A?N: A special thanks to Duccia, a loyal reader and fellow Cliffy. I do enjoy your lively reviews.

Max sat at his table at the Crashdown watching Liz with that look. He drank his cherry coke and waited for her to get off work. She was going to his house to have a cookout and a movie. His parents weren't home, gone for the weekend.

Michael and Isabel came in, and Max turned to them as they found a table, Michael had his arm around Isabel's waist, and he was smiling. Now that was scary, he actually looked blissfully happy. That wasn't like Michael, that was like him.

Max got up from his table and walked over to theirs. They stopped talking when he walked up. The new waitress, Sarah came up, as Max sat down across from them. Michael ordered milk, and a tuna fish sandwich and a burger and fries for himself. Max looked at him strangely.

"What is going on?"

"What are you talking about Max?"

"You ordering for Isabel, and she doesn't like Milk without cereal, or chocolate in it."

"It's good for her." Michael turned to Isabel. "Anything else you want?"

"No, that is all I want." Michael had his hand on Isabel's and he gently squeezed it. Max eyes narrowed as he stared at Michael.

"What the hell is going on? Don't tell me it's nothing either."

Isabel looked over at her brother and smiled. "Can either Michael or I be happy once in a while?"

"Sure, but not together. I'd think Michael had been drinking if I didn't know he doesn't drink. He is smiling too much. You…something is different. I want to know what is going on."

"You can want all you like Maxwell. Isabel and I had a nice picnic and are in a good mood. However, you are going to ruin it. Go bother Liz."

"Shut up Michael. Isabel are you going to be home later? I kinda have plans with Liz at our house."

"So you want me to get lost for the evening?"

"Yeah, if you don't mind. I'll pay for a double feature, or whatever."

"Okay I will take you up on that, you pay for Michael too. I'll take him with me."

Max pulled out his wallet and pulled out some bills, handing them over. "I have to go, see you later. Michael don't you have something better to do?"

"No, can't think of anything." Max got up and went over to Liz who was heading for the door. Michael turned back to Isabel as Sarah brought their order. Isabel glanced at the glass of milk.

"I hate milk, give me some tabasco sauce. What shall we use the money for?"

"Oh no, none of that in your milk. After you eat you are coming to my place and take a nap."

"Nap? I haven't had one of those since I was seven."

"Well you are going to start taking them. I am going to see you take good care of yourself and our little one." His hand went down and settled on her stomach.

Isabel smiled at Michael, she couldn't help it. "Yes my Lord Michael."

"Don't you forget it either. I am going to take care of you." He said with his warm smile.

"Careful I just might let you." She said teasingly.

Neither saw Maria watching from the door from the kitchen. Her face was red, and her fist was balled up at her side. Isabel was trying to steal her space-boy. Not on her life. She would have to do something about Isabel.

Vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

Michael sat on the sofa while Isabel napped on his bed. He had the TV on low. However, he wasn't watching it. He was thinking of their baby. He couldn't believe it, he was going to be a father. Now he had family of his own. Though he would have preferred getting the kid the normal way not through a dream of course.

He flicked through the channels and found one that interested him. He lost track of time as he sat back and watched, facinated.

Isabel woke up an hour later, and got up. She walked into the living room and saw Michael sitting watching tv. She was on her way to the bathroom when she noticed what he was watching.

"Michael?" He turned his head, seeing her.

"what?"

"You are watching a show about pregnancy?"

"Yeah, well I need to know these things. So I can take care of you better." He got up and walked over to her. He put his arms around her holding her.

"Michael you are the best."

"I know."

Isabel hit him on the arm. "Idiot."

"I am here for you, Isabel. Both of you. Is there anything you need right now?"

"Yeah I have to go to the bathroom."

"Oh, well I was thinking I need to go to the store."

"More snapple?"

"Well, I was thinking more of good stuff for you. Got any cravings?"

Isabel leaned up and kissed him as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He pulled her closer, deepening the kiss.

When they broke apart, she headed towards the bathroom. He went to the front door. She tossed him her keys. "You will need that to get the stuff home."

"What do you want?"

"Cherry ice cream, onions, and sardines." Michael just smiled though he felt a little ill thinking of the combo.

He smiled as he went out the door. Isabel smiled thinking of how good that was going to taste. She went to the bathroom and then curled up in front of the TV, changing it to a girly movie.

When Michael came back in, Isabel was sitting there crying. He put the two bags down and hurried over to her. He sat down beside her and reached out, pulling her into his arms.

"What is it Babe?"

It's so sad."


What is? Are you all right?"

"Yeah, look." He looked at the tv, and saw what was on. She was sobbing over a scene where a girl on tv was crying…over a movie she was watching. That didn't make any sense to him. He pulled away a little from Isabel then grabbed the remote and turned the tv off. He handed her a kleenex and then went to put the groceries away.

Isabel followed him into his kitchen. As he pulled the three things she wanted out, she grabbed them. Then moved about grabbing a bowl and spoon. Michael put the other stuff away, the juices, fruits, vegetables, and other stuff into the frig and cabinets. He tried to ignore what she was putting into the bowl.

Happily she walked back into the living room, with her bowl. She sat down in front of the tv. She turned it back on and changed the channel. She now was watching cartoons. Michael grabbed a drink and went to join her. He sat down beside her and watched with her.

Vvvvvvvvvvvvvv

Next morning Isabel awoke and ran to the bathroom. She felt so bad, as she hurt her throat throwing up. She tried to do it quietly so Max wouldn't hear.

When she finally went downstairs, she found Max sitting watching a ball game. Boring. She moved to the kitchen, she was hungry as a bear.