Author's Note: I'm sorry I took SO long to post this chapter! I've been
taking finals at school so I haven't had much time to think. I also kept
changing this chapter as I was never very happy with it. Not to mention the
problem with fanfiction being down and going on vacation. I've already
finished the whole story, and there will only be one more chapter after
this one. I'll post it soon. Thanks to everyone that's enjoyed the story so
far! Your reviews mean everything to me! Even it you hate it, tell me!
Constructive criticism would be helpful. Also note, that I still have not
figured out how to get italics into fanfiction (arrggg!) so I've just
decided to use stars (*). A word surround by two stars means it's
italicized. Thanks!
Chapter Thirteen
Joshua lay on the Parker's peach couch. His head rested against the sofa armrest and his legs were supported by the pink plush. His eyes were squinted closed in an expression of unmistakable pain.
Around the agonized teenager kneeled two anxious women and two focused men. On the carpet a few feet away sat two young boys and piles of used tissues. Every few minutes the anxious women used their tension to grip the seat cushions on the couch. They fixed their gazes at both Joshua and one of the men, a man with dark brown hair and deep brown eyes.
Max felt sweat trickle down his forehead as he looked at Joshua. So much pain, he thought desperately, so much pain for one innocent boy. He could only hope his fingertips would heal Joshua. At least heal the physical wounds. Max knew that nothing could heal the mental pain Joshua would live with the rest of his life.
Shaking, Max brought his hands down upon Joshua's heaving chest. He focused his energy and being on the boy. He had to heal him. Yet Max felt his attention wavering; his energy wasn't enough to form a connection! Again Max's powers had failed him! Before you couldn't connect with the agent, and now you've failed to heal him! Max thought miserably.
Looking at Max, Liz saw his eyes constrict in concentration. She saw a single tear drip down his cheek. Max couldn't do it; he couldn't form the connection with Joshua. Liz lifted her hand onto Max's shoulder. Max's eyes flew open at the feel of Liz's touch. He looked into her eyes with thanks and understanding. Liz just smiled lightly at him. Her love gave him strength.
Again, Max closed his eyes and placed his palm on Joshua's chest. This time the connection was strong and fast, the blow hitting him from all sides. All of a sudden he could hear three heartbeats. Two were strong and fast, beating to an identical rhythm. The third heartbeat was soft and sparse. Joshua's heart seemed to be fading away into the distance like the end of a long song.
Quickly Max felt his inner eye search around for the cause of Joshua's fading heartbeat. He felt torn tissue and ripped lungs. Max used his willpower to mend the inner organs, all the while feeling Liz's energy aiding him.
Mrs. Parker and Michael saw Max's hand move to Joshua's legs. Under Max's palm, Joshua's bruises disappeared with a green glow. Josh's skin became pink with life again, his legs realigning themselves. Max's hand moved to Joshua's bare feet. And then those too, were healed. Miraculously, two toes regrew themselves on Josh's feet.
Mrs. Parker's hand was covering her amazed face. She was witnessing a miracle! Oh my God!
Max moved his hand up to Joshua's face now, still keeping his eyes closed. Within seconds, Josh's body was like new; his skin glowed with a new and healthy light. His eyes flew open and met Max's wet ones. There was a moment of silence and then Josh sat up and hugged Max.
Liz took her hand off Max's shoulder and watched within tears herself, the emotional embrace between her soul mate and brother. Then the two broke apart and the room reverberated with chocked sobs from mother, brothers, lovers, and friend. Joshua embraced everyone in turn. Mrs. Parker brought Max into her arms too, shaking her head in astonishment.
"I don't know what you did, but thank you for it. Thank you for saving my little boy. I truly witnessed a miracle today." Max blushed crimson and wiped a few tears from his eyes. He brought Liz into his arms and said to Mrs. Parker, "It was Liz who gave me strength. You should be thanking for daughter and your son for showing such incredible will." There were more hugs at this as everyone let the tears fall freely from their starved eyes.
*
The tick of the grandfather clock was the only sound Max heard. The small 'tick tick tick' was soft and continuous as it lulled him to sleep. Max leaned into the loveseat as he wrapped his arms tighter around his sleeping soul mate. The warmth radiating off Liz was immeasurable as she cuddled into Max. They lay on a loveseat couch, Max on the bottom and Liz stretched out on top of him, her hair tickling his nose and her cheek lain upon his chest. With each breath Max took, Liz followed his movements, floating up and down on top of him. And then Max felt the soft pull of gravity on his eyelids. Deep slumber was upon him. Max surrendered himself to it and was pulled into the dark softness of sleep. Tomorrow would be another day.
*
The next morning a joyful call awoke both Max and Liz: "Breakfast is ready kids! Wake up!" Liz stirred and opened her eyes. She was almost surprised to find herself lying on top of Max, as she had started out beside him the night before. Softly, Liz rubbed her eyes and glanced down upon her Max. He looked so cute, his hair tuffled and his dimples showing. Liz leaned her head down to Max's ear, "Wake up, my Max. My mom's made us breakfast," Liz cooed. She watched Max open his eyes and groan as he found Liz on top of him yet again. Max pulled her into his arms and rolled her over until Liz was below him and Max above. Liz laughed playfully at Max's manipulation. Max grinned and leaned down for a sweet kiss. However the second their lips met that sweet kiss turned from soft to hard and passionate almost instantly.
Walking into the living room to wake Liz and Max up, Mrs. Parker wiped her hands on a kitchen towel. She was just about to remind her daughter and Max Evans that breakfast was indeed ready, when she saw them. The kitchen towel dropped and Mrs. Parker's eyes widened. Her Lizzy was eating this man alive! They were kissing so openly and passionately that a stranger might think them very close lovers. Wait! They weren't close lovers were they? Hadn't Liz just met this man? Nancy cleared her throat, "Ahem, Max, Liz, breakfast is ready."
The two lovers broke apart quickly and stared guiltily at Mrs. Parker. Liz tried to get off Max and explain, "Mom." But Nancy just waved her hand and smiled cryptically. Then she went into the kitchen to feed her sons.
*
It was later that day that Max and Liz felt comfortable enough to set off alone. Life was showing them that no matter how important others' concerns seemed to be, their love for one another and their need to be alone always seemed to resurface. Max and Liz had spent the morning having breakfast with Joshua and the Parkers. Things had been quiet, only the occasional clatter of a fork on a plate or the soft chewing of pancakes heard as Max and the Parkers ate in thoughtful silence. It had been nice, too, when Charlie had suggested they give a prayer after all the pancakes had been eaten. Though never a very religious person, Nancy was starting to feel a new drive to the answers that God seemed to provide. As she started the prayer, Nancy's soft but quivering voice again showed her immeasurable love for her son.
It was only when Joshua asked to be excused to his room, did people start to scatter their own ways. Liz's brothers went to go play, their innocence and naïve character evident to all the adults. Mrs. Parker had refused the help of Liz or Max to wash the dishes; she too seemed to need more time alone. So, with everyone off on their own, Max and Liz were finally left to mull things over themselves. Liz had suggested a walk, and Max had silently agreed, knowing that they still had a lot to talk about, Joshua excluded.
"Max?" Liz tilted her head backwards to look up into Max's eyes as they walked together.
"Mmm?" his eyes spoke volumes, and Liz felt the strange sensation that she didn't need Max to speak to understand him. He wanted her to be open and let out all of her concerns. He wanted to nurse her worries and quench her fears. He wanted her to share her life. And in a way she already had.
"Let's sit down here so we can talk properly," Liz motioned with her hand to a soft piece of grass on the Roswell Park. The two sat down together, Liz leaning back into Max's warm chest.
"Max, we have so much to talk about, so much to still work out."
"I know, Liz." He spoke her name deeply drawing out the sounds as he turned her around until she was facing him, brown eye to brown eye. "Liz, we've been connected for years. I saw you in my dreams every night since I was a teenager." He smiled apologetically, though he wasn't sure why. "I used to live for the nights, forgetting all about each day. I forgot to *live*, Liz. I existed only in my subconscious. That's why it's so amazing for me to be able to see you now, in the daylight, and tough you with real fingers." He drew his fingers across her cheek, almost to prove his point, and Liz shuddered slightly.
Liz's deep eyes moistened. "Max, it means so much to be with you too. I haven't been suffering the way you have, living for the night. But I have been in the dark, per say, about something else. I didn't remember you, Max!" Liz's body rocked up and down as her voice rose. Max put his arms around her neck and brought her into a tight hug. "I always loved you Max, I always will, I just didn't remember for the longest time. So in a way, I also lived in the nights. It meant so much for me to finally remember your face on that plane, and then see your face *for real*."
"Liz, as much as I just want to forget all that's complicated our lives and just live for the future, we have to know what it was that brought us together. Why me? Why do you love me? Why did I have dreams for years before I finally got to see you? Why have my dreams stopped?"
Liz's already wide eyes seemed to grow even more. "Yours were gone too? Max, I didn't dream last night!"
"Neither did I. For the first time in nine years, I didn't dream at all."
"Do you think it's fate, Max? Has fate been bringing us together like this?"
"No. I did that." A deep voice broke into Max and Liz's huddled conversation. Liz jumped in surprise, and Max moved quickly to cover her with his own body.
"Who are you?" Max's voice, before so laced with love and confusion, was now full of authority and power.
The man grinned madly. "Ah, Max. Always the leader. you take after your father."
Max was up on his feet. "What do you know about my father?" He moved the now standing Liz to his side tightly.
"Relax, Max." His grin, if possible, widened. "That rhymes!" He chuckled to himself and then looked at the serious couple, "Ahem, right, I will not hurt you or Liz, Maxwell, so you have no reason to fear me. I am, in all words, a friend."
From Max's side came a startled sound. "I know you!" Liz exclaimed, moving closer. "Weren't you my cab driver up in Washington? And wait- yes I did- I saw you outside the Roswell airport." She paused, breathless, "Who are you?"
The man chuckled. "You were always clever, Liz. But not quite clever enough to figure out *what* I am. Here, sit back down on the grass; it's such a nice day."
Max and Liz sat again. The man smiled.
"Let me introduce myself. My name here on Earth is Jackson Yule. I am the official keeper of your destinies." And then before Max or Liz could utter a sound Jackson continued, "I am from Antar, yes, but I'm not one of the Antarian people. I'm sort of like a spirit, as I can take many forms. In reality, I am nothing like either of you as I am neither human nor alien," His words were spoken slowly as if to make sure both Max and Liz heard him correctly, "My purpose-"
"Purpose?" Liz interrupted, "Why must you make a purpose?"
"Everything has a purpose, Liz. Nothing in this universe lives for no reason. Nothing is arbitrary, remember that. That doesn't mean that 'fate' controls everything, or that your lives are already planned out. No, what I mean is more complicated than can be explained. What you'll just have to accept is that every being, for the sake of argument, has a soul mate, a lover to whom you are supposed to spend your life with. It is my job, as a Guider, to try and bring these soul mates together."
"Why?" Max spoke, "Can't they find each other themselves?"
"I think you already know the answer to that, Max. What would you say has brought you and Liz together? Joshua? Your dreams? The AOE? Katrina?" And then as if he didn't want Max to answer, Jackson continued softly, in a stable, deep voice, "People are so confused on this planet. No one knows what to do or say, Max. You are taught what society wants you to know, and you act as society sees fit. People don't follow their own intuition anymore, no one trusts themselves. You only follow other people's orders. It's similar on Antar and so many other planets. That is why I am here. To help guide you and your soul mate together."
"Did you create our dreams, Mr. Yule?" Liz asked, her scientific mind working on over drive.
"No Liz. I *allowed* you to see what life was like with Max in it. You and Max created those dreams. I only helped them come as often as they did. I also nudged your inner eye."
"Wait, what does that mean?" Liz asked.
"It means that every being is born with capabilities beyond your ideas, Liz. You have more then seven senses, yet you don't know how to use them all. Have you ever been told that humans only use a small fraction of their brain?"
"Of course."
"I only helped you use a little more of that brain and allowed you to feel things beyond the surface. I encouraged your insight and foretelling."
"I remember that when I used to see pictures of Joshua or when I shook hands with Charlie or Mrs. Parker, your mother, Liz, I would feel things.like recognition or déjà vu. Is that what you're talking about, Mr. Yule?"
"Yes, Max exactly that. I hoped to jog your memory of your dreams and lead you towards Liz. Your inner eyes, too, grew stronger as you two grew closer physically."
"Oh! Is that why I was finally able to remember about Max on the plane? Because I was closer to Max?"
"Yes, that is part of the reason, Liz."
"But why couldn't I remember Max when I was awake in the first place, when Max could?"
"That Liz, is because Antarians have learned to adapt with their inner eye much more that humans on Earth have. Max's powers are just a representation that his brain is more in touch with his Self, his inner being. Humans have yet to evolve to that stage."
"Oh," Liz looked slightly downcast, and Max wrapped his arms around her for strength. "And now that our dreams have left?"
"You don't need them anymore. You have found each other and you no longer need the extra guidance.
"I must go soon, Max and Liz. I only came to see that you two had fully found each other and that my job was done. I have others to help."
"Wait, Mr. Yule," Max persisted, "you said you knew my father. Did you help him and my mother come together?"
Jackson smiled. "I did."
"And, one more thing," Liz lifted her chin to meet his eyes, "Have there been many out of species pairings before? Is it safe for Max and I, for Max and I to.fully love each other?" Max looked at her, and Liz felt his gaze. She stared at Mr. Yule.
Jackson smiled again. "Love in any form will find a way to be together. There have been many *unusual* pairings in my day. Human and alien.don't worry, Liz. You and Max will be able to experience everything you desire together. Just remember that I don't create the love between you two, you do, I just guide it."
And in that split-second he was gone. Just like that.
They sat together, still in each other's arms, for a few minutes, just to catch their breath. Liz knew she still had much to think about on her own. In fact, she was sure that she would never quite understand everything Jackson had said in this lifetime. So Max turned her in his arms to look into those eyes he loved so much.
"Liz. I love you now and forever. Will you spend the rest of your life with me?"
"Oh, Max!" Liz sighed as she pushed her lips against his. Between soft kisses she whispered, "I love you."
And he was so happy.
Chapter Thirteen
Joshua lay on the Parker's peach couch. His head rested against the sofa armrest and his legs were supported by the pink plush. His eyes were squinted closed in an expression of unmistakable pain.
Around the agonized teenager kneeled two anxious women and two focused men. On the carpet a few feet away sat two young boys and piles of used tissues. Every few minutes the anxious women used their tension to grip the seat cushions on the couch. They fixed their gazes at both Joshua and one of the men, a man with dark brown hair and deep brown eyes.
Max felt sweat trickle down his forehead as he looked at Joshua. So much pain, he thought desperately, so much pain for one innocent boy. He could only hope his fingertips would heal Joshua. At least heal the physical wounds. Max knew that nothing could heal the mental pain Joshua would live with the rest of his life.
Shaking, Max brought his hands down upon Joshua's heaving chest. He focused his energy and being on the boy. He had to heal him. Yet Max felt his attention wavering; his energy wasn't enough to form a connection! Again Max's powers had failed him! Before you couldn't connect with the agent, and now you've failed to heal him! Max thought miserably.
Looking at Max, Liz saw his eyes constrict in concentration. She saw a single tear drip down his cheek. Max couldn't do it; he couldn't form the connection with Joshua. Liz lifted her hand onto Max's shoulder. Max's eyes flew open at the feel of Liz's touch. He looked into her eyes with thanks and understanding. Liz just smiled lightly at him. Her love gave him strength.
Again, Max closed his eyes and placed his palm on Joshua's chest. This time the connection was strong and fast, the blow hitting him from all sides. All of a sudden he could hear three heartbeats. Two were strong and fast, beating to an identical rhythm. The third heartbeat was soft and sparse. Joshua's heart seemed to be fading away into the distance like the end of a long song.
Quickly Max felt his inner eye search around for the cause of Joshua's fading heartbeat. He felt torn tissue and ripped lungs. Max used his willpower to mend the inner organs, all the while feeling Liz's energy aiding him.
Mrs. Parker and Michael saw Max's hand move to Joshua's legs. Under Max's palm, Joshua's bruises disappeared with a green glow. Josh's skin became pink with life again, his legs realigning themselves. Max's hand moved to Joshua's bare feet. And then those too, were healed. Miraculously, two toes regrew themselves on Josh's feet.
Mrs. Parker's hand was covering her amazed face. She was witnessing a miracle! Oh my God!
Max moved his hand up to Joshua's face now, still keeping his eyes closed. Within seconds, Josh's body was like new; his skin glowed with a new and healthy light. His eyes flew open and met Max's wet ones. There was a moment of silence and then Josh sat up and hugged Max.
Liz took her hand off Max's shoulder and watched within tears herself, the emotional embrace between her soul mate and brother. Then the two broke apart and the room reverberated with chocked sobs from mother, brothers, lovers, and friend. Joshua embraced everyone in turn. Mrs. Parker brought Max into her arms too, shaking her head in astonishment.
"I don't know what you did, but thank you for it. Thank you for saving my little boy. I truly witnessed a miracle today." Max blushed crimson and wiped a few tears from his eyes. He brought Liz into his arms and said to Mrs. Parker, "It was Liz who gave me strength. You should be thanking for daughter and your son for showing such incredible will." There were more hugs at this as everyone let the tears fall freely from their starved eyes.
*
The tick of the grandfather clock was the only sound Max heard. The small 'tick tick tick' was soft and continuous as it lulled him to sleep. Max leaned into the loveseat as he wrapped his arms tighter around his sleeping soul mate. The warmth radiating off Liz was immeasurable as she cuddled into Max. They lay on a loveseat couch, Max on the bottom and Liz stretched out on top of him, her hair tickling his nose and her cheek lain upon his chest. With each breath Max took, Liz followed his movements, floating up and down on top of him. And then Max felt the soft pull of gravity on his eyelids. Deep slumber was upon him. Max surrendered himself to it and was pulled into the dark softness of sleep. Tomorrow would be another day.
*
The next morning a joyful call awoke both Max and Liz: "Breakfast is ready kids! Wake up!" Liz stirred and opened her eyes. She was almost surprised to find herself lying on top of Max, as she had started out beside him the night before. Softly, Liz rubbed her eyes and glanced down upon her Max. He looked so cute, his hair tuffled and his dimples showing. Liz leaned her head down to Max's ear, "Wake up, my Max. My mom's made us breakfast," Liz cooed. She watched Max open his eyes and groan as he found Liz on top of him yet again. Max pulled her into his arms and rolled her over until Liz was below him and Max above. Liz laughed playfully at Max's manipulation. Max grinned and leaned down for a sweet kiss. However the second their lips met that sweet kiss turned from soft to hard and passionate almost instantly.
Walking into the living room to wake Liz and Max up, Mrs. Parker wiped her hands on a kitchen towel. She was just about to remind her daughter and Max Evans that breakfast was indeed ready, when she saw them. The kitchen towel dropped and Mrs. Parker's eyes widened. Her Lizzy was eating this man alive! They were kissing so openly and passionately that a stranger might think them very close lovers. Wait! They weren't close lovers were they? Hadn't Liz just met this man? Nancy cleared her throat, "Ahem, Max, Liz, breakfast is ready."
The two lovers broke apart quickly and stared guiltily at Mrs. Parker. Liz tried to get off Max and explain, "Mom." But Nancy just waved her hand and smiled cryptically. Then she went into the kitchen to feed her sons.
*
It was later that day that Max and Liz felt comfortable enough to set off alone. Life was showing them that no matter how important others' concerns seemed to be, their love for one another and their need to be alone always seemed to resurface. Max and Liz had spent the morning having breakfast with Joshua and the Parkers. Things had been quiet, only the occasional clatter of a fork on a plate or the soft chewing of pancakes heard as Max and the Parkers ate in thoughtful silence. It had been nice, too, when Charlie had suggested they give a prayer after all the pancakes had been eaten. Though never a very religious person, Nancy was starting to feel a new drive to the answers that God seemed to provide. As she started the prayer, Nancy's soft but quivering voice again showed her immeasurable love for her son.
It was only when Joshua asked to be excused to his room, did people start to scatter their own ways. Liz's brothers went to go play, their innocence and naïve character evident to all the adults. Mrs. Parker had refused the help of Liz or Max to wash the dishes; she too seemed to need more time alone. So, with everyone off on their own, Max and Liz were finally left to mull things over themselves. Liz had suggested a walk, and Max had silently agreed, knowing that they still had a lot to talk about, Joshua excluded.
"Max?" Liz tilted her head backwards to look up into Max's eyes as they walked together.
"Mmm?" his eyes spoke volumes, and Liz felt the strange sensation that she didn't need Max to speak to understand him. He wanted her to be open and let out all of her concerns. He wanted to nurse her worries and quench her fears. He wanted her to share her life. And in a way she already had.
"Let's sit down here so we can talk properly," Liz motioned with her hand to a soft piece of grass on the Roswell Park. The two sat down together, Liz leaning back into Max's warm chest.
"Max, we have so much to talk about, so much to still work out."
"I know, Liz." He spoke her name deeply drawing out the sounds as he turned her around until she was facing him, brown eye to brown eye. "Liz, we've been connected for years. I saw you in my dreams every night since I was a teenager." He smiled apologetically, though he wasn't sure why. "I used to live for the nights, forgetting all about each day. I forgot to *live*, Liz. I existed only in my subconscious. That's why it's so amazing for me to be able to see you now, in the daylight, and tough you with real fingers." He drew his fingers across her cheek, almost to prove his point, and Liz shuddered slightly.
Liz's deep eyes moistened. "Max, it means so much to be with you too. I haven't been suffering the way you have, living for the night. But I have been in the dark, per say, about something else. I didn't remember you, Max!" Liz's body rocked up and down as her voice rose. Max put his arms around her neck and brought her into a tight hug. "I always loved you Max, I always will, I just didn't remember for the longest time. So in a way, I also lived in the nights. It meant so much for me to finally remember your face on that plane, and then see your face *for real*."
"Liz, as much as I just want to forget all that's complicated our lives and just live for the future, we have to know what it was that brought us together. Why me? Why do you love me? Why did I have dreams for years before I finally got to see you? Why have my dreams stopped?"
Liz's already wide eyes seemed to grow even more. "Yours were gone too? Max, I didn't dream last night!"
"Neither did I. For the first time in nine years, I didn't dream at all."
"Do you think it's fate, Max? Has fate been bringing us together like this?"
"No. I did that." A deep voice broke into Max and Liz's huddled conversation. Liz jumped in surprise, and Max moved quickly to cover her with his own body.
"Who are you?" Max's voice, before so laced with love and confusion, was now full of authority and power.
The man grinned madly. "Ah, Max. Always the leader. you take after your father."
Max was up on his feet. "What do you know about my father?" He moved the now standing Liz to his side tightly.
"Relax, Max." His grin, if possible, widened. "That rhymes!" He chuckled to himself and then looked at the serious couple, "Ahem, right, I will not hurt you or Liz, Maxwell, so you have no reason to fear me. I am, in all words, a friend."
From Max's side came a startled sound. "I know you!" Liz exclaimed, moving closer. "Weren't you my cab driver up in Washington? And wait- yes I did- I saw you outside the Roswell airport." She paused, breathless, "Who are you?"
The man chuckled. "You were always clever, Liz. But not quite clever enough to figure out *what* I am. Here, sit back down on the grass; it's such a nice day."
Max and Liz sat again. The man smiled.
"Let me introduce myself. My name here on Earth is Jackson Yule. I am the official keeper of your destinies." And then before Max or Liz could utter a sound Jackson continued, "I am from Antar, yes, but I'm not one of the Antarian people. I'm sort of like a spirit, as I can take many forms. In reality, I am nothing like either of you as I am neither human nor alien," His words were spoken slowly as if to make sure both Max and Liz heard him correctly, "My purpose-"
"Purpose?" Liz interrupted, "Why must you make a purpose?"
"Everything has a purpose, Liz. Nothing in this universe lives for no reason. Nothing is arbitrary, remember that. That doesn't mean that 'fate' controls everything, or that your lives are already planned out. No, what I mean is more complicated than can be explained. What you'll just have to accept is that every being, for the sake of argument, has a soul mate, a lover to whom you are supposed to spend your life with. It is my job, as a Guider, to try and bring these soul mates together."
"Why?" Max spoke, "Can't they find each other themselves?"
"I think you already know the answer to that, Max. What would you say has brought you and Liz together? Joshua? Your dreams? The AOE? Katrina?" And then as if he didn't want Max to answer, Jackson continued softly, in a stable, deep voice, "People are so confused on this planet. No one knows what to do or say, Max. You are taught what society wants you to know, and you act as society sees fit. People don't follow their own intuition anymore, no one trusts themselves. You only follow other people's orders. It's similar on Antar and so many other planets. That is why I am here. To help guide you and your soul mate together."
"Did you create our dreams, Mr. Yule?" Liz asked, her scientific mind working on over drive.
"No Liz. I *allowed* you to see what life was like with Max in it. You and Max created those dreams. I only helped them come as often as they did. I also nudged your inner eye."
"Wait, what does that mean?" Liz asked.
"It means that every being is born with capabilities beyond your ideas, Liz. You have more then seven senses, yet you don't know how to use them all. Have you ever been told that humans only use a small fraction of their brain?"
"Of course."
"I only helped you use a little more of that brain and allowed you to feel things beyond the surface. I encouraged your insight and foretelling."
"I remember that when I used to see pictures of Joshua or when I shook hands with Charlie or Mrs. Parker, your mother, Liz, I would feel things.like recognition or déjà vu. Is that what you're talking about, Mr. Yule?"
"Yes, Max exactly that. I hoped to jog your memory of your dreams and lead you towards Liz. Your inner eyes, too, grew stronger as you two grew closer physically."
"Oh! Is that why I was finally able to remember about Max on the plane? Because I was closer to Max?"
"Yes, that is part of the reason, Liz."
"But why couldn't I remember Max when I was awake in the first place, when Max could?"
"That Liz, is because Antarians have learned to adapt with their inner eye much more that humans on Earth have. Max's powers are just a representation that his brain is more in touch with his Self, his inner being. Humans have yet to evolve to that stage."
"Oh," Liz looked slightly downcast, and Max wrapped his arms around her for strength. "And now that our dreams have left?"
"You don't need them anymore. You have found each other and you no longer need the extra guidance.
"I must go soon, Max and Liz. I only came to see that you two had fully found each other and that my job was done. I have others to help."
"Wait, Mr. Yule," Max persisted, "you said you knew my father. Did you help him and my mother come together?"
Jackson smiled. "I did."
"And, one more thing," Liz lifted her chin to meet his eyes, "Have there been many out of species pairings before? Is it safe for Max and I, for Max and I to.fully love each other?" Max looked at her, and Liz felt his gaze. She stared at Mr. Yule.
Jackson smiled again. "Love in any form will find a way to be together. There have been many *unusual* pairings in my day. Human and alien.don't worry, Liz. You and Max will be able to experience everything you desire together. Just remember that I don't create the love between you two, you do, I just guide it."
And in that split-second he was gone. Just like that.
They sat together, still in each other's arms, for a few minutes, just to catch their breath. Liz knew she still had much to think about on her own. In fact, she was sure that she would never quite understand everything Jackson had said in this lifetime. So Max turned her in his arms to look into those eyes he loved so much.
"Liz. I love you now and forever. Will you spend the rest of your life with me?"
"Oh, Max!" Liz sighed as she pushed her lips against his. Between soft kisses she whispered, "I love you."
And he was so happy.
