Disclaimer: I do not own Roswell, nor any of its characters. Wish I did though.

oOoOo

Chapter 25

10 years later

In the years that had passed, Max Evans changed a lot. He was now a successful lawyer working with his father in Evans and Evans, Philip's father's law firm that had been passed from father to son. And for years now, Max had been filling the role of the son in the second half of the firm's name. At 27, he was still one of the most handsome men any woman could come across, and was still making girls swoon with one look from him. He owned his own house and a couple of cars though he returned to the mansion for the Sunday family dinners that he and Isabel would not dare miss or they would have to face the wrath of Diane.

Although he had changed back to the old Max that everyone knew and loved and got back with his old friends, some things about him were irreparable, like his heart. He had never loved anyone else like he loved Liz and because of that he hadn't had a girlfriend since. Philip and Diane were beginning to worry that Max will be a bachelor forever. They're worried that he'll die old and alone with no one to take care of him throughout his years. Max hadn't even gone out on a date with another girl because once that idea creeps in his head, the name Liz immediately pops in. After several attempts, Isabel and Maria finally gave up in trying to be his matchmaker.

Isabel and Alex had gotten married a year ago and were expecting their first child. Alex was now in charge of running the family business with his father as a silent partner. Alex would inform him of the day to day activities, but he now makes the decisions with it. Isabel, on the other hand, was also a lawyer in the Evans' law firm but had currently taken a leave of absence due to her pregnancy. She would mostly handle family law and cases dealing with children as she requested from her father. But currently, her focus was on their new baby and everything that the baby MUST have as according to her.

Michael had gone on to become a famous painter with the encouragement of his mother, although Hank still wishes that he would take over their company someday. He and Maria were engaged to be wed but no date had been set yet. As for Maria, she had followed her mother's footsteps and became a famous fashion designer.

And Liz Parker, co-owner of the swanky and classy restaurant Parkers', had become a successful businesswoman. Nancy and Liz decided to use some of their savings, which they were supposed to give to the Evans, to start a small catering business. By word of mouth, more and more people began liking their culinary services and they went on to open a small restaurant. It was pretty much like a diner in size but since most of their clients were from the upper class, their patrons required a posh atmosphere. Soon, their restaurant grew and was now one of the best known fine dining restaurants in Massachusetts. And now they already have a branch in Boston, New York and LA, which had gone to show how flourishing their small business had turned out.

However, as their business grew, the more Liz got involved. And the more she got involved, the more the changes in her were revealed. Nancy thought that moving would be a good change for Liz and could be a way to pave a new start for her daughter. But when Liz graduated and got engrossed in running the restaurant, Nancy noticed how indifferent she was becoming. Nancy wanted to think that Liz's childhood promise and determination to make a better life for them were the reasons spurring her on this quest. But at the back of her mind, she knew that Max was a big factor too.

In simpler terms, Liz had become a cold-hearted bitch with nothing but career and success in mind.

Today was Tess and Kyle's wedding. Both the Parker and Evans families were invited as well as Maria who was escorted by her fiancée and Agnes.

Mr. and Mrs. Evans came along with Isabel and Alex Whitman. Maria and Michael were there too. When the two couples saw each other, they all decided to sit together.

Nancy and Liz came as well and Agnes waved them over since she had already saved seats for them. But as they walked over to where she was, Mr. and Mrs. Evans saw Nancy and they talked to her for a few minutes. Hearing Nancy's name called, the four friends looked over and saw Liz.

"Liz!" Isabel yelled and tried to run toward her brown-haired friend as much as her pregnancy could.

"Isabel!" Liz greeted and walked hurriedly over to her friend.

"Oh my god! Is it really you?" Isabel was surprised.

"Yeah." Liz laughed.

"You look spectacular. My goodness, look at you. I'll bet guys are lining up to date you. Are you married?" Isabel raised Liz's left hand looking for a ring. Finding none, she continued, "do you have a boyfriend?"

Liz laughed out loud. "God no. I'm too busy to have a boyfriend let alone a husband."

"Oh yeah, I heard about your restaurant. I'm so sorry I haven't visited for a long time, as you can see..." Isabel pointed towards her protruding belly.

"When are you due?" Liz asked, touching Isabel's pregnant stomach.

"Soon I hope." Isabel giggled. "C'mon, everyone will want to see you."

They walked over to where the others were seated and Maria screamed.

"Liz!"

"Hi Maria," Liz greeted.

Oh wow, you look stunning," Maria commented.

Liz looked down at herself. She was wearing a simple light blue dress and had her hair all tied high on her head. She was wearing matching sandals and a small beaded purse.

"Thanks, Maria."

"Hey," Michael said and gave Liz a quick hug.

Alex did the same. "How have you been?"

"Busy. Terribly busy. I'm sorry I wasn't there at your wedding. I wanted to go and I would have, but we had a lot of clients during that time and I had to supervise some of the workers personally. I'm really sorry."

"Hey, no problem with me. You have to apologize to the Mrs. But I think she already forgave you judging the huge smile on her face."

Liz looked around her four friends. It was great to be with them again. She had truly missed them.

Nancy went over to Agnes and then she looked around for Liz. She saw her with her old friends and was happy to see her smiling freely.

Max was fixing his tie, rushing up into the small chapel. He knew that Isabel was going to berate him for being late again. As he got in, he craned his neck looking for his sister and his friends. What he didn't expect to see was the love of his life standing right next to them.

He was frozen on the spot. He couldn't make his feet move no matter how hard he tried. His mouth felt dry and when Liz moved her head in his direction, he quickly hid behind the last pew. He actually felt silly but seeing her happy and laughing with their friends, he didn't want to ruin her mood so he took his seat in the last row.

During the rest of the wedding ceremony, Max couldn't focus on it even if he wanted to. His concentration was directed solely on Liz. He was memorizing her features. From where he was seated, he could see the right side of her face. She had grown into a very stunning woman though she was still petite. In his eyes she had become even more beautiful if that was possible. He ached to be able to talk to her, to hold her. And suddenly he realized that he could feel his heart beating loud. His feelings never changed for Liz. He wondered if she was married and the thought of that scared him down to his bones. He hoped that she didn't have a husband or a fiancée or a boyfriend. 'And if she didn't, then what? Get a grip, Max. Do you think she would even want to talk to you after everything you did?' Max thought to himself.

When the wedding was over, all of the guests proceeded to the chapel grounds for the garden reception. Tess and Kyle were making rounds, greeting their guests. Philip, Diane, Nancy and Agnes were seated together in one table while the five friends were in another. Max decided to sit himself with the other guests whom he didn't even know. That table was a couple behind Liz's so he could still have a good view of her from where he was. He introduced himself as a friend of the couple to the other guests around the table and they were satisfied with that, some of the women were just glad he was there.

"Oh God, Liz!" Tess pulled Liz into a hug, which Liz happily returned. "It's so good to see you."

"You too, Tess. You look beautiful. You're glowing!" Liz complimented. "You too, Kyle."

"Thanks, Liz. And thanks for coming," Kyle said.

"No problem. I'm really happy to see you two finally settle down."

"Yeah, me too. How about you? Are there any prospects yet?" Tess asked.

"Yeah, right. Please, Tess, you know me. I don't go out with guys who are only looking for some fun."

"Aren't there any guys who wanted a serious relationship? That would be hard to believe with you, Liz," Michael commented.

"Yeah, any guy would drool over you, Chica," Maria added.

"Well…there may have been a few, but I just wasn't interested in them," Liz answered.

"I'm sure you'll find the right guy soon," Isabel said.

Liz smiled back at her. 'Not if I can help it.' She thought silently.

"Oh, since you're here, you have to join the other single ladies when it's time to throw the bouquet," Tess spoke.

"What? No. Tess, I don't think—" Liz began.

"Uh uh, there will be no excuses. You're joining and that's final. Now if you'll excuse us, we have to see the other guests." Tess took Kyle's hand as they went over to other tables.

"You guys are joining too, right?" Liz asked worriedly.

Isabel turned to Liz to look at her, but before she could answer her, she saw Liz and the way she looked back when they were in high school. She didn't know what it meant, but it made her gasp and think of Liz and Max.

"Isabel, are you okay?" Alex asked worriedly after hearing his wife gasp. "Is it the baby?"

"No, no. I just remembered something." Isabel waved him off.

"Liz, we can't join in that. Isabel is married and I'm engaged," Maria told her.

"Please don't tell me I'll be the only one there." Liz groaned.

"Oh no, Tess and Kyle's single friends and relatives will join too."

"Oh great, like that's a big relief," Liz said sarcastically as she slumped back on her seat.

The four friends all looked at each other. The old Liz wouldn't act that way and they were caught off guard.

The time for the bouquet toss arrived and Liz was literally dragged to the dance floor by Kyle upon Tess' instruction which Kyle happily obliged. Max stayed in his seat but craned his neck to watch Liz.

"C'mon Liz, it'll be fun," Kyle said.

"Easy for you to say," Liz muttered.

"Look, there are other women joining, you might not catch it."

"And if I do?"

"Well you know they say that whoever catches it will be the next one to marry. Maybe it'll be a sign for you."

Liz huffed.

When the host announced it, eight single women gathered at the center of the dance floor. Tess looked directly at Liz and smiled coyly at her and turned around, getting ready to toss her bridal bouquet to the waiting ladies behind her.

Liz was in the middle and there were other ladies in front of her, which she thought would be a safe place since she didn't have any plans of running after it.

When the emcee asked Tess to throw it, the other ladies started hollering. Then with a quick fling of her arms the bouquet flew threw the air.

The other ladies scrambled for it, waving their arms up to catch the precious bundle of flowers. Liz raised her hands to protect her head from the flailing arms. Then by a mysterious twist of fate, her fingers tangled on some piece of ribbon. Bringing her arms down, her eyes widened when she saw the bouquet in her hands.

"Oh my God!" Liz exclaimed.

"Oh my God!" Isabel and Maria screeched.

"Oh my God!" Tess squealed when she turned around.

"Oh my God," Max whispered from the far end of the reception area.

Liz was pretty much sulking after that. Then her mother went up to her to cheer her up a little as she pulled her towards the Evans.

"Hello, Liz," Diane and Philip greeted her.

"Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Evans," Liz answered.

"We heard that you've become quite the successful CEO of Parkers'," Philip said.

"Uh, yeah."

"Wow, you caught the bouquet." Diane spoke.

"Yes. I didn't even want to join but Kyle dragged me out there."

"Is there a lucky guy?" Diane continued.

"I could only hope, she's so busy, I'm thankful she even has time for me," Nancy said.

"Mom." Liz pursed her lips.

On the other end of the celebration, Michael was pulled fiercely on the arm by Max.

"Hey, where the hell have you been?" Michael was surprised to see Max.

"Somewhere. Look, you have to do me a favor." Max spoke rapidly.

"What is it?"

"You have to catch the garter."

"What? What are you talking about?"

"Kyle will throw Tess' garter to a bunch of guys. You have to catch it."

"Why the hell would I do that?" Michael started to scowl.

"Because I saw Liz catch the bouquet."

"Oh…I see. Well why don't you catch the garter for yourself?"

"Because she probably still hates me," Max said sadly.

"But Maria will kill me if I join."

"No she won't. Explain it to her."

"Fine. But what if I don't catch it?"

"You have to," Max pleaded.

"Fine, okay. I will. Jeez, the things I do for a friend."

"Thanks, Mike. I'm glad we're friends too." Max flashed a huge grin and went back to his seat.

Michael went up to Maria and told her about Max's plan. He could see Maria animatedly talking to Michael and moved her head from side to side, obviously looking for him. Max waved at her and she just smiled and shook her head.

When Kyle called some of the single men on the floor, he was surprised to see Michael. He just shrugged and turned his back on the guys that assembled. And then he threw the garter high up in the air.

Michael had to push and shove some guys out of the way to reach it. Luckily, he caught the garter.

Liz saw this and breathed a sigh of relief the same time as Max did.

Both Liz and Michael were directed to the center so Michael can put the garter on Liz's leg. They also had to dance along with the newlyweds. Both of them were laughing at how Michael made that magnificent catch and how the other guys were complaining that he cheated. All together it was a fun event, much to Liz's relief.

Isabel went over to sit beside Max.

"Why are you hiding all the way here?" she began.

"I don't want her to see me yet," Max answered.

"Why is that?"

"Because I don't know what to say to her." He sighed. "Do you think she still hates me?"

"I don't know." Isabel shook her head slightly.

"God, do you see how beautiful she is?" Max asked.

"Yeah, she is."

When the dance finished, Michael led Liz back to their table just in time to hear her mobile start ringing.

"Parker" she answered.

"What? What do you mean you have a problem?"

"Damn it, I leave you guys for a day and shit happens!"

"Fine. Give me 30 minutes, I'll be there.

"No! Tell them to stop everything. You just might fuck it all up if you don't!"

Liz flipped her mobile phone off. Alex, Maria and Michael were somewhat shocked to see this side of Liz which they knew never existed before.

"I'm sorry you guys. Gotta run. Talk to you again soon. Alex say bye to Isabel for me. Bye." And with that, she took off towards her mother to inform her that she was leaving. Then she went to find Tess and Kyle to say goodbye.

"Is it just me or did I hear Liz swear a few times?" Maria asked aloud.

While Max was talking to Isabel, he didn't notice Liz leave. When he did, he looked everywhere. When he couldn't find her, he stood up and moved his head in every direction trying to look for Liz.

"What?" Isabel asked, standing up slowly.

"She's gone."

"What do you mean she's gone?"

"She's not here anymore," Max replied still looking around.

"Maybe we should head over to our table." Isabel tugged Max's sleeve and they walked over to where the others were.

"Where's Liz?" he asked immediately.

"She left," Maria said.

"Where to?"

"We don't know," Alex answered.

"She got a call and then she said she had to go," Michael added.

"Great, how will I find her again?"

"Well Mom and Dad were over there talking to Nancy. Lay low and I'll ask her for you," Isabel offered.

"Thanks, Iz."

Isabel waddled over to the table where Nancy and her parents were still seated.

"Hi, Nancy!"

"Isabel! Oh look at you, you're positively radiant."

"Comes with the pregnancy I guess."

"Yes, I think it happens to all mothers" Nancy said.

"It's good to see you again." Isabel moved to give Nancy a quick peck on the cheek.

"You too, my dear."

"Nancy, do you know where Liz rushed off to?" Isabel asked.

"Yes. She had to go attend a meeting with the construction company for the new branch we're opening here," Nancy replied.

"Oh, Nancy, I didn't know Parkers' were putting up a branch here," Diane exclaimed. "That would be utterly wonderful."

"Thanks. Liz had been very hands-on with the restaurant ever since she graduated. Sometimes I even have to ask her to take a break or else she'd work herself to death."

"I know how that's like." Diane nudged her husband.

"Don't worry, Isabel. I'm sure Liz will make time for you. You two had been so close then."

"Yeah…Well, I better get back to my husband before he freaks."

The Evans laughed at that, knowing how overprotective Alex had become, more so when they found out about their first baby.

Isabel walked back to her own table and was met with everyone's expectant stares.

"Nancy said she had to go to a meeting for the new restaurant they're opening up here."

"So that means she'll be staying here, right?" Max asked.

"I guess so," Isabel answered.

"Good."

"What are you planning to do, Max?" Maria asked.

"I don't know yet."

"Just make sure you don't break her heart this time," Michael said threateningly. "You know what's going to come to you if you do."

"Yeah, I haven't forgotten that. And I don't have any plans on breaking anyone's heart this time, especially not hers. I'd die first before I do that."

"Glad to hear it, Maxwell." Alex gave him a pat on the back.

"Thanks" was Max's only reply telling him more than enough as he and Alex communicated silently.