Title: Is There Life After Love?
Author: Sarah Y.
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters of Roswell
Category: M&M fic
Summary: Pretend The End Of the World never happened except the parts about Michael and Courtney. Anyway Maria leaves Roswell after seeing Courtney in a towel and she comes back 6 years later to find some things have changed and some things have remained the same. I don't want to give too much away.
It had been 6 years since I left Roswell. When I found Michael in Courtney's apartment wearing only her towel. I ran away as fast as I could and I never stopped running until I reached Las Vegas.
****flashback****
"You know Michael you're a really great kisser" And there stood Courtney in only a towel. My heart sank and I felt nauseated. I had to get away. I couldn't let her see me cry. I wouldn't give her that much power. She may have Michael but I wouldn't give her or Michael the satisfaction of seeing me cry. So I ran as fast as I could.
"Maria!!!!!!!!! Maria wait you don't understand!!!!!!!!!!"
I heard Michael screaming at me but I didn't look back. I jumped in the car and just started driving. There was nothing Michael could have said to me to make me understand how he could hurt me like that.
I ended up in Las Vegas. My dream was always to marry the love of my life and became a famous singer. Thanks to Michael the first part of that wish would never come true but I figured maybe I could try and work on becoming a singer. It was not as easy as I thought it would be. I figured all I would have to do was go to a few auditions and I'd be in a few shows. Then a manager would discover me and then I would become famous. Stupid, I know. But I had so many dreams. I was young and naïve. It turns out I was in a few shows but it never turned into anything so I became what I always hated. I was a waitress once again. It sucked big time but now that I was on my own I had to pay the bills somehow.
I tried keeping in touch with Liz and Alex for a little while but the memories were too painful. I couldn't bear to hear how happy Max and Liz were, knowing I had lost Michael forever. So I was surprised when I received a note from Liz Evans. I had made up some excuse about being in a big Broadway show so I wouldn't have to go to the wedding. I couldn't bear to see Michael who was the best man. I just wanted to forget my old life. Not that my new one was any better. I opened the letter,
Dear Maria,
I know we haven't spoken for a while. I begged your mom for your address and she finally gave it to me. Max and I just had our first child and I was hoping that you could come for a visit. I know you had your reasons for not coming to the wedding but I was hoping you could met our daughter Ria named after my best friend who I miss more than anything in the world.
Love,
Liz
My life sucked here in Las Vegas so I thought what do I have to lose. I packed my bags and headed back to Roswell. Totally unprepared for what I would discover.
Part 2*************************************************************************************
One week later***
I finally arrived back in Roswell. I checked into a cheap motel. My thoughts once again drifted to Michael. Everything reminded me of him. This motel reminded me of the one in Marathon. In the 6 years I've been away nothing has changed. I'm 6 years older but everything else feels the same. Anyway I turned my thoughts back to Liz. I jumped in my car and headed to her house.
This must be it. I pulled in front of a two-story brick house complete with a white picket fence. Max and Liz are truly living happily ever after. I knocked on the door.
"Oh My gosh Maria, you look great. It's wonderful to see you. A visit from you is all Liz has talked about."
"Who is it Max? Oh my god Maria is it really you?" Liz ran and pulled me into a big hug. She was jumping up and down from the excitement. "Maria I've missed you. Well come and meet my daughter." Liz pulled me into the nursery. "Here you can hold her." Liz handed me Ria.
"Liz, she looks just like you. I mean besides the hair. I mean it's awfully spiky it sort of reminds me of.... "She stopped herself. Thinking of Michael's hair and how it used to look.
"It reminds you of what?" Liz asked.
" Oh Never mind. Anyway she has Max's nose and your eyes."
"Well, girls why don't you say me and Ria spend a little father and daughter time bonding while you and Maria go catch up." Max bent down and gave his wife a kiss.
"Thanks honey."
She led me to the living room. "So Liz, tell me about everyone."
"Well as you know Max and me got married right after high school. Max works as a professor in college and I'm working as a microbiologist. Alex works as a DJ at the local radio station and has been dating a girl named Molly for 2 years. Isabel works as a local model and is currently dating several men."
"What about Michael?" I said cutting to the chase. Yes I cared about Alex and Isabel but Michael's who I've been missing and dreaming about since the day I left.
"Maria there's something you should know about Michael."
"Max! Max! Oh I'm sorry I didn't know you had company."
Maria almost died from shock right their in front of her eyes was Michael. Her heart stopped.
"Maria is that you?" Michael asked.
"Yes, look Liz I've got to go. Look I need a job. Does your dad still own the Crashdown?"
" Yes he does I'm sure you will have a job if you need one."
"Thanks, I'll see you later.
"Wait Maria can I talk to you?" Michael asked almost begging.
"No, Michael I really need to go." I said as I ran away from Michael once again.
Part 3*****************************************************************
The next day
I opened the door to the Crashdown. It looked the same as when I left it. Except Liz was no longer working there and no Courtney thank god.
"Maria! Liz told me to expect you." Jeff Parker said running up to me. "So I hear you want your old job back. You can start tomorrow if you want."
"Thanks Mr. Parker. I'll see you then."
I started to walk out the door when just my luck Michael appeared.
"Maria, I need to talk to you."
"What did you follow me here?"
"No I still work here."
"It doesn't matter Michael I told you I didn't want to talk."
"Maria just listen to me ok"
"Fine what is so damn important."
"Sit down"
"I'll stand"
"Suit yourself."
"Look about Courtney..."
"That's it I'm leaving."
"Maria sit down and listen!"
I sat down shocked at the tone of his voice.
"I just thought you deserved an explanation after all these years. Maria, I didn't kiss Courtney. She kissed me, and she only said I was a great kisser because she knew you were there. She heard us talking she was trying to make you jealous."
"Fine if you didn't like her then why were you with her while she was in a towel, not that it matters?"
"I told her to get a shower as an excuse to get her out of the room. I thought she might be a skin and I needed to find proof. Anyway she's dead. I never cared for her and I certainly never wanted her. I could never feel that way about anyone else."
"Michael." For the first time in years I smiled. What an idiot I was. If only I let him explain we could have been together and had our happily ever after.
"Michael, I should have never left Roswell. I lov..." Just then I noticed his hand. "Is that what I think it is?" I asked pointing to his ring.
"Yes Maria, but you don't understand."
I stood up. "Your wrong Michael I understand perfectly. I tell you after all these years I don't want to talk to you! Then you beg me to listen to only to rub it in my face how happily married you are!"
"Maria it's not like that!"
"Do you love her?"
"What?"
"I said do you love her Michael?" I said now shouting at him.
A large crowd gathered around us. Michael stood there looking at the people watching him. He looked at Maria in the eyes hoping she would know the truth.
"She's my wife. Of course I love her."
I started to run away. Just moments ago I thought my dreams would come true only to be dashed seconds later.
"Wait Maria!" he said grabbing my hand.
"No I won't listen to you anymore!" Tears running down my face. "You Michael Guerin are not the only one to have moved on! As a matter of fact I'm getting married too!" I shouted running off leaving Michael dazed and confused.
Part 4***************************************************************
Michael was in his apartment lying out on the couch.
"Michael you have been moping around the house for days. If you're that depressed about Maria why don't you just tell her the truth about us?"
Michael looked up at his wife, Gloria, of almost 5 years. "The truth doesn't matter. Anyway she says she's getting married. She's moved on. I just never thought I'd see her ever again. She's still as beautiful as she was back then." Michael couldn't believe he was being this open about his feelings.
Michael thought back on his life after Maria left. He was miserable but he decided it was probably for the best. Maria was safer being away from him but it still hurt. Then he met Gloria. When they first married he couldn't stand her but through they years they become good friends.
(Back to Maria's point of view)
I couldn't believe what I had said to Michael. What made me tell him I was getting married? I just wanted him to hurt like I did but since we worked together he would find out the truth. Then him and his wife will laugh at me. How could Michael have moved on like that? Six years later I still can't get over him. Pull yourself together DeLuca you have to be at work in one hour.
I held my head up high as I walked into the Crashdown. I was not going to let Michael see what a mess I was. Luckily he didn't appear to be there. I went to my locker and threw my jacket in. I grabbed my notepad and went out to weight on customers. God this job sucks as much as it used to, I thought. I tried to fake a smile as Liz walked in. Behind her I saw a face I hadn't seen in years.
"Mom!"
"Maria Rose Deluca! How could you come back to town and not tell me?" Mom ran and gave me a hug.
"Let's go to the back room." Liz said pulling me back there.
"Liz, I just started I don't think I should be taking a break yet."
"It's alright Maria, I'm in good with the boss."
"So Maria," my mom said pointing at me, "I hear that your getting married. You couldn't even tell your own mother I had to hear it from Liz."
"Liz how did you know?" I asked.
"You told Michael. He is best friends with my husband, how do you think I found out?
So when and who are you marring?"
I looked at them stunned trying to find the right words. "Well to be honest, I mean the truth is..."
"Yes Maria what would the truth be." Michael said walking into the back room.
Oh my god it's Michael. I can't tell him the truth. I'd feel like such an idiot. He's happily married and I'm still stuck in the past pining for a married man. God I'm pathetic.
"So Maria what is the truth?" he asked again impatiently.
"The truth is... "I started to say looking at everyone faces then Michaels. Then I smiled. "He's in Washington visiting his parents. Uh... he may not be around for a while."
"Why would your fiancée want to spend time away from you with his parents for a long time?" Michael asked. God, why did he have to be so persistent?
"Well maybe not that long. Yeah... in fact he'll be here tomorrow." God I've done it again. Why can't I keep my foot out of my mouth? Now what will I do?
"Good them well meet him tomorrow." Michael smirked.
"Yes now let me just get back to my shift." Oh shit. Now what am I going to do?
End of part 4
Author: Sarah Y.
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters of Roswell
Category: M&M fic
Summary: Pretend The End Of the World never happened except the parts about Michael and Courtney. Anyway Maria leaves Roswell after seeing Courtney in a towel and she comes back 6 years later to find some things have changed and some things have remained the same. I don't want to give too much away.
It had been 6 years since I left Roswell. When I found Michael in Courtney's apartment wearing only her towel. I ran away as fast as I could and I never stopped running until I reached Las Vegas.
****flashback****
"You know Michael you're a really great kisser" And there stood Courtney in only a towel. My heart sank and I felt nauseated. I had to get away. I couldn't let her see me cry. I wouldn't give her that much power. She may have Michael but I wouldn't give her or Michael the satisfaction of seeing me cry. So I ran as fast as I could.
"Maria!!!!!!!!! Maria wait you don't understand!!!!!!!!!!"
I heard Michael screaming at me but I didn't look back. I jumped in the car and just started driving. There was nothing Michael could have said to me to make me understand how he could hurt me like that.
I ended up in Las Vegas. My dream was always to marry the love of my life and became a famous singer. Thanks to Michael the first part of that wish would never come true but I figured maybe I could try and work on becoming a singer. It was not as easy as I thought it would be. I figured all I would have to do was go to a few auditions and I'd be in a few shows. Then a manager would discover me and then I would become famous. Stupid, I know. But I had so many dreams. I was young and naïve. It turns out I was in a few shows but it never turned into anything so I became what I always hated. I was a waitress once again. It sucked big time but now that I was on my own I had to pay the bills somehow.
I tried keeping in touch with Liz and Alex for a little while but the memories were too painful. I couldn't bear to hear how happy Max and Liz were, knowing I had lost Michael forever. So I was surprised when I received a note from Liz Evans. I had made up some excuse about being in a big Broadway show so I wouldn't have to go to the wedding. I couldn't bear to see Michael who was the best man. I just wanted to forget my old life. Not that my new one was any better. I opened the letter,
Dear Maria,
I know we haven't spoken for a while. I begged your mom for your address and she finally gave it to me. Max and I just had our first child and I was hoping that you could come for a visit. I know you had your reasons for not coming to the wedding but I was hoping you could met our daughter Ria named after my best friend who I miss more than anything in the world.
Love,
Liz
My life sucked here in Las Vegas so I thought what do I have to lose. I packed my bags and headed back to Roswell. Totally unprepared for what I would discover.
Part 2*************************************************************************************
One week later***
I finally arrived back in Roswell. I checked into a cheap motel. My thoughts once again drifted to Michael. Everything reminded me of him. This motel reminded me of the one in Marathon. In the 6 years I've been away nothing has changed. I'm 6 years older but everything else feels the same. Anyway I turned my thoughts back to Liz. I jumped in my car and headed to her house.
This must be it. I pulled in front of a two-story brick house complete with a white picket fence. Max and Liz are truly living happily ever after. I knocked on the door.
"Oh My gosh Maria, you look great. It's wonderful to see you. A visit from you is all Liz has talked about."
"Who is it Max? Oh my god Maria is it really you?" Liz ran and pulled me into a big hug. She was jumping up and down from the excitement. "Maria I've missed you. Well come and meet my daughter." Liz pulled me into the nursery. "Here you can hold her." Liz handed me Ria.
"Liz, she looks just like you. I mean besides the hair. I mean it's awfully spiky it sort of reminds me of.... "She stopped herself. Thinking of Michael's hair and how it used to look.
"It reminds you of what?" Liz asked.
" Oh Never mind. Anyway she has Max's nose and your eyes."
"Well, girls why don't you say me and Ria spend a little father and daughter time bonding while you and Maria go catch up." Max bent down and gave his wife a kiss.
"Thanks honey."
She led me to the living room. "So Liz, tell me about everyone."
"Well as you know Max and me got married right after high school. Max works as a professor in college and I'm working as a microbiologist. Alex works as a DJ at the local radio station and has been dating a girl named Molly for 2 years. Isabel works as a local model and is currently dating several men."
"What about Michael?" I said cutting to the chase. Yes I cared about Alex and Isabel but Michael's who I've been missing and dreaming about since the day I left.
"Maria there's something you should know about Michael."
"Max! Max! Oh I'm sorry I didn't know you had company."
Maria almost died from shock right their in front of her eyes was Michael. Her heart stopped.
"Maria is that you?" Michael asked.
"Yes, look Liz I've got to go. Look I need a job. Does your dad still own the Crashdown?"
" Yes he does I'm sure you will have a job if you need one."
"Thanks, I'll see you later.
"Wait Maria can I talk to you?" Michael asked almost begging.
"No, Michael I really need to go." I said as I ran away from Michael once again.
Part 3*****************************************************************
The next day
I opened the door to the Crashdown. It looked the same as when I left it. Except Liz was no longer working there and no Courtney thank god.
"Maria! Liz told me to expect you." Jeff Parker said running up to me. "So I hear you want your old job back. You can start tomorrow if you want."
"Thanks Mr. Parker. I'll see you then."
I started to walk out the door when just my luck Michael appeared.
"Maria, I need to talk to you."
"What did you follow me here?"
"No I still work here."
"It doesn't matter Michael I told you I didn't want to talk."
"Maria just listen to me ok"
"Fine what is so damn important."
"Sit down"
"I'll stand"
"Suit yourself."
"Look about Courtney..."
"That's it I'm leaving."
"Maria sit down and listen!"
I sat down shocked at the tone of his voice.
"I just thought you deserved an explanation after all these years. Maria, I didn't kiss Courtney. She kissed me, and she only said I was a great kisser because she knew you were there. She heard us talking she was trying to make you jealous."
"Fine if you didn't like her then why were you with her while she was in a towel, not that it matters?"
"I told her to get a shower as an excuse to get her out of the room. I thought she might be a skin and I needed to find proof. Anyway she's dead. I never cared for her and I certainly never wanted her. I could never feel that way about anyone else."
"Michael." For the first time in years I smiled. What an idiot I was. If only I let him explain we could have been together and had our happily ever after.
"Michael, I should have never left Roswell. I lov..." Just then I noticed his hand. "Is that what I think it is?" I asked pointing to his ring.
"Yes Maria, but you don't understand."
I stood up. "Your wrong Michael I understand perfectly. I tell you after all these years I don't want to talk to you! Then you beg me to listen to only to rub it in my face how happily married you are!"
"Maria it's not like that!"
"Do you love her?"
"What?"
"I said do you love her Michael?" I said now shouting at him.
A large crowd gathered around us. Michael stood there looking at the people watching him. He looked at Maria in the eyes hoping she would know the truth.
"She's my wife. Of course I love her."
I started to run away. Just moments ago I thought my dreams would come true only to be dashed seconds later.
"Wait Maria!" he said grabbing my hand.
"No I won't listen to you anymore!" Tears running down my face. "You Michael Guerin are not the only one to have moved on! As a matter of fact I'm getting married too!" I shouted running off leaving Michael dazed and confused.
Part 4***************************************************************
Michael was in his apartment lying out on the couch.
"Michael you have been moping around the house for days. If you're that depressed about Maria why don't you just tell her the truth about us?"
Michael looked up at his wife, Gloria, of almost 5 years. "The truth doesn't matter. Anyway she says she's getting married. She's moved on. I just never thought I'd see her ever again. She's still as beautiful as she was back then." Michael couldn't believe he was being this open about his feelings.
Michael thought back on his life after Maria left. He was miserable but he decided it was probably for the best. Maria was safer being away from him but it still hurt. Then he met Gloria. When they first married he couldn't stand her but through they years they become good friends.
(Back to Maria's point of view)
I couldn't believe what I had said to Michael. What made me tell him I was getting married? I just wanted him to hurt like I did but since we worked together he would find out the truth. Then him and his wife will laugh at me. How could Michael have moved on like that? Six years later I still can't get over him. Pull yourself together DeLuca you have to be at work in one hour.
I held my head up high as I walked into the Crashdown. I was not going to let Michael see what a mess I was. Luckily he didn't appear to be there. I went to my locker and threw my jacket in. I grabbed my notepad and went out to weight on customers. God this job sucks as much as it used to, I thought. I tried to fake a smile as Liz walked in. Behind her I saw a face I hadn't seen in years.
"Mom!"
"Maria Rose Deluca! How could you come back to town and not tell me?" Mom ran and gave me a hug.
"Let's go to the back room." Liz said pulling me back there.
"Liz, I just started I don't think I should be taking a break yet."
"It's alright Maria, I'm in good with the boss."
"So Maria," my mom said pointing at me, "I hear that your getting married. You couldn't even tell your own mother I had to hear it from Liz."
"Liz how did you know?" I asked.
"You told Michael. He is best friends with my husband, how do you think I found out?
So when and who are you marring?"
I looked at them stunned trying to find the right words. "Well to be honest, I mean the truth is..."
"Yes Maria what would the truth be." Michael said walking into the back room.
Oh my god it's Michael. I can't tell him the truth. I'd feel like such an idiot. He's happily married and I'm still stuck in the past pining for a married man. God I'm pathetic.
"So Maria what is the truth?" he asked again impatiently.
"The truth is... "I started to say looking at everyone faces then Michaels. Then I smiled. "He's in Washington visiting his parents. Uh... he may not be around for a while."
"Why would your fiancée want to spend time away from you with his parents for a long time?" Michael asked. God, why did he have to be so persistent?
"Well maybe not that long. Yeah... in fact he'll be here tomorrow." God I've done it again. Why can't I keep my foot out of my mouth? Now what will I do?
"Good them well meet him tomorrow." Michael smirked.
"Yes now let me just get back to my shift." Oh shit. Now what am I going to do?
End of part 4