Author: X_tremeroswellian

Email: X_tremeroswellian@yahoo.com

Disclaimer: These are not my characters, and I am in no way affiliated with the WB, or Jason Katims, or anyone from the show (unfortunately). This story plot, however, does belong to me. Please don't sue me, because I'm not getting paid, I'm just writing it for personal reasons.

Rated: R (strong language, sexual situations, adult content)

Spoilers: Up until the end of Blood Brothers. Assume "Heat Wave" never happened (don't get me wrong, I loved the episode, it just doesn't work with this story)

Distribution: If you want to use it, email me and ask me, please. Other than that, if you have questions/comments, feel free to email me at that same address. Feedback is definitely appreciated.

Author's Note: Thanks to Linda for giving me feedback and the courage to post this story! :)

Matters of Trust (Part One)

Liz woke up, gripped by terror, for the fourth night in a row. She forced herself to concentrate on breathing until she calmed down. Then she looked at the clock on her bedside table. 2:30 A.M. She sighed and pulled the covers to her chin. But the reason she was shaking had nothing to do with cold.

It was because every night for the past four nights, Liz had been haunted by ghosts of her past. Ghosts that she thought were long gone, but that were now once again making their presence known and interfering with her life.

Why now? she wondered. But no answer came to her, and neither did sleep.

Liz rushed to her locker, knowing she was on the verge of being late to class. It hadn't been her fault. When she had gotten in her car that morning, the engine wouldn't start and she'd had to get her neighbor to jump start it.

Liz spun the combination on her locker and yanked on the lock. It didn't budge. She tried it twice more. The bell rang. "Damn!" she said, and kicked the locker in sheer frustration.

The lock popped open and Liz scowled at it for a moment. Then she flung open the door and grabbed her books for the first two class periods.

She all but ran to first period psychology.

"Nice of you to join us, Ms. Parker," Mrs. Hurst said.

Liz blushed and sat down in her chair next to her best friend, Maria DeLuca.

"You okay?" Maria mouthed, her eyebrows furrowed in concern.

Liz nodded quickly and took out her psychology text book and notebook. She settled into her chair and tried to pay attention to the lecture. She glanced around the room, and her gaze fell upon Max Evans, who was staring at her. He smiled shyly at her, and she returned the gesture with a quick, shy smile of her own. Then she looked down at her notebook and began doodling just to stay awake.

"Tomorrow and for the rest of this week, we'll have guest speakers to tell you about Roswell's new sexual assault clinic, about sexual assault, and how it effects the victims. I expect all of you to be on your best behaviour, to listen and participate in discussions, and to be courteous to our guests," Mrs. Hurst said as the bell rang.

Liz slowly gathered her books and walked alongside Maria into the hallway. "So, what's going on? Cause, you're like never late to class," Maria said, studying her.

"Well, first, my car wouldn't start. Then my locker wouldn't open. And, to top it off, I got maybe, like 2 hours of sleep last night," Liz answered, yawning.

"You didn't stay up all night studying for the stupid geometry quiz we have today, did you?" Maria groaned. "Because it is so going to be a breeze, especially for you, Miss Valedictorian."

Liz couldn't help laugh. "Hardly. But I can dream."

"See you in history?"

"Yep," Liz agreed as she and Maria split up. She started towards her second period English class when Max fell into step with her. "Hey," she said, glancing at him.

"Hey. How's it going?" he asked.

"Okay."

"You study for that geometry quiz?"

"Yeah, until midnight, when I finally lost consciousness. You?"

"Yeah. Geometry's not my most favorite subject." He looked at her for a moment. "So, um...Liz, do you work Saturday night?"

"Yeah, but only until 7. Why?" she asked, trying not to get her hopes up that Max was asking her out.

"Well, I was just thinking...um, maybe we could, you know, go see a movie or something. If you want to," he added quickly.

She stopped and smiled at him. "Max, I'd love to," she said.

He grinned back and looked relieved. "Okay. Well, we'd better get to English."

"Yeah, I don't need two tardies in one day," she agreed.

They walked to English together and sat down side-by-side. Mrs. Bugg lead them in discussion about Shakespeare's "Hamlet." And as much as Liz loved the play, she had trouble staying awake.
Max looked over at her at one point. She had her head propped up in her hands, eyes closed.

Mrs. Bugg was facing the chalk board, writing something down. Max leaned over. "Liz," he whispered. He shook her gently and her eyes flew open.

She looked over at him, realized where she was, and blushed. "Thanks," she whispered. He nodded.

Liz tried to pay attention, but she was too tired to comprehend what was being discussed. It took all her energy just to keep her eyes open. The bell finally rang.

"Liz, can I please see you for a moment?" Mrs. Bugg asked.

She looked over at Max and he shrugged. "See you at lunch?" she asked. He nodded, and left the classroom. She went up to the desk.

"I have to say, I was surprised by your quiz grade from yesterday, Liz."

"I thought the quizzes hadn't been graded yet," Liz said in confusion.

"Well, just yours. I usually use your quiz as the answer key to the other students' quizzes. This time, however," Mrs. Bugg said, reaching into her desk and handing Liz a paper. "I was disappointed and shocked."

Liz stared in horror at the red "F" at the top of her quiz. She stood still, unable to speak.

"Liz, you're well on your way to being your class's valedictorian. If anything is bothering you, I hope you can get it straightened out quickly. I'd hate to see you fall behind."

Liz just nodded. Then she wandered out into the hallway in a daze. She had never gotten an F on anything before.

Liz managed to avoid the others until lunchtime. She stood in the lunch line for ten minutes before she finally got a tray. She was almost to the table when suddenly someone slammed into her and the tray flew from her hands, and Liz hit the ground with such a force the wind was knocked out of her.

"Liz! Are you okay?" Max asked, rushing to her side and kneeling next to her. She nodded, trying to catch her breath.

Maria glared at Paul, one of Kyle's friends, the one who had run into Liz. "Watch where you're going, you idiot!" she shouted.

Max helped Liz to her feet and she groaned as she realized her shirt was covered with splotches of spaghetti sauce and chocolate milk. Isabel and Michael glared at Paul, who was now engaged in a shouting match with Maria.

"Back off, you stupid little slut!" he yelled.

"All right, that's it!" Michael said angrily. He launched himself at Paul, sending both of them to the ground.

"Michael, no!" Isabel shouted as Michael brought his fist down on Paul's face.

Max grabbed Michael and pulled him off Paul. "Stop it, Michael," he commanded.

Michael glared at Paul, and then glanced over at Maria. "You okay?" he asked.

She nodded and scowled at Paul. "Stupid jerk," she muttered. She turned her attention to Liz. "Are you all right?"

"Yeah, Maria, I'm fine," she said, hoping no one noticed the slight tremor in her voice.

Max noticed, and he touched her arm and met her gaze. And she felt reassured and calm by this small gesture of kindness. She managed a smile for him.

Max turned to glare at Paul. "Get out of here now," he said evenly. Paul saw the look in his eyes and took off. Max looked at Liz. "Are you sure you're okay, Liz?" he asked quietly. "You're not hurt?"

"Just my pride," she answered, looking down at her stained clothing.

"I would help you, Liz, but too many people saw it happen," he said quietly so only she could hear.

Liz looked up at him. "I know you would if you could, Max," she said softly.

Max realized that he could help her without using his powers. He quickly unbuttoned his long-sleeved shirt. "Max, what are you--?" she started.

He looked deep into her eyes. "I have a t-shirt on under it." He shed the long-sleeved shirt and handed it to her. Their hands brushed as she took it from him.

She slipped the shirt on over her own and quickly buttoned it. "Thank you," she said.

He just nodded. "I think we're being stared at."

Liz looked over Max's shoulder to where Paul and several of his football friends were watching them. "Let 'em stare," she said defiantly, glaring at them. Then she raised an eyebrow. "Max?"

"Yeah?"

"How'd you know they were staring at us?"

"Third eye, remember?" he said, a trace of a smile on his lips.

Liz grinned and then slapped him playfully on the arm. "Let's get some lunch."

He nodded and they joined the others at the table. Michael sat across from Max, still glaring at the football guys.

"Michael, don't do anything stupid," Isabel warned, noticing the look on his face. She nudged Maria with her elbow.

"They're not worth it," Maria added, looking at Michael.

He met her gaze and looked into her blue eyes. He didn't say anything. Michael remained silent for the rest of lunch hour.

Max and Isabel exchanged a look as the bell rang. Maria caught it and stood up, hurrying after Michael. "Hey," she said as she fell into step with him.

He didn't respond as they continued walking. Finally he looked down at her. "Is there something you wanted?" he demanded.

The harsh tone of voice he used startled her. They had been getting along most of the time since he'd taken off with her and her car to Marathon, Texas. They had, well, bonded in that hotel room. Sure, they had their occasional disagreements and arguments, but for the most part, Maria had begun thinking of Michael as a friend. And the fact that he was sexy, and a great kisser didn't hurt Maria's wanting to be around him one bit.

Michael was staring at her impatiently.

"Nothing. Forget it," she said quietly. She turned around and walked away.

Michael suddenly felt guilty. "Maria, wait!" he called. He started to go after her, but lost track of her in the crowd. He sighed in disgust. "Great."

Michael scanned the parking lot for Maria's car after school, but realized with disappointment that she had already left. "Great," he muttered again. Now he would have to walk all the way to the Crashdown.

Unless I can find a ride, he thought. And suddenly his gaze fell upon a figure getting into a car a couple aisles away. The thought of asking for a ride didn't thrill him, but it was better than walking. "Hey!" he called, jogging toward the car. "You headed to the Crashdown?" he asked.

Liz nodded. "I have to work."

"Can I hitch a ride?"

"Um...Yeah, sure," Liz answered uncomfortably. She unlocked the passenger side door and he climbed inside. She crossed her fingers that her car would start. It didn't. She turned the key again. "Come on, come on, come on," she chanted silently.

Then she sighed when she realized it wasn't working. "Wonderful," she muttered.

"You're not going to ask me if there's anything I can do?" Michael asked in a mocking voice.

"No thanks. I'd rather not have my car engine blown up," she answered, glaring out the window.

Michael had to refrain from saying something nasty to her, reminding himself that this was the girl his best friend was in love with, as well as Maria's best friend. Not that the latter meant anything. "So now what?" he asked in disgust.

"Now I have to find someone to jump-start my car." She climbed out of the car and looked around the parking lot which was nearly empty. Just then she spotted Kyle Valenti getting into his car. "Kyle!" she shouted.

He turned to look at her and she glanced back at Michael, who was scowling. Then she walked over to her ex-boyfriend. "Liz," Kyle said, his eyebrows raised.

"I need some help," she said, biting her lip.

"Is everything okay?" he asked, a touch of worry in his eyes.

"Yeah, it's just, my car won't start and I have to be at the Cafe in like, a half hour to work my shift. Can you jump-start my car?"

"Sure, Liz. No problem," Kyle agreed, smiling at her.

She smiled back. "Thanks, Kyle." She jogged back over to her car and popped the hood while Kyle drove his car over.

Michael was glaring at her. "That's great, Liz. Couldn't you find someone else to help?"

"Michael, do you see anyone else?" she asked sharply. She and Kyle may have their differences, but she knew he wasn't really a bad guy. She knew he cared for her and she felt bad for hurting him when he obviously still liked her.

Kyle got out of his car and started hooking up the cables. He glanced at Michael, then at Liz. "Is everything okay, Liz?" he asked quietly.

"Yeah, he's just--on his way to the Crashdown, too, so I'm giving him a ride." She watched as he hooked up the last cable to their cars.

Kyle nodded to her and she got in her car and turned the key as Kyle pushed on the gas peddle in his car. Her engine roared to life. Liz grinned and got back out of her car. Kyle unhooked the cables and slammed the hoods shut.

"Thanks, Kyle," she said sincerely.

"Anytime," he said, just as sincerely, looking into her eyes.

Liz swallowed hard. "I--I have to get to the Cafe."

He nodded. "See you around?"

"Yeah, I'll see you," she echoed. She got back in her car and fastened her seat belt. She didn't have to look at Michael to know he was pissed. She reached down and turned on the radio. Then she put her car in reverse.That was when she looked at the clock. "Oh, crap," she said. She stepped on the gas pedal. Michael turned his head to look at her.

"What?" she asked.

"Nothing." He looked out th window as they speeded down the highway.

They were only five miles from the Crashdown when Liz saw the flashing lights in her rearview mirror. She cringed and slowed the car to a stop. She fought the urge to cry as she leaned her head against the steering wheel. "Could this day possibly get any worse?"

"What's going on?" Michael asked, in a tone that clearly stated he didn't really care, he was just asking out of politeness.

"Well, you mean besides the whole lunch incident, the fact that my car is a piece of crap, I flunked an English quiz and I've only gotten a total of 10 hours sleep in four days because of nightmares?"

The voice of doubt whispered in Michael's ear. "Nightmares about what?" he asked, a hint of suspicion in his voice.

"Nothing," she replied quickly, too quickly, as she rolled down her window. The officer peered inside. "Do you have any idea how fast you were going?" he drawled.

"Uh...no. Not really," she said quietly.

"95 in a 65."

She winced. "Can I see your license and registration?"

"Yeah." She handed them to him. Micheal was studying her suspiciously.

The officer handed her back her license and registration. "Slow down before you end up dead."

Liz nodded. The officer walked back to his car. Liz glanced at the clock. "God, I am going to be so late! My parents are going to kill me!"

She tapped the steering wheel impatiently, waiting for the officer to go around. "Damn, damn, damn," she mutterd.

Michael stared at her. When the cop had passed, Liz gritted her teeth and drove as fast as she legally could to the Crashdown.

Michael sat down in a corner booth, watching Maria. He caught her arm as she walked by the table. "Can we talk?"

"I'm working right now," she informed him.

He looked deeply into her eyes. "Please."

She blinked in surprise. "Can it wait until I'm done with my shift?"

"What time is that?"

"An hour."

Micheal nodded. "I'll wait." He sat back down and watched as she passed by. Then his gaze drifted to Liz, who was rushing nervously to bring customers their orders. He narrowed his eyes. He had a bad feeling that something bad was about to happen. Something that would involve all of them. And it was going to be because of Liz Parker.

Maria slid into the booth across from Michael as she took off her apron. "So, what's going on?"

Michael blinked in surprise. He had been watching Liz all evening. Something about the way she was acting really bothered him. The feeling that something bad was going to happen had increased during the past hour. He had to find out what it was before it was too late. "Uh--I just, you know, wanted to apologize for before. You know, for being rude." His gaze drifted back to Liz again, who was trying furiously to clean up a glass of spilled milk.

"Michael Guerin apologizing? I don't believe this."

"Maria, is something bothering Liz?" he asked. He hadn't heard her comment.

Maria turned to look. "I think she's having a bad day. Why, is something wrong?"

"I don't know. Hey, I'll see you at school, tomorrow, okay?" he said, standing up abruptly. Michael didn't realize it, but Maria was staring after him as he walked out. He was going to find out what was going on with Liz even if Max killed him for it.

Go To Part Two