Dear journal,

It's December 1st I'm Samantha Simmons and so far things haven't exactly been peachy. I guess things began to really surmount this week.

Monday November 27th 2000 outside West Roswell High.....

Sam waves goodbye to her Mother as she walks towards the front doors of the school by way of the senior parking lot. Scott who's swinging his book bag over his shoulders catches her walking alone and shuffles up to her with a huge grin on his face.

"Samantha hi!"

Sam turns back slightly to see Scott catching up. His varsity letterman jacket adorned with pins seems to glisten as the morning light dances off his coat. She shakes her head and looks up nods as Scott is by her side.

"Hey Scott, how's it going?"

Scott points to the banner that's being hung in the front of the school. It reads

Congrats Hornets go get them bluebirds!

Sam nods and feels pangs of guilt she hadn't gone to one of the boys football games this season and here they are making states.

"We won this Saturday."

Sam smiles and shifts her book bag to the left.

"That's great congratulations."

Scott shrugs. "So you coming to states this Friday?"

"I wouldn't miss it."

"Great and there will be a party at my house afterwards to celebrate our victory you and your friends are all invited of course."

"Thanks Scott."

Scott just nods slightly his dark brown hair falls towards his forehead accenting his handsome face. He stares at Sam long as they walk together toward the school.

"Sam I'm going to go out on a limb here but are you seeing anyone?"

Sam stops right before the two double doors of the main entrance. She winces slightly and then nods with a smile.

"Yeah Scott I am, you?"

Breathing a sigh of relief Scott shakes his head.

"No, I mean I was seeing someone but I don't think she saw me."

Sam laughed to herself.

"Well you are not a homely guy Scott so you should just go up to her and tell her how you feel."

Scott nodded.

"Right, tell her how I feel."

Sam smiled, "uh huh"

Michael who spotted Sam walking in with Scott at her side began making his way over to the two. Sam feeling Michael approaching gave a pat on Scott's shoulder.

"So I'll see you at the game then, and remember just be yourself and tell her."

Scott nodded and made his way over to the crowd of football players who had their girlfriends by their side.

"What did he want?"

Sam smiled at Michael giving him a quick wink.

"He wanted to make sure we all came to the game this Friday and to his party afterwards."

"You mean he wanted to make sure you came?"

Sam shook her head and walked towards her locker.

"No, no, he knows I'm seeing someone he just needs a little direction towards the right girl."

"You're seeing someone?"

Sam gave Michael a hard look then broke into a smile as she started twirling her combination to her locker. Michael folded his arms and leaned on the wall next to her.

"I'm not going."

"Yes you are."

"Why should I its football."

"It's just as violent at hockey Michael and plus we'll all be there it'll be fun."

Michael stared at Sam hard as she closed her locker and met his stare.

"What?"

Michael shrugged, "I'll go to make sure he keeps his hands off you."

Sam nodded sarcastically. "Right Michael I'll have to fight them off otherwise."

As Scott approached the group of boys John looked over at Sam and Michael talking. Sandie noticing his movement put a hand on his shoulder.

"What's wrong?"

John smiled and leaned in to kiss Sandie, "nothing just thinking."

Sandie shifted from one foot to the other and smiled at Tess who was poking Kyle to break away from the mass of jocks.

Michael and Sam ran into Liz and Max talking quietly in the corner in front of the Math lab.

"Hey Liz."

Liz nodded and looked to Max worried.

"I told Max."

Michael looked to Max for a reading.

"You guys could have told me."

Isabel and Alex ran into the conversation too.

"Could have told Max what?"

Isabel looked from Michael to Sam and then back to Max.

"This isn't a conversation for the hallway."

Michael nodded and headed for the math lab which was still empty.

Max sat down next to Liz while everyone piled into the classroom.

"It's my fault I told Liz not to say anything."

Isabel still lost flipped her hair to one side and stared at Sam.

"Say anything about what?'

"Liz has developed powers she's had them for a while now."

Isabel sat back next to Alex and nodded.

"Oh, wow."

Sam nodded and looked to Michael before speaking.

"I've been helping her develop them further."

"But why keep it a secret from us?"

Sam shrugged. "She had to stay clear of physical contact with those who don't have a full handle on their powers, and Max that meant you."

Max looked down at a sympathetic Liz and held her closer to him.

"So you've been training Liz?"

Alex asked a rational voice of the group.

"Right, she's gotten really good actually."

The first bell of the day rang signaling homeroom was to start in ten minutes. Liz a little jolted stood up first.

"This isn't that big of a deal really."

Max stood up with her and followed her out of the classroom.

"Liz! Wait up."

He pulled her towards the eraser room and closed the door as she trembled.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

Max hugged Liz until she calmed down.

"You shouldn't feel like any of this is your fault. I healed you, I caused all of this Liz."

Liz put her finger on Max's lips and kissed them silent. The two embraced for a while until the second bell rang signaling one minute until homeroom.

"We should go Max."

Max nodded and kissed Liz again.

"Yeah we should."

He leaned in and kissed her harder Liz pulling back towards the door giggled and turned the knob.

"Come on Max."

Max nodded and walked out into the hallway holding Liz's hand.

"And I don't want you to blame Sam for not telling you, things were crazy and she's the only one who knew how to help me."

Max smiled at Liz's hand and rubbed it gently.

"I know."

Liz smiled giving Max a quick kiss before entering her homeroom.

With the secret off her shoulders Liz sat down next to Sam and gave her a I'm okay smile.

Sam sighed with relief before continuing her conversation with Kyle and Alex.

"So we should all get studying for finals and I was thinking either the library or Michael's"

"We can be loud at Michael's apartment."

Alex looked to Kyle, Sam giggled and rolled her eyes.

"True, but we might get more studying done at the library."

Why don't we just ask everyone if they want to study together this weekend and if they do then we'll vote.

Sam shrugged and nodded to Liz who was also nodding.

December 1st 2000 4pm two hours before the New Mexico division M state football championships.

Liz is in her waitress uniform along with Maria and Sam they're hanging over the counter talking to Mr. Parker.

"So Dad are you sure you guys can handle everything tonight?"

Mr. Parker nodded.

"Of course besides everyone is going to be at the game I told you we're going to close at 5:30pm and then open up after the game. Don't worry about it at all Lizzie."

Liz nodded and looked to the door as Max and Michael walked in. They sat at their usual booth and soon after Lucas and Tess joined them.

Liz looked to her Dad who nodded. The three girls laughed as they walked over to the booth and sat down for a minute.

"I sorta wanted to eat something."

Maria looked at Michael then at Sam who pinched Michael.

"Ouch, fine, fine we'll pick up take out somewhere."

Max laughed as Liz snuggled close to him.

"We have to change guys then we'll be able to go eat anywhere you want."

Tess nodded and shifted her skirt as the girls got up and went towards the back.

"Michael thanks for letting us use your apartment to study this Saturday."

Michael nodded as he watched Sam walk to the back.

"No problem Maxamillion anything I can do for the great good of man."

Max lightly punched him on the shoulder breaking his concentration on Sam.

"Hey space boy?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't stare too hard."

Tess laughed and started playing with the sugar packets anxious for the girls to hurry back.

"So what do you think Tess, you've seen the Hornets in action are we going to win tonight?"

Tess shrugged

"Depends on if this new QB can get his act together and deliver to the receiver otherwise we're screwed."

Michael looked to Max who was just as clueless about football as he was.

"Wait isn't John the quarter back, and Kyle's their first string receiver?"

Tess nodded as she made her next row of sugar packets into a pyramid.

"Well that makes sense."

Lucas watched Tess and shook his head. He barely touched the pyramid before it came crashing down with his powers.

"Opps."

Tess looked to Lucas with her death stare.

"Ass."

Lucas poked her.

"Just making up for lost time."

As the girls emerged out of the back everyone stood up to greet them and head out.

"Dad I'll see you at the game!"

Liz's Dad nodded and waved goodbye as the group of teens headed out.

6pm Kickoff

"Hey there's Sandie."

Tess was pointing to the cheerleaders who were beginning to warm up the home crowd. Sandie waved to her friends before starting her next routine.

Michael scoffed at the fact that his sister was a cheerleader.

"I can't believe she's wearing that, all the guys can see."

Sam hugged Michael close to her as the wind began to chill her a little.

"You guys are coming to the party right?"

"We are."

Sam smiled as Isabel and Alex made their way up the bleachers to sit with them.

"Late but here I see."

Isabel nodded as she pulled out chap stick and sat down next to Alex and Maria.

"So what did we miss?"

Liz shrugged as a whistle went off and the boys began filling the field. The game was about to start. Scott the kicker on the team looked to the stands and then quickly positioned himself in front of the ball when the next whistle was blown he ran full speed with the rest of his team and the game began.

By the end of the game the boys had gotten really into football, the girls impressed by the sudden interest laughed and cheered along with them. When the final whistle was blown West Roswell High Hornets had won the state championship thanks to two touch downs by Kyle, and one from John. All the students flooded the fields to congratulate the players.

Michael stood behind the fence with the others while Tess stormed the field looking for Kyle at Sandie's side.

"Well they won."

Max smiled and looked to Michael.

"Yeah they did."

"We should start heading out so we can get to Scott's house."

Max nodded and put his arm around Liz as Mr. and Mrs. Parker walked passed them.

"Have her home by midnight Max."

Max nodded and held Liz closer to him as they all headed to the parking lot.

11pm Scott's house party.....

Sandie who looks great in her cheerleading uniform is lost in the crowd looking for John she finds Sam next to the fish tank while Michael is arguing with Max and other guys about movies and what not.

"Hey Sam have you seen John?"

Sam shakes her head.

"No why?"

Sandie shrugs, "The guys took him away they were going to do some traditional winning thing. But that was like an hour ago."

Sam looked around she saw some guys from the team walking around.

"I don't know but don't worry."

Sandie shrugged.

"I am worried though."

Liz who's been at Max's side taps him on the shoulder and whispers in his ear. He nodds and excuses himself from the conversation. They walk towards Sam who's avoiding a drunk junior.

"Hey."

Max looks at the guy who walks away quickly and then smiles at Sam.

"We're heading out you guys want a ride?"

Alex and Isabel approach them as well and soon Sam's surrounded by everyone except John and Michael.

"I guess I'll just get Michael."

Sam heads over to an arguing Michael while Sandie asks everyone again if they've seen John.

Kyle who's had a little too much to drink leans towards Sandie and smiles.

"Don't worry some guys took him home he wanted me to tell you he's sorry......... and to hitch a ride with us."

Sandie relieved and now pissed nods and walks towards the front doors with Tess and Kyle.

"Michael!"

Startled Michael pulls away from the conversation.

"Yeah what's up?"

"Can we get out of here I'm tired."

Michael nods and nods a 'see ya lata' to the guys as he heads outside where everyone is waiting.

"What's up?"

Max gives Liz his jacket, and looks to Michael.

"Nothing we're all tired I have to get Liz home."

Michael shrugs and looks at Sam.

"We'll take my bike."

They all say goodnight and part quietly.

Lucas walks slowly with Maria to his car the two are giggling.

"What do you think Lucas?"

"I think you'd be great."

"So you're going to come on Saturday."

"Like I would miss my girl's gig."

Maria stops and kisses Lucas.

"Get a room you two!"

They part to see Liz laughing as she's helped into Max's jeep they wave goodbye. Maria looks into Lucas's eyes and smiles.

"What are you thinking Lucas?"

" ..... mmmmm.... You're beautiful."

Maria blushes and looks to the side she lays her head on Lucas's shoulder as he leans in and smells her hair.

"I love you."

Maria looks up at Lucas.

"You do?"

Lucas nods.

"And you don't have to say anything cause I know its.."

Maria squeals and jumps into Lucas's arms kissing him passionately.

When they part to breath she cups his face in her hands.

"How can you love me?"

Lucas smiles and shakes his head in confusion.

"How could I not."

They hug and Maria smiles she whispers into Lucas's ear gently.

"I love you too."

Lucas happy and also full of energy picks up Maria and swings her around until they're both laughing.

He puts her down gently he kisses her holding her up with all his love.

When he stops she smiles.

"I'm going to get you home."

Maria shakes her head and smiles.

"Is that what you really want to do Lucas?"

Lucas shakes his head, "No, but I'm going to."

Maria squeals with delight as he opens the door for her.

Sam grabs her helmet from the back of Michael's motorcycle.

"So what do you want to do now Sam?"

Sam kisses Michael and winks at him teasingly.

"I want to go to sleep."

Michael nodding at the irony gets on his bike to drop off Sam.

Finally safe in her home and tired from all the excitement Sam turns on her light to find John sleeping in her bed.

"John!"

Startled John wakes up he grabs his head and doesn't look good.

"Woaha."

"What the hell are you doing here?"

"Ummm........."

"Are you drunk?"

John tries to stand but falls back down to the bed.

"Yes, yesssss..... but, but I just realized something and I have to talk to you."

Sam shaken by his appearance nods and sits on a chair in the corner of her room.

"You want to talk to me, why?"

John ruffles his hair and chuckles to himself.

"We broke up."

Sam nods.

"And it was like nothing to you."

Taken aback Sam just stares at John.

"I mean, yes I kissed Sandie, but that was it? I mean that's all, you messed up it's over. All that time we were together and it's like it meant nothing."

Sam stood up and looked out the window as John tried to stand up.

"Sooooo, you're not going to say anything?"

Sam shook her head.

"What does it matter you're drunk, I'm with Michael you're with Sandie."

John nodded and looked around Sam's room as if it was the first time.

"You're right, now it does seem pointless. But a few months ago things were different. I don't know, maybe..... maybe this is what you wanted and me messing up was an easy way out."

"John!"

John looked up slowly at Sam. She shook her head with anger.

"You're right you did mess up, but the fact that I didn't fight for you, or make a big deal wasn't I mean, look at who I am. Who I have to be, how can I lead you guys if I'm in turmoil over a teen romance?"

"Did you love me?"

"John!"

John shook his head and made his way over to Sam's computer chair sitting hard he awoke the screen saver and looked down at his hands.

"I had one drink tonight, because I realized this was the first game you had seen here. And we won, and it was a great feeling. Then I took just one sip at the party and all I could think about was us, what we had. I had to come here; I had to talk about it."

Sam nodded and looked at John, really looked at him.

"Maybe, I didn't want to deal with it because we had been together for so long, maybe I thought that if we really talked about it being over then it made it so. But that doesn't mean that I didn't love you, but what I realize now is that wasn't enough. What I have with Michael what you have with Sandie that's something beyond love and we.."

John stood up shaky but fast shaking his head.

"How do we know what we feel is us, the real us are you Sam or Macaria, am I John. I mean where do we begin and they end? When it was us I felt like I knew that and now I don't know."

Sam looked back out the window as she watched in the corner of her eye John move across the floor towards the balcony. He paused for a moment and turned back.

"I'm sorry that I still love you, I don't think I'll ever stop. Just like I can't hide my past and who I was I won't run away from who I have become. I know that things are different now, I welcome that in a way. I just don't want things to end up like they did in that lifetime."

Sam stricken with a memory she couldn't grasp she turned and stared John hard in the eyes.

"I... don't .....remember, what you are so afraid of."

John nodded, "I know, but when you do remember things are going to look different."

"John!"

John shook his head and rubbed his eyes shaking the drunkenness away.

"Goodnight Samantha."

Sam smiled hard and nodded as John left her room and down her balcony.

Shaken and sad, Sam walked to her computer before she could shut it down the computer turned itself off. Sam's powers were out of control, the television in the far corner of her bureau turned on and off. Sam trying to calm herself down laid on the bed with her hands over her ears and fell into a flash.

Macaria awakens alone in bed the red sun rising slowly she's awakened by her first lieutenant's voice outside. Quickly she throws a rob on and peeks her head out of her barracks.

"What is it?"

"Kivar's troops have retreated, they gave up."

Macaria looked to the sky and then at her hands they felt cold and itchy as if something she had just done changed the world.

"Summon the General."

"It's already done your highness he came back early this morning and has been posting new barriers they're in full retreat all their ships are gone."

Macaria nodded and walked back into her room.

"No, no, no, no."

Sam awoke from her dream in a cold sweat she looked around her room the TV was shut off nothing was out of the ordinary anymore. It was as if this memory wanted to be known and it wasn't going to let her forget any longer. Suddenly stricken with an idea Sam walked over to her television and projected her vision onto the screen. The picture went from blurry to clear and amazed Sam was watching it again. Suddenly jolted she ripped her hand away and looked to the alarm clock. It was Saturday morning 3am and she needed to sleep. But after all that had happened, could she really risk sleeping. Deciding not to think about it Sam cleared her mind with a long bath, when she did finally fall asleep there were no dreams no flashes.