Author: Susan
E-mail: susanandtad@cs.com
Category: M/M
Distribution: Roswell Desert Skies
and anyone else who wants it. Just ask first.
Disclaimer: Don't own a thing if I did Roswell would never end.
Summary: What if Maria never came home from New York
Spoilers: A few small ones from the last four episodes. Nothing major.
Maria's POV
Ten years. It has been ten years since I stepped foot in Roswell, New Mexico. I
wouldn’t have come back now if it wasn’t for Liz’s wedding. Liz begged me
to come home and be her maid of honor. I wanted to say no but I just couldn’t.
I owed her that much. After all, I had left her to deal with all the alien drama
on her own. Of course she had Kyle but it just wasn’t the same.
Liz remained in Roswell. She had gone to college and studied Bio-Chemistry
instead of Molecular Biology and had gotten a job at the pharmaceutical company
that took over Meta-Chem.
Everyone else was also still in Roswell. Isabel and Jesse had broken up years
ago. He never could come to grips with Isabel being an alien and then after the
FBI became suspicious once again he bolted completely. He was never really made
to deal with all of their excitement. Liz told me that Isabel was heart broken.
She had really loved Jesse. Kyle once told me that Isabel believed she was
cursed. I don’t know maybe she is, maybe we all are.
Out of all of us only Max and Liz are truly happy. They met every obstacle that
came their way and somehow came out on top, no matter what. Nothing could come
between them not the FBI, nor evil aliens and not even another woman. I always
knew that this day would come. I knew that they would someday get married I just
wasn’t prepared for it to happen now.
I left Roswell to pursue a singing career and to escape from what my life had
become. I couldn’t take all the melodrama anymore. Alex’s death had torn a
permanent hole in my heart that nothing could repair. I thought if I escaped and
followed my dreams for once instead of putting my life on hold then maybe the
emptiness I felt would go away. I was wrong.
Instead of following my dream I sold my soul. I put aside everything I believed
in and followed someone else’s path for me. I performed songs that weren’t
mine, that were nothing like me and I became the next “Britney”. Who the
hell would ever want to be the next Britney Spears? I sure didn’t but that was
who I became.
At first I couldn’t come home because I was to busy but then I couldn’t come
home because I was too ashamed because I had sold out. I had become someone I
didn’t know and certainly didn’t like. The only person who I kept in my life
was Billy Darden.
Billy had remained with me through it all. He had hated every single thing I had
done for years but he never said a word. He had let me make my own way. Then
finally about a year ago he left. He said he couldn’t take it anymore. He had
hoped after I had gotten on top that I would take control and demand to sing my
own stuff and to do things my way. He said I was a zombie. I just went through
the motions everyday but I wasn’t really living. He told me that he knew I
never loved him and that I probably never would because my heart and even my
soul are still in Roswell New Mexico. He said that each day I continued down
this path a little piece of me died and if I continued there wouldn’t be
anything left. He was right. I guess maybe I just needed for someone to point it
out to me. I started writing again after that and even performed a few of my
songs during my concerts. To my surprise, as well as the know it all record
producers, people responded well to them. I had just released my new cd, which
featured all my own music when Liz called me about the wedding.
I had finally gotten my life on track. I wasn’t quite where I wanted to be but
I was headed in the right direction and then Liz called. Going back to Roswell
was the last thing I wanted to do. Coming home would mean I would have to deal
with all the things and people I had been avoiding for ten years. Of course the
person I was most avoiding was Michael Guerin. I left him ten years ago and I
never looked back. I shut my mind and heart down where he was concerned. If I
hadn’t I would have never been able to leave and most definitely wouldn’t
have been able to stay away. Billy was right once again. My heart was still in
Roswell. Michael Guerin was and will always be the love of my life. What had
started out as harmless flirtation and later intense making out grew to be so
much more than either one of us had ever expected. I know I broke his heart the
day I left Roswell because my heart was just as broken. The funny thing is I had
told Michael, after Alex died, that my heart couldn’t take losing someone else
yet I was the one who broke both our hearts.
I only know the basics on Michael. He didn’t graduate High School with
everyone else. He had to take summer courses to get his degree. He ended up
working in the new meta-chem plant and now is the head of security. Liz,
thankfully, has left out anything personal about Michael but I have gotten the
impression that he hasn’t been with anyone for any length of time except for
maybe Isabel. Liz hasn’t said and I can’t ask but Kyle has hinted on a few
occasions that Michael and Isabel have been together. Of course, he also hinted
that he himself had been with Isabel so I don’t know what to think.
So now I am twenty minutes from Roswell and I haven’t got a clue what I will
find when I get there. Part of me hopes that Michael is with someone so that
when the wedding is over I can go back to New York and continue with my life
without a second thought. But the other part of me can’t help hoping that
Michael will take one look at me and welcome me back with open arms. I know that
is not likely to happen though. It has been way to long to even really hope that
Michael could ever feel the same way he used to feel about me. I hurt him so
much when I left. And then I got involved with Billy, which I know had to make
it so much worse.
Welcome to Roswell
I have finally come home but I can’t drive any further. They will be at the
Crashdown waiting for me. I just have to get up enough nerve to drive past this
damn sign and into town. After about 15 minutes of torturous silence I start the
car and put it into drive. It is time to face my destiny.
As expected they are all waiting for me. Liz and Max are sitting off to side
seemingly oblivious to the world around them. Kyle, Isabel and Michael are at a
table together talking amongst themselves. I see Michael smile at something
Isabel says and I close my eyes as the pain washes over me. Seeing them
together, whether or not they are really together, hurts me more than I ever
imagined. Kyle who is facing the door sees me first. His face lights up in a
smile. The others see his expression and follow his line of vision. The smile I
had seen on Michael’s face fades once he sees me standing there. He masks his
feelings immediately and becomes the Stonewall he once was all those years ago
in High School. Liz and Max then see me and Liz comes running towards me
throwing her arms around me. I start to cry as soon as she hugs me. I have
missed her so much. The calls, letters and so few visits were nothing compared
to actually being home. Max, Kyle and Isabel all come over to me and give me a
hug. I still have not stopped crying. I look over to Michael and it is like
everything and everyone else in the room fade away. We stare at each other for
the longest time before the spell is broken and I hear Liz calling my name. I
just look at her and smile. I know she understands. The moment is gone and
Michael just nods at me and goes and sits down. I notice Isabel shaking her head
as she joins him. Kyle must have saw me looking at them because he comes up
beside me and whispers in my ear “They aren’t together.” I give him a
small smile and turn my attention on the happy couple.
We talk for hours, reliving the good times and even a few of the bad ones.
Neither Liz nor myself can help thinking about Alex. We used to joke when we
were young that we would have to have our own best man as well as a maid of
honor. We couldn’t leave Alex out. It just didn’t seem possible that one of
us was getting married without him here. But even if he wasn’t here in body I
swear I could almost feel him here in spirit and I know he was definitely on
both Liz and my minds. Liz had pulled out a photo album from high school. I
flipped through the pages and came to a photo of Liz, Alex and myself taken the
summer before all our lives were changed, before Liz was shot and Max saved her.
I didn’t even know I was crying until I saw a tear fall onto the page. I wiped
the tears away quickly and continued to look through the photos. The next one
that caught my eye was one of Michael and I at Prom. That night I got my first
glimpse of how much Michael really cared. He had tried to learn to dance because
he knew how important the Prom was to me. After that night I never had any doubt
that he loved me.
Thinking back now I realize I really was a stupid and selfish girl. Michael had
proven over and over that he loved me and needed me and what did I do. I threw
it all back in his face telling him that I couldn’t be with him because I was
losing touch with the real me. God I was so stupid. I should have realized then
that the real me was the one that was with Michael. I was never truly alive
until he was in my life and I haven’t been alive since I left.
Again the tears return and I look over at Michael. He has been watching me this
whole time. I want to loose myself in his eyes but I know that it would do no
good. I blew my chance at pure happiness a long time ago.
After hours of talking, laughing and a bit more crying we all said goodnight. I
stayed behind awhile after the others left. I needed to spend some one on one
time with my best friend. We talked and cried some more about Alex and she told
me how truly glad that I was able to be here. I told her so was I and I meant
it. I had dreaded coming home, for so many reasons, but now I was thanking god
that I had. This was just what I needed.
I walked out to my car and I stop as I see a familiar figure lying on the hood.
I hesitate for a second and then walk towards him. It was time to face Michael.
Michael’s POV
After ten years Maria Deluca was finally coming back to Roswell. I hated her
just as much as I loved her for years after she left and then I just got over it
or at least I thought I had. Now I’m not so sure.
When Maria left for New York she took my heart with her. I was lost and then I
got angry. I punched walls and windows and very nearly punched Max on a few
occasions. Things then got complicated. Max died and Isabel almost did. In a
period of days I nearly lost everyone I loved but thankfully Isabel got better
and we found out that Max wasn’t really dead. More crazy alien stuff happened.
I was temporarily the King and made a real ass out of myself. Thank god Max took
care of that. I came to realize that I truly did not envy Max’s position and I
was not meant for it what so ever.
I guess a part of me had always been jealous of Max. He had it all, the perfect
family, the perfect girlfriend and of course the knowledge that he was a King.
But those few days when I had the power and like I said made a complete ass out
of myself made me realize that I wouldn’t want to trade places with Max ever
again.
Things of course then went from bad to worse. We had Jesse to worry about. He
was totally freaking out about us being Aliens and Max’s parents were still
watching us like hawks. Then we found out the FBI was suspicious of us again. We
left Roswell for a few months but ended up coming home. We realized there was no
use running away. If something was going to happen it was going to happen no
matter where we were.
Because of Biology I wasn’t able to graduate with the others. I had to take
summer classes to get my degree. That basically sucked but at least I graduated.
I then went back to work for Meta-Chem. Another pharmaceutical company had come
in and took over what the Wheelers had started. Well at least the legitimate the
none looking for an amazing aging cure even if it was by an alien part of the
business. I am now the Chief of Security.
Who would have thought that me, Michael Guerin, who didn’t have any
responsibility at all would ever be in charge of a whole group of security
guards. Pretty darn amazing if I say so myself.
But life still pretty much sucks. Liz and Max are as sickening as ever. They are
basically a constant reminder to the rest of us just how alone we are. Isabel
won’t get involved with anyone else because she thinks she is doomed to be
alone. She says it is her punishment for what she did in our past life. Kyle and
I have tried to convince her otherwise but there just doesn’t seem to be any
hope. Jesse leaving really pulled a number on her. She thought he loved her
enough to get past it all but she was wrong. He just wasn’t able to handle it.
Hell if it had been me I don’t know if I could either. It is a lot to live
with.
Isabel and I had both lost people we loved because they just couldn’t deal and
it bonded us in a way that not even the knowledge we were once betrothed had. We
were “together” for a little while. It was definitely nothing serious. Plus
she was also “with” Kyle during the same time. The big difference is Kyle
was and still is in love with her. If Isabel would stop being so damn stubborn
she would have to admit that she loves him to. Maybe someday she will finally
wise up. I just hope that Kyle is still waiting for her, like I am for Maria.
I guess it took hearing that she was coming home for me to realize that deep
down I have always been waiting. I knew her life was crap. I knew she was with
that bastard Billy but more importantly I knew that if she ever came home I
would never let her go away again without me.
I remember watching some televised music special about a year ago and I saw her
eyes. They were dead. She wasn’t happy. Yeah she looked like she had
everything and the world was at her fingertips but I could see that she was
miserable. I told her years ago that what meant the most to me about her was
that she was open and I could look into her eyes and see her. I could see what
she was thinking and what she was feeling. And I still could after all these
years. Even through a TV screen I could see her.
Last month she released a new CD. I wouldn’t have bothered buying it except
Liz mentioned that Maria had written all the songs herself. She had finally
taken creative control as Liz put it. So I bought the CD and it was good, really
good. She sounded fantastic and I could really hear her in the words of the
songs. I felt her for the first time in a long while. And then Max told me that
Maria had agreed to be Liz’s maid of honor and that she was coming home.
What I felt at that moment is really indescribable. I felt alive and happy but
also a bit sad and angry. I was mad that Liz had to practically beg her to come
home. I was sad that it had been so long since I had seen her and I was so very
happy that I would be able to be around her again even if it was just for a
short while.
At first I was determined to convince her that she needed to stay here or at the
very least let me go with her and that we belonged together no matter what. Then
I realized that she finally had what she had left for all those years ago and
that I would only complicate things. So I decided to get through the two weeks
she would be here and just say goodbye when it was time for her to leave. But
then she walked through the door and all logic was forgotten.
The look on her face when Liz ran up to her is something I don’t think I will
ever forget. She was also crying. I’m not even sure if she realizes it. She
hugs Max, Kyle and Isabel and then looks towards me. I can’t move. I want to
pull her into my arms and kiss her senseless but instead I just look into her
beautiful eyes. She is happy. She is happy to be home and she has missed us. She
has even missed me. I was about to walk towards her when I hear Liz calling
Maria’s name to get her attention. I guess we kind of spaced out there for a
second. I just nodded to her and went to sit down before my weakening legs gave
out on me. Seeing her standing mere feet away from me for the first time in 10
years truly shocked my system. Isabel comes and sits down beside me. She just
shakes her head. She knows what I really wanted to do and I know she is thinking
that I am being stubborn for not doing it. What can I say I guess being stubborn
is contagious.
We all talked for hours. She cried a lot. I’m not sure if anyone else noticed
the tears that fell down her cheeks but I did. I saw her looking at that photo
album. She cried over the pictures of Alex and she also cried when she came to
pictures of us. She looked over at me more than once. When it was time for all
of us to go I waited for her at her car. I knew she would stay and talk with Liz
so I laid on her hood almost reminiscent of something I had done years ago and
waited for her. I felt her approach even before I saw her. After all these years
I still had that special connection with her.
It was finally time for us to talk and time for me to welcome her home.
(This part in Third person)
Michael hopped off the hood of Maria’s car. He could still see the girl that
he had loved in the woman standing in front of him.
“I’ve missed you.” Michael whispers.
After hearing Michael’s words Maria moves closer to him so that she is only
standing mere inches from him.
“I’ve missed you to.” Maria whispers back.
No other words need to be said between them. Michael pulls her into his arms and
hugs her close. He can feel her tears soaking the front of his shirt and is not
surprised to find his own cheeks wet as well. This reunion is a long time coming
and something they both had needed desperately.
Maria pulls back a bit and looks into Michael’s eyes. She sees the moisture on
his face and reaches up and brushes his tears away.
“I was wrong.” She says.
Michael nods his head and pulls her close once again. “Welcome Home Maria.”
They remain in each other’s arms for what seems like hours until finally they
both pull away, the awkwardness of the moment finally catching up to them.
Maria joins Michael as he leans up against her car.
“A Jetta. Huh?”
“It seemed an appropriate car to come home in.”
Michael smiles and nods his head in agreement.
“Where to do we go from here Michael?” Maria asks.
“I really don’t know.” Michael admits
“We need to talk. I need to talk, to tell you some things.”
“I know. We both do. I just don’t know where to start.”
Maria leans against Michael and places her head on his shoulder. “It’s late.
How about we talk tomorrow?” Maria suggests.
“Ok.” Michael agrees.
Maria reaches in her purse and pulls out her cell phone and places a call.
“Hi Mom. I’m not going to be home tonight after all. I will see you
tomorrow.” Maria says. “Yes, I’m fine. There are just some things that I
need to do.” She looks over at Michael. “Love you to. Bye.”
Maria hangs up the phone and looks at Michael for a moment before she reaches in
her purse and hands him her car keys.
At first Michael was confused. Maria had just told him that it was late and they
should talk tomorrow yet she was telling her mom she wouldn’t be home. Then
she looked at him as she was telling her mom that she loved her. Michael knew
that she was also saying it to him. He wasn’t surprised at all when she handed
him the keys. Tonight they would be together without words and then tomorrow
they would talk and see what would happen next.
Michael and Maria drive in silence to his apartment. He now lived in a much
nicer and bigger place only a short distance from his old apartment in High
School.
Maria follows Michael to his door and stands off to the side as he unlocks it
using his powers. Once inside they both seem nervous. Neither of them are sure
what to do next.
Michael is about to say something but Maria puts her finger overtop his lips.
“Shhh. Not tonight.”
Michael nods his head and kisses her fingertips.
Maria licks her lips in anticipation of what will come next. She wants Michael.
It had been so long. She just wasn’t sure how to start.
Michael seeing Maria’s tongue as it licks her lips groans as his body responds
to the simple action. His body remembers those lips and that tongue. Michael
needs to be with Maria. He just never knew how much until this very moment.
Maria steps closer to Michael her hand traveling up his chest to finally stop at
the side of his face. Michael makes a small noise in the back of his throat as
he bends his head to meet Maria’s lips. There is nothing gentle about this
kiss. Ten years of pent up desire and emotions come to the surface. Michael
lifts Maria up and she wraps her legs around his waist. He walks them to the
bedroom.
Maria has taken both of their shirts off by the time they reach the bedroom.
Their kisses become frantic and urgent as their hand touch everywhere in their
reach.
Maria is amazed by what she is feeling. She had almost forgotten what it was
like to be in his arms, to have him touch her and to be kissed by him. There had
never been anyone who could make her feel the way that Michael did. All he had
to do was touch her bare skin and she felt like she was on fire. His kisses made
her dizzy. His kisses always make her feel like every cell in her body is
connected with every cell of his. There would never be anyone for her except for
Michael. There just wasn’t anyone compared to him.
Michael was thinking much the same as Maria. He had slept with other women in
the past ten years but nothing compared to what he felt with Maria. Not even
with Isabel. You would think because they were both aliens that the sex would be
more intense but in reality it never was. In fact it always seemed like
something was missing. With Maria Michael felt a completion that he had never
felt with anyone else. There was a fire between them. When ever they touched or
kissed some sort of chemical reaction would happen. He felt like his body would
explode if they didn’t get closer. That was why things got so intense so fast
back in High School. From the moment they first kissed the need to be together,
that indescribable pull to connect was always there. And tonight was no
exception. The urgency to come to completion was actually was there tenfold.
Michael had to be with her. He had to touch her completely, to join his very
soul with her. He thought he would die if he didn’t.
They both frantically discard each other’s clothes so their bodies were now
touching without any barrier between them. The urgency to come together to was
growing stronger with every moment.
“Now.” Maria whispers huskily.
She pulls his body closer as her fingertips reach for his manhood. Michael moans
into Maria’s mouth encouraging her to continue. She rolls Michael onto his
back and straddles his waist pulling him inside of her. They both moan when
their bodies are finally joined together.
Michael growls as Maria starts to move. Neither of them are able to slow down
and savor the moment. The need is too great for either of them. Michael rolls
Maria on her back so that he can take control.
In the bedroom of Michael’s otherwise silent apartment Michael and Maria come
together as they have so many time before yet tonight was different. There were
no words spoken, not even a whisper between them as the need to be together far
exceeds anything else. When the two lovers find release there are no words of
love, not even a shout of the others name and none are necessary. Their joining
tonight brought them to a whole new level. They have never been more connected.
The two feel asleep in each other’s arms, their bodies, and hearts and even
their souls touching, forever joined. No matter what happens after the break of
dawn tonight would be something that neither of them would ever forget.
(Maria’s POV)
The sun just started to rise when I waking up. I look at the beautiful man whose
arms I am still in. I have missed this so much. I have never awoken so warm and
feeling as safe as I do this morning. Even mornings that I awoke in another’s
arms I never felt this content or this happy.
He looks so peaceful when he sleeps. And so handsome. I had forgotten just how
sexy he really was until I saw him again last night. Just looking at him almost
took my breath away. Even looking at him now I feel at bit overwhelmed.
As I drifted off to sleep last night I started to form a decision in my mind. I
knew that no matter what happened last night. I knew things couldn’t go back
to how they were before I left. Too much time had gone by. Michael and I were
going to have to spend a long time getting to know each other again. When we
finally sat down to talk knowing the two of us there was going to be quite a bit
of yelling and a few tears to go along with the talking. It came to me that now
with Liz and Max’s wedding coming up it probably wouldn’t be a good time. I
want to get things resolved with Michael but I also don’t want to ruin Liz’s
happy moment. It wouldn’t be fair to either of our friends.
As I sit looking at him I know the only way to avoid the talk would be to take
the coward’s way out so I slip out of Michael’s arms as silently as I can
and get dressed. I write him a quick note which I leave on the pillow beside him
and sneak out of his apartment like the coward that I am.
As quietly as I can I enter my mom’s house not wanting to wake anyone up. It
is still very early. It seems very strange to walk into this strange hour and
think of it as home. It isn’t my home, not the one I grew up in at least, but
technically I guess it is home since my family lives here. My mom and Valenti
moved in together about five years ago in the new house. Kyle kept his dad’s
old place but my old home was sold. It still makes me kind of sad.
I had planned on taking a shower first but decided I needed coffee more. I was
startled to find Kyle in the kitchen when I walked in.
“Morning.” Kyle says.
“What are you doing here? I thought you had your own place.” I ask
“I do but I decided to stay here last night. I thought we could talk. But
somebody didn’t come home last night.” Kyle smiles at me.
I choose not to take his bait. I know he is trying to goad me into talking about
last night.
“Ok.”
“You’re not going to tell me are you?” Kyle asks already knowing the
answer.
“Nope.” I smile at him over the rim of my coffee cup.
“So little brother what did you want to talk about?”
Kyle smirks at my little brother comment. Over the past ten years Kyle has
become a brother to me and since our parents are co-habituating it does make us
family. He just hates when I remind him that I am a few months older them him.
“Well I need some advice. Love advice.”
I laughed at him. “You want love advice from me. I am the last person who
should give anyone advice about love.”
“Come on Maria this is serious. I am dying here.” Kyle says agitated.
“Fine. What’s wrong?”
“Isabel. Things are getting complicated. It started as just a sex thing. Then
after things ended with … well you know who… she started coming to me more
often. She practically lives at my house Maria. I love her but I just don’t
know how to get her to admit she loves me back. She is to damn stubborn or to
afraid to let anyone that close again.”
“Have you tried talking to her?” I ask.
“No. Not really. I mean whenever I start to say something serious she is out
of the door.”
“Well Kyle like I said earlier I am really not the person to talk to about
love issues but if you want my advice then I suggest you make her listen. Tell
her how you feel and don’t let her leave until all is said and done.”
“Funny advice coming from someone who ran away from a conversation not a half
an hour ago.”
I close my eyes and groan when I hear his voice. I guess he didn’t take me
leaving very well at all. Not that I really expected him to.
“Ok I think it is time for me to go back to my house.” Kyle says after
looking at both of us. He whispers in my ear as he walks out. “Good luck…
big sister.”
I smile at him and then look at Michael. I can tell immediately that he is
furious. He is barely able to keep his anger at bay.
“You left. You left me again.” He bit out.
“Michael I had to. We can’t do this now and you know that as well as I do.
This is our best friends wedding. They don’t need anything to bring down their
happiness. Things aren’t going to be settled easily. You have to know that.”
I can see some of the anger fade from Michael’s face.
“But you didn’t just have to leave like that. You could have stayed and told
me that.”
“I left you a note.”
The anger was back in his face.
“A note. I think I damn well deserve more then some stupid note.”
I nod my head at him acknowledging that he is right. I shouldn’t have just
left like that. I guess too many years of taking the easy way out is a hard
thing to change.
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I just don’t want to fight with you. Not now.
This is supposed to be a happy time.”
Michael comes up to me and pulls me into his arms. “You’re also right. Now
isn’t the time to talk. But we have to after the wedding. Things have to be
said. Things have to be resolved.”
“I know.” I whisper as my head leans against his chest listening to his
steady heart beat.
Two weeks later…
I can’t believe they finally did it. They finally got married. Liz is now Mrs.
Max Evans. The last two weeks have been an emotional roller coaster for all of
us. Michael and I have been together but not together. Kyle and Isabel keep
going from not talking to each other to making out every other day and of course
both Max and Liz had some major pre-marital jitters. Liz packed up all her bags
twice saying she was just leaving Roswell. She wasn’t ready to get married.
The rest of us put our love lives on hold and convinced our friend that she
would never be happy any other place and especially not with any other guy.
Michael and Isabel were having similar problems with Max. He was ready to bolt,
afraid that he was just putting Liz in danger by marrying her. On top of that
they were fighting about children. Liz wanted them but Max wasn’t willing to
risk either Liz or a child. I understand both their sides but if it was me I
would feel the same as Liz. I would want to have Michael’s child no matter the
risk. In the end they finally agreed to just let things happen and they would
deal with whatever came their way.
The wedding was beautiful. Isabel had planned it so it couldn’t be anything
but perfect. Liz, of course, was gorgeous and even the dresses that Isabel and I
wore were not to hideous as far as bridesmaids dresses go. And the men all
looked very handsome in their tuxedos. Michael looked especially good. Through
the whole ceremony I couldn’t help but glance at him and think about taking
that tuxedo off later tonight.
Over the last two weeks I have spent more nights at Michaels then the Deluca-Valenti
home. My mom for once didn’t say a word. Over the past ten years she had been
more than a little vocal about the choices I had made but she was thankfully
keeping her opinions to herself about my relationship with Michael. Liz and Kyle
were also not chiming in with their thoughts either. I guess they both figured
that Michael and I needed to work things out on our own without anyone else’s
interference.
I know that now with the wedding over we are going to have to talk but I still
didn’t know if I was ready. If anything the last two weeks have made things
harder. We fell easily back into our old routine. We bickered, made up, bickered
some more and then made up again. We made out like teenagers every available
moment we could slip away and then we made love every night falling to sleep in
each others arms. Yet we still didn’t talk about what would happen next and we
never said how we felt. There were times I wanted to shout to him and to that
whole world that I was in love with him but then I remember who I am and what my
life is like. I did know that there was no way I was going to be able to just
walk away this time. Things have gotten way too complicated.
“Penny for your thoughts.” Michael said wrapping his arms around me from
behind.
“Just can’t believe the two weeks are already over.” I whisper turning my
head and kissing his neck.
“How much longer do we have?” He asks.
“A couple of more days.”
“Well then what do you say if we bolt out of here after the newlyweds leave
and have one more passion filled night together before we have to get
serious.” Michael says kissing me on the cheek.
“Hmm. Sounds perfect.”
(Michael’s POV)
Watching Maria has become my favorite past time the last two weeks. I just
can’t seem to stop myself. She just amazes me. Ten years of being away and she
comes home and it feels just like it did before she left. Her smile can still
light up a room and make us all smile right along with her. Things have been
good between us. I touch and hold her every available moment I can. I could
survive off of her kisses alone. Who needs air or food? And the nights are truly
amazing. I will never grow tired of having her in my arms. We don’t talk about
the future but I can’t help myself of thinking about it.
The super couple, Liz and Max, almost called of the wedding over the subject of
kids. Liz wants them and truth be told so does Max but he is just scared to
death that if she did get pregnant that something would happen to either of
them. Max already lost one child to loose another, especially one with Liz,
would kill him. Hell I can’t blame Max for being scared. I would be to. Just
the thought of Maria getting pregnant scares the hell out of me. But I also
understand how Liz feels. She wants a family with Max, a piece of him that will
always be with her. I would give my right eye to have a real family. And the
only person I have ever seriously imagined having a family with is Maria. So as
much as the prospect scares me it thrills me even more. Luckily Liz and Max were
able to work it out so that they were finally able to get married.
Having Maria home has been good in lot of respects. She convinced Kyle to have a
real heart to heart with Isabel. And I even caught her saying a few words to
Isabel. I would say she did a remarkable job at match making. Isabel is moving
in with Kyle as soon as Liz and Max get back from their honeymoon. Isabel
isn’t completely ready to let her guard down but she is moving in the right
direction.
Speaking of moving in the right direction. Amy Deluca cornered me earlier this
week to thank me for whatever I was doing to Maria. She said that Maria hadn’t
seemed so alive and truly happy in years. She didn’t ask my intentions and
surprisingly didn’t even give me a hard time about Maria sleeping over at my
place. She just thanked me and kissed me on the side of the face and told me I
would always be part of her family no matter what. I have to say I love that
woman. She has been angry and disappointed in me many times over the years but
when it comes down to it I know that if I ever really needed anything her and
Valenti would be there for me.
I don’t know what is going to happen after tonight. I’m not sure what my
future has before me but I do know that I plan to have one last fantastic night
with Maria. The newlyweds are gone and the reception is slowing down. It is time
for Maria and me to leave. I want tonight to truly be amazing.
(This part is in third person)
Maria
and Michael lay in each other’s arms basking in the after glow of yet another
passion filled evening.
After
the reception they went back to Michael’s apartment and wasted little time
before they were in each other’s arms, removing their clothes so that they
could touch each other’s bare skin. Their need to be together nearly
overwhelmed them.
Hours
later the need was still there but they were both too exhausted to do anything.
“I
love you Michael.” Maria said for the first time since her return.
“I
love you too.” Michael replied then asked “But what happens now?”
Maria
hopped out of bed and pulled a t-shirt of Michael’s over her head.
“I don’t know Michael. I know that I have been happier the last two
weeks then I have ever been in my whole lifetime. I know leaving you again may
break me. I know that I would like nothing better then to spend the rest of my
life in your arms. I also know that my career is finally going the way I wanted.
I know my dream is finally coming true. What I don’t know is how the two of us
can stay together while I to continue living my dream.”
“I
could go back with you.” Michael suggested.
“God
Michael, I would love for you to come with me but we both know that would never
work. You would hate the limelight, the paparazzi. We would never have a
moment’s peace. Plus, I don’t want what we have tarnished by all the
ugliness. I love performing. I love finally being able to perform and write my
own stuff but I absolutely hate the lifestyle I live. It isn’t real it is just
part of a stage personality. You would be miserable. We would be miserable.”
“You’re
probably right. I can’t see myself ever living in that life with you. It
isn’t me any more than you staying here in
Maria
sat down on the bed and leant back against Michael. She needed him as much as he
needed her. They would have to come up with something. She can’t imagine her
life without him in it. Michael is her life. Without him everything else seems
like nothing.
“I’m
to tired Michael. I can’t think right now. Just hold me awhile longer.”
Maria asked wrapping her arms around Michael.
He
kissed her on the forehead and pulled Maria closer. He fell asleep thinking that
tomorrow they would come up with something.
Michael
woke up the next morning alone in his bed. He shook his head in disbelief. He
couldn’t believe she had done it again. She had left, and this time she
hadn’t even bothered with a note. He dressed quickly and stormed out of the
bedroom ready to go to the Valenti’s and forcibly bring her back if necessary
so they could talk.
He
stopped suddenly as he saw Maria sitting on the couch. She had a pen and a whole
stack of crumbled paper beside her. She looked exhausted and very upset.
“I
thought you had left again.” Michael said startling the dazed Maria.
“I
almost did. I tried to write you a note but I just couldn’t. I can’t leave
again. I couldn’t sleep at all last night. I sat in bed watching you sleep for
the longest time and then I got up and started to pace and to think. I thought
it was hopeless, the whole situation of ours. When I sat down to write you a
note telling you so I completely lost it. I must have cried for an hour and then
I realized that it just isn’t worth it. What good it a damn dream if I can’t
share it with the other half of my soul. You are what’s important here.
Nothing else matters.
“Maria…”
Michael tried to say something but Maria cut him off.
“No
Michael let me finish. So I called my manager and told him I quit. I think I
gave the man a heart attack the way he was gasping and stuttering. After he
calmed down he asked why and I told him that my life was here in
“So
you’re coming back in three months?” Michael asked hardly able to believe
what she was telling him.
“Yes
I am coming back in three months. If you’ll still have me.”
Michael
walked over to Maria, pulling her into his arms. He lowered his head to meet her
lips and gave her a passionate kiss.
“What
do you think?” Michael asked.
Maria
smiled. “I think we have entirely too many clothes on right now.
“Damn
right.” Michael yelled picking Maria up and carrying her back to the bedroom
where they soon took care of their clothing problem.
Afterwards
they lay in each other’s arms thinking for the first time in along while that
the future is going to be wonderful.
2
years later…
“Have
you seen him?” Maria asked Isabel and Kyle as she and Michael waited for Liz
and Max to come home.
“Yeah.
He is absolutely beautiful. I still can’t believe they named him Alex.”
Isabel said wiping a tear away that had fallen.
Isabel
was overly emotional these days. All her hormones were in disarray. “I was
going to name mine Alex.” Isabel said resting her hand on her swollen stomach.
“Not
only that, they took my dad’s name as well.” Kyle added looking just as
depressed as Isabel.
“Well
you could always name your child James Alexander instead of Alexander James.”
Maria suggested.
“Hey
that is an idea.” Kyle brightened up.
“Or
not.” Isabel said looking at her husband as if he had grown two heads.
“It
was just an idea. Anyhow we’re having a girl. We can always name her
“That
is true.” Isabel said smiling at her husband.
Kyle
and Isabel had been married for a little over a year. After Isabel moved into
Kyle’s place they both committed to each other rather quickly. Kyle asked
Isabel to marry him the night she moved in. It took her almost six months to
finally agree but once she had she went into full wedding Nazi mode. Their
wedding was just as beautiful as Liz and Max’s had been a year earlier.
Maria
and Michael on the other hand had decided they were never going to get married.
They didn’t need a piece of paper to tell them what they already knew in their
hearts, that they would be together for the rest of their lives.
Michael
and Maria watched as Kyle laid his hand on Isabel’s stomach and the babies
little hand glowed through to touch his hand. It was a beautiful sight.
“It
wont be long now before our baby does that to you.” Maria whispered.
“Shhh.
I thought we weren’t telling anyone yet.”
“You’re
not telling anyone what?” Isabel asked. Her hearing being a little bit better
then the average person she had been able to hear Michael’s whisper.
Michael
and Maria were saved from answering Isabel with the arrival of the Evan’s
family with their new addition A.J.
A
little while later Isabel asked again, “So what is it that you weren’t going
to tell us Michael?” She decided she had been patient long enough. Isabel told
Liz and Max what she had overheard when they asked what she was talking about.
“Well” Isabel was becoming impatient.
Maria
rolled her eyes and looked at Michael. “You’re the one who can’t whisper
quietly so you can tell them.”
Michael
felt nervous all of a sudden. When it was just he and Maria that knew it almost
didn’t seem real but with everyone else knowing it brings it out in the open
as well as all his fears. He wasn’t sure if he was ready for the
responsibility but the idea of being someone’s father was certainly growing on
him.
“Hmmm.
Well. You see…”
“Just
spit it out Michael.” Isabel yelled.
“Maria’s
pregnant. We are having a baby.” Michael was finally able to say.
Luckily
nothing else needed to be said because once the news of Maria’s pregnancy was
shared, the room was suddenly filled with shouts of joy and well wishes. The
ladies were especially happy that their children would all be around the same
age and they could all play together.
Once
all the excitement died down and the group celebrated for the evening Michael
and Maria were finally able to spend some quiet time together.
Maria
had cut short her six months on the road when she discovered she was pregnant.
She was now almost six months along but had barely started to show.
“How
are you feeling?” Michael asked noticing Maria’s hand resting on her barely
protruding stomach.
“Good.
No in fact I feel wonderful. Michael a couple of years ago I never imagined I
would be this happy.”
“Me
either.” Michael said as he crawled down on the floor resting his head in
Maria’s lap against her stomach. Just as his head neared her stomach a glow
started to form and he felt his child connecting with him.
“Maria
did you see that?” Michael asked. His excitement barely contained.
“It’s
a boy Maria. We are having a son.” Michael swept Maria up into his arms and
spun her around. “Have I thanked you for coming home lately?” Michael asked
as he put Maria down.
Maria
smiled and kissed Michael. “You are my home.”
The
End.
