Part 16
I was alone in the silence
Till I was hearing your voice
I couldn't see my way clear
Until you parted the clouds and you gave me a choice.
I couldn't pick up the pieces
Until I was falling apart
I didn't know I was bleeding
Till your love fixed this hole, baby, here in my heart.
I'd give up my sight just to see you
I'd beg, I would borrow and steal
I'd cut off my hands just to touch you
I would tear out my heart so you'd know how I feel.
There's nowhere I wouldn't follow
There's no place I'd rather be
'Cause life without you would be hollow
This love is a gift and you gave it to me.
All that I am you have made me
And baby I know that it's true
I'd give it all up in a heartbeat
Just to spend every moment with you...
I wouldn't want to be me...
If I didn't have you.
Amanda Marshall
Liz felt her heart beating a mile a minute as Max started to make the connection with her. Only a couple more seconds she thought.
She felt terrible. His voice had cracked when he had asked her to open her eyes. She knew what he must be suffering, thinking she was dying - but she had had no choice.
Liz waited until she felt images from Max's mind start to flood her own. He was concentrating so hard on what was going on in her head, he was not paying the least bit of attention to what he was sending HER.
She knew the exact moment that he realized that there was nothing wrong with her. She felt exactly what he felt at that moment - shock, relief, then panic....and rage.
The connection was made.
Liz felt him start to leave her. NO! She was just starting to get the flashes. She had to hold on to the connection.
She opened her eyes, stared right into his. They were starting to freeze over as she watched. Liz grabbed Max's head and pulled him down on top of her.
Her lips met his in a kiss so fierce, she could not breathe.
Liz could feel Max fighting himself. They were still connecting. He was trying desperately not to give in, but he wanted to.
She knew he did, because in that moment, she WAS him.
And then it happened.
The flashes started coming as Max gave in and started to kiss her back.
Flash*
Liz walking down the cliff at the pod chambers. She could feel Max's heart breaking as though it was her own....and then the despair and the anger hit her like a tidal wave.
Flash*
Max lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering if he would ever feel like moving again. One thought: Liz is gone, Liz is gone, Liz is gone...
Flash*
Isabel bursting into his room with Maria and Alex. "Michael is missing!" Fear and yet, finally, the will to do something again.
Flash*
Michael standing with River Dog, their hands outstretched to Max. "Join us. Learn all you can."
Flash*
Michael and Max in the desert, facing off, fear in Max's heart.
Flash* Flash* Flash*
Max as a child, emerging from his pod, taking Isabel's hand...leaving Tess behind...losing Michael soon after...seeing the Evans' headlights...fear and hope...
Flash* Flash* Flash*
Max seeing Liz for the first time...thinking she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen...
Panic...Max healing Liz after she was shot..."You spilled ketchup when you fell...don't tell anyone...please..."
Michael and River Dog glaring at Max, their arms crossed. Then they turned their backs and started to walk away.
Flash*
Teen-age Michael in a pod, floating, his eyes closed then snapping open to stare at Max, hatred gleaming in their depths. "You betrayed me. You let this happen to me."
The connection between Liz and Max was severed suddenly, abruptly.
Liz realized that they had rolled off the cot. She was now on top of Max on the floor. She opened her eyes, stared into his. He had his hands on her face and they were suddenly in her hair.
"You're all right, " he said dumbfounded. "How?" He was running his hands over her face, down her body, checking for injuries and causing a shiver of desire to run down Liz's spine.
"Tess." Liz only had to say the name for him to understand. His eyes darkened.
"She made me see that? But I FELT the blood Liz. I know you were bleeding."
Liz smiled ruefully. "What can I say? She's been practicing. I didn't believe her either when she told me how realistic she could make it."
Max was staring at her. She had absolutely no idea what he was thinking.
"Max?"
"Liz." He replied tonelessly.
"Are you mad?" She asked in a small voice. She knew that he was again her Max - and that if she was in his position she would be very, VERY angry.
"Yes, actually I am a little mad."
"Oh. You do understand why I did it?" Max raised an eyebrow at her. She was pleased to note that his hands seemed unable to stop stroking her hair.
"My head understands, but my heart still needs a little time to process the fact that you are not about to die." He told her, still with little indication of whether he was really angry or not.
"Oh." Liz smiled at him. "I am sorry Max, but you really gave me no choice."
Max rolled his eyes. She could see that he was trying hard to keep his face straight but that his lips were beginning to twitch. "How pray tell were you planning to keep me here if I decided to leave?" He asked suddenly.
Liz felt her face redden. "Well Kyle is standing guard with Tess," she replied, avoiding his eyes. "You know, 160 pounds of Greco-Roman wrestler?" Max gently took her chin, forced her to meet his eyes.
"And if I used my powers on Kyle? You didn't know for sure that I was faking."
Liz replied confidently to that. "Oh I knew. I know you Max." His eyes narrowed slightly. She was becoming very aware of the fact that she was still stretched out on top of him and that she had not been as close to him since the night they had spent together in that abandoned van - the first and last time he had told her he loved her. She swallowed. He smelled exactly the same - like MAX. It was very distracting.
"Liz, do I have to take matters into my own hands to get a straight answer?" Max asked teasingly. "I have my ways you know." Liz smiled at him, lowering her lashes.
"Well, I was prepared to do anything Max. And I mean anything. I love you." She could see his eyes beginning to darken, but this time not with anger.
His lips met hers in a kiss so sweet, it brought tears to her eyes.
She started to sob. "Liz, what's wrong?" Max whispered against her lips, cupping her head with his hand, bringing her cheek to rest against his chest.
"I just missed you so much Max." She listened to his heartbeat, could feel her own beginning to beat in time.
"I don't understand Liz." Max said quietly. "Everyone else gave up on me. Why didn't you?"
Liz turned her head, stroked his hair. "It was you," she replied.
And there were no more words for a very long time.
Part 17
The silence was driving Maria insane.
She and Michael were deep in the forest. They had given up even bothering to pretend that they were looking for anything on their scavenger hunt list and were now just wandering aimlessly.
She didn't understand why he had suggested that they be partners. For one heart-stopping minute she had hoped that he was snapping out of whatever it was that had been plaguing him for the last six months, but it was soon clear that this was not the case. He refused to speak and was stalking ahead of her, not at all concerned about whether she was keeping up or not.
When Maria had tentatively tried to start a conversation, Michael had just stared at her, causing her to trail off uncomfortably. At one point she had decided that she was just going to leave him, but then she realized that there was no way that she was going to be able to find her way back to the camp on her own. Their route had been so circuitous, she was sure that she would get hopelessly lost.
And she needed to give Liz more time.
Maria was sure that the plan was not going to work, but if it was going to have any chance at success, she needed to keep Michael away from Max for as long as possible. She thought though that it would likely all be in vain. Too much of the plan depended on Tess, trusting her to make Max see something that wasn't there.
Maria did not have any trust in Tess. Sure she was being nicer to Liz now, but Maria just knew that there would be a knife in Liz's back the minute it was turned.
They had argued for a long time after Liz had told them what she was planning to do. Isabel had wanted to play a bigger role, had been upset when Liz told her that Max was too in tune to her. She wouldn't be able to fool him like Tess could.
Tess had grinned wryly. "I guess I deserve that." She had turned to Isabel. "There's no question I'm the best actress Isabel, plus Max will really think there's something wrong if it's ME that comes to tell him about Liz. He still thinks I hate her. But Liz," she had looked at Liz with concern, fake if Maria had anything to say about it. "Max is going to be really mad. Are you sure you want to do this?" Liz had sighed, nodded.
"We have no choice Tess." The group had been quiet, realizing that it was true. They were desperate.
As Liz had said, Michael was the key here, Maria thought now, as she glared at his retreating back. Whatever was wrong with him was what had led directly to Max turning into the anti-Max. If Liz could get through to Max - well, maybe they could then figure out what was wrong with Michael.
"Michael!" Maria called now, struggling to catch up to him.
He was standing on a slight rise, staring off into the woods, a peculiar expression on his face. It looked like he was listening to something.
Maria stumbled up beside him. "What's wrong?"
Michael turned to look at her assessingly. The expression on his face was not comforting. "Come." Maria blinked at him.
"Come where?" She asked, shaking her head in confusion.
"Come with me Maria." He offered his hand, quirked an eyebrow, daring her to take it. She looked at his hand suspiciously and then back at his face.
"What's going on Spaceboy?" She demanded, beginning to get scared. He was just so weird. Yes, he had been prickly and difficult to get along with in the past, but that had just been Michael. The emptiness in his eyes now - it was terrifying.
"Come with me Maria." Michael repeated. "Don't you love me?" It was said in a monotone that was more disturbing then if he had sounded hurt - which he didn't, at all.
"What?" She yelled. "Why would I love you? You've been acting like a pod-person for the last six months. Where is this coming from?" Michael dropped his hand, tilted his head and examined her with what looked like mild curiosity. "I WAS born from a pod," he replied finally. "You loved me before. What is the difference now?"
Maria waved her hands in the air, scowled at him in frustration. "Michael, you have NO personality anymore. What is there to love?"
"Personality? I don't understand." He looked genuinely confused.
"Emotions! You know - the things that make you Michael." Maria said, a little more loudly than she intended, but it was like talking to a brick wall - or should I say stone wall, she thought wryly. Of course, even when Michael had been trying to be a "stone wall" he had been completely incapable of it. His character had been such that feeling no emotion was, ironically, completely alien to him.
"I am Michael." He replied tonelessly.
Maria grimaced. "You're not the Michael I knew." She muttered. Michael just continued to stare blankly at her.
"You won't come with me willingly then?" He asked finally. Maria threw her hands in the air.
"What gave you that idea?" She muttered. She glared at him. "I don't understand any of this!"
Michael shrugged. "It is not for you to understand." His tone...
Maria backed up, stumbled as she came to edge of the incline. Michael's expression wasn't exactly threatening, but Maria just knew instictively that she was in danger.
Run! Run Maria! Her mind was screaming but her legs refused to budge. She was watching Michael raise his hand in fascination, not quite believing that this was really happening.
Michael's hand began to glow and then the world went black.
***********************
Max had not thought that it was possible to feel this happy again.
They had managed to get off the floor and back onto the cot at some point, but Max wasn't really sure when. He had been unable to stop kissing Liz once he had started. His hands had a mind of their own too. She was so sweetly responsive and loving. He finally forced himself to break away from her though. It was entirely possible that they were reaching the point of no return here and as much as he wanted to be with her, it wasn't fair to her to have it be now. There was still so much explaining to do and so much to fix.
"Liz." He finally managed to say between kisses.
"What?" She asked. Her lips were on his neck, practically driving him insane.
"We...need...need to talk." He croaked, thrusting his hands into her silky hair, dragging her mouth back to his.
"Mmmmmm." Liz replied. She finally propped her elbow on his chest, her chin on her hand, smiled at him teasingly. "You're right Mr. Evans, we do." She grimaced briefly.
"I have a few things to say to you about Pam Troy."
"Liz, it didn't mean anything." Max told her. "I had no choice. I had to try and keep you away from me." He grinned lovingly at her. "Not that that worked very well." He kissed her lightly again. "You can be very stubborn you know."
"Only when it comes to you." She said seriously. Liz dropped her eyes momentarily, started to trace circles on his chest. "What's going on Max?" She asked, raising her eyes to his. "I mean, why?"
Max sat up, pulling Liz up beside him. He tried to put some distance between them, as it was entirely impossible for him to think clearly with her so near. She kept a firm grip on his hand though.
"It's such a long story Liz." He glanced at her. "I just need you to know that I will keep you safe, that everything I did was to protect you and the others."
"Max, I saw some things when we were connected a while ago." She told him. Liz watched him carefully. "I know that there is something seriously wrong with Michael. I mean, I heard him threaten you last night and I saw him floating in what looked like a pod." She moved closer to him. "You have to tell me what happened to you guys on the Reservation."
Max sighed. "I want to tell you Liz but I can't. It's just too complicated to go into a thousand times." He heard Liz sigh too, in exasperation. He turned, brought his hands up to cup her face. She looked at him questioningly. "I'll tell you with all the others. I promise." He kissed her again. She threw her arms around his neck trustingly, kissed him back hard. He was flooded by the love she felt for him, realized that they were connecting.
When Liz started to trace his lips with her tongue, Max forced himself to break the kiss. "Liz, please! You're killing me here." She pouted at him. He couldn't help himself, he brought his lips back to hers. "You have to listen to me," he moaned, realizing that he in no way had the strength to break away again. Liz tumbled back on the bed, bringing him with her.
Things were almost completely out of control again, when a sharp knock on the door brought them both to their senses. Liz's face was flushed, Max knew that his was the same. He really needed to go jump in the lake. "Yeah?" He managed to call out.
The door creaked open. Kyle's head was suddenly thrust through the crack. "I still don't understand why I'm the one who has to..." he was muttering to someone behind him. And then suddenly the door crashed open and Kyle stumbled into the room, followed by Tess, who had clearly pushed him. Alex and Isabel entered cautiously behind them.
Kyle was blinking at the sight of Max and Liz entangled on the bed. "Well, I think they made up." He said to Alex, who was trying hard to hide his grin of amusement. Isabel was staring at Max, her eyes wary, clearing trying not to hope too much.
Max's heart went out to his sister. He heard Liz whisper to him, "Go to her. She needs you Max." Max swallowed, stood up, tried to smile at Izzy. He didn't know how she could possibly forgive him for the last few months.
And then she flew to him, practically knocked him over. Isabel threw her arms around him. "Oh my God, Max! It's really you!" She pulled back, slapped him upside the head. "What the heck was wrong with you?" She demanded in a voice that only a sister could use. He felt like he was six again.
"I'm sorry Iz." He said finally. It was really all he could say. Any more words would have been ridiculous. The way he had shut her out - he knew it would take her a long time to get over it. He hoped that she would forgive him one day. He knew that she would understand when he explained about Michael, but forgiveness was something else entirely.
Max knew that Liz could forgive him easily. She had missed most of the last half-year, had not had him treating her like dirt at every turn. Yes, the last two days had been hard, but it hadn't taken her long to snap him out of it. He just could not resist her.
Isabel and the others - what they had gone through would take longer to get over.
"When did you guys get here?" Liz asked Alex and Isabel.
"Only a few minutes ago." Alex replied. "Pam tripped on her stilettos on the hike." He explained sarcastically. Kyle snickered. Max saw Liz tense, shoot a look at him. That was another thing he was going to have to take care of immediately, he realized.
"How'd you manage to leave her behind?" Tess asked curiously.
Isabel shrugged. "We just left. She was ranting about Max having disappeared. Dad was trying to calm her down, but she was being ridiculous, so we left." She turned back to her brother, dismissing the whole subject. "Max, what's going on? What was wrong with you?"
Max turned to Liz. She came immediately into his arms. He swallowed. "It's such a long story you guys. Where's Michael?" He asked, trying to change the subject.
Kyle shrugged. "Did they come back to the camp you guys?" He asked Isabel and Alex. When they both shook their heads, Max frowned.
"I'm not crazy about the idea of Maria being alone with him," he told them all. Liz and Alex exchanged worried looks. "I think that we should find them first."
Max was not being exactly straight with his friends, he knew, but he still wasn't sure what he wanted to tell them. Michael was his problem. He was the one who was going to have to deal with it - the less they knew, the safer they would be.
"But first," Max continued. He glanced at Liz worriedly. "Guys, I'm going to have to keep pretending to hate you all." He saw Isabel flinch.
"Why Max?" Tess asked, clearly upset as well. He was surprised to see Kyle take her hand...and even more surprised to see that Tess let him.
"Michael can't know that I've told you guys anything." Max looked at them all one by one. "I promise that we are going to end this today, but he cannot know until it is ended." He set his jaw. "Do you understand?" He squeezed Liz's shoulder, hoping that they would cooperate.
There was silence for several moments as the rest of the group exchanged looks. Finally Alex spoke up. "You're the leader Max." Max grimaced. He hated that word. The others were nodding, although neither Liz or Isabel looked at all happy about it.
"Okay then. I'm going to find Michael and Maria. I'll see you all back at the camp."
"I'm coming with you!" Liz said immediately. Max smiled at her lovingly.
"No Liz, it's not safe." She frowned at him. He could see that she was getting her back up to argue with him. "Michael can't know remember?"
She sighed, nodded. "Just be careful."
"I will." He kissed her quickly, although it took all his strength to move away from her.
The others left, Liz trailing behind reluctantly. She glanced back once, gave him a sad smile. And then she was gone.
The room suddenly felt very empty.
Max straightened his back, left the cabin. This WILL end today, he thought. Even if I die in the process.
Part 18
When Liz returned to the campsite with the others, she found that she could not sit still.
Her dad and the Sheriff had appeared a few moments after they returned, perplexed expressions on their faces. Kyle, Tess and Liz all glanced at each other guiltily. They realized that they had totally deserted the dads at the lake, waiting for them to come back with their scavenger hunt items.
"What happened honey?" Mr. Parker asked Liz. "We waited for you guys for an hour. Jim and I were starting to get worried."
The Sheriff was staring at Kyle suspiciously. Valenti knew that something was going on and Liz could tell that he was beginning to get hurt that none of them had confided in him yet. She knew that Kyle was in for a serious grilling the minute the Sheriff got his son alone.
"I'm sorry Dad. We found a waterfall and sort of got distracted." Tess shot her a look.
"I didn't know there was a waterfall in Fraser Woods?" He looked at the Sheriff for confirmation.
Sheriff Valenti narrowed his eyes, finally nodded. "Yeah, there is - a small one." Liz sent him a relieved smile.
"So who's cooking dinner?" Mr. Parker asked cheerfully. One of the things Liz loved most about her dad was that he was totally incapable of holding a grudge. Liz had explained things and he was satisfied. It made her guilt ten times worse. She wondered if she was ever going to attend a Father's Camping weekend where she actually spent time with her dad.
Tess and Kyle had agreed to help Mr. Parker with the food. Liz went and sat on a log near the woods, hoping that Max would soon appear with Maria and Michael in tow. She felt antsy and worried. Max had tried to hide it, but he been really concerned by the fact that Michael and Maria were alone together. She just knew he was.
What is wrong with Michael? Liz wondered for what felt the thousandth time. She jumped up and began pacing. She saw Isabel and Alex standing together near the tress, Izzy clearly as worried as Liz, Alex talking to her quietly, holding her hand.
At that moment, Pam Troy appeared from the tent she was sharing with her dad. She marched right up to Liz and glared at her. "Where's Max?"
Liz blinked, remembered that she and Max were still supposed to be on bad terms. "How should I know?" Liz snapped, trying hard to hide how much she disliked this girl.
"You're wasting your time if you think that you're going to get him back Parker." Pam smirked at her. "Everyone knows that he dumped you like last year's trash after he realized what a boring little nerd you really are."
Liz tried to control her temper. She turned away. "Whatever you say Pam." Liz started to walk towards Alex and Isabel when she suddenly realized that Pam had grabbed her ponytail. Liz's head jerked back.
"Don't you walk away from me you little whore!" Pam snarled. Liz could see Alex and Isabel's horrified expressions as they caught sight of what was happening. Mr. Evans, standing about ten feet away, seemed frozen.
Pam yanked again. Liz felt herself falling. Before she knew it she was staring straight up at the darkening sky.
"What the hell is going on here?" Liz was still in shock. She could not believe that Pam Troy had actually just physically attacked her. It took her a minute to realize that the voice she heard belonged to Max.
Liz climbed to her knees, massaging her scalp. She eyed Max worriedly. The expression on his face - it was terrifying.
She was relieved to see that he was not looking at her though. "Liz are you okay?" His tone was even.
"Yeah Max."
Max walked up to Pam, stared at her. "Can you explain what I just witnessed?"
Liz could see that Pam was totally confused. "I don't understand."
"Did I or did I not just see you lay hands on Liz?" Max asked, his tone cold.
"She was bugging me Max - telling me that you didn't really love me." Pam whined, trailing off when she saw that Max's expression had not changed.
Liz glanced at Mr. Evans. Max's dad's face was blank. He was watching the little scene unfolding dumbfounded. He clearly had no idea what to expect from his son.
Max grabbed Pam by the hand, hauling her off into the bush. Isabel and Alex rushed to Liz's side. "Are you okay Liz?" Isabel asked.
"SHHH!" Liz held up her hand. She quickly followed Max and Pam into the woods. "I want to hear this."
Isabel and Alex exchanged looks, Alex suddenly grinning. "Lead on." Isabel smiled back, followed Liz.
The three friends did not have to go far. Max had obviously not wanted to do whatever it was he was going to do in public but Liz had to hear it for herself. She knew Max wouldn't mind.
"Max, what's going on?" Pam was beginning to sound worried. "Are you mad at me about something?"
Max glared at her. "No Pam, I am not mad at you. I'm furious. Can you please explain to me what you thought you were doing?"
"I was defending my good name against that trollop." Pam replied. "I heard her telling your sister and Alex that it's only a matter of time before she steals you back from me." Liz was amazed at the ease with which Pam lied.
Max sighed. Liz thought he sounded annoyed that he had to deal with this at all. She couldn't help but be a little pleased. He deserved to suffer a little for the behavior the rest of them had had to put up with. "I hate to have to tell you this Pam. Liz can't steal someone who already belongs to her."
"What??" Pam screeched.
"I love Liz. I never stopped." Max explained. "And if I ever see you speak to her again, let alone touch her, I will have my sister ruin you - and you know she can do it."
Liz looked at Isabel in wonder. "I didn't know Max had it in him." Isabel whispered to Liz, grinning.
"Would you do it Isabel?" Liz asked.
Isabel grinned. "Of course I would." She glanced at Alex, who raised an eyebrow at her warningly. "Liz, you have no idea some of the stuff she's been saying about you."
Liz felt ill. She could just imagine. She had been Pam Troy's victim for too long. "Don't tell me. I don't want to know." Liz said finally.
She turned back to Pam and Max. She almost felt sorry for Pam, who looked devastated.
She could see Max beginning to soften. She knew that it went totally against his nature to be mean to anyone. His expression hardened again when Pam flew at him, tried to claw at his face. "You bastard!"
Max grabbed her quite easily. "Please don't ever speak to me again." He said wearily, setting her away from him.
"You'll pay for this Max Evans." Pam hissed at him.
"Being with you was payment enough," Max replied. "I mean it Pam. Stay away from Liz. You have never seen me truly angry...and you never want to." He narrowed his eyes at her.
Pam screamed in frustration, ran off towards the campsite.
Liz, Alex and Isabel stepped out from the bushes, joined Max, who looked drained and still mad. Liz went directly into his arms, hugged him comfortingly.
"Thank you Max." She said simply.
"I just can't pretend anymore Liz. It's too hard." He looked over her head at Isabel and Alex. "I couldn't find Michael or Maria anywhere." Liz tensed, felt Max begin to stroke her hair, trying to reassure her.
Isabel eyed her brother. "So the pretending is over then?" She asked. "You can talk to Dad?" Max nodded. Alex put his arms around Izzy when tears filled her eyes in relief.
"We don't have time for that right now though." Max sounded regretful. "Michael knows that I told you guys something. I don't know how he knows, but I'm sure he does. I think he's taken Maria to get me to join him." Max explained tiredly.
"Join you where Max?" Liz asked confused.
"In hell." Max replied, shaking his head.
Part 19
"Okay - enough with the cryptic statements and the secrets." Alex was beginning to sound mad. "I mean it Max. It's time to tell us what's going on, especially if Maria is in danger." Isabel took her boyfriend's hand, squeezed. Alex rarely, if ever, got angry. She knew that he must be really worried about Maria to speak that way.
"It's true Max." Isabel told her brother. Max looked torn, clearly did not want to bring them all into the middle of the situation that existed between he and Michael. Max was stroking Liz's hair still, trying to control his own fear and natural caution. Isabel knew her brother. "We all need to be in this together." Isabel continued. "It's not fair to leave us out. You almost destroyed any trust that existed between the six of us with all that anti-Max behavior. You had no right to do that Max! Having you five was the only thing that made me feel at all safe. I know we'll never be totally secure, but you cannot leave us out. You might be some great leader in the grand scheme of the universe, but in Roswell you are Max Evans, my brother, Liz's boyfriend, Michael, Alex and Maria's friend and as Max Evans you have to tell us."
Isabel knew that she was ranting, but she could not help it. Even though she was relieved that her brother had given up his act, he was still leaving them out. Liz smiled sadly at Isabel from where she stood, still with her head on Max's chest, his arms wrapped around her. Max looked resigned.
"You're right Izzy. I'm sorry. But it's too long and convoluted to get into now. We need to find Michael and Maria. I'll tell you on the way." He smiled at his sister. "And you're not alone anymore Izzy. You'll never be alone again - I promise." He glanced at Alex. "We need to come up with something to tell the dads. There's no way they're going to let us go traipsing off in the bush by ourselves."
Alex looked pleased that Max had turned to him for advice. Isabel realized that Max had recognized that in a lot of ways Alex had pulled both Maria and Isabel, and even Kyle and Tess through the past few difficult months. Alex's true worth and loyalty to all of them was still only just becoming evident. He was so much more than just their easy access computer hacker. In a lot of ways he was the group's strength: Liz and Maria's confidant and brother, Michael's buddy, Max's advisor and her, Isabel's, love.
"Yeah - I guess Kyle can talk to the Sheriff, tell him what's going on. Maybe he'll have an idea?" Alex suggested.
"Sounds like a plan," Max replied. "We'll have dinner and then I'll tell you all what has been going on while we walk."
Liz spoke up with concern. "Can we wait that long Max? If Maria's in danger, shouldn't we do something about it right away?" Alex nodded in agreement.
"I'm almost positive that she'll be fine Liz. Michael just took her to get my attention. He won't hurt her until he knows for sure that I'm not going to take the bait." Max sounded like he knew what he was talking about. "And he knows I'll take it." Isabel felt terrified again.
"Can we help Michael?" She asked.
Max shook his head. "You guys just don't understand. He's not OUR Michael anymore. He's theirs."
"Whose?" Isabel demanded, her confusion reflected in her voice.
"It's complicated." He sounded frustrated. "I will tell you, but it has to be in order. Let's just wait a bit longer." Max was pleading with them to trust him. Isabel knew that he was worried that they wouldn't, because of the way he had been behaving, but this was MAX - their Max.
Liz spoke for them all. "Of course we trust you Max." Max squeezed her tightly. Alex pulled Isabel away, decided they better give Max and Liz a little time to themselves. Max was clearly still wary about telling them anything. He had done so much to keep them safe for so long, even alienating himself from those he loved. It would be hard to suddenly open up and put them all in danger again.
Isabel and Alex found Kyle and Tess laughing when they joined them at the campfire. Tess was stirring a big pot of spaghetti sauce, while Kyle was telling her the story about the night he had gotten Max drunk. "Of course, he kept doing all these crazy things, but I just thought it was because I was drunk." Kyle was saying. "I mean, I was sure I was hallucinating."
"And you broke into Liz's room?" Tess giggled. "Can you imagine what that Doug guy must have thought?"
"That we were crazy obviously." Kyle laughed too. "But we were, so he wasn't far off. We actually had a plan to split Liz up. We'd each get to date her every second week."
Tess collapsed against him, unable to stand up she was laughing so hard.
Isabel and Alex exchanged looks.
"Interesting." Alex murmured to Isabel.
"Hey guys! Is dinner almost ready?" Isabel asked with phony cheer. Tess's head snapped up - she looked momentarily guilty as she quickly moved away from Kyle. For a minute, the small blonde's emotions flitted across her face. Isabel had caught her flirting with another guy. She was betraying the destiny that she was the only one who still clung to like a life-line.
Isabel smiled at Tess reassuringly. Now was not the time for all that.
"Kyle I need your help." Alex told the other boy. Kyle frowned, nodded and followed Alex over to a nearby tent. Isabel watched as he began nodding, then walked away towards the Sheriff who was playing poker with Mr. Parker and Mr. Evans.
Izzy noticed that her dad kept glancing at the woods in the direction that Max had disappeared with Pam almost an hour ago. His expression was hopeful. Isabel could not blame him. She was sure that Pam had returned in a fury. She noticed that the Troy tent - not to mention the Troys - had disappeared. Mr. Evans had to notice that Liz was still with Max, which could only be a sign to her father that the old Max was coming back.
She wondered briefly if this was one of the reasons her dad had insisted that Max accompany them. Had he hoped that by having Max hang out with Liz, he could bring his real son back? If this was the case, her dad was a much more perceptive person than Isabel had realized. What else did he know? She wondered briefly, a tiny flickering flame of hope in her chest. Could he suspect the truth about she and Max?
Isabel knew that her mom already knew they were special. She also knew that nothing they could ever tell her would turn her against them. Her dad had always been another story though. He was such a square, so conservative - but now Isabel began to wonder.
She pushed the thought aside for later reflection. Alex had returned. "Kyle's going to tell his dad enough so that he'll help us, but he's a little wary about getting him too involved." He explained. Tess blinked in surprise. "Max didn't find them Tess." He elaborated. "We're going to have to mount a full-scale rescue mission tonight. We need to get rid of the dads." Tess nodded her understanding.
"Does Max know why Michael took Maria?" Tess asked.
"Yeah, he just doesn't know where they are." Isabel's eyes brightened. "Hey! I am such an idiot. Why don't I try dreamwalking Maria to find out where she is?" Alex looked wary.
"I don't know Isabel. Remember how upset you got when you did that to Max last year. You might not like what you find and it might not help anyway." Isabel reached out and squeezed his hand, trying to convince him.
"Besides," Tess inserted, "Doesn't she have to be asleep?" She looked up at the sky, which was dark, but not yet star-pocked. "It's kind of early."
Isabel shook her head. "I've been practicing guys. I mean I still can't do it all the time, but I can sometimes do it when the person is awake. I did it to Pierce that time."
Alex still looked doubtful. "I hate to watch you do that Izzy. It's dangerous."
Isabel shot him a cold look. "I'm doing it Alex. Now are you going to help me or do I do this alone?" She saw Alex's face harden. She didn't like to go all ice-queen on him, since he usually saw through it anyway, but she needed to do this. For Maria - and Michael.
Their Michael would never forgive himself if he hurt Maria. It was why he had stayed away from her in the first place. He might not be THEIR Michael right now - but if Isabel had anything to say about it, he would be again soon. And he was not going to have anything else to make him unhappy or guilty, not if Isabel could help it.
"Fine." Alex muttered. "Tess, can you make sure that my dad doesn't come into our tent when he gets back? We'll be in there."
Tess nodded, grinned slightly. "You know they're all going to think you've gone in there to make out?"
Isabel blushed, tried not to think about what her dad was going to think. "I guess it's best that way," she replied ruefully. "At least we'll seem like normal kids for once."
Isabel tried to be as inconspicuous as possible as she made her way to the Whitman's deluxe tent. She didn't think her dad noticed anything, but Mr. Parker did glance in their direction. He smiled wryly to himself, but didn't comment.
She crawled through the door and looked around in amazement. Alex was on her heels. "Good Lord Alex! It's the Taj Mahal of tents." It was huge, with a hook in the middle for a light. There were even weird little benches built into the side of the shelter.
Alex grinned. "My dad never does anything half-way. When he decides he's camping, he's camping." He indicated the sleeping bag in the far corner. "That's mine. Make yourself comfy." He pulled his wallet out of his back pocket, rummaged through it and finally pulled out a small snapshot, handed it to Isabel. "Here. This will make it easier."
She looked at it closely. It was Maria's school picture from last year. Isabel recognized it from when she had dreamwalked her friend before she trusted her. It had been the photo in the yearbook Isabel had used to access Maria's dream. She flipped it over. Maria had inscribed a short message: "To my best pal Alex, hope your Czechoslovakian dreams come true, but know that I always have your back! Hugs and kisses from your little lady Maria." Isabel smiled sadly.
Isabel sat on Alex's sleeping bag, patted the spot next to her. "Care to join me?" Alex narrowed his eyes when she smiled flirtatiously at him.
"Isabel, this is serious." He said evenly, but she could see his lips twitching.
"I know Alex." Isabel was suddenly serious again. "Please, it's easier for me when you hold me."
Alex nodded, reclined back against his pillow, pulling her into his arms. She breathed deeply, trying to forget that it had been awhile since she had kissed him. Not the time Izzy, she told herself sternly.
She stared intently at the picture of Maria, concentrated on the other girl, on how much she cared about what happened to her. She called to her quietly. "Let me in Maria!let me in..."
Her own mind flickered, cleared, flickered and then she felt like she was flying through space. She landed with a thud. Her physical self was aware of Alex's arms around her, anchoring her but she was no longer alone in her mind.
She was in.
It was pitch black. She realized that she was looking out through Maria's eyes. She knew the exact moment when Maria became aware of her presence. Isabel felt the relief course through Maria's body.
"Isabel? Is that you? I've been trying to call to you!"
"Yeah it's me. Are you okay?" Isabel asked, searching the black void of Maria's mind for the dream image of her friend. "Where are you?" And she just didn't mean physically. She meant mentally as well. Maria was nowhere to be found - but her voice was as clear as a bell.
"I'm not really sure." Maria replied, her voice strained. "I was a little out of it when he brought me here."
"Is Michael still there?" Isabel asked worriedly. "Are you asleep?"
"No, I'm awake. I'm blindfolded. I can't see a thing." Isabel nodded to herself. That explained why she couldn't see anything but black. Suddenly Maria's mind flickered and she was seated in front of Isabel. She was leaning back against a stone wall, her hands and feet bound, a bandana tied around her head to shield her eyes. Isabel felt ill.
Michael! What have you done! She wailed to herself. "Maria, you need to give me something... anything...so we can find you!"
Maria suddenly sat up straight. Her tone was adamant when she said, "NO WAY! It's not me he wants. He wants Max...and you and Tess. I'm not going to help him lure you guys into a trap."
"Maria! Tell me!" Isabel demanded, getting annoyed. "We're going to look for you anyway. This will just make it easier."
"No." Maria said stubbornly. "It's Michael. He won't hurt me, but he's so angry at you guys. I think he would hurt you."
"He has already hurt you Maria." She felt Maria flinch, had a quick image of Michael raising his hand and it beginning to glow. Isabel pushed the image away - it was too distracting. "It's not Michael!" Isabel continued, trying to convince Maria. "Max says that our Michael is gone. I still don't know what that thing is that has you, but it's not Michael."
Isabel could feel Maria's shock. "Where is MY Michael?" She finally asked in a small voice.
"That's what we're going to find out Maria, but first you need to tell me where you are." Isabel could feel Maria's torn emotions. She was terrified, but she did not want to put her friends in jeopardy. Until this moment, Isabel had never realized how truly courageous Maria Deluca really was.
"I'm not completely sure Izzy, but I can hear running water and I can smell something weird. I think it's cheese."
"What?" Isabel was totally perplexed. The cheese factory was back in Roswell, not in the middle of Fraser Woods. "Are you sure?" She could feel Maria concentrating.
"Yeah. I woke up pretty soon after Michael....well, let's just say I'm pretty sure we're still in the woods. We didn't walk very far."
"Okay. Hang in there Maria. We'll find you! I promise." As Isabel began to leave Maria's mind, she was pulled back suddenly when a shot of terror ran through her - she realized suddenly that Maria's blindfold must be gone. The sudden brightness was blinding. When her eyes finally adjusted, she saw Michael glaring down at her - at Maria.
"What the hell are you doing? Why are you muttering?" He was demanding.
"Nothing! Leave Izzy leave!" Maria was clearly scared witless. She was yelling it at the top of her lungs.
"Izzy? You mean Isabel! Is she in there?" Michael grabbed Maria, pulled her towards him. It was then that Maria saw the gun in his hand.
And then she was forcibly ejected from Maria's mind. Maria had gathered the strength to throw her clear, to put her out of danger.
Isabel sat up with a jolt. "Oh my God!" Alex grabbed her, started to rub her back comfortingly. She turned around, stared at him. "We have to find her Alex! Michael - he's crazy!" She stumbled to her feet, out of the tent. "Max! Max, where are you?"
Part 20
"We still haven't figured out what we're going to do about the dads." Liz was frustrated. She wanted to get moving. After hearing about Isabel's dream conversation with Maria, her concern for her best friend had increased ten-fold.
"I talked to my dad - tried to calm his suspicions a bit." Kyle put in. "He actually thinks that you should tell your dad the truth Max. He thinks that keeping your secret from him has driven you to behave the way you did."
Max frowned. "There's no time for that right now." He sounded annoyed. Liz knew that telling his parents the truth about he and Isabel was a sore subject with him. She knew that he wanted to tell them, but that he felt totally incapable of doing so. Not only did he not want them endangered by the knowledge, although he would never admit it, Liz knew that he was terrified by what their reaction would be. While Isabel trusted her parents implicitly, Max had always been more naturally cautious. He had once said that he only trusted five people in the world. Liz realized that number had diminished further now that Michael was gone.
"I have an idea." Tess spoke up. Everyone turned to look at her hopefully. They were all huddled around the campfire, desperate to go after Michael and Maria, but also still trying to come up with a plan to keep their dads out of the loop. "I could make them SEE you guys here." She looked around hopefully.
"But Tess can you hold an illusion of that magnitude from where we're going?" Kyle asked, concerned. "You might hurt yourself."
"It's the only way Kyle." The curly-haired blonde replied.
Liz noticed that Max's eyes narrowed in thought. "Hmmmm...it could work. But we can't take any chances Tess. You'll need to stay here and keep a close eye on your illusion." Tess looked like she wanted to argue with him, but Kyle interjected.
"I'll stay with you Tess."
She gave in. "Fine."
"Kyle what did you tell your dad?" Max asked, looking pleased that one dilemma was resolved.
Kyle shrugged, "Just that he and Maria were hanging out and that you had snapped out of your ridiculous behavior because of Liz." He grinned teasingly at Liz, who felt herself blushing.
"Good. He really can't come with us." Max decided. "If we can bring the REAL Michael back, well, I don't want the Sheriff to know how he's been acting. He's already been in enough trouble with the law."
"You can trust my dad." Kyle said, sounding offended.
Max looked at him. "I know we can - but he's a man who has to go with his conscience. I don't blame him, but when he hears that Michael has been holding Maria at gun-point, I mean wouldn't he feel an obligation to bring him in?"
Kyle nodded reluctantly. "I guess you're right."
"Okay, let's get moving before our dads stop playing poker. Tess can you give us about twenty minutes and then make it look like we're all coming back to camp?" Max asked. She nodded.
"But Max we still haven't figured out where they are." Liz said suddenly.
"I think I know." Max replied as he reached out and took Liz's hand. He stared at Alex and Isabel. "Before we leave, one more thing. I'm going to tell you guys what's going on with Michael on the way to find Maria, but you have to promise me that you're going to do everything I tell you to. We're going to try and get Michael back, but if we can't we're going to have to leave him."
Isabel looked like she wanted to disagree, but Alex reached out and put his arm around her warningly.
"I mean it Iz," Max continued. "I know what's going on with Michael, you don't. If I don't get your word on this, I'm going alone."
Isabel finally nodded. Max looked satisfied. He seemed to already know that Liz and Alex were in agreement.
"So, let's go." Max led the way over to the dads, who were laughing about something.
Liz felt his nervousness approaching his father. He still had not talked to him since his decision to stop acting like an idiot.
Liz squeezed his hand, spoke for them all. "Dad, we're just going to do some stargazing okay?" She saw Mr. Evans give Max a questioning look. Max looked away. Mr. Evans' face fell. Liz knew that Max did not know what to say to his dad, but he was not dealing with the situation very well. Liz smiled reassuringly at Max's dad. Mr.Evans brightened a bit.
"Okay Lizzie." Mr. Parker replied, staring at his cards intently. "Don't go too far. We wouldn't want you getting lost in the woods like last time, " he teased. Jeff Parker suddenly looked up. "Where are Michael and Maria anyway?" He asked suddenly. "Amy Deluca will kill me if I lose her daughter again this year."
"Oh, they're still down at the lake," Liz replied nervously. Sheriff Valenti was giving her a penetrating look.
"I think I might join you kids." He said abruptly, getting to his feet. Liz glanced over at Kyle.
He played his part to perfection. "Hey Dad! Can you come over here for a minute?" He called from the fire, where he and Tess were sticking marshmallows on the ends of sticks. "Tess doesn't believe that you can put ten marshmallows in your mouth at one time."
Sheriff Valenti glanced at his son. Just as Kyle had known it would, the Sheriff's dad-guilt kicked in and he went to join the other two, giving Max another assessing look as he walked away. Liz glanced at her boyfriend, tried hard not giggle at how hard he was trying to look innocent.
Alex and Isabel led the way into the woods. They stopped after they had gone far enough that the glow of the fire had disappeared. Their flashlights created dancing shadows on the trees as they turned around to wait for Liz and Max. "Where to?" Alex asked Max.
Max frowned, scanned the area. "That cheese smell Maria told you about Izzy - do you remember the time dad took us to the Santa Anna Hot Springs?" Isabel nodded, looked confused. "We took the old highway - which ends at Fraser Woods. I think the hot springs must be on the far side of the forest."
Isabel wrinkled her nose. "That's right. I'd forgotten about the stench of that place."
It all suddenly became clear to Liz. "Sulfur springs?" She asked Max.
He nodded. "Yeah. I think if we head straight west, we'll come out on the highway. It's not very far. The springs should just be another two or three miles north of there."
The two couples began to carefully pick their way through the woods. Liz could feel the hair on the back of her neck beginning to stand on end. She was glad that Max had such a tight grip on her hand. If any of them got separated - they only had two flashlights. They might not find the person again.
"Does anyone else feel like they're suddenly in the Blair Witch Project?" Alex asked, breaking the tense silence. Liz could feel herself wanting to giggle hysterically.
"It's weird that they're no stars out." Isabel commented. "Good thing none of our dads decided to look up." She glanced back at her brother, who looked pensive. Liz was worried about Max - THEIR Max was back, but he seemed a little distant sometimes still - like he did not want to get too close to them again. "So Max, when do we find out what's going on?" Isabel continued impatiently.
"It's a long story." Max said quietly, for what felt like the two millionth time to Liz.
"Well, it isn't going to get shorter, the longer you wait. The sooner you start, the sooner you're done." Alex grinned encouragingly.
"Okay, well you know how I've told you guys that it's Michael, but it's not OUR Michael?" They all nodded. "Wait - I think I better start at the beginning..."
Alex, Isabel and Liz all listened closely as Max began to tell his story.
To be continued...
I was alone in the silence
Till I was hearing your voice
I couldn't see my way clear
Until you parted the clouds and you gave me a choice.
I couldn't pick up the pieces
Until I was falling apart
I didn't know I was bleeding
Till your love fixed this hole, baby, here in my heart.
I'd give up my sight just to see you
I'd beg, I would borrow and steal
I'd cut off my hands just to touch you
I would tear out my heart so you'd know how I feel.
There's nowhere I wouldn't follow
There's no place I'd rather be
'Cause life without you would be hollow
This love is a gift and you gave it to me.
All that I am you have made me
And baby I know that it's true
I'd give it all up in a heartbeat
Just to spend every moment with you...
I wouldn't want to be me...
If I didn't have you.
Amanda Marshall
Liz felt her heart beating a mile a minute as Max started to make the connection with her. Only a couple more seconds she thought.
She felt terrible. His voice had cracked when he had asked her to open her eyes. She knew what he must be suffering, thinking she was dying - but she had had no choice.
Liz waited until she felt images from Max's mind start to flood her own. He was concentrating so hard on what was going on in her head, he was not paying the least bit of attention to what he was sending HER.
She knew the exact moment that he realized that there was nothing wrong with her. She felt exactly what he felt at that moment - shock, relief, then panic....and rage.
The connection was made.
Liz felt him start to leave her. NO! She was just starting to get the flashes. She had to hold on to the connection.
She opened her eyes, stared right into his. They were starting to freeze over as she watched. Liz grabbed Max's head and pulled him down on top of her.
Her lips met his in a kiss so fierce, she could not breathe.
Liz could feel Max fighting himself. They were still connecting. He was trying desperately not to give in, but he wanted to.
She knew he did, because in that moment, she WAS him.
And then it happened.
The flashes started coming as Max gave in and started to kiss her back.
Flash*
Liz walking down the cliff at the pod chambers. She could feel Max's heart breaking as though it was her own....and then the despair and the anger hit her like a tidal wave.
Flash*
Max lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering if he would ever feel like moving again. One thought: Liz is gone, Liz is gone, Liz is gone...
Flash*
Isabel bursting into his room with Maria and Alex. "Michael is missing!" Fear and yet, finally, the will to do something again.
Flash*
Michael standing with River Dog, their hands outstretched to Max. "Join us. Learn all you can."
Flash*
Michael and Max in the desert, facing off, fear in Max's heart.
Flash* Flash* Flash*
Max as a child, emerging from his pod, taking Isabel's hand...leaving Tess behind...losing Michael soon after...seeing the Evans' headlights...fear and hope...
Flash* Flash* Flash*
Max seeing Liz for the first time...thinking she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen...
Panic...Max healing Liz after she was shot..."You spilled ketchup when you fell...don't tell anyone...please..."
Michael and River Dog glaring at Max, their arms crossed. Then they turned their backs and started to walk away.
Flash*
Teen-age Michael in a pod, floating, his eyes closed then snapping open to stare at Max, hatred gleaming in their depths. "You betrayed me. You let this happen to me."
The connection between Liz and Max was severed suddenly, abruptly.
Liz realized that they had rolled off the cot. She was now on top of Max on the floor. She opened her eyes, stared into his. He had his hands on her face and they were suddenly in her hair.
"You're all right, " he said dumbfounded. "How?" He was running his hands over her face, down her body, checking for injuries and causing a shiver of desire to run down Liz's spine.
"Tess." Liz only had to say the name for him to understand. His eyes darkened.
"She made me see that? But I FELT the blood Liz. I know you were bleeding."
Liz smiled ruefully. "What can I say? She's been practicing. I didn't believe her either when she told me how realistic she could make it."
Max was staring at her. She had absolutely no idea what he was thinking.
"Max?"
"Liz." He replied tonelessly.
"Are you mad?" She asked in a small voice. She knew that he was again her Max - and that if she was in his position she would be very, VERY angry.
"Yes, actually I am a little mad."
"Oh. You do understand why I did it?" Max raised an eyebrow at her. She was pleased to note that his hands seemed unable to stop stroking her hair.
"My head understands, but my heart still needs a little time to process the fact that you are not about to die." He told her, still with little indication of whether he was really angry or not.
"Oh." Liz smiled at him. "I am sorry Max, but you really gave me no choice."
Max rolled his eyes. She could see that he was trying hard to keep his face straight but that his lips were beginning to twitch. "How pray tell were you planning to keep me here if I decided to leave?" He asked suddenly.
Liz felt her face redden. "Well Kyle is standing guard with Tess," she replied, avoiding his eyes. "You know, 160 pounds of Greco-Roman wrestler?" Max gently took her chin, forced her to meet his eyes.
"And if I used my powers on Kyle? You didn't know for sure that I was faking."
Liz replied confidently to that. "Oh I knew. I know you Max." His eyes narrowed slightly. She was becoming very aware of the fact that she was still stretched out on top of him and that she had not been as close to him since the night they had spent together in that abandoned van - the first and last time he had told her he loved her. She swallowed. He smelled exactly the same - like MAX. It was very distracting.
"Liz, do I have to take matters into my own hands to get a straight answer?" Max asked teasingly. "I have my ways you know." Liz smiled at him, lowering her lashes.
"Well, I was prepared to do anything Max. And I mean anything. I love you." She could see his eyes beginning to darken, but this time not with anger.
His lips met hers in a kiss so sweet, it brought tears to her eyes.
She started to sob. "Liz, what's wrong?" Max whispered against her lips, cupping her head with his hand, bringing her cheek to rest against his chest.
"I just missed you so much Max." She listened to his heartbeat, could feel her own beginning to beat in time.
"I don't understand Liz." Max said quietly. "Everyone else gave up on me. Why didn't you?"
Liz turned her head, stroked his hair. "It was you," she replied.
And there were no more words for a very long time.
Part 17
The silence was driving Maria insane.
She and Michael were deep in the forest. They had given up even bothering to pretend that they were looking for anything on their scavenger hunt list and were now just wandering aimlessly.
She didn't understand why he had suggested that they be partners. For one heart-stopping minute she had hoped that he was snapping out of whatever it was that had been plaguing him for the last six months, but it was soon clear that this was not the case. He refused to speak and was stalking ahead of her, not at all concerned about whether she was keeping up or not.
When Maria had tentatively tried to start a conversation, Michael had just stared at her, causing her to trail off uncomfortably. At one point she had decided that she was just going to leave him, but then she realized that there was no way that she was going to be able to find her way back to the camp on her own. Their route had been so circuitous, she was sure that she would get hopelessly lost.
And she needed to give Liz more time.
Maria was sure that the plan was not going to work, but if it was going to have any chance at success, she needed to keep Michael away from Max for as long as possible. She thought though that it would likely all be in vain. Too much of the plan depended on Tess, trusting her to make Max see something that wasn't there.
Maria did not have any trust in Tess. Sure she was being nicer to Liz now, but Maria just knew that there would be a knife in Liz's back the minute it was turned.
They had argued for a long time after Liz had told them what she was planning to do. Isabel had wanted to play a bigger role, had been upset when Liz told her that Max was too in tune to her. She wouldn't be able to fool him like Tess could.
Tess had grinned wryly. "I guess I deserve that." She had turned to Isabel. "There's no question I'm the best actress Isabel, plus Max will really think there's something wrong if it's ME that comes to tell him about Liz. He still thinks I hate her. But Liz," she had looked at Liz with concern, fake if Maria had anything to say about it. "Max is going to be really mad. Are you sure you want to do this?" Liz had sighed, nodded.
"We have no choice Tess." The group had been quiet, realizing that it was true. They were desperate.
As Liz had said, Michael was the key here, Maria thought now, as she glared at his retreating back. Whatever was wrong with him was what had led directly to Max turning into the anti-Max. If Liz could get through to Max - well, maybe they could then figure out what was wrong with Michael.
"Michael!" Maria called now, struggling to catch up to him.
He was standing on a slight rise, staring off into the woods, a peculiar expression on his face. It looked like he was listening to something.
Maria stumbled up beside him. "What's wrong?"
Michael turned to look at her assessingly. The expression on his face was not comforting. "Come." Maria blinked at him.
"Come where?" She asked, shaking her head in confusion.
"Come with me Maria." He offered his hand, quirked an eyebrow, daring her to take it. She looked at his hand suspiciously and then back at his face.
"What's going on Spaceboy?" She demanded, beginning to get scared. He was just so weird. Yes, he had been prickly and difficult to get along with in the past, but that had just been Michael. The emptiness in his eyes now - it was terrifying.
"Come with me Maria." Michael repeated. "Don't you love me?" It was said in a monotone that was more disturbing then if he had sounded hurt - which he didn't, at all.
"What?" She yelled. "Why would I love you? You've been acting like a pod-person for the last six months. Where is this coming from?" Michael dropped his hand, tilted his head and examined her with what looked like mild curiosity. "I WAS born from a pod," he replied finally. "You loved me before. What is the difference now?"
Maria waved her hands in the air, scowled at him in frustration. "Michael, you have NO personality anymore. What is there to love?"
"Personality? I don't understand." He looked genuinely confused.
"Emotions! You know - the things that make you Michael." Maria said, a little more loudly than she intended, but it was like talking to a brick wall - or should I say stone wall, she thought wryly. Of course, even when Michael had been trying to be a "stone wall" he had been completely incapable of it. His character had been such that feeling no emotion was, ironically, completely alien to him.
"I am Michael." He replied tonelessly.
Maria grimaced. "You're not the Michael I knew." She muttered. Michael just continued to stare blankly at her.
"You won't come with me willingly then?" He asked finally. Maria threw her hands in the air.
"What gave you that idea?" She muttered. She glared at him. "I don't understand any of this!"
Michael shrugged. "It is not for you to understand." His tone...
Maria backed up, stumbled as she came to edge of the incline. Michael's expression wasn't exactly threatening, but Maria just knew instictively that she was in danger.
Run! Run Maria! Her mind was screaming but her legs refused to budge. She was watching Michael raise his hand in fascination, not quite believing that this was really happening.
Michael's hand began to glow and then the world went black.
***********************
Max had not thought that it was possible to feel this happy again.
They had managed to get off the floor and back onto the cot at some point, but Max wasn't really sure when. He had been unable to stop kissing Liz once he had started. His hands had a mind of their own too. She was so sweetly responsive and loving. He finally forced himself to break away from her though. It was entirely possible that they were reaching the point of no return here and as much as he wanted to be with her, it wasn't fair to her to have it be now. There was still so much explaining to do and so much to fix.
"Liz." He finally managed to say between kisses.
"What?" She asked. Her lips were on his neck, practically driving him insane.
"We...need...need to talk." He croaked, thrusting his hands into her silky hair, dragging her mouth back to his.
"Mmmmmm." Liz replied. She finally propped her elbow on his chest, her chin on her hand, smiled at him teasingly. "You're right Mr. Evans, we do." She grimaced briefly.
"I have a few things to say to you about Pam Troy."
"Liz, it didn't mean anything." Max told her. "I had no choice. I had to try and keep you away from me." He grinned lovingly at her. "Not that that worked very well." He kissed her lightly again. "You can be very stubborn you know."
"Only when it comes to you." She said seriously. Liz dropped her eyes momentarily, started to trace circles on his chest. "What's going on Max?" She asked, raising her eyes to his. "I mean, why?"
Max sat up, pulling Liz up beside him. He tried to put some distance between them, as it was entirely impossible for him to think clearly with her so near. She kept a firm grip on his hand though.
"It's such a long story Liz." He glanced at her. "I just need you to know that I will keep you safe, that everything I did was to protect you and the others."
"Max, I saw some things when we were connected a while ago." She told him. Liz watched him carefully. "I know that there is something seriously wrong with Michael. I mean, I heard him threaten you last night and I saw him floating in what looked like a pod." She moved closer to him. "You have to tell me what happened to you guys on the Reservation."
Max sighed. "I want to tell you Liz but I can't. It's just too complicated to go into a thousand times." He heard Liz sigh too, in exasperation. He turned, brought his hands up to cup her face. She looked at him questioningly. "I'll tell you with all the others. I promise." He kissed her again. She threw her arms around his neck trustingly, kissed him back hard. He was flooded by the love she felt for him, realized that they were connecting.
When Liz started to trace his lips with her tongue, Max forced himself to break the kiss. "Liz, please! You're killing me here." She pouted at him. He couldn't help himself, he brought his lips back to hers. "You have to listen to me," he moaned, realizing that he in no way had the strength to break away again. Liz tumbled back on the bed, bringing him with her.
Things were almost completely out of control again, when a sharp knock on the door brought them both to their senses. Liz's face was flushed, Max knew that his was the same. He really needed to go jump in the lake. "Yeah?" He managed to call out.
The door creaked open. Kyle's head was suddenly thrust through the crack. "I still don't understand why I'm the one who has to..." he was muttering to someone behind him. And then suddenly the door crashed open and Kyle stumbled into the room, followed by Tess, who had clearly pushed him. Alex and Isabel entered cautiously behind them.
Kyle was blinking at the sight of Max and Liz entangled on the bed. "Well, I think they made up." He said to Alex, who was trying hard to hide his grin of amusement. Isabel was staring at Max, her eyes wary, clearing trying not to hope too much.
Max's heart went out to his sister. He heard Liz whisper to him, "Go to her. She needs you Max." Max swallowed, stood up, tried to smile at Izzy. He didn't know how she could possibly forgive him for the last few months.
And then she flew to him, practically knocked him over. Isabel threw her arms around him. "Oh my God, Max! It's really you!" She pulled back, slapped him upside the head. "What the heck was wrong with you?" She demanded in a voice that only a sister could use. He felt like he was six again.
"I'm sorry Iz." He said finally. It was really all he could say. Any more words would have been ridiculous. The way he had shut her out - he knew it would take her a long time to get over it. He hoped that she would forgive him one day. He knew that she would understand when he explained about Michael, but forgiveness was something else entirely.
Max knew that Liz could forgive him easily. She had missed most of the last half-year, had not had him treating her like dirt at every turn. Yes, the last two days had been hard, but it hadn't taken her long to snap him out of it. He just could not resist her.
Isabel and the others - what they had gone through would take longer to get over.
"When did you guys get here?" Liz asked Alex and Isabel.
"Only a few minutes ago." Alex replied. "Pam tripped on her stilettos on the hike." He explained sarcastically. Kyle snickered. Max saw Liz tense, shoot a look at him. That was another thing he was going to have to take care of immediately, he realized.
"How'd you manage to leave her behind?" Tess asked curiously.
Isabel shrugged. "We just left. She was ranting about Max having disappeared. Dad was trying to calm her down, but she was being ridiculous, so we left." She turned back to her brother, dismissing the whole subject. "Max, what's going on? What was wrong with you?"
Max turned to Liz. She came immediately into his arms. He swallowed. "It's such a long story you guys. Where's Michael?" He asked, trying to change the subject.
Kyle shrugged. "Did they come back to the camp you guys?" He asked Isabel and Alex. When they both shook their heads, Max frowned.
"I'm not crazy about the idea of Maria being alone with him," he told them all. Liz and Alex exchanged worried looks. "I think that we should find them first."
Max was not being exactly straight with his friends, he knew, but he still wasn't sure what he wanted to tell them. Michael was his problem. He was the one who was going to have to deal with it - the less they knew, the safer they would be.
"But first," Max continued. He glanced at Liz worriedly. "Guys, I'm going to have to keep pretending to hate you all." He saw Isabel flinch.
"Why Max?" Tess asked, clearly upset as well. He was surprised to see Kyle take her hand...and even more surprised to see that Tess let him.
"Michael can't know that I've told you guys anything." Max looked at them all one by one. "I promise that we are going to end this today, but he cannot know until it is ended." He set his jaw. "Do you understand?" He squeezed Liz's shoulder, hoping that they would cooperate.
There was silence for several moments as the rest of the group exchanged looks. Finally Alex spoke up. "You're the leader Max." Max grimaced. He hated that word. The others were nodding, although neither Liz or Isabel looked at all happy about it.
"Okay then. I'm going to find Michael and Maria. I'll see you all back at the camp."
"I'm coming with you!" Liz said immediately. Max smiled at her lovingly.
"No Liz, it's not safe." She frowned at him. He could see that she was getting her back up to argue with him. "Michael can't know remember?"
She sighed, nodded. "Just be careful."
"I will." He kissed her quickly, although it took all his strength to move away from her.
The others left, Liz trailing behind reluctantly. She glanced back once, gave him a sad smile. And then she was gone.
The room suddenly felt very empty.
Max straightened his back, left the cabin. This WILL end today, he thought. Even if I die in the process.
Part 18
When Liz returned to the campsite with the others, she found that she could not sit still.
Her dad and the Sheriff had appeared a few moments after they returned, perplexed expressions on their faces. Kyle, Tess and Liz all glanced at each other guiltily. They realized that they had totally deserted the dads at the lake, waiting for them to come back with their scavenger hunt items.
"What happened honey?" Mr. Parker asked Liz. "We waited for you guys for an hour. Jim and I were starting to get worried."
The Sheriff was staring at Kyle suspiciously. Valenti knew that something was going on and Liz could tell that he was beginning to get hurt that none of them had confided in him yet. She knew that Kyle was in for a serious grilling the minute the Sheriff got his son alone.
"I'm sorry Dad. We found a waterfall and sort of got distracted." Tess shot her a look.
"I didn't know there was a waterfall in Fraser Woods?" He looked at the Sheriff for confirmation.
Sheriff Valenti narrowed his eyes, finally nodded. "Yeah, there is - a small one." Liz sent him a relieved smile.
"So who's cooking dinner?" Mr. Parker asked cheerfully. One of the things Liz loved most about her dad was that he was totally incapable of holding a grudge. Liz had explained things and he was satisfied. It made her guilt ten times worse. She wondered if she was ever going to attend a Father's Camping weekend where she actually spent time with her dad.
Tess and Kyle had agreed to help Mr. Parker with the food. Liz went and sat on a log near the woods, hoping that Max would soon appear with Maria and Michael in tow. She felt antsy and worried. Max had tried to hide it, but he been really concerned by the fact that Michael and Maria were alone together. She just knew he was.
What is wrong with Michael? Liz wondered for what felt the thousandth time. She jumped up and began pacing. She saw Isabel and Alex standing together near the tress, Izzy clearly as worried as Liz, Alex talking to her quietly, holding her hand.
At that moment, Pam Troy appeared from the tent she was sharing with her dad. She marched right up to Liz and glared at her. "Where's Max?"
Liz blinked, remembered that she and Max were still supposed to be on bad terms. "How should I know?" Liz snapped, trying hard to hide how much she disliked this girl.
"You're wasting your time if you think that you're going to get him back Parker." Pam smirked at her. "Everyone knows that he dumped you like last year's trash after he realized what a boring little nerd you really are."
Liz tried to control her temper. She turned away. "Whatever you say Pam." Liz started to walk towards Alex and Isabel when she suddenly realized that Pam had grabbed her ponytail. Liz's head jerked back.
"Don't you walk away from me you little whore!" Pam snarled. Liz could see Alex and Isabel's horrified expressions as they caught sight of what was happening. Mr. Evans, standing about ten feet away, seemed frozen.
Pam yanked again. Liz felt herself falling. Before she knew it she was staring straight up at the darkening sky.
"What the hell is going on here?" Liz was still in shock. She could not believe that Pam Troy had actually just physically attacked her. It took her a minute to realize that the voice she heard belonged to Max.
Liz climbed to her knees, massaging her scalp. She eyed Max worriedly. The expression on his face - it was terrifying.
She was relieved to see that he was not looking at her though. "Liz are you okay?" His tone was even.
"Yeah Max."
Max walked up to Pam, stared at her. "Can you explain what I just witnessed?"
Liz could see that Pam was totally confused. "I don't understand."
"Did I or did I not just see you lay hands on Liz?" Max asked, his tone cold.
"She was bugging me Max - telling me that you didn't really love me." Pam whined, trailing off when she saw that Max's expression had not changed.
Liz glanced at Mr. Evans. Max's dad's face was blank. He was watching the little scene unfolding dumbfounded. He clearly had no idea what to expect from his son.
Max grabbed Pam by the hand, hauling her off into the bush. Isabel and Alex rushed to Liz's side. "Are you okay Liz?" Isabel asked.
"SHHH!" Liz held up her hand. She quickly followed Max and Pam into the woods. "I want to hear this."
Isabel and Alex exchanged looks, Alex suddenly grinning. "Lead on." Isabel smiled back, followed Liz.
The three friends did not have to go far. Max had obviously not wanted to do whatever it was he was going to do in public but Liz had to hear it for herself. She knew Max wouldn't mind.
"Max, what's going on?" Pam was beginning to sound worried. "Are you mad at me about something?"
Max glared at her. "No Pam, I am not mad at you. I'm furious. Can you please explain to me what you thought you were doing?"
"I was defending my good name against that trollop." Pam replied. "I heard her telling your sister and Alex that it's only a matter of time before she steals you back from me." Liz was amazed at the ease with which Pam lied.
Max sighed. Liz thought he sounded annoyed that he had to deal with this at all. She couldn't help but be a little pleased. He deserved to suffer a little for the behavior the rest of them had had to put up with. "I hate to have to tell you this Pam. Liz can't steal someone who already belongs to her."
"What??" Pam screeched.
"I love Liz. I never stopped." Max explained. "And if I ever see you speak to her again, let alone touch her, I will have my sister ruin you - and you know she can do it."
Liz looked at Isabel in wonder. "I didn't know Max had it in him." Isabel whispered to Liz, grinning.
"Would you do it Isabel?" Liz asked.
Isabel grinned. "Of course I would." She glanced at Alex, who raised an eyebrow at her warningly. "Liz, you have no idea some of the stuff she's been saying about you."
Liz felt ill. She could just imagine. She had been Pam Troy's victim for too long. "Don't tell me. I don't want to know." Liz said finally.
She turned back to Pam and Max. She almost felt sorry for Pam, who looked devastated.
She could see Max beginning to soften. She knew that it went totally against his nature to be mean to anyone. His expression hardened again when Pam flew at him, tried to claw at his face. "You bastard!"
Max grabbed her quite easily. "Please don't ever speak to me again." He said wearily, setting her away from him.
"You'll pay for this Max Evans." Pam hissed at him.
"Being with you was payment enough," Max replied. "I mean it Pam. Stay away from Liz. You have never seen me truly angry...and you never want to." He narrowed his eyes at her.
Pam screamed in frustration, ran off towards the campsite.
Liz, Alex and Isabel stepped out from the bushes, joined Max, who looked drained and still mad. Liz went directly into his arms, hugged him comfortingly.
"Thank you Max." She said simply.
"I just can't pretend anymore Liz. It's too hard." He looked over her head at Isabel and Alex. "I couldn't find Michael or Maria anywhere." Liz tensed, felt Max begin to stroke her hair, trying to reassure her.
Isabel eyed her brother. "So the pretending is over then?" She asked. "You can talk to Dad?" Max nodded. Alex put his arms around Izzy when tears filled her eyes in relief.
"We don't have time for that right now though." Max sounded regretful. "Michael knows that I told you guys something. I don't know how he knows, but I'm sure he does. I think he's taken Maria to get me to join him." Max explained tiredly.
"Join you where Max?" Liz asked confused.
"In hell." Max replied, shaking his head.
Part 19
"Okay - enough with the cryptic statements and the secrets." Alex was beginning to sound mad. "I mean it Max. It's time to tell us what's going on, especially if Maria is in danger." Isabel took her boyfriend's hand, squeezed. Alex rarely, if ever, got angry. She knew that he must be really worried about Maria to speak that way.
"It's true Max." Isabel told her brother. Max looked torn, clearly did not want to bring them all into the middle of the situation that existed between he and Michael. Max was stroking Liz's hair still, trying to control his own fear and natural caution. Isabel knew her brother. "We all need to be in this together." Isabel continued. "It's not fair to leave us out. You almost destroyed any trust that existed between the six of us with all that anti-Max behavior. You had no right to do that Max! Having you five was the only thing that made me feel at all safe. I know we'll never be totally secure, but you cannot leave us out. You might be some great leader in the grand scheme of the universe, but in Roswell you are Max Evans, my brother, Liz's boyfriend, Michael, Alex and Maria's friend and as Max Evans you have to tell us."
Isabel knew that she was ranting, but she could not help it. Even though she was relieved that her brother had given up his act, he was still leaving them out. Liz smiled sadly at Isabel from where she stood, still with her head on Max's chest, his arms wrapped around her. Max looked resigned.
"You're right Izzy. I'm sorry. But it's too long and convoluted to get into now. We need to find Michael and Maria. I'll tell you on the way." He smiled at his sister. "And you're not alone anymore Izzy. You'll never be alone again - I promise." He glanced at Alex. "We need to come up with something to tell the dads. There's no way they're going to let us go traipsing off in the bush by ourselves."
Alex looked pleased that Max had turned to him for advice. Isabel realized that Max had recognized that in a lot of ways Alex had pulled both Maria and Isabel, and even Kyle and Tess through the past few difficult months. Alex's true worth and loyalty to all of them was still only just becoming evident. He was so much more than just their easy access computer hacker. In a lot of ways he was the group's strength: Liz and Maria's confidant and brother, Michael's buddy, Max's advisor and her, Isabel's, love.
"Yeah - I guess Kyle can talk to the Sheriff, tell him what's going on. Maybe he'll have an idea?" Alex suggested.
"Sounds like a plan," Max replied. "We'll have dinner and then I'll tell you all what has been going on while we walk."
Liz spoke up with concern. "Can we wait that long Max? If Maria's in danger, shouldn't we do something about it right away?" Alex nodded in agreement.
"I'm almost positive that she'll be fine Liz. Michael just took her to get my attention. He won't hurt her until he knows for sure that I'm not going to take the bait." Max sounded like he knew what he was talking about. "And he knows I'll take it." Isabel felt terrified again.
"Can we help Michael?" She asked.
Max shook his head. "You guys just don't understand. He's not OUR Michael anymore. He's theirs."
"Whose?" Isabel demanded, her confusion reflected in her voice.
"It's complicated." He sounded frustrated. "I will tell you, but it has to be in order. Let's just wait a bit longer." Max was pleading with them to trust him. Isabel knew that he was worried that they wouldn't, because of the way he had been behaving, but this was MAX - their Max.
Liz spoke for them all. "Of course we trust you Max." Max squeezed her tightly. Alex pulled Isabel away, decided they better give Max and Liz a little time to themselves. Max was clearly still wary about telling them anything. He had done so much to keep them safe for so long, even alienating himself from those he loved. It would be hard to suddenly open up and put them all in danger again.
Isabel and Alex found Kyle and Tess laughing when they joined them at the campfire. Tess was stirring a big pot of spaghetti sauce, while Kyle was telling her the story about the night he had gotten Max drunk. "Of course, he kept doing all these crazy things, but I just thought it was because I was drunk." Kyle was saying. "I mean, I was sure I was hallucinating."
"And you broke into Liz's room?" Tess giggled. "Can you imagine what that Doug guy must have thought?"
"That we were crazy obviously." Kyle laughed too. "But we were, so he wasn't far off. We actually had a plan to split Liz up. We'd each get to date her every second week."
Tess collapsed against him, unable to stand up she was laughing so hard.
Isabel and Alex exchanged looks.
"Interesting." Alex murmured to Isabel.
"Hey guys! Is dinner almost ready?" Isabel asked with phony cheer. Tess's head snapped up - she looked momentarily guilty as she quickly moved away from Kyle. For a minute, the small blonde's emotions flitted across her face. Isabel had caught her flirting with another guy. She was betraying the destiny that she was the only one who still clung to like a life-line.
Isabel smiled at Tess reassuringly. Now was not the time for all that.
"Kyle I need your help." Alex told the other boy. Kyle frowned, nodded and followed Alex over to a nearby tent. Isabel watched as he began nodding, then walked away towards the Sheriff who was playing poker with Mr. Parker and Mr. Evans.
Izzy noticed that her dad kept glancing at the woods in the direction that Max had disappeared with Pam almost an hour ago. His expression was hopeful. Isabel could not blame him. She was sure that Pam had returned in a fury. She noticed that the Troy tent - not to mention the Troys - had disappeared. Mr. Evans had to notice that Liz was still with Max, which could only be a sign to her father that the old Max was coming back.
She wondered briefly if this was one of the reasons her dad had insisted that Max accompany them. Had he hoped that by having Max hang out with Liz, he could bring his real son back? If this was the case, her dad was a much more perceptive person than Isabel had realized. What else did he know? She wondered briefly, a tiny flickering flame of hope in her chest. Could he suspect the truth about she and Max?
Isabel knew that her mom already knew they were special. She also knew that nothing they could ever tell her would turn her against them. Her dad had always been another story though. He was such a square, so conservative - but now Isabel began to wonder.
She pushed the thought aside for later reflection. Alex had returned. "Kyle's going to tell his dad enough so that he'll help us, but he's a little wary about getting him too involved." He explained. Tess blinked in surprise. "Max didn't find them Tess." He elaborated. "We're going to have to mount a full-scale rescue mission tonight. We need to get rid of the dads." Tess nodded her understanding.
"Does Max know why Michael took Maria?" Tess asked.
"Yeah, he just doesn't know where they are." Isabel's eyes brightened. "Hey! I am such an idiot. Why don't I try dreamwalking Maria to find out where she is?" Alex looked wary.
"I don't know Isabel. Remember how upset you got when you did that to Max last year. You might not like what you find and it might not help anyway." Isabel reached out and squeezed his hand, trying to convince him.
"Besides," Tess inserted, "Doesn't she have to be asleep?" She looked up at the sky, which was dark, but not yet star-pocked. "It's kind of early."
Isabel shook her head. "I've been practicing guys. I mean I still can't do it all the time, but I can sometimes do it when the person is awake. I did it to Pierce that time."
Alex still looked doubtful. "I hate to watch you do that Izzy. It's dangerous."
Isabel shot him a cold look. "I'm doing it Alex. Now are you going to help me or do I do this alone?" She saw Alex's face harden. She didn't like to go all ice-queen on him, since he usually saw through it anyway, but she needed to do this. For Maria - and Michael.
Their Michael would never forgive himself if he hurt Maria. It was why he had stayed away from her in the first place. He might not be THEIR Michael right now - but if Isabel had anything to say about it, he would be again soon. And he was not going to have anything else to make him unhappy or guilty, not if Isabel could help it.
"Fine." Alex muttered. "Tess, can you make sure that my dad doesn't come into our tent when he gets back? We'll be in there."
Tess nodded, grinned slightly. "You know they're all going to think you've gone in there to make out?"
Isabel blushed, tried not to think about what her dad was going to think. "I guess it's best that way," she replied ruefully. "At least we'll seem like normal kids for once."
Isabel tried to be as inconspicuous as possible as she made her way to the Whitman's deluxe tent. She didn't think her dad noticed anything, but Mr. Parker did glance in their direction. He smiled wryly to himself, but didn't comment.
She crawled through the door and looked around in amazement. Alex was on her heels. "Good Lord Alex! It's the Taj Mahal of tents." It was huge, with a hook in the middle for a light. There were even weird little benches built into the side of the shelter.
Alex grinned. "My dad never does anything half-way. When he decides he's camping, he's camping." He indicated the sleeping bag in the far corner. "That's mine. Make yourself comfy." He pulled his wallet out of his back pocket, rummaged through it and finally pulled out a small snapshot, handed it to Isabel. "Here. This will make it easier."
She looked at it closely. It was Maria's school picture from last year. Isabel recognized it from when she had dreamwalked her friend before she trusted her. It had been the photo in the yearbook Isabel had used to access Maria's dream. She flipped it over. Maria had inscribed a short message: "To my best pal Alex, hope your Czechoslovakian dreams come true, but know that I always have your back! Hugs and kisses from your little lady Maria." Isabel smiled sadly.
Isabel sat on Alex's sleeping bag, patted the spot next to her. "Care to join me?" Alex narrowed his eyes when she smiled flirtatiously at him.
"Isabel, this is serious." He said evenly, but she could see his lips twitching.
"I know Alex." Isabel was suddenly serious again. "Please, it's easier for me when you hold me."
Alex nodded, reclined back against his pillow, pulling her into his arms. She breathed deeply, trying to forget that it had been awhile since she had kissed him. Not the time Izzy, she told herself sternly.
She stared intently at the picture of Maria, concentrated on the other girl, on how much she cared about what happened to her. She called to her quietly. "Let me in Maria!let me in..."
Her own mind flickered, cleared, flickered and then she felt like she was flying through space. She landed with a thud. Her physical self was aware of Alex's arms around her, anchoring her but she was no longer alone in her mind.
She was in.
It was pitch black. She realized that she was looking out through Maria's eyes. She knew the exact moment when Maria became aware of her presence. Isabel felt the relief course through Maria's body.
"Isabel? Is that you? I've been trying to call to you!"
"Yeah it's me. Are you okay?" Isabel asked, searching the black void of Maria's mind for the dream image of her friend. "Where are you?" And she just didn't mean physically. She meant mentally as well. Maria was nowhere to be found - but her voice was as clear as a bell.
"I'm not really sure." Maria replied, her voice strained. "I was a little out of it when he brought me here."
"Is Michael still there?" Isabel asked worriedly. "Are you asleep?"
"No, I'm awake. I'm blindfolded. I can't see a thing." Isabel nodded to herself. That explained why she couldn't see anything but black. Suddenly Maria's mind flickered and she was seated in front of Isabel. She was leaning back against a stone wall, her hands and feet bound, a bandana tied around her head to shield her eyes. Isabel felt ill.
Michael! What have you done! She wailed to herself. "Maria, you need to give me something... anything...so we can find you!"
Maria suddenly sat up straight. Her tone was adamant when she said, "NO WAY! It's not me he wants. He wants Max...and you and Tess. I'm not going to help him lure you guys into a trap."
"Maria! Tell me!" Isabel demanded, getting annoyed. "We're going to look for you anyway. This will just make it easier."
"No." Maria said stubbornly. "It's Michael. He won't hurt me, but he's so angry at you guys. I think he would hurt you."
"He has already hurt you Maria." She felt Maria flinch, had a quick image of Michael raising his hand and it beginning to glow. Isabel pushed the image away - it was too distracting. "It's not Michael!" Isabel continued, trying to convince Maria. "Max says that our Michael is gone. I still don't know what that thing is that has you, but it's not Michael."
Isabel could feel Maria's shock. "Where is MY Michael?" She finally asked in a small voice.
"That's what we're going to find out Maria, but first you need to tell me where you are." Isabel could feel Maria's torn emotions. She was terrified, but she did not want to put her friends in jeopardy. Until this moment, Isabel had never realized how truly courageous Maria Deluca really was.
"I'm not completely sure Izzy, but I can hear running water and I can smell something weird. I think it's cheese."
"What?" Isabel was totally perplexed. The cheese factory was back in Roswell, not in the middle of Fraser Woods. "Are you sure?" She could feel Maria concentrating.
"Yeah. I woke up pretty soon after Michael....well, let's just say I'm pretty sure we're still in the woods. We didn't walk very far."
"Okay. Hang in there Maria. We'll find you! I promise." As Isabel began to leave Maria's mind, she was pulled back suddenly when a shot of terror ran through her - she realized suddenly that Maria's blindfold must be gone. The sudden brightness was blinding. When her eyes finally adjusted, she saw Michael glaring down at her - at Maria.
"What the hell are you doing? Why are you muttering?" He was demanding.
"Nothing! Leave Izzy leave!" Maria was clearly scared witless. She was yelling it at the top of her lungs.
"Izzy? You mean Isabel! Is she in there?" Michael grabbed Maria, pulled her towards him. It was then that Maria saw the gun in his hand.
And then she was forcibly ejected from Maria's mind. Maria had gathered the strength to throw her clear, to put her out of danger.
Isabel sat up with a jolt. "Oh my God!" Alex grabbed her, started to rub her back comfortingly. She turned around, stared at him. "We have to find her Alex! Michael - he's crazy!" She stumbled to her feet, out of the tent. "Max! Max, where are you?"
Part 20
"We still haven't figured out what we're going to do about the dads." Liz was frustrated. She wanted to get moving. After hearing about Isabel's dream conversation with Maria, her concern for her best friend had increased ten-fold.
"I talked to my dad - tried to calm his suspicions a bit." Kyle put in. "He actually thinks that you should tell your dad the truth Max. He thinks that keeping your secret from him has driven you to behave the way you did."
Max frowned. "There's no time for that right now." He sounded annoyed. Liz knew that telling his parents the truth about he and Isabel was a sore subject with him. She knew that he wanted to tell them, but that he felt totally incapable of doing so. Not only did he not want them endangered by the knowledge, although he would never admit it, Liz knew that he was terrified by what their reaction would be. While Isabel trusted her parents implicitly, Max had always been more naturally cautious. He had once said that he only trusted five people in the world. Liz realized that number had diminished further now that Michael was gone.
"I have an idea." Tess spoke up. Everyone turned to look at her hopefully. They were all huddled around the campfire, desperate to go after Michael and Maria, but also still trying to come up with a plan to keep their dads out of the loop. "I could make them SEE you guys here." She looked around hopefully.
"But Tess can you hold an illusion of that magnitude from where we're going?" Kyle asked, concerned. "You might hurt yourself."
"It's the only way Kyle." The curly-haired blonde replied.
Liz noticed that Max's eyes narrowed in thought. "Hmmmm...it could work. But we can't take any chances Tess. You'll need to stay here and keep a close eye on your illusion." Tess looked like she wanted to argue with him, but Kyle interjected.
"I'll stay with you Tess."
She gave in. "Fine."
"Kyle what did you tell your dad?" Max asked, looking pleased that one dilemma was resolved.
Kyle shrugged, "Just that he and Maria were hanging out and that you had snapped out of your ridiculous behavior because of Liz." He grinned teasingly at Liz, who felt herself blushing.
"Good. He really can't come with us." Max decided. "If we can bring the REAL Michael back, well, I don't want the Sheriff to know how he's been acting. He's already been in enough trouble with the law."
"You can trust my dad." Kyle said, sounding offended.
Max looked at him. "I know we can - but he's a man who has to go with his conscience. I don't blame him, but when he hears that Michael has been holding Maria at gun-point, I mean wouldn't he feel an obligation to bring him in?"
Kyle nodded reluctantly. "I guess you're right."
"Okay, let's get moving before our dads stop playing poker. Tess can you give us about twenty minutes and then make it look like we're all coming back to camp?" Max asked. She nodded.
"But Max we still haven't figured out where they are." Liz said suddenly.
"I think I know." Max replied as he reached out and took Liz's hand. He stared at Alex and Isabel. "Before we leave, one more thing. I'm going to tell you guys what's going on with Michael on the way to find Maria, but you have to promise me that you're going to do everything I tell you to. We're going to try and get Michael back, but if we can't we're going to have to leave him."
Isabel looked like she wanted to disagree, but Alex reached out and put his arm around her warningly.
"I mean it Iz," Max continued. "I know what's going on with Michael, you don't. If I don't get your word on this, I'm going alone."
Isabel finally nodded. Max looked satisfied. He seemed to already know that Liz and Alex were in agreement.
"So, let's go." Max led the way over to the dads, who were laughing about something.
Liz felt his nervousness approaching his father. He still had not talked to him since his decision to stop acting like an idiot.
Liz squeezed his hand, spoke for them all. "Dad, we're just going to do some stargazing okay?" She saw Mr. Evans give Max a questioning look. Max looked away. Mr. Evans' face fell. Liz knew that Max did not know what to say to his dad, but he was not dealing with the situation very well. Liz smiled reassuringly at Max's dad. Mr.Evans brightened a bit.
"Okay Lizzie." Mr. Parker replied, staring at his cards intently. "Don't go too far. We wouldn't want you getting lost in the woods like last time, " he teased. Jeff Parker suddenly looked up. "Where are Michael and Maria anyway?" He asked suddenly. "Amy Deluca will kill me if I lose her daughter again this year."
"Oh, they're still down at the lake," Liz replied nervously. Sheriff Valenti was giving her a penetrating look.
"I think I might join you kids." He said abruptly, getting to his feet. Liz glanced over at Kyle.
He played his part to perfection. "Hey Dad! Can you come over here for a minute?" He called from the fire, where he and Tess were sticking marshmallows on the ends of sticks. "Tess doesn't believe that you can put ten marshmallows in your mouth at one time."
Sheriff Valenti glanced at his son. Just as Kyle had known it would, the Sheriff's dad-guilt kicked in and he went to join the other two, giving Max another assessing look as he walked away. Liz glanced at her boyfriend, tried hard not giggle at how hard he was trying to look innocent.
Alex and Isabel led the way into the woods. They stopped after they had gone far enough that the glow of the fire had disappeared. Their flashlights created dancing shadows on the trees as they turned around to wait for Liz and Max. "Where to?" Alex asked Max.
Max frowned, scanned the area. "That cheese smell Maria told you about Izzy - do you remember the time dad took us to the Santa Anna Hot Springs?" Isabel nodded, looked confused. "We took the old highway - which ends at Fraser Woods. I think the hot springs must be on the far side of the forest."
Isabel wrinkled her nose. "That's right. I'd forgotten about the stench of that place."
It all suddenly became clear to Liz. "Sulfur springs?" She asked Max.
He nodded. "Yeah. I think if we head straight west, we'll come out on the highway. It's not very far. The springs should just be another two or three miles north of there."
The two couples began to carefully pick their way through the woods. Liz could feel the hair on the back of her neck beginning to stand on end. She was glad that Max had such a tight grip on her hand. If any of them got separated - they only had two flashlights. They might not find the person again.
"Does anyone else feel like they're suddenly in the Blair Witch Project?" Alex asked, breaking the tense silence. Liz could feel herself wanting to giggle hysterically.
"It's weird that they're no stars out." Isabel commented. "Good thing none of our dads decided to look up." She glanced back at her brother, who looked pensive. Liz was worried about Max - THEIR Max was back, but he seemed a little distant sometimes still - like he did not want to get too close to them again. "So Max, when do we find out what's going on?" Isabel continued impatiently.
"It's a long story." Max said quietly, for what felt like the two millionth time to Liz.
"Well, it isn't going to get shorter, the longer you wait. The sooner you start, the sooner you're done." Alex grinned encouragingly.
"Okay, well you know how I've told you guys that it's Michael, but it's not OUR Michael?" They all nodded. "Wait - I think I better start at the beginning..."
Alex, Isabel and Liz all listened closely as Max began to tell his story.
To be continued...