Title: Unhappy Holidays

Author: Dontia

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything but the plot.

Spoilers: I’m so beyond the "reality" of the show. Some of you think that’s a good thing.

Rating: R

Summary: It’s the holiday season.

Notes: Sequel to "Thanks Giving". Season Two doesn’t exist except for brief glimpses. Season Three not at all.

Feedback: It’s the circle of life. I love to write, you love to read. Tell me you love reading, I’ll continue to love writing.

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

DECEMBER 22, 2001

Out in the desert, Michael stops his motorcycle. It’s late, almost eleven as he checks his watch. He again questions his sanity in being there as he gets off his bike and looks around.

Seeing the two individuals he’s supposed to meet, he cautiously approaches them. They’re both male, one tall and stocky, the other short and thin.

"Hello General Rath," says the short, thin one. "My name is Malik. This is Cowen."

"Call me Michael."

"As you wish."

"What do you want?"

"As we told you before, we’re part of the group that followed you on Antar."

"You’re Royalists?"

Cowen snorts. "No General. We follow you. The fact that you follow the king…"

"I’m not turning on Max."

"We wouldn’t expect it," says Malik soothingly. "You’re much too loyal for that. We’re hoping you finally see that he’s all wrong for the people of Antar."

"I’m not turning on Max."

"Perhaps he would be happier staying on Earth. We’ve heard-"

"I said, I’m not turning on Max."

"Then maybe you can explain Queen Ava," says Cowen.

"What about Tess?"

"Kivar’s telling the people you’re sleeping with her."

"So?"

"Are you saying it’s true?"

"What business is it of yours?"

"Its Antarian business."

"Stop it Cowen," says Malik. "The General doesn’t remember Antarian ways."

"The general remembers enough to know he doesn’t like people telling him what to do," says Michael.

"I’m glad some things don’t change. If you are indeed involved with Queen Ava-"

"Tess."

"As you wish, Tess. If you are involved with her, it creates a question of your loyalty."

"Which provides Kivar’s propaganda an opening," says Cowen.

"Antar expects King Zan to rule with Queen Ava at his side. Barring that, they want you with Princess Vilandra at your side. They won’t accept anything else."

"Tess and I have to break up in order to go home?" asks Michael.

"Not only that sir. She and the king or you and the princess must be together."

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

DECEMBER 23, 2001

The next morning at the Deluca house, Tess watches Isabel pace.

"Would you stop that?" asks Tess. "You’re making me dizzy."

"I don’t know how much longer I can take this," says Isabel. "Do you know what he made me dream last night?"

"What?"

"I killed all of you, then made love to him in your blood."

"That’s just…gross."

"The worst part is, I enjoyed it."

"It was just a dream."

"THIS time."

"I’ll tell everyone you can’t do this anymore."

"He hasn’t broken me yet. Aren’t yet?"

"We’re almost ready. We got a little held up last night by Max."

"What happened? Max saw Liz?"

"Saw her what?"

"She’s been making out with Sean all over town."

"He hasn’t mentioned anything."

"Maybe he doesn’t know."

"I hope not. I try to be there for him but I have trouble feeling bad about Liz hurting him."

"Because he hurt you?"

"Because he hurt me so he could have her. Not that I want him to be miserable or anything."

"You just wanna say ‘told you so’."

Tess grins sheepishly. "Somethin’ like that."

"So if it’s not Liz, what’s the problem with Max?"

"He found out Maria’s dating Alex."

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

At the Whitman house, Maria opens the door to Max. "Come in."

"Thanks," says Max. "Why didn’t you tell me?"

"We planned to, after the Skins were taken care of."

"This changes everything."

"No, it doesn’t," says Alex, walking into the living room with Leda. He hands her to Max. "You’re still her father too."

"She won’t grow up knowing that."

"Of course she will," says Maria. "Our daughter is an amazing girl with Czechoslovakian heritage. She’ll just know. And if she doesn’t, we’ll explain it to her."

"Thank you. I’ve lost so much this last year. I couldn’t stand to lose Leda too."

"You won’t, I promise," says Alex. "What are you doing here?"

"Trying to get rid of me already?" asks Max, smiling to show he doesn’t mean his words.

"I thought you and Michael were building up your powers."

"I’m meeting up with him and Tess later."

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

At the Valenti house, Amy and Jim are curled up on the sofa.

"What do you think’s gonna happen?" asks Amy.

"I don’t know. Has Sean said anything?"

"He’s suspicious, but has no idea. Liz is keeping him occupied. Maybe we should push back the wedding."

"You wanted a Christmas wedding, that’s what you’re getting."

"With everything that’s going on Jim-"

"I don’t know how this is gonna turn out. Whichever way it goes, I want you beside me as my wife during it. I love you."

"I love you too."

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

Michael enters the Deluca house. He sees Max and Tess sitting on the sofa laughing. Watching them, he feels his heart break.

Tess looks up and sees Michael standing in the doorway. She goes to him, pulling him down so she can kiss him on the lips. "Where’d you go so early this morning?"

"I went on a ride to clear my head."

"It’s okay. I just don’t like waking up without you. Especially after we spend the whole night making love."

"Sorry. Where’s Isabel?"

"In Maria’s room with Kyle," says Max. "She’s trying to sleep."

"What do you think it means that she can only sleep with Kyle around?" asks Tess.

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

In Maria’s room, Kyle stroke Isabel’s hair as she sleeps in his arms. A few minutes pass before she wakes up.

"How long was I out?" asks Isabel.

"About an hour," says Kyle, kissing her forehead. "You need more rest."

"If I sleep too long, he can tell and he’ll come after us."

"You can’t go on like this."

"It’s only for a little longer."

"It wasn’t supposed to last this long. I’m scared something will happen to you."

"So am I," admits Isabel. "But I have to do this."

"Have I mentioned how much I love you?"

"Not for at least an hour."

"Then we’re due. I love you."

"I love you too."

Kyle’s eyes light up. "That’s the first time you said it."

"I should’ve said it sooner. I love you Kyle. So much."

Kyle kisses her. The kiss deepens, and their hands begin to move over each other’s bodies.

"We should stop," says Kyle, pulling away.

"Why?" asks Isabel, tugging him back to her. "I wanna make love to you Kyle. We love each other and don’t know if we’ll survive from day to day. Make love to me."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I even have some of the condoms my mother gave me."

Kyle half laughs, half groans. Then he reaches into the nightstand to get the condoms.

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

In the living room, Michael, Tess, and Max look toward the hallway as moans drift to them. Tess smirks while Michael and Max look ready to kill.

"Wonder if they know we can hear them," says Tess.

"Kyle isn’t that stupid," says Michael.

Max looks distinctly uncomfortable. "We should stop them."

Tess grins. "You wanna walk in on that and tell ‘em to stop?"

"No!"

"Then leave ‘em alone. They love each other, otherwise it wouldn’t be happening. Let’s get outta here."

Outside the house, the three look at each other.

"We could practice at your apartment," says Max.

"One of us has to meet Rath," says Tess. "You do that Max, and call us later."

"Okay."

Max hugs Tess. Michael watches the hug, the knot in his gut tightening and twisting even further.

Max releases Tess. He slaps Michael on the back and leaves.

Tess turns to Michael. She rubs his chest when she sees the disturbed look on his face. "What’s wrong?"

"We’ll talk about it at home."

"Let’s go then."

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

Nicholas is sitting in his hotel room. The air conditioning is blasting although it’s fifty degrees outside. He’s bored, flipping through the few channels the television has to offer.

"This is the most boring planet. Who ever heard of a channel where you can shop all day?"

Suddenly, pain splits through his head and his mind connects to Kivar.

"She’s sleeping with him!" shouts Kivar.

"With Rath?" asks Nicholas.

"No, the human she was dating."

"Which one?"

"The sheriff’s son. Have you been paying attention Nicholas, or failing me as usual?"

"I just wanted to be clear on who you want me to kill, sir."

"Kill them all in front of her. Then I want her brought to me."

"Yes sir."

The connection’s broken. Nicholas smiles gleefully as he walks to Lonnie and Rath’s room.

Lonnie lets him in. "What now?"

"Kivar’s given the go ahead. We move tomorrow afternoon."

"Finally!"

"Where’s your mentally deficient boyfriend?"

"He went to get somethin’ to eat."

"I expect you two to carry your weight."

"Whatever it takes to get off this hellhole."

"My thoughts exactly."

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

Max enters the alley behind the pizza parlor.

Rath comes from behind a dumpster. "Where’s Tess?"

"She had things to do."

"Like my twin?"

"Do you have anything new or not?"

"Looks like someone’s not gettin’ any."

"Least my woman’s not tryin’ to dump me for Kivar."

"Nah, she went for your best friend. How’s that feel?"

Max raises his hand and his powers throw Rath into the dumpster. "How does that feel?"

"Like it’s time I kicked your ass."

Rath gets up and starts to advance on Max.

"Max?"

Rath and Max turn to the alley entrance. Liz is standing there with Sean.

"Why’s Michael dressed like that?" asks Sean.

"He’s trying a new look and wanted my opinion," says Max, shooting a warning look at Rath.

"It’s certainly different," says Liz nervously. She tugs on Sean’s arm. "I’m starving. Let’s go get that pizza."

"Fine," says Sean, warily looking at Max and Rath. He and Liz leave.

"Human chick dumped you too, huh?" says Rath.

"Do you have any information or not?" asks Max impatiently.

"Nicholas is gettin’ bored but Kivar won’t give the word."

"Call if it changes."

"Yeah, I’ll call Tess. She’s got a better disposition."

"You mess with her, Michael will rip your eyes out. For starters."

"Ooh, I’m scared."

Rath walks out of the alley. Max resists the urge to blast him again and walks the other way.

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

At their apartment, Tess takes off her coat and looks at Michael. "You ready to talk about it yet?"

"Come here."

Tess goes to him. Michael picks her up and carries her to their bed. He gently lays her down, then just stares at her.

"You’re starting to scare me Michael."

"Do you know how much I love you Tess? Do you know there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for your happiness?"

"I love you too Michael. What’s going-"

Her words are cut off by Michael’s mouth. He gives her a ferocious kiss as he tears off her clothes. Their lovemaking is passionate and intense, as though Michael’s trying to imprint the touch, taste, and feel of Tess into his very being.

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

Rath returns to the motel. He’s surprised to see Lonnie smiling. "What happened?"

"We go home tomorrow," says Lonnie.

"How?"

"Kivar finally gave the go ahead. We get ta end their miserable lives, make ‘em pay for keepin’ us here this long."

"We should celebrate."

"My thoughts exactly. How ‘bout a shower lover?"

"Warm up the water. I’ll be right there."

Rath waits until Lonnie turns the on shower, then calls Tess’s cell phone. He gets her voice mail. "They’re attackin’ tomorrow. Be ready."

He hangs up and joins Lonnie.

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

Tess exhaustedly rests her head on Michael’s shoulder. She draws lazy circles on his chest.

Michael stares at the ceiling unseeingly. "Have you ever thought about not going home?"

"What?"

"Not going back to Antar. Have you thought about it?"

"I wondered what we’d do with our lives if we couldn’t go back."

"Have you ever not wanted to go back?"

"No, and neither have you," says Tess, sitting up. "Michael, what’s going on?"

"Don’t you want things to stay the way they are right now?"

"What do you think’s gonna change?"

"Everything. I need to make love to you Tess."

"We need to talk about whatever’s bothering you Michael."

"We can talk in the morning. Please Tess."

Tess slowly nods and kisses him. She pushes away the niggling panic as they make love again, this time slowly and gently.

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

DECEMBER 24, 2001

The next morning, Tess wakes up and reaches beside her. She’s somehow unsurprised that Michael’s not there. She gets out of bed and pulls on Michael’s tshirt.

In the kitchen, Michael’s eating a bowl of cereal. He glances up when Tess walks in but quickly focuses on his bowl. Tess moves to kiss him and is hurt when he shies from her touch.

"Are you ready to talk?" asks Tess, a knot in her stomach.

"Check your voicemail," says Michael. "You got a message."

"It can wait. Michael-"

"Might be important."

Tess sighs and picks up her cell phone. She calls for her messages and hears the one from Rath.

"They’re about to attack," says Tess.

"When?"

"Today."

"Call the others."

"I thought you didn’t wanna keep secrets from each other."

"I’m not keeping anything from you."

Tess crosses her arms and raises an eyebrow at him.

"Can we deal with the Skins first?" asks Michael.

"Fine, but we will talk about this."

Tess walks into the bedroom to get dressed. Michael looks after her longingly, pain in his eyes.

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

At the Whitman house, Max and Alex try to calm Maria after they get the call.

"We have to hide Leda," says Maria, pacing frantically.

Alex captures her shoulders, stilling her. "She’s safest with us."

"That’s not very safe."

"She’ll be all right," says Max. "We all will."

"I wish I could believe that."

"So do I," says Alex.

Max tries to reassure them. "We have a plan. As long as we stick to it, we’ll be all right."

"I hope so," says Maria. "The others will be here soon, right?"

"Yeah. Then we’ll lure the Skins to the desert. Last thing we want is for anyone to see what happens."

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

Liz tosses her backpack through her bedroom window onto the balcony. Then she climbs out. She turns and Sean is standing in front of her.

Liz jumps. "Oh! You scared me."

"Sorry," says Sean, smiling.

"What are you doing here?"

"We’re shopping, remember? You’re gonna help me pick out Christmas presents for the Deluca women. Plus a wedding gift."

"I’m so sorry, I forgot. I have to be somewhere right now."

"Let me give you a ride."

"That’s okay, Michael and Tess are picking me up."

"So this is a group thing."

"Kinda. I’d invite you but…"

"It’s cool. Maybe next time."

A horn honks. Liz looks down and sees Tess’s car on the street. "They’re here."

"Can I have a hug before you go?" asks Sean.

Liz smiles and hugs him. She doesn’t notice him place a tiny transmitter in her backpack.

Liz pulls back. "See you soon."

"I’m counting on it."

Liz climbs down the ladder and gets in Tess’s car. Sean watches them drive away as he makes a call on his cell phone.

"Something’s going down today…I don’t know yet. I’ll find out and call you back."

Sean goes to his car. He turns on the tracking device wired to the transmitter in Liz’s backpack. He follows the signal.

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

At the Deluca house, Kyle lays on the bed, a sheet covering his naked body from the waist down. He watches Isabel dress. "You’re quiet."

"Thinking about what we have to do," says Isabel.

"Do you regret it? What happened between us?"

"Of course not. I love you Kyle. I’m gonna remember making love to you for the rest of my life, however short that is."

"Don’t talk like that."

"It’s the truth. We don’t know what’ll happen today, or what’ll happen even if we survive."

Kyle takes her hand and tugs her onto the bed. "No matter what, I love you Isabel Evans. Nothing changes that."

Isabel smiles as she straddles his waist. "Think we have time before we have to meet the others?"

"No, but don’t let that stop you."

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

Everyone’s at the Whitman house, Kyle and Isabel being the last to arrive.

Isabel notices the way Michael avoids being near Tess. She goes to Tess. "What’s going on with you and Michael?"

"Something’s wrong but he won’t tell me what," says Tess.

"Do you have any ideas?"

"No. After we fight the Skins, I’m gonna make him tell me."

Max looks at them. "We need to prepare."

"Yes fearless leader," says Isabel, giving Max a mock salute.

"You’re spending way too much time with Kyle."

Isabel smirks and Kyle laughs.

"What are we gonna do with Leda?" asks Amy. "I don’t want her out there."

"The Skins have to think she’s with us," says Max.

"I’m not sure I can mindwarp them," says Tess. "Not when I don’t know who I’d be mindwarping."

"We’ll have to use old-fashioned sleight of hand," says Jim.

"What are you thinking Dad?" asks Kyle.

"We all get in the car, make ‘em think we’re goin’ on a picnic. Before we leave town, we stop where no one can see. Maria and the baby get out, and we keep going."

"They’d be unprotected," says Alex.

"Maybe Tess should stay with them," says Michael.

"The plan needs all four of us to work," says Isabel.

"We can’t leave them defenseless," says Amy. "What if the Skins realize they’re alone?"

Tess frowns thoughtfully. "What about Brody?"

"What about him?" asks Liz.

"Max told me Brody has a device that voids alien powers. If Max’s wouldn’t work, then the Skins’ powers might not either."

Max nods. "That might work."

"You didn’t tell me about this device," says Isabel.

"Me either," says Michael.

"I forgot," says Max, shrugging. "If we can get Maria and Leda to the UFO Center and turn it on-"

"They’ll be safe," finishes Amy.

"Or at least have a fighting chance," says Alex.

"What about Brody?" says Maria. "Won’t he suspect something?"

"Maria’s right," says Liz. "We can’t risk him finding out."

"It’s a chance we have to take," says Tess. "If it comes to it, Maria can tell him the truth."

"Are you insane?" says Kyle.

"He likes Maria, he doesn’t like aliens, he’s perfect."

"We can’t pull another person into this," says Michael.

"If he turns on us, who’s gonna believe him? He has no credibility."

"The FBI might believe him," says Alex. "Maybe enough to bring back the Special Unit."

"I’m open to other options."

There’s a moment of silence.

"Tess is right," says Max. "Brody’s device is the only choice."

Tess smiles at Max. Michael looks at them grimly.

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

In his car, Sean watches the tracking device start to move. He follows. He’s concerned when the signal stops in one place for too long. He shrugs it off when it moves again.

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

At the motel outside of town, Nicholas smiles at the Skin reporting to him. "They’re on the move?"

"Yes sir," says the Skin. "It looks like some sort of group outing with their human friends."

"You’re still following them?"

"Yes sir."

"Excellent. Get everyone loaded onto the bus. And send me Lonnie and Rath."

The Skin leaves. A couple minutes later, Lonnie and Rath enter Nicholas’s room.

"We finally ready to get this party started?" asks Lonnie, grinning.

"Everything’s in place," says Nicholas. "You’ll get the chance to prove your loyalty to Kivar."

Rath rolls his eyes. "Can’t wait."

Nicholas takes Lonnie’s arm. They go outside and board the bus.

Rath slowly follows them. "I hope you got my message queenie."

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

At the UFO Center, Brody comes out of his office. He smiles when he sees Maria and Leda. "What are you doing here? Not that it’s not a pleasant surprise."

"I need your help," says Maria, shifting the baby in her arms. She smiles gratefully when Brody takes the baby paraphernalia from her arms.

"What can I do?"

"Can I trust you?"

"Of course you can Maria. I’d like to think we’re friends."

"We are friends, but this goes over and above."

"Sit down and tell me. I’ll do what I can."

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

In the desert, Max is the first to get out of the two cars. Everyone quickly follows and groups around him.

"They should be here any minute," says Max.

"I hope Maria and Leda are okay," says Alex.

"Leda’s not scared, so Maria’s with her and they’re fine."

"I hope so," says Amy.

"You should take cover Amy," says Jim. "I don’t want you getting hurt."

"These…THINGS…are trying to hurt my daughter and granddaughter. I won’t let them get away with it."

"Here comes the bus!" yells Liz.

"Everyone take cover, now!" says Michael, pulling Tess with him behind a sand dune. The others quickly hide behind other dunes.

A moment later, the bus stops twenty feet from their cars.

Nicholas is the first to exit. He smiles cruelly at the seemingly empty desert. "Oh Royal Four. Come out, come out wherever you are."

The rest of the Skins get off the bus and spread out. Lonnie and Rath stand behind Nicholas.

"I thought they were gonna be here," says Lonnie.

"They are," says Nicholas. "Patience."

"You really don’t know my girl, do you?" says Rath.

Max stands from behind a sand dune, drawing everyone’s attention to him. "What do you want?"

"The Granolith," says Nicholas. "And your head on a platter of course."

"You’re not getting either."

"Big talk for a boy playing at being king."

Isabel, Michael, and Tess have spread into a foursquare formation surrounding the Skins. Michael raises his hand. A moment later, the bus explodes. It knocks most of the Skins to the ground.

"You rang?" says Tess.

Nicholas smiles as he slowly turns, surveying them. "I see you’re ready to die."

"Only one dying today is you," says Isabel.

"I’m afraid not. But don’t worry. Your place beside Kivar is waiting."

Michael smirks at Lonnie. "Didn’t make the cut, huh?"

Lonnie raises her hand to blast him. Michael puts up a shield, protecting himself. The battle begins.

The humans rush in swinging baseball bats and tire irons at the Skins soldiers. The podsters pray they can handle themselves before turning to the bigger threats. Max and Tess take on Nicholas while Isabel and Michael face Lonnie and Rath.

Michael blasts Rath. It’s hard enough to make him fall but not enough to hurt him. Rath stays down and keeps his eyes closed.

Lonnie turns to Michael in anger. She manages to hit him with her powers. It tosses him to the ground, winding him.

As Lonnie moves in for the kill, Isabel tackles her. They fight, both trying to get the upper hand and use their powers on the other.

Michael comes over. Together, he and Isabel use their powers to bind Lonnie’s hands and feet.

"I’m gonna get you," screams Lonnie. "This isn’t over. I’m gonna-"

Michael lifts his hand, cutting off her oxygen with his powers. He waits until she passes out, then lets her go.

"You okay Is?" asks Michael.

"Yeah."

Michael looks over and sees the humans are winning against the Skins. There are only a handful left.

Rath comes up. He checks Lonnie’s pulse.

"I just knocked her out," says Michael.

"Won’t she know what you did Rath?" asks Isabel.

Rath shakes his head. "She’d never think I’d turn on her."

"Even though she’d do it to you in a heartbeat."

"We got a complicated relationship."

"What if she finds out?" asks Michael.

"I’ll go find Ava. Worked for you."

Michael scowls at him.

"Let’s see if Max and Tess need help with Nicholas," says Isabel.

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

Nicholas is blasting at Max and Tess with everything he has. It isn’t enough. Using what they learned from the book and through practice, Max keeps an impermeable shield around them. Meanwhile, Tess hits Nicholas hard, making every blast count.

Each blast weakens Nicholas more and more. He begins to realize he isn’t walking away from this battle, but is determined to take them with him.

"Your human friends are dying off," taunts Nicholas. "All because of you."

Max flinches but the shield doesn’t.

"Your lover is dead too Ava."

Tess laughs as she blasts him again, almost knocking Nicholas off his feet. "You’re a bad liar."

"I’m not lying."

"He’s part of me. I’d know if something happened to him."

"Hear that Zan? You’ve been completely replaced."

Max smirks. "Wonder who’s gonna take your place with Kivar? Not that your replacement will last long. Neither will Kivar."

"He’s ruled longer than you ever have."

"Because he took advantage of my sister’s trust and stole the crown. His downfall begins now."

Max puts his hand on Tess’s shoulder. Power flows between them, quickly building. Max drops the shield. As one, he and Tess raise their hands at Nicholas.

Nicholas screams as his Skin is engulfed in blue flames. He turns to run.

Rath is standing in his path. He kicks Nicholas in the stomach, knocking him onto the ground. "See you in hell."

The last thing Nicholas realizes is that Rath betrayed him. Then his skin explodes. A sudden breeze scatters the leftover particles.

"Is that it?" asks Isabel.

"For Nicholas anyway," says Max. "We still need to get Kivar."

"We will," says Tess.

"Good luck with that," says Rath. He looks at Max and Tess. "You two make a hell of a team. Like it was meant to be."

Max looks at Michael, wondering why his friend isn’t jumping down Rath’s throat. He’s surprised to see a sad, accepting expression on Michael’s face.

"Let’s make sure the others are all right," says Isabel, moving toward Kyle, who’s lying on the ground. The other humans are sitting or lying down as well.

"We should call Maria," says Tess, the knot in her stomach growing bigger as she looks at Michael. She absently rubs her stomach.

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

Sean sits in stunned silence. He’s behind a sand dune, as he has been since before the battle. He sighs in relief when Michael helps a shaky Liz stand.

He jolts when his phone rings. He quickly answers, checking to make sure no one was alerted by the ringing. "What?"

"You didn’t call back," says the voice on the other end.

"I was busy not getting caught."

"What happened?"

"Huge battle, of the epic kind. I know how to kill the aliens now, at least some of them."

"What about…"

"They survived. What do you wanna do?"

"Wait a few hours, then come by and report."

"You got it," says Sean, hanging up. He makes his way to his car and quickly leaves the scene.

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

At the UFO Center, Maria walks into Brody’s office after talking to Tess. She smiles when she sees him making funny faces at Leda.

"Everything all right?" asks Brody.

"They’re all okay. Max wanted me to thank you and tell you he’ll answer any questions you have."

"I look forward to that. When?"

"If you want, you can come to my mother’s wedding tomorrow. It’s in our back yard."

"Wouldn’t miss it."

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

DECEMBER 25, 2001

Amy wakes up from a nightmare. She goes into the bathroom and throws up.

Jim comes in and holds her as she heaves. "Are you all right?"

"I had a nightmare. One of those aliens got to Maria and Leda."

"They’re fine. We can call and check if you want."

"What if they don’t stay fine? What if something happens to them?"

"What can I do?"

"Just…hold me?"

Jim pulls her closer into his arms. They hold each other on the cold bathroom tile.

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

Tess knocks on the Deluca front door. Max answers her knock.

"Merry Christmas," says Max before noticing she’s upset. "What’s wrong?"

"What makes you think anything’s wrong? I’m here to help with the wedding."

"It’s six thirty in the morning. The wedding’s not until two."

"I thought Isabel would wanna get an early start. And with Maria staying here last night, I thought we could-"

"Talk to me."

Tess bites her lip. Then she looks away from Max as she poses her question. "Was…was Michael here last night?"

"Wasn’t he at home?"

"He said he needed to talk to you about Rath and Lonnie, then he never came back."

"Let me get a coat and we’ll look for him."

"No."

"What if something-"

"It didn’t."

"Okay. What’s going on with you two?"

"He’s pushing me away."

"You don’t know why?"

"I can’t get him to tell me."

"Michael’s crazy about you."

"Not anymore."

Max hugs Tess as she starts crying.

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

Down the street, Michael watches Max and Tess. His eyes become blurry as he rubs at the pain in his chest. He slowly walks away.

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

Several hours later, Liz exits her bathroom dressed for the wedding. She jumps when she sees Sean sitting on her bed. He’s dressed in black jeans, a dress shirt, and tie.

"Stop doing that," says Liz.

"Sorry."

"No you’re not. What are you doing here?"

"Picking you up for the wedding, remember?"

"You’re early."

"I couldn’t wait to see you."

Liz blushes.

"Did you enjoy yesterday?" asks Sean.

"What?" asks Liz, the color leaking from her face.

"You went out with your friends?"

"Oh, right. It was okay."

"You blew me off for ‘okay’?"

"It was…"

"Were you with Max?"

"He was there, but we weren’t together."

"Do you wanna get back together with him?"

"Max and I are over."

Sean kisses her. "Good."

Now I just need you to tell me what you know, thinks Sean.

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

At the Deluca house, Tess, Isabel, Kyle, Max, and Alex are putting the finishing touches on the backyard. Kyle helps Isabel string lights. Alex sets up outdoor heaters and Max uses his powers to make them generate more heat than they normally do. Tess is arranging food on a table.

"What’s with Tess?" asks Kyle, as he and Isabel go over to Max and Alex.

"Michael’s avoiding her," says Max.

"Why?" asks Alex.

"I don’t know. Neither does she."

"He’s coming, right?" asks Isabel.

"I haven’t talked to him since yesterday. Here’s Brody."

They all turn and watch Brody enter through the side gate.

"Merry Christmas," says Brody. "Am I too early?"

"We’re just about to start," says Isabel. "I completely forgot it was Christmas with everything that’s been happening."

"A first for you," laughs Max.

"She’ll make us pay for it next year," says Kyle. "We’ll be forced to have twice the seasonal fun to make up for it."

Everyone laughs as Isabel playfully swats Kyle.

"We can talk during the reception Brody," says Max.

Brody nods.

Maria comes out of the house with Leda. She smiles at everyone, then frowns. She goes over to Tess. "Where’s Michael?"

"Your guess is as good as mine," says Tess. "We can start without him."

"We can wait a few minutes."

"I don’t know when or if he’s showing up."

"Oh. Would you hold your goddaughter a moment?"

Tess takes Leda and starts talking to her.

Maria goes over to the others, out of Tess’s earshot. "What’s going on?"

"I’ll tell you later," says Isabel as Liz and Sean enter the back yard.

Jim exits the house a moment later with the preacher. They take their places. The music begins and Amy walks down the aisle.

The preacher starts the ceremony. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness…"

As the ceremony continues, Michael slips in and leans against the back gate. Tess smiles when she sees him but is hurt when he doesn’t join her. She turns back to the ceremony, pretending the tears on her face are ones of joy for the happy couple.

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

At the reception, Max answers Brody’s questions with Isabel and Kyle’s help. Jim and Amy are dancing, as are Liz and Sean and Alex, Maria, and Leda.

Max looks up and sees Tess watching Michael, who’s staring into the punchbowl. Max excuses himself and goes over to Michael. "What are you doing?"

"Getting something to drink," says Michael.

"I meant with Tess. Are you trying to hurt her?"

"No. I just…"

"Just what Michael?"

"Realized we shouldn’t be together."

"What?"

"Tess and I don’t…it doesn’t work."

"It’s worked for the last year."

"Things change. You’ll…be there for her?"

"You’re gonna break her heart, why do you care?"

"You gonna be there for her or not?"

"It’s obvious how much you love her. Why are you doing this?"

"Take care of her."

Max watches Michael leave the party. He turns to Tess and sees her watching Michael as well.

Tess marches over to Max. "What did he say?"

"He asked me to be there for you," says Max.

"Where’s Michael gonna be?"

"Not…there."

"He’ll have to do better than that."

Tess says goodbye to everyone. She grabs her coat and goes after Michael.

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

At their apartment, Michael’s putting jeans into a backpack. He closes his eyes tiredly as the front door opens.

Tess comes into the bedroom. All her strength seems to leave when she realizes Michael’s packing. She sits on the bed. "Why didn’t you tell me you were leaving me?"

"I didn’t want you to try and stop me."

"I won’t."

"You won’t?"

"Do you want me to try?"

"No."

There’s a moment of silence.

"Why?" asks Tess.

"We aren’t a good match."

"I thought we were great. You couldn’t seem to get enough of me the last few days."

"It was great but…now it’s not. Things change."

"What changed?"

"Everything. It’s for the best."

"Who are you to decide that?"

"The one who wants out."

Tess drops her head, seeming to draw into herself. Michael puts a hand out to comfort her but stops before he makes contact. His hand shakes as he drops it to his side.

"Where are you going?" whispers Tess, her throat raw with unshed tears. "Just because Nicholas is dead…we still have to deal with Lonnie and Rath. We can’t leave ‘em locked in that abandoned house forever."

"I’m staying at Valenti’s," says Michael.

"It was your apartment first. I should be the one-"

"It’s my decision, I’ll go."

Michael picks up his backpack and walks out. When the apartment door closes behind him, he allows the tears to come. More than anything, he wants to open the door and take it all back. Instead, he unsteadily walks to his motorcycle and speeds away.

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

Inside, Tess hears the front door close and her heart shatters. She pulls her knees to her chest as sobs overtake her. "This must be why people commit suicide this time of year."

After an hour of unabated tears, she lays unmoving on the bed. For the first time since the Halloween when Michael followed her from the Crashdown, Tess feels alone, unwanted, and unloved.

Her hand moves to her stomach as she remembers she’s not alone. She hasn’t been since before the Skin battle when Michael couldn’t stop touching her and they weren’t as careful as usual.

She briefly wonders if things would be different if he knew. Then she realizes she’d rather not know the answer, not wanting him just because she’s having his baby.

Tess strokes her stomach. "You can probably tell I’m sad little one, but I won’t be for long. It’s Christmas. The day humanity celebrates their savior’s birth, their sign of hope. Well, you’ll be my savior. You’re the reason I have hope now that your father doesn’t love me. We’ll be all right, I promise."

The tears come again when she sees the picture of her and Michael on the nightstand. She cries throughout the night.

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

THE END

No, the series doesn’t end like that. One more story to go.