thought she was almost done in there," Max asked Morgan.

"She is, I just like to order Kyle around. " She grinned. "So, are they bringing the baby?" Max shook his head. "Too bad, she is so cute!"

"I know."

"So, have you guys set a date yet?"

"Uh…No."

"Why not?" Morgan sat down on the couch; Max sat across form her in a lawn chair.

"I don’t know."

"Not a good answer. Set a date, let me know so I can ask off work." Morgan smiled. "I love a good wedding."

"You are strange." Max shook his head.

"Like that’s not the pot calling the kettle black." She winked and walked back into the kitchen as Kyle was on his way out balancing bowls of chips and dips.

"Little help Evans?" Max took one of the bowls and set it on the table. "We’re running out of room. When are you going to get a real table and chairs?"

Max shrugged. He didn’t have answers for anyone tonight. A kick at the front door signified Isabel was there and she was carrying cake. Max opened the door and took the cake from her.

"Thank you, my arms were falling asleep." She looked around at the decorations. "Is there going to be a clown, too?"

"Liz likes balloons." He pushed a couple bowls of chips out of the way and set the cake on the table. He looked over as Isabel sat down next to Morgan. They began whispering and laughing. "What are you guys talking about?"

"Don’t worry about it Evans," Morgan pointed at him causing Isabel to laugh harder.

"Fine," Max shook his head, glad to see his sister smiling and laughing genuinely. "So, Michael and Maria should be here in about a half hour. You didn’t say anything, right?"

"I know you’re not talking to me," Isabel pointed to herself. "I’m not the one who tells secrets."

"Me either." Morgan crossed her arms over her chest.

"Iz, can I show you something in the other room?" Max asked, his eyes boring into hers. Isabel excused herself and followed Max down the hall into the bedroom. He shut the door behind them. "What’s going on out there?"

"What are you talking about?" Isabel looked at him through the tops of her eyes.

"What was that line about keeping secrets about?"

"It was nothing, chill."

"Did you tell her?" Max’s voice lifted at the end. He remembered how bad she had wanted to tell Bret.

"I didn’t tell her anything." Isabel shook her head. "We’re friends, Max. I really like her. We e-mail each other all the time. Just because we’re friends doesn’t mean I’m going to go blab all our secrets to her."

"Okay." Max opened the door. "I had to ask Iz. I know you haven’t been yourself lately-"

"Excuse me? How do you know anything? You’re not there! You’re here in your perfect little home. You don’t know anything that’s going on with me, dear brother." Isabel narrowed her eyes at him.

"I’m sorry." Max looked down, what she was saying was dead on. "I shouldn’t have said that to you. I’ve been consumed in my own life lately."

"And that’s a good," Isabel sighed. "I’m glad everything’s turning out for you the way it is. You’re supposed to worry about yourself. Just don’t jump to conclusions about other people’s lives without knowing the full story, okay?"

Max nodded and opened the door. "I do miss you Iz."

She smiled and hugged him. "I know, I miss you."

* * * * *

"Everything’s in the bag," Maria handed Leia to the outstretched arms of Jim Valenti. Her mother stood at his side. "You have the number for Liz’s and we’ll be home late."

"How late?" Amy DeLuca put her hands on her hips.

"After midnight, I’m sure."

"Well, if it’s too late I think Leia should just stay the night." Amy smiled down at her granddaughter.

"Oh," Michael shook his head. "It won’t be too late."

Amy nodded and watched as Jim carried Leia to the couch and sat down with her in his arms. "Pathetic. Now Leia’s going to get all the attention tonight."

"Great." Maria nodded. "Gotta go. Thanks mom. Thanks Sheriff." She called over to him.

Michael let out a deep breath while walking to he car. He got in and waited for Maria to put on her seatbelt before starting the motor. "This is getting hard."

"I know." Maria looked out the window. "At least the Sheriff‘s going to be there."

"He’s not always going to be there, Maria. Sooner or later your mom is going to witness a flying object. How are we going to explain it?"

"Telekinesis?"

"Doubtful," Michael laughed and picked up her hand. "Since your mom’s watching Leia I’d almost rather go back home and have a little play time with you."

"Well, that’s sweet," Maria fought the panic. "We’re expected. Kyle and Isabel are back in town and it’s a good chance for everyone to get together. Everyone’s moving in separate directions and it seems like it gets harder and harder for us all to get together."

"Yeah, I know." Michael nodded. He had been thinking the same thing a few days earlier. He remembered the days when him, Max and Isabel were together all the time. Then they let people in and now everyone had their own lives.

Maria smiled. She had meant what she said. She did miss her friends; she missed Liz the most. They used to see each other everyday or talk on the phone and now it was hard to get together once a week. She was still thinking that as Michael pulled into the lot and turned off the car. They walked up the stairs to the apartment and knocked. They waited a beat before the door swung open and the smiling faces of their friends met them.

Michael saw the banner on the wall and blushed. He looked to Maria who shrugged in return, smiling.

"Deputy Guerin!" Kyle clapped him on the back. "Unbelievable."

"Glad you’re back, man." Michael smiled then hugged Isabel. "I’ve missed you Iz."

"I’ve missed you so much!" She broke away from him. "Can I come over and see the baby tomorrow?"

"Of course." He looked around the room and found Max, he hugged him. "Thank you."

"It wasn’t me. Thank Liz, her idea."

Michael broke away from him and saw Liz standing by the kitchen door, he approached her and picked her up giving her a bear hug. "You did this?"

"I had help." She laughed while he spun her around.

"Thank you. Oh Liz, thank you!" He kissed her cheek and looked around at all his friends who were there to support him. He hoped he wouldn’t let them down.

* * * * *

Graduation Day. Michael walked proudly across the stage in the Dexter High School auditorium. He had on his new official uniform complete with a shiny Deputy star. Michael Guerin was officially a Roswell New Mexico Deputy. He tried not to smile as he accepted his diploma but found it near impossible. Aside from the birth of his daughter, this was his proudest moment. He looked back into the small audience and found the faces of everyone who cared about him.

After the short ceremony he met his friends and family outside; hugs were plentiful and Maria produced a camera. Pictures of Michael with everyone were taken, even one of him and Ms. DeLuca. After the picture she pulled him aside.

"You know I never thought you’d turn into much. I thought you’d run away and break my baby’s heart." Amy wiped at her eyes. "I’ve known for a while now that I was wrong. I didn’t realize how wrong I was until I saw you on that stage today. " Michael opened his mouth to speak but Amy held up her hand. "I want you to know how proud of you I am Michael." She hugged him. Michael returned the hug somewhat clumsily.

"So," Jim said loudly when the pair rejoined them. "Ready to start Monday morning eight A.M?"

"I’ll be there," Michael stood up straight and proud, Maria and Leia at his side.

* * * * *

Chapter Five

Max Evans didn’t know what to expect when he got home from work and saw Liz waiting for him by the door.

"What happened?"

"Can you explain this?" She waved a piece of paper in front of his face.

"Maybe, what is it?"

"It’s a letter from school asking you to give it another try next semester. A form letter sent to everyone who dropped out!" Flush crept up her neck into her cheeks. "So, Max. Explain."

"Oh boy," he took a deep breath and loosened his tie. "Can we sit?"

"Whatever." She sat at the card table across from him and waited.

"Okay, I didn’t want to tell you that I wasn’t going to school."

"Yeah, I kind of got that already. It’s much better to lie about it and fake going. Carrying the backpack was a nice touch. You sure had me fooled," Liz glared at him.

"You have to let me explain."

"Fine, this should be rich."

"Do you want to hear why or would you rather keep talking?" Max asked.

"Please, explain. I will keep my comments until the end." She glanced over her shoulder at the naked Christmas tree in the corner. Tonight it was suppose to be decorated.

"I went to school for the first three weeks-"

"You haven’t gone since then?" Liz shouted. "I’m sorry."

"I couldn’t go anymore," he looked down and closed his eyes. "I wanted to, I still do, but we didn’t have the money to pay the rent and the bills. They offered me a full time position at the Insurance Company and they’re training me to be a broker. We needed the money."

"Oh my God," Liz shook her head. "So, you’re saying that we can’t afford to live here."

"We can with what I make now."

"Not before? Not even with the extra money from my dad?" Liz asked. She thought the hundred dollars a month from Jeff Parker, given to her on the sly, put them in the clear. "Why didn’t you say anything?"

"I..." he paused. "I was embarrassed. Here I go out and rent this apartment for us to live in thinking the whole time how happy we’re going to be and our lives are going to be perfect. Then I find out that there is no way we can afford it. I was devastated, Liz. I didn’t want to tell you because I was so embarrassed. I should have thought it through; but like usual, I didn’t. " He shook his head unable to meet her eyes. "When you’re concerned, I never think, I just act."

"Please don’t tell me you dropped out of school for me."

"To keep you happy here."

"Thank you for the guilt. Screw it Max, we’re breaking our lease and moving back home. You’re going back to school next semester and we’ll get a new home together when we can afford it."

"No," he looked at her finally able to meet her eyes. "I can’t. I don’t want to. Living here with you has been like a dream come true. This is all I ever wanted. We can find a way to work it out." He knew he sounded desperate and yet didn’t seem to care, he was desperate. "I can’t not live with you now, Liz."

"I don’t know what to say." She rested her head on the table. "Part of me wants to strangle the shit out of you and the other wants to take you in my arms."

"I like the second one better," his weak attempt at humor went unnoticed.

"I can understand why you dropped out, the part that I don’t like is that you felt you couldn’t come to me and tell me we couldn’t afford this place."

"I hate to see you upset and I know you love it here. You made it your own almost at once. I just want you to be happy, that’s all." He held his hands out palms up.

"I am happy Max, with you. I don’t care if we live here or somewhere else. It doesn’t matter if we have to live apart for awhile-"

"No, that’s not an option. I’m not giving you up so easily."

"We have our whole lives in front of us, if we can’t afford to live together right now, then we’ll wait it out until we can!"

"I’ll fix it, Liz. I’ll make things right," he looked at the naked tree. "We may have to break our lease here and move, though. Would you be mad?"

"No! Not at all!" She reached across and picked up his hand in hers. "That would be fine with me as long as you go back to school."

Max stood up and walked around in back of her, he ran his hands down her arms and inhaled her hair. " I love you Liz."

"I know, I love you."

"Everything I do is for you." He bent and kissed her neck; she rolled her head to one side and smiled. Max took the smile as an invitation and slid his hands underneath her shirt. "You make me the happiest man in the world." He whispered in her ear. His hands slid underneath her bra cupping her breasts.

Liz stood and turned to face him. She jumped up on him and wrapped her legs around his waist while he held her ass. She ran her hands through his hair and kissed him.

"Don’t think I’m not still mad," she said in between kisses. "I am."

Max nodded and walked to the bedroom. He laid her down and unbuttoned his shirt throwing it to the side. Liz watched as he kicked off his shoes and dropped his pants and boxers. She loved to look at his sculpted body; she knew she could just lay there and stare for hours. He leaned over her and undressed her.

Fighting the urge to look at the brand on her thigh, he met her eyes Instead. Windows of the soul, he thought, seeing the love and disappointment all rolled in together.

He grabbed her hands with one of his own, and held them behind her head. His eyes closed as he thrust inside her, deeper and deeper until he felt like he might go through her. His head came down against her neck, her legs wrapped around his. Heart rate accelerating. His breathing was shallow, labored. He thrust into her again and again feeling a fissure between them close. He looked at her face, the fine line between pleasure and pain was being crossed; but he couldn’t stop; not now.

Liz tried to move her hands, but Max bound them too tightly against the bed, she felt them falling asleep. She winced wordlessly and bit her lip to stop herself from crying out. She looked into Max’s eyes but he didn’t seem to be there anymore. She nudged him with her leg but got no response, just the constant thrust searing deeper.

"Max?" She whispered unhidden pain in her voice. "Please…" He was oblivious to her plea. Thrusting. She moved her pelvis away from him and tried to push him away with her legs. "Max!" She said louder this time.

Soul fled back into his eyes and he ceased movement looking into her fearful eyes. He let go of her hands and withdrew from her, gasping. He sat back on the bed, his heart pounding. He watched as she gathered her knees under her chin. He wanted to reach to her; scared she was going to turn him away.

"Liz," he was still breathing heavy, sweat dripped from his face onto his chest. "Liz."

She shook her head and looked at her feet. "Don’t."

"Something happened," he said softly, his voice breaking. She looked up at him and saw pain in his eyes. "I don’t know what."

"You hurt me," she said meekly.

"I didn’t mean to." He shook his head. "It’s like part of me wasn’t here. I was somewhere else."

"No, see, that was my line." She shook her head. "You’ll have to come up with something better."

"I mean it. I was here, but somewhere else, too. I was fighting." With that word he saw Liz’s curiosity peak. "I think I felt it through you. I heard a word over and over. ‘Warrior’." Liz gasped. "What does it mean, Liz? Who’s the warrior?"

* * * * *

Driving through Tulsa the stranger laughed. Cowboy hats and boots galore. Country music blared from the car stereo. Had he known there was no CD player when he boosted the car he probably would have opted for something else. Hindsight, as they say, is twenty-twenty. Pulling into a cowboy bar he got out and laughed again. He knew he was going to so not fit in here, although he didn’t really care, he just wanted a beer.

He sat at the bar, aware of the staring and pointing, and shrugged it off. He drank half the bottle in one swallow and looked next to him to find a pretty young woman, complete with tight jeans and cowboy boots. She smiled shyly at him.

"Yo." He cocked his head to one side. "This all you got for fun and drinks around here?"

"Pretty much," she said softly. "I guess you’re not from around here, huh?"

"What makes you think that?"

She smiled and blushed. "What are you doing in Tulsa?"

"Passing through," he looked around, light glinting off his nose ring. "On my way to visit a few old friends."

She smiled and asked him to dance. They had barely made it to the dance floor when he grabbed her and pulled her into a hallway leading to the restrooms. He pushed her up against the wall and forced his mouth on hers. She tried to fight him at first, then relented. His hands traveling over her ass, hers hung limp at her sides. He un-tucked her western shirt with one hand and reached up underneath it, roughly pushing up her bra. She looked nervously over his shoulder afraid someone would see them, the hall was empty. The twang of the music was getting louder, the band had come on stage. He grabbed her collar and pulled her shirt open; the snaps popped one by one. She started to protest, then looked in his eyes, they were mesmerizing.

He grinned sideways and brought his mouth to her full breasts. She sighed and ran her hand through his gelled hair. She felt her jeans become looser and then they were pushed down to her ankles. She tried to push the stranger away but was unsuccessful. One look from him and she was his. She watched as he undid his black leather pants and pulled them down to his thighs. She spread her legs and grabbed her breasts as he plunged inside of her. He licked his lips watching her get her own nipples hard. He bent his head and bit at them, leaving teeth marks on the supple skin.

He released himself inside of her and backed away. He pulled his leather back up and stood back, looking at her naked body. "Thanks."

She pulled her jeans up and tried to fix her bra; somehow in the middle it had ripped. She slipped it off under her shirt and threw it to the floor. Standing in front of him with her shirt open she saw a couple men down the hall that must have been watching. She pressed her bare chest against him and kissed him.

"I gotta go, babe." He pushed her away.

She nodded and snapped a couple of snaps on her shirt. She broke away from his eyes and looked down. "Wait, can you tell me your name?"

"Rath, babe. Don’t forget it."

 * * * * *

Michael sat outside the Sheriff’s department in his car Monday morning; it was a few minutes before eight. The butterflies in his stomach had turned to bats. He took a few deep breaths and got out. The streets were busier earlier with it being only a few days from Christmas. He knew he working on Christmas Eve, but somehow managed to be off on the actual day. That somehow being Valenti, Michael didn’t know what he would do without him.

"You going to come in or stand outside all day?" Jim Valenti called from the front doors. Michael smiled walking to him and stepped inside his new job.

"You have a little bit of paperwork to fill out and then we’ll get you’re gun issued to you and I’ll show you around." Michael nodded and licked his lips. "You okay, Michael?"

"Yeah," he said and nodded.

"Nervous?"

"Yeah."

"Don’t be, you’re going to be fine. C’mon I’ll introduce you around." Jim led the way down the hall and introduced him to a couple of clerks and then the other Deputy. Deputy Hansen.

Hansen regarded Michael and laughed. "I never thought I’d see you in uniform here, Guerin."

"Yeah," Michael nodded and felt like he was going to throw up.

"Welcome," Hansen extended his hand and Michael shook it before he walked away.

Michael followed Valenti into his office and sat in the chair on the other side of the desk. He let out a deep breath.

"You’re going to do fine, don’t be so nervous." Jim smiled. "You got excellent grades at the Academy and I know you’re smart. You’re smarter than Hansen out there that's for sure. Give it a couple of weeks and it’ll seem like you’ve done this forever." Michael nodded and started on the paperwork Valenti had put in front of him. He watched when he laid a gun on the desk and had Michael sign for it.

"You take this home with you; but you be damn careful with it."

"I will." Michael picked it up and checked to see if it was loaded. It wasn’t.

"Here," he handed him a gunlock. "Keep this on it when you’re at home, I don’t ever want to see Leia get hurt by it."

 After another hour of office work, Valenti and Michael went outside to his truck and drove off to keep the town of Roswell safe.

Chapter Six

As Christmas morning sun shown through the windows onto Maria’s face, she smiled. She looked over to Michael with one eye and found him looking back at her.

"What are you looking at?" She asked.

"You." He scooted closer to her and kissed her forehead. "I’m not ready to tackle morning breath, yet."

"You suck."

"I know." He kissed her again and got out from underneath the cover by kicking them off. He stood and stretched. "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas to you," she yawned. "I told my mom we’d be over around noon. The Valenti’s should get there around then, too. Kyle’s bringing Morgan."

"Good, I like her." Michael nodded. "I think Kyle does, too."

"Duh, you think?" She laughed and got out of bed as Leia started waking up in the bassinet next to the bed. She picked up her daughter and kissed her face. "You need a changing and something to eat! Why don’t I do that while your daddy takes a shower?"

Michael watched his family go into the nursery and smiled wistfully after them. As he got in the shower; he thought back the same way he had many times over the last two years, that had everything gone off as planned there would be no Leia. There would be no family. He would be living on some war-ridden planet and his one true love would be here. Not a day goes by that he doesn’t thank God that he made the right decision to stay.

"Are you going to be in there all day?" Maria called form the open door. "I want a shower and then do presents, so get a move on it, Space Boy!"

Michael smiled to himself. How could he have ever considered leaving her? As he stepped out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist, Leia was thrust into his arms.

"I gotta take a shower, she threw up on my shoulder." Maria walked past him and closed the door.

Michael carried his daughter into the living room and sat on the couch. Leia watched his face intently, reaching to him and touching his features. He smiled; she smiled back at him. She sat with her chubby legs bent on his chest, her pale green eyes so inquisitive, and her dark blond hair badly in need of a haircut. And she was so beautiful. She was in a diaper and a baby sized ‘Roswell Sheriff’s Dept.’ shirt. She was her daddy’s girl. She made a few noises, sighed and laid her head against his shoulder. He held her tight, oblivious to Maria with her camera until he heard the familiar click and saw the flash.

"I had to," she said smiling and sitting down next to them. "This has got to be the sweetest thing in the entire world. I think this picture is going on our Christmas cards next year."

"Okay, yeah, I doubt that."

"But the tree was in the background and the presents…" She looked over at the tree. "Presents! There are presents that need to be opened."

"You don’t want to wait until later?"

"Whatever. Put the baby in the play pen and let’s unwrap!"

Michael obliged and put Leia in her playpen, put on a pair of shorts and joined Maria in front of the tree. She handed out presents between the two of them and then a pile for Leia. There wasn’t much and it would only take minutes for them to be unwrapped, but time meant nothing. Maria laughed as she held up a larger version of Leia’s shirt.

"Now you and the girl can dress alike," he raised his eyebrows at her. "Or not."

"I’ll say probably not, but I still dig it."

Maria loved her gifts and Michael, his. They both opened up Leia’s and set a few toys and animals in the playpen with her.

"I’m making you breakfast," Michael stated after cleaning up the paper mess.

"There’s only one thing I want for breakfast," she smiled mischievously at him.

He smiled out of the corner of his mouth and chased her into the bedroom.

* * * * *

The Parker/ Evans household was in high gear. After presents were exchanged and opened, Max went to putting on the finishing touches on cleaning while Liz looked over what she was required to prepare for the big Christmas lunch that would merge the families.

"Did you get the handles on the shower?" Liz called out to Max when she heard the television turn on.

"Do you really think anyone is going to be taking a shower after lunch?"

"I want this place to be clean!" She yelled and walked into the living room with her hands on her hips. "It’s the first time everyone is going to be here together and I want this place to look nice. That way when we have to move into a dump everyone will know it’s not us!"

"Oh my God," Max sighed. "We are not moving to a dump, we’ll just go somewhere not quite as nice as this place. No one is going to think you’re a bad housekeeper if there’s a smudge here or a cobweb there. Chill out, Liz, its Christmas."

"Really?" She feigned amazement. "Can you believe that I just thought it was any other normal day with a freakin’ tree that lights up with gaudily wrapped boxes under it? How could I forget? Did you also forget that your sister is coming here?"

"The Christmas Nazi…" Max said softly and looked to the tree. "Oh shit, that tinsel is so crooked." He jumped up and fixed the tinsel and looked around for anything else that wasn’t quite right. He made himself busy with straightening decorations and placement of presents; Liz smiled from the kitchen doorway and went back to work on her veggie tray. Her parents were bringing most of the food and the Evans’, the desert.

Shortly before noon both families showed up and more presents were exchanged. Liz and Isabel made themselves scarce in the kitchen to prepare the food to be brought out. "Thank you for having us over, Liz."

"Oh. God. No problem, I’m glad we could finally get our families over here at the same time."

"I mean, really, thank you." Isabel leaned against the counter. "It’s been a rough year and it feels really good to have family around. It gets really lonely at school."

"I bet it does." Liz looked at Isabel to make sure it was really her. Sure, they had agreed on a truce, but telling Liz about her own feelings? Totally not expected. "Is school okay?"

"Okay?" She snorted. "School sucks. I hate every second that I’m there. My grades have dropped; I’m like the old lady that lives at the end of the block with all the cats. Social life? Nope, don’t have one. If it wasn’t for Kyle dragging me around I’d probably hibernate in my room."

"Kyle’s a good guy." Liz nodded.

"He’s the best," she smiled. "It’s nice when Morgan visits, too. She is so much fun! Kyle lucked out with her, she is great."

"I know, I really like her. We all do." Liz looked towards the food. "I guess we should take the food out?"

"Oh, yeah." Isabel smiled and picked up a platter.

* * * * *

"Maria," Amy DeLuca called her daughter into the kitchen away from the rest of the families. Once they were alone Amy leaned against the counter and looked at her daughter.

"What’s up?" Maria asked cautiously.

"I have to talk to you."

"I don’t know when we’re getting married or if we’re getting-" Maria started.

"It’s not about that."

"What then?" Nervous. Leia? Flying bottles and toys?

"Well, Jim and I were talking the other day; and you know everything is real nice between us, and well…"

"Spit it out, mom."

"Jim suggested that we might think about moving in together," she watched her daughters jaw drop. "I know. It’s not exactly what you think I would do, but I think it might be a good idea. You and Kyle aren’t in the house anymore, you have your own family and Kyle’s away at school. Jim and I enjoy each others company and we love spending time together."

"I think it’s cool," Maria hugged her mom. "I mean really cool."

"Oh good," Amy let out a sigh of relief. "We were worried what you guys might think."

"Kyle knows?" Maria asked on the verge of getting angry for always being the last to know.

"No, not yet. Jim’s going to bring it up with him tonight."

"Okay," Maria nodded. "Where would you live? Here?"

"Yeah, this house is bigger…"

"And Kyle would have my room when he was home form school?" Maria smiled slyly.

"If it’s okay. I mean you can always come home again…"

"I’m not coming home, I think it’s fine." Maria hugged her again. "You totally have my blessing." She excused herself and went back into the party, a smug smile on her face. She looked at Jim and winked, he blushed. She took her spot on the arm of the chair next to Michael and wrapped her arm around him. She leaned in close to his ear and whispered, "I’ve got a secret." He looked to her for more, she only smiled.

By late afternoon exhaustion had set in from the feast Amy had prepared. Jim, Kyle and Michael sat on the couch, hands resting on their full stomachs, eyes staring at the television. Leia was sleeping peacefully on the couch between Kyle and Jim. The women were in the kitchen cleaning up.

"Why do the women always have to clean up? Why can’t we sit on the couch and watch TV and then men do some work?" Maria asked while drying a plate.

"This is how holiday’s are, honey." Amy nodded and looked to Morgan. "What about at your house, Morgan, same thing?"

"Well, my parents are divorced so we don’t really do a family thing anymore. It’s spend time with one or the other and listen to them bitch about the other, so I kind of blow off the holidays with the parents." She smiled. "But I can’t thank you enough for inviting me over here today, this was great!"

"Consider yourself always invited," Amy smiled at her. "We’re just one big happy family around here. Right?"

Maria raised her eyebrows at her and smiled. "Big and happy."

"So, what time are you kids going over to Liz’s?"

"In about an hour or so," Maria looked at the clock. Not soon enough.

"Well, you make sure you wish them a Merry Christmas from me, okay? I miss seeing Liz all the time, maybe you could bring her by next week and we could all have lunch or something?" Amy said.

Maria nodded and rolled her eyes in Morgan’s direction.

* * * * *

Max and Liz slumped against each other on the couch; Isabel sat across from them in a lawn chair.

"That was exciting," Isabel remarked. "You guys did good, everything went smooth. One big happy family."

Max looked at his sister. "I want to tell you something, but you can’t tell mom and dad, okay?" She nodded and leaned closer. "Okay. I actually didn’t really go to school this semester."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, I didn’t go after the third week, I dropped out." He looked to Liz who nodded in support.

"Holy shit!" Isabel laughed. "Little Max drops out of college and doesn’t tell the parents! I thought you were the good son! What happened?" She laughed then grew serious. "I’m sorry, please, go on."

"I’ve been working full time at the insurance company. We can’t really afford this place on what we make so I dropped out to work."

"He’s going back in the spring," Liz interjected. "We’re moving to somewhere cheaper."

"How about back home? That’s cheaper than cheap. It’s free. Stay there for a year or two then try again."

"No." He shook his head. "We’re not going to do that. We’re staying together, just not here. I’ll tell mom and dad soon, I just wanted to give you a heads up."

"Okay," she smiled and looked back and forth between her brother and Liz. "I’ll share too. Last semester? That was my last one at Las Cruces. I didn’t register for next semester because I’m not going!"

"You’re what?" Max’s eye’s widened.

"Not going. I hate it there, if it weren’t for Kyle I would have come back sooner. I can't concentrate on anything. All I think about is coming home. Don’t tell mom and dad," she grinned.

"Are you going to the JC?" Liz asked.

"Nah, not yet. I need time to think. I’ll get a job."

"We’re bad." Max laughed.

A knock at the door came before it opened and Maria and Michael carrying Leia came in. "Merry Christmas!" Maria sang to them. "Kyle and Morgan should be here in a few minutes."

"We’re here," Morgan said from behind her as the couple walked in. Hugs and presents were exchanged and then they retired to the living room.

"I know what we should have gotten you Maxwell," Michael suppressed a grin. "Chairs."

"Ha. Ha." Max’s face turned a few shades of red.

"Oh!" Maria clapped. "I have a secret!" Everyone looked to her expectantly and waited. "Oh, you want to hear it?"

"Maria." Liz said sternly.

"Okay, actually it’s for Kyle!" She smiled sweetly at him. His eyes grew enormous.

"I hate secrets Maria."

"I know! Okay. Guess who is moving in with who?"

He looked at her, his brow furrowed. "Oh…My dad? Your mom?"

"Ding! Ding! Ding! Give the man a prize!" Maria laughed along with the others. "But it’s a secret, so when your dad tells you, act surprised."

"How do you know?"

"My mom," Maria nodded. "You want to hear the best part?"

"I can’t wait," Kyle sighed.

"Your dad’s moving in with my mom," she grinned impishly.

"Oh shit."

"You get my old room when you come home from school!" She laughed again as Kyle shook his head.

"Some things in life are so not fair."

* * * * *

"Jingle balls, jingle balls, jingle my balls all the way!" Rath sang his own versions of Holiday classics as he made his way over the New Mexico border. He flicked a cigarette out the window and saw a hitchhiker. He kept going down the road and looked in the rearview mirror. He shrugged and backed up, honking once. The hitchhiker scurried to the car and had his hand on the door handle and a smile on his face when Rath floored it and sped away, laughing. "Jingle ball, jingle ball, jingle my cock."

He sped down the road, he was close and it was time to have a little fun.

* * * * *

Chapter Seven

"What do you mean you quit?" Liz asked Maria, shocked. "You can’t quit!"

"I already did, Chica." Maria shrugged. "That’s why I wanted you to come over so I could tell you in person."

"I can’t believe it! Can you afford to quit?"

"You know how much I make, do you really think it made that much of a difference?" She glanced over at Leia in her playpen as a bottle zoomed across the room. "Besides, I want to be home with Leia."

"Aren’t you going to get lonely? You’re like a little social butterfly and at least at work you could talk to people."

"I have Leia here, we’ll keep each other company."

"Wow." Liz shook her head. "I can’t believe it. We’ve worked together for years, it’s going to be so sad without you there."

"At least you have Morgan, right?"

"Yeah, but it won’t be the same." She sighed. "I don’t want to grow up anymore."

Maria rubbed her friends shoulder. "Sorry Kiddo, we all have to do it. Just think, it’s almost the start of a new year and you and Max are going to be getting married hopefully sometime within it. You’re in school, Max is in school and you’ll both be these successful people with happy lives and picket fences." Maria swallowed. "You’re going to be great!"

"Max dropped out of school last semester and we have to move because we can’t afford the apartment." Liz blurted out, her eyes closing. "Shit. I didn’t really want all that to come out."

"What're you talking about? Max? Straight laced Maxie dropped out of school?"

Liz took a deep breath. "He dropped out after a couple of weeks and started working full time because we couldn’t afford the apartment otherwise."

"I can’t believe you didn’t tell me! Or Michael didn’t tell me! Everyone knows what happens with secrets…"

"Michael doesn’t know. I didn’t know until right before Christmas. He didn’t tell anyone! He faked going to school everyday and went to work instead. He got a letter from school asking him to give it another try, that’s how I found out."

"So he just wasn’t going to tell you, like, ever?"

She shrugged. "I don’t know. He feels really bad right now. He feels like he failed. So, he is going back to school in a few weeks and he’s only going to work part time, thus the needing to break lease and move somewhere cheaper."

"Wow." Maria shook her head. "Max is like the last person I would think that would have dropped out of school. Well, after you of course."

"Maybe after Isabel, too?" Liz’s eyes sparkled. "Don’t tell anyone, but she’s not going back either. She’s staying home."

"Oh shit!" Maria laughed. "I guess it’s not funny."

"No, she’s really bummed. She hasn’t gotten over the thing with Bret. She’s not herself, I mean she’s actually talking to me. Like, really talking to me."

"You’re going to be sisters soon, that’s a good."

"Yeah, but it’s not an Isabel."

* * * * *

Max lay on the plush carpet of the apartment, a newspaper and apartment guide in front of him. He looked around at his surroundings and sighed. He loved this place, Liz loved it too; he didn’t want to leave. He knew they had to, but it was still depressing. It was his fault and he was feeling the weight of it on his shoulders. Shaking his head, he wondered why he did these things to himself. He always got so excited and acted on something and never thought about repercussions afterwards. Story of his life. It was too dangerous for him to do that anymore, he had other people to consider. There had always been Isabel and Michael, but now there was Liz, Maria and Leia and the Valenti’s. They all shared a secret and Max hoped someday that he didn’t get them all killed by acting without thinking. He sighed again, he knew this was about a stupid apartment and not a life or death situation; either way Max knew he had to learn to think first, act later.

Shaking his head he went back to research for new digs. Circling a dozen in their price range he set off to check them out. The first three were horrible. They were dirty, no security, no amenities. The forth and fifth place were better, but not good enough for Liz. Was anything good enough for her?

The seventh place was the best. It was closer to Michael’s and had around the clock security. On site amenities and the rooms weren’t horrible. They weren’t as nice as where they were now, but he thought they could make this place nice. He almost signed the lease then stopped. What have you been telling yourself, Max? He asked himself. Think then act. He promised the manager that he would bring his fiancée by that night to look at it before he signed. Proud of himself, he got back in the jeep and headed towards home. Switching stations on the radio, he tuned into the 80’s channel and bobbed his head with Duran Duran. The next song made him sit up straighter. It was Scandal, "The Warrior". He had almost forgotten.

The whole episode with Max zoning out and coming back with that word in his head seemed blurry. Although it had only been less than a week, it seemed like years. He reminded himself to ask Liz about it again. He remembered her face when he said ‘warrior’; it had meant something to her, she just didn’t feel like sharing.

He saw the curtains parted in his apartment windows when he pulled into his spot in the parking lot. Liz was back home, good. He had missed her. He let himself in and winced when saw all the empty boxes in the middle of the living room. He heard the radio in the bedroom playing and followed the noise. He stood in the doorway and watched Liz; her back turned towards him. She was in front of the closet draping clothes over her arm, swaying to the music. He smiled. God, he loved her. She turned and jumped when she saw him, clothes falling to the floor.

"Quit sneaking up on me!" She yelled and picked up the clothes from the floor. "How can you always be so quiet?"

"Sorry," he strode to her and took the clothing from her arms and laid it on the bed. "What are you doing?"

"Uh…Packing?" She nodded towards the half-filled boxes on the floor.

"Already?" He asked while sliding his arm around her waist. "Why so soon?"

"Because school starts in a couple of weeks and we should be all moved into somewhere new by then." She said matter-of-factly. "That’s still the plan, right?"

"I guess," he kissed her neck. "You smell good."

"I smell like sweat," she grinned. "This is hard work."

"Your sweat smells good," he inhaled the skin on the tender stretch between her neck and shoulder, nudging the shirt collar away. "So good."

"Thank you," she whispered and wrapped her arm around him pulling him into her. She ran her other hand through his hair, pausing at the stubble on his neck. "I guess it’s time for another hair cut."

"I don’t care," he looked to the bed behind him and with one hand shoved the clothes off and onto the floor. Before Liz could protest he covered her mouth with his.

Liz felt his strapping arms holding her tight as he lowered her on to the mattress. Her hands made contact with his arms bringing her to smile at his sculpted muscles. She reached down and pulled the shirt over his head and flung it to the floor. He licked his lips and brought them down on hers again. One hand fumbling with the buttons on her shirt. Buttons flew off as his patience wore thin. She frowned at him; he winked in return. He slid his hands underneath her and unhooked her bra. He pulled it off by the tiny white bow in front by his teeth. He grasped the drawstring of her pants and pulled out the knot, they slid down so easily. Hooking his thumbs in her panties, they too wound up on the floor.

Liz felt around for the zipper to his khaki’s and found his rock hard masculinity instead. She felt herself blush as she found the zipper. He lifted his body off hers so she could pull the pants and boxers off together. He moaned, pressing his body against her. He looked in her eyes; everything in her was so pure. As jaded as she should be, she was still so pure and bright. That’s why he loved Liz Parker.

He smiled and kissed down her neck feeling her hands on his cheeks. Traveling along her sternum to her breastbone, leaving a wet trail, he felt her shudder as he covered one breast with his mouth. Taking the entire breast in his mouth, rolling the nipple with his tongue. One hand stayed on her other breast toying with her nipple while he moved his head down further, kissing her navel and going down. He parted her legs by bumping them apart with his chin. He felt her hands on his head pushing him down. He sank his mouth into her, licking, biting, and probing with his tongue. Her back arched involuntarily, her hands slapped the mattress on either side of her. She clenched the comforter until her knuckles turned white.

"Okay," she whispered and reached down tapping his head. "Okay."

He looked up to her, mouth glistening and made his way back up to her. She turned her head before his mouth was able to meet hers. She just couldn’t do that. He submerged himself inside her and felt nerves he never knew existed vibrate. She tightened her PC muscles around him. He tried to pull back, but it was too late. He came inside of her and collapsed. His head rested on her saliva sticky breast. She kissed the top of his now sweaty head and smiled.

"You are amazing," he panted.

"I didn’t do anything."

"Oh, yeah, you did." He nodded looking up at her. "You had a grip on me that…That was amazing."

"You liked?" She teased.

"I liked. Big time."

Liz smiled to herself. Reading that article in Cosmo about Kegel exercises seemed to be a good.

* * * * *

Rath looked at his new surroundings, the hotel was a dive, but he didn’t care. He was actually surprised he was staying in a hotel at all. He knew he might be in town for awhile and thought it best he have a home base. Or at least somewhere he could bring chicks back too. He thought briefly of Lonnie. What a bitch. He hoped she was wondering where he was, she was such a control freak. And that stupid lap dog Ava, God, she made him sick!

He flopped on the bed and it creaked. He crossed his legs at the ankles and put his hands behind his head.

"Watch out, Ros-Hell. Rath’s back and he’s so in the mood to play with the hunnies and kick a little ass!" He laughed.

* * * * *

"Is everything okay?" Maria asked as Kyle picked up the phone.

"Oh my God! How many times are you going to call? Aren’t you suppose to be at a movie?" Kyle rolled his eyes in Morgan’s direction.

"We are. I just stepped out to call and check on Leia."

"She’s fine. She’s just as fine as she was an hour ago. I’m beginning to think that you don’t trust us very much."

"It’s not that, moron. " She laughed. "I just get worried and want to make sure everything’s okay."

"It’s fine Maria. She’s with Morgan right now playing peek-a-boo or some shit."

"Ahem?" She cleared her throat.

"Excuse me, or some shoot." Kyle exhaled loudly. "I really doubt her first word will be S-H-I-T." He spelled out.

"Well, if it is Mister, you are in for a serious ass whooping! Oh shit. Yeah, I know honey. I’m sorry, I’ll be right there."

"I guess you’re no longer talking to me?" Kyle asked.

"Damn. Michael just busted me. I gotta go. We’re getting something to eat after the movie and we’ll be home about twelve thirty."

"I know Maria, it’s all on the list. We’ll see you then and try to relax."

"Sure." She disconnected.

"She’s nuts," Kyle set the phone down. "I don’t know if she trust’s us or not."

"I’m sure she trusts you, but she doesn’t know me all that well yet," Morgan pulled Leia’s shirt over her eyes and then back down. Leia laughed. "It’s probably my fault."

"I doubt that," he shook his head. "She’s neurotic. It’s the way she is."

Morgan nodded although not entirely convinced. "Can you go in the baby’s room and find me a clean pacifier? I dropped the green one on the floor."

"Can’t you just brush it off?"

"Oh, God. Just go find a new one."

"I’m kidding." Kyle held up his hands in defense and walked into the yellow light green nursery. He opened drawers at random until he found a basket of pacifiers and latex nipples. "Score." He dug through it and picked out one with sad Eeyore, like there’s any other kind, on it. He turned away from the dresser and knocked something with his elbow. He hunched his shoulders up as he heard the crash. "Shoot!" he yelled.

"What’d you break?" Morgan called form the other room.

"A lamp, damn it!" He walked back in the living room and handed the pacifier to Morgan. She took the pacifier and slid it in Leia’s mouth. Leia looked curiously at her and then rested her head on Morgan’s chest.

"She is so sweet! Doesn’t it make you want to have one?" She looked at Kyle and grinned at his newly developed eye twitch.

"You are so stupid, I’m kidding!"

"Okay. In the last ten minutes I’ve been called a moron and now stupid. If I wasn’t perfectly balanced, that might upset me." Kyle motioned to Leia. "She’s asleep. Don’t you wish you could fall asleep that fast?"

"Yeah," she handed the baby to Kyle and he laid her down on her stomach in the playpen. He covered her up and went back to Morgan, plopping down next to her.

"So, what do you want to do now?" He raised his eyebrows.

"Not what you’re thinking, perv. Not here," she waved her hand around the room.

"I let Maria and Michael, you know, at my house."

"Nah-uh. When?"

"When her mom wouldn’t let her see him, when she was pregnant." Kyle nodded proudly. "Maria and I were slick."

"You and her are pretty tight, aren’t you? I’m not jealous, that’s not why I’m asking. I’m just still new. All you guy’s have this past and I’m trying to play catch up."

"We didn’t used to be." Kyle smiled thinking back to the way they used to bicker. "When I used to date Liz, seems like a hundred years ago now, Maria and I didn’t always see eye to eye on, I guess, everything."

"You dated Liz?" Morgan furrowed her brow. "I didn’t know that."

"Yeah, you did. I told you." Kyle nodded trying to think if it had really ever come up or not. "I’m sure I did. Or maybe Isabel told you."

"No, I think I would have remembered that." She smiled. "I don’t care, I just didn’t know. See this is what I’m talking about. I feel left out sometimes when you all start talking about something that happened two years ago and all I can do is sit there and smile. I hate that, you know I like to talk."

"And talk and talk and talk-" Kyle stopped right before her hand made contact with his chest.

"Anything else I should know about?"

"Nothing of importance. Max and Liz are like destined to be together forever. Maria and Michael, you see how they are. Isabel’s true love was killed in a car accident, I told you about Alex," Kyle paused as thoughts of him helping Tess drag his friend into the car came flooding back into his mind. He shuddered. "Me, I just hang out."

"Okay." She looked over at the sleeping baby. She scooted towards the end of the couch and stretched out patting the space next to her. "C’mon, do you want to lay down with me?" Kyle nodded and lay down next to her. He cradled her in his arms and watched as she fell asleep. His mind was too full of vivid horrible memories of Alex. Sleep would be something that evaded him tonight as it had many others.

Kyle looked to the front door as it opened and Maria bounded in with Michael at her heels. He glanced at the clock; it was twelve-twenty. He got his arm out from underneath Morgan and stood up. Maria had already checked on Leia and was holding her.

"You even put her jammies on her?" Maria whispered. "That was so nice."

"Morgan did." Kyle motioned over his shoulder to his sleeping girlfriend. "She’s good like that."

"I guess everything went okay?" Maria asked when she had returned from putting Leia to bed in the bassinet still in their bedroom.

"Peachy," Kyle bit his lip and looked at Michael. "But I broke the lamp in the nursery. I left it there so you could," Kyle waved his hands in the air in circles.

"So I could wax on, wax off?" Michael asked.

"You know what I mean." Kyle went to the kitchen with Maria to get something to drink and Michael went into the nursery.

Morgan woke up and looked for Kyle; he was gone. She looked quickly at the playpen and found it empty. Her heart raced as she jumped up and looked around. She didn’t see or hear anything. She walked down the hall and peeked in the bathroom. Nothing. She tiptoed to the nursery, maybe Kyle had decide to put Leia to bed. She stood in the door way and saw profile of Michael standing at the dresser. As she opened her mouth to speak, she stopped. Michael raised his hand over the broken lamp. Within seconds, swirling ceramic and dust became the full lamp. Morgan gasped and Michael looked at her. She backed out of the room and went towards the front door.

"Morgan! Wait!" Michael yelled to her and reached for her hand, which she snatched away from him.

"What’s going on?" Kyle and Maria rushed in from the kitchen. They had been outside on the porch when they heard Michael yelling. Kyle intercepted Morgan at the door.

"Him…" Morgan pointed at Michael, her hand was shaking.

"What’d you do now, Guerin?" Maria asked walking closer Morgan and Kyle. "What’s wrong Morgan?"

"He did something to the lamp and put it back together," she had tears in her eyes, a quiver in her voice. She reached for Kyle and he drew her close to him. "I want to go home."

Michael shook his head and ran his hands through his hair. "I’m sorry. I thought she was asleep."

"How’d he do that?" Morgan asked in Kyle’s direction.

"I can answer that." Maria said, the voice of reason. "You see, he’s Czechoslovakian, they can do that."

* * * * *

Chapter Eight

Maria and Michael did what they could to calm down Morgan who was near hysteria. Kyle sat on one side of her on the couch, Maria on the other. Michael paced a lot, running his hands through his hair.

"I really don’t want to be here," Morgan shook her head vehemently against Kyle’s chest. "Please."

"It’s going to be okay, Morgan. Everything’s okay." Kyle rubbed the back of her head.

"It’s not," she peeked a look at Michael. "He’s some kind of freak."

"He is a freak, but he’s a good freak." Maria said softly.

Michael walked from the room and called Max waking him up. "I have a situation."

"What?" Max was on alert.

"Morgan saw me fix a lamp."

"Power fix?"

"No Max, with a freakin’ screwdriver. She’s scared of tools," Michael sighed. "What do you think?"

"I’m sorry, you woke me up. Should I come over, is she freaking out?"

"Yeah, she wants to go home."

"Don’t let her. I’ll get Iz and be there in twenty minutes."

Michael hung up and walked back in the living room. He sat on the coffee table in front of the couch away from Morgan. "Morgan?"

She shook her head, wetness spreading over Kyle’s shirt. He kissed the side of her face and tightened his grip on her. "Morgan, no one is going to hurt you, I promise."

"I don’t understand." She sniffled.

"We’ll explain, sweetie." Maria rubbed her back. "I promise." She looked to Michael. "Did you call Max?"

"He’s on his way." Michael answered looking back at Morgan. "I promise I won’t hurt you, is that what you think?’

"I don’t know." Morgan wiped tears off her cheeks and finally looked at Michael. "I don’t even know what I saw. I woke up and Kyle and Leia were gone." She nodded. "I was worried and now I just want to go home."

"We have to talk about a few things first," Michael leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees.

"Why? So you can explain what happened? Are you going to tell me you’re a magician? Because I won’t buy it." She looked from Michael to Kyle. "You know, I really fell for you and I trust you. If you tell me no one is going to hurt me, I believe you. Do I trust anyone else in this room? No."

"You can trust us, Morgan." Maria said softly. "We’re going to trust you so you’re going to have to trust us."

"I need something to drink, some water or something." Morgan looked to Maria who stood up and went to the kitchen, she returned with a bottled water and handed it to her. "Thank you." Morgan drank her water in silence. She was totally aware of the three sets of eyes on her. A knock at the door made her jump nearly off the couch.

Michael stood as the door opened and Max, Liz and Isabel walked in. Each looked like they had been asleep. Max yawned and took Michael’s place on the coffee table. "So, what’s going on?"

"Max Evans and his way with words," Isabel laughed harshly. "Spill it my brother, let’s get this over with and let me get back to sleep."

"Chill out Iz," Michael shot her a warning glare.

"Why are all of you here?" Morgan looked around at the faces of people she considered good friends. "Is this like some kind of intervention?"

"No," Liz smiled and sat on the other side of Maria. "Not an intervention, I promise."

"Okay," Max took a deep breath. " I have to know that we can trust you implicitly. What I’m going to tell you is going to be hard to comprehend, but first, I have to have your promise that it stays with you. Only you."

"Are you in a cult? Is this a Satan thing? I don’t do Satan." Morgan shook her head.

"Nothing like that. Can we trust you?" Max looked to Kyle. "Do you trust her Kyle. You know what I mean."

"I trust her with my life," he smiled in his girlfriend’s red-rimmed eyes. "I love you Morgan."

"Ohh!" She threw her arms around him. "I love you, Kyle! I hope you didn’t just tell me that because you’re getting ready to sacrifice me to some god." He smiled and shook his head.

"Okay. This is it. I’ll give you the condensed version." Max took a deep breath. "Michael, Isabel and I aren’t from around here. We’re not exactly of this…world."

"Not of this world?" Morgan looked to each of them. "I don’t understand. Maria said Michael was Czechoslovakian, which is in this world. Or do you mean like a third world country?"

"He means a different world altogether," Isabel leaned against the wall. "We’re aliens. We crashed here in ’47 and now we just blend in."

Morgan stared at her friend in disbelief. This is not happening, she thought, this is so not real. "What are you talking about?"

"Well, as Isabel put it so bluntly, we are aliens. We’re not here to hurt anyone or anything. We just want to live our lives." Max clasped his hands together. "Outside of this room there is only one other person who knows the truth, Kyle’s dad. We’d like to keep it that way."

"You’re aliens?" Morgan smiled. "This is a joke, right? Roswell? Aliens?" She looked at Kyle who was shaking his head. "This is for real?"

"Yeah. But they’re good aliens," Kyle squeezed her hand. "I promise."

"I can’t…I don’t…" she looked to Maria and Liz. "You?"

"Nope, we’re as human as you." Liz answered.

"And you’re okay with this?"

"Sure," Maria laughed as she thought about when Liz told her and her initial freak out. "They’re harmless. They just each have a little power that can change or fix things."

"I can’t deal," Morgan stood. "Kyle, would you drive me home?" She turned to Max. "I won’t say anything to anyone. You have my word." She gripped Kyle’s hand and led him to the door.

"I’ll call you tomorrow," Isabel said quietly to her as she passed. Morgan barely acknowledged her with a slight nod. Morgan and Kyle left. "Well, that went well."

"It could have been worse," Liz offered also thinking about when she told Maria and she freaked out.

"Will she say anything?" Michael asked Isabel. "You know her pretty well, is she trustworthy?"

"She won’t say anything." Isabel shook her head. "She just got a boat load of information so of course, she’s going to act a little strange. But she won’t say anything. She trusts me and she trusts Kyle."

"Sure?"

"Didn’t I just say so, Michael?" She snapped. "I’m going to wait in the car. Can you hurry a little?" With that she was gone.

"What is her problem?" Michael asked after her.

"I don’t know," Max said.

"This sucks!" Michael ran his hands through his hair. "I knew better, I just wasn’t thinking."

"It’s okay," Maria nodded.

"I’m sorry, I’m not usually that stupid." He looked at Max. "Don’t even say anything."

"We’re going to go," Max stood up and held out his hand for Liz. "I think that went okay. Morgan’s smart and I think we can trust her."

* * * * *

"Aren’t you going to say anything?" Morgan finally asked when they pulled up in front of her house.

"I don’t know what to say."

"Are they lying to me?"

"No. Every word is true." He turned the headlights off. "Will you keep their secret?"

"Yeah." She nodded. "You better not be lying to me."

"I’m not and I meant what I said, I do love you Morgan." Kyle kissed her lips. "I know it’s a lot to take in and there is more, but that was the big part. You won’t say anything, will you?"

"I gave you my word," she smiled. "I’ll see you tomorrow, I need to sleep on this."

"Is that it?" He raised his eyebrows.

"And I love you too, Kyle Valenti." She kissed the side of his mouth. "Can we talk about this more in the morning?"

"For as long as you want."

* * * * *

As Michael was pulling into the parking lot at the Sheriff’s department the following morning, fifteen miles away Tally Ruiz was walking her dog.

Tally loved walking her dog in the mornings; she did so every morning even when it was raining. Sometimes she stayed on shabby paths in the desert and others she veered off and made her own way. Her dog, Wonder, was a rescued Greyhound and she needed her daily walks. Although she hadn’t raced for more than two years, she still had a colossal amount of pent up energy. Without the daily walks, she’d drive Tally insane.

This morning seemed like any other, nothing extraordinary about it. Tally never thought that this would be the day she found a dead body.

Wonder, being held tight on her lead, pulled Tally into a gully on the other side of the highway from her house.

"Damn it Wonder, if you’re dragging me across here for another stupid rabbit!" Tally Ruiz chastised her dog. Wonder turned and looked at her owner briefly before pulling on her lead again forcing Tally to walk a little faster. Wonder stopped and the fur at the nape of her neck stood on end. She uttered a low growl and looked back to her owner. Tally wiped sweat beads from her brow and stood next to the dog. She looked down and gasped. A man was lying facedown in the shallow ravine, his arms and legs were twisted in abnormal directions, and his neck was angled so his blank stare gazed at Tally and Wonder.

"Oh shit," Tally backed up tugging on Wonder’s lead until she followed. Tally jogged across the highway and the two short blocks to her house. She let the dog in and took a few deep breaths before picking up the phone and calling the Sheriff’s department.

* * * * *

Jim Valenti hung up the phone and looked to Michael. "That was Tally Ruiz and she said she found a dead body off Highway seventeen, let’s go check it out."

Michael nodded and followed him out of the building and into his four-wheel drive. "A dead body."

"Yup. Do you know Tally?" Jim asked and Michael shook his head. "She’s in her mid-twenties. She grew up here then went away to school on the West Coast. She moved back about three years ago. She had an abusive mother, who died last year, and an unknown father. She used to get into trouble all the time when she was younger," he smiled. "Now she’s a writer, a novelist."

"Sounds interesting."

"You’ll like her, her and her dog, Wonder."

"Wonder what?" Michael looked confused.

"Her dog’s name is Wonder. She used to be a racing dog, a Greyhound. I think her full name is Chilton’s Wonder Mutt. Anyway, let’s go see what Wonder dug up."

As they pulled up in front of Tally Ruiz’s modest one story stucco house they heard howling from inside. They walked up on the porch and the door opened.

"Buenos Dias, Señor Valenti," the black haired woman smiled and hugged him. "Long time, no see."

"How are you Tally?"

"Been better, not used to finding dead bodies; only writing about them." She looked to Michael. "New Deputy?"

"Michael Guerin, Tally Ruiz." They shook hands. "Michael is the father of Amy’s granddaughter."

"Ah," she smiled. "Congratulations. I hear your baby is beautiful."

Michael nodded and smiled.

"Okay, Tally. So where’s this body?"

Tally gave them directions, but refused to go back there. Jim and Michael got back in the truck and drove the short distance to the alleged body. After a few minutes of looking around, Jim whistled and Michael nearly ran to him, his heart was pounding.

"Found him," Jim looked down in the gully. "Not too pretty. Can you take it?"

"I’ve probably seen worse." Michael looked at the contorted body. "Should I check for ID?" Jim nodded and watched his protégé slip on latex gloves and search for a wallet. He found a driver’s license in his back pocket. "Name’s Miles Lefton. Address listed in Santa Fe." He read from the license. "Thirty-one. Do you think he could have been hit by a car?" He leaned in closer to the body. "I smell alcohol."

"Could be," Jim walked back to the truck and got out his camera. He returned and took a few pictures. When he walked to the other side of him, something caught the reflection of the sun on the back of his neck. "Michael, pull his collar down a little bit, I see something shiny."

Michael did as he was told and pulled the collar back. What he saw made him dizzy, he tripped backwards landing on his ass in the sand. A faded silver handprint, nearly exposed was on the base of Miles Lefton’s neck.

* * * * *

Isabel Evan’s wasn’t wearing make-up for the sixth day in a row. Her hair was pulled back in a lazy ponytail. She was leaning against the outside wall of the bookstore, one foot in back of her on the wall. She looked around and shrugged. She took a pack of cigarettes from her pocket and shook one out. She lit it and inhaled deeply. She blew the smoke out in a stream above her head.

She didn’t notice anyone watching her from down the block. Why would she? She didn’t know anyone who drove a black Sebring. But she did.

Rath smiled as he lit up his own cigarette watching Isabel. She was hot; he mused. Although she was the duplicate of Lonnie, he thought Isabel was hotter. Maybe it was because she wasn’t a mega bitch! He watched her smoke and wondered if she’d be anything like Lonnie in the sack.

* * * * *

Chapter Nine

Sheriff Valenti and Michael Guerin made a decision right then and there, one that could land them both in a bunch of trouble including dismissal and/or jail time. On the other hand it would probably keep Michael and the others’ secret safe. Jim drove the 4X4 as close as he could to the mangled body of Miles Lefton. Together, they put the body in the back, covered him up with a tarp and shut the door. Jim looked at Michael and shook his head. "Do you have any idea’s?"

Michael shook his head; he hadn’t been able to string three words together since seeing the handprints.

"Michael, I need you with me on this." Jim pulled up in front of Tally Ruiz’s house and got out. "I’ll be right back." Jim walked up on to the porch and knocked. Tally answered immediately, her eyes full of anticipation. "Well, we found your body. It wasn’t a real one, though."

"What do you mean?"

"A mannequin," Jim forced a laugh. "Damn near scared the hell out of me."

"A mannequin? It looked so real." She shook her head.

"I know," he shook his head feeling beads of sweat under the brim of his hat. "Just wanted to let you know. You’ll have to come by Amy’s sometime and see Leia when she visits."

"Oh, I’d like that." Tally smiled. "Thank you."

Jim tipped his hat to her and strode back to the 4X4. He got in, dust filling the air as he drove back towards the highway. "Why are the handprints so light?"

"They’re going away." Michael looked at his hands in his lap. "They should be gone by tomorrow."

"Okay, you know that what we’re doing is against every law known to man, right?" Jim asked and Michael nodded. "I don’t want to see either one of us without a job and in jail."

"No, that would be bad."

"Real bad. Until these prints go away, Mr. Lefton’s not going anywhere."

"You’re going to leave him in here?"

"Not exactly. My neighbor’s out of town for the holidays and he has a van in back of his house."

"We’re going to put him in a van?"

"Until the prints are gone. Think about it Michael, do you want to take him into the morgue with silver prints that are going to disappear? We’ll probably have every government agency here before we could spit. Do you want that?"

"No. I want to know who’s here." Michael punched the dashboard. "Someone’s here and they killed someone, I want to know who. And I want to know why."

"You’re going to have to find out."

"No shit. Everything was as normal as it gets and now…"

"We’ll fix it, Michael. I promise." Jim sighed and said a silent prayer that he picked up the phone at the department. He drove through town and to his house. Michael helped unload Miles Lefton.

* * * * *

Rath was still watching Isabel when he saw the Sheriff’s Department Blazer drive past. He nearly choked when he saw Michael in the front seat, complete with uniform and hat.

"Little Mikey working for the law," he sniggered. He started the car and drove past Isabel watching her stub out another cigarette on the ground. "Maybe later, babe."

He drove to Michael’s house and sat in the car looking up and down the street. There was no one outside and no sounds coming from inside. He watched the window as a light came out. Bingo. Sometimes things were just too easy. He ran his hand down the length of his body and suddenly he was Michael Guerin, in uniform. He tried to remember his bitch’s name, Mary? Marie? Maria. Sweet Maria, how could he forget? He made his way up the porch and turned the knob on the door. It swung in and he stepped into the room. Maria’s back was too him and she swung around.

"Hey, what are you doing back so