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.

Thanks: To my beta Elise-who has been with me on this story from the beginning and Lauren for allowing me to spoil her and discuss 'where it's all going.'  I couldn't do it without you guys.  To everyone who left reviews, I appreciate it so much.

Feedback: Okay I said I wouldn't beg—but I lied…Feedback is always appreciated ! !

Distribution: I would be flattered if anyone wants to post this story somewhere else, just let me know first okay?

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. The only hint I will give is – some things are meant to happen.  Think about it.  ~~~ Indicates a change in perspective.

Extra note: Life is hectic…forgive me.  I have more written and hopefully things will move more quickly.  Never underestimate the value of feedback to an author.

The sheriff took off his glasses and approached the counter.  "Good afternoon Miss DeLuca," he said, sitting down on a stool.  "How's business today?"

"Same as always, Sheriff Valenti, busy.  Can I get you something?"  Maria asked.

"Just my usual.  To go today."

"Ok, one coffee coming right up.  You sure you don't want any cream or sugar in that this time?"

"I'm sure," he said, as he accepted the styrofoam cup she held out to him.  He took a few dollars out of his wallet and handed them to her.  "You have a nice day now, and stay safe.  Some of these tourists are a little crazy this time of year."

"Alright Sheriff, I will.  Have a nice day and thank you for stopping at the Crashdown," Maria said automatically, as he walked out the door.

At the sound of the bells above the door, Liz's face appeared in the small window of the door leading to the back room.  Maria sighed and walked over to the door, pushing it open and almost knocking Liz over in the process.  The girls, who had been sitting at the small table in the room coloring with some crayons provided by Mr. Parker, started to giggle.  Once Liz regained her balance, she shot the girls a look and they quieted down and returned to their coloring.

"Liz what are you doing?  It's the lunch rush!  You better get your butt out here and help me!"  Maria said impatiently.

"Sorry...I'm coming," Liz said, pulling the door open and pushing Maria out in front of her.  She walked over to the counter, filled a glass with ice and water, and grabbed a bottle of Tabasco from the condiment shelf.  Taking a deep breath to calm herself down, she made her way to Max's table.  "Here you go," she said as she set the items on the table.

"Thanks," Max said, looking directly at Liz and smiling.  His eyes seemed to hold her there for a moment before she broke away.

"I should really get back to work now..." she said, backing away and almost running into Maria again.

"Liz, really, you need to look before you walk chica," Maria said, just barely averting disaster and keeping her tray from crashing to the floor.

"Sorry..." she squeaked, clutching her own tray to her chest.

"It's okay, really. Just try to calm down. Remind me to introduce you to some cypress oil later," Maria said, as she continued across the room to her customers.

Liz hesitated for just a second before she too made her way around to check on her other customers.

~~~

Isabel took a sip of her water and looked over at her brother.  "So can I even ask who this friend is?"

Max looked confused for a second as if he had forgotten that Isabel was even there.  "Oh yeah.  It's Liz," he said, as if it should have been obvious to her.

"The new waitress?  Why on earth did you suddenly decide you should make friends with a new waitress at the Crashdown?" she said, almost incredulous.  "You know we can't get close to anyone Max.  Especially strangers who suddenly appear in town for no reason!"

"Iz, calm down.  Seriously.  She does have reasons and I don't know what possessed me to talk to her in the first place.  She just looked like I feel sometimes.  You know...like she was lonely and afraid...  Look, I'm sorry if you feel like I put us all in danger, I already got the whole speech from Michael, but just trust me okay," Max said, pleading with his sister to understand.

She sighed and rolled her eyes.  "Fine.  I trust you Max.  But just...be careful okay?"

"Izzy, you know me.  You don't even have to say that.  I'm always careful."

"I know I know.  I just don't want to end up in some government experiment just because you fell for some girl who turned us in."

"That's not going to happen."

"Just make sure it doesn't.  I'm going to head home Max.  I promised Mom I would help with dinner tonight."

"Tell her I'll be home after work.  Bye Iz," Max said, as he watched his sister leave.

He quickly turned his attention back to the petite brunette running around trying to fill orders in the busy diner.  He hadn't lied to his sister...not exactly.  He knew Liz would never turn him in, but he already was falling for her.  He just wasn't sure exactly how she felt about him.  She had only known him for two days and even though he now knew her secret and had comforted her when she had been upset, it didn't mean that she thought of him as anything but a nice guy who wanted to be her friend.  He would have to be satisfied with that for now.  He intended to keep the promise he had made to her the night before--he wasn't going to let anyone hurt her--not while he was around.

For now, he was just content to sit and watch over her.

~~~

She could feel someone watching her.  Their eyes following her around the room.  Stop it.  You're just being paranoid again, she told herself.  For a moment, Liz stopped what she was doing and scanned the room.  No one seemed to even be looking at her...except Max.  He quickly looked away as if he had just been caught doing something he shouldn't be doing.  Liz had to smile at his antics.  She wasn't sure what to do about him...  Sure she had just met him, but she already felt like she could trust him...completely.  And he knew her secret and had said that he wanted to help her...but could he possibly even be feeling what she was?  Not that I should be getting involved with anyone right now, she thought cynically.

For now, this was going to be a game of wait and see.

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