Chapter One

Liz sat on the edge of Michael's lounge, just out of the doorway line of sight. She heard Max calling out to Michael, and she stayed as still as possible not wanting to deal with him anytime soon. God, hadn't he ever heard of a little space? After a few minutes the calling and knocking stopped. Liz let out a breath that had been struggling to choke her. Her relief was short lived however when she heard the door open, somehow doubting it was Michael. She stood up nervously as Max walked into the room, his eyes searching for her.

"What's going on liz?" Liz's mouth fell open. She had no idea what to say to him. He didnt even understand that she wanted too be alone for a little while.

"M...Max.......what.....what are you doing here? I thought we were all meeting up later...." Liz couldnt place the loook in his eyes. She forced her voice to sound stronger with every word she forced through her lips hoping she sounded like her normal confident self.

"I wanted to come and talk to you. We didnt really get a chance after Tess left." That look, Liz realised was suspicion. What right did Max have to doubt her loyalties?

"I just needed some time Max. After finding out what Tess did to Alex I needed some time to think things through.I.... I just really needed some time alone." Liz got up and walked over to Michael's fridge, thankful for an excuze to turn away from Max's puppy dog eyes. Her hand rested on the fridge door as Max said what was really on his mind.

"Then Why'd you go to Michael?"

Liz spun around and ask aggressivly, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Exactly what I said. I lose my son, my only way home and you rush off. I look everywhere for you and when I finally findd you, you're at Michael's flat!" during Max's rant he came closer and close to Liz waving his hands and raising his voice. His anger was apparent amd it scared her alot more that she liked. For the first time in her life she was actually scared of him. With every step he took foward she took two back until she was up against the wall of Michael's kitchen.

"Max, back off!" She tried to sound strong but her voice came out shaky and weak. Max laughed at her. "What's wrong? Afraid?"

"Max get out! I dont want to talk to you!" Max grabbed her wrist forcefully.

"You can't tell me to get out. It's Michael's flat. You can't stop me from doing anything!" Max moved to kiss her as Liz tried to wriggle from his grasp.

"Please Max... no..."

"Please Max... no..." He imitated her. "Does he like it when you beg? You're such a slut Liz. Michael deserves you!" Liz was terrified. She couldn't get away from him. She tried to hit him, kick him, anything. but he held her with his powers, causing burns and abrasions over her skin as he started to lift her skirt. The terrifying though echoed through her mind and she knew that he was going to rape her. Her efforts to move him lessoned as he streength gave out and pain overwhelmed her. Her sobs grew louder and her mind screamed for anything to stop what was happening. He muttered obsenities at her as he ripped her clothes off and forcefully took any scrap of honour or innocence she had.

By the time he had finished with her she was bleeding from the force he'd used. She curled up in the corner of the kitchen, shaking, crying and in shock until she finally passed out as Max hit her with his powers as he slammed Michael's appartment door behind him.