Title: When The Worst Happens
Author: Jenn
Disclaimer: If I owned Roswell, would I really be writing this? I didn't think so. Roswell and all its characters belong to Melinda Metz and the United Paramount Network. Brendan and Jason are another story. I'm still working on that. LOL.
Category: Mi/L mostly.
Rating: R for now.
Author's Note: This is Post-Departure with a few twists.
Dedication: I want to dedicate this to DMartinez, SilverSky, Peachez4MaxEvans and MoonBaby19 who have written some of the most awesome Polar fics out there. It's because of them that I am now a definite Polarist. I want to thank them for inspiring me to write this.
Summary: Just when Liz thought she had gotten her life back together, a tragedy strikes that could prove to ultimately be her breaking point. Who will save her from herself before it's too late?
********
Valenti Residence
Isabel and Kyle were involved in an intense game of tonsil hockey, when Isabel's cell phone started ringing.
Isabel sat up in an attempt to get it. But Kyle quickly pulled her back down with him.
"Let who ever it is leave you a message. We're busy."
"But what if it's important?" She asked mockingly.
"What's more important than your Kyle time?" He asked with a mischievous gleam in his eye.
"Ummm...Plenty of things." She replied dreamily as his mouth latched onto her neck again. I've died and gone to heaven.
"Like what?" He snorted. "What could possibly be so important at this time of night? Let's think about this for a moment. My father's out on patrol. My mother and baby sister are at my aunt's house for the night. No one's home but you and me. The only thing that I think is important right now is getting you out of those clothes." He said while gesturing to her purposely skin-tight tank top and jeans.
She looked up at him in mock disgust. "So you only want me for my body? Eh? I see how it is."
"Oh you know it, Ms. Evans."
"Well I'm only with you for your body so let's see what we can do about getting you out of that T-shirt, Mr. Valenti."
"Well than what are we waiting for?" He asked as he started kissing a path down her chest with every button of her shirt he unfastened.
Isabel in turn grabbed a fistful of his shirt and pulled in an effort to get it off of him. He sat up long enough for her to yank it all the way off him. They quickly resumed their previous position.
Suddenly the Livingroom phone started ringing. Kyle jumped up, but Isabel quickly stopped him.
"Let the machine get it. We have more important things going on."
"That we do my love. That we do." He said as he settled back into his girlfriend's awaiting arms.
All that could be heard were the sounds of Isabel and Kyle kissing passionately and Amy Valenti's voice on the answering machine.
'You've reached the Valenti's. Leave a message after the tone." *BEEP*
"Kyle this is your father. Get off of Isabel and pick up the phone now. I know you two are making out on the couch. Put your shirt on and get your butt over to the phone ASAP."
Kyle hastily did as his father said and made a mad dash for the phone, and picked it up. "Dad? What's wrong?"
'Kyle I want you and Isabel to get your asses over to the Crashdown, right now.'
"Why what's wrong. Is everyone all right?" He asked worried by his father's tone.
'There's been an accident.'
"What do you mean by 'accident'." He questioned.
'Nancy and Jeff Parker were in a car accident on Highway 80.'
"Shit. Are they all right?"
'No. The car was hit by a semi. They were killed on impact.'
It took him a few minutes to regain the ability to speak. He felt like the wind had been knocked out of him. Jeff and Nancy not only were Liz's parents, and good people, but they were his god parents. He felt like could cry but he didn't want to scare Isabel. Gotta stay strong. Can't scare Izzy.
The look on Kyle's face worried Isabel. What the hell is going on? She got up and stood next to him in an effort to hear what his father was saying.
Kyle ran a hand through his hair in disbelief and finally spoke. "Oh god. Do Liz and Ava know?" He asked while motioning for Isabel to get her stuff together.
'Yea. I don't think that they took it too well. Just get over there cause as far as I know only Micheal is there with them.'
"All right I'll be there in five minutes." He hurriedly hung up the phone.
"What's wrong?" Isabel asked worriedly.
"I'll tell you in the car. Just get the keys and start the car. I'll be out in a sec."
"Okay." She said as she squeezed his hand and grabbed the keys. She disappeared out the door.
Kyle simply stood there for a second. He shook his head in an effort to clear his thoughts. And ran out to the car where his girlfriend was waiting.
She noticed the lost look in his eyes. "Kyle?"
"Yea?"
"What happened?" What did his father tell him? She questioned as they pulled out of his driveway.
"There was an accident on Highway 80. A semi hit the Parker's car. Nancy and Jeff are dead."
Isabel felt like she was just punched in the stomach. Nancy and Jeff were good people. They were always there for the group when they needed anything. She had spent many a night at their house with Ava and Liz. "Ava? Liz?"
"They're okay. They just found out though. Dad wants us to go over there because Micheal is the only one with them. At least as far as he knows."
They were just a block away from the Crashdown when Isabel decided to see where everyone else was in relation to the Parker's apartment. Since Ava had started working with Liz and Kyle on their then thought to be limited powers, they had learned that Kyle and Liz could basically do everything they could. Her, Micheal, Kyle, Max, Liz and Ava had all discovered that they could tell where the others were if they just concentrated hard enough. It came in handy every now and then. Plus she could sleep easier at night knowing where her family was at all times.
Isabel closed her eyes and concentrated. "No he's not. I feel Max there too."
"Still we need to get over there. I can feel the pain flowing off of Liz, can't you?" And loneliness, anguish, and fear. Kyle replied. His connection with Liz was strong since they had learned how to use their powers together. He could sometimes read her emotions from miles away. That was something that only he, Liz and occasionally Micheal were capable of.
Isabel closed her eyes again. "I feel pain. I just can tell whose it is."
They pulled up in front of the Crashdown and raced towards the back entrance which they both knew would be unlocked. Kyle dashed up the stairs but stopped short at the sight in front of him. He saw a head of blonde and pink hair laying on the couch. Even though he didn't see Max, he knew he was laying next to her. He motioned for Isabel to be quiet.
'Ava's asleep.' He mouthed to her. She nodded in understanding and they both made their way in the apartment. They crept past Ava and Max. It was obvious that Ava had been crying by the tear stains on her cheeks. Max had a protective arm draped over her.
Isabel snuck past Kyle and made her way towards Liz's room.
Micheal had heard the Mustang pull up and knew that Sheriff Valenti must have called Kyle which also meant that Isabel was with him. One never goes anywhere without the other. He heard the creaking floor boards which meant that they were coming near Liz's room. He carefully unhooked Liz's arms from around himself and got up.
"Shh.." He told them when they were face to face. "I finally got Liz to sleep."
"How is she?" Isabel asked with concern written all over her face.
Micheal shook his head, a look of defeat on his face. "Not good at all." He said solemnly.
"How long has she been sleeping?" Kyle questioned.
"About ten minutes." Micheal said while glancing at the clock. "She cried herself to sleep earlier when she first found out. I picked her off the floor and put her in bed. She woke up about twenty minutes later."
"How was she then?"
"She asked me if it was all a dream. I'll tell you, I never wished for anything so hard in my life. Not even going home. I wished right then that I could tell her it was." Micheal said tears silently streaming down his cheeks at the memory of their talk no more than twenty minutes prior. He was sitting by her bed when Liz had begun to stir. He was lost in his thoughts and she must have noticed him sitting there. "Micheal?"
He practically lept from the chair to the bed. He put his hand on the side of her face affectionately. "How are you? Do you need anything?" He asked sincerely. And a very dumb question that was. Of course she needs something. Her parents back home safe and sound.
She shook her head. "It wasn't a dream, was it? "She asked as tears welled up in her eyes.
"I'm afraid not sweetie." He wanted nothing more than for his powers to allow him to bring her parents back and at least make her semi-happy.
"Oh okay." She said as her bottom lip quivered. She began crying. "Why me, Micheal? Why them?"
"I honestly don't know Liz." He said. His own eyes were filling with tears at this point.
He remembered laying down next to her to keep her calm. She clung to him for dear life.
They laid there in silence, holding each other for a while. He felt his heart shatter with ever sob that escaped from her lips. They formed an emotional connection and he felt all her pain.
Liz suddenly looked him dead in the eyes. "Thank you." She sniffled.
"For what?"
"For being here with me. I can't be alone Micheal."
"I know. You're not alone Liz. You have all of us especially me. I won't ever leave you alone. Not as long as you need me." You've been here for me and I intend to do the same.
"It hurts so much." She sobbed.
He held her closer. "I know."
"It hurts so much here." She said indicating to her heart.
Isabel had tears in her eyes. Seeing Micheal so upset was a rarity. She knew he was heartbroken at Maria leaving but he never shared that with anyone but Liz. This was definitely a rare occasion. But who could blame him. The Parkers were like parents to everyone. Everybody loved them.
Isabel leaned back against Kyle who held her tightly. They all stared at Liz's restlessly sleeping form. One thought crossed everyone's mind. What are we gonna do?
"What happened then?" Kyle asked knowing there was more.
"She stopped crying and started cleaning her already perfectly neat room."
They nodded in unison.
"She starts acting like nothing was going on and when I asked her why, she started screaming at me. She asked me why I was bothering her. She had things to do. I basically told her to cut the shit. It took a little pushing but she finally gave in. She laid back down and I held her. She asked me to stay with her at least until she was asleep."
"Okay. One sister down. What happened with Ava?"
"After I put Liz into bed the first time, Ava started pacing the room babbling about all the stuff she had to do and then she broke down crying. That's when Max and your parents walked in. Max calmed Ava down and Diane asked if they needed anything. Ava said no. And they left. Cept Max. How'd you guys get here so fast?"
That must have been my parents calling my cell. I've gotta learn to answer it more often.
"Well my Dad just called and told me and Izzy to get our butts over here. So we did. Are you guys okay for the moment?"
Micheal nodded. "For tonight at least."
"I really hate to ask this question in front of you Micheal but, does Maria know what happened?"
Micheal cringed at the mention of Maria's name. He knew however, that she would come up soon enough. Especially now with every that just happened. She would have to be told. It was either one of them call her or she'd find out from her parents.
"I'll call her. She's my sister after all." Kyle and Maria had become closer since their parents had gotten married the previous year. They bonded further when their little sister Tasha was born. They had spent many a night baby-sitting her together.
He pulled out his cell phone and dialed the number from memory.
New York City: The Apartment Of Maria DeLuca and Ashley Grimaldi...
"Ash? Have you seen my brush?" Maria yelled to her boyfriend as she searched the bathroom in effort to find it.
"Yea. I cleaned the bathroom while you were at work. Try the second drawer on the right."
Sure enough, it was there. "Thanks baby."
"You found it hun?" He yelled as she snuck up on him.
She tapped his shoulder with the brush. "But of course." She said as she kissed him on the lips when he turned around to face her.
It had been almost six months since Maria and Ashley had moved in together. They were perfect for each other. It really was love at first sight. Maria met him when she had taken a tour of the Columbia University campus. The college she was now attending. He just happened to be her guide. Ashley was completely in awe of her and had asked her out to dinner that very night. She agreed. And they had been together ever since.
Ashley Grimaldi was by any girl's standards perfect. He was extremely smart. He was studying to be a lawyer. He came from a wealthy family. And he had a good head on his shoulders. He was 6'3 with entrancing blue eyes and sandy blonde spiky hair. He was totally built, complete with six pack and had that rebel look. His favorite outfit was a wifebeater that showed off his incredible muscles and a baggy pair of Tommy Hilfiger jeans. And Maria loved it. Add in a motorcycle and a New York accent to the mix and he was absolutely perfect. Plus it helped that he shared in Maria's love of music.
Ashley pulled her tightly to him which caused a squeal of surprise to erupt from Maria's mouth. "Have I told you how much I you today?" He asked huskily.
"Yes but it doesn't hurt to hear it again." She said with a smirk.
"I love you Maria DeLuca."
"And I love you Ashley Grimaldi." She declared as she kissed him passionately.
Suddenly their moment was interupted by the phone ringing.
"I'll get it." Ashley declared as he reached for the phone.
"'Ello?"
'Ashley? It's me Kyle.'
"Kyle bro wassup?" Maria suddenly looked up from her new position on the couch at Ashley's mention of her brother's name. 'Is it my brother?' She mouthed to him.
He nodded. She moved closer to where he was.
'Can I talk to my sister?' He asked with a glum tone in his voice.
Ashley quickly picked up on the hurt and sadness in his voice, even though Kyle did not sound it. "Bro was wrong?"
As soon as Maria heard Ashley ask Kyle what was wrong, she dashed into their bedroom and quietly picked up the phone. She was devastated by what she heard.
'I've got bad news. Remember my friend Liz?'
"Ya mean Ria's best friend?"
'Yeah. Her parents were killed this morning in a car accident.'
"Shit. She and her sister aight?" He asked out of real concern. If Liz and Ava were dead, Maria would be heartbroken for sure.
'Yeah her and Ava weren't in the car. The Parkers were coming home early from their vacation in Vegas. They were hit by a semi and died instantly.'
"Shit."
'Yeah. We're all at Liz and Ava's now."
"Well be there on the next flight Kyle." Maria's voice suddenly interupted. Ashley hadn't realized that Maria had picked up the extension in their bedroom. Shit. She gotta mad upset now. His thoughts were only confirmed by the sounds of sniffling on the other line.
"Ria I'll tell you what. You talk to ya bro and I'll get da tickets for us. Aiight?"
"Yeah baby." She sniffled.
"Kyle, I'll see ya lata bro."
'Bye man. Take care of her.'
"Ya know I will." With that Ashley hung up and reached for his cell phone and the phone book. He was quickly on the phone with an airline. "Yo. I need two tickets to Roswell, New Mexico. As fast as possible. Like yestaday...."
Meanwhile....In the bedroom..
"Kyle? Is Liz okay?" I know I wouldn't if it were me.
'Not really. Would you be if it was Mom and Dad?'
That thought had already crossed her mind. "No. Was anyone with her when she found out?" She asked as her thoughts drifted to the fact that Kyle was probably out with Isabel like always. And Max and Ava were practically attached at the hip. A fact which still hurt Liz. Which except for Micheal, left her by herself a lot.
'Yeah. Micheal and Ava. Thank god the Crash was closed.' He sighed. 'Micheal said that they both freaked.' At the mention of Micheal, Maria felt a pain of guilt in her heart. She still felt bad for the way she left Micheal. From what Liz told her, he was really hurt by how things ended up.``
"I don't blame them. They're not even 18 and now their orphans."
'Ava's taking it a little better than Liz.'
"What makes you say that?"
'From how Micheal described her, she had a meltdown. And I can feel a million different emotions coming from her. Mostly confusion.'
Maria was a little bothered by Kyle's comment about feeling Liz's emotions. On some level she was very hurt by the fact that her brother and her best friend shared a bond that she and Liz could never have. And that bond only brought them closer to Max, Isabel and Micheal. She felt like an outsider sometimes. And that along with the pain of losing Alex, was one of the reasons she decided to graduate from school early and went to Columbia.
Going away to school, gave Maria a newfound independence that she so desperately needed. All her life, she depended on someone, whether it was her mother, Liz, or even Micheal. It also gave her a new perspective on life.
She had stopped looking at the glass as being half empty. It was always half full now. She was defiantly more positive about everything. She had a great life. Two very supportive parents. An adorable baby sister and protective older brother. Awesome friends. Loving boyfriend. What more could she ask for? The only thing she could think of was a better relationship with Liz.
After the whole Tess-tried-to-kill-us incident, Maria wasn't exactly trusting of anyone even resembling Tess which meant Ava. It was nothing personal to Ava it was just the wounds Tess had created were still healing. That defiantly caused problems with Liz because Ava was her sister. Liz couldn't understand why Maria left her. They had always planned to go to UNM Las Cruces together. But she just had to get out of Roswell. There were too many demons there that she didn't want to face, at least not yet. She just needed a fresh start.
Which meant cutting all ties that held her down for the moment. And the only thing holding her down was Micheal. She strung him along for two months but when school started, the phone calls and letters became few and far between. At some point she had just fallen out of love with him. She didn't want to hurt him, but pretending to still be in love with him would hurt more in the future. So she wrote him a letter. She told him about Ashley.
In her mind, she knew that he probably wouldn't take it well. Liz had later told her that he in fact didn't. That he was for now at least a broken man. Despite how hard he had tried to push her away, he really did love her. He thought he was doing it for her own good. It was ironic that in the end, he was the one to get hurt.
It had taken her nearly two years to break down his walls. But she did. And they fell for each other. Hard. Through all the fighting and the good times. Through the tears and the smiles. Some was good some was bad. But she would never ever regret what they had. Just the way they *she* ended things.
"Ria, you ready baby?" Ashley yelled from the other room.
"Yeah. Just let me get some clothes together for us." She yelled back.
He came to stand in the doorway of their bedroom. He watched her pacing the room with a worried expression on his face. "I'll get mine. You dun hafta do it."
"No it's okay I will."
He knew that Hurricane DeLuca was not one to fight with. But he just wanted to make sure. "You sure baby?" He asked as he wrapped his arms around her and placed a tender kiss on her forehead.
"I got it. Just get the car."
"Aiight I'll be waiting downstairs. I love you." He reluctantly let go of her, grabbed his keys off the dresser and made his way downstairs.
"I love you too."
She quickly ransacked their drawers to find some suitable outfits for Roswell. She chucked them into a small suitcase and was basically ready to go. "Roswell here we come." She mumbled non-enthusiastically.
She ran downstairs suitcase in hand, and jumped in Ashley's Navigator.
He was concerned by the lost look on her face. "Ready ta go?" He asked as her as he rubbed the side of her face.
"As ready as I'll ever be. What time does the flight leave?"
"3 o'clock."
"In the morning?"
"Yea. I figured you'd want da next possible flight."
"I did. Thank you baby." She said as she interlaced her hand with his and they drove off.
"Ria?"
"Yeah?"
"Just rememba ta do da one thing I always tell ya."
"What?"
"Just rememba to breathe." He always told her that any time she panicked about anything. And it always helped. He knew she would need that for Roswell. He couldn't understand why she dreaded going home so much. She had it all. But he would soon find out.
Author: Jenn
Disclaimer: If I owned Roswell, would I really be writing this? I didn't think so. Roswell and all its characters belong to Melinda Metz and the United Paramount Network. Brendan and Jason are another story. I'm still working on that. LOL.
Category: Mi/L mostly.
Rating: R for now.
Author's Note: This is Post-Departure with a few twists.
Dedication: I want to dedicate this to DMartinez, SilverSky, Peachez4MaxEvans and MoonBaby19 who have written some of the most awesome Polar fics out there. It's because of them that I am now a definite Polarist. I want to thank them for inspiring me to write this.
Summary: Just when Liz thought she had gotten her life back together, a tragedy strikes that could prove to ultimately be her breaking point. Who will save her from herself before it's too late?
********
Part 2: Just Remember To Breathe
Valenti Residence
Isabel and Kyle were involved in an intense game of tonsil hockey, when Isabel's cell phone started ringing.
Isabel sat up in an attempt to get it. But Kyle quickly pulled her back down with him.
"Let who ever it is leave you a message. We're busy."
"But what if it's important?" She asked mockingly.
"What's more important than your Kyle time?" He asked with a mischievous gleam in his eye.
"Ummm...Plenty of things." She replied dreamily as his mouth latched onto her neck again. I've died and gone to heaven.
"Like what?" He snorted. "What could possibly be so important at this time of night? Let's think about this for a moment. My father's out on patrol. My mother and baby sister are at my aunt's house for the night. No one's home but you and me. The only thing that I think is important right now is getting you out of those clothes." He said while gesturing to her purposely skin-tight tank top and jeans.
She looked up at him in mock disgust. "So you only want me for my body? Eh? I see how it is."
"Oh you know it, Ms. Evans."
"Well I'm only with you for your body so let's see what we can do about getting you out of that T-shirt, Mr. Valenti."
"Well than what are we waiting for?" He asked as he started kissing a path down her chest with every button of her shirt he unfastened.
Isabel in turn grabbed a fistful of his shirt and pulled in an effort to get it off of him. He sat up long enough for her to yank it all the way off him. They quickly resumed their previous position.
Suddenly the Livingroom phone started ringing. Kyle jumped up, but Isabel quickly stopped him.
"Let the machine get it. We have more important things going on."
"That we do my love. That we do." He said as he settled back into his girlfriend's awaiting arms.
All that could be heard were the sounds of Isabel and Kyle kissing passionately and Amy Valenti's voice on the answering machine.
'You've reached the Valenti's. Leave a message after the tone." *BEEP*
"Kyle this is your father. Get off of Isabel and pick up the phone now. I know you two are making out on the couch. Put your shirt on and get your butt over to the phone ASAP."
Kyle hastily did as his father said and made a mad dash for the phone, and picked it up. "Dad? What's wrong?"
'Kyle I want you and Isabel to get your asses over to the Crashdown, right now.'
"Why what's wrong. Is everyone all right?" He asked worried by his father's tone.
'There's been an accident.'
"What do you mean by 'accident'." He questioned.
'Nancy and Jeff Parker were in a car accident on Highway 80.'
"Shit. Are they all right?"
'No. The car was hit by a semi. They were killed on impact.'
It took him a few minutes to regain the ability to speak. He felt like the wind had been knocked out of him. Jeff and Nancy not only were Liz's parents, and good people, but they were his god parents. He felt like could cry but he didn't want to scare Isabel. Gotta stay strong. Can't scare Izzy.
The look on Kyle's face worried Isabel. What the hell is going on? She got up and stood next to him in an effort to hear what his father was saying.
Kyle ran a hand through his hair in disbelief and finally spoke. "Oh god. Do Liz and Ava know?" He asked while motioning for Isabel to get her stuff together.
'Yea. I don't think that they took it too well. Just get over there cause as far as I know only Micheal is there with them.'
"All right I'll be there in five minutes." He hurriedly hung up the phone.
"What's wrong?" Isabel asked worriedly.
"I'll tell you in the car. Just get the keys and start the car. I'll be out in a sec."
"Okay." She said as she squeezed his hand and grabbed the keys. She disappeared out the door.
Kyle simply stood there for a second. He shook his head in an effort to clear his thoughts. And ran out to the car where his girlfriend was waiting.
She noticed the lost look in his eyes. "Kyle?"
"Yea?"
"What happened?" What did his father tell him? She questioned as they pulled out of his driveway.
"There was an accident on Highway 80. A semi hit the Parker's car. Nancy and Jeff are dead."
Isabel felt like she was just punched in the stomach. Nancy and Jeff were good people. They were always there for the group when they needed anything. She had spent many a night at their house with Ava and Liz. "Ava? Liz?"
"They're okay. They just found out though. Dad wants us to go over there because Micheal is the only one with them. At least as far as he knows."
They were just a block away from the Crashdown when Isabel decided to see where everyone else was in relation to the Parker's apartment. Since Ava had started working with Liz and Kyle on their then thought to be limited powers, they had learned that Kyle and Liz could basically do everything they could. Her, Micheal, Kyle, Max, Liz and Ava had all discovered that they could tell where the others were if they just concentrated hard enough. It came in handy every now and then. Plus she could sleep easier at night knowing where her family was at all times.
Isabel closed her eyes and concentrated. "No he's not. I feel Max there too."
"Still we need to get over there. I can feel the pain flowing off of Liz, can't you?" And loneliness, anguish, and fear. Kyle replied. His connection with Liz was strong since they had learned how to use their powers together. He could sometimes read her emotions from miles away. That was something that only he, Liz and occasionally Micheal were capable of.
Isabel closed her eyes again. "I feel pain. I just can tell whose it is."
They pulled up in front of the Crashdown and raced towards the back entrance which they both knew would be unlocked. Kyle dashed up the stairs but stopped short at the sight in front of him. He saw a head of blonde and pink hair laying on the couch. Even though he didn't see Max, he knew he was laying next to her. He motioned for Isabel to be quiet.
'Ava's asleep.' He mouthed to her. She nodded in understanding and they both made their way in the apartment. They crept past Ava and Max. It was obvious that Ava had been crying by the tear stains on her cheeks. Max had a protective arm draped over her.
Isabel snuck past Kyle and made her way towards Liz's room.
Micheal had heard the Mustang pull up and knew that Sheriff Valenti must have called Kyle which also meant that Isabel was with him. One never goes anywhere without the other. He heard the creaking floor boards which meant that they were coming near Liz's room. He carefully unhooked Liz's arms from around himself and got up.
"Shh.." He told them when they were face to face. "I finally got Liz to sleep."
"How is she?" Isabel asked with concern written all over her face.
Micheal shook his head, a look of defeat on his face. "Not good at all." He said solemnly.
"How long has she been sleeping?" Kyle questioned.
"About ten minutes." Micheal said while glancing at the clock. "She cried herself to sleep earlier when she first found out. I picked her off the floor and put her in bed. She woke up about twenty minutes later."
"How was she then?"
"She asked me if it was all a dream. I'll tell you, I never wished for anything so hard in my life. Not even going home. I wished right then that I could tell her it was." Micheal said tears silently streaming down his cheeks at the memory of their talk no more than twenty minutes prior. He was sitting by her bed when Liz had begun to stir. He was lost in his thoughts and she must have noticed him sitting there. "Micheal?"
He practically lept from the chair to the bed. He put his hand on the side of her face affectionately. "How are you? Do you need anything?" He asked sincerely. And a very dumb question that was. Of course she needs something. Her parents back home safe and sound.
She shook her head. "It wasn't a dream, was it? "She asked as tears welled up in her eyes.
"I'm afraid not sweetie." He wanted nothing more than for his powers to allow him to bring her parents back and at least make her semi-happy.
"Oh okay." She said as her bottom lip quivered. She began crying. "Why me, Micheal? Why them?"
"I honestly don't know Liz." He said. His own eyes were filling with tears at this point.
He remembered laying down next to her to keep her calm. She clung to him for dear life.
They laid there in silence, holding each other for a while. He felt his heart shatter with ever sob that escaped from her lips. They formed an emotional connection and he felt all her pain.
Liz suddenly looked him dead in the eyes. "Thank you." She sniffled.
"For what?"
"For being here with me. I can't be alone Micheal."
"I know. You're not alone Liz. You have all of us especially me. I won't ever leave you alone. Not as long as you need me." You've been here for me and I intend to do the same.
"It hurts so much." She sobbed.
He held her closer. "I know."
"It hurts so much here." She said indicating to her heart.
Isabel had tears in her eyes. Seeing Micheal so upset was a rarity. She knew he was heartbroken at Maria leaving but he never shared that with anyone but Liz. This was definitely a rare occasion. But who could blame him. The Parkers were like parents to everyone. Everybody loved them.
Isabel leaned back against Kyle who held her tightly. They all stared at Liz's restlessly sleeping form. One thought crossed everyone's mind. What are we gonna do?
"What happened then?" Kyle asked knowing there was more.
"She stopped crying and started cleaning her already perfectly neat room."
They nodded in unison.
"She starts acting like nothing was going on and when I asked her why, she started screaming at me. She asked me why I was bothering her. She had things to do. I basically told her to cut the shit. It took a little pushing but she finally gave in. She laid back down and I held her. She asked me to stay with her at least until she was asleep."
"Okay. One sister down. What happened with Ava?"
"After I put Liz into bed the first time, Ava started pacing the room babbling about all the stuff she had to do and then she broke down crying. That's when Max and your parents walked in. Max calmed Ava down and Diane asked if they needed anything. Ava said no. And they left. Cept Max. How'd you guys get here so fast?"
That must have been my parents calling my cell. I've gotta learn to answer it more often.
"Well my Dad just called and told me and Izzy to get our butts over here. So we did. Are you guys okay for the moment?"
Micheal nodded. "For tonight at least."
"I really hate to ask this question in front of you Micheal but, does Maria know what happened?"
Micheal cringed at the mention of Maria's name. He knew however, that she would come up soon enough. Especially now with every that just happened. She would have to be told. It was either one of them call her or she'd find out from her parents.
"I'll call her. She's my sister after all." Kyle and Maria had become closer since their parents had gotten married the previous year. They bonded further when their little sister Tasha was born. They had spent many a night baby-sitting her together.
He pulled out his cell phone and dialed the number from memory.
New York City: The Apartment Of Maria DeLuca and Ashley Grimaldi...
"Ash? Have you seen my brush?" Maria yelled to her boyfriend as she searched the bathroom in effort to find it.
"Yea. I cleaned the bathroom while you were at work. Try the second drawer on the right."
Sure enough, it was there. "Thanks baby."
"You found it hun?" He yelled as she snuck up on him.
She tapped his shoulder with the brush. "But of course." She said as she kissed him on the lips when he turned around to face her.
It had been almost six months since Maria and Ashley had moved in together. They were perfect for each other. It really was love at first sight. Maria met him when she had taken a tour of the Columbia University campus. The college she was now attending. He just happened to be her guide. Ashley was completely in awe of her and had asked her out to dinner that very night. She agreed. And they had been together ever since.
Ashley Grimaldi was by any girl's standards perfect. He was extremely smart. He was studying to be a lawyer. He came from a wealthy family. And he had a good head on his shoulders. He was 6'3 with entrancing blue eyes and sandy blonde spiky hair. He was totally built, complete with six pack and had that rebel look. His favorite outfit was a wifebeater that showed off his incredible muscles and a baggy pair of Tommy Hilfiger jeans. And Maria loved it. Add in a motorcycle and a New York accent to the mix and he was absolutely perfect. Plus it helped that he shared in Maria's love of music.
Ashley pulled her tightly to him which caused a squeal of surprise to erupt from Maria's mouth. "Have I told you how much I you today?" He asked huskily.
"Yes but it doesn't hurt to hear it again." She said with a smirk.
"I love you Maria DeLuca."
"And I love you Ashley Grimaldi." She declared as she kissed him passionately.
Suddenly their moment was interupted by the phone ringing.
"I'll get it." Ashley declared as he reached for the phone.
"'Ello?"
'Ashley? It's me Kyle.'
"Kyle bro wassup?" Maria suddenly looked up from her new position on the couch at Ashley's mention of her brother's name. 'Is it my brother?' She mouthed to him.
He nodded. She moved closer to where he was.
'Can I talk to my sister?' He asked with a glum tone in his voice.
Ashley quickly picked up on the hurt and sadness in his voice, even though Kyle did not sound it. "Bro was wrong?"
As soon as Maria heard Ashley ask Kyle what was wrong, she dashed into their bedroom and quietly picked up the phone. She was devastated by what she heard.
'I've got bad news. Remember my friend Liz?'
"Ya mean Ria's best friend?"
'Yeah. Her parents were killed this morning in a car accident.'
"Shit. She and her sister aight?" He asked out of real concern. If Liz and Ava were dead, Maria would be heartbroken for sure.
'Yeah her and Ava weren't in the car. The Parkers were coming home early from their vacation in Vegas. They were hit by a semi and died instantly.'
"Shit."
'Yeah. We're all at Liz and Ava's now."
"Well be there on the next flight Kyle." Maria's voice suddenly interupted. Ashley hadn't realized that Maria had picked up the extension in their bedroom. Shit. She gotta mad upset now. His thoughts were only confirmed by the sounds of sniffling on the other line.
"Ria I'll tell you what. You talk to ya bro and I'll get da tickets for us. Aiight?"
"Yeah baby." She sniffled.
"Kyle, I'll see ya lata bro."
'Bye man. Take care of her.'
"Ya know I will." With that Ashley hung up and reached for his cell phone and the phone book. He was quickly on the phone with an airline. "Yo. I need two tickets to Roswell, New Mexico. As fast as possible. Like yestaday...."
Meanwhile....In the bedroom..
"Kyle? Is Liz okay?" I know I wouldn't if it were me.
'Not really. Would you be if it was Mom and Dad?'
That thought had already crossed her mind. "No. Was anyone with her when she found out?" She asked as her thoughts drifted to the fact that Kyle was probably out with Isabel like always. And Max and Ava were practically attached at the hip. A fact which still hurt Liz. Which except for Micheal, left her by herself a lot.
'Yeah. Micheal and Ava. Thank god the Crash was closed.' He sighed. 'Micheal said that they both freaked.' At the mention of Micheal, Maria felt a pain of guilt in her heart. She still felt bad for the way she left Micheal. From what Liz told her, he was really hurt by how things ended up.``
"I don't blame them. They're not even 18 and now their orphans."
'Ava's taking it a little better than Liz.'
"What makes you say that?"
'From how Micheal described her, she had a meltdown. And I can feel a million different emotions coming from her. Mostly confusion.'
Maria was a little bothered by Kyle's comment about feeling Liz's emotions. On some level she was very hurt by the fact that her brother and her best friend shared a bond that she and Liz could never have. And that bond only brought them closer to Max, Isabel and Micheal. She felt like an outsider sometimes. And that along with the pain of losing Alex, was one of the reasons she decided to graduate from school early and went to Columbia.
Going away to school, gave Maria a newfound independence that she so desperately needed. All her life, she depended on someone, whether it was her mother, Liz, or even Micheal. It also gave her a new perspective on life.
She had stopped looking at the glass as being half empty. It was always half full now. She was defiantly more positive about everything. She had a great life. Two very supportive parents. An adorable baby sister and protective older brother. Awesome friends. Loving boyfriend. What more could she ask for? The only thing she could think of was a better relationship with Liz.
After the whole Tess-tried-to-kill-us incident, Maria wasn't exactly trusting of anyone even resembling Tess which meant Ava. It was nothing personal to Ava it was just the wounds Tess had created were still healing. That defiantly caused problems with Liz because Ava was her sister. Liz couldn't understand why Maria left her. They had always planned to go to UNM Las Cruces together. But she just had to get out of Roswell. There were too many demons there that she didn't want to face, at least not yet. She just needed a fresh start.
Which meant cutting all ties that held her down for the moment. And the only thing holding her down was Micheal. She strung him along for two months but when school started, the phone calls and letters became few and far between. At some point she had just fallen out of love with him. She didn't want to hurt him, but pretending to still be in love with him would hurt more in the future. So she wrote him a letter. She told him about Ashley.
In her mind, she knew that he probably wouldn't take it well. Liz had later told her that he in fact didn't. That he was for now at least a broken man. Despite how hard he had tried to push her away, he really did love her. He thought he was doing it for her own good. It was ironic that in the end, he was the one to get hurt.
It had taken her nearly two years to break down his walls. But she did. And they fell for each other. Hard. Through all the fighting and the good times. Through the tears and the smiles. Some was good some was bad. But she would never ever regret what they had. Just the way they *she* ended things.
"Ria, you ready baby?" Ashley yelled from the other room.
"Yeah. Just let me get some clothes together for us." She yelled back.
He came to stand in the doorway of their bedroom. He watched her pacing the room with a worried expression on his face. "I'll get mine. You dun hafta do it."
"No it's okay I will."
He knew that Hurricane DeLuca was not one to fight with. But he just wanted to make sure. "You sure baby?" He asked as he wrapped his arms around her and placed a tender kiss on her forehead.
"I got it. Just get the car."
"Aiight I'll be waiting downstairs. I love you." He reluctantly let go of her, grabbed his keys off the dresser and made his way downstairs.
"I love you too."
She quickly ransacked their drawers to find some suitable outfits for Roswell. She chucked them into a small suitcase and was basically ready to go. "Roswell here we come." She mumbled non-enthusiastically.
She ran downstairs suitcase in hand, and jumped in Ashley's Navigator.
He was concerned by the lost look on her face. "Ready ta go?" He asked as her as he rubbed the side of her face.
"As ready as I'll ever be. What time does the flight leave?"
"3 o'clock."
"In the morning?"
"Yea. I figured you'd want da next possible flight."
"I did. Thank you baby." She said as she interlaced her hand with his and they drove off.
"Ria?"
"Yeah?"
"Just rememba ta do da one thing I always tell ya."
"What?"
"Just rememba to breathe." He always told her that any time she panicked about anything. And it always helped. He knew she would need that for Roswell. He couldn't understand why she dreaded going home so much. She had it all. But he would soon find out.
