***************************
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO:
The next day, the graduating seniors of West Roswell High School took their seats in the school's gymnasium for the graduation ceremony. Liz Parker, Max Evans, Maria Deluca, and Alex Whitman, were among those who were about the become graduates. In the audience observing the ceremony were their proud parents, and Isabel Whitman, who kept her eyes on Alex for most of the time during the ceremony. Once every so often, Alex would turn around, smile, and wink at his wife, making her giggle slightly.
The school principal got up on stage, went to the podium, and spoke into the microphone. "Graduating class of 2002," he said. "It is my honor to introduce our keynote speaker for the ceremonies today, science fiction novelist Bryce McClain."
Most of the students got up and applauded, but Max, Liz, Alex, and Maria, were frozen with fear upon hearing that Bryce McClain was going to speak. They, along with Isabel, came to the nearly simultaneous realization that Liz's vision must have been of their High School graduation. Max, Isabel, and Liz knew they were just minutes away from their own death. They, along with Alex and Maria, knew they had to act quickly to prevent that.
Max got up from his seat and approached the stage. He got up on stage, said something to McClain which caused him to leave, and then got to the podium. Suddenly, the lights went out, and Alex, Liz, Maria, and Isabel, all knew that this was done by Max somehow, and that it was meant to be cover for them to get up and leave. Liz and Maria got up from their chairs and made their way to the exit at the back of the gym. Alex went over and joined Isabel in the audience, who was herself getting up to leave. Max began to speak to the audience as the rest moved to leave.
"Mom, Dad," said Isabel. "We have to go. We're in danger."
"Isabel, honey..." began Mr. Evans.
"Isabel," said Alex, who walked up and took Isabel's hand. "We've got to go."
"Mom, Dad," said Isabel. "We love you. We'll send word to you about what happened. But we HAVE to go now."
She leaned down and kissed her Mom and Dad both on the cheek. "Goodbye," she said.
"Isabel..."began Mrs. Evans, already in tears.
"Mr. and Mrs. Evans," said Alex. "Don't worry. No harm will come to her. I give you my word that I'll protect Isabel with my life if necessary. Tell my parents...I love them very much."
With that, Alex and Isabel ran, hand in hand, under the cover of darkness to the exit doors. As they ran down the hallway, they heard the noise of a motorcycle coming down the hall. They looked in amazement as Michael drove by them on his motorbike, heading towards the gym. He gave them a little salute as he passed by.
When they got outside, they found Liz and Maria waiting there for them. "Maria," said Alex. "Get the Jetta. Max will come out with Michael. Liz, go with her. I'll take Isabel in my car. We all meet out by the pod chamber."
The two girls did as they were told, running towards the parking lot. Alex and Isabel made their way to his car, and got in. After starting the engine, Alex looked over at Isabel, and saw the fear and sadness reflected in her eyes that were filling with tears.
"Shh," said Alex, leaning over and kissing her on the cheek. "We'll be okay. We'll ALL be okay."
"God, why is this happening?" she asked.
"I don't know," said Alex. "But whatever happens, I'll never leave you. And we WILL come back here someday if I have anything to say about it."
He put the car in reverse and pulled out of the parking space. Then, he put the car in drive, gunned the engine, and took off towards their destination. On their way to the meeting spot, Alex stopped at his house, went inside, and came back out with a bag he had already packed just in case they had to make a quick getaway. Isabel had wanted to get some things from her house, too, but they both agreed it would be too dangerous since the Feds probably knew she was one of the aliens. They then headed towards the meeting place.
**
It was after dark when Max and Michael both arrived on the latter's motorcycle. Liz ran into Max's waiting arms, and Maria ran up to Michael and threw her arms around him. Isabel then ran up and hugged both Max and Michael, then went back to Alex's comforting embrace.
"What now?" asked Liz.
"We need a van or something," said Alex. "We won't all fit into any one of our vehicles. Besides, the Feds could probably trace them."
As if on cue, a van pulled up near them. Max, Michael, and Isabel readied themselves for a defense just in case the person driving the van was after them. They relaxed when they saw Jim Valenti get out of the van, but were shocked to see him in a Roswell Sheriff's Department uniform.
"Liz called me on the way," said Valenti. "I figured you would need transportation, so I commandeered this van from the impound lot, making it look like someone broke into the lot and stole it. You'll have to change the license plates."
"No problem," said Michael, who waved his hand over the plates and changed the numbers within a second.
"I picked up my journal on the way here, too," said Liz. "That way no evidence will be left, and we can send it to our parents as planned."
"I'll try to speak to them," said Valenti. "Prepare them for what they will read in that journal."
"Alex," said Isabel. "What about our marriage? We didn't get a chance to tell our parents."
"Marriage?" asked Valenti.
"Oh, yeah, you didn't know about that," said Isabel. "Alex and I were married a few months ago."
"Wow," said Valenti. "And I thought I knew all the secrets."
"You back with the Sheriff's office?" asked Michael.
"Yeah," Valenti replied. "Being a cop...its who I am. Helping good people is what I want to continue to do."
"Valenti...Jim," said Max. "I...I can never express to you how grateful I am, we all are, for how you've helped us. I for one am going to miss you."
"Me too," said Valenti, who then pulled Max into a hug.
Liz and Maria both then ran over with tears running down their cheeks, and simultaneously gave Valenti a hug goodbye. "Take good care of my Mom, okay," said Maria. "She'll need you now, if you..."
"I will," said Valenti. "Don't worry."
Then, Isabel walked over, and tearfully hugged Valenti. "I feel like I've had two Fathers," said Isabel. "I'll never forget you."
"You better not," said Valenti. Then, he looked at Alex. "You take good care of your wife, Alex."
"I will," said Alex, who then walked over and hugged Valenti himself.
Michael then cautiously approached Valenti. He was silent for a moment before he finally said something. "Valenti," he said. "I wanted you to know, that...I've never really had a Father. But, if I did...I'd want him to be you. Because there is no adult I respect more in this world than you."
He then reached out his hand, and Valenti took it in his. Then, the older man pulled the younger one into a hug. "You would have been a good son," said Valenti. "And I would have been happy to be your Dad."
Then, the group of teenagers got into the van. Maria gave Valenti the keys to the Jetta so he could get back to town. Valenti watched as the group of friends drove off into the night. He stood there for a long time, just staring at the stars, hoping that they, along with his son, were going to be alright.
***
Forty-eight hours later, Alex and Isabel entered a room at a hotel the group had stopped at just inside of Colorado . This was the first time they had stopped to rest since leaving Roswell, except for when they had taken the time to go to the same chapel where Alex and Isabel had been married back in March. It was Max's and Liz's turn down the aisle, as they got married while their friends...their family, looked on. They had driven constantly since then, only stopping for gas and to change drivers. Exhausted, the group had voted an hour before to stop at the first hotel they saw to get a good night's rest before continuing on their journey. Luckily, money was no problem since Isabel had used her power to turn their meager supply into small bills into large ones.
Alex threw his bag onto the bed. "If you want to take a shower, I packed some of your clothes in this bag."
"You did?" asked Isabel. "You think of everything don't you. How did I get so lucky to marry such a smart guy?"
"I feel like the one who is lucky," said Alex.
Isabel shook her head. "I don't know how you can say that," she said sadly. "After I've ruined your life..."
"Hey," said Alex, pulling Isabel into his arms. "No more of that bull shit. You ARE my life, Isabel Whitman. And I love being with you, no matter where we are. Now, pick out some clothes."
Isabel went into the bag to pull out one of her t-shirts and a pair of shorts, while Alex went to get her shower ready. She felt something heavy in the bag, and out of curiosity, reached in and pulled it out. To her shock, Isabel found that the object was a small revolver, and next to it was a box of bullets.
"Alex," she called out. "What is this doing here?"
Alex came out, and saw Isabel holding the pistol. "Oh, I almost forgot about that," he said. He walked over and put the gun back into the bag.
"A gun, Alex," said Isabel. "Why?"
"To protect you, if necessary," said Alex. "It belongs to my Dad. He bought it last year, when a house in the neighborhood was broken into. My Mom had a fit, too. I figured....I just wanted something that I could use to help protect us, especially you."
"Do you think...do you think you could really use that?" asked Isabel.
"I hope I don't have to," said Alex. "But...if it means saving your life, I have to believe I would."
On that sober note, Isabel went into the shower. She stood under the warm water, and let it cascade down her body. For the first time since leaving Roswell, she felt totally relaxed. Then, she heard the curtain open, and felt Alex wrap his arms around her from behind as he joined her in the shower.
"You okay?" asked Alex.
"I am now," she said. "I'm just, so tired."
They stood there under the cascading water, just enjoying the closeness of one another. Their hands were locked together, their wedding rings now worn openly and proudly by the married couple. Alex kept his arms wrapped around Isabel, and held her for a long time, trying to sooth her worry about the future.
****
A week after the graduation ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. Evans, Mr. and Mrs. Whitman, Amy Deluca, Mr. and Mrs. Parker, and Jim Valenti, had all been at the latter's house, while Mr. Parker had shown them his daughter's journal that he had just received in the mail that day. In it were letters to all of the parents...final goodbyes and explanations for the sudden departure. As instructed, Mr. Parker was now burning the journal out in the desert near the pod chamber where Max, Michael, and Isabel were born. The Evans and the Whitmans had received a separate letter from Alex and Isabel, telling them of the fact that their children were married. Now, the parents of the married couple took turns reading the letter. The first part was written by Isabel:
Dear Mom and Dad, Mr. and Mrs. Whitman,
We wanted to tell you this in person, but circumstances intervened as I'm sure you know by now. Alex and I love each other very much, and decided to cement the bond of love between us two months ago by getting married. I know we kept this a secret from you, and maybe it was wrong to do, and I am sorry we did not tell you sooner. But I am not sorry I married Alex. I love him so much, and he loves me. Mr. and Mrs. Whitman...I wanted to tell you how sorry I am that your son has been taken from you because of me, because he loved me. I promise you that I will stand by him, no matter what, and that I will be as good a wife to him as I know how. I hope you can someday forgive me for everything. Your son is so special, and makes me feel very special because he loves me. We hope to be home someday, and hope you will support our marriage when we do. Mom, Dad, I love you both. Thank you for being my parents.
The second part of the letter was from Alex:
Dear Mom and Dad, Mr. and Mrs. Evans,
Isabel told you the good news, though I'm sure it was shocking news to all of you. Mom, Dad, I'm sorry I kept this from you, but I know you would have been opposed to me getting married so young. Isabel and I just realized that we belonged together, and wanted to share every moment we could as husband and wife, knowing how dangerous a life we lead. Mom, Dad, please don't blame Isabel for what has happened. By now you know she is an alien, but I want you to think of her as the sweet, gentle, beautiful young lady you have known, who loves me very much. Mr. and Mrs. Evans, please be assured that I feel the same way about Isabel that she does about me. I promise you I will do everything I have to in order to protect her from harm, and hopefully bring her home to you someday. I'll stand by her no matter what. We love you all very much.
Then, it was signed, "Love, Alex and Isabel Whitman."
End of Chapter Twenty-two. Chapter Twenty-three coming soon.
If you thought this would be the end of the story, think again. This story is not ending. Rather, it is entering into a new phase. We are now past the time period of the story presented in the series, so the events that will occurr here on out are totally original. I am excited about this prospect, and hope you are as well. So, keep tuning in, because there is still quite a ride ahead for Alex and Isabel, and for the readers as well. In the meantime, please do keep those great reviews coming. I appreciate any and all feedback from my readers.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO:
The next day, the graduating seniors of West Roswell High School took their seats in the school's gymnasium for the graduation ceremony. Liz Parker, Max Evans, Maria Deluca, and Alex Whitman, were among those who were about the become graduates. In the audience observing the ceremony were their proud parents, and Isabel Whitman, who kept her eyes on Alex for most of the time during the ceremony. Once every so often, Alex would turn around, smile, and wink at his wife, making her giggle slightly.
The school principal got up on stage, went to the podium, and spoke into the microphone. "Graduating class of 2002," he said. "It is my honor to introduce our keynote speaker for the ceremonies today, science fiction novelist Bryce McClain."
Most of the students got up and applauded, but Max, Liz, Alex, and Maria, were frozen with fear upon hearing that Bryce McClain was going to speak. They, along with Isabel, came to the nearly simultaneous realization that Liz's vision must have been of their High School graduation. Max, Isabel, and Liz knew they were just minutes away from their own death. They, along with Alex and Maria, knew they had to act quickly to prevent that.
Max got up from his seat and approached the stage. He got up on stage, said something to McClain which caused him to leave, and then got to the podium. Suddenly, the lights went out, and Alex, Liz, Maria, and Isabel, all knew that this was done by Max somehow, and that it was meant to be cover for them to get up and leave. Liz and Maria got up from their chairs and made their way to the exit at the back of the gym. Alex went over and joined Isabel in the audience, who was herself getting up to leave. Max began to speak to the audience as the rest moved to leave.
"Mom, Dad," said Isabel. "We have to go. We're in danger."
"Isabel, honey..." began Mr. Evans.
"Isabel," said Alex, who walked up and took Isabel's hand. "We've got to go."
"Mom, Dad," said Isabel. "We love you. We'll send word to you about what happened. But we HAVE to go now."
She leaned down and kissed her Mom and Dad both on the cheek. "Goodbye," she said.
"Isabel..."began Mrs. Evans, already in tears.
"Mr. and Mrs. Evans," said Alex. "Don't worry. No harm will come to her. I give you my word that I'll protect Isabel with my life if necessary. Tell my parents...I love them very much."
With that, Alex and Isabel ran, hand in hand, under the cover of darkness to the exit doors. As they ran down the hallway, they heard the noise of a motorcycle coming down the hall. They looked in amazement as Michael drove by them on his motorbike, heading towards the gym. He gave them a little salute as he passed by.
When they got outside, they found Liz and Maria waiting there for them. "Maria," said Alex. "Get the Jetta. Max will come out with Michael. Liz, go with her. I'll take Isabel in my car. We all meet out by the pod chamber."
The two girls did as they were told, running towards the parking lot. Alex and Isabel made their way to his car, and got in. After starting the engine, Alex looked over at Isabel, and saw the fear and sadness reflected in her eyes that were filling with tears.
"Shh," said Alex, leaning over and kissing her on the cheek. "We'll be okay. We'll ALL be okay."
"God, why is this happening?" she asked.
"I don't know," said Alex. "But whatever happens, I'll never leave you. And we WILL come back here someday if I have anything to say about it."
He put the car in reverse and pulled out of the parking space. Then, he put the car in drive, gunned the engine, and took off towards their destination. On their way to the meeting spot, Alex stopped at his house, went inside, and came back out with a bag he had already packed just in case they had to make a quick getaway. Isabel had wanted to get some things from her house, too, but they both agreed it would be too dangerous since the Feds probably knew she was one of the aliens. They then headed towards the meeting place.
**
It was after dark when Max and Michael both arrived on the latter's motorcycle. Liz ran into Max's waiting arms, and Maria ran up to Michael and threw her arms around him. Isabel then ran up and hugged both Max and Michael, then went back to Alex's comforting embrace.
"What now?" asked Liz.
"We need a van or something," said Alex. "We won't all fit into any one of our vehicles. Besides, the Feds could probably trace them."
As if on cue, a van pulled up near them. Max, Michael, and Isabel readied themselves for a defense just in case the person driving the van was after them. They relaxed when they saw Jim Valenti get out of the van, but were shocked to see him in a Roswell Sheriff's Department uniform.
"Liz called me on the way," said Valenti. "I figured you would need transportation, so I commandeered this van from the impound lot, making it look like someone broke into the lot and stole it. You'll have to change the license plates."
"No problem," said Michael, who waved his hand over the plates and changed the numbers within a second.
"I picked up my journal on the way here, too," said Liz. "That way no evidence will be left, and we can send it to our parents as planned."
"I'll try to speak to them," said Valenti. "Prepare them for what they will read in that journal."
"Alex," said Isabel. "What about our marriage? We didn't get a chance to tell our parents."
"Marriage?" asked Valenti.
"Oh, yeah, you didn't know about that," said Isabel. "Alex and I were married a few months ago."
"Wow," said Valenti. "And I thought I knew all the secrets."
"You back with the Sheriff's office?" asked Michael.
"Yeah," Valenti replied. "Being a cop...its who I am. Helping good people is what I want to continue to do."
"Valenti...Jim," said Max. "I...I can never express to you how grateful I am, we all are, for how you've helped us. I for one am going to miss you."
"Me too," said Valenti, who then pulled Max into a hug.
Liz and Maria both then ran over with tears running down their cheeks, and simultaneously gave Valenti a hug goodbye. "Take good care of my Mom, okay," said Maria. "She'll need you now, if you..."
"I will," said Valenti. "Don't worry."
Then, Isabel walked over, and tearfully hugged Valenti. "I feel like I've had two Fathers," said Isabel. "I'll never forget you."
"You better not," said Valenti. Then, he looked at Alex. "You take good care of your wife, Alex."
"I will," said Alex, who then walked over and hugged Valenti himself.
Michael then cautiously approached Valenti. He was silent for a moment before he finally said something. "Valenti," he said. "I wanted you to know, that...I've never really had a Father. But, if I did...I'd want him to be you. Because there is no adult I respect more in this world than you."
He then reached out his hand, and Valenti took it in his. Then, the older man pulled the younger one into a hug. "You would have been a good son," said Valenti. "And I would have been happy to be your Dad."
Then, the group of teenagers got into the van. Maria gave Valenti the keys to the Jetta so he could get back to town. Valenti watched as the group of friends drove off into the night. He stood there for a long time, just staring at the stars, hoping that they, along with his son, were going to be alright.
***
Forty-eight hours later, Alex and Isabel entered a room at a hotel the group had stopped at just inside of Colorado . This was the first time they had stopped to rest since leaving Roswell, except for when they had taken the time to go to the same chapel where Alex and Isabel had been married back in March. It was Max's and Liz's turn down the aisle, as they got married while their friends...their family, looked on. They had driven constantly since then, only stopping for gas and to change drivers. Exhausted, the group had voted an hour before to stop at the first hotel they saw to get a good night's rest before continuing on their journey. Luckily, money was no problem since Isabel had used her power to turn their meager supply into small bills into large ones.
Alex threw his bag onto the bed. "If you want to take a shower, I packed some of your clothes in this bag."
"You did?" asked Isabel. "You think of everything don't you. How did I get so lucky to marry such a smart guy?"
"I feel like the one who is lucky," said Alex.
Isabel shook her head. "I don't know how you can say that," she said sadly. "After I've ruined your life..."
"Hey," said Alex, pulling Isabel into his arms. "No more of that bull shit. You ARE my life, Isabel Whitman. And I love being with you, no matter where we are. Now, pick out some clothes."
Isabel went into the bag to pull out one of her t-shirts and a pair of shorts, while Alex went to get her shower ready. She felt something heavy in the bag, and out of curiosity, reached in and pulled it out. To her shock, Isabel found that the object was a small revolver, and next to it was a box of bullets.
"Alex," she called out. "What is this doing here?"
Alex came out, and saw Isabel holding the pistol. "Oh, I almost forgot about that," he said. He walked over and put the gun back into the bag.
"A gun, Alex," said Isabel. "Why?"
"To protect you, if necessary," said Alex. "It belongs to my Dad. He bought it last year, when a house in the neighborhood was broken into. My Mom had a fit, too. I figured....I just wanted something that I could use to help protect us, especially you."
"Do you think...do you think you could really use that?" asked Isabel.
"I hope I don't have to," said Alex. "But...if it means saving your life, I have to believe I would."
On that sober note, Isabel went into the shower. She stood under the warm water, and let it cascade down her body. For the first time since leaving Roswell, she felt totally relaxed. Then, she heard the curtain open, and felt Alex wrap his arms around her from behind as he joined her in the shower.
"You okay?" asked Alex.
"I am now," she said. "I'm just, so tired."
They stood there under the cascading water, just enjoying the closeness of one another. Their hands were locked together, their wedding rings now worn openly and proudly by the married couple. Alex kept his arms wrapped around Isabel, and held her for a long time, trying to sooth her worry about the future.
****
A week after the graduation ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. Evans, Mr. and Mrs. Whitman, Amy Deluca, Mr. and Mrs. Parker, and Jim Valenti, had all been at the latter's house, while Mr. Parker had shown them his daughter's journal that he had just received in the mail that day. In it were letters to all of the parents...final goodbyes and explanations for the sudden departure. As instructed, Mr. Parker was now burning the journal out in the desert near the pod chamber where Max, Michael, and Isabel were born. The Evans and the Whitmans had received a separate letter from Alex and Isabel, telling them of the fact that their children were married. Now, the parents of the married couple took turns reading the letter. The first part was written by Isabel:
Dear Mom and Dad, Mr. and Mrs. Whitman,
We wanted to tell you this in person, but circumstances intervened as I'm sure you know by now. Alex and I love each other very much, and decided to cement the bond of love between us two months ago by getting married. I know we kept this a secret from you, and maybe it was wrong to do, and I am sorry we did not tell you sooner. But I am not sorry I married Alex. I love him so much, and he loves me. Mr. and Mrs. Whitman...I wanted to tell you how sorry I am that your son has been taken from you because of me, because he loved me. I promise you that I will stand by him, no matter what, and that I will be as good a wife to him as I know how. I hope you can someday forgive me for everything. Your son is so special, and makes me feel very special because he loves me. We hope to be home someday, and hope you will support our marriage when we do. Mom, Dad, I love you both. Thank you for being my parents.
The second part of the letter was from Alex:
Dear Mom and Dad, Mr. and Mrs. Evans,
Isabel told you the good news, though I'm sure it was shocking news to all of you. Mom, Dad, I'm sorry I kept this from you, but I know you would have been opposed to me getting married so young. Isabel and I just realized that we belonged together, and wanted to share every moment we could as husband and wife, knowing how dangerous a life we lead. Mom, Dad, please don't blame Isabel for what has happened. By now you know she is an alien, but I want you to think of her as the sweet, gentle, beautiful young lady you have known, who loves me very much. Mr. and Mrs. Evans, please be assured that I feel the same way about Isabel that she does about me. I promise you I will do everything I have to in order to protect her from harm, and hopefully bring her home to you someday. I'll stand by her no matter what. We love you all very much.
Then, it was signed, "Love, Alex and Isabel Whitman."
End of Chapter Twenty-two. Chapter Twenty-three coming soon.
If you thought this would be the end of the story, think again. This story is not ending. Rather, it is entering into a new phase. We are now past the time period of the story presented in the series, so the events that will occurr here on out are totally original. I am excited about this prospect, and hope you are as well. So, keep tuning in, because there is still quite a ride ahead for Alex and Isabel, and for the readers as well. In the meantime, please do keep those great reviews coming. I appreciate any and all feedback from my readers.