Notes: Just in case anyone's confused, since this story is set a few years in the future, let's just say that Valenti was re-instated as Sheriff somewhere along the line. :)
Chapter Five: Promises
"Kyle!" The four turned, hearing Valenti's voice. Kyle was relieved to see that his father looked okay, but he refrained from hugging him, much as he wanted to. Max took note of the Sheriff's gloves. Valenti caught him and gave him a nervous smile, holding out his hands and inspecting them himself. "Just a precaution," he said. Max nodded, throwing him a nervous smile of his own.
**
"Where can I drop you off, Max? Are you staying with your parents?" "Yeah," Max answered, "but my parents are visiting my aunt in Albuquerque for the week. Thank god." The Sheriff nodded gravely. "Yeah," he said absently, "that's a good thing." He turned to Kyle and Tess. "I'm taking you to two to the Tumbleweed," he told them, "I don't want to take any chances just in case I am … you know … infected. And I don't think you should stay at the Evans. It would easiest to keep you apart … in case something happens." Kyle tensed and reached for Tess' hand, gripping tightly.
Liz held one hand to the window and leaned her head against the glass. She hadn't been home in nearly a year and she regretted that now more than anything. If only she had come for Easter as her parents wanted. She was still overwhelmed by Max and the other's return. After two years apart, she wanted to stay with him. Just them. No parents, no distractions. If only she'd known. The Crashdown came into view and her head shot up from the window. "Sheriff, stop!" she cried, "please." Valenti slowed down and came to a halt across the street from the restaurant. "Liz," Max warned, "you know you can't." She turned to him, her eyes pleading. "I won't touch him, Max. I promise. Please. I just have to see him." The truck was silent. Max licked his lips, not sure what to do. "Max …" Liz whispered, her brown eyes large and wet. His decision made, Max took her hand. "We'll only be a few minutes," he told the others.
**
Digging out her keys, Liz opened the back door and slipped into the Parker's living quarters. "Mom?" she called, "dad?" "Don't touch anything," Max warned, "just stay close." "Lizzie?" Jeff Parker came from the bedroom, clothed in pajamas, a robe, and slippers. He looked awful. His face was red and scarred, the rash having spread all over. Liz wanted to weep when he let out a hoarse cough and clutched his stomach in agony. "Daddy," she said, taking a step forward. Max held her arm and prevented her from going any further. "What are you doing here, Lizzie?" Jeff asked, his voice scratchy, "hello Max." "Hi," Max said quietly. Liz pushed her hair back from her face and wiped at her eyes. "We just … came for a visit," she said, "where's mom?" Jeff moved into the kitchen; Max and Liz followed him with their eyes. "She went to the drugstore," he told them, taking a glass from the cupboard and filling it with water. He chuckled, however difficultly and took a drink. "She finds any excuse to get out of the house these days." Liz swallowed the lump in her throat. "Is she – is she sick too?" Jeff shook his head, taking his glass and walking out to the living room. "No," he answered, "at least not yet." He noticed Liz's stricken face and his eyes softened. "Oh, honey," he said, "you know your mom is practically immune to all illness'. She'll be fine."
Max tugged on Liz's hand, telling her with his eyes that they should be going. Liz turned back to her father. "I wish I could give you a hug, daddy." He smiled. "Me too honey." He gestured to himself. "Not until I'm no longer contagious." Liz gave him a soft, sad smile. "Take care of yourself," she whispered, her voice breaking, "I'm gonna try to help you." Jeff looked at her, confused, but tried to grin. "Well … I'll give you a call when your mom is too lazy to pick up my meds, how's that?" Liz grinned back. "Okay." She looked up at Max, who tugged her towards the door. "Get well, Mr. Parker," he said. "Thank you, M –" He was interrupted by a terrible coughing fit. Liz found herself going to him, but Max pulled her out the door and closed it behind them. She sank against the brick wall and burst into tears.
**
"Come on," Max said gently, leading Liz into his old bedroom. She sat on the bed and began playing with the sleeve of her jacket. Max watched her, his heart aching. He couldn't help but feel somewhat responsible. After all, it was an alien disease. One of his own had brought it to Earth, had put Liz's family and everyone else, in jeopardy. "Max?" His thoughts broken, he lifted his head to Liz. Her hair was loose and wild around her face, still wet with her tears. Sitting next to her, he pushed her hair back and pulled her against him. "Your dad will be okay," he said softly, "we'll find a way to beat this." "Promise?" she whispered. He swallowed and let out a breath. How could he promise something like that? Closing his eyes, he listened to her breathe. "Yeah," he said shakily, "I promise."