AN – Although I love the premise for this story as it leaves so much angst to be explored by the author, I don't believe I did it complete justice the first time around. So I offer this second rendition. There are only slight changes to the existing scenes. However, each part has been slightly elongated and made into its own chapter. Please note Season one is directly followed by The End of the World in this Alternative Universe.
Thursday August 31st
My name is Liz Parker and last night was both the best and worst night of my life.
Placing the pen on her desk, Liz picked up her cell. Glancing at the screen she studied the photo. Taken in her bedroom on her phone camera, she stood beside Max. Their arms linked, he'd kissed her on the top of her head. Not Today Max but Future Max after they'd returned from a life changing trip to the Granolith. Hair longer and greyer, it bespoke the horrors he'd witnessed in the extra fourteen years of his time line. A time line that no longer existed because of what she'd done last night.
'Time to face the music,' Liz told her reflection in the mirror. 'My life is about to change.' Rolling her eyes, she wondered just how much more she could take. As if the last year hasn't altered my outlook on everything, that whole destiny thing over the summer just about broke me. Then, just as I've come to terms with it, Future Max turns up at my window!
Liz Parker scrutinised her body. She attempted to see the differences a night made. On the outside there didn't seem to be any. On the inside, she knew that would prove to be very different story. Liz Parker could only hope the changes she'd affected would stop the end of the world occurring. Right now she held the only evidence that Future Max existed in her hand. With his disappearance, hope burgeoned in her heart. Maybe she'd done enough to alter his fate and make the time ahead kinder on them all.
I guess time will tell, she mused a little sadly. Turning away from the naïve child reflected in the glass, Liz Parker sighed heavily. Changing into jeans and a sweater, she climbed out her window and down the balcony. Her mother's car keys in her hand, Liz headed for the only place that brought her solace. I know life will never be the same again, a shudder ran through her body at the unusual idea. Until a year ago, I'd never lied to my parents or friends. Now all I seem to be doing is keeping secrets.
With that thought still running through her mind, Liz Parker drove off into the darkening night.