PART 4
Neither one of them regretted their decisions about
their relationship. They had gotten back together six
months ago, in two days. That would mean that all
together, Max and Liz would have been together for two
whole years. This was BIG. I mean, really BIG. Liz
expected something wonderful from Max. Their
three-month anniversary had been spectacular. A
wonderful dinner...and afterwards...(No, it's not what
you're thinking!)
Anyway, Liz had high hopes for this coming night. She
hoped their two-year anniversary would signify the
cementation of their relationship. Little did Liz
know, Max had no idea what was to be celebrated in two
days.
Maria had never gotten into too much trouble for
telling Max the secret. In fact, Liz had actually
thanked her. Maria was relieved to see that Liz was
finally happy again. Plus, not having to deal with
Liz's problems gave her more time to spend with
Michael. Maria really wanted to take their
relationship to the next level. She was ready. The
question was, what about Michael?
Maria constantly heard about the anniversary. "I
wonder what he's getting me," or "It's going to be
sooooo romantic", or "I can't believe this is actually
my life". That last one was from Maria. Sometimes
Maria wished her boyfriend were more like Max. Caring,
sweet, kind, romantic...No such luck.
"Maria, where do you think he'll take me?" Liz asked
for the millionth time. The two girls were sitting in
Maria's bedroom. Liz was lying on Maria's bed while
Maria was sitting in her desk chair.
"I really don't know Liz." Maria said, getting
aggravated. She just wished Liz would shut up! Liz
went on though; oblivious to Maria's hidden annoyance.
"Maybe to the new French restaurant? Or..."
"Shut up!!!" Maria screamed. Liz jumped.
"God Maria! What's wrong with you?"
"You. You're what's wrong with me. You're driving me
absolutely nuts! Max this, Max that! All about how
perfect you damned relationship is! I love you Liz.
I really do. And I need you to be happy. I think I
proved that to you when I told Max the truth. But please
don't rub it in, ok?"
"Jeez, sorry Maria. I didn't know you felt that way."
"Me and Michael are going through a bit of a rough
time in our relationship. I didn't mean to scream. I
just get so frustrated, ya know? "
"Yeah. Don't worry about it. Listen, I think I need to
get home. See you tomorrow?"
"Okay, bye."
"Bye."
TWO DAYS LATER
Liz walked down the hallway towards her locker.
"Hi Max."
"Hey Liz." Max met Liz right in front of her locker
and kissed her hello.
"That was nice."
"I know. So what do you want to do today?"
"Oh, I thought maybe you'd tell me." Liz said with a
giggle. She loved it when Max joked around with her.
It always meant he'd surprise her later with something even
better then she expected.
"Ummmmmm...I was kinda thinking maybe me and Michael
could hang out tonight. If you don't mind." Max
continued.
"Oh. I...I mean, well..."
*What's going on? Is he serious? I think he's serious!*
"Are you serious?" Liz asked.
"Well, yeah...I mean, if it's okay with you."
"I, I can't believe this! Max, how could you? You of
all people! God!" Liz screamed.
"What?"
"If you can't figure it out, I'm sure as hell not gonna
tell you!" She shouted. Then she turned around and stormed
away.
*I can't believe he forgot! This is so important to
me! Important for us! Max, why are you doing this?
What's going on?* Liz wondered. She was fighting back
tears. She ran to the bathroom and hid in one of the
stalls. She stayed there for most of first period.
Once she was done sulking she walked out of the
bathroom and down the hall to her locker. She grabbed
her coat and her books and headed home. She couldn't
face Max again that day.
Max stood in front of Liz's locker feeling dazed.
*What just happened here? What did I do now?* Max
thought about it for a few seconds. Then he realized
his fatal mistake. *Today is the 24th! OMG! I can't
believe I forgot our anniversary!*
LATER THAT NIGHT
"Hi is Maria there?" Liz asked over the phone.
"Sure Liz, one sec." Mrs. DeLuca answered.
"Hello?"
"Hi Maria, it's Liz."
"Hey Liz, what's up?"
"Oh let me think, yeah, Max forgot our
anniversary." Liz said sarcastically.
"Are you serious?"
"Yes!" Liz cried.
"OMG, Liz! I'm so sorry! Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I mean no, I mean, I don't know!"
"Liz, do you need me to come over?"
"I don't think so Maria. I just need to talk. Do you
think I should forgive him?"
"Liz, all I can say is that maybe you expect too much
from him. Remember how you said he had you on this
pedestal? That you were soooo perfect, in every way?
And really you weren't? Maybe you have him on that
pedestal too. That just makes it worse when he
falters. He's not perfect either. I think you should
forgive him Liz. You could still save your anniversary
you know."
"Wow, I can't believe what a ditz I am. You're totally
right Maria. Thank you so much. I don't know where I'd
be without you." Liz laughed.
"You're welcome Liz. Now get your butt down there and
have the best anniversary ever."
"I will. And Ria, I'm sure things will get better with
you and Michael. Don't worry about it."
"Thanks Liz."
"No problem."
OUTSIDE MAX'S HOUSE
Liz snuck up to the window of Max's room. She couldn't
wait to see the look on his face when she stepped
inside. She had been upset at first, but Maria had
helped her realize that Max was the only guy she could
ever love, and she shouldn't screw it up. She was in
love with the perfect guy, and she couldn't wait to
tell him. Liz crept slowly to the window. She peeked
over the ledge and saw, to her horror, Max and Tess
sitting on Max's bed, holding hands. Tess was giggling
uncontrollably as Max leaned in and whispered
something in her ear. Liz almost screamed, but she
stifled it just in time. She had to get away. She
didn't understand why this was happening. Didn't he
love her anymore? First the anniversary, and now this?
In the struggle to get away from Max and Tess, Liz
made a lot of noise and knocked over a few things. She
caused quite a stir. Max jumped at the sudden noise
and ran to the window leaving a forlorn looking Tess
behind. He saw Liz running down the street and called
after her, but she didn't turn around. He couldn't
believe he had let this happen. How could he have let
her see him with Tess? And on their anniversary too?
He felt awful, but worst of all he knew that Liz
wouldn't be quick to forgive him this time. Max walked
back into his room. He was feeling terribly depressed.
"Tess, I think you should leave now."
"Oh, but why Max? We were having so much fun! Who was
at he window?"
"It was Liz. I think she has the wrong idea about us.
I mean we're just friends."
"So, wait, let me get this straight. Liz is mad at you
because you forgot your anniversary, and because she saw
you with me. Am I right?"
"Well, yeah, I guess."
"Some girlfriend ya got there Max. She flips out over me
and you laughing together. What's gonna happen when you
have a real fight? I think you have the right to find out."
Tess said as she walked towards him.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Maybe you should make what she thinks happened really
happen." Tess whispered as she leaned in on Max. She
looked up at him with her big blue eyes pushed her
body up against his and, before Max knew what was
happening, she kissed him. Max pushed her away as soon
as he realized what was going on.
"Tess, what's wrong with you? You know I love Liz, I'd
never do anything to hurt her. I needed your advice. I
had no one else to talk to. Isabel is out, Michael is
at work, and Maria is with Alex. I couldn't get hold
of anyone else. So I called you."
"So is that what I am? Is that what I am to you Max? A
last resort? You've all made me feel so welcome here!
Damn it Max! Why can't you accept your destiny? Liz is
out of the picture now."
"Tess, I don't love you! I don't care about my
destiny! I love Liz, and I always will! She'll never
be 'out of the picture'! Now just go!"
"One day you'll understand Max! I'll get you back
someday!" Tess screamed. Then she ran out of the room
and out of his house. Max fell onto his bed and sighed
at that which was his life.
Liz let the tears flow freely down her face. She
didn't feel like fighting them. She didn't understand
any of it. *Why would he do this to me? I thought he
loved me! I know he loves me! * Liz couldn't control
her feelings. She felt anger, sadness, hate,
depression, and loneliness. She was right back where
she started *What am I gonna do?* She wondered again.
Tess stormed into her house. She stomped up the stairs
and slammed the door to her room. Kyle got up when he
heard this. *What's up with her?* He wondered. After
a few minutes he reluctantly got up and went to see
what was wrong.
"Tess? Where are you?" He called. Just then Tess came
out of the bathroom with nothing but a towel wrapped
around her. She was wet; obviously she had just
showered. Tess didn't seem surprised to see Kyle there.
Nor was she upset.
"Hey Kyle. What did you want?"
"Oh, nothing, I just wanted to make sure you were
alright."
"Oh. Well I'm fine." Tess said. Then she dropped the
towel and stood in front of Kyle, completely naked.
Then she walked right past him to her closet. She took
out Kyle's old jersey and slipped it on.
"So how are you tonight Kyle?"
"Oh, uh...I'm, I'm f...fi...fine."
"Good. I was wondering. Do you wanna talk? You seem
kind of...tense."
"Yeah, well I guess I am a little tense." Tess went
and sat down on her bed. She patted the seat next to
her.
"Here Kyle. Come sit down." He sat down beside her.
She began massaging his shoulders. "Does that feel
better?"
"Yeah..."
"You have such big muscles! You must be really strong!
I bet you're great in bed. She leaned over and kissed
him passionately. Kyle fell for it.
The next morning Kyle woke up beside Tess. It had been
a great night for him. He had loved every minute. Tess'
eyes fluttered open and she saw Kyle next to her on the
bed. She had loved last night too. Max was history.
Maybe he was right. Maybe destiny wasn't final. But
that didn't mean she had forgotten about her promise.
With thoughts of how to get Max back on her mind, she
snuggled closer to Kyle and fell back asleep.
Neither one of them regretted their decisions about
their relationship. They had gotten back together six
months ago, in two days. That would mean that all
together, Max and Liz would have been together for two
whole years. This was BIG. I mean, really BIG. Liz
expected something wonderful from Max. Their
three-month anniversary had been spectacular. A
wonderful dinner...and afterwards...(No, it's not what
you're thinking!)
Anyway, Liz had high hopes for this coming night. She
hoped their two-year anniversary would signify the
cementation of their relationship. Little did Liz
know, Max had no idea what was to be celebrated in two
days.
Maria had never gotten into too much trouble for
telling Max the secret. In fact, Liz had actually
thanked her. Maria was relieved to see that Liz was
finally happy again. Plus, not having to deal with
Liz's problems gave her more time to spend with
Michael. Maria really wanted to take their
relationship to the next level. She was ready. The
question was, what about Michael?
Maria constantly heard about the anniversary. "I
wonder what he's getting me," or "It's going to be
sooooo romantic", or "I can't believe this is actually
my life". That last one was from Maria. Sometimes
Maria wished her boyfriend were more like Max. Caring,
sweet, kind, romantic...No such luck.
"Maria, where do you think he'll take me?" Liz asked
for the millionth time. The two girls were sitting in
Maria's bedroom. Liz was lying on Maria's bed while
Maria was sitting in her desk chair.
"I really don't know Liz." Maria said, getting
aggravated. She just wished Liz would shut up! Liz
went on though; oblivious to Maria's hidden annoyance.
"Maybe to the new French restaurant? Or..."
"Shut up!!!" Maria screamed. Liz jumped.
"God Maria! What's wrong with you?"
"You. You're what's wrong with me. You're driving me
absolutely nuts! Max this, Max that! All about how
perfect you damned relationship is! I love you Liz.
I really do. And I need you to be happy. I think I
proved that to you when I told Max the truth. But please
don't rub it in, ok?"
"Jeez, sorry Maria. I didn't know you felt that way."
"Me and Michael are going through a bit of a rough
time in our relationship. I didn't mean to scream. I
just get so frustrated, ya know? "
"Yeah. Don't worry about it. Listen, I think I need to
get home. See you tomorrow?"
"Okay, bye."
"Bye."
TWO DAYS LATER
Liz walked down the hallway towards her locker.
"Hi Max."
"Hey Liz." Max met Liz right in front of her locker
and kissed her hello.
"That was nice."
"I know. So what do you want to do today?"
"Oh, I thought maybe you'd tell me." Liz said with a
giggle. She loved it when Max joked around with her.
It always meant he'd surprise her later with something even
better then she expected.
"Ummmmmm...I was kinda thinking maybe me and Michael
could hang out tonight. If you don't mind." Max
continued.
"Oh. I...I mean, well..."
*What's going on? Is he serious? I think he's serious!*
"Are you serious?" Liz asked.
"Well, yeah...I mean, if it's okay with you."
"I, I can't believe this! Max, how could you? You of
all people! God!" Liz screamed.
"What?"
"If you can't figure it out, I'm sure as hell not gonna
tell you!" She shouted. Then she turned around and stormed
away.
*I can't believe he forgot! This is so important to
me! Important for us! Max, why are you doing this?
What's going on?* Liz wondered. She was fighting back
tears. She ran to the bathroom and hid in one of the
stalls. She stayed there for most of first period.
Once she was done sulking she walked out of the
bathroom and down the hall to her locker. She grabbed
her coat and her books and headed home. She couldn't
face Max again that day.
Max stood in front of Liz's locker feeling dazed.
*What just happened here? What did I do now?* Max
thought about it for a few seconds. Then he realized
his fatal mistake. *Today is the 24th! OMG! I can't
believe I forgot our anniversary!*
LATER THAT NIGHT
"Hi is Maria there?" Liz asked over the phone.
"Sure Liz, one sec." Mrs. DeLuca answered.
"Hello?"
"Hi Maria, it's Liz."
"Hey Liz, what's up?"
"Oh let me think, yeah, Max forgot our
anniversary." Liz said sarcastically.
"Are you serious?"
"Yes!" Liz cried.
"OMG, Liz! I'm so sorry! Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I mean no, I mean, I don't know!"
"Liz, do you need me to come over?"
"I don't think so Maria. I just need to talk. Do you
think I should forgive him?"
"Liz, all I can say is that maybe you expect too much
from him. Remember how you said he had you on this
pedestal? That you were soooo perfect, in every way?
And really you weren't? Maybe you have him on that
pedestal too. That just makes it worse when he
falters. He's not perfect either. I think you should
forgive him Liz. You could still save your anniversary
you know."
"Wow, I can't believe what a ditz I am. You're totally
right Maria. Thank you so much. I don't know where I'd
be without you." Liz laughed.
"You're welcome Liz. Now get your butt down there and
have the best anniversary ever."
"I will. And Ria, I'm sure things will get better with
you and Michael. Don't worry about it."
"Thanks Liz."
"No problem."
OUTSIDE MAX'S HOUSE
Liz snuck up to the window of Max's room. She couldn't
wait to see the look on his face when she stepped
inside. She had been upset at first, but Maria had
helped her realize that Max was the only guy she could
ever love, and she shouldn't screw it up. She was in
love with the perfect guy, and she couldn't wait to
tell him. Liz crept slowly to the window. She peeked
over the ledge and saw, to her horror, Max and Tess
sitting on Max's bed, holding hands. Tess was giggling
uncontrollably as Max leaned in and whispered
something in her ear. Liz almost screamed, but she
stifled it just in time. She had to get away. She
didn't understand why this was happening. Didn't he
love her anymore? First the anniversary, and now this?
In the struggle to get away from Max and Tess, Liz
made a lot of noise and knocked over a few things. She
caused quite a stir. Max jumped at the sudden noise
and ran to the window leaving a forlorn looking Tess
behind. He saw Liz running down the street and called
after her, but she didn't turn around. He couldn't
believe he had let this happen. How could he have let
her see him with Tess? And on their anniversary too?
He felt awful, but worst of all he knew that Liz
wouldn't be quick to forgive him this time. Max walked
back into his room. He was feeling terribly depressed.
"Tess, I think you should leave now."
"Oh, but why Max? We were having so much fun! Who was
at he window?"
"It was Liz. I think she has the wrong idea about us.
I mean we're just friends."
"So, wait, let me get this straight. Liz is mad at you
because you forgot your anniversary, and because she saw
you with me. Am I right?"
"Well, yeah, I guess."
"Some girlfriend ya got there Max. She flips out over me
and you laughing together. What's gonna happen when you
have a real fight? I think you have the right to find out."
Tess said as she walked towards him.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Maybe you should make what she thinks happened really
happen." Tess whispered as she leaned in on Max. She
looked up at him with her big blue eyes pushed her
body up against his and, before Max knew what was
happening, she kissed him. Max pushed her away as soon
as he realized what was going on.
"Tess, what's wrong with you? You know I love Liz, I'd
never do anything to hurt her. I needed your advice. I
had no one else to talk to. Isabel is out, Michael is
at work, and Maria is with Alex. I couldn't get hold
of anyone else. So I called you."
"So is that what I am? Is that what I am to you Max? A
last resort? You've all made me feel so welcome here!
Damn it Max! Why can't you accept your destiny? Liz is
out of the picture now."
"Tess, I don't love you! I don't care about my
destiny! I love Liz, and I always will! She'll never
be 'out of the picture'! Now just go!"
"One day you'll understand Max! I'll get you back
someday!" Tess screamed. Then she ran out of the room
and out of his house. Max fell onto his bed and sighed
at that which was his life.
Liz let the tears flow freely down her face. She
didn't feel like fighting them. She didn't understand
any of it. *Why would he do this to me? I thought he
loved me! I know he loves me! * Liz couldn't control
her feelings. She felt anger, sadness, hate,
depression, and loneliness. She was right back where
she started *What am I gonna do?* She wondered again.
Tess stormed into her house. She stomped up the stairs
and slammed the door to her room. Kyle got up when he
heard this. *What's up with her?* He wondered. After
a few minutes he reluctantly got up and went to see
what was wrong.
"Tess? Where are you?" He called. Just then Tess came
out of the bathroom with nothing but a towel wrapped
around her. She was wet; obviously she had just
showered. Tess didn't seem surprised to see Kyle there.
Nor was she upset.
"Hey Kyle. What did you want?"
"Oh, nothing, I just wanted to make sure you were
alright."
"Oh. Well I'm fine." Tess said. Then she dropped the
towel and stood in front of Kyle, completely naked.
Then she walked right past him to her closet. She took
out Kyle's old jersey and slipped it on.
"So how are you tonight Kyle?"
"Oh, uh...I'm, I'm f...fi...fine."
"Good. I was wondering. Do you wanna talk? You seem
kind of...tense."
"Yeah, well I guess I am a little tense." Tess went
and sat down on her bed. She patted the seat next to
her.
"Here Kyle. Come sit down." He sat down beside her.
She began massaging his shoulders. "Does that feel
better?"
"Yeah..."
"You have such big muscles! You must be really strong!
I bet you're great in bed. She leaned over and kissed
him passionately. Kyle fell for it.
The next morning Kyle woke up beside Tess. It had been
a great night for him. He had loved every minute. Tess'
eyes fluttered open and she saw Kyle next to her on the
bed. She had loved last night too. Max was history.
Maybe he was right. Maybe destiny wasn't final. But
that didn't mean she had forgotten about her promise.
With thoughts of how to get Max back on her mind, she
snuggled closer to Kyle and fell back asleep.