Part 25

Maria sat beside Catherine at the island in the center of the kitchen while Maggie washed, Michael dried, and John put the dishes away. They were talking about sports and debating which high school basketball team had the best offense.

"Well, I'm obviously biased," Maggie said, turning to lean back against the counter as she handed the last plate to her brother and snagged another towel to dry her hands. "As point guard for the Ruidoso Wildcats I'd have to say that we have the best offense." She nodded at Maria. "How's Roswell doing this year? Any tips you wanna give me?"

"I don't really know that much about basketball, but Roswell is undefeated this year."

"I know. They need to keep it that way for a few more weeks."

"Um, why?"

Michael turned around and leaned against the counter next to his sister. "Because she wants to be responsible for breaking their winning streak."

"Oh, the big rivalry thing." Maria nodded. West Roswell High and Ruidoso High were the two biggest rivals in their division and both were as yet undefeated.

"That's right, and the Wildcats are going to remain undefeated. I know West Roswell's your school and everything, but it'd be great if you'd come to the game. It's three weeks from tomorrow and since it's on a Friday night maybe you could stay overnight and we can hang out on Saturday."

"That'd be nice," John said. "I'm not sure how nice it'll be for you since a lot of your classmates will probably be there."

"Oh, no one I hang out with will be there," Maria denied. "None of my friends spend a lot of time watching sports, and the only time we really go to any of the games is if they're home games. But, yeah, if you're sure, I'll ask my mom about it."

"Cool. So, do you play any sports?"

"No, I'm not really sports-oriented."

"Really? None?"

"Well, I do have a black belt in Judo, but I don't compete or anything."

"Yeah, okay."

Maria's eyebrows shot up at Michael's mocking tone and she glared at him. "Are you implying that I'm lying?"

"No, I'm implyin' that you're delusional." He shook his head and laughed. "First, you're all of what? Five foot four? You're not gonna be tossin' anybody around. And second, you said your mom's a hippie, right? Make love, not war… save the whales… or whatever mission might mistakenly need to be saved – "

"Are you mocking my mother now?"

Michael lifted his left eyebrow and shook his head. "No, I'm just wonderin' how your peace-lovin', save-the-world, activist mother rationalized Judo lessons."

"For your information, my mom is an independent woman who knows all about how dangerous the world is for women, so she's very big on self-defense." She nodded to herself. "Girl power."

"Girl power," Michael snorted. "You're kiddin', right?"

Maria stood up and crossed the room to stand in front of him. "Wanna test my girl power?" she challenged, poking him in the chest emphatically with each word.

"No."

"Because you know I'll win."

"Because I'm bigger than you and you'd probably get hurt."

Maria laughed outright. "Please. I could have you flat on your back in less than ten seconds."

Michael's gaze locked with Maria's as he considered her challenge. She was obviously confident in her abilities, but the last thing he wanted to do was hurt her. Something in her eyes told him that this was important to her though, and that he needed to do this. "Okay," he said finally, "but you promise you'll stop when you realize I'm too much for you to handle."

"Of course."

"Oh, I've gotta see this," Maggie said, hurrying after them.

"I'm not sure we should allow this," Catherine said, looking at her husband.

John held his hand out to her. "Where's your sense of adventure, Cath?"

"We don't want either of them to get hurt."

"Meanin' you think she might be able to do exactly what she says she can do. They're not gonna hurt each other; it's just a demonstration."

"Y'know, one of these days Maggie's gonna start dating seriously and when that happens you're gonna understand what I'm going through."

John smirked. "Honey, with Michael intimidating any and every guy who crosses her path, I won't have to worry about that for a long time."

Yeah, you just keep thinking that way, Catherine thought.

They stopped in the doorway, watching Michael and Maria as they stood in the center of the room. They had already pushed everything back and out of the way and Maggie was perched on the arm of the couch, waiting expectantly.

"Okay, this is called Yama Arashi and it's very simple. You stand just like you are and put your right hand on my left shoulder and your left hand under my right arm… and then I'm gonna use my left hand to grab a handful of your shirt right here, at your right shoulder, and I'm gonna put my right hand on your left shoulder, okay?"

"Uh-huh." He sounded bored. "Now what – "

Before he could finish the question she twisted her body to the left, pushed her right hip into his right side, put pressure on his left shoulder, hooked her right leg behind his, and used her hip for leverage to flip him over on his back. He looked up at her, trying to figure out how she had managed to put him on the floor so quickly. She was standing over him, straddling his stomach, with her right hand wrapped lightly around his throat.

Loud laughter combined with clapping caught his attention and he tipped his head back. He hadn't realized that his entire family had followed them into the living room to witness the humiliating moment.

"You're not too much for me to handle, Michael," Maria said quietly.

He nodded, accepting the statement for what it was. "Next time you wanna demonstrate one of these techniques do you think maybe we could do it without an audience?"

"You're the one who made fun of my girl power in front of your family," she reminded him. "And you had to know I couldn't just let that go unchallenged."

A bright flash interrupted whatever he had been about to say and once the tiny black spots stopped dancing in front of his eyes he turned his head to look at the culprit. Maggie grinned as she held his camera up and he overlooked the fact that she was holding the most expensive piece of equipment he owned because he knew that the picture would be worth even more.

Maria straightened up and helped him to his feet before glancing at her watch. "I should probably be going," she said, noting the time. "It's getting late and I've got school tomorrow."

She helped him move the furniture back into place and then straightened up a few things that had shifted when they slid the coffee table back in front of the couch. She walked over to Michael's parents when he left the room for a moment, surprising them when she hugged each of them in turn. "He's so lucky to have you guys for parents."

"Thank you," Catherine said with a smile.

"Dinner was wonderful. Thank you both for a lovely evening."

"And thank you for keeping Michael in line," Maggie said as she joined them. "I hope you know that's gonna be a full-time job."

"Yeah, he's gonna be a challenge, but I've got a feeling he's well worth it."

"Okay, I'll walk you out," Michael said as he came back into the room. He stopped and looked around at the others, wondering what he had missed when they all smiled at him. "If you're ready…"

"Yeah, I'm ready. Thank you again," she said to his parents before turning back to Maggie. "I'll talk to my mom about the weekend of the big game and I'll let you know if she's okay with it."

Michael walked her out to her car after she had said her goodnights to the rest of the family and she glanced at him when he rubbed his back absently.

"I didn't hurt you when I demonstrated that move, did I?"

"Not really; I didn't expect it, that's all." He was silent for a few minutes before lowering his gaze to look at her. "I know you said your mom was on some kinda girl power trip, but from my grandfather's description of her, I kinda thought that meant she was non-violent."

Maria nodded, understanding his assumption. "I know it sounds like it completely goes against what she believes in, but she was a single mother, abandoned by her husband, she's dated her fair share of guys who weren't that nice, and it seemed like every time she read a newspaper or turned the TV on, she was hearing about girls being kidnapped, murdered, or raped. I know my mom's an idealist who wants to change the world, but she's very aware of what's going on, she knows how dangerous it is out there. Do you know that a quarter of a million women are sexually assaulted each year? Or, that young women that are college-aged are four times more likely to be the victim of a sexual assault? Some high schools have even started offering self-defense classes for students who are entering college." She shook her head. "It's a reality, Michael," she said, her voice inflamed.

He looked at her, not sure what to say in response. He had never really paid much attention to what was happening in the world outside of his own family or the Rez unless it somehow affected them in some way. He monitored websites dedicated to UFO's and chased down sightings, but apart from that he spent his time on the Rez, in the desert, with Eddie, his family, or with a camera in his hand. Was he that out of the loop? he wondered as Maria went on.

"I'm not a champion in martial arts or some female version of Bruce Lee. Actually, I wasn't all that good at it; I was distracted too easily and I hated all the training," she admitted. "I am so not into sports!"

"But, you've got a black belt," he protested.

Maria snorted, thinking about some of her past lessons and the nervous breakdown her instructor had nearly had while trying to teach her. "Well, my mom was really on my back about it, so I didn't have much of a choice. But now, I do know enough to defend myself; I could injure an attacker and get away to find help if the need ever arose. Judo isn't about violence, it's about defense… maybe I couldn't take down a guy bigger and stronger than me, but the element of surprise can be enough to save your life." She cleared her throat when she noticed Michael's dark look and she realized that she had spooked her alien boyfriend. "Hey, I can also scream bloody murder… loud enough to wake the dead; someone would hear me and help – "

"Yeah, right," Michael snorted. "Get real, Maria; you can't really believe that! Most people who hear someone screamin' for help are gonna turn an' run in the opposite direction. The only thing they're gonna be interested in is their own safety and stayin' uninvolved. The best thing you could hope for in that scenario is that someone'll call the cops. Y'know what kinda response time you could be lookin' at? Some bastard could rape and murder you while you're waitin' for some Good Samaritan to do the right thing."

"I'm not dismissing your concerns here, but I've learned some really good self-defense techniques; it's something every girl should learn. It's not just about learning specific moves; it's about learning how to use ordinary, everyday objects as a weapon if nothing else is available and…" She reached out to rub his arm, hoping to soothe him when she noticed his agitation; she hadn't expected him to be so upset over it. "Hey, don't worry, okay? They're techniques I may never have to use for anything but demonstrations."

"Yeah, well, you just made me think about stuff that I hadn't really thought about before now. Maggie's gonna be leavin' for college next year and after hearin' what you had to say… well, it kinda makes me worry. I've always protected her, but I might not go to the same college that she goes to, and who's gonna protect her then?"

"Maybe she could take a self-defense class; I'm sure if your school doesn't offer them there's probably a community program that does. I could even bring it up next time I see her… ask her if it's something she'd be interested in."

Michael glanced at her, relieved by her offer. "You'd do that?"

"Sure." Maria smiled. "And it'd probably be better coming from me anyway; she's been living with her overprotective brother for so long that she's liable to slam the door in your face if you start hassling her on that subject."

"Hmm, you might have a point there." He leaned back against the car beside her, his eyes on the full moon. "I'm sorry about my dad askin' questions about your dad earlier," he said, changing the subject.

"You don't have to apologize, Michael. He didn't know, and I really am okay. It can't have been any worse than getting your ass kicked by your girlfriend, right?" She tipped her head to the side to look at him. "You're not gonna try to say you let me take you down, are you?"

"No. I'd like to, but I'm not gonna say it." His gaze traveled over her moonlit features and he leaned back to study her.

"What?"

"Pose for me."

"Excuse me?"

"I'd like to photograph you, using the desert as a backdrop."

"Uh-huh." Her tone was disbelieving.

"I'm serious. I'm not suggesting anything indecent. At least think about it, okay?"

Maria studied him for several long minutes, reading the sincerity in his expression. "I'll think about it but I'm not promising anything."

"Fair enough." He turned and braced his left arm on the roof of the car as he leaned in close to her. "Tonight wasn't too bad, right? I mean, even though you had to go through the parental interrogation… it was okay?"

"It was great, Michael. Your family's amazing; you're lucky to have them."

He nodded. "Wanna meet a few more of 'em?"

"Of your family?" she asked for clarification.

"Yeah. There's a ceremony for one of my cousins next weekend; it starts on Friday evening at sundown and ends late Sunday afternoon. Everybody'll go over to my aunt's house for dinner and then spend the rest of the day just hangin' out." His right hand settled alongside her neck and his thumb stroked gently over the soft skin of her cheek. "I'd really like it if you could be there."

"I thought outsiders couldn't attend ceremonies?"

"Unless they've been invited."

Maria nodded. "Okay. Let me talk to my mom and I'll call you tomorrow to let you know what she says." She leaned forward, resting her weight against him as she reached up to trace her fingers over his chiseled features. She kissed him, taking the lead as she slid her hands over his shoulders to tangle in his hair. "Hmm," she murmured, a smile in her voice, "sweet and spicy."

"You talk too much," he growled. His hands settled on her hips and he pulled her body flush against him as he kissed her. His arms came around her, his intention to press her back against the car when she turned the tables on him and he found himself leaning back against the door in her place. It was ridiculously easy to ignore the door handle digging into his lower back when her right hand burrowed under his shirt in search of skin and he groaned when she finally made contact.

Maria pulled back to look up at him, watching him as she gently dragged her fingernails over his skin again. His eyes were feral, dark as night, and the emotions that chased over his features with each kiss, with each new touch, intrigued her and held her captive. She was unable to put her feelings into words, but as soon as he licked his lips any interest in words fled; the need to feel his mouth on hers was all-consuming.

Michael bit back a moan when her tongue began a dual with his and his hands tightened on her hips, tugging her tighter against him as he reversed their positions. He was shifting part of his attention to finding a way under her shirt when he became aware of someone clearing their throat behind him. He gentled the kiss and leaned back to look over his shoulder, groaning quietly when he saw his mother standing on the porch.

"Everything okay out here?" Catherine asked.

He struggled to control his breathing before attempting an answer. "Yeah, Mom, everything's good," Michael called, turning back to Maria.

"I don't think your mom's ready to let you go just yet," she whispered. "I should go."

He nodded and stepped back, reaching around her to open the door. "You'll call when you get home?"

Maria leaned in for one more quick kiss, conscious of his mother's watchful gaze. "I'll call."

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Alex rubbed his eyes as he leaned back in his chair, tired from staring at the computer screen for hours on end without making any progress whatsoever. He was starting to get frustrated by his lack of discovery of corresponding symbols despite the amount of research he had done, so he knew it was time to take a break.

He stood and stretched, wincing when he felt his joints pop from sitting too long and he reached for the television remote before throwing himself down on his bed. He squirmed around to get comfortable and scanned through the channels several times before he found something to watch.

He settled back and dropped the remote on the bed beside his hip, his gaze focusing on the drama unfolding on the screen. The agents on the show were searching for clues to some encrypted files while fighting their enemies and at times, each other. He watched it for a while, interested in the plot but quickly losing the battle with exhaustion. The female agent was just saying that she thought she recognized some of the symbols, and despite his attempt to make sense of the symbols on the screen, he finally lost the battle and his eyes slid closed.

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Maria's thoughts began to wander as she drove home and before long they had drifted into an area that she normally avoided. Her father was the one subject that she had a tendency to stay away from because the memories weren't pleasant and she didn't like to spend much time dwelling on them.

Until tonight, she hadn't really thought much about how many things she actually had in common with her father. She had never really gotten into all of the activist stuff her mother was involved in even though she agreed with most of it. She had always preferred to express herself through music or writing and for the first time, she realized that she had inherited her artistic side from her father.

It was something she had never given much thought to, but now that it had been acknowledged, she had to wonder what else her father had passed on to her. For most of her life she had credited her mother for her artistic tendencies, but now she was going to have to reevaluate her thinking.

She parked in front of her house and went inside, flipping a light switch on and leaning back against the door. She listened for any sounds that might indicate that her mother was home and after a few moments decided she was alone in the house.

In the kitchen she got a glass of juice and was reaching for the phone to call Michael when she noticed the piece of paper stuck to the refrigerator with a green alien magnet. She pulled the magnet off, holding the note in her hand while she examined the plastic alien. "Truth really is stranger than fiction," she mused aloud, sticking the magnet back on the refrigerator door so she could read the note.

"Maria, don't wait up; I'll see you at breakfast. Can't wait to hear how dinner went. Love, Mom." She shook her head as an image of the aromatherapy salesman came to mind, unwelcome and unwanted. She dropped the note on the counter and checked the door to make sure it was locked before going to her room so she could call Michael and let him know she had made it home safely.