Part One Max hadn't seen Liz at school for two days, and he was worried about her. Therefore, he found himself walking towards her house and climbing up to her balcony. It was late evening, already getting dark.
His head reached the ledge, and he took a quick look around. Liz sat on a large chair, motionless, her body covered in a thick blanket, though it wasn't cold. She didn't even look toward him, or make it known that she had seen himn as he climbed the last few feet and hopped onto the balcony.
"Liz?" he whispered, not wanting to disturb her.
She jumped and looked at him, eyes wide. "Oh," she sighed, relieved. "I thought you were... someone else."
"Oh, alright. May I sit down?"
"Go ahead." Liz looked almost nervous.
"I've missed you at school, have you been sick?" She didn't look sick, at least to him.
"No... I suppose I shouldn't tell you this, but, we were robbed. Someone broke into The Crashdown and took all the money in the register. Also some dishes and things but they weren't really valueable." She paused. "I'm rambling on, aren't I?"
"Not really, so... do you know who broke in?"
She shook her head. "The police are doing work, but, I don't really trust the police anymore."
"I know what you mean. I guess it really bothered you... I felt really weird when my house got broken into."
"I'm really scared, I mean, if they can do it once, they can do it again, right? What if I see them, and they like, shoot me or something?" Liz's eyes were wide, and she was talking fast, a sure sign of distress.
"You could stay at my house... I could get Isabel to have you sleep over."
"Are you sure she wouldn't mind?"
"We'll work something out."
Part Two "Izzy?" Max asked as he stepped into her room.
"What, Max?" She looked at him, obviously annoyed.
"I really don't know how to ask you this, it will be awkward anyway, so I guess I should just go right out and say it. Can you ask Mom it Liz can sleep over with you?"
"Okay, I'm trying really hardnot to read between the lines on this, but I feel that I am at least entitled to an explanation."
"Liz doesn't feel safe at home, her family was robbed."
"Okay, alright. I'll ask Mom."
"Thanks, Iz."
Part Three The door quietly opened. Max eyed it warily. Liz's head apeared, and she whispered, "Max?" Her eyes were huge in the moonlight coming through Max's window. "Can I come in?"
"Sure." he got out of bed and unrolled the sleeping bag usually reserved for Michael. "Make yourself comfortable." He tried not to make it too obvious that he thought her very attractive. He wanted to protect her, and have her not fear anymore.
She got into the sleepingbag, and pulled it up to her chin. She looked like an angel, Max thought as he stared down at her from his bed. He wasn't tired in the least.
"Max, I know it sounds silly, but I still feel scared. I know, that whoever the robber is, he just wants the money, but my heart just won't let believe it."
"Is there anything can do?"
"Just hold my hand, Max." She turned to him, her eyes wide. "Thank you for letting me stay here."
"Believe me, it's my pleasure. Now, sleep."
She nodded, her eyes already closed. Maxstill held her hand and gazed down at her long after she had drifted off. He wondered how he'd stumbled into her life. Their two worlds were so different, and yet they were still somehow, ment to be together. Max felt it in his heart. Being careful not to wake his angel, he kissed her forehead. Her hand inside his ahnd, it just felt right.
THE END
