Part 6

A week had passed since the confrontation with Max. Liz was constantly worried about Max and about Jeffrey. The pressures were getting to be too much. Michael could tell by the dark circles that were forming under her eyes. Every night she tossed and turned in her sleep. Often she woke from nightmares. It was getting to the point that Michael was going to start dream walking her to find out what worried her more. Yes, they had to be careful with Jeffrey's new found powers, but there had not been another incident since he healed Liz's bruise. As for Max, Michael wasn't sure what to do. So far they had managed to avoid him. The rest of the gang was happy to help keep as much distance as possible between Max and Liz. They all realized Max was a loose cannon.

Surprisingly it had not stopped them from still hanging out and doing things together. The girls had already gone to the mall a few times to shop for Jeffrey and other things. Michael was amazed at the number of items that Aunt Isabel gifted her nephew with. Michael was convinced they would need more luggage to take all the things home with them. Over all, Michael was happy that they had decided to visit. He just wished Liz would enjoy her vacation more.

Mr. Parker walked into the kitchen and interrupted Michael's thought. "Good morning Michael. I've been meaning to find some time to talk to you."

Michael sudden became nervous. When father's of the girlfriend wanted to talk, it usually wasn't good. "Sure Jeff. What's up? Is everything okay?"

Jeff Parker's face was grim and his concern was clearly visible. "I'm not sure. That's what I wanted to ask you. Has Max been harassing Liz?"

"Have you seen him near her? Is he around?" Michael immediately went on guard when he heard Max's name mentioned. He had tried to keep a constant eye on Liz, but she insisted that she needed space occasionally. He had enlisted the help from the others to all watch her as well.

Jeff noticed the sudden panic in Michael's eyes. Michael was a hard person to read, but slowly Jeff started to see behind the wall that the young man insisted on keeping up to everyone except for Liz and Jeffrey. "Calm down. I haven't seen him around, but I have noticed that Liz seems nervous. She's jumpy, anxious, and frankly she looks like she hasn't sleep well in a long time. Her mother and I are concerned." Jeff watched as Michael began to interject, but stop him. "I know you are doing everything you can for her, but Nancy and I were talking and thought we could help. I don't know if Liz ever told you, but we have a cabin about three hours from here. Liz had been there before. I think she finds it peaceful and comforting. We were thinking that you and Liz could spend a few days there. We'll look after Jeffrey. It will give you a chance to relax."

His first reaction was to immediately decline. Michael couldn't imagine leaving Jeffrey behind while he and Liz went off, but as he thought about it, he wondered if this would be exactly what they needed. Liz needed some time away. Jeffrey would be safe with his grandparents and Michael could always ask Isabel to watch out for any new talents that might develop. Besides, it would be just for a few days. "Actually, that sounds like a good idea. Liz could use the break and it would give us a chance to talk. But can you do one thing? You tell her to leave Jeffrey behind. I rather not be in the dog house for this trip."

Jeff laughed at Michael's antics. Although he didn't know exactly what went on between his daughter and Michael, he did know and accept that they often shared a bed. Obviously he knew Liz had been sexually active before, but he wasn't sure about now. Either way, he had grown to love and trust Michael. He was apart of the family and trusted their decisions on their relationship. "Okay, it's a deal. Why don't you leave tomorrow?"

"That sounds good. Well, I guess we better get started on putting up the decorations. If things aren't perfect by the time Isabel gets here, it will be ugly. Why she bought all these decorations is beyond me. Jeffrey is turning one. Chances are he won't remember it and he's usually more interested in the wrapping paper."

When Isabel had learned that her nephew was turning one, she immediately went out and organized a huge party with decorations. The birthday nazi had reared its ugly head. She brought paper plates, napkins, forks, everything to match. She designed a plan for the decorations and insisted on ordering a cake at the best bakery in town. Personally Michael thought she was going overboard, but he relented, not wanting to be the focus of her wrath. Noticing the time, Michael realized that Isabel would be over soon to oversee the party planning. Only 3 more hours of silence. Michael let out a heavy audible sigh.

"Cheer up Michael. Just think, tomorrow you'll have a few days just you and Liz. Hang in there. Besides, your son only turns one once. Trust me. Enjoy these moments while you can. They grow up so quickly." Jeff had a note of sadness in his voice. Liz had grown up so quickly and after she left home, the feelings of loss only increased.

"Thanks, I will. Well, we better get moving if we don't want to suffer Isabel's wrath. Trust me, it's not pretty." Michael and Jeff worked together to decorate the diner for Jeffrey's party. Jeff and Nancy had decided to close the restaurant for the day to celebrate their grandson's birthday. "Just remember, you get to tell Liz we're leaving Jeffrey behind." The somber moment turned to laughter as the two men began opening decorations and placing them around the diner, transforming the alien themed place into a playground for a one year old boy.

Chapter 7

"Hey sweetheart. I spoke with Michael. He'll try and talk Liz into going to the cabin." Jeff Parker sad down on the couch next to his wife.

"That's good. You know I'm really glad Michael had followed her to Vermont. When she first confided about the baby and his unusual circumstances, I was really worried. But, he's been so good to her and Jeffrey."

"I know. I was skeptical, especially when Liz confided about his and Max's unique backgrounds, but he's proven himself over and over again. Besides, I've always liked him more than Max. Turns out I was right." Jeff never cared for Max or the intense relationship he seemed to have with his daughter at the time.

Nancy agreed. Although Max originally appeared to be a good match for Liz, after she left, his personality underwent a drastic change. Now she was happy to know Michael would look out for her and Jeffrey. "They belong together. I just wish they could be together and closer to home. I miss them and I miss seeing Jeffrey grow up."

"Umm, so do I. I've been thinking about that. Let me make a few calls and after they get back, let's talk to them. Hopefully we'll get to see our grandson more often." Jeff had been hoping to convince Liz and Michael to stay. He just prayed he could make it worth while enough and that Max Evans wouldn't be a problem.

"Hey you." Michael snuck up behind Liz and engulfed her into his arms. Her small frame was a distinct contrast to his tall, muscular body.

"Hi. I thought you were putting up decorations with dad," Liz said. She was still wrapping the last gifts for Jeffrey's first birthday party while he took a short nap.

"We're finished. It's exactly as Isabel commanded. Your dad went to talk with your mom." Michael watched as she toiled over the wrapping paper, ensuring there weren't any wrinkles. "You know Jeffrey's just going to tear the wrapping paper off, right?"

She laughed at Michael's expressions. "I know, but Isabel was right. He's only one once and I want things to be perfect. I know he probably won't remember much, but we will. Besides, there will be tons of pictures. I really want today to be special."

"I know and it will be. Listen, I was talking with your dad. Now before you say anything, let me finish. Your parents have noticed how stressed out you've been lately and so have I. The point of this vacation was to rest and relax. With worries about Max and Jeffrey's recent display of power, I know you've been sleeping less. I can feel you tossing and turning at night. I know you go and check on Jeffrey at least twice. So, your dad had an idea. He offered us their cabin for a few days. We could get away, just the two of us. No worries, no interruptions. You know, we've never had a chance to celebrate our graduation properly."

The leer on Michael's face was too much for Liz. She didn't know whether to blush or laugh as she watched Michael raise his eyebrows suggestively. She smiled and worried her lip between her teeth. It was true that they hadn't had much time to themselves since Jeffrey had been born. Then again, she and Michael hadn't revealed their feelings until after Jeffrey's birth. "I admit it sounds nice, but what about Jeffrey? We can't just leave him here and if we take him to the cabin, we won't get much time alone."

He smiled, realizing this would be easier than he thought. Michael pulled her back into his arms and sat her on his lap. Nuzzling her neck, he explained her father's plan. "You're wrong. Your mom and dad offered to watch him. Actually they said something about not getting enough quality time with their grandson. Isabel agreed to help. She'll only be a phone call away if anything happens. So, there is nothing to stop us from going."

Leaning against his strong chest, she agreed it sounded good, but she still wasn't sure. "I don't know. My parents have a diner to run. You know how much energy and attention Jeffrey demands. It won't be fair to them."

He turned her around, having her straddle his lap. "Your parents are demanding time with him and his aunts and uncles have all agreed to take care of him so your parents won't be overloaded. I'll take care of everything. All you have to do is pack."

"How long?"

"Five days."

Liz jumped off his lap and began pacing the room. "No way Michael. We can't leave Jeffrey alone for 5 days. What if something happens? What if Max comes here?"

Michael could see the panic rising in her. Quickly he stopped her pacing and pulled her into his arms. "Hey, slow down. It's okay. We don't have to be gone for so long. Actually I would rather we didn't. As for Max, don't worry. Your parents and Isabel will run interference if he even shows his face around here. If anything happens, the cabin is only a few hours away."

Liz calmed down again, unsure of why she was so nervous. Maybe it was the idea of being alone with Michael for 5 days without any distractions. What if they found out that they had nothing in common? What if Michael decided the only reason he was sticking around was for Jeffrey? Liz didn't know if she could handle that. She had come to love and rely on Michael completely. Even more so than she ever felt with Max. However, the idea of strengthening their relationship and finally being able to express their love for each other was enticing.

As he watched her, he knew from past experiences that she was debating whether or not to go. Michael really wanted this time to be with Liz, help her to relax, and reassure her of his feelings. Although they had been together for months, he knew she still held some doubts about his affection. It was ironic. He would have thought he would be insucure in their relationship, but Liz expressed her feelings so openly and honestly that he never doubted it when she said 'I love you.' Michael understood it was time to fully reveal his feelings and desires to spend the rest of his life with her. "How about three days? If anything happens, we can always come home early or one of the gang could drive Jeffrey up. Okay?"

After taking a minute, Liz agreed. "Okay, I guess we could really use a few days. When are we going?"

"Tomorrow."

Liz's eyes opened wide. "Tomorrow! How am I supposed to get everything ready? We have to go food shopping for the cabin. I'll need to pick up more stuff for Jeffrey for my parents. Jeffrey's party is today. I'll have to clean everything up and put his stuff away. We'll never be ready by then."

"Everything is taken care of. I enlisted some help. Tomorrow morning Isabel and Maria will be here to help you pack or run any errands for you. Kyle and Alex will help me with the food shopping and clean up from the party. Your mother is going to put Jeffrey's things aside till we get back. So you have no excuses." As Michael finished, he pulled Liz into a passionate kiss. "No excuses. Just the two of us and a cabin to ourselves."

"It sounds wonderful. I can't wait." Liz moved in to kiss Michael, but was interrupted. Jeffrey had woken up from his nap and was calling for them.

"I'll go get our son. You finish whatever you need to do." Michael gave her one last kiss before leaving the room to get Jeffrey.

TBC ….soon. I promise. I'm already working on the next part. Thanks to everyone for the wonderful feedback. Please keep it up. It motivates me to write more.

Part 8

"Okay, the party is all cleaned up. Your parents are going to watch Jeffrey. So now, we need to get you ready for your little fantasy vacation." Maria was looking forward to some girl talk with Liz. Although they had written letters frequently and spent the last few days together, the opportunity never around for some real female bonding. Maria wanted all the juicy details of Liz's relationship with Michael. "So chica, first things first. Shopping!"

Isabel smiled. She had been thinking the same thing. It was time for girl talk. "Maria's right. Let's go." She grabbed Liz's arm while Maria grabbed the other and led her to Maria's Jetta. "So, are you excited about your romantic getaway? I imagine its been pretty quiet with your parents sleeping in the next room. I don't know how you and Michael can be so reserved all the time. If that was me and Alex, we would be all over each other."

"What are you talking about? Michael and I haven't slept together." As soon as the words left her mouth, Liz realized her mistake and noticed the strange looks for her friends. "What I mean is, since Jeffrey was born. We're usually too tired. There was school and Michael's job. I am just happy to lay in his arms at night."

"Michael has waited a whole year to have sex you with again!" Maria couldn't believe it. Before Michael had left, he was a horny bastard and was constantly all over her in private. "Wow, he really has changed."

Isabel couldn't quite understand that either, but she had more tact than to question Liz and Michael's personal relationship. "Well if that's the case, we need to get you something special. Something that will make Michael sit up and beg."

"Guys, that not really necessary. I mean Michael was there when I gave birth and through my pregnancy. There is no use in trying to hide this body." Liz hadn't allowed herself to fantasize too much about being alone with Michael. Sure she loved him. She loved him more everyday, but they had never really discussed sex. He was always loving and affectionate. They shared a bed together each night, but Michael had always behaved himself. Well, except for those few serious make-out sessions. Before returning to Roswell, Liz was starting to wonder if Michael wasn't attracted to her anymore. Even though she had lost all the weight from her pregnancy, her body never regained its previous shape.

Isabel and Maria caught Liz looking at her figure in the store window. "Liz, no matter what you think, trust us. You look wonderful. If anything, you are more beautiful now than before your pregnancy. Your shape is perfect and Michael can't keep his eyes off of you."

"'Isabel's right. I would kill for your figure. As for Michael, I want a guy to look at me like that. The other day at the reservoir, you were in shorts and a tee. Michael looked at you like you were one of the lifeguards from that television show." Maria walked into the lingerie store and began the hunt for the perfect negligee for Liz. "Okay, its been about a year and you have a great figure, so anything will look good on you and make Michael wonder why its been a year."

Liz followed Maria and Isabel though the store. Maria picked up a few things that Liz immediately vetoed. There was no way she could were that in front of anyone. Why wear something that didn't cover anything. Isabel's taste seemed to be more conservative than Maria's. As Liz looked around and her nerves kicked in, nothing was conservative enough for her. Finally all the girls agreed on an eloquent, pale pink, silk negligee with spaghetti straps. Lace was incorporated throughout the top and the hem fell mid thigh. It was certainly beautiful. Silent Liz prayed she wouldn't be too nervous to wear it. "Okay, Let me get this so we can pick up a few more things before going back."

Satisfied with their purchases, the trio drove back to the Crashdown to pack Liz's bag. Walking into the restaurant, the girls noticed the guys had completely cleaned up the party and restored the room to its previous décor. All of the gifts were piled upstairs in the apartment and Liz noticed that Michael's bag was already packed and waiting by the door.

"So, you girls get everything Liz needed? I hoped we'd be able to leave in a couple of hours. We'll reach the cabin before it gets too late."

"No problem spaceboy. Just let up get her packed."

Michael walked over to Liz and gave her a quick kiss. "Anything in there for me?" Michael attempted to sneak a peek into the bag from the lingerie boutique. He was definitely looking forward to time alone with Liz. Honestly he was nervous, but he knew this was right.

"Get out of there. Maybe I'll let you see it later. For now, let me get packed and we can go. Did you and the guys get everything done?" Liz handed the bags to Maria and Isabel, allowing them to hide the nightgown from Michael's view. Liz wanted it to be a surprise for the cabin. He would see it for the first time when she was wearing it. "Does Jeffrey know we're leaving?"

Michael smiled realizing Liz was a wonderful mother and always put her son first. "He understands as best he can. Don't worry, he'll be fine. Go finish up. I'm anxious to get out of here"

"Can't imagine why?"

"Go woman!"

Liz released a loud laugh that warmed Michael's heart to hear. Now to finish his plans.

They arrived at the cabin after the sun set. The cozy log building had all the modern conveniences, but was nestled away among the tall pines. The nearest person was at least fifteen miles away. The large living room had a huge fireplace. The master bedroom was spacious and contained a king size bed. The bathroom was a fantasy in itself with its large jacuzzi tub. Michael planned to use this all to his advantage.

After bringing in the bags and unpacking their food and necessities, Michael sat on the couch and pulled Liz into his arms. He could feel the tension in her arms and the anxiety in her posture. Feeling just as nervous as Liz, he realized tonight wouldn't be the night. He wanted their first time together to be perfect. They couldn't had that if they were both tired and stressed from the last few days.

"Liz, don't take this the wrong way, but tonight I just want to sleep with you in my arms."

Liz was confused. Did she do something wrong? Did Michael change his mind? Not knowing what to say, she hid her face against his shoulder and agreed. "Okay."

"Liz, its not that I don't want to make love to you. It's just I want it to be perfect. Right now we're both tired. Let's get a good night sleep. The tomorrow, I'll make sure it's the best day of your life."

Liz saw the love pouring out of Michael's eyes. He was perfect, waiting all this time and still another night until he could make the moment perfect for her. "Have I told you how wonderful you are?" Their kiss was sweet and demanding as their bodies tried to express the feeling their minds couldn't. "I love you," Liz said solemnly.

"I love you tool Now let's get some sleep. You're going to need all your energy tomorrow." Michael raised his eyebrows suggestively. Keeping her in his arms, he carried her into the master bedroom. The king size bed, covered with a quilt her grandma Claudia made stood against the far wall. Two night stands rested on with side. Large windows graced the walls and a door on the right led to the huge master bath. Putting Liz down on her feet, Michael store another kiss before sending her to get changed. "Why don't you use the bathroom first. I'll turn down the bed."

That night, Liz and Michael slept peacefully in each others arms.