"How can I not, Michael?" Maria asked as she stared out of her bedroom
window with her arms crossed over her chest.
"Well, at least let me go with you," Michael argued and moved to stand behind Maria.
"He said not to bring anyone," Maria told Michael for the hundredth time.
"Maria, please," Michael pleaded and gently placed his right hand on Maria's shoulder.
"Michael, I have to do this," Maria said shaking her head. She turned her back to the window and faced Michael. "Can't you understand that? I will do whatever it takes to bring Hope safely home. Whatever it takes, Michael."
Michael looked deeply into Maria's eyes and knew exactly what her words meant. Maria would die for Hope... and Michael suspected Maria was prepared for that to happen. "She needs you," Michael said begging Maria to think about her decision.
"She has Alex and Liz... and she has you now," Maria spoke quietly never losing eye contact with the man standing before her.
"She hardly knows me, Maria. I... I," Michael searched for any words to say that might help change Maria's mind. As much as he wanted Hope safe, he felt an uncertainty about the "offer" presented by the kidnappers. "I suck with kids, Maria," he forced a laugh. "You, of all people, should know that. You know, one day she will need one of those... ugh," Michael motioned to his chest. "And... and... how will I ever be able to explain... you know, boys and girls. And on that same subject, she will hate me when she starts dating. I'll be the over-protective father who makes her wear skirts below her ankles and Lord help the poor fellow who comes to the door wanting to take her to the movies." Michael slowed his speech when he saw Maria roll her eyes and heard her giggle. "You see," he said reinforcing his point. "She needs you."
"Yeah, she needs me to protect her from you," Maria laughed.
Michael loved seeing Maria smile. There was nothing funny about their situation, but still he loved to see her change her focus... even if it was for only a brief moment.
Immediately, Maria returned her attention to the matter at hand. "I have no choice, Michael. They are only letting Hope go if they have..."
"Let me go," Michael interrupted. Maria shook her head.
"I already told you Michael, the man said for me not to bring..."
"That's not what I mean," Michael interrupted again. "Let me go in your place." Maria looked at Michael with astonishment as he continued. "The man said to come alone. But what if I came alone in stead of you? They could take me and let Hope come home to you."
Maria couldn't believe what Michael was suggesting. Michael, who wanted to leave town at the very idea that someone might be on to the alien secret, was ready to turn himself in... willingly and without a fight. Maria was stunned at what Michael was considering, but she couldn't let him give up his life for her. Hope had been her responsibility for years. She wasn't accustomed to sharing responsibility for her well-being. Michael had worked hard for the life he'd built for himself and she refused to stand idly by and let him give that up... not when there was an alternative. "Michael, I can't let you..." Maria started to shake her head.
Michael reached forward and brushed a stray strand of hair from Maria's forehead. "I can take care of myself." Michael grinned and said, "You know, I have these certain..." He looked at his hands. "I've got these certain abilities that can be useful." Michael looked at Maria and continued. "I know you want to do everything for Hope. And believe me, I do too. But what if the man doesn't honor his bargain? What if he takes you and doesn't let Hope go?"
Maria hung her head as Michael confirmed her every fear.
Michael watched as Maria realized the truth he spoke. "There's more I can do than you can in this particular situation. I can… help her… and I can make sure they won't come for her again." Michael moved closer to Maria and firmly pledged, "I've I just found her. You've got to know that I'll do anything to find her again."
Maria looked at Michael's hands. She knew that he spoke sincerely. Michael had once been reckless and careless with his powers, but he'd grown and his powers had matured.
Michael moved his hand to Maria's shoulder again and gently pulled her towards him. He embraced her in a hug. He folded his head into her neck and assured her, "And I won' lose you again, either."
Michael and Maria stood together for a small eternity. Neither of them moved and both wanted desperately to freeze the moment forever. Silence surrounded them as a rush of emotions filled both beating hearts.
Finally, Maria lifted her head from Michael's shoulder and looked into his hazel eyes. "How did this happen?" she whispered.
Slowly, Michael shook his head answering Maria's question. "I'll bring her home, Maria," Michael promised.
............................................................................ ........................................
Liz woke when she heard a door opening downstairs. "Max," Liz whispered into the dark room.
Liz looked over the edge of her bed and saw Max lying on the floor. She remembered what he'd said the night before as they uncomfortably discussed sleeping arrangements. "If we're starting over, then I think it's best that we really start over... on every level." Liz's heart fell at the words, but her spirit was immediately revived when Max finished his thought. "But I can't bear the thought of being so far away from you - even as far as the next room. So, if it's okay with you, I'll sleep on the floor next you. I just need to be able to hear you breath."
Liz's thoughts were interrupted when she heard a door closing downstairs. She feared the kidnappers had returned. "Max," Liz whispered a little louder.
Max lifted his head. "What's wrong?" he asked sitting up.
"I think there's someone downstairs."
............................................................................ .......................................
"She's gone," Michael said joining everyone in the living room of Maria's apartment. "I found this," he said holding a folded piece of notebook paper. Michael sat down on the couch and slowly began reading aloud.
"Dear Michael,
I'm sorry. I have to. Please don't follow me and please don't show up at the pier tomorrow morning. I have to be sure she's safe... and I'm afraid they will hurt her if they don't get me. Take care of her, Michael. She needs you more than you know. And as for those few doubts you had earlier today... Liz can help. So can Isabel. And Alex is an old pro. You'll be a brilliant dad. I have no worries.
I'm sorry - for everything.
I never stopped loving you, Spaceboy.
Maria."
Michael's hands caught his falling face and he breathed heavily into his palms.
"So, now what?" Alex asked breaking the silence in the room. Everyone turned to look questioningly at him. "Well, what do we do now?" All eyes in the room exchanged confused glances. "Someone has to have a plan, right?" Alex demanded.
Lupe stood and looked at Alex. "How about some coffee while we think," she said turning to go towards the kitchen.
"There's none in there," Isabel said. "I was gonna make some last night," she explained when Lupe looked at her. "Anybody got cash? I'll go get some from the curb store."
"Yeah," Liz answered standing and walking to retrieve her black handbag from the end table. "Sure, I've got a ten." As Liz opened her wallet, the ten dollar bill and a photograph fell to the floor at Michael's feet.
"I've got it," Michael said bending down. He lifted the fallen items and handed them to Liz. Michael's breath caught in his throat as he noticed a face in the photograph. "Wait," he managed to blurt as Liz was stuffing the photo back into her wallet. "Who is that?"
Liz nervously pressed the photo into her wallet and fumbled to close the bulky black closures. "I... it's an old picture... I forgot it was even there." She kept her eyes glued to her purse and refused to look at Max. Guilt struck her as she realized she had been carrying around the picture taken of her and Jackson on the day they were engaged.
"Let me see it," Michael demanded standing to reach for Liz's purse.
"Why?" Liz asked stunned by Michael's forceful actions.
"Just... let me see it," Michael said. His voice trailed as he pulled the picture from Liz's wallet.
Everyone in the room gathered around Michael curious about his interest in the photograph. They all stared at the picture waiting to hear why the photograph had caused such a reaction.
Max looked over Liz's shoulder at the picture Michael held of Liz and Jackson sitting together before a blue backdrop. The couple smiled happily and Liz's small hand lay lazily over Jackson's. She proudly displayed a diamond engagement ring. He knew Liz and Jackson were finished, but still a small twinge of envy coursed through his veins. Liz glanced over her shoulder at Max's face. He stared at the picture with every thought written clearly in his eyes.
Liz opened her mouth to explain again why she still had the picture in her wallet, but she was interrupted by Michael. "This is him," he said pointing at Jackson. "This is the guy I saw it the visions. This is who has Hope."
............................................................................ .................................................................
"Michael," Isabel said pushing Michael's chest and walking him backwards to the bedroom door. "I won't be able to go sleep with you hovering over me like a vulture." Isabel turned to look at Alex who sat on the edge of the bed apparently assuming he was exempt from being excused. "You too, Alex," she demanded.
"Oh, come on," Alex whined. "I won't make a peep," he whispered. He pretended to zip his lips with his fingers and tossed the imaginary key.
Isabel lifted her chin and looked at Alex over the tip of her nose. He understood her unvoiced instructions. He frowned and pouted and stood to walk towards the door.
"Okay," Michael said stepping outside the doorway. "Just promise you'll come downstairs as soon as you wake."
"What? Do you think I'm gonna keep it some big secret?" Isabel asked sarcastically.
"No, I just..." Michael stopped. He looked very seriously at Isabel and said, "It's really important, you know?"
"I know, Michael," Isabel reassured him she would do everything she could to help. "I'll be down soon," she said touching Michael's arm before closing the door to the guest bedroom.
Isabel lay down on her back in the middle of the bed. She held the picture of Jackson and Liz in her hand. She took a deep breath, touched her finger to Jackson's face and closed her eyes.
"Well, at least let me go with you," Michael argued and moved to stand behind Maria.
"He said not to bring anyone," Maria told Michael for the hundredth time.
"Maria, please," Michael pleaded and gently placed his right hand on Maria's shoulder.
"Michael, I have to do this," Maria said shaking her head. She turned her back to the window and faced Michael. "Can't you understand that? I will do whatever it takes to bring Hope safely home. Whatever it takes, Michael."
Michael looked deeply into Maria's eyes and knew exactly what her words meant. Maria would die for Hope... and Michael suspected Maria was prepared for that to happen. "She needs you," Michael said begging Maria to think about her decision.
"She has Alex and Liz... and she has you now," Maria spoke quietly never losing eye contact with the man standing before her.
"She hardly knows me, Maria. I... I," Michael searched for any words to say that might help change Maria's mind. As much as he wanted Hope safe, he felt an uncertainty about the "offer" presented by the kidnappers. "I suck with kids, Maria," he forced a laugh. "You, of all people, should know that. You know, one day she will need one of those... ugh," Michael motioned to his chest. "And... and... how will I ever be able to explain... you know, boys and girls. And on that same subject, she will hate me when she starts dating. I'll be the over-protective father who makes her wear skirts below her ankles and Lord help the poor fellow who comes to the door wanting to take her to the movies." Michael slowed his speech when he saw Maria roll her eyes and heard her giggle. "You see," he said reinforcing his point. "She needs you."
"Yeah, she needs me to protect her from you," Maria laughed.
Michael loved seeing Maria smile. There was nothing funny about their situation, but still he loved to see her change her focus... even if it was for only a brief moment.
Immediately, Maria returned her attention to the matter at hand. "I have no choice, Michael. They are only letting Hope go if they have..."
"Let me go," Michael interrupted. Maria shook her head.
"I already told you Michael, the man said for me not to bring..."
"That's not what I mean," Michael interrupted again. "Let me go in your place." Maria looked at Michael with astonishment as he continued. "The man said to come alone. But what if I came alone in stead of you? They could take me and let Hope come home to you."
Maria couldn't believe what Michael was suggesting. Michael, who wanted to leave town at the very idea that someone might be on to the alien secret, was ready to turn himself in... willingly and without a fight. Maria was stunned at what Michael was considering, but she couldn't let him give up his life for her. Hope had been her responsibility for years. She wasn't accustomed to sharing responsibility for her well-being. Michael had worked hard for the life he'd built for himself and she refused to stand idly by and let him give that up... not when there was an alternative. "Michael, I can't let you..." Maria started to shake her head.
Michael reached forward and brushed a stray strand of hair from Maria's forehead. "I can take care of myself." Michael grinned and said, "You know, I have these certain..." He looked at his hands. "I've got these certain abilities that can be useful." Michael looked at Maria and continued. "I know you want to do everything for Hope. And believe me, I do too. But what if the man doesn't honor his bargain? What if he takes you and doesn't let Hope go?"
Maria hung her head as Michael confirmed her every fear.
Michael watched as Maria realized the truth he spoke. "There's more I can do than you can in this particular situation. I can… help her… and I can make sure they won't come for her again." Michael moved closer to Maria and firmly pledged, "I've I just found her. You've got to know that I'll do anything to find her again."
Maria looked at Michael's hands. She knew that he spoke sincerely. Michael had once been reckless and careless with his powers, but he'd grown and his powers had matured.
Michael moved his hand to Maria's shoulder again and gently pulled her towards him. He embraced her in a hug. He folded his head into her neck and assured her, "And I won' lose you again, either."
Michael and Maria stood together for a small eternity. Neither of them moved and both wanted desperately to freeze the moment forever. Silence surrounded them as a rush of emotions filled both beating hearts.
Finally, Maria lifted her head from Michael's shoulder and looked into his hazel eyes. "How did this happen?" she whispered.
Slowly, Michael shook his head answering Maria's question. "I'll bring her home, Maria," Michael promised.
............................................................................ ........................................
Liz woke when she heard a door opening downstairs. "Max," Liz whispered into the dark room.
Liz looked over the edge of her bed and saw Max lying on the floor. She remembered what he'd said the night before as they uncomfortably discussed sleeping arrangements. "If we're starting over, then I think it's best that we really start over... on every level." Liz's heart fell at the words, but her spirit was immediately revived when Max finished his thought. "But I can't bear the thought of being so far away from you - even as far as the next room. So, if it's okay with you, I'll sleep on the floor next you. I just need to be able to hear you breath."
Liz's thoughts were interrupted when she heard a door closing downstairs. She feared the kidnappers had returned. "Max," Liz whispered a little louder.
Max lifted his head. "What's wrong?" he asked sitting up.
"I think there's someone downstairs."
............................................................................ .......................................
"She's gone," Michael said joining everyone in the living room of Maria's apartment. "I found this," he said holding a folded piece of notebook paper. Michael sat down on the couch and slowly began reading aloud.
"Dear Michael,
I'm sorry. I have to. Please don't follow me and please don't show up at the pier tomorrow morning. I have to be sure she's safe... and I'm afraid they will hurt her if they don't get me. Take care of her, Michael. She needs you more than you know. And as for those few doubts you had earlier today... Liz can help. So can Isabel. And Alex is an old pro. You'll be a brilliant dad. I have no worries.
I'm sorry - for everything.
I never stopped loving you, Spaceboy.
Maria."
Michael's hands caught his falling face and he breathed heavily into his palms.
"So, now what?" Alex asked breaking the silence in the room. Everyone turned to look questioningly at him. "Well, what do we do now?" All eyes in the room exchanged confused glances. "Someone has to have a plan, right?" Alex demanded.
Lupe stood and looked at Alex. "How about some coffee while we think," she said turning to go towards the kitchen.
"There's none in there," Isabel said. "I was gonna make some last night," she explained when Lupe looked at her. "Anybody got cash? I'll go get some from the curb store."
"Yeah," Liz answered standing and walking to retrieve her black handbag from the end table. "Sure, I've got a ten." As Liz opened her wallet, the ten dollar bill and a photograph fell to the floor at Michael's feet.
"I've got it," Michael said bending down. He lifted the fallen items and handed them to Liz. Michael's breath caught in his throat as he noticed a face in the photograph. "Wait," he managed to blurt as Liz was stuffing the photo back into her wallet. "Who is that?"
Liz nervously pressed the photo into her wallet and fumbled to close the bulky black closures. "I... it's an old picture... I forgot it was even there." She kept her eyes glued to her purse and refused to look at Max. Guilt struck her as she realized she had been carrying around the picture taken of her and Jackson on the day they were engaged.
"Let me see it," Michael demanded standing to reach for Liz's purse.
"Why?" Liz asked stunned by Michael's forceful actions.
"Just... let me see it," Michael said. His voice trailed as he pulled the picture from Liz's wallet.
Everyone in the room gathered around Michael curious about his interest in the photograph. They all stared at the picture waiting to hear why the photograph had caused such a reaction.
Max looked over Liz's shoulder at the picture Michael held of Liz and Jackson sitting together before a blue backdrop. The couple smiled happily and Liz's small hand lay lazily over Jackson's. She proudly displayed a diamond engagement ring. He knew Liz and Jackson were finished, but still a small twinge of envy coursed through his veins. Liz glanced over her shoulder at Max's face. He stared at the picture with every thought written clearly in his eyes.
Liz opened her mouth to explain again why she still had the picture in her wallet, but she was interrupted by Michael. "This is him," he said pointing at Jackson. "This is the guy I saw it the visions. This is who has Hope."
............................................................................ .................................................................
"Michael," Isabel said pushing Michael's chest and walking him backwards to the bedroom door. "I won't be able to go sleep with you hovering over me like a vulture." Isabel turned to look at Alex who sat on the edge of the bed apparently assuming he was exempt from being excused. "You too, Alex," she demanded.
"Oh, come on," Alex whined. "I won't make a peep," he whispered. He pretended to zip his lips with his fingers and tossed the imaginary key.
Isabel lifted her chin and looked at Alex over the tip of her nose. He understood her unvoiced instructions. He frowned and pouted and stood to walk towards the door.
"Okay," Michael said stepping outside the doorway. "Just promise you'll come downstairs as soon as you wake."
"What? Do you think I'm gonna keep it some big secret?" Isabel asked sarcastically.
"No, I just..." Michael stopped. He looked very seriously at Isabel and said, "It's really important, you know?"
"I know, Michael," Isabel reassured him she would do everything she could to help. "I'll be down soon," she said touching Michael's arm before closing the door to the guest bedroom.
Isabel lay down on her back in the middle of the bed. She held the picture of Jackson and Liz in her hand. She took a deep breath, touched her finger to Jackson's face and closed her eyes.