Chapter 9:

        "Elizabeth Anne Parker, I will not let you mope around like a pathetic old woman!"  Maria pulled tightly on the strings of Liz's corset. 

        "Maria, you're choking me." 

        "I mean this is my wedding!  Maria DeLuca is getting married!  I will not allow space boy #2 to ruin that for us!"

        "Maria... air... too tight...." 

        "This is a girl thing, you know?  We wondered about our wedding day since we were kids and..."

        "MARIA, THE STRINGS!" 

        "Oh!  Oh Liz!  I'm sorry!"  Maria loosened the strings that were beginning to leave marks on Liz's back. 

        "Ah... thank you."  Liz laughed at her friend.  It was just like Maria to get over-involved. 

        "Anyway Liz... you have to be happy.  At least for me, you know.  Arms up."  Maria slipped the beautiful wine colored dress on Liz and watched it take to her shape.  It was a very elegant gown, tightly hugging and exposing Liz's breasts and falling loosely and smoothly below her ankles.  The chest area was burgundy with gold pattern and the bottom shimmered of golden silk.  Maria was going all out.

        "Oh my God.  It's amazing."  Liz whispered in disbelief as she looked at her reflection.  It was so soft and so elegant, and Maria could see Liz was finally getting excited.

        "I picked out the wine color just for you.  Everyone else will be in green and gold, but I always thought you looked amazing in burgundy."  Liz smiled and turned to her friend. 

        "I'm sorry."

        "For what?"

        "I guess I'm just jealous..."

        "Woah, woah!  The Liz Parker jealous of me?  When did our roles reverse?"

        "Maria, I'm human too.  And seeing you so happy, it hurts me.  Reminds me of what I can never have.  I mean, you're fulfilling my dream.  I've always wanted to marry an alien."  Maria laughed at the sound of the comment.  It sounded so silly out loud.

        "Not yours of course, but an alien none the less."  Maria zipped Liz's dress and they opened the curtain to show off the dress.

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        "Michael, I can't do this."

        "You love her Maxwell, you just need help showing it." 

        "I can't Michael, there's too much at risk.  What if something happens to her again?  Or Ellie?  I couldn't handle it!  I'd lose it."

        "Will you listen to yourself?"  Michael raised Max's collar and wrapped the bow tie around his neck.

        "What!?  Look, it's been five miserably long years.  I feel like we don't even know each other!"

        "She's Liz!  She knows everything about you."  Michael tied the bow and lowered the collar as Max closed his tuxedo jacket.  They both looked into the mirror as Michael smiled approvingly.

        "Why the red tie?"

        "It's burgundy and it matches with Liz's dress."  Max winced at the mention of her name.

        "That's it!  You're afraid.  You're afraid to let her in because you know you're still in love with her and you might get hurt again!  It's not about her is it?  It's about you!"

        "What are you talking about?"  Max turned away and readied himself to open the changing curtains. 

        "Just tell her Max.  You need her, I can tell.  And she needs you!  Why do you make things so complicated!??"

        "Look who's talking!"

        "Ready?  We're coming out."  Maria's voice rang through the changing curtain.  Michael opened the curtain and Max stepped out to be face to face with Liz.  They stared into each other's eyes for a few seconds, then they inspected each other's clothing.

        Max looked Liz over adoringly.  She was absolutely captivating.  The red and gold suited her complexion and dark eyes, the dress enhanced her assets.  As he raised his eyes, he rested them momentarily on her chest and then looked up into her eyes with a lustful set of his own.  She felt his intense glare and felt the blush that ran up her chest and onto her face.  She saw him tense as he realized she was staring and the emotion in his eyes, the raw passion, had sent her spinning.  He looked so good in a tuxedo and she felt her mind drift to a time where he would have worn one just for her. 

        "You look great."  She broke the ice as best she could.  She reached up reluctantly, trying to straighten his crooked tie.  The instant they touched they were sent into a series of flashes.

~FLASH~

        "They told me you were dead!"

        "I escaped!  They tried to, but I got away!"  Zan kissed his love passionately. 

        "I was so worried!  I thought I'd never see you again!"

        "I would never let that happen."  Eliza kissed Zan back with as much force, if not more.

        "We don't have a lot of time."  Zan grabbed her arms and they ran into the small cave behind the mountains.  As they ran in, they saw Larek and Serena working diligently.  Eliza looked up and over at her handsome king.  His eyes burned with leadership as he stood tall, willing to face any task.

        "How much longer?"

        "An hour.  Two at the most."

        "You're coming with me."

        "I can't... you know I can't."

        "I won't let you die here.  They're after us.  All of us."

        "They're sending me later.  Differently.  I'll be fine."  Zan turned angrily at Larek.

        "Just send her with us!"  Zan seemed to be ordering it more than requesting it. 

        "I'm afraid it's too late for that.  We have all her plans made."

        "That would be?"

        "To send her essence and have it penetrate in a woman who will bear a son.  The son will have a daughter who should be completely human.  However, she really would be the one who has lived before.  Her grandmother's essence will be passed on as it seems to her.  She will be the true embodiment of Eliza."

        "But you will not send her on our ship?"

        "I don't believe things would fare well with your wife and lover aboard the same ship, your highness."

        "She's right.  It will all be fine.  Really.  We will find each other again.  We have to."

        "I don't want to leave you..."  Zan reached for the woman who had stolen his heart. 

        "Time to get this set."

        "Good-bye Zan."

        "No.  Until we meet again, my  love."

~REALITY~

        Max's eyes widened as he looked into the eyes of this small, powerful woman. 

        "Hello!  Earth to Martian king!"  Maria stared at Michael confused.

        "Maxwell, you there?"

        "Yea.  Yea, I'm fine."  Liz dropped her hands from him to her side, their eyes never breaking the connection. 

        "I've gotta go!"  Liz ran back into the changing room and Max followed her, determination in his glare.  His heart was beginning to feel it again, that nagging feeling that he could never leave her side.  That he needed her to breathe, to live.  He had spent five years pushing that feeling away, she could not break him in just days!  Before Maria or Michael could move, Max stormed into the changing room behind Liz.

        "What are you doing!?"

        "Stop doing this!"

        "Doing what?"

        "You... you're making me love you more!"  The words smacked Liz in the face with familiarity.  Future Max's words.

        "No Max.  I've been pushing you away for years.  You would not let me go!  Then, we finally got together and it seemed like that was it.  We could be together.  But in one test of faith and love, you left me!  YOU have to stop doing this!  My heart can't take it anymore!"  Liz's eyes watered and it was all he could do to stop himself from caressing her cheeks to make her pain go away.

        "Liz, our connection is too strong to ignore.  And I love you, you know that.  But I'm not... I'm not ready for this.  Not again.  So, I'm sorry for the pain I always bring.  I never intend to hurt you, but I always do.  If I stay away, then none of us have to hurt again."

        "If you stay away, it hurts more."  Liz whispered through her tears as Max walked away, never hearing her thoughts.

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2 DAYS & COUNTING: BACHELOR PARTY-

        "YAHOO!  This is my kind of party!" 

        "Kyle, don't be a dog."

        "I'll be a dog any day for some beer and naked women!"  He made a face and growled at Maria.

        "Yea, a poodle."  Maria rolled her eyes in disgust as Kyle picked up a pack of beer and walked into Michael's house.

        "This is not one of those parties.  If there will be any stripping... it will be done by me!  Got it!?"

        "Euuww... visual."

        "You know what...?"  Michael came over and pushed Maria out the door.

        "Ok honey, time for you to go."

        "Did you just call me honey?"

        "Will you leave faster if I say yes?"

        "Ok.  Rules are: 1) no strippers.

                           2) no getting drunk to the point that there is vomit ANYWHERE in my house.

                           3) no fighting or ruining my furniture.

                           4) no drunk driving.

                           5) and lastly, no disgusting sexual behavior.  Anywhere!  That applies mainly to Kyle of course.  Now that we've set ground rules, I'm leaving to my own gathering.  Enjoy guys!"  Maria grabbed her purse and kissed Michael quickly good-bye.

        "Finally, the party can begin!"

        "Shut up Kyle."

        "Jesse, go get the phone!  We're calling in some entertainment."

        "Where's Max?"  Michael looked around.  He had been there just minutes ago.  The chaos was already beginning and the party hadn't even started.  Kyle blasted the music and took down a few beers.  Jesse was on the phone and there were chips and dip all over the place.  Max was missing.  It was going to be a long night.

        Michael walked into the kitchen when he saw Max, a beer bottle in hand, two tequila shot glasses on the table.

        "What are you doing!?  ARE YOU INSANE!?  Hello??? Did you forget what happens when you drink?"

        "My tong is numb!  Ha, ha!  Dat rhymes!"  Max sat back entertaining his own hysteria.

        "Oh God, someone help me."

        "Michael!"  The small female voice came from the door.  Michael looked up to the sky and whispered thanks.  He saw Liz and ran to open the door.  She walked in with a huge box and put it on the table.

        "Thank God, you're here!  I need your help!"  Michael dragged Liz into the kitchen.  She looked at the man sitting at the table.  He looked up at her, his eyes glistening and glazed, a strange yet familiar statement on his face.  Michael looked at her hoping she could help him.  Max no longer listened to anyone else.  If there was anyone who could help him, it'd have to be Liz.

        "Max... what were you thinking?"  Liz went and grabbed the beer can from Max.  She placed his arm around her shoulder as she began carrying him to her car.  Michael came around and took his other arm to help her out.

        "Liz!  Nice party, huh?"  Max smiled a cheesy smile and Liz tried hard not to break out laughing.

        "Sure Max."  She opened the passenger door of her car and they sat Max in it.  She closed the door and sighed loudly.

        "Evans sure knows how to party hardy."  Kyle stood at the door with a smirk.

        "Shut up Kyle!"  Michael and Liz laughed at their unison.  Then Michael got serious.

        "I'm sorry Liz, but I can't handle him tonight."

        "Don't worry about it.  You go and have fun.  Put the box in your room, and DON'T look at it ok?  It's the wedding dress."

        "Thanks again."  Michael nodded in response and walked back, pushing Kyle out of the way. 

        "Now, let's just hope he says what he can't when he's sober."

        Liz drove towards her apartment.  She looked over at Max who was staring at her.

        "I'm taking you to my house for a while, until you sober up, ok?"

        "The Crashdown?"

        "No.  My apartment.  It's out closer to Frasier Woods."  He nodded as if he understood, but she could tell her was in his own little world.  They drove up in front of a small building with only two floors, two apartments on each floor.  One on the right side, one on the left.  She turned off the car and laughed.

        "Why would you do this?"

        "I can't feel..."

        "I know, it's the effect of the liquor..."

        "No.  I mean, I can't feel.  I did it so I would be numb."  He looked deep into her eyes, his look was fiery and passionate.  There was no doubt in her mind what he wanted to do.

        "This wasn't the answer Max."

        "What is?"  She looked away and got out of the car.  Max followed and she went to unlock the front door. 

        "Wait!"  He had startled her, and she turned to see what the problem was.  He looked up and she followed his gaze.

        "The V- constellation.  It's aligned."

        "I see...."  He turned to face Liz and his eyes devoured her.

        "Max..."

        "Don't fight it Liz."  He moved in closer and she quickly composed herself enough to pull away.

        "No!  Max, no."

        "Liz!  I feel great!  I mean, it's like I try to think, but I think too much and I think too hard... for what?  Now I can't think, I only feel.  I want you Liz.  NO questions or second thoughts."  He moved in again, but again she pulled away.

        "No Max!  You said yourself, you're not thinking straight.  I will not be a part of your drunken lust."  Max's eyes looked at her in confusion.

        "Lust?  I'm drunk Liz, not stupid.  I know how I feel.  This isn't lust.  This feeling is stronger and more real than anything back on my planet.  This is love, Liz.  Desire, passion.  I've tried for five long years to forget you.  I thought I'd succeeded.  Then I see you again and it all comes back to me.  The feelings, the visions, the dreams.  I didn't dream of Zan and Eliza until I saw you again.  Now they're vivid.  Real.  The touch, the kiss, the feel.  It's all real Liz."  By now Liz was speechless, her head spinning with his words.  He kissed her jaw line, her cheek, her neck.  He moved in on her lips but she couldn't. 

        "Not like this Max.  Not tonight."  She unlocked the door and walked in as he followed her silently.  They went to the first door on the right and as she began to unlock the door it flew open.

        "Mommy!"  Ellie jumped on her mother and hugged her tightly.  She looked over and saw Max.

        "Daddy..."  She waited, not sure what he'd say.

        "Hey beautiful."  He bent down and she ran to him, hugging him and jumping on him.  Maria came out of the kitchen, a cup of coffee in hand.  She saw the scene and froze.  This was weird.

        "Max?... Liz?"  Liz glanced at Maria wide-eyed warning her not to bring it up.  Maria looked back at Max and noticed his glazed eyes.  Was he drunk?

        "Maria!  hey even though you're a conniving little witch, with this whole wedding plan of yours... I still love you.  We're still home girls right?"  He laughed as if at his own personal joke and Maria raised her eyebrows at the comment.  Liz shook her head to refrain from laughing.  What a nightmare.

        "Ellie, watch this."  Max passed his hand over the floor and the rug turned into long sating sheets.  She screamed in delight and the TV shot on.  She snuggled against him on the floor and watched her late night cartoons.  He looked up at Liz, his eyes inviting her onto the cool floor, expressing fantasies she refused to acknowledge.  Maria grabbed Liz into the kitchen trying to snap her back to reality.

        "What was that?"

        "He was drunk.  I didn't want him ruining Michael's fun."

        "That's not what I mean."

        "Then what?"

        "The looks.  The sheets on the floor.  His eyes.  Ellie!"

        "I don't know what you're talking about."

        "Liz, he was undressing you with his eyes, so don't come with that!  He wants you!  That's it girl!  You've landed him once and for all.  Finally... life can go back to normal."  Liz shook her head.

        "He's drunk Maria.  He won't even remember anything by tomorrow morning."

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        The morning light hurt his eyes as he slowly opened them, feeling slightly dizzy, his head aching.  He sat up on the couch he was lying on and looked around.  This was not Michael's house.  He looked over at the open counter of the kitchen and at the beautiful figure at the kitchen door.  She stood, her dark hair loose and still looking like she'd just gotten out of bed, her robe on, a cup of coffee in hand.

        "Oh my God..."  He held her gaze and was blown away by her beauty.

        "Good morning."  Her voice was still groggy with the morning.

        "What am I doing here?"

        "You spent the night."

        "Here?!"

        "Yes.  You were drunk, I wasn't going to let you roam Roswell all by yourself."  He looked her up and down, then back at himself.

        "Did we...?"

        

        "NO.  Don't worry about it.  There was no action between us.  Not even interaction."  Liz rolled her eyes sarcastically as she sipped her coffee.  He stared at her simple beauty.  She felt herself weaken at his stare, her heart pounding loudly in her ears.  She turned around quickly and went into the kitchen.  She felt the footsteps and then hands on her waist.

        "It's not that I don't love you."  He whispered on her neck and her spine tingled.  "I wish we would have.  Maybe then I could tell you all I want to say.  But now, I'm not ready.  My heart isn't ready."

        "Whatever."  She tried to be still, to make herself cold.  It seemed impossible.  She walked over to the sink and put her cup down.  As she turned, she was face to face with pained eyes.

        "Don't be that way."

        "I have nothing to say to you."  She walked away from his eyes and out of the kitchen.

        "You can't keep running away from me."  Liz stopped in her tracks.  She turned around to face him, her eyes burning with anger.

        "Running away?!  Last I checked Max, I've been the one here.  I've lived in Roswell, finished school, raised my daughter!  What about you?  Where have you been?  Oh, that's right.  Off in New York with some girl you just met and are living with!  Did you think of me Max?  Because I did.  Every time I looked into our daughter's face I was forced to think of you!  Like some eternal punishment!"  Liz was crying now, her feelings finally coming out.

        "I though of you everyday.  When I awoke, when I went to work, when I came home, when I saw pictures of us, when I dreamt at night.  Your face haunted my mind constantly.  When I kissed her... I saw you."  Liz sighed loudly and wiped her tears.

        "But you won't stay with me.  You say you love me... but you're not willing to stay.  I'm sorry; I just don't understand that.  I wanted to be your wife... to love you like I knew I could."  She walked away and into her room.  Max stood shocked.  She had wanted to marry him.  Liz looked at her daughter's peaceful slumber.  What had happened to her life?