*************************************
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN:
One month after their wedding, Alex and Isabel were sitting at the Crashdown, holding hands across the table where they just had dinner. They weren't saying anything, but instead were just staring into each other's eyes, letting their fingers dance with and caress each other.
"I miss not feeling your ring when I hold your hand," said Isabel.
"Me, too," said Alex. "I hate having to hide it, our marriage. But, we agreed that it was best, so now we have to live with the decision."
"Have you been having second thoughts?" asked Isabel. "About keeping the secret."
"Every day," said Alex. "But...I think we should stay the course, for now. And I do feel you nearer to me than ever now, even when we're apart. Knowing that...we're bonded, married...its as if the spirit of the ring is on my finger even when I'm not wearing it."
"I know what you mean," said Isabel with a smile.
"Hey, guys," said Kyle, who walked up to the booth.
"Kyle!" said Isabel with surprise. "I thought you were supposed to be out on a date with Christy! I went to a lot of trouble to set you up with her, you know."
"I know," said Kyle. "It...didn't work out. Look, you two are on a date, and I don't want to disturb you, so..."
"No, actually," said Isabel. "I have to be going. My parents want Max and I at the house for some family meeting tonight. Why don't you stay, Kyle, and Alex...find out why he and Christy didn't hit it off."
"Yes, ma'm," said Alex, leaning over and kissing Isabel goodbye. After she left, Kyle sat down at the table across from Alex. "So," said Alex. "What happened?"
"Don't get me wrong, Alex, Christy was...nice, great even," said Kyle. "I mean, I can't believe she didn't do it for me, either, but...she isn't...never mind."
"Isn't what?" asked Alex.
"Nothing," said Kyle. "I was just...thinking about...someone. Anyhow, what's Isabel's family meeting about? Do you know?"
"Max and Isabel have their suspicions," said Alex. "Ever since Max and Liz had their incident in Colorado..."
"Incident?" said Kyle. "You mean, since they heisted a convenience store."
"Right, well Mr. Evans has been like investigating Max and Isabel," said Alex. "Isabel and Max think that he is wanting to confront them about something."
"So, its kind of like one of those mystery shows," said Kyle. "The detective has gathered evidence, and now wants to confront the suspects."
"Exactly," said Alex. "I'm worried, and wanted to come, but Mr. Evans only wanted to see Izzy and Max."
"Well, look, since we are both...alone, tonight," said Kyle. "Why don't we do something? You know, guy stuff."
"Like what?" asked Alex.
"I don't know," said Kyle. "Hey, I hear there is this great strip club out on 285..."
"Um, Kyle...remember that whole wedding ceremony we were in, where I was the GROOM," whispered Alex.
"Wuss," said Kyle. "But, seriously, how's about going to my house. Pop in a DVD, do normal stuff that doesn't involve interplanetary wars and foiling the plots of alien hunters."
"Sounds cool," said Alex. "Let's go."
**
"Thanks for coming, you two," said Mr. Evans, as Isabel and Max sat down in the living room of the home where they grew up. Mrs. Evans sat on a nearby chair, and Mr. Evans sat in another. "I wanted to talk to you because....there has been this rift that has developed in our family. My Mother and I...used to think we knew you. I mean, we raised you from the time you were six years old. But...both of you have been keeping secrets from us. Its like you are living this secret life that you are keeping from us, and its been getting you both into trouble. And those around you."
"Dad," said Max. "I told you. There...are some things we just CAN'T tell you about. Why can't you just accept this, and know that I and Isabel both love you?"
"Because, Max," said Mrs. Evans. "Family is based on trust, on...security. Knowing that there isn't some secret out there that isn't going to come back and harm us someday."
"There's no secret that can harm either of you," said Isabel.
"Oh really," said Mr. Evans. "What about your friends? Look at what's happened recently. Max, your girlfriend, Liz. She gets arrested along with you and almost goes to prison because the two of you heist a convenience store, which is actually the cover for some kind of government storage facility. Storage for what? You won't tell me. And Isabel...Alex, your boyfriend, was SHOT recently."
"That was an accident," said Isabel. "We were in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"That seems to happen a lot with you," said Mr. Evans. "Both of you. Max, you disappear from town for days at a time TWICE in the past six months. Where do you go? What do you do? I've been doing some digging. Its like there is little conspiracy of SOMETHING that you are at the center of. I know that Liz Parker, Alex Whitman, Maria Deluca, Michael Guerin, and Kyle Valenti are also involved. And there was another girl...Tess Harding. Where did she go? She was living with the Sheriff, and when I asked him about it, he seemed...tense, somehow."
"Tess went to live with relatives back east," said Max.
"And your Jeep, Max," said Mrs. Evans. "That explanation you gave your Father was full of holes."
"So I looked into that, too," said Mr. Evans. "I found it, outside of town, burnt up in some kind of explosion."
"I can't believe you have been doing this much spying on us," said Isabel. "My God, are you are parents or detectives?"
"I don't like having to play detective to know what my children are doing," said Mr. Evans. "But you both are involved in something, some secret, that has put you both in danger, your friends in danger...I want to know what it is! I want some answers, and I want them now!"
***
"That looked like a military helicopter," said Kyle, as he and Alex pulled up in the driveway of the Valenti home in Alex's car.
"That's the sixth one we've seen since leaving the Crashdown," said Alex. "I hope everything is okay. I mean, ever since Max and Michael had to bust into that Air Force base to save that pilot, I've been worried about it."
"Did they ever say whether or not the Air Force was really trying to cover up a crashed UFO?" asked Kyle.
"They are pretty sure they are," said Alex.
The two boys got out of the car, and went inside the house. When they got there, they found Jim Valenti standing in the living room with a gun in his hand.
"Dad?" asked Kyle. "What's wrong?"
"I just got home from the store," said Valenti. "I surprised a prowler. I heard him in your room, Kyle. I got my gun, and went in, but the perp got out before I could get there."
"I'd better check to see if anything is missing," said Kyle.
"Mr. Valenti," said Alex. "Have you seen all the military helicopters flying overhead?"
"Yeah, just before I got here...wait, you hear that?" asked Valenti. "Dogs. Outside. I wonder..."
Just then, they heard a knock at the front door. Valenti went to answer it, and found a slew of Air Force personnel outside.
"Sir," said the officer who seemed to be in charge. "We need to search your house."
****
"Dad, telling you our secret would just put your lives in greater jeopardy," said Max. "You have to trust me on that."
"That's why we've kept this a secret from you," said Isabel.
"Better the enemy I know than the one I don't," said Mr. Evans. "And TRUST, Max, is earned. You haven't done a damned thing to earn our trust, instead you are keeping a secret that is DESTROYING our trust in you! I mean, you are talking about some big secret, that could our lives in jeopardy. This means it is already putting YOURS in jeopardy, and your friends."
"Why can you tell your friends, and not your parents?" asked Mrs. Evans.
Max and Isabel both looked up as they heard the fifth helicopter in the past ten minutes pass over the house. "What is going on out there?" asked Isabel, getting up from the couch to go and look out the window.
"Don't change the subject," said Mr. Evans.
Just then, they heard a noise in the kitchen. "What was that?" asked Mrs. Evans.
"I'll go see," said Max.
He went into the kitchen, and found himself confronted by someone he thought, and in many ways hoped, he would never see again. Tess Harding was standing in front of him, and was holding what appeared to be a baby in her arms.
"Tess," said Max in shock.
"Max, I..."began Tess. Just then, she collapsed. Max had to catch her to keep her from dropping the bundle in her arms.
"Max," said the voice of his Mother from behind him. "What is going on?"
Max turned and saw his parents staring at him, holding up an unconscious Tess, in shock. Isabel was also there, but another kind of look was on her face-anger.
*****
At the Valenti home, Jim Valenti was talking to the Air Force officer in charge of the detail that was just finishing the search of his home. Meanwhile, Kyle and Alex were in a quiet corner of the living room so they could talk.
"I don't like it," said Alex. "They're looking for someone."
"But who?" asked Kyle.
"I need to get to Isabel, make sure she's okay," said Alex. "She's at her house, so is Max."
"I'll go with you," said Kyle. "I need to tell Dad what we're doing before we go, though."
Just then, Jim Valenti came over to them. "They're pretty tight lipped about what's going on," said Valenti. "But I'd bet they are definitely looking for someone. Those dogs are tracking someone."
"We're going to the Evans house," said Kyle. "Max and Isabel are there, and we need to make sure they're okay."
"Be careful, boys," said Valenti. "I don't like this. You may not be able to get there by car. The military boys mentioned roadblocks. Its not that far, you could probably make it there faster on foot."
******
Isabel left her parents, who were busy holding a baby whom they were just told was their grandson, to join her brother and Tess in Max's bedroom. She got to the door of the room and knocked.
"Come in," said Max's voice from the other side.
Isabel stepped into the room, not even casting her eyes on Tess. Very calmly, she looked at her brother, and spoke to him.
"You've been in here a while," said Isabel. "Is she alright?"
"Yes," said Max. "We've been talking, she's been telling me what happened."
Isabel looked over at Tess, who nervously looked back at her. "All up and about I see, huh," said Isabel.
"Mostly," said Tess.
"Good," said Isabel. Then, without warning, she sent Tess flying against the wall with her powers. Tess crumpled to the floor after colliding with the wall, slightly stunned from the shock and force of the attack.
"Now, get up AGAIN, you fucking BITCH!" said Isabel.
End of Chapter Eighteen. Chapter Nineteen coming soon.
SHE'S BACK!!!! Didn't I tell you there would be trouble with a capital "T". Anyhow, don't miss what's coming up. If you think you know what's going to ultimately happen in this situation, THINK AGAIN! Because I have control of where the story goes from here, and I have some surprises in store for you, so stay tuned for the next installment. In the meantime, I can't thank my readers enough for the great reviews I have gotten so far. I do so appreciate getting feedback from my readers, so please do keep those reviews coming.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN:
One month after their wedding, Alex and Isabel were sitting at the Crashdown, holding hands across the table where they just had dinner. They weren't saying anything, but instead were just staring into each other's eyes, letting their fingers dance with and caress each other.
"I miss not feeling your ring when I hold your hand," said Isabel.
"Me, too," said Alex. "I hate having to hide it, our marriage. But, we agreed that it was best, so now we have to live with the decision."
"Have you been having second thoughts?" asked Isabel. "About keeping the secret."
"Every day," said Alex. "But...I think we should stay the course, for now. And I do feel you nearer to me than ever now, even when we're apart. Knowing that...we're bonded, married...its as if the spirit of the ring is on my finger even when I'm not wearing it."
"I know what you mean," said Isabel with a smile.
"Hey, guys," said Kyle, who walked up to the booth.
"Kyle!" said Isabel with surprise. "I thought you were supposed to be out on a date with Christy! I went to a lot of trouble to set you up with her, you know."
"I know," said Kyle. "It...didn't work out. Look, you two are on a date, and I don't want to disturb you, so..."
"No, actually," said Isabel. "I have to be going. My parents want Max and I at the house for some family meeting tonight. Why don't you stay, Kyle, and Alex...find out why he and Christy didn't hit it off."
"Yes, ma'm," said Alex, leaning over and kissing Isabel goodbye. After she left, Kyle sat down at the table across from Alex. "So," said Alex. "What happened?"
"Don't get me wrong, Alex, Christy was...nice, great even," said Kyle. "I mean, I can't believe she didn't do it for me, either, but...she isn't...never mind."
"Isn't what?" asked Alex.
"Nothing," said Kyle. "I was just...thinking about...someone. Anyhow, what's Isabel's family meeting about? Do you know?"
"Max and Isabel have their suspicions," said Alex. "Ever since Max and Liz had their incident in Colorado..."
"Incident?" said Kyle. "You mean, since they heisted a convenience store."
"Right, well Mr. Evans has been like investigating Max and Isabel," said Alex. "Isabel and Max think that he is wanting to confront them about something."
"So, its kind of like one of those mystery shows," said Kyle. "The detective has gathered evidence, and now wants to confront the suspects."
"Exactly," said Alex. "I'm worried, and wanted to come, but Mr. Evans only wanted to see Izzy and Max."
"Well, look, since we are both...alone, tonight," said Kyle. "Why don't we do something? You know, guy stuff."
"Like what?" asked Alex.
"I don't know," said Kyle. "Hey, I hear there is this great strip club out on 285..."
"Um, Kyle...remember that whole wedding ceremony we were in, where I was the GROOM," whispered Alex.
"Wuss," said Kyle. "But, seriously, how's about going to my house. Pop in a DVD, do normal stuff that doesn't involve interplanetary wars and foiling the plots of alien hunters."
"Sounds cool," said Alex. "Let's go."
**
"Thanks for coming, you two," said Mr. Evans, as Isabel and Max sat down in the living room of the home where they grew up. Mrs. Evans sat on a nearby chair, and Mr. Evans sat in another. "I wanted to talk to you because....there has been this rift that has developed in our family. My Mother and I...used to think we knew you. I mean, we raised you from the time you were six years old. But...both of you have been keeping secrets from us. Its like you are living this secret life that you are keeping from us, and its been getting you both into trouble. And those around you."
"Dad," said Max. "I told you. There...are some things we just CAN'T tell you about. Why can't you just accept this, and know that I and Isabel both love you?"
"Because, Max," said Mrs. Evans. "Family is based on trust, on...security. Knowing that there isn't some secret out there that isn't going to come back and harm us someday."
"There's no secret that can harm either of you," said Isabel.
"Oh really," said Mr. Evans. "What about your friends? Look at what's happened recently. Max, your girlfriend, Liz. She gets arrested along with you and almost goes to prison because the two of you heist a convenience store, which is actually the cover for some kind of government storage facility. Storage for what? You won't tell me. And Isabel...Alex, your boyfriend, was SHOT recently."
"That was an accident," said Isabel. "We were in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"That seems to happen a lot with you," said Mr. Evans. "Both of you. Max, you disappear from town for days at a time TWICE in the past six months. Where do you go? What do you do? I've been doing some digging. Its like there is little conspiracy of SOMETHING that you are at the center of. I know that Liz Parker, Alex Whitman, Maria Deluca, Michael Guerin, and Kyle Valenti are also involved. And there was another girl...Tess Harding. Where did she go? She was living with the Sheriff, and when I asked him about it, he seemed...tense, somehow."
"Tess went to live with relatives back east," said Max.
"And your Jeep, Max," said Mrs. Evans. "That explanation you gave your Father was full of holes."
"So I looked into that, too," said Mr. Evans. "I found it, outside of town, burnt up in some kind of explosion."
"I can't believe you have been doing this much spying on us," said Isabel. "My God, are you are parents or detectives?"
"I don't like having to play detective to know what my children are doing," said Mr. Evans. "But you both are involved in something, some secret, that has put you both in danger, your friends in danger...I want to know what it is! I want some answers, and I want them now!"
***
"That looked like a military helicopter," said Kyle, as he and Alex pulled up in the driveway of the Valenti home in Alex's car.
"That's the sixth one we've seen since leaving the Crashdown," said Alex. "I hope everything is okay. I mean, ever since Max and Michael had to bust into that Air Force base to save that pilot, I've been worried about it."
"Did they ever say whether or not the Air Force was really trying to cover up a crashed UFO?" asked Kyle.
"They are pretty sure they are," said Alex.
The two boys got out of the car, and went inside the house. When they got there, they found Jim Valenti standing in the living room with a gun in his hand.
"Dad?" asked Kyle. "What's wrong?"
"I just got home from the store," said Valenti. "I surprised a prowler. I heard him in your room, Kyle. I got my gun, and went in, but the perp got out before I could get there."
"I'd better check to see if anything is missing," said Kyle.
"Mr. Valenti," said Alex. "Have you seen all the military helicopters flying overhead?"
"Yeah, just before I got here...wait, you hear that?" asked Valenti. "Dogs. Outside. I wonder..."
Just then, they heard a knock at the front door. Valenti went to answer it, and found a slew of Air Force personnel outside.
"Sir," said the officer who seemed to be in charge. "We need to search your house."
****
"Dad, telling you our secret would just put your lives in greater jeopardy," said Max. "You have to trust me on that."
"That's why we've kept this a secret from you," said Isabel.
"Better the enemy I know than the one I don't," said Mr. Evans. "And TRUST, Max, is earned. You haven't done a damned thing to earn our trust, instead you are keeping a secret that is DESTROYING our trust in you! I mean, you are talking about some big secret, that could our lives in jeopardy. This means it is already putting YOURS in jeopardy, and your friends."
"Why can you tell your friends, and not your parents?" asked Mrs. Evans.
Max and Isabel both looked up as they heard the fifth helicopter in the past ten minutes pass over the house. "What is going on out there?" asked Isabel, getting up from the couch to go and look out the window.
"Don't change the subject," said Mr. Evans.
Just then, they heard a noise in the kitchen. "What was that?" asked Mrs. Evans.
"I'll go see," said Max.
He went into the kitchen, and found himself confronted by someone he thought, and in many ways hoped, he would never see again. Tess Harding was standing in front of him, and was holding what appeared to be a baby in her arms.
"Tess," said Max in shock.
"Max, I..."began Tess. Just then, she collapsed. Max had to catch her to keep her from dropping the bundle in her arms.
"Max," said the voice of his Mother from behind him. "What is going on?"
Max turned and saw his parents staring at him, holding up an unconscious Tess, in shock. Isabel was also there, but another kind of look was on her face-anger.
*****
At the Valenti home, Jim Valenti was talking to the Air Force officer in charge of the detail that was just finishing the search of his home. Meanwhile, Kyle and Alex were in a quiet corner of the living room so they could talk.
"I don't like it," said Alex. "They're looking for someone."
"But who?" asked Kyle.
"I need to get to Isabel, make sure she's okay," said Alex. "She's at her house, so is Max."
"I'll go with you," said Kyle. "I need to tell Dad what we're doing before we go, though."
Just then, Jim Valenti came over to them. "They're pretty tight lipped about what's going on," said Valenti. "But I'd bet they are definitely looking for someone. Those dogs are tracking someone."
"We're going to the Evans house," said Kyle. "Max and Isabel are there, and we need to make sure they're okay."
"Be careful, boys," said Valenti. "I don't like this. You may not be able to get there by car. The military boys mentioned roadblocks. Its not that far, you could probably make it there faster on foot."
******
Isabel left her parents, who were busy holding a baby whom they were just told was their grandson, to join her brother and Tess in Max's bedroom. She got to the door of the room and knocked.
"Come in," said Max's voice from the other side.
Isabel stepped into the room, not even casting her eyes on Tess. Very calmly, she looked at her brother, and spoke to him.
"You've been in here a while," said Isabel. "Is she alright?"
"Yes," said Max. "We've been talking, she's been telling me what happened."
Isabel looked over at Tess, who nervously looked back at her. "All up and about I see, huh," said Isabel.
"Mostly," said Tess.
"Good," said Isabel. Then, without warning, she sent Tess flying against the wall with her powers. Tess crumpled to the floor after colliding with the wall, slightly stunned from the shock and force of the attack.
"Now, get up AGAIN, you fucking BITCH!" said Isabel.
End of Chapter Eighteen. Chapter Nineteen coming soon.
SHE'S BACK!!!! Didn't I tell you there would be trouble with a capital "T". Anyhow, don't miss what's coming up. If you think you know what's going to ultimately happen in this situation, THINK AGAIN! Because I have control of where the story goes from here, and I have some surprises in store for you, so stay tuned for the next installment. In the meantime, I can't thank my readers enough for the great reviews I have gotten so far. I do so appreciate getting feedback from my readers, so please do keep those reviews coming.