DB Part Deux: Baby Steps
Roswell - - -
Michael's Apartment - - -
Michael's alarm went off early Saturday. He was due at the Crashdown at 9:00am. The clock read 6:00am so he hit it again. It was an art deco clock Maria had gotten him and it was one of the few things he was able to keep without Isabell saying something to Tess. It went off a few more times before he begrudgingly got up out of bed around 7:00am. Sometimes, he felt like that clock was possessed. He shook his head. It was like she was here with him making sure he was up on time, he smiled and put the water on. He was happy he would get to see her in a couple of hours when she came on shift.
He whispered softly, "My Maria." If Tess or Iz got their way, he wouldn't even get a dose of that spicy personality once or twice a week. He noticed Mr. Parker had been changing their shift cycle since last month. When he saw them paired, it always put a smile on his face. He just had to be mindful when it sprung to his face. When he could, he would tease her in the breakroom like he used to. He didn't mind if it turned into a tussle. He was just happy to have those few moments. But when they were over, Maria would turn away and sometimes he wouldn't see her for the rest of the shift. Either because she was so busy out front, or Mr. Parker found something else for her to do.
He frowned getting out of the shower. Mr. Parker had been doing that a lot. Finding something else for her to do, or scheduling them for different hours. If things were how they should be, he thought, then why was he unhappy when his Maria was not working with him or could not see him after work. He was still shagging off with the towel when he noticed the smell of food in the air. He heard the sizzling of eggs in a pan and the delicious smell of Maria's special pancake batter mix with chocolate chips.
He quickly dressed and ran out of his room to find a plate of food on his breakfast bar with his favorite morning food. Her food and she was standing behind the counter in an apron with her hair up and making eggs and pancakes. He paused he didn't know what to say. He had missed her so much. He ran and picked her up and twirled her around while she squeaked before sticking his nose in her hair. He subconsciously moaned, "my Maria" when her scent hit him and he put her little frame down.
She could feel how happy and elated he was to see her. How much he yearned for her and when he smiled it was real. So real that he went from stunned at seeing her to eager to move to the bedroom. She was just as effected, so she turned from him after to gain some composure then turned with her waitress smile and told him to "Eat up. Mr. Parker's only giving us until 8:45 and I need to be there a bit earlier to change."
He stood off. He knew she wanted something else but she was not going to push him. She was here making him breakfast and he was going to eat it and smile the whole time. Her plate was almost ready. "Well, I am not complaining." This is a treat like seeing their names together on today's schedule.
She quickly finished her plate and sat next to him. "Why should you? Someone's making you a good homemade meal. One of your favorites."
"Thanks," came out in barely a whisper. Then he started to scarf it down. She giggled and watched for a moment before she started in on hers.
They ate in silence for a bit. He was almost done when she added that she left extra batter in the fridge so he could make more when he wanted. He stopped eating and watched her. "You didn't have to do that, Maria. I can cook for myself."
"Yes and you have also figured out how to get a haircut," she smiled. "Besides, I made it for you." Then, finished off her own before leaving her seat and cleaning off her dish.
He stared as she completed her task. He wanted to say something nice and thank her again. But the once was a rare occasion and it just reminded him that he hadn't ate with Maria in a very, very, very long time. And when they did, like this morning it was very good. He wouldn't have minded if she spouted off emotional stuff about a non-existent but existing love life. A matter of fact, that would have made breakfast even better.
She knew, she didn't have to be told, his looks said it all if you paid attention. And the vibes, oh the vibes, resonating off him were strong. She had to shake herself, "The time Michael." And nodded at the clock on the wall, "It's time to get going."
He took a look it was five minutes after 8:00am. They had time, he came around the bar to get closer and drop his dish in the sink. "We can leave in about 15 minutes with plenty of time for you to change." He moved closer and she knew all he had on his mind was snogging. Ducking under one of his arms, she made a move around the counter.
Grabbing a cloth, she wiped down the counter where they ate. "No. WE don't. WE will have to meet up at the Crashdown. If I am lucky, I will get there in time to start."
He shook his head. "You said it was time to go. You said . . ." His was confused and frustrated. He wanted to ask why they couldn't go in together? Why? Why? Why?
"If you leave now, you will get to work by 8:45," She moved away, took off the apron she borrowed and picked up her purse near the door. He had a bit of a walk to the diner but nothing to pressing. She had a car and as she had said before she needed to be there earlier than he did. "I'll see you soon." Was all she could say before the door to his loft shut completely.
Michael was left in a frustrated state. He didn't want her going. He didn't want to have to wait to see her. He started to tear his living room apart as his frustration and confusion grew before he realized she had given him an opening to walk out of the loft at the same time and he missed it. He took a deep breath and ran out behind her if he was lucky he would be able to see her get in the car safely.
The Valenti House - - -
Kyle's home - - - - 8:30am
Maria had a plan. He didn't know what it was, yet, but he knew it would begin with Michael. So far, he was to meet at the run down quarry mill on the outskirts of town. He didn't like the idea of going to an abandoned warehouse like that, but apparently both Alex and Maria knew it was a place of importance. He would bring Big Red with his shot gun, an arm piece and a few other weapons in case there's trouble.
For now, he sat back on his bed and read about Buda and his practices. Live and Let Live – was basically his motto. Will Maria's plan breakup his life's decision? Or is this about the balance of life? Something is disrupting it and we are evening it out. It was something to think about.
A knock on his door disrupted this line of thought – it was Tess. She opened and peeked in to see what he was doing. "Hey, Buda Boy, what's going on with you today?"
He bookmarked his page, and sat up. "Nothing too taxing – hopefully. I have to get to the garage in about . . ." he looked at his watch and jumped up, "aw, sh-! I am sorry Tess whatever it is you wanted to do is on hold," he was grabbing clothes around his room not taking notice of his body being bare. "I have to jump in the shower and skedaddle." He ran to the bathroom, shower, changed and was quickly out of there with Big Red.
Tess had grown red in his race to the bathroom. Secretly, she hated manipulating these people. But she had to, it was there only way home. But, she left Kyle out of it. The Valenti's had been kind to her. They gave her a place to stay and clothes (which she changed), food was at her disposal. She had made the decision that these kindnesses were not going to change her mind.
On his way into work, he hit the wheel in frustration. He wanted to say something smooth like, " we can hang out later." Or , "Maybe if Dad doesn't have plans with his woman, we can have a family dinner." But, it was all a farce. She would have knocked down each either way.
Half way in he pulled over and got out. He might have embraced Buda, but he was still human. Looking out over the desert he hoped whatever Maria's plans were the whole in his chest would stop hurting.
Tess - - -
Secretly, she giggled at Kyle. She knew he had his head in that book and forgot breakfast. He normally ate like a pig, and then left for work with one of those books held at his side. Today, she knew something was off he had his nose deep into those silly scriptures. That's why she came to check on him and remind him about work.
She didn't want to frighten him but he was becoming dangerously close to missing work so she tried to knock on his door and peek to see if there was someone with him. He had been hanging with Maria and according to Michael she could be wild. He had stories that could rival some things she had done. And when he talked about her he was, even under duress, spoke about her with reverence. He had to be mind-warped quite often around her. Luckily, Maria had found a way to distance herself from Michael via Mr. Parker. She didn't need to worry about him for a while.
Max and Isabell were easily managed. A thought here, a feeling there. She laughed at how simple they were to maneuver. It was not lasting though, but Lizzy is not in town and Alex . . . Well, Alex is smart enough to stay away from us in a group. He sticks close to Maria, but according to Kyle that's what besties are for.
These humans couldn't really care for her. She had Max, even if his feelings were forged by her will. He was still someone who cared about her. After Kyle left, half-naked with his jumper rolled up, she sat in his bed and opened one of his books about Buda. Maybe on Antar they had a similar philosophy. Yes, that's why she pulled out his books and got comfy on his bed and read about a dead man's life.
The Evan's House - - -
Isabell - - -
Isabell was the first up. She'd visited Alex and this time he interacted with her. She was surprised. He was not supposed to know. But, she started to make alterations to his dreams lately. She wanted to have him with her and this was the only way. And it hurt so bad each night she entered, when his dreams began with her hurting him and their friends and her passive Alex started to spout ugly things at her or sometimes it a fight against him and he tried to hold her to keep her from doing something bad.
A small smile and a tear ran down her face. Her knees were pulled so tight to her chest. She began to rock with anxiety. She didn't want to leave her room. She didn't want to see Tess. She knew it had to be Tess messing with them – Alex had pointed it out. For some reason, she had a feeling Tess had done this before. She shook her head trying to remember. It was giving her a headache.
All that matters is that she stays away. Yes, she had made a plan. She couldn't hurt Alex if she stayed away from Tess. But Tess is your bestfriend, she thought, how are you going to stay away. She had a few things that would keep her busy. The Summer Festival was coming up. There was the planning for Roswell Tourist Trap – a marketing thing. More business . . .Ugh . . . she thought these Community plans are public and after Tess somehow had them on dates.
This made her jump. . . dates. . . I plan them with Tess . . . but Michael's never asked me out on one. It was like a Pavlov's Response all around. Or a puppet dancing to a marionettes tune. Not that the places had not been somewhere she wanted to go. A Walk in the Clouds – she'd seen it about 10 times. Her dream date created for Alex. The idea hurt. . . .
Max - - -
I woke up and just sat in bed. I had this warm feeling running through me and I don't know why. I have felt it before, I know I have. It is better than when I am with Tess. Tess just the name makes me shiver and not always in a good way. I closed my eyes and saw beautiful chocolate eyes and straight auburn hair and that warmth just spread. I wanted to see more. Have I met this girl before?
Regardless, the feeling of warmth also hid a hint of sadness. Why was she sad? He sat in a trance until he reached out for that warmth again. I could feel it this morning and although there was some sadness, a glimmer of hope was there as well. She had a very organized mind and felt equations skate through his skull in awareness. How did I know it was a she? It was as if I was in a haze.
I shook my head out of these thoughts. I am with Tess. I couldn't betray her like that. She's been faithful, loyal and supportive . . . ? There was a nagging feeling in the back of my head and it scoffed and said since when?
I had stayed in bed too long and need stretch. The UFO Center would be opening up soon and according to Nascedo there would be equipment I could use there for future contact with Antar. I would need to see if it worked. My boss might let me check the wires out to see if they could be updated and replaced with stronger or better equipment. I would need Alex for that. He would help. He's always been there for the girls.
This made me shake my head – what girls? Not Iz or Tess. He didn't like them. We trashed him and that girl at the Diner yesterday. Alex, why would he help? It's not like he has any interest in technology. Or Alien technology. Right? But, the girls – or the girl who made me tingle with that warm sensation. Yah, he would do it for her and her friend. Now, he just needed to find one of them. Michael would help him persuade and if that did not work – well, a sick grin graced his face – there was always Nascedo.
Jumping out of bed he pulled his stuff together for the shower. He would stop by and see if Iz was out of bed after. Tess, had said she wanted to do something today and Iz was the only girl he knew that could tolerate her. He shook his head again, as if to clean it, why would he think Tess had to be tolerated?
The shower was quick and thorough. He took a look in the mirror to quickly brush his dark brown hair and felt like something was off. It was much longer than he like to keep it. More like a Shaggy than a Fred. He could see himself with the other cut happier and more together. He shook off that image he had things to do. He took one more look in the mirror and imagined a slim girl with golden brown eyes and long rich auburn straight hair with a shy smile looking back at him. He shook his head to clear that image and chuckled. Yes, definitely Shaggy if he stayed out in the sun any longer.
Whitman Household - - -
Alex had been up since he got the text alert from Maria. He would have missed it, if Iz had not warned him.
Iz probably, did not even know it was 4:07am when she did or they would have had a longer visit. A longer visit . . a longer visit would have just meant more heart ache. At least, before I realized what Iz was doing, I could believe it was just a subconscious device to work through some issues. Now, I knew. I knew Iz really didn't want to be an evil, conniving, little . . .If I keep these type of thoughts, I don't know what I will do.
I made a mental check list and was checking each item off. I could take a nap later once all the equipment was properly boxed and hidden. Mom was up and her breakfast was making its way into the garage. Or maybe a small break right after the more technical equipment was stashed?
"Alex, what are you doing out here so early," she asked with a wooden spoon in her hand. She must of been making pancake batter there was some still on the spoon.
It looked tempting, "It's nothing much Mom. I am thinking of asking Maria to join and we would need to work longer hours." I scratched my nose and looked up to see she was a mix of confusion, sadness and irritated. I always tell her everything, "I was going to tell you later this morning after breakfast. I am moving my equipment over to her house."
She nodded her head knowingly. The girl's heart had just been crushed by that Guerin boy and all she had left were Alex and Kyle. Her own best friend couldn't stay in town. In her day, your girlfriend was the one you leaned on in these times. But the kids have always been close. She sighed, "OK then, why don't you clean up a bit and come tell me about it?"
"Sure, I'll be there in 10 minutes." And she was gone. Sometimes, I wonder if that woman has a sixth sense about where I am in the house. It only took me a few minutes to stash the small stuff a way and clean up. I looked around the garage to make sure the more sensitive items were ready to transport - check. Now it's time to tell Mom what I will be doing this summer. Maria would be so proud. I already had a line like this planned out if she hadn't made her move first.
Her text was simple and sweet: Need Help Guys. Meet me at the quarry at 6:00pm. Bring your instruments we have a party to Plan. - MHD
Kyle was clueless at first and wrote back: What Instruments? Whitman, what's she talking about? - KV
Thankfully, I had been the first to write back: Mine. Need Big Red. Can you pick me up? - AW
He took a couple of minutes. Two minutes too long. Maria wasn't in the mood: Buda Boy, Big Red is needed. Pick Alex up after work or I will see to Big Red. GOT IT! - MHD
I rolled my eyes at his two second response: Buda Boy hears you clearly, KV OUT.
That deserved a good chuckle. Then as if a meeting had just been let go: OK! Over and Out! See you tonight! - MHD
And that was that. No discussion. No thoughts on what she was going to do or we were going to do. But try as you might, I couldn't help but smile before lazily rolling off the bed and shaking the sleep out of my eyes at about 4:30am. I had stuff to do the band equipment was just the top of the ice burg and these were just baby steps. Whatever Maria was planning this would just be the first stage in production.
