Title: What Should Have Been
Author: PGILLUM486(or c. mccoy{my fanforum name})
Rating: PG(like kids listen or give a damn)
Disclaimer: I don't own Jack
Distribution: Only if it increases my fame
Summary: Roswell fans have always said Liz's importance to the Royal Four runs deep. How deep? Maybe the man sending her mysterious notes knows the truth. Of course, he could just want her and the rest of them out of the way.
My story takes place after Viva Las Vegas and B.J.K.L.H.M(Before Jason Katims Lost His Mind). Alex is still alive and Tess isn't a murderous bitch/slut. As far as the bunch of crap that happened at the end of Season 2 and most of Season 3: Forget it ever happened!(I know, I know: I'm not asking much.)
A lot of the ideas in these stories were inspired by Zero's thread: Liz's Importance To The Alien Mythology at the Roswell 1 board at Fanforum so you may want to go check it out to understand where all this is coming from but it's not mandatory. These stories are not based solely on Max and Liz however. I plan on having something for all the characters.
I'll warn you now: I'm very ambitious when it comes to storytelling so this may get long if I can manage it. I'll try to clean up some of the mess JK made and come up with believable answers to questions he left unanswered. At some point, you'll see Nickolas, the Dupes and Khivar - just not in the first story. M&L come first!
So, dig in!
Prologue
It had been a strange 2 months - even for them.
Michael had found out where his human side had come from and discovered he actually had a sister. That's what he was calling her anyway. From what Maria had told her, they had bonded extremely well toward the end.
During that time, they had managed to stop a bunch of blue crystals from poisoning the earth and killing the entire population. The excitement hadn't stopped there. After being haunted by nightmares, Michael had decided to go to Las Vegas to blow the 'dirty money' he had come across in that adventure which he believed to be the source of his dreams.
While she hadn't had much fun on the trip, she was glad it had done everybody else some good. Max and Michael had even found time to bond. It had been in jail but it had still been good for them. That was all that mattered.
Everything had been quiet in the two weeks since they had been back. She knew she should be grateful and enjoy that fact but she couldn't.
Liz Parker was scared to death.
Things hadn't been quiet since she had fallen in love with an alien and had caused him to put everyone close to him in danger. This state of calmness could not be good.
Staring at her reflection in the mirror of the dresser beside her bed, she was glad to see she hadn't grown antennas or a third eye. She had been told only three months ago she had been 'changed' when Max had healed her from the fatal gunshot wound that had started all this.
Ava hadn't gone into any details but she already knew she had some kind of astral projection power. Would there be more 'changes' on the way? She didn't know if she necessarily wanted the answer to that question - not that she had any say in the matter.
But she hadn't stood in front of the mirror to look for changes. She stood there because something else was bothering her besides the quietness. She had been standing in this exact spot when that something had happened, when her life had dramatically changed for a third time.
She had been standing here when Future Max had materialized outside her window. She hadn't thought much about it since she had sacrificed her future with Max to prevent The End of the World. It was too painful to think about in great detail but she had caught herself doing just that in the last week.
She had been standing for almost thirty minutes now, trying to recall every word he'd said. She didn't know what was bothering her but she would figure it out. She always did.
* * * * *
In the building next to the Crashdown, a figure stood in the dark, his eyes gazing intently out the window. He had occupied this room for almost sixteen years now, doing the same thing - watching Liz Parker.
The room looked exactly like it was supposed to - as if a single, middle-aged man spent his life there. A refrigerator, television, bed and anything else one might find in such an apartment was there. There was nothing that would draw unwanted attention to its inhabitant - at least not out in the open.
That fool Naesado had failed to completely sever the ties between the human girl and the once Antarian king.
The figure wasn't surprised. He had been within hearing distance when Naesado had heaped that bunch of garbage on the boy about destiny and not letting history repeat itself.
Naesado was way too late to stop that from happening. The boy hadn't fallen for the blond in his other life and he wasn't in this one. As far as history went: the boy had no idea what his history was. None of them did. He would like to fill them in on what really happened but it wasn't his job to tell them. It was the other shapeshifter's job to address that subject.
It was obvious Kal had made a nice life for himself and no longer cared what happened. He wondered if Kal knew Naesado was dead and had made a deal with Khivar to keep the Royal Four running around in circles, never telling them enough to do any good. It really didn't matter now anyway.
Unless he missed his guess entirely, she was the one he was looking for; the one the prophecy said would come. She had to be. Too many signs pointed to her. He would find out soon enough. The Future Max situation had made it clear something had gone wrong. Something had interfered with his plans. He had to act now.
He had taken the last few months to finalize his plans. Everything was as ready as it was going to get. He had hoped to allow the girl to live in ignorance a little longer but it wasn't meant to be.
Liz Parker was strong. She had proven that many times over. Was she strong - or mature - enough to balance the scales as the prophecy said she would? He would have his answer soon enough.
Chapter One
Do you believe in destiny, Liz? Your grandmother did.
As she sat in her last class of the day, Liz held the note in her hands she had found in her locker that morning. Whoever had sent it hadn't signed it.
She had come to school in good mood. The Future Max thing was still bothering her but she had pushed it to the back of her mind for the time being. This was their last day before they got out for Spring Break. She had planned on getting away from everything - and everyone - for a week. Someone had already put a wrinkle in her plans.
She hoped it was just someone's idea of a joke. She had a feeling it wasn't.
The sound of the bell signaling the end of the period almost made her jump out of her chair. It seemed like she had just sat down a moment ago. She hoped nobody had tried to get her attention.
She wound her way through the sea of students crowding the halls of Roswell High as quickly as could. The sooner she could get out into the open air, away from the dozens and dozens of yammering voices, the better she'd feel.
"Where you off to so fast?", a voice from beside her said, startling her.
"Oh,", she said, recognizing the tall, lanky frame of her friend. "Hi, Alex. I've just got to get out of here."
She still couldn't get used to the change Alex Whitman had undergone during his trip to Sweden. It was like an alien had taken possession of his body. He stood up straighter, a newfound confidence oozing from his every move. His voice was stronger, deeper: His words were no longer tinged with uncertainty.
"Yeah,", Alex said. "I know how you feel. I still haven't really gotten used to being home again. Spring Break will do me some good."
"You haven't heard about anybody pulling practical jokes lately, have you?"
Alex shook his head. "No, why?"
She handed him the note. "I found that in my locker this morning."
"It's definitely weird.", Alex agreed. "You don't think it's...you know."
Liz shrugged. "I don't know. It's been bothering me all day. I haven't heard a word any of my teachers have said all day."
"Maybe you should show it to Max.", Alex suggested.
"I might if something else weird happens. He and I haven't exactly been what you'd call close these days. I don't want to bother him with my paranoia."
"You seemed pretty close on the dance floor in Vegas."
"Yeah,", she said, smiling. "That was nice. We haven't said two words to each other since then, though. You and Isabel had a nice time too. You're right back to where you were before though, aren't you?"
"Ouch!", Alex mummered.
Instantly, she realized what she'd said and felt ashamed of herself. Poor Alex had been chasing after Isabel for years now without much luck. She had thrown him a bone ever so often, allowing his hopes to rise, before taking it away again. At least she had her chance with Max. "I'm sorry, Alex."
"No, no,", he said. "You're right. Come to think of it, maybe I should go see where I really stand. See you later, Liz."
She watched him weave his way through the remaining students, looking for the apple of his eye. Nice going, Liz she thought as she opened her locker. Send him off for more punishment.
As the locker door swung open, she felt something hit her foot. Looking down, a sick feeling twisted itself through her stomach. A folded piece of paper - exactly like the one she'd found that morning - lay at her feet.
She quickly bent down to retrieve it. Unfolding it, she noticed the message was once again short and mysterious.
You're not following your heart, Liz. Your grandmother would be very disappointed in you.
Max Evan's eyes went from one note to the other. None of this made sense.
He hadn't even got in the house when his mom told him Liz had called, wanting him to come over. She said it was urgent. He had hoped they could stay downstairs in The Crashdown. He still felt uncomfortable being in her bedroom. The image of her and Kyle in bed together was still burned into his memory. It would be for a long time.
Unfortunately, her parents were closing up. They couldn't talk down there. If he had thought about it, he would have told her to meet him on the balcony outside her window but that wouldn't be much better. That's the way he had come up that horrible night.
He forced those thoughts away. He had more pressing matters to worry about now. "It could be a stalker, I guess. A human one."
Turning away from the window she crawled through to reach her personal retreat, Liz repeated the familiar words - the words that were some of the precious last her grandmother had ever spoken to her. "'Follow your heart'. Max, no one could possibly know my grandmother would be disappointed in me for not doing what I promised her I'd always do."
He glanced up at her, his eyes staring into hers, trying to uncover the secrets hidden beyond. She was hiding something. He knew it. He just didn't know what. "What's your heart telling you to do that you're not doing? And how does this person know about it?"
"I-I'm not sure.", she stammered, tearing her eyes away from his intense gaze to stare at the floor.
That wasn't exactly a lie. She had come to a few conclusions the other night regarding the Future Max situation. Her heart was indeed telling her something. It was telling her a bunch of something's, none of which fit together perfectly. She needed more time. "Anyway, how does this person know I've been struggling with feelings unless they have supernatural powers?"
"Liz!", came Nancy Parker's voice from the middle of the staircase leading down to the family-owned restaurant.
"Yeah, mom?", Liz answered.
"Pick up the phone!"
Before she took two steps, the phone sailed across the room to land firmly in Max's hand. "Here.", he said, holding it out for her.
"Thank you, young Skywalker.", she said as she took the phone from him.
"No problem.", he said, flashing the smile that threatened to turn her legs to Jell-O. She rarely saw it these days but, when she did, it still effected her - even these days when their relationship was less than stellar.
"I've got it, mom.", she called. "Hello."
"Hello, Ms. Parker." The voice on the other end was cold, emotionless. Liz was instantly reminded of Naesado. "I'm glad you received my notes."
"Who are you?", Liz asked, her voice faltering.
Max was instantly by her side. She held the phone away from her head to allow
Max to listen to the conversation. "Who I am is of no importance at the moment. And how are you, Max Evans: Long dead King of Antar, ruler of nothing."
Max and Liz shot each other an alarmed glance. She nodded toward the window. He returned the nod and walked toward the window. He raised it slowly, looked outside in all directions, turned back to Liz and shook his head before climbing out onto the balcony.
The voice was silent the whole time. Finally, after Max had left the room, the voice spoke again. "He won't find anything. Neither will you if you decide to search your room for cameras or something silly like that. Listen carefully, Liz Parker. Your destiny awaits. Come to the cave where the indian gave you the healing stones. Oh, and bring Max. He'll need to be there too. No one else."
"We haven't spoken to River Dog in a year. He won't even know we're there. How will we even find the cave again?"
"Follow your heart."
"How do you know my grandmother?", she asked quickly. "What does she have to do with any of this? What destiny?"
Click!
Max had prayed his sister would be too busy doing chores when he came home to ask any questions about why Liz had called. He was luckier than he had expected. Isabel was in her room - with Alex.
"Are you going to do it?", Alex asked as he sat down on the bed in front of her, crossing his long legs.
After his conversation with Liz that afternoon, He had looked for Isabel but she had already left school. He had gone home and sorted out his thoughts, planning his final approach. He had told her before he wasn't the lovesick puppy anymore. He wasn't going to break his neck for her anymore. He meant it too.
Isabel shrugged. "I don't know yet.", she admitted. "It depends on what happens in the next few weeks. Even though I have the credits to graduate, I don't know if I want to. Getting into college early is great but I don't know if I want to leave everybody behind. I thought about graduating and just taking the year off."
"That's what I'd--"
"Take me to the prom.", Isabel blurted out.
Alex was momentarily stunned. Where had that come from? "O-Okay."
Scooting closer, Isabel took his hand into her's. The palm of her hands were sticky, her throat suddenly dry. She fought to keep her hands from trembling. "I know it's still a month or two away but I want to go with you. I know...I know I haven't been very nice to you, always pushing you away. I've had some really bad relationship experiences lately and it's made me appreciate the fact that you're always there - no matter how crazy my life is."
"I-I don't know, Isabel.", Alex said, suddenly aware of her nervousness. It was a little scary. She was known as the Ice Princess around school, always in control, always distance. There hadn't been many times when she had let that persona melt away. "I don't want to get sucked back into the same ol' routine again."
"Please, Alex. Don't make me beg."
"What's wrong?"
She shook her head. "I don't know. I feel strange, like something's about to happen - something big. And I know I want to be with you when it happens. I can't explain it."
"Alright.", he agreed. "I'll take you to the prom but this is your last chance, Isabel. I need to move on with my life. Whether you're with me when I do is up to you."
"Thank you, Alex.", she said, hugging him. "Thank you."
"Yeah.", he said, still taken aback by this sudden turn of attitude in the woman he had pined for all these years. "No problem."
Author: PGILLUM486(or c. mccoy{my fanforum name})
Rating: PG(like kids listen or give a damn)
Disclaimer: I don't own Jack
Distribution: Only if it increases my fame
Summary: Roswell fans have always said Liz's importance to the Royal Four runs deep. How deep? Maybe the man sending her mysterious notes knows the truth. Of course, he could just want her and the rest of them out of the way.
My story takes place after Viva Las Vegas and B.J.K.L.H.M(Before Jason Katims Lost His Mind). Alex is still alive and Tess isn't a murderous bitch/slut. As far as the bunch of crap that happened at the end of Season 2 and most of Season 3: Forget it ever happened!(I know, I know: I'm not asking much.)
A lot of the ideas in these stories were inspired by Zero's thread: Liz's Importance To The Alien Mythology at the Roswell 1 board at Fanforum so you may want to go check it out to understand where all this is coming from but it's not mandatory. These stories are not based solely on Max and Liz however. I plan on having something for all the characters.
I'll warn you now: I'm very ambitious when it comes to storytelling so this may get long if I can manage it. I'll try to clean up some of the mess JK made and come up with believable answers to questions he left unanswered. At some point, you'll see Nickolas, the Dupes and Khivar - just not in the first story. M&L come first!
So, dig in!
Prologue
It had been a strange 2 months - even for them.
Michael had found out where his human side had come from and discovered he actually had a sister. That's what he was calling her anyway. From what Maria had told her, they had bonded extremely well toward the end.
During that time, they had managed to stop a bunch of blue crystals from poisoning the earth and killing the entire population. The excitement hadn't stopped there. After being haunted by nightmares, Michael had decided to go to Las Vegas to blow the 'dirty money' he had come across in that adventure which he believed to be the source of his dreams.
While she hadn't had much fun on the trip, she was glad it had done everybody else some good. Max and Michael had even found time to bond. It had been in jail but it had still been good for them. That was all that mattered.
Everything had been quiet in the two weeks since they had been back. She knew she should be grateful and enjoy that fact but she couldn't.
Liz Parker was scared to death.
Things hadn't been quiet since she had fallen in love with an alien and had caused him to put everyone close to him in danger. This state of calmness could not be good.
Staring at her reflection in the mirror of the dresser beside her bed, she was glad to see she hadn't grown antennas or a third eye. She had been told only three months ago she had been 'changed' when Max had healed her from the fatal gunshot wound that had started all this.
Ava hadn't gone into any details but she already knew she had some kind of astral projection power. Would there be more 'changes' on the way? She didn't know if she necessarily wanted the answer to that question - not that she had any say in the matter.
But she hadn't stood in front of the mirror to look for changes. She stood there because something else was bothering her besides the quietness. She had been standing in this exact spot when that something had happened, when her life had dramatically changed for a third time.
She had been standing here when Future Max had materialized outside her window. She hadn't thought much about it since she had sacrificed her future with Max to prevent The End of the World. It was too painful to think about in great detail but she had caught herself doing just that in the last week.
She had been standing for almost thirty minutes now, trying to recall every word he'd said. She didn't know what was bothering her but she would figure it out. She always did.
* * * * *
In the building next to the Crashdown, a figure stood in the dark, his eyes gazing intently out the window. He had occupied this room for almost sixteen years now, doing the same thing - watching Liz Parker.
The room looked exactly like it was supposed to - as if a single, middle-aged man spent his life there. A refrigerator, television, bed and anything else one might find in such an apartment was there. There was nothing that would draw unwanted attention to its inhabitant - at least not out in the open.
That fool Naesado had failed to completely sever the ties between the human girl and the once Antarian king.
The figure wasn't surprised. He had been within hearing distance when Naesado had heaped that bunch of garbage on the boy about destiny and not letting history repeat itself.
Naesado was way too late to stop that from happening. The boy hadn't fallen for the blond in his other life and he wasn't in this one. As far as history went: the boy had no idea what his history was. None of them did. He would like to fill them in on what really happened but it wasn't his job to tell them. It was the other shapeshifter's job to address that subject.
It was obvious Kal had made a nice life for himself and no longer cared what happened. He wondered if Kal knew Naesado was dead and had made a deal with Khivar to keep the Royal Four running around in circles, never telling them enough to do any good. It really didn't matter now anyway.
Unless he missed his guess entirely, she was the one he was looking for; the one the prophecy said would come. She had to be. Too many signs pointed to her. He would find out soon enough. The Future Max situation had made it clear something had gone wrong. Something had interfered with his plans. He had to act now.
He had taken the last few months to finalize his plans. Everything was as ready as it was going to get. He had hoped to allow the girl to live in ignorance a little longer but it wasn't meant to be.
Liz Parker was strong. She had proven that many times over. Was she strong - or mature - enough to balance the scales as the prophecy said she would? He would have his answer soon enough.
Chapter One
Do you believe in destiny, Liz? Your grandmother did.
As she sat in her last class of the day, Liz held the note in her hands she had found in her locker that morning. Whoever had sent it hadn't signed it.
She had come to school in good mood. The Future Max thing was still bothering her but she had pushed it to the back of her mind for the time being. This was their last day before they got out for Spring Break. She had planned on getting away from everything - and everyone - for a week. Someone had already put a wrinkle in her plans.
She hoped it was just someone's idea of a joke. She had a feeling it wasn't.
The sound of the bell signaling the end of the period almost made her jump out of her chair. It seemed like she had just sat down a moment ago. She hoped nobody had tried to get her attention.
She wound her way through the sea of students crowding the halls of Roswell High as quickly as could. The sooner she could get out into the open air, away from the dozens and dozens of yammering voices, the better she'd feel.
"Where you off to so fast?", a voice from beside her said, startling her.
"Oh,", she said, recognizing the tall, lanky frame of her friend. "Hi, Alex. I've just got to get out of here."
She still couldn't get used to the change Alex Whitman had undergone during his trip to Sweden. It was like an alien had taken possession of his body. He stood up straighter, a newfound confidence oozing from his every move. His voice was stronger, deeper: His words were no longer tinged with uncertainty.
"Yeah,", Alex said. "I know how you feel. I still haven't really gotten used to being home again. Spring Break will do me some good."
"You haven't heard about anybody pulling practical jokes lately, have you?"
Alex shook his head. "No, why?"
She handed him the note. "I found that in my locker this morning."
"It's definitely weird.", Alex agreed. "You don't think it's...you know."
Liz shrugged. "I don't know. It's been bothering me all day. I haven't heard a word any of my teachers have said all day."
"Maybe you should show it to Max.", Alex suggested.
"I might if something else weird happens. He and I haven't exactly been what you'd call close these days. I don't want to bother him with my paranoia."
"You seemed pretty close on the dance floor in Vegas."
"Yeah,", she said, smiling. "That was nice. We haven't said two words to each other since then, though. You and Isabel had a nice time too. You're right back to where you were before though, aren't you?"
"Ouch!", Alex mummered.
Instantly, she realized what she'd said and felt ashamed of herself. Poor Alex had been chasing after Isabel for years now without much luck. She had thrown him a bone ever so often, allowing his hopes to rise, before taking it away again. At least she had her chance with Max. "I'm sorry, Alex."
"No, no,", he said. "You're right. Come to think of it, maybe I should go see where I really stand. See you later, Liz."
She watched him weave his way through the remaining students, looking for the apple of his eye. Nice going, Liz she thought as she opened her locker. Send him off for more punishment.
As the locker door swung open, she felt something hit her foot. Looking down, a sick feeling twisted itself through her stomach. A folded piece of paper - exactly like the one she'd found that morning - lay at her feet.
She quickly bent down to retrieve it. Unfolding it, she noticed the message was once again short and mysterious.
You're not following your heart, Liz. Your grandmother would be very disappointed in you.
Max Evan's eyes went from one note to the other. None of this made sense.
He hadn't even got in the house when his mom told him Liz had called, wanting him to come over. She said it was urgent. He had hoped they could stay downstairs in The Crashdown. He still felt uncomfortable being in her bedroom. The image of her and Kyle in bed together was still burned into his memory. It would be for a long time.
Unfortunately, her parents were closing up. They couldn't talk down there. If he had thought about it, he would have told her to meet him on the balcony outside her window but that wouldn't be much better. That's the way he had come up that horrible night.
He forced those thoughts away. He had more pressing matters to worry about now. "It could be a stalker, I guess. A human one."
Turning away from the window she crawled through to reach her personal retreat, Liz repeated the familiar words - the words that were some of the precious last her grandmother had ever spoken to her. "'Follow your heart'. Max, no one could possibly know my grandmother would be disappointed in me for not doing what I promised her I'd always do."
He glanced up at her, his eyes staring into hers, trying to uncover the secrets hidden beyond. She was hiding something. He knew it. He just didn't know what. "What's your heart telling you to do that you're not doing? And how does this person know about it?"
"I-I'm not sure.", she stammered, tearing her eyes away from his intense gaze to stare at the floor.
That wasn't exactly a lie. She had come to a few conclusions the other night regarding the Future Max situation. Her heart was indeed telling her something. It was telling her a bunch of something's, none of which fit together perfectly. She needed more time. "Anyway, how does this person know I've been struggling with feelings unless they have supernatural powers?"
"Liz!", came Nancy Parker's voice from the middle of the staircase leading down to the family-owned restaurant.
"Yeah, mom?", Liz answered.
"Pick up the phone!"
Before she took two steps, the phone sailed across the room to land firmly in Max's hand. "Here.", he said, holding it out for her.
"Thank you, young Skywalker.", she said as she took the phone from him.
"No problem.", he said, flashing the smile that threatened to turn her legs to Jell-O. She rarely saw it these days but, when she did, it still effected her - even these days when their relationship was less than stellar.
"I've got it, mom.", she called. "Hello."
"Hello, Ms. Parker." The voice on the other end was cold, emotionless. Liz was instantly reminded of Naesado. "I'm glad you received my notes."
"Who are you?", Liz asked, her voice faltering.
Max was instantly by her side. She held the phone away from her head to allow
Max to listen to the conversation. "Who I am is of no importance at the moment. And how are you, Max Evans: Long dead King of Antar, ruler of nothing."
Max and Liz shot each other an alarmed glance. She nodded toward the window. He returned the nod and walked toward the window. He raised it slowly, looked outside in all directions, turned back to Liz and shook his head before climbing out onto the balcony.
The voice was silent the whole time. Finally, after Max had left the room, the voice spoke again. "He won't find anything. Neither will you if you decide to search your room for cameras or something silly like that. Listen carefully, Liz Parker. Your destiny awaits. Come to the cave where the indian gave you the healing stones. Oh, and bring Max. He'll need to be there too. No one else."
"We haven't spoken to River Dog in a year. He won't even know we're there. How will we even find the cave again?"
"Follow your heart."
"How do you know my grandmother?", she asked quickly. "What does she have to do with any of this? What destiny?"
Click!
Max had prayed his sister would be too busy doing chores when he came home to ask any questions about why Liz had called. He was luckier than he had expected. Isabel was in her room - with Alex.
"Are you going to do it?", Alex asked as he sat down on the bed in front of her, crossing his long legs.
After his conversation with Liz that afternoon, He had looked for Isabel but she had already left school. He had gone home and sorted out his thoughts, planning his final approach. He had told her before he wasn't the lovesick puppy anymore. He wasn't going to break his neck for her anymore. He meant it too.
Isabel shrugged. "I don't know yet.", she admitted. "It depends on what happens in the next few weeks. Even though I have the credits to graduate, I don't know if I want to. Getting into college early is great but I don't know if I want to leave everybody behind. I thought about graduating and just taking the year off."
"That's what I'd--"
"Take me to the prom.", Isabel blurted out.
Alex was momentarily stunned. Where had that come from? "O-Okay."
Scooting closer, Isabel took his hand into her's. The palm of her hands were sticky, her throat suddenly dry. She fought to keep her hands from trembling. "I know it's still a month or two away but I want to go with you. I know...I know I haven't been very nice to you, always pushing you away. I've had some really bad relationship experiences lately and it's made me appreciate the fact that you're always there - no matter how crazy my life is."
"I-I don't know, Isabel.", Alex said, suddenly aware of her nervousness. It was a little scary. She was known as the Ice Princess around school, always in control, always distance. There hadn't been many times when she had let that persona melt away. "I don't want to get sucked back into the same ol' routine again."
"Please, Alex. Don't make me beg."
"What's wrong?"
She shook her head. "I don't know. I feel strange, like something's about to happen - something big. And I know I want to be with you when it happens. I can't explain it."
"Alright.", he agreed. "I'll take you to the prom but this is your last chance, Isabel. I need to move on with my life. Whether you're with me when I do is up to you."
"Thank you, Alex.", she said, hugging him. "Thank you."
"Yeah.", he said, still taken aback by this sudden turn of attitude in the woman he had pined for all these years. "No problem."