Part Four
"Summer of '47" has just happened now. Just one little difference; the day that Michael talked to the old guy was two days after Isabel Killed Whitaker. Isabel has been home, but not much. She spends most of her time at Michael's, pod chambers, or the Crashdown. She's snuck over to Michael's apartment the past two nights and slept on his couch. So, try to remember what happened in that show so you can relate to what is happening now. This is taking place the day after Michael talked to the old guy. It's early morning.
Isabel walked into the house and silently trudged up the stairs into her room. Just as she was closing her door, she felt the door resist her. She turned around to see what it was. Max stood in the doorway, holding onto the doorknob.
"Where were you?" He asked, concerned with his sister.
"I was over at Michael's." She responded shortly.
"Michael's? What were you doing at his place in the middle of the night?" He asked.
"I just felt like talking, that's all. Man Max! What is this? The brother patrol?" Isabel asked rather annoyed.
"I just want to know where you are at midnight. Were you…" Max was too embarrassed to bring up the subject to his sister.
"Agh, no Max! That's sick! Look, I just went over there to talk to him about something and ended up spending the night on his couch. That's all. There's nothing to it." Isabel retorted. Max stepped back at her snappy answer.
"Sorry for being a concerned brother. I'll leave you alone now." Max turned around and walked away.
"Max, wait. Come here." Isabel called after him and brought him into her room then closed the door.
"What?" Max asked.
"I'm sorry I'm so cranky." She apologized as she sat down on her bed. Max came to sit beside her. "I've been dealing with some pretty hard problems. I just thought that Michael could help."
"I can help you too. I mean, I AM your brother. You can talk to me about anything. I don't like being left out in the dark like this." Max told her.
"But you don't need to know everything that's going on in my life. I'll tell you what you need to know." Isabel said.
"I know. But if it's so important that you're sneaking out of the house at night, I think I should have the right to know." Max paused for a second. "Is it about Whitaker?" Isabel looked towards the window, out at the stars she now knew so well. She hated to hear that nem, Whitaker. Her victim. She turned her eyes back at Max and nodded, feeling ashamed.
"I talked to Michael because he knows how it feels. You know, to kill someone. He helped me through an incredibly low point of my life. Max, if I hadn't gone to him, I might not be here now. I felt so horrible about myself, I didn't want to live. But Michael got me passed that and showed me that I can learn from my other life." Isabel told Max. But he had no clue what she was talking about.
"Isabel, what are you talking about? You're other life? Do you remember something?" max asked clueless.
"Whitaker told me something about my life on the other planet. She said my name was Vilandra and that I betrayed my family. I betrayed my planet for love. She said that I had a great love and for him I sacrificed you, Tess, Michael, and even myself. I don't understand it all, but I feel so awful about what I did. But I'm starting to get past that and Michael is helping with that. Sometimes I just feel so weak and vulnerable that I need someone strong to hold me. Michael did that for me."
"Isabel, I'm your brother. You can talk to me about anything. I'm so thankful you told me all this. You don't have to stay away from me when your problems become personal. I WANT to hold you and make you feel better. Please, don't shy away from me." Max pleaded. Isabel saw the sorrow in his eyes. She moved in closer and embraced him warmly.
"I know Max. I'm sorry. You wouldn't believe how many times I thank our parents for keeping us together. I don't know how I would have survived without you."
" I love you Isabel." Max hugged her again.
"I love you too." Isabel looked into his face and they both gave a little chuckle. They didn't need to tell each other they leave each other, but it was always so wonderful to hear those words. "Speaking of love, you know Max, you should really try talking to Tess." Isabel suggested. Max looked at her with doubting eyes.
"I don't know Izzy. I mean, sure I'd like to get to know her, but I don't want to get involved."
"You can be friends with her without getting involved. What? Are you afraid that if you get too close to her, you might fall for her?" Isabel asked lightly. Max just stared back silently. "Look at me and Michael. We're destined to be together, but we're not. We're like best friends. Doesn't that say something about you and Tess? Don't be scared Max. She doesn't bite." Max yawned and covered his mouth with his hand. He wanted to change the subject.
"Oh man, I'm tired. I think I'll go to bed for a bit longer. You gonna be okay?" Max asked for security. Isabel nodded.
"I'm inviting Tess over for supper today." Isabel quickly told him before he closed the door.