"Let me go… You're too involved in this to be much of a comfort
"Let me go… You're too involved in this to be much of a comfort."
Max opened his mouth to refuse, but he would have been talking to thin air as Michael went out to look for Liz. Everyone looked around at each other in guilt then away. What Liz did was so self-less… She would sacrifice her love to save everyone. Could any of them have done the same thing if they were in her position?
Michael walked down the street with his hands stuffed in his pocket. He was heading towards the outskirts of town. He didn't know why he knew that she would be there, but he did. Sure enough he found her huddled in the cave they had used so many times in the past. She was sobbing her heart out, making Michael uncomfortable. There was that protective feeling again… But this time, he wouldn't analyze it or try to hide it. She needed a friend right now, and he felt he was the best choice.
"Hey, Parker. That was quite a show back there." He sat down beside her, leaning his back against the stone wall behind him.
"I'm just your local Drama Queen." She mumbled, her hands covering her face.
"Well, my word of advice. Leave it to Maria or Izzy… It doesn't really suite you."
She lifted her head and looked over to him, tears brimming in her dark eyes. "Did you come here to insult me?"
"No, but if it makes you feel better, I'll oblige."
She couldn't help but laugh, returning his grin. He draped his arm around her shoulders pulling her into his embrace.
"See? Don't you feel better?"
She laid her hand on his shoulder, reaching up to brush the tears from her cheek. "Tons… Why're you being nice to me?"
"I can be nice. Just don't get used to it. I've got an image to uphold."
"What would the world think if they knew Michael Guerin was a softy?"
"If you tell, I'll have to kill you."
She chuckled then fell silent. She was surprised to find Michael had found her, but she was real glad. She got to see a side to him that she could only guess at. Now she knew what Maria saw in him, and it saddened her that he couldn't show his feelings more often. He would be irresistible… He needed happiness as much as the next person.
"Do you think what I did was stupid?"
"Stupid? No… What you did was amazing… I have to admit I had my doubts about how strong you were. But you showed us guys up. How could we compete?"
"But I hurt Max, and it almost broke the group up."
"We all make mistakes, and you had a good reason. Remember that. As for the group, you can't blame yourself. Everyone contributed to that whole affair. Tonight you made us realize how important our friendship really is."
"You're making me like you…"
"Hey, I'm a lovable guy."
"Can I ask you a question and get an honest answer?"
"Depends…" He looked down at her, his eyes cautious.
"Do you love Maria?"
He thunked his head against the wall, wanting to avoid the question and all that came with it. If he admitted his feelings then there was no turning back. But if he refused, he could ruin everything… He thought about what Liz did for Max and the rest… She tried giving them a future. Why should he deny his feelings and a future that could possibly include Maria into it all? If Tess could be with Kyle, Max love Liz, and Alex's feelings for Isabel, then why couldn't he have his Maria?
"You don't have to answer… I shouldn't pry."
"Parker, you talk to much. Yeah, I love Maria."
She nodded against his chest, but didn't say anything more. They just sat there letting time pass by in a comfortable silence. When it began to get chilly and the others must have been worrying, they decided to head back. They climbed out of the cave and headed back towards town, Michael's jacket wrapped around Liz's shivering form.