Last time:
Flight 511 to Miami, Florida exploded not more than ten minutes before. No survivors found.
Max stood and stared at the television, seeing the fiery explosion over and over as it replayed, but not comprehending until Nancy Parker's voice uttered those words that sent him into oblivion.
"Oh my God! Jeff, that's Lizzie's flight!"
Chapter 3b: Amazing Grace
The funeral was magnificent, many mourners had shown up, as many had known and cared, if not loved Liz Parker. There were three however, who felt uncomfortable and out of place. Though they mourn the loss of Liz, they were not close with her while she was living, something that each now regret.
Tess, Isabel, and Michael sat next to their respective others, in an effort to comfort them. Maria was crying silently into Michael's shoulder as he kept his arm strong around her waist, trying his best to soak up her pain. Isabel sat between her brother and boyfriend, each with their own individual pain. Isabel's arms strayed around Alex, who was staring, not seeing, but staring ahead of him, unaware to the tears coursing down his cheeks. She cast a worried glance at her brother, who was nothing but a shell of the man he had been, broken and unfeeling. He was hunched over, his hands gripping a small Bible so tightly that his hands were a deathly shade of white, matching his fallen face.
Tess sat on the other side of Michael, listening to the priest's words impassively. She had only been to a funeral once before in her life, and that had been the funeral of a woman who had taken cared of her while Nasedo was away. Not really sure how she should feel, Tess had let her mind wander back.
When she had found out about Liz's death, there had been no joy, no victorious feelings. Yes, she had wanted Liz out of the way, but she never had ever wished death on the other girl. And although she would never admit it aloud, she respected the person Liz Parker was. Even through their rivalry, she had never loathed Liz, but was constantly awed by the other girl's actions and reactions. One such event happened not so long ago.
Flashback
"What are you doing here?" Tess asked, eying the petite brunette warily.
Liz bit her lip and pushed her hair behind her ear before she replied almost urgently. "We need your help. It's Max."
"Max? What about Max?" Tess asked, suddenly alert.
"They took him, the FBI have Max."
Tess could tell the other girl was really upset, as the tears were trailing down her cheeks.
"Why are you coming to me for help? I tried to take him away from you, what makes you think I won't do it again?"
"Tess, I really don't care about that. The past is the past, and as for the future, I'll deal with it when it comes. All that matters now is Max. Please, you're the only one who can help. We can't lose him…I can't lose him." Liz begged as she stood before the other girl who looked skeptical.
"Look, don't do it for me ok? Do it because of whatever feelings you have for him. Just please help us." Tess looked at the other girl, knowing fully that it had been difficult for her to come and ask for help, and her respect for Liz Parker grew. "What do you need me to do?"
Liz's face lit up with happiness as she threw her arms around the taller blonde, taking Tess by surprise, who awkwardly returned the hug.
Flash
Tess walked into the Crashdown after spending the afternoon with Max. Spotting the person she needed to talk to, she walked over to Liz. "I need to talk to you."
When Liz raised her eyes, Tess had to stifle a gasp. They looked so lost…so empty. Ignoring the wrenching feeling in her stomach, she awaited Liz's reply impassively.
Liz looked at her a moment before nodding and led the way into the backroom where she stood and waited patiently.
Tess sat down on the couch before she began talking. "You did the right thing. By walking away from Max I mean. He has a whole planet counting on him, and he doesn't need any distractions. He was a great leader and I know he can be one now. I guess I wanted to say thank you for giving him up."
There was a long pause as silence filled the room as Tess stared at Liz's back. Finally Tess, thinking that Liz wasn't going to say anything, made a move to stand up, but before she could do anything, Liz's voice filled the hushed room.
"I know. Look Tess, I didn't walk away from him because I found out that you were married in the past, I didn't walk away because of that. I walked away because, you were right, he has a destiny, and he shouldn't be distracted. But you're wrong about one thing. I may have walked away from him, but I never gave up on him. A part of my heart will always hold a piece of him and the love we shared. I will always believed in his strength. A love like ours, no matter how short it may have been can never be fully erased, even if one walked away from the other. Because our love, was true love shared between two soul mates, the strongest love of all. True love can be found almost anywhere, but true love between actual soul mates, that love is rare. But once you find that love, it will never leave you. Even if you separate from that person, even if you begin to hate that other person…even in death, your soul will always know and love that person."
Throughout her small speech, Liz had been looking into the mirror, fingering a necklace about her neck, and for a moment, Tess thought she had seen a burgundy tint to Liz's eyes. It was strange, because while she listened, it was like she was listening to someone else. Someone who was speaking through Liz.
Touched, but not wanting to show it. Not wanting to show any emotion to Liz and the fact that Liz had practically declared that Max would never love her the way he had loved Liz, she stood up, somewhat infuriated.
"You needn't tell me about that love Liz. Because I've experienced it before in my past lifetime, Ava and Zan were soul mates, and their love was the purist. You're right about this love never leaving because I still love Max with all my heart and soul, and he loves me too…he just can't see it when you're around. Stay away from him."
Liz stood rigid, and then relaxed before she turned around and headed back into the Crashdown, but not before she whispered, "I'm trying, you don't know how hard I'm trying to."
Tess sat alone in the Crashdown, contemplating what Liz had said. She was sure that the love Zan and Ava had shared was what Liz had been describing…and she felt that way about Max…right? Shaking her head, Tess stood up before exiting the back exit.
End Flashback
Glancing over at Max, who had chosen to sit as far away from her as possible, she remembered looking into his eyes, and not seeing anything but patient tolerance as they gazed back at her, never the love she longed for. And it had hit her, hard, just as Liz's death had hit him hard. He could never love her that way, not the way she wanted. Even when they were on Antar, she had seen the emptiness in Zan's eyes every time he looked at her. Biting her lip, Tess looked down at her clasped hands, tears slipping from her eyes, Liz's words ringing in her ears.
True love can be found almost anywhere, but true love between actual soul mates, that love is rare. But once you find that love, it will never leave you. Even if you separate from that person, even if you begin to hate that other person…even in death, your soul will always know and love that person.
Looking over at Max again, seeing that emptiness in his eyes, yet the love shining brightly through the grief, she knew, just as she had always known deep down, that Liz was right. Max never was and will never be hers. The thought didn't even hurt her as much as she thought it would, only brought her more longing as she looked up, finding herself lost in the deep blue eyes of Kyle Valenti.
>>>>>
"She's really gone." Isabel jumped at the sound of her boyfriend's voice. It was hoarse from not being used, as Alex Whitman hadn't really spoken since that day. That day that had changed her life more than she could have ever imagined. Liz Parker was dead, and about a year ago, this news wouldn't have affected or pained her as much as it did now.
Isabel had watched as first her brother broke down, then her boyfriend followed as their hope dwindled away with every passing day. Alex had, at first been the most hopeful of them all, but seeing his hope crushed, nearly crushed her too, because she didn't know how to comfort him, what to say, and for the first time in her life, Isabel Evans felt helpless. Hearing Alex speak now, and the pain that tinged his voice as he spoke the words, Isabel knew. She knew now just how important Liz Parker was to him, and thinking back, Isabel really did have Liz to thank for their relationship. If not for Liz, Isabel would still have been denying her feelings for Alex, therefore missing out on the love of her life
The sight before her transfixed Isabel, but her Ice Princess persona showed none of this as she stared at him. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she caught Alex Whitman's gaze. She was confused, never had felt this way about anyone or anything. He was the first guy, other than Michael and Max, who she really wanted to know, to be close with. Alex looked past her icy exterior and saw the person she was, and still cared for her. That alone amazed her, how a sweet guy like him could care for a cold-hearted bitch like her.
"They're great aren't they?" a voice behind her asked softly, causing Isabel to jump. She swung around to come face to face with none other than Liz Parker herself, who was watching her two best friends with pride as their band played. Isabel turned to look at the stage again where Alex was playing the bass guitar, his face full of happiness with Maria at his side, singing.
Things haven't been the same
Since you came into my life
You found a way to touch my soul
And I'm never, ever, ever gonna let it go
"Yeah they are." Isabel whispered as she listened to Maria's sweet voice fill the club. The two sat in companionable silence as one by one, couples filtered out to the dance floor to dance to the music. Isabel watched them all with envy as she caught those heartfelt stares between lovers, one particular couple catching her eye. Paul and Glenda Taylor, the newest married couple in Roswell. His arms were tight around his wife, protective and gentle.
"They look so in love." Isabel heard Liz whisper, and she saw that Liz was watching the couple too. Liz's eyes reflected the longing she, herself was feeling.
Happiness lies in your own hand
It took me much too long to understand
How it could be
Until you shared your secret with me
Liz was watching the scene, sorrow apparent in her doe eyes, but she seemed to have dazed off. Isabel reached over and gently shook Liz, gasping when an image came to her mind, seeing what Liz was seeing in her own mind.
Flash 'You risked everything to save me…why?'
'It was you.'
Flash
'I'm sorry, but I can't be around you. I need to regain my balance.'
Flash
'I don't know why I'm feeling this way, or getting these flashes…but I need to find out. Please you have to understand.'
She watched as Max walked away, her mind screaming in rage and pain, while her heart couldn't let go.
End Flashes
Isabel came out of her haze to see what Liz had been looking at, and her heart dropped and went out to the smaller girl. For in the middle of the dance floor, Max and Tess were dancing with each other, arms wrapped up around one another. "Oh Liz…I'm sorry."
Mmm mmm
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over me
My baby's got a secret
Liz shrugged her shoulders, coming out of her daze, and looking over at Isabel with sorrowful eyes. "It's not your fault. He chose to leave, not you."
"But he shouldn't rub it in your face like this." Isabel protested.
"He's not. Alex and Maria are his friends too. Besides, I don't expect to avoid him for the rest of my life. He needs to do this. Otherwise, what relationship we had would have been lost anyway. Whatever feelings he may have for her need to be revealed before we could ever have a real relationship."
You gave me back the paradise
That I thought I lost for good
You helped me find the reasons why
It took me by surprise that you understood
You knew all along
What I never wanted to say
Until I learned to love myself
I was never ever lovin' anybody else
Happiness lies in your own hand
It took me much too long to understand
How it could be
Until you shared your secret with me
"Besides, I let him go. He left and I chose not to do anything about it. He loves me, I'm sure he does. He needs to figure out his priorities before we could freely love one another. The only thing I fear is maybe, just maybe he realizes he loves her and not me, and even then I wouldn't do anything. That's what love is. It's full of chances and sacrifices, coming from both members. You can't have love without giving something up because in the end…in the end that little moment of pain is nothing compared to the joy of knowing and spending the rest of your live with your soul mate.
Mmm mmm
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over me
My baby's got a secret
You gave me back the paradise
That I thought I lost for good
You helped me find the reasons why
It took me by surprise that you understood
You knew all along
What I never wanted to say
Until I learned to love myself
I was never ever lovin' anybody else
During her speech, Liz's eyes had grown hazy once more, flashing deep claret for a moment before returning back to its normal doe brown. As if she was waking up, Liz shook her head softly and looked at Alex thoughtfully. "I never heard this song before…it must be new! He hasn't written a new song for a while. I wonder who he was thinking of…"
But they both knew…Alex had been thinking about Isabel, had always thought of Isabel.
Happiness lies in your own hand
It took me much too long to understand
How it could be
Until you shared your secret with me
"He cares for you, you know. More than you can imagine. And I know you care more than you would ever admit." Isabel's head snapped around in shock, but Liz was already turning her back and walking away.
"He doesn't care about who you are Isabel, he can see the real you. The one deep inside, and despite what you may think, you deserve love. And so does he, and I know you could never truly be happy unless you two are together. When the time comes, take care of him for me. I love him. I want him to be happy, so take care of him."
Mmm mmm
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over me
My baby's got a secret
You gave me back the paradise
That I thought I lost for good
You helped me find the reasons why
It took me by surprise that you understood
You knew all along
What I never wanted to say
Until I learned to love myself
I was never ever lovin' anybody else
Mmm mmm, my baby's got a secret
Mmm mmm, my baby's got a secret
Mmm mmm, my baby's got a secret for me
Mmm mmm, mmm mmm, mmm mmm
**Secrets, Madonna**
"I will." Isabel whispered, stunned as Liz made her way through the crowd and out the door.
That was before Destiny, before their whole group fell apart at the seams. Now she was gone, and Isabel had made a similar promise to take care of Max. Tears coursed down her cheeks as she promised herself and Liz to forever take care of Alex and Max, two men that they had both loved in their own ways.
>>>>>
Michael watched as Maria walked forward, her head bowed and solemn. As Liz's best friend, Maria was chosen to sing at the funeral. He was reluctant to let go of her hand, afraid that she would break without his support. Michael knew that Maria felt guilty for the way Liz and her friendship had ended, and she now needed him more than anything. Watching her brought back memories of the time he had spent with Liz, and all the emotions that came with the memory washed over him.
"Michael." He turned around at the sound of her voice, a person he didn't want to see, but couldn't stay away from.
Liz sat down on the stool next to his and turned over to him, silent as she stared at something over his shoulder. Michael took this moment to study her. Her hair was limp around her shoulders, her skin a deathly pale colour, and he wondered if it really had only been a few hours since he had last seen her…at the cave. He remembered pulling Max back, keeping him from racing after Liz, and he had seen what it had done to Max, but not Liz. Now as he studied her, he thought perhaps he had done the wrong thing.
"It's not your fault." Michael jumped, before realizing that she wasn't accusing him of his latter thoughts. She wasn't accusing him of keeping her love away from her.
"You did what you had to do," She continued, "Yes, you did kill Pierce, but think of it this way. If you hadn't, then four people may have died instead of one. If you hadn't killed him, Valenti, Kyle, Max, and you could have been killed, or worse…taken back to that white room." Michael bowed his head, guilt running through his body, half of him wanting to believe what she was saying. "I still killed someone."
"Yes you did." Her tone was not reproachful, and he felt a smaller hand cover his bigger one, and he turned over, surprised, falling into innocent doe eyes. "But you're not a monster. You're just as human as the rest of us, and did the only thing you could in that situation. Yes, a man is dead because you used your power. But you used your powers to protect, not to kill. You were second-in-command on Antar, right? You only did things instinctively, because it was a part of you. Your powers were given to you, not to hurt, but to heal. You have the power to heal Michael. It may not heal physical wounds like Max's, but it still heals."
She let go of his hand, and that far off look settled on her face again as she continued to speak, her eyes seemingly a deep violet red. "Death is a part of us. Humans and aliens alike. We were all created to live life to its fullest. No matter what path we take, a priest or criminal. In the end, they both end up at the same place, with the same fate. Death. It was promised from the beginning, there is no way of avoiding it when the time comes. That doesn't mean it can't be prolonged. When Max healed me, he only lengthened my life on earth, not prevent death. When you killed Pierce, it was his time, and you lengthened even more lives. But you were given a second chance, just like I was. You were recreated, your soul born again so that you could achieve ultimate happiness. We're all here for a reason, and we won't surrender to death until we fulfill it."
Liz shook her head, seemingly coming out of a dream as she turned over to Michael. "Don't avoid her. She is your happiness, and believe or not, staying away from her is only hurting her more. It's more dangerous for her to be without you than with you. Protect her, she will always need you to do that."
He held a single white rose in his hand. White for peace. Michael could think of anyone who deserved it more than Liz Parker. He gently dropped it into the grave, and walked to where Isabel and the others were. Together they stood watching as they begin filling the grave with dirt.
Tears streamed down their faces, genuine grief pouring into their hearts, as Isabel, Tess, and Michael said goodbye to a wonderful friend, a friend who taught them so much more than anyone ever had. Liz Parker had opened their eyes to the real world. She had looked past their walls, their mask, and their faults to the person inside, showing them that they were still beautiful.
Maria's soft voice filled the air, singing strongly for her fallen friend, her words never ringing any truer than now.
Amazing Grace…
How sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me
I once was lost-
but now am found
was blind, but now I see….
tbc(?)
A/N: Thank you everyone for the feedback. Please continue, your suggestions and encouragement are real inspirations. I just can't believe that people are actually still reading this. ^_^;
Next:
Liz's death…how Max, Maria, and Alex are holding up, and their memories of Liz.
Flight 511 to Miami, Florida exploded not more than ten minutes before. No survivors found.
Max stood and stared at the television, seeing the fiery explosion over and over as it replayed, but not comprehending until Nancy Parker's voice uttered those words that sent him into oblivion.
"Oh my God! Jeff, that's Lizzie's flight!"
Chapter 3b: Amazing Grace
The funeral was magnificent, many mourners had shown up, as many had known and cared, if not loved Liz Parker. There were three however, who felt uncomfortable and out of place. Though they mourn the loss of Liz, they were not close with her while she was living, something that each now regret.
Tess, Isabel, and Michael sat next to their respective others, in an effort to comfort them. Maria was crying silently into Michael's shoulder as he kept his arm strong around her waist, trying his best to soak up her pain. Isabel sat between her brother and boyfriend, each with their own individual pain. Isabel's arms strayed around Alex, who was staring, not seeing, but staring ahead of him, unaware to the tears coursing down his cheeks. She cast a worried glance at her brother, who was nothing but a shell of the man he had been, broken and unfeeling. He was hunched over, his hands gripping a small Bible so tightly that his hands were a deathly shade of white, matching his fallen face.
Tess sat on the other side of Michael, listening to the priest's words impassively. She had only been to a funeral once before in her life, and that had been the funeral of a woman who had taken cared of her while Nasedo was away. Not really sure how she should feel, Tess had let her mind wander back.
When she had found out about Liz's death, there had been no joy, no victorious feelings. Yes, she had wanted Liz out of the way, but she never had ever wished death on the other girl. And although she would never admit it aloud, she respected the person Liz Parker was. Even through their rivalry, she had never loathed Liz, but was constantly awed by the other girl's actions and reactions. One such event happened not so long ago.
Flashback
"What are you doing here?" Tess asked, eying the petite brunette warily.
Liz bit her lip and pushed her hair behind her ear before she replied almost urgently. "We need your help. It's Max."
"Max? What about Max?" Tess asked, suddenly alert.
"They took him, the FBI have Max."
Tess could tell the other girl was really upset, as the tears were trailing down her cheeks.
"Why are you coming to me for help? I tried to take him away from you, what makes you think I won't do it again?"
"Tess, I really don't care about that. The past is the past, and as for the future, I'll deal with it when it comes. All that matters now is Max. Please, you're the only one who can help. We can't lose him…I can't lose him." Liz begged as she stood before the other girl who looked skeptical.
"Look, don't do it for me ok? Do it because of whatever feelings you have for him. Just please help us." Tess looked at the other girl, knowing fully that it had been difficult for her to come and ask for help, and her respect for Liz Parker grew. "What do you need me to do?"
Liz's face lit up with happiness as she threw her arms around the taller blonde, taking Tess by surprise, who awkwardly returned the hug.
Flash
Tess walked into the Crashdown after spending the afternoon with Max. Spotting the person she needed to talk to, she walked over to Liz. "I need to talk to you."
When Liz raised her eyes, Tess had to stifle a gasp. They looked so lost…so empty. Ignoring the wrenching feeling in her stomach, she awaited Liz's reply impassively.
Liz looked at her a moment before nodding and led the way into the backroom where she stood and waited patiently.
Tess sat down on the couch before she began talking. "You did the right thing. By walking away from Max I mean. He has a whole planet counting on him, and he doesn't need any distractions. He was a great leader and I know he can be one now. I guess I wanted to say thank you for giving him up."
There was a long pause as silence filled the room as Tess stared at Liz's back. Finally Tess, thinking that Liz wasn't going to say anything, made a move to stand up, but before she could do anything, Liz's voice filled the hushed room.
"I know. Look Tess, I didn't walk away from him because I found out that you were married in the past, I didn't walk away because of that. I walked away because, you were right, he has a destiny, and he shouldn't be distracted. But you're wrong about one thing. I may have walked away from him, but I never gave up on him. A part of my heart will always hold a piece of him and the love we shared. I will always believed in his strength. A love like ours, no matter how short it may have been can never be fully erased, even if one walked away from the other. Because our love, was true love shared between two soul mates, the strongest love of all. True love can be found almost anywhere, but true love between actual soul mates, that love is rare. But once you find that love, it will never leave you. Even if you separate from that person, even if you begin to hate that other person…even in death, your soul will always know and love that person."
Throughout her small speech, Liz had been looking into the mirror, fingering a necklace about her neck, and for a moment, Tess thought she had seen a burgundy tint to Liz's eyes. It was strange, because while she listened, it was like she was listening to someone else. Someone who was speaking through Liz.
Touched, but not wanting to show it. Not wanting to show any emotion to Liz and the fact that Liz had practically declared that Max would never love her the way he had loved Liz, she stood up, somewhat infuriated.
"You needn't tell me about that love Liz. Because I've experienced it before in my past lifetime, Ava and Zan were soul mates, and their love was the purist. You're right about this love never leaving because I still love Max with all my heart and soul, and he loves me too…he just can't see it when you're around. Stay away from him."
Liz stood rigid, and then relaxed before she turned around and headed back into the Crashdown, but not before she whispered, "I'm trying, you don't know how hard I'm trying to."
Tess sat alone in the Crashdown, contemplating what Liz had said. She was sure that the love Zan and Ava had shared was what Liz had been describing…and she felt that way about Max…right? Shaking her head, Tess stood up before exiting the back exit.
End Flashback
Glancing over at Max, who had chosen to sit as far away from her as possible, she remembered looking into his eyes, and not seeing anything but patient tolerance as they gazed back at her, never the love she longed for. And it had hit her, hard, just as Liz's death had hit him hard. He could never love her that way, not the way she wanted. Even when they were on Antar, she had seen the emptiness in Zan's eyes every time he looked at her. Biting her lip, Tess looked down at her clasped hands, tears slipping from her eyes, Liz's words ringing in her ears.
True love can be found almost anywhere, but true love between actual soul mates, that love is rare. But once you find that love, it will never leave you. Even if you separate from that person, even if you begin to hate that other person…even in death, your soul will always know and love that person.
Looking over at Max again, seeing that emptiness in his eyes, yet the love shining brightly through the grief, she knew, just as she had always known deep down, that Liz was right. Max never was and will never be hers. The thought didn't even hurt her as much as she thought it would, only brought her more longing as she looked up, finding herself lost in the deep blue eyes of Kyle Valenti.
>>>>>
"She's really gone." Isabel jumped at the sound of her boyfriend's voice. It was hoarse from not being used, as Alex Whitman hadn't really spoken since that day. That day that had changed her life more than she could have ever imagined. Liz Parker was dead, and about a year ago, this news wouldn't have affected or pained her as much as it did now.
Isabel had watched as first her brother broke down, then her boyfriend followed as their hope dwindled away with every passing day. Alex had, at first been the most hopeful of them all, but seeing his hope crushed, nearly crushed her too, because she didn't know how to comfort him, what to say, and for the first time in her life, Isabel Evans felt helpless. Hearing Alex speak now, and the pain that tinged his voice as he spoke the words, Isabel knew. She knew now just how important Liz Parker was to him, and thinking back, Isabel really did have Liz to thank for their relationship. If not for Liz, Isabel would still have been denying her feelings for Alex, therefore missing out on the love of her life
The sight before her transfixed Isabel, but her Ice Princess persona showed none of this as she stared at him. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she caught Alex Whitman's gaze. She was confused, never had felt this way about anyone or anything. He was the first guy, other than Michael and Max, who she really wanted to know, to be close with. Alex looked past her icy exterior and saw the person she was, and still cared for her. That alone amazed her, how a sweet guy like him could care for a cold-hearted bitch like her.
"They're great aren't they?" a voice behind her asked softly, causing Isabel to jump. She swung around to come face to face with none other than Liz Parker herself, who was watching her two best friends with pride as their band played. Isabel turned to look at the stage again where Alex was playing the bass guitar, his face full of happiness with Maria at his side, singing.
Things haven't been the same
Since you came into my life
You found a way to touch my soul
And I'm never, ever, ever gonna let it go
"Yeah they are." Isabel whispered as she listened to Maria's sweet voice fill the club. The two sat in companionable silence as one by one, couples filtered out to the dance floor to dance to the music. Isabel watched them all with envy as she caught those heartfelt stares between lovers, one particular couple catching her eye. Paul and Glenda Taylor, the newest married couple in Roswell. His arms were tight around his wife, protective and gentle.
"They look so in love." Isabel heard Liz whisper, and she saw that Liz was watching the couple too. Liz's eyes reflected the longing she, herself was feeling.
Happiness lies in your own hand
It took me much too long to understand
How it could be
Until you shared your secret with me
Liz was watching the scene, sorrow apparent in her doe eyes, but she seemed to have dazed off. Isabel reached over and gently shook Liz, gasping when an image came to her mind, seeing what Liz was seeing in her own mind.
Flash 'You risked everything to save me…why?'
'It was you.'
Flash
'I'm sorry, but I can't be around you. I need to regain my balance.'
Flash
'I don't know why I'm feeling this way, or getting these flashes…but I need to find out. Please you have to understand.'
She watched as Max walked away, her mind screaming in rage and pain, while her heart couldn't let go.
End Flashes
Isabel came out of her haze to see what Liz had been looking at, and her heart dropped and went out to the smaller girl. For in the middle of the dance floor, Max and Tess were dancing with each other, arms wrapped up around one another. "Oh Liz…I'm sorry."
Mmm mmm
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over me
My baby's got a secret
Liz shrugged her shoulders, coming out of her daze, and looking over at Isabel with sorrowful eyes. "It's not your fault. He chose to leave, not you."
"But he shouldn't rub it in your face like this." Isabel protested.
"He's not. Alex and Maria are his friends too. Besides, I don't expect to avoid him for the rest of my life. He needs to do this. Otherwise, what relationship we had would have been lost anyway. Whatever feelings he may have for her need to be revealed before we could ever have a real relationship."
You gave me back the paradise
That I thought I lost for good
You helped me find the reasons why
It took me by surprise that you understood
You knew all along
What I never wanted to say
Until I learned to love myself
I was never ever lovin' anybody else
Happiness lies in your own hand
It took me much too long to understand
How it could be
Until you shared your secret with me
"Besides, I let him go. He left and I chose not to do anything about it. He loves me, I'm sure he does. He needs to figure out his priorities before we could freely love one another. The only thing I fear is maybe, just maybe he realizes he loves her and not me, and even then I wouldn't do anything. That's what love is. It's full of chances and sacrifices, coming from both members. You can't have love without giving something up because in the end…in the end that little moment of pain is nothing compared to the joy of knowing and spending the rest of your live with your soul mate.
Mmm mmm
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over me
My baby's got a secret
You gave me back the paradise
That I thought I lost for good
You helped me find the reasons why
It took me by surprise that you understood
You knew all along
What I never wanted to say
Until I learned to love myself
I was never ever lovin' anybody else
During her speech, Liz's eyes had grown hazy once more, flashing deep claret for a moment before returning back to its normal doe brown. As if she was waking up, Liz shook her head softly and looked at Alex thoughtfully. "I never heard this song before…it must be new! He hasn't written a new song for a while. I wonder who he was thinking of…"
But they both knew…Alex had been thinking about Isabel, had always thought of Isabel.
Happiness lies in your own hand
It took me much too long to understand
How it could be
Until you shared your secret with me
"He cares for you, you know. More than you can imagine. And I know you care more than you would ever admit." Isabel's head snapped around in shock, but Liz was already turning her back and walking away.
"He doesn't care about who you are Isabel, he can see the real you. The one deep inside, and despite what you may think, you deserve love. And so does he, and I know you could never truly be happy unless you two are together. When the time comes, take care of him for me. I love him. I want him to be happy, so take care of him."
Mmm mmm
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over me
My baby's got a secret
You gave me back the paradise
That I thought I lost for good
You helped me find the reasons why
It took me by surprise that you understood
You knew all along
What I never wanted to say
Until I learned to love myself
I was never ever lovin' anybody else
Mmm mmm, my baby's got a secret
Mmm mmm, my baby's got a secret
Mmm mmm, my baby's got a secret for me
Mmm mmm, mmm mmm, mmm mmm
**Secrets, Madonna**
"I will." Isabel whispered, stunned as Liz made her way through the crowd and out the door.
That was before Destiny, before their whole group fell apart at the seams. Now she was gone, and Isabel had made a similar promise to take care of Max. Tears coursed down her cheeks as she promised herself and Liz to forever take care of Alex and Max, two men that they had both loved in their own ways.
>>>>>
Michael watched as Maria walked forward, her head bowed and solemn. As Liz's best friend, Maria was chosen to sing at the funeral. He was reluctant to let go of her hand, afraid that she would break without his support. Michael knew that Maria felt guilty for the way Liz and her friendship had ended, and she now needed him more than anything. Watching her brought back memories of the time he had spent with Liz, and all the emotions that came with the memory washed over him.
"Michael." He turned around at the sound of her voice, a person he didn't want to see, but couldn't stay away from.
Liz sat down on the stool next to his and turned over to him, silent as she stared at something over his shoulder. Michael took this moment to study her. Her hair was limp around her shoulders, her skin a deathly pale colour, and he wondered if it really had only been a few hours since he had last seen her…at the cave. He remembered pulling Max back, keeping him from racing after Liz, and he had seen what it had done to Max, but not Liz. Now as he studied her, he thought perhaps he had done the wrong thing.
"It's not your fault." Michael jumped, before realizing that she wasn't accusing him of his latter thoughts. She wasn't accusing him of keeping her love away from her.
"You did what you had to do," She continued, "Yes, you did kill Pierce, but think of it this way. If you hadn't, then four people may have died instead of one. If you hadn't killed him, Valenti, Kyle, Max, and you could have been killed, or worse…taken back to that white room." Michael bowed his head, guilt running through his body, half of him wanting to believe what she was saying. "I still killed someone."
"Yes you did." Her tone was not reproachful, and he felt a smaller hand cover his bigger one, and he turned over, surprised, falling into innocent doe eyes. "But you're not a monster. You're just as human as the rest of us, and did the only thing you could in that situation. Yes, a man is dead because you used your power. But you used your powers to protect, not to kill. You were second-in-command on Antar, right? You only did things instinctively, because it was a part of you. Your powers were given to you, not to hurt, but to heal. You have the power to heal Michael. It may not heal physical wounds like Max's, but it still heals."
She let go of his hand, and that far off look settled on her face again as she continued to speak, her eyes seemingly a deep violet red. "Death is a part of us. Humans and aliens alike. We were all created to live life to its fullest. No matter what path we take, a priest or criminal. In the end, they both end up at the same place, with the same fate. Death. It was promised from the beginning, there is no way of avoiding it when the time comes. That doesn't mean it can't be prolonged. When Max healed me, he only lengthened my life on earth, not prevent death. When you killed Pierce, it was his time, and you lengthened even more lives. But you were given a second chance, just like I was. You were recreated, your soul born again so that you could achieve ultimate happiness. We're all here for a reason, and we won't surrender to death until we fulfill it."
Liz shook her head, seemingly coming out of a dream as she turned over to Michael. "Don't avoid her. She is your happiness, and believe or not, staying away from her is only hurting her more. It's more dangerous for her to be without you than with you. Protect her, she will always need you to do that."
He held a single white rose in his hand. White for peace. Michael could think of anyone who deserved it more than Liz Parker. He gently dropped it into the grave, and walked to where Isabel and the others were. Together they stood watching as they begin filling the grave with dirt.
Tears streamed down their faces, genuine grief pouring into their hearts, as Isabel, Tess, and Michael said goodbye to a wonderful friend, a friend who taught them so much more than anyone ever had. Liz Parker had opened their eyes to the real world. She had looked past their walls, their mask, and their faults to the person inside, showing them that they were still beautiful.
Maria's soft voice filled the air, singing strongly for her fallen friend, her words never ringing any truer than now.
How sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me
I once was lost-
but now am found
was blind, but now I see….
tbc(?)
A/N: Thank you everyone for the feedback. Please continue, your suggestions and encouragement are real inspirations. I just can't believe that people are actually still reading this. ^_^;
Next:
Liz's death…how Max, Maria, and Alex are holding up, and their memories of Liz.