Liz was not thrilled to have been reminded of her upcoming birthday. She was nervous and excited at the same time. It was not a normal birthday like most people get for their 18th. On her 18th birthday at the exact moment that she was born; she would experience more pain that humanly possible. She would ascend and come into her full and matured powers. It was not something that she was looking forward to. These newly matured powers would be even more addicting, and bring an even stronger compulsion to use than she had now. She felt some comfort having the boys around, at least she knew that they'd be there for her if anything went wrong.

Liz had followed her cousin back into the apartment, but rather than go and rejoin the others she sat in contemplative silence in her room. Now that the topic of her birthday had been brought up she needed to come up with a plan. She wanted to make sure that no one saw the spectacle that would not understand it. In other words she wanted only her boys with her when it happened at exactly 10:30 pm on the 22nd of May. Maria still did not have all of the facts and it was perhaps best left that way. Maria would flip if she saw her best friend going through such horrifying pain. That is not to mention that Maria did not do well with new situations, and weird scenarios. She found herself chuckling as she thought about her friend's reaction to the reality of aliens. Ironic considering that Amy made plastic alien figurines, and such to sell. As for the aliens, after all is said and done she'd really rather not explain anything further, and not have to deal with the drama they'd bring to the day.

Tyler watched as his brother came back into the room without his girlfriend. Sighing Tyler asked, "Where's Liz?" Caleb shook his head. "Probably in her room obsessing over her upcoming birthday since I was dumb enough to bring it up." Tyler nodded, "I understand why that would happen; after all it is not just any birthday. Maybe, we should find a way to make the day more pleasant for her." His friend and brother nodded. Tyler felt horrible for his girl to be having to face such pain after two very dramatic years. He found himself thinking, and trying to come up with some way to make the day better for Liz.

Liz pulled herself together and made her way back out to where the others were sitting in the living room of her family's apartment. She really was struggling with everything that had been happening this last year. She really didn't know if she could handle staying here too much longer. Everywhere she looked there were memories of things that she'd rather not dwell on. The presence of the other members of the Covenant helped though. There was a solid and sincere sense of stability in their united front. She would need that strength in the weeks to come. It was a strength that they'd all drawn from in turn over the years, and that was the real strength of the Covenant

She was glad to know that Caleb was still on board with the idea of her coming back to Ipswich, MA after all of this was over. She was hoping to arrange her studies so that she'd be able to take her finals a week early, and that should allow them to be back home for her "big" birthday. Then, there was the chance to move on with Tyler, and not have ties around to the horrible drama that was her life with Max around. Yeah, she had gone to Ipswich after Max hurt her, however that also lead to her finally knowing how Tyler felt. Max also hadn't known about Ipswich, and so it was fairly well unmarred by him. That was part of why she had gone there.

Caleb could feel Liz's pain again, at least this time he could also feel that there was some optimism. He'd sat down and put his head between his knees. The next couple of weeks would not be easy ones to get through. They were not only getting close to finding Alex's killer, but he had a sinking feeling that they weren't done dealing with the pod-squad as Liz and Maria referred to the aliens. He didn't like how Max had behaved when he found out that they were here. It really made his nerves stand on end. Everything about Max read stalker to his way of thinking. Caleb really didn't like dealing with enemies hiding in plain sight. It was a part of their reality that none of them much cared for. Their instincts were as keen as they are, and their skills so finely tuned because of centuries of betrayal, persecution and trials. Just as he was trying to think of where to start dealing with that whole aspect Liz finally came in taking a seat next to him. Liz smiled, it was just like Caleb to make things more complicated than they needed to be. "Let's start with dinner", Liz suggested helpfully. She was doing her best to keep everyone cared for while they helped her on her investigation. She was finding that she rather liked being kept busy, and having a home full of people to care for. A smile formed on her face as part of her wondered if someday she would be able have that be case on a regular basis. Yes, she had always dreamed of being head of Molecular Research and Development at Harvard; but she did still want a family.

The group decided that it would be fun to eat at Senior Chow's and play pool so with that decided they began the short walk down the main street of Roswell. This brought them to the quaint small restaurant with the beautiful brick work. The group struggled with trying to decide what do for teams. Ultimately, they decided that they'd just play tournament style. That way they could see who the best pool player was once and for all. That would make for a long and interesting evening, but at least it would be fun.

Meanwhile, at the Evan's home Max Evan's was playing that dreadfully depressing music again. Somehow he'd always hoped that Liz would come to her senses, and all would be right with the world again. Then, this year had been very rocky between them. Even when he'd first seen her with Kyle part of him had known that they there had to be more to the situation. When he had finally started to buy what Liz was telling him small things would happen to make him wonder if he was seeing the full picture. Now, he knew that there was at least one other secret that Liz had been keeping from him. "Max, Izzy dinner is ready" their mother called from the bottom of the stairs. So, Max dutifully got up and made his way downstairs with his parents and sister. The kitchen was as intended, the homiest room in the entire place, and always had been. Tonight, it smelled of his mother's meatloaf and mashed potatoes. On the table already was a tossed salad ready to be dished up.

All it took was one look at Philips Evan's face to see that it had not been a good day at the office. His mom and sister seemed to notice the expression on his face too. Isabel tentatively questioned him, "Bad day daddy?" Philip scowled, "very bad indeed. The wicked witch of the east is coming to Roswell." Isabel who made a point of not caring to much about their father's work as long as they had what they needed, and there was money for her to go shopping found her ears perking up. She proceeded to question, "Who is that? Philip looked at his children, he and Diane had hoped that Max and Izzy would never have meet these people. Finally, he answered his daughter's question, "Evelyn Danvers! The woman smokes like a chimney and drinks as much, but that family seems to have more money than most countries. Unfortunately, since her son is already here she has decided to come out here herself. The kid's alright I've dealt with him more than Evelyn and generally as long as he feels that they're not being cheated he leaves me alone. I send him daily reports and briefs on what is happening in the firm and he stays out of my way, content to let me run things. Caleb just reminded me that there would be consequences should he find that I'm less than honest with him? That woman on the other hand, she is as nosey and as overbearing as a day is long. She also has no problem throwing her weight around and criticizing everyone on everything." Max who wasn't dumb put two and two together. Sighing, he asked, "She's Liz's Aunt so she can't possibly be all that bad, Can she?" That brought a laugh from both of his parents. It looked like there was still more about them that he didn't know than he'd like. Maybe it was time to find out all that he could about Liz's cousin and his friends.

Back at Senor Chow's the tournament was about to wrap up. The whole tournament had come down to Caleb and Li z. Finally, Caleb called the left side pocket and sunk the eight ball. With that the group departed back to the Parker's apartment. It had been a nice and pleasant diversion from their otherwise stressful situation. Coming up with such things was one of many things the group was talented at. It came with being born into a life filled with stress they all supposed. Liz left to go and get ready for bed, and Caleb took that as his chance to talk to the guys alone. "Reid, Tyler we're going to go and check out what is going on with the aliens here in Roswell. I need you guys to stay here and back Liz up if anything happens", he commanded. Both boys looked at the oldest, then at each other. Finally, the youngest spoke up, "You know that we will but don't you think she'll be a little pissed that you want us to babysit her? Shouldn't she at least be a part of making this decision?" Caleb hung and shook his head. He knew that Tyler was right about that. "Look, it's not that I don't think she can take care of herself. It's that I know that this about hit close to home again. I'm just not sure if she's ready to have to take on someone she thought was a friend." With that the two eldest sons went back out into the night.

At the Evan's home, Max was sitting on Isabel's bed talking to her about whom their father had been complaining. Isabel looked at her brother stunned. She could not believe that Liz Parker was that well off. It's just strange to think of her as having that kind of clout, and power. "I still can't believe that Liz is related to people on that level", she stated. Max replied, "I know that Caleb's her cousin and so that makes that Evelyn woman her Aunt. So yeah this is for real. What is even weirder is that she moved on so quickly, and is dating one of the other guys. I just wish that I knew more about the other guys, especially Tyler." The way that Max said his name made it sound like a disease. Isabel shook her head, "It stands to reason that they'd be from similar families. So, other kids from wealthy families, probably attending the same Prep school and such. Leave it to Liz "perfect" Parker, to start dating someone like that." Max didn't like that assessment from his sister, but he knew that she was probably right. Not one to be out done if he could help it anymore Max retorted, "Still just the same see what you can dig on him on the internet and let me know. His name is Tyler Simms." Defeated he started to leave his twin sister's room, but Isabel's voice stopped him in his tracks. "Max, have you even thought about it? Have you considered that Liz might be right? After all, you're the one who trusted "Miss Scientist" to begin with, and you always said her instincts were uncanny, always right on." With that said Max lugged himself back to his room. Caleb who had been listening to most of the conversation from his vantage point outside the home was satisfied that neither Max nor his sister was a willing part in what had happened to their friend.

A/N: I want to give a giant thank you to all of you have been reading and reviewing! Those reviews are fuel for my mind and help me to keep working on this story, as well as, give me ideas for other stories. Please, keep reading and reviewing. If you have been reading and not reviewing thank you still, please review I truly appreciate it.