Category:  AU  M/L

Summary: AU story based on a song I have liked for a long time, but with a different twist.  Liz didn't grow up in Roswell and has been living in foster homes as long as she can remember.

Disclaimer:  Jason Katims owns everything Roswell…come on now if I owned it would I be writing fanfic???  Also I don't own the song either, it's "Two beds and a coffee machine" by Savage Garden.  I'm just borrowing this stuff and I'll put it back when I'm done I promise.  Oh and I created the characters of Abby, Charlotte, and Frank who are loosely based on characters in the song and people I know.

Feedback: Okay I said I wouldn't beg—but I lied…Please Please Please leave feedback!

Thanks: To my oh so wonderful beta Elise –you rock!  To everyone who left reviews, I appreciate it so much.

A/N: the italics indicate thought, also song lyrics.  I'm really beginning to see that this is going to be one long twisted story. For everyone who has been asking questions, they only hint I will give is – some things are meant to happen.  Think about it.

*EXTRA note: I temporarily switch to Michael's POV at the end of this chapter…don't get scared.

As Liz was about to leave the back room, a spikey-haired boy rushed in and threw his stuff in a locker.

"Hey," he said nonchalantly as he turned around.  "You the new waitress?" he asked, gesturing to the uniform in her arms.

"Yeah, I guess I am."

"Name's Michael.  I'm one of the cooks around here," he said, extending his hand towards her.

"Liz Campbell," she said quietly, shaking his hand.

Liz was about to let go of Michael's hand when he noticed a small bruise on her wrist.  "Hey what's this?" he asked, pulling her arm towards him to see.

"It's nothing…I just…I must have hit it on the car door…I'm kinda clumsy," she stammered, pulling away.

"You sure?" he said hesitantly.

"I'm fine…really."

"If you say so…" Michael said, still unsure, but as he was already late for work he decided to head to the kitchen.

Whew…that was close…I better get back to the motel before anything else happens, Liz thought, deciding to leave by the staff entrance she had seen Michael use.  Not that I don't want to see Max, I just really need to get back to the girls.

In her rush to leave, she didn't notice someone watching her.  Michael had been peering through the small window in the door.  There is definitely something going on with her, he thought as he finally made his way into the kitchen.

"Well look who finally decides to show up for work.  You're late you know," Maria said, leaning on the counter between the diner and the kitchen.

"Leave me alone.  I had stuff to take care of," he replied.

"I'm sure it was soooo important," she said, receiving only a scowl in response.  She rolled her eyes at him and sighed exaggeratedly.  "I have customers to take care of," she said turning and walking away.

"Hey Michael," Max said from his place at the counter.  "Did you happen to see the new waitress back there?"

"Yeah, but she left.  What's it to you anyway Max?"  Michael said when he noticed Max's expression change.  Lowering his voice a little so that no one would hear his next comment he said, "Did you suddenly forget a certain childhood pact?"

"I didn't forget anything Michael.  I'm just…trying to be nice.  She's new in town and I kinda offered to help her find an apartment," Max said, looking anywhere but directly at Michael when he finished.

"You what?!?  You know the rule Max.  We don't get close to people.  We keep to ourselves.  Is any of this sounding familiar to you?"

"The rule sucks."

"Well Maxwell, you're the one who made it up.  And besides, what if she found out about how we aren't from around here and turned us in?"

"Michael, its not like we wear signs around our necks broadcasting our secret.  And Liz isn't like that.  I know I just met her, but I feel like I've known her forever.  And I know she wouldn't do that.  I can just tell…"

"Aww geez Max.  What have you gotten yourself into?" Michael said, sighing and holding his head.  "Ok here's the plan Max.  There is an apartment open where I live.  Take her there.  At least we can keep an eye on her if we need to."

"Thanks Michael, you're the best," Max said, gathering his things.  "I gotta get to work.  See you later."

Michael shook his head as he watched Max leave.  Definitely something going on…

TBC

And she takes another step
Slowly she opens the door
Check that he is sleeping
Pick up all the broken glass
And furniture on the floor
Been up half the night screaming
Now it's time to get away
Pack up the kids in the car
Another bruise to try and hide
Another alibi to write

Another ditch in the road
You keep moving
Another stop sign
You keep moving on
And the years go by so fast
Wonder how I ever made it through

And there are children to think of
Baby's asleep in the back seat
Wonder how they'll ever make it through this living nightmare
But the mind is an amazing thing
Full of candy dreams and new toys and another cheap hotel
Two beds and a coffee machine
But there are groceries to buy
And she knows she'll have to go home

Another ditch in the road
You keep moving
Another stop sign
You keep moving on
And the years go by so fast
Wonder how I ever made it through

Another bruise to try and hide
Another alibi to write
Another lonely highway in the black of the night
But there's hope in the darkness
You know you're going to make it

Another ditch in the road
You keep moving
Another stop sign
You keep moving on
And the years go by so fast
Silent fortress built to last
Wonder how I ever made it through