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CHAPTER SIX:
It had been two months since Tess had left for Antar, since her treachery was revealed just in time to save Max, Michael, and Isabel, from her trap. Alex was considered by the group to be the hero of the situation, being able to break Tess's mind warp and save them by remembering the truth. This especially touched Isabel, who knew the reason why Alex had been able to break the mind warp-because he knew she was in danger, and was protecting her from it. It made her love Alex even more than she did before.
Alex, however, had not been himself since he broke the mind warp. He was moody at times, somewhat reclusive, and had become somehow more serious than he was before. Although Max had been able to repair much of the damage left by the warp, there were still psychological scars. Talking to Isabel once, he told her that he must know what it feels like for women who have been raped. The sense of violation, of one's person and psyche having been ravaged and violated and exploited, made him feel less whole somehow.
Throughout the healing process, Isabel was never far from Alex's side. She tried to get him to go out with her as much as possible, do normal things that boyfriends and girlfriends do on dates. They went to the movies quite a bit, went camping once in Frasier Woods, had lunches or dinners at the Crashdown with their friends. However, there was a new dimension to their relationship now-they were intimately involved with each other. That night before what Isabel thought would be her departure for Antar, she and Alex had made love, entering new territory in their relationship as a result. They continued as lovers, finding times to have liaisons in either Isabel's room or Alex's, when their parents were not home of course. They were careful, though, to make sure Isabel did not get pregnant, a lesson learned from Max's experience with Tess.
Slowly, Isabel was getting Alex to come out of his shell, and he was becoming something of his former self again. Though, even Alex said he may never totally recover from what Tess did to him. The experience had been a profound one, and only time would tell what kind of permanent changes it might have made to Alex.
The other person Alex spent quite a bit of time with was, of all people, Kyle. The two young men had shared a similar experience, being betrayed by Tess. They had already been developing a friendship before this, but now that friendship was becoming even greater. Alex had decided that he needed to become more physically fit, more athletic than he had been. So, he and Kyle began jogging together, lifting weights, playing basketball. Many of the other young people in Roswell who went to school with Alex were often shocked to see him and Kyle Valenti, star jock of West Roswell High, jogging down the streets of Roswell together.
One morning, Alex and Kyle came into the Crashdown after a morning run, dripping with sweat from the physical exertion.
"I'm telling you, Alex, I would have beaten you if it wasn't for that damned rise in the sidewalk," said Kyle, as they entered through the door.
"Oh, dream on, it wasn't some rise in the sidewalk that caused you to trip," said Alex. "It was you staring at that girl's ass that distracted you."
"Now, Buddha says we should respect nature's wonders," said Kyle. "I was merely following his teachings."
"Yeah, well, I guess Buddha would say you tripping would be the universe teaching you to appreciate paying attention while your running," said Alex.
"Hey, guys," said Maria. "Can I get you anything?"
"Some glasses of water would be great," said Alex.
"Coming up," she said.
"Hey, isn't Liz supposed to be working today?" asked Alex.
"She's out, again," said Maria. "This is the second time this week I've had to cover her shift because she was out."
"With Max, huh," said Kyle.
"You got it," said Maria. "I swear, half the time I see them lately, they are playing kissy face with each other."
"Playing kissy face?" asked Kyle. "What is this, Sweet Valley High?"
"You know what I mean," said Maria.
"Alex," said the voice of Isabel, as she entered the diner and saw Alex sitting at the counter. The latter immediately went over to Isabel and kissed her.
"Talking about kissy face," said Kyle.
"I heard that," said Alex, walking over with Isabel.
"Hey, any of you seen Max?" asked Isabel.
"We were just talking about that, actually," said Kyle. "Liz isn't here either. Had Maria cover her shift."
"I swear, Max has been acting really weird and secretive lately," said Isabel. "I don't know where he is going or what he is doing half the time. And he is usually doing this stuff with Liz."
"Oh, God," said Maria. "I just had a scary thought. What if...what if Liz is pregnant with Max's baby, and they are trying to figure out what to do about it?"
"I think you are stretching there, Maria," said Alex. "I mean, Liz pregnant with Max's love child..."
"LIZ IS PREGNANT!" said Michael, coming around the corner and overhearing the last part of what Alex said. "OH SHIT!"
"No, Michael, she is not pregnant," said Isabel.
"At least we don't think she is pregnant," said Maria.
"Who's pregnant?" asked Mr. Parker, coming out from the back room, carrying a box of supplies.
"Liz," said Kyle.
"WHAT?!" asked Mr. Parker, dropping the box of supplies.
Isabel slapped Kyle on the shoulder. "You DORK!" she said. Then, turning to Mr. Parker. "She isn't, I promise," said Isabel. "It was just...nothing, never mind, Mr. Parker."
"Hey, guys," said Liz, as she came onto the scene with Max.
Everyone turned and looked at them with somewhat curious expressions. Liz and Max stared back at them, then each other, then back at the group.
"What's...up?" asked Max.
"Maria thinks Liz is pregnant," said Michael.
"WHAT?!" said Liz and Max in unison.
"Liz, sweetheart," said Mr. Parker. "Please, tell me, you aren't..."
"NO!" said Liz. "Absolutely not, I promise."
Mr. Parker sighed with relief. "Thank goodness," he said. Then, turning to look at Max. "Because if she was, well...let's just say I have plenty of very...sharp...kitchen knives back there. I would hate to have to...cut you off, if you get my meaning, Max Evans."
"Yes, sir," said Max, nodding.
Mr. Parker went into the backroom, leaving the group of friends in the main room of the diner. After the elder Parker had left, the group starting laughing hysterically at the scene that had just played out before them. All except Max, who was still a little gun shy after Mr. Parker's veiled threat.
**
Later that evening, Isabel and Alex were laying in the latter's bed, snuggled close together under the sheets and enjoying each other's company. As they lay there, Alex looked down at his beautiful Isabel, her head resting on his chest, and smiled.
"Izzy," he said. "You're awfully quiet. Something bothering you?"
"Its just...Max," she said. "He's been so subdued lately, around everyone but Liz. He doesn't really talk to Michael or me about what he is doing, or where he and Liz go together."
"You sure he just doesn't want to keep his romantic life private?" asked Alex. "I mean, did you tell Max that you and I would be making love this evening, or any of the other times we have done so?"
"Its not just that," said Isabel. "I think Max is desperately searching for some way to get to his son. As for Liz...I think she is half trying to help him, and half enjoying the fact they are together again."
"It has got to be rough for him," said Alex. "Knowing that your son is out there in the universe somewhere, in the care of a bitch like Tess, and possibly in Khivar's hands."
"Yeah, I guess so," said Isabel.
"Give him time," said Alex. "Time heals all wounds. Mostly. I have recent experience with that."
Isabel raised her head and gently kissed Alex on the lips. "How have you been feeling?"
"Better," he said. "I tell you, for some reason, this physical regimen I'm doing now with Kyle...I mean, it does a lot for the self esteem to be more in shape, if you get my drift."
"I was always happy with how you were before," said Isabel. "Though, I can feel when you hold me you've put on some muscle. It does feel good."
"I just....needed a confidence builder, after what happened," said Alex. "But believe me, you are the best confidence builder a guy could have. So, you looking forward to starting college?"
"I guess," said Isabel. "I'm going to miss not seeing all of you at school though. Its going to be different."
"I'm just a phone call or a car ride away, you know that," said Alex. "I'm actually glad to be starting back to school. It will be good to be busy, I think."
"Oh," said Isabel, running her hand down Alex's body through the sheets. "I haven't been keeping you busy enough?"
"Whoa!" said Alex, when Isabel touched a sensitive spot. "Hell yeah, you have. But, I mean, my mind busy, vs. other...body parts."
"Oh, so now I'm just a sex toy, not stimulating to your great intellect," said Isabel, with a tone of mock insult.
The two leaned in and started kissing each other. "No," said Alex, in between kisses. "Not what I meant, either...its just...you know, there are different forms of distraction..."
"Don't try to weasel out of it," said Isabel, lapping at Alex's lips with her tongue. "You implied I wasn't enough of a distraction for you. I guess I will have to show you just how distracting I can be. When are your parents expected back again?"
"Not for another hour," said Alex, pulling Isabel closer to him.
"Just enough time," said Isabel.
The two lovers then became lost in each other again, distracting one another from everything else but each other.
End of Chapter Six. Chapter Seven coming soon.
Okay, that was a sort of a comedic/romantic interlude type of chapter. I like to insert those now and again. Anyhow, prepare for the fluff to end and for events to bring more trouble in the chapters ahead. Stay tuned and don't miss it. In the meantime, thank you for the reviews I have gotten so far, and please do continue to post them. Feedback for the story is most appreciated.
CHAPTER SIX:
It had been two months since Tess had left for Antar, since her treachery was revealed just in time to save Max, Michael, and Isabel, from her trap. Alex was considered by the group to be the hero of the situation, being able to break Tess's mind warp and save them by remembering the truth. This especially touched Isabel, who knew the reason why Alex had been able to break the mind warp-because he knew she was in danger, and was protecting her from it. It made her love Alex even more than she did before.
Alex, however, had not been himself since he broke the mind warp. He was moody at times, somewhat reclusive, and had become somehow more serious than he was before. Although Max had been able to repair much of the damage left by the warp, there were still psychological scars. Talking to Isabel once, he told her that he must know what it feels like for women who have been raped. The sense of violation, of one's person and psyche having been ravaged and violated and exploited, made him feel less whole somehow.
Throughout the healing process, Isabel was never far from Alex's side. She tried to get him to go out with her as much as possible, do normal things that boyfriends and girlfriends do on dates. They went to the movies quite a bit, went camping once in Frasier Woods, had lunches or dinners at the Crashdown with their friends. However, there was a new dimension to their relationship now-they were intimately involved with each other. That night before what Isabel thought would be her departure for Antar, she and Alex had made love, entering new territory in their relationship as a result. They continued as lovers, finding times to have liaisons in either Isabel's room or Alex's, when their parents were not home of course. They were careful, though, to make sure Isabel did not get pregnant, a lesson learned from Max's experience with Tess.
Slowly, Isabel was getting Alex to come out of his shell, and he was becoming something of his former self again. Though, even Alex said he may never totally recover from what Tess did to him. The experience had been a profound one, and only time would tell what kind of permanent changes it might have made to Alex.
The other person Alex spent quite a bit of time with was, of all people, Kyle. The two young men had shared a similar experience, being betrayed by Tess. They had already been developing a friendship before this, but now that friendship was becoming even greater. Alex had decided that he needed to become more physically fit, more athletic than he had been. So, he and Kyle began jogging together, lifting weights, playing basketball. Many of the other young people in Roswell who went to school with Alex were often shocked to see him and Kyle Valenti, star jock of West Roswell High, jogging down the streets of Roswell together.
One morning, Alex and Kyle came into the Crashdown after a morning run, dripping with sweat from the physical exertion.
"I'm telling you, Alex, I would have beaten you if it wasn't for that damned rise in the sidewalk," said Kyle, as they entered through the door.
"Oh, dream on, it wasn't some rise in the sidewalk that caused you to trip," said Alex. "It was you staring at that girl's ass that distracted you."
"Now, Buddha says we should respect nature's wonders," said Kyle. "I was merely following his teachings."
"Yeah, well, I guess Buddha would say you tripping would be the universe teaching you to appreciate paying attention while your running," said Alex.
"Hey, guys," said Maria. "Can I get you anything?"
"Some glasses of water would be great," said Alex.
"Coming up," she said.
"Hey, isn't Liz supposed to be working today?" asked Alex.
"She's out, again," said Maria. "This is the second time this week I've had to cover her shift because she was out."
"With Max, huh," said Kyle.
"You got it," said Maria. "I swear, half the time I see them lately, they are playing kissy face with each other."
"Playing kissy face?" asked Kyle. "What is this, Sweet Valley High?"
"You know what I mean," said Maria.
"Alex," said the voice of Isabel, as she entered the diner and saw Alex sitting at the counter. The latter immediately went over to Isabel and kissed her.
"Talking about kissy face," said Kyle.
"I heard that," said Alex, walking over with Isabel.
"Hey, any of you seen Max?" asked Isabel.
"We were just talking about that, actually," said Kyle. "Liz isn't here either. Had Maria cover her shift."
"I swear, Max has been acting really weird and secretive lately," said Isabel. "I don't know where he is going or what he is doing half the time. And he is usually doing this stuff with Liz."
"Oh, God," said Maria. "I just had a scary thought. What if...what if Liz is pregnant with Max's baby, and they are trying to figure out what to do about it?"
"I think you are stretching there, Maria," said Alex. "I mean, Liz pregnant with Max's love child..."
"LIZ IS PREGNANT!" said Michael, coming around the corner and overhearing the last part of what Alex said. "OH SHIT!"
"No, Michael, she is not pregnant," said Isabel.
"At least we don't think she is pregnant," said Maria.
"Who's pregnant?" asked Mr. Parker, coming out from the back room, carrying a box of supplies.
"Liz," said Kyle.
"WHAT?!" asked Mr. Parker, dropping the box of supplies.
Isabel slapped Kyle on the shoulder. "You DORK!" she said. Then, turning to Mr. Parker. "She isn't, I promise," said Isabel. "It was just...nothing, never mind, Mr. Parker."
"Hey, guys," said Liz, as she came onto the scene with Max.
Everyone turned and looked at them with somewhat curious expressions. Liz and Max stared back at them, then each other, then back at the group.
"What's...up?" asked Max.
"Maria thinks Liz is pregnant," said Michael.
"WHAT?!" said Liz and Max in unison.
"Liz, sweetheart," said Mr. Parker. "Please, tell me, you aren't..."
"NO!" said Liz. "Absolutely not, I promise."
Mr. Parker sighed with relief. "Thank goodness," he said. Then, turning to look at Max. "Because if she was, well...let's just say I have plenty of very...sharp...kitchen knives back there. I would hate to have to...cut you off, if you get my meaning, Max Evans."
"Yes, sir," said Max, nodding.
Mr. Parker went into the backroom, leaving the group of friends in the main room of the diner. After the elder Parker had left, the group starting laughing hysterically at the scene that had just played out before them. All except Max, who was still a little gun shy after Mr. Parker's veiled threat.
**
Later that evening, Isabel and Alex were laying in the latter's bed, snuggled close together under the sheets and enjoying each other's company. As they lay there, Alex looked down at his beautiful Isabel, her head resting on his chest, and smiled.
"Izzy," he said. "You're awfully quiet. Something bothering you?"
"Its just...Max," she said. "He's been so subdued lately, around everyone but Liz. He doesn't really talk to Michael or me about what he is doing, or where he and Liz go together."
"You sure he just doesn't want to keep his romantic life private?" asked Alex. "I mean, did you tell Max that you and I would be making love this evening, or any of the other times we have done so?"
"Its not just that," said Isabel. "I think Max is desperately searching for some way to get to his son. As for Liz...I think she is half trying to help him, and half enjoying the fact they are together again."
"It has got to be rough for him," said Alex. "Knowing that your son is out there in the universe somewhere, in the care of a bitch like Tess, and possibly in Khivar's hands."
"Yeah, I guess so," said Isabel.
"Give him time," said Alex. "Time heals all wounds. Mostly. I have recent experience with that."
Isabel raised her head and gently kissed Alex on the lips. "How have you been feeling?"
"Better," he said. "I tell you, for some reason, this physical regimen I'm doing now with Kyle...I mean, it does a lot for the self esteem to be more in shape, if you get my drift."
"I was always happy with how you were before," said Isabel. "Though, I can feel when you hold me you've put on some muscle. It does feel good."
"I just....needed a confidence builder, after what happened," said Alex. "But believe me, you are the best confidence builder a guy could have. So, you looking forward to starting college?"
"I guess," said Isabel. "I'm going to miss not seeing all of you at school though. Its going to be different."
"I'm just a phone call or a car ride away, you know that," said Alex. "I'm actually glad to be starting back to school. It will be good to be busy, I think."
"Oh," said Isabel, running her hand down Alex's body through the sheets. "I haven't been keeping you busy enough?"
"Whoa!" said Alex, when Isabel touched a sensitive spot. "Hell yeah, you have. But, I mean, my mind busy, vs. other...body parts."
"Oh, so now I'm just a sex toy, not stimulating to your great intellect," said Isabel, with a tone of mock insult.
The two leaned in and started kissing each other. "No," said Alex, in between kisses. "Not what I meant, either...its just...you know, there are different forms of distraction..."
"Don't try to weasel out of it," said Isabel, lapping at Alex's lips with her tongue. "You implied I wasn't enough of a distraction for you. I guess I will have to show you just how distracting I can be. When are your parents expected back again?"
"Not for another hour," said Alex, pulling Isabel closer to him.
"Just enough time," said Isabel.
The two lovers then became lost in each other again, distracting one another from everything else but each other.
End of Chapter Six. Chapter Seven coming soon.
Okay, that was a sort of a comedic/romantic interlude type of chapter. I like to insert those now and again. Anyhow, prepare for the fluff to end and for events to bring more trouble in the chapters ahead. Stay tuned and don't miss it. In the meantime, thank you for the reviews I have gotten so far, and please do continue to post them. Feedback for the story is most appreciated.